Posted by Ryan Whittington on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 @ 10:00 PM
10 warning signs of low morale ... and 7 ways to boost it
Low morale can easily creep into a company with a mobile workforce without supervisors realizing it. But once it’s there, it’s hard to root out.
Check every day to make sure your employees stay in tune. Here are 10 sour notes to listen for, according to the new book, Leadership When the Heat’s On:
1. Uncooperative attitudes. These are easily detected, even if you can’t immediately tell what’s wrong.
2. Lack of enthusiasm. If they’re bored, they’re not sold on the mission.
3. Absence of commitment. If the leaders don’t believe in it, do you think employees will? Show employees that you’re committed to the team and the mission.
4. Fault-finding. People can find fault in anything, but when they do work they believe in with co-workers they trust, it rarely happens.
5. Increasing complaints. Don’t shrug off any complaints. Nip them before they become a trend … or an epidemic.
6. Growing tardiness and absenteeism. These are grounds for disciplinary action, but they also trigger an alarm for the astute leader.
7. Deterioration in the appearance of the work area. Some people are naturally neat or messy, but you can tell if it gets worse.
8. Breakdown in discipline. Again, the thing to watch for is change.
9. Chronic long faces. You know your people well enough to know whether they’re just having a bad day or suffering through a bad workplace.
10. When low morale becomes a rallying point. If people form a consensus about a complaint and discuss it openly, you’ve got trouble. Don’t let it get this far.
True story: During a flight delay, attendants pulled the curtain but still could be clearly heard renouncing their loyalty to the airline and trying to top each other’s ugly stories. One passenger thought: “Now might be a good time to develop a fear of flying.” The passenger next to him turned out to be a customer service employee for that airline, but said she never passed customer complaints upward because she was instructed not to.
Bottom line: To be effective, you need real feedback and solutions, no matter how painful.
Morale boosters to try now
If you notice a good number of those 10 signals in your workplace, now’s the time to use a little creativity to reach out to workers.
Here are a few ideas from the Harvard Business Review blog:
1. Time. Extend a deadline, cancel a routine meeting or send folks home early.
2. Name recognition. Recognize a standout employee, posting signs with his or her name.
3. Serve it up. Do some special service work for your team, maybe with a surprise breakfast one morning.
4. Memories. Frame a photo from an event and send it, along with a note, to your staff.
5. Rule suspension. Have a rule that everyone doesn’t like? Suspend it for the day or week, or consider eliminating the rule if it’s useless.
6. Handwritten note. Write about how a worker has made a difference, and send it to family members.
7. Convenience. Save employees’ time by bringing in a service, such as a dry-cleaning delivery.
Working in home health care can be a very rewarding yet stressful job. It is common for home care workers to take better care of their clients than themselves. Create a healthy and positive workforce is not always easy but very crucial to a companies sucess.
Seniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.
Posted by Ryan Whittington on Mon, Feb 13, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Companionship Services Exemption - Review Your Process
In Missouri, among other states, home care workers provide care to clients who are either restricted to their home or have chosen to receive care at home. When long hours are involved, one way many agencies provide this care is by utilizing the caregiver companionship services exemption. To learn what the companionship services exemption is, click here.
If your agency utilizes the Companionship Services Exemption as part of your business model, you will want to be sure your documentation verifying compliance is acceptable for regulatory review.
Below is an excerpt from Mary Schantz, Executive Director of the Missouri Alliance for Home Care.
Companionship Exemption: Contact Your Member of Congress
Some in Congress and the U.S. Department of Labor are looking to modify or eliminate the longstanding definition and application of the companionship services exemption. It is anticipated that changes to the companionship services exemption would reduce the availability of care to the elderly and the infirm and increase the costs of service delivery with no corresponding increase from third party payers, such as Medicaid. For private pay home care, the cost of overtime compensation would need to be passed on to the consumer or absorbed by the home care company
In response to these efforts, Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) introduced H.R. 3066, the Companionship Exemption Protection Act, which would ensure the current definition of companionship services is maintained. We encourage you to help gather support for this legislation by reaching out to your representative’s office and ask your representative to cosponsor the Companionship Exemption Protection Act.
To assist in your efforts, we developed an Action Alert item on the NAHC Legislative Action Network. The Action Alert provides background materials on the companionship services exemption as well as a copy of the Dear Colleague letter Rep. Terry sent to his colleagues in the House of Representatives inviting them to cosponsor H.R.3066. You may click here to send an email to your legislator in the House of Representatives. You may also use this link (Contact Your Elected Officials) to locate contact information for your representative if you would prefer to call.
Eight members have already joined Terry as cosponsors: Reps. Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Gregg Harper (R-MS), Jeffery Landry (R-LA), Alan Nunnelee (R-MS), Ron Paul (R-TX), Thomas Petri (R-WI), Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA).
Seniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.
Posted by Ryan Whittington on Wed, Feb 08, 2012 @ 01:48 PM
Improve Your Balance to Prevent Falls: 5 Tips for Seniors
According to the National Institutes of Health, more than one in three seniors over the age of 65 suffer a fall each year. Nearly 1.6 million of these injured seniors require an emergency room visit and approximately 5,000 of these falls are fatal. The NIH also asserts falls are the largest cause of hospital admissions, fracture and loss of vitality or independence for seniors. The loss of balance that accompanies age is a key reason for these unwanted falls and their resulting injuries. Here are 5 senior home care tips to help improve your balance, and quality of life.
Balance Exercises
Performing the correct exercises is the most effective way to improve your balance. Speak to your physician before performing these exercises and use caution to prevent a fall or other serious injury. Simple exercises include simply standing from a seated position without using your hands to shifting your weight from one leg to the other. While you’re waiting in line or using the phone, stand on one leg to help improve your balance. These exercises are most effective if performed daily and over time they will help improve an elderly person’s balance, and quality of life. If you need assistance with these exercises, ask your senior home care company for assistance.
Coordination and Posture
Coordination and posture play crucial role in maintaining balance, especially for persons over 65. To help maintain balance, watch your posture in the standing and sitting position. Stand tall with your shoulder’s square and your head straight forward. Practicing Tai Chi -- a form of martial arts that promotes meditation through slow, fluid motions -- and Yoga are excellent ways to maintain and improve your coordination and balance.
Eye Exercises
Your eye’s ability to communicate information to the brain is crucial to maintaining proper balance. Improve your eyesight, and in turn your balance, by performing a simple exercise 4 to 5 times a day. Remembering to mind your posture, sit in a sturdy chair and choose an object to focus on that is at least 10 to 20 feet away. Keeping your eyes focused on the object, slowly stand from the sitting position and sit back down. Close your eyes and repeat the process of standing and sitting slowly. Use a chair with arm rests if you are having difficulty maintaining your balance during this exercise.
Hearing and Eye Checks
Have you eyesight and hearing checked on a yearly basis to help maintain your balance. Your hearing plays a vital role in balance and should be monitored for any impairments and needs. Visit your optometrist regularly to monitor your eyeglass prescriptions, and update them when necessary. Glaucoma, cataracts and other eye conditions also effect balance and must be monitored accordingly. Hearing and eye checks are very important. If you are not able to drive, ask a family member or utilize a senior home care service.
More Tips
Check your medications for any potential side effects that affect your balance. Use a cane or walker when necessary and keep your home well-lit to prevent injury. Keep your floors clutter free and pay attention that your rugs and carpets are firmly attached to the floor. Wear wider shoes that feature rubber soles, as these are more stable.
If none of the above-mentioned exercises and tips were helpful, it’s crucial you or an elderly loved one speaks to a physician. There are several tests available to test a senior’s gait, coordination and balance to determine if a medical deficiency is present. One of the main tests administered to seniors is the Tinetti, or Performance-Orientated Mobility Assessment, test. During the exam the senior is placed in a chair and asked to perform various tasks and movements, such as bending and standing, to test his balance and the overall score determines a potential fall risk.
Seniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.
Posted by Ryan Whittington on Wed, Jan 04, 2012 @ 10:37 AM
Seniors and Winter Weather
Winter is, indeed, a wonderful time for many of us. Children and skiers love the snow and everyone enjoys the holidays. For some, however, the cold weather brings more bad news than good. The elderly, in particular, are extremely wary at this time of year and for good reason. Ice, snow, colds and seniors do not mix.
Slips and Falls
The average slip or fall barely registers on the body of a young child or a reasonably healthy adult. It is an entirely different matter for the elderly. Even a moderate fall inside the home can cause severe bruising and break major bones. Additionally, healing takes significantly longer in the aged. Even more troubling, a fall outside the home can leave an elderly person in a precarious position.
Colds and Seniors
Seniors are justified in their concern about the dangers of colds and pneumonia. Depressed immune systems, late diagnosis and lack of physical activity further exacerbate these potentially deadly conditions.
Colds and seniors are just as problematic. Although a lifetime of fighting and defeating rhinoviruses render the elderly less susceptible to the average cold, the advent of one is extremely serious as they are likely to have picked up a particularly virulent strain.
Home Care Services
A wide range of home care services can help the elderly to eliminate many of the dangers of winter by avoiding them altogether. Some services offered by the home care industry are:
- Personal grooming, such as help with bathing or dressing
- Cooking or delivering meals
- Housekeeping, such as cleaning and laundry
- Running errands, picking up medications or trips to a physician
- Salting the sidewalk
These services are provided in the home and can alleviate most of the need to leave the home during the winter.
Transportation
Another important area where home health care services are invaluable is transportation. Despite the obvious dangers of cold weather and a slippery landscape, most seniors would like to continue living a reasonably normal life. This includes outings, trips to the store and this fact, obviously, entails leaving the security of their home. Home care services can provide safe, reliable transportation for the more independent minded seniors. Transportation services can be provided in a car the senior may own, or in the caregivers vehicle.
Home care services provide the elderly with a wide variety of services, inside and outside the home. Our professionals can cater to almost every need from ordinary household duties through transportation to licensed health care. The physical, mental and emotional benefits of our services cannot be overstated. In short, home care services can significantly enhance the safety, security and general happiness of an elderly person.
About Seniors Home Care
Seniors Home Care provides assistance in the St. Louis, MO. area for those needing help with services such as medication management, meal preparation and exercise encouragement. For a more complete list of the services we offer, please visit our services page. If you feel that you would like to know more about our services or would like to schedule a complimentary assessment for you or a loved one, please contact us
Seniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.
Posted by Ryan Whittington on Tue, Dec 06, 2011 @ 10:50 AM
Safety Tips for Seniors This Winter
St. Louis summers can be sweltering, but residents know that come December, the temperatures can stay below freezing for days and weeks at a time. The resulting ice, snow and cold weather can be a hazard for people of any age, but those over 60 should take extra caution. Winter weather and seniors just don't mix well. Below are a few things you can do to help you stay safe this winter season:
1. Make use of home care. Fortunately, there are resources all over the greater St. Louis area to help older residents do routine errands so that they can stay warm and safe in their own home. You don't have to be sick to take advantage of home care resources. Your local senior center, church or community aid office can put you in touch with a group to do such things as deliver a hot meal, run to the grocery or drug store, drive you to the dentist's office or do small maintenance jobs around your home. Many of these services are provided by private duty home care services.
2. Dress appropriately. Those high heels or dress loafers may look stylish, but they are an accident waiting to happen when it's snowy outside, even for the most agile person. You should also wear that hat. Those with thinning hair are especially vulnerable to heat loss from a bare head, and even those with a full head of hair lose up to seven percent of their body heat by leaving their head uncovered.
3. Splurge on a snow removal service. Saying that you aren't going to leave the home when it's icy or cold sounds good, but when you need a loaf of bread or one of your kids or grandkids calls, it's difficult to stay indoors. Be ready for icy days by contracting with a snow removal service before the snow starts flying. Many plow operators offer attractive rates for those paying in advance for the whole season. Plus, they usually plow their contract clients' drives first. Make sure that they take care of the walkways as well.
4. Get a Flu and Pneumonia Shot. It's not too late to get your flu and/or pneumonia shots for the year. In fact, the Center for Disease Control recommends both shots for anyone over age 65 or those of any age with a chronic disease like diabetes. Winter weather and seniors is a mixture that can easily lead to pneumonia if you aren't careful. To avoid getting sick, be sure to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables this winter and wash your hands frequently. If you smoke, you can reap the benefits of quitting at any age, and smoking increases the risk of contracting pneumonia, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.
5. Plan ahead. Since we know that winter weather and seniors are not a good combination, avoid having to venture out in snowy, cold weather by keeping a stockpile on hand of food and other supplies you use frequently. Besides, buying a six week supply of things you use when they are on sale is a great way to save money on food and drug store items. In addition, set up your prescriptions so that they are mailed directly to your home. This will save you a trip to the drug store in cold winter.
Winter in St. Louis can be an enjoyable time for seniors as well as younger residents...with a little advance planning and precautions. Don't be afraid to reach out to area resources to help you stay safe and warm this season.
Seniors Home Care is a premier provider of private duty home care services in the St. Louis area. For more information, please visit our website at www.seniorshomecare.com or call 314-962-2666. Celebrating 25 wonderful years in 2012!!
Seniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.
Posted by Ryan Whittington on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 @ 03:10 PM
Senior Care Information - Where to Start?
If you are like me, you like to talk face to face with a person to make sure you are hearing the information clearly. This Sunday, October 30th 2011, you have an opportunity to visit with over 50 exhibitors and attend eight informative seminars related to services for seniors, all in one day.
Seniors Home Care will be participating and will be located at booth # 313.
The expo takes place this Sunday, October 30, at the Jewish Community Center Staenberg Family Complex, located at 2 Millstone Campus. Dr. in Creve Coeur. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A printable flyer is available below.
So, now for the top three reasons to visit our booth on Sunday:
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Our services could quite possibly change your life. Don't take my word for it, check out these
testimonials.
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Express Club - Home Care Services with no schedule requirements.
Oh yea, and a bonus number 4...its FREE and we have candy!!
Click on the image below to view the expo flyer.
Seniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.
Posted by Alice Endy on Tue, Oct 04, 2011 @ 09:29 AM
Senior Home Care for Those with Alzheimers
Seniors with dementia and diseases such as Alzheimer’s can often be prematurely placed into nursing homes. Senior home care is an often overlooked alternative to nursing care facilities. This disease will eventually take your loved one away, and is painful to watch. There are many different stages.
One of the first noticed symptoms is often a slight forgetfulness that is often attributed to old age. This can range from not being able to remember dates, names, or where they put things. This stage often needs no medical assistance, and can last for years. Family members often care for seniors during this time.
Alzheimer's disease will begin to cause severe confusion, and large chunks of memory loss. These range from not being able to remember who their children are, or wandering around in a different year or both. Family members will often decide to place their loved one into a nursing care facility. Senior home care is an option that is not widely advertised for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s.
When you choose to have Senior home care come and care for your family member, it can lessen the mental stress upon them. When you put patients with dementia in nursing care facilities, they can sink into depression, and not remember why they are there. When you choose to have them cared for in the home they are around familiar surroundings. Most importantly they get to remain with their loved ones.
The average yearly cost of a nursing facility can be over $250,000 per year, while hiring a senior home care company can cost you less than $100,000/year. This can be a heavy burden to bear, both mentally and financially. Long Term Care Insurance Companies can help cover home health care costs for Alzheimer’s patients, depending on levels of care needed.
You can never tell how long a family member will need to be cared for. The progression of dementia is different from patient to patient. While the need for nursing care can last for 10-15 years, it is common that only the last 2-3 years need to be in a nursing care facility. Not only can you save money in choosing senior home care, but you can help your loved one stay at home, with those who love them the most.
Seniors Home Care provides assistance in the home for those needing help with services such as medication management, meal preparation and companionship/stimulation. For a more complete list of the services we offer, please visit our services page. If you feel that you would like to know more about our services or would like to schedule a complimentary assessment for you or a loved one, please contact us.
If home care is an option you are considering, use these helpful tips when choosing a home care company.
Seniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.
Posted by Alice Endy on Fri, Sep 30, 2011 @ 10:30 AM
Congestive Heart Failure Among Seniors
As adults age their hearts start to wear out. One of the complications they can suffer is congestive heart failure. While most people develop this slowly over time it can happen suddenly without warning. There is no cure, only management of this chronic long term heart failure. Often heart failure is caused by other problems such as coronary heart disease, infections, and cardiomyopathy.
Symptoms
There are several symptoms that your heart is beginning to fail, and should be taken seriously.
- Irregular heartbeat/pulse
- Swelling of the abdomen, feet and ankles
- Shortness of breath with minimal activity/cough
- Loss of appetite
As in a lot of other medical conditions the symptoms of congestive heart failure can mimic other problems. You should make an appointment to be seen by your doctor immediately if you observe several of these symptoms. There are several different tests to confirm that your heart is failing.
A physical examination will be done and the doctor will check your heart and lungs for irregular sounds. If anything makes the doctor suspect congestive heart failure, he will send you off for one or more tests. Tests that can diagnose heart failure include:
- Chest x-rays
- Echocardiograms
- MRI’s and CTscans of the heart
- Cardiac stress tests
- heart catheterization
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with heart failure, the treatment may consist of medications, a proper diet, and exercise schedule.
Taking the proper medications on a daily basis can include ace inhibitors, and diuretics. Ace inhibitors work by opening up the blood vessels in the heart of those who suffer from congestive heart failure. Diuretics are used to remove extra fluid from the body, which can collect around the lungs or in the legs, ankles, and feet. Maintaining a healthy diet is as important as taking medications on a daily basis.
Exercise helps keep patients at a healthy weight, and the heart strong and less strained from pumping blood. Eating foods that are low in sodium or have none at all is important to keep fluid retention down. If ever you are retaining a lot of fluid, or do not feel well it is important to rest with your feet up.
Congestive heart failure can be managed in the comfort of your own home, as long as you have the proper care. Having someone in the home with them preparing healthy meals, and keeping them on their medications can be the difference between life and death. Having someone in the house also provides company, socialization and keeps a person engaged in everyday life.
Seniors Home Care provides assistance in the St. Louis, MO. area for those needing help with services such as medication management, meal preparation and exercise encouragement. For a more complete list of the services we offer, please visit our services page. If you feel that you would like to know more about our services or would like to schedule a complimentary assessment for you or a loved one, please contact us.
Seniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.
Posted by Ryan Whittington on Tue, Sep 27, 2011 @ 10:56 AM
As a leading St. Louis home care company, we are always looking for ways to help our clients and their families. A cell phone can be a helpful tool to both caregivers and clients. Text and video messaging can allow a caregiver to talk with a senior on a very personal and confidential level.
Features on cell phones, such as voice command, make it easier for seniors and those with disabilities to continue to communicate with their family.
For additional information on Technology for the Elderly, see our past blog articles.
Tips to help children and grandchildren buy a new cell phone for Grandma or Grandpa
By: Michelle Groves
With cell phones being the most common way we stay in touch with our loved ones, families may be considering purchasing a new cell phone for their parent or grandparent to help them stay connected. More and more older Americans are using cell phones to enhance their lives, so when it comes time to decide on a new phone for a parent or grandparent, it’s important to make sure the phone fits their needs, interests and lifestyle.
There are several things to consider when buying a cell phone. Here are a few topics to discuss before making the purchase.
- Find the value –Adding a parent or grandparent to a family plan is an easy and affordable way to give the gift of wireless. Prepaid options are also appealing for those on a budget. To pick the right plan, U.S. Cellular associates provide a needs assessment for each customer to determine how they will use their phone and help them select a device and plan that fits those needs.
- Messaging made easy – Older Americans are increasingly adopting text messaging as another way to communicate with family members, especially grandchildren. If your parent or grandparent likes to text, or is open to trying it, consider purchasing a device with a QWERTY keyboard that makes texting easier. The LG Attune has a full QWERTY keyboard, as does the Samsung Character. Be sure to have your parent or grandparent test out the keyboard before making the purchase.
- Is it time for a smartphone? – More than four million older Americans are currently staying connected using smartphones. The technology is appealing because it provides a way to simplify and organize your life. With a smartphone, you can access email, social media, send text messages and make phone calls.
- Reliable Network – Having a high-quality cellular network is essential to make communicating with your loved ones easy. U.S. Cellular has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier, and all devices are backed by the carrier’s high-speed nationwide network.
Many carriers, like U.S. Cellular, offer a trial period, so you can ensure the phone you chose best meets your needs. You can also use this time to make sure that the wireless carrier has excellent network coverage where the phone is used most often.
If you have any questions throughout your cell phone buying experience, we encourage you to stop by any of our stores in the St. Louis area, and one of our associates would be more than happy to help. For more information, please visit www.uscellular.com.
Michelle Groves is U.S. Cellular’s director of sales in the St. Louis area. U.S. Cellular is a national wireless carrier with 34 retail locations in the St. Louis Region. U.S. Cellular was recently named a J.D. Power Associates 2011 Customer Service Champion and was also recognized as one of Forbes Magazine’s 2010 “Most Trustworthy Companies.” To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. You can also check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorpSeniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.
Posted by Ryan Whittington on Fri, Sep 09, 2011 @ 11:33 AM
Professional Caregivers - Who are you leaving your loved one with?
When choosing a home care company, you should be looking at the caregivers who they employ. The person you talk to on the phone or at a trade show may do and say all of the right things, but how do you know your loved one will receive the best care.
Rightfully so, I am often asked to describe our caregivers. I frequently use words such as caring, trustworthy, dependable and capable - the same words our clients use in their testimonials.
Training and orientation of caregivers in the state of Missouri and nationwide goes somewhat unregulated. There are no specific guidelines or regulations that exist when it comes to training home care caregivers in the home setting. It is very important to Seniors Home Care that we belong to national organizations such as the National Private Duty Association. The NPDA sets and implements guidelines for its members to follow including best practices when hiring employees.
Questions You Should Ask Potential Home Care Companies:
What qualifications do your caregivers have?
How do you train your employees?
Are your employees bonded?
At Seniors Home Care, we realize that to provide the best possible home care, we must employ the best possible caregivers. One phrase commonly heard by Kit Whittington, SHC founder, is that "we can teach a caregiver skills such as making a bed, using a hoyer lift or monitoring diabetes but we cant teach them to be compassionate, honest and trustworthy."
If you are considering hiring a home care company, I would encourage you to download our Professional Caregivers Form to use as a reference tool.
Click the image below.
Seniors Home Care reserves the right to remove anything deemed inappropriate, off-topic or otherwise questionable; however, we have no responsibility to do so.