7 Healthy New Year's Resolutions Older Adults Should Make

Many seniors enjoy celebrating the New Year, and this is the perfect time for them to plan their resolutions for the upcoming year. However, seniors sometimes get tired of the same old resolutions that have been broken in the past. Here are a few fun and healthy New Year’s resolutions your elderly loved one is sure to appreciate and find easy to achieve.

1. Try a New Healthy Food Each Week

Meal planning can become boring. Encourage your loved one to expand his or her culinary skills by making it a goal to prepare a new type of food each week. Whether adding some acai berries to a breakfast smoothie or venturing into more exotic dishes, your loved one can look forward to turning mealtimes into an adventure.

Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help planning meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Prescott, AZ, families trust in Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age. 

2. Find a New Hiking Trail

Walking is an excellent form of exercise for seniors, but a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood may be insufficient. Help your loved one challenge new muscle groups by searching for a new hiking trail nearby. Make sure to provide your loved one with companionship until he or she knows the trail well enough to avoid getting injured or lost.

3. Contact a Long-Lost Friend

It takes courage to reach out to someone from the past, but your loved one likely has many people who will be excited to hear from him or her. Help your loved one identify a few old friends to reconnect with, and search for them on social media. Once your loved one adds these friends to his or her social connections, he or she may benefit emotionally from having new people to talk to.

4. Create a New Signature Beverage

Seniors are at high risk for experiencing the damaging effects of alcohol, and they can benefit from cutting back. If the goal is to quit drinking completely, help your loved one discover a new signature beverage that becomes his or her go-to choice. Experiment with fruit juices, herbal infusions, and non-alcoholic flavorings to find a drink that rivals your loved one’s former favorite alcoholic beverage.

5. Revive a Forgotten Passion

Over the years, your loved one may have given up on the dream to become a painter or writer. In fact, he or she may even feel sad about letting these dreams go. Remind your loved one that it is never too late to learn new things, and encourage signing up for a class that teaches skills in his or her favorite fields.

6. Join a New Social Group

Loss during the senior years often leads to isolation that affects physical and emotional health. Help your loved one socialize by finding a new group to join in the community. Whether your loved one sings in a church choir or prefers to exercise in a senior swimming class, getting out in the world promotes a greater sense of physical and mental wellbeing.

For families living in Prescott, AZ, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

7. Adopt a Shelter Pet

Seniors who own pets enjoy perks such as lower blood pressure, and they are more likely to exercise when their dogs need to go for a walk. Adopting a pet can also make your loved one feel good about giving an animal a much-needed home. Make adopting a pet a part of your loved one’s New Year’s plans, and watch as this resolution provides ongoing health benefits over the coming years.

Hiring a professional caregiver is another way you can boost your aging loved one’s health and wellbeing in the upcoming year. Aging adults who need help around the house, transportation to medical appointments and social events, and assistance with exercise can benefit from having an in-home caregiver. Prescott seniors can enjoy greater independence and receive regular mental and social stimulation when relying on a trusted professional who is expertly trained in various aspects of senior care. To hire a professional caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us today online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

Nutritious Meals for Elderly Stroke Survivors

For many seniors, losing their appetite is normal after experiencing a stroke. However, eating healthy foods is an important part of recovery, and it can also reduce the risk of another stroke. Here are some nutritious meal options senior stroke survivors should try. 

Skinless Chicken

Reducing your elderly loved one’s saturated fat intake is a good way to help him or her recover from a stroke. Saturated fat is one of the main causes of heart disease, and eating too much of it can also lead to obesity. Your loved one should avoid eating chicken with the skin as well as fried chicken and opt for baked chicken instead. 

Switching to nutritious meals is one of the many ways older adults can maintain their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Prescott, AZ, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Baked Fish 

A stroke can negatively impact your loved one’s brain. The brain controls emotions and behaviors, and it needs regular stimulation to function properly. Baked fish is a good meal choice for seniors when recovering from a stroke because it contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a nutrient that is essential to brain health. DHA is necessary for brain development and for protecting the brain during and after a stroke. Fish is one of the very few foods that contain DHA, which is why it should be included in your loved one’s diet. 

Salad

Some senior stroke survivors should eat meatless entrees while on the road to recovery. Cauliflower baked pasta salad and quinoa Greek salad are two options your loved one might enjoy. Salads are full of leafy greens and other vegetables that are rich in nutrients. Make sure to add avocado oil or vinaigrette to your loved one’s salads at mealtime. Consuming a small amount of vinaigrette each day could reduce the risk of heart disease. Avoiding high-calorie toppings and dressings with high-fat content can help your loved one lose weight and keep his or her blood and oxygen flowing normally. 

Seniors who need help preparing nutritious meals can benefit from professional in-home care. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Prescott seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers. 

Smoothie 

Many senior stroke survivors have difficulty chewing and swallowing food, which can lead to malnutrition. It is important your loved one gets the nutrition he or she needs to maintain heart health and prevent a recurrent stroke. Eating foods that are easy to chew and swallow can also help with oral health. Smoothies full of fruits and vegetables can provide your loved one with nutrients that boost circulation and prevent clogged arteries and other issues that increase the risk of a second stroke. 

Soup

Low-sodium soups provide elderly stroke survivors with fiber and several essential nutrients. A meal high in fiber can lower your loved one’s blood cholesterol, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Seniors recovering from strokes need to eat homemade soups instead of canned soups.

Some of the soups your loved one should eat include:

• Chicken noodle soup
  
• Butternut soup (No fat or sugar added)
  
• Lentil vegetable soup
  
• Southwestern soup

Senior stroke survivors can speed up the recovery process and prevent further strokes by making healthy lifestyle changes. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits, consider hiring a professional elderly caregiver. Prescott families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide dedicated and compassionate in-home caregivers who are trained in our holistic Balanced Care Method, which was designed to encourage seniors to exercise often, eat nutritious foods, maintain strong social ties, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our premier home care plans, call one of our professional Care Managers at 928-771-0105 today.

Visit our website today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

10 Negative Emotions Family Caregivers Experience

Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Being a caregiver, you may experience a variety of emotions that have a negative impact on your wellbeing. Take a look at some of the most common negative emotions caregivers tend to experience. 

1. Anger

In the event you were forced to become a family caregiver, you may be angered by the many challenges you face on a daily basis. It is a good idea to ask for help from family and friends. You can also use in-home respite care to ease your load. 

If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Prescott, Arizona, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. 

2. Guilt

Leaving your loved one in someone else’s care while you manage your personal and professional commitments may cause you to feel guilty. However, it is important to take care of your own affairs because it can help you organize your life. 

3. Embarrassment

Seniors who are unable to walk on their own, use the restroom without assistance, or hold a civilized conversation often cause their caregivers to feel ashamed and embarrassed. You may assume everyone is making fun of you and your loved one. Remember your loved one is facing difficulty with this transition, so you need to remain supportive. 

4. Fear

Seeing your loved one’s health deteriorate over time could cause you to experience fear and uncertainty, which could lead to serious health issues such as a stroke or heart attack. You need to learn how to help your loved one manage the aging process. 

5. Irritability 

Failing to get enough rest is something many family caregivers experience. A lack of rest could result in exhaustion, which could make you irritable and easily agitated. You may begin lashing out at everyone, including your loved one. To keep agitation at bay, consider hiring a professional caregiver and taking time off to relax and recharge. 

6. Sadness

Feeling hopeless or being overwhelmed with your caregiving duties could cause you to become sad and unhappy. You may find yourself crying for no reason or isolating your friends and family. It is important to talk to your friends about your concerns because they can help you let off steam and lift your spirits. 

7. Jealousy

Seeing other family members achieve their goals and maintain careers while you are caring for your loved one on a full-time basis could cause jealousy and bitterness. You need to maintain a social life and continue following your dreams. Hiring a professional caregiver to help around the home may free up time to work on your goals. 

If your aging loved one needs help managing the tasks of daily living and you’re searching for a reliable, expertly trained in-home caregiver, Prescott, AZ, Home Care Assistance is your top choice. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers strive to make aging in place a safer and more comfortable experience for seniors so they can enjoy their golden years in better health. 

8. Defeat 

Although you may try to do everything the doctor says, there is no guarantee you can slow your loved one’s cognitive decline or prevent him or her from developing chronic illnesses. All you can do is your best. Learning to accept your best can help you reduce feelings of defeat. 

9. Detachment 

You need to find a balance between living your life and being a caregiver because failing to do so could lead to detachment. You may begin to neglect your own emotional, mental, and physical needs. Learn how to lean on others for help. Having a helping hand around frees up time for you to take care of your own health and personal commitments. 

10. Impatience 

Impatience is a negative emotion you may experience if your loved one begins to have mobility issues or develops an illness that impacts his or her communication abilities. While it is normal to feel impatient from time to time, you must never lash out at your loved one. Remind yourself that you cannot control everything, and there will be times when your loved one goes off schedule. You should also set more time aside to complete goals and tasks for the day.

Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Prescott, AZ, senior care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, give us a call at 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

Annual Health Checkups: A Quick Checklist for Seniors

An annual health checkup is an important part of staying healthy because it allows seniors to prevent health conditions or seek treatment before existing conditions worsen. Most physicians have a standard set of things they monitor during these annual visits, but it is always important to be as thorough as possible. When going to an annual health checkup, seniors should make sure they discuss these things with their doctors.

Basic Measurements

During the checkup, the doctor should check your senior loved one’s blood pressure, height, and weight. Getting these measurements each year is important because it establishes a baseline for your loved one’s health. Any sudden changes in weight could signal your loved one has diabetes or cancer, and a drop in height is a sign he or she might have osteoporosis.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality non-medical home care. Prescott families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. 

Routine Blood Tests

For most seniors, an annual checkup may be a good time to get routine blood work done. Blood tests require drawing a small sample of blood, and they can help the doctor diagnose serious conditions before more dangerous symptoms develop. Blood work typically includes tests that check for diabetes, thyroid disorders, kidney conditions, heart conditions, high cholesterol, and prostate cancer. 

Vaccinations

An annual checkup is a good time to make sure your loved one’s vaccinations are up to date. Annual pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations can protect against pneumonia and the flu respectively. Seniors typically need vaccinations each year because the virus strains that cause these lung conditions change regularly. Seniors can also benefit from getting a shingles booster shot every five years and a diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis booster shot every ten years.

Getting regular vaccinations is one of the many ways seniors can stave off several medical conditions. Professional caregivers can also help seniors reduce their risk of developing age-related health issues. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Phoenix respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.  

Medication Reviews

At an annual checkup, discuss all the medications your loved one is taking. Make a list of every medication, supplement, and vitamin your loved one takes, including over-the-counter meds. The doctor can make sure your loved one is not taking anything that might have harmful side effects or interactions with other items on the list. If any of the medications are causing side effects, your loved one can discuss possible alternatives with the doctor. 

Additional Screening Tests

In addition to the basic checkups, it is often recommended that people over the age of 65 get some additional screening tests done each year. A chest x-ray monitors the condition of the lungs, and a fecal occult blood test checks for colorectal cancer. Men need prostate exams, and women need mammograms and pap smears.

Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help managing medications, attending doctor’s appointments, or performing daily activities. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Prescott Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your elderly loved one, give us a call at 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us today at:  http://www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

4 Ways Palliative Care Enhances Quality of Life

Palliative care is designed to help seniors manage pain or other physical symptoms, and it often includes caring for those with terminal illnesses and providing the support they need as they reach the final stages of life. Many seniors prefer to remain in the comfort and familiarity of home when receiving palliative care, surrounded by the family and friends who care for them and who want to enjoy their precious time together. If your elderly loved one needs help managing a serious illness, Prescott, AZ, home care professionals explain how palliative care can enhance his or her quality of life.

1. Addresses Life-Altering Symptoms

The symptoms of a progressive medical condition can change a senior’s life forever, and one of the primary functions of palliative care is alleviating those symptoms as thoroughly as possible. Whether your loved one experiences chronic pain or has limited mobility, palliative care specialists can enhance his or her quality of life because they have the training to address many of the issues your family might not be equipped to manage.

2. Provides Emotional Support

Taking care of an aging loved one is about much more than addressing physical ailments. Palliative care professionals can also tend to your loved one’s emotional and psychological wellbeing by providing the companionship he or she needs to prevent depression and anxiety.

3. Offers a Comprehensive Range of Services

Palliative care can provide your loved one with the support he or she needs in the later years of life. Prescott caregivers providing palliative care can help carry out the day-to-day tasks you and your family may not be able to manage due to your other responsibilities. Some of the services these professionals provide include social and cognitive stimulation and assistance with minor housekeeping, cooking, bathing, and grooming.

4. Enhances Relationships with Family Members

Caring for a senior loved one often requires assistance from the entire family, which might not be practical on a regular basis. Utilizing a palliative care organization can reduce the stress you and your family are feeling so you can continue to focus on spending more time with your loved one. Palliative care services can make every visit with your loved one as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

Home Care Assistance offers custom palliative care plans to ensure seniors receive the support they need when managing an illness or reaching the final stages of life. We offer respite and 24-hour care services, and we also provide specialized Alzheimer’s, post-stroke, and Parkinson’s home care Prescott families can count on. For more information, please call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 928-771-0105.

Related posts:

1. Best Ways to Plan for Senior Home Care Before It Becomes Necessary
2. 5 Ways Seniors Can Boost Their Emotional Health
3. 4 Ways to Help Children Understand Alzheimer’s
4. 5 Ways to Help You Make Good Caregiving Decisions

Visit us online today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

How to Motivate Aging Adults to Get Over the Fear of Exercising

Seniors should exercise on a regular basis to maintain good health. However, many family caregivers have difficulty motivating their loved ones to exercise. Here are a few things you can do to help your senior loved one conquer his or her fear of exercising. 

Address the Fear of Passing Out

As your loved one ages, his or her bone density, muscle strength, and energy may begin to decrease. However, regular exercise can boost his or her muscles, flexibility, and energy levels. The lack of strength and energy could prevent your loved one from working out because he or she is afraid to pass out. You can motivate your loved one by going over the health benefits of exercising and explaining that this activity can boost his or her overall health. The more your loved one works out, the stronger and more flexible his or her bones may become.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home senior care. Prescott families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. 

Encourage Exercising at Home

The fear of exercising may stem from embarrassment due to lack of mobility or being overweight. Your loved one may shy away from joining a local gym out of fear that others will mock him or her. You could work out with your loved one or hire a trainer to help him or her exercise at home. This could motivate your loved one to get fit and eventually go to the gym. 

Start at a Beginner’s Level 

Many seniors are afraid to exercise because they believe it is too difficult to do. The fear of not achieving their goals prevents seniors from doing certain things, including physical activity. Your loved one may put off exercising because he or she is afraid to fail. Assure your loved one that he or she is not in a competition and can exercise at his or her own pace.

Older adults may need assistance with exercising or managing other daily tasks. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Prescott, AZ, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. 

Clear Pathways and Rooms 

Many seniors associate exercise with slips and falls. You can help your loved one get over this fear by making sure the pathways and floors in the rooms where he or she exercises are always clear. This may reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Prescott families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. If you need a high-quality at-home care plan for your senior loved one, call Home Care Assistance at 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the breakdown of the macula, which is the region of the eye with the greatest visual acuity. This breakdown causes central vision to blur, making reading, driving, and sewing difficult. Because ARMD is a common disease in the elderly, there are several things you should know when providing home care in Prescott to help your loved one prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

The Disease Itself Doesn’t Lead to Blindness

The macula is responsible for central vision and allows us to see fine details. While ARMD can cause a loss of vision in this area, it doesn’t affect peripheral vision.

It Can Develop Either Slowly or Rapidly

In some seniors, the disease develops so slowly that symptoms aren’t noticed for a long time. In others, however, the disease can rapidly progress, causing loss of vision in one or both eyes.

Early Detection Is Critical

Because early symptoms sometimes go unnoticed, it is important for your loved one to receive regular eye examinations. If you or a Prescott caregiver notices your loved one experiencing any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment for him or her as soon as possible.

• Blurriness in part of the eye
• Seeing dark areas
• Blank spots that may grow and enlarge
• Distorted view

Though there is no cure for early ARMD, lifestyle changes can be made that may prevent the disease from further progressing. Additionally, your loved one’s doctor may recommend more frequent eye exams to check on the progression of the disease.

As the ARMD progresses, supplements may be recommended by your loved one’s doctor to slow down the progression. The disease can also be treated with injections, photodynamic therapy, and laser surgery.

Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent or Delay AMD

Genetics have been found to play a role in developing ARMD. People over the age of 50 are also at a higher risk if they:

• Smoke
• Get little or no exercise
• Eat an unhealthy diet sparse in fruits and vegetables

A recent study from the National Eye Institute found those with a family history of the disease were less likely to develop it when they made healthy lifestyle changes.

Does your loved one need help maintaining healthy habits that can lead to the prevention of ARMD and other complications? Home Care Assistance offers part-time and 24-hour care Prescott families trust, and our caregivers can assist your loved one with exercise, nutritious meal prep, and help with a wide array of other daily tasks. For more information on our senior care services, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at 928-771-0105 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Visit us today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

Why Seniors Need to Get an Adequate Amount of Sleep

    

In a society focused on productivity, sleep is often viewed as one of the first things that can be skipped when times get busy. While cutting down on sleep is not good at any age, it is particularly hard on seniors. For older adults who need motivation to maintain their sleep hygiene practices, here are a few reasons getting enough sleep is important during the golden years.

Reduce the Risk of Fall-Related Injuries

Staying alert is critical for senior safety. Seniors who are overtired are more likely to make mistakes such as tripping over a cord. Simply going to bed on time each night helps seniors be aware of what they are doing during the day so they can reduce the risk of falling.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Prescott families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Enhance Memory Retention

Sleep deprivation can lead to brain fog. This is especially true for seniors who need time during their sleep cycle to renew the connections between the neurons in their brain. Seniors should strive to get at least six to eight hours of sleep at night to keep their brains functioning properly.

Maintain the Immune System

In addition to strengthening neural connections, sleep helps the body repair the injuries it sustains during the day. Proper sleep hygiene is often recommended for seniors who are recovering from an illness or injury. For some seniors, it may even be necessary to take a short nap during the day to get enough sleep while they recover.

 Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in home care. Prescottseniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Promote Emotional Wellbeing

Seniors may feel agitated from a lack of sleep, and they must watch out for mood swings caused by sleep deprivation. For instance, seniors may be prone to the symptoms of depression after a night of going without sleep. Ideally, a senior’s bedtime routine should involve dimming the lights and engaging in a quiet, soothing activity such as reading. Focusing on relaxing activities before bed can alleviate stress and help seniors feel better in the morning.

Increase Energy for Exercise

When recovering from an injury or illness, seniors are often prescribed therapeutic exercises that they may find challenging. For this reason, seniors should make sure their sleep is restful enough that they have the energy needed to complete their daily exercise routine.

Exercising during the day also helps seniors get better sleep, and maintaining good sleep hygiene can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Seniors with Alzheimer’s have much to gain when their families opt for professional Alzheimer’s home care. Prescott, Arizona, families can rely on compassionate and dedicated caregivers to help their elderly loved ones manage the various challenges of Alzheimer’s disease so they can enjoy a higher quality of life. If your aging loved one needs assistance managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of cognitive decline, turn to Home Care Assistance at 928-771-0105.

Changing the way the world ages!    

Visit us today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com