Posts by: Editor

As we celebrate Veterans Day today we wanted to share a story of true grit that encapsulates the sacrifices our Veterans made during WWII and other wars to follow globally. We at Startup HomeCare love that we get to help elderly Veterans and their spouses get up to $2,200 per month to pay for in home care to keep them independent at home instead of moving to a facility. Help us get the word out about these little known VA Benefits! The above man’s name was Horace Greasley (the one with his shirt off). He was a British POW famous for escaping over 200 times to visit his girlfriend, a local Jewish girl. Why did he keep going back? Loyalty. He returned every time with extra food or other contraband to share with his fellow captives. Greasley spent 5 years as a prisoner of war, during which time he served as camp barber and…

The days when birthday celebrations and bingo were the highlights for seniors have long since passed. Today, countless communities offer seniors a well-rounded list of activities that will keep seniors stimulated and engaged when the weather is bad. If you take care of a senior loved one, you are a senior living on your own, or if you are considering obtaining a license for non-medical home care so you can start a home healthcare business, look over these five ways to keep seniors engaged during bad weather: 1. Swimming Swimming is a great activity to enjoy all year. It helps improve endurance, balance, strength, and flexibility. In fact, an Australian study discovered that men over the age of seventy who regularly swam were thirty-three percent less likely to fall when compared to men who do not regularly swim. To get the most out of the pool, plan ahead of time. If your senior loved…

The cold months of winter can be harsh for seniors. It is imperative that your loved ones stay safe during the wintertime. Your loved one’s safety not only includes dressing suitably for the cold weather but also ensuring their homes are ready for the winter season. Depending on where your loved one lives, there may only be a little bit to do to winter-proof in and around their homes. On the other hand, if your senior loved one lives in the colder regions, your to-do list may be long. Here are a few tips from Startup HomeCare to help weatherproof your loved one’s home this winter. Interior Check the furnace and make sure it is in good working order. Also, clear away any materials that can become a fire hazard. Purchase and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and stock up on batteries for both devices. If there are any other heating units, have…

During the long, cold winter, isolation and/or depression can be a challenge for seniors and caregivers. Proper home health care training for winter can help make those months more bearable. Some individuals suffer from SAD or “Seasonal Affective Disorder”. For those experiencing SAD, the absence of natural sunlight during this season upsets the sleep-wake cycle. SAD may also affect hormones like melatonin and the balance of chemicals such as serotonin in the brain, which can change someone’s mood. Whether someone just has an annual wintertime malaise or truly suffers from SAD, these darker colder days can actually take a toll.  Combine that with cold-weather ailments and the flu season and it is understandable why many people flock to places like Arizona and Florida during the winter. However, this option is not available for many. So, whether you are a caregiver or senior, consider the following tips to beat the winter blues.  Befriend the Birds…

During the winter season, cold temperatures, snow, and ice can make life challenging for seniors. Home health businesses need to plan around cold temperatures and slippery sidewalks. These two items can cause in a wide array of illnesses and injuries. One way to prevent injuries from a fall would be to check the weather before leaving home. If the forecast expects freezing rain or snow, simply reschedule any activities taking place away from home. Senior falls in the snow or ice can be especially dangerous during the winter season. Your senior loved one may not understand just how slippery the sidewalks may be and a slip and fall could result in a great deal of damage to their body. Countless seniors will experience a bone fracture of some kind, especially in their wrist, hips, shoulders, and ankles. Unfortunately, a bone fracture of this type can be life-changing for the elderly. This is why it…

During the cold winter months, you probably worry about your senior loved one falling or suffering from hypothermia. These are valid concerns to have as a home health care business. However, another hazard that your aging loved one is at risk of experiencing is seasonal affective disorder also known as SAD. It is a certain type of depression people experience in the winter. Seniors are at risk for developing SAD since winter weather makes it more difficult to get out of the house. Keep your elderly loved one from experiencing depression by engaging some winter activities this coming up winter. Bake Together There are so many tasty treats to make with the holidays approaching. So, spend some time together in the warm kitchen doing some baking. Delicious home-made treats are irresistible on a chilly winter day. Winter Movie Night Make some warm drinks, pop some popcorn, and snuggle up with a warm cozy blanket…

Seniors need adequate fresh air and exercise just like the rest of us. A home health care business needs to integrate outdoor activities for the elderly. It’s also important to be trained in some basic, safe autumn activities that will help get seniors out and about. Of course, being able to exercise their minds is also a great thing to do. You can choose other activities that help keep them sharp, not just active. Walks Walking is one of the best things that you can do with seniors that still have mobility, or that are able to sit in a wheelchair and be pushed about. You can choose easy to walk over paths and take in the fall colors, and fresh, crisp fall air. Baking Fall Goodies Everyone loves fall goodies, and when you allow the seniors to bake with you, this becomes a memorable, yet fun experience for everyone. They can not only…

During the winter season, snow, ice, and cold temperatures can make life difficult. Cold weather and slippery sidewalks can result in a wide range of illnesses and injuries. This is especially true for our senior loved ones. Having elderly care from reputable home healthcare businesses to help your aging loved one on a regular basis, can help them remain safe during the winter months. Here are some tips to prevent common winter-time dangers that the senior population faces. Dress for Warmth Winters cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than fifty percent of hyperthermia deaths wear of individuals over the age of sixty-five. So, dress in layers and do not allow indoor temperatures to go too low. If heading outside, a heavy coat, warm socks, warm hat, scarf, and gloves should be worn. Slipping in Ice Snowy, icy sidewalks and roads make it easy to…

Fall can be a great time for senior loved ones. The weather is not too cold or too hot, the leaves are changing colors, and the crisp air is inviting. With fall right around the corner, it is wise to start considering a safety plan for your senior loved one for fall. After all, one of the greatest ways to avoid unnecessary issues is by being proactive. Keeping Senior Loved One’s Safe in Their Home in the Fall One of the largest problems that seniors face is the risk of falling. As summer changes into fall, there will be many more slick surfaces and trip hazards. Unfortunately, most individual fail to think about these hazards since they are not as dangerous as the snow. 1. Pick Up All Leaves It is important to pick up all the leaves on a regular basis once they start filling up the yard. Failure to pick up these…

As a caregiver, it is vital that you take the time to care and nurture yourself, too. The job that you are performing comes with unavoidable challenges, so it is important that you have self-care tools constructed to manage stress. Here are seven self-care tips to help you manage life as a caregiver: Allow others to help It can be difficult caring for a loved one on your own. Allow others in your life do what they can to help when they can. Whether it is giving you a few minutes to yourself or running a quick errand, letting people in your life do what they can to help is essential to your well-being and health. Be sure to get enough sleep Being the caregiver to someone you love is admirable, but it’s not easy. To help with physical fatigue, adequate sleep is required. This can also be helpful in improving mental sharpness and…