health tips

Meal Ideas For Seniors That Will Help You Plan For 2019

October 21, 2018 Mario Villavicencio Healthy Eating Comments Off on Meal Ideas For Seniors That Will Help You Plan For 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Most seniors experience a decline in appetite as they age, so it’s often hard to make sure they’re getting enough nutrition in their diets. As the daughter of a senior loved one, you’ve probably worried about this in the past, especially given the fact that you have to balance your own family life and work schedule in the mix every day as well. To be sure that your elderly parent is eating healthy, the following meal suggestions are offered, to carry you into the holidays and beyond.

Breakfast ideas  

A great way to begin a holiday morning for your parent would be to make him/her some whole grain waffles or pancakes. Add a pat of butter and some blueberries on top, and for extra protein, include a handful of walnuts on the side.

Another good breakfast alternative is a good yogurt parfait, which includes yogurt, nuts, and fruit. This is a great combination of healthy fats, protein, carbohydrates, and Vitamin C.

A third option for breakfast is making one or two hard-boiled eggs, and serving them with whole grain toast and some fresh fruit. This is a well-rounded meal that’s light and loaded with nutrition.

Lunch options

One great lunchtime idea is a Southwest omelette, made with two eggs, chunks of pepper jack cheese, and a little chili sauce or salsa. Put a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in your frying pan, then add in the eggs, and as soon as they begin to firm up, you can add in the other ingredients. Fold over when cooked, and serve piping hot.

Eggs and red potatoes are a good choice for a quick lunch full of nutrition. Put a pat of butter into your frying pan, chop up some potatoes into the pan, and add scrambled eggs after the potatoes have cooked for five minutes. Season with pepper, herbs, and spices, but try to avoid using salt.

At holiday time, your elderly parent will love a quinoa salad, made with chopped up stir-fry vegetables, mushrooms, red pepper, and onions. Combine these with cooked quinoa and either pine nuts or pecans, and add a fresh Italian dressing.

Dinner meals

One great holiday option would be to prepare a grilled salmon steak. Top the salmon steak with sweet onion, tomatoes, one tablespoon of olive oil, chopped garlic, and fresh basil. Wrap up the entire fish mixture tightly in aluminum foil and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.

For a great-tasting shrimp and pasta meal, begin by putting a pat of butter in your frying pan, along with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Add in some garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and one or two handfuls of shrimp. Toss the ingredients together, and cook them all until the shrimp is done, then place all ingredients over a bed of pasta, and top with tomatoes.

Southwest chicken salad is a great tasty meal that is simple to prepare, starting with cutting up a boneless, skinless chicken breast into your frying pan, along with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add salsa when the chicken is cooked, and serve warm to your appreciative loved one.

Need senior care for 2019?

If you’ll need care for your senior loved one in 2019, contact MD Home Health, the Phoenix Home Health organization which provides the very best caregiving for your elderly parents. We can customize a care plan for your loved one, based entirely on their needs and on your budget, so call us to get the process started today.


What to do When Seniors Stop Eating

June 10, 2018 Mario Villavicencio Healthy Eating, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on What to do When Seniors Stop Eating , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Given that this month is ‘National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month’, it’s a great time to be a little bit more aware of what your elderly loved ones are including in their daily diets, and whether those things are conducive to good senior health. It’s also good to be aware of how fresh the foods in the refrigerator are, because it’s always possible that things aren’t being monitored closely for expiration dates and for freshness.

Then again, there may be times when, even if you are taking steps to make foods appealing and healthy for your senior loved one, they just aren’t interested in eating. AZ Health Care professionals recommend some of the following ideas for encouraging your senior to eat a little more, and if you can’t be around personally to do that, by all means consider retaining Phoenix health care specialists to help support the healthy eating initiatives at home.

Possible Responses

The first thing you should do is make sure that your senior’s disinterest in foods isn’t due to a medical condition, or a result of some medication they’re taking for a condition already present. Assuming that isn’t the cause, it’s worth a try to adjust the timing of served meals, adapting mealtimes to when your senior seems hungry, rather than at traditional times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The way you serve meals may also have an impact. For instance, your senior may feel more confident about eating soup from a cup than a bowl, or he/she may prefer meats which have been cut up into small bites, as opposed to the cuts they were sold in.

Adding a little seasoning might increase the appeal of certain foods, and since seniors typically begin to lose taste as they age, a little extra might be just the ticket. Sometimes, seniors just aren’t interested in eating alone, and might feel more inclined if they had a partner to share with. Inquire about social meals and get-togethers at local community centers to make the experience more enjoyable.

When seniors develop increasingly low appetites, it’s better to provide them with heavy doses of nutrients rather than larger portions. Healthy calories from peanut butter and other foods might strike their fancy. And if the issue is that your loved one simply doesn’t enjoy cooking anymore, why not pitch right in, and share the preparation and cooking tasks with him/her? It will provide some good quality time to be with your loved one, and it may even overcome their disinterest in the whole cooking process.

One or more of these suggestions should do the trick, but if your senior loved one still shows little interest in eating after all your efforts, you might want to consider using an appetite stimulant to be sure they’re getting the nutrition needed.  

Monitoring the diet of your senior loved one

It can be a difficult task to constantly monitor what your senior loved one is eating, especially if you have other commitments at home and on the job. But you don’t have to do all this alone – MD Home Health has been a trusted provider in the greater Phoenix area ever since 1985, and has helped many families through difficult times with health and home care. Contact us today to learn more.

 


Dealing with Dementia: Do’s and Don’ts

May 14, 2018 Mario Villavicencio Articles, Caregiver Information, Hiring a Caregiver Comments Off on Dealing with Dementia: Do’s and Don’ts , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dementia is a condition which affects a person’s ability to remember things, to communicate effectively, and even to think normally, and as you might expect, that can have an enormous impact on daily life. One of the most common causes of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, which afflicts seniors in greater numbers than any other demographic. As of 2018, there are approximately 5.7 million Americans who have Alzheimer’s Disease, and of these, 5.5 million are ages 65 and over. MD Home Assist caregivers and Phoenix home health caregivers offer the following tips on how to manage the behaviors of your elderly loved one afflicted with dementia.

Positive Body Language

Almost more important than what you say to a senior, is the body language you express when around them. The most effective communication with your loved one should include gentle touches, a quiet and respectful tone when talking, and pleasant facial expressions.

Maintain Humor

A humorous approach to your home health care can be very helpful and will usually be well-received by your senior, as long as the humor is not at their expense. A smile and a laugh are therapeutic for practically anyone, and seniors with dementia are no exception. 

Use Conversation That is Simple and Direct

Since comprehension may be impaired in your senior loved one, it’s best to communicate with statements and questions that are simple and direct, so they can better understand them. Whenever possible, ask questions which only require a yes/no, or one-word answer, and when speaking, be slow and clear with statements.

Limit Distractions

When you’re trying to discuss anything with your senior or you need to convey something important, you should limit or eliminate other background distractions such as television or radio. To be sure you get his/her attention, sit or stand at the same level as your senior, and be sure to make eye contact, so as to establish the most direct possible connection.

Be Patient

Don’t get irritated or annoyed when dealing with your senior, even if it becomes difficult to get a point across, or to understand what they’re trying to tell you. If he/she is having difficulty verbalizing something, it’s perfectly alright to suggest or guess at what they’re trying to say. Sometimes it’s better to listen with your heart than with your ears.

Redirect When Things Get Difficult

For those times when things become difficult with your senior loved one, and he/she gets upset about something, try redirecting the situation into something more pleasant and completely off-topic. Take a walk, listen to soothing music, or do anything that your senior really enjoys to defuse the situation and replace it with something more pleasant.

Don’t Point Out Mistakes or Misunderstandings

Don’t press the point when you feel that your senior is wrong about something, and don’t insist on impressing your views upon them. Most likely you will only cause them to be more upset by pressing your point anyway, so it’s far better to just let it pass and be as calm and reassuring as you can.

Remember the Good Times

Ironically, many seniors afflicted by dementia have difficulty recalling something that happened an hour ago, but can easily remember events of 30 or 40 years ago. Take advantage of this fact in your Phoenix health care by frequently bringing up those happier times from youth, and taking your senior back to a happy place.

Break Down Difficult Tasks

Any activity which might present a problem for your loved one should be managed in a series of do-able steps, rather than trying to accomplish the complete task at once. One example might be getting dressed in the morning. Create minor tasks for each article of clothing, and address those one at a time with your senior, so that each one can be a small success in its own way.

Positive Reinforcement

Keep in mind that your loved one is going through something which is extremely disorienting and possibly debilitating, and that it won’t take much to get him/her confused, frustrated, and maybe even frightened. As a main caregiver providing Arizona health care for a senior, you can best support them by being positive all the time, and by being loving and supportive, rather than critical or argumentative.

Taking care of an aging parent or loved one can be a stressful experience. But you do not have to endure it alone. We take senior health care very seriously, and as one of the top home health care companies Phoenix, you can rely on our expertise and professionalism for your health care needs. Contact us today to learn more.


Healthy Summer Snacks to Help Keep You Hydrated, Cool and Slim

June 8, 2017 Mario Villavicencio Uncategorized Comments Off on Healthy Summer Snacks to Help Keep You Hydrated, Cool and Slim , , , ,

Summer is right around the corner. Many people associate summer with cold beers and hanging out by the pool to keep cool. However, the foods you eat can have a large effect on how you feel in the heat as well. Some foods are believed to cause warming or cooling effects in the body. Eating healthy is always important, but here a few healthy summer snack ideas from your Phoenix home care professionals that can help you feel cool in the heat.

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of water content. Staying hydrated during a hot day is very important to feel cool and keep your body functioning properly. Eating raw fruits and vegetables can help your body stay hydrated, along with drinking plenty of fluids. Being easy to digest, your body also doesn’t have to work as hard to break raw fruits and vegetables down. If you crave something more hearty, pairing with a dip such as hummus is another great cooling summer snack. Watermelons, celery, pineapples, cucumbers, apples and fresh greens such as kale are all jam-packed with water and vitamins. When it comes to cooling summer snacks, fresh fruits and veggies are at the top of the list.

 

  • Fresh ceviche is a great cooling summer snack if you are looking for a more hearty snack and you are not a vegetarian or vegan. Ceviche is a raw fish dish that is “cooked” by the acidity of lime juice. It is very easy to prepare and is always served chilled, so it is a great summer snack or meal option.

 

  • Banana “nice cream” is an excellent healthy dessert option. Take some frozen peeled bananas and pop them in the blender with some of your favorite nut milk, coconut water, or dairy alternative. The dairy and other ingredients in traditional ice cream cause you to feel bloated which can make you feel hotter. Add just enough nut milk to blend the bananas into an ice cream consistency. Add some peanut butter or cocoa powder for a little extra flavor. This is a great summer dessert sure to keep you cool and is also vegan and healthy!

 

These are just a few simple, cheap and healthy snack ideas to help keep you cool during the dog days of summer. Phoenix home health care professionals can help you with more healthy eating advice for summer and year round. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.

 


The Benefits of Exercise and an Active Lifestyle

May 16, 2017 Mario Villavicencio Active Living, Healthy Eating, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on The Benefits of Exercise and an Active Lifestyle , , , , , ,

May is National Sports and Physical Fitness month. Now is a great time to spread awareness of the many benefits provided by engaging in an active lifestyle. Many Americans don’t get enough exercise in their day to day lives. An active lifestyle can improve your mood, promote social interaction and even increase the longevity of your life. If you are someone who is not getting enough physical activity, here are a few reasons why now is great time to make some positive changes in your life.

Make Small Changes

Don’t set yourself up for failure when starting to make changes to your lifestyle. It’s not always easy to break out of comfort zones. Set small goals first, and make small accomplishments. Encourage family and friends to join in your physical activity, like taking a walk together or going for a bike ride. Getting active is a great way to build lasting friendships and build a sense of community. Communities can work together to create opportunities for everyone to be lead a more active lifestyle.

Improved Heart Health

Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in the United States. However, just two and half hours per week of moderate aerobic workout can improve you heart’s health and lower your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Maintaining a regular active lifestyle can also improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Improved Mood and Mental Health

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression. It can also help keep your cognition skills sharp as you age. Sharper motor skills can reduce the risk for falls and injuries. An active lifestyle can help boost endorphin production in the brain, resulting in a happier mood. An active lifestyle can even help you sleep better naturally as well.

Control your Weight

Scientific evidence shows that physical activity can help manage weight gain over time. The exact amount of physical activity varies from person to person. However, an average of 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise and a healthy balanced diet is a great recipe to manage caloric intake and manage your weight.

There are many health benefits of exercise, and even more creative ways to engage in some form of physical activity. Even for individuals who are home bound or have physical limitations, Phoenix home health care professionals provide a variety of in home physical therapy and training. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


March is National Nutrition Month

March 1, 2017 Mario Villavicencio Active Living, Caregiver Information, Healthy Eating Comments Off on March is National Nutrition Month , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

March is National Nutrition Month, which is an education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme strives to help people manage their weight successfully and reduce their risk of chronic disease while promoting general health. Consuming fewer calories, getting daily exercise and making educated food choices are part of this year’s goals. There are many easy ways to engage in a healthy lifestyle.

Cut the Calories Without Going Hungry

 Cutting down on calories is an easy way to feel better and prevent unnecessary weight gain. There is more to reducing caloric intake than just simply  “eating less.” Making simple choices in what foods you eat is easier than depraving yourself from eating. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables over processed snacks and red meat is a healthy way to cut calories. Snacking on fruit before every meal is a great way to reduce cravings and eat more sensibly at meal time. Try an apple 15 minutes before lunch to curb a ravenous appetite.

Daily Exercise

 Daily exercise is important for a healthy cardiovascular system. Elevating your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes a day is a clinically researched way to promote heart health. If you are someone who needs home assistance, one of our processional caregivers would be glad to assist you with an exercise routine. Strengthening therapy is just one of many medical services provided by our Phoenix home health care professionals.

 Informed Decisions

 Making educated food choices is important to a healthy lifestyle. Make sure to know your body’s caloric and nutritional needs by talking to your doctor or a health care professional. Eating organic food is a great way to provide wholesome nutrition to your body without the risk of contamination from toxic pesticides. Eating a plant based diet is also a great way to cut down on calories and give your body the nutrition it needs. Cut down on processed and packaged foods and stick to the ones that can be found at local farmers’ market.

Cutting calories, daily exercise and making informed decisions when buying food are all stepping stones to a healthy lifestyle. The food we eat is directly connected to how we feel and the health of our bodies. Let this National Nutritional Month be an inspiration to start some new healthy habits. To find out more about our Phoenix home health services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


Why Fall Prevention is So Important

February 6, 2017 Mario Villavicencio Active Living, Caregiver Information, Hiring a Caregiver, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on Why Fall Prevention is So Important , , , , , , , , , , , ,

February is National Senior Independence Month, and while many are doing their part in promoting healthy living, caregiving and exercise, it is equally important to stress the risk of falls, and to join in promoting fall prevention this month. According to the CDC, one out of every three adults age 65 and over falls each year. Falling is also the leading cause of accident related deaths for this age group. This makes falling one of the single highest threats to the independence of seniors. It is for this reason that we are going to dedicate an entire blog post to the topic of fall prevention this month; in spreading awareness, and helping prevent accidents, while promoting senior independence.

Important Statistics

According to the CDC, falling is a serious and costly issue facing those 65 and older, and their website has listed the following shocking statistics:

  • 1 of 5 falls causes a serious injury–broken bones or a head injury.
  • Over 300,000 seniors are hospitalized annually for hip fractures.
  • Nearly 3 million seniors are treated in the ER for injuries resulting from a fall.
  • Over 800,000 seniors are hospitalized yearly for fall injuries. Hip fractures and head injuries are the most common.
  • Over 95% of hip fractures are caused from falling, and usually onto one’s side.
  • The most common cause for traumatic brain injuries is falling.
  • The annual cost incurred from fall injuries is $31 billion. 2/3 of this results from hospital costs.

After a Fall

After a person falls, they are likely to suffer from broken bones. Common breaks from falling include wrists, arms, hips and ankles. They may also suffer a head injury. Head injuries can be serious, and medications such as blood thinners can make them even more dangerous. If a senior has hit their head, they should see a doctor immediately to rule out brain injury. Even if the senior has fallen and was lucky enough to escape serious injury, a fall can have debilitating mental effects that could cause the person to become fearful of falling again. This is likely to interfere with their normal daily routines, and cause them to become less active. Being less active is only going to increase their risk of a future fall more in the long run, so a good therapist may be essential after a loved one has experienced a fall.

Risk Factors

The Center for Disease Control has identified the following factors for increased risk of falling. Most falls are the result of a combination of risk factors, and the more factors someone has, the higher their risk of experiencing a fall.

  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Weak lower body
  • Troubles walking or balancing
  • Foot pain, or poorly made footwear
  • Medications that affect one’s balance (over-the-counter or prescription)
  • Home hazards
    • Uneven or broken steps
    • Lack of handrails next to stairs or in the bathroom
    • Throw rugs or clutter that one may trip over

Fall Prevention

The best way to help your loved one to prevent a fall is to evaluate their risk first in their home, and second with their medical doctor. You may want to ask a Phoenix home health care professional to evaluate your loved one’s home. You may even want to hire a Phoenix home care provider to visit the home of your loved one on a regular basis to clean, or assist them during daily tasks that open them up to greater risk for falling. Your doctor can help you find ways to reduce fall risk around the home, and you may want to review the medications your loved one is taking, and add a vitamin D supplement into their daily diet. The biggest factor in reducing the risk of falling is exercise. Tai Chi is great for helping increase lower body strength and balance.

For more information on preventing falls, our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.

 


February is National Senior Independence Month

February 1, 2017 Mario Villavicencio Active Living, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on February is National Senior Independence Month , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

February is a month that is dedicated to celebrating senior independence, and putting a bit of extra time into promoting and assisting a senior in your life in any way that helps with their independence in staying at home, while receiving the care that they need. As caregivers and Phoenix home health care professionals, we are extra excited about February, and have a variety of suggestions for ways that you can join in and promote senior independence this month as well.

If you have a special senior in your life that you would like to see stay in their home, and out of hospice care, it would be a good idea to take an assessment of their needs. A needs assessment can help you to better understand the daily struggles your loved one faces, and also where they might have needs for greater health and safety in their normal routines. If you’re unsure of how to conduct a thorough needs assessment, contact your local Phoenix home care professionals, and they can send someone to the home of your special senior to conduct a needs assessment and consultation for free.

There are likely to be a variety of medical and non-medical services required in the home of your loved one, and deciding whether to help with some of these tasks, or to hire a caregiver is going to be your next decision. You may even want to split up some of the tasks between yourself and family members, while adding the help of a professional caregiver. Things like grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, cleaning the home, and administering meds may sound like reasonable tasks that you can handle, while the more medical needs will require the help of a medical caregiver. There are also a variety of non-medical needs your loved one may have, such as having someone there to help them dress each day and to bathe, that you may want to hire a caregiver to help with.

Another great way to help promote independence in seniors this month is to help promote a decent amount of exercise into their daily routines. This is something you will want to discuss with your loved one’s doctor first, to ensure they aren’t over exerting themselves, or bringing extra risk to a health condition. Any amount of consistent exercise has been found to be the single most important factor for those over 65 in promoting independence, longevity and reducing the risk of falls. Falling is one of the most prevalent risk factors for seniors, and is the biggest cause of injury death for this age group.

National Senior Independence Month will be more effective the more it is acknowledged and observed, so spreading the word is another great way to help promote awareness. A great way to spread awareness is by asking your municipal government to declare February as Senior Independence Month in your city or town. Here is a great example of a proclamation that you may use to spread the word to your local community.

Every bit of help in spreading awareness about Senior Independence Month is certainly appreciated. And for those of you who do not have a special senior in your life, but would like to help in promoting senior independence in your community, look no further than your local YMCA. They offer a SilverSneakers Fitness Program for those 65 and older, and you can get involved by volunteering, and helping facilitate senior fitness in any way that you can. If you would like more information on National Senior Independence Month, or our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742, or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.

 


5 New Year’s Resolutions for Better Health

January 12, 2017 Mario Villavicencio Active Living, Healthy Eating, Hiring a Caregiver, Seasonal/Holiday, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Better Health , , , , , , , ,

Phoenix Home Health (Small)

Now that 2017 is in full swing, there’s likely a list of resolutions you’ve made to help make 2017 the best year yet. Perhaps you’re already working away at your list of changes you’d like to make, or maybe you’ve only looked at it, and haven’t started on it yet. Either situation is fine, as starting slow with an intention is the best way to implement long-term change this year. For those of you who have resolutions surrounding bettering or maintaining your health, here are 5 resolutions that will give you the health boost you need, and the motivation to start working away at the rest of your list.

Get 15-20 Minutes of Direct Sun Per Day

In order for our bodies to absorb enough of the vitamin D we need, a nice dose of 15-20 minutes (depending on your skin’s pigment type) of direct sun exposure at the height of UV exposure in the afternoon (without sunscreen) is needed. If you’re going to be out any longer, put on some sunscreen after the first 15 minutes, as it blocks the absorption of vitamin D. There are other ways to get vitamin D from foods, but this is the fastest, easiest way. It is also a great way to combat certain medical problems that may present in the future. This is especially important for females, as 50% are not getting enough vitamin D.

Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. Sure, we don’t want to oversleep and hibernate all day, but we should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep per day. When this is lacking, a sleep deficit can build up, and negative health issues may become present. Sleep research scientists have found that women need a bit more sleep than males, by about 20 minutes.

Exercise for 20 Minutes Per Day

Cardiovascular health drastically improves if we are exercising to increase our heart rate for at least 20 minutes per day. A 20-minute walk per day is powerful enough to save 37,000 lives per year, and ward off several health issues. If you’re looking to get into greater shape in 20 per minutes a day, try interval training; elevating your heart rate to 90% capacity for one minute, then cooling down for another minute, and repeating 10 times. For optimal cardio workout results without intervals, try going for 30 straight minutes per day.

Drink One Green Smoothie Per Day

Replacing one meal or snack per day with a green smoothie is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits, vegetables, and essential nutrients in a delicious drink that you can take with you on the go when you’re pressed for time. Depending on what you like, try blending in fresh or frozen organic berries, bananas, kale, or spinach (any leafy green) and either fresh-squeezed fruit juice, or almond milk. You can add extra anti-oxidants to your drink with chia seeds, acai berries, wheatgrass, turmeric root, ginger and more. Some even like to add a bit of avocado, avocado oil or flaxseed oil for Omega-3. Local organic honey is also great for those with allergies, and fresh coconut, in moderation, gives a great health boost. It may not sound as delicious as it is, but the berries completely overpower the taste of the vegetables. For those of you with nut allergies, soy milk, coconut water, or vegetable juice may be used as a healthy and delicious substitute. If this sounds like too much work, we’d be happy to send over one of our Phoenix home health care providers to assist. They can not only make the smoothies for you, but also go to the grocery store for the supplies, and even assist with the other resolutions listed above.

Practice Mindfulness: Indulging in a Hobby You Enjoy

The act of mindfulness is a powerful tool in grounding and centering when you are feeling overwhelmed, or just not feeling motivated to make the powerful changes you’ve set out to achieve in 2017. Take a few minutes per day to ground yourself, state an intention for the day, and indulge in a bit of you time–no matter how much time you have. Whatever it is that you enjoy, allow yourself a defined amount of time to focus solely on this without any distractions or guilt. This could be painting, playing a game, making crafts, watching a favorite show, spending time in nature, participating in a sport, knitting, writing, reading, playing with your pets or children, or chatting on the phone with a friend. Whatever it is that you set out to do for yourself each day, be sure to schedule it in as a priority for you, as you would anything else. You owe it to yourself to do something each day that brings you joy and helps you stay present–in the here and now. If you’re having difficulty doing things you once could, a Phoenix home care provider is available to come to your home and help, even if companionship is all you’re seeking.

You owe it to yourself to indulge in the 5 following activities. They do not have to take up too much time each day, may be multitasked together into just a few activities, and you never have to do them alone if you’re unable or unwilling to. We are here for you. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


Get Ready for Fall with these Healthy Seasonal Recipes

September 22, 2016 Mario Villavicencio Healthy Eating, Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on Get Ready for Fall with these Healthy Seasonal Recipes , , , ,

Gourmet traditional holiday apple pie sweet baked dessert food w

With fall fast approaching, it’s time to go through your recipe catalog and bring out some of your healthy fall favorites so you can enjoy seasonal recipes that are both delicious and good for you. Included in this sampling of healthy seasonal offerings are some that you may not already have, but are definitely worth preparing, so you and your family can enjoy good eating during the coming season.

Phoenix care-givers and care receivers alike will also love these recipes, because they’re great for all ages, and use heart-healthy ingredients. Whether you provide Phoenix home health care, or enjoy the benefits of that care, preparing one of these recipes will be a pleasant experience, and you’ll end up with something really satisfying and delicious to eat.

Zucchini rice casserole

This recipe includes chicken broth, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, Jack cheese, corn, flower, turkey sausage, reduced-fat cream cheese, and pickled jalapenos, to create a heart-healthy and extremely tasty casserole that the whole family will enjoy. You can prepare this dish over two days by doing most of the work ahead of time and refrigerating it before the final bake the next day.

Deep-dish apple pie

To make this healthy version of an old favorite, you’ll need flour, sugar, salt, unsalted butter, reduced fat sour cream, canola oil, Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, flour, sugar, and one egg. First you need to make the crust, separating into two equal portions for the top and bottom. The pie filling calls for the apples, spices, and lemon juice to be combined and cooked until the apples begin to break down, then put into your baking dish with the top crust covering. Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes – then prepare yourself for a delicious taste treat.

Chicken breasts with chive sauce

This is a very simple dinner dish to prepare which doesn’t even involve baking, and it’s very heart-healthy so you don’t have to feel guilty about all that great taste. The recipe calls for four boneless chicken breasts, a little salt, flour, olive oil, two large shallots (chopped), dry white wine, reduced-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat sour cream, Dijon mustard, and one bunch of chopped chives. After flattening and tenderizing the chicken breasts, sauté them until golden brown in the oil. Then cook the shallots in a saucepan, and add the flour, wine and broth. Add in the chicken breasts, and cook on the stovetop until all pink is gone, after which you can stir in the sour cream, mustard, and chives.

Southwestern three-bean and barley soup

For this zesty and satisfying soup, you’ll need onion, celery, carrot, reduced-sodium chicken broth, pearl barley, dried black beans, Great Northern beans, kidney beans, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt. After heating the oil, add in the onion, celery, and carrot, then cook them until softened. Add in water, broth, barley, all three beans, and the spices, then simmer over high heat. After allowing the mixture to simmer for about two hours, add in more water as needed, and serve to your very grateful family members!

More about home care

If you or anyone you know would benefit from having expert Phoenix home care, you should contact us at your convenience to learn more about what we have to offer, and how we can help you. For more information on our services, experience, or rates, call (602) 396-5742 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to serving you.


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