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Brain Fitness for Your Aging Loved Ones | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 06:00:22 EDT

Keeping a healthy brain is an important part of having a healthy life. And this is especially true for seniors, as the brain’s function starts to decline as people age.

Benefits of Brain Games

They’re just what they sound like—brain games help stimulate the brain. Just as physical exercise makes the body stronger, brain exercises strengthen the brain and can create immediate benefits that your loved one can feel.

These benefits include less stress, better mood, increased concentration, faster reaction times and improved memory! Making brain exercise a regular part of a routine benefits people of any age both now and in their future.

Ideas for Brain Exercise

With the benefits of brain exercises made clear, it’s time to look at the various exercises that are available. These activities can be fun and challenging and good for both you and your loved one:

Enhance your body and your mind. Studies have shown that people who keep regular fitness routines and a healthy diet also have healthier minds and experience less cognitive decline as they age.
Try drawing a map. Don’t just copy or trace a map, but put pencil to paper to draw a map of the neighborhood or the route to a regular errand from memory. This stimulates various parts of the brain and improves memory and mindfulness.
Learn a new skill. This activity is challenging and time-consuming, but there’s a great payoff besides learning something new and exciting. People who are learning new skills are shown to have improved memory and focus!
Spend time using the other hand. This is a tricky challenge for most people, but it’s a fast way to increase brain activity. Try to have fun with it!
Make meditation a habit. Regular meditation is not just relaxing, but it’s great for increasing mindfulness and focus.

At Executive Care of Somerville, we care about the life in your aging loved ones’ years as much as the years in their lives! Visit our website to learn more about our assisted living home care services.

Great Joint Exercises for Older Adults | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 06:00:24 EDT

When you think about the components of a healthy lifestyle, exercise is a key one. But what happens when mobility or balance is challenged during the aging process?

Exercise can be challenging as we get older, which is why we want to share some ideas of low-impact exercises for older adults.

Simple Walking

Believe it or not, even walking is a form of exercise. This basic way of getting around has low impact on the joints and is great for the body and the heart.

Even those who are out of shape or have some limited mobility can be encouraged to get into the habit of walking over time. Squeezing in just 10 minutes of walking a day can make the difference between a somewhat active lifestyle and a sedentary lifestyle.

Chair Exercises

Walking isn’t an option for every senior! Luckly, there are lots of options for loved ones who are wheelchair bound or suffering from arthritis or degenerative disease in their lower extremities.

These upper body chair exercises are great for nearly any range of motion. Some simple neck stretches and shoulder circles make a great seated warm-up to start with!

Next, grab some light weights or some canned vegetables to do some basic strength exercises. With weights in hand, perform a set of seated row exercises by drawing the elbows back and squeezing the shoulder blades together, and then extending the arms forward again. Keep those weights in hand to do some slow shoulder rolls after to work those trapezius muscles.

Finish the chair workout with some abdominal twists to work the core and stretch the back.

Get Swimming

Swimming is a famed full-body workout on its own, with low impact on the joints. Intensify a swimming pool workout by grabbing some water weights and trying out some water exercises!

Use a kickboard or just the side of the pool to do some quick kicks or slow leg swings to strengthen and stretch the legs without the impact of moving on the ground.

If your loved one is working with limited hip mobility, suggest that he or she focus on the upper body instead by doing arm exercises like circles or curls while standing on the pool floor or treading water!

Keeping your loved ones healthy and independent is our top priority at Executive Care of Somerville. Visit us online to learn more about our services!

Healthy Eating Doesn't Have to Be Difficult | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 06:00:24 EDT

Not all seniors have the time, energy or desire to spend a lot of time cooking. These delicious recipes provide all the needed nutrients without requiring a ton of time.

Balanced Breakfasts

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Don’t skip it when you can put it together in minutes.

Get the day started right and quickly with some microwave-friendly banana split oatmeal. This versatile recipe can be made your own for a sweet breakfast or healthy dessert.

 Want a savory dish? Go for an eggy breakfast frittata! This recipe comes together in minutes and even serves two people.

Hearty Lunch Salads

Salads are great for a fast and nutritionally dense lunch! These are perfect side dishes or can be paired with protein as meals on their own.

 Try out a delicious and nutritious Chinese chicken cabbage salad! You can make it your own by swapping out the cabbage or chicken for greens or meat of your choice.

 A classic three bean salad makes a great side dish for family gatherings, but can also be made the night before for a hearty lunch!

 A Greek salad makes a great side dish for any lunch plan. It can also be a meal on its own with the addition of your meat of choice.

 Want some sweet fruit? Try out this low-calorie, nutritionally dense poppyseed fruit salad!

Easy One Pot Dinners

Make delectable one-dish dinners a breeze with an instant pot! These recipes can also be prepared in your loved one’s slow cooker of choice.

 What’s more filling than hearty beef stew? This one-pot recipe creates big flavor with little effort.  

Feed everyone or have leftovers for dinner all week with this one pot chicken teriyaki recipe! For fastest results, a pressure cooker is recommended.  

Vegetarian? Try a one pot vegetarian chili to spice up your day!

Quality home care for your aging loved ones is our priority at Executive Care of Somerville. Visit our website to learn more about our services!

Activities That Can Help Keep the Fun Going for Those With Mobility Issues | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 06:00:21 EDT

Many seniors across the country can deal with either temporary or permanent mobility issues. Just because some activities may become limited if your loved one is included in that number, that does not mean that your loved one’s life has to change completely.

It is reported by the U.S. Census that 47 million seniors live in our country, which means that there are plenty of mobility issues being dealt with. It was discovered in 2014 that 40% of those 65 and older have at least one disability. Trouble with walking or climbing stairs was reported by two-thirds of them.

If you have a family member or friend who experiences a lack of mobility, there is no reason why he or she can’t still enjoy a good quality of life and have some fun.

Activities That Work for Those With Limited Mobility

Certain health circumstances such as arthritis, stroke or injuries due to falling can impede your loved one’s mobility, but that does not mean an exciting life has to come to a boring end.

Let’s take a look at some of the activities those who struggle with mobility can engage in:

Scrapbooking. If your loved one collects photos of days gone by, what a fantastic way for him or her to relive the memories those photos stir up by organizing them into a scrapbook for others to enjoy.
The great outdoors. Being outdoors can give anyone a mood lift, regardless of their age. Your loved one can enjoy the nice summer months from the safety of a shaded area, making sure he or she doesn’t get too overheated.
Exercise options. Just because his or her mobility may be limited, that doesn’t mean exercise stops being an option. Your loved one can enjoy chair exercises, chair yoga and even focus on balance through walker exercises.
Bingo. Don’t knock the activity, as it is an excellent way for your loved one to get out, enjoy a fun game and spend time with friends. Socialization is always a beneficial aspect!
Creative pursuits. It is known that depression and anxiety can be minimized by participating in creative activities like painting, drawing, crafts and sculpting. Fun, creative and engaging—you can’t go wrong there!

Your loved one can say goodbye to the downer days brought on by limited mobility in plenty of ways, especially through the ideas listed above.

Know that Executive Care of Somerville is always ready to step in and help make sure your loved one is leading the life he or she wants and deserves, right in the comfort of home. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our in-home care services.

Protecting Your Loved One From the Summer Heat | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 06:00:22 EDT

There’s just something about spending quality time outdoors that is good for the soul, no matter your age.

While older adults can experience many benefits from time spent outside, the higher temperatures that come with the summer can easily become a danger.

So why are the elderly at more of a risk to suffer from heat stress? It has to do with the changes going on in their body. Not only can their physiology come into play, but outside factors like health conditions and medications can play a role in the body’s inability to control temperature.

How Heat Is Dangerous

Heat-related illnesses, usually lumped in with hyperthermia, can become a very serious—if not deadly—risk to older individuals. Included illnesses are:

Heat stroke
Heat edema
Heat exhaustion
Heat syncope
Heat cramps

Various health-related issues may increase the risk of hyperthermia, and becoming familiar with them could make all the difference for your loved one’s life. Some of these factors include:

Age-related changes like poor circulation and inefficient sweat glands
High blood pressure or other issues that call for salt-restricted diets
Being overweight or underweight
Reduced sweating from medications like diuretics, sedatives, etc.

How You Can Keep Your Loved One Safe

There’s no need for protecting your loved one from the heat to be a difficult or time-consuming task.

There are two ways to keep older adults protected from the heat, which are to make sure they are staying hydrated and cool.

It is important that your loved one doesn’t spend too much time outside during the peak heat times, which are between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. During these times, he or she should be enjoying the comforts of an air-conditioned building and not solely relying on a fan to keep cool.

An increased water intake can also help older adults handle the heat better, and they should be sure to drink fluids even when they are not feeling thirsty. Keep in mind there are medical conditions and prescriptions that may influence your loved one’s fluid intake, so his or her doctor should always be consulted first.

These safety tips can help ensure that your aging loved one’s summer is one that is enjoyable, beneficial and safe.

The in-home care services provided by Executive Care of Somerville can work alongside you to ensure your loved one is leading a happy and healthy life throughout the summer and whole year! Contact us today to learn more about the help we can provide.

Exercise & How it Benefits Older Adults | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 06:00:19 EDT

Have you ever stopped to consider how many benefits regular physical activity offers? The benefits are many—especially for older adults!

How Seniors Benefit From Regular Exercise

It can be hard to get motivated for exercise at any age. But the numerous benefits of physical fitness outweigh our excuses for not exercising:

Increase in strength. Mobility, or the ability to move around, often worsens as we age. But regular physical activity can help improve strength and stabilize mobility.

Stronger immune system. Exercise increases overall immunity and makes it easier to fight off disease.

Decrease in falls. One in three older adults fall each year, making falls one of the most common causes of injuries and death. Performing regular exercises that improve balance can help lower that risk.

Improvement in chronic conditions. Older adults often deal with chronic health conditions, like diabetes. Regular exercise can help diminish the symptoms of those conditions and better manage them.

Increase in energy. You might think exercise will actually make you tired, but in actuality, it can help improve your energy levels.

Lower blood pressure. Not only can exercise lower blood pressure for everyone, but it can also help those with chronic hypertension experience fewer symptoms.

The Impact of Exercise on Mental Health

The physical benefits are abundant, but exercise offers multiple cognitive and mental health benefits as well:

Improved mood. Exercise releases positive endorphins, which are known to boost mood. A person who exercises regularly also has a lower risk of developing anxiety and depression.

Improved focus. Not only is exercise a well-known deterrent to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, but it can also improve overall focus as well.

Reduced stress. Exercise removes stress hormones in the body. This is great for our mental well-being, as well as decreasing blood pressure and heart issues.

Exercises Great for Seniors

Your loved one’s doctor will know him or her best and be able to offer specific suggestions. But there are some specific exercises experts recommend for older adults:

Walking
Cycling
Swimming
Yoga
Pilates

Any exercise that promotes balance is also a positive! Our balance diminishes as we age, making falls more likely. In fact, one in three older adults falls each year. But balance training can help lower the risk.

At Executive Care of Somerville, we work alongside you to be sure your loved one is staying healthy and fulfilled in all aspects of life. Get in touch today to learn about our in-home services.

Tips for Keeping Your Aging Loved One’s Mind Active | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 06:00:19 EDT

Staying active is a crucial part of the aging process, but it’s not just staying physically active that is important as we grow older. One of the greatest thing we can do is keep our minds active.

Keeping your aging loved one’s mind active can be an interactive way to spend time together. Not sure how? Check out some of the suggestions we have compiled in this blog.

Mental Activities Seniors Can Enjoy

Here are some brain-approved activities:

Reading. Did you know that the Mayo Clinic found that reading books, in conjunction with other cognitive activities, can lead to a 50% decrease in the chances of developing dementia? That’s plenty of reason to keep your loved one actively reading.
Playing an instrument. Recent studies have found that seniors experience improvements in areas of the brain that control hearing, memory and hand movement after just four months of playing an instrument for an hour a week.
Exercising. Not only does this help the body physically, but it can also help the brain combat the effects of aging.
Writing. This can help stimulate the areas of the brain that deal with thinking, language and memory.
Socializing with others. Maintaining a social life can help fight off isolation and depression, and it also has been found to heal aging brains and keep them young.
Attending classes. With many colleges offering scholarships, tuition waivers or discounts for seniors, there’s no reason why the golden years can’t be added to by the occasional class.
Playing games and doing puzzles. If it works the brain, it’s a great activity. It has been found that playing games can help prevent Alzheimer’s. Games and puzzles are also excellent for socializing with family and friends.

Lifestyle Changes for Memory Strengthening

Memory is something that can fade with age, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are ways that memory can be strengthened, no matter a person’s age.

Some small lifestyle changes to diet and sleep habits have been shown to make quite a big difference for memory.

Not getting the right amount of sleep can leave the brain feeling “foggy,” as it does not allow for enough time to consolidate memory at night. The amount of sleep experts recommend for optimal brain health is seven to nine hours.

Boosting the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, berries and cherries, walnuts, cruciferous vegetables, and eggs can also benefit the brain and memory.

Making sure the mind stays active is essential in the golden years. The in-home care providers at Executive Care of Somerville can help make sure your loved one is keeping active—both mentally and physically.

Keeping Seniors Safe Throughout the Summer | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Wed, 15 May 2019 06:00:17 EDT

With the start of summer just a month away, there’s no better time than now to review summertime safety tips for seniors.

Summer Safety

Here is a brief rundown of summertime safety tips for seniors:

Keep cool.
Wear sunglasses.
Take breaks during physical activity.
Stay hydrated.
Use bug spray.
Avoid being outside on extremely hot days.

You may want to make sure the air conditioning works properly at your loved one’s home. Air conditioning can be a lifesaver, especially on those 80+ degree days. If your loved one does not have A/C, it may be wise to put in a window unit or find activities in the area that take place inside air-conditioned buildings.

It is commonly suggested to drink six to eight cups of water a day, but if plans include being out in the sun and heat for extended periods of time, it is best to up the water intake. Low- and no-calorie sports drinks and juices are also ideal beverages for seniors, while soda, coffee and alcohol are not recommended.

Take the time to review the weather forecast, as it’s always best to know what to expect for the day. This can help seniors know what to wear and what to take with them when venturing out.

Danger From Hot Temperatures

Summertime temperatures can be very dangerous, with nearly 200 Americans dying of health problems caused by high heat and humidity. Unfortunately, most of those individuals are over the age of 50.

Seniors can be more susceptible to the dangers that high temperatures bring with them. There are many reasons for this, including aging-related physical changes in the body, chronic health conditions and even side effects of some medications.

Some common issues that accompany high temperatures include:

Dehydration
Heat stroke
Heat exhaustion
Heat syncope

Take the time to review the signs and symptoms of various heat-related health issues, as it could prove to be a lifesaver in extreme situations. Some heat-related illnesses can be taken care of at home, but there are some cases where hospitalization may be required.

Identifying & Resolving Safety Hazards for Seniors at Home | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Wed, 01 May 2019 06:00:16 EDT

Most seniors would prefer to remain in their home as they age, but proper safety precautions must be taken or it can be difficult to remain a reality for them.

You can make sure your aging loved one is able to stay safely in his or her own home by identifying and remedying safety hazards that may be present.

Finding the Safety Hazards

The main areas of the home you’ll want to focus your safety hazard search in are the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. These areas often hold the highest risk for falls and fires, which are two very serious safety hazards for seniors.

Seniors’ greatest safety risk is falling—in fact, one in four adults over age 65 fall each year. In order to help eliminate this risk for your aging loved one, you can do the following:

Get rid of throw rugs
Make sure laundry facilities are on the first floor
Remove wheels on chairs
Keep steps clear of clutter
Apply non-slip wax to floors
Add a hall railing
Add a raised toilet and grab bars
Use rubber-backed bath mats
Repair loose carpeting or raised areas of flooring

Look around and make sure your loved one doesn’t have too many electric cords plugged into one socket or extension cord. You will also want to take the time to check the appliances and other electrical items in the home to be sure they are in good working condition and that their electrical cords are undamaged.

Review different exit strategies from the home in event of a fire, making sure he or she will have at least two ways to get out. Check that the batteries in the smoke detectors are being changed and tested regularly as well.

It is also wise to adjust the thermostat on the water heater so it stays at or under 120 degrees in the bathroom. You can also purchase anti-scalding devices that can be installed in sinks, tubs and showers that will recognize when the water is too hot and stop the flow.

Quick Safety Tips

Being prepared for possible safety risk scenarios can help bolster your loved one’s safety.

Compile a list of emergency numbers to be kept by each phone or added to the contact list of a cell phone. Those numbers should include:

911
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Family members or friends to call in case of emergency
Healthcare provider’s office

Is his or her home address clearly visible from the street? By installing larger house numbers in metal or stickers or pray painting his or her house numbers on the street curb.

There can be many safety concerns for seniors living alone at home, but fortunately, we’re here to help address some of those concerns. Executive Care of Somerville provides a full range of in-home care services that can make life easier and safer for your aging loved one.

Ensuring Proper Nutrition for Older Adults | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 06:00:15 EDT

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in health throughout our entire life, but is especially important for our aging loved ones.

Without the proper nutrition, they are more likely to suffer from various ailments and maladies. Fortunately, ensuring a healthy diet for your loved one doesn’t have to be a difficult task.

Senior Nutrition Tips

There are many nutrients that can be beneficial for seniors, not to mention necessary for optimal health.

These include:

Calcium and vitamin D. These can help maintain bone health. It is suggested to have three servings of calcium-rich foods and beverages each day.
Potassium. By increasing potassium and reducing sodium intake, there can be a lower risk of high blood pressure. Instead of using salt, try flavoring foods with herbs and spices.
Fats. The right kind of fats are found in things like nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil and fish.
Fiber. This can help lower risk for heart disease and help prevent Type 2 diabetes, as well as keeping the digestive system regulated.
Vitamin B12. Those 50 and older often do not get enough B12, but this can be helped through things like fortified cereals and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables, and milk.

Choosemyplate.gov is an excellent resource to ensure your aging loved one’s nutritional needs are being met through daily meals and snacks.

Simple Meal Ideas

Looking for some tasty meal ideas for your loved one that will also make sure they’re getting the proper nutrients? There are plenty of excellent suggestions for breakfast, lunch and dinner that will prove simple and delicious:

Breakfast:

Yogurt parfait
Warm oatmeal and berries
Whole-grain pancakes
Hard-boiled egg with a side of fruit and slice of whole-wheat toast

Lunch:

Quinoa salad
Salmon wrap made from canned boneless skinless salmon placed on a whole-grain wrap with avocado, tomatoes, greens and plain yogurt
Southwest omelet (ideal for breakfast or lunch)

Dinner:

Southwest chicken salad, made from boneless, skinless chicken breast that is cooked on a skillet with salsa
Shrimp and fresh greens, made with sautéed fresh veggies and cocktail shrimp that has been purchased already peeled, cooked and chilled
Beans and rice

Cooking can be made easier by taking the time to sit down with your aging loved one and making a meal plan for the week, being sure to write everything down.

You can make it a family meal prep activity and help your loved one prepare a week of meals so all that is needed is to remove things from the fridge and simply eat or heat up and eat. Most importantly, be sure to vary up the menu items from time to time to make sure boredom doesn’t pop up.

Making sure that your aging loved one is getting the nutritional meals he or she needs doesn’t have to be a concern with the in-home care services provided by Executive Care of Somerville. If you would like to learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us and get the conversation started.

Spring-Cleaning Basics for Seniors | Executive Care of Somerville

Executive Care | Somerville, NJ (4) — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 06:00:16 EDT

Spring is here, Somerville!

With the arrival of the spring season often comes the desire to clean—a desire that isn’t lost as we age. There are plenty of ways seniors can participate in the spring-cleaning process!

Helpful Spring-Cleaning Tips

One goal of spring-cleaning can be getting rid of or sorting through clutter in the home. Organizing the clutter will not only help the home look better, but it is also beneficial for your loved one’s safety as items that are scattered about could pose a tripping hazard.

If there are piles of stuff throughout the house, it’s time to say goodbye to them. No matter how organized those piles may be, there’s no time like the present to sort through them and decide what is still needed and what is not.

A general rule of thumb is if it hasn’t been used in the past year, it’s likely that the item can be thrown out, donated or sold. This includes items like clothes, decorations, bedding and home décor.

Another idea is organizing important documents. This is a task that can be a family job, as it should include important financial, health and other legal documents.

Knowing how to quickly find and access your loved one’s info, such as a durable power of attorney or advanced health care directive, is vital and can help reduce stress and streamline the process in many scenarios.

The medicine cabinet is another part of the home that could benefit from a good cleaning. There are many drug take-back days held by various government agencies, including local, and also online resources that can tell you how to properly dispose of medications.

Your loved one can crush and pour pills/capsules into a sealable bag if mobility is an issue. That bag can then be filled with unappetizing materials like coffee grounds, kitty litter or dirt before being tossed out. You should also remove the identifiable information on the bottles/packaging to help keep medical information private.

Any senior who is embarking on the spring-cleaning process should know and recognize his or her abilities and challenges. Some of these cleaning tasks may be difficult to handle alone and may even pose a risk of injury. There’s no shame in asking for help from family or utilizing in-home services.

Executive Care of Somerville can provide assistance through a variety of in-home care services, including those that help your loved one with tasks around the house. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about the services we offer!