Simple Ways to Make Your Elderly Loved One Happy

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on August 4, 2016

Seniors are at high risk for isolation and loneliness, which can lead to depression. However, making your senior parent smile and feel loved is easier than you might think. All it takes is a few random acts of kindness to let him or her know how much you care. The staff at Anchorage Home Care Assistance has a few simple suggestions to bring more happiness into your loved one’s life. Stop by for a Visit If it has been a while since the last time you visited your loved one, stop by for a surprise visit. Bring a few snacks and a movie along with you or just sit and talk for a while. Your loved one will surely enjoy…

Identity Theft Prevention Tips for the Elderly

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on July 28, 2016

Many seniors are unaware of the latest scams designed to steal their personal and financial information. However, they can take a few preventive measures to keep their information protected and prevent identity theft. Anchorage, AK, elder care experts have a few tips to help your senior loved one keep his or her information and identity safe. Secure Sensitive Information Scammers are extremely creative when developing new ways to steal identities. Make sure your loved one stores his or her birth certificate, social security card, and other sensitive financial information in a safe place. For instance, these documents can be kept in a safe deposit box at the bank, or your loved one can purchase a lockbox to store them at…

What Are the Leading Causes of Death for Seniors in America?

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on July 21, 2016

Life expectancy in the U.S. has been steadily increasing for the last 100 years, but there are still a few key medical conditions that continue to cause the vast majority of deaths in the elderly population. The Anchorage, AK, home care experts at Home Care Assistance discuss these leading causes and offer tips to help your aging loved one remain healthy and prevent an untimely death. Heart Disease Heart disease is the number one cause of death for all ethnicities. According to the CDC, heart disease accounted for 488,156 deaths in 2013, and it was still the leading cause of death in 2014. Staying at a healthy weight and controlling cholesterol levels can help prevent this condition. Cancer When all…

How to Help Seniors Prevent Psoriasis

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on July 14, 2016

According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations, approximately 3 percent of the world’s population has some form of psoriasis, a condition that causes the skin to develop red, rough patches and silvery scales. Psoriasis itself is not life threatening, but it can raise a senior’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, and many other serious complications. Though it may not be possible to completely prevent psoriasis, Anchorage senior care experts have some tips to help your senior loved one reduce his or her risk of flare-ups. Maintain a Healthy Weight Being overweight can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. You can help your loved one stave off these symptoms by encouraging him or her to eat a healthful, balanced…

How Can Seniors Eliminate Household Clutter?

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on July 7, 2016

Clutter can invade even the most structured life. However, the clutter in these cases is usually manageable. For seniors who have accumulated a lifetime of possessions, the amount of distracting clutter can become overwhelming. If your elderly loved one is in a situation like this, Anchorage 24-hour care experts have some tips to help him or her declutter the home and keep it clutter-free. Don’t Try to Do the Entire House in One Session If possible, tackle one space at a time. This makes it easier to begin the decluttering process and stay focused because you and your loved one won’t be going back and forth from room to room. Start with the places that pose obvious safety hazards, such as…

Creative Arts: How They Help Combat Alzheimer’s

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on June 30, 2016

Seniors with Alzheimer’s may experience a variety of mental and emotional challenges as the disease progresses. However, research has indicated having an artistic outlet can help these seniors maintain a higher quality of life. Anchorage Alzheimer’s care experts discuss a few of the ways art can be used to alleviate your elderly loved one’s Alzheimer’s symptoms. Preserve Sense of Self A 2013 study published in the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences followed renowned sculptor Mary Hecht. As her Alzheimer’s progressed, her personality and cognitive abilities quickly began to change. However, what didn’t change was her ability to create beautiful sculptures and paintings. Many of the doctors who followed her noted she only appeared to be herself when she was given…

How to Talk to Your Loved One About the Need for Home Care

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on June 23, 2016

Many seniors develop age-related conditions that make it difficult to accomplish the tasks of daily living and maintain their independence. If you have noticed changes in your elderly loved one’s health that indicate the need for home care, it may be time to discuss this sensitive topic with him or her. The Anchorage caregivers at Home Care Assistance have a few suggestions to help you approach this situation. Start by Educating Yourself You likely realize talking to your loved one about home care Anchorage may be difficult. One of the best ways to steer clear of major emotional roadblocks is to have all the facts with you when you first speak with him or her. Your loved one might be more…

One Boxer’s Battle with Parkinson’s: Ali’s Story

By Rob Buck, 8:28 am on June 16, 2016

Though many people will remember Muhammad Ali as one of the best fighters in the boxing industry, others will forever think of him as the champion in his long fight against Parkinson’s disease. Anchorage, AK, home care experts share some details about Ali’s battle and how his strength inspired others. Ali’s Symptoms Muhammad Ali often ran around the boxing ring and taunted his opponents, spewing various catch phrases. During his final fight, many observers noticed his hands were shaking and he was not moving as quickly as he once had. People around the world came to the conclusion time had caught up with Ali and that he should retire because of his age. However, Ali was already developing Parkinson’s, and the…

Why Is It Important for Seniors to Have Close Friends?

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on June 9, 2016

Spending time with friends is enjoyable, and seniors have a lot to gain from the social connections they keep or make in their golden years. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of home care Anchorage families can trust, discusses a few reasons why maintaining close friendships in the golden years is a sound decision. Health Accountability Having close friends provides seniors with people outside of their families that care about their wellbeing. Seniors can encourage each other to stay on top of their health by attending medical appointments, and those with close friends are also more likely to exercise and eat right, which promotes better overall health. Shared Happiness Happiness is contagious, and your loved one needs friends to…

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Parkinson’s?

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on May 26, 2016

Though approximately 1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease and 60,000 more are diagnosed each year, many people still do not have a good understanding of this complex neurological disorder. If your elderly loved one has been diagnosed with the condition or has been exhibiting symptoms that indicate its development, you likely have some concerns. To help ease your mind and keep you informed, the Anchorage elder care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to clear up a few of the common misconceptions about Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s Disease Is Preventable Though researchers have attempted to prove otherwise, there is no known cause for Parkinson’s. Without a cause being identified, it is impossible to prevent this disease. Researchers believe both genetic…

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