Blog

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

Though facing the loss of an elderly loved one can be difficult, it’s important to focus on his or her needs and create an environment filled with love and comfort. Here are a few things you can do to make the last days or weeks easier for both you and your loved one. Offer Physical Comfort Your loved one may not be able to communicate well at the end of life. Talk to your loved one’s physician to help decide how to provide physical comfort. For instance, your loved one may have an IV to reduce pain, but you can also provide warm blankets or other seemingly minor things to ensure he or she is comfortable. Your loved one may…

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

According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, approximately 9.5 percent of the elderly population experiences some type of abuse each year. Of course, many cases go unreported for a variety of reasons, which means this number may be significantly higher. Family caregivers in Anchorage who are concerned about their senior loved ones being abused should watch for these potential warning signs. Physical Abuse Seniors, especially those who have physical or cognitive impairments, are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse from those who are close to them. The elderly may lack the ability to defend themselves, may not recognize the behavior as abusive, and may be reluctant to say anything out of a sense of embarrassment. When questioned, the senior may give…

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

Loss of bladder control is an unpleasant, yet common issue among the aging demographic. Fortunately, there are a number of natural remedies seniors can use to combat this issue, and the Anchorage home care experts at Home Care Assistance want to share some your loved one can try. Best of all, as with many other natural treatments, the remedies that follow are designed to address incontinence at its source. Kegel Exercises Kegel exercises are simple activities your loved one can do even while using the toilet. They involve the controlled flex and release of the muscles used to stop the flow of urine. Strength is often lost in the pelvic area over time, particularly among women who have had one or…

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

High blood pressure is a common condition that, if left untreated, can lead to cardiovascular disease, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. As a leading provider of elderly care in Anchorage, we at Home Care Assistance encourage seniors to take measures to keep their blood pressure down before it causes more serious issues. Luckily, there are some simple ways to accomplish this. 1. Reduce Sodium Intake A healthy diet that is low in sodium is a simple way to help lower blood pressure. Most people should limit salt to less than 2,800 milligrams per day, but seniors with high blood pressure may need to lower their sodium intake to less than 1,500 milligrams per day. 2. Make Healthy…

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

Encouraging your senior loved one to maintain an acceptable level of activity after surgery can actually help expedite the recovery process. Certain forms of movement are necessary for promoting bowel regularity after general anesthesia and others could be essential for regaining and increasing flexibility, mobility, balance, and coordination. The Anchorage home care experts at Home Care Assistance have put together a list of exercises that can help your loved one heal post-surgery. Marching in Place Many people have difficulty with balance as they grow older, but this can be a special challenge after a surgical procedure. Marching in place is a great way for your loved one to practice and increase his or her balance without the risk of slipping and…

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

After retiring, many seniors have more free time to get out and see parts of the world they may not have been to before. Luckily, there are many vacation spots suitable for aging adults. If your elderly loved one is looking to plan a vacation sometime this year, the staff at Anchorage Home Care Assistance suggests these great senior-friendly destinations. Niagara Falls Niagara Falls is one of the best travel destinations for seniors who love the great outdoors. The breathtaking views are best observed from the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, which is the perfect way for seniors with mobility issues to experience the stunning vistas. There are a number of other fun events that make Niagara a must-see…

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

Seniors are now living longer and in much better health than ever before. Though receiving high-quality Anchorage home care can have a significant effect on this, there are also other factors at play. Here are just a few reasons and ways your elderly loved one can live a healthier and longer life. Healthier Lifestyles Seniors who practice healthy habits have the best chance of living a longer life. Eating healthy, taking vitamins, walking regularly, avoiding smoking, and drinking infrequently are lifestyle changes your loved one can make to raise his or her chances of living a long and fulfilling life. To prevent your loved one from becoming overwhelmed by too many lifestyle changes at once, encourage him or her to set…

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

Many seniors who remain in good physical and mental health are choosing to stay in the workforce. Though you may have been hinting around to your elderly loved one that it’s time to retire and perhaps even time to start talking about home care in Anchorage, he or she may not be ready yet. Here are 5 possible reasons why your loved one is opting to continue working past normal retirement age. 1. Social Security Benefits Increase at Full Retirement Age According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s analysis, seniors can benefit financially by delaying receipt of their Social Security. This analysis indicated almost half of retirees filing for Social Security prior to age 63 lost from 25 to 33…

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

Though keeping the body clean is important for people of all ages, it can become more difficult to manage in the senior years. Many elderly people have limited mobility or other health conditions that prevent them from performing this task safely. Luckily, there are some simple adjustments that can reduce the risk of falls or other accidents in the tub. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care Anchorage families trust, has a few suggestions to help increase your loved one’s safety when bathing. Provide Assistance Even if your loved one is mobile, it is important to have someone nearby in case an accident does occur. Consider hiring an hourly caregiver in Anchorage or setting a…

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on December 31, 2015

Many people prevent influenza every year. The ones who are at highest risk of complications are often very young children or elderly people with compromised immune systems or other chronic health conditions. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care Anchorage families trust, has put together a list of reasons why your senior loved one may want to consider getting a flu shot. Flu Symptoms Can Be Dangerous The symptoms that occur due to influenza infection can overwhelm and even kill susceptible seniors. The only way for your loved one to prevent these symptoms is to prevent the infection itself. Flu shots strengthen the body’s ability to fight off influenza. Influenza Vaccines Work Getting an annual…

null