The Meadows Day Program at Frasier

Recent research suggests yoga can play a significant role in not only reducing the risk of Alzheimers and dementia but also alleviating symptoms and boosting quality of life. If you provide dementia care for an elderly parent, heres what you should know about the benefits of yoga.  Reverses Alzheimers-Related Memory LossFor the first time, a study published last year found that the memory loss associated with Alzheimers and dementia can be reversed. This study included yoga and meditation as part of a 36-point therapeutic program. In the small study, a comprehensive and personalized program was able to reverse memory loss in 9 out of 10 participants with memory that started to get better within 3-6 months. This program included, among other things, performing yoga to reduce stress, eliminating simple carbs, and fasting for at least 12 hours between dinner and breakfast. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Naples families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons. Exercises the BrainYoga benefits seniors with dementia because it engages different regions of the brain based on the components of yoga, such as posture, movement, breathing, and concentration. This can also stimulate neuroplasticity, or the brains ability to recover and form new connections. Its believed yoga can reduce dementia risk and slow its progression by reducing inflammation and stress hormones, which can negatively impact the regions of the brain associated with cognition and memory.Families looking for top-rated at-home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimers, dementia, stroke, and Parkinsons care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.  Lowers StressSeniors with dementia or Alzheimers are often experiencing a great deal of stress, particularly during the early stages of the disease when theyre beginning to have memory problems and become aware things arent quite right. One of the greatest and most documented benefits of yoga is its ability to reduce stress, alleviate depression, and support positive brain changes. This means regular yoga can help seniors with Alzheimers feel happier and find greater peaceand it can help caregivers manage stress, too. Seniors living with Alzheimers disease arent the only ones who can benefit from Alzheimers care. Naples families have much to gain as well, especially if theyre the ones currently providing care. Professional Alzheimers caregivers can watch over your loved one, giving you the chance to relax, focus on other responsibilities, and prevent burnout. Contact Assisting Hands Home Care today to find out how we can help you and your family.

Physical exercise is essential for health, yet many seniors have no interest in staying active. If your elderly loved one doesnt see any point to exercising, it may take a little more effort to get him or her involved. Here are a few ways you can encourage your parent to start working out more often.  Volunteer to Exercise TogetherPeople of all ages are more likely to exercise when they have someone doing it with them. A workout buddy provides motivation and also makes exercising more fun. One of the simplest ways to get seniors exercising is to ask them to do things like walk around the park together. It can be especially effective if you phrase your request like you want your loved one to do you a favor and keep you company.Older adults who require assistance with exercise can benefit from professional in-home care. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Naples Assisting Hands Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. Find Entertaining Ways to ExerciseA lot of seniors resist working out because they feel they dont want to spend their golden years plodding around a track or mindlessly lifting weights. If your loved one has this mindset, try to come up with ways to exercise that he or she will find more interesting.Some seniors can be convinced to exercise with fun activities like hiking in nature, swimming in a community pool, or taking a dancing class. Others may be more interested in exercising with machines that let them row or bike while watching their favorite television shows.  Talk about the Benefits of ExercisingSome seniors resist exercise because they think its only useful to young people who want to stay in shape or run marathons. Discussing the benefits of exercise may be motivating for the elderly. Talk about how exercise reduces heart attack risk, prevents obesity, and manages diabetes. You can also mention that exercising increases balance, coordination, and strength so your loved one can remain independent and mobile. During this talk, try to avoid sounding bossy or controlling. Instead, focus on how much you care about your loved one and how much you would like him or her to maintain better health.Exercising on a regular basis isnt the only way older adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Naples, FL, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Start with Gentle ExerciseMany seniors try to go too hard in the first few exercise sessions. They get exhausted, overwhelmed, and possibly injured, so they end up losing the motivation to exercise. A better method of getting seniors into exercise is doing gentle exercise on a frequent basis. Something like twenty minutes of light cardio three times a week can be a good starting goal. A home caregiver can provide the encouragement and support your loved one needs to stay motivated to live a healthier lifestyle. Home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call today.

Safeguarding Lives in Every SeasonEvery year, on the first day of autumn, communities across the nation come together to observe Fall Prevention Awareness Day. This important day serves as a reminder of the significant impact falls can have on individuals and the collective effort needed to prevent them. As we step into the season of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it's crucial to raise awareness about fall prevention and prioritize safety for ourselves and our loved ones.A Silent ThreatFalls are a leading cause of injuries among older adults, often resulting in fractures, hospitalizations, and a decline in overall quality of life. However, falls can affect people of all ages, so it's vital to address this issue comprehensively. The consequences of falls go far beyond physical injuries; they can also have emotional and financial repercussions for individuals and their families.Understanding the Impact of FallsPhysical Consequences: Falls can lead to a wide range of physical injuries, including fractures, sprains, and head trauma. These injuries can result in prolonged pain, limited mobility, and a significant loss of independence. For older adults, in particular, a fall can mark the beginning of a decline in health.Emotional Toll: The emotional toll of a fall should not be underestimated. The fear of falling again can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Many individuals who have experienced a fall become hesitant to engage in physical activities they once enjoyed, further compromising their physical and mental well-being.Financial Burden: The financial burden of falls is substantial. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and potential long-term care expenses can put a strain on individuals and families. In some cases, these financial challenges can jeopardize retirement savings and financial security.The STEADI Initiative:Screen - Assess - InterveneThe CDC STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative is a comprehensive approach developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help healthcare providers and patients address fall prevention in older adults. Falls are a common and serious issue among older adults, and the STEADI initiative provides tools and resources to reduce the risk of falls and related injuries. Here are some key components of the STEADI program for adult fall prevention:Screening: Healthcare providers are encouraged to use standardized fall risk assessment tools, such as the "Steady Steps" tool, to identify patients that are at risk of falling. These screening tools help determine an individual's risk factors for falling. When screening, ask questions such as; Have you fallen in the past year? Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking? Are you worried about falling? A yes to any of these questions indicates that a patient has an increased risk in falling. Once the screening process is complete, healthcare providers can now begin to assess the situation. Assessment: For patients identified as being at risk, healthcare providers conduct a more comprehensive fall risk assessment. This assessment includes a review of medications, medical conditions, and mobility issues that may contribute to falls. Home hazards are some of the biggest issues with adult falls. Asking detailed questions can be very important in this case. Along with home hazards, here are some additional indicators of an increased fall risk: poor footwear, impaired vision and cognitive ability. Intervention: Based on the assessment results, healthcare providers can develop personalized fall prevention plans for their patients. These plans may include recommendations for exercise programs, medication adjustments, vision assessments, and home modifications.Raising Awareness: Fall Prevention StrategiesKnow the Risk Factors: Understanding the risk factors associated with falls is the first step in prevention. These factors include age, muscle weakness, balance issues, medications, chronic health conditions, vision problems, and environmental hazards.Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Exercise programs like tai chi and yoga are particularly effective in preventing falls among older adults.Medication Management: It's essential to review medications with healthcare professionals regularly. Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls.Vision Care: Regular eye check-ups are crucial, as vision problems can contribute to falls. Correcting vision impairments and ensuring adequate lighting in the home can make a significant difference.Home Safety: Eliminating tripping hazards in the home, such as loose rugs and clutter, is essential. Installing handrails, grab bars, and adequate lighting can enhance safety.Footwear: Wearing proper footwear with non-slip soles and good support is essential for stability.Regular Health Check-ups: Routine health check-ups can help identify and address underlying health issues that may increase the risk of falls.Promoting Fall Prevention Awareness Year-RoundWhile Fall Prevention Awareness Day is an important annual event, it's crucial to emphasize fall prevention year-round. Education and awareness campaigns should continue to remind people of the risks and strategies for prevention.Additionally, healthcare providers, community organizations, and families can work together to support individuals at risk of falls. This might involve home assessments, personalized exercise programs, and ongoing monitoring of medication use.As we embrace the arrival of autumn, let's also embrace the idea of falling for safety. Falls are a significant threat to individuals' well-being and the healthcare system as a whole. By raising awareness, identifying risks, and taking proactive measures, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of falls. Fall prevention should be a priority not just on Fall Prevention Awareness Day but throughout the year. Together, we can make a difference in safeguarding lives and promoting safety in every season.Please remember to be SAFE!S - Screen for factors that may increase fall risk. A - Assess the patient to best issues that can contribute to falls.F - Formulate the patients fall prevention plan.E - Educate the patient and caregiver about medical conditions and mobility issues that lead to high risk falls.