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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/dealing-with-dementia-10-simple-tips-to-provide-compassionate-care/

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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/3-tips-for-creating-the-perfect-space-for-aging-in-place/

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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/its-true-a-healthy-diet-and-exercise-can-extend-lives/

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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/seniors-and-volunteering-helping-them-give-back/

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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/aging-individuals-and-the-arts-tremendous-benefits-for-seniors/

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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/why-you-should-hire-only-a-licensed-senior-service-company/

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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/companionship-services-and-the-psychological-benefits-of-senior-care/

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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/exercise-and-seniors-the-links-between-physical-activity-and-alzheimers-prevention/

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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/social-media-opens-up-a-whole-new-world-for-aging-individuals/

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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/seniors-and-prescription-drug-misuse-seeing-the-signs/

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
http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/blog/dealing-with-dementia-three-tips-for-better-senior-care/