Author: Meghan Parsons

Creating In-Home Care Plans That Are A Work of Heart

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As our loved ones age, they may require more assistance and care to help maintain their quality of life. Crafting a comprehensive and custom care plan for them can make all the difference in ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and supported in their homes. Beyond just addressing medical and clinical needs, a well-rounded care plan considers various aspects of their daily lives to create a nurturing environment that caters to their individual preferences and requirements.

Addressing Specific Needs Beyond Medical Care

When developing a caregiving plan, it’s important to consider a range of factors that contribute to the overall well-being of our loved ones. These go beyond medical needs and delve into their lifestyle, personal preferences, and emotional and mental health requirements.

1. Meal and Taste Preferences

Understanding our loved ones’ dietary preferences and any restrictions they may have is crucial in ensuring they receive proper nutrition. This could include food temperature, taste, and texture preferences.

2. Environmental Allergies

Identifying and minimizing exposure to allergens in the home environment is essential for individuals with sensitivities. This includes ensuring proper ventilation, using allergen-proof bedding, and keeping the living space clean and dust-free.

3. Sensory Needs

Considering home temperature, sound levels, and lighting preferences can help create a comfortable living environment for our loved ones. Some may prefer a quieter setting, while others may enjoy listening to music, conversation, or sounds of nature.

4. Mental Health Needs

Incorporating activities that promote mental well-being, such as exposure to natural sunlight, listening to music, practicing meditation, or engaging in favorite hobbies, can greatly benefit our loved ones’ mental health.

5. Sleep Preferences

The care plan should consider factors such as bedtime routines, room temperature, amount of light/dark, and sleep environment.

6. Home Safety Concerns and Trip Hazards

Identifying and addressing potential safety hazards in the home, such as clutter, loose rugs, or poorly lit areas, is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring a safe living environment.

7. Companionship Needs

Acknowledging the importance of social interaction and companionship, incorporating activities like storytelling, looking through photo albums, playing games, crafting, or engaging in other shared activities can help combat loneliness and foster emotional well-being.

8. Emotional Needs

Recognizing and responding to our loved ones’ emotional needs, such as offering reassurance, appreciation, and affirmation, can significantly improve their overall emotional health and fulfillment.

9. Spiritual Needs

If our loved ones have spiritual or religious beliefs, incorporating practices that align with their faith can help provide comfort and support during challenging times.

The Importance of Personalized and Detail-Oriented Care

Creating a comprehensive and custom care plan involves meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of our loved one’s needs and preferences. Be sure to select a caregiving agency that utilizes a highly customized approach by offering tailored and detail-oriented services to ensure Clients experience a life well lived.

A Partnership for Aging in Place Success

Creating a caregiving care plan that is a work of heart involves a compassionate and comprehensive approach that takes into account every aspect of our loved ones’ lives. By prioritizing their preferences, needs, and well-being in a personalized care plan, we can ensure they receive the support they deserve and maintain a high quality of life.

Article Provided By:
Caring for Family of Companies
www.caringforfamilyofcompanies.com

If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

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“If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” – Krista Davis Tonn
In the past month, we have asked for donations for non-profits, asked for volunteers at local events,  asked you to “like” our social media pages, and more. Sometimes it feels awkward and uncomfortable to ask others to participate in tasks important to us. If it is important to you, it may also be important to others. When we ask for support, we let others know more about our values. My best friend Krista, who passed away in 2018, taught me that there is no harm in asking others to join in and it greatly increases engagement.

Win the morning, win the day

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“Win the morning, win the day.” – Tim Ferriss

Take control of your mornings and unlock a sense of empowerment that will keep you motivated throughout the day. By waking up just an hour earlier, you can carve out time for yourself to journal, meditate, take a walk, or make a nourishing breakfast. Start your day strong, set a positive tone, and set yourself up to conquer your goals.

Confidence

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“Get more confidence by doing things that excite and frighten you.” – Jessica Williams

There are often things that we may be anxious about, but flexing our muscles to try something new is ultimately good for us. Maybe it is public speaking, volunteering for a board position, taking on new responsibilities, or changes to our personal lives and priorities. Feel the fear, but do it anyway. You will learn something new, even if it is not always successful on the first try.

Resilience

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“Broken crayons still color.” -David Weaver

Resilience is the process of successfully adapting and adjusting to challenging experiences. There will always be struggles, but how we navigate them and move forward is more important. Even when we are bruised and broken down, we can make a positive impact.

Do What You Can

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“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” -Theodore Roosevelt

I struggle with an endless task list and limited emotional energy in work and my personal life. Sometimes I find that I made a wrong decision about what to do, and I second-guess my actions later. When I am stressed or emotional this can be even harder. I often need to remind myself that I made the best choices with the information available to me at the time.  

Work Hard, Play Hard

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“Work hard, play hard”

Finding work-life balance can be a challenge. I find the best balance comes from really enjoying the work you do, being proud of your efforts, and having strong relationships with your team. If you can find this, it doesn’t seem like work. My work family makes every day better, from our team camping trips to strategic planning.

Encouraging Others

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“Sometimes it is the people no one can imagine anything of who do the things no one can imagine.” – Alan Turing

When I want to impact change positively, sometimes I focus too much on the big things and trying to move a mountain. Often the biggest impacts are achieved with small incremental movements… Listening when I wanted to talk, sitting still when I wanted to run, sharing emotions when I wanted to hide them, and encouraging others rather than doing it myself.

Be the Hero

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“Above all, be the hero of your life, not the victim.” – Nora Ephron

My personal life has changed dramatically in the past year, after losing my husband. I have chosen to step into the next chapter with my head up and am trying to start dating again. It is a completely different world from 20+ years ago, and I am choosing to see this as an opportunity for growth. I am trying very hard to see it as exciting, not terrifying.

Opposite Direction

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“When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.”―C.S. Lewis

“Safety in numbers” doesn’t work out if you’re all heading in the wrong direction. Be brave enough to listen to your gut and set your own course. Even if it doesn’t go according to your plan, hopefully, you gain confidence for next time.