Anxiety is a common issue that affects people of all ages, but it can be particularly challenging for seniors. As we age, various life changes and health concerns can contribute to feelings of worry and stress. Venice in-home care services can help with this to an extent, but understanding the causes of anxiety in the elderly and exploring effective treatments can greatly improve their quality of life. When we address these concerns, we can help our loved ones find peace and enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
What causes extreme anxiety in the elderly?
Anxiety in seniors can arise from various physical, emotional, and social factors. Identifying the root causes is essential to provide the right support and reduce their stress. Here are some of the most common reasons older adults experience anxiety.
1. Health problems
Chronic illnesses and pain can significantly increase anxiety levels in seniors. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis not only cause physical discomfort but also create ongoing emotional strain. Fear of worsening health or hospital visits often contributes to feelings of helplessness and stress.
2. Cognitive decline
Memory loss or the early stages of dementia can be deeply distressing and lead to heightened anxiety. Seniors may feel confused or overwhelmed when they can’t remember important details or perform daily tasks. These experiences often cause them to worry excessively about their future.
3. Isolation and loneliness
Limited mobility, hearing loss, or living alone can make it harder for seniors to maintain social connections. Over time, this isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and exacerbate anxiety. Lack of regular interaction also means fewer opportunities to express and share their worries.
4. Fear of losing independence
Many seniors fear becoming dependent on others for daily activities. They may worry about losing their home, moving to assisted living, or burdening their family. These fears can lead to persistent anxiety about their ability to stay in control of their lives.
What is the best treatment for anxiety in the elderly?
Effectively treating anxiety in seniors involves a combination of medical care, emotional support, and lifestyle changes. A tailored approach can help address both the physical and psychological aspects of their anxiety. Below are some of the best ways to help them manage and reduce anxiety.
1. Consult a healthcare professional
Seeking medical advice is a crucial first step in addressing anxiety in seniors. A doctor can help rule out underlying health problems or medication side effects that might be causing or worsening the anxiety. They can also recommend treatment options tailored to the senior’s specific needs.
2. Therapy and counseling
Therapy provides seniors with tools to manage their anxiety and cope with stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, in particular, can help reframe negative thought patterns and promote healthier ways of thinking. Speaking to a counselor also offers a safe space to express fears and concerns.
3. Medication management
If necessary, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help reduce anxiety symptoms. Anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants can be effective, but they must be monitored closely for side effects or interactions with other prescriptions. Regular check-ins ensure that the treatment remains safe and beneficial.
4. Encourage physical activity
Exercise helps lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, improving mood naturally. Activities like walking, yoga, or swimming are gentle options that can enhance physical and mental health. Seniors often feel a greater sense of accomplishment and well-being after staying active.
5. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Simple practices like deep breathing exercises or meditation can help calm the mind. These techniques are especially useful for reducing immediate feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation. Over time, incorporating these rehabilitative habits can create a greater sense of mental balance.
6. Professional caregiving support
Experienced caregivers can provide assistance with daily tasks, offer companionship, and reduce stress for both seniors and their families. These professionals are trained to create a safe and comfortable environment that promotes mental well-being. Knowing someone is there to help can bring peace of mind.
Where in Venice and the surrounding area can I find reliable in-home care services?
At A Better Way In Home Care, we understand the unique challenges anxiety can bring to seniors and their families. As a compassionate mother-daughter team with decades of experience, we specialize in connecting families to vetted caregivers who provide personalized support. Our affordable services ensure your loved ones receive the care they deserve, offering comfort and companionship during difficult times.
Whether your aging loved one lives by the Venice Theatre or in another part of Venice, they can count on us. Contact us today to learn how we can help your family create a supportive, anxiety-free environment for your elderly loved ones.
Staying active is important at any age, but it holds special significance for seniors. As we grow older, maintaining physical and mental health becomes essential for a fulfilling life. Regular activity can enhance mobility, boost mood, and promote overall well-being. However, motivating older adults to step out and stay active can be a challenge.
Why is it good to encourage elderly people to remain active?
Encouraging seniors to stay active offers numerous benefits. Physically, regular activity helps maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. It can also aid in managing chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, enhances energy levels, and promotes better sleep, so it’s also considered to be a form of rehabilitation.
Mentally, staying active can boost cognitive functions and reduce the risk of dementia. Engaging in physical activities releases endorphins, which improve mood and alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety. Social activities, in particular, help combat loneliness and isolation, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Emotionally, an active lifestyle enhances self-esteem and independence. It empowers seniors to take charge of their health and well-being, leading to a more positive outlook on life. Encouraging activity is not just about adding years to life but adding life to years.
What are some ways to motivate and encourage older adults to become and stay more active?
It’s time to learn what you can do to encourage your elderly loved one to start moving and improving their health:
1. Find activities they enjoy
Discovering what they love is key. Whether it’s gardening, walking, swimming, or dancing, enjoying the activity increases the likelihood they’ll stick with it. Trying out new hobbies together can also uncover hidden interests that bring excitement and joy.
2. Set realistic goals
Start small with achievable objectives. Gradual progress builds confidence and motivation. Celebrate milestones to keep the momentum going and remind them that every step forward is a success.
3. Create a routine
Establishing a regular schedule makes activity a habitual part of their day. Consistency helps in maintaining long-term engagement. A predictable routine also provides a sense of structure and normalcy.
4. Encourage social interaction
Group activities or classes provide social benefits and make exercising more enjoyable. Friends can offer support and accountability. Building relationships through shared activities can turn exercise into something they look forward to.
5. Provide the right equipment
Comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing, or assistive devices can make activities more accessible and enjoyable. Investing in items that cater to their specific needs can also boost their confidence and reduce barriers.
6. Be supportive and positive
Offer encouragement and praise. A positive attitude is contagious and can significantly impact their willingness to participate. Be patient and understanding, acknowledging any challenges they may face along the way.
7. Address health concerns
Consult with healthcare providers to tailor activities that suit their health status. This ensures safety and addresses any fears they may have. Regular check-ins with their doctor can also provide reassurance and guidance.
8. Incorporate technology
Simple gadgets like pedometers or fitness trackers can make activities fun and provide a sense of accomplishment. Apps with guided workouts or virtual challenges can also add an interactive element to their routine.
9. Make it a family affair
Involving family members can make activities more meaningful. It strengthens bonds and provides additional encouragement. Sharing these moments creates lasting memories and reinforces their sense of belonging.
10. Educate on the benefits
Understanding how activity improves health and quality of life can be a powerful motivator. Share success stories and relatable examples. Highlighting personal improvements, like reduced pain or better sleep, can make the benefits feel tangible.
Where in Venice can I find high-quality in-home care for my aging loved one?
At A Better Way In Home Care, we understand the importance of keeping seniors active and engaged. As a dedicated mother-daughter team with decades of experience, we specialize in connecting families with compassionate, vetted caregivers who can motivate and assist your loved ones. Our affordable services ensure that quality care is accessible to all.
Let us help your family find the perfect caregiver to encourage an active and fulfilling lifestyle. From Venice Beach to the rest of Venice and the surrounding area, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discover how we can make a difference in your loved one’s life.
As we get older, taking care of our heart becomes increasingly important. The heart is more than just a muscle. It’s the engine that powers every moment of our later years and enables us to stay active and live independently. Good cardiovascular health can be the difference between a vibrant lifestyle and one limited by health issues.
Professionals who work in the field of in-home care in Westwood are well aware of this, but you and your elderly loved one should be informed as well. Let’s explore the vital role the cardiovascular system plays for seniors and how aging affects heart health.
Why is the cardiovascular system so important to your overall health and fitness?
Your cardiovascular system is the central highway of your body, transporting oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to every cell and carrying away waste. For older adults, a well-maintained cardiovascular system affects everything positively. It boosts energy, sharpens the mind, and strengthens the body’s defenses against illness.
A healthy aging heart also means you can enjoy longer periods of physical activity without fatigue, maintain your muscle strength, and manage your weight more effectively. And let’s not forget the mental benefits: staying active helps fend off the blues and keeps you feeling connected and content. In simple terms, a strong cardiovascular system helps you enjoy a fuller, more active life as you age.
Good cardiovascular health also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. Efficient circulation helps in better regulation of blood sugar and aids in calcium absorption, which is crucial for bone strength.
Furthermore, a healthy cardiovascular system also ensures optimal functioning of the kidneys, which helps in detoxifying the body and maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range. All these factors collectively contribute to a longer life.
How is the cardiovascular system affected by aging?
Aging naturally changes how our hearts and blood vessels function. Over time, the heart might grow larger, its walls can thicken, and it might not beat as fast as it once did. These changes can reduce how effectively the heart pumps blood, which is often more noticeable during stress or exercise.
Our blood vessels tend to stiffen with age, making it harder for the heart to pump blood through them. This can lead to higher blood pressure and puts more strain on the heart. What’s more, arteries can narrow from plaque buildup, which can drastically increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Seniors and their loved ones need to understand these changes and manage them proactively. If they try their best to lead a lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, staying hydrated, managing stress, and a healthy sleep schedule, they can mitigate many adverse effects of aging on the cardiovascular system. Regular check-ups with a doctor can also help catch and manage issues before they become serious.
How do I find dependable in-home care in Westwood and the surrounding area?
Caring for your cardiovascular health is key to enjoying your senior years to the fullest. If you’re looking for comprehensive support for your loved ones, A Better Way In Home Care is here to help.
We connect you with reliable and qualified professionals from our database, all of whom have years of experience with the elderly.
Your senior loved one doesn’t have to leave their familiar and comfortable space thanks to the professionals we match you with. Whether they live by the Fox Theater or in a different part of Westwood, we can help. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help your family members lead a healthier, more joyful life!
As we age, our sleep patterns often undergo significant changes, which can affect our overall health and quality of life. Many older adults find it increasingly challenging to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Understanding these changes and learning how to manage them can help us sleep and feel better as we age. If you or your elderly loved one are in Westwood, professionals from in-home care can help you apply these tips more easily. Let’s explore how aging affects sleep patterns and learn some practical advice for managing these changes.
How does aging affect sleep patterns?
Aging brings about a variety of physiological changes that can significantly impact sleep architecture. Sleep architecture is the structure of sleep cycles including deep sleep, light sleep, and REM sleep. One of the most notable changes is the production of certain hormones like melatonin, which helps regulate sleep. Older adults often experience a decrease in melatonin levels, which can make it more difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Furthermore, the internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, tends to shift earlier in older adults. This shift can lead to a phenomenon known as “advanced sleep phase syndrome,” where people feel sleepy earlier in the evening and wake up unusually early in the morning. While these changes might be subtle at first, over time they can affect the quantity and quality of sleep very negatively.
The structure of sleep also changes with age. Older adults spend less time in deep, restorative sleep stages and more time in the lighter stages of sleep. This makes it more likely for the person to wake up unrefreshed and feel drowsy throughout the day. Also, medical conditions that are more common in older age, such as arthritis, back pain, and cardiac issues, as well as the medications used to treat them, can also negatively impact sleep quality.
How can I sleep better as I age?
Improving sleep in later years requires both lifestyle adjustments and a proactive approach to managing health conditions that may interfere with sleep. Here are some effective strategies:
Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. This regularity helps reinforce your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Do some calming activities before bed, such as reading, listening to soft music, or deep breathing and meditation. Avoid stimulating activities such as watching TV or using your phone.
Optimize your sleep environment: Make sure your bedroom is all set up for a good night’s sleep. Keep it dark, quiet, and cool, and invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows. You can use blackout curtains and sound machines if light and noise bother you.
Watch your diet: Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime, as they can disrupt sleep. Instead, opt for a light snack if you’re hungry, such as yogurt or a small bowl of cereal. Staying hydrated throughout the day and eating nutritious meals is the key.
Stay physically active: Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. However, timing is important. Exercise stimulates the body and doing it too close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep.
Manage health issues: Address any pain or medical conditions with your healthcare provider, as they can significantly impact sleep quality. If you properly manage the medication for your cardiovascular and other conditions, sleep will be much easier.
Where in Westwood can I find reliable in-home care?
Sleep issues can be complex, especially when combined with other age-related changes. A Better Way In Home Care is here to support older adults by connecting them with experienced and dedicated caregivers. The professionals we connect you with can assist with establishing a nighttime routine, creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment, and providing companionship that eases the anxiety and loneliness that can often interfere with sleep.
From the homes around Hammer Museum to other parts of Westwood, the professionals in our database cover a wide range of areas. Let us help you. Contact us today to learn more!
Your cognitive health is your ability to remember, learn, and think clearly. It’s a vital part of performing everyday tasks and activities that can be affected by aging, mood disorders, and diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, you can maintain your cognitive abilities by implementing different activities in your everyday life.
In Studio City, CA, trusted home care professionals play a vital role in assisting seniors in keeping up with their daily activities, staying connected with others, and maintaining physical and emotional health. Continue reading to find out what activities to follow to improve your cognitive abilities.
What activities improve cognition?
A significant amount of scientific research reveals that the following activities can improve your cognitive health. Making them part your daily routine can bring you numerous benefits:
Eat healthy
While a healthy diet helps reduce the risk of different chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, it also helps keep your brain healthy.
A healthy diet comprises whole grains, fruits and vegetables, poultry, fish, lean meat, and nonfat or low-fat dairy products while it limits the intake of salt, sugar, and solid fats. However, it’s also important to control your portion sizes and take enough water.
Prevent diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases
Improve your mood and decrease depression
According to federal guidelines for physical activity, all adults should get at least 150 minutes of physical activity on a weekly basis. Walking is an excellent exercise, but if you feel like you can do more, there are different senior programs you can take part in.
Keep your mind agile
When you keep your mind intellectually engaged, it improves your thinking abilities. There are a lot of activities you can take up such as playing games, reading books or magazines, taking or teaching chess, learning a new skill or hobby, and volunteering. They can make your brain more adaptable and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Stay socially engaged
Staying connected with other people keeps your mind active, helps you feel more engaged and less isolated, but also improves your overall wellbeing and lowers the risk of certain health problems.
Stress is an inevitable part of our everyday lives. However, it’s possible to manage it and boost your ability to recover from stressful situations by following activities such as:
Regular physical exercise such as walking or tai chi
Journal writing to help let go of a problem or perceive a new solution
Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or mindfulness
Staying positive by releasing situations beyond your control or grudges, practicing gratitude, or focusing on enjoying simple things
Where in Studio City, CA can I find dedicated home care?
At A Better Way in Home Care, we boast a team of knowledgeable and reliable caregivers who are devoted to helping your elderly loved ones. They always strive to ensure your family members are well taken care of and receive all the support they need. They’ll assist them in performing their everyday chores, prepare their meals, and accompany them to medical appointments. Whether your senior loved ones live close to the Radford Studio Center or in the vicinity, we’ll make sure they have all they need. Reach out to us today!
There are many physical and mental health benefits of staying social, particularly later in life. According to various studies, socializing with others is essential for both your wellbeing and your cognitive functions.
Luckily, dedicated home caregivers in Studio City, CA are committed to serving your family compassion supporting you in maintaining the quality of life you deserve every single day. They’ll help you keep up with your social activities and maintain both your physical and mental wellbeing. Keep reading to find out how staying social helps your cognition.
Make it a priority to include socializing activities in your everyday life. Make an effort to dedicate at least a small portion of your day to interacting with others and improving your cognitive skills.
Find a cause to volunteer
Apart from providing you with a sense of purpose, volunteering is an excellent way to meet and communicate with new people who share your interests. According to a recent study, the sense of belonging and purpose can extend life by two years. If you’re looking for ideas, you can visit the official website that offers current volunteering opportunities.
Become a part of a support group
Support groups are another way to spend time with persons who share common challenges and interests. Today, you can join these groups online or live, whatever suits you best. Whichever way you opt for, you’ll be in for new friendships and emotional support.
Grow the list of your social media friends
You don’t necessarily need to make new friends, but making the best of social media to maintain, support, or reinforce your existing relationships can have an amazing impact on your brain. A recent study has shown that there’s a direct link between the size of certain areas of the brain and the number of friends on social media.
Users with larger social networks had more gray matter in quite a few brain regions, including left temporal gyrus that’s responsible for face recognition and understanding of word meanings, amygdala, which is responsible for the processing of emotions, memory, and information, and right entorhinal cortex, responsible for declarative or autobiographical and episodic memory.
Start a hobby
Just like reaching out to a support group, getting a new hobby can connect you with a lot of people. It opens up a lot of opportunities to socialize. Moreover, it also challenges your brain. According to a recent study, learning a new skill such as quilting or photography could be even more effective at keeping your mind sharp than doing crosswords or playing a puzzle.
During the study, two hundred seniors were randomly assigned to dedicate 15 hours per week to quilting, digital photography, or another similar activity for three months. The results showed a significant improvement in memory, and when they tested them a year later, it was maintained.
Where can I find reliable home caregivers in Studio City, CA?
A Better Way in Home care is your strongest ally in supporting your elderly loved ones in their everyday life, providing them with devoted social and emotional support. We carefully check the background of every single caretaker we recommend. Whether you need us on Laurel Canyon Boulevard or anywhere else across the area, feel free to rely on our team. Give us a call today!
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.
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.
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!
Anxiety in seniors can arise from various physical, emotional, and social factors. Identifying the root causes is essential to provide the right support and reduce their stress. Here are some of the most common reasons older adults experience anxiety.
At A Better Way In Home Care, we understand the unique challenges anxiety can bring to seniors and their families. As a compassionate mother-daughter team with decades of experience, we specialize in connecting families to vetted caregivers who provide personalized support. Our affordable services ensure your loved ones receive the care they deserve, offering comfort and companionship during difficult times. 
It’s time to learn what you can do to encourage your elderly loved one to start moving and improving their health:
Where in 
