One of the challenges many family caregivers to seniors with dementia encounter is the senior’s refusal to change their clothing. While this may not seem like a big deal at first, if it persists, it can lead to hygiene problems. This can be unhealthy for the older adult and make them unpleasant to be around for other people. If your older family member is refusing to change clothes or giving you trouble during dressing, here are some tips to help. 

Determine if Clothes Really Need to Be Changed 

It is most people’s habit to change their clothes every day and to put on pajamas at night. However, it may not be necessary to do so. When the senior is particularly opposed to changing, you may be able to just let them stay in the clothes they are in. Consider that most people wear an article of clothing a few times before washing it anyway. So, if the senior isn’t dirty, it may be best to avoid the argument altogether and just let them stay in the clothes they are in, even for sleeping. It may be easier to get them to change at another time. 

Purchase Duplicate Outfits 

If your aging relative has an outfit they tend to gravitate toward, it might be best to buy duplicate items. The senior isn’t likely to know the difference, so they will think it’s the same outfit. This way, you can wash one outfit while they wear the other.  

Offer Clothing Choices 

One of the reasons your aging relative may resist changing is because it is something they can control. Dementia can make seniors feel like they have very little control over their lives, so they may refuse to dress simply because it is something they can be in control of. One way to make dressing easier if this is the case is to give the older adult clothing choices. For example, get two shirts from their closet and ask which they want to wear. Continue to do this until they are dressed. 

Be Sneaky 

It’s okay for caregivers to be a little sneaky with their aging relative’s clothing. For example, if you know they are going to want to put the same outfit on in the morning, wait for them to fall asleep and remove it from their room. If they don’t see the clothes in the morning, they probably won’t remember them. Or, while the senior is bathing, remove the clothes from the bathroom.  

Home care services providers are able to help seniors with dementia to change clothes as often as needed to keep them clean and healthy. Because home care services providers are trained and experienced, they often have tricks of their own that they have discovered are successful with other seniors. In addition, a home care services provider knows how to preserve the older adult’s dignity and may be able to take much of the difficulty out of dressing. 

Sources:  https://dailycaring.com/4-ways-to-get-someone-with-dementia-to-change-clothes/ 
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/dressing-grooming 
https://www.caregiver.org/dressing-and-grooming-dementia 

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.​

Weddings! Anniversaries! Birthdays! Babies! New Jobs! Graduations!

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We celebrate many special events throughout the year. This year we have a new celebration to add to the list as we embraced a 10-year Gentle-versary. Gentle Home Services is proud to acknowledge and celebrate this special relationship between Mrs. K and her caregiver Beverly. These two lovely ladies have been partners in heatlh for 10 years!

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Beverly joined the Gentle Home Services team over 10 years ago. Although she has provided care for so many clients, this special relationship just keeps on going. Together they laugh, listen to music, enjoy the view of the water and read! It's refreshing in this industry to share a delightful story about a woman who definitely wants to age in her home and has Beverly who will advocate for her.

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​Enjoy your Gentle-versary cards and beautiful orchids. Looking forward to another year.​


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

Moving regularly is important for people of all ages, but it can be especially important for your aging family member. A regular daily movement practice helps her to keep her body as strong as possible and it can be a great way for her to manage some health issues. 

Get Medical Approval First 

Your senior’s doctor needs to be the first stop after she decides she wants to move more. Her doctor can give your senior detailed information about the types of exercise that she should be doing and can also help her to understand her limitations around exercise. This is vital because exercise is about helping her to feel better and to have a better quality of life. Exercise isn’t about making her work out to the point of injury. 

Find More than One Type of Exercise 

When your senior is starting out, she might go with one type of exercise. But each main category of exercise offers different results and accomplishes different goals. Strength training builds her muscles and balance and flexibility exercises can help her to become more limber and avoid a fall. Cardio exercises strengthen her lungs and her heart. All of these types of movement accomplish something very important. 

Explore and Get Creative 

As your elderly family member gets more comfortable with moving more, she might be more interested in trying a variety of exercises. For example, she might have wanted to try walking as her only cardio, but as she becomes stronger she might want to try out the stationary bike. Finding new ways to have fun with exercise can be wonderful for her mental health and her outlook toward exercise. 

Exercise Doesn’t Have to Be All about Pushing 

Your elderly family member really needs to understand that exercise does not have to be about exhaustion and pushing herself to the edge of her limits. Relaxation activities can be part of her daily movement practice. Tai chi is a great way to stretch, to improve her balance, and to practice breathing exercises. Even if that’s the only exercise she’s doing, she can accomplish a lot and she’s not wearing herself out. 

If your senior lives alone, it might be a good idea to consider bringing in elder care providers to spend time with her while she works out. Elder care aides can offer companionship and help to ensure that she’s safe, too. If she needs help with other aspects of life, they’ve got her covered. 

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

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Loneliness can have negative effects on both physical and mental health, especially for the older adults. The Covid-19 pandemic has heightened everyone's concern and ability to connect with families, engage our minds and support our well-being. The senior living and home care industry has been affected as we all try to keep our older adults safe and connected with families. 



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You can help us reduce senior isolation and bridge the "digital divide". Do you have an old iPad or tablet available to donate? Gentle Home Services along with a host of campaign sponsors are collecting iPads and tablets during the month of September. We will distribute them to older adults in need to help them connect with their families. For more information and to schedule a drop-off or porch pick up at: www.seniorlivingexperts.com/ipad or www.gentlehomecare.com/events.html.

Computer Companion has graciously offered a free offer of instruction on video chatting so families can visit virtually.

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For More Information Click Here


 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.

Ambiguous loss is a type of loss where you don't have closure or the grieving process doesn't follow the normal patterns. When it comes to older parents, you may hear this term if you have a parent with Alzheimer's. Your parent is still physically here but doesn't know you. You're a stranger to your parent, even though you have a lifetime of memories. 
 
It leads to questions like “Should I still visit when my dad doesn't know me and becomes agitated and angry when I try to visit him?” You start the grieving process before your dad has passed away and it feels wrong. 
 
Things You Must Do 
 
Make sure your ambiguous loss hasn't caused you to stop eating the right foods. If you've taken to eating fast food or packaged treats, stop that habit and get back into the kitchen. Cook meals that have whole grains, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins. 
 
Exercise is important. Get outside and walk at least 30 minutes a day. Put on a Yoga video and follow along or take a Tai Chi class. You'll learn the right movements and breathing exercises help with relaxation. 
 
Get enough sleep. The recommendation is to get seven to eight hours a night. Aim for this. Go to bed earlier if needed. If you don't feel tired, read for an hour to help your body unwind. White noise and a soothing scent like lavender or chamomile can help you relax. 
 
Socialize with others as much as you can. Go out with friends or siblings. Go out on a date night with your partner or spouse. Take your kids to a museum or miniature golf course. You'll enjoy the change of pace and have a chance to talk about things other than your parent's frustrations and behaviors. 
 
Join a support group where you surround yourself with others who are in your shoes. As you learn that you're not alone, you'll feel better. Plus, others may have tips that help with some of the behaviors your mom or dad has. If your mom is always angry, someone might have a fool-proof way to stop the angry outbursts. 
 
Learn About Respite Care 
 
Caring for a parent who has Alzheimer's is draining. If you're feeling overwhelmed or just sad, take a break. Respite care is one way to do this. Homecare providers can help with daily tasks like medications, meals, and personal care. Take time to go out and do things you enjoy. 
 
With homecare providers helping out, go for a drive. Take a long walk or go out with friends. You'll find the break is important in keeping a positive frame of mind. 

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

When your older family member was diagnosed with diabetes, the doctor may have prescribed medications to help control blood sugar. In addition, it’s likely the senior sees their doctor more frequently to monitor the condition. But, even if they are taking the medication as directed and attending all of their doctor appointments, their diabetes may still not be well controlled. If that’s the case, making some lifestyle changes could make the older adult’s diabetes more manageable.

Below are some lifestyle changes to try. 

Lose Weight 

People who are overweight or obese can make it harder to keep blood sugar levels under control. Losing even a small amount of weight can make a difference. Experts recommend setting small goals for weight loss, such as just 7 percent of total body weight. This means that if the older adult weighs 250 pounds, losing only 18 pounds can make a difference. 

Eat Healthy Foods 

Seniors with diabetes need to follow a healthy diet. Experts recommend limiting the amount of carbohydrates in the diet. It’s especially important to limit or even avoid simple carbohydrates, which are found in things like cake, cookies, sugary drinks, and candy. Instead, the senior’s diet should be focused on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. 

Increase Physical Activity 

Physical activity helps with weight loss and also lowers blood sugar by using up sugar to produce energy for the body. If your aging relative isn’t currently exercising, it’s a good idea for them to talk to a doctor first and ask about the kinds of exercise that might be appropriate for them. Any kind of physical activity will help with diabetes management as long as it gets the heart pumping and raises a bit of a sweat. Seniors should aim for about 30 minutes of activity per day on most days of the week. 

Manage Stress 

Stress can increase blood sugar levels, so managing it is also a good way to manage diabetes. In addition to raising blood sugar levels, stress may also cause the older adult to forget to take medicine or make choices that aren’t healthy. Some ways to reduce stress are meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. Engaging in activities that the older adult enjoys can also help them to get their mind off the things that worry them.  

Senior care can help your aging relative to make lifestyle changes for managing diabetes. A senior care provider can help to prepare healthy, balanced meals that improve blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. 

Sources: 

• https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/prevention--treatment-of-diabetes/living-healthy-with-diabetes 
• https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-lifestyle-tips 
• https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0101/p42.html 

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

On a hot day, you don't want to stand over a stove. Even a grill can seem unbearable. If you cook your parents' meals, too, you need to have nutritious meals that are ready to go. Salads are one of the best meals to keep on hand.

Here are some quick and easy salads for hot days. 
 
Apple and Chicken Salad 
 
Peel and cube four Granny Smith apples and toss them in lemon juice to keep from browning. Add a cup of walnuts or pecans, a half cup of golden raisins, a half cup of dried cranberries, and two cups of shredded chicken breast. Add half of a diced red onion and two stalks of chopped celery. 
 
Mix those ingredients with just enough mayonnaise to help moisten all of the ingredients. Serve that on lettuce leaves or whole-grain bread. 
 
Cauliflower Salad 
 
Buy frozen cauliflower. Toss the cauliflower and sliced red onion in a few tablespoons of walnut oil. and brown it on the grill or roast it in the oven at a cooler time of day or in advance. If you're making it in advance, store it in the freezer until needed. 
 
Toss the grilled/roasted cauliflower and onion mixture with the juice and zest of one lemon. Add a cup of fresh spinach, a can of low-sodium chickpeas, a half cup of feta, and a few teaspoons of tahini. If you want additional protein, some cooked shrimp work well in this salad. 
 
Couscous Salad 
 
When you're out shopping, purchase some fresh mozzarella pearls, canned tuna, large couscous, olives, roasted red peppers, and a bag of frozen Italian vegetables. Make a vinaigrette with olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and balsamic vinegar. 
 
Cook the couscous on a cooler day and keep bags of the cooked grain in the freezer. You can also cook it early in the morning and tuck it into the fridge to cool. To make the salad, toss the couscous, mozzarella, tuna, and vegetables with the vinaigrette. Place it in a lidded container or freezer bag and store. 
 
Zoodle Asian Salad 
 
If you haven't discovered zoodles, you need to try this salad. Zoodles are zucchini cut into noodles using a wide peeler or zoodle cutter. You can purchase pre-cut zoodles in many grocery stores. 
 
Microwave the zoodles for a couple of minutes to soften them. Whisk a quarter-cup of creamy peanut butter with a tablespoon of sesame oil, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and enough water to thin it out. Toss the noodles with that dressing, a quarter-cup of diced green onions, a sliced red pepper, and a bag of frozen edamame. 
 
Make sure your parents have access to healthy meals all week long. One way to ensure they have nutritious meals is by hiring senior care aides to cook for them. Senior care providers can prepare meals from scratch as often as your parents need. Call our senior care agency to discuss rates and other beneficial services that your parents might want. 

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

The phone remains the most popular way for scammers to contact people age 60 and up. Older consumers who report fraud to the FTC were most likely to list the phone as the contact method. In 2018, 190,000 phone calls were reported. In 15,000 of the cases, the victim lost money. 
 
What is the most popular phone scam? Scammers go for an area where many older adults are not as savvy. Tech support scams are the most popular scam and tend to get the most cash out of victims. Could your parents be scammed? It's possible. It comes down to their phone habits. 
 
Do They Always Answer the Phone? 
 
Older generations were raised to answer the phone. People relied on their phones to reach neighbors, friends, and family members. They couldn't just email or text that other person. The phone was vital. 
 
If your parents worked in a position that required them to answer the business phone, they probably know the three-ring rule where you always answered by the third ring. Even at home, you'd answer the phone within a set amount of seconds or rings or the answering machine would turn on. 
 
Your parents may still feel that they have to answer the phone when it rings. You will have to reassure them that it's okay to let the phone ring. If it's important, the person will leave a message. 
 
Do They Understand Spoofing? 
 
You've set your parents up with caller ID. You have them checking the readout before they answer the phone. The problem is they may not understand spoofing. They get a call from a local business and answer it to find it was a scammer who made the call. 
 
Make sure you've taught your parents about spoofing. Spoofing is a call made by using software to trick the phone system into thinking you're calling from one number, but you're really calling from another. Scammers use spoofing to trick callers into answering a call. 
 
If your parents haven't called that local business and don't have any reason for that company to have called them, they should avoid answering the phone. If it's important, the business will leave a message. 
 
What happens if your parents have fallen for a scam? Alert authorities. It may not be possible to recover the money they've lost, but you should try. A police report is one of the first steps to take. 
 
Your parents will benefit from having senior care services. Caregivers will be with your parents during the hours you schedule. If calls come in, home care aides are there to manage them and keep your parents from falling for a scam. Call our home care agency to discuss companionship services and caregiver schedules. 

Source: https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/protecting-older-consumers-2018-2019-report-federal-trade-commission/p144401_protecting_older_consumers_2019_1.pdf  

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

​I want to thank you all for all your hard work, your compassionate care, and kindness that you have shown my mother. Please know how much I value you and I know my mother does. I am obviously biased and think she is a joy and delight, but I realize that the responsibilities you shoulder there are many and it takes a person with patience, knowledge, acute observation skills, and a big heart and so much more. Toss in a global pandemic and your responsibilities ramp up ten-fold.

​I know how taxing it can be to find the items you may need these days so I wanted to help take a least a little bit of stress off you in that regard. I'm enclosing 2 washable, re-useable masks for you......You are appreciated more than you can know.

Stay safe and well. Many many thanks from N.H.

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

Michael Berliant, President of Gentle Home Services was recently interviewed by "Ask the Experts" Elizabeth Finlayson and Jeffrey Wallk from The Networking Group.

Listen to Michael share suggestions and tips about Coping with COVID and caregiving for friends and families. Michael stresses the safety and wellbeing of our clients and caregivers is his number one priority, ongoing access and distribution of PPE, and daily monitoring of CDC and IDPH guidelines.

Gentle Home Services is a 30-year veteran providing home services in Lake and Cook County. Call 847-444-1222 today and talk to us about how we can safely provide services for your family, friend, or loved one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTez8exidws

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.