beau's blog

There are roughly 37 million people over age 65 living in America today. The growing number of seniors of this age is due to advances in medical care, which have increased life expectancies. Many seniors live alone in homes or apartments. This poses a great risk to seniors-one which can be remedied by knowing your limitations and capabilities. According to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death among the elderly today.

Hot summer weather can pose special health risks to older adults. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has some advice for helping older people avoid heat-related illnesses, known as hyperthermia.

Living a happy and healthy lifestyle isn't always easy. However there are simple do's and don'ts that can help you create the kind of life you deserve.

Do know when to ask for help

For decades, you've fed the kids, cared for loved ones, mowed the lawn, and baked for church groups. Giving up independence may be one of the hardest parts of aging. Yet, asking for help can actually help you live a life that's longer, healthier, and more enjoyable.

Just imagine the sight of an elderly gentleman slowly, painfully standing with the assistance of his caregiver when the first bar of The Star Spangled Banner is played before his grandson starts the play of his first high school football game.  The senior reached for his fedora unsuccessfully as his caregiver takes it off his head for him.  He holds his shaking hand to his heart as America’s patriotic song is blared by the trumpets of the little school’s band.  A single tear falls from his misty eyes.   Unforgettable moments flood his remaining memory bank.

Just imagine the sight of an elderly gentleman slowly, painfully standing with the assistance of his caregiver when the first bar of The Star Spangled Banner is played before his grandson starts the play of his first high school football game.  The senior reached for his fedora unsuccessfully as his caregiver takes it off his head for him.  He holds his shaking hand to his heart as America’s patriotic song is blared by the trumpets of the little school’s band.  A single tear falls from his misty eyes.   Unforgettable moments flood his remaining memory bank.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Our nation's medical community, while striving daily to attain answers and more knowledge, is still at a loss concerning many aspects of Alzheimer's disease.  Unfortunately,  some people will progress more rapidly through the mild, moderate and severe stages of the disease and there is no tool that will enable a caregiver to predict the decline their loved one will experience. 

There are many items our elder care Consultant representing Sitters Etc. looks for when visiting a potential client during our free in-home consultations.  These items are addressed during the development of a personalized Care Plan for our clients, as are beneficial tools that help to prevent accidents in the home. 

Floors:

*Surfaces should be even and non-slippery

*Avoid throw rugs

Dementia is defined as "the cognitive and intellectual deterioration: the usually progressive deterioration of intellectual functions such as memory that can occur while other brain functions such as those controlling movement and the senses are retained" (Encarta ® World English Dictionary).  In other words, one may be able complete their activiities of daily living such as exercising, eating and drinking, etc.  However, one suffereing from dementia starts to lose his memory and nothing can be done to prevent it.  Amazingly, one with dementia still retains long-term memory a

Sitters Etc. took part in sponsorship of the annual Patricia Hart Society's HART to Heart Luncheon on February 5, 2010 at The Factory at Franklin.  The Patricia Hart Society encourages women to engage in philanthropy, mentorship, volunteerism and advocacy to support United Way of Williamson County.