Category: Uncategorized

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the health of the cardiovascular and immune systems. A well balanced and healthy diet usually provides enough vitamin C, however seniors are more prone to vitamin deficiency, so it’s important to look out for the signs of vitamin C deficiency.

Symptoms of lack of vitamin C are: hair loss, swelling, fatigue, depression, gingivitis, tissues defects, slow wound healing etc.

Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system, by increasing the white blood cell production, which protect the body against infection. High levels of vitamin C can reduce the severity of colds and flus. Studies have also found that high doses of Vitamin C can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

Foods that are high in vitamin C include: oranges, kiwis, plums, passionfruit, grapes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, strawberries, bananas.

Sometimes it is necessary to consume Vitamin C tablets to ensure you get enough Vitamin C, which are commonly found in pharmacies across Australia.

Gratitude In-Home Care offer a personalised service for food shopping and meal preparation, with experienced carers to help prepare meals that are tasty and nutritious.
Meal and shopping services include:

Grocery shopping, food preparation and/or cooking

Transport to and from the shops

Meal delivery

Food subscription services

Cooking programs

Diet, nutrition, food storage and food safety

Special dietary requirements for health, religious, cultural and other reasons

Gardening can be a great way for seniors to get physical activity and stimulation. We know that gardening can involve lifting and bending, which is why we have come up with some useful gardening tips for seniors.

• Raised garden beds can be installed to reduce the need to bend down while working on the garden.
• Lightweight gardening tools that are ergonomic are easier to get a grip on and minimise discomfort.
• By planting low maintenance plants and crops that are easy to grow, you can reduce the effort required to look after them such as replanting.
• If the mowing is becoming too much, you can consider reducing the size of the lawn by introducing extra garden beds, vegetable gardens, ground covers, mulch, tiling, etc. This can lead to a reduction of water usage, green waste, and maintenance. Alternatively, you can give us a call to arrange mowing or discuss options to reduce the size of your lawn.
• You can Install an efficient and cost-effective watering system that will also reduce the effort you put in to looking after your garden.
• It is important to remove weeds before they mature, or else they will continue to grow and make it harder for you to remove them.

 

• Winter/after it’s final bloom fades is a suitable time to prune trees, plants or shrubs that shed their leaves seasonally, which makes it easier to see what should be pruned, helps to rejuvenate growth, and avoid spreading disease.

 

For any enquiries with the garden, Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming more accessible and has continued to become cheaper. As VRs popularity increases, we are seeing more and more research highlighting the amazing benefits of VR for seniors.
A study of 30 participants aged 60~95 years used VR applications that promote physical activities, motivate users, and provide entertainment for 15 minutes at a time, twice a week for a duration of 6 weeks. All participants indicated that it was a positive and enjoyable experience, as well as being useful, and easy to use.

Four other recent studies by (Czaja et al., 2019; Schlomann et al., 2019; Appel et al., 2020; Dermody et al., 2020) found benefits for seniors include: promoting of a healthy lifestyle, maintaining social contact, supporting rehabilitation, and aiding in everyday life tasks.

Keeping social contact is very important to people of any age, especially seniors, however the coronavirus pandemic has greatly restricted people’s ability to stay connected. Seniors are especially vulnerable to coronavirus, thus have many been more isolated than ever before. The effects of loneliness on seniors are also very serious, leading to increased risk of a variety of physical and mental conditions. VR application can combat the issues of loneliness as well as being very beneficial for seniors with dementia through the stimulating effects of VRs visual, auditory, and vestibular systems. In addition, VR promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful social interaction is which is excellent for the brain’s health and can even bring back memories which may have been forgotten.

Visit our blog at GIHC.com.au/blog for more. We provide the following services:
• Personal care
• palliative care
• Overnight & 24-hour care
• Respite care
• Medication assistance
• Nursing services
• After hospital care
• Companionship
• Shopping support and meal preparation
• Gardening and home maintenance
• Transport support
• Assistance with household tasks
• Community access
• Allied Health Services

For more info, visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

References:
1. Syed-Abdul, et al (2019) Virtual reality among the elderly: a usefulness and acceptance study from Taiwan https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-019-1218-8#citeas
2. Czaja et al., 2019). Designing for Older Adults: Principles and Creative Human Factors Approaches.
3. Gallaga (2022) https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/virtual-reality-in-eldercare/

There is an adjustment period for hearing aids for rediscovering the sounds that have been missing. The process of adapting to hearing aids is very gradual, much like how it usually is when someone loses their hearing. It is necessary to train the brain gradually to rebuild old pathways that may have faded. Rebuilding these old pathways works in a similar way to practicing repeatedly to develop skills such as musical instruments. Once someone brings home their new hearing aids, it is recommended to wear them regularly, as it will take time to adjust. The amount of time per day that hearing aids are to be worn will gradually increase over time. As someone gets used to wearing the devices, they’ll become more confident putting them on and taking them off. Our brains need time to re-adjust to sounds that haven’t been heard for a long time. Eventually the wearer will be able to focus on the things they want to hear and filter out the rest.

Hearing aids amplify all the surrounding sounds including one’s own voice. While adjusting to hearing aids, one’s own voice may be distracting when having conversations with people. Reading aloud for short periods can help people get used to their own voice.

There are different types of devices with different features and options to better suit different needs.

Common styles of hearing aids include in-the-ear (ITE), and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. The in-the-ear hearing aids are very discreet but can be susceptible to ear wax and moisture damage and can sometimes be a problem connecting to smartphones due to their small size. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are larger than in-the-ear hearing aids but may come with a rechargeable battery option, better wireless connectivity, and may include technology such as AI.

Prior to providing services, we will visit the client’s home and conduct a free home safety assessment and decide whether safety measure need to be put in place, such as non-slip mates in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

Gratitude In-Home care provides all the services that government home care packages fund for, such as

Contact us to have a no-charge, no-obligation chat about your options.
For more info, visit our website, Call us on (03) 9863 6959, email us at info@gihc.com.au
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin
YouTube

Visit our blog to read about all the services that are included in a Home Care Package in detail at GIHC.com.au/blog.

For more info, visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au/ Call us on (03) 9843 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

To apply for a job as a care worker, send your resume to careers@gihc.com.au or contact us.

Glaucoma is a condition that occurs when pressure builds up in the eye due to a build-up of fluid inside the eye that is not circulating and draining as it should due to a blockage in the drainage angle which causes damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma more commonly manifests in seniors however it can affect people of any age. As we age, the cornea thickens, which can cause narrowing of the drainage angle between the iris and the cornea especially for people that are susceptible to angle narrowing. Regular eye exams are critical for detecting glaucoma early in individuals at highest risk of blindness from glaucoma. Glaucoma can go unnoticed because it is very difficult to observe any changes in vision from one day to the next, as glaucoma progresses very slowly and is not painful. There are no major environmental factors that have been identified to be directly associated with glaucoma.

It is recommended by optometrists that individuals under the aged of 61 get an eye test every two years, and once every year for those over 61. Glaucoma can be detected by measuring eye pressure and assessing the optic nerve. There is no cure for glaucoma, however there are several treatment methods to prevent deterioration of eye condition.

• • Eye Drops help to reduce the reduce the pressure built up in the eye by assists with the drainage of the built-up fluid.
  • Oral Medications will work with eye drops to keep glaucoma in check.
  • Laser Treatment is effective in unclogging fluid within the eye but is not a permanent solution.
  • MIGS are minimally invasive glaucoma surgery which lower the pressure build up.
  • Conventional Surgery is the most effective form of treatment which involves making an incision that creates a new way from the fluid to drain, which will prevent future pressure build up and optic nerve damage

Prior to providing services, we will visit the client’s home and conduct a free home safety assessment and decide whether safety measure need to be put in place, such as non-slip mates in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

Gratitude In-Home care provides all the services that government home care packages fund for, such as

Contact us to have a no-charge, no-obligation chat about your options.
For more info, visit our website, Call us on (03) 9863 6959, email us at info@gihc.com.au
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin
YouTube

Visit our blog to read about all the services that are included in a Home Care Package in detail at GIHC.com.au/blog.

For more info, visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au/ Call us on (03) 9843 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

To apply for a job as a care worker, send your resume to careers@gihc.com.au or contact us.

Phone apps for seniors

 

There are lots of apps that enable us to be social, provide us with entertainment, and even those that can help us with travel, medication management, music, weather, banking, and many more useful things. Here’s a list of some of the most useful apps for seniors.

 

Find my iPhone

This app can be used to track the geographical location of your phone if you misplace it. You can use an apple watch to trace its location or log into your account on someone else’s iPhone.

 

Facebook messenger

Facebook and messenger helps you stay connected. Maintaining social life for seniors is important to maintaining mental sharpness.

 

Google maps

This app provides detailed information about geographical locations which can be used to find out where you are and how to get to another location.

 

Commbank, NAB, Wespac, etc.

Banking apps are a great tool to have, making it quick and easy to manage your finances.

 

Emergency plus.

This is a free app that has been developed by Australia’s emergency services to help locate your geographical location when you call emergency services (000).

 

Medadvisor

This app is useful for managing medications reminding you of when to take certain medications.

 

Weatherzone

Detailed weather apps such as this help you more accurately track the weather, sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology, equipped with a radar, which shows you areas rainfall. This app alerts for storms and dangerous weather.

 

Words with friends

Brain training is important to keeping your brain sharp as you age. Mobile games like this can be very good tools at

 

Uber, Didi –Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Didi Let your order a ride from one destination to another but inputting the two addresses. These apps are typically much cheaper than a traditional taxi service.

 

Magnifying Glass with Light

This app allows people with vision impairments to use a Magnifying glass and light to assist with reading small text.

 

Prior to providing services, we will visit the client’s home and conduct a free home safety assessment and decide whether safety measure need to be put in place, such as non-slip mates in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

Gratitude In-Home care provides all the services that government home care packages fund for, such as

Contact us to have a no-charge, no-obligation chat about your options.
For more info, visit our website, Call us on (03) 9863 6959, email us at info@gihc.com.au
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin
YouTube

Visit our blog to read about all the services that are included in a Home Care Package in detail at GIHC.com.au/blog.

For more info, visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au/ Call us on (03) 9843 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

To apply for a job as a care worker, send your resume to careers@gihc.com.au or contact us.

 

There is a lack of information out there regarding aged care services, and it can be difficult to access and navigate.  it can also be scary thinking you may have to go into an aged care facility. A recent study by The National Ageing Research Institute on 300 Victorians over 65 showed that over half have a fear of being mistreated or isolated in nursing homes. The research found that 76 percent of participants expressed that they would prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, while six percent expressed faith in the aged care system.

Seniors who eventually get access to care at home after waiting for so long may receive less care than they require, or they may not be able to access the specific services that they need. The absence of adequate home care services can increase the risk of declining function, preventable hospitalisation, caregiver burnout, and a premature admission to a residential aged care facility.

Many families place their loved one in aged care once they feel the person can no longer look after themselves without constant nursing care. However, it is possible to receive all the care that one requires, from the comfort of one’s own home. It is common when seniors get too frail for them to do housework, shopping, eating properly and are then sent to nursing homes, but that is not the only option available. Gratitude In-Home Care allows you to live at home longer or get home from hospital faster with our in-home care services. Our services will help to improve the independence of individuals by supporting them around the house and supported them to do that thing they want to do. Gratitude In-Home care can provide services for as little as a few hours, up to as much as care that’s required.  Many seniors are worried about losing their independence and being put into an aged care facility.  Our in-home care services will help to improve the independence by providing assistance around the house and supporting seniors to do what they want to do.

 

 

as well as any other services that government home care packages fund for, such as

• Personal care
• palliative care
• Overnight & 24-hour care
• Respite care
• Medication assistance
• Nursing services
• After hospital care
• Companionship
• Shopping support and meal preparation
• Gardening and home maintenance
• Transport support
• Assistance with household tasks
• Community access
• Allied Health Services

Prior to providing services, we will visit the client’s home and conduct a free home safety assessment and decide whether safety measures need to be put in place, such as non-slip mates in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

For more info, visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au  Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

To apply for a job as a care worker, send your resume to careers@gihc.com.au or contact us.

• Brain-stimulating exercises are important for brain health, says the Alzheimer Association. Learning new skills, foreign languages, working on crossword puzzles, or playing math games can all help keep the mind active. Keep yourself curious and interested in continuing your education throughout your life.

 

• According to a study published in the journal Neurology, reading and writing regularly in late life reduces memory decline by 32%.

 

• Protecting your brain’s networks is possible through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat and sugar. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, fatty fish, and yes, even a daily glass of wine can sharpen your mind, build new brain cells, and prevent mental decline.

 

• Physical exercise has long been linked to brain benefits, specifically in learning and memory-related areas.

 

• To function optimally, it is vital to get a good night’s sleep.

 

• Staying social requires you to think fast and engage in conversation, which helps prevent mental decline. Socially active seniors have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

 

Prior to providing services, we will visit the client’s home and conduct a free home safety assessment and decide whether safety measure need to be put in place, such as non-slip mates in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

Gratitude In-Home care provides all the services that government home care packages fund for, such as

Contact us to have a no-charge, no-obligation chat about your options.
For more info, visit our website, Call us on (03) 9863 6959, email us at info@gihc.com.au
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin
YouTube

Visit our blog to read about all the services that are included in a Home Care Package in detail at GIHC.com.au/blog.

For more info, visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au/ Call us on (03) 9843 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

To apply for a job as a care worker, send your resume to careers@gihc.com.au or contact us.

Seniors can benefit greatly from Art Therapy.

Art can be very therapeutic, satisfying, and can also give you a sense of purpose and belonging. Art can also help to improve physical and mental well-being.

 

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso

 

• Art therapy may bring back memories that had been forgotten since memory loss.

 

 

• Participating in art regularly can improve blood flow, alleviating stiffness, and inflammation, which can relieve pain.

 

• Group Art therapy programs can be a good way for seniors to socialise with others, which has a lot of benefits such as helping to prevent mental decline.

 

• Art can aid in improving the confidence and reduce stress in individuals through self-expression. For individuals that are not able to easily express themselves with language, art can be very therapeutic.

 

Gratitude In-Home care can arrange art therapy sessions with individuals as well as any other services that government home care packages fund for, such as

• Personal care
• palliative care
• Overnight & 24-hour care
• Respite care
• Medication assistance
• Nursing services
• After hospital care
• Companionship
• Shopping support and meal preparation
• Gardening and home maintenance
• Transport support
• Assistance with household tasks
• Community access
• Allied Health Services

Prior to providing services, we will visit the client’s home and conduct a free home safety assessment and decide whether safety measures need to be put in place, such as non-slip mates in the bathroom, handrails, and lights.

For more info, visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au  Call us on (03) 9863 6149 or 1300 912 155 after hours, email us at info@gihc.com.au

To apply for a job as a care worker, send your resume to careers@gihc.com.au or contact us.

 

With more and more Australians wanting to live at home longer, preferring to receive assistance at home rather than entering an aged care facility during their retirement ages, as found by the Royal Commission in 2020. As a result, there are long wait times for the home care packages to get processed.

Former minister for Senior Australians stated in a 2021 media release that there were 204,146 home care applicants in the 1st quester 2021-22 data, which is 41,000 more seniors accessing care packages in 12 months. Despite the increase in home care package applicants, processing times are decreasing as a result to the increase of government investment of $6.5 billion for 80,000 home care packages, which commenced in July 2021. Increases in government investment into home care packages has resulted in a 25 per cent decrease in the number of people in the waiting list since September 2020.

Each person who has been approved for a Home Care Package by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) also receives an indicative ‘need’ rating, with most people rated at ‘medium’ priority. They will be placed on the waiting list according to this need rating and will be assigned a package once they reach the top of the queue. However, the queue is dynamic and people with higher or urgent needs will be prioritised to receive a package. This means they could be waiting for a package for anywhere between six months and two years, depending on the level of package sought. Applicants with packages at the lower levels may take 3-6 months to process, while packages at the higher levels may take more than 12 months.

Retrieved from the My Aged Care website

You can find out your place in the queue by logging into the online account, or calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Gratitude In-Home Care offers a free safety Assessment of the entire home and can organise for any modifications to be done, cleaning and decluttering. GIHC can also help with making sure the correct medication is taken every day and night, as well as providing around the clock care if needed.

Contact us to have a no-charge, no-obligation chat about your options
We provide the following services:

Contact us to have a no-charge, no-obligation chat about your options.
For more info, visit our website at: http://www.gihc.com.au/ Call us on (03) 9863 6959, email us at info@gihc.com.au
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin
YouTube