Educational vacations are perfect for elderly travelers. This type of vacation will allow the individual to experience new things and learn about new places and cultures. Many times, a vacation does not allow for the time needed to see and learn everything in a new location. By planning an educational vacation for a senior, they will have a planned schedule which will allow them to learn and experience a new side of life. The following tips are provided to help when planning a senior vacation with an educational aspect.

1. Use a travel agent that you trust. These agents will often have information that you would not get if you booked the vacation online. The travel agent will also be able to get the best deal and available senior discount.

2. Set some limits. Traveling somewhere new is exciting, but it is difficult to take it all in within the amount of time you are allowed. Try to narrow the scope of interest to include points of interest, historical sites or museums.

3. When on the vacation, make use of hired guides. These guides have great knowledge of the area in which you are visiting. They will be able to inform you of local history as well as other valuable information.

4. Take physical limits into consideration. If you are a senior, you know what your body can handle. If you are a caregiver who is planning the trip for another, make sure you are aware of what that person can handle physically.

Source: www.ehow.com

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

Hypertension is a common diagnosis among the elderly. If you are a senior, a caregiver or a family member of an elderly patient, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with high blood pressure. This disease is one of the leading causes of congestive heart failure. Heart attacks and strokes are also commonly known complications of the disease. While there are medications to treat hypertension, the risk of developing the disease can be lowered by changing some daily habits. Some things that will increase the risk of high blood pressure include:

• Diets that contain high amounts of salt. Studies have indicated that the reduction of daily salt intake will lower the blood pressure. Low sodium diets are highly recommended for most elderly patients.

• High levels of alcohol intake. If you, or an elderly family member, consume high amounts of alcohol on a daily basis, the risk of the development of hypertension is increased.

• Past family history of high blood pressure will increase risk. It is important to be aware of any family member who has been diagnosed with hypertension. The disease does run in families and can be transferred genetically, even if the patient does not live a lifestyle that includes any other risks.

• Obesity. It has been proven that hypertension affects obese individuals more often than those who maintain a normal weight.

• Individuals with an African American heritage will be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure.

Source: TheDoctorwillseeyounow.com

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

When deciding to move your elderly mother or father into your home, finances probably aren’t your primary reason for doing it, but they will play a role once the move has taken place. Understanding both the pros and cons before hand will alleviate any unpleasant surprises on all sides, and make the experience a much more enjoyable one where no decisions are regretted!

Pros:

• Living expenses (utilities, mortgage etc) don’t increase significantly when just one person is added to the home, but having another person to contribute to these bills can reduce the home owner’s costs!

• With taxes, families might be able to receive a deduction for having an additional dependant in their home

• Household items, like food, might be bought in bulk to save more money

• Any assets from the sales of the seniors home can be invested

Cons:

• Depending upon future care needs, one or more members of the household might need to take time off work, or hire additional senior care assistance

• Seniors may lose tax deductions once they’re no longer a home owner and other factors regarding capital gain may apply

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

All caregivers deal with stress, and often so much of it that it becomes part of their regular lives. While some level of stress comes with the territory, it doesn’t need to be so overwhelming all the time. Here are 10 survival tips that all caregivers should know:

1. Take care of yourself with diet and exercise – eat well throughout the day, and no matter how busy you are, don’t skip meals, otherwise your energy levels will drop. Exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes, and pick something that you enjoy doing (walking, biking, aerobics class)

2. Walk away – you won’t walk away permanently from your care responsibilities, but you can take a step back when you need to. Take a break, even if just for a few minutes, or have someone else step in to provide respite care

3. Seek help – 72% of caregivers refuse to receive outside help with their responsibilities; don’t be one of them. Ask a family member to step in and help, or hire a professional home caregiver to give you a break. Also, don’t be afraid to lean on others when you’re stressed, even if it means joining a support group

4. Spoil yourself – reward yourself for all of your hard work, once a week or once a month, go get a massage, have a manicure, go to a movie, or take a hot bath with a glass of wine. Do something that helps you rejuvenate!

5. Don’t neglect your health – remember to get yourself to the doctor regularly, especially if you’re feeling ill. You’ll be better help to a senior when you’re in one piece!

Via: Caregiver Stress

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

Budgeting is important for everyone, no matter what their age or the amount of money in their bank account; but for seniors who live on a limited and fixed income it is essential to manage money wisely and save where they can. Here are 10 ways that seniors can save money on their necessary expenses:

1. Talk to a professional – talking to a financial planner, either by using a service or speaking with one provided by a local branch of your bank can help you make sure you plan to meet your financial goals and needs. For example, they can help you get on track saving for future medical or care needs.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – if you’re struggling to cover your basic needs then your local Area Agency on Aging can connect you with resources that can help

3. Find ways to reduce utility costs – keep blinds down and windows and doors closed to preserve optimal temperatures for your house

4. Walk, don’t drive – taking a car or public transportation can be more costly, so walk when possible and benefit your health and your wallet

5. Never make fast financial decisions – always ask for a second opinion before making decisions

6. Grow your own produce – plant a garden in your yard, a family member’s garden, or in a community plot to grow your own produce and cut down on food costs

7. Buy healthy items – convenient, pre-prepared items might be fast and easy, but they are less healthy and often  more expensive

8. Buy generic – generic brands are less expensive, purchase them for foods and for your medications

9. Carpool – it’s more fun to travel places with company anyways; share transportation costs by carpooling!

10. Plan to stay at home – aging in place is the more desirable option for most seniors, and it can be more cost-effective too

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

If you ask most seniors, they will tell you that having a condition that affects their memories is one of their greatest fears. While it might not be possible to prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia, there are steps that all seniors can take in order to keep their brains sharp at any point in life!

1. Eat with your brain in mind – it’s not just our bodies affected when we make bad food choices, are minds are affected as well. To boost your brain power, start the day with a meal that contains protein by including eggs, nuts (like peanut or almond butter), or lean protein from animals. For lunch and dinner, include protein that contains Omega 3 fatty acids like tuna, salmon or sardines. With meals, try organic foods and whole grains

2. Sleep well – sleep improves brain function greatly, it might be something taken for granted, but it’s crucial to overall health, both mind and body! Getting 8 hours of good sleep per night is crucial for seniors, no matter what it takes!

3. Use vitamins to your advantage – since our diets don’t always provide the essential number of vitamins and nutrients for optimal brain functioning, multi-vitamins can fill the void. Your multi-vitamin should have the following nutrients in these quantities provide the greatest benefit:  omega 3 fats (1,000 mg of fish oil), vitamin D3 (2,000 IU), calcium (600 mg), magnesium (400 mg) and B vitamins like folic acid, B6 and B12.

4. Learn how to turn off – whether you’re a senior or a caregiver, you lead a busy life; learn how to turn off to relax and rejuvenate, your brain will thank you and you’ll find yourself more productive

5. Think green – while green vegetables are of course beneficial to health, it’s green living we’re referring to here. Avoid environmental toxins and pollutions, which the brain is sensitive to.

Via: AOL Health

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National Family Caregiver’s Month is a time to appreciate all of those out there who make sacrifices and give so much of themselves to care for the other important people in their lives – often, their senior parents or other elderly relatives. The following gestures below can help them to celebrate a job well done!

1. Give them a break – offering to provide respite care or hiring someone to step in can allow caregivers to relax or reconnect with friends and family

2. Remind local businesses what this month means – then encourage them to offer freebies or discounts for family caregivers in the area!

3. Lend them a hand with holiday preparations – the holidays can create added responsibility, so help a caregiver decorate for the holidays or put stamps on their cards

4. Get them laughing – go see a funny movie with them, or pick up tickets to a local comedy club. Laugher IS the best medicine!

5. Take over holiday hosting responsibilities – caregivers already have a lot on their plates; host Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday celebration so the caregiver can simply focus on enjoying the company!

6. Sign the petition – there’s a petition to establish a stamp that recognizes family caregivers; sign it in their honor!

7. Create something personal – a personalized gift, like a calendar with family photos, will help them feel like they’re appreciated, and it will help them stay organized

8. Send them a token of appreciation – a bouquet of flowers or a card might not be a big gesture, but it will make caregivers feel appreciated and special

9. Connect them with caregiving resources – free seminars and other events take place to keep caregivers better informed and help them manage stress

10. Lend your support – give them an ear to talk to, or help them find a support group

Via: The Family Caregiver

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

Some seniors and caregivers are always on the go; with full social calendars and a host of responsibilities, it can be hard to find time to squeeze in a healthy meal, but to keep energy levels up, nutritious food options, even on the go are a must! Here are some great ideas for ways to keep both seniors and caregivers refueled and feeling good no matter where they are throughout the day.

1. Fruits – fruits are easy to pop into a bag or purse to take with you wherever you go. Try an apple, orange, or banana; these don’t bruise as easily and are easily transportable without mess. You can also take mixed berries in a small Tupperware container.

2. Dried fruits and vegetables – dried items really can go anywhere with you, and they offer the same nutritional benefits as the fresh variety. Take raisins, cranberries, banana chips, vegetable chips or other dried produce items

3. Take trail mix – trail mix is designed for snacking on the go; you can either purchase one ready-mixed that is low in sodium and sugary content or make your own with mixed nuts, dried fruit, cereal, and even dark chocolate chips

4. Enjoy fresh vegetables – slice up some raw vegetables like carrots, cucumber, celery, mixed peppers and other vegetables that won’t begin to turn brown right after they’re sliced

5. Carry crackers – make some crackers (whole grain) with peanut butter or cheese for added protein, that will give you needed energy restoration during the day

6. Take a thermos – using an insulated thermos will allow you to take soup, or cold drinks out with you

Via: Associated Content

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.

Often caregivers who have a lot on their plates, still want to increase their opportunities to learn. Whether it’s about things that concern their careers, their home lives or their caregiving responsibilities; reading through necessary documentation can be a time consuming project that’s hard to find time for. In order to address this challenge, caregivers can increase their reading speed by trying out the following tips and techniques:

1. Learn active reading – often when reading our minds drift away and we’re not totally engaged in what’s in front of us on the pages. Try to more actively engage your mind by taking notes, doodling keywords or underlining key words in passages. This will also help to engage your memory

2. Try a reading software – software programs like EyeQ teach you how to physically read faster by helping you learn how to move your eyes back and forth more quickly when reading

3. Try a technique called Photoreading – if you’re reading for the sake of gathering specific information alone from a document, you can increase your reading speed with this technique which teaches you to focus on what you want to get out of the book or document

Sources:

1. Gaia

2. Nina Potter

Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.