Common Fears about Assisted Living

Older adults often fear moving from their home to an assisted living facility. Many seniors find it intimidating as they would need to move to an unknown location, leaving the home that they have been living for many years. Without understanding their fears, you may find it difficult to convince them that moving to an assisted living facility would be best for them. Therefore, first understand their fears, then sit them down and give them answers to help abate those fears. 

Below are some common fears of moving to an assisted living that you should be prepared for:

• Fear of being neglected: The biggest fear among many older adults is that their family members and other loved ones will forget them once they have moved to an assisted living facility. It is important for family members to assure them that they will plan regular visits and be there for them whenever necessary. Setting them up to be able to communicate electronically may help even more.
• Fear of losing independence: Seniors want to maintain their independence for as long as possible. They think that moving to an assisted living facility leads to loss of independence and they will be unable to continue their daily living activities. But, today’s assisted living facilities allow their residents complete flexibility. Plus, there are so many activities that are planned for seniors in an assisted living facility that will give them an opportunity do try new things and do what they enjoy.
• Fear of cost: They think that assisted living will cost too much and yes, some assisted livings are costly. Search for the one which is affordable and provides all the necessary services.
• Fear of being alone: Seniors believe that they will feel alone in assisted living as everyone will be new to them. They don’t think they will be able to get to know others well and that there will be no one they can share their deepest thoughts with. But, the truth is they will be able to make new friends just by stepping out the door of their apartment or room, eat in the cafeteria or join activities or classes at the facility.

Assisted living is often the best choice for seniors who need some extra care and want to be socially active. Choose Always Best Care, a noted senior care firm, for the best Assisted living services in Contra Costa County. For more information, call them today at (925) 210-0323.

Sleep Problems in the Elderly

Often people think of sleep problems as simply a part of aging, but it is not. The body does require less sleep as we age, but not as much as you might think. Several sleeping problems in the elderly are caused due to poor sleep habits, health issues, and stress, none of which are a part of normal aging.

Various sleep problems in seniors include:

• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea
• Hypersomnia
• Fatigue
• Day time sleepiness
• Involuntary movement of limbs during sleep
• …and many others. 

                                   Common Causes of Sleep Problems in the Elderly

• Medical conditions: Seniors often suffer from various health conditions and take many medications prescribed by their doctor. Side effects of these medications can lead to loss of sleep at night or disturbed sleep patterns. Some of the medical conditions that disturb sleep patterns of seniors include:

         Heart and lung conditions affecting breathing 

         Painful conditions, including osteoarthritis 

         Depression or anxiety

         Frequent urination

         Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

         …and many others.

•  Restless leg syndrome (RLS): This is a condition which causes sensations of itching, crawling, irritation or restlessness when a person is trying to fall asleep. The symptoms are disagreeable, but not usually excessively painful.

• Lack of exercise: Exercise help improves quality of sleep and also reduces risk of depression. Apart from this, it has several other benefits such as reduces diabetes, maintain blood pressure and many more.

• Improper sleep schedules: Poor sleep schedules are often the biggest cause of sleep problems in seniors. If they maintain a proper sleep schedule and avoid sleeping during the day, their sleep problems minimize.  

• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing sleep apnea. Seniors who smoke often wake frequently during the night and have a higher tendency in developing insomnia.

Everyone should avoid that which interferes with their sleep, but seniors should be more aware. Maintaining a proper schedule will help you have a good night’s sleep. If you need help regarding senior care for you or a loved one, contact Always Best Care. They’re a senior care firm providing Elder care services in East Bay, CA. For more information, call (925) 210-0323.

How Can You Help a Senior with Bipolar Disorder?

Is your loved one suffering from bipolar disorder? Bipolar Disorder is a mental health disorder that many people, regardless of age, suffer from. This brain disorder can cause changes in individual’s mood, emotions, and behavior randomly. Your loved one may feel overly happy now while sad and depressed a few minutes later. Taking care of a senior family member suffering from a bipolar disorder can become challenging and frustrating for you.

If you have a senior family member at home who is Bipolar, here are some tips that can help. 

• Learn about the disorder – In order to provide the best care and support to your aging parent, it is important for you to have a clear understanding of the disorder, including the common signs and symptoms. The more you know about the disorder, the better you will be able to understand your senior family member’s needs and requirements.  

• Get professional help – It is advisable to get professional help as soon as the disorder is diagnosed. The right treatment and support from professionals, as well as the family members, can help in treating the disorder well. Their doctor will most likely prescribe medication to manage the symptoms of the bipolar disorder. Just make sure that your senior family member takes the prescribed dosage on time.

• Be patient – Recovery may take time and they may not completely return to how they were before. You need to be patient with their changing behavior and the needs of your aging loved one. Open and effective communication can help you in providing the proper care. Talk to your senior family member, learn their concerns, feeling, and needs soyou will be able to provide the required support and assistance as they need it. 

However, if you are unable to look after the needs of your aging loved one suffering from this disorder, consider hiring professional help in the form of caregivers. An experienced in-home care provider will look after your senior family member’s safety in your absence and ensure proper medication management. 

When looking for In-Home Caregivers in Contra Costa County, contact Always Best Care. For more information, call (925) 210-0323 today.

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.

How to Care for an Aging Parent with Heart Disease

Do you have an aging parent who is suffering from heart disease? Studies show that over half of the senior population suffers from a heart condition. As such, taking care of them can be a challenging task. Doctors suggest that certain lifestyle changes can help in improving their heart health and promote healthy aging. Sadly, due to mobility issues or other health related issues, it may become difficult for seniors to stick with some of those changes.

Here are some of the ways that can help you care for your loved one with heart disease.

• Cook healthy meals – It is important for seniors to eat a healthy and nutritious diet for their overall health. Make sure to cook heart-healthy meals that are low in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fats. Provide them enough fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-dairy products. An experienced care provider can plan and assist with meal preparation.
• Encourage physical activities – Regular exercise can also improve your loved one’s heart health. Low-impact exercises are best for the older adults. They can help control blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Encourage your senior family member to follow a daily exercise routine for an overall good health. Any physical activities can be low impact exercise, such as walking, shopping, cleaning and gardening. The key is to get them moving.
• Manage stress levels – Stress and depression can increase the risk of heart diseases. Help your aging parent manage stress levels by giving them less to worry about when possible. In addition, a care provider can also accompany your senior family member to yoga or meditation classes which can help them cope with stress in an effective manner.
• Visit the doctor regularly –It is important for seniors to attend regular doctor appointments to stay up to date with their overall health and well being. A senior care provider can accompany and arrange transportation for regular doctor’s visits. In addition, they will also ensure proper medication management.

When looking for Geriatric care in contra Costa County, contact Always Best Care. They have a team of highly trained, bonded, and thoroughly screened caregivers who provide the best senior care services.

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

Foods That Help Preserve the Aging Brain

The ‘Brain’ is a complex and fascinating organ of human body that scientists have been striving to understand for centuries. We all want to maintain a clear, active mind throughout our lifespan. However, multiple changes occur within our brain as we age. These include decreased blood flow because of changes in the blood vessels, increased damage from free radicals, and changes in the neurons which impact communication between cells. In addition to all of these changes, the brain also becomes susceptible to various memory-related diseases. One of the best ways to keep the aging brain sharp is to have the right diet. Food has a powerful effect on our brain, especially as we age. There are a few foods that are known to boost memory and brain function and some of them are mentioned below.

• Vegetables: You’ve probably been told this throughout your life, but it’s true. Vegetables hold the minerals and vitamins our bodies need to thrive. Eat lots of fresh vegetables, especially the cruciferous ones like cabbage, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables for improved memory.
• Berries: Berries, especially the dark ones, such as cherries, blueberries, and blackberries which are a great source of Anthocyanins and flavonoids that boost memory function.
• Walnuts: Walnuts not only improve hearth health, but also boost cognitive function. Next time you’re looking for a snack, consider walnuts in order to satisfy your midday hunger instead of grabbing a packet of unhealthy fried potato chips. You can also add walnuts to your salad or oatmeal, grind them up to add to a smoothie for a nutty and complex flavor, or even sprinkle toasted chopped walnuts over cooked veggies.
• Egg Yolks: Egg yolks are rich in choline, a B-complex vitamin which helps boost brain health. Choline is first converted into acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which sharpens memory and allows the brain cells to communicate more effectively.
• Salmon: Salmon is rich in DHA and Omega-3’s. While DHA helps reduce brain shrinkage which comes with aging, Omega-3’s controls inflammation in the brain and Oxidative stress which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. For an extra boost, consider coating them in walnuts when roasting the fillets.

If you are unable to manage your health and need assistance with meal management or other activities in your daily life, contact Always Best Care today. The reputed senior care firm is known for providing the most reliable elder care services in East Bay, CA. Call today!

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!