Meet our December CAREGiver of the Month

Congratulations to our December 2012 CAREGiver of the Month: Lori!

Hometown: West Mifflin
Tenure: Two years

What made you decide to become a CAREGiver? After helping with caring for my grandparents, I feel it's a big thing to help individuals be able to get care and stay in their homes.

What is one of your best memories as a CAREGiver? Sitting on the back porch with one of my first clients, looking at her garden and talking :)

Name one thing that you have learned in your time as a CAREGiver: Everybody has a story, a life story; take the time to ask.

What advice would you give to families struggling with caring for an aging love one? Ask for help from others. Take time for you and remember that you're doing your best at this point in time.

One interesting fact about you others may not know: I read my horoscope every day before leaving the house.

Lori is just one shining example of the wonderful CAREGivers we have on staff at Home Instead Senior Care. 

Avoiding Frailty for Older Adults

Research conducted for the Home Instead Senior Care network revealed that 90 percent of seniors put loss of independence at the top of their list of aging worries.

One related concern is a condition known as frailty. Lack of activity can lead to a downward spiral of poor health resulting in frailty, a condition that threatens the mind, body and social life of older adults, according to senior care experts. 

Keep an eye out for these warning signs of frailty:

Change in lifestyle habits, including socialization and hobbies

Inactivity 

Slowing down,both physically and emotionally

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Unsteadiness

There are three areas that need attention to avoid frailty: mind, body and soul. Check out these tips for keeping active in all aspects of life.