Health Projects Center

Keep your care recipient safe with #FallPrevention ? Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults, but they are NOT an inevitable part of aging. As caregivers, we can take proactive steps to reduce fall risks and help our loved ones maintain independence. Best prevention strategies include: ?? Creating a safe home: Remove tripping hazards, improve lighting, and install grab bars in bathrooms and stairways. ??♀? Encouraging strength & balance exercises: Activities like Tai Chi, yoga, and resistance training improve stability and coordination. ??Monitoring medications: Some prescriptions cause dizziness or drowsiness. Regularly reviewing medications with a doctor can help prevent falls. ??Prioritizing vision & hearing checks: Poor eyesight and hearing loss contribute to fall risks. Ensuring up-to-date glasses and hearing aids can make a big difference. ??Using assistive devices: Canes, walkers, and proper footwear can provide more stability. ?? Checking in: If you’re not with your loved one every day, daily check-ins can help ensure that they get any help they need should a fall occur. Many older adults resist discussing fall risks due to fear of losing independence. However, caregivers can frame the conversation around safety, empowerment, and quality of life rather than limitations. ?? Small, gradual changes can make the discussion more approachable. At Health Projects Center (HPC), we equip caregivers with the resources they need to keep loved ones safe at home.?Read our full article here: https://lnkd.in/gxvGma_X ?? Explore our training and support programs at www.delmarcaregiver.org. #Caregiving #FallPrevention #HealthyAging

Our loved ones are more prone to falls as they age. Learn more about essential fall prevention strategies for your loved one. By fall-proofing their environment, your loved one can age in place longer and in better overall health.

A proud moment for HPC ?? Our very own Melissa West Kevan of our Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center presented on "The Role of Screening Tools in Reducing Senior Isolation" at the Senior Round Table of Monterey and San Benito County. Her insights highlight the importance of early detection and intervention in fostering social connection and enhancing the well-being for older adults. Great job Melissa! ??

Understanding safe driving for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia ?? Driving can be a sensitive issue for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. As memory and decision-making skills decline, safety risks can increase. ?? It’s important to consider this issue early in order to make informed and safe choices for your care recipient or loved one. Caregivers should watch for signs of unsafe driving, including: ?? Minor accidents ???Confusion with routes ?? Car damage ?? Traffic violations ??Changes in vision or hearing If you’re seeing signs of unsafe driving, it’s best to involve professionals like doctors and the DMV to evaluate safety. ?? Doctors can help your care recipient understand that driving is no longer the safest option for them. ?? The DMV will issue a re-examination for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients that can help ensure their safety on the road. Be sure to discuss driving early and with empathy for the individual. In the case that your care recipient can no longer drive, be sure to offer transportation alternatives that can ease the transition. This can include carpools, rideshares, and the help of friends and family. At HPC, we understand the challenges of addressing driving cessation with compassion. ?? HPC provides support, resources, and training to help caregivers with challenges related to Alzheimer’s, dementia, and transportation. ?? Learn more at www.delmarcaregiver.org and read our full article here: https://lnkd.in/gh5v3WfH #Alzheimers #Dementia #HPC #Driving #DMV

As Alzheimer’s progresses, the ability to drive safely diminishes, making it a critical issue for family and professional caregivers to address. Driving requires focus, quick decision-making, and memory—skills that can be severely affected by dementia. At Health Projects Center (HPC), we understand that helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can represent one of the biggest challenges for caregivers.

CAREGIVERS: Don’t self-isolate! ??♀? Social isolation is a common challenge for both family and professional caregivers, but should be avoided for caregivers’ physical and mental health. ?? According to a study, 44% of caregivers are considered socially isolated. ?? Social isolation and lack of time for self-care can stem from the demanding nature of caregiving roles. Caregivers often struggle to maintain social connections due to time constraints, emotional fatigue, and a lack of understanding from others. However, isolation can lead to burnout, depression, and a decline in overall well-being, impacting both caregivers AND those they support. For caregivers, maintaining social connections is vital. Combat isolation and prioritize self-care by: ??Joining a support group to share experiences. (HPC has resources to connect you with other caregivers!) ??Schedule regular time for meaningful connections with friends or family. ??Try group activities like exercise classes or book clubs. ??Let your loved ones help and communicate your needs. ??Use calls, video, or social media to stay connected if needed. ??Take respite, breaks for self-care, to prevent burnout. At Health Projects Center (HPC), we help caregivers find support groups, respite, and education. Reduce your isolation by connecting with others. ?? Explore our programs at www.delmarcaregiver.org and help build a stronger network for caregivers in your community. Read our full article: https://lnkd.in/ggRNf_EZ #caregivers #socialisolation #mentalhealth #HPC

Social isolation is a real concern for family and professional caregivers. ?? Not only can isolation harm caregivers’ health, it can also diminish the quality of care provided to their loved ones or patients. Understand the causes of social isolation and how to avoid it in this article! ?? #caregiver #HPC #socialisolation #mentalhealth

Are you familiar with Goal Four in California’s Master Plan for Aging? Goal Four is "Caregiving That Works". ?? This goal supports both family and professional caregivers and ensures that caregiving is sustainable and supportive of both caregivers and older adults. With nearly 5 million Californians providing family caregiving, many with limited resources, this goal emphasizes respite care, paid leave, and training to reduce caregiver burnout and improve well-being. Professionals in healthcare, aging services, and community roles should understand Goal Four, as it addresses workforce challenges, including the shortage of 3.2 million paid caregivers anticipated by 2030. These essential caregivers, largely women and immigrants, often earn below the state’s median income and face job-related stress, making stability and equity vital for quality care. The goal also promotes telehealth and culturally competent care for underserved communities. At Health Projects Center (HPC), we support Goal Four by offering resources like training, support groups, and guidance to empower caregivers and improve care quality. ???? By supporting caregivers, we also enhance the quality of care for older adults across California. If you’re a professional working with caregivers, explore our resources and join us in advancing California’s caregiving goals. Read our full article here: https://lnkd.in/gkqWTCvh #MPA #HealthProjectsCenter #caregivers

California is home to almost five million family caregivers, 1.7 million of whom are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia—usually with little support or training. California is also set to face a shortage of up to 3.2 million paid direct care workers by 2030. Goal Four of California’s Master Plan for Aging focuses on Caregiving and aims to address the challenges of caregiving directly. For anyone working with older adults and their caregivers, it’s vital to understand Goal Four and its impacts. #MPA #california #olderadults #caregivers

Up to 70% of family caregivers experience clinical symptoms of depression. ?? Common problems such as lack of sleep, improper nutrition, social isolation, and high stress can contribute to caregiver depression. This is not only detrimental to a caregiver’s physical and mental health, but also to the care they provide. That’s why self-care is essential for YOU, the caregiver. ?? Self-care allows us to take time to ensure our needs are met and our stress is in-check, helping to prevent depression and burnout. ?? What does self-care really mean for caregivers? Self-care includes essentials for your own physical and health, such as: ??Self-compassion: prioritizing your needs and giving yourself grace. ??Setting healthy boundaries: not doing everything, and not doing it alone. ??Getting enough sleep: aiming for 7-8 hours of restful sleep. ??Practicing mindfulness: taking 2-5 minutes a day for mindfulness and breathing exercises to calm stress. ??♂?Engaging in physical activity: moving each day, even for simple 10-15 minute walks. ??Eating a balanced diet: eating nutrient-dense foods, avoiding inflammatory foods, and not skipping meals. ??Staying social: staying connected with friends and family on a regular basis and participating in caregiver support groups. Self-care requires caregivers to actively take time for themselves. Read the full article at https://lnkd.in/gdisrw2u At HPC, we’re proud to offer caregiver support groups, as well as education and resources for caregivers through the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center. ??We’re here to empower caregivers with the tools they need to maintain balance and stay strong in their difficult work. Check out our website for group schedules and more caregiver information: https://lnkd.in/gqjh7pwV. #caregiver #caregivers #selfcare #respite #familycaregiver