Many Pasadena seniors who make the decision to stop driving due to the cost or because of safety concerns choose to rely on public transportation to get around. But traveling on public transportation can come with the risk of accident or injury, so even these seniors need to make sure that safety is the first priority, by following these 10 safe travel tips for seniors on public transit:

1. Get on and off transportation with caution – when getting in or out of a vehicle, like a bus, be aware of uneven pavement or other hazards that could result in tripping, falls, or twisting of ankles

2. Have bus fare ready – fumbling around for change when a bus is starting to move can result in losing balance, have it ready before you get on the bus

3. Brace yourself – when a bus, subway or streetcar is turning or stopping, make sure you’re sitting or brace yourself to ensure you don’t lose your balance

4. Watch the gap – when stepping off the curb onto a bus, or a subway platform into the vehicle, be aware that there might be a gap between where you’re standing and the vehicle

5. Let others go first – before getting onto a bus or subway, let others exit first. You can also let others get ahead of you at the vehicle’s doors when waiting to get off so you don’t get pushed

6. Watch for closing doors – on a subway or streetcar where doors automatically open and close, never try to go through doors as they’re closing

7. Don’t get on if it’s too crowded – if public transportation is too crowded, wait for the next one. Or when getting on make sure you get a seat; many vehicles have reserved seating for seniors and people with disabilities. If the seats are taken by people who don’t fit this criteria, don’t hesitate to ask them to move or ask the driver to assist you

8. Keep hands free – don’t carry too many things in your hands, so you can adequately hold on to railings

9. Ask a bus driver to lower the steps – most buses are equipped with ramps and stairs that lower to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs, if you’re worried about getting up or down the stairs, ask them to lower it

10. Get there safely- if walking at night, wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, be careful when crossing streets, and remember to buckle up if taking a taxi

Via: About.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

As caregivers, we’re constantly on the lookout for signs and symptoms of illnesses and diseases, because we know that seniors just don’t always admit it when they’re concerned about aspects of their health. Prostate cancer is a difficult illness for us to detect, because for any older men, the symptoms are embarrassing to talk about. But, we need to make our best effort, and if we notice or hear about these symptoms, we need to encourage our seniors to talk to a Pasadena doctor before they take them out of our lives indefinitely:

1. Frequent urination – prostate cancer can be signified by a frequent need to urinate, especially at night
2. Difficulty urinating – despite the feeling of needing to urinate often, seniors might have problems starting to urinate, or even sometimes with holding back urine
3. Weak urination – when urinating, seniors may find that the flow of urine is interrupted or weak
4. Burning urination – when urinating, seniors may feel a burning sensation
5. Sexual dysfunction – seniors with prostate cancer may find it difficult to attain or maintain an erection, and may find that ejaculation can be extremely painful
6. Blood – blood might appear in urine or semen
7. Stiffness in body – seniors may feel pain or stiffness in their lower back, hips of upper thighs

Via: Prostate Cancer Foundation

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

I’m planning a trip overseas this fall to get away from my Pasadena home and see the world. It’s a trip that my husband and I had planned while he’s still alive, and while friends and family have offered to go with me, I feel I should do it alone because it wouldn’t be right to travel with anyone else. I want to honor my husband’s memory in my own way, but I know that I am at more risk when traveling alone. Here are some tips that I’ve been provided to travel safely:

1. Know the destination’s cultural regulations – many countries have specific regulations for women with regards to clothing and behavior. It may seem like a double standard, but to avoid conflict, try to respect and abide by these guidelines
2. Check for travel warnings – the US State Department Consular Information provides up to date information about safety issues and any other travel warnings about where you intend to travel
3. Make sure travel documentation is up to date – make sure that you have the right visas for where you’re traveling and that your passport is valid. Make sure you get a passport 3-4 months before you travel so you don’t run into any problems
4. Leave information at home – make sure a friend or family member has your full itinerary, including contact information for places you’re staying, as well as a copy of your plane ticket, and even a copy of your passport
5. Leave valuables at home – leave extra credit cards and jewelry and valuables at homes, costume jewelry included as it could be mistaken for the real thing
6. Have health insurance – make sure you have travel insurance that covers potential medical costs while you’re away, including evacuation
7. Take enough medication and make sure it’s labeled – for prescription medications, have enough for the duration of your trip and then some in case of delays. Make sure your medications are in their original prescription bottles with labels as some countries might give you trouble due to trafficking laws
8. Remain aware – be aware of those around you and use common sense if you feel someone is acting suspiciously. Go into a store or contact your hotel if you feel uncomfortable
9. Look confident – look and act like you know where you’re going, keep your head held high, and you won’t look like such an easy target
10. Ask for directions – know where you’re going and how to get there before you leave your hotel. Ask the concierge for directions to avoid unsafe areas and keep your confidence up
11. Choose a safe hotel – a central hotel with security and public transportation like taxis nearby is a safer bet
12. Dress conservatively – dress conservatively wherever you’re going and keep jewelry and makeup minimal so you don’t look like a good target

Via: About.com

Image Source: jupiterimages.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Q – My mother and I just recently moved to Pasadena. I have been her primary caregiver for a number of years since she was in her mid 7o’s and she’s now 83. I don’t know what resources are available to help caregivers or provide eldercare services. Is there anything you can recommend to me to give us the help and support we need?

A – Welcome to Pasadena! Here are 3 ways that you can access the resources you need here now that you are residents.

1. Find out what local eldercare services are available in your area – contact the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 so you know what’s available near your loved one’s Pasadena home and how you can get in touch to arrange services.
2. Know which services your senior qualifies for – NCOA has developed an online questionnaire which allows caregivers and seniors to take a survey that helps them determine which services and benefits that they may qualify for. Visit www.benefitscheckup.org to learn about eligible benefit programs for prescriptions, utilities and health care.
3. Understand seniors rights and know how to get assistance – whether you are helping a parent or senior loved one prepare a will, dealing with a situation where a senior has been abused or neglected, or simply want a professional to help explain the legal rights of seniors, knowing where and how to get legal assistance is crucial. Many organizations provide pro bono legal representation for seniors. Contact the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging or use the Eldercare Locator to find other resources.

Via: The University of Vermont

Image: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

ters across North America and around the world, but whether you live in the Hurricane Belt or Tornado Alley shouldn’t determine your preparedness. Living in Pasadena you need to be prepared for any eventuality whether it’s a natural disaster or an unfathomable terrorist attack. The first part of emergency preparedness is to create an emergency kit, which you can do in 12 simple steps:

• Water – one gallon of water per person, per day with enough for at least 3 days
• Food – non-perishable food items should be in an emergency kit, with enough to survive on for at least 3 days. If canned items are included, don’t forget the manual can opener!
• Radio – a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio will keep you informed about the state of the emergency situation, and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert will notify you if a natural disaster is approaching
• Light – a flashlight and lots of extra batteries is crucial, especially if the electricity is out
• First Aid Kit – bandaids and antiseptic along with spare necessary prescription medications should be included
• A whistle – this should be used to signal for help
• Dust mask – this will help you to filter contaminated air
• Shelter – plastic sheeting and tarp and duct tape can be used to create a temporary shelter if needed
• Items for personal sanitation – if there is no water available, moist towelettes and garbage bags will be handy
• Tools – wrench, pliers or other tools can be used to turn off utilities in the home
• Maps of the area and your documented escape route and emergency plan
• Pet supplies – remember, that in an emergency, your pet may need supplies such as food for days too!

Sources:

1. Ready.gov

Image: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

It’s hot outside, and with summer weather taking over in Pasadena there’s no better time to get out there and enjoy the heat and sun – that is, unless you’re a senior over the age of 65. Seniors who do not protect themselves against the effects of the summer heat are much more likely to develop heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or even more grave effects if they have existing conditions. But, that’s not to say that seniors can’t enjoy the summer temperatures and weather with the rest of their family and friends; they just need to take note of these 8 ways to remain safe in this Pasadena summer heat:

1) Keep hydrated with cool beverages and avoid caffeine and alcohol. If you are a senior who has been told by a Pasadena doctor to limit water consumption, check first how much you should drink when it’s the heat of the summer
2) Remain indoors during the high heat of the day. Get out in the early morning or evening when the sun is not as hot
3) Seek cover when outside in the heat either by bringing an umbrella to your outdoor location or finding a big shady tree to sit under
4) Remember your sunscreen and protective clothing. A hat will help protect you from heat stroke, and loose, light clothing which has long sleeves and pants will protect from UV rays.
5) Avoid strenuous activities outside. During the summer months, exercise indoors in air conditioning to ensure there are no detrimental effects to your health as an older adult
6) Pack juicy snacks when outside to keep cool. Fruits, light summer salad, juices, popsicles and even ice cream can all help seniors to keep their body temperatures down during the summer
7) Stay cool by taking tepid showers or baths when needed
Get lots of rest, especially when coming in from the heat

Sources:
1. CDC http://www.prepare.org/seniors/CDCSrsHeatStress.pdf

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Every time you step outside for the love of nature and the nice weather we’re having during this Pasadena summer, know that you’re doing more for yourself than just enjoying the warmth and sunshine. By getting outside and getting active the benefits are extensive to both your body and your mind. So don’t feel guilty for taking some time everyday to connect with nature and reflect, stepping away from the stresses that can come with aging in Pasadena, because nature provides its own unique brand of medicine that you can’t get anywhere else.

Here’s how seniors can benefit their health, body and mind, by getting in touch with nature:

• Attention and memory spans improve by 20% after a 50 to 55 minute walk in a natural setting
• Sights in nature cause reflection and mental stimulation
• In nature, your mind can focus on stimulus rather than tuning out other surroundings in the environment when it’s overwhelming in a busy city environment
• Being in an environmental surrounding provides the brain with “active rest”
• Getting out into nature generally involves some form of physical activity and weight bearing activities like walking can help with osteoporosis and muscle strength
• Body weight, body fat and cholesterol is lowered when Pasadena seniors get active by hiking or walking outdoors reducing the risk of stroke, and heart conditions
• The boomer generation has a strong sentimental to the outdoors based on Woodstock and other events, so it can take them back to fond memories of their youth

Sources:

1. AARP

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Many seniors suffer from balance problems, and while Pasadena doctors can provide a wide variety of explanations from medications, to physical and neurological issues, sometimes there’s a much simpler answer at play – weak ankles. Although ankle sprains, strains and tears are rare injuries for Pasadena seniors, ankle injuries from previous times in life can affect their balance into older adulthood. It’s not an answer that doctors always come up with, which is why it’s especially important for seniors talking to their doctors about balance problems are upfront about any previous injuries that they’ve had; and the only way they’ll know to do this is with knowledge.

The good news is, if ankle problems are the culprit behind balance problems, there’s a very easy way to regain strength and balance. Pasadena seniors should do a daily exercise which involves standing on one foot. Of course, they should always have the added support and stability of even a table or chair to ensure that no injury occurs while they are trying to improve their balance.

If balance is something you struggle with, speak with your doctor, but this just might be the answer!

Sources:

1. New York Times

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Q – A couple of years ago, my mom adopted a puppy. At that stage, my mom was still very physically active and mobile, so I really didn’t worry that caring for the dog would be too much for her. As she gets older, however, she does seem to be undergoing a rather rapid decline in her physical abilities, and while I would never suggest she get rid of her dog which has become a constant companion and best friend, I do worry about the potential negative repercussions that the pet will have upon her health. I try to help her when possible and we’ve talked about getting some help for her; but I think that there might be an even easier answer. Are there any pet technology products available in Pasadena that could help my mom care for her pet?

A – Fortunately, there are a number of gadgets and pet tech products that can help alleviate the physical burdens that can come with pet care. These are especially important for seniors like your mom who receive the benefits of companionship from a furry friend, but don’t want to risk accident or injury. Here are a few products that could help your mom care for her pet.

• Hyrdosurge – an all-in-one dog bathing system that automatically suds with shampoo, combs and rinses. It’s a device that can be attached to any faucet, and it resembles the end of a garden hose. This can help seniors who face physical strain when struggling to restrain a pet and fumble with multiple bathing devices and products

• GoDogGo – every dog needs exercise, but throwing a ball can be physically laborious for seniors, so this is a product that automatically shoots out tennis balls to entertain and exercise a dog
• Komfort Climate-Controlled Pet Carrier – you’re never supposed to leave a pet in the hot car, but when out and running errands with pets, seniors are able to leave their pets in the climate controlled pet carriers. They adjust the temperature of the carrier if the car temperature is too hot or too cold
• The Haptic Creature – for those seniors who really can’t have a living pet, there’s a robotic version that provides the same therapeutic benefits, as the pet responds to touch and sound just like a real animal

Sources:

1. Forbes

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Pasadena provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Eagle Rock, La Canada, South Pasadena, Los Angeles area. Call us today at 626-486-0800.