Seasonal Tips for Seniors Receiving Home Health Care in Harrisburg, PA

Whether it’s sitting outside on a pleasantly warm evening or taking part in a traditional family barbeque, the warmer months of summer are full of delightful activities. For seniors receiving home health care in Harrisburg, PA, the assistance of a caregiver can help you enjoy all that summer has to offer. 

But, while getting older doesn’t have to stop you from embarking on summer adventures, there are a few considerations to be aware of. Heat, poor hydration, and sun exposure can pose a risk to your health regardless of your age. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up a few summer safety tips to keep you and your loved ones relishing the warmer months without any woes. 

 

Tip Seasonal Tips for Seniors 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults aged 65 and older have a more difficult time adjusting to sudden changes in temperature, such as seasonal humidity and heat. With this in mind, here are a few tips to help you or your elderly family member stay safe this summer. 

 

1. Be mindful of activity levels

While you may not be running miles or playing rounds of tennis, any moderate to strenuous activity can still cause overheating. Reduce physical activity when the weather is especially warm, or avoid participating during the hottest part of the day. 

 

2. Stay hydrated 

Drinking plenty of water is crucial for preventing dehydration. Experts warn that if you feel thirsty, you could already be on your way to becoming dehydrated. Drinking fluids consistently throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty, can help ensure adequate hydration. 

 

3. Recognize the symptoms of dehydration 

Knowing the signs of dehydration is just as important as staying hydrated. Mount Sinai states that symptoms of this dangerous condition include: 

  • Thirst
  • Dark urine 
  • Dry or sticky mouth
  • Skin that is dry and cool to the touch
  • Muscle cramps
  • Headache 

Being aware of dehydration signs can help you act quickly when you or your elderly family member may be at risk. 

 

4. Protect yourself from the sun 

The sun’s rays can adversely affect your skin, even on cloudy days. Because immunity and skin health naturally tend to decline as we age, your skin can be more easily impacted by the sun and have a harder time repairing itself. Generally, applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is recommended anytime you are outdoors. You can also wear protective clothing such as hats and sunshirts to prevent sun damage. 

 

5. Consider your wardrobe

Speaking of clothing, your wardrobe can either help or hinder your health during the summer. It’s best to avoid dark-colored clothing, which can attract the sun’s rays and increase body temperature. Instead, opt for lightweight, light-colored clothing that is breathable and cool.  

 

6. Protect your eyes  

Your eyes should be dressed appropriately, too! Sunglasses help protect your eyes from UV rays. Pair them with a wide-brimmed hat, and you will be all set for safe and comfortable outdoor activities. 

 

7. Be able to recognize heat exhaustion or heat stroke signs  

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two conditions that can sneak up on elderly individuals during the warmer months. The National Institute on Aging states that older adults are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Both conditions can be very dangerous. Heat-related illnesses such as these can cause symptoms like:

  • Flushed skin
  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

If you or your elderly loved one has any of these signs, it is important to get help right away. Move them to a cool location, preferably indoors, and give them a cool electrolyte drink while you wait for assistance to arrive.  

 

8. Review your medications  

Certain medications, like antibiotics and diuretics, can cause sun sensitivities. Your personal care assistant likely offers medication management, and it’s a good idea to share with them which medications can require additional sun precautions. While you likely won’t have to stay indoors completely, there are steps you can take to reduce sun exposure while outside.  

 

9. Minimize hazards  

Whether you are at a family pool party thanks to home health care transportation or simply walking outdoors with your home health caregiver, the warmer months can include trip and fall hazards. Pool decks, outdoor rugs and landscaping, and sandy beaches are all potential problem areas for seniors with limited mobility. Ask your home health caregiver to help keep areas clean and well-lit and assist you with dressing in non-slip footwear. 

 

10. Stay cool  

While no one likes an increase in the utility bill, running your air conditioning to keep your house cool during the summer is important. The room temperature should be comfortable, especially when temperatures reach 90 degrees or more. Room temperature has been found to affect elderly individuals’ sleep and ability to communicate. Too hot of a house could put older loved ones at risk of heat-related illnesses. Your home health care agency’s aides can often help ensure your family member’s living space doesn’t get too hot. 

 

Seasonal Tips for Seniors Receiving Home Health Care in Harrisburg, PA

 

Our Home Health Care Harrisburg, PA Staff are Summer Knowledgable!

At AmeriBest Home Care, our professional staff is knowledgeable about potential risks and necessary lifestyle changes for every season of the year. If you or a loved one is looking for home health care, contact us today. One of our program coordinators will be happy to discuss your family’s needs and help you select the right program and services for you. With locations in  Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Allentown, PA, AmeriBest can make your loved one’s home care experience safe, enjoyable, and enriching. 

Insights from Allentown Home Care Experts: Navigating Depression and Anxiety in Seniors

Insights from Allentown Home Care Experts

As we get older, it’s common to experience various feelings. Coupled with changes in physical and mental health, these emotions can take a bigger toll on a senior’s quality of life than you may have guessed. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are a few of the emotional concerns an elderly individual may struggle with. Reduced independence can play a role in these feelings. However, compassionate in-home caregiving and a senior’s family members can help overcome these struggles, allowing elderly individuals to lead a rich and fulfilling life. As experienced providers of home care in Allentown, PA, we’re familiar with depression and anxiety in seniors and ways to recognize and help manage these concerns. 

 

What Causes Anxiety and Depression in Seniors?

The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry states that anxiety can be a common, yet often undiagnosed, illness for older adults. There are a few factors that can contribute to anxiety and depression in senior citizens. 

Reduced physical health and mobility are potential causes of worry. The inability to participate in normal activities and routines can lead to worries about how the person will be able to retain independence and enjoy life. These concerns can cause sadness, too. 

Similarly, loss and social isolation can also affect their mood, especially if the senior cannot partake in the things that once brought them joy. In cases where worries and sadness become severe, transforming into anxiety and depression, the individual’s physical health may be affected. Research has found that depression in seniors is linked to increased risk of illness and cardiac diseases. 

Although many of us understand that feelings like this are a normal part of such huge life changes and are nothing to be ashamed of, seniors may be reluctant to seek help or reach out to family members. Recognizing the signs of depression and anxiety becomes imperative.

 

What Are the Signs of Senior Depression and Anxiety? 

If you provide family care for your loved one, there are signs you should be aware of. Alternatively, if your relative is receiving home care through an agency like AmeriBest, you can check that their caregiver knows the signs of depression and anxiety and ask them to alert you if they become concerned. 

Signs of depression and anxiety in seniors can include: 

  • Physical symptoms. Physical health and mental health are strongly linked. Depression and anxiety may show up as fatigue, aches and pains, and changes in appetite. 
  • Behavior changes. While some changes in behavior are to be expected, watch out for significant shifts in your loved one’s actions. Such as not wanting to participate in hobbies or activities they once found enjoyable, social withdrawal, and changes in their sleep. 
  • Cognitive decline. Unfortunately, depression and anxiety can sometimes be misdiagnosed as cognitive decline. In seniors, depression may be wrongfully deemed dementia. Determining which condition may be affecting your relative is crucial to providing them with appropriate care and support. 

 

How to Navigate and Help Them Cope With These Feelings

Navigating depression and anxiety with a senior member of your family starts with compassionate communication. Letting your loved one know you are a safe person to whom they can communicate concerns is a beneficial first step. Together, you and their caregiver can create a supportive community where they feel comfortable asking for help or speaking about their emotions. 

Once it’s established that a senior is dealing with depression or anxiety, seek help. Sometimes, professional counseling services are needed. Often, there are mental health professionals who specialize in senior care and can help your loved one cope with their feelings. 

Outside of visits to a mental health professional, family members and caregivers can create an environment at home that is conducive to reducing anxiety and sadness. Help your senior get regular physical activity, both inside and outside the home. Walking in the sunshine can be beneficial to their overall health. Encourage them to participate in fulfilling social activities, whether at their local community center or simply playing a board game with their personal care assistant. You can also provide mindfulness and relaxation techniques for when they feel overwhelmed or isolated, such as tai chi, deep breathing, or meditation. 

 

Insights from Allentown Home Care Experts

 

Choose Supportive and Compassionate Home Care in Allentown, PA 

At AmeriBest, we strongly value our seniors’ mental and physical well-being. As such, we provide resources for our staff and paid family caregivers so that they can recognize and address signs of depression and anxiety in elderly individuals. We strive to create a compassionate and caring environment that fosters communication. Our caregivers desire to help your elderly loved ones lead a rich and fulfilling life, free from stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Together, we can improve the quality of life for those in their golden years. Contact us to learn how you can get premiere home care for your loved one in Allentown, Harrisburg, or Philadelphia, PA. 

Senior Caregiver Health at Risk: Facts, Signs, and Solutions

Senior Caregiver Health at Risk - AmeriBest Home Care

When it comes to seniors and caregiving, attention is always placed on the seniors’ well-being.

Which makes sense.

However, there’s another important player in the caregiving cycle that deserves attention too. And, that another player is the one giving the care- the dutiful family member who spends the day in and day out helping to care for the loved senior, and who often gets overlooked or overworked.

In this article, we’ll go through the facts of caregiver health, the signs of an overworked caregiver, and some practical solutions.

The facts behind caregiver health.

As more and more baby boomers enter their senior age, more family members are being called upon to care for their parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts.

While caregiving is amazing to work and truly exemplifies the meaning of family, it can also be quite a strenuous job. Especially, for those family members who also have their own spouses and children to take care of. Needless to say, the time commitment and workload of caregiving can be difficult to manage.

Unfortunately, this often leads to overworked or overwhelmed caregivers, which can result in poor health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that of the 18 million Americans who are informal caregivers (meaning, they are not paid for their caregiving services), about 1 in 5 are in roughly moderate or bad health.

Essentially, while caregivers are working to keep their loved seniors in good health, they are letting their own health slip away. A sad consequence that we, at AmeriBest, aim to prevent.

The signs of an overworked caregiver.

When it comes to determining someone’s health, direct questions don’t always work.

Because it is not uncommon for caregivers to brush off questions with “I’m fine” or “I have it under control.” And the problem is that these caregivers really might really be fine at the moment. But burn out can happen in an instant. Informal caregivers are fine until they’re not fine. At which point their physical and mental health may be at serious risk.

So, while open and honest communication is usually the best option, sometimes a little something else is required. Something called tactful observation. 

If you’re worried about a caregiver you love, look out for these tell-tale signs of burnout:

  1. Persistent tiredness
  2. Anxiety or sadness
  3. Forgetfulness
  4. Weak immune system (I.e. getting sick easily and often)
  5. Loss of weight

Obviously, everyone exhibits signs of burnout differently. But, if you notice any of these signs within yourself or a caregiver you love, consider that it might be time to intervene and help.

The option for help.

Whether it’s for you, a friend, or a loved one- don’t be afraid to call a home care agency for a bit of extra help.

Caregivers often avoid calling for help because they see it as a lack of responsibility on their part. They worry that by calling in someone else to do the job, they are casting off their beloved seniors.

But if you know what home care really is, you know that’s not the case.

With at-home care, family caregivers can come in and out as they please. There are no visiting times and no need to call in advance. Family caregivers can help monitor their seniors’ schedules and care, while also having a professional home care aide to lean on for support and advice.

With at-home care, seniors never feel alone and caregivers never feel overwhelmed.

Winter Safety Checklist for Seniors: Prepare and Protect

Winter Safety Checklist for Seniors - AmeriBest Home Care

Every winter, we cross our fingers and wish for a magical winter wonderland.
We hope for a dreamy world of white covered treetops and fluffy snow blankets.

After all, what better suits the holidays?

But, with this beauty, comes a bit of danger.
This winter season, prepare and protect your elderly. Let your loved seniors enjoy the crisp, white holiday magic while also staying safe and warm.

How to keep seniors safe in the winter?

The key ingredient to keeping elderly parents safe in the winter is preparation.

It’s extremely important to be ready before the chilly weather hits. Once the snow arrives, it’ll be too late to get what you need. Especially, if you need to order some of the safety equipment online.

So, think smart and plan ahead.
It’s never too early to start prepping for winter safety.

How to prepare your senior for winter weather?

Don’t let the stress of prepping get to your head.
Here’s a winter safety checklist to help protect your senior during the rough winter weather!

  • Shovel – This one’s a no-brainer. You can’t expect your senior to trudge through the thick snow.
  • Car Ice Scraper – If you or your senior have a car, you’re definitely going to want one of these. Particularly, a scraper with an attached snow brush. Otherwise, you might find yourself having quite a hard time driving. After all, we wouldn’t want you to miss any doctor appointments because you couldn’t clean your car of snow and ice.
  • Salts – If you want your loved senior to be able to walk on the paths that you just shoveled, it’s crucial you put down melting salts. Slipping on ice is a huge danger to elderly parents.
  • Candles – Hopefully you won’t need this. But in the case of a snowstorm and/or blackout, you’re going to be glad you had extra candles around. A flashlight works too.
  • Throw Blankets – It’s so important that your senior stays warm. Seniors often get chilly faster than middle-aged adults might. And, with chills can come all sorts of illness. Make sure your senior is feeling warm and toasty inside, no matter how cold it gets outside.
  • Medication Refills – It’s extremely scary when you’re snowed in for a day or two and your senior runs out of his or her medication. Don’t let that happen. If you know a storm is on the horizon, make sure your senior has plenty of pills and vitamins to last through a snowstorm. Put in the orders for refills right away if any are running low.
  • Things That Make Your Senior Happy – Unfortunately, winter is often the time that seasonal depression hits the hardest. Yes, the world is beautiful when covered in snow, but it’s also darker. And, if your senior is stuck at home, it can be a lonely time. Make sure your senior is happy and of high spirits by keeping some favorite things on hand. This could be favorite movies, favorite games, favorite foods. Anything that brings a smile to your senior no matter the circumstance.

Headaches and Back Pains: What’s Really Going on Inside Your Body?

Headaches and Back Pains - AmeriBest Home Care

Headaches and back pains are amongst the most common complaints of seniors.

As we get older, it’s not uncommon to develop sore muscles or chronic pains in our bodies. But, that doesn’t mean we have to live in misery.

Now a day, there are all sorts of remedies and solutions to alleviate headache and back pain.

The first step in alleviating body pain is identifying what and where it is. Next, is understanding the cause. And lastly, is finding the solution with which to approach the problem.

Here are some questions and answers to steer you on your way to a painless life.

Is it a chronic pain or acute pain?

When identifying head or back pain, you need to recognize whether it is “chronic” or “acute.” Because that’s one of the first questions a doctor will ask you.

Chronic pain can be described as more of a dull sense of pain over an extended period of time. You might be able to function normally with the pain, but it is still there. And it is still irritating.

Acute pain, on the other hand, is a sudden burst of pain. It can be described as sharp or intense. It is a pain that might really make you stop what you’re doing and pay attention to it. But it’s likely not to last long, and certainly not as long as chronic pain.

Being able to categorize your pain as chronic or acute, is a huge step in finding a remedy.

What causes persistent headaches and back pains?

Unfortunately, there is a myriad of items that could cause head pain or back pain. Causes can range anywhere from lack of sleep, poor posture, arthritis, disease, ulcers, and cancer.

We’re not trying to scare you with those last few examples. But we do want you to understand the wide range of causes that can be the triggers of chronic pain.

Are headaches and back pains connected?

When seniors complain of back pain or head pain, they often complain of the other as well.

This observation has led to new scientific research on the subject. Researchers are now suggesting that there is, in fact, a connection between the two pains. Doctors are hoping that the research found may lead to a new and improved remedy- a remedy that targets both pains at once.

The wish is that as one pain lessens, the other will as well.

What can I do to alleviate my headaches and back pain?

It all depends on what the cause of your pain might be.

For chronic headaches, doctors will often prescribe medicinal treatments to alleviate the pain.
For chronic back pain, on the other hand, the solution is often exercise or physical therapy. Back pain is usually associated with weaker muscles, and so strengthening stomach and back muscles is thought to help lessen the pain.

In light of the new studies done, researchers now suspect that exercise and physical therapy intended to target back pain may also help with head pain.

FAQ: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

FAQ: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation - AmeriBest Home Care

What is a stroke?

Strokes can be divided into two main categories: Ischemic and Hemorrhagic.

Ischemic is the more common of the two types. An ischemic stroke occurs when clots or plague block the blood’s path to the brain. This can happen directly in the brain’s blood vessels or it can happen in other blood vessels that run toward the brain.

A hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, occurs when a blood vessel actually breaks. In some ways, this can be worse because the blood contained within the vessel escapes and damages the brain’s tissue.

Can you recover from a stroke?

The good news is- yes!
The bad news is- recovery can take some time.

Strokes can cause serious damage to the brain. Often times, it damages motor neurons, resulting in physical mobility loss. This can show in the form of speech impairment, facial expression impairment, or limb control impairment.

Recovering from a stroke may not always be as neat as one would like. If survivors are lucky, they are able to recover fully with minimal residual effects. But other times, survivors may be left with some kind of disability to work through.

How long does it take to recover from a stroke?

Depending on the severity of the damage, stroke survivors could take anywhere from days to years to recover.

What is post-stroke rehabilitation?

Post-stroke rehabilitation is a type of therapy treatment.

As aforementioned, strokes often result in some after-effects as an outcome of brain damage. Post-stroke rehabilitation cannot undo brain damage. It is not a cure. But, it can help alleviate and manage symptoms.

Post-stroke rehabilitation works to provide a long-term solution to the aftermath of a stroke. And, to get stroke survivors functioning as independently as possible.

When should you start post-stroke rehabilitation?

Post-stroke rehabilitation begins as soon as a stroke survivor has been stabilized.

There are two ways to begin rehabilitation. If the stroke patient is paralyzed or unable to move on his or her own, a therapist will begin the rehabilitation by physically moving the patient around to increase mobility. If the stroke patient has some mobility control already, the therapist will have the patient independently exercise his or her own limbs.

After that, the main key to successful rehabilitation is continuous and consistent exercising and therapy.

Where to go for post-stroke rehabilitation?

When it comes to rehabilitation, it’s extremely important to do the therapy sessions consistently. And on a regular basis.

Keeping to a regular schedule can be hard for many, especially when it involves coordinating transportation. If this is the case for you or a loved one, we highly recommend hiring a professional home care aid.

When you hire through a home care agency like AmeriBest, we send our therapists and nurses straight to your own home. So that you never have to worry about traveling to your therapy sessions and getting there on time.

At-home rehabilitation is a great time saver and an even greater way to make sure you’re getting the care you need.

4 Quick Tips for Stress Relief in Caregivers

4 Quick Tips for Stress Relief in Caregivers - AmeriBest Home Care

If you follow our blog you definitely know by now: caregiving is hard work.

But, you’ll also know that there are ways to make that work easier. And ways to relieve the stress that comes with the job of caregiving.

So, here are 4 quick tips for caregivers when it comes to stress relief.

Get paid for your caregiving.

Let’s be honest. One of the biggest stresses for caregivers is financial insecurity.
Caregiving is basically a full-time job. And when you’re a family caregiver, you’re usually not getting paid for the time spent caring.

Which means, that you’re working a regular job on top of working regular caregiving hours. And, that equals a huge amount of stress.

But, there is a solution: get paid to caregive.
If you’re caregiving anyway, why not make money doing it? Sign up with home care agencies, like AmeriBest, where you actually get paid to be a caregiver.

At AmeriBest, we also help our caregivers with career growth, experience, and competitive pay.

Take time for yourself.

You may be tired of hearing this one, but it’s so so important that you take time for yourself to refresh and reenergize.

And, you have to actively set aside time to do so. If you just keep saying you’ll relax when you get a break, that break is never going to happen. You have to choose a specific time, let all your friends and family know, and then take that time for yourself.

Caregiving is demanding work. It requires constant focus and decision making, things that often wear a person down. And, worn down people don’t do good work. Which means, that not only are you harming yourself by not taking time to breathe, you’re also harming those you care for.

It’s okay to take a break. We give you permission.

Find meaning in the work you do.

More often than not, we get caught up in the routine of the work we do. On the one hand, this is great, because the less decisions we have to make in a day, the better. On the other hand, when we’re just going through wrote motions, we don’t challenge ourselves, and we don’t find meaning in the work we do.

As conscious beings, we need meaning. And when we don’t have it, we start to feel stressed out and down about ourselves.

Solution? Once a week, take a bit of time to process what you’re doing and why. Caregiving is important work. It’s work that matters. It’s work that makes a huge positive difference in someone else’s life.

And you need to remind yourself that, every once in a while.

Spend time with friends.

Friends make us happy.
They know what we need, and they know how to make us feel better.

But most importantly, spending time with friends means getting out of the house and focusing on something other than caregiving. So, meeting up with friends every now and then is a great way to relieve stress. Because, whether you use the time to vent or catch up, you’re giving your mind time to relax and enjoy life.

Something we all need to do.
Stay happy!

Welcoming Men into the World of Caregivers

Welcoming Men into the World of Caregivers - AmeriBest Home Care

Or, saying hello to the many that are already here.

For years, caregiving has been dominated by women. Accompanied by the picture-perfect image of a kindhearted young girl sitting beside a senior citizen, reading books and drinking tea.

Okay, so maybe that’s more of the image presented in historical fictional pieces on television.

But the fact still stands: men are not often associated with the idea of caregiving for the elderly.
And the truth is: there are already many male caregivers, and there are many more on their way.

Some men are embarrassed to admit it because of the stereotype that has surrounded caregivers for so many years. And, some men don’t even realize that what they are already doing -caring for a parent or spouse- is, in fact, considered caregiving.

So, for all the men out there who already identify as caregivers, and for all the men out there who want to be caregivers, here are some tips and tricks of the trade specifically for you.

Be proud of what you do.

We sometimes get caught up in the appearance of what we do, and what others might think of the work we do. But, we’ll tell it to you straight: being a caregiver is a wonderful thing.

As a caregiver, you are dedicating your time to helping another life the best life that they can. You are giving up night outs or days in, to make a huge positive difference in someone else’s life.

Caregiving is one of the most self-less jobs you could have. And for that, you deserve all the respect and recognition that one can give.

You should be proud of being a caregiver and yell it to the streets.

Be even more proud of what you do.

Now, there’s another extremely important reason you should be proud of being a caregiver.
When you’re embarrassed about the work you do, it shows in how you work. It shows in the little grimaces you might make here and there, and the sluggishness you might have when doing a job.

Seniors sense this unease and that makes them feel uneasy as well. And, when everyone is feeling uneasy, it makes for a weird atmosphere. Not just weird, but lonely and a little bit sad.

If you really want to be a great caregiver, you need to be proud of the work you do and show it!

Get paid for the work you do.

Since men are relatively new to the field of caregiving, they’re not always part of caregiving communities.

This means, they miss the memo: you can get paid to be a caregiver.

Homecare agencies, like AmeriBest Home Care, will actually pay you to caregive. Not only that, but they’ll also give you the training and advice you might need to be an outstanding caregiver.

Caregiving alone is hard. But when you’re getting paid and you have people to rely on, it makes the whole thing so much more enjoyable.

Fighting Depression in Caregivers

Fighting Depression in Caregivers - AmeriBest Home Care

Caregiving can be tough.
Especially when it’s for your own family member. Because it means seeing someone you love at their weakest and most vulnerable. And that kind of experience can take an emotional toll on even the strongest caregivers amongst us.

Which is why it’s not uncommon for caregivers to become depressed.

So, here are some words of encouragement:

  • To all the caregivers out there: Stay strong. Take care of yourself. You are doing a wonderful thing. And, you are not alone.
  • To all the seniors out there: Aging is hard, but you have so much more to live for. Stay happy for the ones you love.
  • To all the young ones who may one day become a caregiver: There’s no real preparation, except knowing that when the time comes, you can do it. Like many have done before you.

Warning Signs of Depression in Caregivers

Whether you’re a caregiver yourself, a friend of a caregiver, or the one being cared for, it’s good to know the signs of depression. This way, you can recognize the symptoms and get help if need be.

And with that, you can make a positive difference in someone else’s or your own life.
Some depression symptoms to look out for are:

  • Loss of interest
    This could be a loss of interest in people, activities, or things. When caregivers are depressed they tend to lose hope in the world and their life, which in turn causes them to lose interest in doing anything.
  • Insomnia
    Caregivers with depression often have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night. Once or twice is okay, but when it happens for consecutive nights over an extended period of time, something might be wrong.
  • Fatigue
    This symptom is more than just not having the energy to do something. It’s a constant state of fatigue and can often be tied with the symptom of loss of interest.
  • Sadness
    This one might be obvious, but it’s still important to take note of. Sadness is one of the main symptoms of depression. This feeling of sadness can also appear as anxious or restless thoughts. And intense loneliness often accompanies them.

What you can do to help with depression?

If you recognize any of these symptoms in a caregiver near you, it may be a good idea to talk to them delicately about what you’re seeing. Before it’s too late.

And, if you’re a caregiver or someone looking to become a caregiver, consider doing your work with a homecare agency.

Caregiving on your own can be difficult.
As social creatures, we need support and encouragement.

Which is why it’s best to get paid for caregiving with an established and reputable homecare agency like AmeriBest. At AmeriBest, we have a close-knit team of nurses, doctors, and medical staff so that you never have to feel alone. We support all our nurses and caregivers. We give you the skills to succeed, and then we give you the emotional support to do it.

Get paid to caregive this month at AmeriBest HomeCare!

Don’t worry. Be happy.