Issue 32
Dec 2013
Welcome to the Christmas issue of…
Senior Solutions! …wishing you all a Merry Christmas!!
Give the Gift for a lifetime… December has finally arrived
engaging in volunteering opportunities
unable to go out and volunteer, they
and the preparation for Christmas is in
in the community, it can help keep a
can also donate gently used clothing,
full swing! Tis the season for
senior’s mind sharp and engaged!
household goods, and furniture to
overflowing schedules of family
Finding places to volunteer is
Goodwill or Salvation Army.
gatherings, baking treats, late night
so simple and includes such a wide
shopping trips, and many presents to
variety of organizations to fit a person’s
opportunities in our local community,
pass around. But why not try another
interests. Here are a few examples of
check out “Volunteer Connections”
form of giving this holiday season? How
places to volunteer: 1. If you or a
website at http://www.hsc-
about giving back to the community
senior loves animals, then volunteering
wa.org/volunteer-programs/rsvp , or
with your time and service! And even
at a local animal shelter would be a
call their offices at (360) 694-6577.
though a person may be maturing in
great choice! 2. If you are religious,
vv
years does not mean they have to
many churches and synagogues host
withdraw from their social lives or
bake sales and food drives to help those
neighborhood projects. In fact, by
in need. 3. Or perhaps if a senior is
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: v Winter Safety During the Holidays v Combating the Holiday Blues v Caregiver Spotlight v Delicious Eggnog Recipe
For more volunteer
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” --Charles Dickens
At your Place wishes you a very Merry Christmas!! Our company strives to provide compassionate Home Senior Care in Vancouver and Camas WA. Our mission is to help seniors live confidently and age gracefully in their own homes for as long as possible. We choose to make a positive difference in the lives of mature adults and their families. The At Your Place team will perform our duties with confidence, concern, commitment, cheerfulness and care. We treat every contact as a friend, every client as family and perform every task with honor. Call us today at: (360) 859-3085.
The Senior Solution!
Dec 2013
Beating the Holiday Blues… For many of us, Christmas is a time to
Remember to be kind to yourself,
gather with friends and family to
seek out support, and even be willing
celebrate and reflect on the past and
to laugh at your self every once in a
plan for the future. During this time,
while. If you have a loved one
the older family members may acutely
struggling with depression, be sure to
feel the loss of a loved one, the passing
always include them in your activities.
of time, and distance from family.
Remember their needs, such as
They may also be facing financial
transportation and special diets. Or
struggles, loss of independence,
perhaps you can assist in shopping,
separation, loneliness, chronic
cleaning, or preparations for an event
sickness, loss of mobility, and failing
in their own home. Always be a good
Salt to taste
eyesight. All these are major factors
listener, acknowledging their needs,
2 1/2 cups milk
that contribute to holiday depression,
feelings, and concerns. For some
which affects the ability to function in
people, the holiday blues can actually
every day life. Fortunately there are
lead to clinical depression. Encourage
1 cup heavy cream
many ways to help cope with the
your loved one to talk with a
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
holiday blues. If you are struggling,
healthcare provider; it is treatable and
take opportunities to get out and
nothing to be ashamed of.
DELICIOUS EGGNOG RECIPE! 3 eggs, lightly beaten 1/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
about. Ask family and friends for help
1/2 cup rum (optional)
in traveling to parties/events, or host
2 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
at your own home. Find a place to volunteer and help others. Make sure
1 pinch ground nutmeg In saucepan, combine eggs, sugar, & salt. Stirring constantly, cook for 10-15 mn over medium heat, until mixture just coats a metal spoon. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Place saucepan over ice water until custard cools, and then refrigerate until chilled. In a chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in rum and yellow food coloring. Fold whipped cream mixture into the cooled custard. Pour into serving bowl, and sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve immediately. Makes 10 servings.
Sources: http://www.healthinaging.org www.gmhfonline.org
vv
to continue to exercise regularly.
WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR SENIORS: During these winter months, the weather conditions can create a challenge for everyone, especially seniors. Here are a few tips to avoid injury and illness: 1. Avoid slipping on icy sidewalks. If you can, find someone willing to keep your sidewalk shoveled or de-iced. 2. Make sure you are always dressed warm to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. (continued on next page…)
THE SENIOR SOLUTION!
Caregiver, Linda
DEC 2013
3. Avoid slipping on icy sidewalks. If you can, find someone willing to keep your sidewalk shoveled or de-iced. 4. Make sure you are always dressed warm to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. 5. Check your home heating to make sure all are functioning and cleaned properly, as well as all alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batters. 6. In case of power outages, have your house stocked with emergency supplies. You can find a checklist for such items on this website: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/beforestorm/supplylis ts.asp 7. Arrange to have someone check on your loved one regularly or stay with them during weather emergencies.
CAREGIVER SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH! Linda recently joined our At Your Place team and has been a joy to the staff and the clients. She recently acquired her NAC license and has found that she “loves it and is a great experience!” Previously, Linda had been pursuing a degree as a Sonographer, but since she has been working as a caregiver, it has caused her to broaden her horizons into perhaps pursuing a Nursing degree instead. Out of all the jobs she has been employed at, Linda says that working with At Your Place has been the most satisfying because of the opportunities to help improve a client’s quality of life and learn things about that individual person that are unique and special. She has great advice for anyone who is considering obtaining their NAC license or becoming a personal caregiver for a loved one—to be willing to have “your heart open” to whatever situation a person may be facing. Also, she advises that when you are looking after someone, to remember, “that it takes a measure of patience” to be able to give them the care that they deserve. One thing that Linda enjoys about working for At Your Place, is that it focuses on ‘one-on-one’ care and gives her the opportunity to engage with different people and environments. All in all, Linda is a great asset to our team!
vv
At Your Place 800 NE Tenney Road Suite 110-558 Vancouver, WA 98685 Call us today at (360) 859-3085!