We all know that socializing with friends and family makes us feel better and more connected, but it’s also true that remaining social later in life can play a role in fighting dementia. Older adults who stay social have a 70 percent reduction in cognitive decline, as compared to their less social peers, per the results of a study by the Rush University Medical Center. But with fewer friends nearby, and increasing health concerns, it can be a struggle for older adults to keep from falling into an isolated lifestyle. There are, however, steps you can take to help the seniors in your life enhance their socialization.

For example:

Seek out volunteer opportunities in the community for your senior loved one.
Help him or her get involved with the local senior center.
Try to find (or start) a group for the senior that focuses … Read More »

Everyone needs a little time to get away from it all, to be alone with our thoughts or to settle in with a good book. But when that alone time is excessive, we become at risk for social isolation – an all too common occurrence as we age. And its effects are more detrimental than you may realize, with the potential to impact both physical and mental health in a variety of ways.

Studies have shown that socializing:

Reduces risk of disability
Reduces depression and pain
Protects the brain from mental decline
Increases the quality and length of life

In-home caregivers, such as those at Hired Hands Homecare, can help the older adults in your life stay social and protect their health by:

Encouraging attendance and serving as a personal escort to social outings such as club meetings, community events such as fairs, holiday celebrations and parades, … Read More »

As we’ve noted in previous blogs, diabetes is a serious disease that requires constant management, but when that management is successful, senior diabetics can live long, healthy lives. When a senior’s diabetes is not properly cared for, however, he or she is at a higher risk for major complications such as heart disease and stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and even amputation. If you are concerned that your loved one may need help managing his or her diabetes care, home care can be an invaluable service that provides you with peace of mind and your loved one with the daily care, encouragement, and assistance that he or she needs.

Here are a few ways home care can help people in California with diabetes live healthier, happier lives at home:

A senior with reduced vision may not see a small foot sore that could quickly … Read More »

Nearly half of all Americans have one of the three key risk factors of heart disease: high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking. Too many people make poor lifestyle choices every day that negatively affect their heart. Poor diet, excessive alcohol intake, and physical inactivity are just a few things that can do permanent damage. It’s easy to forget to implement the basic ways to take care of our hearts, but it’s one of the most important things to remember. Go back to the basics and protect your heart with these tips provided by Hired Hands Homecare.

Avoid tobacco: If you smoke; quit. If someone in the household smokes, he or she should be encouraged to quit. It’s tough, but it’s tougher to recover from a heart attack or stroke or to live with chronic heart disease.

Be more active: Be … Read More »

Once you’ve determined that hiring an agency to provide in home care for seniors is the best option to keep your senior loved one safe, healthy and socially engaged, you may run into a stumbling block when it’s time to bring your loved one fully on board with the idea. Many seniors balk at the thought of bringing a “stranger” into the home, or in having their routines disrupted. Contact us online or call us at (866) 940-4343 to learn about how we can help your family

At Hired Hands Homecare, we understand the trepidation that can occur when the idea of bringing a caregiver into the home is introduced, and are empathetic to seniors’ valid concerns. Following are five tips from the Family Caregiver Alliance that can help minimize objections to in-home care:

Begin slowly – and early. Don’t wait until the care … Read More »

Most seniors wholeheartedly agree: there’s no place like home as they age, and the thought of a potential need to move into a nursing home is a frightening one. But for concerned family members who notice a decline in their senior loved ones’ health, mobility, and abilities to perform the daily tasks of living, a nursing home or assisted living facility may seem inevitable in order for them to receive the senior care services they need.

Hired Hands Homecare, however, wants to offer some hope and encouragement to seniors and their families, through the option of professional in-home care. With varying levels of care, many seniors are able to remain safe and independent in the comfort of home throughout the process of aging. Here are four types of care that can be provided right at home:

Private Duty Home Care: Private duty home … Read More »

Everywhere you look this time of year, you’ll see portrayals of the joys of the holiday season. But for many, the holiday season for seniors can bring about a sense of sadness and loss, as they recall holidays past when perhaps their health was better or when loved ones who have passed away were still with them. To help your senior loved ones beat the holiday blues, try some of these colorful tips:

RED: In some cultures, red denotes purity, joy, and celebration. What better way to celebrate the joy of the season than to offer assistance in decorating an elderly family member’s house for the holidays? Don’t forget to also volunteer to help take down the decorations after the holidays!

ORANGE: Put some logs on the fire or light some candles and cozy up to reminisce about special times and people. … Read More »

As we discussed in our last blog, bringing the whole family together for an activity, such as creating a memory book, can provide a wonderful opportunity to connect seniors more closely with the younger generations. At Hired Hands Homecare, we believe it’s so important to strengthen family bonds, and work hard to help seniors participate in activities that foster togetherness with their loved ones, fighting off feelings of loneliness and isolation. There’s no better time than the holidays to bring families together, so we’ve compiled some holiday tips for seniors to help your family.

Sometimes, physical or cognitive limitations can make it difficult for seniors to fully feel a part of the festivities. And sometimes, younger family members can get so caught up in the hectic pace we’ve grown accustomed to that even with the best of intentions, older family members … Read More »

Vitamins and minerals are a vital aspect of health for people of all ages. However, as we’ve noted in previous blog posts, nutrition needs change as we age, and it’s important for seniors to talk with their doctors to ensure that their particular nutritional needs are being met.

The National Institute on Aging highlights the following vitamins and minerals as being crucial for seniors in the right quantities:

Vitamin D: For those over age 70, a level of between 800 and 4,000 IU is recommended (up from the 600 – 4,000 IU recommended for ages 50 – 70). Good sources for vitamin D include milk, fish, fish oil and some cereals.
Vitamin B6: Found in liver and other organ meats, whole grains, and some cereals, women need 1.5 mg each day, while the need increases for men to 1.7 mg.
Vitamin B12: For those … Read More »