Sleep Disorders in Seniors

Sleep disorders are quite common in seniors and are related to several things, including the use of tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol, or unhealthy sleep habits and comorbid diseases. As you get older, sleeping patterns change causing problems such as trouble falling asleep, not getting quality sleep, or waking up frequently during the night.

Here are some of the most common sleep disorders among the elderly:

1. Insomnia: When seniors are suffering from insomnia, they have difficulty falling asleep at night. The common causes on Insomnia are: poor sleep patterns, medical illness, stress, lack of physical activity, isolation and more.

2. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders: The brain releases serotonin and melatonin when darkness falls as a signal to the brain that it is time to sleep. However, due to circadian rhythm disorders, the brain does not respond to such signals. As a result, serotonin levels become inadequate, which results in erratic sleep or wake patterns.

 

3. Obstructive sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in older people as compared to younger adults. Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include use of certain medications, excessive daytime sleep, diabetes, consumption of alcohol, genetic factors, smoking, and obesity. Loud snoring is often the first symptom that an older adult is suffering from sleep apnea.

4. Rapid eye movement sleep-behavior disorder: This is caused by the loss of normal skeletal muscle Antonia during the stage of sleep. Patients with this sleep-behavior disorder appear to react to their dreams and may punch, kick, or jump out of bed in response to dream imagery.</li>

5. Hypersomnia: Hypersomnia refers to excessive sleep. People who have hypersomnia can fall asleep at any time. For instance, at work or while they are driving. Head injuries often result in hypersomnia.

A good night’s sleep can be achieved with proper treatment, plus some dietary and lifestyle changes. However, if you are unable to manage your health issues that are causing disturbed sleep, you should look for professional care.

If your health is constantly declining, you can also consider moving to assisted living facility where you will receive the right level of care and support you need. To find the right Assisted Living Community In Columbus, get in touch with Always Best Care. For more information, call (614) 284-6764.

The Importance of Laughter for the Elderly

Laughter often prompts a joyful attitude towards life and has quite a few benefits. It helps you to maintain a positive attitude and stay strong to face challenges and hard times. When it comes to the elderly, laughter can help treat many common diseases like dementia, cancer, or heart conditions. Seniors who laugh a lot are also most likely to live longer and healthier lives.

Here are some more amazing benefits of laughter for seniors:

Reduces Stress Hormone Levels

By reducing the level of stress hormones, the anxiety and stress that impacts your body is cut down. So, the next time you feel stressed for whatever reason, try and cheer yourself up with your favorite comedy show or movie, amusing comic strips or a funny book.

Lowers blood pressure

Research shows that people who laugh even in tough times have lower blood pressure than the average person. You may see a rise during and right after laughing but, quickly drop to normal shortly after. Try to laugh as much as possible.

Leads to the Release of Endorphins 

Endorphins establish a positive state of mind and increase optimism, self-esteem, self-confidence and feelings of self-regard. They also improve mental alertness.

Enhances Immune System

Negative thoughts can affect your body by developing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. On the other hand, positive thoughts can help fight stress and other serious health issues. So, laugh out loud to gain positive thoughts and give your immune system a bit of a boost.

Promotes Better Sleep

        

Laughter helps improve quality of sleep, which is usually affected by various sleep disorders like insomnia or Circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Increases Personal Satisfaction

Laughter can make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It can also help you connect with other people and spread happiness.

So, practice Laughter Yoga, watch comedy movies, enjoy TV shows, or do anything that makes you laugh.

Seniors who find it difficult to manage their health at home can choose to move to Assisted Living. For the best Assisted Living options in Central Ohio, contact Always Best, a trusted senior care organization operating successfully since 1996. Call (614) 284-6764 to find out how they can assist you.

Why Aging Parents Refuse to Take Help

Watching your aging parents struggle with physical and mental decline can be difficult. It can be even more frustrating if they refuse your help. It is especially important to understand why they feel and act this way. Consider some of the following reasons your parent may refuse help from you or other members of the family.

• Seniors do not want to lose their independence. They may think that by asking for your help, they may become dependent on you or that you might consider them as a burden.
• Parents still consider you as a kid no matter how old you are. As they were taking care of you since the beginning, they may struggle to accept this switch in the roles.
• Seniors don’t want to trouble you by asking for help as they don’t want to add one more thing to your list of responsibilities.
• It’s possible that your senior loved one might be worried about the cost of certain types of care they need.


What can you do?
• Once you understand the reasons why your parents refuse help, it’s important to learn how to better communicate in order to help them.
• Spend quality time with them more often. Carefully observe and try to figure out what type of help they need. Listen to them attentively while they are speaking or sharing something with you.
• Talk to them politely without getting irritated and try to make them comfortable so that they can ask for help without any hesitation.
• Be patient and do not give up - at any cost. If they do not want your help with something, accept their refusal the first time, give them some time to think, and try again later.

If your aging parent is refusing your help, hopefully these tips will help. If you are unable to give them the time they need, consider moving them to an assisted living facility where they would get proper care. Contact Always Best Care for the best Assisted Living placement services in westerville, OH. Call them at (614) 284-6764.

Steps to Follow When Looking for an Assisted Living Facility

Are you looking for an Assisted Living facility for your aging loved one in Central Ohio? With so many options available, choosing the right facility can be a challenging task. You need to make sure that you consider a number of important options along with the needs and requirements of your senior family member. Here are some basic tips that can help you find the best Assisted Living facility for your aging loved one.

· Visit the facility – First, shortlist a few reputed Assisted Living facilities in your area. Visit each of the facilities and learn more about the different services that they offer. Make sure to talk to the managers of the facility, the care providers and the residents to learn more about the assisted living facility and their service.

· Take a look around – Does the facility has clean and hygienic surrounding? Do they have enough space for recreational activities? When visiting the assisted living facility, take a look around the property and ensure they have everything to suit your loved one’s needs. Watch out the staff, from caregivers to maintenance, treats the residents.

· Talk to other residents – Make sure to talk to their residents of the facility. Are they happy with the services at the facility? Do they have access to other activities and recreational programs?

· Consider your budget – Compare the cost of a few reputed Assisted Living facilities in your area. Choose the one that best suits both your needs and your budget. There is no point of overspending when there is an affordable facility nearby.

When looking for Assisted Living Facilities in Central Ohio, contact Always Best Care today. They have experienced care coordinators who understand the needs of each client and assisted in finding suitable senior living options. Call (614) 284-6764 for free assisted living referral services.

Seniors: Drink Tea For Great Health Benefits

Tea is the second most consumed beverage on the planet. The first is water. Tea has been in existence for thousands of years, and through the millennia countless people have benefited both mentally with its soothing comfort and physically with its range of health benefits. Various teas afford various benefits, read on to learn more:

• Chamomile. Everyone loves a spot of chamomile tea at the end of the day to ease stress and transition into bedtime. But, did you know that chamomile tea (it comes from a flower), is also abundant in antioxidants and flavanoids, which means while you’re enjoying the taste and the comfort of this tea, you are also reaping of the benefits of an improved immune system. It also relieves the symptoms of menstruation.
• Rose hip tea. Also derived from a flower (the rose), this tea is among the top sources of vitamin C. It has enormous benefits for the skin and body tissues, and it also strengthens the immune system. There’s a reason why your mother always said to drink a cup of tea when you had a cold!
• Ginger tea. Ginger is a stimulant, and it will help give you energy (so you might not want to drink it in the evening before bedtime), unless of course, you’re suffering from an upset belly or nausea. In this instance, ginger tea will help soothe it.
• Peppermint tea. Chocked full of antioxidants, peppermint tea boosts immunity and actually lowers your risk of having cold and flu symptoms. It also relieves motion sickness, and vomiting and nausea.
• Green tea. Loaded with flavanoids and antioxidants, green tea helps reduce disease and illness. Green tea may be the King of Teas in this respect. It’s also chock full of Vitamin E and C, and can lower your chances of developing certain types of cancers.

Remember, drink tea daily for optimal effects. Drinking tea will also have positive impacts on your mood, energy, and overall well-being.

Always Best Care has been in the senior care giving industry for the past 20 years. Seniors who live in the North Columbus area, who are interested in learning about non-medical senior care in Central Ohio, or elder care assistance in Central Ohio, are encouraged to call the Always Best Care North Columbus location at 614-284-6764 to set up a free consultation.

Seniors: Find Quality & Compassionate Memory Care In Central Ohio With Always Best Care

Since 1996, Always Best Care has been providing quality and compassionate memory care to seniors all over the United States and Canada. During that time, their skilled and talented caregivers have logged over three million hours helping 25,000 seniors maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. The Always Best Care caregivers are always employees, never contractors, and they are also licensed, bonded, and insured, and undergo a thorough background check to ensure the safety and peace of mind of senior clients and their families.

Seniors who live in the North Columbus area, who are interested in receiving information about memory care in Central Ohio, or who are curious about assisted living placement in North Columbus, are encouraged to call the Always Best Care North Columbus location to set up a free care consultation. During this consultation, a professional care coordinator will visit with you and your family and discuss all of your needs – including medical, nutritional, physical, social, spiritual, etc. All of this information is compiled into a customized care plan that will be modified as your individual needs change.

Services that are Provided by Always Best Care Caregivers

Seniors who choose to stay in their home during their retirement years often need a little help accomplishing various tasks around the house. Sometimes when certain issues set in like diabetes or arthritis, it becomes more difficult to successfully complete all of the daily household chores. That’s where the Always Best Care caregivers can help. They provide services that fall within the home helper, companion, and personal care categories, and they do it with dedication and compassion. Some of these services include:

• Companionship and conversation
• Meal preparation
• Light housekeeping
• Laundry
• Changing bed linens and making beds
• Supervising home maintenance
• Escorting to various locations like worship services, grocery stores, medical appointments
• Assistance with eating, walking, bathing, dressing, etc. as needed

Seniors: What To Know About Aging & Paranoia

Sometimes, as people age, they can develop a paranoia that upsets and worries their family, friends, and caregivers. The most important aspect to consider when it comes to paranoia in a senior is the frequency and the severity of it. First, and foremost, don’t dismiss the senior’s claims – perhaps they think that someone is stealing their mail, or that their money is being stolen. Don’t immediately believe that the senior is “just being paranoid.” Investigate the claims, but consider that if the senior is exhibiting the following symptoms, they may be suffering from a medical condition.

What are the Symptoms of Paranoia?

• The senior is feeling that they are being unjustly persecuted.

• The senior is seeing or hearing things (people, animals, etc.) that aren’t there.(While this is a  symptom of paranoia, it may also be a side effect of a medication,or vision problems).

• The senior is feeling intense agitation and stress that has no obvious reason why.

• The senior is hearing strange noises (this may have a basis in reality – check for plumbing issues,  tree limbs scratching on the house, pests in the walls, etc.).

• The senior is certain that people are talking about them being their back (this could be related to the  senior’s hearing aid, so check with their audiologist).

What are Some Reasons for Senior Paranoia?

• Certain types of medications can create paranoid delusions. Check with the pharmacist and/or  doctor.

• Delirium.

• Brain tumor.

• Alzheimer’s disease.

• Dementia.

• Vascular damage resulting from a head injury or stroke.

• Urinary tract infections that have gone untreated.

• Cognitive impairment.

What Can Caregivers Do?

• Always treat the senior with love and respect, listen thoughtfully to them and their fears.

• Always be patient and understanding.

• Reassure the senior, but also provide viable explanations to explain how they are feeling.

• Keep a log of the senior’s behavior to show a medical professional in the future.

• Keep in mind that most instances of paranoia can be treated.

Seniors living in the Columbus area, who are interested in learning about Alzheimer’s care in Central Ohio or about assisted living placement, are invited to contact the Always Best Care North Columbus location at 614-284-6764 to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to hearing from you!