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3 HEALTHY SPRING RECIPE IDEAS FOR SENIORS
Spring is in full bloom—flowers are budding, bees are buzzing, and gardens are full of fresh vegetables awaiting their debut! One of the most exciting things about Spring is the anticipation of the bounty of fresh, healthy food that can be grown and enjoyed. With the days getting warmer, preparing light, nutritious meals that don’t require much preparation is a must. Tender baby lettuces, spinach, radishes, zucchini, strawberries, and lots of fresh herbs are some of the season’s first crops, and they can be transformed into a variety of delicious, seasonal recipes. Vegetables can be eaten alone, grilled, or as part of a casserole, whereas herbs can give ordinary dishes a vibrant boost or be blended to make a robust pesto full of flavor. Cooking can be very rewarding and fulfilling. For that reason, seniors who assist with preparing their meals are more likely to eat them! Whether you’re looking for recipes suitable for a light lunch or an easy-to-prepare, hearty dinner, these recipes will entice your palate.
April 28, 2023
HOW TO AVOID SEASONAL DEPRESSION
Have you noticed the air temperature getting colder, hours of daylight getting shorter, and nights getting longer? Well, that means winter is in full swing. And, while many people perceive winter as a joyful time to slow down a bit and spend more time with family and friends, others may have a harder time adjusting to the colder seasons. More than just the "winter blues," seasonal depression can be debilitating. Clinically referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), seasonal depression is characterized by periods of depression, anxiety, and an overall feeling of despair during the winter. SAD is thought to be related to the changes that take place during winter, especially the reduced amount of sunlight hours once daylight savings time ends. Unlike other more severe forms of mental health impairments, SAD can be avoided or treated by implementing a few simple lifestyle adjustments. Here are some easy activities you can put into action to help prevent seasonal depression:
December 17, 2022
MEMORY LOSS: IS IT NORMAL OR SHOULD I SPEAK WITH MY DOCTOR?
From time to time, we all have moments where we forget things. But as we age and forgetfulness and memory loss become more prevalent, it is often hard to distinguish what’s normal and what’s not. Emerest’s Nursing Director, Lauren Weissberg, put together a list of tips and suggestions that can help you better understand memory loss and the steps you should take if you have concerns.
December 10, 2022
SHOWING GRATITUDE FOR LOVED ONES OVER THE HOLIDAYS
Fall ushers in a sense of calm and tranquility, setting the perfect tone for moments of reflection, family togetherness, and heartfelt gratitude. Despite the challenges this year may have presented, we all still have a great deal to be thankful for. In addition to our health, family, and friends, Thanksgiving is also an excellent time to recognize and express appreciation for our caregivers and seniors. A strong caregiver-client relationship is one built upon care, compassion, mutual respect, and trust. Having such a meaningful and fulfilling relationship is certainly something to be grateful for, especially over the holidays. Gratitude can be expressed in many ways, from verbal affirmations to subtle deeds. Regardless of the approach, consider ways to show all of your loved ones how much you appreciate them this holiday season.
November 24, 2022
UNDERSTANDING DIABETES IN ELDERS AND HOW TO MANAGE IT
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is observed every year on November 14. WDD originated in 1991 by the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation to raise awareness about diabetes. And, with Thanksgiving being less than two weeks following WDD, it marks the perfect time to focus on diabetes and how to control and prevent this chronic disease! Diabetes is estimated to affect 463 million people. Nearly 12 million of those affected by diabetes are age 65 and older, making diabetes awareness and education paramount to reducing serious complications from the disease amongst the elderly. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, dementia, vision problems, fatigue, bladder problems, wounds that don’t heal properly, and other serious health complications. One of the most concerning complications of uncontrolled diabetes amongst elderly patients is the increased risk of lower extremity amputation. When a person with diabetes is injured and doesn’t heal properly, the area often gets infected. In cases of severe or extensive infection, amputation is often the only effective means of treatment. At Emerest, we pride ourselves on educating our senior clients so they can live their happiest and healthiest lives. Keep reading to learn more about diabetes in the elderly and what you can do to prevent it.
November 18, 2022
WHAT EMEREST HAS TO OFFER FOR VETERANS
At Emerest, our mission is to provide customized care to fit any client’s needs. Our caregivers help seniors with various tasks, including housework, personal grooming, and in some cases, medical care. With Veterans Day right around the corner, we’re proud to highlight our veteran-specific programs, which provide specialized care and services to those that have served our country. Currently offered at our Connecticut Emerest location, we work directly with the VA to assist veterans with their needs and provide appropriate in-home care. With the help of our compassionate staff of home health aides, these services allow those who protected our freedom to stay in their homes and live their lives with dignity. Keep reading to learn more about Emerest services available for veterans.
November 8, 2022
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF PUMPKIN SEASON
Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! From the front porch to the kitchen and areas in between, nothing says fall like the sight and smell of fresh, bright pumpkins. Reminiscent of cool days and crisp, cozy nights, pumpkins elicit feelings of relaxation, harmony, and seasonal bliss. These feelings also often give way to a desire to decorate, cook and craft. So, why not take advantage of all the naturally therapeutic opportunities stemming (pun intended) from these fall gems. Here are some pumpkin-themed activities that you can do with your caregiver:
October 20, 2022
5 WAYS SENIORS CAN IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH
From birth through senior years, you are given recommendations for optimal physical health and well-being at various stages. For example, you are encouraged to take care of your heart by eating well and engaging in regular cardio exercise. Likewise, to prevent your bones from becoming brittle, you are urged to include weight-bearing exercise in your daily routine. Yoga can be practiced to increase blood flow and flexibility, and the list goes on. While all of those recommendations are pivotal as you age, it is equally important for you to take the appropriate steps to ensure that your mental health is intact. There are many ways you can boost mental well-being with minimal effort. The key is to be mindful that your brain needs continuous stimulation to remain sharp, alert, and healthy. Here are five activities you can implement daily to improve your mental health.
October 11, 2022
3 DIY FALL HOME DECOR IDEAS
Welcome to Fall! It’s that time of year when our senses awaken to cool, crisp weather, pristine landscapes, and the sweet tastes and smells of Autumn. Fall is also an excellent time to partner with your elderly patients to create some festive DIY crafts! If you’ve wanted to share some time with your patients but were unsure of the kind of activities that would be appropriate to implement, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 3 DIY home décor ideas that will not only add color and ambiance to your patient’s home but also provide fun, safe, and cost-effective activities with an array of therapeutic benefits.
September 17, 2022
PATIENT EDUCATION GUIDE 101 UNDERSTANDING YOUR BASIC VITALS
Your vital signs are measurements of your body’s most basic functions. Vital signs allow your healthcare provider to assess your health and can help detect or monitor medical issues. One of the main reasons our vitals are so beneficial is that they can be measured anywhere, including in medical settings, at the site of a medical emergency, or at home. Understanding how to take your basic vitals and how they relate to your overall wellbeing is key to maintaining optimum health. The five main vital signs that you can easily monitor are blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, and glucose. At Emerest, we provide our telehealth clients with modern telehealth tools to measure all these basic vitals from the comfort of their home.
September 10, 2022
CONNECTICUT ADULT FAMILY LIVING AFL CHOOSE YOUR OWN CAREGIVER
Most seniors who live at home rely on someone they trust to assist with daily activities and needs. Although these family caregivers are often more than happy to help their loved ones for free, full-time care requires a significant commitment. As a result, many people decrease their work hours or even quit their jobs to be there for a family member, and ultimately, find themselves struggling financially. Caring for an elderly loved one doesn’t have to be a financial burden. At Emerest Home Care of Connecticut, we offer our Adult Family Living (AFL) program designed to help friend and family caregivers get paid for their services – all free of charge for Medicaid recipients.
September 2, 2022
CARING FOR A LOVED ONE WITH ALZHEIMERS AND/OR DEMENTIA
Learning how to care for a loved one with Alzheime’s or another type of dementia can be a challenging and emotional journey. Because there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, it is often the care and support of family members that make the biggest impact on a person’s quality of life. However, as a person’s physical and mental health begins to diminish, it is common for family caregivers to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. If you’re caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Whether you currently provide daily care or you’re making the decision to seek out professional home care services, there are resources available to help you make the best decisions for your loved one and yourself.
May 18, 2022
WHY REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING IS HERE TO STAY
There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives. Perhaps the most significant and most enduring change has come in our approach to healthcare. Effects of the pandemic and the subsequent quarantine have inspired healthcare professionals to adopt telehealth programs and provide patients with virtual care more quickly. Before the shutdown, telehealth accounted for about $3 billion in the United States. However, according to a 2020 report, virtual visits could account for $250 billion in the future. This shift is expected to continue post-pandemic, which would lead to major improvements in telehealth across the entire healthcare industry.
May 4, 2022
CONSUMER DIRECTED SERVICES (CDS) FOR MEDICAID PATIENTS IN MISSOURI
Emerest is a home healthcare agency that works with Missouri’s Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program. CDS is a Medicaid-funded program that enables you to hire the caregiver of your choice to help with daily activities. This personal care attendant (PCA) can be a friend, neighbor or family member (other than spouse). Most importantly, it will be someone you trust, who truly loves you and will give you quality, reliable care. Your caregiver can help you clean, cook, bathe, dress, run errands and take you to appointments. Emerest Health pays the highest wages for Consumer Directed Services in Missouri. Emerest Health of Missouri was established in 2015 and has extensive experience with Consumer Directed Services. Hundreds of consumers and caregivers across Missouri utilize Emerest as their CDS provider. We are part of the greater Emerest Health family of companies, which serves thousands of patients and caregivers in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Missouri.
August 31, 2022
HEALTHY EATING PAST THE AGE OF 65
A well-balanced mix of food serves as an essential step towards healthy living, especially for aging seniors above the age of 65. Proven by the National Institute of Health, eating healthier meals filled with body-benefiting nutrients can help seniors grow healthy and reduce the chances of issues like heart disease, stroke, or heart disease. According to reports by the National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging, a quarter of the American population suffers from poor nutrition. This malnutrition becomes a problem as one gets older, since the body lacks nutrients required to help guard against diseases and ailments. As one ages, the body requires certain nutritional supplements to keep up with daily activities and keep one healthy. To meet these dietary needs, consuming foods that are rich in body-benefitting nutrients like minerals, fiber, vitamins, and other valuable nutrients will go a long way to ensure proper health for seniors. So, what are these nutritional diets that can help with healthy aging for seniors past the age of 65? Let’s check out some crucial elements of a healthy diet for seniors.
August 9, 2022
5 BENEFITS OF COMPANION CARE
There are many things that nobody tells you about getting older. Aside from a decline in health and the visible signs of aging, getting older can be lonely and, at times, unsafe. Elderly individuals who live by themselves often lack the mental, physical, and emotional support they need in their day to day lives. They don’t always have the energy or strength needed to take care of themselves. They can become depressed, sad, or anxious in isolation; and without ongoing stimulation, their mental dexterity could decline along with their physical health. Senior home care is helping to combat this by providing in-home senior care via home health aides! But aside from the obvious duties, companion care can also provide the following five benefits:
August 1, 2022
OVER 65? 5 THINGS TO DO EACH MORNING TO BOOST YOUR MOOD
How many times have you woken up in the morning with absolutely no desire to get out of bed? Do you find yourself in a cranky mood or unmotivated to complete daily tasks when you wake up? If you answered ‘yes’ to either question, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Unfortunately, many seniors find that mood swings and feelings of loneliness or isolation become more prevalent later in their lives. Studies show that despite the lower prevalence of mood disorders in the elderly as opposed to young adults, late-life depression and bipolar disorder (BD) are more likely to cause negative effects, including cognitive deficits, increased suicide risk, and overall mortality. Seniors, just like everyone else, need to engage in fun, mood-boosting activities to relieve stress and promote good physical and mental health. If you or an elderly loved one can’t seem to shake the morning blues, try these five tips to boost your mood:
July 16, 2022
5 BEST MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICES FOR ANXIETY
Currently affecting about 40 million adults nationwide, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. Anxiety is defined as excessive or persistent worrying about the same thing or several small things. This worry can lead to many negative physical symptoms, including a rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, and headaches. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are largely treatable. However, many people are unaware of the strategies you can use to keep negative symptoms at bay. While severe cases may require professional treatment from a doctor, there are many tools you can use to alleviate or manage anxiety on your own. Here are our top five recommendations:
July 16, 2022
INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Stress can take a significant toll on our overall health, often causing various negative symptoms and exacerbating any existing conditions. Although our bodies are naturally equipped to handle small doses of stress, excessive or chronic stress can feel almost impossible to manage. Unfortunately, many people believe there is nothing they can do to combat stress, or stress management treatments require too much time and money. Luckily, there are quick and inexpensive options to help reduce your stress level. Meditation has gained newfound popularity as a different way of dealing with stress that focuses on calming the mind and body. Currently practiced by 1 in 6 American adults, meditation dates back thousands of years and has a long history of promoting physical relaxation and enhancing overall health. The word “meditation” is essentially an umbrella term for many different relaxation techniques and is most often considered a complementary form of medicine. During meditation, you focus your attention inward, eliminating outside distractions and the racing thoughts that are causing your body stress. The result is a deep state of relaxation, a tranquil mind, and enhanced physical and emotional well-being.
July 16, 2022
GETTING PAID TO TAKE CARE OF A LOVED ONE FROM HOME
Nearly 80% of adults who live at home and receive care assistance depend solely on their relatives and friends for help with their daily activities. Many people, including relatives or friends choose to serve as in-home caregivers to ensure their loved one receives the best quality care. The arrangement can be extremely rewarding. However, the role of a caregiver is not an easy one. Many find themselves struggling financially after taking on the role full-time. Caregivers spend several hours each day assisting their loved ones with various tasks, including cooking, driving to appointments, providing companionship, and ensuring their safety and well-being – but they are not being compensated for their time. The good news is Emerest has various programs available in Connecticut and Missouri to help friend and family caregivers who need financial assistance.
June 28, 2022