The ComForcare Blog

ComForcare franchise teams encourage clients and their families to put an emergency preparedness plan in place in the event of a natural disaster. 

ComForcare Home Care franchises are deeply committed to those in their community.  Each home care franchise office views their clients like family, and seeks to support them in the best ways possible.  Because of this, our hearts go out to those who have been victims of the latest summer storms and tornadoes that have ravaged the southern United States.  Our home care teams care about the safety and well-being of those in our areas and extends to facets of life beyond the daily tasks we assist with.

In the aftermath of these recent storms and tornado, we would like to share some reminders about home safety and emergency preparedness to help our home care clients and their families and neighbors be prepared in the event of a natural disaster.  The statistics show that elderly individuals are at a high risk for injury during severe weather, so it is important to talk with loved ones today about what they should do in case of an emergency.  Here are some tips to follow:

• Put a Plan in Place. Be sure to talk to a senior loved one who lives independently about what plans they already have in case of emergency. Who will call them to make sure they’re okay? Where will they go if they need to evacuate? Is there a close friend or relative who can help get them to a safe location? Also, meet with neighbors so that you can all come up with a strategy to keep one another safe.
• Establish a “safe room.” Discuss with your family members where you will go in case a tornado hits. Be sure it is on the lowest floor of the building and has no windows or glass doors and is accessible for those who use a wheelchair or walker.
• Create an Emergency Kit. Fill a duffle bag or bin with some cash, a phone charger, clothing for each family member, irreplaceable family heirlooms, extra medications, a blanket, a battery-operated radio and a list of important phone numbers including doctors, schools, family, or other medical or home care services.  Make sure it is not too heavy or bulky to carry, and keep it in an accessible location.
• Talk to Your Care Provider. If your older loved one lives in an assisted living facility or senior community of some sort, be sure to talk to the facility staff and management about what type of disaster plan they have in place. Will your loved one be safe and accounted for? Will they call you or an emergency contact if need be? Does the staff have a plan in place to help less mobile patients? Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get answers about their emergency senior services.

The best way to manage an emergency is to be prepared and ready.  You never know when something might happen, so now is the time to put a plan in place and share it with your loved ones.  There is no way to prevent disasters, they just happen, but by being prepared, you can have peace of mind knowing everyone has a plan to follow.

About ComForcare Home Care

ComForcare began in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in 1996 as a company dedicated to establishing a new standard in the quality of non-medical home care. After perfecting the winning formula, ComForcare began franchising and now has locations throughout the United States and in Canada and the U.K.

Each independently owned and operated ComForcare office offers home care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation, companionship and family respite services to improve the quality of life and level of independence for every individual and family receiving its services.

Tags: ComForcare, ComForcare franchise, elderly care, home care, home care agencies, home care franchise, home care services, home health agencies, senior services

ComForcare Home Care franchises work with clients to ensure they receive the assistance they need to prevent skin breakdown and painful pressure ulcers so they can enjoy a higher quality of life.

ComForcare Home Care offers a wide array of services to enable aging individuals remain in the comfort of their own home as they age.  Home care services are also available for those who are managing a chronic condition or disease and require extra assistance with daily tasks.  This includes those who may have limited mobility or are confined to a wheelchair.  For example, individuals who are confined to bed or a wheelchair are often at risk for pressure ulcers, which home care providers will work with clients to prevent.

ComForcare home care providers are trained to identify the early signs of skin breakdown for clients at risk and help prevent the development of pressure ulcers in a manner of ways.  These include:

-          Regularly inspecting clients’ skin for redness or signs of oncoming sores

-          Keeping skin clean and dry

-          Applying moisturizer to the skin

-          Helping clients change position on a regular basis

-          Assisting in transfers to and from a bed, chair, or the toilet

-          Bathing and drying clients who are wet or have soiled their undergarments

-          Changing wet or soiled bed linens

-          Ensuring clients eat a balanced diet and drink enough fluids

-          Informing family members or physicians of skin breakdown so treatment can begin immediately.

Unfortunately, sitting or lying in one position for extended periods of time can cause pressure ulcers.  These can be prevented and treated, but if left untreated can lead to:

-          Pain

-          Infection

-          Amputation

-          Hospital Admission

-          Increased length of stay in a health care facility

-          Decreased quality of life

Local ComForcare home care franchises work with clients to ensure they are able to change positions safely and comfortably, and to clean and care for their skin properly.  The prevention of pressure ulcers is critical to maintaining the health and quality of life for those at risk.  ComForcare franchises can help your loved on with personal care needs at home or during a stay at a health care facility.

For many families, the demands of providing home care services for someone on bed rest can seem like a giant task.  ComForcare partners with clients and their families to provide the personalized services they need whether that means supporting family caregivers or providing full-time care.

About ComForcare Home Care

ComForcare began in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in 1996 as a company dedicated to establishing a new standard in the quality of non-medical home care. After perfecting the winning formula, ComForcare began franchising and now has locations throughout the United States and in Canada and the U.K.

Each independently owned and operated ComForcare office offers home care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation, companionship and family respite services to improve the quality of life and level of independence for every individual and family receiving its services.

ComForcare Home Care

2510 Telegraph Road, Suite 100

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

248-745-9700

http://www.comforcare.com

Tags: ComForcare, ComForcare franchise, elderly care, home care, home care agencies, home care franchise, home care services, home health agencies, senior services

Home care services from ComForcare help family caregivers find the time they need to attend to their personal needs for rest and reconnection. 

ComForcare Home Care provides helpful home care services for aging clients and their families.  Millions of Americans are providing home care services for their parents or grandparents, and may be challenged to find the balance they need to manage their caregiving responsibilities and their own personal needs.  As an unpaid caregiver for a relative or friend, finding time for yourself can prove difficult.  For those who are unable to take time away for themselves, it can lead to exhaustion, burnout, and increased stress – which can take a toll on their own health.

To help strike a balance between caring for yourself and caring for another, it is important to tend to your own needs.  Below are some tips from our home care team to help you achieve the life balance and rest that will improve not only the quality of your life, but the quality of the care you give as well.

1)      Maintain and strengthen social bonds. Do not allow yourself to drift away from family members and friends due to time constraints imposed by your home care responsibilities. A strong support system is crucial for dealing with the stress that accompanies caregiving. Make attempts to socialize and get out of the house on a regular basis, even if it is just for a one-hour lunch or a bike ride with a friend.  Home care respite services are available from ComForcare to enable caregivers to find the time they need to relax and refocus, even if it is for just an hour a day.

2)      Join a support group. While spending time with loved ones is important, it is equally helpful to talk and exchange stories with people who share your caregiving experiences. Knowing that others have gotten through it successfully is encouraging, and the possibility for making new friends exists whenever you take part in any group or activity.

3)      Tend to your own health. Do not neglect your medical needs, whether that means regular doctor’s visits or maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. An ill caregiver is an inefficient caregiver – so by maintaining your own health, you will inevitably provide better care to your loved one.

4)      Hire a professional caregiver on a part or full time basis. Allowing professional caregivers from companies like ComForcare to take care of your loved one will enable you to have a life, regardless of whether the professional caregiver works part or full time. You can dump the guilt and rest assured that your loved one’s needs are in the hands of a trained professional.

ComForcare Home Care offers home care services designed to meet the specific needs of each client and their family.  Home care providers can work with family caregivers to share the responsibilities or can step in to provide comprehensive care for aging loved ones or even those dealing with the challenges of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  To learn more about how you can partner with the ComForcare team in your area, visit us online at http://www.comforcare.com.

About ComForcare Home Care

ComForcare is a premier provider of private-duty, non-medical home care services to people of all ages, with offices located nationwide. Each office employs experienced, compassionate caregivers who make life easier for those coping with a chronic medical condition, recovering from an illness or injury, or dealing with the challenges of aging – in the comfort of their own home. ComForcare offers home care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation, companionship and family respite services to improve the quality of life and level of independence for every individual and family receiving its services.  Each ComForcare office is independently owned and operated.

ComForcare Home Care

2510 Telegraph Road, Suite 100

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

248-745-9700

http://www.comforcare.com

Tags: ComForcare, ComForcare franchise, elderly care, home care, home care agencies, home care franchise, home care services, home health agencies, senior services

Cooking healthy, nutritious meals for seniors can be challenging, especially as the number of health problems increase and physical capabilities decrease. Finding the time and energy to prepare a large meal after caring for a loved one all day can also be draining. But there are options out there for easy, inexpensive meal options.

Our very own Valerie Svenningsen, a franchise owner with offices in Mokena and Buffalo Grove, Ill., offers some tips on making a great meal using simple ingredients and a rice cooker.

See her video presentation on eHow.com here.

Below, you can find a few more healthy meal options, thanks to Yahoo!

Breakfast
Puffed Wheat Parfait
This beautiful, layered breakfast contains vitamins from the fruit, protein and calcium from the yogurt, and fiber from the whole grain cereal. Soft puffed wheat is easy to chew, but substitute granola or other whole grain cereals to suit your tastes.

¼ to ½ cup strawberries
¼ to ½ cup blueberries
½ to 1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup puffed wheat (substitute your cereal of choice)
Sugar (or sweetener) to taste

Thin slice the strawberries and sweeten them with sugar or a sugar substitute. Sweeten the yogurt. In a clear plastic or glass drinking vessel, add the strawberries to the bottom, followed by an inch of yogurt. Add about one inch of puffed wheat, followed by one half inch of yogurt. Top the parfait with blueberries, a dollop of yogurt in the center and sprinkle with the remaining puffed wheat. Serve immediately.

Lunch
Chef Salad Sandwich
This tasty, convenient sandwich contains vegetables, protein and a starch for a healthy, balanced midday meal that gives you energy.

1 boiled egg
4 thin slices of ham (substitute turkey ham)
1 thick slice of Swiss cheese
Salad greens of choice (iceberg, romaine or other lettuce)
1 slice tomato
Dressing of choice
Whole wheat bun

Slice the boiled egg. Cut the ham and cheese into 1/4-inch strips. Tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces. Add the ham, cheese and lettuce to a bowl and mix in the dressing. Gouge out the bottom and top of a whole wheat roll leaving about ¼ to ½ inch of bread. Place the salad mix in the bun. Top with tomato and egg slices. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Dinner
Baked Potato au Gratin
This dinner menu item contains minerals and fiber from the potato, and protein and calcium from yogurt and cheese

1 baking potato
2 tbsp low-fat cheddar cheese
1 tsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
A little milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Bake the potato until soft. Carefully scoop out the center with a melon baller to leave the potato skin in tact. Mash the potato filling and mix in the cheese, yogurt and milk, if needed, and add salt and pepper to taste. Blend the potato filling until smooth and add it back into the baked potato shell. Place the potato under the broiler for 30 seconds to one minute or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Finally, summer is here! With the sun shining and birds chirping, it’s hard to stay inside all day. Get out and enjoy the weather – it will do your mind and body good. But remember, it’s easy to wear yourself out in the warmer weather and do too much too soon, so get educated about how to have a safe, active summer.

Buddy-Up - Exercise doesn’t need to seem like a chore. Join a neighborhood walking group or grab your spouse or a friend and head to the gym. Often times your local YMCA or community center will have great exercise classes for those 65+.

Baby Steps - Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Set short-term realistic goals that are attainable. Lengthening your running distance each week, upping the number of reps you do  on your favorite machine or increasing the weights you lift (by no more than 10 percent each week) will create a sense of accomplishment. Even when you feel like you do not have enough energy for a full workout, go outside for a walk, hop on the treadmill for 15 minutes or simply make it a point to take the stairs when possible – every little step counts!

Do What You Can – We’re not as young and athletic as we once were, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stay active and healthy. Even if you are in a wheelchair or use a walker to get around, get creative with your workouts. Try some of these chair exercises to get stronger and build muscle.

Refuel Your Body - It is crucial to refuel your body post-workout with a mix of carbohydrates and high quality protein. Also, remember to drink plenty of water so that you do not get dehydrated. Even being outside doing light exercise, such as gardening, can wear you out in intense heat.

Switch It Up- Do not get stuck doing the same routine each time you are heading to the gym. Try taking a class such as swim aerobics; join a summer sports league for people aged 55 or older or sign-up for a local 5K with some friends. Trying out different types of workouts will make you feel refreshed and allow you to exercise different muscles.

For more summer fitness tips check out this article on Seniorific.com.

ComForcare Senior Services was named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise for the support we offer military veterans who want to open a franchise – and we could not be more thrilled. We are well aware of the tremendous benefits the sacrifices of service men and women have brought to our everyday lives, and we are especially blessed to have a military presence at our own company with multiple veteran-owned franchises.

We try to give back in any way we can. This is the reason why ComForcare offers service members a 10 percent discount off its initial $39,500 franchise fee, allowing veterans to use their training and operational skills in a new civilian career. We are also a member of VetFran, an initiative by the International Franchise Association to offer financial incentives, training and mentoring to veterans interested in owning a small business or franchise.

ComForcare wishes our wonderful veteran franchisees, and all members of the military, a very happy Memorial Day!

As an unpaid caregiver for your relative, finding time for yourself can prove difficult, leading to exhaustion, burnout and stress. This is why it is so important that you do not neglect your own needs. Follow these tips to achieve the life balance and rest that will improve not only the quality of your life, but the quality of the care you give as well.

• Maintain and strengthen social bonds. Do not allow yourself to drift away from family members and friends due to time constraints imposed on caregivers. A strong support system is crucial for dealing with the stress that accompanies caregiving. Make attempts to socialize and get out of the house on a regular basis, even if it is just for a one-hour lunch or a bike ride with a friend.
• Join a support group. While spending time with loved ones is important, it is equally helpful to talk and exchange stories with people who share your caregiving experiences. Knowing that others have gotten through it successfully is encouraging, and the possibility for making new friends exists whenever you take part in any group or activity.
• Tend to your own health. Do not neglect your medical needs, whether that means regular doctor’s visits or maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. An ill caregiver is an inefficient caregiver – so by maintaining your own health, you will inevitably provide better care to your loved one.
• Hire a professional caregiver on a part or full time basis. Allowing professional caregivers from companies like ComForcare to take care of your loved one will enable you to have a life, regardless of whether the professional caregiver works part or full time. You can dump the guilt and rest assured that your loved one’s needs are in the hands of a trained professional.

Have you noticed your elderly loved one struggling with their hearing lately? If you feel that it may be time to help them purchase a hearing aid, but you are uncertain as to which steps to take next, read on for helpful tips you can utilize as a caregiver:

What it May Cost

Digital hearing aids are not covered by traditional Medicare or the majority of private insurance companies. The typical cost of a hearing aid ranges from $1,000 to $3,500 per ear. This is one reason why it is imperative to follow the process of selecting a device carefully.

Be Picky about the Provider

While seeing a general practice physician for hearing issues may seem acceptable, in reality it is far more appropriate and beneficial for your loved one to schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist – an ear, nose and throat doctor. These physicians keep an audiologist on staff who fits and dispenses hearing aids to patients. In the event you are unable to find a local otolaryngologist, alternative options include an independent audiologist or hearing instrument specialist.

What to Expect

Prior to diagnosing your loved one’s condition, the otolaryngologist will examine their ears carefully in order to rule out other medical conditions like an ear wax build-up, bacterial infection or tumor that can also cause hearing loss. If it is determined that your loved one’s hearing is in fact solely affected by a hearing loss, the doctor will administer a hearing test to determine what type of hearing loss is to blame.

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid

Based on the results of the hearing test, the otolaryngologist will educate your loved one on the different hearing aid brands, features and styles available. It is important that you request a demonstration of any device under consideration to make sure it is the best choice for your loved one. Open communication about your loved one’s lifestyle and hearing needs should also take place for this purpose.

Getting Fitted

A real-ear test is one of the most crucial steps you should take in order to ensure your loved one’s new hearing aid is suitable both physically and in terms of their needs. It is essential for the audiologist to perform this procedure prior to taking the device home. A real-ear test measures the response of the hearing aid against the level of hearing loss. Naturally, the device must also fit snugly in your loved one’s ear without inflicting pain or further damaging their hearing.

Home care franchises go the extra mile to help clients and their families discover funding benefits including the Veteran’s Pension Benefit.

Home care franchise owners work hard to deliver an exceptional level of service for each of their clients.  When it comes to choosing a reliable home care service, the task can be a daunting one, but ComForcare offers peace of mind for families and their aging loved ones.  At ComForcare, each home care nurse offers professional, compassionate, and reliable home care services to meet the unique needs of their clients.

Uncovering Military Benefits

Each local ComForcare franchise is dedicated to helping seniors in their community live more comfortably at home.  In addition to providing home care services, ComForcare can also work with clients to help them discover federal funding options. For example, ComForcare Home Care provides information for current and prospective clients who served in the military to help them determine if they are eligible for benefits through the Veteran’s Pension Fund.

“We are happy to assist clients in the application process for the veteran’s program,” shares ComForcare Home Care President, Mark Armstrong.  “That is part of our commitment to providing the home care services clients and their families need and deserve.”

One common source of home care funding for seniors comes from pension.  Pension is a benefit paid to senior wartime veterans who have financial need.  These benefits are paid in addition to standard pension benefits.  Many veterans are not aware that they may qualify for additional benefits through the Veteran’s Pension Fund, even if they are not disabled.

Veterans Benefit Pension Qualifications

ComForcare encourages clients to review eligibility requirements which include the following:

-          Have served at least 90 days on active duty

-          Have served at least one day during a period of war (as defined by the VA)

-          Be over 65 or totally and permanently disabled

-          Not have a dishonorable discharge

-          Meet specific financial criteria

Families who believe their loved one my qualify for this pension benefit should contact their local home care service to find out more.  Home care professionals at each ComForcare franchise can help clients through the application process and then provide quality care services that each veteran needs and deserves.

For ComForcare franchise owners, delivering exceptional home care services encompasses many steps, including coordinating funding.  It is another way that ComForcare strives to provide an elevated level of service and lead with higher standards within the home care industry.

About ComForcare Home Care Franchises

ComForcare began in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in 1996 as a company dedicated to establishing a new standard in the quality of non-medical home care. After perfecting the winning formula, ComForcare began franchising and now has locations throughout the United States and in Canada and the U.K.

Each independently owned and operated ComForcare office offers home care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation, companionship and family respite services to improve the quality of life and level of independence for every individual and family receiving its services.

ComForcare Home Care

2510 Telegraph Road, Suite 100

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

248-745-9700

http://www.comforcare.com

Tags: ComForcare, ComForcare franchise, elderly care, home care, home care agencies, home care franchise, home care services, home health agencies, senior services

Recently, the idea of using alternative therapies to lower blood pressure has generated buzz in the senior citizen community, especially among seniors who are not thrilled about taking medication. An article posted on SeniorJournal.com reveals the extent to which alternative therapies like aerobic exercise, resistance or strength training and device-guided slow breathing have proven effective in treating high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, is one of the chief concerns for seniors. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than half of Americans age 60 and older have high blood pressure, and nearly one in three American adults have high blood pressure.

But just how effective are alternative therapies for reducing blood pressure? A panel of medical experts conducted research, which included data from 1,000 studies spanning 2006 to 2011, to address this issue. The panel reviewed three therapy categories: exercise regimens, behavioral therapies like meditation, non-invasive procedures like acupuncture and device-guided slow breathing.

The panel’s findings included the following information that seniors should take into account when discussing high blood pressure treatments with their doctor:

• There was not enough data to support the theory that behavioral therapies like biofeedback and transcendental meditation significantly reduce blood pressure, although they may help decrease it by a small percentage.
• Studies revealed that relaxation techniques like yoga did not have a major impact on blood pressure, either.
• Evidence to support using acupuncture for the treatment of high blood pressure was also lacking.
• Device-guided slow breathing was also deemed effective in lowering blood pressure, specifically when performed for 15-minute sessions three to four times per week.
• Out of all the alternative therapies studied, exercise proved most effective for reducing blood pressure. Walking programs yielded modest results, while four weeks spent performing isometric hand grip exercises had a significant impact.

The American Heart Association stresses that ultimately, proven methods to lower blood pressure like physical activity, managing weight, refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol excessively, eating a balanced diet that low in sodium and taking prescribed medications are highly effective and should not be replaced by alternative methods.