SYNERGY HomeCare of North Atlanta The highest quality in-home senior care. Available 24/7 to serve your non-medical needs. Dedicated care for your loved ones. Mon, 17 Feb 2025 19:31:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 The Golden Population: Caring for Our Aging Parents https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/knowledge-center/2025/02/17/the-golden-population-caring-for-our-aging-parents/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:11:26 +0000 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/?p=850 Sue McCormick, owner of SYNERGY HomeCare of North Atlanta, joined Elizabeth Pehrson, host of the On Purpose Podcast to offer guidance on caring for aging parents. With more than 17 years of experience, Sue affectionately calls seniors the “Golden Population,” emphasizing that they should be honored and respected. Her passion stems from both professional experience...

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Sue McCormick, owner of SYNERGY HomeCare of North Atlanta, joined Elizabeth Pehrson, host of the On Purpose Podcast to offer guidance on caring for aging parents. With more than 17 years of experience, Sue affectionately calls seniors the “Golden Population,” emphasizing that they should be honored and respected.

Her passion stems from both professional experience and helping her own parents age in place. She believes seniors thrive when they have a sense of purpose, encouraging caregivers to engage them in meaningful ways, from small daily activities to community events like the Golden Gala she organized, featuring dance lessons and social engagement.

SYNERGY HomeCare owner on podcast: The Exchange Cumming

Sue’s Top Advice

Be proactive. Many families wait too long to ask for help, leading to unnecessary stress and resentment. She suggests watching for signs like parents having trouble with daily tasks. When care is needed, resources like placement companies, elder advisors, and services like Meals on Wheels can help.

Since most seniors prefer to age at home, SYNERGY HomeCare of North Atlanta offers flexible support, from occasional help to 24-hour live-in care. Planning ahead—both emotionally and financially—ensures aging parents receive the care they need while allowing families to focus on what matters most: their relationship.

Listen to the full podcast here: https://theexchangeus.org/podcast

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SYNERGY HomeCare of North Atlanta offers no obligation home assessments. Contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.

770-777-4781 770-777-4781

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Home Care in a COVID World! https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/knowledge-center/2020/11/04/home-care-in-a-covid-world/ Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/2020/11/04/home-care-in-a-covid-world/ During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many families weigh options for long term care for their loved ones.  The risks of moving a senior to a facility when the senior community has been especially hit hard by COVID-19 is extremely stressful.  Taking measures to isolate and significantly limit exposure is challenging for seniors who benefit from socialization and need help with daily living activities or supervision because of cognitive impairments. 

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During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many families weigh options for long term care for their loved ones.  The risks of moving a senior to a facility when the senior community has been especially hit hard by COVID-19 is extremely stressful.  Taking measures to isolate and significantly limit exposure is challenging for seniors who benefit from socialization and need help with daily living activities or supervision because of cognitive impairments. 

More than 40% of all US COVID-19 deaths involve skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This is causing families to think more seriously about moving their loved ones home. In fact, over 50% of family members are now more likely to choose in-home care for their loved ones than the number of families who made this choice before the coronavirus.

Nearly 2 in 10 Americans aged 70 and older face challenges in accomplishing daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, ambulating, preparing meals, or grocery shopping independently. These challenges can pose significant risks to health and quality of life unless the seniors receive support from family members, caregivers, or other community resources. 

Traditionally, many families have looked to senior living facilities to ensure their aging loved ones received the level of care they needed to remain safe and healthy. However, with healthcare agencies like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) telling us that COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, and the recognition that this makes some senior living communities riskier environments, thoughts on aging in place are shifting. 

This is not a decision to make lightly, and families need to realize that remaining at home also poses risks for seniors who need support with ADLs. Without proper home care assistance from a trained professional by a licensed home care company, like Synergy Homecare, some patients are in danger of risk from an injury that can lead to more serious and expensive care is necessary. 

Home care is often less costly than moving a loved one to a senior living facility. This is because, with homecare, you only pay for the hours and services your loved one needs. For many seniors, home care can accommodate them and provide the safe and comfortable home environment that they need. Contact Synergy Homecare today to speak with an intake specialist.  We are happy to help answer any questions you have.

 

 

 

 

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Isolation & Seniors during COVID-19 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/knowledge-center/2020/09/30/isolation-seniors-during-covid-19/ Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/2020/09/30/isolation-seniors-during-covid-19/ The pandemic has been difficult and stressful for us all, but add isolation and confusion to the already vulnerable senior population, the combination can be volatile. Inflicting fear and anxiety in anyone, seniors have higher risk factors and the global impact forces strict social distancing on everyone, especially at senior living communities. The social isolation, although beneficial from a health standpoint, has now affected the senior community with a major psychological impact. Risk factors for social isolation include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress-induced illness, suicidal ideation and substance abuse.

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The pandemic has been difficult and stressful for us all, but add isolation and confusion to the already vulnerable senior population, the combination can be volatile. Inflicting fear and anxiety in anyone, seniors have higher risk factors and the global impact forces strict social distancing on everyone, especially at senior living communities. The social isolation, although beneficial from a health standpoint, has now affected the senior community with a major psychological impact. Risk factors for social isolation include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress-induced illness, suicidal ideation and substance abuse.

Stress and anxiety, for example, has been proven to weaken the immune system, which is tragic amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The double-edged sword between isolation for COVID-19 prevention, and at the same time needing to prevent seniors from actively engaging within their communities and families can create a very quick decline in the health of seniors.  Fortunately, there are proven ways for families and senior living communities to rally against social isolation to decrease the psychological risk factors.

Seniors who add structure to a day to encourage scheduling routines and schedules help the mind and body. Creating a specific time for meals and focusing on their preparation and enjoyment can add many smiles. Finding a specific time to go outdoors to enjoy a socially distanced walk, spending some time in the garden, and bird watching are just a few examples to keep psychological risks at bay. Additionally, physical activities which include low-impact aerobics activities and yoga can make a big impact on the state of mind by releasing endorphins. A busy mind is a happy mind and everyone, regardless of age, can take advantage of making a few small changes in their daily routine to enjoy the beauty of life and surrounding world.

At times, the distance between families is represented in more than just miles between physical locations. The global pandemic has proven this to be true. Families are forced to stay far from their loved ones, many who might be just a few miles apart from each other due to illnesses or health conditions that are highly susceptible to COVID-19. Contacting and partnering with a home care agency, who prides themselves with taking necessary precautions, like always wearing proper PPE, performing a survey proving the caregiver is healthy to work prior to beginning each shift, and implementing the highest standard of cleanliness can be highly beneficial to seniors isolated and needing companion care. Synergy HomeCare is a great option for these seniors during these unprecedented challenging times.

 

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MEET MARGOT ROSS, 107 years old and still going Synergy Strong! https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/knowledge-center/2020/07/07/meet-margot-ross-107-years-old-and-still-going-synergy-strong/ Tue, 07 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/2020/07/07/meet-margot-ross-107-years-old-and-still-going-synergy-strong/ Synergy HomeCare was honored to care for Margot Ross, an extraordinary woman who tells her story to Sue McCormick, co-owner of Synergy HomeCare North Atlanta.

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Margot Ross, born 3/25/1913

When I first met Margot Ross and discovered that she was 107 years old, I thought I heard her wrong. She appears to be in her 80’s! She still walks up and down the steps to her bedroom each day, has an excellent memory, a sharp wit and loves to talk and reminisce about her life. I will do my best to put her life as she tells it down on paper so that everyone reading can be as touched as I was after meeting such an extraordinary woman.

Margot was born in 1913 as Margot Neuwirth. She had a sister Lily and after her parents split, she moved into her grandparents home with her Mom and sister. Her German roots run deep and she told a story of her Great Grandfather, who hid from Napolean’s army in a wine barrel.   She lived through both great wars and as a teenager protested against the Hitler regime. She was an avid downhill skier and often skied the Alps given they were so close to Munich. As a matter of fact, she sadly remembers the day she took off her skis for the last time in St. Moritz at the young age of 81 due to a bad knee that she later had replaced at age 90! At the time of her knee replacement in 2003, she was the oldest person to have this surgery.

In her early 20’s in Frankfurt, she met her husband, Frank Ross. Frank was born in 1898 in Frankfurt, Germany, and was 15 years her senior.   He was a talented artist to the dismay of his family because they wanted him to take over the family textile business.   For two years, he served in WW I in Russia, returned to Germany where he met Margot and then in 1935, Margot followed him to Positano, Italy where he joined an artist colony that led to a one-man art show in New York City in the late 1930’s.  Given the unrest in Europe during this period, his move came at a perfect time for the young couple.   Frank, who passed away in 1992, often told the story of his first voyage to NYC where he traveled first class and had the pleasure of meeting Franklin Roosevelt’s mother.  

Margot shortly thereafter joined Frank in New York City where he continued his art study and career. She remembers reading paperback novels before her voyage in English to teach herself the language and during her early years in the US, Margot was often using words that had a romantic slant in her dialect. This resulted in a running joke with her friends.  

Margot and Frank married on May 13, 1940 after one earlier failed attempt of marriage due to the laws of New York in that era requiring a period of time that one cannot marry after being divorced (Frank was divorced).   Margot fondly remembers having the marriage celebration anyway and then having another one on the day they actually did marry. In 1943, their first child Frances was born and then later in 1948, their second daughter, Bonnie was born.  

Upon becoming parents, Frank and Margot decided they needed a second source of reliable income, other than his paintings. Frank reconnected with his family business because his parents had passed and he began to design sketches for the textile business that he and his sister inherited.   His intricate designs were a big success and he and Margot both worked in textile and clothing design for decades in addition to creating his art. While raising two daughters, Margot worked and designed a line of what she called “spectator sport wear” or in today’s world, casual wear. A head for business is one of the things that has kept Margot’s mind so sharp and one of the things that she dearly misses is reading the New York Times each morning and following the activity in the stock market. Macular degeneration has impaired her vision to the point that she can no longer read.  Additionally, she has fragile skin, but amazingly remains in good health, particularly for her age.

Margot pictured with her daughter Bonnie at her Long Island Home on July 4th, 2020.

In 1950, Margot and Frank purchased a home on Long Island that she still owns today. She summers on the island with her daughter Bonnie, and son in law, Russ Walker, who live in Georgia and was planning on returning to her beloved home 2 days after our interview. Enjoying her time with her daughter at the Long Island home is very enjoyable for Margot. Unfortunately, Margot’s summer visit has been delayed this year due to COVID-19, but she gets a twinkle in her eye each time she talks about her beautiful home on the island. She described the homestead to me in vivid detail, from the construction, the views and even the flowers and is eagerly waiting to see her home again. The view from her front porch looks over the sound and you can see Connecticut on a clear day. When not in Long Island, she resides with her daughter and son in law in their Georgia home, and has an amazing caregiver, Robin Pressley, with Synergy HomeCare.

Margot pictured with her daughter Bonnie and son in law Russ

When I asked Margot about her favorite memories, she said skiing with her children in St. Moritz and traveling the world with her husband topped the list. Margot’s favorite food memory is the Hasen Braten and Stolten that her Mom and Grandmother used to cook. To this day, she still has family in Germany, with descendants from her sister Lily, including a nephew and grand nephews in Munich.   She also fondly remembers St. Nicholas Day on December 6th, where she and her sister would put their shoes out in hopes they would be filled with treats. Also, Margot loved getting dressed up at Christmas and going on an excursion such as the Zoo with her Granddad, and then returning to a fully decorated Christmas tree and gifts under the tree. Unfortunately, Margot’s oldest daughter Frances, passed away in 1997 from breast cancer but she is fortunate to have her daughter, Bonnie as well as her two grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, who do a wonderful job helping care for her.

Margot pictured with her Synergy caregiver, Robin Pressley and Synergy Co-Owner, Sue McCormick

Synergy HomeCare has had the distinct pleasure of caring for Margot Ross over the last year and we are honored to be able to spend time with such an amazing woman. Thank you to both Margot and her daughter, Bonnie for giving us this opportunity and we wish the best to Margot on her trip back to her beloved home on Long Island.   In closing, I’ve quoted George Jung — ‘May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face. And may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars.’

 

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Synergy HomeCare is Here for You! https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/knowledge-center/2020/05/13/synergy-homecare-is-here-for-you/ Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/2020/05/13/synergy-homecare-is-here-for-you/ In many areas of the country, there is discussion about slowly reopening cities, towns and states.As we begin to evolve to business as usual, SYNERGY HomeCare  is ready to serve you and your loved ones with in-home care from professional caregivers.

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In many areas of the country, there is discussion about slowly reopening cities, towns and states. As we begin to evolve to business as usual, SYNERGY HomeCare  is ready to serve you and your loved ones with in-home care from professional caregivers.

You may have concerns about your aging parents and loved ones not getting the care they need during the coronavirus pandemic. Staying at home is the safest solution for your loved ones who are elderly or who have underlying health issues. In-home care minimizes the risk of coronavirus with one-on-one care by caregivers who practice social distancing and wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) such as masks, gloves and gown while practicing handwashing, including the use of hand sanitizer.

Adult children of aging parents use SYNERGY HomeCare’s services to check in on their elderly parents who are living alone and may be in need of extra assistance. We tidy their homes, prepare meals, do laundry, grocery shop and offer companionship. Not only does this help their loved ones, it helps them too, as we provide updates about their loved ones. This communication provides peace of mind like no other. And this kind of care alleviates isolation for lonely seniors and gives them something to look forward to.

Parents who are managing a household with small children or kids with disabilities are seeking an extra hand to manage and care for them as they work from home. Preparing meals, light housekeeping, laundry and companionship are among some of the most valued services by parents who are trying to maintain their homes and sanity while navigating lockdown.

Whatever your situation may be, we want you to know that we are here for you, right now! All it takes is a phone call and we can arrange services for you or a loved one immediately. You can trust SYNERGY HomeCare to provide home care services that will provide peace of mind for you and a new outlook for your loved one(s).

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Chante Lucas: Caregiver of the Year 2019 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/knowledge-center/2020/01/08/chante-lucas-caregiver-of-the-year-2019/ Wed, 08 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/2020/01/08/chante-lucas-caregiver-of-the-year-2019/

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CHANTE LUCAS named as Synergy HomeCare North Atlanta’s 2019 CAREGIVER of the YEAR!

Pictured here with Owner’s Stacy Fotos and Sue McCormick, we are honored to have Chante Lucas as part of our Caregiver Team.  She has worked with us since February of 2018 and has gone above and beyond on EVERY single client that she works with.  Her infectious smile and ability to do her job with ease and a sense of calm while providing extensive knowledge about her trade has proven to make her one of the caregivers who gets requested back from each of our clients.

In April of 2019, she was chosen as one of the team of caregivers to provide 24/7 care for Owner, Sue’s Mom.  Of course, working directly in your employer’s home can be intimidating but Chante took the task on with complete professionalism.  “Her serene manner and constant proactiveness to make my Mom as comfortable as possible was a sight to behold and gave me an understanding of our industry and how compassionate one must be to provide this type of care” says Owner, Sue McCormick.  

We wanted to thank you, Chante, for the care and compassion that you show to each and every one of your clients.  We are extremely fortunate to have you as part of the Synergy Care Team and want to congratulate you as the Synergy Homecare North Atlanta Caregiver of the Year for 2019.

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Meet the Mayers: Lorene and Lou https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/knowledge-center/2019/09/18/meet-the-mayers-lorene-and-lou/ Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/2019/09/18/meet-the-mayers-lorene-and-lou/ A love story that It was on the east side of Birmingham, Alabama in 1948,  that a beautiful young teen girl named Lorene peered over the balcony of her neighborhood recreation center during the weekly dance event when a young handsome man caught her eye.

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It Started in 1948 in Birmingham

It was on the east side of Birmingham, Alabama in 1948,  that a beautiful young teen girl named Lorene peered over the balcony of her neighborhood recreation center during the weekly dance event when a young handsome man caught her eye. This wasn’t the first time she had seen  Lou as they went to Woodland high school at the same time.  However, Lou left high school early during WWII to enlist in the Military during his senior year. Lorene recalls Lou looking handsome in his Patrol hat when he made his return, but they didn’t talk much then. That evening though everything would change.

Smiling, Lorene turned to her friend and said, “Doris, I want to meet him, he is so cute.” Doris replied, “Well that’s easy, he’s talking to my boyfriend!”
 
And as they say, the rest is history.

Lou and Lorene danced the evening away and they spent time together every night thereafter. The two would see each other every day until the day they got married except for the one time Lou was hospitalized for appendicitis.

One year after meeting each other, Lorene and Lou got married at Mount Signal Baptist Church in Mount Signal Alabama on June 3rd, 1949 by the same minister who baptized Lorene.  “We eloped.” Lorene recalls. “We had to hide it from my mom and dad for a long time, but after a while, I just didn’t care.”  

A very full blessed life followed including Six children, homes in Alabama, Memphis, Tenn., Rochester, N.Y, Decatur, GA., Tucker, Ga., Stone Mt, Ga. and Peachtree Corners, Ga.  They are also the proud grandparents to 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren.  They ran their own successful business together for over 35 years.
 
Fast forward seventy years later:

Sitting in the living room of their beautiful home in Peachtree Corners Georgia, Lorene is wearing a denim button-down with flower embellishments over a pair of loose-fit denim jeans and a pair of white converse. Her short silver curly hair is fixed out of her face and with a twinkle in her bright green  eyes, she looked over at the man, she lovingly calls “Bub”  lounging in his  chair and states proudly, “I was hooked.”
 
The secret to 70 years? Family and Faith

I asked Lorene what the secret to seventy years was and she said:  
“Faith and Family…. We’re blessed and we feel like every day is a blessing and as long as we feel like that, we’re okay. I feel like every day that I have him with me is a blessing and although he can’t always put things in words, I feel like he feels the same way.”

The church was always a big part of their marriage and family life.  After their children had grown and left home, they remained very active and even helped to start a seed church.  Many of their social activities revolved around their Sunday School Class.

When I asked Lorene, what life was like 70 years ago, she laughed emphatically and said, “Life was about having children”  

Celebrating Seven Decades of Love:

To celebrate their 70-year anniversary, the family came together and headed to the Varsity for a day of fun.

Remembering the party, Lorene said, “It was so fun. We had the party at the Varsity and we had this big room, so the children could just run around and everybody got whatever food they wanted. It worked out great. Pops loves their hot dogs.”

She said, “It takes people like us to keep the Varsity alive,” referencing the one in Alpharetta that closed down.
 
There were some moments of hardship:

In 2011, Lou was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and it was a shock to the Mayer household, but through it all, their love still has stayed strong.  His Parkinson’s has progressed slowly in part to his great medical care at the VA and support from his family and Synergy caregivers.
 
And instead of focusing on the bad, Lorene tries to stay focused on the beautiful life the two of them have shared and continue to share in their own home.

Lorene ponders and gets up from her chair to open the cabinet full of their photo albums stating, “We’ve done a lot of things and we’ve had a lot of fun. We have memories that keep us going every day.”

While Lou doesn’t  talk too much, he is still very protective over his wife and as Lorene drags out a photo album to share with Sue and me, he whispers lovingly, “you can’t carry that.” Lorene doesn’t hear him and standing at just under five feet she carries the album on over

Love isn’t the only thing they share:

When Lorene asked Lou’s mom what ‘Bubs’ birthday was, she reacted in disbelief. The dynamic duo shares the same birthday, August 12th just two years apart.  So every year the family gets to celebrate TWO birthdays on the same date August 12.  This year  Lou turned 91 and Lorene turned 89 and to celebrate their kids surprised them with a workday and hot dog roast at their house.

Lorene is grateful for the care that Synergy HomeCare North Atlanta provides for Lorene and Lou.  When Sue commented on the beauty of their home. Lorene responded,”We like it. We have more room than we need, but we like it.’ We have the porch and I just made a list of things that we’ve wanted to do that I’ve saved the money for.”   

Lorene and Lou share a fondness for the porch at their house and every time they go out she turns on his music. Noting the blazing Georgia heat, Lorene said, “We have to pick a time when it’s not too hot and humid, but he’s easy, he’s easy to please.”

Before we left, I asked Lorene to share some advice for people falling in love today:

“I think the first thing, make sure that you both care for each other, are loving, caring, you put the other one first with things you do… I think you have to love the other person and care for them.”
We are very grateful to Lorene and Lou, known to many as Memaw and Pop,  for welcoming us into their home and help them celebrate their seven decades of love. Thank you both for allowing Synergy to be a part of your great love story and we are excited to celebrate years to come.

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September 23rd is Falls Prevention Day https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/knowledge-center/2019/09/10/september-23rd-is-falls-prevention-day/ Tue, 10 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/2019/09/10/september-23rd-is-falls-prevention-day/

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Falls are common: Did you know that Falls are the leading cause of both fatal injury and nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults? Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. One in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year; 20% are injured. In 2015, the total cost of fall injuries was $50 billion; 75% paid by Medicare and Medicaid. Costs are expected to reach $101 billion by 2030. 

The Good News: Falls are predictable modifiable physical, behavioral, and environmental risk factors. Falls are largely preventable and everyone has a role to play and can make a difference within their own sphere of influence. 

The most common risk factors that can result in a fall: PHYSICAL RISK FACTORS: Changes in your body that increase your risk for a fall. BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTORS: Things we do or don’t do that increase our falls risk ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS: Hazards in our home or community 

What can you do at home? 

  1. Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Ask your older loved one if they’re concerned about falling. Many older adults recognize that falling is a risk, but they believe it won’t happen to them or they won’t get hurt—even if they’ve already fallen in the past. If they’re concerned about falling, dizziness, or balance, suggest that they discuss it with their health care provider who can assess their personal risk and suggest programs or services that could help. 
  2. Discuss their current health conditions. Find out if your older loved one is experiencing any problems with managing their own health. Are they having trouble remembering to take their medications—or are they experiencing side effects? Is it getting more difficult for them to do things they used to do easily? Are hearing and vision changes becoming problematic? Also make sure they’re taking advantage of all the preventive benefits now offered under Medicare, such as the Annual Wellness visit. Encourage them to speak openly with their health care provider about all of their concerns. 
  3. Ask about their last eye checkup. If your older loved one wears glasses, make sure they have a current prescription and they’re using the glasses as advised by their eye doctor. Remember that using tint-changing lenses can be hazardous when going from bright sun into darkened buildings and homes. A simple strategy is to change glasses upon entry or stop until their lenses adjust. Bifocals also can be problematic on stairs, so it’s important to be cautious. For those already struggling with low vision, consult with a low-vision specialist for ways to make the most of their eyesight. 
  4. Notice if they’re holding onto walls, furniture, or someone else when walking or if they appear to have difficulty walking or arising from a chair. These are all signs that it might be time to see a physical therapist. A trained physical therapist can help your older loved one improve their balance, strength, and gait through exercise. They might also suggest a cane or walker—and provide guidance on how to use these aids. Make 
  5. Ta track 

older loved one improve their balance, strength, and gait through exercise. They might also suggest a cane or walker—and provide guidance on how to use these aids. Make sure to follow their advice. Poorly fit aids actually can increase the risk of falling. 

  1. Talk about their medications. If your older loved one is having a hard time keeping track of medicines or is experiencing side effects, encourage them to discuss their concerns with their doctor and pharmacist. Suggest that they have their medications reviewed each time they get a new prescription. Also, beware of non-prescription medications that contain sleep aids—including painkillers with “PM” in their names. These can lead to balance issues and dizziness. If your older loved one is having sleeping problems, encourage them to talk to their doctor or pharmacist about safer alternatives. 
  2. Do a walk-through safety assessment of their home. There are many simple and inexpensive ways to make a home safer. For professional assistance, consult an Occupational Therapist. Here are some examples: o Increase lighting throughout the house, especially at the top and bottom of stairs. Ensure that lighting is readily available when getting up in the middle of the night. o Make sure there are two secure rails on all stairs. 

Bathrooms Install grab bars in the tub/shower and near the toilet. Make sure they’re installed where your older loved one would actually use them. For even greater safety, consider using a shower chair and hand-held shower 

Install handrails on outdoor steps 

Step transitions 

Install motion detection lighting 

Install smoke detectors Yard: Clean, organize and remove trash and yard debris ○ 

What are some Evidence-based Fall Preventions Programs? 

MATTER OF BALANCE: For adults with moderate to high falls risk. The program emphasizes practical coping tactics to reduce the fear of falling and teaches fall prevention strategies. Structured group intervention activities include group discussion, skill-building, and exercise training that can be done sitting. 

STEPPING ON: For adults with moderate to high falls risk. The program offers strategies and exercises to reduce falls and increase self-confidence in making decisions and behavioral change in situations where older adults are at risk of falling. Participants should feel safe standing and walking independently before beginning this program. 

TAI CHI: For adults with lower falls risk. Tai Chi programs help adults improve mobility, balance, strength, flexibility, and psychological health. Prior to starting Tai Chi, the participant should be able to stand on one leg for 5 or more seconds and not be fearful of falling. 

A Success Story: Sandy’s story centers around when she slipped and fell on ice when she was outside with her dog: Matter of Balance is an award-winning program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls. Hear more about her story here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Rji1bYPIw&feature=youtu.be 

Full list of programs and program details available at https://www.ncoa.org/resources/select-evidencebased-falls-prevention-programs/

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Meet our Caregiver of the Quarter: Mercy Brempong https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/knowledge-center/2019/08/28/meet-our-caregiver-of-the-quarter-mercy-brempong/ Wed, 28 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/2019/08/28/meet-our-caregiver-of-the-quarter-mercy-brempong/

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Mercy Brempong has been with SYNERGY HomeCare North Atlanta since March of 2018. Mercy was recently awarded Caregiver of the Quarter! SYNERGY HomeCare owner’s Stacy Fotos and Sue McCormick were able to know Mercy a little better. 

Mercy came to the United States from Ghana to visit a friend four years ago and decided to stay in the states in order to get a better education not only for herself but for her family.  She is now a Patient Care Technician! (PCT) and one of Synergy’s best caregivers providing excellent care for every Synergy client she meets.   Mercy plans to apply for US Citizenship, but she is required to live here in the States for at least five years before she is able to start this process. Her 5 year anniversary in the states is coming up very soon and we know she will be successful in her endeavors to be a US Citizen.

Her husband of 20 years, Owusu and her daughter, Precious, joined Mercy in The United States about a year ago so that their daughter could have more opportunities and also get a better education. Owusu was an English teacher when he lived in Ghana and currently works full time here in the states.  

 

Mercy’s daughter, Precious is fifteen and just started her junior year at McClure Health Science High School! She loves to read fiction and wants to be a doctor.  She is also very athletic and would like to be on the basketball team.  In Ghana, Precious had to go to private school because the public schools in Ghana are overcrowded and do not provide a very good education. Precious appreciates the transportation system that she has access to here because in Ghana she would have to walk to her private school every day. She said that even though it is hot in Ghana, she thinks it is hotter here in Atlanta.   Precious joined her Mom and Synergy owners for lunch as well and was able to give them a  glimpse of how very fortunate and grateful she feels for living here in the states.   Her name is truly fitting of her personality!

 

 

Mercy’s older daughter Candice is 22 years old. She still lives in Ghana with Mercy’s mother who is 84 years old.  Candice went to school to become a make-up artist, but it is very difficult to find work in Ghana.  Mercy is working on trying to get her daughter, Candice, to the United States, but it is a very lengthy process.  She is able to keep in constant contact with her daughter via video chat on What’s app.

Mercy is loved dearly by all of her clients and when we asked what caregiver tip she would like to pass on to other caregivers, her advice was “To Always Be Kind.  It is obvious to us that she takes her own advice with the incredible kindness and compassion she shows towards all of her clients.

Synergy HomeCare North Atlanta is so very lucky to have Mercy Brempong as a member of our caregiving team and we are proud to name her as our Caregiver of the Quarter for 2nd Quarter, 2019. 

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Smiling Senior Selfies spread awareness and support the fight to #ENDALZ https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/knowledge-center/2019/07/30/smiling-senior-selfies-spread-awareness-and-support-the-fight-to-endalz/ Tue, 30 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000 https://synergyhomecare.com/ga-alpharetta-30022/2019/07/30/smiling-senior-selfies-spread-awareness-and-support-the-fight-to-endalz/

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The staff of Synergy HomeCare North Atlanta hosted a Spectacular Senior Selfie Party on Friday, July 26th at the Cottonwood Estates to join the effort to end Alzheimer’s. For the July Selfie campaign, Synergy HomeCare will donate five dollars to the Alzheimer’s Association for the first 1,000 Senior Selfies posted on our Facebook page!

Sue, Layla, and Andrea of Synergy HomeCare North Atlanta set up a photo booth with fun props for the members of the community to take selfies with. The team had an absolute blast interacting with the residents of Cottonwood Estates and couldn’t wait to show off their Senior Selfies!

The campaign is designed to help seniors connect with their loved ones on Facebook and seniors are encouraged to use the hashtags #SeniorSelfie and #EndALZ on their Facebook posts.

“In the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, people lose the ability to smile,” said Cara Stein, a spokesperson for Synergy HomeCare. “SYNERGY HomeCare wants to save their smiles and their memories by raising awareness and money for continued research into this growing epidemic.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a group of symptoms. Worldwide, 50 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. There is a new Alzheimer’s case every 65 seconds and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the nation.

Join us in the campaign to #ENDALZ and post your very own senior selfie on our Facebook page!

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