Category Archives: Uncategorized

The advantages of home care for an aging loved-one

The advantages of home care for an aging loved-one If you have an elderly mom or dad who needs special care, but they do not desire to leave the comfort of their own home, there is the the option of home care. There are certified home care aides who can give your loved one the attention they need, particularly if you can not offer care for them all the time due to the fact that you have other obligations, such as work

Your parent might not be able to care for the home like they once were. The aide can handle the responsibility of handling home tasks, such as meal preparation and laundry, to make certain that your moms and dad stays in good conditions and has regular meals every day. An aide can even head out to the supermarket to get the food items that your mom or dad needs if they are not able to get there by themselves. While the aide deals with these obligations, he or she can also take part in fun activities with your parent to keep things entertaining and exciting.

Depending on your mom or dad's condition, they may need to follow a particular diet. If your parent is diabetic, particular foods with lots of sugar might be off limits. The aide will pay special attention to the diet plan that your parent needs to follow, making dishes that are healthy for them. Your mom or dad will certainly get to take pleasure in nourishing and tasty food throughout the day.

Although the aide's duty is to care for your moms and dad and see to it that they stay in health, they can likewise develop a relationship with your mom and dad too. Having a companion might make your moms and dad feel a lot happier and much less lonesome than they may have felt before. The aide will keep the discussion going, which will keep your mom or dad busyoccupied and socializing. If you were fretted about your mom or dad being on his or her own in the past, this is something you would not need to fret about any longer with home care.

The aide may choose to monitor your mom or dad's everyday activities and will likely show you that information to keep you updated. If they observe any changes with your mom or dad' behavior or consuming practices, they will keep an eye on it and inform a doctor if needed. Home care aides can not carry out medical services that they are not certified to do. licensed nurse might be needed to help with medical-related assistance, but it is the aide who can keep your parent entertained by helping them stay active.

Stats reveal that the seniors are living longer and much healthier than they were numerous decades back. If they are not in poor health, they might not wish to vacate the comfort of their home to live in a nursing home or retirement facility. Instead, they can receive care and unique attention while still living with a sense of independence in the location they like the most.

There are a lot of benefits to having home care for your senior loved one You may fret that your parent is alone and unable to do specific things, but with a home care aide, you would not need to stress about that anymore. Your loved-one would receive high-quality care while making a brand-new pal while doing so. In Deerfield beach call Paradise Home Health Care for a screened, certified and compassionate home care aide

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Benefits of a non-medical home care aide for Boynton Beach Seniors

Benefits of a non-medical home care aide for Boynton Beach SeniorsA home care aide that works at your residence to help you with non-health problems can be quite helpful. They could aid a senior in order to live an existence that's far more an easy task to manage. Independent living is really a right that everyone will be able to utilize.

One benefit from hiring a home care aide is that an individual won't be as likely to get injured in the home. When you have someone nearby, should you fall or enter into trouble somehow they might go to your rescue. Whilst they can't assist you to medically, the aide could get the all-important medical help you may want after a car accident. Because you won't need to drive or take care of any situation they can help with, you'll be unlikely to place yourself in a sticky situation.

An aide may help one to bathe, shave, get their clothing on, and do basic tasks that can make someone feel as if they can be still part of everyday life. Why have a loved one or yourself sit around without getting able to take care of basic hygiene? Not simply is that embarrassing for an individual, but it's also something which can result in medical issues and even some which can be mental. It's essential to someone to look their very best if they're physically unable to deal with themselves, and that's one great thing about having a home care aide.

You don't really need to be medically taught to go grab a prescription for an individual. Nor is it necessary to obtain that sort of training to visit food markets or mow the yard. Laundry, washing the house, and managing various chores may be too much for a person either with health or that's older. Usually an older child would deal with a parent or gaurdian or someone that's hurt somehow, but it's impossible for people who have lives of their to always attend someone's home. An aide can perform this all and more, and do all of it having a smile!

Now you're conscious of the advantages of getting a non-medical home care aide. The ones that utilize the service can be really pleased after they or their family member can perform more from your home. It's well worth the money when someone can seem to be more in command of their day to day activities.

A Home Care Aide May Be the Solution for Helping You Care for Your AgingMm or Dad

A Home Care Aide May Be the Solution for Helping You Care for Your AgingMm or Dad

Caring for an Elderly Family Member

Most families with sick or elderly members face a daunting task in having to care for such family members, as well as, work full-time and maintain their busy schedules. Today's tough economic climate doesn't allow a person to quit his or her job and devote their full-time to an elderly parent or a sick family member. That being said, people don't like the idea of confining their elderly parent to an assisted living facility or a nursing home either. This type of situation would take a heavy toll on the children and their elderly parent too. Most of the time, the best solution for such a perplexing issue would be to hire a home care aid.

A caregiver helping an elderly parent at home would help the elderly parent to maintain his or her independence without any problem. You have the freedom to choose a full-time or part-time home care aid to care for your elderly parent. You can hire a part-time aide if your parent's health condition or injuries should be managed a couple of times a week. An elderly parent who needs attention with their meals and hygiene would require an aide coming in several days per week. Some parents will need assistance in managing their medications. The aide will have to see that the right amounts are administered at the right times of the day. This is one of the most important tasks of a home care aide. It can help to prolong or shorten your parent's life. So, it is always better to hire a full-time home care aide to take care of the medicines of your elderly parent. You can get busy with other important activities in life knowing that your parent is professionally taken care of by the home care aide.

An elderly parent who is recovering from a heart attack or some other serious illness will definitely require this kind of healthcare aide to support them. The home care aide will help the recovering parent to be stress free and maintain a positive attitude since they are recuperating in their own homes together with their loved ones and not in a rehabilitating center. The health care aide will also be able to spot any complications with regard to the illness and alert the doctor immediately. Such care will prevent the need of the patient having to be confined to a hospital bed again. The home care aide will provide the much needed company that so many seniors are craving for.

Patients who are suffering from chronic and deteriorating conditions can benefit immensely by having a home care aide. While a family member would provide primary care to the elderly parent, the home care aide could provide the caregiver with relief and a break that he or she much deserves. Surely, it could be physically and emotionally exhausting to care for a loved one. This is why someone is needed to relieve the primary caregiver as and when the need arises. Also, there may be some tasks that require at least two people in order to attend to them. A home care aide will come in handy during a situation like this.

There are insurance plans that may offset a part of the expenses of home care. This may depend on the specifics involved in each case. There are also social services and charitable organizations that offer special programs for the elderly. There are many options in this regard, and you may have to perform some research to select the best services to suit your individual situation. The patient will benefit the most when you explore all available options in advance and select the best option out of them all.  

Your elderly parent is quite safe at home when you arrange for a home care aide to care from him or her. Elderly parents value their independence more than anything else. Hiring a home care giver will guarantee your elderly parent's independence more than anything else. A home care giver will ensure that the most difficult situations in your life are taken care of with tailor-made solutions. They will no doubt meet all your specific requirements in caring for your elderly parents.

In Boca Raton and the neighboring cities in Broward and Palm Beach counties find a screened and certified home care aide by visiting http://paradisehomehealthcare.com or by phoning:  (561) 672-7170

What a home care aide can do for your elderly loved-one

What a home care aide can do for your elderly loved-oneWhat Are The Roles Of A Home Care Aide

Baby boomers have actually simply joined an unique group of Americans: the elderly population. The united state Census Bureau approximates that by 2030, there will certainly be 72 million elders in the nation– two times the number that had been approximated in 2000. With many senior individuals requiring special care and wishing to live their own, independent lives, a home care service contributes in ensuring that the seniors are well looked after.

The Responsibilities Of A Home Care Aide

A home care aide performs a range of jobs and services for a senior customer. His/her main objective is to supply a nourishing and caring environment to guarantee that the senior lives a quality life and their individual needs are fulfilled. A home care aide works as an individual assistant and non-medical caregiver, as the senior might not have the ability to carry out particular tasks due to age, health issues or physical impairments. Considering that they live in their own houses, the senior citizens typically need support just in tasks that were as soon as easy to do for them but can not carry out effectively, or quickly.

The following are a few of the most typical tasks a home care aide performs:

• Provide aid and support in individual hygiene and grooming

• Assist clients while bathing and dressing

• Help the senior with bedside care and naps

• Ensure that the client takes his or her medications on schedule.

• Perform simple housekeeping chores for the senior consisting of cleaning, dusting, cooking, doing the laundry and pressing clothing

• Make sure that unique dietary requirements are fulfilled

• Run errands such as purchasing the clothes, medications and groceries

• Guide clients while carrying out workouts recommended by a physiotherapist, to ensure the safety of the senior and make specific that the exercises are effectively performed

• Serve as a buddy when going out with pals, participating in meetings and receiving visitors

• Drive the client when they need to go out, such as going to the doctor and other get-togethers

• Monitor the senior's general health. Keep in mind changes.

• Keep records of the patient's everyday activities and development in addition to the services carried out for the senior; report any important information to the physician such as abuse of medications and overlooking essential everyday activities

• Provide understandings throughout evaluations of the client's condition to identify whether changes require to be put in location

• Help prepare for future healthcare of the senior customer

A home care aide not just works with the senior individual, but also with the client's household. She provides recommendations and recommendation as to ways to effectively care for the patient, particularly throughout the critical durations of recovery.

A home health care aide intends to supply the senior with enough support to enable them to adjust to a brand-new way of life in consideration age, health conditions and impairments. A home care aide likewise serves as a trustworthy friend, someone with whom the client can rely on and talk – which is specifically important for those elders who are rarely in contact with family and friends.

Home care assistants just aid elders to adapt to a brand-new lifestyle, perform jobs when regular, now administered with some difficulty and offer friendship to avoid loneliness or anguish. Aides are caregivers who make aging pleasurable and natural.

With numerous elderly individuals needing unique care and desiring to live their own, independent lives, a home care service is important in making sure that the senior citizens are well taken care of.

A home care aide performs a variety of tasks and services for a senior customer. His or her main goal is to provide a nourishing and caring environment to guarantee that the elderly person lives a quality life and their individual needs are satisfied. A home care aide serves as a personal assistant and non-medical caregiver, as the senior individual might no longer be able to perform particular tasks due to age, health issues or physical specials needs. Given that they live in their own homes, the senior citizens usually require assistance only in tasks that were when easy to do for them however can no longer perform efficiently, or quickly.

In Boca Raton and the surrounding cities contact Paradise Home Health Care

 

Home Health Aide: A Great Option For An Elderly Loved One’s Care

Home Health Aide: A Great Option For An Elderly Loved One's Care​At that time when a loved one is getting older and are no longer able to manage themselves, determining ways to proceed may be extremely difficult. Many individual's initial consideration is to bring their mom or dad into their home & manage the care themselves. Be sure you must fully consider this through prior to selecting this choice. 

Taking in an older loved-one or grandparent may turn your home topsy turvy. You are going to need to modify more things to your living than your mother or father would most likely in their own. If you work for example, that may well need to end, based on the amount of attention your mom or dad necessitates. If they are unable to stay by themselves throughout the day, you may need to discontinue working. For many, such is not an option. Being a caregiver for an aged relative may ,in addition, place a demand on your social life. Nights out won't be an possibility because you have to to be at home to look after your aging loved one. In case you have kids in the house, having an aging loved one might place a strain on them likewise. For people with small children, they will will have to be quiet as to not upset your aging mother or father. 

Moving an older relative into your home may be hard for them too. Relocating is traumatic for anybody, the anxiety of leaving a home that they spent their whole life in can be increasingly demanding.  Seniors may be coping with the loss of a spouse or the unexpected onset of sickness. Introducing a change of residence to this may cause desolation and panic and anxiety.  You possibly will not have space used for all of their things, meaning they will need to eliminate items which they have treasured their whole life. 

Numerous aging people that relocate with loved ones are inclined to suffer a sense of shame. They feel that they are a burden on their loved ones. This can also lead to unhappiness & aggravation. 

Before determining to become the primary caregiver to your elderly loved one, you ought to give consideration to in home care. Choosing an in home care aide will permit your mother or father to remain in their own home. This will let them have a stronger sense of independence. Seniors will not have to to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings. They can continue as they they always have. And they can live on the identical timetable and not be troubled about interfering with the life of the people they love.  

A home health aide also presents a great degree of companionship to an aging individual. Many seniors build trusting relationships with their care providers. The social interaction made available by a home health aide will eliminate being lonely, an difficulty which troubles many older people. 

When deciding to seek the services of a homecare aide, there are usually worries regarding discovering the correct aide. You don't wish to put your mom or dad with the wrong person. Most reputable home health aide agencies require their employees to be certified In addition, they must provide references and a complete background check. in Boca Raton and neighboring cities in Palm Beach county and Broward county, Florida, Paradise Home Health Care will methodically match mature adults with completely screened, certified and empathetic home care aides.

Hiring a home health aide is not only a smart idea for you and your family, it will greatly benefit your elderly loved one as well.

When Your Parent Starts Dating

man suprising wifeWith our parents living into their nineties, it is a probability that one parent will be widowed, leaving their spouse of many years, alone. For many folks, being alone becomes oppressive and they seek out companionship. It is hard after decades of married life to suddenly be eating all by yourself. To not have someone around to talk to, share with and just hold hands with.

Online dating has become very popular with seniors and they are the fastest growing group on dating sites. Some people seek friendship and some are looking for intimacy and marriage. People meet through friends, at Senior Centers, at religious organizations or at their own clubhouse or community.

As this phenomenon becomes more widespread, it has become acceptable that “life is for the living”. There are second and third acts. Older adults seek out a more active life than their parents did. The issue of moving on often is more difficult for the adult son or daughter and even grown grandchildren.

Truly, no one can replace a parent, mother or father, or grandparent. For couples who have been together for 45, 50 or 60 years plus, the loss of one doesn’t mean the surviving spouse forgets them. However, family discord can arise when the adult sons and daughters feel a disloyalty of one parent to the other and of course there is the issue of money when a new person enters your parent’s life.

If you or a sibling is having difficulty accepting the new person in your parent’s life, you may want to seek counseling. There may be unresolved grief issues. The problem is yours and you will be getting in the way of your parent’s happiness, which probably is not your intent. Your parents may not have approved of who you dated or even married but they had to accept your decision.

In order to maintain a healthy and warm relationship with your mother or father, it is vital for you to examine your feelings and work it through. It is very unpleasant to have your son or daughter disapprove of your choice in who to spend time with.

If there is a true concern about the person who your parent is dating, you may wish to do a background check.  You may wish to have a non-confrontational conversation with your parent about your concern. You are entitled to your feelings, and to share them. However, be honest with yourself, is there something wrong with the person they are dating, is he or she a gold digger, or unbalanced or are you jealous, grieving, or acting out of a sense of loyalty to your deceased parent?

Tips to deal with how you feel about it:

  • It may seem “too soon” to you but your mom or dad may have been letting go of their spouse for a longer period of time. This is especially true following a long illness or dementia.
  • Having a new person in your parent’s life can be viewed as a positive for you. Someone else to share in the care of your parent and someone who can offer more time and companionship. This leaves you with more time for your own needs.
  • These are your feelings and they may set up a very unpleasant dynamic between you and your parent which will consume your relationship.
  • Dating and having a new relationship does not dishonor the memory of your mother or father. Your surviving parent still has needs for companionship, conversation and closeness. This is apart from your relationship and apart from their relationship with your deceased parent.
  • When you are feeling better about this, offer your parent some tips about dating today– i.e. having the “talk” with your parent’s about STDs – sexually transomitted diseases. Scam warnings, and just how things are different today then when they first started dating your mother or father.

It is their life after all. If you “win” and they stop seeing that person, there will be sourness to your relationship which will continue. Unless you have a real sense of danger or manipulation, deal with your feelings and stay out of it. Work things through so that you can be supportive and loving to your parent.  People don’t all have to get along, but we do best when we show respect for a loved one’s choice.

The post When Your Parent Starts Dating appeared first on Paradise Home Health Care.

Seniors learn ins and outs of the Internet

sun sentinel

Jan Engoren jengoren@tribune.com

While surfing the Internet and a quick Google fact-check is second nature to many these days, there is still a segment of the population that struggles to get online and navigate. Many seniors, dragged reluctantly into the tech age, have acquiesced and accommodated, however slowly and painfully.

“Learning your way around the Internet can open up a whole new world for seniors,” said Tali Kentof, Jewish community liaison for Vitas Healthcare, who teaches the Grandma Googles class at the Boynton Beach Senior Center, along with social worker Sherry Picker.

“The Internet is an online encyclopedia,” she said. “You can get all your questions answered in a split second. Learning to be computer savvy adds to a senior’s sense of independence and gives them a sense of control, which is important.”

Kentof, who also gives classes on caregiving and how to have a conversation on planning for end of life care, said she was motivated to create the class after meeting a senior who asked her for help with online dating.

“She asked me to help her upload her picture to the site,” she said. “I saw such hope in her eyes that I developed this program to help seniors improve their quality of life.”

Jean Young, 87, a volunteer at the senior center, signed up for the Grandma Googles class in May.

Originally from Ohio, Young worked for Ohio Bell for 37 years and, although retired, has no desire to slow down.

She has a Facebook page and emails regularly with friends and family. She signed up for the class to become more conversant in Skype and to learn how to maximize her smartphone use.

“I’d like to download music from Pandora, and learn how to text,” she said. “If you don’t have someone showing you new stuff, you just keep doing the same thing.”

Likewise, Beverly Ward, 70, a retired chiropractor assistant and travel agent, who lives in the High Point community in Boynton Beach, signed up for the Grandma Googles class to improve on her skills.

Relocating from Woodstock, Vt., Ward said her skills became rusty because, “Up there, we had no cable and no Internet.”

Ward owns a laptop and an iPad mini that she used to take photos while traveling in Europe.

She said she hopes to learn to Skype to talk with her grown grandchildren in New England and wants to learn how to shop on Amazon and QVC.

According to Kentof, the most popular sites that seniors want to investigate include dating sites, Pandora, Netflix and YouTube.

Kentof taught her mother, Alina, 75, a Holocaust survivor, how to navigate around a computer.

“She didn’t know anything about technology,” she said. “But now she can do almost everything I can do – text, attach files. She forwards Jewish jokes to me, listens to Pandora on her iPad and watches TED Talks on YouTube.”

“She drives me crazy, texting me all the time. She even sent me an audio text,” Kentof said, jokingly. “If she can learn it, any senior can learn it.”

“Once they discover YouTube, it’s pretty exciting,” said Picker, a social worker from Paradise Home Health Care. “They can see Frank Sinatra’s first concert or see how to make matzo ball soup.”

“These sites add to their quality of life,” she said. “They can find a local movie, restaurant or travel or watch any movie at the touch of a button.”

As a social worker, Picker gives the seniors tips on how to spot red flags on dating sites or not to sit too long in front of the computer.

“But, we’re here to educate, entertain and enlighten,” Picker said.

For information please call the Boynton Beach Senior Center at 561-742-6570 or follow them on Facebook (boyntonbeachrecandparks) and Twitter (@boyntonbeachrec).

Visit paradisehomehealthcare.com and vitas.com.

Should you be interested in having any of the “Grandma Googles” classes at your Senior Center, ALF or organization, please contact Sherry Picker 561-672-7170. They are presented free of charge.

The post Seniors learn ins and outs of the Internet appeared first on Paradise Home Health Care.

Adult Educational Programs in Boynton Beach

classroomEducational programs for Sandwich Generation Boomers and Seniors are offered at no charge at Temple Shaarei Shalom – 9085 Hagen Ranch Rd. Boynton Beach, Fl 33472  Speak with Alan Schoen for further details.  561-364-9054. In the Fall and Winter, Paradise Home Health Care will be presenting two informative and entertaining courses for Older Adults and their families.

“Location, Location, Location – Planning Where You Want to Be”

We will explore Jewish Values and ways to manage the challenges of life transitions. Participants will learn about the various options of remaining in their own home safely, Senior Living choices, and ways to pay for your post, post retirement with the quality of life you enjoy.

Dates: ThursdaysDecember 3, 10 & 17, January 7, 14

Time: 1:30-2:30      Location: Temple Shaarei Shalom

Dec. 3, 2015  “Jewish Values; What Matters Most to You?” by Tali Kentoff                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A fun way to explore your priorities.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Tali Kentoff is the Jewish Community Liaison for Vitas Healthcare. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing and a master’s in Education.

Dec. 10, 2015  “Creating a Home for Your Lifetime” by Susan Luxenberg                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Learn affordable and stylish ways to modify your home.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Susan Luxenberg, C.A.P.S. is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist & Accessibility Designer. She owns and operates HomeSmart LLC

Dec. 17, 2015  “Affording Your Chosen Option” by JD Dinnocenzo & Elizabeth Katz                                                                                                                                                                                                     Learn the TRUTH about Reverse Mortgages, Medicaid and Veteran Benefits.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Elizabeth Katz CMC,CSA is the President and owner of TurningPointe Senior Services LLC. She holds a Master’s degree in Geriatric Care Management and is certified. Liz assists with Medicaid and Veteran’s Benefits applications, services and planning.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     JD Dinnocenzo CMP, is a Certified Mortgage Planner, Reverse Mortgage Specialist and works for PMAC Lending. He has an MBA from the University of Texas – Houston and holds licenses in several states. JD is a member of the Board of the South Florida Guardian Association.

Jan. 7, 2016 “ILF, ALD, CCRC- The ABCs of Senior Living Choices” by Nanci Hannan and Louise Petraitis                                                                                                                                           Explore the differences between various types of Retirement options in Senior Living.                                                                                                                                                                                                 Nanci Hannan is the Business Development Director – Brookdale Senior Living/Palm Beach County- a leader in Senior Living properties around the country.                                                                     Louise Petraitis is the Business Development Director for LifeSpace Communities – Abbey Delray, Abbey Delray South and Harbourside.

Jan.14, 2016  “Care Partners and Couples Dealing with Transitions” by Jamie Brodarick, PhD.                                                                                                                                                                         Gain practical solutions to the many challenges which accompany life transitions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Dr. Jamie Brodarick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is an adjunct professor and Director of the Center for Alzheimer’s Counseling and Training.

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“Wellness Forum – Keep Moving and Grooving”

Participants will learn about the power of Movement for our overall well- being. Experts in Movement, Music and Tai Chi will present the mind body connection along with natural solutions to some health concerns and Groove to True Senior Sex Stories— you are welcome to share some of your own!

Dates:  January 21, 28 & February 4, 11.

Time:   1:30-2:30    Location:  Temple Shaarei Shalom

Jan. 21, 2015 “Mind & Body: The Mechanics of Movement” by Ed Gray, B.S.

Exercise isn’t a dirty word. Break the monotony and enjoy your way to feeling better.   Ed Gray is a Physical and Occupational Therapist with degrees from Lynn and Barry Universities. He along with his wife Jodi own and operate Florida Movement Therapy Centers, focusing on neurological, movement and balance issues.

Jan. 28, 2015  “Move with Music” by Bree Beynon, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist We all have natural rhythms in our bodies. Connect for improved balance and mood.                                        Bree has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy (concentration in voice) from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY.  She is board-certified and also has certification from the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy at Colorado State University.  Bree works as a music therapist in medical settings at PBMTI as well as Managing Partner.

Feb. 4. 2016  “Natural Solutions for Arthritis and Back Pain” by Chip Sexton DOM  Find out why we have pain and effective ways to rapidly resolve chronic and acute pain conditions. Explore Nutrition, Acupuncture, Herbs & Movement – Tai Chi.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Dr. Sexton is a certified Postural Alignment Specialist, Sports Medicine Acupuncturist, Clinical Herbalist & Food Therapist and a Board Licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine.

Feb. 11, 2016  “Move and Groove: True Sexy Senior Stories” by Ann Meyerson, PhD Yes it is true, we are lifelong sexual beings and humor makes it all that much better!                                       Ann Meyerson, PhD is a Transition Counselor & Realtor with Keyes Real Estate – Helping Boomers and Seniors to make their next move.

Moderated by Sherry Picker, MSW a native Floridian, is a Social Worker with Paradise Home Health Care. She received her BA at Stern College, Yeshiva University and Master of Social Work from Hunter College in NYC. She works in Broward and Palm Beach counties. 561-672-7170.

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Conversing with Someone Who Has Dementia

communicationMost communication is non-verbal. Important tips when communicating with someone who has cognitive impairment.

Since only about 7% percent of communication is made through actual words/speech, we must be aware of the other 93% of ways in which we convey what we wish to get across. Body language, facial expression, tones and pitch of our voice make up the majority of our actual communication between each other.  For people who have Alzheimer’s disease, other types of dementia or traumatic brain injuries it can be difficult to understand the language of communication but not the “feeling” of the communique.

Tips for Successful Communication:

1. Be at eye level with the person you are speaking with so that they can see your facial expressions and body language.

2. Speak slowly so that the words can be processed. Impaired cognition makes for slower processing of information.

3. Use visual cues whenever possible.

4. Smile often and if the person doesn’t mind, touch them. The power of touch to express caring and concern is well known. Rub their shoulder or back or hold their hands.

5. Try to avoid conversation by phone as all the visual cues are missing. SKYPE or FaceTime can be useful.

6. Have the person’s hearing checked regularly. If they aren’t hearing your words, they certainly don’t have the opportunity to process them.

7. Become more comfortable with silences.

8. Ask questions with Yes or No or choice A. or B. answers rather than open ended questions which require a greater degree of thought.

9. No need to argue, correct or confront a person with Alzheimer or Dementia, you are entering their reality.

Warm expressions, a calm and relaxed voice can make a positive difference.

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Grandma Googles Program: Article in Palm Beach Post

Sex for seniors? Yeah, you can Google that

Updated: 2:11 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2015  |  Posted: 2:05 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2015

By Alexandra Seltzer – Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

BOYNTON BEACH — 

What are your favorite websites? Other than porn.

That’s what Sherry Picker asked a class of about 10 women and one man at Boynton Beach’s Senior Center on Thursday morning.

Grandma Googles class at Boynton Beach’s Senior Center on Thursday May 21, 2015.

“But that’s what we’re here for!” one woman replied. “OK. Come on girls, let’s go to my house.”

That’s how the hour-long Grandma Googles class started. And, Picker, a senior care manager with Paradise Home Health Care, and Tali Kentof, a Jewish community liaison with Vitas Healthcare, said this group was tame compared to others.

The class — taught by Picker and Kentof — was free and open to the public to teach seniors, specifically, how to use Google on computers, tablets or smart phones.

“Don’t be afraid of technology,” Kentof told the group.

The class also learned how to listen to Elvis and Bob Seger on Pandora, listen to a Maya Angelou poem and learn to cook Matzoh ball soup on YouTube, and how to search for dates on Match.com.

“If you want to look at the 20-somethings, by all means, look at the 20-somethings,” Kentof said while browsing the dating site.

While Kentof typed in search terms, Picker told the seniors what they were looking at: “This is dating in 2015. You don’t have to go to a dance, because there aren’t many dances to go to. You don’t have to wait for the sailors to get off the boat.”

The search was for a man between the ages of 65 and 80 within a 50-mile radius of Boynton Beach. Kentof clicked on a profile of a man who said he was 72.

“He’s in Boca,” she announced. “He looks fit.”

The women were into it. They smiled and giggled.

“He has 20 photos,” Kentof continued.

“Naked?” one woman asked.

Kentof and Picker travel to different places across the county to hold this class, among others, and a similar Grandma Googles class called Modern Dating for the Not-So-Modern, which focuses more on online dating for seniors and how to “get your sexy back,” Picker said after the class.

They recently held the dating class at a Delray Beach community center. While the class had a low turnout, the four women who did attend were experienced online-daters.

Kentof and Picker recalled the group had interesting stories to tell. For example, one woman said her daughter met someone online and he brought a bag to her house. She didn’t know what to think: Could that be an overnight bag? But it turned out his washing machine broke and he was hoping to use hers.

For information about either “Grandma Googles – Media websites or Online Dating” please contact Sherry Picker – 561-672-7170 for presentations in Palm Beach county, Florida

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