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.

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

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[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

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