Senior Care in Tucson, AZ: Take a Walk! Seniors Benefit From Walking with a Companion

Physical fitness is essential for good physical and mental health. Walking may be one of the safest forms of exercise for seniors due to the moderately low risk of injury. Walking regularly can help lower blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar levels and significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It may also slow the aging process and helps minimize the risk of developing age-related illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Senior Care Companions Keep Seniors Healthy

Seniors who live independently at home can receive many benefits from in home care provided by professional caregivers. Senior care providers can provide companionship for individuals who enjoy the company of others. Having a companion can help to reduce the feelings of loneliness and insecurity that may be associated with being alone. Staying healthy is often a high priority for seniors living at home and exercising with a companion can encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.

In Home Care Companions Provide Motivation!

Walking with a companion can increase motivation while making the exercise more enjoyable and entertaining. Walking around the neighborhood routinely can become dull and uninspiring; however, walking with a partner can encourage conversation that can help make the walk more pleasant. A trusted in-home senior care professional can give seniors the support they need to keep engaging in the exercises they enjoy to remain as active and fit as possible.

Companions Provide Safety

Walking around the neighborhood alone can be discouraging to many seniors. The fear of injury or being approached by an intimidating individual may contribute to the feeling of insecurity many seniors may experience while walking alone. Walking with a trusted partner can help minimize the feelings of uneasiness while pursuing their goal to be fit and healthy. Many seniors feel reassured when they have someone with them at all times who can call for help in the event of a fall or other type of emergency.

In Good Company….

Enjoying the company of others is often helpful with increasing the quality of life for many individuals and is also extremely important in maintaining good mental health. Caregivers can assist with coordinating an exercise routine based on the individual needs of the senior and encourage them to participate regularly. Safety and companionship are two of the most important services that a senior care professional can offer.

When researching options for senior care agencies in Tucson AZ, call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your senior care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing senior care in Tucson AZ.

Hiring Caregivers in Gilbert, AZ: The Importance of Safety When Hiring a Caregiver for Your Aging Parent

 At some point in time, many adults will find themselves in the position of hiring a caregiver for an aging parent or other senior family member. The easiest way to find a caregiver is via personal recommendation from a trusted party or by sifting through the classified ads on sites such as Craigslist. While some money and time may be saved by using this method, it is not wisest choice in the long term.

The biggest issue in hiring independently… is liability.

The family will literally become the employer and as such would be responsible for any medical and disability expenses the cargiver might incur. People who work freelance in the caregiving industry also tend to leave it very quickly and move on, which could create a difficult situation for the family involved. Most of all, it is more difficult to know what the person’s background actually is, and hiring an independent caregiver is taking a big chance on safety.

Peace of Mind

Hiring through a home care agency will bring peace of mind by knowing details such as withholding, taxes and insurance are taken care of. Agencies can also perform thorough background checks as well as drug testing, and only hire dedicated people who are qualified to do the job. When all of this is factored in, the cost is roughly the same as an independent hire.

Training and Monitoring

A caregiver who works through an agency is trained in first aid techniques and CPR and is also insured and bonded. That person must follow rules and a code of ethics set by the agency. If a CNA is working in a home, that person may be checked up on regularly by a nurse to ensure everything is being done properly.

The Right Caregiver for the Job

A home care agency also offers the choice of different caregiving personnel so if one is not quite the right fit, another person may be substituted. Another advantage is always having someone available to step in if the regular caregiver becomes ill or cannot work for some other reason. The family can avoid the panic of calling around for a replacement and possibly missing work or school if one cannot be found.

When it comes to a beloved senior, the safety and reliability of a home care agency is the best way to go.

When researching options for caregivers in Gilbert AZ, home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Gilbert AZ.

Caregiving and Respite Care: Go Ahead and Take a Family Vacation, Mom is Ok!

Providing care for a family member could possibly be the finest expression of love and loyalty that one human can show to another. Irrespective of whether care is provided 24 hours a day or part-time, caregiving has the potential to be physically and emotionally draining. That is why, even with the benefits of caring for an aging parent, it is necessary for the caregiver to provide themselves with some of the same TLC that they give mom or dad.

Rested Caregivers-Better Care

Caregivers who are not over-stressed and frazzled provide a better standard of care and enjoy a healthier mindset. They are able to really concentrate on the blessing of having their aging parent with them at home in lieu of a full-time facility. They find satisfaction in providing wonderful, loving care that no one else could supply in quite the same loving fashion. Caregiving seems like one of the most gratifying occupations when the caregiver is healthy and balanced, relaxed and at peace.

Respite Care is Just the Ticket

However, keeping that mind-set is a complicated balancing act when the caregiver does not take plenty of time for themselves. That is why it is so critical for caregivers to take weekend or even week long breaks where the focus is on them. Maybe the retreat is a cruise to Greece or a weekend at a local bed and breakfast. The location does not matter. What does matter is that the caregiver gets time to rest, relax and let go of some commitments for a time. Doing so makes them a better caregiver and greatly helps the care receiver.

Reluctant to Try Home Care?

Taking a break sounds great, but many caregivers are reluctant to do so. Conceivably they don’t feel that family members and friends will be able to care for their loved one sufficiently, or they are afraid to impose what they feel are their responsibilities onto someone else’s shoulders. Respite care is the clear, common sense solution in these situations. Highly trained, well qualified professionals employed by home care agencies provide specialized services within private homes. Many are experienced at working with people of various abilities and with wide ranging illnesses, making them qualified to assist even with the most complicated conditions of care receivers. Home care has the advantage of allowing the elder to remain in a familiar environment.

What About Assisted Living?

Another option for respite care is found at assisted living facilities where care receivers may take up residence for a brief, pre-determined period of time. Care receivers may benefit from increased activity and social interaction. It’s also reassuring to know that the older parent is living in a facility that gives round the clock medical care and has access to emergency services.

Happy Caregivers are Better Caregivers

Taking a break from caring for mom or dad is not a selfish act, nor is it one that should induce guilt. Instead, a break is an act of love for the self and for the care receiver. With a little quality time for themselves, caregivers are prepared to give the best possible love and attention to their aging parents.

When researching options for Mesa respite care agencies in Chandler AZ, home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your respite care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care services in Chandler AZ. Contact us today at 480-498-2324.

Caregivers in Sun City West, AZ: People You Can Count On

Sandi Robinson is one of few people in life who truly enjoys her job. She is the winner of June’s People You Can Count On.

“It’s really them that keep me here,” Robinson said about her patients.

“She’s really conscious of how I feel and what needs to be done. And when I’m sick, she takes extra care of me, looks out for me,” said Bob Schlagel, a patient of Robinson’s.

A personal care provider, Robinson says the goal is to keep clients out of the nursing home.

“Let them be in their own home where they feel the best and most comfortable,” said Robinson.

“I’ve known her almost four years and she’s always put her patients first,” said Tricia Garcia.

“Sandi and I have known each other for eight years and she’s gone above and beyond the call of duty for me,” added Debbie Martin, a homemaker supervisor.

Interum’s goal is to match caregivers and personalities. All of Robinson’s clients say they adore her.

“She feels like my sister at times, my mother at times, my best friend at times,” said Schlagel.

“That’s the goal that I go on every day,” added Robinson.

After learning she was the winner of NewsChannel 5 and Sky Ute Casino’s People You Can Count On, Robinson said, with tears in her eyes, she feels “loved, appreciated, overwhelmed.” She says she now knows how her patients feel.

“She is one incredible lady. She does a great job,” said Schlagel.

“We are just so pleased and blessed to have people like Sandy working for us,” added Katherine.

“Sandy deserves this more than anybody,” said Garcia.

“She’s the best. She’s absolutely the best,” said Martin as she hugged Robinson.

Robinson hasn’t taken a sick day and she says she can’t imagine retiring.

When researching options for caregivers in Sun City West AZ call us at (480) 535-6800. Home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your in home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Sun City West AZ.

Home Care Companions in Sun City, AZ Keep Seniors Socially Active and Increase Life Expectancy

Studies show that socially active seniors are about 1.5 times as likely to remain free of disabilities, such as using the telephone, preparing meals and managing medications, or that involve mobility and strength activities, such as walking up and down a flight of stairs, walking a half mile and doing heavy housework.

Adding a home care companion to the mix can keep seniors in that socially active mode even though they may not be able to drive due to vision problems or other physical limitations.

Social Activity and Healthy Aging

“Social activity has long been recognized as an essential component of healthy aging, but now we have strong evidence that it is also related to better every day functioning and less disability in old age,” said Bryan James, PhD, lead researcher and postdoctoral fellow in the epidemiology of aging and dementia in the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. “The findings are exciting because social activity is potentially a risk factor that can be modified to help older adults avoid the burdens of disability.”

So to stay healthy, stay active socially as well as physically, and remember that seniors need to exercise their relationships as well as their bodies. Hiring home care can help with both!

The Longevity Study

Most of us know from experience that having good friends can make our lives richer, but research now shows that our friends may also increase our longevity. The same isn’t true for our relatives.

In a 10-year longevity study of people aged 70 and older, researchers at the Centre for Ageing Studies at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia concluded that a network of good friends is more likely than close family relationships to increase longevity in older people. The research report is based on the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ALSA).

What the Longevity Study Found

Based on results from the study, researchers learned:

  • Close relationships with children and relatives had little effect on longevity rates for older people during the 10-year study.
  • People with extensive networks of good friends and confidantes outlived those with the fewest friends by 22 percent.
  • The positive effects of friendships on longevity continued throughout the decade, regardless of other profound life changes such as the death of a spouse or other close family members.

Why Are Friendships So Powerful for Longevity?

While the study couldn’t say for certain why close friendships have such a dramatic effect on longevity, the authors of the report speculated that friends may encourage older people to take better care of themselves—by cutting down on smoking and drinking, for example, or seeking medical treatment earlier for symptoms that may indicate serious problems.

Friends may also help seniors get through difficult times in their lives, by offering coping mechanisms and having a positive effect on mood and self-esteem.

Could your aging parent use a little more social activity in their lives? If so, think about hiring a home care companion to get them out of the house and more involved with friends and groups in their local area.

For Home Care Questions call us at (480) 535-6800. When researching options for Home Care agencies in Sun City AZ, Home Care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your Home Care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Sun City AZ.

Senior Care in Paradise Valley, AZ: Living transitions can be hard but there is always help

Most times, the death of a spouse will bring on the need for a change in your parents’ or grandparents’ living arrangements. Moving them into your home, assisted living or even a nursing home can cause tremendous stress to everyone involved. Yes, moving senior loved ones is challenging, no matter what the reason.

Not being alert enough to tend to one’s self, poor eating habits, poor hygiene, loneliness and isolation are signs that a senior may need a living adjustment. Finding the right place for a senior can be difficult. The question to constantly ask when looking for a new residence for the senior in your life is: “Would I live here?”

Look for a safe place that has emergency call systems in place, floors free of potential fall hazards and exits that are easily accessed. Also, look for facilities that offer transportation to residents, as well as good, nutritious meals. Those considerations are just as important.

If seeking a retirement community, allow your loved one to gradually adjust to the idea and to the community. After moving in, give your loved one, and yourself, ample time to adapt as both of you could feel strong emotions initially.

Since change can be unsettling for anyone, try off-setting the shock of moving into a new home by gradually introducing the idea to the senior in your life.

Day trips are a good start. Visit the site of their new home several days in a row to get the senior used to the idea of moving and more familiar with what is about to happen. Talking constantly about the need for change and how it will improve their lifestyle is good, too. Help them to see and understand what is about to happen and who is going to be involved in that change.

After the transition, visiting your loved one regularly in their new home will give them the strong feeling of support and remove the isolation they may be feeling in a new environment. Many times, you will see that their lives begin to take an upswing once they have adapted to the new home.

When researching options for senior care agencies in Paradise Valley AZ, home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your senior care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing senior care in Paradise Valley, AZ.

Elder Care in Mesa, AZ: What the Supreme Court’s Health Care Ruling Means for Consumers

Recently The Wall Street Journal did an excellent job of explaining how the Supreme Court’s latest ruling will impact consumers. The article is written in layman’s terms so that it is easier to understand.

The bottom line for most Americans is that the new law won’t go into effect until 2014, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Think about your situation and your options now- plan ahead.

Insurance Premiums in the Future

Most consumers can expect to keep seeing increases in premiums and co-payments because the underlying cost of health care is expected to rise. The law contains a few mechanisms to curb premiums, but it also requires that many insurance providers make their benefits more generous, which will raise their cost. Older people could see their premiums go down because of the new age rating rules insurers will face. People who buy policies without the help of an employer could get a better deal by being able to shop on the exchanges, where comparing plans will be easier than before.

What Can You Expect to See if You Choose NOT to Have Health Insurance?

The penalty will start at $95 a year or up to 1% of a person’s income, whichever is greater.

Here are some of the questions that the Wall Street Journal Addresses:

• Does this mean the health overhaul law is in place for good?

• What happens to any benefits I already get because of the law?

• When will I see the big changes from the law?

• What if I already have insurance?

• What will happen to my insurance premiums?

For more information and to read the entire article click here.

If you or a loved one is in need of elder care in Mesa, AZ please contact us at (480) 535-6800 When researching options for elder care agencies in Mesa AZ, home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your elder care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing home care in Mesa AZ.

Senior Care in Scottsdale, AZ: What to do about compression fractures

What is a compression fracture and why is it so prevalent in the elderly?

compression fracture is a collapse of vertebrae in the spine. Vertebrae can break due to traumatic force such as an auto accident or fall, or it can happen due to bone disease or infection. Finally, vertebrae break due to osteoporosis, a loss of bone density. Since our focus is on seniors, we will target how the aging body becomes susceptible to compression fractures.

First: a little anatomy. The spinal cord is a superhighway of sensory and motor nerves. It is surrounded by vertebrae protected by discs. The discs work as a shock absorber between each vertebra. Discs start out soft and elastic and like so many other parts of the body, become more rigid and vulnerable to injury as we age.

Vertebrae become brittle with osteoporosis. They press against the discs upon collapsing. What distinguishes compression fractures from other spinal fractures is that front of the vertebrae crushes but the back of the vertebrae stays intact. This process produces that hunched over look in the elderly.

The symptoms of compression fractures may or may not include back pain. That is because the back of the vertebrae remains intact and can still do its job in protecting the spinal cord. In some cases, compression fractures caused by osteoporosis may not have any symptoms and are only discovered when X-rays of the spine are done for other reasons. In other cases, compression fractures present back pain that increases over time, usually when walking rather than while at rest. Nerve pain such as numbness, tingling and difficulty walking signal a more serious condition that the spinal cord is affected.

Compression fractures will heal, usually in about eight to 12 weeks. Having one compression fracture puts you at risk for having more, so it is important to do what you can to prevent it from happening again. The best treatment is prevention of osteoporosis. Exercise, calcium and medications are effective in fighting osteoporosis.

Keeping a straight posture may help keep your spine aligned and less prone to curvature. Yoga and tai chi can strengthen muscle groups to support the spine. There is a list of yoga and tai chi classes on the Health Calendar this section of the newspaper. Take a look at a sample video of instruction at http://www.taichiforseniorsvideo.com/ to give you an idea of what tai chi entails. Just a note, A Brand New Day does not endorse or support this website.

If you suspect a compression fracture, see your doctor and have a physical exam and X-rays for an effective treatment plan.

The doctor may order physical therapy to help straighten the spine. The physical therapist can direct exercises to help restore normal joint and muscle function and further reduce risk of a another compression fracture. This option may prevent surgery. Doctors usually exhaust all options before surgery to correct the fracture.

In some cases, an interventional radiologist can change the height of the vertebra by a procedure called vetebroplasty by injecting cement into the vertebrae. This stabilizes the fracture and will prevent another collapse. If the fracture is not severe, another treatment option may be bracing of the spine. Immobilization of the spine with bracing may help with healing.

When researching options for Senior care agencies in Scottsdale AZ, home care counselors at Endeavor Home Care are available to talk with you about your Senior care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an elder care agency providing Senior care in Scottsdale AZ