PROTEIN NEEDS PAST AGE 65 MAY SURPRISE YOU

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Protein is one of the building blocks in a healthy diet, but are you getting enough for your age? According to the scientific journal Cell Metabolism, people under age 65 benefit from a lower-protein, higher-carbohydrate diet. However, for people over age 65, the opposite is true.

Because our muscle mass decreases as we age, dietician Amy Goodson reports that, after 65, a higher protein intake along with exercising regularly helps slow the muscle loss. Additionally, because our bodies’ ability to process protein decreases as we age, we need more of it. A word of caution, however: because protein is processed through the liver and liver function decreases with age, be careful not to go overboard on the protein.

So, for people 65 and over, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) recommends that protein represent 20 to 30 percent of total caloric intake.

Read the full article from Next Avenue to learn more about solving the protein puzzle for people 65 and over.

Responsive Home Care is a leading home care agency in Broward County, FL. Contact us for your home care needs as well as other home care tips and resources.

10 TREATMENTS PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS SHOULD QUESTION

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Most of us trust that our doctors know what they’re doing when they prescribe a drug or a procedure. However, just because a medication or procedure is commonly used as treatment for a particular illness or disorder doesn’t mean it’s always necessary―or even beneficial.

Choosing Wisely, an initiative founded by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation, is taking aim at unnecessary treatments by developing a list of things that both physicians and patients should question. One common treatment that tops the list is the use of dementia drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors. Often these drugs are used to inhibit dementia progression and improve cognitive function, but there isn’t much evidence of the drugs’ effectiveness, and they may only be beneficial to a small amount of patients.

Here is the new list from the American Geriatrics Society and ABIM study that identifies tests, medications, or procedures that appear to harm rather than help.

Check out further resources on procedures and medications to question that are specific to physicians or patients.

Contact Responsive Home Care, one of the leading home health agencies in Pembroke Pines FL to learn how we can assist you or your senior loved one in successfully aging in place.

IF THERE WAS A BLOOD TEST TO DIAGNOSE ALZHEIMER’S, WOULD YOU TAKE IT?

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It’s an age old question: If you could see into your future, would you? For people who are concerned about whether or not they will get Alzheimer’s, a new blood test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease is in the works, to pinpoint a potential for the disease in a person up to three years before the onset of symptoms. But would you want to know if the disease was impending?

While the test is only about 90 percent accurate currently, many researchers believe that knowing about Alzheimer’s disease earlier could help create more effective treatments for those who are at a high risk for getting it. Researchers note that, “The pre-clinical state of the disease offers a window of opportunity for timely disease-modifying intervention.” So, would you want to know? Read more about the new Alzheimer’s detection test and decide for yourself.

Responsive Home Care, the top provider of home care in Fort Lauderdale, FL and nearby areas, is here to provide education, assistance and care for any home care needs you or your loved ones may have, including specialized care for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Contact us to learn more and to schedule your free consultation, right in the comfort of home, to find out how we can help someone you love find a perfectly matched caregiver in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

BODY MECHANICS: CAREGIVER WORKSHOP

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Responsive is a home health agency committed to our clients’ wellness and supporting our incredible staff of caregivers. Through our education and training programs we offer our caregivers and office staff important new techniques to keep safety a priority. This past month, Responsive Home Care, providers of home health services of Broward County hosted four Body Mechanic In-services to train our caregivers and office staff on proper transferring and lifting techniques. These techniques are a pivotal aspect to maintain health and safety for both clients and caregivers.

There was a range of topics discussed in the Body Mechanics In-service. The topics spanned from assisting clients in and out of their wheelchair to maintaining posture and flexibility while on the job.  Nerly, Responsive’s RN Case Manager, facilitated the In-service and utilized hands on training to strengthen the learning process.  Each caregiver earns two hours of Continued Education upon the completion of the In-service.  If you need information about proper Body Mechanics feel free to give us a call at 954-486-6440 or email us atAndrew@ResponsiveHomeHealth.com.

This month we look forward to hosting our First Aid and Safety In-services for our caregivers.

Stay tuned!

COPING WITH DEMENTIA

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Coping with dementia and the challenges that can arise for someone you love can be a demanding task. It is important to recall that they are not deliberately being difficult and understanding their situation will lead to better care and comfort for the client. Coping with difficult behavior takes time, effort and patience but having the awareness of the triggers that cause difficult behavior can alleviate stress for both clients and caregivers. There are five main triggers that caregivers need to be aware of when working with Alzheimer’s and Dementia clients.

Causes of Difficult Behavior:

  • Inability to Communicate
  • Difficulty with Tasks
  • Unfamiliar Surroundings
  • Loud Noises, Frantic Environment
  • Physical Discomfort
  • Dehydration

Caregivers who are aware of the causes of difficult behavior will be able to understand and guide their clients into a calmer and more soothing environment. In turn, a caregiver must manage the behavior that is presented by the client. Here are some tips to minimize the stress of clients and create a healthier environment for both parties.

Managing the Behavior:

  • Take a walk (exercise is one of the best stress relievers)
  • Keep noise to a minimum
  • Play calm and soothing music at low volume
  • Ask general questions about their past
  • Do not initiate physical contact during aggressive outbursts
  • Do not argue
  • Hydrate frequently

Understanding why people with Alzheimer’s or dementia have difficult behavior may allow you to affect the environment to better suit the care they need and alleviate stress. Getting additional help may also help both your senior loved one and the family caregivers. Contact the experts in elder care in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas for more tips for coping with dementia. We’re also always on hand to provide skilled dementia care to help someone you love experience the highest possible quality of life.

DINNER & DIALOGUE WITH RESPONSIVE/in /by

Last week home care Broward County agency, Responsive Home Care, hosted a Dinner & Dialogue party with Leadership Broward. Leadership Broward is an organization designed “to develop and inspire individuals to serve our community”. Debbie Savage, President of Responsive Home Care, is a graduate of Leadership Broward, Class of XXV.

The topic of the evening was “Road Rage- The Clash between Broward’s Cyclists and Motorists”. Over 30 people attended the event to discuss ways to educate and create a safer environment for cyclists. During dinner three experts made remarks that ranged from education and regulation to major construction projects in Broward County. Thank you to our speakers for stimulating a lively debate and to all our participants for contributing to a great conversation about an important issue in our community.

Pictured on the right are three community leaders raising money for non-profits while doing what they love…cycling!

SECRET TO SUCCESS FOR AGING AT HOME WITH DEMENTIA

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Most older adults wish to age in place at home, where they feel most comfortable. However, many older adults with dementia have other health and welfare needs that are not being met, any number of which could jeopardize their ability to remain living at home, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins. In fact, in the study, more than 60 percent of people with dementia needed medical care for conditions related or unrelated to their dementia. As a result, aging at home with dementia can be challenging, to say the least.

Luckily, however, researchers say “routine assessments of patient and caregiver care needs coupled with simple fixes in the areas of safety – grab bars in the bathroom, carpets safely tacked down to prevent falls, etc. – and basic medical support can go a long way to helping those with dementia” age in place at home.

Read more about this study in this article from Science Daily. If you know someone who could benefit from the services of a professional caregiver in Fort Lauderdale, Florida or the surrounding areas, please contact us online to learn more or call us at (954) 486-6440. We can help make aging at home with dementia a possibility for someone you love.

MAKE LITTLE CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE FOR LOWER CHOLESTEROL AND A HEALTHY HEART

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Home care Fort Lauderdale cargivers, Responsive Home Care, have a goal to help ensure that you or your loved one have the best quality of life possible as you age. Aging brings about many changes, one of which can be a rise in cholesterol. Part of your own at home health care efforts can focus on lowering your cholesterol through simple lifestyle changes. Even if you are taking medication for high cholesterol, you can boost the effectiveness of that medication by making these five changes.

LOSE WEIGHT

Even a modest weight loss — as little as five or 10 pounds- can have a major impact on your cholesterol. Monitor what triggers unnecessary eating in your life and try to plan ahead with healthier snack options. Additionally, weight loss can also help prevent diabetes and help prevent joint replacement surgeries.

EAT HEART-HEALTHY FOODS

You know you should eat more fruits and vegetables, but when it comes to lowering your cholesterol it is also important to eat the right kinds of fats. Eliminating trans-fat is important! Taking fried foods off your plate is a real start. When shopping read the ingredient list. If you can’t spell the ingredients in the product don’t eat it! Margarine is high in trans-fat so try whipped butter instead it is lower in trans-fat. Read more about Butter or Margarine.

GET ACTIVE

Incorporating some form of activity every day can do wonders not only for your overall quality of life, but for your cholesterol as well. Even if you only do 10-minute intervals several days a time, you will be giving your overall health a big boost. Check with your doctor first to see what activities will be right for you.

STOP SMOKING

If you smoke-stop. Not only can quitting lower your cholesterol, your blood pressure will decrease and as will your risk of heart failure.

DRINK LESS ALCOHOL

While some studies have shown alcohol has a positive effect on HDL levels it isn’t enough to warrant the other risks that come from too much drink — high blood pressure, heart failure or stroke. Women should limit themselves to one drink a day; men should have no more than two.

SURPRISING WAYS PETS HELP SENIOR HEALTH

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Everyone knows a pet can help ease loneliness for an older adult, especially if he or she is living alone or has recently suffered the loss of a loved one. But did you know that a study by the American Geriatrics Society has shown pets can help lower senior’s blood pressure and score higher in their ability to carry out normal activities of daily living, as well as provide other benefits to senior health?

Responsive Home Care, expert providers of in home senior care in Fort Lauderdale and nearby areas, knows how important our clients’ pets are to maintaining their health and well-being. Our agency provides Pet Care exclusively for our clients when they need that extra assistance. The unconditional love of a clients’ pet can help them achieve a healthy and a happy heart!

Read more about how pets improve quality of life for senior citizens.

Many shelters offer discounts for seniors who want to adopt a senior pet. Be sure to ask at your local shelter.

For more information about how our top-rated in-home senior care in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area, can improve senior health for someone you love, contact us today!