In numerous studies and polls, seniors have said that they would rather stay in their own homes than move into a senior residence. But for some seniors, even with home care services, it becomes necessary to make the hard decision to leave their home behind for a different option that will provide for their needs as they age. Assisted living facilities offer seniors the best of both worlds with the following services and benefits:

1. Living independently – seniors in ALFs are often in one-bedroom or studio apartment buildings, so they have the privacy and independence that they require

2. Safety is offered – ALF apartments anticipate the safety needs of seniors and ensure that they include grab bars, ramps and other essential safety devices. Supervisors are always available to respond to emergencies

3. Seniors don’t need to worry about home maintenance – cleaning services, including laundry can be provided by ALF

4. Activity of daily living services are offered – bathing, dressing, and medication reminders can be provided. There are also special facilities for those who suffer with Alzheimer’s and dementia and designated services

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Feelings of depression in senior citizens are extremely common. With most seniors conscious of their physical health, it is also important to factor in emotional and mental well being in daily life. If you think you may be a little more down than normal, here are some simple signs of depression in seniors and a list of where you can go for guidance and help in confronting the issue.

• Loss of appetite—A change in appetite usually results in the most common sign a senior is depressed of unintentional weight loss.

• Generally disinterest—Seniors may lose interest in daily activities they once enjoyed or found pleasing.

• Sleepless nights—A depressed senior may have trouble sleeping through the night. This can also explain another sign your senior is depressed, increased fatigue.

• Increased Irritability—Some seniors’ personalities turn increasingly agitated or dispirited when feeling low or depressed.

• Unusual thoughts about death—Abnormal notions about death and dying arise in a down senior.

• Where to get a geriatric assessment—Seniors and senior caregivers can receive help and more information on these depression signs by visiting their primary care physician or other outlets such as hospitals, senior centers, religious affiliations, Medicaid offices, or a local Area Agency on Aging.

Source: National Pace Association

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With the holidays upon us, many are gearing up to celebrate the season, but some people, including seniors and caregivers are finding themselves suffering from a case of the holiday blues. For these individuals, it can be hard to recognize and focus on the joy of the season. These tips can help them get through it:

1. Surround yourself with people – even if you don’t have family or friends around that you can spend time with, do join other social events taking place in your community

2. Volunteer – no matter what’s happening in your life, you’ll feel great when you volunteer and give back to those in need

3. Join a support group – sometimes it’s not easy to talk to family about the emotions you’re struggling with, so join a support group that allows you to share your feelings

4. Don’t put pressure on yourself – it’s okay if you don’t feel like celebrating over the holidays, don’t push yourself. Get involved with those things that make you happy, and don’t get down on yourself if you don’t feel joyful

5. Avoid alcohol – alcohol can depress your mood, so even though the wine and eggnog is flowing over the holidays, stick to the non-alcoholic stuff!

6. Know the signs of depression and seek treatment – the holiday blues are one thing, but you also need to recognize depression and get help

Via: Health in Aging

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Coming up with gift ideas for family members can be a hard feat, particularly when some of those you are shopping for are elderly. This year, think about the things you could purchase that would really help benefit the lives of your senior gift recipients.

• Items that allow them to pamper themselves – seniors on a budget are not likely to splurge on things they consider non-essentials. Buy them candles, soaps and body lotions that allow them to feel pampered at home. Gift cards to restaurants or spas are added luxuries

• Gift baskets – gift baskets with a combination of items, including some of the above, as well as seasonal foods, books, and craft supplies that they will enjoy and make use of are all great things to include! Gift baskets can be bought pre-fabricated or can be created at home

• The gift of companionship – seniors will most appreciate the company of their loved ones. If this is not possible, senior care services can be gifted for companionship and assistance at home

• Take an elderly loved one out for the day – a trip out for lunch around the holidays to see a movie or a musical event can be a very enjoyable way for them to spend a day and it will be memorable!

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There have been a number of studies that have been conducted on elderly patients to determine if their walking speed is associated with their overall health. The results indicate that a slow walking speed may place the patient at a high risk for cardiovascular disease, which can be fatal. Many doctors are now using walking speed as a way to assess patients. The points that are listed below contain facts about walking speed and how it is associated with other health problems in the elderly population.

1. A slow walking speed in an elderly patient is associated with the increased risk of death due to cardiovascular issues.

2. Any decreased motor performance can be viewed as a risk factor.

3. Elderly patients should try to stay as active as possible. Introducing a walking exercise into a daily regime could reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

4. Walking speed can be used to predict future health issues. This may not be possible if the patient has broken a hip in the past 2 years, has a debilitating disease or dementia

Source: www.bmj.com

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Planning a vacation or a short trip can be stressful and overwhelming for seniors. This is usually because there are a multitude of things that need to be considered. Medical needs are the most common concerns for traveling seniors. It is important to have all medical needs met and all medications properly packed for the trip. The list of travel tips below can help seniors who are making travel plans.

1. Have a medical check-up prior to traveling.

2. If you have medical needs, make sure to make arrangements ahead of time. For example, if you need a wheelchair, contact the hotel prior to arrival.

3. Make sure to pack all medications and make sure you have enough for the duration of the trip.

4. Check your luggage twice. Include things that will be needed during travel in your carry-on bag. It is suggested to pack all medications in a carry-on as well in case your luggage gets lost.

5. Consider your personal safety. Seniors are a target for theft, so try not to travel at night or alone. Do not wear valuable jewelry and make sure you always carry identification.

Source: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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The holidays are a difficult time for many seniors because it can remind them of times past with friends and family members who are no longer with them. Seniors can live in the past when the holidays roll around; and while it’s okay for them to hold onto their memories, they do need to focus on enjoying the holidays in the present and might need a little help from family.

1. Allow memories and past rituals to live on – don’t discourage seniors from reliving those important memories of holidays past, thinking that it will prevent depression. Share memories of family members no longer with you, look at photos, and keep old family traditions alive

2. Make sure visiting seniors are comfortable – to help reduce the stress of seniors coming into your home over the holidays, make sure that your home is senior-friendly, with safety being the primary concern

3. Avoid impulsive holiday activities – to ensure that seniors can be involved with all holiday activities, avoid being impulsive that way seniors can be well-rested for more excitement

4. Focus on the joy – while it’s okay to reminisces, over the holidays make sure that all memories discussed focus on the positive

5. Create new traditions – while you can focus on incorporating old rituals into the holidays, create new ones as well that give the whole family, including seniors, new things to look forward to doing together. Holiday activities can’t just focus on the past

Via: ArticleBase

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When visiting with a senior over the holidays, it’s a great time to take the opportunity to see how they’re doing. Seniors will rarely admit if they’re having financial problems, so be on the lookout for 7 signs that could indicate that they could benefit from assistance for the sake of their financial survival:

1. Unusual temperatures in the home – seniors are more sensitive to temperature as they age, so a colder home in the winter and warmer house in the summer, despite the availability of adequate heating and air conditioning might indicate financial problems

2. Their home is in disrepair – if your loved one is typically on top of home repair and maintenance, if you visit and things are in disrepair, financial problems might be taking place to prevent the needed attention to necessary repairs

3. The outside of the home is lacking attention – seniors often need assistance with outdoor maintenance like lawn mowing or snow clearing, and if they are not being done, seniors may not be able to afford to hire someone

4. He/she is unwilling to travel over the holidays – if your senior typically visits family or travels over the holidays, they might not be able to afford to

5. Medical appointments are being missed – many seniors try and avoid visiting the doctor, but you have to look at the reasons that motivate them

6. Medications aren’t being filled – necessary medications that are going unfilled can indicate financial issues

7. Social activities are being cut out – entertainment, social activities and dining out could be eliminated from a senior’s routine

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