SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills

National Immunization Awareness Month- ANAHEIM HILLS

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance that highlights the importance of vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that immunizations help to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. The CDC reports that adults 50 years and older should talk with their doctor about recommended vaccines, which include the seasonal flu (influenza), shingles, and Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccines. Almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles and the risk for developing shingles increases with age, according to the CDC. Additionally, more than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older. Because our immune systems weaken as we age, your doctor may recommend the following vaccines:

Shingles vaccine. Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. Symptoms of shingles include fever, headache, chills, upset stomach, and pain, itching, or tingling where the rash will develop, according to the CDC. The shingles vaccine helps to protect against shingles.

Seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine. Seniors are at a high risk of developing serious complications from the flu. Between 70-85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) and pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccines. PPSV23 “protects against serious pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bloodstream infections” and PCV13 “protects against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia (recommended for all adults with a condition that weakens the immune system, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant)”, according to the CDC.

Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine. Tetanus enters the body through cuts and wounds and diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person. Tetanus causes muscle pain and stiffening and can lead to trouble swallowing, breathing, and opening the mouth. Tetanus can also lead to death. Diphtheria can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death. Pertussis can cause weight loss, loss of bladder control, passing out, and rib fractures from severe coughing, according to the CDC.

If you’re unable to attend your aging parent’s doctor appointment, call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. SYNERGY HomeCare’s highly trained and skilled in-home caregivers can help your senior parent schedule and drive to doctor’s appointments, accompany your parent to their appointments, help your parent follow their doctor’s orders, and report information to family members and guardians. SYNERGY HomeCare also provides a wide range of home care services tailored to your family’s needs. SYNERGY HomeCare’s services include:

Personal assistance care: Help with bathing, showering, using the restroom, getting in and out of bed, using wheelchairs, etc.
Errands and transportation services: Driving to the doctor’s office, picking up prescriptions, going grocery shopping, managing medications, etc.
Meal assistance: Complete and nutritious meal planning, preparing, and cleanup.
Light housekeeping: Assistance with laundry, ironing, changing linens, kitchen/bathroom cleaning and organizing, etc.
Companionship: Encouraging friendly and supportive conversation, active thinking (structuring pastimes, hobbies, and games), light exercise, etc.

About SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills
SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills is the name you can trust in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange and Placentia for personal home care. SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills is part of a national franchise of non-medical home care offices dedicated to providing exceptional and affordable service to anyone of any age. SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, to those in need – including seniors, expectant moms, those suffering from sports injuries and debilitating illnesses, and more. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona & Riverside can be found online at http://www.synergyhomecare.com/agencies/ca/anaheim-hills/ca25 . The location also hosts active social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. Ken and Anna can be reached at 714- 706-1613 and [email protected] .

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What is Heart Failure? – ANAHEIM HILLS

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Heart failure is a common but serious condition that requires medical care. Approximately 5.7 million people in the United States have heart failure, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Heart failure is a health condition in which:

the heart is unable to pump enough blood;
the heart is unable to fill with enough blood; or
the heart is unable to pump blood to the rest of the body with enough force.

“Heart failure develops over time as the heart’s pumping action grows weaker,” according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “The condition can affect the right side of the heart only, or it can affect both sides of the heart. Right-side heart failure occurs if the heart can’t pump enough blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. Left-side heart failure occurs if the heart can’t pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.”

Heart failure currently has no cure. However, treatments—such as medication and lifestyle changes—can help people living with heart failure lead longer and active lives. Conditions that damage or overwork the heart muscle—such as ischemic heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, and cardiomyopathy—can cause heart failure. Alcohol or drug abuse, thyroid disorders, and cancer treatments (radiation and chemotherapy) can also lead to heart failure.

The most common signs and symptoms of heart failure are:

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Fatigue (tiredness)
Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and veins in the neck

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, factors that increase risk for hear failure include:

Aging can weaken the heart muscle. Heart failure is a leading cause of hospital stays among people on Medicare.
African Americans are more likely to have heart failure than people of other races.
Excess weight puts strain on the heart. Being overweight also increases your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Heart attack. Damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack and can weaken the heart muscle and its functioning.

Are you and your senior parent ready to pursue heart-healthy living and reduce the risk for heart failure? Check out Mayo Clinic’s heart-healthy tips to prevent heart complications and promote healthy living:

Control your and your senior parent’s portion size. Use a small plate or bowl to help control your and your senior parent’s portion size. Eat larger portions of low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and smaller portions of high-calorie, high-sodium foods, such as refined, processed, or fast foods.
Fill your and your senior parent’s plate with more fruits and vegetables. Fresh and frozen vegetables and fruits, low-sodium canned vegetables, and canned fruit packed in juice or water are good sources of vitamins and minerals, are low in calories, and are rich in dietary fiber. Keep vegetables washed and cut in your aging parent’s refrigerator for quick snacks. Keep fruit in a bowl in their kitchen so that they’ll remember to eat it. Choose recipes that have vegetables or fruits as the main ingredients.
Opt for whole grains. Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. Who grain products include whole wheat flour, 100 percent whole grain bread, high-fiber cereal, and other whole grains such as brown rice, whole grain pasta, and oatmeal.
Swap high-fat meats with low-fat protein sources. Incorporate lean meats, such as poultry and fish, low-fat dairy products, and eggs into your senior parent’s diet. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood fats called triglycerides. Legumes, such as beans, peas, and lentils, are also good sources of protein.
Reduce the sodium in your and your senior parent’s food. Consuming high amounts of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and heart complications. Steer clear of table salt, canned soup, prepared dinners, tomato juice, and condiments. Instead, integrate herbs, spices, and salt-free seasonings into your senior parent’s meals. If your senior parent enjoys the convenience of canned and frozen meals, opt for reduced-salt versions.
Limit unhealthy fats. Unhealthy fats can lead to high blood cholesterol levels and buildup of plaques in your arteries, which can increase your and your senior parent’s risk of heart complications. You can limit unhealthy fats by swapping butter, margarine, and other fats with olive, canola, vegetable, and nut oils.
Plan ahead and create daily menus. Healthy eating starts with planning. Help your senior parent plan and prepare healthy meals throughout the week. This helps reduce uncertainty during mealtime and takes the guessing out of healthy eating.
Exercise. Exercise helps to reduce risk of multiple chronic diseases and heart complications.

If your senior parent lives alone and you’re concerned that they’re not leading a heart-healthy lifestyle, call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. Our in-home caregivers can ensure that your senior parent receives high-quality, compassionate care. SYNERGY HomeCare’s in-home caregivers provide a wide range of home care services, including:

Adapting your parent’s home environment to enhance safety and independence
Providing transportation for medical, community, and social appointments
Providing reminders for medication
Providing enhanced social activities appropriate to the needs of your parent
Offering meal planning and preparation to ensure good nutritional support
Providing personal care services including grooming, personal hygiene, and dressing
Helping with household tasks

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4 Important Health Screenings for Men- ANAHEIM HILLS

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

June is Men’s Health Month, a national observance to raise awareness about health care for men. Men die 5 years earlier than women and die at higher rates from heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important health screenings for men age 50 years and older include blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate cancer, and colon cancer screenings.

Blood pressure. High blood pressure (also referred to as HBP, or hypertension) is when your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease or failure, vision loss, and other health complications.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of chest pain, heart attack, and stroke. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries. Factors that increase the risk of bad cholesterol include poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, age, and diabetes, according to Mayo Clinic.
Prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men and “grows slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly,” according to Mayo Clinic. Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer include trouble urinating, blood in semen, decreased force in the stream of urine, discomfort in the pelvic area, bone pain, and erectile dysfunction.

Colon cancer. Colon (colorectal) cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. Colon cancer occurs in the colon or rectum. The most effective way to reduce your risk of colon cancer is to receive routine colon cancer screenings. Colorectal polyps and cancer do not always show symptoms, but some symptoms may include blood in your stool, weight loss, and stomach pain, aches, or cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If your senior parent needs assistance with going to the doctor, making appointments, eating a healthy diet, and managing their medications, call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers provide quality, compassionate, top-notch care to help your aging parent maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills in-home caregivers provide many in-home care services, which include:

Errands and Transportation Support

Incidental transportation
Schedule planning and assistance
Errand services (grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, etc.)

Meal Preparation

Complete meal preparation
Assistance with meal planning
Mealtime feeding assistance

Light Housekeeping Assistance

Assistance with light gardening
Kitchen cleaning and organizing
Bathroom cleaning and organizing
Laundry and ironing

Personal Care Assistance

Dressing and bathing assistance
Assistance with getting in and out of bed and chairs
Assistance with getting to and from the restroom
Assistance with incontinence or adult briefs

Companionship Services

Friendly and supporting conversation
Help with planning social activities
Light exercise encouragement

24-Hour and Live-In Care

Dependable and reliable service
Communication with family members
Maintaining a care journal
Medication management
Rotating caregivers

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In-Home Injury Prevention for Your Senior Parent-ANAHEIM HILLS

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans, according to the National Council on Aging. One in four older adults falls each year. In order to help your senior parent reduce their risk for falls and other injuries that may occur at home, ensure that they:

Visit their primary care physician. Seniors should see their doctor at least once a year for an annual physical exam and discuss injury and fall risk. “Certain health issues can increase the risk of falling, such as leg weakness, mobility problems, and balance issues,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Doctors or pharmacists can also review all the medicines an older adult takes, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements.”

Improve their strength and balance. Low-impact exercises for older adults include:

Brisk walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, and biking, which can increase your senior parent’s breathing and heart rate.
Strength and balance exercises, which can help strengthen your senior parent’s muscles.
Flexibility exercises and stretching, which can help your aging parent’s body stay limber.

Check for safety to avoid home hazards. Simple measures such as removing clutter from walkways, removing throw rugs, and ensuring there is plenty of light can all reduce the risk of falling.

The average hospital cost for a fall-related injury is over $30,000, according to the National Council on Aging. Falls, with or without injury, carry a heavy burden on quality of life. After a fall, many older adults develop a fear of falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. If your senior parent struggles with balance, reduced muscle strength, poor vision, or medication side effects, they may be at risk for enduring a fall. Help your senior parent avoid falling and build confidence in their mobility by following these tips:

Encourage your aging parent to use a cane or walker
Prevent slips by purchasing your senior parent rubber-soled shoes and non-skid socks
Encourage your senior parent to walk on grass when sidewalks are slick
Place salt or cat litter on icy sidewalks
Keep rooms free of clutter, especially on floors
Use plastic or carpet runners on slippery floors and walkways (make sure plastic and carpets have skid-proof backs or are tacked to the floor)
Ensure that the home is well-lit with ample lighting
Put grab bars on bathroom walls near the tub, shower, and toilet
Use a non-skid bath mat in the shower or tub
Place a flashlight next to your senior parent’s bed

If you’re unable to regularly check in on your aging parent, and you fear that your senior parent is at-risk for a fall injury in their own home, call SYNERGY Homecare Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. Our in-home caregivers can help reduce your senior parent’s fall risk by ensuring that your aging parent lives in a safe home environment. SYNERGY Homecare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills in-home caregivers can assist your senior parent with cleaning, organizing, and de-cluttering their home. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers can also help your senior parent stay independent and reduce the risk of falling by encouraging light exercise, helping them connect with their doctor to review their medications, and assisting them with the coordination of installing shower and bathtub grab bars and railings. SYNERGY HomeCare’s in-home caregivers provide a wide range of home care services, including:

Adapting your parent’s home environment to enhance safety and independence
Providing transportation for medical, community, and social appointments
Providing reminders for medication
Providing enhanced social activities appropriate to the needs of your parent
Offering meal planning and preparation to ensure good nutritional support
Providing personal care services including grooming, personal hygiene, and dressing
Helping with household tasks

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5 COVID-19 Tips for Dementia Caregivers- ANAHEIM HILLS

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

“Most likely, dementia does not increase risk for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus, just like dementia does not increase risk for flu,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association. “However, dementia-related behaviors, increased age, and common health conditions that often accompany dementia may increase risk.”

Does your senior parent live with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia? COVID-19 creates unique challenges for families impacted by dementia. If your aging parent lives with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, consider the following tips provided by the Alzheimer’s Association:

For people living with dementia, increased confusion is often the first symptom of any illness. If your aging parent living with dementia shows rapidly increased confusion, contact their health care provider for advice. Unless your parent is having difficulty breathing or a very high fever, it is recommended that you call their health care provider instead of going directly to an emergency room. Your aging parent’s doctor may be able to treat them without a visit to the hospital.
Your parent living with dementia may need extra and/or written reminders and support to remember important hygienic practices from one day to the next. Reminders and support can be provided by: 1) placing signs in the bathroom and elsewhere to remind them to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, and 2) demonstrating thorough hand washing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be a quick alternative to hand washing if your senior parent cannot get to a sink or wash their hands easily.
Ask your aging parent’s pharmacist or doctor about filling prescriptions for a greater number of days to reduce trips to the pharmacy.
Think ahead and make alternative plans for your senior parent should adult day care or respite care services be modified or cancelled in response to COVID-19.
Think ahead and make alternative plans for care management if you should become sick.

We at SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills know that being a family caregiver is an incredibly stressful and demanding role. COVID-19 adds an even more challenging layer to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Because Alzheimer’s disease affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, it’s extremely difficult for a person with Alzheimer’s disease to manage their health and wellness, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating illness that severely impacts the life of your senior parent. Their ability to function decreases significantly, and their health can deteriorate drastically without proper care.

Are you able to care for your senior parent living with dementia? Are you able to ensure that your senior parent exercises COVID-19 precautions such as frequent hand washing and cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects? If you’re finding that the demands of caring for your senior parent are affecting your life and the quality of care for your senior parent, call SYNERGY Homecare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers are highly skilled and trained to care for your loved one living with dementia in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our in-home caregivers help to:

Adapt your parent’s home environment to enhance safety and independence.
Provide transportation for medical, community, and social appointments.
Provide reminders for medication.
Provide enhanced social activities appropriate to the needs of your parent.
Offer meal planning and preparation to ensure good nutritional support.
Provide personal care services including grooming, personal hygiene, and dressing.
Help with household tasks.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at alz.org.

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4 Ways In-Home Care Combats Loneliness and Social Isolation- ANAHEIM HILLS

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Nearly 42 million Americans identify as being lonely. More than 40 percent of those age 65 years and older experience loneliness, often reporting that they lack companionship and emotional support as they age. “Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death,” according to the National Institute on Aging.

Public health actions, such as COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines, have enhanced loneliness and social isolation for millions of seniors, which can increase stress and threaten physical safety and emotional health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:

Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.
Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Worsening of chronic health problems.
Worsening of mental health conditions.
Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances.

If your senior parent lives alone, Hire a SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills in-home caregiver. Providing your parent with in-home care can help promote your senior parent’s independence and prevent social isolation. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills in-home caregivers provide companionship services to help your senior parent combat the loneliness that is often caused by social isolation and further heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills caregivers can:

Provide friendly and supportive conversation. Seniors often long to reminisce – to relive happy memories, affirm who they are, or gain insights about their life. When your senior parent longs to reminisce about life experiences, favorite personal stories, or grandchildren, an in-home caregiver can be there as a friendly and attentive listener.
Plan engaging activities. Staying active and maintaining a level of independence are important for the health and happiness of your senior parent. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers, who are here to make the best of every moment for your aging parent, can help your loved one schedule phone and video calls with family members and friends during this time of physical distancing.
Encourage light exercise. We all know that exercise is key to good health, but it may especially be true for seniors. By participating in activities seniors enjoy, they can gain greater mobility, quality of life, and independence. Nevertheless, they still may need a little motivation. Our in-home caregivers can accompany your family member on walks and encourage regular light exercise.
Encourage active thinking. As part of our companion services for seniors, our in-home caregivers can help structure pastimes, hobbies, and games to keep your senior parent interactive, engaged, and stimulated.

If you’re concerned about the health and wellness of your aging parent, call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. At SYNERGY HomeCare our number one priority is always the safety and well-being of our clients and caregivers. Our highly dependable, compassionate, and trained in-home caregivers can help your senior parent stay healthy, independent, and safe at home. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills practices the following safety measures:

Temperature checks
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves and masks
Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer

SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers follow strict safety measures all while working to:

Adapt your parent’s home environment to enhance safety and independence.
Provide transportation for medical, community, and social appointments.
Provide reminders for medication.
Provide enhanced social activities appropriate to the needs of your parent.
Offer meal planning and preparation to ensure good nutritional support.
Provide personal care services including grooming, personal hygiene, and dressing.
Help with household tasks

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What to Expect After Your Senior Parent Suffers from a Stroke- ANAHEIM HILLS

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

“Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “About 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year.” Conditions that increase the risk for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and common heart disorders including coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation. The signs of stroke in both men and women include sudden:

Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, mostly on one side of the body.
Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
Trouble seeing.
Trouble walking or loss of balance.
Severe headache.

If you believe your senior parent may be suffering from a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and follow the steps below:

Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.

It’s critical to call an ambulance immediately to ensure your senior parent receives the proper treatment immediately. Recovery time after suffering from a stroke varies – it can take weeks, months, or even years for a person to recover, and some may suffer from long-term or lifelong disabilities. According to the CDC, after-stroke complications can include:

Paralysis, weakness, or both on one side of the body.
Trouble with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory.
Problems understanding or forming speech.
Trouble controlling or expressing emotions.
Numbness or strange sensations.
Pain in the hands and feet that worsens with movement and temperature changes.
Trouble with chewing and swallowing.
Problems with bladder and bowel control.

Stoke recovery can be difficult, strenuous, and defeating. If your senior parent suffers from a stroke and is hospitalized, stay proactive and call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills before they are discharged so that our in-home caregivers can support your senior loved one through the long-term recovery process. Stroke recovery may include speech, occupational, and physical therapy.

Synergy HomeCare Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills in-home caregivers are experienced and trained to help your senior parent regain their health and independence. Our in-home caregivers provide hourly assistance or around-the-clock care to help:

Provide companionship to your senior parent, helping to calm anxiety, stress, and depression common among stroke patients.
Coordinate and schedule with doctors, therapists, and specialists.
Offer medication reminders for treatment and prevention.
Provide transportation to various appointments.
Report your senior parent’s health and progress.
Assist with bathing, dressing, and personal care.
Help with housekeeping and meal preparation.
Avoid falls and injury.

SYNERGY HomeCare’s in-home caregivers can also help your senior parent lead a healthy lifestyle that may help to prevent another stroke. The CDC reports that one in four strokes each year are recurrent. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers can help your senior parent lower their risk by providing healthy meals, managing medications, and helping your parent communicate with health care professionals.

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Alzheimer’s Disease in California- ANAHEIM HILLS

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The Alzheimer’s Association released its 2020 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, which provides an in-depth look at the latest statistics and information on Alzheimer’s prevalence, incidence, mortality, costs of care, and impact on caregivers in the United States and in California. The statistics show that the Alzheimer’s burden in the U.S. and our state continues to grow. Here are some key takeaways from the report:

More people are living with the disease. An estimated 5.8 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s dementia in 2020, including 690,000 people in California. The number of people with Alzheimer’s dementia in California is expected to rise to 840,000 by year 2025.

More family and friends are serving as Alzheimer’s caregivers. In California, 1.624 million caregivers provided a total of 1.849 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at a total of $24.245 billion.

Death rates from Alzheimer’s continue to climb. Deaths due to Alzheimer’s have increased an alarming 146% since 2000, while deaths for other major diseases remained flat or decreased. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. It’s also the fifth-leading cause of death for people 65 and older and of women of any age.

The costs are unsustainable. For the fourth consecutive year the cost of caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s is surpassing a quarter of a trillion dollars. Here in California, the Medicaid costs of caring for people with Alzheimer’s is estimated at $4.197 billion. These costs are projected to increase by 24.7% over the next 5 years. California’s per capita Medicare spending on people with dementia has reached $32,940.

Additionally, this year’s special report examines primary care physicians’ and the medical profession’s readiness to meet the growing demands for dementia care in America. A new nationwide survey finds nearly 9 in 10 primary care physicians (87%) expect to see an increase in people living with dementia during the next 5 years, but half (50%) say the medical profession is not prepared to meet this demand.

Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior, often progresses slowly in stages – mild (early stage), moderate (middle stage), and severe (late stage), according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia include:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
Challenges in planning or solving problems.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure.
Confusion with time or place.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
New problems with words in speaking or writing.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
Decreased or poor judgment.
Withdrawal from work or social activities.
Changes in mood and personality.

We at SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills know that being a family caregiver is an incredibly stressful, exhausting, and demanding role. Because Alzheimer’s disease affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, it’s extremely difficult for a person with Alzheimer’s disease to manage their health and wellness. Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating illness that severely impacts the life of your senior parent. Their ability to function decreases significantly, and their health can deteriorate drastically without proper care.

Are you able to care for your senior parent suffering from Alzheimer’s disease? If you’re finding that the demands of caring for your senior parent are affecting your life and the quality of care for your senior parent, call SYNERGY Homecare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers are highly skilled and trained to care for your loved one living with dementia. Our in-home caregivers help to:

Adapt your parent’s home environment to enhance safety and independence.
Provide transportation for medical, community, and social appointments.
Provide reminders for medication.
Provide enhanced social activities appropriate to the needs of your parent.
Offer meal planning and preparation to ensure good nutritional support.
Provide personal care services including grooming, personal hygiene, and dressing.
Help with light household tasks.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at alz.org.

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How to Detect and Prevent Malnutrition in Your Senior Parent-ANAHEIM HILLS

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Malnutrition is a serious health issue that affects the senior population. Malnutrition and unintentional weight loss in seniors can cause significant declines in health, resulting in:

A weakened immune system, which increases the risk of infection.
Muscle weakness and decreased bone mass, which increases the risk of falls.
An increased risk of hospitalization, as well as an increased risk of death.

Are you concerned that your senior parent may be malnourished? Mayo Clinic reports that the causes of malnutrition are varied, often resulting from a combination of physical, social, and psychological issues. Health issues related to malnutrition include:

Age-related changes.Changes in taste, smell, and appetite generally decline as your senior parent ages, making it more difficult for them to enjoy food.
Disease-related inflammation and illnesses can contribute to declines in appetite and changes in how the body processes food.
Impairment in ability to eat.Difficulty chewing or swallowing, poor dental health, or limited ability in handling tableware can contribute to malnutrition and unintentional weight loss.
Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.Behavioral or memory problems from Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can result in forgetting to eat, not buying groceries, or forgetting how to prepare meals.
Some medications can affect appetite or the ability to absorb nutrients.
Limited income.Older adults may have trouble affording groceries or healthy foods, especially if they’re taking expensive medications.
Older adults who eat alone may lose interest in cooking and eating.
Grief, loneliness, failing health, lack of mobility, and other factors might contribute to depression, which can also contribute to loss of appetite.
Too much alcohol can interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Misuse of alcohol may result in poor eating habits.

Is your senior parent experiencing muscle weakness, increased illness, or unintentional weight loss? If so, your aging parent may need assistance with monitoring and increasing their nutritional health. If you’re unable to identify the causes of your senior parent’s malnutrition, weight loss, increased doctor’s visits, and other health issues, call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. SYNERGY HomeCare’s highly skilled, trained, and compassionate in-home caregivers can help you and your senior parent take the necessary steps to monitor their nutritional health and weight loss and identify the various risk factors of malnutrition. SYNERGY HomeCare’s in-home caregivers can help to follow these Mayo Clinic tips to ensure that your senior parent lives a healthy, independent lifestyle:

Monitor weight. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers will help your senior parent monitor their weight at home and keep a weekly record, if requested by their doctor.

Observe habits. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers can observe your senior parent’s eating and drinking habits throughout the day and document what kinds of food are eaten and how much.

Keep track of medications. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers are trained to assist with medication management. Our in-home caregivers can help your senior parent keep a record of all medications, the reason for each medication, dosages, treatment schedules, and possible side effects.

Help with meal plans. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers can help plan healthy meals, prepare a shopping list, go grocery shopping, and prepare healthy meals for your senior parent.

Encourage light exercise. Daily exercise and movement can stimulate appetite and strengthen bones and muscles. SYNERGY’s in-home caregivers can accompany your senior parent on walks and encourage other forms of light exercise.

The post How to Detect and Prevent Malnutrition in Your Senior Parent-ANAHEIM HILLS appeared first on SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills.

Protect Your Senior Parent from Elder Fraud and Scams- ANAHEIM HILLS

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Five million cases of elder fraud occur in the United States each year, resulting in $27.4 billion in losses, according to an article published by U.S. News & World Report. “Elder fraud is an act targeting older adults in which attempts are made to deceive with promises of goods, services, or financial benefits that do not exist, were never intended to be provided, or were misrepresented,” according to the StopFraud.gov Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The majority of victims do not report elder fraud due to embarrassment.

The National Council on Aging reports the following as the top 10 financial scam that target seniors:

Medicare/health insurance scams.
Counterfeit prescription drugs.
Funeral and cemetery scams.
Fraudulent anti-aging products.
Telemarketing/phone scams.
Internet fraud.
Investment schemes.
Homeowner/reverse mortgage scams.
Sweepstakes and lottery scams.
The grandparent scam.

In order to protect your senior parent from fraud, follow these three tips provided by Consumer Reports:

Regularly call or visit your aging loved one. Regular calls and visits to your senior parent will help you stay connected and identify any changes in your senior’s relationships, environment, and behaviors. If your aging parent suddenly has a new friend, becomes socially isolated, or is hesitant to communicate, it could indicate that your senior parent’s behaviors or decisions are being influenced.
Help your senior parent block solicitations. Commercial mail solicitations can be reduced by contacting the Direct Marketing Association’s mail preference service. Reduce the amount of robocalls your senior parent may receive by contacting your parent’s phone service and inquiring about their anti-robocall service, using a third-party call-blocking service or device, or using a call-screening tool.
Arrange for financial safeguards. If you’re concerned about your senior parent’s financial decisions, set up a small account – separate from larger accounts – with a debit card and spending limit. This will help you and your parent protect their finances. You can also work with your senior parent’s financial institution and arrange to receive account statements and alerts to help monitor funds and potential fraud activity.

Does your senior parent live alone, or visit the doctor’s office, bank, or other locations on their own? Your aging parent may be at risk for fraud or identity theft. Help your senior parent stay safe and independent in their own home by working with SYNERGY HomeCare Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills.

At SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills, we know how hard it is to entrust someone else with the health, safety, and happiness of your senior parent. You may wonder, “Can I trust this person in my senior parent’s home? Will my senior parent feel comfortable with their caregiver?”

To protect you and your family, SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills takes on the responsibility of employing and managing your in-home caregiver. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills in-home caregivers are dependable and properly screened. Each SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, and Anaheim Hills caregiver is:

A W-2 employee
Bonded and insured
Experienced and dependable
Screened through a national criminal background check
Trained, receiving quality assurance and performance evaluations

Call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills today to ensure that your senior parent leads a safe and independent life.

The post Protect Your Senior Parent from Elder Fraud and Scams- ANAHEIM HILLS appeared first on SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills.