As people enter the age of retirement, they often begin to travel more often. With this increased travel, it is important to know that seniors are entitled to many discounts when traveling. In order to capitalize on these discounts, it may be best to plan a trip with a travel agent. The agent has a lot of useful information and many connections that could lead to some great travel deals. Here are a few planning tips that will help seniors find the best travel arrangements at the best price.

1. Make sure to know personal preferences before contacting a travel agent. These requests should be made in advance. Some common requests for traveling seniors include aisle seats on airplanes, morning flights and non-smoking accommodations.

2. Be sure to deal with a travel agent directly. Many travel agents have personal assistants that relay messages. If possible, try to arrange to speak with the agent directly.

3. If there are time constraints, make sure to have a back-up plan. Use a calendar to plan for schedule changes. Often times, a change in time could mean a greater discount.

4. Inquire about car rentals and hotel rooms. Your travel agent may be able to book a complete package which would offer additional savings.

Source: www.ehow.com

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Hypertension is a common diagnosis among elderly patients. While the disease is typically managed with medication, there are many complications that can arise. Congestive heart failure, stroke and heart attack are all closely related to hypertension. Elderly patients who are being treated will still be at a risk of developing these additional health issues. While hypertension can be controlled and monitored, there are some additional things that can be done to reduce the risk of developing hypertension and to lower high blood pressure. This list also addresses other risk factors.

• Diets that contain high amounts of salt. Studies have indicated that the reduction of daily salt intake will lower the blood pressure. Low sodium diets are highly recommended for most elderly patients.

• High levels of alcohol intake. If you, or an elderly family member, consume high amounts of alcohol on a daily basis, the risk of the development of hypertension is increased.

• Past family history of high blood pressure. It is important to be aware of any family member who has been diagnosed with hypertension. The disease does run in families and can be transferred genetically, even if the patient does not live a lifestyle that includes any other risks.

• Obesity. It has been proven that hypertension affects obese individuals more often than those who maintain a normal weight.

• Individuals with an African American heritage will be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure.

Source: thedoctorwillseeyounow.com

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

SAN BRUNO, Calif. - November 24, 2009 - The popular campaign that last year delivered hundreds of gifts to local area seniors in need is being planned once again this holiday season. CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid Pharmacy and First National Bank of Northern California are partnering with event sponsor Home Instead Senior Care to make sure that isolated seniors throughout the peninsula area receive gifts and companionship through the Be a Santa to a Senior program.

“Be a Santa to a Senior is a great way to give back to the older adults in the community during the hectic holiday season when many are forgotten,” said Martie Cruz, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care offices in San Mateo and San Bruno, providing companionship and non-medical home care for area seniors. “The program is also designed to provide much-needed human contact and social interaction for older adults who are unlikely to have guests during the holidays.”

From Nov. 3 and until Dec. 21, shoppers can select ornaments from “Be a Santa to a Senior” trees at CVS Pharmacy stores in San Mateo, San Bruno, Foster City, Burlingame and South San Francisco, Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 666 Concar Dr. in San Mateo, and the First National Bank of Northern California in Millbrae.

Each ornament lists the first name of a senior in need, along with gift requests. Holiday shoppers can purchase gifts and return them unwrapped, along with the ornament, to the tree location.

“Gifts range in price from $5 to $25 so everyone has the opportunity to brighten the lives of a senior this year,” said Cruz.

Seniors were selected by local non-profit organizations that work with seniors in need. Requests for gifts have also come from Bay Area independent senior living communities.

Senior residents from Magnolia of Millbrae and Atria Daly City will help gift wrap the donated gifts. Home Instead Senior Care and community volunteers will deliver the gifts on Dec. 22.

Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can contact Home Instead Senior Care at 650-877-8009. Businesses are encouraged to adopt groups of seniors. For more information about the program, tree locations, and event partners, log on to www.beasantatoasenior.com.

Since “Be a Santa to a Senior” was launched five years ago, Home Instead Senior Care franchises across the country have helped provide more than one million gifts to 700,000 seniors in North America.

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

In many cultures, it’s an expectation that families will take in their elders in older adulthood; but in others, it’s a gesture of concern and caring. Families might offer for seniors to move in with them, but it doesn’t mean that it’s an arrangement that works for everyone. If your family has suggested you come live in their home, evaluate whether or not it will work for you and the lifestyle you envision for yourself in older adulthood by asking these questions:

• What will my role be in paying for household expenses? Does it sound affordable and reasonable based on the living arrangements determined?

• What specific responsibilities will I have? Will I be expected to contribute to household chores or care for any of the grandchildren in the home? If so, how often and when?

• Will I be provided with my own space to maintain my independence? Will I have a room, or a bathroom that’s off limits to the rest of the family?

• What will become of my assets? How will we handle the sale of my home and finances I have in my bank accounts?

• Can I bring my pets to the home?

• Will changes be made to areas of the home to provide for my comfort and safety?

• Will I be a part of family decisions, such as vacations, travel, and hosting of events in the home? Or will the other family members make these decisions?

• Am I able to invite my friends to the home and entertain? What if I want to use the space without the grandchildren?

• What arrangements will be made if I need care assistance? Will someone in the home be able to help, or will we hire senior home care?

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Whether you’re moving an elderly parent into your home, or trying to help modify a senior’s home to make it more safe and comfortable for them as they age, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to ensure that their health and happiness at home remains a priority.

1. Install a lower peephole – particularly for seniors that live alone, a peephole is an important security measure. Osteoporosis can cause seniors to lose height, and causing them to strain to see out of a peephole is a danger

2. Reduce glare in the home – for the comfort of seniors, install blinds on the windows that can be adjusted depending upon the amount of light or glare coming into the home

3. Prevent falls with safety measures – put railings on stairs and in the bathroom, and to avoid slips remove area rugs

4. Control water temperatures of the faucets – seniors can scald themselves if they find it challenging to control water

5. Change door handles – seniors with arthritis often have trouble manipulating doorknobs; accommodate them by installing level handles or other assistive devices

6. Try to control clutter – whether a senior is moving in, or you’re trying to make their home a little safer, finding storage for all the extra items that are not regularly used is important to reduce clutter and increase safety

Via: Guide for  Boomers and Seniors who Live with Them

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

It doesn’t matter from what walk of life we come from; most of us know a family caregiver who is responsible for caring for an older member of their family, and these are people that are not always recognized for their efforts or appreciated.  It’s National Family Caregiver’s month this November, and there is no better  time than now to show caregivers that they’re appreciated, and here’s some ways that you can:

1. Give them a break – offering to provide respite care or hiring someone to step in can allow caregivers to relax or reconnect with friends and family

2. Remind local businesses what this month means – then encourage them to offer freebies or discounts for family caregivers in the area!

3. Lend them a hand with holiday preparations – the holidays can create added responsibility, so help a caregiver decorate for the holidays or put stamps on their cards

4. Get them laughing – go see a funny movie with them, or pick up tickets to a local comedy club. Laugher IS the best medicine!

5. Take over holiday hosting responsibilities – caregivers already have a lot on their plates; host Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday celebration so the caregiver can simply focus on enjoying the company!

6. Sign the petition – there’s a petition to establish a stamp that recognizes family caregivers; sign it in their honor!

7. Create something personal – a personalized gift, like a calendar with family photos, will help them feel like they’re appreciated, and it will help them stay organized

8. Send them a token of appreciation – a bouquet of flowers or a card might not be a big gesture, but it will make caregivers feel appreciated and special

9. Connect them with caregiving resources – free seminars and other events take place to keep caregivers better informed and help them manage stress

10. Lend your support – give them an ear to talk to, or help them find a support group

Via: The Family Caregiver

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Most of us enjoy getting out for a walk, especially on a nice day. But, according to a recent survey published by the American Podiatric Medical Association, some older Americans live in cities where walking is even more enjoyable than others! Here are the 25 best cities for walking in the United States!

1. San Francisco – tops the list and was also voted best for families, with many walker-friendly attractions to visit along with 2 other cities. San Francisco is also one of the best cities for those who want to commute without a vehicle of their own, because there are many public transit options. There’s a great reason, that San Francisco tops the list, since it also receives notoriety as one of the best nature spots with its trails and parks for walking!

2. Boston - also has low crime and pedestrian fatality rates, making it one of the 3 safest cities, and was voted one of the best for commuters

3. New York – this city has some of the best public transit options in the country, making it one of the best for those who do not have a vehicle of their own.

4. Philadelphia

5. Chicago

6. Washington

7. Seattle - also voted best for families, with many walker-friendly attractions to visit along with 2 other cities

8. Honolulu

9. Portland

10. Pittsburgh

11. Oakland

12. Minneapolis – also has low crime and pedestrian fatality rates, making it one of the 3 safest cities; it also made the list as one of the most family friendly cities with attractions that are perfect for walking

13. San Diego

14. Los Angeles – along with Santa Ana, this California city received recognition for its wealth of nature trails and parks

15. Milwaukee

16. Baltimore

17. Rochester - also has low crime and pedestrian fatality rates, making it one of the 3 safest cities

18. Santa Ana – with many parks and trails for walking, Santa Ana is a great city for walkers!

and more.

If your city makes the list, tell us why you think it deserves its place as one of America’s best walking cities; and if yours doesn’t, should it have been included?

Via: Prevention.com

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

A great home care franchise for seniors should do more than just the basics in order to ensure their success. Of course, a major part of a home caregiver’s role would be to simply attend to the non-medical care needs of their elderly care recipients, but to be a competitor against the other businesses also actively engaged in the industry, it needs to go farther than that.

When you’re looking to hire a professional caregiver from an agency, you need to make sure that they’re willing and able to take steps to make sure that your senior’s comfort and safety day and night is among their primary concerns. They should be willing to address the following safety issues:

1. Install nightlights – lighting in a senior’s home is crucial for preventing accidents and nightfright. Installing nightlights which have sensors to go on when seniors get up in the night can also improve safety, and are a simple and inexpensive addition to any home

2. Suggest a lifeline – since caregivers are not always there around the clock, a lifeline, or an emergency device that will contact a loved one or emergency help can make sure that seniors receive help when needed

3. Put lights on timers – suggesting lights on timers inside or outside the home can help ensure there is adequate lighting at all times, and it also adds an element of security in the evening hours when seniors are home alone, and helps to conserve electricity

4. Remove hazards – if seniors do have caregiving help 24/7, caregivers should ensure the environment is safe for seniors to get around while on their own. Removing tripping hazards like throw rugs and poorly placed furniture will reduce the likelihood of accidents. Sturdy grab bars can also be placed in bathrooms and along stairwells for added stability

5. Talk to family members – caregivers can also speak to family members about their concerns, and address them specifically, making the home environment safer to put everyone’s minds at ease

The above are some suggestions of what should be included in any home care franchise service for the success of the business, but of course, specific services will depend upon the client, so hiring caregivers that are perceptive to senior’s needs is crucial to franchise well-being.

Sources:

1. Home Instead Senior Care

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

With the second wave of the H1N1 virus now circulating through North America and the Swine Flu vaccine becoming available, there is a lot of information circulating which leaves people unsure of how they should deal with this virus. There are no real rules as to whether or not you should receive the vaccine, but here are some of the facts and some of the pieces of fiction explained surrounding the virus and the vaccine so that you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.

1. The swine flu shot isn’t for everyone – unfortunately, there is not enough of the H1N1 vaccine to make sure the complete population is protected, although the CDC does recommend it. Those who are in higher risks groups should receive the vaccine as soon as it’s available, including women who are pregnant, those who are around or care for babies under 6 months of age, everyone age 6 months through age 24, and anyone with pre-existing medical conditions between the ages of 25 and 64

2. The seasonal flu shot offers protection against the Swine Flu – the H1N1 virus varies from the season flu, and therefore those in the high risk groups should receive BOTH shots to ensure protection and cannot expect that one shot offers protection for both. However, do note that the risk groups for the seasonal flu shot vary from the H1N1 Virus

3. Getting the seasonal flu vaccine makes people more susceptible to H1N1 – studies have both proven and disproven this myth, so at this stage there is no firm answer

4. Seniors are most at risk for H1N1 – seniors are actually in the lower risk group for H1N1 and in the higher risk group for the seasonal flu. Seniors over the age of 65 are less likely to contract H1N1 but should speak to their doctors to determine if they should receive the shot due to existing medical conditions

Via: DailyFinance

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Self-screening for breast cancer should take place on a monthly basis in all women over the age of 40, and while it might be embarrassing to talk about for some women, they are steps that can save lives. By screening for breast cancer at home with self-breast exams, women can detect potential issues and have them checked out by a doctor if anything concerns them between their annual breast exams. Early detection can mean a better prognosis if a scare turns into reality.

1. Remove all clothing and undergarments from your upper body

2. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms up and behind your head. Flex your hips and your chest muscles and be on the lookout for anything unusual

3. Lying down, place a pillow under your left shoulder and your left arm behind your head. Use your right hand to examine your breast, working your way around in circles from the outside in

4. Repeat the same steps for the right breast

5. During all stages of your self-breast examination, you want to look for the following:

• Lumps that have not previously been examined by a doctor. They don’t need to be sore or have any particular feeling in order to require medical attention

• Changes in the skin texture anywhere on the breast

• Thickening of the breasts

• One breast which is lower than the other, or one which is larger that seems to have changed size

• Unusual discharge from nipples that is sticky or bloody

Via: Family Doctor

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.