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Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

February 5th, 2012 . Posted in Assisted Living | Comments Off
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When my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease, my family and I knew we had some tough choices to make. We didn’t want to place Mom in a nursing home or an assisted living facility, so my husband and I moved in with Mom. This worked out well for two years. Mom loved cooking, especially southern food, so she enjoyed cooking dinner for us every night. This gave her a sense of purpose, and she enjoyed having someone to nurture. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated, so we were forced to look at assisted living facilities in our area.

When you’re choosing a facility, do some research. Talk to people who are living there, and talk with their family members, as well. Find out their honest thoughts about how they feel about the place. Talk to the nurses and other staff members in order to get an idea of their commitment to caring for their residents. Meet with the activities director, too. You want your loved one to be as active and as engaged as possible, so make sure they provide lots of activities. The assisted living facility we finally ended up with provided all sorts of things for their residents to do. Some of the activities included bingo, wheelchair and walker races, movie nights, bridge tournaments, dancing, aerobics, live music, and arts and crafts. They also took the residents on regular outings that included dining out at restaurants, scenic drives, shopping excursions, and fishing.

It’s also important that the facility promotes and encourages family involvement. Mom’s assisted living home hosted regular cookouts, lunches, teas, and parties for family members. We always felt welcome whenever we visited Mom.

Something else you might want to consider is the food served at the facility. As I already stated, Mom loved southern food, and she was pretty picky about what she ate. We had to check out several meals in the dining hall before Mom was ready to give her stamp of approval on the facility.

Inversion Table Benefits

January 28th, 2012 . Posted in Resources For Seniors | Comments Off
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Inversion therapy has been around for centuries already but it is only recently that it became most popular because of the availability of inversion equipments. The reasoning behind is simple; with the availability of inversion equipment these days, all those who are considering inversion therapy as a treatment method no longer have to use ropes, ladders, or pulleys just to be able to hang upside down and take advantage of its benefits. With inversion equipment, inversion is more conveniently and comfortably performed. More importantly, a safer and more rewarding inversion experience is a guarantee because of inversion equipment such as inversion tables, inversion chairs, inversion boards, and gravity inversion boots.

Inversion Table Benefits

There is a wide selection of inversion equipment in the market today so if you are looking to buy one for inversion therapy, you will have plenty of options to choose from. However, from among the options that you have, inversion tables make the most excellent choice because    of it many benefits and they are as follows:

Inversion tables are more convenient and feel safer to use than the other equipments especially if compared to inversion gravity boots – mainly because inversion tables have durable frames, durable ankle cushions, comfortable backrests, and many other features that will allow you to experience a safer, more convenient, and more comfortable inversion routine.

With inversion tables, you no longer have to experience how difficult it is to hang upside down during the time of Hippocrates. Today, you no longer have to completely hang upside down without any means of back support (unless you are really into using gravity boots) because all inversion tables have backrests that serve the purpose.

Aside from being reasonably priced, inversion tables will save you a lot of money because they only need to be purchased once and they can be used for a very long time. Inversion tables will also mean you more savings because they will keep you from spending too much on expensive medications that only provide temporary relief.

Best of all, inversion tables work best in providing you with all the amazing benefits of inversion therapy for a very long time. Some of the benefits of inversion table therapy are the following:

  • Back pain relief or permanent treatment with daily inversion.
  • Stress and fatigue relief
  • Promotes good posture.
  • Maintains height.
  • Strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
  • Delay aging and its negative effects.
  • Increase mental alertness.
  • Enhance flexibility, mobility, and fitness.

So what is the best inversion table?  That depends on your situation, but make sure you purchase one that is sturdy and has the accessories that you need.

Understanding and Treating Pain in the Big Toe

January 25th, 2012 . Posted in Resources For Seniors | Comments Off
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Experiencing pain every time you take a step can keep you from accomplishing your daily tasks. Such is the effect of foot pain that individuals suffering from it find themselves partly immobilized for a period of time. While there are a number of sensitive areas of the foot that can be damaged, the big toe is one of the most typical sources of pain, especially when its maze of small bones called sesamoids are irritated and inflamed.

Diagnosing Sesamoiditis

There are a number of ways your podiatrist can examine and diagnose your condition. Aside from looking at your medical history, your doctor will naturally be examining your foot for signs of fractures, especially in the forefoot region. X-rays are also prescribed to ascertain the presence of any miniscule cracks in the bones.  An MRI or a bone scan can also be utilized when checking for stress fractures.

Treating Sesamoiditis

Putting an end to the pain and discomforts that accompany this particular foot ailment may take some time given the gradual nature of the healing process.

1. Fending Off the Swelling

The most common method of treatment involves taking immediate steps to curtail the swelling and stress to avoid aggravating the affliction. Anti-inflammatory medications and applying ice packs are just two ways that can effectively bring down the swelling in the affected area. In more severe cases, steroid injections can be applied to foot for a more targeted mode of treatment, although this is not recommended in cases of stress fractures.

2. Taking a Needed Rest

If you are feeling the pangs of semasoiditis, it would be more beneficial to give your foot a breather and simply choose to stay at home and rest. This will help avoid putting additional strain on the ball of your foot. Once the pain subsides, you can begin to work towards resuming your old lifestyle.

3. Wearing Supportive Shoes

One of the contributing stressors that affect the joints of the big toe is wearing tight fitting shoes, which constricts the bones. Shoes that are already worn out can also add tension on the foot. If you are an avid runner, always make sure to change your running shoes every 300 miles, or when the insoles begin to show signs of depletion. If you are over the age of 60, then cushion and comfort ensures that your entire body suffers less impact as you move around.

If you continuously take part in active sports or running, it is best to provide your foot with ample protection. This can include items like Ideal Feet custom orthotics, metatarsal padding can help the joint transfer some of the weight to the other parts of your sole, while specialty sports shoes come with extra cushions and lining to support your foot.

The forefoot can also be salvaged from injury by securely binding it with tape or a strap to help hasten your big toe’s recovery process while preventing additional injuries from striking your sesamoids. Using crutches or casting the foot can likewise help with the healing.

4. Boosting Toe Flexibility and Strength

Although the traditional means of treating common foot pain problems are always the most sought after, simply engaging in stretching and strengthening exercises have been proven to help with the treatment, as well as ensure that the toe gets in much better shape to avoid future injuries.

Flexibility Exercises – your mobility plays a crucial role in ensuring that your toes and arches can cope with your active lifestyle. To help enhance the fluidity of your movement, sit on the ground and run a rope around one foot that crosses near it’s ball (or top of the foot). Hold on to each end of the rope and slowly bring your foot backwards while tugging on the rope.

Strengthening Exercises – the best defense against sesamoiditis is to work on your forefoot through a range of exercises that can enhance it’s overall stability. You can achieve this by stuffing coins onto a long sock which you slowly thread between your toes. Once this is in place, take a seat while leaving your feet hanging and pointing downwards. Slowly try to elevate your forefoot as high as you can and hold it there. Repeat ten times alternating between each foot.

Toe Crunches – once the swelling subsides, you can start trying mild toe crunches to regain your toe’s range of motion. While seated on a chair, place a handkerchief or towel near your injured foot and work on picking it up using your toes. Curling your big toe forward and backward can also help.

Like all other afflictions of the foot, semasoiditis is a condition that needs tending to, especially if you lead a highly energetic life. By understanding this condition, you’ll become better equipped to address any problems before they get out of hand and sideline your exercise.

The Impact of Assisted Living on Other Family Members

January 19th, 2012 . Posted in Assisted Living | Comments Off
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There is a lot of confusion as to specific terms such as assisted living, nursing homes, or independent living. All of them conjure up negative connotations in some form or another. But it’s important to remember that there are positive aspects for these options and sometimes they are the first choice for seniors. It’s always difficult to see a loved one get older and become less independent. But it’s important to balance feeling guilty with finding the best option that works for everyone. In the case of assisted living, it’s actually one of the most popular options for elderly people who want to maintain a certain degree of independence. If you are a family member of someone who is considering this option, it’s important to learn more about it so that you can figure out if it’s the best option for everyone.

It’s essential to make a distinction between assisted living and living in a nursing home. A nursing home environment is more for elderly people who are not quite able to take care of themselves on a daily basis. A majority of tasks and chores are taken care of for them, and there is a heavy concentration on medical care and an emphasis on comfort for someone who simply isn’t who they used to be.

Assisted living on the other hand is a more individual approach that usually takes on an apartment format. People who live in this type of environment can enjoy their own living space while being able to interact with other folks in the building. There are some tasks that are taken care of, but people who choose this option certainly have a choice when it comes to doing certain things. And in the right environment, and elderly person participating in assisted living won’t feel like they are being put out to pasture. The right facility can make it feel as if it’s a continuation of life with the comfort of knowing medical needs are taken care of when necessary.

If a family member of yours has chosen assisted living, it’s important to be supportive of this decision. Don’t look down on this option or talk negatively about it because it can make daily life a lot harder. This is a personal choice and projecting your own preconceptions on it doesn’t really help anyone. Any person still wants to feel like they are capable of making the right choice in any type of environment. This is why you need to understand there are benefits to this approach, especially if you don’t have the capability to take in that elderly person yourself.

assisted living

And if it isn’t exactly a choice for a person in your life, it’s important to be there the best that you can. Obviously not everyone is capable of bearing the financial or emotional responsibility of caring for an elderly person, but you can still play an active role if somebody enters into an assisted living situation. There are also benefits for people in this type of environment such as being able to maintain health in a monitored environment. Most assisted living facilities provide meals which help people stay away from high cholesterol foods that can potentially lead to problems. It helps to be able to not have to worry when it comes to nutrition when you are assured of getting basic elements like foods high in iron and protein.

Overall, communication is the key to making this type of arrangement a success. You need to talk with the person in your life to find a balance between what they want and what is actually practical. It’s also important to do research on different facilities to pick the right one while maintaining lines of communication while after your loved one has moved in. When you take care of these basic elements it improves the chances that everyone involved will be happy with the arrangement.

How I Plan To Avoid Assisted Living

January 12th, 2012 . Posted in Senior Lifestyles | Comments Off
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I live near an assisted living retirement home. I believe, from what I’ve heard is that its a very nice home: top notch facilities and care. But I’m afraid for me, ending up in a comfortable hotel, waiting to die, is just not the way I want to end my life.

Lets face of it none of us can choose exactly when or how we will go, but I do think we can make some sensible choices along the way to ensure that we give ourselves a reasonably healthy lifestyle in our later years.

My partner’s family are big people, not just a little plump, both his sister and his mother have serious weight issues. In fact, although its not listed on her death certificate, his mother died from the consequences of her weight. She tripped and fell – not uncommon in the over 80′s. Unfortunately because of her weight she also badly broke her leg. It took over a year, but she eventually died of the complications.

Watching her slowly deteriorate I made myself a promise: I was going to finally, after many years, get serious about weight loss. I know that weight loss for the over 50 woman  is supposed to be harder – so I figured that in my late 40′s I didn’t have a minute to loose (sorry about the pun!).

I know its an old cliche – but I figured the new year was a good time to start my weight loss journey  - after I’d finished most of the Christmas goodies that was! Its also summer in my part of the world – I time I eat less anyways.

I’m a failed dieter many times over, mostly I just get bored with being hungry and return to my “normal” eating habits – which is to say waay too many sweets and chocolate.

The trouble with most weight loss regimes is that they are too extreme, I like eating, but really I have more things to obsess about the number of calories in a cracker or whether eating a baked potatoes will throw my diet off for the next week.

Diet in fact is the problem. I’m not going to loose weight by dieting. Instead I’m going to make permanent lifestyle changes which really will make a e to my long term health.

I know plenty of seniors enjoy their time in an assisted living environment, but its not for me. Hopefully if I achieve my weight loss goals, I will be able to live independently in old age

Seniors Are More Prone To Nail Fungus Infections

January 12th, 2012 . Posted in Senior Lifestyles | Comments Off
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The statistics tracking nail fungus infection rates in the US are really quite astonishing.  They reveal that around 1 in every 10 people have an infection.  Yes, that’s over 35 million people in the US with Onychomycosis (the medical term for nail fungus infection). 

But when it comes to seniors, incidence rates are even higher.  In fact some estimates claim that over half of all people over the age of 65 have fungal nails.  Here are some of the reasons why the rate of infection is so high in this age bracket:

1) The simple mathematics of exposure mean that the older you are the more likely you have come into contact with the dermatophyte fungus that causes nail fungus infections. 

2) Older people are likely to have weaker circulation in their extremities which may increase their susceptibility to fungal invasion.

3) After years of wearing shoes and using their feet, older people are likely to have suffered injury or trauma of some kind to their nails and the skin surrounding them.  It is thought that any injury, however minor, reduces the local immunity to infections of all kind and can also provide an entry point for the fungal spores.

4) Fungi thrive in moist, dark and protected environments.  If an older person finds it harder to dry their feet thoroughly after showering, or take off their shoes and socks, this may contribute to increased prevalence rates.

5) Nail fungus treatment is notoriously difficult.  It can take several months of consistent treatment before the fungus is destroyed.  For some older people, this repeated routine may be challenging to stick to with the result that they stay infected for longer periods of time.  Some may never address the problem at all.

6) It is thought that diabetics are particularly susceptible to nail fungus infections.  And as diabetes rates rise with age, so too do nail fungus infection rates.

Check out http://fungusfacts.com for more information on the signs and symptoms of nail fungus, as well as treatment options.

Assisted Living Helps Improve Physical Activity

January 4th, 2012 . Posted in Assisted Living | Comments Off
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Two years ago my grandmother started to show signs of getting older. She was forgetting things, moving extremely slow, and even inviting strangers into her home for afternoon coffee. The longer we left it unaddressed the worst it was becoming. I was worried for her safety and could not stop thinking about what I needed to do to insure her wellbeing. Until finally we decided she needed to go into assisted living. This was going to allow her to have so many more activities and social events than she was getting in her home.

As soon as we moved her into assisted living the director of the apartment complex told us about their exercise programs. These people knew what they were talking about! They told us how important it was for my grandmother to stay physically active as well as mentally involved with the other residents. They even gave her a heart rate monitor, pedometer, and a running watch to track how much she was moving and how stressed her body was because of it. This was a wonderful tool to have available for us as well, since we could not rely on her memory to tell us how much she was doing.

Between the senior fitness classes, card games, outings my grandmother quickly turned around. She still had some of the symptoms of getting older but there was no more fear for us. She started to get healthier with the physical activity as well. She was no longer sitting in her recliner watching tv for hours on end every day. Instead she was walking with new found friends, playing ping-pong, and even the occasional game of shuffle board. Placing her in an assisted living apartment was a hard decision to come to but we did our homework and I, nor my grandmother, would change a thing.

There’s also scientific data that suggests exercise increases life span, specifically walking. Something that my grandmother was lacking and got from her new living arrangement. An article in Scientific America suggests that walking speed actually predicts life expectancy; especially in those older than 75. Stephanie A. Studenski, a proffesor of medicine at the Universit of Pittsurgh, actually says that walking—or gait—speed is “a powerful indicator of vitality.” Which is nice to know and now that she has the pedometer and fitness watch, she can track her walking pace.

Exercise and nutrition are important aspects of living a healthy life as we get older. Add to the fact the great emotional and spiritual aspects of being part of a community, assisted living has been a God send for our family.

Senior Living: Nutrition More Important Than Ever

January 2nd, 2012 . Posted in Senior Living | Comments Off
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Most people have the dream of retiring to a life of leisure and enjoyment.  Spending time fishing, puttering in the garden, or spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Unfortunately, a lot of us seniors are reaching our “golden years” and finding we don’t have the health needed to partake in any of these activities.  In fact, due to obesity problems and diabetes symptoms, many of us end up our days in a state of almost total incapacitation.  It does not have to be this way.

It is never to late to start to making a difference in your health especially if you are suffering form weight related problems like diabetes, pre-diabetes, or heart disease.  New research findings have determined that a major improvement in almost anyone’s health can be had by fairly simple changes in what we eat.

It is expected that by the middle of this century over 50% of the adult population in the US will be suffering from Type 2 Diabetes and its devastating symptoms.  This includes foot pain, poor circulation, blindness, and heart disease.  That is the bad news, the good news is this scenario does not need to happen.

We now know that high levels of blood glucose (blood sugar) is responsible for most onsets of diabetes.  When our blood glucose levels are too high then we must  manufacture more insulin in our pancreas than is normal.  These leads to insulin resistance in the cells of our body and a premature failure of the pancreas.  This leaves too much blood sugar in our system and the effects of diabetes start to take over.

It has now been proven that lowering your blood glucose levels can have a dramatic effect on both insulin resistance and pancreatic failure.  The best way to do this is to limit the number of carbohydrate foods you eat on a daily basis and the complete elimination of all simple carbs.  Simple carbs are sugars and starches that can be easily converted into blood glucose in the small intestine.  This means when you eat these foods you are introducing the exact situation that was causing you the problems in the first place.

By getting rid of all sugar and eating only whole grains, non-starchy vegetables, and meat, fish, and poultry, you can keep your blood sugar levels more normal which will help in weight loss and the effects of diabetes.

By limiting simple carbs you may be able to slow down and even reverse some of the effects you are feeling.  If you need help understanding how to incorporate more zero carbohydrate foods into your diet then click on this link and visit our No Carb Foods Diet website.  Join others who have decided to take control of their lives during their Golden Years.

http://youtu.be/4w-o2haDiEU

Improve Your Retirement Lifestyle

December 19th, 2011 . Posted in Senior Lifestyles | Comments Off

It’s no surprise that many people hitting the age of 65 and retiring are not in the best financial situation to do so. Many will sooner or later rely on their family for financial support and often times end up in retirement homes since the family aren’t able to give them the care that is needed. If you’re young enough and want to know how to retire early, then the key is in creating passive income. The fact is that most people retire with very little money saved up.

If you consider the average lifespan of a human, that’s over 20 years of having to support yourself without working after you retire at 65. Many seniors don’t need to live lavishly. All they really want is to maintain the lifestyle they had before they stopped working. If you can figure out how much you need on a monthly basis to achieve this, then you can put yourself in a much better situation by the time you decide to retire. Having to live in a senior home can work for some people but it’s torture for many others. However, if you don’t plan ahead of time and only rely on your family, it will be hard to blame anyone if you end up with a living situation that you don’t like. Although, not everything about living in a retirement home is bad depending on how you look at it.