Preferred Care at Home

Over 1 million individuals in North America have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Most individuals exhibit symptoms that involve a tremor, slowness of movement, and rigid muscles, which can make daily activities increasingly difficult. While traveling might be more difficult for individuals with Parkinson's disease, it is not impossible. Here are some tips to consider to help those with Parkinson's disease travel more easily. Flying with Parkinson's Disease 1. Prepare In Advance When booking your flight, request a disability seat or a seat near the airplane entrance. Contact the airline ahead of time and request assistance to help you through the airport and boarding the plane. All major airports and airlines have accommodations for persons requiring extra help, be sure to ask!2. Direct Flights are your Friend Reduce the stress of travel by booking a direct flight if at all possible. You will not have to worry about missing your connecting flight and save all your energy for your final destination. 3. TSA Pre-Check is Worth It While there is a one-time fee, obtaining TSA Pre-Check will save you time at security and reduce the stress of traveling. Be sure to talk with a TSA official about your medical condition. If you have a Deep Brain Stimulator, you should not go through the standard metal detectors, as this may interfere with your equipment. On The Road with Parkinson's Disease 4. Cover Long Distances in Short Segments One benefit of driving compared to air travel is the ability to travel at your own pace. Parkinson's symptoms can often become worse when sitting still for long periods of time. Plan to take frequent rests stops to stretch your muscles. 5. Travel with a Friend or Caregiver It is important to take road trips with a friend, family member, or even a companion caregiver who can help drive if needed. Additionally, someParkinson's medications can cause drowsiness as a side effect. Some Final Tips for Traveling 6. Keep your Medications Close at All Times Whether flying or driving, keep your medications in a location that is easily accessible and that stays with you at all times.7. Compile Your Medical File Compile a folder with information about your medical conditions, and keep this close to you. Include a progress note from your last physician visit, a list of all medications and allergies, an summary of any recent hospitalizations, as well as insurance information. Remember that you have a legal right to the health care information stored in your chart at a doctors office or hospital. 8. Don't Forget to Have Fun! While traveling with Parkinson's Disease has its challenges, try not to let these challengesovershadow the happiness that is to be found from visiting new places and seeing friends and family. Written By: R. Bradley Robinson, MD Submitted By: Preferred Care at Home- click here for more information*

It wasn't until I lived in the northeast that I began to really anticipate spring. My daily routine consists of checking the weather channel for the next burst of warmth and sunshine and planning my schedule accordingly. Lets just say I was very spoiled living in Florida and took warmth for granted! And with the warm(ish) temperatures, comes spring organization! While an internet search will reveal hundreds of home organizational tips, here are just a few tips that will help you lighten up your home as we transition seasons.1. Develop a Home Organization Plan Start by looking around your home. What areas of clutter do you need to tackle? Is it the front entryway that collects everything from the car? Or the linen closet that needs a little TLC? List all the areas that need some attention and rank in order of importance. (Tip: start small, but make it an area that you see every day so you can feel the reward for your efforts.)2. Set Manageable and Reachable Goals Look at your home organization plan, now set timelines that are realistic. Take into account your own personal challenges and limitations. For example, I have been working on one organization project a week for the last month. This allows me to continually make progress on the house, without becoming overwhelmed and quitting while everything is in disarray.3. Create Organization PilesWhen you are ready to begin, pull everything out. Next, sort into three piles: keep, trash, donate/sell. From here, you will organize the keep pile with baskets, bins, or shelves. Organization bins can be found at many different home decor or home organization stores, but start by looking around your home for items that can help you reign in the clutter without having to make extra purchases.4. Ask for Help with your Home OrganizationWhen it comes to home organization, there are many challenges that can make organization difficult or even impossible. Some of these challenges include:Sentimental attachment to many itemsToo much work required to organize and clean effectivelyPersonal health makes adequate home organization difficult or impossibleIt is not an organizational issue but a hoarding issueIf you are facing some of these challenges, asking for help may be the next best step. Organization help could come in many forms, such as asking a family caregiver to help you clear out your entryway or hiring a professional to assist with the entire home.With these simple tips, you can tackle your next home organization project with confidence!Written & Submitted By: Preferred Care at Home- click here for more information*

Osteoporosis is a common condition that predominantly affects postmenopausal women.  A decrease in the bodys estrogen levels leads to low bone mass which in turn increases the risk of fracture.  According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately of 30% of postmenopausal women in the United States have osteoporosis and of these, 40% will sustain at least one fracture over the course of their lifetime.  Given that a fracture may require surgery and a hospital stay, it is important to take every measure to prevent the development of osteoporosis.1. Calcium & Vitamin D: Get the Right AmountIt is widely known that calcium and vitamin D in the right amounts will decrease the rate of bone loss and keep your bones strong. The question is: how much do you need? The answer will depend on your age, gender, and dietary habits.  Rather than following a general guideline, it is best to speak with your own doctor or nutritionist about how much calcium and vitamin D you are receiving from your diet, and how much you should supplement.  A history of other health conditions, such as kidney stones, may affect how much calcium you need, and these decisions are best made on an individuals basis.2. Exercise: A Little Goes a Long WayResearch has shown time and again that exercise has a positive impact on bone density and reduces the risk of fractures.  In general, women with osteoporosis are advised to exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times a week as a lifestyle treatment.  A variety of exercises including walking, jogging, and resistance training have all been demonstrated to be effective for prevention as well.  Again, speak with your healthcare provider about an exercise plan that you will enjoy and receive the benefits from for years to come.3. Smoking CessationThere are many reasons to kick the habit for good, and improving your bone health is one of them.  Smoking accelerates bone density loss and is associated with increased fracture risk. The good news is that quitting, even later in life, can have a significant impact not just on your bones, but on other aspects of your health as well.  Quitting is never easy, but there are more resources to help you quit today than ever before.Your bone health is important.  In addition to these three lifestyle habits for osteoporosis prevention, screening plays an important role in identifying those patients who may need treatment with a medication to prevent further damage.  Bone mineral density scans (e.g. DEXA scan) are a quick, painless way to assess your risk.  Screening should begin in all women at 65 years of age and older, and may start younger in women and men with certain risk factors.  Speak with your healthcare provider about the best plan of attack to keep your bones strong for a long and independent life.

Experiencing the pain of arthritis is something many of us understand, especially if weve watched a parent or grandparent struggle with osteoarthritis.This pain, often severe and sometimes even crippling, typically comes from the normal wear and tear of cartilage as we age, a process often just due to the rigors of daily life.The intensity of the pain varies, presenting good days and bad days unique to each person. Its important to note that arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in America, emphasizing its prevalence and impact.However, its not all doom and gloom! There are practical steps that elderly individuals can take to help alleviate this pain, especially with the support of a robust senior home care plan.Here are some enhancements you can make to your senior home care strategy to effectively manage arthritis:Embrace Regular Exercise: It might seem counterintuitive given the pain, but exercise is crucial. Inactivity only worsens arthritis symptoms, leading to increased swelling and pain. Activities range from swimming to simple weight lifting can make a difference. Dont forget endurance exercises, great for heart health, which can also reduce joint swelling.Consider Weight Management: If possible, shedding a few pounds can relieve significant pressure on your joints, subsequently reducing arthritis-related pain and swelling.Indulge in Comforts: Little luxuries like massages, warm baths, or using arthritis-friendly products can make a big difference. These not only ease the pain but also prepare you for a good rest. Tools like jar openers, reachers, and button fasteners are small additions that can greatly improve daily living.Stick to Your Medications: Its crucial to follow your doctors prescription regimen. Managing arthritis symptoms often requires consistent medication intake.Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest arthritis research and treatments. Knowledge is a powerful tool in managing your symptoms.Create a Supportive Living Environment: Make small adjustments in your living space to accommodate your needs, like installing safety handles or organizing a living space on the first floor.Arthritis, while challenging, doesnt spell the end of a happy, active life. Remember, its all about learning to manage the condition effectively. As you adjust and respond to the changes it brings, youll find that you can continue to live, laugh, and enjoy life just as vibrantly as before! And perhaps, this journey might remind you of the resilient words:Life isnt about waiting for the storm to passIts about learning to dance in the rain. Embrace each day, and keep dancing!

As the festive season approaches, its that time of the year again when families gather, memories are made, and love is shared. At Preferred Care at Home, we believe that the holiday season is a special time to connect with our loved ones, particularly the seniors in our lives.Why Its Important to Visit Grandparents During the HolidaysBridging Generational Gaps: The holidays offer a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between generations. Our grandparents have a treasure trove of stories and wisdom from a time gone by, which they can share with the younger generation.Creating Memories: Every moment spent with grandparents is a moment cherished. These are the stories that children will tell their own kids someday.The Essence of Family: Its a gentle reminder of the family roots and traditions. For many seniors, especially those receiving care at home, a family visit during the holidays can provide much-needed joy and comfort.Preparing the Younger Generation: The Importance of Books on AgingIts natural for children to be curious or even anxious about the changes they observe in their aging grandparents. Reading to them about aging can prepare them, alleviate their anxieties, and help them form a deeper bond with their grandparents.Here are some resources and books that parents can consider:Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox: A touching tale of a young boy helping an elderly friend recover her lost memories.Grandpa Green by Lane Smith: This book beautifully explores the themes of aging and the legacy one leaves behind through the medium of topiary gardens.The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros: A heartwarming story about memories and the roles of grandparents in preserving them.My Grandpa by Marta Alts: A celebration of the bond between grandchildren and grandparents through the lens of a child seeing the world in a magical way.How Preferred Care at Home Can HelpAs a senior home care company, we understand the intricacies of aging. Our team of dedicated caregivers are here to ensure that your loved ones receive the care they need, wherever they call home.If youre visiting grandparents or other elderly loved ones this holiday season, and theyre under our care, feel free to reach out. We can provide insights on their care routine, and even suggest activities that the whole family can engage in together.Remember, its not about the quantity of time we spend, but the quality of memories we create. Lets make this holiday season special by embracing and celebrating every generation in our family.

Do you experience feelings of hopelessness? Have you lost pleasure in activities you once enjoyed? Do you cry more frequently? Have you gained or lost weight? If you have experienced a combination of these symptoms, which have persisted for two weeks or more you may be suffering from depression.One in five Americans live with a mental health conditionor 43.7 million people. 6.9% of adults16 million peoplehave experienced a major depressive episode in the last year. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, the 3rd leading cause of death for those aged 1024, and the 2nd leading cause of death for those aged 15-24 (statistics from the National Alliance of Mental Illness).For the elderly, depression affects 6.5 million of the 35 million adults over the age of 65. The senior population accounts for 20% of all suicides, the highest success rate belongs to senior men. Depression is the leading factor to seniors attempting suicide. Those statistics are staggering and chances are either you or someone you know suffers from depression or another mental health condition.October 10th is Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness for mental illness, providing educational resources, as well as reducing the stigma attached to mental illness. Take some time to recognize the warning signs of depression as well as the signs of suicide.Warning Signs of Depression:Persistent sadnessLoss of interestFatigueInsomnia or excessive sleepingFeelings of hopelessness or worthlessnessDecrease in energyDifficulty concentratingIncrease or decrease in appetiteThoughts of death, dying or suicideSlowed thinking, speaking or body movementsIf your or your loved one exhibits these warning signs of depression, seek medical and professional help. Depression is not a normal sign of aging and there are treatment options available.In addition to the warning signs of depression, it is important to pay attention for the following behaviors (suicide warning signs from SAVE- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education).Warning Signs of Suicide:Talk about suicide, e.g. I have nothing left to live for. I wont be a burden on my family much longer. I should just kill myself. Statements of hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness.Preoccupation with death.Suddenly happier, calmer.Loss of interest in things one cares about.Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about saying goodbyes.Making arrangements; setting ones affairs in order.Giving things away.Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon.Refusal to follow doctor-prescribed medications and/or special diet.If you suspect your loved one is considering suicide the most important thing you can do is to talk with them. Here are a few steps you can take if you are concerned for your loved one.1. Ask Questions. Talking about suicide may seem counter-intuitive. Many people are afraid to ask a loved one whether or not they are thinking about suicide. However, talking with your loved one is the most important thing you can do to assess their thoughts and where they stand. Here are four important questions to help evaluate your loved ones suicide risk:Do you ever think about suicide?If you were to hurt yourself, how would you do it? (The plan/method).Have you thought about when you would do it? (The timeline).Do you have access to what you would use? (Access to method).2. Provide Reassurance. If your loved one is actively considering suicide they need to feel heard and understood. Dont shame them for their thoughts and feelings. Instead, reassure them that there is help and treatment options available.4. Remove Suicide Method. Remove any apparent methods for committing suicide, such as weapons or stockpiled pills.3. Seek Treatment. Help your loved one seek medical and mental health treatment. Immediately, assist your loved one in setting up appointments for a medical evaluation and help your loved one get to the appointment.There is hope, depression can be treated and suicide can be prevented. Know the warning signs and seek treatment options.