Assisted Living and Its Benefits

At Amada Senior Care, we are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our clients, especially when it comes to preserving senior independence, and this includes preventive care. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to emphasize the importance of annual health screenings and checkups. Today being Mammogram Day provides a particularly appropriate opportunity to heighten awareness of a significant screening for women to protect their health as they age.Why Mammograms MatterBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide; in fact, women in the U.S. have a 1-in-8 chance of developing breast cancer. Public awareness campaigns point to the fact that early detection can make all the difference. Regular mammograms help identify abnormalities in the breast tissue long before they can be felt during a self-exam. Early-stage detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, with survival rates as high as 99% when breast cancer is caught in its initial stages.For older women, especially women over the age of 50, mammograms become an even more critical part of their healthcare routine. Age is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and while it can occur at any age, the risk increases as women grow older. Its estimated that about two out of three invasive breast cancers are discovered in women 55 or older. This is because as we age, there are more opportunities for genetic damage or mutations to occur in the body at a phase when the human body typically is less capable of repairing genetic damage.While breast cancer is associated with womens health, men also can be diagnosed with and experience symptoms like those in women. Family history of breast cancer or other genetic factors, exposure to radiation in the chest area, or having liver disease or another condition that causes estrogen levels to rise in the body all are risk factors for male breast cancer.Check out the images below to learn more about how to conduct a breast self-exam.Benefits of Regular MammogramsEarly Cancer Detection Saves LivesThe earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available, and the better the outcomes. Mammograms can find cancer up to three years before it is large enough to be felt, offering a greater chance for less aggressive treatment.Peace of Mind in Protecting Senior HealthA mammogram is a quick procedure, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing youre actively monitoring your health is immeasurable. Regular screenings help older adults and seniors feel more secure and proactive in managing their well-being.Guided Preventive Care in Aging WellMammograms are often the first step in a broader breast health plan. For seniors, keeping up with these appointments ensures continuity of care, allowing their healthcare providers to monitor any changes and take action if necessary.Overcoming Common Concerns of MammogramsCommon concerns include fear of discomfort or radiation exposure. However, modern technology has made mammograms more comfortable, and the amount of radiation is minimalno more than a dental x-ray or flying cross-country.How Amada Can Help with Protecting Senior HealthAs seniors age, they may become concerned about mobility or getting to and from appointments. A free care needs consultation with an Amada Senior Care advisor can help identify specific assistance you or a loved one require, whether its transportation to screening facilities, compassionate caregiving services at home, or emotional comfort before and after a procedure.As a provider of non-medical at-home care, we at Amada are committed to making senior preventive healthcare as accessible and stress-free as possible. We can help with:Appointment Scheduling: Well help book your mammogram and any necessary follow-up appointments with ease.Transportation Assistance: If you need help getting to the clinic, our caregivers can provide transportation or accompany you to ensure you feel supported.Personalized Health Plans: Amadas caregivers are trained to help our senior clients manage symptoms of various health conditions. Our care team professionals understand the importance of following your doctors instructions and ensure they are included in your personalized care plan, tailored to your specific needs.Regular Screenings Lead to Improved Health in AgingIf you or a loved one havent had a mammogram in over a year, now is the perfect time to talk to your healthcare professional to schedule one. Encourage the women in your life, especially those in their 50s and older, not to skip their annual health screenings.Let's celebrate the power of early detection and honor our commitment to protecting the health of the women (and men) we care for.

Needs and priorities change as people age, and living independently at home may no longer be the best option for seniors. Determining when to make the move to senior living, such as an assisted living community, can be challenging due to factors such as emotional attachment to the home, financial considerations, and concerns about losing independence.Since the decision can be deeply personal for seniors and their families, here are some signs to consider.Difficulty Managing Daily ActivitiesActivities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, and taking medications can be one of the clearest indicators of a seniors ability to maintain independence.If you or your loved one struggles to complete these tasks independently, consider senior living, where help is readily available. The trained staff there help with ADLs, allowing residents to enjoy a better quality of life.Health Concerns and Safety IssuesChronic conditions, mobility issues, and memory loss can all contribute to an unsafe living environment. This can result in frequent falls, difficulty moving around the house, or forgetting to take medications. These are serious red flags, especially if seniors live alone for a significant part of the day.Senior living, such as an assisted living community, is designed with seniors safety in mind, offering features such as grab bars, emergency call systems, and round-the-clock medical support. This environment can provide peace of mind, knowing that help is always nearby.Feelings of Isolation and LonelinessFactors like the loss of a spouse or friend and the inability to drive can make it difficult for seniors to maintain social ties. Loneliness can lead to depression and other mental health issues, which in turn can affect physical health. Senior living offers a built-in social network with opportunities to engage in activities and events. These interactions can improve mood and well-being, making life more enjoyable and fulfilling.Caregiver BurnoutFamily members often step in to help aging loved ones, but caregiving can be demanding and stressful. Over time, caregivers can experience burnout, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion. If youre a caregiver feeling overwhelmed, or if your loved one needs more care than you can provide, it might be time to explore the benefits of senior living.Home Maintenance Becomes OverwhelmingMaintaining a home can be exhausting as physical abilities decline. Tasks like mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, cleaning gutters, and keeping up with repairs can become overwhelming and even dangerous for seniors. The staff handles all maintenance in an assisted living community, allowing residents to enjoy a leisurely lifestyle. This means no more worrying about unexpected repairs or seasonal upkeep.Financial ConsiderationsOwning and maintaining a home can be expensive, especially when factoring in property taxes, utilities, repairs, and ongoing maintenance. In some cases, the cost of staying at home can outweigh the benefits, particularly if additional in-home care services are required. Transitioning to an assisted living community can provide a more predictable and often more affordable solution, with various levels of care included in the cost.Ready to explore senior living that feels like home? Our team at The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, is here to provide you with all the care and community you need. Contact us to discuss your options and see how we can help 303-420-7258.

Three Things You Must Do When Choosing A CaregiverSearching for a service to care for your aging parent or loved one can be an overwhelming and emotionally charged process. With numerous options available and often a sense of urgency to find help quickly, it's crucial to approach this decision methodically. Before diving into your research, here are three essential steps you must take when selecting a caregiver. These steps will help ensure you make an informed decision that provides the best possible care for your loved one.1. Ask The Right QuestionsPreparing a comprehensive list of interview questions is vital to getting to know potential caregivers and caregiving services. This process allows you to gather crucial information about their capabilities, experience, and approach to care. Focus your questions on three main areas: services provided, employee qualifications, and associated costs.Services ProvidedWhat specific services do you offer? (e.g., personal care, medication management, mobility assistance)Can you accommodate specialized care needs? (e.g., dementia care, post-surgery recovery)What is your policy on emergency situations?Do you provide 24/7 care if needed?Employee Qualifications and PoliciesHow long has your company been in business?Are your caregivers required to pass background checks? How extensive are these checks?What are the education and experience requirements for your employees?Do you offer ongoing training to your caregivers? If so, what kind?How do you handle caregiver substitutions or sick days?What is your process for matching caregivers with clients?Costs and BillingWhat is the cost structure for your services? (hourly rates, daily rates, package deals)Are there additional fees for weekends, holidays, or overnight care?How are your customers billed? What payment methods do you accept?Do you work with long-term care insurance or offer any financial assistance programs?Performance MetricsWhat are your hospital re-admission rates after rehabilitation?How do you measure client satisfaction?Can you provide references from current or past clients?By asking these detailed questions, you'll gain a clearer picture of each caregiving service's strengths and potential limitations. This information will be invaluable in making your final decision.2. Prioritize Effective CommunicationEffective communication is the cornerstone of quality care. It's essential to understand how the caregiving company will maintain open lines of communication with both your loved one's healthcare providers and you as the family member.Communication with Healthcare ProvidersHow does the caregiving service coordinate with doctors and other healthcare professionals?Is there a system in place for regular updates to the primary care physician?How are medication changes or new care instructions from doctors implemented?Communication with Family MembersWhat is the protocol for updating family members on the loved one's condition?How frequently can family members expect updates?Are there multiple channels for communication (e.g., phone, email, secure messaging app)?Is there a designated point of contact for family inquiries?Reporting on Physical and Emotional HealthHow do caregivers monitor and report on both physical and emotional well-being?Are there regular assessments of the client's overall health status?How are changes in condition, both positive and negative, communicated to family members?Emergency CommunicationWhat is the protocol for contacting family members in case of an emergency?How quickly can family members expect to be notified of significant changes?Ensure that the caregiving service has a robust system for keeping all parties informed about your loved one's physical and emotional health. This transparency not only provides peace of mind but also allows for quick adjustments to care plans when necessary.3. Read Ratings & ReviewsIn today's digital age, there's a wealth of information available about caregiving services. Take advantage of this by thoroughly researching ratings and reviews from various sources.Online Review PlatformsVisit reputable sites like Care.com, Yelp, and Google Reviews.Look for patterns in the feedback, both positive and negative.Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews this can provide insight into their customer service approach.Social MediaCheck the company's Facebook page and other social media profiles.Read comments and reviews left by clients and their families.Observe how the company interacts with its social media audience.Industry RatingsLook for ratings from industry organizations or local senior care associations.Check if the company has received any awards or recognitions for their services.Personal RecommendationsAsk friends, neighbors, and colleagues if they have experience with or have heard of the caregiving company.Reach out to local senior centers or support groups for recommendations.Consult with your loved one's healthcare providers for their professional opinions on local caregiving services.Conduct In-Depth ResearchLook beyond star ratings and read detailed reviews to understand specific experiences.Consider the recency of reviews, as services can change over time.Look for reviews that mention specific caregivers or services that align with your needs.By thoroughly investigating ratings and reviews from multiple sources, you'll gain a well-rounded perspective on each caregiving service's reputation and quality of care.Choosing a caregiver for your loved one is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By asking the right questions, ensuring effective communication, and thoroughly researching ratings and reviews, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed choice. Remember, the goal is to find a caregiving service that not only meets your loved one's physical needs but also provides compassionate, personalized care that enhances their quality of life. Take your time with this process, and don't hesitate to trust your instincts the right caregiver will provide both you and your loved one with peace of mind and excellent care.