As people age, it is common for their cognitive abilities to change. Some of these changes are normal, while others may be signs of concerning cognitive decline. It is important to be able to recognize the difference so that you can seek help if necessary.
This can be even easier with the help of trained home caregivers in Marina Del Rey. Read on for a full guide to signs of cognitive decline and ways to help you or your senior loved one battle it.
How much cognitive decline is normal?
The normal cognitive decline that comes with age is usually very gradual and does not affect a person’s ability to live independently. However, some older adults may experience more significant cognitive changes that can impact their daily lives. For example, they may have difficulty processing information quickly or remembering things.
Although these changes are normal, it’s important for older adults to stay proactive about their health and seek out support if they need it. Additionally, older adults typically retain their overall EQ (emotional intelligence quotient), which includes abilities such as self-awareness, empathy and social skills. This means that they’re still able to connect with others and manage their emotions effectively.
What are the 3 most common cognitive changes during the aging process?
It’s important to be aware of the signs of changes in yourself or your senior loved one in order to be able to recognize possible cognitive decline. Let’s have a look at the 3 most common signs:
1. Slower processing speed
This is a common cognitive change that occurs in the elderly. It takes longer to learn new information and complete tasks. This may be due to changes in the brain that occur with aging. The brain cells shrink and the connections between them weaken, which can make it more difficult to process information quickly.
There are some things that you or your loved one can do to help compensate for this change. For instance, you can give yourself more time to learn new information and complete tasks. You can also simplify your environment and limit distractions. You can even use memory aids, such as notebooks and calendars, to help you remember important information.
2. Poorer working memory
Elderly individuals may have trouble remembering steps in a task or keeping track of conversations. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed. While some cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, there are things that can be done to help improve working memory.
The tools to battle poor working memory are similar to those for battling slower processing speed. Some of the proven ways to do this include keeping a daily routine, organizing and labeling household items, and making to-do lists.x
3. Episodic memory problems
While some level of forgetfulness is to be expected as we age, episodic memory problems can interfere with day-to-day activities. Elderly individuals may have difficulty remembering recent conversations, appointments, or events.
They may also have trouble recalling memories from their youth. These problems can be frustrating and may cause feelings of unmanageable stress. Treatment for episodic memory problems may not be necessary if the individual is otherwise healthy and seems to be resilient. However, if the problem is causing significant distress, there are therapies that can help to improve memory function.
Where can I find reliable home caregivers in Marina Del Rey and the surrounding area?
If you are looking for experienced professionals to help your senior loved one, we can help. At A Better Way in Home Care, we specialize in finding dependable and trained experts for senior care who are the right match for your or your loved one’s needs.
Whether you need help with meals, medication reminders, appointments, walks, or brain exercises, we can connect you with seasoned and compassionate professionals who can make a positive difference in the senior’s life.
We believe that being active and spending time outdoors is important for seniors, so we often encourage our clients to take walks with their helpers at Burton W. Chace Park or other locations that they like. This can help them lower their stress leveland keep them healthy. Reach out to us today to see what we can do for you!
Even if a senior person you care about is not entirely dependent on you, they still need occasional help around the house, a ride to the grocery store or the doctor’s office, or supervision of their diet and medication regimens. But time is a scarce resource and sometimes you just need a long, well-deserved break. It can be difficult to find time for one when you have an elderly loved one to look after.
Adult day care, which incorporates social activities and caring for a person’s health and wellbeing could be the solution you need. Much like independently provided home care in Cheviot Hills or other neighborhoods in the area, adult day care is a valuable resource for overworked family caregivers who are struggling to keep up with the demands of senior care, which can turn into a full-time job in its own right.
So what services do adult day care centers offer and how does adult day care work?
What are day care centers for the elderly?
Adult day care services are normally only available during daytime hours on weekdays. This is ideal for family caregivers who would otherwise have difficulty attending their own doctor’s appointments or running errands, especially if they also have full-time jobs and young children to take care of.
When it comes to adult day care or any other form of specialized senior care, each person has unique needs. Different people require different levels of service. Many adult day care centers offer social and recreational opportunities and focus on non-medical custodial care, but some day care centers for the elderly offer a more comprehensive scope of services:
Social activities
Nutrition
Personal care
Health services
Transportation
Adult day health care centers offer health services in addition to a range of senior activities and social programs. There are also specialized dementia care facilities that provide closer supervision of care recipients.
Who attends adult day care centres?
Adult day care centers are suitable for seniors over the age of 65 who need some form of a long-term care service. Individuals who attend adult day care centers are not necessarily ill and frail. They can be perfectly fit seniors looking for companionship and an opportunity to socialize and spend quality time with peers.
In the short term, adult day care is a flexible, economical solution for overworked caregivers who need respite. However, in the long term, care recipients may require a more personalized approach within a familiar setting where they can enjoy peace, quiet and privacy.
Does Medicare cover senior day care?
Medicare alone does not cover the costs of adult day care, but some Medicare Advantage Plans may provide partial coverage.
Looking for comprehensive home care in Cheviot Hills and the LA area?
Some of us grow old without ever having to give up on our independence and freedom. Others end up in need of assistance. This is nothing to be ashamed of. The older we get, the less independent we are and the more assistance we need. This is the circle of life.
This is why it is so important to have a reliable someone to fall back on, and it does not have to be a family member. Professional caregivers provide their services in the comfort of senior homes in Cheviot Hills and other Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Finding a person you can trust to take good care of your aging loved one is no easy feat. That is where we come in. Let us help you improve your elderly loved one’s quality of life without asking them to give up on their independence or the home they have worked so hard all their lives to build. Contact A Better Way in Home Care now!
Sarah is swamped with work and concerned about the outcome of her upcoming child custody hearing because she and her estranged husband failed to work things out. No wonder she didn’t notice that her mom was becoming increasingly forgetful, and for reasons other than old age. Little does she know that her mother’s condition could deteriorate rapidly without proper care and treatment.
Many seniors experience memory issues and this is a normal part of getting old. But for some seniors, these issues are signs of a more serious predicament: Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Being diagnosed with dementia is devastating news for the person with the condition and their loved ones.
So what is a memory care and what are its benefits for individuals struggling with dementia-related memory loss? What are the more affordable alternatives to memory care?
What is included in memory care?
Memory care is a specialized form of adult care. It is sometimes also referred to as Alzheimer’s care, because Alzheimer’s disease is the most widely known form of dementia. Within memory care, individuals struggling with a form of dementia receive 24-hour care whereas specialized memory care facilities also provide housing combined with 24-hour care.
These facilities focus on making the residents’ living environment safe and comfortable. The environment is uniquely designed to create a sense of familiarity and intimacy, reduce confusion and prevent wandering. These are typical behaviors of individuals battling dementia which may have devastating consequences.
Memory care can have a considerable positive impact on patients with dementia and greatly improve their quality of life. Patients get to spend time in a secure, familiar environment and specialized staff takes care of their needs.
However, memory care is expensive. Although Medicare covers some aspects of dementia, the vast majority of patients cannot afford it. This is why their families often look for alternatives such as adult day care services, family caregivers or home caregivers with experience in assisting clients with dementia.
What is the difference between assisted living and memory care?
Individuals with memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can be physically fit and mobile, especially in the early stages of the disease. But as the condition progresses, they require a higher level of care, assistance, and supervision.
The staff at a memory care facility has undergone specialized training. They have experience in helping patients with dementia. Residents may also have access to and benefit from memory-enhancing therapies. On the other hand, memory care facilities may be too restrictive for someone with early onset of dementia.
Assisted living facilities, on the other hand, are primarily intended for individuals who are unable to cope with daily activities and need assistance with meal preparation, personal hygiene, medication regimens, etc., usually because of considerable mobility issues or other medical conditions. This housing facility is suitable for people with disabilities but it is also available to other individuals who cannot or choose not to live independently and on their own.
How do you know if your loved one needs memory care?
A person does not need to be officially diagnosed with a dementia-related condition for its friends and family to know that something is wrong. Often, a person with dementia will undergo a radical, visible decline in overall health.
Signs and symptoms of dementia can become more dangerous over time and lead to life-threatening outcomes, so it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. In addition to serious signs of memory loss, the person may show the following physical signs:
Issues with the medication regimen (skipping doses or overdosing)
No food in the house
Various forms of self-neglect (lack of personal hygiene, poor feeding, not wearing appropriate clothing, not tending to medical conditions)
Drastic weight loss
Hunched posture
Strange bruising, fractures or other injuries
Unpaid bills
Missing important appointments
Alienation from social circle
Individuals with dementia need person-centered dementia care within a full continuum of care coordinated across other physical and mental health care services. But especially beneficial for dementia patients is that they feel safe, comfortable, and familiar with their living environment.
If you notice signs of memory loss in a family member, it may be time to consult a specialist and see if your aging loved one may be battling a chronic illness. That way, they can start treatment in a timely manner.
Your safest choice for homecare in Cheviot Hills and other LA neighborhoods
Catering to the specific needs of your aging loved one can be challenging and demanding, especially if they are experiencing dementia-induced memory loss. But that does not mean they need to resign themselves to a life of solitude and infinite restrictions.
No environment feels as secure as home. This is where we come in. We can match you with experienced caregivers who are capable of dealing with any scenario. We can help you find a compassionate and caring senior care professional with a kind and patient bedside manner, one who will show up at your loved one’s home in Cheviot Hills or elsewhere in LA ready to provide them with the care they need. Contact us today to find out more.
At long last, we have reached the point at which we can hope to leave the uncertainty we faced throughout the year 2020 behind us. The prospect of the world bringing the pandemic under control seems realistic, as long as we remain careful and continue to take certain precautions to protect ourselves and those around us. Although it is far from over, we are in a better place than we were a year ago. Easier access to personalized home care in Cheviot Hills and other areas can also significantly contribute to the quality of life of seniors across the LA County region.
But what are the key takeaways from the pandemic? What does it mean for the senior population?
Is the coronavirus pandemic affecting our mental health?
One can argue that the pandemic has changed Americans of all ages and that will life may never be completely the same again. Some have picked up valuable lessons from the experience, while others may have bitter memories of the whole period.
But how has the pandemic affected seniors? Aside from the obvious damage to the physical health in those who have contracted but managed to overcome the virus, being under lockdown and forced into isolation has taken a toll on seniors’ mental health.
What can be done to help the elderly during the coronavirus disease pandemic?
Individuals with pre-existing mental, neurological or other conditions, which is often the case with the elderly population, may be more vulnerable to the COVID-19 infection and they may face a higher risk of severe outcomes. But now that vaccination is underway and the pandemic seems to be more manageable, we all feel more at ease and safer going about our daily lives and adjusting to the new normal which is beginning to resemble the life before the pandemic.
Still, for seniors and the elderly, there is still a risk that the situation may take an unexpected turn for the worse and that they will once again be deprived of the possibility to engage in normal, healthy social interactions and other activities.
Seniors across the country face similar challenges that had been there long before the pandemic, especially among the newly retired. But the pandemic has further isolated seniors from the rest of the community. It is therefore for friends and family to discuss these issues openly with their senior loved ones and be mindful of the following:
Seniors living alone at home often face unmet needs, but professional senior care providers can help close that gap.
Now more than ever, aging individuals need mental health and psychosocial support.
If the pandemic has taught us anything in terms of senior care, it is how valuable any programs which enable seniors to stay in their homes are, and that staying out of long-term care facilities is often in the best interest of seniors across the country.
Inability to connect with family and loved ones was one of the key challenges for most seniors during the pandemic and isolation has also been a barrier for quality senior care during COVID-19.
In addition to the risk of the disease itself, there are the lingering effects of the pandemic to cope with, especially for those who have lost a loved one to it.
Helping seniors become more savvy and confident about using and communicating through technology is a simple and effective way to help them cope with the pandemic and help them feel less isolated.
Tailored senior home care in Cheviot Hills and other LA communities
Seniors need a connection with their loved ones, and when that is not an option, caregivers are there to step in and help out. Explore flexible senior home care plans for senior residents of Venice and the surrounding areas of LA and LA County. When seniors have their basic care such as housekeeping and meals taken care of, they are in a better position to enjoy living as a healthy, independent adult. At A Better Way in Home Care, we work hard to continually improve seniors’ access to quality in-home care. For more information, do not hesitate to contact us anytime.
Seniors in the United States now live longer than ever before and the quality of life for American seniors is better than ever before. What’s more, many senior adults happily reach their senior years without any serious health concerns. And it just so happens that early retirement could further increase lifespan.
A large portion of the senior population is capable of living independently or with some assistance. Some choose to move to a retirement home or a less traditional alternative such as a retirement community, others to downsize, but often the preferred option for seniors across the country is to continue living in their own homes. On top of that, LA seniors have easier access to homecare in Cheviot Hills and other communities across the city of Los Angeles.
So what are some reasons to consider early retirement and how can you help your senior loved one adjust to their new way of life?
What are good reasons to retire?
If a person has spent a lifetime focusing on their career, they may eventually become fed up with workplace stress and burnout, and ready for a radical change. Seniors may opt for early retirement for a number of other reasons, depending on personal circumstances:
Stable financial standing
Ability to enjoy life and explore new possibilities such as pursuing old passions or taking up new hobbies
Now that work is no longer the focal point, things are much more flexible and there is less pressure to deal with. But many seniors have a hard time adapting because they are used to being productive and feel useless once they retire. To help a senior adjust to retirement, consider the following options:
Be prepared for the retiree to go through a broad spectrum of emotions: happiness, confusion, anxiety, boredom
Help them adopt healthy coping mechanisms
Recommend engaging activities for a more fulfilling retirement routine, such as growing their friendships and expanding their social circle or adopting a pet from the local animal shelter
Help them set small goals like spending every Saturday with their grandchildren or taking a roadtrip on a monthly basis
Look for convenient part-time jobs such as mentoring young people or volunteering opportunities such as tutoring kids in the area
Help them create a realistic long-term budget
Take advantage of technology: The internet has become an integral part of everyone’s daily lives, and seniors are no exception. With the help of user-friendly technology, retirees can easily keep in touch with their family and friends or even learn new skills.
How long does it take to adjust to retirement?
Each person is different. For some, the first few months of retirement is an exciting time of newfound freedom and thrilling opportunities, for others, it is a source of stress, frustration, anxiety and a difficult period of psychological adjustment. All this may also depend on what other changes retirement involves.
Living in an intimate, tight-knit community surrounded by friendly neighbors is the ideal scenario we all imagine as the life we will lead as we age, but for many seniors, this is not a realistic scenario. Some retired seniors may need to or choose to downsize and relocate to reduce their costs of living.
A caregiver can help ease the transition for new retirees if family members are not around, especially for those retirees who have recently downsized for the purpose of cutting down their expenses.
Personalized homecare solutions in Cheviot Hills and areas across LA
Access to quality senior care from the comfort of one’s home, especially in the light of the ongoing pandemic, can make a huge difference in a person’s life. If you want to make sure your recently retired parent enjoys a healthy, fulfilled life and an independent lifestyle in Venice or other parts of LA, we can help you make it happen.
The caregiver we refer offer a full continuum of care for seniors and we can work out an arraignment that works best for you and that best accommodates seniors’ changing needs. Let us help you overcome the challenges of coordinating your senior loved one’s care. For more details on the services offered by our referred caregivers, contact us anytime.
As they sink deeper into old age, our parents may feel increasingly lonely and depressed, especially if they live alone. Some seniors will complain about being abandoned and left out, some will act cranky and moody when you are around and others will simply choose to keep to themselves.
Whatever the case may be, you must be looking for a way to help out when you’re away. You may consider hiring a professional caregiver or asking a neighbor or friend to check up on your aging loved one. You may also pursue another avenue altogether: pet ownership.
We often hear about the therapeutic effect of pets, especially dogs and cats, on human health. But do they truly have the healing power that is attributed to them and can they really benefit seniors and the elderly? Read on to find out more about what professional providers of home care in Westwood and other areas of Westside LA have to say.
On the one hand, a pet could help a person living alone feel less lonely, but on the other, taking care of a pet is a huge responsibility, especially when the owner is no longer independent enough to take care of themselves.
Whether it was your idea to get a furry friend for your aging parent, or they are the ones who are insisting on it, it’s important to think things through and put them into perspective. It is understandable why you may be skeptical or concerned about the decision and why you may want to give the idea a hard pass. Your head is probably full of questions.
Is pet ownership a sound next move for your senior loved one? How can you be certain if it will work out and they won’t change their mind later on? How can you be certain that you will not end up regretting the decision? Can pet ownership be integrated into homecare for seniors in Westwood and other areas across Los Angeles?
So what are you to do? Before you jump in the car and drive to the nearest animal shelter, here is what you should know.
Caring for a loved one who is ill or recovering from an illness can be mentally and physically draining. What makes the situation worse is the fact that, despite your best effort, they might not be getting the level of care they deserve. This is where respite care comes into play.
Quality home care is available in Westwood and the surrounding areas is more available and easier to find than ever. Having access to respite care when and as needed can make an enormous difference in the lives of recovering seniors and their families.
Us humans have a tendency to take things for granted, especially our health. As we get older, our health inevitably starts to deteriorate and go through detrimental changes. This can happen abruptly. However, it is never too early to undergo health screenings as part of preventive care.
Early health screenings among the aging population, starting at the age of 50, can be an effective preventative measure to maintain health among the aging population. It’s biology 101: the older we get, the more attention and upkeep does our health demand and the need for regular medical testing increases accordingly.
Take it from professional providers of homecare in Sherman Oaks and other areas: being proactive about health and about monitoring changes in the body can be crucial to preserving one’s health and vitality and staying strong and fit longer.
Physical therapy can be extremely beneficial for seniors, especially when they deal with reduced mobility and pain. Whether they are recovering from an illness, injury or surgery, specialized senior rehabilitation program can help restore functionality, reduce pain and improve quality of life safely and effectively.
Combining physical therapy with home care in Sherman Oaks, The Valley and other parts of LA could be the optimal solution for senior and elderly clients recovering from surgery, dealing with a recent injury or undergoing treatment for a chronic condition.
So how exactly can seniors and the elderly benefit from physical therapy? Read on to find out more!
