RSS Email
You are here: Home / Archives for Melissa

5 Fun Art Activities to Involve Your Kids In

July 8, 2019 by

1. Rock Painting

Rock painting is one of the most fun and inexpensive art projects you can get your kids involved in. The canvas for the painting – rocks – are totally free and you will have a gala of a time hunting for the perfect rocks with your kids. After you have selected the rocks that you would like to paint – mostly the ones with a smooth surface works the best.

Craft

Set up a painting station – outdoors if you want. Rock painting is great for working outdoors because no paper is going to be flying around. So, it will not be a mess. You and your kids can paint the rocks and make characters out of them which can then be used for stories or playtime or just decorating your garden.

2. Crumpled paper art

Crumpled paper art is a simple technique and is not much different from your regular painting. I would say it works best with watercolor than acrylic, poster, or oil paint because watercolor is easier to move around and simple for kids to play with.

Crumpled paper makes even just running brush strokes on the paper turn it into a different design every time. Other than you deciding what colors to use and what to paint, the end result will always be a surprise to you.

3. Leaf wreath

Making a leaf wreath isn’t only an activity that you will enjoy while in process, you will also get to have fun preparing for it. Just like rock painting, you can spend time with your kids walking and talking and collecting leaves.

Then comes the process of making the wreaths and that is fun trying to decide what leaves to use, which color combo to go for. Do you want it close nit or spaced out? Let your kids decide how the wreath is going to look.

4. Paper mache

Paper mache is a great way to teach kids about recycling and also getting them into the habit of making best from waste. Teach them how to get the paper ready to be sculpted into whatever they want. You can teach them to make paper mache statues, utensils, dishes, and even jewelry. Once you have spent a messy afternoon making them.

You can have another play date painting the dried results. This is a great activity to spread out during the week. The kids also learn how to consistently work on one project over the course of time.

5. Shaving cream marbling painting

This is a fun activity preferably done outside. What we do is get a tub and put in some shaving cream, you then have to put in some paint and swirl it around with a toothpick making a marbling effect. You can use any color combination and swirl it to your heart’s content just let the paints remain streaky.

Place the paper on top and let it stay for a few seconds and then pick it out of the tub. When it dries the paper has a cool marbling effect. You can scrap off the access shaving foam from the paper to have a smooth marbled paper.

This paper can again be used for crafting so the kids are making their own decorative paper. The paper can be used as gift wrapping or can also be used to make greeting cards.




How to Improve Your Cyber Security

July 5, 2019 by

Cybersecurity is concerned with protecting information and users against the criminals who seek to steal and abuse confidential information. In this wide use of internet era and electronic devices, cybersecurity has been a great challenge over the years. In order to protect valuable data, it is very much necessary to maintain effective cybersecurity.

Information Technology consulting involves providing expert advice, guidance, and solutions to businesses and organizations seeking to optimize their technology infrastructure, processes, and operations. IT consultants assess the client’s needs, identify areas for improvement, and propose tailored strategies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall performance in the digital landscape. Their services may include system integration, software development, cybersecurity, project management, and training, ultimately helping organizations stay competitive and adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Below are some of the easy ways to improve your Cyber Security:

1. Enforce a strong password

strong password

Strong passwords are one of the first lines of defense against breaches, and changing them occasionally might be helpful from the hackers. Including special symbols and numbers, along with various characters, will be very effective.

2. Turn on the two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) applies a second layer of security to your online accounts. It usually involves having to enter something you know (such as your password) along with something you have, such as a code which is sent to you by a text message or generated by a token.

Using 2FA means that the hacker will not be able to access your account, even if they steal your password.

3. Restrict apps’ permissions

Nearly everyone has a smartphone now, and on most people’s smartphone, there are apps allowing people to share their day-to-day lifestyle with the world. However, when downloading and installing such apps on your phone, you should always check what permissions these apps are looking for, and should only give the app permissions that allow it to run properly, and no more.

There are apps which can have access to the user’s contact lists, SMS messages, access to camera and microphone, ability to track locations, and many more. Ensure you know the permissions of all your apps, and ensure they are as restricted as possible.

4. Implement VPNs for all connections

Those networks are more vulnerable to an attack which are protected by generic security measures. One should learn to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect their privacy.

For instance, implement VPN connections between office locations and make their use easy and mandatory for mobile employees who may connect through public Wi-Fi services.

5. Check your social media settings

Social media setting

Social engineering scams are seen more often nowadays. Social media has made it easier for the cybercriminals to carry out such scams by knowing the information people put out there about themselves online.

To make life a bit harder for the scammers, keep your social media account set to private, and don’t give out too much of personal information (like your phone number, how many family members you have, etc.) to strangers on the internet. The less cyber scammers know about you, the harder it will be for them to know about you.

6. Protect your devices

All your electronic devices (including your smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.) should be protected with good security to detect malware and other cyber threats and keep your data safe. Keep all your devices, software, operating system, and applications up to date.

While downloading any application, make a note that you are downloading it from a secure source. This is where hiring IT consulting services can be especially useful, as they’ll know the best software for each situation and will know how to correctly implement them to keep things secure. Ultimately, keeping software and systems updated with the latest patches will protect you from vulnerable cyber attacks.

In conclusion:

Being aware of the devices and apps you use and being cautious of the networks you connect with is important along with knowing what to share with the world and what not to.




5 Steps For Grocery Shopping on a Budget

July 1, 2019 by

Grocery budget can vary from month to month and having a hold on it from the get-go is important especially if you have kids. If you take your kids to the supermarket then you know how easily they can be distracted by all the snacks. You don’t always say no to those cute faces and if you have a problem giving in to their snack demands every time you go shopping then you will know how easily the budget can get out of hands.

supermarket

Here are the steps to follow if you are intent on staying on budget.

1. Plan

This not only helps with a substantial grocery shopping trip, but it also helps you to not worry about what you are going to cook each day. So, making a weekly meal plan and writing down what ingredients are needed – for all the breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners – is a good way to keep track.

You can then check the ingredients that you already have in your kitchen and make a list of the things you don’t. This way you only buy exactly what is needed for the week.

2. Follow the list

Once you have a list of items you need to buy, you can use that list as a map in the store. Follow the list and only head for aisles you know have them. If you are a regular to one store then you most probably are familiar with the layout of the products. What this does is that it saves you time from going back and forth in the aisles and also stops you from passing the same offer more than once that can tempt you to spend extra money on something you do not need.

3. Distribute

If you have been a reader long then you know how much I love kids accompanying on tasks, it gives you extra bonding time with them plus they learn various skills. Grocery shopping is one such skill that will only help them. Knowing what to buy and from where is very important to run a tight ship in the kitchen.

If your children are young, it can sometimes be more of a problem than fun. You can give them tasks to do like holding the list and pointing you to the next item and ticking off the items you have already picked up. If they are older, you can send them off to grab an item or two from other aisles.

4. Follow the plan

What good is the plan if you don’t follow it. Following the weekly meal is essential for this type of coordination to work. Yes, you can make swap Monday and Thursday’s dish, and yes you can make changes when something comes up. Even when shopping, just because something is on sale, do not grab it if it isn’t in your plan. But, if it makes more sense than what you originally planned then instead of grabbing both, buy the new item and omit the old one.

5. Get the family involved

When you plan for the week, it becomes easier to incorporate your family’s demands in the meal plan. You can get them to choose a day or a meal that they would like to plan. This gives them a sense of involvement. If you can get them to shop with you or even cook with you the dish that they are planning, it becomes more fun than it originally was.




7 Ideas For Mom’s “Me” Time

June 24, 2019 by

Being a mom is a full-time job and can get extremely tiring, especially if you are a new mom. You want to take a break but worry how on earth will your kids and your family function without you. It feels like you are the only thing stopping your house from collapsing. I feel you. I used to feel the same. I then realized how important it is to take a break.

Yoga poses

I talked about how important it is to take a break without your kids. While I focused on why childless trips are important for the couple, here I want to shed some light on the importance of spending time with yourself. Here are ten ideas to take some time out for yourself daily or once a week.

1. Solo lunch date

Take yourself out to lunch. You cook every day, and you make meals that everyone likes. What do you do for yourself? Most you would do is maybe hit the drive-thru or order some takeaway. But, you can do that anytime, and you don’t get some time just to relax. Take yourself out to a proper sit-down restaurant and enjoy your favorite meal in peace.

2. Catch up on your reading

With motherhood, a lot of hobbies take a back seat. Considering how time-consuming reading could be, nobody can blame you for not picking that book back up. Like lunch, you can instead head out to a coffee shop, get yourself a nice coffee and maybe some pastries, and read for a while.

3. Yoga workshop

You might not have time to join a yoga class, but a yoga workshop can be a great opportunity to learn some new things while also not having to commit for a longer period. There are usually workshops available that last only a few hours. It can be a great way to socialize and learn and let loose.

4. Get a massage

I know how much your body hurts from running after your kids all day and trying to do everything at once. You might not need to exercise considering the chores are an exercise in themselves, but you definitely need to relax. Book a nice full body massage session and relax while stress knots are all relieved.

5. Get a pedicure

My manicures don’t last so I have turned to getting pedicures more than manicures. Taking care of your feet is important, and your whole body will thank you. Throw in a foot massage with the pedicure.

6. Take a bubble bath

Create the whole home spa experience by lighting some candles and playing some soft music. Use bath salts or bath bombs if you like. Don’t forget a glass of ice-cold sparkling cider. Nothing speaks pampering like a nice long bath.

7. Go for a drive

Go for a drive by yourself. No yelling at your kids to put on seatbelts, to keep their hands, legs, and head inside the car, and no cribbing about long car rides. Play your favorite songs and sing along, put the windows down and let the wind blow through your hair, drive to someplace far away to do something from the options I have talked about or something completely different or drive with no destination in mind.




7 Rules You Need to Remember When It Comes to Buying Jewelry Online

June 22, 2019 by

The internet has put the world at a person’s fingertips and men and women appreciate this. They can now shop for desired items in their own homes or wherever they have internet service. However, men and women need to take care when shopping online to ensure they get a quality item at a reasonable price, and this is particularly true when buying jewelry. The following are some tips for purchasing jewelry online to ensure this is the case.

Know the Seller

Don’t simply research the jewelry items. Take time to learn about the seller as well when buying items online. Look for an online jewelry shop that has been in business for a number of years and has a good reputation with former buyers. In addition, make certain the company can be contacted directly in the event a problem arises. Finally, make certain the retailer is willing to answer any and all questions before a purchase is made. Customer service is of great importance when buying items on the internet.

Ring

One problem many people encounter when buying jewelry online is they assume a company will be easy to reach in the future. Businesses do come and go on the internet frequently. A person spending thousands of dollars to obtain a pendant or engagement ring needs to ensure this item is backed up by outstanding customer support and an excellent warranty from a proven company. Anything less should not be acceptable in this scenario.

Images

As a person cannot touch and feel an item they are buying online, images are of great importance in determining which purchase to make. Jewelry pieces should be photographed from every angle and dimensions provided to ensure the consumer knows exactly what he or she is getting. Any imperfections should be shared with the purchaser via images as well.

For those who are buying gemstones online to have incorporated into a piece of jewelry, however, images may not be enough. Read the documentation provided with the gemstone image and request more details if possible. For example, if the documentation states there is a flaw in the stone, be sure to ask for an up-close image of this flaw to see how it affects the overall piece.

Research

Never buy a piece of jewelry online unless you are completely comfortable with doing so. People often rush to make a purchase believing the item may not be available if they wait. Doing this tends to be a mistake. You are using your hard-earned money to obtain this item and should have no doubts about doing so. Take your time to get an item that is truly loved and worth the money that was invested in it.

Be sure to read reviews of the company providing the jewelry as well. Don’t simply glance at the reviews on the website, as the business owner has control over what items are posted and which are ignored. It’s best to turn to third-party sites to obtain these reviews and get a more accurate picture of the retailer and his or her offerings and service.

Certification

When purchasing gemstones online, require certification from a reputable source. This document needs to offer pertinent details about the item being purchased, including the dimensions, the gemstones featured, and the appraisal value. Lab reports should be requested along with this certification to learn where the testing took place. Don’t hesitate to ask about the history of the item as well, if it has one.

Sizing

People recognize they need to know a recipient’s ring size before shopping or have a general idea of what size this person may wear. However, sizing is often of importance when purchasing other types of jewelry as well. For example, a 16” and 24” chain differ significantly in terms of where they will fall on the wearer’s body. Ankle bracelet dimensions likewise need to be considered along with arm wraps. Don’t guess when making a purchase or the item might not fit the recipient.

Read the Fine Print

Buying online scares many individuals. They are worried about the item not arriving, not being able to return something that doesn’t meet their expectations, and things of that nature. Be sure to read the fine print before making any purchase online so there are no unpleasant surprises in the future when something goes wrong.

Learn about the return policy. However, take care to see if certain types of situations are handled differently. For example, returning an item because it was damaged on arrival may be handled one way while a return just because the buyer decided he or she didn’t like the item could be addressed in a separate way. The more the buyer knows before any purchase is made, the more satisfied he or she will likely be when the sale is finalized. The warranty should likewise be included in this information.

Budget

Set a budget and stick with it. The internet offers endless possibilities when it comes to buying jewelry, and a person may get swept up at the moment and spend more than desired. By establishing a budget before browsing, it becomes easier to avoid this issue and obtain items that don’t break the bank. Visit numerous sites also to compare prices and find the perfect item for your loved one.

In the event, an item is found that doesn’t fit within the established budget, either find a different piece or save up enough to pay for the jewelry. By purchasing responsibly, a buyer will find he or she enjoys the piece more, as they aren’t worried about how they are going to pay for it.

Never buy jewelry online on a whim. Take the time to look at multiple pieces to find an item that will be passed down for generations to come. The time spent to find this piece is worth it in the long run. Not only will the recipient get pleasure from wearing the item, but the buyer will be satisfied as well knowing he or she made a good choice and got great value for the money spent.




Ways to Get Your Kids to Love School

June 18, 2019 by

One of the most dreaded times for parents is the moment just after summer. Maybe not for the same reason as kids, but they would be dealing with the grunts and frustrations as they help pack their books in their bags. ‘School’ is turning into this evil word you are not allowed to say in the house. But going back to school doesn’t have to be met with loathing or fear – they can be enthusiastic about it, eagerly anticipating the comfort of their lecture room seats.

kids career

Yes, you can help your kids enjoy going to school, whether it’s their first time or they’ve been attending for years. Here are some of the ways.

Be involved in their learning

This isn’t hovering over them while they’re studying. Being involved means that you are prepared to step in when you see they are already feeling a bit stressed out. Even as simple as preparing their favourite snacks so they have something to munch on while studying helps. It’s important that they have someone in the house who values their learning but also gives importance to their well-being. Show them that there are ways to study their material without losing the love for learning just because there’s too much to learn in so little time. Remember that you’re their most influential role model, even if they spend most of their time in school.

Teach them to respect their teachers

Just like when you were a kid, there are teachers you’ve loved, and those you choose to forget. But teachers are a huge part of the school experience, so going with the emotions your kids are feeling towards some of their teachers is not going to help. Tell them that no matter what, their teachers are still older and should be respected. However, if a teacher isn’t respecting your child in return, make sure you go through the proper channels to deal with the situation.

Encourage extra curricular activities

School isn’t just about subjects, reports, and projects. It’s a chance to learn holistically, much like some of the IB schools in Singapore who ensures there are enough clubs and organisations the students can join so that they can get an opportunity to learn more about what interests them like art. This will give them something to look forward to after each school day, and indeed when summer is over.

Avoid packed schedules

Having said the previous tip, make sure that your kids don’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of work they need to be doing. Help them manage their activities by going over schedule and discuss which ones need to be prioritised and which activities can be postponed for the time being. What you don’t want is for them to be burnt out, and resisting the urge to pack their schedule is one way to do so.

Create a routine

Your kids will have an easier time if you help them create a study routine. For instance, as soon as they come home from school, you can tell them to rest for a bit before doing their homework. Prepare their snacks and let them do anything they want to for an hour. After, they need to focus on finishing their homework, with you making sure you can help out when they already need assistance. Make sure that they won’t stay up too late so that they’ll feel refreshed the next day. So if you see that one subject is taking too long a time to finish, advise them to skip to another subject and work on the difficult subject together.

Their time in school can be one of the most memorable moments of their lives. It doesn’t have to be filled with memories of stress and overloaded work. Consider these in the coming school year and make it a fun experience.




5 Parenting Tips That Actually Work Really Well

June 17, 2019 by

Parenting can sometimes be a task, let’s be hones, it is a task most of the times. There are wonderful moments sure, but there are so many painful and teary moments. Getting frustrated when children wouldn’t listen is really common. We always look for ways to make our children listen to us, do as we say. I am talking about tiny tots here, teenagers are a whole different topic.

Parenting

Teaching them things starts from a very early age. We have to talk to them, remembering that they do not have world experience, we have to tone everything down. Some people forget this when they punish their children or get pissed about something that the child did or something that they questioned.

It is their age to be curious and also to not understand the exact implications of their words and their actions. Teaching them how some things can be insensitive, can hurt others, or themselves is important. But, simply yelling at them helps no one. Here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Be kind in your firmness

Yes, there are times when being firm with your children is important and needed. But being firm doesn’t mean you have to be rude or mean to them or shout at them. Being firm doesn’t mean raising your voice. When you do that, you are not putting your point across. The point takes a back seat and the negative feeling rises. Being kind doesn’t mean you are a pushover, it just means that you show them respect. Make them feel their opinion matters while also putting your point across and letting them know that there wouldn’t be more arguing about something.

2. Teach them why they are wrong

Have you ever wanted to do something just because you were told not to. Children are curious, a lot more than we are. When you tell them not to do something just because you told them not not. The “why” will haunt them. It is important to explain to them why something is wrong and why they shouldn’t do it. When they have answers, they won’t go out looking for it.

3. Don’t be resentful

When children continuously do something we have told them not to, or disobey us time and time again. It is natural for us to develop resentment toward them. It can then skew our judgment and give rise to anger. This is how relationships go sour. You have to learn to identify bothersome behavior and nip it in the bud so that you don’t develop a feeling of resentment against your own child.

4. Be gentle with your teachings

It is easy to get frustrated teaching something again and again. Also, when you have to teach them why something is wrong after you have yelled at them for doing it, the anger can seep into your explanation and the child will focus on the anger rather than the lesson. When you child does something that you don’t want them to you have to gently explain it to them, which also entails the point about being kind.

5. Hold their hand while they learn about life

It is inevitable that your children will have to go through life, their own set of pain, tests, disappointments. As parents we want to protect them as much as we can, but we cannot. Every person needs to learn about life themselves. What you can do is, let them make their own mistakes and learn their own lessons. Let them know that they always have you in their corner, that you are always there.




Trendy Wallpapers For The Children’s Room

June 11, 2019 by

Maybe you have chosen to renovate a room, maybe you have moved into a new home, maybe you have taken on a redesigning project, maybe you are preparing a nursery, no matter what the reason is – revamping a space completely can be expensive and tiresome. One of the biggest projects involve the walls, switching up the color of the walls can make the room look completely new.

Wallpaper

A paint job is a lot of work and also expensive, not to mention the paint fumes in the starting days. Time-consuming is another thing altogether. If you want to switch up your walls without spending a lot of money, time, or effort, then decals or wallpapers are the best way to go.

Wallpapers are easy to install, comparatively cheaper, and also easy to switch. You can choose the design you want, get custom ones made, and add your personality in the room, or your children’s if you let them choose.

Choosing children’s room wallpaper can be easy and difficult at the same time. While it is easy to impress them with something that they are interested in, it is difficult in the sense of versatility. Children grow, and their tastes keep changing. What they look today can change in a few minutes. They are very indecisive, so we go ahead and make decisions for them.

Some children know exactly what they want. These children again are easy and difficult. Making the decision becomes easy, but then they will let you know as soon as they grow out of the design.

Wallpaper

One of the other things is to consider is the material of the said wallpaper. Depending on your child’s age, you can experiment with what material works best for them. There are many such as natural wallpaper, metallic wallpaper, flock wallpaper, textile wallpaper, glass bead wallpaper, crushed wallpaper, leather wallpaper, effect foil wallpaper, etc.

Having some textures makes it fun for the children. Children are mostly driven towards bright colors. Anything a little loud with interesting imagery is going to interest a tiny tot. If your kid is in pre-primary or kindergarten then getting them a wallpaper that has characters from their favorite stories, cartoons, poems, or fun characters, in general, can be a good idea. They won’t be growing out of them soon.

If they are on the verge of entering primary or are already in primary then you might want to tone it down a bit. While interesting imagery is still enticing to them, they start growing out of the loud pops of colors. Most children start developing their own taste and having favorite characters that are different than the earlier choice, which generally is whatever is popular and common in the masses.

If your child will soon be getting into secondary schooling, then subdued is the way to go. You cannot go wrong with a plain wallpaper with some pattern that either can be geometric or repetitive. It is usually the most basic, and you don’t have to worry about your children growing out of it, because it isn’t personal, to begin with.

Should you let your children choose the wallpaper for their room?

Definitely, yes! Letting children make decisions is a great way to teach them about responsibility. Letting them be responsible for decorating their own space makes them understand and appreciate the space better and also connect with their space better. Having put some thought into it, they learn to take care of everything as well as be appreciative of the work that goes into bringing anything to reality.

Custom decals and wallpapers might go on the pricier side because after all, they are custom made for you, so you need to check the price, calculate the entire cost for the amount of wallpaper your space might need, and see if it fits in your budget. In my opinion, even though custom wallpapers are a bit expensive they are totally worth it, but I have found websites with such wide range of design options that you might not even need to think of going custom.

That being said, there are many online stores nowadays that will deliver your choice of wallpaper to your door in the exact measurements you need. There are also places that will make custom decals for you. It has become easier, so you can let your child’s imagination run wild.




Why Taking a Vacation Without Kids Can Be Good

June 10, 2019 by

One thing that many young couples forget when they have kids is that they are a couple. While taking care of your kids tops everything else, you can’t forget your partner. It is important to rekindle the romance after those beautiful, stressful nine months and the sleepless and hectic months or years following the birth.

vacation

We often get so engrossed in parenting that we forget we have duties towards our partners too. This goes for both parties involved. One of the perks of vacationing without your kids is that you can enjoy things that you used but haven’t been able to since having kids. You can take long trips, go out on wine nights, take a road trip without having to worry about your kid being cranky, simply not being allowed there, or numerous bathroom breaks.

The tiny perks include waking up when you want to, going to bed when you want to, no more getting up in the middle of the night, no more taking care of bedtimes and bedtime routines, having to bathe and dress only yourself, having to feed only yourself and your partner of course, all these little things don’t seem like a privilege when you don’t have kids. You also get to go the bathroom at your own leisure without your kid basically trying to tear the door down. You can sip your coffee in peace and maybe read a book.

If you both are working, then you anyway spend little time with each other, add children to the equation, and there is no time left. All your free time and weekends are focused on your children, and what little time you have left is used to rest.

Yes, you love your kids and want to give them the best, but you loved each other first, and that is something that you shouldn’t forget. When people forget that relationship needs if not more, the same amount of love and nourishment to flourish is when relationships die. Many couples forget to rekindle, and that is what makes the sparks in the relationship go away.

Your marriage and relationship with your partner is important too – if it fails, your children also suffer. They have to grow up in broken homes and deal with various issues. Taking a few days off isn’t selfish; it helps everyone in the long run. Yes, the vacation will cost you money. Yes, it can be saved for your children. But, remember you not only earn for your children, but you also earn for yourselves.

Many people do not spend on themselves when they become parents; this, in turn, makes them bitter towards their children in some way because they had to make sacrifices. This sours relationships. Vacations are also cheaper than years of couple counseling, family counseling, and therapy.

This is why you shouldn’t feel guilty to take vacations without your kids. Take time out as a couple or even as an individual. As important it is to maintain your relationship with your partner, your relationship with yourself tops everything. A healthy mind not only helps you but everyone related to you. You become more involved!




Is Your Parent Ready for In-Home Care?

June 10, 2019 by

Taking care of aging parents can be difficult, especially if you aren’t sure what type of care or support they need. If they seem reasonably capable of taking care of themselves, but still struggle with some basic aspects of daily life, you may be too worried to leave them entirely on their own, but too confident in their independence to provide them with long-term care.

parents at home

One option in circumstances like this is in-home care, which can provide you with solutions for several problems inherent to seniors. You can also check us home care software, it is a revolutionary innovation that enables health care professionals to effectively manage patient care and provide a more comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care. This software is designed to streamline home care operations, allowing home health care professionals to integrate patient information, create comprehensive care plans, and manage tasks effectively across multiple locations.

The Basics of In-Home Care

Different organizations offer differing levels of in-home care, but most services are designed to provide a combination of medical attention, personal assistance, and companionship to seniors who are mostly independent, but may still require some assistance. The option is designed to be a more comfortable alternative to living in a senior care community or a more advanced healthcare institution.

Services described specifically as “home health care” include specifically licensed nursing care and medical attention, while services described as “in-home care” or “home care” typically refer to non-medical care, custodial care, or other forms of personal assistance. In-home care professionals may still be able to identify if and when a resident is in need of medical attention.

In-home care is available in a wide range of different options. You could hire an individual full-time, you could hire an independent contractor qualified to provide in-home care services, or you could speak with an agency.

The biggest advantage of in-home care is that it provides you with peace of mind. You won’t have to pay for intensive levels of healthcare or other services, and you won’t have to constantly check up on your parents. They get to continue living at home on their own, and you can rest assured that someone is helping them with the assistance they need.

Is Your Parent Ready for In-Home Care?

The big question is, how can you tell if your parent is in need of in-home care?

There’s no single factor that can clue you into this need, but if you notice some combination of the following, it may be time to consider hiring an in-home care specialist:

  • Difficulty with daily activities. A fully independent adult should be able to handle the basic activities of daily life, including getting out of bed, dressing, practicing basic hygiene, preparing meals, and performing certain chores around the house. If you notice your parent is struggling with some or all of these tasks, such as taking an inordinate amount of time to get dressed or being unable to handle the physical workload, it may be in your best interest to hire an in-home care specialist.
  • Periodic medical issues. When a parent has a specific medical issue, they need to get medical attention. The question is, are they capable of noticing and taking action on a medical issue independently? If not, they may end up suffering from an injury or ailment until someone comes in to check on them. In-home care provides a near-constant level of checking, so you can remain apprised of potential medical issues before they get any worse.
  • Mobility issues. You should also consider whether your parent is capable of transporting themselves, both around the house and out of the house to run errands. If they frequently have trouble getting up and down the stairs, or if they can’t easily leave the house to pick up something they need at the grocery store, in-home care may be a suitable option.
  • Cognitive difficulties. It’s common for aging parents to gradually lose their cognitive abilities, with or without the onset of dementia. They may have trouble remembering basic responsibilities, like taking a specific medication on a daily basis, or may have trouble solving problems they face in daily life. Having the support of an in-home care professional can mitigate the consequences from this.
  • Loneliness. If your parent is living by themselves, far away from you, or you can’t make time to see them regularly, in-home care can help them feel less lonely and get the support they need.

However, note that in-home care may not provide a sufficient level of care for someone who is suffering from a chronic health condition, a debilitating injury, or other health developments that require a medical professional. If you’re not sure what your parent needs, consider talking to a doctor or other medical professional about the best approach.

In-home care isn’t a perfect solution for every adult with an aging parent, but it does serve as an important middle ground between taking on all responsibility associated with caring for your parent and relying on a formal institution. Make an assessment on your parent’s cognitive, emotional, and physical state, and determine whether in-home care would be ideal for them.




« Previous Page
Next Page »