Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The Importance of Home Care for Those With Dementia

Dealing with dementia can be tough on a family. It’s heartbreaking to watch an elderly loved one struggle to accomplish tasks that they once completed easily. Additionally, it can also put a serious strain on the caretaker, who is probably busy with work, children, and other commitments. When it comes to senior care, the professionals of Always Best Care Asheville-Hendersonville explain that hiring someone to assist your loved one is often the best way to ensure that they enjoy a high quality of life.

It’s simply not possible for you to attend to your elderly loved one’s needs on a daily basis, while also caring for your children, working, and maintaining a relationship with your spouse. For this reason, seeking assistance from an eldercare professional will become essential. Even if this person only stops by a few days each week, their help takes a serious burden off of family members, and ensures that the senior has everything they need to live well.

How home care can help

Despite their struggles with dementia, it’s likely that your elderly loved one will still crave their independence. To satisfy your senior without putting their health or safety at risk, home care is a must. Your elderly loved one gets to stay in their own space, but doesn’t have to worry about going grocery shopping, remembering to take their medication, or cleaning up the house. 

Studies show that a technique known as “graded assistance” can be highly beneficial for seniors with dementia. Graded assistance is essentially a way to help an elderly individual accomplish a task with the least amount of aid possible. Home care professionals rely on verbal prompts, physical guidance, and partial physical assistance in order to help the senior function without feeling as if they are helpless. If your senior is particularly resistant to the idea of home care or help in general, this approach may be ideal. 

Other effective care strategies for seniors with dementia

Music is also a powerful tool to soothe seniors who are facing dementia. It is common for elderly individuals with dementia to lash out and display aggressive behavior. Studies show that music can help to soothe these undesirable behaviors, while also helping your elderly loved one to relax. If your senior is particularly passionate about a type of music, play a few songs for them when they begin to become irritable or agitated.


While it’s never easy to watch a loved one deal with the effects of dementia, proper home care and an understanding of the condition allow you to do your part to keep your elderly loved one well cared for. 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Safety Goals to Focus on in the New Year

While many people are committing themselves to an exercise regimen or an improved diet as 2014 rolls around, those who care for elderly individuals often have different priorities in mind. When it comes to home care, the professionals of Always Best Care Asheville-Hendersonville explain that safety should remain a priority. In fact, the new year is a great time to re-evaluate the safety of your loved one’s home, allowing you to make necessary changes to protect them.

Safety priorities

As you begin to analyze your elderly loved one’s home, home care professionals advise focusing on the following areas:

  • Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they’re working properly
  • Ensure that there is a fire extinguisher readily accessible
  • Verify that your senior has a well established emergency escape plan in the event of a fire or other unexpected situation
  • Make sure that fireplaces are outfitted with protective screens
  • Verify that the home is properly lit, and check to make sure that bulbs haven’t burnt out near walkways, porches, and outside stairways

Taking care of hazards around the home

Senior care professionals explain that it is important for a caregiver to address any hazards that may exist in an elderly individual’s living space. To do this, attend to the following:

  • Eliminate raised doorway thresholds
  • Get rid of clutter, particularly if it is on the floor where your senior could trip on it
  • Attend to loose carpet that could become a tripping hazard
  • Use nonskid floor wax
  • Shift furniture and electrical cords so that they are not lying where people are walking
  • Add sturdy handrails to stairs
  • Install nightlights in hallways and bathrooms
  • Make sure that the property is cared for, and that snow and ice are taken care of regularly

Bathrooms are another common place where slips and falls occur. To make sure that your senior stays safe in the bathroom, focus on the following:

  • Install shower chairs or bath benches for a safer bathing experience
  • Put grab handles into place in bathrooms
  • Make sure the tub is outfitted with nonskid mats
  • Encourage your senior to get into the shower by putting their weaker leg in first, and suggest that they exit by placing their stronger leg first.

Regardless of your senior’s level of independence, it is always wise to put safety measures in place to prevent accidents from happening as they attend to daily tasks.

How to Make Long Term Care Plans For Your Senior

Regardless of how energetic and active your elderly loved one is, it is always wise to have a long-term care plan in place. Planning for long term care allows the family to get organized and make decisions that will allow the elderly individual to live in comfort as they age.

The key components of long term planning

When a family begins to make long term plans for their senior, they should focus on the follow aspects of care:

  • Health decisions
  • Legal decisions
  • Financial decisions

The home care team at Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville encourages families to work with their seniors on creating an advance directive, which spells out a senior’s wishes for medical care in the event of an emergency or the end of their life.

An advance directive allows your elderly loved one to specify who will make medical decisions on their behalf in the event that they are not able to do so for whatever reason. Though the topic may be hard to deal with, it is important to discuss, as it helps to take the burden off the family and ensures that the senior will have their wishes heard. Expertise and guidance from a lawyer can be useful during this process.

Making important financial decisions

Eldercare professionals encourage families to work with their elderly loved ones in order to make financial plans, which are another important part of long-term planning. It is important that you have a plan in place about how your senior’s care will be paid for when it becomes necessary. Some people prefer to split the burden among family members, while some seniors like to use their own savings to provide for this care. This is a personal decision and there is no right answer, but it is important that there are measures established that ensure that there is enough money available to cover the cost of this necessity.

Making appropriate living arrangements

Part of the aging process includes ensuring that your senior understands the value of their assets, and knows how they would like to proceed when they are no longer capable of caring for a home on their own. Though it may be several years before your elderly loved one looks to sell their home and move into a retirement community or with family, it is still important to plan for this date. This type of advance planning helps to relieve stress and make it easier to execute the senior’s wishes accordingly when the time comes.

Regardless of how difficult the conversation may be, long term planning is a necessary part of home care. When you have these discussions early on, you can feel confident that your senior’s wishes will be executed exactly as they would like.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Seasons Greetings: Christmas Carol Teaser

As Always Best Care Asheville gears up for the holidays, we've developed a fun Christmas Carol teaser for you and your family members to complete. Below you will find a list of letters. Each row of letters is associated to a Christmas Carol. Guess the name of the Christmas Carol in the comments below, and we will post the answers a few days before Christmas!

Here's an example: JTTW           Answer: Joy to the World

  1. OCOCE 
  2. WIAWW
  3. AIAM
  4. SN 
  5. DTH 
  6. UOTHT 
  7. WWYAMC
  8. OCT
  9. SCICTT 
  10. AIWFCIMTFT
  11. HCSC 
  12. LIS, LIS, LIS 
  13. HTHAS 
  14. WTKOOA 
  15. HYAMLC
  16. TFN 
  17. OHN 
  18. ICUAMC 
  19. ISMKSC
  20. LDB
  21. BONUS:   MCTAATAAGN (CHRISTMAS PHRASE)

Holiday Season Tips for Caregivers

As a home care provider for an elderly loved one, it’s normal to feel disappointment or frustration that certain traditions from years past can no longer be executed as your senior ages. However, there is no need to give up on making the season a joy-filled one. Here are some ways to ensure that the holiday season is an exciting time for your senior and your family.

Get them involved

The home care professionals of Always Best Care Asheville-Hendersonville explain that simply getting your senior involved is one of the best ways to make the holiday season a happy time. Even if your elderly loved one is not as mobile as they once were, there are plenty of ways to ensure that they get into the holiday spirit too. Holiday activities can easily be adapted to fit your loved one’s ability levels.

Have them help you polish the menorah, wrap presents, decorate the tree, or mail holiday cards. If they are unable to get fully involved in these activities, encourage them to keep you company as you do them. This allows them to enjoy the festivities, regardless of what they can or cannot do on their own. You can also read them holiday stories, or have them join you in singing Christmas carols.

Invite visitors, but don’t overwhelm your senior

If your elderly loved one is missing out on the fun of holiday parties this season, why not bring the party to them? It doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Serve traditional foods, play holiday music, and add decorations to their home. However, remember to approach the situation from your senior’s point of view. You may think that inviting the whole extended family over is a great way to cheer your senior up, but to them this may be confusing. If they have not seen some of the relatives in years and struggle to remember who they are, they may start to feel overwhelmed. For this reason, you’ll want to keep the guest list small and full of familiar faces.

In order to keep the experience pleasant for everyone involved, spend some time going over the guest list with your senior before company arrives. You may want to show them pictures of the people who will be coming, and remind them how they know this person. This can help them to feel more comfortable as unfamiliar people enter their home.

Lastly, flexibility is key when it comes to celebrating the holidays with your senior. Put plans into place, but don’t be afraid to change them if it becomes clear that your senior is feeling tired or overwhelmed.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

The Best Gifts for Your Senior this Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls around, you’ll want to find a way to make sure that your senior feels loved and appreciated. There are many different gift options that an elderly individual would love to add to their collection. If you’re looking for a way to narrow down the list, keep these suggestions in mind:

  • Fitness-focused gifts: Being sedentary is at the root of many major health problems among elderly individuals. Senior care professionals advise family members to invest in a fitness-focused gift that allows an elderly loved one to have fun while getting active. Though the Nintendo Wii is beloved by children, it can also benefit seniors as it presents a fun and manageable way to get moving. The system is affordable and provides a range of games that will fit your elderly loved one’s activity level and interests. Home care professionals explain that this is the perfect way to get your senior bowling or playing tennis, even if they’re not able to leave the house to pursue these activities anymore.
  • Gifts that challenge the mind: The senior care professionals of Always Best Care of Asheville, Hendersonville, and Waynesville explain that keeping the mind sharp is another important aspect of helping a senior to age well. Numerous studies have illustrated that a person who regularly challenges their mind is less likely to experience Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. There are many different ways to go about doing this, from playing video games to doing crossword puzzles. If your elderly loved one adores numbers, buy them a book of Sudoku puzzles. If they’ve really embraced technology, invest in one of many different kinds of software that will allow them to enjoy a challenging round of game play on their computer.
  • Tools that help a senior to keep safe: There are a number of attractive yet effective gifts for family members who are concerned about the safety of their elderly loved one. For instance, A Very Special Heart is a device that conceals a small USB device inside a beautiful charm. This USB tool holds information about your senior’s medical conditions, allergies, and daily medications. It’s an elegant piece of jewelry that serves a purpose.

Regardless of whether you want something practical or fun, there are plenty of options that will delight your senior as they unwrap their gifts during the holidays.

How to Navigate a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis with Your Senior

Prostate cancer is currently the most common form of cancer among elderly men, and has actually risen to become the second leading form of cancer in the Western world today.1  As seniors are living longer prostate cancer rates are rising, making it important for elderly individuals and their families to understand what this kind of cancer is and how it can be treated.

Eldercare professionals explain that prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease that begins in the prostate, though the cancer can end up spreading to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, in its very early stages, the condition typically does not show itself in easy-to-spot symptoms. Because it typically only displays when it has progressed, prostate cancer becomes especially dangerous. Some common signs of this kind of cancer to be on the lookout for include:
  • The frequent urge to urinate
  • Trouble stopping or starting when urinating
  • The inability to urinate
  • Pain during urination
  • Blood in the urine
Senior care professionals note that these symptoms can also indicate other issues and may not necessarily be signs of cancer, but still require a visit to a doctor.

Though scientists are still researching the exact causes behind prostate cancer, there are several risk factors that may indicate whether a person is at risk for developing this disease. These risk factors are as follows:
  • Family history
  • Age (80 percent of cases occur after a person turns 60)
  • Race (African Americans and Caucasians are most at risk)
  • Obesity
  • A high-fat diet
  • A sedentary lifestyle

Should your elderly loved one receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, there are several different ways to proceed. A medical professional can offer insight on the most effective way to go about treating the disease. Such options include surgery, radiation, or hormonal therapy. Many people just assume that chemotherapy is the best course of action in order to preserve senior health, when in reality this strategy is typically only used once the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Compassion and empathy are necessary if your senior is going through prostate cancer treatment, particularly if they were already in declining health. Your elderly loved one may feel frustrated, and may lack the energy they once enjoyed. Understand that this is often the case, and do your best to provide support and assistance for your senior.

Monday, November 11, 2013

How to Know if Your Senior Qualifies for VA Benefits

If your senior served in the Armed Forces and was released under honorable conditions, then he or she may qualify for VA health care benefits. These benefits provide assistance for veterans and their dependents. They can often be a huge help for those who may otherwise struggle to pay for medical care. Here is some basic information to bear in mind if your elderly loved one served their country and could use assistance.

To be eligible, individuals must have served in the Armed Forces on a basis that meets current requirements. Both past and present members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called up to active duty and served their full term may also be eligible for VA health benefits. The vet must also have served at least one day during wartime in order to be eligible to receive care. These dates include:

For World War II: 12/7/1941 through 12/31/1946
Korean War: 6/27/1950 through 1/31/1955
Vietnam War: 8/5/1964 through 5/7/1975
Gulf War: From 8/2/1990 to a date that has not yet been determined by the government

For elderly veterans and their dependents, there are three different kinds of VA benefits that are available. The necessary level for your senior depends on the type of care that the elderly individual requires. The tiers are:

Basic pension: This provides cash assistance for low-income vets and their dependents. This is useful if your senior is healthy but has a very low amount of money coming in.

Housebound benefit: This tier of benefits allows a senior to get help with day to day activities that they may have trouble completing on a regular basis.

Aid and attendance: This tier refers to home care that is needed every day.

The home care professionals of Always Best Care Asheville remind you that eligibility for these benefits is “means tested,” meaning that only those who genuinely need this assistance will qualify. Benefits are determined based on a combination of income, assets, and needs. However, an elderly individual who may fall right on the border of financial eligibility should apply anyway, as many decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. In order to apply for these benefits, your senior should contact a VA health care facility using the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs as a resource.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Tips for Properly Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day

With Veterans Day quickly approaching, it’s important to take some time to think about how you’ll honor the veteran in your life. For seniors who served in the armed forces, this day is an important and poignant part of the year, and deserves proper recognition. If you’re looking for tips on paying your respects to the veterans in your community and in your home, think about using some of these strategies:

Display an American flag: This simple gesture won’t take much time, but helps to illustrate that your family supports those who have scarified for their country. You may even consider asking your senior who served to help you hang it.

Attend a Veterans Day parade: This is a fun way to celebrate your senior, as well as other veterans in your area.

Do something nice for a veteran: If you spot someone wearing an item that indicates that they have served in the Armed Forces, thank them for their service. A small gesture also has a meaningful impact on this special day. This could be as simple as buying a vet a cup of coffee when they’re in line behind you, or offering to pump their gas at the gas station. If you have more money to spend, consider picking up the tab for a veteran and their family.

Send a letter to troops overseas: Write a letter to a solider oversees thanking them for their service. For information on how to go about doing this, check out the U.S. Department of Defense website. You may also consider sending a care package with small personal items, sources of entertainment, and other items that may provide comfort to someone serving their country.

Visit with wounded veterans at a VA facility: Many veterans just want someone to talk to, so your presence can be extremely comforting, particularly on Veterans Day. Head to your local VA hospital and spend some time chatting with the men and women there.

There are plenty of other effective ways to honor someone who has served, too. You can spend time with the family of a person who’s currently overseas, or can bring flowers to a veterans’ cemetery in order to make it look more beautiful. These gestures may be small, but they’re much appreciated.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Helping Your Senior Enjoy a Safe and Spooky Halloween

Halloween is a festive time, but it can also be nerve-wracking for an elderly loved one who lives alone. Your senior may be nervous about having groups of strangers appear at their door and notice that they’re by themselves. There’s also a risk of falls as the elderly individual rushes to get a bowl of candy to hand out to eager trick-or-treaters. To help an elderly loved one stay safe as they enjoy the holiday, keep these tips in mind:

Ask a friend, relative, or neighbor for help

Seniors who want to participate in the trick-or-treating fun but need some assistance can ask a friend, relative, or neighbor for help. This person can assist with purchasing candy and answering the door. Your senior will still get to enjoy all of the costumes, but won’t have to worry about rushing back and forth when the doorbell rings.

Enjoy the day somewhere else

Home care professionals advise seniors who don’t feel up to greeting trick-or-treaters to spend the evening with someone else. This way an elderly individual can take in the creative costumes without having to deal with the responsibility.

Don’t invite unknown trick-or-treaters in

If someone asks to come in and use the bathroom or get a drink, a senior should politely decline. They can explain that they have company and that now is not a good time, then suggest that the trick-or-treater visit another home where there are multiple adults. Your elderly loved one shouldn’t worry about being rude to those who visit their house; safety is always the top priority.

Don’t just keep the house dark

If your senior doesn’t want to answer the door for trick-or-treaters, discourage them from just turning off all of the lights in their home. Senior care professionals explain that this can make the house a target for thieves or vandals. Instead they can switch off the porch light to indicate that candy is not available, or they can simply choose not to answer the door.

While Halloween is a festive time, it’s important that an elderly individual knows how to stay safe as they enjoy the candy, costumes, and fun. Before October 31st rolls around, make sure your elderly loved one has everything they need to safely enjoy the celebration.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

How to Keep Your Senior Feeling Connected to Their Community

Seniors who no longer have to worry about raising a family and building a career are able to shift their focus to developing friendships and exploring their hobbies. When your elderly loved one gets invested in their community, they feel a sense of purpose and enjoy a rich life. There are a number of different ways to do this, depending on your senior’s needs and passions. Some popular options include:

Taking a class: Whether it’s painting, cooking, or tai chi, many community centers, adult education facilities, and local colleges offer inexpensive chances to learn a new skill. Seniors can try something entirely new or focus on developing a hobby further. These classes allow the elderly individual to keep their mind engaged while meeting other people.

Joining a religious group: Many seniors find comfort in participating in their local church or temple. Sharing faith with others can help your elderly loved one feel like part of a community. Senior care professionals in Asheville note that many religious organizations offer retreats and opportunities that are designed specifically for elderly individuals. If your elderly loved one enjoys music, they may also find that participating in the choir at their house of worship is the perfect way to spend their free time.

Volunteering: There are plenty of worthy charities that are looking for help from vibrant, compassionate seniors. They can tutor children, teach music in schools, volunteer at a hospital, or serve in food banks. Home care professionals explain that volunteer work will give your elderly loved one a sense of purpose, and can put them in contact with other like-minded volunteers.

Adopting a pet or plant: Depending on the elderly individual’s energy level, adopting a pet or a plant may be good for senior health. Caring for something or someone else gives your senior a sense of purpose, and adds a new level of excitement to their life. It’s also been well documented that humans form strong emotional connections with animals, which can help to ward off loneliness.

There are plenty of ways for seniors to get involved in their community and enjoy meaningful social interaction with others. Take some time to analyze your elderly loved one’s interest and activity levels, and then encourage them to participate in community groups where they can meet people like them.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

How to Help Your Senior Overcome Communication Issues as a Result of Illness

Families of seniors with certain illnesses may find that their elderly loved ones are not able to hear or speak as clearly as they once did as a result of the disease. Fortunately, with proper medical attention and assistance from family members and friends, it is possible for these elderly individuals to start to regain their ability to communicate with others. Some of the diseases that are most commonly linked with communication problems include:

Stroke related aphasia

Aphasia is a condition that inhibits a senior’s ability to use and understand language. It’s frequently caused by stroke, and many elderly individuals are able to partially recover from the condition. Speech therapy is a useful tool for helping a senior to get their communication skills back on track. Another unique therapy option is called melodic intonation therapy, which is when patients sing words and phrases that they aren’t able to speak.

Hearing loss

The National Institute of Health estimates that one in three people over 60 experience hearing issues, and that this number jumps to 50 percent of people over 80. If left untreated, hearing loss can cause an elderly individual to feel depressed and isolated. This is why it’s especially important for seniors and their loved ones to pay attention to early signs of hearing loss. Some of the indicators that a person is losing their hearing include:

  • Listening to the television or radio at particularly loud volumes
  • Asking people to repeat themselves
  • Avoiding social interactions

If it appears as if your elderly loved one may be experiencing hearing loss, senior care professionals advise scheduling a doctor’s visit as soon as possible.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (known as MS) can impact an elderly individual’s ability to speak and understand others. Many people with MS struggle with issues involving their swallowing reflex, which is part of the reason behind the difficulty with speech. Home care professionals encourage loved ones of seniors with MS to keep an eye out for speech problems, as some elderly individuals with MS are unaware that they are not speaking as clearly as they once did.

While these communication difficulties are challenging for elderly individuals and their families, proper medical care and therapies can help to lessen the impact of the communication issues that often accompany these conditions.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer and Your Elderly Loved One

Knowing the facts about breast cancer is an essential part of understanding senior health. While women of all ages are vulnerable to breast cancer, elderly individuals are particularly at risk. In fact, an article asserts that 80 percent of all breast cancer occurs in women over 50, and 60 percent is found in women over 65. A woman’s odds of contracting breast cancer in her 30s is 1 in 233, but this jumps to one in eight when a woman reaches her 80s. For this reason, families and their elderly loved ones should have a good understanding about breast cancer, including effective treatments and the necessity behind regular screenings.

Once an elderly patient is diagnosed with cancer, doctors will work to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan to prevent the disease from spreading. The treatment regimen will vary depending on the stage of the cancer and the number of malignant cells. The four major treatment options that are most commonly used include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy

Fortunately, early detection and regular screenings can work to ensure that the patient learns about their cancer right away, thus allowing them to start on the right course of treatment as soon as possible. However, regular screenings can become a challenge for an elderly individual who may have limited mobility. In this case, families of elderly loved ones should consider hiring an eldercare professional who can help make sure that the senior gets to their appointments without a problem. They can also lend a hand when it comes to getting any necessary medications. Senior care professionals become an important partner for that elderly individual and their family, ensuring that medical needs are met and that the senior is able to be proactive about their health.

While senior care professionals can prove tremendously helpful for a family and their elderly loved one, family members have to continue to take an active role in protecting their senior’s health. In the event that the patient does receive a cancer diagnosis, the family should sit down for a meeting with the doctors who will be providing treatment. They should carefully go over the treatment plan, and be sure that the necessary steps are being taken to get that elderly individual well once again.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Hearing Aid Assistance for Seniors

Photo credit: birminghammag on Flickr.
With World Hearing Aid Awareness Week just around the corner (September 29 through October 5), it’s important to take a moment to understand just how integral it is that seniors have access to the resources they need to keep their hearing at the highest level possible. With regard to senior health, hearing is one of the senses that is most frequently lost or weakened during the aging process. As such, eldercare professionals in Hendersonville and Waynesville urge you to understand how you can help your elderly loved one to get the best care pertaining to their hearing possible.

Individuals who provide eldercare, Always Best Care Asheville professionals included, serve as a lifeline of sorts between seniors and the healthcare they need to stay in optimal shape. Below are a few things to keep in mind when celebrating Hearing Aid Awareness Week—and to remember as you care for your elderly loved one.

  1. Hearing loss can make seniors feel disoriented and cause them to become frustrated, as they have difficultly communicating. For many elderly individuals it is hard to admit that they are suffering from hearing loss, so it is important to schedule an appointment for your loved one if you believe they may be experiencing this issue. 
  2. Getting used to a hearing aid takes time, and the process of getting a hearing aid and using it can be intimidating to some people. Make sure that you remain patient with your loved one and that you take the time necessary to help them adjust to their hearing aid while providing them with the instruction they need to use it properly. 
  3. Keep in communication with your elderly loved one’s doctor. It is important that your senior has a support network that is there to help them through this experience. By keeping up with information regarding your loved one’s condition, you can better support them and their needs as they transition to the use of a hearing aid. 

Getting a hearing aid is something that greatly improves the quality of life for seniors who have hearing impairment. To celebrate Hearing Aid Awareness Week, why not schedule a hearing screening for your senior to make sure that they have access to the support they need?

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Benefits of Social Media for Seniors

Social media has become an important part of life for people of all ages. This is how families stay connected despite miles between them, how friends communicate after moving to different cities, and how individuals stay in tune with what's going on in the world. While seniors may often be excluded from social media trends because, in many cases, they are not as dedicated to the use of mobile devices and computers, it's completely unfair to totally rule them out in terms of social network activity. In fact, home care professionals encourage elderly individuals to leverage the power of social media in order to enrich their lives and keep in contact with loved ones.

Accessing Social Networking Sites
When it comes to senior care, Always Best Care Asheville-Hendersonville professionals know that technology is often at the bottom of the list of priorities. When you are taking care of your loved one you are certainly more concerned with their physical wellbeing and mental health. But think about it: connecting with loved ones near and far can contribute to positive emotional and mental wellbeing. This said, it is a great idea to help your senior figure out how to navigate Facebook, at the very least. Social networking sites can be accessed on the computer or on a smartphone or tablet, so your senior will have several options depending upon their level of comfort with digital devices.

Setting Up a Profile and Connecting
Senior care professionals certainly don't want to overwhelm elderly individuals who aren't comfortable with the Internet just yet, although those who are tech savvy are encouraged to go for it in terms of building their profiles and reaching out to friends and family. For those seniors who aren't well-versed in the use of the World Wide Web, though, help them to create a profile and take an hour or so to walk them through the basic features of Facebook. Send out friend requests to those people with whom they would like to connect so that they can get started.

Protecting Your Loved One
Online scams are, unfortunately, quite common. For this reason, make sure your senior knows the importance of refusing a friend request from anyone they don't know. As long as your loved one is able to safely navigate social networks, these online assets can be quite valuable!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

How Can Non-Medical In-Home Care Reduce Hospital Readmissions?

The professionals at Always Best Care Asheville have assisted numerous seniors with the transition from the hospital back into their homes. In most cases this is a joyous occasion, as elderly individuals are frequently ecstatic to finally return to the comfort of their own beds and familiar surroundings; however, hospital readmissions are high when seniors lack the support necessary to make this transition in a positive, healthy manner. You see, elderly individuals frequently need a bit of extra help with regard to home care when they leave the hospital. With the assistance of non-medical care professionals, tasks like grooming and dressing can change from daunting and potentially dangerous to simple activities.

Where Is the Danger in This Transition?
The first thought that comes to mind when seniors are told they are going home after a hospital stay is frequently, "Finally!" After days or even weeks in a medical facility, getting home is often the first priority of elderly individuals. But the truth is that this is not as simple a task as it may seem at first glance.

After a senior leaves the hospital they are often vulnerable. For instance, they may find it more difficult to navigate their home if they are using a wheelchair, walker, or cane. Additionally, they may face challenges when getting dressed or executing personal hygiene activities, such as bathing, if they are facing a reduction in their range of motion. As such, trying to jump into their old routine on their own can prove dangerous, and can lead to hospital readmissions if seniors fall, open their stitches, or have other types of accidents.

Elder Care: A Wonderful Solution
For seniors who are physically ready to leave the hospital but not yet strong enough to navigate life on their own, non-medical in-home care is a fantastic solution. Through this form of elder care, seniors can receive assistance with the activities of daily living while they continue to heal and regain their strength. Dressing, grooming, bathing, meal preparation, and even light housework are all activities that senior care professionals can perform to help your loved one ease into life at home rather than jump into their old habits.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

4 Ways Grandparents Can Empower Grandchildren

The relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents is a quite remarkable thing. Growing kids often love spending weekends and summertime holidays with their grandparents, and the number of things that children learn from these seniors is vast. As we celebrate National Grandparents Day on the eighth of this month, let's look at some of the ways in which senior care professionals have noted that grandparents are able to empower their grandchildren.

  1. Giving children the gift of self-confidence. Few people love as unconditionally as grandparents—and few people need such love as today's growing youth. Self-esteem is often a problem with kids who aren't sure about their place in the world or who feel as though they may or may not quite fit in with their peers. A grandparent's love and encouragement, though, can help grandchildren understand their individual worth and recognize that they are loved—and worthy of being loved. 
  2. Teaching children about their heritage. Cultural roots are strong in many families, and it is important for kids to understand where their ancestors came from in order to truly embrace the traditions that their loved ones follow. Giving children a sense of belonging by explaining their heritage can empower them to learn more and forge a stronger personal identity.  
  3. Exposing children to new ideas and challenging them to overcome difficulties. New ideas are thrown at kids each and every day, as they fight to overcome peer pressure and try to determine what is and isn't valuable with regard to the messages promoted by modern media. But in all this there are a few key ideas that are often overlooked, including compassion, kindness, and empathy. Grandchildren are certain to encounter challenges as they grow, but with these and other ideas instilled in them they can better navigate the world with sensitivity and a keen understanding of the experiences of others. 
  4. Encouraging children to embrace their talents. From art to dance to music, children have a wide range of talents that allow them to express themselves and improve their confidence. But it is important that kids know it is a good thing to do so. For those grandchildren who may not fit the mold into which some people may want to put them (i.e. girls wanting to play hockey instead of dance) it can be difficult. By encouraging their grandchildren, grandparents can help them see that all of their talents are valuable and should be explored.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Protecting Your Senior against Scams

Seniors are, unfortunately, targeted by con artists, thieves, and other criminals with scams on a regular basis. It seems as though there is always a new approach to trying to take advantage of elderly individuals—and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest methods employed by these dishonest fraudsters. To help you protect your senior, elder care professionals at the National Council on Aging have compiled the following list of scams for which you should be on the lookout.1


  1. Fraud: Senior care professionals warn that fraud is among the most prevalent of these cons, as it can take many shapes and forms. Medicare and insurance fraud occur when individuals pretend to be associated with healthcare organizations and gather sensitive information from seniors. Additionally, con artists may try to get seniors to buy into fraudulent anti-aging products, such as fake Botox. Finally, Internet fraud occurs when software steals personal information, such as financial and other details. 
  2. Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals: These scams normally take place online, where individuals are lured in by low prices and are provided pills that are not what they are said to be. 
  3. Funeral Scams: This type of con can take place in two ways. The first is the scammer taking advantage of widows and widowers by claiming the deceased owed them money. The second is the unethical practice of adding to the bills of families who are unfamiliar with the funeral process. 
  4. Telemarketing: There are several scams that occur over the phone, as seniors are more likely to conduct purchases this way than other generations. It is important to encourage your elderly loved one not to make a donation or purchase over the phone without researching the cause first. 
  5. Investment Schemes: These scams take advantage of the need for seniors to save for retirement by encouraging them to invest in businesses and other initiatives, such as pyramid schemes.  
  6. The Grandparent Scam: In this situation, individuals call seniors and ask something akin to, "Hello Grandpa, do you know who this is?" When the senior names a name, scammers adopt that identity and ask for money. 

Unfortunately, these are just a few of the many scams out there right now. It is a good idea to do a bit of research to keep your senior protected against con artists.
___
1 http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/economic-security-Initiative/savvy-saving-seniors/top-10-scams-targeting.html

Monday, August 19, 2013

Advantages of Home Care

Home care occurs when an individual dedicates a set amount of time to caring for the needs of a senior. Whether you personally see to your elderly loved one's needs or hire a professional to do so, this is an activity that can greatly benefit your loved one. When it comes to quality home care, Always Best Care Asheville encourages you to explore your options and choose the provider that will best meet your senior's needs. While doing so, it is important to keep in mind the many ways in which this form of elder care can benefit your elderly loved one.

Facilitating Aging in Place
Many seniors want to retain as high a degree of independence as possible, and this means living out their golden years in their own home. In most instances, though, this can prove dangerous for elderly individuals who have mobility limitations, suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other conditions, or are not able to keep up with the demands of managing a household. If seniors are not in need of extensive medical care, they can stay in their homes without compromising their safety with the assistance of an elder care provider. As such, home care offers the opportunity for these seniors to age in place while staying as safe and secure as possible.

Medication Administration
As individuals age their bodies start to function less efficiently, resulting in the need for medications. If your senior also has an illness that requires pharmaceuticals, it can become incredibly difficult to manage all of their prescriptions. Home care providers can help elderly individuals by keeping track of when medications need to be taken and the correct dosage—and making sure that they are taken as prescribed.

Companionship
Seniors often become lonely, especially if they have chosen to age in place and are not able to drive. In many cases, elderly individuals who have outlived their friends and do not live near family members can become incredibly isolated. Having the companionship of a home care provider can go far in helping seniors to maintain positive spirits and a higher degree of mental wellbeing.
Home care is a wonderful option for many situations. Talk to your local senior care professionals to learn more.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Keeping Seniors Hydrated During the Dog Days of Summer

With summer in full swing, the issue of proper hydration is an important one to consider as you care for your loved one. Whether you offer around the clock support to your senior or you have a home care professional assist with your elderly loved one's senior care, Always Best Care Asheville-Hendersonville knows that it is crucial that your loved one gets enough water to keep them healthy during the summer months.

Many people are dehydrated and they are completely unaware of the fact, as few individuals who are not consciously drinking water during the day get the full eight cups that are recommended. For seniors, it can be quite easy to forget to drink water or to grab a more convenient beverage, such as a soda or juice out of the refrigerator, if there is no cold drinking water available. To help you keep your elderly loved one hydrated as temperatures continue to soar, keep the following tips in mind.


  1. Always make sure that your senior has cold drinking water on hand. Water filtration systems that are imbedded in the front door of the refrigerator are fantastic resources. If your senior doesn't have access to this form of water filtration, invest in a pitcher with a filter in the top. The pitcher can be stored in the refrigerator so the water is always cold and it only takes a minute or so to filter the water, making it easy to access clean, refreshing drinking water at any time. 
  2. Buy your loved one a water bottle that they can carry around with them. This way they can have drinking water available when they are out and about or even when they are just sitting on the couch, as this is a convenient way to carry around enough H2O for seniors to stay hydrated. 
  3. Create a system for your senior to track their water intake. Some water bottles have counters built in, allowing individuals to keep up with the number of cups they have had each day. If this isn't an option, put a piece of masking tape on the bottle and have your senior make a tick mark for every time they refill it. 

Staying hydrated is key to staying healthy during the summer months. With these tips, you should be able to help your senior drink enough water to keep their bodies functioning effectively.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Aging in Place: Keeping Your Senior's Home Safe

Aging in place is a common choice for elderly individuals who either own their homes or live with family members. This particular decision provides a long list of benefits, as eldercare providers note that seniors are often more comfortable and feel more fulfilled if they are living in their home; however, it is important to remember that elderly individuals need a safe living environment and that, in many cases, their homes need a few updates to create a more secure living space.

When it comes to home care, Asheville-Hendersonville's Always Best Care is a wonderful resource. The senior care professionals at this organization are ready and willing to help you in providing for the needs of your elderly loved one. To assist you in determining the necessary home improvements for your senior's house, here are a few tips to get you started.

  • Since falling is a very dangerous issue—one that can lead to injuries ranging from mild to fatal—it is crucial that you minimize the things over which your loved one might trip. Start with the flooring. Are there any cracked tiles, warped hardwoods, or loose carpets? Make sure that you repair anything that might cause your senior to step uneasily. Also look out for rugs that are curling up or that slip when stepped on by either applying a non-stick backing or replacing them with rugs that are in better condition.
  • Walk through your senior's home and make sure that your loved one is able to easily move from one room to the next. Any cluttered walkways should be cleared and any awkward furniture arrangements should be addressed. If your senior has a lot of stuff in their home, think about constructing shelving to help with storage. 
  • Update your loved one's bathroom to create a safer space. One of the most common places in which falls happen is the restroom, as seniors often slip on the tile floor or in the tub. Install hand rails by the toilet and in the shower to ensure that your loved one has something sturdy to hang onto as they are moving about the room. 

Maintaining a safe living environment is key for seniors who are aging in place. With these tips, you can start making the home improvements necessary to keep your loved one safe.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Stroke: How Can It Impact Memory?


The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that a stroke can impact your elderly loved one in numerous ways. In fact, the location and severity of your senior's stroke can result in a wide range of lasting side effects. Memory impairment is one of the most common effects of a stroke, but this interruption in memory can manifest in several different ways. Here are a few key pieces of information to remember if your elderly loved one has recently suffered from a stroke and you suspect that memory loss has take hold because of it.[1]

Different Types of Memory Loss
When it comes to memory loss, it is important to note that not all types of this cognitive disruption are alike. In fact, there are several different kinds of memory loss associated with stroke. Depending upon where the stroke occurred and how severe it was, your elderly loved one may experience difficulty with verbal, visual, or informational memory. Additionally, they may suffer from vascular dementia, which is a general and oftentimes progressive decline in cognitive function that spans more than one type of memory.

Exhibiting Different Symptoms
While memory loss may seem like it would impact your senior in a certain way, there are even more symptoms than types of memory loss that might result from a stroke. Confusion is a very common symptom, as well as short-term memory loss. Additionally, your elderly loved one might start to wander, might get lost in places with which they are familiar, may have a difficult time following simple instructions, or might begin facing challenges regarding money management and transactions.

Exacerbating the Condition
Memory loss that is sparked by a stroke or other condition can be devastating, but it is important to remember that there are environmental and other elements that can make this cognitive impairment worse. Certain medications can cause memory loss to strengthen in severity. Additionally, the use of alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs can make memory loss more severe. Finally, sleep deprivation, stress, nutritional deficiency, and depression can also contribute to the exacerbation of memory loss. In addition, these issues can cause a loss of memory, so it is important to determine whether or not your elderly loved one's cognitive impairment is caused by the stroke or by their state following this event.
The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of WesternNC encourage you to learn more about the side effects of stroke, including memory loss, to best care for your loved one.



[1] http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=memory

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Four Steps to Successful Medication Management

Medication management is a very important responsibility. As a caregiver, you must ensure that your elderly loved one takes the right medication, in the right dose, at the right time each and every day. This can become an overwhelming task—especially if your senior has a variety of prescriptions. Although it is a big undertaking, successful medication management does not have to be too complicated.
In fact, simplifying the process is the best way to ensure that you succeed in providing the quality medication management that your loved one deserves. Here are four ways to make this task easier and more successful.

  1. Fill all medications at the same pharmacy. Building a relationship with the pharmacist will allow you to feel comfortable asking any questions that may arise. Furthermore, your pharmacist may be able to catch incompatible prescriptions before your loved one begins taking the latest medication recommended by their doctor. Because seniors often have a variety of doctors on their side, this is an incredibly important aspect of proper medication management.
  2. Keep all of the literature about your elderly loved one’s medications in one, easy to access location. With this bundle of literature, keep any notes that you take while speaking to the doctor or pharmacist.
  3. Go with your senior to the doctor’s office if they are comfortable with you doing so. When a new medication is prescribed, ask the doctor any questions that both you and your loved one may have. By the time you leave the office, you should both understand why the medicine was prescribed, its intended effect, possible side effects, and how soon it should start working.
  4. Maintain a list of all of the medications your elderly loved one is taking and when they are to be administered. Include the proper dosages. Additionally, mark each time you give your senior their prescription on a calendar or in a notepad so that you can document when they took each medication.

As you manage your senior’s medication, remember to monitor your loved one for any side effects or adverse reactions. Keen observation paired with these four tips will help you manage your loved one’s medication successfully.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Seven Tips for Fall Prevention

Falling causes an alarming number of injuries for elderly individuals each year. From tripping over rugs to stumbling over clutter in the walkway, seniors can fall due to a long list of hazards.  At Always Best Care of Western NC, which serves Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, senior care professionals encourage families to protect their loved ones against such hazards.

Accidents happen; this is a fact that cannot, in many cases, be avoided. Despite this fact, there are many instances in which fall prevention can keep your elderly loved one from sustaining painful and, in severe cases, fatal injuries.  The following seven tips will help you protect your senior against falls and the harm that they can cause:


  • Clean your elderly loved one’s home. Seniors commonly fall after tripping over a misplaced object, such as a pair of shoes left in the walkway.  By cleaning up each day, you can maintain a safe and tidy environment that offers clear walkways to your elderly loved one.
  • Examine the flooring of your senior’s home for any damage.  Cracked tiles, loose floorboards, and ripped carpet can cause them to trip and fall.  Should you find any warping, tearing, breaking, cracking, or other damage, fix it as soon as possible.  While doing so, make sure that all rugs are secured to the floor with double sided tape and that their ends lie flat.
  • Ask your senior and their doctor if they would benefit from a cane, walker, or other mobility aid. Make sure that the equipment your elderly loved one uses is the right size and in good repair.
  • Move any cords that are strung across walkways or in other hazardous areas. In some cases, this may require moving the furniture so that televisions, DVD players, and other electronics are closer to electrical outlets. You may also consider running them overhead if your senior does not want the furniture moved or if there are no other options.
  • Install safety equipment, such as grab bars, bath chairs, non-skid mats in bathtubs and showers, and handrails along stairways.
  • Keep stairways, hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms well lit. Additionally, have your senior’s vision checked annually to ensure that they can see any obstacles in their path.
  • Have your senior wear slippers or shoes that have non-skid soles instead of just wearing socks.

At Always Best Care of Western NC, professional home care providers help families create safe environments for their seniors. If you need assistance making your loved one’s home a bit safer, do not hesitate to reach out to professionals for help.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Nine Foods to Help Prevent Dementia

A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association says that one out of three seniors die with Alzheimer’s, although that is not necessarily the cause of death. While research is still ongoing about how to stave off Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, some research suggests that certain foods may help protect against mental decline and even prevent brain-wasting diseases. Alzheimer’s is identified with inflammation, so the thinking is that foods with anti-inflammatory properties may be able to delay age-related cognitive disorders. Nine commonly available foods could help prevent mental deterioration, and they even taste good.

  1. Dark chocolate. Studies show that the flavonoids in cocoa increase blood flow to the brain and may help to protect against conditions that reduce cerebral blood flow, such as dementia and stroke.
  2. Red wine. Drinking wine in moderation can protect cognitive function and decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This is due to the high levels of flavonoids and possibly other polyphenolics such as resveratrol in red wine.
  3. Clams. It’s thought that when vitamin B12 levels are low, blood levels of homocysteine will raise, significantly increasing the risk for dementia, heart attack and other ailments. Clams contain 98.9 micrograms of vitamin B12 in just a 100-gram serving, or 1,648 percent of the recommended dietary allowance.
  4. Asparagus. One study found that individuals who were deficient in folate, a form of vitamin B9, were 3.5 times more likely to develop dementia. One cup of asparagus will take care of nearly 66 percent of your daily folate needs.
  5. Wild salmon. According to one study, an average of three servings of oily fish a week adds up to an almost 50 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The reason is the omega-3 fatty acid and other nutrients such as vitamin D and B12 can help to prevent neurodegenerative disorders.
  6. Walnuts. In moderation, walnuts were found to help improve motor and cognitive skills in older rodents, due, it is believed, to a combination of polyphenols, omega-3 fats and other bioactive substances.
  7. Cherries. The antioxidant compounds, anthocyanins, which give cherries their bright red color, possess anti-inflammatory properties that could work like pain medications but without the nasty side effects.
  8. Turmeric. A study found that curcumin in turmeric, commonly used in curry dishes, removes plaques from the brain. Plaques are thought to contribute to the degradation of brain cells and lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
  9. Apples. The skins of apples contain quercetin, found to protect the brain from damages associated with Alzheimer’s disease, in studies conducted by Cornell University.

Adapted from the Conscious Life.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Senior Care Asheville : Nutrition and Memory - Enhancing Cognitive Function through Diet


By Jim Smeaton
When it comes to food when providing senior care, it is important that seniors look at their meal plan like fuel; the food that your elderly loved one eats is what will allow their body to function properly. While a healthy diet cannot guarantee overall wellbeing, it is certain that a body that has access to the right vitamins and nutrients will be better able to maintain a higher degree of health. Surprisingly to some, this idea extends well beyond the physical and into the mental. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, providing Senior Care in Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, explain that, when it comes to keeping cognitive function—and, by extension, memory—as sharp as possible, it is important that elderly individuals stick to a healthy diet.
Here are some of the ways in which you can make certain that your loved one gets the nutrition they need to keep their memories on point:[1]  
  1. Make sure that your senior does not skip meals. It can be quite easy for individuals who do not have home care providers to overlook eating, particularly if they have memory loss, if they are very busy, or if they have a difficult time preparing meals. Skipping meals can deprive the body of the calories, vitamins, and minerals it needs to function properly, and as such it can lead to decreased activity in terms of cognitive function and memory.
  2. Refrain from completely cutting carbs out of your loved one's diet. Weight gain is a concern for many individuals as they age, so your senior may be watching the carbs that they eat in order to manage their weight. But the truth is that the body needs carbohydrates to function properly, as these foods turn into glucose during the digestion process—and glucose is what fuels the cells in the brain. Instead of cutting carbohydrates completely, help your senior choose complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, instead of processed, simple carbs.
  3. Don't restrict caloric intake too drastically. While it is true that individuals of all ages need to monitor their consumption of calories, it is also true that they need these calories to fuel their bodies—and to keep the brain running. If too few calories are consumed individuals may experience short-term memory loss.

The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of WesternNC understand that keeping your loved one's memory sharp is a priority. As such, these senior care providers encourage you to keep these tips in mind when helping your loved one create a weekly meal plan.




[1] http://voices.yahoo.com/how-nutrition-affects-memory-2356812.html


Senior Care in Hendersonville: Improving Memory - How to Help Your Senior


Memory loss is a natural part of the aging process, but this doesn't mean that it is easy to cope with. Furthermore, there are actually a few things that seniors can do to stave off memory loss and strengthen their ability to make and recall new memories. The home care professionals at AlwaysBest Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, encourage you to assist your elderly loved one in the following ways:[1]

  •  Challenging Mental Capabilities: Basically, the brain needs to be used in order to keep cognitive function (including memory) as strong as possible. By engaging in new, fun mental activities, your senior can strengthen their memory while learning new ideas and having a great time. Some wonderful tasks your loved one may be interested in include learning a new language, playing an instrument, or putting together a challenging puzzle.
  • Getting Enough Sleep and Exercise: The brain is a physical part of the body, and as such it is important that your elderly loved one takes care of their body in order to best maintain the strength of their brain. Sleep is important, as it provides a time for the body to recover and rejuvenate after a long day. Additionally, exercise creates a healthy body that allows the brain to work optimally.
  • Eating a Well-Rounded Diet: "Brain food" is a term that applies to the items that support healthy mental activity. Omega 3s, green tea, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates all encourage brain health and stimulate mental function (which includes memory). In addition to adding these substances to your loved one's diet, limit the consumption of saturated fats and calories (within a healthy range).
  • Encouraging Social Activity: Interaction with other people is key in keeping the mind sharp. Social activities allow your loved one to interact with individuals who share their interests while creating meaningful relationships. Laughter, which is beneficial to brain health because it stimulates so many areas of this organ at once, is often a side effect of a fun social gathering.
The home care professionals at Always Best Care of WesternNC  also recommend limiting stress levels, as long-term stress can cause damage to the cells in the brain as well as the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory. These elder care providers encourage you to reach out to professionals if you need assistance creating a memory improvement plan for your loved one.

Finding the right care 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 are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.



[1] http://www.helpguide.org/life/improving_memory.htm

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Parkinson's Disease in Hendersonville: How Does It Impact Memory?

By Jim Smeaton


When dealing with elder care and senior care in Hendersonville, we see that elderly individuals who suffer from Parkinson's disease experience a long list of symptoms. Categorized as a progressive movement disorder, this condition is characterized by rigidity, postural instability, tremor, and bradykinesia.[1] Because of this, the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that many individuals are surprised to hear that memory loss, as well as other damage to cognitive function, is also associated with this condition. While this news may be unexpected, it makes sense when you consider the fact that the brain controls both movement and cognitive activity. As such, it is understandable that changes in the brain due to Parkinson's disease can have an impact on the memory of a senior.

Here are a few key points to consider regarding the role of Parkinson's disease in memory loss and how it might affect your elderly loved one if they have this condition:[2]

  1. An estimated 50 percent of the seniors who suffer from Parkinson's disease also experience memory loss.
  2. The changes that take place in the brain due to Parkinson's disease can cause the organ to work less efficiently, which can result in difficulty recalling memories and performing other cognitive functions, such as thinking.
  3. Seniors who have Parkinson's disease can experience a higher degree of cognitive impairment, including memory loss, if they also suffer from depression, are under a great deal of stress, or are taking certain medications.
  4. Memories require several processes in terms of storage and recollection; the brain must first record or encode a memory and then store it and then recall it when an individual thinks about it. Parkinson's disease keeps the organ from accurately retaining information or organizing it effectively once it is stored. As a result, recollection can prove incredibly difficult in seniors who have this condition. Think about it this way: the brains of individuals who have Parkinson's disease may be trying to locate a memory that is not properly stored, which is similar to trying to find a specific file without an organizational system.
  5. Prospective memory, or the ability to follow through with planned activities, is another aspect of cognitive function that is frequently disrupted by Parkinson's disease. 
The home care providers at Always Best Care of Western NC understand that coping with the memory loss associated with Parkinson's disease is not easy for seniors or their caregivers; however, understanding why this cognitive interruption is taking place may make the process a bit easier.



[1] http://www.pdf.org/en/about_pd
[2] http://www.pdf.org/en/cognitive_impairment_pd

Friday, March 29, 2013

Senior Care Hendersonville: Warning Signs of Physical Abuse

By Jim Smeaton
With Senior Care in Hendersonville, abuse is something that can impact people of all ages and genders. Victims of abuse can be mistreated in a variety of ways, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial. While it is crucial to prevent and stop abuse that takes place in any situation, the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, encourage you to understand the warning signs of physical abuse to keep your senior safe. While abuse is something that it is hoped no senior will endure, it is a problem that cannot be overlooked.

According to HelpGuide, the following signs of abuse can help you to identify and, ultimately, put a stop to the physical mistreatment of your elderly loved one:

•    Evidence of physical restraint, including marks made by ropes on the wrists or ankles, could indicate that your senior is being mistreated by their caregiver.

•    Tension between your elderly loved one and their caregiver, particularly if they had a positive relationship before, may indicate a shift in their attitudes toward one another. If conflict arises it is important to determine the root of the change in this relationship, as abuse can cause such negative attitudes.

•    When a caregiver becomes very protective of a senior (i.e. not letting family members or friends spend time with an elderly individual without the caregiver's presence) it can indicate that they are hiding something that they don't want their patient to reveal.

•    Changes to your loved one's personality or behavior can be caused by the stress of physical abuse.

•    Improper drug administration (either too many or too few pills being given) can indicate that a caregiver is misusing their position to abuse your loved one. Distributing medicine at the wrong intervals is also a sign of physical abuse.

•    Physical evidence of abuse, including bruises, scars, welts, and scratches, can indicate mistreatment. This is of particular concern if these marks are made symmetrically.

•    Broken glasses are a sign that a caregiver may have exerted force on your senior, although this particular warning sign can have many innocent explanations, so it is important to communicate with your senior to determine exactly what happened.

The senior care professionals Always Best Care of Western NC know that most caregivers are honest and compassionate; however, it is important to understand the signs of abuse just in case your elderly loved one is subjected to the abuse that does, unfortunately, take place in the elder care industry.

Finding the right care 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 are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

What Treatment Options Are Available for Stroke?


A stroke is an event, either a blood clot or a burst blood vessel, that cuts off the blood supply to the brain. As such, it can cause massive brain damage if not treated right away. In fact, it is imperative that seniors who are experiencing a stroke receive medical attention as soon as possible in order to minimize the damage that the event does to the brain. The prognosis associated with stroke is truly a case by case issue, but the home care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that the right treatment can improve an elderly individual's prognosis.

The treatment plan that your senior's doctor chooses will depend upon the kind of stroke that has taken place. If your loved one has an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot, they will most likely be given a thrombolytic. This kind of drug is called a "clot-buster" and is designed to break up blood clots; however, there is a risk of hemorrhage associated with use of this pharmaceutical. As a result, it is essential that physicians confirm the presence of a blood clot through a CT scan before administering this drug.

A hemorrhagic stroke is the other kind of event that may take place. As its name implies, this type of stroke stems from a hemorrhage, or a bleed, that is caused when a blood vessel bursts. Instead of following the vessel up into the brain, the blood escapes into the body where the rupture has occurred. Surgery is often required to repair the aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation that has caused the event to take place. This may be done in one of two ways: through a craniotomy or through a catheter. In addition to surgery, seniors may also need to take medications to lower their blood pressure and improve the ability of their blood to coagulate, or clot.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC know that strokes are incredibly scary events. From the moment that your elderly loved one begins showing symptoms of a stroke, the first priority is to secure medical attention. You will have to wait for the type of stroke to be verified and the treatment plan finalized, which can be difficult, as you will certainly be concerned for the safety of your loved one; however, by understanding what to expect in terms of treatment options, you can better cope with the situation and help your senior get through it.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care 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 are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Hendersonville Senior Care: Risk Factors Associated with Stroke


By Jim Smeaton
When dealing with Hendersonville Senior Care - stroke is a real concern. The National Stroke Association asserts that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, it is the leading cause of disability in adults throughout the nation.[1] As such, it is very important for individuals providing home care to seniors to understand what strokes are and what risk factors are associated with them. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, understand that your goal, as a caregiver, is to offer the highest level of support to your loved one as possible. As such, these in-home care professionals encourage you to learn the risk factors of stroke so you can better monitor your senior's health.

What Is a Stroke?
A stroke takes place when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. This can happen in one of two ways. First, a blood clot can stop the flow of blood through an artery. When this occurs, blood is prevented from traveling to the brain. When a blood vessel bursts the same effect can happen, except in this scenario the blood flows out of the vessels.
When a stroke takes place, the brain cells that are affected die. This can cause damage to parts of the brain and, ultimately, can create long-term complications for your loved one. Difficulty speaking and problems with motor function are common long-term side effects of a stroke.

Risk Factors
The risk factors associated with stroke are divided into two categories: unmanageable and manageable. The unmanageable risk factors include those that seniors cannot possibly control:
·       Age
·       Gender
·       Race
·       Family history
·       Previous stroke
·       Fibromuscular dysplasia
·       Patent foramen ovale

The manageable risk factors, on the other hand, can be controlled. In fact, a healthy lifestyle can minimize the presence of these risk factors and greatly reduce the odds that your loved one will suffer from a stroke. These risk factors include:
·       Physical inactivity
·       Atrial fibrillation
·       Obesity
·       High blood pressure
·       Alcohol use
·       High cholesterol
·       Circulation issues
·       Atherosclerosis
·       Tobacco use
·       Diabetes

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC know that you do everything you can to keep your elderly loved one safe and in good health. By recognizing the risk factors for stroke, you can be better prepared to get your loved one the medical assistance they need should such an event occur.


We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care 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 are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.



[1] http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=stroke