Despite what you might have heard, assisted living facilities and nursing homes are not one of the same. Both provide senior care, and in many ways, that’s where the similarities start and stop.  ALFs offer greater independence and allow seniors to live life on their own terms with the following services and benefits designed to provide for their safety and comfort as they travel through the aging process:

1. Living independently – seniors in ALFs are often in one-bedroom or studio apartment buildings, so they have the privacy and independence that they require

2. Safety is offered – ALF apartments anticipate the safety needs of seniors and ensure that they include grab bars, ramps and other essential safety devices. Supervisors are always available to respond to emergencies

3. Seniors don’t need to worry about home maintenance – cleaning services, including laundry can be provided by ALF

4. Activity of daily living services are offered – bathing, dressing, and medication reminders can be provided. There are also special facilities for those who suffer with Alzheimer’s and dementia and designated services

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 Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Senior caregivers and families should always be aware of their senior’s physical and mental health whether it be their diet, social activities, or just plain appearance. While some of these problems can be more serious than others, depression tends to plague the mental state of most senior citizens, often misdiagnosed or under treated. Caregivers can be aware of several signs of depression in their senior
and know exactly where to take them to be
assessed.

• Loss of appetite—A change in appetite usually results in the most common sign a senior is depressed of unintentional weight loss.

• Generally disinterest—Seniors may lose interest in daily activities they once enjoyed or found pleasing.

• Sleepless nights—A depressed senior may have trouble sleeping through the night. This can also explain another sign your senior is depressed, increased fatigue.

• Increased Irritability—Some seniors’ personalities turn increasingly agitated or dispirited when feeling low or depressed.

• Unusual thoughts about death—Abnormal notions about death and dying arise in a down senior.

• Where to get a geriatric assessment—Seniors and senior caregivers can receive help and more information on these depression signs by visiting their primary care physician or other outlets such as hospitals, senior centers, religious affiliations, Medicaid offices, or a local Area Agency on Aging.

Source: National Pace Association

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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 Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

If you’re a senior or senior caregiver who is suffering from the holiday blues, then you aren’t alone. But you also don’t have to accept the feelings that have you down when there are solutions!

1. Surround yourself with people – even if you don’t have family or friends around that you can spend time with, do join other social events taking place in your community

2. Volunteer – no matter what’s happening in your life, you’ll feel great when you volunteer and give back to those in need

3. Join a support group – sometimes it’s not easy to talk to family about the emotions you’re struggling with, so join a support group that allows you to share your feelings

4. Don’t put pressure on yourself – it’s okay if you don’t feel like celebrating over the holidays, don’t push yourself. Get involved with those things that make you happy, and don’t get down on yourself if you don’t feel joyful

5. Avoid alcohol – alcohol can depress your mood, so even though the wine and eggnog is flowing over the holidays, stick to the non-alcoholic stuff!

6. Know the signs of depression and seek treatment – the holiday blues are one thing, but you also need to recognize depression and get help

Via: Health in Aging

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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 Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

When shopping for senior gifts this holiday season, you don’t need to break the bank or choose items just for their “wow” appeal. Make smart purchases that your loved one could really use and appreciate.

• Items that allow them to pamper themselves – seniors on a budget are not likely to splurge on things they consider non-essentials. Buy them candles, soaps and body lotions that allow them to feel pampered at home. Gift cards to restaurants or spas are added luxuries

• Gift baskets – gift baskets with a combination of items, including some of the above, as well as seasonal foods, books, and craft supplies that they will enjoy and make use of are all great things to include! Gift baskets can be bought pre-fabricated or can be created at home

• The gift of companionship – seniors will most appreciate the company of their loved ones. If this is not possible, senior care services can be gifted for companionship and assistance at home

• Take an elderly loved one out for the day – a trip out for lunch around the holidays to see a movie or a musical event can be a very enjoyable way for them to spend a day and it will be memorable!

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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 Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

There have been many recent studies regarding the association of the walking speed of elderly patients and their overall health. These studies have indicated that decreased walking speeds may be a sign of possible health issues. Various clinics are using walking speed as a way to assess elderly patients. This assessment is not used when the patient has another condition that can affect their physical movements, such as Parkinson’s disease. The following list contains facts about walking speed and how it could be a sign of adverse effects in the future.

1. A slow walking speed in an elderly patient is associated with the increased risk of death due to cardiovascular issues.

2. Any decreased motor performance can be viewed as a risk factor.

3. Elderly patients should try to stay as active as possible. Introducing a walking exercise into a daily regime could reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

4. Walking speed can be used to predict future health issues. This may not be possible if the patient has broken a hip in the past 2 years, has a debilitating disease or dementia

Source: www.bmj.com

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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 Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Seniors often spend their retirement traveling. With the holiday season among us, more seniors will be traveling. When preparing for a trip, there are many things to consider. It is important to plan properly to ensure safety during the trip. Most seniors travel with a spouse or family member, so they may also take part in the trip preparation. The following list of tips can help when planning the trip.

1. Have a medical check-up prior to traveling.

2. If you have medical needs, make sure to make arrangements ahead of time. For example, if you need a wheelchair, contact the hotel prior to arrival.

3. Make sure to pack all medications and make sure you have enough for the duration of the trip.

4. Check your luggage twice. Include things that will be needed during travel in your carry-on bag. It is suggested to pack all medications in a carry-on as well in case your luggage gets lost.

5. Consider your personal safety. Seniors are a target for theft, so try not to travel at night or alone. Do not wear valuable jewelry and make sure you always carry identification.

Source: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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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 Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Over the holidays when families are preparing for all of the hustle and bustle of the season, often the fact that not everyone is having a good time can go unnoticed. Seniors might find themselves left out of the activities, or feeling lonely even when surrounded by people because loss has taken important people out of their holiday celebration.  Families need to recognize that the holidays can be hard for seniors and take steps to prevent holiday depression:

1. Allow memories and past rituals to live on – don’t discourage seniors from reliving those important memories of holidays past, thinking that it will prevent depression. Share memories of family members no longer with you, look at photos, and keep old family traditions alive

2. Make sure visiting seniors are comfortable – to help reduce the stress of seniors coming into your home over the holidays, make sure that your home is senior-friendly, with safety being the primary concern

3. Avoid impulsive holiday activities – to ensure that seniors can be involved with all holiday activities, avoid being impulsive that way seniors can be well-rested for more excitement

4. Focus on the joy – while it’s okay to reminisces, over the holidays make sure that all memories discussed focus on the positive

5. Create new traditions – while you can focus on incorporating old rituals into the holidays, create new ones as well that give the whole family, including seniors, new things to look forward to doing together. Holiday activities can’t just focus on the past

Via: ArticleBase

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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 Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.

Buying gifts for loved ones over the holidays seems to get harder every year. This year, when shopping for an elderly member of your family, think about purchasing items that they could really use, or those things that they might not want to spend money on themselves. Put together a healthy and helpful holiday gift basket and include the following items:

1. Purchase items that will aid in dental health – it might not sound like a glamorous holiday gift idea, but a senior’s dental health can really change their quality of life, especially over the holidays when they’d rather enjoy. In a gift basket, include a favorite toothpaste or denture cleaner, mouthwash, floss and a new toothbrush (buy electric, or one in their favorite color – something they might not splurge on!).

2. Stock up on other personal items – splurge a little bit and include personal items that are more than just the basics. If you know that they prefer a certain kind of scented soap or body wash, but typically stick to a cheaper bar soap, pick some up! Bubble bath, body lotion and other items they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves would also be appreciated

3. Include nutritious snacks – crackers, preserves, tea and coffee are all great things to include in a senior’s gift basket. Try to buy the items you know they love, but won’t get for themselves!

Via: Well Sphere

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 Angelesarea. Call us today at 626-486-0800.