Live Free Home Health Care, LLC. - Bristol, New Hampshire

Monday, May 24, 2010

Random acts of kindness ARE contagious!

You’ve heard that a spirit of kindness and generosity can spread to others, but did you know that it’s actually been proven? A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports that for people who have experienced generosity, not only does the spirit of generosity persist in them, but they also pass it on to others. This causes a ripple effect of kindness and generosity, in an ever expanding circle of people.

At Live Free Home Health Care, we believe in random acts of kindness every day! Our top-notch caregivers are carefully selected to make sure they possess special qualities such as patience, understanding, respect, and good listening skills….those we would feel comfortable with in our own home. Give us a call at 603-217-0149 to find out more about our services. In the meantime, take a moment to spread some random joy and generosity and start your own ripple effect for humankind.

Read more about the study in our May Live Free Home Health Care newsletter.

Tags:   caregiver tips, home care, home health care, in-home care providers, long-term care

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

How to set the stage for a good night’s rest

As we get older, our circadian clocks get off….making it difficult to obtain a solid night’s rest on a regular basis.

Here are some tips to encourage your body to get a healthy sleep:

· Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule, including weekends.

· Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.

· Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool.

· Sleep on a comfortable, supportive mattress and pillows.

· Use the bedroom only for sleep.

· Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before bed.

· Exercise regularly—just do it a few hours before bedtime.

· Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime.

Contact Live Free Home Health Care to find out more information on how to get a healthy, restful night’s sleep and to learn about respite care and how we can help a family caregiver avoid the complications of sleep deprivation.

Tags:   caregiver tips, eldercare, in-home care providers, long-term care

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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The connection between Alzheimer’s and night restlessness

Sundown syndrome—also called sundowning or sunsetting—is a behavior common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. It describes the episodes of confusion, anxiety, agitation, or disorientation that often occur at dusk and into the evening hours. The episodes may last a few hours or throughout the night, which is very draining not only on the caregiver, but on the person with Alzheimer’s disease as well.

While the exact reason why people with Alzheimer’s are more susceptible to sundowning is not known, there are ways to help ward off an episode:

· Schedule the day so that the more difficult tasks are done early in the day.

· Restrict sweets and drinks with caffeine to the morning hours and try serving a late afternoon snack or an early dinner.

· Keep the house or room well lit. Close the drapes before the sun goes down, so the person doesn’t watch it become dark outside. Even keep the room partially lit when going to bed, to reduce agitation that occurs when surroundings are dark or unfamiliar.

· Plan more active days. A person who rests most of the day is likely to be awake at night.

· Seek medical advice. Physical ailments, such as bladder or incontinence problems, could be making it difficult to sleep. The doctor may also be able to prescribe medication to help the person relax at night.

· Change sleeping arrangements. Allow the person to sleep in a different bedroom, in a favorite chair or wherever it’s most comfortable.

For more information on sundown syndrome, click here. Nighttime doesn’t need to be a time to dread. An experienced care partner you trust will allow you to rest easy, knowing your loved one is safe and secure.

Tags:   Alzheimer's Disease, better quality of life, home health care, memory loss

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Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Caring for others while sleep deprived = caring for others while drunk

Studies have shown clearly that the mental impairment of someone with extreme sleep deprivation is equal to the mental impairment of someone who is legally drunk. As a family caregiver, it is so important (and sometimes that much harder) to get a healthy amount of sleep each night. Without it, your body doesn’t have a way to recharge and revitalize. Organs and systems are forced to work when they should be resting. This gives the body no time to heal itself in preparation for its next work period. Constant stress on the mind and body affects our overall health and wellbeing, resulting in pretty devastating consequences, some of which include:

· Poor concentration

· Inability to perform tasks or process information easily and quickly

· Decreased perceptual skills

· Increased risk of coronary heart disease and other major illnesses

· Decreased muscle strength

· Disruption of insulin production and sugar metabolism, increasing risk of diabetes

· Weakened immune system

To read more, click here. Bringing some outside help into the home can be done whenever there is a need. Try using a caregiver from a professional agency at night so you can get a good night’s sleep and awake refreshed and ready to tackle another day.

Tags:   better quality of life, home care, home health care

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