Caring for Your Senior from a Distance

While long-distance care giving is not ideal, sometimes it is the only option. If your senior is adamant about aging in place or it is logistically not possible or convenient for you to relocate to be closer, you have to make things work. There are many people who care for their aging parents from a distance. With a little advanced planning and organization, you can make the best of the situation.

Schedule calls and visits: Try to create a schedule for when you will visit to check in, or arrange to call at certain times during the week. This will allow you to catch up and stay up-to-date. When you do visit in person, evaluate the whole situation and make note of what is working well and what is not.  You may find that your senior is not able to get around as well or has memory issues that make tasks more difficult or unsafe. Having a routine gives you the opportunity to check in at regular intervals and make comparisons to decide if they may need more assistance.

Prepare legal documents ahead of time: If your loved one should need medical care, do you have the right to make decisions on their behalf? Do you know what medications they are taking? Are you accountable for their finances? It is a good idea to have these documents in place before they are needed and to have your senior make their wishes known.

Ask for help from others: Make arrangements with other family members or close friends to share care giving responsibilities. Take turns visiting and helping out. You could also check with neighbors to see if they would be willing to keep an eye on your elderly parent and let you know if they have any concerns.

Get in-home care: An in-home caregiver can support your senior with a wide range of needs and allow them to more safely and comfortably age in place. This can be a great option if you have a busy schedule or do not live nearby. A caregiver can ensure that basic needs are being met, provide help with daily tasks, and also provide companionship. Maintain open communication to discuss any changes that may be necessary or if additional care is needed.

Staying involved can allow you to provide the most beneficial senior care to your loved one. There are a wide range of resources available to help you stay in touch, monitor their wellbeing, and keep them active. Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can provide your senior with high quality elder care that fits their needs and gives you peace of mind. With a variety of services available, we make caring for your senior from a distance easier. Call (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com to get started.

Working with your Senior to Create a Healthy Diet

March is National Nutrition Month and a great time to review your senior’s diet and make sure they are eating properly. Nutritional needs can change as you age and also depending on certain health conditions. Educate yourself about any special requirements for your loved one’s diet as you start planning meals. There are many ways that you can support them in eating right and enhancing their health and wellbeing.

• Prepare meals ahead of time

When you go to visit, spend time preparing some meals for the week (or longer) with your elderly parent. Making larger batches and then breaking them into smaller portions that can be frozen or refrigerated can make meal times more convenient. Instead of having to prepare and cook all of the ingredients, all your senior has to do is reheat it.

• Buy seasonal produce

This can be a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet while still being cost conscious. If they are on a limited budget, Asheville farmers markets can be a valuable resource during the summer and fall, and buying seasonally in the grocery store can help too. Go for a wide range of colors to get more vitamins and nutrients. You can also stock up and can or freeze extras for use throughout the year.

• Increase calcium and fiber; decrease sodium

Focus on including foods that are rich in fiber such as beans, whole grains, and produce. This can not only help your senior to feel fuller, it can also help to reduce cholesterol. They are also a good source of essential nutrients. Osteoporosis can be a concern with aging, so getting enough calcium can help protect bones. Many processed foods are high in sodium which can increase blood pressure and weight gain as well as contribute to other problems.

• Stay hydrated

Dehydration can increase risk of urinary tract infections, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, constipation, fatigue, and more. Seniors may not always feel very thirsty, but it is important to keep them drinking. Adding fresh fruit to water can give it some flavor as well as health benefits. A good rule of thumb is to drink approximately eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day.

• Eat together

Make time to share meals with your senior when possible. If you can’t be there, arrange for other family members or friends to join them. Eating with company can help to increase their appetite if it has been lagging and also support them in making healthier choices.

If getting groceries or preparing meals is a challenge for your elderly parent, hiring an in-home care provider can be a valuable asset. They can assist your loved one with shopping, carrying in and putting away groceries, and preparing meals. This can not only increase their safety, but also provide them with more options for sticking to a healthy diet. To arrange for in-home senior care for your loved one, call Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville at (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com.

Protecting Elderly Parents from Scams

Unfortunately some people see elderly adults as the prime targets for scams. They take advantage of the fact that they have saved up for retirement, may live alone, and may have memory problems or be very trusting. This can put them at risk for being the victim of financial scams or identity theft. Families can help to keep their loved ones safe by educating and protecting them when it comes to these situations.

Start talking early on about the risks that exist before it becomes a problem. Stay alert to local and national news to find out what new scams may be occurring in the Asheville area that you should be aware of. Discuss any strange phone calls or requests that they may get and provide some responses for how they can say no and avoid giving out personal information. You could post a list near the phone of tactics people may try to use that could indicate a scam. Oftentimes callers will try to get credit card information, social security numbers, bank account numbers, or other personal information. Some ways to protect this information include:

• Monitoring their finances: If possible, keep an eye on your elderly parent’s finances and set up alerts from the bank. Pay attention to any strange charges or withdrawals. Also periodically check their credit report to see if any new accounts have been opened that may be the result of a scam.
• Signing up for the Do Not Call list: Register their phone number on the Do Not Call registry. Also opt out of mailing lists when possible to reduce the amount of junk mail they receive. Using a cell phone as opposed to a landline can also help because these numbers are less frequently targeted by scammers. Having an unlisted or private number can help as well.
• Shred sensitive documents: Invest in a shredder and have your senior gather any documents with personal information to be shred instead of thrown away. You can also review these documents with them to see if anything seems out of the ordinary.
• Check in frequently: Stay in touch regularly to keep up-to-date with what is going on in your senior’s life. Remind them of how to stay safe on the phone and by not answering the door to strangers. When offers seem too good to be true, they usually are.

If your parent lives alone in the Hendersonville area, find activities to help them keep busy and involved in the community. Seniors who are isolated and alone can be easier targets for scams. Hiring a caregiver through a senior care organization such as Always Best Care can provide valuable in-home care that not only gives your senior companionship but also enhances their safety. The caregiver can help them to stay alert to possible scams and assist with mail and phone calls. Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville has your elderly parent’s independence, safety, and wellbeing in mind. To find out how we can help. Call (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com.

Aging in Place: Bathroom Renovations to Improve Safety

Aging in place can be a great way to stay in the comfort your own Asheville home as you get older and enjoy the things you’ve always known. But it is important to keep in mind your changing needs and make modifications around the home to accommodate them. The bathroom is one room that can pose many safety risks for seniors. However, with a variety of renovations, you can make it a safer, more accessible space.

• Add grab bars: This can be a simple way to add increased stability options. Placing grab bars near the shower and toilet will give your senior something to hold on to as they change positions and reduce risk of falling.
• Raise the toilet height: There are two ways that you can accomplish this. One would be to install a new toilet that sits higher so that your senior does not have to bend down as far to sit. Another option would be to add a seat extender that sits on top of the existing seat to provide a raised surface. You may also want to consider adjusting the location of the toilet paper holder for easier access.
• Replace the bathtub: Stepping over the edge of the bathtub can become difficult with aging and result in loss of balance or slipping and falling. Getting a tub with shorter curb or one that allows for easier access can reduce risk. A shower seat or bench can also be beneficial to give your senior somewhere to sit while in the shower.
• Change the showerhead: An adjustable or handheld showerhead can improve accessibility and convenience. It will reduce the need for stretching or reaching and can be used at a comfortable height.
• Use slip-resistant flooring: Water from the shower as well as steam can make floors slippery. Install slip-resistant flooring to improve traction and consider a mat for on the bottom of the bathtub or shower as well.
• Increase accessibility: Make sure that supplies are kept in a convenient place that is easy to reach. Shower caddies, shelves, baskets, towel bars, and other accessories can all be valuable bathroom additions. You may need to do some rearranging to make things more convenient.

Planning ahead can allow you to make changes slowly before they are necessary. When replacing fixtures, think about the future and what would be most beneficial. Safety and accessibility are two things to consider when deciding to age in place and making necessary renovations. Elder care services through Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can also provide a qualified caregiver to assist with basic personal care needs. Through in-home care, your senior can maintain their independence while receiving the appropriate level of support to ensure safety and wellbeing. To schedule a free consultation, call (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com for more information.