6 Signs it May be Time to Consider Assisted Living

Many adults prefer to stay in their own home as they age, and that’s often a possibility. As long as they are physically and mentally able to safely live there, they can age in place. As they get older, an in-home care provider can provide the support and assistance they need to remain independent. However, there often comes a time when in-home care is not enough and seniors require more intensive care. When this is the case, it may be time to consider transitioning to an assisted living facility.

Here are six signs that it may be time to consider assisted living:

1. Your loved one can’t keep up with their home. Are there stacks of bills or dirty dishes laying around? Do they have trouble keeping up with laundry or taking the trash out? Their home may have become too much to manage and downsizing into an assisted living facility can be beneficial. Here they will have much less to keep track of and receive assistance as needed.

 

2. Your senior has difficulty with activities of daily living. Whether you notice that they haven’t bathed in a few days or are typically wearing the same clothes over again, changes in personal hygiene can be a sign that more help is needed. They may have difficulty brushing their teeth or hair, or working the washing machine.

3. Your loved one has memory problems. Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and memory loss can make caring for themselves more difficult. They may forget whether they’ve taken their medication, where they put their keys, or how to get to and from the store.

4. Your senior has become more accident prone. If mom or dad seems to be tripping and falling more often or has unexplained bruises, their home may not be as safe of a place anymore. Mobility issues can make navigating stairs or getting in and out of the shower more dangerous.

5. Your loved one has been losing or gaining weight. Is their refrigerator full of spoiled food, or have very little food at all? Meal preparation can be tough when vision, memory, or dexterity are compromised. Your senior may have forgotten they’ve already eaten or prepare unhealthy foods as well. Furthermore, if they’re forgetting to turn off the stove or oven, that can be a fire hazard.

6. Your senior is becoming more isolated. Did you parent used to spend time with friends or at the community center and now they hardly leave their home? Assisted living can help them to become more social once again and get involved in a variety of activities. They’ll be able to have more regular social interactions.

Assisted living can allow your loved one to maintain some of their independence while also receiving the level of support and care they need to stay safe and healthy. Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville not only provides in-home care services, but also offers complimentary assisted living placement services. When your senior is ready to make that transition, Always Best Care is here to help. Call (828) 989-7263 or visit us online for more information.

Tips for Alleviating Arthritis Pain

 Living with arthritis can be frustrating and painful. When your joints are stiff and achy, it can make it more difficult to do everyday activities and live comfortably. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are steps that seniors can take to reduce pain. What works well for one person may not be as effective for the next, so it can be beneficial to try different approaches and see what works best for your individual situation.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, so here are few strategies that you can try to alleviate pain:

Engage in regular exercise: It was once thought that exercise could make arthritis pain worse, but more recent studies have found that daily exercise can actually provide some relief. It is important that seniors are staying away from high-impact activities and focusing more on low-impact options. This could include swimming, biking, walking, yoga, and other aerobic activities. These exercises gently stretch muscles and joints and can enhance range of motion while alleviating pain.

Control weight: It is important for seniors to maintain a healthy weight. Even just a few extra pounds can put added stress on their joints and exacerbate the effects of arthritis. Eating a healthy diet and exercising can help them to keep their weight in check. For those who are overweight, losing a few pounds can make a difference in the way they feel and provide some relief from arthritis pain. Seniors should check with their doctor to determine what weight is right for them and how to more effectively manage it.

Apply heat or cold: A heating pad or warm bath can soothe sore muscles and joints. It can also be a great way to relax and unwind. Make sure not to leave the heating pad in place for more than 20 minutes at a time to reduce the risk of burns. Another option is to apply an ice pack to sore spots to help reduce inflammation and temporarily ease pain. Try both and see which is more effective for your needs.

Use topical ointments: There are many topical creams and gels that can temporarily relieve pain. They often contain capsaicin and can be applied directly to areas where there is arthritis. They are absorbed through the skin and start working fairly quickly.

Take anti-inflammatory medication: There are both over-the-counter and prescription strength anti-inflammatory medications that can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This can make moving and working less painful and allow you to carry on with daily activities.

Get a massage: Massage therapy can also ease pain. Let the therapist know where your arthritis is and what is bothering you. They can manually manipulate muscles to provide relief and target areas where you have the most pain. This can also help to relax stiff joints.

Seniors may find that a combination of treatments works well for dealing with arthritis pain. Keeping pain better managed can allow them to get more enjoyment out of their day. If arthritis is limiting, assistance from an in-home care provider can make taking care of their Asheville home and themselves a little easier. Find out how Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can support your senior with daily tasks and promote independence by calling (828) 989-7263 or visiting us online to arrange for your free consultation. Don’t let arthritis stand in your senior’s way.

4 Ways your Senior Can Benefit from Volunteering

While many people volunteer to assist seniors, there are also many seniors in the Hendersonville area who are active volunteers. Volunteering is something that can be done at any age and there are always organizations looking for help. Getting seniors involved not only gives back to the community and benefits others, but it also benefits them as well.

1. Gives a sense of purpose. After retirement sometimes seniors aren’t sure what to do with themselves. They have lost a lot of the structure to their schedule and find themselves with more free time. Volunteering can give them something to look forward to and they can take pride in knowing that they are helping others and making a positive difference. Help them to find an organization that is meaningful where they can put their skills to use. Feeling a connection to the work can be even more motivation.

2. Offers socialization. One concern that many families have about their elderly parents is worry about them being isolated. Spending too much time alone can contribute to depression as well. By getting out and volunteering they will meet others and make new friends. They can engage in stimulating conversation and simply enjoy the company. They may even find others who they share common interests with and can spend time with outside of volunteering.

3. Encourages mental sharpness. Volunteering can help to keep your senior more mentally alert. They are exercising different parts of their brain for organization, problem solving, planning, critical thinking, and other requirements of their volunteer work. They may have to think about and do things out of their normal routine. It also helps them to stay more mentally engaged and can promote self-esteem and confidence as they see the difference they are making.

4. Promotes physical activity. Volunteering allows your senior to get up and get moving. Even if they have physical limitations, they can most likely find a role that fits with their capabilities. They are not only working their gross motor skills but their fine motor skills as well. Staying active can help to reduce pain and improve overall health and wellbeing.

Explore different options available in the Asheville community and discover what would align with your senior’s interests and abilities. Encourage them to try different things until they find an activity that they like. For more options for companionship and outings, as well as assistance with activities around the home, consider in-home care through Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville. We can tailor our services to fit your senior’s needs. Contact Always Best Care at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online.

Tips for Transitioning From Home to Assisted Living

There can be many reasons why your elderly parent could benefit from assisted living in Hendersonville. Perhaps their health is declining and they are no longer able to live as independently or maybe they simply need some extra assistance. While families have the best interest of their loved ones in mind, it can be a sensitive subject to bring up. Many seniors want to age in place as long as possible. If you have gotten them in-home care and find that they still need more support, assisted living can be a good step when a nursing home is not yet appropriate.

Talk to your aging parent ahead of time about moving to an assisted living facility rather than springing it upon them. Discuss your concern for their wellbeing and how the move can benefit them and their safety. Reassure them that they will still maintain as much independence as possible. Let them help look at facilities to find one that they feel comfortable with.

Bring familiar items so it feels more like home. They will not be able to bring everything they own, but pick some of their favorite things. Pictures, knick-knacks, and mementos can brighten their day and give them something to talk about with others as they make new friends.

Meet with staff to familiarize yourself with care providers. Stay with your loved one for a while to help them adjust and start building connections. It is a new situation so it is common for them to be slightly resistant until they get used to their surroundings.

Arrange a schedule for visits and calls so they have something to look forward to. Give them some space to acquaint themselves with their new home and make friends. But also be available to provide reassurance and let them know you care. Regular visits or calls can help your aging parent to feel connected and see friends and family and also fill you in on how their days have been.

Find ways for them to get involved and stay active. Look into activities offered at the facility or nearby in the community. This could include exercise classes, hobbies, social groups, or events. Allow them to continue doing things that they enjoy and keep their mind sharp. Socialization is important to reduce boredom and isolation which can lead to depression.

Sometimes remaining at home just isn’t practical or safe and your senior needs more support and personalized care. Always Best Care Senior Services of Asheville-Hendersonville not only offers high quality in-home care, but also free referral services when your senior is ready for assisted living. Help them to find a community they feel comfortable with and take steps to ease the transition to this next phase of their life.

To learn more about our valuable in-home care services as well as referrals for assisted living, call (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com. Provide your senior with the support they need to live more safely and independently.

The Differences Between Home Care and Assisted Living

As your senior continues to age, there are a number of different caregiving methods that will allow them to flourish, without putting their health and safety at risk. Two popular options include home care and residing in an assisted living facility. Below are some of the major benefits of both of these options.

Residing in an assisted living facility

According to those who work in assisted living, Asheville families and their seniors can enjoy peace of mind knowing that the elderly individual will receive proper care and plenty of socialization at an assisted living facility. Some of the key reasons why elderly individuals love assisted living facilities include:

• Plenty of activities to enjoy: At virtually any hour of the day, a senior can find something intellectually stimulating and fun to do at an assisted living facility. The days are no longer spent watching TV or reading, as they can attend art history lectures, take tai chi classes, or play cards with friends.

• Proper nutrition: If your elderly loved one struggles to get to the grocery store and prepare nutritious meals, this living option is an ideal one. They’ll have access to highly trained chefs who prepare meals that taste great and give them the nutrition they need to remain strong. 

• A safe living environment: Even seemingly harmless items at home, like grandkids’ toys and dog food bowls, can become a hazard for seniors. Assisted living facilities ensure that your elderly loved one has a safe place to call home. According to those who work in assisted living, Hendersonville families often cite this perk as one of the most significant reasons to enjoy an assisted living facility.

The benefits of in-home care

For many elderly individuals, the idea of leaving home where they’re comfortable is unappealing at best and terrifying at worst. This is why many families choose home care for their seniors. According to those who work in home care, Asheville families using this option can enjoy peace of mind, without having to force their elderly parent to give up their independence. A home care professional can assist with bathing, changing, and can help to ensure that your loved one is eating nutritious meals and taking their medication.

When it comes to taking care of your loved one, there are many different options available. The right choice simply depends on your elderly parent’s comfort level, mobility, and needs. Home care and assisted living are both excellent options for preserving your senior’s health and safety.

Long-Term Care Options For Your Senior After a Stroke

After your elderly loved one has suffered from a stroke, the focus shifts to helping them to rehabilitate, regain their skills, and get their life back on track. Elder care professionals know that this time can be a stressful one for families, but rest assured that there are many caregiving options that will help your senior to move through the recovery process. Some of these choices include:

Moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility

Depending on the severity of the stroke, you may choose to move your senior into a nursing home or an assisted living facility. This allows them to get round-the-clock care, and it also makes it easy for them to get medical attention as necessary. They can live more independently in an assisted living facility, or can get more intensive help in a comfortable setting in a nursing home.

Those who care for seniors should understand the differences between a nursing home and an assisted living facility. It is also important to note that these living situations can accommodate a variety of levels of independence, and they often make the tasks of daily living easier. As your senior gets their physical abilities back after a stroke, this environment is often the ideal choice. According to those who work in home care, Asheville families should investigate the many facilities and options available to them as they help their senior recover.

In-home care

In-home care is another option, which is typically better suited for an elderly individual who can tackle most of their daily chores but could use a little assistance. In this situation, a home care professional will come in and assist your elderly parent as often as you’d like. They’ll do light cleaning, attend to grocery shopping, help with bathing, and make sure that your loved one is taking any necessary medication. This can help to lighten the burden placed on family members, while ensuring that your senior has everything they need to make a recovery.

When it comes to caring for an elderly individual after a stroke, there are no “right” answers. It’s simply about meeting the senior’s needs and assessing the family’s budget and comfort levels. There is a wide range of options available in order to make the healing process easier. 

Senior Care Asheville: Recognizing the Signs of Emotional Abuse

By Jim Smeaton
In Senior Care in Asheville - emotional abuse is, unfortunately, something that impacts seniors who live both at home and in senior communities, including assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that the majority of senior care providers are honest and sensitive to the wellbeing of elderly individuals; however, it is important for you to understand the signs of emotional abuse just in case it impacts your elderly loved one.

While the symptoms of physical abuse are much more apparent, the signs of emotional abuse are detectable—it just takes a bit more effort to see the changes that take place in your senior when they are emotionally abused than when they bear the marks of physical mistreatment.

Tension between Your Senior and Their Caregiver
Frequent arguments and strong negative feelings toward a caregiver can indicate that something is wrong with the relationship between your senior and this individual.[1] While this may not always point to abuse, it is nearly always present in abusive situations.

Alterations to Your Senior's Personality or Behavior
Changes in behavior are often a sign that your loved one is stressed—and this is something that frequently occurs when they are being abused. They may become overly sensitive, secretive, or defensive. This can also be a sign of a health condition, such as Alzheimer's disease, so it is important not to overlook changes in your loved one's behavior.

Inappropriate Actions of a Caregiver Toward Your Senior
This particular warning sign is a bit difficult to pinpoint, as it is important that you witness it yourself before calling attention to the suspected abuse. Caregivers who showcase this sign may threaten or belittle your senior. Additionally, they may try to control your elderly loved one beyond what is appropriate.

Signs of Discomfort Displayed by Your Elderly Loved One
The stress of emotional abuse can manifest itself in physical behaviors. For instance, your senior might start to show the physical signs of dementia (rocking themselves back and forth, mumbling under their breath, or sucking) even if they do not have this condition.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC  know that, despite the fact that the vast majority of elder care providers are honest and treat seniors with respect, there are some who abuse the individuals they are supposed to care for. As such, these professionals encourage you to understand and address any signs of emotional abuse that your elderly loved one may exhibit.

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.