Happy New Year!

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Emma Dickison





Happy New YearHappy New Year!  The New Year brings a time of resolutions and new beginnings full of possibilities.  I am just returning home from visiting family for the holidays.  I can’t begin to tell you how much I treasure the time I get to spend with them, especially now that the family is spread all around.  It is always a wonderful time to catch up with and provide care and support to aging loved ones.  Often we will see, as I did, a decline in the ability of aging loved ones to provide for all of their activities of daily living. It may be a slight change over time or it may be a triggering event that causes a more rapid decline.  Whatever the circumstance, every family should proactively begin to explore the options. Use the opportunity to plan and get organized for both the short term and long term possibilities.


When my mom and dad were both sick in the 1980’s there were really not very many organizations available to find care and support.  We have come a long way since then.  Today, there are many support organizations that can help families, based on their loved one’s specific situation, and connect them with support services to care for the loved one or potentially provide respite care to the family caregiver.  Some of these organizations include:


-    Administration on Aging
-    Parentgiving.com
-    MySeniorCare.com
-    SeniorsForLiving.com
-    Caring.com


Take the time during this New Year to proactively look at the possibilities for your loved one.  Having a solid plan to address a care plan both short and long term will support the family Caregiving role. For more information check out the resources cited above or our website at www.HomeHelpers.cc. I wish for you and your family peace, prosperity and love this New Year.





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It’s that time of the year – spirits are soaring with excitement and the start of the New Year is just a blink of the eye away!

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Emma Dickison





Emma Dickison with Daughter, Lex
As I reflect on the holiday season, I’m reminded of Christmas’ past. I have so many fond memories of long-awaited visits with family and friends, surprise gifts and hard-to-hold back laughter. More than anything, my fondest memories are of times spent with my family. Up until nine years ago, it meant the whole family gathering at my grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve and sharing an evening of great times and a lot of good food. We would then attend midnight services together. Once my daughter and I would return home we always got to open one gift, our Christmas pajamas. Though my family is considerably smaller now and my grandparents have passed on, my daughter and I still honor this tradition and by doing so, it connects us to the rest of our family, whether they are scattered throughout the country or are no longer with us.

However you will be spending your holidays, I hope you will have the opportunity to honor your favorite family traditions or create new ones. During this season I wish you joy, peace and happiness.




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‘Forgetting but never Forgotten’ – Support for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Emma Dickison

 

 

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and Home Helpers offices throughout the country have been joining in efforts to promote awareness of this troubling disease and to share information about available assistance for those affected and their caregivers. We, at the Home Helpers corporate office also took part by organizing various fundraisers and forming the “Home Helpers Memory Keepers” team to participate in the recent Walk to End Alzheimer’s here in Cincinnati.

When I think about Alzheimer’s, I’m reminded of my Aunt Bea who was diagnosed just after my uncle passed away. As time progressed she changed and while her spirit, laughter and compassionate nature remained she was no longer the same and could no longer do for herself. I remember visiting her as the disease progressed and each time she would tell me the Uncle John was at work but he would be home for dinner. He was the love of her life. It was devastating for my family and me to watch as the disease robbed her of her independence and us of the woman we knew and loved.

While currently there is no cure, researchers the world over are working to develop new, more effective treatments to slow – and perhaps ultimately cure – the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. For now, the best assistance comes from early diagnosis. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, signs of the disease include: memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty in planning or solving problems, confusion about time and place, trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships, withdrawal from work or social activities, and changes in mood or personality.

To learn more about these symptoms and how they differ from normal signs of aging, visit the association’s web site at www.alz.org. You can also view the Alzheimer’s Care page on our website to find information about risk factors, caregiver support, managing symptoms and much more. I encourage everyone to take a stand by reaching out in your communities and joining in the fight against Alzheimer’s!

The Home Helpers Memory Keepers
The Home Helpers Memory Keepers

 

 

 

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Nonprofit Eases Financial Worries of Cancer Patients

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Emma Dickison

 

Last month I had the privilege of participating in an extraordinary fund-raising effort co-sponsored by some of our Philadelphia offices for the Great Guys Group in Wayne, Pa. Its mission blends beautifully with ours, so I jumped at the chance to join in the Home Helpers Ruby 5K Run & Walk.Home Helpers Ruby 5K Run

The greater Philadelphia area has more than 106,000 families, affected by cancer, who could benefit from the type of assistance funded by the Ruby Run which allows them to remain in their homes where they can experience the comfort of family and friends. Funds raised go toward expenses such as rent or the mortgage, utilities, and phone services that might be put in jeopardy due to the financial demands of cancer treatment.

Paul Isenberg, the founder of the Great Guys Group, knows first-hand the monetary dilemmas those families can face. His wife, Nicole, died in 2003 after a battle with breast cancer. During her treatment, generous neighbors helped them with routine expenses, which freed up money for her care.

That generosity reduced their stress, so much so that he started the group to help other families in the same situation. So far, more than 3,300 families have received assistance through the Great Guys Group.

At Home Helpers we know that people coping with cancer or other debilitating diseases prefer to remain in their homes for as long as possible. We’ve seen it up-close as our caregivers provide comprehensive home care services that lets them enjoy the privacy, safety and comfort of their own homes.

Partnering with the Great Guys Group was a wonderful opportunity for us to spread the word about this worthy organization. I was joined by more than 90 participants on the course, and with the support of the 32 sponsors, they raised more than $6,000. I also wanted to thank the 20 volunteers who pulled everything together to make for such an outstanding experience.Home Helpers Ruby 5K Run

If you want to learn more about the Great Guys Group, visit the website at www.greatguys.org.

 

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Emma Dickison

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

Throughout October, you’ve likely seen dozens of pink ribbons donning hundreds of products, services and events all to promote awareness of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 200,000 people, including about 2,000 men, are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Of them, about 40,000 (440 men) die. Statistics like these are the reason the organization behind National Breast Cancer Awareness Month spotlights its work in October, but continues its mission all year.

Those with cancer and those who care for them can tell you that the disease takes a toll mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Treatments cover the gamut from holistic therapies to traditional surgeries to cell-level intensity. For those undergoing radiation, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, the side effects can bring additional hardships. Those side effects can be especially troubling because they can impact the patient’s recovery. Common problems include general maladies such as anemia, fatigue, pain, infections, hair loss or memory problems as well as eating and digestive disorders such as loss in appetite, mouth sores, painful swallowing, unexpected bleeding, constipation, diarrhea and more.

Of course, managing the side effects can be just as critical to a patient’s recovery as the treatments themselves. Most notably, it’s important that the patient is able to eat foods that provide adequate calories to maintain and strengthen the body. Because favorite foods may not taste the same, it’s important to be aware of alternatives, add more meals throughout the day, do simple exercises such as walking, and eat calorie-rich simple-to-eat foods such as milkshakes, cream soups, lentils, beans, eggs and fish.

Caregivers need to ensure their health, too, by scheduling breaks, limiting contributions, accepting help from friends and family, and hiring assistants to provide care while they visit with friends, see a movie, or just take a walk.

While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, its organization provides education and support all year long through its website at www.NBCAM.org. Patients, survivors, caregivers and the general public also can find help and advice at these other valuable websites:

• National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health:

http://www.cancer.gov/

• Breast Cancer Network of Strength:

http://www.networkofstrength.org

• American Cancer Society:

http://www.cancer.org/

 

 

 

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Keep Cool in the Summer Heat

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Emma Dickison

Everyone loves summer, but with the rising mercury breaking record temps across the nation, it’s critical to take extra precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun’s powerful rays. Especially for the elderly and very young, too much exposure to extreme sun and heat can cause significant health risks, including dehydration, sunburn, skin cancer, heat stroke and heat exhaustion. If not treated promptly and properly, some of these complications can cause irreversible damage and even death.

Keep cool while you enjoy the warm weather with family and friends! Developing safe sun habits is easier than you think:

  • Wear sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Apply at least 20 minutes before going outside so it has a chance to be absorbed by your skin, and reapply regularly throughout the day, especially if you’re perspiring or swimming.
  • Dress smart: Wear light-weight, light-colored clothing that breathes easy. Hats, long sleeves and pants can help add an extra layer of protection between you and the sun.
  • Avoid sun during peak hours: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Opt to eat lunch indoors in the air conditioning and seek shade if you are outside.
  • Stay hydrated: Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. The daily recommended amount is about eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day; however, during these hot summer months you should increase your intake, especially if you’re physically active or pregnant. Be mindful of beverages that can actually dehydrate you, including coffee, soda and alcohol.

If you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, seek medical assistance immediately. Warning signs of heat stroke include:

  • Elevated body temperature with the absence of sweat
  • Rapid pulse
  • Red, flushed complexion
  • Headache, dizziness or nausea

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

  • Weakness
  • Heavy perspiration
  • Cold, pale, clammy skin
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fainting

Most importantly, listen to your body! Whether you’re just doing yard work or enjoying your family’s summer vacation, don’t try to overdo it. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors this summer with family and friends without sacrificing your health! For more tips and information on summer safety, visit http://www.redcross.org/.

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Summer Memories & Family Ties

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Emma Dickison

Although it’s been years, summer always fills me with nostalgia of spending precious time with loved ones in my hometown of Raceland, Kentucky. Back then, summer meant coming home from Florida to spend time with the whole extended family – aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course, my grandparents. It was a simpler time, but those lazy summer days bore the foundation on which my family built its strength and devotion that have lasted us through the decades.

We all lived on the same block, making it easy for my grandparents to entice us to their home for a game of badminton in the side yard or croquet in the back yard. Sunday supper was open to all – the perfect excuse to get together at Nan and Pop’s for some good food and to enjoy one another’s company. We spent our days eating homemade peach and banana ice cream on their front porch and talking about life. My cousins and I shared our dreams for the future, and my grandparents shared the lessons they’d learned over a lifetime.

I didn’t realize it then, but thinking back, all my grandparents really wanted was to spend time with us. As the years passed, my Grandmother became increasingly ill after suffering five strokes. We continued to return home to help care for her, as well as Pop and eventually my parents. Now it was us making the Sunday suppers and the homemade ice cream, but the thought was still the same – enjoy one another while we had the chance.

With Labor Day upon us, I’m reminded once again of the importance of family and making the most of those precious moments we have with our loved ones. Even though we’re spread out across the country, my family has made it a priority to keep in touch. Social media, such as Facebook and Skype are making it easier than ever to stay connected, and we still get together over the holidays to reminisce about those lazy summer days spent at home in Kentucky.

Life can get a little crazy sometimes, but I encourage you to take some time to enjoy your loved ones this Labor Day holiday. Whether you realize it or not, you’re celebrating traditions and making memories that will influence your children and grandchildren for years to come. Take pleasure in these simple moments – from old family recipes, like the broccoli casserole below, to a lifetime’s worth of experiences, these are the days you’ll cherish forever.

Broccoli Casserole
 
2 10-oz. pkgs. frozen broccoli spears
1 C. chopped onion
¼ C. butter
1 6-oz. jar Kraft cheese spread with bacon
1 10½-oz. can mushroom soup
1 4-oz. can mushrooms
½ C. toasted sliced almonds
½ C. toasted bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 325°. Cook broccoli 5 minutes. Cook onion in butter until transparent. Add cheese, soup, mushrooms and half the almonds, simmer until cheese melts. Arrange broccoli in 12 x 7½ x 1¾” baking dish. Pour sauce over broccoli and sprinkle bread crumbs and almonds over top. Bake 25-30 minutes at 325°. Serves 8.

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As a Family Caregiver, Your Top Priority Should be Yourself

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Emma Dickison

Despite the best of intentions, family care-giving can quickly become a difficult and overwhelming task. Known as the “Sandwich Generation,” millions of Americans are understandably feeling the strain of caring for aging parents and raising families, all while managing demanding careers and tending to household duties.

Not only can this strain cause tension between you and your loved ones, but it could potentially compromise your health. One study done by Elissa Epel, M.D., from the University of California in San Francisco found that family caregivers experiencing extreme stress have been shown to age prematurely, taking as many as 10 years off your life!

Although it may seem selfish at first, your top priority as a family caregiver should always be yourself! You must be at your best in order to provide your loved ones the quality care and attention they deserve. The good news is there are several resources and support groups available to provide respite care and relieve much of this undue stress, including:

  • www.FamilyCaregiving101.org: Connects you with other family caregivers and provides access to support groups and organizations.
  • www.HomeHelpers.CC: Provides easy access to caregiver tips and resources, pertinent information and a national network of compassionate, qualified caregivers.

I know from personal experience that family caregiving can be a much more enjoyable experience once you recognize and accept there are limits to what you can accomplish alone. For over 20 years at any given time, my family was caring for at least two family members who were either in declining health or facing terminal illnesses. While we had quite a bit of family to help provide support, we hired supplemental care as well. As a result, we were less stressed and able to enjoy precious time with our loved ones.

When all is said and done, you want to cherish fond memories of spending quality time with your loved ones, not the strain and tension it caused.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s encouraged.

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Concerned Your Aging Loved One May Need Assistance with Daily Living?

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Emma Dickison

Americans are living longer today than ever before, and while a longer life expectancy is certainly something to celebrate, it is not without its challenges. According to the Alliance for Health Reform, 20 percent of seniors are living with 5 or more chronic conditions, seeing an average of 14 different physicians and using about 50 prescriptions every year.

As a result of aging, many seniors will eventually require some level of care and assistance with daily living, but they’ll find it difficult to ask for help. People value their independence and privacy, and they certainly don’t want to be a burden on their family and friends.

If you’re concerned your loved one may be struggling unnecessarily, it’s better to be proactive and ease into a transition of lifestyle. Trust your instincts. Share your concerns with your loved one in a respectful, non-threatening manner, and let them know your intent is to understand and respect his or her wishes while ensuring safety and comfort. Then, explore your options.

Often there are simple things you can do to provide assistance with daily living. You may consider hiring a home care agency, such as Home Helpers, to provide assistance with daily activities a few days a week, or using medical alert systems, such as Direct Link’s Personal Emergency Response System and Automated Medication Dispenser.

To help you and your family to feel more comfortable and confident in your caregiving decisions, I suggest joining a community support group and networking with other families who are dealing with similar issues.

Read 10 Signs a Senior May Need Assistance with Daily Living to help you quickly assess your loved one’s condition and make important caregiving decisions.

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Home Helpers President Emma Dickison Unveils New Website and Blog

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Emma Dickison

Hi, I’m Emma Dickison, president of Home Helpers, Caring Hearts and Direct Link, as well as a Certified Senior Advisor and Certified Franchise Executive. I’m excited to join the world of blogging and even more thrilled to unveil Home Helpers new and improved website!

As president of one of the nation’s leading senior care providers and the featured home care expert on Parentgiving.com’s QUESTION AN EXPERT panel, I see it as my responsibility and that of Home Helpers to ensure you and your family are receiving exceptional home care. This includes providing you easy access to compassionate, qualified caregivers, pertinent information and valuable resources.

With the population of people age 65 and older expected to double by 2030*, the need for reliable, affordable home care is growing exponentially. Despite the best intentions, it’s difficult to provide the quality care and attention your aging loved ones deserve while raising a family of your own and managing a career.

We know your time is valuable, and all you really want is the best for your loved ones. The good news is life just got easier with Home Helpers new website, which features user-friendly navigation that allows you to quickly find the answers and information you need, without slowing you down. From exploring your long-term care options and choosing the right caregiver, to the latest research in senior care and medical alert systems, we’ve got you covered!

I encourage you to explore our website at www.HomeHelpers.cc to learn more about the wide range of services, products and resources Home Helpers offers. Also, be sure to check my blog often for even more valuable information on the latest in home health care. Next week, I’ll share 10 signs your loved one may need additional assistance. Stay tuned!

At Home Helpers, We’re Taking Care of the Greatest Generation … Yours.

*According to the U.S. Census Bureau

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