Rock Hill Senior Care: How Does Aging Effect Memory?

By Phil Davidson
As your parents get older, you may notice that they forget certain details about their day or week. While severe memory loss is something that should be addressed by a medical professional, the aging process naturally brings about a certain degree of memory loss. The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, and Sharon, know that any slips in your elderly loved one's memory may cause you to worry. To help you understand how the aging process naturally causes such lapses in memory, here are a few pieces of important information.

• Memory loss is caused, ultimately, by the inability of the brain to work as efficiently as it once did as it ages.


• The areas of the brain that are associated with cognitive function—including memory—are those that are most often impacted by this slowing down of mental activity.


• Memories are created through two processes: encoding and retrieving. Encoding occurs when a memory is stored by the brain cells. Retrieval takes place when stored memories are recalled.


• The inefficiency experienced by the brain due to age interferes with the encoding process. The brain cannot keep up with the demand to make new memories throughout the day. As such, small details, such as what an individual had for lunch two days ago, may go missing.
• \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\hort-term memories are those most impacted by this form of memory loss. Long-term memories, including knowledge and facts, are most often untouched by the aging process' effects on the brain and its ability to maintain memories, as they have already been encoded.

The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill understand that dealing with any form of memory loss can be difficult; however, understanding why this condition is taking place can make it easier to cope with the aging process. If your elderly loved one is experiencing small lapses in short-term memory, their doctor will most likely not be too concerned. But it is important to remember that more severe memory loss, such as that which interferes with daily life, is something that requires medical attention. Should the severity of your senior's memory loss continue to grow, it may prove necessary to find a place for Mom or Dad that can provide them with the support they need—such as a nursing or assisted living community.


Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, visit us at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X


If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's and dementia care, contact the professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill at (803) 329-0079 or visit their website at http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/us/sc/york-county/rock-hill.aspx.


Call Always Best Care of Rock Hill today for your free consultation!

Rock Hill Senior Care - Medication Management: Handling Your Senior's Prescriptions Responsibly

In dealing with Senior Care, medication management commonly falls into the hands of friends and family members who are providing senior care to an elderly loved one. An important responsibility, the task of managing prescriptions involves more than simply filling them and picking them up. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that proper medication management can make the task of providing care a bit easier—and protect the health of your loved one should an emergency arise. 

Stay Organized

By keeping all of your senior's prescriptions, medications, and important medical documents in one location, you can make it extremely easy to access necessary information. Not only will this make daily medication management tasks simpler, it will allow others to quickly find the medical details they need should your elderly loved one have an emergency.

Additionally, keep a calendar or notebook with information regarding which pills are administered when, and in what dosage. This is particularly important if your loved one is taking several prescriptions simultaneously.

Pick a Primary Pharmacist

Having your elderly loved one's prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy will ensure more thorough care. With your senior's records at hand, the pharmacist will more easily detect any potential drug interactions.

But building a relationship with a pharmacist is equally as important. Should you have any questions regarding your loved one's medications, this is the person to whom you should be able to turn.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Go with your elderly loved one to the doctor if they are comfortable with you doing so. Make sure that any questions that either of you have regarding recommended medications are answered. When your senior starts a new medication, ask if they are suffering from any side effects. Is the medication doing what it was prescribed to do? Does the dosage seem to be too high or too low? 

The senior care providers at Always Best Care of Rock Hill understand that medication management may seem a bit overwhelming at first. Certainly, it is an important responsibility. But by staying organized and adhering to these tips, you can ensure that your elderly loved one's prescriptions are managed effectively. Should you need assistance with this task, the professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill are available to help.


We have additional resources available to help you in caring for your senior here in Rock Hill - click to go to our resource page.

We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson
803-329-0079

Senior Services Rock Hill: VA Aid and Attendance Pension - Does Your Senior Qualify?

The VA Aid and Attendance Pension (A&A Pension) was created to assist veterans and their surviving spouses in affording the services of elder care providers. Sometimes referred to as the "Secret Benefit," this particular form of financial aid is often difficult to secure. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that, although approval can take between three and six months, the A & A Pension starts distributing aid during the first month after the application date. By turning to elder care professionals for guidance throughout the A&A Pension application process, individuals can determine if they qualify for the assistance and, if they do, gain approval faster.  

The services covered by the A&A Pension include those required to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, bathing, etc. Additionally, the Pension can contribute to nursing home or assisted living facility expenses for individuals who are blind or mentally or physically incapacitated.

Elderly individuals applying for the A&A Pension must have documentation provided by their doctor confirming that they require daily care. Additionally, applicants must file the appropriate documents. For veterans, the Form 21-526 is required; for surviving spouses, the form 21-534 is required. Additionally, applicants may need a DD-214, separation papers, a medical evaluation, and information about medical conditions, net worth, net income, and current medical expenses.

The amount that the A&A Pension provides on a monthly basis is subject to change, so it is important to contact the VA to find out exactly how much is available. Currently, veterans may receive up to $1,704 per month and surviving spouses may receive up to $1,094 per month. Couples who file together are eligible for up to $2,020 per month. Additionally, a veteran who files with a sick spouse may receive up to $1,338 per month.

Many veterans and their spouses need financial aid to cover the medical and senior care expenses that they incur. Oftentimes, though, information pertaining to financial aid is not always readily available. Elder care professionals encourage seniors and their families to research the benefits and pensions for which they may be eligible. The A&A Pension is a great example of a benefit that is available to veterans and their spouses that many families are unaware of.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of RockHill understand that living on a restricted or fixed income, as many elderly individuals do, can interfere with their ability to access proper care. Individuals are encouraged to contact the professionals at Always Best Care for guidance throughout the application process—which can prove extremely difficult to navigate. By seeking the assistance of senior care professionals, individuals can be referred to a VA-approved attorney and enhance their chances of being approved for the Pension.

We have additional resources available to help you in caring for your senior here in Rock Hill - click to go to our resource page.

We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson 

803-329-0079

Senior Services Rock Hill: What Is the Best Diet for Your Senior?

Maintaining a proper nutrition plan is important during every phase of life; however, it is essential to note that the needs of the body change as people grow older. For this reason, elderly individuals should pay close attention to the foods that they eat.  The home care professionals at Always Best Care Senior Services of RockHill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that meal planning and preparation is often the responsibility of caretakers. As such, it is important for you to know what kinds of foods your senior needs and which foods they should stay away from.

Of course, each body is unique. The dietary needs of individuals may vary, which is why it is important to consult with your elderly loved one's doctor before making any major changes in their nutritional intake. Despite this, there are some dietary standards that you will want to uphold.

·       Limit consumption of sodium and simple carbohydrates. Sodium often leads to water retention, as well as an increase in blood pressure. Simple carbohydrates, as opposed to complex carbohydrates, are more apt to cause weight gain. Additionally, simple carbohydrates can create a spike in blood sugar—which is particularly dangerous for seniors with diabetes.

·       Increase consumption of calcium and fiber. Fiber is a heart-healthy substance that reduces cholesterol and improves the efficiency of the digestive system. Calcium supports strong bones and protects against osteoporosis.

·       Do not vary caloric intake too drastically. Increasing or decreasing the consumption of calories can cause weight gain or loss and exacerbation or development of health conditions. If necessary, your senior's doctor will recommend a daily caloric intake that supports your elderly loved one's nutritional needs without interfering with their health.

·       Increase consumption of "good fats," including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are found in many delicious foods, such as salmon and avocadoes, and assist in reducing "bad" cholesterol and enhancing heart health.

Maintaining a high quality of life, as well as an active lifestyle, is important for seniors. To do so, they must consume the proper nutrition to keep their bodies and minds as strong as possible. The senior care providers at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com)know that, by following these guidelines, you can help your elderly loved one maintain the diet they need to get the most out of life!

We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson 

803-329-0079

Finding the Right Assisted Living Facility in Rock Hill: Where Should You Start?

In Rock Hill and the surrounding area, there are numerous assisted living facilities that cater to the needs of their residents. Although they each offer the same basic services, such as assistance with activities of daily living, meal preparation, and transportation, they may vary in terms of the lifestyle that they provide to their seniors. For this reason, the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, Hickory Grove, and McConnells, encourage you and your senior to carefully consider the options before you when determining which community is best.

Always Best Care offers a complimentary placement service for elderly individuals. This means that they match seniors with the facilities that will best suit their needs and cater to their desired social and community involvement. Here are the steps to take when working with Always Best Care to determine the right placement for your loved one.

1.     Talk to your senior's doctor to confirm that an assisted living facility is the right choice, as opposed to home care or nursing services.

2.     Contact your local Always Best Care organization to speak to a senior care professional regarding your loved one's needs. After providing the necessary information, the Always Best Care representative will use the details you and your senior provide to match your elderly loved one's needs with several local assisted living facilities.

3.     Consider each of the facilities and ask your senior which they are interested in visiting. Let them know that the assisted living placement services come with no obligation, so there is no pressure for them to choose. Talk through each of the options and set up appointments to see the highest contenders in person.

4.     While visiting each facility, take notes regarding the cleanliness, friendliness, and other details of the community. Ask about social events, outings, and other factors that are important to your senior.

5.     After visiting all of the possible facilities, talk with your elderly loved one to determine which they liked the best and which they were not impressed by. If they are ready to commit to one of the communities, go ahead and make the calls necessary to secure their spot.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com/) are dedicated to helping families find the best support for their elderly loved ones. With free assisted living placement, your family can depend upon Always Best Care to find the right senior community for your loved one.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.

Contact us today at (803) 329-0079 or via email at pdavidson@abc-seniors.com for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.

Elder Care Rock Hill: Winterizing Your Senior's Home

During the winter months, the harsh weather can take a toll on the home of your senior. If you are helping to provide in home care, if your loved one's house is not adequately prepared for the season it can negatively impact the comfort of their living space. The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, and other nearby areas, know that winterizing your senior's home is an important concern. As the colder months approach, consider the following ways in which you might prepare your senior's house.

Enhance seals in windows and doors to reduce drafts.

Drafts can actually have a major impact on the comfort of your elderly loved one. As cold air comes into the home, it can decrease the temperature of the living space. This can cause your senior to catch a chill. To avoid this, check all the windows and doors to ensure that they close and seal properly. If necessary, repair any seals that are letting cold air into the home.

Improve insulation to ensure that warmer air stays in the home.

If your senior's attic is not properly insulated, all of the hot air that their heating system creates will rise to the top of the home and escape out of the roof. It is crucial to invest in quality insulation in order to keep your loved one comfortable and reduce their heating costs throughout the winter months.

The market offers a wide range of insulating products, so it is probably a good idea to speak with a home maintenance professional to ensure that you get the right insulation for your senior's home. Additionally, these professionals can instruct you regarding the installation of the new insulation material.

Check the heating system for efficiency.

If the heater has not been run since last winter, it is a good idea to turn it on and walk through the house, making sure that each room is properly heated. If a room isn't getting the heat it should be, have an HVAC professional come check the system for problems. You will also want to ensure that the system has a clean filter.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com) understand that winterizing your loved one's home is an important task this winter. Through your efforts, you can create a more comfortable living area for your elderly loved one. 

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.

Contact us today at (803) 329-0079 or via email at pdavidson@abc-seniors.com for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.

Elder Care Rock Hill: Collaborating with Siblings to Provide Senior Care

 

Elder care and caring for an elderly loved one is no small responsibility. In fact, many individual must quit their jobs in order to provide the elder care and in home care their seniors need. This is why it is important for families to work together to ensure that their loved ones receive the attention they deserve. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as Clover, Hickory Grove, Sharon, and other nearby areas, encourage siblings to collaborate with one another in order to offer the care that their parents and grandparents need.

It is not always easy to get everyone on the same page when it comes to sharing elder care responsibilities. This is particularly true when siblings live in different states or all have families of their own to look after. But it is possible to work together to ensure the safety and health of an elderly loved one. Here are some ideas that siblings may find useful in creating a care plan that works.

• Create a schedule, ensuring that everyone knows when they are responsible for their senior. Make the schedule ahead of time so that siblings are able to plan around the care they are providing.

•  Try to remain flexible whenever possible, as conflicts are certain to arise. For instance, be willing to trade "shifts" with a sibling if their child falls ill and they need to change their schedule. Likewise, ensure that each sibling has time to take vacations and enjoy their own families.

•  If a sibling lives out of state, have them chip in by making doctor's appointments, calling in prescription refills, or even managing finances. This way they can still contribute and are able to alleviate some of the stress from their brothers and sisters who are providing in-home care.

• Ensure that the lines of communication remain open. All siblings must understand the goals of care and when it is time to call in professionals for assistance. Talking with elderly loved ones about this will allow siblings to prepare to enact more intense care options if the need arises.

The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com) know that working with siblings is not always easy; however, sharing senior care responsibilities will allow family members to maintain a balance between caring for their elderly loved ones and raising their own children.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.

Contact us today at (803) 329-0079 or via email at pdavidson@abc-seniors.com for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help. 

In Home Care Rock Hill: Hoarding - How to Remove Clutter from Your Senior's Home

When dealing with In Home Care and Elder Care situations in Rock Hill we come across hoarding issues, a problem that has gained national attention, thanks to documentaries and television shows that spotlight the condition. In addition to creating an uncomfortable living space, hoarding is actually a very dangerous activity. It decreases the ability of a senior to get out of the house in case of an emergency. Additionally, the clutter created by hoarding can actually cause emergencies, such as a fire. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, Sharon, and other nearby areas, know just how important it is to remove the clutter from your elderly loved one's home.

In many cases, hoarding can create lasting emotional issues that are best discussed with a professional. If this is the situation in which you find your elderly loved one, senior care professionals encourage you to address the problem through the use of a therapist. If you find that your loved one will allow you to assist them in cleaning their home, though, go ahead and provide the support they need to get their house in order.

Here are some tips to assist you in creating a safer, cleaner living space for your senior:

1.     Be patient with your senior. The process of cleaning a home after hoarding has occurred is overwhelming, as there is a great deal to do. Keep the project as organized as possible and try not to push your loved one too hard to get things done. The best course of action may be to have them direct you in the work.

2.     Create a system. In each room, designate a box or pile for things that are to be kept, that are to be thrown away, and that are to be donated. Regularly move the boxes or piles as they accumulate so that you can see the results of your hard work. Additionally, removing the items from the space will reduce the chances that your loved one will change their minds and try to keep things that they do not need.

3.     Finish each room as you go. By completing one room at a time, you and your senior can better retain your motivation to finish the task. Cleaning an entire home is a major undertaking; however, seeing the results of your work will allow you to keep your goal at the forefront of your mind. Additionally, finally having rooms free of clutter may encourage your loved one to keep working and, ultimately, stop their hoarding habit.

The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com) know that hoarding can pose a serious threat to the well being of your loved one. By cleaning their home, you can help them overcome this problem.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.

Contact us today at (803) 329-0079 or via email at pdavidson@abc-seniors.com for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.

What Do You Do Now? Where to Turn for Senior Care in Rock Hill

As individuals age, they naturally need assistance with daily activities. Many families step in and provide the basic care that their elderly loved ones require whether it be in home care or other assistance. In numerous cases, the assistance of a family member with housekeeping, grooming, meal preparation, and other simple tasks is enough to ensure that seniors are safe and well-cared for. But there often comes a time when families need the help of senior care professionals to ensure that their loved ones have the support they need to continue aging in place. Or, if necessary, they may need to look into assisted living or nursing facilities. The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, and Sharon, know that the search for qualified caregivers can be daunting; however, they are available to help families determine the best form of care for their loved ones. 

Choosing the Right Form of Care

For families who need professional help caring for their elderly loved ones, there are three options. First, they may turn to in-home care providers. If your senior wants to age in place and owns their home, the services of an in-home care professional may be ideal. This is a great option if your loved one needs basic care and does not required skilled, or medical, assistance. 

Another option is an assisted living facility, which offers 24/7 security and support while providing abundant opportunities for your elderly loved one to remain socially active. These communities host events, provide transportation, and offer assistance with activities of daily living. 

Finally, you may want to look into a skilled nursing facility, or nursing home, if your senior needs medical attention. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals who can provide the high degree of care your loved one needs. 

The professionals at Always Best Care can help you determine what level of support your loved one needs. Additionally, they may be able to assist in matching your senior to a facility that will best meet their expectations. 

Paying for Senior Care

The services of home care, assisted living, and nursing professionals can quickly add up in terms of cost. While it is a worthwhile expense, it is important to prepare for this added bill. Long-term care insurance may be an option, and your family's insurance and financial planning professionals can explain your choices in terms of paying for the care your loved one requires. 

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill encourage you to consider the options available to your loved one when determining the care that they need. Choosing the right professionals to look after your senior is not always easy, but Always Best Care can help.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.

Contact us today at (803) 329-0079 or via email at pdavidson@abc-seniors.com for a free care consultation. We would love to discuss with you how we can help.