Rhode Island

Seniors and Keeping Active

Seniors need to have a certain amount of exercise to remain healthy. It is never too late in life to begin exercising. However, getting seniors to move around and be active can be a challenge sometimes. Many seniors have difficulty sticking to an exercise regime. This is due to various reasons, including the fear of falling, having balance [problems and not being able to maintain a schedule. Below are some tips on how seniors can get moving and stay active.

1.    Seniors need to set goals for exercise and stick to them. They should start with small goals, such as exercising a few times a week. The goals should be realistic and achievable.

2.    Make a purchase! Buying a new bathroom scale can help seniors monitor their weight. Many newer scales will also display the body fat percentage. Seniors should set goals to reduce body fat. Seniors should also use the scale to keep track of their results from exercise. Most scales will have a built in memory, so seniors can monitor weight loss and gain.

3.    Do not think of exercise as a chore. It can actually be a social event if done in groups. Get together with other seniors for a walk. Socialization is linked with many health benefits, so seniors who combine exercise with a social activity will reap many benefits.

4.    Seniors do not have to engage in rigorous exercise routines. They should set short-term goals that are realistic. Most seniors will benefit from just 2 ½ hours of exercise each week.

Source: Consumer Healthday.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Information on Alzheimer’s

Much research is being done on Alzheimer’s disease. This disease affects thousands of seniors. Some researchers feel that we may not be doing enough to push research along. Finding a cure for this disabling disease is the ultimate goal. This is the most common form of dementia in older adults. The list below contains some additional information on how researchers hope to solve the puzzle of Alzheimer’s

1.    More than 5 million seniors in the US have Alzheimer’s and many of these cases are severe, resulting in the loss of daily functions.

2.    As the population continues to age, the number of people that will be affected by Alzheimer’s will also be on the rise. Currently, a senior in the US develops Alzheimer’s every 70 seconds. This is expected to become every 33 seconds in the next decade.

3.    Those who are researching early detection of the disease say they are on the road to substantial advances.

4.    Alzheimer’s drugs are now being used on many senior patients. The medication focuses on amyloid, which is a protein that clumps in the brain of those with the disease.

5.    Researchers are optimistic that once an anti-amyloid drug is perfected, the disease could be stopped in its tracks. It will also allow the disease to be detected by using scanning technology.

6.    Currently, there is no national plan aimed at researching the disease. Not enough funding and lack of researchers is the reason more progression has not yet been made.

7.    Researchers have a goal of perfecting medications and learning much more about this debilitating disease.

Source:  Consumer Healthday

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Wandering Alzheimer’s Patients

It is very common for a patient with Alzheimer’s to wander off. This could be for many reasons, including the search for something or someone familiar. To ensure the safety of loved ones, there are some things that can be done to help control wandering. The following list provides some useful information for any caregiver of a wandering Alzheimer’s patient.

1. Some patients may wander to escape something that is causing them stress and anxiety. This could be too many conversations or a lot of noises. Try to minimize conversations and reduce background noises as much as possible.

2. In many cases, Alzheimer’s patients will wander it an attempt to relive the past. This is especially true for those who had a strict schedule for many years.

3. Wandering can also be triggered by certain medications.

4. To prevent wandering, address triggers, such as offering food and water, encouraging physical activities. Providing a family photo can also help reduce wandering.

5. Use visual cues to help the patient notice where they are. This can be done by putting photos on doors and walls to identify objects and areas of the home.

6. Try to keep them active and involved. The more interested a patient is in something, the less apt they are to wander off.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Seniors and Facts about Summer Safety

Senior safety is an important issue during the summer. Seniors have a higher tendency to react to the heat. This could include heat stroke and heat exhaustion. No matter what the weather is forecasted to be, seniors should be prepared to battle the heat. The following list provides some great tips that will help to make sure seniors are safe during the summer.

1. Heat exhaustion can cause many problems for seniors. It can be the cause of fatigue, nausea, headache and dizziness.

2. Heat stroke can cause a senior to experience dizziness, confusion and could even cause unconsciousness.

3. Seniors must make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the summer. This will help to keep the body hydrated and avoid heat stroke and exhaustion.

4. A light, but well-balanced diet should be eaten during the warmer months. Eating heavy will cause fatigue.

5. Light and loose clothing should be worn to help keep seniors cool.

6. Always apply sun screen when a senior will be exposed to the sun. Their skin is very sensitive and they will burn easily and quickly.

7. If outdoor temperatures become uncomfortable, seniors should go inside and sit down. If they can be in an air conditioned area, that would be even better.

Source: NJ

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Male Depression Information

Depression often affects older men, especially those over the age of 40. We will all experience depression at some point in our lives. It is important to treat the condition as soon as possible. In men, it can lead to other actions and even health conditions that can be negative. Below is some information about depression and how it affects men.

1. Many men will deny that they are depressed. This is often due to the fact that men feel they must be strong, and depression would be a sign of weakness.

2. Male depression is a serious disease. More than 80% of suicides are men. Many of these men were suffering from depression.

3. Between 60 and 80% of men who are depressed will never seek any form of treatment.

4. Those who do seek help find they have some relief from their symptoms.

5. Depressed males are more likely to act out their feelings. Women tend to keep these inside, but depressed men may become violent as a result of their condition.

6. Men feel there are others to blame for their depression. They will also begin to sleep less and become agitated.

Source: Men Alive

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Technology Allows Seniors to Remain at Home

Seniors who wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible must make sure that they are safe. This may require the installation of a technological system that can help to ensure the safety of the senior. This will provide peace of mind for caregivers and family members. Below is a list that provides some useful information on a system that ensures the safety and well-being of the senior at home.

1. Caregiver Systems consist of touch screen monitors and wireless sensors that are placed in various locations in the home. The sensors will monitor health indicators, such as blood pressure, weight, motion and activity.

2. The system also acts as a communication system, allowing users, such as caregivers, to go online and send messages and reminders to the seniors at home. These messages will appear on the touch screens.

3. The system has one touch access that is easy for seniors to use. This will allow them to access games, family photos and appointment reminders.

4. The system also has a personal emergency response system, also called PERS. This system provides 24/7 monitoring of the senior and can call for medical response if necessary.

5. These technological advances allow seniors to stay at home longer. There is less worry from friends and family members regarding the safety and well-being of the senior while they remain in their home.

Source:  Working Caregiver

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923

Monetary Costs of Physical Inactivity for Seniors

When seniors think about the effects of an inactive lifestyle, one of the repercussions is not usually the monetary costs, after all, physical fitness costs money, right, so shouldn’t they be saving? In reality, lack of activity can lead to greater instances of injuries and illnesses which are associated with millions of dollars of medical costs per year.

• Seniors who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from acute diseases and chronic illnesses which are associated with high medical costs in the country

• Seniors are more likely to injure themselves when they are physical unstable and weak because they do not remain physically active. Hospital care is covered by provincial healthcare, but often seniors need supplemental services like physical therapy during the recovery process

• There may be costs associated with family caregiving when a senior suffers from a health issue or an injury when someone is no longer able to maintain a full-time job and takes on costs of care

Source: Home Care Etobicoke

Father’s Day Celebrations for Seniors

Seniors should have the opportunity to be honored on Father’s Day like anyone else, whether they are dead or alive. When you were a kid, I’m sure you showered your dad with homemade gifts that made him feel like you were thinking about him. Don’t give up on that now just because you’re both older!

1. Give him a great meal – treat him to his favorite meal. Bring him breakfast in bed, out to his favorite buffet, go for a beer or to a fancy restaurant he loves. Remember, it ís all about him!

2. Give him something he would not get himself – your gift does not have to be expensive, but do think of something he’d never get for himself and skip the stereotypical gifts

3. Pay attention to his wants – if there is anything in particular youíve noticed your dad talking about, try to make that desire a reality. The best part of the gift will be the recognition that you have been paying attention!

4. Give him your undivided attention – it does not matter what you do, but make sure your time together is uninterrupted. Do not answer your text messages or phone calls unless it ís absolutely crucial!

5. Honor dad after death – if your father is no longer alive, you can still honor him on Father’s Day. Have a tribute to dad with other family members or donate to his favorite charity or cause

eHow.com

Seniors Should Ask Questions About Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition, but it can be managed. Many seniors will manage their diabetes by altering diets, taking medications or having shots of insulin. No matter what type of diabetes a senior has, it is important for them to know what questions to ask. Below is a list of facts that can help seniors understand and manage their diabetes.

1. Asking the right questions can provide seniors with the right information to better enable them to manage the disease.

2. Seniors are urged to discuss all of their symptoms. While they may seem harmless, some symptoms could indicate other health problems.

3. Seniors who have diabetes will receive treatment for these symptoms, not the cause of the disease. This is why it is important for all seniors to know and recognize any new symptoms.

4. There are many questions in regards to the cause of diabetes, however, at this time; the answer consists of a very long list. There are so many factors that are involved and each person can have the disease because of different reasons.

5. Diabetes is manageable, so seniors must take the right steps to make sure they are receiving the correct treatment for their type of the disease. This includes asking questions about treatment options.

Source: Ultra Wellness Center

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Meditation Helps the Aging Mind

Meditation is thought of as a form of relaxation and can be associated with specific religions and cultures. What seniors might not realize is that there are so many benefits to meditation that can help them through the aging process. Most seniors worry about losing their memories, but it doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of the aging process, especially not with the incorporation of meditation. Here are some reasons why meditation helps and how seniors can get started:

• Meditation increases longevity; cognitive, perceptual, and behavioral flexibility; and learning ability in older adults

• Meditation creates an outflow from the parasympathetic nervous system and helps to slow the heart. This allows the mind to declutter and focus as the body relaxes

• Meditation doesn’t have to mean the classic form, there is no specific chant that people need to use in order to get into a state of meditation. It can be counting, repeating one particular phrase, using the sound “ohm” or virtually any repetitive word or sound to establish a constant breathing pattern. Focus on relaxation, and if your mind wanders, bring it back; you don’t need to focus on meditating perfectly, just get the benefits you need from it!

Via: AARP

Home Care Rhode Island