Hello Friends,
On Saturday October 10th Mark and I, along with approximately 50 Right at Home employees have teamed up to make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.
Our team will attend the Alzheimer’s Association “Move to End Alzheimer’s Memory Walk.” One of our beloved clients Susan Dugan and her husband Paul Dugan are Special Honorees. Additionally, Jen Jackson (reporter for channel 2 news and Right at Home caregiver) will be covering this extraordinary event.
It is my personal goal to support a better life for those living with Alzheimer’s and to help with the financial and emotional burdens of life as a caregiver.
I am calling on you my friends to help the Right at Home team support the Alzheimer’s Association with a small monetary donation. If you can support us please send a check made out to the Alzheimer’s Association to;
Elaine Wimbush
Right at Home
6490 S McCarran C-19
Reno Nevada 89509
Thank you for your consideration and be sure to check us out at www.rightathomereno.com where you will find info about our business, daily twitters, and blog.
Sincerely,
Elaine Wimbush
Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Healthy Aging: Simple Lifestyle Changes Improve Quality of Life
Healthy Aging: Simple Lifestyle Changes Improve Quality of Life
By (Elaine Wimbush)
A healthy lifestyle begins with small steps and setting achievable goals. Getting started is easier than you might think, even for the elderly. It is never too late for seniors to take control of their health and focus on the positive aspects of aging instead of the myths and negative stereotypes. With the right mindset, seniors can embrace growing older and start on the journey to healthy aging using items found around a typical home.
“Living life to the fullest as you age can be challenging, yet exciting. Making an effort to better your health can improve your quality of life greatly,” said Allen Hager, CEO and founder of Right at Home, a national provider of in-home care with 165 locations in 41 states. “Awareness and education are important to empowering seniors to age gracefully.” The following household items and activities can act as simple ways for seniors to begin their healthy aging journey.
Physical:
Before undertaking any type of physical program, seniors should talk to their doctor. There may be activities seniors should avoid due to personal health situations.
· A notepad and pen – Stay on track by writing down goals and recording your progress.
· Two cans of soup – Actually, any canned goods from the pantry serve as great hand weights and can be used help to improve arm strength. While sitting in a chair, place both arms out flat in front of you and lift the can up about six inches. Repeat five times. Remember, it’s not a race, start slow and increase your repetitions as you are able.
· Kitchen timer – Start with five minutes of exercise and increase time as ability warrants. Making slow, steady progress builds a routine and endurance.
· Glass of water – Among other health benefits, staying hydrated can prevent temporary memory impairment. Try to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
· Healthy snacks and meals – Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fibers and low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Make foods that are flavorful and simple to prepare. If your loved one needs assistance preparing healthy meals or snacks, consider hiring caregivers that for a few hours a week to help with advanced meal and snack preparation.
Mental Fitness:
· Deck of cards – Games keep the brain working and cognitive skills healthy. Play a game of Solitaire or flip the cards over and match numbers or suits to improve memory.
· Calculator – Maintain cognitive skills and financial health by keeping close track of monthly expenses.
· Newspaper – Reading exercises the mind and helps the ability to focus. Most newspapers also include a daily crossword puzzle, which helps delay memory impairment.
Overall Well-being:
· Calendar – Record doctor’s appointments, including preventative care visits. Also keep track of loved ones’ anniversaries and birthdays.
· Pillow – Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night is important. Commit to a regular sleep schedule and develop a bedtime ritual, such as listening to soothing music or taking a bath.
· Telephone – Staying connected with friends and family is good for emotional well-being.
There is a higher probability of healthy aging success when there is support and encouragement from a senior’s loved ones. Families and friends can cheer on the seniors in their lives by giving them a “Healthy Aging” basket that includes some of the items listed above. About Right at Home®Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client's home. Right At Home Reno is one of more than 165 franchise locations across the U.S. For more information, contact Christy Cunningham (Community Outreach Administrator), or visit www.rightathomereno.com.
By (Elaine Wimbush)
A healthy lifestyle begins with small steps and setting achievable goals. Getting started is easier than you might think, even for the elderly. It is never too late for seniors to take control of their health and focus on the positive aspects of aging instead of the myths and negative stereotypes. With the right mindset, seniors can embrace growing older and start on the journey to healthy aging using items found around a typical home.
“Living life to the fullest as you age can be challenging, yet exciting. Making an effort to better your health can improve your quality of life greatly,” said Allen Hager, CEO and founder of Right at Home, a national provider of in-home care with 165 locations in 41 states. “Awareness and education are important to empowering seniors to age gracefully.” The following household items and activities can act as simple ways for seniors to begin their healthy aging journey.
Physical:
Before undertaking any type of physical program, seniors should talk to their doctor. There may be activities seniors should avoid due to personal health situations.
· A notepad and pen – Stay on track by writing down goals and recording your progress.
· Two cans of soup – Actually, any canned goods from the pantry serve as great hand weights and can be used help to improve arm strength. While sitting in a chair, place both arms out flat in front of you and lift the can up about six inches. Repeat five times. Remember, it’s not a race, start slow and increase your repetitions as you are able.
· Kitchen timer – Start with five minutes of exercise and increase time as ability warrants. Making slow, steady progress builds a routine and endurance.
· Glass of water – Among other health benefits, staying hydrated can prevent temporary memory impairment. Try to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
· Healthy snacks and meals – Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fibers and low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Make foods that are flavorful and simple to prepare. If your loved one needs assistance preparing healthy meals or snacks, consider hiring caregivers that for a few hours a week to help with advanced meal and snack preparation.
Mental Fitness:
· Deck of cards – Games keep the brain working and cognitive skills healthy. Play a game of Solitaire or flip the cards over and match numbers or suits to improve memory.
· Calculator – Maintain cognitive skills and financial health by keeping close track of monthly expenses.
· Newspaper – Reading exercises the mind and helps the ability to focus. Most newspapers also include a daily crossword puzzle, which helps delay memory impairment.
Overall Well-being:
· Calendar – Record doctor’s appointments, including preventative care visits. Also keep track of loved ones’ anniversaries and birthdays.
· Pillow – Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night is important. Commit to a regular sleep schedule and develop a bedtime ritual, such as listening to soothing music or taking a bath.
· Telephone – Staying connected with friends and family is good for emotional well-being.
There is a higher probability of healthy aging success when there is support and encouragement from a senior’s loved ones. Families and friends can cheer on the seniors in their lives by giving them a “Healthy Aging” basket that includes some of the items listed above. About Right at Home®Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client's home. Right At Home Reno is one of more than 165 franchise locations across the U.S. For more information, contact Christy Cunningham (Community Outreach Administrator), or visit www.rightathomereno.com.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Memorable Moments
Here at Right at Home Reno, we as an administrative staff feel very strongly about the level of the emotional and meaningful business we are in. The word “business” is almost not appropriate. We consistently express to our caregivers that what we are doing collectively as a team is extremely vital to the well being of others and there is nothing more important. The heartfelt mission that we are on sometimes takes us to levels of heartbreak and happiness. For those whom have cared for others in any capacity can share this concept.
Recently, one of our caregivers was called at 9pm for new hospice client that we were not scheduled to start with until the end of the week, however, the daughter, feeling weary and needing sleep called unexpectedly for respite for the night. Our caregiver jumped out of bed and arrived an hour and a half later. Not sure what to expect, the client passed away 45 minutes later. The daughter later called our office and in her gratefulness, expressed how appreciative she was for our caregiver and her knowledge of the dying process and being with her when her mom passed. Our caregiver, equally touched, summed up the night with “please call me to help people like that again.”
It is moments like this that remind us all of why helping people is not just a source of an occupation but is truly a purpose in life that does just effect one person but many.
- Regina Lodia-House
Staffing Coordinator
Right At Home Reno Office
www.rightathomereno.com
Recently, one of our caregivers was called at 9pm for new hospice client that we were not scheduled to start with until the end of the week, however, the daughter, feeling weary and needing sleep called unexpectedly for respite for the night. Our caregiver jumped out of bed and arrived an hour and a half later. Not sure what to expect, the client passed away 45 minutes later. The daughter later called our office and in her gratefulness, expressed how appreciative she was for our caregiver and her knowledge of the dying process and being with her when her mom passed. Our caregiver, equally touched, summed up the night with “please call me to help people like that again.”
It is moments like this that remind us all of why helping people is not just a source of an occupation but is truly a purpose in life that does just effect one person but many.
- Regina Lodia-House
Staffing Coordinator
Right At Home Reno Office
www.rightathomereno.com
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