Exercises to Help a Senior After Surgery

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…

Top Vacation Destinations for the Elderly

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…

Why Seniors Are Living Longer in the Modern Age

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…

5 Reasons Why Your Senior Loved One Might Not Be Ready to Retire

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…

How to Make Bathing Safer for Your Elderly Loved One

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…

Why Your Elderly Loved One Should Get a Flu Shot

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…

Top 5 Ways for the Elderly to Save Money Post-Retirement

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on December 24, 2015

Many seniors are surprised to learn a lifetime of saving and careful money management doesn’t necessarily become easier or less involved after retirement. Here are some tips to help your senior loved one continue to save money and prosper as he or she ages. 1. Take a Look at the Housing Situation If your loved one isn’t adamant about staying in his or her current home, there are some great options for places to live that can be very affordable. Senior communities or condo associations are one place to start since your loved one will likely have other seniors living nearby to make friends with and may receive maintenance, lawn care, and other services either included with his or her…

How to Prevent Senior Depression During the Holidays

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on December 17, 2015

Holidays can be a time of celebration and, most importantly, a time to bond with family. Unfortunately, many seniors receiving Anchorage elderly care find themselves facing depression during the holidays for a variety of reasons. However, no matter what the reason, there are ways to boost your senior loved one’s emotional wellbeing during this time of year. Depression Resulting from Poor Nutrition An unhealthy diet can lead to depression. If your loved one is already experiencing depression, poor nutrition can make the symptoms worse. Depression has been linked to deficiencies of vitamins D, B6, and B12. When preparing holiday meals for your loved one, make sure to incorporate and share healthy food options that are high in vitamins and minerals…

Signs of Normal Aging Versus Age-Related Health Concerns

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on December 10, 2015

It’s normal to expect a decrease in certain abilities as we age. However, there is a distinct difference between changes resulting from natural aging and those related to more serious health concerns. Take a look at these comparisons to help ensure your elderly loved one’s health and safety. Poor Eyesight The gradual loss of visual acuity is to be expected as we age. Cataracts, the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40, are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. However, peripheral vision that is worse than central vision, or vice-versa, is cause for concern because it may be a sign of glaucoma, which can result in blindness. Hearing Impairment One-third of people over the age of…

Managing Debt in the Senior Years

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on November 26, 2015

One of the benefits the elderly deserve is enjoying their time after retirement without financial worry. However, since many seniors live on a fixed income, it can be easy to fall into debt if finances are not managed properly. If your senior loved one needs help getting his or her finances in order, Anchorage senior care experts recommend pinpointing the reasons why and implementing strategies to prevent further debt. Credit Cards Many seniors are not able to afford items they were once able to purchase when working full-time. Often, they begin to depend on credit cards just to take care of their basic needs. The interest rates and high balances from credit card debt are monthly obligations that can take…

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