5 Ways to Keep your Senior More Physically Active

The last Wednesday in May is National Senior Health Fitness Day. In recognition of this day, as well as the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle year round, we’re taking a closer look at ways that seniors can stay physically active. Exercise can be a great way to keep bones and muscles strong, alleviate joint pain, improve flexibility, and increase range of motion. Just because you are getting older does not mean that you have to sit idly and watch the world pass you by. It’s time to get up and get moving.

1. Walking

This is one of the easiest ways to stay active. Take stroll around the neighborhood, mall, or on a favorite walking trail. Explore some of the parks and outdoor areas around Asheville to see what is available where you live. You can also use a treadmill for when you want to stay indoors. Choose a comfortable pace that still gets your heart pumping.

2. Biking

This is another good way to get in some cardio. Biking can be easier on the joints for some people than walking or jogging and gives them another alternative to change up their workout. Before getting on a bike make sure that your balance and coordination are good enough to keep you safe.

3. Swimming

Cool off during the summer and also stay in shape. There is little resistance with swimming so it can be appealing to those with arthritis or other joint problems. It is a great way to relax and tone muscles while improving flexibility.

4. Machines

A gym or fitness center will also have a variety of machines that you can use to focus on different areas. Resistance training can be a great way to build strength which can in turn improve balance. With greater balance you help to prevent falls. It can also allow you to remain more independent because daily activities may be easier with improved strength.

5. Yoga

Enhance flexibility with this gentle form of exercise that is easier on muscles and joints. Not only will you be stretching, but it can help you to focus on each part of your body and controlling how it moves. Yoga can also enhance range of motion which can support you in staying more active.

Try to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine and stay active. Find a workout buddy who will not only hold you accountable and provide companionship, but will also be there to keep you safer. You can look out for and help each other. It can be more fun exercising with a friend and give you the chance to catch up with one another. You can also look for different senior fitness programs available in the community. These can give you more options and are geared toward the needs and abilities of older adults.

If you or a loved one is a bit unstable or needs assistance around your Hendersonville home due to mobility, strength, or memory issues, senior care through Always Best Care can be a great option. A highly qualified in-home caregiver can provide the level of assistance you need to support your independence and safety in your own home. Call us at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online for more information or to schedule a free consultation.

Tips for Alleviating Arthritis Pain

 Living with arthritis can be frustrating and painful. When your joints are stiff and achy, it can make it more difficult to do everyday activities and live comfortably. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are steps that seniors can take to reduce pain. What works well for one person may not be as effective for the next, so it can be beneficial to try different approaches and see what works best for your individual situation.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, so here are few strategies that you can try to alleviate pain:

Engage in regular exercise: It was once thought that exercise could make arthritis pain worse, but more recent studies have found that daily exercise can actually provide some relief. It is important that seniors are staying away from high-impact activities and focusing more on low-impact options. This could include swimming, biking, walking, yoga, and other aerobic activities. These exercises gently stretch muscles and joints and can enhance range of motion while alleviating pain.

Control weight: It is important for seniors to maintain a healthy weight. Even just a few extra pounds can put added stress on their joints and exacerbate the effects of arthritis. Eating a healthy diet and exercising can help them to keep their weight in check. For those who are overweight, losing a few pounds can make a difference in the way they feel and provide some relief from arthritis pain. Seniors should check with their doctor to determine what weight is right for them and how to more effectively manage it.

Apply heat or cold: A heating pad or warm bath can soothe sore muscles and joints. It can also be a great way to relax and unwind. Make sure not to leave the heating pad in place for more than 20 minutes at a time to reduce the risk of burns. Another option is to apply an ice pack to sore spots to help reduce inflammation and temporarily ease pain. Try both and see which is more effective for your needs.

Use topical ointments: There are many topical creams and gels that can temporarily relieve pain. They often contain capsaicin and can be applied directly to areas where there is arthritis. They are absorbed through the skin and start working fairly quickly.

Take anti-inflammatory medication: There are both over-the-counter and prescription strength anti-inflammatory medications that can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This can make moving and working less painful and allow you to carry on with daily activities.

Get a massage: Massage therapy can also ease pain. Let the therapist know where your arthritis is and what is bothering you. They can manually manipulate muscles to provide relief and target areas where you have the most pain. This can also help to relax stiff joints.

Seniors may find that a combination of treatments works well for dealing with arthritis pain. Keeping pain better managed can allow them to get more enjoyment out of their day. If arthritis is limiting, assistance from an in-home care provider can make taking care of their Asheville home and themselves a little easier. Find out how Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can support your senior with daily tasks and promote independence by calling (828) 989-7263 or visiting us online to arrange for your free consultation. Don’t let arthritis stand in your senior’s way.

Recognizing Signs of Depression in the Elderly and How you can Help

Aging brings about many changes. Once many people retire they find that their schedule and routine are different. They have more free time than they used to and may not be sure what to do with themselves. Without a job to go to each day, they may feel as though they’ve lost a sense of purpose. They may be facing more health issues that make daily tasks more challenging. Depression should not be seen as a common part of getting older because there are many ways to help keep your senior in brighter spirits.

Signs of Depression:

• Sadness: This is one of the most common signs that people tend to be aware of. In some seniors being sad may not involve crying but be more a feeling of emptiness and loneliness. They may have lost friends and loved ones over the years and feel like something is missing. Sometimes seniors are actually more stoic and deny that there is anything wrong.
• Lack of interest: They may have stopped participating in activities they once enjoyed or be more reluctant to go out and be social. You may find that they’re spending more time alone and are disengaged.
• Excessive sleeping: Depression may make them more tired and lethargic. Instead of going out with friends or doing things, they just want to sleep. The motivation and energy are not there.
• Changes in eating habits: You may notice that your elderly parent is eating more than once did, or eating hardly at all. Depression can cause changes in appetite which can have more serious effects over time. It is important that your senior is getting the proper vitamins and nutrients but also that they are watching their weight. Too far in either direction can be troublesome.
• Pain: Some senior have increased aches and pains with depression. They may complain of a headache or stomachache that doesn’t seem to stem from other causes.

These signs do not always indicate depression and may be the side effect of other medications or health conditions. Track your observations and talk to their doctor about what you have been noticing. They can help you to determine if it is depression or may be the result of something else.

If your loved one does have depression, try to spend quality time with them and do enjoyable activities together. Keep a positive attitude and be understanding. Listen to what may be troubling them and work together to find solutions. You can find many great community programs for seniors to keep them active, involved, and meeting new people.

An in-home caregiver can provide companionship and spend time doing activities that your elderly parent enjoys. The caregiver can assist them on outings and when visiting neighbors or friends. Your senior can rest easier knowing that someone is there to help them around the home and to do what they want to do. A little extra support can boost their confidence and motivation. If this sounds like a service that would enhance your senior’s wellbeing and help them to live a fuller life, contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville today to schedule your free consultation and find out more about what we have to offer. Call (828) 989-7263 or visit us online today.

Kitchen Renovations to Enhance your Senior’s Safety

The kitchen is most likely a central room in your aging parent’s Asheville home. It is where they prepare meals and often where some socialization occurs.  Ensuring that their kitchen meets their needs and everything is easily accessible is important to safety as they age. Trying to reach things on cluttered or high shelves or having to navigate tricky handles can be frustrating and dangerous. Making a few modifications to your senior’s kitchen can allow them to age in place more comfortably and safely. While some are relatively simple and cheap fixes, others require a little more planning.

Clear counter space so that they have plenty of room to work. This will allow them to keep necessary items close by as they prepare their meal, and they don’t have to constantly be trying to move things out of the way. Consider lining the edge of the counter with contrasting tape so that is more easily visible as they work.

Use non-slip flooring to help prevent falls. Traction is important, especially if your loved one has some balance or mobility issues. If there are rugs in the kitchen, make sure they are held securely in place and the edges are not rolled up where they can be tripped over.

Replace cabinet and drawer knobs with easier to pull handles. This reduces the need to try to grip something small in order to open the cabinet or drawer. Pull handles can be much easier to use and make things more convenient for those with arthritis. 

Install slide-out shelves or lazy Susans in cabinets so the contents are easier to reach. Your senior won’t have to try to dig to the back to find what they need. Pull-down shelving can make accessing cabinets more convenient as well. You don’t want your loved one to have to stretch and reach too much.

Side-by-side refrigerator and freezers mean less bending and stooping. More products can be kept in easy-to-reach locations. Also consider appliances that have larger displays that are easier to see and read. Bigger buttons and knobs can be simpler to navigate.

Increased lighting can also improve safety by making everything more visible. This can be valuable especially if their vision has deteriorated. Using contrasting colors for different objects can be beneficial as well. This makes them easier to pick out so they don’t blend into the background.

There are many other modifications such as pull-out counter space and raised or lowered cabinets as well if you are looking to make more extensive renovations. Planning ahead can allow you to make changes over time and better prepare for when they are needed. If your senior needs help around their Hendersonville home, in-home care through Always Best Care may be just what you are looking for. From help with planning and preparing meals to clean-up and organization, a caregiver can assist with these tasks and so much more. Support your aging parent in maintaining their independence as they age in place with high quality elder care from Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville. Call us today at (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com for your free consultation.

Dealing with Alzheimer’s: What to do When Your Senior’s been Diagnosed

No one wants to hear that their loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but it is a reality that it can happen. The best thing to do is know how to handle situation should it arise. You probably noticed signs and symptoms of their memory issues leading up the diagnosis. Being proactive and catching it early can allow you to be more supportive and prepared as their condition progresses. Unfortunately there is not yet a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but scientists continue to make positive advances in research.

• Educate yourself: Learn more about what Alzheimer’s disease is and what you can expect. Connect with your local Alzheimer’s Association or other support group for more information and guidance. You can also talk to your aging parent’s doctor and see if they have recommendations. The more informed you are, the better you can prepare.
• Organize legal documents: While your senior’s memory is still relatively good, make arrangements for power of attorney, wills, financial planning, and other important decisions that will impact their future. Having these plans in place will make transitions easier should you need to begin making decisions on their behalf. Make sure you know what their wishes are for care and treatment so that you are abiding by them.
• Make adjustments around the home: Clearly organize and label things around your senior’s home to make things easier to find. Try to stick to a regular routine and schedule so they know what to expect and can maintain more independence.
• Improve communication: Use gentle cues or reminders while talking to your senior to stimulate their memory. Stay calm and upbeat instead of getting frustrated when they struggle. It can be frustrating for them as well. Encourage your loved one to stay active and involved to keep their mind sharper and assist them through various activities. When you are talking, try to limit distractions so they can better focus on the conversation.
•  Seek help: If your senior wants to remain in their Asheville home and is not yet ready for assisted living, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. The caregiver can provide the level of assistance they need while allowing them to remain as independent as possible. There are probably many things that your loved one can still do on their own, but as their condition progresses, they may need more support with other activities. 

From companionship and help around the house to basic personal care, a qualified caregiver from Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can provide just the help your senior needs in a caring and compassionate way. Caregivers are trained in dementia care so they know how to work with your loved one in a way that benefits their wellbeing. To find out more about how we can help and support your aging parent with Alzheimer’s disease, call (828) 989-7263 or visit us online.