Benefits of Walking Aids for Seniors

Your older family member or friend may prefer to age in place or continue to retain their independence as they age. One great way to help them do so is to assist your loved one in finding a mobility aid that suits their individual needs. It can help them stay more mobile and continue to walk. This is important, as walking is one of the most basic and powerful ways to add healthy physical activity to any lifestyle. It is relaxing, low impact, and can be done virtually anywhere. Walking helps your loved one to control their blood sugar level, improve cardiovascular endurance, and even burn calories to assist in weight management. When providing care for elderly relatives or friends, consider these benefits of using a mobility aid to improve their quality of life. 

Back and Joint Health. Using aids, like a cane or walker, can help redistribute bodyweight. This prevents putting too much weight on the back, hips, or knees. It moves body mass from the back and lower body and supports it through the arms and the walking aid. In turn, pressure is relieved from joints and muscles, which is especially helpful if your loved one has back problems or arthritis. These aids can also help promote good posture, especially in the upper back. Using good posture can redistribute body mass more evenly, which can lower the risk of injury and facilitate better back health.

Enhanced Stability and Balance. Walking on uneven surfaces or navigating around obstacles can make it difficult for your elderly loved one to keep their balance. When going up hill, or walking on loose gravel or dirt, your family member or friend needs sufficient support for both balance and stability. A walker, cane, or other mobility aid can stabilize the body and reduce the risk of falling or slipping. Even more, it can help make walking on inclines much easier by providing balance. This is especially important if your loved one becomes fatigued and their muscle strength is reduced. 

Increased Mobility and Independence. Mobility aids can help increase your loved one’s own mobility and independence by making it easier to move around and conduct daily activities. It can improve their balance, reduce stress on the body, and alleviate joint pain. Many older adults use these devices to move around more freely and in turn, they enjoy increased confidence. By minimizing the weight put on legs, knees, the back, ankles, or the hips, your loved one will feel less tired and more energized in everyday activities, chores, and hobbies. 

Common Mobility Aid Choices

Depending on your loved one’s individual needs, they may need a walker, a quad cane, a single-point cane or other mobility aid. Consider their own personal lifestyle and talk with them and their doctor to help find the best choice for their personality, needs, and abilities. 

Single-Point Cane. This cane provides a low level of extra support and can alleviate discomfort. It lends support to the leg, but is not the best option when weight needs to be altogether removed from a leg, knee, hip, or ankle.

Quad Cane. A quad cane provides more stability than what a single-point cane could deliver. However, it is not the best choice for someone who needs more comprehensive support. It is a fairly mid-grade choice in terms of the level of support it offers.

Walker. This common mobility aid provides the most support, but it is more cumbersome than a traditional cane or quad cane. But, a walker is especially helpful for those with limited upper body strength or reduced balance.

When providing home care to your loved one, consider the ways that a mobility aid could improve their daily life. Senior care means taking your loved one’s individual needs and preferences into account, and working with them to discover the best solutions for their personal situations. In turn, you can work together to help your loved one maintain their independence, improve their confidence, and even enhance their quality of life.  

Tips for Incontinence Care while Traveling

Summer is prime time for taking a vacation with the whole family. But what if your older loved one copes with incontinence? There are lots of ways you can help make the trip easier on your elderly parent or friend. And with a little preparation, they can enjoy the trip to its fullest. When it comes to care for elderly loved ones, children or friends need to take special needs into consideration. Here are some great ways to make traveling with incontinence easier, so your loved one can vacation without the worry.

Bladder Training

Consider introducing your elderly loved one to bladder training practices. Consider having him or her talk with their physician about tips and methods. Some common techniques include:

Practicing timed voiding. This refers to visiting the bathroom at a certain time, rather than when the body says to “go.” Your loved one might try visiting the restroom whenever possible, and at certain hours of the day, whether or not they feel like they have to eliminate then and there. 

Practice Kegels. By strengthening the pelvic muscles through Kegel exercises, your older loved one can work to prevent urine leakage. These exercises are effective for both men and women, and they can be done virtually anywhere. They involve tightening the muscles used to start and end urine flow for a few seconds, then relaxing for another few seconds. 

Stop and think. An overactive bladder comes with the sudden onset of feeling like you have to urinate. There is a natural tendency for people to immediately rush to the bathroom. Rather than giving in, your older loved one might be able to pause and focus on what they are really feeling. By focusing and practicing a few pelvic floor contractions, people often feel a reduced need to go to the bathroom, giving them more time to reach the restroom without worry. This is especially helpful while on long car trips, when a bathroom is not readily accessible. 

Medications

Certain prescriptions may help control the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Doctors could prescribe certain drugs that alleviate symptoms, but they do not cure the condition. When providing care for seniors prior to a trip, consider offering to visit their doctor with them. Learn more about these medications, and if they could help make the vacation easier on your loved one. However, these medications can take approximately two weeks to become highly effective, so the prescription regimen should begin before the vacation. 

Proper Supplies

Even with prevention techniques and medication, it is also a good idea to bring the right supplies in the event of an accident. Pack absorbent pads and a plastic bag to hold soiled clothing or used pads. Always pack away extra pairs of clean undergarments and clothes, too.

Choose Foods and Beverages Carefully

Some foods or drinks can irritate the condition. Providing personal elder care is a very individual task, and it is important to work with your loved one to discover what foods or drinks exacerbate the problem. During a trip, avoid stopping at restaurants that specialize in such goods, and try to find refreshments that work for everyone on the vacation. 

Even more, avoiding water and beverages in hopes of reducing the need to urinate could actually backfire. Dehydration makes urine much more concentrated, which could irritate the bladder lining and even trigger spasms. Rather than skipping water, be sure your loved one stays hydrated to reduce this risk, too. 

Taking a vacation should be fun for the whole family. By preparing in advance and working with your older family member or friend to find what works best for them, you can make them more comfortable and create an environment that everyone will enjoy.

The Surprising Link Between Berries and Alzheimer’s

Free radicals and inflammation could increase the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. But, research has shown that berries can help reduce the risk or delay the onset of such conditions. And since the summer season is in full swing, now is a great time to head out to the farmers’ market or produce section of your local grocery store to stock up. 

Providing care for elderly family members begins with setting them up for success. Start by making sure they eat lots of whole, natural foods like berries, because research shows that this can make a big difference. 

The Best Berries to Fight Free Radicals

When providing dementia care, Cedar Falls families should consider the devastating effects of free radicals on mental health. Experts correlate these elements with declined cognitive function. Help your older loved one fight off free radicals with these powerful berries. 

Acai Berry. This is a dark purple berry that is rich in antioxidants. Experts suggest the berry could help reduce the destructive nature of free radicals, too. Acai berries are packed with minerals and vitamins, and they can even help promote heart health and prevent blood clots, too. They can also support blood circulation and even stunt the aging process.

Blueberry. This common berry is a great source of antioxidants. In fact, recent research has shown that eating enough blueberries and strawberries can reduce the onset of dementia by a full two and a half years. The berry also provides a variety of vitamins and minerals such as K and C, as well as manganese. The vitamin B found in blueberries helps support energy and can work to fight off free radicals, too. 

Cranberry. The cranberry is known to help prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract and stomach lining. It can also help promote eye and heart health, too. Because it is so rich in antioxidants, the cranberry is also a powerful tool in warding off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well. 

Goji Berry. Thanks to its immune boosting properties, the goji berry can do wonders for promoting overall health. It can also help protect the retina for overall eye health, and improve liver and kidney function. And since this berry is also rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it is a must-have berry when eating to prevent dementia. 

Why Berries Can Help Prevent Alzheimer’s

Strawberries and blueberries are two of many berries that are incredibly rich in flavanoids and antioxidants. They also possess a multitude of anti-inflammatory and free radical fighting properties. Because science has suggested that inflammation and stress can lead to the development of dementia, these attributes make berries an important part of senior care and dementia prevention. 

One study followed approximately 16,000 women over the age of 70 to monitor their mental health. The results showed that those who consumed the most strawberries and blueberries delayed mental decline by up to two and a half years. 

When supporting your older loved one and helping them be the healthiest version of themselves, consider looking to berries this summer. They are a readily available resource, just waiting to be enjoyed. 

Perfect Mother’s Day Gifts For Your Senior

Since Mother’s Day is almost here, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect present for your senior. From the useful to the heartfelt, there are a number of different options that will leave your mom thrilled on this special holiday. Some popular Mother’s Day gift choices this year include:

Soft blankets or throws

No matter the season, you can never go wrong with a soft, comfortable blanket or throw. Quilters can make one on their own, or you can create a customized photo blanket using sites like Shutterfly. These personal gifts have sentimental value, while also fulfilling a practical purpose. Those who care for seniors explain that a multi-faceted gift like this is often the best option for holiday gift giving.

A tablet or an iPad

If your elderly loved one is into gadgets, try getting them a tablet or an iPad. They can use the device for many different activities, including reading, catching up with grandkids, keeping track of doctors’ appointments, or playing games to exercise the brain. 

A scrapbooking kit

Your senior has worked to build a lifetime of memories, and a scrapbook can help to compile these milestones and happy times into one place. Those who care for elderly individuals explain that your mom will love sorting through old pictures, ticket stubs, programs, and other small items as she looks back fondly on these memories. The two of you can work together to create a personal and fun scrapbook that makes it easy to reflect on and enjoy these experiences once again.

A gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure

Take care of your mom’s physical appearance and leave her feeling refreshed and re-energized by giving her a gift certificate for a manicure or a pedicure, or both. This mini spa day will create a relaxing bonding experience, and will help to boost her self-confidence. 

Develop a personalized gift basket

If you’re looking to get creative this Mother’s Day, try building a customized gift basket for your elderly loved one. You can make it food-based and include her favorite cheeses, snacks, and candy, or you can create a basket that she can use to pamper herself with using lotions, perfume, soft slippers, and bath soap.  You don’t have to spend a lot on Mother’s Day to give a present that your mom will love. Think about her favorite things and activities that you enjoy doing together, and then plan a gift that incorporates these ideas. 

The Most Common Infections in Seniors

While various types of infections can happen to anyone, as your senior ages and their body changes, they become more at risk for these kinds of illnesses. In order to preserve your elderly loved one’s good health, it’s important to understand the kinds of infections to which they are most susceptible. Senior health experts explain that the following infections are commonly seen in elderly people:

Urinary Tract Infections

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) states that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infection in seniors. UTI risks are heightened for seniors who must use catheters. While your elderly loved one may experience pain or discomfort at the onset of a UTI, the infection doesn’t always show itself physically. Look for sudden changes in behavior, or urinary incontinence, too. If you suspect your elderly parent is dealing with a UTI, encourage them to drink plenty of water and see a physician right away.

Skin infections

Skin infections are another common senior health issue. For those who care for elderly loved ones, it’s important to remain aware of these kinds of health issues. The good news is that most skin infections in seniors are highly treatable, though they do require attention from a trained medical professional. To fight off such infections, encourage proper hand washing and make sure that your senior gets a shingles vaccine.

Bacterial pneumonia

The AAFP explains that 60 percent of seniors over 65 are admitted into the hospital as a result of pneumonia. Changes in lung capacity and increased exposure to disease up an elderly individual’s chances of contracting the disease. Understand that fever, chills, and cough often don’t come along with pneumonia in seniors. Instead, be on the lookout for symptoms like weakness, confusion, and delirium. Bacterial pneumonia can often be treated with antibiotics, but it’s important to take action right away.

Gastrointestinal infections

As the body changes with age, a person becomes more at risk for gastrointestinal infections. Two of the most common infections are Helicobacter pylori and Clostridium difficle. Symptoms of these conditions often include nausea, upper abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea. These infections become increasingly common in long-term care facilities, making vigilance important. 

Stress Relief Tips for Caregivers

Constant caregiving, while important, can take a serious toll on the person attending to their loved one’s needs. Many caretakers end up neglecting their own health as they make sure that their senior is physically and mentally well. While caretaking can become stressful, there are a few strategies that a person can use to relax without neglecting their duties.

Don’t focus on what you can’t provide

Many caregivers continually beat themselves up, striving for perfection and feeling disappointed when they can’t achieve it. Remember that the house doesn’t need to be perfectly clean at all times, and no one will mind eating leftovers. As long as your senior is clean, taking their medication, and receiving proper nutrition, that’s all that matters. There is no need to strive for perfection as a caregiver.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

When it comes to care for seniors, there is no shame in asking for assistance. Many caregivers try to take on the full burden of the task on their own, and end up burning themselves out. If you’re trying to manage a career, a family, and your senior’s needs too, consider bringing in an elder care professional to help out. This greatly reduces stress, while ensuring that the senior still has everything they need to feel well.

Seek support

Providing care for elderly family members is not an easy task, and a person can quickly feel alienated if the people they interact with on a daily basis can’t relate to the situation they’re in. Because of this, many people find that support groups are a useful and healthy outlet for them. They allow that family member to share stories and strategies with other caregivers. Instead of feeling as if they’re the only one dealing with the responsibility of caring for an elderly loved one, they can commiserate with others going through a similar situation.

Focus on self-care

It’s important that a caregiver builds in time each day that is solely for themselves. Whether it’s time to read a book, take a yoga class, or have lunch with a friend, these physical and mental breaks are a key part of that individual’s mental health.

Focusing on self-care is a must for any caregiver. In many instances, the best way to do this is to rely on professional caregiving services. This way, there are no sacrifices made to the senior’s health, but the caregiver feels refreshed and re-energized. 

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.

Holiday Season Tips for Caregivers

As a home care provider for an elderly loved one, it’s normal to feel disappointment or frustration that certain traditions from years past can no longer be executed as your senior ages. However, there is no need to give up on making the season a joy-filled one. Here are some ways to ensure that the holiday season is an exciting time for your senior and your family.

Get them involved

The home care professionals of Always Best Care Asheville-Hendersonville explain that simply getting your senior involved is one of the best ways to make the holiday season a happy time. Even if your elderly loved one is not as mobile as they once were, there are plenty of ways to ensure that they get into the holiday spirit too. Holiday activities can easily be adapted to fit your loved one’s ability levels.

Have them help you polish the menorah, wrap presents, decorate the tree, or mail holiday cards. If they are unable to get fully involved in these activities, encourage them to keep you company as you do them. This allows them to enjoy the festivities, regardless of what they can or cannot do on their own. You can also read them holiday stories, or have them join you in singing Christmas carols.

Invite visitors, but don’t overwhelm your senior

If your elderly loved one is missing out on the fun of holiday parties this season, why not bring the party to them? It doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Serve traditional foods, play holiday music, and add decorations to their home. However, remember to approach the situation from your senior’s point of view. You may think that inviting the whole extended family over is a great way to cheer your senior up, but to them this may be confusing. If they have not seen some of the relatives in years and struggle to remember who they are, they may start to feel overwhelmed. For this reason, you’ll want to keep the guest list small and full of familiar faces.

In order to keep the experience pleasant for everyone involved, spend some time going over the guest list with your senior before company arrives. You may want to show them pictures of the people who will be coming, and remind them how they know this person. This can help them to feel more comfortable as unfamiliar people enter their home.

Lastly, flexibility is key when it comes to celebrating the holidays with your senior. Put plans into place, but don’t be afraid to change them if it becomes clear that your senior is feeling tired or overwhelmed.

The Best Gifts for Your Senior this Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls around, you’ll want to find a way to make sure that your senior feels loved and appreciated. There are many different gift options that an elderly individual would love to add to their collection. If you’re looking for a way to narrow down the list, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Fitness-focused gifts: Being sedentary is at the root of many major health problems among elderly individuals. Senior care professionals advise family members to invest in a fitness-focused gift that allows an elderly loved one to have fun while getting active. Though the Nintendo Wii is beloved by children, it can also benefit seniors as it presents a fun and manageable way to get moving. The system is affordable and provides a range of games that will fit your elderly loved one’s activity level and interests. Home care professionals explain that this is the perfect way to get your senior bowling or playing tennis, even if they’re not able to leave the house to pursue these activities anymore.
• Gifts that challenge the mind: The senior care professionals of Always Best Care of Asheville, Hendersonville, and Waynesville explain that keeping the mind sharp is another important aspect of helping a senior to age well. Numerous studies have illustrated that a person who regularly challenges their mind is less likely to experience Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. There are many different ways to go about doing this, from playing video games to doing crossword puzzles. If your elderly loved one adores numbers, buy them a book of Sudoku puzzles. If they’ve really embraced technology, invest in one of many different kinds of software that will allow them to enjoy a challenging round of game play on their computer.
• Tools that help a senior to keep safe: There are a number of attractive yet effective gifts for family members who are concerned about the safety of their elderly loved one. For instance, A Very Special Heart is a device that conceals a small USB device inside a beautiful charm. This USB tool holds information about your senior’s medical conditions, allergies, and daily medications. It’s an elegant piece of jewelry that serves a purpose.

Regardless of whether you want something practical or fun, there are plenty of options that will delight your senior as they unwrap their gifts during the holidays.

How to Navigate a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis with Your Senior

Prostate cancer is currently the most common form of cancer among elderly men, and has actually risen to become the second leading form of cancer in the Western world today.1  As seniors are living longer prostate cancer rates are rising, making it important for elderly individuals and their families to understand what this kind of cancer is and how it can be treated.

Eldercare professionals explain that prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease that begins in the prostate, though the cancer can end up spreading to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, in its very early stages, the condition typically does not show itself in easy-to-spot symptoms. Because it typically only displays when it has progressed, prostate cancer becomes especially dangerous. Some common signs of this kind of cancer to be on the lookout for include:

• The frequent urge to urinate
• Trouble stopping or starting when urinating
• The inability to urinate
• Pain during urination
• Blood in the urine

Senior care professionals note that these symptoms can also indicate other issues and may not necessarily be signs of cancer, but still require a visit to a doctor.

Though scientists are still researching the exact causes behind prostate cancer, there are several risk factors that may indicate whether a person is at risk for developing this disease. These risk factors are as follows:

• Family history
• Age (80 percent of cases occur after a person turns 60)
• Race (African Americans and Caucasians are most at risk)
• Obesity
• A high-fat diet
• A sedentary lifestyle

Should your elderly loved one receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, there are several different ways to proceed. A medical professional can offer insight on the most effective way to go about treating the disease. Such options include surgery, radiation, or hormonal therapy. Many people just assume that chemotherapy is the best course of action in order to preserve senior health, when in reality this strategy is typically only used once the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Compassion and empathy are necessary if your senior is going through prostate cancer treatment, particularly if they were already in declining health. Your elderly loved one may feel frustrated, and may lack the energy they once enjoyed. Understand that this is often the case, and do your best to provide support and assistance for your senior.

How to Know if Your Senior Qualifies for VA Benefits

If your senior served in the Armed Forces and was released under honorable conditions, then he or she may qualify for VA health care benefits. These benefits provide assistance for veterans and their dependents. They can often be a huge help for those who may otherwise struggle to pay for medical care. Here is some basic information to bear in mind if your elderly loved one served their country and could use assistance.

To be eligible, individuals must have served in the Armed Forces on a basis that meets current requirements. Both past and present members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called up to active duty and served their full term may also be eligible for VA health benefits. The vet must also have served at least one day during wartime in order to be eligible to receive care. These dates include:

For World War II: 12/7/1941 through 12/31/1946
Korean War: 6/27/1950 through 1/31/1955
Vietnam War: 8/5/1964 through 5/7/1975
Gulf War: From 8/2/1990 to a date that has not yet been determined by the government

For elderly veterans and their dependents, there are three different kinds of VA benefits that are available. The necessary level for your senior depends on the type of care that the elderly individual requires. The tiers are:

Basic pension: This provides cash assistance for low-income vets and their dependents. This is useful if your senior is healthy but has a very low amount of money coming in.

Housebound benefit: This tier of benefits allows a senior to get help with day to day activities that they may have trouble completing on a regular basis.

Aid and attendance: This tier refers to home care that is needed every day.

The home care professionals of Always Best Care Asheville remind you that eligibility for these benefits is “means tested,” meaning that only those who genuinely need this assistance will qualify. Benefits are determined based on a combination of income, assets, and needs. However, an elderly individual who may fall right on the border of financial eligibility should apply anyway, as many decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. In order to apply for these benefits, your senior should contact a VA health care facility using the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs as a resource.

Tips for Properly Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day

With Veterans Day quickly approaching, it’s important to take some time to think about how you’ll honor the veteran in your life. For seniors who served in the armed forces, this day is an important and poignant part of the year, and deserves proper recognition. If you’re looking for tips on paying your respects to the veterans in your community and in your home, think about using some of these strategies:

Display an American flag: This simple gesture won’t take much time, but helps to illustrate that your family supports those who have scarified for their country. You may even consider asking your senior who served to help you hang it.

Attend a Veterans Day parade: This is a fun way to celebrate your senior, as well as other veterans in your area.

Do something nice for a veteran: If you spot someone wearing an item that indicates that they have served in the Armed Forces, thank them for their service. A small gesture also has a meaningful impact on this special day. This could be as simple as buying a vet a cup of coffee when they’re in line behind you, or offering to pump their gas at the gas station. If you have more money to spend, consider picking up the tab for a veteran and their family.

Send a letter to troops overseas: Write a letter to a solider oversees thanking them for their service. For information on how to go about doing this, check out the U.S. Department of Defense website. You may also consider sending a care package with small personal items, sources of entertainment, and other items that may provide comfort to someone serving their country.

Visit with wounded veterans at a VA facility: Many veterans just want someone to talk to, so your presence can be extremely comforting, particularly on Veterans Day. Head to your local VA hospital and spend some time chatting with the men and women there.

There are plenty of other effective ways to honor someone who has served, too. You can spend time with the family of a person who’s currently overseas, or can bring flowers to a veterans’ cemetery in order to make it look more beautiful. These gestures may be small, but they’re much appreciated.

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?