Make This Festive Season Special for Your Grandparents with These Inexpensive Gifts

Looking for the perfect gift for your grandparents but running short on cash? Well, we have got you covered by sharing this list of some amazing, inexpensive gifts for your senior loved ones to brighten up their Christmas!

• Scented Candles

Scented candles are the perfect gift option for not just Christmas but every occasion. The warmth of a beautiful scented candle is sure to enlighten their homes and hearts. Optionally, you can also pair them up with a bunch of flowers, chocolates, or Christmas postcards and the best part is, there’s one for every budget.

• Homemade Cookies

How about surprising your loved ones with a box of their favorite cookies made by you? Everyone loves handmade gifts and nothing beats your favorite delicacies prepared by your favorite people! A box of handmade cookies along with a Christmas card will do all the magic you need.

• Books

Most seniors enjoy some quiet time reading about topics of their interests and that is precisely why a thoughtfully chosen book can be a perfect present for a senior loved one. Make sure you know their interests and choose a book that has been printed in big letters to make sure they have a seamless reading experience.

• Mugs

You can also go ahead and buy a lovely mug. You can customize this gift by getting their name or picture printed on it. Needless to say, they’ll think of you every time they sip their favorite beverage.

• A Pet

Gifting them the cutest companion in the form of a fur baby is probably the best you can do for them. Kittens and pups are easy to look after and a joy to have. The best thing is you can have them for almost free.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, you can go ahead and gift your loved ones with the best elder care assistance in East Bay by getting in touch with Always Best Care. Dial (925) 210-0323 to know more.

When Is Aging In Place A Good Option For The Elderly?

Aging in place as you grow older allows you to live in a familiar setting where you can stick to the same routine you have been following for years and stay in touch with the community that you’ve always been a part of. With minor modifications and repairs, you can also make your house more senior friendly.

Typically, aging in place is a good option for you if -

• You have a good network of nearby friends, family, and neighbors
• Public transportation is easily accessible, in case you no longer drive yourself
• Your neighborhood is a safe place to live for the elderly
• Your house can be easily modified to meet your changing needs
• Yard maintenance isn’t too much of a hassle 
• You do not have a serious condition that requires a high level of care 

If you have an aging loved one in your family or are a senior yourself, planning for the future housing is an extremely important part of ensuring that you or your aging family member continue to live a healthy, happy life while getting older. Of course, every senior is different and so are their housing needs. If you are considering aging in place, you can benefit from Always Best Care’s wide range of in-home care services. But if aging in place does not seem to be the right choice due to your declining health or other reasons, you can consider other senior housing options, such as retirement communities, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities in Contra Costa County.

Contact us today at (925) 210-0323 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you find the right senior housing option according to your needs.

6 Duties a Geriatric Care Provider Can Perform Efficiently

The most important role a geriatric care provider plays is providing daily care to an older adult while keeping up with their unique needs. Geriatric care providers are usually patient, understanding, empathetic, and compassionate individuals who work with the true desire of working with older adults. 

A geriatric care provider can perform a number of duties for your loved one. These include:

1. Administering their medications
2. Measuring and recording all the vital signs
3. Helping them with exercises and massage
4. Looking for signs of elder abuse
5. Taking the patient to the doctor’s and taking care of other appointments
6. Helping the aging adults with their daily needs 

In addition to all these duties, a geriatric care manager is also expected to keep an accurate patient record and coordinate your loved one’s care as per the recommendations given by their physicians. Not just their physical well-being, a geriatric care provider also helps improve the patients’ mental as well as emotional health. They are trained to deal with the consequences of mood swings baby boomers often experience because of factors such as failing health, lack of independence, and isolation from their loved ones. These healthcare workers keep a close eye on their patients while remaining cheerful and compassionate even during the most difficult of times. 

Most geriatric care providers are encouraged to communicate with their patients’ family members to explain their care regimen or medications or even act as a liaison between them, their families, and the physician on several occasions.

Always Best Care provides the best geriatric care services in Contra Costa County through its strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area. We are the experts in senior care. Feel free to dial (925) 210-0323 for more information.

Many older adults with arthritis do not exercise thinking that it will make their condition worse. However, it actually helps increase strength & flexibility, reduce joint pain, & combat fatigue. Of course, the thought of walking around the block or taking a dip into the swimming pool might seem a bit too overwhelming when your stiff joints are already bogging you down. But, you do not need to swim like an Olympic competitor or run a marathon to manage your joint pain. Just a few low-impact exercises everyday can help strengthen your joints & improve flexibility. On the other hand, not exercising can result in muscle loss & weight gain, aggravating the arthritis pain. 

Some of the exercises that are known to benefit seniors with arthritis are:

• Water Aerobics 

Water-based exercises are ideal for older adults with arthritis because of many reasons. For example, the resistance of the water helps in building muscles while the buoyancy reduces the impact on joints. Water aerobics give the most benefit when you exercise in a heated pool as the warmth helps in relieving pain. 

• Yoga 

Due to its relaxing nature & low-impact movements, Yoga is one of the most recommended forms of exercise for the elderly with arthritis. Besides managing arthritis symptoms, it also helps in reducing stress. 

• Light Weight Lifting 

Although lifting weights may seem intimidating to the elderly, it can actually help them strengthen their muscles & joints. However, it is important to choose the right dumbbells so you do not end up getting hurt. It is best to weight lift under the guidance of a trained fitness professional who can suggest you the right dumbbells according to your physical ability. 

• Stretches 

For an improved range of motion, stretches are one of the most effective forms of exercise. Besides helping you maintain normal joint function, stretches are highly relaxing and promote better sleep.

If you need someone who can be your ideal partner during your workout sessions and help you with daily chores at the same time, contact Always Best Care today! As one of the leading providers of senior home care services in East Bay, we have the best caregivers to meet your needs. Call @ (925) 210-0323 to book your free care consultation!

Useful Exercises for Older Adults with Arthritis

Many older adults with arthritis do not exercise thinking that it will make their condition worse. However, it actually helps increase strength & flexibility, reduce joint pain, & combat fatigue. Of course, the thought of walking around the block or taking a dip into the swimming pool might seem a bit too overwhelming when your stiff joints are already bogging you down. But, you do not need to swim like an Olympic competitor or run a marathon to manage your joint pain. Just a few low-impact exercises everyday can help strengthen your joints & improve flexibility. On the other hand, not exercising can result in muscle loss & weight gain, aggravating the arthritis pain.

Some of the exercises that are known to benefit seniors with arthritis are:

• Water Aerobics

Water-based exercises are ideal for older adults with arthritis because of many reasons. For example, the resistance of the water helps in building muscles while the buoyancy reduces the impact on joints. Water aerobics give the most benefit when you exercise in a heated pool as the warmth helps in relieving pain.

• Yoga

Due to its relaxing nature & low-impact movements, Yoga is one of the most recommended forms of exercise for the elderly with arthritis. Besides managing arthritis symptoms, it also helps in reducing stress.

• Light Weight Lifting

Although lifting weights may seem intimidating to the elderly, it can actually help them strengthen their muscles & joints. However, it is important to choose the right dumbbells so you do not end up getting hurt. It is best to weight lift under the guidance of a trained fitness professional who can suggest you the right dumbbells according to your physical ability.

• Stretches

For an improved range of motion, stretches are one of the most effective forms of exercise. Besides helping you maintain normal joint function, stretches are highly relaxing and promote better sleep.

If you need someone who can be your ideal partner during your workout sessions and help you with daily chores at the same time, contact Always Best Care today! As one of the leading providers of senior home care services in East Bay, we have the best caregivers to meet your needs. Call @ (925) 210-0323 to book your free care consultation!

Skincare Tips to Follow As You Age

As you age, many changes occur in your skin, making it less supple, dryer, and thinner. The aging skin also tends to get injured more easily and takes longer to heal than before. Besides that, older adults are prone to various skin problems ranging from scaling, mild dryness, and itching, to serious skin conditions, like infection & ulcerations. In order to keep your skin healthy while keeping skin-related problems at bay, here are some skincare tips to follow.

Be gentle while washing your face. Avoid harsh soaps with artificial ingredients or fragrances. Instead, for the milder ones that may have a soothing effect on your skin.

1. Do not use very hot or steamy water when taking a bath.  
2. Apply a good-quality moisturizer on your body after every bath to keep it hydrated.
3. Change your clothes and sheets regularly, especially if you are bedridden.
4. Always apply a sunscreen before you go out in the sun for longer periods of time.
5. To protect yourself from the harmful UV rays, cover yourself properly with the right clothing, hat, and sunglasses.
6. Hydration is very important to keep your skin youthful and flush out harmful toxins from your body. So, drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during the hot weather. 
7. Eat foods with all the essential Vitamins & minerals that can help you skin look and feel fresh. Some of the foods that are good for the skin are green vegetables, avocados, walnuts, berries, and melons.
8. Avoid smoking as it can cause your skin to age prematurely, and contribute to health conditions like heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke.
9. Invest in a room humidifier during the winter season.
10. Regularly visit a dermatologist.

If you need elder care assistance in East Bay to help you maintain a healthier lifestyle, get in touch with Always Best Care today. Call @ (925) 210-0323!

Why Hiring A Geriatric Care Manager For Your Aging Parent Is Always A Good Idea?

Trying to wade through all the resources, options and information to find the answers you need to help your folks can be very frustrating if you are a working parent caring for an aging parent.

A reliable and trustworthy geriatric care manager can offer a refreshing outside perspective to help assess your folks' needs, identify options you may not have considered and start to create a plan of support. Extensive education and experience in elder care allows Geriatric Care Managers to assess the level of help needed, plan for changes that should be implemented right away or in the future and arrange for needed care services.

You can most likely find a Geriatric Care Manager near you who can open up a world of community resources and options you may be unaware of at a very reasonable fee. With their experience in elder care and vast knowledge about aging issues, geriatric care managers can zero in on your parents' needs and offer professional suggestions to best help you honor and care for your parents.

A Geriatric Care Manager is particularly helpful if your parents live in another state. They will not only know the local agencies and support systems available to help you provide the best care, they most likely know the local elder care attorneys.

So, whether you live near your parents and are currently their primary caregiver or you live far away and find yourself fretting over what is best for them, consider hiring a Geriatric Care Manager to help ease the stress and worry.  

Looking forward to hiring a geriatric care manager in East Bay, CA? Get in touch with the experts at Always Best Care. Dial (925) 210-0323.

The Many Benefits 0f Elder Care Assistance

Most of the older adults prefer staying with their family or in the familiar areas of their own house because of the comfort they feel there. The best thing is that with the advancement of technology and modernization, the elders are not required to shift to a nursing home or hospital. Elder care assistance allows them to remain in their own vicinity and take the benefits of the different services from basic assistance, nursing and medical management from day to day life.

Some of the most significant benefits of elder care assistance are:

·       Professional assistance

The care providers are trained to deal with routine and critical situations. They have the required experience for the field.

·       Social interaction

If a caregiver is someone from the family, there are certain limitations which restrict the communication and socialization of the person. In such situations, having someone from the outside can be beneficial. This will also help them in having a healthy emotional state.

·       A better lifestyle

The professional caregivers are trained in such a way that they can help an elderly citizen to live a lifestyle that they had lived formerly as they understand that seniors feel more comfortable in living and maintaining the lifestyle they were earlier accustomed to.

·       Save time

Taking care of an older adult becomes a bit difficult when you are a working professional yourself. Hiring someone who could offer elder care assistance can help save you a lot of time!

For the best eldercare assistance in Contra Costa County, get in touch with an expert from Always Best Care by dialing (925) 210-0323. Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. Caregivers at Always Best Care in the East Bay are thoroughly screened, bonded and trained to provide the safest and highest level of care.

10 Things to Keep In Check to Ensure That Your Beloved Elders Live A Healthy Life

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle might seem easy but it isn’t. Especially when you belong to the older age group, a healthy lifestyle is extremely important. Here are is a list of 10 things that should be kept in check to ensure the well being of your loved ones:

1. The diet

Make sure that they consume plenty of fruits and vegetables. They are easy to digest. Coarse grains are also good for their health. Reduce their consumption of red meat and keep a check on their calcium intake.

2. Supplement intake

You should select the food items that are rich in vitamins and minerals to avoid deficiency of these in their body.

3. Medical check-ups

Regular check-ups are very important because they help you identify ailments much before they start affecting their body severely.

4. Physical activity

Physical activities play a crucial role in maintaining the health of older adults. Exercises like walking, gardening are strongly recommended for them.

5. Alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption should be minimized to avoid a number of risks.

6. Bone strength

Weak bones can land you in troublesome situations. The danger of falling over always hovers around. A sufficient amount of calcium and a little exercise can do wonders.

7. Brain exercises

Exercising your brain can keep you from diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

8. Smoking

Smoking has never done any good for anyone. The sooner you quit, the better it is.

9. Communication with people around them

Communication is the key to happiness. Make sure they interact and share their feelings with the individuals around them.

10. Sleep cycle

They should not compromise with their sleep.

If you think you need additional help with elder care assistance in Contra Costa County, call Always Best Care at (925) 210-0323.

7 Things to Do To Make Sure That Your Elders Get Adequate Sleep

For an adult to carry out his daily activities with ease, at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep are important. In the absence of an adequate amount of sleep, older adults are more likely to become irritable, feel exhausted and sick, and have memory lapses as well. The older adults have this tendency to wake up at the slightest of noise and this is responsible behind their sleep depravity most of the time. If you try to consult a doctor about this issue, they will probably prescribe you medicines that will stop working within a few weeks. Not to mention the harmful side effects they bring along.

Here are 7 things that can be done for improving the sleep cycle in older adults:

1. Make them feel safe

The adults need to know that they are not alone. Reassurance through devices like call bells, bedside lamps, bedside telephones, etc can be great.

2. Set the thermostat to comfortable room temperature

Keep the temperature on the cooler side rather than warmer. Experiment with settings to create a comfortable atmosphere.

3. Keep their room as dark as possible

A dark room helps them fall asleep easily.

4. Keep the house noise-free

Since they are extremely sensitive to sound, the house should be kept as quiet as possible.

5. Fix their bedtime

Fix an activity that can be repeated every night before they go to sleep. It helps in sending signals to the body.

6. Make them listen to soothing music

Music can be very helpful.

7. Get them sleep companions like stuffed animals or pets.

Sleep companions help the elderly feel safer and relaxed.

Always Best Care constantly works towards making home care in Contra Costa County accessible and affordable for all. You can know more about the services we offer by calling us on (925) 210-0323.

Heart Healthy Habits for the Elderly

While it is normal to experience some change in your heart health as you age, getting older does not necessarily mean that you cannot have a healthy heart. There are many lifestyle and dietary changes that can help the elderly to prevent heart diseases. Some of the heart healthy habits for seniors are listed below:

• Stay active

The ability of your body to effectively pump oxygen to your heart declines as you get older. Therefore, it is important that you exercise regularly. If exercising at home does not feel motivating, you can consider joining an exercise program. Regular exercise can help improve your heart function while managing weight, blood pressure, and stress.

• Eat a well-balanced diet

A heart-healthy diet is important as you age. However, it does not mean that you have to completely avoid your favorite foods. You can have a healthy heart by simply limiting trans fats, saturated fats, refined sugar, and salt. Include foods in your diet that are good for your heart, such as berries, salmon, olive oil, nuts, etc.

• Quit smoking

Well, this can be tough for some, but definitely not impossible. Smoking is a major cause of many heart related diseases; hence it is important to quit it as soon as possible. There are many resources that can help you stop smoking. You can also consider consulting a doctor & ask for help.

• Listen to your body

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Do not ignore the possible signs of trouble, such as:

• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Leg swelling
• Unexplained fatigue
• Sudden change in exercise tolerance
• Dizziness
• Confusion

These symptoms may not just be the consequences of aging, but a warning sign of a health problem. If you aren’t able to take care of your health and other needs, it is best to hire a reliable caregiver. To find the best In home caregivers in East Bay, contact Always Best Care @ (925) 210-0323!

Healthy Meal Planning Tips for Seniors

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As people age, maintaining a healthy diet becomes challenging since changes occur in appetite, tastes, and food preferences. Flavors that were once perceived likable, no longer taste good due to the explicit changes in smell and taste, causing the seniors to eat high-calorie prepared dinners or even worse - not eating at all. It is important to get your loved one to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet, however this process isn't as easy as it seems. Given below are some tips that can help ensure that your senior loved one eats properly, and stays fit & healthy:

• Plan together:

Take out time for planning your senior loved one’s meals with them ahead of time - usually one week in advance. You can consider preparing grocery lists, going for grocery shopping with them, and also keeping them involved in meal preparation.

• Cook Smart:

Another great way of engaging your older adult is by cooking meals together and ensuring that the senior's plate looks like a rainbow. You can consider including numerous bright colored foods in their diet, the ones that provide them with all the essential nutrients they require. Also, if you are thinking of purchasing packaged foods, opt for the ones that are low in sodium, fats, and sugar.

• Keep snacks handy:

One of the best ways of having tasty yet healthy food is keeping fresh fruits and vegetables prepared at all times. Keep the fruits out and in a location that's easy to reach such as a kitchen table top, keep quick preparation foods such as meat handy since these are easy to prepare and contain high nutritional values.

• Consider health supplements:

Sometimes, fruits and vegetables aren't enough to provide your body the nutrients it needs, thereby you should consider giving your loved one some essential health supplements like vitamins and minerals for ensuring their overall well-being.

Some seniors prefer to manage their meals themselves; the others consider taking the help of their family members or caregivers. If you feel that your loved one isn’t able to care for themselves, reach out to Always Best Care for the best senior care services in Contra Costa County. Their caregivers are thoroughly screened, bonded, and trained for providing the safest and highest level of care to the elderly. Call @ (925) 210-0323 to learn more.

Everything You Need To Know About Senior Care

What is Senior Care?

Senior care has specialized care that is designed to meet the needs and requirements of senior citizens at various stages of their life. Although aging in itself is not a reason to consider senior care, it is usually the various physical limitations and diseases that accompany old age that prompt a discussion about senior care.

When is Senior Care Necessary?

Senior care is not always necessary in fact; some senior citizens never require any type of care to live independently in their later years. However, senior care often becomes an issue when a loved one begins experiencing difficulty with activities of daily living. These daily activities may include cooking, cleaning, shopping, dressing, bathing, driving, taking meds, etc.

Warning Signs –

Physical & Emotional problems

· A loss or decline in hearing, seeing, smelling, etc

· Chronic health conditions

· Physical limitations that may inhibit the senior’s ability to perform daily activities.

· Depression

· Social withdrawal

· Changes in personality

Cognitive problems

· Confusion

· Memory loss

· Attention problems

· Forgetting to take meds on time

· Dementia

When to Begin?

Senior care should become a discussion as soon as changes are noticed, as postponing or delaying assistance could jeopardize your loved one’s well-being and safety.

You should ask the following questions along with your elderly loved one to get started:

· What types of care are available or we need it immediately?

· What types of services can be used to provide care?

· Can modifications or changes be made to the home or routine to remedy the situation, or is professional help required?

· Is the care provided in the home, or is the move to a facility a better option?

· What are the financial expenses of providing senior care?

At any moment if you plan to get senior home care services in East Bay, CA for your loved ones, then you can seek reliable as well as cost-effective service at Always Best Care. To know about them or their comprehensive senior care plans, feel free to talk to them at (925) 210-0323.

A Few Tips That Can Help A Great Deal When It Comes To Fall Prevention

Getting older can bring lots of changes in a person’s life. Senses like sight, hearing, coordination, and reflexes aren’t what they once were. A number of medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes affect balance. These things can make a fall more likely. Here are a few tips that can help a great deal when it comes to fall prevention –

· Consult your doctor about a special test called a bone mineral density test-that tells how strong your bones are. If need be, your doctor can prescribe medications that will help make your bones stronger and harder to break.

· Keep doing regular exercise, it helps keep you strong and improves muscle tone. It also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible

· Find out about the possible side effects of the medicines you take. Some medicines might affect your coordination or balance.

· Drink less alcohol. It can affect your balance and reflexes.

· Always stand up slowly after resting, lying down, or eating. Moving too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop, which can make you feel faint.

· Use a walking stick to help you feel steadier when you walk.

· Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes or shoes with a good grip that fully supports your feet. Wearing only socks or shoes with slippery soles on stairs or wet floors can be unsafe.

Take care of your overall health and well-being and there will be lower chances of falling. At any moment if you plan to get in-home care services in East Bay, CA for your loved ones, then you can seek reliable as well as cost-effective service at a reliable home care center. To know about them or their comprehensive senior care plans, feel free to talk to them at (925) 210-0323.