Helping Anxious Children- Care for Your Kids

- Have a child's general health checked by their general practitioner. Untreated allergies, anaemia, ear infections, or other medical conditions make it harder for anxious children to cope.

- Establishing routines will help reduce anxiety, as anxiety tends to disrupt routines. Work hard to build on regular patterns that make daily life more predictable.

- Teach children how to unwind using breathing method, metal imagery, and progressive muscular relaxation. They are tried and true ways to lower heart rates and increase feelings of calm.

- Physical exercise triggers a physical relaxations response- exercise will increase energy and ease the worry.

Simple Ways to Save Money&Go Green for the Back to School Season

Now that we’re only two weeks away from going back to school, your kids are probably ogling at the new supplies on display, and demanding (or rather, politely asking) for the supplies needed on their lists. Getting your child ready for school shouldn’t be a teeth-grinding experience- rather, see it as a practical experience for your kids.

“If money’s tight and you’re on a budget, be practical. You’re not going to save money if you’re shopping on impulse,” Sherrie Le Masurier, a professional organizer at http://www.familysanitysavers.com/ and mom of two teenagers, warns. “Before you have do any back to school shopping, do a complete inventory of what you already have. Have the kids try stuff on- what doesn’t fit, what do you really need?”

Discuss the difference of ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ with your kids. Give older kids a little flexibility on how they’re going to divide their budget. They’ll soon realize if they spend more on shoes, they’ll have less money for clothing. It will be a good lesson to remember.

Encourage your kids to save their allowance and buy something that’s not on the list, and help them check out store flyers to find the best deal. Many retail outlets also post their specials online- why not set up a contest to see which kids can find the cheapest price for a handful of items on the list.

Don’t leave shopping to the last minute, because then you won’t have the selection, and you’ll have to fight more crowds. Teaming up with a friend for back to school shopping is also a good idea, especially if you both have kids around the same size- this will allow you to buy multi-packs of socks and underwear (as an example).

Garage sales are another source for great, affordable finds. Make your child’s wardrobe go further by choosing classic styles, such as favourite solid colours mixing and matching with the rest of their clothes. Splurge on accessories, like a cool scarf or belt.

The rage these days is going garbage-free for school lunches, because it maximizes your child’s impact on the planet (another plus is that it’s very garbage friendly). Instead of hitting the dollar store, splurge on stackable, leak-proof containers that are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. Assign a different colour for each family member, and pack everything in a sturdy, PVC free lunch box cooler, and pour juice into a stainless-steel water bottle. Be sure to label everything with your child’s name.

(Source: West Coast Families)

Traveling with Medications - Care for Your Body

- Pack the medications the person in your care takes on a regular basis.

- All medications in any form or type and associated supplies are allowed through airport security checkpoint once they have been screened.

- List all the medications the person takes and why, with brand and generic names. Keep one copy in your suitcase and another in your carry-on.

- Bring enough medications to last the entire trip—plus some extra.

- Keep the medications with you at all times. Don’t check them.

- Keep the medications in the original containers with the original prescription labels.

- Make arrangements for refrigerating medications, if needed.

Eat Slow, Eat Less - Good Care for Your Body

Researchers at the University of Rhode Island studied this idea. Thirty college-age women were given a meal of pasta on two separate occasions and were allowed to eat as much as they wanted.

At the first meal they were told to eat quickly, without pausing between bites.

At the second meal the women were told to eat slowly, chewing each bite 15 to 20 times andpausing between bites.

When the women ate quickly, they ate an average of 646 calories in nine minutes. When they ate slowly, they ate an average of 579 calories in 29 minutes.

The women not only consumed less food when they ate slowly, they also said that they felt more satisfied at the end of the meal.

At your next meal, make a conscious effort to eat a little slower. All that you have to lose is a few extra calories and pounds!

(Source: StrongWomen Newsletter)

Aquatic Exercises

Water exercise is safe for older people because there is no danger of falling. The water provides buoyancy and allows for easy movement and little strain on joints and muscles. Look to see if your community swimming pool has a heated pool that offers an exercise program.

Summertime Food Dangers

Because of higher temperatures in the summer months, it’s easier for bacteria to grow on food. Older people get sick from germs in food. Here are tips to keep your food safe and delicious:

• Always wash your hands and the hands of the person helping you to prepare the food with soap and water before and after the meal (that goes for the people eating with you too!).
• Dry hands with a paper towel.
• Air drying dishes is more sanitary than drying with a paper towel.
• Discard all food that is past the expiration date.
• Never leave meats out at room temperature.
• Thoroughly cook all red meat and fish at 300 degrees Farenheit or more.
• Cook hamburgers or chopped meat until the juices run clear.
• Keep cold foods cold and hot food hot.
• Cook eggs until the yolks are no longer runny and never serve raw eggs in drinks.
• Never serve oysters, clams, or shellfish raw.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Avoid unpasteurized milk or cider.
• Be careful while using the microwave oven. Make sure the food has no cold spots that let germs live. Stir the food for even cooking.
• Bring sauces and gravies to a boil when you reheat them.

How to Escape the Heat

- Drink fluids, such as plenty of water.

- Keep drinks cool, not cold. Drink water that only feels cool to the touch.

- Avoid alcohol, as it makes you more dehydrated.

- Skip the caffeine and sugar, as it drains your body of the body fluids it needs. This includes skipping soda, juices, coffee and tea.

- Wear loose clothing, as it will allow your sweat to evaporate and cool off the body.

- Stay in the shade, and do your exercise early in the morning/evening when the sun isn't as strong.

- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

- Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion. These symptoms are fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps and irritability.

In-Home Care Senior Safety (Yard and Garage)

Make sure the outside area is safe by following these tips:

• Gardening tools should be available and easy to reach.
• Any yard chemicals should be CLEARLY labelled and dated.
• There should be a window or some sort of ventilation in the garage.
• Make sure that your parents have access to a snow shovelling service in the winter months, and yard maintenance in the summer.

In-Home Care Senior Safety (Laundry Facilities)

• Make sure there is proper ventilation. If not, restrict the use of the room till proper repairs have been made. Change the light-bulb to a higher wattage and make sure the light is easily accessible.

• Remove anything that would cause a fall, especially clutter. If the floors have a tendency to get wet, install rubber mats. Also make sure there are no loose or low-hanging wires.

• If the laundry facilities are downstairs, instead of having your loved one going up and down, make it easier for him or her by changing the location to a much more convenient spot. If that is unable to happen, make sure that there are hand rails on both sides of the stairs, and tightly fixed to the wall. Check to make sure that there is no clutter on the stairs.

• Get new machines and give your parents a tutorial. If this is not an option, make sure your parent has the telephone number to a senior-friendly repairman.

In-Home Senior Safety (Kitchen)

- If kitchen appliances are too high or too low to reach, find a senior-friendly handy-man in your neighbourhood who could move appliances on to the counter, or a waist-height cupboard as well.

- Have an honest conversation with your parent about cleaning out the fridge but not just replacing the food with new supplies- ask him or her if they need help cooking, grocery shopping, and picking out nutritional meals. Make sure that you give your parent a variety of options and be open to suggestions.

- Make sure to apply dates to perishable items, including salad dressings, spices, and canned foods. This will make it easier for your parent to prepare his or her own meals moving forward.

- Offer to help your parent with cooking, as they may have probably noticed a change in his/her dexterity and mobility.

- If your parent’s food habits are changing, have an honest discussion with them about it. Provide them with options and reassurance that you are working with them to eliminate their fear or loss of independence.

In-Home Senior Safety (Bathroom)

• Install non-slip strips or a mat if your parent can still shower and take a bath without assistance.

• Add grab bars and a shower bench. Remove or tighten any loose fitting towel bars to avoid being used unsafely as a grab bars. Make sure the safety bars are PROPERLY installed.

• If needed, put grab bars on each side of the toilet. There should also be an elevated toilet seat to help with standing and sitting.

• As the floor could be slick with tile or linoleum, put a non-slip carpet or mat near the toilet, sink and bathtub. Make sure towels are easily accessible. Bring in a hamper where wet towels can be put.

In-Home Senior Safety (Bedroom)

As your parents age, they will feel more comfortable and safe in the bedroom. It will be easier for them to stay in this room if they have trouble walking, or if they are suffering from an age-related disease.

- Help your parent arrange a walkway in the room to avoid falls. Once again, you will need to clear all clutter from all walkways and make sure they have room to turn around. Bring in a small nightstand with a drawer where they can put all of their necessities. With that, they will be able to find all their personal items easily, within reach.

- Provide a nightlight or a touch-light on the nightstand or near the bed, to provide them with light if they wake up in the middle of the night. Again, make sure to clear all the clutter around the bed.

- Shaky hands, or problems with vision are age-related diseases are problems your parents may have while dressing. Check to see that your parent’s wardrobe is organized and easily accessible, and that the clothes inside are easier to wear (clothing that has few buttons, and more comfort). If your parent is struggling because of fatigue, bring in a small chair where they can sit down when getting dressed.

- Ask your parent if he or she needs help with doing the laundry. It would be a good time to talk about bringing in a third-party advocate to help them during times when you are not available.

In-Home Senior Safety (Living Areas)

Determining if your loved one is safe at home is overwhelming and frustrating. Homewatch will share tips on this. Hope to hear your ideas too. . .

Most seniors want to age at home, where they feel safe and close to the things that they value. However, falls are the leading cause of death and injuries among Canadians over age 65, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. More than half of all seniors fall each year, resulting in almost 12,000 deaths. Of survivors, 50 percent lose their mobility, and 40 percent, their independence, forever. It is estimated that about 40% of falls among seniors which result in a hospital stay are attributable to hip fractures, and it is expected that the number of annual hip fractures among seniors will increase to 88,214 by the year 2041. (The Hygeia Group)

The elderly are also 2.5 times more likely to die in a residential fire than the rest of the population. Cooking, open flames, smoking, and heating caused more fires that resulted in injuries among the elderly than other fire causes.

With the appropriate supervision and consistent in-home safety evaluations, you can make it safe for your senior loved one to live at home. Fatalities and injuries can be avoided if you take the right steps in ensuring your loved one’s safety. One of the major reasons that a senior will cover up a loss of capabilities is the perceived threat of losing his/her right to live at home. Assuring them that you are working with them to make their lives easier will alleviate their fears. Please do not take any action without having an honest talk with your parent. If these conversations are troubling, try to engage a third-party advocate who can help you both through these conversations.


ALL LIVING AREAS:

As your parent ages, you need to be aware of specific situations that could cause an accident and possible hospitalization. Make note of changes you make and be ready to continually do safety updates. Your parents are used to living a certain way and are comfortable with the way things are. They need to be involved in any changes you make, especially decisions involving their future.

- All rooms should be well lit. Your parents’ senses have changed and lessened, especially sight, hearing and smell. Although it may seem like comfortable lighting to you, your parent may be having trouble seeing. Trouble with vision leads to avoidable injuries (such as falls, which can then lead to hip fractures). If the house seems dim, change all the light-bulbs to a higher wattage. Install ample reading lights in the bedroom, kitchen and sitting room for reading pleasure.

- Remove or throw unnecessary clutter (but make sure you discuss it with your parent). Remember that your aging parent will not always lift his/her feet when walking. In addition, he/ she will be using walking aids, such as a cane or walker. That will require more room to turn around, and all doorways should have a clear walkway. Remove all throw rugs, electrical cords and low-lying decorations to avoid falls.

- Although pets provide comfort and companionship, be aware that the pet may no longer be receiving the care it deserves and could potentially cause injury. Have an honest conversation about the pet, its needs, and your parent’s burden in caring for the pet. Offer to find third-party help with the animal or help find it a new home.

- There should be a working smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector somewhere in the house, preferably by the kitchen and near the boiler room. Make sure there are working batteries in the devices and available in the house as well, and offer to change them as necessary.

- Extension cords are something that need to be moved out of the way, either behind furniture or run along the walls. If the outlet is over-loaded, switch to a surge protector. This will help prevent fires or power outages.

Homewatch CareGivers is HIRING

Homewatch CareGivers is looking for experienced care aides (RCA) and home support workers (HSW) in Metro Vancouver area. Have shifts available from 2 hours to 12 hours. Reliable transportation is a plus, and being able to provide personal care as well as companionship services. If you are compassionate and a professional care person, please send your resume to Homewatch CareGivers at vancouverwest@homewatchcaregivers.com. Thank you for your interest working with us.