There’s a fine line when it comes to senior issues. Often, ailments that are “normal” parts of aging can have similar symptoms to more severe issues which is why it’s important that caregivers encourage their senior loved ones to seek medical attention for the following issues:

1. Symptoms from medical side effects – side effects that develop from medications should be discussed with a doctor. Some side effects might be normal; others might be a result of mixed medications. All concerns should be addressed with a medical professional

2. Awareness of self-medication – when caregivers see signs that a senior is self-medicating, it should be addressed. Even using over-the-counter medications combined with multiple prescriptions can cause complications

3. Understanding anxiety and depression – unmanaged depression can lead to more serious health complications. Caregivers should recognize the signs and encourage their loved ones to receive treatment

4. Changes in mobility – although physical changes can occur with seniors, changes in mobility do need to be addressed. First, a doctor can investigate any underlying medical problems; and second, changes to a senior’s home can be made to make it a safer environment

Image Source: sxc.hu

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Many Austin seniors love to garden, but few have the space to plant a traditional outdoor garden unless they live in a stand alone family home. Seniors who still want to receive the benefits of gardening in an apartment or nursing home can do so by giving container gardening a try. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Get the right sized container – purchase containers or consider saving things from your recycling. All you need to do is punch a few holes in the bottom of the container to make it suitable for planting. Most vegetables require larger containers, although you might be able to use a recycled container the size of a large yogurt container for herbs, leaf lettuce, spinach and radishes

2. Use a good quality soil – purchase a high-quality potting soil or top soil in order to keep your container garden free of weeds.

3. Following planting instructions – if you’re planting vegetable plants or others which are already grown, place a little bit of soil at the bottom of the pot, remove the plant from its existing container and fill in any remaining space with the potting soil. When planting seeds, fill the pot completely with soil and follow directions for spacing

4. Care for as directed – put your pots in an area that will be the right temperature and have exposure to sunlight as directed. Water according to instructions.

Via: AFB Senior Site

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

With fall approaching, fresh produce is at an abundance, and there’s no better time to introduce a healthier way of eating to your Austin family. For seniors in particular, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can have a number of benefits that can help them live longer, but with so many options to choose from, how do you know which vegetables are right for what ails you? Here are some details about the different colored vegetables and what they can do for you or your senior:

• Go green – choosing green vegetables can help fend of mascular degeneration which can cause blindness (Lutein, found in hearty greens such as kale, chard, and romaine lettuce can have this result), and prevent cancer through antioxidants found in Vitamin C in greens (i.e. Bell peppers, broccoli, and brussel sprouts). Other green vegetables and fruits that are a great source of nutrition include avocados, green peppers, celery, kiwi fruits, cucumbers, asparagus, and even green apples

• Try orange or yellow produce – Beta-carotene and Vitamin C appear in yellow and orange produce. Choose carrot, sweet potatoes, mangos, apricots, and cantaloupe for beta-carotene which can help prevent Vitamin A deficiency and increase antioxidant intake. Vitamin C is especially present in ripe fruits like papaya, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, and cantaloupes. Even lemon and lime contain great sources of Vitamin C!

• Choose red for cancer prevention – red and pinkish vegetables can help to prevent cancer with the nutrient lycopene that is present. In addition to preventing cancer lycopene also can slow the hardening of arteries and slow tumor growth. Tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit are great sources of lycopene

• Go dark – darker fruits and vegetables, like shades of blue and purple are a great source of anthocyanin which helps support and improve the vascular system and can help to fight cancer. Many of these fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber. Look for blackberries, blueberries, figs, plums, prunes, eggplants, and raisins.

• Don’t underestimate light produce – shades of tan, brown and yellow may not be as eye-catching, but they play a role in a well-balanced diet. Bananas increase potassium and help prevent calcium loss, ginger boosts the immune system and garlic inhibits cancer

Via: Body and Health

Image: naturalskincaresecrets.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

For the first time in decades, Austin seniors will find that their Social Security benefit checks have shrunk beginning next year. Although legally, Social Security benefits cannot be reduced, cost of living adjustments will not be made t Social Security Benefits over the next few years. As premiums for the Medicare Prescription Drug Program will be raised slightly, this means that Social Security benefit checks will be smaller than ever before. Although the change will be slight for most seniors, for those living on a limited and fixed income, the impact can be severe. In order to survive through this reduction, seniors can take note of the following money saving tips:

1. Set a budget: know how much money you have available to spend on a weekly basis, and keep a record of your spending so you ensure that you’re never overspending. Pay in cash, and then deposit any remaining money at the end of the week into a savings account

2. Smart shopping – create a shopping list and buy only what you need. Plan meals around items that are in season, and try out generic brand products over name brands for the savings

3. Think all unnecessary purchases over – instead of buying things you don’t need impulsively, wait 24 hours and think it over. More often than not, you will find that the temptation passes

4. Discounts – clip coupons or shop at stores that offer more discounts. Also be aware of places that offer discounts to senior citizens, like movie theaters, museums, and even grocery and retail stores

Sources:

1. MSNBC

2. Associated Content

Image: jupiterimages.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Older adults deal with a lot of things on a daily basis that can cause depression and anxiety. Getting older isn’t easy when friends and family members around the same age start to get sick and pass away, or when they’re dealing with their declining health. If you see signs as a family caregiver or family member that your older loved one doesn’t seem happy, here are 6 ways that you can help to lift their spirits:

1. Encourage physical activity – exercise releases hormones which can help stave off depression. Instead of sitting around at home during a visit with a senior, go out for a walk or pick another activity that’s well suited to the senior’s physical capabilities.
2. Create social situations – the best way to boost senior morale and prevent loneliness is to get them involved in social situations. Invite your senior to a party or encourage them to join a social activity.
3.  Help maintain a healthy diet – studies have proven that a well-balanced diet can prevent depression, so keep your senior’s fridge well stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Offer support – if your efforts just don’t seem to boost your senior’s morale or they continue to struggle with elderly depression, make sure they know you are willing to listen to anything on their mind. If they aren’t comfortable talking with a friend or family member, encourage them to speak with a counselor or join a support group for seniors.
5. Encourage their hobbies – while some seniors may withdraw from activities they enjoy, encourage your senior to keep them up or find some new things that interest him/her.
6. Improve the living space – if your senior spends a lot of time in his/her home, even if it’s in an assisted living facility, personalize the space to help them feel comfortable. Photos, décor in their favorite colors and other personal comforts will help seniors feel like they belong there!

Sources:

1. Senior Journal: Kara Gavin
2. Everyday Health

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Are you a senior who’s been told that they need to increase the amount of physical fitness in their life who believes it’s too late for you to start because you’re just too old? Think again. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never exercised before, or if health issues or mobility effect how you think you should be exercising; Silver Sneakers fitness has a fitness center near your Austin home, and they can meet the unique needs of seniors who are willing and ready to get active.

The fitness centers for seniors which are across America, are free to seniors who have Medicare or Medicare supplement plans, making it easier for Austin seniors to start exercising; so if finances have been standing in your way of getting fit, that can no longer be used as an excuse.

Each fitness center has the following fitness facilities available to all elderly members:

• Exercise equipment
• Pool
• Sauna
• Conditioning classes
• Classes designed specifically with the physical needs of older adults in mind to improve strength, flexibility, balance and endurance
• Educational seminars on healthy eating and physical fitness in older adulthood

Sources:

1. Silver Sneakers
2. Suite101

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.  Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders.

Call Home Care Austin  512-347-9207.

The new year is here and the holidays are gone, and it’s now time for the dreaded ”packing away” your holiday decorations - not a favorite for me. Every Thanksgiving weekend, I look forward to bringing out my favorite Christmas and holiday items, decorations, and lights! But it’s this time of year of putting them away again, leaves little to be desired. So, to enhance the “holiday clean up” - Sandra McElvaney, Real Living Lifestyles Realty, gives us these simple post-holiday clean up tips, and your home will be back to normal in no time.

• Get Organized - When you pack them away it helps to save the hassle when you go to decorate next year.
• Use plastic containers - the large variety. These assist in organizing holiday decorations and they help save space in the attic or wherever you store them.
• Pack all the decorations by groups and mark the containers - this helps to locate them next year. Be sure to group each container by rooms - meaning the rooms the decorations are used in during the season.
• Pack away fragile ornaments in bubble wrap, shredded paper, or used wrapping paper and place them inside smaller boxes. Actually, I like using the used wrapping paper! It’s a good way to recycle the after holiday trash.
• Use PVC piping to neatly put away Tree lights.
• Clean all tinsel and garland from your artificial trees. Store in it’s original box.
• Wreaths can be easily stored by attaching the wreath to a heavy-duty clothes hanger. Cover the wreath by cutting a small whole in a trash bag and feeding the hook of the clothes hanger through the hole. You can then easily hang the wreath to prevent damage and ensure use year after year.

These tips help you save time when putting away your holiday decorations. Keep these tips in mind, remember to stay organized and you will be on your way to enjoying a new year.

Read the full article.

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent - Home Care Austin  512-347-9207.

Most older people feel 13 years younger than their chronological age.

A recent study shows that older people generally felt younger than they are, and they have higher levels of satisfaction as they age. 

They examined individual changes over time, and expected to find the gap to increase. But they were surprised to find that it was maintained, on average. Perhaps feeling about 13 years younger is an optimal illusion in old age, a researcher claimed. 

They also found that some of the oldest participants did feel even younger over time. But poor health reduced the gap between felt age and actual age.

When assesseing how old people thought they looked, asking them: “How old do you feel when you look at yourself in a mirror?” They responded by selecting an age on a scale that ranged from 0 to 120 years. In general, at the start of the study people said they looked about 10 years younger than they were. By the end of the study, this gap had narrowed; people felt they looked only about seven years younger than their chronological age.

Women perceived their appearance as being closer to their actual age the study reported. Women saw themselves as about four years older than their male peers. There are several likely reasons for this gender gap in subjective physical age. One is that women may be more aware of their appearance than men, especially given the negative stereotypes of older bodies.

Q1 – Why do so many people fail to maintain their New Year’s resolutions?
A1 – Often people set goals that just aren’t realistic for their lifestyles, or take on too much.

Q2 – How can people make New Year’s resolutions that they will stick to?
A2 – People should set goals that are realistic; make small changes that can be maintained. They will also be more successful if they have support from their loved ones.

Q3 – What New Year’s resolutions should seniors be focusing on this year?
A3 – Since many seniors are concerned about their health and longevity, this year’s New Year’s resolutions should center around good health. Seniors should amend their routines to include regular exercise and proper nutrition.

Q4 – How can seniors get started?
A4 – Before beginning any new exercise or nutritional plan, seniors should first speak with their physician in order to ensure there will be no negative impact to their health.

Q5 – What type of exercise plan should a senior follow?
A5 – Specific routines are dependent upon a senior’s physical abilities, but they should consider moderate to heavy physical activity at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes. Routines should include cardio, stretching, balance and strength training.

Q6- What constitutes good nutrition for a senior?
A6 – To form a complete nutritional plan, seniors can consult a registered nutritionist. However, a health diet should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, vitamin D, calcium and lots of water intake. Seniors should limit sodium, fat and cholesterol.

Home Care Austin provides elder care and senior care in Austin. Call us today at 512-347-9207.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

Holiday Entertainment for Assisted Living

Working in an assisted living facility for over 20 years, I’ve become involved in the holiday celebrations that take place every year; both with seniors and their families and the festivities that we organize. It’s so important that during this time of year, seniors are kept occupied with activities they enjoy.

It may be a time for celebrating, but for many who are in their later years, it can bring nostalgia of previous holidays with family and friends since passed, and can lead to depression and loneliness. During the holidays in our residence we try to keep the seniors busy with games like cards, board games, and bingo.

Weather allowing, we also try to take them outside for some fresh air; and occasionally have a local agency bring a furry friend around to play with and lift their spirits. To encourage them to discuss fond memories of previous holidays with their loved ones, we have them introduce us to their family and friends through photographs.

For our lucky residents who have the important people in their lives dropping by over the holidays, we like to encourage them to engage in similar activities to keep the cheer of the season alive!

Source: http://searchwarp.com/swa79063.htm