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.

Sometimes walking into a doctor’s office feels like traveling to another country. The flight can be as short or as long as the scheduling dictates and is not determined by distance, but like a plane ride, your neighbor in the next room probably has a bad case of the sniffles. Once you get to your final destination, it can be like emerging yourself in another culture where no one speaks your language, and you return home feeling like you might have learned something from the experience, but require a translator to determine just what. As a senior caregiver, this might be a circumstance you encounter every time you step into a doctor’s office for a consultation with his/her physician. As with traveling to another country, doctors assume that we speak their language and understand what they’re saying; however, this may not always be the case when less common medical terms are being thrown around.

While of course it’s important to ask for clarification when at the doctor’s office, the internet has a wealth of resources to help seniors and their families understand important issues that relate to their health. The Medical Library Association offers a site called Medspeak which gives caregivers access to medical terms in an easy to understand dictionary form. MedicineNet also offers a comprehensive guide to help people understand the medical conditions and other information related to their health.

Caregivers, share your worst doctor experiences that have resulted from a breakdown in communication.

Sources:
1. Medical Library Association
2. MedicineNet

Image: www.ecwusers.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.

Many seniors become reluctant to part with their belongings as they get older. For them, the odds and ends in their home may represent a past life with a deceased spouse and provide a sense of identity; so letting go of old furniture or clothing can be a very difficult task. Another factor that can contribute to a senior’s reluctance to part with their things relates to income; when living on a fixed income after retirement they just might not have the funding required to purchase new clothing or items for their home.

This year, help the senior in your life declutter their home and acknowledge which items could spare to be replaced. Instead of forcing them to spend to replace their older things, look around your home when completing your own spring cleaning in Dallas and think about what might be donated to the senior.

Clean out your closet and determine which items you no longer wear would be appropriate in the senior’s wardrobe. Think about why you want to get rid of it; is it damaged? Is it worn out? Does it no longer suit today’s fashion trends? Clothing items which are gently used and sitting in your closet simply because they’re slightly out of date, may be perfect for a senior who worries more about function than fashion when choosing their clothing.

Other items that you might consider donating to a senior during spring cleaning in Dallas can include furniture, electronics, bedding and linens and kitchenware to give them affordable new items for their home!

Sources:

1. Michigan Home Care Blog

2. About.com

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

With summer approaching here in Dallas it’s time for family caregivers to start thinking about interesting activities that they can do with their seniors. I know that every year it’s always a challenge to come up with different senior activities that I can complete with my elderly mother; and I feel sometimes, I’m not quite meeting expectations with my senior activity ideas. This year, instead of falling into seasonal stereotypes, I’ve decided to plan senior activities around the little known holidays and nationally recognized special days during the month of June and beyond.

I bet you didn’t know that the 2nd week in June is National Clay Week? Well, neither did I, until I happened to find it listed online, but it’s the inspiration for a great new senior craft activity idea this June. I’ve found a local ceramics painting shop in Dallas which will allow me to take a ceramic figurine and all of the necessary craft supplies home so my mom and I can complete the crafts in comfort, and then return the painted crafts to the store so they can be heated in the kiln. June is also National Adopt-a-Cat month, and while my mother may not be in a position to add a furry friend to her household, it doesn’t mean she can’t receive the benefits of interacting with animals; so we’re volunteering at a local animal shelter where we can give back to the animal community, and give my mom the emotional and physical benefits that only an animal can have upon a senior citizen.

When caregivers get creative, a world of new opportunity can open in the lives of their seniors!

Sources:

About.com

MSNBC

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

“How can you call yourself a caregiver when you live so far away?” was the surprising question that greeted me when I introduced myself at a caregiver support group in my local Dallas community. I’ve been faced with adversity before when people learn I live across the country from my elderly mother; they assume I’m uninvolved, irresponsible, and sometimes even selfish because I’m not there in person to act as her senior caregiver. However, this wasn’t the kind of reaction I expected from a group who were already familiar with the challenges that come with caring for an aging parent.

Maybe you relate to this sentiment; I’m not a caregiver because I don’t live nearby, so why don’t you give me the opportunity to explain myself. I’m not the primary physical caregiver for my elderly mother on a day-to-day basis, but I am a caregiver. I have arranged for my mother to physically receive the best senior care in Dallas. I assist her in managing her finances and assets, and I am the first one that her caregivers or healthcare providers would call in the case of a medical emergency or for assistance in making a healthcare related decision. I am always ready to fly across the country at just a moment’s notice, and I spend most of my free time learning about how to improve my mother’s care by talking to those who are with her regularly and consulting senior care resources.

Whether or not you’d call me a caregiver doesn’t matter, it’s not about the labels, it’s about providing the best care possible for my mother, even if it’s from a distance. I’m a caregiver, but call me what you’d like.

Sources:

1. National Institute on Aging

2. How to Care

Image: Ucsb.edu

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

Family caregivers who provide care for an elderly loved one, often get so caught up in their many responsibilities they can’t find time for themselves or their own needs. With so many Dallas caregivers balancing their home care responsibilities with careers and their home lives, where they might care for their own young families and children; it’s understandable why they may not put the focus on themselves. As selfless as this may seem, many caregivers who neglect their own care, experience high levels of stress and are actually doing their care recipients and families a dishonor, because people who can’t take care of themselves can’t take care of anyone else adequately.

While it’s recommended that Dallas caregivers make time everyday to do an activity to help them relax, sometimes that’s easier said than done. But taking a few moments to revitalize, isn’t too much to ask. When you begin to feel overwhelmed as a caregiver for the elderly, take a few deep breaths to relax or slow down for a moment and take-in your surroundings. Don’t feel selfish for focusing on yourself; remember that by being in better spirits and health, you will be doing that important senior in your life the favor of being able to provide better quality senior care.

Sources:
1. Caregiverstress
2. Caregiver ABC Blog

Image: 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 elderly mother is in her mid-80’s, and has been in and out of the hospital over the past few years. We’re never sure what to pack for her to make her comfortable while she’s there; what would you recommend?

A – If your mother has a history of medical issues that have kept her in and out of the hospital, it’s recommended that you keep a hospital bag on hand with the items she would need, so when a medical emergency occurs you don’t need to stress over the small details – like whether or not your remembered her toothbrush. Pack a hospital bag and include the following items:

• Clothing – loose fitting, comfortable clothing or pajamas, which allow hospital staff easy access to medical monitors or intravenous lines are recommended

• Documentation – copies of important documentation should be on hand. Including insurance cards, living wills, medicine and contact lists. Keep a pen and paper on hand to record questions for doctors, or information provided by medical staff.

• Toiletries – toothpaste, toothbrush, comb/brush, and other non heavily-perfumed items are necessities.

•  Entertainment – bring books, magazines, knitting, and if allowed under hospital policy a laptop in order to help the senior pass the time.

• Other necessities – hearing aids and eye glasses should be packed if needed; along with mementos from home (photos etc), a prepaid phone card and a small amount of cash.

Sources:
3. MedicineNet
4. Inventor Spot Beth Hodgson

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

Q – My mom’s been thinking about selling her home, which she has maintained even though she is currently living with a relative. After doing some research online, I realized there are some significant tax implications of selling a home, especially when it is mortgage free. Is there a better option to allow her to minimize the tax costs and maximize her assets?

A – The best bet is to have an estate planner review your mother’s specific circumstance and those assets that can be found in her property. However, there are a few options available such as reverse mortgages, trusts, and transfer of assets. Otherwise, at the time of her death, the property will be transferred to the named recipient as outlined on her will. An inheritance and/or estate tax will apply, which can be substantially less than the taxes your mother could pay if selling her home. At that stage, the person responsible for the estate under the will can sell the property to pay for funeral costs, can distribute profits to named family members, rent the home, or live in it themselves. Talk to an estate planner before making any definite decisions about how to handle your mother’s estate!

Sources:
1. ThinkGlink
2. Wikipedia

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

Q – I live in Dallas and am a huge fan of Dancing with the Stars. I’m in my late 70’s and have thought about ballroom dancing as a fun activity now that I’m retired, but is it safe for people my age?

A – Older Dancing with the Stars contestants like Cloris Leachman have the right idea; not only is ballroom dancing your way through retirement safe, if you’re careful, there are many proven health benefits–including some that you wouldn’t expect. Try to find a safe, supervised environment where you learn how to ballroom dance with the assistance of a dance instructor. In Dallas, senior centers, community centers, or local dance studios may offer ballroom dancing instruction for people who are retired which take into consideration special health needs of the older demographic. Try to limit ballroom dancing to about 5 minutes of warm up, followed by a 20 minute dance routine.

The benefits you will receive from ballroom dancing as a senior will not only affect your body through better cardiovascular health, weight maintenance, and improved flexibility, but it’s an activity ideal for seniors since there are also benefits to the mind. According to a study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, seniors over the age of 75 who ballroom dance also have lower occurances of Alzheimer’s and dementia!

Sources:
1. Senior Advocate
2. SeniorJournal

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