All posts by Hillary Hollman

Understanding Dementia: A Helpful Resource

September 25, 2017All Posts, Alzheimer’s and DementiaHillary Hollman

Memory loss is a scary concept. 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. Check out the videos here.

If you or your loved one are suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer's and need professional care, American In-Home Care specializes in Alzheimer's and Dementia Care, and always refers qualified, credentialed and screened care providers that can assist you in the comfort and safety of your own home. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0002 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss what care options are right for you and your family.

Paying for Long Term Care: Life Settlement

September 25, 2017All Posts, Long Term Care OptionsHillary Hollman

Written by Jeff Smith

Discussing finances can be difficult, especially in relation to aging and mortality, but it’s an important discussion to have. There are a dizzying number of options for assistance, some of them being more worth pursuing than others. However, finding information about these options can be difficult.

Most educational materials give quick nods to things like Reverse Mortgages, Life Settlements, Government Funding, Insurance Options, Retirement Funding, etc. But the education ends at that “quick nod,” and readers often wind up even more confused than they were at the start. That's why we have created this series of articles, to educate older adults and their families on their financial options for long term care, with in-depth views of their individual options.

What is a Life Settlement?

A Life Settlement at its core is a method of liquidating a fixed asset - aka your life insurance policy. The industry standard is that a settlement offer is always higher than the surrender value of a policy, but lower than the death benefit. When a Life Settlement is finalized and an offer is accepted, the client signs over ownership of the policy in exchange for cash.

Life Settlement Value

The value of a Life Settlement offer is based on several variables including policy information, underwriting, and what type of Life Settlement company you choose to work with.

Policy Information

Policy Information includes the overall value of your policy, how much your current premiums are, policy loan amounts (if any), and policy cash value. Since the Life Settlement company takes over ownership of your policy, it is important for them to be aware of all of these variables beforehand, and they will play heavily into your offer. A policy with premiums that are a small percentage of the overall death benefit will always price better than a policy that has extremely high premiums for example.

Underwriting

Life Settlement companies use the same actuarial tables and underwriters that most major life insurance companies utilize. Life Settlement offers are heavily reliant on this underwriting, as it lays out the length of time that premiums are going to be paid as an average. This underwriting is based on medical records, historical averages, and the client's own account of their lifestyle.

Type of Company

The Life Settlement industry is comprised of several layers - at the bottom of the industry are lead generation companies, followed by Brokers, and then Providers. Lead generation companies forward clients along to actual Life Settlement companies, but do not actually involve themselves in the Life Settlement process. They are essentially Life Settlement advertisers that profit from a portion of a client’s settlement.

Brokers are further up the ladder, but they also serve as a “middleman” to the companies that actually purchase the policies. The amount of your settlement that a broker keeps varies, but it is often above 10-20%.

Providers act as direct connections to the capital within the Life Settlement industry, making them as close to the top of the ladder a client can get. A Life Settlement done with a provider is often called a “Direct” settlement. Providers typically profit from working with funders rather than taking a portion of their client’s Settlement offer.

However, no matter what type of company you decide to work with, make sure their niche is in the market, and how much of your offer they keep is clearly defined during the first call. If for whatever reason the representative is dodgy or unclear, end the call. Lack of transparency has no place in a major financial transaction.

Who Should Consider a Life Settlement?

The nearly industry wide rule-of-thumb when it comes to a quickly identifying potential for a Settlement is that healthy individuals should be at least 72 years of age. If you have minor health issues you should be at least 60 years of age, and if your health issues are major or terminal than you will likely qualify based on underwriting despite your age.

Life Settlements are a viable financial option in a number of different scenarios for seniors, but some of the most common include:

Increasing cash flow post-retirement.
Paying for long-term care including housing, medical bills, and various day-to-day needs.
Getting rid of premiums that are no longer affordable while still getting value from your policy.
A family business is sold or the owner retires and the key person insurance is no longer needed.
An estate plan no longer needs the life insurance policy as an asset.

Industry Warnings

The Life Settlement industry has earned a leery reputation, primarily on the back of several companies that used illegal financial techniques to increase profits. Prior to regulations being put in place, unscrupulous companies would often pay the sick and elderly to take out policies with the intent to sell. The practice was quickly made illegal. Still, individuals have attempted it in recent history and been punished accordingly. Be on the lookout for this tactic if you begin looking into securing a Life Settlement for your own policy.

The unnecessary layers involved in some cases can cause potential settlement offers to be significantly smaller than they should be. It isn’t uncommon for an individual policy to see 3-5 companies before it reaches a provider who ultimately makes the decision to purchase. Always ask any company you work with to make it very clear if what their role is, and ensure that your case is being handled directly instead of through a lead generation company.

Tip: Search “[Company Name] Lawsuit" when you are considering a company to work with for your Life Settlement.

Conclusions

If you would have asked me a 10 years ago, I wouldn’t have brought up a Life Settlement as viable financial option. The industry was too unregulated, and elder financial abuse ran far too rampant. Licensing was rare or non-existent, and offers were often unfair. In 2017 however, I would absolutely suggest looking into a Life Settlement if you are of retirement age or suffering from a disease or illness. There is extensive industry oversight from state and federal lawmakers, licensing is mandatory in most states, and offers are the strongest they have ever been. Just ensure that any Life Settlement is done through a well vetted and reputable organization. As always, if you ever feel even remotely uncomfortable, step away.

If you or your loved one could use help discussing or planning financial options, we can help. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help with a variety of services, and our Client Care Liaisons are standing by to answer your questions. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

Healthy Aging Month: Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

September 19, 2017All Posts, Health and Wellness, Monthly Happenings, News & EventsHillary Hollman

September is Healthy Aging Month, and as a celebration of this, we are exploring the benefits of yoga for seniors. Why is it beneficial to practice yoga as we age? Because as our body ages, our joints begin to lose their range of motion, and our muscles start to stiffen. The body also becomes more susceptible to chronic problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis.

Yoga can help ease and even slow down these changes in the body by keeping muscles supple, limbs more flexible, reducing swelling in joints, increasing mobility and strength, and improving balance and stability. Practicing yoga can also aid in improving your alertness, mood, sleep, digestion, as well as relaxing the body and the mind.

Here are several poses to assist with your stability, strength, balance and overall well-being:

Tree Pose

Stand tall and place your right foot onto the left leg - either on the calf (just below the knee) or on the ankle with the toes propped against the floor - depending on your flexibility. Press your foot firmly into the leg, and the leg into the foot for stability, then open your right knee out to the side to open the hip without tilting your pelvis. Bring your hands to a prayer position at your chest and stay here for five to ten deep breaths. Repeat on the left side.

Tree Pose is great for building leg and abdominal strength. It also assists in improving overall balance and concentration. Another alternative is using a chair for added support, or standing with your back against a wall.

Mountain Pose

Stand tall with your feet touching together. Find even balancing between your feels and your toes. Actively engage your Quad muscles to feel your kneecaps lift. Draw your navel in toward your spine to firm up your abdominals and keep your spine and pelvis neutral - no tucking or arching. Activate the fingers and reach them straight down to draw your shoulders away from your ears. Lift up through the crown of your head and the back of your neck. Breathe here for five to ten breaths. Close your eyes if possible and work to maintain balance.

Variations: If you want to take it further, try reaching the arms up overhead, taking the palms together with arms extended long, and maintaining the engagement in the core and neutrality in the spine and pelvis. This pose can also be done seated for more support.

Mountain Pose helps with balance and grounding through the feet, keeping the feet healthy. This pose allows the body to build stability and focus. It also builds back strength and helps with posture.

Bird Dog

Start by kneeling in a table top position, with hands directly under shoulders and knees directly under hips (Place blankets or cushions under knees if you need extra support). Draw your belly in towards your spine. Press the hands firmly into the mat and broaden the shoulder blades on the back. Reach one arm forward and the opposite leg back, keeping your arm and leg in line with your body. Imagine you have a glass of water balancing on your back, and you have someone tugging you forward from your hand and backwards from your foot so that you are actively reaching in both directions. Stay for a few breaths then switch sides. Repeat five to ten times. Take breaks.

Bird Dog is good for strengthening the transverse abdominals and for overall back support. The health and wellness of the spine is very important as the body ages. This pose, if done on a regular basis, allows for maintenance of a healthy spine, relief of low-back pain, and increase of strength and balance.

Sphinx

Lie down on your stomach with legs long behind you. Prop your upper body up onto your forearms, with your elbows under your shoulders and your hands extending straight in front of you, fingers flared. Press down firmly into your forearms, drawing your shoulder blades away from your ears, broadening your collarbones, and lifting through the crown of your head. Lift your abdominals up, imagining lifting your belly button off the mat. Gently squeeze the sitting bones together. Stay here for five to ten breaths, and then release all the way down onto your stoamch. Repeat one to two more times.

Variations: If there is any pinching in the low back, try sliding your elbows further away from you to lessen the back bend. Also focus on squeezing the sitting bones together and engaging the inner thigh muscles.

Sphinx Pose is gentle enough on the body at any age. This pose does a wonderful job of opening up the chest and working on the upper back and core strength, and relieving low back pain.

Bada Konasana

Sit on your bottom and bring the soles of the feet in to touch, allowing the knees to drop out to the side and the hips to open. Place your hands around your feet and begin to fold forward toward your feet for a deeper stretch. Hold for five to ten breaths.

Variations: If you need more assisted with this pose, put your back against the wall for support, or try placing blocks or pillows under your knees.

This pose is a great way to work on opening the hips and keep the joints mobile. This pose is good for the health of the prostate for men and the reproductive system for women. The longer you hold this pose the better it is for the body.

Savasana

Lie down on your back with you legs out long and your arms by your sides, palms facing up. Let the floor support your whole body. Completely relax the muscles, let go of all of your effort in your muscles, let go of your thoughts and breathe normal, listening to the sound of your breath. Lay in this pose as long as you need.

Savasana is the most restorative pose you can take. It is typically at the end of all yoga series to ensure that you relax, reflect and restore your mind, body and soul at the end of your practice. It resets your nervous system and helps with restoring peace with in.

It is important to practice regularly, 2-3 times a week if possible. Yoga is an amazing exercise for the overall body and it will help keep you healthy. It can play a huge part physically, mentally and emotionally. Because seniors experience a higher rate of anxiety and depression, yoga allows the body and mind to relax, slow down, and build strength and focus. Yoga encourages mindfulness, improves respiration, blood flow and cardiovascular health, can reduce high blood pressure, assist in a speedier recovery from surgery, help with the grieving process, and reduce chances of a fall. So in short, DO MORE YOGA.

If you or your loved one could use help staying active and healthy as you age, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help with services like meal preparation, diet monitoring, and mobility assistance. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

4 Tips for Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults

September 18, 2017All Posts, Chronic Disease Care, Family Caregiver TipsHillary Hollman

So far in 2017, the United States has experienced major hurricanes, dozens of wildfires, widespread droughts, and multiple earthquakes. The importance of being well prepared has never been greater, especially for senior residents, who often require certain considerations such as medication or oxygen.

Seniors are especially vulnerable during natural disasters, that's why emergency preparedness for older adults increases their safety during a natural disaster. Seniors who need care are especially vulnerable during an emergency because they can’t easily get around and often have special healthcare needs.

Creating an emergency kit and plan takes some effort, but it can mean the difference between developing a serious health issue or surviving the disaster unharmed.

We share 4 important steps you can use to help your older adult prepare for the next natural disaster.

1. Build an emergency kit
It’s critical that your older adult has the food, water, medicine, and supplies they’ll need to survive an extended power or water outage.

Important Survival Basics

One gallon of clean drinking water per person, per day. Dehydration is one of the most dangerous aspects of the post-disaster recovery process.
At least one full week of food that requires no refrigeration and won’t go bad due to exposure.
Batteries and flashlights to help alleviate dangerous low-light conditions at night without power.
A well-stocked first aid kit.
Sanitary wipes in case you have no access to clean water for bathing.
A full gas tank, disasters commonly take out power for gas stations as well, resulting in a fuel storage that can last days or even weeks.
Clean and dry clothing to last for at least a full week.
All necessary medication with a minimum of one full weeks’ worth of extra medication on hand.
A simple generator if your medication requires refrigeration to ensure that it doesn’t go bad while the power is out. If a generator isn’t an option you should speak with neighbors or your pharmacist for options.
Prepare medical supplies that are specific to any conditions you may suffer from. It is recommended that you place all of these in a single medical kit.

Keep copies of important information like:

A list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and orders for medical equipment – including dosage, treatment, and allergy information
Medical insurance and Medicare or Medicaid cards
Contact information for doctors, family, friends, hired caregivers, and other people in their support network
Write down any emergency contact numbers, you likely won’t be able to charge your cell phone so you may need them on hand.
Withdraw enough cash to pay for several meals, groceries, or gas. Chances are that any store that reopens won’t have immediate use of their card machines.

Additional Steps to Take

*Important* If you use oxygen, ensure that the power company is aware before any disaster hits if possible, they will strive to restore your power quickly as an emergency priority.
Ensure that any pets have excess food and clean water to last at least a week.
Freeze water bottles and leave them in your freezer to help food stand longer.
Fill your washing machine with ice to help perishables last up to a week without power. Bonus, the water will drain directly out of your washing machine, so no cleanup.
Plan ahead for refrigerated medications for diabetes – talk with the pharmacist or doctor about emergency options
Extra batteries for devices like hearing aids or wheelchairs
An extra pair of eyeglasses
Catheters, feeding tube, or ostomy supplies, etc.

2. Form a support network
You might not always be nearby to help your older adult when disaster strikes. That’s why it’s essential to create a support network of trusted neighbors, relatives, and friends who could step in during an emergency.

Familiarize them with your older adult’s needs. Make sure everyone knows which medications, supplies, and medical devices are important, where they’re kept, and how to use them. Also, give them a copy of the emergency plan and access to your senior’s residence.

3. Create an emergency plan
Depending on the type of disaster, it could be safer to either evacuate or shelter in place. Nature is unpredictable, so prepare one plan for sheltering in place and another for evacuating.

Written plans are best for handing out and reviewing with everyone in your senior’s support network. That way everyone will be clear on what to do and where to go. And if you’re separated, you’ll know where to find your older adult.

If they need routine treatments in a clinic or hospital (like dialysis), talk to the service provider about what to do and where to go for back-up care during an emergency. Be sure to include that information in the emergency plan.

4. Make sure federal benefits payments are accessible and secure
Seniors who depend on Social Security or other federal benefits can run into trouble if they rely on mailed payments.

During emergencies or evacuations, mail services can be interrupted for days or weeks. Even worse, checks could get stolen. To prevent financial problems and fraud, make sure your older adult is receiving their benefits electronically.

Important: Seniors who are still getting a paper check for Social Security or other federal benefit payments are out of compliance with the law.

How to switch to electronic benefits payments:

Choose to get payments either by direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or to a Direct Express® prepaid debit card account. If your older adult has a bank account, direct deposit is the best option.
Sign up for direct deposit to a bank account by contacting the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795, signing up for direct deposit online (select the direct deposit option), or signing up through your local bank or credit union.
Sign up for the Direct Express® card by contacting the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795.

Next step: Print or save FEMA’s emergency preparedness tips for older adults

If you or your loved one could use help preparing a emergency response kit, or feeling safe and secure in your home, we can help! American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help with services like transportation, health data monitoring, meal preparation, and support with activities of daily living. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

Three Simple Steps Toward Securing Your Retirement Finances

September 13, 2017All Posts, Long Term Care OptionsHillary Hollman

Written by Jeff Smith

Most retirees save tirelessly for their entire careers to set up a nest egg large enough to enjoy their golden years. They plan out their retirement finances, make conservative projections, and plan for both expected and emergency expenses. But what happens if they begin to lose the presence of mind to handle their finances and their well laid out retirement plan?

Securing your retirement finances early on is extremely important, because if you are not prepared when you are older, it could possibly be too late - leading to elder financial abuse, not being able to retire, or finances being tied up entirely, and all the hard work that was put into retirement during your working years evaporates. Three simple steps can be taken early on in your retirement to prevent most of the issues that could crop up if your mental capacity starts to fade as you age.

1. Choose a Trusted Representative

Whether it is a family member, a close friend, or a professional financial advisor, choosing a person to act with some authority when it comes to your finances is important. The goal isn’t to give up your independence or control of your finances, but to have someone ready to go to bat for you in the case of a serious emergency. You should sit down with this person early on and discuss exactly what you want to be done if you lose the ability to manage your finances. A great candidate should be transparent with both you, and your family, so it’s clear that you are never being taken advantage of. They should also be privy to everything needed to represent you effectively.

2. Don’t Hide Important Documents

Your important documents need to be immediately accessible to at least one trusted confidant. Keeping important things like bank statements, wills, insurance policies, investment records, social security information, etc.… in a safe place is a great idea, but they have to be available in case of an emergency. It isn’t at all uncommon for families to lose access to important financial documents entirely because they are too well hidden or protected, leaving them high and dry during a crisis.

3. Plan for the Future

Creating important documents like a will, estate plan, or assigning Power of Attorney only becomes more difficult as you age. Most people don’t want to face down their mortality and divvy up their assets until they are already sick, or at an advanced age. But waiting too long can lead to major decisions having to be made under duress, or your assets being distributed unlawfully when you pass away.

Even with Power of Attorney in place, many financial institutions will not allow access to an account without specific paperwork being filed. We wouldn’t recommend sharing any accounts unless you know you can explicitly trust the person being given access. Before signing paperwork, you should consult with family members or a financial professional. Inaccessible accounts can become roadblocks to receiving long-term care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia, so you should consider your options early on.

Plan Early = Enjoy Retirement

What it really boils down to is over-planning so you can under-worry. Establishing plans for the future while you are still sharp and your finances are fresh on your mind will allow you to enjoy your retirement without the constant specter of your financial future hanging over you. You know your family will be well taken care of no matter what happens, and that your hard-earned retirement won’t be squandered away, no matter what your mental state is as you age.

American In-Home Care refers qualified Nurses, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Companions that specialize in Alzheimer's and Dementia Care and many other services, and can help you and your loved one. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 for a free consultation to determine what care options are best for your family.

How to Avoid Elderly Poor Posture

August 28, 2017All Posts, Health and WellnessHillary Hollman

Written by Geena Graham

The benefits of maintaining bone health as you age are much more than cosmetic. Deteriorating bone health can lead to poor posture that can affect your health, wellness and overall mobility. Elderly poor posture can create back pain, headaches, joint pain and stiffness in you muscles, and it can also affect your breathing, digestion, alertness, blood flow, circulation, and overall organ function. Therefore, maintaining good posture will not only keep you looking youthful as the years go, but it will also keep your body healthy and strong.

Eating healthy

Calcium is a big part of keeping our bones healthy and strong, nourishing our bodies and maintaining our posture. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium. Women need to be particularly careful to get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet as they age. It is recommended that women age 19 to 50 years get 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily. For older women, 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day is recommended.

Eating calcium-enriched foods is the best way to get enough calcium in our lives, and maintain strong bodies as we age. Leafy greens such as collard greens and kale are calcium superstars, as are broccoli, soybeans and bok choy. Canned sardines, salmon and shrimp are also great sources of calcium, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Vitamin D is also essential for bone health, and can help maintain muscle health as we age as well. And the good news is, most of us get enough vitamin D from our food and sunlight exposure, meaning taking supplements isn't necessary. The recommended dietary intake for vitamin D is 600 IU a day for women up to age 70, and 800 IU for women older than 70. The National Institute of Health recommends eating fatty fish, fish liver oil, beef liver, egg yolks and cheese for vitamin D. Vitamin D can also be found in fortified foods, such as milk, orange juice, breakfast cereal and yogurt.

Easy Exercises to Strengthen Your Core

Exercise is one of the best ways to keep good posture as we age, and to slow or prevent problems with the muscles, joints, and bones. The older we get, the more thin and brittle our bones become, but the good news is that any type of exercise or movement helps to combat this by strengthening the bones. As the muscles pull on the bones during exercise and movement, the bones actually remodel themselves and become stronger. Therefore, developing an exercise routine as you age can help you maintain balance, flexibility, strength and stamina.

Gentle exercises such as walking, stair climbing, and swimming can be just as beneficial for the bones and the body as we age as weight lifting and body-weight strengthening exercises, so choose an exercise that you enjoy and that you can be realistic about commuting to.

Your core muscles form the foundation of good posture, and a strong core can have many other benefits and allow for a longer, more enjoyable life. Focusing specifically on the transverse abdominus muscle group can help to keep your spine upright and avoid stooping posture and back pain. Pilates and yoga are great ways to build up the strength of your core. Start practicing yoga gradually and listen to how your body responds and make sure your yoga teacher is sensitive to your needs and abilities. Restorative and Yin Yoga are good classes to start in if you're a beginner. These types of classes focus on stretches and mediation. In addition to helping to increase body awareness and core strength, yoga is an exceptional way to build and maintain flexibility and strengthen muscles throughout your body. And you can begin at ANY age.

Talk to your health care provider before starting a new exercise program.

Talk to Your Doctor

The medications you take could also be having an affect your posture. Although these medications may keep your health issues at bay, they could also be having some negative affects on your bones and muscles. Talk to your doctor about your posture, and ask if any of your medications or the dosages could be negatively impacting your posture and bone strength.

If you are concerned with your posture, or an overall lack of strength in your body, ask your health care professional for a bone mineral density scan that can detect osteoporosis. Detecting these problems early is important because there are medications out there that can stop or reverse bone density loss, strengthen your back, and improve your posture.

In conclusion, your body dramatically changes as you age, but you can fight back by eating a healthy, calcium and vitamin D rich diet, maintaining a gentle exercise routine, working with your doctor, and maintaining a positive and active lifestyle to not only strengthen your body, but also improve your posture, reduce your health risks, and achieve health and wellness as you age.

6 Dangerous Diseases You Can Avoid By Lowering Your Blood Pressure

August 21, 2017All Posts, Chronic Disease Care, Health and WellnessHillary Hollman

Written by Jeff Smith

Did you know that 58% of adults age 55+ are being treated for high blood pressure (Hypertension)? It is by far the most common chronic condition amongst seniors in the United States. It is also one of the most dangerous.

Why? Because several of the top 10 leading causes of death for seniors are directly related to uncontrolled high blood pressure. Issues like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, CAD, and PAD are all directly related to high blood pressure/ hypertension. The good news is that high blood pressure is controllable, and your risk of developing these serious conditions can be reduced drastically by lowering your blood pressure with some simple lifestyle changes.

Dangerous Diseases Related to High Blood Pressure

Heart Disease

Heart disease can include problems like heart failure, heart arrhythmia, and heart attack, and is defined by the heart beating ineffectively, causing impaired circulation. How is heart disease related to high blood pressure? Essentially, the higher your blood pressure is, the harder your heart has to work to effectively pump blood throughout your body. Sustained high blood pressure puts your heart through such significant pressure that it often begins presenting symptoms that are irreversible if ignored. More Americans, specifically seniors, die from heart disease and related symptoms every year than any other cause of death.

Stroke

Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death for seniors in America. However, controlling hypertension can help you to avoid having a stroke. High blood pressure damages the arteries throughout the entire body, not just the heart. The constant force being placed on your circulatory system eventually creates conditions where your arteries can easily burst or clog. Weakened arteries in the brain - one of your bodies highest blood density organs - clog more easily than in many other areas of the body, which can result in stroke.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death among seniors, affecting 18% of all American seniors. This condition also goes hand-in-hand with elevated blood pressure levels. Your circulatory system and kidneys rely on one another for overall health. Your kidneys are surrounded with a dense network of blood vessels. These blood vessels supply your kidneys with a continuous flow of blood both in - for filtration - and out, to return to general body circulation. Arteries damaged by high blood pressure cause the kidneys to have greatly, or completely diminished filtration ability. This can lead to your body having serious issues regulating fluid, hormones, acids, and salts in your blood. Healthy kidneys also produce a hormone called aldosterone that allows your body to naturally regulate blood pressure. Damaged kidneys have more issues producing this hormone, and thus more issues regulating blood pressure, and unregulated blood pressure causes more damage to the kidneys, resulting in a vicious cycle that is difficult to counteract.

Vision Loss

High blood pressure can also lead to vision loss, which affects a large group of the senior population. Retinopathy, or blood vessel damage in the eye, is caused by hypertension. It can lead to blurred vision or complete loss of sight. High blood pressure also leads to Choroidopathy which is fluid buildup under the retina. Because the retina is so sensitive to outside factors, this fluid build-up often leads to distorted vision, or in some cases scarring that permanently impairs vision. Optic Neuropathy is the most dangerous of the vision issues caused by high blood pressure. It is the result of blocked blood flow to the optic nerve which can cause severe damage or kill nerve cells in your eyes. If this damage goes unchecked it will often lead to temporary or permanent blindness.

Peripheral Artery Disease

PAD or Peripheral Artery Disease is very similar to another issue caused by high blood pressure, CAD or Coronary Artery Disease. While CAD is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the blood vessels in and around the heart, PAD is caused by fat and cholesterol buildup due to weakened arteries. Most people who have PAD experience cramping, pain, and tenderness in their lower body when physically exerting themselves , including walking or going up the stairs. The pain experienced from PAD is typically limited to times of physical exertion, and quickly disappears when your body is at rest. Many people try to “tough out” the symptoms involved with PAD since they are painful but rarely debilitating. Unfortunately, PAD is commonly undiagnosed by healthcare professionals since it is typically an afterthought. If PAD remains unchecked for too long it can lead to possible gangrene and amputation of extremities, although these symptoms typically only present in very extreme cases. People with PAD have a higher chance of developing CAD, heart disease, and stroke; which are all risk factors that are only made worse by high blood pressure.

Preventing and Reversing High Blood Pressure

So what can you do to avoid these 6 dangerous diseases related to hypertension? Lower your blood pressure by eating a heart-healthy diet. This is one of the most common and easiest ways to lower high blood pressure, and increase heart health and general wellness. Most people over-complicate how simple it can actually be to eat heart healthy. The most important factor by far is lowering your sodium intake. Practice reading labels during your shopping trips and you’ll start to notice a high sodium trend, even in unexpected products. The average American intakes 3,400 mg of sodium daily - the FDA suggests that individuals take in 2,300 mg maximum in a day. Just to put that into perspective, one Big Mac contains 1,007 mg of sodium, and that’s not including fries, condiments, and a drink. Beyond cutting down drastically on sodium intake, avoiding sweets and sugars is an easy step to take.

There are a wealth of tools available to accurately track your diet, one of the most popular being MyFitnessPal. It can be eye opening to track your diet exhaustively, most people aren’t aware of just what their daily food and beverage intake actually break down into.

Do Eat

Fruits (NOT fruit juice)
Veggies
Chicken, Turkey, & Fish
Nuts and Legumes
Natural Oils (Olive, Coconut, Sesame) NOT vegetable oil or peanut oil

Do Not Eat (In Excess)

Saturated Fats
Sodium
Fatty Red Meats
Sweets and Soda/Alcohol

Diet and exercise are the closest you can come to a “magic solution” in relation to heart health. Once you get a heart healthy diet in place, it’s time to consider your activity levels. Exercise helps manage weight, improve your mood at a biological level, strengthen your heart, and even prevents and reverses hypertension. Two and a half hours of exercise per week is enough to lower your risk factor across the board for major diseases. Physical activity can include anything, even walking, as long as you are getting your body moving. You don’t have to hit the gym and pump iron, or run a marathon to see results, just get out and walk, park at the back of the parking lot, take the stairs, etc. These little activities add up faster than you would think.

Combining a sensible diet with consistent exercise will naturally lead to weight loss which further reduces your risk factor for high blood pressure. As an added bonus, you also reduce your risk of contracting type 2 diabetes, several types of cancer, and increase your overall quality of life. High blood pressure can be easy to ignore because it’s a silent and slow killer. It is still a killer, however, and it’s a precursor to some of the deadliest diseases in modern America. The good news is, it is completely controllable! You have the power to avoid these diseases and complications by lowering your blood pressure with diet and exercise. Get started today!

If you or your loved one could use help preparing a heart healthy diet and getting active, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help with services like meal preparation, diet monitoring, recording vital health data, and mobility assistance. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

5 Tips for Senior Hydration and Staying Cool During Summer Heat

August 11, 2017All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips, Health and WellnessHillary Hollman

Written by Geena Graham

Did you know that seniors are at a higher risk for becoming dehydrated and overheated, especially during hot summer months? We have compiled a list of 5 tips to help seniors and caregivers stay hydrated and cool, so they can enjoy the summer in a healthy, safe way.

1. Stay Hydrated With Water

Your liquid intake plays a huge part in senior hydration and staying cool during the summer months. Staying hydrated is actually the most important thing a senior can do for their health because the older we get, the less water our bodies retain. Water is the key to keeping our bodies alive, and is essential for staying hydrated and cool.

Not everyone loves the taste of water though - it's not as flavorful as a juice or a soda after all - and that might be way seniors fall short of drinking enough H2O, especially during the summer months. But fruit infused water is a healthy and tasty alternatives to plain water. Making fruit infused water is a cheap, easy way to give your water a flavor and nutrient boost, and it requires very little effort. All you have to do is cut up some cucumbers, oranges, berries, or citrus, and then add it to a pitcher of water, and you have a delicious, flavorful beverage with healthy, natural sugars and nutrients, and lots of festive summer colors.

Find some fruit-infused water recipes here

2. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can also help seniors stay hydrated. In fact, food accounts for 20 percent of a person’s daily water intake. According to the American Heart Association, all fruits and vegetables are beneficial for hydration; however, watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe pineapple and oranges are the fruits that have the highest water content, while iceberg lettuce, celery, green peppers, and cucumbers are the vegetables with the most water content.

3. Get a Personal Cooling Device

Handheld fans can be a great way to cool down on the go. Most of them are light weight, so seniors can hold them independently, and carry them around in their personal belongings with ease. Another option is a small clip-on fan. These are especially helpful to many seniors, because they can easily attach to things, such as a wheelchair or walker.

Another option to help seniors stay cool is a cooling towel, which stays cold for hours when water is added to them. They use an advanced hyper-absorbent cooling fabric, which is highly effective with fighting fatigue and dehydration in the heat.

4. Spend Less Time in the Sun

The older we become the more difficult it is for our bodies to adjust to high temperatures, which makes seniors more susceptible to overheating and heat stroke. According to the American Heart Association, heatstroke and heat exhaustion are two of the greatest risks for seniors during the summer months. One cause of this could be prescription drugs, which impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can prevent the body from sweating. Most seniors already start the day dehydrated due to medications and not drinking enough water, so it is important to remember this and to hydrate extra ahead of time if you plan to be in the sun. However, a sun-less day can be just as fun as a sunny one. Staying cool in the shade outside, or playing bingo or bridge with friends inside on the porch is a great way to keep from getting dehydrated while still enjoying a pretty summer day.

5. What You Wear Matters

Making sensible clothing choices during the summer is extremely important as we age. Choosing to wear layers and/or light colored cotton will help seniors stay cool during the summer months. Breathable fabrics are the best when dressing for the heat. Anything with buttons or a zip makes for easier removal when you are laying your clothing. Layering clothing is important when dressing for the summer months because you are always prepared, and can adjust your clothing to keep your body temperature neutral - it is best for seniors to avoid excessive heat and then immediately cooling down (i.e. going into a room with cold AC after being sweaty outside) because this can put seniors at risk for becoming sick.

If you or your loved one could use help to stay safe, comfortable, and active this summer, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

3 Ideas for Finding Fulfillment as We Age

July 27, 2017All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips, Health and WellnessHillary Hollman

by Geena Graham

As seniors living in today’s fast-paced world, is it important to stay active and engaged, both with body and mind. Our minds are our strongest asset, and continuous daily use is important at any age, especially the older we get, for maintaining a strong memory, a stable body, and finding fulfillment as we age.

Creativity

You do not have to be a professional artist to be creative. There are so many ways in today’s world to keep your mind healthy and embrace many kinds of artistic hobbies. Painting, drawing, sketching, sculpting, and even woodworking are just a few examples of ways to express yourself creatively. Not only could you make extra income using your skill with tools like eBay and Etsy to sell items you make, but also you can make homemade, one-of-a-kind, personal gifts for your loved ones. Other creative alternatives could be auditioning for a play, trying photography, or writing. Any creative hobby will help relax you, and keep your mind and body active and sharp.

Restoration

Bringing an old vehicle, piece of furniture, or even an entire home to life again may involve a great deal of work, but using your mind and body to achieve such a feat really does wonders for your health and wellness. Working on a task and seeing it through from beginning to end can be very rewarding and deeply gratifying, and give you a feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction. The goal is finding something you enjoy working on, whether it be fixing up and painting an old rocking chair that’s been in your family for generations, or working on every detail of a model airplane. A restoration project cannot only become great exercises for your mind and body, but also your spirit. When you have something to look forward to everyday, it will help your overall wellbeing and allow you to maintain an happy and healthy lifestyle as you.

Travel

We've all heard the phrase, "it's not about the destination, it's about the journey." And in that way, traveling can be a hobby, whether you go on a big trip, or stay close to home. If you visit a family member or friend’s house an hour away, or load up an RV and drive across the states, both refreshing ways to stay active and keep both your mind and body strong. Traveling is a fun way to stay in touch with yourself, with your likes, hobbies and friendships, which assist in keeping your mind alert, your muscle memory active and your attitude towards your surroundings positive. For example, if you enjoyed hunting or fishing at a young age, trying it again or keeping up that hobby is important, and if it involves travel then that’s just a win-win.

Whether it's the arts, a restoration project, travel, or something else you enjoy, it is important to find fulfillment and joy in your life, especially the older you get. With the world constantly changing around us, it is imperative to stay in touch with who we are and where we come from, finding happiness in our hobbies and strength in our daily actives to keep a positive mindset and a healthy, productive life.

If you or your loved one could use help to stay safe, comfortable, and mentally stimulated at home, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

Community Event: Haitians in TPS Status - What are your options?

June 28, 2017Community Events, News & Events, News & EventsHillary Hollman

After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the United States offered Temporary Protected Status in order to help the people from Haiti relocate to the United States. Over the years this Temporary Protected Status has been extended multiple times. It was set to expire again in July but has been extended for 6 months.

There are many questions regarding the change to the Haiti Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and for this reason American In-Home Care - through our Advocate and Whitsyms brands - are sponsoring informational meetings with an immigration attorney Patricia Elizee, Esq. over the next 2 weeks to help those impacted by the changes to TPS. Ms. Elizee will be presenting the event in both English and Creole.

Both events will include Question & Answer segments. Please share this with anyone you know who may be affected by TPS.

June 30th | 2:00-6:00 PM @ The Kiwanis Club, Lauderdale Lakes, FL

July 7th | 4:00 - 8:00 PM @ Salem Community Church, Lake Worth, FL

Contact (561)-808-8434 or (954)-788-4555 to RSVP for one of the events.