Q – I am a professional caregiver in Houston who prepares meals for a senior. I know that a history of osteoporosis runs in her family. Are there any foods that will help to prevent osteoporosis and promote bone strength and health?

A – There are foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals that promote good bone health. Many of these superfoods are readily available at any supermarket, although most people aren’t aware of their benefits to bones so they are overlooked. Next time you go shopping and need meal ideas for your senior care recipient, consider incorporating the following foods into your cooking, because bone health requires more than just calcium!

•    Black pepper - contains 4 anti-osteoporosis compounds)
•    Cabbage - source of boron
•    Cod liver oil - source of vitamins A and D
•    Dandelion - source of boron
•    Garlic - source of sulphur
•    Onions - source of sulphur
•    Parsley - source of boron
•    Pigweed (source of calcium)
•    Arugula - source of vitamin K
•    Broccoli - source of vitamin K
•    Collards - source of vitamin K
•    Kale - source of vitamins K and C
•    Swiss chard - source of vitamins K and C, magnesium, and calcium
•    Spinach - source of vitamins K and C and magnesium

Sources:
1.    Dole Superfoods
2.    Project-Aware

Image: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

What exactly is Swine Influenza? Learn the facts about the virus that’s catching the
attention of the news media and concerned citizens all over the US from The Center of
Disease Control and Prevention website and share your thoughts.

1.) How should this outbreak be handled?

2.) What can adults and seniors do to prevent exposure?

Please comment below with your opinions!

Image Source:
-New York Times

When hiring a new caregiver for an elderly loved one through a senior care agency ensure there is a trial period that allows the caregiver and senior to get to know each other without a firm commitment. Many Houston senior care agencies will replace the caregiver at any time if he or she doesn’t meet expectations or mesh personality wise with the senior; however, since not all do, you want to ensure you can change your caregiver at no fault if the arrangement doesn’t work out.

When introducing a new caregiver to a senior and their home, ensure that guidelines of responsibilities are set based on the senior’s needs at the time; but be flexible and listen to suggestions from the caregiver for the highest quality care. Also request that the agency complete an assessment; as eldercare professionals they may see additional areas of daily life that a senior needs help with and be open minded to their feedback.

Sometimes a senior can be invaded by a new presence in their home, whether it’s a family member or a professional caregiver, since it could be their first real loss of independence. Allow the relationship to grow by having the caregiver spend shorter periods of time with the senior at first and acting as a companion. As the senior becomes more comfortable, the caregiver can then take greater control over the household as appropriate.

Sources:
1.    Senior Care
2.   Ottawa.ca – Common Caregiver Questions

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

We all get older, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to watch the effects that aging has upon our body and minds. Nor is it easy for loved ones to accept particularly drastic changes that are occurring with a senior loved one. To help you cope with the aging you or an elderly relative is experiencing, consider the following tips:

Accepting Your Aging:
1.    Determine why you are anxious about aging – if it relates to unaccomplished goals, find a way to reach them. Also remember to set goals that suit your lifestyle, as an older adult today.
2.    Acknowledge your achievements – instead of looking at the things you are unable to do as a senior, acknowledge the accomplishments you have made with your family, in your community and in your life.
3.    Embrace aging resources – read books and get online to understand the aging process and how you can accept it.
4.    Maintain your health – don’t succumb to the challenges of aging; eat well, exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
5.    Break the routine – at any age, you can embrace new experiences. Travel to a new place or choose a new hobby to keep up the variety.

Accepting Senior Aging:
1.    Communicate effectively – if a senior struggles with their memory, avoid harping on them if they’ve forgotten something. If you’re really concerned, discuss it with a doctor.
2.    Look at their positive traits – instead of focusing on the perceived decline of aging, focus on the senior’s beauty, wisdom and accomplishments.

Sources:
1.    Ehow
2.    Eldercare ABC Blog

Images: totallycebu.com

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

A major component of Houston home care involves ensuring that a senior remains safe in their own home, and since stairs present a major risk for in-home falls and accidents, this is one area that should be focused on for immediate senior safety. When looking at stair safety for the elderly, Houston caregivers and family members should focus on both the hardware and structure of the stairs, as well as the décor and lighting that surround the area. Complete the following checklist to ensure that your elderly loved one will be safe on their stairs.

Safe Stair Structure Checklist:
•    Steps are at least 11 inches deep and each step is even
•    Steps are not slanted or loose
•    Stair surfaces have slip resistant treads
•    Handrails are on one side of the stairs, if not both sides
•    Handrails are strongly fastened and supportive
•    Handrails and banisters are no thicker around than 6.25 inches so they can be easily grabbed
•    Indicators installed on handrails let seniors know when each step is coming to an end

Safe Stair Surrounds Checklist:
•    Stairways are well-lit
•    No objects are present on stairs
•    Tops and bottoms of stairways are free of rugs and mats that might slip
•    Assistive devices have been considered to help with mobility on stairs where appropriate

Sources:
1.    Ezine Articles Daryl Lanhker
2.    Canada Safety Council

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

Often Houston seniors who are not feeling physically well, will not voice their concerns because they do not want to feel like they are complaining for no reason, or placing additional burden upon their family or professional caregivers. When a senior has a stroke, it can be difficult for a caregiver to identify, since the majority of the symptoms require that the senior tell someone what they are experiencing. But, by paying close attention to the symptoms that a senior is exhibiting and asking the right questions, a Houston senior caregiver can help to identify a stroke and get them needed medical treatment.

Signs of a Stroke:

•    Numbness – a feeling of numbness might appear along one side of the body, in the face, arms or legs. Caregivers should pry further if a senior seems to be exhibiting perpetual signs that they have limbs that are asleep.
•    Poor communication – trouble speaking, confusion about situations or lack of understanding are signs of a stroke that caregivers might be able to identify without relying on senior’s accounts.
•    Vision changes – problems with sight or blurred vision might indicate a stroke. Apparent visual disorientation may alert a caregiver of a senior stroke.
•    Poor motor skills – problems walking, dizziness or loss of balance that appears out of nowhere can tell a caregiver their senior needs medical assistance.
•    Headache – sudden, severe headache

Sources:
1.   American Heart Association
2.   National Stroke Association

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

When a grandparent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, grandchildren may find it difficult to comprehend the changes their loved one is experiencing, especially if they are at a young age. In order to help grandchildren cope with the grief they will experience due to their grandma or grandpa’s Alzheimer’s, grandchildren should be encouraged to talk about the disease and their feelings, both to their grandparent and to other family members.

It’s important not to shelter a grandchild from the realities of Alzheimer’s disease, however, it does need to be understood that they may face greater challenges due to the change they witness with their grandparent. In order to help them cope, elder care providers in Houston can involve the grandchildren in the routine set for the senior with Alzheimer’s during a visit. Grandchildren can help record important dates on a calendar, or make reminder signs around the home. Visits with a grandparent with Alzheimer’s can be frequent, but should be limited to 15 or 20 minutes so they take the most enjoyment out of the visit without experiencing a mood change that might be upsetting to the grandchild.

Houston grandchildren who spend time with senior Alzheimer’s patients, may help to retrieve forgotten memories in the minds of the seniors, and by allowing them to talk about their feelings and experiences with Alzheimer’s, they will gain a better understanding to help them deal with the natural grief.

Sources:
1.    Grand Magazine Sara Hodon
2.    Alzheimer’s Society of Canada

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Baytown, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

For Commitment and Service to Seniors

Maria Garcia has been selected CAREGiver of the Year by the Home Instead Senior Care franchise office in Southwest Houston.  She is being recognized for commitment and service to the older adults who are local clients of Home Instead Senior Care, the world’s largest provider of non-medical home care and companionship services for seniors.

“CAREGivers like Maria are the core of our business,” said Chris Lerch.  “Without dedicated CAREGivers, we wouldn’t be able to provide the superior quality of service to seniors that sets our company apart from others.  CAREGivers are the foundation of Home Instead Senior Care and provide the support that helps older adults remain in their homes longer than they otherwise could.”

Garcia was nominated by her fellow employees of Home Instead Senior Care, the management team at the Southwest Houston office, and the family of her long-term client, for whom Maria provided care for over three years.

Home Instead Senior Care provides more than 60 different services including companionship, meal preparation, light housework, medication reminders, incidental transportation, errands and shopping.  CAREGivers are screened, bonded and insured, and have successfully completed criminal background checks.  The company has more than 60,000 CAREGivers in more than 800 offices in the United States and 14 additional countries.

“Trying to balance the demands of child-rearing and careers with taking care of their senior loved ones can take its toll on a family,” Lerch said.  “Home Instead CAREGivers can serve as a respite to families and help seniors remain independent for as long as possible.”

The Home Instead Senior Care office is located at 11201 Richmond Ave., Suite A-110, in Southwest Houston.   If you would like more information about job opportunities or company services, call 832-379-4700  or visit Houston Home Instead Senior Care.

Grants for seniors in Houston are available from the Federal Government and foundations that provide financial assistance for seniors relating to housing, education and more. There are Federal Grants for seniors that cover a number of areas like housing, volunteerism, nutrition and housing.

Popular Federal Grants for Seniors Include:

•    Capital Assistance Program for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities provides funds to provide transportation to elderly persons in areas public transportation services are not available, or when they are inappropriate due to a senior’s physical or mental condition.
•    The Foster Grandparent Program encourages seniors to volunteer in their communities, specifically with special needs children, through funding which is available for seniors 60 and older who have limited incomes.
•    Mortgage Insurance-Rental Housing for the Elderly -  this grant insures mortgage lenders against loss, to increase the number of quality and affordable rental properties available for seniors.
•    Retired and Senior Volunteer Program encourages community service by seniors 55 and older by offering reimbursement
•    Nutrition Services Incentive Program works with the Department of Agriculture to provide nutritious foods to senior meal delivery programs and other nutritional-focused organizations.

To apply for senior grants provided by the Federal Government or foundations, Houston seniors must write a proposal, demonstrating the benefits that they would receive, or be able to dispense to others were they to become an approved recipient of the grant.

Sources:
1.    LovetoKnow
2.    Foundation Center

Image: www.heartlandconnection.com 

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Baytown, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.

Finding the right doctor can play a major role in providing for a senior’s health, while location and ease of accessibility may seem like a major factor in determining which physician to see; many other things come into play which seniors might not think about.

1.    Does your insurance or health plan cover your physician choice? Often doctors need to be plan-approved or affiliated with a specific group in order to be covered by health and insurance plans.
2.    What kind of doctor do you need? Consider whether a general practitioner to manage your overall health is what you require, or if you need a specialist to address a specific aging health issues.
3.    Can your doctor practice at your local hospital? In case of senior medical emergency, you may need your doctor to treat you at the hospital of your choice. Ensure the doctor you choose has the authority to do so.
4.    Have you checked out his/her reputation – if possible, choose a doctor who comes highly recommended by friends, family or other people in your network who have seen the doctor. You want someone who will listen to your concerns, is respectful and answers questions.
5.    Check their qualifications – all general practitioners must be board certified, having completed a medical residency. Specialists must have additional training.

Use Administrators in Medicine to learn of any disciplinary actions taken against the doctor of your choice, as well as the Federation of State Medical Boards and the NCQA Recognized Physician Directory to grasp the history of your chosen medical professionals.

Sources:
1.    Seniors for Living
2.    MedicineNet

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Baytown, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.