If you are a senior traveler, or you are a caregiver making travel arrangements for an elderly individual, there are some ways to get a great deal. Many times, seniors are unaware that they may be entitled to discounts when planning a vacation. The best way to find these deals is to plan the trip through a travel agent. The sooner plans are made, the better the chances of getting a discount. By following the tips listed below, senior travelers will have the opportunity to book a trip at a discount.

1. Make sure to know personal preferences before contacting a travel agent. These requests should be made in advance. Some common requests for traveling seniors include aisle seats on airplanes, morning flights and non-smoking accommodations.

2. Be sure to deal with a travel agent directly. Many travel agents have personal assistants that relay messages. If possible, try to arrange to speak with the agent directly.

3. If there are time constraints, make sure to have a back-up plan. Use a calendar to plan for schedule changes. Often times, a change in time could mean a greater discount.

4. Inquire about car rentals and hotel rooms. Your travel agent may be able to book a complete package which would offer additional savings.

Source: www.ehow.com

Image source: sxc.hu

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine

Most caregivers and family members of elderly patients are aware of the severity of hypertension. This disease not only causes other complications, but it can also be fatal. The disease is often managed by the use of medication in seniors. While this type of treatment is successful in many cases, there are other ways to manage the disease. The following list contains some risk factors that are associated with hypertension, as well as some ways to reduce high blood pressure and prevent the onset of the disease.

• Diets that contain high amounts of salt. Studies have indicated that the reduction of daily salt intake will lower the blood pressure. Low sodium diets are highly recommended for most elderly patients.

• High levels of alcohol intake. If you, or an elderly family member, consume high amounts of alcohol on a daily basis, the risk of the development of hypertension is increased.

• Past family history of high blood pressure. It is important to be aware of any family member who has been diagnosed with hypertension. The disease does run in families and can be transferred genetically, even if the patient does not live a lifestyle that includes any other risks.

• Obesity. It has been proven that hypertension affects obese individuals more often than those who maintain a normal weight.

• Individuals with an African American heritage will be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure.

Source: Thedoctorwillseeyounow.com

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine

If a family member has asked you to move in with them, you were probably immediately met with mixed feelings. On one hand, you likely felt gratitude; happy that someone is willing to sacrifice for you and is worried about your care. But on the other hand, you probably felt a sense of looming regret that you’d have to give up your home and your independence. Living under one roof is an arrangement that does work for many intergenerational families, and for some it doesn’t. You decide if this is something that would work for you in your senior years, and during the process, make sure you ask these questions:

• What will my role be in paying for household expenses? Does it sound affordable and reasonable based on the living arrangements determined?

• What specific responsibilities will I have? Will I be expected to contribute to household chores or care for any of the grandchildren in the home? If so, how often and when?

• Will I be provided with my own space to maintain my independence? Will I have a room, or a bathroom that’s off limits to the rest of the family?

• What will become of my assets? How will we handle the sale of my home and finances I have in my bank accounts?

• Can I bring my pets to the home?

• Will changes be made to areas of the home to provide for my comfort and safety?

• Will I be a part of family decisions, such as vacations, travel, and hosting of events in the home? Or will the other family members make these decisions?

• Am I able to invite my friends to the home and entertain? What if I want to use the space without the grandchildren?

• What arrangements will be made if I need care assistance? Will someone in the home be able to help, or will we hire senior home care?

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine

Q – I’ve heard that seniors aren’t in a high risk group for H1N1, is this true, and should they still be safeguarding themselves against the virus?

A – Seniors are not in the highest risk group for H1N1 as they are with the seasonal flu. But for those that do contract the virus, they are at a greater risk for complications. As a result, all seniors, but especially those with existing medical conditions do need to take steps to ensure that they both protect themselves against the illness, and recognize symptoms that require immediate medical treatment.

To safeguard themselves against the illness, seniors should keep the following tips in mind:

• Wash hands often or use alcohol based hand sanitizers that don’t require water

• Get plenty of rest to increase the immune system; ensure you get enough sleep on a nightly basis

• If recovering from surgery or another illness, focus on recovery. Hire a professional care agency or talk to a family member to step in to help out around the home so you can decrease your stress and get plenty of rest

All seniors should recognize the symptoms of H1N1, and those that have illnesses like blood disorders, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, as well as neurological and neuromuscular disorders that can cause weakened immune systems should particularly take note of some of these warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine

Senior caregivers sacrifice a lot to provide care to someone they love; and while they’re so focused on bettering the lives of others, we can focus upon improving theirs this November for National Family Caregiver’s Month. Here are 10 ways to show a caregiver you appreciate them:

1. Give them a break – offering to provide respite care or hiring someone to step in can allow caregivers to relax or reconnect with friends and family

2. Remind local businesses what this month means – then encourage them to offer freebies or discounts for family caregivers in the area!

3. Lend them a hand with holiday preparations – the holidays can create added responsibility, so help a caregiver decorate for the holidays or put stamps on their cards

4. Get them laughing – go see a funny movie with them, or pick up tickets to a local comedy club. Laugher IS the best medicine!

5. Take over holiday hosting responsibilities – caregivers already have a lot on their plates; host Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday celebration so the caregiver can simply focus on enjoying the company!

6. Sign the petition – there’s a petition to establish a stamp that recognizes family caregivers; sign it in their honor!

7. Create something personal – a personalized gift, like a calendar with family photos, will help them feel like they’re appreciated, and it will help them stay organized

8. Send them a token of appreciation – a bouquet of flowers or a card might not be a big gesture, but it will make caregivers feel appreciated and special

9. Connect them with caregiving resources – free seminars and other events take place to keep caregivers better informed and help them manage stress

10. Lend your support – give them an ear to talk to, or help them find a support group

Via: The Family Caregiver

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine

Walking is a great activity for a number of reasons, particularly for seniors; it’s a way to get outside of the house and enjoy the weather and scenic offerings, it has extensive health benefits, and it’s generally just a great way to get around! The American Podiatric Medical Society recently published the 25 best places to live if you’re a walker, share with us how you feel about your city making the list!

1. San Francisco – tops the list and was also voted best for families, with many walker-friendly attractions to visit along with 2 other cities. San Francisco is also one of the best cities for those who want to commute without a vehicle of their own, because there are many public transit options. There’s a great reason, that San Francisco tops the list, since it also receives notoriety as one of the best nature spots with its trails and parks for walking!

2. Boston - also has low crime and pedestrian fatality rates, making it one of the 3 safest cities, and was voted one of the best for commuters

3. New York – this city has some of the best public transit options in the country, making it one of the best for those who do not have a vehicle of their own.

4. Philadelphia

5. Chicago

6. Washington

7. Seattle - also voted best for families, with many walker-friendly attractions to visit along with 2 other cities

8. Honolulu

9. Portland

10. Pittsburgh

11. Oakland

12. Minneapolis – also has low crime and pedestrian fatality rates, making it one of the 3 safest cities; it also made the list as one of the most family friendly cities with attractions that are perfect for walking

13. San Diego

14. Los Angeles – along with Santa Ana, this California city received recognition for its wealth of nature trails and parks

15. Milwaukee

16. Baltimore

17. Rochester - also has low crime and pedestrian fatality rates, making it one of the 3 safest cities

18. Santa Ana – with many parks and trails for walking, Santa Ana is a great city for walkers!

19. San Jose

20. Denver

21. Columbus

22. New Orleans

23. Austin

24. Sacramento

25. Tuscan

If your city makes the list, tell us why you think it deserves its place as one of America’s best walking cities; and if yours doesn’t, should it have been included?

Via: Prevention.com

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine

Hiring a senior caregiver for someone that’s important to you can be an extremely big responsibility. You want to make sure that your senior is in good hands every time that they’re with the caregiver and that means finding someone who will go above and beyond the call of duty. When you’re talking to prospective caregivers, ask them about their policies on procedures for the following areas, so you know that your loved one’s best interests will always be in the forefront:

1. Be aware of changes – seniors who are experiencing health changes, financial difficulty or other problems might begin to act differently. Often seniors who are experiencing problems might not be open about them due to embarrassment, but caregivers can speak with other family members if they notice anything unusual while spending time with their senior clients

2. Help address financial need – while it’s not a caregiver’s responsibility to pry into a senior’s finances, they can identify problems. If stacks of mail are piling up or collections calls are being received in the senior’s home, it’s possible bills aren’t getting paid. Again, a caregiver can approach this issue gently with the senior’s family, and suggest that a Power of Attorney be used if the issue appears to be that bad

3. Dispose of sensitive information – assist seniors by suggesting that they shred bills or other information that could compromise their safety

4. Know who is making healthcare decisions – caregivers should ensure that they have the contact information on hand for the family member or other individual for making these important decisions in case of a medical emergency

5. Suggest an advanced directive or living will – to help seniors secure their future wishes, suggest an advanced directive or living will so that their medical needs are fulfilled according to what they want

6. Determine how expenses will be paid – if the caregiver will be responsible for household purchases on behalf of the senior, it should be determined how this will be managed. Signed checks can be provided, seniors can open an expense account that the caregiver has access to, or if all expenses will be paid in cash provided

7. Be wary of strangers – caregivers should be wary of new friends that come into senior’s lives, especially if they are from a different generation. Seniors can become victims of scams because they are anxious to curb their loneliness with new social opportunities. With this in mind, caregivers should also work with seniors to investigate any charitable organizations or other causes seniors are thinking or donating to before a transaction is made

8. Provide a safe environment – in all circumstances, senior caregivers from a franchise should be responsible for identifying potential hazards in the household and ensuring that they are addressed to put their senior care recipient’s safety first.

Via: Keeping Seniors Safe

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine

With talk of a second wave of the Swine Flu hitting North America, people of all ages are finding themselves more concerned than ever about the effects of the disease.  There are a lot misconceptions about what this flu virus is all about, and what its potential affects could be. Here are some explanations about this illness so that the myths can be put to rest:

1. The swine flu shot isn’t for everyone – unfortunately, there is not enough of the H1N1 vaccine to make sure the complete population is protected, although the CDC does recommend it. Those who are in higher risks groups should receive the vaccine as soon as it’s available, including women who are pregnant, those who are around or care for babies under 6 months of age, everyone age 6 months through age 24, and anyone with pre-existing medical conditions between the ages of 25 and 64

2. The seasonal flu shot offers protection against the Swine Flu – the H1N1 virus varies from the season flu, and therefore those in the high risk groups should receive BOTH shots to ensure protection and cannot expect that one shot offers protection for both. However, do note that the risk groups for the seasonal flu shot vary from the H1N1 Virus

3. Getting the seasonal flu vaccine makes people more susceptible to H1N1 – studies have both proven and disproven this myth, so at this stage there is no firm answer

4. Seniors are most at risk for H1N1 – seniors are actually in the lower risk group for H1N1 and in the higher risk group for the seasonal flu. Seniors over the age of 65 are less likely to contract H1N1 but should speak to their doctors to determine if they should receive the shot due to existing medical conditions

Via: DailyFinance

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.Myths About the Swine Flu and Vaccine

Most women know the importance of getting their mammograms every year once they’re over the age of 40, but fewer of them do breast cancer screening at home. It’s not for a lack of understanding, it’s because many women are too embarrassed to learn how to do it properly; but these simple steps can save lives:

1. Remove all clothing and undergarments from your upper body

2. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms up and behind your head. Flex your hips and your chest muscles and be on the lookout for anything unusual

3. Lying down, place a pillow under your left shoulder and your left arm behind your head. Use your right hand to examine your breast, working your way around in circles from the outside in

4. Repeat the same steps for the right breast

5. During all stages of your self-breast examination, you want to look for the following:

• Lumps that have not previously been examined by a doctor. They don’t need to be sore or have any particular feeling in order to require medical attention

• Changes in the skin texture anywhere on the breast

• Thickening of the breasts

• One breast which is lower than the other, or one which is larger that seems to have changed size

• Unusual discharge from nipples that is sticky or bloody

Via: Family Doctor

Home Instead Senior Care Dallas - a great assisted living alternative in Dallas for seniors and elders. Call us today for help at 972-239-3934.