All posts by Hillary Hollman

3 Signs of Elder Financial Abuse

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips, Long Term Care Options

A bank withdrawal that's not remembered, a change in investments, increasingly confusing personal accounting. Are these  just “senior” moments? Possibly. But they could also indicate somethings more sinister.

Elder financial abuse against those aged 65 or older constitutes 35 percent of all financial exploitation in the United States every year. Financial fraud can take many different forms - from blatant stealing of funds, to investments and phone scams, to identity theft - and for many seniors, a lack of knowledge about this exploitation and a lack of independent care makes them easy victims.

The following warning signs could indicate that something fishy is going on with your aging loved one’s finances.

1. Sudden changes in financial accounts - without your senior’s knowledge

The biggest and most obvious red flag signifying senior financial abuse is a sudden change in a financial account without your senior’s knowledge. This can take many forms, from large withdrawals that they don’t remember making to forged signatures that transfer account ownership.

Differentiating between the forgetfulness that accompanies dementia and the forgetfulness that could be putting your senior in danger isn’t always easy, but when in doubt, it’s better to assume caution. Sit down with your senior and examine finances together. If signatures look off or there have been uncharacteristic financial behaviors, take steps to secure your loved one’s assets. If it seems possible that it was a one-time strange occurrence, continue to regularly monitor their finances in case something more is amiss.

2. Questionable relationships

One of the most difficult aspects of senior financial fraud is facing the fact that 9 out of 10 cases are perpetrated by someone the senior knows and trusts, be it a family member, friend, long-time business partner, etc., and they typically fit a certain profile.

According to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine, "Perpetrators are most likely to be adult children or spouses, and they are more likely to be male, to have a history of past or current substance abuse, to have mental or physical health problems, to have a history of trouble with the police, to be socially isolated, to be unemployed or have financial problems, and to be experiencing major stress.”

Keep this in mind when thinking about the relationships in your loved one’s life. Although it is not easy to confront a longtime relation, it could be the key to saving your senior’s financial security.

3. Changes in investments

Most seniors use their investments to provide safe, secure income. However, brokers can change this preference to “trading,” without their clients’ knowledge, putting regular income at risk with the benefit of greater personal commission. Check in with your loved ones about their investments and ask if they’ve been promised unlikely financial gains from their stock portfolio, and request to see their investments and look for frequent or nonsensical changes. Also check to see how often their account statements have been coming in; irregular statements could be a sign of unscrupulous investors.

If you or your loved one are concerned about financial safety and would like guidance about what steps to take, our Client Care Liaisons can help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation and to talk to your Client Care Liaison for more information.

 

 

Preparing for Holidays with Elderly Parents

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips
home health care orlando

The holidays are here: winter has arrived and the celebrations of the season are upon us. For most of us, this is the busiest time of the year. With arranging travel, relatives coming and going, preparing food, shopping for gifts and decorating the house, there is very little time for checking on aging loved ones. Also, for many families, the holidays might mark the first time that they are visiting their elderly loved ones since the spring or summer months. These months tend to fly by when you’re in the throes of your personal and professional life, but for your elderly loved ones, those months can make a big, even critical difference in their health and overall condition.

Preparing for holidays with elderly parents means that you should plan to make the most of your holiday visits by taking time to check-in with your parents' health and well-being. Look out for the following warning signs that could indicate that it might be time for your aging parents or loved ones to have some additional medical or in-home care.

 1. Weight loss

Although we frequently hear about the health issues associated with weight gain, significant weight loss is also worth noting. Weight loss is often an early sign of both physical and mental ill health - with causes ranging from cancer and depression, to more manageable causes such as a lack of energy to cook, or malnutrition in diet.

If you notice significant weight loss in your loved one, ask to have an open conversation about the cause. The solution could be as easy as finding an in-home aide to prepare food a few days a week, or it could be an early sign of illness that warrants a visit to a doctor.

 2. Stacks of mail

Take a quick glance through your parents’ mail to see what’s in there. Look out for unopened bills, excessive thank you notes from charities, and any junk mail or suspicious-looking solicitations. Unopened bills could indicate financial trouble or forgetfulness, while a large stack of thank you notes could be a sign that your loved one is falling prey to false charities.

Unfortunately, mail-in solicitations from phony charities tend to target seniors, but directly calling the agency that sent the letter can help get your parents’ names off the mailing list. Also directly help your parents manage bill payments by setting up automatic or online bill pay, or consider hiring a bookkeeper or professional in-home care aide to help organize and pay, if you or your parents don’t like the idea of making payments over the internet.

 3. Ease of movement

Pay attention to the way that your parents walk. Do they shuffle their feet more than usual? Stoop over when they walk? Frequently hold onto nearby surfaces? Changes in movement can have physical causes like arthritis and disc degeneration, or they could be early signs of neurological changes like neuropathy, Parkinson’s, or dementia. Ask your parents if they are feeling pain or discomfort while moving, and work from there to decide if a visit to the doctor is in order.

 Be sure to notice changes in balance, as well. Although it is typical to lose balancing ability with age, preventing falls should be a priority, as topples can lead to much more serious conditions and are generally preventable with the use of canes and walkers.

 4. State of the house

If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, what does a cluttered house signify? Often, an aging mind. Take a look around your parents’ home to gauge the general level of cleanliness. Do stacks of newspaper resemble the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Is the fridge full of moldy foods, or the laundry basket overflowing? These could be signs that your parents need someone to come into their home a few days a week to help with daily upkeep, as the physical movements and mental organization required in so many household tasks can become difficult to perform. But beware, a cluttered house could also indicate more serious conditions liek dementia or depression, especially if paired with declining personal hygiene, increased irritability, or decreased social engagement.

Spend extra time in the medicine cabinet making sure that no expired medications are lying around, and make sure that your parents are taking their proper medications every day. If you notice discrepancies, write the name of medication and instructions for taking it in big letters on a piece of masking tape on the lid and bottle or set your parents up with a pill organizer. This could also be a sign that it’s time to have an in-home aid to make sure daily medical needs are being met.

5. Driving ability

Over the holidays, ask your parents to drive you to the grocery store to assess their driving ability. Declining sight, slowed reaction times, and increased forgetfulness could create unsafe driving conditions. Check if they remember to put on a seat belt, properly follow road signs and driving protocol, and stay alert behind the wheel.

If your parents rely on driving to support their daily needs, this is a good test to determine if they are able to remain independent, or if they need a caregiver to help with driving and transportation.

 6. Next steps

It can be difficult to determine when your parents need care. If you have any concerns about your parents during a holiday visit, first have an open discussion with them about your thoughts. After the initial conversation, start gathering resources and brainstorming an action plan. Start to compile a to-do list of tasks you can complete over a series of future visits; gather important health, financial, and legal documents; and find out about assistance programs that may be available through existing community resources or insurance plans.

However, try not to feel pressured to have everything in place by the time you leave. First and foremost, remember to enjoy your holiday and precious time together with your family.

If your loved one needs help taking care of daily tasks, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. With 14 offices across the state of Florida, we offer trusted home care in Orlando and surrounding areas. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

4 Symptoms That You Should Be Worrying About

All Posts, Chronic Disease Care, Health and Wellness

Our bodies change in so many ways as we mature that it can become difficult to keep track of what’s normal. Although some symptoms remain obvious indicators that something is wrong, like fevers for infections and sore throats for colds, it is easy to overlook other potentially worrying symptoms, chalking them up to the aging process.

If you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained physical changes, speak to your doctor to make sure it’s nothing serious - or if it is, to intervene as early as possible to get the best health outcomes.

Not sure where to start? Here are 4 symptoms that you should be worrying about that could indicate something serious.

1. Increase in appetite

Typically, we lose our appetites as we age – a process that can result in malnourishment. Regaining a hearty appetite then may seem like a sign of vitality. However, if you feel hunger even after eating a typical serving of food, you may be experiencing an early symptom of diabetes.

Could indicate:

An increase in appetite could indicate an early sign of diabetes. Polyphagia is the medical term for this excessive hunger, which often occurs soon after eating. In people with uncontrolled hyperglycemia, where blood glucose levels remain abnormally high, glucose from the blood cannot enter the cells. This prevents the body from converting food into energy, meaning you are left hungry, despite eating.

What else to look for:

Other early signs of diabetes include excessive thirst, excessive urination, extreme fatigue, dizziness, weight loss, and blurred vision. If you are concerned about developing diabetes, consult your doctor. They will check if your hunger is a symptom of diabetes or another medical condition.

2. Pain in the neck, jaw, and throat for women

Sometimes we get a stiff upper body from sitting or standing for too long or sleeping in a funny position overnight. However, consistent pain in the neck, jaw, and throat can be a symptom of heart disease in women.

Could indicate:

Pain in the neck, jaw, and throat could indicate early signs of heart disease for women. Sometimes the pain feels similar to indigestion, or it can be difficult to describe or locate in the body. Because this pain can indicate a serious condition, it is recommended that you visit a doctor and share your symptoms.

What else to look for:

Chest pain or discomfort ranging from dull to a sharp ache can indicate angina, which occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. Men typically experience angina with physical activity, while women are more likely to experience it while resting or sleeping, or during routine daily activities such as cooking. In men, angina is more likely to manifest as a feeling of pressure in the chest or arms. Angina typically increases in severity over time.

3. A soft or low voice

Changes in speaking volume often occur with changes in hearing or as symptoms of a chest cold. However, a persistent soft or low voice can indicate that Parkinson’s disease may be present in the body.

Could indicate:

A soft voice or mumbled speech can be an early symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Just as Parkinson’s affects the muscles’ ability to function with stability, the same characteristic tremors, stiffness, and slow movement can occur in muscles used to control speech.

What else to look for:

If a soft voice is accompanied by a loss of facial expression, trouble swallowing, tremors, loss of smell, or other trouble moving, consider visiting your doctor to discuss the possibility of living with Parkinson’s. Although Parkinson’s doesn’t have a cure, there are a number of lifestyle factors that can make living with Parkinson’s more manageable, especially if it is caught early.

4. Persistent back pain

Back pain is such a common complaint that we often chalk it up to just getting old. And while aging can certainly cause back pain for many people, especially those with osteoporosis, scoliosis, and other back and bone related conditions, persistent back pain can also be a more serious symptom of some cancers.

Could indicate:

As cancer spreads through the body, the tumors may grow to interfere with the back body, or even enter the bones themselves. Prostate cancer in particular is prone to spreading to the bones, causing pain the hips and low back.

What else to look for:

Cancer is notoriously difficult to detect because the symptoms vary widely. When in doubt, talk to your doctor about your concerns. In general though, other early warning signs of cancer in the body include persistent fatigue, changes in bowel and urinary patterns, unusual bleeding, and unexplained weight loss. As with other chronic diseases, the likelihood of preventing serious complications with cancer increases with early detection, so talking to your doctor is key.

If your loved one needs help with caring for a chronic condition, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

 

 

Celebrating 25 Years of Service!

News & Events

Happy Birthday to us!

We are proud to be celebrating 25 years of service and excellence at American In-Home Care! From our humble beginnings offering companion care in Central Florida in 1992, we have grown to offer affordable, flexible, and reliable in-home care throughout the state of Florida, now reaching over 92% of Floridians with our services.

American In-Home Care has expanded through opening new offices and by acquisition, to include Whitsyms Nursing Service, Advocate In-Home Care, and Douglas Health Services. While we are now one of the largest Nurse Registries in Florida, we still maintain our personal touch through dedicated local Client Care teams and leadership.

We are proud of our achievement and are grateful to everyone who has made this possible; our clients, our employees, the independent care providers we refer, healthcare professionals and others who put their trust in us. Over the next year we will be celebrating our achievement with special events, giveaways, and offerings, so like us on Facebook and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date! Thank you for letting us care for you, and cheers to another 25 years!

Women’s History Month: 3 Women Who Achieved Success After 70

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips

Written by Olivia Cohen

We have all heard that "you can’t teach an old dog new tricks," but luckily humans are much more adaptable than dogs. In honor of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating women who achieved success in their careers after age 70. These women prove that not only can you live a healthy life as you age - you can thrive.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

You probably know Laura Ingalls Wilder as the famous author who penned the Little House series of children’s books, but did you know that she spent the majority of her adult life working as a homesteader on a farm in Missouri? It wasn’t until 1932 at the age of 65 that Wilder published her first novel, Little House in the Big Woods, at the bequest of her daughter’s urging. She developed that first book into a series, the last of which she finished in 1943 at 76 years old. Over a half century later, her books remain widely acclaimed classics filled with timeless life lessons.

Clara Peller

Although you may not recognize her name, you will almost certainly recognize Peller’s distinctive voice shouting, “Where’s the beef?” in an iconic 1984 Wendy’s commercial. For 35 years, Peller worked as a manicurist at a Chicago nail salon, where a local ad agency discovered her in 1983 while searching for a manicurist for a television commercial; she was 80 years old. After appearing in a number of regional broadcasts, Peller was signed by a national ad agency in 1984 and cast in the Wendy’s commercial at age 81. Her spunky delivery made “Where’s the beef?” into a national catchphrase, appearing on t-shirts, towels, coffee mugs, and even memes. She continued acting in commercials, making television and movie appearances, and granting interviews - reaching the pinnacle of an advertising career with a place in the Advertising Hall of Fame before her death in 1987.

Grandma Moses

Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known by her nickname Grandma Moses, became a renowned American folk artist after picking up a paintbrush for the first time at age 76. For most of her life, she worked on farms and raised her five children, supplementing her husband’s income by frying potato chips and churning butter. She always enjoyed creative expression in her home though, decorating her family’s space with hand-quilted objects and exquisite embroidery. When her hands began to cramp from arthritis in her late 70s, she picked up painting as a creative hobby that would be easier on her joints. She displayed her art around her rural New York town, including in the windows of a drug store where notable art collector Louis Caldor saw her pieces on display and bought ten on the spot. He recommended their inclusion in an exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, and the following year, Moses curated her first solo exhibition in New York City at the age of 80. Moses skyrocketed to fame as an American cultural icon, even having a painting on display in the White House, before passing at the age of 101.

Bringing a qualified care provider into your home can help you or your aging loved one maintain a healthy lifestyle and take care of daily tasks so more energy can be put toward pursuing passions. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

 

 

What is the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia?

All Posts, Alzheimer’s and Dementia

“He has some dementia.” Have you heard this sentence before?

The word “dementia” is thrown around so casually among families, caregivers, and medical professionals that it often loses its true meaning. The misuse of the word can lead us to ask: Is dementia a normal sign of aging, or is it an early stage of Alzheimer’s?

The truth is - it is neither.

What is dementia?

According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia refers to “a set of particular symptoms, including memory loss, language difficulty, and poor judgment” caused by physical changes in the brain. Although dementia involves memory loss, memory loss on it's own has different causes.

Of the nearly 5 million people living with dementia in the United States, an estimated 60 to 70 percent have Alzheimer’s as an underlying cause. The rest of the population could be experiencing other types of dementia, including Vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease with dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Frontotemporal dementia. Some people also experience mixed dementia, in which the same individual has multiple forms of dementia.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is defined by the Alzheimer’s Association as “a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.”

Unlike other dementias, Alzheimer’s presents with a relatively slow onset and continues to progress without a known cure. It can affect memory, language, behavior, and personality, but usually does not impair basic body functions and the ability to walk.

What is the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia?

Just as a headache can signify a whole wide range of underlying causes, from dehydration to fatigue, so too can dementia alert us to a variety of possible underlying causes, including Alzheimer’s disease as a cause. In contrast, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease pin points the exact cause of the cognitive changes in that person.

In addition to this main difference, there are other key differences in the treatment and progression of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease without a known cure at this time. In contrast, dementia is categorized as heterogenic, meaning that the disease progresses differently in each person. Although it sometimes follows a straight trajectory, it can also vary quite widely day to day, and it can even have short-term and reversible causes including drug interactions and vitamin deficiencies.

What does this mean for Families and Caregivers?

Regardless of the diagnosis, your loved one’s quality of care is key to managing conditions. The most important step you can take is to remain aware of early warning signs, because talking to your doctor about physical and mental symptoms as soon as they appear can make both conditions easier to manage.

If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia, hiring a respite, hourly, or live-in care provider to help your loved one remain comfortable and safe in their home is a great idea, as taking on sole caregiving duties can be taxing on personal lives and relationships.

American In-Home Care refers qualified nurses, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Companions that specialize in Alzheimer's care and other services, and can help you and your loved one. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 for a free consultation to determine what care options are best for your family.

 

5 Unexpected Health Benefits of Walking

All Posts, Health and Wellness

This month, make a resolution to march your way to better health. Walking has been proven time and again as one of the simplest, cheapest and most effective forms of exercise to reach long-term and short-term health goals among the elderly. Although some of the benefits are obvious, such as weight management and increased heart health and muscle tone, others come as more of a surprise.

Check out these 5 unexpected health benefits of walking that go the extra mile.

1. Increased cognitive function

The results of a study performed at Scripps College in Claremont, California give a whole new meaning to “a walk to remember.” The study compared 62 people aged 55 to 91 exercising, to an equal number of people the same age not exercising. Both groups received a series of tests meant to examine memory, reaction and reasoning. The results? Regular exercisers performed significantly better in all reaction-time tests, all reasoning tests, and two out of three of the memory tests.

2. Stronger bones

Muscle strength is an obvious result of any exercise program, but stronger bones? Turns out walking helps with that, too. Walking is considered a low-impact weight bearing exercise, meaning that it works your body against gravity while staying upright. Regular walking can help stop the loss of bone mass for those with osteoporosis, without the bodily risks associated with jogging and other high-impact aerobics.

3. Better breath

Go ahead, eat your garlic bread. Walking increases the rate of oxygen flow through your body, thereby eliminating waste materials. So long as you drink plenty of water before and after your walk, you can give “breathing fresh air” a whole new meaning.

4. Decreased risk of colon, breast and endometrial cancer

Physically active individuals have a 24% less chance of contracting colon cancer, 12% less chance of breast cancer, and 20% less chance of endometrial cancer. Although the exact reasons for the link between cancer and exercise are not agreed upon, scientists guess that it could be due to the increased circulation and decreased inflammation associated with exercise.

5. More good days

Any and all aerobic exercise benefits mental health by alleviating anxiety, depression and negative mood while enhancing self-esteem and cognitive function. Just thirty minutes of moderate walking, three times a week can make every day seem a little bit brighter. And if thinking about walking for thirty minutes straight brings on the type of anxiety you’re trying to avoid, don’t fret. Studies show that the same benefits can be achieved through three ten-minute walks rather than a single long walk.

No matter what your current fitness level, it is never too late to start incorporating a walking regimen into your weekly routine. Remember that it’s okay to start slow. Try walking for 10 minutes after every meal or walking with a qualified caretaker who can ensure your confidence. And if you’re feeling confident, try amping up your walking by adding light weights or balancing exercises. Make March your month to walk to better health.

If your loved one needs help with starting and maintaining an exercise routine, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

 

 

 

Exercising with Parkinson’s: Increase Confidence in Movement

All Posts, Chronic Disease Care

Although Parkinson’s Disease is classified as a neurological condition, this chronic and progressive condition affects much more than just the brain. With Parkinson's, body movement is affected to a high degree. People living with the disease know how difficult it can become to walk, balance on two feet, stand up straight, and coordinate movement - all of which impact day-to-day functioning and lower confidence in movement.

Exercising with Parkinson’s is the answer to more confidence in movement

Because Parkinson’s in progressive, the bad news is that symptoms frequently worsen with age. The good news is that regular low-intensity exercise goes a long way in improving Parkinson’s patients’ mobility issues, making it easier to continue living comfortably with age.

According to a study by the University of Maryland, a regular exercise program for seniors with Parkinson’s can “delay disability and help to preserve independence.” Specifically, an exercise program can increase control over motor skills - such as walking - and generate confidence in performing daily activities.

Although exercising with Parkinson's is one of the easiest, most practical ways to fight mobility issues, those suffering from the disease frequently fall into sedentary lifestyles due to a loss of confidence in movement, which makes the loss of flexibility, strength, and endurance worse.

Creating an Exercise Regimen for Parkinson's 

Help your loved one combat a sedentary lifestyle by increasing movement confidence through regular, varied exercise. Encourage regular physical activity for your loved one with Parkinson’s by using some of the following tips:

  • Make it social
    • Exercising with others encourages commitment to a regular exercise routine. In addition, seniors with Parkinson’s will feel more confident knowing that a friend or caregiver is there in case of a fall - often one of the greatest fears inhibiting regular exercise among Parkinson’s patients.
  • Set a timer
    • Stretching major joints for 20 seconds counteracts the rigidity and stiffness of Parkinson’s disease. To ensure the maximum benefit from stretching, set a timer and hold each position for 20 seconds - no exceptions! Apply the same discipline to aerobic exercise, starting with 5 minutes of aerobic exercise 3-5 times per week and increasing by 5 minutes every 2 weeks until you reach a maximum of 20 minutes per exercise period. Watch and feel proud as the number on the timer continues to increase!
  • Make it fun
    • Exercise doesn’t have to be mundane routine. Motivate your senior to move regularly by making it an activity to look forward to. Try listening to upbeat music as you move or trying a low-impact fitness class. In fact, recent research suggests that tai chi, yoga, movement to music, and walking are the most beneficial forms of exercise for those with Parkinson’s.
  • Do it daily
    • Incorporate regular movement into a daily routine outside of a designated 20 minute block by stretching during the evening news, cleaning the house, gardening, washing the car, or walking to the grocery store. These little accomplishments will help instill a sense of purpose and value back into daily routines, increasing confidence. In addition, daily habits that don’t interfere too much with established habits will be easier to incorporate and stick to.

If your loved one needs help performing daily tasks and sticking to an exercise routine, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

 

 

5 Myths About Healthy Eating for Seniors Debunked

All Posts, Health and Wellness

With so much information available about diet and nutrition, it can be difficult to decipher fact from fiction. From incorporating superfoods to decoding fad diets, basic meal planning as we age can feel like a juggling act with your health and wellbeing up in the air. But what we know for certain is that eating a healthy diet is key to energetic aging.

Not only does a healthy diet boost the immune system and contribute to resistance against chronic disease, including heart disease and diabetes, but it also affects emotional health, and daily energy levels, and has been shown to improve mental function and even prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here are five common myths about healthy eating for seniors - and what you can do to ensure that you and your loved ones are taking everyday actions to age with health in mind.

1. Eating healthy means spending more money = FALSE

Goji berries may cost $11 a package, but did you know that the common raisin has an even higher capacity to absorb oxygen radicals, meaning that it has more antioxidants and is more effective at fighting free radicals in your body? And at a quarter of of the price, the choice is an easy one. Although many trendy superfoods come and go from supermarket shelves, sticking to basic fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains will keep you just as slim and your brain just as healthy as a trendy acai bowl - without slimming your wallet.

In addition to eating simple whole foods, eating healthy often means eating less meat, too - a high-price item that can quickly rack up your supermarket bill. Try incorporating a meatless Monday or a fish Friday as an easy way to curb  your intake of red or processed meats, which have been shown increase the risk of cancer and heart disease. An added bonus of eating more fish also means getting more Omega-3 in your diet, which is great for keeping a the heart and brain healthy as we age.

Eating healthy also of means eating at home more often, which is an easy way to control your wallet, and what is going into your meals. Restaurants commonly use frozen ingredients and add extra sodium and fats to make their food more tasty at the expense of health. Save even more money by planning your meals around items that are on sale at your local grocery store, buying generic brands of basic foods, buying only as much food as you need, and freezing leftovers. Cooking at home is one way to please your appetite, your health, and your budget.

2. It’s too late to make effective and lasting dietary changes = FALSE

Even if you spent much of your younger life chowing down on cheeseburgers and French fries, it is never too late to make positive dietary changes and start down the path of restoring your body to better health. According to Harvard Health, eating less meat and more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, can lower your cholesterol by 25%. In addition, cutting back on saturated fat and trans fat found in red meat, poultry skin, whole dairy products and processed foods can reduce cholesterol by an additional 5-10%.

Lower cholesterol levels are vital for heart health and can even reduce the risk of stroke as we age. Healthy eating for seniors is also an effective tool for weight loss, which has been shown to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and stroke, and is beneficial for balance and mobility with age.

3. Healthy foods are bland foods = FALSE

It’s true - salt and fat can enhance the flavor of food, and eating a healthy diet limits the intake of both of these ingredients. However, this doesn’t mean that healthy foods are bland. Cooking with herbs is the best way to pack your dishes with flavor, and as a bonus, most herbs provide extra health benefits as well.

For example, flavoring stews with parsley not only provides a fresh flavor using an herb available year-round, but it also is an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps blood clot. A few springs of rosemary and a clove of garlic will go a long way in flavoring any foods sautéed in olive oil, and cinnamon adds an unexpected warmth to cooked grains and poultry rubs while providing anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Malnutrition can’t affect me if I’m eating enough calories = FALSE

Starting around age 40, metabolism begins to slow down, and with that decrease in metabolism often comes a decrease in appetite. Although it is important to monitor portion size to reflect a lightened appetite, it is equally important to remember that eating enough calories does not equate to a nutritious diet.

Malnutrition in older adults can lead to a weak immune system, muscle weakness, and slow healing processes. Eating a diet rich in varied foods is necessary to combat a low-nutrient diet. For those with a small appetite, spacing out small, nutritious snacks throughout the day is a good option for meeting your nutrient goals. Try raw vegetables with hummus, whole-grain toast with nut butter and apple slices, or tunafish salad on sliced cucumbers between meals to maintain a healthy caloric intake without sacrificing nutrients.

Changing my diet is the only change I need to make for my health = FALSE

Although changing your diet is undeniably a huge step toward better health, it is a single piece of a healthy lifestyle. Equally important as dietary change is regular exercise, which strengthens bones and muscles, controls weight, reduces risk of chronic disease and cancers, and increases mental health and mood - among other benefits.

And surprisingly, a vibrant social life is also a huge lifestyle factor affecting longterm health. Studies show that positive social interactions benefit immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular functions, especially as we age. Using professional in-home care services is one way to provide companionship, but it is not the only way to interact with others. Local resources such as the SeniorCorps, National Center for Creative Aging, and Shepherd’s Centers are all possible avenues for building friendships at old age.

Bringing a qualified care provider into your home can help you or your aging loved one maintain a healthy and balanced diet by preparing meals and monitoring their eating habits, as well as providing valuable companionship. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.

Show Your Heart Some Love: Senior Heart Health Tips

All Posts, Health and Wellness

There’s a lot of talk about hearts this month: chocolate hearts, candy hearts - and of course, your own heart. In addition to a celebration of love on Valentine's Day, February is also American Heart Month.

Like breathing, we often take our heart’s hard work for granted. Give yourself and your loved ones the ultimate gift of health this month by showing your heart a little love every single day. Although mature hearts face increased risks of disease and malfunction, with easy, daily actions, we can keep our hearts beating healthy and strong for years to come.

Try some of these senior heart health tips from the American Heart Association and the Center for Disease Control that will help keep your heart healthy all year round.

 Talk to Your Doctor

The first step to better senior heart health is to talk to your doctor about your risk factors and concerns. Your doctor can honestly assess where your health health is right now, and with regular check-ups, he or she can help you set and keep realistic goals to keep your heart pumping.

Eat the Rainbow

A well balance diet is key to keeping your body happy and healthy. Diets that are high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in sodium have been shown to help manage high blood pressure and bad cholesterol - two major risk factors for heart disease. An easy way to check that your diet is well-balanced without reading through every single nutrition label is to think about eating the rainbow. If your plates are full of naturally colorful foods, including a variety of fruits and vegetables at every meal, then chances are you’re eating well. Check out these healthy eating tips for seniors for more information and inspiration!

Get Active Every Day

Living an active lifestyle not only increases your heart health, but has also been shown to increase your happiness by releasing feel-good endorphins into your system. Make it a daily routine to do something active every day. And don’t worry about getting bored with your workouts - the more varied physical activities, the better for increasing full-body strength! Try going for a walk around the neighborhood, doing some simple seated exercises, or even cleaning your house for an easy workout with an immediate and tangible reward.

Lose Weight

One of the simplest yet most difficult goals we can accomplish for heart health is to shed extra pounds. Carrying around excess weight puts stress on the body and makes the heart work harder. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight, as little as 10 pounds for a 200-pound person, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Even if you don’t see immediate results from diet and exercise, keep up the work and remember that exercise and a healthy diet are good for you even if it takes time to see changes.

Set Goals - And Keep Them!

Making changes to your daily routine can be hard at first. Keep up your motivation by tracking your goals with the help of a progress sheet, such as this one from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. By keeping your end goal in sight and seeing how your daily actions add up over the long-term, you’ll keep moving in the right direction.

If you or your loved one need assistance to remain happy and healthy at home, American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that can help with a variety of daily activities, including meal preparation, diet monitoring, and exercise routines. Call today to schedule your free in-home consultation with a local Client Care Liaison who will help you determine which care options are right for you and your family.