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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.

Family Caregivers in the Workplace

Posted on: October 24th, 2011 by aagingbetter

If employees spent less time worrying about their loved one at home, would they be more productive at work?  Absolutely.  For those employees who serve as caregivers to their elderly parents or perhaps a disable child, peace of mind while they’re working is a huge relief—and we often work with families to provide respite care solutions they can depend on.

A research study done by the National Alliance for Caregiving and Center for Productive Aging from Towson University found that working caregivers spent a substantial amount of time away from the office to fulfill their care duties at home.  In fact, it was reported that:

  • 81% of caregivers routinely took time during the workday to make arrangements for care or to check on their loved one.
  • 70% said they needed days off to attend to their caregiving duties.
  • 64% arrived late or left work early.
  • 41% took time at work to discuss caregiver issues with co-workers.

Today, more and more employers are adding eldercare benefits to keep employees healthy, both mentally and physically. Before an emergency arises, it’s important to ask employers what benefits and resources are available from the company during these times of need.

What are the greatest needs for working caregivers?

  • Flexibility in work schedules
  • Information about aging and local resources
  • Support from coworkers and supervisors
  • Help in making decisions about care options and related issues

What sorts of benefits do eldercare programs typically offer?

  • Work time flexibility
  • Financial assistance
  • Phone or Internet-based resources and referrals
  • Face-to-face consulting
  • Educational activities like on-site seminars and health fair kiosks

If you would like to find out more about respite care options we can provide for you, or would simply like to learn more about our home care 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.

 

Stress Management 101: For Family Caregivers

Posted on: October 17th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Managing stress is all about taking charge.  Take charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems.  Stress management involves changing the stressful situation when it’s possible and changing reactions to stressful situations when it’s not, staying healthy, and making time for rest and relaxation.

Even if the stress in your life is out of your control, you can control your response to stress and how much it affects you.  Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing activate the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the opposite of the stress response.  When practiced regularly, these activities lead to a reduction in everyday stress levels and a boost in feelings of joy and serenity.  They also increase the ability to stay calm and collected under pressure.

It’s worth repeating that a strong support network is always the greatest protection against anxiety and nervous tension.

Finally, consider these “Ten Tips for Family Caregivers” from the website,  TheFamilyCaregiver.org:

  1. Caregiving is a job, and respite is an earned right.  Reward yourself with respite breaks often.
  2. Watch out for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
  3. When people offer their help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
  4. Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and how to communicate with doctors.
  5. There’s a difference between caring and doing.
  6. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.
  7. Trust your instincts—most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.
  8. Caregivers often do a lot of lifting, pushing, and pulling—so protect your back!
  9. Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
  10. Seek support from other caregivers.  There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.

To learn more about how agencies such as ours can help with support networks to provide “respite” care for family caregivers, 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.

 

For Family Caregivers: The Telltale Signs of Stress

Posted on: October 10th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands.  For many people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life.  But, constantly running in “emergency mode,” as is often the case for a family caregiver, makes the mind and body pay the price.

The body simply does not distinguish between physical and psychological threats.  With added responsibility and worry from providing care to a loved one, a person’s emergency stress response may be “on” most of the time.  The more time the body’s stress system is activated, the harder it is to shut off.

Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems.  Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in the body.  For example, it can:

  • Raise blood pressure
  • Suppress the immune system
  • Increase the risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Speed up the aging process

And, long-term stress can even rewire the brain, leaving a person more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.  Feeling frazzled and overwhelmed should signal it’s time to take action to bring the nervous system back into balance.

You can protect yourself by learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects.  Take this quick quiz to determine if you are in control of stress or if stress is controlling you:

  • When I feel agitated, do I know how to quickly calm and soothe myself?
  • Can I easily let go of my anger?
  • Can I turn to others to help me calm down and feel better?
  • When I come home at night, do I walk in the door feeling alert and relaxed?
  • Am I seldom distracted or moody?
  • Am I able to recognize upsets that others seem to be experiencing?
  • When my energy is low, do I know how to boost it?

A strong support network is always the greatest protection against stress.  With trusted friends and family members, or a caregiving team from a Home Care agency such as ours, life’s pressures will not seem as overwhelming.

To learn more about getting some “respite” from caring for your loved one or about home care services in general, 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.

Beat Family Caregiver Burnout: Nurture Your Own Needs

Posted on: October 3rd, 2011 by aagingbetter

The daily demands of caring for a loved one make caregiving one of the toughest jobs around. Shouldering this daily dependence can test even the strongest amongst us, leading to caregiver burnout.  As a family caregiver, the most important thing the family member can do is to do is take good care of their personal, mental and physical health in order to provide the best care and support possible.  Caregivers should take time to participate in regular activities that are personally enjoyable, whether that’s an exercise program, a hobby or some other pleasant activity that meets their own emotional, physical or social needs.  The end result is usually a positive mindset that benefits both the caregiver and the person receiving care.

When the telltale signs of caregiver burnout pop up—such as depression and hopelessness, trouble sleeping, lack of energy and other personality changes—it’s time to take a step back from the daily responsibility of caring for somebody else, and enjoy some personal time to restore energy.  Enlist the help of a friend, a family member or a neighbor, or consider enlisting a professional caregiver service like AAging Better to avoid burnout.  Our professional caregivers can provide emergency “respite” care (care that lasts for a few hours or perhaps an entire afternoon), or relief for a few days, or better yet, can assist on a regular weekly basis, allowing time for personal needs without sacrificing the needs of the care recipient.

While respite care is most often provided in the home of the loved one, it can take place in a number of different settings other than the person’s home:

  • Adult day care centers
  • Group residential settings, such as, Assisted Living Facilities or Nursing Homes
  • A vacation setting

Although caring for a family member or friend can be a huge responsibility, there is no need to feel alone or helpless.  Taking time away from care duties, reaching out for help and keeping a positive attitude can help the family caregiver and the care recipient both enjoy a better quality of life.

The following organizations (and many others found online under the key words “Senior Home Care” along with the state you’re looking for information on) can help provide more information to caregivers on a variety of topics including respite care:

Family respite services are also available through the state-funded program sponsored by the Idaho Area Agency on Aging which is available to those that meet certain financial or medical criteria.   To learn more about our private-pay “Respite” services or to schedule a free in-home assessment for services of all types, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Hayden and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas.

 

60% of Falls Occur at Home–Learning How to Prevent Them.

Posted on: July 4th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Falls in the home are a leading cause of hospitalizations for older adults, so it is important to know what can be done around the house to help prevent or reduce the risk of falls.  Home modifications can be a huge help in fall prevention, particularly for frail seniors or those with mobility issues.

Home modification involves adapting a home so that an aging loved one can perform the activities of daily living as safely and comfortably as possible.  The modification can be simple, like removing rugs to prevent slips, or more involved changes, such as installing a stair lift or elevator to improve accessibility.  The type of modification required will depend on the nature of the individual’s limitations and the physical set-up of the home, but an investment in home modification can help create a safer environment and allow the individual to remain independent for as long as possible.

If you think that home modifications are in order for your loved one, the following are some simple modifications that can be made to reduce the risk of falls and enhance mobility.

Floors:

  • Install low pile carpet or skid-proof tile
  • Remove rugs, or secure them with non-skid tape
  • Use a contrast in color with paint, carpet and furniture to denote changes in surface types or levels
  • Avoid using floor polish

Lighting:

  • Replace bulbs regularly to make sure there is adequate illumination in the home
  • Use nightlights or motion sensor lights for better visibility at night
  • Reduce the amount of electrical cords running across large areas

Throughout the Home:

  • Arrange furniture so that it is easy to navigate around
  • Remove wheels from furniture for more stability in case the senior needs to grip it for balance
  • Make sure everyday appliances are within reach
  • Use non-skid mats or strips in the bathtub and on bathroom floors

For more information about preventing falls, information on those in our area who can make modifications to your home, or for general information on in-home care needs of all types for seniors, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Priest River, Sandpoint or Bonners Ferry areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Wallace, Kellogg, Pinehurst areas.

 
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