Health Concerns That Can Cause Negative Mood Changes in a Senior

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Everyone goes through good days and bad days, and everyone is entitled to negative thinking or irritability every now and then. If you are caring for an older adult who appears to have fallen into a routine of continual negativity and complaining, there could be a reason for it. It’s worthwhile to explore whether or not a health issue may be the culprit for negative mood changes in a senior.

The following are several possibilities for chronic negative mood changes in a senior and how you can help.

  1. Urinary tract infections. A UTI’s classic signs and symptoms of pain, burning, and urgency to urinate may include additional side effects for seniors, including angry outbursts, irritability, confusion, as well as other alterations in behavior or mood. Speak with the physician to rule out a urinary tract infection if you observe these types of uncharacteristic behaviors.
  2. Pain. A recent research study discovered that participants who are experiencing chronic pain reported an increase in negative moods, including fatigue, anger, tension, depression, anxiety, and more. It’s worthwhile to share any of these mood changes with the physician, as these kinds of mood changes actually impact the effectiveness of pain management treatments.
  3. Dementia. Mood and personality changes are typical in dementia. It is crucial to understand that these changes are a symptom of the physiological changes in the brain, and are not a representation of the person’s own choices and decisions. There are medicinal and natural treatment choices that can help the person feel calmer and less agitated that you may desire to explore.
  4. Medication side effects. A number of medications – including those designed to help with mood, such as antidepressants – may cause troublesome mood swings. Medications for blood pressure, inflammation, and seizures may cause personality and behavioral changes in some people. Again, talk with the physician and go through the senior’s prescriptions to determine if the problem stems from one medication, or possibly the interaction of multiple meds together.

Negative mood changes in a senior can arise from loneliness or boredom, too. No matter the reason, constant negativity can be taxing for a caregiver’s personal sense of wellbeing. It is important to be able to step away from your caregiving role on a regular basis, and to make this time away a top priority. The senior will also benefit from the chance to spend time with different friends, family members, or a professional caregiver. These breaks are a healthy part of your caregiver/care receiver relationship – for both of you.

Responsive Home Care’s caregivers are wonderful companions to help brighten the mood of the older adults we serve. All of our care staff are fully trained, background checked, and experienced in a wide range of in-home care services for seniors. If you’re looking for an award-winning home care company in Ft. Lauderdale, FL or the nearby areas, contact us online or at (954) 486-6440 to learn how we can help someone you love, while allowing you the time you need to rest and rejuvenate.

Simple, Effective Strategies You Can Try Today to Improve Memory

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Help seniors improve memory with these simple strategies.

Do you recall learning the order of colors of the rainbow as a child? A lot of us were introduced to Roy G. Biv to master this feat – one of many mnemonics we learn that, interestingly, often stay with us for a lifetime.

As we age, it’s expected to experience some level of memory impairment; and naturally, it’s even more pronounced when Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is a factor. Scientists are constantly aiming to locate effective ways to improve memory and cognitive functioning, and have observed some interesting findings on “old school” strategies such as mnemonics. Here’s what they have recently discovered:

Mnemonics

Mnemonics produces a link to a memory through a phrase, abbreviation, song, etc. This training yielded great results in increasing activity in areas of the brain that are affected by dementia, leading to improved retention of information.

There are a multitude of mnemonic strategies that are very effective in improving memory. For example, try mnemonic keywords. Mnemonic keywords are fun and creative ways to memorize words in another language. It involves selecting a word that’s much like the new word you want to learn, and visualizing an image that brings the two words together. For instance, if you’re wanting to remember that chapeau is French for the term “hat,” you might picture Charlie Chaplin along with his famous black hat. The “Chap” element of his name can trigger the initial letters in chapeau, and the memory will stick.

Spaced Retrieval Training

This strategy involves gradually increasing the amount of time between memory tests, and was shown to also be highly effective for those with dementia. Compared to mnemonics, however, there was actually a decrease in brain activity, which led medical researchers to determine that the information had been processed more efficiently.

This training method is very effective in increasing independence and minimizing anxiety for those with cognitive challenges. Choose a desired event or activity for the person to keep in mind, such as a lunch date with a buddy on Friday. Start by asking the person a question to establish whether or not the memory is already in place. If not, remind them they are having lunch with John on Friday. Wait 15 seconds, and ask the individual the question again. If the memory is in place now, increase the time to 30 seconds, and ask again, continuing to double the time and ask again. If the person does not remember after 15 seconds, keep repeating the process every 15 seconds several more times before determining that it is not an effective technique, at least not for this particular event or activity.

Both strategies are simple, drug-free approaches to incorporate into the treatment for someone during the early stages of Alzheimer’s, or even for anyone who is looking for approaches to improve memory.

Let Responsive Home Care provide additional resources and support for someone you love with dementia. Our creative approaches to help improve memory make the most of an older adult’s cognitive functioning, independence, and wellbeing. Contact us online or call (954) 486-6440 for more information about our home care assistance in Fort Lauderdale and the nearby areas.

 

 

Downsizing for Seniors with Dementia

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Learn the benefits of downsizing for seniors with dementia.

You’ve come to the realization that the family home is just way too much for your mother and father to take care of. A smaller home became available just around the corner from you that’s ideal: a lovely flower garden in the backyard, a bright, cheerful kitchen, and no stairs to navigate. Now it’s time to begin the downsizing process. The only problem? Mom has dementia.

It’s not uncommon for seniors with dementia to struggle with change. Leaving the familiarity of home and moving into a brand new one can increase feelings of agitation and anxiety, but there are strategies to help ease the transition.

  1. Pace yourself. It’s natural to want to rip the band aid off and make the downsizing process as quick as possible for seniors with dementia. However, a better approach in this situation is taking time to discuss the upcoming changes with the older adult, one step at a time. Keep a consistent and calm demeanor, and empower the person to maintain as much control over the required decisions as possible.
  2. Maintain memories. Take pictures and/or videos of some of the items being donated or discarded and use them to create a scrapbook for the older loved one. This helps aging loved ones to revisit the items anytime they would like, and can also be used to spark conversations and reminiscing after the move.
  3. Create a system. Donating and discarding seniors’ possessions are necessary parts of the downsizing process. Again, include the individual in the decision-making process to the greatest extent possible. There will probably be specific items the older adult can’t stand to part with, which can be placed into storage if the new living arrangement can’t accommodate them. If there are items the senior rarely uses or sees, however, it might be easiest to have those removed before involving the person in the process.
  4. Set up the new home yourself. Arrange the senior’s most loved furnishings and items of comfort in the new living environment before bringing them in. Include photographs of friends and family near the bed, so they can see them when they go to bed and first wake up. Then bring the senior loved one in, and help with rearranging anything they’d like adjusted. This process will lessen the anxiety that may occur for someone needing to unpack and figure out the best locations to place items in a brand new environment.

Our Alzheimer’s care team is thoroughly trained, experienced, and highly skilled, and we are available to help through the downsizing process and beyond for seniors with dementia. Reach out to us at (954) 486-6440 or online for more information about our caregiver services in Fort Lauderdale, FL and the nearby areas.

Potassium May Lower Stroke Risk for Women

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Learn how potassium may be able to lower stroke risk for women.

The banana you eat in the car on the way to work could be helping to reduce your risk of suffering a stroke! In a recent study of nearly 100,000 women ranging in age from 50 – 79, it was discovered that consuming a higher level of potassium resulted in a lower stroke risk for women by as much as 12%, and by 16% for the most common type – ischemic stroke. Not only that, but those with a higher potassium intake were 10% less likely to die from any cause.

It’s worth noting that blood pressure also played a role here. Those without high blood pressure showed even more promising results, a full 21% less likely to suffer from an ischemic stroke and 27% reduced risk of stroke altogether. This led researchers to suggest that those at risk of developing high blood pressure may benefit from increasing their intake of potassium to prevent future complications.

Great sources of potassium to help lower stroke risk for women include:

  • White beans
  • Bananas
  • Leafy greens
  • Sweet potatoes
  • White potatoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Dairy foods
  • Meat

Remember, it’s important to consult your physician before making any dietary changes, including adding more potassium to your diet, as consuming too much can be dangerous, especially for the elderly and those with kidney disease.

Did you know Responsive Home Care offers meal planning and preparation services, in accordance with any prescribed dietary plan? We can help increase potassium in a senior’s diet to help lower stroke risk for women as they age.

There are a variety of other ways we can help improve quality of life for older adults, right in the comfort of home, such as:

  • Accompaniment to medical appointments and procedures, enjoyable outings – anywhere and anytime a senior needs or wants to go
  • Companionship for conversations, reminiscing, fun activities, exercising, and more to brighten each day and alleviate loneliness and isolation
  • Assisting with shopping for healthy food choices, picking up prescription refills, and more
  • Light housekeeping and laundry, to ensure a clean and organized home environment
  • Specialized care for those with chronic health needs, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, COPD, etc.
  • And so much more, according to each person’s individual needs

All of our services begin with a complimentary planning meeting in the senior’s home. This provides us with the opportunity to get to know the person and the challenges they are facing, and to create a customized plan of care to enhance safety, comfort, and independence.

Contact us online or call (954) 486-6440 to learn more about Responsive Home Care, the leading home health agency in Hollywood, FL and the nearby areas, and how we can make life the best it can be for someone you love!

Try These Creative Ways to Get More Fruits and Veggies Into a Senior’s Diet

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Learn how to add fruits and veggies into a senior’s diet.

It’s no surprise that many seniors, just like anyone else, prefer carbs to carrots, making it challenging to guarantee that their nutritional needs are being met. The CDC shares that just one in ten seniors are meeting the recommendation of at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit every day. Many researchers have reported that seniors who do follow these guidelines reduce their risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health issues, and subsequently live longer lives.

Maybe it’s time to think outside of the box to promote healthier eating habits in a senior’s diet. For example:

Make it crunchy. There are so many nutritious alternatives to greasy potato chips for a crispy snack or as a side to enjoy with a sandwich. Pick up a few for the older adult in order to see which ones they prefer: kale, sweet potato, beet, radish, green bean, eggplant, and much more. Or try freeze-dried fruit, another crunchy and nutritious alternative.

Make it smooth. If you’re looking to add a few superfoods to a senior’s diet, smoothies and sauces are great ways to do so. You can create a refreshing, delicious drink by blending a little spinach, yogurt, and fresh fruit. Or experiment with pureeing different vegetables to mix in with marinara sauce: zucchini, carrots, kale, bell peppers, etc.

Opt for convenience. Slicing, peeling, chopping, cooking – the numerous steps needed to prepare some vegetables and fruit make it easier to just grab a prepackaged snack. Try to find healthy alternatives that are just as easy to grab and enjoy, like ready-to-eat salads, baby carrots, or other cleaned and sliced veggies, individual cups of fruit, bananas, etc.

Freeze it up. Make your own simple, healthy frozen snacks by blending fruit with a small amount of juice or water, pouring into popsicle molds, and freezing until solid. These also make a wonderful multi-generational activity! Invite the family members over, let everyone choose their favorite flavor to make, and then spend some quality time together as you wait for them to chill before enjoying your personal creations.

Join a CSA. If you’ve never considered a CSA, now is an ideal time to explore this option. A CSA (community supported agriculture) is a subscription service for fresh produce from local farmers. Discover more and find a CSA near you here.

Responsive Home Care’s caregivers are skilled in preparing delicious, healthy meals based on each person’s individual preferences. We are available to pick up all of the ingredients too! Just give us a call at (954) 486-6440, or contact us online for assistance with enhancing a senior’s diet with the help of our elderly home care in Hollywood, FL and the nearby areas.

 

 

How Technology Is Making It Easier for Seniors to Age in Place

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Family caregiver helping senior woman with aging in place technology

Technology can help seniors age in place with peace of mind.

“You are always free to choose what you do with your life. To make changes in your future, make new choices today.” – Brian Tracy

It’s not always easy to choose where to live as you age. The majority of seniors would like to age in place in the comforts of home for a lifetime; however, it’s not without challenges. Can it be safe? What about mobility issues or other physical limitations? What if a senior falls and cannot get up?

Fortunately, there are a large variety of solutions which make aging in place possible for older adults. For example, technology is constantly developing and evolving, providing solutions to the difficulties that may surface as we grow older. Just consider a few of these tech devices and how they are improving life at home for seniors!

Home Safety

Smart devices provide peace of mind to a senior living alone as they age in place – and to the members of the family who love them. Aging adults can choose specific devices that solve a particular problem, like a smart door lock, doorbell, or fire alarm. They can also choose an entire smart security system with all of these features and much more.

Additionally, a smart speaker system such as Amazon Echo or Google Nest Audio works by voice command, a vital component to a home technology system. This way, a senior can simply say what they need, even if they need to call for help, and technology takes care of it.

Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring connects patients to their doctors in innovative ways: wearable devices to trace vital signs, smart pill bottles with sensors, bio-ingestible capsules older adults can swallow, even electronic tattoos that will measure the progression of pneumonia. This solution is a step further than telehealth appointments, delivering more comprehensive data on an individual’s condition than can be detected via a video chat.

Whole Home Automation

For seniors who are ready to jump into technology with both feet, a central control system will allow for a variety of functions to be done at the touch of a tablet or smartphone, such as lights, security cameras, sensors, window shades, thermostat, music, Wi-Fi, and so much more.

Michael Miller, author of My Smart Home for Seniors, sums up the advantages of technology for seniors: “Technology helps all homeowners, but especially seniors, by automating things that are a pain or difficult to do.”

Of course, a human touch is definitely essential for safe and independent living at home, regardless of how many tech tools we utilize! Contact Responsive Home Care online or at (954) 486-6440 for individualized caregiver services in Fort Lauderdale and the nearby areas that will help seniors live life to the fullest.

Broken Heart Syndrome and How to Help Those Who are Grieving

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Senior woman looking at an old photo of a loved one

Learn how you can help grieving seniors avoid broken heart syndrome.

In his documentary about grief, George Shelley uses the analogy of glitter. If you toss glitter into the air, it’ll land in all of the cracks and crevices of the room, and it’ll be nearly impossible to fully sweep up and remove. Individuals who have lost a loved one can relate. Yet in some instances, grief may be so overwhelming that it can result in a serious and aptly-named condition: broken heart syndrome.

Broken heart syndrome is a very real physical condition due to the intense stress experienced in certain types of grief (such as one spouse losing the other after decades of marriage). The medical term is takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a temporary enlargement of the heart that prevents it from pumping blood effectively.

Broken heart syndrome is more common than many people know. A number of high-visibility examples include Johnny Cash, who passed away just four months after the loss of his wife and George H.W. Bush, who became ill following the loss of his wife of 73 years.

There are decades worth of research studying the effects of grief on a person’s physical health.  In 1995, for instance, the term “widowhood effect” was coined to explain the thirty percent increase in mortality rate faced by individuals who lost a longtime partner. Other scientists determined a connection between the immune system and grief. Sometimes, surviving spouses simply no longer have the strength to live.

Help prevent this condition and ease the pain of grief for someone you love with these tips.

  • Provide a listening ear and encourage the person to express their grief in a healthy way.
  • Talk about the lost loved one, allowing the opportunity for shared stories and memories.
  • Help the person stay engaged in comforting, enjoyable activities as much as possible.
  • Look for a grief support group for the person to attend, either virtually or in person.
  • Make sure the person is staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, and getting a lot of sleep.
  • Emphasize to the person everything they have to live for, and that doing so is the best way to honor the lost loved one’s legacy.
  • Suggest the senior speak with a therapist to work through overwhelming emotions.

A trained caregiving companion from Responsive Home Care is also a great way to help a senior who is grieving. We offer socialization and an abundance of opportunities for reminiscing and conversations, along with engaging activities, and more. Contact our home care professionals online or at (954) 486-6440 for a free in-home consultation to find out more about our Fort Lauderdale senior home care and care throughout the surrounding areas.

Can Treating Hearing Loss Reduce the Risk for Dementia?

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Senior man wearing a hearing aide

Learn how treating hearing loss can help reduce the risk for dementia.

Have you been raising your voice so a senior you love can hear you? Are you finding the need to turn the TV up louder for a senior in your life? Repeating yourself because a senior loved one didn’t hear you the first time? Hearing loss in older adults is not uncommon. But fresh scientific studies are pointing to a startling link between hearing loss and a heightened risk for dementia, which leads to the need to determine if treating hearing loss may actually reduce that risk.

How Hearing and Cognitive Functioning Are Linked

There are a few hypotheses researchers are exploring to explain the connection between hearing loss and dementia:

  1. Less social interaction results in less intellectual stimulation and a less active and engaged brain.
  2. The brain’s thinking and memory systems are impacted when it has to work harder to strain to hear and to fill in the gaps when communication is missed.
  3. An older brain shrinks more rapidly due to hearing loss.

It’s vital to establish the exact cause of this connection and to figure out if treating hearing loss can help. The number of people who could be impacted is astonishing, with as many as 37.5 million Americans currently having some level of hearing loss.

Currently, we know that people diagnosed with hearing loss have a decline in cognitive functioning at a rate of 30 – 40% faster than those with normal hearing. Not only that, but hearing loss increases the risk for other health issues, such as falls and depression.

On the bright side, Johns Hopkins researchers are currently attempting to determine if treating hearing loss could actually reduce brain aging and prevent dementia. A study of almost 1,000 older adults with hearing loss is underway, and by as early as the coming year, we’ll have the information required for a path forward.

If a senior you love is struggling with hearing loss, encourage them to get a checkup and to wear hearing aids if recommended by the physician. Our caregivers can even provide accompaniment for that checkup if needed.

In addition, our dementia care specialists are available to help those with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia to stay comfortable, safe, and engaged in meaningful and enjoyable activities. We can also help with more effectively managing some of the challenging behaviors related to dementia, such as aggression, agitation, wandering, sundowning, and more.

Contact us any time online or at (954) 486-6440 for more information about how we can help seniors live healthier lives at home with our home care assistance in Fort Lauderdale and the nearby areas. We offer a free in-home consultation to answer all of your questions and to develop a personalized plan of care to best meet your needs.

Is Someone You Love Overmedicated?

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Senior woman reading a prescription bottle

Learn how to help a senior you love avoid being overmedicated.

At one point, it was normal to hear, “take two aspirin and call me in the morning.” But now, it’s more like, “take two of these…and two of these…and perhaps one of those, too!” Nearly forty percent of older adults are taking at least five different prescription medications each day – not to mention OTC meds, vitamins, and supplements. It’s easy to see how a senior could be overmedicated and experience adverse medication reactions to their medication.

Take these actions to prevent medication complications for a senior you love:

  • Set up a system. When you confirm that all of the older adult’s medications are necessary and you have the information you need to ensure they are taken correctly, create a system for following physicians’ orders. Depending on the older adult’s cognitive functioning, this can be as simple as a pill box that is filled weekly. You could also rely on in-home care in Fort Lauderdale or the nearby areas from a home care provider, like Responsive Home Care, for medication reminders.
  • Make a list, and check it twice. Create a list of every one of the medications – both over-the-counter and prescription – that the older adult is currently taking. Share the list with all of the senior’s healthcare providers, and supply updated lists whenever there’s a change in medications. Then at least twice a year, review the list with their primary care physician to confirm that all of the meds are essential and that current doses are ideal.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you understand fully what each medication is for, and make sure there are not any contraindications with other medications the person is taking. The doctor or pharmacist can run the senior’s meds through a drug interaction database to verify. If you’re unsure about anything else related to the medications prescribed, speak up. You’ll want to make certain you have an understanding of:
    • Exactly when as well as how the meds must be taken (in other words, on a full stomach, with a full glass of water, if they can be crushed or broken in half, etc.)
    • Whether a generic version is available
    • What you should do if a dose is missed
    • What the potential side effects may be
    • And any other questions you might have

It’s also very important to consult a doctor before starting or changing any medications, including vitamins or over-the-counter meds. Some prescription medications belong to the same drug category as OTC meds, which could result in an excessive amount of a medication being administered. In other cases, vitamins or OTC medications interact negatively with prescriptions.

We’re always here to help older adults continue to be healthy and safe. If you need a caregiver in Fort Lauderdale, Florida or in the surrounding areas, contact us to learn more about our in-home care services and how they can benefit a loved one in your life.

Watch for These Signs That Could Point to Mobility Issues in Seniors

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Senior man walking up stairs using a hand railing

Learn the signs of mobility issues in seniors.

Benjamin Franklin was definitely right: An ounce of prevention is really worth a pound of cure. When it comes to detecting and addressing mobility issues in seniors, prevention is a must. Falls in seniors lead to 3 million emergency room visits, 300,000 hip fractures, and 32,000 deaths each year, according to the CDC.

Avoid a tragedy in the future by looking out for these warning signs of increasing mobility issues in seniors:

  1. Experiencing dizziness. Dizziness and problems with balance can arise from a plethora of factors that ultimately cause difficulty with mobility. It’s important to learn why these issues are taking place and address them right away.
  2. Struggling to sit or stand. Notice whether the senior finds it hard to either stand up from a seated position or to sit back down. Do they require something to hold onto for support?
  3. Skipping physical activity. Another warning sign is a senior loved one who previously participated in some degree of exercise but now is choosing a more sedentary lifestyle. Exhaustion or weakness can result in problems with mobility.
  4. Steering clear of stairs. An older adult who seems to be getting around just fine but is avoiding going up or down stairs may be fearful of falling because of mobility changes.

One simple and effective option to determine mobility and fall risk in older adults is the TUG (Timed Up and Go) test. The test should be performed on a regular basis. Here is all it will require:

  • Place a stable chair against the wall.
  • Mark a distance of 10’ from the wall.
  • Have the senior sit in the chair.
  • When you tell them to go, start a timer, and have the person stand, walk towards the ten foot mark, turn around, come back and sit down again.

Be sure to stand close by the senior as they perform the test in case they need extra support. Track the outcome over a period of time and share with the person’s doctor for guidance. Find more information about the test as well as a downloadable one-page evaluation sheet here.

If you note any signs of mobility issues in seniors, it is time to start the appropriate conversation with the senior about getting help. Let the person know you’re concerned, and schedule an appointment for a check-up with the physician. The implementation of some simple mobility aids might make an enormous amount of difference in maintaining safety and independence.

Reach out to Responsive Home Care for additional fall prevention strategies for older adults, and also to learn about the countless ways our respite care in Weston, FL and the nearby areas can improve quality of life for a senior you love.

How to Build New Senior Friendships

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Senior friendships can make the days a little brighter.

If you’ve ever observed young children at the park, you know how quickly friendships are formed. A small group might be playing hide-and-seek, and a newcomer dashes over with a breathless, “Can I play?” In most cases, the response is a resounding, “Sure!” and thus – instant friends. Read more

Is it Time To Consider Guardianship of an Elderly Parent?

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Learn when to think about petitioning for guardianship of an elderly parent.

In an ideal world, our family relationships would all be positive and helpful. We would manage transitional times cooperatively, smoothly, and with virtually no disagreement. As our parents grew older, it would be a seamless process to fulfill their needs today and their needs in the future. Read more