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Elders Can Get Youthful-Looking Skin with These Lifestyle Tips

Homecare Manhattan NY

Homecare Manhattan NY

As we get older, we may begin to feel more self-conscious over our appearance, especially over the look of our skin. The same is true for elderly parents. They may begin to notice an extra wrinkle or age spot that was not there before, causing them to feel embarrassed at the sight of this newfound blemish. No matter what age your parent is, there are plenty of ways to make the skin appear more youthful and vibrant by making a few changes to their diet. Older adults with medical problems may need the assistance of an homecare professional to complete these tips for healthy skin.

Eat a Healthy Diet 

Our skin is a reflection of the foods and drinks we put into our bodies. A healthy diet can make the elder look younger, keep the skin smoother, and reduce any dryness, wrinkles, or other blemishes.

  • Drink plenty of water. Drinking at least a liter of water each day can do wonderful things for the skin, as well as the entire body. If the elder has a difficult time drinking water throughout the day, tea and some fruits and vegetables will provide the daily amount of water your loved one needs. Melons and cucumbers are a great source of water.
  • Limit sugar and processed foods. These types of foods can cause inflammation, which will greatly affect the normal production of dermal cells. Wine should also be limited as drinking too much can cause damage to these cells.
  • Take vitamin D. Vitamin D is not only great for the skin, but it can help strengthen the bones and muscles of older adults. This vitamin can be found in fortified dairy products and juices or can be taken as a supplement. If the elder is taking a vitamin D supplement, they should try to take at least 1,000 IUs each day.
  • Add omega-3 into your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, olive oil, and flaxseed. This nutrient will help keep the skin moisturized in order to prevent dry skin.

Limit Sun Exposure 

Spending too much time in the sun is one of the worst things that can be done for your loved one’s skin. These tips will keep their skin protected, while spending time outdoors.

  • Wear sunblock. Do not skip this step when going outside.  Older skin is much thinner than that of younger adults, so they are more prone to sunburns. Help your loved one lather themselves with sunblock that has an SPF of at least 30 to their face, neck, ears, and any other exposed skin.
  • Stay shaded. Your loved one can still spend time outside without standing directly in the sunlight by looking for shaded areas. If shade is not available, encourage them to take several breaks indoors.
  • Wear the right clothing. Especially on hot days, the skin should be covered by lightweight, UV-protective clothing.
  • Choose your time outside wisely. The hottest times of the day are between 10 am and 4 pm. Encourage the elder to go outside early in the morning or late at night when it is cooler.

These homecare ideas will help older adults improve the look of their skin easily and naturally.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Manhattan NY, please contact the caring staff at Gentle Hands Home Care.

July 3rd is International Plastic Bag Free Day

Home Care Long Island NY

Home Care Long Island NY

Did you know that it can take 100-500 years for a single plastic bag to disintegrate?  When you consider how often we use plastic bags for groceries and other shopping, it is easy to see how these can really add up in landfills and stay there for a very long time.  Not only do they take up space in landfills, they also end up in places like oceans, rivers, lakes, forests, and other places in nature where they can destroy habitats and hurt animals.  For something that is usually used only once and only for few minutes, it hardly seems worth it.  July 3rd is observed as International Plastic Bag Free Day to help inform the public about the harm that using single-use plastic bags does to our environment.

If you and your loved one use plastic bags, but would like to cut down on waste and be more “green”, there are many things you can do.  Read on for some simple things you and your loved one can do in their home to create less waste in the form of plastic bags.  

  • Use Reusable Shopping Bags 

This is one of the best ways you can help to stop the plastic bag problem that we have in our world.  Reusable shopping bags are usually inexpensive to buy and come in all kinds of colors and patterns to fit your loved one’s style.  If you have a few on hand, just remember to bring them with you to the grocery store, market, or mall and use them to carry your items home.  When you do this consistently, you can virtually eliminate all of the plastic bags from your garbage can.

  • Recycle Single-Use Bags 

Many grocery stores and department stores have bins where you can recycle your single-use plastic bags.  Carry yours and your loved one’s items home in the plastic bags and then simply return the bags on your next trip out.  These bags can be melted down to make other items so they are kept out of landfills and the natural environment.

  • Reuse Plastic Bags Yourself 

If you do get some plastic bags while shopping, you may find that you and your loved one will have a use for them at home.  You can use them for trash can liners, storage, transporting things, and to clean up after your loved one’s pet.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Long Island NY, please contact the caring staff at Gentle Hands Home Care.

Need a Day Trip Idea? The Zoo is the Perfect Place for Elders

Senior Care Little Neck NY

Senior Care Little Neck NY

Zoos are not just for children, but can be just as enjoyable for senior adults. Seniors who spend a majority of their time at home due to a physical or mental disability will gladly welcome a trip to the zoo. Just having the chance to interact with the animals will give offer older adults the same benefits that owning a pet can do for them.

Animals can boost the mood of both the caregiver and senior, while also lowering their blood pressure. Zoo trips also provide elders with the added advantage of getting exercise and socializing with others while looking at the exotic creatures. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may also remember fond childhood memories while taking a walk through the zoo. A senior care specialist can be hired to not only care for your loved one during the day, but can also drive them to these exciting day trips.

To make the zoo field trip go as smoothly as possible, here are some tips that will help both the senior and caregiver enjoy this special day.  

  • Be prepared. To get the most out of a trip to the zoo, have a planned route ready a few days ahead of time. Obtain a map of the zoo and have your loved one pick the animals, shows, and events they would like to see. Then come up with a schedule to make sure your loved one gets to see all of the exhibits and events they are interested in.
  • Know the forecast. Since summer days can be hot and humid, check the forecast and go on a day that is cooler. If the only day the senior can go is supposed to be hot, get to the zoo early in the morning while it is still cool outside.
  • Be aware of discounts. Most places will offer discounts to seniors, which may include free admission to certain shows. Priority seating is also usually available for older adults with limited mobility and vision issues, as well as having auditory assistance devices for those who are hard of hearing. Call a few days prior to the trip to find out what perks are available to elders.
  • Ask for help. Staff members and zoo volunteers are often more than willing to help if needed. If there is something that these staff members can do to make this trip easier for the caregiver and enjoyable for seniors, do not be afraid to ask.

Try out these tips to make the visit to the zoo more relaxing and pleasant for both the caregiver and senior adult.  

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Little Neck NY, please contact the caring staff at Gentle Hands Home Care.

4 Big Challenges You'll Encounter as a Family Caregiver for Your Elderly Loved One

Elderly Care Hicksville NYElderly Care Hicksville NY

It's important to understand what you'll be facing when you agree to be a family caregiver for your elderly loved one. Not everyone's situation is exactly the same, of course, but there are some challenges that are fairly universal when it comes to caring for loved ones.

Your Time Will Get Tougher to Manage

Being a family caregiver takes a lot of time out of your normal daily activities. Even if your elderly loved one is living on her own and still fairly self-sufficient, caregiving still takes time. You'll still have all of your other obligations, such as your job, your significant other, your kids, and your pets, but you'll have to adjust your time management to take care of your loved one, too.

You'll Have Demands from Multiple Corners 

Caregiving doesn't take nights or weekends off, and that can mean that you have competing demands from multiple different people and situations. You may need to leave work early, for example, to help your loved one with a situation. Or you might need to make phone calls to multiple different agencies to help your loved one set up an appointment. Some of these demands may be tasks that you can delegate to others. You may also want to hire senior care providers so that you can focus on one demand at a time.

You'll Be Physically Tired 

There are two types of physical tiredness you're going to encounter as a family caregiver. You'll be tired from spending long hours dealing with issues for your loved one and feel like you don't ever get enough sleep. You may also find yourself tired in the muscular sense, especially if your loved one has physical disabilities that require lifting and other physical assistance.

You'll Also Be Mentally and Emotionally Tired 

Your brain will be exhausted from trying to find the right solutions for your loved one. You'll have to become extremely creative in some of your solutions. Your emotions will also get a workout. Your loved one might frustrate you or some of the situations that your loved one has to deal with might make you extremely sad for her. You'll need to make sure that you have the emotional support that you need to continue being a strong family caregiver.

Being a family caregiver for your elderly loved one can be extremely rewarding, but it isn't always easy. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Hicksville NY, please contact the caring staff at Gentle Hands Home Care.

Family Caregiver – Country Cooking Month

Caregiver Nassau Count NY

Caregiver Nassau County NY

As a family caregiver, it’s a safe bet that the person you’re caring for will appreciate the extra efforts being made because they likely come from an era when cooking from scratch was the norm, as was having a vegetable garden in the backyard. And let’s face it: There’s something very special about eating a meal which has had so much love and effort put into it, especially when it includes vegetables or fruits grown by you, or you’ve have a hand in their growth, harvesting and preparation in some way. Things are a lot tastier, aren’t they? And it makes the overall eating experience that much more satisfying.

June is National Country Cooking Month (seems like there’s a special day or occasion for everything, right?). But what exactly is country cooking? It’s not an easy question to answer. In fact, it has a different meaning depending on who you talk to.

Some say it’s cooking like they do in the south. Others think it’s about preparing fatty, unhealthy foods. Still others look at it as being fiscally conservative, using the materials and ingredients you have on hand, and little else. Meanwhile, others think of it as cooking family recipes that have been handed down over the years, oftentimes treasured favorites within the family.

Whatever it means, the main goal of Country Cooking Month should be to prepare simple, healthy and well-balanced home-cooked meals, and taking the time to do as much of the meal as you can from scratch, just like grandma used to do on Sundays.

This is a great month to not only dig out some of your old recipes or those of other family members that perhaps haven’t been used in a while, but also to try something new. This might even be a good time to get even more simple and sustainable by growing some of your own vegetables, or fruits.

During Country Cooking Month you could do almost anything. What if you and your aging family member got the rest of the family involved in something like baking cookies, brownies or a cake from scratch; or baking bread from scratch instead of using a bread-making machine. You could ask your aging family member for some of their old recipes or favorite home-cooked dishes, then either surprise them by preparing one of those dishes for them, or even asking them to participate in the process with you. If you have children old enough to be of some help, you could also get them involved and make it a three-generationally cooked meal! That would not only create a delicious meal, but some beautiful, lasting memories for family members from all generations.

Remember, try to avoid using today’s kitchen technology: that includes trying to avoid blenders, mixers, microwaves, and other electric kitchen gadgets. Your hands and stove should do all the work. It will not only make your loved one smile, but warm their heart at the same time.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services in Nassau County NY, please contact the caring staff at Gentle Hands Home Care.

Elder Care Tips: Simple Ways that Your Parent Can Protect Oceans for National Oceans Month

Elder Care Massapequa NY

Elder Care Massapequa NY

Every person has a responsibility to help the environment and do their part to make sure that the earth is guarded so that it will remain healthy and beautiful for future generations. Participating in activities and making simple life changes that allow your elderly parent to fulfill this responsibility can also help them to feel more connected to the world around them, keep their mind active and stimulated, and ensure a high quality of life as they age in place.

June is National Oceans Month. During this month, encourage your aging parent to find out ways that they can take care of the ocean and protect it from the damage that can occur due to the actions of humans. This is a great way for your elderly loved one to spend quality time with you and also to enhance their elder care routine by making them feel more active, involved, and engaged with their community and the larger world.

Some simple things that your aging parent can do to protect the oceans during National Oceans Month and throughout the rest of the year include:

• Reduce carbon footprint. You have likely heard the term "carbon footprint" in conjunction with many elements of taking care of the environment. This is because this ongoing effort can make a difference in virtually all aspects of preventing damage to the air, earth, and water. This process involves things such as conserving energy by turning off lights whenever possible and using efficient options such as fluorescent bulbs, driving as little as possible, and keeping the thermostat at a moderate temperature to reduce the energy usage needed to control the climate in the home.

• Eat sustainably. Seafood is a wonderfully healthy food choice, but it is important that you make an effort to choose only sustainable options. There are some species that are facing dwindling numbers due to excessive fishing and habitat destruction. By choosing fish that are responsibly farmed and harvested you can help to protect these species and maintain a properly balanced ecosystem in the ocean.

• Reduce plastic usage. Plastic products may be convenient but they wreak havoc on the oceans. Each year thousands of animals in and around the oceans are killed due to plastic ending up in the ocean and creating debris or damaging their habitat. Your aging parent can make simple changes in their lifestyle that reduce the demand for plastic products, including using reusable water bottles, reusable totes at the grocery store, and reusable food storage containers rather than disposable plastic versions. They should also be active in recycling to ensure that at least some of the plastics that they use will end up being used again rather than being allocated to the landfills or ending up in the ocean. If your parent does use plastics, make sure that they are properly handled. Plastic soda rings, for example, can cause serious injury and death to fish, birds, and other marine wildlife. Be sure to clip these open before disposing of them to prevent these disasters.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care in Massapequa NY, please contact the caring staff at Gentle Hands Home Care.

Home Care Awareness: Migraine Awareness Month

Home Care Bronx NYHome Care Bronx NY

June is Migraine Awareness Month and if you are a family caregiver providing home care for a senior who has been experiencing these severe headaches, now is the ideal time to learn more about them so that you can construct a care approach tailored to their needs.

Some things that you should know about migraines include:

  • Approximately 36 million people throughout the  United States suffer from migraines. This accounts for around 12 percent of the total population.
  • 25 percent of households have at least one person who suffers from migraine headaches.
  • Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraine headaches than men.
  • 30 percent of women will experience at least one episode of migraine headaches at some point in their life.
  • Migraines are most likely to occur between the ages of 30 and 60, but for those who already suffered them when they were younger, they tend to continue through their elderly years.
  • 3 percent of the population has what is referred to as chronic migraine. This is a condition in which the person suffers from migraine symptoms on at least 15 days of each month for a period of six months.
  • The symptoms of migraine headaches can be quite severe, causing the person to miss out on life activities such as spending time with family and friends, working, or taking care of needs such as grocery shopping.
  • Many sufferers have what is called a "premonitory phase". This is when their bodies start showing symptoms that warn them that a headache is on the way. This can include sensitivity to light and sound, stiffness or pain in the neck, increased yawning, or a feeling of severe fatigue.
  • After the pain stops the person is likely to experience a post-headache phase during which they may feel extremely fatigued, irritable, and weak, and go through coughing, straining, and dizziness.
  • The headache can last between 4 hours and 3 days with the average being around 24 hours. When combined with the other phases of the episode, however, it can last for several days.

The term "migraine" actually describes a cluster of different forms of headaches that are all triggered by hyper-excitable brain networks. The experience of this type of headache can be truly debilitating, and if your aging parent suffers from such headaches it is important that you put the proper care arrangements into place to ensure that they get the home care and assistance that they need during such an episode. A home care provider can be in the home with your parent to provide support and assistance while your parent goes through their migraine to allow them to get more rest and resist the movements that can increase symptoms. They can also guide your parent through the prevention and care methods recommended by their doctor to help minimize the experience and reduce the chances of experiencing another in the near future. This care can dramatically improve your parent's quality of life and overall health and wellbeing.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Bronx NY, please contact the caring staff at Gentle Hands Home Care.

Senior Care Recipes: National Hamburger Day

Senior Care Brooklyn NY

Senior Care Brooklyn NY

May 28 is National Hamburger Day. The perfect time for you to get into the swing of the summer months by indulging in this favorite warm weather staple, this is also a fantastic opportunity for your aging parent to bring some creativity into their senior care journey. By making recipes with their senior health care services provider your parent can not only enjoy better, more varied nutrition, but can also experience a cognitive, emotional, and memory boost. This improves not only their health and functioning, but their relationship with their care provider and their overall quality of life.

This recipe is a fun take on the burger that blends the classic sandwich with a family favorite: lasagna.

What You Will Need

• 4 ciabatta or hamburger rolls
• 1/4 of a cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 of a cup of ricotta cheese
• 1 and 1/2 pounds of ground pork, veal and beef mix
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• A few grates of nutmeg
• 1 handful of basil leaves
• 1 fourteen and a half ounce can of Italian crushed tomatoes
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• A large bowl
• A sharp knife
• A cutting board
• A saucepan
• A large skillet
• A small saucepan

What to Do

• In the large bowl, season the ground meats with salt and pepper to taste
• Use the sharp knife to finely chop the onion if needed and set aside
• Use the sharp knife to chop the garlic and set aside
• Hand shred or tear the basil leaves and set aside
• By hand, form 4 patties out of the meat, making sure to make the middle slightly thinner for a more even cook
• Drizzle the olive oil over each patty on both sides
• In the saucepan, place 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Place the saucepan over medium heat
• Once the oil is hot, add the onion to the saucepan
• Saute the onion about 5 minutes, until fragrant and soft
• Add the garlic to the onion and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes
• Stir in the tomatoes to the onion and garlic
• Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste
• Lower the heat to low
• Allow the tomatoes to simmer for 5 minutes
• Stir the basil into the tomatoes and allow to sit
• Add the large skillet to medium high heat
• Drizzle the olive oil into the skillet and get hot
• Add the ground meat to the skillet
• Cook the patties, turning once in the middle, about 8 minutes, or until medium rare
• While the patties cook, add the small saucepan to medium heat
• Add the butter to the small saucepan
• When the butter has melted, whisk in the flour
• After 1 minute of whisking the flour in, whisk in the milk
• Season with salt, nutmeg and pepper to taste
• Cook the flour mix about 5 minutes, or until thickened
• Stir the cheeses into the flour mix
• Use a spoon to get some of the red sauce on the roll bottoms
• Place the patties on top of the red sauce on the bottom rolls
• Place a dollop of the cheese sauce onto the patties
• Replace the top of the rolls onto the patties
• Serve hot

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Brooklyn NY, please contact the caring staff at Gentle Hands Home Care.

How to Become a More Well-rounded Caregiver

Home Care Services Long Island NYHome Care Services Long Island NY

Often people find themselves becoming a caregiver without much notice. They may think that it's all about simply spending time with their elderly loved one until they realize that it's a lot more complicated than that.

If you're still learning how to care for your elderly loved one, try some of these tips to make the experience better for you and for your loved one.

Educate Yourself as Much as Possible
The more informed that you are about your loved one's health conditions and how they affect his life, the more effective you'll be as a caregiver. It's easier to advocate for someone when you have an understanding of the ailment and the care that he requires in order to live a full life. You'll also be able to care for your loved one more effectively one on one the more educated you are about his needs.

Find Avenues of Emotional Support
Being a caregiver is emotionally draining work if you allow it to be. Set aside time to look for ways to build an emotional support network for yourself. This might involve finding a trusted friend or family member in whom you can confide or a support group made up of people going through the same things that you're going through. You might also want professional support from a counselor or therapist.

Take Regular Breaks from Caregiving
All too often family caregivers put themselves in the situation of never taking a break from caring for their elderly loved one. What this does is keeps the caregiver running until there's no more fuel in the tank at all. At best, this might mean that the caregiver is tired and worn out, but at worst, this could mean that the caregiver needs care for significant illnesses herself. Schedule in regular time away for yourself so that you can avoid developing bigger problems.

Get Help from Experts
Elder care professionals and your loved one's medical team are all there to help you provide the best care possible for your elderly loved one. Take the time to surround your loved one with a solid support network and home care services so that you can rest easy knowing that your loved one is in capable hands, even when you can't be there yourself.

Being a caregiver is demanding, but you'll also find it to be rewarding.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Long Island NY, please contact the caring staff at Gentle Hands Home Care.

 

How Can You Tell if Your Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease Should Stop Driving?

Caregiver Hicksville NY

Caregiver Hicksville NY

When your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, you might be concerned about when to talk to him about driving. There are some clues that can help you to determine when it might be time to have a conversation. As a family caregiver, this conversation can be a difficult one to have.

He Has Trouble Getting Where He's Going                              

Some elderly loved ones who have Alzheimer's disease can't remember how to get to destinations that they frequently visit. This happens because changes to your loved one's brain alter how he processes information. Your loved one might be disturbed by this development or he might not even realize that he's having trouble getting to places that are normally familiar to him.

He Has Difficulty with the Mechanics of Driving

Often an elderly loved one who has Alzheimer's disease will have trouble with driving, even if he doesn't realize it. He might mix up the functions of the pedals in the car, he might forget where the different switches are, or he might otherwise have difficulty with the interior workings of the vehicle. All of this can be exceedingly dangerous for your loved one when he's out on the road.

He Isn't Observing Traffic Signs and Laws

When your loved one is out and about in his car, pay attention to whether or not he's paying attention to traffic signs and signals. Although he may understand on one level what a stop sign means, he could be ignoring it while he's driving. Your loved one may also be making other errors, like changing lanes in a dangerous manner or drifting from one lane to another.

He's Been Making Poor Decisions

If your loved one is making poor decisions in other situations, such as at home while cooking, then it stands to reason that he's having difficulty making decisions at other times, such as while he's driving. Those poor decisions could bode badly for him if he's traveling in his car alone.

It's never a good feeling to have to tell your elderly loved one that he can't drive anymore, but it may become necessary.

If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home Caregiver Services in Hicksville NY, please contact the caring staff at Gentle Hands Home Care.