When Is It Time for Home Care?

It can be difficult to know when your aging parent requires home healthcare. Sometimes, a loved one’s needs occur suddenly, while other times, it can be less obvious. How will you know when it’s time for home care? These tips can help you decide if your aging parent needs home healthcare services.

“Starting a conversation early with your loved one is a proactive approach to maintaining their health for years to come,” says Steve Goforth, president of Oxford Home Healthcare.

Tulsa Oklahoma Home Care Services: Oxford Home HealthCare

Look for these five signs that may indicate an elderly family member needs home healthcare. 

1. Forgetfulness or mood changes
   
   If your relative usually enjoys activities and suddenly starts to isolate, this may be a sign of memory problems, depression or another mood disorder. Your family member may be hesitant to tell you about memory loss or feelings of sadness because they don't want to burden you. If your loved one acts withdrawn, sad or anxious, these are additional cues that home care may be a good option. Depression may be especially hard to identify if you do not see your loved one regularly. Contact your relative’s healthcare provider to rule out mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or grief. 
   
   “Elderly family members often won't admit they are depressed, because they fear losing their independence. But the reality is that home care can actually help them maintain their current living situation,” says Goforth...
   
   2) Weight loss or poor appetite
   
   Does your parent have an empty refrigerator or one that contains only spoiled food? Perhaps your loved one doesn't eat at regular intervals or skips meals altogether. These are early signs that your family member may need assistance with food shopping, meal preparation and reminders to eat at mealtime. A home health aide can help cook meals and ensure that your relative is eating nutritious and healthy meals. If your parent is losing weight, this is another sign that help is needed.
   
   3) Lack of personal hygiene
   
   If your parent looks disheveled, unwashed or isn’t combing their hair, it’s time to look carefully at home care options. Sometimes mobility issues are to blame, especially if your relative has trouble standing, walking or accessing medication that's stored out of reach. Your loved one may simply feel too depressed or withdrawn to be concerned about their appearance and hygiene. A home aide can provide a variety of services including bathing, cooking and other daily living activities that your family member can no longer perform on their own.
   
   4) Unexplained falls or bruises
   
   Is your loved one having dizzy spells or problems with their overall balance? Falls are one of the worst problems for elderly people because they can result in broken bones or joint injuries. What’s more, complications from a broken hip can lead to death. In some situations, balance issues may indicate early signs of dementia. In severe cases, falls can even be deadly. That’s why it’s so important to contact your loved one’s healthcare provider and schedule an appointment for a medical exam. 

   
   5) Refusing to take medication
   
   Part of an elderly person’s good health depends on taking their medications as prescribed by their healthcare provider. If your loved one forgets to take medication, throws out their medicine or denies needing it, it’s likely your relative isn't taking the medication regularly. This is another warning sign that home care may be desperately needed. Many home care organizations offer medication assistance programs to help your loved one get the care they need. 
   
   Sometimes, elderly family members are hesitant to share that they are having trouble caring for themselves because they don’t want nursing home care. That’s why it is critical for caregivers to know about home care options and how their relative can benefit from just a few hours of care and assistance each week. 
   
   Having a conversation with your family member doesn’t have to be difficult. When it’s time to talk with your elderly parent about home care, be sure to explain your concerns about their health and well-being. It’s also a good idea to allow them time and space to discuss how they feel about their situation, too. 

Oxford HealthCare is committed to excellence in providing home care services to the elderly and disabled in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. We invite you to contact us for the best possible plan for your family. Give us a call!

(918) 258-1111

(800) 316-2222

Is Home Care Right For My Loved One?

Over 41 million U.S citizens have a chronic health condition that restricts their daily activities in one way or another, and 12 million people are unable to live independently. Of 1/5th of the elders who have attained age 85, more than ½ are impaired and require longterm care — that is, the personal assistance that enables them to continue daily routines such as bathing, eating, and dressing. So how do you decide if home healthcare is right for your loved one? The following will provide insights to help you make the right decision.

We all cherish our independence; it’s one of the perks we enjoy as adults. But as we age, there are certain things that we lose the ability to do on our own. And sometimes, it effects our ability to adequately care for ourselves at home.

Many of these things tend to be crucial to the quality of life we lead. Things inclusive of:

• Running errands

• Cleaning responsibilities

• Medication management

• Personal care

• Meal preparation

• Sticking to a balanced diet routine

Dependence Can Appear Daunting

As our loved ones age, we worry about their ability to adequately care for themselves. Your loved one may depend on your assistance more often to take care of basic life necessities which can weigh on your busy life schedule. When this happens, one of the best ways to alleviate unanticipated inconveniences both to yourself and your loved one is to consider a qualified homecare provider.

What is the Role of Caregiver in Preserving Independence?

An Oxford HealthCare provider can assist with many acts of daily living such as medication management, daily chores, and errands. Our caregivers can also be a platonic companion when you need someone to fall back on. We help you see the silver lining when age-related problems get your loved one down. Our trained staff can help your loved one stay in their own home longer, ensuring caring and safety while on site. Our caregivers also promote and respect their independence as best they can.

The Benefits of Having a Home Caregiver

If you want to opt for home healthcare in Tulsa, but are still undecided, here are some associated benefits that can help you make the right decision:

One on One, Customized Care

When you hire a home healthcare provider, you will be entitled to their complete attention; at least when they are in your home. This tends to be crucial when dealing with age-related illnesses and recovery.

Your Path to Independence

With home healthcare, you will be living right at home. This enables you to preserve your independence which will, in turn, boost your comfort and confidence. These are all qualities that foster a conducive environment for happiness and recovery. 

Keeps You Close to Your Loved Ones

In many instances, ideal nursing homes or assisted living communities may be located at far off locations. This makes it problematic for the family to visit as frequently as they would like. Having a home caregiver guarantees that you are not relocated and taken away from your loved ones.

No Predisposition to Infection

With care at home, you will be avoiding the facilities that house other recovering patients that predispose you to infection. Additionally, hiring an Oxford Home HealthCare provider greatly decreases the chances that the symptoms of an infection or an age-related illness may go overlooked.

Services Beyond Personal Care

An Oxford HealthCare staff member offers you more than just the characteristic personal care services. They also help around the home, prepare meals, run errands, and provide much-needed peace of mind.

Home Care is Very Affordable

This is one of the major deterrents to in-home care nowadays; people think it is an expensive option. The fact of the matter is that employing a home care worker costs a lot less an hour than it does to have yourself admitted to a nursing home.

Ideal Qualities in a Home Care Worker

Just as you would look at the type and qualifications of caregiver to hire, there are specific traits that they should have if this whole arrangement is to function the way you want it to. Here are some of the best qualities to look for in a home-care worker:

Quick Learner

We all have different preferences and needs. You need someone who can learn those preferences and needs quickly so that your loved one can live in harmony.

Willingness to Go the Extra Mile

Hire someone who will be willing to go the extra mile when the need arises.

Responsibility

This entire arrangement is based on how responsible both parties are when it comes to sticking to a schedule. It is absolutely essential when it comes to maintaining a diet and taking medication.

Throughout our many years of experience in caring for those in need, we, at Oxford HealthCare have learned how to help you cope with the frustrations of finding professional care and assistance for someone at home. That is why we offer comprehensive supportive care and home healthcare solutions to help you or your loved one maintain independence—all while remaining in the comfort of your own home. Get in touch with one of our trained Oxford HealthCare staff today to assist with your questions and concerns. Our goal is to provide the help you need, when you need it!

Scientific Facts for Healthy Aging, Revealed

Staying healthy and being your best self is important at any age and that doesn’t diverge just because you have a few more grey hairs. As we continue to age, we experience major life changes, including career transitions and retirement, the loss of loved ones, children leaving home, and physical changes. How we deal with and grow from these challenges is crucial to staying healthy. We have compiled tips to help you maintain your emotional and physical health and live life to the fullest, whatever your age or circumstances.

What Gives Ageing a Negative Vibe?

To comprehend successful aging, it’s essential to first know what gives aging a negative vibe. Many seniors have at least one of these common aging fears, according to the poll at Oxford Healthcare:

1. Fear of dependence

2. Running out of funds

3. Declining health

4. Not being able to stay at home

5. Strangers taking care of them

6. Inability to continue their own activities of daily living

7. Not being able to drive

8. Death of a spouse or loved ones

9. Loneliness or Isolation

10. Fear of falling or hurting themselves

Secrets to Healthy Aging

Foster Meaningful Connections

Loneliness is injurious to your health. If you feel lonely — whether you are living alone or with someone, have lots of contacts or none — you are more prone to depression or dementia. Seniors who report feeling left out and lonely have more trouble with daily tasks like climbing stairs and bathing. They also die earlier than less-lonely individuals. Researchers reveal that lonely folks have higher levels of stress hormones that lead to inflammation, or swelling, linked to diabetes and arthritis.

Tip: So keep yourself busy in making friends. Do volunteer work or simply help someone in need. All you need to do is connect.

Maintain your Nervous Health

One in eight seniors (aged 65 and above) in the United States has Alzheimer's disease, and some degree of cognitive decline is considered a standard part of aging. Studies reveal that a lifestyle that embraces cognitive stimulation through active learning halts cognitive decline.

Tip: Never put a stop to learning and challenging your mind! Learn a new language, take dance lessons, learn to play a musical instrument, attend lectures at a local university, or just read a book.

Live an active life

Regular exercise is one of the supreme keys to mental and physical well-being. Living an active life will help you stay adequately fit to maintain your independence to go where you want and perform your daily activities. Regular exercise may prevent or even offer relief from many common chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, depression, and arthritis, to list a few.

Tip: The idea is to stay active, so do anything you will enjoy. If you are not the kind of person who will follow a regular gym routine, go on a walk or ride your bike every day as an alternative. Try to incorporate balance, aerobic, and muscle-strengthening activities into your routine.

Find meaning and joy

A key ingredient in the formula for healthy aging is the enduring ability to find joy and meaning in life. As you age, your life will change and you will progressively lose things that previously occupied your time and offered your life purpose. For instance, your job may change, you may ultimately retire from your career, your children may leave for college, or family and friends may move far away. Moving forward at this time is more important than ever. Later life can be a time of exhilarating new adventures if you let it.

Tip: Plan a trip to somewhere new or go on a weekend trip to a place you’ve never been to.

Spend time in nature. Go for a scenic hike, go camping or fishing, enjoy a ski trip, or take your dog for a walk in the park.

Learn to cope with change

As you age, there will be periods of both stress and joy. It’s crucial to build your resilience and find healthy ways to survive challenges. This aptitude will help you make the most of the good times and keep your perspective when times are rough.

Tip: Many things in life are beyond our control. Accept the things you can’t change. Instead of stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control, for example, the way you choose to respond to problems. Confront your limitations with dignity and a healthy measure of humor.

Conclusion

The second half of your life can fetch some of your most rewarding decades. You may have more confidence than your younger self. You acquire patience and wisdom. Sure, your face sports more lines and your hair sprouts more grays. But you can grow older with your mind and body as healthy as they can possibly be.

Understanding Nutrition as Seniors Age

While our bodies go through changes with aging, the necessity for proper nutrition becomes even more critical. Seniors who are malnourished are predisposed to illnesses, anemia, hospitalizations, and much more. It’s estimated that as a nation, we spend over $150 billion annually in medical costs arising from elderly malnourishment.

Having a truly balanced meal on the table every day, let alone three, can be a challenge for all of us. It’s even more problematic with all the other tasks of caregiving, particularly if your loved one has special dietary needs.

But meals are your body’s fuel, and part of your medicine, too. For a senior with a long-term debilitating illness, good nutrition takes on even more significance. And healthy eating doesn’t only concern calorie counting and scouring food labels. Meals also represent a time for connection, and good food is one of life’s uncomplicated pleasures — at any age.

Age-related changes can influence how your body processes food, which impacts your dietary requirements and affects your appetite. THESE ARE SOME OF THE CHANGES:

Difficulty Absorbing Nutrients

Your body produces less of the digestive juices that it requires to process food in your digestive system as your age advances. These changes can make it tough for your body to absorb essential nutrients like folic acid, vitamins B6, 12 and iron.

Slowed Metabolism

This occurs naturally, but it occurs at a much faster pace if you don’t get as much exercise as you should. As your metabolism slows down, your body doesn't burn as many calories, which means you should eat less to maintain a healthy weight. Also, since the intake is lowered, the foods you eat should be as nutrient-rich as possible.

Emotional Health Affecting Your Consumption

Seniors who suffer from marginal depression symptoms or are lonely, frequently lose interest in eating. Alternatively, emotional issues may cause some seniors to eat more and gain undesirable pounds.

Medication Side-Effects and Appetite

Most of the seniors take one or more medications for chronic medical conditions; these can cause side effects, for instance, stomach upset or a lack of appetite, leading to poor nutrition.

Healthy Eating Options for Seniors

A healthy diet packed with essential nutrients can help ward off potential health issues that are prevalent in senior citizens, like heart problems, constipation, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Nutritious foods also play a role in maintaining a healthy weight and can work wonders for your energy levels.

Even if you never tried a nutrition-based diet previously, healthy eating isn’t that demanding. The National Institute on Aging suggests the following options for seniors:

The DASH Diet

The DASH eating plan encompasses all the key food groups but is crafted to help regulate blood pressure and underlines foods that are heart healthy. These are endorsed in daily serving amounts:

Meat and beans: 6 ounces or less of meat, chicken, and fish, as well as, 4 to 5 servings of nuts, seeds, and/or dried beans every week

• Milk: 2 to 3 cups

• Grains: 7 to 8 ounces

• Fruit: 2 to 3 cups

• Vegetables: 2 to 3 cups

• Oils: 2 teaspoons

The USDA Food Guide MyPlate Plan

This plan provides tips for building a healthy, balanced diet, inclusive of:

• Make half your plate vegetables and fruits.

• Enjoy your food, but consume in controlled amounts.

• Make at least ½ of your grains, whole grains.

• Tips to Boost Nutritional Health with Advancing Age

Healthy Fats Only

Choose healthy fats found in seeds, avocados, nuts, fatty fish, and vegetable oils instead of saturated fats and trans fats.

Choose Brown Over White

This nutrient- and fiber-rich foods will help your digestive tract and protect your heart. Select whole grain cereals, brown rice, and whole wheat bread instead of refined grains and white bread.

“Rough Up” Your Meals

Consume high-fiber foods each day, for instance, raw fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. These foods act as stool-softeners and prevent constipation; provide the vitamins, fiber, minerals, and nutrients that you need for healthy aging; help maintain your weight, and reduce your risk of heart problems.

Consume Calcium Critically

Everyone requires calcium to build and retain bone matter, but seniors should really bone up on calcium-rich products like low-fat dairy products. A calcium supplement, typically paired with vitamin D — its partner in the bone-building — is what you need to look for.

Keep your Memory Working with B12

As a senior, you need to look for foods, like cereals, that are fortified with vitamin B12. Since your body now has decreased the ability to absorb B12, diet and supplements can ensure that you meet your optimal requirements.

Conclusion

Now that you understand nutritional needs for your aging body, it’s time to make the necessary changes and a real commitment to your advancing age and health. It's fine to begin gradually: Swapping junk foods for healthier options is a decent first step. But try to make changes every single day that will bring you closer to your goal of a healthy diet and a healthy life.

Oxford HealthCare is proud to choose and make healthy meals for seniors during our home visits. We can work with any dietary need. Ask us how during your assessment.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Home Healthcare Agency

Although there are many trustworthy home-care agencies, families are frequently caught off-guard by trending stories of in-home caregivers who are undertrained, abusive, or entirely unsupervised. Thus, researching home care providers and taking the steps to employ an agency, and a caregiver, that best meet your requirements can help ensure that your loved ones are well-cared-for and safe in the hands of an in-home caregiver. The following will assist with things to consider when choosing the right Tulsa, Oklahoma home healthcare agency to assist your loved one.

 Assess your requirements for assistance

The availability of in-home help extends from platonic companionship to assistance with light housekeeping chores or errands, to all the way to skilled nursing for individuals with debilitating and disabling health conditions. If you’re uncertain of the best fit for your loved one, your physician, or an initial assessment visit from a home care provider, can help determine what sort of care is appropriate for your particular situation.

Inquire about caregiver’s basic training

Ask what certification and training requirements caregivers are obligated to meet for employment if any. Basic certifications like First Aid and CPR may offer peace of mind that basic aid is available in case of an emergency while the caregiver is on duty, as well as give you an idea about the appointment standards of the company. Cultural capacity or special language skills such as training to work with Holocaust survivors may be crucial for your needs.

Ask about background checks on your caregiver 

There’s nothing wrong when you are extremely picky and cautious about who you permit to provide care for your loved one. Be sure to inquire agencies if they run background checks on their caregivers and if so, what methods are used. If you feel skeptical about a home care agency’s procedure for screening employees, you need to trust your gut and use a different agency.

Ask whether the agency fulfills local certification requirements

Home care agency certifications requirements differ from state to state. However, probing about an agency’s State Certification status can help you measure their legitimacy and warrant monitoring from regulatory organizations. For information about particular agency certification requirements, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (FCA's Family Care Navigator can assist with this matter), or your regional department for senior services.

Analyze the supervision process

With caregivers employed in the home, a common apprehension of family caregivers is a lack of supervisory oversight. However, families have a right to ask about how the agency manages and oversees the quality of care delivered in the home. Inquire about drop-in supervisor visits, and tools like home care software used to assess caregiver clock-ins and care schedules during a shift.

Set up a meeting with potential caregivers 

You probably want to validate that the caregiver that you pick is not only well-trained but that they are also compatible with your loved one. Ask the home care organization about their process for assigning caregivers to clients and ensure that both you and your loved one can personally engage with the caregiver before the first official encounter. Only this way you can ensure that the match is a good fit.

Ask for references

For assurance about the expertise of a home care agency that you have engaged with, asking for references remains crucial. Most trustworthy home care agencies will be able to offer you referrals of existing clients or referral partners that can attest to their involvement with the agency.

Line out billing ahead of time

Based on the types of services delivered by the agency, as well as the particular condition of your loved one, some in-home care services may be partially covered by insurances. Don’t hesitate to engage with the home care agency’s intake coordinator about the rate for services, as well as billing practices, ahead of time to help prevent unforeseen charges.

Chalk out a care plan

When you’re paying for someone to deliver in-home care, you’ll probably want to be sure that they’re addressing the responsibilities they’ve been employed for. Discourse a plan of care with the home care agency intake personnel and caregivers prior to the first encounter, and ask about how the agency detects the progress and accomplishment of care plans.

Engage with a reputable agency

"Whether it's a matter of helping a patient recover from a stroke, managing an ongoing condition like dementia or Alzheimer's disease or even just providing day-to-day living assistance, you should be focused on two major factors: skill and compassion," said Goforth, Oxford HealthCare CEO. "Of course, you want well-trained professionals providing needed services for your loved one. But genuine concern elevates competent care to truly outstanding care."

Oxford HealthCare is committed to excellence in providing home healthcare services to the elderly and disabled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the surrounding areas. We invite you to contact us for the best possible plan for your family. Give us a call!