We are pleased to announce our newest Corporate Sponsors in the
Northern Arizona SPOTLIGHT Senior Services &
Living Options Guide
Living Options Guide
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Friday, January 26, 2018
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Arizona Elder Care
We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in our Northern Arizona SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide
Arizona Elder Care LLC is in its 12th year of supporting seniors and their families in Northern Arizona with offices in Sedona and Prescott.
· Arizona Elder Care has Licensed Fiduciaries offering bill pay assistance, acting as Power of Attorney, Successor Trustee or Trustee, Personal Representative, Guardian and/or Conservator.
· We have Licensed Social Workers offering Care Management, Crisis Management, Assessments with Recommendations for a Long Term Care Plan.
· We have Registered Nurses offering Medication Management and oversight with medical issues.
· Arizona Elder Care LLC also specializes in clients with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and mental health issues.
Help when you need it the most! Let us be your Safety Net
Prescott (928) 445-6000
Sedona & the Verde Valley (928) 639-1583
Visit us today @ www.ArizonaElderCare.com
Thursday, December 21, 2017
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
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
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
Thursday, November 16, 2017
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
Visit us today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com
Friday, October 27, 2017
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
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
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.
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