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4 Ways to Age More Gracefully

5/27/2022

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Knowing these tips will give you peace (and health) of mind!

​It’s common for people to associate deteriorating brains with aging but it doesn’t always have to be this way. There are ways to exercise your brain and keep it as active as possible. Now there is definitely the unavoidable and unexpected that happens but let’s take a look at how to keep your mind mentally healthy and engaging as possible.

Stay Social & Stay Involved

​While the Covid-19 pandemic may have complicated the socialization a bit, there are ways to stay involved while still staying healthy and safe. Call a friend or family member or call your local senior center and discover ways to stay involved while also staying physically active. If transportation is an issue, the Department on Aging has resources to help you out so you can go out.
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Eat Healthy

Sometimes as people age, eating healthy may be harder due to medical conditions or just wanting more convenient food. Always talk with your doctor to determine what you should have and what you should probably steer clear of. Then make lists and find easy to cook recipes. Above all, make it as fun as possible. Try out a meal kit company where the food comes to you and you just follow the steps to make the food. Or find convenient foods with healthier options. For instance, have instant oatmeal with some tasty options. Yes, this may include chocolate. Make a yogurt parfait and buy frozen vegetables and fruit instead of fresh to avoid spoiling food.
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Maintain Proper Blood Pressure

Rising blood pressure and even blood sugar levels are common as people age. Discuss with your doctor what you need to do to keep the blood pressure down and blood sugar level. Keeping these two things under control can help curtail other health issues that may arise.

Stimulate the Brain

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This can be a wide range of activities and features. Whether it’s playing a favorite board game or card game with a friend or gong for a leisurely walk. It could even be a coffee date with a family member or loved one as staying connected keeps you healthy mentally. Senior centers often have activities and leisure things for older seniors to enjoy. Even buying a word puzzle book will keep the brain sharp. Find something you love and switch it up as needed. ​

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Tips for Caring for a Spouse Post-Brain Trauma

3/24/2022

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For Better or Worse

For Better or for worse takes on a whole new meaning when caring for an elderly spouse or for a spouse who has experienced some sort of brain trauma. Even the best of marriages can experience some sort of strain but there are ways to address the challenges and keep hope alive in marriage. According to a 2015 joint report by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, one in 10 caregivers take care of a spouse. Let’s see how caregiving spouses can feel more like a parent and less like a spouse.
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Anticipate Changes and Stay Flexible

The first thing is to know there will be changes. There will be a shift in losses in various areas of the marriage whether it’s responsibilities, communication or intimacy. Take a moment and realize that change is happening and discover how to approach your changing marriage.

Adapt Your Roles

You may need to reevaluate your roles. For instance, if your spouse typically did the cooking or finances you’ll need to take on this role. Realize that you won’t need to do it like he or she did. But adjust your mentality and know that it needs to be done. If you need to ask for help, don’t be afraid to call in help from a sibling or another relative or friend. Take a look at the responsibilities and order them from most important to least important and decide how to conquer. 
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If hiring someone to come in and help clean is necessary, figure out to budget for this and bring in the help.
Caregiving is big on you emotionally and physically so bringing in help may be necessary to prevent burnout or frustration issues. Try your best to talk with your spouse and let him or her know what needs to be done in order to continue caring for your marriage.

Avoid Isolating Behaviors

Don’t isolate yourselves. When you start caring for your spouse it may be easy to separate yourselves from the outside world. This can cause tempers to flare or even sadness to come into play. Find a way to talk or meet up with another couple or family or even attend therapy with your spouse.

Find Local Support

There may be support groups at your local recreational or senior center or you may want to contact an in-home health provider and ask for suggestions. If you attend church or a religious organization, reach out to them and let them know you want to help out or are interested in being involved more. The point is to reduce isolation and increase social interaction safely.

Cultivate Healthy Communication

Cultivating healthy communication may be difficult depending on you and your spouse’s circumstances but it’s necessary for a healthy marriage. Learn to speak your partner’s language and tune in to how they respond. Do they like spending time together even if it’s just sitting at a park? Or do they enjoy receiving sentimental novelty gifts? Discover what makes them excited again.
It may be necessary to reach out to a therapist or in-home health provider for suggestions on the best ways to talk especially if there are physical changes complicating speech.

Remember to Care for Yourself

Finally, don’t forget to soak up a little time for yourself and let your spouse know you need a couple of hours to do something for yourself. Caring for another person can emotionally wreck you so remember to take care of yourself too and you’ll be a better caregiver overall.
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Things Seniors Should Know about Diabetes

2/25/2022

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1 in 4 Seniors are Diagnosed with Diabetes

Did you know that roughly 25 percent of seniors have some sort of diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association? This number is expected to increase for those over the age of 60. If you know a senior with diabetes or at risk for diabetes, take a little time to learn more about this condition and how you can help your family member or friend improve their health.

The More You Know

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Diabetes is an ailment that prevents one’s body from regulating sugars properly which can lead to elevated blood sugar and possibly other negative health risks. Sometimes it can worsen other conditions such as heart disease or kidney disease.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Once diagnosed, diabetes is able to be effectively managed but it’s very important to seek help and maintain care. If you think you have diabetes or even if something feels off, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor and get checked out. There are certain signs to be aware of. They can include:  excessive thirst or hunger, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss and fatigue for Type 1 diabetes. For Type 2 diabetes, the symptoms can include the aforementioned plus wounds slow to heal, confusion, blurred vision, depression and numbness/tingling in hands or feet.

Making Changes

If you visit the doctor and are confirmed with a diagnoses, there are things to keep in mind. Ensure that you or your loved one is up to date on understanding their diagnosis and how to treat it. There will most likely be changes whether it’s for diet, exercise or medication. This may be a bit overwhelming so take the information in steps if needed.
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Monitoring Glucose Levels

Once a diagnosis is revealed, many seniors will need to keep an eye on their glucose levels. Make sure the doctor gives precise instructions that are easy to follow. With medication, emphasize the importance of it.  Missing a dose can have dramatic negative effects. Set reminders whether it’s with an alarm, a physical reminder or prompt in an obvious place.
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Diet & Exercise

Finally, diet and exercise are integral when it comes to diabetes management. A low sugar diet is very important in helping to reduce symptoms. Check with the doctor about a senior meal plan. You can also check with wellness centers, senior centers or home health care providers for more information and plans.
As for exercise, 30 minutes of daily activity or at least five days a week is ideal. If this is too much, start with what is possible for the senior. Perhaps short bursts of activity in ten minute intervals is an easier start. Just make sure to check with your doctor regarding what is best for yourself.

One Day at a Time

When it comes to diabetes diagnosis and management, it’s important to take steps to ensure a healthier you. Take it in stride and do what you can. Our qualified at home care providers in Columbia can help with these medication reminders and help keep diabetes in check for your loved one.  Schedule a consultation today!
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Let us help with your Self-Care Resolution this Year!

1/21/2022

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Importance of Self-Care

A new year has begun and with new years and new beginnings, people tend to make resolutions or goals for the upcoming year. Perhaps becoming healthier is one of your goals which can encompass both physical and mental health. If you are a caring for a loved one by yourself, working on self care is so important and essential to prevent burn out. ​

Evaluating the Options

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One way to relieve some a small percentage of caregiving is looking into adult day care programs or centers. Not only will you get a small break but your loved one can look forward to socialization and activities with others. These care centers, generally provided during the day, provide an array of services from meals to cognitive motivation. Sometimes transportation may be available depending on distance or cost.  Maybe you only need a couple hours here and there--and Hands and Hearts can arrange our caregiver times around your schedule.
There are independent adult day cares and there are also day cares a part of assisted living, nursing or retirement communities. The right one will depend on your loved one’s needs and desires. Either way, he or she is surrounded by other people away from isolation and you get a little break which is important for your emotional health. ​
It may take time to find a place particularly the right place with the right needs met but that’s ok. You’ll want to see what sort of medical  needs will be met if needed, look at reviews, staff qualifications and cost. Medicaid may help offset some or a lot of the financial burden. However, don’t let cost be your driving factor as the cheaper option may not be the best option for your loved one.

Finding Qualified Caregivers

Day cares and communities should require their staff to be skilled and up-to-date on qualifications. When researching your options, this is definitely important to keep in mind. After all, you wouldn’t send a child to just any after school program so why should you send your older loved one to just any facility? The right place should be engaging and fun in addition to safe and like a second home.
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Day care centers or programs have a job to do and that is to provide a certain level of care to your loved family member or friend. While you utilize these services, it will help reduce any worry or caregiver fatigue that can plague caregivers. Mental health is important for your loved one and you. ​

Home Care You Can Count On

If you need any help evaluating your care options for seniors, give our talented In Home Care Specialists a call today.  At Hands and Hearts Home Care, we pride ourselves in offering quality care solutions in Columbia and the surrounding areas.
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9 Easy Ways to Make a Home Safer for Seniors

12/29/2021

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More than ever, safety is always a concern in the home. As people age that concern ranks higher and fall risks increase with elderly. As long as independence is desired for seniors and they are able to still live safely in their home there are preventative measures to help give peace to mind to friends and family of the older loved one.

Safety First!

Many seniors and older people want to stay in their home because independence and comfort are a top craving. There are checklists to follow through and steps to take. You can also check with a local home health care organization which will provide services as needed in the home. It is also important to check with the senior’s doctor for all health related issues and to get personalized advice.
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Smart Ways to Stay Safe

Let’s first dive into technology devices are easy to use for seniors who may not be into technology. Medical alert devices are worn by older people and alert emergency services when they fall or need assistance. It is also a good idea to get a senior friendly cell phone he or she can carry with them. You can check out companies like Consumer Cellular or Jitterbug for low cost phones.

Keep Track

If you have a loved one with dementia who may be prone to wandering, a tracking device may be necessary to talk with him or her about wearing. Finally, you may want to look into a home health service to have nurses come and check on them when you are unable to.

9 Easy Ways to Make a Home Safer for Seniors

Aside from technology devices and services, here is a checklist of 9 Tips to assure the home is safe for seniors.
  1. Try to use appliances that have an auto shut-off and check on them regularly to make sure it stays in the auto position.
  2. Create pathways that are clear and have an open area for them to walk around. For instance, make sure their backyard is free of sticks and ensure leaves are blown.
  3. Remove locks from bedrooms and bathrooms so no one accidentally locks himself or herself in the room.
  4. Lock drawers and cabinets with knives, cleaning supplies and medications.
  5. Put finger guards on garbage disposals or use covers.
  6. If needed, install rails in bathrooms or find accessories for showers and bathtubs so they can sit and get in and out easily.
  7. Check for loose towel racks, bath mats, etc.
  8. Ensure there is a working carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector.
  9. Check for loose wires, rugs, etc. that may prompt trips.
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Remember, preventative measures are much easier to install and deal with as opposed to falls and injuries. It’s always important to continually check the home and talk with your loved one. Safety is one of the greatest ways to ensure your loved one is taken care of.
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When Should Seniors Stop Driving?

11/30/2021

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When it comes to aging, one of the hardest things to lose is a sense of independence and what greater loss of independence than not driving where you want to go and when you want to go. While it may be difficult to turn in your car keys, there is care and concern for keeping you and others safe on the road. After all, we’ve seen the news stories where someone accelerates instead of braking or the reaction time is delayed.
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Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe on the Road

It’s important for you and friends and family to realize when it’s time to be chauffeured for the safety of others and more importantly your safety. Older drivers are actually more likely to be involved in car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
You can help your loved one stay safe on the road by tuning into their habits and abilities. If you need help having the hard conversation, you can always recruit another family member or close person or contact a home health care service for advice.

Knowing When to Take Away the Keys

​There’s no magic number to take away the keys from someone. It all depends on his or her driving abilities and mental state. Remember it’s always better to act early than wait for an accident. You can first suggest a driving test available at your local DMV. It can help to have the truth heard from a stranger than a loved one.​
This step should be used cautiously after much consideration and handled delicately:  you are able to report an unsafe driver to their local DMV. You’ll need some documents including: name as shown on driver’s license, date of birth, driver’s license number, current address and concerns for why his or her driving is unsafe. You should be able to do this anonymously.
If a senior is still in good shape and just needs a brush up on driving safety, you can try a driver safety course to relearn defensive driving techniques, operating the vehicle safely and even learning accommodations for age related issues. An added bonus is by taking the course, seniors may receive an insurance discount.

What to WATCH OUT for:

So, what exactly should you and your loved one look out for? There is an array of things but you know your older friend best. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
  • Straddling lanes or abrupt lane changes
  • Missing or ignoring traffic signs and signals
  • Braking and accelerating mistakes
  • Increased anxiety while driving
  • Increased vision difficulties
  • An increase in close calls and near misses
  • Dents or scrapes on cars or surrounding objects at or near their home
  • Traffic citations​
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  • Difficulty reaching and decreased flexibility and/or reaction times
​Remember, you know your older family or friend best so take into consideration their feelings but also acknowledge when it’s time to accept help. Bringing in outside help may help and remember earlier is better than later.

Call Hands and Hearts Home Care Today!

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Easy Meals for Seniors with Picky Palates

10/27/2021

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What's for Dinner?

It's the question of the century, right?  Picky eating is something normally associated with toddlers and young kids but as people age sometimes their food choices and what they feel like making can change too. Sometimes elderly people may not like a certain food because of how it makes them feel, medical reasons or simply because they don’t have the energy to prepare a meal for themselves.
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Keep it Balanced

Encouraging older people to eat balanced and healthy can be frustrating for caregivers and families because after all, we want them to stay healthy and happy as long as they can. One way to encourage healthier eating is finding more convenient foods that require less prep work. While it may sometimes mean spending a few extra dollars it’s still less expensive than eating out all the time and your loved one will be eating to nourish their needs.

6 Easy Meal Ideas for Seniors

Check out some of these food options that are more convenient and still fairly healthy and tasty. If you’re helping a loved one with grocery shopping or meal prep, always let them have a say in what they want but simply encourage them to find healthier options. If you need advice, you can turn to professionals at a local senior center or home health place for tips to guide their food choices. Remember to always consult with their physician regarding anything they need to eat or need to avoid.

Canned Fruit

Fresh fruit and produce tends to spoil faster if not used but canned fruit and vegetables are still relatively healthy and have a longer shelf life. Look for fruit packed in its own juice or in a sugar free syrup. For vegetables, look for salt free options or lower sodium options. Also make sure they have a can opener even if it means purchasing an electric can opener for easier use.

Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal is such an easy option and can be mixed with toppings for a tastier option. Look for lower sugar oatmeal or plain oatmeal and then stock up on toppings they enjoy. Oatmeal has great nutrients and is so filling.
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Quick Soups

With the weather cooling down, soup is a cozy option. There are many more healthier options when it comes to soup now including lower sodium, more organic soups and even soups made in the deli section of the grocery store.

Yogurt

Yogurt is such an easy snack or meal with lots of nutritional benefits such as calcium, Vitamin D and probiotics. Make yogurt parfaits with low sugar granola and various fruits. To keep sugar content down, look for plain or more basic flavors as fruit flavored yogurt tends to be higher in sugar.
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Cottage Cheese

This dairy powerhouse is another easy snack or meal add-on and can be combined with certain toppings. Look for sodium free options.​

Fish

Seafood such as salmon has many great Omega-3 benefits for the mind and body. Look for frozen filets but make sure you check the sodium content. Try to steer clear of seasoned and fried fish and look for basic filets. You can also check out canned tuna or salmon as well but aim for canned fish in water.​
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If you ever need additional help with grocery shopping or planning meals, ask the professionals at your local home healthcare place for advice. Healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated.  At Hands and Hearts Home Care, the health and comfort of your loved one is our priority! Call us today to discuss a personalized in home care plan for your senior!
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Stretching Routines for Seniors

9/24/2021

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Good Posture and Stretching Help Seniors Tremendously!

Remember how your mom always told you to sit up straight? Good posture is so important especially for older people since chest and hip muscles may become tighter and tend to pull you forward. Daily stretching is essential not only for good posture but for more flexibility and greater joint functioning.
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As people age, connective tissue becomes less elastic so daily stretching is crucial to helping the range of motion needed to live the life you want. Small stretches are a good start for warming up the body and work your way up to longer stretching increments and even more advanced techniques if you’re ready for it. As always, it’s important to consult with your doctor especially if you’ve had an injury or any sort of chronic conditions.

Benefits of Stretching

Let’s first talk about more of the benefits of stretching. For one, stretching requires no equipment. You may need a sturdy chair to sit and stretch. Stretching also requires minimal space and can be done anywhere. Stretching and even light yoga can help with balance, range of motion and help you sleep better. It’s also great for improving range of motion and can help you advance to more expert moves if your body allows for it.
​Stretching is also good mentally and physically as it helps with cardiovascular health. It can aid in keeping a clear mind and helping you relax as you focus on breathing simultaneously with stretching. There are an array of stretches you can do and find. A good place to start is with your doctor or senior center. Senior centers or home health places may have qualified professionals to offer tips and tricks for healthy stretches. The YMCA also has programs like Silver Sneakers for senior citizens to participate in but check with any gym in your area. Many gyms and senior centers within each county have recreational programs.
​When using the stretches, be versatile and use how it’s best for you. Start with one to two a day and work your way up as you become more flexible and stronger. Make sure you have water to stay hydrated and a chair if you need to sit down.

Breathing 

While you stretch, remember to breathe deeply and go slowly especially if you’re just starting out. If you ever feel like you’re forcing yourself or if there is pain, stop immediately and check with your doctor for modifications. It’s always key to start small and slow and work your way to a more flexible you.

Check out these Simple Moves to begin your Stretching Routine:

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1. Overhead side stretch. Stand with your feet hip width apart and raise your arms overhead. You may want to interlace your fingers if you like. Stretch your stomach long and gently lean to the left for 10-30 seconds. Repeat on other side. Modify by sitting in a chair and keep your hips, knees and toes forward.
2. Triceps stretch. Stand or sit in a chair and raise your arms over your head. Bend your right arm so it’s behind your head. Put your left hand above your right elbow and gently pull your right arm in. Hold to 10-30 seconds and repeat on other side. Modify by sitting forward in a chair and aim for back of head opposed to base of your neck.
3. Cat-cow stretch. Get on your hands and knees if able to and round your back like a cat to the ceiling. Make sure you tuck your chin in towards your body. Then reverse the movement and arch your back like a cow lifting your hips up. Alternate between cat and cow movements for 10-30 seconds. Modify by sitting in a chair or even standing and alternating between rounding back and arching it.
These are just a few movements to get you started and remember to check with your physicians before beginning any exercises.  
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10 Ways to Communicate Effectively with Dementia Patients

8/27/2021

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For all people, communication is vital to building and keeping relationships due to the fact that it is exactly how we share needs, problems, and connect to each other. Interaction is more than words-- a subtle combination of perspective, intonation, facial expressions, and also body language. Inevitably, individuals with Alzheimer's will certainly have difficulty connecting in nearly every facet. For in-home caregivers, it is very important to comprehend what communications adjustments can happen throughout the condition, how to reply to these modifications, as well as exactly how to successfully connect as dementia proceeds.
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Adjustments in Interaction as Dementia Proceeds

Alzheimer's condition is a modern form of mental deterioration with symptoms of the illness aggravating gradually. People with Alzheimer's experience differences in interaction that can make talking and following instructions frustrating for both the caretaker as well as the individual with dementia.

Problems in communicating with Alzheimer's suffers can include:

Repetition of stories
Describing items rather than identifying them
Speaking much less
Depending on hand motions as well as gestures more than words
Problems recalling the right words
Lost train of thought
Unorganized speech
In the later phases of the disease, individuals may depend only on nonverbal communication, utilizing vocal noises or facial expressions.

10 Ways to Communicate Effectively with Dementia Patients

In each stage of the illness, communicating with your patient will have unique challenges. Due to the fact that Alzheimer's as well as associated types of dementia impact each person differently, presumptions can not be made concerning the interaction capabilities of an individual.

Typically, these pointers can help friends and family members connect better with aging seniors as the disease advances.

1. Don't Hesitate to LAUGH

2. Communicate Non-Verbally

A quick witted story can lighten the mood, minimize tension, and help patient and caregiver form a more trusting bond.
​E-mails, phone calls, and body movement are all great ways to show somebody you care without requiring a prompt interaction response.

3. Don't Shy Away

Your relationship is necessary to your loved one that is going through a bumpy ride. Being straightforward regarding your issues and feelings will help both of you handle a difficult medical diagnosis.

4. Prevent Arguing, Criticizing, or Correcting

With time, an individual with dementia will believe their own version of reality. Pay attention and try to understand their opinions, but try to avoid arguments or addressing an error in speech

5. Prevent Open-Ended Inquiries

Ask basic "yes" or "no" questions to help them make decisions less complicated, removing confusion and disorientation.

6. Speak Gradually and Plainly, Giving Simple Instructions

It is helpful to handle more difficult challenges one thing at a time to avoid confusing your loved one.

7. Your Eyes Show You Care

Maintaining eye contact is a simple way to show your loved one that you care about them and that you're listening to what they have to say.
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8. Minimize Distractions, Chose a Quite Setting for Conversations

The focus of the conversation will be more easily conveyed, and you'll be able to provide your loved one the chance to consider and ask questions.

9. Make Introductions Facing Your Patient

Those who suffer from dementia eventually begin to not remember names or faces. Sometimes introducing yourself will help them be more relaxed. Approaching them from the front helps in case their field of vision fails over time. They may not see you coming from behind and could be startled unless approached straight on.

10. Understanding Your Role in Their Well-Being​

At some point your loved one could forget your name and face, but the time you spent being present with them, and your friendship with them play a vital role in their well-being.  A little love goes a long way

Need help with Dementia Care in Columbia, SC or the surrounding areas?  Give Hands and Hearts a call today!

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Mental Health--It's No Game!

7/29/2021

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Keeping one’s health in check is important no matter the age. While people often think of exercise and a proper diet for physical health, mental health is just as important. After all, keeping the mind sharp allows older people to possibly ward off cognitive decline, stimulate their immune system and keep memory and even socialization alive and well.
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Another benefit of memory games – and games and books – in general is it’s perfect for seniors who may have limited mobility or other matters that may inhibit their physical activity. Many studies have proven the effects of keeping the mind alive with varying activities and games. It’s important to find one that works for you or your loved one.
Are you into card games, board games or even digital games? Do you prefer puzzle books or is reading more your thing? Other options also include crafting, trivia and gardening. No matter which activity you choose for yourself or your senior, research suggests the power of brain-training activities which may also help reduce the risk of dementia. Research looks at how a person can quickly identify and remember an object in front of them. Taking care of yourself and taking time for yourself is necessary for a happy and healthy mind.
Check out some of these options to see if it’s the right game for your mind.

Card Games

Playing your cards right can help keep your mind younger and card games are a classic and simple way of having fun whether it’s alone or with friends. Solitaire is a great brain game to do when in need of alone time. Other card games that are great for the mind and one’s social life are: Bridge, Go Fish, Gin Rummy, Poker and Blackjack. Go Fish is perfect to play with grandkids and if cards happen to scatter everywhere then 52 pickup is also a great physical activity.

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If you’re looking for others to play with, assisted living and senior retirement homes often have activities for elders as well as recreation centers. Local libraries are another place to connect with others as well.

Hands and Hearts Home Care now offers a library of fun games, puzzles, coloring books and more for our patients to check out.  Visit our office today to find out more!

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Board Games

There is such an array of board games both old and new for seniors to participate in with others their age or with all ages. Check with the county recreation centers, senior centers and even coffee shops. Sometimes locally owned coffee shops encourage game playing over a cup of their delicious brew.

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Here are some common games that are a good start:
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Checkers, Chinese Checkers, Backgammon, Scrabble, Dominoes and Mahjong. Bingo is a classic and many centers or coffee shops have Bingo nights still with the option of winning prizes.

No need to buy brand new games either as centers and shops supply the games as long as you provide the interest. Sometimes home health care places will let their seniors rent out games.

Puzzles & More

Puzzle books and brain teasers are another option for those who enjoy working with words or numbers. Crossword puzzles range from easy to advanced and sudoku is perfect for people who enjoy number crunching. These puzzle books are available at discount stores and dollar stores for low prices and you can also visit your local library to check the newspaper’s daily puzzle. Make it a library date with a friend, too.

​Jigsaw puzzles are a fun and intricate way to work with friends of all generations. These also come in a couple hundred pieces to a thousand (or a couple of thousand) puzzle pieces. The challenge is up to you.”
No matter your niche, keep the mind active and healthy with the perfect brain game. 
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Hands and Hearts
​Home Care 
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803) 470-4770
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Hands and Hearts
​Home Care

153 Dreher Rd. West Columbia, SC 29169

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