Senior Loneliness: How to Overcome it

To survive and grow, everyone needs social bonds. However, as people become older, they spend more time alone. Being alone can make elderly people more sensitive to loneliness and social isolation, which can harm their health and well-being.

Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to an increased risk of health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline, according to research.

That’s where the caregiver can do wonders for you. However, there are several different options for dealing with this issue. Let’s get to those points.

Examine the activities

Check the activities provided by your local senior center, parks, recreation agency, church community, or neighborhood organizations. Take up an activity that you can do with others, such as quilting, bridge, or performing in an amateur musical group. If you’ve retired but miss the social perks of employment (and maybe the money), consider taking up a part-time job.

Know Your Neighbors-

 It’s difficult to put yourself out there to meet individuals in your neighborhood, but the advantages may be life-changing. According to a 2020 worldwide survey, “knowing as few as six neighbors lessens the probability of feeling lonely and is associated with decreased sadness, social anxiety, and financial problems.”

The survey also revealed that modest acts of kindness, such as advising new neighbors, assisting with grocery delivery, or just waving hello as you go by, can lessen the probability of feeling lonely.

Check Out Social Media

While a Facebook post isn’t the same as in-person contact, research suggests that online networking can help seniors stay in touch with family and friends. Participating in online groups of “Facebook friends” can also bring companionship. If internet socializing feels like a good time, go for it.

Move into a senior living community-

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about one-third of seniors live alone. Bureau of the Census urge to preserve the independence and stay at home as you age is popular among older people, yet isolation can be deadly.

Senior living communities can help with this. A senior care living complex not only promotes health and well-being, but it also encourages elders to socialize.

Sign up for a senior health program

A senior exercise program at the gym, a fall prevention program, or a senior nutrition class—to become healthy alongside others. You’ll learn some healthy living techniques, and you’ll undoubtedly discover that you have a lot in common with the other young participants.

Final Verdict

According to experts, doctors should question older people whether they are feeling alone as part of normal health monitoring.

Contact Always Best Care (East Bay) at http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/ca/walnut-creek/ to learn more about our reputed elderly care services. We provide a wide range of services like elderly care in East Bay, in-home care, respite care, and senior care.

3 Things Caregivers Want You to Know | Always Best Care Senior Services

Aging can be stressful. Doctor appointments, errands, cooking, cleaning, gardening, and other obligations can suddenly pile up, leaving you exhausted. This is where professional caregivers can help. 

Caregivers have the same aim as you when it comes to your health and well-being: they want to help you live your best life! Home health aides and certified nursing assistants are examples of professional care-taker that may assist you in navigating the complications of aging in today's environment.

Here are three facts about professional caregivers that you should know:

1. Caregivers are pleased to see you happy

With a professional caregiver, you will not only feel more on top of everyday responsibilities and assisted living placements, but you will also have more free time to indulge in physically and psychologically satisfying activities. Caregivers can help you continue to enjoy life by emphasizing what's most important to you, whether you want to spend more time outside, listen to music more often, or exercise more.

Care-takers like participating in activities with you. Perhaps there's a book you'd want to read or debate or cuisine you'd like to enjoy for supper. Perhaps you're seeking new methods to include fitness into your everyday routine. Companionship, socialization opportunities, meal preparation, and engaging activities can all be provided by caregivers.

2. You don't have to do everything on your own

It's difficult to ask for help, but when we do, it frequently transforms everything for the better.

Asking for aid, in particular, lessens stress. Every component of our body is affected by stress. Stress reduction is essential for feeling your best.

Professional caregivers can assist you with daily domestic activities, lowering your stress level. Caregivers may assist ensure that your house stays a refuge for you, no matter how hectic or difficult your life is, by keeping it tidy and clear of tripping hazards. This is a fantastic perk!

Have you ever forgotten to book or even show up for a doctor's appointment? It's very aggravating! But it occurs to everyone. Caregivers can assist keep things on track, which is crucial for older folks' health and well-being.

3. Allow Your Caregiver to Assist You in Dealing with Difficult Situations

Professional care-takers are well-versed in some of the most difficult challenges that older persons may confront as they age. If taking a shower or getting dressed has become too difficult for you to accomplish on your own, care-takers can help. Perhaps you have memory problems and have neglected to take your prescription on more than one occasion. Medication reminders can be sent by caregivers to ensure that you do not miss a dosage. Caregivers can also offer transportation if you are unable to drive to your doctor's appointment or the grocery store, ensuring that you do not miss these crucial appointments or errands.

Professional caregivers can assist you in navigating your aging journey and providing peace of mind to you and your family so you can live your best life.

Always Best Care can connect you with an appropriate, competent caregiver to help you with your personal, social, and health needs. 

Visit www.alwaysbestcare.com/ca/walnut-creek/ to get in touch with us now. You can also phone us at (925) 210-0323. We are the premium service providers when it comes to Elderly Care, Home Care, In Home Care, and Respite Care.

5 Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors According to Senior Care Services

As you get older, your notion of healthy eating shifts slightly. For example, as you age, your metabolism slows, requiring fewer calories than previously. Certain nutrients are also required in large amounts by your body. That means eating meals with the highest nutritious content is more important than ever considering the senior care services in East Bay.

Check out the 5 healthy eating ideas for seniors listed below.

 

1.      Look for essential nutrients

Eat a variety of foods to ensure you obtain all of the nutrients you require. Your plate should resemble a rainbow—bright, colorful dishes are always the greatest option! A nutritious meal should have the following ingredients:

●       Dairy with low fat (milk and its alternatives)

●       Lean protein (lean meats, seafood, eggs, beans)

●       Complete grains (brown rice, whole wheat pasta)

●       Vegetables and fruits (think orange, red, green, and purple)

Remember to eat meals high in fiber and low in sodium or salt. Look for vitamin D as well, which is an important nutrient as we age.

 

2.      Examine the Nutrition Facts label

Whole foods are the healthiest. These are frequently located around the store's perimeter in the vegetable, meat, and dairy areas. Be a wise shopper when it comes to packaged goods! Read the labels to select products with less fat, added sugars, and salt.

 

3.      Use the suggested portion sizes

You must eat the amount of food for your age and physique to maintain your weight. The American Heart Association recommends daily servings for people aged 60 and over.

 

4.      Understand what a healthy plate looks like

The USDA announced a simpler approach to help consumers know what they should eat each day, replacing the food pyramid. It's known as MyPlate. The straightforward diagram depicts how the five food groups should be arranged on your plate. These are the foundations of a healthy diet.

 

5.      Keep hydrated

Water is also a crucial nutrient! Drink negligible amounts of water throughout the day to avoid becoming dehydrated. Your best options are tea, coffee, and water. Unless your doctor tells you differently, keep fluids containing sugar and salt to a minimum.

 

Summary

The five eating suggestions for seniors are listed above. These suggestions are not only for elders; everyone can use them.

We hope you enjoyed the blog. If you are looking for the best Elderly Care services in East Bay, your search is over since Always Best Care offers home care services, in-home care, and respite care in East Bay. For more information, please visit our website at www.alwaysbestcare.com/ca/walnut-creek/.

 

 

What do Aged People expect From Their Families?

Older people have different expectations, which will continue to strengthen with time. We certainly do not want to keep them in a care home, nor do we want to decide for your parents to enter one. It's about having the resources to let individuals choose how they want to live and the way to be supported when necessary in later life. Below are the four vital things aged people expect from their family.

1.  Devote a Time to Sit With Them

According to the Bible, "Listen to your father who gave you life, and does not despise your mother when she is old." This proverb clearly defines this context. Aged people expect time from us. They want us to sit with them. A good option is to remember their milestones like birthdays or wedding anniversaries. Make your presence felt by giving them gifts. If you are still unsure concerning how to strike a conversation with them, ask about their young days, and you will learn a lot from their past experiences.

2.  Emotional Support

You need to understand that your parents are old now and may not be as strong as they used to be. You need to meet the pace and lend them emotional support when needed. Therefore, it is vital to have regular communication with them. You should also seek a caregiver to make them less dependable.

3.  Work Harder

Your parents have spent their whole life educating you and making you stand on your own feet. Therefore, it's your responsibility to work hard and become successful in life. Nothing can give happiness to them more than your success. Do not settle for less. Strive harder to achieve the more intense goal. It will automatically strengthen their life.

4.  Ignoring Their Peculiar Habits

Some aged people like to watch TV a lot while others have distinct peculiar habits. They each have their own set of hobbies, likes, and dislikes. Rather than arguing about this, put yourself in their place and ask yourself, "Do I not have any peculiar habit?" and you will surely get the answer.

These are the four indicators of what elderly people expect from their families. For more information, visit our website alwaysbestcare.com/ca/walnut-creek/ and get yourself enrolled with one of the best caregiver services in the United States.

Types of Caregiver

A caregiver's primary function is to assist residents with daily tasks such as washing, clothing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and getting to and from activities and meals under the individual service plan. Allows and encourages individuals to participate in as much of their care as feasible. Here are the types of caregivers.

Family caregiver

A family caregiver is a relative who offers emotional, financial, nursing, social, homemaking, and other services to an ill or handicapped loved one at home on a daily basis. Most family carers work for free to assist with a loved one's care requirements.

Independent caregiver

The phrase independent caregiver is widely used to denote a home care provider who does not work for a company. The family hires an independent caretaker. There is no middleman between the care recipient and the caregiver.

Private Duty caregiver

A private duty caregiver may help with anything from medical and nursing care to bill payment and transportation. These caregivers might work for third-party organizations or on their own.

Professional caregiver

To provide care for a care recipient, a professional caregiver is employed. These caregivers can offer medical or non-medical help in the home or at a facility. Their profession is to assist others in a way that allows them to live as independently as possible. Professional carers work for an agency, which is hired by the care receiver.

Volunteer caregiver

A volunteer caregiver is typically employed in respite or hospice care. A volunteer helps someone who is caring for an adult with a disability, chronic disease, or frailty by taking breaks. They provide non-medical company, supervision, and a welcoming fresh face for a special needs individual so that the caregiver may take a break. Nursing home patients and families frequently view volunteers to be typical members of their local community. This interaction gives them, as well as their family and friends, a sense of normalcy.

Informal caregiver

An informal caregiver, usually a family member or a neighbour, offers unpaid care to someone with whom they have a personal bond.

To get the best services regarding home care or a skilled in-home caregiver for a loved one in East Bay, contact 'Always Best Care' or call (925) 210-0323 to avail of a free consultation.

The Importance of Family in The Aged People's Life

Loneliness is a problem for many seniors, putting them at an increased risk of acquiring age-related health disorders and depression. However, regular interaction with them by the family can boost their mental, emotional, as well as physical health. Here is the importance of family in aged people's life.

Provide Togetherness

Having strong communication with their children and grandchildren helps aged people to receive the human interaction they crave. Your family needs to visit your room daily and provide the emotional support that can prevent many behavioral challenges the elderly experience.

Push off Loneliness

As we age, our social circle shrinks. Seniors may not get out as often due to transportation or mobility issues. Communication becomes difficult, and health difficulties may prevent us from reaching out to people. Seniors with a routine connection with their families lead a more fulfilling life. Moreover, they do not feel lonely and can help to fight depression as well.

Financial Support

There aren't many who get a pension after retirement. So, aged people often need financial support. Providing them with financial help will help to ease some of their stress, which can substantially improve their health.

Increased Life Expectancy

When elderly persons keep social links with family members, they have a higher life expectancy than those who are socially isolated. Although it may not be visible, the presence of a family can boost their general health in their latter years. It is also true for those suffering from dementia.

Increase Their Physical Activity Level

Having a family around can emphasize the importance of exercise that can further boost their quality of life. Getting out of the house to do activities, go on walks, and engage in other types of exercise can improve heart health, strengthen bones, and avoid obesity. It can also lessen the risk of some malignancies.

Conclusion

We hope you found this information meaningful, especially if you have an aged person. A family support system is not only beneficial but is also critical for the mental, physical, and well-being of the elderly. If you don't have any nearby family members, a close circle of friends might provide the same benefits.

Contact Always Best Care today to learn more about our home care services to help your loved one live the best life in their location.

Visit us www.alwaysbestcare.com/ca/walnut-creek/

Essential Qualities of a Caregiver

Anyone who cares for another person is referred to as a caregiver. Caregivers can help ease pressures and assist those in need. Their primary responsibilities include home activities, self-care tasks, emotional and social support, health and medical care, and parenting. Below are the essential qualities of a caregiver.

Patience

In dealing with elders, a caregiver needs to be patient. Older people tend to take a long time to perform daily tasks. Also, they require a different level of communication, especially the ones suffering from depression and Alzheimer's.

Compassion

The word 'compassion' comes from the Latin word, pati, and num, which means "to suffer with." It's a form of empathy. Compassionate people sit with others and share their anguish and emotional lows with them. An ideal caregiver treats the elders the way elders wants other to treat them. Compassion conveys maturity, genuine concern, and a sense of connection with the other person.

Trustworthiness

Caregivers are in the position where they have access to the belonging for whom they are caring. So, they must be trustworthy and not take advantage of the person they are caring for.

Excellent communicator

For every caregiver, communication is crucial. They not only need to communicate with the dependent person but also with their family. Communication is the foundation of any relationship. With the help of their communication skills, the caregiver makes the patient feel comfortable by engaging them in talks.

Personable

A caregiver should be personal. Older adults who need care require a person who looks at their job as their duty rather than just a job. The beauty and blessing of caregiving is the companionship it creates between the carer and the patient.

The in-home caregivers at Always Best Care have all the qualities it takes for someone to be a skilled caregiver. For more information, visit https://www.alwaysbestcare.com/ca/walnut-creek/ or call us at (925) 210-0323 for a free consultation.

Finding Time for Yourself When Caring for an Elderly Loved One

It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of caring for an elderly loved one. But it's important to take some time out for yourself, too. Otherwise, you could end up feeling burnt out and resentful.

Here are a few tips for finding time for yourself:

1. Set aside some time each day to do something that you enjoy. This can be anything from reading a book to taking a walk outdoors.

2. Take advantage of respite care services if they're available in your area. This will give you a much-needed break from caregiving duties.

3. Make sure to keep up with your own health and wellness needs. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

4. Seek out support from other caregivers. There are likely others in your situation who understand what you're going through. Connecting with them can help you feel less alone and more supported.

5. Talk to your loved one about your need for some time away. They may be more understanding than you think and be willing to cooperate in making sure you get the break you need.

The idea of taking some time off sounds like a good one, but one cannot execute it without ensuring that their loved ones are under reliable watch. Hiring an in-home care provider in the East Bay solves this.

Do you wish to learn more? Feel free to reach out to us by visiting https://www.alwaysbestcare.com/ca/walnut-creek/. 

Do memory books help in Dementia care?

Dementia is a cruel disease that robs sufferers of their memories and their ability to communicate and interact with the world around them. This can make providing care for someone with dementia extremely challenging, both for professional caregivers and for loved ones.

Some caregivers have found ways to help interact with someone with dementia through memory books. Memory books are simply albums filled with photos and other mementos that help jog the memory and spark conversation. These can be used to help reconnect someone with their past and provide a source of comfort and enjoyment in the present.

If you're considering using a memory book with someone in your care, keep a few things in mind. First, it's important to choose an age- and disability-appropriate book. There are memory books specifically designed for people with dementia, which can be helpful in making sure the content is appropriate and engaging.

Second, you'll want to take some time to fill the book with photos and other items that are meaningful to the person with dementia. Again, this may require some research, but creating a book that will truly resonate with the person you're caring for is worth creating.

Finally, don't be afraid to use the memory book as a starting point for conversations. The photos and mementos inside can be a great way to get a conversation started and help you connect with the person you're caring for on a deeper level.

Memory books can be a valuable tool in dementia care, but they're only one puzzle piece. If you're providing care for someone with dementia, it's important to be patient, flexible, and creative in your approach. But if you're looking for a way to connect with someone with dementia, a memory book may be just what you need.

Professional in-home care in the East Bay can help you take better care of a senior loved one. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about it.

How to Help A Senior Declutter without Hurting their Sentiments?

It can be challenging to watch a loved one struggle with decluttering their home. Maybe they're holding onto things that no longer serve a purpose or just taking up space. Of course, as their family member or friend, you want to help them declutter and simplify their life - but you don't want to hurt their feelings in the process.

Here are a few tips for helping a senior declutter without hurting their sentiments:

1. Talk about the benefits of decluttering. Help your loved one see how decluttering can improve their quality of life. For example, maybe they'll have more space to move around, or they'll be able to find things more easily. Whatever the benefits may be, make sure they're aware of them.

2. Don't be too pushy. It's important to be respectful of your loved one's wishes. Don't force the issue if they're not ready to let go of something. Just let them know that you're there to help when they're ready.

3. Help them sort through their things. Once your loved one is ready to declutter, offer to help them sort through their belongings. This way, they can decide what to keep and what to let go of.

4. Dispose of items properly. Once you've helped your loved one declutter their home, dispose of the items properly. If they're still usable, donate them to a local charity. If not, make sure they're disposed of in a way that's safe for the environment.

5. Celebrate their accomplishment. After your loved one has decluttered their home, celebrate their achievement! This will help them see how better their lives can be without all the clutter.

If you have a loved one struggling with clutter, use these tips to help them declutter without hurting their sentiments. An in-home caregiver in the East Bay can also help make the process of decluttering easier.

Reach out to Always Best Care to find out how.

How Beneficial Is Acupuncture for Senior Citizens?

Acupuncture is a holistic approach to health and wellness that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This alternative therapy involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, which are said to promote healing and balance.

A growing body of evidence suggests acupuncture can be beneficial for seniors, particularly when it comes to managing pain and improving quality of life. For example, in one study, seniors who underwent acupuncture treatments reported significant reductions in pain levels and improvements in mobility and quality of sleep.

Another study found that acupuncture may help to improve cognitive function in seniors with dementia. And yet another study found that acupuncture treatments can help reduce the risk of falls in older adults.

Clearly, acupuncture has a lot to offer seniors. If you or a loved one is interested in exploring this therapy, be sure to consult with a licensed acupuncturist who has experience treating older adults. Medicare and Medicaid do not often cover it, but some supplemental insurance policies might. A reputable center can work with you to determine the most affordable way to obtain acupuncture.

An in-home caregiver in East Bay can not only help you find the best acupuncturists but also with ensuring that the sessions are carried out smoothly. For more information on how an in-home caregiver can make your life easier, feel free to schedule a free consultation with the experts at Always Best Care.

7 Home Safety Tips for Seniors with Conditions Such as Dementia

Seniors who have started wandering or experiencing significant symptoms of memory loss need to be supervised all the time. Some extra precautions you should consider taking while caring for an aging parent at home include but are not limited to -

1. Consider switching to appliances with auto-shutoff features or installing hidden gas valves and circuit breakers to ensure ovens, fireplaces, and stoves are not left alone.

2. All the drawers and cabinets containing things such as knives, cleaning supplies, and medications as well as garages or basements with harmful chemicals and machinery should be locked.

3.Use deadbolts on exterior doors to keep the seniors from wandering outside the house unsupervised.

4. Your loved one’s bedroom and bathroom should not have any locks as it will help avoid a situation where they may lock themselves inside accidentally and panic.

5.Try to have finger guards on garbage disposals or cover the switches with safety locks.

6.Lights and night lights should be easily accessible. This would help reduce any kind of disorientation at night.

7.Create clear paths and open areas to encourage independence and social interaction, which are two important needs for people with dementia, and other such conditions.

Being proactive when it comes to senior safety can go a long way. The best way to ensure that a surrounding is safe for your loved one to live in is getting a safety inspection done. The senior care experts with Always Best Care in Contra Costa County are also well capable of noticing risk factors a family member may not recognize and suggesting the required changes to address those factors. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts. Dial (925) 210-0323 to get in touch and get started.

Differentiating Between Medical and Non-medical In-home Care

In-home care from a medical caregiver is for those that need nursing or medical attention daily. In many cases, these professionals are RN's (registered nurses) with years of experience in their given field.

Healthcare providers come from a wide range of professions including Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides, allowing clients to choose the one(s) they feel most comfortable sharing a home with said client.  The right caregiver will provide time for regular visits as well as post-visit telephone calls making sure that no problems have developed between visits. They will also have a thorough working knowledge of the client's medications, diet, and medical history. 

Medical caregivers from Caregivers Unlimited always provide supervision for clients who need it, especially those who are prone to falling or wandering off.  To ensure their safety, these clients will be supervised at all times when walking and around water as well as during other activities that require constant attention such as cooking, taking medication, and bathing.

Non-medical In-home Care

In-home care from a non-medical caregiver is simply someone who provides companionship and/or housekeeping services, in addition to helping with personal care (dressing, grooming) and light household chores (meal preparation). It is possible for them to also run errands but this is not required of them.

Non-medical caregivers are also available for last-minute bookings if it's after office hours and you need someone immediately caring for an elderly loved one.

They may be more cost-effective than medical professionals but here at Caregivers Unlimited, we believe that all in-home care services should be both affordable and high quality. This is why we offer a range of services to clients, including live-in care.

Learn more about how non-medical in-home care in the East Bay can benefit seniors and enable them to safely and comfortably age in place by contacting Always Best Care.

  

3 Common Infections in Seniors - Always Best Care Senior Services

The elderly are a common target for some types of infections because their immune systems have been compromised by age, cancer treatment or other medical conditions. Three of the most common infections in seniors include urinary tract infections, skin infections, and pneumonia. Here is what you should know about each of them:

     1. Urinary tract infection (UTI)     

UTIs are one of the most common infections and can affect anyone, but they're particularly prevalent among elderly individuals because of their weakened immune systems and because many rely on catheters to drain their urine. Symptoms include discomfort while urinating, lack of bladder control, and blood or pus in the urine.

    2. Pneumonia      

This common respiratory infection can strike anyone, but people who are elderly—and especially those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, asthma, and emphysema—are at a higher risk. Symptoms include fever, chills, a productive cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

    3. Skin infections      

Elderly people are at greater risk for developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism as a result of blood clots. These clots usually form in the legs and can break off and migrate to the lung. Symptoms of DVT include pain and swelling in the lower leg, while symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can range from mild (coughing and shortness of breath) to severe (fainting and difficulty breathing).

If you or a senior loved one needs assistance and care at home, Always Best Care can help you out. Schedule a FREE consultation for elderly care in the East Bay right away.

 

 

Understanding the Deficiency of Vitamin B12 In Seniors Better

One of the most common mistakes seniors make is overlooking the deficiency of vitamins in their body until it starts causing significant health problems. A lot of older adults end up developing a serious deficiency of Vitamin B12. Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is responsible for generating cell growth, boosting cognition, supporting bone health, and supporting the immune system.

The deficiency of cobalamin in your aging parents may lead to health issues including but Factors that make seniors more susceptible to deficiency of vitamin B12 are low levels of stomach acid, medications such as metformin, alcoholism, and other problems such as Crohn’s disease that cause poor absorption in stomach or small intestine. As for the treatment with vitamin B12 supplements for seniors is concerned, the initial phase requires an intramuscular shot or oral vitamins. While intramuscular shots bypass any absorption problems in the stomach or intestine, high-dose oral supplements take longer to work and thus, are not ideal for correcting a deficiency. Oral supplements are mostly used to maintain cobalamin levels.

not limited to anemia, neuropathy, and even cognitive impairment in extreme cases. Contrary to the popular belief that deficiency of vitamin B12 causes pernicious anemia, it is, in fact, the other way around. Some other problems vitamin B12 deficient seniors face include memory issues and waking difficulties.

The best thing about vitamin B12 treatment is that overdosing on this particular vitamin is extremely unlikely and hence, all the risks are eliminated. Even when the levels are high, it doesn’t really cause any kind of toxicity. The senior care services providers in East Bay from ABC can help you take better care of your senior loved ones and can even help you keep a check on your aging parents’ dietary needs.

Feel free to dial (925) 210-0323 and schedule a free consultation today.