The term assisted living facility has been thrown around in the past, but it’s not always used in the right context as many believe that these facilities (also referred to by their abbreviation ALF) are more similar to nursing homes which essentially offer seniors no independence or privacy. ALF is like receiving live-in senior care, but with a little bit of additional independence. The following services and benefits are offered to seniors in assisted living facilities:

1. Living independently – seniors in ALFs are often in one-bedroom or studio apartment buildings, so they have the privacy and independence that they require

2. Safety is offered – ALF apartments anticipate the safety needs of seniors and ensure that they include grab bars, ramps and other essential safety devices. Supervisors are always available to respond to emergencies

3. Seniors don’t need to worry about home maintenance – cleaning services, including laundry can be provided by ALF

4. Activity of daily living services are offered – bathing, dressing, and medication reminders can be provided. There are also special facilities for those who suffer with Alzheimer’s and dementia and designated services

ALF is a great alternative for those seniors who may no longer be able to live in their own homes – even with the support of a family or professional caregiver. However, they do come at a cost and while private insurance companies may cover a portion of the fees, Medicare and Medicaid do not.

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

When visiting an elderly family member over the holiday season, it’s the best time to begin evaluating how they are managing with their chosen lifestyle. While family members should be on the lookout for warning signs that their loved one might be struggling, the holiday season is not the right time to actually have a conversation about life changing events or cause stress. Families, can however, do an impromptu evaluation of their own and take note of things that should come up during future discussions.

Senior care experts recommend that families make note of the following things:

1. Learn about what your senior wants for the future – the holidays aren’t a time to bring up stressful conversations, but you can casually ask them about their desires for their future. If you learn they’re hoping to move closer to their grandchildren or to a warmer climate, that can help you understand for planning

2. Take a look at how they’re doing physically and mentally – simply being in a senior’s presence over the holidays will help you to evaluate their physical and mental health that could dictate their future senior care needs

3. Include the whole family – particularly if the senior you are assessing is a parent and you have siblings, everyone needs to be included in the discussions, at least until a family caregiver is decided to provide family care. Open the dialogue with your family members about the future of your loved one’s care

Via: www.stagesofseniorcare.com

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

The holidays are meant to be joyous, but for many, they’re a great source of stress. Family caregivers and seniors can really feel the strain of the season; so here are some tips for beating the holiday blues and some might surprise you!!

1. Surround yourself with people – even if you don’t have family or friends around that you can spend time with, do join other social events taking place in your community

2. Volunteer – no matter what’s happening in your life, you’ll feel great when you volunteer and give back to those in need

3. Join a support group – sometimes it’s not easy to talk to family about the emotions you’re struggling with, so join a support group that allows you to share your feelings

4. Don’t put pressure on yourself – it’s okay if you don’t feel like celebrating over the holidays, don’t push yourself. Get involved with those things that make you happy, and don’t get down on yourself if you don’t feel joyful

5. Avoid alcohol – alcohol can depress your mood, so even though the wine and eggnog is flowing over the holidays, stick to the non-alcoholic stuff!

6. Know the signs of depression and seek treatment – the holiday blues are one thing, but you also need to recognize depression and get help

Via: Health in Aging

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Home Instead Senior Care serving elders and seniors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Santa Clara and Saratoga home care - 408-370-6360.Financial Pros and Cons of Living with a Senior

Shopping for grandma or grandpa for the holidays can seem like a big challenge for many families, but here are some great gift ideas that many seniors are likely to appreciate.

• Practical items they can really use – many seniors are on a budget crunch, so they could benefit from a gift card to places that they need to shop for essentials on a regular basis. A prepaid shopping card to grocery stores, large discount stores and department stores would all be appreciated and put to good use!

• Items that allow them to pamper themselves – seniors on a budget are not likely to splurge on things they consider non-essentials. Buy them candles, soaps and body lotions that allow them to feel pampered at home. Gift cards to restaurants or spas are added luxuries

• Gift baskets – gift baskets with a combination of items, including some of the above, as well as seasonal foods, books, and craft supplies that they will enjoy and make use of are all great things to include! Gift baskets can be bought pre-fabricated or can be created at home

• The gift of companionship – seniors will most appreciate the company of their loved ones. If this is not possible, senior care services can be gifted for companionship and assistance at home

• Take an elderly loved one out for the day – a trip out for lunch around the holidays to see a movie or a musical event can be a very enjoyable way for them to spend a day and it will be memorable!

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

There are approximately 5.1 million older adults living with Alzheimer’s today, and that’s a number that’s expected to double over the next couple of decades. Alzheimer’s care as provided for by medicine is currently lacking, with Alzheimer’s often going undetected even following hospitalization because it’s just not something that’s looked for initially. Unfortunately for many of these seniors, lack of awareness by medical professionals can lead to greater health problems or injuries. A new three-pronged approach with proven results in an American study has the goal of improving Alzheimer’s
care in hospitals.

1. Screening upon admission to the hospital – rather than learning that a senior has Alzheimer’s or dementia retroactively following a medical issue, this approach ensures seniors are screened when admitted to the hospital

2. Education of the nurses and medical practitioners – there are three levels of care depending upon patient needs, but all of them ensure that all medical professionals responsible for the care of a senior are aware of their Alzheimer’s diagnosis

3. Planning for the future – right from the time of admission in this three-tier program, medical professionals talk with seniors and family members about preparing for the future, and arrangements that will need to be made for discharge. For those who require more comprehensive care, follow-ups are conducted to ensure that a senior’s health comes first

Via: Hospitals and Health Networks

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

A new study has revealed that boomers and future generations of seniors might find their mobility compromised by increased instances of health conditions that can change their lives and increase their needs for medical care and senior care services. While the true scope of this issue might not be determinable until it begins, the health care and senior care industries can use this knowledge in proactive planning:

1. Caregivers can arm themselves with knowledge – with this study already circulating, professional caregivers and families with other generations alike can take this opportunity to become more knowledgeable. Professional caregivers can increase their knowledge about dealing with disabled seniors on a large scale, and families can take a long hard look at their prospective care options should this issue become a reality for their family

2. Organizations can improve personal mobility devices – new technology that can assist in the senior care industry is constantly becoming available on the market, but if  there is a greater need that’s upcoming, there’s room for further development and preparation

3. Studies can focus on preventative measures – increased numbers of disabled seniors, particularly if the boomer demographic is affected, could put a strain on the health care system. With this knowledge, health care professionals care work proactively to try and find preventative medicine or establish techniques that may reduce the likelihood that the number of disabled seniors will increase

Via: MedicalNewsToday

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

Most people look forward to the holidays, but for seniors, especially those who have experienced loss, can find themselves dreading the joy and celebration of the season. Help return the positive to the holidays for the seniors in your life with these 5 tips:

1. Allow memories and past rituals to live on – don’t discourage seniors from reliving those important memories of holidays past, thinking that it will prevent depression. Share memories of family members no longer with you, look at photos, and keep old family traditions alive

2. Make sure visiting seniors are comfortable – to help reduce the stress of seniors coming into your home over the holidays, make sure that your home is senior-friendly, with safety being the primary concern

3. Avoid impulsive holiday activities – to ensure that seniors can be involved with all holiday activities, avoid being impulsive that way seniors can be well-rested for more excitement

4. Focus on the joy – while it’s okay to reminisces, over the holidays make sure that all memories discussed focus on the positive

5. Create new traditions – while you can focus on incorporating old rituals into the holidays, create new ones as well that give the whole family, including seniors, new things to look forward to doing together. Holiday activities can’t just focus on the past

Via: ArticleBase

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

Getting out of the house and socializing is very important for all seniors. Unfortunately, because they live on a fixed income, this may be difficult for many people. The following list included some great ways to spend the day with friends and loved ones, and the best thing about it is that it costs nothing! Free day trips to local areas will provide seniors with a break from their routine and allow them to socialize and learn
new things.

1. A trip to your State Capitol can be a learning experience. This building is full of information that many people are unaware of. There is no admission cost and there are guided tours available.

2. When planning any day trip, bring along a lunch. There are beautiful parks and landscaped areas surrounding the State Capitol. These areas are perfect for a picnic with a group of friends or your family.

3. Get information about other buildings in the state that have tours. These buildings are open to the public and do not cost anything. This is a great way to learn new things about your state and local areas. The Archives building is a great place to start.

4. In addition to the State Capitol, guests are welcome at the Governor’s Mansion. Guided tours are offered.

Via: ehow.com

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