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Limitless Living On A Personal Level

December 23, 2009 on 12:44 pm | In Aging In Place | No Comments

As the Holiday seasons began, I had a sense of being slightly overburdened. Was it being the mother of 3 young children? Was my feeling related solely to the fact that I am a homeschool mom who also does freelance work pretty much full time? Maybe it was the added stress of the big project my husband is working on that required more of his time and less time to help us at home? Then there was the concern for my mother-in-law and her needs. While far away she’d been in need of more time to listen as she works through this first Christmas alone and disabled – and we were busily trying to get our “life” done so we could take time off to visit her during the Christmas break. Maybe it was the additional time it took to help loved ones who lives nearby but couldn’t manage some of their usual Holiday activities on their own? Perhaps, it was all of these things plus the general stress of the holidays – stress that we put on ourselves by committing to too many things and making things important that just aren’t.

Whatever caused the burn-out…it came. Last night, just 2 days before Christmas, I realized I’d failed miserably to get it all done. I sat analyzing the lack of sleep, irritability, messy house and a physically unfit body and mental attitude. It took a bit to get my perspective straight.

Then I realized that with over 37.3 million people over the age of 65 – there are a lot of people that are walking exactly what I have walked the last month. There are certified caregivers. And I am sure there are a lot of sandwich generation individuals caring for their young children and assisting their aging parents.

My recent experiences have caused me to look at what priorities are most important. I have the flexibility to say no to a lot of what I do. Some do not – as they are the only one available to care for an aging loved one. I am blessed that my mother is able to be very active still. Those I assist are for the most part able to take care of their basic necessities. And my mother-in-law is blessed with family that loves her and many live near her to take care of the daily needs, while we provide the ear to listen and the visits as much as we are able.

The question I asked myself yesterday was, “do I have my priorities right, so when things change and more of our time and resources are required , we will be ready?” I think this was a valid question for us now. I remember watching this play out in our home when I was in college – my 95 year old grandmother was no longer able to live on her own – my parents had to rearrange everything to care for her.

So, this morning I did what I always do. First I began to analyze my current walk and life. Second, I made a list and began researching how to incorporate changes into our life. Thus, here are some things I need to make priorities.
• Get physically fit and daily exercise: This serves many purposes including aiding us in not being physically exhausted by change in routines, activities and helps decrease stress. Additionally, it will serve as a model to both my children and my aging loved ones. If I’m making it a priority – maybe they will too.
• Stop over-committing! Prioritize what is vital in our daily life. Allow room for spur of the moment needs (like taking someone to the doctor).
• Communicate more with the rest of the family. Keeping each other updated and addressing care issues as they arise. With open lines of communication we can better assess who can do what if the need arises.
• Promote healthy living for every member of our family – from the youngest to the oldest.
• Stop & Smell the ROSES. What a blessing to spend time with my loved ones. They are here and such an important part of our lives. NEVER should they become an obligation or burden.

I guess that one could say that these are resolutions but not just for the New Year but from this day forward. Limitless Living is not just about those who are older or disabled – but all of us!!! So here is to a brand new season of Living Life Unlimited!

Senior Care Check-Up Just In Time For The Holidays

December 11, 2009 on 2:33 pm | In Aging In Place, Articles, Care Giving, Seniors | No Comments

Continuing our theme for the winter season and the holidays – we wanted to share this wonderful article,

Joe Freudenthal, Vintage Senior Living, edited this from an article written by Julie Northcutt.

Seniors Weathering The Storm

December 10, 2009 on 1:22 pm | In Aging In Place, Care Giving, Seniors | 1 Comment

limitlessliving_winterDo you have an aging loved one who lives alone? Are you a caregiver dedicated to caring for someone who is homebound? Are you a senior that has difficulty getting out when the weather gets bad?

Recently, we had our first minor snowstorm. Schools were closed, church services were canceled and some areas even lost power; local weather forecasters warned not to leave home unless absolutely necessary. While this was a hindrance to some of us, it was more severe for others. Aging seniors often feel the impact of inclement weather more harshly. Many drive only during the day or rely on assistance from family and friends for rides. When storms come, these seniors are often blocked completely from their normal routine. Additionally, their caregivers may not be able to reach them as they are coping with their own travel restrictions.

Thankfully, with weather, we are often given a warning that a storm is brewing. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of reminders to assist our aging seniors with preparing for the winter season and storms that are sure to come our way.

1. Home Preparation: Make sure the home is ready for winter. Help keep the cold out by installing storm window and/or covering the windows with sturdy plastic. Remember to remove hoses from outdoor water faucets and insulate pipes to keep from freezing. Check fire detectors, CO2 detectors and fire extinguishers. During colder weather – allow indoor faucets to drip to decrease a chance of the pipes freezing.
2. Snow Removal: Check for tools to help with snow removal. Ensure that there is a good snow shovel, rock salt, sand or kitty litter for slippery driveways and walks. Arrange for someone to clear the walkways when it does snow. If your aging loved one lives a distance away, consider hiring a local neighbor to assist with clearing paths, stairs and walkways.
3. Essentials: Make a trip to the store for supplies before the storm comes. Don’t forget essentials, such as prescription medications, extra batteries, first-aid supplies, a week’s supply of food (non-perishable), and bottled water. High energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts, and canned goods that do not require heating are best. Plan on a gallon of water per day per person. Don’t forget a manual can opener. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing (at least one change of clothes for each family member).
4. If power outage occurs: Plan a safe alternate source of heat if possible. Keep an ample supply of wood for the fireplace or a kerosene space heater with extra heating fuel. Talk with your aging loved ones about a plan of action and remind them of how to stay warm safely. Make sure that there are flashlights with extra batteries, or candles and matches. Have a portable battery-operated radio to stay tuned to local news. If the furnace goes out, take these precautions. Close off any rooms that aren’t needed. Stuff towels in cracks and under doors to prevent heat loss. Cover windows with blankets at night. Remember to stay nourished and hydrated so the body can produce its own heat.
5. Communication: Have a plan on how best to stay in communication so that you can check on your family and friends. Emergency cell phones are available – just ensure that they have been charged prior to the storm.

As you are going over your checklist with your family and friends this winter season, please remember to embrace those who do not have anyone nearby to assist them. Is there an elderly neighbor that is alone? Someone at church who could use your help? Are there Meals on Wheels programs or Senior Service groups that could use a hand when storms come? We encourage you to reach out and help others to have a Life Unlimited no matter the season!

Thank You!

November 17, 2009 on 1:50 pm | In Uncategorized | 3 Comments

HomecareSuppliers ThanksgivingAs a company, we have been making an effort to be more thankful. With the change in season – and Thanksgiving coming up – we have been daily listing why we are thankful. We daily write on Twitter, adding to our list, as well as sharing it on our facebook pages.

With the busyness of life and business – we don’t want to lose sight of why we do what we do. We sell mobility products not just because it is our business – but to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. We believe in every product we sell. We believe in every service and organization we promote and recommend. We are dedicated to trying to assist every customer we meet.

So today – we would like to share some of the reasons why we are thankful. We encourage you to do the same.

8 Reasons to give thanks today:

1. We give thanks for StairLifts. They ease the burden of carrying a loved one down the stairs and gives the user an added sense of independence.
2. We give thanks for BathLifts. It truly aids every caregiver – allowing the loved one to transfer into the tub and then lower into the bath – it decreases the strain on the caregiver’s back and is SAFE for all.
3. We give thanks for Scooters & Wheelchairs. Even though we did not sell them – we are so thankful that these were invented. They truly allow the user to have mobility and independence.
4. We give thanks for Caregivers. Caregivers truly are aids to anyone suffering from mobility difficulties. Anyone who gives their time, energy, strength and finances to aid someone in need is amazing. So we thank YOU for being there!!
5. We give thanks for Safety that comes from all things that aid accessibility and mobility. Every thing we promote through Homecare Suppliers will safely meet a need. One of the greatest concerns, especially with the elderly, is falling. Anything that decreases the likelihood of a fall is spectacular!
6. We give thanks for Daily Living Products. There are so many products that aid in doing the normal daily things. Chair risers, bed rails, and even grabbers are wonderful aids that help make things just a little easier.
7. We give thanks for Connections. Through our time with Homecare Suppliers, we have constantly seen how everything interconnects and supports itself. With caregivers and mobility aids, there is an increase in mobility. With support of services and organizations, more people are assisted. It is with awe that we stare into the faces of those who are committed to making a difference in the lives of those with mobility issues. It is with humbleness that we watch lives being changed for the better through connectivity of those dedicated to helping – through the vast plethora of resources, services, organizations and products.
8. We give thanks for Independence. Whether the aid to independence is any of the above items or something else entirely, like assisted living homes, community centers, or faith based organizations – we give thanks. We have learned that we all enjoy our independence. We know that just because someone might be affected by a disability, mobility issue or advance age – they still need to be treated as an individual who is valued, appreciated and allowed to be free to Live Unlimited.

We thank our customers for their willingness to partner with us to provide their mobility products. And we thank those who fill in the rest of the gaps to aid every person that is striving to Live Life Unlimited!

5 Things Every Senior Should Know About Internet Safety

November 12, 2009 on 4:23 pm | In Seniors | 3 Comments

hcsinternetsafety Recently we have been assisting some older friends with various things including computer issues. At 80, Frank is surprisingly knowledgeable about technology. Shirley is a super whiz when it comes to all things creative including computer software and utilizing the internet for her creativity. Both are adept at email and the social media website, Facebook, as well as various software programs.

During a recent conversation, passwords and internet safety came up in our discussion. I realized that they were unaware of the many scams on the internet. While they understood that they were never to give their social security number, date of birth or any personal information to telemarketers or door-to-door solicitors – they were unaware of the many ways that someone can use the internet and emails to acquire that information in order to deceive them and/or commit fraud and theft.

I discussed some of the most important points that any person should know about computer safety. Today, I thought I’d share them with you as well so you can make sure that not only you – but your older loved ones are aware of these safety measures.

#1 – Protect Your Identity. Do not provide your social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, place of birth, personal information about your children and spouse, passwords, usernames or even your home address to anyone that you do not personally know. Companies that you already deal with, like your bank or credit card company, will NEVER send you an email requesting personal information – they already have it. If you are filling out an online application that requests this information – ensure that you are actually providing it to a legitimate entity through secure means (for example through an encrypted server connection) and make sure that you know the reputation of the party in which you are providing it. If you have any doubts, then don’t do it online.

#2 – Protect Your Computer - Before you do anything via the internet – Make sure that your computer is protected. Keep you operating system and browser software up to date and set to the highest security level you can tolerate. Use quality anti-spyware, anti-virus and firewall software and make sure that it is also current and ON. Use passwords, anti-virus software and firewalls on every computer you use. If you have a wireless connection – make sure that you put a password on it so that it is LOCKED and not usable except by those in your household. Further, schedule your computer to delete history, cookies, passwords, temporary files and the like on a regular basis. Not only will your system run better, but you will further protect yourself.

#3 – Buying Online - Never provide banking information and/or credit card numbers or pin numbers to anyone on the computer except through secure shopping sites. If you are making an online purchase – ensure that the company you are buying from is reputable and has a secure online payment process. Look to see if they are using a verified secure server notification like McAfee Secure, Yahoo, or PayPal. Use credit cards rather than debit cards, and keep track of your purchases by making a list so that you can compare them to your statement when it comes in the mail.

#4 – Passwords – Use strong passwords: at least six characters, including at least one number and/or symbol, and no reference to your name or other personal information. For example, don’t use your street address or your first name and last 4 digits of your social security number. Use a different password for every site that requires one, and change passwords regularly. Keep a list of your current passwords in a paper file – not on your computer. If your computer is ever compromised – you have just done most of the work for the hacker. Also, never send your user name or password via email.

#5 – Email Safety - It is important to look carefully over every e-mail you receive. Don’t just randomly open up the spam mail like you do the junk mail at home. Be careful what you open. Never open e-mail and/or download attachments from anyone if you are not expecting them and if you must open an attachment – always virus scan it first, it could contain a security threat, like Trojan or Spyware. Use any spam filters available for your email provider. These will help separate legitimate emails from spam. Be aware of Scams that come through email and also via direct messaging on the social media websites.

The following is a partial list of SCAMS that are often sent via Email:
■ Advertising on online services – there are no “get rich quick” schemes
For example – Don’t respond (or at least if you do be very careful) to competitons, promotions, surveys etc. They may be an attempt to steal your details.
■ Online auctions – Going . . . Going . . . Uh-Oh! Unless you belong to the auction website, be leery of actually opening the email.
■ Disaster-related scams – when criminals exploit the caring and the victims by asking for money. Do not respond to requests for money unless it is an organization you already support. And if they solicit you – go directly to their website to use a secure server to donate.
■ Nigerian e-mail scam – why would a total stranger want to make you rich? These emails state that you have inherited money. There are also scams that are supposedly from the IRS, the Federal Government and even state officials. If you are to receive money from someone – they would send you a registered letter via the US Post Office – not via your email account.
■ Phishing. You get an e-mail that appears to be from your bank or an online service, most often PayPal or eBay, instructing you to click on a link and provide information to verify your account. Do not click the link. Often these have viruses or malware attached that can steal personal information.
■ Pharming or spoofing. Hackers redirect a legitimate Web site’s traffic to an impostor site, where you’ll be asked to provide confidential information. Scammers have been targeting social networking sites, such as Facebook.
■ Smishing. This is phishing done with text messaging on your smart phone. It instructs you to visit a bogus Web site.
■ Spyware. You’ve unknowingly downloaded illicit software when you’ve opened an attachment, clicked on a pop-up or downloaded a song or a game. Criminals can use spyware to record your keystrokes and obtain credit card numbers, bank-account information and passwords when you make purchases or conduct other business online. They also can access confidential information on your hard drive.

Much of this information was provided via Wired Safety. For additional information on scams – check out their website: http://www.wiredsafety.org/scams_fraud/index.html

Computers and the internet are very easily accessible. They aid so many in living Life Unlimited! This is a wonderful fact. However, in this age of advancing technology – it is also important to know the possible drawbacks and dangers that are out there so we can be safe and secure.

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