Q – Does stress make the body vulnerable to diseases and illnesses? Is it possible that stress is to blame for my diabetes?

A – There is a chance that stress could be responsible for your diabetes, as there is a direct correlation that can put Phoenix seniors at risk for the disease. Naturally, when you are stressed, your blood sugar levels rise. While in most cases, people who do not have diabetes have mechanisms to get blood sugar levels back under control, those who are diabetic may not which can cause the onset of diabetes symptoms. While stress is unlikely to directly cause diabetes, it can cause the illness to be discovered. Stress can also have serious health effects for someone suffering from diabetes since blood sugar levels rise which can result in symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, confusion, problems forming words.

Prolonged elevated blood pressure can also result in heart disease. Particularly during times of extreme stress, seniors should be aware of these family conditions which can be further aggravated by stress and have their risk assessed by a doctor.

Sources:

1. Medical News Today

2. Medicine Online

3. The American Institute of Stress

Image: www.gettyimages.com

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

Q – Are there methods that Phoenix seniors can use to control anxiety that can be made part of their regular lifestyle?

A – Phoenix seniors can reduce and control anxiety with simple methods that fit easily into every lifestyle. While anxiety, at times is a normal reaction to stressful situations or uncertainty, it is important that all elderly Americans have effective coping methods to ensure that their anxiety doesn’t overcome them or result in serious health complications like cardiovascular or gastrointestinal problems.

Simple lifestyle changes with regards to diet, physical activity, and other social socials can also help Phoenix seniors to control and reduce anxiety without making any drastic changes to the way they live.

• Focus on healthy nutrition – poor food choices can naturally increase levels of anxiety, lower the immune system and have other adverse affects upon a senior’s emotional and physical well-being. Maintaining a well-balanced diet into older adulthood can help reduce and prevent stress and anxiety.

• Exercise – engaging in physical activities can help to reduce emotional tension and help seniors relax. Naturally, exercise choices for seniors should depend on each individual’s physical capabilities, but regardless of the activity, the benefits towards anxiety reduction are the same. Choose walking, jogging, riding a bike, or playing a favorite sport.

• Socialize – seniors can reduce and prevent anxiety by becoming involved in their communities, joining clubs for seniors, spending time with family, getting together with friends, and finding time in each and every day to stay connected with the important people in their lives.

• Choose relaxing activities – seniors can try activities geared to relax like yoga for seniors or meditation, or choose activities like gardening or reading that provide a sense of anxiety reduction.

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic

2. Yoga for Seniors

3. About

Image: www.qualityoflifecare.com

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

Many seniors become reluctant to part with their belongings as they get older. For them, the odds and ends in their home may represent a past life with a deceased spouse and provide a sense of identity; so letting go of old furniture or clothing can be a very difficult task. Another factor that can contribute to a senior’s reluctance to part with their things relates to income; when living on a fixed income after retirement they just might not have the funding required to purchase new clothing or items for their home.

This year, help the senior in your life declutter their home and acknowledge which items could spare to be replaced. Instead of forcing them to spend to replace their older things, look around your home when completing your own spring cleaning in Phoenix and think about what might be donated to the senior.

Clean out your closet and determine which items you no longer wear would be appropriate in the senior’s wardrobe. Think about why you want to get rid of it; is it damaged? Is it worn out? Does it no longer suit today’s fashion trends? Clothing items which are gently used and sitting in your closet simply because they’re slightly out of date, may be perfect for a senior who worries more about function than fashion when choosing their clothing.

Other items that you might consider donating to a senior during spring cleaning in Phoenix can include furniture, electronics, bedding and linens and kitchenware to give them affordable new items for their home!

Sources:

1. Michigan Home Care Blog

2. About.com

Image: Image: www.thisoldhouse.com

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

In order to remain in optimal health during older adulthood, Phoenix seniors need to make smart nutrition choices, which includes cooking healthy, balanced meals for themselves. Many seniors who live alone in later life neglect their diet, because they can’t be bothered to cook for one. But, there are simple recipes which taste great, help seniors enjoy their meals, and won’t keep them slaving in the kitchen for hours on end.

Here’s a healthy recipe that Phoenix seniors can make at home with relative ease–although, if you serve it to guests, it tastes so good you can let them think you’ve spent all day cooking!

Lemon Dill Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup sour cream
1 TSP chopped fresh dill
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp. lemon zest

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425? F. degrees.

Mix all ingredients except chicken.
Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread 1/4 of the lemon dill sauce over the bottom of pan.
Arrange chicken breasts on top of sauce in a single layer.
Pour remaining sauce over chicken and spread evenly.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until chicken is done.

Serve the chicken breasts with green peas, and a half cup of boiled potatoes for each serving. To reduce fat content, or omit use of dairy products, skip the sour cream and use the lemon and dill as seasoning or choose a low fat variety.

Sources:

1. ClevelandAndSeniors.com

2. Nutritionwerks.com

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

Q – My elderly mother is in her mid-80’s, and has been in and out of the hospital over the past few years. We’re never sure what to pack for her to make her comfortable while she’s there; what would you recommend?

A – If your mother has a history of medical issues that have kept her in and out of the hospital, it’s recommended that you keep a hospital bag on hand with the items she would need, so when a medical emergency occurs you don’t need to stress over the small details – like whether or not your remembered her toothbrush. Pack a hospital bag and include the following items:

• Clothing – loose fitting, comfortable clothing or pajamas, which allow hospital staff easy access to medical monitors or intravenous lines are recommended

• Documentation – copies of important documentation should be on hand. Including insurance cards, living wills, medicine and contact lists. Keep a pen and paper on hand to record questions for doctors, or information provided by medical staff.

• Toiletries – toothpaste, toothbrush, comb/brush, and other non heavily-perfumed items are necessities.

•  Entertainment – bring books, magazines, knitting, and if allowed under hospital policy a laptop in order to help the senior pass the time.

• Other necessities – hearing aids and eye glasses should be packed if needed; along with mementos from home (photos etc), a prepaid phone card and a small amount of cash.

Sources:
3. MedicineNet
4. Inventor Spot Beth Hodgson

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

Q – I am a professional caregiver in Phoenix who prepares meals for a senior. I know that a history of osteoporosis runs in her family. Are there any foods that will help to prevent osteoporosis and promote bone strength and health?

A – There are foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals that promote good bone health. Many of these superfoods are readily available at any supermarket, although most people aren’t aware of their benefits to bones so they are overlooked. Next time you go shopping and need meal ideas for your senior care recipient, consider incorporating the following foods into your cooking, because bone health requires more than just calcium!

• Black pepper - contains 4 anti-osteoporosis compounds)
• Cabbage - source of boron
• Cod liver oil - source of vitamins A and D
• Dandelion - source of boron
• Garlic - source of sulphur
• Onions - source of sulphur
• Parsley - source of boron
• Pigweed (source of calcium)
• Arugula - source of vitamin K
• Broccoli - source of vitamin K
• Collards - source of vitamin K
• Kale - source of vitamins K and C
• Swiss chard - source of vitamins K and C, magnesium, and calcium
• Spinach - source of vitamins K and C and magnesium

Sources:
1. Dole Superfoods
2. Project-Aware

Image: jupiterimages.com

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

Q – My father was recently diagnosed with dementia. While we all saw it coming in a way, it has come as a shock, especially for him. What can we do to help keep him in positive spirits and cope with the emotional aspects that come with such a diagnosis?

A – While you may have suspected a diagnosis like dementia in your father’s future, actually hearing the words and having your fears reinforced can be shocking for everyone.

At this stage, your father may feel as though his mind and body are letting him down, and he may fear an inevitable loss of independence. In the early stages, your father should seek support from Phoenix community groups for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, and learn as much about his condition as possible. Planning early on for the future can also help ensure that his wishes with regards to care and medical treatment are met, if he reaches the point where he is able to voice what he wants. Encourage your father to create a living will, appoint a future Power of Attorney, and generally get his affairs in order. By researching care options in Phoenix, he can choose the best fit for him if it’s needed in the future. Encourage him to maintain his lifestyle, but refrain from activities that are too stressful or demanding.

Sources:
1. Alzheimer’s Society UK
2. DementiaGuide

Image: Zimbio

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

Q – I am an elder care provider, and have a care recipient in Phoenix who has a history of strokes in his family. Since his risk of having a stroke is higher, is there anything I can do to help lower the likelihood that he will have stroke?

A – Since naturally there is no way to change your care recipient’s family history, it’s fortunate that simple changes to lifestyle and diet can reduce a senior’s risk of having a stroke. As a caregiver in Phoenix, there are a number of things that you can do to directly impact the likelihood that your senior will have a stroke, and a number of other things you can help with by offering support and encouragement.

How Caregivers Can Help Prevent Strokes:

• Prepare healthy meals for the senior that are low in salt and saturated fats

• Plan meals based on their specific healthy living needs – serve lower-cholesterol foods and adjust meals for those who struggle with high cholesterol

• Engage in activities daily that keep the senior active – go for a walk around the neighborhood or to the park, or try more vigorous exercise if your senior has the physical capabilities

• Ensure alcohol served with meals is done so in moderation, since excessive drinking can increase the risk of a stroke

Stroke Prevention Through Encouragement:

• Encourage a senior to understand their health, including stroke risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, circulation problems or atrial fibrillation by visiting a doctor

• Encourage a senior to quit smoking

• Be on the look out for signs of a stroke!

Sources:

1. Healing Daily

2. BBC Health

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

Q1 – My elderly mother from Phoenix has been looking into vacation options for seniors. Are cruises a good option for seniors looking to take a vacation? What are the benefits?

A1 – Cruises for the senior demographic are great vacation options for seniors for a number of reasons! Since cruises are typically semi-inclusive, non-luxury cruises for seniors can be very affordable vacation options for those who are retired and on a limited budget. Senior cruises also cater to the specific needs of the elderly; typically there are more accessible rooms for those who are disabled or face mobility issues; there is flexibility to cater to specific dietary needs; on ship doctors keep a supply of medications needed based on the vacationers medical conditions and illnesses; and activities are senior-friendly and enjoyable for the demographic.

Q2 – Do senior cruises depart from Phoenix?

A2 – Departure points vary with the specific cruise line. However, once seniors have chosen their desired cruise, they may need to travel by plane to the departure port.

Sources:

1. Expedia Cruise Ship Centers

2. About

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.

I’m not an addict, but I know someone who is, and I’m to blame. It’s my fault she’s an addict because I fill her prescriptions, and if I did a better job as her caregiver, she might not be so dependent upon the medications she abuses. The addict is an important person in my life, but it’s not someone you’d expect. It’s not my 16-year old son; it’s not my hardworking husband; it’s not my best friend who is recently widowed; it’s my 87 year old mother, and I’m her senior care provider.

I shouldn’t blame myself; I know the statistics–approximately 70% of seniors aged 60 and older, like my mother, abuse prescription medication. My mother, like many other seniors who misuse prescription drugs, probably doesn’t know she’s an addict.  They think they’re just taking the drugs that they require, but often that’s one and the same.

My mother’s prescription drug abuse started when my father passed away and she was prescribed Valium to help her cope. She started taking it “only when she needed it” which was everyday, and realizing it helped her insomnia, she started taking it again at nighttime. My mother is an addict, because now without it, she can’t get to sleep, but she also takes it all the time which is abuse. Her doctor renews her prescriptions, because she’s older and there’s the perception that she needs it.

It might not be my fault, but my mother is an addict, and I blame myself.

Sources:
1.    Bio-Medicine
2.   Join Together

Greater Phoenix Senior Living & Central Phoenix Senior Living provides home care for elders and seniors . Call us! 623-583-5868, 480-991-3959 or 602-265-8228.