6 Ways to Help a Senior Loved One Sleep Better

A man lies awake in bed. It can be difficult for family members to know how to help a senior loved one sleep better.

Try these tips to help a senior loved one sleep better.

We have all been there: slowing down breathing, counting sheep, listening to white noise, all in an effort to force our brains to shut down to allow us the sleep we desperately need. As we age, it can be even more difficult to get enough sleep. Older adults may experience changes in their sleep architecture, including lighter sleep, more frequent awakenings, and a shift towards earlier bedtimes. Yet maintaining healthy sleep patterns is very important for cognitive function, emotional health, and physical vitality, making it important to know how to help a senior loved one sleep better.

What Affects Sleep Patterns in Older Adults?

There are numerous factors impacting senior sleep, including:

  • Health Conditions: Chronic pain, arthritis, and respiratory issues can contribute to discomfort during the night.
  • Circadian Rhythm Changes: Aging can adjust the body’s internal clock, leading to a preference for earlier bed and wake times.
  • Environmental Factors: Temperature, noise, and light can affect sleep quality.
  • Medications: Certain medications may have side effects that disrupt sleep patterns.

So, How Can You Help a Senior Loved One Sleep Better?

  • Relaxation Techniques: There are a variety of relaxation techniques that older adults can incorporate into their pre-sleep routine, such as mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, and gentle stretching routines. There are both physical and mental benefits of relaxation practices in preparing the mind and body for a restful night of sleep.
  • Limited Naps: Though there are benefits to short naps, longer naps, especially later in the day, makes it harder to fall and stay asleep at night. Emphasize the importance of brief, rejuvenating naps while cautioning against extended daytime sleep, which could disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle.
  • Regular Exercise: Exercise is important, but just as important is the timing of physical activity. Engaging in exercise early in the day can play a role in better sleep. Encourage activities that the person enjoys, whether it is a morning walk, gardening, or light yoga, fostering a healthy routine that aligns along with their preferences.
  • A Comfortable Sleep Environment: Make sure the mattress and pillows are comfortable and supportive. Consider soft, breathable bedding materials, and if applicable, invest in sleep-inducing scents or a white noise machine to create an optimal atmosphere for relaxation.
  • A Consistent Routine: Encouraging a regular sleep routine is critical for seniors. Beyond sticking with consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, consider incorporating calming pre-sleep rituals. This might include activities like reading a book, listening to soothing music, or practicing gentle meditation to signal to the body that it’s time to wind down.
  • Mindful Eating: Specific foods promote sleep, such as those rich in magnesium or tryptophan. Additionally, herbal teas are known for their calming properties. Offer practical tips on portion control and timing to optimize the positive impact of nutrition on sleep.

Our caregivers are helping older adults in our community stay engaged and active, eat healthier, and enjoy calming routines that foster better sleep habits. Contact us at 954-486-6440 to learn how our home care services can assist someone you love in Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Lighthouse Point, and the surrounding areas.

How to Help an Older Adult Who Is Grieving

An older adult who is grieving clutches a photo in her arms as she gazes sadly out the window.

An older adult who is grieving needs lots of support to get through this difficult time.

By the time we reach our golden years, we’ve had many years of building deep connections with family and friends. These bonds are crucial to our quality of life, and when they are severed, it inevitably leads to feelings of deep loss.

You may feel hopeless to help an older adult who is grieving, but there are steps you can take. It begins with understanding more about this powerful emotion.

What Should You Know About Grief in Older Adults?

Grief Is Complex

  • Grief in older adults is a complicated emotional reaction to a variety of losses, including the passing of family members, declining health, or changes in independence.
  • Acknowledging the unique nature of each older adult’s grieving process is essential for offering individualized support.

Grief Effects Mental Health

  • Grief can manifest in a variety of ways, impacting mental health and well-being.
  • Seniors may experience feelings of loneliness and sadness, as well as physical symptoms such as changes in sleep patterns or appetite.

Grief Is a Process

  • The grieving process is non-linear and unique to each individual, encompassing stages such as denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and acceptance.
  • Seniors may revisit these stages at different times, necessitating patience and empathy from caregivers and loved ones.

How Can You Help an Older Adult Who Is Grieving?

Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms. Engaging in activities that bring joy and comfort is important for dealing with grief. Encourage the person to pursue hobbies, take part in social interactions, and practice mindfulness. In addition, emphasizing a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and nutritious meals, contributes to their resilience and overall well-being during challenging times.

Seek Professional Support. Grief is a complex emotional experience, and professional support can offer valuable guidance. Encourage the individual to explore counseling or join a support group tailored to their needs. Professional resources offer tools for managing emotions, coping strategies, and also the comfort of a supportive community, aiding in the healing process.

Maintain Open Channels of Communication. Grieving seniors often face the struggle of expressing their emotions. Encourage open communication, providing a safe space in order for them to share their feelings. Be a compassionate listener, offering understanding and reassurance without judgment. Creating an environment where emotions can be expressed fosters a sense of connection and healing.

Strengthen Community Connections. Building a supportive community is crucial for someone facing grief. Create opportunities for social interactions, and make certain they maintain connections with family, friends, and community resources. Establishing a network of support can provide a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a supportive environment for healing.

We’re here to assist older adults who are struggling through times of bereavement. Our compassionate, kind care professionals provide both a listening ear and engaging activities to help make each day a little brighter. Contact us online or give us a call at 954-486-6440 for assistance and support in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, or the surrounding areas.

Dressed for Success: The Best Senior Adaptive Clothing

An older man wearing the best senior adaptive clothing smiles at his reflection in the mirror.

The best senior adaptive clothing improves safety and comfort while empowering older adults to remain self-sufficient.

What were your thoughts when choosing the outfit you put on this morning? Style? Comfort? A particular memory attached to a piece of clothing? The clothes we wear are a fundamental part of our identity, and the simple act of choosing what to wear and being able to put it on is essential to our independence. When the effects of growing older or a health condition like arthritis make it challenging to self-dress, knowing how to choose the best senior adaptive clothing is an excellent way to maintain self-sufficiency.

What Is the Best Senior Adaptive Clothing to Choose?

There are several key features to consider in adaptive clothing, including:

How it fastens: Zippers and buttons are harder to manage than Velcro, snaps, or magnets.

How it’s put on: Raising the arms and pulling a snug sweater over the head is a lot more difficult than slipping on a cardigan. For a person in a wheelchair or with other mobility issues, clothing that opens in the back or on the side is an even better choice.

How restrictive it is: Clothing with adjustable straps or an elastic waistband is less restrictive and also works well for someone with fluctuating weight or issues with swelling.

How it aids in preventing falls: Do not forget about footwear! Adaptive shoes are usually slip-resistant and will accommodate swelling or a brace.

How easy it is to wash: Choose machine wash/tumble dry clothing made from fabric that resists wrinkles and will be most convenient and comfortable.

Will It Fit?

Purchasing items that fit well and are comfortable isn’t always easy, especially if you are ordering clothing online. Here’s how to achieve the very best results:

Measure first. Get an accurate measurement of the person’s waist, hips, inseam, and for women, bust.

Check the charts. Many online adaptive clothing sites will provide size charts. In addition to the person’s body measurements, pay attention to whether the garments will have a slim or relaxed fit.

Try it on. Whenever possible, the most reliable way to ensure a good fit is by trying the items on and having the person move about to check for mobility, flexibility, and comfort. If a piece of clothing misses the mark in any of these areas, return it or talk to a seamstress or tailor about altering it.

Keep in mind too that while adaptive clothing’s purpose is to make getting dressed safer and easier, that does not mean you have to settle for frumpy frocks! Sit down together and look at patterns, colors, and styles online so the individual can select the items they like best.

Contact Responsive Home Care for further help with your adaptive clothing needs. We’re here to offer tried and true tips, take older adults shopping, provide support with getting dressed, and much more. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, and nearby areas, you can reach us any time at (954) 486-6440 to find out more.

Fighting Ableism When Dealing With Disabilities in Seniors

happy-senior-lady-with-grandchildren-and-daughter-3-generations

Learn more about ableism and how it relates to disabilities in seniors.

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you see someone in a wheelchair? Do you assume that the person is less-than or in need of being fixed? Do you presume they need special treatment, as though a physical disability impacts intellect as well? How does your thinking shift to see someone standing upright, without the need for a wheelchair; would you think they were better-abled than the wheelchair-bound senior?

These are difficult questions that require honest answers if we are to understand fighting ableism and to respectfully interact with those who are differently abled.

What Exactly Is Ableism?

Ableism is identified as “the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior.” It contributes to harmful misconceptions and stereotypes, which makes fighting ableism vital for seniors with disabilities.

The Two Sides to the Disability Coin

People who have visible disabilities experience ableism in a variety of forms: being spoken down to or asked intrusive questions, exclusion from places that are inaccessible, being forced to wait to use an accessible restroom stall while in use by an individual who could be using a standard stall, etc. On the other hand, there are many disabilities which are not as easily noticeable (such as hearing impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, or a heart condition), accounting for up to 80% of the disabled population. These individuals may have their concerns minimized and need to fight harder to receive any accommodations needed.

No matter whether a disability is hidden or apparent, there are steps we can all take in fighting ableism and promoting equality and inclusion:

  • Never speak over or around the individual, addressing a caregiver first. Speak directly to the individual, and if help with conversing is necessary, the caregiver can then step in. Don’t forget that the person is an adult, and should always be spoken to as such.
  • Treat everyone in the manner in which you would want to be treated. Look them in the eye. Say hello. Engage them in a conversation if they welcome the social interaction.
  • Avoid trying to think for the person or impose your help. Offer assistance in an open-ended manner if it seems warranted, giving them the option to let you know if they would like your help or not.

At Responsive Home Care, we are dedicated to treating each individual we serve with respect and dignity. We can help someone you love with a complete selection of individualized in-home care services which can include:

  • Help with walking and transfers
  • Planning and preparing healthy meals and providing assistance with feeding when needed
  • Accompaniment to appointments
  • Companionship to brighten each day through conversations, activities, games, arts and crafts, exercise, and more
  • Discreet personal care support, for safe baths/showers, restroom use, getting dressed, etc.
  • Specialized care for chronic health needs, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
  • And so much more

If you need help from Responsive Home Care, the top provider of home care services, including dementia care in Fort Lauderdale and the nearby areas, contact us online or at (954) 486-6440 to find out more and to request a free in-home consultation.

How Beverage Thickeners Can Help with Swallowing Disorders in Seniors

happy-senior-lady-drinking-smoothie

Help ease swallowing disorders in seniors with beverage thickeners.

If you’re not living with a swallowing disorder, you probably haven’t thought much about the various consistencies and textures of the liquids in your diet. When you are thirsty, nothing hits the spot like an ice-cold glass of water. On a hot summer day, you may crave a cool milkshake. And when you are recuperating from the flu, a warm bowl of soup is so comforting.

When you’re dealing with swallowing disorders in seniors, however, liquids need to be thickened, making it harder to feel as though your thirst is quenched, and changing your ability to enjoy things such as that first hot cup of coffee in the morning, or a glass of your favorite soda at lunchtime. Making a change to thickened liquids does take time, but these suggestions can help.

What Are the Best Beverage Thickeners?

It all depends on personal preference, and it may take some experimentation to identify which works best. A doctor will advise on the degree of thickness needed, which can vary from thin, to nectar- or honey-like, to spoon-thick. The kinds of thickeners available include:

  • Starch powders, produced from modified cornstarch, which have to be served right after mixing in order to avoid lumpiness or a gritty texture or taste.
  • Liquid or gel thickeners that blend easily without clumping, even into beverages which can be harder to thicken, such as soda, hot foods, or supplement beverages.
  • Pre-thickened products, which are becoming increasingly available, either in honey or nectar consistencies.
  • Gum-based powders, which are fairly new and are commonly a preferred option over starch powders, because they maintain their viscosity over time, and work without adding flavor, grit, or cloudiness to the liquid.

When navigating swallowing disorders in seniors, hydration is of the utmost importance. Certain fluids may be more palatable, particularly as the person is adapting to thickened liquids. Try fruit juice, which will be similar in texture to a fruit puree or smoothie. You can also freeze thickened juice, or just about any other thickened beverage, into an ice pop.

And don’t forget that beverage thickeners may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance providers. Although these products can be obtained over the counter, ask a doctor to write a prescription and include the requirement for a beverage thickener in the senior’s chart notes to see if the cost is reimbursable.

Our caregivers can help prepare thickened beverages and provide encouragement to make certain someone with a swallowing disorder stays healthy and hydrated, along with many other senior care services at home. Email or call us at (954) 486-6440 to request a complimentary in-home consultation to find out more about our home care in Lighthouse Point and the nearby areas.

How a Hug Can Improve Senior Health

improve senior health

Something as simple as a hug can actually improve senior health!

Everyone remembers the stress of social distancing at the height of the pandemic. One of the most fundamental components of being a human – physical touch – was put aside in order to protect us all from harm.

We learned quickly though, how much harm a lack of physical contact can cause. It is particularly important for older adults who have experienced loneliness or isolation to feel connected to those they love, and there’s an effective but highly beneficial solution: hugs.

Research has revealed the following incredible effects to help improve senior health that can be obtained by giving and receiving hugs:

  • Fewer negative emotions, such as anger and loneliness
  • A strengthened immune system
  • Lower blood pressure and a regulated heart rate
  • Regulation of the production of white blood cells
  • Improved circulation in the body
  • Decreased pain
  • Reduced stress
  • A boost in positive emotions, like contentment, security, and happiness
  • Improved sleep and glucose metabolism

One senior care facility in New York tested the effect of hugs on older adults with a program called “Embraceable You.” 200 participants were involved in this voluntary program, and they rated their current degree of satisfaction with their wellbeing and overall health. In addition, they noted the amount of casual touch experienced in their lives. Trained “hug ambassadors” were brought in to administer appropriate forms of touch, while residents were given buttons to wear if they were interested in participating in the hug experiment.

Throughout the study, residents were given a token for each hug they received. In a short time, residents were seeking out huggers, and by the end of the first week, they had accumulated nearly 1,400 hugs.

At the conclusion of the study, the participants were surveyed and sectioned off into two categories: low contact (one or two instances of physical contact each day) and high contact (more than three instances a day). The high contact participants overwhelmingly noted higher amounts of satisfaction in the following areas:

  • Interest in doing things (88%)
  • Not feeling depressed or hopeless (97%)
  • Sleeping well (71%)
  • Feeling energetic (66%)
  • Able to concentrate well (93%)

It just goes to show what an unbelievable difference such a seemingly insignificant display of affection can make to improve senior health.

Contact Responsive Home Care, the top home care company in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and the nearby areas, online or at (954) 486-6440 to learn more ways to improve senior health, and just how our in-home care can make a difference in the life of someone you love.

Broken Heart Syndrome and How to Help Those Who are Grieving

Senior woman looking at an old photo of a loved one

Learn how you can help grieving seniors avoid broken heart syndrome.

In his documentary about grief, George Shelley uses the analogy of glitter. If you toss glitter into the air, it’ll land in all of the cracks and crevices of the room, and it’ll be nearly impossible to fully sweep up and remove. Individuals who have lost a loved one can relate. Yet in some instances, grief may be so overwhelming that it can result in a serious and aptly-named condition: broken heart syndrome.

Broken heart syndrome is a very real physical condition due to the intense stress experienced in certain types of grief (such as one spouse losing the other after decades of marriage). The medical term is takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a temporary enlargement of the heart that prevents it from pumping blood effectively.

Broken heart syndrome is more common than many people know. A number of high-visibility examples include Johnny Cash, who passed away just four months after the loss of his wife and George H.W. Bush, who became ill following the loss of his wife of 73 years.

There are decades worth of research studying the effects of grief on a person’s physical health.  In 1995, for instance, the term “widowhood effect” was coined to explain the thirty percent increase in mortality rate faced by individuals who lost a longtime partner. Other scientists determined a connection between the immune system and grief. Sometimes, surviving spouses simply no longer have the strength to live.

Help prevent this condition and ease the pain of grief for someone you love with these tips.

  • Provide a listening ear and encourage the person to express their grief in a healthy way.
  • Talk about the lost loved one, allowing the opportunity for shared stories and memories.
  • Help the person stay engaged in comforting, enjoyable activities as much as possible.
  • Look for a grief support group for the person to attend, either virtually or in person.
  • Make sure the person is staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, and getting a lot of sleep.
  • Emphasize to the person everything they have to live for, and that doing so is the best way to honor the lost loved one’s legacy.
  • Suggest the senior speak with a therapist to work through overwhelming emotions.

A trained caregiving companion from Responsive Home Care is also a great way to help a senior who is grieving. We offer socialization and an abundance of opportunities for reminiscing and conversations, along with engaging activities, and more. Contact our home care professionals online or at (954) 486-6440 for a free in-home consultation to find out more about our Fort Lauderdale senior home care and care throughout the surrounding areas.

Tips for Respecting Elders in How you Speak to Them

Watch what occurs at your next family get together when a new mom places her infant in someone’s arms. The individual is likely to transition instantly into baby mode: a high-pitched, sing-song voice, exaggerated facial expressions, and overly-simplified speech. Of course, this is quite normal and actually beneficial to a baby’s growing brain.

Hopefully, however, when that baby’s great-grandfather enters the room, loved ones refrain from reacting similarly and are better at respecting their elders. Yet it happens so frequently, and can be so damaging to the elderly, that there is a term to describe it: elderspeak.

A recent research study by Susan Kemper, a professor specializing in gerontology at the University of Kansas, matched elderly listeners with younger speakers. In spite of the seniors’ instructions just to listen without interrupting while the younger people spoke to them – thus leaving no suggestion to the speakers that they were having any challenges understanding what was being said – in a great majority of cases, the speakers resorted to elderspeak.

It’s worthwhile to note as well that older adults regularly refrain from using elderspeak with each other. Studies have shown that for a great many older adults, elderspeak conveys superiority and a cold attitude.

Why It’s Harmful

Simply put, elderspeak can be considered belittling and patronizing. It conveys beliefs of inferiority and incompetency to older adults, instead of the admiration and respect they deserve. While typically well-meaning and meant to convey endearment, it frequently has the reverse effect.

What to Do Instead

  • Thoughtfully consider how to address the elderly in your life. Many older adults find terms like “young lady,” “honey,” or “dearie” to be offensive.
  • Use caution when modifying how you communicate with an older adult in accordance with individual need. For example, speaking clearly and slowly while facing a senior loved one with hearing loss is helpful. A high-pitched voice, however, can actually further distort the words. An older adult with memory issues can better follow the conversation if it’s broken down into simple, short sentences and yes-or-no questions. This can easily be accomplished without resorting to baby talk.
  • Don’t forget that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, as each person has unique preferences and challenges. An open and honest conversation with the person about how precisely they would like to be addressed and spoken to is the ideal path to ensure you’re engaging with them appropriately.

At Responsive Home Care, we place a great emphasis on respectful interactions with each and every senior in our care. Contact us at (954) 486-6440 for an in-home consultation to learn how we can help promote independence for older adults with personalized in-home support.

Senior Safety Tips: The Assistive Devices Many Seniors Aren’t Utilizing

Happy senior safety leaning on cane

Think about the various tools you utilize each day – your phone, hairbrush, toothbrush – simple items, but ones you can’t imagine living without. For many seniors, there are basic adaptive devices available that could mean the difference between living at home and facing a move to assisted living. However nearly 50% of older adults living at home are not utilizing these handy tools – despite the fact that prices are minimal.

A newly released National Health and Aging Trends Study estimated the ability of seniors to accomplish tasks such as rising unassisted from a sitting position and walking, and found that a large number of the participants could benefit from assistive devices.

Not only that, but the danger of senior falls from the lack of simple assistive devices is increased, resulting in hospitalizations, serious injury, and disability that could easily have been prevented. In fact, once these devices were made available to older adults, based on research, disability rates for older adults dropped by 50 percent, along with a decrease in pain levels and an increase in the ability to independently perform activities of daily living.

Dr. Kenneth Lam, author of the study, explained, “It’s a technical problem which, unlike so much of aging, is actually solvable. In the hospital, I can order an M.R.I. and charge the system thousands of dollars. But down the road, that won’t help patients not fall. What happens when they get home?”

Johns Hopkins in Baltimore has recently launched a program looking to change this by introducing inexpensive assistive tools to seniors. Through several in-home visits with an occupational therapist, nurse, and repair specialist, needs are identified and resolved. That may mean installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing fall hazards, or adding a shower chair or raised toilet seat. Small changes such as these can make a substantial difference in an older adult’s capacity to safely and independently manage activities of daily living.

At Responsive Home Care, we are pleased to offer in-home evaluations to recommend modifications to the home environment that enhance safety and help seniors remain independent and in control. We can also help improve senior’s comfort, safety, and independence through services such as:

  • Preparing nutritious meals and ensuring adequate hydration for seniors
  • Providing assistance as necessary with personal care needs for safe showering/bathing, getting dressed, etc.
  • Maintaining a clean and organized home
  • And more

Contact us at 954-486-6440 to schedule your assessment today!

Tap Into the Many Benefits of Gardening for the Elderly

Benefits of Gardening for the Elderly

Discover the benefits of gardening for the elderly.

The cool dampness of rich soil. The warmth of the sunshine. The joyful trills of songbirds. Gardening has the ability to engage all of our senses, and provides a wealth of benefits to seniors. Regardless of ability level or any space restrictions, there’s always a way to help seniors experience the joys of planting indoors or outdoors, watching new growth emerge, and harvesting.

Spark interest (or renew interest) in the wonderful world of gardening for a senior you love, and discover these incredible benefits of gardening for the elderly:

  • A brighter outlook on life. Research has shown that compared to other hobbies, gardening is the winner in fighting stress levels and improving mood. Participants in the study worked on a stress-inducing task, and were then instructed to either spend 30 minutes gardening outside, or 30 minutes reading inside. Blood tests clearly revealed a reduced level of cortisol – a stress hormone – in the gardening group.
  • Enhanced strength, flexibility, and stamina. Gardening can actually provide a cardio workout in some cases, but even sitting in place while performing gardening tasks can help build and strengthen muscles. The simple acts of bending, twisting, reaching, and pulling also increase flexibility and stamina.
  • Less dementia risk. A fascinating and extensive study of nearly 3,000 participants has revealed that dementia risk is reduced by as much as 36% in adults over age 60 who participated in gardening and similar physical activities.
  • The chance to make friends. Community gardens bring neighbors together for a common purpose, offering opportunities to build friendships. The American Community Gardening Association offers its members the ability to search for a community garden in their area – or, to start a new one.

An indoor garden is great for those who can’t get outside or when the weather isn’t cooperating. Decorate small clay pots with markers or paint, and fill with potting soil and a variety of herb seeds. Or create a terrarium with a glass bowl, small stones/shells/etc., potting soil and a few small succulents.

Need some additional indoor gardening activity ideas? Find 10 simple ideas here, and call on Responsive Home Care, the top-rated provider of home care in Pembroke Pines and nearby areas, for a care companion to help! Our caregivers are always available to help seniors live life to the fullest through engaging activities such as gardening, as well as:

  • Conversations and reminiscing
  • Mind-stimulating games and puzzles
  • Enjoyable outings
  • Favorite (or new) hobbies: knitting, crocheting, learning a language or musical instrument – the sky is the limit!

Call us at 954-486-6440 any time for a free in-home consultation to get started on a more enriching life for a senior you love through our full range of customized in-home care services.

These “Sweethearts” Are Now Scamming the Elderly Online

Scamming the Elderly Online

Stay on top of the latest trends in scamming the elderly online.

It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began; a year of fear, loneliness, and isolation for many older adults. Physical distancing has eliminated the ability to offer the warmth and comfort of a hug or even an in-person smile in many cases. Yet humans are social creatures, and this lack of socialization has many seniors turning to online sources for connection – such as dating websites. And unfortunately, this has led to an influx of people scamming the elderly online.

While dating websites may seem harmless and even beneficial, there are hidden dangers for older adults in particular, known as sweetheart scammers. Here’s what to watch for to help keep the seniors you love safe:

  • Flattery that turns financial. Financial gain is the sweetheart scammer’s only objective. The scammer will use a variety of tactics to achieve that end goal, including targeting weak spots like loneliness. Flattering, praising, and proclaiming undying love and affection for a senior the scammer has never met often moves into a request for funds.
  • Overwhelming attention. The scammer will hone in on a senior’s vulnerability and loneliness, lavishing relentless attention. Listen to your loved one to gauge how much time is being spent on conversations and texts with the person. You’ll also want to notice if the person has been expressing his or her love for the senior, especially early in the relationship. Scammers move fast to get to their end goal as quickly as possible.
  • No online presence. A simple Google search for the senior’s new love interest can help you determine if the person is real. If your search yields no information at all on the person, it should immediately raise a red flag. You can also run a background check to discover any criminal convictions, marriage/divorce certificates, or other public records.
  • A fake photo. Google offers a reverse image search feature (images.Google.com) that allows you to determine if the person’s profile picture is actually a stock photo or stolen from someone else.

You may also want to consider logging in to your loved one’s email account to monitor activity and help the senior discern between actual relationships and scammers.

Most importantly, talk with the senior about the prevalence of those who are scamming the elderly online. Listen to your loved one’s description of his or her new love interest and how the relationship is developing. Point out any warning signs and help the senior understand the danger he or she could be facing.

Responsive Home Care, the leaders in elder care in Hollywood, FL and surrounding areas, is here to help with safe, trusted caregivers to provide seniors with the friendly companionship that alleviates loneliness, isolation, and desperation. Contact us at 954-486-6440 for a free in-home consultation to learn more.

Assessing the Mental Health of Seniors When You Live Far Away

Assessing the Mental Health of Seniors

Find helpful tips on assessing the mental health of seniors.

The fear and isolation as a result of have wreaked havoc on the wellbeing of older adults, with nearly one-half of seniors surveyed in a Kaiser Family Foundation stating that their level of stress and worry was negatively affecting their health. Even though it still may be risky to visit in person with senior loved ones, it is important to stay in regular and frequent contact and also to watch out for any changes or signs which might signify a mental health concern, such as depression. Assessing the mental health of seniors is possible, even from a distance.

As stated by psychiatrist Judith Feld, MD, MPH, “If a senior usually really enjoys a call with a grandchild, for example, but that seems to have changed, maybe you need to ask more questions, such as, ‘How can we be of help?’”

Other warning signs of depression to watch for include sleeping problems, reduced appetite, listlessness, and complaints about pain, which interestingly, is often one of the main symptoms of depression in older adults. Take note of anything that may seem abnormal for a senior’s personality and character.

It’s important to understand that depression is not simply an unavoidable aspect of growing older, and that it is a serious –  but treatable – condition.

Here are a few additional ideas to help you with assessing the mental health of seniors:

  • Keep the conversations organic and natural, without coming across as interrogating. Statements such as, “Tell me what’s been happening in your life this week,” will motivate a senior to open up significantly more than, “Tell me what the doctor said at your last scheduled appointment.” The goal is to be caring yet not condescending, being mindful never to attempt to parent your parents.
  • While seeing and talking with the grandkids on Zoom is a good way to boost an older adult’s spirits, make sure to allow for some one-on-one time for you to talk without children present.
  • Take notice of what’s going on in the background of your video chats for any additional clues, such as whether or not the home looks neat and well maintained, in addition to personal hygiene – unkempt, disheveled hair, as an example.
  • Take into consideration whether substance abuse could be a factor. A rise in alcohol consumption during the pandemic is happening in people of all ages, and may be very harmful if there are potential interactions with medications the senior is taking.

If you suspect depression or any other mental health issues in an elderly parent, make sure to connect with the physician immediately. Since you are most familiar with the senior, you may well be able to pick up on signs that the medical team misses during routine appointments, and it’s imperative to make your concerns known.

If you have any concerns, contact Responsive Home Care for additional assistance. We can act as your eyes and ears when you’re unable to be there in person, and provide a wide selection of customized services to enhance socialization and quality of life at home. Contact us at (954) 486-6440 for more information and to learn more about respite care in Weston, FL and surrounding areas.