Many Phoenix families worry about how safe their elderly loved ones are when they get behind the wheel of the car. They worry that driving skills decline with age – and while in theory the driving skills themselves do not, the important senses required to operate a vehicle as safely and effectively at 80 as you did when you were 30 just aren’t what they used to be. So what is it that changes that can result in a decline of driving skills with age?

• Sensing behind the wheel changes, with regards to vision and hearing. 85% to 90% of safe driving relies upon the eyes and the eyes change in a number of ways, including diminished light entering the eyes, declining focus, increases sensitivity to glare, difficulty perceiving color, diminished depth perception and narrowed peripheral vision. Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults, and it can affect a driver’s ability to take in their surroundings
• Deciding – once the senses take in information, the brain needs to process what to do with it. In older adults, it takes longer to process information, which can decrease the reaction time needed to respond to situations on the road
• Reacting – this can be affected by a few things. While seniors might know that they need to respond, their level of physical fitness or mobility or their medications might inhibit them from physically responding when behind the wheel of a car

Just because a senior is experiencing these changes, according to the AAA website dedicated to senior driving, doesn’t mean they need to hang up their keys. But with simple techniques, it is possible to compensate and ensure that they, as well as everyone else on the road, remains safe when they get behind the wheel.

Sources:

1. AAASeniors

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Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

So, you recently began a new fitness routine in order to cope with the many stresses that come with aging, but like many Phoenix seniors you’ve found yourself overwhelmed and anxious as a result of your changes in lifestyle and activities. If this sounds like you, then you probably haven’t used the right approach when beginning your new exercise program – no, you definitely didn’t use the right approach, because the idea is to reduce stress not inflict even more upon yourself. You might have been doing something wrong when beginning your exercise routine, or even a few things. But don’t let that be a cause of additional anxiety; make the following changes and you’ll quickly find that exercise is something you’ll look forward to for its stress reducing affects and the positive changes it will have upon your body and health, since exercise isn’t just about your mind after all!

• Always choose activities that are enjoyable, otherwise seniors will grow to resent being physically active
• Avoid activities that are competitive to avoid creating natural tension. Seniors don’t need to do activities solo, but they should make sure that they avoid competitive sports and other physical activities that make them feel like they want to win
• Aerobic and anaerobic exercises can both help reduce stress. Seniors should incorporate 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise into their routines 3-5 days per week, and also try resistance training
• Don’t begin any activity without clearance from a doctor or assistance from a fitness professional. Seniors who worry that by completing physical activities incorrectly they will injure themselves, or are concerned about the affects upon their health can make sure these stressors are avoided

Sources:

1. Suite 101
2. Mayo Clinic

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Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a new system that helps provide intervention to caregivers of patients with dementia.

“Although providing care can be rewarding, it often places caregivers at great risk for negative outcomes that also compromise the well-being of the patients with dementia,” said Louis Burgio, a professor in the University of Michigan School of Social Work and research professor at the Institute of Gerontology.  Burgio was one of eight authors of a new study.

Researchers analyzed data from 642 dementia caregivers who provided in-home care. They were age 21 and older, lived with or shared cooking facilities with the patient, provided at least four hours per day for at least six months, and reported distress.

The researchers identified 16 risks that are confronted most often with dementia caregivers like you as well as their care recipients.  A risk appraisal measure provides information that can help clinicians tailor interventions to a caregiver’s individual needs.

Researchers assessed six domains linked to caregiver risk that could respond to intervention including depression, burden, self-care and health behaviors, social support, safety, and patient problem behaviors.

Read full story on the New Screening Offers Support for Caregivers

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

One of the biggest complaints of casual golfers is that they just aren’t good enough, and they’re constantly looking to invest in products and training that will help them to improve their skills. What many retired golfers in Phoenix don’t realize is that sometimes the answer to improving your golf swing, has nothing to do with golf at all! It might sound strange, but other hobbies that improve overall strength and flexibility, especially for the upper body can have the greatest impact on improving the golf swing and in turn helping seniors score better on the golf course.

So what do seniors need to do in order to improve their golf game?

• Work with their hands – activities like crocheting and knitting help improve rang of motion in the wrists and hands as well as flexibility which can improve a senior’s grip on their golf clubs and improve their swing overall. Other activities that allow seniors to use their hands and improve their manual dexterity can have the same benefits
• Exercise – activities like yoga and swimming which build muscle, strength and also increase flexibility can help provide for a stronger golf swing at a greater distance and prevent injury!

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. About

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Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Q – Since my dad had a severe stroke, he’s been unable to speak. It can be hard to remember to communicate with him, since often when you’re in a room with him, it feels like he isn’t there. We’ve had evaluations done in Phoenix to see if he’s still able to hear, but haven’t received any definite results. What should we do to communicate with him?

A – A parent who loses their ability to communicate can have a serious effect on the rest of the family, who suddenly feels like the person that they know and love has disappeared. While he’s there in body, I’m sure it feels like he’s not there in mind. However, just because your dad can’t show you he’s still in there, he’s likely very aware of many of the things happening around him and attentive to your every move. To communicate with your dad, keep on talking to him, whether or not he can talk back. His body language may indicate whether or not he can hear and understand what you’re saying, but even if not, he could be hanging onto your every word. If you’re helping him with tasks around the house, walk him through what you’re doing just to talk to him, and don’t be afraid to make body contact so he can feel that you’re there for him. Even if it means having a one-sided conversation, you can make your dad feel like he’s important, and that he hasn’t lost himself to his illness.

Sources:

1. Aging Care

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

As a geriatric nurse in a busy Phoenix hospital, I often receive questions about muscle loss in seniors. Many families have heard it’s possible, but very few understand what the effects can be and just how common it is. When families of seniors ask me about muscle loss and the potential that it’s something that their loved one could be dealing with, I tell them that it’s something that most Phoenix seniors are faced with as they age, since after 60, skeletal muscle mass can decline by 1% every year, doubling each decade of life. Although families ask these questions, they don’t seem to expect this answer; not realizing it’s something that their loved one has been coping with all along. When I explain often the symptoms in inactive seniors are changes in strength, balance and endurance, it’s like a light bulb going off when they realize this could be a simple explanation for some of the physical changes that they’ve been noticing in their senior.

Immediately when families begin to get an understanding of sarcopenia they become concerned, and understandably so, because it can increase the likelihood of accidents and falls. However, I’m quick to reassure them that with some simple lifestyle changes, namely exercise, it’s possible to improve and prevent this muscle loss and improve a senior’s overall health. I always suggest that first that they talk to a doctor about how exercise could have an impact on their health conditions today, and that then they should begin a program that includes resistance training, cardiovascular activity, and stretching. It never ceased to amaze me, how with such a common problem, families are unaware that this is something that many seniors are dealing with today.

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. Ezine Articles

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Seniors are constantly looking for the medicinal answers that will prolong their lives and improve their well-being; but the best answer doesn’t come in the form of a pill or a vaccine, it comes through exercise. Not only can exercise result in greater longevity for Phoenix seniors, it can also improve cognitive function and helps offset the effects of diseases like Alzheimer’s.  Since many seniors also face depression later in life due to loneliness, loss and other elements that they cope with during aging; exercise can improve mood overall from adrenalin and exercise induced pheromones.

It’s never too late to start, and while exercise may not cure whatever ails Phoenix seniors, it can contribute to improved health, mood, and general well-being. Any physical activity can have these benefits and seniors can engage in these activities a few times a week in the company of a caregiver, family member or friend for added comfort and safety.

Sources:

1. Mature Fitness
2. MedicineNet

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Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

For my grandfather’s 90th birthday, my family decided it would be nice to have a small gathering in honor of his life. We invited only his closest family and friends, and fortunately, I did some research beforehand, because I didn’t realize just how much could go into planning a senior’s party. When planning for a party that will host multiple generations of guests, and seniors with specific dietary needs, there are quite a few things that need to be considered. If you’re planning a party for your grandparent, here are a few tips that will make sure it goes off without a hitch!

• When planning the menu at grandma or grandpa’s birthday party, be aware of allergies, diet restrictions and medical conditions that affect the food choices. This is especially important when senior citizens are attending, since many may have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that can be affected by food choices
• Plan activities suitable for people of all ages – especially when family is in attendance, you want activities that appeal to all generations together
• Have a party during the late morning or early afternoon when all guests are likely to be full of energy
• Only invite those who are important to the senior – it can be tempting to include every family member or friend who has ever entered the life of the senior when making the guest list; but that can become overwhelming. Stick to the people who are most meaningful to grandma or grandpa; although siblings, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are almost always welcome
• Make sure that any children attending the party understand how they should behave, especially when in the presence of a group of senior citizens

Sources:

1. Suite 101
2. Love to Know

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Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Heart failure is a major and increasingly common cardiovascular syndrome, and is the end result of many cardiovascular disorders.  Guidelines recommend that exercise training be considered for medically stable outpatients with heart failure, but there have remained concerns regarding safety and uncertainty about clinical outcomes.

Christopher M. O’Connor, M.D., of Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C., and colleagues examined whether aerobic-type exercise training reduces all-cause death or all-cause hospitalization in patients with medically stable chronic heart failure due to systolic dysfunction (impaired contraction of the heart).  There were 2,331 patients in the study with a median age of 59. They were randomly assigned to either usual care plus aerobic exercise or usual care alone.

Patients with heart failure who participated in aerobic exercise training had modest improvements in self-reported health status compared with those patients who did not have exercise training, according to the research. “The results demonstrate that participation in an exercise training program provides a modest but statistically significant improvement in patient-reported health status compared with usual care,” the authors concluded.

Your doctor can let you know whether exercise is safe for you.  In the meantime, why not connect with others in a way that can help you feel safer and more secure in your own home.  One way to do that is by engaging the services of a caregiver companion.  Home Instead Senior Care hires CAREGivers who are screened, trained, bonded and insured, and equipped to help keep seniors independent for as long as possible.

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Q – I’m a home caregiver for a Phoenix senior, who I’ve been working with over a number of years. We’ve formed a close friendship in addition to the great working relationship that’s been established. My care recipient doesn’t have very many friends or family nearby and has spoken about taking a vacation with a group that caters specifically to seniors. However, he doesn’t want to travel alone. Since I am not a senior, are there senior-friendly travel groups that will allow me to accompany him on the trip both as a caregiver and a friend, and are there any that would accommodate an elderly man with specific dietary needs and mobility issues?
A – First of all, let me say how wonderful it is to hear that you’ve formed such a close bond with your care recipient that you are interested in going with him on a vacation. While there are a number of senior-friendly travel groups out there, not all of them accommodate seniors with a wide variety of specific aging needs and varying budgets. Elderhostel is an educational, senior-friendly travel program which is affordable, and it meets the needs of older adults through offering programs for people with varying levels of physical fitness and mobility. Best of all, even though Elderhostel does specialize in travel options for seniors, you would be more than welcome to attend as well!

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. Elderhostel

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Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.