Wii-Fit games helping with health...

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

   We recently stumbled across an article (click here to review) that explained how a Wii-Fit game helped a lady to discover she had Parkinson's disease!  While the game didn't exactly diagnose her condition, it pointed out some activity quirks that prompted her to visit her doctor.
  Games like the Wii-Fit can provide a great way to get in some low-impact exercise.  And like the lady in this article, if you notice something to be slightly 'askew', visit your doctor.  Now go play a game!

Assistance in moving from a nursing facility to your own home

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

  A recent article published in ElderLawAnswers.com and USA Today outlines how several states are assisting nursing home residents, who are able to do so, to return to their homes.  With the incentive of lower costs for in home care, as well as the overall higher level of contentment for the patient, many states are making plans to grow this program.  Well worth reading!  Click on either of the above links to learn more, or call our offices for more information today.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease - Continuing series..

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958


 A key to Alzheimers understanding is knowing how it affects some suffers.  Research suggests that emotions in the Alzheimers sufferer may persist long after the event that triggers it has passed.
 For instance, in a recent study, patients with the disease were allowed to view movies that evoked tears and sadness, or laughter and happiness.  Six minutes later, the participants had trouble remembering the movie.  Thirty minutes later, an emotion evaluation revealed they still felt sad (or happy), often more than persons with normal memories.  The more memory-imparied patients tended to retain the stronger emotions longer.

 You may help to elevate an Alzheimers patient's mood by exposing them to situations that make them laugh or happy. Since it's likely they'll forget what they did quickly, don't be surprised if they want to repeat the activity!

Merry Christmas

Courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

'Tiz the season to worry about mom & dad...

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

 December is a time for family.  As the time when many travel to be with parents or grandparents, a family gathering can bring to light previously unknown physical or mental problems of aging relatives.  It's important to distinguish between traits of normal aging and something more serious.  Here are a few items you should take note of..

1. House - Neat and maintained or dusty and in disrepair?
2. Refrigerator - Adequate and fresh food?  Have eating habits changed?  Is there weight loss?
3. Conversation - Are extended conversations a challenge?  Do they repeat questions several times?
4. Forgetfulness - Are there stacks of unopened mail, unpaid bills, missed appointment reminders?
5. Hygiene - Do they look less tidy than the last time you saw them? IE: unshaven, clothes not clean/neat, hair not combed, body odor.
6. Driving - Can they drive themselves safely?  Do you say to yourself "oh no, they're driving to...".

  This is only a brief list.  Our aging families, parents, friends and loved ones rarely want to burden anyone, but we shouldn't ignore their needs.  If you notice these traits, talk about it in a caring manner with them, and also discuss how you can improve the issues.  Above all, be gentle when making changes.

Head to Toe Women's Show

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

 Make plans to attend Head to Toe - A Holiday Women's Show on Thursday, Dec. 9th between 9am & 5pm at the Charles Mack Citizen's center in Mooresville, NC.  While there, be sure to stop by our booth to say "Hi" and to register for our Spring 2011 Sunset Cruise for yourself and 3 guests!  Visit our website at  www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 and click on the link in the "In The News" pane to learn more about the drawing.
 We hope to see you there!

 Providing care for over a decade to the most important of generations....    Yours!