A Healthy Diet for Louisville Seniors

A healthy diet is an important part of a well-rounded lifestyle at any age; however, seniors, in particular, need to eat the right foods in order to support their aging bodies and keep up with their active lifestyles. Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville, which serves Louisville, Middletown, Anchorage, Hikes Point, Fern Creek, Jeffersontown, and the counties of Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Nelson, and Washington, understands the importance of creating a balanced meal plan that is targeted to the needs of elderly individuals.

Eating a healthy, age-specific diet can help seniors live higher quality lives. By supporting their bodies through this stage of life, seniors can continue to be involved in physical activity while keeping their minds sharp. Because a healthy diet contributes to both mental and physical health, it is important for your elderly loved one to adopt a meal plan that meets their needs. 

When helping your senior plan their meals, keep these facts in mind:

➢ Sodium and simple carbohydrates should be eaten sparingly and avoided when possible. Sodium can cause water retention and high blood pressure, so salt should be used only as needed. Simple carbohydrates contribute to weight gain and high blood sugar, both of which can be dangerous for elderly individuals who face other medical conditions. 

➢ Fats should not all be avoided. In fact, “good” fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can contribute to healthy cholesterol levels. As a result, these fats can improve heart health. 

➢ Sticking to a consistent caloric intake is important when trying to maintain one’s health. By eating more calories than necessary, seniors can experience weight gain that can lead to several other health complications. By eating fewer calories than necessary, they can experience a drop in weight that can also produce medical concerns. 

➢ Fiber and calcium are crucial parts of a healthy diet for seniors. Fiber keeps the digestive system running as optimally as possible while fighting heart disease by lowering cholesterol. Calcium also supports several functions of the body, most notably the maintenance of bone density. 

➢ Everyone has different tastes, and eating should be an enjoyable activity. As such, seniors are encouraged to try new, healthy foods in order to build up a repertoire of ingredients that are both delicious and good for them. 

Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville has provided senior care services to many elderly individuals and knows the importance of a well-rounded diet. With the right vitamins and nutrients, seniors can continue to care for their bodies as they age. 

Contact us today at (502)265-5848 for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.

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Keep Your Senior Safe by Preventing Falls in Louisville

While falling at any age can be painful, elderly individuals who fall may face life-threatening injuries. As such, it is crucial that they are able to maneuver in their homes without the risk of tripping over clutter, electrical wires, uneven flooring, etc. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville know that preventing falls is one of the best things you can do to keep your senior from sustaining painful injuries. These professionals serve Louisville, Middletown, Anchorage, Hikes Point, Fern Creek, and Jeffersontown, as well as the counties of Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Nelson, and Washington, and know firsthand the benefits of fall prevention.

Maintain a Clean Home

Help your elderly loved one keep their home clean and clutter-free. Misplaced objects can cause seniors to trip and fall, especially if they are obstructing walkways or are interfering with handrails and other safety devices. By maintaining a clean home, you can help your elderly loved one avoid one of the most common causes of falls. 

Properly Secure All Electrical Cords

Electrical cords have a tendency to become strewn across walkways and poke out from behind furniture. In the home of a senior, these cords are extremely dangerous, as they may trip anyone who walks over them. Use ties to maintain orderly electrical cords, and make sure that they are all secured behind furniture or to walls. Try to avoid running cords across walkways if at all possible. 

Ensure Your Senior’s Clothes Fit

Pants, skirts, dresses, and shoes that are too long or large can cause your elderly loved one to trip. Likewise, shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc. that are too big can interfere with their ability to use a cane or walker. Help your elderly loved one choose clothing that fits properly, allowing them to avoid taking a nasty spill due to long hems or large shoes. 

Fix Uneven Floors

Cracked, chipped, warped, ripped, and otherwise uneven flooring is very dangerous for elderly individuals. Take the time to look over all of the walking surfaces, both inside and outside of your senior’s home, and fix any hazards that you find. For example, rugs can be put over chipped tiles. Make sure that all rugs have slip resistant backings and lie flat.

Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville aims to help all of its clients create safe homes for their elderly loved ones. By addressing these issues and reducing the risk of a fall for your senior, you can help them maintain optimal health and provide a secure environment in which they can continue aging in place. 

For a free e-booklet with information about preventing falls and more, please visit http://bit.ly/QgqMvO.

Five Alzheimer’s Clues to Look Out For With Your Senior Loved One In Louisville

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that steals the memories of seniors. Both elderly individuals and their families may find it difficult to cope with this illness. To support them during this difficult time, the senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville provide compassionate, valuable services. These professionals have assisted families in Louisville, Middletown, Anchorage, Hikes Point, Fern Creek, and Jeffersontown, and the counties of Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Nelson, and Washington, and have seen the many warning signs that Alzheimer’s disease presents.

Although Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured, early detection is key in getting your elderly loved one the care they need. In-home care is often the best option in assisting your senior with their daily activities and monitoring their health. As such, it is important for your family to understand the warning signs of this condition. 

• Passage of Time: Elderly individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease may often confuse the day, time, or where they are. As a result, they may feel disoriented and anxious. This is one of the contributing factors of mood and personality changes, which are discussed further down the list. 

• Common Tasks: There are some tasks that people can complete without even thinking about it. For example, you may be able to cook pancakes without consulting a recipe or play your favorite card game without looking at the rules. Elderly individuals who are developing Alzheimer’s disease may find these tasks difficult, as they may not be able to recall the recipe or rules as they once did. 

• Memory Loss: Memory loss in small quantities is to be expected at any age. However, disruptive memory loss that becomes increasingly severe is a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. This memory loss will interrupt daily activities and normally begins with the short-term memory. As the condition progresses, the loss of memory will affect longer-term memories as well. 

• Making Plans and Solving Problems: Problem solving and planning are two skills that people use virtually everyday. From paying bills to planning social outings, you may participate in these activities without even realizing it. Alzheimer’s disease makes these tasks a challenge, as individuals may not remember the past experiences that have shaped their problem solving and planning skills. 

• Mood and Personality: All of these signs can become extremely frustrating, resulting in anxiety and confusion. As a result, seniors may experience sudden changes in mood or longer-term personality changes. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a difficult condition for all family members. The in-home care professionals at Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville can help your family cope with the challenges that this illness causes.

For a free e-booklet with information on Alzheimer's signs and treatment, please visit http://bit.ly/QgqMvO.

Is Your Louisville Senior Eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit?

The government and other agencies offer a variety of programs to help elderly individuals with the cost of senior care. Home care and other services are often necessary and, in some cases, difficult to cover expenses for seniors. The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville know that the invaluable services of caregivers are sometimes not a financial option. For this reason, the professionals at Always Best Care, who serve Louisville, Middletown, Anchorage, Hikes Point, Fern Creek, Jeffersontown, and the counties of Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Nelson, and Washington, encourage their patients to apply for benefits. One benefit that many elderly individuals may be eligible for, but may not know about, is the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit.

What Is the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit?

Part of the Improved Pension initiative of the Veterans Administration, the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit offers funds for veterans and their spouses who require home care services. Veterans and their spouses are both eligible to receive this aid, which is meant to cover the senior care needs of the aging population. 

The Benefit is set aside for senior care assistance, which the Veterans Administration defines as,” the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, undressing, medication dosing, or taking care of the needs of nature.” This assistance includes home care services, nursing home accommodations, and assisted living communities. 

Who Is Eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit?

Veterans and their spouses are eligible to apply for this Benefit. However, they will be required to submit several different pieces of information. These include the appropriate form for their status (veteran or spouse), separation papers (if applicable), an evaluation performed by a medical doctor, a summary of the current medical conditions from which they suffer, financial information (including net worth and income), and a list of out-of-pocket medical expenses. 

How Much Money Does the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit Provide?

This Benefit can, currently, provide up to $1,704 per month for veterans and $1,094 per month for their spouses. However, please note that these figures can and will change. It is recommended that all seniors inquire about the details of the Benefit when they apply. 

The VA Aid and Attendance Benefit is a wonderful resource for many seniors. The in-home care professionals at Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville understand the immense value that this program provides.

For a free e-booklet with information on VA Aid and Attendance Benefit and much more, please visit http://bit.ly/QgqMvO.

Managing Your Senior’s Medications in Louisville

Medication management is a task that requires a great deal of organization and an understanding of the medications that your elderly loved one has been prescribed. As such, it is important that, if you are managing your senior’s prescriptions, you are well-educated about each medication, its potential side effects, and how it is supposed to help your elderly loved one. Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville, which serves Louisville, Middletown, Anchorage, Hikes Point, Fern Creek, Jeffersontown, and the counties of Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Nelson, and Washington, understands that this can be a major responsibility—one that you may find overwhelming. However, by following these tips you can keep your elderly loved one’s medications in order.

» If possible, accompany your senior to their doctor’s appointments. When visiting the doctor, ask any questions you may have about the prescriptions that he or she recommends. Also, encourage your elderly loved one to ask their questions. The goal of each doctor’s appointment should be to leave with a thorough understanding of the medical needs of your senior—as well as the medications and other treatment options that have been prescribed. 

» Fill all of your senior’s prescriptions at one pharmacy. In doing so, you can build a relationship with the pharmacist, who may be able to detect drug interactions and other possible complications before your elderly loved one begins taking new medication. Additionally, your pharmacist will become a great resource for answers to any questions that may crop up after the doctor’s appointment. 

» Keep all of the literature about your senior’s medications in one central location. Additionally, keep the prescription information (i.e. dosage, generic availability, etc.) with this literature. This will allow you to quickly access the data if necessary. 

» Pay attention to your elderly loved one in an effort to detect any adverse reactions to new medications. These reactions may be mild to severe in nature, but need to be promptly addressed by a healthcare professional. If necessary, call upon the services of emergency healthcare providers if a drug interaction or other dangerous side effect occurs. 

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Southeast Louisville specialize in providing home care services. As such, they are well-trained in medication management. If you find that this task is too taxing, or that you need a bit of assistance with the responsibility, these professionals are there for you. Through targeted in-home care services, they can help you manage your elderly loved one’s medication successfully.

For a free e-booklet with information on managing your senior's medication and much more, please visit http://bit.ly/QgqMvO.