Our last posting, we introduced the topic of pacing your energy with grandchildren.. don’t wear yourselves out! Here are tips and things you can do to entertain them during their summer visits!

Let ’em eat shapes. Cut bread into different shapes; rectangles, triangles, squares, and circles.  Make at least two of each shape.  Ask your grandchildren to choose a pair of shapes that are alike.  Help the child put jelly and peanut butter on the pieces, and make a sandwich. 

Hidden letters.  Ask your grandchildren to look for letters of the alphabet on boxes and cans of food and household supplies.  For example, find five A’s or three C’s on cereal boxes, soup cans, etc.  Start with easy to find letters, and build up to harder ones.  Then have your grandchildren write the letters on paper. 

Comic strip writing.  Cut apart the segments of a comic strip, and ask your grandchildren to arrange them in order.  Then ask your grandchildren to fill in the words of the characters (verbally or in writing).

Disappearing pictures.  On a warm day, take your grandchildren outside to the driveway or sidewalk, and give them a pail of water and a brush.  Encourage their creativity in drawing or writing with the water, and let them tell you about their artwork.

Here’s another idea:  Why not hire extra help to handle meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and shopping while your grandchildren are in town?  Home Instead CAREGivers, for instance, are screened, trained, bonded and insured, and available from as few as three hours and up to 24 hours a day.  An extra pair of hands will help you spend more time enjoying your grandchildren.

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care in Southeast Houston & Bay Area, Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, Pearland call us at (281) 484-0200.

Home Instead Senior Care Houston & Bay Area enjoys giving tips for seniors helping you achieve healthier lives. Call us today at (281) 484-0200.

Recently we were asked the following question that most seniors are aware of… pacing the activities with grandchildren helps you enjoy time with them!

Q.  I’m a 72 year old grandmother whose grandchildren, ages 5 and 8, will be visiting for two weeks.  I’m afraid that keeping them occupied the entire time will wear me out, but I don’t want to give up the chance to spend this time with them.  Do you have any suggestions?

Home Instead Senior Care Houston & Bay Area understands why you wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to be with your grandchildren.  You’ll not only enjoy the time, but make life long memories for them as well.  You’re smart to think ahead when it comes to planning activities with these youngsters. 

We suggest that you schedule several activities each day, but don’t provide so much structure that neither you nor the children can relax.  Pace your projects and outings in order to get variety and interest.  For instance, plan one or two craft projects one day and head for the zoo or favorite park the next.  For down times or afternoons when you and your grandchildren want to rest, have plenty of age appropriate videos, books and toys on hand for them to enjoy.  

If you’re looking for projects your kids might like, visit us again tomorrow when we give more tips from Dr. Sam Quick, Human Development and Family Relations Specialist, Kentucky Cooperative Extension.  These tips are appropriate for children from kindergarten through the third grade. See you soon!

Home Instead Senior Care Houston & Bay Area - (281) 484-0200.

Home Instead Senior Care Houston & Bay area Texas helps elders enjoy home and independence. Call us today at (281) 484-0200.

Vitamin D Deficiency Can Lead to Depression in Seniors  By Jean-Marc Mira from the Home Instead Senior Care Houston & Bay Area, Texas.

Q. I’ve noticed that my 79-year-old dad, who has been widowed for nine years, seems depressed lately.  He’s always had lots of friends and a great social life.  I just can’t explain this.  Can you?  

Please encourage your father to get a physical.  There are many reasons why he might be experiencing depression including illness or medication imbalance.  But only his doctor will know for sure. 

Here’s one interesting study that found older adults with low blood levels of vitamin D and high blood levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands may have a higher risk of depression. In fact, symptoms of depression in about 13 percent of older individuals have been linked to vitamin D deficiency, according to the report from the May issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Blood vitamin D levels were 14 percent lower in individuals with major and minor depression compared with non-depressed participants, according to the study. The findings may be important to patients because both low blood vitamin D levels and high parathyroid hormone levels can be treated with higher dietary intake of vitamin D or calcium and increased sunlight exposure.

Since your father is widowed, perhaps he is getting to a point in his life when he might value and benefit from a little extra help around the house.  Or a friend to accompany him to doctor’s appointments or social events might provide a boost as well.  How about someone to help him with groceries, errands and other transportation needs?  Or perhaps he would like a companion who can assist with medication reminders?

He can have all of that support with a CAREGiver from Home Instead Senior Care Houston & Bay Area.  CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured and may be just what your dad needs to help him through this difficult time.  CAREGivers also provide peace of mind for family members when they can’t always be there to help their loved ones.  A second set of eyes could be just what you need as well to help put your mind at ease about your father.

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care Houston, Clear Lake, Pasadena, Friendswood, Webster, Baytown, Pearland contact Jean-Marc Mira at (281) 484-0200 or visit Home Instead Houston.  For more about the Vitamin D study, log on to http://pubs.ama-assn.org/media/2008a/0505.dtl

Elders are often open to accept help around the house. Home Instead Senior Care Houston and Bay area can help - (281) 484-0200.

The Money Talk - Is often Difficult for Adult Children to bring up.

Your parents in Houston & Bay area have always been very independent and private about handling their finances. Lately you’ve seen that they’ve been cutting back on food and other necessary products. You’re concerned that their staples are in short supply. How do you broach this subject?

This is a tough one and probably a situation where you need to “bite the bullet” and talk about it, no matter how uncomfortable. Some reasonable conversation starters might be, “Boy, there’s not much food around the place, what are you guys eating?” Pay attention to the tone you use. This sentence could be said in an accusatory or a humorous fashion. Obviously the latter is more likely to get a positive response. If this is too informal, try a more straightforward approach: “Mom, I’m a bit concerned about whether you and Dad are eating enough.”

Malnourishment can be a significant problem with older adults, and can be a sign of other issues that might need attention over and above finances such as poor fitting dentures or even depression. If the other evidence points to a financial issue, ask about that directly or simply make an offer: “I know you’re pretty private about money, but you know that if you ever ran into problems I’d do what I could to help, right?”

And don’t forget about different communication channels. Sometimes, it’s easier to at least start the discussion of emotional or private issues in a less personal communication medium, even if it’s only to say that you want to talk to them about the issue. For some people, raising this kind of issue can be easier on the phone, or even in an e-mail. Once you’ve said what you want to talk to them about in an e-mail, it’ll be a lot easier to raise the topic in person. You may even find them doing it for you. For example, “What’s with this e-mail you sent us, eh?”

Home Instead Senior Care Houston and Bay area can help - (281) 484-0200.

We provide Assisted Living Home Care in Houston and Bay area.

Are you helping your mom and dad stay home longer? Is it becoming more difficult for you to make sure they remain independent AND safe AND healthy? Call us at (281) 484-0200.

If you see mom or dad having trouble caring for their personal care or keeping their home clean and you don’t know how to bring it up with them.. here are some tips.

We have a family member who came to us asking… how do I ask mom about her personal care. The other day when visiting I could not believe what she was wearing! I wanted to shout out, “Mom, why are you wearing that?” She had on a polka dot top and striped skirt! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’m beginning to wonder about her eyesight!

So, ask yourself, is this an issue and if it really matters what she picks out to wear that day. If you answer yes, then be direct: “Mother, did you know that your blouse has dots and the skirt has stripes? Consider helping her organize her closet pairing outfits together. Or suggest a shopping trip if she needs new clothing.

If she still wants to wear the off coordinated clothing, then having a fight with your mom is simply not worth it.  You may need to overcome any embarrassment that you feel at your mom’s appearance. Because what she wears is her choice. The embarrassment that you feel is your problem, not hers.

For more help Home Instead Senior Care Houston and Bay area.  Or Call Us:

You may go over to your dad’s house over a weekend and find it a mess! Just because his house is in a mess, you think it’s time for him to move to an assisted living community. What do you say?

• Observing your parent’s behavior is your first course of action.
• Avoid diagnosing a problem and deciding on a solution quickly. 
• Approach them with a sense of working together to find a solution.
• Understand that financial constraints, may be relevant. 
• Or physical ability or constraints may be a conderation.

If it is physical and activities such as vacuuming or bending become a constraint, begin the conversation with an offer: “Dad, I have some extra cash. Why don’t we find someone to help you with the heavy stuff, like vacuuming?  It’s my treat and your birthday gift.”

Elders are often open to accept help around the house. Home Instead Senior Care Houston and Bay area can help - (281) 484-0200.

It’s difficult for adult children of Houston elders and seniors to “have the talk” with aging relatives. Home Instead Senior Care Houston and Bay Areas, Pasadena, Clear Lake, Pearland, Webster, and League City teamed with a communication expert Jake Harwood, Ph.D., from the University of Arizona, to list family communication tips on sensitive subjects and elder care topics in Houston. For more help, please call Home Instead Senior Care Houston at (281) 484-0200.

Adult children - If you’re 40 or over and your parent’s are nearing 70 - start “the talk” conversation. You can begin by observing them when they are home, and start gathering information carefully and thoughtfully. Keep an open mind. It’s best if you do not draw a conclusion and decide on the best solution until you talk about your findings first with your parents. Talk it out and include their point of view.

Have a discussion on you’ve observations. Ask your parents what they believe is going on. After your parents acknowledge the situation - ask for their solutions. You may find that they do not recognize the issues you come up with to be a problem for them. In that case, use concrete examples to support you.

• Have “the talk” now, and have it often. Have it before a crisis occurs. If you know your loved one has poor eyesight or has trouble driving at night, begin to address those issues before a problem arises.
• They are not babies - So drop the baby jabber:
• Your parents are adults.
• Patronizing speech puts older adults on the defensive. 
• Put yourself in your parents’ shoes.
• Think of how you would want to be addressed in the situation.
• Maximize their Independence.
• Move toward solutions that gives independence.
• Optimize strengths and compensate for problems, i.e., if they need help at home, look for tools that can help them maintain their safety at home. Home Instead’s CAREGivers are professional caregivers who assist in meal preparation, light housekeeping or medication reminders and much more.
• Be aware of the whole situation.
• Ask for Help

Many of the issues of aging can be solved by providing parents with the support they need to continue to maintain their independence. Home Instead Senior Care Houston & Bay Area along with Area Agencies on Aging and other local senior centers can help provide those solutions. We can be reached at (281) 484-0200.

Home Instead Senior Care in Houston and Bay area knows its hard to talk with parents or aging relatives about health issues, especially when preparing them for the aging process.

When Parent’s Health Changes Lifestyles

Our family member in the Houston area is preparing to speak with her mom, age 75, about her mom’s macular degeneration - the adult child asks us.. “how do I approach mom about this disease so that we can start preparing for changes?”

Many seniors in this situation might begin the conversation with family themselves. If not, then it would be good to think about her personal circumstances and important areas to address. For example, if your mother lives in a remote area, transportation is probably the most immediate issue. Approach the conversation with the goal of trying to resolve this one issue, rather than multiple issues.

Timing is the key. There are rarely urgent deadlines that have to be met immediately. Give yourself and your parent time to think about issues. Your mom would likely be receptive to a conversation that begins: “Let’s figure out a plan for how you can get around town if you no longer feel safe driving.”

Nearly one-third of Baby Boomers said their biggest communication obstacle with aging parents is continuation of the parent - child roles that emerged in childhood, making discussion of sensitive issues even more difficult.

We know its difficult but you must get started. Have the talk. You might not address all issues in one afternoon but getting started breaks the ice.

Home Instead Senior Care Houston and Bay area - call us with your caregiving concern at 281-484-0200.

Home Instead Senior Care Houston Bay Area - helping families and seniors in the Houston & Bay area, Clear Lake, Webster, Pearland, League City, Pasadena, and Baytown - 281-484-0200.

Home Instead Senior Care and communications expert Dr. Jake Harwood from the University Arizona, created the following as a guide for common family situations. The guide focuses on the sensitive family circumstances that can pose communication problems for both older adults and their adult children or loved ones.

Topics include:

• Independence.
• Health.
• End of life issues.
• Romance.

The guide offers tips for both seniors and their family caregivers on having tough conversations. A section is on advance directives, designed with the assistance of Jo Myers, author and advance planning expert, help ensure that families are prepared for the inevitable.

Following are various scenarios of common senior topics, to help adult children of older adults know what to say.

When health changes lifestyles - what do you say?

Just recently, a family member approached Home Instead Senior Care Houston & Bay Area about their 75 year old widowed mother who was just diagnosed with macular degeneration - a disease that causes deterioration of eyesight. The family member wanted to know how to begin a conversation with her mom about the possible ramifications?

Come back tomorrow when we answer this question for our family member.

Visit us at Home Instead Senior Care Houston & Bay Area or call 281-484-0200.

Home Instead Senior Care Houston Bay Area

281-484-0200

Most aging seniors want to live at home. When considering all the facts of home care in Webster, Pasadena, Baytown, Friendswood, and Clear Lake - to stay or to move to a nearby Assisted Living facility, one driving factor is medication. Family members are worried whether parents are taking prescribed meds correctly or if at all. If this is a concern and your loved one lives in the Houston Bay Area, we can help. 

Additional concerns for family members:

• Are they taking medications at proper time - with or without food?
• Are they taking the right dosage?
• Are they worried about costs of the meds? And will this stop them from buying them?

A daughter of aging parents told us that her mom leaves medications everywhere and didn’t seem very organized in tracking them. Some meds were in the bathroom while others on the kitchen counter She was concerned about her mom’s pill organization.  If this sounds familiar, we suggest:

We recommend using good humor and, in this situation, assume that she is keeping them organized and straight.  We suggest taking the innocent until proven guilty approach.  Although you may have very good reasons why some of her prescribed medications are in the kitchen - she’s taking them with food, while others are on the nightstand - she’s taking them before bed.

Pointing to a bottle and asking, “How the world do you keep all these pills straight, Mom?” would be a good conversation starter. If the response includes the reasons you suspected above, then it sounds like things are under control. If she says, “I don’t know. I do my best. I’m not even sure what some of them are,” then the situation needs more attention.

So if she’s having a problem, talk to your mom about a pill organizer, which could help her keep the medications better organized: “Mom, there are organizers that can help you keep all your pills in one place and make it easier for you to keep them straight. Why don’t I check into it?” In addition, one service that Home Instead CAREGivers provide seniors is medication reminders to assist them in managing their daily medications.  Call us at Home Instead Houston Bay Area - 281-484-0200 and we’ll be happy to tell you more.

We’d like to hear your medication solutions for aging parents.  Please tell us in the comments below.

Home Instead Senior Care Houston Bay Area

281-484-0200

Home Instead Senior Care Houston Bay area including Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, Pearland, League City, and Baytown provides CAREGivers to seniors and elders so they can stay home longer. Call us at 281-484-0200.

Home Instead Senior Care understands the stress and challenges family members and their aging loved ones face each day. Elders and seniors want to stay home. Family members want their relatives to live at home as long as they can and remain safe and healthy. Our CAREGivers make that possible.

Some of the issues you, adult children, deal with on elder care may leave you speechless. You are faced with a wide range of difficult situations arising from your parent’s aging. A family member came to us recently asking, “how do I bring up the topic of driving to my dad?” She just found out that he hit a light pole with the car this past weekend.

Other topics that are tough for adult children are:

• How do you approach parents about getting more help at home?
• If they are taking medications properly?
• Are the legal affairs in order?
• How do you ask what their finances are like?

These challenging topics, even with families who have free and open communications, have difficulties bringing up these issues. If you don’t talk about them with your aging relatives, can lead to unresolved issues.

Home Instead Senior Care suggests having the talk sooner is best! Don’t wait until a crisis occurs. That’s what the “40-70 Rule” is all about. This advice is designed to help adult children and their aging parents deal with those sensitive topics that often make conversations difficult. We’ve written and developed the 40-70 Rule with the idea that if you, the adult child, is 40, and your parents are 70, it’s time to start talking - at least about certain senior topics.

It’s based on research conducted by Home Instead Senior Care, which discovered nearly one third of adults in the U.S. have a major communication obstacle with their parents that stems from continuation of the parent-child role. The fact that many seniors may still be dealing with their grown sons or daughters as if they’re children rather than adults makes these conversations particularly difficult.

If you are 40, and have aging parents, this informative 4070talk.com is designed to help you start even the most difficult conversations with your senior loved ones, before a crisis has occurred and even after one already has happened.

Home Instead Senior Care Houston Bay area including Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, Pearland, League City, and Baytown provides CAREGivers to seniors and elders so they can stay home longer. Call us at 281-484-0200.