Chicago Home Care

Happy and Healthy to 102: Lessons for Living Longer from the Women Who’ve Lived the Longest

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What do the Peruvian, Scandinavian, Japanese and the Mediterranean women know that American women don’t? It’s to eat your way to a long life…yes we said eat!

Maintaining simple changes like portion control, eating farm fresh foods, reducing stress and eating foods with good oils and fats can make a significant difference. Eating certain foods may even ward off the chances of developing depression, obesity or cancer. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish can help keep you slim and happy well into your later years.

Places where these healthy lifestyles prevail are called Blue Zones. Blue Zones are areas where people traditionally lived healthier and more active lifestyles, and many times live to ages 100 and older. Cold regions also have the lower rates of heart disease, depression and certain cancers, compared to those who live in warmer, Western regions. Studying these cultures and their lifestyle habits can help Americans and others adopt healthier eating habits and implement them into their daily lives.

The important thing to remember is that it’s not about a complete lifestyle change, but more how small changes to one’s lifestyle habits can have significant benefits to one’s health and happiness. For example, eating out less and choosing smaller portions can help cut out unwanted calories.

“One thing we Americans have going for us: We are always up for a challenge. So try these healthful Blue Zone — and Cold Spot — inspired ideas. Click HERE for 7 things to do starting today!

If you are a caregiver for a family member or loved one in the Chicago North Shore area, an outside caregiver may be an excellent option for relief to ensure you also have some time for yourself. Home Care Assistance Chicago certified caregivers are available 24/7 to provide experienced, trustworthy caregivers to help with all your home care needs: transportation, healthy meal preparation, companionship, socialization, activities, personal care, medication reminders, and specific Alzheimer’s and dementia care services. Located North of Chicago in Kenilworth (430 Green Bay Road, Kenilworth, IL 60043) we serve Chicago and all of the North Shore, including Kenilworth, Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Evanston, Highland Park, Northbrook, Northfield, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Glenview, and more! Call 847-853-7777 or visit www.HomeCareAssistance.com

Study Shows Caregiving is One of the Most Stressful Occupations

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A recent study has confirmed what many of us already know: that caregiving is one of the most stressful occupations in North America. This study found that caregivers are the third most stressed group in America behind the obese and the depressed. Coincidentally, these are two issues that many caregivers are at risk for; this only amplifies the already high stress level of caregivers.

“Caregivers are not only more likely to report stress than other groups; they also report it at higher levels,” said Caring.com senior editor Paul Spencer Scott. “Caregivers are more likely than the general public to have a chronic illness (82 percent vs. 61 percent) and to rate their own health as fair or poor (34 percent vs. 20 percent). Caregivers also appear to manage stress in less healthy ways than the general population. Caregivers are twice as likely, for example, to report smoking to manage their stress (20 percent vs. 10 percent).”

It is more important now than ever to take time out of your day to takes steps toward protecting one’s health and avoiding caregiver burnout. The ability to provide care to another individual is an invaluable service to society, but the caregiver and their patient’s health need to be of equal importance.

Other interesting findings garnered from this report are that people still refuse to accept how stress affects their daily lives. Nearly one third of those polled do not believe that stress affects their physical or mental health. Tests have proven that the truth is quite the opposite; reduction of stress is a major step towards a healthier lifestyle.

To read more click here: http://www.caring.com/blogs/fyi-daily/caregivers-top-list-of-most-stressed-psychologists-say?utm_campaign=fanpage&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Achieving “Slowness” in a Fast-Paced World

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In the world of caregiving, we strive to meticulously plan out every activity to ensure a stress free experience for the elderly we serve. However, the best course of action might be to just slow down and simplify our activities. Not only does slowing down reduce stress and anxiety. but it also can lead to a more enjoyable experience for both parties involved.

“Rushing and old age don’t mix, causing all kinds of tension between seniors and their caregivers. Stiff joints, muscle weakness, aches and pains, fears — whatever the reason, old age is, in the natural life cycle, a time for slowing down.”

Caring.com proposed a list of suggestions (seen below) on how to best achieve “slowness” in our fast paced world.

• Be realistic about how much time daily tasks will take. Consider small things like getting in and out of a car or climbing up and down stairs. Everything takes time, so it should all be taken into consideration when you are planning your day.

• This same concept should be applied to daily activities like eating, dressing and bathing. Everyone should have ample time to complete these tasks. When one is rushed through activities of daily living it throws the rest of their day off as well.

• Consider natural body rhythms; if the senior you care for is a morning person, then tailor their daily activities and schedule with this in mind.

As for a more philosophical angle towards slowing down, acceptance of a senior’s slower pace is integral to a stress free outing. “In most cases, seniors can’t help moving more slowly — there’s simply nothing they can do about it. If they could, they would. Accepting this, taking a deep breath, and going with the flow — even if it’s slower than yours — is much easier than fighting it. Plus, there’s a domino effect: When caregivers relax, the seniors they’re caring for do, too.”

While it is hard for caregivers of all people to slow down a conscious and concerted effort to do so could pay dividends in the long run!

3 Dietary Rules for Managing Incontinence

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Adopting healthy habits is a common New Year’s resolution, but following a few simple dietary rules also can help individuals manage incontinence, according Dianna Malkowski, physician assistant, nutritionist and professional adviser for The CareGiver Partnership.

1. Monitoring fluid intake. When individuals don’t drink enough and become dehydrated, their urine can become concentrated with bladder-irritating salts. Conversely, drinking too much at a time increases the amount of urine and can irritate or overwork a bladder. Some find it helpful to measure and record daily fluid intake, along with incontinence episodes, to help them see patterns and help health care providers monitor their condition.

2. Increasing dietary fiber. Eating a high-fiber diet can help avoid constipation. Compacted stool can cause nearby bladder nerves to become overactive, increasing urinary frequency. Insoluble fiber helps move stool and is found in vegetables, wheat bran and other whole grains, nuts, beans and berries. Soluble fiber helps soothe the digestive tract and is therefore often recommended for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Soluble fiber is found in fruits such as apples and oranges, pasta, white bread and potatoes.

3. Avoiding bladder irritants. For those with bladder control problems, it may be helpful to limit alcohol and caffeine. Both are bladder stimulants and diuretics, which can cause a sudden need to urinate. Even teas and carbonated beverages may contribute to bladder problems. Other known irritants are sugar and artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, spicy foods, and acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus.

Centenarian Celebrates Birthday in Style!

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We all hope to age gracefully, but maintaining independence into your later years can become difficult. That said, some individuals seem to defy the laws of aging more than others! One person in particular, Ray Nauroth, of Dunlap, Iowa just celebrated his 100th birthday.

Nauroth has worked as a bartender at the Gold Slipper in Iowa for 46 years and resides in a two story house by himself. He drives himself to work, cleans his house, and prepares meals without the help of an aide and then goes to work. “He does an awesome job and is a pleasure to work with,” said co-worker and supper club owner Nick Behrendt, “everyone loves him.”

The Gold Slipper threw a birthday party for Nauroth and served a fixed price meal for $19.11 to commemorate the year he was born. Over 600 people came out to wish Nauroth a happy birthday because even in his old age, he has managed to stay young at heart and continues to establish new friendships as well as keep up existing friendships.

“Nauroth draws a steady crowd, but prefers to work alone no matter how busy it gets. “Ray never loses his sense of humor,” Behrendt says. “He’s always in a good mood and has an answer for everything.’”

The question that many of you are probably thinking is what is his secret to aging so gracefully and acting biologically like he is in his 50s or 60s?

His answer: “My secret is waking up every day.”

To read more about Ray Nauroth click here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/45722058#.TvEcuCM6SFe

Addressing Signs of Aging in Parents Over the Holidays

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Throughout our childhoods, our parents create magical memories for us, especially during the holidays. Then one day, with outward smiles and inward dismay, our parents wave goodbye as we leave the nest and fly away to a different state or even country to build our own lives and create new memories for our own children. We are often too busy to spend regular quality time with our parents once we leave. While we enjoy a weekly phone call, it’s not the same as the annual visit during the holidays.

It is during these visits when we might notice some changes. Mom and dad are aging. They are slowing down a bit. They are asking us for more advice than we ask them. This is natural. However, there may come a point where they are slowing down to a more significant extent. Our parents may need some help in order to remain living on their own safely and comfortably.

So while you are back at home, if your gut tells you to pay attention, then it’s time to listen. Some warning signs that things are amiss include the following:

Increased forgetfulness: Are mom and dad forgetting appointments? Are they struggling to remember recent events? Recent changes in memory could be an early sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Unnaturally messy home: You might notice that the dishes aren’t being done, the garbage isn’t being taken out or the laundry isn’t being folded. Perhaps household chores are becoming too much for them.

Poor hygiene: Mom used to shower every day, no matter what, and now she barely showers once a week. Dad no longer brushes his teeth. These can be a sign of Alzheimer’s or other conditions.

Falls or injuries: You may notice bruising or unsteadiness. This can be a sign of diminished motor skills or balance issues.

Changes in personality: If you notice sudden moodiness or other personality changes this could be a sign of Alzheimer’s or depression due to aging or decreased independence.

Social isolation: Mom and dad don’t go out anymore to the movies or to see friends, or have seemed to stop enjoying activities they used to. Social isolation can have many causes – it’s something to explore.

So what do you do if you notice a few of these symptoms? It’s time to have a family meeting. Set an agenda and explain your concerns. Be sure to understand everyone’s perspective. What concerns has aging created for each involved party? For your parents, it may be a fear of dependence or mortality. For your siblings, it may be an overwhelmed feeling of concern that something may happen when they’re alone.

Understand what is most important to your parents. What are their fears? It could be safety, losing independence or cost of care. Are they worried that they might need to move to a facility? Perhaps your parents would prefer to stay at home, which is the case with 9 out of 10 seniors. In that case, contact a reputable, licensed home care agency to discuss care within the home. While many seniors initially fear entering into a relationship with a caregiver, the right situation will empower your parents to remain as independent as possible.

Identifying a potential issue, communicating concerns and listening to and understanding what is important to each family member are key to coming up with a solution which ultimately honors your parents and their wishes, while at the same time provides a safe and enriching environment.

Holiday Tip: Caring for Someone with Dementia?

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When caring for a loved one with dementia, the holidays can be a stressful time. As Bob DeMarco said in his recent article, “caregivers constantly worry that certain stimuli will send the Alzheimer’s patient into a “deep dark hole” and they will be the one left to deal with the fallout.” So what can we do to prevent this? How can we keep our loved ones healthy and happy while relieving the caregiver’s anxiety?

It could be as easy as having a conversation with your loved one. Those suffering from dementia must deal with a “fractured” brain, as DeMarco puts it. By constantly involving him or her in conversations, you give their mind a workout. When their mind is left to rest idly, it is easy for those with dementia to get confused and subsequently act out.

If they are constantly engaged in conversation they will not be as confused and therefore will be happier, resulting in less stress for the caregiver. “Go ahead, go live your life. Take your loved one along with you and help them to live their life.” You will be as thrilled as they are to be out and about.

To read the full article, click here: http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2011/12/holiday-tip-engage-person-living-with.html#more

Home Care Assistance Days of Caring

(Kenilworth, IL – December 14, 2011) Home Care Assistance (HCA), a leading international provider of non-medical, in-home care for seniors, announces the participation of its Chicago area office in “12 Days of Caring.”

Home Care Assistance of Greater Chicago, based in Kenilworth, is celebrating the holidays with a program of activities devoted to clients, caregivers, and the community. Included are holiday cards and gifts for clients and caregivers, as well as an open house at which they will enjoy refreshments and a raffle drawing.

Home Care Assistance is also donating a gift to North Shore Senior Center’s Giving Tree. Tags hanging from the tree identify a holiday wish item for a senior in need. The company also donated a holiday dessert tray to the Mallinckrodt/Meskill Center, Wilmette’s community center for active adults, age 50 and better.

More information about the “12 Days of Caring” can be found at http://12daysofcaring.com/

For more information about HCA, their caregivers, or their Balanced Care Method of training and care, call (847) 853-7777 or visit them online at www.HomeCareAssistance.com .

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ABOUT HOME CARE ASSISTANCE:

Home Care Assistance, North America’s leading provider of in-home senior care, specializes in 24/7 live-in and hourly care. Our proprietary Balanced Care Method caregiver training program emphasizes healthy nutrition, mental stimulation and other components of senior wellness. A Franchise500® Company, Home Care Assistance has received numerous industry awards from Entrepreneur, The Franchise Times and Franchise Business Review. For more information, please contact Home Care Assistance at

(847) 853-7777, e-mail Loryn Kogan at lkogan@homecareassistance.com or visit us online at: www.HomeCareAssistance.com.

Home Care: The Preferred and Practical Choice

When it comes to senior care, there is nothing more comfortable than staying at home. Not only are you able to maintain your independence, but you are also able to age in a familiar place with the belongings you love rather than somewhere foreign and sterile like a nursing home. In the past when people aged they were more likely to consider selling their homes due to monetary concerns, but now that tends not to be the case.

Due to the current housing crisis, fewer seniors have found success in selling their homes and have instead chosen to take this opportunity to hold on to their homes and embrace the option of in-home care. Over the past few years, home care has become one of the preferred options for seniors as they age, with older adults living longer due to medicine and technological advances. Further, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, caregiving will become the second fastest growing occupation in the country, with more than 50% growth by 2016.

So as we enter into our elder years and start considering different types of care providers and options, think about where you or your loved one will feel most safe and at home.

To read more, click here: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2011/12/08/housing-crisis-leads-more-seniors-to-pursue-in-home-care/

To see the report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, click here: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos326.htm#outlook

Hidden Benefits of Coffee

The jury is still out on the health benefits of coffee. Some experts claim a cup of joe a day is beneficial to one’s health while others claim that it can cause bloating and excess fat around one’s abdominal section. Like anything in moderation, coffee does not adversely affect one’s health; however, those consuming upwards of five cups of coffee a day experience caffeine overload and other unpleasant symptoms. Overindulgent coffee drinkers aside, Harvard researchers have brought some new benefits of coffee to light:

“Harvard researchers have discovered that coffee consumption can cut the risk for developing Endometrial cancer by as much as 25 percent.” Too much coffee can lead to jitters and a generally uneasy feeling, but recent research has also shown that “women who drink a moderate amount of coffee can expect to lower their chances of gout, depression, stroke, and certain types of breast cancer.” Additionally, several maladies associated with senior care, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, can be protected against with coffee consumption.

An estimated 46,000 new cases of Endometrial cancer are predicted to develop this year in the United States alone making it a prominent concern for women. While there currently is no cure , it appears that coffee can decrease one’s risk for Endometrial cancer.

That said, don’t hesitate to pick up a cup of coffee to accompany your morning commute or routine!

To read more about the positive effects of coffee click here: http://www.healthnews.com/en/news/Women-Who-Drink-Coffee-Lower-Their-Risk-of-Endometrial-Cancer/3GUge5BG51Afgq6ERpPuyU/

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