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.

Despite some misleading articles, flu shots are safe for most people. As part of your parent's elderly care plans, a flu shot is important. Your mom and dad are not at risk of mercury poisoning or getting the flu from the flu shot.

Here is the information you need to know about influenza vaccinations and your mom's flu shot options in 2018.

You Need Time

After getting a flu shot, it takes a couple of weeks for your body to build up immunities to the strains of virus included in the vaccine. Your parents should stay vigilant to prevent becoming infected in the meantime. This includes avoiding people who are sick, washing hands frequently, and using an antibacterial cream or gel if there's no sink close enough.

Types of Flu Vaccines

Trivalent flu vaccines cover three types of flu. Quadrivalent vaccines protect against four. Most doctors can access either. Ask your mom or dad's doctor for a recommendation. If your parent goes to a pharmacy or flu clinic, they likely will only get a choice between standard-dose or high-dose.

Standard-dose vaccinations are given via a needle or a jet injector into the skin. Nasal spray flu vaccines are not recommended after the age of 50. 

Most seniors are advised to get the high-dose for optimal protection. There are versions where the viruses are grown in eggs. If your parent is allergic to eggs, ask about cell-based flu shots that are grown in cell cultures rather than an egg.

Your Mom or Dad Could Still Get the Flu

Flu shots do require a bit of guesswork. There is the chance that this year's vaccine will not cover all the strains of flu that make the rounds. If this happens, your parent could end up with the flu. However, the symptoms and longevity are likely to be reduced.

Should your mom or dad develop the flu anyway, the family doctor may be able to help with medications that reduce the severity. You can help by making sure they have time to rest and making sure they stay hydrated and eat enough.

If you can't get your mom to her doctor or a flu shot clinic, consider other things that may be overlooked due to tight schedules and personal demands. Caregivers from a home care sevices agency can help. A caregiver can drive your mom to the doctor, drive her to a flu shot clinic, or help her stay hydrated  if  she  does  get  a  cold  or  flu.  Call  our home care services  agency  to  get  started. 

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

Radiation dermatitis is a common side effect of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. Up to 95 percent of people who undergo radiation therapy experience at least some level of radiation dermatitis. Symptoms usually start within two weeks of radiation therapy beginning and can continue for years after treatment has ended.

​If your aging relative is undergoing radiation therapy, understanding this common side effect and what you can do about it could make their treatment more comfortable. 

How Radiation Dermatitis Happens 

Radiation therapy is delivered either externally or internally. Its purpose is to change the DNA of cancer cells and cause them to die. The dosage of radiation the patient receives is determined on a case by case basis.  

Radiation therapy has come a long way since it was first used. Doctors try to minimize its effect on healthy cells, but some damage is unavoidable. When skin cells near the area being treated are affected, it can cause side effects like radiation dermatitis. In addition, when radiation therapy is combined with chemotherapy, it becomes even more toxic to the body, increasing the chances of radiation dermatitis. 

Radiation Dermatitis Symptoms 

Symptoms of radiation dermatitis vary depending on several factors. People can experience mild to severe symptoms, which may include: 

* Skin that appears red or pink. 

* Itching. 

* Swollen skin, called edema. 

* Skin that is dry and peeling. 

* Blistering. 

* Thinning and weakened skin. 

Doctors classify the severity of radiation dermatitis in the following manner: 

Grade 1: Skin is slightly red and is peeling. 

Grade 2: Skin is moderately red and swollen. There may also be some thinning of the skin in folds. 

Grade 3: Skin is thinning more than 1.5 centimeters across. Thinning is present in places other than skin folds and severe swelling is present. 

Grade 4: Skin cells are dying and there are deep skin ulcers present. 

Managing Radiation Dermatitis at Home 

There are several steps you can take at home to help soothe radiation dermatitis in your aging relative. To treat dry, itchy skin, try: 

* Apply mineral oil or baby oil to the skin after bathing while the skin is still damp. Or, add oil to bathwater. 

* Use cool or warm water to wash, not hot. Also, do not scrub the skin during washing. 

* Use moisturizer at least twice per day. Calamine lotion or witch hazel can help with itching. 

* Do not apply products that contain alcohol to the skin, including colognes and perfumes. 

* Offer extra fluids. 

Elder care can help to manage radiation dermatitis. An elder care provider can help your family member to apply moisturizers or calamine lotion. Elder care can also help the senior to bathe safely in cool or warm water, ensuring they don’t fall when getting in or out of the tub.  

Sources:  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323155.php 

https://www.healthline.com/health/radiation-dermatitis 

https://www.americannursetoday.com/understanding-radiation-dermatitis/

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

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It’s a condition where acid from the stomach travels back up into the esophagus. The acid irritates the esophagus and causes heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms. To be diagnosed with GERD, the older adult must experience mild reflux a minimum of twice per week, or more serious reflux once a week or more. Depending on how severe GERD is, your aging relative might be able to control it simply by making some lifestyle changes, including altering their diet. Managing GERD through dietary changes requires knowing which foods are helpful and which are harmful. 

Foods to Avoid 

There are a couple of reasons certain foods should be avoided by seniors with GERD. One reason is that some foods cause the valve at the top of the stomach to relax, allowing acid to flow back into the esophagus. Some foods that may have that effect are: 

* Fatty foods. 

* Peppermint. 

* Chocolate. 

* Alcohol. 

Other foods cause there to be more acid in the stomach. Some of those foods are: 

* Tomatoes. 

* Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, etc.). 

* Carbonated drinks are also problematic. They increase the amount of pressure inside the stomach, which pushes against the esophageal valve and allows acid to get through.  

Foods to Eat 

Avoiding foods that worsen symptoms doesn’t have to mean feeling deprived. There are several alternatives to trigger foods that your older family member can eat and still manage symptoms, such as: 

Low-Fat Dairy: Instead of drinking full-fat milk or eating full-fat cheeses or other dairy products, opt for the low-fat versions. Or, use non-dairy alternatives, such as soy or almond milk.  

Lower Fat Baked Goods: Some baked goods, like croissants and doughnuts, are high in fat. Instead, offer lower fat baked goods, like bagels and pancakes. 

Lean Protein: Instead of fatty cuts of meat, choose lean proteins such as poultry, fish, and tofu. 

Fruits: Rather than having citrus fruits, serve berries, apples, or other kinds of fruits.  

Not all people will be affected in the same way by certain foods. To determine which foods trigger GERD symptoms in your loved one, consider keeping a log of the foods they eat and whether they cause problems. If you notice a certain food consistently causing problems, limit the amount the senior eats or eliminate it completely. 

Home care can help older adults with GERD to manage the condition. Home care providers can cook healthy meals that avoid foods that may make symptoms worse. If the doctor has recommended that they take medication for the condition, a home care provider can remind them to do so.  

Sources:  https://www.everydayhealth.com/gerd/guide/diet/ 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314690.php 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361959

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

Advanced preparation such as packing an emergency kit and creating a communication plan, is just one  step in being ready for a severe weather emergency. As a family caregiver, it is also important to make sure your senior is properly prepared for what they should do while the emergency is happening in order to stay as safe and healthy as possible. This will not only work to reduce the risk of physical illness and injury, but can help to maintain better mental and emotional well-being throughout the experience as well. 

Use these tips to help your senior through a severe weather emergency:  

Encourage them to stay informed. Using a battery or crank operated radio, your parents should listen to broadcast about the weather emergency so they know how it is progressing, any changes in projections for the severity or time frame of the emergency, and any instructions that may be given such as evacuation orders . 

Stay in communication as much as possible. While it might be difficult to communicate with your parent during a severe weather emergency that causes power outages, ensure your senior has access to a mobile device and emergency battery so that you can keep in touch with each other throughout the event. If your parent does not have access to one of these mobile devices, be sure a nearby friend, family member, or neighbor is a part of your care network and can keep you updated about your parent's condition, and your parent updated about your well-being.  

Avoid use of candles. Many people immediately reach for candles when the power goes out, but these can be very dangerous, especially for elderly adults. Instead, use flashlights or other battery-operated lights.

Be generator-safe. Never bring a generator inside, or run one in a closed space such as a garage or shed. This can be extremely dangerous, and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. 

Encourage them to use their supplies effectively. Health and safety are vital during emergencies. Unless it is directly instructed by the authorities, your parent should not ration their food or water excessively, particularly their water. They should drink as much as they need to feel comfortable, with the intention of finding further water when necessary. 

Stay inside. Your senior should not go outside during an emergency unless there is a very severe situation such as a fire inside their home. They should not go out if there are fallen power lines, standing water, or other damage after the storm until it is deemed safe. 

Homecare can be one of the best additions to your care approach for your aging parent, both for them, and for you. The offerings of an elderly homecare services provider are completely customizable, which means you can feel confident your parent is getting exactly what they need, when they need it. With these homecare services, your parent can manage their challenges and limitations in ways that are right for them and their needs, while also enjoying more activity, more independence, and greater control over their life. For you as their family caregiver, this can give you a tremendous sense of confidence and peace of mind knowing your parent can have a higher quality of life even if you are not able to be with them as often as you would like.  

Source:  https://www.ready.gov/september

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

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CEU Event - How is Your Aging Loved One Functioning at Home?
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
5:00 Registration/Light Dinner 
5:20 – 5:30 Introductions 
5:30 – 6:30 Presentation

Program will be held at Gentle Home Services, 570 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield IL 
Meet up in the Solarium, take elevator to top floor

Speaker: 
Iris Waichler, MSW, LCSW 
Leading Advocate for Health Awareness & Caregiver Support 
Speaker - Author - Consultant – Counselor

To register, email events@elderwerks.com or 847-462-0885. 1.0 CEU will be awarded to nurses, professional counselors, social workers and nursing home administrators. A $5.00 fee payable to Elderwerks Educational Services, a 501C3 not-for-profit corporation, PO Box 92, Cary, IL 60013, will be collected from all attendees. An invoice will be mailed after registration to those paying by credit card. *No fee for community members and retirees.
Click here for more information.

CEU Event - How Prepared Are You for an Active Intruder?
Thu Oct 4th 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Wellshire Lincolnshire, 170 Jamestown Ln, Lincolnshire, IL 

Freeze, Take Flight, Fight?
Knowing what to do and how to be prepared, may save your life as well as others. This presentation will provide you with how to prevent, prepare, and actions to take when confronted with an active intruder. 
4:30 - 5:00 Registration 
5:00 - 7:00 Presentation 
Appetizers and refreshments will be provided.

Speaker: Tom Smith

Credentials include: retired police commander, retired emergency manager, State Emergency Management Assistance Team lead, Illinois Terrorism Task Force committee member among other leadership roles.
2 hour CEU credit awarded to LNHA, Social Workers and Nurses.
To register, email events@elderwerks.com or 847-462-0885. 
A $10.00 fee payable to Elderwerks Educational Services, a 501C3 not-for-profit corporation, PO Box 92, Cary, IL 60013, is requested from all registrants prior to the day of this event. After registration an invoice will be emailed through SmartPay to those wishing to pay by credit card.
Click here for more information.

CEU Event - CMSA Chicago, Celebrating Our Successes, CM Week Kickoff
Sat Oct 6th 7:30am - 12:30pm
Gentle Home Services, 570 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL 

Celebrating Our Successes, Case Manager Week Kickoff
Kickoff Case Manager Week with a full morning of education.
7:30 am - 8:00 am Registration and Hot Breakfast Buffet 
8:00 am - 12:30 pm Educational Program

Featuring Presentations:
Integrating Behavioral Health with Primary Care: Patricia Stern, MSW, LCSW, MBA, PMP, CSM
ED CM Works!: Katie Desiato RN CCM
Nurse Licensure Compact: Where Are We?: Jim Puente, NLC Director
Telling Our Stories; How to Communicate CM Success: Dr Colleen Morley DNP RN CMCN, ACM-RN
4.0 RN, SW & CCM Credits Approved
Register no later than September 28, 2018 at 12 noon under Event Registration 
www.cmsa-chicago.org
Members $25/Non-Members $40
Click here for more information.

Community Event - Healthy Wealthy and Wise Conversations
Wed Oct 10th 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Conversations
Join us for a lively panel conversation from the Healthy Wealthy and Wise Network as we demystify the aspects of aging for you.
• Who's in charge of your healthcare?
• Who will advocate on your behalf?
• Should I move or can I bring services in to help with an aging spouse or parent?
• What legal documents are important?
• How much money is enough?
• Is relocation the only option? How will I know when it's time?
• What resources are available to help you find the right place for the right care?

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm 
Appetizers and Refreshments
Location: UBS Financial, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 500, Northbrook

Targeted Audience: 
Sandwich generation looking for resources for their parents, older adults seeking answers for their questions and how they can take the next step.
Attendance is FREE but a favor of registration is greatly appreciated. Call Annette Rumas at 847-498-7842 or email her atannette.rumas@ubs.com
Click here for more information.

CEU Event - Care Choice and Dignity
Care Choice and Dignity
Audrey Thompson, Long Term Care Ombudsman from Evanston will speak on “Care, Choice and Dignity: The Ingredients for Residents’ Rights”. Audrey will explain the principles underlying residents’ rights and how long term care residents can be encouraged and supported in exercising their rights and the role of the Long Term Care Ombudsman. 

Thursday, October 25, 2018 
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm 
Appetizers and Refreshments
Location:  Wellshire Morton Grove, 8415 N Waukegan Rd, Morton Grove

1.5 hours of CEU Credit to nurses, social workers, LNHA and professional counselors
Advanced Registration is Required. Please email Events@Elderwerks.com or call 847.462.0885
A $10.00 fee payable to Elderwerks Educational Services, a 501C3 not-for-profit corporation, PO Box 92, Cary, IL 60013, is requested from all registrants prior to the day of this event. After registration an invoice will be emailed through SmartPay to those wishing to pay by credit card.
Click here for more information.

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