Pneumonia is a serious health emergency. The older a person is, the more serious it could be, quickly. For an elderly person who has been diagnosed with pneumonia, they might be in the hospital, at least for a few days or a couple of weeks. But when they return home, it’s important not to become complacent. The virus still might be within them, and they will have to take medication and rest, and in order to maximize chances of recovery, in-home care could be a benefit. 

What could in-home care provide that family can’t? 

There might be a number of things that an in-home care provider can offer, including experience. Keep in mind that most family caregivers have never done this type of work before, so they might not know what to expect. They may assume everything will be fine, but is that really the case? 

What if the senior doesn’t follow doctor’s instructions properly? Well, they could run a significant risk of the pneumonia virus regaining traction, and that could land them back in the hospital. Also keep in mind if that happens, it may be much more difficult to combat the virus because the antibiotics may no longer be as effective as they would have been the first time around. 

How does in-home care make things easier? 

If the senior will spend most of their time alone, they can rest when an in-home care provider stops by and helps them clean, does grocery shopping for them or with them, helps them prepare meals, and so forth. Instead of taxing their body physically to perform all of these tasks, they could rely on the in-home care provider instead. 

Also, the more experience an in-home care provider has, the more likely they have worked with other seniors recovering from pneumonia. That could give them a great deal of insight to help this aging senior recover as well as he or she can be expected. 

Don’t underestimate the seriousness of pneumonia. 

Just because this aging loved one has been discharged from the hospital (or is about to), don’t assume they are out of the woods. The virus could come back. If they are not careful, don’t follow their doctor’s instructions, and don’t have the right support when they need it, that could spell trouble. 

Instead, encourage them to depend on in-home care when they return home and that can dramatically increase the chances of recovery. 

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

Have you seen the Netflix film "I Care a Lot"?


If you have and it upset you, you are like thousands of other people who are interested, curious, angry, and frightened about the content and the reality of guardianship. If you haven't watched it yet, DO! And then join us and Kerry R. Peck, Managing Partner of Peck Ritchey, LLC for a film discussion!





I Care A Lot: A Netflix Film A Legal & Ethical Discussion Surrounding Guardianship on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 4:00 - 5:30 PM. Plus a discussion about the Britney Spears Conservatorship! All are welcome to attend.

Click here to download flier
​​
https://app.glueup.com/event/i-care-a-lot-34865/

For $10* -1.5 Ethics CE Credit will be awarded to IL nurses, social workers, professional counselors, and nursing home administrators. Payment expected at the time of registration. To pay by check, make checks payable to Elderwerks Educational Services, a 501C3, not-for-profit corporation, and mail to 251 E Northwest Highway, Palatine IL 60067. *NO FEE for consumers/Community Members and those not needing CE Credit or certificate.

Sponsored by Peck Ritchey LLC, Elderwerks Educational Services, and Gentle Home Services

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.
​

A growing number of seniors, when asked, would prefer to remain at home if they had chronic health issues or needed significant care at some point in the future. This is referred to as aging in place and it makes sense. 

People don’t want to go and spend the rest of their life in a nursing home. Those who require significant medical care may not have a choice. 

However, for the vast majority of elderly men and women who are recovering following a heart attack, stroke, injuries, or other major medical emergencies, possibly even surgery, or who are dealing with diminished strength due to declining health and muscle mass might have a difficult time getting through each day. 

Daily tasks that were once simple become more complicated. It takes an elderly person longer to get out of bed, to get into and out of the shower safely, to get dressed, to prepare a meal, to clean, and so much more. 

The older a person is, the more they are impacted by declining strength and increased health challenges, the tougher those basic necessities become. 

If you want to age in place, you may need extra care. 

Turning to family and friends may be your first choice, but it’s not always the best one. Yes, adult children, grandchildren, siblings, spouse, and others who care about you will certainly do what they can to help, but they may be more concerned about your safety then quality of life. 

Inadvertently, you could find yourself trying to defend activities you still feel are relevant, important, or possible, even with your diminished capacity. 

Instead of arguing over these things, missing out on maintaining as high a quality of life as possible, turn to home care services. 

Home care services truly allows people to age in place. 

Home care services agencies are best suited to support elderly men and women as they get older. These agencies seek out qualified individuals as home care services aides. Increasing numbers of agencies provide training, certification if required by law, ongoing support, and great flexibility. 

When you hire through an agency, you may need somebody to help you Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a couple of hours to get ready for the day, but need a little help in the evenings as well. 

That’s difficult if you hire independently, but with an agency they should be able to accommodate your specific needs so you can age in place comfortably and safely. 

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

Gentle Home Services would like to honor and recognize all the social workers especially during their month of recognition. Your work is important to help patients, families, and individuals navigate, cope with and make difficult decisions. We appreciate all your amazing work!





​
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.

​Webinar - Transforming How We Age in Place

Wednesday, March 17, 2021, starting at 1 pm.







​Join us for a fireside chat with Pam Brandon and Julie Boggess from Age-u-Cate. These three remarkable women share their experiences, insights, and changes in the home care industry and what to expect in 2021. Conversation points will include insight into Covid, dementia, isolation, home care regulations, and care in the home.









The program is FREE and will be online.

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8916152287110/WN_tcUUhE_RRoexSYzoiL7k1A

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.

The past several months have been tough. Your mother, perhaps in her 70's or 80's, has been dealing with some health issues. Maybe she recently had surgery or face a medical emergency. 

Whatever the case may be, she might now be disengaging from activities and other things she enjoys in life. That doesn’t have to continue. She can get back into life once more, if she engages with elder care. 

How could elder care make a difference? 

There are many different types of elder care services a person could depend on.  Millions of baby boomers are retiring and could face a wide range of challenges with their health and physical capabilities. 

Elder care is the preferred choice among these seniors because it would not only allow them to remain home, but to also stay active and engaged with life. 

How could your mother reengage with life? 

As people deal with serious health issues and physical challenges, they might stop doing activities they used to love. Perhaps your mother enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, or even playing games with friends or simply spending time with others outside the house. 

Certain types of elder care services may allow her to continue doing them once again. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing to enjoy for her? To be able to get back into life, even if to a limited capacity? 

An elder care aide, for example, could provide your mother physical assistance to get around, help preparing meals, and in some cases transportation to help her get to doctors’ appointments, the grocery store, or even to visit with friends. 

Why more seniors are choosing elder care. 

It may take some people a while to accept their body is changing, that they can’t do the same things that had once been easy. It takes some people a long time to realize the help of someone else could make a world of difference. 

If your mother realizes she needs help but has been dependent on you mostly, and your time is limited, discuss elder care with her. Home care could be the perfect option that allows her to stay safe while also enjoying some of the things she has given up, either because she didn’t think it was possible anymore or because she didn’t realize elder care was an option. 

Be a hero for your mother: explain about elder care to her. 

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

Gentle Home Services Celebrates National Caregivers Day Friday, February 19, 2021

​



House Resolution
National Caregivers Day
 




​


WHEREAS, February 19 marks the National Caregivers Day holiday for 2021, Created in 2015, the holiday serves to recognize caregivers across the country whose compassionate care enables millions of Americans who are aging or who have a disability to remain as independent as possible in their own homes; and
 
WHEREAS, Professional caregivers, who number nearly 4.6 million in the United States and family caregivers who are an estimated at 44 million, are lifelines to millions of Americans who need assistance with medical, personal and end of life care; and
 
WHEREAS, Caregiving has been proclaimed the ultimate form of love and respect and as a country we should support and demonstrate our gratitude for caregivers and their role in fulfilling an individual’s desire to remain at home; and
 
WHEREAS, The home care industry is among the fastest growing healthcare industries in the United States and the Home Care Association Illinois Chapter continuously advocates on behalf of our frontline caregivers who have been essential in the fight against COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, Caregivers have stepped up to the challenge of COVID-19 not only caring for their clients but also risking their own personal health and safety while doing so; and

WHEREAS, Home care workers allow families to stay together at home safely, and with dignity, as they age; and

RESOLVED, BY THE Illinois HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF Illinois that we declare February 19, 2021 as Illinois Caregiver Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we express our gratitude to caregivers for their unwavering commitment to the care of their clients and families especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; and be it further

RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Governor of Illinois and the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.


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.

Choosing healthy meals can be a little difficult at first for your senior, especially if she hasn’t been worrying much about that in recent years. Some of these ideas might help. 

Drinking Plenty of Water Helps 

Thirst is easily mistaken for hunger, which can lead to overeating. If your elderly family member is drinking plenty of water throughout the day, it’s far more likely that when she feels hungry, she actually is. Water itself is really important, because it’s the best way to hydrate your senior. Low calorie beverages, like herbal teas, can also be a good idea. But limit extra sugar. 

Planning Helps to Ensure that Your Senior Has Healthy Foods on Hand 

One of the best ways to make sure that your senior has healthy food choices ready to go is to plan ahead. Meal planning sounds intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. When you shop according to what’s on sale in the produce department, your senior will have the freshest in-season choices and she’ll save money, too. 

Stick with a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables 

When buying fruits and vegetables, there’s more to it than just shopping seasonally. Try to help your senior to “eat from the rainbow,” if possible. This ensures that she’s getting a mix of vitamins and nutrients to help fuel her body. Besides vegetables and fruits, lean proteins help your senior to have a balanced diet. 

Read Labels Carefully on Packaged Foods 

When your senior does eat packaged foods, it’s important to read the labels carefully. Do more than just read the advertising on the front. The nutrition label is where the real information is. Excess salt, sugar, and other ingredients are a bad sign. If there are a lot of ingredients you can’t pronounce, that might also be a food your senior needs to pass on and find a substitute for. 

Talk to Your Senior’s Doctor about Supplements 

Even with a healthy diet, your senior may still be missing some nutrients. Talk to her doctor about whether supplements are a good idea. Some medications that your senior takes may interfere with her body’s ability to absorb nutrients, making supplementation a little more important. 

If your senior needs help with shopping for food or making meals, it might be a good idea to bring in a senior care aide to help her. The senior care provider can also be an excellent source of companionship for your elderly family member. 

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

More Than 300 New COVID-19 Vaccination Locations Added
Update from IDPH, 2/11/2021

The number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination locations across
Illinois continues to increase. More than 340 new retail pharmacy locations
have been added to the list of COVID-19 vaccination sites open to the public. Illinois now has more than 850 vaccination locations open to the public. The new sites include Walgreens stores and CVS locations. The State of Illinois is also partnering with Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, Kroger, Mariano’s, Meijer to provide COVID-19 vaccinations.
​



Vaccinations are available only by appointment at this time and we encourage you to check back frequently for open appointments. The demand far exceeds availability at this time. Individuals should be signing up for an appointment to receive their second dose while they are getting their first vaccination.





For information on how to make an appointment to receive the vaccine, updates on the state’s
plan and eligibility, and answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, go
to https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location.

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.

It's hard to overstate just how important it is to prevent pressure ulcers in seniors. Sometimes called pressure sores, pressure injuries or bedsores, they are extremely easy to come by for certain seniors, and incredibly difficult to heal. They can also be terribly uncomfortable and detrimental to a senior's health and overall well being. Avoiding them in the first place is, by far, the best course of action. 

What Causes Pressure Ulcers? 

Pressure ulcers are the result of something pressing into the skin, usually over a bony area, for a period of time. It stops blood flow to the area, which causes the skin and surrounding tissue to die. Pressure can come from an ill-fitting shoe or brace. Often it comes from a bed mattress or chair cushion when a senior spends a lot of time sitting or lying down. Common areas pressure ulcers form include:  
​

• Spine 
• Tailbone 
• Ankles 
• Heels 
• Elbows 
• Ears 

Seniors who have difficulty moving part of their body are at the highest risk. Other factors that greatly increase a senior's risk for developing pressure ulcers include: 

• Frailty or poor general health  
• Not eating or drinking enough to meet nutritional needs 
• Medical conditions (such as diabetes) which affect their nerves, making it difficult for them to feel pain 
• Incontinence 
• Dementia or memory problems 

Why are Pressure Ulcers Difficult to Heal? 

The very factors that make pressure ulcers so easy to form are the same ones that work against their healing. The body needs nutrition, hydration and movement to heal these wounds. It becomes vitally important to completely remove pressure from the area for a very long time as it heals. However, usually the reason the ulcer formed where it did was because the senior prefers to sit or lie in that position. For example, many seniors have trouble sleeping on their side, but with an ulcer on their spine or tailbone, they can't lie on their back, or sit easily, without pressure. Spending weeks and months lying on one side or the other is very uncomfortable. Some return to their back in their sleep without realizing it. Seniors with dementia may not understand and may not be cooperative. 

How do Pressure Ulcers Affect a Senior's Health? 

Wounds take protein and energy to heal. A senior who was already not getting enough nutrition now has even higher nutritional needs. The pain may require medication, which can lead to falls or other damaging side effects. Their mobility may be further impacted. A senior's activity level has a significant impact on their well being, affecting sleep, appetite, depression, constipation, cognition and many other facets of health and quality of life. 

How can a Senior Prevent Pressure Ulcers from Developing? 

To prevent pressure ulcers, seniors should: 
​

• Stay active 
• Change position frequently - at least every 2 hours, in most cases (discuss specifics with the person’s health care team) 
• Stay hydrated 
• Eat well 
• Change soiled incontinence products promptly 
• Keep skin moisturized with lotion 

How can Elderly Care Help a Senior Avoid Pressure Ulcers? 

Elderly care aides can help seniors stay active, with walks or transportation services to the gym or exercise classes. Elderly care aides can help immobile seniors reposition regularly in their beds or chairs. They can support good nutrition and hydration with meal preparation and reminders or assistance to eat or drink as needed. Elderly care aides can help with incontinence care, bathing, lotioning and other personal care to maintain good skin health and prevent pressure ulcers. 

Sources:  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ServicesAndSupport/skin-care-and-preventing-pressure-sores-in-hospital 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-sores/symptoms-causes/syc-20355893 

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