As we practice social distancing, day-to-day activities are now hindered and your isolated elderly loved ones may notice a decrease in daily movement and exercise. This is not only affecting their physical and mental health, but can also lead to more serious long-term issues. Daily exercise for elderly can help boost their energy, maintain a healthy weight, protect their heart, and reduce the impact of chronic illness and disease. It can also improve [...]

If your loved one is social distancing, it may be time for virtual family game night or another fun activity. You may want to consider dropping off a care package that has activities and games that they can do on their own, such as adult coloring books, jigsaw puzzles, word puzzles, or Sudoku (make sure the activities/games are the appropriate cognitive level for your loved one). These games will not only help pass [...]

With schools being out and many parents working virtually from home, a new routine is being created for families where children read to loved ones virtually. Not only has your day-to-day activities been interrupted, but keeping kids occupied all day and night can be tiresome. How about hosting a "story time" for loved ones? Each week, consider setting up virtual calls where your children can read or share stories with your parents, grandparents, or [...]

Helping Seniors Use Video Chat Over the last few years, smartphones have become very popular among senior citizens. The challenge is making sure they know how to use the phones correctly, especially now when we are unable to be with them. Some seniors are familiar with video chat apps, such as FaceTime. Another platform they may not be familiar with is Zoom. Zoom is currently offering a free account that allows video calls with multiple [...]

Are you staying connected with loved ones? Did you know that there are apps that allow you to create signup blocks or windows for events? For instance, you can create an account on a tool like SignUpGenius and pick certain days of the week and time blocks within those days to do things like arranging meal drop-offs or arranging phone conversations. If you or your loved one is currently social distancing or in [...]

April 6, 2020 Dear Friend of Home to Stay: We hope you and your family are doing well in these unprecedented times we find ourselves in together. In addition to everyone being in this together - we ARE really in this together - being on the front lines of providing essential services to seniors in Southern New Jersey. No one knows what the future holds but I think it is safe to say [...]

Does anyone write letters anymore? Is anyone pen pals with elderly relatives? We have become so accustomed to text messages and phone calls as our primary way of communication to wish a friend happy birthday or to simply say hello. Most seniors can recall a time when receiving letters in the mail was commonplace. Perhaps it was a love letter, a letter home from a soldier, or one from a friend a few [...]

March 23, 2020 Dear Home to Stay Clients and Families: Our commitment to providing safe and exceptional care is unwavering as the situation with COVID-19 continues.  How we deliver care may be changing temporarily in some aspects to promote health and safety, but we remain committed to your health and the health of your family. In an attempt to decrease the risk of contracting and or spreading infection amongst our caregivers, clients, and families, [...]

The following letter was shared with the clients and families of Home To Stay on March 10, 2020.  Dear Home to Stay Clients & Families, Thank you for following our COVID-19 Family Updates. As you know, presumptive cases of the Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) have been found in patients in neighboring communities and throughout the country.  The health and safety of our clients, families, and caregivers are our primary concern. As it stands [...]

6 Common Problems Nursing Homes Face In home care and nursing homes provide alternate solutions when elderly loved ones begin to need care to manage everyday life. Some seniors need intensive monitoring to keep them healthy and happy. Other individuals thrive with only a minimum of tending. A variety of issues can negatively affect older individuals. Nursing homes are faced with 6 major problems when providing in home services for seniors. [...]