What exactly is Swine Influenza? Learn the facts about the virus that’s catching the
attention of the news media and concerned citizens all over the US from The Center of
Disease Control and Prevention website and share your thoughts.

1.) How should this outbreak be handled?

2.) What can adults and seniors do to prevent exposure?

Please comment below with your opinions!

Image Source:
-New York Times

We know you appreciate everything that your long-term caregiver does for your aging family member, and believe that sometimes it’s appropriate to say thank you with a gift. If a family caregiver is responsible for senior care, sometimes the best gift to give them is a break. By providing them assistance with their responsibilities, they will have the opportunity to focus on themselves for a change. Everyone deserves a break; so offer to take your elderly relative shopping, prepare a meal. Another welcome gift for family caregivers is to pre-pay for a service that is typically an expense from their own pocket; buy a gift certificate for grass cutting, or house keeping to save them the expense.

If you want to show a senior caregiver hired from an agency that you appreciate them, first check with the agency for their policy on gift-giving. Many senior care agencies do not allow their caregivers to accept monetary gifts, but a small token of your appreciation; like flowers, a gift basket or a gift certificate for a nice meal can be great ways to say “thank you” to a long-term senior caregiver if they can accept the gifts.

Whether a caregiver who cares for an elderly family member is paid for their services or not, it’s important to remember how great their impact is on enhancing the lives of seniors; it doesn’t take much to say “thank you”, even if only in words.

Sources:
1. Area Agency on Aging
2. Caregiver’s Care Station

Home Care San Antonio provides senior care in San Antonio, Helotes, Leon Springs, Castroville, Pearsall, and Pleasanton. For more help, please call Home Instead Senior Care San Antonio at 210-614-1132.

Eating healthy on a budget at any age can be easily accomplished; a limited income doesn’t have to limit the variety of foods that you consume at any age. While junk foods many seem convenient, they are not budget friendly for seniors. Instead, seniors should work with their families or caregivers to plan their meals for the week, choosing ingredients which are rich in nutrients and vitamins like lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

When the elderly go to the grocery store, they should ensure that a grocery list is in hand based on their healthy meal plans. Buying fresh fruits and vegetables in season is a great way to save money, while ensuring they maintain a well-balanced diet; when their favorite produce is more expensive and not in season, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are an economic way to get the nutrients needed in every senior diet.

Seniors and their caregivers can also shop for inexpensive non-perishable items that are convenient for quick meal preparation; including beans and lentils, brown rice, pasta, frozen or canned sources of proteins like lean meats and fish, and many condiments which can make even the most economic meal taste gourmet and flavorful.

When preparing meals, seniors can also make extra portions which can be frozen and heated up for fast and wallet-friendly meals. Older adults eating on a budget don’t need to sacrifice health or taste; by planning meals in advance, and making economic healthy food choices; seniors can have it all.

Source:  Eating Healthy on a Budget Author Rebecca Pratt

Home Care San Antonio provides senior care in San Antonio, Helotes, Leon Springs, Castroville, Pearsall, and Pleasanton. For more help, please call Home Instead Senior Care San Antonio at 210-614-1132.

Every year when March rolls around, so does National Nutrition Month which is sponsored by the American Dietetic Association. National Nutrition Month focuses on encouraging the media and ADA to inform the public about healthy living through nutrition education and the importance of fitness.  National Nutrition Month is meant to educate people of all ages about how making simple healthy food choices, according to the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, can improve health and well-being when combined with physical activity.

While National Nutrition Month doesn’t focus upon educating people about nutrition and fitness for any specific age group; seniors in particular need to pay attention to their diet and lifestyle in order to maintain a healthy weight, keep their immune system strong and help prevent the onset of illnesses and chronic diseases.

As spring approaches, there’s no better time than now to start incorporating healthy eating and regular physical activity. You may not be worried about getting back your bikini body to hit the beaches as you were in your 20’s; but health is about much more than just appearance; it’s about living. National Nutrition Month is just the beginning; aging doesn’t mean your life stops, so seniors get out there, get active and make healthy lifestyle changes that really will change your life.

Sources: http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/nutrition_4920_ENU_HTML.htm
http://www.dietitians.ca/public/content/eat_well_live_well/english/nutritionmonth/index.asp
http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=2&tax_subject=256&topic_id=1348

Home Care San Antonio provides senior care in San Antonio, Helotes, Leon Springs, Castroville, Pearsall, and Pleasanton. For more help, please call Home Instead Senior Care San Antonio at 210-614-1132.

Many seniors wonder if they’re too old to apply for long-term care insurance or critical care coverage. The easy answer is most often “no”, though understanding age limits for long-term care policies is no easy feat since policy expiration and maximum ages for enrollment vary dependent upon the plan and insurance carrier.

Ages of eligibility for long-term care insurance usually depend upon the term of the policy. Of course the younger one is when they initiate their policy, the lower the premiums will be.  In addition, the state where the policy holder resides will be a determining factor in understanding the costs of long term care and how much insurance is needed.  Many insurance providers can initiate a policy up until someone is actually in their mid 80’s - however the caveat is that they will have to meet certain health criteria and of course the premium will be very high.
 
All seniors should consider purchasing long-term care insurance to ensure that any future medical and long-term care needs are funded so they can receive the highest level of senior care that they deserve, without it being determined by financial affordability. However, it is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Seniors and their families need to do their research to choose plans which suit their lifestyles and needs, and begin the process of purchasing long-term care insurance early enough so their age and health doesn’t make them ineligible.

Sources: http://www.dsf-dfs.com/en-CA/Prtclrs/CnsltCntrFrmtn/FAQ/FqAssrncSntMldsGrvs.htm
http://www.helpguide.org/elder/long_term_care_insurance.htm
John Hancock Long Term Care

Home Care San Antonio provides senior care in San Antonio, Helotes, Leon Springs, Castroville, Pearsall, and Pleasanton. For more help, please call Home Instead Senior Care San Antonio at 210-614-1132.

There is a great debate surrounding long-term care insurance; at what age to apply? While most insurance carriers recommend that you purchase long term health care insurance around age 50; Consumer Reports thinks it should only be necessary to purchase LTC insurance around age 65.

There are many factors to determine when the right age to purchase long-term care insurance is; seniors should look at their family history of medical problems and chronic illnesses since insurance premiums may be higher or seniors ineligible if they apply once health problems are already present. It is never recommended to apply for long-term care insurance after age 65, because often at that stage in life, seniors are beginning to demonstrate health problems which could cause them to fail the mandatory medical assessments required during the LTC insurance application process.

While the right age to apply for LTC insurance may remain up for debate; senior care experts agree that all aging Americans should invest in long-term care benefit policies to cover their long-term health care and custodial care needs; which 74% of seniors over 65 do require at some stage in their lives. Without long-term care insurance, seniors are often stuck funding elderly care services that they can’t afford, especially with limited assistance available from Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare only provides insurance coverage for some categories of medical long-term care, but never provides assistance with custodial care; and Medicaid long-term care insurance gives limited options regarding the long-term care facilities and types of care they receive.

Before purchasing into any LTC policy, seniors should research their options thoroughly to ensure that they select a plan that is suitable for both their budget and their long-term care insurance requirements; for federal government employees, there is federal long-term care insurance available.

Seniors nearing the age of 65 should start securing their future in long-term care by looking into insurance options available to them.

Sources: http://www.ltcfeds.com/whyFLTCIP/index.html
http://www.medicare.gov/LongTermCare/static/Home.asp
http://www.longtermcarelink.net/a9insurance.htm
http://www.helpguide.org/elder/long_term_care_insurance.htm

Home Care San Antonio provides senior care in San Antonio, Helotes, Leon Springs, Castroville, Pearsall, and Pleasanton. For more help, please call Home Instead Senior Care San Antonio at 210-614-1132.

While there’s no guarantee that cancer won’t touch the life of someone you love or your own life, no matter what your age, the secrets to cancer prevention relate to diet, lifestyle and knowledge. Follow these simple tips for the prevention of cancer to reduce your chances of experiencing the life altering disease.

1. No Smoking – avoid cigarette smoke at all costs; both first and second hand smoke increase your risk of contracting many types of cancers that relate to cigarette smoking, and makes you more susceptible to cancers that are not caused by the unhealthy habit.

2. Be Aware of Affects of the Sun – Many seniors believe that after years of sun exposure, they no longer require protection from the sun. Proper sun protection at any age is important for cancer prevention. Children, older and younger adults should wear sunscreen during time spent in the sun, protective eyewear (UV sunglasses), and head coverings like hats. It’s also important that individuals remain aware of any changes to their skin, like moles or other marks, and discuss any changes to skin conditions with a doctor immediately.

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle & Weight – a healthy lifestyle for cancer prevention includes eating a well-balanced diet rich with fresh fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. Fruits and vegetables which are high in antioxidants, like those green, red or orange in color can help regenerate damaged cells for cancer prevention. Smoked and cured meats which are high in fat also increase the risk of cancer and should be avoided. Since obesity greatly increases the risk of cancer, regular exercise which is appropriate for your age and physical abilities, especially if you’re an older adult; should be incorporated into your routine.

4. Limit Alcohol Intake – consumption of alcohol not only increases the risk of certain types of cancer, it contributes to overall poor health and obesity in adults. Alcohol intake should be kept to a minimum, since men who consume 2 or more alcoholic drinks a day are at a greater risk for cancer, as are women who have 1 or more alcoholic drinks per day.

5. Know Your Families History – Knowledge plays a major role in cancer prevention. Understanding your family history with cancer can help your doctor make decisions relating to testing and screening for cancer. Many types of cancer are genetic, so it’s important to understand your family risk so you can make informed healthcare decisions.

http://cancer.about.com/od/causes/tp/topreventcancer.htm
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/ped_1.asp?sitearea=PED&level=1

Home Care San Antonio provides senior care in San Antonio, Helotes, Leon Springs, Castroville, Pearsall, and Pleasanton. For more help, please call Home Instead Senior Care San Antonio at 210-614-1132.

According to US Resolution 252, passed by the US Senate, February is officially designated National Prevention Month in the United States.  As one of the most devastating diseases, that impact the lives of approximately 550,000 Americans each year, including many older adults, the government clearly grasps the importance of promoting postive ways to enhance wellness and ultimately prevent cancer.

Sponsored by the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) the National Cancer Prevention Month resolution promotes making small lifestyle changes which can prevent cancer, in senior citizens and the rest of the population, by up to 70%.  Since diet and lifestyle play such a major role in cancer prevention, February is as good a time as any for people to understand what they can do to prevent the onset of or fatality from cancer and begin implementing exercise, smoking cessation, and well-balanced diets into their regular routines. 

The AICR recommends preparing daily meals that are 2/3 plant based foods, and 1/3 animal protein, since dietary fats will be reduced from your diet, which can help to maintain a healthy weight; a critical component in cancer prevention since 20% of all cancers relate to obesity.  Seniors should also engage in regular weekly physical exercise to help increase blood flow and control weight gain which can contribute to the onset of cancer, they should pick a routine that incorporates stretching, balance and strength training and that is suitable for their physical limitations.

National Cancer Prevention Month also aims to make people more aware of the screening techniques available that can lead to prevention, proper diagnosis and treatment of the various types of cancer.  During the month of February health institutions are encouraged to distribute information about cancer prevention to seniors and people of all ages and information is available on the AICR website regarding information sessions on cancer prevention.

Sources:
http://www.cancerwise.org/february_2004/display.cfm?id=B6EO5740-1F9C-4DC2-ADD57C9020
7F413D&color=blue&method=displayfull&color=blue
http://www.healthline.com/blogs/health-obsevances/2007/02/february-is-national-cancer-prevention.html

Home Care San Antonio provides senior care in San Antonio, Helotes, Leon Springs, Castroville, Pearsall, and Pleasanton. For more help, please call Home Instead Senior Care San Antonio at 210-614-1132.

In most cases, seniors and decision-makers wait too long before addressing the need for senior care.  The result of this is that health may decline either quickly or progressively because the senior may not be taking their medications correctly, eating a well balanced diet or following the orders of their health care professionals.  The other possibility is that they will grow weak and have a fall causing them to be hospitalized.  All of these problems can be avoided if families see the signs of decline and move swiftly to ensure they have the help they need at home.

Two-thirds of seniors report obtaining care after they have what they describe as a “pivotal incident.”  A pivotal incident is commonly defined as a fall or other kind of accident.  However, in most cases the incident is actually the result of a chronic condition sucn as arthritis or dementia that should have been addressed much sooner.

In the course of dealing with chronic and persistent conditions, there is a tipping point where decision-makers decide that care has grown beyond their capacity.  The age of the senior when this tipping point is usually reached may be anywhere between 70 and 90, depending on a wide variety of individual factors.  A relatively small number of seniors, 10 percent are under 70 when they are recommended for senior home care.

Average Age Recommended for In-Home Senior Care:

Age:                          % Recommended:

50-60                        2%

60-70                        7%

70-80                        43%

80-90                        49%

90+                            0%

By working with either an independent care manager or a professional, who understands the changes that seniors go through that lead up to needing either assisted living or assistance at home, families can stay ahead of their seniors needs.  Home Instead Senior Care can conduct in home assessments to help with the process of understanding the maze of options available.

Home Care San Antonio provides senior care in San Antonio, Helotes, Leon Springs, Castroville, Pearsall, and Pleasanton. For more help, please call Home Instead Senior Care San Antonio at 210-614-1132.

Thirty-three percent of current seniors have accidents each year. The annual number of hip fractures alone is 350,000. But, Baby Boomers are healthier and more active than previous generations. More than 70 percent report good mental and physical health, But precisely because they are more active. Boomers have more accidents than previous generations. Biking, running, skiing and other activities send Boomers to the emergency room far more frequently than previous generations.
And despite the overall good health of their generation, 30 percent of Boomers are already suffering from debilitating health issues that are usually associated with old age, such as Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis.

Arthritis is the most common condition that affects seniors. Another emerging area of concern is obesity. In 2002, 30 percent of Boomers were reported as obese. That number is expected to grow to 42 percent by 2025. Obesity makes daily activities much more difficult and increases the likelihood of other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke.

Most Common Conditions Impacting Seniors:

10% General Dementia
3% Parkinson’s Disease
12% Orthopedic Condition
12% Depression
12% Alzheimer’s Disease
30% Multiple Sclerosis
12% Arthiritis
23% Other

Home Care San Antonio provides senior care in San Antonio, Helotes, Leon Springs, Castroville, Pearsall, and Pleasanton. For more help, please call Home Instead Senior Care San Antonio at 210-614-1132.