Skilled Nursing Rancho Santa Fe, CA – Creating the Right Exercise Program for Seniors

Tuesday, September 24th, 2013

Seniors need regular exercise to maintain muscle tone, boost endurance and gain independence. There are several other benefits that workouts render, that keep the elderly living longer and staying away from disease. You should draw the perfect exercise program that adequately suits their capacity and needs. Here are some tips to get your started.

What They Can Do - The primary rule is to only provide enough exercise that will stimulate adequate blood flow to all the vital organs, as well as maintain muscle mass. Muscle tends to atrophy during the later stages of a person's life. You should keep hard-earned tissues through both cardiovascular exercises, stretching routines and weight training. In the beginning, it is important that you do an overall assessment of the senior citizen first, to ensure that he or she can do all the exercises without much trouble.

Very strenuous exercise can be detrimental to the overall condition of seniors. You need to check their response by listening to their verbalizations and observing how they cope. If you find some negative signs such as heavy breathing, profuse sweating, loss of balance, droopy eyelids and mild to severe pain, immediately stop the activity.

Being Flexible - Exercise routines should be individualized, which means that one program is only meant for a single individual. The specific approach is highly recommended since it takes away much of the risk of overtraining. You can also map out progress more efficiently by giving the exact type of exercises, number of repetitions and sets and duration of each workout. Use a log book and fill in all the details of every workout.

Exercise programs should be very flexible, in the sense that the routines and kinds of movements change every week or so, depending on the response of the patient. Your goal is to maintain or boost strength, flexibility and strength, if possible, so the exercises need to be upped as the individual gets stronger and better.

Getting a Professional - If you happen to be a concerned son or granddaughter taking care of a senior citizen in your home, it is always useful to get the opinion of a professional when creating your exercise plan, so you can select the right type and intensity that suit the needs of the patient. Professionals include dieticians, gym instructors, physical therapists, nutritionists, nurses and physicians who will check if the program is acceptable or too strenuous.

During the first few sessions, you can ask the professional to help you in assisting the senior go through the different movements. Proper execution is crucial to attain the various objectives and goals. Professional help is important every now and then, especially during the times when you're already supposed to evaluate the senior's response to treatment.

Other Sources - When defining the exercise routine, you can refer to exercise DVDs that caters to seniors, visit online forums and watch videos online. You can also visit senior centers to have an idea how a typical routine goes. Take some tips from instructors and the experts about evaluation and adjusting the routine for the patient. Over time, you will develop the skill in keeping the senior comfortable while giving him or her a truly sensible workout. Be reminded that diet and rest are the other two components that will sufficiently support the exercise program for seniors.

Choosing the right in-home care provider is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need find a Home Care Agency that can provide caring in-home care backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.

Skilled Nursing Rancho Santa Fe, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Home Care Rancho Bernardo, CA – Signs it is Time to Look into Home Health Care

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

No one likes the thought of having to rely on outside support for the care of a loved one. Unfortunately, there are some circumstances in which there is no better thing to do. In this case, your best option is to find a senior living facility that meets your family’s needs. How do you know when to begin your search? Here are some signs it is time to look into senior living facilities:

Personal care- If your loved one displays an apparent decline in personal care and hygiene, then it may be time to consider placement in an assisted living facility. Personal care issues can not only make it difficult for your loved one to interact in society in a healthy way, but they can also pose considerable health risks.

Dementia - This is a common condition among the elderly population, and it only worsens with age. Those suffering from dementia may forget the people they know, suffer extreme lapses of short and long-term memory, be unable to care for themselves, and even get lost. If your loved one’s dementia seems to be worsening, then assisted living may be your best answer.

Loss of mobility - Many elderly people suffer from mobility issues that hinder their ability to climb stairs, sit, stand, or walk even short distances; in some cases these issues can even lead to frequent falls and injuries. If mobility problems are standing in your loved one’s way of a healthy lifestyle, then it’s time to research your senior living options.

Decreased appetite - If you can’t trust that your loved one is eating a healthy diet—or eating at all—then you might need to rely on the professionals at an assisted living facility to ensure your loved one’s proper eating habits.

Medication management - As your loved one gets older, it is likely the medication regimen will grow in breadth and importance. If medication management is a concern of yours, then you should look into how a senior living facility can help.

Choosing the right in-home care provider is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need find a Home Care Agency that can provide caring in-home care backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.

Home Care Rancho Bernardo, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

What Causes Balance Problems? – Home Health Kensington San Diego, CA, In Home Care

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013

It’s scary to feel light-headed or like you’re spinning out of control and are going to fall - especially if you fear breaking a bone or losing consciousness. There are a number of medical issues that could cause balance problems, but luckily there are tests that can determine why you have this concern and ways to control it.

You may have a balance disorder if you feel like you’re moving even though you aren’t. It’s a sense of floating or spinning that makes it seem as if you’re going to fall. Our sense of balance is controlled by a place in the inner ear called a labyrinth, connected to an elaborate structure called the vestibular system. The vestibular system is responsible for some of our sensory perceptions such as our eyes.

When this intricate system gets out of sync, a balance disorder may occur. It could be caused by a viral or bacterial ear infection, problems with blood circulation or a head injury. Various medications can also cause dizziness and aging can also cause balance problems. Balance problems can begin suddenly and there may not be a reason that you can pinpoint.

That’s why it’s important that you see your health care provider right away so that he can diagnose the problem and help restore your balance. Some types of balance disorders include:

• Vertigo - Vertigo may occur when you merely turn your head. That’s because part of your vestibular system, the cupula, doesn’t tilt as it should. This malady sometimes happens as one ages or the cause could be a head injury.

• Vestibular neuronitis - You may experience vertigo (dizziness when you turn your head) because of an inflammation of the vestibular nerve caused by a virus.

• MdDS (Mal de debarquement syndrome) - Sometimes simply called sea-sickness, MdDS affects some people on an ocean cruise. It causes nausea, feelings of rocking to and fro and can last a few hours, days or even months after returning to land.

• Leakage of inner fluid (Perilymph fistula) - You may experience balance problems if you have a leakage of inner ear fluid into the middle ear. Many situations can cause the disorder - change in atmospheric pressure, ear infection, head injury or ear surgery. Nausea and dizziness may occur.

• Upper respiratory infection (Labyrinthitis) - An infection of the inner ear that can cause dizziness or loss of balance.

These are some of the most common causes of balance problems, and if you’re experiencing some or all of these symptoms you should see your health care provider immediately before a fall occurs.

If you see a general practitioner, he or she may want you to see an ENT doctor - a physician who specializes in disorders of the ear, nose and throat. Depending on your health status, the ENT doctor may order tests to better diagnose the cause of your balance problem. Once diagnosed, your doctor may simply give you a prescription for medication or suggest ways to deal with chronic balance problems on a daily basis.

Home Health Kensington San Diego, CA, In Home Care 

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/ 

About Firstat Nursing Services

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Sleep Disorders Can Ruin Lifestyle for Seniors – In Home Care San Diego, CA

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

 

Seniors with sleep disorders can suffer from health problems and drastic changes in lifestyle. They can also be deadly when they interfere with driving and other focus-related accidents. Seniors with sleep disorders often complain of lack of energy and depression. Unless changes occur and good sleep patterns are regained, lifestyles can be ruined.
 
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that you’ve probably heard about. It’s been in the news as Michael Jackson’s downfall and listed as one of the leading causes of tiredness and depression. In senior citizens, it can be caused by stress, certain medications, too much alcohol and caffeine or an overactive bladder that makes you feel like a jack-in-the-box at night. Drastic lifestyle changes may be in order to help treat this malady.
 
Restless Leg Syndrome is another sleep disorder that can have a negative impact on seniors’ lifestyles. This disorder can cause a tingling sensation and need to move the legs to get relief - keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. Although it’s more common among people over 60, it can develop in younger people who may have diabetes or anemia. RLS might be treated with drugs such as those used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
 
Narcolepsy affects a great majority of seniors, and the symptoms can be very embarrassing. Narcolepsy might cause “sleep attacks” during the day or even when driving a car - making the disorder very dangerous as well as embarrassing. If you’re diagnosed with Narcolepsy, your health care provider might prescribe antidepressants or another drug that can control the symptoms.
 
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that’s dangerous to your health. It can cause you to stop breathing for several minutes per night, several times a night. Your spouse or significant other might tell you that you’re also snoring loudly and interrupting their sleep. The causes of sleep apnea include excess weight or blockages in your nasal passages - anything that obstructs the oxygen supply to your body.
 
If you suspect sleep apnea, ask your health care provider about a “sleep study,” and if you’re diagnosed with the disorder, you need to know that you may be at risk for heart problems, strokes and high blood pressure. You may need to lose weight or use an apparatus known as a CPAP - a mask that’s worn at night and helps the air flow through your nasal passages. If you have an airway blockage, you may need surgery to remove it.
 
Leg cramps are common in people over 60. Proper diet and exercises can help relieve leg cramps, but if you’ve tried everything -- talk to your doctor about another kind of treatment and perhaps a medication that will help relax leg muscles.
 
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep and the impact that sleep loss has have on your life. We need sleep as much as we need food and water, and if we don’t get enough sleep it can affect our bodies and minds as much as a bad diet can affect our health. Do everything you can to seek help if you have trouble sleeping.
 
If you are looking for more information please visit Firstat of San Diego’s website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
 
 
About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

How Taste Sensitivity Affects Senior Citizens – In Home Care Rancho Santa Fe

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

Our ability to taste is one of the most pleasurable senses we have and even though the ability to taste as we once did may decline as we age, most of the time there isn't a huge change and we should be able to enjoy foods as we age as much or more than before. Taste sensitivity helps us enjoy our food and drink and helps us determine if food is good or bad for us.

Seniors with a serious taste sensitivity problem may experience loss of appetite, which leads to weight loss and less socialization. Depression may occur and the person may find it more and more difficult to eat - or enjoy what she's eating. If the problem gets this serious, the immune system may suffer and she may be more susceptible to diseases.

 
When the ability to taste is impaired, food may seem unimportant. Older individuals may eat too much trying to get some satisfaction from non-nutritional food choices or simply from filling up and gain too much weight. Or, the opposite may occur and the person may forget to eat and lose so much weight that it becomes detrimental to her health.
 
Taste sensitivity may be caused from certain medications or the result of certain illnesses and infections. Dental problems such as gum disease can also cause loss of taste as can a serious head injury. Other causes that you should be aware of are smoking, Sjogren's syndrome, Bell's palsy and particular vitamin deficiencies.
 
If you've had radiation therapy for cancer located near the head or neck, taste sensitivity may also occur. And, diseases that affect the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis can affect your sensitivity to taste.
 
Chronic disorders such as dysgeusia sometimes happens in senior citizens and can also affect taste. Dysgeusia causes you to have a bad taste in your mouth that can affect the way you taste food. It can be caused from medications such as antidepressants, drugs used to reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure pills.
 
Since taste and smell are so closely related, a loss of smell might cause taste sensitivity. In fact, you may think you have a problem with taste, when it's actually a problem associated with being able to smell. Loss of smell is much more common in seniors than loss of taste, so if you think you're losing the ability to taste certain foods, consider that it might really be loss of smell.
 
If you're not able to stick to a diet because to taste sensitivity issues, talk to your health care provider about what might be the cause and how you can get back to a satisfying experience with the foods you eat. You may be able to change medications that are having an impact on your tasting abilities or be treated for gum disease or any other factor causing the problem.
 
You'll want to prepare for the visit to your doctor by writing down your symptoms and answers to questions that she may ask, such as when did you first become aware of taste sensitivity issues, how has the change affected your eating habits and whether or not you've also experienced changes in smell.
 
If you are looking for more information please visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
 
 
About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
 

Aging and Your Sense of Smell – In Home Care Rancho Bernardo

Monday, March 25th, 2013

As we age, we may experience some problems that affect the body and mind, including a change in our sensory perceptions. Our sense of smell may affect how we eat, enjoy food and drink and also affect the type of nutrients we put in our bodies. Depending on how severe the loss of smell is, it could actually be dangerous if it means we don’t smell hazardous chemicals, gas leaks and smoke.

Our sense of taste is also affected by our sense of smell. If you eat something while holding your nose, you might taste salt, bitterness or sweetness, but you won’t taste the robust flavor of what you’re eating. The sensory perception that affects our sense of smell is call olfaction and this is what weakens when you age.

The fact that you lose sense of taste as you lose sense of smell is especially problematic for seniors. It could result in lack of appetite or of eating foods that aren’t good for you just to try and taste them. Think about how fresh bread baking makes your salivate and then think about how it would be if you couldn’t smell it. Your enthusiasm for eating would certainly wane.

Anyone who needs to control his or her diet may be greatly affected by sense of smell. If the olfactory system quits working or weakens, it’s more difficult to control and stick to a nutritious diet plan and a greater risk of chronic diseases is possible. You might eat less fruits and vegetables because they only seem to taste bitter rather than producing the same great taste they used to have.

Some seniors eat a lot of sweets and food that contain a high volume of fat because they can taste them and tend to eat more than those without a sense of smell problem. These seniors may become overweight or obese and become even more susceptible to dangerous or deadly diseases.

Surprisingly, when you chew food, the flavor of it is recognized in the olfactory bulb that rests behind the bridge of the nose. Seniors who have gum disease or other problems with teeth and gums may not chew as heartily and much of the taste disappears because the flavor never reaches the olfactory bulb.

Sinus problems and blockages of the nasal passages can also interfere with the olfactory bulb and your ability to perceive the taste of foods and your sense of smell. These disorders are often found among seniors and the results may damage certain receptors which can lead to diet problems and eventually, immunity problems.

Cancer patients, especially those who have had chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery could possible go through a cycle of damaged sense of smell and a reluctance to eat a proper diet because of lack of appetite or damaged sense of taste.

Research has found that spices and herbs don’t help with the taste of foods when a person loses their sense of smell. There’s no way to restore olfaction, but you can balance the problem by choosing natural sweeteners, powerful herbs and spices and by taking vitamin and mineral supplements.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Keyword – In Home Care Rancho Bernardo

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

In Home Care Coronado – Healthy Aging in Women

Friday, February 15th, 2013

Healthy aging in women is different than it is for men. As a woman you have special needs that need to be addressed. You experience many changes hormonal and as you age your risk for other conditions increases.

First, menopause is one of the most talked about changes a woman experiences as she ages. During this time your menstrual cycle stops and you have a major fluctuation in hormones. Eventually your body starts to compensate as other glands produce estrogen.

Many women choose to go through the natural process of menopause, but others choose to use hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help you to feel more energy, have a stronger sex drive, and combat problems such as hot flashes.

When you think of heart disease, you most likely think about men. However, heart disease is also the number one killer in women. As you age, the changes in hormones actually cause your risk of heart disease to increase.

It’s important to get regular exercise and eat a heart healthy diet to help prevent heart disease. You should also get your cholesterol tested and talk with your doctor about any type of screening you need. Depending on your family history you may need to take a regular stress test.

Breast cancer also becomes a greater risk as you get older. It’s important to get regular mammogram screenings so that you can catch anything that’s going on early. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and also one with the best prognosis if you get early treatment.

As you age, your bones can also become more brittle. This problem is more common in women than men and is called osteoporosis. As your bones lose calcium they can become weaker and they can break more easily. This is one of the reasons older women have more fractures.

In order to have strong bones, it’s important to participate in weight bearing exercises. Walking is a great exercise for your lower body, but you should also make sure to do some kind of strength training for your upper body.

As your muscles contract, they pull on your bones and this stimulates the strengthening of them. Strength training exercises and taking calcium supplements is critical for your bones as you age. You should also discuss bone density screening with your doctor.

Most women are also concerned about their skin as they age. A diet high in vitamins and minerals as well as vitamin E supplements can help slow down the aging process of skin. Products containing retinol can also stimulate your skin to build new healthy tissue.

A healthy lifestyle is the most important factor for healthy aging in women. Eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and talking with your doctor about getting appropriate screenings can help you to get the most of this time in your life.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Keyword – In Home Care Coronado

About Firstat Nursing Services

 Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com