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How the Prodigy Smart Toilet Increases Bathroom Independence

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

When you think of your bathroom routine, it can be difficult to imagine anything other than the basic steps you’ve been following since childhood. However, as we age and begin to experience mobility issues, the toilet can quickly become a difficult contraption prone to slips and falls. From sitting down to wiping clean, there are many variables that can turn our typical routine into a challenging experience and leave us wondering why our bathroom habits have stayed the same for so long.

Bio Bidet has recently developed a brand-new Smart Toilet designed to enhance your bathroom experience and increase independence every step of the way. Introducing the Prodigy Advanced Smart Toilet. Let’s take a look at the top 5 features that will make a change in your everyday life.

1. Expanded Comfort Seat

By expanding the front edges and increasing the total surface area of the seat, the Prodigy welcomes you to a comfortable trip to the bathroom every time. This exclusive design offers additional support for your legs and body, while the adjustable heated seat keeps you cozy during those cold winter months.

2. Auto Open/Close

Designed for an easy hands-free experience, the Prodigy P770 automatically opens and closes the lid when you enter or exit the bathroom. You can also control the seat and lid with the push of a button.

3. Dual Smart Flush

The Prodigy adjusts to your habits and automatically activates the proper size flush when necessary. No more twists and turns to wrap up your routine!

4. Luxury Bidet Controls

Say goodbye to toilet paper, and say hello to a cleaner, healthier lifestyle. The Prodigy features a stainless steel bidet nozzle that extends when you need it and retracts when you don’t. Personalize your cleaning experience with adjustable temperatures and spray controls, and finish up with the warm air dryer.

5.Wireless Remote

Effortlessly activate features and adjust your settings with the sleek and simple wireless remote control. Use the included bracket to mount your remote to the wall and have easy access to every function.

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Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most
Home ImprovementsSafety & Fall Prevention

Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

On average, people use the toilet at least 6 times a day. It is one of the most basic activities in life and is also one of the most common reasons for seniors to start losing their independence. As we age, cognitive and balance issues can make going to the bathroom difficult and in some cases, even dangerous. Seniors all over the world are now turning to the bidet for help. Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most

What is a bidet?

Bidets have long been known as a hands-free way to wash sensitive areas with a stream of water. When using a bidet, there is no need to bend or twist your body to wipe. The bidet’s cleansing stream of water will do all the cleanup with little to no need to dry yourself.

Improves cleanliness

Seniors often experience a lack of proper cleanliness due to an inability to wipe after using the toilet. Bidets offer a cleansing spray of water for cleanup, only needing a small pat to dry off. Some bidets will even include dryers that can eliminate the need for drying yourself altogether.

Brings independence in the bathroom

We spend most of our lives experiencing a bathroom trip alone. When we age, a solo bathroom trip can become challenging and, in some situations, dangerous. Bidets eliminate the need to wipe which can result in a senior being able to take bathroom trips alone once again. For many seniors, this is a huge help towards keeping their independence.

Easy to install

Bidet installation has become increasingly easy over the years and has resulted in customers not needing to call a plumber or electrician for help. The installation process can be done by hand and be completed in under an hour to modify your ordinary toilet with comforting bidet features.

Improves the quality of life

Take back your independence and clean in comfort with the new standard in bathroom hygiene. Bidets can provide the ability to enter the bathroom alone with safety and confidence. For many seniors, a bidet improves their quality of life with just one use.
Click Here to see our huge selection of bidet products on Senior.com.

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Keeping Caregivers Healthy
Caregiving

Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

How to Juggle Caregiver Tasks When You Work Outside the Home

According to the National Caregiver Alliance and AARP, 60% of the approximately 43.5 million caregivers in the U.S. are employed, and most of them work outside the home full time. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work
Between work, caregiving tasks and maintaining their own household, it’s no wonder the majority of caregivers report that they experience physical and emotional stress. Between work and caregiving, they are putting in at least 60 hours a week!

Shortcuts to Balance the Caregiver/Employee Roles

If you’re not able to cut back work or caregiving hours, how can you balance the two? Shortcuts, hacks and letting things go is a good start. Here are my best timesavers and hacks that I’ve used during extremely stressful and busy times.

1. Eat as well as I can:

I’d love to say, hey, get your 5 servings of vegetables and fruits in every day, but let’s face it, when you’re busy, the easiest food to eat is usually junk food or processed food. When I’m super busy, I try to make sure we’re stocked with portable healthy snacks such as granola bars, string cheese, yogurt, bananas, tangerines and apples. Aside from the yogurt and cheese, I can throw them in my bag or leave them in my car. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work

2. Cook in bulk:

It isn’t the most exciting way to eat, but I usually cook two or three large meals at the beginning of the week and we re-heat throughout the week.

3. Sunday or Monday plan:

I once read an article about a woman who keeps her Mondays appointment free so that she could prepare herself for a successful week. Monday doesn’t work for most people who have a full-time job, but for me, Sunday evening is a great time to plan for the week. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work
I personally prefer a paper calendar for planning, although I keep an electronic calendar so that I have it on my phone as well. For planning, I look at both and go through the days of the week and make sure we are covered for any appointments and activities. I bought a dry erase decal for my refrigerator that I use for any appointments that affect more than one person so my husband and I are on the same page.
If you are scheduling yourself and your parent, you may want to color code your schedule. One thing that tripped up a lot of my clients and their children was backing up times to allow for transportation. There were many times where they would accidentally leave for an appointment at the time they were supposed to arrive. One of my clients who was an executive assistant in her career had a great idea of putting her pick up time in pen and underneath, she would write the appointment time in pencil. I am hooked on these Bic four color pens since I can easily color-code without having to have multiple pens. They last forever. I have been using the same one for 2 years now. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work

4. Schedule maintenance:

If you are so busy that you are barely getting through the day, making sure the little things continue to run is important, but challenging. Go ahead and put your car maintenance on your calendar ahead of time so that you don’t forget. The last thing you need is an expensive car repair. Are there other things you need to maintain? Think about what needs to be done to keep your life running smoothly and put it on your calendar before you forget – both for your home and your parent. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work

5. Maximize your work day:

If you have to be in an office for eight hours a day, use your lunch or breaks to get some tasks done. During your planning time, list out any appointments you need to make (with phone numbers and any background info), shop for groceries online and do any other task that you don’t need to do in person. If you have your list and all the details ready to go, you can blaze through your list. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work
If you don’t sit at a desk or don’t work at a computer, you can still take your lunch break to make any calls, set up appointments, etc. You can also shop on Amazon Prime Now from your cell phone.

6. Find off-hour service providers:

While most doctors only operate from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., there are some dentists and even medical imaging centers that are open late or on weekends. I once had an MRI at 9 a.m. on a Saturday. Try to find providers that operate when you have more time for you and your parent so that you don’t need to use all of your time off for routine care.

7. Get creative:

I worked with a family who had a creative strategy for medical appointments. They hired us to transport the father to and from his appointment, but the daughter met him there, attended the appointment and went back to work. She only needed to take one hour off of work, versus 3 hours if she was providing transportation.
Can you find ways to be present without doing everything? Can you schedule appointments early in the morning so that you only miss an hour of work. Is there someone you can split the load with? Do you have a friend, neighbor or community member who has more free time and can assist with some of the manageable tasks like grocery shopping or errands? Is there someone you can hire to help with the errands? I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve heard of sites like Task Rabbit, where you can hire someone to do errands for you. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work
You can’t do it all, so finding shortcuts or getting help can help take some of the stress off your plate. How can you find a few extra hours? Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work
 

Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities and Work

 
 

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Information to Know Before You Hire a Caregiver
Caregiving

Information to Know Before You Hire a Caregiver

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Information to Know Before You Hire a Caregiver

Information to Know Before You Hire a CaregiverWhen looking for the perfect caregiver, many families don’t know where to begin. Though the Internet offers a quick solution for finding caregiver information, it can also be a misleading source.
Whether looking for a babysitter for a few weeknights or a full-time nanny, knowing the history of your caregivers is vital. In fact, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, babysitters are responsible for 4.2 percent of criminal acts against children under six years of age. Though this is a small percentage, some believe these types of crimes could have been prevented with the appropriate information up front.
When conducting a background check, there are two main types to choose from: live court research and online database searches.
Online databases: With an affordable price tag and a quick turnaround with information, many people turn to online sites when looking for the appropriate caregiver for their family. Though many of these sites tout that their applicants are ‘mom recommended,’ many are simply electronic databases with little investigative reporting on applicant history. Though they do report major offenses, such as felonies, these sites often miss the mark on reporting minor crimes and misdemeanors. These are the types of crimes that speak volumes about an applicant’s character and past.
Live court research: In addition to a traditional online search, you should also conduct the more thorough option of live court research. Though a more costly choice, live court research extensively searches current and past court records, both state and federal. Look for a screening company with the most up-to-date information, such as Validity Screening Solutions, who has more than 1,600 record researchers that cover all jurisdictions in the United States, to offer the most current and accurate information. For more information, visit www.validityscreening.com.
Create a caregiver checklist
“A thorough screening includes live court research in addition to an online web search,” said Darren Dupriest, president and CEO of Validity Screening Solutions. “Make sure your search includes an all-encompassing look at an applicant’s verifications, records with federal and state agencies and other personal assessment screenings, which are all important determinants when choosing the best caregiver for your family.”
Before choosing the appropriate background check, make sure it hits all the important marks listed below:
Criminal Records: A thorough search will identify any felony or misdemeanor criminal convictions. This search should be current enough to include any pending cases involving the candidate.
Sex offender registries: A criminal record search alone does not include significant sex offender information because each state has its own stand-alone registry. Be sure to look for a screening company that offers a multi-state check.
Driving records: For caregivers required to drive on the job, a thorough check of their driving history is essential. This includes the possession of a valid driver’s license, and ensuring it has not been suspended, revoked and the applicant has no objectionable moving violations.

Verification: A proper check will ensure that past employment, certifications and references are verified through the original source.
A complete review of a potential caregiver ensures you are entrusting your family to the safest, best care possible. It also provides peace of mind while you are away from them, which, in itself, is priceless.

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Tax Benefits of Caregiving of Aging Relative
Caregiving

Taking Care of the Caregiver

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

 

Taking Care of the Caregiver

Taking Care of Caregiver“In case of a loss in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop down from above…. Please be sure to secure your own mask before assisting others.” If you’ve flown on an airplane in the last few decades, you’ve heard this speech. It illustrates the truth that you have to take care of yourself in order to care effectively for others. Taking Care of the Caregiver
Are you caring for aging parents, young children, a relative who is ill, or some combination of the above? You know how challenging it can be to find the time to take care of yourself–body, mind and spirit.
And, if you don’t take care of yourself, you are setting yourself up for caregiver burnout. Symptoms include depression, anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, trouble concentrating, deteriorating health, and resentment toward those you’re caring for.
Here are five ways to help stay centered and at peace while you care for others:

Ask for help

Don’t be shy about telling family and friends how they can assist you. Delegate caregiving tasks such as helping with groceries and errands. Look into respite care— adult day care services or paid or volunteer in-home helpers may be available through local agencies. Develop a cooperative childcare arrangement with other caregivers and take turns getting away.

Practice Acceptance

When dealing with a family member’s illness, you may have struggled to make sense of the situation and asked, “Why!” You’ll feel better if you focus on best ways to respond to the situation. Try to see a silver lining—how you are growing as a person, the opportunity to express love…

Care for Your Health

Nutritious foods including fruits and vegetables help keep your energy steady. Go easy on sweets and caffeine that give a quick pickup followed by a crash. Try for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. It boosts your energy, relieves stress, lifts your mood and helps you sleep better. Relaxation is important: A few minutes of yoga or meditation in a stressful day can help you stay centered. Remember your own medical exams and appointments!

Find a Support Group

Talking with others having similar experiences is a tried and true way to maintain emotional balance— and an opportunity to share knowledge and practical tips. You’re not alone! Find a group through your doctor or hospital, or through an organization dedicated to the relevant disease or situation. Online groups are also available.

Take a break!

For at least a half hour daily, do what you love, whether it’s reading poetry, working in the yard, or watching the game. Get out of the house; if you can’t get out, invite friends in. Share your feelings–just expressing what you’re going through brings a lot of relief. Find ways to pamper yourself. Light candles and take a bubble bath. Put on music and dance. Get a manicure.
A reflexology session is also an excellent way to nurture yourself. Reflexology sessions include techniques to calm the nervous system, help eliminate toxins and encourage the release of endorphins, natural “feel-good” hormones. From the moment a reflexologist’s hands start their work, relaxation begins. And it feels great!
For more tips click here
Laura Norman, M.S., LMT, world-renowned Holistic Reflexologist and author of the best-selling book, Feet First: A Guide to Foot Reflexology, offers private Reflexology and Life Wellness Coaching sessions in Delray Beach and Holistic Reflexology Training Programs in Boynton Beach.

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