When faced with the decision of caring for an aging loved one, families often weigh the options of at-home care versus assisted living. While both choices offer support and assistance, assisted living communities provide a range of benefits that can enhance the quality of life for seniors. Below are some of the differences between at-home care and assisted living, with a focus on the advantages of choosing assisted living for your loved one.At-Home CareAt-home care involves hiring professional caregivers to provide assistance with daily activities within the comfort of the senior's own home. While this option offers familiarity and independence, it also comes with limitations and challenges:Isolation: Seniors receiving at-home care may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially if they live alone. Limited social interaction can contribute to depression and decline in cognitive function.Limited Social Engagement: Without access to a vibrant community of peers, seniors may miss out on opportunities for socialization and meaningful connections. Social isolation can have detrimental effects on mental and emotional well-being.Caregiver Burnout: Family caregivers often shoulder the responsibility of coordinating and supervising at-home care, leading to high levels of stress and burnout. Balancing caregiving duties with other obligations can be overwhelming and exhausting.Assisted LivingAssisted living communities offer a supportive and engaging environment where seniors can receive personalized care and assistance while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle. Here are some of the key benefits of assisted living:Socialization and Community: Assisted living communities provide a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents. With opportunities for group activities, outings, and shared meals, seniors can cultivate meaningful relationships and enjoy a sense of community.Professional Care and Support: Trained staff members are available around the clock to provide assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and healthcare needs. Seniors receive personalized care tailored to their individual preferences and requirements.Safety and Security: Assisted living communities offer a safe and secure environment with emergency response systems and on-site staff to address any concerns or emergencies promptly. Families can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are well cared for and supported.Life Enrichment Programs: Assisted living communities offer a wide range of life enrichment programs and activities designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From fitness classes and hobby groups to cultural outings and educational seminars, there's always something stimulating to participate in.Maintenance-Free Living: Seniors in assisted living communities enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle, with housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation services provided. This allows residents to focus on enjoying life to the fullest without the burden of household chores.While at-home care provides a level of familiarity and independence, assisted living offers a wealth of benefits that can significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors. From socialization and professional care to safety and enrichment programs, assisted living communities provide a supportive and engaging environment where seniors can thrive and flourish. By choosing assisted living, families can ensure their loved ones receive the care, support, and companionship they deserve as they age gracefully.
Myth: Seed oils are bad for youThe myth that has been gaining popularity on social media is that seed oil is bad for you. What's commonly said is that oils like canola, rapeseed, soybean, and grapeseed oils increase inflammation. The reason? These oils have a high amount of omega-6 fatty acids. In some animal studies, rodents that were fed diets high in omega-6 fatty acids showed an increase in inflammation1. However, there are no human studies that show this to be true. In fact, when looking at multiple studies, people consuming these plant-based oils had LESS inflammation and lower bad cholesterol, than those that ate more butter or lard. Let us dive a little deeper into this topic.Understanding Seed Oil BenefitsAre you familiar with omega-3 fatty acids? This is the beneficial polyunsaturated fat found in fish but also found in flax seeds and walnuts. These fatty acids have been shown to be heart healthy, help prevent inflammation, and lower triglycerides, which is a type of fat found in our blood. Omega-6 fatty acids is another type of polyunsaturated fat which is found in safflower oil, sunflower oil, sunflower seeds, walnuts, corn oil, soybean oil, and pumpkin seeds. The fear of these omega-6 fatty acids is that the most prominent one, linoleic acid, changes into another fatty acid, arachidonic acid (ADA), which could increase inflammation. However, science does not support this. Linoleic acid does a poor job in converting to this ADA. There are multiple studies that look at increasing and decreasing amounts of linoleic acid in diets having little to no impact on the total amount of ADA in our blood. On top of that, ADA has both inflammatory AND anti-inflammatory properties, making this argument a very weak one.Studies show that both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial to our heart and health. Many studies show that as consumption of omega-6s goes up, the risk of heart disease goes down. When replacing saturated fat with omega-6 fatty acids, the risk of heart disease dropped by 24%1. We know that omega-3 fatty acids are good for us, but most Americans do not eat enough omega-3s to achieve all the cardio-protective benefit. Most of us consume well over the recommendation for omega-6s. Seed oils are used often in highly processed foods like baked goods, chips, salad dressings, mayonnaise and candy. Instead of focusing on removing seed oils from your diet, try to increase your intake of omega-3s and limit the chips, baked goods and candy. Focus on increasing the intake of baked or grilled fish to 1-2 times per week and adding walnuts and flaxseeds into your diet.The truth of the mythWhen oils are heated to high temperatures for a long period of time, as is the case of deep-frying food, the oils break down and convert to trans fats. These fats DO become inflammatory. They also increase our risk for heart disease by increasing the bad cholesterol. When we use seed oils for cooking like roasting, sauteing or even pan frying, the oil is not reaching the same hot temperature that convert the oils to trans fats. If you are deep-frying at home, it is important to discard the oil after use, and not reuse that oil.TakeawaysThere is no need to fear seed oils. They are an inexpensive, easily available, heart-protecting unsaturated fat. There are no good studies supporting the claims that they are bad for us. More important than reducing our intake of omega 6s is the need to increase omega 3s and decrease our intake of saturated fats and fried foods.
10 Ways to Stay HydratedBeat the Heat with These HacksWe are often dehydrated before we even feel thirsty. We lose water through sweating, urinating, and breathing. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, women should drink 11.5 cups a day, and men should drink 15.5 cups a day.Does keeping up with your fluid intake feel daunting? Read on for different ways you can stay on track from Registered Dietitian Lila Cornelio.Start Your Day with a Glass of WaterKickstart your hydration first thing in the morning with a glass of water. This can help replenish fluids lost overnight and set a good hydration habit for the day.Carry a Reusable Water BottleHaving a reusable water bottle on hand makes it easier to sip water throughout the day. Choose one that's easy to carry and holds a good amount of water to encourage regular drinking. Infuse Your Water with Fruits and HerbsAdd a burst of flavor to your water by infusing it with fruits like lemon, lime, berries, or herbs like mint and basil. This can make drinking water more enjoyable and encourage you to drink more.Eat Water-Rich FoodsIncorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content into your diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries. These can contribute to your overall hydration.Set RemindersUse your phone or a hydration app to set regular reminders to drink water. This can help ensure youre drinking consistently throughout the day.Opt for Hydrating BeveragesWhile water is the best option, other beverages like herbal teas, coconut water, and electrolyte-enhanced drinks can also help maintain hydration levels, especially if youre active.Monitor Your Urine ColorA simple way to check your hydration status is by the color of your urine. Light yellow indicates good hydration, while darker urine suggests you need to drink more fluids.Stay Cool with Ice PopsHomemade ice pops made from water, fruit juice, or blended fruits can be a refreshing way to boost your fluid intake while enjoying a summer treat.Hydrate Before, During, and After ExerciseIf youre engaging in physical activities, especially outdoors, make sure to drink water before, during, and after exercise to replace the fluids lost through sweat.Limit Caffeinated and Alcoholic BeveragesCaffeine and alcohol can have a diuretic effect, leading to increased fluid loss. Balance these with plenty of water to maintain proper hydration.Hydration is crucial during the summer, as higher temperatures increase the risk of dehydration. Staying well-hydrated helps regulate body temperature, supports metabolic functions, and maintains overall health, making it essential for enjoying the season safely and energetically.-Lila Cornelio, MS, RDN, LDN is a Registered Dietitian at our Florida program, Trinity Health PACE of Pensacola. With education and expertise in public health, sports nutrition, and plant based nutrition, her passion lies in educating others how to nourish their body and mind in a fast paced world. Mercy Life of Alabama is a PACE that offers numerous services for Seniors. Learn more by visiting their website at: https://www.trinityhealthpace.org/alabama/mercy-life-of-alabama/.