Home Instead Senior Care

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Communicating with a Senior Who is Hard of Hearing

Successful communication requires the efforts of all people involved in a conversation. Even when a person with hearing loss utilizes hearing aids and active listening strategies, it is crucial that others around them also consistently use good communication strategies. Below, we discuss a few simple ways to boost effective communication with a senior who’s hard of hearing.

Utilizing Other Senses

Just because someone is experiencing hearing loss does not mean communication is futile. Often times this simply means we must utilize other sensory signals to make up for the loss of hearing. This can be easier than one may think since so much of our language and communication is already non-verbal as it is.

Sight- Try to catch someone’s eye to let them know you are trying to speak with them. Keep in mind that lip movements, facial expressions and hand gestures tend to provide more information than actual words do.

Touch- Before initiating a conversation you can try gently touching a person’s arm or shoulder to get their attention.

Eliminate All Other Noise

The easiest way to improve communication with someone who’s hard of hearing is to eliminate any and all background noise whenever possible. This can be as simple as turning off the dishwasher or television, or splitting up from noisy groups of people.

Get to the Point

Whenever possible it helps tremendously to simplify your point. When telling a story or trying to explain something important, try using shorter, simpler sentences to get your point across.  Ask your loved one to not hesitate to ask you to repeat yourself or to try rephrasing it if needed.

What Not To Do

Shout- Speaking a bit louder can help but shouting and exaggerating words can actually distort sounds.

Speak Directly into Ear-  Doing this can distort speech and hide any visual clues.

Turn Away- Turning away when speaking can make it much more difficult, if not impossible to hear and read lips or hand gestures.

Final Thoughts

While there is hope on the horizon for hearing loss, there are many steps you can take to improve communication and the overall wellbeing of your loved ones now. Oftentimes professional help at home can make a world of a difference when caring for a senior with hearing loss. At Home Instead Senior Care, we believe in quality at-home care for seniors that prioritizes communication and patience everyday. Visit our website to find a qualified CAREGiver near you!

Is Gardening Beneficial for Seniors with Dementia?

            As spring transitions to summer, countless people are taking advantage of gardening in their homes. Even though not everybody has a green thumb, gardening is beneficial, especially for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Follow below to learn why gardening is helpful for people with Alzheimer’s or related forms of Dementia.

Gardening Benefits

Gardening can improve Alzheimer’s or a similar type of Dementia without medications. Digging in the soil can reduce nervousness and fretfulness for seniors. Additionally, maintaining and planting new flowers can increase a sense of independence and boost confidence for older adults. Gardening can reduce pain and reliance on pain medications for many people. Seniors with Dementia will enhance their memory and ability to have happier days.

Gardening Essentials

As a caregiver for somebody with Alzheimer’s disease, you need to create an outdoor space that helps them enjoy time with you. Below are a few ideas to help get started and stay on track:

  1. Preparation: Preparing where to start gardening and what plants to use is vital. It will help creativity, exercise, and more. Caregivers and senior adults can choose what flowers, herbs, and vegetables to use to grow over time.
  • Garden containers and beds: Sometimes, there are moments when there is no place to plant a garden in the ground. Or, a senior who has mobility challenges may be restricted from growing flowers they want. Containers or raised beds take less space and provide a safer way to care for a garden, and it is a fun way to take care of plants.
  • Circular Gardens: A safety concern that comes up when considering people facing Alzheimer’s or a related type of Dementia is a patient wandering off, and creating a garden path that makes a circle can lower the wandering. Also, keep the senior gardens far away from exits or gates.
  • A Comfortable Seat: Gardening can be difficult, so it is crucial to have a place to rest. A comfortable bench or chair in the garden can be very beneficial.
  • Be Mindful: Sharing responsibility for a few garden tasks with a senior can help them. Being mindful that some functions may be too complex for seniors can help them not overexert themselves.

Following these helpful tips can help your loved one feel appreciated and have a healthier lifestyle. Gardening is a great way to bond with them as well.

In Summary

Finding an activity for an adult with Alzheimer’s can be difficult. Yet, one of the best things they can do to improve their health is gardening. Gardening is one of the activities done at Home Instead. At Home Instead Senior Care, we provide gardening activities for your loved one. For more information on our activities in Wilmington, NC, please call us at (910) 342-0455 or visit our website here.

Seniors and Their Life-Space

Most young people have a very large life-space due to traveling for fun or for work. In general, when you’re younger, you have the time and energy to stay out with friends and to complete your own errands. So what happens to your life-space when you get older? In this month’s blog, we discuss the concept of life-space and what it means when it becomes more restricted with age and health issues.

What Is a Life-Space?

A life-space is the distance a person travels to perform activities within their environment and lifetime. This can range from their home to their neighborhood to the city and so on. The larger a person’s life-space is, the better their physical and psychological well-being. As seniors age, their life-space may begin to become smaller and more constricted due to health issues and having less energy. For example, being unable to drive due to worsening vision or having restricted physical capabilities due to severe arthritis. This can lead to feelings of frustration and sadness because they are unable to achieve what they were formerly able to do.

Isolation and Depression

As their life-space becomes smaller, seniors tend to spend most of their time at home. However, social isolation can be a problem for those who live alone and can negatively affect their overall mental and emotional health. According to the CDC, social isolation can significantly increase a person’s risk of premature death and is also associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia. It is also associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety.

While some seniors may still have family and friends that visit and are nearby, there are many seniors who find themselves unexpectedly alone due to the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, and the lack of mobility and transportation. Having a restricted life-space along with the lack of love ones contributes to these feelings of loneliness and isolation.

How Home Instead Can Help

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Here at Home Instead, we understand how difficult it is to be stuck at home while feeling isolated and lonely. Our CAREGivers provide companionship and will always be there for your loved one. From crafting to gardening to walks and more, we are happy to provide companionship and personal care. We also provide transportation services so seniors who are no longer able to drive themselves are still able to maintain a larger life-space. This includes activities such as doctor appointments, worship services, fitness classes, club events, and much more. With our CAREGivers on the job, your senior loved one will not be alone.

Learn More About Us

Home Instead strives to provide dependable and compassionate senior home care services. Our personalized care plans help maintain a high quality of life while providing all of the necessary support. Learn more about our home care services in Wilmington, NC by visiting our website or contacting us at (910) 342-0455. We are here to help!

Reasons to Open a Home Instead Franchise

Home Instead is a proud leading provider of in-home senior care services across the globe. This franchise has not only helped thousands of families remain close while their loved ones age gracefully at home, but it has also enabled countless CAREGivers and franchise owners to provide for their own families in ways they could have never imagined. Follow along below to learn why so many have chosen this award-winning franchise network with its history of top franchising honors, industry excellence, and franchisee satisfaction.

Home Instead franchise business ribbon cutting ceremony with four business people

Proven Track Record

Decades of undeniable success has awarded Home Instead with a reputation that cannot be beat. It was named a top franchise by Franchise Business Review as well as Entrepreneur magazine, and among these awards, Home Instead is ranked as a top franchise for women and veterans especially. Not only is Home Instead known for its triumphs in the home care industry but to its commitment to creating outstanding opportunities for entrepreneurs as well.

A Growing Industry

The demand for affordable and accessible home care for seniors has exponentially increased recently due to COVID and this trend is not going to stop. For this reason it’s safe to say that the senior in-home care industry has potential to be a booming business opportunity for the foreseeable future.

Female CAREGiver and female client smiling

Enhance Lives

Our franchise partners share our values in innovating and advocating for successful aging all around the world. Home instead dedicates itself to actively participating in leading organizations in the senior care industry such as the World Dementia Council, Global Coalition on Aging and more.

Join our movement to change the industry of care and aging by enhancing the lives of seniors and their families in your local community. In addition to providing consistent home-based championship and care, you’ll also be able to serve to your community through free educational resources and giving back programs too.

Final Thoughts

With over 26 years of experience and more than 1,200 franchises in 14 countries, Home Instead is a clear choice for entrepreneurs who crave a rewarding, fruitful, and steady way of life. For more information on Home Instead, including details about franchise opportunities, visit franchises.homeinstead.com or call our global headquarters at (402) 498-4466.

The Secrets of Blue Zones and Centenarians

There are a few geographical locations worldwide called “Blue Zones” where individuals live about 100 years old. Dan Buettner, an author, and scientific researcher traveled worldwide to find longevity among certain people. He and his colleagues circled with a blue marker the areas on the map where people lived to 100, coining the term “Blue Zone.”  He observed that the Centenarians also tend to be happier with their life.  In this blog, we will discuss a few facts about how to live longer, healthier, and more satisfied with the secrets of Blue Zones.

Blue Zones

            The five known places to be Blue zones are Icaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. Even though these places are different culturally and geographically, they have certain similarities between, such as ways to improve your health, happiness, and life. A few of the similarities are longevity, lower rates of chronic disease, fewer mental health issues, constantly engaged with people, and just being happier than most people. Interestingly, genetics probably only account for 20–30% of longevity, according to PubMed Central.  

Different Blue Zones Around The World

Daily Exercise

            A common thing in Blue Zones is that the individuals who live there are always active. Many individuals work on cultivating their land, maintaining their house, doing chores, walking, and socializing every day. Light to moderate activity is essential to reducing chronic illness and reduce death by 39%.  For example, the Sardinian Blue Zone shows men walking on steep slopes, traveling long distances, and raising animals. Also, the people living in the Okinawan Blue Zone are active walkers and grow vegetables from their gardens.

Fewer Portions

            Typically, people living in Blue Zones fast often and follow the 80% rule. The 80% rule is where a person only eats until they feel 80% full. Numerous studies are showing that eating too many calories can lead to obesity and chronic disease. Blue Zoners residing in Loma Linda have a statement that says,” Breakfast like a king; lunch like a prince; dinner like a pauper.” Also, many individuals, such as the Icarians, fast throughout specific times in the year due to religious purposes.

Blue Zoners Eat a Plant-Based Diet and Limited Meats

Plant-Based Diet

            95% of people who live in Blue Zones eat a diet full of whole plant foods. Many of the groups are not vegetarians and tend to eat meat around five times a month. Their diet richly consists of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruit, nut, and good fats such as coconut. These types of food avoid inflammation. Icaria and Sardinia are two places where fish is often consumed because it promotes omega-3 fats essential for heart and brain health.

Solid Relationships

            Relationships are one of the keys to promote a healthy life. The best influence for health is creating friendships that edify happiness, contentment, longevity, and excellent mental health. Lots of these areas have solid spiritual communities that help them with social support and reducing depression.

Blue Zoners Have Lots Of Close Relationships and Stay Active Together

Limited Alcohol Consumption

            People in Blue Zones typically don’t over-consume alcohol. The National Institutes of Health state that “drinking one to two alcoholic drinks per day can significantly reduce mortality, particularly from heart disease.” Also, those who do consume wine receive high levels of antioxidants from the grapes. Antioxidants are known to prevent damage to DNA that can contribute to aging.

Staying Refreshed

            The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica has a saying, “Plan de Vida,” translated to “reason to live.” Most people living in Blue Zones have a purpose of living and don’t stress the small stuff. They develop daily habits such as sleeping early, mediating, naps, and hanging out with friends. 

Conclusion

            The lives of individuals living in Blue Zones are an incredible and inspiring push for us to live better. These helpful habits not only help us with our longevity but bring more happiness. Home Instead Senior Care understands the importance of these principles and offers personal care that helps your loved ones with specific needs. We have the best caregivers to help your family eat healthier, exercise, and feel happier with our friendliness. For more information, visit our website.

Signs it’s Time to Hang up the Car Keys for Good

Sooner or later retiring your keys and driver’s license will be the right thing to do to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. For some that time will come sooner rather than later, and determining exactly when that is can be difficult for families and aging individuals to navigate. Below we discuss three major signs that may indicate it’s time for a driver to retire their keys for good.

Declining Vision

Regular trips to the eye doctor for up to date vision tests is the best way to definitively determine if it’s safe to continue driving. Each state has their own laws regarding the age at which seniors must visit the DMV in order to keep their licenses. Most DMV locations also offer convenient vision tests and refresher courses for individuals over a certain age.

Confusion

Regularly getting lost or confused while behind the wheel is a major sign one should no longer be driving, especially if it happens in familiar locations. Regardless if the individual has experienced any other signs of memory loss or early dementia, becoming disoriented while driving should always be taken very seriously.

Property Damage

An increasing number of dents, dings, scratches and scrapes on one’s vehicle may hint at difficulties with night vision, depth perception, or delayed reflexes. Regularly assessing the vehicle for damages can help determine how often these mishaps occur and if they become more frequent.

Final Thoughts

Ensure your aging loved one can always get around comfortably and safely with professional transportation services. Home Instead Senior Care is a nationwide provider of home care and safe transportation services that help keep the rhythm of everyday life in place with rides to the hair salon, grocery store, worship services and other events. Contact us at (402) 205-8492 for more information.

3 Things to Know About Hip Replacement

            Are you worried about your loved one’s hip placement procedure?  The good news is the medical procedure is a common and aims to improve your loved one’s hip function. Hip replacement is a procedure that a surgeon performs on a damaged hip joint. The operation includes replacing the hip joint with an implant or a prosthesis. Here are three things to know about hip replacement.

Who needs it?

Most of the time, elderly adults get ailments that harm the hip joints. Bone health decreases with age, cumulating the threat of a hip fracture. But, anybody with substantial pain and inadequate movement may profit from a hip replacement. Before the operation, physicians try out non-surgical treatments. Patients will undergo medications, physical therapy, and injections to help with their hip issues. Yet, doctors will usually offer hip replacement surgery to those who have constant symptoms.

What are the Risks?

There are different implant procedures for substituting parts of the hips. There are many surgical techniques for the operation replacement of the ball on the top of the femur. It also includes replacing the cup, or socket, in the pelvis. Hip replacement surgery lessens discomfort and increases movement. A hip placement operation has risks including infection, bleeding, blood clots, pulmonary embolus, and dislocation. In severe cases, the surgical operation can bring nerve damage and the implant loosening.

Aftercare and Recovery

After the operation, the patient will need to use a walker, crutches, or a cane to help them walk. A physician will offer medicines to support the patient in the recovery process. Many patients take two to three days to recover in the hospital. Some medical centers perform outpatient or same-day, total hip replacement surgeries for your convenience. At home, patients must do exercises to toughen the hip and recover mobility. The exercises can be easy activities around the house, such as learning to walk around with the new hip.

Conclusion

Hip problems are a severe issue for many older people and cause lots of pain, discomfort, and the inability to move. It is most common for people who have osteoarthritis of the hip. Home Instead Senior Care offers arthritis care and activities for seniors with arthritis and related conditions. We understand the importance of daily exercise and safe activities, which is why we tailor our care plan to your loved one’s specific needs. For more information about in-home arthritis care services in the Wilmington, NC area, call us at (910) 342-0455.

The Hypertension Diets for Seniors

Hypertension is a manageable condition otherwise known as high blood pressure, which is when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. If hypertension is left untreated it can lead to severe consequences including heart attack, stroke, aneurysm or worse. Below we discuss some diets that have shown to make the most significant positive changes in the health of those living with hypertension.  

DASH Diet

The DASH diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It’s comprised of dietary guidelines that, when followed, encourage a greater consumption of a variety of nutrients that naturally reduce blood pressure. The basic rules of this diet involve eating mostly fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products as well as whole grains, lean protein, and nuts.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is very similar to the DASH diet in that they both naturally promote overall health and work to reduce hypertension naturally. This diet is based upon a pyramid structure with a foundation of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, a second tier of fish, a third tier of poultry and dairy, and a top tier of red meats and sweets.

Salt Reduction

The easiest and simplest way to reduce blood pressure and hypertension naturally is to decrease the levels of salt you ingest. According to Harvard Health when you consume too much salt your body holds on to water in an effort to dilute it. Unfortunately this extra water increases your blood volume, which causes your heart to work harder to pump blood through your blood vessels. 

Final Thoughts

When you or your loved one is diagnosed with hypertension the reasons to stay proactive in its management are endless. If your family could use more support when it comes to senior care, nutrition, socialization and more call on the compassionate professionals at Home Instead Senior Care. Our goal has always been to help our clients and their families’ age happily together at home.

Best Exercises for Seniors with Arthritis

When seniors refer to arthritis, they usually mean joint pain or joint disease – along with stiffness, swelling, and compromised range of motion. Arthritis can be painful, which is a reason why seniors may avoid exercise. However, there are low-impact exercises that are safe and joint-friendly for the elderly community. Read along in our blog as we discuss safe and simple activities for seniors with arthritis.

Water Aerobics

Water aerobics are a great way to exercise without a lot of joint impact. The resistance of the water helps with building strength and muscle. In addition, a heated pool may relieve pain and be more comfortable for swimming. Seniors can simply walk from one edge of the pool and continue along the side, modifying their movement when necessary.

Yoga

To reduce symptoms of arthritis, yoga is highly recommended. Using a range of motion, seniors can use yoga as a way to stretch and relax with low-impact exercises. Easing into the movements isn’t as stressful to the joints like jogging or running. Plus, yoga can be practiced almost anywhere, making this type of exercise easy to do.

Weight Lifting

Weight lifting doesn’t have to mean using heavy weights. In fact, a pair of light dumbbells can help develop strong muscles. Seniors need muscle to support joints, so it’s best to target major muscle groups for quality results. As an alternative, resistance bands can be used since they offer enough resistance to build muscle and they come in different strengths.

Conclusion

Home Instead Senior Care offers arthritis care and activities for seniors with arthritis and related conditions. We understand the importance of daily exercise and safe activities, which is why we tailor our care plan to your loved one’s specific needs. For more information about in-home arthritis care services in the Wilmington, NC area, call us at (910) 342-0455.

Getting Social with Seniors During the Holidays

The holidays are supposed to be a magical time for people of all ages. However sometimes it can become increasingly difficult for seniors to stay active, festive, and remain included in the numerous festivities happening around them. Below we discuss some simple ways to get social with your elders this holiday season and the benefits of doing so.

Holiday Themed Activities:

  • Driving or walking to see local Christmas light displays
  • Baking holiday cookies and treats
  • Going caroling or going to watch carolers
  • Putting up holiday decorations
  • Cook holiday themed meals
  • Watch holiday movies
  • Do holiday themes arts & crafts
  • Make DIY decorations
  • Online shop together
  • Go to church
  • Volunteer together

How Socializing Benefits Seniors

Lack of social support is related to negative impacts on health and well-being for people of all ages, but especially for older people. According to the AASC, increased social support from others can be important in reducing stress, increasing physical health and defeating psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Activities that promote positive self-awareness are especially valuable for helping improve a person’s overall quality of life and satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

Each passing year we get to spend with our loved ones brings with it an increased value and preciousness that cannot be taken for granted. Finding inclusive activities that the entire family can enjoy together doesn’t have to be difficult, forced, or stressful when you are effectively prepared and supported. For supplemental senior support during the busiest time of the year, call on the selfless CAREGivers at Home Instead Senior Care.

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