4 reasons older generations have embraced social networking:

1. To stay in touch – with all generations of family online on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and more, seniors can stay connected to their loved ones through written communication, photo sharing and the other features that these sites offer

2. Bridging the generational gap – connecting online with grandchildren and younger generations of the family can bring seniors closer to their loved ones of shared interests. It doesn’t even have to be through traditional social networking sites, but through games using video game platforms like the Nintendo Wii that allow players from different locations to play together

3. An easy way to meet people – especially later in life, seniors might have a harder time making new friends or seeking support to deal with their aging issues. But, social networks make for a risk-free meeting place

4. Communication without limitations – as seniors get older, they might deal with hearing problems which make it challenging to talk on the phone, or other issues that inhibit their ability to communicate. By getting online, there are methods of communication that work for almost everyone

Via: AARP Bulletin 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.

Q – My mom lives across the country from me, and I know that she doesn’t eat properly, primarily due to financial reasons. When I visit, I make a point to stock her fridge, freezer and cupboards, but I can’t be there all the time and I also fear that while she won’t admit it, cooking and meal preparation may also be a problem. Are there free or inexpensive meal programs for seniors in Phoenix that would be available to my mom so that I know she’s managing to maintain her health even when I’m not around?

A – Fortunately, there are actually free programs that should be available to your mother in [location]. There’s the Elderly Nutrition Program run by the Department of Health and Human Services which provides meal services to seniors in their home or in community settings, depending upon their personal needs. She’ll get one meal a day which should meet more than 1 third of her daily nutritional needs, so you can rest assured that she is taken care of, and she won’t have to pay a thing!

Sources:

1. Food Stamp for Elderly Resource Center

2. Elderly Nutrition Program

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.

Aging Factors and Other Illnesses Causing Heart Failure

• High blood pressure (hypertension) – requires that the heart work overtime to pump the blood through the body.

• Diabetes

• Severe anemia

• Hyperthyroidism

• Emphysema

• Lupus

• Hemochromotosis

• Viruses that attack the heart muscle, severe infections, allergic reactions, blood clots in the lungs, and certain medications might cause acute heart failure.

If you or an important elder in your life have a family history which includes any of the above diseases or ailments, ensure these issues are discussed with your family doctor so your risk of heart failure can be assessed and treated. The potential for heart failure doesn’t have to be a looming fear, with proper diagnosis and treatment, effects can’t be reversed but severe damage can be prevented. Remember, a healthy life means a healthy heart, so take care of yourself through a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, and you will be rolling in the benefits.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Image: covenantheartinstitute.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.

If you’re a caregiver in Phoenix at some point in your career, you’ve probably encountered resistance from an elderly caregiver during one or more meals, because they just didn’t want to eat. This is not uncommon, since food tends to taste differently to seniors, and mealtimes can often have negative associations. But to avoid poor nutrition, caregivers need to try and combat these issues to improve senior habits, and they can do it by implementing the following 6 methods:

1) Add flavor – instead of sticking with traditional bland spices like salt and pepper, experiment with stronger flavors in spices to enhance the taste of a meal. This will help seniors with a limited sense of taste enjoy their meal!

2) Enhance the look – as senior’s vision declines, meals might appear less appealing. Use lots of color in the preparation of meals and really focus on its presentation so it looks even tastier!

3) Ask about medications – medications might influence a senior’s sense of taste. If your senior no longer enjoys eating, ask their doctor if a medication could be responsible and if it’s possible to substitute it for something else

4) Prevent constipation – constipation cause by prescriptions might prevent seniors from feeling hungry; encourage them to drink a lot of water, ensure they’re getting adequate fiber, and talk to a doctor about options if constipation is a regular problem

5) Make chewing easier – avoid foods that are particularly hard or sticky in your senior has trouble chewing. Also bringing them to have their dentures adjusted could benefit if they rub or make chewing challenging

6) Make mealtime fun – seniors may feel lonely dining alone after years of meals surrounded by family. Regularly encourage family members to get together, and when possible dine with your senior and make it a memorable event so they establish positive associations with eating

Sources:

a. Aging Care

b. Caregiver

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.

Although ankle sprains and injuries aren’t the most common issue amongst older adults, weak ankles can be a major cause of poor balance and that can result in the potential for ever greater accidents and injuries that can change senior’s lives for the worse. Untreated ankle injuries from earlier in life that affect balance can also affect seniors later in life, but with some simple techniques, it’s possible for seniors to improve their balance and prevent ankle related issues.

In order to strengthen ankles, seniors can try a simple balance activity – standing on one left for a few seconds at a time, and slowly increasing the intervals. For added support, seniors can hold onto a table, chair or other support device. It might seem like a trivial exercise, especially when combined with resistance training and cardio, but it’s a simple technique that can help prevent seniors from future or further injury, and isn’t that worth a whole lot more?

New York Times

Image: csufresno.edu

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.

There are some things that we take for granted in our lives, and one of those things is having access to healthy foods, and a fridge that is full of options. With the state of the economy today, those of us who are fortunate to have these things, truly are lucky; because there are many, especially seniors, who don’t have access to the foods that will help them to maintain their health. However, with programs like the Elderly Nutrition Program, seniors don’t need to go without.

The Elderly Nutrition Programs ensures that all seniors can have their meals, at no cost, so there is no financial implication, how and where they need them. Congregate meal programs are available in churches, schools and community centers, giving seniors the opportunity to socialize over a hot meal. Meal Delivery Programs like Meals on Wheels has one meal a day delivered to seniors in their homes, so regardless of their level of mobility, they still have the option to have a nice nutritious meal.

Sources:

1. Food Stamp for Elderly Resource Center

2. Food Stamp for Elderly Resource Center – Elderly Nutrition Program

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.

Many seniors believe that once they’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s the end of the world as they know it. From the point of diagnosis, they believe that their physical health is only going to continue to decline and the will be left immobile. But guess what? Osteoporosis isn’t final, and it doesn’t mean that the elderly are going to be bed-ridden or unable to go about their daily activities.

After an elder receives a diagnosis of osteoporosis, they don’t need to admit defeat; they need to take action to prevent the affects of the disease. Vitamin D and calcium can have an impact on improving overall bone strength, but the most important way to improve osteoporosis and loss of bone density, is to get active! I know that for many seniors, this is the last thing they want to do for fear of seriously injuring themselves, but by engaging in physical activity, they will actually be reducing their likelihood of an accident or injury as a result of osteoporosis.

In order to improve osteoporosis, seniors can try weight bearing activities and resistance training exercises, which can both improve bone strength and improve flexibility; reducing the likelihood of injuries. Weight bearing physical activities can include anything that makes the muscles and bones work against gravity when exercising; such as walking, jogging, dancing and certain sports like soccer. Resistance training can be done with free weights or on an exercise machine to directly help seniors to strengthen their bones.

If a diagnosis of osteoporosis is received; don’t let that scare you off of physical activity. Instead, let it motivate you to get started!

Sources:

1. Suite101

2. MayoClinic

Image: sancarloschiropractor.com

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors quality care at home. Call today 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Blood pressure is a common issue that touches one in three Americans, and it’s not something that should be taken lightly, because primary hypertension can kill. A diet that’s too high in sodium can not only cause blood pressure to raise sky high, it can also exasperate the symptoms at put those with hypertension at risk. Sodium is hidden in many foods that seniors may not even be aware of; so when attempting to reduce the sodium in a diet, seniors can abide by the following diet plan:

• Avoid using much salt when cooking, or when putting it on food at the table

• Avoid foods that are high in salt – when purchasing chips, crackers or other items which tend to be salty, look for products that say “low sodium on the package”

• Choose fresh or frozen foods instead of canned goods which may have high sodium levels for preservation

• Always read the nutrition information about foods before purchase

• Use other seasonings instead of salt in order to add flavor to food. Herbs, spices, lemon, juice and garlic can be tasty seasonings to use during food preparation.

Sources:

1. Suite101

2. Heart and Stoke Foundation

image Source: myrecipes.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.