5 Holiday Ideas Your Elderly Parents Will Love

5 Holiday Ideas Your Elderly Parents Will Love - AmeriBest Home Care

Holiday planning can be tricky.

Of course, you want your holiday plans to include fun and meaningful activities with your family. But, finding activities that everyone wants to do? Well, it’s not always the easiest thing to accomplish.

Especially with aging parents. Because you have to find activities that go beyond the generation gap. Activities that are easy and easily accessible. Activities that will really bring you and your parents closer together for the holiday season.

It’s a tall order.

Lucky for you, we’ve created a list of 5 wonderful holiday ideas aging parents will love. If you were having trouble making plans, check out this list for some easy, meaningful tips and activities.

Bake some treats.

Everyone loves food.
Particularly holiday treats.

Choose one of your or your parents’ favorite holiday goodies, and bake away!

This is a great activity because it allows you to chat and catch up while doing the activity. And, it’s extremely accommodating. You can bake standing up, sitting down. You can bake more challenging treats like gingerbread houses or easy treats like cake mix brownies.

Baking is so versatile, you can’t go wrong.

Bring out the old photos.

Some of the best memories are created while sharing old memories.
Dust off the old photo albums and pull up some chairs for the whole family to see.

Reminiscing about the good ol’ days is always a fun and meaningful activity. The pictures you find or the memories you recall will make you smile and cry. By the end of the night, you might even find yourself rolling with laughter.

It’s a wonderful experience for all.

Decorate galore.

Where you spend your holidays is almost as important as how you spend your holidays.
If the room is drab and sad, no amount of lively activity will brighten the mood.

So, bring some extra cheer into the house with a bit of decorating!

Like baking, this is another activity that allows you to talk and spend quality time with your elderly parents. Even if they can’t reach all the tall places, they’ll still enjoy chatting while you climb up a ladder.

There’s nothing more magical than creating something together.

See the show.

If you’re looking to get out of the house, some of the most wonderful shows play this time of year. Operas, Broadway shows, plays, or even just movies. Your choices are unlimited.

Find a genre or theme both you and your elderly parents love.
Then buy the tickets, and head on out!

Pro Tip: Plan this activity in advance. Tickets during this season sell out fast!

Book a spa.

Whether it’s foot massages for the dads or manicures for the moms, spas are a great holiday activity.

Not only do spa days get you out of the house, they do so while being easily accessible to aging parents. And, if you can book a room together, you’ll have plenty of time to chat about life and other fun things.

Happy holidays!

Caregiving Rules: How to Stay on Top of Your Game

How to Stay on Top of Your Game - AmeriBest Home Care

Whether you’ve recently started caregiving for a loved one or you’ve been doing it for a while, here are 4 rules that can really make or break your time as a caregiver.

Rule #1: Accept Help

This is the first rule because it’s the most important. When you’re caregiving, you often want to do everything by yourself. Not because you don’t trust others, but because you think it’s your duty. And you think it’s your responsibility to do it all on your own.

This is the biggest trap that caregivers fall into. And they’ll even run themselves ragged thinking they just need to push themselves a little more. But this is not a sustainable way of life. And, it certainly is not a sustainable way of caregiving. Eventually, both you and your loved one will feel the consequences of your pushing yourself too hard.

So, you need to understand, you don’t have to do everything by yourself.
And, it’s okay to accept help.

If someone is willing to offer you an extra hand- take it. The same way you want to help your loved senior, others want to help you. You wouldn’t want your senior to reject your help, so don’t reject others’ help to you.

Rule #2: Stay Organized

When you’ve finally decided to accept help from others, it can get a little hectic remembering who is doing what for your senior.

And when things are hectic, it makes others less likely to continue to give their support. When someone offers help, they want to actually be able to help or they’ll come away feeling frustrated. They don’t want to show up, only to find your senior being helped by two other friends as well, because of your overbooked.

So, you’ve got to keep a good schedule. Don’t just make lists in your head, because you’re likely to forget those. Instead, have a physical (or digital) calendar, and write everything down. Who, what, where, and when.

Rule #3: Take Care of Yourself

While you’re scheduling your senior’s healthcare appointments, make sure to schedule your own as well. Whether it be mental or physical.

As the popular saying goes, you can’t help others if you don’t help yourself first.
Because you simply can’t give someone good care if you don’t have the energy to do so.

Take care of yourself.
Keep yourself healthy and strong, even if that means taking some time off for yourself.

Rule #4: Consider Your Options

In addition to getting help from friends and family, you can also get help from professionals.

It doesn’t have to be all the time, but having a professional caregiver come to your home and take care of things every now and then is a huge stress reliever. Even just knowing that you have a professional to rely on, is comforting.

This way, when you need to take time for yourself, or simply can’t take off from work for another doctor appointment, you can pay a professional caregiver to do the work for you.

At-Risk Retirement Funds: Caregiving Gone Wrong

At-Risk Retirement Funds - AmeriBest Home Care

We all want to help our loved ones.
To give them care and support when they need it. To help them live their best and happiest lives.

We don’t do it for the money, or for the reward. We do it because we want to give them the same kindness they gave us for all our lives.

And yet, the question begs to be asked: to what extent?
To what extent do we sacrifice our own lives to help those around us? When and how much should we give to others when it means taking away from ourselves?

Present and Future Consequences

When people think of the stress of caregiving, they often think about the present time. That caregiving only affects them in the moment, and they have the rest of their lives to live as they want.

Unfortunately, that’s not so.

Recent studies have shown that those who caregive for free (i.e. family members who act as caregivers for loved ones) are more likely to have smaller retirement savings.

And, even more so for single women who are unpaid caregivers.
Black woman headache and sleeping

Now, you may not think this is such a big deal. That’s it’s only a minor setback. But the truth is, that having a good savings for retirement is so important, and really effects the entirety of your life- present and future. Because, the pace at which you are able to save money now, affects when you can stop working and begin your retired years later.

If you save slower, you’ll have to work for longer.
If you save faster, you’ll get to work for less.

And this matters, because when you go into retirement, you’re not just doing it so you can laze away the rest of your days. Retirement years are so that you can live life to its fullest. So that you have time to be with your loved ones. So that you can see the world, do the things you’ve always wanted, and bond with those around you.

So, giving up your time now for caregiving means giving up your years now and in the future.

A Better Alternative – At-home care

Obviously, you don’t want to just leave your loved ones to fend for themselves.
But, you also can’t keep living a life you resent.

Luckily, there’s an alternative. A happy medium that comes in the form of at-home care.

When you hire a professional caregiver, you’re paying a professional aid to come to your home and give your loved ones what they need- emotionally, physically, and medically. You’re not leaving your loved ones or giving up on them. You’re finding another way to help them. A way that also gives you a chance to live your own life.

And though you may not want to admit it, a professional caregiver may be the better help for your loved one. Because, a professional will not only know what your senior needs, but will also be able to do something about those needs.

Consider a better life for you and your loved senior with a professional caregiver.

Summer Tips for Seniors – Playing it Safe in the Summer Heat

Summer Tips for Seniors - AmeriBest Home Care

One of the biggest dangers of summer is heat stroke and fatigue. But don’t let that stop you from spending good, quality time out in the fresh summer air. Here are 4 tips to help you stay healthy and safe in the hot summer heat.

Keep your body happy with lots of liquids.

The best way to fight against heat stroke and heat fatigue is… water! It goes without saying, that our bodies absolutely need water to survive. And being out in the sun all day, really depletes our bodies’ water reserves. For this reason, it’s important to constantly be drinking water all day during the summer. Even if you stay indoors. And if you don’t like water (or simply get bored of it), don’t forget that other liquids like seltzer and tea can keep you just as hydrated.

So, how much water should you be drinking a day? It’s said that we need about 11 cups of water a day, but that everyone has their own water needs based on a variety of factors. And, whatever your normal water intake is, you may want to raise it even more for the summer heat.

Just make sure to always take a water bottle with you when you go outside.

Senior woman drinking water in the kitchen.

Don’t overexert yourself.

When the weather is just so beautiful outside, it’s hard to resist spending hours upon hours out in the fresh summer air. But, it’s important not to overexert yourself. Yes, sunshine is extremely crucial for our bodies. And yes, too much of even a good thing can be a bad thing. It’s all about finding a middle ground, and knowing when to give your body a rest.

If you’re planning to spend a good amount of time outdoors, be sure to stagger the outdoors time with some air-conditioned indoor time. And, make sure to give yourself plenty of moments to rest and catch your breath.

Umbrellas aren’t just for rain.

Using an umbrella against the sun is a nifty trick that can be the barrier between you and a heat stroke. We usually only think to use umbrellas for rain, but they work wonders against the sun’s blazing rays as well. There’s only so much shade you can find on any given street. But with an umbrella, you get to bring the shade with you. And it makes being outdoors in the heat, so much better. So, take your morning walks and evening strolls with a nice big umbrella that keeps you cool and in the shade.

Don’t go to the beach during peak hours.
Even with your big sun umbrella, it’s best to stay clear of peak heat hours. The sun is at its strongest usually between 12 pm and 3 pm. Plan your summer outings for the early morning or late afternoon. And stay in the safety of good air conditioning during peak hours.

This way, you still get some healthy sunshine on your bones, while not overdoing it.

Uncovering the Real Answers: Can You Get Paid to Caregive?

Uncovering the Real Answers - AmeriBest Home Care

When you search the question “Can I get paid to caregive” or “How can I get paid to caregive,” there are different paths your query might take you.

Now, having different answers is great, but it can also make things a little confusing. Especially if you’re looking at the information for the first time. Because when you’re suddenly presented with all these different pages giving you various sets of information, which do you follow?

Which is the right answer for you?

So, in this article we’re going to break it down for you and explain what all the webpages are actually talking about.

Within the search lies two answers.

When you scroll through your search pages, you’re going to come across answers leading to two paths: getting paid to caregive for your parents or loved ones and getting paid to become a caregiver.

Before we get into the nitty gritty, it’s important to realize these are two separate answers, although they can sometimes overlap.

Let’s get into it.

Close-up of holding hands

Answer one: Getting paid to caregive for loved ones.
If you are already caring for your loved one, and looking for a way to pay the bills, this is the answer for you.

Yes, you can get paid to caregive for you loved ones. But it is not because of the work you are doing, but rather the circumstances you are doing them in. Getting paid to care for you loved ones essentially means acquiring financial support and financial medical aid.

There are all sorts of ways to get this kind of monetary support, it just involves filling out some forms and making a few phone calls. If you’re having trouble figuring out where to start, home care agencies often help with the technical aspects of applying.

When you sign up with AmeriBest, we’ll help you gather the information you need and get you to make the right phone calls. We help you with the bulk of it, so that you don’t have to worry about if you’re talking to the right people or providing the right information.

Our staff is highly experienced with how the processes work, so they’ll be able to help you find out what you qualify for in no time.

Answer two: Getting paid to become a caregiver.

Now, this answer is a career path.

While the first answer will help you find financial sources while you are providing care for your loved ones, this answer will help you get money though an actual job. While the first answer is more passive, this is answer involves an active approach from you.

Home care agencies are always looking for new caregivers. If caregiving is what you want to do, AmeriBest will help you make it happen. AmeriBest will help you get the training and experience you need. And once you get out on the field, you’ll get competitive pay and all the flexibility you need to be happy and care for yourself as well.

It’s a wonderful opportunity.

It’s Time for A Break: Caregiver Vacation Tips

Caregiver Vacation Tips - AmeriBest Home Care

It’s almost summer, and you know what that means… vacation time!

Caregiving is hard work. So, it’s important to give yourself time off to rejuvenate and unwind. This way, when you get back to work, you’ll be ready to get back at it with some pep in your step.

Now, as a caregiver, you’ll know that things don’t just stop moving the moment you go on vacation. Life goes on, and the people in your care continue to need caring.

Often times, this thought prevents caregivers from taking the well-deserved vacations that they need. But don’t let that happen! Because, there are ways around it.

If you’re planning a vacation, here are some tips to make sure everything is safe and sound at home, while you’re away.

Hire backup

The most important thing to arrange before leaving for vacation, is who will be taking care of your loved one in your stead. Although you’ll only be gone for a short time, it’s important to find someone who will take just as good care of your loved one as you do. This means, getting a caregiver who will actively listen to yours and your loved one’s needs, as well as is kind and experienced.

If you’re having trouble finding a caregiver on your own, consider contact-using a home care agency who will do the search for you. At AmeriBest, we match you with top-notch caregivers, who will work hard and do good by you and your loved one.

Portrait Of Female Nurse Wearing Scrubs In Hospital

Make sure the house is stocked

Before taking off, make sure that everything is ready. And we don’t just mean your suitcase.

You’ll want to be certain that the house is fully stocked with everything your loved one might want and need. Of course, if there’s anything your loved one needs while you’re away, your hired substitute caregiver can take care of it. But, if you know that most things are already taken care of before you leave, you’ll feel a lot better about leaving the nest.

Not to mention, only you know what your loved one loves and his or her favorite things. Which means, that you can leave a few nice surprises in the house that will make your loved one happy and know how much you care.

Organize your contact-us info

It’s always a good idea to make sure your loved one or your hired caregiver can reach you easily. So, take the time before you leave to organize your contact-us info. Obviously, you’ll want to leave your regular cell or the overseas number you’ll be using. But it’s also smart to leave hotel contact-us info as well.

Leave your loved one a list with the names of the hotels you’ll be staying at, as well as the hotel numbers. This will leave your loved one feeling safe and relaxed, because they’ll know that they can easily reach you if the need should arise.

Plus, it might be fun to chat and catch up on all the vacation happenings.

Movies for Caregiving – Add It to Your Watch List!

Movies for Caregiving - AmeriBest Home Care

When you’re busy being a caregiver, life can get a little hectic. Between house tasks, errands for your loved one, family matters, and career work, it can be hard to find a moment to breathe.

But for your own mental and physical health- it’s important to press pause, and take a moment to relax, and have a little fun. Before you tire out.

And what better way to do so, then sitting back in the comfort of your own home (maybe even with some popcorn and a drink) and watch a movie?

Though we often just think of movies as a silly means of entertainment, movies actually have the power to affect our moods and emotions in ways that can really help. Movies give us more to think about, stories to relate to, and characters to make us laugh with.

And there are movies for all types of occasions and moods.
Here are some great movies to add to your watch list, for all different occasions as a caregiver.

A little support…

Sometimes watching other caregiving stories can be just the antidote when you’re feeling down or alone. These three caregiving movies show us, that as caregivers, we are not alone. And that there are others who understand the stress and emotional toll caregivers go through.

Our heart-warming movie recommendations:

  • The Theory of Everything
  • Silver Linings Playbook
  • Still Alice

Music for your loved ones…

It’s been known for a while that music actually has the ability to jog memories and physical reactions, particularly with patients of dementia and/or Alzheimer’s.

If you’re having a movie night with your senior, try something a little old and a little musical. If you know a movie they really loved as a child, give it a try! It might be just the thing to brighten their day.

Our musical-movie recommendations:

  • Westside Story
  • South Pacific
  • Sound of Music
  • The Music Man
  • My Fair Lady
  • Guys and Dolls

Black family eating popcorn while watching movie at home

Something to lift your mood…

Comedy is an amazing thing. It’s able to make us roll with laughter, even when we weren’t in the greatest mood to start with. If there’s been some tension in the house, watching a comedy with the whole family, or just with your loved senior, could be the thing to relieve the strain.

Our comedy recommendations:

  • The Princess Bride
  • Ghost Busters
  • Mrs. Doubtfire
  • My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Something to inspire you…

Lastly, when you’re feeling a little stuck in the monotony of life’s daily chores- a movie with a heroic character or tale of perseverance can really be the thing to get you unstuck.
We all have peaks and dips in our productivity and motivation. And a good movie can help us out of a dip and back on the track we’re aiming for.

Our inspiration recommendations:

  • A Beautiful Mind
  • Forest Gump
  • Dead Poets’ Society
  • Good Will Hunting
  • Life of Pi

Countering the Stress and Reaping the Benefits

Countering the Stress and Reaping the Benefits - AmeriBest Home Care

Caring for a loved one can be tough.

And finding the right balance between taking care of your own needs and taking care of your loved ones’ need, is the hardest part.

That’s why so many caregivers find themselves running out of steam and out of spirit. They exert so much energy racing around between work, family, and personal activities –trying to make it all work just right –they eventually burn themselves out.

And that takes an emotional toll not just on the caregiver, but also on the loved one. Because our loved ones know when we’re stressed. They know when we’re exhausted, and they know when they’re part of the cause. Which makes them unhappy, too.

It’s an unfortunate cycle.

Luckily- it doesn’t have to be that way!
Caregiving doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be a passion, kindness, and a career.

When you become a professional caregiver with AmeriBest Home Care, we help you strike the balance you need to make you and your loved one happy.

Here are just some of the many benefits of becoming a professional caregiver.

Making Bank

For most caregivers, the biggest emotional toll is stress from finances. How do you take care of your loved one while also making enough money to do so? The anxiety of working all day in order to support yourself and your loved one, and then spending all night actually taking care of your loved one is difficult for anyone to handle.

That’s where professional caregiving comes in. When you sign up with AmeriBest Home Care to become a registered caregiver- you get PAID to CAREGIVE.

Yes, that’s right. You heard us correctly: becoming a professional caregiver allows you to get paid for what you’re already doing!

Fulfilling Career Goals

Becoming a professional caregiver isn’t just a one-time duty- it’s a career. When you sign up with AmeriBest, we won’t just leave you to figure things out on your own. We’ll teach you all you need to know to be the best caregiver you can be. Then, we’ll help you out onto the field, and get you set up to caregive.

When caregiving is your career, you’re not just helping your loved ones, you’re helping yourself too.

Smiling carer with senior in rest home

 Getting Support

When you’re caring for a loved one on your own, one of the most tiresome things is not having the support you need- whether this be emotional, mental, or physical.

But, as a professional caregiver with AmeriBest Home Care, we make sure you always have the support you need. Our friendly staff is always there to give you an extra hand when you have questions. And our mentors are there to guide you through it all.

With AmeriBest, you’re not just working alone- you’re working with a family and a network. You’re working with a full support group that backs you every step of the way.

Everyone needs a little bit of help. Even caregivers.