Most seniors dread the idea of moving out of their homes once living independently in their own homes gets to be too physically demanding, and in some cases even unsafe. But assisted living facilities and nursing homes are not the same thing. They allow seniors to maintain the more independent lifestyle they’re used to, but have benefits and services that can address those areas where they are struggling.

1. Living independently – seniors in ALFs are often in one-bedroom or studio apartment buildings, so they have the privacy and independence that they require

2. Safety is offered – ALF apartments anticipate the safety needs of seniors and ensure that they include grab bars, ramps and other essential safety devices. Supervisors are always available to respond to emergencies

3. Seniors don’t need to worry about home maintenance – cleaning services, including laundry can be provided by ALF

4. Activity of daily living services are offered – bathing, dressing, and medication reminders can be provided. There are also special facilities for those who suffer with Alzheimer’s and dementia and designated services

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.

When visiting a senior relative this month over the holidays, be on the lookout for warning signs that their lifestyle may have become too much for them. Senior care experts recommend that families make note of the following things:

1. Learn about what your senior wants for the future – the holidays aren’t a time to bring up stressful conversations, but you can casually ask them about their desires for their future. If you learn they’re hoping to move closer to their grandchildren or to a warmer climate, that can help you understand for planning

2. Take a look at how they’re doing physically and mentally – simply being in a senior’s presence over the holidays will help you to evaluate their physical and mental health that could dictate their future senior care needs

3. Include the whole family – particularly if the senior you are assessing is a parent and you have siblings, everyone needs to be included in the discussions, at least until a family caregiver is decided to provide family care. Open the dialogue with your family members about the future of your loved one’s care

Via: www.stagesofseniorcare.com

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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.

Tis the season to be jolly, but unfortunately, not everyone finds themselves in the holiday spirit at this time of year. Many suffer from the holiday blues, and these can include seniors and senior caregivers who carry the baggage of their pasts and the burden of day-to-day responsibilities. If this sounds like you, take more enjoyment from the season with these tips:

1. Surround yourself with people – even if you don’t have family or friends around that you can spend time with, do join other social events taking place in your community

2. Volunteer – no matter what’s happening in your life, you’ll feel great when you volunteer and give back to those in need

3. Join a support group – sometimes it’s not easy to talk to family about the emotions you’re struggling with, so join a support group that allows you to share your feelings

4. Don’t put pressure on yourself – it’s okay if you don’t feel like celebrating over the holidays, don’t push yourself. Get involved with those things that make you happy, and don’t get down on yourself if you don’t feel joyful

5. Avoid alcohol – alcohol can depress your mood, so even though the wine and eggnog is flowing over the holidays, stick to the non-alcoholic stuff!

6. Know the signs of depression and seek treatment – the holiday blues are one thing, but you also need to recognize depression and get help

Via: Health in Aging

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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.

This year when shopping for holiday gifts for an elderly loved one; don’t try to break the bank to impress them with your generosity. Instead, choose gifts that they’ll really use and appreciate:

• Items that allow them to pamper themselves – seniors on a budget are not likely to splurge on things they consider non-essentials. Buy them candles, soaps and body lotions that allow them to feel pampered at home. Gift cards to restaurants or spas are added luxuries

• Gift baskets – gift baskets with a combination of items, including some of the above, as well as seasonal foods, books, and craft supplies that they will enjoy and make use of are all great things to include! Gift baskets can be bought pre-fabricated or can be created at home

• The gift of companionship – seniors will most appreciate the company of their loved ones. If this is not possible, senior care services can be gifted for companionship and assistance at home

• Take an elderly loved one out for the day – a trip out for lunch around the holidays to see a movie or a musical event can be a very enjoyable way for them to spend a day and it will be memorable!

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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.

More than 5 million seniors suffer from Alzheimer’s in the United States, and unfortunately, many of these receive medical care that is not geared towards helping their cognitive condition. A new study has demonstrated that with more comprehensive care, Alzheimer’s can be more manageable for seniors, their families and medical professionals:

1. Screening upon admission to the hospital – rather than learning that a senior has Alzheimer’s or dementia retroactively following a medical issue, this approach ensures seniors are screened when admitted to the hospital

2. Education of the nurses and medical practitioners – there are three levels of care depending upon patient needs, but all of them ensure that all medical professionals responsible for the care of a senior are aware of their Alzheimer’s diagnosis

3. Planning for the future – right from the time of admission in this three-tier program, medical professionals talk with seniors and family members about preparing for the future, and arrangements that will need to be made for discharge. For those who require more comprehensive care, follow-ups are conducted to ensure that a senior’s health comes first

Via: Hospitals and Health Networks

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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.

There’s a popular conception that sleep disorders are more likely to occur in older adulthood, but in reality, often other medical problems are at play. At least according to a new study which indicates that many common sleep disturbances experienced by American adults can subside in retirement. Many sleep issues that can affect quality of life include:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism) – an involuntary act which can cause problems with oral health and jaw pain

• Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome – a skewed internal clock that often makes it challenging for people to fall asleep before 2am and wake before 7am

• Sleep apnoea – this comes at varying levels of severity, and results in unusual sleeping patterns which can disturb sleep

• Insomnia – difficulty falling and staying asleep

• Restless Leg Syndrome – leg pain that comes with sleep that can interrupt sleeping patterns

These are just a few of the common sleeping issues that many American adults face, and while some might be attributed to older adulthood, a more recent study has demonstrated that a few years after retirement, senior’s sleeping habits can improve greatly once the stress of career and young family are removed from the equation. Since seniors should experience further sleep disturbances, those who find they have trouble sleeping should talk to a physician about the potential causes and find a solution.

Sources:

ScienceDaily

SleepDeprivation.com

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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.

The holidays can be a source of stress for many older adults who find themselves overwhelmed with the activity of the season. Those who have experienced loss might also find themselves thinking about days gone by, rather than focusing on what’s in front of them today. This year, bring back the joy to the holidays for a senior in your life:

1. Allow memories and past rituals to live on – don’t discourage seniors from reliving those important memories of holidays past, thinking that it will prevent depression. Share memories of family members no longer with you, look at photos, and keep old family traditions alive

2. Make sure visiting seniors are comfortable – to help reduce the stress of seniors coming into your home over the holidays, make sure that your home is senior-friendly, with safety being the primary concern

3. Avoid impulsive holiday activities – to ensure that seniors can be involved with all holiday activities, avoid being impulsive that way seniors can be well-rested for more excitement

4. Focus on the joy – while it’s okay to reminisces, over the holidays make sure that all memories discussed focus on the positive

5. Create new traditions – while you can focus on incorporating old rituals into the holidays, create new ones as well that give the whole family, including seniors, new things to look forward to doing together. Holiday activities can’t just focus on the past

Via: ArticleBase

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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.

When the economy is suffering, seniors are often the first victims due to their limited incomes.  This year, the state of the economy has affected people of all ages, and when visiting seniors over the holidays, you can look for signs to see if they’ve been impacted and might require financial help.

1. Unusual temperatures in the home – seniors are more sensitive to temperature as they age, so a colder home in the winter and warmer house in the summer, despite the availability of adequate heating and air conditioning might indicate financial problems

2. Their home is in disrepair – if your loved one is typically on top of home repair and maintenance, if you visit and things are in disrepair, financial problems might be taking place to prevent the needed attention to necessary repairs

3. The outside of the home is lacking attention – seniors often need assistance with outdoor maintenance like lawn mowing or snow clearing, and if they are not being done, seniors may not be able to afford to hire someone

4. He/she is unwilling to travel over the holidays – if your senior typically visits family or travels over the holidays, they might not be able to afford to

5. Medical appointments are being missed – many seniors try and avoid visiting the doctor, but you have to look at the reasons that motivate them

6. Medications aren’t being filled – necessary medications that are going unfilled can indicate financial issues

7. Social activities are being cut out – entertainment, social activities and dining out could be eliminated from a senior’s routine

Via: Home Instead Senior 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.