Archive for the ‘Meal Preparation’ 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

 

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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.

How to Assess In-Home Care Needs

Posted on: January 23rd, 2012 by aagingbetter

If you or a loved one has made the decision to age in place and receive in-home care, the next step is to assess the level of care that you will require.  There is a classic assessment test called the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, developed to help professional caregivers assess the level of assistance needed in the home.  However, the following is a list of some of the main daily activities that anyone can use to help determine theirs or their loved one’s in-home care needs.

  • Ability to use a telephone: This is an important function for seniors in the event of an emergency.  If the senior can operate a phone, look up phone numbers, and dial a few well-known numbers, he or she may not need assistance in this area.  However, if the senior can only answer the phone, but not dial, or cannot use a phone at all, this is a strong indication that some level of in-home assistance is needed.
  • Shopping: Depending on mobility, some seniors may be able to shop for themselves, while others may need someone to accompany them to the store or to have their shopping done by a home caregiver.  This, along with meal preparation, is one of the primary services we at  AAging Better In-Home Care offer our clients.
  • Food preparation: Proper nutrition is important for aging seniors, and you may find that your loved ones are not maintaining an adequate diet from the meals they prepare for themselves.  If this is the case, they may need assistance with meal and snack preparation.
  • Housekeeping: Daily household chores can be daunting for most frail seniors.  This is an area where many home-care clients require assistance to help maintain the proper upkeep and safety of their homes.  Again, this is one of the primary services we offer.
  • Medication responsibilities: A certain amount of memory loss is common with aging, so many seniors feel the need to have medication reminders.  This is one of the most frequent services we offer to clients in their homes or those already in Assisted Living Facilities.  For seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, this assistance is particularly important.

Seniors will likely find that, as they age, their need for assistance in many areas of daily living will increase.  Contact Aaging Better In-Home Care for further details about how we can help assess your in-home care needs and to discuss the many different options for care.  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.

 

Determining the Right Care for Your Needs

Posted on: January 16th, 2012 by aagingbetter

Home care providers offer many services to help meet an individual’s care needs and to help him or her age or recover safely and comfortably at home.  Determining just what services the person requires, however, can be a bit overwhelming.  We’ve broken down some of the main functions and ability levels that we take into account when recommending either limited or full-time home care to help you in researching options.

Minimal to Minor Care at Home:

  • Emergency Responsiveness: The individual is able to negotiate stairs, call for assistance or respond appropriately to someone helping him or her during an emergency.
  • Mobility: The individual is able to walk and transfer himself or herself from a bed or chair independently with infrequent falling.
  • Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, feeding, etc.): The individual is able to accomplish most activities with little help; perhaps needs assistance with meals or housekeeping, or reminders about medications, assistance grooming, etc.
  • Mental Status: The individual has little to no mental impairment.

Move to Full-time Care at Home:

  • Emergency Responsiveness: The individual needs definite or major assistance in the event of an emergency.
  • Mobility: The individual is prone to falls and needs either stand-by or full assistance walking or transferring.
  • Activities of Daily Living: The individual needs reminders and/or full assistance with many or all activities of daily living.
  • Mental Status: The individual has mild to moderate memory impairment, becomes disoriented often, and/or exhibits mild confusion.

If the individual is in need of full, round-the-clock assistance, our agency is well equipped to offer this service to families or the individual.  However, if significant dementia or Alzheimers is a large part of the picture, family members may want to consider an assisted living facility.  If your family needs further guidance in determining the level of care for a relative, Aaging Better In-Home Care is happy to help.  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.

 

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Options for In-Home Care

Posted on: January 2nd, 2012 by aagingbetter

The choices for in-home care are virtually limitless; there are several different models and payment options depending on the type and amount of care an individual or a loved one requires.  So how do you know what kind of care is right for you or your relative?  Some of the main models of in-home care providers include:

  • Private Duty Care: Private duty services are typically “non-medical” services that include housekeeping, transportation, laundry, meal preparation, shopping for groceries or personal care services, such as assistance with dressing, bathing or grooming.  It can also include care of those with dementia, like Alzheimer’s, or respite care for those family caregivers that need a little time away from caring for their loved one.  Private duty care services are usually paid for directly by the client or his or her family.  Some services may be covered by long-term care insurance, workers’ compensation, or armed services (Veterans Affairs) funding. An important thing to note, however, is that private duty services are not covered by Medicare.  Private duty may be covered by Idaho’s Medicaid Program but the individual would have to contact the Eligibility Department in Coeur d’Alene to determine if they qualified for Medicaid services.  It’s usually a fairly long process to become approved.

  • Home Health Care: Home health care is skilled nursing care that is usually required in the home for treatment of an illness or injury – wound care, injections, diabetes or blood pressure monitoring, and other treatments that require nursing skills.  Home health care can also provide physical, respiratory, occupational or speech therapy.  Unlike private duty care, many home health services are covered under Medicare when it’s in conjunction with a discharge from the hospital, providing that specific conditions are met.
  • Geriatric Care Management: Geriatric care managers handle the details of an individual’s life or estate that fall outside the realms of direct care providers, such as financial and estate management. They can also coordinate care for an individual, mediate family communications, or assist with moving to another living arrangement or closing up of a household. Geriatric care management is traditionally an out-of-pocket expense.

  • Hospice Care: Hospice care is a special type of in-home care, designed to provide comfort and support for patients who are nearing the end of a terminal illness. Hospice provides a range of services, including nursing, mental health, and spiritual advising. Coverage for hospice care is typically offered by most private insurance providers and through Medicare.

For more information about the different models of in-home care and what type of care is right for you, contact AAging Better In-Home Care 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.

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Elderly Nutritional Needs and a General Guide to Dietary Drink Supplements

Posted on: December 26th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Malnutrition in the elderly is a serious issue, and drink supplements are often added to a diet to help seniors get the nutrients they need.  But how do supplements stack up to real food, and how do the top supplements compare to one another?

Compared to “real food” options of low-fat yogurt and an orange (a typical breakfast for seniors or others), which has around 206 calories, 12 grams of protein, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 3.5 grams of fat, 467 grams of calcium, and 71 mg of vitamin C, here’s how some of the most popular drink supplements weigh in:

a.)  Boost (8 oz.): 240 calories, 33 grams of carbohydrates, 15 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, 300 grams of calcium, 0 grams of fiber, 60 mg of vitamin C

b.)  Ensure (8 oz.): 220 calories, 41 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, 300 grams of calcium, 3 grams of fiber, 30 mg of vitamin C

c.)  Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials (11 oz.): 250 calories, 34 grams of carbohydrates, 14 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, 500 grams of calcium, 0 grams of fiber, 30 mg of vitamin C

Clearly in this and almost all instances, the best choice for ongoing adequate nutrition is real food, in this case the yogurt and fresh orange which have the lowest calories and highest calcium, fiber, and vitamin C.  However, drink supplements do offer important nutritional value for those who struggle to meet their caloric and nutritional needs.  In some cases, the can of supplement may be the only “meal” a senior manages to get down that morning–or for lunch or dinner.   As mentioned in the previous blog on weight loss, it’s essential family members closely monitor a frail elderly individual’s food intake to ensure they don’t just get all of their needs from supplemental drinks because these kinds of supplements were never meant to be substitutes for real food.

If the loved one or senior is unable to eat on a regular schedule, for whatever reason, it’s very important to make sure these nutritional drinks are balanced with a diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables (frozen is an acceptable second choice), whole grain breads and pastas, dairy products like cheese, low fat milk, and cottage cheese, as well as proteins from other sources like meats, beans and nuts.

AAging Better In-Home Care provides trained, compassionate caregivers that will come into the senior’s home to prepare nutritious meals, as well as, do the grocery shopping and all the clean up.  We ensure frail and elderly individuals obtain the proper nutrition needed to stay safe and effective in their own homes rather than be moved to an assisted living facility if they can no longer cook or take care of themselves.

For more information about meal preparation and all 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.

How to Tell if Your Loved One is Getting Enough to Eat During the Holidays

Posted on: December 19th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Certain normal aspects of aging, like chewing issues, digestive problems, loneliness, depression, and certain medications, can decrease food intake and make it difficult for seniors to get the nutrition they need.  And because most family members can’t be there to monitor their loved ones’ meals and snacks, it’s often hard to know if dietary needs are being met.  There are, however, a few signs to watch out for and things that family members can monitor that may indicate a lack of proper nutrition.

  1. Has the senior complained of loss of appetite, digestive problems, or chewing or swallowing difficulties?  Has there been decreased food intake over the past several months due to these complaints?
  2. Has the senior experienced a sudden or a steady weight loss during the last 3 months?  Weight loss, particularly in those who are not active, can be an indication that the person is not eating properly or that there may be other serious conditions going on.
  3. Does the senior have mobility issues?  Being bed-bound or unable to go outside and do their own grocery shopping or eating out at restaurants can cause nutritional challenges.
  4. Has the senior suffered psychological stress or acute disease in the past 3 months?  Loss of a spouse, a family member or simply being alone during the holidays can cause significant stress in a person’s life and the elderly have even less ability to cope well with such events than younger people do, especially if the senior is left isolated and alone from the loss.  And illness almost always causes seniors to lose some weight but if the illness is a prolonged one, the accompanying weight loss should be a definite concern to be watched closely.
  5. What is the senior’s body mass index (BMI)?  A BMI of 18.5 or less may be a sign that the person is not eating enough, while a BMI of 30 or more can indicate obesity.  BMIs are not normally calculated outside of fitness gyms or doctor’s offices but when the BMI is known and followed closely at doctor’s visits or elsewhere, and it continues to drop for no apparent reason, BMIs are a good way to alert family members to the fact that a senior may not be eating or absorbing their foods properly.

If you or your loved one has been displaying any of these signs, consult a physician as soon as possible.  Another way to help counter ongoing weight loss or frailty due to poor nutrition is to call upon the services of an agency like AAging Better In-Home Care.  Our agency can place a caregiver in the home who will do the shopping and cooking for the senior and ensure they are getting their proper nutritional needs met.

For more information on how AAging Better can assist you or your loved ones with nutritious meal preparation and monitoring, 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.

Holiday Nutrition: How to Get the Necessary Nutrients

Posted on: December 12th, 2011 by aagingbetter

As adults age, calorie requirements change due to increased body fat, decreased muscle and less activity.  Because of this, meeting nutrient needs during the holidays and throughout the year becomes more of a challenge for seniors.  AAging Better In-Home Care understands that the key to this problem is to choose foods that are high in nutrients in relation to the calories they contain.  For example, low-fat milk is more nutrient-dense than regular milk because its nutrient content is the same, but it has fewer calories and less fat.  The following are a few examples of foods that can help seniors watch calories during the holidays and the rest of the year while keeping a nutrient-rich diet.

Protein needs typically do not change for older adults; however, some proteins, like turkey, chicken, and fish are healthier than red meats.  Other foods with high levels of protein include:

  • Eggs (even those with higher cholesterol levels do fine with a minimum of two eggs per week but for those with good cholesterol levels, eggs 3-4 times a week are encouraged)
  • Peas
  • Beans (all beans are a very good source of protein)
  • Tofu
  • Nuts (raw nuts are much healthier than roasted and salted but a small handful of either is usually recommended rather than larger amounts eaten at one sitting)

Fat should be something that older adults reduce in their diets; however, there are some “good” fats that can and should be part of a healthy diet, including:

  • Olive oil (recommended as a primary cooking oil or on salads)
  • Seeds
  • Sunflower oil
  • Avocados
  • Nuts (high in fats but good sources of protein)

Calcium is a very important nutrient that helps minimize bone loss in older adults.  Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all good sources of calcium, as are:

  • Figs
  • Tofu
  • Kale
  • White beans
  • Cabbage

A healthy, nutrient-rich diet is vital for older adults.  Aaging Better In-Home Care understands the unique challenges of senior nutritional needs and trains all of its caregivers in the proper preparation of healthy meals.  For more information about our shopping and meal preparation 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.

 
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