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 

4 Ways Dementia Caregivers Can Help Seniors Manage Their Money

Seniors with dementia usually find it challenging to manage their money. Caregivers often begin to suspect their loved one has some form of cognitive decline when he or she takes too long to count money. Eventually your loved one may forget to pay bills or even lose money. Prescott, AZ, senior care experts suggest the following tips to help caregivers organize their loved one’s finances as soon as possible.

1. Collect the Paperwork

Even people who do an excellent job of organizing their documents can easily lose a few files over the years, which is why it is important to start collecting paperwork as soon as possible so it can be kept in a safe place. Those who are caring for a loved one with a dementia-related condition should make copies of the paperwork and keep it in the bank or at the house of someone they trust. These documents include birth certificates, bank statements, mortgage papers, pink slips, insurance policies, wills, and tax statements.

2. Avoid Scams

Seniors with Alzheimer’s are especially susceptible to scams, and a single mistake could potentially cost them thousands of dollars. If your loved one receives a high volume of telemarketer calls on the landline, consider disconnecting the number and getting him or her a cell phone designed for seniors. Place a sign on your loved one’s door to keep solicitors away.

3. Double-Check the Benefits

Many seniors receive financial assistance from different organizations, and it can be challenging to keep track of all the benefits. If there is a local Alzheimer’s nonprofit organization in your loved one’s hometown, schedule an appointment to speak with one of their advisers. Organizations that focus on dementia-related disorders often have in-house financial specialists. They might even be able to connect you and your loved one with additional sources of income or low-cost treatments.

4. Consider Banking Options

Instead of completely merging your loved one’s bank account with your account, have a single joint account for emergencies. Depending on the type of financial assistance your loved one is receiving, he or she might have personal accounts audited to ensure they meet the qualifications. The joint account can be used by you or your loved one to pay for emergencies or the occasional everyday expense such as groceries.

If your aging loved one needs help managing the tasks of daily living and you’re searching for a reliable, expertly trained 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.

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. For more information on our high-quality dementia care and our other in-home care services, please call 928-771-0105 today.

Visit us online today@ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

New Smell Test Might Predict Alzheimer's

As your loved one grows older, others may notice changes in his or her senses. Some seniors might start wearing glasses to read or using a hearing aid to block background noise. While this is completely normal, something could be amiss if a loved one experiences a sudden change in his or her sense of smell. Prescott in-home senior care experts share the findings of researchers from Columbia University Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, and New York-Presbyterian, who are researching the connection between loss of the sense of smell and developing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s and the Sense of Smell

Dementia-related disorders like Alzheimer’s can impact a senior’s ability to differentiate between smells or smell strong odors altogether. The connection is unclear, but many doctors believe it has to do with the loss of key brain cells because of ribbons of plaque causing inflammation. While losing the sense of smell can be heartbreaking, it might be an excellent way to identify Alzheimer’s in its earliest stages.

The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT)

Most of the research around Alzheimer’s and olfactory senses is now utilizing the UPSIT or a variation of it. This simple and affordable test simply gauges a senior’s ability to smell common items such as peanut butter or a candle. Those who score lower on the test seem to develop dementia-related disorders at much higher rates.

Moving Beyond the UPSIT

Correctly diagnosing dementia is no easy task until the condition begins impacting a senior’s , which is one of the reasons why the UPSIT can be an exceptional tool for doctors helping high-risk elders. If any anomalies are detected during the UPSIT, your loved one’s doctor can schedule additional tests, including brain scans. With an early diagnosis, your loved one can have more treatment options for slowing the progression of the condition and managing the side effects.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the condition, reach out to Home Care Assistance. We provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s care for Prescott seniors. To learn more about how an experienced caregiver can help your senior loved one, call a knowledgeable Care Manager at 928-771-0105 and schedule a free consultation.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Servant's Heart

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in our
Northern Arizona

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide

A Non-Emergency Transportation Company on a Mission, 

“Our mission is to serve our community with a servant heart by providing door – through – door, non-emergency medical transportation.”

We are able to transport Ambulatory, Wheel Chair & Stretchers. We will provide oxygen when needed at no extra costs. Our drivers are trained in CPR, First Aid, Senior Care, Defensive Driving and more. They also go through an extensive background check, your safety is always our first priority.

We serve all of Northern Arizona at very reasonable rates. We will also go the distance, so if you need to go out of state; let us work up an estimate that will work for you.

(928) 777 - 5512

Visit us online @ https://www.facebook.com/servantsheartaz1/

Website Address Soon to Come!

Preventing Caregiver Anger

Being a family caregiver has its highs and lows, and caregivers may find themselves getting angry sometimes. While it may not be possible to always avoid difficult situations, the staff at Home Care Assistance suggests you use these strategies to prevent caregiver anger.

Practice Effective Communication

Working with other caregivers in Prescott can often generate feelings of anger, especially if you disagree with other family members about care strategies. Try to minimize disagreements by holding meetings with every decision maker whenever your loved one’s care plan needs to be changed. Use schedules and other communication tools to make sure everyone knows their responsibilities.

Understand Physical Causes for Difficult Behavior

As a person ages, certain health conditions cause symptoms that may not be easy to manage. Learning about your loved one’s health conditions can help you understand why he or she refuses assistance. For example, seniors with Alzheimer’s often become anxious about seeing unfamiliar people. When a caregiver knows this, it makes it easier to accept the senior is not purposely trying to make things harder.

Take Care of Your Health

Being tired or hungry can make anyone a little cranky. As a caregiver, it can be easy to overlook your own needs, which can cause stress. Make sure you get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and stay on top of your health with regular medical checkups. Even if you have to recruit some help, taking time for yourself can help you remain calm and in control while you provide Prescott senior care for your loved one.

Create Defined Boundaries

When your loved one needs constant care, it is normal to want to try to do everything yourself. However, this can lead to negative emotions such as guilt and anger. You may need to establish boundaries regarding your time. Whether you need to attend a weekly support group for caregivers or just need a few hours to yourself each day, finding time to relax can prevent resentment and anger.

It is common for caregivers to experience anger and impatience while carrying out their duties. If you need help with your caregiving duties, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted name in senior in-home care. We provide respite and live-in caregivers Prescott seniors can rely on. Our trained caregivers can help your loved one with tasks around the house, provide companionship, and drive him or her to medical appointments. For more information about our in-home care services, call 928-771-0105 to speak with a qualified Care Manager.

Visit us online @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Northland Hospice & Palliative Care dba Vista Hospice

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in our 

Northern Arizona SPOTLIGHT Senior Services &
Living Options Guide

Northland Hospice & Palliative Care (dba) Vista Hospice is a nonprofit hospice that has served the diverse communities of Northern Arizona for over 35 years with compassionate end-of-life care. We are devoted to extending our loving knowledge, hearts and hands to offer guidance through life’s transitions. At the heart of our devoted and professional service is the profound respect for the patient’s wishes.

Our team of professionals aspires to prepare our patients and families for the end-of-life experience in a positive and dignified way. We cooperate and collaborate with a huge regional network to support the patient, family, and friends in facing the challenges of a life-limiting illness by offering physical, emotional, and spiritual support before and after a patient dies.

Visit us online @ http://vistahospice.org/