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…

4 Superfoods to Include in Elderly Diets

May 25, 2016

The healthier a senior’s diet, the greater chance he or she has of living a longer and happier life. This includes steering clear of unhealthy foods and focusing on those with clear benefits. Some foods are considered superfoods because they contain more nutrients than other healthy foods, and many of these are especially beneficial for the elderly. Tucson elder care experts want to share 4 superfoods your senior loved one may want to start including in his or her diet. 1. Sweet Bell Peppers Unlike their spicier counterparts, these bell peppers have a relatively mellow and sweet flavor. A single cup of bell peppers contains a senior’s daily allowance of both vitamin C and vitamin A, which are great for…

How Does Respite Care Help Seniors and Their Families?

May 23, 2016

Family caregivers are known for their dedication, yet even they need an occasional break. Respite care offers many benefits for families, going far beyond just providing a few hours for them to relax. Here are a few ways respite care benefits both families and the senior loved ones they care for. Boosts Caregiver Health Caregivers are often so busy taking care of their loved ones they skip their own medical appointments and workouts. Over time, not eating right or going for checkups can wreak havoc on your health. However, with Tucson respite care, you can utilize your extra time during the week to take care of yourself. Since your loved one needs a healthy and happy caregiver, everyone benefits from…

What Causes Senior Stress?

May 20, 2016

Stress in the senior years can come from many different sources, but it’s important to identify those causes to help your senior loved one manage them because too much stress can result in more serious conditions. Here are some of the common causes of elderly stress and tips to help your loved one prevent or alleviate it. Moving Out of the Home Seniors are attached to their homes, and moving away often leads to stress and depression. Each item in the home could have some type of sentimental value, which is why your loved one should keep as many items as he or she can store safely if downsizing to live in a smaller space. Another option is to allow…

Exercises for an Aging Adult with Parkinson’s

May 18, 2016

Though a Parkinson’s diagnosis can make seniors fearful of changes in their abilities, exercise can help them maintain a high quality of life. If your elderly loved one is living with this disease, here are some exercises he or she can do to combat the physical symptoms, brought to you by the Tucson Parkinson’s care experts at Home Care Assistance. Swimming If your loved one has Parkinson’s, swimming can help him or her work on coordination. The water is relaxing, and the buoyancy helps alleviate challenges with balance your loved one may be having. Since swimming is easy on the joints, this is the perfect exercise for your loved one to do if he or she experiences the joint stiffness…

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