Fresh AIR and a few steps make the day better.

While everyone is quarantined during the COVID-19 medical pandemic I have been helping my clients get a little exercise safely by taking small walks outside.

As we all enter the new normal of stuck at home and not being able to go anywhere some of my clients have started getting bored and sore from less activity. So I have been going outside on these beautiful days and walking around in their yard or down the road while keeping a healthy distance to protect them.

Stop and smell the flowers, picture provided by goggle

Seniors gain many benefits from walking here is a small list:

  • Improves heart health. For seniors, walking offers numerous heart health benefits. Getting your heart rate up daily leads to a reduction in the risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and even coronary heart disease.
  • Lowers blood sugar. After eating, taking a 15-minute walk has been shown to reduce the after-eating spike in blood sugar some seniors can experience. Your body is using blood sugar more effectively to strengthen muscles, and insulin works better, too.
  • Reduces pain. Studies have shown that walking helps reduce some pain due to chronic conditions like arthritis. Some seniors experience lower back pain, and walking even just three times a week for around 20 minutes can help strengthen abdominal and back muscles to decrease chronic back pain.
  • Low participation cost. After you’ve invested in a good, sturdy pair of shoes, you can walk basically anywhere- for free! When the weather permits, head to the park for a stroll on the path or simply walk around your neighborhood. If it’s too cold or rainy to go outside, head to a shopping mall instead.
  • Promotes social engagement. Walking offers an easy way for seniors to meet up with others, whether you join a walking group with friends or simply engage with neighbors while out on your daily walk. You can meet new people and enjoy your environment each day.
  • Boosts mental health. A daily walk can help you feel more positive about life. The endorphins released during physical activity create a sense of well-being, reduce anxiety and boost your mood.

Grapes make a great breakfast

I enjoy making meals for my clients. Their meals are comprised of items from their refrigerator and pantry. As a caregiver, you hope the choices they make are healthy. I have a client that loves her moring meal the most.

Bagels, oatmeal, grapes, and apples are just a few of the client’s healthy choices. Every day that I take care of her, my first question when she wakes up is” What are we eating today?”.

Many of the clients I help would make healthier choices but they can’t afford it. Living on a small fixed income translates to empty fridges and pantry. I enjoy coming to the client’s homes and cooking for them.

picture taken by me of a healthy meal for a special lady.
Another example of healthy meal, picture taken by me.

WASH YOUR HANDS

COVID-19 is only one of many illnesses that can affect the elderly. A great way to combat the germs is to wash your hands often with antibacterial soap, any brand. The client and the caregiver should both be washing their hands.

There are five steps to washing your hands.

Step 1- Wet your hands completely under running clean WARM water. Then add some soap to both hands, I prefer antibacterial soap such as dial.

Step 2- Lather the soap very well, covering your hands, wrist, between your fingers and under your fingernails.

Step 3- Hands should be scrubbed for at least 20 seconds, as you scrub the grime, dirt, and germs will loosen. My granddaughters sing their ABC’s while they clean their hands just to make it fun.

Step 4- Rinse your hands really good getting all the soap and grim off. Drowning the germs away as we protect ourselves, families and clients as the COVID-19 runs amuck.

Step 5- Dry both hands very well with a fresh towel or paper towel. Try to not touch faucets and doorknobs as you exit the bathroom.

Please wash your hands often and correctly to fight Covid-19 and many other illnesses to protect everyone. I am working with clients everyday and washing my hands several times a day. We are washing our hands when we get to the home when we leave the home, in between different care and to be honest sometimes just because it has been a little while.

Until next time be safe and wash your hands.

Just a colorful reminder to wash the germs away, picture provided by goggle image.
Five steps to clean hands. Picture provided by goggle image.

The world has gone crazy..

Sorry, it has been awhile the world has gone crazy and I am just trying to catch up. A few weeks ago I was leaving on a Spring break vacation to visit my children, take a few days off of work and a break from my studies. However, everything has turned upside down. VSCC has gone to only online, social distancing is a real thing now and I am working 12-14 hours a day to protect our clients from COVID-19.

As of today, I am now considered an essential employee as a caregiver, during these uncertain times which means that while our country is on a “safer at home” order most people are out of work but not me. I am still seeing clients for long hours to help them.

I am cleaning more then usual for my clients. Per the CDC I have been cleaning hard services and washing my hands more often, their hands too. I have also been going to the stores to get necessary items for my clients such as Lysol in spray and wipe form.

I will try to update everyone as this moves forward. Stay safe, take care of your loved ones and WASH YOUR HANDS.

Companionship

The best part of my job is companionship. My clients are kind people that are alone or may have very little natural support,so they count on me to show up. However some of my job is not cleaning or bathing ,its just being there .

Some of the times I have enjoyed the most are when I was watching Hallmark movies with a sweet lady that enjoys my company. We pop some popcorn and then find a wonderful movie. My favorite movie so far was called Winter’s Castle. A hotel made of ice with a wonderful love story.

Taking walks with clients is a great exercise activity for them but its bigger then that for me. Talking with the clients about the weather or their day means so much. I enjoy the stories they share with me.

Take the extra time to share some of you with the client and listen as they talk to you even if it is just about a movie.

Winter’s Castle photo provided by Hallmark

Self Care

Self-care is important for the caregivers so they can offer the best care for the clients they care for. We have to be at 100 percent for our clients everyday and every shift.

The first suggestion that I have for fellow caregivers is to get plenty of rest. Most adults should sleep between 7-9 hours per night. Sleep directly effects our lives physical and mental well being. For a caregiver to give the best care they should be well rested.

Relaxing is another important activity we need to be our best self. During our time off we should take a walk or read a book, just a few ideas. Our behavior and mood can be different maybe even unpleasant if we are stressed out. As caregivers our clients count on us to be in a good mind space and pleasant when we show up to their house.

Trying to eat well and balanced will also help the caregiver be the best person they can. Just a few ideas to get you started. Eat a variety of vegetables,less salt and restrict yourself to as little junk food as possible. If you choose to drink alcohol do it in moderation and stay away from sodas, they are not good for you . To be honest I drink to many sodas and work everyday to drink a few less.

There are many ways to take care of yourself and all I would say is remember that our clients count on us. The people you care for need the best version of yourself, so relax,rest and eat well for these people we love to take care of.

Rest,Relax and be the best version of yourself for them OUR clients.

Be there or be square

Many aspects of being a caregiver are important and necessary but the most important is to be show up for every shift. These people are counting on us, caregivers to be there. They need a bath, supper or maybe help with their medicine.

Small steps the night before can help you to be on time for your shift. Filling your gas tank the night before, no chance of getting stuck on the side of the road with a fuel light reminder beeping.Another great idea is leaving a few minutes early just in case traffic is heavy or there is a road closure.

Go to bed on time and get up on time will help make sure you get to your shift on time. Don’t hit snooze or watch an extra show because either way it can make you late. Clients count on us to show up so go to bed early and show up for the.

Seven tips to be on time

1.Go to bed on time

2.Choosing your clothing the night before .

3.Prepare what you can the night before.

4. Get woke up, drink coffee or shower what ever you need.

5.Set a second alarm across the room if it will help you.

6.Choose get breakfast ideas such as a banana or muffin.

7. Build in some flex time for anything extra you might need to do in the morning.

Give all you can to be the most prepared for the clients that count on on you daily to take care of all their needs, oh and please wear your smile.

Skin Care for my Clients

Caregivers have many jobs and taking care of the client’s skin is so important. Here are just a few Tips that I would offer to anyone caring for a elderly loved one or client.

1.Try to not over shower, I know that sounds crazy but their skin is sensitive and excessive showers can strain the skin along with the chance of damage to their skin. The skin can tear easily and cause wounds very easily.

2. Don’t use soaps or lotions that have strong fragrances. Always rinse the skin very well also to make sure all soap is removed.

3.Make sure the person drinks plenty of water,hydration helps the skin. Also put lotion on after they take a shower or bath. That is another from of hydration.

Taking care of the clients skin has health benefits but it also makes them just feel good. A warm shower or bath with a little lotion and cold drink of water is a great day for your clients.

Picture provided by caring people inc.

Just a Bad Day

I have written about many things in this blog such as healthy food, giving bed baths and healthy food choices for the elderly and disabled but today is different. As a caregiver I go into the homes of the client to help them, support them and at the end of the day I love them. So when a client gets sick, hurt or dies it is heartbreaking.

Yesterday I got a call about someone that I have cared for over the last three years, this person fell. The client was hurt badly and this makes my heart hurt for them and their family. It is never a good call when someone you have taken care of, visited with, laughed with and grown with gets hurt or sick. To make this even worse the client will not be heading home after the stay at the hospital, to a nursing home. I cried most of the day. In fact I missed my college class and just went home.

What I do every day is worth it. The bad days, backaches and long days to be with these people everyday. Help make their time on this Earth as great as possible. While days like yesterday are hard and sad I will get up and go to a clients home today and each day after. I will share love and laughter knowing one day I will get a sad call about each person I care for.