How Can You Provide Quality Care to Your Aging Loved Ones?

Taking care of our elders can be a challenging task. Many have no idea where to start or how to handle senior care duties with the sensitivity it needs. Older adults need proper care to maintain their quality of life, which includes as much independence as possible. Here are a few tips to help you provide better care to your aging loved ones.

• Healthy meals – It is important for the seniors to eat a healthy and nutritious diet for overall good health. Make sure to provide a healthy meal that includes enough fresh fruits, vegetable, and whole grains. Consult their doctor or a nutritionist to help find a diet plan based on their health.
  
• Medication management – Make sure your loved one takes their medicines on time. Help them keep track of all their medicines, dosages and when to take them ensure proper medication management.
  
• Regular exercise – In order to stay physically fit and active, regular physical activity is important. Encourage them to join a senior fitness club or an exercise program through the community. Not only with this help them stay fit, but also provide an opportunity to engage and socialize with people of same age that will benefit their mental health.

If you are unable to provide the care your loved ones need, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Always Best Care is a leading senior care organization that has highly trained, bonded, and insured caregivers who provide compassionate in-home care services in Harford County.  For more information, call (410) 877-3787.

Veterans: Don’t Let Obstacles Deter You from these Benefits

While there are benefits available to veterans to assist them with in-home care or senior living community expenses, many are so bombarded with scams and hoaxes that they just give up and end up not getting a penny of what is rightfully coming to them. Other obstacles can include being confused by the application process and not being able to gather the correct documentation.

One of the most under-used VA benefits is the Aid and Attendance pension benefit. Some veterans or surviving spouses might even think it a scam due to the scam artists who try to gouge seniors out of their hard-earned money with promises of being able to fully guarantee acceptance. This, of course, can only be done by the Department of Veteran Affairs itself.

What are the obstacles?

• As immoral and unbelievable as it may sound, there are unscrupulous people out there who make a good living off of charging exorbitant fees to seniors who just want to gain VA benefits. They often promise a guarantee of eligibility – but seniors shouldn’t be deterred by these scam artists because the Aid and Attendance pension benefit is a real benefit that has helped thousands of families in the past.
  
• Many veterans and/or surviving spouses don’t realize that they might be eligible for this VA benefit. It’s a commonly held belief that to be eligible for the Aid and Attendance pension, the veteran must have sustained injury during combat or service. This simply isn’t true. Some of the eligibility requirements that most people might not be aware of include that the veteran didn’t have to see combat; the veteran doesn’t have be retired from the military; and they don’t have to have a service-related injury to receive this pension.
  
• Finally, one of the biggest obstacles remains how very complicated the process can be. Here’s where you can count on the website: VeterainAid.org for help. They list all of the information you need, and provide assistance – all for free – with every step of the eligibility and submission process.

Are you a senior living in the Fallston area interested in senior veterans care in Baltimore County or home care in Harford County? You are encouraged to contact the Always Best Care Fallston location at 410-877-3787 to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to chatting with you about your bright future!

Seniors: The Benefits of Decluttering Your Home

Americans are somewhat used to clutter. There is barely one among us that doesn’t live in at least a slightly cluttered home. Whether it’s piles of newspapers on the sideboard or stuffed animals pushed behind the sofa, raising a family and then entering retirement years means dealing with a lot of extra “stuff” in the home. But, did you know that all of that “stuff” can be dangerous?

It’s a fact that one out of every three people over the age of 65 falls every year. It’s also a fact that falling is the number one cause of injury-related fatalities for that age group. With a lot of clutter around – slipping, tripping or falling is a whole lot easier to do.

Not to mention that seniors are at a higher risk of developing hoarding disorders, due to being alone, losing their spouse, depression, loneliness, etc. Hoarding disorders are not only hard on the senior but also hard on the family. Seniors may find that family and friends visit much less often, and that they start feeling more and more out of control of their lives.

Excessive papers, materials, and junk in general can pose fire hazard problems. Consider piles of papers that are mistakenly left on a radiator or space heaters that get accidentally covered by a piece of clothing. Plus, hoarding can lead to mold and mildew problems, heating and air ducts that become blocked, bacteria exposure, and more.

In addition to the physical and mental toll clutter can take on a person, there is also a financial impact. The senior may end up losing their hairbrush or some article or piece of equipment or appliance that they deem necessary. When they can’t find it – they replace it. This not only adds to the amount of “stuff” in the home, it also wastes money.

Organizing the home, by throwing items into “save,” “donate,” and “trash” piles will not only work wonders for the home, it will also work wonders for the senior’s mental attitude and physical well-being. Plus, if you’re ready to sell your home, decluttering will increase its value and your home will sell more quickly.

Seniors who live in the Fallston area who are interested in learning about home care in Cecil County or about how to obtain free referrals for assisted living in Cecil County are invited to contact the Always Best Care Fallston location at 410-877-3787 to set up a free care consultation.

Reducing Seniors’ Anxieties over Moving to Senior Living Community

It’s a long held belief that when someone moves into a senior living community, they either can’t take care of themselves or they are close to dying. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Today’s senior living environments are geared toward many different levels of care – independent living, assisted living, memory care, and more. However, today’s seniors might still be apprehensive over making the move.

What are some of their objections?

• “I’ll sit around all day and do nothing.” The truth of the matter is that today’s senior living communities are chock full of activities that they provide for their residents. It might be exercise classes, outings, crafts, gardening clubs, etc. The senior will have plenty to do.
  
• “I’m afraid of moving out of my house, I’ve been here for such a long time.” Fearing change is nothing new; it’s all a part of being human. Try asking your senior loved one questions like – What if you can’t take care of the house anymore? What if (your spouse) passes away? Moving into a retirement community as a couple may also seem far preferable.
  
• “I don’t have the money to move into a senior living community.” Many people don’t realize how much they are actually spending on their own home. There’s the maintenance, repairs, taxes, mortgage, etc. Plus, seniors often have a good amount of equity built up in their home which they can use.
  
• “I’m not old enough to move into a senior living facility.” Most people feel like they are young at heart, and that they can’t possibly be old enough to move into a retirement home. Talk to them about what a wonderful gift aging is, and how much they’ll be able to enjoy their retirement years in a senior living community.
  
• “What’s going to happen to all my things?” By the time they are seniors; people have collected and accrued many items. Many of them wonder about what will happen to their things. Ease their mind by helping them sort through everything by donating some things, giving things away to family, throwing some things away, and keeping only the things that are necessary.

If you are a senior living in the Bel Air area and would like to learn about assisted living in Baltimore County or about in-home care in Harford County, you are encouraged to contact the Always Best Care Fallston location at 410-877-3787 to set up a free care consultation.

Always Best Care Offers Free Referrals for Assisted Living in Harford County

Since 1996, Always Best Care has been North America’s premier senior care giving provider. Their services include in-home care as well as free referrals for senior living communities. Seniors, who are interested in learning about either one, or both, are encouraged to contact Always Best Care to schedule a free consultation.

If you are a senior living in the Fallston area, and would like to schedule a free consultation to learn about in-home care in Cecil County or about how to obtain free referrals for assisted living in Harford County, you are encouraged to contact the Always Best Care Fallston location today. This location serves the Upper Chesapeake area and has a solid reputation with strong relationships with other professionals who work in area hospitals, social workers, senior communities, and other various senior resources.

What can you expect from in-home care services in Cecil County? Well, the Always Best Care caregivers are always licensed, bonded, and insured, as well as highly-skilled and well-trained. Always Best Care takes the time and effort to pair the right caregiver with the right senior so that a good-fitting bond can form. The Always Best Care caregivers provide a number of services that fall within the home helper, personal care, and companion categories. Some of these services include:

• Assisting with morning wake ups and evening tuck ins
• Aiding with reading
• Planning outings, visits, and trips
• Maintaining calendars
• Planning, preparing, and cleanup after meals
• Caring for pets and houseplants
• Organizing and cleaning closets
• Writing letters and correspondence
• Discussing current and historical events
• Preparing grocery lists
• Answering the door and phone
• Assisting with entertaining
• Reading religious material
• Shopping for groceries and supplies
• …and many others

Seniors who are thinking about transitioning into a senior living environment can obtain free referrals for assisted living in Harford County by scheduling a free consultation. These referrals are free because the cost is ultimately absorbed by the senior living community that is chosen by the senior. It is just one more way that Always Best Care has dedicated itself to the well-being of its senior clients.

Seniors can call the Always Best Care in Fallston today at 410-877-3787 to set up their free consultation.

“Healthy” Foods that Just Aren’t Healthy

All of us want to strive to be as healthy as we can be, whether it’s taking on an exercise regimen, eating right or doing our best to get a good night’s sleep. But did you know that some foods on the market that most of us think of as “healthy” are quite simply not? In your quest to become as healthy as possible, take note of these foods that you should probably avoid.

• Most breakfast cereals. It’s quick, it’s easy, and all you have to do is pour milk over it. But is it the healthiest breakfast choice? No. Anything with high-fructose corn syrup should be avoided, and (most) breakfast cereals fall firmly in this category. A better option? Fresh fruit, homemade or steel oat oatmeal or muesli.


• Fruit juice. Can you spot where they get you? Yes, the word “fruit.” Fruit juices are really just fructose juice, and fructose is, of course, sugar. This fructose might be natural and from the actual fruit, or from high fructose corn syrup, either way, when you drink fruit juice, you’re drinking a bounty of sugar. A great alternative? Eat a piece of fresh fruit and drink some water!


• Bottled water. Most people think bottled water is a healthier option to tap water, but this just isn’t the case. Only 30-40% of bottled water brands are regulated by the FDA, leaving a large portion of the market untested. Phthalate from the plastic can leech into the water. Phthalate is a cancer-causing agent. Try installing a good filter on your kitchen tap instead.


• Microwave popcorn. A substance called Perfluorooctanoic acid (also known as PFOA) is used in microwave popcorn bags. When heated, this chemical leeches into the popcorn. It’s been connected to several health problems. What’s better than microwave popcorn? Stove top popcorn! It’s more fun and definitely healthier. Instead of regular vegetable oil, try using coconut oil for a light, fluffy alternative.
  

For the past 20 years, Always Best Care has been providing superior, compassionate care to seniors all over the United States and Canada. Seniors living in the Fallston area, who are interested in receiving detailed information about in-home senior care in Bel Air, or in-home senior care in Aberdeen, are invited to call the Always Best Care Fallston location at 410-877-3787 to set up a free care consultation.

Seniors: A Good Night’s Sleep Can Improve Your Overall Health & Well-Being

Is there a cure all for most of what ails us? There could be. And it could be as simple as a good night’s sleep! In today’s society, sleep is entirely underrated. People are getting less and less sleep in this fast-paced world that is always “on.” But, to achieve superior health, great sleep is crucial. Why is it so important for seniors? As people age, they become more prone to a lower immune system, are more susceptible to various diseases, and are at a greater risk of injury (like falls). A good night’s sleep boosts all of those risks to healthier levels.

How Seniors Can Sleep More Soundly

• Control your stress. Let’s face it; stress is one of the main reasons why people don’t sleep well. Worrying about something chases sleep away, and when it does come, it isn’t restful. Look into mindful meditation, Yoga, Tai-chi, water aerobics or walking, and nature walks. Finding a creative outlet is also a great stress-reliever.


• Exercise on a regular basis. When you move your body, you’re strengthening muscles and bones, building coordination, and getting tired. Working out will allow you to fall asleep more quickly, and stay asleep during the night.


• Be aware of your liquid intake near bedtime. If you have a history of waking up in the middle of the night (some of us multiple times!) to use the bathroom, try not to drink anything one to two hours before bedtime.


• Make the bedroom a sleep palace. Consider removing the television from your bedroom. Make sure your bed is as comfortable as you like it with the right pillows and blankets for you, black-out window treatments and a sound machine if necessary. Also be sure to keep the temperature at a level that is comfortable for you to sleep in.

Always Best Care has been North America’s premier senior caregiver for the past 20 years. Seniors living in the Fallston area are invited to call the Always Best Care Fallston location at 410-877-3787 if they have any questions regarding in-home care in Baltimore County, or any other questions regarding home care assistance in Baltimore County. Call and set up a free care consultation today, they look forward to hearing from you!