Can the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Be Predicted Through a Smell Test?

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on December 22, 2016

A new smell test is showing promising results in early detection of Alzheimer’s. Researchers hope early detection through this test will help predict cognitive decline in seniors. As part of our effort to provide trusted home care in Anchorage, Home Care Assistance wants to update you on the latest findings in Alzheimer’s research. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test Developed to measure olfactory function, the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, commonly referred to as the UPSIT, may provide a new way to predict Alzheimer’s disease. Richard Doty, a renowned researcher in the field of olfactory function and dysfunction, developed the test. The UPSIT is considered the gold standard of smell identification tests for its practicality and reliability. Cognitive…

5 Things Seniors Should Travel with This Winter

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on December 15, 2016

Many seniors love to travel, especially during winter. Since they are no longer working, they can spend a lot of time on the road. Here are 5 things the Anchorage home care experts from Home Care Assistance suggest every older adult should take along while traveling. 1. Cell Phone Even if your loved one is only traveling across town, he or she should carry a cell phone at all times. The cell phone should have a listing for In Case of Emergency (ICE) phone numbers programmed into it. This is one of the first places medical personnel and police will look if your loved one is unable to give them valuable information. 2. Medication Your loved one should take enough medication…

4 Events Anchorage Seniors Should Attend This Christmas

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on December 8, 2016

Festive holiday events give seniors the opportunity to get out of the house and do something exciting to celebrate Christmas. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly care in Anchorage, suggests 4 upcoming must-attend Christmas events for seniors. 1. Christmas Village The Dena’ina Center at 7th and F Street will be hosting a free craft show on December 17th from 10am to 6pm. This fair gives seniors the opportunity to finish their last minute holiday shopping while mingling and spreading holiday cheer to all the vendors. Your loved one will find affordable crafts, decadent food, and handmade gifts, such as scented soaps, from over 100 talented vendors gathered in the Exhibit Hall. Your loved one can…

5 Unconventional Strategies Seniors Can Use to Manage Stress

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on November 24, 2016

It’s not uncommon for older adults to experience stress, and some may become frustrated when they discover traditional methods of alleviating their feelings aren’t working well enough. However, if your senior loved one is willing to think outside the box, there are some unique alternatives for keeping his or her stress at bay. Anchorage, AK, home care professionals discuss unconventional ways your loved one can manage various forms of stress. 1. Get a Pressure Point Massage A few minutes massaging your loved one’s ears may help him or her feel relaxed all over because the earlobes have reflex points that correspond to specific areas of the body. Start by gently massaging your loved one’s earlobes between your index finger and thumb. Follow…

5 Reasons Seniors Should Keep Writing in Their Golden Years

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on November 17, 2016

If your elderly loved one used to write more often when he or she was younger, encourage him or her to get into the habit again. People over 65 have much to gain from making writing a part of their daily routine, and Anchorage caregivers discuss a few of these major advantages. 1. Enhance Memory, Comprehension, and Communication Skills When your loved one writes, the brain searches for the words to express his or her thoughts. Your loved one then composes and recomposes those thoughts as his or her hands form the letters of the words, encouraging cognitive recall and strengthening the hand-brain connection. According to a report from Stanford University, writing has critical connections to speaking, which means focusing…

4 Senior-Friendly Neighborhoods in Anchorage

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on November 10, 2016

After retiring, many older adults choose to move into neighborhoods that are more in line with their needs, and those living in Anchorage, AK, have quite a few wonderful senior-friendly communities to choose from. Anchorage home care experts have put together a list of 4 inviting local neighborhoods that can offer your senior loved one a great quality of life. 1. North Star The easy accessibility to the city center and the cost effectiveness of this neighborhood is a big draw for seniors. Your loved one can take a bus or drive to downtown Anchorage in less than 5 minutes and walk to many amenities. Only 2 miles away is the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall, which features over 110 stores where…

4 Recreational Activities Your Senior Loved One Should Try

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on November 3, 2016

In the retirement years, seniors often have extra time on their hands to spend doing fun things they truly enjoy. Anchorage, AK, home care professionals recommend a few recreational activities your aging loved one might want to try. 1. Dancing Encourage your loved one to explore the benefits of dancing. Joining a senior dance class can serve as therapy for a number of different ailments, including Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and dementia. Seniors who dance tend to have lower levels of stress and depression. Dancing can also increase strength and balance, alleviate joint stiffness, and boost cardiovascular health. 2. Creating Art Encourage your loved one to sign up for an art class. Learning a new skill provides valuable mental stimulation, the act…

5 Ways Seniors Can Exercise Their Body and Brain Together

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on October 27, 2016

Exercise is extremely important for seniors, but some may not realize the benefits of certain physical activities also extend to mental wellbeing. Anchorage home care experts discuss 5 ways your elderly loved one can exercise his or her brain and body simultaneously. 1. Go Bird Watching Watching birds is an excellent hobby that can challenge seniors mentally and physically without overwhelming them. Spending time outside to track or photograph birds can provide your loved one with vitamin D while slightly bringing his or her heart rate up. Identifying the birds constantly stimulates the brain and can create new neural pathways to fight diseases like Alzheimer’s. 2. Start a Garden According to the CDC, gardening for 2 to 3 hours a week…

5 Oral Hygiene Concerns for Aging Adults

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on October 20, 2016

As seniors age, it becomes increasingly important to take good care of their teeth and gums, which sometimes takes a little extra effort in the oral hygiene department. Anchorage, AK, home care experts discuss 5 of the top oral hygiene concerns for people over 65 and offer tips on how to alleviate each condition. 1. Tooth Discoloration Even with excellent dental care, enamel can still easily become damaged over the years, which is why many older adults develop mild exterior discoloration. These stains can make a senior’s teeth appear to be a light shade of brown, gray, or yellow. The easiest way your aging loved one can prevent discoloration is by limiting his or her consumption of darker foods like…

4 Upcoming Events Anchorage Seniors Will Want to Attend

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on October 13, 2016

Anchorage seniors looking for exciting things to do in their free time will be pleased to learn there are some fun events happening in the area in the coming weeks and months. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Anchorage, families trust, suggests these 4 upcoming local events. 1. Noel Bazaar This quaint holiday fair will be held at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center at 1300 East 19th Avenue on December 3rd at 10am. During this fair, your senior loved one can check out over 60 talented vendors, mingle and make new friends his or her age, enjoy delicious food, and do some fun caroling, which can boost his or her self-confidence. Your loved one…

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