Seniors and Vitamin D Deficiency – What Can Be Done?

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and good health, especially in older adults. Sunlight is often the main source of vitamin D, but as the winter approaches, many seniors be unable to spent much time outdoors due to the cold temperatures. Vitamin D is vital to keep bones healthy, in regulating cell growth, and improving the immune system.

Lack of Vitamin D can cause many issues, including bone tissue loss, aches, muscle weakness, skeletal deformity and weakened immunity, along with increased risk of falls and fractures. It may also increase seniors’ risk of developing osteoporosis and other bone disorders.

What should be done to avoid it? Here are some tips.

• Encourage senior to go out and get sunlight exposure as much as possible.This exposure should produce adequate levels of vitamin D. Don’t forget to exercise caution and limit sunlight exposure to small amounts at a time. A light sunscreen in certain daily lotions can prevent the harmful rays from getting in for short periods of time.
• Several foods contain this vitamin by adding these eatables to their diet, they will get a boost. It includes fish like salmon (fresh or canned), mackerel, herring and sardines. Other food items are milk, mushrooms, red meat and eggs.
• Opt for supplements to prevent vitamin D deficiency, but consult their doctor first before taking ANY supplements. Certain supplements can interact negatively with the medications they are on.

However, some seniors struggle with mobility, which may prevent them from going out and getting sunlight exposure. Such issues may affect their day-to-day life too. If you feel that your aging loved one needs help with mobility and daily living activities to maintain their quality of life, then you should hire help for them in the form of caregivers.

Contact Always Best Care to get home care services in Gatlinburg or nearby areas. Get in touch with their experts at (865) 259-7770.

How to Protect Your Aging Loved One from Obesity

Obesity is fast becoming a major health issue among older adults in the United States. Millions of seniors are overweight. While this may not seem like a big issue, it can certainly create health problems down the road, or complications of current health issues, including:

• Heart conditions
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Limited mobility
• Kidney disease

To avoid such health issues, it’s essential for family members to help their aging loved one fight obesity.If your loved one is at the risk of obesity, here are a few ways you can help:

Encourage seniors to exercise – Encourage your aging loved one to exercise daily and to increase the amount of physical activity in their day-to-day life. It helps them stay active and fit for a long time while keeping their weight in control. Even if they are chair bound, there are exercise programs specifically created for them. Just the act of moving more helps keep weight down and is great for joints.

Eating healthy – Help create a nutritious and healthy diet by helping with the grocery shopping and ensuring they buy healthy foods. If they struggle with meal management, help with meal preparation. With a proper and healthy diet, they can gain control over weight.

Understand the issue – Obesity is often due to stress, depression or medical conditions. If such is the case for your loved one, try to understand the issue and help find a solution accordingly. For example, if they are getting obese due to stress (emotional eating), then try to reduce their stress.

If you struggle to meet their care requirements, then consider hiring caregivers. For more senior care info in Lenoir City and surrounding areas, call Always Best Care at (865) 259-7770. Licensed by the state of Tennessee, the firm is a recognized provider of senior care services.

Reasons Why an Active Social Life Is Important for Senior Citizens

Staying socially active and connected is important for an overall good health of your aging loved one. As people age, they then spend more time in isolation rather than becoming a part of any social event or family gathering. There are a number of reasons why an active social life is important for the older adults. And, some of them are mentioned below. 

                                       

• Staying socially active and connected can help reduce isolation, loneliness, and increase the mental stimulation.
• An active social life helps keep your senior’s mind active and engaged, thus improve their mental health.
• Meeting new people, outings, and lunch or dinners with people of same age gives an opportunity to seniors to socialize. This will also help them become a bit more physically active while improving their mental health.

However, due to distance or other responsibilities, it may become difficult for you to take your aging loved one for outings often, especially if they wish to live on their own. To ensure that your senior enjoys a lively social life, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. An experienced care provider will not only look after your senior’s safety, but also accompany them to movies, lunches, doctor’s appointments, and more.

If you are looking for an in-home care provider in Gatlinburg, contact Always Best Care today. It is a noted senior care organization that has highly trained, bonded, and insured caregivers who provide quality care giving services. For more information, call (865) 259-7770.                                                                                                                            

Why Assisted Living May Be an Ideal Solution for Senior Citizens

As people age, they prefer to remain independent and spend their retirement years peacefully. Living on your own and becoming less socially active can affect physical as well as mental health. Assisted Living Facilities may be the ideal solution for those senior citizens who want to live independently, but require a certain amount of care and support. Here are some of the reasons that make Assisted Living an ideal solution for your aging loved one.

• Assisted Living Facilities have experienced and highly trained caregivers who will assist your elders with daily living activities, including bathing, grooming, eating, medication management, and mobility. In addition, they offer a customized care plan to suit your loved one’s needs.
  
  
• In the facilities, seniors can enjoy independence while receiving the care and support they need. The caregivers will look after their safety and ensure that all their needs are met on time.
  

                                        
 

Assisted Living will help ease your worries about their health and care. It is important for you to find a reputed Assisted Living Facility that offers the best services according to your loved one’s needs.

You can rely on senior care organizations, like Always Best Care, to find a good Assisted Living option for your needs.  They provide quality senior care services to match both budget and care requirements. To learn more about Assisted Living Services in Knoxville, feel free to call (865) 259-7770.

Assisted Living - Why You Should Choose It?

Is your aging loved one facing difficulty in carrying out the daily living activities? If yes, Assisted living is just the right option. It is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for seniors who can’t live independently and requires professional assistance with the basic daily living tasks such as showering, grooming, eating, and even walking. There are a number of reasons why you should choose Assisted Living for your aging loved ones. And, some of them are mentioned below.

• Opportunity to socialize – The Assisted Living facilities organize different social and cultural programs for their residents. Participating in these activities provide your older adults an opportunity to engage and socialize with people of same age and interest. This not only helps them stay physically fit and active but also improves their mental health.
• Healthy diet – The experienced caregivers of the facility takes extra care of senior’s diet. They make sure that the residents eat only healthy and nutritious diet that the Assisted Living facility offers.
• 24 hours care and support – The Assisted Living Facility offers 24-hour professional care and support to seniors. By choosing reputed facility you can have peace of mind that your loved one is safe and all his/her needs are fulfilled on time.

So, if you are looking for an Assisted Living facility in Pigeon Forge, get in touch with Always Best Care today. It is a leading senior care organization that offers top-notch Assisted Living services in the region. For more information, you can call at (865) 259-7770.

Which Myths Surround Aging?

Aging is inevitable. No one can deny this truth. However, there’re several myths surrounding aging, that change people’s view about it. Misconceptions lead to confusion, creating negative stereotypes of the seniors.

Following are some of the myths that create confusion about aging.

Dementia is inevitable – Most people believe that all older adults suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s. They believe it to be a part of aging. Forgetfulness might be common with aging, however, dementia or Alzheimer’s is not. Not all seniors suffer from these conditions. These diseases can be avoided with precautions (if you are at the risk), exercising and a healthy diet.

It’s too late to give up bad habits – Most older adults believe that it’s too late to give up bad habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. They believe that giving up won’t do them any good now. On the contrary, quitting such bad habits can still help in improving health and increasing life expectancy.

It won’t make a difference to start exercising now – You may not have worked out all your life. But, it doesn’t mean that starting now won’t help. Exercising can keep you fit, active and healthy for a long time, even if you start late.

Aging is depressing – Many people believe aging to be a depressing process. But it’s not true. With a good quality of life, healthy living, active social life and family’s support, seniors can stay far away from depression.

Seniors are dependent on others – Not all older adults are dependent on others. Many seniors maintain a good quality of life, where they manage all their daily tasks themselves. However, many suffer from diseases and mobility issues, which is why they have to depend on others. Family members can provide the assistance their aging loved ones need.

Hiring professionals for senior care in Pigeon Forge or surrounding areas is an option too. Contact ABC at (865) 259-7770 to know more.

What are The Myths About Falls among Seniors?

Falls are one of the biggest dangers for those, over the age of 65. Many older adults land in hospitals due to falls. Even though, it’s such as big risk, many overlook it or ignore this risk. Why? Because there’re many myths surrounding the risk of falls among seniors.

Here are the three biggest misconceptions about falls among older adults.

I am safe from falls at home – If you believe that you can avoid falls by staying at home, then you couldn’t be more wrong. Most seniors fall and suffer injuries at their own home. However, you can reduce this risk by modifying the house to meet your changing physical health and mobility needs. Install grab bars in the bathroom, clear clutter, and make sure there’s proper lighting all around the house. Make sure there’re no loose rugs and broken steps on the stairs.

It won’t happen to me – Most people believe that it won’t happen to them. However, the records show a different side of the story. In America, 1 in 4 older adults fall every year.

I won’t fall if I reduce my physical activity – If you are worried about falls, and reduce the amount of physical activity as a result, then you’re making a big mistake. Regular exercise and physical activity helps you stay fit and flexible, effectively reducing your risk of falls.

Even with the high risk of falls, most seniors don’t like to talk about it, as they don’t want to alarm their loved ones, and lose their independence. On the contrary, family members can help you maintain your independence and quality of life with daily living assistance. In their absence, hire professionals for regular care and assistance.

Contact Always Best Care for reliable senior care services in Greater Knoxville at (865) 259-7770.

3 Ways To Keep Your Aging Loved One Engaged

Is your senior suffering from depression due to loneliness? Looking for some effective ways to keep your aging loved one engaged? Well, keeping seniors engaged and active is very important for their overall well-being. Below mentioned are some of the ways that you can consider following.

• You can organize group activities and outings for your aging loved one to keep them socially active and connected. Even when your senior does not actively engage, just being in the presence of others can be very helpful for their physical as well as mental health.
• Games are a great way to keep your seniors occupied. Moreover, playing different mind games helps in improving the mental stimulation and also boost the self esteem of an individual.
• You can also encourage your loved one to join a senior fitness program. This will not only keep them physically active but also provides them an opportunity to engage and socialize with people of same age and interest.

However, if your senior lives alone, you can consider hiring an experienced in-home care provider to ensure their safety. Apart from taking care of your loved one, an in-home caregiver will help your loved one stay socially connected and engaged.

When looking for in-home caregivers in Lenoir City, contact Always Best Care today. It is a noted senior care organization that has bonded, insured, and qualified care providers who ensure to provide the best care services in the region.

For more information, call today at (865) 259-7770.

Life-Saving Tips On Managing Your Medications

Did you know that the majority of seniors take five or more medications every week? That’s a lot of prescriptions, and coupled with memory loss or dementia, it can be a dangerous mix. And, as people age, they process drugs differently in their body, making them more likely to experience adverse drug reactions.Fortunately, there are some ways you can manage your medications to best avoid these grim possibilities. 

• If you have any questions at all about a new (or even old) medication, talk with your pharmacist about it. Ask him or her about the proper dosage and storage, and what possible side effects could take place. Never stop a medication without first consulting your doctor as it could be dangerous to your health.
• Whenever you see your doctor, take a list of all of the medications you are taking with you. Whether they are supplements, herbal remedies, over the counter, or prescription medications, include everything. Ask them to point out any possible drug interactions.
• Be sure that the purpose of the medication is listed on the label. This is very important for seniors with multiple medications, so they don’t take one prescription for a separate ailment.
• Create your own updated medication list. This should be maintained on a regular basis. This can be easy to do on the computer and templates may even be downloaded. It should include brand and generic names of the drugs, dosing frequency, dosages, and why you take that particular medication.
• If you are experiencing any bad side effects to any of your medications, tell your doctor right away.
• Know the side effects of the medications you are taking, keep them written down in a note book for easy reference. This makes it easy to note any changes in yourself, or the senior you’re caring for, and call the doctor right away if the senior starts exhibiting any side effects. 

Always Best Care has been providing compassionate and dedicated in-home care to seniors all over North America. With numerous locations in the United States and Canada, the Always Best Care in Knoxville can assist seniors who are interested in learning more about senior assisted living services in Maryville, and Veterans assisted living facilities in Sevierville. Call their office today at 865-259-7770 to set up your own free care consultation.  

Curious About Assisted Living In Pigeon Forge? Contact Always Best Care In Knoxville

As they get older, many people want to stay in their homes for as long as they possibly can. This is understandable because their home is comfortable to them, and the surroundings familiar. But did you know that moving into an assisted living facility could be the very best and healthy move you make for yourself? 

Especially for seniors who are living alone, transitioning into senior living center can decrease the risk of various physical and mental issues, as well as increase the overall quality of life due to increased mental stimulation, more activities to participate in, greater opportunities for socialization, healthier meals, and more.

Always Best Care has been providing free referrals for assisted living facilities to seniors all over the United States and Canada for the past 20 years. During that time, they have also assisted seniors with in-home care via caregivers who are dedicated and compassionate. Seniors who are curious about assisted living in Pigeon Forge are encouraged to contact the Always Best Care in Knoxville for detailed information about how they can tour some of the assisted living facilities in the area.

Senior living can take on many different forms. These forms include Alzheimer’s and dementia care homes, assisted living communities, independent living communities, residential care homes and skilled nursing facilities. In the United States, there are about 33,000 assisted living communities with varying senior populations between a few and over 300. When it comes to choosing a facility, there are many considerations including lifestyle, choosing between high rise communities or classic Victorians (and everything in between), and also between studios, 1-2 bedroom apartments with or without kitchenettes.

The professionals at Always Best Care are here to help provide support to seniors who are interested in learning about assisted living in Pigeon Forge, as well as those who would like detailed information about in-home caregivers in Lenoir City. The Always Best Care Knoxville location can be reached by calling 865-259-7770 or emailing ascruggs@abc-seniors.com. Call them today to set up your own free care consultation to discuss referrals for assisted living or in-home care. They look forward to talking with you!