4 Reasons Why Senior Need Strong Muscles

Exercise is important to healthy aging. Strong muscles improve balance and decrease the risk of falls. Strong muscles can also reduce aches and pains and increase an overall sense of well-being. Seniors don’t need to become competitive weight lifters but the stronger their muscles become the better their health will be.
 
As we age, muscle mass decreases. Starting in our thirties and continuing into our eighties we lose up to 15% of our lean muscle mass. Maintaining muscle strength and mass helps to strengthen bones and restore balance, one of the most important factors in avoiding falls. It can help to reduce the common symptoms of some common aging problems including arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, back pain, and depression.The good news is that the body is responsive to strength training at any age.
 
Here are four reasons why seniors need strong muscles:
 
1. Reduce the risk of falls: Each year, more than 1.6 million older U.S. adults go to emergency departments for fall-related injuries. They are a leading cause of injury and even death. Lifting weights just two or three times a week can increase strength by building lean muscle. Studies have shown that even this small amount of strength training can increase bone density, overall strength, and balance. The fewer falls your loved one experiences the healthier they will be.
 
2. Improve balance: Improving balance can decrease the risk of falls and increase mobility. Better balance means better walking and that makes exercise easier. Improved balance will also reduce the risk of accidents at home. When a senior has better balance they are more able to carry out the activities of daily living independently.
 
3. Fight osteoporosis: As we age, bone density decreases. That can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become fragile, weak and are more prone to fractures. More than 40 million Americans have, or are at risk for, osteoporosis. It is more common in women than in men. However, exercise can increase bone strength and density. Weight-bearing activity is particularly useful in fighting osteoporosis because it causes the bones to work harder and strengthens the muscles around them.
 
4. Fight osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage between the joints breaks down with age. It causes stiffness, pain, and loss of movement in the joints. Strength training is effective in fighting osteoarthritis and improving the joints, especially when exercises improve range of motion, flexibility and endurance. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight are two of the most effective ways to manage osteoarthritis.
 
In addition to these specific benefits, exercise improves overall mood and cognitive function for seniors. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can slow memory decline and protect against dementia. The Balanced Care Method puts these findings into practice. It is a program developed by Home Care Assistance built on studies that demonstrate that only one-third of our longevity is based on genetics and two-thirds on lifestyle factors within our control.
 
Home Care Assistance caregivers are trained in the Method, offering the first senior care solution with an emphasis on balance and longevity. By working with specific lifestyle behaviors, Home Care Assistance caregivers extend and enhance the lives of seniors, helping them live longer, happier, more balanced lives. We can help your senior remain active in order to fight age-related disease, maintain strong muscles and prevent what can be the devastating effect of falls.

Visit us online @ http://www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

How To Help A Parent Recover From A Stroke At Home

Recovering from a stroke is a lifelong process made up of tiny steps over the course of many months and years. It is not a process with a specific time frame or goals that can be accomplished according to a set schedule. In order to help your parent recover from a stroke at home you need information and support. Recovery is a long process and the more you know the easier it will be.
 
Going home from the hospital or rehabilitation center may be the hardest thing your loved one will do after a stroke. When your parent comes home you will be able to determine the full extent of their limitations as they try to carry out activities of daily living. Entering familiar surroundings will bring memories of all the things he or she loves and wants to do; some of which may not be possible due to the impairments of the stroke. Your parent must also try to apply the skills learned in rehab to the home environment. These factors make returning home a time fraught with emotion and frustration. Encouragement is key at this time. Remind your parent that the first step is coming home and that together you can work toward resuming beloved activities.
 
As a caregiver, you must prepare yourself for the road ahead as well. It can be difficult to adjust to the fact that your parent can no longer do some things for themselves. It can be disconcerting to watch him or her struggle to do simple things like walk, talk or get a glass of water. You may have to give up your free time and the ability to do things that you enjoy. It will help if you seek out support for yourself immediately through stroke support groups, and set up a personal support network of friends and family who can share some of the caregiving responsibilities. It is important to take stroke recovery one day at a time.
 
Make sure that the home environment is safe and easy for your parent to navigate. Make sure that walkways outside the house are smooth and well lit. Make sure that indoor traffic patterns are wide, clear and non-slip. Grab bars beside the tub and toilet are essential and night lights are a must-have throughout the house.
 
Information is power and you are going to need lots of it as you help your parent recover from a stroke at home. Start by scheduling a follow-up appointment for your parent with his or her primary care physician, they’ll be able to give you important information to about how to approach post-stroke and identify signs of stroke. Ask about support services available at the hospital and in your community. Talk to the doctor about whether your parent qualifies for visiting nurse services or other types of at-home clinical support. Then ask if you can speak to the social worker at the hospital in order to get a list of all the community support services that you might access.
 
Inquire about specific types of programs in your area including Meals on Wheels that delivers hot meals to the home, adult day care with activities that can support your loved one’s recovery, and at-home care agencies that can provide highly trained caregivers with specific skills to help you care for a parent after a stroke. You will also want to check on local transportation services that can take wheelchair users and others on errands such as shopping or doctor’s visits.

Visit us online today @ http://www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

7 Senior Women & Their Incredible Accomplishments

Getting older does not necessarily mean being less healthy. By eating balanced diets and staying active, many seniors enjoy exciting lives well past retirement age. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care in Prescott. Our professional caregivers are available around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

Many older women continue leading productive lives. Here is a list of 7 incredible senior women and their accomplishments.

1. Ernestine Shepherd

Ernestine Shepherd is the official Guinness World Records holder for Oldest Female Bodybuilder. Her sister died early from a brain aneurysm. The loss inspired Shepherd to live a fuller life. At the age of 56, she began working out and became interested in bodybuilding. She entered her first competition at the age of 71. Now 80, she continues running marathons, staying in shape, and teaching fitness classes.

2. Flo Meiler

Although Meiler competed in the Senior Olympics as a tennis player, she ventured into track and field when she was 60. Five years later, she pole vaulted for the first time. After 10 years, Meiler competed in 13 National Senior Games, and she currently holds 15 world records and 12 United States records. Some of the events she regularly competes in include the 100 and 200-meter dashes, the discus and shot put throws, the high jump, the long jump, and the triple jump.

3. Harriett Lake

At 95 years old, Harriett Lake enjoys life as a philanthropist. Each year, she donates money to 200 local charities. In 2014, she donated 4,000 items from her closet to raise money for the level one trauma center at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Orlando Regional Medical Center. The fashion enthusiast admits having a weakness for clothes and accessories, and she requires more than 5,000-square feet of space for her personal wardrobe.

4. Jeannie Epper

At the age of 76, Epper is considered by many to be the greatest stuntwoman in the world. During the 70s, she was Lynda Carter’s stunt double in Wonder Woman. Her more recent film appearances include Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Minority Report, and The Fast and the Furious. In total, Epper has been in more than 100 films, and she has won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards.

5. Johanna Quaas

At 92, Quaas is the world’s oldest gymnast. She regularly competes in the Landes-Seniorenspiele events in Germany. Quaas spent most her life as a gymnastics coach. Floor dance routines and the parallel bars are among her specialties.

To remain active and healthy, your senior loved one needs to adopt a healthy lifestyle. A Prescott home caregiver can help your elderly loved one manage his or her health in a variety of ways. If your loved one needs encouragement to exercise more often, eat healthier foods, or socialize on a regular basis, an in-home caregiver can address these and many other health-related concerns.

6. Lorelei de la Reza

Although she is now 72, de la Reza still loves to play basketball. She took up the sport 17 years ago by attending a class at her fitness center. By 2002, she qualified for a position on the Houston Senior Olympics team. She continues playing three times each week.

7. Tao Porchon-Lynch

At 98 years old, Porchon-Lynch holds the record for being the oldest yoga instructor. In fact, she spent more than 60 years teaching yoga to others and continues teaching today. She also enjoys participating in ballroom dancing competitions.

Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Prescott, AZ, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. To create a custom care plan for your senior loved one, get in touch with us at 928-771-0105 today.

How To Reduce the Risk of B-12 Deficiency in the Elderly

B12 deficiency can result in a variety of health conditions, including mood swings, general lethargy, insomnia, a loss of appetite, and vision problems. While this vitamin is found in several foods, seniors often face difficulty in properly digesting these foods. However, with a few lifestyle changes most aging adults can prevent B12 deficiencies.

If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care in Prescott. Our professional caregivers are available around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

Here are a few ways to reduce the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in seniors.

Get Tested

One of the reasons several B12 deficiencies go undiagnosed in seniors is because the symptoms are often similar to other age-related issues. This is why seniors should be tested for major nutritional deficiencies once every few years. You should also consider having your loved one tested for vitamin deficiencies if he or she exhibits warning signs such as numbness, tingling, a loss of appetite, constipation, cognitive decline, heart palpitations, or pale skin.

Eat More Animal Products

B12 deficiencies are fairly common among seniors who don’t eat animal products because few vegan ingredients contain this vitamin. If your loved one has a B12 deficiency, you should try out different animal products to see if it helps with his or her condition. Even eating fresh seafood just a few days a week should provide a senior with enough B12. You can also add B12-rich snacks such as hard boiled eggs, canned tuna, and chicken wraps to your loved one’s diet.

Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Prescott, AZ, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

Take a Multivitamin

Multivitamins are designed for very specific age groups depending on what nutrients they contain. Unlike multivitamins for younger adults, senior multivitamins generally have high doses of vitamins B6 and B12. These products will be beneficial if your loved one has had any surgeries carried out on his or her stomach or intestines. Many weight loss procedures reduce the efficiency of the digestive tract and make it much more difficult to absorb nutrients.

Research Medications

Different medications will have an impact on how well a senior absorbs nutrients such as vitamin B12. Digestive issues are common among those who take diabetic medications and other drugs that affect the production of stomach acid. Seniors with B12 deficiency should speak with their doctor about altering their medications or trying alternative treatment options. You should take a look at your loved one’s over-the-counter medications to see if they might be impacting his or her digestive system.

Get B12 Shots

Seniors who have difficulty remembering to take their B12 supplements might benefit from scheduling B12 shots once every few weeks. These shots work almost instantaneously, and they give doctors control over exactly how much B12 is administered into a person’s system. Within just a few hours of administering these shots, many seniors feel a wide variety of benefits such as higher energy levels and a healthier appetite.

Quit Smoking

Smokers have much higher rates of nutritional deficiencies. They also tend to have poor dietary habits, and their bodies must also send additional resources to the cells that are being damaged by the tobacco products. A 2004 study published in the Nutrition Journal found smokers are almost twice as likely to be deficient in vitamins A, B, C, and D.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to dementia and other types of cognitive diseases. Professional caregivers can help seniors delay the onset of memory loss. For dementia care Prescott, AZ, families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors stave off the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking. To hire a dedicated caregiver for your aging loved one, get in touch with us at 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us online today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

5 Ways Seniors Can Boost Their Emotional Health

Emotional ailments are often more difficult for outsiders to recognize than physical illnesses. However, it’s just as crucial for seniors to maintain emotional wellbeing as it is to enhance other aspects of their health. The Prescott elder care experts at Home Care Assistance discuss 5 ways your elderly loved one can boost his or her emotional health.

1. Revisit Old Passions

There should never come a point when your loved one feels too old to reignite passion in activities he or she once loved. Even with physical limitations, there are still ways to get involved in practically any hobby or leisurely pursuit once again. Seniors who used to go on long hikes can look for local parks with flat pathways and beautiful views, and those who once enjoyed drawing might be able to seamlessly transition over to painting or sculpting.

2. Celebrate Personal Accomplishments

Taking a few moments to celebrate small accomplishments throughout the day is an excellent way to maintain a positive mindset. Whether it is learning to cook a new meal or getting around to finally calling a family member, small steps such as these can add up. Seniors who only focus on their mistakes and shortcomings will find it far more difficult to protect their emotional health.

3. Stay Socially Connected

Withdrawing from friends and family members can have a major impact on your loved one’s psyche. Without social stimulation, emotional disorders like depression and anxiety will be a constant threat. Even a few minutes of social interaction a day can boost your loved one’s psychological health and happiness.

4. Continue Setting Goals

The sense of accomplishment seniors receive from achieving goals is extremely important to their emotional health. However, many seniors tend to toss their goals to the side when they are managing physical and cognitive limitations. Even the act of setting a goal can provide your loved one with hope and enhance his or her outlook on life.

5. Eat and Drink in Moderation

Not many people realize just how much their diet impacts their emotional wellbeing. Using food and alcohol to manage stress or unhappiness can be a dangerous habit. Though most foods and beverages are fine in moderation, using them as a crutch may set your loved one up for failure in the future.

If you are concerned about your loved one’s emotional wellbeing, consider hiring a professional in-home caregiver from Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of Parkinson’s, dementia, and Alzheimer’s home care Prescott families trust, and our caregivers are available 24/7 to provide social companionship and emotional support, assist with daily activities, and prepare healthy meals. For more information and to request a free consultation, call 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us online @ http:www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

5 Simple Exercises Senior Stroke Survivors Can Try

Recovering from a stroke can be a long process for seniors and their caregivers. The body will need to rebuild its strength and control after the damage, and daily activities can become difficult to do without assistance.

Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Prescott Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Here are a few easy exercises senior stroke survivors can try.

1. Core Exercises

After a stroke, your elderly loved one may have difficulty gaining control and strength on one side of the body. If your loved one has a strong core, it will be easier for the rest of the body to recover from a stroke. It is important for him or her to focus on the affected side of the body when doing core exercises. Failing to do so could lead to decreased bone density and increased risk of bone loss and fractures.

Here are some easy core exercises for seniors:

• Knee rolling
• Single leg bridging
• Single leg dropouts

2. Leg Exercises

After a stroke, seniors might face issues with balance and coordination, which could make walking, standing, and other simple actions difficult to do. The stroke could also cause your loved one’s muscles to weaken around the hip area. However, leg exercises can strengthen your loved one’s muscles and increase his or her range of motion. Some of the exercises listed below could also help build coordination in the lower body:

• Toe and heel raises
• Sitting knee extensions
• Foot and ankle circles

3. Hand Exercises

Regaining motor skills is an important part of the stroke recovery process. Many seniors experience issues with hand movement after a stroke. Regaining complete function of the hands can be challenging, but doing hand exercises could ease the process over time. Your senior loved one should consider using strength balls when exercising the hands. He or she can also use putty for a variety of hand exercises, including:

• Power grip
• Finger scissors
• Fingertip pinch

Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Prescott live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust in professional live-in caregivers to enhance his or her quality of life.

4. Arm Exercises

Strokes can make it difficult for seniors to perform simple tasks, such as grasping objects, moving the arm forward, or releasing items. Below are basic arm exercises your elderly loved one can do to restore normal function in his or her arms:

• Inner arm stretches
• Wrist and hand stretches
• Wrist motions
• Elbow stretches

5. Language Exercises

Your senior loved one could experience problems with speaking and communicating after a stroke. Language exercises can help him or her understand words, learn to read, speak clearly, and regain the ability to write. Some of the language exercises can increase strength and endurance in the muscles he or she uses when speaking. Here are a few language exercises your loved one can do:

• Breathe in and out
• Watch speech and language videos
• Use speech therapy apps (virtual conversations with computer)

If you are caring for a senior loved one who has experienced a stroke, the Prescott, AZ, post-stroke care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are expertly trained in stroke care and can assist with a wide array of tasks, including bathing, grooming, cooking, and exercise. Call us at 928-771-0105 to learn about our patent approach to stroke care.

Visit us online today @ http://www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

How To Manage Role Reversal When Caregiving

After years of being cared for by your parent, it can feel strange to suddenly discover the tables have turned when he or she has grown older and needs assistance. Managing role reversal is a common challenge new family caregivers face, but you can ease the strain by using the following strategies.

Encourage Independence

Caregivers sometimes make the mistake of going overboard when they first take on their duties. Though you want to give back to your loved one for all his or her years of parenting, it is also important to take a step back and let him or her perform tasks independently. Find ways to encourage your loved one to be independent, such as offering a mobility aid or allowing for extra time while he or she gets dressed.

Seek Outside Help

Some tasks are simply difficult for adult children to help their parents with during their daily routine. For example, a strained relationship over the years may have made it hard for your loved one to accept your assistance. Alternatively, you may not feel comfortable helping with private tasks like bathing. In these cases, a Prescott live-in home caregiver can step in to help with de-escalating a potentially awkward situation.

Practice Open Communication

Throughout the years, your loved one has provided guidance for your life, and his or her preferences should still be respected. Involve your loved one in major decisions, such as how he or she wants to handle a health condition or whether or not he or she prefers a certain caregiver. By letting your loved one have a voice, you can prevent arguments regarding how to handle his or her Prescott elderly care.

Focus on Building New Bonds

New caregivers sometimes worry about beginning to see their parents as a burden, but the majority of adult children discover new things about their parents that strengthen their bond. As you spend time together, listen to your loved one’s stories and plan new experiences. Choosing to view your new roles as an opportunity for bonding may help you see this role reversal as a positive thing.

If you are unable to provide the care your loved one needs and deserves, turn to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of live-in and respite care Prescott family caregivers rely on, and our caregivers can assist with a wide variety of important tasks, including bathing, cooking, exercise, and transportation. For more information on our high-quality in-home care services, call 928-771-0105 to speak with a friendly Care Manager.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com