TheKey Austin

New to caregiving? Being a caregiver is both rewarding and challenging.

One of the best ways to enhance the care you provide is to focus on your clients' individual preferences, routines, and abilities. Take the time to learn about their likes, dislikes, and daily habits. Be aware of what can they do on their own to stay independent, and what do they need help with. This personalized approach not only fosters a deeper connection but also creates a more comfortable and engaging environment for them.

Jumpstart your caregiving career at TheKey today: https://thekey.la/jobs

Do you know the key differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia? Knowledge is powerful when it comes to caregiving.

November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. 💜 This month, we focus on understanding and supporting those affected by this condition. Head to our Learning Center to learn more about the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s: https://thekey.com/learning-center/what-is-the-difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimers

Let’s raise awareness and foster understanding together!

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease? Not all causes of dementia are the same. Learn the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and the umbrella term, dementia.

The devastation in the Southeast from Hurricane Helene is horrific. The Southeast Region recently asked for donations to purchase adult diapers through the Diaper Bank of North Carolina to support the vulnerable seniors impacted by this tragedy in Upstate SC, Western NC, and Eastern TN. With a goal to raise $400 they ended up raising over $1,800 very quickly!

That meant they were able to purchase:
- 120 PACKS(!!) of adult briefs
- 30 packages of personal cleansing wipes
- 8 packs of 50 disposable bed pads

Thank you for your generous donations to help. Want to get involved too? Learn more now: https://www.ncdiaperbank.org/disaster-relief

At TheKey, our actions are guided by four core values that reflect our commitment to excellence: Passion, Compassion, Innovation, and Above & Beyond.

To our incredible team members who embody these values every day—thank you for helping us create a community of care, that’s TheKey.

Ready to experience the difference? See how our values make all the difference in home care: https://thekey.com/getting-started

🎃👻 This Halloween, we want to send a monstrous thank you to our incredible caregivers! You are the real MVPs, making a world of difference with your kindness and dedication for our clients - it's because of you, we get reviews like this.

Feeling inspired by our team of caring superheroes? We're on the hunt for more kind-hearted souls to join our crew of compassionate caregivers. Apply today! https://thekey.la/jobs

🎃 Only one day until Halloween, how are you celebrating? 🎃

Holidays are the perfect time to get family together and make memories with your older loved ones. Don't leave them out of the fun! Here are a few ideas that the entire family can enjoy together.

TheKey offices are popping up all over! We recently opened another new office for this team and it's all coming together beautifully! This new chapter promises more opportunities for growth, collaboration, and community impact.

As we settle into our new home, we're also looking to expand our caregiving family! If you're a compassionate caregiver seeking a supportive team environment and the chance to make a real difference, we'd love for you to join us.

Be part of our journey where great things are on the horizon. Apply now: https://thekey.la/jobs

🌟 Did you know that 1 in 4 stroke survivors are at risk for another stroke?* It might sound alarming, but the good news is that almost 80% of premature strokes and heart disease can be prevented through healthy behaviors. That’s right—simple habits like eating well, staying active, and avoiding to***co can make a huge difference!

At TheKey, we’re passionate about spreading the word on how you can protect your heart and brain. And here’s an important tip: use the FAST scale to spot the early signs of a stroke. Stay informed, stay healthy, and let’s work together to act fast when strokes hit.

Need support for your loved one after a stroke? We're here to help: https://thekey.com/our-services/stroke-care

*Source: American Heart Association

A huge round of applause for Lilian and Malinda, whose extraordinary efforts and commitment have not only exceeded expectations but have also brightened the lives of their clients with endless smiles. Your dedication and passion for caregiving are truly inspiring!

We are so grateful for everything you do and the positive impact you make each day. Thank you, Lilian and Malinda, for being such invaluable members of our team.

Feeling inspired? We're looking for more compassionate individuals like Lilian and Malinda to join our caregiving family. If you believe in making a difference and bringing joy to others, apply now: https://thekey.la/jobs

What sets TheKey apart from other home care providers?

We go beyond task-based care to provide your loved one with personalized care that encourages them to live well as they age. We get to know them, not just their diagnosis. Then we incorporate their passions and interests into our six key areas of wellness:

1. Flex Your Mind
2. Nourish & Hydrate
3. Move More
4. Engage with Joy & Purpose
5. Connect with Others
6. Sleep Well

This proprietary system is our Balanced Care Method™. Ready to find out how it can work for your loved one? https://thekey.com/balanced-care-method/

As we bid a fond farewell to our beloved Kay before she retires, we couldn't let this moment pass without a celebration. Thank you for your dedication to serving our clients over the years! In honor of Kay's incredible journey with us, we arranged a special “High Tea” for our last farewell. 🫖

Where one person's journey ends, another's begins. Apply today and start your journey with us in providing care that changes lives. https://thekey.la/jobs

When a parent is diagnosed with dementia, it can feel like the world has been turned upside down. The uncertainty is difficult for both of you, and it's normal to get overwhelmed by the amount of new information you need.

To help relieve some of this stress, here are four topics to focus your research and education on:

1. Learn about and understand dementia, and find out how your loved one's specific dementia diagnosis may progress.
2. Study tips and tricks for compassionate, effective communication at different stages of dementia
3. Look into ways you can create a safe and supportive environment at home
4. Start researching legal and financial considerations for loved ones, including power of attorney.

Head to our Learning Center to dive deeper into these topics, or reach out to our team if you need support:

How to Help a Parent with Dementia After a Diagnosis Caring For a Parent with Dementia at Home: A Guide to Care & Support

🌟 Caregiver Tip Tuesday: Transitioning to CNA 🌟

Congratulations to Robin for achieving her CNA certification! 🎉 A special shout-out to her General Manager, who surprised her with a certificate of completion from TheKey as well! We are incredibly proud of you, Robin, and your desire to keep learning.

Thinking about becoming a CNA? If you are already an HHA, getting advanced medical training can be a driving factor in wanting to become a CNA. There are programs to become a CNA at local community colleges that last about 4–16 weeks.

Why should you get advanced training? You'll have more opportunities to work with clients beyond just companion care. CNAs are often involved in tracking vital signs, administering medications, and reporting a patient’s health condition changes. CNAs work in close collaboration with medical professionals to provide care.

Ready to join a team who values education and training? Apply today and enhance your career with TheKey. We're here to support your caregiver journey. https://thekey.la/jobs

Your satisfaction guaranteed--that's TheKey.

Over the past 20+ years, hundreds of thousands of families have trusted TheKey to care for their loved ones, helping us fulfill our mission to change the way the world ages at home.

We have spent years developing the skill of matching our clients to caregivers because we know the importance of a great match. Our goal is to always get it right the first time, but if a good match evolves into one where your family isn't satisfied, our Satisfaction Guarantee has got your back.

It's simple: If your loved one is not satisfied with their experience during the first month of service, we promise to find a new caregiver and waive the cost of the next shift.

Contact us today to get started. https://thekey.com/our-services

We love to spotlight our Caregivers of the Month! Congrats to Asia, Anitra, and Audrey. Each of these incredible individuals has gone above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing outstanding care to our clients.

Whether they are covering open shifts, making sure our clients never go without care, or creating opportunities to develop 1:1 connections with clients, they pay attention to the clients needs and giving them that extra confidence they need to be as independent as possible.

👏 Congratulations to each of you, and thank you for your hard work and inspiring efforts. Y

Want to join this dedicated team? Apply now and help us continue to provide excellent care and support in the communities we serve: https://thekey.la/jobs

Ready to check "Figure out Long-Term Care Insurance" off your to-do list? ✅

At TheKey, we know that long-term care insurance offers important financial relief to families, but can be overwhelming to navigate on your own.

That's where our Long-Term Care Center of Excellence can help. From starting care to filing claims to appealing denied care, our experienced team will be with you every step of the way.

Get in touch today or head to our Learning Center for resources to get started:

How to Use Long-Term Care Insurance to Help Pay for Home Care When and how do you activate a long-term care insurance policy to help pay for home care for your loved one? And what exactly does this insurance cover? Asking questions early on can make the process easier to navigate when you need it.

Thankful Thursday: Puppies Edition! 🐾

Throwing it back to one of our heart-melting moments recently - Puppy Adoption Day at one of our offices! 😍🐶 Seeing those wagging tails and happy faces reminded us of the joy and unconditional love pets bring into older adults lives.

We're so thankful for the opportunity to host such a meaningful event and for the forever homes found that day! A big thank you to everyone involved and to the adorable puppies who visited us, spreading cheer and cuddles.

What's the difference between TheKey's home care vs. our concierge nursing care* services?

1. Providers: Home Care is provided by caregivers that are trained and supervised by TheKey, while Concierge Nursing is provided by a private duty RN (registered nurse)
2. Type of Care: Home Care is non-medical services, while Concierge Nursing provides medical care at home.
3. Reasons for Care: Home Care is perfect for those seeking companionship, personal care, and memory care at home, while Concierge Nursing is best for complex cases, care after surgery or hospitalization, or when your loved one's illness progresses.

Need help deciding which service is right for you or your loved one? Contact us today: https://thekey.com/skilled-nursing

*Available in select states, contact TheKey for details.

🌟 Tuesday Tip for Caregivers! 🌟

Thank you Mansi for coming to train one of our teams recently on caregiver safety!

Missed our last training session? Don’t worry! Here’s a few quick tips to help:

1. Prioritize your safety: Always put your own safety first.
2. Assess the environment: Look for potential hazards and keep the environment free of clutter.
3. Use proper lifting techniques: Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs to lift.

Be sure to watch for upcoming training opportunities, and remember, every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Do you know the long-term effects of insomnia on older adults?

We all know that sleep is important, but you may not be aware of the health issues that insomnia can cause, especially in older adults. In addition to daily symptoms of fatigue and brain fog, long-term consequences include:

😴 Increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
😴 Existing health conditions to get worse.
😴 Cognitive decline, including impaired memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities.
😴 Increased risk of dementia.
😴 Impaired balance and increased risk of falls and injuries.
😴 Weakened immune system.
😴 Depression and anxiety.

The good news is that insomnia and sleep struggles can be addressed at any age. Head to our Learning Center to find out more:

Insomnia in Seniors: Addressing the Issue and Improving Senior Sleep Health Discover the serious impact of insomnia on seniors' health. Learn how to recognize symptoms, identify causes, and find practical solutions for better sleep.

Big Thanks to All Our Caregivers! 👏👏👏

Your dedication is why our clients leave such positive reviews. You make all the difference, and we're so grateful for you.

Inspired to join our team? We're looking for compassionate individuals ready to make a positive impact. Apply now and let’s keep changing the way the world ages together: https://thekey.la/jobs

🎉Celebrating 20 Years with Melody! 🌟

Today, we are overflowing with gratitude as we celebrate an incredible milestone - 20 years of service from our very own Melody! Melody has worked as a caregiver, manager, and held other vital positions. We all thank you for your dedication to our clients, caregivers, and team.

Inspired by Melody's journey? Join our team and become part of a community that values dedication, growth, and compassion. Apply now and let's make a difference together. https://thekey.la/jobs

This 💚 World Mental Health Day 💚, we're focusing on the mental health struggles that can come with retirement.

For individuals who spent their life working, retiring can be a bittersweet change. They may find themselves enjoying the free time, but struggling with isolation from their community or a loss of purpose and direction. It can be easy for depression and loneliness to take over.

How can you help? Check on your retired loved ones regularly. Encourage them to find friends or activities that keep them active and engaged in life. Looking for more resources to help? Visit our Learning Center for more tips on aging well: https://thekey.com/learning-center

Have you thought about what it means to be lonely? Loneliness is much more than just being physically alone. It involves feeling insignificant, ignored, and isolated. In addition, it can cause or worsen:

👉 Depression
👉 Anxiety
👉 Dementia
👉 and Falling Risks

With 43% of older adults reporting feeling lonely, companion care can be a valuable resource. Our caregivers provide companionship during everyday interactions, such as going on an outing together, connecting through conversation, and assisting with household tasks and errands. This helps your loved one feel seen and connected and relieves loneliness.

How could companion care benefit your parent as they age? Find out in our Learning Center:

Seniors and Loneliness: How can your loved one benefit from companion care? Senior loneliness is a serious issue that negatively impacts physical and mental health. Learn more about how in-home companion care services keep seniors safe, engaged, and joyful.

🏠 Caregiver Tuesday Tip: Path to Home Health Aide Certification!

Are you interested in becoming a compassionate caregiver as a Certified Home Health Aide (HHA)? At TheKey, we'll help you on your way, but here's how to pave your way towards making a meaningful impact on people's lives in their homes:

Training Program: Enroll in a accredited HHA training program that meets your state's certification requirements.

Get Hands-on Experience: Find opportunities for practical experience, often a part of your training course, to gain confidence and hone your skills. At TheKey, we even have programs for on the job training.

Master the Exam: Study and prepare for your home health aide competency exam—both the written test and in some places, the practical demonstration.

Stay Informed and Compassionate: Continue learning about new home health care techniques and approaches, and always bring empathy and understanding to your clients’ homes.

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career where you bring healthcare and heart into the homes of those in need. Apply today to begin a rewarding career with TheKey. https://thekey.la/jobs

When you choose to work with Home Care Assistance, you get so much more than a caregiver. You get a full team of highly qualified care professionals. Not only do we work with you to ensure the perfect caregiver is selected, we create detailed plans to ensure the best care, help you find local professionals in your community and are available 24/7 to address any needs you or your loved one may have. Above all else, our job is to ensure the aging journey is a smooth one and that you are entirely satisfied with the care you receive from us. Have questions? We're always here to help.

When you need or anticipate needing more care for your aging parent than you or your family can provide, it may be time to consider enlisting outside help. It's good to know the support options available if and when you need it, including in-home caregivers, adult day care, respite care and VA Aid and Attendance (for qualified veterans and their spouses). And if you choose to explore in-home caregiving, we're here to answer your questions and support you in any way we can. We can even walk you through the pros and cons of hiring caregiver yourself vs. working with a private agency. Give us a call anytime.

Experts estimate that 6 in 10 family caregivers of adults age 50 or over also work outside the home, essentially juggling two jobs. If this is something you can relate to, here are 5 ways to balance the demands of both. One place to start is to consider talking to your employer about your situation and what support may be available at work.

Read more: https://homecareassistance.com/blog/five-ways-balance-work-caregiving

Our proprietary Balanced Care Method touts the benefits of aerobic exercise as being important for good health as we age. Walking is an excellent way to work in some aerobic exercise. Even short walks, when taken regularly, can be very beneficial to one's physical and mental health. Crave more variety? Summer is a great time to fit in more aerobic exercise. Gardening, golfing and swimming are all excellent choices. And if the weather is inclement, light housework is considered aerobic. Want something more fun? Dancing counts too! Happy moving this summer!

Coffee lovers rejoice! According to researchers, your morning cup of Joe may decrease your risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. And there's evidence it can protect against Parkinson's and liver disease and lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes and stroke. The good news is not limited to coffee... studies have found many of the benefits are related to caffeine and not just coffee. Of course, your should always rely on your P*P for recommendations on what's right for you, but all things being equal, it's great to know that one of life's simple pleasures -- a warming mug of coffee or tea -- is probably doing more than just your spirits.

https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/caffeine-and-its-health-effects

As with most medical conditions, the earlier you detect Alzheimer's, the sooner you can take action. In this article, we detail 12 early signs… and help you determine if a symptom is a normal sign of aging or something more serious.

https://homecareassistance.com/blog/spot-early-signs-alzheimers

How do you enlist your loved one's cooperation when s/he is resistant to care? Here are 5 things that may help: (1) Keep them involved in the decision, acknowledging their wishes and concerns, (2) Consider a trial period so your loved one gets to experience care and its potential benefits before deciding, (3) Bring in another perspective, which could include a sibling, close friend or medical provider, (4) Give them a list of ways that the care can benefit them and (5) Be patient and remain positive. Often it takes more than one conversation to arrive at the best solution that everyone can agree to. Need help with a loved one resisting home care?

We can help. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/caring-for-the-elderly/art-20048403

In light of it being Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, check out this Mind Fit episode from Home Care Assistance. In this 30 minute video, you'll find 5 stimulating games. Join the fun and play along… while you also exercise your brain. These exercises show Cognitive Therapy in action, a technique our caregivers provide as part of our Balanced Care Method.

To learn more, contact us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpxIB8RU3Vs&list=PLkN9zF6vSOnqk6rc-lahIHOTjViY4Lmfo&index=5

Whether your loved one lives across town or hundreds of miles away, at some point, many adult children consider whether their aging parent(s) should move in with them. Having your parent in your home may make it easier to manage care. It can also be more cost effective than other options such as assisted living. If you choose to have your parent live with you, advance planning is key. How accessible is your home environment? How will you divide household costs and chores? How will decisions get made and conflicts resolved? How will care be provided as your parent's needs increase? Advanced planning and strong communication can help make this a successful transition and positive living situation for all involved.

Balance Care Method Basics: Social ties help keep us healthy by making us feel connected, reducing depression and keeping stress in check. It's important for seniors to have stimulating conversations every day if feasible. Daily phone calls and emails are an important part of a routine. And virtual or face-to-face visits with friends and family as often as possible help keep social ties strong. All our caregivers are trained in the Balanced Care Method, which includes initiating stimulating conversations and encouraging your loved one to engage with others whenever possible. For more on the BCM, contact us anytime.

Looking for fun, safe ways to celebrate Father's Day with your aging dad? Here are 6 great ideas to consider: (1) Plan a picnic at a favorite park or a family BBQ in the back yard, (2) Take a walk outside at a place he loves or, if the weather is stormy, walk at a mall or covered shopping plaza, (3) Watch his favorite classic movie, (4) Gather his loved ones to play cards or board games, (5) Take a virtual museum tour to a place that would interest him or (6) Ask him to tell stories about his past. Start by asking a question like who was his best friend in school or how he met the love of his life. No matter how you choose to celebrate, enjoy this special time with your dad. And Happy Father's Day to all the special men in our lives!

Communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer's can be challenging and even downright frustrating. Here are 3 strategies that are known to help: (1) When greeting your loved one, use your name. For example, "Hi Mom. It's me, Janie." (2) Stick to one subject at a time when talking. Often our adult conversations are fluid, bouncing from topic to topic depending on the thoughts of participants. For those with memory challenges, staying focused on one topic helps minimize confusion. (3) Validate what your loved ones say even when their statements are clearly inaccurate. They no doubt believe what they are saying is true, and correcting them can be upsetting and confusing. Let them tell the story that's swimming through their head and listen without expectations.

"My mother, who has severe dementia, returned to her senior community after a major fall and some rehab. She still needed extra TLC upon her return, and Home Care Assistance was the only local organization that worked to get their caregivers to fit the schedule I wanted for my mother 7 days a week. My mother's main caregiver is a true superstar - she never fails to make my mother smile, and her attention to detail with my mother is phenomenal. I couldn't ask for anyone better. " ~Linda S.

According to AARP, 87% of adults over the age of 65 want to stay in their current home or community as they age. The people who successfully age in place tend to be those who plan ahead. One of the best ways to jumpstart planning is through conversations between seniors and their families. These can be initiated by the adult children or the parents, but a good rule of thumb is to start talking sooner rather than later, ideally when parents reach age 70.

You'll find lots of helpful tips and ideas for aging in place in this blog post: https://homecareassistance.com/blog/help-elderly-parents-live-at-home

Have you heard what's making a come back? Pen pals! The pandemic started the trend but interest has snowballed over the past year. Receiving a personal handwritten letter is one of the great joys in life. And writing letters has many cognitive benefits. You can find a pen pal for yourself or your loved one by joining a Facebook group. Three groups to try: Pen Pals for Seniors, Pen Pals for Seniors and Youth and Adopt-Senior! Virtual Pen Pals for Seniors.

You can also sign up for a penpal on this website: https://www.phinneycenter.org/pen-pal/