Caregivers Benefit from High-Tech Device

A new high-tech device provides a sense of peace for caregivers and family members. The device consists of various sensors that will monitor what happens in the home. The monitoring device  allows seniors to retain independence while family members know they are safe at home.

1. Adaptive Home is a new business that uses monitoring technology for elder care. The basic package includes various motion sensors that can be placed around the home. These sensors create reports of activity in the home that can be reviewed by caregivers or family members.

2. The sensors will also alert loved ones of unusual actions. It will note when seniors are making a pot of coffee or sitting in their chair. There are many things that the sensors will monitor, providing extra safety in the home and peace of mind for family members.

3. The main benefit of this new system is that seniors will be able to remain in their homes for a longer period of time instead of having to go to a nursing home. There is no need for a person to be present to monitor their actions; the sensors take care of it all.

4. The system also comes with a computer that includes a scheduling program to help all family members coordinate caregiving.

5. There are many things in the home that can be monitored by simply using these sensors. Now, seniors can be comfortable at home and family members will know they are safe.

Source: NPR.org

Senior Debt

Seniors have debt just as many other people do. In fact, some seniors have more debt than those of the younger generation. This is often because seniors who are still working are not making enough money. They have already passed through their high-earning years and are now making barley enough to live on. The following list can help seniors reduce and manage debt.

1. Keep a list of what is owed. This should include the creditors, the amount, the current interest rate and the minimum payment. This will allow seniors to see just how deep in debt they are.

2. Take all high-interest debt and transfer it to a lower-interest loan. Take the credit card with the lowest interest rate and transfer debt to that card. This will help to reduce monthly payments.

3. Ask credit card companies for a card with a lower rate. Some credit card companies will take an existing rate and drop it to a lower percentage which can be very helpful when seniors are trying to reduce their debt.

4. Avoid borrowing money. If lifestyle changes have to be made to cut down on spending, this would be advised. Consider all expenses during the month and then decide what is absolutely necessary and what is not. Cut out the extras, saving a lot of money that can be used to pay down debt.

Source: eHow.com

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Sleeping Tips Benefit Seniors

Getting better sleep is a goal for many seniors. Unfortunately, some seniors engage in activities that are actually preventing them from sleeping well at night. By following some of the tips that are provided below, seniors will be able to allow their body to relax enough to fall asleep. Getting better sleep is possible by changing just a few things that are done during the day.

1. Do not drink coffee or tea before going to bed. Some doctors suggest stopping drinking caffeine by 2 in the afternoon so it has time to leave the body.

2. Do not eat a heavy meal before going to bed. Some foods can help seniors sleep, such as whole wheat pasta, fresh vegetables and chicken breast. Late night snackers should choose cottage cheese with fruit slices.

3. Avoid wine before retiring for the night. Have a glass of wine at dinner, but no later.

4. Take baths earlier in the day. While some people may become relaxed after a bath, it will raise the body temperature and make it difficult to sleep.

5. Gentle stretching may help seniors sleep better. Avoid excessive exercising before bed, but yoga can help relax the body and the mind.

6. Keep the room dark and cool. Dim lights around the house a few hours before bedtime, using the least amount of light as possible.

7. Shut off cell phones and computers at least an hour before bed. This will help seniors unwind and let the day end.

Source: CNN

Home Care Fairfax County South, VA provides elder home care and senior care in Fairfax, Alexandria, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Fairfax Station, Lorton, Mt. Vernon and Fort Belvoir. Call us today at 703.750.6644.

How to Judge Nursing Homes

Not every nursing home is the same. When trying to decide which nursing home will be best for a senior, there are a multitude of things that need to be considered. Each nursing home will operate differently and will provide different services. Depending on the needs of the senior, there could be many nursing homes that would seem like a good choice. Before making this important decision, consider some of the points provided below.

1. Always ask to talk to the nurses’ aides. These are the people that will be spending the most time with the senior.

2. Most nursing homes will deny this request because there is such a high turnover rate of aides. There are very few nursing homes that staff aides for any length of time.

3. More than 70 percent of aides and nursing assistants will change jobs within the year.

4. When talking to aides and assistants, always ask how long they have been doing this kind of work and how long they have been at this nursing home.

5. When you are able to find a home that has a low turnover rate and a reliable staff, this may be a good choice.

6. The key is to look for a nursing home that has a constant staff. When a senior is in a nursing home, they should be able to rely on people and having the same aides for a long period of time is very beneficial.

Source: New Old Age Blogs

Home Care Fairfax County South, VA provides elder home care and senior care in Fairfax, Alexandria, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Fairfax Station, Lorton, Mt. Vernon and Fort Belvoir. Call us today at 703.750.6644

Senior Information on Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are very common in the senior population. In fact, they are popular enough to warrant a medical study. In 1990, 54.6 men out of 10,000 had a hip fracture. That number diminished over the following 16 years to just over 48. It seems as though the rate of hip fractures is decreasing, which is great news to seniors. Hip fractures not only cause physical pain, but can bring on many other issues for seniors. Below is some additional information on this important senior topic.

1.    When a senior breaks a hip, they have a one in four chance of spending a year or more in a nursing home after the injury. The break will also cause serious threats to mobility, possibly preventing the patient from walking.

2.    There is no explanation on why the rate of hip fractures is dropping, but it is doing so in large numbers. Hip fractures are much more common among older women, but the decline in the cases of fractures has reduced in men over 85 and women over 75.

3.    Some believe this is because older people are healthier and much more functional, which can help prevent falls. Older people are also developing stronger bones that have helped prevent hip fractures.

Source: New Old Age

Home Care Fairfax County South, VA provides elder home care and senior care in Fairfax, Alexandria, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Fairfax Station, Lorton, Mt. Vernon and Fort Belvoir. Call us today at 703.750.6644

Skin Cancer Protection – Information for Seniors

Avoiding cancer may sound impossible, but when it comes to skin cancer, there are some things that seniors can do to protect themselves. The tips that are provided below will help seniors reduce the risk of skin cancer and allow them to enjoy the summer. While most seniors have trouble in extreme heat, some simply love being in the sun. This can place them at a high risk for developing skin cancer.

1. Try to avoid exposure to the sun between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. This is when the UV rays are the strongest.

2. Always use a sunscreen on all areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun.

3. Seniors should wear light and airy clothing that will protect their skin from the sun. This can be difficult during the heat of the summer, but seniors need to keep their arms and legs covered as much as possible.

4. Wear a hat when in direct sunlight. This will help to protect the face, neck, head and ears.

5. Sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays can be beneficial.

6. During the midday hours, seniors should try to stay in the shade as much as possible if they will be outside for any length of time.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm

Home Care Fairfax County South, VA provides elder home care and senior care in Fairfax, Alexandria, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Fairfax Station, Lorton, Mt. Vernon and Fort Belvoir. Call us today at 703.750.6644.

Tips for Senior Drivers

Senior drivers are prone to accidents. This is not because they do not know how to drive, but when the weather is bad, many seniors become nervous and tense. This can lead to an accident. To avoid this, the list below offers some safety tips that will help seniors navigate bad weather and stay safe.

1.    Make sure to allow enough time to reach the destination. If the weather is bad and the visibility is poor, seniors should try to leave the house about 15 minutes earlier than they normally would.

2.    Always maintain the vehicle. Making sure the car is in good condition is one way to make sure seniors stay safe while driving in poor weather conditions.

3.    When buying a newer car, consider options that will increase safety, such as all-wheel drive and traction control.

4.    Be sure to keep an emergency kit in the car. These kits can help seniors who have car trouble during bad weather. Most kits will have blankets that will help seniors stay warm and comfortable until help arrives.

5.    Always drive with the headlights on.

6.    Stay in the middle lane on the highway. Most roads are built higher in the middle, allowing water to runoff to the other lanes.

7.    Avoid pools of water. There could be potholes beneath.

Source: Senior Living

Home Care Fairfax County South, VA provides elder home care and senior care in Fairfax, Alexandria, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Fairfax Station, Lorton, Mt. Vernon and Fort Belvoir. Call us today at 703.750.6644.

How to Eat Healthy on the Road

Finding something healthy to eat while traveling can be somewhat of a challenge for seniors. Many times, seniors will want a light and quick meal to hold them over. When traveling, the options are slim, so the list below can help seniors choose foods that will be healthy. Eating healthy is important for seniors, so even while on vacation, they need to find healthy foods.

1.    Try to avoid the temptation of junk food from convenience stores. Eating junk food will fill the body with calories and fat, leaving seniors feeling fatigued and irritable.

2.    When eating breakfast in the road, try to avoid foods that have high amounts of sugar. A meal that is high in carbs will elevate the mood, but a high amount of sugar can cause drowsiness. If the senior is driving, this is never a good combination.

3.    In a restaurant, choose a meal that is as healthy as possible. Opt for an omelet with vegetables and whole-grain toast.

4.    Oatmeal with fruit is a great breakfast and snack during the day. It will provide the body with nutrients and energy.

5.    For seniors who are craving something sweet, try a bran muffin or whole-wheat toast with a little jelly.

6.    Fresh fruits, hard boiled eggs and yogurt are great in the hotel or for snacking.

7.    If seniors have to eat at a service station, avoid sugars. Try a protein bar or a breakfast sandwich.

8.    Try to avoid fast food. Go for soup, salad, vegetables and fish for dinner or lunch.

Source: http://nutrition.about.com/od/foodfun/a/healthyeating.htm

Home Care Fairfax County South, VA provides elder home care and senior care in Fairfax, Alexandria, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Fairfax Station, Lorton, Mt. Vernon and Fort Belvoir. Call us today at 703.750.6644

Seniors and Keeping Active

Seniors need to have a certain amount of exercise to remain healthy. It is never too late in life to begin exercising. However, getting seniors to move around and be active can be a challenge sometimes. Many seniors have difficulty sticking to an exercise regime. This is due to various reasons, including the fear of falling, having balance [problems and not being able to maintain a schedule. Below are some tips on how seniors can get moving and stay active.

1.    Seniors need to set goals for exercise and stick to them. They should start with small goals, such as exercising a few times a week. The goals should be realistic and achievable.

2.    Make a purchase! Buying a new bathroom scale can help seniors monitor their weight. Many newer scales will also display the body fat percentage. Seniors should set goals to reduce body fat. Seniors should also use the scale to keep track of their results from exercise. Most scales will have a built in memory, so seniors can monitor weight loss and gain.

3.    Do not think of exercise as a chore. It can actually be a social event if done in groups. Get together with other seniors for a walk. Socialization is linked with many health benefits, so seniors who combine exercise with a social activity will reap many benefits.

4.    Seniors do not have to engage in rigorous exercise routines. They should set short-term goals that are realistic. Most seniors will benefit from just 2 ½ hours of exercise each week.

Source: Consumer Healthday

Home Care Fairfax County South, VA provides elder home care and senior care in Fairfax, Alexandria, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Fairfax Station, Lorton, Mt. Vernon and Fort Belvoir. Call us today at 703.750.6644

Low Vision and Senior Safety at Home

Keeping seniors safe at home can be a challenge. Those with vision problems will require some alterations in the home. By making some minor changes to improve lighting, the home can be a much safer place for seniors who have low vision. The list below provides some useful tips.

1.    Make sure all rooms are well lit.

2.    Try to use task lighting, such as desk lamps, to make everyday activities simpler for seniors.

3.    Always use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. This will help seniors be able to navigate through the house in the dark.

4.    Make stairways safer. This can be done by placing a piece of brightly colored tape along the edges of each stair.

5.    Paint door frames a contrasting color from that of the walls so they stand out.

6.    Eliminate as much clutter as possible to reduce the chance of falling. Clutter is one of the main causes of falls in the home.

7.    Try to position televisions so that the sun does not shine directly on the screen.

8.    Seniors who take medications should always use pill organizers. This will help to ensure they are taking the right medication at the right time.

Source: http://seniorliving.about.com/od/visionproblems/a/low_vision.htm

Home Care Fairfax County South, VA provides elder home care and senior care in Fairfax, Alexandria, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Fairfax Station, Lorton, Mt. Vernon and Fort Belvoir. Call us today at 703.750.6644