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…

How Eggs Promote Elderly Health

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on May 19, 2016

Eggs have long been thought to have a high level of cholesterol commonly associated with heart problems, though this notion is not entirely true. Despite the cholesterol content, eggs actually have numerous health benefits, especially for the elderly. Anchorage part-time care experts want to share some of the ways eggs can help keep your senior loved one healthy. Protein is one of the most important dietary elements required by the body. This compound helps build and repair worn out tissues in the body, which is especially important for seniors. The human body can create some of its necessary proteins, but not all of them. This extra protein needs to come from the food your loved one consumes. Amino acids are…

5 Exercises Your Elderly Loved One Can Do in a Pool

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on May 12, 2016

Getting regular exercise is crucial for aging adults. However, some seniors have physical limitations that can make this difficult. Exercising in a pool can be beneficial for your elderly loved one even if he or she has limited mobility. Anchorage home care experts have put together a list of 5 exercises your loved one can perform in the water. 1. Water Jogging Jogging in the water provides the cardiovascular benefits of traditional jogging while preventing stress on the knees and hips. Depending on your loved one’s abilities, he or she can jog from one end of the pool to the other or even try marching in place. Regardless of the technique, the goal is to keep the heart rate elevated. 2….

How Can Fibromyalgia Be Managed in the Senior Years?

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on May 5, 2016

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes fatigue, muscle pain and tenderness throughout the body, and other side effects such as difficulty sleeping and headaches. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it has been linked to traumatic events, repetitive injuries, illnesses, genetics, and certain diseases. Anchorage live-in care experts discuss ways to help seniors manage this condition. Although there is currently no known cure for fibromyalgia, certain measures can reduce the likelihood of it occurring in the senior years. Some treatments and lifestyle changes can offer relief from symptoms once the condition has been diagnosed. If your elderly loved one has fibromyalgia, he or she can manage its symptoms by practicing ways to reduce the intensity of flare-ups. Get Plenty…

Emotional and Behavioral Challenges Seniors Face After a Stroke

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

After a senior loved one has experienced a stroke, you may discover there are many emotional and behavioral challenges that must be overcome. While some of these changes disappear with time, these challenges can be managed with the right type of Anchorage stroke care. Inappropriate Emotional Reactions When your loved one suddenly laughs at bad news or cries during a funny movie, it may confuse you and your family. However, this is completely normal following a stroke, resulting from a condition called emotional lability. When these reactions occur, it is best to continue with your normal routine. If they are disruptive, switching to a new activity may help your loved one focus on more appropriate reactions. Depression Strokes often leave…

What Ethical Dilemmas Can Arise When Caring for Seniors with Dementia?

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

Ethical issues frequently arise when providing Anchorage home care for a senior with dementia. Although you want your elderly loved one to make independent decisions as much as possible, there will be times when you must step in to protect his or her wellbeing. Planning for these common ethical dilemmas now can help both you and your loved one prepare for the future. Diagnosis Disclosure Families often debate how much they should tell their loved ones about their health conditions. As a general rule, it is better to be honest with your loved one about his or her dementia diagnosis and answer questions truthfully. However, it is best to focus on the positive points and avoid mentioning details that could cause…

Blog Throughout Anchorage, Alaska

Blog