When a Boston senior has lost the ability to communicate due to a condition like expressive aphasia or apraxia it leads loved ones to wonder if there’s really anyone in there. Conditions like these, which often develop after a senior has suffered from a stroke, can inhibit a senior’s ability to communicate to some degree, or cause them to lose their speaking abilities completely. After a stroke, it’s hard to know what cognitive capabilities of a senior are still in tact, and when a senior has no way of telling you what’s going on in their mind, it’s hard to know whether the issue goes only as far as speech or if there’s more to it.

Not knowing can really make families change how they interact with their loved one; because even though the senior’s cognitive skills may be in tact, it’s like they’re void of personality and families might forget that there really is someone still in there. People with expressive aphasia might have lost their ability to speak and they may exhibit signs of disorientation, but they’re still in there and they still deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, especially by their family members. Instead of blocking them out, families can speak to them and interact just like they always have, ensuring that their elderly loved one suffering from expressive aphasia still feels like an important member of the family. Of course, some allocations do also have to be made to help them communicate and comprehend what is being said to them; always speak clearly and use expressive body language, and ask simple yes/no questions so they can still make their own decisions and communicate, even if they can’t speak.

Expressive aphasia or apraxia are challenging for families to deal with; but just think how your loved one feels when they feel like they are trapped in their own body with no way to communicate.

Sources:

1. Stroke Association
2. The Aphasia Institute
3. Orange Blossom Farm
4. About

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Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Whether you’re a family or private caregiver providing for a Boston senior or an older adult yourself looking to take control of your health; it’s important that you recognize the effects of poor blood circulation so that you can speak to your doctor or primary care physician about what you’re experiencing, because it takes a greater toll on your well-being. Would you be able to recognize the symptoms of poor blood circulation?

• You are aware of the symptoms of poor blood circulation to the brain, including: fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, and frequent and unexplained headaches
• You know that poor blood circulation can effect the hearing, demonstrating the following symptoms: inability to perform simple aerobic activities like climbing stairs without breathlessness; high blood pressure and cholesterol, and chest pain
• You know that poor blood circulation can effect the liver with symptoms such as:  lack of appetite or unexplained weight loss, and changes in skin tone
• You are aware of the effects upon the kidneys, such as:  poor circulation to the kidneys are typically the result when there is swelling of the hands, feet and ankles. Other symptoms can include fatigue, altered heart rate and rise in blood pressure
• You understand the symptoms of poor blood circulation that begins in the limbs: cramps in the limbs, numbness and varicose veins can appear as symptoms

Sources:

1. Ezine Articles
2. Suote101

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

While some people swear by resistance and weight-bearing exercises as a tried and true way to increase bone density that is lost in older adulthood, other experts say that this might not in fact be the case. According to a recent study, while bone density is increased in periods when seniors are regularly lifting weights, walking, jogging or completing other weight-bearing activities; these activities do not bring lasting results in terms of bone density; as soon as Boston seniors stop exercising regularly, any results that appeared can almost instantly disappear.

It should also not come as a surprise that resistance training can result in injuries for seniors who could overexert their muscles when trying to lift weights that are too heavy, or by trying to do too much at once. Spinal degenerations can become an issue for seniors who lift weights, with problems such as issues with vertebral end plates and spinal discs appearing which can rarely be reversed. Before starting a weight lifting program, seniors should talk to their doctor and get advice from a personal trainer who can help them learn proper form and prevent injuries, that way they can reap the benefits of weight lifting upon bone density without creating a potentially crippling problem.

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. Mayo Clinic

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Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

For seniors, diet and exercise typically isn’t about aesthetic weight loss as it can be with younger generations. Very few seniors adopt a healthier lifestyle because they’re dying to improve their bikini body to hit the beach this summer; most do because they want to improve their health and live longer, happier lives. Diet and exercise journals can have a number of benefits to seniors who choose to record their eating and exercise habits.

Here’s why Boston seniors should use diet and exercise journals:

• It allows them to record the exercises that work for them, and those that have caused pain, strain or other issues that they want to remember to avoid
• It allows their seniors to record their progress with regards to building endurance, since they will know when and how to increase the duration and intensity of their workout
• Recording meals can help seniors keep track of the calories they’re consuming so they know when to increase or decrease their portions
• Having a journal of regular dietary habits can help doctors and nutritionists understand how seniors eat, and make changes in order to help control diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions
• Exercise journals can help remind seniors to drink enough water everyday and take their vitamins
• Having a record of both diet and exercise habits can help doctors identify and diagnose the causes of medical problems or injuries

Sources:

1. Suite101

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Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

There is a misconception that exercise is a bad idea for seniors with osteoporosis, because with reduced bone density, they are more at risk for falls and injuries as a result. While this can be true, it has actually been proven that exercise has benefits to seniors with osteoporosis, even preventing the progression of the bone disease. So how is it that exercise can actually prevent or reduce the affects of osteoporosis? Like muscle, bones are a tissue that can actually shrink or grow, so leading a sedentary lifestyle can actually cause seniors to lose more bone density. Diet is also important to maintaining good bone health, but for proper bone development and the prevention of osteoporosis later in life, an active lifestyle is crucial from childhood; especially right before puberty.

Children and seniors alike can maintain good bone health throughout their lives by using a combination of weight-bearing high impact exercise and resistance training to improve bone strength and density. Weight-bearing exercise including walking, jogging, dancing and many sports; while resistance training incorporates weight lifting with free weights or by using exercise machines.

So the best way to prevent osteoporosis? Lead an active life, and maintain a healthy diet, and while genetics and other factors might still play a role, overall, you should be on the road to better bone health.

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. MayoClinic
3. Body and Health Canada

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

High blood pressure is a common issue which unfortunately results in the untimely death of many Boston seniors. Exercise is one key way that seniors nationwide can help reduce their blood pressure, and maybe even save their lives. But, in order to reduce high blood pressure, not just any exercise will do. Cardiovascular exercises have the optimal benefits in strengthening the heart and causing it to pump more efficiently; while placing less stress and pressure on the arteries, and in turn reducing high blood pressure.

Great activities for reducing high blood pressure include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Golf
• Cardio exercise classes
• Tennis
• Jogging
• Hiking

So, when choosing an activity to help combat your high blood pressure, it’s okay to stick with your resistance and stretching routines, but make sure that you incorporate at least 30 minutes of cardio almost daily in your weekly routine, and you’ll find that your blood pressure drops!

Sources:

• Suite101
• Mayo Clinic

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Q – My mom in Boston has been talking about joining a gym or fitness center. She is in her 70’s however, and is not familiar with the use of a great deal of fitness equipment and worries that she might end up injuring herself if she goes to a traditional gym where fitness experts are used to working with younger people. Are there fitness centers specifically for seniors?

A – Although many community centers may offer senior fitness classes, Silver Sneakers fitness is one of the only fitness centers just for seniors in the United States, and it has centers around Boston.

A fitness facility like this is perfect to accommodate someone like your mother, because everything is geared towards people in her demographic. They have fitness classes, health education seminars, and assign new members a Senior Fitness Advisor to walk them through the process of introducing them to the available equipment and the facility overall. Best of all, if your mother has Medicare or a supplement program, memberships are free!

Sources:

1. Silver Sneakers
2. Suite101

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Seniors often believe that they are too old to begin an exercise program, for fear of injury or health repercussions; and for some, it’s just a question of lack of interest in physical activities. Seniors don’t need to use these reasons as excuses not to exercise, because if they do, they’re not doing themselves any favors by potentially increasing their chances of Alzheimer’s and dementia, lowering their immune systems, and harming their mobility through reduced flexibility. Seniors, it’s time to stop avoiding exercise, because you are harming your health. Instead, see how you can put the most common excuses for not exercising aside and get yourself active!

• Seniors are afraid that they’re just too old – in reality, a fit 70 year old can be stronger and in better health than a senior who is sedentary
• Seniors are afraid that they might injure themselves – while this can be a reality, seniors need to choose activities that are well-suited to their physical abilities; and if they are concerned can talk to a doctor and a fitness expert who has experience working with seniors
• They are afraid it will harm their health – while overexertion can have negative health repercussions, seniors who pay close attention to the signs and symptoms generated from their bodies and know when to take it easy will likely avoid the risks
• They get bored – seniors should choose activities that they enjoy – this can be through trial and error – but generally, any physical activity is beneficial. By varying their routine and sticking with the exercises they enjoy, they will be more likely to keep it up

Sources:

1. Mature Fitness
2. MedicineNet

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Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Art is one activity that can bridge the gap between generations. Grandparents and grandchildren can come together accomplishing not only the completion of an art project, but also creating a successful bonding experience. For grandparents, art can be a great way to pass on their legacy to younger generations. Instead of choosing an artistic activity to complete with a grandchild arbitrarily, during a visit, grandparents can pass on a skill that has played an important role in their life to allow the younger generations to carry on their legacy. Whether painting, pottery, quilting, knitting or writing has been a preferred hobby during their life, grandchildren will love the opportunity to learn from their grandparents; knowing that they’re following in their footsteps.

Grandparents can make the experience special for the younger generations in their family, by presenting their grandchild with an important piece of equipment used for creating the art that previously belonged to them. Having a paintbrush or a set of knitting needles that belonged to their grandparent will make children feel very connected to their elderly loved ones; and every time they sit down by themselves to carry on the hobby, they will think of the memories shared with a grandparent.

How will you pass on your legacy and bond with your grandchildren through art?

Sources:

1. Smart Senior
2. Seniors Making Art
3. My Optum Health

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Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Many seniors don’t want to celebrate their birthdays with big lavish parties; they are most happy being surrounded by the friends and family who they care about most. So to make your grandma’s approaching birthday something special, instead of having an extensive guest list; think about what she’d really like to do to celebrate her birthday. Check out upcoming events in Boston and see if there’s a symphony, play, or even a movie that you know your grandma would enjoy. Organize to have her closest friends and family get together to take in the show together, and then go out after for a nice meal at a favorite restaurant, sit down for an evening of cocktails, or grab coffee at a Boston coffee house. Your grandmother will appreciate the thought that has gone into organization of a special birthday that is well-suited to her specific interests, and will love the chance just to spend time with those who mean the most to her.

With many seniors, it’s not about the gifts or the grand gestures; it’s about the quality time with those they love on their birthdays.

Sources:

1. Suite 101
2. Helium

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Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.