Beyond Home Care

12/22/2020

StoryWorth – the most meaningful gift for your family

Still looking for a last minute gift for mom and dad or grandparents? Check out Storyworth.com! This is such a great way to capture stories from your loved ones life and have them recorded. They send a prompt weekly through email but even if your loved one isn't computer savvy, I know many who set up weekly time to type the story out for them. Plus, you can grab a gift certificate straight from the website. I'm not affiliated, just a huge fan of recoding stories from our older generation 😊

StoryWorth makes it easy to record family stories and print them in beautiful keepsake books.

11/17/2020

Have you jumped on the Alexa train yet? If not you may want to check out some of the Alexa enabled products for your aging loved one. Alexa is a virtual assistant AI technology developed by Amazon. Its voice enabled so as long as you can say the name, "Alexa" and follow that with the ever growing list of commands, its pretty easy to use. Amazon continues to add to the wide range of devices enabled by this product including turning on and off the lights, calling a friend or loved one, play music, check the weather, ask a question on the internet, access other apps, set a timer or alarm, and so many more. ⁠
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These little devices make great gifts (hint hint, Christmas is right around the corner) and they encourage independence which we all know is a valuable resource to our aging loved ones. You can find many of the Amazon Echo devices on sale right now for the holidays so check it out! ⁠
#technologytuesday⁠
#caregivingtips⁠
#alexaforseniorcare⁠
#caregiversupport⁠
#agingparents⁠
#techforseniors⁠
#techforaging

11/11/2020

We are proud to care for our clients who served our country🇺🇸

11/05/2020

Angela Lost Everything in Hurricane Zeta, organized by Kelly Adams

One of our Beyond Home Care caregivers lost everything in the storm last week. Please take a moment to read her story, share it on social, and donate if you are able.

Between the night of Wednesday, Oct. 28th and the morning of Thursday Oct. 29th h… Kelly Adams needs your support for Angela Lost Everything in Hurricane Zeta

11/03/2020

Angela Lost Everything in Hurricane Zeta, organized by Kelly Adams

One of our Beyond Home Care caregivers lost everything in the storm last week. Please take a moment to read her story, share it on social, and donate if you are able. ❤️

Between the night of Wednesday, Oct. 28th and the morning of Thursday Oct. 29th h… Kelly Adams needs your support for Angela Lost Everything in Hurricane Zeta

11/03/2020

Its National Sandwich Day! But instead of talking grilled cheese and turkey clubs🥪, lets talk about the “sandwich generation.” Ever heard that term?

The Sandwich Generation is a term that refers to people who are raising their children while also taking care of their aging parents. This phenomenon has become more prevalent as families waited to have children and their parents were also aging and living longer. Many in the "sandwich generation" have older kids who have returned home or they may not have kids at home, but they are still financially responsible.

Being in the middle of the "sandwich" between kids and aging parents, can be a huge financial burden to bare in a time when its expected to save for retirement.

Being pulled in multiple directions, these caregivers experience stress, overwhelm, and burnout at an alarmingly high rate. Loss of employment or career status is common as the responsibilities for caregiving increases.

If you are a member of the sandwich generation,
1️⃣ Be intentional about building your support system for yourself, your children, and your aging parents. Find out what resources are available in your area by talking to local physicians, your Area on Aging, church leaders, and hospital social workers.
2️⃣ Pay attention to your needs and physical, emotional, and mental health. Take care of yourself!
3️⃣ Ask for help and grace along the way. Talk to your employer so they are aware of the situation, utilize respite care to allow yourself a break and time to recharge. Build up a team of people you can depend on to help step in to support you and your family members. People often want to help, they just don't always know how.

10/29/2020

I'll say it again for the folks in the back....everyone thrives on routine!
I hear the excuses all the time, "I don't like being held to a schedule,"
"Routines are boring, "or
"I prefer to do what's needed as it comes up," but in reality we all need some kind of loose structure in our lives or else we might go crazy! 🤯

As a caregiver your world is jam packed, crazy busy, with little to no time to spare. Having a loose routine for your day allows some structure and believe it or not, more of a sense of control. Here are a few key reasons why every caregiver should have a routine for their day:

✏️Having a routine puts certain tasks on autopilot and therefore they no longer take up valuable head space!
✏️Routines foster intentional living, ie. what gets scheduled gets done! Maybe you want to include a little exercise in your day every morning so you include it as part of your morning routine.
✏️When we don't have an idea for how our day or week is going to go it can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed not knowing how everything will get done.
✏️Ultimately having some structure will save you time in the end, and what caregiver doesn't need more time?!🙌

For our aging loved ones, routines can also be vital tools to their days especially if they have memory or other cognitive issues. Basically, by having a routine in place, ie. consistent times of day for meals, bathing, activities, bedtime, etc., we create security. For elderly here are a few key reasons to maintain a routine:
✏️Creates a safe, and stable environment
✏️Prevents confusion, stress, and agitation.
✏️Creates predictability in the day and potentially decreases resistance, frustration, and "bad days."
✏️Lessens the "fear of the unknow"

10/28/2020

It's that time of year... the seasons change, the days are getting shorter and gone is the warm summer sun.

A few years ago I started to notice this time of year I felt my energy level decrease, I had a horrible time getting out of bed in the morning, and overall I just felt a heaviness I could not shake. For a while I accepted this was a part of the season change and I needed to push through but last year I learned about light therapy, and it was game changing!

I knew about light therapy but honestly thought it was "fake medicine." I'm ashamed to say I didn't give it the research and consideration it deserved until my primary care physician mentioned it around this time last year.

I was surprised he didn't want increase my medication but instead wanted me to try this voodoo😄
After doing a little research online and ordering a light box from amazon, I am no longer a sceptic! In fact, I am a full on believer, user, and I recommend this option for anyone who struggles with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

I use my light next to the bed so in the morning, I just roll over, touch the side of it and the light is on and BRIGHT! You don't look directly into the light but instead at an angle so the light comes into your eyes from the side. Typically you would use is for 20-30 minutes first thing in the morning daily in order to see results.

Check the link in my bio👆 for a link the one I use from Circadian Optics, but a simple search of light therapy boxes will pop a ton of options up. Most importantly it needs to be an actual light therapy box, meaning it would have 10,000 LUX of brightness and UV light is filtered out. Mine is small and sleek so it blends into my nightstand without looking out of place

Benefits of light therapy are:
🌞regulates sleep
🌞improves focus
🌞improves the winter blues
🌞boosts energy

There can be side effects for people who have eye conditions, are vulnerable to light, or may have bipolar disorder. As with anything, always consult your doctor to ensure this therapy is right for you.
#caregivers
#SAD
#seasonalaffectivedisorder
#familycaregiver
#seniorcare
#winterblues
#agingparents
#lighttherapy
#circadianoptics
#circadiarhythm
#caregiversupport

10/27/2020

Whether we like it or not, Daylight Savings is upon us...Sunday, Nov. 1st we turn our ⏰clocks back an hour, losing all sense of time, and throwing our sleep patterns completely out of wack!

Maybe that's a little dramatic but its true! I detest Daylight Savings and the havoc it reeks on my sleep!😴

Sleep is essential to our overall health and wellbeing, and research now shows even a small change in our routine can throw our circadian rhythms off- so maybe I am not so dramatic after all. 😉

We can't avoid Daylight Savings but we can take steps throughout this week to prepare our bodies and lesson the effects!

⏰This week try going to be 15minutes early for a few days and then increase that to 30 minutes by mid to end of week.
⏰Practice good sleep hygiene and stay away from stimulants like caffeine and alcohol that can make it even more difficult to sleep well.
⏰Move your body! Get some exercise by taking a quick walk around the neighborhood or just down the street.
⏰Enjoy the sunlight! Research shows sunlight to be a huge regulator in our circadian rhythms so be sure you are stepping out into the sun and getting some good vitamin D.

What tips do you have for beating the Daylight Savings jetlag? Comment below👇 and share them with us!

#daylightsavings
#caringforcaregivers
#sleepisselfcare
#Beyondhomecare
#jericare
#familycaregivers
#caregiverselfcare

10/23/2020

Since COVID we have had to get creative with our meetings and have taken them to zoom!

PS We are always looking for an excuse to have some fun so this month we did a costume contest with our staff and caregivers 🎃! Check out our management team🤣

10/22/2020

Did you know that we are on Instagram? Our content is a little different there, focusing more on tips, tools, resources, and support for family caregivers. Follow us on Instagram @jeri.care to get the latest information!

10/14/2020

Don't miss this deal TONIGHT at 9pmCST. 30% off Joy for All cats and dogs.🐱🐶

If you have never heard of Joy for All, this company creates interactive and engaging products that foster meaningful connections through play, joy and happiness. I've seen clients light up when they have a Joy for All cat sitting in their lap purring at them. Its such a great tool to use for isolation and loneliness especially right now during covid quarantine.

Click here for a direct Amazon link
👉https://rb.gy/huqjfi

10/14/2020

Have you been following Prime Day Deals? Here are a few we found for your agibg loved one! Click this link to see the direct links to Amazon.
https://www.beyondhomecareal.com/blog/today-is-the-day-for-deals

10/06/2020

We love getting positive reviews from our clients and their family! Knowing that we helped a family through their caregiving journey is one of the most rewarding experiences! Thank you for the kind words!

10/02/2020

Breathe with me this morning...Its so easy to get caught up in stress and worry, and doubt ourselves as caregivers. Remember among the busyness and chaos of the day, you are doing a great job!❤
#familycaregiver
#sandwhichgeneration
#agingparents
#jericare
#beyondhomecare

06/15/2020

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse and in 60% of cases the perpetrator is a family member. Learn the types of elder abuse and the signs by educating yourself with these resources:
https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-elder-abuse
https://www.ncoa.org/public-policy-action/elder-justice/elder-abuse-facts/
https://dhr.alabama.gov/adult-protective-services/

05/27/2020

We are HIRING!!

Give us a call 256-414-6090 or fill out an application at https://beyondhomecareal.clearcareonline.com/quick-apply/

03/31/2020

JeriCare

JeriCare

🎙This week's episode of JeriTalk is all about organizing...but not how you expect. Click the link below👇 to hear Jennifer Gumbel talk about an Organized (after)Life.

03/31/2020

Hiring

We are Hiring! The priority we place on caring for our clients has not changed as we all attempt to get through this global crisis.

03/27/2020

Caregivers take extra precautions when visiting clients

Caregivers take extra precautions when visiting clients

Beyond Home Health has the delicate balance of protecting their elderly clients from exposure but the company provides reliable companions to assist with daily living. Owner Kelly Adams said employees

03/17/2020

If your senior needs care in their home right now, I have caregivers who are ready and willing to work! Call us at 256.414.6090

03/17/2020

JeriCare

🎙🎧New Episode is up with Dr. Vines on Caregiving with COVID-19

🎧🎙New Podcast is up!
Caregiving with COVID-19, featuring Dr. Justin Vines, is up on site today. I know many of our family caregivers are overwhelmed with what is going on right now. In this episode we try to speak directly to those fears and give you some science-based information to help you care for your loved one.

Check out the full episode link in the comments below👇

03/03/2020

Partnering with your Primary Care Physician

🎙Dr. Vines joins me today to discuss why it’s crucial for patients to view their primary care physician as a healthcare and caregiving partner.
We discuss his perspective on common misconceptions around what it truly means to practice family medicine and why he believes PCP’s are a patient’s first line of defense against serious illnesses. We talk about the role that your primary care physician plays in managing and caring for your aging loved one and when you should visit your PCP regarding health-related concerns. We also explore some of the common chronic health conditions and concerns caregivers should be aware of, the importance of educating yourself on these concerns, and the top four tools he recommends to all family caregivers.
Click the link below to listen 👇

Partnering with your Primary Care Physician Partnering with your Primary Care Physician     00:00 / 00:45:53   1X   Download file | Play in new window | Duration: 00:45:53 Dr. Justin Vines is a primary care physician currently practicing at Total Healthcare at the Russell Medical Foundation i...

02/26/2020

Understanding Medicaid

🎙Our latest podcast episode features Tammy Bruce of Crowne Healthcare around the topic of Understanding Medicaid. I get questions constantly about insurance whether its long term care policies, Medicaid, or Medicare and honestly this topic can be so confusing. This episode will help you navigate the process of applying for Medicaid and why it's important to an ahead.

Click the link below👇 to listen now!

Understanding Medicaid Understanding Medicaid     00:00 / 00:37:13   1X   Download file | Play in new window | Duration: 00:37:13 | Recorded on February 25, 2020 Today I am joined by Tammy Bruce of Crowne Healthcare Brown’s Nursing and Rehab to talk all things Medicaid. With confidence I th...

02/25/2020

Beyond Home Care

🦋Now taking new clients! Call our office today for your free assessment 256.414.6090.

We offer care in the comfort of your home. Whether its personal care, homemaking, or companionship, our trained and compassionate caregivers are here to support clients while they age in place. Call us today for a no obligation assesment 256-414-6090.

02/25/2020

What is JeriTalk🎙

What is JeriTalk?🎙If you have been following Beyond Home Care for a while you may have seen each week we share a post for JeriTalk.

JeriTalk is a podcast to help provide family caregivers with resources, tools and support during the journey of caregiving. It's a completely free resource so please use it and share it with other caregivers!

And if you have feedback, ideas for shows or even questions for us please send it to [email protected]. subscribe to JeriTalk where you listen to podcasts and check out our website linked in the comments below.

02/20/2020

JeriCare

JeriCare

🎧New episode on Creating your Winning Care Team. I'm getting honest this week about how we are not meant to "do life alone!" I firmly believe we are meant to be in community and work together. I won't start singing Kumbya, but hear me when I say I am passionate about this subject!
In this episode I take you through my 4 step process of creating a winning care team.

🎧It’s so easy today to just say, “I can handle it all myself.” But the reality is no one can “do it all” especially when “it all” entails caring for an aging parent or loved one. In this episode I give you practical and specific tools to walk through creating a winning team. I’m walking you step by step on who to include, how to ask, and where to go from here. I’m evening including a football🏈 analogy!

You don’t want to miss this one:)

02/13/2020

JeriCare

JeriCare

🎧Don't miss this episode with Dana Walters on learning to take care of yourself while you're caring for a loved one.

As caregivers its easy to put ourselves last and to try to take everything on. Dana speaks honesty about learning to ask for help, and discovering what self care looked like in the midst of caring for, and losing her mom and dad.

Click the link below👇 to listen to the full episode.