Optimism at Private Home Health Care

At Private Home Health Care, we are optimists and always look to see the silver lining in life. Adding positivity to our lives is very important to overall health! That is why we love this TED talk about smiles for National Smile Power Day!

Signs of Elder Abuse

Spot the signs of elder abuse

If you suspect that an elderly person is at risk from a neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver, or being preyed upon financially, it’s important to speak up and stand up for them. Everyone deserves to live in safety, with dignity and respect. These guidelines can help you recognize the warning signs of elder abuse.

Neglect/Self Neglect:

-Lack of adequate food and water

-Dirty clothes and changes and hygiene

-Unusually messy home

-Lack of medical aids or medication

Financial Abuse:

-Basic needs not being met

-Bills not paid

-New credit cards and increased cash withdrawals

-Unusual purchases by caregiver

Physical abuse:

-Bruises, black eyes, and welts

-Broken bones, cuts, and sprains

-Sudden changes in behavior

-Caregiver refusal to leave elder or dependent adult alone

Mental abuse:

-Threatening significant physical harm

-Derogatory or inappropriate names, insults, profanity or ridicule

-Harassment, coercion, intimidation, humiliation

Sexual abuse:

-Unusual bruising on thighs, chest, or genitals

-Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases

-Unusual stains on clothing or sheets

-Withdrawn from social interaction or panic attacks

As older adults become more physically frail, they’re less able to take care of themselves, stand up to bullying, or fight back if attacked. Mental or physical ailments can make their lives more challenging. And they may not see or hear as well or think as clearly as they used to, leaving openings for bad people to take advantage of them.

If there are ANY suspicions of elder abuse, speak out IMMEDIATELY to social workers for the elderly, elder abuse advocate professionals, senior centers, or law enforcement.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse is a heartbreaking, and very serious issue. At Private Home Health Care we are dedicated to raising awareness and fighting this injustice against older adults. Elder abuse is defined as an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. 

Types of elder abuse include:

-Physical abuse

-Financial abuse

-Emotional abuse

-Neglect

-Sexual abuse

Fortunately, Private Home Care’s founder and President, Mary Demakes, R.N. has for decades been a leader for advocating for seniors, including addressing elder abuse. She has dedicated her life to the well being of seniors, and has helped create legislation to ensure that. ‘Compassion is at the Heart of Our Care’ is the foundation of Private Home Care, and our full compassion extends not only to every one of our clients and their loved ones, but to older adults everywhere. We are proud to be leaders for the well-being of seniors on a local, region, national and world scale. We carefully hand-pick each and every one of our employees to maintain the highest standard to care and respect for each of our clients. We also provide training to our company and the public about how to identify, prevent, and seek help for elder abuse. 

Thankfully there are people like Mary who are one the forefront of fighting elder abuse and protecting seniors. Elder abuse is an absolutely terrible act – everyone deserves to live in dignity and happiness, especially our seniors. If there are ANY suspicions that a senior is being abused or neglected, call the Massachusetts 24/7 elder abuse hotline (anonymously if you wish) at (800) 922-2275 or file an online report at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/report-elder-abuse. You can also contact a local senior services center or law enforcement. Your local senior services center can be found at https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx or by calling 1800-677-1116         

National Smiling Power Day!

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” —Thich Nhat Hanh

National Smile Power Day

Today is National Smile Power Day! This national day celebrates smiles and how they add happiness to the world and also make you happier! It is also scientifically proven that smiling is very beneficial for your physical, mental, and emotional health! Remember, when you smile the whole world smiles with you!

International Falafel Day!

It is International Falafel Day!

Falafel is a chickpea fritter that is very popular in the Middle East. It is a dish that is part of the Mediterranean diet (our favorite) and has made it’s way to the US as a delicious plant based, protein packed food!

Traditionally falafel is fried, but we prefer this baked falafel recipe that is just as delicious, but much healthier! It can be served in pita bread stuffed with other delicious goodies like hummus, techina, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled onions, spicy sauce, and more! It can also be eaten as part of a rice platter with vegetables.

This recipe is for fried falafel, but you can bake the falafel for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Private Home Health Care loves the Mediterranean diet! It has been scientifically proven to be the one of the healthiest diets in the world!

There are regional variations, but the foundation of the Mediterranean diet is vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans and whole grains. Meals are built around these plant-based foods. Moderate amounts of dairy, poultry and eggs are also central to the Mediterranean Diet, as is seafood. In contrast, red meat is eaten only occasionally. It has just the right amount of ‘good fats’ – like olive oil and avocados.