Merry Christmas!!

It's almost here! Hard to believe we enjoyed 60 degree weather yesterday and we have a 70% chance of snow on Christmas. In Greer, SC we haven't had snow on Christmas since 1963!!

From our Home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! We remember family members who have passed on. We pray for those who are away.

God Bless you all!

Something To Be Thankful For

As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, I couldn't help looking back for all the blessings we have received this year. We have been so blessed with amazing caregivers and awesome clients.

We have recently gone through many client deaths which brings us all down emotionally. I was so proud of one caregiver who said "we were part of their life and family". That pretty much sums it up. We do become part of their life and family and work hard each and every day to make their life better!

Thanks to all my wonderful family and friends for your continued support!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Halloween

Trick or Treat! While it has been very busy at the office, we want to wish each of you a very Happy Halloween!!

We have lost several clients in the last couple of months and thankfully gained several new ones. We never take that for granted and appreciate your continued support!!

God Bless America!

Nine years ago, all Americans lives were changed. We were attacked on our home soil.

Today, our country is struggling with many things; health care, unemployment, national security, immigration, etc.

But today let's be proud of all America does stand for. Let's show our support to the families who lost loved ones on this tragic day.

9/11 - we will always remember.

Who Are You Cheering For?

Well, football season has arrived! This morning I was thinking about the excitement in the air. Jim and Jessica are excited about going to the Clemson game this afternoon. I'm excited about directing a wedding for two young adults this evening.

So, I ponder, who are you cheering for? When is the last time we told someone we love them and are there for them. I have a friend, who is also a client, whose request was simple; prepared food. With her husband bed ridden and often confused, she can't find time to cook a meal. I was taken aback by such a honest but simple need. And if you know me, I'm all over this request and in the process of coordinating meals on an ongoing basis.

Home Helpers helps a variety of clients. One of our biggest compliments is that we make people feel special. So today, I cheer the wonderful caregivers out in our community. Thank you for cheering on those who need cheered on the most.

Cheering for you!

Becky

Joining Greer Community Ministries Board

Dear Friends,

Being in business for yourself does bring many opportunities. I'm truly honored to have recently been asked to join the Greer Community Ministries board. I love Greer and the people in it and look forward to working with this great organization. In case you didn't know, Greer Community Ministries has four main programs: Meals on Wheels, Senior Dining Program, Food Pantry, and Clothing Closet. Home Helpers has been supporting the Meals on Wheels program but running a route weekly and finding sponsors for the holiday meal bags. As I begin this new venture, I look forward to seeing how we can help our community more. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

With Hope and Grace,
Becky Pickett

How to Treat the Heat: Dealing with Heat-Related Illnesses

Happy Friday to all!

You've probably noticed a trend in our posts, reminding you to check on the elderly during this period of extreme heat. Well, if you're wondering why, then you're in luck! The following descriptions will inform you of signs/symptoms, reliefs, and tips dealing with heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

While these conditions are a threat to anyone, seniors are classified as being more susceptible or having more intense symptoms. Heat exhaustion, which can occur after prolonged exposure to extreme heat, can range in severity and can even lead to heat stroke in some situations.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Feeling Lightheaded, Dizzy, or Weak
• Fainting
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Intense Perspiration
• Rapid, Weak Heartbeat
• Low Blood Pressure
• Cool, Moist, or Pale Skin
• Low-Grade Fever
• Heat Cramps
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dark-Colored Urine
• Fast, Shallow Breathing

If you feel these symptoms or notice them in someone else, it is important to act immediately and take appropriate measures to ensure the heat exhaustion does not worsen.

In the case of heat exhaustion:

• Move the person out of direct sunlight. Relocate them to a place with shade or air conditioning.
• Lay the person down, slightly elevating legs and feet.
• Loosen or remove the person's clothing.
• Have the person drink cool water (or some other beverage containing no alcohol or caffeine).
• Cool the person by spraying or sponging them with cool water and fanning.
• Have the person take time to rest.
• Monitor the person carefully to ensure that heat exhaustion does not intensify to heat stroke.

In the case that heat exhaustion does turn into heat stroke, there are several other symptoms and treatments to use.

Symptoms include:

• Rapid Heartbeat
• Rapid, Shallow Breathing
• High Body Temperature
• Elevated or Lowered Blood Pressure
• Ceasing of Perspiration, w/ Hot, Red or Flushed, Dry Skin
• Strange Behaviors such as: Irritability, Disorientation, Unconsciousness, Hallucinations
• Feeling Dizzy or Lightheaded
• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle Cramps
• Seizure
• Coma
• Fainting (May be the first sign of heat stroke in older adults.)

If you suspect yourself or someone else to be having a heat stroke, do the following:

• Move the person out of direct sunlight. Relocate them to a place with shade or air conditioning.
• Call 911 or Emergency Medical Help
• Cool the person down. Remove clothing if possible; cover him or her with damp sheets or spray with cool water. Direct air onto the person using fans, newspapers, or other methods. Place ice packs under the armpits and groins.
• Monitor body temperature with a thermometer. Continue cooling efforts until body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If the person is able, have him or her drink cool water (or some other beverage containing no alcohol or caffeine).

It is very important that heat strokes are treated promptly and properly. As mentioned earlier, seniors are highly susceptible to heat stroke, especially those with certain conditions or taking certain medications. In the event of heat stroke, the body's methods of naturally cooling itself, such as sweating, become inadequate and cause overheating. Heat strokes can also be caused or intensified due to dehydration, alcohol usage, cardiovascular disease, and certain medications.

If you are going to be in the sun for lengthy periods of time, it is important to use practice proper procedures. Use the following tips when exercising or participating in outside activities in order to keep cool and prevent heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

• Avoid any unnecessary vigorous activity in hot, humid weather.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or sport drinks, but avoid alcohol and caffeine (these lead to dehydration). Replenish your body with electrolytes (like sodium) and fluids in the instance of intense perspiration or prolonged vigorous activity.
• Wear proper clothing. Clothing should be light-colored, lightweight, and loose fitting. Hats are also a good idea.
• Take your time. Allow your body to adapt to the heat and gradually increase your activity. Don't try to do too much too fast.
• Avoid midday sun. Plan your outside activities during morning or evening hours when the outside temperature is cooler. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.
• Use sunscreen. Sunburn decreases the body's ability to cool itself.

Practice these tips to ensure healthy outdoor routines, and don't forget to check on elderly neighbors and relatives. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the remainder of summer!!

Information in this post was gathered and compiled from MedicineNet.com and Mayo Clinic Online. Click the links for more information on heat-related illnesses and other conditions.

It's Summertime in Greer!

Summertime has officially begun and is bringing along extremely hot temperatures! With this in mind, we encourage you to keep a watch on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives!! A daily visit or call could make all the difference in the world! Keep our Direct Link Emergency Monitoring System in mind, allowing your elderly friends to remain independent in their own homes!

As vacation season is now upon us, we wish everyone a great trip and safe travels!! Just remember we're here if you need us!!

MedReady

We would like to spread the word that we are now offering a new automatic medication dispeser called MedReady! This device can be set with up to 4 daily medication alerts and is a great way to reduce medication errors. It is also set up to call the client if meds are not taken within a certain amount of time and can even alert family members if no response.

We think this is a great way for seniors to stay in their homes and remain independent longer! If you'd like more information, feel free to give us a call! (864) 848-1729

Have a great weekend!!

Happy Mother's Day!

First off, we'd like to wish all of you a very happy Mother's Day weekend! We hope this weekend finds you spending plenty of time with loved ones!

As we honor influential women in our lives this weekend, Home Helpers would like to thank all of you who have allowed us to serve YOUR mothers! We are truly blessed by the opportunity to get to know each and every one of them and work with them first hand. We know how important they are to you, and we take pride in giving them the best care possible!

If you know a mother that would benefit from our services, feel free to give us a call! We'd love to meet you!

We would also like to send out a special thanks to those who came by our booth at the Greer Family Fest last weekend! We had a great time and hope you did, too!

Enjoy your weekend, and make sure to spend time with those you love!

See us in skirt! magazine!!!

Pick up the February 2010 edition of skirt! magazine to see a 24 x 7 look at our owner. If unable to pick one up you can also check it out at http://greenville.skirt.com/247/beckypickett.

Happy Valentines Day to all!!

Thanks for all the calls, cards, etc.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their emails, calls, cards, food, etc. during the recent passing of my brother, David Johnson.

Time moves way too quick in life but I treasure the special memories I have of him. I'm thankful he is no longer suffering.

Thanks again,
Becky