October 2023

A Locally Produced Newsletter

Message from the Office

It's officially fall, and we want the season to be the only fall in your life! We just wrapped up a Fall Prevention training for our caregivers in our new Center of Excellence training room. Did you know falls are the number one reason for injuries in older adults? Preventing a fall is one of the best things you can do for your health! Our caregivers are trained to help you set up your home for success. Whether it's rearranging furniture, buying new equipment, or starting an exercise routine, any fall prevention is worth it!

Fall also means it's time to pick out your Halloween Costume! Our office has a tradition of "reverse trick-or-treating" and bringing candy to our clients and caregivers on Halloween. We will be stopping by as many clients homes as possible on Tuesday October 31st. Hope to see you then!

Kindly, 

Shannon Workman

Director of Operations

Fall Prevention Training

September 30, 2023

This was an excellent group that got together on Saturday 9/30 for our Fall Prevention Training!

Pictured: Shannon Workman (front);

Sandi Weeks, Carmen Ortega, Debra Trauntvein, Julie Dupak, Laura Little, Debbie Fox, Gisselle Hernanez (back row, left to right by face.)

Preventing a fall is a two step process. First you have to identify a person's fall risk factors, next you have to make a plan to address them. Here are some examples of what that might look for.

Identifying Fall Risk Factors could include:

• Reviewing a clients medication list
• Assessing what furniture is used and where it is placed in the home
• Identifying the need for more durable medical equipment
• Recognizing a client's physical limitations

Making a plan could include:

• Making an appointment with a doctor or other professional
• Rearranging furniture in the home and possibly buying new pieces
• Starting a new exercise routine
• Getting more help in the home

Falls do not have to be a normal part of aging. There is a lot you can do to avoid them and our caregivers are here to help!

Senior Helpers Annual Conference

Our Director of Client Services, Liah Ramirez, and Recruiter, Emalee Kourani, are back from Tampa, Florida where they attended the Senior Helpers Annual Conference. They had the opportunity to learn about the newest trends and best practices in senior care and we can't wait to implement their new ideas!

FREE Covid-19 Tests 

Every U.S. household is once again eligible for 4 free Covid tests to be delivered to them. Follow this link and order yours today! 

Learn that Lingo

Each month we feature a term that is commonly used in senior care.

Risk Factors 

When beginning care with us, Senior Helpers uses an initial assessment to determine the care that is needed for the client. This assessment process usually entails a home walk through where we identify any risks in the home that might affect the safety of the client. These risks vary from furniture, pets, home decoration, and more! Here are two common risk factors we look out for when completing our initial assessments:

Area Rugs

Area rugs are a common home decoration, often found throughout the house. While nice to have, they can be a huge risk and cause falls if not secured down correctly or have fraying edges.

Kitchen Clutter

The kitchen sees a lot of action, so it is a prime area for risk. Items left on the stovetop can be flammable, risking fire. Dirty dishes or food left on the counter can bring in pests or rodents. 

Caregiver of the Month

Martha Balderas - October 2023

Martha joined our team this February and has proven herself to be a very flexible caregiver. She is able to work with a wide variety of clients and receives compliments for her kind personality. 

This month Martha has handled a few changes to her schedule with grace and understanding. She has been a nice fit with all of her new clients. Here are three qualities Martha possesses:

⭐Professional - Martha treats her clients with the utmost courtesy and builds appropriate relationships. She represents herself well at all times.

⭐Personable - Matha carries conversation easily and enjoys getting to know her clients and coworkers. She takes the time to connect with people.

⭐Proactive - Martha puts herself in her clients shoes and tries to see what else they might need help with. She knows it's important to respect their space and privacy but also tries to stay one step ahead of what they might need help with.

The Caregiver of the Month receives a $50 gift card! If you would like to nominate someone for Caregiver of the Month please email Emalee at ekourani@seniorhelpers.com. 

Welcome New Hires

We are excited to introduce our newest caregivers!

Carmen Ortega

Carmen is new to the caregiving field! She has worked in dentistry for the past 8 years, and before that she actually worked in the office of a home care agency. She is a mother and enjoys caring for others. Welcome to the team! 

Merced Villafana

Merced began caregiving in 2016 with companion care. She found that she enjoyed working with the seniors, hearing their stories, and knowing she was making a difference. We look forward to seeing her work here at Senior Helpers! 

Armida Guerrero

Armida has been a caregiver for over 21 years! She formerly worked in a facility, but has decided to try out in-home care. She is open to all clients, she just wants to help them be safe and age comfortably at home. Welcome Armida!  

Kelsie Ramirez

Kelsie is new to Santa Barbara and caregiving! She is a SBCC student studying psychology. Kelsie's mom was a caregiver as she grew up, so she has seen what the job takes and is ready for the challenge! We're excited to have her on board. 

Lavena Nelson

Lavena is originally from Jamaica, moving to Santa Barbara a few years ago to work with people with mental disabilities. She has a degree in Social Work, but generally enjoys helping others. She is outgoing and sweet and we hope she makes you smile!  

Ana Valadez 10/4 - 2 years

Rachel Weighill 10/8 - 2 years

Debra Trauntvein 10/23 - 14 years

Shannon Workman - 10/2

Dorie Prulitsky - 10/5

Lorna Ross - 10/24

Jackson Wellman - 10/24

Simone Woodson - 10/24

Kelsie Ramirez - 10/25

Ana Canales - 10/27

Beatrice Hernandez - 10/27
Miguel Perez - 10/29 

May all your wishes come true!