​As a family caregiver, you do your best to keep your elderly loved one happy and healthy. However, if you are noticing an increase in their eczema lately, you may be witnessing a winter flare-up of the condition. It’s very common for those with eczema to experience an increase in symptoms during cold weather. The winter environment gives the eczema the ideal conditions to thrive, much to the discomfort and even pain of your aging relative.  

Treating and even preventing a winter flare-up of eczema is an important part of keeping your loved one healthy and happy. Here are some tips that you, elderly care providers, other family members and even your aging relative themselves can follow for healthier skin. 
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Treat the Existing Eczema Effectively 

If your elderly loved one hasn’t been seen by a doctor for the eczema yet, do that immediately. The doctor will prescribe a topical ointment or cream to alleviate the itching and calm the nerves. In some cases, doctors may also give the aging adult some oral medication to start work inside of the body for the external symptoms. A good moisturizer can also help with eczema symptoms when applied regularly. 

 Control the Winter Atmosphere 

There are plenty of ways that family caregivers and elderly care providers can do to the environment in the home that may reduce the likelihood of a winter flare-up of eczema. Since extreme temperature fluctuations and dry air can trigger a winter flare-up, you can set up one or two humidifiers to pump moisture into the air. The heater should be set for a mid-range, comfortable level, but avoid having it blasting all day and night as this adds heat and dryness to the air inside the home. Watch out for subtle atmosphere changers like a gas fireplace, space heater or electric blanket. 

Avoid Excessive Wetness on the Skin 

Wet clothing against the skin is a serious contributor toward winter flare-ups of eczema. When coming in from snowy or wet weather, seniors should change into dry clothes right away. Similarly, they should avoid hot showers and baths, which can also trigger and eczema flare-up. Family caregivers and elderly care providers should focus on lukewarm water for aging adults.  

Choose the Right Fabrics 

Certain clothing can irritate eczema, especially fabrics that are more common in winter. Scratchy sweaters, wool clothing and more can make eczema worse, especially when compared to the lightweight cotton and synthetic materials more common in warmer weather. You must find the right balance between dressing for warmth and dressing for eczema. Light, loose clothing in layers is the best way for seniors to dress to avoid a winter flare-up of the skin condition. 

It’s critical for everyone involved in the care of your aging loved one to pay attention to the factors that contribute to winter flare-ups for their eczema. From family members and friends to elderly care providers, everyone needs to focus on prevention and treatment to keep seniors comfortable and healthy as they live with eczema. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services in Wilmette IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

Being a family caregiver for an elderly adult always has its challenges and offers benefits to your senior. When your elderly adult is struggling with a serious health issue such as cancer, however, the care you give to them can become even more important.

​Recognizing the tremendous value you offer your aging parent by being their family caregiver during their cancer journey can help you to find more meaning in this experience, dedicate yourself more intently to it, and personalize the care you give specifically to your aging parent rather than just addressing it their individual challenges and symptoms. 

Something that is vital to keep in mind is that cancer treatment and management has changed dramatically over the years. Gone are the days when those living with cancer spend the majority of their cancer journey in the hospital. While some will be hospitalized for stretches of time during their journey, and may approach their end-of-life transition in the hospital, most patients received the majority of their treatment as an outpatient, meaning most of their care is at home. Being their family caregiver means you are the one who is responsible for making sure their care and management is everything they need when they are home. 

Your role as a caregiver in your senior's cancer journey is about helping them to make the most of their treatment or management, encouraging them to continue to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible, supporting them and finding meaning and fulfillment in every day of their life, and being there for them to help preserve mental and emotional health and well-being as they deal with this extremely challenging time.  

If you have been looking for a way to help your parent live a higher quality of life and experience better health as they age, now may be the ideal time for you to consider home care for them. A home care services provider acts as a valuable supplement to the care you already give your parent so you know they are always getting the level of care and support they need and deserve when you are with them and when you are not. Because of the completely personalizable nature of the services of a home care provider, you can feel confident your senior is getting exactly what they need now, and are prepared for further care in the future. 

Source: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers/if-youre-about-to-become-a-cancer-caregiver.html  

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Arlington Heights IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

Gentle Home Services is excited to announce the debut of our Memory Café with CJE SeniorLife at The Friend Center in Deerfield.

The Memory Café will be held on the second Thursday of the month from 4-5 pm.  The first one begins on February 14th. The program is perfect for adults with Alzheimer’s, early onset and mild cognitive impairment.  The attendee must be accompanied by a family member or care provider.  Registration is required and the programs/activities are free.

Please share with your contacts or families/clients you work with who may be interested in an hour of socialization and activities. 

​Click Here for More Information
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If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Deerfield IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

Americans, on average, eat more sugar than people in any other nation. The amount of sugar consumed on a daily basis has steadily increased over the years, even as people have received warnings about consuming excess sugar. Reducing the amount of sugar in the diet can be a valuable step toward health for anyone, but as a family caregiver, you should know this can be even more important for your elderly parent.

​Many seniors struggle with health problems that are worsened by sugar, making reducing this sugar an invaluable part of preserving their health as they age in place. Fortunately, there are many simple ways you can cut down on the amount of sugar in your senior's diet on a daily basis.  

Use these tips to reduce sugar in your senior's diet: 

* Cut out sodas. This is the leading source of sugar in the average American's diet and accounts for a huge number of calories on a regular basis. 

* Learn to read nutritional labels and make sure you and your senior read the labels on all foods and beverages they consume. 

* Avoid having sugar out on the table. Your senior is much less likely to add sugar to their food and beverages if they do not have it out in front of them. 

* When choosing packaged fruits, look for those packaged in natural juice without added sugar. Avoid anything that says "syrup". 

* Sweeten foods such as oatmeal or pancakes with fruit rather than sugar. 

* When baking, replace sugar with unsweetened applesauce. 

* Look for natural sweetener alternatives such as monk fruit.  

* Add more flavor to recipes using spices such as cinnamon and ginger rather than sugar. 

An senior home care services provider can make eating healthier easier and more accessible for your senior. As their family caregiver, you want your parent to be able to live their best life, and eating a well-balanced diet is an important part of that. Senior care can make it less daunting for your parent to eat well when they are dealing with challenges and limitations.

​Personalized services can include reliable transportation to the grocery store, assistance with shopping, help reading and understanding labels, meal and snack preparation, and encouragement to maintain good nutrition and hydration. This enables your parent to enjoy many of their favorite foods in healthier ways by reminding them of their dietary guidelines, researching recipes with them, assisting with preparation, and more.  

Sources: https://www.thediabetescouncil.com/45-alarming-statistics-on-americans-sugar-consumption-and-the-effects-of-sugar-on-americans-health/ 

http://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/tips-for-cutting-down-on-sugar  

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Lake Forest IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

No one wants to catch a cold. They’re miserable. Coughing, running nose, scratchy throat… For older adults, having a cold can be even more awful. Colds are caused by different kinds of viruses. One of the most common is the rhinovirus. In seniors, rhinovirus can develop into a serious respiratory infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most adults can expect to have 2 to 3 colds each year.
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While you cannot expect to avoid them all, there are ways you can help your aging relative to reduce their chances of catching a cold. Here are some tips for preventing a cold. 

Frequent Hand Washing 

This tip is right at the top of the list of cold prevention tips for both the CDC and WebMD. That’s because hand washing removes germs and prevents them from entering into the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes. People touch their faces dozens of times each day, so if there are germs on the older adult’s hands, they could get in and cause a cold. To get rid of germs, your aging relative needs to use soap and scrub for about 20 seconds. When soap and water aren’t readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol. 

Avoid Contact with Sick People 

Keep your aging relative away from people who already have colds. Ask people to stay away when they have a cold. Instead, suggest that they keep in touch with phone calls, emails, and cards. Save visits for when their cold is over. Also, when the older adult is out in public, advise them not to shake hands or hug other people. They can simply politely say, “I’m trying to avoid catching a cold, so I’m not shaking hands. But, I’m really happy to see you.” 

Disinfect Surfaces 

Germs can linger on surfaces for hours or even days. Get rid of them by disinfecting surfaces that are touched often, such as counter tops, faucets, and door knobs. It’s a good idea for the older adult to carry sanitizing wipes with them to wipe down the handles of shopping carts, too.  

Home care services can help your aging relative to avoid catching colds this winter. Home care services providers can remind the older adult to wash their hands several times each day. They can also help to prevent people who are ill from coming in contact with your loved one. A home care services provider can field calls from friends and family who are planning to visit and ask that they only come if they are well. Home care services providers can also keep the house as germ-free as possible by washing countertops and other surfaces with disinfecting cleaners. 

Sources :  https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/avoid-cold-flu#1 

https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html 

https://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2015/january2015/rhinovirus-in-the-elderly-the-commonest-of-colds 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Skokie IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors are at a greater risk for developing epilepsy. In fact, around 1 million people aged 55 and older in the United States have epilepsy. The reason epilepsy occurs more often in older adults is because they are more likely to have risk factors for the condition, such as strokes, brain tumors, and Alzheimer’s disease. Because of the high risk to seniors, it’s important that their family caregivers know how to spot a seizure and what to do if one occurs.  
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Kinds of Seizures 

Certain kinds of seizures pose more danger than others. The two basic kinds of seizures are: 

Focal Onset Seizures: This kind of seizure starts in just one part of the brain. It may cause just one part of the body to move or twitch, like an arm or the face. The older adult is awake when the seizure begins, but they cannot control the movement. As the seizure goes on, they might stare off into space. After the seizure, they won’t remember having had it. 

Generalized Seizures: A generalized seizure affects more than one area of the brain. The person having the seizure isn’t likely to be aware of it. Grand mal seizures, the most well-known type of seizure, is a generalized seizure. A grand mal seizure is the kind you usually see on television where the person’s whole body convulses. These are frightening to witness and can require emergency medical attention.  

Generalized seizures are the more dangerous of the two kinds of seizures. During this kind of seizure, the person is unaware of their surroundings, so they can injure themselves by striking objects around them.  

Seizure First Aid 

Most of the time, a person having a seizure won’t need any medical attention. What they really need is for someone to keep them safe during the event. Here’s what to do during a seizure: 

* Stay calm and speak to the person in a gentle, comforting tone. 

* Don’t leave the person until they are fully awake again. 

* Place something under their head to cushion it from hitting against the floor. 

* Move objects that could injure them out of the way. 

* Put the person on their side so that breathing is easier. 

* Time the length of the seizure. 

* Never place anything in the person’s mouth. 

If the person has never had a seizure before, you should call 9-1-1. Also call for emergency assistance if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if the person has trouble breathing.  

Elder care can help protect seniors with seizure disorders. An elder care provider can prevent injuries during a senior. They can also monitor the length of the seizure. If your aging relative needs emergency medical care, an elder care provider can call 9-1-1. Elder care providers can also serve as a source of comfort and relieve the stress of the older adult and their family members since they know that someone will be there if a seizure should occur. 

Sources:  https://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/epilepsy-seizure-what-to-do-in-an-emergency 

https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/first-aid.htm care

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/firstaid/what-to-do 

https://www.cdc.gov/features/epilepsy-older-adults/index.html 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Glenview IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

​Gentle Home Services was very active this fall.  Here is a glimpse of what we hosted, sponsored and participated in recently.  Hope you enjoy! 

​November 7, 2018
ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter
Educational and Scientific Symposium
Rush University
Gentle Home Services was one of the event sponsors for the symposium this year.  Over 100 guests attended this very informative program.  

​November 9, 2019
And we volunteered at the 3rd National Caregiving Conference in Chicago


Susan Scatchell from Gentle Home Services volunteered with Chicago colleagues, Ellen Masuret from Senior Living Experts and Cece Isenman from Arden Courts.
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​November 13, 2018
Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods Chamber Meeting


Colleen Muscarella, Business Development Director and Chamber Director, introduces Rick Niksic from the Greenhouse Group.  Colleen chairs the Health and Wellness Professional group for the DBR Chamber.  
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November 16, 2018
Springfield Trip with the Home Care Association of America, IL Chapter


​Susan Scatchell from Gentle Home Services (third from left) was accompanied by a collaborative group of other home services agencies to meet with the Illinois Department of Public Health.  This group spent months preparing to discuss important regulation changes in the home services licensing act. The original regulations were implemented over 10 years ago.  Healthcare is changing, and more services are being pushed back into the community and the home. Time for a regulation tune-up.  We still have a lot of work ahead of us!  

​If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Deerfield IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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​Gentle Home Services was very active this fall.  Here is a glimpse of what we hosted, sponsored and participated in recently.  Hope you enjoy!

October 4, 2018
Continuing Education program with retired police commander Tom Smith on “Active Intruder”.  This program discussed how to prevent, prepare, and actions to take when confronted with an active intruder. One of the best programs we ever attended.  

​Pictured to the right:  Colleen Muscarella from Gentle Home Services, Tom Smith, retired police commander/speaker,  Connie Polke from Advocate Healthcare and CHUG, Susan Scatchell from Gentle Home Services, Noreen Daya from Legacy Healthcare and Barbara Rosenberg from Elderwerks.

​​October 6, 2018
Kick Off Case Manager’s Week Continuing Education
Gentle Home Services and several co-sponsored kicked off Case Manager’s week with a half day of great education.  Pat Stern of Patient-Centered Care Partners started the morning with an awesome presentation on integrating behavioral health into primary care.  

October 9, 2018
CJE Celebrate
Gentle Home Services sponsored a table at the CJE Celebrate event again this year.  It was a fantastic evening to support CJE SeniorLife capped off by an energizing performance by Green Light.  CJE SeniorLife helps make a difference in the lives of 20,000 older adults and their family members through various programs and services.  Gentle Home Services is proud to be their preferred provider for quality home care services for over 12 years.  

Pictured to the right: Elly Bauman from Park Plaza, Gail Niksic from Elderwerks,  Michele Mangrum from CJE SeniorLife, Lisa Rae from Integrative Group Psychological Services, Kathy Stone from CJE SeniorLife, Susan Scatchell from Gentle Home Services, Karen Waxer from Daily Money and Life Management, Sara White from Grey Sage and Stephanie Sexauer from Sexauer Law. 

​Pictured above:  Susan Scatchell from Gentle Home Services, Elly Bauman from Park Plaza, Lisa Rae from Integrative Group Psychological Services, Stephanie Sexauer from Sexauer Law, Nina Szidon from The Care Plan, Sibyl Yau from NShore Patient Advocates, Colleen Muscarella from Gentle Home Services, Gail Niksic from Elderwerks, Sara White from Grey Sage and Karen Waxer from Daily Money and Life Management. 

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​October 10, 2018
Panel conversation, Healthy, Well-thy and Wise with our friends from UBS Financial in Northbrook.  The panel demystified the aspects of aging, reviewed legal documents, care management services, who’s your quarterback, should you stay in your home with services or move.  The audience came prepared with some touch questions.  

​​October 18, 2018
Seniors in Transition Event at the Irish American Heritage Center
Industry leaders discussed how to help your parents transition to their next lifestyle.  Event was moderated by Real Estate Advisor Jean-Marie Minton.


​If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Deerfield IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

September 29, 2018
ALS Walk for Life - Over 7,000 walkers gathered at Solder Field in Chicago to show support, raise awareness and fundraise for Les Turner ALS Foundation.

If you're taking care of other people in your life, but avoiding taking care of yourself, that's a recipe for disaster. You have to put together a plan that lets you do both. 

Make Little Tweaks to What You're Already Doing 

You're likely doing more than you think you are for self-care. After all, you're alive and well, right? So look at what is already working well. You might be eating a fairly healthy diet already. You might have a steady workout routine in place or you might already be focusing on getting plenty of sleep. Just look at what you could do to tweak the good things a tiny bit. Remember that big changes take more time and energy, but smaller changes are easier to adapt. 

Move a Little Bit More 

There are so many ways to add a little more movement to your everyday life. You can do the simple suggestions, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or you can get a little more creative. If you spend a good bit of time on the phone, you might want to consider standing when you're in a call. Or you might want to stand while you check email, whether that's at a computer or on your phone. Make your own rules. 

Pick One Small Way to Eat Healthier 

You may already be trying to eat as healthy a diet as you possibly can, but even if you aren't, what small change can you make today? For instance, you might choose something besides a burger and fries the next time you go through the drive-through at your favorite fast food place. If you cook at home, try making at least one meal a day from scratch rather than relying on processed, pre-packaged foods. 

If You Feel Overwhelmed, Back Up  

If you start to feel overwhelmed or that these changes you're trying to make are just too much, back up a step. Give yourself a little more time to adapt to the changes you're already trying to make. If this is happening the first time you try to make any changes at all, look for a smaller change to make. You can also try to sit with this feeling for a little bit and determine why you're feeling overwhelmed by changes. 

Take More Breaks 

No matter what other changes you're making, one of them needs to be giving yourself more breaks. You need to have time away from caregiving and from other responsibilities so that you can truly take care of yourself. Hiring home care providers gives you a way to ensure that your senior is in good hands while you focus on you. 

If you're finding self-care difficult or keep thinking that you're wasting time or being selfish, you need to take a deeper look at why you're feeling that way. These feelings could arise because of external factors, such as other people disapproving of you taking time away.  

If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services in Chicago IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.