Foods to Support Senior Heart Health

The foods that you eat can have a vast impact on your health. Not getting enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can be detrimental. The body needs a well-balanced diet to function properly and ward of illness, injury, and disease. Your diet can also play a role in heart health which can be a major concern for seniors worried about heart disease. Monitoring what you are eating can help to boost health and reduce risk of heart disease. Here are some things to keep in mind for a heart healthier diet:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Not only are they low in calories and high in essential nutrients and antioxidants, many are also high in fiber. Whether you enjoy them as a salad, side dish, or snack, there are many ways to incorporate them into your diet. Try to get a wide range of colors as well because each one contains different vitamins and minerals.
• Green Tea: Replace coffee or soda with green tea which has beneficial antioxidants and flavinols. It contains a small amount of natural caffeine but will not cause the same impact as coffee.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are good source of fat. They can be found in a variety of fish, nuts, flaxseed, and canola oil. You can also take supplements including fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids help to fight inflammation and protect the heart.
• Dark Chocolate: Just because you’re eating healthier does not mean you have to ward off all sweets. Eating a small amount of dark chocolate each day can cut the risk of heart disease.
• Whole Grains: Avoid processed white flours and choose whole grains instead. Oatmeal and brown rice can be good options as well as pastas, bread, and other baked goods main with whole grain. Whole grains can also be a good source of fiber.
• Low Fat: Limit the amount of saturated fat in your diet. Try to consume poly- or monounsaturated fats instead.  Choose lean means and low-fat dairy products. You can still eat meat, just select healthier cuts and stick to recommended serving sizes.
• Red Wine: In moderation, red wine can boost heart health and protect arteries. One five-ounce glass per day is plenty. Drinking more than this can lead to other health problems.

Try to shop around the outer perimeter of the grocery store where the fresh foods are located. Replacing processed meals with healthier versions containing fresh ingredients can support heart health. Pay attention to your sodium and cholesterol intake as well. Offer to take your senior shopping to help them make good choices and find the foods they are looking for. If you are unavailable, consider an in-home care provider that can take your senior to the store and help with light meal preparations. Having a wide variety of healthy options can cut back on unhealthy choices and promote better heart health.

Re-Evaluating Senior Care & Planning for the New Year

Many people use the New Year as a time to make changes and start fresh. It is a time of reflection and re-evaluation. This can also apply to caring for your senior. As you organize other parts of your life, take some time to review the care your senior is receiving and determine if it is still adequately meeting their needs. If you just saw them for the holidays, consider how things have changed over the past year and what areas you may have noticed them struggling in.

Check in on things such as:

• Health – have any new conditions developed or have others gotten worse or improved?
• Mobility – are they still able to maneuver as well as before? Are they steady on their feet or having trouble getting up and down? Maybe their fine motor skills have decreased due to arthritis or they are recovering from surgery or injury.
• Memory – are they becoming more forgetful or disoriented? Do they remember to take their medications as prescribed? Can they still follow directions, complete tasks, and get to and fro with little struggle?

These are all areas to pay attention to that can impact their independence and safety. Living alone can pose a risk if they are prone to falling, do not remember to take their medications, tend to wander, or have health concerns that need regular monitoring.

If you do notice these things, it may be time to consider in-home care services, or to adjust the amount of care that they are already receiving. An in-home care provider can help with basic tasks of daily living such as light cleaning and meal preparation, medication reminders, assistance with shopping and traveling, and provide daily companionship. They make it possible for your senior to maintain their independence as much as possible while receiving the support they need for higher quality of life and safety and better health.

The New Year can also be a great time to review finances and legal documents to ensure everything is in order. It is better to have these things worked out before your loved one’s health or memory declines and they are unable to effectively communicate their wishes. Make sure that their finances are still being used most effectively, their medical wishes are documented, and the proper insurance is in place to help cover expenses.

Start the year off on the right foot by ensuring that your aging parent is well cared for and all of their needs are being met. It is encouraged to review their care periodically and reassess their needs, but the New Year can be a good time to get the process started. If you do find that they need additional support or care, consider in-home care or assisted living placement through Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville.

Modifications to Help your Senior Cope with Vision Problems

If your aging parent struggles with vision problems, it can make daily activities more challenging. They may have difficulty reading directions, finding items, staying organized, navigating around the home, and carrying out other functions. Trouble seeing can also pose a safety risk if they are living alone. Making some modifications around the home can help them to feel more confident and comfortable as well as improve safety.

• Improved Lighting

Replace any burnt out lightbulbs with fresh ones and consider adding additional lighting in hallways, staircases, bathrooms, and other poorly lit areas. This can make navigating easier. Installing reading lights can also be beneficial for when your senior is reading, doing puzzles, or writing.

• De-Clutter

Make sure that walkways are clear so that there is reduced risk of tripping or stumbling. Remove clutter from the floor and countertops and return things to their proper place. This can make them easier to find later and reduce confusion. Tuck cords away and ensure that rugs, carpets, and tiles do not have curled edges that can lead to falls.

• Buy Large Print Materials

Sometimes something as simple as large print books or remotes can be beneficial. The bigger letters and numbers are easier to see and can decrease frustration. Your senior can continue to enjoy these activities on their own with less stress. A magnifying glass can also help when large print items are not available. Make sure when leaving notes or instructions that they are written in dark in and larger script.

• Create Contrast with Colors

Add colored tape to the handles or borders of objects to make them easier to see and identify. Combine dark and light colors for more visible variation, such as a dark colored pillow or blanket on a white bedspread, or laying a dark towel over the side of the white bathtub. Try to avoid highly patterned materials for tablecloths, placemats, rugs, and decorations. Stick with things that are more simple and easier on the eyes. This can make it easier for your senior to find things. Use reflective or colored tape at the edge of stairs to make them stand out more.

Pay attention to things that your senior seems to struggle with and look for creative ways to make these tasks easier. Oftentimes there are relatively simple solutions. If you do find that they need more assistance, consider the services of an in-home care company or assisted living community. These professionals can help to provide a safer environment and support your senior as necessary with various tasks while still allowing them to be as independent as possible. Vision problems do not have to stand in the way of your loved one continuing to do the things they enjoy and taking care of themselves.

When Does Your Senior Parent Need More Assistance?

When a parent prefers to age in place, there are many things you can do to help support them and make living at home as easy as possible. One of those things is to look for signs that they may need additional assistance or in-home care. As parents age and live on their own, they may begin to face new mobility and medical issues that make it more difficult to perform daily activities. 

But there are some easy-to-spot signs that can help you identify their changing needs. When it comes to home care, Asheville families can start by looking for these common signals, so they can act fast and offer support to help their parents in any way they need. Here are some signs that your parents might benefit from additional assistance around their house.

The home is more cluttered than usual. If your parents tend to keep a clean home but suddenly it has become more disorganized, this might be a warning sign. They could begin to lose interest in keeping up a neat house, which is an especially important signal if your parent has always been orderly.

Missing appointments. Not being able to access proper transportation, or being unable to drive might lead an elderly loved one to miss important appointments. They may need assistance in getting to and from medical visits, social gatherings, or other meet-ups that are important to them and their health.

Reduced hygiene. Unkempt hair, long finger nails, poor dental care, body odor, or wearing the same clothes without washing could be signs that your loved one is having difficulty maintaining their hygiene. They could be afraid of falling in a tub or shower, or painful joints might make it difficult to open soap bottles. 

Bills or mail is piling up. The act of opening or filing mail might become too overwhelming, or paying bills on time has become difficult. Over time, managing a bank account could also become too much for an elderly loved one to handle. Take note if mail seems unusually disorganized.

Food in the home is spoiled or left uneaten. Cooking, cleaning, or shopping could become difficult to do. Painful joints, impaired driving, or weakened vision could all make it more challenging to do these tasks. Food could be forgotten about, not taken care of properly, or uneaten food might signal a poor appetite. 

Scorched pans or pots. Short-term memory loss could make it easy to forget about food on the stove. This could be a warning sign that your loved one is having difficulty remembering things; it could also be a dangerous fire hazard. 

Unusual behavior. Consider if neighbors have noticed anything unusual about your loved one. For example, he or she might be dressing inappropriately for the seasonal weather. Uncharacteristic behavior might signal confusion and that your parent could benefit from some extra help around the house. 

Not addressing home maintenance needs. A parent might not recognize the need to fix a problem, like a leaky pipe or a broken door. Even if they acknowledge the problem, they may not call to schedule repairs. Look for unkempt lawns, old trash piling up, or piled up mail outside the home. 

If any of these signs are present, consider if your parent would enjoy having some extra help around the home. When providing elder care, Asheville families should start by heeding these signals and finding ways to help their parents get around more easily and safely by offering more comprehensive assistance. 

Safety Goals to Focus on in the New Year

While many people are committing themselves to an exercise regimen or an improved diet as 2014 rolls around, those who care for elderly individuals often have different priorities in mind. When it comes to home care, the professionals of Always Best Care Asheville-Hendersonville explain that safety should remain a priority. In fact, the new year is a great time to re-evaluate the safety of your loved one’s home, allowing you to make necessary changes to protect them.

Safety priorities

As you begin to analyze your elderly loved one’s home, home care professionals advise focusing on the following areas:

• Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they’re working properly
• Ensure that there is a fire extinguisher readily accessible
• Verify that your senior has a well established emergency escape plan in the event of a fire or other unexpected situation
• Make sure that fireplaces are outfitted with protective screens
• Verify that the home is properly lit, and check to make sure that bulbs haven’t burnt out near walkways, porches, and outside stairways

Taking care of hazards around the home

Senior care professionals explain that it is important for a caregiver to address any hazards that may exist in an elderly individual’s living space. To do this, attend to the following:

• Eliminate raised doorway thresholds
• Get rid of clutter, particularly if it is on the floor where your senior could trip on it
• Attend to loose carpet that could become a tripping hazard
• Use nonskid floor wax
• Shift furniture and electrical cords so that they are not lying where people are walking
• Add sturdy handrails to stairs
• Install nightlights in hallways and bathrooms
• Make sure that the property is cared for, and that snow and ice are taken care of regularly

Bathrooms are another common place where slips and falls occur. To make sure that your senior stays safe in the bathroom, focus on the following:

• Install shower chairs or bath benches for a safer bathing experience
• Put grab handles into place in bathrooms
• Make sure the tub is outfitted with nonskid mats
• Encourage your senior to get into the shower by putting their weaker leg in first, and suggest that they exit by placing their stronger leg first.

Regardless of your senior’s level of independence, it is always wise to put safety measures in place to prevent accidents from happening as they attend to daily tasks.

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer and Your Elderly Loved One

Knowing the facts about breast cancer is an essential part of understanding senior health. While women of all ages are vulnerable to breast cancer, elderly individuals are particularly at risk. In fact, an article asserts that 80 percent of all breast cancer occurs in women over 50, and 60 percent is found in women over 65. A woman’s odds of contracting breast cancer in her 30s is 1 in 233, but this jumps to one in eight when a woman reaches her 80s. For this reason, families and their elderly loved ones should have a good understanding about breast cancer, including effective treatments and the necessity behind regular screenings.

Once an elderly patient is diagnosed with cancer, doctors will work to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan to prevent the disease from spreading. The treatment regimen will vary depending on the stage of the cancer and the number of malignant cells. The four major treatment options that are most commonly used include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy

Fortunately, early detection and regular screenings can work to ensure that the patient learns about their cancer right away, thus allowing them to start on the right course of treatment as soon as possible. However, regular screenings can become a challenge for an elderly individual who may have limited mobility. In this case, families of elderly loved ones should consider hiring an eldercare professional who can help make sure that the senior gets to their appointments without a problem. They can also lend a hand when it comes to getting any necessary medications. Senior care professionals become an important partner for that elderly individual and their family, ensuring that medical needs are met and that the senior is able to be proactive about their health.

While senior care professionals can prove tremendously helpful for a family and their elderly loved one, family members have to continue to take an active role in protecting their senior’s health. In the event that the patient does receive a cancer diagnosis, the family should sit down for a meeting with the doctors who will be providing treatment. They should carefully go over the treatment plan, and be sure that the necessary steps are being taken to get that elderly individual well once again.

Hearing Aid Assistance for Seniors

Photo credit: birminghammag on Flickr.

With World Hearing Aid Awareness Week just around the corner (September 29 through October 5), it’s important to take a moment to understand just how integral it is that seniors have access to the resources they need to keep their hearing at the highest level possible. With regard to senior health, hearing is one of the senses that is most frequently lost or weakened during the aging process. As such, eldercare professionals in Hendersonville and Waynesville urge you to understand how you can help your elderly loved one to get the best care pertaining to their hearing possible.

Individuals who provide eldercare, Always Best Care Asheville professionals included, serve as a lifeline of sorts between seniors and the healthcare they need to stay in optimal shape. Below are a few things to keep in mind when celebrating Hearing Aid Awareness Week—and to remember as you care for your elderly loved one.

1. Hearing loss can make seniors feel disoriented and cause them to become frustrated, as they have difficultly communicating. For many elderly individuals it is hard to admit that they are suffering from hearing loss, so it is important to schedule an appointment for your loved one if you believe they may be experiencing this issue. 
2. Getting used to a hearing aid takes time, and the process of getting a hearing aid and using it can be intimidating to some people. Make sure that you remain patient with your loved one and that you take the time necessary to help them adjust to their hearing aid while providing them with the instruction they need to use it properly. 
3. Keep in communication with your elderly loved one’s doctor. It is important that your senior has a support network that is there to help them through this experience. By keeping up with information regarding your loved one’s condition, you can better support them and their needs as they transition to the use of a hearing aid. 

Getting a hearing aid is something that greatly improves the quality of life for seniors who have hearing impairment. To celebrate Hearing Aid Awareness Week, why not schedule a hearing screening for your senior to make sure that they have access to the support they need?

Four Steps to Successful Medication Management

Medication management is a very important responsibility. As a caregiver, you must ensure that your elderly loved one takes the right medication, in the right dose, at the right time each and every day. This can become an overwhelming task—especially if your senior has a variety of prescriptions. Although it is a big undertaking, successful medication management does not have to be too complicated.
In fact, simplifying the process is the best way to ensure that you succeed in providing the quality medication management that your loved one deserves. Here are four ways to make this task easier and more successful.

1. Fill all medications at the same pharmacy. Building a relationship with the pharmacist will allow you to feel comfortable asking any questions that may arise. Furthermore, your pharmacist may be able to catch incompatible prescriptions before your loved one begins taking the latest medication recommended by their doctor. Because seniors often have a variety of doctors on their side, this is an incredibly important aspect of proper medication management.
2. Keep all of the literature about your elderly loved one’s medications in one, easy to access location. With this bundle of literature, keep any notes that you take while speaking to the doctor or pharmacist.
3. Go with your senior to the doctor’s office if they are comfortable with you doing so. When a new medication is prescribed, ask the doctor any questions that both you and your loved one may have. By the time you leave the office, you should both understand why the medicine was prescribed, its intended effect, possible side effects, and how soon it should start working.
4. Maintain a list of all of the medications your elderly loved one is taking and when they are to be administered. Include the proper dosages. Additionally, mark each time you give your senior their prescription on a calendar or in a notepad so that you can document when they took each medication.

As you manage your senior’s medication, remember to monitor your loved one for any side effects or adverse reactions. Keen observation paired with these four tips will help you manage your loved one’s medication successfully.

Alzheimer's Care Asheville: Nine Foods to Help Prevent Dementia

By Jim Smeaton
Alzheimer's Care Asheville...A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association says that one out of three seniors die with Alzheimer’s, although that is not necessarily the cause of death. While research is still ongoing about how to stave off Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, some research suggests that certain foods may help protect against mental decline and even prevent brain-wasting diseases. Alzheimer’s is identified with inflammation, so the thinking is that foods with anti-inflammatory properties may be able to delay age-related cognitive disorders. Nine commonly available foods could help prevent mental deterioration, and they even taste good. 1. Dark chocolate. Studies show that the flavonoids in cocoa increase blood flow to the brain and may help to protect against conditions that reduce cerebral blood flow, such as dementia and stroke.

2. Red wine. Drinking wine in moderation can protect cognitive function and decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This is due to the high levels of flavonoids and possibly other polyphenolics such as resveratrol in red wine.

3. Clams. It’s thought that when vitamin B12 levels are low, blood levels of homocysteine will raise, significantly increasing the risk for dementia, heart attack and other ailments. Clams contain 98.9 micrograms of vitamin B12 in just a 100-gram serving, or 1,648 percent of the recommended dietary allowance.

4. Asparagus. One study found that individuals who were deficient in folate, a form of vitamin B9, were 3.5 times more likely to develop dementia. One cup of asparagus will take care of nearly 66 percent of your daily folate needs.

5. Wild salmon. According to one study, an average of three servings of oily fish a week adds up to an almost 50 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The reason is the omega-3 fatty acid and other nutrients such as vitamin D and B12 can help to prevent neurodegenerative disorders.

6. Walnuts. In moderation, walnuts were found to help improve motor and cognitive skills in older rodents, due, it is believed, to a combination of polyphenols, omega-3 fats and other bioactive substances.

7. Cherries. The antioxidant compounds, anthocyanins, which give cherries their bright red color, possess anti-inflammatory properties that could work like pain medications but without the nasty side effects.

8. Turmeric. A study found that curcumin in turmeric, commonly used in curry dishes, removes plaques from the brain. Plaques are thought to contribute to the degradation of brain cells and lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Apples. The skins of apples contain quercetin, found to protect the brain from damages associated with Alzheimer’s disease, in studies conducted by Cornell University.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC  know that taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one. 

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.

Adapted from the Conscious Life.

Benefits of a Good Night's Sleep

By Jim Smeaton
You’re having a hard time falling asleep at night. What’s the most effective action to take?

• Enjoy a meal before bedtime
• Fall asleep in front of the TV
• Exercise at night

The answer is none of the above. Both eating and exercise will energize your body and TV provides an artificial light source that can suppress your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy. Computers and backlit portable electronic devices (such as an iPad) cause the same problem. If you want to read before going to bed, use an e-reader that is not backlit or an old-fashioned paper book.

Most studies conclude that seniors need the same amount of sleep—seven to nine hours a night—as the rest of the adult population. However, because seniors experience more disruptions during the night, whether from going to the bathroom, experiencing arthritis pain or being more sensitive to light and noise, you may rarely get a deep, restful sleep.

Tips for Improving Sleep Get more sunlight. Daylight helps promote the sleep/wake cycle by regulating melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy. Experts recommend at least two hours of sunlight daily, including keeping curtains open during the day and sitting near windows. Limit caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, especially near bedtime. As stimulants, they will interfere with your quality of sleep. Avoid artificial lights, such as TV and computers, at night. Such light can suppress your body’s production of melatonin. Use low-wattage bulbs if possible. Create a calm environment for sleeping—one that is dark and quiet. If needed, consider a bedside fan or white-noise machine to block out loud sounds. Go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, even on weekends. Relax before bedtime. Take a bath, read (though preferably not in bed) or listen to music. Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, can help you relax. Avoid long naps, particularly in the late afternoon or evening. Keep a sleep diary to identify your sleep habits and patterns, which you can share with your doctor. Do not eat or drink, especially rich or spicy foods, too close to bedtime.

Health Issues from Lack of Sleep

Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in adults age 60 and older, according to the National Institute on Aging. Some people have a hard time falling asleep, while others wake up several times during the night, but people with insomnia suffer in both ways.

Many seniors suffer from insomnia, and this lack of sleep can cause memory problems for older individuals. A new research study of 33 participants found that seniors get less deep sleep than the younger generation, which is linked to less reliable memory (“Lighter Sleep May Dull Memory Skills in Seniors,” HealthDay News, Jan. 27, 2013). Findings showed that when compared with younger individuals, seniors were more than 50 percent less able to remember new information after sleeping.

As you age, your body produces lower growth-hormone levels, which means a decrease in slow-wave or deep sleep. Apparently, deep sleep consolidates memories after learning, and without it, we’re more apt to not remember. Because the study entails such a small group, it’s not definitive, and more work will need to be done to solidify the connection between sleep and memory.

Sleep also allows your body to repair daily cell damage and strengthens your immune system (Helpguide). The list of potential ills from not sleeping well is long: depression, attention and memory problems, nighttime falls, more sensitivity to pain and more use of sleeping aids, which should only be used on a short-term basis because they can ultimately contribute to insomnia and increase the risk of serious health issues.

Reasons Why Seniors Don’t Get Enough Sleep

"Insomnia is more common for seniors, partly because of health issues, partly because of the anxiety and the concerns of aging, and sometimes because of medication," says Jack Gardner, a neurologist certified in sleep medicine at the Sleep Center at Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie, Texas (quoted in “Do Seniors Need Less Sleep?,” WebMD the Magazine). Pain and sickness can disrupt sleep, as can many health conditions common in older people, such as a frequent urination, arthritis, asthma, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, nighttime heartburn, menopause and Alzheimer's.

One big problem is sleep apnea, which causes short pauses in breathing while sleeping. If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to other problems such as high blood pressure, stroke or memory loss. If you find yourself gasping for air or being told you snore, you should contact your doctor for a sleep apnea check.

Movement disorders also impede sleep. Restless legs syndrome causes feelings of tingling or crawling in one or both legs, while periodic limb movement disorder causes people to jerk and kick their legs every 20 to 40 seconds. Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder can cause your muscles to move. All three are disruptive to sleep, so check with your doctor to discuss treatment options.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Older adults are more prone to something called advanced sleep phase syndrome, which causes the body's internal clock to adjust to earlier bedtimes and wakeup times. Maybe you remember staying up past midnight years ago but now find yourself nodding off on the couch every night by 9 p.m. The best advice from sleep experts is: Don’t fight it, because if you do, you’ll find yourself unable to sleep through the night. One potential aid to help you stay awake later is bright light therapy, which can fool the body into thinking it’s earlier.

In fact, light exposure is a big factor in getting a good night’s sleep. One research study linked light exposure at the wrong times of day to various health problems, including sleep disorders. This is why sleep experts advise turning off the TV and computer at least one hour before bed and using low-wattage bulbs where safe to do so. One study of adults over 65 found that 13 percent of men and 36 percent of women take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, possibly due to excessive light exposure.

Medications can also impair sleep because drug combinations or side effects can be stimulating. With your doctor’s help, you might be able to adjust when you take certain medications.

Stress, depression and other psychological disorders can interfere with our ability to sleep, and seniors experience these disorders more than younger adults. Significant life changes such as the death of a loved one or moving from a family home can cause stress. Anxiety or sadness can also keep you awake, which can, in turn, cause more anxiety or depression. Researchers have noted that people without major medical or psychiatric illnesses report better sleep.

There are many ways to improve your sleep (see sidebar). Perhaps one of the most important is getting enough exercise, although not close to bedtime. A study by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University found that aerobic exercise resulted in the most dramatic improvement in sleep as reported by middle-aged and older adults who had problems with insomnia. Not only did the patients report longer and better quality of sleep, they also reported less depression, more vitality and less sleepiness during the day (“Insomnia in Older Adults: Tips for Sleeping Better as You Age,” Helpguide).

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC  know that taking care of a senior loved one is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family  get the most out of the time they have with their loved one. 

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.

Sources:
National Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/insomnia-and-sleep
National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/good-nights-sleep
HealthDay News, MedlinePlus, National Institutes of Health, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_133479.html
Caring.com, www.caring.com/articles/exercise-and-sleep
WebMD, www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/do-seniors-need-less-sleep
Helpguide.org, www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_aging.htm

Elder Care In Asheville - Prognosis for Parkinson's Disease

By Jim Smeaton
Elder care in Asheville often deals with Parkinson's disease, a progressive condition that affects the brain. Over time, it` causes tremors, mobility challenges, and difficulty moving and maintaining coordination. For this reason, it is important for caregivers to plan ahead when providing elder care for individuals who have this illness.

Understanding the Life of an Individual with Parkinson's Disease
The first thing that caregivers need to remember when looking ahead is that Parkinson's disease is progressive. This means that it gets worse over time. Each individual experiences the condition in a different way, meaning that it intensifies in some cases very quickly and more slowly in others. While there is no way to pinpoint exactly how the illness will unfold, it is essential that individuals who are providing home care for seniors with this condition understand that it will, in time, get worse.

Treatment Options: Managing the Disease
While there is no known cure for Parkinson's disease as of yet, caregivers should stay optimistic. Many treatment options have been devised to improve the quality of life that individuals who have this condition experience. Through these treatment plans, people with Parkinson's disease are able to manage their symptoms and continue to live their lives to the fullest.

Maintaining communication with healthcare professionals is important for caregivers who are looking ahead. If an elderly individual's condition worsens, caregivers need to know when to institute a higher degree of assistance.

Planning for the Unforeseeable
It may seem counterintuitive to plan ahead when doctors cannot pinpoint the challenges that a patient with Parkinson's disease will encounter. While there is no way to create concrete care plans, caregivers can devise flexible reaction plans to events that may unfold. For instance, individuals can start researching the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and determine at which stage they will need to call in home care professionals. Likewise, they can speak with their senior and the rest of their family to determine when to look at nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

The prognosis of Parkinson's disease is difficult to pinpoint, as it progresses at a different rate for each person. However, understanding the challenges that the disease may present will allow caregivers to plan ahead and, ultimately, provide better support to loved ones.

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.