Q – Can stress have an impact on the health of Phoenix seniors? Is the expression “stress kills” true? And if so, why?

A – Stress kills; it’s true. For the American elderly in particular, stress can have a grave effect on health. Chronic stress can have an impact upon the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health of a senior, not to mention the psychological effects that can include severe anxiety and depression. For seniors, inadequate stress management can have very serious consequences including death.

A recent study has proven exactly why stress has a negative effect on health, and the culprit is a hormone called neuropeptide Y (NPY), which prevents proper hormone functioning. According to Professor Fabienne Mackay, lead researcher on the study, “During periods of stress, nerves release a lot of NPY and it gets into the bloodstream, where it directly impacts on the cells in the immune system that look out for and destroy pathogens (bacteria and viruses) in the body,”

Sources:

1. Medical News Today
2. Medicine Online
3. The American Institute of Stress

Image: www.gettyimages.com

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

We asked our readers in Phoenix to share their worst doctor’s experiences when bringing their senior care recipient in for a medical consultation, and discovered that many caregivers have gripes about the doctor’s inability to speak to them in a language they understand. To help decipher medspeak, there are a few great online resources like The Medical Library Association and MedicineNet which define common and atypical medical terms in a way that’s easy to understand. To help take control of your senior’s medical care and understand the health information presented by a doctor, consult the above resources; but for now, enjoy one of our reader’s humorous horror stories about a visit to her mother’s doctor and a breakdown in communication.

Last year, I escorted my elderly mother to her family physician to have a rash looked at. During our first visit, the doctor was uncertain of the source of the rash; but by the second visit, she began to refer to it as “static”. Until we returned to the office the next time, we thought the doctor was blaming my mom’s rash on static, it turns out she was trying to refer to the fact that the condition of the rash had not changed. Meanwhile, I was trying to find a fabric softener that would reduce the static in my mom’s clothing!

Julie, 53

Sources:
1. Medical Library Association
2. MedicineNet

Image: pro.corbis.com

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

The decision to become a family caregiver for an aging parent in the Phoenix area can be one of the most challenging and rewarding choices you’ll ever make. Naturally, when taking a dive into elder home care you want to ensure that your senior loved one receives the best care available; so how do you prepare to become a caregiver? Start by arming yourself with information; use the internet, like you are now, and other home care resources to learn how to deal with the emotional aspects of caregiving.  Seek out additional resources within your local Phoenix community; including caregiver support groups, transportation services, adult day cares and local medical centers. Whether or not you and your senior will require some of the services today, it’s wise to have an understanding of what’s available when you need them.

It’s also important to work with your parents to have all the legal and financial documentation prepared and available should you need to assist them in managing their affairs. Ask them to put together a list of important account numbers and contacts and keep it in a safe and secure place. You don’t need to be savvy to the information today, but it’s a good idea to have it available. You should also ensure that your parents have a living will prepared, so that you can ensure their medical wishes are carried out appropriately if at some point they are unable to speak for themselves.

Sources:

1. Associated Content

2. Adsense Blog

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Q – My elderly mother, who lives alone in Phoenix, neglects her nutrition because she says food doesn’t taste like it used to, and since my father passed away she doesn’t bother to cook for herself. I worry about her health with all the processed convenient foods she eats. Can you suggest a healthy, tasty recipe that would be easy for her to make that would encourage her to cook at home?

A – Here’s a great recipe that your mother will be able to make quickly and easily, and it has such a great taste she’ll surely be convinced that cooking at home is worthwhile. It also tastes so wonderful that she needn’t cook it just for one; if she invites over some guests they’re sure to think she’s been slaving away in the kitchen all day even though the recipe only requires about 10 minutes preparation time, and 30-35 minutes in the oven.

Lemon Dill Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup sour cream
1 TSP chopped fresh dill
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp. lemon zest

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425? F. degrees.

Mix all ingredients except chicken.
Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread 1/4 of the lemon dill sauce over the bottom of pan.
Arrange chicken breasts on top of sauce in a single layer.
Pour remaining sauce over chicken and spread evenly.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until chicken is done.

Sources:

1. ClevelandAndSeniors.com

2. Nutritionwerks.com

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Q1 – My elderly mother from Phoenix has been looking into vacation options for seniors. Are cruises a good option for seniors looking to take a vacation? What are the benefits?

A1 – Cruises for the senior demographic are great vacation options for seniors for a number of reasons! Since cruises are typically semi-inclusive, non-luxury cruises for seniors can be very affordable vacation options for those who are retired and on a limited budget. Senior cruises also cater to the specific needs of the elderly; typically there are more accessible rooms for those who are disabled or face mobility issues; there is flexibility to cater to specific dietary needs; on ship doctors keep a supply of medications needed based on the vacationers medical conditions and illnesses; and activities are senior-friendly and enjoyable for the demographic.

Q2 – Do senior cruises depart from Phoenix?

A2 – Departure points vary with the specific cruise line. However, once seniors have chosen their desired cruise, they may need to travel by plane to the departure port.

Sources:
1. Expedia Cruise Ship Centers
2. About.com Senior Cruises

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Q – I’m a family caregiver for an elderly grandparent in Phoenix. At the caregiver support group I attend, someone introduced the idea of a geriatric assessment. What does it involve and how could it benefit my grandparent?

A – First of all, it’s very commendable that you are seeking support within your local community from other caregivers, and as I’m sure you’re discovering, they can be great resources to learn about care options in Phoenix. Geriatric assessments can be completed by medical professionals, such as doctors or nurses in a variety of settings, including an outpatient clinic, hospital, or even your grandparent’s home. Often, geriatric assessments are recommended to older adults who are exhibiting signs of confusion, memory loss or dementia; but can be requested by anyone who wants professional insight from a healthcare perspective about improving and forecasting eldercare.

A geriatric assessment involves the following:

• Assessing a senior’s status by looking at physical, mental and psycho-social; factors; their ability to perform activities of daily living independently, and any care they currently receive

• Identifying problems that might be present based on the senior’s status now or in the future

• Developing a “Care Plan” with recommendations for support services

• Helping seniors attain the support they require

• Monitoring the success of the care plan

Sources:
1. HelpGuide
2. Southwestern Medical Center

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Q – I suspect that my elderly grandfather, who has an elder care provider assisting him in his home in Phoenix might be a victim of home care negligence. He doesn’t seem to get along with his caregiver and is reluctant to look her in the eyes. I don’t want to make a big deal out of nothing, so what are the signs I can look for to determine if he’s a victim of negligence?

A – If you believe that your father in Phoenix might be a victim of negligence, or doesn’t get along with his caregiver. Don’t hesitate to talk to the caregiving agency about your suspicions and request another elder care expert to provide home care services. However, if you want to justify your concerns, there are other signs that could indicate your father is being neglected.

• Sudden changes in his behavior, such as becoming more withdrawn, depressed or angry

• Physical injuries like bruises, scrapes, cuts, or even broken bones

• The home care provider not allowing seniors to spend time alone with family members for fear something might be revealed

• Pressure sores or signs that restraints have been used

• Sudden, inexplicable weight loss in the senior

Sources:

1. Care Home Negligence
2. EZine Articles

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Q1 – How can a senior find a doctor?

A1 – The American Medical Association Doctor Finder is a directory of American doctors that includes their history as medical professionals. Find doctors that are located in your local area, but make the final decision based on other important factors.

Q2 – What else should seniors consider when choosing a doctor?

A2 – It’s important to decide whether a general practitioner or specialist is required based on the elderly person’s medical history. For affordability, a doctor that complies with your health benefits or medical insurance plan should also be chosen; and naturally, you want a doctor that has a great track record.

Q3 – How can you tell if a doctor’s good?

A3 – To understand how well a doctor performs, by interviewing them and their office staff.  Find out if they encourage questions, and if they remain respectful. A doctor’s professional history can be reviewed using a number of online directories, including the NCQA Recognized Physician Directory, The American Board of Medical Specialties and The Federal State of Medical Boards.

Sources:

1. Seniors for Living

2. MedicineNet

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Q – I am a caregiver for my elderly father in Phoenix. He seems to tire of the meals I serve him, and I’m looking for some healthy, new ideas to make for him this summer. We are on a more limited food budget, and with all the other responsibilities I have caring for him, I don’t want to spend hours slaving over the stove, especially when it’s hot; can you suggest some healthy, summertime meal ideas?

A – During the summer months, mealtime in Phoenix should be all about Convenience, and with the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, it’s easy to make quick, healthy meals while maintaining a budget. During the summer, many healthy fruits and vegetables are in season, which reduces the price and increases the variety. For even more selection at a low price, try frequenting a local farmer’s market in Phoenix or browse the aisles of your favorite grocery store for great deals on produce.

A great way to make fast, healthy, and delicious meals is to take advantage of the nice weather and barbeque outside. Using the barbeque speeds up the cooking time of most meals, and tastes great even with limited seasonings. Instead of laboring over sauces to flavor your meats or fish, use a few fresh herbs and allow the taste from the grill to come through. Ensuring your father’s diet is rich with fruits and vegetables will also help him prevent heat exhaustion during the warmer months!

Sources:

1. Senior Advocate

2. eHow.com

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

This summer in Phoenix, take advantage of the availability of fresh produce from farmer’s markets in the area, and even in your local grocery store. With so many delicious and healthy fruits and vegetables in season, summer is a great time to ensure that you receive a nutritious diet often at their lowest price. Summer is also the ideal time for seniors to prepare for themselves healthy meals, because with so many fresh delicious herbs available and the option of barbequing outside, meal preparation and cooking time during the summer months can be done quickly and easily. Another reason for seniors to stock up on the fresh produce available during the summer in Phoenix is to ensure that they remain hydrated once the weather turns hot. Fresh fruits and vegetables, which are crisp and juicy, not only taste great when you’ve been outside in the warmer temperatures, but they’ll help prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration. Elderly people that have a sweet tooth will also be able to satisfy their cravings throughout the summer with all of the rich, sweet and nutritious berries that are in season and make great morning or afternoon snacks!

Sources:

1.    Senior Advocate

2.    eHow.com

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.