Making Choices

Recently, a research group ran a poll regarding senior care, and they have now published the results.  We found the information to be quite interesting. The question they asked: “If you need help with future care, who would you want to be your caregiver?”
The results were as follows:

* My child (11.73%)
* My spouse (16.04%)
* A friend (4.52%)
* A professional in-home caregiver (23.79%)
* I would move into senior living (retirement community, assisted living, nursing home, etc.) (43.92%)

There are a variety of outstanding resources available to us today. For instance, our agency meets with wonderful healthcare professionals at multiple facilities, and we’ve been privileged to be chosen to provide care services to some of their residents.

However, frequently a senior will want to stay in their home.  While they have supportive family and friends, more opt for a professional in-home caregiver.  This would be someone who is specially trained to meet their needs, and whose job it is to be there every time, anytime!  That’s a difficult commitment to expect from a family member.

At Home Helpers, we know how important it is to keep an individual in the environment they are most comfortable.    If you know someone who is having a difficult time making the right choice, or a family struggling to care for a loved one, call us.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Eating foods that help lower cholesterol...

For persons of all ages, it's possible to enjoy a heart healthy diet that won't clog your arterties!  The following foods will help, and you'll probably find that they taste great..

1) Nuts.  Did you know that the fat in nuts is from the healthy unsaturated kind?  Nuts are also high in plant streols, a substance that blocks the absorption of cholesterol.  Knowing this, they are a natural for a heart-healthy diet. About one-half to two ounces per day are sufficient. 
2) Avocados. Studies have shown that consumption of avocados tends to produce a drop in LDL levels after about six months. They contain oleic acid which is a healthy monounsaturated fat that helps protect good cholesterol and lower bad.
3) Edamame. These buttery tasting beans are high in protien, and rich in soluble fiber and isoflavones, which are compounds that help bring down total blood levels of cholesterol.
4) Olive Oil. This oil doesn't just help food taste better, it's unsaturated fats have the benefit of helping to cut LDL cholesterol without affecting the HDL levels (a good thing!!!).
5) Pears. Crisp and sweet, what's not to like? Plus they contain pectin, a natural fiber that helps to knock now LDL levels!
6) Tea. Both green and black teas can help with cholesterol levels.  It's believed that an antioxidant called catechins contained in these teas is responsible for the cholesterol lowering affects.
7) Tomatoes. These are a significant source of lycopene, which helps to reduce LDL levels.
8) Lentils. The soluble fiber in lentils helps trap cholesterol and move it out of the body!
So enjoy some great foods and help your heart! To learn more about these and other healthy living tips, visit AARP's Healthy Living web site.
Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

11 years later...

The attacks on our country of 9/11 were eleven years ago today.  Take a moment from  your busy day and say a prayer for the families of those we lost. Also, be appreciative of all that we have and be reminded to live everyday to the fullest. 9/11 – our fallen heroes will never be forgotten.

Alzheimer's or Normal Life?

We always hear people say "I think I have Alzheimer's!  I'm always forgetting things...".  Forgetting is a normal part of living, so what  are true symptoms and what is normal? Here's a quick list of common Alzheimer's symptoms, with the functions of a normal person explained in italics:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.  A common sign of Alzheimer's is forgetting recently learned information, forgetting common dates, or asking the same question over and over.  Sometimes forgetting names or information, and remembering it later is normal.
2. Difficulty completing familiar tasks.  Alzheimer's sufferers find completing daily routines challenging.  Forgetting how to set the microwave or record a TV show is no need to worry.
3. Difficulty solving problems.  Developing plans or working with numbers can be very frustrating.  For instance, the routine task of paying bills can become insurmountable.  Making errors in the checkbook is common for everyone!
4. Confusion with time or places.  Alzheimer's patients commonly get lost or forget how to return home.  Dates and times are regularly confused for them.  Getting confused or forgetting the day of the week is not unusual for anyone!
5. Misunderstanding images and spatial relationships.  Vision problems, difficulty reading, judging distance, or determining colors are common with Alzheimer's.  It's not unusual for a sufferer to pass a mirror and think that it's another person in the room.  Declining sight or changes related to cataracts are not uncommon as we age.
These are just a few of the warning signs of Alzheimer's, and there are many more which we'll cover later.  If you recognize these symptoms in a loved one, consult a physician as soon as possible.  Early diagnosis provides the best opportunity for successful treatment.
Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Six good reasons to be active!

Most people have a common reason for exercising: They want to loose weight.  However, weight loss is not the only reason one should be active.  Even if you don’t loose an ounce, you’re still getting benefits from your workout.  Here are six good examples:

1) Heart health — Even if you’re overweight, getting fit can help reduce the risk of heart disease.  This according to a study in the Journal Of American College Of Cardiology.
2) Reduce Depression — Research has linked exercise to relief from sadness in men, women, and persons with chronic illnesses.  The researchers concluded that movement may boost some “feel good” chemicals in the brain!
3) Cancer — Moving reduces the risk for tumors in the breasts, colon, lungs, and prostate.  The American Cancer Society recommends 150 minutes/week of moderate exercise, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of the two.
4) Independence — Being active helps older adults to gain strength, energy, and balance throughout the day.
5) Illness Management — A person with type 2 diabetes will benefit from blood glucose control.  If you have cancer, it can reduce the side effects of some treatment.
6) Extend Life — Exercise should be considered the fountain of youth!  Studies show that persons that remain active tend to live longer.
Of course, weight loss remains the main reason that people exercise.  But, knowing all of the other benefits should provide inspiration whether weight is a problem or not.
Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!

Red Wine & Chocolate - Brain Food!

Here’s something that Chocolate and Red Wine lovers can really get excited about!  According to a recent HealthDay News article, a diet rich in flavanols, which is an antioxidant found in both of the the above, may help people with mild memory problems improve their brain function.  The  Italian researchers stated that flavanols are found in teas, grapes, apples, red wine, and cocoa plants, and are associated with a decreased risk in dementia!  The ability to help maintain brain function may arise from flavanol improving brain metabolism and blood flow, both of which are beneficial to preserving memory.
The full report can be read on HealthDay’s website by clicking here.  It should be noted that not all experts are convinced of the validity of the Italian researchers findings.  But for those of us that love a nice red wine or a big piece chocolate, it’s encouraging information!!
Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!