Month: August 2018

If you’re balancing a job and caring for a loved one, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed on some days.

First off, know you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 60 percent of caregivers over 50 are also working a fulltime job and that number is expected to rise in the next five years.

With all that’s required of managing the care of an elderly loved one—from juggling doctor’s appointments, to preparing meals—you need a plan that helps you provide care and stay sane at work.

Here are three ways to balance a job and caring for a loved one.

Research Your Options at Work

Many employers offer family leave and will make special arrangements for caregivers like flexible work hours or telecommuting. Reviewing your employee handbook and talking with your Human Resources representative is a great place to start. Also, let your boss know about your caregiver role before an emergency arises so they’re not caught off guard. Cross-training with another employee can ensure someone can cover your duties if you’re taken away from work.

Keep Work Life Separate

As much as possible, try to handle your caregiver responsibilities outside of work hours. Schedule doctor appointments for lunch and plan to tackle other duties after work. Being able to segment your time will help you shift between responsibilities without feeling like you’re being overwhelmed.

Get Familiar with the Family Medical Leave Act

The Family Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, allows you to take up to 12 weeks off per year, every year, for the care of a family member. This is unpaid leave, but your job security remains intact. Rules vary from state to state. In California, the FMLA and the California Family Rights Act only apply to companies with more than 50 employees and those employees must be on the payroll for at least 20 weeks in the current or preceding calendar years. All public employees are covered under the CFRA regardless of employee count. The California Chamber of Commerce website has more information about the CFRA.

Take control of your loved one’s care with EasyCall, your local medical alert provider. With EasyCall, help is always available at the touch of a button.

California is serious about senior health and the Department of Health’s ​​Older Adult Falls Prevention Program has lots of resources to help care providers and seniors themselves.

In 2014, 208,564 people ages 65 and older were treated for falls in California’s emergency departments and 74,945 were hospitalized. Working to prevent falls in older Californians is an issue we should all care about.

The program website has a number of useful links. Check out some of what they’re posting:
California Department of Aging – learn about programs that serve older adults
https://www.aging.ca.gov/

CDC Guide to Preventing Falls – A community-approach to preventing falls
https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/community_preventfalls.html

Stop Falls California – A communication center for falls prevention efforts in the state.
http://www.stopfallscalifornia.org/

The USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence – Learn best practices for fall prevention.
http://stopfalls.org/

Check out these resources to learn more about what communities and individuals are doing to help protect seniors and prevent falls.

Are you prepared when a fall does happen? With EasyCall, you can be sure your loved ones can get help with the push of a button. Our waterproof pendant comes with a lifetime service guarantee and lets you customize your emergency response. Learn more today.

Do you have seniors visiting your home? The holidays will be here soon so now’s a great time to be thinking about ways to make your home safer for elderly parents, family, and friends who might be visiting.

You won’t have to start an entire remodel. A few easy steps can help make your home safe and reduce the likelihood of falls.

Bathroom

• Most hardware stores carry grab bars that easily clamp on the sides of tubs or walls of shower fixtures. You can even get temporary models that easily detach when they’re no longer needed.
• For those unsteady on their feet, a lightweight safety bench for the tub makes it much safer for seniors to use bathroom facilities.
• Install bathtub strips or a non-slip bathtub mat.

Bedroom

• Add night lights to the bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways so your guests can easily see their way through the house at night.

Living Room

• Remove clutter, electrical cords, and any toys that can cause a fall.
• Loose rugs send thousands of seniors to the hospital every year. Secure rugs in place with two-sided tape or carpet mesh.
• Keep a flow through the living room by arranging furniture with clear walking paths.

EasyCall is your partner in providing care for our senior loved ones. With customizable response plans and a lifetime guarantee, you’ll know you’re getting the best care possible. EasyCall: help at the touch of a button.

Ninety percent of older Americans want to live in their own home as they age, according to AARP.

It’s no surprise. Many adults have spent years or decades in their current homes, and the idea of leaving behind a place with so many memories can be too much to bear.

Thankfully, its easier than ever for older adults to stay in their homes. With a few upgrades in technology, seniors can make their homes safe and comfortable for years to come.

Medical Alert Systems

A medical alert system can deliver peace of mind by summoning help at the push of a button. Plus, these devices are getting more and more sophisticated. EasyCall’s Freedom Stands model features automatic fall detection, so seniors can get immediate help in the event of a fall without having to press the alert button.

Smart Home Technology

New technologies are letting us connect and automate the systems in our homes in new and exciting ways. These advances spell big benefits for seniors too. Already, there are systems available that can automatically control heating and cooling and lighting.

New sensors are available that can detect a senior’s sleep quality, breathing, heart rate, and daily movement to ensure they’re staying active and alert a loved one or health professional if anything changes.

Telehealth

Telenurse and teledoctor services have been around for a while, but these services have significantly improved with the introduction of smartphones and tablets. With video calling now commonplace, seniors can stay in frequent contact with care providers without having to travel to medical offices.

Regular contact improves general health and enhances communication between patient and provider, leading to better overall care and health outcomes.

Technology will play a major role in the future as more baby boomers retire and look for ways to stay in the homes. EasyCall will be there with leading medical alert technologies to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Last week we discussed signs that you’re stressed as a caregiver to your loved ones. It’s so important to take care of your own health and wellbeing to ensure you’ve got the stamina to be there for others.

Today, let’s explore some ways you can control your stress and ensure you’re putting your health as a priority.

EasyCall is your partner in managing the care of your loved ones. With help at the push of a button, you can rely on EasyCall for peace of mind.

1. Find a connection

Join a support group for caregivers either in person or online. There are care groups targeted at all sorts of issues, from Alzheimer’s patients to those caring for seniors.

2. Accept What You Cannot Change

You can’t change the fact that your loved ones are aging, but you can control how you react.

3. Reach Out for Help

Most cities have respite and healthcare resources for seniors available. Taking advantage of these aids can give you a much-needed break and can be one of the best ways to reduce stress.

4. Focus on Your Health

Visit your doctor for regular check-ups, stay physically active, eat a healthy diet and try to get enough sleep.

5. Take Time Off

If your loved one experiences a sudden change in health, it might be time to take a break from work. Employers covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year to care for relatives.

EasyCall is committed to helping caregivers manage the stress in their lives. With an EasyCall medical alert system, your loved ones are never truly alone. Get peace of mind with EasyCall.