Senior-Friendly Travel Destinations

A travel spot that accommodates your older loved one’s interests, physical abilities, and budget doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, there are many fantastic senior-friendly travel spots that the whole family can enjoy. 

Unlike younger travelers, seniors are not as inclined to be satisfied with a buffet and basic lodging. Rather, they may have developed a taste for the finer things, and appreciate more elegant foods, drinks, and sights. Some senior-friendly destinations might offer foods from famous restaurants, vineyard tours, or exceptional attractions. In many cases, a senior-friendly spot might offer a rich cultural heritage and history that makes visiting worthwhile. 

In addition to having different tastes than younger travelers, your loved one may also have special needs that should be addressed before picking a destination. If that is the case, your travel spot should provide lots of mobile accessibility, accessibility to medical care, accessibility to new and old interests, and a positive sensory environment. 

Whether your loved one is a solo vacationer or you want to plan a trip you can take together, consider these fantastic destinations that are popular choices among older travelers of all styles and abilities.

Live Shows and Entertainment

Las Vegas. “Sin City” is not just for those seeking adventure or gambling. Rather, there are many amazing live shows, lots of shopping, endless dining, and incredible sights to see—and many expenses like lodging, eating, and entertainment are surprisingly budget friendly. 

Branson, Missouri. This hot spot is popular all year round, especially for senior vacationers. There are so many things to do and see, and they are all located fairly close together. You can play golf, explore museums, see the city’s famous shows, go shopping, and more. The music theaters and other popular attraction venues were originally built as an alternative to Las Vegas by providing affordable, wholesome entertainment options for the whole family. Plus, there are lots of things for kids to do if the whole family is traveling together. 

Beaches

Thanks to specialized beach wheelchairs, boardwalks that go to the water’s edge, and beach mats, beaches are more wheelchair-friendly than ever before.

Hanauma Bay. In Honolulu, Hawaii, this beach loans beach wheelchairs at no charge for any visitors with mobility challenges. 

Ludington State Park. This beach in Ludington, Michigan, offers beach wheelchairs at Hamlin Lake, as well as at Lake Michigan beach houses. There is also a wheelchair accessible boardwalk. 

Theme Parks

If your elderly loved one would enjoy a destination that offers lots of positive sensory input, a theme park can provide just that. With lots of sights to see, fun rides to take, and endless paths to explore, these are ideal spots for many older travelers.

Disney World and Disney Land. Travelers of any age are likely to enjoy these world-class theme parks. Famous faces, rides that are known around the globe, and more, Disney World and Disney Land are a shoo-in for your next senior-friendly vacation.

Holiday World. This theme park, located in rural Indiana, is known as the most family-friendly theme park in the nation. Even more, it costs far less than other better-known parks, making it a great choice for those traveling on a budget.

When providing elder care to your loved one, make sure to work with them to find the best vacation for their needs and their style. Discuss their preferences and capabilities, and explore your options to learn which vacation will bring them the most enjoyment and make the greatest memories as you spend some quality time outside of Durham!

Celebrating Independence Day with Senior Relatives

This Fourth of July, reach out to your elderly family members and friends in Durham and invite them to join in on the celebration. With a few slight modifications, you can tailor your party to let everyone on the guest list enjoy their time. An important part of senior care is looking out for their well-being, and making sure they always feel welcome is a key step in doing just that. Independence Day is a great excuse to spend time with your family and friends, and enjoy food, warm weather, and fireworks together. But it may not always be easy for older adults who have limited mobility, dietary restrictions, or special needs. Consider these ideas to help your loved ones celebrate the holiday and have fun doing it, too.

Modify the Menu

A traditional cookout usually means hot dogs and hamburgers, macaroni salad, and other fatty, salty, or hard-to-eat foods. While these treats might be fine for younger guests, they are not always the best choice for older loved ones with dietary restrictions. Some foods might cause interactions with their medications, others can increase the risk of developing medical conditions, and some foods might just be too difficult to eat. By slightly altering your holiday menu or making sure to offer foods everyone can enjoy, you will make the celebration more welcoming and inviting. Consider opting for a fruit salad, rather than a potato salad, or serving grilled chicken instead of greasy burgers.

Bring the Party to Them

Some of your elderly loved ones can join you at the local parade or to see the holiday fireworks. But others may not be able to leave their homes or assisted living communities. That doesn’t mean they cannot celebrate with you! Family should take special care to include elderly relatives in the celebration by bringing the party to their loved ones. There are lots of senior-friendly ways you can celebrate together. For example, your whole family could make red, white, and blue treats or have a patriotic movie night together.

Plan in Advance

If your loved one can make it to the family cookout, it is important that you plan in advance. Consider putting out seating with backs so your older friend or relative can sit comfortably and safely. Also, try to provide ample shade where your loved one can escape from the sun but still join in on the fun. If he or she has mobility concerns, plan out an easy-to-navigate route for them to get from the house to the picnic. If they are in a wheelchair, make sure they are able to move around the party freely and without obstructions. In addition, make sure your loved one is wearing lightly colored and loose fitting clothes, has enough sunscreen, and is wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to stay safe during warm, sunny days.

Making sure your older friends and family feel welcome is an important part of elder care. This Fourth of July, consider these senior-friendly tips and do a little advance planning. By doing so, you can make sure they celebrate Independence Day comfortably, safely, and easily.

Activities for Elderly Dads on Father’s Day

Spending time together is one of the best gifts you can give your older dad on Father’s Day. But if you both are up to it, you can do so much more than have a serene visit around the kitchen table. There are lots of ways to get out and do fun, safe, enjoyable activities together. Depending on your dad’s personal needs or mobility level, consider these fun ways to spend time in each other’s company on his special day. 

Go to a game. Summer is in full swing, and that means baseball games are scheduled all season long. Consider taking him to a game to watch the fun, catch up, and cheer for your favorite team. However, take into account the walk to the stadium from the parking lot and back. Also think about how far up seats are in the stadium. By considering senior care and the level of physical activity involved, you can better determine the best tickets to purchase. 

Plan a picnic. This activity will get your dad up and moving, which not only helps boost his spirits, but it is also great for senior health. If you visit a Durham park that has a grill, you two can cook the meal together and get him involved. When choosing your spot, again, consider the walk to and from the car. Also take into consideration how far away or close by the nearest bathroom is.

Stroll through the old neighborhood. Take your dad on a trip down memory lane. If you used to spend time together in a neighborhood nearby, go for a leisurely walk and take in the scenery. Look at what has changed and point out what has stayed the same through the years. Reminisce together and stimulate the mind and body while walking around the area. 

Play a team sport. Your dad might still be able to play many games that get him moving in a safe way. A slow pitch softball game, a free-throw contest on a basketball court, or a game of horseshoes can all be fun, competitive, and safe games for you two to play together. Try to find something that will get your dad moving without straining his body too much. Also, take lots of water breaks. No matter how much time you spend playing or just resting between rounds, you will get to spend some fantastic quality time together.

Play a board game. Grab a card game, puzzle, or board game and head somewhere nice. Maybe sitting out on the porch or picking a spot in the park is the ideal spot for you two to spend time together on Father’s Day. This activity will stimulate the mind and urge you both to be strategic, engaged, and involved.

Volunteer. Volunteering together is a great way for you to both join in on an activity and work for the greater good. Take this chance to help out at a soup kitchen, youth outreach program, or a community garden. Choose activities that your father will enjoy as much as you, and keep his strengths in mind. If he’s a great communicator, maybe he will want to spend time joking around with and inspiring kids. If he has a green thumb, helping out at a local garden will put his skills to use. Plus, bonding over something as wonderful as volunteering is a creative, special way for you two to make memories together on his special day. 

The Care Options Available To Your Senior After a Stroke

After your senior has suffered a stroke, you’ll need to dedicate a significant amount of attention to helping them rehabilitate and regain their skills. Those who work in elder care services explain that the recovery that takes place in the days and weeks immediately following the stroke becomes essential to your loved one’s long-term prognosis. As this recovery happens, your elderly parent has a number of different care options available to them. These options include:

In-home care

This is a good option for a senior who still enjoys significant physical abilities, but could use a little assistance with daily errands and chores. They may need help cooking, cleaning, or getting in and out of the shower. This kind of care ensures that the elderly individual is getting proper nutrition, living in a clean home, and taking their medication on time. However, it is not a viable solution for someone who was left immobilized after a stroke. In many instances, this option is only feasible if the stroke that your loved one suffered was mild. 

An assisted living facility or nursing home

For many stroke patients, this is the ideal choice when it comes time to recover. They can get more extensive medical care in a Durham nursing home or an assisted living facility, and will have someone to assist them with all necessary daily tasks. Those who care for seniors explain that both a nursing home and an assisted living facility can ensure that the elderly individual is well cared for. The best option for them simply depends on the severity of the stroke. 

When residing in one of these facilities, an elderly person has access to all of the care they need to get them started on the road to recovery. Family members can feel at ease too, knowing that their senior is not trying to bathe, cook, and clean on their own without assistance, which can be highly risky. Many facilities also make it easy to get necessary therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. These kinds of programs are important as your elderly parent works on recovering and getting back to their pre-stroke health. 

Could You Spot a Stroke? Warning Signs to Watch Out For

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, but many of those who care for seniors or older parents are not sure what a stroke really looks like. As a basic rule, if you think someone is having a stroke, it is crucial that you spot it FAST.

Face. Is it drooping?

Arm. Is there weakness?

Speech. Is speech difficult?

Time. If the answer is “yes” to any of the above, do not waste time. Respond quickly and call 911 immediately. 

One stroke will happen approximately every 40 seconds, and almost 800,000 Americans will have one. Because they are so prevalent, it is absolutely crucial for senior health that you and other loved ones know the warning signs. If these signs do occur, the brain is not likely getting the blood it needs. Damage could be temporary, but it could also be permanent. The most important thing in minimizing damage is to act quickly. The sooner a person receives medical treatment, the less chance they will have of experiencing permanent disability. 

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America. It is also the number one cause of long-term severe disability. That is why it is so important to seek medical care as soon as possible. The American Stroke Association conducted research that showed that patients who take clot-breaking drugs within three hours of their first symptom had a lower risk of long-term disability. This is especially true for those who suffered from an ischemic stroke, which is the most common variation and accounts for nearly 90 percent of cases. 

Warning Signs of a Stroke

Symptoms of a stroke may not be visible right away. In fact, they could slowly develop over time. If a loved one is having a stroke, these warning signs could occur either immediately or gradually:

-Weakness or numbness in the face, leg, or arm. This is more likely to happen all on the same side.

-Difficulty understanding other people or general confusion.

-Inability to speak clearly.

-Trouble seeing with one or both eyes.

-Difficulty staying balanced, walking, or maintaining coordination.

-Dizziness.

-Severe headache that may come out of nowhere. 

What to Do if Symptoms Occur

A stroke is a critical medical emergency. It is absolutely imperative that you act fast and take the situation seriously. If any of the above symptoms have occurred, take these steps right away:

-Never ignore symptoms. Even just one symptom could be a powerful warning sign that something is wrong.

-Call 911 immediately. Do not wait, as every minute counts. If one or more symptoms are present for more than a few minutes, your loved one should receive medical care as soon as possible. An ambulance can ensure they arrive at a hospital right away.

-Note the time and remember when the first symptoms appeared. This is very important information that you will want to share with the doctor who is providing care. 

How to Prepare for a Stroke

Not many people think a stroke will affect them or their family. But if someone you love does have a stroke, having taken the following steps in advance could make a big difference:

-Learn which medical facility or hospital is nearest to their home or work. A doctor or human resources director may be able to help you locate the closest facility. By knowing where to go at the first sign of stroke, you can act faster and get help for your loved one more quickly.

-Ask a Durham nurse or doctor which medical facilities have 24-hour emergency stroke care. These facilities will be the best equipped to deliver care for anyone who has had a stroke. 

Knowing what the symptoms look like, what to do if they occur, and preparing in advance can make all the difference for your loved one. If a stroke happens, remember to act FAST, and give them the absolute best chance of a happy, healthy outcome.

Exercise Ideas That Your Senior Will Love to Do

Though your senior’s body will change as they age, regular physical activity should remain a major part of their life. Some people falsely believe that there is no point in working out as they get older. In reality, quite the opposite is true. Regular workouts keep a person mentally alert and feeling positive. Additionally, regular workouts may help to ward off illness or injury. If you’re looking to help your elderly loved one get up and get active, consider these tips:

Try light cardio

A cardio workout can be customized based on your elderly family member’s ability level. Popular options for cardio workouts include:

• Dancing
• Tennis
• Walking around the neighborhood
• Swimming
• Biking
• Hiking
• Stair climbing

Whether your senior chooses to head out for a bike ride or to walk around the mall at their own pace, getting in some cardio each day is a necessary part of staying healthy. Cardio workouts boost endurance and help to cut down on fatigue. 

Incorporate strength training

Strength training workouts are not just for bodybuilders looking to pile on muscle. In fact, strength training can be the perfect workout for an elderly individual. These types of workouts improve balance and prevent the loss of bone mass, which matters to seniors.

Your elderly loved one can strength train using free weights, machines, their own body weight, or elastic bands. Depending on what they feel comfortable with, they can head to a local gym, purchase equipment to use at home, or even use items they have lying around the house (such as cans of soup) to get a workout in. There is no need to spend a lot of money or get fancy training in order to enjoy a workout focused on strength. 

Put a focus on flexibility

Your senior should also focus on their flexibility as they exercise. This helps the body to stay limber, and makes it easier to tie shoes, shampoo hair, and play with grandkids. Yoga is a great way to boost flexibility. Poses are easily modifiable based on skill and ability level, and the experience is a relaxing one.

Regardless of how fit or active your senior is, it’s important that they get in some sort of physical activity each day. Ideally, this exercise will include a mix of strength, cardio, and flexibility workouts. 

Tips for Seamlessly Moving Your Senior from the Hospital to a Nursing Home

Making the transition from hospital to nursing home can be a challenge for the elderly individual and their family alike. Your loved one may be resistant to the idea of heading to a nursing home, and you may feel concerned about whether they’re actually ready to leave. Use these tips to help make the transition seamless:

Figure out who’s in charge

You’re not alone when it comes to making this transition. Eldercare professionals advise families to figure out who’s handling your senior’s discharge from the hospital. Some hospitals may have a discharge coordinator, while others rely on the primary nurse to navigate the transition. 

This individual can become a powerful resource when it comes to getting your senior accustomed to their new living conditions. They can ensure that your loved one is heading to a place where they’ll be well cared for. Additionally, if you’re wary about letting your elderly loved one leave the hospital, they can have a discussion with you about what’s appropriate given their current state.

This person can also help to give you a sense of what your loved one’s recovery process will look like. They can provide guidance about the kinds of medications your senior will be taking, and may also offer information about training or other services that are available for the family.

Do your own research

However, senior care professionals explain that a family shouldn’t rely fully on hospital staff members or nursing home personnel to help guide the transition. To ensure that your elderly loved one receives the best care, you’ll want to do your own research too. Look into the top nursing homes in the area, learn about the side effects of the medications your senior is taking, and figure out what the healing process entails. When you have information, you feel better equipped to help them make the transition seamlessly.

Another way to prevent errors as your elderly family member moves from hospital to nursing home is to get copies of medical records. This allows you to ensure that they are sent with any and all necessary medication, and that everyone is on the same page about dosage. 

Why You Should Have a Long Term Care Plan

Though it’s not always pleasant to acknowledge that your senior is getting older, long term care plans are an essential part of ensuring that your elderly loved one lives a high quality life in a comfortable setting. Start these discussions early in order to ensure that plans are in place when they are needed, and that everyone’s goals are met. There is a number of different long-term care options, including:

Home care

Home care professionals can assist your elderly family member with important daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. They can also ensure that your loved one is taking their medication each day. This option is beneficial for seniors who live well independently, but could use a little extra assistance. 

Day programs

Day programs allow seniors to interact with other people their age, while enjoying nutritious snacks and stimulating activities. This option is a great one for an elderly individual who doesn’t need constant supervision, but could benefit from some additional socialization during the day. They’ll participate in light exercise, field trips, arts and crafts activities, and other events, while getting help with their medication.

Assisted living

For seniors who need help with daily living tasks but don’t need the intensive level of care found in nursing homes, assisted living facilities are ideal. Eldercare professionals handle bathing, dressing, and administering daily medications. Your loved one resides in a safe place, with plenty of opportunity for socialization. They also enjoy much of the independence that they experienced when living on their own, without the risks that come along with it. 

Nursing homes

Nursing homes provide round-the-clock care for your senior, and are necessary for those who can no longer care for themselves independently. Services include help with bathing, using the restroom, eating, dressing, and taking medication. Elderly individuals can also get wound care and rehabilitative therapy.

With so many different long-term care options, a family must decide what appeals to their senior. Planning early allows those family members to assess all options thoroughly, and find an option that works with their senior’s needs and wishes most effectively. The ideal option will depend on your senior’s health, necessary care regimen, and ability to take care of themselves.  

Easy Ways to Help Seniors in Your Community

If you’ve been looking for a reason to jumpstart your volunteer work, October 26th presents the perfect opportunity. This is known as Make a Difference Day, and it’s the ideal time to start improving the lives of seniors in your community. Depending on your interests, there is a number of different ways to enhance care for elderly individuals.

Bringing a companion dog to a nursing home

If you have a four-legged friend running around your home, this is the perfect way for you and your dog to help out. The two of you can get trained and become registered to make visits to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The presence of dogs can help to cut feelings of loneliness and isolation among the residents.

There is a number of different groups that provide the training necessary to do this type of volunteer work. This includes Therapy Dogs International. You can also do an online search for groups looking for “puppy raisers,” which are people who raise puppies during their first year, while getting them used to being around people. Over time, these dogs become a regular presence at nursing homes and senior care facilities.

Putting a stop to senior hunger and malnutrition

Lack of mobility and other concerns make it a real challenge for many seniors to get the nutrition they need to stay healthy and vibrant. To do your part to end this problem, you can host a senior food drive in your area, or sponsor a group meal at a senior center. You can also volunteer with a program such as Meals on Wheels, which provides elderly individuals with well-balanced meals at home.

Start a walking program for seniors

Many elderly individuals don’t get the exercise they need to feel physically and mentally well. To help inspire seniors to get moving, start a walking program. Even if the group only meets every other week, the socialization and exercise will prove tremendously helpful for seniors in your area.

 Regardless of your interests, there are plenty of productive ways that you can help elderly individuals in your community. Use Make a Difference Day as a chance to get inspired to improve the lives of seniors near you.

Keeping Your Senior Healthy with the Right Screenings

Health screenings are an integral aspect of a well-rounded healthcare plan, as they allow medical professionals to identify and address any concerns that may arise before they become major issues. This proactive attitude is one that can help you to ensure that your elderly loved one has the medical attention necessary to keep their quality of life and overall wellbeing as high as possible. But what, exactly, are the screenings that your loved one should have? Keeping up with the recommendations associated with healthcare is not always easy, particularly since these suggestions are dependent upon both age and gender. To help you take the best care of your elderly loved one possible, senior care professionals from Durham, North Carolina, have provided the following list of screenings that are recommended for men aged 60 to 69.1

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: Also called an AAA screening, this particular test looks for any abnormalities in the aorta, which is an important artery. Using an ultrasound, doctors are able to detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which takes the shape of a bulge in the part of the artery that passes through the stomach. This particular test is crucial for individuals who have smoked, as their chances of developing this condition may be higher. 
• Blood Pressure Screening: A routine blood pressure reading is often the way that many medical facilities start their appointments—and for good reason. An accurate blood pressure reading can indicate heart health and call attention to any cardiovascular concerns that may be present. The test is recommended once every two years, but individuals are often administered this screening on every visit. 
• Cholesterol Screening: Cholesterol levels, including LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol, are, like blood pressure levels, indicative of heart health. Cholesterol screenings are performed by measuring these substances in the blood. This test is recommended at least once every five years. 
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Based upon doctor recommendations, it is important for seniors to have regular colorectal cancer screenings, which can be performed via a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy, or a stool sample. 

By maintaining the right preventative, proactive attitude, you can assist your elderly loved one in following the recommended health screening schedule.
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1 http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-09-2010/screenings_by_age_and_gender.9.html  

Health Screenings: Making Your Senior's Health a Priority

Health screenings are an important aspect of the medical field, as they allow doctors to perform tests that pinpoint and address concerns before they become major problems. Depending upon the age and gender of your elderly loved one, it is crucial that they are provided with the health screenings necessary to keep their wellbeing at the highest level possible. Jim, who is 55 years old, recently had his annual exam with his doctor in Durham, North Carolina. The physician explained to Jim the importance of taking a proactive attitude toward his health with age-appropriate screenings. The following are the tests that the doctor recommends for men aged 50 to 59:1

1. Blood Pressure Screening: This should be done every two years at the very least, but it is frequently completed at the beginning of every doctor's appointment. A quick measure of blood pressure can help doctors determine heart health and other important factors. 
2. Cholesterol Screening: Completed with a simple blood test, this screening measures LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol and should be completed at least once every five years. Cholesterol levels, like blood pressure stats, can indicate heart health. 
3. Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer is an extremely dangerous form of this disease and, in most cases, it is difficult to detect without the proper screening activity. There are three different ways in which doctors can look for this form of cancer: colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool sample. Colonoscopy entails the insertion of a camera to look for polyps, ulcers, and other abnormal tissue. A sigmoidoscopy is, basically, the same technique, but it is performed only in the area of the pelvic colon and the rectum. Stool samples are frequently analyzed to determine if there is any blood passing out of this region of the body. Individuals are encouraged to have a colonoscopy every 10 years, a sigmoidoscopy every five years, and annual stool sample analysis. 

Jim understands that maintaining a regular health screening routine is not always easy, as individuals may forget when they need to have each test done; however, by partnering with their doctors, individuals can ensure that they follow the recommended screening schedule and maintain a proactive attitude about their health.
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1http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-09-2010/screenings_by_age_and_gender.7.html

Durham Eldercare: The Effects of Parkinson's Disease on Memory

By:  Todd Palmer

Durham Eldercare: Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that is progressive, meaning that it becomes increasingly severe over time. Because the more common symptoms of this condition are related to the movement of the body (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability), it often comes as a surprise that Parkinson's disease is also responsible for memory loss in a large number of individuals.[1] Heather, who is a senior care provider and provides eldercare in Durham, North Carolina, recently did a bit of research to better her understanding of the effects on memory that this particular disease can have, as one of her new patients suffers from this condition. Through her research, she learned several important facts about the relationship between Parkinson's disease and cognitive function—particularly memory loss.[2]

• Mild cognitive impairment is a symptom experienced by many seniors who suffer from Parkinson's disease, as the changes that take place in the brain that cause the other symptoms of the condition can also reduce the rate at which individuals can recall memories and think.
• Stress, depression, and medication can exacerbate the cognitive impairment that Parkinson's disease can create.
• Approximately 50 percent of the individuals who have Parkinson's disease also develop memory loss.
• Declarative memory and non-declarative memory are the two kinds of memory that the brain utilizes, engaging the recollection of specific ideas or experiences and the ability to perform familiar tasks, respectively.
• To create a solid, lasting memory, the brain must encode, store, and retrieve it.
• In individuals who have Parkinson's disease, the brain fails to properly absorb information and then organize it appropriately. Because of this, it has a difficult time recalling specific pieces of information in the future. This can be likened to improperly labeling and alphabetizing files in a cabinet and then going back to try to locate one file in particular.
• Prospective memory is commonly interrupted by Parkinson's disease. As such, individuals who have this condition may plan for a certain event or activity but not follow through with all aspects of their plans (i.e. put a letter to be mailed on the counter but leave for the post office without bringing it along).

Heather believes that understanding the relationship between Parkinson's disease and memory impairment can help caregivers better see to the needs of seniors who have this condition.

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

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[1] http://www.pdf.org/en/about_pd

[2] http://www.pdf.org/en/cognitive_impairment_pd

Durham Senior Care: What is Working Memory?

By Todd Palmer

Durham Senior Care: Memory is an essential part of life; it is through memory that individuals recall the significance of important events, learn about the world around them, and build relationships with people they care about. While memory is a crucial aspect of life, it is true that there are actually different kinds of memory. Julie of Durham, North Carolina, learned a bit about working memory as she was researching memory loss to better understand her aging mother's condition. Here are some of the highlights about this type of memory that Julie believes are important for all caregivers to understand.[1]

• Working memory can be thought of as a Post-it note for the brain, as it allows the mind to juggle multiple activities at once. Because the brain is processing new information as it is storing it, it is important that working memory can keep all of the data coming into the brain straight.
• Through working memory, individuals can retain involvement in an activity longer than without it, as it allows the brain to keep information in focus while applying it to the activity at hand.
• Information may dissipate if working memory is impaired.
• Working memory plays an integral role in the planning process, as it allows individuals to think about their goals as they create their plans.
• There are different types of working memory, including verbal (also called auditory) and visual-spatial.
• If an individual is experiencing issues with their working memory they may exhibit the following signs: quickly abandoning a project or activity, inability to focus, difficulty following through with a task.

Seniors naturally experience memory loss as they age, as the brain is not able to work as efficiently as it once did; however, the natural memory loss that occurs during the aging process is not disruptive and should not interfere with your elderly loved one's ability to maintain a high quality of life. Julie encourages you to contact your senior's doctor if you think they are suffering from more severe memory loss, as the inability to use working memory and other cognitive functions can prove dangerous if your senior needs assistance that they are not receiving.

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care in Durham.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

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[1] http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/executive-function-disorders/what-is-working-memory-why-does-matter

Durham Senior Care: How to Adjust to Vision Loss Related to Diabetes

By:  Todd Palmer

Providing Durham Senior Care we see Diabetes as a health condition that can cause many different complications. One of the most common is vision impairment, which is sparked by a long list of issues that can arise. According to WebMD, "diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 20 to 74."[1] For this reason, it is integral that you ensure that your elderly loved one has access to regular eye examinations if they have diabetes. Additionally, it is imperative that you are able to assist them in adjusting to vision loss that may take place due to this disease.

WebMD explains that several different complications can cause vision loss in individuals with diabetes. These include:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic Retinopathy

While these conditions impact the eyes in very different ways, they can be detected by a few of the same symptoms. If your senior experiences dark spots, flashes of light, blurriness, or "holes" in their field of sight it is important to get them into their ophthalmologist's office as soon as possible.

If your elderly loved one is, indeed, experiencing vision loss due to diabetes they will certainly need your support in adjusting to this new development in their health. The first thing to do is ensure that they have the best healthcare available. In some cases, your senior's ophthalmologist may have the ability to alleviate or slow the degeneration of their vision. As such, it is essential that your senior can make it to the necessary doctor's appointments and access the medications and other treatment options that are recommended.

In terms of the day to day care of your senior, you may find it necessary to transfer your loved one into a nursing home if their vision impairment is severe and home care is not an option. If home care is a possibility, though, ask your senior if they would rather move into a nursing home or continue aging in place with the assistance of an elder care professional.  No matter what they choose, it is important that they have the assistance they need to remain secure and uphold the highest quality of life possible. The senior care professionals of Durham, North Carolina, can help you and your elderly loved one determine the best arrangement for your senior.

If you have any questions regarding Senior Care in Durham, please visit us at Always Best Care for Chapel Hill and Durham. 

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

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[1] http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-problems