Nutrition as You Age

We have always been told to eat healthy, from childhood to our adult years. So many different diets have been created claiming to be the best way for you to be healthy. However, many diets are not sustainable for seniors. Yet just because most diets are designed for younger adults does not mean that there are not healthy diets for seniors. There are many articles that explain how to eat healthy and have a balanced diet as a senior and provide examples on how to implement the healthy diet. This article from the National Institute on Health gives examples on how to make smart food choices, and this article provides tips on how to maintain healthy eating. 

If you would like more articles about nutrition, ChooseMyPlate.gov is a great resource to utilize.

Substance Abuse in Seniors

We often hear about substance abuse in teenagers and middle-aged adults, but the truth is that substance abuse happens among seniors too. There are many reasons, such as changes in health, lifestyle, family and work roles, and sources of support. Often, senior substance abuse is misdiagnosed because the symptoms of substance abuse can mimic other medical issues in the senior population, for instance diabetes or dementia.

However, substance abuse is not something that can be pushed to the side as a less important topic. It is a very serious issue that should be addressed by not only seniors, but by their family members as well. It is never to late to consider getting help for a senior with substance abuse, and there are many treatment options available.

If you would like to learn more about the signs of substance abuse and ways to treat it, click here for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

Managing Stress as a Senior

Before you retired, things that may have stressed you out were busy days at the office or taking care of your young children. Now as you grow older, you will have different stressors: the loss of a loved one, too much unstructured time on your hands, a change in relationship with your family members, or a loss of physical abilities.

The good thing is that this is normal, and there are ways to overcome this stress. Dr. Dossett addresses ways to manage stress in the article "How stress affects seniors, and how to manage it", published on the Harvard Health website. To learn Dr. Dossett's tips, click on the link below.

How Stress Affects Seniors, and How to Manage It.

Dementia Caregiver Training Opportunity

As more and more of our clients are dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's challenges, we have been looking for training resources to help prepare you for those assignments. In order for you to have the best caregiving experience, we believe you need access to helpful and appropriate training. Being confident that you can provide good care is essential to your experience with us.

I have two options to share with you:

1. Care Training Resource video program sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.

This online program offers individual training in dementia care, as well as individual certification by the Alzheimer's Association to recognize those who complete the program and demonstrate knowledge of quality dementia care practices.

essentiALZ Dementia Basics: This certification can be earned after taking the approved prerequisite training, CARES® Dementia Basics (4 hours). The essentiALZ Dementia Basic exam covers the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia care, understanding behavior, communication and person-centered care.

We have prepaid for several courses and will gladly offer a $40.00 bonus to each person who successfully passes the exam and becomes certified. Please call the Office to get started with this course.

2. If you are already familiar with Alzheimer's care and just need a refresher, or do not currently have any Alzheimer's client and want to start learning, this is a very helpful brochure you can print.

Alzheimer's Behaviors Brochure for Caregivers, click here.