CARING FOR YOUR PARENTS

The aging process often begins subtly, with gradual changes that seem manageable. One day, your parent is fully independent, taking care of daily tasks without issue. Then, suddenly, it feels as though the aging process accelerates, bringing new challenges all at once. This rapid shift can be difficult for family members, especially if they haven't planned ahead.Why Aging Can Seem to Happen SuddenlyWhile aging typically unfolds slowly, research suggests it doesnt always progress in a straight line. A study published in Nature Aging found that aging tends to occur in bursts, where rapid changes in areas like metabolism, immune health, and muscle strength happen. These bursts often occur around the age of 60, potentially leading to abrupt physical declines (SciTech Daily)(AARP).If you or your loved one wait too long to prepare, you may find yourselves scrambling to deal with the sudden onset of new health challenges. This lack of preparation often leaves caregivers feeling overwhelmed, under-equipped, and burned out.The Pitfalls of Delaying PreparationMany families delay planning for their parents aging, assuming they'll manage when the time comes. Others might avoid the topic altogether because it can be emotionally challenging to discuss. Unfortunately, this wait-and-see approach often leads to caregiver burnout and strained relationships, as families are forced to juggle urgent medical needs, emotional stress, and time-consuming responsibilities without a solid plan in place.If youre struggling to discuss getting help with your aging parent, check out some of our tips here. Remember, asking for assistance during the aging process doesnt mean youre powerless!How Naborforce Can Help You Plan AheadRather than waiting for a health crisis, Naborforce provides consistent support for families throughout the aging journey. As seniors age, they often need help with simple taskslike grocery shopping or getting to appointmentsthat can quickly become time-consuming for loved ones. With Naborforce, you can arrange for a friendly Nabor to assist, allowing your parent to stay independent longer while giving you peace of mind.By building a relationship with Naborforce early, your parent will already be accustomed to receiving help. When aging accelerates, youll have a reliable support system in placesomeone familiar with your parent who can step in to help with everyday tasks. This helps ease your parents transition while giving you the time and space to focus on your own responsibilities.The Importance of Having a PlanThe key to supporting your parent as they age is to start planning before their needs become urgent. With Naborforce, you can establish a flexible plan that evolves as your parents needs change. Whether its an occasional visit or regular check-ins, Naborforce can tailor its services to fit your schedule and your parents preferences. By starting early, you ensure that you and your parent have the right support in place before bigger challenges arise.Naborforce is just one of many resources available to help with the aging process. Other tools include financial planning, setting up a trust and estate plan, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using technology designed for senior living, and understanding the care continuum.Getting Started with NaborforceIts easy to get started with Naborforce. You can customize the level of support you need, from occasional assistance to more regular visits. Take the proactive step of setting up care before it becomes urgent, so your parent can stay comfortable, independent, and supported as they age.A Helping Hand for Older Adults - Naborforce 844-696-2267 Were Naborforce. We match older adults who need a little help and kindness with Nabors eager to provide it, strengthening the communities we serve.Everyone can use a little help. Help around the house. Help running errands. Help preparing a meal. Help by just being a friend! Our goal is to promote joyous and independent aging and living while providing peace of mind to families.

As more American families face the reality of aging, in-home care is becoming a preferred option. A recent AARP survey shows that over half of Americans aged 50 and above plan to remain in their homes as they age, and for good reasons. Staying at home offers comfort, familiarity, and with proper planning, can also be more cost-effective while promoting longer independence for elderly parents.With the continuous rise in healthcare and long-term care costs, having early and honest financial discussions is key.If your loved one is thinking about aging at home, weve created this guide with useful tips to help support senior independence while easing the financial burden.Here are steps to ensure your parents or loved ones age safely and comfortably at home.1. Start Financial Discussions EarlyWhile it can be uncomfortable to talk about finances with aging parents, its a vital conversation to have. Begin by reviewing their current financial situation, including assets, debts, and regular expenses. Also, look into possible income sources such as:PensionsSocial SecurityRetirement savings (401k, investments)Being open helps you understand your parents financial landscape while making them feel supported. Approach this conversation with compassion, emphasizing how you aim to maintain their quality of life while preparing for the future.(Need tips on convincing an aging parent to accept help? Check out our blog on how to navigate these conversations.)2. Understand the Costs of Aging at HomeAccording to the National Council for Aging, the average monthly cost of a senior care facility ranges between $4,500 and $5,300, a significant financial strain for many families. Aging at home can be more affordable, but it's essential to account for associated expenses.One of the hidden costs of aging in place is home maintenance and modifications, which can account for up to 52% of out-of-pocket expenses, according to a 2021 AARP study. Personal care services and medical staff, if needed, can also add to these expenses. For a detailed breakdown of long-term care costs, including potential surprises for families dealing with conditions like dementia, check out this Wall Street Journal article.3. Explore Long-Term Care InsuranceWith rising care costs, long-term care insurance can help cover expenses for in-home care, nursing, or assisted living. The earlier you invest in a policy, the more affordable the premiums.However, long-term care insurance may not be suitable for everyone. It can be pricey and may not cover all types of care. For more information, AARPs guide on hybrid policies, which combine life insurance and long-term care benefits, is a good resource.4. Plan for Home Modifications and SafetyTo keep your parents safe at home, certain home modifications, such as installing grab bars, ramps, or stairlifts, might be necessary. These changes can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on your loved ones health needs.(Looking for affordable ways to enhance home safety? See Naborforces top 10 safety tips for under $10.)In addition to modifications, budgeting for adaptive equipment or medical technology like alert systems is crucial. These devices help ensure that your parents can access help quickly, contributing to their independence and peace of mind.5. Managing In-Home CareIf in-home care is required, costs will vary depending on the level of assistance needed. While part-time help from a home health aide may suffice initially, your parent may eventually need full-time or 24-hour care, which can cost over $100,000 per year.Before reaching that point, services like Naborforce can offer interim support, providing help with small tasks like running errands or getting to appointments. This can extend your parents independence and delay the need for full-time care.6. Know About Medicare, Medicaid, and Other ResourcesIts essential to know what benefits your parents may qualify for. While Medicare does not cover long-term care, it can provide short-term in-home care under certain conditions, such as after a hospital stay. Medicaid, on the other hand, covers long-term care but is means-tested, so eligibility will depend on a careful review of their financial standing.You should also explore local and national programs, including veterans benefits or state assistance programs, which can help offset the cost of aging in place. In some cases, if you become a caregiver for your loved one, you may be eligible for caregiver payments, depending on your states regulations.ConclusionHelping your parents age at home requires thoughtful financial planning, including income assessments, long-term care options, and preparing for unexpected medical needs. Starting early and maintaining open communication can make the process smoother, providing your loved ones with the comfort and security of aging in their own home. And remember, whenever you need an extra hand, Naborforce is here to help!A Helping Hand for Older Adults - Naborforce 844-696-2267 Were Naborforce. We match older adults who need a little help and kindness with Nabors eager to provide it, strengthening the communities we serve.Everyone can use a little help. Help around the house. Help running errands. Help preparing a meal. Help by just being a friend! Our goal is to promote joyous and independent aging and living while providing peace of mind to families.What is Naborforce?Naborforce is a service designed to help seniors maintain their independence by connecting them with "Nabors"trusted community members who assist with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, transportation to appointments, light household chores, or simply providing companionship. By offering flexible, non-medical support, Naborforce helps seniors age in place while giving families peace of mind. It's a great option for those who want to delay the need for full-time in-home care, ensuring that older adults can continue living comfortably and safely at home with just the right amount of help!Check out our page at www.naborforce.com

Yes, some high cholesterol foods are worth indulging in and beneficial for your health. So, dont pass on the eggs or the full-fat yogurt if you want a nutrition boost. But there are others that should be passionately avoided, like processed meats. These high cholesterol foods can raise your risk for serious health conditions like heart disease.Some confusion abounds about the cholesterol contained in foods, often called dietary cholesterol. Not all dietary cholesterol is bad, and in fact, it is often good for you and packed with nutrition. So dont drop and run when you see a food containing cholesterol. Instead, pause and consider what type of food it is.Here are 7 high cholesterol foods to enjoy and 4 to avoid in the name of good health.Foods 1-7: Healthy High Cholesterol Foods to Enjoy1. EggsDespite all the bad publicity, eggs are a highly nutritious source of protein. But along with all the nutrients you also get about 207 mg of cholesterol per large egg. This is why the media began advising people to avoid them. But the bad press isnt deserved.According to researchers, despite the dietary cholesterol in eggs, they dont raise LDL (or bad) cholesterol and may increase HDL (or good) cholesterol which is great for heart health. While other research suggests its possible for eggs to raise LDL, its generally accepted that 1-2 eggs daily are safe and not problematic for cholesterol levels.2. CheeseWhile cheese is often promoted as a food to be avoided, its still an excellent source of calcium and other nutrients. The reluctance to consume this dairy produce lies in the 20 mg of cholesterol contained in one slice of Swiss cheese, for example.One study found that eating 3 ounces of full-fat cheese every day for 12 weeks didnt raise LDL cholesterol even though this is considered a high intake level for cheese.3. ShellfishShellfish like crab, clams, and shrimp provide large doses of protein, iron, B vitamins, and selenium. This type of seafood is also high in dietary cholesterol. A 3-ounce serving of canned shrimp packs 214 mg of cholesterol. Despite this, shellfish has a very positive impact on your cardiovascular health and may even improve your cognitive and visual health. Rather than clog your arteries with cholesterol, shellfish may actually have a positive impact on your arteries.4. Pasture-Raised SteakPasture-raised steak is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Why pasture-raised? Beef cows raised in pastures produce meat that contains less cholesterol and more omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower inflammation.Red meat is high in saturated fat, making it more likely to raise LDL cholesterol levels. Choosing pasture-raised over feedlot beef is better for your heart health. A 4-ounce serving of pasture-raised steak has 62 mg of cholesterol, while the same size feedlot steak has 100 mg. Most people eat steak that is two or three times this serving size.5. Organ MeatsOrgan meats, like heart, liver, and kidney, are very nutritious but high in cholesterol. Nutrients like the antioxidant CoQ10, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 are all contained in chicken hearts. And eating just one cup provides 351 mg of cholesterol.Youre better off eating unprocessed meats, including organ meats, in moderation than consuming them sparingly. This means eating some unprocessed red meat is actually more beneficial to your health overall. Most of our modern battles with cholesterol are grounded in our overconsumption of red meat, processed meat, and other processed foods.6. Full-Fat YogurtOne cup of full-fat yogurt contains 31.8 mg of cholesterol along with several nutrients. But dont let the notable dietary cholesterol keep you from enjoying your daily portion of yogurt. According to research, eating more full-fat fermented dairy products reduces LDL cholesterol instead of raising it. It also lowers blood pressure and your risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.7. SardinesNot only are sardines a convenient source of protein, but theyre also packed with nutrients. A 3.75-ounce can of sardines has 131 mg of cholesterol. But it also contains 137% of the daily value for vitamin B12, 63% of vitamin D, and 35% of calcium. Thats a lot of nutrition and a nice load of dietary cholesterol. Despite the cholesterol, sardines have only 1.5 mg of saturated fat.Foods 8-11: High Cholesterol Foods to AvoidSome high cholesterol foods are harmful to your health instead of beneficial. Here are 4 high cholesterol foods to avoid.8. Deep-Fried FoodsIts worth avoiding foods like deep-fried meats and cheese. Theyre high in cholesterol, calories, and may contain trans fats. This combination can increase your risk of heart disease and negatively affect your health in several ways. Eating too much fried food can also increase your risk of heart disease.9. Fast FoodFast food has a bad rap for a good reason. It continues to be a major risk factor for chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. If you eat a lot of fast food, youre likely to have more belly fat, higher cholesterol and blood pressure, and unstable blood sugar.10. Processed MeatsHigh cholesterol, processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs should be eaten sparingly. According to one review, just eating an additional 2-ounce serving of processed meat per day produced a 42% higher risk of developing heart disease.11. DessertsThere is a reason theyre so tasty. Theyre loaded with all the bad stuff we hate to love. Desserts like cakes, cookies, ice cream, pastries, and other sweet treats are laden with calories, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. And of course, theyre high in cholesterol.These foods lack necessary nutrients like vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein. They also contain high levels of added sugar that cause obesity and diabetes which can lead to increased cholesterol and heart disease.What Is Cholesterol?Its a waxy substance produced in our bodies and also found in animal products like eggs, dairy, and meat. Cholesterol serves a purpose and is necessary for healthy bodily function. It aids in hormone production, bile production (needed to digest fats), and vitamin D absorption.Your liver makes cholesterol for your bodys use, but you can also take on dietary cholesterol when you eat animal products. Dietary cholesterol is the cholesterol you eat rather than producing naturally. HDL or good cholesterol helps your body process and pass excess cholesterol. LDL or bad cholesterol is what facilitates plaque buildup in your arteries.If you eat extra cholesterol, your body will produce less. The reverse is also true. If you dont eat much cholesterol, your body will increase production to ensure it has what it needs.Is Dietary Cholesterol Bad for Your Health?According to research, dietary cholesterol isnt your enemy. It doesnt significantly raise cholesterol levels in your body. In the general population, no link between dietary cholesterol and heart disease has been found. But it can slightly elevate your cholesterol levels, which isnt an issue for most people.Even in large amounts, most of the population doesnt react to dietary cholesterol. Some people, however, are more affected by cholesterol in foods and are more susceptible to elevated levels.Surprisingly, dietary cholesterol may even improve your LDL-to-HDL ratio, which is the best indicator of your heart disease risk. But its important to remember that just because dietary cholesterol may not be as harmful as you thought, those high-cholesterol foods arent always healthy. So, enjoy your full-fat yogurt in moderation but avoid deep-fried foods. Both contain dietary cholesterol, but one is far healthier than the other.Saturated Fat Linked to High CholesterolThe real enemy seems to be too much saturated fat which triggers your body to make cholesterol even if you dont need it. Even if a food contains no dietary cholesterol, the saturated fat in that food contributes to your daily unhealthy fats intake. Too much can raise your cholesterol.So if youre concerned about high cholesterol, watch labels for the amount of saturated fat youre eating. Choose foods that are lower in saturated but also contain other nutritional benefits. For example, choose a serving of whole milk yogurt over unhealthy desserts.Tips for Lowering Your CholesterolHigh LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries and increase your heart disease risk. But you can make lifestyle changes to lower elevated cholesterol.Eat more fiberBe more activeLose weightEat more produceStop smokingAnd remember to avoid the four big cholesterol-raising foods: deep fried food, fast food, processed meats, and most desserts. These foods arent harmful because of the dietary cholesterol they contain but because of the high amounts of saturated fats with little other nutritional benefit. Its okay to eat something saturated. So you dont have to avoid dessert every evening. Just be mindful of your daily choices. The average man should consume no more than 30 grams of saturated fat daily to maintain health, and the average woman should have no more than 20 grams.