Yearly Archives: 2016

The Keys to Weight Loss Over 50

All Posts, Health and Wellness

Nearly one-third of the population in the United States is obese. This is a scary statistic, especially given the known health problems associated with being overweight, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even some cancers.

Adults age 40 and over make up more than 40% of that statistic, and are at a higher risk for becoming overweight because of changes in the body as it ages. Hormones play a big role in the development of body fat, and unfortunately for both men and women, our hormones change naturally as we age, and can result in putting on extra un-wanted pounds that can lead to major health concerns.

Blame Your Hormones

Whether you're a man or a woman, your hormones are going to make it easier to gain weight, and harder to lose weight as you age. Women will experience changes in estrogen levels during menopause that will decrease their resting metabolic rate. This means that they will burn less calories while at rest, which can lead to an in crease in body fat. This also means that any weight put on during or after menopause will be more difficult to lose.

Because menopause is a drastic and rapid change in women's hormones, body fat content and metabolism are affected more dramatically than in men. However, men still experience a big shift in their hormone balance as they age, with a decrease in the production of testosterone. This change is more gradual and can happen over more than a decade, and it results in less muscle mass, and a decrease in resting metabolic rate and calorie consumption during exercise. This means that the same exercises men performed when they were younger now burn fewer calories.

Weight loss over 50 is more difficult for women than men because men have more lean muscle than women, meaning even though both sexes tend to gain weight after 50, men can shed pounds faster and easier than women can. This can be disheartening for women that are trying to lose weight with a male partner, but just because it is more difficult, doesn't mean it is impossible, and because of the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight as we age, it is important to persevere.

Solutions for Weight Loss Over 50

It is important to let go of the idea that you are inevitably going to be heavier when you're older. Even though hormonal changes will make it more of a challenge, you can maintain a good weight and live and healthier lifestyle if you implement a healthy lifestyle and diet.

So what can you do?

Plain and simple, you will have to amp-up your exercise routine, eat less, and pay attention to what you eat. If you don't already have an exercise plan in place, get started on one and gradually increase your training until you are doing 45 minutes of cardio 4 times per week, and some form of strength training 3 times per week. An exercise plan like this will help you lose pounds, and also increase metabolism and muscle mass.

To lose weight, you will also need to eat less, consuming less calories than you are burning each day. This means amping up your activity level and eating less at the same time. Also pay attention to what you are eating - if you fill up on lean proteins, fresh vegetables and fruits, and whole grains, you will feel full and won't need to consume as many calories. Avoid eating calorie-dense foods such as processed and fried foods, and sweets, which are also lacking in nutrients and bad for your overall health. Try to avoid unnecessary snacking, especially at night when your metabolism is slowed down. Instead of snacking, drink a glass of water or hot herbal tea to satisfy hunger and quench thirst.

The best course you can take is to pay more attention to your diet, and to be more responsible when it comes to avoiding extra calories throughout the day. However, it is also important to make regular trips to your doctor as you age. Doctors should be checking men for abnormally low testosterone levels, and both men and women should get tested for resistance, which can occur as we age, and can result in elevated blood sugar and added abdominal fat.

If you need additional information, or would like to schedule a free in-home consultation to discuss your family's in-home care needs, contact us today at 1-844-505-0004. American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that can help with many services, including Companion Care, Personal Care, and Alzheimer's and Dementia Care.

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Source: Melone, Linda. "The Best Ways to Lose Weight Over 50." Next Avenue. Mar 23, 16.

Tips for Communicating With Dementia Sufferers

All Posts, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Family Caregiver Tips

Can you imagine not being able to understand what your loved ones are saying to you, or even recognize who they are?

Dementia and Alzheimer's takes a terrible toll on the mind, and thus it can make communicating very difficult. But it is important to remember that communicating with dementia sufferers can be frustrating and upsetting for both people involved, so it should be approached with love and care. But it is most important to recognize that even though your loved one might have a hard time understanding or recognizing you, that does not mean that they should be ignored. In fact, quite the opposite. Most dementia sufferers crave warm human contact, a light conversation, and a friendly, understanding smile.

Below are a few simple tips for communicating with dementia sufferers:

  1. Realize the severity of the situation. Unfortunately for people diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's, it will only get worse. Dementia is a severe disease that gets worse with time, making it harder and harder to communicate and to understand. It's important to recognize this from the start so you don't give up or get overly frustrated when things get tough.
  2. Avoid distractions when you're talking. Creating an environment where there are no distractions is ideal for communicating with dementia sufferers. This allows your loved one to focus all of their mental energy on the conversation without being distracted by things like TVs, cellphones ringing, or excessive background noise.
  3.  Speak clearly and calmly. Use your natural voice when you are talking to your loved one, and be sure to annunciate your words. Use warm, calming tones, but avoid "babytalk" or other condescending voices.
  4. Use people's names. Avoid pronouns like "he" or "she" in conversations. Instead, always refer to whomever you are speaking about by their proper name, such as "Cindy" rather than "she." Also be sure to use your name when you greet your loved one. Rather then saying, "hi, it's me!" say, "hi, it's me Cindy!"
  5. Keep the conversation simple. Talk about one thing at a time, and try to avoid long, rambling conversations that have multiple threads. Keep the conversation as clear and concise as possible.
  6. Nonverbal communication is key. Maintain eye contact, and smile when you are talking to your loved one. This will help them understand what you are saying, and it is also reassuring. Nonverbal communication such as a smile or a warm, understanding face might be the only way to communicate once the disease has progressed into its later stages, so it is good to make sure your loved one is receptive to the cues you are using.
  7. Be an active listener. If your loved one is saying something that you don't understand, stop them and politely ask for clarity instead of continuing without understanding what they are saying.
  8. Don't argue. Your conversations won't get very far if you are trying to correct every inaccuracy or misstatement that your loved one says. Let minor mistakes go, realizing that it is part of the the disease, and that by correcting them always, you might actually be confusing them more.
  9. Be patient. Give your loved one time to process what you say, especially after you ask a question. There is no need to get frustrated if they don't respond right away. Recognize that your conversations will take longer and move at a slower pace.
  10. There will be ups and downs. It is important to realize that your loved one will have good days and bad days, despite the progression of their dementia or Alzheimer's. Be patient with them and be there for them, even if it is just a reassuring hand grab or a smile.

Dementia and Alzheimer's are very serious mental diseases that can make the role of family caregiver very difficult. American In-Home Care recognizes that Alzheimer’s and dementia affects each person differently, meaning there is no one way to provide care. That is why we will work with you and your loved one to determine what services are most important for their safety, mental health and physical well-being. As experts in senior care, we refer care providers that can improve the quality of life for both you and your loved one. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free, in-home consultation to discuss your care needs.

 

 

Tips to Build A Beneficial Doctor-Patient Relationship

Aging, Healthcare, Medical

A Comprehensive Partnership With Your Physician: A Patient's Responsibility

By Marjorie Marcus, MSW

In the past, doctors took the lead and patients typically followed without question. These days, a good doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. So here is what you can do to make your physician visits as productive and effective as possible.

Create a list before your appointment. This will make it easier to fully cover what it is that brought you to your doctor, and ensure that you do not forger any problems or issues you want to discuss. The list should include the following information:

A list of symptoms

This list should include, but not limited to, aches and pains, trouble sleeping, anxiety, moods. Are you sad all the time? Are you more confused lately? This list ensures that you give your doctor an accurate account of what is occurring in your life, mentally and physically. Include when these issues started, how often and how long they last, what makes them better or worse. Be sure to explain how these issues affect your daily activities.

A list of your medications

ALL medications should be listed; non-prescription, herbal remedies, vitamins, even eye drops should be included on this list. Better yet, bring your medications to your appointment. Include dosage, how often and times of day you take these medications. Make sure to note any side effects.

An outline of your daily activities

Be honest when discussing these activities. What do you enjoy doing? How often do you exercise? Do you smoke and/or drink? Describe your sex life. How do you sleep? What and how often do you eat?

Describe any life changes

Examples of these are divorce, death of a loved one (including pets), or a change in living arrangements. These life changes can cause stress, and stress affects our health.

This comprehensive approach of sharing complete information is key to developing a solid doctor-patient relationship. By being open, honest and detailed about your medical and personal condition, you and your doctor will be working together to formulate the comprehensive care plan you desire.

Written by Marjorie Marcus, MSW, a Client Care Liaison for American In-Home Care. Originally published in The Villager's Voices Publication, Palm Coast, FL. Sept. 2015

Contact Whitsyms today at 1-800-952-3881 for your free, in-home consultation. We will work with you to match the best care provider and determine the right care options for you and your family.

Are There Real Health Benefits of Laughter?

Aging, Lifestyle

"Laughter is the best medicine." That old adage has been passed around for years, but is there any truth to it?

Recent research has found that the effects of a good laugh can reduce stress and pain, boost the immune system, provide social connections and make people generally happier. Reasons like this could explain why we see laughter clubs, Laughter Yoga studios, and institutions like the Laughter Wellness Institute becoming more popular; they are part of the movement to formally introduce laughter into people's lives. This movement has also brought a surge of laughter therapy into senior living facilities in an effort to boost social interaction and happiness among older adults.

Health Benefits of Laughter

Laughter has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and change us physiologically, making us more relaxed. However, researchers aren't sure whether the health benefits of laughter are caused by the physical act of laughing, or the understanding that people who laugh are more likely to have a positive attitude and good social connections, both traits shown to improve longevity. Either way, laughing has been shown to have many positive effects on the body, and it's a fun and easy way to improve overall health.

Laughter can increase your health in the short term by stimulating organs such as the heart, lungs and muscles, increasing blood flow and oxygenation of the cells. This improves circulation, which helps soothe tension in the muscles of the body, resulting in a nice, relaxed feeling for up to 45 minutes after, and improving sleeping habits. Over the long term, laughing regularly can help improve your immune system by producing neuropeptides and infection-fighting antibodies that help fight stress and other serious illnesses. Laughing also helps relieve pain and improves overall mood, lessening depression and anxiety, increasing social connections, and making you feel healthier and happier.

Benefits for Seniors

Laughter is good for anyone, no matter what age. However, recent studies have shown that the laughter is especially beneficial for seniors because laughter therapy is well-suited for aging bodies. Laughter exercises are very low-impact, requiring only use of your mouth, and gentle movement of the arms and legs. Laughter is also good for combatting depression in older adults, which is common due to loss of loved ones, changes in health, and feelings of isolation.

Therapeutic approaches to laughter such as Laughter Wellness and Laughter Yoga are a type of complementary medicine for seniors that can help keep them in good health and good moods. The exercises are low-impact, well tolerated, and easily adaptable to all levels of cognitive, sensory and motor abilities. Best of all: It’s fun!

Benefits of laughter for seniors:

  1. Increases cognitive function: Degeneration of brain cells makes it difficult for many seniors to understand and process humor.  Laughter therapy that relies on laughing alone rather than understanding humor is ideal for seniors to help them reap the many benefits of laughter to improve their health and well-being . As little as one hour of practice per week has been shown to increase memory and cognitive function. People with dementia and the onset of Alzheimer’s have also shown remarkable improvement with laughter therapy.
  2. Decreases feelings of isolation: It is common for seniors, both in their own homes and in facilities,  to experience feelings of isolation. Often they do not have much contact with friends or family members, and are in need of meaningful human contact. Laughter therapy is useful because laughing together fosters communication and can greatly improve cooperation and empathy between people of different ages and backgrounds. Laughing in a group means everyone can join in and develop a sense of belonging, giving seniors that much needed feeling of closeness and bonding.
  3. Reduces physical illness: Lack of oxygen in the cells is a common reason for frequent illness. Therapeutic laughing can help people to laugh comfortably for extended periods of time as a form of exercise, significantly increasing their supply of oxygen and circulation. This has been shown to have many health benefits for seniors, including decreasing stress related diseases, reducing chronic pain, and controlling blood pressure.
  4. Improves mobility: A sedentary lifestyle, illness and lack of physical exercise cause the muscles and limbs to stiffen, which leads to immobility, pain and aches. Physical fitness stemming from laughter is beneficial because when you laugh, all your body systems are affected in a positive manner. It is particularly important for seniors as well as people who are bedridden or in a wheelchair.
  5. Lessens stress and depression: Many factors put seniors at risk for depression, and frustration and a loss of physical and mental health is often the result. Laughter helps to reduce stress and generate a positive attitude, combatting feelings of depression. Laughing together in a group also helps to boost self-esteem and overcome feelings of insecurity.

If you can't join a formal laughter class or therapy session, there are ways to prompt laughter on your own. For example, watch a funny movie, go to a comedy club, play with a pet, or organize a game night with friends and family. With all of the noted health benefits of laughter, let your silly side shine, and find any excuse to strike up a good laugh.

If you or a loved one are experiencing feelings of isolation, anxiety or difficulty while at home, consider the benefits of an in-home care provider to assist with safety and companionship at home. Whitsyms In-Home Care refers qualified, screened and credentialed care providers that perform Companion Care, Personal Care, and Live-In Care. Contact us at 1-800-952-3881 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

What is a Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney?

All Posts, Long Term Care Options

We have all heard stories about people who, because of a terrible accident, injury, or disease, become unable to make healthcare decisions for themselves. This is a tragic scenario because when unable to make these delicate decisions, they are often passed off to unknowing relatives, doctors, or sometimes even judges, who have no idea what your important personal preferences might be.

The truth is, the inability to make these decisions could happen suddenly, as in the event of an accident, or gradually, like when someone develops Alzheimer's or dementia, or another age-related illness. And it can happen to anyone.

So whether young or old, it is best to be prepared with a living will and a healthcare power of attorney to make sure that your wishes are followed.

Types of Healthcare Directives

There are two types of healthcare directives: a living will, and a durable power of attorney for healthcare. Healthcare directives are documents that let you specify your wishes about your healthcare, in the event that you can't speak for yourself. Both of these documents are important, and it is wise to prepare both. In some states, these two documents are combined into a single form called an advance directive.

Living Will

A living will is not the same as a conventional will or living trust that are used to leave property at death. It is simply a written document that has your statement about the type of health care that you want (or don't want) if you can no longer speak for yourself.

You can use your living will to say as much, or as little as you want about your healthcare preferences. It is up to you to decide the kind of care you would want, and to decide what you want to say about it in your living will.

Healthcare Power of Attorney 

A durable power of attorney for healthcare is another important document regarding your healthcare preferences. In this document, you simply choose and appoint someone that you trust to act as your healthcare agent in the event that you are incapacitated.

This person will make necessary health decisions for you, and will ensure that the doctors and other healthcare providers are carrying out the type of care you wish to receive.

Who Can Make Healthcare Documents?

You must be a legal adult to make a valid document directing your health care. You must also be of sound mind --meaning you are able to understand what the document means, what it contains, and how it works.

Lifespan of Healthcare Documents

When do my healthcare directives take effect?

Your living will and healthcare power of attorney will go into affect when a doctor has determined that you no longer have the capacity to make your own decisions. This happens when:

  • you are unable to understand what healthcare options are available to you, and what the consequences of these options are
  • you are unable to communicate (written, verbally, or with gestures) your wishes for care

What this all means is that if you can't express your health care wishes for any reason, your documents will spring immediately into effect. However, if there is any question about your ability to understand your treatment choices, or to communicate clearly, your doctor will work with your self-appointed healthcare agent to decide if it is time for your healthcare directives to go into effect.

It is important to remember that you will always be able to choose your own medical care if you have the ability to do so. Your healthcare directives will never override your communicated wishes. And even when you are no longer capable of making your own decisions, your healthcare agent must always act in your best interests and try to follow any wishes you've expressed in your living will.

When do my healthcare directives end?

Your written healthcare wishes remain effective as long as you are alive, unless you personally revoke them, or a court steps in to revoke them. Here are some specifics:

  • You revoke your documents: you can change or cancel your documents at any time, just be sure that your doctors and your healthcare agent is aware of the changes or cancelation
  • You get a divorce: A divorce doesn't change the written directions of your living will, however if you named your spouse as your healthcare agent in your power of attorney of healthcare, their rights will be revoked in most states, and you need to name a new agent. Sometimes it is easier to create new written documents to reflect your new agent rather than change existing ones.
  • You pass away: For the most part, your healthcare directives are no longer necessary after you pass away. The only reason they would remain effective for a limited time would be so your healthcare agent could oversee the disposition of your body, which could include an autopsy or organ donation.
  • A court invalidates your document or revokes your agent's authority: Most of the time, healthcare directives are not a matter for the court. However, if someone believes that did not have the mental capacity to create a valid legal document, the matter could be brought before a judge to decide. Your documents could also be invalidated if you failed to meet your state's requirements, such as notarizing in front of a witness. If someone believes that your healthcare agent is not acting in your best interest, the matter will be brought to court and an investigation into their behavior will follow. If their authority is revoked, the power will go to the first alternate agent that you have listed in your document. If you have not listed any, or if your document is invalidated, a conservator or guardian will be appointed to make care decisions for you.

If you or an aging loved one have not created your healthcare directives, take some time to think about your wishes for healthcare, and find a lawyer who can help you put them down into your formal documents. It is always best to be prepared.

If you need additional information, or would like to schedule a free in-home consultation to discuss your family's in-home care needs, contact us today at 1-844-505-0004. American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that can help with many services, including Companion Care, Personal Care, and Alzheimer's and Dementia Care.

 

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Source: Irving, Shae "Living Wills and Power of Attorney for Healthcare: An Overview." Nolo.

 

American In-Home Care, LlC completes fifth acquisition in State of Florida

News & Events

Douglas Health Services, LLC of Vero Beach enhances company's market position

February 23, 2016 – American In-Home Care, LLC (“AIHC”) has completed the acquisition of Douglas Health Services, LLC (“Douglas”) of Vero Beach, FL.  AIHC, a Silverhawk Capital Partners (“Silverhawk”) portfolio company, has now completed five acquisitions in the State of Florida since its launch in September 2013, and can now serve over 90% of the 65+ population there.

Douglas, like AIHC, provides referral and administrative support services for clients that prefer to age in place by continuing to live in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. The companies refer comprehensively screened, credentialed, and insured independent care providers who offer companion, homemaker and personal care services on hourly and daily schedules, that are determined through assessment and consultation.

By adding Douglas, a respected and well established personal care service company that was founded in and based in Vero Beach, AIHC has strengthened and expanded its presence in one of its existing markets. “Our goal in the important Vero Beach market was to find a company with a history of leadership in providing services to all the constituencies we serve,” commented Doug Hollman CEO and President of AIHC, “Douglas Health Services met all of our criteria. They are respected and trusted by their clients, by local health care and other professionals who refer our services, and by the independent care providers that deliver these essential and needed services. We are very pleased to have Douglas as part of American In-Home Care.

American In-Home Care, LLC

AIHC is a Silverhawk Capital Partners portfolio company.  AIHC was formed in September 2013 to address the independent living and personal care services industry, which is growing rapidly as a result of an increase in the aging population and their desire to age in place. The company provides referral services to older adults and others needing assistance with the activities of daily living, through its registry of independent care providers. AIHC helps its clients reach their goal of remaining in their homes, while allowing them personal control, and the benefits of a consumer directed approach. The company’s internal processes ensure that its registered care providers are credentialed, verified and rigorously screened.  This process includes a national background check, a review of current licensing requirements, and inspection of their liability insurance, to provide the company’s clients peace of mind when choosing a caregiver.

Learn more about American In-Home Care, LLC at www.whitsymsinhomecare.com

Reach American In-home Care, LLC at 844-505-0002

About Silverhawk Capital Partners

Silverhawk Capital Partners is an independent investment firm established in 2005 to invest in lower middle market transactions within the Growth Industrial, Energy/Natural Resources and Business Service sectors. Silverhawk typically invests between $10 million, and $50 million of equity capital in growth oriented businesses with revenues ranging from $25 million to $250 million.  Silverhawk has offices in Greenwich, CT, Charlotte, NC and Overland Park, KS.

Learn more about Silverhawk at www.silverhawkcapitalpartners.com

Reach Silverhawk at info@silverhawkcp.com or call (203) 861-2905.

Dementia and Alzheimer's Education: Helpful Videos

Aging, ,

Memory loss is scary. The thought of not being able to remember important information, life events, and loved ones can naturally cause anxiety and worry. Unfortunately, the time usually comes when we start asking ourselves if we, or someone we know, is experiencing symptoms of memory loss or dementia. In this situation, truly understanding dementia is important, and the best course of action is to arm yourself with knowledge and get as much practical advice as possible.

One of the best resources we have come across is the FreeDem Films. These short animated films answer important questions about dementia, such as "Am I Getting Dementia?" and "What's the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia?" Not only do they answer important questions, they are also clear and easy to follow, making these videos a valuable resource for understanding dementia.

If you or your loved one are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's and need professional care, Whitsyms In-Home Care can help. We always refers qualified, credentialed and screened care providers that can assist you in the comfort and safety of your own home, and can even refer nurses that specialize in Alzheimer's and dementia care. Contact us today at 1-800-952-3881 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss what care options are right for you and your family.

Home Sweet Home: Elderly Home Safety Modifications

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips, Long Term Care Options

Home is where the heart is. People become very attached to their homes, and for good reason: there are many special memories made there, it is comfortable, safe, familiar, and meaningful.

That is why so many seniors are choosing to age in place; it allows them to retain their freedom, flexibility and independence in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home. In fact, 4 out of 5 seniors believe their current home is where they will always live. But as our loved ones age, getting around the home and performing many household tasks starts to become more and more difficult, raising the concern of whether it is safe for them to live at home.

We want our loved ones to remain in the homes they love, but we also worry about their safety. In fact, 75% of adult children think about their parent's ability to live independently as they get older. But it is possible for seniors to safely and independently age at home, it just requires some elderly home safety modifications to the house and to their routine. Take some time to go through your loved one's home, making note of any areas that cause safety concern, and then proactively make any modifications, creating a safe environment for your loved one to age happily.

Bedroom

The most important thing to look for in the bedroom is whether your loved one can get in and out of the bed safely and comfortably, and access his or her essentials from the bed. First ask yourself if your loved one can even get into and out of the bed on their own. If not, patient lifts and slings to get in and out of bed are great options, as well as grab bars or "ladders" to help them lower down into the bed, or sit up while in bed on their own. If their condition necessitates it, make sure there is room for a hospital bed in the room.

Once your loved one is safely into the bed, you want to make sure that they can access necessities from their bed to avoid having to get up and down often. Make sure there is a light switch that they can reach from bed (or try clap on lights), and have the telephone and any emergency alert systems set up next to the bed. Have a remote control next to the bed for any fans in the room, or to control the air/heat. Also place any walking aides near the bed so they can reach them immediately when they stand up.

The last thing to consider is proximity to a bathroom. If they have to get up to go in the middle of the night, be sure that there are night lights in both the bedroom and bathroom so they lower the risk of tripping and falling. If there is not a bathroom nearby, consider the possibility of a bedside commode.

Bathroom

The goal in the bathroom is to create barrier-free access to all of the necessary features - the toilet, sink, tub, etc. Transfer benches, safety frames for the toilet, grab bars for the shower, and safety steps for the bathtub are all appliances or add-ons that you can install in your loved one's bathroom for their safety and ease. Also be sure that there are good non-slip bath mats on the floors, and you could consider a heated towel rack with an automatic off function to make sure your loved one is warm and comfortable.

Be sure that there is a bathroom on every floor of the house to make it easier for your loved one to access, and to avoid the risk of falling while hurriedly going up or down the stairs to reach one. Also have a constant source of light

Kitchen

The kitchen can be a dangerous place as we age, so you should spend some time observing your loved one to make sure that they are able to operate everything properly and safely. There might come a time when you need to speak with them about kitchen safety, and might need to have a family or professional care provider come into their home to help with cooking, preparing meals, and cleaning the kitchen.

To make their kitchen experience easier and safer, you can check to make sure that all smoke detectors are working properly, and that the kitchen is arranged so your loved one can easily reach groceries, appliances and utensils that they use often. You can also purchase non-slip and anti-fatigue kitchen mats for the floor, and other useful items such as jar and bottle openers, jug-pourers, and food organizers to help make kitchen tasks easier for your loved one.

Staircases

Stairs are the dreaded enemy to aging at home because of the ever-present risk of falling. So how can you be sure your loved one can safely move from one story to the next? The best options are installing an elevator in the home, or putting a stair lift on all of the staircases in the home. There are straight-rail stairlifts, and curve-rail stairlifts so that you can put one on any staircase, no matter the shape. But if lifts aren't necessary, be sure that there are handrails on both sides of the stairs, and that the top and bottom of the staircase is clearly marked. Also if the stairs are wooden, be sure to place a carpet runner down the length of the stairs to reduce the risk of slipping.

If there are stairs to the entrance of the house, you will want to consider a mobility ramp or platform lift for easy access. There are many different kind of ramps so you can find one to suit the needs of your loved one and their mobility as they age. For example, there are modular ramps, folding ramps, light ramps, and ramp rentals. Platform lifts are another option for getting up outdoor stairs, and they can be slightly less obtrusive than a ramp. You should also make sure that there is good lighting near any entrances or exits to the home that always stays on.

Living Room

The living room might seem like safe haven, but there are a few modifications that you can make to reduce the risk of accidents, and create a more comfortable space for your aging loved ones. Clear the area of any throw rugs to reduce the risk of tripping and falling, and be sure any area rugs are securely fastened down. Also make sure the room is free of clutter and debris, and that electrical cords are out of the way.

Power Lift chairs are great addition to the living room, making it easy and body-friendly to get in and out of the comfy recliner. Clap on, or remote controlled lights and other appliances are also useful and can make life easier. Be sure to create a place in the room where all remotes and electronics are stored to avoid any confusion. You could get a nice bowl or tray, and designate it as the place to put remotes and other similar items.

Even with these elderly home safety modifications, there might come a time when you realize that your loved one(s) need assistance to age at home. At American In-Home Care, we always refer compassionate and qualified care providers that can help you and your loved ones feel safe and supported at home. The care providers we refer can help with a wide variety of services, making it easy to find someone that is the right fit for your specific care needs. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free, in-home consultation.

 

Stimulating Activities for Alzheimer's Patients

All Posts, Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Dementia can cause seniors to withdraw from friends, family and activities. But maintaining those relationships and interests reduces the effects of severe cognitive impairment, leading to a better quality of life.

The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease impairs memory, thinking and behavior. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s accounts for 50-80% of dementia cases. While memory loss may start out mild in early stages, the disease worsens over time. Eventually, it can restrict a person’s ability to carry on a conversation or even respond to people or surroundings.

Activities Bring Pleasure to People With Alzheimer’s

Keeping people active in hobbies and interests that gave them pleasure in the past is important after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Those activities help:

  • Stir memories
  • Foster emotional connections with others
  • Encourage self-expression
  • Lessen the anxiety and irritability that Alzheimer’s may bring
  • Make people with Alzheimer’s feel more engaged with life

What activities best suit people with Alzheimer’s? That depends on the individual. As AARP.org describes, activities for Alzheimer's should be stimulating and meaningful, not just done to fill time. Consider interests they had in the past, knowing that some activities may need to be modified for safety or practicality. Keep in mind that Alzheimer’s affects behavior and senses in addition to memory. So, activities that a person once enjoyed may become overwhelming or even frustrating now.

Suggested Activities for Alzheimer’s Patients

Here are 10 activities to try with your loved one. Certain activities may work better at different times of day. Understand that the person’s level of interest or involvement may decline as Alzheimer’s progresses.

  1. Sing songs or play music.
  2. Do arts and crafts, such as painting or knitting. Keep tools and patterns simple.
  3. Organize household or office items, particularly if the person used to take pleasure in organizational tasks.
  4. Clean around the house. Sweep the patio, wipe the table, fold towels or try other household tasks that help the person feel a sense of accomplishment.
  5. Tend the garden or visit a botanical garden.
  6. Read the newspaper.
  7. Look at books the person used to enjoy.
  8. Cook or bake simple recipes together.
  9. Work on puzzles.
  10. Watch family videos.

Take a Supportive, Flexible Approach

If your loved one resists an activity, take a break. You can try again later, or ask your loved one how the activity can be changed to make it more enjoyable for them.

Remember to concentrate on the process of an activity and not the results. It does not matter if you never get the puzzle put together. What matters is that your loved one enjoyed the time spent on it and felt useful.

American In-Home Care refers care providers that specialize in Alzheimer's and dementia care, providing your loved one with compassionate, stimulating care specific to memory loss. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 for more information, or to schedule your free in-home consultation.

This article previously appeared on Alzheimers.net 

Reverse Mortgages for Elder Care

Aging, In Home Care, Long Term Care

As our loved ones start to get older, we want to do all we can to help them age comfortably. Often times this means caring for them in the safety and comfortable environment of their own home. However,  if and when there comes a time that you need a professional hourly or live-in caregiver to take care of your loved one, the issue of cost can certainly be a concern, especially as we realize that our loved ones might need more care than they have allotted for in personal savings.

So what can you do? Accessing home equity to pay for in-home care through a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loan, commonly known as a reverse mortgage, is one possibility. Below is a simple guide to understanding how these loans work and how paying for elder care with reverse mortgages is possible.

What are reverse mortgages?

Reverse mortgage loans are a popular way for seniors who own homes to turn part of their home equity into cash. The money from this type of loan can be used to pay for anything, including in-home care services

Will my loved one get enough money to pay for care?

This questions is dependent on many factors. When trying to determine how much the loan would be worth, you should consider the amount of equity that the borrower (home owner) has in the home, the age of the borrower, current interest rates, the home's appraised value, and the borrower's mortgage balance.

What type of reverse mortgage is best for my aging parents?

The federally-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is a popular reverse mortgage because it is protected by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This means that the borrower is protected from ever owing more than the value of the house when sold. Also, with this type of loan, the home is the only asset that can be used to repay the loan.

How are the proceeds from the reverse mortgage paid?

Reverse mortgages are flexible in their payment options. Borrowers can get the funds through a lump sum, monthly installments, a line of credit, or a combination of the three.

Can my loved one stay in their home if they get a reverse mortgage?

If your loved one gets a reverse mortgage on their home, they will be able to stay as long as they comply with loan obligations.  These obligations include the borrower living in the home as their primary residence, and not leaving the home for more than 12 consecutive months.  They are also responsible for paying property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and home maintenance.

What happens to the family home?
If your loved one leaves the home for any reason, any part of the loan that hasn’t yet been disbursed remains as equity in the home. The reverse mortgage becomes due and the heirs are given a reasonable time to sell the home. If the home is sold, the loan balance is paid off from the sale of the home, and any remaining balance will go to the estate.

To determine if a reverse mortgage is right for your and your loved one, take the time to research reputable reverse mortgage lenders who are members of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. Next, speak with a reverse mortgage professional who will take the time to understand your loved one’s specific situation, calculate estimated proceeds you could receive from a reverse mortgage loan, and provide information on loan risks and benefits.

Once you have determined if a reverse mortgage is right for you and your family, you can look into care options for your loved one. Whitsyms refers qualified and credentialed hourly and live-in care providers that perform a wide variety of services to help your loved one age in place. Call us today at 1-800-952-3881 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the best options for your loved one.