Be a Santa to a Senior – Caregiving from Homeinstead San Diego

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Jessica Perez

Christmas Caregiving for the Elderly – Senior welfare in home care, san diego, california –

Be a Santa to a Senior

How gift giving touches the lives of seniors

A Home Instead Senior Care Santa with a senior gift recipient

In 2006, Be a Santa to a Senior volunteers visited a local nursing facility and distributed gifts to a number of residents, including one 87-year-old woman whom we’ll call Mary. She was pleased to receive her gift and thanked us profusely, but it wasn’t until we returned to give Mary another gift in 2007 that we recognized the true value of Be a Santa to a Senior.

When we entered Mary’s room for our second visit, we noticed that the only card on her bulletin board was the Be a Santa to a Senior card from the previous year. As we spoke with her caregivers we found out that our Christmas card and gift were the only items she had received throughout the year. Mary re-read the card regularly to help keep that memory alive.

Each year Home Instead Senior Care^® offices throughout North America spread holiday cheer to lonely or financially-challenged seniors through the Be a Santa to a Senior program. The program has attracted upwards of 60,000 volunteers over the past six years distributing gifts to deserving seniors. Since introducing the Be a Santa to a Senior program, Home Instead Senior Care has helped provide 1.2 million gifts to more than 700,000 seniors.

How Be a Santa to a Senior Works

Home Instead Senior Care partners with local non-profit and community organizations to identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season. The company then works with local businesses and retail stores to help facilitate the purchase and distribution of gifts by placing trees and ornaments within their various locations. Each senior’s gift requests are written on a Be a Santa to a Senior tree ornament.

Sample Be a Santa to a Senior ornament/gift idea

Here’s how to help an underserved senior:

Find the nearest Be a Santa to a Senior tree location by using the form at the top of the page
Remove an ornament
Purchase the gift
Bring ornament and gift back to participating store and give to
store employee.

It’s that easy.

Volunteers collect, wrap, and deliver the gifts to the seniors.

Dates vary by location, however, the program typically begins the first week of November with gift collection taking place through mid-December. Volunteers deliver gifts prior to Christmas.

Find a Tree today and brighten the life of a senior.

If there is not a Be a Santa to a Senior tree in your community, we encourage you to contact an organization in your community dedicated to helping seniors during the holidays.

Holiday Elf Certificate
Customize this gift certificate to give the seniors in your life what they really want – meaningful time spent with you. Personalize your gift offering with one of the provided activity suggestions or come up with one of your own.
Download Holiday Elf Certificate (PDF 602k)

NEED a CAREGiver^SM

Compassionate CAREGivers are ready to help seniors live independently at home.

Inquire about service today!

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Seeking employment? Have what it takes to help seniors lead rewarding lives?

Inquire about being a CAREGiver

Jessica Perez

Office Manager

Home Instead Senior Care

Secure Care Inc.9665 Granite Ridge Dr. Ste. 205

San Diego, CA 92123 USA

P: 858.277.3722

F: 858.277.6737

homeinsteadsd@aol.com

www.homeinstead.com/158

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise

is independently owned and operated.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Posted in Award Winning Senior Care Franchise, Baby Boomers, Become a Caregiver, Crime against seniors, Crime against the elderly, Elderly Home Safety, Financial Exploitation, Fraud Protection Kit, Home Care, Identity Theft, Senior Care Services, Senior Care Videos, Senior Emergency Plan, Uncategorized | Tagged 24/7 elderly care, 24/7 senior care, Alois Alzheimer, Alzheimer’s, become a caregiver, California, care giver, care givers, caregiver, caregiver stress, caregiverstress.com, crime against seniors, crime against the elderly, depression, father’s day gifts, financial exploitation, fraud, fraud protection kit, health care fraud, Identity Theft, senior care services, senior scams, seniorcareservices | Leave a reply

Christmas Caregiving for Seniors – Multi-Generational Living Seminar

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Jessica Perez

Free Family Caregiving Support Video Series

Christmas Caregiving for the Elderly – Senior welfare in home care, san diego, california –

Multi-Generational Living—Part of the Free Family Caregiver Support Webinar Series

Multi-generational living is the exact opposite of long-distance caregiving. The people you care for are all under one roof, which can certainly have its advantages and disadvantages. If you’re currently or considering caring for an older adult in your home, this webinar is for you.

Multi-Generational Living – Family Caregiver Webinar
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 | 10:00 AM Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT) / 10:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM Mountain / 12:00 PM Central / 1:00 PM Eastern / 2:00 PM Atlantic.
Register Now.

Presenter Mary Alexander, Director of Strategic Alliances with Home Instead Senior Care corporation, will provide considerations to help you decide if multi-generational living is best for your family, advice for enlisting support, and tips to prepare your home. Register now for the Multi-Generational Living webinar.

This free web seminar series, hosted in cooperation with the American Society on Aging (ASA), provides tips, information and advice from the perspective of professionals who are well-versed in issues facing families caring for aging loved ones.
A note to professional caregivers: These Family Caregiver Webinars are not eligible for CEU credits. The CEU credit offering is available only for the webinars featured in the Professional Family Caregiver series.

Holiday Activity Calendar
Use this calendar for festive activity suggestions that you and your senior loved ones can enjoy together throughout the holiday season.
Download Holiday Activity Calendar (PDF 349k)

NEED a CAREGiver^SM

Compassionate CAREGivers are ready to help seniors live independently at home.

Inquire about service today!

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Seeking employment? Have what it takes to help seniors lead rewarding lives?

Inquire about being a CAREGiver

Jessica Perez

Office Manager

Home Instead Senior Care

Secure Care Inc.9665 Granite Ridge Dr. Ste. 205

San Diego, CA 92123 USA

P: 858.277.3722

F: 858.277.6737

homeinsteadsd@aol.com

www.homeinstead.com/158

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise

is independently owned and operated.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Christmas Caregiving for Seniors – Personal Care for the Elderly

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Jessica Perez

Christmas Caregiving for the Elderly – Senior welfare in home care, san diego, california –

Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help – Personal Care

Personal Care – If your loved one needs help with bathing, managing incontinence and other personal tasks of daily living , as a family caregiver, you likely spend a great deal of time each day attending to those needs. Hiring a trained professional caregiver to provide that assistance will not only spare you time and stress, but may also spare your loved one a little dignity.
Instead of spending your mornings on nursing duty as you walk Dad through his wake-up routine, you’ll be able to spend quality time with him as a son or daughter again.

Receiving extra help for even just a few hours a week can free you up to spend the holidays with your loved one how you would like to, not how you have to.

For more information about how a professional caregiver can meet your loved one’s specific needs and to discuss scheduling and pricing information, call Home Instead San Diego for help 858-277-3722.

Juggling the responsibilities of work, family and caring for an aging loved one is hectic enough as it is. Add to that all the extra to-dos of the holiday season and you may come to realize something has got to give. Taking advantage of professional senior home care services can make it possible for you to preserve your sanity during the holidays.

Instead of heading to the mall to check a few items off your holiday shopping list, you’re taking mom to a doctor’s appointment and then heading out to the pharmacy to pick up her meds. Instead of looking forward to spending time with the relatives at your annual holiday gathering, you’re dreading the extra housework you’ll have to do on top of making sure Dad gets bathed each morning.

Can you identify with the lyrics to the Faith Hill song, “Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you? Why have you gone away?” It’s easy to get so lost in the responsibilities that come with caring for an aging parent that you can’t pause to enjoy the festivities of the season.

Yet, it’s possible to survive and enjoy the holidays if you ask for help. Get in touch with an in-home senior care agency to find out more about how the following five home care services can help to save your sanity during the holiday season and throughout the year.

NEED a CAREGiver^SM

Compassionate CAREGivers are ready to help seniors live independently at home.

Inquire about service today!

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Seeking employment? Have what it takes to help seniors lead rewarding lives?

Inquire about being a CAREGiver

Jessica Perez

Office Manager

Home Instead Senior Care

Secure Care Inc.9665 Granite Ridge Dr. Ste. 205

San Diego, CA 92123 USA

P: 858.277.3722

F: 858.277.6737

homeinsteadsd@aol.com

www.homeinstead.com/158

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise

is independently owned and operated.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Christmas Caregiving for Seniors – Holiday Cooking for the Elderly

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Jessica Perez

Christmas Caregiving for the Elderly – Senior welfare in home care, san diego, california –

Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help – Meal Assistance

Meal Assistance – Mom might now need extra help preparing the traditional Christmas meal as she has always done, or perhaps even planning and preparing daily meals has become too much. Instead of worrying about how Mom might leave the stove on all night or that she’s not eating well, let a professional caregiver assist with planning out healthy meals for the week, creating a shopping list, and supervising meal preparation and cleanup.

NEED a CAREGiver^SM

Compassionate CAREGivers are ready to help seniors live independently at home.

Inquire about service today!

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Seeking employment? Have what it takes to help seniors lead rewarding lives?

Inquire about being a CAREGiver

Jessica Perez

Office Manager

Home Instead Senior Care

Secure Care Inc.9665 Granite Ridge Dr. Ste. 205

San Diego, CA 92123 USA

P: 858.277.3722

F: 858.277.6737

homeinsteadsd@aol.com

www.homeinstead.com/158

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise

is independently owned and operated.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Christmas Caregiving for Seniors – Holiday Companionship for the Elderly

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Jessica Perez

Christmas Caregiving for the Elderly – Senior welfare in home care, san diego, california –

Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help – Companionship

Companionship – The holidays can be a sad and lonely time for seniors who have lost a spouse or have busy families that cannot come visit as much as they would like. Receiving regular visits from a hired caregiver, who often quickly becomes more of a friend, can help lift your loved one’s spirits by offering conversation, creating opportunities to reminisce, and encouraging mind-stimulating activities.

Visit as much as you can, but instead of feeling guilty about the times you can’t spend with Mom or Dad, rest assured your loved one can still receive healthy social interaction.

NEED a CAREGiver^SM

Compassionate CAREGivers are ready to help seniors live independently at home.

Inquire about service today!

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Seeking employment? Have what it takes to help seniors lead rewarding lives?

Inquire about being a CAREGiver

Jessica Perez

Office Manager

Home Instead Senior Care

Secure Care Inc.9665 Granite Ridge Dr. Ste. 205

San Diego, CA 92123 USA

P: 858.277.3722

F: 858.277.6737

homeinsteadsd@aol.com

www.homeinstead.com/158

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise

is independently owned and operated.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Christmas Caregiving for Seniors – Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help (1)

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Jessica Perez

Christmas Caregiving for the Elderly – Senior welfare in home care, san diego, california –

Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help – Housekeeping

Housekeeping – Visits from friends and family members around the holidays create a lot of extra chores around the house that your loved one may be unable to handle due to lack of mobility or stamina. A professional caregiver can help out by accomplishing light housekeeping tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, changing bed sheets, doing laundry, or taking out the trash.

Instead of dreading the arrival of family members because of all the work you’ll have to put into cleaning up the house, you and your loved one will be able to fully enjoy the visit and appreciate the family togetherness—one of the aspects of the holiday that older adults most look forward to.

NEED a CAREGiver^SM

Compassionate CAREGivers are ready to help seniors live independently at home.

Inquire about service today!

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Seeking employment? Have what it takes to help seniors lead rewarding lives?

Inquire about being a CAREGiver

Jessica Perez

Office Manager

Home Instead Senior Care

Secure Care Inc.9665 Granite Ridge Dr. Ste. 205

San Diego, CA 92123 USA

P: 858.277.3722

F: 858.277.6737

homeinsteadsd@aol.com

www.homeinstead.com/158

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise

is independently owned and operated.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Christmas Care for Seniors – Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help (1)

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Jessica Perez

Christmas Care for Seniors – Senior welfare in home care, san diego, california –

Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help – Transportation

Transportation – Having trouble fitting all your loved one’s myriad doctor appointments and errands into your schedule? Enlist the help of a professional caregiver to accompany your loved one on routine trips to the doctor’s or grocery store. Caregivers employed by a senior home care agency are typically bonded and insured, and provide assistance for your loved one before, during and after the outing.
While a caregiver helps your loved one with errands, you can use that time to check off items on your own to-do list. Or, you can devote the time you would have spent sitting in the doctor’s office doing something that you and your loved one will both enjoy instead, such as gift shopping or attending a holiday event.

NEED a CAREGiver^SM

Compassionate CAREGivers are ready to help seniors live independently at home.

Inquire about service today!

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Seeking employment? Have what it takes to help seniors lead rewarding lives?

Inquire about being a CAREGiver

Jessica Perez

Office Manager

Home Instead Senior Care

Secure Care Inc.9665 Granite Ridge Dr. Ste. 205

San Diego, CA 92123 USA

P: 858.277.3722

F: 858.277.6737

homeinsteadsd@aol.com

www.homeinstead.com/158

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise

is independently owned and operated.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Christmas Traditions for Seniors – 10 Ways to Keep Holiday Traditions Senior-Friendly

Posted on November 25, 2012 by Jessica Perez

Christmas Traditions for Seniors – Senior welfare in home care, san diego, california –

10 Ways to Keep Holiday Traditions Senior-Friendly

Seniors may experience a number of limitations as they age that keep them from participating in holiday traditions like they used to. But those changes don’t need to sideline seniors for all holidays to come.

Every year, the family looks forward to Mom’s famous turkey dinner with all the fixings. She starts her preparations early in the morning and it’s not long before delicious smells of green bean casserole, homemade stuffing and roast turkey reach every corner of the house. But the past couple of years, Mom has definitely lost her stamina. The family has noticed that making the meal wears on Mom like it never has before. Last year, she was exhausted for the entire following week. This year, she needed to sit to peel the potatoes and mix the stuffing.

Such gradual changes are a sad trend that many family caregivers know well. But theses stages of aging don’t need to steal the joy from older adults and sideline them for all holidays to come. Following are 10 ways to adapt popular holiday traditions – from the Home Instead Senior Care^® network and professionals at the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging – that can help seniors continue to enjoy the festivities.

Reconsider the menu. If Mom can no longer handle preparing and cooking the traditional meal on her own, make it a group effort. It’s a win-win: Mom can supervise and the next generation can learn all the secrets to making those favorite family recipes.
Mix it up. Older adults are usually most alert and at their best earlier in the day. Why not plan a holiday brunch rather than a lunch, or attend a daytime religious service instead of the evening one?
Think simple. You may love seeing the family home all decked out for the season, but hauling boxes of decorations may become impossible for seniors who struggle with mobility and balance issues. Get together with family and friends and decide which holiday decorating traditions to keep and what to forego.
Be their eyes, hands and feet. When arthritis prevents seniors from writing cards or macular degeneration damages eyesight and makes it difficult to shop for gifts, you can offer to take on those tasks. If time is short, suggest more efficient options such as online shopping and sending e-cards.
Compensate when necessary. If hearing impairment keeps Dad from enjoying the annual holiday movie, check out the latest sound enhancement technology. If Mom is having trouble seeing the deck of playing cards, look for large print cards or activities that can help keep her in the game.
Hit the road. You no doubt remember it as a child – those holiday light tours that you and your parents loved. A holiday driving tour is an easy way to bring back the memories and joy to an older adult who can no longer decorate.
Go Skype. Distance can separate older adults from loved ones, which exacerbates loneliness, isolation and depression during the holidays. Use the latest technology to help an older adult stay connected to loved ones from afar.
Relive memorable moments. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will especially appreciate opportunities to tap into old memories. Listen to favorite carols and ask your loved one to share his or her most vivid memories, like taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride or hunting game for the holiday meal.
Make new memories. Sometimes, things must change. If an older adult can’t participate in the holiday or is hospitalized, why not create a simple video that shares highlights of the season? Or arrange to have a group sing carols to your senior loved one – traditional songs from his or her generation.
Get help – fast! One of the best ways to adapt holiday activities is to ask for help. Enlisting the help of a professional caregiver to help with meal preparation or to provide transportation for your loved one can lighten the load for families and free them up to maximize special holiday time with their senior loved one.

NEED a CAREGiver^SM

Compassionate CAREGivers are ready to help seniors live independently at home.

Inquire about service today!

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Seeking employment? Have what it takes to help seniors lead rewarding lives?

Inquire about being a CAREGiver

Jessica Perez

Office Manager

Home Instead Senior Care

Secure Care Inc.9665 Granite Ridge Dr. Ste. 205

San Diego, CA 92123 USA

P: 858.277.3722

F: 858.277.6737

homeinsteadsd@aol.com

www.homeinstead.com/158

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise

is independently owned and operated.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Christmas Gifts for Seniors – Top 10 Gifts Seniors Want But Won’t Ask For

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Jessica Perez

Christmas Gifts for Seniors – Senior welfare in home care, san diego, california –

Top 10 Gifts Seniors Want But Won’t Ask For

Instead of giving Grandma another blanket or pair of socks this year, give her what she really wants: your time and attention. You may not be able to add these 10 gift ideas to a shopping list, but you can bet they’re on your loved one’s wish list.

What do you get Grandma this year? A new blanket . . . again? How about a pair of slippers? While those gifts could satisfy the needs or desires of a senior loved one, why not choose a present that is even more meaningful: a gift from the heart. While you may not be able to add the following 10 gift ideas to a shopping list, you can bet they’re on your loved one’s wish list.

Take your loved one shopping. Whether a trip to the mall or an online shopping spree, make it a special day. Be sure to tune into your loved one’s limitations and don’t overdo.
Lend a hand. Carry on the holiday cooking traditions, asking your senior loved one to help where he or she can. Or, ask everyone to bring a favorite dish.
Wrap and send packages. Arthritis can make wrapping those holiday presents a challenge. Schedule a gift-wrapping afternoon, complete with hot chocolate, cookies and plenty of family stories.
Deck the halls. Bending, lifting and reaching to get those holiday decorations in place isn’t always possible for an older adult. Enlist the help of the grandkids and make decorating a fun multi-generational activity.
Send holiday greetings. Offer to spend an afternoon helping your loved one address and send holiday cards, either by mail or as online photo greetings.
Plan a fun event. Get a group of your senior loved one’s friends together to serenade other older adults in an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Celebrate the reason for the season. Attend a religious program with your senior loved one. Be flexible with service times if necessary.
Focus on others. Get your senior loved one and the entire family involved in gathering supplies for a homeless shelter or serving a holiday meal.
Stay connected. Help an older adult connect with loved ones far away, whether over the phone or through a video-calling service like Skype.

Give the gift of time. Sometimes all an older adult wants is companionship. Show that you care by making room in your schedule to spend time together.

NEED a CAREGiver^SM

Compassionate CAREGivers are ready to help seniors live independently at home.

Inquire about service today!

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Seeking employment? Have what it takes to help seniors lead rewarding lives?

Inquire about being a CAREGiver

Jessica Perez

Office Manager

Home Instead Senior Care

Secure Care Inc.9665 Granite Ridge Dr. Ste. 205

San Diego, CA 92123 USA

P: 858.277.3722

F: 858.277.6737

homeinsteadsd@aol.com

www.homeinstead.com/158

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise

is independently owned and operated.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Senior Holidays – Laughing with Mary Maxwell: Tired of Thanksgiving Cooking

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Jessica Perez

Holidays – Senior welfare home care, san diego, california –

Laughing with Mary Maxwell: Tired of Thanksgiving Cooking

Rita from Boise just turned 72 and is tired of cooking Thanksgiving dinner year after year. “My sons are worthless in the kitchen and I don’t want them to think I’m lazy. What should I do?”

Mary offers her some practical advice to get through the holiday meal.

If you’re already caring for an aging relative, finding ways to celebrate special occasions while dealing with health issues can be challenging, especially for those who are homebound. We’ve gathered ideas for making a meal special, creating a festive mood and surprising your family member with entertainment or a customized gift in our holidays section.

About Mary Maxwell

The dry humor and quick wit of Mary Maxwell has entertained millions over the years. Mary is known for her honest and humorous take on aging, as well as other life events. She has spoken at events ranging from the national Christ Child Society convention to the international Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS) and American Society on Aging 2010 national conference. Mary says she has been lucky enough to have family, friends and co-workers “who are a lot funnier and brighter than I am and don’t mind me using their wonderful stories when I am speaking. At least, I don’t think they mind. I’m still here.”

Mary is the mother of five and grandmother of 12. When asked about her comedy, Mary says nobody gets through this life unscathed and if she can lighten the load for the people she meets for just a few minutes, that is a great satisfaction for her.

In Laughing with Mary, Mary offers her unique insights on aging and senior families. Mary says that she has realized over and over again that human beings, particularly women, have many more things in common than differences. And she said, “We have the same hopes and dreams and sorrows…and, overwhelmingly, the same love of chocolate.”

NEED a CAREGiver^SM

Compassionate CAREGivers are ready to help seniors live independently at home.

Inquire about service today!

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Seeking employment? Have what it takes to help seniors lead rewarding lives?

Inquire about being a CAREGiver

Jessica Perez

Office Manager

Home Instead Senior Care

Secure Care Inc.9665 Granite Ridge Dr. Ste. 205

San Diego, CA 92123 USA

P: 858.277.3722

F: 858.277.6737

homeinsteadsd@aol.com

www.homeinstead.com/158

Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise

is independently owned and operated.

Like this:

Be the first to like this.

Be a Santa to a Senior

How gift giving touches the lives of seniors

How Be a Santa to a Senior Works

Become a CAREGiverSM

Like this:

Share this:

Become a CAREGiverSM

Like this:

Share this:

Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help – Personal Care

Become a CAREGiverSM

Like this:

Share this:

Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help – Meal Assistance

Become a CAREGiverSM

Like this:

Share this:

Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help – Companionship

Become a CAREGiverSM

Like this:

Share this:

Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help – Housekeeping

Become a CAREGiverSM

Like this:

Share this:

Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays with Home Care Help – Transportation

Become a CAREGiverSM

Like this:

Share this:

10 Ways to Keep Holiday Traditions Senior-Friendly

Become a CAREGiverSM

Like this:

Share this:

Top 10 Gifts Seniors Want But Won’t Ask For

Become a CAREGiverSM

Like this:

Share this:

Laughing with Mary Maxwell: Tired of Thanksgiving Cooking

About Mary Maxwell

Become a CAREGiverSM

Like this:

Share this:

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Become a CAREGiver^SM

Become a CAREGiver^SM