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Letting Your Grandparents Know How Much They Mean To You

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How You Can Honor Your Grandparents!

Our great nation has evolved to the country we love today thanks to millions of older Americans who have made great sacrifices through the decades. Unfortunately, younger people don’t always have the time or the inclination to show that we appreciate all that older generations have done for us.

Every September, we’re given an opportunity to show that we care by taking part in Grandparents’ Day! This year, Grandparents’ Day fell on a Sunday on September 10th. If you had not already made plans, these are some of the activities that you can share with your grandparents or other seniors who may not have immediate family members.

Activities To Share With Grandparents

  • Plant a tree together: Trees have long been seen as symbols of longevity, life, and legacy. What better way to honor your relationship with a grandparent than to plant a tree together? As the tree matures from a sapling, it becomes a lasting testament to the love you share. Not to mention, trees can benefit people for generations to come!
  • Help clean up the community together: If your community has a regular clean up day you can participate in, sign up with a grandparent and help keep the community free of trash and debris. If no such a day exists, you can still work together on a designated day to give nature a helping hand and to collect trash while bonding.
  • Find somewhere to volunteer together: Volunteering is not only great for senior mental health, but it can bridge the gap between different generations. Find a place where you and a grandparent can volunteer together such as a food pantry, church, hospital or an animal shelter.
  • Grab lunch with a grandparent: Many restaurants and cafes participate in Grandparents’ Day and show their appreciation of older generations by offering free coffee or food. Join your loved ones and invite your grandparents to such a restaurant or cafe to enjoy a meal together. It’s a great way to support a local business and show your love.

Assisting Hands Houston | Elder Caregivers in Houston TXHelp Your Grandparents Get The Care They Need!

Caring for your grandparents shouldn’t just be on Grandparents’ Day but every day of the year. If your grandparent needs help, consider talking about elder caregiving in Houston. Assisting Hands Houston is a community of seniors where every day is a chance to share the knowledge of generations with younger people and to enjoy a variety of exciting activities. Our community is wholly based on a personal approach where staff and family members regularly interact to give the care that seniors need.

It’s important for younger generations to learn from older generations. Assisting Hands Houston aids in providing seniors and young people the ability to interact in different social settings such as classrooms and through a multitude of activities. Regular school visits are scheduled where children and seniors can share their life experiences.

Get Educated!

Whether a loved one needs care or you’d like to volunteer, you can learn more about Assisting Hands Houston by calling us today at 281-540-7400 or by contacting us here. Our dedicated staff members can help answer all of your questions and provide you with volunteer opportunities.

Paying Attention To These Important Cancer Screenings For Your Loved Ones

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Understanding The Essential Cancer Screenings For Older Adults

We live in an era where we have the ability to take control of our own health and stay healthy.

The American Cancer Society suggests that all individuals should follow the recommendations that they have listed for essential cancer screenings.

This is an important aspect for older individuals as they are more likely to be diagnosed with some form of cancer than other areas of the population.

Seniors and their caregivers should know the various screenings that are available and when they should be scheduled.

Assisting Hands Houston | Cancer Screening For EldersCancer Screenings For Older Adults

Considering that Stand Up to Cancer Day is scheduled for September 9, the following is a list of various screenings that you or a loved one should keep in mind.

Lung Cancer Testing

If you are an active smoker or have quit in the past 15 years, it is recommended that you schedule a lung cancer screening. This type of screening features a low-dose CT scan which will look for early signs of lung cancer. It is essential that you discuss any risks, questions, and benefits with your health care physician or provider.

Colon Cancer Testing

Anyone of the age of 50 should have a colon cancer screening scheduled. This type of screening is covered by Medicare as it specifically searches for pre-cancerous polyps. If these polyps are found early enough, they can be removed before they become cancerous.

There are several different types of cancer screenings that are covered under Medicare depending upon risk factor and the date of the last testing. In fact, the American Cancer Society offers an extensive breakdown of Medicare coverage in these screenings.

Prostate Cancer Testing For Men

A prostate screening is essential but all seniors should talk to their physician about the many benefits and possible risks associated. When deciding upon a screening it is essential to consider overall health and not just age.

Breast Cancer Testing For Women

Mammograms are one of the most important aspects of screening for breast cancer in women. It is recommended to schedule a screening every two years. Women who are at a much higher risk should have one scheduled yearly.

If you are unsure of whether you are at a higher risk for breast cancer, it is best to discuss the situation with a health care provider. Age and family history will play a role in the risk factor.

As women age, the risk of cancer will increase. Some physicians will recommend other tests for those who are at a higher risk.

Cervical Cancer Testing For Women

Cervical cancer testing is essential for a healthy life for women, only if you have not been tested in the past ten years.

Are you still looking for more information about the best types of screenings for various ages?

The American Cancer Society has an excellent timeline that features the recommended ages for various cancer screenings.

Assisting Hands of Houston wants to help you make the best decisions for your life.

Regular cancer screenings are just a small part of a healthy lifestyle. The choices you make with your daily life matter as well. It is essential to consider the choices you make with diets, exercise, and habits, as they affect you in many ways.

One of the best ways to stay up to date on the latest research about aging and elder care in Houston Texas is to read the Assisting Hands Houston Blog. We feature many topics that older adults are interested in reading about including fitness, health, and nutrition.

Or we invite you to call us today or contact us here!

How To Prevent Sibling Rivalry As A Caregiver

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How To Manage Sibling Rivalry While You Are Caregiving

Assisting Hands Houston | Being A Caregiver in Houston TXWhen aging parents start experiencing health problems requiring caregiving, issues of sibling rivalry can arise.

Despite everybody’s best intentions, they can sabotage all of the efforts made to offer good care.

The key to making sure this extra stress is avoided as well as major family conflicts, is to learn how to manage sibling conflicts before they cause serious problems.

Conflicts among siblings frequently originate in childhood. This can make it tricky to work them out. Even those adults who believe they have been able to leave their old feelings in the past frequently find them resurfacing whenever family pressures start to intensify.

Old Rivalries May Be Replaced By New Family Dynamics

Fortunately, there are several potential pathways that can be taken to improve the relationships you have with your siblings. Finding the one that will work best for your specific situation is the key.

The following are a couple of suggestions from family relationship experts.

1. Maintain A Good Perspective On What Is Important

Sibling rivalry can increase stress levels noticeably for everybody, including your parents. Health and Houston caregivers issues that are associated with aging already have the potential to increase stress levels, but when sibling rivalry is added to the mix it can raise levels of toxicity even more.

Your sibling fights can potentially become another health problems for the very individual you are trying to help!

Try to take a step back and remember what is most important and what is at stake: the safety and health of your parent. When you stop to do that it may make it easier for you to resolve the problems you are having with your siblings.

2. Realize That Stakes Are Also High In Other Ways

AARP clinical psychologist and family therapist Barry J. Jacobs, states that the way people behave during the caregiving process remains with you all of your life. So those years of caregiving may set the tone for the way you get along with your siblings long after your parent has passed.

3. Keep Your Communication Open

When there are strong emotions involved it can be hard to keep communication open and clear. It is also very difficult to keep everybody informed when you have siblings living all across the country. You need to make your best effort to keep in touch since poor communication can make relations tense.

In these types of situations, one of the biggest complaints is that one sibling will feel disrespected or hurt when they discover that a decision has been made without their input. Frequently, medical conditions may suddenly arise, and somebody may forget to inform a sibling that lives far away.

To help avoid these kinds of potential family conflicts, plan for better communication.

4. Do Some Planning To Be Proactive

A small bit of planning can really go a long way. The best time to discuss caregiving responsibilities and roles before there is a major crisis. The most effective way to ensure that there is a good collaboration between sibling is decide which caregiving roles, if any, should be outsourced and divide up tasks and responsibilities between siblings ahead of time.

It is also essential to plan the financial aspects of your family caregiving. Financial factors associated with caregiving can potentially be a major source of conflict among siblings. Make sure to discuss and plan this aspect of caregiving with your siblings.

Consider Getting Help For Your Caregiving

Whenever an issue arises that none of your family members feel confident in handling, you should consider getting outside help. Assisting Hands Houston is able to help with issues such as how senior living can be financed or assisting when the main caregiver is going on vacation.

Give us a call today or contact us to learn about what Houston caregivers services we offer for short-term visitors or speak with one of our residents at Assisting Hands Houston to find out how they enjoy being a full-time resident with an Assisting Hands Houston caregiver.

Vaccinations Your Loved Ones Should Speak With Their Physicians About

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Key Immunization Conversations For Seniors And Their Physicians

There can be little doubt about the miraculous nature of vaccines and their ability to stop previously deadly diseases from developing in those treated with them. Thus, it is most perplexing that a large number of seniors citizens have failed to keep current when it comes to being vaccinated themselves. Those who are aged 65 or older may in fact be in need of boosters for vaccines already administered in the past.

There is no better time to discuss this issue with your physician than August, which is National Immunizations Month. Diseases that can be prevented with modern vaccines run the gamut from diphtheria to shingles, and it makes good sense to stay on top of them.

Key Vaccinations For Senior Citizens

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has indicated that those older than 65 must remain current on the following vaccines:

Assisting Hands Houston | Vaccinations For Elder Care In Houston1. Influenza/Seasonal Flu

Seniors have been told for years and years by physicians that they face a far greater risk of serious flu complications than younger individuals. With aging, the immune system loses strength and thus makes individuals far more susceptible to ailments related to the flu.

Annual statistics show that senior citizens are over-represented in the number of flu-induced hospitalizations and fatalities. Anyone under the impression that the flu vaccine has unacceptable levels of risk needs to know that both the CDC and the Public Health Agency of Canada strongly suggest that all seniors remain current with flu vaccinations, as these are the best defense obtainable.

2. Tdap or TD

The TD shot is a booster designed to guard against diphtheria as well as tetanus. Similarly, the Tdap vaccination provides coverage for those illnesses as well as whooping cough, otherwise known as pertussis. Each of these sicknesses has the potential to become deadly. Breathing issues are known to stem from diphtheria, due to the thickening that arises in the throat. Furthermore, tetanus can produce lockjaw, a condition which proves fatal in roughly one out of every five cases. The coughing that results from pertussis can be difficult to quell and is known to cause brain damage, seizures and even death in those affected.

3. Pneumococcal Vaccinations

The truth is that a pneumococcal disease is essentially a type of infection. It is the result of bacteria and may lead to bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, middle-ear infections and blood infections. Both young and old are vulnerable to this type of infection, and vaccination is the only mode of prevention. However, senior citizens are at greater risk of developing pneumococcal disease than all other demographic groups.

4. Zoster Vaccinations

This is a vaccine known to guard against an illness that plagues older individuals at alarming rates, namely, shingles. If you have ever known an individual afflicted by shingles, you already know that it brings excruciating pain and debilitating rashes. While the Zoster vaccination does not provide absolute protection against shingles, it does dramatically lessen the risk of acquiring the ailment. Also, if a case of shingles does emerge, it will be far less severe in someone who has received the Zoster vaccine.

Help From A Qualified Care Manager

When the time comes to have a discussion with your physician about vaccinations, having an advocate on your side can be a great help. Assisting Hands Houston employs the type of in home caregiver Houston trusts most. Not only can these professionals help with daily needs, they can also assist in the development of their Individualized Service Plan which provides a road map for comprehensive care.

Call us now or contact us today for more information!

Tips For The Family Caregiver in Houston

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A Guide For Keeping Your Marriage Strong

Many baby boomers are facing a decision about caregiving for their elderly parents or other relatives. This is not an easy decision and if a person decides to take on the role of primary caregiver, it can be quite stressful. This stress will often migrate into the caregiver’s marriage and cause problems. Providing full-time caregiving is extremely difficult and usually results in the caregiver trying to work in responsibilities involving caregiving, family, and marriage. This tightly packed and incredibly organized schedule typically results in very little time for the caregiver themselves. They are tired, stressed, and often feeling frustrated.

Assisting Hands Houston | Houston Caregiver ServicesPrimary caregivers also face another challenge

taking care of their own health. When a person becomes a full-time caregiver it often results in the caregiver’s health failing before the health of person they’re caring for. It can also become financially difficult when someone becomes a primary caregiver. They often must give up their job or at least reduce their hours which results in a loss of income. When all of these challenges are combined, it can wreak havoc on a marriage.

Couples can survive the trials and tribulations of being a primary caregiver, but it takes work. There are some steps a couple can take to keep their marriage strong. If both partners are committed, they can make it through and come out stronger on the other side.

1. Own It

Both the caregiver and the spouse must acknowledge that the caregiving is impacting their relationship. Providing care for someone else is a hard job and at the end of the day, the caregiver probably doesn’t want to clean house or do the grocery shopping. They are tired and perhaps a bit short-tempered. Both partners must realize there are issues and work together to help each other out

2. Prioritize Your Spouse

Both partners must do this, but the caregiver may need to work hard at prioritizing their spouse when they are providing care for another person all day long. It is important that both partners make time to connect, even if it’s just a short chat while making dinner. It helps to plan something special every once in a while so both partners remember how important they are to each other.

3. Ask For Help

Family caregiving should be just that – family. When the primary caregiver needs a break, they should never hesitate to ask for help. If they don’t recognize when they need time away, it could end badly for both the caregiver and the one they are caring for. It is only human to need time for oneself, so ask family and friends to step in occasionally.

If there are no family or friends nearby, consider hiring a professional caregiver, if only for a day or a few hours. These home care companions can take your loved one to their doctor’s appointment or shopping or to the hair salon. Meanwhile, the caregiver can get a much-needed break or take care of a few personal errands.

4. Use Available Resources

There are usually resources available within the community to help family caregivers. The local Area Agency on Aging will have specialists who can provide help and advice. There may also be support groups where primary caregivers can meet others who are facing the same challenges.

5. Take Time For Yourselves

This is a big one. All marriages need recharging at times, so plan some time for yourselves. If you can’t get away, plan a “stay-cation” and try a new vineyard or go to a show. Spend this time together talking and strengthening your marriage bonds.

Many communities offer respite programs where your loved one can do a short-term stay at a local long-term care facility or senior retirement community. This is a great way to ensure your relative or friend is safe while you and your spouse get some much-needed time alone.

5. Know When To Stop

When the care giving is causing too many problems in the marriage, take a step back and admit you need help. Assisting Hands Houston is here to provide you assistance. Our caregiver in Houston specialists will work with you to determine if a change is needed for the health of everyone concerned. Give us a call or contact us today to talk about your options.

Home Safety Audits May Be Able To Keep Your Loved Ones In Their Own Homes

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Home Safety Audits Can Enable Seniors To Stay In Their Own Homes

As people get older, their homes may require modifications in order to account for their changing needs.

The vast majority of seniors would rather stay in their own home rather than moving into an assisted living facility or a Houston senior home. One of the primary determining factors as to whether or not that is possible is the overall safety of the home. The best way to tell whether or not a home is safe for an elderly loved one is by conducting a special type of inspection known as a home safety audit.

Assisting Hands Houston | In Home Care in Houston TXUnderstanding How Home Safety Audits Work

The aging process can take a toll on the body. Because of that, seniors often have specific safety requirements when it comes to the environment where they live.

When you have been living in the same place for an extremely long period of time, it can sometimes be difficult to look at it without allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment. One way to get around this is by using a special checklist that was published by AARP. This checklist is designed to help you evaluate a home objectively to see whether or not it is safe for seniors.

As you read through the checklist, you will encounter questions that may not have otherwise crossed your mind. From determining whether or not the doorbell is loud enough to make sure that the door has an easily accessible peephole, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered.

Additional Safety Measures

Along with going through the entire checklist provided by AARP, there are several other things that you need to think about when making sure that a home is safe for an elderly loved one.

Suggestions For Senior-Friendly Living Environments

There are some steps that you can take that will not only make the home safe but also more comfortable to live in. Try using these tips along with the AARP checklist:

  • Arrange furniture in such a way that it can be used for stabilization. Being able to hold onto furniture as they move through the house can help keep an elderly person from tripping and falling. Make sure that the furniture itself is strong enough to support their weight if they lean on it and that it is sturdy enough that it won’t fall over.
  • Choose contrasting colors. As people get older, it becomes more difficult to tell colors that are close in value apart from one another. You can make it easier for seniors to spot color changes by choosing colors that sharply contrast with one another. A great example of this is with flooring. By choosing area rugs that are a far different color than the surrounding floor, you can make it easier to see where one area ends and the other begins.
  • Allow in as much light as possible. Skylights, windows, and other sources of natural light can make it easier for seniors to see when they are indoors. Natural light can also help regulate the sleep cycle and can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

There’s No Place Like Home

It is only natural for seniors to want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible as they age. Fortunately, with a few simple modifications, most homes can accommodate elderly occupants with ease. The tips in this article should help.

For more information call Assisting Hands Houston or contact us by visiting here!

Hot Weather Dangers For The Elderly

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Hot Weather Dangers To Watch For

There are certain health ailments that older adults tend to be more vulnerable to, due to changes that occur in their immune systems that are age-related and potential effects of injuries or chronic illnesses. These changes in health can often be helped by Houston elder care services. It is also very important to keep a close watch on them whenever there is an increase in temperature too quickly identify as well as treat any of the following heat-related conditions:

1. Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

If the core body temperature of your loved one gets too high, they could be at risk for getting hyperthermia, or also called heat exhaustion and in more serious cases heat stroke.

For both of these conditions, it is very important to immediately get the elderly person out of the heat. If they are in the sun, move them over to the shade, or preferably help them get indoors. Take any extra clothing off so that they can cool down faster. Also get them to drink as much water as possible, or a hydrating sports drink containing electrolytes. If there are any indications that your loved one might have heat exhaustion, if there is no improvement in their symptoms in one hour then call a doctor. In the event of a heat stroke, you either call 911 or take our loved one to the emergency room immediately. To help quickly lower their body temperature, if possible try to submerge the person in a cool bath. Or use a cool, damp cloth on them while they are sitting by a fan.

For safety purposes, their home should always be maintained at a reasonable temperature. Use air conditioning and fans whenever possible, and ensure your loved one remains hydrated all day long, even when only resting inside. Even when not out directly in the sun it still is possible to overheat.

Also, seniors shouldn’t ever be left unattended locked inside of a car for long periods of time. The National Weather Service reports that it can only take a couple of minutes for the heat to reach dangerous levels inside of a vehicle, even when parked in the shade or the windows on the car are rolled down.

2. Sun Poisoning and Sunburn

Assisting Hands Houston | Hot Weather Concerns For Your EldersIt is a very painful experience to get sunburned and if it gets bad enough can be extremely dangerous. According to South Dakota State University, compared to younger adults seniors are a lot more sensitive to the sun’s effects.

Serious sunburn may cause fevers, blister, and peel. According to Cleveland Clinic, skin is damaged at the cellular level by sunburns, which may result in significant damage along with bruising and skin cancer eventually. The difference between sun poisoning and sun sunburn is that usually sun poisoning also includes nausea, chills, and bumps that might itch.

In order to treat sunburn, there are over-the-counter solutions such as aspirin that you can try, or topical ointments like aloe vera gel. However, if your loved one is feeling fatigued or sick after they get a sunburn, you should make sure they see a doctor right away.

In order to prevent sun poisoning or sunburn, a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a high SPF needs to be used. It should be applied 20 to 30 minutes at least before going outdoor and then every two hours that they are outside after that. Even on a cloudy day, sunscreen should still be applied, since harmful UV rays are still able to penetrate through cloud cover.

Your loved one needs to avoid being outside in the sun from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. when it is at its peak. If they have to be outside during those hours, or at anywhere they will be exposed to the sunlight for long periods of time, then sunglasses should be worn, along with long-sleeved clothing and wide brim hats so that their skin is protected from being in direct contact with the sun for prolonged periods of time. When outside during the day, taking periodic breaks and resting in the shade is very important. If their skin starts to look pink or red or they begin to feel hot, then they should go inside.

There are also certain medications that can make seniors more sensitive to the suns effects that normal. Speak to their doctor or check their prescriptions to find out if any of their medications need to be watched.

3. Dehydration

When it is hot outside it is easy to not get enough fluids. During the summer heat, your loved one is going to tend to sweat more, and if they don’t make a conscious effort to drink more water they can quickly become dehydrated.

Whenever an individual becomes dehydrated, it also becomes more difficult for all of the systems of their body to function properly. Symptoms include the following:

  • Experience muscle cramps
  • Have headaches
  • Have dark-colored urine or not urinate enough
  • Have a sticky or dry mouth
  • Feel thirsty

If there is severe dehydration, symptoms will also include shallow and rapid breathing, confusion, dizziness, dry skin and rapid heartbeat.

If you act fast then dehydration is easy to treat. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from dehydration, then make sure they drink a sports drink that is fortified with electrolytes or water. If it is difficult to drink water due to dehydration making them feel ill, then they might choose gently sip on water or suck on ice cubes instead.

If symptoms are not relieved by consuming more liquid, or if at any time your loved one ends up losing consciousness, then take the person to the emergency room or call 911. Prolonged, serious dehydration can be fatal. Don’t wait for dehydration signs before you start to ensure that your loved one drinks enough water. You should be proactive and make sure they have access to lots of hydrating fluids to help them stay hydrated and cool during the summer.

Dehydration can also be exacerbated by other illnesses. If the elderly person is sick and has diarrhea or vomiting also, then drinking plenty of fluids is very important.

Have Fun All Summer

With all of the different outdoor activities that are available to enjoy, no one should be forced to stay indoors and hide away from the sun all summer long. You just need to ensure that all safety precautions are followed – such as providing lots of water, applying sunscreen and making sure your older loved one spends time in the shade to get a rest from the sun – so that they can stay healthy and safe all summer long.

For more information please call us today or contact Assisting Hands Houston!

The Benefits Of Making New Friends

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Reasons For Senior Citizens To Make New Friends

Those who have just retired or are planning to soon likely have a whole host of things on their to-do list. Retirement comes with a bit of frustrating irony in the fact that free time has become plentiful, but there may be a lack of folks with whom to pursue new activities. The reason for this is that it grows more difficult to maintain a full complement of friends and acquaintances during these years.

Stanford’s Center on Longevity recently found that older folks run a high risk of becoming disengaged from their social groups as they age. In fact, there is a strong likelihood that a high percentage of this age group will report feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Detrimental Health Effects Of Social Isolation

The fact is that loneliness and social estrangement are not just demoralizing and sad, they can also be harmful to your health status. Detachment from friends and society, in general, can negatively impact physical and mental health in those of more advanced age. Fortunately, there is no need to surrender to these types of feelings.

Growing Your Friend List After Retirement

There are a number of methods for establishing new friendships once you have made the decision to retire.

1. Volunteer Work

Few things are better for improving your community as well as your own well-being than helping others. No matter if you spend time at a soup kitchen or take care of stray animals at the shelter, volunteer opportunities to meet every taste and availability abound.

Assisting Hands Houston | Elder Care in Houston Texas2. Find Affinity Clubs

Also, a terrific way to build new friendships in the post-retirement years is to take part in shared interests with others. Clubs can be great for this purpose, as they unite those with common hobbies and interests in order to facilitate the pursuit of such activities. Sharing expertise and learning from others is ideal for forming new bonds.

Further, clubs of all sorts can be a wonderful conduit for generating interest in entirely new subjects and activities. Whether a club involves some sort of physical activity or is more intellectual in nature, the relationships fostered in these settings can prove very valuable over the coming years.

3. Mentoring The Young

With the population continuing to age, there is no limit to the ways in which senior citizens can provide critical mentorship and advice to other demographic groups. Their work experience, educational background, financial resources and other attributes make mentoring a perfect fit for seasoned citizens. The insights seniors can offer span the realms of business, culture, education and more, and younger generations can only benefit from listening and learning from these individuals.

4. Relocation To A Senior-Focused Community

Though some might initially balk at the prospect, relocating to a senior-focused residential community is often the push in the right direction older individuals need in order to stay active. With organized activities galore and nearly endless social opportunities around every corner, assisted living, independent living and memory care facilities can be an ideal place to explore new avenues and make lasting friendships. Assisting Hands Houston is among the finest elder care services in Houston, and is known for providing the social outlet’s senior citizens crave and need.

Assisting Hands Houston And Beneficial Socialization

All of the communities under the Assisting Hands Houston umbrella offer unique programs and organized activities meant to give seniors the chance to make friends, keep their minds active and engage with the world around them. Interested families can visit any of the participating communities’ website to review a sample calendar of events. This gives a great feel for the sort of vitality that is encouraged and achieved every day by seniors affiliated with Assisting Hands Houston.

Call or contact Assisting Hands Houston today for more information!

Seven Healthy Hobbies For Your Loved Ones

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Older Adults Can Do These 7 Healthy Hobbies

We all know that sometimes our favorite things to do aren’t really that good for us, and if your favorite things are not doing your health any good, then it’s time to pick up some new hobbies. For example, watching too much television doesn’t do anything for your fitness or mental goals. The good news is you don’t have to be a master at cooking vegan dishes or being obsessed with yoga to enjoy things that are good for you. With that said, here are a few hobbies you can do if you want to become healthier.

1. Bird Watching

Bird watching is one of the best things you can do and there are so many benefits of doing this hobby. For starters, when you are outdoors, you are being physical. Believe it or not, bird watching requires quite a bit of moving around.

Bird watching involves waiting around quietly and for long periods of time, so you will get plenty of peace and quiet, which is good for your mental health. It keeps you alert too because you will need to immediately grab your binoculars when you spot a bird. Other benefits include being good for your soul and it is a good social activity. Many people go in groups to do bird watching because the common interest in it brings them together.

2. Golfing

Many of the benefits associated with bird watching are experienced when you golf. Sure, you have to stay on one landscape when you golf, but you are still outside and getting fresh air. You’ll enjoy a number of cardiovascular benefits when you are out golfing, but there are social aspects of golf too. In fact, many people consider golf to be one of the most social activities you can do.

Even if you’re not playing a full game of golf, you can hang out in the clubhouse and don’t forget that it is a physical activity because you’re constantly swinging a club and walking along. Not only that, but golf can give you an ego boost. When you experience a victory, even a small one, then you will instantly gain confidence.

Assisting Hands Houston | Elder Care Activities3. Gardening

Gardening gets you outside and it’s quite physical. This hobby, like the other hobbies we will discuss throughout the rest of this article, offers the same benefits of golfing and bird watching. If you want to do something fun, relaxing and healthy, then take up gardening because you will love.

4. Photography

Photography is one of those hobbies that can be done outdoors or indoors. When you are snapping photos, you will be moving around and the chances are you will be bending over and standing up repeatedly. Photography can be very social too, especially if you are taking photos of human subjects.

5. Join a Walking Club

You can join a walking club. In fact, many Houston elder care services recommend doing this. When you join a walking club, you will feel more connected with your community. If you don’t want to join a walking club, then have a friend go with you on a daily walk or even just a few days a week.

6. Cooking

Cooking is a great activity that is healthy, especially when you focus on cooking and preparing healthy meals. You can even take cooking classes that are near your home. You will be dicing, slicing and chopping and you’ll be on your feet, which are all physical things. If you do take a class, then you will enjoy the social aspects of cooking.

7. Taking Classes

If you want to learn something new, then take a class because learning new things can be challenging and it is good for your mind. Many people believe that one of the benefits of Houston elder care services is they offer classes. With so many classes to choose from, you will surely find one you will enjoy.

As you can see, all of the above hobbies offer similar benefits, which includes social benefits, psychical benefits, and mental benefits. If you want to become healthier or remain healthy, then consider taking up some of the above hobbies and if you’re in Houston, then consider going into an elder care facility. Many facilities offer the above activities, but even if you don’t decide to go to one, make sure you still remain active by doing the above. The sooner you pick up one of those hobbies, the sooner you’ll experience the benefits it offers.

We invite you to call or contact Assisting Hands Houston if you have any more questions!

Paying Attention To Your Loved Ones Conditions

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9 Treatable Conditions Similar To Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease does not cause all types of dementia. In fact, many conditions mimic Alzheimer’s, and in some cases to the extent that they have doctors stumped. Although it is never a good situation when symptoms include confusion, personality changes, and memory loss, there is still hope. With early intervention, many of the conditions mimicking Alzheimer’s disease can be treated, along with in home care in Houston TX. From side effects from drugs to vitamin deficiencies, many things can occur to cause confusion and memory loss.

Treatable Condition Often Mistaken For Alzheimer’s Disease

Actually, there are more than 100 conditions that have symptoms that might be mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease. The following are nine of the more common ones.

Assisting Hands Houston | Signs of Alzheimer's Disease1. Vitamin B12 Deficiency

When vitamin B12 levels are low, it may cause a kind of anemia that is characterized by slowness, irritability, and confusion.

2. Other Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies in vitamins B6 and B1 may produce Alzheimer’s-like symptoms as well. Folic acid and niacin deficiencies may cause dementia as well, although this is rare.

3. Depression

When older adults are depressed they frequently are afraid they may have Alzheimer’s. That is due to the fact that depression may cause disorientation, lack of focus, slowness, and forgetfulness.

4. Thyroid Problems

Dementia-like symptoms can be caused by either too little or too much thyroid activity.

5. Medication Side Effects

Medications tend to be a common cause for cognitive decline. Confusion may be a side effect of a certain prescription drug that a senior is taking. The individual could also be having an adverse reaction to the medication they are taking or it could an interaction between several different prescriptions. Dementia-like symptoms are caused by some medications that get prescribed to seniors since as you age the kidneys and liver are not as efficient. Drugs may build up within the body, which can cause a toxic reaction which results in mental decline.

The following are substances that might cause older adults to have cognitive problems:

  • Cholesterol drugs
  • Sleeping pills
  • Acid reflux drugs
  • Cardiovascular drugs
  • Corticosteroids
  • Narcotics
  • Antihistamines
  • Anti-anxiety medication
  • Antidepressants
  • Sedatives
  • Alcohol (when there is alcoholism present)

6. Withdrawal from Drugs

Alzheimer’s-like symptoms can not only be caused by drugs but discontinuing using prescriptions may as well. The resulting disorientation and confusion may mimic cognitive issues that Alzheimer’s disease is associated with.

Two common examples are alcohol withdrawal syndrome and withdrawing from anti-anxiety drugs suddenly.

7. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

Brain fluid gradually building up may cause pressure that can end up damaging brain tissue. Abnormal walking is one of the very first symptoms that might appear in NPH cases. Others include confusion and delirium.

8. Brain Tumor

Meningioma are a type of benign tumor that may cause a cognitive loss at times and is mistakenly thought to be Alzheimer’s disease. It is often possible to surgically remove the tumors.

9. Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia may be caused by a mini stroke or stroke. Individuals who experience mini strokes frequently don’t even know they have had one. It is only after dementia signs start to arise that they suspect there might be a problem.

Sometimes vascular dementia can be treated with certain medications and cognitive rehab.

Being Aware Of Early Alzheimer’s Signs

If you or someone you love have symptoms that may possibly be Alzheimer’s, you should speak to your doctor as soon as you can. Real Alzheimer’s may be more effectively managed through the use of preemptive care, which is why early detection is so critical.

For any more questions you have regarding Alzheimer’s disease or in home care for your loved ones call or contact Assisting Hands Houston today! Our representatives are waiting to answer any questions and address any concerns that you may have.