April 26th, 2012
Walking is a popular activity among seniors and doing it regularly is one of the most effective ways to improve heart health and deliver substantial health benefits, says the American Heart Association. The latest addition to the American Heart Association’s tools for persuading people to exercise is walking clubs, which are being formed across the country.
Walking is easy to start and continue, and it has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. By joining an American Heart Association Walking Club, participants can connect with others who share their goals, lifestyles, schedules and hobbies. And, best of all, they can do this for free.
According to an American Heart Association survey, only 15 percent of American adults achieve the association’s recommended level of moderate aerobic exercise, which is 150 minutes per week. Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day will improve circulation, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and promote weight loss.
You may consider Home Instead Senior Care to aid in finding someone to walk with your loved one or to help them with finding a walking club.
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April 19th, 2012
Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 5.4 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. And, for those families whom it affects, there could be some potentially good news on the horizon in the fight against the disease. A study by the scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California is the basis for a new drug that could be the first to halt the mental decline brought on by Alzheimer’s.
Researchers report that when given to mice with Alzheimer’s, the drug – known as J147 – improved memory and prevented brain damage caused by the incurable disease. The new compound could be tested for treatment of the disease in humans in the near future.
Also, because of the broad ability of J147 to protect nerve cells, the researchers believe that it also may be effective for treating other neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease, as well as stroke.
You can read more about the drug here.
If you have more questions about Alzheimer’s, we at Home Instead Senior Care are here to aid you with the resources at HelpforAlzheimersFamilies.com, where you can take advantage of free Family Caregiver Training.
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March 22nd, 2012
It seems like Summer rather than Spring lately and this fantastic weather is a great opportunity to get your senior loved ones outside. Sunlight is an easy source of Vitamin D and you can get your daily amount in just 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure. Here is an informative blog with some other benefits from sun exposure (http://onlineradiologytechnicianschools.com/2010/feeling-sunny-25-health-benefits-of-sensible-sun-exposure/). And, for seniors, who tend to be more fragile, sun exposure is a simple way to promote bone health.
If your senior loved one is not very mobile anymore, going outside and doing a puzzle or playing a game, like chess or checkers, is a nice way to spend time with your loved one. However, if they are mobile still, going for a walk through a park is the simplest way to spend time outside and get a little activity in their routine. If you have a child that plays an outdoor sport, that can be a wonderful way to get them the benefits of being outside and engaged with the family.
And, don’t let your loved one get discouraged because they cannot do everything they used to outside. There is usually way to adapt to their desires to their needs (http://www.caregiverstress.com/senior-activities/outdoor/adapt-outdoor-activities/).
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February 29th, 2012
As parents age they may need to move into a space that accommodates their needs better and the responsibility to organize and move them often falls to their children. The same applies when parents pass. Many children then find themselves overwhelmed trying to go through the physical belongings and financial aspects of their parents’ lives.
What might seem like an easy task becomes a burden as children realize just how many things their parents have amassed during their lives. When you throw sentimentality into the picture, the job grows even harder. We have seen adult children really get bogged down with the responsibility of trying to divide up their parents property and get rid of items that are no longer needed or wanted.
There are some creative ways to try and stave off these problems. One, assuming mom and dad are comfortable with it, would be to have all the adult children and their spouses over for dessert. During the get-together everyone can pick things that they would like to have and the items can be labeled so there is no questions later as to who is to inherit it and the process can happen much more quickly. As a result it also allows mom or dad to see what the kids don’t want and to either explain why that piece is important to them or to find someone outside of the family who might enjoy it. Sometimes adult children will want an item when they understand how/why their parents treasure it.
Going through a loved one’s things is never easy, but can be made less complicated. If that is the boat you find yourself in, I wish you luck and I offer a few a links that might help: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203920204577195292564700600.html.
I would also recommend that you go to: http://www.caregiverstress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/HomeInstead_40-70Booklet_Web.pdf. There you will find a guide on having difficult conversations with your loved one.
Again, good luck!
Tags: conversation, planning
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February 16th, 2012
My friend shared a story with me the other day, “Just this past Sunday I was sitting with my grandmother and she was showing me a box of photos from various decades. They ranged from photos of me as a baby to my grandmother on a swing-set as a little girl; even some photos from the very late 1800s. Every photo had a small story told by my grandmother to accompany it. And, she didn’t struggle much at all to recall any of the stories. My grandfather had Alzheimer’s and died a few years ago, so it is good to see her pull stories out of her head as easily as she was the photos out of the box.”
My friend Zach was doing something with his grandmother that is such a wonderful activity. Looking through a box photos and recalling their stories can be an excellent mental exercise for a senior. It can engage them in a way that new technologies can’t. You could look through digital scans of photos on a computer, but, while that may be more convenient, an actual photo (something that is tangible) is something a senior can connect with more. The act of pulling out a photo mimics pulling out the corresponding memory. In addition, by looking through old photos you can make a senior loved one crucial to your family’s conversation; making them feel more involved.
The next time you are thinking of ways to spend time with a senior loved one take out a box of photos or photo album. It may help your loved one in more ways than one.
Tags: activities
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February 10th, 2012
We will be hosting another job fair this Monday, February 13th from 11:30am to 4:30pm. It will be held at our offices at 4610 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville, KY 40220.
Applicants will need to bring employer history details (addresses and phone numbers) in addition to the contact information for personal and professional references. We will perform on-the-spot interviews on first come basis, so appointments will not be necessary.
We are looking for qualified CAREGivers and CNAs to provide our seniors with non-medical assistance that will allow them to remain Home Instead. Both CNAs and Non-CNAs are welcome. There are immediate openings for full-time and part-time day, evening, and weekend shifts. They range from 3-12 hours long. CAREGivers must have reliable transportation, clean backgrounds, drug screens, and be at least 18 years of age.
If you have any questions, you may contact our office at 502-515-9515.
Tags: job fair
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February 7th, 2012
Valentine’s Day is coming up and something that could get lost in all the hooplah is your senior loved ones. It can be easy to forget, while you’re thinking of things to do for your significant other or children, that they still need to feel loved too.
In many senior communities they have activities for the residents and do things for them, but, especially for seniors that have lost a spouse, something extra from the family can be a great lift to their spirits. If you have plans Valentine’s night, you could take your senior loved one out for a special lunch. Or, if you have young children, you could help them put together something homemade for their grandparents. If they are anything like my grand parents were, they will love it.
So get creative. Any gesture, large or small, can be a thoughtful, sweet thing to do for your senior loved one.
Tags: activities
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January 31st, 2012
A few days ago I caught a mid-day movie at the theater and couldn’t help but notice that many of the people there were seniors. Several were a part of a group that came together. I imagine that many people struggle with coming up with ideas for things to do with their senior loved ones and simply going to see a movie with them is an easy idea. So easy that it may just slip their minds.
Of course, going to the movie theater is not cheap these days, but if your senior is not that active it has the added benefit of a little exercise (as long as you skip the buttered popcorn). If, however, money is an issue for you, keep in mind that many theaters have a senior discount.
Let’s say, though, that your senior loved one is movement impaired, or the checkbook is a little tight this month. You can go the stay at home route and rent a movie for $1 at a Redbox kiosk.
Whether you go out or stay at home you and your loved one always have the option to see a movie. Best of all, it is something you and your entire family can do together and spending time together is the most important thing.
Tags: activities
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January 16th, 2012
Today Home Instead Senior Care is beginning it’s Salute to Senior Service program. The program intends to honor seniors enriching their communities through volunteering.
“Helping others defines life for many local seniors,” said Becky Beanblossom, owner of Home Instead Senior Care Louisville. “And what a difference we have observed in seniors’ health, attitude, and outlook among those who choose to stay active as they age.”
Now through March 15, 2012 nominations can be made at www.salutetoseniorservice.com (Nomination forms can also be requested at ckoehler@homeinsteadinc.com). Nominees must be at least 65 years old and volunteer at least 15 hours a month.
The state Senior Hero winners will receive plaques, and their stories will be posted on the Salute to Senior Service website.
The program will conclude in May, during Older Americans Month, with the selection of a national Salute to Senior Service winner from the winners in each state. This winner will have $5,000 donated to the non-profit charity of their choice.
For more information about the Salute to Senior Service program or Home Instead Senior Care, please call 502-515-9515.
Tags: Salute to Senior Service
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January 13th, 2012
If a position as a CAREGiver with Home Instead Senior Care interests you, we will be holding two job fairs at the end of the month.
The first will be held Friday, January 20th from 10pm to 3pm.
The second will be held Tuesday, January 24th from 5pm to 7pm.
Both will be held at our offices at 4610 Taylorsville Road, Louisville KY 40220.
We will be allotting time to take new applications for our CAREGiver positions and will also provide on the spot interviews. Applicants will not need an appointment but do need to bring employer history details and contact information for personal and professional references.
If you have any questions, call our office at (502) 515-9515.
Tags: job fair
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