All posts by Hillary Hollman

Celebrating 25 Years of Service!

Industry Updates, News & Events

Happy Birthday to us!

We are proud to be celebrating 25 years of service and excellence at American In-Home Care! From our humble beginnings offering companion care in Central Florida in 1992, we have grown to offer affordable, flexible, and reliable in-home care throughout the state of Florida, now reaching over 92% of Floridians with our services.

American In-Home Care has expanded through opening new offices and by acquisition, to include Whitsyms Nursing Service, Advocate Home Care Services, and Douglas Health Services. While we are now one of the largest Nurse Registries in Florida, we still maintain our personal touch through dedicated local Client Care teams and leadership.

We are proud of our achievement and are grateful to everyone who has made this possible; our clients, our employees, the independent care providers we refer, healthcare professionals and others who put their trust in us. Over the next year we will be celebrating our achievement with special events, giveaways, and offerings, so like us on Facebook and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date! Thank you for letting us care for you, and cheers to another 25 years!

Women’s History Month: 3 Women Who Achieved Success After 70

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips

Written by Olivia Cohen

We have all heard that "you can’t teach an old dog new tricks," but luckily humans are much more adaptable than dogs. In honor of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating women who achieved success in their careers after age 70. These women prove that not only can you live a healthy life as you age - you can thrive.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

You probably know Laura Ingalls Wilder as the famous author who penned the Little House series of children’s books, but did you know that she spent the majority of her adult life working as a homesteader on a farm in Missouri? It wasn’t until 1932 at the age of 65 that Wilder published her first novel, Little House in the Big Woods, at the bequest of her daughter’s urging. She developed that first book into a series, the last of which she finished in 1943 at 76 years old. Over a half century later, her books remain widely acclaimed classics filled with timeless life lessons.

Clara Peller

Although you may not recognize her name, you will almost certainly recognize Peller’s distinctive voice shouting, “Where’s the beef?” in an iconic 1984 Wendy’s commercial. For 35 years, Peller worked as a manicurist at a Chicago nail salon, where a local ad agency discovered her in 1983 while searching for a manicurist for a television commercial; she was 80 years old. After appearing in a number of regional broadcasts, Peller was signed by a national ad agency in 1984 and cast in the Wendy’s commercial at age 81. Her spunky delivery made “Where’s the beef?” into a national catchphrase, appearing on t-shirts, towels, coffee mugs, and even memes. She continued acting in commercials, making television and movie appearances, and granting interviews - reaching the pinnacle of an advertising career with a place in the Advertising Hall of Fame before her death in 1987.

Grandma Moses

Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known by her nickname Grandma Moses, became a renowned American folk artist after picking up a paintbrush for the first time at age 76. For most of her life, she worked on farms and raised her five children, supplementing her husband’s income by frying potato chips and churning butter. She always enjoyed creative expression in her home though, decorating her family’s space with hand-quilted objects and exquisite embroidery. When her hands began to cramp from arthritis in her late 70s, she picked up painting as a creative hobby that would be easier on her joints. She displayed her art around her rural New York town, including in the windows of a drug store where notable art collector Louis Caldor saw her pieces on display and bought ten on the spot. He recommended their inclusion in an exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, and the following year, Moses curated her first solo exhibition in New York City at the age of 80. Moses skyrocketed to fame as an American cultural icon, even having a painting on display in the White House, before passing at the age of 101.

Bringing a qualified care provider into your home can help you or your aging loved one maintain a healthy lifestyle and take care of daily tasks so more energy can be put toward pursuing passions. 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.

 

 

What is the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia?

All Posts, Alzheimer’s and Dementia

“He has some dementia.” Have you heard this sentence before?

The word “dementia” is thrown around so casually among families, caregivers, and medical professionals that it often loses its true meaning. The misuse of the word can lead us to ask: Is dementia a normal sign of aging, or is it an early stage of Alzheimer’s?

The truth is - it is neither.

What is dementia?

According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia refers to “a set of particular symptoms, including memory loss, language difficulty, and poor judgment” caused by physical changes in the brain. Although dementia involves memory loss, memory loss on it's own has different causes.

Of the nearly 5 million people living with dementia in the United States, an estimated 60 to 70 percent have Alzheimer’s as an underlying cause. The rest of the population could be experiencing other types of dementia, including Vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease with dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Frontotemporal dementia. Some people also experience mixed dementia, in which the same individual has multiple forms of dementia.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is defined by the Alzheimer’s Association as “a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.”

Unlike other dementias, Alzheimer’s presents with a relatively slow onset and continues to progress without a known cure. It can affect memory, language, behavior, and personality, but usually does not impair basic body functions and the ability to walk.

What is the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia?

Just as a headache can signify a whole wide range of underlying causes, from dehydration to fatigue, so too can dementia alert us to a variety of possible underlying causes, including Alzheimer’s disease as a cause. In contrast, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease pin points the exact cause of the cognitive changes in that person.

In addition to this main difference, there are other key differences in the treatment and progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease without a known cure at this time. In contrast, dementia is categorized as heterogenic, meaning that the disease progresses differently in each person. Although it sometimes follows a straight trajectory, it can also vary quite widely day to day, and it can even have short-term and reversible causes including drug interactions and vitamin deficiencies.

What does this mean for Families and Caregivers?

Regardless of the diagnosis, your loved one’s quality of care is key to managing conditions. The most important step you can take is to remain aware of early warning signs, because talking to your doctor about physical and mental symptoms as soon as they appear can make both conditions easier to manage.

If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia, hiring a respite, hourly, or live-in care provider to help your loved one remain comfortable and safe in their home is a great idea, as taking on sole caregiving duties can be taxing on personal lives and relationships.

American In-Home Care refers qualified nurses, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Companions that specialize in Alzheimer's care and 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.

 

5 Unexpected Health Benefits of Walking

All Posts, Health and Wellness

This month, make a resolution to march your way to better health. Walking has been proven time and again as one of the simplest, cheapest and most effective forms of exercise to reach long-term and short-term health goals among the elderly. Although some of the benefits are obvious, such as weight management and increased heart health and muscle tone, others come as more of a surprise.

Check out these 5 unexpected health benefits of walking that go the extra mile.

1. Increased cognitive function

The results of a study performed at Scripps College in Claremont, California give a whole new meaning to “a walk to remember.” The study compared 62 people aged 55 to 91 exercising, to an equal number of people the same age not exercising. Both groups received a series of tests meant to examine memory, reaction and reasoning. The results? Regular exercisers performed significantly better in all reaction-time tests, all reasoning tests, and two out of three of the memory tests.

2. Stronger bones

Muscle strength is an obvious result of any exercise program, but stronger bones? Turns out walking helps with that, too. Walking is considered a low-impact weight bearing exercise, meaning that it works your body against gravity while staying upright. Regular walking can help stop the loss of bone mass for those with osteoporosis, without the bodily risks associated with jogging and other high-impact aerobics.

3. Better breath

Go ahead, eat your garlic bread. Walking increases the rate of oxygen flow through your body, thereby eliminating waste materials. So long as you drink plenty of water before and after your walk, you can give “breathing fresh air” a whole new meaning.

4. Decreased risk of colon, breast and endometrial cancer

Physically active individuals have a 24% less chance of contracting colon cancer, 12% less chance of breast cancer, and 20% less chance of endometrial cancer. Although the exact reasons for the link between cancer and exercise are not agreed upon, scientists guess that it could be due to the increased circulation and decreased inflammation associated with exercise.

5. More good days

Any and all aerobic exercise benefits mental health by alleviating anxiety, depression and negative mood while enhancing self-esteem and cognitive function. Just thirty minutes of moderate walking, three times a week can make every day seem a little bit brighter. And if thinking about walking for thirty minutes straight brings on the type of anxiety you’re trying to avoid, don’t fret. Studies show that the same benefits can be achieved through three ten-minute walks rather than a single long walk.

No matter what your current fitness level, it is never too late to start incorporating a walking regimen into your weekly routine. Remember that it’s okay to start slow. Try walking for 10 minutes after every meal or walking with a qualified caretaker who can ensure your confidence. And if you’re feeling confident, try amping up your walking by adding light weights or balancing exercises. Make March your month to walk to better health.

If your loved one needs help with starting and maintaining an exercise routine, 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.

 

 

 

Exercising with Parkinson’s: Increase Confidence in Movement

All Posts, Chronic Disease Care

Although Parkinson’s Disease is classified as a neurological condition, this chronic and progressive condition affects much more than just the brain. With Parkinson's, body movement is affected to a high degree. People living with the disease know how difficult it can become to walk, balance on two feet, stand up straight, and coordinate movement - all of which impact day-to-day functioning and lower confidence in movement.

Exercising with Parkinson’s is the answer to more confidence in movement

Because Parkinson’s in progressive, the bad news is that symptoms frequently worsen with age. The good news is that regular low-intensity exercise goes a long way in improving Parkinson’s patients’ mobility issues, making it easier to continue living comfortably with age.

According to a study by the University of Maryland, a regular exercise program for seniors with Parkinson’s can “delay disability and help to preserve independence.” Specifically, an exercise program can increase control over motor skills - such as walking - and generate confidence in performing daily activities.

Although exercising with Parkinson's is one of the easiest, most practical ways to fight mobility issues, those suffering from the disease frequently fall into sedentary lifestyles due to a loss of confidence in movement, which makes the loss of flexibility, strength, and endurance worse.

Creating an Exercise Regimen for Parkinson's 

Help your loved one combat a sedentary lifestyle by increasing movement confidence through regular, varied exercise. Encourage regular physical activity for your loved one with Parkinson’s by using some of the following tips:

  • Make it social
    • Exercising with others encourages commitment to a regular exercise routine. In addition, seniors with Parkinson’s will feel more confident knowing that a friend or caregiver is there in case of a fall - often one of the greatest fears inhibiting regular exercise among Parkinson’s patients.
  • Set a timer
    • Stretching major joints for 20 seconds counteracts the rigidity and stiffness of Parkinson’s disease. To ensure the maximum benefit from stretching, set a timer and hold each position for 20 seconds - no exceptions! Apply the same discipline to aerobic exercise, starting with 5 minutes of aerobic exercise 3-5 times per week and increasing by 5 minutes every 2 weeks until you reach a maximum of 20 minutes per exercise period. Watch and feel proud as the number on the timer continues to increase!
  • Make it fun
    • Exercise doesn’t have to be mundane routine. Motivate your senior to move regularly by making it an activity to look forward to. Try listening to upbeat music as you move or trying a low-impact fitness class. In fact, recent research suggests that tai chi, yoga, movement to music, and walking are the most beneficial forms of exercise for those with Parkinson’s.
  • Do it daily
    • Incorporate regular movement into a daily routine outside of a designated 20 minute block by stretching during the evening news, cleaning the house, gardening, washing the car, or walking to the grocery store. These little accomplishments will help instill a sense of purpose and value back into daily routines, increasing confidence. In addition, daily habits that don’t interfere too much with established habits will be easier to incorporate and stick to.

If your loved one needs help performing daily tasks and sticking to an exercise routine, 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.

 

 

5 Myths About Healthy Eating for Seniors Debunked

All Posts, Health and Wellness

With so much information available about diet and nutrition, it can be difficult to decipher fact from fiction. From incorporating superfoods to decoding fad diets, basic meal planning as we age can feel like a juggling act with your health and wellbeing up in the air. But what we know for certain is that eating a healthy diet is key to energetic aging.

Not only does a healthy diet boost the immune system and contribute to resistance against chronic disease, including heart disease and diabetes, but it also affects emotional health, and daily energy levels, and has been shown to improve mental function and even prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here are five common myths about healthy eating for seniors - and what you can do to ensure that you and your loved ones are taking everyday actions to age with health in mind.

1. Eating healthy means spending more money = FALSE

Goji berries may cost $11 a package, but did you know that the common raisin has an even higher capacity to absorb oxygen radicals, meaning that it has more antioxidants and is more effective at fighting free radicals in your body? And at a quarter of of the price, the choice is an easy one. Although many trendy superfoods come and go from supermarket shelves, sticking to basic fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains will keep you just as slim and your brain just as healthy as a trendy acai bowl - without slimming your wallet.

In addition to eating simple whole foods, eating healthy often means eating less meat, too - a high-price item that can quickly rack up your supermarket bill. Try incorporating a meatless Monday or a fish Friday as an easy way to curb  your intake of red or processed meats, which have been shown increase the risk of cancer and heart disease. An added bonus of eating more fish also means getting more Omega-3 in your diet, which is great for keeping a the heart and brain healthy as we age.

Eating healthy also of means eating at home more often, which is an easy way to control your wallet, and what is going into your meals. Restaurants commonly use frozen ingredients and add extra sodium and fats to make their food more tasty at the expense of health. Save even more money by planning your meals around items that are on sale at your local grocery store, buying generic brands of basic foods, buying only as much food as you need, and freezing leftovers. Cooking at home is one way to please your appetite, your health, and your budget.

2. It’s too late to make effective and lasting dietary changes = FALSE

Even if you spent much of your younger life chowing down on cheeseburgers and French fries, it is never too late to make positive dietary changes and start down the path of restoring your body to better health. According to Harvard Health, eating less meat and more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, can lower your cholesterol by 25%. In addition, cutting back on saturated fat and trans fat found in red meat, poultry skin, whole dairy products and processed foods can reduce cholesterol by an additional 5-10%.

Lower cholesterol levels are vital for heart health and can even reduce the risk of stroke as we age. Healthy eating for seniors is also an effective tool for weight loss, which has been shown to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and stroke, and is beneficial for balance and mobility with age.

3. Healthy foods are bland foods = FALSE

It’s true - salt and fat can enhance the flavor of food, and eating a healthy diet limits the intake of both of these ingredients. However, this doesn’t mean that healthy foods are bland. Cooking with herbs is the best way to pack your dishes with flavor, and as a bonus, most herbs provide extra health benefits as well.

For example, flavoring stews with parsley not only provides a fresh flavor using an herb available year-round, but it also is an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps blood clot. A few springs of rosemary and a clove of garlic will go a long way in flavoring any foods sautéed in olive oil, and cinnamon adds an unexpected warmth to cooked grains and poultry rubs while providing anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Malnutrition can’t affect me if I’m eating enough calories = FALSE

Starting around age 40, metabolism begins to slow down, and with that decrease in metabolism often comes a decrease in appetite. Although it is important to monitor portion size to reflect a lightened appetite, it is equally important to remember that eating enough calories does not equate to a nutritious diet.

Malnutrition in older adults can lead to a weak immune system, muscle weakness, and slow healing processes. Eating a diet rich in varied foods is necessary to combat a low-nutrient diet. For those with a small appetite, spacing out small, nutritious snacks throughout the day is a good option for meeting your nutrient goals. Try raw vegetables with hummus, whole-grain toast with nut butter and apple slices, or tunafish salad on sliced cucumbers between meals to maintain a healthy caloric intake without sacrificing nutrients.

Changing my diet is the only change I need to make for my health = FALSE

Although changing your diet is undeniably a huge step toward better health, it is a single piece of a healthy lifestyle. Equally important as dietary change is regular exercise, which strengthens bones and muscles, controls weight, reduces risk of chronic disease and cancers, and increases mental health and mood - among other benefits.

And surprisingly, a vibrant social life is also a huge lifestyle factor affecting longterm health. Studies show that positive social interactions benefit immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular functions, especially as we age. Using professional in-home care services is one way to provide companionship, but it is not the only way to interact with others. Local resources such as the SeniorCorps, National Center for Creative Aging, and Shepherd’s Centers are all possible avenues for building friendships at old age.

Bringing a qualified care provider into your home can help you or your aging loved one maintain a healthy and balanced diet by preparing meals and monitoring their eating habits, as well as providing valuable companionship. 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.

Show Your Heart Some Love: Senior Heart Health Tips

All Posts, Health and Wellness

There’s a lot of talk about hearts this month: chocolate hearts, candy hearts - and of course, your own heart. In addition to a celebration of love on Valentine's Day, February is also American Heart Month.

Like breathing, we often take our heart’s hard work for granted. Give yourself and your loved ones the ultimate gift of health this month by showing your heart a little love every single day. Although mature hearts face increased risks of disease and malfunction, with easy, daily actions, we can keep our hearts beating healthy and strong for years to come.

Try some of these senior heart health tips from the American Heart Association and the Center for Disease Control that will help keep your heart healthy all year round.

 Talk to Your Doctor

The first step to better senior heart health is to talk to your doctor about your risk factors and concerns. Your doctor can honestly assess where your health health is right now, and with regular check-ups, he or she can help you set and keep realistic goals to keep your heart pumping.

Eat the Rainbow

A well balance diet is key to keeping your body happy and healthy. Diets that are high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in sodium have been shown to help manage high blood pressure and bad cholesterol - two major risk factors for heart disease. An easy way to check that your diet is well-balanced without reading through every single nutrition label is to think about eating the rainbow. If your plates are full of naturally colorful foods, including a variety of fruits and vegetables at every meal, then chances are you’re eating well. Check out these healthy eating tips for seniors for more information and inspiration!

Get Active Every Day

Living an active lifestyle not only increases your heart health, but has also been shown to increase your happiness by releasing feel-good endorphins into your system. Make it a daily routine to do something active every day. And don’t worry about getting bored with your workouts - the more varied physical activities, the better for increasing full-body strength! Try going for a walk around the neighborhood, doing some simple seated exercises, or even cleaning your house for an easy workout with an immediate and tangible reward.

Lose Weight

One of the simplest yet most difficult goals we can accomplish for heart health is to shed extra pounds. Carrying around excess weight puts stress on the body and makes the heart work harder. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight, as little as 10 pounds for a 200-pound person, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Even if you don’t see immediate results from diet and exercise, keep up the work and remember that exercise and a healthy diet are good for you even if it takes time to see changes.

Set Goals - And Keep Them!

Making changes to your daily routine can be hard at first. Keep up your motivation by tracking your goals with the help of a progress sheet, such as this one from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. By keeping your end goal in sight and seeing how your daily actions add up over the long-term, you’ll keep moving in the right direction.

If you or your loved one need assistance to remain happy and healthy at home, American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that can help with a variety of daily activities, including meal preparation, diet monitoring, and exercise routines. Call today to schedule your free in-home consultation with a local Client Care Liaison who will help you determine which care options are right for you and your family.

Privately Financing Senior Care

All Posts, Long Term Care Options

With the rising cost of elderly long term care, financial planning is essential to ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of elderly loves ones in your life. Although in-home care is still more affordable than the average $6,235 per month for a semi-private room in a nursing home, families often find themselves searching for the best way to pay for long-term care.

Long term in-home care is often an out-of-pocket expense, meaning the payment is the responsibility of the individual or family. And although Medicare doesn't help families cover their long term care expenses, and Medicaid is often not accepted, there are other options that can help. If you choose to pay out of pocket for care, consider these paths for privately financing senior care:

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance (LTCI) helps pay for costs that private medical insurance does not cover, and  minimizes the financial impact of long-term health care needs. In general, long-term care insurance covers the cost of home care, assisted living, adult daycare, respite care, hospice care, nursing home and Alzheimer's care facilities. However, most companies will not insure people with preexisting conditions, so it is best to buy LTCI before health issues arise.

Learn more about long-term care insurance

Life Insurance Policy Conversions: Long Term Care Benefit Plan

Rather than allowing a life insurance policy to lapse, the owner can convert their policy into a Long Term Care Benefit Plan. It is a unique financial option for seniors because it pays for immediate care needs, all health conditions are accepted, and there are no premium payments. There are also no wait periods, care limitations, costs or obligations to apply, and no requirement to be terminally ill. Policy owners have the right to convert an in-force life insurance policy to enroll in this benefit plan, and are able to immediately direct tax-exempt payments to cover specific costs like senior housing and long term care.

Government Funded Long Term Care

Contrary to popular belief, Medicare is not universal health care for people over 65, and it does not cover long-term care costs for seniors. However, Medicaid and the US Department of Veteran Affairs do offer some assistance programs that can help pay for eldercare in certain circumstances. You can also follow some tips to make sure you are making the most of your Social Security benefits.

Learn more about the Veterans Aid & Attendance Program

Reverse Mortgages

A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, is a special type of home equity loan specifically created for those over the age of 62 to take out a sum of money against the value of their house. Payments can be made as a single lump sum, monthly, or as a line of credit. So long as the amount of money borrowed is spent in the same month, it does not count against Social Security or Medicare benefits.

The best part of a reverse mortgage is that it allows seniors to stay in their homes and still retain the title so that it can be passed on to an heir or estate, protecting precious family memories.

Annuities

Imagine the steady income stream generated from a good stock portfolio without the risk of a bad investment. That basically describes an annuity. In its simplest terms, an annuity is a product sold by insurance companies where the companies invest your funds and then guarantee regular payouts in return. This process generates a regular income stream for as long as your initial investment continues to grow.

There are two types of annuities: immediate and deferred long-term care. When purchasing an immediate annuity, the buyer puts in a single large sum of money, which is then paid out as a specified monthly income determined by the buyer’s initial input, age, and gender. A deferred long-term care annuity works in a similar fashion, but sets up one account just for long-term care expenses and another to use however the buyer wishes. However, this plan is only available up to the age of 85.

Although annuities provide a steady income stream, they can complicate taxes and interfere with Medicare coverage, so consult a financial professional to make sure it is the right fit.

Trusts

Trusts provide flexible control over sheltered assets. Although many types of trusts exist, a charitable remainder trust is a good option for those who want to use private income to pay for services while greatly diminishing their tax burden by contributing to a charity of their choice. However, the amount of funds available for financing care directly depends on the size of the donation, so careful financial planning is necessary to validate the trust.

No matter how you decide to pay for care, know that it is best to start planning early. At American In-Home Care, we can help you assess all of your financial options, and will work with you directly to ensure you receive the best care for your family. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule a free in-home consultation with your local Client Care Liaison.

 

Stay Safe in the Kitchen: Elderly Kitchen Modifications

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips

Fruits and veggies, whole grains, low sodium – you’ve heard this all before, right? Eating healthy foods as we age is the key to remaining energetic and managing or preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes. Many studies have shown that eating at home is the best way to ensure that your diet meets recommended guidelines. In addition, preparing food at home gives you control over exactly what goes into your meals – no surprise fats, sugars or additives.

Despite the benefits of cooking at home, many elderly people may find the task challenging because of the physical set-up of their kitchen space. Cabinets too high to reach, dishes too heavy to carry, blurred vision creating danger near hot surfaces. Luckily, implementing some elderly kitchen modifications can provide the solution. From simple switches to total renovations, here are some ideas to keep you or your loved ones healthy and at home longer. Start by assessing specific needs to determine which renovations are right for you.

Sinks:

  • Install a shallow, six-inch-deep sink that can be used while seated
  • Consider a motorized sink that can be raised and lowered for maximum comfort
  • Incorporate anti-scald devices on faucets to prevent burns

Cabinets:

  • Removable dish caddies minimize the need to bend over to retrieve dishes
  • Replacing lower cabinets with pull-out drawers can also minimize bending over for those with back pain
  • Pull down shelves in upper cabinets similarly limit straining to reach essential supplies
  • D-shaped pullers are the easiest to use, as they do not require a strong grip
  • Lazy-susan type cabinets keep items from getting stuck out of reach in the back

Counters:

  • Cabinets with round edges minimize the risk of harm for those with blurry vision or balance issues
  • A contrasting color on the edges of counters helps to distinguish them

Stove:

  • A stove in a contrasting color helps those with blurry vision differentiate between stovetop and countertop, preventing burns
  • Front-mounted stove knobs that are large and easy to read get rid of the need to reach over hot surfaces
  • Look for stoves that feature color indicators showing that the surface is hot, such as the ones found on most cooktops

Refrigerator:

  • Look for a refrigerator with large displays, long handles, and lots of side-door storage
  • Freezers located below or next to the main compartment are easier to access than freezers located above the main compartment
  • For a free update, simply cleaning out and organizing the fridge based on how frequently items are used and how soon they will expire minimizes food waste and maximizes ease of utility

Lighting:

  • Proper lighting makes spaces more user-friendly. Install task or track-lighting that illuminates main work spaces.
  • Light switches should be easily reached and located near the entrance of the room

If you or your loved one needs help to remain at home, American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that come to your home and can perform a variety of services, including respite care, medication management, meal preparation and diet monitoring, and Alzheimer's care. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 for more information and to schedule your free in-home consultation.

 

 

Loneliness Among the Elderly: The Importance of Community for Seniors

All Posts, Chronic Disease Care, Family Caregiver Tips

Doris remembers her first protest as a young woman in Washington. Marching through the streets of a bustling downtown, arm in arm with her fellow protesters, she was proud to fight on the front lines of women’s liberation in the 1960s. Now at 86-years-old, Doris does not let the calm atmosphere of her longtime home in the Georgia mountains keep her from protesting the issues she has remained passionate about since her 20s.  In fact, staying at home and reconnecting with the community she has lived in for the past 50 years helps to fuel her sense of purpose and meaning as she matures – and keeps her from falling victim to the dangers of loneliness among the elderly.

The In-Home Care Decision

Six years ago, Doris found herself widowed and lonely. The large home in which she had raised her children was empty. The stairs to reach her second-story bedroom were painful to climb because of knee and hip operations. She struggled to reach high cupboards as scoliosis compressed her spine. She needed help navigating the day-to-day needs of staying in her home, and she needed to make a decision about the type of life she wanted to live.

After much reflection and long conversations with friends and family, Doris chose to stay in her home – an option that became possible with the help of household modifications and in-home care. Although thrilled to be staying in the house she calls home, something was still missing. She found herself alone all day with the exception of her caregivers.

Loneliness Among the Elderly

Loneliness among the elderly is approaching epidemic proportions - the AARP estimates that 51 percent of people over the age of 75 live alone, and that as many as 6 million adults over the age of 65 have a disability that prevents them from leaving their home without help. A 2012 study by researchers at the University of San Francisco confirms the implications of the AARP’s research, finding that 43 percent of people over 60 report feelings of loneliness due to being alone or confined in the home.

Feelings of loneliness, defined as “a mismatch between the quantity and quality of social relationships that we have, and those that we want,” can be attributed to personal factors, and societal institutions such as:

  1. The loss of loved ones
  2. Poor health conditions
  3. Sensory loss that make socializing difficult
  4. Poor public transportation systems
  5. Lack of elderly-friendly infrastructure (ramps, benches, public restrooms, etc.)

Risks of Loneliness

Regardless of cause, loneliness is often painful and difficult to live with. More than a fleeting and unwelcome emotion, chronic loneliness is a serious risk to physical and emotional health. Shockingly, the overall impact of loneliness on mortality rate is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In addition, it increases the risk of developing the following:

  1. Obesity and high blood pressure
  2. Physical disabilities
  3. Increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol (this affects the production of white blood cells and reduces the ability to fight infections)
  4. Depression
  5. Cognitive decline
  6. Dementia

In fact, loneliness among the elderly results in a 64% increased chance of developing clinical dementia. All of these conditions influenced by loneliness culminate in a general difficulty with daily activities and increased death rates over the course of 6 years.

Community-Building Resources

Although in-home care plays a vital role in keeping elderly people engaged in socializing and daily living activities, it is important to utilize a full scale of resources to remain connected to a community. According to the organization Action for Happiness, being connected in a community has a big impact on individual happiness and community happiness as a whole. Another study published in Psychology Today shows that increasing the number of interactions people have on a daily basis increases a sense of happiness and belonging in a community, even if the interactions are as simple as speaking to the postman or saying hello to a stranger on the street.

For Doris, reconnecting to her local community was essential to combating her loneliness. She began taking literature courses at a nearby college, reached out to a volunteer organization she had worked with when she was younger, and formed a classical music group by placing an ad in the paper.

Last weekend, she reconnected with her roots and values as she marched with other elderly people down the streets of her otherwise quiet town – not the big protests of her youth, but still a chance to express who she is and what she believes in with the company of friends and neighbors. “I hadn’t been to a protest since 2000,” she said with a grin. “It was exhilarating to stand with my sisters and continue fighting the good fight.”

Although Doris may be feistier than your average octogenarian, she found a community of like-minded people through effort – a new group that will add happiness and years to her life.

Luckily, as the stigma of loneliness among the elderly begins to fade, the resources to combat it increase. Explore the resources below to see if any suit the needs of you or your loved one.

  • Friendship Line – A 24-hour call-in helpline for those who just want a friendly ear and good conversation
  • Administration on Aging – Created under 1965 legislation to authorize state grants for community services for the elderly
  • Shepherd’s Centers – A network of interfaith community-based organizations that help elderly people find purpose and meaning throughout their mature years
  • Eldercare Locator – Directory for general services for the elderly, including community networks
  • National Center for Creative Aging – Connects elderly people and caregivers to communities and lifelong learning opportunities
  • SeniorCorps – National service that pairs elderly people with mentoring opportunities
  • Local resources – Check your local library or newspaper for free events, clubs, and opportunities that suit the needs and interests of you or your loved one
  • University or college courses – Many institutes of higher education offer continuing education classes for the elderly or allow elderly community members to audit courses for a small fee

If you or your loved one could use help to remain at home, American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that come to your home and can perform a variety of services, including companionship and socialization, and help with daily household activities. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 for more information and to schedule your free in-home consultation.