August 7, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Elder Home Care in Phoenix, Legal Matters, Phoenix CAREGiver's Corner, Safety Concerns for Phoenix Seniors, Senior Activities in Phoenix, Senior Health and Nutrition in Phoenix |
Tagged: Aging concerns, Phoenix seniors, Yoga health benefits
When
I first started practicing yoga in my early 50s, some looked at me like
I was crazy thinking that I was causing damage to my body and that I
was just taking it up because it was trendy. No, it wasn't a mid-life
crisis; I know that yoga has extensive health benefits to people of all
ages, including improved flexibility, muscular strength and better
cardiovascular health. Despite the fact that it's trendy, I've also
tried to explain to the naysayers that yoga has been around for nearly
5,000 years and has a number of top yoga masters who are older. K.S.
Iyengar, founder of the most popular form of yoga practiced today is 90
years old, and the yogi that helped bring yoga to the United States
also belongs to the boomer generation.
I'm so confident about the health benefits of yoga for seniors that
I've even encouraged my care recipient, who's in her 80's to try out a
beginners yoga class for older adults, and once she got past the
initial skepticism, she too is loving it!
Sources:
1. AARP
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
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August 3, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Senior Activities in Phoenix, Senior Health and Nutrition in Phoenix |
Tagged: Exercise program, Healthy lifestyle, Phoenix active seniors
As
a caregiver, I always try to encourage my care recipients in a healthy
lifestyle; including diet and exercise. But I know that for seniors in
particular, it can be a challenge to keep up an exercise program,
because of the physical stress that is involved; despite the fact that
seniors know just how beneficial it is too their health, they can find
it physical trying. I've learned that the right incentives need to be
put in place to keep a senior active, and I won't deny that I've
resorted to techniques like telling a senior that we will go for a
walk, and then return home to sit down and watch a favorite show or
movie and snack on a favorite food. When it comes to promoting a
healthy lifestyle, whatever works, right?
The AARP clearly knows that encouraging seniors in regular exercise
requires some sort of incentive program to act as motivation, and I was
excited to learn about their new Get Fit on Route 666. It encourages
seniors to exercise, using a fitness journal recording program online
that also provides them with rewards for completing different
milestones and exercising in general. Seniors are rewarded with
knowledge about American history, nutrition tips and encouraging
remarks to keep them on track with their fitness regiment. I think this
is a fantastic program that can help many seniors and their caregivers,
and much healthier than resorting to ice cream as a way for rewarding
seniors for bursts of activity!
Sources:
1. AARP
2. Austin American Statesman
Image Source pro.corbis.com
Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.
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July 20, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Phoenix CAREGiver's Corner, Safety Concerns for Phoenix Seniors, Senior Activities in Phoenix |
Tagged: Aging care recipient, Phoenix senior activity, Safe hiking tips
I
spend 7 days a week with the Phoenix senior that I care for, and it can
be challenging to come up with activities that we both enjoy, that also
have benefits to his health based on his advanced age. One activity
that we've found that is mutually enjoyable and has all the benefits is
hiking outdoors in the many nice areas that can be found around
Phoenix. We pack a lunch and often go out for the day, taking our time
through the trails and stopping to look at the scenery and wildlife
that we come across, often discussing the bird sounds we hear and
trying to relate them to the species that we know can be found in the
area.
Since my care recipient is in his 70's, I always take added
precautions when going out, because accidents can happen anywhere or
anytime despite how careful we are. But with proper planning, even the
unexpected can be managed, which is more of a concern when out in the
middle of the wilderness. So for any other caregivers looking to
introduce outdoor hiking to their care recipients, here are a few
safety tips that I would recommend.
• Never hike alone - hiking with a friend, family member or
caregiver ensures that there is someone there to help in an emergency.
A hiking buddy can also help a senior get up steep slopes, or provide
support over uneven terrain
• Plan ahead - study maps of the hiking area, and if taking a longer
trip, leave a copy of your route with someone not attending the hike.
Also check to make sure that the weather conditions will be good. Even
bad weather days before the hike, like rain, can cause danger as there
is likely to be slippery rocks or mud that can cause falls
• Dress appropriately - seniors should have sturdy hiking shoes
appropriate for gripping the terrain. The hiking shoes or boots should
be properly fitted to ensure that they provide added support and
stability to a senior. Dressing in layers will also help to ensure
comfort, regardless of weather or temperatures
• Pack a bag - water should be packed, and drank regularly throughout a
hike. Extra clothing, bug spray, sunscreen, a snack, and a first aid
kit are recommended
Sources:
1. Associated Content
2. Suite 101
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
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May 18, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Elder Home Care in Phoenix, Phoenix CAREGiver's Corner, Safety Concerns for Phoenix Seniors |
Tagged: Elderly grandfather, phoenix, Senior concerns, Victims of negligence
Q. suspect that my elderly grandfather, who has an elder care provider
assisting him in his home in Phoenix might be a victim of home care
negligence. He doesn't seem to get along with his caregiver and is
reluctant to look her in the eyes. I don't want to make a big deal out
of nothing, so what are the signs I can look for to determine if he's a
victim of negligence?
A. If you believe that your father in Phoenix might be a victim of
negligence, or doesn't get along with his caregiver. Don't hesitate to
talk to the caregiving agency about your suspicions and request another
elder care expert to provide home care services. However, if you want
to justify your concerns, there are other signs that could indicate
your father is being neglected.
• Sudden changes in his behavior, such as becoming more withdrawn, depressed or angry
• Physical injuries like bruises, scrapes, cuts, or even broken bones
• The home care provider not allowing seniors to spend time alone with family members for fear something might be revealed
• Pressure sores or signs that restraints have been used
• Sudden, inexplicable weight loss in the senior
Sources:
1. Care Home Negligence
2. EZine Articles
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July 30, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Financial Center |
Tagged: Phoenix reverse mortgage, senior planning
How much can I get from a reverse mortgage?
A reverse mortgage is a means by which you can access a percentage of
the equity in your home. How big of a percentage depends on two factors:
· Your age (62 minimum)
· The current interest rates
Lenders use FHA actuarial tables based on you living to 100 and the
expected loan rate to determine exactly what percentage they will loan.
If the expected rate for the loan (how the lender expects it to average
over the next 10 years) is 5.50% (the rate floor) or lower, I have a
rule of thumb you can use. Please note that this is not a promise by
any means - it just gets you in the general ballpark.
Loan Percentage = Age (as a percentage) 5%
If the expected rate of the loan is over 5.50%, the loan percentage starts dropping quickly. A 1% increase to 6.50% can decrease the loan percentage 9% or more.
So at 5.50% loan rate, an 85-year-old might net 80% of their home value while a 62-year-old might net 57%. If the loan rate increases to 6.50%, those loan percentages drop to about 71% and 48% respectively.
Lower-value homes net less because the fixed closing costs are a
bigger factor to the overall transaction cost. Manufactured home costs
can be slightly higher because they often need stem wall upgrades to
meet FHA standards.
Dave Parker
602-750-8166
Your Reverse Mortgage Resource
www.ParkerInReverse.com
Image: graytimes.com
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July 27, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Phoenix CAREGiver's Corner, Senior Activities in Phoenix, Senior Health and Nutrition in Phoenix |
Tagged: Aging health concerns, Exercise benefits, phoenix caregiver
As
a caregiver, I've always felt that it's my duty to keep my care
recipients in the best health possible, so I try to encourage
activities that promote health. I have always encouraged resistance
training and weight-bearing exercises in order to prevent bone density
loss, but recently after reading some new information, I've had to
reconsider whether or not that's the wisest idea; because apparently
the positives don't actually outweigh the negatives, at least not as it
was once believed. With everything there's obviously a chance of
injury, and while I don't believe on steering clear of things just
because there's a potential risk, there better be a good reason to take
that risk. Apparently, with resistance training for bone density, the
potential bone loss can only be increased by up to 3%, and the required
exercises can result in serious spinal problems that can be more
crippling than even the effects of reduced bone density or osteoporosis.
So as a caregiver, I've had to think long and hard to determine
what's better for my Phoenix senior. While doctors may say that
resistance training is the way to go, others aren't so sure. Of course,
these decisions aren't up to me alone; my senior has a mind of her own
when it comes to her health, and her family is always looking after her
well-being as well. But as her primary caregiver, I choose the
activities that we do together, and it's up to me to encourage or
discourage activities like resistance training. After speaking with my
care recipient's doctor and her family, we've decided that we'll keep
resistance training as part of the routine, because the benefits are
still there, and after years, the potential risks have yet to show
themselves to us. But it is interesting, how as caregivers, we need to
constantly re-evaluate techniques and methods as information and
opinions are constantly changing.
Sources:
1. Suite101
2. Mayo Clinic
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
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July 26, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Choosing the Best Care Option in Phoenix, Senior Activities in Phoenix, Senior Health and Nutrition in Phoenix |
Tagged: Scottsdale elder care help, Sun City AZ family caregivers
Home Cooking for Seniors - a Pressure Cooker of Stress for Caregivers of Older Adults
Adult daughters' who typically serve as home cooks for seniors'
are feeling the heat in the kitchen, according to a recent study of
family caregivers. The stress is especially high for adult children
who are caring and cooking for someone with several nutritional risk
factors.
Research conducted for the local caregiving company Home Instead
Senior Care revealed caring for an older person who has three or more
nutritional risk factors is tied to increased stress levels. Of the
caregivers who rated their lives as extremely stressful, 67 percent
were caring for loved ones with three or more nutritional risk factors
compared with 33 percent of caregivers whose seniors had fewer than
three nutritional risk factors.
Adult children caring for an older adult (average age 81) reported the top three nutritional risks as:
1. Three or more prescribed or over-the-counter drugs per day.
2. An illness or condition that made the senior change his or her diet.
3. Having lost or gained more than 10 pounds in the past six months without trying.
That.s why Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with national
nutrition experts from the University of Maryland and Duke University
Medical Center to promote healthy, stress-free grocery shopping and
meal preparation tips and recipes for families in New Haven.
Read the full story on Sun City and Scottsdale Family Caregiving Help
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July 24, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Senior Activities in Phoenix, Senior Health and Nutrition in Phoenix |
Tagged: Elderly's diet, Exercise journals for aging adults, Phoenix senior issues
While
seniors may have very different fitness goals than people of younger
generations, with a focus that is strictly based upon health and
longevity rather than physical appearance in most cases, people of all
generations can benefit from keeping a diet and fitness journal to
improve their health. For Phoenix seniors, keeping track of physical
fitness can allow their families and medical professionals to see how
their physical condition is improving or declining with age. Tracking
nutrition can likewise help doctors evaluate the causes of medical
conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, and allow them to make
changes to help treat these issues.
Seniors can use a simple notepad in order to record what they're
eating and how active they've been, but using this method requires them
to remember to keep track of all aspects of their diet and exercise
routines. For those seniors that are computer literate, there are
online exercise and diet journals that allow them to keep track of all
of the important factors, without requiring them to remember the points
that they might be missing.
DietMinder Journals and BodyMinder Journals
are two popular online software packages that allow seniors to keep
track of their diet and exercise routines. Generally, the BodyMinder
journal allows seniors to exercise stats, weekly progress, workout
schedule and more, and also allows them to plan and record exercises,
cardio activities, intensity level, calories burned and nutritional
information. The DietMinder Journal helps seniors keep track of
calories, fat, carbs, protein and fiber for each meal and snack they
eat; plus when they eat their meals.
With options that so easily allow seniors to track their diet and
fitness in order to monitor their health, there's no excuse not to get
started!
For information on senior health see this article.
Sources:
1. Suite101
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July 10, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Financial Center |
Tagged: financial services Phoenix, LTC, Phoenix senior planning
When is the right time to buy Long-Term Care Insurance?
An estimated 70% of people who reach age 65 will need some form of
long term care before they die.??? (Council of Economic Advisors,
Economic Report of the President, Washington, DC, U.S. Government
Printing Office, 02/17/07)
This is a sobering piece of statistical fact. With this knowledge,
and the fact that almost all of us knows someone who has needed some
form of long term care, what are we to do?
It was long thought that the best time to buy long term care
insurance was in our sixties or seventies. We are in a new reality
when it comes to long term care insurance:
* Almost all policies now cover home care at 100% of nursing
home care benefits, along with 100% of assisted living benefits.
* Policy premiums are not guaranteed as to possible increase,
making the choice of insurance companies that much more important.
* Many policies now have 'quick pay' options that allow a policy
to be contractually 'paid in full' over a period of 10-20 years.
It is this adviser's option that the best time to consider the
purchase of long term care insurance is when we reach our mid-forties
(or anytime after that). This may allow us to go through the
underwriting process at a healthier stage of life, at a younger age and
in our prime earning years. All of this leads to premiums that are
easier to budget for and the possibility of using a quick pay option to
have our policy fully paid for prior to our needing it.
Joe W. Scheid, CLTC
Investment Advisor Representative
Strategic Financial Concepts
17550 N. Perimeter Drive
Suite 450
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
PH: 480.538.2956
FX: 480.718.8644
www.strategicfc.com
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
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July 1, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Phoenix CAREGiver's Corner, Senior Activities in Phoenix |
Tagged: Phoenix caregivers, Quilting for elders, Senior activities
It
may seem stereotypical, since quilting is often shown in the movies as
a chance for older women to get together and gossip while engaging in a
craft; but in reality, quilting really is a great activity for seniors
and their caregivers to do together. Caregivers should put their
reservations aside about the stereotypes of quilting, and embrace the
activity that requires teamwork, patience, and gives caregivers and
seniors the opportunity to bond over a mutual task. To start with
quilting, there are a few basic tools that seniors and their Phoenix
caregivers will need to invest in and some are specifically
senior-friendly.
Basic Tools needed for Quilt Making:
• Transparent rulers
• Ruler handle
• Rotary cutter and mat
• Fabric scissors
• Quilters measuring tape
• Curved safety pins
• Quilt pins
• Quilting thread
• Walking foot
• Marking tools
• Fabric eraser
• Hand quilting needles
• Thimble
• Quilting pattern/templates
• Sewing machine quilting needles (if you plan to use a machine)
Senior-Friendly Quilting Tools:
• Threader with magnifying glass
• Crafters magnifying glasses
• Table leg risers to increase table height and reduce bending
Sources:
1. Associated Content
2. FabricLand
Image Source: pro.corbis.com
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June 29, 2009 |
Posted by: Carebuzz |
Posted in: Phoenix CAREGiver's Corner, Senior Health and Nutrition in Phoenix |
Tagged: Aging Issues, Phoenix family caregiving challenges, Senior Alzheimer's
Receiving
a diagnosis that a member of your family has Alzheimer's can be
shocking and it can turn your world upside down. Whether you're a
family caregiver, relative, or friend of a senior with Alzheimer's, you
will experience a whole range of emotions and challenges, and while you
might feel like you have no right to acknowledge them because you're
not the one forced to live with the disease, it's important to
understand that sometimes it can be about you. Phoenix seniors living
with Alzheimer's may not be aware of the changes taking place in them
as they progress with the disease, but as the people closest to them,
you are forced to face them head on and that can seem unbearable. It's
not easy seeing someone you love transform before your eyes; losing
independence and skills, unable to recognize the significant locations
and people in their lives. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the need
to focus on the senior; their needs and their emotions, but think about
you as well. Step back when you need a break from providing care by
hiring a home care agency when you need to get away from the affects of
Alzheimer's; join a support group for families living with Alzheimer's;
and most importantly, acknowledge and deal with your feelings. It's not
selfish to worry about yourself when a loved one has Alzheimer's; to
provide adequate care and the emotional support that they require from
you, you need to take care of yourself as well.
Sources:
1. Health and Age
2. ProQuest
Image Source: pro.corbis.com