How to Build a Long Distance Care Team

We live in a progressive society, which means adult children are not always going to reside in close proximity to senior loved ones. This situation makes it difficult to ensure that the daily needs of an aging parent are addressed, especially if he or she is living with a chronic disease. However, putting together a reliable long-distance care team is possible. Having relatives, friends, and professional caregivers who can offer support to your loved one will give peace of mind. Boynton Beach home care has shared a few simple ways to create a dependable team that will serve the best interest of your aging loved one.

Ask Questions

Start by inquiring how you can be helpful. Does your aging loved one require transportation to run errands, visit doctors, or attend events? Find out about your loved one's day-to-day activities and what tasks are difficult for him or her.

Talk to the Senior’s Doctor

Ask the doctor to provide you regular updates about the senior loved one’s health. Find out if you are the health care proxy. Seniors often hide information regarding their diagnosis or ailments for fear of losing independence. You should know the exact health condition to address it properly. Get written permission to receive medical information. If you don’t have written permission from your aging loved one, the doctors cannot, by law, reveal private medical information and diagnosis to you. However, physicians may be willing to advise the types of support that will be helpful.

Talk to Family Members, Friends, and Neighbors

You can schedule a reliable support system if the neighbor’s child agrees to take out the garbage or a friend accompanies your loved one during exercise. Family members can also offer transport to grocery shopping, especially during extreme cold and hot weather. Provide your phone numbers, e-mail, home address, and other contact information to the long-distance care team and Boynton Beach in-home care provider.

Rely on Local Resources

Several organizations are providing support for elderly people. You can search and find the ones in your aging loved one’s area.

Hire Professional Caregiver

If your senior loved one requires help maintaining healthy habits, eating nutritious foods, establishing strong social ties, and performing daily tasks, consider hiring Boynton Beach home care professionals. Providing long-distance care to senior loved ones may present unique challenges for many caregivers, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A dedicated caregiver can provide updates and help with making fruitful decisions for your loved one. Many families schedule Skype calls with seniors, their caregivers, and physicians to get up-to-date information.

Keep Detailed Records

You can create a notebook or ring binder in which you can take notes, keep insurance information, save medical records, and schedule appointments. This will provide a great help as the home care becomes complex. Write the contact information for all close relatives, caregivers, nurse practitioners, and physicians.

10 of the Most Healthy Habits for Seniors

Physicals, medications, and dental checkups should be a priority for every senior. For seniors who had healthier habits at a younger age may remain robust when they get older. Habits may make a difference in your loved one’s life, even if he or she is prone to diseases. The expert caregivers at Boynton Beach home care has shared the 10 remarkable tips for seniors to stay healthy.

1. Get Benefit from Free Physicals

Seniors may get a free physical during the whole first year under Medicare, but they might still receive the annual visits for free after the first year. It's better to avail the chances of free medical or physical checkup, so seniors can stay healthy and fit.

2. Focus on Prevention

Your loved one should visit the doctor after a month or two for preventative care, which may include health screenings for checking cholesterol levels, heart problems, or cancer. The Medicare coverage may cover the cost of regular checkups or vaccinations, which may prevent pneumonia, influenza, or seasonal allergies.

3. Get Relevant Information on Medication Management

Talk to your loved one's physician to review his or her medications on a regular basis. Ask questions about possible drug interactions and observe any new symptoms, such as drowsiness, allergic reactions, or loss of appetite.

4. Visit the Dentist Every Six Months

The risk of cavities may increase as seniors age. Your loved one may become prone to several mouth infections, which may lead to serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Going to the dentist regularly is better for seniors to keep the oral issues at bay.

5. Screen for Vision Changes

Seniors who may have a blurred vision or wear glasses should have their prescriptions checked every year. Visiting the doctor is imperative for seniors to have their eyes screened which may prevent any kind of issues. Having the right pair of glasses may reduce a senior’s chance of falling or tripping on the stairs.

6. Focus on Mental Health

Studies show seniors who like to solve crossword puzzles, read, write, and try new hobbies may stimulate their minds and interact with the world more often. Reading and writing are amazing activities which may slow cognitive decline in seniors.

7. Stay Physically Active

Exercising regularly may enhance energy, memory, and alleviates depression. Seniors who want to exercise can take short strolls, long walks, or take admission in an exercise program approved by a physician to stay healthy and active.

8. Eat Healthily

The metabolism may perform slower at an older age and your loved one may face problems related to digestion. Seniors should eat high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains which may be important for their physical health. Seniors may get dehydrated quickly and should drink plenty of water to stay energized and focused all day long.

9. Get Some Sleep

Insomnia and wandering in the night are a few common problems among seniors. You should turn off the lights in the evening to incite drowsiness in seniors and ensure their bedroom is free of noise or distractions.

10. Socialize

Seniors who spend time with their friends, children, and grandchildren may feel connected, especially if they have limited mobility. Visiting friends or having family gatherings may make seniors feel more cheerful and reduce depression.

The healthy habits may prevent seniors from many age-related diseases. However, if seniors are facing trouble managing their mental or physical health, hire an experienced in-home caregiver. Boynton Beach families can get in touch with a trusted home care provider to hire trained and qualified caregivers.

Delicious Recipes for Seniors with Diabetes

Seniors with diabetes require balanced and nutritious meals. Their food should have a specific amount of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and nutrients to keep blood glucose levels from rising too much. A nutritious and healthy diet can boost overall health and help in maintaining a high quality of life. Here are a few delicious recipes suggested by expert Boynton Beach home care providers for seniors with diabetes to keep them satisfied without affecting their blood sugar levels.

Kabobs

A fun-filled variation from a typical vegetable and meat dinner, kabobs are a power pack of nutrition. Caramelized grilled vegetables can satisfy a sweet tooth without loading the dish with too many carbohydrates or sugar. The protein in the kabobs meat can help seniors maintain their blood sugar levels and digest food slowly.

The recipe is quite simple. Take skinless, boneless chicken breast and cut it into little cubes of one-inch. Marinate the cubes in a bowl for at least one hour with one tablespoon of sesame oil, 1/2 cup of soy sauce (low-sodium), and two tablespoons of vinegar (preferably rice wine). Chop your loved one’s favorite vegetable. You can choose from an extensive range of options including bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onions.  Take a metal skewer, alternate the meat, mushrooms, tomato, red onions, and bell pepper. Grill until meat cooked through and become succulent. Lean cuts of beef or pork can be substituted to provide a variety of flavors to your senior loved one.

Quinoa Pilaf

This grain is a rich source of protein. If your senior loved one wants to maintain sugar spikes, substitute quinoa with rice. Quinoa has high protein and fiber content and can be used in several dishes.

Take one cup of quinoa and rinse it under cold water until it runs clear. Make chicken broth with low-sodium and stir in the rinsed quinoa in two cups of boiled broth. Reduce the heat and cover the pan. It usually takes 20 minutes to cook quinoa. After quinoa grains become soft, fluff with a fork. In a separate pan take olive oil and sauté finely mince 1/2 onion until it is translucent. Remove it from the heat when it becomes golden brown and add in the cooked quinoa. Garnish with chopped parsley and squeeze 1/2 a lemon over a serving plate. If you don’t have time to cook this nutritious dish for your aging loved one, a professional caregiver from a Boynton Beach home care agency can assist.   

Berry Fruit Salad

Fresh berries are low in carbohydrates and keep blood sugar levels from spiking. They are filled with fiber and slow the process of digestion.

Wash a variety of your loved one’s favorite berries like raspberries, strawberries, acai, blueberries, and blackberries, and place them in a bowl. Take a separate pan, mix the juice of limes, poppy seeds, and a pinch of stevia. Drizzle over this mixture before serving the bowl of fresh berries for a light dessert or refreshing side dish.    

5 Proven Ways to Boost Mental Health for Aging Adults

In the golden years, seniors might experience cognitive decline or deteriorating mental health. Enhancing brain health can allow aging adults to live a happy and healthy life at home. Sleeping for adequate hours, eating nutritious meals, or doing meditation can help seniors enhance cognitive abilities and mental well being. Here are 6 of the best ways to boost mental health naturally shared by Boynton Beach home care providers.