Juggling work, family, and the needs of an aging parent or relative can be overwhelming. The weight of these responsibilities can leave you feeling spread thin, constantly torn between the things that require your attention. You long to provide the best possible care for your aging loved one, but the demands of daily life can make it seem almost impossible. Luckily, there are various options for senior care all over Los Angeles that can help you make this significantly easier.
From preparing nutritious meals to providing medication reminders, an experienced professional can cater to a whole range of needs. In the meantime, you will be able to take a much-needed break and spend time with your aging loved one doing something you both genuinely enjoy doing instead of constant caretaking.
As our loved ones age, it’s only natural that we worry about their well-being. One of the many issues that can come with age is increased stress and anxiety. While some stress is normal, too much stress can lead to serious health problems.
That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of stress in your senior loved one and to know how to help them combat it. Whether you do this with the help of professional caregivers in Marina Del Rey or on your own, it’s important to be informed on the topic.
One of the main sources of stress for seniors is feelings of loneliness and isolation. According to UCSF’s study, more than 40% of seniors regularly experience loneliness. This can lead to business all sorts of other health problems, including depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and sleep problems.
That’s why it’s important to make sure that your elderly loved one stays connected to their loved ones, whether that means setting up regular Skype calls or planning family visits.
2. Get them involved in their community
Another way to help reduce your elderly loved one’s stress is by getting them involved in their community. There are plenty of ways to do this, depending on their interests. If they’re interested in art, for example, you could look into joining a local art group or taking classes at a nearby museum or community center.
On the other hand, if they’re looking for something more active, there might be a senior citizen sports league in your area. Getting involved in activities outside the home can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness while also providing a sense of purpose.
3. Help them stay organized
As we age, it can become more difficult to keep track of things like doctor’s appointments, medications, and bills. This can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress, especially if the senior is experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline. Luckily, there are a few ways you can help your elderly loved one stay organized and on top of things.
One way is by creating a simple spreadsheet with all their important information like doctor’s appointment dates and contact information so they always have it on hand when they need it. You could also look into online bill-paying services or medication reminder apps that can help make things easier for them (and for you).
4. Promote healthy coping mechanisms
Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is by using healthy coping mechanisms like exercise or relaxation techniques. As we age, it’s important to stay active both mentally and physically through activities like brain games, reading, gardening, or walking outdoors.
Taking some time each day for some simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can also work wonders in reducing stress levels. No matter how resilient your elderly loved one may be to stress, these techniques are helpful for stress reduction at any age.
5. Encourage them to eat right
What we eat plays a big role in our overall health, including our mental health, so it’s important to make sure that your elderly loved one is eating right. This means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables while limiting processed foods as much as possible.
It might also mean cutting back on caffeine or alcohol if either is causing problems with anxiety or sleep deprivation. Having balanced meals throughout the day will help keep energy levels up and stress down.
Where can I find experienced caregivers in Marina Del Rey and the surrounding area near me?
Our agency connects you with experienced in-home specialists in senior care who can help with all aspects of caring for your elderly loved one. We carefully screen and select professionals who are compassionate and skilled in providing high-quality care.
The professionals we match you with are trained to provide assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, light housekeeping, and much more. In addition, they can provide transportation to medical appointments and other errands as needed, as well as walks around Marina Beach with your elderly loved one.
If you’re interested in learning more about our in-home care services, contact us today! We would be happy to answer any of your questions and match you with a professional who can meet your or your loved one’s specific needs.
The elderly population experiences a great deal of stress. The challenges of old age such as retirement, health issues and isolation can make your senior loved one more stressed and in a chronically bad mood. Given the aging population in the United States, more and more families are finding themselves in need of home care agencies for their elderly loved ones in Marina Del Rey.
These professionals provide a valuable service by helping to relieve the stress of caregiving and providing a reliable source of support. Read on to learn more about why the elderly population tends to stress more than their younger loved ones.
Why do old people stress so much?
There are a number of reasons why older adults may experience more stress than younger adults. Let’s have a look at the 5 most common reasons:
More responsibilities
The increased responsibilities that come with age can be a major source of stress. For example, older adults may have to care for young children or grandchildren, manage a household, and deal with health issues.
In addition, older adults often have more financial obligations than younger adults, including mortgages, credit card debt, and medical expenses. All of these factors can lead to increased levels of stress.
Facing retirement
Retirement can be a stressful time for many older adults. For some, it may mark the end of a long and successful career. Others may find retirement to be a sudden and unexpected loss of income.
In addition, retirement can also bring about changes in lifestyle and social status. For example, retired individuals may no longer have the opportunity to interact with co-workers on a daily basis. As a result, they may find themselves feeling isolated and alone.
Struggling with a loved one’s death
As people age, they often face more significant losses, such as the death of a spouse, close friends, or other loved ones. The grief that follows these losses can be very difficult to cope with, even for more resilient seniors, and may lead to feelings of stress and isolation. This can be a difficult time for anyone, but it can be especially hard for older adults who may have already lost many friends and loved ones.
Chronic health issues
Declining health can also be a major source of stress for the elderly. Chronic health issues can be painful and physically debilitating, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Potential cognitive decline and chronic tiredness can make the situation even more difficult.
These conditions often require ongoing medical treatment, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Finally, chronic health issues can cause feelings of anxiety and helplessness, as older adults worry about their declining health and ability to care for themselves.
Loneliness and isolation
A combination of all of these reasons often results in an intense feeling of loneliness for many seniors. Their retirement from work can make their social circle shrink. This can leave them feeling isolated and cut off from the world.
Their health problems make it difficult for them to get out and about, which can also contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Another possible source of stress is that some of the elderly may be on a fixed income, or they may have expensive medical bills. If there’s no one to help them with this, it can make their feelings of loneliness even worse.
Final note
While stress is a natural part of life, it’s important to find ways to manage it in order to maintain our physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help seniors cope with stress.
How can I find reliable home care agencies in Marina Del Rey and the surrounding area?
Caring for an elderly loved one can be a difficult and stressful task. If you are feeling overwhelmed, A Better Way In Home Care can refer a caregiver to provide the assistance you need. They can help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation and various other tasks.
Transportation to doctor’s appointments and other errands can be provided. Most of all, the caregivers can provide your elderly loved one with companionship and conversation, which can help to reduce stress levels. A walk around Burton Chace Park with one of the experienced caregivers we match your elderly loved one with, can do wonders for their mood and well-being. Let us refer quality care that will allow your loved one to age in place in the comfort of their own home. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help.
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.
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.
