Archive for the ‘Excercise’ Category

Understanding and Fighting Fatigue from MS

Posted on: May 7th, 2012 by aagingbetter

Encouraging medical news came out recently when the results of a three-year study of a new multiple sclerosis (MS) drug found that patients who received the drug early in treatment, and three times a week, were less likely to be diagnosed with definite MS compared to those who received the placebo.  Researchers around the globe are eager to find a medical treatment that cures or better reduces the fatigue and other symptoms of MS.

The exact mechanism of MS fatigue is not known, but studies suggest that changes in the brain caused by MS may require persons with MS to use five times more effort to complete a simple task than a person without MS.  There are steps one can take to fight fatigue and increase energy.

Nutrition

  • Most nutrition should be consumed during the morning and noontime meals.
  • Drink plenty of liquids–at least five 8-oz glasses of water per day, along with other forms of liquids, such as coffee, tea, soda (limit of one, possibly two, cans per day), fruit juices, etc.
  • Eat whole foods such as fresh fruits and veggies and avoid simple carbohydrates.  Eat cereals that are minimally processed and have lower sugar content, whole-grain items like pastas and breads made from whole-wheat, cereals made with whole oats and grains, and avoid white flour products made with highly processed flour, such as donuts and pastries.
  • Eat at least two fish meals per week, 4-6 eggs per week unless there is a history of high cholesterol problems, and add a variety of beans to weekly meals– they’re high in iron and protein and have been known to help fight the fatigue that is so common to MS.

Exercise

  • Maintain a regular exercise program–a 20-30 minute walk at least every other day (maintain a brisk pace, if possible), swimming, bike riding, cross-trainer or other gym equipment, as tolerated.
  • Stay out of the heat, where possible, and consider using a cooling vest if hot weather is unavoidable.  Try activities that keep the body cooler, like swimming or exercising in an air-conditioned environment.

Ask for Help

  • Spend energy on what matters and bring in reinforcements like a family member for tasks that are difficult or over-taxing to accomplish.
  • If family is unavailable, consider a few hours a day of practical assistance from a professional caregiver who is trained in MS care, such as an agency like AAging Better In-Home Care.

Our experienced caregivers are available to help individuals deal with the symptoms of MS.  Keeping up a home can be overwhelming to those with moderate or severe MS and our employees are trained in house cleaning, assisting with bathing or dressing, assisting with medications, where necessary, or helping with the grocery shopping when needed.  Contact us online or call 208-777-0308 for the Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden areas; 208-263-7889 for the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, or Priest River areas; and 208-784-1505 for the Kellogg, Wallace, Pinehurst areas. We will be happy to outline how our in-home caregivers can help make a person with MS feel more enabled, motivated and connected to others.

*Sources for this Blog: National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ezine Articles, MS Gateway, Everyday Health

 

[o1]Link to contact page

AAging Better In-Home Care Supports National Diabetes Awareness

Posted on: March 26th, 2012 by aagingbetter

You may have seen Paula Deen, restaurateur, author and Food Network star known for her Southern cooking in the news recently.  She admitted to her TV audience and fans that she had been diagnosed with diabetes many months ago and since then has helped raise awareness about the disease.  Known as the “Queen of Butter,” Deen, 65, now fits in among the startling findings of a recent study that has found the majority of the diabetic population in the United States to be 65 years or older–and overweight.   This percentage is projected to increase to 53% by 2025 and to 58% by 2050.

Still, diabetes is not always recognized or diagnosed quickly when it comes to elderly patients.  They don’t often recognize the beginning symptoms of diabetes (undue thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss) until these things become significant and they finally seek out medical help for the symptoms.  By then, the elderly individual may have other complications caused by high blood sugar that could significantly impact their quality of life.

For those elderly or frail individuals with recent diagnoses of diabetes who wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes while they begin to manage their disease, home care agencies such as AAging Better can help these patients optimize their health and well-being.  It is one of the most common reasons people call agencies such as ours.  And as hospitals shorten lengths of stay for virtually all patients in an effort to cut their costs, more and more frail diabetic individuals are turning to home care agencies to help them with the chores required to keep a home clean and running properly.

The following are some of the benefits of having an experienced home care agency help with the activities of daily living:

  • Provide diabetes management education and better care compliance by ensuring proper meal preparation, buying the right types of foods for the diabetic and reminding the client to take their medications as directed, on time.
  • Reduce the amount of stress in a client’s life by maintaining a well-kept house, doing the cleaning and the laundry, or driving the client to doctor’s appointments or out for shopping.
  • Save healthcare dollars by keeping clients in their own homes rather than being placed in a nursing home or other facility.
  • Promote ongoing strategies to improve the patient’s quality of life, such as, help find a diabetic support group, oversee physical therapy exercises at home or keep the client engaged with any community resources designed specifically for diabetics.

Further, external environmental stressors can be reduced by having a home care agency coordinate other services as needed, such as those provided by:

  • A physical therapist
  • Social workers
  • Community programs
  • Physician specialists

If this sounds like you or a loved one could use these services to help better maintain good diabetic control, consider AAging Better In-Home Care’s experienced staff and caregivers.  We would be happy to help in any way.  For more information, contact us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas; (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas; or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

Home Care is Helpful Care for Those with Diabetes

Posted on: March 19th, 2012 by aagingbetter

Earlier in this month’s blogs, it was pointed out that neglecting to care for your diabetes, or your loved one’s diabetic needs, could lead to serious complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetic coma or amputated limbs.  AAging Better In-Home Care provides support, in-home care solutions and ways to remain upbeat and healthy with the proper care and help from well-trained caregivers.

With an AAging Better In-Home Care caregiver at your side or caring for you loved one:

  • Obtain the right information and repeat education on proper diabetic care.  You may have been told about your diabetes when you were first diagnosed but it takes continued education to stay abreast of new developments in diabetic care and learning how to properly care for the disease.
  • Avoid situations that could disrupt a care schedule.  We can’t always predict what each day will bring but certainly planning a day’s activities or chores in advance help keep you on track with medications, diet and exercise.
  • Speaking of exercise, always try to do it with a buddy or a caregiver being present to avoid excuses for not exercising or in the event of an injury.  Someone will be there to assist you if that should occur.
  • Uncover depression or other emotional concerns over having diabetes and the limitations if brings.  Just recognizing that you’re now in a new phase of your life often helps to face the challenges, limitations and changes that happen over time to your body.  Seeking professional counseling or joining a diabetic support group can work wonders in keeping things upbeat and realistic.

As you consider your disease or your loved one’s diagnosis, try and reframe daily care into easily recognizable benefits.  It’s a proven fact that proper care and good diabetic control helps prevent the serious complications of the disease.  But if the threat of significant complications is not enough to stay on track with meds, diet and exercise, you might also consider other benefits that would better influence quality care.  Just one example is that proper care can result in the ability to more easily enjoy hobbies and interests.  And have a longer, healthier lifetime to enjoy your loved ones!

If you or a loved one needs help with diabetic care management, AAging Better’s experienced staff and caregivers are happy to help you carry out the care plan your doctor or nutritionist created for you and assist with all your care needs. From receiving insulin injections by one of our nurses, to assisting with the activities of daily living, our agency is here to help you or your loved one.

For more information, contact us online or by calling (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas; (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas; or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.  We’re here to help you 24-hours a day, seven days-a-week.

Diabetes Self-Care Measures Made Easier with an In-Home Caregiver

Posted on: March 12th, 2012 by aagingbetter

Diabetes care requires a high level of mental function, given the need to follow a treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and medication components as well as blood sugar testing and other self-care measures.  While it may not be intentional, seniors who skip care steps may experience a quick decline in health with additional complications linked to diabetes.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may need help keeping up with diabetes care, consider getting the services of an in-home care agency that can provide a well-trained caregiver to assist.  Here are a few ways a caregiver can help:

  • A senior with reduced vision may not see a small foot sore that could quickly develop into a major problem.  The agency caregiver can inspect the diabetic’s feet daily, provide proper wound care and can coordinate care with the physician’s office to ensure the client’s feet are kept appropriately healthy.  This is a common condition AAging Better sees in many of its clients and trains its caregivers on the latest information for diabetic foot care.
  • An in-home caregiver can help ensure the client receives proper nutrition through the planning and preparation of tasty, diabetic-appropriate meals.  Again, this is a critical service AAging Better caregivers are well-trained in.
  • An in-home caregiver can assist with a physician-approved or physical therapist approved exercise program.  AAging Better’s caregivers frequently work with doctor’s offices and physical therapists’ instructions to ensure the client appropriately and correctly performs the exercises as outlined by these professionals.
  • A caregiver can provide reminders for glucose testing and can schedule regular physician checkups.  Reminding clients it’s time to test their blood sugar or take their medications is one of the most frequent services in-home care agency caregivers provide and all AAging Better employees must take and successfully pass a course called “Assistance with Medications” before being allowed to work in a home where they will be assisting clients with this function.

A little extra assistance from a compassionate caregiver can provide mental and physical stress relief for diabetic seniors at home.  AAging Better’s experienced staff and caregivers are happy to help you determine the right care plan and assist with your care needs.  For more information, contact us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas; (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas; or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

AAging Better In-Home Care Offers Expert Tips for Diabetes Care

Posted on: March 5th, 2012 by aagingbetter

Diabetes is a life-changing diagnosis—for both the person with the diagnosis and their family members who may be in the role of offering personal care assistance and support.  Maintaining a proper diet, keeping up religiously with prescribed medications, monitoring blood glucose and other health stats are daily care duties, and if ignored, diabetes can lead to serious and potentially life threatening complications.  While constant health management can be stressful, there are ways to help cut back on the stresses and strains of a new diagnosis of diabetes, while keeping up with the appropriate care necessary for good health.

  1. Be OK with not being perfect. Taking good care of yourself doesn’t mean having to be perfect in every way.  Some days your glucose will fluctuate for one reason or another, and that’s fine.  If it fluctuates too severely and may be a danger, certainly act on that by calling the doctor or office nurse and following their advice.  But, in general, learn from your mistakes and forgive yourself–and go on with pursuing a happy life.
  2. Identify roadblocks. Do you need to know more about diabetes care?  Are you making too many excuses to not exercise?  Do you have eating issues tied to emotions as opposed to hunger?  Whatever is keeping you from maintaining your blood sugar properly, identifying the problem is the first step on the road to better health and less stress.
  3. Accept help when and where you can get it. Don’t let pride get in the way of accepting help from friends or family when you need it.  We all need someone to lean on sometimes and joining a support group or talking to supportive family can be a big benefit.
  4. Create a daily care plan. Having a routine will help take the guess work out of managing your care.  Don’t forget to plan for disruptions to your regular schedule, such as eating out or taking a trip, and have a back-up plan by making the right choices in restaurants or taking the appropriate snacks with you on trips.  Don’t get caught without a back-up plan if you can help it.

Most importantly, always try to keep a positive attitude.  Think of diabetes care as leading to a healthier lifestyle – it’s a positive thing for your body and your life.  Uplifting self-talk is motivational and creates solutions.  If you or a loved one needs help with diabetes care management, AAging Better’s experienced staff and caregivers are happy to help you determine the right care plan and assist with any personal care needs you might have. For more information, contact us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas; (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas; and (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

 

Caring for Someone Recovering From A Heart Attack? Check Out These Stress Relievers

Posted on: February 27th, 2012 by aagingbetter

Family caregiving can be very rewarding, but it can also come with a huge amount of stress and changes to family dynamics.  Because of this, it’s important to take measures to care for yourself as well.   As an in-home care agency, AAging Better recommends the following stress relievers for both its own caregivers, as well as those “caregivers” taking care of family members who’ve had a heart attack :

  • Keep a positive attitude and accept that there are some events beyond your control.
  • Be assertive but never aggressive.  Assert your feelings, opinions or beliefs in a positive way rather than letting a particular situation make you angry, defensive or passive–aggressive.  Learning to articulate your hurt feelings in an objective and dispassionate way takes the “finger pointing” out of the equation and simply lets the person you’re caring for know how and what you’re feeling.  Most human beings get defensive when they think someone is judging against them.  When that happens, good communication tends to suffer.
  • Learn and practice relaxation techniques; try meditation, yoga or tai-chi for stress management.
  • Exercise regularly.  A body can fight stress better when it is fit.
  • Eat healthy, well-balanced meals that include a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables–the fresher, the better.
  • Learn to manage time more effectively.
  • Set limits appropriately and say no to requests that would create excessive stress.
  • Make time for hobbies and interests.
  • Get enough rest and sleep. A body needs time to recover from stressful events.
  • Don’t rely on alcohol, smoking, drugs or compulsive behaviors to reduce stress.
  • Seek out social support.  Spend time with friends or loved ones.
  • If a family member, seek out respite care from a professional home care agency such as AAging Better In-Home Care to give you a break away from the stress of caring for your loved one.

Providing in-home care services throughout the five counties of northern Idaho, AAging Better In-Home Care custom tailors a specific plan of care for each of its clients, regardless of whether they’re recovering from a heart attack, surgery or just simply can’t take care of the housecleaning chores any longer because of the frailty of old age.  If you or someone you know needs that little extra help with the activities of daily living or just needs some house cleaning done on a regular basis, AAging Better can help.  Contact us today at 866-464-2344 (toll free) or if in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, call (208) 777-0308, or if in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, call (208) 263-7889,  and if in the Pinehurst, Kellogg or Wallace areas, call (208) 784-1505 to find out more.

 

Planning for Long-Term Care: Things to Consider

Posted on: February 13th, 2012 by aagingbetter

As individuals age, the ability to perform certain everyday activities usually begins to falter in the sixth or seventh decades of life, often to the point that extra assistance in maintaining a home or personal needs become essential to remain safely at home.  For family members, understanding the care needs of older loved ones and what is involved with different levels of care is an important first step in coordinating a long-term care plan.   The activities of daily living (ADLs) are often the first items of care that an elderly person will require help with.  Traditionally, these include but are not limited to:

  • Assistance with Bathing
  • Assistance with Dressing
  • Assistance with Grooming or Personal hygiene
  • Exercise
  • Walking, transfers and repositioning
  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Housekeeping–cleaning and laundry

Other non-medical services that may need to be included in a “Plan of Care” for the elderly or disabled individuals are companionship services, as well as respite services that are designed to provide relief and “a break” for a family caregiver who may be caring for a loved one.  In-home care agencies, like AAging Better In-Home Care, are valuable resources for families to consult and discuss what services or accommodations might be needed.  Our agency provides a free in-home assessment to determine the care requirements of each new client and then works closely with the client or family member/s to develop a Plan of Care, provide guidance along the way, and implement and monitor continuing care and services.  As industry experts, in-home care agencies know how to maximize available resources to assure that all needs are met and that the care provided at home ensures a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for the loved one.

At AAging Better, we take pride in helping families coordinate long-term care for their aging loved ones.  To find out more about our services, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

 

 

Balancing Act: How Good Balance can Keep Your Loved One Safe

Posted on: July 25th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Balance is one of the functions that declines as we age, and with the loss of balance, we become more susceptible to falls.  There are a number of exercises that can help with improving balance, but before beginning an exercise program one should first have a complete physical, including a review of medications, a musculoskeletal check for any abnormalities and blood tests to determine cholesterol and glucose levels.  Additionally, any exercise program should build gradually to avoid burnout, boredom, or injuries.

Balance Improvement Exercises

Knee Lifts: Attempt to lift the knee as high as the hip using a secure object to assist in maintaining balance in the beginning.  As you grow stronger, decrease the tendency to lean on a support, and try holding the leg up for 5 seconds or longer.

Point and Flex: While sitting, point your toes and then flex them.  Repeat with both feet.  Hold the flex for a count of 25 unless it becomes uncomfortable.  Build up to a maximum count of 25 per “flex.”

Toe Tapping: While sitting, tap your toes. Repeat with both feet.  Do this for about five minutes each foot.

Sit-to-Stand: When necessary, use a chair for support when standing and again when returning to a sitting position.  However, gradually stop pushing yourself up with your arms as the legs get stronger.  Do this consciously several times a day and work the habit into your daily routine of getting in and out of our easy chair or any other chair.

Calf Muscle Strengthener: While holding onto a wall, chair or the kitchen sink, repeatedly raise yourself up and down on tiptoes.  As your strength improves, go higher up on your toes and eventually try it on one foot at a time.

Shin Muscle Strengthener: Lean your back against a wall with your heels placed seven to eight inches away from the wall.  Lift the toes of both feet off the ground as high as possible.  Hold this to the count of 15 or work up to a count of 15.

One-legged Stand: Hold onto a secure object during balance training, such as a sturdy chair.  Lift one leg off the ground (in front of you) and try to maintain balance on the standing leg.  Do this for a count of 10 or build up gradually to a count of 10 over a month or two month period, depending on your general level of strength when first starting.

Consult with your doctor or physical therapist if you have any questions about these exercises that can help a senior improve his or her balance.  Or if you have any questions about in-home care in general, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden, Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Priest River, Sandpoint or Bonners Ferry areas or (208) 784-1505 in the Wallace, Kellogg, or Pinehurst areas.

Is Your Loved One Susceptible to Falls?

Posted on: July 18th, 2011 by aagingbetter


While we tend to be most concerned about frail seniors and falling, seniors who appear strong and healthy can also be susceptible to falls in the home as well.  Normal changes that occur as people age—changes in eyesight, decreased muscle strength, etc. —can make older adults more prone to falling.  One of the most common experiences of those over age 50 is the tendency to miss the last step as if it weren’t there–especially when walking down a set of stairs.  What used to be a natural and unconscious ability during younger years, walking up or down a set of steps without missing one becomes more and more of a challenge as individuals get older.

Aside from the general deconditioning that occurs with aging (loss of muscle and muscle tone), there are many other factors that can make your loved ones more susceptible to falls.  These include:

  • Arthritis–both osteoarthritis (old age arthritis) and Rheumatoid Arthritis, an auto-immune disease that attacks the joints.
  • Osteoporosis–this bone density issue can affect both women and men, and weak bones can make even minor falls dangerous.  In addition, individuals with severe osteoporosis can experience spontaneous fractures with no obvious injury that may only manifest as a tendency to fall or to cause unsteadiness in the elderly individual.
  • Vertigo–this type of dizziness where the room appears to spin around frequently causes individuals to fall when episodes strike.  Very brief episodes of dizziness and/or vertigo are frequently seen in older individuals.
  • Cerebrovascular insufficiency–this lack of oxygen to the brain has many causes and can result in episodes of falling when the individuals gets up suddenly or moves too quickly.  in some severe cases, individuals may simply “black out.”
  • Neurologic disability (stroke)–when this occurs, victims are frequently left with a deficit on one side of the body or the other resulting in weakness, loss of use of that side of the body or a lack of coordination in the affected arm and leg.  Individuals with mild strokes that remain able to walk are particularly prone to falling, depending on their general health before the stroke and the severity of their loss.
  • Postural hypotension (sudden decrease in blood pressure)–this is the classic case of becoming dizzy when trying to sit up or stand too suddenly.
  • Illness–many illnesses cause weakness and, particularly in the elderly, can put them at risk of falling both during the illness and immediately afterward.
  • Diabetes—depending on the severity and length of the disease, maintaining balance may be a continuing challenge for some diabetics and this may lead to falling easily.
  • Thyroid disease–weakness may be seen with either high or low thyroid issues and may result in frequent falls due to stumbling or “stubbing a toe.”
  • Medication that causes dizziness

While falls are a serious issue among the elderly, fear of falling should not keep seniors from being active.  Make sure you or your loved one has a bone mineral density test to assess the strength of  bones in the body and take all the measures recommended by the doctor to improve strength if osteoporosis is discovered to be significant or worrisome.  If you have any questions about how to help prevent falls in the home or about any of the above causes of falling,  contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden, Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Priest River, Sandpoint or Bonners Ferry areas,  or (208) 784-1505 in the Wallace, Kellogg or Pinehurst areas.

Learn How to Protect Against Caregiver Burnout

Posted on: May 16th, 2011 by aagingbetter

To be an effective caregiver, you must first care for yourself. If you reduce your burdens and keep a healthy balance for yourself, you will be in a better position to care for your loved one.

Don’t take it personally. Remind yourself that any emotionally hurtful behavior on the part of your loved one is probably a result of illness.

Take time each day for a phone conversation or a visit with a friend or family member.

Set personal limits. Let your loved one know what you are capable of giving in terms of timeand assistance.  Simply ask for what you need in ways that honor yourself and others.

Quiet your mind through soothing music, prayer, meditation or relaxation. Focus on finding one activity a day that brings enjoyment to you.  Respite does not have to mean leaving home; it can be taking a momentary break to do something positive.

Exercise regularly, even if it means finding someone else to provide care while walking or going to an exercise class.

Eat nutritious meals and get enough sleep.

Listen and communicate carefully with doctors, seek second opinions and monitor medication schedules.  A missed medication or incorrect diagnosis can wreak havoc on stress levels.  Be a constant advocate for your loved one.

Get as much information as you can about your loved one’s health problems and needs and how they are likely to change over time.

When others offer help, offer ideas or give them an IOU to be called in at some future time so that you don’t feel like you are constantly asking for favors.

As a family caregiver, you have a right to respite from caregiving duties every now and then. Contact us today at (208) 777-0308 in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls or (208) 263-7889 in Sandpoint or (208) 784-1505 in Kellogg or Wallace to learn more about community resources and our in-home respite care program to provide a much needed break.

 

 
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