Author: Nyonza Musinguzi

Should Your Senior See A Nutritionist?

As we grow and change, so will our nutrition needs. When your loved ones get older, the foods and drinks they consume to ensure a healthy diet may need to change to become slightly different from when they were in their younger years. To put it simply, they may need less of some foods and more of others. 

How your loved ones eat as an older person will vary on many things such as their gender, age, and individual nutritional needs. Older men, for example, have far different nutrition needs than older women. However, healthy eating doesn’t have to vary too much with age. 

All you need to do is be aware of your loved one’s requirements and adjust their food choices to ensure that their body gets what it needs to retain good health as they get older. If you need help choosing or preparing a healthy diet for your loved ones, try seeing a nutritionist. 

With a good nutritionist, you can discuss any change in eating or exercise to ensure that your loved one is fighting fit. If you’re wondering whether or not your senior needs to see a nutritionist keep reading. 

The Importance of Healthy Meals for Your Aging Loved One

When your senior loved one gets older, it can be hard for them to get out and get groceries. They may also feel as if their appetite has disappeared or reduced. Health issues can also make it hard for them to eat or enjoy the foods that they once did.

Senior care may be the best option for them if this is the case. In-home health care can help your loved one and ensure they’re eating enough. A caregiver will be able to provide your loved one with shopping and meal preparation if it has become a bit too much for you.

To Age Well, You Must Eat Well

The types and amount of food we need as we grow old will change drastically. That is why it is so important to keep choosing healthy foods to support your loved one’s health. However, you may notice that your loved one’s appetite may change.

A decreased appetite or the inability to buy and prepare healthy foods may negatively impact your aged loved one. It will also deprive them of essential vitamins, fiber, and minerals that they require to thrive. Inadequate nutrition can contribute to general unwellness or even bring forth chronic conditions. 

It is important to use every single piece of food as an opportunity to succeed with your aged, loved one’s nutrition. 

The Bottom Line

If you aren’t finding the time to tend to your loved one’s nutrition, you may need in-home health care. Finding quality in-home care for your senior loved one can be a huge decision. Senior care is something you definitely don’t want to take lightly. 

To ensure your loved one gets the best in-home healthcare possible, consider B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services. You want to make sure that the caregiver you choose for your senior is well-trained, dependable, professional, kind, and humble. Most of all, you want to be sure that you can trust them. 

B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services is all that and so much more. We are here to meet the many growing needs of Washington’s seniors and other adults who require daily in-home care. We customize care to each of our clients to allow them to remain at home where they are comfortable. 

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you. 

Signs of Aging Not to Ignore

Do you think that constant exhaustion, achy joints, and forgetfulness are all part of getting old? Think again. While some changes can be chalked up to our age, other signs may be cause for concern.

As you get older, it’s important to know what’s part of healthy aging and what isn’t. Some changes could be warning signs of mental and/or physical medical issues.

Here are some signs of aging that you don’t want to ignore.

Severe joint pain

Achy joints and bones are common in our later years. This is often attributed to weaker bones and less cartilage between the joints. However, if you experience severe joint pain, you may have osteoarthritis (OA).

OA is extremely common in the hip and knees but can occur anywhere in the body. Severe joint pain is a telltale sign of OA. Instead of brushing it off as an inevitable part of getting older, make an appointment to pinpoint the cause.

Joint pain can be caused by all sorts of conditions, including OA and lupus, as well as an underlying injury such as a strained tendon or ligament.

Constant exhaustion

Growing old does have a way of slowing us down a bit. But this doesn’t mean that you should constantly feel tired and exhausted. Fatigue can signal many health conditions. In older adults, it’s a common sign of undiagnosed anemia.

Anemia can be triggered by chronic infections and kidney problems. Other possible causes include:

• Certain medications, such as blood pressure medications and antibiotics
• Nutritional shortages caused by a lack of iron, vitamin B12, and folate
• Internal bleeding

If you’re feeling worn out and a good night’s sleep doesn’t seem to remedy the issue, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Mood swings

Everyone has heard of the stereotypical grumpy, old person. While you may not be as patient as you once were in your older years, personality changes are a cause for concern.

Conditions such as anxiety, depression, delirium, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease all cause mood swings and other personality changes. If you’re feeling down and out, seek mental health services to get the care and support you need.

Too many senior moments

Mild cognitive changes are a common part of getting older. But if you experience memory and cognitive issues that interfere with daily life, dementia or depression could be to blame.

Both conditions have very similar symptoms and are often interconnected. Depression may be a sign of dementia. It may also put seniors at a higher risk of it.

The good news is that treatment is available for both conditions. 

Bladder issues

Aging causes the bladder to become less elastic. This means that it can’t stretch and hold as much urine easily. Getting older also weakens the bladder muscles. Incontinence doesn’t have to mark your older years.

There are many treatment options, such as lifestyle changes and Kegel exercises, to improve bladder muscle strength and function.

We provide quality in-home care for seniors

Your golden years should be filled with happiness and countless memories. It’s important to find a care provider who is well-trained, professional, trustworthy, and kind. B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services proudly provide in-home care services for seniors and other adults throughout Washington.

We strive to provide customized care to each of our clients to allow them to remain at home, maintain their independence, and enjoy a high quality of life. Learn more about our services can make your older years the best yet!

Home Care vs. Assisted Living

When your loved ones begin to age, it can be difficult to choose where they go for extra care. Would they be able to receive proper senior care in their home? Or would it be best to move them into assisted living to meet long-term care needs?

This is the question on everyone’s mind as they watch their loved ones grow old. Whether moving around your home becomes an issue or making it to town, some help will be needed as your seniors age. When choosing between home care vs assisted living, it can be stressful for you and the person needing care. 

The good news is that technological advancements and medical equipment allow for more benefits in in-home care. Many elderly people tend to prefer staying at home as it is familiar and comfortable. However, remaining at home isn’t always the best option for everyone.

To ensure that you make the best decision possible, you must first educate yourself. Let’s take a look at the difference between home care and assisted living. 

Assisted Living

Assisted living homes are a great option for elderly people who require very little senior care daily. Most assisted living homes work to provide residents with help in accomplishing daily tasks such as medications. However, assisted living homes don’t offer full-time and long-term care.

Assisted living homes have also been referred to as adult congregate care, congregate housing, boarding homes, residential care, or domiciliary care. In the United States alone, there are almost 30,000 assisted living homes. These homes contain around 1.2 million residents. 

Of these 1.2 million individuals, most are over the age of 65 and completely mobile. Elderly patients who need a wheelchair or suffer from cognitive or behavioral impairments are usually discouraged from moving into these sorts of facilities.

Home Care

One of the fastest growing and most requested services in the United States today is the in-home caregiver.  Home care is appropriate for elderly people who want to stay at home but still need ongoing senior care that family members and friends aren’t able to provide.

It allows seniors to age gracefully in the comfort of their own home. While the differences between home care and assisted living may seem minor, they need to be taken into account. This will help people understand the major effect on the care your elderly loved ones are getting.

The Bottom Line

Finding quality in-home care for your senior loved one can be a huge decision. Senior care is something you definitely don’t want to take lightly. To ensure your loved one gets the best in-home healthcare possible, consider B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services.

You want to make sure that the caregiver you choose for your senior is well-trained, dependable, professional, kind, and humble. Most of all, you want to be sure that you can trust them. B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services is all that and so much more.

We are here to meet the many growing needs of Washington’s seniors and other adults who require daily in-home care. We customize care to each of our clients to allow them to remain at home where they are comfortable. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you. 

As people age, oftentimes it leads to a decrease in exercise and more limited mobility. 

Encouraging your senior to move their body can help them with so many things! A boosted mood, higher quality of life, and increased longevity. 

If you are looking for ways to help seniors move their body in a gentle way, then keep reading. This is the article for you. 

Benefits of Light Exercise

When we think about exercise, many of us think of harsh activities like cross fit, running, or lifting weights. 

When you train yourself to think of exercise as movement, it suddenly becomes a lot more achievable! Prioritizing exercise that increases our mobility and allows us to move pain-free throughout the day should be the overall goal. 

Luckily, you don’t have to be a fitness-guru to help an elderly loved one incorporate movement into their life. 

Here are just a few of the proven benefits that come from light exercise: 

• Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Improved memory and brain function
• Maintain muscle strength and balance
• Increased life span
• Improved sleep and decreased fatigue

And much more! Mobility gives us the freedom to maintain our independence and seek a life that we love. 

Recommendations for Movement

If you are struggling to think of ways to incorporate movement into a seniors day-to-day life, here are our top recommendations! 

Take a Walk: If they are able, encouraging seniors to go on a walk around the block is one of the best things you can do for them. Walking is generally safe and has tons of known benefits for both our physical and mental health. Additionally, it is a gentle exercise that many people can do even late in life. 

Chair Yoga: For many people, regular yoga is a bit too intense later in life- especially for people that have never tried it before. However, chair yoga is a modified version of yoga that is much gentler towards all age groups. Chair yoga still focuses on many of the foundations of regular yoga, such as breath, mind body connection, and mobility. These simple exercises can be done throughout the day to help improve range of motion, maintain weight, and more! 

Dancing: Have you ever considered incorporating dancing into a routine for seniors? Dance is basically just a way to move joyfully! What is fun about this mood-boosting exercise is that there are no rules or restrictions. Simply turn on some music and let your body move freely. 

Get Support From B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services

If you are seeking support in the way of companionship for a senior in your life, then don’t hesitate to contact us here at B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services. 

Here, we offer in-home adult care so that your loved one receives the care they need in their day-to-day life. This will also provide stress relief for you and allow you to focus on your relationship with them. You’ll be comforted knowing that your loved one’s needs are being met each day. 

Fun At-Home Hobbies for Seniors

Home should not be a place for seniors to lie in bed or sit endlessly on a rocking chair all day. It should be a place full of life, fun, and companionship to keep their bodies and brain active. One way of beating depression, staving off dementia, and keeping seniors in high spirits is to involve them in fun at-home hobbies. Here are some of the activities that will help keep their mental and physical well-being in check;

Gardening

Part of your task in home caregiving is to get senior active. And gardening can be a perfect activity full of fun for the senior member. You can decide to make it fun and easy by coming up with an excellent gardening project that doesn’t necessarily look like a chore that has to be done. You would also opt to make it rigorous or gentle depending on the person’s scope of mobility and interest. 

If there is a small garden that you can work on, the better. If not, planting flowers on hanging baskets, collecting orchids, and planting herbs on small pots are some gardening activities that a caregiver would help seniors do while offering in home care services. 

Art And Crafts

Art and crafts keep the mind active since one has to be creative. Creating DIY ornaments, homemade photo frames, and painting pots are some craft projects seniors would use to pass the time. It would also help them to express thoughts, memories, and emotions. 

Pets

Have you seen how people’s faces light up while playing with their pets? Well, pets are known to give the warmest feeling of love, care, and importance. For older citizens, having a cat or a dog around them could provide them with a sense of responsibility and act as a companion. 

Cooking

There is joy in trying out new recipes together and even coming up with your own. Also, Cooking your meals and inviting friends to come over gives one a great sense of achievement. One great way seniors can pass the time is by having a meal plan or recipe book that they can use to make the tasty masterpieces by themselves.

Reading

Reading can be educational, liberating, and entertaining, depending on the genre.  A simple act of reading could go a long way in improving one’s memory, focus, concentration, and intelligence. Even if your senior isn’t very mobile, they can still read a book while sitting or sleeping. 

Music-Based Activities

Introducing music-based activities to seniors during the in home care services could bring healing, health, and fun into their lives. Such activities include dancing, having virtual karaoke, learning to play a musical instrument, and holding live music concerts. All this helps improve mood, relieve stress and anxiety, and assist with exercise too. 

Play Games

Playing games is a fantastic way of passing time. There is a long list of them that can be played alone or as a group. Chess, card games, and scrabble are some of the indoor games that stimulate the brain. Won’t you fill in a crossword puzzle today? 

Conclusion

There are many advantages that come with involving oneself with at-home hobbies during their golden years. Talk to your in-home caregiving assistant to know which one is right for you. At B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services, we can help your senior take part in fun-filling activities. Contact us today.

Caring for an adult that is suffering from developmental disabilities is an extremely challenging task. Many people do not realize that caring for an adult with this kind of condition can be a round-the-clock endeavor. 

Having a developmental disability such as dementia or Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect someone’s memory, it can affect their ability to groom themselves, keep up a routine, take their medicine, eat properly, and more. 

If you are caring for a loved one with a condition like this, you are not alone and it’s okay to ask for help. For many people, the task is simply too overwhelming and can quickly lead to burnout if you aren’t careful. 

In-home care for adults is an option that you can explore to get the additional support you need for your loved one. 

Challenges of Caring for an Adult with Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities such as Alzheimer’s and dementia can set in when adults start to age. There are varying degrees of severity and there are also factors that can affect how slowly or quickly this type of disability progresses. 

This will all need to be discussed with a doctor. In general, here are some of the challenges that  affect this group of people: 

• Change in personality including increased anger, aggression, and mood swings. This can be some of the most emotionally challenging aspects for loved ones. 
• Night walking 
• Restlessness
• Apathy or disinterest

Some of the additional behaviors that arise from these symptoms is the adult’s inability to exercise, eat full meals, get enough water, maintain hygiene, and more. 

Due to these extreme symptoms, it may be your instinct to move your loved one into your own home. However, this can be extremely emotional and confusing for the adult that needs care. They may be more comfortable in their own space and many providers recommend keeping them in this familiar environment as long as possible. 

In-Home Care for Adults

If you are not trained to help adults with symptoms such as these, it can be extremely frustrating as well as frightening at times. If you are able, seeking in-home care for adults could help you manage this. 

Adult in-home care provides support and companionship for adults with developmental disabilities. When you hire this service, a trained caretaker will be able to spend time with your loved one to offer companionship. However, they’ll also be able to assist with day-to-day tasks to make sure that your loved one is living a high quality of life. 

These services have trained staff that are equipped to deal with symptoms like anger, aggression, and mood swings. Many services even offer 24-hour care if necessary to help mitigate the risk of night walking episodes. 

B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services

If you are interested in in-home care for adults with developmental disabilities, look no further than B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services. 

Here, we hire compassionate individuals so that we are able to keep our passion for service at the forefront of everything we do. Feel free to contact us for more information. 

Getting Your Senior Ready for Cold Weather

Do you have a senior member who might require special in home care services? If yes, you need to arm yourself with information on the best strategies of delivering in home caregiving services for your loved ones. As cold weather sets in, there are several things that you ought to do to ensure that your senior remains comfortable throughout the period. Here are steps to take to make sure that the change in weather got nothing on them;

Strengthen the immune system with a balanced diet

During this season, cold and flu are common. However, you could give your senior food high in vitamin C and antioxidants to boost their immune system, prevent sickness and stay healthy. Avoid junk foods that have lots of sugars and fat. Instead, give them more fruits and vegetables. 

Exercise

Establish an exercise routine that one can maintain during the cold season. This will help generate some warmth and also stay active and flexible. Furthermore, with arthritis pain increasing with the cold among many seniors, exercise will help reduce it. 

Check on their wardrobe

Dressing appropriately for the weather is vital if you want your loved one to stay safe, comfortable, and happy. As the days begin to turn colder, it is a good idea that you assess their wardrobe to ensure that they have all the proper gear for the season. Have a checklist that includes warm blankets, coats, scarfs, hats, mittens, and boots. B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services advises that one gets knitted woolen beanies, warm socks, and gloves to help stave off the cold. 

Stock Up On Essentials

You need to have enough food and supplies to last you through the cold weather. It is better to have them in plenty than lacking and having to go out when the weather is unbearable. Some of the essentials that you need to have is groceries and a pantry, a first aid kit, a prescription medication that can last for thirty days, and anything else that is important. 

Conduct Regular Maintenance

Bad weather can come with costly repairs if you do not take the necessary precaution. Therefore, you have to ensure that your senior’s home has maintenance done regularly. Some of the things you should look out whether the gutters and the drainage are clogged and the window wells are okay. You could also ensure that the electrical system is checked to avoid power outages during cold weather.

Have an emergency plan

It is good to be prepared in case of an emergency especially if you live with your senior. Have an emergency plan and share it with the caregiver and family member just in case your loved one needs to be moved from one location to another during extreme weather. 

Hire a help 

You do not want to get caught up in the rush of looking for someone to help when the driveway, front steps, and pathways are covered with ice. Getting someone now will help you get the person you want and at a competitive rate. If you have been looking to hire an assistant for in-home care services then this is the right time to do so. At B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services, you are guaranteed to find in home care services to help your senior.

The rewarding career as an in-home caregiver

If you ever thought of giving the in-home caregiver career a try, then it is time you did so. Well, other than the challenges and complexities that it comes with, in-home caregiving has more benefits than you thought. Here are some of the positive pay-offs that this career gives;

Helping others

As an in-home caregiver, you’ll likely derive much satisfaction from serving others. We all know the good feeling that comes with making someone smile. The seniors in the homecare will appreciate your efforts too.

This career gives you the ultimate opportunity to serve others and make a difference in their lives. Not only does it make the seniors in the homecare feel better, but you also take some of the responsibilities off their families’ shoulders too. 

Building relationships

In-home caregiving involves regular social interactions, which helps build positive relationships between the caregiver and the adults in home care. Most of the time, you’ll find yourself having coffee and enjoying hobbies together. Such activities are fun and also assist in cultivating a high level of trust between the caregivers and the clients. You will appreciate the exciting experience of swapping fun stories and spending time together with your clients.

It gives you more freedom

If you are a fan of working from home, then a CNA career is for you. It gives you the feeling of working in a home environment and the freedom to avoid distractions from managers and co-workers all the time. All you have to do is provide companionship, do light house chores, remind the client on medication and help with other activities at the comfort of their home.  

You learn a lot

Every adult in-home care is unique, and their needs keep changing. To keep up with this, you need to learn new skills every day. Also, caregiving comes with many roles. While you may not be conversant with some, you have the opportunity to learn on the job. 

Also, sometimes there may be emergencies that will need you to remain cool, calm, and collected. At times you will have to make decisions by yourself since the client depends on you. With time, you become confident and competent to handle any emergency. Through the experience, you also become hardened and will take anything life throws at you at work, at home, and in all areas of life. 

Caregiving helps you stay healthier

While many may think that caregiving is one of the most stressful jobs, it surprisingly improves one’s life in many ways. Think of the exercise as you move up and down doing various activities. The constant movement keeps your body fit. As a caregiver, you’ll not have to go for a run or head to the gym after work hours; the activities during the day will have done it for you. Other than that, you will have better mental health.

Wrap up

In-home caregiving isn’t like any career. It comes with many advantages like having a fulfilling career, experiencing a healthier work-life, and directly impacting other community members’ lives. If you are interested in CNA careers, you can apply for one at B’Zoe In Home Care.

A parent’s love is unconditional. For many people, the responsibility of caring for an elderly parent often falls on the grown child. Many children feel that the minimum they can do for their elderly parents is to return the same love and support that was offered to them in their childhood. 

However, as people age, they often have increased medical needs. It isn’t about the love you hold for your elderly relatives, it is about your capacity to help. While many children that become caretakers feel guilty for “not doing enough,” it’s important to remember to care for ourselves and find sustainable options for care. 

Options for Adult Care

Inevitably, there will come a time when a family needs to make a decision about caring for an elderly relative. 

The options are usually one or a combination of the following: 

• Inviting your relative to move in with you, or moving in with them full-time. 
• Moving your relative to a nursing facility or senior center. 
• A combination of care between you and a professional senior in home care service

The best option will vary depending on each person’s personal circumstances. Use factors such as health, cost, location, and the quality of care services in your area to make the best choice for your family. 

It’s Okay to Seek Help With Your Loved Ones

Many of us wait too long to seek help when it comes to caring for our loved ones. We stay up late, cook meals, clean, and become a mini-expert on all things medical when circumstances like this arise. 

This is all done while trying to maintain our own friendships, relationships, and even care for our children. 

When so many responsibilities get added to the list, it can be impossible to care for ourselves and prioritize our own help and well-being. It is important for every person caring for an elderly relative to remember one thing—

You can’t pour from an empty cup. 

Adult In Home Care

In home caregiving is the perfect option for families that still have the capacity to be involved in their loved ones’ life, but need extra help in the day-to-day.

Providing adult in home care is the best way to ensure that you have reliable, dependable, and fully-trained assistance on your help that will deliver customized care to your loved one.

At B’Zoe in home care, we provide help with all of the following: 

• Grooming help
• Dressing aid
• Companionship 
• Dementia care

The comfort you will feel knowing that there is a compassionate professional assisting with day-to-day care will allow you to enjoy quality time with your loved ones, while also staying on top of your own self care. 

With the help of B’Zoe in-home care, you can ask for the support both your and your elderly loved one needs to provide the best care experience possible. 

There comes a time in many children’s lives where they have to make the difficult decision about if they should move their parents in with them, or keep their parents at home. 

There is no one “correct answer” to this question— 

Only you know what is best for your family. 

If you are facing this difficult decision, then keep reading! We will be walking you through the different factors to consider. 

Benefits of Moving Your Parents In With You

If you have a positive relationship with your parent, you may consider moving them in with you as they age. 

For many families, multigenerational living offers an incredible opportunity for parents, children, and even grandchildren to bond with one another. Each generation has something to learn from the other, and there will never be a dull moment with multiple people living under one roof. 

For seniors specifically, this can help them from experiencing the isolation that many people do later in life. This can help them maintain their mental health, immune system, and even prevent conditions such as dementia. 

It is also a way to make sure that your parent is taking their medicine and living in a safe and clean environment. 

The downside of this is that it can often lead to burnout- especially if your parent is suffering from something like dementia. Many people simply do not have the emotional and medical training necessary to handle this type of care day-to-day. If it goes down this road, it has the potential to damage the relationship. 

Benefits of Keeping Your Parents at Their Home

All of us value our independence! This is no different for seniors. For adults that have been living independently their entire life, it can often feel demoralizing and patronizing to be asked to move in with their child. For many seniors, this can really take a toll on their mental health. 

That is why many caretakers choose to try and keep their parents in their own home as long as possible. One way to accomplish this is by hiring senior in home care for additional support. 

Adult home care services will ensure that your parent is taking their medicine, properly groomed, and has companionship throughout the day. In home care services can also provide support for adults with dementia and can even provide 24-hour care if necessary. 

This will help you as the child rest easy knowing that your parents’ needs are being met and that you are able to prioritize your own self care and daily life. 

Contact B’Zoe In Home Care for Support

If you are seeking additional support so that you can keep your parent in their own home as long as possible, please reach out to us at B’Zoe In Home Care. 

We keep passion for service at the forefront of our business. We get to know each individual and their needs on a personal basis so that we can provide top-quality care to each of our clients.