Time for Fall Cleaning

Spring Cleaning: Some people love it, others dread it, but everyone knows that when we come out of winter hibernation, it’s time to shake off the dust. But this year, we think Fall Cleaning deserves a little attention! After all, the summer to autumn transition can be just as drastic as winter to spring. We think October is a great month to sweep away the last of the vacation sand, clean out those leftovers and prepare to hunker down as temperatures drop. So what should you put on your Fall Cleaning to-do list? Here are a few suggestions:

• Check the expiration dates on food products, both purchased recently and those canned goods you may have had for months.
• Stock-up with healthy foods for fall in preparation for fall’s more limited fruits and vegetables. While fresh is best, frozen is a good alternative.
• Check around windows and doors for air leaks and use weather stripping to seal any gaps.
• Get a head start on outdoor chores like raking leaves, cleaning gutters and fixing small issues that could be exacerbated by rain or snow.
• If you have a garden, prepare it for next spring by clearing away dead plants and removing any materials used for supporting your plants, like bean stakes, tomato cages or trellises.
• Wash or dry clean your cold weather clothes so that you don’t stir up any allergies when you bring them out of storage. Don’t get caught on a cold day with only a dusty, moth-ball scented coat to wear.

So whether you love spring cleaning (now you can do it twice a year!) or aren’t such a fan (look at it this way- you’re spreading it out so it’s not just one “big clean” in the spring) these tips will help keep things organized, cut down on the clutter and prepare you and your home for the cooler months ahead.

Does this sound like too much or you don’t know where to start? Senior Helpers has caregivers who can assist you with these Fall Cleaning activities. Call us 973-362-0130 to find out exactly how we can help you and your family.

Guest Post: Fun Deficit Disorder

This article has been contributed by Abhilash K. Desai, M.D. He is the medical director of geriatric psychiatry at Sheppard Pratt and director of the memory clinic of the neuropsychiatry program at Sheppard Pratt. Dr. Desai is also an associate professor at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

The portrait of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia needs to change from “exuberant life, gloomy aging” to one of “exuberant life, peaceful and happy aging.” There is no reason for these seniors to not experience fullness of life. The connection dementia sufferers have to others and to their own past lives can be sustained at a far higher level than is generally believed. Boredom and loneliness have a tremendous negative impact on a person’s sense of happiness and contentment.

The basic principles in bringing back fun and joy are adopting a philosophy of care that emphasizes quality of life, a supportive environment that stresses life purpose, and respecting the “personhood” of seniors. The goal should be to create a positive, fulfilling life for people with dementia in a warm, comfortable, and compassionate setting. Personalized care plans build on a person’s strengths, enhance positive self-image, and promote autonomy. We need to shower people with dementia with affection, stimulate them by a joyous atmosphere of loving people (especially children) and pets, and treat them with honor and dignity.

Mottos & Moments

Many businesses have a motto: Nike has “Just do it.” Wendy’s is famous for “Where’s the beef?”

Our company, Senior Helpers, has two mottos! The corporate motto is refers to our ability to respond to your requests and needs, and our home office’s motto communicates our attitude every day!

“Care and Comfort at a moment’s notice.”

We know it’s difficult to see a loved family member grow older and begin to show signs of aging. It can be especially upsetting to have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s or to learn they can no longer care as well for themselves as they did in the past. Once you and your family have made the tough decision that your loved one needs help, that’s where we (and our motto) come in.

As soon as you connect with us, we get right to work helping to figure out the best way to support your family and your specific situation. We staff caregivers that are passionate about helping and have special experience with caring for the older generation.

We know it isn’t easy, but when you decide to call on our services, we’re ready. From there, our home office’s motto comes into play:

 “Make every moment of every minute that you spend with the client special.”

We want you to know that we care about each family we work with and we recognize that not every family has the same needs. Our company and each of our employees share this attitude of creating special moments, as opposed to just trying to get through another work day. It’s not just a job to us, it’s personal!

Helping seniors is our passion and we care about each and every individual that requests our services. Our caregivers and our company take pride in knowing that we are making a difference in someone’s life today.

Power in Numbers: Alzheimer’s Support Groups

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the following years for everyone involved can be a roller coaster of emotions. Some days will be great and feel like nothing has changed. Others will be heartbreaking and challenging. As a caregiver, you’ll feel everything from anger to fear as your loved one goes through days of confusion and loss.

If no one you know has taken on the role of caretaker, you may feel alone at times.

An Alzheimer’s support group is a great place to turn when you feel like no one understands what your life looks like and how you are feeling.  These groups offer participants psychological and emotional support, as well as the practical knowledge that they will need as a caregiver.  Support groups also give you a place to share stories, both hardships and successes, that only people who are familiar with Alzheimer’s will truly understand.

One of the greatest benefits of an Alzheimer’s support group is that it gives you a place to express the difficult emotions. Tamra Young, our owner at Senior Helpers of Northern New Jersey, facilitates a free monthly support group for anyone who finds themselves in this situation. The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Health Center at Bloomingdale. Please call 973) 362-0130 to RSVP.

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Welcome to our blog!

Welcome to the blog of Senior Helpers Northern New Jersey! We are an in-home care company, specializing in non-medical help for seniors. Our caregivers are here to provide peace of mind and to allow your loved ones to remain independent in their own home.

Our owner is Tamra Young, who is active in the northern New Jersey community. She is participates in Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, Wayne Rotary Club, Sussex County Division of Senior Services Advisory Council and is the chairperson of the Sussex County Senior Providers. She also volunteers for St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital Foundation and is the group facilitator of the Alzheimer’s Association support group in Bloomingdale.

The Office Manager is Amanda Gallia and she absolutely loves her job. She’s the voice on the line when you call our office and keeps everything running smoothly. If you have questions or concerns about anything Senior Helpers, Amanda probably knows the answer.

Amanda Ager keeps the world updated on Senior Helpers by writing this blog and updating Facebook (plus all the other North Jersey Senior Helpers sites). She likes to share tips that are useful to older folks and the caregivers that help them.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and stay tuned!