These are scary times, but as with any type of pandemic, knowledge is power. How do you cope with COVID-19 as a senior? We have some tips for you that will leave you empowered and encouraged, so keep reading!

Everyone needs social time with loved ones, yet it seems that is exactly what we are being asked not to do these days with social distancing. While staying home is the best way to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, there are things you can do to still connect with friends and family, and combat the boredom and/or loneliness that can come with such times as we are in right now.

First of all, TAKE HEART! The Coronavirus will cycle through and it will become a thing of the past quickly if we follow the counsel of our leaders and medical experts. They know more than we do and it’s important to put our politics aside and do what will keep us well. Now is not the time to get into arguments with friends or loved ones about how things are being handled. We must work together to successfully get through this time and back to normal life!

Schedule Time with Loved Ones and Friends Through Virtual Means

We are blessed to live in a world with technology that allows us to see each other as we have a conversation in real-time! Skype, FaceTime, Messenger video-calls, and many other social media platforms allow us to stay connected! If you aren’t sure how to utilize these apps, ask a family member or friend for help. It’s easier than you might think and will help you stay connected as you stay home. Of course, a simple phone call is also great!

Play Games Online

The Internet is a wonderful way to play fun games. Whether you love card games like Solitaire or Free Cell, or perhaps you love word games, crossword puzzles, or even the online version of Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy, playing games online keeps your brain active and lets you compete with other friends online at the same time!

Consider Online Book Clubs

Do you love to read? No matter the genre, there are many book clubs that will welcome you to join the discussion of a good book! The best thing of all, no traveling is required, and you don’t have to be in a room full of people to participate!

Watch Online Entertainment

There will be many concerts and festivals that will be canceled during this time, which is unfortunate because we are in heading into the most beautiful time of year. But, musicians and bands across the globe are taking the shutdown due to COVID-19 and using it to still play great music online! There will be bands and singers of all types who will be performing live online via live stream to allow a live audience to still enjoy the performance. Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are just a few of the ways you can enjoy a great concert online!

Finally, pick up the phone and talk the old-fashioned way! Seniors may not be savvy with all the tech devices and gadgets, but that doesn’t mean they should feel lonely! If you are missing loved ones and friends during this time, write a letter or enjoy a phone call with those you love! The beautiful thing about that is, everyone enjoys getting something nice in the mailbox that is actually handwritten!

For more information on how to stay safe during this Coronavirus pandemic, please contact us today! Stay well, stay patient, and stay connected. We will get through it together!!

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Although dementia is most commonly diagnosed in seniors, it can also happen to middle-aged people, as well as those who have suffered a brain injury. Many people still go on to live long lives after diagnosis, so it’s important to understand the condition and how you can treat it therapeutically. The goal is to help seniors retain their independence for as long as possible, as well as helping them have the best possible quality of life!

Symptoms will likely change as the condition progresses. It can range from occasional forgetfulness in the early stages, to not being able to recognize loved ones or interact with people in the late stages. The type of care needs to be given for the specific stage of dementia the person is dealing with.

As seniors progress through the different stages of dementia, the main goal is to keep them able to care for themselves and enjoy life. They may get to the point where they need constant care at some point. At the very least, they will have much shorter attention spans so it’s important to use quick activities that stimulate different parts of their brain.

The Importance of Quick Activities for Dementia Care
The following activities are designed to be quick and efficient. They will help your loved one stay healthy and happy for as long as possible as they cope with the effects of dementia. It will also appeal to their creative side, giving them things to engage in that are fun and bring joy, however, limited it may seem.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Do a Household Chore Together
Simple chores can be comforting on some level. It involves doing a familiar activity and allows the senior to focus on what they know how to do. This can be as simple as folding towels or drying dishes. Doing these activities may also trigger good memories and provide good conversation. The point of this activity is to help your loved one feel useful while also helping them cope with the symptoms of dementia.

Color in Adult Coloring Books
Coloring is a great way to improve memory and engage in something creative. It will help also with fine motor skills. Choose appropriate images that bring back nostalgic memories and aren’t too complicated. Engage in conversation while you enjoy this activity together.

Play a Memory-Based Card Game
Many card games are designed for strengthening memory skills. It’s also a wonderful way to relieve depression and lessen anxiety. The senior must stay alert to complete the game, and this helps them to remain focused and feel the positive effects of having completed something. Memory games such as Go Fish and Spot the Difference are a great place to start!

Take Short Walks
A brisk walk may not seem like a big deal, but it offers so much good for the treatment of dementia! Just a few minutes walking will increase blood flow to the brain, which helps everything. A little bit of exercise, fresh air, and time outdoors can do wonders for treating cognitive decline. If the patient is not very mobile, a simple walk down the hall may be all that is needed.

Sing a Song
Even if your loved one can’t join in, singing familiar songs can be a fun way that caregivers can interact with patients. Perhaps a song will trigger a good memory that will open conversation. They may even want to dance with you!

Utilize Animal Therapy
Animals have a wonderful way of bringing a smile to us. If you can’t see them in person, just looking at them on TV or watching funny shows that involve cute animals. Petting dogs or cats can release our “feel good” chemicals and this is why animal therapy is so popular among seniors.

Don’t be afraid to engage with your loved one, even if they seem distant. Simple and quick activities can go a long way in learning to cope with dementia and keeps your loved one more peaceful and calmer. For more ideas on activities for dementia, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Your heart is where your life is! A healthy heart beats between 60-90 beats per minute and that may slow down a little as we age. That means your heart could eat more than 140,000 times each day! It’s crazy to think that the organ we depend on for the very breath of life is the one we so often fail to take the best care of. In this article, we will give you a few tips to take care of your heart and live the longest, healthiest life possible!

1. Keep Your Blood Pressure in Normal Ranges

When a person has high blood pressure, a lot can go wrong with the heart, including plaque that builds up in your arteries and if that is ignored for too long, it can cause a heart attack due to low blood flow which causes blockages. High blood pressure is easy to treat these days and that is a wonderful thing, but it has become so common, that we rarely take it as seriously as we should anymore.

Your blood pressure reading should fall in the range of 120/80, or somewhere close to those numbers. Checking it often is okay, but your doctor should be checking it at least yearly to monitor it. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes to get you back into healthy ranges. These include lowering your salt intake, more exercise, no fried or greasy foods, cutting out alcohol, and in general just becoming healthier. This also includes losing weight if necessary.

2. Manage cholesterol and triglycerides.
Your doctor should run bloodwork when you are fasting. It will check the cholesterol levels in your blood. There is “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol and you will be checked to see if these two levels are where they need to be. If they are not, you are at significant risk for heart disease or even a heart attack.

Be aware of your family history. If there is a lot of heart disease in your family, you may want to stay on top of these levels even more vigilantly. Before you go thinking you’ll never be able to ear French fries again, just know that a healthy diet does not exclude yummy foods! There are so many foods that are heart-healthy and delicious! Learning about good fats and bad fats is the first thing to do! Good fats will actually make your heart healthy, so eat up on fish, nuts, avocados, olives, and heart-healthy oils.

3. Maintain a healthy weight.
When you are overweight, it’s much more difficult for healthy blood flow to your heart and through the rest of the body. If there is a build-up of plaque in the arteries, you are far more at risk for heart disease. You should consider intervention if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is above 30.

4. Exercise regularly.
We all need exercise! Being active physically will increase your heart health dramatically! It also reduces your stress level, which makes you healthier all the way around. All it takes is 20-30 minutes of exercise several days a week to stay in top shape, whether you are walking, jogging or doing light aerobics. Try doing something fun like dancing to get you started!

5. Quit smoking.
Smoking is a terrible habit and comes with terrible consequences, including having a very negative effect on your heart health. Did you know that 20 minutes after stopping smoking your blood pressure returns to normal levels? It’s true! All it takes is 3 months before your lungs recover and heal, and within 12 months, your heart disease risk is literally cut in half. If you want to quit, it’s never too late! Ask your doctor for help.

For more information on how to keep a healthy heart that will tick for years to come, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Are you one of the millions of Americans who think that tumbles and falls are just par for the course in older adults? The truth is, falling can be devastating for seniors and should be prevented at all costs. It’s not normal to fall and no matter how old you are, there are things you can do to prevent it.

Here are 10 myths and realities about falls:

Myth 1: Falling will never happen to me.

Reality: The truth is that 1 out of 4 older adults fall every year in the U.S. The results can be catastrophic, and the risk should not be underestimated.

Myth 2: Falling is just a normal part of aging.

Reality: Falling should never be considered normal, no matter how old you are. Preventing falls as you age can be easier than you think, and it starts with exercises to increase balance, having your vision checked, and making sure you follow directions carefully with medications.

Myth 3: I won’t fall if I just stay more sedentary.

Reality: The opposite is actually true! Falls will not be prevented by limiting activity. The more active you are, the better the condition you will be in, and this improves balance!

Myth 4: If I stay home more, a fall won’t happen to me.

Reality: Did you know that more than half of all falls happen at home? Your home can be more dangerous than you realize, so you should remove fall hazards such as throw rugs, poor lighting, and make sure that grab bars are installed in areas like the bathroom.

Myth 5: Muscle strength can’t be restored once it’s lost.

Reality: Even if you’ve never exercised much, it’s never too late to start! Becoming more active has a huge effect on the risk of falling, and it keeps you healthy in other areas as well. Muscle loss can be restored through even moderate exercise.

Myth 6: Taking medication won’t affect my fall risk.

Reality: Medications can definitely increase the risk of falls, and you should know the possible side-effects. If they make you dizzy or sleepy, you need to use a lot of caution. Always talk to your doctor about fall risks from your medications.

Myth 7: I don’t need annual eye exams.

Reality: The truth is that poor vision is a huge risk for falls. Vision changes and even some vision loss happens with age and you should have your vision checked every year even if you feel it’s fine.

Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will keep me from falling.

Reality: The trick to walking aids is to use them safely. Otherwise, they can become a risk in and of themselves. Ask your doctor about being properly fitted for a cane or walker to make sure it is the right size and height for you.

Myth 9: If I talk to my family and medical team about my risk of falling, they will become alarmed and limit my independence.

Reality: It is a team effort to prevent falling! Remember, the goal is to keep you safe and you will need help to do that. Don’t be afraid to talk about falls with your loved ones so they can help you maintain your independence as long as possible!

Myth 10: It’s none of my business if I have concerns about an older loved one’s risk of falling.

Reality: You should always talk to a spouse or trusted family member about your concerns. At the very least, you can help them remove hazards such as rugs, etc. The goal is to keep their independence in place, not the other way around. Assure your older loved one that you are only there to help!

For more information on the risk of falling and how to prevent it, contact us today!

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

It is never easy to have a conversation with a senior loved one that has to do with giving up the keys to the car for good. After all, driving represents independence and freedom for most people, so it can be really difficult to know when the time is right to ask your loved one to stop driving for the sake of their safety, and that of other people on the road. It can make your loved one feel embarrassed, and due to the high cost of taxi cabs, the cost of not driving can seem overwhelming.

Aging alone should not mean that a person must stop driving, but if there are safety concerns due to health or slower reflexes, it can become an issue. It’s important to have a good reaction time for any driver, no matter how old they are.

So, when should you have the conversation about deciding the time to stop driving has come? Here are a few tips to help you know.

Does your loved one seem easily distracted or even nervous or jumpy?
Safe driving is completely dependent on cognitive health. If dementia or Alzheimer’s has been an issue, it’s even more important to consider this carefully. Not only because reaction times may be compromised, but also because memory loss becomes dangerous if they don’t remember how to get where they are going.

Does your loved one have any type of eye disease or poor vision?
Obviously, driving is not safe if you can’t see well. Even something as simple as cataracts can be dangerous for someone behind the wheel. Other vision problems in the elderly can include diabetic complications, macular degeneration, or glaucoma. All these conditions can be extremely risky for people who drive.

Is your loved one hearing-impaired?
Safe driving requires good hearing as well as good vision. All the various sounds and stimuli around us such as honking, sirens, or the sounds of mechanical problems are important to be able to hear. Without sharp hearing, accidents are far more prevalent.

Does your loved one have slowed reflexes?
One of the most important factors in driving safely is a quick reaction time. Car accidents are scary for anyone, but for those who cannot react quickly, they are far more likely to be in a serious accident.

Medications and safe driving
No matter how old you are, certain medications don’t mix well with driving, and this is especially true with seniors. They may be more sensitive to the side-effects of medications and become more susceptible to accidents. If you are concerned about any medications, ask the doctor for your loved one and go through the list of what they take and any potential sedating effects. Don’t forget to include all over-the-counter medications and any vitamins or supplements.

For more information on how to determine when it’s time to talk about your senior loved one turning over the car keys, please contact us today. It might be a tough conversation to have, but it is well worth it in order to keep them safe, along with the other people who are on the road with them.

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

These days it seems that robocalls are just a part of daily life that we have to contend with. While it might seem easy to you and I to read through the calls and emails that are obvious scams, it’s not always so easy for seniors. They may not deal with technology enough to recognize when something is nefarious. This is precisely why scammers prey on older adults more than anyone else! Billions of dollars are lost each year due to these scams, much of it unrecoverable.

The FBI has reached out to educate Americans about some of the most common financial scams that seniors may find themselves falling victim to. Read on to learn more!

The Miracle Cure

Seniors already feel vulnerable when they have been diagnosed with a chronic or long-term health condition. It can leave them desperate for a cure, and one of the most common scams on seniors today is the “miracle cure” scams. Here are a few tips to help:

• Most important of all, never take anything that did not come from the treating physician! Even if it’s a supplement bought in a place that feels safe, advertising can be very misleading with outrageous claims that do nothing more than extract your senior’s hard-earned money.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Promises of a cure or a life without sickness are enticing, especially if it’s endorsed by a celebrity. But that alone should cause you to pause and be suspicious. Celebrities are paid large amounts of money to say whatever the manufacturer wants them to say!
•  If you aren’t sure, contact the BBB (Better Business Bureau). The Food and Drug Administration is very careful about what is approved to be sold, and many scammers will continue on with their products, even if the FDA has not approved it. If the BBB has had complaints before on a certain product, you should steer clear!

Final Wishes Fraud

You’ve probably noticed all the commercials these days from companies who claim to help you plan for your final wishes. This is an emotional decision for anyone and therefore can leave seniors who may be grieving a loss, vulnerable to be taken advantage of. Here is what you should know any time you are planning funeral arrangements:

• Never do it by yourself! Seniors should always have another trusted family member with them when making final
• Call several funeral homes before going to meet with them. By law, they are mandated to give you the pricing over the phone.
• If you have chosen cremation, it is NOT necessary to purchase a casket. It is also not necessary to pay for embalming in that case. Both of those things can add huge amounts of money to the grand total and should not be forced upon you!
• Never sign any contracts without taking the time to read through and ask questions, and make sure you understand what you’re signing. If possible, have a trusted friend or family member look at it with you.

Telemarketer Tips

Telemarketers prey on seniors, who are often lonely and enjoy engaging in conversation. Seniors may not be aware of common scam tactics such as:

• Rewards that are “free,” yet require a small fee to be able to receive it.
• Asking for a personal credit card or checking account information.
• Being pushy about a purchase—the scammer doesn’t want to lose the sale!
• Trying to sell services that require payment ahead of time.

Keep your senior loved ones safe by talking to them often about who calls, the mail they receive, and talk openly and often! Scammers often think older adults are not smart enough to know the difference, but you can help your loved one know what to look out for in this world of greedy scammers!

For more info on detecting scams among the elderly, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of Cherry Hill is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Audubon, Barrington, Berlin, Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Clementon, Collingswood, Evesham Township, Gibbsboro, Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Hainesport, Lawnside, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Marlton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Oaklyn, Pemberton, Pennsauken, Pine Valley, Tavistock, and Voorhees, New Jersey.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.