Blog

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on November 19, 2015

Being a caregiver can be a tough job often requiring juggling dozens of responsibilities, but it doesn’t have to be so difficult. The following apps can make your life and Anchorage home care a little easier by helping you track everything from symptoms and prescription refills to medical documents and important tasks. CareZone Free Android and iOS devices The CareZone app is a versatile all-in-one caregiver app that includes a journal to document symptoms for easy reference, a calendar to track appointments and prescription refills, and a list of contacts to organize important numbers. You can quickly create a complete list of your loved one’s medications by taking photos of prescription bottles, create lists or schedules that can be emailed or…

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on November 12, 2015

If you are providing in-home care in Anchorage for a senior loved one with diabetes, diligently following a treatment plan can be a constant and important effort. Everything you do to help him or her control this disease can limit the likelihood of serious related complications. Here are 4 ways you can help alleviate your loved one’s diabetes symptoms while bolstering his or her overall health. 1. Encourage Your Loved One to Stop Smoking Smokers who have been diagnosed with diabetes should consider trying a smoking cessation plan. Smoking cigarettes can further reduce circulation in the hands and feet and increase your loved one’s likelihood of developing problems like ulcers and infection. Smoking also increases the risk of heart disease…

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on November 5, 2015

Family caregivers are known for giving their all, but there may come a time when you need a break from this duty. Anchorage respite care is one option that allows a professional caregiver to step in and help so families can tend to their personal needs. Here are some common reasons why you may need to consider respite care. Medical Appointments As a family caregiver, finding time to visit the dentist or doctor can be challenging, yet staying healthy means you can provide the best care for your loved one. Respite care can be scheduled for a single appointment or on an ongoing basis, depending on your needs. Vacation Whether you long to travel the world or just enjoy a…

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on October 29, 2015

Seniors and their families should be aware of age-related changes that can interfere with safety while driving. Although many seniors drive for years without a problem,Anchorage elder care experts suggest every family implement these strategies to ensure their elderly loved one stays safe on the road. Schedule Annual Eye Exams Seniors often experience changes in their vision as they age, which can pose a significant risk on the road. Make sure your loved one visits the eye doctor regularly so problems such as blurred vision can be addressed early on. Read Medication Side Effects It is critical to understand all possible side effectsof any new medication prescribed to your loved one. Many prescriptions come with warning labels regarding driving or…

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on October 22, 2015

The foods seniors eat can have a big impact on their health. In fact, making healthy dietary changes can even help reverse Type 2 diabetes. Some foods can reduce inflammation and promote healthy insulin levels. When providing home care in Anchorage for your senior loved one, try adding some these 5 foods to his or her diet to help prevent and reduce the symptoms of diabetes. 1. Healthy Fats Nuts, seeds, and olive oil have anti-inflammatory properties important in managing diabetes. Nuts and seeds also provide high levels of antioxidants and protein, which can improve glycemic regulations. Almonds have a particularly low glycemic index for supporting normal blood sugar levels and a healthy weight. 2. Fruits Fruit contains important antioxidants…

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on October 15, 2015

In the United States, approximately 50 percent of older adults experience some level of insomnia. Could your loved one be one of them? The staff at Anchorage Home Care Assistance suggests you be on the lookout for the most common symptoms of elderly insomnia so the disorder can be treated if necessary and further complications can be prevented. Difficulty Sleeping Since insomnia is defined by the inability to sleep, patterns of difficult sleep are often the first signs of the disorder. Take note of the time it takes your loved one to fall asleep, a period that should not last more than 30 minutes on average. Waking often during the night or too early in the morning may also be indicators…

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on October 8, 2015

As your elderly loved one ages, you may discoverhe or she requires more care and attention than you are personally able to provide. At that point, you may begin researching options for in-home assistance. Many families, however, are not able to afford the cost of such services out-of-pocket. Fortunately, there are several financing options for senior home care, and the staff at Home Care Assistance Anchorage has put together a list of some you may want to look into. Reverse Mortgage You may be able to use equity in your or your loved one’s home to help cover the cost of care services. This involves taking out a loan that doesn’t need to be paid back as long as the…

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

Seniors often have a reduced thirst sensation ora decrease in kidney function, and certain medications can diminish thirst and increase sweating. Knowing this, how can caregivers effectively prevent seniors from becoming dehydrated? The staff at Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Anchorage home care, offers these tips for helping your senior loved one stay hydrated. Offer Fluids Often Seniors with a decreased sensation for thirst may not even know they are thirsty. Keeping a glass of water by your loved one’s chair or bedside can make it easier to access fluids. If he or she is ill, the body may lose too much fluid and require replenishment due to diarrhea, vomiting, or a high fever. Be aware of dehydration…

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

A healthy diet can be beneficial for people of any age, but may be particularly important for those who are older and more susceptible to strokes. If your senior loved one is at risk for strokes and could use a change in his or her eating habits, here are 4 foods that can help prevent a stroke from occurring, brought to you by the senior care experts at Anchorage Home Care Assistance. 1. Tomatoes Lycopene is an antioxidant found in tomatoes that can help cells in the body maintain their structure. Research indicates properties in lycopene may also reduce inflammation in the body, lower cholesterol, and even prevent blood from clotting, all of which may help reduce the chance of having…

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

As seniors age, the possibility of losing balance and falling increases, but there are some minor lifestyle and environmental changes that can help reduce your elderly loved one’s risk of falls and injuries. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Anchorage home care, shares these effective fall prevention tips with you. Remove Tripping Hazards Walkways that are kept clear and wide enough for your loved one to move through easily will help prevent falls. Pick up throw rugs, cords, or clutter that can lead to falls, and push furniture away from walking paths to avoid your loved one’s clothing from getting caught on the edges and putting him or her off balance. Provide Ample Light Since age-related vision…