Assessing Home Hazards

The first step in safe cleaning for seniors is to identify potential hazards that could pose a risk. Common issues include slippery floors, clutter that can cause tripping and areas of the home with poor lighting. Make sure floors are dry and slip-resistant, remove clutter and improve lighting with lamps, plug-in night lights, etc. This proactive approach can greatly reduce the chances of falls and accidents. Spring cleaning for seniors can also help to make them healthier by removing allergens and germs from the air and surfaces.

Decluttering and Organizing

Clutter not only makes a home feel cramped but also increases the risk of falls. Take this spring-cleaning season to declutter and organize your loved one’s space. Clear pathways, dispose of or donate items that are no longer needed and organize daily essentials within easy reach. Simple actions like these can make a big difference in creating a safer environment for seniors. 

Deep Cleaning for Safety

Deep cleaning areas like the bathroom and kitchen is essential to eliminate germs and prevent infections. Prioritize these zones, using safe cleaning products and techniques. For seniors, it’s particularly important to use cleaning supplies that are not too harsh, as they can irritate sensitive skin or cause respiratory issues.

Improving Accessibility 

For seniors, especially those with mobility issues or disabilities, making the home more accessible is a key safety measure. Consider installing grab bars in the bathroom, placing non-slip mats in slippery areas and possibly integrating ramps for easier access.

FirstLight Home Care Senior Safety Tips 

The essence of spring cleaning for seniors revolves around creating a secure, comfortable and easily navigable living environment. By implementing the senior home safety tips discussed, you and your loved one can work together to ensure their home is a safe haven. Remember, maintaining a clean and organized space is not just about aesthetics—it’s a critical aspect of senior safety and well-being. For those who need additional support, FirstLight Home Care is here to provide compassionate and professional care to seniors, ensuring their home is a place of safety and comfort. Reach out today.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, approximately 2.87 million people in the United States sustain a brain injury. Of those people, 275,000 end up hospitalized, while 1.365 million are treated and released from an emergency room.

Brain Injury Association of America

First and foremost, it’s important to educate yourself as one of many TBI caregivers about brain injuries and their effects. The more you know about what your loved one is going through, the better equipped you’ll be to provide them with the proper care to recover. The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is a great resource for information, especially during Brain Injury Awareness Month, on all aspects of care for brain injury patients, from causes and symptoms to treatment and recovery.

When providing care for brain injury patients, it’s important to help them regain as much independence as possible. This can be a slow and gradual process, but even small accomplishments can make a big difference in their quality of life. Encourage your loved one to participate in activities they enjoy and assist them with anything they may need help with.

It’s also important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Caregiving can be taxing, especially when providing long-term care for brain injury patients, so make sure to schedule regular breaks for yourself and reach out to other family members or friends for support when needed. The BIAA also has a variety of resources available for caregivers, so be sure to check them out.

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek professional caregiving help if you feel like you’re in over your head. There are many home care providers, like FirstLight, that offer services specifically to assist in the care for brain injury patients.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Elderly People

Traumatic brain injuries are a serious and potentially life-altering condition that can affect individuals of all ages. However, TBIs can be particularly devastating for elderly people, as they may be more susceptible to falls and other accidents that can cause significant head trauma.

There are many different causes of TBIs in elderly people, but falls are by far the most common. According to the CDC, falls are responsible for more than half of all TBIs among adults aged 65 and older.

Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBIs can have a wide range of effects, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Some common symptoms TBI caregivers should look for in their elderly loved ones include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Depression and anxiety
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Personality changes

Brain Injury Prevention Tips

Preventing TBIs in elderly people is crucial, as these injuries can have serious and lasting effects that possibly require long-term care for brain injury patients. To help prevent a TBI or further damage to the brain of someone experiencing a TBI already, here are some tips.

• Remove tripping hazards from the home, such as loose rugs and clutter
• Install grab bars and handrails in bathrooms and other areas where falls are common
• Encourage regular exercise to improve balance and strength
• Make sure they wear appropriate protective gear and proper footwear when participating in certain physical activities

Recovery Tips for TBI Caregivers

If you are a caregiver for someone who has sustained a brain injury, you may be feeling overwhelmed. It is important to know that you are not alone; there are many resources available to help you care for your loved one. Below are a few tips to help you care for a TBI patient.

Prepare The Home

It may be hard for your loved one to get around like they did prior to having a TBI, especially if they are undergoing long-term care for brain injury. Installing ramps, a roll-in shower and making doors/entryways wider may be a good idea if they are now getting around with the help of a wheelchair or walker.

Manage Your Loved One’s Stress

Encourage the person you are caring for to release frustration around symptoms of a TBI by listening to calming music, participating in yoga, meditating or enjoying nature.

Establish A Routine

Getting enough sleep is crucial to promoting recovery and healing of the brain. Establish a bedtime and morning routine and minimize screen time, caffeine and alcohol to promote healing.

Keep Track Each Day

Writing down day-to-day activities for your loved one and having them journal too will help with their memory and provide information for doctors.

FirstLight Home Care – Traumatic Injury Home Care Services

This Brain Injury Awareness Month, reach out to FirstLight to find the perfect caregiver to help with activities of daily living for your loved ones who need traumatic injury care at home following a brain injury, neck or spinal cord trauma or a musculoskeletal injury. Specialty care services may vary by location. Please find your nearest location today to discuss which services are available.

Top 7 Fun Spring Activities For Seniors

To help older adults who are typically inside with at home senior care, we’ve compiled some ideas for outdoor activities that can help rejuvenate mind, body and soul.

Take a walk.

Studies have shown that even 10 minutes of walking each day can help older adults maintain strength and agility. Many local parks and nature trails have options for people with varying levels of mobility. Even a simple stroll around the neighborhood to take in the scenery can be just the right change of pace.

Visit a farmers market.

There’s so much to see and sample at a farmers market. Plus, you can take home some fresh veggies for a healthy meal. Check out the National Farmers Market Directory for a location near you.

Go on a picnic.

A little creativity can turn even the most routine activities into adventures. Try turning your next meal into a picnic. Grab a blanket and head to your favorite park. Bring a friend and share a meal together in the fresh air.

Eat outdoors at your favorite restaurant.

If a picnic in the park doesn’t appeal to you, how about dinner at a nice restaurant that offers outdoor seating? Add good company, delicious food and ambiance, and you’ve got the recipe for a lovely night out.

Install a bird feeder.

Once the birds start chirping, you know spring has arrived. An abundant food source will help attract these feathered friends to your yard. Buy a bird feeder (or if you’re handy, build one) and install it near a window.

Plant a garden.

If you like to get your hands dirty, consider planting a garden. Aside from being able to reap what you sow, gardening is a great form of exercise and can reduce stress.

Get some exercise.

Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous; low-impact activities like walking, yoga, swimming and water aerobics can help with flexibility, balance and strength. The National Institute on Aging offers a guide that can help you get started.

FirstLight Home Care – Senior Home Care Services

Springtime is the perfect opportunity for families around the nation to do something different and energize their loved ones. We also understand that everyone needs a little assistance sometimes, which is why our at home senior care options are available to help your loved ones enjoy all spring has to offer. Find a location near you to learn more about our senior home care services today. For more ideas and tips, follow us on Facebook.

How To Minimize Risk With Winter Safety Tips For Seniors

Freezing temps bring snow and icy walkways, which can be extremely dangerous for elderly friends and family members. It’s important to be extra careful outdoors this time of year. Here are a few safety tips for winter season fall prevention:

Attraction to traction. 

Make sure footwear is suitable for winter weather. Check the traction and fit. Consider anti-slip overshoes or use non-slip treads on your existing shoes. Lined boots with good traction will also keep you safe and warm.

The salt of the Earth.

It’s important to keep salt on hand so you can sprinkle it on walkways without having to risk a fall outside. Make sure the sidewalk, driveway, front walk and front steps are salted.

Get your grip!

Take advantage of railings and loved one’s arms when offered. This will keep you more stable as you make your way up and down stairs.

Take your time.

Hurrying when leaving your home, getting on and off the bus, crossing the street or unloading your car can put you at risk of falling. Take your time and pay attention to steps, curbs, ramps and patches of ice.

Strengthen your legs.

Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for fall prevention. Simple moves done in the home, even from a sitting position, will help build muscle and keep you steadier so you don’t lose your balance.

Most Common Causes of Injury For Seniors in Winter

While cold weather mishaps are not entirely avoidable, knowing what can cause injuries before they happen and winter safety tips to prevent them is half the battle. Below are more winter safety tips for seniors to help prevent injury:

Falling

Seniors are more prone to injury from a slip or fall. In fact, the CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 and older. Snow and ice can compound the problem, making even a simple walk to the mailbox treacherous. The best protection is to stay indoors when sidewalks and roads are covered in winter white.

Shoveling

Shoveling snow is a job everyone loves to hate. And for older adults, it may be a job best left to someone else. Data from the Cleveland Clinic shows that shoveling snow sends more than 11,000 people to the hospital each year. For many, shoveling can cause orthopedic injury. For others, it can trigger a heart attack. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you must shovel, work in short shifts, don’t overload the shovel and dress in warm layers to protect yourself from the elements.

Hypothermia and frostbite

Frigid temperatures can be more than unbearable—they can be downright dangerous. If you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time, you need to be dressed for the weather—heavy coat, hat, gloves, scarf, warm socks and boots. Without the proper attire, you risk frostbite on exposed skin and an unsafe drop in body temperature, known as hypothermia, which can result in death. Older adults are at a higher risk of hypothermia due to changes that happen as your body ages. Your best bet is to keep the inside temperature of your home at 65 degrees or warmer and limit outside exposure to short trips.

Driving

Have your vehicle serviced and winterized so it’s ready for less-than-optimal driving conditions. Be sure to check the oil, antifreeze, tires, battery and wipers. Assemble an emergency kit to keep in your trunk with a few basic supplies: blankets, jumper cables, windshield scraper, small shovel, rock salt or cat litter (for tire traction if you get stuck), water and non-perishable food, flashlight and first aid kit. If you must drive in winter weather, be especially careful on overpasses, bridges and ramps, which tend to freeze before roads. Consider taking an alternate route to avoid roads that aren’t well-traveled or cleared. Always take your cell phone so you can reach out for help in case of an emergency.

Home Heating

The best place to be on a cold, snowy day is in the warm comfort of your own home. Older adults come from a generation that’s familiar with and often prefers the use of alternate heat sources, such as fireplaces, gas heaters and wood stoves. But these sources can be hazardous if not safely managed. Before you fire up your heating devices for the season, make sure they’re properly maintained, cleaned and vented. If not, you run the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and frequently test the batteries. If you’re using a space heater, be sure to keep it at least three feet away from anything that can burn (curtains, rugs, bedding, etc.).

FirstLight Home Care – Senior Home Care Services

The best winter safety tips for seniors are to be aware of cold-weather risks and ask for help when needed. Whether it’s assistance with snow removal, a ride to the grocery store or doctor’s appointment, or help arranging a service technician for your car or home heating device, you don’t have to tackle these tasks on your own. FirstLight can help. With awareness, pre-planning and winter safety tips, you can safely maintain independence at home, no matter what challenges Old Man Winter throws your way.

Senior Travel Tips For Driving During The Holidays

Winterization Of Vehicles

Make sure the brakes, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly. Also, check on the antifreeze levels, oil levels, gas tank levels and tires. It is important, especially for seniors, that the heater and defroster are fully functioning as seniors are more susceptible to the frigid winter temperatures.

Avoid Road Closures and High Traffic Times

During heavy traffic periods, there are more people on the road and higher chances for traffic accidents. If the roads are bad, avoid using back roads and shortcuts. Many of these roads are less likely to be plowed or salted and may be more dangerous than well-traveled roads.

Emergency Preparedness

Put together an emergency kit to store in the trunk of the car, including:

• A blanket
• Food and water
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A first-aid kit
• Jumper cables
• An ice scraper
• Sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter to provide extra tire traction
• Extra clothing, boots and gloves

If you are a family caregiver and don’t feel comfortable with your family member driving in the winter weather, don’t hesitate to ask for help. An elderly travel companion is the perfect plus-one to get your loved one from point A to point B safely.

Family Caregiver Travel Tips 

There is no doubt the holidays can be demanding. For family caregivers, this time of year can be even more difficult due to less time and additional responsibilities. FirstLight Home Care has wrapped up some tips for traveling caregivers to help them make it through the holiday season with more joy and less stress.

Establish ground rules.

In advance of family arriving, make sure you communicate the physical and mental changes or abilities of the loved one in your care so there are no surprises. It’s okay to plan for visits throughout the holidays but also plan for plenty of downtime for your loved and for you.

Simplify.

Ease the holiday chaos and burden by simplifying. Minimize holiday decorations in and around your loved one’s home. Also, be aware that flashing lights can be frightening to some Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, while wires and decorative items can become tripping hazards.

Plan ahead of time.

The more you can do in advance of company arriving, the better it will be for you and the family member in your care.

• Encourage some of your family get-togethers to be potluck meals instead of cooking everything yourself.
• Stock up on groceries in the event of impromptu visits from friends and family.
• Purchase gift cards to have on hand for last-minute gift-giving needs.
• Hire a professional caregiver to help you with day-to-day activities around the home or with specific errands so that you have the time and energy to enjoy the holidays.

Maintain routines.

Keep your loved one on a regular routine as much as possible. Sticking with their daily habits of eating, sleeping and medication schedules will help with behavioral and emotional challenges, and it can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

Ask for assistance.

Enlist the help of friends and family who may have time off during the holidays or who are in town visiting.

• Ask family members to help with grocery shopping.
• Have friends and family bring over meals that can be frozen in advance of upcoming gatherings.
• Ask a neighbor to help string up holiday lights.
• Ask family to help with wrapping gifts or take advantage of local gift-wrapping services.
• Hire traveling caregivers to come in and support you before, during and after the holidays.

Remember self-care.

The holidays can be a crazy time of year and it can be easy to let your own needs slip. However, it has been proven that when you take care of yourself, you take better care of others. Watch for these signs:

• Loss of motivation.
• Feelings of disconnection with your loved one, other relationships or work.
• Feeling depressed, irritable or hopeless.
• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Hiring an elderly travel companion can help with burnout, in addition to reading a book, taking a long walk or having coffee with a friend.

Benefits Of A Senior Travel Companion

Elderly travel companions can be great during the winter months. Not only do they keep your loved ones awake and aware, but they can also help them navigate the slippery roads and get through heavy traffic. If your loved ones don’t have someone to travel with in bad winter weather, make sure that you or someone else knows where they’re going, and they have a cell phone in case of an emergency.

Firstlight Home Care – Senior Travel Companion Services

Senior travel can be merry with the help of traveling caregivers. ‘Tis the holiday season! It’s not just about “surviving” this time of the year – it’s also about thriving. FirstLight offers a variety of services such as travel companionship to make visiting family and friends a breeze.

Holiday travel, especially senior travel, can be hectic and stressful if it’s not properly planned with a well-organized itinerary and companion services. If you are a son or daughter in charge of caring for a senior loved one, there may be times that they will want to fly for vacation or to visit other relatives during the holidays. And you may not always be able to accompany them. The thought of your loved one embarking on elderly travel alone can be scary.

Everyone knows the stress that traveling entails, especially senior travel. Making your flight on time, getting through airport security and remembering where you put your ticket can be hectic enough. For seniors, the stress of travel is often amplified to the point that they feel uncomfortable traveling, and sadly it keeps many from participating in these family events that we all enjoy. In order to make sure no family is without their loved ones due to an inability to travel, FirstLight Home Care provides a service called travel companions for seniors that helps make sure your aging parent’s senior travel is as safe and stress-free as possible.

What is a Senior Travel Companion?

Whether your loved one is on a cruise, staying at a resort or simply visiting family or friends, we strive to make their vacation or visit as comfortable as possible. Our qualified travel companions for seniors are ready to accommodate any needs, including help getting them there, getting them home and even help throughout their entire stay.

With services like travel companions for seniors, FirstLight Home Care’s extraordinary caregivers aid any adult along their journey through companion services. From helping with travel to providing companionship along the way, our caregivers ensure your parents have a safe and enjoyable trip, the way it should be. Wherever your loved one is going, our caregivers strive to make their vacation or visit as comfortable as possible. Don’t let travel apprehension stop your loved ones from enjoying time spent with family. If you have an aging parent and are worried for their safety and care while traveling, contact us today to see how we can help with our companion services.

Benefits of A Senior Travel Companion?

• Assistance with airport check-in and ticketing
• Carrying luggage
• Assistance with getting through security or customs
• Assistance with ground transportation

Our certified personal companions can even assist with things like:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Hygiene
• Meals
• Medication reminders

Holiday Tips For Elderly Travel

With the right research and planning, you can get your senior loved one where they need to go safely regardless of using companion services. Below are a few tips on how to make holiday travel a seamless process that keeps seniors comfortable, relaxed and arriving at their destination with ease.

Prepare documents and medications

When booking flights, you and your senior should get as much information as possible. Having an informational packet put together will help everyone know what to expect and feel prepared for whatever may arise.

Your packet should include:

• Flight departure and arrival times
• Transportation options to and from the airport
• Terminal maps and gate locations
• Medication regulations and necessary documents
• TSA safety check process

Look through the TSA website to learn about which medications are allowed and how to communicate with an officer about medically necessary bottles or containers. Request copies of prescriptions and statements of medical conditions from each physician and medical center for verification.

Making photocopies of passports, driver’s license, insurance cards, travel tickets and the trip’s itinerary provides a backup in case of any unforeseen emergencies. Keep one set of copies with you (the caregiver), place a set of the documents in your senior’s carry-on bag and forward a set of the documents to the destination.

Research elderly travel companions

For some seniors, traveling can be tricky no matter how well-planned their trip may be—whether it’s mobility issues, medication concerns or just anxiety that comes with travel. As the family caregiver, it might make sense for you to find a senior travel companion to help your loved one along on their trip, especially if you are unable to travel with them.

Elderly travel companions assist senior travelers every step of the way. They keep them company, remind them to take their medications, and provide family caregivers at home with peace of mind knowing someone is there with your traveler’s best interest in mind.

Consider insurance

When you’re a senior traveler, there are additional factors that should be considered regarding insurance. What happens if a fall takes place or you run out of your medication?

Health Insurance: If traveling within the United States, be sure to look up what hospitals accept your health insurance and if there is coverage during travel. If going abroad, look at buying a travel medical plan or vacation plan that includes medical emergencies.

Trip Insurance: There are a few different options when choosing trip insurance. For seniors, there can be unexpected delays due to appointments, or medical clearance delays. Therefore, it is ideal that trip cancellation protection is provided.

FirstLight Home Care – Senior Travel Companion Services

Remember, it’s important to continue to live life to the fullest at any age. Following these basic tips and finding the right companion services will save you a few headaches during holiday travel. Keep this merry season filled with fun adventures and safe travels. If you’re interested in learning more about our home care services, check out our pricing.

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In fact, your loved one may see the place they call home in a completely different way than you do. Fortunately, researchers have dug deep into what makes homes safe and more livable for those living with dementia.

How do People with Dementia See the World?

For people living with dementia, visual stimuli aren’t received in the same way as they are in neurotypical brains. For instance, logic tells us that a mirror is just a reflective glass, and the reflection in the mirror is just a reflection of us. But dementia can scramble that logic, telling an aging adult with the disease that the person in the mirror is a stranger. This can be a stressful and scary experience.

Shadows and other dark surfaces on the floor can appear as holes. If you notice your loved one avoiding rugs or dark spots on the floor, this may be why. Crowded and cluttered spaces can be similarly disorienting, as these can contribute to the visual noise that makes a room difficult to understand.

Because memory works differently in adults living with dementia, changes in decor or misplaced furniture can make them feel like they’re somewhere else entirely. When creating spaces or adapting the home to help our loved one’s age in place, it’s important to base design decisions on how they see and experience the world.

Creating Comfortable Spaces for Adults with Dementia

When family caregivers begin creating spaces for their seniors to age in place, they should consider reducing clutter and removing confusing items. Furniture should be sparse and uncluttered too. Overall, these spaces should create a sense of calm and not provide excessive stimuli.

• Walls, floors, and décor items should be light, calming colors. This can help reduce shadows and dark spots.
• Avoid using loud, bright colors, busy patterns or lots of decoration.
• Spaces should be well-lit, and the lighting should be arranged to reduce dark areas. This helps to avoid trips and falls and minimize shadow hallucinations.
• Glass windows and staircases should be clearly marked to avoid injury.

Making Sure the Home is Safe

For adults with dementia, homes can be filled with dangerous things. Locks on bedrooms and bathrooms can be hazardous, faucets and tubs can cause scalds, and liquid on hard flooring can lead to broken bones and other serious injuries. To address these issues, install grab bars, large non-slip mats and temperature controls in the bathroom, and consider replacing doorknobs with non-locking ones so they can be opened in the event of a fall or other emergency.

Hazards can extend outside the home as well. Wet leaves, roots, branches and steppingstones can be dangerous and should be cleared or removed. It’s also a good idea to make sure the outside of the home is well-lit to avoid shadows and dark shapes at night.

Finally, consider adding web-connected door and window alarms, as well as cameras, around the home. Adults with dementia may attempt to find places from their past and can easily get lost once they leave their homes. These devices can alert you if they wander off.

Keeping Loved Ones Safe Requires Patience and Persistence

Helping those with dementia age in place requires ongoing care, frequent check-ins and a watchful eye, but it’s not impossible. In addition to making spaces safer and more comfortable for them, there are a few other things you can do to keep them from becoming ill or sustaining an injury.

• Check the pantry and fridge for expired or spoiled food
• Keep things like pet food and car keys out of sight
• Keep the home clean and clear of objects that may be disorienting
• Check faucets, electrical devices and cooking equipment to make sure they haven’t been left on.

If these tasks become too stressful, a professional home care service can provide extra support and peace of mind.

Make Sure the House is Well-Lit

Whether your loved one is going to be away from the house on Halloween or at home handing out treats, make sure their porch light is working and the exterior and interior of the home are brightly lit.

Light Up the Night

Dark streets and sidewalks can pose a tripping hazard, especially for older adults. If your loved one will be out trick-or-treating with the family, make sure they carry a flashlight or wear clothing with reflective materials. This not only helps them see where they’re going but also makes them more visible to others, reducing the risk of accidents.

Choose Comfortable Costumes

While elaborate costumes can be a lot of fun, it’s essential for older adults to prioritize comfort and safety. Opt for costumes that fit well, have sturdy footwear and are easy to move in. Avoid costumes that drag on the ground to prevent tripping.

Decorate with Caution

If your senior is planning to decorate the home for Halloween, be cautious with the placement of decorations. Ensure that walkways and entrances are well-lit and free from tripping hazards. Be mindful of longer cords for decorations and secure them to the ground to prevent accidents.

Be Careful with Candles

Candles are a common Halloween decoration, but they can pose a fire hazard. Instead of real candles, choose battery-operated LED candles or other flameless alternatives. These provide a similar ambiance without the risk of accidental fires.

Avoid Scary Surprises

Haunted houses and spooky attractions are popular during Halloween, but they can be intense and startling. Make sure your loved one considers their tolerance for fear and loud noises and is prepared for a potential scare.

Companion Care During Holidays

By following these Halloween safety tips, older adults can participate in the fun without compromising their well-being. Prioritizing visibility, comfort, and common-sense precautions will help ensure a happy and safe holiday for everyone. FirstLight Home Care can provide companion care and safety during any holiday and all year long. Find a local office near you to discuss your caregiving needs

Halloween is a spooktacular night for people of all ages. But with these Halloween safety tips for seniors, you can help your aging loved one stay safe and enjoy all the fun. If you have children, read these simple steps for an extra safe Halloween.

Get In-Home Support: FirstLight’s in-home care services provide the daily support adults need to live a life of dignity, with as much independence as possible. Request personalized pricing from your local FirstLight team today.

We’re Hiring: If caring is your calling and you’re interested in a career with FirstLight Home Care, find open positions with one of our local offices.

However, there are means by which family caregivers can take control of the world around them. With a few simple tips, anyone can increase the dependability of their own resources. Here are three straightforward tips for caregivers looking to reduce instability due to the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Focus on Adapting and Stress Management

Managing stress during this time is essential for a happy, healthy home. With this in mind, there are several simple things anyone can do to reduce the weight of the current world.

First, it is important to stick to your daily routines. Normalcy and the familiar will allow you to feel in control. Plus, it will help those in your care continue their needed habits, such as medication or health monitoring.

Though it might be difficult, stay positive. Keep in contact with your own support system. Talk to relatives and friends more often. Or, use social media to connect with friends across the globe. Self-care is more significant now than ever, especially for caregivers who often forget their own needs in light of those they care for.

Finally, focus on your family’s mental and physical health. Now is an essential time to end unhealthy practices in the home. Switch to heart-healthy meals, and get plenty of daily exercise. This can be as simple as daily walks and noon-time aerobics. Personalize the activities to yourself and those in your care. Make use of the natural areas around you, such as nature trails and parks. Getting out reduces stress and keeps everyone happy and healthy.

Keep Your Home and Car in Top Shape

Keeping your major assets in working order is almost as important as your own health. As a caregiver, your home and car are essential pieces of caregiving equipment—both must be well-maintained. Plus, one must be prepared to adapt to the differing needs of those in your care, especially as they age or their conditions change.

First, make a list of any major items in the home that need to be maintained or repaired. Have your HVAC unit serviced? Replace old attic insulation with higher-valued spray foam. Have professionals come in to replace filters and clean your ductwork.

You might also need to upgrade your home for better accessibility. A complete home overhaul can cost around $100,000. You can start small and adapt as the family needs. For example, grab bars can cost $400 to install, but they can delay the need to replace an entire bathroom.

Prioritizing your home improvement needs will help ensure your money is being spent on the most impactful items.

Don’t forget car care. Routine maintenance and usage are crucial. Be sure to continue to follow normal tune-up schedules. Driving the car regularly will help ensure its systems stay lubricated and mobile.

If you’ve had to alter or upgrade to a chair-accessible vehicle, be sure all seatbelts are safe and functioning. Buckling up saved close to 15,000 lives in 2017 alone, and if everyone wore a seatbelt, 2,500 more lives would have been saved. Make seat belts easy to use for everyone by installing buckle guards. Additionally, seat belt reachers can help the less-mobile reach and secure their seatbelts more easily.

Keeping your home and car in top shape adds a level of stability to your life. Knowing that your major assets are functioning at top safety and efficiency not only reduces stress, it also assures you that your family is safe during these uncertain times.

Stay On Top of Your Finances

Being a family caregiver is expensive. A recent AARP study shows that families are spending close to $8,000 a year on caregiving expenses, not to mention the number of unpaid hours that being a caregiver consumes each week. And with COVID-19, unexpected expenses seem to arise every week.

Staying on top of your home’s finances is now more important than ever. It’s no longer enough to focus on reducing spending and starting a savings account. With the extra responsibilities of being a caregiver, it is beneficial to be proactive with your finances.

If possible, look into setting up investment accounts, especially if you still work and your employer has a benefits plan. Employee-matched Health Spending Accounts can accept family contributions up to $7,000 each year. And, these funds carry over. These are particularly attractive for families with routine health expenses and high deductibles.

It is also imperative to maintain strong credit. Using a secured credit card can help you quickly and safely build credit from scratch. If you’ve had credit issues in the past, secured cards can be an excellent option to rebuild. As the credit limits are set with an initial security deposit, they work great to fit your regular financial needs.

Having credit at your disposal can help cushion unexpected expenses. Surprise medical needs or household items don’t need to ruin a budget. Plus, building credit will allow for loans and mortgages with premium rates. If you know you’ll need a larger home to accommodate those in your care, then proactively building your credit can save thousands of dollars on a mortgage.

The common thread between these three tips is taking greater control. Though funds and time are often at a premium, important aspects of life must take priority. Work on upgrading your home and car for efficiency and adaptability. And don’t neglect your finances; having financial safety nets is more important than ever.

Most importantly, take time every day to focus on yourself. Find what reduces stress and incorporate it into your daily schedule. You’re a caregiver; be sure to give yourself care as well, especially during the continued uncertainty of the pandemic.

Author Credit

This post was written by Jessica Larson of SolopreneurJournal.com

It’s easy to empathize with this desire, particularly when you consider how continuity of location can help with staying connected to your loved ones and engaged with your community.

Adapting certain features of your home to make certain daily tasks easier can help seniors maintain their independence longer. Here are a few of the most common home modifications for aging in place.

Converting a tub into a walk-in shower

Reduced mobility in the hips and knees can prevent people from getting into and out of a bathtub. A walk-in shower can allow someone to wash without needing to climb over the edge of the tub.

When converting a shower into a walk-in, it’s important to add design features that reduce the risk of slips and falls. Two ways of doing this are using textured tiles for the bathroom floor and installing handrails on the walls adjacent to portions of the floor that are likely to get wet.

If you do not want to re-tile your floor, a more affordable way of making the bathroom floor slip-resistant is by adding anti-slip flooring strips to your existing tiles.

A typical cost of turning a tub into a walk-in shower is $3000-$8000. This covers the cost of removing the existing tub, creating and laying the shower floor and installing additional glass panels to prevent splashing. If additional plumbing is required, this may push the cost up.

Installing a stairlift

Installing a stairlift is one home modification for someone who has difficulty climbing up and down flights of stairs. While stairlift installations do not usually require any additional remodeling, there are some requirements that a staircase must have for a stairlift to be installed, including:

• Minimum width: Staircases need to be at least 32 inches wide to accommodate a stairlift.
• Nearby power outlet: A plug should be available within 10 feet of either the top or the bottom of the flight of stairs.
• Sufficient space to mount or dismount the chairlift: Landings need to be wide enough to easily get in and out of your chairlift. The amount of space needed to do this will vary from person to person.

Installing a stairlift costs around $3,000-$6,000 per staircase. This price is generally double if a staircase needs to be widened to accommodate the chairlift.

Widening doorways

Widening doorways can make them easier to walk through when using a wheelchair or walking aid. A doorway that is 34 inches wide should be able to accommodate most walking aids.

The cost to widen a doorway can vary a lot, depending on how much it needs to be expanded by and the material of the door and doorway. It can therefore cost anywhere from $500-$3,000.

Adding ramps and rails to the exterior of a home

When adding ramps to paths and steps you essentially have two options. These are:

• Modular ramps: Fixture ramps that are permanently installed in your home’s exterior.
• Portable ramps: These are smaller ramps that are easily removable.

For ramps that are less than three feet long, such as to provide accessibility over one or two small steps, portable ramps should be sufficient. Modular ramps will be needed for longer pathways.

Ramps are priced out by the linear foot. Depending on material, modular ramps can cost between $100-300 per linear foot. Portable ramps can cost as little as $25 per linear foot.

Getting financial aid for home modifications to support aging in place

If you are unsure about whether you can afford necessary modifications for your or a loved one’s home, you have a few options for financial support. These options include:

• State-specific government assistance programs: 27 states have at least one financial assistance program specifically to help fund home modifications for seniors. You can find a list of these, along with eligibility requirements here.
• Rebuilding Together is a non-profit organization that provides no-cost home modifications to assist with aging-in-place. You can get in contact with your local affiliate here
• There are many charities that support veterans with aging in place, including providing financial aid for home modifications. You can find a list of these programs here.

This article was contributed to FirstLight Home Care by construction professional Volodymyr Barabakh. Volodymyr is the co-founder and Project Director of BM International Builders.