Home Helpers of Columbus

If “springing forward” has left you feeling snoozy, you’ll be happy to know that today is National Napping Day! A 30-90 minute afternoon nap can boost a senior’s mood and memory, make them more alert and less stressed. So don’t feel guilty for grabbing a couple extra ZZZs today, it’s good for you!

Happy National Cereal Day! Whole-grain cereals can be great sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals—all of which are important elements in a senior’s diet. When eaten with milk (whether dairy or plant-based), you get an added bonus of calcium and protein!

March is National Colorectal Cancer Month. Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a change in bowel habits, blood in your stool, unexpected changes in weight, abdominal cramping, or fatigue. Here are some tips for having a conversation with your doctor about possible colorectal cancer symptoms: https://smpl.is/a2onq

The impact and incidence rates of cardiovascular disease increase as we age. Home Helpers is here to support seniors in their heart health journey by assisting with dietary needs, medication reminders, post-discharge care, transportation to/from appointments and more. Learn about 5 common types of heart disease, their associated risk factors, and the ways we can help on our blog: https://smpl.is/a2onp

March is National Craft Month! Aside from being a great way for seniors to express their creativity, crafting can enhance cognitive function and memory, improve fine motor skills, reduce stress and provide a sense of accomplishment. Each week, we’ll feature a simple and inexpensive craft idea to try. This week’s craft idea: make your own welcome mat! This tutorial is for a rainbow mat, but any simple design would work great! Undecorated mats can be purchased for under $10 at many stores or online. https://smpl.is/a2ono

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! We understand that the care required by individuals with developmental differences can be as unique as the individuals themselves. Each of our care plans is tailored to meet the client’s specific needs, with the goal of helping them be as independent as possible. #DDAM2025 Give us a call to learn more about how we can help those with developmental disabilities live life to the fullest: (614) 768-6185

Caring for an aging parent is a challenge. Sharing that care with siblings should make it easier, right? Unfortunately, not always. Even though you all have the same goal, your expectations, priorities and ability to contribute may be different. These differences can create challenges that, if not addressed, can make taking care of your parent harder on everyone. Here are some tips to help you navigate these challenges so you can work together effectively toward your common goal of providing the best possible care for your loved one: 1) Communicate! Listen to each other and respect each other’s opinions, even when you disagree. 2) Set and communicate boundaries: Be clear about what you can and cannot (or will and will not) do. 3) Share the load: Work together to identify what needs to be done, then decide collectively who will do what (keeping in mind tip #2). 4) Don’t forget about yourself: Self care is still important, even if you’re sharing the burden of your parent’s care with others. 5) Remember change is inevitable: What is working for all of you now may not work in the future—be prepared to re-evaluate as needed.

Knowing when and how to talk to a parent about a potential need for home care can be difficult. We offer some tips for identifying when the time is right and getting the conversation started on the Home Helpers blog: https://smpl.is/a2c9f

Today is National Letter to an Elder Day! Let the older adults in your life know you’re thinking about them by sending them a hand-written letter. For various reasons, seniors are more vulnerable to loneliness and isolation. Receiving letters or notes from loved ones can help them feel connected and valued…and remind them that they’re not alone!

No matter your age, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. This article from the National Council on Aging shares risk-reduction strategies for older adults, including lifestyle changes and screenings: https://smpl.is/a2c9e