Tag Archives: Albuquerque Caregivers

Why Choose Home Care Assistance in Albuquerque

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GettyImages_98537707_fullBGAn overwhelming majority of senior adults prefer to remain at home as they age, surrounded by their personal belongings, family and friends. Unfortunately, physical limitations and advanced conditions often make living at home unsafe for a senior. If you have an elderly parent or loved one who does not want to leave their home but is unable to take care of them-self, consider assistance from an Albuquerque home care agency.

In-home care provided by a reputable agency enables seniors to receive the care they need and deserve without leaving the comforts of home. Unlike nursing homes or assisted living facilities, home care is available on a flexible schedule that is decided by the care recipient and their family. The cost of home care typically coincides with the amount of care provided, while senior facilities charge a flat rate that is stated in a contract.

Home care also provides seniors with personalized one-on-one care and assistance with a range of daily tasks. Caregivers help with cooking meals, light housekeeping and cleaning, as well as personal care such as bathing, dressing or grooming. Seniors who suffer from immobility can also receive assistance with movement around the home or to and from the bed or wheelchair.

Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of in-home care in Albuquerque. Our caregivers are among some of the best in the industry, demonstrating a genuine passion for caring for elderly adults. In addition to assisting with daily tasks and mobility, they are highly trained in specialty care, able to help manage the symptoms and challenges associated with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer. Specialty post-hospital care following a stroke or injury is also available for comfortable and safe recovery at home.

Gain peace of mind knowing your elderly parent or loved one is in caring and professional hands and contact Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque today. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide or would like to schedule a free in-home consultation, call 505-798-0800.

Importance of Recognizing and Addressing Senior Stress

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Recognizing Senior StressThe senior population continues to grow and is larger than ever before.  Albuquerque elder care professionals estimate that there are currently 36 million seniors aged 65 and older living in the United States.  While an increase in the average life expectancy for Americans is a positive change, there are many stressors that accompany old age.  Seniors often struggle with financial difficulties, rising medical costs and declines in health.

Although many individuals suffer from some form of stress at some point in their lives, seniors are often not as physically and mentally capable of handling stress.  As a result, seniors may experience physical side effects including increased blood pressure and elevated heart rates, as well as emotional side effects that range from feelings of anxiousness and irritability to depression and anger.

Some common warning signs of being stressed include lack of energy, an inability to make decisions, constantly feeling on edge, a drastic change in eating habits and sleeping more than usual or difficulty getting to sleep.  For seniors who feel overwhelmed and experience any of the previous symptoms, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible.  A doctor will diagnosis the problem and will be able to suggest any plans of action such as assistance from an Albuquerque home care agency.

At Home Care Assistance Albuquerque, we provide compassionate care and assistance to seniors within the comfort of their own home.  Home caregivers take on activities the senior finds difficult, allowing them to relax and spend more time doing things they enjoy, as well as more time to spend with children and grandchildren.  Professional Albuquerque caregivers can also help provide medication reminders and transportation to medical appointments to help ensure overall health and wellbeing.

If you or your loved one is experiencing feelings of stress due to aging, contact one of our Care Managers today at 505-798-0800 and schedule a free in-home consultation.

Ways Seniors Can Prevent Nighttime Slips & Falls

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man walkerAccording to statistical data, an estimated 33 percent of seniors aged 65 and older suffer from falls every year.  While many seniors are able to manage certain tasks safely during the day, at night simple activities can easily cause falls or accidents.  Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque offers tips to help reduce your loved one’s risk of falling at night.

1. Make sure your loved one stays up to date on all of their medical appointments and exams.  With age, declining eyesight and mobility makes seniors more prone to falls, especially at night.  In addition, these medical appointments can ensure your loved one doesn’t suffer negative side effects from any of their medications such as dizziness or drowsiness which could hinder their mobility and also increase their risk for falls.

2. Examine bedroom furniture and make sure it is stable.  Many modern items are not structurally sound to bear significant weight.  For example, if your loved one is trying to use furniture as a crutch or to help them walk during the night, you do not want it to tip and fall, possibly resulting in severe cuts, broken bones or fractures.

3. Provide your loved one with mobility aids.  Walkers and canes that are properly adjusted offer seniors support and can help them navigate more safely at night.  These tools can also be used by seniors to help maintain independence and travel in and out of bed or to the bathroom during the night without assistance from family members or professional Albuquerque caregivers.

4. Make sure dark areas of the home are well lit.  By using light bulbs with higher wattages or installing night lights, you can drastically improve the visibility in halls, bathrooms, bedrooms and in other difficult to see areas of the home.  This will help if your senior needs to navigate hallways or stairs in the middle of the night.

5. Install hand rails in key areas such as in the shower, near the toilet and along stairways. These provide safety against falls while assisting your loved one with getting up and sitting down.  This is especially important for seniors who frequently wake up at night to use the bathroom.  Hand rails can provide additional safety and comfort.

If your elderly parent or loved one lives at home independently and they are beginning to experience a decline in mobility, contact Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque today.  We offer hourly or live-in care plans that are designed to help seniors live comfortably and safely in their own home.  For more information, visit our website at www.homecareassistaneofalbuquerque.com.

Albuquerque Home Care Improves Senior Safety and Comfort

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For your elderly loved one, daily activities such as bathing or getting dressed may be unsafe to attempt without assistance.  Many older adults in the United States have trouble getting in or out of a bathtub or shower stall and accidents can occur frequently.  Studies show that for older adults, losing the ability to bathe independently can also be associated with falling and fracturing bones.  The ability to prevent an accident before it occurs can help ensure your loved one’s overall well-being.

Albuquerque home care professionals understand the importance of safety in the home for seniors. Here are some was to help prevent accidents while bathing:

  • Use a bathtub rail while entering or exiting the bathtub or shower stall.  The rail can be installed at a custom height with a grip that suits the user’s personal needs.
  • Purchase a bench or chair that that will make getting into the tub easier.  Chairs that have back rests can also help with back support once in the bathtub.
  • Install non-slip bath mats inside the bathtub as well as outside surrounding areas.  Minimizing slippery surfaces can help prevent falls.
  • Plan plenty of time for a bath or shower.  Rushing can only increase the risk of falling.

Implementing these simple suggestions can help your loved one stay safe when using the shower or bathtub.  Independence in these situations can help them maintain a quality standard of living.  While we applaud your elderly loved one if they are able to complete tasks like bathing independently, it is never a bad idea to have someone available in case of an accident.  Home Care Assistance of Albuquerque offers hourly in-home care to assist seniors with their daily activities such as bathing, getting dressed and personal care.

For cases where twenty four hour support and care are necessary, Home Care Assistance is the leading provider of live-in care. Our Albuquerque caregivers can help with variety of household chores from laundry to grocery shopping, allowing your loved one to remain at ease.

Providing your senior loved one with the necessary tools to prevent injury, becomes more important as they age.  If your loved one needs non-medical assistance and companionship, our dedicated caregivers can provide services to help improve their quality of life.

When is it no longer safe for older to drive?

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As we age, we are faced with deteriorating physical and mental abilities, which make performing certain tasks no longer possible. Proper vision, reflexive response and general awareness are among the abilities we lose over time. Unfortunately, these are necessary components for safe driving. The debate has always been at what age is it no longer safe for someone to drive? However, there are some who are capable of driving well into their 80’s, while others in their 50’s have no business behind the wheel.

Many factors need to be considered when it comes to aging and setting a mandatory age for driving restrictions. Everyone ages at a different pace and some may be affected by illness or other incidents that make driving no longer possible. Seniors suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s often get lost and confused and cannot think logically. Parkinson’s patients suffer from uncontrollable tremors and stiffness. Seniors who have had a stroke may have paralysis in parts of their body or memory loss. Most individuals suffering from these illnesses are over the age of 65. The effects of the normal aging process can also inhibit your ability to properly operate a vehicle.

Driving is a privilege that we enjoy throughout most of our lives. It represents many things to us including mobility, opportunity, freedom and independence. However, the privilege of driving is also accompanied by the responsibility of driving the vehicle in a manner that doesn’t endanger others. If you think you or a loved one may be having difficulty driving, it is a good idea to consult a doctor. A doctor will be able to test the senior’s reflexes and vision to make sure they are at the proper level for operating a vehicle. If the doctor finds the senior can no longer safely drive, there are many options for elderly transportation.

A caregiver from Home Care Assistance in Albuquerque can provide personal transportation services for grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, medical appointments, social events and more. Local shuttles are also available as transportation for seniors to public areas. In most cases elderly drivers do not want to give up the independence of driving, but for the safety of others and their own, it may be the best option.

Currently there are no age restrictions for when you can no longer drive. For now it is left to your best judgment. If your loved one is exhibiting behaviors that have you concerned about their wellbeing and ability to drive, take action. Contact Albuquerque Home Care Assistance for personal home care and transportation for your loved one.

Support for Family Caregivers is Essential

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Family caregivers make many sacrifices in their own life to help take care of their aging loved ones. It is especially difficult for a family member to be a caregiver due to the emotional connection with the care recipient. They devote most of their time and energy to providing good care, often neglecting their own needs.

Unfortunately, many caregivers feel guilty if they take a much needed break. Taking time off is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Respite care wards off burnout, illness and anxiety in the caregiver. Studies show that 46 % of caregivers are clinically depressed. In addition, studies show that caring for an Alzheimer’s patient can shorten a person’s life by 4 to 8 years. In most cases, there is a lowered resistance to illness due to the caregiver’s exhaustion and sleep deprivation.

Signs of caregiver burnout include decreased energy, emotional exhaustion, social withdrawal, increased alcohol intake, overuse of prescription relaxation aids and excessive impatience, irritability or argumentativeness. Burnout takes many forms and includes depression, anxiety, persistent illnesses and lack of interest in enjoyable activities.

Even a caregiver needs help. Support for family caregivers is essential for the benefit of both them and the care recipient. Respite care, provided by Home Care Assistance in Albuquerque, provides the caregiver with relief and time away from the stress and responsibility of caring for their loved one. Spending time with friends or other family can go a long way toward relieving the hardships a caregiver goes through. Caregivers can also attend local support groups where other caregivers talk in a sheltered and empathetic environment providing a sense of community.

If you are a caregiver, don’t hesitate to seek help in caring for your loved one. Home Care Assistance offers respite care on an hourly or live-in basis to help family caregivers. Call Albuquerque Home Care near you for more information today.

Benefits of Hobbies for Seniors

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Maintaining hobbies can help improve mood, cognitive functioning or physical ability in seniors.  There are many activities to be enjoyed in our later years. Some seniors may continue long time hobbies they have participated in since they were very young or one they picked up recently that fits their current lifestyle. Hobbies allow creativity, mental stimulation and sometimes social interaction, which make for a happier and healthier life for the senior. Some good hobbies for seniors include:

  • Familiar card games or board games
  • Needlepoint
  • Painting or drawing
  • Making model airplanes, trains or cars
  • Special interest clubs or book clubs
  • Dancing
  • Crafts or scrapbooking
  • Site seeing
  • Gardening
  • Collecting memorabilia

Encouraging a senior parent or loved one to maintain their interest in a hobby will help them feel more positive and active. A hobby can lead to acquiring substantial skill, knowledge and experience, but the main goal is personal fulfillment for the participant. Research has shown that a balance between leisure time and physical activity promotes a healthier lifestyle. At Albuquerque Home Care Assistance our caregivers help seniors develop and participate in their hobbies with the goal of a happier and healthier life for our clients. Active seniors are proof that you can enjoy better life and have fun doing it.

For seniors suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s or other mental conditions, hobbies can be especially beneficial. With in home care for seniors, caregivers encourage seniors to do an activity that brings them joy helps to combat depression and improves their overall mood. It can also help with preserving their cognitive functioning and memories by sharing a hobby with another person. When families get involved it becomes an even more positive experience.

 

Fall Prevention in Seniors

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Senior Falls Result in Devastating Injuries

The statistics for injuries as a result of seniors falling are overwhelming. Research shows 1 in every 3 seniors over the age of 80, will experience a fall each year. Also, 20 % of injury related deaths in seniors can be traced back to a fall and more than 40% of seniors hospitalized from hip fractures do not return home and are not capable of living independently. The risk of falls in seniors can be dramatically reduced through medical management, balance and mobility exercises and environmental modification.

Identifying the Risks

A person is more likely to fall if they are age 80 or older or have previously fallen.  Over time seniors may feel unsteady when walking due to changes in physical abilities such as vision, hearing, sensation and balance.  People who become fearful of falling may reduce their involvement in activities.  Also the environment may be designed or arranged in a way that makes a person feel unsafe. Fall prevention should be implemented through medical management, mobility exercise and environmental modification.

Medical Management

Health factors can contribute to falls including osteoporosis, changes in balance and walking patterns, changes in vision and sensation and taking multiple medications. Your doctor will be able to help you identify the risks involved in falling due to your medical situation and create a plan to manage that risk.

Balance and Mobility Exercises

Statistics show that most seniors do not exercise regularly which increases their risk of falling. This lack of exercise also makes it harder for seniors to recover after a fall. Studies show that balance, flexibility and strength training improve mobility in seniors and reduce the risk of falling. Albuquerque Home Care Assistance  provides caregivers who are trained in supporting seniors in mobility exercises to prevent falls.

Environmental Modification

Falls by seniors most commonly occur in bathtubs and showers, on stairs, carpets, sidewalk cracks and slippery floors. One’s home environment can be modified to reduce the risk of fall by adding hand railings, traction mats and removing hazards like throw rugs. With in home care for seniors, a caregivers is always present to assist with walking or bed transfers and reduce the risk of fall. In the event of a senior fall, Albuquerque Elder Care can offer a recovery assistance for a faster and more comfortable recovery period.

Combat Depression in Seniors to Improve Overall Wellbeing

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Causes of Depression in Seniors

Seniors face many life altering changes such as retirement, death of loved ones, isolation and medical issues, which can all trigger depression. Many seniors struggle with feelings of worthlessness with no one to care for, once their children have grown up and moved away. Medical problems can take away their independence leaving them with feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Some have lost their spouse or close friends resulting in a deep sadness and realization they are nearing the end of their life. Depression affects more than just your mood. If left untreated it can lead to physical health problems and impaired memory.

Recognizing Signs of Depression in Seniors

Depression can be caused by events in your life, emotional feelings or physical health problems and should be addressed as soon as possible. Recognizing the signs of depression in seniors and getting help right away can prevent further problems. Albuquerque Home Care caregivers are highly trained in identifying the warning signs of depression in seniors and getting help fast. Signs of depression include:

  • Intense and pervasive sense of guilt
  • Thoughts of suicide or a preoccupation with dying
  • Feelings of hopelessness, sadness or worthlessness
  • Slow speech and body movements
  • Inability to function in daily life
  • Hallucinations

How to Combat Depression in Seniors

Caregivers and family members need to be aware of subtle changes that can lead to clinical depression. Seeking the help of a doctor to manage the symptoms of depression and finding a therapeutic means to beat the condition is vital. No one should have to navigate this process alone and help is available. With home care for seniors with depression, a caregiver will be present to provide support and companionship on a daily basis. Families and caregivers can help their loved one combat depression by making sure they do the following:

  • Daily physical exercise
  • Social interaction with family and friends
  • Sleep between 7 and 9 hours per night
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Participate in hobbies or activities
  • Help take care of pets
  • Attend support therapy and counseling sessions

Your brain experiences changes throughout the course of your life, so it’s never too late to make positive adjustments that help you to experience the joy of your golden years.

10 Foods for a Longer Life

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10 Foods for a Longer Life

Albuquerque Home Care understands that one of the best things you can do to increase your life span and live a happier and healthier life is to eat a balanced diet. The following foods are proven to be capable of helping you boost your metabolism and burn fat, fight disease, lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar and live a longer life. Here are the top ten foods that will help you live a longer life:

1.      Green Tea

Researchers believe that catechins and antioxidants found in green tea are effective at boosting metabolism. Those who drink five or more cups of green tea per day live longer lives compared with those who average less than a cup per day.

2.      Garlic

Allicin, an antibacterial and antifungal compound, is the main ingredient found in garlic. Allicin is produced by the garlic plant as a defense against pests, but inside in your body it fights cancer, strengthens your cardiovascular system, decreases fat storage and even fights acne inflammation.

3.      Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains a massive dose of lycopene, which is the cancer-preventing antioxidant found most commonly in tomatoes. Studies show those who ate grapefruit once a day exhibited a decrease in insulin levels, indicating that their bodies had improved the ability to metabolize sugar. Even a moderate increase in grapefruit intake should have results.

4.      Greek Yogurt

A single cup of Greek yogurt has about a quarter of your day’s calcium and studies show that individuals on calcium-rich diets have an easier time losing body fat. Greek yogurt has no excess sugars and three times as much protein as regular yogurt.

5.      Avocado

More than half the calories in each avocado comes from one of the world’s healthiest fats called monounsaturates. Numerous studies have shown that monounsaturated fats both improve your cholesterol profile and decrease the amount of triglycerides in your blood.

6.      Eggs

Those who eat eggs often enjoy more vitamins and minerals in their diets than those who eat few or no eggs. With only 72 calories, each large egg holds 6.3 grams of high quality protein and a mass amount of vital nutrients. People who replace carbs with eggs for breakfast lose weight 65 percent quicker than those who do not.

7.      Quinoa

Quinoa contains a stronger distribution of nutrients than any grain you’ve probably ever had. It has about twice as much fiber and protein as brown rice and a perfect blend of amino acids. The combination of protein, fiber, healthy fats and a small dose of carbohydrates, help insure a low impact on your blood sugar.

8.      Bell Peppers

All peppers are loaded with antioxidants, but the red, yellow and orange bell peppers contain the highest amounts. These colors result from carotenoids concentrated in the flesh of the pepper also found in tomatoes, carrots and grapefruits. Some of the benefits include improved immune function, better communication between cells, protection against sun damage and a diminished risk for several types of cancer.

9.      Almonds

An ounce of almonds, about 23 nuts, provides nearly 9 grams of heart healthy oleic acid. This monounsaturated fat is known to have a great deal of health benefits, including improved memory. Nearly a quarter of an almond’s calories come from the fiber and protein.

10.  Swiss Chard

In just 35 calories of cooked Swiss chard, you get more than 300% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K, 100% of vitamin A and 16% of vitamin E. In addition to the nutritional benefits, emerging research suggests that the combination of phytonutrients and fiber in chard may provide an effective defense against colon cancer.

At Home Care Albuquerque we know that a nutritional diet is especially important for seniors to help them live a healthier life. Our Albuquerque caregivers attend trainings to teach them how to cook nutritional and delicious meals for our clients. If you or a loved one needs assistance with activities of daily living and meal preparation, call a Care Manager today and discover our wide range of services for a happier and healthier life for seniors.