Our senior population is aging and this population has an increased life expectancy year over year. While it is incredible that adults can expect to live longer, it is the quality of those years that really matters.
Caring for seniors can be difficult in a lot of ways. For caretakers, it can be financially stressful, time intensive, and they may not have the medical training that is required to adequately care for their loved ones.
In fact, one huge issue is that many caretakers experience burnout when they invite their loved ones to live in their own home with them. They can become overwhelmed over time and find it difficult to prioritize self care in this environment – which is absolutely essential to avoid burnout.
If you are concerned about a senior in your life, keep reading. We’ll be explaining why companion care is a necessary service for seniors!
What is Companion Care?
For seniors that want to remain independent at home, companion care is an excellent option.
Companion care is when a person is hired to come into your senior’s home and provide both companionship as well as help with daily tasks. Companion care can offer a range of services in help such as the following:
Assistance with grooming
Assistance with daily dress
Administering medicine
Companionship and emotional support
Companion care allows you as a caretaker to not have to worry as much about the day-to-day so that you can focus on your relationship with your loved one.
Benefits of In Home Caregiving
Beyond just helping with daily essential tasks, companionship is a benefit in itself!
There have been several scientific studies showing the actual health benefits of senior companionship. Here are just a few of the incredible benefits that companionship can have for seniors:
Companionship can help create a daily routine. Routines can help people avoid unnecessary stress which is exceptionally important for anyone suffering from dementia.
While it isn’t widely talked about, many seniors suffer from both anxiety and depression. Having reliable companionship can help a senior manage their anxiety as well as decrease the likelihood for depression.
Friendship and companionship is important for all ages. For many of us, the relationships in our lives are what makes life worth living. Undoubtedly, companionship will offer meaningful relationships to seniors that will help them live a high quality of life.
When taking this into consideration, you can see how companion care is a necessary service for seniors.
B’Zoe In Home Care for Seniors
Now that you know companion care is an excellent option for seniors, be sure to check out B’Zoe In Home Care. Here at B’Zoe, we offer incredible in home caregiving services that are reliable, personal, and always professional.
We keep care and connection at the forefront of our services and we are proud to offer services to seniors with dementia, 24 hour care if needed, and more.
Be sure to contact us with any questions you have! We are excited to get to know you.
When it comes to in-home caregiving, finding the right care provider for those you love can be stressful. Choosing to place a senior in home care is a big decision, and must be made with great care and consideration for both the physical and emotional needs of the client.
Think about it: you’re finding a caregiver for someone you love dearly. You want those caregivers to be well-trained, professional, dependable, kind, and trustworthy. Each adult in-home care deserves to be in the hands of a caregiver who not only fits their unique medical needs but also their emotional needs and social abilities. In short, the relationship between a caregiver and their client is a top priority at B’Zoe In-Home Care.
This relationship is the foundation of the quality of care your loved one will receive. Many people hesitate to transition an adult or senior into home care, but this can often be the most productive decision you’ll make with your loved one. When clients’ needs are fulfilled and they can benefit from the right kind of connection, both caregiver and client are able to and fully encouraged to thrive within the context of home care.
You don’t need to keep worrying about finding the right caregiver match for your aging parent or other loved one. B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services delivers all the aforementioned and more. We’re here to meet the many needs of Washington’s seniors and other adults who require daily in-home care due to age-related, medical, or developmental issues. Our focus is on delivering customized care to each of our clients to allow them to remain at home, maintain their independence and enjoy a high quality of life.
Each of our clients has unique needs, so we work with them and their families to identify the services that are most important. In an effort to expand upon the fundamental client-caregiver relationship, we take the time to get to know each personal care client before matching them with one of our licensed professionals. We will choose the professionals best suited to meet their care needs, and trust that these decisions are made with sound judgment, as each of our team members has undergone extensive training and reflect our values of hard work, compassion, dignity, and respect.
High-quality in-home caregiving isn’t always easy to find, but when you come across it, it is absolutely worth the research, interviews, and long-term commitment. Your loved one can and will thrive with in-home caregiving, given the time and effort necessary to find just the right caregiver. Contact B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services for more information and find the perfect caregiver match!
As our loved ones age, everyday tasks can become challenging. The question can start to enter your mind – when is it time to find an in-home caregiver for your elderly loved one? Here are some signs that it might be time to find support for senior in-home care.
If your relationships with your parents or loved ones feel like they’re under fire, you’re not alone. Caring for an aging loved one is not an easy process, and you might feel overwhelmed by the amount of support they need on a daily basis. With hired homecare, you can take some of the weight off your own back and maintain a healthy and loving relationship with the seniors in your life. Hired help can be the bridge that keeps your relationship strong!
You can begin by assessing the overall health of the primary caregiver. If your father takes care of your mother, but he is frequently forgetful, he may no longer be equipped to be the primary caregiver for your aging mother. The same applies to other relationships; if the primary caregiver is experiencing significant barriers to providing reliable care, it may be time to hire a home caregiver.
Another important factor to take into account is whether or not your aging loved one is losing weight. Many elderly folks begin to lose weight when they lose the energy to cook meals, and many home care agencies offer this as an option included in the ca-re you hire. Your loved one’s forgetfulness is another crucial component that could indicate the need for hiring outside help. If they often forget to turn off the stove, take their medications, or keep the house tidy, you and your loved one may benefit greatly from having adult in-home care.
On a broad scale, you can watch for signs of physical and cognitive decline, including difficulty performing activities of daily life, changes in physical function and appearance, changes in behavior and mental status, neglect of household responsibilities, and changes in cognition, memory, and judgment. Whether your father struggles to find names or words when speaking, or your mother stops opening her mail and paying her bills, home care can be a very positive step towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your aging loved ones.
If any of the issues mentioned above are becoming prevalent in your daily experience with your loved ones, it is time to find a home caregiver. B’Zoe provides in-home caregiving with options for 24-hour care if the client needs it. This two-way consensual decision can be a fundamental step towards prioritizing the wellbeing of your aging loved ones, taking the stress off your worry for them, and ensuring their safety and happiness with in home caregiving. Contact B’Zoe In Home Caregiving to find answers to your questions about supporting your loved ones.
It’s projected that roughly 11-18% of people suffer from some form of mental illness or disorder. Mental health issues can happen at any age, and in any situation. That being said, older people tend to be more prone to developing a mental illness than their younger counterparts. This is due to many factors, some of which involve their lifestyle and circumstances. Today, let’s discuss how in-home care for seniors can help fight mental health problems in ways that nursing homes or assisted living may not.
Familiar Environment
Imagine spending several decades of your life in a home, only to have to leave when you get old. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are always well-kept and are as inviting as possible, but they aren’t the home that your senior loves. On top of that, everything is unfamiliar at a new place which can be extremely difficult to navigate for those developing or living with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. By keeping your elderly loved ones in a familiar environment, you can prevent them from feeling overwhelmed and anxious about huge changes. They will be much happier knowing their surroundings, so they will stay in a better mood and be better equipped to fight off negative thoughts. Fear, nervousness, confusion, and anger can all occur when a senior is forced to leave their home behind, all of which can cause or exacerbate mental illnesses.
Freedom and Independence
It’s often the case that seniors need some care but are largely capable of being mostly independent. In nursing homes and assisted living facilities, they might not have the opportunity to practice this independence. Formal senior care facilities must adhere to rules and guidelines to keep everyone safe. This includes setting visiting hours, not allowing excursions off the property, set schedules, and more. For seniors who are mainly still able to live on their own with few issues, all of these restrictions can be demoralizing. Seniors who are moved into care homes before they truly need to be can be angry and resentful. They will focus on the negatives of the situation, constantly keeping themselves in a sour mindset. After a while, this will take a toll on their mental health. In-home care provides them only with the services they truly need, and do so on a flexible schedule that the client, family, and caregiver work on together. Your senior won’t feel like they’re being watched by a babysitter, and they will enjoy their days more.
Social Opportunities
One of the leading contributors to mental health issues in the elderly population is loneliness. Older people might have a hard time getting around so they can’t go visit their friends like they used to. They may no longer be able to participate in activities they once enjoyed so they could lose touch with those friends. It can even be hard to go visit family, especially if driving is no longer an option. When a senior is placed in a care facility, as we said there will be set times for visitation and social activities. For some people, these visitation hours don’t align with everyone’s schedule. Adults work, kids are in school and doing extracurriculars… it may be impossible for them to visit as much as they’d like. This can get very lonely and depressing for your elderly loved one, potentially damaging their morale or mental health. In-home care is much more relaxed and free, and friends/family can drop by anytime! You can even invite your senior over for dinner without worrying about messing up a schedule. Your loved one will feel more connected and will be happier each day. In-home care also provides a single caregiver who can form a close bond with your senior. They’ll never feel lonely when they have a caregiver spending time with them each week!
In-home caregiving services have more benefits than we can count. Protecting your loved one’s mental health is just one of many, but it’s crucial to keeping them happy and healthy. B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services is proud to offer top-quality care in the comfort of home. We work with you to find a perfect caregiver for your loved one, and we’ll sit down with you to build out a schedule of services that best meet your needs. Our caregivers always become very close with clients, and they love to play games, talk about hobbies, watch TV, and more. We’re here for your loved one in whatever capacity they need. Call (206)617-0456 to get started with us today!
If your elderly loved one seems to have enough medications to fill a pharmacy, you’re not alone. Older people typically have multiple medications to combat various medical conditions. Some medications (such as vitamins or allergy pills) can be forgotten without major consequences. Other types like blood thinners, cholesterol, and heart medications must be taken every single day. Depending on the prescription, you may need to take a pill around the same time every day, occasionally more than once per day. How can you make managing medications easier? Try these tips and tricks from our expert caregivers.
Use pill organizers
Pill organizers were invented for a reason so don’t be afraid to use them! If you’re unfamiliar with this tremendous device, it’s a simple holding case for medications divided into days of the week. You fill them with all of your medications so that you can be sure you’re taking them on a daily basis. You will need to refill the doors once per week, but it’s still much more convenient than making your senior grab all the bottles each day. You or the caregiver can set up the pill organizer for easy access. Not only will your loved one be able to quickly grab all their necessary medication each day, it will also be easier to know if they were taken. Even young people can forget if they took their medication, but pill organizers tell you clearly whether you did or not. This avoids missing a dose or taking more than prescribed. Some pill organizers have room for morning and night pills, or you can pick up two of the cheap ones in different colors and label them as “AM” and “PM.” Thanks to technology, there are even pill organizers that have alarms or notifications that you can set for certain times each day.
Set reminders
Speaking of alarms and notifications, they’re some of the best ways to ensure medications are taken! Managing medication is hard and can be stressful if you aren’t with your senior all the time. Set reminders or alarms on their phone to make sure they take their pills even if no one is home with them. You can also grab one of the fancier pill organizers with built-in reminders. Some organizers or pill bottle covers even lock after a dose is taken. If you need to take your meds every eight hours, you’ll take one in the morning, and the bottle or organizer will be locked until eight hours later. There are many ways you can remind your elderly loved ones to take their medications. Be sure that any technology you use is well understood by the senior using them. A notification is great, but make sure your loved one knows a) what it means b) how to turn off any alarms and c) how to avoid changing it accidentally.
Leave it to the caregiver
Our last tip for managing medication is to leave it to professional caregivers. When you hire in-home care, you are hiring a service that is designed to help your senior complete daily tasks. Medication reminders are a simple thing that caregivers can do to help. It is literally their job to stay on top of things like medications, so you can feel confident knowing that they will give out doses at the appropriate time. Of course, be sure that your caregiver’s schedule matches the medication schedule if you want them to assist with reminders. Keep in mind that in-home caregivers are not always medically trained, so they will not be legally allowed to administer injections, IVs, etc. Ask in-home care service providers what their limitations are before you commit to them.
If your senior needs help managing medications, contact B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services. Our professional caregivers provide all types of care to seniors in the comfort of home. We can help remind your loved ones to take their medication so they never miss a dose. We also offer grooming help, hygiene assistance, dressing aid, companionship, and so much more. Learn more about us at https://bzoehomecare.com/. Call (206) 617-0456 to speak with our team and schedule a free consultation. We look forward to speaking with you!
After decades of protecting us from illness, our immune system tends to slow down and we may be more susceptible to diseases or medical conditions. Our bodies are incredible machines, but wear and tear over time can take a toll. There are far more health concerns for seniors than there are for younger adults simply due to the fact that our bodies become more fragile as we age. What are a few conditions you should watch for? Let’s take a look!
Alzheimer’s/Dementia: A disease resulting in cognitive decline. Memory is affected and completing simple tasks can become extremely difficult. Research to find a cure is ongoing, but unfortunately is not here yet. There are, however, medications and therapies that can slow cognitive decline if started early enough in the process.
Watch for: Misplacing items, forgetting where things are in the home, struggling to complete “second-nature” tasks, losing their train of thought or a particular word, general haziness in memory.
Heart Disease: Heart disease remains the leading killer of adults over 65. This condition is actually a joint term relating to several heart conditions including issues with blood flow, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart rhythm, and more. High blood pressure and cholesterol are common diseases among the elderly. Prolonged cases can cause permanent damage to the heart resulting in heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, or heart failure.
Watch for: Chest pain, chest pressure, fatigue, shortness of breath, sharp or recurring pain in the chest or any limbs, high cholesterol readings, respiratory problems, etc.
Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. Due to wear and tear, the protective cartilage on joints diminishes which can result in painful bone-on-bone movement. Osteoarthritis causes joint pain, commonly in the hips, knees, hands, and spine. There are several treatments available to help alleviate symptoms ranging from exercises all the way to joint replacement surgeries.
Watch for: aching in joints, stiffness in joints, popping or clicking, joint/spine pain
Diabetes: Diabetes is more of a health concern for seniors than you might think. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any time in a person’s life, and has no preventative actions that can be taken. Seniors tend to develop Type 2 diabetes, in which the body begins to stop making or utilizing insulin effectively. Elderly people can get Type 2 diabetes through obesity, inactivity, poor diet, and family history.
Watch for: Fatigue, change in appetite, excessive thirst, unexpected weight loss, dizziness, blurred vision, longer healing times after injuries.
Depression: Mental health issues pose as much risk to seniors as physical ailments do. Depression is one of the most common diseases among the elderly because things are changing drastically. When you get older, you are forced to slow down. You may no longer be able to partake in hobbies that you love, visiting friends will become more difficult, and you might spend extended periods of time alone in the home. Lack of socialization combined with restrictions you are not used to can negatively affect mental health.
Watch for: Changes in mood or behavior, suicidal thoughts, disinterest in things they typically enjoy, loneliness, an atypical quietness.
It’s important to be informed of your elderly loved one’s current health status. If you have questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to speak with your doctor. Learn about your family history to find medical conditions that seem to be hereditary. Be sure to ask your senior how they are feeling on a regular basis. Some of these serious conditions are easy to maintain if caught early. Your loved one might not think much of a sore hip, but you can be aware of it to make sure that it doesn’t get worse. If your loved one suffers from any of the medical conditions we’ve discussed, or needs special care in any way, in-home care could be the perfect option. In-home care allows your loved one to maintain freedom and independence while still providing them with the support they need. In-home care is the most popular choice among seniors themselves, so visit https://bzoehomecare.com/ to see if in-home care services are a good fit for your family.
In-home caregivers are hired to help senior citizens complete daily tasks that have become a struggle for them. The job doesn’t stop there though; caregivers act as companions and form tight bonds with their clients. There are plenty of small things your caregiver can do to help your loved one have fun. Unlike assisted living facilities and nursing homes, you can allow your senior’s caregiver to take them off the property. Not all companies allow this option, so be sure to do your research. That being said, there are many fun things to do both in or near your home that will keep your senior engaged and stimulated. Here are a few ideas.
Go For A Walk
Weather permitting, going for a walk is always a great option! This can be as simple as a walk around the backyard, or you can get a bit adventurous and head around a block of the neighborhood. Physical activity is crucial to maintaining health in elderly people, and walks are low-impact to avoid injury. Even those in wheelchairs can enjoy a walk with their caregiver. When you live at home, it’s refreshing to leave the four walls behind and get some fresh air. Vitamin D does the body good, and being out and about will lift your senior’s spirits in no time.
Go To A Restaurant/Get Takeout
Everyone loves a brunch date! Some caregivers will be willing to take your loved one out to a restaurant for a meal every so often, or they can stop for takeout and bring it to the house. Of course, transportation is required unless you have eateries within walking distance. Seniors are told to watch what they eat, but a special meal here and there won’t hurt. Your caregiver will know any limitations such as sugar levels, allergies, calorie count, etc., and can help your senior navigate the menu to find something they’ll love. Even a quick get-together in a coffee shop can brighten your loved one’s day!
Garden
Want to spend more time outside? Try gardening! Caregivers and clients can bond over fruits, veggies, and flowers while making the house look nice. Gardening is not over strenuous, and elderly people can help in some way. The caregiver might have to do the lifting and bending down, but seniors can help water plants, arrange flower boxes or vases, plant seeds in pots, etc. Together, the caregiver and the client can transform the home into a secret garden of vibrant colors!
Play Games
Don’t underestimate the power of a good game night (or day). People of all ages love games, and they’re perfect for indoor fun. In-home care can get monotonous, so bring in some new games to mix things up. Ask the senior if they have any favorites and try to get your hands on them. When in doubt, a few safe ideas include:
A traditional deck of cards
Checkers
Chess
Uno
Battleship
Puzzles
Older/nostalgic board games
Add a few bowls of snacks and put on some music or a movie in the background and you have yourself one very fun day without leaving the comfort of home.
It’s important that any caregiver you hire knows how to form a bond with your loved one and give them something to look forward to each visit. Companionship is one of our most important duties, so it should be treated as such. B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services prioritizes the mental health of our clients to ensure they live healthy and happy lives. Our staff will happily do activities with each client while still ensuring they are being well cared for in other aspects. Contact us today for a free consultation to see if in-home care is right for your family. Call (206) 617-0456. We look forward to speaking with you!
Completing daily tasks can get harder as seniors age. As bodies age, they get weaker, and moving around can be tricky. Family members often look for options for senior or elderly care and are overwhelmed with their choices. Over the last several years, the most popular choice has switched to in-home care rather than assisted living facilities or nursing homes. In-home care has many benefits that make it the best option for both seniors and their families. Here are five reasons why you should choose home-care for the senior in your life.
It preserves a sense of freedom.
The vast majority of seniors will tell you that they hope to age in place. This means that they want to stay in their home for as long as they can. These seniors have spent years in their homes, and they usually aren’t ready to give it up. Owning a home gives you a sense of freedom to do what you want when you want, and how you want. Seniors don’t want to give up this freedom just because they are struggling with certain tasks. When a new resident moves into an assisted living facility or a nursing home, they are much more likely to have to stick to a schedule. At home, they can live their days how they choose to. Getting older can be scary and disheartening for some, so it’s always a good idea to let them stay in control of as much as they can for as long as they can. Let them have the freedom they know in love in their own home and watch them stay happier and healthier.
They will be more comfortable in their own home.
In addition to a sense of freedom, seniors want to age in place to maintain their level of comfort. We all know that your home should be your happy place. You get to decorate it how you like, and no one can tell you otherwise. For seniors, this consistency can be very comforting. For those that are suffering from dementia or other memory conditions, it’s also extremely comfortable to know where everything is. If we ask you to tell us what cabinets your cups are in, you can probably tell us without a second thought. This muscle memory is extremely useful for dementia patients because they still know their own home enough to navigate around it. Caregivers will be there to help out if needed, but many things your elderly family member needs will be exactly where it’s been for decades. It’s much harder to forget something you’ve known for years than it is to forget something new. If you move a senior into a care facility when they have dementia, they won’t be familiar with their surroundings and can be frustrated or sad when they struggle to find clothes, kitchen items, etc. Facilities don’t always allow you to bring in furniture, so your senior could lose some of their physical comforts as well. In-home care avoids this and lets them live life as normally as they can.
You get to see them just like you always have.
One of the top reasons why families choose to hire in-home caregivers for elderly members is that it doesn’t disrupt anyone’s schedule. If your grandkids are used to visiting Grandma and Grandpa every weekend, you can keep up that tradition. A caregiver may pop in and out, but family time won’t be disrupted. You can visit their home just like you always have to chat, drop something off, enjoy dinner, or celebrate holidays. It can be very hard for seniors to leave everyone they know behind to move into a care facility and many actually experience symptoms of depression because of it. Keep them close to their neighbors, friends, and family by allowing them to age in place. B’Zoe caregivers will become another friend to both the senior and the whole family. We know how important a support system is, so we want to maintain that culture as much as we can.
The senior/caregiver relationship is stronger.
Speaking of our caregivers, your senior can develop a very close relationship with them. We make sure to do thorough background checks on every caregiver prior to hiring them. They are all highly trained and very client-focused. We like to match our caregivers with seniors we feel they will connect with to create the best relationship possible. We will schedule a consultation with the senior and any family members that would like to join so that we can ask you questions about their lifestyle and care needs. We have clients that love to go out on walks or hikes, as well as those that prefer to stay at home. We will match you with caregivers best suited for your senior’s needs. Because the senior/caregiver relationship is so carefully curated, we often see strong bonds grow between them. This is great for family members who feel comfortable knowing that their senior has a caregiver and a companion rolled into one. The caregiver taking care of your senior will remain consistent unlike care in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. They’ll absolutely love the one-on-one care and will tell you about their caregiver all the time!
You can save money.
In most circumstances, in-home care is significantly more affordable than other elderly care options. Of course, the price will change based on the number and type of services you require, but generally speaking, aging in place is more affordable. Your senior can still purchase their own food and prepare it, they don’t have to pay for room and board, and most of their bills will remain the same. The cost to you is much lower, making the situation less financially taxing on everyone. As your senior’s needs change, we can change their care plan accordingly. We work with our clients to bring top-notch care at a fair and reasonable price. Don’t worry about moving a senior out of their home until they really need to. Save money on movers, real estate agents, and more!
We hope these five reasons have convinced you to choose in-home care and aging in place for your senior. There are many other benefits, but these are the five our clients talk about the most. B’Zoe Home Care is a woman-owned elderly care company in Bellevue, Washington. We take pride in hiring only the most qualified caregivers in the area because we know how important proper senior care is to you. Give us a call at (206) 953-4900 to speak to our team today and schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
As we age, we must make changes to our lifestyle in order to stay safe and healthy. Seniors tend to be more prone to injuries and accidents because their bodies are more frail. However, there are plenty of ways to stay active at home that will keep your loved one in top shape. The more active they stay, the stronger their body will stay, even as they age. If you look around the internet you’ll find stories of dancers, gymnasts, golfers, and other athletes who are well over 80-years-old! Staying fit helps elderly people fight off illness, stay mentally and physically sharp, and move around more freely. Here are some exercise ideas from the team of caregivers at B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services!
Yoga
If your loved one is looking to stay strong, flexible, and relaxed, yoga might be perfect for them! There are countless videos and books available that walk you through simple flows and poses. Your loved one can memorize some flows they enjoy or try out a new video every day! Yoga is fantastic for toning the muscles and building strength with body weight. It also improves flexibility and range of motion, two things that many seniors lose if they are not active. Make sure there is plenty of space around to avoid bumping into things and always have a carpet, mat, or another soft surface beneath you. Please check with your senior’s doctor before beginning yoga, and make sure to find poses and flows that are appropriate for their age and skill level. There are many simple poses that provide gentle stretches to areas like the neck, arms, knees, hips, and back. Do not try any difficult yoga poses without a trained professional to assist.
Workout Videos
The internet strikes again! If yoga isn’t your family member’s thing, try workout videos instead! YouTube has thousands of videos on exercises curated specifically for those over 65. There are some higher-intensity, some lower-intensity, and even some seated workouts that will keep your senior active without causing injury. Workout videos usually involve some fun dance moves, upbeat songs, and encouraging trainers. Your elderly family member will be staying fit and having a great time all at once! Once again, please always check with your senior’s doctor before starting a new workout routine. Doctors will be able to offer exercises ideal for each person individually, and can provide some guidance for what moves to avoid or modify. We suggest having the family or a caregiver go through videos first to make sure they are safe, and it’s always a good idea to have someone else in the house to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Go For a Walk
Whenever possible, try to take your elderly family member outside! Going for walks is great for exercise and lets your loved one get some fresh air and see new sights. After this past year, we all know that staring at the same four walls of your house can take a toll. Go for a casual stroll around a park (socially distanced and with masks of course) and enjoy the spring weather! You can even make a day out of it and walk around local stores. If you find a secluded spot, and if everyone there is fully vaccinated, you can even take your masks off for a bit and really enjoy the sun. Depending on your senior’s physical condition, you could even go for hikes with slightly more challenging terrain to navigate. Uneven ground improves balance and spatial awareness and inclines require more muscle power. If your loved one is up for it, do these hikes regularly to keep them toned and ready to go!
Use Items Around The Home
While some people over 65 still go to the gym, many would rather stay home and exercise alone (especially now!). Of course, you don’t have gym equipment at home, so you may think your workout options are limited. However, seniors can workout with items around the home! Canned goods make fantastic light weights, and juice/milk jugs can be filled with water to your desired weight. If you look around the house we promise you’ll find some great alternatives to traditional gym equipment. Stairs can be used for calf raises, chairs and couches can replace benches, and knick-knacks are great for bicep curls. Help your senior get creative to find safe and effective workout tools in their home. Make sure to avoid anything too heavy that can cause pulled muscles or injuries if accidentally dropped. As always, check with their doctor to make sure weight-bearing exercises are safe. Keep in mind that the goal is to not get super strong, but rather to maintain muscle mass and bone density. Pay special attention to muscles in the arms and legs that are needed for daily tasks.
Do Chores/Work Around The House
You would be surprised how much exercise you get just completing daily chores around the house. Things like dusting, vacuuming, gardening, taking out the trash, and doing dishes all burn calories and help keep muscles strong. Of course, there are some household chores that seniors will not be able to safely accomplish on their own. Many of our clients cannot move around well, so our caregivers have to give them a hand. We are always happy to have clients help out in whatever way they can, especially if they enjoy it! Gardening is a great spring/summer activity that gets seniors moving a bit while they enjoy the outdoors. If your senior is not yet in need of in-home care, or not for movement issues anyway, encourage them to keep up with chores. Not only will a tidy house keep their spirits up, but they will stay active and healthy without even realizing it!
We would like to stress once again that you should always speak with a doctor before encouraging your senior to get more active. In-home caregivers are often trained in senior-safe exercises and will gladly help them find their way. While aging in place is desirable to most seniors, it can also lead to isolation and monotony. An in-home caregiver can be the friend your loved one needs, and the reminder to switch up the daily routine to include more active activities. B’Zoe Home Caregiving services has been providing top-quality care for years, and our clients love what we bring to the table. We’ll keep your elderly family member moving and having fun while still staying safe and getting the personalized care and service that they need. Learn more about us at https://bzoehomecare.com/ and call (206) 953-4900 to schedule a FREE consultation.
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of seniors around the world. Alzheimer’s is a specific form of dementia, a degenerative brain condition that results in loss of memory, confusion, and is ultimately fatal. Alzheimer’s is a very complex disease that seems to affect each patient differently. As such, it is still largely misunderstood, even within the medical and research communities. Alzheimer’s patients often require additional care as the disease progresses, and many families opt for in-home caregivers. B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services is very familiar with the disease and we’ve compiled some lesser-known facts and figures that you may find interesting.
An estimated 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2021.
As of 2021, it’s estimated that roughly 6.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. This number is based on Americans over the age of 65 and includes all races, ethnicities, genders, and locations. While this is only 1.86% of the American population, it’s a staggering number that unfortunately continues to grow. Keep in mind that many additional cases exist but are not diagnosed. The population over 65 is most at risk, but there have also been cases in younger adults.
Two-thirds of Americans over 65 with Alzheimer’s are women.
Of the 6.2 million+ cases of Alzheimer’s in America, two-thirds are female. Biological females are more prone to developing Alzheimer’s than males are. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “there is emerging evidence that suggests there may be unique biological reasons for these differences beyond longevity alone. These biological underpinnings may contribute to the underlying brain changes, progression and symptom manifestation in Alzheimer’s disease.” As of right now, researchers are not sure which genetic factors play a role in the disproportionate cases of the disease in females, but several groups are using funds to dig into the topic further. We hope that breakthroughs will be made in the next few years that help us to better understand the genetic factors that put someone at more risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
The pandemic has drastically increased the number of deaths due to Alzheimer’s.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the lives of millions of people around the world. Did you know that it’s also contributed to more Alzheimer’s-related deaths? Dementia in all forms slowly affects the brain causing loss of memory, difficulty completing normal functions, and more. As with any muscle, the more active Alzheimer’s patients keep their brain, the slower the disease tends to worsen. Due to the shutdowns caused by the pandemic, many patients had their daily routines interrupted. Adult daycares shut down, social activities in nursing homes and assisted living facilities stopped, and family members were not able to visit for months. This sudden change of routine combined with the removal of social interactions and meaningful daily activities have sped up the degeneration process in thousands of patients. As things reopen, we feel positive that numbers will once again drop to pre-pandemic levels. Mental enrichment is so important, and COVID took that away from the people who need it most.
Alzheimer’s disease affects the structure of the brain.
Many people are unfamiliar with the inner workings of Alzheimer’s and can’t truly grasp what patients are going through. The disease physically alters the structure of the brain. Neurons are injured and die throughout the brain, and different areas shrink in size. As the brain atrophies, it becomes harder and harder to complete daily functions because nerves and sensors are dead or “disconnected”, and the physical volume of the brain is lower. This constricts oxygen and blood flow, places stress on areas of the brain that help with different functions, and more. Late-stage dementia and Alzheimer’s patients have such an injured brain that their body “forgets” to swallow and digest food. If you were to look at the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient and compare it to an unaffected brain, you’ll see just how drastic the difference is.
We are still actively looking for a cure.
The unfortunate news is that Alzheimer’s is proving to be a tough nut to crack. That being said, it’s one of the largest areas of medical research happening today! Medical professionals are constantly studying the disease to try to better under the mechanics, identify risk factors, and slow or halt the process more effectively. There are some drugs on the market for patients with early-stage dementia, but they have proven ineffective for more severe cases. As stated in an article by IFLScience, “The vast majority of drugs designed to slow or reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s target the protein beta-amyloid, whose overproduction is very closely tied to the onset of the disease. This is because it attacks and damages the connections between the brain’s nerve cells (synapses), which can cause memory problems, dementia, and even death.
What was unknown until now is that during this synapse-destroying process, the nerve cells produce more of the protein beta-amyloid, exacerbating the problem and producing a savage feedback loop where more and more synapses get damaged. The researchers described their discovery in a paper published in the journal Translational Psychiatry.” There may be a drug on researchers’ radar that can break the cycle, and trials are currently taking place. Various organizations and charities bring in millions of dollars each year for Alzheimer’s research, and we know that the much needed breakthrough is just around the corner.
You likely know someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s. It’s a truly terrible disease, but patients can stay happy and comfortable for years with proper care. B’Zoe Home Caregiving Services offers dementia/Alzheimer’s care in-home. Moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility can be stressful for patients, so aging in place is a popular option. If you have a loved one in need of dementia care, contact B’Zoe Home Care at (206) 953-4900. Your senior will be matched with an ideal caregiver who will make a personalized schedule for meeting in-home each week. We would love to help you care for your family, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
