Prepaid Plans:

The best way infrequent cell phone users can save money is with a prepaid cell phone — also known “pay-as-you-go” phones. With a prepaid phone, there’s no contract, no fixed monthly bills, no credit checks and no hidden costs that come with traditional cell phone plans.

With this type of service, you buy a special prepaid phone (they can cost anywhere from $10 to $100), then pre-purchase a certain amount of minutes (for talk or text) that must be used within a specified period of time.

T-Mobile ~ While there are many prepaid phones on the market today, the most affordable deal for occasional users belongs to T-Mobile (t-mobile.com or 800-866-2453), which has a 30-minute plan for $10 and minutes don’t expire for 90 days. That averages out to $3.33 per month.

If, however, you need more talk time, check out T-Mobile’s “Gold Rewards” annual plan, where $100 gets you 1,000 minutes that are good for a full year. And with all T-Mobile pay-as-you-go plans, if you replenish your account before your minutes expire, your unused minutes will roll over.

TracFone (tracfone.com or 800-867-7183) also offers some nice value plans that start at $10 for 50 minutes per month.

Senior-Friendly Phones:

If you don’t mind spending a little more, Consumer Cellular and Jitterbug are two other popular options for seniors because they offer inexpensive, low-use plans and senior-friendly phones.

Consumer Cellular

(consumercellular.com, 888-345-5509) sells two “Doro” simplified cell phones that cost either $25 or $30. And they offer a $10-per-month “casual” calling plan, plus 25 cents per minute, and no long-term contract. They even give a 5 percent monthly service discount to AARP members.

Assurance Wireless offers a FREE wireless phone and 250 FREE minutes of wireless service to income-eligible customers. Brought to you by Virgin Mobile USA, you can see if you qualify by logging on to their website at assurancewireless.com or 888.898.4888. If you know of a senior or any individual who is low income and cannot afford a phone tell them about this program. It is free to those who qualify. Help keep a senior safe this winter by telling them about this or by helping them get this service.

If you need additional information regarding this or any other article you see here, please don’t hesitate to contact Alliance Senior Care in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  We offer a variety of resources, which can help relieve stress and alleviate the pressure of caring for your loved ones!  We serve Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties and you may reach us at 248.274.2170. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

* Try to include the loved one in some holiday preparations. Focus on remaining strengths, and let them use their own capabilities to help with small tasks. It makes them feel useful while at the same time helps to occupy them while you get on with other preparations.

* Whatever the holiday being celebrated, gift giving is an inevitable part of most of the festivities. Consider placing only a few gifts out. There is no need to spread them out so as to half fill the living room. This would only create a either a tripping hazard or confusion for the one you are caring.

* Be sure to secure all extra electrical cords. Run them along the outside walls where they are not so visible.

* Another good idea is to try to maintain the same furniture floor pattern. For someone who may be confused at times, moving the furniture around may totally throw them off and lead to more confusion and agitation.

* Consider using a display of artificial flowers rather than live, poisonous plants in decorating schemes.

* Attempt to schedule the major activities early in the day. Under normal conditions, we all tend to become tired. For someone who is struggling to find their place in an already confusing world, the stress and agitation increases as the day goes on.

* Saving a time of sitting and quietly visiting toward the end of the day would benefit everyone. Talking of past holiday customs and recipes may be enjoyable to your loved one, if they have long term memory recall.

* Try to limit the number of guests so the amount of confusion is decreased. Keep in mind the more noise, the more confusion will be evident.

If holiday activities are planned well in advance, each guest should be made aware of the emotional state of the one for whom you are caring. You could even send them material to read providing an overview of the disease, if they are unaware of what it entails.  This also would be an excellent opportunity to prepare friends and family for the changes they might see in your loved one, especially if they have not been to visit in some time.  Most importantly, always try to make your loved one feel secure and protected. As much as possible, keep your loved one on their regular routine. We all know just a slight change in routine can cause increased confusion and stress to everyone concerned. Your holiday plans will flow more smoothly if everyone is aware of your loved one’s needs and limitations.

With guests in and out of the house, be sure someone is aware at all times of where they are. If they tend to wander, there is a chance they may wander off while everyone thinks someone else is watching them. Assign different people to take turns keeping him or her in sight. And if your loved one becomes agitated, try to remove them to a quiet area of the house either with yourself so someone they trust. Your loved one could be trying to tell you they need a break from the activities.

Finally, fit some time in for yourself this holiday season. If you have extra people there, use them to your advantage. Take a few minutes sometime during the day to pamper yourself. Remember, this is your holiday, too and do not be afraid to let family know a little quiet time for yourself could be a gift beyond measure.  Place your sister or brother in charge of mom or dad or hubby and go run yourself a hot bubble bath or take a 30-minute or a much-needed nap. Something this simple will refresh you and help you enjoy the holidays that much more.

If you need some additional in-home assistance for your senior loved ones or others, please don’t hesitate to contact Alliance Senior Care in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  We offer a variety of services, which can help relieve stress and alleviate the pressure of caring for the entire family during the holidays!  We serve Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties and you may reach us at 248.274.2170. We hope to hear from you soon!

More than 20 million households contain Americans who look after loved ones, donating an estimated $250 billion a year in free care. While caregiving can offer enormous rewards—providing a sense of fulfillment, deepening lifelong loves—new research increasingly links it to deleterious health effects, including a weakened immune  system, depression and even premature death. In one landmark study, Richard Schulz, of the University of Pittsburgh, found that elderly caregivers who said they felt physically or psychologically strained by their responsibilities were 63% more likely to die early than non-caregivers. With an aging population expected to double by 2030, researchers are alarmed about a caregiver crisis in the making. “It’s an issue of such great public-health significance,” says Schulz. “It boggles the mind as to how we’re going to handle it in the future.”

Caregiving takes a toll on the body in very tangible ways. Lifting a frail senior out of bed can injure the shoulders and back. The symptoms of arthritis or high blood pressure can worsen as caregivers neglect their own health. Kathie Crombie, 52, spent more than a year looking after her husband, Pete, who had stomach cancer. Before he died last month, she went to the ER with chest pains, a racing heart and nausea. Tests showed no serious maladies, leading her doctor to conclude it was caregiver stress.

Scientists are now zeroing in on what may be happening at the molecular level. At Ohio State University, Janice Kiecolt-Glaser and her husband, Ronald Glaser, have been studying the effect of caregiving on the immune system for more than a decade. Compared with a control group, caregivers of spouses with dementia have weaker responses to pneumonia and flu vaccines, and their wounds heal more slowly. Over a six-year time frame, the researchers also found that the stress hormone Interleukin-6, linked to heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, was four times higher in caregivers.

Caregiver TLC

A mind full of worries can fuel depression: Will I have to move her to a nursing home? Is he in pain? How will I pay for medications?

Left untreated, depression can lead to rare, but tragic, outcomes. Donna Cohen, of the University of South Florida, found that half the 176 homicide-suicides committed by older people over a six-year period in Florida involved caregivers. Most were men who seemed to be devoted husbands overwhelmed by their inability to look after their spouses, says Cohen: “It’s an act of depression and desperation.”

There are ways to relieve the burden. Support groups offer lifelines out of isolation. Adult day-care programs provide respite. Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and reduces stress and depression. Most important of all: caregivers must look after themselves— without their own good health, their loved ones will suffer, too.

If you need some additional in-home assistance for your senior loved ones or others, please don’t hesitate to contact Alliance Senior Care in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  We offer a variety of services, which can help relieve stress and alleviate the pressure of caring for the entire family during the holidays!  We serve Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties and you may reach us at 248.274.2170. We hope to hear from you soon!

The holiday season, which begins for most Americans with Thanksgiving and continues through New Year’s Day, often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it’s no wonder. In an effort to pull off a perfect holiday, you might find yourself facing a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name a few. So much for peace and joy, right?

Actually, with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress and depression that often accompany the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Recognize holiday triggers

Learn to recognize common holiday triggers, so you can disarm them before they lead to a meltdown:

• Relationships. Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time, but tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can intensify — especially if you’re thrust together for several days. On the other hand, facing the holidays without a loved one can be tough and leave you feeling lonely and sad.
• Finances. With the added expenses of gifts, travel, food and entertainment, the holidays can put a strain on your budget — and your peace of mind. Not to mention that overspending now can mean financial worries for months to come.
• Physical demands. Even die-hard holiday enthusiasts may find that the extra shopping and socializing can leave them wiped out. Being exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. Exercise and sleep — good antidotes for stress and fatigue — may take a back seat to chores and errands. To top it off, burning the wick at both ends makes you more susceptible to colds and other unwelcome guests.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
3. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videotapes.
4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression too.
5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone’s name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.
6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
8. Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Take control of the holidays

Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you may find that you enjoy the holidays this year more than you thought you could.

If you need some additional in-home assistance for your senior loved ones or others, please don’t hesitate to contact Alliance Senior Care in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  We offer a variety of services, which can help relieve stress and alleviate the pressure of caring for the entire family during the holidays!  We serve Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties and you may reach us at 248.274.2170.    We hope to hear from you soon!

We have an immediate need for a caregiver to care for an elderly female in West Bloomfield. Candidate will provide assistance with all of the ADLs along with light housekeeping and laundry.  Candidate must be able to work at least 10-12 hours during each shift.  Preference will be given to candidates that have flexible schedules and are available to work weekends on occasion. Must have own transportation, along with clean driving record and clean criminal background.

Please apply online at www.allianceSRcare.com.  Just click on our Employment section to complete an online application. If you have any questions, please call 248.274.2171.

Alliance Senior Care is a member of The Senior’s Choice, a leading companion care service provider, our mission is to ensure a better quality of life for our elderly clients and their families by providing dependable and affordable care.  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This is especially true if a senior wants to stay in his own home alone. If you are thinking about support to help your senior relative remain in familiar surroundings, consider some important questions when interviewing potential caregivers.

Determine the experience and background of the caregiver and his or her company. If someone works independently, ask for references from previous clients, as well as a resume of his or her experience and education. If he or she works with a company, part of the interview procedure should be to provide references. In addition to the caregiver’s specifics, speak with the company about their experience. You can also speak with medical professionals concerning your caregiver choices. A lot of times, doctors and nurses will be familiar with the local senior workers. Find out how long the company has been in business, whether they are part of a national chain, and if they are reputable. You can check the website of the Better Business Bureau for more information about the company. Reputable companies will train their employees and be happy to share this information with potential clients. Brian Hurnevich, Owner of  Alliance Senior Care, an in-home care provider located in Bloomfield Hills, MI states, “We do lots of training. Within 90 days of employment, (caregivers) have to be certified as Certified Companion Aides, (CCA)®.”

1.     Speak with the company or the caregiver about his or her previous education. Many companies continue to educate employees on an ongoing basis. Continuing education is important for those who will be caring for seniors. You should also speak with the company about certifications and future training. For instance, some caregivers will have limited experience working with seniors with specific health problems.  However, if a learning process is in action, she may still be a qualified candidate.

2.     Determine if the employees or self-employed caregivers are insured and bonded. This protects both you and your loved one, as well as the caregiver and his employer.

3.     Speak with the agency about the supervision of its employees. Find out how the company monitors its employees day-to-day. Some companies do occasional check-in visits, and others rely on reports from the caregivers and the clients. Also find out the grievance procedure should something go wrong. You will also want to ask if they will always send the same caregiver. If you are hiring an independent caregiver, this will not be an option. However, with a team of employees, there may be instances where an alternate person covers care if someone is on vacation or sick.

4.     Ask the potential caregiver or company if they can provide medical care of any kind. If your senior has any chronic health conditions, you will want the caregiver to have the knowledge to handle that condition. For instance, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease will need a caregiver who has experience dealing with people with dementia. A diabetic senior may fare better with a caregiver who understands possible complications of the disease. It is important to share your senior’s health issues with the potential caregiver ahead of time. While many will expect certain behaviors and issues, they should still be aware of any existing problems. It will also put your mind at ease, knowing the caregiver can deal with these health problems.

If you are thinking about hiring a caregiver so your senior loved one can continue living at home, take time to conduct a thorough interview. This way both you and your loved one will be comfortable with the care being given. Alliance Senior Care offers families a chance to continue living independently, in their own homes, in a way that is both safe and comfortable.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

For more information and a complimentary in-home assessment, please contact Alliance Senior Care @ 248.247.2170.

* Raise awareness of family caregiver issues,

* Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers,

* Educate family caregivers about self-identification,

* Increase support for family caregivers.

The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, especially if you feel you have little control over the situation or you are in over your head. If you let stress progress to burnout, it can damage both your physical and mental health. It is essential you get the support you need. The good news is you are not alone. Help for caregivers is available through in-home care agencies, such as Alliance Senior Care.

Providing care for a family member in need is a centuries-old act of kindness, love and loyalty. And as life expectancies increase and medical treatments advance, more and more will participate in the process, either as a caregiver, the recipient, or possibly both.

Unfortunately, caregiving can take a heavy toll if you don’t get adequate support. Caregiving involves many stressors: changes in the family dynamic, household disruption, financial pressure and the sheer volume of work involved. The rewards of caregiving — if they come at all — are intangible, far off and often there is no hope for a happy outcome.

As the stress piles up, frustration and despair can take hold and burnout becomes a very real danger. But you can prevent caregiver burnout by following a few essential guidelines:

* Learn as much as you can about your family member’s illness and how to be a caregiver.

* The more you know the more effective you’ll be and the better you’ll feel about your efforts.

* Know your limits. Be realistic about how much of your time and yourself you can give. Set clear limits and communicate them to doctors, family members and others involved.

* Accept your feelings. Caregiving can trigger a host of difficult emotions, including anger, fear, resentment, guilt, helplessness, and grief. As long as you don’t compromise the well- being of the care receiver, allow yourself to feel what you feel.

* Confide in others. Talk to people about what you feel; don’t keep your emotions bottled up.

* Caregiver support groups are invaluable, but trusted friends and family members can help too. You may also benefit from seeing a therapist or counselor.

* Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right; reward yourself with breaks.

* Watch out for signs of depression and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.

* When people offer to help, accept it and suggest specific things they can do.

* Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.

* There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.

* Trust your instincts; most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.

* Caregivers often do a lot of lifting, pushing and pulling. Be good to your back.

* Grieve your losses and allow yourself to dream new dreams.

* Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.

Once you burn out, caregiving is no longer a healthy option for either you or the person you’re caring for. It’s important to watch for the warning signs of burnout and take action right away when you recognize the problem.

Common warning signs of caregiver burnout:

* You have much less energy.

* It seems like you catch every cold or flu that’s going around.

* You’re constantly exhausted, even after sleeping or taking a break.

* You neglect your own needs, either because you’re too busy or you don’t care anymore.

* Your life revolves around caregiving, but it gives you little satisfaction.

* You have trouble relaxing, even when help is available.

* You’re increasingly impatient and irritable with the person you’re caring for.

* You feel overwhelmed, helpless and hopeless.

The first strategy for preventing caregiver burnout is: Don’t try to do it alone. Taking on all of the responsibilities of caregiving without regular breaks or assistance is a surefire recipe for burnout. Ask for help when you need it. Enlist friends and family who live nearby to run errands, bring over a hot meal, or stay with your loved one so you can take a break. You can also turn to your community for programs such as respite care, home-delivered meals and transportation services.  There are also qualified in-home care services, such as Alliance Senior Care, serving Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties.

When you are a caregiver, finding time to nurture yourself might seem impossible, but you owe it to yourself to find the time. Without it, you may not have the mental or physical strength to deal with all of the stress. Give yourself permission to rest and to do things that you enjoy on a daily basis.  You will be a better caregiver for it.

For more information, or for an in-home consultation, please contact Alliance Senior Care at 248.274.2170. . .serving Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties.

General Safety Tips for Seniors in Oakland / Wayne / Macomb Counties:

• Consider a medical alert or a buddy system.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
• Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
• Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.
• Use a correctly measured walking aid.
• Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.
• Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
• Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
• Wipe up spills promptly.
• Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
• Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house.
• Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater incandescent bulbs (or the fluorescent equivalents).
• Staircase steps should have a non-slip surface.

Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors in Oakland / Wayne / Macomb Counties:

• Leave a light on in your bathroom at night.
• Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet.
• Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom.
• Use door locks that can be opened from both sides.
• If possible, bathe only when help is available.

Kitchen Safety Tips for Seniors in Oakland / Wayne / Macomb Counties:

• Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
• Illuminate work areas.
• Mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors.
• Store sharp knives in a rack.
• Use a kettle with an automatic shut off.
• Store heavier objects at waist level.
• Store hazardous items separate from food.
• Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove.
• Make sure food is rotated regularly. Check expiration dates.

Drug Safety Tips for Seniors in Oakland / Wayne / Macomb Counties:

• Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication.
• Make sure medicines are clearly labeled.
• Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose
• Dispose of any old or used medicines.
• Never borrow prescription drugs from others.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs.

Home Safety Tips for Seniors!

For a free home safety inspection, please call Alliance Senior Care at 248-274-2170.  We look forward to working with you!

Brian & Dina Hurnevich, owners of Alliance Senior Care in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan have these tips to keep every member of your family happy and healthy as you get ready for Christmas and the New Year.

*Include them as much as possible. Especially if the seniors in your family aren’t as mobile as they used to be. Offer to pick them up and drop them off, or arrange for a cab or for someone else to do the driving.

*Recognize their limitations. Grandma may be used to whipping together a turkey dinner for 12, but her hands and eyes aren’t what they used to be. Encourage your older family members to take it easy and let you pamper them for a change, but let them help with smaller, less complicated tasks if they want to participate.

*Listen to their stories. Many of our older relatives live in their memories. Encourage them to talk about holidays gone by. If they keep albums, ask to see the pictures. They may have some wonderful traditions from their childhood that you can incorporate into your own family’s plans.

*Give the best gift of all – your time! “Most of the seniors I work with say the best gift of all is spending time with family” said Kristan. Unhurried, uncomplicated family time will mean the most to your loved one and will create memories to last all year long.

*Don’t let it end. The week after New Years’ is often the hardest for seniors, with the excitement over and families getting back to their normal routines. Make it your New Years’ Resolution to spend more time with your older relatives throughout the year.

Holiday Spirit!

It’s often around family holidays that you’ll notice your older parent, grandparent or relative isn’t doing as well as they once were. If you feel it’s time to bring in some help, Alliance Senior Care will be there. Our caring service throughout Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties makes it possible for the elderly to maintain as much independence as possible, by providing the appropriate in-home assistance and companionship. In that way we lift spirits not only of the elderly, but of the family caregivers as well.

Register for Bloomfield Senior Expo