Golden Horizons Elder Care Services blog. Senior in-home health care companions, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, elderly healthy tips, community involvement and other topics.

Golden Nuggets, April 2017

4/7/2017

A publication of Golden Horizons Elder Care Services.

A Message from the President & VP

It’s hard to believe that April is finally here, the saying “April showers bring May flowers” is holding true. Although we look forward to warmer weather, we are thankful for the rain. Warm weather, rain, flowers, these things remind me spring is here, the season of rebirth and new life. Spring to me represents hope and reminds me to stay positive and thankful in all

things. Your attitude affects every aspect of your life - health, relationships, success. Keep a positive attitude this spring!
~ Lisa Gradzewicz, President

Spring has arrived and Easter is around the corner. I’m excited for warmer weather, flowers, easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, jelly beans. Most importantly, I look forward to the family time that such a holiday affords. Family is one of things I treasure most in life...Speaking of family, we have a new member of the Golden Horizons family:

Nameless. Our fish naming contest is extended through April! Please get your name submissions in so we can give Nameless a proper GHECS welcome. Enjoy your family time, enjoy your spring! Happy Easter! ~ Megan Gradzewicz, VP

Caregivers, Take Care of Yourselves!

As the days become longer and temperatures begin to rise, I find myself letting out a long sigh of relief. Finally, I can spend some much anticipated time outdoors where I can get some exercise, both physically and mentally. Taking a long walk down a nature trail is both good for the body and good for the soul. The blanket of quiet that falls all around can ground our minds and focus our
thoughts. Remember that as caregivers, it is so important to take care of ourselves, as well as our clients. I’m giving everyone homework for the month of April…. Find some time to spend on yourself, and go OUTSIDE! ~ Sarah White, Director of Client Services

Caregiver of the Month - April 2017: Carol Ann C.

Carol Ann has been part of the Golden Horizons family for years, first joining our team in February 2013. In her time with us, we have found a her to be a kindred spirit. Carol Ann has a knack for making someone smile, even on the gloomiest of days. Her work ethic drives her to provide the best care for her clients; she often goes above and beyond to help them with all their needs. Carol Ann is a wonderful asset to Golden Horizons. Thank you or all your hard work and Congratulations!

Contest Extended: Let’s Name Nameless!

Help me find a name please!

Last month, we introduced you to Nameless, our new mascot. Nameless is still sad. Why you ask? Because he is still nameless. We are extending our contest through April. Last month, we had few entries and some duplicates. In an effort to diversify the

name options for Nameless, we have extended the contest. First, second and third place winners will be announced in May’s edition of our Golden Nuggets. Help us make him happy!
***Submit your names to us via phone: 860-388-1788,
email: caitlin@goldenhorizonseldercare.com

Life Lessons with our Clients: Mr. W.
“The only way to be popular in life is to be mediocre.”

Phone Scams & Safety Precautions

On March 21, NBC Connecticut ran a story warning residents in East Lyme and the surrounding areas about a surge in phone scams. A gentleman in East Lyme received a call from someone identifying themselves as a United States Marshall, and threatening to arrest him for not reporting for jury duty. His suspicians were raised when the alleged officer offered to “settle it another way”. Police are warning residents to not give away any personal information - bank accounts or social security numbers.

People lose money every year to phone scams, from a few dollars to whole life savings. Elderly persons are sometimes especially preyed upon. Callers may offer free prizes, low risk investments, pose as someone from a company you trust, or any other number of ways to get you to trust them. Their goal is to get your money. They don’t want to give you time to think about what they are pitching. Some will make small talk with you, others will pressure you to say yes and/or reveal or confirm your personal information. Anyone is a target and we have to be on our guard.

If you receive a call, ask yourself /them questions like: “If it’s free, why are they asking me to pay?”, What’s the hurry?”, Why am I “confirming” my account information, or giving it out?”, If you suspect a scam caller, report the call and the number to the Federal Trade Commission, call the police and NEVER give out your personal information. Keep your money and identity safe.
Sources: “East Lyme Police Warn About Phone Scam With Scammer
Posing As U.S. Marshal”, Heather Burian, www.nbcconnecticut.com;
”Phone Scams”, Consumer Information, www.consumer.ftc.gov.

Spring Cleaning Safety

We all love spring! With it comes the promise of warmer weather, vibrant wildlife, aromatic flowers, new growth. It also prompts many of us to throw open our windows, let in the fresh air and commence with our spring cleaning. Spring cleaning can involve heavy lifting,
stir up a lot of dust and other situations necessitating an
assessment of our safety. Here are some tips:
- Smoke Alarms: Make sure they are working. They should be tested each month, and have a fresh battery once a year. If they make a chirping sound, replace the battery. Place one alarm in each bedroom and common area and each level of the home.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Safety precautions are the same as smoke alarms. Each CO Alarm should be located in a central area outside each bedroom and on each level of the home.
- When dusting/vaccuuming wear a mask to reduce your breathing in all the dust stirred up.
- Review your family safety plan in the event of fire, flood or other emergency. Make sure your first aid kit and emergency kits are stocked and updated.
Source: “Spring: A Great Time to Review Your Safety Checklist”,
National Safety Council, www.nsc.org

Oh Happy Easter: Spring is Here!

Down
1. Sweet brown treats
2. “April Showers bring May ________”
4. “________Equinox”: Scientific term for first day of spring
5. Color of grass
6. Delivers colored eggs
7. Yellow marshmallow birds
10. Looking for colored round items
13. 5th Month of the year
15. Gentle rains

Across
1. Baby hens
3. To blossom
8. 4th Month of the year
9. Dyed eliptical objects
11. Gentle wind
12. Baby sheep
14. JellyBelly are the most famous