The Must-Know Points About Palliative Care

Palliative care refers to highly specialized medical care that is used for elderly individuals who are facing a serious illness. This method of care giving is committed to providing relief from pain for these seniors, regardless of their diagnosis. Ultimately, palliative care is about boosting an elderly loved one’s quality of life, keeping them comfortable and at peace. Palliative care is provided by a team of highly trained home care professionals, and can also include treatment from doctors, nurses, massage therapists, nutritionists, religious figures, pharmacists, and others. These individuals offer support and care for elderly individuals and their family members.

Some common illnesses that may require palliative care include:

• Cardiac disease like congestive heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Kidney failure
• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The goal of this kind of eldercare is to eliminate unpleasant symptoms like:

• Trouble sleeping
• Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Depression
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Together, the palliative care team provides expert pain management, assistance navigating the healthcare system, and emotional and spiritual support for a senior and their family.

What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?

Though hospice care and palliative care share many similarities, they are also quite different. For instance, palliative care is typically administered in a hospital, extended care facility, or nursing home. Hospice care, on the other hand, usually takes place at home. Hospice care is typically reserved for a senior who has been deemed terminal or is thought to be within six months of their death. Palliative care has no time restrictions, and can be administered at any stage of illness, regardless of whether the elderly individual is terminal or not.

Another major difference between hospice and palliative care comes with the approach to treatment. Most hospice programs focus on comfort instead of prolonging life. However, palliative care does not work off of the assumption that life-prolonging treatments will be avoided. In many cases, palliative care is covered by insurance, whereas hospice treatment may have some policy restrictions.

For elderly individuals who are dealing with a serious illness, palliative care is often a useful tool in order to keep the senior comfortable while allowing the family members to enjoy emotional and spiritual support.

Assisting Seniors with Social Media

Within the field of eldercare, Chapel Hill professionals have seen a rise in the number of seniors who are using social networking websites. Social media is a tool that has helped bridge the geographic gaps that settle between friends and family members, as the Internet allows individuals to connect with one another from virtually anywhere in the world. But while social media is certainly accessible to any senior who has a connection to the World Wide Web, it is also difficult for seniors who are not tech savvy to navigate.

Eldercare professionals and family members who provide senior care can play an integral part in helping elderly individuals to stay connected with friends and family online. Below are a few of the ways in which you can assist your loved one with using social networks to stay actively engaged with the people about whom they care.

1. Start slowly by getting your senior involved with one social site at a time. Facebook is the most popular, as it appeals to the widest range of users and is the easiest to navigate. As your elderly loved one wants to become involved in new networks go ahead and help them do so, slowly building their ability to use these websites on their own. 
2. Take the time to set up your loved one’s profile. Once this is up and running it will be easier to explain to them how to use the website. Once the profile is set up, set aside an hour or so to walk your senior through the many features and functions that the site has to offer. For instance, you might coordinate with them to send friend requests to their loved ones on Facebook and then teach them how to send private messages, write on walls, and peruse the pictures that others post. 
3. If you think it will prove beneficial, schedule a time each week to get online with your loved one. For instance, you might log into your senior’s Facebook account and update them on the activity in which they are interested every Sunday after family dinner, or every Monday after you help them with grocery shopping. 

Home care professionals understand that social media can greatly impact a senior’s life in a positive way. With these tips you can help bring about these benefits.

Mourning the Loss of a Spouse

Losing a spouse is a devastating experience, and seniors all mourn in their own way. In fact, there is no one way to heal after such a loss, and it can take weeks to months to even years for individuals to overcome their grief. When your elderly loved one loses their husband or wife, senior care professionals recommend that you give them room to experience their emotions naturally while ensuring that they are safe and secure.

Senior care professionals know that you cannot alleviate the pain that your loved one is feeling, but there are ways in which you can encourage them to work through their grief in a healthy manner. According to the National Institute on Aging, the following are extremely important:1  

• Urge your senior to seek support. This can come in the form of turning to friends or family members to talk through their experience, speaking with a professional, or joining a support group. All of these are wonderful options, and seniors should be encouraged to choose the one that will best help them heal. 
• Keep your elderly loved one from making significant changes too quickly. To distract themselves from their loss, seniors might want to move to a new city, sell their home, or make other changes. While these decisions may be in the best interest of your senior, it is important that your loved one is able to make such choices when they are thinking clearly, not when their judgment is clouded by grief. 
• Make your senior’s health a priority. After the loss of a loved one a senior may not feel as though their health is a concern, but it is important that they keep up with their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing as much as they can. Don’t push too hard, but do make sure that your loved one takes their medications and upholds any medical appointments they may have. After a few days, try to get them outside and encourage them to get some physical exercise into each day—even if it’s just a short walk around the block. 

Losing a spouse is a devastating experience, and it is something that will change an elderly individual forever. But with your assistance, your senior can work through their grief naturally without compromising their health or safety.

¹ http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/mourning-death-spouse

Autumn Activities for Seniors in Chapel Hill

With the first day of autumn, which is September 22, quickly approaching, eldercare professionals are encouraging you to think about seasonal activities that your senior may enjoy. When it comes to eldercare, Chapel Hill is a wonderful location. With such a strong community and beautiful natural environment, you can certainly find some great activities that your senior will love. When providing care for elderly individuals it is always a good idea to get them out and about, allowing them to enjoy social activities and meet new people. To help you meet this goal, below are some of the events that are going to be taking place at the Central Orange Senior Center and the Seymour Center.

• Wellness special events: These seminars provide elderly individuals with information about important topics, including smoking, diabetes, and podiatric health. Other wellness classes, which are given on a regular basis, including aerobics, balance, yoga, Pilates, pacesetter, NIA, strength training, t'ai chi, walking, and more. 
• Computer classes: Technology is continually evolving and, to keep from feeling left behind, your loved one may want to take a course on how to use computers. From learning about Google to computer maintenance, there is a wide range of topics to choose from. 
• Support groups: These groups are wonderful for seniors who have certain illnesses or have been through difficult experiences. Some of the support groups that are offered include those based upon Parkinson's disease, the death of a spouse, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, and more.
• Arts and crafts classes: Art is a wonderful form of self expression, and the community centers provide several different courses dedicated to helping seniors use their creativity. These include oil painting, Chinese brush painting, mixed media, pastels, and watercolors. Crafts, too, such as making bobbin lace, jewelry, quilts, birdhouses, and more, are highly popular. 

In addition to these categories, the community centers in Chapel Hill provide classes on pottery, bridge, dance, music, theater, movies, hiking, and more. With such a diverse list of activities, it is certain that your senior will find something that they can enjoy this fall.

Dementia Care: Coping Strategies for Care Providers

Providing care for elderly individuals who have dementia, which is also known as dementia care, is a major responsibility for both professionals and family members. If you offer eldercare to your loved one who suffers from dementia then you are certainly well aware of the unique challenges this form of care can present.

Understanding Dementia
In order to cope with the stresses of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia care, the Alzheimer’s care, Chapel Hill, professionals know that it’s important to really understand what your elderly loved one is going through. Dementia changes seniors because it directly impacts the brain, making it difficult for them to remember certain details, perform certain tasks, and even simply orient themselves. This can make them feel vulnerable, uneasy, and frustrated. As such, seniors may experience a change in personality and they may take out some of their frustrations on those around them, even if they don’t mean to.

By understanding why your elderly loved one is acting this way it can be easier to provide the care that they need. Through your efforts, you can help your senior feel more secure in an environment that may seem unfamiliar to them.

Keeping Yourself Healthy
One of the most important things to remember when providing dementia care is that you cannot take care of your senior if you don’t take care of yourself first. This responsibility is demanding, and though it is just as rewarding as it can be stressful it is important to make sure that you see to your physical and mental wellbeing as you take care of your loved one. Below are a few ways for you to do so.

1. Take at least one day off per week. If you need to bring in a respite care professional to do so, make it happen. This day will allow you to recharge and rest so that you can keep from burning out. 
2. Exercise compassion. It is important to not only be patient with your senior but to also try to understand what they are going through in order to best cope with the situation. 
3. Talk about your experiences. Sharing with friends, family members, or even professionals can prove extremely therapeutic. 

With these coping mechanisms in mind you can better care for your loved one.

Outdoor Activities for the Elderly: Getting Your Senior Outside

For seniors who have mobility limitations or who suffer from certain injuries or illnesses, staying indoors is often the routine in order to minimize their discomfort. But eldercare professionals assert that, if your senior can get outside, there are so many benefits to soaking in a bit of sun that it is well worth the effort to spend some time out of doors. When providing care for elderly individuals, though, you may find it difficult to come up with ways to spend time outside. Below are some activities that homecare professionals believe will help you and your elderly loved one to enjoy time spent out of the house.

Going for a Walk
If your senior is able, going for a stroll through the neighborhood or a nearby park is a wonderful option. For elderly individuals who have mobility limitations, it is a good idea to find a park with a paved walkway so you can push them in their wheelchair. The beauty of the natural surroundings and the simple pleasure of the fresh air will both serve to reinvigorate your senior and allow them to enjoy time spent in a new location.

Visiting 
When friends or family come to visit, seniors normally sit in the living room or kitchen with their loved ones while catching up on one another's lives. Instead of staying indoors, try moving out to the porch or backyard. Additionally, a nearby park with benches and a great view of a lake or pond is a wonderful option.

Gardening
Elderly individuals who enjoy gardening will certainly love getting out in the yard and getting their hands dirty. As seniors get older they may have difficulty lifting heavy bags of soil and completing other tasks, so make sure a friend or family member is available to help them and keep them company. Additionally, make certain that your loved one has access to all of the resources they need, like knee pads and a hat, to keep them comfortable while enjoying this hobby.

There are so many different ways that seniors can spend time in the great outdoors no matter their mobility limitations. These are just a few of the activities that your loved one may enjoy.

Living Alone: What Is the Danger?

Living alone is something that countless individuals do, as they often prefer having their own space to sharing a place with a roommate or moving in with family members. For numerous seniors, aging in place means living at home, oftentimes alone, throughout their golden years. But the truth is that elderly individuals may have a difficult time carrying out certain activities of daily living as they get older, which can make it quite dangerous for them to live alone. In terms of home care, Always Best Care Chapel Hill-Durham professionals know that an eldercare provider is a wonderful asset to seniors who would like to continue living with the highest degree of independence possible.

What Are the Dangers Your Senior Faces?
Any in home care agency will tell you that there are many risks that seniors must overcome in order to maintain their safety while living alone. Below are a few of the dangers that independent living may present:

• If seniors fall or suffer from any other kind of injury or illness they may not gain access to the medical attention that they need, as no one will know of their predicament. 
• Meal preparation is a difficult task for many elderly individuals, who may face malnourishment and dehydration if they are not able to cook healthy meals and access clean drinking water. 
• Maintaining a home requires a lot of physical activity, including yard work, cleaning, and making small repairs. Many seniors may injure themselves trying to keep up with the needs of their property. 
• Should an emergency occur, such as a flood or fire, seniors who have limited mobility may not be able to get out of the house in time. 

These are just some of the many dangers that seniors face when living alone; however, the good news is that home care professionals can help your loved one retain the lifestyle they want without compromising their safety.

Calling in the Help of a Professional
Eldercare professionals can provide seniors with a high degree of support, as they assist with activities of daily living (dressing, cleaning, meal preparation, personal grooming, etc.) and take care of the responsibilities that might pose a challenge for seniors. Additionally, their companionship means that seniors have someone near in case of emergency, which is incredibly important.

What Do 2013 Senior Health Rankings Mean for the Future?

The United Health Foundation releases yearly health rankings as a way to measure the wellbeing of the general population, encourage states to improve their health programs, and help medical and other professionals in preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. The 2013 senior report provides insight regarding the overall wellbeing of elderly individuals.1 Senior care professionals believe that the state of North Carolina, which is ranked 29th in the country in terms of overall elderly health, should look to this report as a resource to assist home care providers in improving the quality of life of their patients.

North Carolina: An Overview
At 29th in the country, it is clear that there are a few things that the individuals in the state of North Carolina can do to improve the overall health of the area's elderly population. Four of the issues that the report takes into consideration are obesity, smoking, diabetes, and physical inactivity. The scores for North Carolina are as follows:

• Obesity: A total of 24 to 27 percent of seniors have a body mass index, or BMI, of 30.0 or higher.
• Smoking: Eight to 10 percent of the senior population of North Carolina smokes. 
• Diabetes: In total, 81 to 87 percent of the seniors enrolled in Medicare in the state of North Carolina have diabetes. 
• Physical inactivity: Of the seniors in the state, 24 to 29 percent report that they do not engage in regular physical activity. 

While all of these issues require attention, elder care professionals are particularly concerned about the high percentage of seniors who have diabetes within the state. Ultimately, the goal is to use this information to improve healthcare standards, including education and treatment options.

Looking to the Future
Home care professionals are encouraged to use these statistics to focus on the needs of their patients and, as a result, help them achieve a higher degree of health. Education plays a key role in this initiative, as learning about the best ways to prevent diabetes, manage weight, and stay active is imperative in reducing the number of seniors who are affected by obesity, smoking, diabetes, and physical inactivity.

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1 http://www.americashealthrankings.org/senior/all/2013

Planning a Trip with Elderly Parents

Eldercare professionals know that traveling with seniors is not always easy, particularly if your loved one has limited mobility or a health condition. But this doesn't mean that your senior cannot enjoy a family vacation! With the right planning, homecare providers know that you can take your elderly loved one on a trip to remember.

Discuss the Needs of Your Senior
Consider the challenges that your elderly loved one will face during the travel experience. For instance, a senior who has limited mobility may need access to a wheelchair or walker. Additionally, an elderly individual who has a health condition that requires a high degree of attention may need all of the services that homecare professionals offer while on the road.

When thinking about the challenges that your family will face when traveling with your senior, write down any concerns that you have and make sure that you address all of them before leaving so that you can create the best experience possible for your loved one.

Staying Organized
Ultimately, taking an organized approach to packing and planning can make all the difference in terms of the positivity of your experience. First and foremost, make sure that your elderly loved one has all of the things they will need for the trip packed in a way that will allow them to access these items easily. This includes medications, entertainment (books, crosswords, etc.), clothing, personal hygiene items, and more.

Another aspect of staying organized that is important in this situation is having an itinerary that will allow your senior to enjoy their travels. For instance, you will certainly want to have all transportation booked ahead of time to minimize the need to wait for cabs or shuttles. Go ahead and book transportation to and from the airport, train station, or other transportation hub to make getting to and from the hotel as easy as possible. Additionally, you will want to make certain that all of the venues that you visit are accessible to your senior if they require a wheelchair.

Bring Assistance
Depending upon the needs of your senior and the nature of your trip, it might prove beneficial to bring a home care professional along. Speak with your eldercare provider to determine if this is the right decision for your loved one.

Home Modifications to Allow Your Senior to Age in Place Safely

At home care organizations, the safety and security of seniors is the top priority. As such, the home care, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, professionals who are responsible for the wellbeing of elderly individuals are dedicated to helping create a living environment that is suitable for seniors who wish to age in place without compromising their health or safety.

One of the main concerns that families have when their loved ones decide that they want to continue to live in their own home instead of move into a nursing or assisted living facility is that the house is not tailored to their needs. In home care agency professionals encourage you to take the following tips into consideration.

• Build a ramp or handrail leading to the front and back doors. Eldercare professionals realize that one of the challenges that seniors face is the task of getting in and out of their homes. Many houses have steep steps or unlevel ground leading to the door, and this can prove exceptionally dangerous for seniors who have limited mobility. Building a ramp will make the task much easier, but installing a sturdy handrail is effective if your elderly loved one is able to walk. 
• Improve safety in the bathroom. The bathroom is a dangerous area for seniors because there are so many slick surfaces. For instance, elderly individuals may slip and fall when in the shower or when trying to walk across slippery tiles. Additionally, the physical action of stepping into and out of the shower can cause seniors to lose their balance. Modify this room with handrails and nonslip floor coverings to keep your elderly loved one safe. 
• Create pathways throughout the home. If your elderly loved one is in a wheelchair or uses a walker, it may prove difficult to open doors or navigate rooms that have a great deal of furniture in them. Make sure that their pathways are clear and allow them to access all of the rooms in their home with minimal difficulty. For instance, you might remove doors between the kitchen and living room or dining room or rearrange furniture to create a wider walkway. 

These tips should help you to make some of the modifications necessary to create a safe environment for your senior.

What's the Latest in Alzheimer's Research?

Eldercare professionals are continually learning more about Alzheimer's disease and how it can impact seniors through the work of medical researchers. Research regarding Alzheimer's disease—encompassing topics pertaining to detection, treatment, prevention, and finding a cure—has been pursued by healthcare professionals for decades. Today, Alzheimer's care providers are more educated than ever before regarding the needs of their elderly patients; however, there is still much to learn about this condition and how it affects seniors. Below are several different developments in Alzheimer's disease research, policy development, and more, as reported by the Alzheimer's Association.

• The National Alzheimer's Plan has been updated to create a timeline for Alzheimer's research efforts, create milestones regarding treatment and prevention, develop educational materials for general practitioners, organize an expert panel to focus on the later phases of the condition, and enhance efforts regarding public awareness and engagement pertaining to disease prevention. 
• The Alzheimer's Association supported the reintroduction of the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act (HOPE standing for Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education). This is a program that is targeted at improving the timeliness and accuracy of diagnoses related to dementia. Additionally, it is focused on assisting elderly individuals and their loved ones in accessing the support and information they need. 
• President Barack Obama has dedicated $100 million of the FY 2014 budget to Alzheimer's disease research and awareness programs. These funds will drive the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease as well as many initiatives that have been established to fight and learn more about this condition. While financial concerns have certainly limited such budgetary allowances on a national scale, this is an investment in future financial security because the cost of Alzheimer's has risen to $203 billion each year. 
• The Obama Administration has supported Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies, or BRAIN. This is an initiative that aims to map the brain in order to better understand its functions—and the diseases, like Alzheimer's, that can interrupt the healthy activity of the human brain. 

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition, and healthcare professionals are striving to learn as much as they can about this illness in order to better prevent, diagnose, and treat it.

Cookout Ideas: Enjoying the Summer with Your Senior

When you think of summer, you may see images of a family enjoying time together outside. Grilling out while the younger generations play in the pool or run through the sprinklers is common across America, and there is nothing more relaxing and rewarding than an afternoon or evening spent grilling out with your family. The truth is, though, that the simple cookout can become quite complex when you are also in charge of the wellbeing of your elderly loved one. Eldercare professionals know that it can be difficult to ensure that your senior is safe and healthy in the heat while hosting a cookout for family and friends. As such, eldercare Chapel Hill professionals have provided the following cookout ideas to help you balance all of your responsibilities.

Celebrate Inside
One of the major concerns regarding seniors and cookouts is the heat, as it can become extremely hot due to both the weather and the grill itself. As such, why not move the party indoors? Indoor grills, such as a George Foreman grill, are wonderful alternatives if the heat is just too much for your senior. Additionally, other guests may appreciate the ability to enjoy one another's company in a more comfortable setting.

Create Airflow
If you are going to go forward with a traditional outdoor cookout, make sure that your senior has access to moving air. One of the things that makes the hot, sticky months of summer uncomfortable is the need for air circulation. Bring a fan outside on the patio so that your elderly loved one can stay cool while enjoying the festivities. If you have an air conditioned space that bridges the outdoors and the in (such as a Florida or sun room), have guests relax in this area instead.

Keep Hydrated
Oftentimes, guests at cookouts are served sodas and other beverages, but the heat requires seniors to stay hydrated. Make sure that your loved one drinks plenty of water at the party.
Providing care for elderly loved ones is a major responsibility—but it is one that is extremely rewarding. As such, it is important that you do everything in your power to ensure that your senior has a wonderful summer!

Caring for Your Senior's Social Wellness

July is social wellness month, which means that it is a wonderful time to consider the social aspect of your senior's life. Studies have shown that depression, feelings of isolation, and loneliness can all stem from a lack of social activity, meaning that it is extremely important for elderly individuals to remain engaged in their community and spend time with friends and family members. Home care Chapel Hill professionals know that this is not always easy, particularly if your senior is facing medical conditions or other limitations that restrict their mobility. But with these tips, you can care for elderly socialization needs.

Ensure that your loved one has access to reliable transportation. 
Whether you personal drive your senior to their social events, hire an eldercare professional to do so, or call upon friends and family, it is crucial that your loved one is not stuck in their home. For many seniors, the inability to drive themselves to community centers, book clubs, sewing groups, etc. is the primary reason why they experience a decline in social activity. Talk to your senior about the events that they would like to attend and ensure that they have a ride to and from these gatherings.

Encourage your elderly loved one to join an interest group. 
For many seniors, the sad reality is that they have outlived many of their friends and even family members. As such, they may experience a dwindling in their social group, which can become depressing. To keep your senior's spirits up, encourage them to join an interest group in order to meet new people and engage in their favorite activities. Walking, book, cooking, and sewing clubs are highly popular. Additionally, taking classes at the local senior center is a wonderful way to stay socially active while learning new skills and making new friends.

Depression is a common concern for seniors, as they may feel isolated as they continue to age. Whether your elderly loved one is aging in place independently or calls upon the assistance of professional home care providers, it is crucial that you take the time to ensure that all of their needs are being met—including those pertaining to their social activity.

Enjoying Fourth of July Celebrations with Your Senior

The Fourth of July is a favorite holiday among many individuals, and it is a wonderful time to celebrate with your family! If you are providing eldercare for your loved one, or if they are benefitting from the services of a homecare professional and are able to attend your party, it is important to keep a few key pieces of information in mind in terms of creating a fun event that everyone can enjoy. Below are some tips from Care2.com to help you plan a successful celebration that meets your senior's needs.

1. Consider any dietary guidelines that your loved one must follow and make sure that you serve foods that your senior can eat. 
2. Ensure that there is comfortable seating for your elderly loved one. While picnic benches are par for the course at Fourth of July celebrations, your senior needs a more supportive chair with a back. 
3. If the party is to be held outside, arrange the seating beneath a tree to keep your senior cool. If necessary, use umbrellas to create a shaded seating area that will be comfortable for everyone. 
4. Help your senior pick out an outfit that is appropriate for the weather and keep a light sweater on hand in case they get chilly after the sun goes down. 
5. Remember to protect your loved one's skin with sunscreen to prevent burning. 
6. Assist your senior in finding a place to rest where they are still part of the party but are not too close to the grill, playing children, etc. 
7. Keep your elderly loved one hydrated, particularly if you are celebrating outside. Make sure that your loved one always has access to fresh, cool drinking water. 
8. If your loved one has issues with incontinence, make certain that they can easily access the restroom and that you have a predetermined signal for when they will need assistance doing so. 

The Fourth of July is, for many families and groups of friends, a wonderful time to get together and celebrate. While these parties are certainly a great deal of fun, it is important that you care for elderly needs of your senior while enjoying the festivities.

Why Care for Your Elderly Parents at Home?

As your parents age, your family is going to have to make difficult decisions about their care. For many seniors, aging in place is the best possible scenario, as it allows them to continue to live in their homes while enjoying the highest degree of independence possible. For seniors who are in good health this is a fantastic option, but those elderly individuals who are facing limited mobility, cognitive decline, and other health concerns may need a bit of assistance if they are to age in place without compromising their safety. For the seniors who wish to stay in their homes, the homecare professionals in Chapel Hill are of service.

What are the benefits of aging in place?
Ultimately, aging in place is the most comfortable option for elderly individuals both emotionally and physically. The seniors who age in their own homes are able to retain a higher sense of autonomy—even if they must call upon the assistance of eldercare services from an in home care agency. You see, adapting to the help of others is a difficult task, and it is one that is made more manageable when seniors are able to stay in their homes. Financially, aging in place is frequently a much better option than moving your parents into an assisted living community or nursing home. Finally, the mental effects of moving during old age can prove negative for seniors who want to stay in their homes but are forced to leave.

By making arrangements for your elderly loved one to age in place, you can help them to maintain a higher level of comfort and quality of life. And with the assistance of at home care professionals, you and your family will not have to worry that your loved one is not receiving the proper support.

Who can you trust to care for your senior?
When your family decides it is time to enlist the assistance of a homecare agency, it is a good idea to call a local organization that is properly licensed and insured. You want to make certain that the individuals who will be taking care of your loved one are trained, experienced, and capable of meeting all of your senior's needs.

National Aphasia Awareness Month: Treating Speech Problems after a Stroke

As National Aphasia Awareness Month, June is a wonderful time to learn a bit about this disorder and how it is treated. Eldercare professionals in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, understand that aphasia can be frustrating for both seniors and their loved ones. By learning more about this condition—and the treatment options that are available—you can better help your elderly loved one through it.

What Is Aphasia?
Care for elderly individuals entails helping seniors through numerous health conditions. Strokes are devastating but unfortunately relatively common occurrences among the elderly population. In some cases, damage to the brain can cause aphasia. This disorder makes it difficult for seniors to communicate and, depending upon the damage that the brain suffers, may impact verbal, written, or both forms of communication.

Treatment Options
The two forms of treatment that are available to seniors who have aphasia include rehabilitation and medications. Rehabilitation via speech and language therapy can assist individuals in regaining their communication capabilities. However, it is important to keep in mind the fact that, though progress is often achieved with this treatment approach, it can prove exceptionally difficult to get seniors back to the communication levels they had prior to their stroke. This is due to the damage that the event caused in the brain.

The other form of treatment, medication, is a bit less prevalent in the medical world since more research needs to take place in order to better understand how medication can help seniors who have aphasia. Eldercare professionals note, though, that the studies conducted to date indicate that pharmaceuticals that increase blood flow to the brain may help the organ in healing and in creating neurotransmitters, which play a key role in cognitive function.

Supporting Your Senior
No matter what your loved one's treatment course, it is important that they have your love and support during the recovery process. Healing after a stroke is something that takes time and can, in many cases, become very frustrating for both elderly individuals and their loved ones; however, it is essential that you remain patient and show your support throughout the process to best help your senior heal. With this information in mind you may find it easier to help your loved one cope throughout their recovery.

5 Ways to Keep Your Elderly Father Healthy

With Father's Day right around the corner, it is a great idea to reflect on the eldercare that you provide for your dad and how you can improve his quality of life. Personal eldercare allows you to help your father to retain the highest degree of independence possible without compromising his safety; however, it is extremely important that you pay close attention to his health. Care for elderly individuals is an activity that forces you to pay attention to details and dedicate your time to making the life of your senior as positive as possible. How better to say thank you to your dad for all he has done than to boost the level of care that you provide?

1. Collaborate with your father's doctors to ensure that all of his medical needs are met. Given his medical history and other factors, he may need certain health screenings at precise intervals. Scheduling appointments in advance can help you take a proactive approach to health.
   
   
2. Make sure your father has fresh fruits and vegetables on hand at all times for healthy snacks. Additionally, help him to make certain that he addresses the nutrition needs that he might have due to his medical history.
   
   
3. Join your dad in exercise activities, such as going for a walk. Keeping your father active is important to maintaining his health and you both will enjoy these activities more if you do them together.
   
   
4. Make sure that your dad's home is safe and free of any clutter, uneven flooring, ripped carpeting, etc. Falling is one of the most risky accidents in terms of a senior's health, so minimizing the odds that your father will fall by keeping his home clean and neat is a great idea.
   
   
5. Pay close attention to your dad's mental wellbeing. People often forget that mental health is an important consideration with regard to eldercare. Visit often, encourage your dad to engage in social activities, and do what you can to keep him in high spirits. 

These are great ways in which you can keep your father healthy both now and for years to come.

What Is the Connection Between Berries and Cognitive Decline?

Cognitive decline is an issue that many seniors face, as the ability of the brain to function efficiency wanes as the aging process takes place. This is natural, but it can be slowed with the right approach. A study published in 2012 in the Annals of Neurology shows that the consumption of berries may actually help to reduce the rate of cognitive decline that seniors experience. For dementia care and Alzheimer's care, Chapel Hill, professionals, this is a wonderful breakthrough, as it supplies eldercare providers with information that can help them to assist their seniors in maintaining the highest degree of cognitive function possible.

How Do Berries Slow Cognitive Decline?
Professionals who provide care for the elderly are encouraged to understand just how berries work with the brain to improve function. According to a blog post that recaps the findings of the study, berries are able to achieve this goal because of their high concentration of flavonoids.1 The flavonoids that berries contain are called anthocyanidins, which are unique in that they are able to cross the blood brain barrier. As such, they can directly infiltrate the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain that plays a major role regarding memory and learning. The blog post explains that the ability to cross the blood brain barrier is key, as the inability to do so is what prevents many new drugs from being effective.

In addition to entering the hippocampus directly, these flavonoids are useful because they are antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. When the brain becomes inflamed or undergoes stress, the blog post explains, it shows a decline in function.

Adding Berries to Your Senior's Diet
While eating berries every day cannot completely prevent cognitive decline, research indicates that it can slow the process. As such, it is a good idea to encourage your elderly loved one to eat berries by keeping a fresh supply on hand. Go ahead and wash the berries and store them in containers in your senior's refrigerator so that they can snack on them whenever they would like. Additionally, you might add them to your loved one's breakfast or dessert.

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1 http://blog.alz.org/why-berries-may-delay-memory-decline/

Working with Your Siblings to Care for Your Senior

When it comes to homecare in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, there are many options open to your elderly loved one. But in order to determine which eldercare decisions are best for your family it is important that you work with your siblings to create a care plan for your elderly parents. While it may seem difficult to get all of your brothers and sisters on the same page regarding your loved one's needs, it is important that you have the support of your siblings during this process—particularly if you are opting to provide care for your senior instead of hiring a professional.

Below are some great tips from the professionals who are trained to care for elderly individuals that should help you to create a care plan that will meet your loved one's needs.

• First and foremost, determine whether or not you will need assistance from trained eldercare providers. This may be necessary if you and your siblings cannot share this responsibility due to geographic location, work obligations, family responsibilities, etc.
• If you and your siblings do decide to work together to provide the care your loved one needs, create a schedule to ensure that everyone is clear on when they are needed. Having a weekly schedule will also make it simpler for you and your siblings to balance the other aspects of your lives, as it is important that you are able to maintain your other responsibilities while offering care to your parent.
• If you have siblings who live out of state or who are not able to physically help, involve them by asking them to spearhead other activities, such as calling in prescription refills, making doctor's appointments, handling financial issues, etc. This will keep them involved and will ensure that all aspects of your loved one's care are managed.
• Make your senior a part of the decision making process if possible. It is important for you and your siblings to remember that caring for your loved one is a priority, but it does not mean that you need to make every decision for them. Keep your senior as active in decision making tasks as you can. 

Working with your siblings is a wonderful way to bond with family members while ensuring that your loved one gets the care they deserve.

5 Ways to Prevent Falls for Elderly Individuals

Since June is National Safety Month, now is a wonderful time to discuss one of the most important aspects of care for elderly individuals: fall prevention. Homecare professionals understand that falling is one of the most dangerous risks that seniors face, as it can result in a long list of injuries that range from mild to fatal. Below are some of the ways in which today's eldercare professionals encourage you to help protect your loved one against this risk.

1. Maintain a clean living space. Whether your senior lives with you or in their own home, it is essential that you make certain that they have a clean living environment that is free of clutter. When items are left on the floor and are not put away properly, seniors are more likely to trip over them and suffer from the injuries of their fall. Try dedicating one day per week to helping your loved one clean their living space and put away any items that are left out and about.
   
   
2. Fix any uneven flooring, including chipped tiles, warped hardwoods, and snagged carpets. In many cases, seniors who fall do so because they trip. If the flooring in your loved one's home is not even and well-maintained it can pose a high degree of threat to your senior's wellbeing.
   
   
3. Move any electrical cords that may obstruct the walkway. In many cases, individuals have to get creative when it comes to running electrical cords from televisions, DVD players, and other items. Having wires that cross walkways, though, is a major problem for seniors. If necessary, rearrange the furniture to ensure that your loved one can walk through their home with ease.
   
   
4. Improve safety by replacing worn rugs, installing non-slip backing, and fixing upturned edges of carpeting. Rugs are wonderful for keeping a space warm and comfortable, but when they become worn, start to slide, or their edges begin to turn up they can prove dangerous to your loved one.
   
   
5. Install slip-resistant materials in the bathroom. Adding slip-resistant mats and other products to the area in front of the toilet and the area in front of the bathtub—as well as the bottom of the tub—can help keep your loved one safe. 

With these five tips, you can better safeguard your senior against a fall.