Tips to Brighten Everyone’s Day When Caring for Elderly Parents

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Let our Phoenix area home care team help improve quality of life for a senior loved one in your life.

Millions of Americans have found themselves in the role of providing senior care for an older loved one, and although serving as a family caregiver is incredibly rewarding in many ways, the day-to-day duties involved with senior care can come to be monotonous for both the caregiver and the older adult. The Phoenix home care experts at Endeavor In-Home Care want to assist you in putting the fun back in your loved one’s day-to-day routine. All it takes is a bit of ingenuity! Try some of these suggestions to help brighten your loved one’s day and make caring for elderly parents more enjoyable: Read more

How Personalized Activities for Seniors Increase Quality of Life

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Call on Endeavor for personalized care & customized activities for a senior loved one in your life.

Is a senior loved one participating in activities on a regular basis, or is she stuck in a rut that commonly is comprised of watching television, eating, and sleeping? Particularly during this time of quarantining and isolation, it can be challenging to maintain an active and involved way of living – but it’s vitally important for the health and quality of life of older adults. Read more

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Conquer the Most Common Senior Fitness Obstacles With These Tips

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Establishing a routine exercise schedule is daunting at any age. Physical exercise is exhausting. We would prefer not to expend the time. We’re feeling the pain from yesterday’s exercises. We’ve all made excuses like these for avoiding physical fitness; but frailty and advanced age make it even more daunting to stick to an exercise routine and maintain senior fitness.  

Endeavor In-Home Care wants to help older individuals stay active with ideas to combat the following typical senior fitness obstacles: 

  • Self-confidence: It’s natural for older individuals to feel stressed with the thought of achieving exercise objectives. It can help to start the ball rolling slowly with exercises that are easy to master and progress slowly; and, encourage the senior with frequent encouragement. 
  • Attitude: Attitude is critical when it comes to exercising. If approached negatively, it will be much more challenging to stick to an effective exercise routine. Pick activities that will be pleasurable and that the senior will look forward to. 
  • Pain: The saying, “No pain, no gain” simply isn’t true. Older individuals should refrain from overdoing it, and cut back the level of intensity if being afflicted by pain or discomfort. 
  • Disabilities: Seniors with physical or cognitive restrictions can and should remain active according to their ability level. Seek the advice of the health care provider for a referral to a personal trainer or physical therapist who can come up with a program of specialized exercises. 
  • Fear of Injury/Balance Problems: There are a range of adaptive devices to permit safe, effective exercising while still improving senior fitness. 
  • Financial Concerns: It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to be fit! Walking and other straightforward exercises in and around the residence, using typical household items, can be integrated into an exercise plan at little to no cost. 
  • Illness or Fatigue: Exercises can be tailored to match the older individual’s energy level, and he or she may gradually increase the endurance level in time. 

Bear in mind that the key to ongoing positive results with an exercise regimen is to see that the older adult feels comfortable and safe with the strategy and the exercises. If irritation is felt in muscles or joints the day after exercising, a lesser intensity can be put in place; and check with the physician if the pain or discomfort persists.  

Endeavor In-Home Care’s caregivers will work with your loved one’s health care provider to implement a safe exercise plan according to his or her abilities to increase strength, independence, and overall quality of life. Contact us at 480-498-2324 to learn more about the positive effects of daily exercise in improving senior fitness and to discover more about how our home and companion care in Chandler, AZ and the surrounding areas can help!

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The Best Exercises for Seniors to Build and Maintain Health

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The advantages of engaging in exercise do not lessen as we age, and it’s extremely worthwhile for seniors to keep up with as active a lifestyle as possible. Even older adults who are confined to a bed or wheelchair have a variety of opportunities available to strengthen and increase resistance and flexibility.  Contact us at 480-498-2324 to learn how we can help senior loved ones remain active.

The initial step is always to seek advice from a senior’s physician to get a suggestion on the best exercises for seniors that fit with your loved one’s activity level and medical history. Exercising even for as little as a couple of minutes each day, repeated several times during the day, can substantially enhance a senior’s health and wellbeing. 

Following are several examples of the best exercises for seniors: 

  • Aerobic Exercises: If whole body movements aren’t feasible, exercises from a sitting position can be substituted to build cardio strength. When possible, good options include: 
    • Swimming or water aerobics 
    • Dancing 
    • Walking 
    • Tai Chi 
    • Bowling 
  • Resistance Exercises: To strengthen and build muscles, resistance exercises can be performed with elastic bands, available in a multitude of tensile strengths. The Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences reports that even just one day every week of resistance exercise helps seniors preserve independence and lower the threat of injury. 
  • Flexibility Exercises: Stretching exercises help sharpen flexibility and range of motion. Check for yoga classes at local senior or recreation centers. 
  • Dementia Exercises: In the earlier phases of dementia especially, a number of exercise options are possible, and with increasing supervision and some alterations, can be continued as the disease progresses. Considering that repetition is frequently comforting to those with Alzheimer’s disease, activities like walking, riding a stationary bicycle, and folding laundry are helpful to both the older adult’s physical and mental state. 

Encouraging your loved one to begin, and then stick with, an exercise routine is fundamental to success. Try these suggestions to make it something pleasurable that he or she will look forward to: 

  • Join in an exercise program with the older adult. It’s always more enjoyable to exercise with a partner. 
  • Incorporate favorite, upbeat music. 
  • Designate dedicated time each and every day specifically for exercise, and make it a priority. 
  • Put in place incentives or rewards for attaining goals. 

For more suggestions on helping seniors increase activity levels, contact Endeavor In-Home Care. Our highly skilled Phoenix in-home caregivers are trained and experienced in helping older adults thrive and improve their overall wellbeing, and we love nothing more than having the assurance that the older individuals in our care are healthy and enjoying life to the fullest! Reach out to us at 480-498-2324 to learn more about our excellent companion care in Phoenix and the surrounding areas!

Healthy senior man in GYM leaning on spinning bicycle

The Benefits of Physical Activity for Seniors With Parkinsons

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The benefits of remaining physically active throughout aging are tremendous; however, when it comes to physical activity and Parkinson’s disease, it could truly be a game-changer in the progression of the disease. Several studies are displaying direct links between exercise and Parkinson’s, including the largest clinical study up to now, in which patients who exercised at least 2½ hours each week realized a higher total wellbeing compared to those who refrained from physical activity. And that’s only the start.

The onset of Parkinson’s symptoms develops following loss of the brain cells that create dopamine. Researchers believe that exercise makes it possible for the brain to rebuild lost connections, form new ones, and continue maintaining those that are still in place. Additional studies show:

  • Gains were occurring in stride length, gait speed and balance following treadmill exercise – after as little as just one single session, and enduring for a number of weeks afterwards.
  • Motor function and coordination were enhanced in people who pedaled at a faster rate on a stationary bike – again, with results lasting for weeks after the study ended.
  • Noticeable improvements regarding the normalcy of movement were found in those with Parkinson’s who engaged in a regular exercise program in comparison to those that did not.

It’s important to notice that the outcomes achieved were reliant upon consistent, ongoing exercise. The scientific tests reported that any protective benefits occurring were discontinued if the amount and intensity of exercise was reduced or was implemented for only a short period of time. The necessary criteria for sustainable results appear to be the same as those essential to help those who’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury or stroke: intensity, specificity, difficulty and complexity.

Additional research is underway to hone in even more on the great things about physical activity for seniors with Parkinson’s disease, as well as the precise reasoning behind it. For the time being, if your loved one has been identified as having Parkinson’s disease, it is certainly beneficial to consult with his or her primary care physician for a recommended exercise regimen.

For assistance with safe, dependable transportation and accompaniment to a doctor’s appointment or workout program, or encouragement and inspiration to engage in an ongoing exercise program in the home, call Endeavor In-Home Care at 480-498-2324. Our Phoenix live-in care experts are available to improve total wellbeing for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, or any other condition of aging throughout Phoenix and the surrounding area. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services.

HOW ARE ENDEAVOR CAREGIVERS SCREENED?

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Senior Care services

At Senior In-Home Care, we provide families with licensed, experienced in-home caregivers who provide a range of valuable services to those with illnesses, injuries, dementia, and mobility problems. Our senior in-home caregivers offer companionship, post-surgery support, physical disability support, dementia care, and assistance with daily meal preparation, medication reminders, and light housework.

Each one of our elderly in-home caregivers is carefully screened to ensure they are a perfect fit for our clients. Each senior in-home caregiver must have a valid, up-to-date certification as a home health aide, nurse’s assistance, or medical technician. All of our elderly in-home caregivers must also be CPR and first aid certified. In addition, anyone providing homecare assistance must undergo TB testing. Last but not least, our in-home caregivers undergo thorough background checks to ensure that they do not have any financial or legal problems that would put your family at risk.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we recruit and hire our talented elderly in-home caregivers near Chandler, AZ, come see us at Endeavor Senior In-Home Care. We can quickly find a home caregiver who is the right fit for you and your family. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (877) 584-6162.

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S REALLY LIKE?

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Despite the best intentions to provide in-home care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, struggles to understand what the disease is really like can lead to frustration. In this video, see what happens when someone providing home care for a loved with Alzheimer’s disease finds out what it is really like to experience the symptoms.

By simulating the mental confusion of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as vision problems and arthritis that are common in seniors, this son who was caring for his mother with the disease experienced the challenges and isolation himself. Researchers are able to provide these experiences to those providing elderly home care to increase understanding and reducing frustration.

At Endeavor Senior In-Home Care, we can help your family provide the compassionate senior in-home care in Phoenix, AZ, that he or she deserves. Find out more by calling (877) 584-6162.

A FAMILY’S GUIDE TO DEMENTIA BEHAVIORS

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Health Care Services

When you are providing in-home care for a loved one with dementia, it is natural to find his or her behavior confusing at times. Knowing how to deal with common dementia behaviors can relieve stress for both you and your elderly loved one. Here is a look at some common behaviors that people with dementia display and how you can cope as a caregiver.

Agitation

Agitation is a common problem even in early stages of dementia, and it often gets worse as dementia progresses. It is frequently triggered by fear, fatigue, and restrictions that makes sufferers feel as though they are losing control. Agitation may manifest as sleeplessness, irritability, and both verbal and physical aggression. These behaviors are particularly common during the evening hours and are referred to as sundowning when they occur at this time. You can keep agitation under control by reducing stimuli that could be irritating, such as high noise levels, and cutting sugar and caffeine intake. Encourage as much independence as possible, and try to stick to a routine. Soft music, walks, and gentle touching can help ease agitation.

Paranoia

People with dementia may become convinced that someone is stealing from them or that there are other conspiracies planned to harm them in some way. Avoid arguing about accusations, and remind other family members to resist doing so. You can ease paranoia by helping your loved one look for missing items or ensuring he or she keeps a small amount of money in a specific place that he or she can check frequently.

Wandering

People with dementia wander for a number of reasons, from boredom to attempts to stave off hunger and thirst. Because wandering can be especially dangerous, consider fitting doors with locks that need keys to be opened from the inside or adding a home monitoring system. Consider daily exercise to help your loved one feel less restless.

The home care providers at Endeavor Senior In-Home Care are trained to recognize and respond to dementia behaviors safely and with compassion. Find out how we can help you meet your needs for in-home care in Mesa, AZ, by calling (877) 584-6162.

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE VA AID AND ATTENDANCE PROGRAM

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Elder Person

Seniors who are veterans may be able to take advantage of the VA Aid & Attendance Program to cover the costs of a number of in-home care needs. This VA pension benefit pays for basic in-home care, in-home assistance with daily needs—such as meal preparation and housekeeping, and in-home care for dementia and Parkinson’s disease. This pension benefits also applies to spouses of veterans.

To qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance Program, you or your spouse must be over 65 and have served in WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or the Gulf War. The VA approves all benefits independent of care agencies, but once they are granted, veterans and their spouses can use these benefits to pay for up to 20 hours of care services per week as well as expenses related to care.

Endeavor Senior In-Home Care is pleased to take part in this important program for our nation’s veterans. For a free assessment of your eligibility for this benefit for in-home care in Phoenix, AZ, call us today at (877) 584-6162.

REASONS TO HIRE IN-HOME CARE FOR SENIORS AFTER SURGERY

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Non Medical Home Care

After surgery, the first twenty-four hours at home are the most critical and difficult. If you’re concerned about the health of a senior after surgery, in-home care services can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your loved one is in good hands. Focused on the patient’s well-being and safety, in-home caregivers strive to make recovery pleasant and stress-free after surgery.

Orthopedic Surgery

The path to recovery after orthopedic surgery is often long and challenging. When you choose to hire an elderly home care provider, this healing process can be simplified. Post-surgical caregivers can provide medication reminders, help with exercises, and assist with mobility issues. Procedures such as knee and hip replacements can severely affect flexibility as the patient heals, but in-home care services can help seniors get back on their feet while they recover.

Major Surgery

Tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and getting around the house can be significantly affected by brain, heart, and other major surgeries. In-home caregivers can help seniors resume their daily life and help with eating and other basic needs that can be challenging immediately following surgery. You can rest easier knowing that your senior is in good hands and receiving comprehensive home care as he recovers.

Post-Rehab

It’s common for seniors to stay at a rehabilitation center after surgery, and taking the step to return home can be daunting and difficult. Hiring in-home care can ease this transition by helping your senior complete everyday tasks and needs that may still be challenging or impossible in his state. In-home care can help your senior move seamlessly and safely from a rehab facility to the comfort of his home.

If you’re looking for high-quality and experienced home care assistance in Phoenix, AZ, call Endeavor Senior In-Home Care today at (877) 584-6162. We are members of the Arizona In-Home Care Association, and our caregivers are dedicated to providing your senior loved one with the care and attention they need.