Health Benefits of Gardening for Older Adults

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on April 3, 2019 at 12:00 PM

For some, there is nothing more refreshing than sinking their fingers into warm soil or biting into a sun-ripened tomato fresh off the vine. There is a basic human feeling when planting seeds or bulbs — a sense of accomplishment and a state of deep peace. However, gardening not only feels good, but it is also good for you. In addition to growing nutritious fruits and vegetables, here are some of the other health benefits of gardening.

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Topics: Home Care Planning, Activities and Lifestyle, Healthy Living

Worried About an Older Driver? How to Have “The Talk”

Posted by ComForCare on April 1, 2019 at 3:00 PM

“When did a simple trip to the grocery store become so dangerous? Is that a traffic ticket on the floor? Oh no, she is using two feet to drive, and this isn’t a stick shift! Gosh, I haven’t stomped on the imaginary brake pedal this much since Jimmy was 15 years old and learning to drive. I can’t let her drive back home. Maybe she shouldn’t be driving at all.”

Have you ever had this experience? Family members often worry about their aging loved one’s ability to continue driving safely and with good reason.

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Topics: Aging, Home Care Planning, Safety

Pets for Seniors: Animals Can Make Older Adults Happier and Healthier

Posted by Haley Kotwicki on March 5, 2019 at 9:00 AM

 

For older adults who live alone or have lost their spouse, pets can be excellent companions. When my grandfather passed away, my grandmother adopted two blue baby parakeets named Heckle and Jeckle. Although they screeched incessantly, they gave her purpose, and she adored them. She would wake up early to feed them their seed, she would sing to them and every few weeks she would drive to the pet store to buy them more perches, bells, etc.  She was overjoyed when she thought Heckle was going to lay eggs and rushed to get a nesting box (Heckle never laid the eggs because he was just a very chubby boy.)

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Topics: Aging, Home Care Planning, Caregiving, Activities and Lifestyle

Dementia and Challenging Behavior

Posted by Deborah Bier, PhD on February 7, 2019 at 9:45 AM

When people think of “dementia,” it is natural to next think “memory loss.” What we may not be prepared for is how other behaviors can change and even become difficult to manage. In fact, it is these challenging behaviors that families report as more troublesome than memory loss. 

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Topics: Aging, Home Care Planning, Caregiving, Alzheimer's and Dementia

Looking for In-Home Care? 8 Reasons to Choose ComForCare/At Your Side Home Care

Posted by Anne Hein on December 7, 2018 at 1:28 PM

Whether it’s due to injury, illness or aging, sometimes older adults need a little extra help, especially at home.
 
However, family members and friends can’t always be there 24/7 to assist aging loved ones. That’s where home care comes in. When it comes to choosing an in-home care provider, here are some of the ComForCare/At Your Side advantages:
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Topics: Aging, Home Care Planning, Activities and Lifestyle

Hospice Care Is Health Care

Posted by Helen Beamer on October 31, 2018 at 10:15 AM

When someone mentions the word “hospice,” people often cringe or change the subject, fearing that hospice care somehow means giving up on life. Others view hospice with a lack of respect, as if it isn’t real medical care. I know this firsthand. I used to be employed in hospice as a volunteer coordinator. 
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Topics: Home Care Planning, Hospice and Palliative Care

Providing Care for Military Caregivers

Posted by Anne Hein on October 31, 2018 at 9:30 AM

In the U.S., millions of injured, ill and disabled veterans depend on friends and family for care. In fact, according to the RAND Corporation, there are 5.5 million unpaid military caregivers in the United States.

Of that group, nearly 20 percent are caring for someone who served after 9/11. This new era of caregivers is facing unique challenges.

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Topics: Home Care Planning, Caregiving, Holidays

Hiring an In-Home Caregiver – What Options Are Available?

Posted by Anne Hein on October 8, 2018 at 10:50 AM

Most seniors want to age in place. According to AARP, 90 percent of those 65 and over want to stay in their home for as long as possible and 80 percent think their current residence is where they will always be.

However, to stay at home, older adults often require assistance with everyday activities from bathing and going to the bathroom, to running errands and preparing meals. Family and friends can often chip in, but sometimes they are not available, they live far away or it is more than they can juggle. That’s where home care comes in. 

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Topics: Aging, Home Care Planning, Caregiving

Brain Functions Preserved the Longest With Dementia

Posted by ComForCare on September 12, 2018 at 8:00 AM

People with dementia have many abilities and functions preserved for a long time – even through the end of life. When we take time to understand what people with dementia can still do, we are taking the first steps in creating better days for them.

Here are two examples of how focusing on what is still possible can make a difference (all identifying information has been changed for privacy reasons).

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Topics: Aging, Home Care Planning, Alzheimer's and Dementia

Need Help Coordinating Health Care? Turn to a Case Manager

Posted by Anne Hein on September 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM

Case managers play a critical role in the health care system, but many do not know they exist. Case managers help individuals and their families understand a person’s illness or injury and then work with them and other health care professionals to develop a treatment plan.

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Topics: Aging, Home Care Planning, Healthy Living

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