Home » Senior Living » Page 7
Tag:

Senior Living

Health Products

Introducing eWheels 2 Seater Bariatric Scooter

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Senior.com is excited to offer the eWheels heavy duty bariatric scooter that is perfect for 1 or 2 people for up to 575 lbs! It’s an ultra-luxury, four-wheeled oversize dual seat scooter that features both front and rear suspension which provides for ultimate riding comfort. This scooter is equipped with all the modern day features which truly sets this scooter apart from all others. Some features include electromagnetic safety brakes, anti-rollback safety system, speed reduction dial, and a complete lighting system.

Features:

  • Driving range of 37 miles
  • Speed-maximum 10mph
  • Weight capacity 575 lbs
  • Large Dual Swivel seat
  • Full front & rear suspension
  • Complete light package with blinkers and brake lights
  • Anti-roll back system safety device prevents scooter from rolling backwards on hills etc.
  • 15 inch front and rear tires

 

The EW-88 electric mobility scooter is the most luxurious powerful heavy duty dual passenger scooter on the market today! With financing available, we know this scooter is will help people live the life they deserve. Get active again and enjoy life!

Shop the eWheel Scooter Here

  • Speed: Up to 10 mph (speed varies on terrain, riders weight, road surface, etc.)
  • Distance: 37 miles per charge (distance varies on terrain, riders weight, road surface, etc.)
  • Front Seat: Type Two Passenger Large Swivel Seat with Back Rest and Arm Rests
  • Front seat: Size 18” x 31” x 26” (LxWxH)
  • Seat Cushion Height: 28” from floor
  • Steering Height: 41” from Ground
  • Turning Radius: 62″
  • Swivel Seat: Yes
  • Power: Electric
  • Watts: 1200 Watts
  • Motor Type: Brushless Motor
  • Amps: 75 AH
  • Dimensions: 61” x 37” x 53” (LxWxH)
  • Forward/Reverse Switch: Yes
  • High/Med/Low Speed Control Switch: Yes
  • Floor Clearance: 4.5”
  • Batteries: 36 V 75 AH, Deep Cycle, SLA
  • Front tire size: 15” x 3.5”
  • Rear tire size: 15” x 3.5”
  • Charger: 36 Volt Smart Charger Included
  • Throttle Type: Delta Tiller Lever
  • Mirrors: Yes
  • Braking System: Electromagnetic
  • Lighting Package: LED Headlight, Turn Signals Lights and Brake Lights
  • Removable Front Basket with Top 10″x12″x8″ DxWxH
  • Scooter Weight: 429 LBS
  • Battery Indicator: Yes
  • Front Suspension: Two Front Suspension Springs
  • Rear Suspension: Two Front Suspension Springs
  • Electric Horn: Yes
  • Cell Phone Holder: No
  • Free Roll / Drive Lever: Yes
  • Colors: Red or Black
  • Warranty: Limited – 3 Year Warranty
0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Master the Mobility Game as you Age
Exercise & Fitness

Master the Mobility Game as you Age

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Staying mobile is an important factor in health as you age. Not only does it help you maintain your health, it is also a major factor in holding on to your independence. There are a number of ways to master mobility even as you age: Master the Mobility Game as you Age
1. Walk: Taking walks is by far one of the best ways to stay active. If you don’t have time, incorporate it into your day. A trip to the grocery store is a good start, and you can take an extra step by parking at the back of the lot. This is a great way to increase the distance you walk each day. And maybe the best part of walking? It’s free! Master the Mobility Game as you Age
2. Find a Hobby: Having a hobby is a great way to keep your body and mind mobile. Knitting works muscles in your hands that improve dexterity while keeping your concentration sharp. Gardening works a number of muscle systems and is known to actively relax the gardener. Remember that it is supposed to be fun, so find a hobby that you love to keep you sharp and active!
3. Partner Up: One way to make sure you enjoy either a walk or a hobby is to bring along a friend. This is a great way to stay motivated to get up and out, and it also makes the activity more enjoyable overall. Call a friend who is also looking to stay active and mobile for a walk.
4. Consider a Cane: If you are having a real problem staying mobile, consider using a cane. Most people fear that a cane will limit them; on the contrary, it can be the tool that can help get you up and moving. Even if you do not plan to use it long term, a cane can help you keep active and build confidence for walking longer distances without it. We highly recommend the Hurrycane, the #1 selling cane in America.
5. Take the Stairs: Going up and down stairs is a good way to add difficulty to your walk. It works different muscles and is proven to literally help people get out of bed in the morning. This doesn’t have to be a tedious repetition of up and down; it can be as simple as taking the stairs over the elevators when there is an option.
Try one or all of these tips throughout the course of your daily routine to master mobility.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents
Health Tips

Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Drug-resistant bacteria are one of the biggest concerns of modern medical science, posing a serious health threat, especially for vulnerable people like seniors. But according to a new study out of Columbia University School of Nursing, many nursing homes are rife with drug-resistant strains of bacteria, such as E. coli. Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents
Based on data from several independent studies around the world, the researchers found that more than a quarter of nursing home residents were carriers of drug-resistant bacteria. The researchers found that this number was even higher in America, with nearly 40% of American nursing home residents considered colonized. Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents
The study sheds light on the higher risk of infection faced by all seniors and has raised concerns over the conditions of American nursing homes, with researchers calling for stricter infection control protocols.

Colonization Rate as High at 59.1% in Some Studies

Published in the American Journal of Infection Control, the Columbia study went over 327 pieces of published research to find studies that met the standards needed for meta-analysis. The researchers found twelve studies that met the criteria for review and eight studies met the criteria for meta-analysis of colonization rates. The final meta-analysis of colonization rates included data from 2,720 nursing home residents from the US, Germany, and Korea. 1,669 of the residents sampled came from the US.
The researchers found that colonization rates varied from study to study. One study out of Germany reported that only 11.2% of residents sampled were colonized by drug-resistant bacteria. Another, out of America, reported a colonization rate of 59.1%. Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents
When the researchers averaged the data, they found that 27% of nursing home residents in the studies were colonized with drug-resistant bacteria. In the American studies, the average rate was even higher: 38%. Across the eight studies, the most common type of drug-resistant bacteria detected was E. coli, but they also detected high rates of bacteria like P. mirabilis, P. stuartii, K. pneumoniae, and M. morganii.

Putting the Results in Context

These findings come at a time when concerns about drug-resistant bacteria are on the rise. According to the CDC, over two million Americans become infected with drug-resistant bacteria each year, resulting in upwards of 23,000 deaths. What’s more, the percentage of bacteria that are considered drug-resistant are on the rise.
Elderly persons are especially vulnerable to infection from drug-resistant bacteria. Factors like advanced age, a weakened immune system, and chronic health conditions increase the risk that seniors will become infected by drug-resistant bacteria. They also increase the risk of mortality when infection occurs.
Seniors in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are already known to be at higher risk of bacterial infection. There are a number of reasons for this increased risk, including the number of vulnerable residents in nursing facilities, poor disinfection protocols, and communal living arrangements. According to the NCBI, the average American long-term care facility resident suffers one infection each year because of this increased risk.
Sainfer Allyu, who headed the Columbia study, says that the study’s results underscore the need for better disinfection protocols in nursing homes. “The results of our study suggest that there is much more to be done with regard to infection prevention within nursing homes, and that increased measures must be taken with elderly patients in regard to [drug-resistant bacteria] colonization.”
The study also comes at a time when Americans are becoming more and more uneasy with nursing home care for their loved ones. Studies and surveys have shown that an increasing number of American seniors and their families wish to avoid nursing home care for as long as possible.
Instead, many seniors receive care at home from family members or friends. In other cases, families delay the need for a move to a long-term care facility by hiring a professional caregiver. By receiving care at home, seniors avoid the risk of infection posed by many nursing home environments.
“Keeping seniors safe and comfortable is what we do. Helping them stay in a place where they can be healthy is part of that,” says Larry Meigs, CEO and President of Visiting Angels, one of America’s largest home care companies. If you are considering home care for a loved one, you can book a free, in-home consultation by contacting your nearest Visiting Angels office. Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents
Sources:
http://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(17)30085-8/fulltext
https://www.ncbi.com.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3906614/
https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/
Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents

Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
How Denial About Decline Compromises Senior Care
Housing Tips

Data helps seniors determine where to live

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Seniors want data when searching for the best place to retire. While the younger people have their own lifestyle criteria, older adults have stricter requirements because as they grow older, their needs expand. Data helps seniors determine where to live
AARP claims Social Security is the foundation of retirement and 84 percent of people age 65 and older receive benefits. Social Security provides more than a third of income for retirees which is hardly enough to survive since the average benefit in the U.S. is $17,189/year according to the Census survey. Data helps seniors determine where to live
So what do seniors look for when evaluating areas to retire? The majority want to keep working and live in a state where housing is affordable. Data helps seniors determine where to live
Using the U.S. Census data and other government surveys, let’s compare three states in the country based on work and housing to see which would be the best state to retire. I’ve selected Arizona, Minnesota, and Texas for my own analysis.

Arizona

  • There are 215,982 seniors living alone in Arizona. Of these, 68% are female.
  • Average social security income is $18,179/year
  • The median household income for an Arizona senior is $39,445
  • The number of seniors working in the state is 13 percent
  • 83 percent own a home and 21 percent of the owners spend over 35% of their monthly budget on a mortgage
  • The number of people aged 65 and over in Arizona is projected to rise 101% over the next 15 years, from 1,181,358 to 2,371,354.

Minnesota

  • There are 201,459 seniors living alone in Minnesota. Of these, 72% are female.
  • Average social security income for all seniors is $17,798/year
  • The median household income for a Minnesota senior is $37,329
  • The number of seniors working in the state is 16 percent
  • 78 percent own a home and 32 percent have a mortgage. Those with a house payment, 20 percent spends over 35% of their monthly budget on it.
  • The number of people aged 65 and over in Minnesota is projected to rise 54% over the next 15 years, from 774,390 to 1,193,124.

Texas

  • There are 638,725 seniors living alone in Texas. Of these, 70% are female.
  • Average social security income is $16,334/year
  • The median household income for a Texas senior is $36,915
  • The number of seniors working in Texas is 17 percent
  • 81 percent own a home and 32 percent have a mortgage. Those with a house payment, 20 percent spends over 35% of their monthly budget on one.
  • The number of people aged 65 and over in Texas is projected to rise 67% over the next 15 years, from 3,112,883 to 5,186,185.

At initial glance, from the perspective of a single female, aging alone, Texas is a better fit for me since there are more people in my predicament (solo agers.) My first assessment is crude, but the housing and mortgage numbers tell me that homes are more affordable in Texas and Arizona. Plus, both project to have a higher rate of people my age down the road.
Even so, having a job helps people thrive, and having one is vital to me. The Harris poll found 54 percent of workers (age 60+) say they will work part or full-time after retirement. Texas has a slightly higher number of working seniors than Arizona or Minnesota.
The city guides can give you much more insight than the little I give today. You can do your individual assessments by using the data provided for over 8,000 cities across the country. Data helps seniors determine where to live Data helps seniors determine where to live Data helps seniors determine where to live

Data helps seniors determine where to live

Data helps seniors determine where to live

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care
Healthy Living

Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

In the world of senior care, the mental and emotional health of seniors is too often overshadowed by the physical challenges of aging. But in recent years, those in the senior care community have sought to broaden the focus of senior care to account for the overall well-being of seniors. One result of these efforts has been the rise of art therapy for seniors in care. For those of us who care for seniors and support the elderly in our communities, art therapy has become an indispensable tool in reducing stress, improving emotional well-being, and managing disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care
If you’re a senior (or someone who cares for one), here’s what you should know about art therapy for seniors:

What Is Art Therapy? Art Therapy for Seniors

Art therapy is a wide-ranging term the covers an array of therapeutic activities. Most often, art therapy harnesses the power of artistic expression to spark creativity, relieve tension and stress, and encourage cognitive function. Some popular forms of art therapy for seniors include: Art Therapy for Seniors

  • Dance
  • Painting and drawing
  • Sculpture
  • Needlework
  • Music therapy

Art therapy for seniors can be performed one-on-one, but is popularly performed as part of a larger group or class. Therapy sessions can be performed in the comfort of home, in a senior center, or even outdoors.

Benefits to Art Therapy

Art therapy first attracted attention in the senior care community as a therapy method for managing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Studies have shown that art therapy encourages cognitive function and slows memory decline in those suffering from dementia. More importantly, this form of therapy is effective in limiting stress, agitation, and aggression in those suffering from memory disorders. It’s also one of the few forms of therapy that remains effective even into the later stages of dementia. Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care
But with all of the added attention, art therapy has moved beyond the treatment of dementia and other memory disorders. Studies have shown that art therapy’s benefits extend to the majority of seniors, no matter their risk of dementia. As a result, senior centers, professional caregivers, and independent seniors have increasingly begun to rely on art therapy. Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care
Some of the benefits of different types of art therapy for seniors include: Art Therapy for Seniors

  • Helping seniors cope with stress, trauma, or depression
  • Improving seniors’ moods and mindfulness
  • Encouraging cognitive engagement and creative thought
  • Reduced inflammation and joint stiffness

Incorporating Art into Senior Care

If you think that you or a senior in your life could benefit from art therapy, it’s easy to look up art therapy opportunities in your area. Consider checking out local community centers and senior centers in your area, which often hold group art therapy sessions or classes that offer many of the same benefits as art therapy. You can also look up local art therapists through the American Art Therapy Association.
If you prefer to do things on your own, you can bring many of the benefits of art therapy into your home all by yourself. Whether you enjoy learning new dance moves, love listening to music, or have always wanted to try your hand at painting, bringing art into your life can be a great boost to your mental and emotional wellbeing.
At Visiting Angels, our home care providers can help you or a loved one make art a part of senior care. Contact your local office today to learn more. Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care

Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care

Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Getting a Senior Loved One Out of the Home
Caregiving

Getting a Senior Loved One Out of the Home

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Do you have an aging parent or grandparent who rarely leaves the house? If so, you may be worried about the emotional, mental, and physical toll that social isolation is taking on him or her. Social activity has a range of benefits for seniors, and seniors who isolate themselves often suffer from their lack of social interactions. Getting a Senior Loved One Out of the Home
According to data by the NIH, seniors who have social interactions more frequently are consistently healthier than more isolated seniors. Other studies have backed up these findings. Studies of highly social senior communities show that seniors who live in these communities are more mobile and more likely to practice healthy behaviors. Meanwhile, further studies have shown that social activity slows cognitive decline and lowers the risk of developing disabilities.
With so many benefits tied to social interactions for seniors, it is important to encourage social activity in the elderly. Looking for ways to get a senior loved one out of the home? Here are some suggestions and strategies you can try, with advice from Visiting Angels President and CEO Larry Meigs:

Going Out for Lunch

One way to get a senior loved one out of the house is a weekly lunch date. You could suggest organizing a regular lunch date between your loved one and their friends. If your loved one’s friends can’t make a weekly commitment, you can take the initiative of taking your loved one out for lunch yourself each week. Or you can organize taking turns with family members.
“While it might seem like a small thing, a weekly meal with friends or family at the local coffee shop can be enriching seniors — especially for those who rarely leave their homes,” says Meigs. “Being out of the house and around other people helps relieve feelings of isolation, and the weekly routine of a meal and a chat can become a valuable touchstone for isolated seniors.”

Senior Exercise Classes

Senior exercise classes are more than just a great way to get seniors out of the house, offering a range of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. “Light exercise is key for seniors, and senior exercise classes are a great way to keep seniors active,” says Meigs.
Popular senior exercise programs include dance classes and water fitness. In addition to the exercise benefits offered, these classes are a fantastic place for seniors to meet other seniors. “These classes are an excellent social hub for the elderly because they’re specifically targeted at seniors,” says Meigs.

Game Nights & Events

“Many times, your local community center is your best ally in getting an elderly loved one socially active,” says Meigs. These centers often host game nights, like bingo games, which are a great way for an isolated senior to spend time among others. These centers also sometimes host special events that are put on for elderly community members, such as dances, dinners, and speaking series. Centers sometimes even schedule day trips or short group vacations for senior community members.

Bring Social Interactions Home

Often seniors who find themselves cut off socially aren’t isolated by choice. “Many of the seniors we care for at Visiting Angels are housebound as a result of disability or age related challenges,” says Meigs. “In cases where seniors can’t leave the home, social interactions need to be brought to them.”
If you help care for a housebound loved one, there are a number of ways that you can encourage social activity. Speak with other members of your family about visiting your loved one more frequently, or contact your loved one’s friends to have them come over once a week.
Alternatively, you may might consider care from a local home care agency. Home care services, such as those offered by Visiting Angels, offer a way to bring daily companionship into an elderly loved one’s life, along with support for activities of daily living. For a free in-home care consultation, contact your local Visiting Angels office.

Getting a Senior Loved One Out of the Home

Getting a Senior Loved One Out of the Home Getting a Senior Loved One Out of the Home Getting a Senior Loved One Out of the Home Getting a Senior Loved One Out of the Home

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Retirement Planning

10 Tips for Picking a Place to Retire

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Once you retire, you’re free to head to the beach or golf course. In some cases, you can even dramatically reduce your cost of living or improve your quality of life with a single move. But you want to make sure that a retirement spot will continue to meet your needs as you age. Here are 10 tips for finding your ideal retirement spot. 10 Tips for Picking a Place to Retire
Seek lower costs. If you can sell your house in an expensive city and move to a place where housing costs significantly less, you can use that influx of cash to help fund your retirement years. “If the cost of living is lower, it can certainly let your retirement nest egg last a little longer,” says Scott Cole, a certified financial planner for Cole Financial Planning in Birmingham, Ala. “We do see people who had a lot of their investments tied up in their house, and they were able to liquidate that house, net a significant gain and then come and buy a pretty similar house, if not much nicer house, here [in Alabama], and then use the rest of that money for retirement income.” However, there are significant transaction costs when you buy and sell a home and the move itself may also come with a variety of expenses, so make sure you factor that into your relocation calculations.
Look for great amenities. Think about how you want to spend your retirement years, and make sure your retirement spot has the resources to allow you to do that. Look for golf courses, pools, fitness centers, parks or other amenities you would like to use. “If you want to be pursuing your education, you might be looking for a college or other learning venues,” says Mary Languirand, author of “How to Age in Place: Planning for a Happy, Independent, and Financially Secure Retirement.” “If there are travel options you want to pursue, you are going to need to be near an airport or a train station.”
Health care options are essential. Make sure any community you are considering has adequate medical facilities and doctors that are taking on new patients. If you have any ongoing medical condition, or propensity for a specific illness runs in your family, it can be useful to retire near medical professionals who specialize in treating it.
Calculate the tax impact. Taxes vary considerably by state, and you can often reduce your costs considerably by moving to a low-tax place. Take a look at how the state taxes pensions, Social Security and earned income, and also consider the sales tax, property tax and any special tax perks available for senior citizens. It’s also important to realize that taxes pay for services, and there may be less help available to senior citizens in low-tax areas. “There are some services for senior citizens that might actually be better met in a higher-cost community,” Languirand says. “In rural areas, it is not unusual to have no public transportation or the special transportation services that people with lower mobility require.”
Aim for proximity to family and friends. Many people want to retire near their children and grandchildren. Family and friends can enrich your life in retirement and provide significant (and often free) help when you need it most. “If somebody has lived in the same place their whole life and that’s where their social network is and where the people they depend on are, then it’s much harder to pick up and build a new network of support where you don’t know anybody and you have to start from scratch,” says Cynthia Conger, president of Conger Wealth Management in Little Rock, Ark. “Rather than being able to depend upon a support network of people you know, you might now have to pay for services that might have been done by people who were friends. You might end up paying more.” If you do move to a new community away from your support system, you will need to create a new circle of friends. “An activity like golf or bridge will get [you] into another social network,” Conger says.
Consider the political, religious and social climate. Some people want to retire in a community of like-minded individuals. There are retirement communities that cater to artists, RV owners and people of various ethnic heritages. “You need to understand the politics of the state and whether you can cope with that,” Cole says. “You want to think about the politics and whether it is in line with who you are. You don’t want to spend your last years constantly irritated and agitated.” Of course, if you like to engage in lively debate about politics and religion, you might want to seek out a more diverse community.
Job opportunities. Americans are increasingly planning to work during the traditional retirement years. If a retirement career is part of your plan, you may want to line up a job opportunity before you make a move. “A place that will enable you to do what you want to do with your post-retirement work career is very important,” Languirand says. “Some people have very portable skills where they could practice anywhere, while some people are more place-dependent.”

Transportation options. Many seniors reach a point when they can’t or no longer want to drive. Some cities have public transportation systems that give discounts or are even free for senior citizens, or low-cost van or cab services that will help seniors get to doctor’s appointments. “If you move away from family and you are in a place where there is not much of a public transportation infrastructure, you are going to have to find a way to meet basic needs, your grocery shopping,” says John Eaton, a certified financial planner for Cypress Wealth Advisors in San Antonio.

Better weather. Some people seek retirement spots with warm weather so they can avoid winter, but you might find that you miss the change of seasons or that warm weather comes with its own challenges. “Professionals come down here and they just can’t take this heat,” Eaton says about San Antonio. “It’s hot, and if you are somebody who is used to seasons, it might not suit you.”

Test it out first. One way to be more certain that a retirement spot will be a good fit is to test it out by renting for a few months or even a year before buying. “When you first move to a place, it might seem wonderful, but once you have tried living in it, you might find that it doesn’t really suit your needs,” Languirand says. “There’s nothing like actually living in a place to know all its little eccentricities and ins and outs.”
By Emily Brandon, Senior editor for Retirement at U.S. News.

10 Tips for Picking a Place to Retire

10 Tips for Picking a Place to Retire 10 Tips for Picking a Place to Retire 10 Tips for Picking a Place to Retire 10 Tips for Picking a Place to Retire 10 Tips for Picking a Place to Retire
 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Local Non-Profits Providing Senior Care Help
Caregiving

Local Non-Profits Providing Senior Care Help

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

When a person needs help it’s surprising that few know of the local relief and services to call. There are many non-profits designed to help seniors in need and their family caregivers. However, when asked, “Do you know who to call for help when in a crunch for a ride or for food?” In my experience, I find consumers at a loss and challenged to locate local help. Local Non-Profits Providing Senior Care Help
Since November is National Caregiver Month, it’s important to acknowledge the work that families give. I was a caregiver for my parents, so, I have experienced the challenges. To alleviate some of the burden, here is a list of places to go or call if needed. Typically, the most wanted services deals with issues like,

  • Housing
  • Personal care with daily living
  • Case Management
  • Transportation
  • Meals
  • Social Isolation
  • Legal support
  • Day care
  • Emergencies
  • Support
  • Financial assistance

The Aging Council at Seniorcare.com offered several “go-to” sources when in need of care. The thought leaders say, “When a senior or family caregiver struggles with a crises or medical event, or has another issue they can’t figure out on their own, usually, there are two or three local resources that adults can turn to for a resolution.” Here are several the experts recommend:
Anthony Cirillo, The Aging Experience, “In Charlotte we have a great resource called Just One Call, a one-stop source of information and assistance for seniors and adults with disabilities. Feeding America can point you to food banks to address food insecurity. And the Salvation Army has an arm devoted to elderly services.”
Donna Schempp, “Family Caregiver Alliance provides links or a specialist to talk to who can give people information on services anywhere in the United States. All communities have a local Area Agency on Aging and should be the first place to call when needing help. Faith communities are also a good source of support and referrals for needed services.”
Michelle Jeong, LifeAssist, “Two organizations come to mine, www.sfvillage.org = great on and offline resource based in San Francisco, CA and Meals on Wheels.”
Violet Swenson, LTC Global Agency, “Three significant local resources in Florida to consider are: Florida Highway Patrol (disaster assistance for natural calamities), WebMD (for diseases & treatment), and NCOA (public policy & action services). Seniors need to prioritize their safety, make sure that they are properly diagnosed and are receiving the right medication, and have a voice in their community.”
David Inns, GreatCall, Inc., “The Family Caregiver Alliance (Caregiver.org) has an interactive map where you can click your state, and it will guide you to local resources. The Eldercare Locator (Eldercare.gov) is a service that allows users to search for resources and information. The Family Caregiver Council (FamilyCaregiverCouncil.com) is a great place to start as it has links for all aspects of family caregiving.”
Scot Cheben, CaregivingAnswers.com, “Churches, Meals on Wheels and other local support groups have their limitations. The internet doesn’t have borders. Most states have a Department of Elder Affairs or something similar available online. The internet will give you access to a wider variety if information that might be available. CaregivingAnswers.com gives you the opportunity to have your questions answered by a professional.”
Connie Chow, Daily Caring, “During a crisis, if you need immediate help, reach out to people who understand the system and know how to get fast, effective results. I recommend an in-home care company or on-demand caregiving service for in-person help, a geriatric care manager for complex situations, and the county’s Area Agency on Aging to get connected to helpful local resources and services.”

Local Non-Profits Providing Senior Care Help

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Under-eating in Senior Home Care
Diet & Nutrition

Under-eating in Senior Home Care

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

“Anorexia of Aging” – Coping with Under-Eating in Senior Home Care

When it comes to senior home care, one of the biggest concerns is undereating among the elderly. Lack of appetite is unfortunately widespread among America’s seniors. While a small decrease in appetite is natural and in many cases healthy, many seniors experience a dangerous decrease in appetite in their seventies and eighties. This condition has given rise to the term “Anorexia of Aging.” Under-eating in Senior Home Care
“Proper nutrition is key to healthy aging — but it’s also a struggle for many of our clients,” says Larry Meigs, President and CEO of the Visiting Angels senior home care network. “We’ve long held that Americans need to have a bigger conversation about healthy eating for seniors.” Under-eating in Senior Home Care
If you suspect that an elderly person in your life is starting to suffer from a reduced appetite, there are steps you can take to counteract the effects of undereating. Poor nutrition can have a serious impact on your loved one’s well-being and put them at significant risk for a number of conditions.
Luckily, there are a number of strategies used by families and senior home care professionals that encourage healthier eating in the elderly.

Causes of Under-eating in Seniors

There are a number of behavioral and biological changes that can lead to seniors eating fewer nutrients and calories than they should be.
Some of these changes are directly related to appetite. Seniors use up less energy than younger individuals, so their bodies require fewer calories. In response, seniors’ bodies respond by lowering their appetites. One recent study further suggests that elderly individuals produce a higher amount of peptide YY (aka PYY), a hormone that suppresses hunger. Reduced taste buds also make eating less pleasurable for seniors.
Other changes that lead to reduced appetite are somewhat less direct. For instance, many seniors wear dentures or suffer from dental problems, which can make eating uncomfortable or even painful. Meanwhile, medications can create or exacerbate appetite problem. Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia may also forget whether or not they have eaten, especially if they already suffer from reduced appetite.

Effects of Under-eating in Seniors

The implications of undereating for seniors may be greater than you think. As those of us in the senior home care industry know, “anorexia of aging” has been tied to numerous health problems. According to the NCBI, poor nutrition is tied to “the development and progression of chronic diseases… impaired muscle function, decreased bone mass, immune dysfunction, anemia, reduced cognitive function, poor wound healing, [and] delayed recovery from surgery.”
Ultimately, undereating can cut years from your loved one’s life. That same NCBI study reports that under-nutrition is associated with “increased morbidity and mortality” in the elderly. So if your loved one’s body or lifestyle is causing a severe loss of appetite, it’s important to take action.

Senior Home Care Tips to Prevent Under-eating

At Visiting Angels, our senior home care professionals can coordinate with families to create a senior home care plan that addresses a client’s reduced appetite. But it’s possible for seniors and their family’s to tackle undereating on their own.
Here are some of the strategies that senior home care professionals regularly use or recommend to clients to prevent undereating in elderly individuals.

  • Have Meals Together. Undereating is more common among seniors who eat alone. This makes it easier for seniors to forget or skip meals if they don’t feel particularly hungry. If you can, eat meals with your loved one, or find a way that they are guaranteed company when they eat.
  • Cook with Healthy, Calorie-Rich Foods. When seniors don’t have the appetite to eat more, the best way to address undereating is by adding calories without adding food mass. You can use healthy, easy-to-eat, calorie-rich foods like olive oil, yogurt, peanut butter, chickpeas, or avocadoes.
  • Take Care of Meal Preparation. You can make sure that your loved one is receiving nutritious meals regularly by overseeing meal preparation. Or — if you lack the time or cooking acumen to prepare meals yourself — you can see if there is a meals-on-wheels program in your area.
  • Address Any Dental Concerns. Loose or poor-fitting dentures can make chewing uncomfortable. The same can be said for tooth decay or gum disease. Ask your loved one if they have any trouble chewing and consider following up with a visit to the dentist.
  • Monitor Medications. Many medications can result in lowered appetite. So ask your loved one about the side effects of his or her prescriptions. If you feel your loved one may be losing their appetite due to medication, encourage them to speak with their doctor about possible alternatives.

Visiting Angels senior home care professionals make living independently easier for America’s seniors. Our services include nutrition assistance services, such as grocery shopping, meal planning, and meal preparation. Learn more about our senior home care programs by visiting our website.

Under-eating in Senior Home Care

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts