Exercise is meant to improve health and reduce stress, but sometimes your fitness routine can be a source of additional stress which is the last thing you need, especially as a Dallas senior who is already coping with a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety that often comes with aging. Answer the questions below to find out if your fitness routine is causing you problems rather than bringing you the physical and emotional benefits that it should.

• You typically dread your scheduled workout times, and do activities just to go through the motions and get the physical benefits; but you don’t actually enjoy the physical activities that you choose
• You typically stick with activities that are highly competitive and allow you to prove yourself again over other Dallas seniors or even people in younger demographics
• Your workout routine does not include a combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercises like resistance training
• Your periods of physical fitness are irregular
• You haven’t spoken to a doctor or fitness expert to ensure the activities that you’re choosing are safe for your health, and appropriate for your level of physical fitness. You also aren’t sure if you’re performing activities in proper form for safety

If any of the above sound like you, it’s time to switch up your physical fitness routine, because it shouldn’t be causing you stress, it should be improving your quality of life overall!

Sources:

1. Suite 101
2. Mayo Clinic

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

To a senior who has lost their ability to communicate, it can feel like their life is over. They can no longer communicate with friends and family about what they’re feeling, or even tell people how much they appreciate them for the things that they do as caregivers or family members. But while seniors may feel lost, family members and caregivers don’t need to feel like they’re lost to them, because the presence is still there as it always has been, even if it’s not verbal.

If you interact with a loved one who has lost the ability to speak, don’t let it make you forget about them, or forget that there’s still a person inside there who is dying for some human interaction. Break through the barriers using touch and speech, because while they may have lost other senses; these ones should still be present. Don’t avoid talking just because they can’t answer you. Talk to your senior as you help him or her through the activities of daily living, or tell them about your day or your family so they still feel like they’re a person who means something to you. Use touch to form a bond; brush a senior’s hair or use some oil for a massage of the arms, hands, legs and feet; but always be cognizant of a senior’s body language because otherwise  you won’t know if they’re receptive to the contact.

Remember, just because a senior can’t talk; doesn’t mean that they’re not still people, they’re in there somewhere.

Sources:

1. Aging Care

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

Many Texas seniors want to update their skills and learn what all the hype of the computer and internet is all about. Since it can be challenging and often frustrating to learn skills from a family member or home caregiver who may not have the patience or experience to walk seniors through the learning process, seniors need to look for other ways to become connected with new technology. In Texas, there are a number of senior learning centers, community and recreation centers that offer computer learning classes for seniors to introduce them to the basic concepts of using a computer. Since it’s no secret that many seniors are living on limited incomes, places like the Dallas Recreation Center offer programs for free that introduce seniors to computer and internet use.

A class like that offered at the Dallas Recreation Center can be found in Dallas with a little bit of research. For seniors who have no previous experience, an introductory class should teach them how to use a mouse, turn the computer on and off, how to open programs, and the basics of keyboard use. More advanced beginner classes can be sought once these first skills are mastered, and at that stage seniors can learn about the internet, search engines, sending email and basic word processing. Of course, computer use shouldn’t stop with the classes, seniors can practice their recently learned skills on their computers at home with caregivers or family members who want to engage themselves in the interests of their seniors; and eventually they’ll feel like they’ve never been without the computer!

Sources:

1. UINTA Education Center
2. Suite 101

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

As a specialist in geriatric care, I encourage my Dallas clients to take the time to refresh and rejuvenate themselves through exposure to new activities and locations, including travel. The benefits of travel for seniors are extensive and can do a lot to restore overall well-being and outlook on life; however, many seniors are reluctant to travel because of the costs and the perceived lack of senior-friendly options. With senior-friendly travel programs like Elderhostel, neither of these concerns remain an issue, because not only do they provide inexpensive senior-friendly travel programs starting at as little as $100 per day, they are able to cater to the specific needs that older adults can have when away from their Dallas homes.

The following services are available to seniors who travel with Elderhostel:

• All travel programs are categorized by the level of physical activity required – Level 1 is ideal for seniors who may have mobility issues or who struggle with physical exertion, as it only requires that seniors have the ability to carry their luggage. With 6 level categories in total, Level 6 is the most physically challenging, with many daily activities that require extensive physical exertion; so these tours should be reserved for those seniors who are in great shape, good health, and have no concerns about their mobility or fitness level
• Specific dietary needs can be catered to, and are accommodated on a case-by-case basis
• Mobility issue are never a problem; transportation to and around specific sites can always be arranged when required by seniors participating in the Elderhostel programs

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. Elderhostel

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

When your senior is coming home after an extended stay in a Dallas hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation facility, the last thing they need to worry about is taking care of the mess they left behind when they left their homes in a rush, and while family members might be able to help, they naturally have more urgent concerns regarding the health of a loved one. So with everyone worrying about something, and no one worrying about the state of the home, how can families make sure that their seniors return to their Dallas homes in comfort where all they need to worry about is getting better?

Professional caregivers can come into a senior’s home, and help prepare it for a senior’s return from the hospital. They can take care of all of the light-housekeeping to ensure that the home is in order when the senior arrives. They can take care of cleaning out the fridge and pantries, washing any dirty dishes left behind, vacuum, change bed linens and even pick up fresh groceries. With this kind of help for seniors in their homes, all the elderly and their loved ones need to worry about is getting them better and back on their feet!

Sources:

1. Home Instead Senior Care

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

Q – My dad in Dallas has had to give up driving. I don’t live close enough to be able to take him on errands or to appointments. Are there any services available to help with transportation in his area?

A – In-home senior caregivers can help seniors with transportation to appointments, errands, and virtually anywhere else they want to go. At Home Instead Senior Care, we check all of our caregivers driving records with the DMV to ensure they are licensed to drive and have a good driving record. Caregivers can transport senior clients in the seniors vehicle, or in their own vehicle if the senior does not own a car. However, if they use the caregiver’s car, then transportation fees do apply.

While many communities do offer free transportation services for older adults that are similar to public transportation on buses, they do not offer the same level of flexibility or allow seniors to stick to their own schedule or routines. By having a caregiver to drive them, seniors can do everything on their own time without making sacrifices.

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

Stress can have some serious effects upon the health of Dallas seniors, and there a number of factors that can make seniors more vulnerable to stress and its effects. Answer the following questions to determine if your lifestyle and other factors are leaving you vulnerable.

• I eat at least one hot, well-balanced meal every day without fail

• I exercise at least twice a week in an activity suitable to my level of mobility

• I get at least 8 hours of sleep each and every night

• I don’t smoke cigarettes

• I do not drink alcohol, or keep any drinking to less than 5 drinks per week

• I regularly attend social activities with other seniors with whom I have things in common

• I am in touch with family members, and visit regularly

• I speak openly to friends, family or professionals about things that worry me

• I have few financial worries. Even though I have a fixed income, I feel it is adequate enough to pay my bills

• I avoid caffeine or consume no more than 1 or 2 caffeinated drinks, like coffee, everyday

• I take time out of everyday to do something that I enjoy or find relaxing

If you are a senior living in Dallas and you have answered “no” to any of the questions outlined above, you are putting your body at a greater risk for stress and potential health repercussions including cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal problems, depression and anxiety.

Sources:

1. Medical News Today

2. Medicine Online

3. The American Institute of Stress

Image: www.gettyimages.com

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

It’s spring in Dallas and when taking seniors outside in the warmer temperatures, home care caregivers must take special care to ensure that seniors are protected from the heat. With the proper precautions this spring in Dallas older adults can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without any negative repercussions upon their health. When planning outdoor activities on hot or sunny days, choose times of the day, like early morning when the sun is not as hot; and ensure that chosen locations have shady areas so seniors don’t have to remain in the direct sunlight.

Staying well hydrated will also help seniors prevent the affects of heat stroke; make sure there is lots of cool water on hand as well as healthy, juicy snacks like fruits and salads. Cooling treats like ice cream and popsicles can also be delicious ways to ensure a senior remains cool even in warmer temperatures and will help prevent the onset of heat stroke. Also be sure that the senior is well dressed for the weather, hats and sunscreen are crucial, as are light billowing fabrics to help keep the body cool.

Caregivers should also be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion, and get the senior medical attention if symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, heavy sweating, dizziness, rapid pulse, confusion or fainting occur.

Sources:

1. Today’s Senior’s Network

2. Senior Ark

Imag: www.inmagine.com

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.

When a grandparent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, grandchildren may find it difficult to comprehend the changes their loved one is experiencing, especially if they are at a young age. In order to help grandchildren cope with the grief they will experience due to their grandma or grandpa’s Alzheimer’s, grandchildren should be encouraged to talk about the disease and their feelings, both to their grandparent and to other family members.

It’s important not to shelter a grandchild from the realities of Alzheimer’s disease, however, it does need to be understood that they may face greater challenges due to the change they witness with their grandparent. In order to help them cope, elder care providers in Dallas can involve the grandchildren in the routine set for the senior with Alzheimer’s during a visit. Grandchildren can help record important dates on a calendar, or make reminder signs around the home. Visits with a grandparent with Alzheimer’s can be frequent, but should be limited to 15 or 20 minutes so they take the most enjoyment out of the visit without experiencing a mood change that might be upsetting to the grandchild.

Dallas grandchildren who spend time with senior Alzheimer’s patients, may help to retrieve forgotten memories in the minds of the seniors, and by allowing them to talk about their feelings and experiences with Alzheimer’s, they will gain a better understanding to help them deal with the natural grief.

Sources:
1.    Grand Magazine Sara Hodon
2.    Alzheimer’s Society of Canada

Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.