4 Walking Trails Anchorage Seniors Will Enjoy

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

All aging adults should set aside time for regular exercise, and walking is one of the simplest ways to get a little physical activity without putting too much strain on the body. If your senior loved one enjoys walking, he or she will find plenty of gorgeous trails in the Anchorage, AK, area. Anchorage home care experts list 4 of the best local walking trails your loved one can visit. 1. Rendezvous Peak Rendezvous Peak is an easy to moderate trail many Anchorage seniors love. It is adjacent to the Arctic Valley ski area, beginning at the end of Arctic Valley Road. Walking this trail can help increase balance and muscle strength, and your loved one can take his or her…

Herbs and Spices: Health Benefits for Seniors

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

Herbs and spices can be a wonderful way to give a flavor boost to food, and many of them also offer significant health benefits for seniors. The Anchorage respite care experts at Home Care Assistance discuss some common herbs and spices you may want to add to your elderly loved one’s meals. Cinnamon This spice is naturally antibacterial and has been shown to boost cardiac health and lower cholesterol. It can also reduce inflammation in the joints and reduce blood sugar levels. Some seniors claim it is helpful in appetite control as well. Garlic Since ancient times, this relative of the onion was eaten for increasing overall health. Today, scientists say it can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and…

Everything You Should Know About Mild Cognitive Impairment

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on August 25, 2016

Slight changes in memory and thinking skills are to be expected when entering the senior years. Though some seniors eventually develop dementia or Alzheimer’s, it isn’t always an immediate leap from normal changes in cognition to these more serious conditions. A condition known as mild cognitive impairment sometimes acts as an intermediate stage between the two. To offer you a better understanding of mild cognitive impairment, Anchorage home care experts share some facts about the condition and offer tips on how to help your aging loved one prevent its progression. What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment? Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) causes cognitive changes that are serious enough to be noticed but aren’t severe enough to interrupt daily life. The condition is broken…

Why Is Journaling Helpful for Family Caregivers?

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on August 18, 2016

When caring for a senior loved one, it’s vital to stay organized. Without some sort of system in place, you run the risk of making mistakes that could negatively impact your loved one’s health. Many family caregivers find it helpful to keep a journal because it gives them a concrete way to help their loved ones remain healthy, happy, and comfortable at home, and these are just a few reasons why. Track Key Details, Most live-in and part-time caregivers in Anchorage are going to have quite a bit on their minds, and it doesn’t take much to lose track of the key pieces of information your loved one’s doctor should know about. Taking a few moments to jot down your…

5 Ways Seniors Can Take Better Care of Their Feet

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on August 11, 2016

Arthritis and other age-related ailments can make taking care of the feet difficult for some seniors, which can lead to the development of various foot disorders. Anchorage home care professionals have a few tips to help your elderly loved one take better care of his or her feet. 1. Keep the Feet Dry Washing the feet can decrease the odds of an infection, but failing to dry them after can actually increase the risk. When moist, the hard to dry areas of the feet become the perfect breeding grounds for infections. Your loved one needs to make sure his or her feet are completely dry after being thoroughly cleaned. 2. Wear Cushioned Shoes As your loved one ages, his or…

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…

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