Archive for the ‘Meals’ 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

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.

Holiday Healthy Eating: Tips for Older Adults with Eating Issues

Posted on: December 5th, 2011 by aagingbetter

As we age, healthy eating habits become increasingly important, especially during the holidays when so many seniors overindulge in sugary treats.  However, because of certain health issues and restrictions, many older people have trouble eating well and balancing out those sweets.  Luckily, the Food and Drug Administration offers some solutions to several common problems that will help keep seniors eating a balanced diet during the holiday season and throughout the New Year.

Trouble Chewing:

For seniors who cannot chew food well, meats and fresh fruits and vegetables can be a problem. The FDA suggests the following substitutions:

  • Instead of fresh fruit, try fruit juice, apple sauce, or canned peaches and pears.
  • Instead of raw vegetables, try vegetable juices or mashed and cooked vegetables.
  • Instead of meat, try ground meat, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products.
  • Instead of sliced bread, try cooked cereals, rice, bread pudding and soft cookies.

Unable to Shop for Groceries:

Some seniors may have problems shopping for themselves due to being unable to drive or having ambulation issues.  The FDA suggests:

  • Requesting a local store deliver groceries to the home.
  • Requesting volunteer shopping help from a local church, synagogue or volunteer center.
  • Asking a family member or neighbor to help with shopping.
  • Enlisting the help of a local home care agency, such as AAging Better In-Home Care who can provide a well-trained caregiver to do the shopping and prepare the meals.

Lack of Appetite:

Elderly people who live alone sometimes feel lonely at mealtimes, which can lead to a loss of appetite.  They may also not feel up to making a meal just for themselves or the medication that they take might make food taste bad.  For these issues, the FDA suggests:

  • Eating with family and friends, if that option is available to seniors.
  • Joining group meal programs offered through local senior citizens programs.
  • Talking to a doctor about whether or not medication might be a problem.
  • Contacting a local home care agency to have a companion prepare and participate in making meal time a social activity.

If you or someone you know has issues with eating, 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.

 

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.

 

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

Posted on: February 21st, 2011 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 is important to take strides to care for yourself as well. AAging Better In-Home Care in northern Idaho recommends the following stress relievers for caregivers:

  • Keep a positive attitude and accept that there are some events beyond your control.
  • Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert feelings, opinions or beliefs in a positive way instead of becoming angry, defensive or passive.
  • 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.
  • 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, drugs or compulsive behaviors to reduce stress.
  • Seek out social support. Spend time with loved ones.
  • Seek out respite care from a professional home care agency such as AAging Better In-Home Care to supplement family caregiving.

Providing in-home care services in Coeur d’Alene and the rest of northern Idaho, AAging Better In-Home Care custom tailors a specific plan of care for each of our clients. Whether recovering from surgery or needing a little extra help with daily activities, AAging Better can help. Contact us today at 866.464.2344 to find out more.

After Heart Surgery, Emotions Can Run High – Learn What to Expect

Posted on: February 14th, 2011 by aagingbetter

In this month of love, hearts are on our minds at AAging Better In-Home Care. So we thought it would be appropriate to share some information on the little-discussed emotional aftereffects of a heart attack.

If you are caring for someone who is recovering from a heart attack, typically that person is forced into making lifestyle changes that can be frustrating not only for him or her, but for the caregiver as well. Additionally, he or she may not be able to do the same activities as before the heart attack. Here are a few other things to be aware of:

  • Expect your loved one to have actively changing emotions and possible fears of death.
  • Allow time to adjust and be sure to express how both you and your loved one feel.
  • Support your loved one in making necessary lifestyle changes to prevent a reoccurrence or complication.
  • Make future plans and help your loved one start “living” again.
  • Accept that your roles may be temporarily reversed.
  • Take the time to simply listen.
  • When speaking, try to use I statements rather than you statements, such as “I feel frustrated” rather than “You make me feel frustrated.”

Keep in mind that the rehabilitation process enables many people to do much more than they ever expected, and eventually the up and down emotions of recovery should settle down.

AAging Better In-Home Care knows how to properly care for someone recovering from heart surgery or a heart attack. Our caregivers service Coeur d’Alene and the rest of northern Idaho and can prepare heart-healthy meals, do light housekeeping and assist with activities and transportation. Our care team will work seamlessly with your physicians to provide the best coordinated, specialized care. Contact us today for a free in-home assessment to find out how we can assist.

 
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