“Non Medical” Senior Care — What Does it Mean?

At Always Best Care, one of our primary areas of focus is providing excellent non medical in home care for seniors. For most people, it’s easy to understand what might be entailed when medical care is sought, but they aren’t Read more
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Can This New Smartphone App Help Seniors with Alzheimer’s?

Although today’s conventional wisdom may say that seniors and smartphones don’t mix — especially seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease — a new mobile app is about to revolutionize the ways in which Alzheimer’s sufferers interact with technology and live their lives. Read more
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5 Ways Compassionate Caregivers Help Seniors

If you’ve never considered what a well-trained, compassionate caregiver can do, you might be surprised! Caregivers do amazing things to help seniors live their best lives, but not everyone sees the true value that they can provide to seniors and Read more
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How to Help a Senior Loved One with Hearing Loss

The ability to communicate is a big part of what holds the world together. Speaking and listening form the foundation of interpersonal communication, but we often take those abilities for granted. However, things tend to change as people grow older. Read more
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Five Miraculous Benefits of Music for Seniors

No matter what a person’s age or background, participation in the arts can provide a significant life enhancement. Music, in particular, is important in peoples’ lives, whether they simply enjoy escaping into their headphones at night or they devote their lives to learning and mastering an instrument. It allows people to connect with their emotions and thoughts in ways that would not otherwise be possible, and it brings people together in ways that cannot be duplicated through other means. For seniors, music is the special ingredient that can give life meaning and joy in retirement age. For older individuals, the sound of music can represent the sound of life itself, bringing feelings of youthfulness and vitality while stirring up pleasant memories. It’s magical stuff, and experts aren’t always sure exactly why music is so healing and helpful for seniors. However, there is a ton of evidence that shows that music really is one of the most essential elements in a healthy, happy
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Four Tips to Help Ensure Rx Success for Seniors

Managing medications is a part of growing older, and many seniors rely on their prescription medicines to be able to enjoy a good quality of life. For a large number of older individuals, the number of prescriptions to manage can be overwhelming, and the side effects that can present themselves while on multiple medications can introduce special challenges for seniors, their families and their caregivers. Fortunately, loved ones and caregivers can successfully help seniors manage medicines if they follow some simple, but effective tips. To help those who care for an aging loved one, here are four tips that can help to ensure that prescription medicines are taken properly, in the right dosages, and at the right times: Be Present and Pay Attention Perhaps your most important job as a caregiver is simply paying attention to your senior. When things like sleep patterns and appetite undergo changes, it’s up to you to investigate. It may just be a blip on the radar, but it might be due to
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8 Top Tips to Help Seniors Prevent Slips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are responsible for a large number of serious injuries among adults aged 65 and older. Even the most healthy and active seniors can become injured or incapacitated by an unfortunate slip or fall incident, which is why it’s so important for caregivers, family members and loved ones to be able to provide assistance and preventative help. Recent statistics from the National Institutes of Health indicate that nearly two million seniors in the United States visit the emergency room or go to the hospital as a result of a fall every year, and many of them return home at less than full strength. If you have a senior loved one who may be negatively impacted by a trip, slip or fall, here are some tips to help you ensure that they remain safe and fall free. Remove Hazards from the Home Cords, rugs and clutter can cause falls easily, so remove them or find other solutions where possible. Take a day to collaborate with your senior on a cleanup/organization project, and you
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Exercise and the Elderly — Good for the Body and the Brain

For older individuals, regular exercise can help the body maintain strength and flexibility when it might otherwise begin to break down and become weak or frail. Unfortunately, many seniors have trouble getting into regular exercise routines, leaving them less healthy than they would be otherwise. They understand the body benefits, but it’s still not enough to motivate them to get into gear. Thankfully, there are other ways to motivate seniors to exercise! The fact is that exercise is not only good for the body; it’s also amazing for what it can do to help the brain. Let’s take a look. How Does Exercise Benefit the Brain? Here are some of the ways in which regular physical activity benefits the brain: It boosts the health of nerve cells throughout the body and in the brain It improves memory It increases overall blood flow to the brain, which, in turn, increases oxygen levels It improves overall cognitive function and “sharpness As you can see, exercise does more for the mind
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Three Tips for Helping an Aging Loved One With Finances

For seniors, the rapid changes that occur in such a highly connected and technological world can be completely overwhelming. Many older individuals have seen quantum changes in all aspects of life, from transportation, to culture, to politics, to the map of the world and everything else in between. But if you had to choose a single aspect of our world that’s the most confusing to individuals who grew up in a different time, it might be money. When your parent or grandparent learned how to handle money, things were much simpler. Money was an actual, physical thing that you could touch and hold; not just a number on a computer screen. The world has also gotten increasingly cluttered with scams and schemes designed to separate people from their hard-earned money, and the scammers behind these operations tend to target older people, who might not be as financially savvy as those who grew up in this complicated era. How Can You Help a Senior With Finances? Thankfully, you and other trust
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Helping Seniors Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep is essential for a healthy life, even though many of us don’t put it on the same level as breathing or eating. Unfortunately, a disregard for the importance of sleep can leave us operating at less than peak efficiency. For many of us, it means living with the attitude that we’ll catch up on rest after we retire. Well, unfortunately, seniors often struggle with sleep issues even more than their younger counterparts, which can lead to more serious health problems. Are you caring for an aging loved one who may not be getting enough shuteye? Here are some of the symptoms that a lack of sleep can bring on: Increased irritability Decreased immune response Confusion Depression and anxiety Lack of emotional well being Decreases in balance or steadiness, which can lead to falls (and injuries) A lack of sleep should not be ignored! It’s a serious condition that can lead to even more troubles in a senior’s life. So what can you do to help? Five Tips for Helping a Senior Loved One G
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Four Surprising Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

For older individuals, getting outside and enjoying the spring and summer months is essential, but finding activities that are appropriate for the weather — and for aging bodies — can be challenging. That’s why gardening is such a favorite activity among the senior set. Perhaps you are caring for an aging loved one who could use some more activity in their life. If this is the case, encouraging them to build and tend a small garden is a terrific idea. There are many benefits to gardening, some of which might surprise you! Benefit #1: It Reduces Stress Gardening is one of the best ways for seniors to reduce various bodily stresses and strains. That goes for the mind, too. Gardening offers many opportunities for getting into a calm, meditative state, which can help to reduce feelings of stress, which, in turn, can lead to better sleep and a higher quality of life, in general. Benefit #2: It Can Help Prevent Disease Being outside and active in the fresh air keeps the body flexible
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Understanding — and Eliminating — Senior-Living Fears

Fear often arises out of the unknown. When you’re confident about what’s going to happen next and what’s around the corner, there’s no need to be scared, but when you’re unsure of what the next days, weeks, months and years might bring, it’s easy to become fearful about the future. For seniors, these fears can be debilitating if they’re not addressed and eased by the people caring for them. Seniors who are faced with transitions in their living situations can easily become fearful because they are concerned about their worlds being turned upside down overnight. They often envision worst-case scenarios (as so many of us do during times of upheaval), and they tend to feel like no one understands their concerns. If you are caring for a loved one or family member who is concerned about changes in their living situation — whether it’s the need for a regular in home caregiver or a placement into assisted living — there are some things you can do to make the senior in you
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Dealing with Dementia — 10 Simple Tips to Provide Compassionate Care

Dementia is a serious issue in our society, with more than five million individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease in the United States alone. And that number doesn’t even account for all of the people who live their lives with other forms of dementia such as Parkinson’s Disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. People who care for seniors and others who suffer from the various forms of dementia often feel overwhelmed and at a loss when it comes to providing effective, compassionate care, which can have a significant negative impact on the patient and their ability to cope comfortably Help For Dealing With Dementia Do you assist in the care of an elderly family member or loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? You may be wondering how you can ease the burden on yourself while still retaining the ability to provide outstanding, compassionate care that helps your loved one live the best possible life. Here are ten simple, effective tips that
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3 Tips for Creating the Perfect Space for Aging in Place

Today’s elderly population is blazing a new trail for seniors in many ways. Aging individuals in our modern world are living longer, more active lives, and they are participating more in society than any previous generation in their retirement years. As a result, they are eschewing typical lifestyle choices and patterns of the past in favor of new ways of living. For many seniors, this means living and aging at home where they are comfortable and secure. This desire has created a huge demand for in home senior care services, and it’s also made family members and other loved ones reconsider how to provide support. These days, family members aren’t worried about putting Mom or Dad in a home; they are concerned with how to make sure Mom or Dad’s home is fit for aging in place safely and comfortably. If you’re concerned about a family member who insists on aging in place, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure conditions at home are ideal and appropriate for healt
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It’s True: A Healthy Diet and Exercise Can Extend Lives

If you’re like a lot of people, you might be tired of hearing about the wonders of a healthy diet and regular exercise. New ways of staying fit and living healthy lives come and go all of the time, though. Some of them seem promising, but after a while, people learn that they are too good to be true. Diet and exercise remain standing as the true pillars of a healthy lifestyle. They are tried and true methods, and although it might be difficult to live a life that’s based on good eating and regular physical activity, it’s the best way to ensure excellent health and a comfortable existence in one’s senior years. A New Study When it comes to aging, diet and exercise are probably more important than any other factors. A recent study performed by the Mayo Clinic indicates that there is a link between modifiable lifestyle factors — such as diet and exercise — and the process of aging. Researchers working on mice in laboratory settings found that a lack of exercise and a poor die
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Seniors and Volunteering — Helping them Give Back

When you think about volunteering, you’re probably more likely to imagine a younger person assisting an older individual than the opposite scenario. For many people, volunteering conjures images of strong, youthful people lifting heavy objects and taking on significant physical challenges. But the opportunities available in the world of volunteering encompass options that people of all ages and abilities can consider. For seniors, this opens up a whole new world of possibilities, but it’s often necessary to help aging individuals when it comes to locating and engaging with volunteer opportunities. Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors You might think that the ideal life for the average senior would be filled with leisure and rest. While this isn’t entirely untrue, most seniors have a desire to contribute to society and work to help others. And when they are able to realize this desire to give back, they tend to experience a number of benefits, including: - Prevention of depressio
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Aging Individuals and the Arts — Tremendous Benefits for Seniors

Healthy aging is dependent upon a number of factors. A good diet that provides balanced nutrition can extend lifespans, increase energy levels and improve mood. Regular physical activity can strengthen muscles, bones, joints and even internal organs, leading to longer, healthier lives. An active social life is also crucial when it comes to combatting loneliness, depression and other challenges that affect seniors. These areas are talked about a lot when people discuss healthy aging. One aspect that doesn’t get mentioned as much in the discussion about how to enable healthy aging is the power of creativity. When aging individuals engage with the arts, whether it’s through direct creative expression or through simply experiencing them, overall quality of life improves considerably! Seniors Expressing Themselves through Art Seniors in our culture don’t have many avenues of expression available to them, unfortunately. We live in a young person’s society, where it seems like everyt
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Why you Should Hire Only a Licensed Senior Service Company

Whether you can’t be there to care for your senior loved one, or you are looking for extra support to enable you to continue with other areas of your home and professional life, home caregiving or companionship assistance can help. It’s very easy to become overwhelmed and stretched in too many directions. You want to make sure that the senior loved one in your life is getting the support they need and that you can feel assured of the quality and reputation of those providing their care or companionship. It is important to have someone who has their best interests in mind and is trained to meet their individual needs. There are many people who may offer their services to help seniors, but when choosing a senior service company, you want to ensure that the organization is fully licensed. This not only protects you and your loved one, but it protects the company too. Hiring a licensed provider gives you reassurance about several things: 1. The in-home care organization meets state st
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Companionship Services and the Psychological Benefits of Senior Care

When it comes to the lives of seniors, depression and isolation are major concerns. As people get older they often become less mobile, causing them to have less interaction with friends, family members and the communities that surround them. If they do not drive or have trouble getting from place to place, they are also less likely to attend events and social/family gatherings. In 2009, a small study was conducted where it was found that anxiety, depression and even heart disease were more prevalent in participants who had fewer social ties. Loneliness, it was found, could also cause an increase in incidents of accidents, suicides and heart-disease-related deaths. San Diego Senior Companionship Services Seniors can improve their much-needed social connections considerably through the use of companionship services. They form strong bonds with in home caregivers because regular contact occurs, creating space for friendship to grow. There is great comfort in simply knowing that someone w
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Exercise and Seniors: The Links Between Physical Activity and Alzheimer’s Prevention

When it comes to experiencing good health, exercise is vital, regardless of age. For seniors, though, exercise can be especially beneficial for keeping injuries and illnesses away, boosting mental health, improving flexibility and balance and maintaining independence. Poor mobility — or a complete lack of it — is a common factor that prevents seniors from living on their own, but with a regular exercise routine, elderly individuals can continue to perform a variety of activities and live more freely.  These days, more and more seniors are convinced of the benefits associated with aging in place, staying healthy and remaining active, which is why they are turning to exercise in greater numbers. Seniors also want to avoid the difficulties associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The good news is that it’s never too late to start. By incorporating exercise into a daily routine slowly and steadily, seniors can avoid many of the pitfalls of aging while feel
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Social Media Opens Up a Whole New World for Aging Individuals

What does it mean for you to be socially active? If you’re like many people in our digital age, it means a combination of interactions in groups, with other individuals face-to-face and with friends and family members over the phone in addition to interactions experienced through texting, video chatting and — especially — through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. There are a lot of socialization options available to those who are familiar with technology and understand how to use it. Unfortunately, for many seniors, those options are simply not on the table. Aging individuals can benefit tremendously in their social lives by learning how to use social media, but it may require some patient help and assistance on your part. With more than 60% of older people online, we’re entering a new era, but it’s up to family members and/or caregivers to show the way. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which you can help a senior loved one understand and get the mo
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Seniors and Prescription Drug Misuse — Seeing the Signs

Prescription drug misuse is a serious problem around the world, affecting all kinds of people. From the rich to the impoverished and from all walks of life, people aren’t always immune to misuse. Misuse happens for a number of reasons, from confusion about prescription recommendations to an inability to handle unpleasant side effects. In some cases, medications are taken at doses that are higher than recommended. Other times, patients don’t take what they’re supposed to. The point is that misuse of medication can be dealt with in a way that’s non judgmental — it affects everyone and the only way to stop it is to treat situations involving misuse with dignity and a plan to offer real, workable solutions. One of the groups that’s most affected by prescription drug misuse is the senior population. This fact doesn’t automatically occur to everyone; when the average individual is asked to picture someone who misuses drugs, they tend to think up images of younger, immature peo
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Dealing With Dementia: Three Tips for Better Senior Care

Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia such as Parkinson’s Disease affect millions of seniors and their families around the country. Individuals who suffer from these diseases experience monumental changes in their lives, but the sad fact of it all is that many of them go through symptoms and changes associated with dementia without even knowing or understanding what’s happening to them. Thankfully, family members and caregivers of dementia patients are there to provide assistance and loving care. However, it must be noted that dementia patients require a special kind of care. If you’re responsible for the care of a loved one who suffers from a form of dementia, it’s important that you know the right way to provide help. Here are three tips that can help you and other caregivers provide precisely what dementia patients require to be safe, comfortable and at ease. #1 — Be Patient and Avoid Escalation One of the saddest aspects of Alzheimer’s Disease and other typ
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Aging and the Senses: How to Deal With Loss

It usually starts to become noticeable as middle age approaches — hearing clearly in conversations becomes more difficult; reading requires more effort and glasses become essential for adequate vision. The diminishment of hearing and vision are common for everyone, but these changes are generally accepted as a natural part of the aging process. And most people navigate through the changes successfully, adapting to life and making the necessary adjustments, often with the help of loved ones and others. Unfortunately, it isn’t just hearing and vision that diminish as a person grows old. In fact, the loss or diminishment of multiple sense is quite common among older individuals: some estimates indicate that up to 94% of older people experience the loss of at least one of the five senses. New Information Sheds Light on Sensory Loss A recent study performed by the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project in conjunction with the University of Chicago looked at 3,000 adults in the
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Take a Walk! Five Major Benefits for Seniors

When it comes to staying healthy in one’s senior years, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. Exercise keeps the body young and strong, and it can even improve mood and mental health. Unfortunately, appropriate exercise routines for seniors are difficult to find. As people age, their bodies change, lose power and experience diminished flexibility, making exercises that younger people perform less than ideal, and in some cases dangerous. Thankfully, one of the best exercises a person can perform is also one of the least impactful on the body. Walking is something that almost everyone does on a daily basis, but it’s also one of the most powerful forms of exercise, especially for seniors. If you’re concerned about a senior in your life who isn’t getting the exercise they need to stay healthy and fit, take a look at these five benefits of walking! #1 — Walking Reduces the Risk of Contracting and Suffering From Numerous Diseases Going for a walk every day has b
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Seniors Staying Social for Better Health

As people grow older, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to maintain healthy social lives. Children grow up and leave home. Friends and family members move to different parts of the world. Spouses and peers pass away. Basically, the typical senior’s social network has a way of breaking down naturally, which is why it’s so important for caregivers and loved ones to help older individuals maintain their ties to the world around them through social activities. The trend these days is for seniors to stay at home longer, which provides numerous benefits, but it can also keep older folks from experiencing some of the social settings that older generations enjoyed. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to help! Combatting Loneliness According to recent research, as many as one out of every five seniors reports feeling lonely a significant amount of the time. This can lead to depression and other health issues that lower life expectancies and make existence a struggle on a
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Keeping Seniors Comfortable in a Noisy World

When the world is loud, it’s very difficult to focus and pay attention. Unfortunately, the world seems to be getting louder and noisier by the day. This creates particular difficulty for seniors, many of whom have experienced hearing loss. Sounds blend together when they are in the midst of groups of people or are simply out and about taking care of errands or shopping. The inability to hear clearly and make sense of the world can lead to many seniors choosing to stay inside and avoid social situations. Obviously, this isn’t a good solution — such isolation can lead to depression and a major loss of vitality. So what are senior caregivers and loved ones to do? Thankfully, there are some strategies that seniors, their caregivers and their loved ones can employ to ensure a more pleasant experience, even in the midst of a society that can’t get any noisier. Accept and Prepare One of the best things seniors and their caregivers can do is prepare for noisy social situations before
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Depression and Aging: Is It Normal?

When many people think about aging and the aging process, they assume that depression is a normal, routine part of growing old. While it’s true that many seniors become depressed in their later years, the two things are actually not related. In fact, depression in old age is not normal. Seniors can avoid depression and live rich, fulfilling active lives, but it’s important to know the signs of depression and to participate in some activities that can keep the debilitating condition at bay. Depression Triggers in Old Age Causes for depression are difficult to pinpoint, but when you look at some of the common life events for seniors, it’s easy to see how they might be more likely to become depressed. Seniors are faced with more life changes more frequently than just about any other group of people. They experience the deaths of friends, family members and other loved ones at a higher rate than other age groups, and they are often faced with their own mortality and/or weakness with
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Seniors and Exercise — It’s Never Too Late to Get Started

It’s one of the oldest pieces of health advice in the book: regular exercise is one of the major keys to living a healthy, happy life. But actually putting in the time for physical activity is difficult. This is true regardless of age, but it’s a special challenge for seniors — the group that stands to benefit the most from the addition of regular exercise to a daily routine. One major misconception that exists is that after a certain age, exercise just isn’t worth it anymore. As it turns out, nothing could be further from the truth! The Challenges for Seniors Some of the reasons seniors avoid exercise include: - The presence of more frequent illness - Concerns about falls and/or injuries - A belief that it will cause more harm than good - The belief that exercise will waste precious energy - It’s not a productive use of precious time Truthfully, these are all actually great reasons for seniors to start exercising; not avoid it! Exercise can make the body much stronger and m
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Seniors Seeing Clearly — 5 Tips for Healthy Eyes

Eyesight is something that people tend to take for granted — especially when they’re younger and can see for miles — but it’s something that seniors need to be proactive about as they advance in age. As people get older, their vision deteriorates, but the process can be slowed, and a number of maladies can be prevented by following some simple tips. Are you looking for tips to ensure healthy eyesight as you age, or are you concerned about an elderly loved one who may be losing his or her vision? Keep reading for some great advice! #1 — Improve Your Diet It may not be apparent, but your eyes and their abilities are greatly influenced by the fuel you feed your body. It’s been shown, for example, that a diet rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and C can contribute to healthy eyesight. Eating fish is also beneficial because it contains essential Omega-3 fatty acids that can assist with the maintenance of the macula, one of the eye’s most important components. #2 — Quit Sm
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Seniors and Vacations — 7 Tips for Success

Family vacations are no longer all about Mom and Dad taking the kids somewhere special; they’re turning into opportunities for the kids to take Mom and Dad somewhere special! Seniors are living longer, more active lives, and they are no longer content to simply sit at home and wait for the slideshow later. Today’s older individuals often want to tag along. And their kids are taking them in greater and greater numbers! If you’re considering a vacation with an older family member, there are some things that you should keep in mind during the planning stages to ensure a satisfying trip. #1 — Take Note of Mobility Concerns If Mom or Dad is having trouble getting around, you will have to factor that into your planning. Consider arranging for a wheelchair at the airport, and make sure that there are alternatives to physically demanding activities on your itinerary. #2 — Accommodations and Amenities When you book accommodations, make sure that they will be comfortable for your agin
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Hitting the Century Mark: More Seniors Are Reaching 100

People are living longer lives these days. In fact, more and more seniors are living to — and past — the so-called “century mark” of 100 years. Three-digit birthdays are being celebrated with much more frequency lately, and families are enjoying the company of their oldest and wisest members for longer than ever. This is all wonderful news, but it also reminds us of the importance of high-quality senior care. Seniors Are Living Longer, but Are They Living Well? When it comes to living a long life, most people would agree that the quality of life is much more important than reaching a certain age or benchmark. These days, with so many people living past the age of 100, it’s critical to understand how these amazing individuals wish to spend their time. For most aging individuals, staying at home in comfortable, familiar spaces with regular routines is the key to making sure that life stays rich and fulfilling, regardless of age. Staying at home is a great way to ensure that se
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How to Help Seniors Manage Medication

As people get older, they become increasingly dependent upon various medications. Medications help seniors live longer, healthier lives, but they are only effective when they are taken in accordance with physician instructions. Whether the meds are for heart conditions, diseases, high blood pressure or anything else, they must be taken in the right dosages at the right times. And for many seniors, there are multiple medications to keep track of at any given time. Seniors don’t always do the best job keeping up with their meds, and it’s common for them to avoid taking them altogether because they fear certain side effects, or they are concerned about keeping costs down. These are very real concerns, but adhering to doctors’ guidelines and prescriptions is much more important in terms of keeping seniors safe and healthy. What You Can Do Following are a few tips that can help you ensure that the senior loved one in your life manages their medication properly. Using a Special Pill B
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5 Simple Home-Improvement Ideas for Increased Senior Safety

Seniors these days prefer to stay at home in their post retirement lives. Not long ago, nursing homes and other such facilities represented the next step in senior life for those who could no longer manage on their own. Today, however, our aging population is living longer — and staying at home longer — than any previous generation, preferring to live in a way that allows them to retain their routines with the help of loving family members, friends and specially trained caregivers, like those employed by Always Best Care. Staying at home not only requires the help of caring individuals; it also often requires changes and improvements to the home. Are you concerned about a senior loved one’s ability to stay safe at home? Have a look at these five home-improvement ideas for increased senior safety! They are relatively easy to implement, and they will give you and your loved ones increased peace of mind. #1 — Install Lever-Style Doorknobs Opening and closing doors is something th
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Alzheimer’s and Aging: Know the Early Warning Signs

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most widely known form of dementia, and it affects more than 5.3 million people in the United States alone. The majority of those individuals are over the age of 65, but many Alzheimer’s sufferers begin to display signs and symptoms in the years leading up to the traditional retirement age. When it comes to providing excellent senior care, it’s important to understand the signs that can point to a potential case of dementia. It’s also crucial to understand that Mom or Dad might begin to show the signs of Alzheimer’s before you think it’s even possible. Let’s take a look at some of the most common early warning signs for Alzheimer’s Disease. Memory Loss A little bit of memory loss in aging is normal. But when it becomes acute, it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s. If a loved one starts repeating questions and displaying a lack of short-term memory, it’s time to investigate further. Disruptions in Routine Most people have a regular, consistent
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Depression and Old Age — Advice for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Around the world, it is estimated that 350 million people suffer from the debilitating condition known as clinical depression. In the United States, 14.8 million adults — nearly seven percent of the total population — suffer from the disease, making it a major public health concern. What’s more, people are more likely to experience depressive episodes as they grow older, even though many seniors are reluctant to report symptoms of depression themselves. For people involved in senior care, whether they are family members or caregivers, this is a serious concern. Thankfully, there’s a lot that we can all do to help seniors cope when the dark clouds of depression roll in! Knowing and Understanding the Signs The first step when it comes to helping seniors with depression is understanding what to look for. Contrary to popular belief, becoming depressed is not a natural part of the aging process, so if an aging individual in your life starts showing displaying unusual, negative beha
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/depression-and-old-age-advice-for-seniors-and-their-caregivers/

Depression and Old Age — Advice for Seniors and Their Caregivers

Around the world, it is estimated that 350 million people suffer from the debilitating condition known as clinical depression. In the United States, 14.8 million adults — nearly seven percent of the total population — suffer from the disease, making it a major public health concern. What’s more, people are more likely to experience depressive episodes as they grow older, even though many seniors are reluctant to report symptoms of depression themselves. For people involved in senior care, whether they are family members or caregivers, this is a serious concern. Thankfully, there’s a lot that we can all do to help seniors cope when the dark clouds of depression roll in! Knowing and Understanding the Signs The first step when it comes to helping seniors with depression is understanding what to look for. Contrary to popular belief, becoming depressed is not a natural part of the aging process, so if an aging individual in your life starts showing displaying unusual, negative beha
http://blog.alwaysbestcare.com/depression-and-old-age-advice-for-seniors-and-their-caregivers/

8 Amazing Activities Seniors and Kids Can Do Together

The holiday season has come and gone, and the calendar that was once so full of events and activity has become empty. For seniors, this can be a lonely time. However, it’s also a tough time for kids who have just experienced the magical wonder of family time during the holidays, but now have to go back to their own daily routines. Thankfully, these two groups (seniors and kids) have more in common than most people might think. With that in mind, here is a list of activities that members of the elderly population can enjoy with their younger counterparts: #1 Arts & Crafts Projects Crafting is cool! Just take a look at Pinterest or perform a Google search to find some amazing projects that can help aging individuals connect with their more youthful friends and family members. #2 Baking and Cooking Everybody loves to eat, and working together to prepare some simple recipes is a wonderful way for seniors to exchange wisdom with their grandchildren. #3 Enjoy Nature Regardless of age, spe
http://blog.alwaysbestcare.com/8-amazing-activities-seniors-and-kids-can-do-together/

8 Amazing Activities Seniors and Kids Can Do Together

The holiday season has come and gone, and the calendar that was once so full of events and activity has become empty. For seniors, this can be a lonely time. However, it’s also a tough time for kids who have just experienced the magical wonder of family time during the holidays, but now have to go back to their own daily routines. Thankfully, these two groups (seniors and kids) have more in common than most people might think. With that in mind, here is a list of activities that members of the elderly population can enjoy with their younger counterparts: #1 Arts & Crafts Projects Crafting is cool! Just take a look at Pinterest or perform a Google search to find some amazing projects that can help aging individuals connect with their more youthful friends and family members. #2 Baking and Cooking Everybody loves to eat, and working together to prepare some simple recipes is a wonderful way for seniors to exchange wisdom with their grandchildren. #3 Enjoy Nature Regardless of age, spe
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/8-amazing-activities-seniors-and-kids-can-do-together/

Seniors and Pets – Advice for a Great Relationship

One of the most heartbreaking downsides to aging is a growing sense of loneliness. People retire from their jobs, which causes the loss of a significant social center, and as they grow older, they watch as their peers pass away or move on to other parts of the world. Families grow, but they also become more splintered as sons and daughters take on the responsibilities of raising their own families, leaving less time to spend with the older generation. This is simply a fact of life in our society, but many seniors have been able to find meaningful companionship – and often an entirely new lease on life – through pet ownership. Are you caring for a loved one who seems to be suffering from loneliness or a lack of companionship? Getting a pet is a wonderful idea! However, it s important to follow some crucial pieces of advice to ensure that the relationship is beneficial for all involved. Choosing the Right Animal When selecting a pet, it s important to choose a companion that meshes
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/seniors-and-pets-advice-for-a-great-relationship/