Does You Aging Parent Live Alone? Here’s How You Can Help Them Stay Safe

Did you know that around 12 million Americans age 65 and older are living alone? Unfortunately, living alone can be unsafe for many older adults, especially if they are suffering from chronic health conditions. In addition, seniors who live alone often start to face a number of challenges in their daily routine. It is important for them to stay safe, even if there is no one to provide them support and care on a daily basis.

Have you wondered how can you help your senior family member stay safe when they are living independently? Here are a few things to help them that you can consider.  

Maintaining their health – Seniors living alone are at greater risk of suffering from slip, trip, falls and other related injuries. They are more likely to become a victim of theft, abuse or crimes. In order tohelp them stay safe, it is important for seniors to maintain an overall good health. Regular exercise and following healthy eating habits can be very helpful. They should also be fully aware of their financial situation and be careful on who they share personal information with.

Stay connected – Living alone can increase the risk of isolation and certain mental health conditions, meaning that socialization is important for seniors for their overall mental health. Encourage your aging loved one to stay connected with friends, family members and the outside world for an improved social life. Seniors can participate in different social and cultural programs where they will get a chance to engage and socialize with people of similar interests. There are many places to also volunteer to stay active, such as a local trusted charity or house of worship.

Hire professional help – If you feel that your senior family member is unable to look after their own safety and needs, consider hiring professional help in the form of caregivers. An experienced care provider will look after your aging parent’s safety in your absence and help them maintain their physical and mental health through diet, exercise and socializing.

If you are planning to hire a caregiver for your senior family member, contact Always Best Care today. They have a team of caring and dedicated professionals who provide the best In-Home Senior Care Services In Birmingham.

For any further information, call (205) 874-9730.

When to be Worried About Memory Loss in Seniors

Just because you sometimes forget small things, like your neighbor's name or where you left the remote, it does not mean that you have a senior memory problem. It is common to forget things from time to time. To make sure that the problem isn’t big, you need to be aware of some warning signs.There are various signs that may indicate a more serious problem, such as Alzheimer's. If you notice any of these signs, seek professional soon.

Sign #1: Your memory issues frighten you. For many people with early dementia, the nature of memory problems frightens them. For example: You are driving and suddenly have no idea where you are or where you were driving to, then few minutes later, you remember and realize you are on correct road you always drive to get where there. Such type of things will frighten you and may also cause you to feel irritated.

Sign #2: You have lost interest in your favorite activities because of memory problems. Activities, like solving crossword puzzles or interacting with people at social functions, becomes very difficult for a person who suffers memory loss. This may be the sign of dementia. If this happens regularly, do not ignore it and bring your concerns to your doctor.

Sign #3: Your family members or loved ones point out mistakes or express concern. If your loved ones arecomplaining about your memory, they may be onto something. They may have observed something you have not seen. Do not ignore them.

Sign #4: Making choices becomes tough. If you are not being able to make quick decisions and get confused aboutsmall things, you need to worry about your memory and concern the doctor as soon as possible.

How to Improve Memory

Instead of making notes to remember certain things or setting reminders, follow some of the memory care tips to improve your memory:

• Play strategic games, such as: puzzles, Sudoku, or chess.
• Learn new things, such as a new language, a new recipe or different type of crafts.
• Make time for reading.
• Stay socially active.
• Avoid stress.

If you are facing memory issues and finding it difficult to manageeveryday life, contact Always Best Care. They provide the best in home senior care in Birmingham. Call them at (205) 874-9730.

Ways to Help Your Aging Loved One Stay Active

Exercise is important for people of all ages. For seniors, regular aerobic exercise and strength training can help maintain muscle mass, balance, bone density, flexibility and more. If you have a senior family member at home, encourage them to stay active, both physically and socially.

Here are some ways to help your aging loved one stay active and engaged.

• Create a proper exercise routine – First, create an exercise routine and that your loved one will be more likely to follow. Low-Impact exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, and more are best for the older adults. However, you should always consult their doctor to find out whether your senior family member is fit and healthy enough to exercise daily. Their doctors will also be able to suggest the best suitable exercises according to their health.

• Join a senior fitness club or an exercise program – You can also encourage your senior family member to join a senior fitness club or an exercise program. Apart from staying physically fit and active, your aging parent will get an opportunity to meet new people of a similar age and possibly common interests.

• Stay socially active – In addition to regular exercise, staying socially active and engaged is also important for seniors for improved physical, mental, and emotional health. Encourage your loved one to participate in different social and cultural activities around the area to maintain an active social life. 

 However, if your aging parent lives alone and there is no one to look after their safety and needs, consider hiring professional help in the form of caregivers. An experienced care provider will look after your senior family member’s safety, their needs, and help them stay active, both physically and socially. In addition, they are able to accompany seniors during their regular exercise routine to ensure their safety.

So, if you are looking for an experienced In-Home Senior Care provider for your loved one in Birmingham, contact Always Best Care. They are a noted senior care organization that has a team of highly trained, bonded, and insured caregivers who provide the best senior care services.

For more information, call (205) 874-9730.

Why Your Aging Parent Should Not Live Alone

As people grow older, they often prefer to age in place independently and comfortably. Sadly, there comes a time when staying alone is simply not safe for older adults and recognizing that time is often a challenging task both for the caregivers and family members.

To determine the right time when your aging loved one may need help, here are some of the signs you need to look for.  

• They suffer from frequent falls 

It is common for seniors to suffer from slips, trips or falls due to declining health or poor body balance. Sadly, falls are the most common reasons for fatal and non-fatal injuries in seniors. However, if your senior family member suffers from frequent falls and while doing daily living tasks, then it can serve as warning sign. If you notice a lot of injuries or bruises on your loved one’s body, living alone is likely no longer safe for your aging loved one.

• Their home is always messy

Have you recently visited your aging parent? Do you find their home messy and uncared for? As seniors age, they find it difficult to manage their daily living activities, including the cleaning, sweeping, and basic household errands. Home maintenance and cleanliness often becomes a challenging task for them. Unhygienic and unpleasant environments can put your aging parent at risk of several different health problems.

•  They are losing weight

Sudden weight loss can be a warning sign for seniors. If your aging loved one is experiencing weight loss, it is a sign that they need help. Consider hiring an in-home caregiver for your aging loved one or move them to an Assisted Living facility to ensure their safety.

However, older adults may not prefer to leave their home for an entirely new place. If this is the case, hiring an in-home care provider can be the ideal option. A professional caregiver will not only look after your aging loved one’s safety, but also ensure that all their needs are met on time.

If you are looking for an In-Home Care Provider In Birmingham, Alabama, contact senior care organizations like Always Best Care.

For more information, call (205) 874-9730.

Benefits of Music for Seniors

It’s no surprise that music has many benefits for seniors, especially those who are suffering from debilitating health conditions. The power of music can help make life more pleasing and meaningful for anyone.    

   

 Take a look at some of the incredible health benefits that music offers to the elderly.

Memory Benefits:
Music has been found to stimulate the brain and enhance the memory of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. When a person listens to music which corresponds with a significant time, event, place, or emotion, their brain’s memory maker, also known as medial prefrontal cortex, becomes stimulated.

Stress Reduction:
Music helps calm down seniors when they are stressed. Fast music can make them more alert and improve their concentration. It can also encourage happy thoughts and lift their mood when they are depressed.

Health Benefits:
Music promotes health and well-being. It also ensures a sound sleep, reduces pain, and improves recovery time after an injury. Music has also shown to improve coordination and cognitive abilities.

Psychological Benefits:
Seniors who listen to music have a happier outlook on life as compared to those who don’t. Music has shown to enhance moods, improve interest levels, and increase positive emotions.

If you have a senior member in your family, encourage them to listen to music – any music. Everyone’s tastes are different and everyone reacts differently to different genres. Consider taking them to concerts or introducing them to different sites on the internet where they can watch performances from their favorite artists.

For Elderly Assistance in Birmingham, contact Always Best Care. They are one of the most trusted senior care organizations. Their teams of experienced Care Coordinators have worked with thousands of seniors across the country. To learn more about their services, feel free to call them at (205) 874-9730.