It seems like we’ve all encountered a home bound senior at some time in our lives. The thing is, when we’re younger, we often think that seniors are remaining isolated by choice when specific health limitations aren’t keeping them confined to their Phoenix homes. But it becomes clear that with the aging process, when mobility becomes more limited, there is a greater challenge involved with stepping outside just to run simple errands. Since so many seniors find it difficult to get around, new technologies are being developed to improve their quality of life that is affected by mobility.

About the ICIO Personal Transporter for Seniors:

• It has a convertible design

• Seniors can choose to use the personal transporter as a traditional 3 wheeled walker

• During periods when they’d like to move at a faster pace, they can stand on an attachable support and activate the electric function

• The device is suitable for seniors as their level of physical mobility changes, since it also converts into a mobile scooter with a seat

• With the personal transporter, seniors can venture out for exercise and convert the device if they get tired, giving them the security that they won’t be stranded

Sources:

1. TrendHunter

2. The Design Blog

3. TrendHunter

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

Is home an option for your aging parent? We continue our post from November 11.

Our Home Instead CAREGivers can perform 60 different functions in a senior’s home including meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation, errands and shopping.  Another great benefit of non-medical caregiving is the respite that it provides to family caregivers who are weary and need a break from the rigors of caring for their loved ones.

For some seniors, however, the day may come when it’s time to leave home.  If so, look for options that continue to help seniors remain as independent as possible.  In her book, Rhodes outlines some of those including continuing care retirement communities that feature independent living apartments and homes, assisted living apartments and nursing home care.

Whatever your mom and your family decide, you should encourage your mother to maintain the relationships that she’s formed at home.  For instance, if your mother has had a non-medical caregiver that person may be able to accompany her into her new home to supplement care. That can make the transition to a new setting much easier.

Dr. Linda Rhodes is a former Secretary of Aging for the state of Pennsylvania, as well as a former family caregiver.  For more information about her and her book, visit www.lindarhodes.com

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

When Home is No Longer an Option for Seniors in Phoenix

Question from an adult child of an aging parent: Our 88 year old mother has lived at home with help from the family.  Because it’s becoming more difficult for her to be at home, it’s now time for her to move to a facility.  How do we decide which option is best?

It’s great that your mother could stay at home for so long, since that’s where most elderly individuals want to be.  In a survey conducted for Home Instead Senior Care, more than 83 percent of seniors surveyed say they are very or somewhat likely to remain in their homes rather than move to a care facility.

Most communities now have a variety of services, including home health agencies and non-medical care companies, which can make that possible.  Have you looked into community resources that could help your mom continue to stay at home?  “Most older people seem to think that where they live is an all or nothing affair:  stay at home or be sent off to a nursing home,” said Linda Rhodes, author of Caregiving as Your Parents Age. (cont’d)

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

At the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies reported a link between normal sleep and healthy aging. A study first reported strong associations between disturbed rest/activity rhythms and mortality rates in older, community-dwelling men. A separate study found that less daytime sleeping and fewer complaints of insomnia best predicted successful aging in the women.

“It is uncertain whether the relationship between rest/activity circadian rhythms and mortality in older people is casual, or whether rest/activity circadian rhythms represent a potent biomarker related to increased risk of death,” said Misti L. Paudel of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Researchers at the University of California-San Diego assessed 2,226 women ages 60 and older for use of sleeping aids, daytime sleepiness, napping, insomnia, early morning awakening, snoring, overall sleep quality and sleep duration, U.S News & World Report says. Based on the results, 20.8 percent of the women were categorized as “successful agers.”

“Our findings reinforce the idea that good sleep is of utmost importance for good health,” said study author Sonia Ancoli-Israel. “Health care professionals need to ask their patients – of all ages – about sleep and help those with poor sleep to find ways for improvement.”

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

Healthy nutrition is vital for seniors especially if they want to continue living independently. Good eating habits help keep seniors strong and able to care for themselves. Food provides the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.

A good diet for aging seniors reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease and potentially certain cancers. As you grow older, you might need less energy, yet your body needs nutrients that food gives. To make sure you get good nutrients, select healthy foods and avoid empty calories which have very little nutritional value.

Always get foods that are low in cholesterol and fat, saturated and trans fats, especially. The saturated fats are usually fats that come from animals. Look for the trans fat on the labels of processed foods, margarine and shortenings.

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

Art might just seem like a fun hobby for many, but for seniors with Alzheimer’s it can have extensive benefits that can truly change their lives in the following ways:

1. Communication – seniors with Alzheimer’s often struggle to communicate verbally; art gives them a method to communicate non-verbally, expressing their feelings in a way that can act as an emotional release

2. Improved memory and concentration – Alzheimer’s doesn’t eliminate memories, it just limits the pathways that seniors have to access them.  Art can help seniors to access some of these memories, and it generally taps into the skills and abilities that seniors still have, rather than focusing upon what they’re lacking

3. Better sense of well-being – seniors with Alzheimer’s can be difficult when dealing with their caregivers due to lingering frustrations that come with the disease. Art has calming effects which can benefit not only the well-being of the senior, but also the caregiver through increase cooperation

4. Forms a bond – by allowing the senior with Alzheimer’s to tap into elements of themselves and show their abilities, caregivers and family members are reminded that there’s someone that’s still in there

Sources:

1. AARP

2. USA Today

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

Our caregivers know how appropriate and healthy communication can make or break the important relationships that they come to form with the seniors that they care for. They try not to pay attention to the common stereotypes that come with aging, and instead learn about who they are and what’s important to them.

We know that some members of society see seniors as having a low continued value, since they may no longer work and have children who are grown. However, our caregivers focus upon the many contributions that they do make, instead of what they don’t. We like to learn about and help seniors get involved in the community through local volunteering, help them make preparation to donate to important causes, and love hearing the stories about spending times with their grandchildren and families.

Instead of treating seniors differently, we talk to them like people; we know that regardless of physical or cognitive difficulties, children aren’t babies, and they deserve respect too. However, our caregivers have learned it’s not helpful to go overboard either; while we appreciate the knowledge and experience that their advanced aged provides them with, we know it’s better to treat them as we would any other adult, regardless of age.

After years of professional experience, we’ve refined our communication skills with seniors, and encourage families to do the same.

Dr. Jake Harwood, Professor, University of Arizona

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

With 90% of people over the age of 65 suffering from cataracts, it’s important that seniors are aware of the symptoms and treatment options in advance so they are in the best position to make decisions that relate to the health of their eyes. Professional and family caregivers should also educate themselves about this serious eye condition, in order to help their loved one through the process. Will you be able to tell if you or someone you know is suffering from cataracts? Are you aware of the treatment options currently available to help cope?

• You are familiar with the signs and symptoms of cataracts, including blurred vision, double vision in one eye, spotted sight, glare and halos from light and sun, and faded colors
• If you or someone you know begins to demonstrate any of these signs, you will consult with an eye care professional
• You understand that while you may feel like eye changes are due to the aging process, it’s better to check with a professional, because serious conditions like cataracts when left untreated can result in blindness
• You are aware that there are no medications currently available to prevent the development of cataracts or reverse their affects
• You know that small changes may help improve eyesight before cataracts progress in severity; like a change of prescription eyeglasses, using a magnifying glass to read or adjusting lighting at home
• You know that the most common treatment method is Phacoemulsification surgery; an operation that involves dissolving the cataract lens for removal, which takes less than 30 minutes and involves minimal recovery time

If your loved one needs any assistance with transportation to and from appointments please contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office.

Sources: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cataracts/article_em.htm
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/catar

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

When a person has Alzheimer’s disease, the damage to his or her brain can make it difficult to recall or to understand words. Attempting to recall or decipher words can be overwhelming and result in frustration. The person may become agitated or repeat one word or a question over and over – a true test of your patience and understanding.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia often:

• Lose their train of thought.
• Need more time to comprehend what is being said.
• Curse or use abusive or offensive language.

As a family member, you can enhance communication with your loved one by:

• Avoiding distractions and noise.
• Keeping things simple – using short sentences and plain words.
• Avoiding questions – offering suggestions instead.
• Being patient and not interrupting when your loved one is expressing him or herself.
• Maintaining eye contact and showing interest. Staying near your loved one, so he or she knows someone is listening and trying to understand.
• Not taking it personally. As hurtful as it is, you need to remember it is the disease talking, not your loved one.
• Using props and cues to increase recognition. For example, when taking your loved one to the bathroom, you can point to the toilet and ask, “Do you need to go to the bathroom?”
• Remaining calm – using a normal and relaxed voice. Patience pays off with a smoother day.

Most families know little about Alzheimer’s disease and how best to cope. We have found that when family caregivers are equipped with some practical information and easy-to-apply techniques, they can more effectively care for their loved one and reduce their own level of stress.  We offer you a copy of a  booklet called Helping Families Cope offering practical tips and resources to family caregivers struggling to care for their loved ones.

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

Q – Are children  responsible for paying off debt of aging parent when they pass away?

A – In many cases, any shared debt that your parents have, would be passed along to them in probate; especially if they were the sole beneficiary of their estate (or all assets were shared). Children are not directly responsible for the debts of their senior relatives, however, debts owing may first be deducted from the senior’s estate before distribution during probate, decreasing or eliminating completely the assets left to beneficiaries of the will or trust because when creditors are unable to collect debts during a senior’s life, seniors remain responsible even after they are deceased.

The only other situations where the survivors of a senior’s family may be responsible for the debts, are if they co-signed on a loan, or guaranteed payment to a creditor.

We recommend that you check with an attorney in the area that your aging parents live/d for best advice.

Sources:

1. Lawyers.com

2. Money Tips

3. Wikipedia

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.