Top 4 Ways to Keep an Aging Brain Active

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Home Care

A balanced diet and routine exercise are both great ways to help you stay healthy and happy as you age. However, have you ever thought about things you could do to enhance your mental health? San Diego Home Care Assistance offers 4 tips to help keep an aging brain active.

Pick up a hobby. Being active is the key to maintaining and improving cognitive health. Hobbies are fulfilling activities that help your brain stay active as you are constantly learning new things. Through new hobbies, you can also pursue interests and passions.

Learn a new skill. Trying something new is a great way to challenge the mind and provides you with a new learning experience. Puzzles and crosswords are good mental exercises to keep your brain sharp. They are also fun activities that you can do with friends or your grandchildren.

Stay rested. Getting plenty of sleep is important no matter how old you are. Make sure you get adequate sleep, allowing your brain time to rest and recharge. Also, try and avoid situations with high levels of stress. These are all activities that can help you maintain mental health as you age.

Remain social. By meeting with old friends and family, you are constantly engaged in conversation. Through these conversations, your brain will naturally be required to recall others’ names and events in your life, keeping your brain connections functioning at a high level. Click here for more information about the importance of companionship for seniors.

Keeping your brain healthy is crucial to helping you maintain your independence. In addition, these activities can be especially helpful in preventing and or slowing the progression of mental health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

If you are worried about the mental health and safety of an aging parent or loved one, consider help from the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Read our article about determining the level of home care to see if a home caregiver would benefit your elderly loved one. If you would like to speak to someone directly, contact a Care Manager at 1-877-254-4860.

Home Care Unites the Family

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Home Care

Caring for an aging parent can sometimes put a strain on the entire family; caregiving is time-consuming and often overwhelming and disagreements over roles can cause rifts in families. A home care provider like Home Care Assistance can help unite families by providing quality care that promotes the overall health and independence of your loved one. If you have an elderly loved one in need of care and companionship, you can trust San Diego Home Care Assistance for exceptional, reliable and trustworthy care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

When a caregiver enters a home, family members can reduce or relinquish their roles as the primary caregivers. Home Care Assistance caregivers are available on hourly or around-the-clock schedules to address any and all client needs. In addition to assisting with personal care, medication reminders, household duties, and meal preparation, our caregivers can accompany clients to medical appointments and transport them to and from the grocery store and social engagements. Our caregivers also promote overall well-being through the Balanced Care Method, promoting healthy diet, exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, calmness and a sense of purpose. Read more about our high caliber San Diego caregivers.

The totality of care provided by Home Care Assistance means that family members can attend to their own needs and health and have more quality time to spend with their aging loved one. Time spent together can be focused on enjoying one another’s company and taking part in favorite activities and hobbies rather than doing the laundry and cleaning the kitchen or arguing over who is responsible for driving to the doctor the next day. Caring for an aging loved one can be a daunting responsibility but help is available and you don’t have to do it alone. With the help of a professional caregiver, you and your loved ones can enjoy piece of mind with quality, safe and reliable care 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

For more information on the benefits that a professional in-home caregiver can provide, give Home Care Assistance a call today.

Shedding Light on Elder Abuse

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Home Care

Unfortunately, bullying doesn’t disappear as we age. Elder abuse is a very serious problem, one upon which Home Care Assistance, the trusted home care in San Diego, hopes to shed light.

There are six major categories of elder abuse, as defined by the Administration on Aging’s National Center on Elder Abuse: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Beyond the cuts, bruises and other bodily injuries indicative of physical abuse, there are other warning signs that suggest a senior is a victim of elder abuse. These include withdrawal from enjoyed activities, depression, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, unexplained weight loss, a change in financial attitude, and strained relationships.

Just how prevalent is elder abuse? According to one study, around 10 percent of elders said they had experienced abuse in the past year. Research shows that elderly women are more likely to be abused than elderly men, and that the likelihood of abuse increases with age. Sadly, a 2003 report by the National Research Council estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse is ever reported to authorities. All too often the senior being abused knows and cares about the abuser, and doesn’t want to get him or her into trouble—the majority of elder abusers are spouses or family members.

How do we fight back against elder abuse? One way is through education: June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The NCEA’s website provides contact information in all 50 states for people to report elder abuse. If you are considering hiring a private caregiver, it’s important to take the necessary precautions and conduct background investigation to avoid any elder abuse. You may want to read 5 risks of hiring a private caregiver. Home Care Assistance caregivers are professionally-trained and required to report any suspicions of client abuse. If your loved one is at risk or is already a victim of elder abuse, give us a call today.

Home Care Leads to a Speedy Recovery

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Home Care

In addition to the emotional and physical toll on patients and their families, avoidable hospital readmissions also cost the U.S. billions of dollars annually in unnecessary health care expenses. In most cases, readmission can be attributed to insufficient post-hospitalization care and support. Read how Home Care Assistance, premier home care in San Diego, can help you or a loved one recover fast and avoid hospital readmission.

The first 72 hours after discharge are critical for optimal recovery. Whether you are transitioning home from the hospital or to a rehabilitation facility, home care can fill in the gaps in support that the hospital and your family cannot.

In general, caregivers support optimal recovery through:

Around-the-clock safety monitoring and care
On-going support throughout recovery
Healthy meal preparation
Ensuring that the medication list and dosage schedule is available and the patient is compliant
Assisting with hospital or physician-recommended exercise regimen
Emotional support and companionship

When you first return home, your primary goals should be rest and recovery. You should allow your caregiver to handle household responsibilities (e.g. laundry, meal preparation, errands) and tasks that may be too physically challenging. Ongoing support from your caregiver will allow you to conserve energy and focus on recommended therapies and caloric intake. As you gradually increase your independence over time, your caregiver will be there to monitor safety and assist if needed. You may want to read determining the level of home care for more information.

At Home Care Assistance we not only offer personalized, high quality care but also have a number of resources, including our book From Hospital to Home Care: A Step by Step Guide to Providing Care to Patients Post-Hospitalization, to assist families in all aspects of the recovery process.To learn more about our Hospital to Home Care Program, call a care manager today!

Discussing Care with Resistant Parents

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Home Care

Most of us do not like to admit or ask for help even when we realize we need it. Thus, it’s no surprise that some seniors are resistant to accepting or even discussing outside assistance. If you find that the needs of your aging parents exceed their capabilities as independent home-dwellers, it may be time to start the difficult conversation about care options. When doing so it is important to respect their desire for independence and invite a dialogue rather than dictate the solution you believe is best.

We at San Diego Home Care Assistance believe the following tips can help you navigate this challenging conversation:

Observe. As they age, many seniors become increasingly forgetful, unable to complete daily chores, and/or socially isolated. Observe where limitations might be (e.g. Mom been falling a lot, the house has become messy) so you can accurately voice your concerns.

Accept. It’s important to sit down with your parents and not only share your worries but also ask them about theirs (e.g. How has it been driving to Bingo every day?). Listen empathetically and suggest that some form of care might improve their quality of life and comfort. Find out their preferences (e.g. remaining at home) and prioritize them.
Probe. If your parents are completely unreceptive, try getting to the root of the resistance (e.g. cost, invasion of privacy, fear of theft) and ease their concerns.
Follow-up. Give your parents a chance to think over the available options. Ensuring the final decision is collaborative will make for a much smoother transition.

At Home Care Assistance we’ve helped thousands of families navigate the difficult waters of aging and long-term care. We have a number of resources available to assist families in exploring available options and in choosing the best agency for their needs. Our care managers can also facilitate family meetings to ensure everyone communicates effectively and to address any potential questions, without any obligation. If you are considering home care as an option, you may also want to read who is home care right for?

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care for Your Elderly Loved One

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Home Care

Family caregivers are true warriors – but often times they find that they alone are no match for the increasing demands of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Dementia affects various cognitive abilities including language, memory, perception, emotional behavior/personality, and abstract thinking/judgment.The emotional and physical stresses that come with caregiving can lead to burnout; allowing a trained professional from San Diego Home Care Assistance to handle the day-to-day responsibilities instead allows you to focus on your needs and well-being while knowing that Mom or Dad is receiving the highest quality of care.

Alzheimer’s patients respond best to familiar surroundings and familiar faces. That’s why our in-home care service is the ideal care option: we carefully match clients and caregivers with an emphasis on long-term, meaningful relationships and consistency for the client.Nearly 40 percent of Home Care Assistance clients suffer from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia – our caregivers understand the progression, symptoms and nuances of working with seniors with this degenerative disease.

Beyond reducing the risk of falls and wandering through dedicated supervision, our caregivers contribute to an improved overall quality of life for clients and their loved ones. By taking over household duties and other responsibilities such as medication reminders and personal care, a professional caregiver takes weight off family caregivers and allows family members to spend time enjoying one another. Home safety is extremely important if you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s and reading our home safety tips might help.

Our caregivers know how to ameliorate anxiety with reassurance, re-direction and the promotion of a calm environment. Understanding the issues with short-term memory, they limit stimulation and keep track of important items. They are compassionate, patient and encourage engagement with the Balanced Care Method (e.g. mental stimulation, socialization, healthy diet).

To learn more about our Alzheimer’s care options, give us a call today.

San Diego Home Care Promotes Healthy Aging through Physical Activity

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Home Care

Lack of physical exercise can be detrimental to your health, especially for older adults. By having low levels of physical activity during the day individuals are less likely to sleep well and wake up the next day feeling tired, which again leads to less physical activity. This damaging cycle is detrimental to overall health and can cause weight gain, depression, moodiness and lethargy. Inactivity can also negatively affect your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

Research shows those who are active physically and mentally, are healthier and their risk of illness, disease and mental decline is reduced. At San Diego Home Care Assistance, we promote healthy living for our senior clients through a nutritious meal plan, mentally stimulating activities and physical exercises. Exercise provides more than just the benefit of weight moderation. With physical exercise one can enjoy restful sleep, clarity of thought, stress reduction and an increase in energy and immunity. These are the top 5 benefits elderly adults have experienced after starting an exercise regimen with their personal caregiver:

Strengthened muscles
Flexibility in ligaments, tendons and joints
Reduced blood pressure and weight
Increased energy levels and enhanced mood
Stronger immune system

Exercise does not have to entail gym memberships, heavy weights or muscle-tearing cardio workouts. It can easily be incorporated into your daily routine through the activities you already do. At San Diego Home Care Assistance, we develop an exercise regime that is tailored to the needs and abilities of our senior clients. Our in-home caregivers encourage their clients to participate in leisurely walks, stretching, light gardening and other activities.

Finding a routine that fits into your schedule and capabilities is the most important factor in beginning an exercise regimen. To learn more about how you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle in your elder years, contact San Diego Home Care Assistance today.

What are your Elder Care options in San Diego?

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Home Care

After experiencing a bad fall and returning home from the hospital, Mom needs constant care and assistance as she begins a rough recovery period. She is slowly getting better, but is not feeling safe when she is alone. While you want to provide around the clock care and supervision for your loved one, your time is limited due to family and work obligations. What are your San Dieg o elder care options?

Option 1: Home Care

Surveys show that 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to live at home as they age. Fortunately, home care makes this desire a possibility. With home care in San Diego, elderly individuals can remain living independently at home while receiving necessary care and assistance with their daily tasks including:

Meal preparation and grocery shopping
Light housekeeping, vacuuming and laundry
Transportation for errands and medical appointments
Personal hygiene assistance and changing bed linens
Bathing, grooming and dressing
Exercise assistance
Companionship
Medication reminders

Option 2: Assisted Living

For seniors who are in a home environment that is not suitable to receive care, assisted living is a great option. In facility based assisted living, elderly individuals live on the premises and staff is available to help with their activities of daily living. Services provided by the facility may vary, but most include meals, hygiene assistance and medication administration.

Option 3: Nursing Homes

If your elderly loved one requires around the clock monitoring and medical care, a nursing home may be the best place for them. Nursing homes are residential facilities with onsite medical staff including Registered Nurses and physicians. Similar to assisted living facilities, the services they offer vary but most provide daily meals, assistance with hygiene and medication administration.

To help you determine the ideal elder care option for your loved one, San Diego Home Care Assistance Care Managers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We provide a free in-home assessment and evaluate your loved one’s condition, their living situation and learn about their preferences. Following the assessment, our Care Manager will make a recommendation about the care options available for your loved one. Call 877-254-4860 today and schedule your in-home assessment with a professional Care Manager.

San Diego Home Care Assistance – A Balanced Approach to Care

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Home Care

When it comes to maintaining your health, there is no easy way out. However, there is a population in Okinawa, Japan where living well into your 90’s without health complications is normal. Scientists have studied this population and learned that only one third of your health is related to genetics, while two thirds is related to lifestyle factors within our control. Based on these studies, San Diego Home Care Assistance has developed our proprietary Balanced Care Method™, which is helping to extend and enhance the lives of our senior clients.

By implementing the right lifestyle choices today, individuals can lead a healthy life that is unparalleled to the common one of the aging adult. Achieving true youthfulness, both inside and out, requires no pill or magic solution- it requires healthy and balanced living. At Home Care Assistance, we are promoting healthy longevity and enjoyment of life for seniors in the following ways:

Preparing Nutritious Meals: Our caregivers are trained to prepare the proper meals for elderly adults, while taking into consideration their personal preferences.

Encouraging Physical and Mental Activity: We provide support in physical exercises to improve mobility and organize activities that are mentally stimulating.

Providing Companionship: Our caregivers provide invaluable companionship for their clients, improving their mood and reducing feelings of isolation and depression.

Create a Sense of Purpose and Calmness: We create a positive environment that promotes calmness and purpose for our clients. They are able to engage in their favorite activities and enjoy special hobbies.

Because health-span is just as important as lifespan, we incorporate The Balance Care Method™ into the care plan for each of our senior clients. The program can be customized to meet varying levels of care needs from special dietary requirements to physical therapy exercises. To learn more about how our home care approach can improve the quality of life for your loved one, contact the San Diego Home Care Professionals today.

Top 3 Benefits of San Diego Home Care

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Home Care

With so many senior living options available including assisted living, nursing homes and home care, elderly individuals have the freedom to choose the option that best fits their needs. Each option carries its own advantages and disadvantages, but home care is the preferred choice of almost 90% of elderly adults. Below are the top three benefits of San Diego Home Care, identified by seniors and their families.

1. Reduced Stress

When seniors lose their ability to perform simple tasks, they can become overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety, stress and frustration. Stress is harmful on a body, both inside and out. This mounting stress can be especially harmful for elderly individuals as they continue to experience it in their daily life. Home care provides seniors with a professional caregiver to assist them with their activities of daily living such as household chores, personal care and transportation. Additionally, the senior is not forced to leave their home and can receive the care they need whenever they need it. This helps to alleviate the stress they are experiencing in their daily life and avoid the stress of moving into a facility.

2. Improved Quality of Life

Many elderly individuals experience difficulty attending to their personal care needs such as bathing, dressing, brushing their teeth or making it to the bathroom. Often times they will begin to neglect their own health and hygiene because they cannot safely perform these tasks and do not feel comfortable asking for help from a family member. San Diego caregivers are highly trained, compassionate individuals who always treat their clients with the up-most dignity and respect. By assisting their senior clients with personal care needs, they are helping to improve their quality of life and enhance their overall wellbeing.

3. Regain Independence and Freedom

Receiving care at home means you determine the care schedule. With home care, seniors are able to maintain their regular routines and enjoy the freedom to choose when and where they receive care. Our caregivers provide transportation for errands and appointments, as well as travel with their clients on vacations.

If you think your loved one could benefit from home care services, call us today at 877-254-4860 and schedule your free in-home consultation.