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!

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.

8 Reasons That Make Assisted Living a Great Option for Older Adults

Increasing awareness about the advantages of assisted living facilities for seniors has resulted in a healthy competition among these facilities. If you are still new to this concept, here are a few reasons why assisted living facilities are good for older adults:

1. Maintaining independence and freedom
The staff at an assisted living facility aims at making things easier for your loved one without compromising on their independence and freedom.

2. Finding a home to suit your loved one’s individual requirements
With plenty of options available, you can choose an assisted living facility that you think will satisfy all the requirements of your loved one.

3. Safety and security
Most of the assisted living facilities have features installed that are very likely to prevent wandering falls and other incidents from happening.

4. Getting rid of household chores
Your loved one can spend his time doing the things he loves instead of wasting it doing daily chores.

5. Easy access to experts whenever needed
Most of the assisted living facilities have medical experts in house to take care of your loved older adults in case of an emergency.

6. An active social life
At such assisted living facilities, your loved ones get to meet a lot of like-minded individuals and so, get to make new friends.

7. Strengthened family relationships
The chances of you getting hurt by their actions or words reduce significantly resulting in strengthened bonds.

8. Transportation services
Your loved ones will not have to think twice when they want to visit a place. The assisted care facility makes sure that your beloved seniors travel with convenience.

Always Best care is known to be the best elder care services provider in East Bay, CA. You can visit their center to know more about the services they offer. You can get in touch with them at (925) 210-0323.

A Guide to Caring for the Elderly

Your elderly loved ones require the same amount of care as your infants do. Remember that it is not easy for them to become completely dependent upon you or somebody else for meeting their everyday needs. Inability to work on their own often makes them temperamental, emotional and of course lonely. The elderly require the best level of care and therefore, it is important to become familiar with the ways of providing them with the best possible care.

• Visit them Often:

Ensuring the well-being of an aging loved one becomes even more important if they live on their own. Even if work keeps you away, the least you can do is visit them as frequently as possible. Having you by their side gives them the feeling of being in safe hands, healthy and doing well, in general. Absence of a human company makes them sad, thus social interaction with you can enlighten their day. Make sure you check on their overall well-being, like cleanliness, food supplies, plants and so on. Ask them about their problems, if any.

• Avail Public Welfare Benefits:

There are several government-run healthcare services for the elderly. Facilities like free health checkups, low-cost health checkups, regular doctor visits, and other policies not only help in keeping a regular track of their health but also your pocket.

• Keep them active:

It is advisable to encourage your elderly loved one to exercise regularly. The best way is to accompany them for walks, which not only keeps them healthy and refreshed but also serves as an opportunity for greater social interactions.  Also, it is vital to pay attention to their diet, and make sure that they take nutritious and healthy meals.

• Hire Help:

Your elderly loved one needs help with their daily errands, while they're aging. Everyday activities like cooking, grocery shopping, housekeeping, etc. become daunting for them, thus hiring a caregiver can be of great for them. You can always check for some references or consult a licensed agency for hiring a caregiver. But, remember to hire a certified and fully trained professional who can meet the particular care needs of your loved one. A reliable in-home caregiver would be able to assist your loved ones with all sorts of services, like shopping for essentials, laundry, doctor visits, and salon trips and more!

Take enough time to communicate with your loved ones and listen to their needs. Small efforts can go a long way. If you are looking for senior home care services in East Bay, you should turn to Always Best Care. It is well-recognized senior care agency that can provide you the most trusted caregivers at the comfort of your home.  For more information, call them at (925)210-0323.

5 Reasons Why Exercise Is a Must for Older Adults

You must have come across a hundred things that happen to your body when you do not exercise on a regular basis. However, here is a list of 5 ways in which your body reacts when you make exercise a way of life  

1.Improved Mood

Exercising releases endorphins that help seniors feel happier and more relaxed. Many people also report feeling better about their appearance when they exercise regularly, boosting their confidence and improving self-esteem. A positive outlook helps seniors enjoy this phase of life.  

2. Speedy Recovery

Seniors who remain active are able to recover more quickly from illness and injury. All seniors should be encouraged to exercise as a preventative measure to protect against muscle weakness which often leads to falls.

3. Socialization

Older adults who live alone are very likely to feel isolated. This leads to depression and a general downhill trend. There are a number of programs like water aerobics and gentle yoga that are great ways for seniors to meet others and socialize with those who have common interests they may not have otherwise known.  

4. Sharp Mind

The fact that exercises boost an individual’s thinking capacity has been proved on several occasions. A recent study suggests that even briefly exercising for 20 minutes facilitates information processing and memory functions.  

5. Increased Energy

Regular exercise is known to increase energy levels even among people suffering from chronic medical conditions associated with fatigue, like cancer and heart disease.
 

There are a number of home care service providers who offer senior home care services in East Bay and Always Best Care certainly is counted among the most preferred ones. Our experienced professionals make your elderly adults feel like family. You can know more about the services we offer by reaching out to us at (925) 210-0323!

How to Care for the Elderly

The most important part of caring for the elderly is to love them and keep them active. There are many different ways to care for the elderly, whether by bringing them to your home, caring for them in the comfort of their own home, or moving them to a senior center.

A little effort like giving some time to them can help you properly care for your loved one. You can also do the following to make sure they stay fit and fine:

• Keep your loved one active: Staying fit and active is very important for seniors. Exercising regularly or doing any other physical activity can result in many health benefits for seniors which can further help avoid many health issues.
• Keep an eye on their physical and mental health: If they have pain in any of their body parts or other medical issues, take them to a doctor. If the medical issues are serious, it is important to consult a specialist before it is too late.
• Discuss finances: Speak to your elderly loved one regarding their finances and the best insurance plans for long-term care. Sometimes additional benefits can be applied to reduce heating bills or the cost of prescription medicines.
• Respect them: Always be respectful to the senior. With growing age, seniors not only experience declining health but also many other changes in their life. At this stage of their life, they want their family to support and respect them.

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

What Role Do Caregivers Play In Supporting Seniors With Chronic Diseases?

According to a recent research, seniors suffer from at least one or two chronic diseases. These can be illnesses such as heart and kidney disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), etc. If you have a senior family member suffering from a chronic disease, hiring a caregiver to take care of their needs may be the right decision. A caregiver can support your senior loved one in the following ways.

Positive communication: Through positive communication, a caregiver can help a senior to stay positive throughout their condition. And with a positive mindset, the latter can deal with their health issues in a much better way. 

A patient-centric approach: A caregiver encourages proper self-care keeping in mind the key information about their condition. If required, they make changes in their approach to suit the needs of the senior better.

Educate the senior and their family members: Caregivers educate the patient and their family members about how they can take best care of the patient and can mitigate risks associated with their health:

• They work with patients and other people present in the home to develop patient-centered care plans.
• They follow the reminders and alerts in electronic medical records for better senior care.
• They guide you with effective system in place to manage test results and coordinate care.

If you have been looking for reliable and affordable senior home care services in East Bay, get in touch with Always Best Care today. Here, you can find the best senior caregivers who are devoted to their job and ensure the most satisfactory service to the elderly and their families. For further queries about their comprehensive senior care plans, you can reach out to them at (925) 210-0323.

The Right Diet for Seniors

In old age, our body goes through a lot of changes. The bones get weaker, the digestion system does not function as well as it used to, muscle strength deteriorates, and the immunity system is weakened. The nutritional needs of individuals also change significantly as they age.

To maintain good health, seniors must eat carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, and vitamins in easy-to-digest small frequent meals every day. To avoid the ill-effects of free radicals in the body, vitamins E, C, and A, plus certain minerals are essential. It is important to eat the right types of foods to fulfill the requirement of nutrients in the body. If you are unsure what is right for you, speak with your doctor. Some medications may interact with certain foods, or you may have other restrictions.

A healthy diet for seniors should consist of the below.

• Include protein rich elements like beans and cheese made from low-fat milk in your daily meal. They help to repair worn-out cells and develop new tissues.
• Add seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet. They not only work as antioxidants but also prevent constipation and other common problems of the body.
• To improve the cholesterol level in the blood, use mustard oil or olive oil in your cooking instead of corn or vegetable oils.  
•  Vegetable soups without thickening agents can be great for supper. They also make easy 6 small easy to digest meals and snacks throughout the day. Just watch the sodium level.
•  Avoid processed foods containing artificial colors and preservatives. 
• Eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas, mushrooms, peas, broccoli, fenugreek seeds, sweet limes, coconut water, and cumin seeds to maintain blood pressure, prevent water retention, and increase muscular flexibility. 
• Drink about 12 to 15 glasses of water to avoid the risk of dehydration and muscle density reduction in summer. 
• To keep the vital nutrients in the food, do not overcook it. It is also good to include granola, oats or porridge in your breakfast to get a sufficient amount of energy for the entire day.

If you are looking for professional Elder Care Assistance in Contra Costa County, get in touch with Always Best Care. Their compassionate and trained caregivers can help you with your physical, social, and emotional needs. For more information, call (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.

Hire Compassionate In-Home Caregivers in Contra Costa County from Always Best Care

Since 1996, Always Best Care has been assisting seniors with both in-home care and free referrals to assisted living facilities. Their caregivers are compassionate and dedicated, and undergo thorough background checks to ensure peace of mind for the senior client and their family. They are also licensed, bonded, and insured, and are never contractors for Always Best Care, but employees. The company takes great pride in pairing the best senior with the best caregiver, to create a long-lasting, fulfilling bond for both.

Seniors who live in the East Bay area, who are interested in learning more about in-home caregivers in Contra Costa County, are invited to call the Always Best Care East Bay location to set up a free care consultation. What services do the Always Best Care caregivers provide their senior clients? Everything from home helper services, to companion services, to personal care services, depending on the client’s needs. These include (but certainly aren’t limited to): changing bed linens, preparing future meals, checking food expirations, preparing grocery lists, discussing current and historical events, dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping, arranging appointments, providing Alzheimer’s/dementia care, assisting with morning wake-ups and evening tuck-ins, and many more.

There are a variety of ways that seniors can fund the services of in-home caregivers in Contra Costa County through Always Best Care and these include Medicaid Waiver Programs, Home Equity Loans, Personal and Retirement Savings, Veteran’s Administration Programs, Long-Term Care Insurance, Family Funds, Reverse Mortgages, and more. During the care consultation, one of the Always Best Care professional care coordinators will discuss all of these matters with you so that you can get the very best care available.

The senior care in Contra Costa County available through the Always Best Care caregivers is exceptional because each caregiver receives extensive training, and participates in on-going training to stay updated with the demands of the senior health care industry. If you are a senior living in the East Bay area, and would like additional information about senior care in Contra Costa County, you can call the Always Best Care East End branch at (925) 210-0323 today to set up your own free care consultation. They look forward to hearing from you!