Here is a good article that I found and wanted to pass on to you.  For more great information and assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at www.allforyouhomecare.com or www.ltcep.com/allforyoulanding. 

Seventy-nine million boomers will change the world – again

(ARA) – Changing the world is not an easy assignment – but baby boomers did it once and they’ll do it again.

They tackled civil rights and women’s rights and ushered the country into the digital age of communication and entertainment media. They demanded better health care and more efficient automobiles. They worked alone and worked together to influence both their neighbors and their political leaders. Their list of achievements over the past 60-plus years is undeniably remarkable.

The boomer generation has “never just migrated through stages of life,” says Ken Dychtwald, a specialist on aging. “They always transformed them as they went . . . boomers are not going to grow old like any generations we’ve ever seen.”

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Here is a great article that I found and wanted to pass on to you.  For more information and assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at www.allforyouhomecare.com or www.ltcep.com/allforyoulanding. 

Elderly Home Care Service Can Help Your Loved One Maintain Independence

By Thao Nguyen

Elderly home care services are growing at an accelerated rate, and this particular industry is only poised to continue to grow as the population of the United States ages. The number of people of retirement age and older is expected to double by the year 2030, and by the middle of this century, there will be more elderly people in this country than any other age group.

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Here is a great article that I found with a lot of great ideas in it, I wanted to pass it on to you.  For more great information and assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit us at www.allforyouhomecare.com or www.ltcep.com/allforyoulanding.

Must-haves for a Mature Household

(ARA) – The aging population will have the second biggest impact of any factor on the remodeling industry over the next five years, according to the AARP and National Association of Home Builders. Why? Because today’s homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to live independently in their current homes, even if it means remodeling to meet their needs.

Whether you modify your current house or purchase new these are some must-haves to ensure you’ll have a safe, secure and easily maintained home in which to spend your golden years:

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Elderly in Home Care Doesn’t Mean a Lack of Socialization

By Gary M Skole

While the vast majority of seniors prefer to age in one place, many seek assistance from home health companies and assistant living services because of an increased need for personal assistance or in home care. Numerous studies have been conducted that show that seniors having social connections through family members, friends, social organizations, even companion animals is directly linked with their overall good health, prolonged survival from serious illness, and longevity in general. As seniors age, the need for socialization is even more important to help maintain overall good health. Evidence of the connection between a strong social connection and good health include:

• Studies show that people who are able to get out and interact and spend more time with people during cold/flu season actually get fewer colds and illnesses than those who spend most of their time alone.

• People that have companion animals to interact have fewer illnesses that people who do not have a companion animal.

• People who use words such as “I’, “mine”, and “me” often during casual conversation are more susceptible to heart attacks than those whose conversations don’t focus on themselves.

• Our immune system has natural killer cell activity that is negatively affected by a lack of social support.

• Our natural killer cells are more sluggish if we are lonely.

• Feeling grateful for what we have in life is associated with better physical and emotional health. The elderly can be at risk of isolation, which can directly affect overall health and longevity. If one spouse becomes ill, the other spouse tends to be the primary caregiver, which can consume much of their time. Caring for an ailing spouse can lead to isolation from the people and activities that were once enjoyed together on a regular basis. Seniors may also face the loss of a spouse. This event often further isolates you from some of the activities that you might have once enjoyed as a couple, as well as isolation from some of the friends that you interacted with together. Seniors are also at risk of decreased socialization as they age if they can no longer drive. Giving up driving for many means giving up on independence and access to the people and activities they rely on for social support. It’s critical to take into account the importance of socialization as we age. Getting the personal care that is needed doesn’t have to eliminate the opportunity to maintain social connections.

Most communities have resources for seniors to foster good health and social connections. Many towns offer a variety of activities through local seniors’ centers, support groups, libraries,religious organizations and active retirement communities. For those unable live independently, assisted living communities and home care companies offer a variety of services. Seniors should be encouraged to participate in assisted living community activities and outings. Those living at home should be encouraged to look for the right home care company-one that recognizes the value of a support network and social connections. The elderly no longer need to sacrifice socialization for quality senior care.

Gary Skole is the owner of Assisted Living At Home Care, a new hybrid service that brings the benefits of assisted living in to the home to create a preferred way for seniors to age in place. For more information visit http://www.assistedlivinginhomecare.com/ or call (856)273-6440.

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Visit us at www.allforyouhomecare.com or www.ltcep.com/allforyoulanding if you have any questions, or need help with an aging loved one in the area.

Dealing With the Annoying Habits of Old Age

By Rakesh Kharwar

“Old age is like a second childhood,” I remember my mom saying, as we found my granny becoming more stubborn and sensitive with age. It rings true for us all. With age, we all become mature and wiser and then again are seen possessing the irrational traits of childhood in us.

With age, the habits and quirks we develop over time become more pronounced. What was overlooked before can often later become overbearing. The nagging, the inflexible attitude, heath issues all make it difficult to care for old parents. Before you lose your temper, remember how much they put up with you during those teenage years or how they did not lose patience when you really crossed the limits. So take a deep breath and deal with them patiently and with love.

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Here is a great article for anyone in need of Home Care for a loved one.  Visit us at www.allforyouhomecare.com or www.ltcep.com/allforyoulanding if you need help for an aging loved one in the area. 

Top 10 Caregiver Tips for 2010

Gail M. Samaha

While there is some small comfort in knowing that the pressures you feel are shared by many others, the bottom line to this very personal matter is simple: finding the time and services that can help make your life and the lives of your aging parents a little easier. This year, as you care for your elder (either living with you or still in their own home); find the balance you need each day to continue to provide great care for your loved one and yourself.

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Becoming a Family Caregiver

By Gerald Melnick

It is not unusual for a family member to suddenly find them self in the role of a caregiver to a seriously ill family member. We all go through varying stages of emotions when our lives have been transformed by becoming a family caregiver. Research has shown there are five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These are the emotions that form the framework which makes up our learning to adjust and cope with our life as a family caregiver while we watch someone we love struggle with chronic illness.

The responsibility of being a primary caregiver can overwhelm you. The time requirements and physical demands of caring for older people are taxing. The emotional stress can be ever worse. So consider all the consequences carefully before you agree to be come a primary family caregiver.

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No one could guess my papa’s age when they first saw him. He had such a personality that my mom had a hard time keeping him from flattering young ladies. My mom’s annoyance gave him real pleasure. He was really fit with regular walks and pranayam and his group of friends envied his fitness. Just 2 weeks before his 70th birthday, I got a call from my mother saying, that Papa had slipped and fallen outside the bathroom and then I had to rush home. A hip fracture and surgery later, dad is a different person altogether, with little mobility and loss of independence he has become very cranky and depressed.

Elderly people slipping and falling is common story we all hear. Growing age, weak bones and lack of balance often leads to slips and falls. As the bones are brittle they are more likely to break and fracture which brings pain and loss of independence. Most of these slips and falls could have been prevented if proper care would have been taken.

Here are some of the ways in which you can prevent the falls and slips by eliminating the dangers in your house:

Clear clutter- Clutter hinders movement, and makes you fall. Clear all the unwanted things on the floor if you are living with your parents. Remove the newspapers, toys, magazines. Loose wires of phones and cables can also cause falls in elderly if they are unseen. They should be removed immediately.

Keep away- Carpets and mats on the floor that are loose, having bulges and with curled ends need to be taken care of or replaced.

Non skid mats – Non skid bath mats- Where is the common area that you hear people fall? – The bathroom, of course. So buy non skid bath mats that have grip and place them on the bathroom floor and near the bathroom door. Take care near soapy water and place a stool in the bathroom.

Secure your footing- When outside make sure they use footwear with good footing and traction. Also, avoid footwear with laces as they can step on them and fall. Tell them to use walking stick when they don’t feel steady and let them take it with them when outside.

Grab bars and railing – Grab these- Grab bars are the rods that provide support. Fix these around the bathroom and put a railing on the staircase so that they get enough balance.

Check your balance- A simple tip you can pass on to your parents is, after getting up from lying, sit on the corner of the bed and check if your head is not dizzy and you are feeling steady, only then should you try to move.

Night lamp – Let there be light- Make it a rule to not move in an area if it is not properly lit. There might be objects strewn that can cause them to fall. Also install night lights in their room which is close by and within reach so that they use it to go to the bathroom at night.

Other tips to prevent falls are- Telling your parents about the location of small risks like small stools, cupboards, extra stair, uneven surfaces in the house so that they take care. By making sure they check their eyes regularly and wear appropriate eyewear for reading and regular purpose. By telling them to never rush off to answer phones or door, also get many extensions of the telephone around the house so that they can reach it easily without much effort.

Prevent falls and slips – Reducing the damage-According to study by UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, exercise can also improve gait, balance, coordination, reaction time, and muscle strength-even in very old and frail elderly people. It also proves that current physical activity protects against hip fracture, reducing the risk by up to 50.Thus, people who regularly exercise are less likely to fall.

Post menopause, elderly women suffer from low calcium levels that lead to weaker bones, so diet rich in calcium is recommended along with supplements. All elderly should have a low fat diet along with one rich in calcium and other nutrients to help maintain bones and stop their deterioration.

Follow the mantra of Clear clutter; keep away risky objects, secure your footing and let there be light, and prevent falls and slips in elderly.

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Visit us at www.allforyouhomecare.com or www.ltcep.com/allforyoulanding if you have any questions, or need help with an aging loved one in the area.

Is it a cold or the flu? Here’s how to tell

(ARA) – “My body aches and my head is throbbing. Do I have the flu or is it just because I’m stressed or tired? Do I need a flu shot? Do I need the H1N1 vaccine, too?”

Millions of Americans will be asking themselves these and more questions this fall and winter as news reports and health care providers continue to warn about seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu.

The flu symptoms self-assessment tool on MayoClinic.com can help you assess whether you or your loved ones have some form of flu, or just a cold. If you possibly or likely have the flu, you’ll also learn whether antiviral medication is an option. And you can check a concise list of high-risk groups who should seek medical attention for the flu.

Flu – influenza – is caused by a virus that attacks your respiratory system. Health experts agree that if you’re generally in good health, the flu – either seasonal or H1N1 – will likely do no more than make you feel rotten for a few days. You probably won’t develop complications or need to go to the hospital. If, however, you have an already weakened immune system or are among those considered high risk – such as infants, young children, pregnant women or the elderly – the flu can be a serious and even fatal illness.

Common symptoms of both the seasonal and swine flu include:

* Sudden onset. Colds usually develop over a few days and are only a nuisance. Flu hits you quickly and hard.

* Chills, sweats, headache and body aches, especially in the back, arms and legs.

* Fever higher than 101 F in adults and up to 103 or 105 in children.

* Nasal congestion but a dry cough.

* Overall weakness and fatigue.

* No appetite in adults and children, and diarrhea and vomiting in children.

* Worsening of chronic ailments like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

Most healthy adults will only need to treat the symptoms and let the illness run its course. Infants, young children or adults at risk of complications, however, should see the doctor right away. Antiviral drugs, taken in the first 48 hours that symptoms develop, may trim the length of the illness and help prevent the development of serious complications like pneumonia.

Ultimately, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the flu. Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated. Visit www.MayoClinic.com for more information on managing your health.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Visit us at www.allforyouhomecare.com or www.ltcep.com/allforyoulanding if you need help for a senior loved one in the area.

Here is a great article for anyone in need of Home Care for a loved one.  Visit us at www.allforyouhomecare.com or www.ltcep.com/allforyoulanding if you need help for an aging loved one in the area. 

How to Find the Right Home Health Care Agency

by Marlo Sollitto, Editor

Marilyn is a 72-year-old widow who recently underwent heart angioplasty surgery. She is preparing to leave the hospital soon. But recovering from open-heart surgery is a long process, and her family knows she will need continued medical assistance once she gets home. The family must find a reputable home health care agency that can provide licensed nurses as well as aides to tend to Marilyn on a daily basis.

Finding the right agency can be a daunting task, but not impossible, says Tilly Gambill, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the American Association for Homecare.

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