Keeping the brain active to avoid dementia

A very large study of self-employed people living in France finds those who retired later had a lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia, in line with the idea that you either "use it or lose it."

Carole Dufouil of the Bordeaux School of Public Health, and colleagues, found that the risk of being diagnosed with dementia went down for each year of working longer. The study appears to confirm earlier research that suggests lifelong mental stimulation and challenge may protect against Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

So what to do?  The study doesn't tell people that they "shouldn't" retire, only that people who's minds are kept active are less likely to develop dementia.  Those that continued working remained active!  Bottom line, retired or not, stay active.  Board games, hobbies, clubs, working with others, these all keep the brain in gear.  And that's a good thing when it comes to avoiding dementia.

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+!

Cutting Costs & Adding Security with Advanced Technology

Technology doesn't stand still, and we make every effort to bring our clients the most reliable and cost effective products that are available.  Many of our clients utilize Emergency Alert systems that allow them to summons help by merely pushing a button that is worn around the neck or wrist.  The only drawback to the typical alert button is that it's range is limited to around the home or yard.  Get in the car and go for a drive, and the button becomes unusable one it's more than about 300 feet from the home.

Home Helpers now offers two products that address this limitation (click here to view).  Our Direct Link Life Sentry 2-way Pendant features a 600 foot range and the ability to speak to a responder directly through the pendant.  The pendant is small, but allows an individual to move up to 600 feet from the home base unit.

For more active individuals, our Cell Based Mobile Care Pendant works through the AT&T cell network and can travel with you most anywhere you go!  In addition to providing one touch help, sophisticated fall detection is standard, and it offers a reverse call up feature that can be used to receive medication reminders or wellness checks! An internal GPS makes certain the user can be located quickly in an emergency, so there's no need to provide directions.

Best of all, we offer free delivery, setup, instruction, and no contract services!  Call our office today to learn about these and other great products, and how affordable our products and services can be.

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+!
 

Preventing Falls At Home

Home Helpers serves many families with emergency medical alert units that provide assistance atPrevention tips:

the touch of a button 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We even have units that will automatically sense if a person has fallen.  However, our desire is that the systems never need to be used because precautions have been taken to prevent accidents. With that in mind, we’d like to offer some Fall

  Keep Moving: Talk with your doctor about physical activities such as walking, water aerobics or tai chi.  Such activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.

  Wear sensible shoes: Consider changing your footwear as part of your fall-prevention plan.  High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall, as can walking in your stocking feet. Instead, consider properly fitting, lace-up shoes with non-skid soles. For lounging in stocking feet, choose socks with rubberized non-slip soles.

  Remove home hazards:  Take a look around your home.  The rooms may be filled with hazards. Remove boxes, newspapers/magazines, electrical cords, etc., from traffic areas. Secure loose rugs with double sided tape, or just remove them completely. And be sure to have nonslip maps in the bathroom and shower/tub.

  Light up your life!:  Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see.

  Use assistive devices:  Using a cane or walker can help keep someone steady. Other assistive devices, such as hand-rails, raised toilet seats, shower grab bars, or a shower seat, can be a great help too.

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+!

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+! - See more at: http://www.homecarehuntersvillenc.com//blog/#sthash.Tp4miF9S.dpuf

Seniors & Credit Cards - Family Advice

We were recently approached by someone who's parents credit card habits were creating grave concern.  The debt was piling up just from the interest, and they were at a loss as to anything that

could be done.  There are some steps you can take to help get the ball rolling in the right direction.  Let's look at a few of the most common:
1) Make sure your parent isn’t still using the cards so that they don't accrue additional debt.
2) Review every credit card to see if any other individuals besides your parents are associated with each account. If so, request that their names be removed from any applicable accounts if possible – this will help the other person(s) to retain or salvage their own credit rating.
3) Call each credit card company and request a settlement, which would allow your parents to repay less than what they currently owe, and to do so within a reasonable payment structure.
4) If you’re unable to reach a settlement, seek legal advice. Since your parents are in debt and likely cannot afford a lawyer, you can look for pro bono assistance.  Senior Centers and the local Council On Aging offices are a great place to start with this.
Open and frank discussions will be needed, but remember to not be harsh.  Credit card spending is a temptation that is easy to succumb to.
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+!

Seniors & Driving, A Great Video Documentary

  Make no mistake, everyone in the U.S. has a love affair with a car. Freedom, independence, and just the pure fun of driving envelopes our society.  If you think about it, it's likely that everyone you know can relate a fond story from their lives that includes a car, from that first kiss as a teenager to loading up the family for the big vacation.  The car is a part of who we are.

But, as we age, concerns about safety behind the wheel need to be recognized.  According to the National Highway Safety Administration, on newly licensed teenagers have a higher accident rate than seniors in the U.S.


Old People Driving from Doran Danoff on Vimeo.
The documentary Old People Driving, directed by Shaleece Haas, is a short film released in 2010 about, well, old people driving. The film explores the subject of elderly drivers by examining the lives of two men, Herbert Bauer, age 99, and the filmmaker’s grandfather, Milton Cavalli, age 96.
The film could be insightful for families with an older driver, as well for professionals working with such seniors. It turns the conversation away from stereotypes about crashing codgers, and powerfully humanizes the older drivers in a way that’s remarkable for a short film.

Although Old People Driving may be of special interest to those somehow involved with seniors, it was an enjoyable movie in its own right. It’s charming without being sappy and succeeded because the presence of two very interesting and likable characters.

If you think this may be a good tool to address the topic with a group, a DVD is available for purchase.  You can obtain the full DVD here.

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+!

Make no mistake, everyone in the U.S. has a love affair with a car. Freedom, independence, and just the pure fun of driving envelopes our society.  If you think about it, it’s likely that everyone you know can relate a fond story from their lives that includes a car, from that first kiss as a teenager to loading up the family for the big vacation.  The car is a part of who we are.
But, as we age, concerns about safety behind the wheel need to be recognized.  According to the National Highway Safety Administration, on newly licensed teenagers have a higher accident rate than seniors in the U.S.
The documentary Old People Driving, directed by Shaleece Haas, is a short film released in 2010 about, well, old people driving. The film explores the subject of elderly drivers by examining the lives of two men, Herbert Bauer, age 99, and the filmmaker’s grandfather, Milton Cavalli, age 96.
The film could be insightful for families with an older driver, as well for professionals working with such seniors. It turns the conversation away from stereotypes about crashing codgers, and powerfully humanizes the older drivers in a way that’s remarkable for a short film. Although Old People Driving may be of special interest to those somehow involved with seniors, it was an enjoyable movie in its own right. It’s charming without being sappy and succeeded because the presence of two very interesting and likable characters.
You can watch the movie below. If you think this may be a good tool to address the topic with a group, a DVD is available for purchase.  You can obtain the full DVD here.
- See more at: http://homecarehuntersvillenc.com/blog/#sthash.lrPpYUmX.dpuf

Make no mistake, everyone in the U.S. has a love affair with a car. Freedom, independence, and just the pure fun of driving envelopes our society.  If you think about it, it’s likely that everyone you know can relate a fond story from their lives that includes a car, from that first kiss as a teenager to loading up the family for the big vacation.  The car is a part of who we are.
But, as we age, concerns about safety behind the wheel need to be recognized.  According to the National Highway Safety Administration, on newly licensed teenagers have a higher accident rate than seniors in the U.S.
The documentary Old People Driving, directed by Shaleece Haas, is a short film released in 2010 about, well, old people driving. The film explores the subject of elderly drivers by examining the lives of two men, Herbert Bauer, age 99, and the filmmaker’s grandfather, Milton Cavalli, age 96.
The film could be insightful for families with an older driver, as well for professionals working with such seniors. It turns the conversation away from stereotypes about crashing codgers, and powerfully humanizes the older drivers in a way that’s remarkable for a short film. Although Old People Driving may be of special interest to those somehow involved with seniors, it was an enjoyable movie in its own right. It’s charming without being sappy and succeeded because the presence of two very interesting and likable characters.
You can watch the movie below. If you think this may be a good tool to address the topic with a group, a DVD is available for purchase.  You can obtain the full DVD here.
- See more at: http://homecarehuntersvillenc.com/blog/#sthash.lrPpYUmX.dpuf

Make no mistake, everyone in the U.S. has a love affair with a car. Freedom, independence, and just the pure fun of driving envelopes our society.  If you think about it, it’s likely that everyone you know can relate a fond story from their lives that includes a car, from that first kiss as a teenager to loading up the family for the big vacation.  The car is a part of who we are.
But, as we age, concerns about safety behind the wheel need to be recognized.  According to the National Highway Safety Administration, on newly licensed teenagers have a higher accident rate than seniors in the U.S.
The documentary Old People Driving, directed by Shaleece Haas, is a short film released in 2010 about, well, old people driving. The film explores the subject of elderly drivers by examining the lives of two men, Herbert Bauer, age 99, and the filmmaker’s grandfather, Milton Cavalli, age 96.
The film could be insightful for families with an older driver, as well for professionals working with such seniors. It turns the conversation away from stereotypes about crashing codgers, and powerfully humanizes the older drivers in a way that’s remarkable for a short film. Although Old People Driving may be of special interest to those somehow involved with seniors, it was an enjoyable movie in its own right. It’s charming without being sappy and succeeded because the presence of two very interesting and likable characters.
You can watch the movie below. If you think this may be a good tool to address the topic with a group, a DVD is available for purchase.  You can obtain the full DVD here.
- See more at: http://homecarehuntersvillenc.com/blog/#sthash.lrPpYUmX.dpuf

Make no mistake, everyone in the U.S. has a love affair with a car. Freedom, independence, and just the pure fun of driving envelopes our society.  If you think about it, it’s likely that everyone you know can relate a fond story from their lives that includes a car, from that first kiss as a teenager to loading up the family for the big vacation.  The car is a part of who we are.
But, as we age, concerns about safety behind the wheel need to be recognized.  According to the National Highway Safety Administration, on newly licensed teenagers have a higher accident rate than seniors in the U.S.
The documentary Old People Driving, directed by Shaleece Haas, is a short film released in 2010 about, well, old people driving. The film explores the subject of elderly drivers by examining the lives of two men, Herbert Bauer, age 99, and the filmmaker’s grandfather, Milton Cavalli, age 96.
The film could be insightful for families with an older driver, as well for professionals working with such seniors. It turns the conversation away from stereotypes about crashing codgers, and powerfully humanizes the older drivers in a way that’s remarkable for a short film. Although Old People Driving may be of special interest to those somehow involved with seniors, it was an enjoyable movie in its own right. It’s charming without being sappy and succeeded because the presence of two very interesting and likable characters.
You can watch the movie below. If you think this may be a good tool to address the topic with a group, a DVD is available for purchase.  You can obtain the full DVD here.
- See more at: http://homecarehuntersvillenc.com/blog/#sthash.lrPpYUmX.dpuf

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15th

We are usually taught to respect our elders, for they have spent their lives caring for us and contributing to community, our elders deserve the utmost care and appreciation. Unfortunately, seniors continue to be victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. The most recent statistics are disturbing, and sad:

Elderly Abuse Statistics Data
Number of elder abuse cases in 2010                  5,961,568
Percent of elder population abused in 2010              9.5 %
the society in which we live today. As valued members of our
Breakdown of Reported Elder Abuse Cases
Neglect                                       58.5 %
Physical Abuse                          15.7 %
Financial Exploitation                 12.3 %
Emotional Abuse                         7.3 %
Sexual Abuse                              0.04 %
All other types                              5.1 %
Unknown                                     0.06 %
The well-being of the elderly must be brought to the forefront of societal concerns. Their health, safety and rights must be protected, and they should be treated the same way we would hope to be treated ourselves.
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. We all have opportunities to reach out to our families, friends, neighbors, and places of employment and worship. This June, take a stand against elder abuse! Awareness of the problem is a powerful tool.

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+!