Fall Prevention: How to Keep Your Loved One from Falling

By Jim Smeaton
Falls are common accidents that seniors experience.  Unfortunately, falling can result in a wide variety of injuries, which can range from mild to fatal in nature.  For this reason, senior care providers must uphold the important responsibility of preventing such falls from taking place.  While accidents are not always avoidable, there are certain measures that you can take to minimize the chances of your loved one sustaining injuries due to a fall.

1. Keep your senior's home clean and free of clutter.  Oftentimes, items that have been misplaced or left on the floor can cause seniors to trip and fall.  This is particularly true if clutter tends to build up in walkways.  Each day, do a quick run through of the house and put away any and all items that are out of place.  This will make it easier to keep the home clean and prevent accidents from occurring.


2. Repair any uneven flooring.  Cracked tiles, warped hardwoods, and ripped or loose carpets should be fixed immediately, as they can cause your senior to trip and fall.  Additionally, see to it that all rugs lie flat to the floor and have slip resistant backing.  If your senior's home contains any throw rugs, either remove them or secure them to the floor using double-sided tape.


3. Ensure that your senior's home has adequate lighting, particularly in the hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and stairwells.  Additionally, install handrails if they are lacking along the stairs of your elderly loved one's home.


4. Have your senior's vision checked annually.  Poor vision often leads to falls, so the right glasses or contact lenses may prevent accidental falls and associated injuries.


5. Reroute any cords that may pose a hazard to your senior.  Frequently, due to furniture arrangements or the location of electrical outlets, wires and cords are run across walkways.  Even if secured with tape or covered, these are obstacles that may cause your senior to fall. Reroute these cords so that they do not obstruct the walkway.  This may require running them overhead or moving furniture.


6. Remember that safe clothing is part of a safe environment.  Make sure that your loved one wears slippers or shoes with non-skid soles—not just socks, which can be slippery.  Additionally, make sure that their pants, skirts, and other articles of clothing are properly hemmed and not too loose.


7. Make sure that your senior has the necessary resources in terms of mobility.  Seniors who are at risk of falling may find it easier to avoid an accident with the use of a cane or walker.  Make sure that the equipment your senior uses is the right size and in good repair.


8. Improve the safety of the bathroom by installing grab bars, bath chairs, and non-skid mats.

By following these tips, you can help your senior avoid the pain that a fall can cause.  These suggestions will help you create a secure environment in which your elderly loved one can continue aging in place safely.


Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation, call us at 828-333-9904 or visit us online.

Challenges Associated with Providing Long Distance Senior Care

 By Jim Smeaton
Many families band together to care for their seniors.  This allows their loved ones to age in place without having to compromise their safety.  But what if you cannot provide the hands-on care that you feel your loved one deserves?  Is it possible to provide long distance elder care?


These are common questions that children, grandchildren, friends, and loved ones of seniors ask every day.  Providing elder care is an important part of keeping seniors who live independently safe and secure in their homes.  For many families, though, geographic distance challenges their ability to provide comprehensive home care.


What Families Can Do from Afar

While there are many challenges associated with providing long distance senior care, families that live far away from their loved ones can manage many important details.  From scheduling doctor's appointments to providing financial management, family members can make everyday life easier for their seniors no matter where their geographic location.


Major Challenges

Families that live too far from their seniors to provide in-person home care face many obstacles.  First and foremost, they have to determine whether or not their loved ones need a caregiver to be physically present on a daily basis.  Additionally, these families may worry about the daily cleaning, medical administration, and transportation needs of their loved ones.


Overcoming these Challenges

The first step in overcoming the challenges that long distance senior care presents is to take stock of them.

· Does your senior need a home care provider to be present each day?  If no, then long distance care may continue to be enough.  If yes, what level of care do they need?

· If your senior needs home care services, what is the nature of the care and services that they require?  Do they need skilled medical services, or just assistance with personal care and daily activities?

·  How will your family work together to determine who is best qualified to provide the necessary care?  Will someone move closer to your loved one or will you hire a home care professional?

These questions should help you and your family overcome the obstacles that long distance senior care can cause.


Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation, call us at 828-333-9904 or visit us online.

Overcoming Resistance to Care

By Jim Smeaton
Senior care in Asheville, North Carolina, is a service that improves the quality of life for countless elderly individuals. Home care providers help people maintain active, independent lifestyles without having to compromise their safety. With their services, elderly individuals can continue to live in the homes they love while receiving assistance with daily activities. Although senior care is indeed valuable, many elderly individuals are resistant to it. How can you help your elderly loved one overcome this resistance so they can benefit from the services of senior care providers?

The best way to overcome resistance is through clear communication and the gathering of information. By following these steps, you can approach the issue in a way that highlights the value of home care to your elderly loved one:

1. Talk with senior care providers to learn more about the different levels of care available. From simple help with daily functions to constant home care, these professionals offer a variety of services. 

2. Speak with your elderly individual's doctor to find out about any medical needs they may have. For the protection of your elderly loved one, the doctor may request their permission to speak to you about their health. If possible, bring your elderly loved one with you to speak to the doctor to ensure that you both have all of your questions answered. 

3. Make a list of the ways in which senior care services will benefit your elderly loved one. When you speak with them about hiring these services, present them with this list so they can see that you have their best interest at heart. 

4. Have an open, honest discussion about senior care services with your elderly loved one. Through the information you have gathered, you should be able to answer most of their questions or concerns. If not, write these down and find the answers together. Remember to ask why your elderly loved one objects to the care and address their objections thoughtfully. 

Overcoming resistance to care can become emotionally charged. Remember that your elderly loved one most likely does not want to lose their independence. By having honest, informed discussions about senior care services, you should be able to come to an agreement about the care that is needed.

______

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation, call us at 828-333-9904 or visit us online.

Medication Management: Successfully Managing Your Senior’s Prescriptions in Asheville NC

By Jim Smeaton
Elderly individuals, particularly those who suffer from a variety of health conditions, often have several prescriptions at any given time. Managing these medications is an important responsibility that senior care providers hold, as it allows elderly individuals to benefit from their prescriptions through the correct dosage and administration. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, who serve seniors in Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, understand that medication management can become an overwhelming task. Although it may be stressful at first, an organized approach will help you successfully manage your senior’s prescriptions.

• Make an effort to go to the same pharmacy to fill all of your elderly loved one’s medications. Doing so will accomplish three things. First, it will allow the pharmacy to maintain a running log of all of the medications your senior has taken, making it easier for them to detect any potential drug interactions. Second, it will make it extremely easy for another caretaker to perform medication management if necessary, as all records will be in one location. Third, using the same pharmacy will build up a relationship with a pharmacist that you trust, and to whom you can turn with any questions. 

• Store all of the literature your elderly loved one receives with their medication in one folder so it is easy to access. Additionally, keep any notes you may take during doctor’s visits in this folder as well. 

• Accompany your senior to the doctor’s office. If they are comfortable with it, join them during their appointment to ensure that you have clear directions in terms of how medications are to be administered. Additionally, ask about drug interactions and potential side effects, as well as the intended benefits of the recommended prescriptions. During each and every doctor’s visit, make sure that your elderly loved one is also able to ask all of the questions they may have. 

• Use a notebook or calendar to maintain a list and schedule for all of your elderly loved one’s medications. After each medication is taken, mark it off on the list to avoid over or under medicating your senior. This is particularly important if you are sharing care giving responsibilities, as it will make communication much simpler. 

• Monitor your senior and call for emergency healthcare immediately if you notice any drug interaction or adverse side effects. 

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC understand that medication management is an important responsibility. If you need assistance in managing your senior’s prescriptions, these home care specialists are available to assist you in this task. 

______

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

Hendersonville Alzheimer's Care: Five Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

By Jim Smeaton
The senior care professionals in Asheville, North Carolina, understand that Alzheimer's Disease affects many elderly individuals. Although fighting this disease is difficult, the odds of elongating your elderly loved one's health rise the earlier the disease is detected. For this reason, elder care professionals encourage family members to observe their elderly loved ones closely in an effort to detect these five common signs of Alzheimer's Disease:

1. Changes in Mood and Personality: Alzheimer's Disease may make people feel disoriented, frustrated, and anxious. Because of this, they may experience changes in their personalities or mood quite unexpectedly. 

2. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks: This particular sign can manifest itself in countless ways. Some examples include needing directions to find frequently visited locations, having difficulty maintaining a budget, and forgetting the rules to common or favorite games. 

3. Memory Loss: While forgetfulness comes with age—and even occurs naturally at all stages of life—disruptive memory loss interferes with the daily activities of an elderly individual. Alzheimer's Disease typically creates a loss of recent memory first, but this memory loss grows as the illness develops. Even though forgetting small details, like dates, may seem trivial, it is something to address if it happens often or seems to be getting worse. 

4. Disorientation: Some elderly individuals with Alzheimer's Disease have difficulty keeping up with the passage of time. Additionally, they may have a hard time remembering where they are or how they got there. 

5. Deteriorating Problem Solving and Planning Skills: This sign, as well as the others, can greatly interfere with daily life. Look for difficulty following recipes, making plans, or paying bills on time. 

Alzheimer's Disease affects a vast number of elderly individuals, and it is a difficult disease for all members of the family to cope with. By detecting the illness early, you can help improve the quality of life for your elderly loved one. Home care is a common solution to the care that the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease require. Through this senior care service, your elderly loved one can continue to enjoy their independence and routine without compromising their safety. 

______

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in Western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet during the Golden Years

By Jim Smeaton
A healthy diet contributes to overall well being, and many seniors rely upon their meal plans to provide them with the vitamins, nutrients, and other substances their bodies need to remain active. The senior care providers at Always Best Care of Western NC, who offer home care services in Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that a well-rounded diet targeted to the needs of seniors can provide significant health benefits.

But how are you to know which foods to incorporate into your senior’s meal plan? Here are a few substances to avoid and a few to make sure that your elderly loved one has enough of. By following these general guidelines, and combining them with the recommendations of your senior’s doctor, you can assist in creating a healthy nutrition plan for your loved one. 

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are wonderful substances that assist in managing cholesterol. These fatty acids improve heart health and are important in the construction of a well-rounded meal plan. Furthermore, many fish and other popular ingredients contain these fatty acids, making them relatively easy to incorporate into any diet. 

• Fiber and calcium are integral parts of a healthy diet for seniors. Fiber works to improve heart health by decreasing calcium and plaque build-up. As a result, fiber can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. This substance also plays an important role in the digestive system, as it aids in the proper digestion of foods. Calcium is a similarly valuable substance. This mineral keeps bones strong, preventing osteoporosis and broken bones. 

• Sodium and simple carbohydrates should be limited as much as possible. Sodium, when eaten in excess, can lead to high blood pressure and water retention. Simple carbohydrates can also lead to weight gain, as well as a hazardous blood sugar spike. Your senior should try to replace simple carbohydrates with their complex counterparts by eating whole grains instead of refined flours. 

• A steady caloric intake is important in maintaining a healthy weight. Too many or too few calories per day can cause your elderly loved one to gain or lose weight. Both of these consequences can lead to complications of their health, particularly if they already suffer from medical conditions. 

Always Best Care of Western NC understands that it can be a bit difficult to help your senior maintain a healthy diet. Despite the challenges you may face, instating a healthy meal plan is important in keeping your elderly loved one active. The services of Always Best Care’s home care professionals are available to you if you would like some assistance in creating and managing a healthy diet for your senior. 

______

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

Always Best Care blog!

The purpose of this blog is to share free senior care tips, from topics ranging from memory loss to proofing homes to prevent falls for your elderly loved one.

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville is Jim Smeaton. Jim and his team assist seniors and their families in western North Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. Our goal is to help families understand all of their available care options, and to be in a position to support them once the family decides on their best course of action. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area. There is no charge for the initial consultation and evaluation. All of our Caregivers are Always Best Care employees and are fully trained, licensed, bonded, and insured to provide the safest and highest level of care for you or your loved ones. We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members. 

Call us today at 828-333-9904 for a free care consultation!


Always Best Care proudly serves the Asheville, Hendersonville and the surrounding communities in Western North Carolina