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Author: ltcep2023

Limited Mobility Doesn’t Have to Limit Your Senior

Posted on by ltcep2023

Just because your elderly loved one isn’t physically able to perform many of the same activities that she used to, doesn’t mean she should stay homebound. Limited mobility means your senior should pursue more mental and cognitive stimulation to help keep her brain active and strong.

Why Engagement is So Important for Your Senior

Even if your loved one struggles to be physically active due to health or cognitive reasons, it shouldn’t limit her options. Her activities may need to be adjusted for her needs or replaced by less physical activities, but they are all an important part of her overall health.

The benefits of staying engaged and active include:

  • Improved sense of self-worth and value. If your elderly loved one has lost some of her mobility, she might struggle with how she can still help around the home or be an important part of the community. Finding new activities she can participate in can give her a renewed sense of purpose and value.
  • Stronger cognitive abilities. The brain needs just as much exercise as the body, so keeping the brain sharp when the body cannot function as well as it used to is important. Regular workouts of problem-solving, memory retrieval, and making connections can all keep the brain in great shape and help your loved one manage her day-to-day living better.
  • Even a little activity helps. Your loved one may not be able to participate in sports or may even be wheelchair-bound, but getting out of bed, lifting a cup of coffee, stretching, and moving as much as possible can help her find relief from chronic pain, discomfort, and stiffness.
  • Reduced feelings of depression or stress. Keeping the mind occupied and participating in activities that are engaging can help your loved one not focus on negative thoughts or get swept up in overwhelming feelings of despair and hopelessness.

Five Ways to Help Your Senior Stay Engaged

  1. Find people she enjoys being engaged with. Your senior might appreciate having different people for different activities. While she might like going to church or watching services online with you, she might enjoy playing cards with a companion care at home provider who visits each week. The more people she can engage with, the more enrichment she’ll receive.
  2. Get outside when possible. Fresh air helps everyone feel better and restores energy levels. Ask your loved one’s companion care at home provider to bring her out on the porch for some bird watching or walk on her block with a walker.
  3. Play games. Card games can be a fun way to help your loved one exercise her brain while having fun with a companion care at home provider or family visitor. Always have a deck of cards ready to go.
  4. Be creative. Another great way to spark the brain and encourage movement is to have some fun art sessions planned for your loved one. She can do them alone or with her companion care at home provider during visits.
  5. Keep the music on. While your loved one may not start dancing around the room, music can boost the mood, stimulate the brain, and even promote rhythmic movements.

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Sun Lakes, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Bringing Desert Blooms for Our Friends Near and Far

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Seniors, Families and Friends. As many of you know, our clients are Seniors some of whom are bed bound. You may also remember that I am from Ohio. As many of our clients can’t get out and enjoy the desert. And, a group of our readers live in Ohio, I thought I would bring the colors of the desert to you. Most think the desert is brown and tan. Please review these pictures. This may change your mind. Happy Spring everyone. Enjoy!!!

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Scottsdale, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Sharing Home Care Resources with Seniors at the Tempe Health Fair

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello to all our wonderful seniors, families, and friends!

Meet Kira, our friendly Community Liaison at Golden Heart Scottsdale. Kira is passionate about educating and empowering seniors with helpful information about home care services, aging in place, and so much more.

In this photo, Kira is all smiles while connecting with attendees at the recent Tempe Health Fair—sharing valuable resources on everything from in-home care to mobility equipment, mobile doctors, and senior wellness solutions.

Whether you’re exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to support you with kindness, compassion, and expert guidance.

For more information on senior care, home care assistance, or any aging-related needs, visit us anytime at GoldenHeartScottsdale.com – your local partner in compassionate care.

How Seniors Can Reduce Their Risk of Oral Cancer

Posted on by ltcep2023

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and now is a great time to make sure that your senior parent is doing everything they can to reduce their risk of oral cancer. Oral cancer typically is diagnosed in seniors who are over the age of 65.

Seniors who smoke now or have smoked have a higher risk of oral cancer. If your senior parent smokes, April would be a great time for them to try quitting. Early detection is important, so if your senior parent has noticed any changes in their oral health they should get a medical checkup.

If your senior parent has trouble maintaining good oral hygiene like brushing their teeth, personal care at home can help. With personal care at home your senior parent will have a dedicated care provider in the home to help them with tasks like washing their face, brushing their teeth, and showering safely. A care provider can also check your senior parent for signs of oral cancer.

Some recommended things seniors can do that may reduce their risk of developing oral cancer include:

Quit Tobacco Use

Smoking and using chewing tobacco are two of the biggest causes of oral cancer. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that damage cells in the mouth and throat.

If your senior parent smokes or uses tobacco, quitting is the best way to reduce their risk. Even if they have been smoking for many years, stopping now can still help prevent future health problems.

If quitting is difficult, they can talk to a doctor about support programs, nicotine patches, or other ways to help them stop.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of oral cancer. Alcohol can irritate the mouth’s tissues and make them more vulnerable to harmful substances.

If your parent drinks alcohol, they should limit their intake. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends no more than one drink per day for older adults. Drinking water instead of alcohol, especially with meals, can help keep their mouth healthy.

Get Regular Dental Checkups

Seeing the dentist regularly is important for preventing oral cancer. Dentists can spot early signs of cancer, such as sores, red or white patches, or lumps in the mouth.

If caught early, oral cancer is easier to treat. Your senior parent should visit the dentist at least twice a year. If they notice any unusual changes in their mouth, they should tell their dentist right away. Regular cleanings also help prevent infections and other problems that can lead to more serious health issues.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A diet full of fruits and vegetables can help protect against oral cancer. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E help keep the mouth’s tissues strong and healthy.

Leafy greens, berries, carrots, and citrus fruits are great choices. Your parent should also avoid processed meats and foods high in sugar, as these can increase cancer risks. Drinking plenty of water helps wash away harmful bacteria and keeps the mouth hydrated.

Protect Lips from the Sun

Many people don’t realize that too much sun exposure can lead to lip cancer. Seniors who spend time outdoors should protect their lips by using a lip balm with sunscreen.

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also help shade the face from the sun’s harmful rays. If they notice any persistent sores or changes in the color of their lips, they should have a doctor check it out.

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Queens Creek, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Reaching Out to the Community

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Friends, Families and Friends. As we have explained, getting out into the community to share information on care is our favorite part of this business. Attached, please see our Community Liaison, Kira out doing what she loves. Discussing care with someone who has an interest in the options. To have Kira come out to discuss home care options with you, please feel free to contact us and she’ll be right out.

Have a great summer East Phoenix!!

Visiting with Our Wonderful Clients!

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Seniors, Families and Friends. As many of you know, getting out to see our clients is always the best part of our day here at Golden Heart Senior Care. Please see a picture of a happy Rodney out visiting clients. To set up an assessment for you wherever you are, please contact us at GoldenHeartScottsdale.com.

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Sun Lakes, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

What Are the Signs of Caregiver Stress and Burnout?

Posted on by ltcep2023

There are so many reasons that family caregivers decide to take care of the people they love. Over time, those duties grow and become much larger, contributing to the stress that caregivers experience. If family caregivers don’t pay attention to self-care and reducing caregiver stress, they may eventually experience burnout. 24-hour home care is one solution that can help families to manage caregiving duties in a way that reduces stress and the likelihood of caregiver burnout.

Caregiver Stress vs. Burnout

Caregiver stress and burnout might sound at first as if they’re the same thing, but they’re different. In the most basic terms, stress is going to occur, but it’s manageable. Burnout happens if stress isn’t managed properly and continues to grow. Family caregivers can come back from the effects of stress and continue to take care of the seniors they love, but burnout can be so impactful that family caregivers have to step back altogether.

Symptoms of Caregiver Stress

Caregiver stress often presents as a situation where family caregivers feel overwhelmed or worried a lot of the time. They may also be tired and have difficulty with their sleep schedules. They may not be eating well or enough and their moods may be tough to manage. Having help from home care providers and taking time for self-care can reduce stress and allow family caregivers to recover a bit. It’s very common for family caregivers to notice these symptoms ramping up and start to realize that they need to take action to reduce their stress.

Burnout Symptoms

Burnout, on the other hand, can also have some of these symptoms, but they’re not alleviated through a few hours of rest. Family caregivers experiencing burnout may also find that they feel sad or frustrated most of the time and may no longer be interested in activities they used to love. Physical aches and pains, headaches, and other ailments may be more common than usual as well. Family caregivers approaching burnout may also start to have more trouble with substance abuse as a way to try to self-medicate.

Solving Stress and Burnout Before They’re Severe

The key to all of this for family caregivers is to reduce stress and burnout before they cause massive problems. Stress management gives family caregivers the opportunity to avoid serious repercussions from both stress and burnout. Working with experienced elder care providers ensures that seniors have the support they need while family caregivers can take time away to focus on their own needs.

Getting Around-the-clock Assistance

Around-the-clock help is another solution for families to consider. This type of help expands on what home care offers. 24-hour home care providers are available through the day and the night, which can allow family caregivers to get the sleep they desperately need in order to reduce stress and be ready for the demands of caregiving.

Taking better care of themselves allows family caregivers to take better care of the seniors in their charge. 24-hour home care providers offer valuable help during the day and overnight so that families have the support they need most.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Sun Lakes, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

Happy Birthday, Angela!

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Seniors, Families and Friends. One of the magnificent office members of Golden Heart has a birthday. Please join me in wishing our Office Manager Angela Happy Birthday. We are so lucky to have her on our team.

Congratulations, DB!

Posted on by ltcep2023

Hello Seniors, Families and Friends. As most of you are aware, here at Golden Heart Senior Care, we value our caregivers. In fact, we love to reward them for doing things right. Here is a caregiver DB. DB has been with us for about three years. Her clients love her and so do we. Here you see DB collecting on her rewards for doing a great job. Dee, please enjoy your Visa Gift Cards as much as your clients enjoy having your help. DB, we Heart you at Golden Heart.

Common Risk Factors for High Triglyceride Levels

Posted on by ltcep2023

March 28 is National Triglycerides Day. While it doesn’t have all of the big fanfare and attention of many other awareness days, understanding what triglycerides are and how they affect your health is an important part of helping your loved one stay in good health as well as yourself. Here are a few important things to know about triglycerides and how home care can help seniors improve overall health.

What are Triglycerides

Triglycerides are fats that come from food. Extra calories that are consumed, as well as alcohol and sugar in the body, turn into triglycerides. The body then stores them in fat cells throughout the body for future use. Triglycerides are a necessary part of the human body but problems begin to arise when a person has too many of them stored up and doesn’t use them.

Why High Levels of Triglycerides are Bad for Your Loved One’s Health

High triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) can put a person at a higher risk of heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease. They can also increase the risk of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a painful and severe inflammation of the pancreas and can create a life-threatening health risk.

High triglyceride levels also increase your loved one’s risk of heart and vascular disease, including:

  • Carotid artery disease
  • Coronary artery disease including a possible heart attack.
  • Metabolic syndrome (a combination of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity).
  • Stroke
  • Peripheral artery disease

Risk Factors for Developing High Triglyceride Levels

Several health conditions or lifestyle choices can increase the risk of your loved one developing high triglyceride levels.

  • Being physically inactive
  • Excessive use of alcohol
  • Not managing blood sugar levels when diabetic
  • Having a diet that is primarily high in sugar, saturated fats, and simple carbohydrates
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Thyroid disease.
  • Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Some medications can lead to higher levels of triglycerides like diuretics, hormones, corticosteroids, beta-blockers, and some HIV medications.
  • Having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25.
  • Being a smoker

Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce Triglyceride Levels

The good news about triglycerides is that they can be positively affected by making certain lifestyle changes. The bad news is that for many, changing a lifetime of certain habits or familiar patterns can be difficult. The older a person is, it’s often more difficult for them to make changes, so enlisting a support partner or two can be key to making lifestyle changes that make a difference in your loved one’s triglyceride levels.

Home care providers can help make certain changes to your loved one’s home life easier, especially when it comes to what he eats. Your loved one’s doctor may make recommendations for him to adjust his diet to become more heart-healthy by reducing unhealthy fats, increasing fiber, and decreasing the amount of carbohydrates he eats each day. While your loved one may have good intentions to follow the doctor’s orders, he might struggle with how to buy the correct foods at the market and then how to incorporate them into his daily meal plan.

A home care provider can step in and assist with his meals and his purchases to help him succeed. From making the grocery list to driving to the store, finding the right foods, and then bringing them home to prepare, a home care provider can set your loved one up for success from the very beginning.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Maricopa, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!