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…

Health Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

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

Growing and tending a garden is one of the most rewarding and healthy activities your senior loved one can participate in. Anchorage home care experts want to share some of the reasons he or she might want to take up this hobby. Physical Activity Working in a garden provides exercise without being an intense workout. Gardening keeps the entire body active because it requires bending down, getting back up, and using tools. It can keep your loved one’s motor skills sharp, increase circulation, and can even lead to greater strength and endurance if done daily. Gardening is also a great stress-reducer. When combined with fresh air it promotes a good night’s sleep so your loved one has time to relax and prepare…

4 Ways Exercise Can Help Your Elderly Loved One Manage Stress

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

Stress can affect seniors for a variety of reasons, but keeping it to a minimum helps prevent serious health conditions. Seniors are encouraged to exercise regularly to promote their health, and reducing stress levels is just one of the ways participating in physical activity can make a difference. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Anchorage families can count on, has put together a list of specific ways exercise can help your elderly loved one manage stress. 1. Reverses Damage to the Brain Caused by Stress Stressful experiences like losing a loved one or being diagnosed with an illness can atrophy the brain. This is particularly true of the part of the brain known as the…

How Grief Can Lead to Physical Illness

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on March 31, 2016

Grief is often thought of as an emotional state that occurs after a loss. Though this is true, losing a loved one can also generate additional issues and lead to serious physical illness for seniors if they do not find ways to effectively manage their emotions. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading Anchorage home care agency, discusses a few of the physical ailments that can come as a result of grief. Decreased Cognition If your loved one’s mind is consumed with grief, he or she may experience foggy thinking and memory loss. This can make it harder for your loved one to make smart decisions regarding his or her health. For example, grieving may cause your loved one…

Alternate Reasons Antidepressants Might Be Prescribed for a Senior

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on March 24, 2016

Approximately 7 million Americans over the age of 65 experience some form of depression. Depending on the severity of the depression, doctors often prescribe antidepressants to help alleviate the symptoms. However, depression is not the only reason a doctor might prescribe antidepressants for your elderly loved one. The Anchorage home care experts at Home Care Assistance have put together a list of other possible uses researchers have discovered for antidepressant medication. Helping a Senior Quit Smoking If your loved one smokes, quitting can boost his or her health and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and age-related macular degeneration. Certain antidepressants may be able to help your loved one quit smoking. Zyban or Wellbutrin (bupropion) have been found to interfere…

Pet Therapy: How Your Aging Loved One Can Benefit

By Rob Buck, 9:00 am on March 17, 2016

Having a dog, cat, or other animal in your life can be rewarding for a variety of reasons. However, the benefits gained can be even more significant for your aging loved one. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Anchorage families can trust, wants to share the emotional, physical, and mental benefits pet therapy can offer the elderly. Emotional Emotional disorders such as depression are common in the elderly. Recent studies have revealed over 50 percent of all seniors over the age of 65 will experience depression or a major depressive disorder. When interacting with therapy animals, your loved one’s body will release a variety of important endorphins like oxytocin that can actually combat these emotional…

Providing Care During the Final Stages of Life

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…

Signs an Elderly Person Is Being Abused

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…

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