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.

 

 

3 Tips to Ensure That Your Elderly Loved One Is Eating Right

 

Being mindful of what one consumes as they age is of utmost importance. Here are some small but significant changes that are very likely to have a positive impact on your loved one’s overall health:

1. Reduce sodium intake

A lot of observations suggest that excessive consumption of sodium by seniors may lead to health problems such as water retention and high blood pressure. This doesn’t only slow you down but also causes potentially serious medical issues. You can consciously choose to season your food with spices such as garlic and natural herbs instead of salt to get the almost the same flavor without risking your health. 

2. Get rid of excessive sugar

It is no surprise that sugar is one of the major contributors to weight gain in people from all age groups. As we age, our body starts slowing down and this includes the metabolism as well, reducing our body’s ability of breaking down sugars as fast as it used to do and this is definitely a problem that deserves to be addressed. Instead of offering your seniors with sugary eatables, give them fruits. It will not only satisfy their craving for sweet but will also provide them with a wealth of additional nutrients.

3. Consume more vegetables

We all know that vegetables contain a high number of vitamins and minerals which benefit our cells and organs in a number of ways. When your body does not get enough vitamins and minerals, it slows down, resulting in you slowing down. These necessary nutrients can help keep your body moving and your mind sharp.

If you feel your loved one is struggling with a task as basic as meal preparation in their daily lives, you should consider hiring an in-home caregiver to make their lives easier. Hire the best in-home caregivers in East Bay from Always Best Care. Dial (925) 210-0323 to get started.

3 Situations in Which You Might Want to Consider In-Home Care for A Senior Loved One

Majority of seniors prefer in-home care over other options of senior care as it allows them to remain in the comfort of their home while having most of their needs covered. If you are confused between choosing senior living communities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and more for your loved one, here are some insights that might help make a better decision.

• There are a lot of seniors who are well capable of taking care of most of their daily needs but need help with activities such as laundry and home maintenance. A little assistance from an in-home care professional will allow them to function fairly well at home. You can go ahead with choosing in-home care if you wish to have your aging parents at home but are too busy to watch over them yourself.

• Senior couples wanting to stay together is quite normal but poses a challenge if the two of them require different levels of care. In situations like these, in-home care is a great option as a caregiver takes care of the seniors’ needs without having them shifted to a senior care facility, offering just the right level of care to each of them.

• A lot of us choose senior care facilities for our loved ones’ end of life care wanting to rather avoid the idea of dealing with death without even realizing that most seniors hope to spend their remaining lives in their home instead of an institution. In-home care gives them a chance of spending some quality time with their family before they breathe their last.

Get in touch with Always Best Care for the best home care services in East Bay as they are known for combining national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal services. Dial (925) 210-0323 for free consultation.

Did You Know This About Assisted Living Facilities?

Assisted Living Contra Costa County

Considered to be a middle point between living independently and in a nursing home, an assisted living facility, in fact, is a lot more than that. The full picture as far as assisted living facilities are concerned is a lot wider than that. Depending upon their structure, the services being offered, and the communities, assisted living facilities can be categorized as large apartment complexes, individual cottages, duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes, converted homes or mansions, and many more.

One thing that remains common in all the aforementioned variations of assisted living facilities is the level of care and support that is being offered to the residents. The professionals at an assisted living facility put in their best efforts to ensure that the elderly continue to lead their lives with independence while receiving just the right assistance as and when needed to ensure their safety and well-being.

You can start off by selecting a package of services according to your loved one’s needs and the best part is, you can make necessary changes and adjustments as and when you like. Most of the reliable assisted living facilities in Contra Costa County offer services such as personal care, housekeeping, meals, transportation, social and lifestyle enhancement services, and a lot more. The whole concept behind assisted living facilities is to offer the right level of support to older adults without the having to compromise on their independence.

Always Best Care is known for combining national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal advice. Whether you need help handling legal or medical matters or just with ensuring caregivers are thoroughly screened, bonded, and trained to provide the safest and highest level of care. For more information on assisted living in Contra Costa County, feel free to dial (925) 210-0323.

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.

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.

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.

If You Think Dementia Is A Normal Part Of Aging, Think Again!

As we all grow older, it takes us long to learn new things and to recollect information. Many a times we worry that each time that we struggle to remember a name, a word, or an event; it could be the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease or it may be related dementia. However, only one percent of people with age-related memory loss issues develop dementia with time.

Dementia is overall a medical term for some symptoms clubbed together. Whatever may be the cause of dementia, symptoms can include following:

• memory loss
• loss of understanding or judgment
• decreased ability to make decisions
• changes in how the person expresses their emotions
• changes in personality
• problems coping with daily living
• problems with speech and understanding language
• problems socializing

Dementia is not at all a normal part of aging. Many people misconceive this fact and ignore the symptoms. It is an abnormal part of growing up which hinders the normal activity of human brain. A person is not able to think, speak, socialize, and take part in normal daily activities.

Detecting and identifying dementia early is the best way to provide proper care to the patients. An early diagnosis can help you, your family and friends, some extra time to prepare and connect with the right resources in your community to help maintain your independence and reduce the risks.

Although dementia is in curable and there is no sure way to avoid it, keeping your brain active may help to lessen the initial effects of dementia and prolong independence. As dementia, starts growing, different parts of the brain are affected one by one leading to a range of changes. Abilities lost in dementia are very hard to come back.

It can be very difficult to cope up during this stage of life, if you need any help or assistance Always Best Care has the best In Home Care Service providers in East Bay, CA. They can assist you in every way possible. For more information, call at (925)210-0323.

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight Later in Life

In our later years, our metabolism rate slows down, and our body is unable to burn calories as fast it used to. This results in weight gain and several other health issues. To avoid that, it is important to either intake fewer calories or burn the extra off. Although it may seem a little challenging for many to maintain a healthy weight as your body is slowing down, staying fit and healthy isn’t hard if you eat right and exercise regularly.

To maintain a healthy weight, seniors can do the following:

• Do more physical activities daily. They may not be as high impact as when you were younger, but simply walking more or doing more around the house helps. It will keep your heart healthy and lower the risk of heart disease – even if you are underweight or overweight. You may also feel hungrier when you are more active.
•  If you want to gain weight, stick to healthy snacks every day, but avoid low-calorie snacks.
• Keep a diary of what you eat and how much you eat. This will help you know the portions you need for your body to be the weight you wish. It also helps show you if your diet has the right balance of all the four food groups so that you get proper nutrition.  
•  Consume low fat and oily foods to avoid excessive weight.  
• Consult your doctor if you feel you are unable to gain or lose weight to reach a healthy weight. 
• When dining out, make healthier choices. A sandwich comes with fries? Try a salad, soup or veggies as a substitute. If there are big portions, most restaurants allow you to take home left overs. Split your meal in half and have the rest for lunch the next day.
• Yes, this was already mentioned. But, to strengthen the point, regular physical activity is extremely good for seniors in most health conditions. Older adults above 65 years of age should be physically active as per their ability and health condition. Even those mobility challenged or in a wheelchair can often do a lot of stretching and move around while seated.

If you need Elder Care Assistance in East Bay, get in touch with Always Best Care. Their caregivers are properly trained, thoroughly screened, and insured to provide the highest and safest level of senior care. Always Best Care also has good relationships with senior resources, hospitals, and senior communities throughout the area. To learn more about them, call (925) 210-0323.

Importance of a Diet Plan in the Life of a Senior

As one grows older, the body weakens, and it becomes prone to diseases like cancer, arthritis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and many more. A healthy diet does not guarantee to keep you protected from these diseases but can cut down the risks by boosting the immunity system in the elderly. We tend to become so occupied that we often neglect the importance of a steady, healthy diet plan. Fast foods have replaced multiple meals in our routine, and that is why awareness needs to be promoted.

  

While a healthy diet is important for individuals within all age groups, for older adults, it has a more vital role to play. Once we attain our maximum bone density, the backward process starts, with the density of our bones decrease gradually over the years. This often leads to diseases like osteoporosis in seniors. Including food items, like dairy products that are rich sources of vitamin D and calcium, to your meals help in keeping bones intact. In addition, a few cardiovascular activities throughout the day help strengthen our bones. Coronary heart diseases can also be avoided by switching to a healthier lifestyle. Limiting fat intake of your beloved seniors can prolong their lives as saturated fats after a certain age become harder to digest and are more likely to accumulate in the blood vessels, hindering the flow of the blood. 

Again, a healthy diet plan does not guarantee health but makes a major contribution towards the mental and physical well being of an older adult. Senior Home Care Services in East Bay, CA, for the aging members of your family is something that should never be taken for granted. Always Best Care can assist you with creating a diet plan for your loved one while taking into consideration their condition and necessities to fortify their health! Get in touch with them today at (925) 210-0323.

Activities Seniors Can Enjoy

Activities are an excellent way for seniors to stay active and socialize. Seniors often give up on many of their hobbies and other fun activities as they grow older because of mobility issues, loneliness, loss of loved one to do the activity with and more. Everyone needs to accept that problems are a part of life and that we all have to find a way to move on or push through. Why not try some activities that you like for a happier, healthier you.

To help you get started, here are some ideas of the activities you may enjoy: 

• Gardening: It’s a simple and easy activity seniors can enjoy. As you see plants growing, it may give you a sense of pride and positive energy as nature is the symbol of positivity. 

• Spend time reading: Reading is one of the best activities for seniors, especially for those with mobility issues. It keeps the brain engaged, improves memory, improves sleep and also reduces stress. Reading inspirational books can even be more beneficial. 

• Exercising: Even if you have certain mobility issues, you should try some exercises you can do. Such exercises may include dancing, swimming, walking, yoga, and laughter, yes laughter. It brings a sense of light heartedness and energy. 

• Play games: Games and puzzles are an amazing source of fun activity. Even if you are alone, you can enjoy some games, such as crossword puzzles, Solitaire, Sudoku and other such games. 

• Painting: Painting is a good pastime activity for older adults. It’s also is a great way to express your feelings and thoughts. 

• Enjoy TV shows, movies, and music: Watching TV or movies every time is not a great pastime for your health if done too much, but a movie or a couple of TV shows can be a pleasant part of the day. Plus, why not choose a really funny comedy to laugh along with?

• Participate in charitable causes: This is a wonderful way to stay active and engaged with people. Also, it will help you feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Try to involve yourself in the activities you like and if you need any help regarding this and other senior care issues, contact Always Best Care. They’re a great senior care firm that provides Elder Care Assistance In East Bay. For more information, call them at (925) 210-0323.

How to Care for a Senior with a Disability

Caring for a disabled senior family member can be challenging for the caregiver, both physically and emotionally. They may need constant support and assistance of friends, family members, and caregivers. If you are caring for your loved one with disability, then here are some tips that can help.

• Home modifications – First, make the necessary home modifications to ensure your senior family member’s safety. Install proper handrails and grab bars in the bathroom. This will help provide the required support to seniors when they are taking a shower or bath. Regular home maintenance will keep your loved one safe at home and also help in preventing slips, trips, or falls among seniors. Remove obstacles that can cause issues and install proper lighting. Each disability is slightly different and may need different modifications. Perform them as necessary.

• Support equipment – Seniors with a disability may not be able to carry out their daily living activities with ease, including bathing, toileting, and more. Consider getting a raised toilet seat installed for them so that they do not have difficulty standing. In addition, consider getting a walker or a walking frame to help your loved one move from one place to another more easily.

• Regular exercise – Exercise is very important for seniors for improved physical and mental health. Encourage your senior family member to exercise daily, even if they have any disability. Physiotherapy or occupational therapy can speed up recovery and help maintain the physical ability they do have.

• Senior living options – If your loved one lives alone and are unable to look after their safety, consider moving them to an Assisted Living facility. These senior living options ensure that each of their residents stay safe and offers different equipment to assist seniors with disabilities.

• Hire professional help – As people age, they often prefer to spend their golden years at home rather than moving to an Assisted Living facility. But if you are unable to care for your loved one for whatever reason, consider hiring a caregiver. 

An experienced in-home care provider will look after your loved one’s safety and assist them with daily living tasks. You can contact Always Best Care, a premier elder care provider, to hire highly trained and insured In-Home Caregivers In Contra Costa County.

For more information, call them at (925) 210-0323.

Seniors: Ideas on How to Cope with Insomnia

Insomnia affects everyone, no matter what age; however, it’s quite common among seniors for a variety of reasons including a change in their circadian rhythm, and shifts in their normal sleep patterns. Insomnia can be frustrating, irritating, and also rob you of enjoying the next day because you are not functioning to your full capacity.

Here are some tips on how you can beat insomnia, and get that good night’s sleep that you crave.

• Try not to take naps during the daytime. If at all possible, avoid taking naps during the day, however, if you must, consider the 20-30 minute power nap, and don’t take it past three o’clock in the afternoon. If you take a nap too close to bedtime, you’ll likely end up back where you started, sleepless and staring at the ceiling.

• Eat dinner several hours before bedtime. If you eat too close to bedtime, your body just might keep you up because it is preoccupied with digesting spicy or fatty foods. This can lead to uncomfortable heartburn, which, at best, offers a fitful night’s sleep.

• Exercise daily. When you exercise, you are doing your body a world of good, and tiring it out at the same time. When you expel energy, you also give yourself energy for the day and also create a means to fall asleep easily at night.

• Keep a normal sleep schedule. This could be, for example, go to bed at 10pm, and then wake up at 6am. If you follow a schedule like this for yourself every day, you are more likely to fall asleep when you need to, and wake up refreshed.

• Prep your bedroom for good sleep. Is the temperature comfortable? Is the light blocked? Are your pillows, blankets, and sheets comfortable and clean? Do you need white noise like a fan or white noise machine to help you fall asleep? If so, get one. 

• Limit caffeine intake close to bedtime. When you’ve had a bad night’s sleep, it’s tempting to drink lots of coffee the next day, but don’t drink it too close to bedtime or the stimulant will backfire on you.

If you are a senior living in the East Bay area, and would like some information regarding senior home care services in East Bay, or other elder care options in Contra Costa County, call the Always Best Care East Bay location at (925) 210-0323 to set up a free consultation. They look forward to hearing from you!