There is no doubt that caring for aging family members can take an emotional and mental toll on everyone involved. Most people feel more comfortable in their own homes, and when feasible, arranging for in-home care of the elderly is a wonderful option that can help a person feel more in control of their life and circumstances. Regardless of whether you are an out-of-town relative who is looking for full-time in-home help for a loved one or a local family who plan to be extremely involved in the day-to-day care, choosing an in-home eldercare service can be a daunting task.  The following informative tips from the professionals at Home Care Plus can help get you started with this difficult process.

How and why should someone make the difficult choice of using an in-home eldercare service versus caring for their loved ones themselves?

It is not always realistic for someone to take on sole responsibility for caring for an elderly family member. Jobs and other family obligations make it difficult to dedicate as much time as one would like. Families who want to help aging parents live life as fully and safely as possible in the comfort of their own home, but who might not have the knowledge, skills or time to do the job alone can benefit from an eldercare service.  In addition, long distance caregivers who need a local liaison to oversee care and notify them of problems will find these services extremely valuable.

Can people who want to remain actively involved in caring for their loved ones use an in-home eldercare service for certain functions only or on a “part-time” basis?

This is certainly an option.  A good eldercare service provides a solution for everything from personal care and homemaking to companionship and transportation.  The family members involved can determine which services to utilize based on the kind of time and support the family can provide on a routine basis.

Which tasks do you recommend people seek expert help with versus handling themselves?

This is a very personal decision that every family must make.  A registered nurse can provide an individualized plan of care based on the unique needs of the client, a task that may not be possible for someone without training or medical expertise. Caregivers that are experienced and have specialized disease training, terminal and palliative specialized sensitivity training, and enhanced training on health and safety tips (i.e. Fall Prevention, nutrition, safe lifting techniques, etc.) offer a level of care and attention that can help the client maintain a safe and comfortable way of life at home.  That being said, close involvement of friends and family in the care of the elderly makes a world of difference, and the value of offering companionship, helping around the house with chores and meals, or simply providing transportation to appointments cannot be overlooked.

What certifications, qualifications, service offerings, etc should people look for when considering an in-home eldercare service?

It is important to look at how much experience the staff of the eldercare service has in in-home care, as well as the type of training they receive. Ask how long a company has been in business and if the staff is bonded and insured.  Are they available to answer any questions or concerns you have and is there someone on call 24 hours a day should an emergency arise? It is always a good idea to ask for references.

YuDu would like to thank Suzy Kuppens, RN BSN, from Home Care Plus for serving as the resource for this article. Please visit their website or call 843.628.3642 for more information.

What comes to mind when you think of the term delegation?  For most of us, we envision a boss giving their minion something along the lines of a TPS report to work on.  While this technically is delegation, many people fail to realize that you don’t have to be someone’s boss to benefit from delegation.  Learning to delegate is actually a skill that takes effort to acquire.  Many small business owners in particular are often in greatest need of this skill yet the hardest to convince of its value.  The following tips can help you start delegating so you can recapture your time:

1.    Acknowledge that you can’t do everything and still do everything well (at least not as well as you would like)!

2.    Consider whether outsourcing personal or professional tasks (or some of both) will bring you greater life balance.

3.    Stick to your strengths and likes and outsource your weaknesses and dislikes.

4.    Delegating can actually save you money!  An expert can do it faster and delegating will free up your time to focus on money-making tasks that you enjoy and are proficient at.

5.    Delegate recurring tasks in order to overcome the “it will take me longer to explain this than do it myself” mentality.

6.    Be open to new ideas and other people’s way of doing things.

If your life could use a little more balance, check back in for the rest of the series: The Who, What, When, Why and How of Delegation.

And let’s not even talk about the food options—I am thinking about throwing a party just so I have an excuse to have Caviar & Bananas cater it and 3.14 Pies supply dessert!  My husband gets much more excited by the idea of dinner at Cypress, Old Village Post House or Taco Boy than by my questionable cooking skills.  Have I mentioned that I am also considering redecorating after my recent visit to Celadon and The Bar Stool Shop?  Hah! All kidding aside, I consider it a privilege to be part of such a strong community of local businesses.  The support we offer each other, and more importantly, the support the community offers us, is truly amazing.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience and wanted to give a big shout out to Pam Hartley of Momentum Marketing for the challenge.  So, now that I have all this free time on my hands, who’s next?

When I first started YuDu Concierge, and before I had an office, when people used to asked whether I had an office, I would tell them I had about 5 of them. And it was true! I would shop-hop from cafe to cafe, meeting with various people or working on our website. I loved meeting the owners and even made new clients out of cafe customers who were curious about what I was working on.

Whether you are looking for free internet, tasty coffee and treats, or just a spot to park it and be productive before your next meeting, here are some of YuDu’s favorite places downtown and East of the Cooper:

Chucktown Coffee – tucked away in Seaside Farms;317 Long Grove Dr # D, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Charleston Bagel – 656 Long Point Rd # A Mount Pleasant, SC 29464-8306

Bodacious Bagels – 766 South Shelmore Boulevard #202, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Metto Coffee – 354 West Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464-3424

Just Chill - 1118 Park West Blvd # 1, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466-7124

Rising High Cafe – 480 East Bay Street Charleston, SC 29403

Kudu Coffee – 4 Vanderhorst Street, Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

Baked – 160 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401

For example, a local attorney purchased hours for him and his wife, both very busy professionals. For Mother’s Day, he had a romantic dinner planned, but wanted something extra to give her, so he asked us to put together a gift basket for this new mom. Charleston Naturally had just the stuff! Creams and bath products for new mom skin care, relaxation candles and aromatherapy products are just some of the items we stuffed in that basket. I came out looking like a genius.

Charleston Naturally welcome clients to shop online or at visit their new warehouse on 918 Lansing Drive in Mt. Pleasant.  This weekend they are hosting a “No Click Holiday Event” to benefit Daisy’s Place Retriever Rescue. You’ll see 35%-73% off their entire inventory and if you mention my blog post, you’ll get an additional $10 off a $75 purchase. So go meet these ladies in person and find out first hand how cool their products are. You’ll probably see me there, stocking up on stocking stuffers.

Charleston Naturally

918 Lansing Drive, Mt. Pleasant SC

phone: 877-388-9748 or 843-388-9748

Business Hours: 9am – 5pm EST or 24/7 ONLINE!

Are you looking for a way to support local businesses, protect the environment and outfit your house with beautiful furniture (I know, I read your mind didn’t I)?  It turns out you’re in luck because Celadon Home in Mount Pleasant is the answer to any home furnishing dilemma.  Celadon has been providing Charlestonians with “fun, adventurous and worldly” furniture for over 15 years.  Whether you are starting from scratch, re-doing a room or just in need of that finishing touch, Celadon’s unique selection of tables, chairs, accents and more makes home decorating a breeze.  The furniture vibe is an eclectic mix of Balinese and modern, beach house and European.  Celadon is a founding member of the Sustainable Furniture Council, and whenever possible, they source furniture and accessories made of reclaimed or sustainable materials.

As the saying goes, a man’s home is his castle.  If you don’t feel like royalty when you walk through your door at night, it’s time to visit Celadon for a little home makeover.  The feel-good factor of supporting a local business with an eco-friendly mission will have you clicking your heels in delight while exclaiming there’s no place like home.

1015 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Tel. (843) 884.7005

Store Hours: Mon – Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

Caviar & Bananas is great for more than just a gourmet meal-to-go. Have them cater your next party, or just supplement your own holiday spread with a few choice side dishes. Need a break from your holiday shopping on King Street? Pop over to C&B for a quick lunch or power up with an organic cup of joe. Need a gift for that impossible to buy for person on your list? C&B creates scrumptious gift baskets that would put a smile on the Grinch’s face. The options are endless, customizable and can fit any price range.

(http://www.caviarandbananas.com/pdf/gift_baskets_list_dec09.pdf).

Harry and David is nice but easily forgotten. A unique gift basket from Caviar & Bananas will make a lasting impression and help support a local business. Eating well and gift giving have never been so easy!

CAVIAR & BANANAS | 51 GEORGE STREET CHARLESTON SC 29401 |

CAFE TEL: 843.577.7757 | CATERING | TEL: 843.577.9997 | FAX: 843.577.7778

http://www.caviarandbananas.com/

Christoph Artisan Chocolatier – the absolute best chocolate you have ever tasted. Not to mention it is BEAUTIFUL and makes amazing centerpieces (until you devour them!)

Private Eyes Undies the coolest, and most motivating underwear on earth. You can buy them online or in local stores. You can even customize some of them! Gift wrapping and shipping options available.

Palmetto Moon pretty much everything any Sandlapper sports fan could want. Clemson hoodies, USC turvis tumblers – it is paradise for any SC tailgating guru.

Charleston Cookie Company – yuuum! Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like delicious good-as-homemade cookies. The packaging is gorgeous and with a dozen flavor to choose from, you can’t go wrong!

Charleston Mix Bloody Mary – uses local ingredients to perfect this favorite Sunday brunch beverage. You can buy online or at local stores.

HelloEveryWear – super creative kids and adult t-shirt (and other products) designs by the uber talented, Robyn Diamond. We love the “real life” attitude statements that adorn the shirts, mugs, onesies, and water bottles for Moms, babies, and their relatives.  Can anyone say “stocking stuffer”?

We would also like to give a shout out to the team at the Little Black Book for Every Busy Woman. They are fabulous at promoting other local stores, announcing Cyber Monday promotions, and giving time saving tips and checklists to busy readers. Check out their Holiday Survival Guide. We love what they do!

These are just a few! Let us know your favorite online store or shopping experience!

Take some of the mania out of the holidays this year by doing your shopping at the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square, downtown Charleston.  Discover fresh, local produce, meats, cheeses, and pasta while listening to live local musicians, or munch on freshly made kettlecorn or a crepe while perusing the hand crafted artwork and gifts.  While you will no doubt find something for everyone on your list, even more enticing is the chance to escape the mall and spend some time outdoors.  Numerous studies have found that nature has a positive impact on our health and wellbeing, including a 2007 study by the University of Essex that found 71% of participants reported decreased feelings of depression after taking a nature walk whereas 50% of respondents felt increased tension after walking through a shopping center (http://www.mind.org.uk/assets/0000/2138/ecotherapy_report.pdf).   If that isn’t enough motivation to take your shopping outdoors, consider the impact you can have by supporting local businesses this holiday season!

Unless you plan to boycott the holidays altogether, it can be challenging to bring joy and balance into your life this time of year.   The Charleston Farmer’s Market is a great low-key option for all of your holiday food and gift needs.  Try to make some time for yourself  (exercise is a great stress reliever and increases the likelihood of you fitting into your clothes come Jan 1!) and cut back on some of your holiday obligations.  If all else fails, you can always just spike your eggnog and send YuDu to shop for you!

Charleston Farmers Market

Marion Square

8am-2pm every Saturday through December 19^th

So rather than fight the holiday grocery shopping crowds. Go online, enter your order, and let the Pig do the work. Spend your newly found time with loved ones or learning how to carve a turkey…