In Home Care Poway, Home health Poway, CA 92064

There are many reasons that senior citizens should exercise on a regular basis, but the main one is that it helps to increase your overall health and ward off life-threatening diseases – especially those associated with aging. Simply put – exercising helps us age more gracefully.

Almost everyone knows the sort of problems we face when aging – slower metabolism, bone loss and stiffness in joints, muscle loss, balance problems, less endurance and heart and lung problems. We all want a quick fix to aging, such as injections and facelifts or a pill we can take to halt or reduce the aging process. But, in reality, regular exercise is the only thing we can do for ourselves that will increase our overall health and well-being.

Exercise can help us maintain the ability to do things we love and to accomplish everyday tasks that we need to do rather than depending on someone else. Even if you’re a very out of shape senior citizen, there are simple exercises you can do that will make you feel better and enjoy your life.

Stretching is simple to do (you can even stretch while sitting) and can make remarkable strides in improving your joints and muscles. You can find online stretching exercises, choose from the many television shows that promote exercising or get a book from the library or bookstore. You’ll want to be sure to choose exercises that stretch your back, arms, calves, thighs, stomach and chest – but don’t overdo it. Stretch for 5 to 20 minutes per day or whatever you feel up to.

Any activity that increases your endurance is great for senior citizens. Those exercises might include gardening, biking, swimming or simply walking the dog. Try to increase your breathing and heart rate, but don’t exercise so strenuously that you lose your ability to talk. Take it easy and you’ll benefit more than you realize.

Strength exercises are very important to engage in as you age. The more you can strengthen your muscles, the better able you’ll be to increase your metabolism (maintain a normal weight) and keep your blood sugar at normal levels. Strength exercises can be in the form of machines at a gym or fitness center – or, you can even use items around the house, such as books and cans of food.

Exercises designed to strengthen your back should be an important part of your exercise program. Back pain can be excruciating and life-changing and is common in senior citizens. Ask your doctor for a list of exercises you can do to strengthen back muscles or research on your own to find some that are right for you.

One of the worst maladies that can affect senior citizens is balance problems. Aging can cause loss of balance, but so can certain medications. There are exercises to specifically build your leg muscles and increase your perception of balance so that you’re less likely to fall. Keep in mind that in the United States, hospitals admit over 400,000 people per year for broken hips – and most are senior citizens.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Keywords - Home Health Care La Jolla

About Firstat Nursing Services Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Being a caretaker to children is a big responsibility. It can be stressful at times and that stress can show up in your body physically. Add being a caretaker to an elderly parent that stress compounds.

Thanks to the longevity of the elder generation, more adult children are choosing to step in and become part of the sandwich generation. Some do it out of a sense of duty - having been raised to believe it’s their responsibility to care for their aged parent.

Others do it out of love - they can’t imagine putting their parent into a nursing home. Whatever reason you step up to the plate, knowing the responsibilities and how to deal with the stress beforehand can go a long way in making the situation smoother for everyone involved.

The term ‘sandwich generation’ was coined to mean that a person is supporting two generations. The caretaker is often the meat that makes up the gist of the sandwich - the main ingredient. While it can be a loving, rewarding experience for all involved, there are changes that can wreak havoc on your life and your family’s life if you’re not careful to avoid the pitfalls. Understand the financial commitment that you’re making.

Decide ahead of time how you’ll handle the extra expenses that will come up in the family budget. Who’s going to pay for the extra expenses? Financial pressure can put a strain on you that you want to deal with head on rather than letting it build. You may have to pay for things in order to help keep your parent safer physically.

Will you have to do anything to make the room safer for your parent? Will you need to install any safety rails in the bathroom for the bathtub and near the toilet? Will you need to buy any medical equipment such as a hospital bed to make sure your aged parent doesn’t fall out of bed?

If your parent is prone to nightly wanderings, will you have to install a system that alerts you whenever they’re out of bed? If your loved one is not at that point, but is unable to drive, who will make sure he gets to and from appointments? How will you find time to make sure he or she has an active social life with their friends?

Besides a financial commitment, understand the time commitment that you’re making. You only have so many hours in the day and if you’re like most people, you’re stretched to the limit. How are you still going to find time for yourself? Not having time to unwind and refresh is the leading cause of burnout among family caretakers. The emotional toll it takes can be difficult to deal with.

Make sure that you still plan time for your children and your spouse so that they don’t start feeling neglected. Adding an aged loved one to the household can often change the family dynamics.

Talk the situation over with your family before you make a decision. It’s important that they’re in agreement with you so there won’t be resentment later. Having a plan in place before you make any moves can help keep the harmony in your home and in your relationship with your parent.

People wanting to learn more about Home Health Care options in San Diego are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, 
http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Home Health Care Rancho Santa Fe 

As you age, food choices become important daily decisions that may affect the quality of the rest of your life. Home Health Care San Diego seniors need fewer calories, and everything you eat should be based on weight gain and the nutrients that can maintain or boost your immune system and keep you healthy. Too much added weight and not enough vitamins and minerals can cause untold health problems.



Choose your foods to make sure you’re getting enough of the following vitamins and minerals:



 - B-Vitamins – Seniors need to be sure they eat lots of foods with B-vitamins. Vitamin-B12 isn’t found in plants, but you can get it in your diet if you eat fortified breakfast cereals. Tuna, lean beef, chicken and eggs also provide vitamin-B12, but if you don’t eat enough of these foods, be sure to take a supplement.



 - Vitamin-B6 is also an important vitamin for seniors. B6 vitamins can be found in foods that provide protein such as pork, fish and chicken. Again, fortified cereals can be a great source of vitamin B-6. Bananas, spinach, wheat germ and bran are among other sources for vitamin B6.



 - Vitamin-A – Cantaloupe, carrots, Brussels sprouts, peppers and most colorful plant products are rich in beta-carotene, which provides vitamin-A. Fish liver oil, eggs and fortified milk are also abundant in vitamin-A. If you don’t think you’re getting enough vitamin-A in your diet, talk to your doctor before taking a supplement as it can form toxic levels in your body.  



 - Folic Acid – A synthetic form of folate, folic acid can be found in foods such as fortified cereal, enriched breads and some grains. Foods containing folate are bananas, asparagus, turnip greens, spinach wheat germ and orange juice.


 - Riboflavin – Milk, yogurt, eggs and whole grains are rich in riboflavin. Milk should be purchased in cardboard cartons rather than glass or plastic containers because it loses much of the vitamin from exposure to light. Other food sources high in riboflavin are asparagus, turkey, almonds and chicken thighs.



Some other vitamins that should be included in the foods seniors should be eating are vitamins C, D and E and choline. Eating a diet that’s balanced with these vitamins and minerals is best, but if it’s difficult for you to eat a balanced diet on a regular basis, talk to your doctor about supplements.



These are just guidelines.  Of course, you must talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet.  As you age, it’s important to fill up with foods that contain vitamins and minerals that will help us to maintain a healthy immune system and provide you with the best caloric intake rather than foods rich in sugar, fat and not much else. Eating right can help us age gracefully and live longer.



About Firstat Nursing Services

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com



Topic: Home Health Care San Diego | San Diego Home Health

How Home Nursing Can Help Improve the Lives of Each Other
Caring for an aging spouse is often a difficult and time consuming activity. From morning until evening-and often throughout the night- aging loved ones need assistance. In many cases, demanding schedules overwhelm even the most agile caregiver, creating stress and making life at home miserable for all involved.  Luckily, home nursing care provides a helping hand- someone to assist with knowledgeable, caring help- the perfect solution for a spouse in need of rest, relaxation and quality time with the one they love. 
Improved Time Together…and Apart - When you can depend on the help of a qualified, professional home nurse, it’s easier to manage time more effectively. Whether it’s for taking care of personal responsibilities, relaxing or simply looking forward to some quality time with your partner, having a highly trained nurse visit regularly makes it possible to do something other than provide care.
Quality time with one another- laughing, talking or just sitting together keeps relationships healthy and is important for providing support during difficult times. Even for just a few minutes every day, having the extra time can mean a great deal. More available time also makes it possible to more effectively care for yourself. It’s easy to deplete energy levels looking after a spouse, leaving little if any energy for yourself. Having a qualified nurse visit the home provides opportunities for spouses to get some well-deserved time for themselves.
Reduce Stress - Caring for an aging partner can be a very stressful activity. From administering medicines to dealing with mood swings or depression, there are difficult challenges to face.  It’s easy to feel overburdened and experience high levels of stress simply from trying to meet the demands of an aging partner. Stress at this level often leads to other more serious health conditions.
A home nurse provides needed support for both spouses, which eliminates stress and creates a calm, enjoyable environment. Challenges with treatment, disabilities or mood swings are easier to deal with and remedy in a calm, balanced atmosphere. 
Skilled and Knowledgeable Support - While we all like to think no one can care for our loved ones as well as we can ourselves, this may not be the case. A home nurse has the unique skills and knowledge to efficiently and effectively administer treatment and medicine that we may not be familiar with. They are highly trained professionals who work in the industry and have extensive experience providing care and support to aging patients and their spouses. A home nurse gives you peace of mind in knowing your loved one is safe, comfortable and well cared for.
Caring for an aging spouse is a demanding, full time job and even the most ardent caregivers and partners need help. Seeking assistance from a qualified home nurse makes it possible to more effectively manage time, reduces stress in the home and provides invaluable support to all involved.
About Firstat Nursing Services- Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com
 

Home Nursing Point Loma, Home Nursing Ocean Beach, Home Nursing Pacific Beach CA Call 619-220-7600If you are looking for Home Nursing Point Loma, Home Nursing Ocean Beach, or Home Nursing Pacific Beach, then you've come to the right place. Before selecting Home Nursing, Home Care or a Home Health agency in San Diego, CA. please review the information here, which should be very useful for you.

Our in-home and homehealth nurses and staff are trained, skilled and friendly as well as compassionate and attentive to every patient need. We train our homehealth nurses in San Diego and Point Loma to provide the right support, respect and dignity to all types of patients.

Our philosophy "Where Care Comes First" is exhibited every day for every patient whether it be in the home or on-site at assisted living facilities.  At Firstat Nursing Services, we are licensed by the Department of Health Services, certified by the Alzheimer's Association and a member of the American Board of Homecare.

At Firstat Nursing Services, we are licensed by the Department of Health Services, certified by the Alzheimer's Association and a member of the American Board of Homecare. At Firstat Nursing Services We provide many in-home nursing, in-home care and homenursing services.

Some of our Point Loma, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach homenursing services include wound care, personal hygiene, meal preparation and light housekeeping.  At Firstat Nursing Services, we are licensed by the Department of Health Services, certified by the Alzheimer's Association and a member of the American Board of Homecare.

To learn more about how Firstat Nursing Services can help you find the best homenursing and in-homecare in Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and Pacific Beach, CA for your family and your specific homenursing, homehealth and homecare situation please call us at 619-220-7600 or go to our website - http://firstatofsandiego.com

(ARA) - There are more than 65 million caregivers who are an essential part of a patient's health care team in the United States. They not only provide emotional strength and support but also often help a patient with their daily needs, such as filling prescriptions or helping schedule doctors' appointments. But while being a caregiver to someone in need can be a significant help, it can also be a daunting responsibility. Greg Stephens, Founder and Director of the National CML Society, can relate.

"When my mother was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, or CML, I not only had an immediate concern about her overall health, but also about the added responsibilities and pressure that it would bring to our lives," says Stephens. "I was committed to being the best caregiver I could, and staying as organized and well-researched as possible, but CML is not a disease that can be treated quickly. Instead, I think of it as a marathon, since my mother's disease required ongoing treatment and care."

CML is a blood cancer that in most patients can be controlled and managed for many years by working closely with a physician to develop the best possible treatment plan. Plans are decided based on a number of criteria, such as age and progression of the disease, and include a combination of daily medications, routine blood tests and regular check-ins with doctors. Dr. Javier Pinilla-Ibarz, Assistant Member of the Malignant Hematology and Immunology Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, knows firsthand.

"When I tell patients they have CML it can be scary because it is a cancer that requires ongoing, active management for many years and the treatment process can be a lot of responsibility for a patient to manage on their own. Having a friend or loved one by the patient's side can be a tremendous help. Not only can they help remind the patient of what to do to control their disease, but they can also be someone a patient can talk with to help keep spirits high."

November's National Caregiver Month is a great time to celebrate caregivers. The following tips are designed to help caregivers manage their role as part of the patient's health care team:

* Helping track results: Creating a "results journal" which is devoted to storing test results along with his or her testing dates can help a patient keep track of this information. For example, for CML patients, tracking the levels of the cancer-causing enzyme, Bcr-Abl, is important for monitoring the progression of the disease.

* Caring for yourself too: Balancing the needs of the patient with your own needs is essential. A caregiver who's stressed out or overwhelmed might not be able to care for a loved one as well as they want to.

* Educating yourself: Staying well-informed about your loved one's condition will make you a more valuable resource for them. With CML, the enzyme Bcr-Abl is responsible for sending signals to produce cancerous white blood cells. Knowing about the disease and which medications best target and inhibit this enzyme will help you to be an active participant in ongoing treatment discussions between your loved one and their medical team.

* Joining a caregiver support group: Connecting with other caregivers is an opportunity to learn new ways to help a loved one. There is a great strength in knowing you are not alone.

For more information and to connect with other CML patients and caregivers, visit the Novartis sponsored social networking site www.cmlearth.com.
 

Going on a trip with an aging parent might seem challenging at first. They are used to being at home and might not even agree to it, for one thing. But traveling with an aging parent can be as enjoyable as the trips you used to take with your parents earlier in life, with a few adjustments. Keep these tips in mind:

1 - Discuss the trip with your parent for a few weeks before going on the trip - Talking about the trip before you go allows your parent to voice an opinion on the trip as well as to get prepared for the travel.  You can't prepare them completely, but if you talk about things beforehand they will have an idea of what to expect. Talk to them about what they'd like to do; your parents may be advanced in years but still knows what he or she is interested in doing.

2 - Take all medicines and see a doctor for prescriptions to take on the road - Make sure that you have a suitable container for your parent's medication. But more than that, make sure to see your parent's doctor before the trip to write out prescriptions in case your parent needs more while you're away. You might also consider asking your parent's doctor if any anti-anxiety medication might be appropriate to take as well. Make sure you have the doctor's number as well.

In addition to medicine, make sure you take along any other medical supplies and devices your parent may need, such as an oxygen tank or wheelchair. Some places already have wheelchairs, such as airports, so keep that in mind too.

3 - Have a plan in place for unexpected toileting issues. - Plan ahead of time what you will do if your parent needs a bathroom right away. Do your best to stop regularly for a bathroom break, but surprises can occur.  Have a change of clothes immediately available and reassure your parent that everything is alright.

4 - Plan your itinerary according to your parent's limitations. - If your parent cannot stand for long periods, don't take him or her on long hikes or long shopping trips. Keep in mind what your parent can and cannot do so that you know, before you arrive at your destination, what kinds of activities to focus on while you're traveling.

5 - Be flexible. - Things can change. And if you're traveling with a parent who has dementia, unfamiliar situations can lead to unpredictable behaviors. Be ready to make changes in your itinerary according to how your parent is feeling and behaving that day. Have enough money with you that you can go back home right away if you need to.

Lastly, don't forget to have fun! Traveling can be a great way for you to bond with your aging parent, as well as a relaxing trip for you. Have a good time seeing the sights and sharing your travels with your parent. Your parent probably took you on many trips as a child and now, you can repay the favor for both of you.

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatofSanDiego.com

Having a parent move in with you after years of living apart can take some getting used to. It can be an adjustment for both of you, your parent and any other relative that is involved. Here are some ways you can be prepared:
Set up rules - These rules aren't going to be like your parents' rules when you were in high school. Your parent is still an adult. They deserve the same basic respect that you would expect from anyone; they deserve even more than that because they are your parents.
That said, make sure that your parent knows where your boundaries are, for example, in dealing with your children. Talk about privacy issues for every member of the family that will be affected by the move.
Delegate responsibility - If your parent needs some care, devise a system that will help you figure out when you need to be with your parent to help them with their needs. If your parent can still take care of themselves, allow them the same independence you'd hope for in the same position. Find out who will handle the regular chores.
Ask how everyone feels - Chances are your parent would prefer to live on their own, so talk about ways they will still be able to feel independent. Ask your spouse and children how they feel having your parents move into your home. Getting feelings out in the open will make the transition easier.
Get clear about how YOU feel. Are you really cut out to take care of your parent to the degree that they need it? How are you going to feel day in and day out seeing your parent there?
Sort out financial issues - Get a plan in place now that describes who will pay for what. This can often be one of the most difficult things to work through, so make sure to talk about this topic calmly with your parent and your spouse. Put down in writing who will be financially responsible for which aspects of the living arrangements and stick to it.
Prepare the house - Make sure that you don't have things laying around that an older person might trip on, for starters. Make sure that your parent's bedroom is comfortable and that they can reach anything they need to reach. If your parent has a wheelchair, make sure that the house is wheelchair accessible.
Know when it is not working - Some family members are not cut out to be a caregiver. After a while, if the situation becomes that untenable, have a plan in place for alternate arrangements. It can be painful to admit that you can't do it, but your parent's care is what is most important and if they can get better help elsewhere that might be the best place for them.
Living together at this late stage can be a wonderful way to reconnect in what may be the last years of your parent's life. If it takes a bit of time to get used to, isn't it worth it?
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatofSanDiego.com