When you hear the term “assisted living facility” what’s the first thing that enters your mind? I bet you, like many American seniors think that it refers to a nursing home. An assisted living facility isn’t a nursing home, though it does also provide a safe environment for seniors to age.  Assisted living facilities differ in many ways and offer the following features:

1. Living independently – seniors in ALFs are often in one-bedroom or studio apartment buildings, so they have the privacy and independence that they require

2. Safety is offered – ALF apartments anticipate the safety needs of seniors and ensure that they include grab bars, ramps and other essential safety devices. Supervisors are always available to respond to emergencies

3. Seniors don’t need to worry about home maintenance – cleaning services, including laundry can be provided by ALF

4. Activity of daily living services are offered – bathing, dressing, and medication reminders can be provided. There are also special facilities for those who suffer with Alzheimer’s and dementia and designated services

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.

One of the hardest parts of getting older may be how physical health affects the mental state. Sometimes it can be difficult for seniors to admit they are feeling depressed due to aches and pains. Others admit their problem, but give up on a solution. This is where a senior caregiver or family member can help. Several signs can allude to depression in a senior, whether they are physical symptoms or a change in disposition. Identifying symptoms in your senior should not end there. Finding a geriatric assessment for your senior can be the first step in confronting the problem.

• Loss of appetite—A change in appetite usually results in the most common sign a senior is depressed of unintentional weight loss.

• Generally disinterest—Seniors may lose interest in daily activities they once enjoyed or found pleasing.

• Sleepless nights—A depressed senior may have trouble sleeping through the night. This can also explain another sign your senior is depressed, increased fatigue.

• Increased Irritability—Some seniors’ personalities turn increasingly agitated or dispirited when feeling low or depressed.

• Unusual thoughts about death—Abnormal notions about death and dying arise in a down senior.

• Where to get a geriatric assessment—Seniors and senior caregivers can receive help and more information on these depression signs by visiting their primary care physician or other outlets such as hospitals, senior centers, religious affiliations, Medicaid offices, or a local Area Agency on Aging.

Source: National Pace Association

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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.

If you’ve got a case of the holiday blues with Christmas right around the corner, you’re not alone. Many older adults and their caregivers can find a hard time to participate in the joy of the season. Try to cope with the blues by following these tips”:

1. Surround yourself with people – even if you don’t have family or friends around that you can spend time with, do join other social events taking place in your community

2. Volunteer – no matter what’s happening in your life, you’ll feel great when you volunteer and give back to those in need

3. Join a support group – sometimes it’s not easy to talk to family about the emotions you’re struggling with, so join a support group that allows you to share your feelings

4. Don’t put pressure on yourself – it’s okay if you don’t feel like celebrating over the holidays, don’t push yourself. Get involved with those things that make you happy, and don’t get down on yourself if you don’t feel joyful

5. Avoid alcohol – alcohol can depress your mood, so even though the wine and eggnog is flowing over the holidays, stick to the non-alcoholic stuff!

6. Know the signs of depression and seek treatment – the holiday blues are one thing, but you also need to recognize depression and get help

Via: Health in Aging

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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.

Year after year shopping for family can be daunting, especially when you have no idea what to buy them for Christmas. This year, think about things that could really benefit their lives. Gift choices don’t need to be extravagant; the practical is likely to be even more appreciated!

• Items that allow them to pamper themselves – seniors on a budget are not likely to splurge on things they consider non-essentials. Buy them candles, soaps and body lotions that allow them to feel pampered at home. Gift cards to restaurants or spas are added luxuries

• Gift baskets – gift baskets with a combination of items, including some of the above, as well as seasonal foods, books, and craft supplies that they will enjoy and make use of are all great things to include! Gift baskets can be bought pre-fabricated or can be created at home

• The gift of companionship – seniors will most appreciate the company of their loved ones. If this is not possible, senior care services can be gifted for companionship and assistance at home

• Take an elderly loved one out for the day – a trip out for lunch around the holidays to see a movie or a musical event can be a very enjoyable way for them to spend a day and it will be memorable!

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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.

As people age, their body movements naturally become slower. While this is normal, a significant decrease in walking speed could indicate other health issues. This decrease may also be a sign that the patient is at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. This disease is often fatal. Elderly patients are advised to remain as active as possible to keep their body functioning and reduce any health risks. Below are some facts about walking speed and how it relates to the health of elderly patients.

1. A slow walking speed in an elderly patient is associated with the increased risk of death due to cardiovascular issues.

2. Any decreased motor performance can be viewed as a risk factor.

3. Elderly patients should try to stay as active as possible. Introducing a walking exercise into a daily regime could reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

4. Walking speed can be used to predict future health issues. This may not be possible if the patient has broken a hip in the past 2 years, has a debilitating disease or dementia

Source: www.bmj.com

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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.

When seniors travel, they have many things to consider. Often times, the travel preparation is exhausting. It can be much simpler if a check list is created. This will help the senior organize and prepare for their upcoming trip. Most seniors are advised not to travel alone, if at all possible. When traveling in a group or with family members, everyone involved in the trip should also take part in planning for the senior traveler. The following tips can help with preparation.

1. Have a medical check-up prior to traveling.

2. If you have medical needs, make sure to make arrangements ahead of time. For example, if you need a wheelchair, contact the hotel prior to arrival.

3. Make sure to pack all medications and make sure you have enough for the duration of the trip.

4. Check your luggage twice. Include things that will be needed during travel in your carry-on bag. It is suggested to pack all medications in a carry-on as well in case your luggage gets lost.

5. Consider your personal safety. Seniors are a target for theft, so try not to travel at night or alone. Do not wear valuable jewelry and make sure you always carry identification.

Source: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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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.

Q – Since my father passed away, my mother just hasn’t enjoyed the holiday season despite many of our efforts. Is there anything we can do to make the season something to look forward to. We don’t want to eliminate my father’s memory, but do want the family to celebrate together:

1. Allow memories and past rituals to live on – don’t discourage seniors from reliving those important memories of holidays past, thinking that it will prevent depression. Share memories of family members no longer with you, look at photos, and keep old family traditions alive

2. Make sure visiting seniors are comfortable – to help reduce the stress of seniors coming into your home over the holidays, make sure that your home is senior-friendly, with safety being the primary concern

3. Avoid impulsive holiday activities – to ensure that seniors can be involved with all holiday activities, avoid being impulsive that way seniors can be well-rested for more excitement

4. Focus on the joy – while it’s okay to reminisces, over the holidays make sure that all memories discussed focus on the positive

5. Create new traditions – while you can focus on incorporating old rituals into the holidays, create new ones as well that give the whole family, including seniors, new things to look forward to doing together. Holiday activities can’t just focus on the past

Via: ArticleBase

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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.

If you are a senior, or are a caregiver, you will understand how important it is to remain active. Seniors often live on a fixed income which limits them when planning trips. There is some great news! The list below will offer a few suggestions for day trips that do not cost a thing! These types of trips are a great way to get seniors out of the house, while providing some exercise and socialization.

1. When was the last time you visited the State Capitol? Probably many years ago, if ever. The State Capitol is open to the public and offers guided tours. This is a wonderful way to learn new things about the state you live in as well as a great way to spend the day without having to worry about what it will cost.

2. When going on a day trip to the State Capitol, or anywhere else, pack your own lunch. The buildings are usually situated on landscaped grounds that make for the perfect picnic location.

3. Do not forget to inquire about other public buildings. These buildings are paid for by your tax dollars, so feel free to enjoy them. The same goes for state parks and forests.

4. If you are still searching for a unique day trip, try a guided tour of the Governor’s Mansion!Free Trips Available for Seniors

Via: ehow.com

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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.

Coming up with great gift ideas for older adults can be a challenge for many families. What many living on a limited income would most appreciate are practical items that they might not buy for themselves. Think about those things that they’re likely to need regularly, and add it to a gift basket. To make it more special, however, purchase the varieties of items that they wouldn’t splurge on when buying on their own. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Purchase items that will aid in dental health – it might not sound like a glamorous holiday gift idea, but a senior’s dental health can really change their quality of life, especially over the holidays when they’d rather enjoy. In a gift basket, include a favorite toothpaste or denture cleaner, mouthwash, floss and a new toothbrush (buy electric, or one in their favorite color – something they might not splurge on!).

2. Stock up on other personal items – splurge a little bit and include personal items that are more than just the basics. If you know that they prefer a certain kind of scented soap or body wash, but typically stick to a cheaper bar soap, pick some up! Bubble bath, body lotion and other items they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves would also be appreciated

3. Include nutritious snacks – crackers, preserves, tea and coffee are all great things to include in a senior’s gift basket. Try to buy the items you know they love, but won’t get for themselves!

Via: Well Sphere

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.