Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Caring for a senior is very stressful, especially when the senior is still living at home. There are many safety issues that family members worry about. A high-tech device is now available that will ensure the senior is safe at home. It is a monitoring device that will provide family members and caregivers with information regarding activity in the home of seniors.

1. Adaptive Home is a new business that uses monitoring technology for elder care. The basic package includes various motion sensors that can be placed around the home. These sensors create reports of activity in the home that can be reviewed by caregivers or family members.

2. The sensors will also alert loved ones of unusual actions. It will note when seniors are making a pot of coffee or sitting in their chair. There are many things that the sensors will monitor, providing extra safety in the home and peace of mind for family members.

3. The main benefit of this new system is that seniors will be able to remain in their homes for a longer period of time instead of having to go to a nursing home. There is no need for a person to be present to monitor their actions; the sensors take care of it all.

4. The system also comes with a computer that includes a scheduling program to help all family members coordinate caregiving.

5. There are many things in the home that can be monitored by simply using these sensors. Now, seniors can be comfortable at home and family members will know they are safe.

Source: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129260338

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Did you know that Pilates is great for seniors who have problems with mobility? Why? Because Pilates focuses on the core of the body, the back, hips and abdominal muscles. These exercises are low impact and are a great way for seniors with arthritis or other joint problems to get in shape.

Here is more information on Pilates:

1. Some people believe it is too late to start exercising. While this may be true for strenuous exercise, Pilates is a relaxing form of exercise that is recommended for those over the age of 50. Even seniors who have had back, neck or hip injuries can safely take up Pilates and reap fitness benefits.

2. Those who practice Pilates on a regular basis will notice improved posture, enhanced balance and decreased stress levels.

3. The goal of a Pilates workout is the precision of the movement of the body instead of the number of reps. This is why seniors can benefit from the exercise. They do not need to put in a lot of time and most exercises are not exhausting.

4. For seniors who practice Pilates two or three times a week, they will begin to see results in about a month.

5. Pilates is safe for those with a back injury or back pain. In fact, it can help reduce much of the pain. Pilates has been known to help seniors who experience chronic pain in different areas of the body.

6. There is no need to buy expensive equipment, but seniors should join a Pilates group that is led by a trained instructor. Finding classes is easy. They are available at most gyms and health centers. Seniors should talk to their doctor as well because they will be able to recommend a Pilates class in the area.

7. Once the basic movements have been mastered, seniors can practice Pilates at home. Pilates is one of the best ways to strengthen the body while benefitting the mind at the same time.

Source: http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/info-12-2010/pilates_tips.2.html

Older adults living in Boston who participate in a walking exercise program can decrease their risk of disability and increase their likelihood of maintaining independence by 41 percent, a University of Georgia study found. Establishing a walking routine with your aging relative is an easy way to help them stay independent longer.

“In the past decade, researchers have focused on the benefits of strength training in maintaining independence, but until now we didn’t have good evidence using an objective performance measure that a walking program would improve physical functioning,” said study co-author M. Elaine Cress, Professor of Kinesiology and Researcher in the UGA Institute of Gerontology. “Our study found that walking offers tremendous health benefits that can help older adults stay independent.”

Study participants were assigned to either of two groups – a walking group that met three times a week for four months or a nutrition education control group. Researchers measured the aerobic capacity of participants using a treadmill test. While the control group saw a 9 percent decline in aerobic capacity over the four-month period, the walking group’s aerobic capacity increased by 19 percent. Physical function increased by 25 percent in the walking group, compared with a decline of 1 percent in the control group.“We know that walking is good for you, but too many people still aren’t doing it,” said Trudy Moore-Harrison, lead study author. “This study shows that just walking on a regular basis can make a huge impact on quality of life. The study appears in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy.

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

At approximately $174,000, the average lifetime cost for senior Alzheimer’s care, the disease can take a toll on the finances of seniors and their families. There are two major aspects of Alzheimer’s and finances that seniors and their families need to consider; advance financial planning, to prepare for a stage when the senior may be unable to be involved in their own financial decisions; and understanding the costs associated with Alzheimer’s care.

Elderly costs for Alzheimer’s care do vary dependent upon the progression of the disease; but can average around $18,000 per year for early Alzheimer’s care, $30,000 for a senior with moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms and $36,000 during the latter stages of Alzheimer’s disease. 75% of the costs incurred are due to Alzheimer’s care required in the home, while the other 25% of average Alzheimer’s costs relate directly to health care. Since costs of Alzheimer’s care are so significant, often seniors are unable to support the costs self-sufficiently, and family caregivers may become responsible for medical and care costs.

Seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s, may also become physically and mentally unable to manage their finances self-sufficiently, so during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease it’s important for seniors to establish a living will, appoint a Power of Attorney, and ensure that all bills and financial documents are consolidated.

With appropriate planning and consideration of the costs implications of Alzheimer’s, seniors and their families can put greater emphasis upon health over finance.

Sources:
1.   Alzheimer’s Association
2.   About.com

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

Sport Activities on Father’s Day

Dads and children have always enjoyed cheering on their favorite sports teams together, and if this is something you used to do with your dad, this might be the perfect idea for a Father’s Day activity. It will be sentimental and a fun day, perfect for the celebration of dad!

1.    Check which teams are playing where – do you have a favorite team you used to watch together when you were a kid? Or a certain arena or sports field? See if anyone is playing on Father’s Day and take dad there.

2.    Take a trip – hop in the car and bring dad somewhere a bit different, a little adventure will be a great bonding experience!

3.    Make it an event – don’t just take dad to the game. Grab a meal before at a sports bar, and even pick up a few novelty items for your team to get right into the spirit!

4.    Invite Dad’s best buds over for a night of poker, movies, or sports.

5.    Avoid family conflict – if you’re planning on arranging something for just you and dad, talk to the other family members first so no one feels snubbed.

However you spend Father Day celebrating your Dad, let him know how much you appreciate him and all the effort he spent celebrating you. It’s his turn now, thank him for the memories and while you’re at it, make a special one for him this Sunday.

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Aging Parents Can be Difficult

Caring for an elderly parent is not an easy thing to do. Aside from the many responsibilities, older parents may just be nasty! This is common, especially with patients in the early stages of dementia. Seniors living with the disease often do not realize what changes are occurring and will become angry. That anger is often taken out on the person providing care. To help deal with aging parents, the following five tips can be beneficial.

1.    As a caregiver, it is important for us to put ourselves first. Not only will this allow a break from providing care, but it will allow caregivers the time to relax and spend quality time with their own family.

2.    Caregivers must know limitations. It is not possible to provide care to an aging parent every day all day. Being a caregiver is emotionally taxing and time-consuming. Setting limits will help avoid high levels of stress.

3.    Do not always look for praise or appreciation. While these are nice when they are given, they are not part of being a caregiver. When dealing with patients with dementia, there is hardly ever appreciation, so caregivers need to be aware f this as they go about their duties.

4.    Always love yourself for trying. It is not possible to make everyone happy. The goal of a caregiver should be to maintain or improve the health of an aging loved one. As long as this goal is being met, you are doing your job. Some caregivers will get angry with an aging parent and this is normal. Remind yourself that you are brave for even taking on the role of a caregiver.

5.    Allow time for breaks. Do not feel guilty for needing some time away from an aging parent. If you do not allow time off, stress levels will spike, as will anxiety, depression and tension.

Source: blogs.forbes.com

Coping with Stress

The most common factor associated with stress is a deadline. If you feel overwhelmed by an approaching deadline, here are some tips:

•    Develop a schedule. Plan how much time you are going to dedicate to a project each day.

•    Have realistic goals. Approach your tasks systematically.

•    Be in an environment that allows you to function at your best.

•    Ask for help if you are overwhelmed.

•    Establish priorities.

•    Take a break when you need one.

Counterproductive Coping Techniques

There are a number of behaviors that actually decrease productivity. These include:

•    Time juggling: This is when you take on too much at once and are unable to complete everything you have to do.

•    Workaholism: If you spend hours working you often ignore time-saving techniques and end up being counterproductive.

•    Perfectionism: Perfectionists want everything to be perfect and will spend hours polishing something. This often takes away from your sense of accomplishment since you never think anything is good enough.

•    Procrastination: By consistently putting off your work, you leave it all to the last minute. This often means a poor end result and an increase in stress.

•    Yesism: This is the inability to say no. Like time jugglers, you often overbook yourself but it is in fear of disappointing others.

If you would like more advice, please read this article on HealthWellnessPlans.org.

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Maintaining good health is essential for a long life. Many people are living much longer, which makes staying healthy even more important. In addition to staying physically active and eating a healthy diet, seniors also have to pay attention to their mental well being. The mind can also benefit from many of the same things that promote good physical health. The following list contains some interesting information on healthy aging.

1.    Low cholesterol, low blood pressure, healthy weight, physical activity and a healthy diet will all benefit the mind and the body.

2.    There will be many changes that occur in mind and body as we age. It is important for seniors to do all they can to keep their mind active and healthy.

3.    By being active and having lower cholesterol levels, the brain will receive oxygen-rich blood. This will help promote and maintain mental health.

4.    There are many ways in which seniors can keep their mind and body healthy. Doing simple things like reading, crossword puzzles and staying active in a social aspect can all provide great benefits.

5.    Many seniors, and a lot of caregivers, will underestimate the power of social interaction. For seniors to stay healthy physically and mentally, being involved with other people is essential.

Source: http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/factsheets/hlthage_mental.html

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Senior Emergency Kit

Caregiving for aging family members can be very stressful but, luckily, there are numerous resources available online that can help. The Senior Emergency Kit by Homes Instead is a comprehensive checklist that contains any relevant information you would need in case of an emergency. The lists feature information pertaining to:

•    Relevant medical information.

•    Power of attorney forms.

•    Pharmacy and insurance company details.

•    Information on your loved one’s doctor.

Additional Resources Available Online

After you have completed your Senior Emergency Kit, you may have more questions about caregiving. Home Instead has compiled a list of additional caregiving resources that deal with everyday problems. Some of the sites featured on this list include:

•    Life Legacies (www.lifelegaciesandwishes.com) – This site provides tools to ensure that your loved one’s last wishes are carried out.

•    National Alliance for Caregiving (www.caregiving.org) – The National Alliance for Caregiving has resources for caregivers.

•    Stages of Senior Care (www.stagesofseniorcare.com) – The guide provides a plethora of information including costs, what to avoid, care options and more.

There are many other online resources available through Home Instead. To look into all of them, visit this page on CaregiverStress.com.