Tag Archives: families

Safety Tips for Homebound Families

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Safety Tips for Homebound FamiliesDid you know June is National Safety Month? It is also National Iced Tea Month, National Zoo and Aquarium Month, National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, and … The next few weeks we are going to look at some of these national emphasis months and find ways to celebrate while confined indoors as we explore some new ideas.

For today, let’s tackle National Safety Month for caregiver tips. This will begin to sound more like work than fun; however, be sure to read the end for ways to celebrate! As you inspect your environment for safety issues, make it a journey, not a work detail. This will seem very over-simplified to some; even a little silly to others. Depending on who you are caring for, it can be fun as you include them.

Here are some areas to check for safety this month:

  1. Are there steps in the home or outside? Are they in good repair? Free of clutter? Adequate handrails? Are residents (young and old) protected from possible falls?
  2. Are there “throw rugs” in the home? These are aptly named—enough said! If they must be used, make sure they are large and heavy enough to stay put. Consider double carpet tape to keep them in place if needed. With Mother, I had to have runners on the floor; I told her it was because “she leaked”. I often stitched them together to make a runner for her. She loved her private walkway to the bathroom.
  3. Electric outlets. Are there adequate outlets to handle the additional equipment you may need to care for others in the home? Do you have too many things plugged in to one place? Can you move some of the equipment elsewhere? Do you need a surge protector, or to replace an existing one?
  4. Windows and screens. Are they in good repair with adequate locks on them? Do you have good blinds for nighttime?
  5. Cabinets, shelving units and desks. Are they installed properly? Are desks or free-standing shelving units too top heavy? Are they cluttered or filled with unsafe items (scissors or letter openers or liquids can be a problem for some.)
  6. Faucets and showers. Is the water easy to control? Does the temperature need to be turned down to avoid burns?
  7. Wall hangings over chairs or beds. Do you have heavy mirrors or pictures hanging where little hands or curious adults can cause them to fall? When I noticed Mother could reach behind her and feel the large oval mirror on the wall above her head, I quietly moved it the next day. It was an accident waiting to happen.

Wow! That all sounds like work to me! How can we celebrate all this “extra stuff” to be responsible for?  When you can, let your family know what you are doing during National Safety Month to improve conditions around the home. If you have little ones, let them be a part of discovering potential unsafe surroundings. Make it a contest to see who can spot unsafe places. Find coloring books (for young and old) of homes and families.

The plan I like best is to make a big, colorful list at the beginning of the month of areas that need explored for safety issues. Mark off those you deal with and plan a “June Safety Month” celebration at the end of the month with summer treats for all.

Now, if you are a caregiver in someone else’s home, you may wish to simply share this article with them. As homemakers and caregivers, we have a responsibility to help others be safe and avoid accidents when possible.

Have a safe and happy summer, enjoy God’s gift of each new day; let me hear from you.

Hugs,

Can’t wait ’til you see the next letter … because we will have fun with “June is National … “, I’m not telling you yet!

 

Caring for Others Palliative Care Option

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Needless stress can be alleviated as we learn options available. One object of this column is to help caregivers and caring families know about choices available. I was not aware until recently of palliative care; what it meant and who may need it. Perhaps, you also find the term unfamiliar.

As we learned last week, hospice care is generally for patients with life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care is an area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients without dealing with the underlying cause. This care may be available in all disease stages, not simply end-of-life situations.

The rapidly growing field of pediatric palliative care has clearly shown the need for services geared specifically for children with serious illness.

Immediate palliative care is indicated for patients with serious illness and who have physical, psychological, social, or spiritual distress as a result of the treatment they are seeking or receiving. Palliative care increases comfort by lessening pain, controlling symptoms, and lessening stress for the patient and family, and should not be delayed when it is indicated. Palliative care  can increase quality of life and lengthen the patient’s life.

Depending on the circumstances and need, both hospice and palliative care are provided by a team of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, chaplains, various therapists, volunteers and family. It would be wise to visit with your primary physician concerning the help available to you or your loved one. As with any care, this may not be a viable option for you; be sure to become well-informed.

Several of you are facing complicated issues. From personal experience, I also know when in the middle of a crisis or potential crisis, it is difficult to make sound decisions. I cannot stress enough to communicate, not only with your health care providers, but also family and volunteers who may be helping you.

During the years I took care of Mother, it was often an aide or friend of the family who had been in similar circumstances and therefore, provided some timely information.

I believe our loving Heavenly Father equips many people according to their gifts to help others cope when the inevitable trials come. My husband has served as a hospice chaplain nearly twenty years and often shares with me how God has worked through ordinary people to accomplish great things.

My prayer is that you will trust and rely on Him for guidance in all your decisions and never lose hope.

Hugs,

Please let me know if you found this helpful to you. I would like to hear from those who have used this care. Next week we’ll look on the lighter side of caring for others. Blessings to you.

5 Ways to add Zucchini Squash for Healthy Meals

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Yes, smuggle! I know lots of women trying to cook for families that say they will not eat squash; they hate it! However, squash is packed full of vitamins and minerals and potassium and protein, and the list goes on. Before giving up on squash for your family, consider it as an additive to some of your favorite dishes.

Besides being good for us, squash is a relative inexpensive produce, especially this time of the year. Anyone who has grown zucchini squash knows it multiplies rapidly. Most of us are given bags full in the summer and, let’s face it, there is only so much zucchini bread and muffins you can make.

If you are doing your best to serve healthy nutritious meals economically, and turn down free squash from your gardening friends, maybe these few simple tips will help you. To prepare squash for most of these tips, wash thoroughly and cut in small strips lengthwise. If it’s a larger squash, you will want to remove the seeds (evidence) before cutting into strips or slices.

  1. Saute squash in butter or olive oil and add a can or two of Italian tomatoes for a great-tasting, nutritious side dish.
  2. Chop squash into small pieces and add to soups and stews. This is a healthy alternative to starchy potatoes and pastas in your stews.
  3. Add tiny chunks of squash in your green lettuce and spinach salads. Zucchini blends well with your other vegetables in a fresh salad bowl.
  4. Saute as in #1 above and add to casseroles for richer flavor. Use your favorite seasonings liberally as squash will absorb flavor readily.
  5. Use a whole zucchini and slice thin to serve on a relish tray with dips and crackers.

I sincerely hope these ideas will get your thinker going. What dishes do you prepare already that could profit from adding a cup or two of squash chunks or sauteed squash.

Have fun and experiment as we learn together how to make quick, nutritious, and economical foods for our families. Let me hear from you.

Hugs,

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