Preventing Elder Abuse: How Can You Keep Your Senior Safe?

Unfortunately, senior care professionals know that elder abuse is a problem in many situations. From financial abuse to physical abuse to emotional abuse, elderly individuals are treated horrifically in numerous ways. The good news, though, is that there are steps that can be taken to prevent this type of mistreatment; however, it is important to note that all situations are not preventable and that, if your senior has suffered from this type of abuse, you are not necessarily at fault for failing to keep it from happening. This said, here are a few ways that eldercare professionals encourage supporting senior health by trying to avoid the occurrence of elder abuse.

If your loved one lives in an assisted living, nursing, or other senior facility, keep in contact with them. Consistently call and visit to make certain that they are healthy and happy—and that they are being treated well by the staff members and other residents. Likewise, keep open lines of communication with the professionals running the facility and take all suspicions seriously.

Should your loved one require the assistance of a home care specialist, interview the candidates and choose one that you believe will best meet your senior's needs. If you are going through an organization, pick a company that only hires licensed, insured, and experienced professionals who have passed the necessary background checks and have a clean record.

If you have any suspicions about the management of your senior's finances, investigate the problem. For instance, you might suspect that a family member is being dishonest in their dealings. If necessary, hire a lawyer to oversee the financial assets that your elderly loved one possesses in order to make certain that they are handled properly.

Pay close attention to your loved one's behavior. Any sudden changes in personality, physical health, etc. may be indicative of an abusive situation. Make sure, though, that you investigate all possibilities before making accusations.

When it comes to eldercare, Always Best Care Burlington-Greensboro professionals know that you hold a great deal of responsibility when you are undertaking the health and wellbeing of your loved one. Preventing elder abuse is not always possible, but with these steps you can minimize the risk that your senior faces.

Celebrating Grandparents' Day with Your Senior

The calendar is marked with multiple holidays that are meant to celebrate the various people in your life. Mother's Day and Father's Day are two of the most popular, but there are many other designated dates upon which to voice your appreciation for your loved ones. Eldercare professionals know that Grandparents' Day, is a wonderful time to recognize your seniors and all that they do for you and your family.

Understanding Your Relationship with Your Loved One
Celebrating Grandparents' Day is a wonderful way to show your love for your seniors. But the truth is that every elderly individual will not appreciate the same recognition on this holiday. Some love large gatherings with family and friends, and they will enjoy a party that allows them to socialize with loved ones and spend the evening eating, talking, and enjoying one another's company. Others may prefer a more intimate gathering with just a few people, or even one on one time during which they can spend a quality afternoon with a particularly important family member.

Understanding the dynamic of your relationship between yourself and your senior will help you to determine the best way to mark this important day. Make sure that you tailor your method of celebration to what your loved one will enjoy, not to what you want, as it is their day, after all.

Activities to Build Relationships and Have Fun
Whether you opt for a large party or a small gathering, Grandparents' Day is a wonderful time to mark and strengthen familial relationships. Having the right activities planned is crucial, so put some thought into how to best honor these bonds. The professionals of eldercare, Always Best Care Burlington-Greensboro remarks, know that there are several different ways to celebrate your seniors' lives that will help other family members to better appreciate them.

Senior care providers encourage families to engage in the activities that their grandparents love on this special occasion, from simply sitting around talking to going for a walk to visiting a favorite park to hosting a dinner for friends and family. Additionally, listening to your senior talk about their childhood and your family's roots can help build stronger relationships and strengthen familial bonds.

Managing Caregiver Burnout and Depression: Protecting Your Mental Health

Caregiving is a highly rewarding task, particularly if you are looking out for your elderly loved one. But when it comes to eldercare, Burlington-Greensboro professionals know that the heavy responsibilities associated with this activity can prove damaging to your mental health. Caregiver burnout and depression are quite common among family members and professionals who work to ensure that elderly individuals are safe, healthy, and have everything they need to live the highest quality life possible. Eldercare professionals offer the following tips for maintaining positive mental health so that you can best take care of your loved one.

Take Advantage of Respite Care 
Respite care occurs when a caregiver needs a few days or weeks off and has another individual take over the care of an elderly loved one during this time period. Whether you call upon a family member, friend, or professional, it is important to give yourself a break as needed in order to keep yourself from becoming burned out.

Talk to Professionals
Caregiving is a very demanding task, one that forces you to face the mortality of your loved one—and yourself—head on in some cases. This is an incredibly emotional experience, and talking to a professional can help you sort through those emotions in a healthy manner. If you feel as though you are starting to develop depression, or if you want to prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a professional to keep yourself healthy. Remember, you cannot take the best care of your loved one if you don't first take care of yourself.

Don't Abandon Your Own Life
All too often individuals dedicate every waking hour to their elderly loved ones, leaving them socially isolated. It is important that you keep up with friends and other family members and that you take time to get out of the house and enjoy their company. Make sure you engage in your favorite hobbies to keep your own life going as you help your senior do the same.

Ultimately, caregiver burnout and depression are natural responses to the responsibilities of eldercare. But with the right approach, you can address and prevent these issues before they become serious concerns.

DIY Home Improvement Projects to Keep Your Senior Safe

Home improvements are essential in keeping your senior's house safe. Over the years, your loved one may want to continue aging in place but may naturally face difficulty doing so due to mobility limitations and other side effects of the aging process. To help out, it is a wonderful idea to make any improvements that you can yourself. But what, exactly, can you do to assist your senior in creating a more secure living environment? When it comes to home care, Always Best Care Burlington-Greensboro professionals know that there are many projects you can tackle to meet your elderly loved one's safety needs.

Address Flooring Issues
Falling is one of the most dangerous accidents that can happen for seniors, as they can suffer from severe injuries and have a difficult time getting up. As such, a spill can result in your elderly loved one staying on the floor until someone comes to see them, which could be hours or more. Because uneven flooring is a primary cause of trips and falls, it is imperative to make sure that your senior has solid, even surfaces throughout their home.

Start by evaluating the carpeting and rugs. Put a non-slip backing on any rugs and make sure that the ends stay down. If the ends are curled up, it is a good idea to replace the rug. Additionally, check any tiles for chips that could pose a threat. If necessary, you can remove this tile and replace it quite quickly once you have all of the resources you need.

Improve Lighting
Lighting, both inside and outside, is key to safety. Without proper lighting your elderly loved one may trip and fall or stumble into furniture. Additionally, they may miss steps on a staircase or veer off of the sidewalk or driveway onto uneven terrain. Check all lights and add any in rooms that are too dark. Floor and table lamps that connect to an electric switch are wonderful options. Outside, consider adding security lights that turn on when movement is detected to ensure that your senior has plenty of light when they need it.

There are many ways in which you can improve the safety of your elderly loved one's living environment. Home care professionals encourage you to investigate your senior's needs and work on any DIY projects that you can to improve their surroundings.

At Home Exercises for the Elderly: Keeping Your Senior in Shape

When it comes to home care, Always Best Care Burlington-Greensboro professionals know that there are many different facets of responsibility. Home care professionals are tasked with ensuring that seniors have a safe, clean living environment, that they dress daily, engage in personal hygiene activity, have access to healthy, nutritious meals, etc. One particularly important aspect of eldercare, though, is the provision of assistance with regard to exercise.

Seniors often cannot go for a jog or lift weights in the gym, but they do need to stay as active as possible in order to retain the highest degree of overall wellbeing. Keeping active can help seniors retain muscle and bone mass, which can assist in preventing injuries and staving off mobility issues. Below are some of the ways in which you can encourage your elderly loved one to exercise.

• Go for a daily walk. If your senior is fit and able, try walking at a brisk pace. If not, take it as slow as they need to. Aim for a 30 minute walk each day. 
• If your loved one is into gardening, encourage them to get out and tend to their plants. Gardening is a surprisingly great form of exercise, and if your senior needs assistance it offers a wonderful opportunity for you and other family members to spend quality time with your elderly loved one. 
• Follow the recommendations of your senior's doctor with regard to physical therapy. Oftentimes, appointments with physical therapists can lead to improved flexibility, mobility, and overall wellbeing. This is a particularly great option if your loved one has an injury or illness that has impacted their physical activity. 
• Have your senior try a yoga class. Yoga is a wonderful choice because it encourages flexibility and strength and allows for the modification of difficult moves, meaning that it is a fantastic form of exercise for individuals of all levels. 

Ultimately, you should strive to help your senior get at least 30 minutes of physical activity in each day—and more if possible. You certainly don't want your loved one to overdo it, but daily exercise can greatly improve their health and quality of life.

Act FAST: Understanding the Signs of a Stroke

A stroke is an event during which the blood supply is cut off from the brain, either due to a blood clot or a hemorrhage. As you might imagine, this is a very traumatic and dangerous experience—one that can lead to severe damage to the brain and even death. As such, eldercare professionals encourage you to understand the signs of stroke and to act quickly if you believe that your senior is suffering from this event. When it comes to eldercare, Always Best Care of Burlington knows that it can be difficult to remember all of the symptoms of conditions that your loved one could develop. Luckily, the signs of stroke are easy to commit to memory, as they spell out the word "fast." The National Stroke Association explains:1

• Face: If your senior's smile droops on one side, this may be a sign of a stroke. 
• Arms: When your senior raises both arms out parallel to the floor, they may be suffering from a stroke if one arm does not stay level and, instead, angles down to one side. 
• Speech: A stroke often results in slurred speech, or the inability to use the right words to convey ideas. Ask your loved one to speak and, if they have difficulty, seek medical assistance immediately. 
• Time: Getting your senior into the care of a trained and experienced doctor is key in preventing lasting damage from being caused by a stroke. The sooner you call 911 the better your loved one's odds of recovery. 

In addition to these symptoms there are other warning signs of stroke, including:

• Numbness of the extremities or face
• Weakness of the extremities or face
• Confusion 
• Difficulty understanding
• Vision impairment
• Dizziness
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of balance
• Severe headache

Senior care professionals urge you to familiarize yourself with these symptoms and make certain that, should any of them appear in your loved one, you help your senior access the attention of a medical professional immediately. A stroke is a scary and disorienting experience, for both individuals who are suffering from them and their loved ones who witness it. As such, try to stay calm and get your senior the help they need as quickly as possible.
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1 http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=symp

Checklist for Doctor's Checkups for Your Senior

One of the most important responsibilities of family members who are taking care of their elderly loved ones is to ensure that they have access to the healthcare that they need to keep their quality of life as high as possible. Scheduling regular checkups at the doctor's office is part of a comprehensive healthcare plan; however, it is important that you understand just what your loved one needs in terms of screenings and preventative measures at each of these checkups, as some may require your senior to visit different kinds of doctors (i.e. OB/GYNs or urologists). A leader in eldercare, Always Best Care Burlington-Greensboro has offered the following list of services that your loved one should receive at various times throughout the year.

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination
• Pneumococcal vaccination
• Zostavax vaccination
• Flu vaccination
• Mammogram (for women)
• Pap test/cervical cancer screening (for women)
• Prostate cancer screening (for men)
• Colorectal cancer screening (method depends upon doctor recommendation)
• Cholesterol screening
• Glaucoma screening
• Hearing screening
• Vision screening
• Osteoporosis screening

Annual physical examination
These are the basic tests that eldercare professionals encourage your senior to undergo regularly; however, there are other things to take into consideration when your elderly loved one visits the doctor. The following are some of the topics you may consider bringing up to ensure that your senior has the highest quality of life possible.

• Nutrition: Ask your loved one's doctor if they have any dietary recommendations based upon your senior's medical history and current state. For instance, they may need to reduce sodium intake or increase consumption of foods that are high in fiber. 
• Physical activity: Exercise is important at every stage of life, and seniors need to stay physically active to remain as healthy as possible. Ask the doctor if your elderly loved one needs to gain or lose weight and what kind of physical activity is appropriate for their health level. 

Eldercare professionals know that it can be difficult to manage your senior's healthcare, but by knowing what your loved one needs you can better navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Seniors and Pets

A leader in home care, Always Best Care Burlington-Greensboro has long served to assist its professionals in helping seniors to create the best living spaces possible. For many elderly individuals, a positive, comfortable living environment encompasses beloved pets. Dogs and cats are most popular, but some seniors have birds and other pets, too. But is it really in your elderly loved one's best interest to take on the responsibility of a pet, and can your home care provider help in the care of the animal?

Pros of Having a Pet
Ultimately, pets provide a great deal of comfort to seniors. Individuals who are living alone, particularly, can benefit from the companionship of an animal. Dogs and cats are wonderful options, as they provide physical contact that has been shown to keep anxiety levels down and ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness. Pets can also be great sources of exercise to their owners, as dogs require daily walks and can serve to get their seniors out and about.

Cons of Having a Pet
While the companionship that a pet provides is undeniably beneficial to seniors, it is also true that there are some challenges that elderly individuals may face when trying to care for their animals. First and foremost are concerns of mobility, as seniors who cannot go for walks with their dogs may not be able to provide them with the amount of exercise that they need to stay healthy. Additionally, elderly individuals who have cats may have difficulty cleaning out the litter box on a regular basis, as this often requires bending over and handling large, heavy containers of litter. Finally, actually purchasing and transporting large bags of food and litter may be difficult for seniors.

Asking for Assistance
When considering whether or not to get a new pet or to keep a current one, it is important for seniors to determine what help they need and where they can find it. Oftentimes, home care providers can assist with the feeding of animals and other tasks, but this is something that should be approached on a case by case basis. If your loved one is facing challenges with this regard, talk to their eldercare professional to see how they can help.

Hearing Loss and Dementia: Understanding the Connection

Dementia, which includes Alzheimer's disease, is a major concern for many families, as it can prove difficult for seniors and their loved ones to cope with this condition. As such, eldercare and dementia care professionals encourage families to plan for such a disease by understanding the risk factors that may lead to it. One such risk factor, according to a 2011 study performed at the John Hopkins School of Medicine, is hearing loss.

According to an article published by The Huffington Post, researchers involved in the study looked at 639 adults who were aged 36 to 90.1 Over the course of four years, these participants were tested for their cognitive and aural health. For the next 14 years, until May of 2008, researchers kept tabs on which participants developed Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

When the study began, none of the participants suffered from dementia; however, 125 of them had mild hearing loss, 53 had moderate hearing loss, and six had severe hearing loss. The results, at the end of the study, revealed that individuals who had hearing loss at the onset of the initiative were more likely to develop dementia. The article explains: "[...] the greater the hearing loss, the more chance there was. This was a noticeable trend for the Alzheimer's too: Baltimore's Dr. Frank Lin reported that for every 10 decibels of hearing lost, the extra likelihood of development jumped up by 20 percent."

Other studies have corroborated the evidence found in this one, including one conducted in 2013 by researchers at the Health ABC Study Group. But this does not mean that hearing loss necessitates dementia; the development of hearing loss does not automatically lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease or any other form of cognitive difficulty. Ultimately, the information gathered during these studies should serve to help seniors and their families to stay aware of the risks that they face and to ensure that the proper precautions, treatment methods, and other activities are put into place to detect and address the issue should it arise. Dementia care providers at Always Best Care of Burlington-Greensboro encourage you to reach out to your loved one's doctor if you have any concerns about their health.
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¹ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-rokins/dementia-research_b_3069308.html

Is Home Care the Best Option for Your Family?

The professionals in home care at Always Best Care of Burlington-Greensboro understand that aging in place is not always easy for seniors or their families. As individuals age, they require an increasing amount of assistance in maintaining their homes, their health, and their quality of life. As such, many families believe that moving their elderly loved ones into an assisted living or nursing home is the best route, as they will have access to the support they need. But the truth is that there is another option: home care. With the home care services that are provided by elder care professionals, seniors have the ability to age in place without compromising their homes, their health, or their quality of life. While this is a wonderful option for many families, though, it is important to know whether or not home care is right for your loved one.

Who Benefits Most from Home Care?
Ultimately, home care is best suited for individuals who are interested in aging in place and who do not suffer from any major health conditions. The professionals who care for elderly individuals in their homes often provide the following services:

• Assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, eating, bathing, personal grooming, etc.  
• Meal preparation
• Light housekeeping 
• Transportation
• Medication administration

If your elderly loved one has medical needs you may hire a trained and certified professional to provide for these needs in their home; however, certain conditions are best cared for in a nursing or other facility.

Talking to Your Loved One
It is important to remember that, when your senior gets older, they may still have an opinion about the care that they receive. As such, it is crucial that you speak with your elderly loved one about their wishes and that you and your family members try to find a way to honor these wishes if possible. Should your senior want to age in place, you can certainly call upon the assistance of home care professionals to keep them safe and healthy as they do so.

Protecting Your Senior Against the Heat this Summer

Summer is a favorite season of many individuals, as it provides the chance to soak up some sun and enjoy the warmer temperatures. But for those seniors living in the South, these temperatures may become dangerously high—and they can actually lead to several life-threatening medical complications. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, encourage you to learn what these medical complications are and how you can help your elderly loved one prevent them.

Health Concerns: What Can High Temperatures Do?
When your senior is exposed to exceedingly high temperatures they can develop a long list of medical conditions. These include hyperthermia, heat fatigue, heat exhaustion, heat syncope (which manifests as sudden dizziness), heat cramps, and heat stroke. Some of these conditions, if not addressed right away, can lead to serious health concerns and, in extreme cases, death. As such, it is integral that you know how to protect your senior against these issues.

Tips for Keeping Elderly Individuals Cool this Summer
First and foremost, make sure that your loved one has access to a cool living environment. If they do not have central air conditioning in their home, help them to install window units so that they can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout their living space.

If your senior is determined to spend time outside, make sure that they do so during the early morning hours before the heat of the day has set in. On mornings that are particularly hot and humid, though, encourage your loved one to stay inside—particularly if they have heart, kidney, or lung disease or suffer from poor circulation.

When your elderly loved one is ready to spend some time out of the house, help them choose indoor destinations that will provide a comfortable environment. For instance, they may visit the local mall, go see a movie, or spend time at the community center. This will help them to keep cool without having to stay in their house at all times.

The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance (http://www.abc-seniorservice.com) know that summer is a very dangerous time of year for seniors, as the heat can cause truly devastating medical complications. As such, these professionals urge you to follow these recommendations when caring for your loved one. If you suspect that your senior is being affected by the heat it is important that you seek medical attention immediately.

Managing Your Senior's Health Needs

If you are providing home care for your elderly loved one, you are well aware that there are many different tasks that you need to oversee in order to ensure that they are in the best health possible—especially if your senior has any medical conditions that they are fighting. The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, are certain that, with the right approach, you can take wonderful care of your loved one while helping them to maintain the highest quality of life.

Step 1: Understanding Your Senior's Needs
First and foremost, you must learn what, exactly, your elderly loved one needs from you with regard to their medical condition. What ailment are they fighting and what are the doctor's appointments, medications, therapies, etc. that are associated with it? Additionally, it is important for you to learn of any warning signs that you should be on the lookout for, such as symptoms that indicate the need for medical attention.

Step 2: Organizing Doctor's Appointments and Medication Schedules
Ultimately, maintaining an organized approach to your loved one's medical needs is the best way to ensure that they have the high quality care that they deserve—and that nothing goes overlooked. Use a calendar to keep track of when doctor's appointments are scheduled, when prescriptions need to be refilled, and when medications should be administered. By having all of this information in one place, you can quickly reference your calendar to answer any questions that may arise about your loved one's health.

Step 3: Keeping Medical Information Up to Date
If you are not the only person caring for your elderly loved one (i.e. if you have siblings helping or call upon a professional home care provider's assistance) it is important that the individuals involved have access to the medical information they may need. It is a good idea to keep notes from doctor's appointments, prescriptions, and other key pieces of documentation in a folder so that anyone who needs information regarding dosage, previous exams, etc. can access it easily.

The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance know that taking care of your senior's medical needs is not always an easy task; however, by staying organized, you can provide the high degree of care your elderly loved one needs to maintain the best health possible.

Summer Bonding: Activities for Your Kids and Elderly Parents

By Joanne Pizzuto

The summer is a great chance for your kids and your elderly parents to spend some time together, as your children are out of school and you may have to bring them with you to care for your seniors if they require extra help during the week. As such, the summer is a wonderful opportunity for your kids and your parents to get to know one another and create lifelong memories. Having a great relationship with their grandparents is a wonderful way for your kids to enjoy their company and create the supportive familial network that will help them to get through the challenges they face as they grow. Below are some activities that you can facilitate to allow your kids and your parents to spend some quality time together this summer.

1. When you go to your parents' house to clean and take care of routine activities (such as helping pay bills, etc.) bring your children along. Bring a board game, puzzle, or other favorite activity that your kids and your parents can work on together. If your loved ones complete a puzzle, frame it so that they have something to remember their fun times together for years to come.
   
2. Invite your parents along when your kids have extracurricular activities. For instance, team sporting events are a wonderful occasion for your seniors to get out of the house and support their grandchildren in their endeavors. Plan to spend some family time before or after the activity so that all of your loved ones can enjoy one another's company.
   
3. To beat the heat, schedule trips to the local museum or to the movie theater. Many local theaters offer free movies to kids on the weekends and can provide a great setting for your family members to bond while enjoying some of their favorite films. 

Ultimately, it is important that you help your parents and your kids to create strong relationships. The bond between a child and their grandparents is strong, and these and other activities will help your loved ones to create memories that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Keeping Your Senior Active While Avoiding the Summer Heat

By Joanne Pizzuto

Staying physically active is important for people of all ages, but for seniors, in particular, it is crucial that they are able to engage in physical activities that promote their wellbeing, maintain their range of motion, and help to keep their cardiovascular and other systems healthy. During the cooler months, strolls around the block and other outdoor activities are wonderful options for elderly individuals who are looking to stay fit. But during the summer the heat can prove exceptionally dangerous. The following suggestions can help you to guide your senior toward physical activities that keep them fit without subjecting them to the soaring summer temperatures.

Indoor Athletics
If your senior enjoys working out, such as walking or doing water aerobics, help them to choose a gym that suits their needs and allows them to engage in these activities indoors. There are many athletic complexes that offer indoor facilities, and your loved one will also benefit from having the support of a trained gym staff on hand.

Active Pastimes
Instead of sitting at home watching television or reading, get your senior out of the house and moving around. Go to the mall and walk around for an hour or so to get in some cardio and peruse the latest merchandise. Likewise, you and your elderly loved one may opt to visit the local museum to check out the latest exhibitions. Choose somewhere that is air conditioned, offers places to rest, and has access to water and food. This will allow you to enjoy an active and fun afternoon out while beating the heat.

Outdoor Activities in Moderation
If your senior is bent on spending time outside, say if they want to tend to their garden, it is important that they do so during the coolest parts of the day. Have them get all of their outdoor activity done during the early morning hours, before the heat of the day. This will allow them to benefit from the cooler morning temperatures while staying out of direct sunlight.

Summer is a season that many people look forward to after a long winter, but it is important that elderly individuals stay both active and safe during these warmer months. These activities can help your senior keep their activity level up without risking too much exposure to the heat.

Alzheimer's Care Greensboro

By Joanne Pizzuto

Alzheimer's Care Greensboro often brings on extra stress when Alzheimer's or dementia are added to care issues. Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition with which millions of people must cope. But the families of seniors who have this illness are also impacted by the disease, which can be difficult for many people to understand. Alzheimer’s affects the personality, judgment, and memory of seniors, creating situations in which they may believe they are living 20 years in the past, or they may not recognize their loved ones. The dementia care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, know that Alzheimer’s disease is very difficult for caregivers and other family members to accept. These senior care professionals have offered the following tips to help you and your family cope with this illness.

Teach Family Members about the Disease

Understanding why your loved one is acting in a certain way is key in recognizing the impact that Alzheimer’s has on an individual. For instance, this disease can cause rapid mood swings and can even change the personality of a senior. When family members are faced with such alterations in their loved one, it is important that they understand that the disease has caused this change and that, if their senior is acting angry or mean, they are not doing so on purpose.

Encourage Family Members to Make the Most of the Time They Have

Because Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, it gets worse over time. As soon as your family is aware that the illness is present, it is important to spend as much time as possible with your elderly loved one. This will allow family members to create memories with their senior before their loved one’s condition progresses to the point that they do not remember the people who matter the most to them.

Explore Treatment Options

One of the most devastating aspects of watching a family member suffer from Alzheimer’s disease is feeling helpless. With no cure, the condition gets worse until seniors pass. But there are ways in which doctors can treat the disease and, if it is diagnosed quickly enough, even slow its progression. Understanding the treatment options available to your senior will allow your family to choose the care plan that best matches your loved one’s wishes.

The dementia care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.

Visit our video page where you can find senior care videos that may help in the decisions you are facing.

Our Resources page may also provide needed information.

We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to  make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Call today (336) 512-6744

Parkinson's Disease: What Are the Treatment Options?

By Joanne Pizzuto
Parkinson's disease has no known cure, although researchers are working ardently to continue to explore options with this regard. But this doesn't mean that individuals who have Parkinson's disease must face this condition without any assistance from their medical professionals. In fact, there are several different treatment options that seniors who have this illness can call upon in order to improve their quality of life and manage the symptoms of the disease.[1]

First and foremost, it is important to note that, because of the many systems of the body and aspects of life that Parkinson's disease can impact, it often takes a team of healthcare and other professionals to develop a treatment plan that best fits an individual's case. This team may comprise a neurologist, therapists (including speech, physical, and occupational), counselors, dietitians, and even social workers. Together, these professionals will strive to improve quality of life by enhancing mobility and function and reducing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as rigidity and tremor.

To achieve their goals, medical teams frequently call upon both pharmaceutical and surgical options. Pharmaceutical options are often attempted first, as they are not invasive and present lower risk to patients. Individuals who have Parkinson's disease may be prescribed a wide range of medications, including:

• Neupro
• Deprenyl
• Artane
• Dopar
• Cogentin
• Larodopa
• Comtan
• Sinemet
• Tasmar
• Requip
• Mirapex

When these drugs are ineffective, or if an individual has a negative response to them, then medical teams may further consider the surgical options that may prove beneficial for seniors. The decision to perform surgery also depends on the medical history of the patient, the symptoms that they are experiencing, and other considerations. If surgery is recommended, medical teams may advise that individuals undergo one of the following procedures: deep brain stimulation, gamma knife, pallidotomy, or thalamotomy. 

If your elderly loved one has Parkinson's disease it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the treatment options available so that you can work with their medical team to advocate for their best interest. Should you have any questions regarding the treatment plan recommended by your loved one's healthcare professionals it is best to ask for more information.

The Home Care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of an elderly loved one  is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.

Visit our video page where you can find senior care videos that may help in the decisions you are facing.

Our Resources page may also provide needed information.

We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to  make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Call today (336) 512-6744

[1] Information in article from http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-treatment-options

Parkinson's Disease: What Are the Symptoms?

By Joanne Pizzuto
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that interferes with the brain's ability to control the body. Simply speaking, the neurons in the brain die for as of yet unknown causes. When this happens, they release dopamine. This surge in dopamine interferes with the remaining neurons' ability to manage the movement of the body.[1] As such, the symptoms that individuals experience with regard to this condition are often related to motor function. This April, which is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, encourage you to learn more about this disease. Here, they share the symptoms that frequently accompany Parkinson's disease.

The Personal Nature of Parkinson's

While the cause of the symptoms that individuals with Parkinson's disease experience is the same across all cases, the actual symptoms that emerge are not. In fact, this condition can create completely different experiences from one individual to the next. For this reason, it is important to remember that not all seniors who suffer from this disease will have the same symptoms. 

Primary Motor Symptoms[2]

Resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability are the four primary motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.  While every individual who has this condition will not suffer from all four of these hallmark symptoms, most will experience at least one of them. Resting tremor is seen in approximately 70 percent of Parkinson's disease cases and causes shaking in the face, jaw, foot, or hand. Bradykinesia takes place when individuals have a difficult time moving quickly. Rigidity restricts movement altogether, most frequently in the core and the limbs. Finally, postural instability is one of the most common symptoms. This causes individuals to have difficulty finding stability when they are standing.

Additional Symptoms[3]

While the primary motor symptoms are the most common, there are numerous other signs of Parkinson's disease. Some of these include:

• Freezing gait
• Micrographia
• Mask-like expression
• Unwanted accelerations
• Stooped posture
• Dystonia
• Akathisia
• Difficulty swallowing
• Speech impairment

The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance (http://www.abc-seniorservice.com) understand that Parkinson's disease creates a different experience for each individual it impacts. By learning the symptoms of this condition, you can take better care of your elderly loved one. The senior care providers encourage you to share this information with others in observance of Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month.

The Home Care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of an elderly loved one  is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.

Visit our video page where you can find senior care videos that may help in the decisions you are facing.

Our Resources page may also provide needed information.

We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to  make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Call today (336) 512-6744

---

[1] http://www.pdf.org/about_pd

[2] http://www.pdf.org/symptoms_primary

[3] http://www.pdf.org/symptoms_secondary

Treating Parkinson's Disease in Greensboro and Burlington: R.O.S. Therapy System

By Joanne Pizzuto
Parkinson's disease is a condition that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of seniors; however, there are ways to minimize the effects of this illness through the right therapy and treatment. Recently, the professionals at Always Best Care who provide home care in Greensboro, Burlington,  High Point and the surrounding areas, have turned to R.O.S. Therapy Systems to provide support to elderly individuals who have Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia through the R.O.S. Play Therapy System. This resource calls upon a range of activity boards and games to assist seniors with the following:

·       Expressing creativity

·       Memory Cues

·       Self-worth

·       Pride

·       Esteem

·       Orientation regarding time, place, and people

·       Motivation

·       Reality testing

·       Stimulation of interest in the environment

·       Stimulation of tactile, visual, and auditory senses

·       Decision making

·       Enjoyment

About R.O.S. Therapy System

In 2010, this therapy system was created to support the needs of Roger Silknitter, who had fought Parkinson's disease and dementia for 25 years. Through the design of this particular therapeutic approach, seniors are able to achieve a higher quality of life because they are able to engage in activities that both boost cognitive and motor functions and are entertaining. Because the quality of life and health of elderly individuals are top priorities at Always Best Care, the senior care professionals at this organization have adopted this therapy system to benefit the elderly individuals they care for.

The bundle package that the home care providers at this organization share with seniors includes a console and several different game boards, such as solitaire, tic tac toe, and mini puzzles. With a wedge cushion to support the console, elderly individuals are able to engage in this form of therapy easily—allowing them to get the maximum benefits possible.

Ask Your Loved One's Care Provider about the R.O.S. Therapy System

If your elderly loved one suffers from Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia and they are not already using the R.O.S. Therapy System it is a great idea to ask their home care provider if they can incorporate this therapeutic resource into your senior's care plan. This particular form of therapy has shown positive results in numerous seniors, who are able to experience a higher quality of life through its support.

The Home Care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of an elderly loved one  is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.

Visit our video page where you can find senior care videos that may help in the decisions you are facing.

Our Resources page may also provide needed information.

We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to  make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Call today (336) 512-6744

Parkinson's Disease - Greensboro and Burlington: What is it?

By Joanne Pizzuto
Parkinson's disease is a condition that many people have heard of; however, few people are aware of the details surrounding this illness. As April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, the home care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, are focused on educating others about this condition. Here are some basic facts about Parkinson's disease to help you better understand what this illness is and how it impacts seniors.[1]

1.     Parkinson's disease is categorized as a progressive movement disorder that is chronic in nature, which means that the severity of the illness increases over time.

2.     Almost one million individuals across the United States have Parkinson's disease.

3.     The cause of this illness is not yet understood and there is no cure; however, treatment options have been developed that assist individuals in managing their health and maintaining the highest quality of life possible.

4.     The most common signs of Parkinson's disease include postural instability (difficulty maintaining balance and challenges with coordination), bradykinesia (slow movement), tremors (frequently occurring in the jaw, arms, legs, hands, and face), and rigidity (often in the core and limbs).

5.     The cause of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease is the death or otherwise dysfunction of nerve cells within the brain. When these neurons, most of which are located in the substantia nigra, die, they frequently release dopamine. The surge in this chemical impacts the ability of the remaining neurons to maintain control over the movement of the body.

6.     The symptoms that an individual with Parkinson's disease experiences are unique. The nature of this disease means that each individual who develops it has a different experience. For instance, one senior may experience rigidity and tremor while another has bradykinesia and postural instability.

7.     The current treatment options available for Parkinson's disease include both pharmaceutical and surgical approaches. Doctors work with individual patients to determine the best treatment methods for their unique cases. Because this illness is progressive, treatment may become more intense as time goes on.

The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance (http://www.abc-seniorservice.com) encourage you to support Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month by learning more about this condition. If possible, they recommend getting involved in events that support research regarding this illness, such as annual walks or runs that are targeted at raising money for research and supporting members of the community who suffer from this disease.

The Home Care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of an elderly loved one  is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.

Visit our video page where you can find senior care videos that may help in the decisions you are facing.

Our Resources page may also provide needed information.

We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to  make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Call today (336) 512-6744

---

[1] http://www.pdf.org/about_pd

Greensboro Senior Care: How Can Senior Care Professionals Help with Your Senior's Meal Plan?

By Joanne Pizzuto
Greensboro Senior Care knows that as seniors age, it is important that they have the necessary assistance when it comes to grocery shopping and preparing nutritious meals. Oftentimes, elderly individuals who are unable to drive or to cook become malnourished and sick because they are not getting the vitamins and nutrients they need from a well-rounded diet. But there are ways to assist your loved one in sticking to a healthy diet—even if you cannot be physically present to do so yourself. Professional home care providers, specialists in elder care in Greensboro, can step in and see to it that your senior is well taken care of. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford Counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro,  can assist with helping your senior maintain a healthy diet with some of these tips:

1.     Going shopping: Many seniors cannot drive themselves to the grocery store. Additionally, bringing bags back home using public transit is extremely difficult for most people, particularly if they purchase more than will fit in one or two shopping bags. A home care professional can drive your loved one to the grocery store and help them bring their bags home.

2.     Navigating the supermarket: Seniors frequently have a difficult time reaching items on upper shelves. Additionally, they may find it tiresome to walk through the store. With the assistance of a home care professional, your elderly loved one can use a motorized scooter or wheelchair and can forgo the hassle of having to reach for the items they need.

3.     Creating a meal plan: If your senior has Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, they may find planning to be difficult. A home care professional can assist your loved one in putting together a healthy menu for the week so that they do not have to worry about what to eat.

4.     Cooking: Lifting heavy pots and pans, measuring out ingredients, and other aspects of the cooking process can prove difficult for elderly individuals. As such, senior care professionals can take over the responsibility of cooking so that your loved one can enjoy nutritious, hot meals every day.

If your elderly loved one needs assistance with creating and sticking to a meal plan, it may be in their best interest for your family to hire a home care provider.


The Home Care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of an elderly loved one  is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.

Visit our video page where you can find senior care videos that may help in the decisions you are facing.

Our Resources page may also provide needed information.

We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to  make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Call today (336) 512-6744

Home Care Greensboro: How Can Technology Assist with Elder Care?

By Joanne Pizzuto
Home Care Greensboro  - at Always Best Care of Alamance we know that as an individual who provides elder care for a loved one, you understand just how overwhelming the responsibilities of such a position can become. You may feel as though you have a to do list a mile long and no help to get through it. Home care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, know that you might find help in unexpected places. Today's technology has created a variety of resources that you can call upon to help you organize and streamline the care that you provide.

Communication: Keeping Up with Your Senior

In some cases, you may be able to see your senior each and every day; in others, though, it is important that you use technological devices to stay in touch. Skype and Facetime allow you to video chat with your elderly loved one. In so doing, you can see one another while carrying on a conversation, as if you were in the same room talking face to face.

Texting and emailing are also wonderful resources to assist you in keeping the lines of communication clear with your senior. If you cannot be present physically, these technological modes of communication work wonders.

Organization: Using Technological Devices to Manage Daily Tasks

As someone who is providing elder care, you are most likely managing the days of both your senior and your own family. As such, you may find that your schedule can get confusing very quickly. Add to this the need to remember medications, doctor's appointments, etc. and you can find yourself in a bit of a jam. But the technological gadgets that you can employ to boost your organization can alleviate the stress that such a hectic schedule can cause.

Try taking a look at your routine and pinpointing the areas in which you need a bit of organizational assistance. You can incorporate medication alerts into your daily schedule by using the alarm on your cell phone or another medication alert provider. Furthermore, if you are often on the go, try using an Internet-based calendar that you can access from your smartphone, computer, or tablet. This will allow you to stay organized even when running errands or working. 

The home care providers at Always Best Care of Alamance know that the responsibilities of caring for your elderly loved one can seem great; however, they also understand that, with the help of the right technological resources, you can streamline your caregiving efforts and reduce the stress of your schedule. 

The Home Care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of an elderly loved one  is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.

Visit our video page where you can find senior care videos that may help in the decisions you are facing.

Our Resources page may also provide needed information.

We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to  make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Call today (336) 512-6744

Alzheimer's Care Greensboro: Helping Your Family Cope

By Joanne Pizzuto
Alzheimer's Care Greensboro and Senior care and elder care in the Greensboro and Burlington area often bring on extra stress when Alzheimer's or dementia are involved. Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition with which millions of people must cope. But the families of seniors who have this illness are also impacted by the disease, which can be difficult for many people to understand. Alzheimer’s affects the personality, judgment, and memory of seniors, creating situations in which they may believe they are living 20 years in the past, or they may not recognize their loved ones. The dementia care professionals at Always Best Care of Alamance, serving Alamance and Guilford counties, as well as the communities of Burlington, Southern Greensboro, Jamestown, High Point, and Roxboro, know that Alzheimer’s disease is very difficult for caregivers and other family members to accept. These senior care professionals have offered the following tips to help you and your family cope with this illness.

Teach Family Members about the Disease

Understanding why your loved one is acting in a certain way is key in recognizing the impact that Alzheimer’s has on an individual. For instance, this disease can cause rapid mood swings and can even change the personality of a senior. When family members are faced with such alterations in their loved one, it is important that they understand that the disease has caused this change and that, if their senior is acting angry or mean, they are not doing so on purpose.

Encourage Family Members to Make the Most of the Time They Have

Because Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, it gets worse over time. As soon as your family is aware that the illness is present, it is important to spend as much time as possible with your elderly loved one. This will allow family members to create memories with their senior before their loved one’s condition progresses to the point that they do not remember the people who matter the most to them.

Explore Treatment Options

One of the most devastating aspects of watching a family member suffer from Alzheimer’s disease is feeling helpless. With no cure, the condition gets worse until seniors pass. But there are ways in which doctors can treat the disease and, if it is diagnosed quickly enough, even slow its progression. Understanding the treatment options available to your senior will allow your family to choose the care plan that best matches your loved one’s wishes.

The dementia care professionals at Always Best Care know that taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.

Visit our video page where you can find senior care videos that may help in the decisions you are facing.

Our Resources page may also provide needed information.

We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to  make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Call today (336) 512-6744

By Joanne Pizzuto

Senior Care Greensboro: Long-Term Care Insurance - How Can It Benefit Your Family?

By Joanne Pizzuto
Senior Care and elder care in Greensboro - As individuals age, it is only natural that they will start to need assistance with activities that they could once perform on their own. Although the transition from complete independence to needing a bit of help may not be easy, home care providers are available to assist elderly individuals in retaining as much of their independence as possible by allowing them to continue aging in place, rather than having to move into an assisted living or nursing facility. But the expenses associated with any kind of senior care, be it basic or skilled, can add up over time. For families that are on a budget, these mounting expenses can become stressful. For this reason, it is recommended that you look into the benefits of long-term care insurance.

Long-term care insurance was designed to assist families in affording the care that their elderly loved ones need. Most policies will cover basic home care costs, such as those associated with assistance regarding bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, etc. The long-term care policies offered by different insurance companies, and even the range of policies within a company, may vary. As such, it is recommended that you speak with an insurance professional to determine which policy is best for your elderly loved one.

In fact, there are many questions that you are encouraged to ask your insurance professional. It is clear that a long-term care policy can provide numerous benefits to your family. Without it, you might not be able to afford the care your senior needs. But you can only collect these benefits if you understand exactly how your policy works.

Some insurance companies may communicate directly with care providers, enabling you to benefit from the policy without having to do any extra paperwork; however, others may require you to submit a claim personally. Because the claim and benefit distribution processes may vary from one policy to the next, it is important to ask your insurance professional exactly what you will need to do to get the most out of your loved one’s long-term care coverage.

Senior care providers encourage you to investigate the long-term care insurance options available to your loved one. This form of insurance may alleviate a great deal of financial stress from your family.

We at Always Best Care are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Joanne Pizutto, the owner of Always Best Care, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Call today (336) 512-6744
By Joanne Pizzuto