In a study done at Boston University over 20 years ago, biopsychologist Alice Cronin-Golomb and her research partners undertook a research study they call “The Red Plate Study” . The idea was to see if seniors with Alzheimer’s would eat more from a red plate rather than a white plate. It has been estimated that 40% of individuals with severe Alzheimer’s lose an unhealthy amount of weight. It used to be thought that depression, inability to concentrate on more than one food at a time, and an inability to eat unassisted led to this drastic weight loss but in this study, they wanted to see if it could be related to something as relatively simple as being unable to see the food.
We’ve all heard that a diet of made up mostly of fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, whole grains and fish — the Mediterranean diet – is good for the heart.. But a Mediterranean diet may also be good for your brain! Studies show that people who closely follow a Mediterranean diet may be less likely to develop cognitive decline when compared with people who don’t follow the diet. Research shows that a Mediterranean diet may:
Continue reading “Can the Mediterranean Diet help prevent dementia?” »
“Cognasium” is a term created by the Alzheimer’s Association and means “gymnasium for the brain”. Cognasium is a four-pronged approach that focuses on:
We meet with families each month who are seeking the best care for their loved one. It can be challenging sorting through all of the various types of senior care options. However, many adult children think that a nursing home or an “old folks home” is the only option when their loved one begins to need some help at home. They are most likely referring to an assisted living facility which are private pay facilities where aging senior live. Let’s take a quick look at two other lesser known private pay options that all families should consider.
Continue reading “Other Senior Care Options to Consider for Your Loved One” »
Our team here at Aspen Senior Care have a few thoughts to share as well.
As we age, maintaining social connections becomes increasingly important for our overall well-being. For seniors, staying socially engaged can improve physical health, boost mental sharpness, and enhance emotional resilience. Here’s why fostering relationships and community involvement is essential in the golden years.
1. Mental and Emotional Well-being
Isolation can significantly impact mental health, leading to feelings of loneliness and even depression. Engaging in regular social activities, such as joining clubs or attending family gatherings, provides a sense of belonging and purpose. Studies have shown that seniors with strong social networks are less likely to experience cognitive decline and more likely to maintain a positive outlook on life.
2. Physical Health Benefits
Social engagement has tangible physical health benefits. Seniors who interact regularly with others are more likely to stay active, eat healthier, and maintain a stronger immune system. Social activities like group exercise classes or walks with friends can encourage healthy habits while fostering connections.
3. Cognitive Stimulation
Conversations and interactions challenge the brain in unique ways, helping to keep it sharp. Activities such as playing games, participating in book clubs, or even casual chats can stimulate memory, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are crucial as we age.
4. Support During Life Transitions
The later years often bring significant life changes, such as retirement, health challenges, or the loss of loved ones. A strong social network can provide emotional and practical support during these transitions, making it easier to navigate them with confidence and grace.
Aspen Senior Care Wins 1st in Best of Utah Valley!
We are pleased to announce we have been awarded 1st place in the Home Health category for The Daily Herald‘s Best in Utah Valley Reader’s Choice Awards! The Best of Utah Valley competition allows readers to vote for their favorite local services, businesses, and products from around Utah Valley.
Our mission is to help seniors in Utah Valley live comfortably and independently in their own homes for as long as possible by providing affordable and reliable in-home care. We perform all care services with professionalism and dignity while treating all seniors as family! We thank those who took the time to vote for us and are grateful to the wonderful people we get to work with each and every day.
“We are committed to providing the highest quality of care for seniors and their families. We thank our large family of professional caregivers for always going above and beyond for the seniors we serve.”
— Tory Gali, Administrator
Call us at 801-224-5910 to learn more about our services and our incredible professional caregivers. You’ll see why Aspen Senior Care was voted Best of Utah Valley!
Growing old can be extremely difficult for many people, especially when they live on their own for so long. Some of the physical and mental changes that come with aging can be unbearable. They may try to ignore these symptoms, but they cannot hide from this reality.
Their overall decline may lead them not to be able to live independently. They will have trouble with everyday activities and may even require the physical help of others to move about, bathe, or eat. It is important to have assistance because you know what your loved ones can and cannot handle on their own. Not only does this provide a sense of security, but it also provides happiness in their old age.
Having a loved one in the home doesn’t have to be a burden. With in-home care services, you can ensure that your loved one is safe and still maintain their independence. In this post, we’ll discuss situations where it is vital for an aging loved one to have 24-hour care from someone familiar with aging problems.
- SPOILED FOOD IN THE KITCHEN
Aging can also cause a decline in mental and physical functions, leading to an increase in forgetfulness. It could manifest itself by causing your loved one to lose track of what they have bought. They might not even remember what they have already consumed. They may be unable to handle the frustration of running out of food, so they may go shopping more often than necessary and buy more than they can eat.
The extra food will end up spoiling, leaving them with nothing but an expensive mess when you check in on them. With the assistance of a reliable caregiver, you can help your loved ones continue doing their shopping, but at a slower pace than before. They will enjoy the experience more, and you will be able to save money by preventing them from overindulging. Caregivers can also prepare meals and help your aging loved one get the right amount of nutrition, helping them age well and maintain quality of life.
- LACK OF PERSONAL HYGIENE
As your loved one ages, they may find it increasingly difficult to reach areas that are difficult to bathe. It can lead them to neglect important hygiene areas and eventually cause a decline in their health.
They might not be able to clean themselves properly because of their condition. If you see the signs of a smell that is more than just an odor from their food, this could indicate that your loved one needs more help bathing than they are currently getting. A caregiver can help with bathing and other activities such as dressing so you can ensure they stay healthy while allowing them to maintain some independence.
- UNPAID BILLS
As your loved one ages, they may find it increasingly difficult to keep track of their finances. Many older people do not even realize that their bills are unpaid and might not have the money to pay their bills.
A reliable caregiver can help your aging loved one keep track of what is owed and what needs to be paid by offering other services, such as mailing and paying bills for them.
- MESSY HOME
As your senior loved one age, they will likely have a harder time remembering how they got the house in the state in which it is currently. It could indicate that they need extra help staying organized inside the home and outside of it. You may notice that their once tidy house has become messy or disorganized, which can cause them to feel stressed, making cleaning take longer than before.
The assistance of a caregiver can help you ensure that your loved one can maintain their home and continue feeling at ease in their environment. A caregiver can help move things when needed and make sure the items are put away, ensuring that your loved one can maintain the life they once enjoyed.
- DWINDLING SOCIAL LIFE
As your loved one becomes older, their social circle may begin to shrink as time passes. They may have a hard time finding reliable friends and family members who will care for them, which could be hard on their mental state of mind and possibly lead to depression or isolation. It could be due to physical limitations related to age or health concerns.
The assistance of a caregiver can help your loved one continue socializing without needing to leave the comfort of their own home. You can call upon a caregiver to take them out for a lunch date, go grocery shopping, go to the park, or any other activity that keeps your loved one engaged with those around them.
FINAL THOUGHTS
You may not be able to prevent your loved one from aging, and you may not be able to reverse the effects of aging, but you can make sure that they age with dignity, without any undue suffering. A professional caregiver can help your loved ones maintain their independence, remain in a safe environment and maintain their dignity as they age. You can also ensure that they have enough daily assistance when needed by having a caregiver regularly check in on them.
Author bio
Andrea Gibbs is the Content Manager at SpringHive Web Agency, a company that offers web design services, maintenance, and Internet marketing. She specializes in content marketing, social media, and SEO. She also serves as a blog contributor at Serenity Senior Care. She’s an avid personal development enthusiast and an expert in the field of health and fitness. When she’s not writing she can be found running hills or hiking trails, rooting for her favorite team (the Pittsburgh Steelers), or watching a good Netflix series.
Millions of elders and older adults fall victim to various scams and financial fraud each year. From bank account information to social security numbers, thieves can target a variety of different financial and personal information. According to the FBI, the over $3 billion a year being lost to scams targeting older adults is only going to increase due to a growing elderly population. Knowing the common signs and types of scams, how to protect yourself and your family’s assets, and understanding the correct ways to report these attempts can help keep you safe.
Recognizing Common Scams
Oftentimes, a scam or fraud begins with a stranger attempting to impersonate a close relative or loved one. On many occasions, someone will send an email or call over the phone pretending to be a child or grandchild of an older adult, and requesting money or access to bank information. This family connection is used to manipulate people more easily and pressures them to let their guard down more quickly than they might have otherwise.
There are a few scams or fraud attempts that are very commonly used amongst potential thieves:
- Phishing: Someone calls claiming to be a trusted source, i.e. a family member or from a company, and attempts to ask for personal information such as a credit card or social security number.
- Government Imposter: Someone pretending to be an IRS or government worker and claims you owe money, and threatens you with legal action or imprisonment if you don’t pay.
- Lottery/Sweepstakes: Criminals pretend to work for a legitimate organization and claim that you have won a large sum of money that you can claim for a “fee.”
While there are many other ways that untrustworthy people can use in order to attempt to steal your information, knowing some of the most common ways can help you recognize them sooner. In situations where you’re concerned your personal information might be stolen, it’s best to know as soon as possible to take the appropriate action.
How to Protect Yourself
It’s important to be able to defend yourself against these financial scams. Should you fall victim to one of these fraud attempts, it can have a very negative effect on your financial plans. It can negatively impact your credit score to buy a house, ability to get loans and can raise your insurance costs. While some situations might be able to be resolved through changing a password, identity theft or direct access to your bank accounts can have a much greater and lasting impact.
As mentioned, phishing is a very common scam targeting older adults, so it’s important to be able to verify identities before giving any information over the phone or online. In addition, double-check their email address, many times it looks reputable, but it’s a fake address changed by a single letter or digit. Never open any websites or links sent to you by an unknown person.
Try to keep any anti-virus software installed and updated frequently, as this is a great way to block unwanted access to your computer or devices. While many computers have built-in protection, if you choose to use a third-party program for extra safety, it’s worth investing in a high-quality option. A general rule of thumb is if an application is free, you are most likely their product, i.e., they are likely selling your information or user profile.
If you think you’ve been targeted by a fraud or scam, it’s best to report it to your financial institutions, or other necessary parties. Some people are ashamed or embarrassed, but that should never be the case, and not acting will only cause you further stress. Taking swift and decisive action is always the best way to minimize any damage that this might cause, and help protect your assets.
Ways to Report Fraud and Scams
There are several ways to report attempted fraud or scam, and you should try and collect all the information you have when reporting them. The name of the person, company, phone number, anything that might be able to help the proper authorities. The more information you’re able to provide, the greater chance they’re likely to find the perpetrator, and in a timely manner.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects fraud information and has a specific page to allow scam reports. Through filling out the form, you can help prevent yourself and others from falling victim to any further attempts. There are a few other places to report certain aspects of cybercrime, but it’s important to ensure you’re giving accurate information to an official website. For starters, looking for a .gov or a .org are good indicators of a trustworthy site.
In addition, many email providers have the ability to report fraud directly if you received the mail electronically. This can ensure you never receive emails from that address ever again and helps them track the address and prevent future scams.
Due to the financial stability and trusting nature of older adults, they are targeted by scammers at a much higher rate. Having the ability to recognize a fraud attempt, protect yourself from it, and report it to the proper authorities can help you protect yourself and your family’s financial future, not to mention millions of others as well.
Contributed By:
Aspen Senior Care Contributor
Health is important, but as you get older, it may seem harder and harder to manage. However difficult it might sound, it’s not impossible. No matter what age you are, don’t be afraid to take your wellness into your own hands and improve your health, and overall well-being.
If you are struggling to keep up with your overall health, then read on to learn how to get your health back on track!
Focus On Physical Health
As you age, it is normal to slow down and become more inactive in your day-to-day life. It’s crucial, however, to keep up with your physical health to maintain your overall lifestyle. As you age, your metabolism slows, and your balance and flexibility decrease. Exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight, and strengthen your mobility. Now, staying on top of your physical health won’t always be a walk in the park, but start by creating a workout plan that fits your goals. Whether that is focusing on implementing more cardio or strength training by joining a senior fitness group, starting slow is still an important first step.
Check-in With Yourself
This year has been challenging for many, and if you are experiencing negative fluctuations in your mood then it can affect your overall well-being. As a senior, it’s essential to find positive ways to navigate your mental health. Start by identifying where you struggle; common mental health problems among seniors include isolation, dementia, and anxiety disorders. Once you are able to pinpoint your issues, then you can take the necessary steps to help improve your mental health. Engaging in hobbies or daily activities you enjoy can help you relax and lower anxiety. Playing brain games has been proven to improve memory function as they serve as a mental exercise. If you still find yourself struggling to improve your mental health, then talk to a loved one or your doctor. It’s never too late to prioritize your mental health, so check in with yourself.
Experiment With Telehealth
During these uncertain times, you might find it difficult to feel comfortable leaving your house, especially to go to visit your primary care provider. If you’re finding it harder than usual to make the trip, or are uncertain about leaving your house, consider looking into telehealth services. Telehealth services help provide convenient and timely access to a clinic or local doctor. Telehealth is also extremely beneficial as it minimizes your time in a waiting room, and can get you help right from the comfort of your own home. There is a wide variety of sicknesses that telehealth covers, from serious mental illness to blood pressure issues. Don’t let the fear of COVID-19 keep you from sticking to your monthly doctors’ appointments.
Notice The Changes
As you age you will experience changes in your body daily, and although some might just come with age, be aware of what they might mean. For example, erectile dysfunction is extremely common in senior men and can be treated with ED pills. ED can be a symptom of another serious underlying health issue, like type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease. This is why it’s vital you take note of the changes in your body and let your healthcare provider know. Understanding what’s normal when it comes to aging and what’s not will help you better comprehend the reg flags and treat them properly.
If you notice negative changes in your overall health- don’t sit around and wait. Seniors are at a greater risk for chronic health conditions such as the flu and COVID-19. Take action and get your health back on track today.
Blog submitted by:
Aspen Senior Care Contributor
What is a Memory Care Facility?
Memory care is a special kind of care for seniors with memory issues like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Many communities worldwide offer special services to meet the needs of individuals dealing with the effects of memory loss.
There are different types of memory care options. AARP states, “Many assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, and nursing homes have special memory care “neighborhoods” for dementia patients. There are also stand-alone memory care facilities.” Another option for memory care is a senior day care center like Aspen Senior Day Center in Provo, Utah, which offers memory care services throughout the day but still allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes.
Professional staff help residents with activities of daily living and help manage medication, provide meals, transportation, housekeeping, and other social activities. Memory care units maintain a higher staff-to-resident ratio than a typical senior living community. The staff is trained in caring for dementia patients, and common areas and units are protected with an access code to avoid wandering.
Memory Care Facilities
- Special staff training to meet the mental and emotional needs of residents.
- Intense supervision and safety protocols to prevent wandering.
- Good staff to resident ratio.
- Uniquely designed living spaces to ease agitation, anxiety, and disorientation.
- Safety features like an emergency call system and alarmed doors.
- Simple navigation and building layout to avoid confusion.
- Social programs and activities to encourage socialization.
- Secure fences, gardens, and courtyards for sensory stimulation and exploration in a safe space.
What is In-Home Care?
Many seniors wish to spend their later years at home surrounded by the companionship of their loved ones. For many seniors, in-home professional care may offer practical help along with peace of mind. In-home care allows seniors to remain comfortably in their own homes while receiving aid from professional caregivers. It’s also a cost-efficient option for family caregivers to receive additional respite care.
In-home care caregivers offer help with activities of daily living or “ADL’s.” The intensity of care may vary based on the senior’s needs. Typically care can range from a few hours a week spent preparing meals and housekeeping to round-the-clock supervision.
In-Home Care
- Assistance with ADLs like bathing, personal care, dressing, and more.
- Ongoing caregiver and family companionship and assistance.
- Ease of transportation to appointments and everyday errands.
- Help with housekeeping, dishes, and laundry.
- Respite care for family caregivers.
- Specially trained caregivers who can help seniors dealing with memory loss.
How to Choose Between In-Home Care and Memory Care Facility?
Consider how much care and help is available in the senior’s home and how much additional support is needed. It’s good to jot down a list of things your elderly loved one needs help with on a weekly, monthly, and daily basis. These notes will help you see the bigger picture to pick the right level of care. Be realistic about how much your family members and friends can help. Keep in mind the long-term, ongoing care during this stage.
Once you’ve drawn this comparison, you’ll have a better idea of how to proceed. Sometimes, creating this list clarifies that in-home care might be the best option. However, there are times where picking from memory care facilities for seniors is a clear choice. So, before you go ahead with either of these living arrangements, you should weigh their offered services along with critical pros and cons.
In-home care
The most significant advantage of in-home care is that seniors get to live out their days with family and friends in the safety of their own homes.
Pros
- Tailored care based on the senior’s personal preferences and needs. Even the most luxurious senior living communities do not give the same one-on-one attention that a home care agency can provide.
- The ability to stay at home surrounded by familiar faces as they age.
- Cost may be flexible based on the hours of necessary care.
- You get to pick the caregiver based on their credentials, competence, and personality fit to the senior.
- Seniors develop a personal bond with the caregiver rather than working with multiple caregivers.
- There’s more room for flexible care arrangements. For example, caregivers can help at different times throughout the day or week to help with specific needs like meals, showers, or errands.
Cons
- The cost can be considerably high if you need around-the-clock care.
- Social isolation is a potential issue as seniors may not interact with peers. Isolation could fuel cognitive decline, health issues, and even depression.
- You may have to modify the home to ensure safety, such as wheelchair accessibility, potential fall risks, etc.
- You will have to take care of home maintenance and personal care while regularly stocking household supplies and groceries.
Memory Care
Memory care communities are designed to promote safety and avoid wandering clients. There are caregivers with special training and memory-specific therapies to promote cognitive health.
Pros
- Seniors receive 24/7 care.
- Special community programs and activities to improve quality of life.
- The living arrangements are comfortable, safe, and welcoming. They are uniquely customized to avoid confusion and disorientation.
- Several memory care units deploy therapies and technology to ensure positive stimulation so that residents can thrive.
- Seniors get to interact with people of their age every day. Peer interaction prevents isolation and depression.
- Family members can visit their loved ones to offer ongoing support.
Cons
- Based on the facility and the level of care required, the cost can be considerably high. Some luxury memory care facilities can cost upwards of $10,000 per month.
- Often the transition from moving out of the home to memory care be overwhelming and stressful.
- It may be challenging to convince seniors to move from their homes.
- No two communities are the same, which means you would have to do a large amount of research to pick the right fit.
Understand Your Financial Situation
Sometimes, the cost of living arrangement is the single deciding factor regarding which option may be the best fit.
The cost of regular memory care can be considerably high. For instance, it costs upwards of $6000/month to receive memory care in some states. In terms of in-home care costs, Genworth reported the cost of in-home in 2020 to be around $4500 for 44 hours/week.
The best way to understand the actual pricing for different living communities is to compare some of your top choices. You might also want to work with a financial planner to get a more accurate picture of a feasible option. Once you have a full-fledged comparison between the two, you will know which option is the best fit.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to picking a suitable living situation for your loved one, knowledge is vital. So, ask around and do thorough research, read reviews, and ask for professional advice.
By Holly Klamer
Aspen Senior Care Contributor
Caring Super Star of 2022
Daily Herald Best of Utah Valley, 2022
Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year