ComForCare Home Care of N & SW Pittsburgh

Senior Nutrition: Top 5 Healthy Eating Tips for Older AdultsPosted: September 21, 2023 in Healthy Living , Activities and LifestyleGood nutrition is important, no matter your age. Eating right is how your body gets vital nutrients: substances that our bodies need so they can function and grow, like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and even water. But as you age, your body and life change, and so does what you need to stay healthywhich is why senior nutrition is such an important topic.Many people dont realize how big of a role nutrition plays in their long-term health and happiness. They may have a general sense of what healthy means, but knowing and doing are, of course, two different things. Lets take a closer look at what special considerations adults over 50 need to know about nutrition that can help them lead longer, healthier lives.5 Things Everyone Should Know About Senior NutritionOlder Adults Need Fewer Calories, But More NutrientsWe all know that finding the right balance of calories is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight throughout adulthood. But older adults generally need fewer calories than they used to due to changes in metabolism, physical activity levels, and age-related loss of muscle mass.However, while you may need fewer calories, you still need the same amount of nutrients, if not more. Nutrients are crucial for energy and weight control. They can also help prevent some diseases, like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.Foods to Focus OnOver 50, its more important than ever to cut empty calories like sodas, chips, candies, and alcohol. Instead, focus on calorie-light but nutrient-packed foods, such as:Fruits and vegetables (choose different types with bright colors)Whole grains, like oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, and brown riceFat-free or low-fat milk and cheese, or soy or rice milk that has added vitamin D and calciumSeafood, lean meats, poultry, and eggsBeans, nuts, and seedsProtein Plays a Role in Fall PreventionDespite needing fewer calories, older adults actually have higher protein requirements than younger adultsespecially if theyre dealing with an illness. Our bodies progressively lose muscle mass, strength, and function over time, beginning as early as our 30s. When people get older, their bodies cant process protein as efficiently, especially in the face of stressful situations like chronic disease, acute illness, or hospitalization. That means seniors need to get more protein from their diet to support and preserve muscle mass.  Why Is Muscle Mass So Important? Muscle loss and general weakness resulting from inadequate nutrition can lead to falls. Every year, one out of four older adults experience a fall, which can have serious physical and mental health consequences. Fall prevention is a multifaceted but highly important part of overall health and wellness in older age.Additionally, studies have suggested that older adults who consume more protein are more capable of performing activities of daily living for longer. When muscle mass is preserved, everyday functions like getting out of bed, bathing and dressing, and moving around the house may be, too! A Good Time to Focus on Good CarbohydratesCarbs have a bad reputation these days, with the rise in low-carb diets sweeping the nation. But for a balanced diet, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends carbohydrates make up 45%-65% of every adults diet. Instead of cutting carbs entirely, nutrition is about focusing on the right carbohydrates to support energy and digestion.There are good and bad carbohydrates, and the bad ones only cause more problems as we age. Bad carbs are simple: they are mostly starches or sugars, stripped of nutrients, and make blood sugar levels spike quickly. Good carbohydrates are complex: they are mostly fibers and other beneficial nutrients, which are slower to digest, helping regulate blood sugar and feelings of fullness.Good Carbs (Complex)Bad Carbs (Simple)Whole-grain bread, pasta, rice, oatmeal, baked goods containing whole-what flourWhite bread, white paste, white rice, baked goods containing white flourNuts and seedsProcessed foods like potato chips, crackers, breakfast cerealLegumes (lentils, beans, etc.)SodaFruits and vegetables with edible skinsSugary desserts and candiesThe Low-Down on SodiumSodium (aka salt) is another nutrient that has a bad reputation, though it comes by it honestly. Sodium is necessary for proper body function: it helps maintain fluid balance, conducts nerve impulses, and helps with muscle contraction. However, most American adults get too much sodium, which contributes to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.There are also special considerations for seniors. As we age, our kidney function naturally decreases, which can make it harder to remove excess sodium from the body. That means taking special care to limit sodium intake to less than 2,300mg per dayabout the equivalent of one teaspoon of table salt.Vitamin D & CalciumWe know that the sun helps our bodies produce Vitamin D. But not only is sun exposure risky for our healthour skin also changes as we get older, becoming less adept at producing Vitamin D. That means we need to rely more on food sources and supplements to get it. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, which is why taking both together is so crucial for building and maintaining healthy bones. Research shows that it can prevent and even improve osteoporosis, a condition that leads to weak, brittle bones. Older adultseven those who already struggle with weakness or frailtycan develop stronger muscles and reduce their fall risk with adequate Vitamin D levels.Your doctor can help you determine the right amount of Vitamin D for your diet and recommend a supplement. You can also focus on eating foods like:Egg yolksFatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardinesOrange juiceYogurtMilkMushroomsGet Online Resources to Support Meal Planning & More!Prioritizing nutrition can be challenging for seniors, and navigating each consideration can feel a little daunting. If you or your loved one faces challenges with accessing and preparing healthy foods or has other barriers like difficulty chewing or swallowing, help is out there! At ComForCare, weve prepared a free meal planning guide filled with simple yet nutritious recipes developed with seniors unique needs in mind. This guide is packed with helpful tips, recipes, and advice for caring for a loved one with dietary barriers. Plus, you can join us on Facebook every Thursday at 1 pm EST for the latest episode of Care Kitchen, our live cooking program led by chef Steve Toll! Were always exploring new ways to support and inspire creativity in cooking, whether for yourself or for loved ones in your care. ComForCare: Compassionate, Personalized In-Home Care for Older AdultsIf you or your loved one need more help planning and preparing nutritious meals, ComForCares caregivers can help. Our in-home care services can be personalized to support your needs, including meal prep, personal care, transportation, and more. Learn more about our care services or reach out to your local team today to find your perfect caregiver!  ComForCare NW Pittsburgh covers Northern Allegheny, Butler, Beaver and Lawrence Counties.  They can be reached at (724) 759.7674 or by email mbarron@comforcare.com

How to Get Your Parent to Accept Help at HomePosted: November 4, 2020 , in Aging , Caregiving , Home Care Planning

Taking Charge of Your Health: Mind and Body ConnectedPosted: June 7, 2021 , in Aging , Healthy Living , Activities and Lifestyle

Spotify  This company has created a virtual music library that you can personalize to your specifications; 70s rock n roll, anyone? You have the ability to save songs to your library, make playlists and listen to Spotifys premade playlists. Spotify also offers a variety of comedy stations, audiobooks and a specially-made playlist of music you may be interested in. There three different ways to listen: smartphone app, computer desktop program and a web player. The first two provide icons that take you immediately to your music library, while the web player can be accessed through an internet search engine.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download, but it will play ads. You can remove the ads for a monthly fee.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It has millions of different songs from which to choose.Old Time Radio Player  Do you miss classic radio programs and theatric radio voices?This app can take you back in time. There are over 14,000 episodes from classic shows, such as Hopalong Cassidy, Dick Tracy and Sherlock Holmes.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devicesIt is free.It is easy to use.Audible  If you like to read but find your eyes straining, Audible may be a solution. Through this app, you can choose a book from genres, such as history or romance, and a narrator will read the novel to you. This app is the hip, new successor to the books on cassette tapes. Your first book is free, but you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download, but you will have to pay for subsequent books.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.You can cancel your subscription and keep the books you previously downloaded.Waze  Pronounced ways, this handy GPS app is a must for drivers. Its goal is to help drivers avoid traffic jams and quickly get them where they need to be. Waze does this by tracking your car and asking drivers to submit accidents, road hazards and more, so other drivers can get the heads-up. The navigation map shows events in real time, so drivers can see the most current traffic reports.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It includes turn-by-turn navigation.Shazam  This app takes all the guess work out of remembering song titles or lyrics. If you hear a song on a TV commercial or on the radio, Shazam can listen and search for the song in its database. The app allows you to explore new and old artists.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices, Apple products and Windows smartphones.Provides the option to purchase and download songs.Honey  Honey actually isnt an app for your smartphone or tablet. It downloads onto your computer as an extension and appears as a small icon near your search bar. If you shop online, you need Honey because it applies every promo code on the internet to your online shopping cart, which saves you money. When you sign up, youll also become a member of their awards program called Honey Gold where you can earn a $10 gift card or make a donation to a charity.Some benefits of the app include:Its free to download on your computer.It works on Mac and Windows computers.You can delete your account and the extension if needed.Duolingo  If learning a new language is your goal, look to Duolingo. You can learn languages such as, Welsh, Spanish and Greek. Each lesson asks you to speak, listen, translate and answer multiple choice questions. The way the lessons are set up, its like playing a game.Some benefits of the app include:Its free but you can pay $6.99 per month to remove ads and add more perks.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It uses images and audio to help you learn.Venmo  Need to pay someone back but dont have cash or time to run to the bank? Use Venmo. You can connect your bank account or debit card with Venmo and instantly recieve and send money to anyone with a Venmo account. You can also pay for goods and services online if they accept Venmo as a payment.Some benefits of the app include:The app is free.Its free to send and receive money or use money to purchase something online. Their standard 3 percent fee applies to credit cards.Venmo uses encryption to help protect your account details.WordScapes  WordScapes is a cross between a text twist and a crossword puzzle. It challenges your vocabulary as you twist the letters to find words that will fit correctly in the crossword puzzle. It also features beautiful landscapes in the background to keep you zen and focused.Some benefits of the app include:The app is free but does include ads.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.Theres over 5,000 puzzles.WordBrain  If a word scramble and Bejeweled were blended, it would be this app. You can keep your mind sharp as you find hidden words and collapse the puzzles. It boasts 580 levels, so youll never run out of fun challenges.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It is free.The rules are easy to learn.Draw Something  Its a fun game you can play with family and friends wherever they are. Players take turns drawing the given word and the other player must guess the word using only the picture and letters provided. If you enjoy Pictionary or charades, you should download this app.Some benefits of the app include:It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.It is free.It offers a fun way to interact with your children or grandchildren.Lumosity  Developers have transformed cognition tests created by scientists mini mind games. Lumosity says their games will keep your mind sharp by working to enhance memory, attention and other skills. After each game, you can see your results or scores.Yoga for Adults & Seniors: For Increased Mobility & Flexibility  A yoga instructor will guide you through stretches and sequences tailored for adults and seniors. It's also beneficial for those of all ages with restricted mobility.Diabetes AppsDiabetes is becoming more prevalent across the globe. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death in 2030. The majority of people around the world with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.However, people can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes with physical activity, a healthy diet and maintaining a normal body, according to the WHO. Here are some apps created to help people manage their diabetes.Always consult your physician for medical advice regarding diabetes diagnosis, treatment and management. If you are interested in trying one of these apps, ask your doctor if it would be beneficial to your care plan.MyNetDiary   is a calorie counter, weight and exercise tracker, and more. It has an extensive index of food items ranging from specific brands to dishes at popular restaurants. There is a separate app, called, MyNetDiary Diabetes Tracker, where you or your loved one can view reports to see the impact of foods, medications and exercise on blood glucose levels. MyNetDiary works best if you create an account on their website.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, the Pro version of the app is $3.99, the Diabetes Tracker app is $9.99 and the Maximum upgrade subscription is $5 per month.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt can sync with activity trackers, such as the Fitbit.mySugr  tracks blood glucose levels, medication, meals and physical activity. It has colorful, clear graphs and charts that make it easy to understand how food and exercise influence glucose levels. mySugr also has a HGA1c (hemoglobin A1c) monitor on the home screen, so you can quickly check your results.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, you can choose to upgrade to the Pro version for $2.99 per month or $27.99 per year. You can also purchase a certified diabetes educator coaching feature for $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt connects with glucometers, such as Accu-Chek.Fooducate  is a health and activity monitor. The app calls itself a nutritionist in your pocket because when a user scans a food products bar code, the app analyzes the products nutrition panel and ingredient list. Fooducate also grades raw and pre-prepared meats, processed and raw fruits, and much more. In the app you can share recipes and motivation within the community.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download. However, you can choose to purchase a subscription for premium features. Premium features let users customize their dietary needs in case of food allergies, such as gluten and lactose intolerances.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleIt recommends healthier options based on what you are eating.Glucoracle  is an app and research project at Columbia University. The app can predict your or your loved ones blood sugar levels after eating a specific snack or food. All you need to do is take a photo of your food item, estimate the nutritional content (such as carbohydrates) and the app will calculate a blood glucose forecast. The researchers goal is to help people with diabetes to improve their self-management by making healthier meal choices and preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and AppleThe forecast is personalized through food intake and blood glucose measurements.Apps for People With DementiaApps can be beneficial and fun for people with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. The following apps may not be appropriate for all the stages of dementia, so test out which apps will be best for your loved one. Pocket Pond 2  Everything is Zen in this app, recommended by the Alzheimers Association. You and your loved one can design a relaxing pond by adding koi fish, lily pads and other creatures. You can even make splashes in your pool. There are more in depth ways to play, such as raising and selling your koi, but you dont need to do that to enjoy the game.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.In-app purchase options can be turned off.Tiny Piano and Mini Piano: These two apps, for Apple products and Android devices respectively, allows you to play on a tiny, mini piano. The little pianos display a section of realistic piano keys, which you and your loved one can press. You can play famous songs or create your own masterpiece. What sets these two piano apps apart is that you can tap any key to follow along with the song. So, your loved one can enjoy the music by just keeping the tempo, hitting anywhere on the piano. This is a great option for those who have limited physical and/or cognitive abilities.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products, respectively.The apps come with free, preloaded songs.Colorfy  This app makes it easier to participate in the adult coloring trend. Colorfy is equipped with templates or coloring books, featuring designs such as mandalas, flowers and animals. To color, select a colored pencil and just tap the section or area you want to fill in. If you make a mistake, you can use the undo option. You can also zoom into the image if your loved one has low vision. The one drawback is that while the app is free, not every coloring book is free.Some benefits of the app include:It is free to download.It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.The app can run without an internet connection.

Everything Families Need to Know About Veteran Home CarePosted: March 5, 2024 in Aging , Home Care Planning , Finances

Is It Dementia? Key Symptoms, Diagnosis Tips, and In-Home Care SolutionsPosted: May 28, 2024 in Aging , Home Care Planning , Alzheimer's and Dementia

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There are plenty of reasons for family members to take care of aging or disabled loved ones. The role can be rewarding, bringing people closer to the people they love and allowing them to tailor care to their personal needs and preferences. But even the most dedicated family caregivers need a break to focus on their own well-being, especially around the busy holiday season. Thats where respite care comes in.Despite the fact that 1 out of every 5 Americans acts as a caregiver to a loved one, only 15% take advantage of respite care services available to them. Respite care can create better outcomes for caregivers and their loved ones alike. It gives family members time to rest and recharge so they can come back to the role with fresh eyes and renewed spirit.But what is respite care, and is it right for you? Lets take a look at the many benefits of hiring a home care agency to give you a helping hand when you need it.What is In-Home Respite Care?In-home respite care is a form of temporary relief from the responsibilities of caretaking. You get to set the termsit could mean hiring a professional aide for an afternoon, for several weeks, or anything in between. At ComForCare, our highly trained staff can come to your loved ones home to perform many of the duties you provide on a daily basis, including:Preparing meals and helping them eatHelping them groom, bathe, and dressProviding medication remindersGrocery shopping, picking up medications, and related errandsCoordinating care and transporting them to and from doctor appointmentsLight housekeepingUnlike adult day-care centers or respite care facilities, in-home care reduces the stress on your loved one by bringing care to them. They get to stay in their familiar environment with minimal disruption to their routineand you get a break to focus on your needs.Benefits of Respite CareManage Stress & Ward Off BurnoutOver half of family caregivers in an AARP survey reported that they experience moderate to high levels of stress related to their roles responsibilities. Combined with the added pressures of the holiday season, the winter months can quickly lead to burnout for those taking care of loved ones. Respite care gives you room to breathe, just like taking time off work. After all, though it can be deeply rewarding, caretaking is a form of labor. Working so hard without rest can take a serious toll on your mental health, which in turn can affect your ability to care for your loved one.Reduce Health Risks for Your Loved OneWhen were burnt out, busy, or bustling around more than usual, we can overlook important signs of illness or disease progression. Were only human, and can only focus on so many things at once. ComForCares home aides are specially trained to watch for warning signs that your loved one needs medical intervention or additional help. They can also provide you with a fresh perspective after months or even years of seeing your loved one every day.This is especially true if your loved one has recently suffered an injury or had a medical procedure. Temporary respite care during their recovery can reduce the risk of infection and rehospitalization. Its a way to optimize their healing process while taking some time to focus on your health, too.Find Support & a Social NetworkBetween 40% and 70% of family caregivers struggle with feelings of depression, often compounded or caused by isolation and loneliness. During this time of the year when were supposed to be celebrating togetherness, that struggle can begin to feel unmanageable. Not enough caregivers realize that there are support groups for people just like them, where they can come together, socialize, and share their experiences. Home care agencies like ComForCare can connect you with those resources.We do everything in our power to take care of our clientsand that means helping family caregivers just as much as it means assisting their loved ones with their daily needs. We have a wealth of knowledge about mental health resources and support systems, and were glad to share those with you while we give you a helping hand. Respite Care Isnt SelfishIts a GiftOne of the biggest hurdles to self-care can be feelings of guilt. Its easy to see taking time for yourself as a selfish act. But the reality is, taking a break is a gift to your loved one, too. Whether all you need is a day alone to catch up on errands or a week to take your first vacation in years, youll return as a more resilient, more compassionate, and more capable caregiver.At ComForCare, all of our employees are background checked, highly trained, and vetted for a passion for treating all their clients with dignity and respect. Whether they meet your loved one only once or on a regular basis, theyll provide the highest level of care so you can rest easy. To learn more about our work and find a schedule that will fit into your life and your budget, get in touch with us today!