Striking a balance as a family caregiver

More and more adults are finding themselves in the position of being a family caregiver for a parent, spouse or other loved one. According to the AARP’s 2015 Caregiving in the U.S. report, nearly 35 million Americans have provided unpaid care for someone over the age of 50 in the last year.

Caregiving is a noble and important part of familial support, but it can also be very challenging. If you find yourself in a new role as a caregiver, it is important to focus on finding a balance between caring for your loved one, and living your life.

Here are a few tips to help navigate the demands of serving as a family caregiver and still take care of yourself:

Take a time out: Caregivers can spend so much time worrying about the needs of others that they forget to take time for themselves, and become rundown or burned out. Take a few minutes for yourself every day. It can be something as simple as going for a walk, grabbing a coffee or watching a few funny videos on YouTube, and you’ll come back refreshed and reinvigorated.

Be mindful of your own health: Make sure you are eating well, getting enough exercise and keeping up with your regular doctor’s appointments. You can’t be an effective caregiver if you are not well yourself.

Familiarize yourself with local resources: You are not alone, even though it may feel like it sometimes. There are local organizations and resources available to help you plan for the future and ease some of the worry.

Don’t be too hard on yourself: It’s easy to get discouraged when you are juggling many responsibilities, especially if you are a caregiver that is also working and maybe even taking care of children or grandchildren at the same time. You can’t control everything, and you can only be so prepared. If you and your loved ones are happy and healthy, it really doesn’t matter if the house is a mess, or you are eating spaghetti for the third night in a row.

Ask for help: Take advantage of your support system. By accepting help from friends and family for certain tasks like grocery shopping or rides to doctor’s appointments, you allow them to ease some of the strain and keep you from feeling alone. Know your limits, and understand that there may come a time when your loved one requires care that you can’t provide.

If you have any questions about caregiving or resources available in the Phoenix area, please visit our website, or call 480.878.4112 to speak to our Care Manager Kristie Chadwick today.

Brain Awareness Week

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Mark your calendars – March 14 – 20 is Brain Awareness Week. , According to The Dana Foundation, Brain Awareness Week “is the global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research.”

Many of the conditions benefiting from further research continue to ail our elderly population. Alzheimers and Parkinson’s disease both deal with complications related to the brain – and more analysis is needed to better combat and minimize their negative effects.

Our brain is our connection to the world around us – our memory, mind, and ability to learn how to shape the foundations of society and our perception of life itself. So just how important is it to better understand its functions as we age?

Very. Alzheimers affects five million Americans, while Parkinson’s takes its toll on one million, and the occurrence of both increases in rate as we age. Finding treatments to halt or reverse neurodegenerative diseases is the ultimate goal of much brain research. Identifying protective genes or lifestyle factors that contribute to these problems gives us a much greater chance at treatment options, and potentially even a cure.

You may be asking how we can better protect our brain while we age. The Dana Foundation states, “Experts estimate that just 30 percent of aging is genetically programmed. The rest depends on the cumulative impact of inner and outer environments — factors we can largely control.” – This means a great deal of our potential is in our own hands.

To help improve or positively impact our brain health here are a few things to consider:

Exploring unfamiliar ground — for example, learning a foreign language or musical instrument — can be especially beneficial.

At PLC, we have a mindset that allows for individual, personalized care needs – whatever our resident’s mental state may be. For more information, visit our website.

Healthy Aging Month

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It’s that time of year again! September marks the arrival of Healthy Aging Month, “an annual obser­vance month designed to focus national atten­tion on the pos­i­tive aspects of growing older.”

 

Growing older and aging healthily isn’t all about infallible wisdom and grace, it also has a lot to do with keeping up the different aspects of one’s personal health – be they physical, mental, emotional, or financial. Knowing how to better address these aspects in a positive manner is what healthy aging is all about.

 

Another tenant of Healthy Aging Month is the stress on personal responsibility for healthier aging. Everyone has a choice to take good care of themselves or not. While easier said than done, starting with small changes is a good way to develop new and better habits. There are also many external support systems you can access and take advantage of – but only you as an individual can ultimately decide to make a change for the better.

 

Feeling lethargic? Get outside and start moving! Even a short walk increases circulation and vitality. Are you lonely? Make plans with a friend, become a volunteer, or sign up for a class at your local community center. These activities and others like them can quickly counter negative feelings and unhealthy habits.

 

The phrase ‘you’re only as old as you feel’ is a mantra to adopt – especially during Healthy Aging Month. No matter what your age is on paper, staying active, socializing with others and keeping a positive outlook can work wonders on your mental and emotional health.

 

Last but not least, it is vital to speak to loved ones about your financial health and to plan for the long term. Doing so not only helps ensure you have the funds you need beyond retirement, it can offer a great deal of peace of mind. What better time to discuss these concerns than Healthy Aging Month?

 

At Paradise Living Centers, we’re 100 percent committed to ensuring that your loved one ages with care and dignity. Click the link and give us a call for further information.

The Myths and Facts Surrounding Cognitive Aging

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You leave the house to buy groceries, or to head to work – but you’ve forgotten your wallet. Or your keys. Or phone.

Mental missteps are commonplace – everyone has gone through this scenario. Substitute the destination and forgotten item with different factors but the situation is the same. As these forgetful instances become more and more frequent while we age, the stigma and personal worry that results can be especially damaging.

However – it is important to note that while cognitive aging can be somewhat distressing, there is nothing abnormal about it. Though less frequent, we experience the same forgetfulness in our youth as we do in our elder years. From the moment we are born, we progress through different stages of cognitive aging.

Cognitive aging is not a disease – nor is it as debilitating as real neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s or dementia. According to a report released by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, “wisdom and expertise can increase with age, while speed of processing, decision-making, and some types of memory may decline. Cognitive aging may affect daily tasks such as paying bills, driving, following recipes, and adhering to medication schedules.”

There are many different ways to inhibit the negative side effects of cognitive aging. Remaining physically active, managing cardiovascular disease risks, and keeping an open channel of communication with your health care professional can all help mitigate the aging process.

While it may seem obvious, staying engaged intellectually and socially with those around you has also been cited as a way to combat forgetfulness. If a friend or loved one is experiencing symptoms of cognitive aging, lessen the stigma through minimizing your reaction. Making a big deal out of a simple mistake like those listed above is not a helpful response for anyone involved.

Cognitive aging can be a difficult period of decline for anyone experiencing the signs, but if you’re worried about someone living through it independently contact Paradise Living Centers to discuss your options: 602-550-1247.

 

 

Saving Money after Retirement

The cost of living during retirement is a serious concern for many older adults. Financial experts warn of the cost of retirement, but we don’t need as much as the experts would make us believe. After retiring expenses often decrease, as retirees can actually eliminate many costs they had while working.

Here are just some of the ways to save money after retirement, without affecting lifestyle choices:

If you are approaching retirement, and would like to kickback sooner rather than later it is worth sitting down and assessing your options. If you’re interested in learning what your retirement options may be there’s a neat quiz on the blog Sightings Over 60 that we encourage you to take. Remember retirement is your time to truly enjoy your life, after all you’ve worked for it!

Get Into the Act: Older Americans Month

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In 1963, May was given the label of Senior Citizens Month, which was later changed to Older Americans Month. According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), at the time that President Kennedy made the determination, “only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday.” With that, however, nearly a third of older Americans lived in poverty, and all faced a dismal shortage of social programs and government assistance.

That began to change with Older Americans Month. People were encouraged to value the contributions of their community’s current and past senior citizens, and each year May plays host to a different theme.

This year’s Older Americans Month has been given the theme: Get Into The Act. The purpose, according to the ACL, is “to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.”

Here are just some of the ways you can engage seniors in your home or community to “Get Into the Act”:

In addition, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s signing of the Older Americans Act. The ACL notes that “the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible. These services include home-delivered and congregate meals, caregiver support, community-based assistance, preventive health services, elder abuse prevention, and much more.”

May is National Arthritis Month

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Arthritis affects one in five adults, and is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Since May is National Arthritis Awareness Month we wanted to share a few things to help manage arthritis. Unfortunately it’s not always possible to prevent arthritis, but it is possible to still live an active and healthy life with it.

Exercise – Gentle exercise is a great way to keep joints moving and avoid the stiffness many arthritis sufferers complain of. Exercise also builds muscle strength, which can help build muscle that surrounds joints and protects them. It is valuable to incorporate stretching into your exercise plan too, as it will also help keep joints flexible.

Diet – A well balanced diet can limit the symptoms of arthritis, as it can help in maintaining a healthy weight, which alleviates arthritis pain by taking excess pressure off the joints. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids can also help in reducing inflammation, eliminating some of the pain arthritis sufferers experience.

Rest – While exercise is important for those with arthritis, it’s also valuable to let the joints rest. It’s important for each person to find a balance that works well for him or her. Taking the time to rest and recover also helps prevent injury, which can further aggravate arthritis.

Physical Therapy – If exercise alone is not enough, it may be beneficial to enlist the help of a physical therapist. A therapist can develop a personalized program that incorporates the best movements for eliminating joint pain without the need for medication.

Ice and Heat – Applying ice or heat to affected areas can help ease pain.

In some cases adopting all these tips into your lifestyle is not enough to remove the need medication or for other treatments. If you have arthritis or suspect you may be developing arthritis, it is important to meet with a doctor for a full examination and blood work. Once the proper tests and exams are done, the doctor can discuss proper treatment options and the medications for your health and well-being. The physician can also advise on other lifestyle changes you should make to best manage your pain. While there are challenges to living with arthritis, with proper care and prevention it is possible to maintain an active and enjoyable lifestyle.

The Benefits of Vitamin D

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Vitamin D provides a variety of health benefits, especially for the elderly. It helps strengthen bones, which, in turn, helps prevent falls and fractures, two things that can wreck havoc on a senior’s quality of life. Vitamin D strengthens bones by promoting the absorption of calcium. It can also lower the risk for developing osteoporosis or osteomalacia, diabetes or high blood pressure.

Vitamin D can be taken as a daily supplement or through a diet rich in nutrients.

To increase vitamin D levels consider the following:

  1. Eat fortified foods or drink fortified milk. Vitamin D can be found in foods like salmon, cereal, egg yolks, and cheddar cheese. Simply drinking two glasses of fortified milk a day will fulfill the recommended amount of vitamin D. If milk is not your drink of choice try fortified orange juice.
  2. Spend time outside. If you live somewhere sunny, like Arizona, it is easy to get a good dose of vitamin D! According to Health, 20 to 25 minutes a day should be enough for you to reap the benefits. For longer periods in the sunshine, wearing sunscreen and a hat is necessary for protection from skin cancers, sun burns and sun damage. When you wear protection, it also reduces vitamin D absorption.
  3. Take vitamin D supplements. If you are not able to take in an adequate amount of vitamin D through diet and time spent outdoors, you might want to consider a supplement. There are a variety of vitamin D supplements available at any local drugstore, supermarket or health food store. Before taking any supplements, ask a doctor for recommendations, and make sure they do not interfere with other medications.

 According to Web MD, other benefits of vitamin D include a reduced risk of diabetes, lower chance of heart attack, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

 Keep in mind too much vitamin D can be harmful. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 4,000 IUs (international units) for healthy adults per day. Adequate intake is considered 600 IU per day for those up to 70 years old and 800 for seniors older than 71 years. For those with limited sun exposure, a higher dose may be beneficial.

Ask a medical professional or pharmacist about finding the right balance of diet, sun exposure and supplements to determine the best combination.

What Causes Sundowners Syndrome?

Sundowner's Syndrome

Sundowners Syndrome generally affects sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The syndrome received its name because the symptoms are exhibited after “sundown.” However, not all those who suffer from dementia exhibit the symptoms. Sundowners largely remains a mystery to medical science, but there are a number of theories as to why the symptoms present themselves at night. Some believe it is the culmination of all the sensory stimulation that occurs throughout daily routine that overwhelms and causes stress. The syndrome may prevent sufferers from settling in during the night and getting a much needed good night’s sleep. This can make the sufferer agitated and lead them to wander.

There are a number of signs to watch for:

According to WebMD, sundowning happens to almost 20 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The syndrome tends to peak during the middle stages of Alzheimer’s, although it generally gets better as the disease progresses.

There are several factors that may increase the risk of sundowning including:

Sundowning is a common cause of caregiver burnout but there are several treatments to make it less severe for both the parties:

Activity

Diet

Medical advice

Alternative therapies

Conducive sleeping environment

Calm reassurance

As a caregiver it is important to be aware of the behavioral patterns. Help your loved one through reassurance while encouraging activity to distract them and prevent confusion and agitation. Sundowners is not something that your loved one can control, but keeping a level head will help get you through the stressful moments. For more information on quality care of a loved one click here.

5 Superfoods All Seniors Should Be Eating

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Getting proper nutrition as you age is essential to living a long and healthy life. While basic nutrition needs remain fairly stable throughout your lifetime, the need for certain nutrients may increase or decrease with age. By keeping a nutritious diet and knowing how to obtain the proper nutrients, seniors can work to prevent certain age-related diseases and even help to counteract the aging process.

Every senior’s diet should include these superfoods:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, a healthy fat that helps lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. This fat also contains Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that is essential for having a strong immune system, skin, and eyes.

Chocolate

Chocolate is extremely high in flavonoids, antioxidants that help sustain the healthy function of blood vessels. Maintaining a healthy blood flow aids in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and dementia.

Blueberries

Compounds found in blueberries called polyphenols protect the brain against damage caused by environmental toxins that are associated with age-related memory loss and decline in motor function.

Broccoli

Broccoli is high in fiber and full of vitamins to help the body. Vitamin A promotes good eyesight, vitamin C leads to a healthy immune system, and vitamin K benefits bones and tissues.

Fish    

Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit heart health and decrease the risk of an abnormal heartbeat. Salmon in particular has additional benefits – recent studies have shown that salmon contains bioactive proteins that help provide support to joint cartilage and insulin effectiveness.

By consuming these healthy fats and vitamins, seniors can aid their bodies in numerous ways from healthy skin to strong bones and tissues. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring either, at Paradise Living Centers we prepare all of the residents’ meals fresh, daily. We are conscious that our meals are appetizing but we consider the nutritional values of the foods that we serve to benefit our community at Paradise Living Centers.