Could your Senior Benefit from a Pet?

Having a pet can be a wonderful experience. Many people have grown up with these companions and consider them to be a part of their family. They treat their pets as they would a child and make sure they’re well loved and cared for. While it can be fun romping around with a dog or cat as a child, it can be just as enjoyable as a senior. Pets can bring many benefits to the lives of the elderly.

Reduces stress and boosts mood: There’s something very calming about stroking a dog or cat’s fur. When seniors become stressed or agitated, spending time with a pet can be soothing and reduce blood pressure. Also, cats and dogs are known for their playful spirits and humorous antics. Watching a dog chase its tail or a cat jump after a string can bring a smile to their face.

Provides physical activity: For seniors who are fairly mobile, a dog can be a good source of exercise. They love to take walks and can be a friendly companion. This can motivate your loved one to get up and moving and stay active. Also, brushing a pet, playing with them, feeding them, and caring for them in general encourages a lot of muscle movement such as bending and stretching. However it is not too strenuous and can provide small spurts of activity.

Brings a sense of purpose: After retiring, some seniors become bored and restless. They no longer have as much to fill up their days. Caring for a pet can give them a sense of purpose and accountability. Their dog or cat is relying on them to provide for them. They need love, attention, food, and exercise. Seniors know that it is their responsibility to let the dog out, make sure their pet is fed and brushed, and look out for its general wellbeing.

Offers companionship: Depression and loneliness can become a concern for seniors. A pet offers companionship and someone to keep them company. Although they don’t talk back, it is still another living being in their presence that responds to talking and action. Seniors can talk to their pet and it gives them something to talk about with others. They can share funny stories and pictures. Sometimes it’s just nice to have a warm body there who will love them unconditionally.

Before springing a pet upon your elderly parent, first consider their ability to properly care for it. If they have trouble moving around, a cat may be better than a dog, and an older animal may be easier to care for than a younger one. Talk to them about what they might like to get and take them along to pick it out. Ask questions about the animal’s temperament and needs to make sure it’s a good fit.

If they need some extra support, an in-home caregiver from Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can assist with basic pet care along with other tasks around the home. They can make sure your senior’s needs are being met and they are staying safe while maintaining their independence. Contact Always Best Care at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online to find out senior care can benefit your loved one.

Unraveling 5 Myths About Aging

Getting older is a natural progression in life. It is one of the many stages that people go through. However, there are certain myths that surround the aging population and can make it seem less than desirable. In reality, there are many people who thrive in their golden years and make the most of this time in their life. Here are five common myths surrounding aging:

1. Being a senior is boring.

On the contrary, retirement can allow seniors to be more active than ever. They have more free time to spend as they choose, which can mean traveling, visiting family, joining clubs, and doing other things they’ve always wanted to try. There are plenty of events and groups geared toward older adults to keep them engaged and enjoying all that life has to offer.

2. Getting older means living in a nursing home.

More and more seniors are choosing to age in place as long as they can. This may mean making modifications around their home to improve safety and accessibility, but it allows them to stay where they are. In addition, Asheville senior services such as in-home care can provide them with the right level of assistance to help them maintain their independence. For many, nursing home care is not necessary until much later on.

3. Aging means developing dementia.

Only a fraction of seniors develop dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “One in nine people age 65 and older (11 percent) has Alzheimer’s disease,” and “about one-third of people age 85 and older (32 percent) have Alzheimer’s disease.” This means that there are a large percentage of people who are not affected. In addition, research continues to advance our understanding of the disease and potential strategies for slowing or one day curing it.

4. Aging brings about poor health.

With regular exercise, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle, many seniors continue to feel great. They are able to manage aches and pains and stay proactive to ward off illness. By knowing their risk factors and what to be aware of, seniors can promote better health and catch problems early on.

5. Getting older means being depressed.

Depression is not a typical part of aging. Staying involved with social groups, connecting with family and friends, and finding ways to keep busy and do things they enjoy can help ward off depression. Many seniors enjoy being able to spend time with grandchildren, take up new hobbies, and volunteer. If signs of depression do emerge, it is important to talk the doctor and get help.

Aging can be an exciting experience and allow seniors to embark on new opportunities. They see how the world has changed and where it is heading. They can pass on words of wisdom to younger generations. It does not have to be ‘doom and gloom.’ To help your senior better navigate through aging, contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville to arrange for in-home care tailored to their needs. Call (828) 989-7263 to get started.

Exploring the Benefits of In-Home Care

Aging is inevitable. It happens to everyone. One of the main concerns of many seniors is losing their independence. They may be afraid to admit that they need additional help because they don’t want to move to assisted living or a nursing home. For many, these transitions are not logical because they do not need that level of care and it can be expensive. A beneficial next step could be in-home care instead as it meets seniors where they are at.

Stay in their home. With in-home care, seniors can remain in the comfort of their home. They are surrounded by things which are familiar to them and can continue to carry out many of the tasks they have become accustomed to. They are not sharing space with anyone else, it is private, and everything they need is there.

Maintain independence. Seniors can retain a great deal of independence. An in-home care provider can assist with select activities and tasks to make them easier and safer. Your loved one is still in control and can make decisions for themselves but has someone there to support them and give reminders or guidance.

Reduce stress. As a family member, you can get peace of mind knowing that there is someone checking in on your loved one and helping them out. You don’t have to feel overwhelmed by taking on all of these responsibilities yourself or feeling like you’re not able to do enough. It can also make the aging process less stressful for your loved one because changes are gradual and they are not being uprooted from what they know.

Enhance safety. Falls are a major concern with aging. An in-home care provider can help your senior navigate more safely and reduce potential fall risks in their home. They can assist with meal preparation, medication administration, and light housework, as well as being a watchful eye.

Customized care. You and your senior can work together with the in-home care provider to determine exactly what services are needed and how frequently. You can set a schedule that works for your senior’s needs and get them support that is most beneficial for their situation. Should they need more or less care, you can adjust things accordingly.

Your parent may be hesitant at first to allow someone to come in and assist them, but as they see the benefits it provides, this can help them warm up to the idea. Also, an in-home care provider is a source of companionship and someone for your loved one to talk to and who can take them on errands or outings. In time they build a connection of trust, respect, and friendship.

If you’re ready to see how in-home care can benefit your loved and allow them to remain more safely in their Asheville home, contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online. We provide high quality senior services to fit your needs and enhance your loved one’s wellbeing.

Strategies for Reducing Caregiver Stress

For many, making the decision to care for an aging parent seems only logical. They want to give back and support someone who always supported them and provide the best care possible. Being a caregiver can be very rewarding but also comes with its share of stress. Trying to balance your family, career, and personal life with tending to the needs of an elderly parent can be challenging, especially if their health is ailing or they live far away.

Taking on too many responsibilities and trying to juggle a jam-packed schedule can leave you feeling worn out and also take a toll on your health and wellbeing. Before you reach the point of burnout, take a step back and implement some strategies to reduce your stress and make care giving easier:

1. Schedule time for yourself. In your rush to fit everything in, how often do you take time for yourself? Make it a point to set aside time each day or week devoted to caring for yourself. Get a massage, curl up with a good book, go out with friends, or spend time on other hobbies you enjoy. This mental break can help you feel more refreshed and refocused.

2. Delegate responsibilities. You don’t have to take everything on yourself. Talk to your siblings or other family members and figure out who will handle different tasks. You can also turn to community resources for assistance and professionals such as financial planners. Be willing to let go of some control and trust others.

3. Stay healthy. If you are constantly run down, sick, or stressed, you’re of no help to anyone. Focus on eating a healthy diet, exercising, scheduling regular checkups, and getting adequate sleep. Stress can lead to poor eating habits which can mean unintentional weight gain or loss. It can also suppress your immune system leaving you more susceptible to illness. Take care of yourself so can better care for others.

4. Be realistic. Understand what is and is not within your control. Not everything has to be perfect. Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself, your senior, and your loved ones. Do your best and be content that it is good enough. Know your limits and what you can comfortably handle. There is nothing wrong with asking for help.

5. Ask for help. Family, friends, community resources, therapists, support groups, and more all exist so use them. Reach out and connect with others who are going through similar situations. This will not only help you to build a strong support network, but also gather insight and advice. You don’t have to do everything on your own.

Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville encourages caregivers to consider in-home care as well. Compassionate, well-trained caregivers provide high quality care spanning diverse needs including wake-ups, tuck-ins, organization and light cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, medication management, companionship, and conversation. Contact Always Best Care at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online to schedule a consultation today and alleviate some of the stress of being a caregiver.

Spotlight on Parkinson’s Disease: What you Need to Know

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, there are approximately one million people in the United States living with Parkinson’s disease. This progressive movement disorder more commonly develops in adults over age 60. While some adults have mild symptoms, others are more severely affected. Parkinson’s disease can make it more difficult for seniors to carry out daily tasks and maintain smooth movement or balance. An in-home caregiver can provide assistance with a wide range of activities and support safety and independence.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms or with the same severity. It varies from person to person. Seniors may first notice symptoms only on one side of their body, but the condition may progress to both sides. Typically one side is more affected than the other. Common symptoms include:

• Tremors – including when the body is at rest
• Muscle stiffness
• Slowed movement (also known as bradykinesia)
• Changes in speech
• Balance or posture issues
• Decreased facial expression
• Smaller handwriting

Some seniors also experience non-motor symptoms such as depression, fatigue, weight loss or gain, anxiety, incontinence, and sleep problems. Tremors in the hands are generally one of the first symptoms that people notice and then the condition progresses from there.

Causes of Parkinson’s Disease

Scientists are still unclear about the exact causes of Parkinson’s disease. Many believe that it is the result of both genetic and environmental factors. Aging is also thought to play a role as seniors tend to be at higher risk. Symptoms are often brought on as nerve cells in the brain are damaged or die. These neurons are typically the ones that affect the production of dopamine. There are also certain gene mutations that have been identified. In addition, exposure to certain toxins may also play a role but are not thought to be a sole cause of Parkinson’s disease.

Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

There currently is no cure available for this disease, but there are medications that can help relieve symptoms. Seniors may take several different medications to help combat varying symptoms. Some focus on increasing dopamine production, others substitute for dopamine production, and there are also those to help control tremors and improve movement. 

Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Ongoing exercise and physical therapy can help those with Parkinson’s to adjust to changes in mobility, strengthen muscles, and move more safely. Occupational therapists can help with modifying activities of daily living and teaching seniors different techniques and strategies. Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can provide in-home senior services to assist seniors with a wide range of activities from meal preparation and cleaning to dressing and traveling within the community. To learn more about how in-home care can enhance your senior’s safety and quality of life, contact Always Best Care at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online.