Things to do to Live Healthy While Aging – Skilled Nursing Point Loma, CA

Thursday, May 22nd, 2014

Aging is a natural process we all will face someday.  To reduce the aging symptoms we must take steps to maintain our health. The do not list:

Don’t exercise before going to bed – Exercise will get you all pumped up and your heart rate goes up, you’ll get yourself going and then you won’t be able to relax. Exercise routines are best done in the morning, since it boosts your energy.

When you wake up, work out before you continue your day since you will find it much easier. On the other hand, some people prefer to workout in the afternoon. If this is you, the afternoon is good as well, since it will boost the energy wasted from the earlier part of your day.

What keeps you awake?  – Snoring is something that can keep you awake at night. Sometimes snoring occurs from obesity or sleep disorder and so on. If you have a snoring problem, perhaps visiting your doctor will help you find the answers to your problem. Losing weight by exercising can give you the activity you need for those bones as well as sleeping and sometimes losing weight isn’t bad for us either. Your partner may snore as well, which keeps you awake at night. If your partner snores ask him/her to visit, the doctor to find out if a medical condition exists. It’s better to know now, rather than wait until it is too late.

Depression and stress can keep us from getting a restful night of sleep. Try practicing yoga. Yoga will help you develop meditation skills. The skills you acquire will help you to relax. Yoga workouts reduce ugly depressive symptoms, which includes stress. Aromatherapy and listening to music will also help to relax you and lessen that depression and stress.

If you don’t seem to be having any luck with whatever you try and your still waking up in the morning feeling like you haven’t had any sleep forever consult your physician. Talk to your doctor to see if he has any ideas that can help you live healthy. Perhaps your doctor can provide you with healthy sleeping remedies that allow you to sleep peacefully.

Eating healthy – is another great way to live a healthy aging life. When you eat the proper food groups daily, you are building your body by providing it with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it requires to live healthy. As you grow older however, your body will need more of one thing than it will another. Ask your doctor about a diet suitable to help you grow healthy as you age.

Vitamins and herbs are a great way to increase your health and reduce risks of disease. If your body gets the proper vitamins it needs, your body will work to live longer. You have a wide selection of vitamins available to you, yet you should learn more before taking them.

Skilled Nursing Point Loma, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the Firstat’s company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer’s Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Ensuring Safety When Doing Activities for Seniors – Skilled Nursing Point Loma, CA

Saturday, May 17th, 2014

Seniors are more prone to disease, accidents and dangers when doing physical activities, since their bodies are less active, weaker and less flexible than when they were younger. It is important to note that most are still capable of doing the same things, except that the intensity, duration and extent need to be toned down a bit for their safety and convenience.

Basic Safety Measures – It is important to keep in mind that you can only provide activities that senior citizens can tolerate. Some activities may already be too severe or strenuous for them to participate in, even though they may want to.

Check for signs of fatigue, stress and potential dangers. Make sure that the environment you choose is completely free of debris and other items that might lead to accidents, falls and wounds. The elderly are particularly prone to fractures and their healing mechanisms also tend to slow down, which is why you need to avoid injury and stress as much as possible.

Mental Health – It is equally important to consider the mental health of the elderly to make sure that they are living normal lives. You can provide activities that will boost their social welfare, such as letting them join sports activities, seminars, group counseling services and other extracurricular events. Seniors tend to battle feelings of anxiety and despair with self-fulfillment. Let them talk to others who were also in the same position before.

Tools for Safety – There are many aids available to ensure safety for the elderly. Some of the most popular are wheelchairs, canes, bandages for the joints, etc. You should also assess the environment and provide the necessary tools to keep seniors comfortable for various activities. Hats, sweaters, water bottles, diapers, etc. may be needed depending on the individual capacity. Always have a first aid kit ready, and keep a number of emergency services in your phone or wallet, just in case.

Assessing Performance – For starters, it is always advised to give seniors activities that are right for their age and physical tolerance. Over time, you can increase the duration and intensity to continue building strength and endurance. Assess the performance of different individuals and allow them to give you feedback. Their suggestions can be very useful when developing a program for maintenance and wellness.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the Firstat’s company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Healthy Aging and a Good Nights Sleep – Skilled Nursing La Jolla, CA

Friday, April 25th, 2014

As we grow older, we need to stay active to keep our bodies and system in shape. The older a person gets the less our bodies want to function so keeping it in shape is very important for all of us, even the younger people.

Sleeping is very important to all of us as we are aging. Aging brings on a different sleep pattern and we need to learn how to control it so when it is time to sleep we sleep well. It is normal as we age that it becomes harder to get a good nights sleep and feel rested when we wake up. Sleeping is as important as our diet and activities.

Did you know that it is hard for woman to sleep more so than men in their aging years? Women have more tendencies to feel stressed out more and they sometimes are just too busy to get themselves into an exercising routine. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, it will reduce your alertness during the day because you’re tired. Long periods of sleepless nights can cause high blood pressure and isn’t good for the heart either.

There are many reasons why some people can’t achieve a restful nights sleep. Sometimes you might sleep but it is a light sleep and we need to have a deep restful REM sleep. Sometimes you may awaken during the night from pain perhaps caused from arthritis. Sometimes you may experience heartburn, which causes you to get less sleep. Snoring or feeling depressed sometimes can also cause you to loose sleep. You may have a stressful day followed by the lack of sleep. Muscles spasms can also cause a person to loose sleep.

How you can reduce the problems that cause you to loose sleep:

Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can cause us to lose sleep. Try not to drink liquids before going to bed, and stop smoking. Smoking not only harmful to your body but it can cause you to lose sleep. Excessive noise in the house, the TV or radio in the bedroom and snoring are some more reasons that can keep us from sleeping. Don’t try to go to bed and watch TV or listen to the radio; this will only keep you awake longer. You can learn to enjoy exercises to reduce muscles spasms and/or arthritic symptoms. You can also reduce eating unhealthy foods that cause heartburn, or drinking caffeine-based substances before you go to bed to improve your sleeping pattern.

Do you have a pet that sleeps with you? Even though you think they are giving you comfort it could cause you to lose that precious sleep you need. You may not realize it but every time your pet moves, maybe snores; you can hear this while sleeping. Maybe you might have to get your pet a bed and let him sleep on the floor next to you. If you have allergies, your pet may be the cause, which can make you loose sleep as well.

Napping is not good if you take one during the day for more than 25 minutes. I realize that maybe your not getting enough sleep during the night and you get tired in the afternoon. However, when you lie down during the day and sleep for a long time, when it is time to go to bed, you’ve had just enough sleep that you’re not as tired.
Before you lie down to rest, you should also consider drinking a warm glass of milk. Studies have shown that warm milk helps a person to relax.

Skilled Nursing La Jolla, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the Firstat’s company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

The Brain and Healthy Aging – Skilled Nursing La Jolla, CA

Monday, April 21st, 2014

Growing older and learning from your mistakes is a clear sign that our brain is improving. The brain will improve as we learn. In return, it helps us to live a better life. We live longer and learn new skills that help us to develop a healthier way of living.

Our brain has learned a lot from our younger days. All those skills you accomplished made the brain stay healthy. Remember practice makes perfect and as we grow older the more practice we get. The more we learn the quality of talking grows and improves even more. We need to learn how to manage stress too because stress will damage the circuit in your brain.

As you grow you, become wiser. The challenges and opportunities along with making decision were all improving the brain. Be positive on life and ready for new challenges.
The brain works by increasing knowledge and it builds the connecting elements in the bran that make us function well. You’re never too old to learn something new.
As you grow older, keep your connection with your family and friends. The more we stay in contact with our family and friends we are keeping our mental sharpness working. You can learn from them and it will help to maintain your mental sharpness each day that goes by.

Your diet is very important to keep the brain healthy, as we grow older. Eat as many colorful fruits and leafy vegetables as you can. Vegetables are known to help your brain to perform and become better. If vegetables can help prevent cancer, it has to be good for the brain as well.

Fruits and vegetable are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals along with being low in fat and calories. Antioxidants have proven to benefit us, since it contains Vitamins known to reduce dying or damaged cells. Eat those blueberries the color is known to improve short-term memory.

Stress busters: Stress can take over our lives making it harmful to your bodies and brain as well. There isn’t any way a person can relieve all stress but we can decide what can be eliminated and concentrate on what you can do to relieve the rest by bring pleasure to yourself. It is very important that you don’t let stress take over your life. Stress causes depression easier as we grow older.

The brain releases stress hormones to help use manage some stress but if to many hormones are released it can damage the nerve cells. Depression can set in if the hormones are released too much and fast.

Relieve those stressful elements that cause you misery: Relieving stress isn’t easy for anyone. You have to forget about the things you have no control over and fix the ones you do. Try taking a walk or do some kind of activity to relax that brain not stress it. Putting some fun into your life and make yourself happy again.
Sometimes it takes awhile to make changes in your life, as we grow older to fit your health and needs. Changes are hard to do and it sometimes becomes a challenge but in the end, it will relieve stress and improve the brain by giving it a new learning experience.

Skilled Nursing La Jolla, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the Firstat’s company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Types of Senior Living Facilities – Skilled Nursing Poway, CA

Friday, March 28th, 2014

When you first begin researching senior living facilities, you may be surprised (and a bit confused) to find that you have a number of different facility types to choose from. Need some help sorting through all of them? Here is a rundown of the different types of senior living facilities:

Independent living – As the name suggests, these facilities are best for seniors who are, more or less, completely independent. Seniors who can care for themselves benefit from the convenience, socialization, and activities provided by an independent living facility. There are no personal care professionals at an independent living facility, unless they are privately hired.

Assisted living – Assisted living facilities are for seniors who are relatively independent, but who require limited personal care services (help with dressing and taking medications, for example). These facilities employ a personal care staff that consists of personal care assistants (PCA) and certified nursing aides (CNA).

Nursing home care – Nursing homes are for those seniors that require round the clock care from medical professionals. These facilities employee a staff of nurses, generally headed by a registered nurse (RN) and occasionally overseen by a physician.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CRRC) – These facilities offer all of the living environment and personal care services of the three options listed above. They are perfect for independent seniors who like the idea of growing older in a single place.

Skilled Nursing Poway, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the Firstat’s website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Signs It’s Time to Begin Your Search for a Senior Living Facility – Skilled Nursing Poway, CA

Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

No one likes the thought of placing a loved one in a senior living facility, but sometimes it’s just the right thing to do. When do you know when that time has arrived? Here are some signs it’s time to begin your search for a senior living facility:

Personal Care – When your loved one seems to be slacking in the area of personal care and hygiene (bathing, grooming, and brushing teeth, for example), it may be time to search for a living environment in which necessary help will be provided.

Memory loss – Memory loss can cause some serious consequences for seniors. These problems may range from forgetting to turn off the stove to driving to an unfamiliar place and getting lost. If your loved one is showing signs of memory loss, you may be doing the best thing by choosing a senior living facility for placement.

Medication – Many seniors are on a strict medication regimen. If your loved one has a difficult time keeping up with a medication schedule, then you may need to enlist the help of professionals at a senior living facility.

Eating and nutrition – It is all too easy for less-abled seniors to forego proper eating habits—sometimes ignoring doctor-imposed dietary restrictions altogether—without guidance. At senior living facilities, residents are given the eating and nutrition guidance they need.

Mobility – Seniors may suffer mobility problems for any of a number of reasons, from arthritis to failing eyesight. This presents many dangers, in the form of slip and fall accidents. If your loved one has a difficult time rolling out of bed, sitting, standing, or climbing stairs, then you may need to consider placement with a senior living facility.

Skilled Nursing Poway, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the Firstat’s company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Skilled Nursing Coronado, CA – Activities for Seniors: What to Do on a Typical Day

Sunday, February 23rd, 2014

The sad thing about senior citizens and the younger generation is that they seem to ignore each other. A lot of people think that since older individuals have lowered activity tolerance and are not as mentally active as before, they do not really need much stimulation. The fact is, these people are constantly searching for attention. Here’s what you can offer.

Start the Day Right – Seniors wake up earlier than before, since they need less sleep than regular adults. A typical night’s sleep lasts anywhere from 4 to 6 hours for most. You can expect them to wake up at around 5am to 7am in the morning. It will be good to give them a hearty breakfast once they open their eyes. Greet them warmly and have the table set up. A good menu will include items like oatmeal, a piece of apple or orange, coffee or juice and a tall glass of water. While eating, give him or her an itinerary of the activities for the day so they can prepare well.

You can assist the elderly get ready for the day’s actions, by helping them dress, shower and do their other bodily routines. Some will prefer doing things independently, so it will be better to just hand them items like the brush, the towel and slippers and let them do everything else to promote independence and feelings of self-confidence.

Some Physical Activity – Start the day with some form of exercise to improve muscle strength and condition. Some of the activities that you can offer include a round of golf, swimming, walking to the nearby mall, doing yoga and hitting the gym for some lightweight training. Do activities according to the preference and physical capacity of the individual. The session should last anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes at a time, even if the person believes that he or she can tolerate or do more.

Take time to warm up for 5 to 10 minutes through stretches and cardiovascular exercise. Cool down in the end as well by stretching and flexing. Make sure you bring a bottle of water for the elderly to consume throughout the exercises. They tend to become dehydrated sooner than others, so stay prepared especially on very hot days. If the senior experiences anything painful or uncomfortable about the activity, stop it immediately and find the source of the problem.

Buying Them Toys – Seniors want to hold on even to small material possessions as a way to ease boredom. Some of the “toys” or items that you can give them to stay mentally alert and focused are a book, a cross stitch set, a sewing kit, a drawing book or a canvass. Take the elderly to the local department store, mall or bookstore and have them pick a couple of things that they would like to keep at home. You can ask the people too, the particular hobbies and activities they used to do when they were younger. Try to find things that they can associate with easily.

Ensuring Safety – Make sure that the senior is fully secure and safe throughout all the activities done. If the weather is hot, provide an umbrella, sunglasses and hat. For colder seasons, give gloves, a jacket and boots. Protect the elderly from potential dangers while doing activities like going up the stairs, playing sports and cooking. Always be right beside the person to assist and have some materials prepared such as the emergency hotline and first aid kit.

Skilled Nursing Coronado, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer’s Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com