March 11, 2011
THE SNOW IS MELTING AND THE SENIORS WHO SPENT THE WHOLE WINTER IN DOORS MAY BE LOOKING TO THEIR SENIOR CENTERS FOR SOME RELIEF FROM THE WINTER BLUES
By Carol Carbutti
Senior centers offer independence for aging adults and play a very important role in the lives of our elderly parents today. But most of all, senior centers allow seniors to become and remain social.
Getting out of the house and making new friends can prevent in home seniors with depression. Now many parents will not want to go to the senior center since many shy away from something new. What we can do to make it easier for them is to go along for the day to introduce them to this new environment and then afterwards take them out for lunch. Any aging adult who is 60 years old or older can join a senior center. While you are there you can check all the events a senior center has to offer that mom or dad might be interested in. Family caregivers will feel less stress and anxiety knowing that mom and dad are not home alone all the time. The most important thing is to encourage your parents to look forward to going out a few times a week.
Senior centers allow seniors to develop a social network. They can make and meet new friends. Senior centers offer programs and services like crafts, bingo, fitness, dance classes, travel to theatres, daily meals, birthday luncheons and more. All you have to do is check the senior center calendar that is usually published monthly. This will allow your aging parents to pick and choose their daily activities or programs. If they show an interest in the centers activities, all you need to do is sign them up. They can start by going once or twice a week. This will prevent them from feeling pressured. Soon you will notice that mom or dad will be visiting the senior center on a daily basis. The conversations you have now will be about all the fun things they did and the people they met. They will not have time to watch television at all.
I feel seniors centers are the best thing around for seniors today. They allow our parents to keep in touch with their peers and feel important and independent as well as give meaning to their lives. For information on a senior center near you contact your local township.
This story is from the office of Comfort Keepers, a non-medical in home caregiving agency of senior citizens of Wallingford, New Haven, Hamden (Zip Code 06514), North Haven, Cheshire, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, Meriden, Waterbury, Southington, Kensington, Berlin, Newington, New Britain, And Bristol. Carol Carbutti, the owner/manager, would like to mention that we could help seniors stay living independently in their own home by providing services for as few as 3 hours weekly to live in care. If you have any questions please call (203) 697-1030 or email us at denisegryzbek@comfortkeepers.com
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March 3, 2011
BREATHE EASIER THIS SPRING – Apply A Few Helpful Tips For Seniors, Their Family Members And Personal In Home Caregivers About Helpful Ways to Manage Asthma
By Carol Carbutti
If you have ever had a nasty dream where you are drowning and can’t resurface to catch your breath, then you wake and hear squeaks and wheezing, you may be experiencing an asthma attack. Always remember that it is possible to catch and manage your labored breathing.
It is important to identify some common frequent asthma triggers such as perfumes, cold or dry air, flour, coffee, tea, exercise, laundry detergents, air pollutants, wood dust such as red cedar and oak, alcoholic drinks, stress or an emotional time and allergens like pollen, molds and animal dander.
For a few seniors, the asthma symptoms may be something new, but for others who have suffered for years, they know an attack can be pretty scary. If you have encountered one or more of these asthma triggers, then you should contackt your doctor and find out what treatments are available
Even though it is easier said than done, the first thing an elderly asthmatic needs to do is relax as much as possible. A good way to try to relax is to sit down and have a few sips of water or a flavored drink because you can’t drink if you are really upset. This exercise will help calm you and your breathing will begin to slow down.
You can also sit down and place your folded hands on your upper abdomen. Take breaths (as deep as you can) and then exhale slowly through pursed lips. Now for seniors who use inhalers it is best to wait till you are calm so it can work more effectively. Learn to control an asthma attack, then learn to be proactive in preventing your asthma triggers. This starts in your home. Here are some tips:
Once a week you need to wipe down all hard surfaces with a diluted bleach solution. These cleaning solutions will clean any microscopic mold or mildew. Be sure to wear a breathing mask while you do this so you don’t irritate your lungs! Another good idea is to find a vacuum cleaner that releases very little dust back in to your home and use this often.
During the fall and spring remember to keep your windows closed due to the pollen. A good way to clean the air in your home is by using your air conditioners and don’t forget to change the filter each season to keep you air conditioner working at its peak effectiveness. Now when the windows are open you can get an air filterer for the room you spend the most time in. It will help to filter out any asthma-triggering agents that make it into your home.
If you are still experiencing severe asthma symptoms you may need to go back to your doctor for more ideas on how to manage the problem. Remember always try to relax and best that you can since anxiety and fear only compound the issue.
Spring is almost here and we are all so thankful for its renewal of life and growth. Let us all be in a healthy state to take our first deep breaths of sunshine. Keep these tips top of mind.
This story is from the office of Comfort Keepers, a non-medical in home caregiving agency of senior citizens of Wallingford, New Haven, Hamden (Zip Code 06514), North Haven, Cheshire, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, Meriden, Waterbury, Southington, Kensington, Berlin, Newington, New Britain, And Bristol. Carol Carbutti, the owner/manager, would like to mention that we could help seniors stay living independently in their own home by providing services for as few as 3 hours weekly to live in care. If you have any questions please call (203) 697-1030 or email us at denisegryzbek@comfortkeepers.com
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December 22, 2010
Comfort Keepers here in Wallingford Would Like To Wish Everyone A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year And To Remember Every Christmas is Special No Matter Where it is Celebrated
By Carol Carbutti
My Christmas memories are an eclectic blend of sights, sounds, tastes, aromas, sensations, emotions, and experiences that span four decades of countless family Christmas’s.
From childhood memories – growing up in New England, Christmas was typically snowbound and frigid, and included a slow and sometimes adventurous trek to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house in the next town over on snow-covered rural roads. When we all arrived at their house we would enjoy the fresh cooked cookies and pastries. This allowed us all to catch up on what was going on in the last few months while waiting for our Christmas dinner. As kids we would always be dazzled by their Christmas tree that seemed at the time to be 15 feet tall and adorned with candles, bubble lights, tinsel, countless glass and hand-made decorations, and topped with a beautiful angel. Growing up we always felt like we were surrounded by the love, warmth, and security that was always present in her home. When we were young Grandma and Grandpa would have all these presents under the tree and they were usually not what we asked Santa for because she believed we should get the necessities like socks, long-johns, shirts, sweaters, scarf’s and mittens that were highly functional. Now that we are older we appreciate the thought.
I remember vividly my first Christmas after marriage. That year my father pulled my husband aside and they created our first nativity. My dad told us about when his father helped him do the same when my parents were married. This is a tradition we will pass down to our children.
I also remember distinctly the many wonderful Christmases spent watching this great holiday season through the eyes of our children. I lived for Christmas mornings (after my husband and I had spent the greatest part of the night before putting together all the various toys with instructions that read, “takes an average adult 15 minutes to assemble” but always took us two hours). To see the smiles on their faces and the looks in their eyes was worth every skinned knuckle and unkind word spent on assembly. And one day we will watch that same magic each year in the eyes of our grandchildren.
But the one constant theme in my memories of Christmas was that for those who believe and understand the true reason we celebrate this special day, it is a day and a season like no other. And one that is particularly special to us.
This story is from the office of Comfort Keepers a non-medical in home caregiving agency for healthy aging senior citizens of Wallingford, CT. Carol Carbutti the owner would like to mention that we now service New Haven, Hamden (Zip Code 06514), North Haven, Cheshire, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, Meriden, Waterbury, Southington, Kensington, Berlin, Newington, New Britain and Bristol. If you have any questions please call (203) 697-1030 or email us at denisegryzbek@comfortkeepers.com
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December 15, 2010
A Little Story About Christmas Trees and Ornaments for our In Home Seniors and Their Families
By Carol Carbutti
In the early days in Europe, many of the people lived by the changing weather of the seasons. During the winter months many new families started decorated their homes with holly branches and mistletoe that they found on the trees in the winter. As time went on and the families grew, some members began creating figurines out of wood, straw, glass, metal and any other materials they had. They would create straw angels and carve wood figures for their tree or to just decorate the home. Since most of the population was poor, they would display these treasures that were handed down through the years.
One common set of figures that were carved were those of the Nativity. Once the basic Nativity was complete, carvings of animals, angels, and stars could be added. Eventually dozens of these figures would take up a significant part of their home!
Decorating the house and the tree with these homemade ornaments became tradition during the winter months. Every Christmas they were hung from the branches as new figures and creations were added each year.
The celebration of Christmas spread and modern day families are now able to afford to buy things instead of having to make them. they began buying decorations for their homes and Christmas trees instead of making them. Lights were added to the tees and then to the houses, and even outdoor decorations began to be used in front yards, bushes, and trees.
This story is from the office of Comfort Keepers a non-medical in home caregiving agency for healthy aging senior citizens of Wallingford, CT. Carol Carbutti the owner would like to mention that we now service New Haven, Hamden (Zip Code 06514), North Haven, Cheshire, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, Meriden, Waterbury, Southington, Kensington, Berlin, Newington, New Britain and Bristol. If you have any questions please call (203) 697-1030 or email us at denisegryzbek@comfortkeepers.com
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December 9, 2010
From the Office of Comfort Keepers here in Wallingford, Ct Would Like To Remind Senior Family Caregivers and Personal Care Companions to Assist Our In Home Seniors with their Christmas Gifting
By Carol Carbutti
The idea of gift giving to your family and friends is as old as the human race. The idea of exchanging gifts at Christmas dates all the way back to the birth of Jesus, when the three wise men traveled to deliver gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn baby. The shepherds in the fields also presented the new born baby with gifts.
Then in 1822 an author named Clement Clark Moore wrote the poem/story “T’was the Night before Christmas”. This story became the most popular poem throughout the world, and this is how all the children became familiar with Santa Claus. They now knew Santa Claus was the one who brought gifts on Christmas Eve, and they started traditionally hanging their stockings on the fireplace for more gifts the following Christmas Eve.
Today, the tradition of giving and receiving gifts is as much a part of Christmas as the Christmas tree, candy canes, and Christmas songs.
This story is from the office of Comfort Keepers a non-medical in home caregiving agency for healthy aging senior citizens of Wallingford, CT. Carol Carbutti the owner would like to mention that we now service New Haven, Hamden (Zip Code 06514), North Haven, Cheshire, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, Meriden, Waterbury, Southington, Kensington, Berlin, Newington, New Britain and Bristol. If you have any questions please call (203) 697-1030 or email us at denisegryzbek@comfortkeepers.com
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December 2, 2010
Being a Grandparent is Such a Joy
By Carol Carbutti
Being a grandparent is a joy for so many elderly seniors. Grandchildren remind us in lots of ways of our own children when they were little. This will make one reminisce about the times they had with their children, which is very pleasant. Also, the grandchildren bring hope for the family’s future, and we are a part of that also. When an elderly parent sees that grandbaby for the first time, that child will steal their heart.
Many at home elderly parents will find that grandchildren are a lot of entertainment. Grandparents are also older and wiser and appreciate so many more things about our grandchildren, which they may have missed with our own children. As a healthy aging senior you have more time to see the world through a child’s eyes. Baby boomers in their golden years are certainly more patient. Retired seniors get to have fun with them, and the parents do the hard stuff.
If you have the opportunity you should try to visit with your grandchildren as much as possible. It is very important to be a part of their life since they grow so fast. Grandparents will find that grandchildren today are so smart and learn things a lot faster with all their new educational cartoons. It is fascinating watching them learn and grow. It is also a wonderful surprise when the grandchildren are old enough to call once in a while and talk on the phone. It is so sweet!
A great way to enjoy your grandchild’s company is by babysitting a few hours a week. What a privilege that is! They will keep you busy as all babies do. Their smile just melts you, and they light up your world! It is so fun to watch them grow while learning to do new things like when they sit up for the first time and when they find their hands because they started to teeth. Then at the end of the day they go home to mommy and daddy so you can rest.
Grandchildren are truly a joy. If you have them, you know what I am talking about. If you don’t yet, you have a great deal to look forward to.
This story is from the office of Comfort Keepers a non-medical in home caregiving agency for healthy aging senior citizens of Wallingford, CT. Carol Carbutti the owner would like to mention that we now service New Haven, Hamden (Zip Code 06514), North Haven, Cheshire, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, Meriden, Waterbury, Southington, Kensington, Berlin, Newington, New Britain and Bristol. If you have any questions please call (203) 697-1030 or email us at denisegryzbek@comfortkeepers.com
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November 23, 2010
Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT Would Like To Say Happy Thanksgiving and to Remind Family Members and Caregivers to Take the Time to Assess their Elderly Seniors Homecare Needs During the Holidays
By Carol Carbutti
We live in a very mobile society where families don’t always live in the same town or state as their senior in home parents. Unlike the “old days”, entire families throughout America don’t have the opportunity to come together as often as they would like. That is why this Thanksgiving holiday has become an important time to take stock of your elderly homecare parent’s health and everyday living capabilities. Family gatherings with elderly family members from out of town, or even the more frequent family phone calls from long distance relatives, are a perfect time to ‘check up’ on our aging seniors who live on their own.
It is not uncommon for the senior’s adult children, especially the Baby Boomer generation, to have some concerns about how their elderly parents are doing. In fact, according to the Family Caregiver’s Alliance, families provide 80 percent of the long-term in home caregiving assistance in this country. During this holiday season, while you are enjoying your visits or on the phone with your aging loved ones, you should make good use of your time by reviewing their living status and basic healthcare issues.
Using Your Five Senses
Family members will notice that many of your holiday traditions will tempt an aging parents five senses. These same senses can be put to use while evaluating the status of senior family members. Below is a checklist using each of your senior citizens five senses to determine if your elderly parents are in need of additional companionship or personal care assistance:
Sight – Looking at a retired senior’s appearance can be a sign that they are being limited either physically or mentally from completing otherwise normal daily tasks. Watch for things like poor personal hygiene, clothes with stains and a disorganized or dirty house.
Sound – Listening to what your senior talks about and how an elderly parent speaks can tell you a lot about their current mental status. You should not assume that “old age” is causing these issues. Do they call you by name? Are they speaking normally? Are they staying involved in outside activities?
Smell – All caregivers and homemaking companions should use their nose as an indicator to determine if their in home aging mom or dad has been bathing properly. Family members should also make sure their elderly parents are able to keeping up with their house cleaning. Another sign of difficulty would be if you notice that your retired parents have spoiled food in their kitchen and refrigerator.
Taste – Tasting their food and sorting through their medications can help you determine if they are eating healthy or taking expired medications. Look at expiration dates and for fresh and stocked pantry items.
Touch – A simple hug can tell you if your senior dad is fragile or losing weight. You also need to check their skin to see if it is soft and if the color is normal. If you see any bruising or tearing you need to report this to your elderly parents’ primary doctor immediately.
Use this time to plan ahead for unforeseen events – Take this time to establish advanced directives including establishing a power of attorney, will, living will, etc. There is no such thing as being too prepared when it comes to the homecare and safety of your elderly parents.
Remember, the holiday season is a time for family, togetherness and establishing lifelong memories. By taking the time to address these senior issues before they reach the crisis stage, your caregiving family will have the much-needed sense of security, comfort and hopefully the ability to create new memories with your healthy aging loved ones for many years to come!
Carol Carbutti, owner of Comfort Keepers a non-medical in home agency for seniors in Wallingford, CT would like to mention that we now service New Haven, Hamden (Zip Code 06514), North Haven, Cheshire, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, Meriden, Waterbury, Southington, Kensington, Berlin, Newington, New Britain and Bristol. If you have any questions please call (203) 697-1030 or email us at denisegryzbek@comfortkeepers.com
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November 10, 2010
A LITTLE NOTE FROM COMFORT KEEPERS IN WALLINGFORD, CT ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO MAINTAIN A LOW IMPACT EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR OUR IN HOME HEALTHY AGING SENIORS WHO EXPERIENCE ARTHRITIS PAIN
By Carol Carbutti
Many healthy aging seniors become restless through out the day and feel terrible pain at night. It seems to be an endless cycle of discomfort and immobility. For our at home seniors it is very difficult knowing they do not have the means to do the things they used to do. This creates stress, boredom and frustration for our aging retired parents. When it comes to exercise most elderly seniors with arthritis would rather have some rest than exercise since they are already exhausted and in pain already.
Many people including senior citizens have a mistaken notion that exercise can further damage their joints. Encouraging a moderate exercise routine can significantly impact the overall well-being of our elderly clients who suffer from arthritis. Retirees should of course refrain from doing high-impact exercises as this may aggravate their condition.
When it comes to arthritis there are a variety of low-impact or moderate exercises that have shown incredible benefits for our aging society such as reduction of joint pain and the strengthening of muscles around the affected joint. A low impact exercise routine can also improved overall health and fitness by creating a healthy self-esteem, reducing depressive symptoms, controlling obesity, improving sleep, and boosting energy.
Family caregivers and senior clients should always make an appointment with their doctor to discuss an exercise routine that is healthy and safe before starting any program. Some may prefer water therapy or just a leisure walk in the neighborhood for 15 to 30 minutes. Remember a little exercise will go a long way.
Carol Carbutti, owner of Comfort Keepers a non-medical in home agency for seniors in Wallingford, CT would like to mention that we now service New Haven, Hamden (Zip Code 06514), North Haven, Cheshire, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, Meriden, Waterbury, Southington, Kensington, Berlin, Newington, New Britain and Bristol. If you have any questions please call (203) 697-1030 or email us at denisegryzbek@comfortkeepers.com
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August 20, 2010
COMFORT KEEPERS OF WALLINGFORD, CT WOULD LIKE TO OFFER A FEW HINTS ON HOW TO MAKE COOKING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS MORE FLAVORFUL (Summer Repost)
By Carol Carbutti
Preparing food for in home senior citizens is something that many don’t give much thought to. Many of our elderly at home parents realize as they get older that there are many foods from the past that they didn’t like. But as our healthy aging parents age their taste changes and now they might realize those foods are now delicious. That is because a seniors sense of taste and smell decrease. You do have to be careful because some elderly parents may not be eating as much as they should due to loss of taste. There are quite a few things to consider when preparing food for the elderly, whether it is cooked by themselves, a family member or a visiting caregiver.
When a caregiver prepares a menu they need to follow the dietary guidelines and calorie intake specified by the elderly parents personal physician. This is very important because the wrong foods and poor preparation can cause a risk of obesity or malnourishment. You also have to factor in seniors physical health such as, blood pressure, diabetes, digestion problems. It is very important to check and see if certain medications need to be taken before eating, with food, or after eating.
There are several ways seniors and caregiving companions can add more flavor and nourishment to restricted diets. Seniors and family caregivers, should consider cooking fresh vegetables instead of buying processed, frozen dinners. Try cooking potatoes, vegetables or rice in chicken broth that is low in sodium or using the broth in mashed potatoes instead dairy products like milk or butter. Caregivers should purchase meats that are tender. A lean cut of beef has a lot more flavor and will minimize the fat. Skinless chicken breasts or thighs are another very healthy meal, these can be baked, broiled or grilled with fresh herbs to add flavor. When buying ground beef, you should use ground sirloin which has less fat and more flavor.
Here is a helpful tip for an elderly parents morning breakfast, cereal is more nutritious and tastes better if it is cooked. Fruit can be added for more flavor and healthier eating. If sugar can be added, try mixing sugar with cinnamon. Caregivers may also try serving yogurt with granola and fruit. It is very important to have your senior parent involved in the preparation of their meals so they will feel more useful than just sitting around the kitchen watching. This will help elderly seniors who have memory loss by familiarizing them with things they used to do in the past.
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August 6, 2010
The 5 Stages Of Senior Retirement Which Is A Journey For The Entire Senior Family From Carol Carbutti Owner Of The Caregiver Service Comfort Keepers In Wallingford, CT (Summer Repost)
By Carol Carbutti
There are five distinct stages to retirement that impact not only the senior citizen moving through them, but also their families, workplace, communities and financial situations, according to Ameriprise Financials The New Retirement Mindscape study.
Researchers have labeled the five stages that the elderly experience before and during retirement as: imagination, anticipation, liberation, reorientation and reconciliation.
Imagination (15 to six years before Retirement Day): Retirement is not necessarily top on your mind; future seniors are putting children through college, pursuing their career, paying bills.
As senior retirement draws closer, they pay more attention to and define their goals and preparation needs. This is when a clearer vision emerges of what is wanted out of this next life phase, and a sense of enthusiasm and excitement about retirement develops.
Anticipation (up to five years before retirement): This is a time of excitement and hopefulness. Emotions intensify and financial resources are almost in place. The elderly spend more time planning for recreation, new hobbies, family and new careers.
Liberation (Retirement Day and the year following): The honeymoon phase. It’s a time of enjoyment, enthusiasm and hopefulness, and it lasts about a year. Senior citizens feel excited, relieved, and liberated from worries and responsibilities. Our elderly parents miss their friends and work connections, but reconnect with spouses and families, hobbies, traveling and beginning new businesses – 89 percent of our seniors indicated they were “very busy” during this time.
Reorientation (two to 15 years after retirement): After the initial liberation period, many elderly people transition into reorientation. During this time, which can last up to 15 years after Retirement Day, there’s a let-down. How much of a let-down and how long it lasts depends on how they reorient their priorities, activities, relationships and daily living. Senior parents often discover the challenges of retirement may include depression, worry and/or boredom.
The study uncovered four distinct experiences within the reorientation stage of the senior retirement journey:
- Empowered Reinventors (19%): This stage is a time of adventure, new challenges and fulfillment for our adult parents.
- Carefree Contents (19%): This stage is a time for seniors to adjust to a less frantic lifestyle without the stress of work and responsibilities. Eight out of 10 of our senior parents don’t work at all.
- Uncertain Searchers (22%): This stage is one of mixed feelings – Our retired elderly parents are still trying to figure out what to do with this time in their lives, and may not be on track financially for retirement.
- Worried Strugglers (40%): This stage is most difficult due to a lack of planning and preparation. Most of our senior citizens have not given much thought to what they want to do with their retirement years.
Reconciliation (16 or more years after retirement): Many retirees enter a phase of relative contentment and acceptance. They begin to set their sights on moving to a new home, confront end-of-life issues with families and friends; and find resting and relaxing with other seniors more appealing.
Among pre-retirees and retirees with retirement experience, one of the main discoveries was that both groups find retirement is liberation from the daily grind, which gives them more control over their own time.
This study was for Ameriprise Financial in conjunction with Age Wave and Harris Interactive, Inc. The survey sampled 2,000 people (ages 40-75) around the country in 2005.
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