Keeping Seniors Safe While Driving

July 25, 2016

To many seniors, driving equals freedom, which makes them reluctant to give up this privilege. However, general aging and changes in health can make it more difficult to stay safe when behind the wheel. Tucson 24-hour care experts have a few tips to help your aging loved one have a safer driving experience. Test the Eyes Many seniors have refractive eye problems, cataracts, or glaucoma, all of which can make it difficult to see well enough to drive. Encourage your loved one to get regular eye exams and update his or her eyeglass prescription as needed. Because multifocal lenses do not always provide the necessary field of vision for driving, your loved one may want to invest in a pair…

Easy Ways for Family Caregivers to Recharge in the Summer

July 18, 2016

Extreme Arizona temperatures paired with providing Tucson senior care can make it hard to maintain a robust social life, much less peace of mind. However, it’s important for family caregivers to relax and recharge whenever they can. Following are a few restorative activities you can engage in over the summer. Have a Family Get-Together A cookout at your home gives both you and your elderly loved one the chance to socialize with family and friends. A get-together can seem overwhelming, but if you limit its duration, ask everyone to bring a dish, and plan it around your loved one’s schedule, it is more likely to go smoothly. Gathering your friends and family also gives you the opportunity to request additional…

4 Anti-Alzheimer’s Benefits of Blueberries

July 11, 2016

Blueberries are more than just a delicious snack. Research indicates they also offer many health benefits for seniors with memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s. Tucson Alzheimer’s care experts want to share 4 ways blueberries can boost your elderly loved one’s cognitive health. 1. Reduce Age-Related Memory Loss The anthocyanins found in blueberries help protect seniors from age-related memory damage. When eating blueberries, your loved one also consumes vital antioxidants that slow the progression of free radicals, which exist to build a barrier between blood flow and the brain. To preserve memory skills and combat the free radicals that lead to brain aging, your loved one should include more blueberries in his or her diet. 2. Protect the Brain from Stress Stress…

How to Facilitate a Senior’s Independence

July 4, 2016

Aging adults are reluctant to give up the familiarity and comfort of their own homes even when changes in mobility, cognitive functioning, and overall health make self-care a challenge. Fortunately, there are many ways families can make independent living both easier and safer for their elderly loved ones. Make Essential Changes to the Home Making minor modifications to your loved one’s living space can minimize the likelihood of tripping and falling and simplify a number of essential tasks. These changes can include installing grab bars in the shower, removing floor mats or rugs, and getting rid of clutter. Adding a few assistive devices in the kitchen can make cooking easier and safer, and installing walk-in bathtubs or automated medication management…

4 Major Risk Factors for Dyslipidemia

June 27, 2016

Dyslipidemia is a disorder that develops due to an abnormally high level of lipids in the blood. Because this condition can increase the risk of more serious health complications, it’s important for your elderly loved one to focus on living as healthy a lifestyle as possible. There are many risk factors for dyslipidemia, and Tucson live-in care professionals discuss 4 of the most common. 1. Cholesterol High levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are a major contributing factor to the risk of developing dyslipidemia. For example, high LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, which causes the body to make fatty deposits in the skin, arteries, tendons, and brain. To help keep LDL levels low, your loved one can lose weight through…

Cognitive Benefits Seniors Can Gain from Scrapbooking

June 20, 2016

Many studies have recently shown the cognitive benefits associated with scrapbooking for seniors. These benefits can help reduce the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s and alleviate the depression associated with old age, making scrapbooking especially useful for seniors receiving home care in Tucson. Here are a few reasons why your aging loved one might want to take up this hobby. Evokes Memories Scrapbooking allows seniors receiving Tucson dementia care to look back on stories from their lives through pictures and documents. By allowing your loved one to place these items in a consecutive, easy-to-understand order, his or her mind is being stimulated and trained to remember. This process can help your loved one manage dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms. Staves Off…

Why Ali Was a Legendary Warrior in the Battle Against Parkinson’s

June 13, 2016

Muhammad Ali’s fight against Parkinson’s helped encourage others with the disease to open up, and his efforts also triggered a massive public health and research mission to determine the true cause of Parkinson’s. The research is still ongoing, but progress has been swift and fascinating. Tucson, AZ, Parkinson’s care experts explore some of the reasons why Ali became such an important figurehead in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. Early Assumptions About Ali’s Diagnosis Many observers and medical professionals assumed Ali’s Parkinson’s diagnosis was at least partially caused by repeated blows to the head. Many researchers claimed this viewpoint was intuitive, and few people in the general media questioned the analysis. Although the National Parkinson Foundation still lists head injuries among the…

How to Help Seniors Battle Negativity

June 6, 2016

A variety of stressors and ailments can potentially put seniors at risk for developing a negative mental attitude. However, it’s important to help them focus on the positive side of life because emotional health often has a direct impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Tucson at-home care professionals share some ways you can help your elderly loved one fight against negativity. Don’t Ignore the Early Warning Signs Just like any other medical or psychological condition, catching feelings of sadness and apathy early on can make it easier to turn the situation around. Some of the most common signs of negativity in seniors include a decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Not only…

How to Choose the Right Caregiver for Your Elderly Loved One

May 30, 2016

When you choose a caregiver for your senior loved one, this person becomes an essential member of your loved one’s support team. As you begin your search, look for these qualities to ensure you are making the right decision. Assess Your Loved One’s Needs Before you search for a caregiver, it is important to have a full understanding of the type of Tucson senior care your loved one needs. Speak with your loved one’s medical team about how his or her health impacts daily routines, and spend some time observing him or her at home. This way, you can let prospective caregivers know up front exactly what responsibilities their new role will entail. Consider Experience and Training Ideally, the caregiver…

Alleviating Aggression in Seniors with Dementia

May 27, 2016

Seniors with dementia sometimes display aggressive behavior, which can be upsetting for families and other caregivers. While aggression is never easy to handle, there are ways to alleviate this behavior before it becomes too difficult to control. Identify the Underlying Cause Aggression in seniors with dementia can occur due to biological, social, or psychological reasons, any of which can be addressed to eliminate the behavior. For example, a senior who is in pain may resort to aggression if unable to communicate clearly with the person providing in-home care in Tucson. Alternatively, hallucinations may lead to aggression caused by fear. Identifying and treating certain health conditions can reduce aggressive outbursts. Maintain a Stable Routine When seniors have dementia, they often rely…

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