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Why Fall Prevention is So Important

February 6, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin 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 mdhomehealthadmin 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.

 


Hiring a Caregiver Can Make 2017 Your Best Year Ever

January 22, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin Caregiver Information, Hiring a Caregiver Comments Off on Hiring a Caregiver Can Make 2017 Your Best Year Ever , , , , , ,

Now that 2017 is here, many of us are trying to make fresh, new starts. It’s never been a better time to ask for a bit of extra help with the things you simply do not have time for, or maybe need some extra assistance with from time to time. That is why 2017 is the year to give yourself the gift of a caregiver. There is no shame in having an extra hand around the home, and it could do wonders for your psyche and physical health.

If you or a loved one have a physical or mental disability, and you’d like some assistance around your home with medical, or non-medical services, Phoenix home care professionals are available to come to your home whenever you need someone, and even offer an emergency, on-call nurse 24/7. You never have to be alone, or do things on your own again. There are several medical and non-medical services that an in-home caregiver may provide, depending upon your own personal needs.

Hiring a caregiver can make your life better, and this year better than ever in a variety of ways, for a variety of people.

If you’ve been taking care of a family member or loved one who is ill, you may simply need a break from the caretaking so that you can focus on you, and better be there for your loved one as a companion who is refreshed, and accomplishing all they wish to get done and become this year.

If you’re having medical difficulties, a caregiver can give you the relief of getting the things done that you need done in order to live a fully functioning and enriched life. You may even want to give your loved one a break if you’ve been under the care of a family member or spouse, and give each other space so that when you are together again, your relationship will be back to a state of normalcy, and you may even be able to find a new, enriching way of spending time together that isn’t based upon need.

If you simply feel like you could use an extra hand around the house because you’d rather focus your attention elsewhere, a caregiver could come and help in a variety of non-medical ways also. You could even have one caregiver helping with medical needs, and another with the non-medical needs. Non-medical needs include driving, shopping, errands, meal-planning, cooking, cleaning, companionship, tucking one in at night, helping someone with childcare, or special needs children, and even help with grooming and personal care. These are often the things that relatives become burnt out with when they are doing everything on their own every day. You don’t have to do it on your own anymore. There are Phoenix home health care professionals available to 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.


5 New Year’s Resolutions for Better Health

January 12, 2017 mdhomehealthadmin 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.


10 Things that Burn 500+ Calories

November 23, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on 10 Things that Burn 500+ Calories , , , , , ,

Summer may be over, and while cooler days allow for big comfy sweaters, we shouldn’t throw away our exercise routines–especially with the holidays around the corner. Since it requires the burning of 3500 calories to lose one pound, a healthy goal is to burn 500 extra calories per day. This may sound like a lot of hard work, but it doesn’t have to be. Not if you choose activities you truly enjoy, and work them into your daily routine. Here’s a list of 10 activities which burn 500 calories, and are easy to fit into anyone’s daily routine.

(Keep in mind that the more a person weights, the more calories these activities will burn. The following are calculated for women weighting 135 lb.)

Shoveling Snow

While this may not sound like a fun past-time, it is certainly a necessity in areas that experience winter snowfall. Shoveling snow is a great way to maintain your home, and burn 500 calories if you do it for 80 minutes.

Surfing

For those of you lucky enough to experience warm weather year-round, or tolerable weather to surf in a wet suit, grab a surf board and catch some waves. One hour of this activity will burn your 500 calories for the day and leave you feeling cleansed and refreshed.

Running

This is one of the fastest ways to burn 500 calories, as it only takes 30 minutes. Running may not be for everyone, so if this isn’t your thing, don’t do it. You may also opt for jogging instead, which takes 60 minutes. The important thing is that you find an activity that you enjoy.

Cycling

Those who don’t like to run may prefer cycling instead. You may decide to take your bike out for a nice ride, or take a high intensity spinning class. Spinning classes can burn you over 700 calories in 45 minutes to an hour, while a bike ride can burn you anywhere from 250 to nearly 800 calories in an hour.

Dancing

If dancing is a passion of yours, it may not even feel like you’re exercising. Depending upon the style of dance you choose, you could burn 200-800 calories per hour. Slow dancing is on the lower end, while intricate, fast-paced dancing is on the higher end. To burn 500 calories, crank up your favorite dance tunes, and cut a rug.

Aerobics

This can be a fun and energizing way to burn calories. The duration of time needed to burn 500 calories depends upon the type of aerobics you choose. Step aerobics only takes approx. 50 minutes, while something less intense like water aerobics takes about two hours.

Horseback Riding

If you love horses, this is another activity that will not feel like working out. Take your horse out for a ride for two hours, and you’ve burned your calories for the day.

Tennis & Volleyball

These sports can be a lot of fun, and take roughly one hour to burn 500 calories. They also require multiple people, so they can be a lot of fun to do with friends, and may not feel like a workout. It also helps motivation to have friends to make plans with.

Hiking or Rock Climbing

Outdoor enthusiasts will love these. Hiking can take about 2 hours to burn 500 calories, while rock climbing takes about an hour.

If any of these activities sound exhausting to do for an hour or longer at a time, try breaking them up into 20-30 segments throughout the day. Also, before beginning any new exercise, be sure to consult your doctor, or a Phoenix home health care provider. If you’d like some extra motivation or assistance, our non-medical service caregivers in Phoenix can provide home care. Give us a call today, or fill out our contact form.


5 Thanksgiving Day Diet Hacks

November 18, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Healthy Eating, Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on 5 Thanksgiving Day Diet Hacks , , , , ,

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means family and friends will be gathering together, giving thanks for their blessings, and feasting on approx. 4,500 calories each.  That’s two to three times what the average person needs in an entire day. So how does one enjoy this long celebrated tradition without overdoing it? With these handy dandy Thanksgiving Day health hacks. Now you can have your cake, and eat it.

More Lemons Please

Research shows the body must maintain a slightly alkaline pH balance for optimal health. Most people may not realize the pH balance of what they’re eating. It would be well worth the read to sit down and view a food pH balance chart. In the meantime, know that raw fruits and vegetables are most likely to be alkaline, while processed foods, sweets, meats, sodas, dairy and grains tend to be acidic. One can balance out the high acidity levels in their body by adding lots of fresh lemon to their water. Water is neutral in pH, and lemons are as high on the alkaline scale as it gets. Another high alkaline substance is baking soda, but lemons are much more delicious. You can also balance your body’s pH by drinking a shot of organic apple cider vinegar. This tastes better if you dilute it with water, and if you have a straw–use it, as the vinegar can wear away at the enamel of your teeth.

Eat More Veggies

There are likely to be many tempting indulgences available at the table this Thanksgiving, but if you want to maintain a healthy diet, it’s best to load your plate up with as many veggies as possible. A good rule of thumb is to fill your plate 2/3 of the way with veggies, and the rest of your plate with things like turkey, pie, and anything else you choose. If you want to get more alkaline from your veggies, gravitate toward the green leafy kinds like spinach and kale, as they have higher alkaline levels than most. Also, know that canned veggies are acidic, so if you want to stay healthy, go fresh.

Cut it in Half

If your eyes tend to be bigger than your stomach, and you want to try everything your Thanksgiving Day feast has to offer, start by cutting everything in half. Only take half the portion size you think you want. This is especially important for dessert. Chances are that by the time you have finished eating your half-sized portions, your body will tell you that you’re full. It takes about 20 minutes after being full for the signal to reach your brain.

Slow Down

It’s best to eat as slowly as possible. If you eat your meal in less than 20 minutes, you could be overstuffing your stomach, which will only lead to discomfort later. Try chewing slowly, taking breaks between bites, and conversating with others. Another way to ensure you are eating slower is by using chopsticks.

 Say No to Alcohol

At least while you’re eating. Research has shown that drinking alcohol while eating slows down digestion, and disrupts the way the body breaks down calories. This could cause you to feel fuller longer.

If you’d like more health tips, or a Phoenix home care provider to plan meals, shop, and cook for you, give us a call  at 602-396-5742, or fill out our contact form. We look forward to helping you through our Phoenix home health care non-medical services.


Five Reasons to Take a Daily Walk This Fall

October 14, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Seasonal/Holiday, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on Five Reasons to Take a Daily Walk This Fall , , , , , , , , ,

In recent years, a great deal of scientific research has focused on the benefits of walking and how it can be highly advantageous to your health and well-being. There are lots of reasons why you should get up off your chair, and get outside to enjoy the crisp autumn air, while you take a stroll around the neighborhood. Some of those reasons are listed below.

Sitting is bad for you

The very first reason to consider about why you should take a walk this fall is because of what might happen if you don’t. Scientific research has uncovered a whole slew of health issues that result from sitting all day and being largely sedentary, including all sorts of problems with your legs, feet and ankles. So the very first reason for you to get up and take a good walk this fall is to simply eliminate that whole catalog of health problems that might befall you, if you simply take up residence on the couch.

Enjoy reflective time

Regular walking has been shown to be a powerful anti-anxiety activity which has a calming effect on the walker. Most people don’t realize this, but the simple sounds of nature do indeed have a soothing effect on humans. For instance the singing of birds, the buzzing of bees, and a softly falling rain or a babbling brook, all have subtle but powerful influences on the human psyche.

In addition, taking a walk can encourage creative and reflective thinking, and this notion is supported by a Stanford News study indicating that the creativity demonstrated by participants increased by 60% when people were walking, as opposed to those sitting.

Achieve balance in your life

Long walks throughout the neighborhood or the countryside yield even more results than calmness and creativity. It has been found that when anxious, stressed-out individuals settle into a program of regular walking, it can also provide a great opportunity to gain perspective, and to achieve a better balance in your life.

When the mind becomes more settled and more relaxed through a regular program of walking, it allows much greater opportunity for self-discovery and self-examination. This kind of reflection gives people more of a ‘big picture’ look at the important aspects of their lives.

Reduced risk of glaucoma

Walking can help to reduce pressure within your eyes, and it has been shown to reduce the risk factors associated with glaucoma, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. In addition to helping prevent the onset of any of these health problems, walking can be at least somewhat effective in treating the condition once you are ready have it.

Improved balance

Because you’re not always walking on smooth surfaces, the activity of walking can help to improve your balance, and this is something everyone can benefit by. When you have to walk on uneven surfaces like trails, paths, and sandy or gravelly walkways, those steps activate muscles throughout the body which work to stabilize you as you proceed. Over time, this acts to build up your balance so that you become more accommodated to uneven terrain and household obstacles.

In-home assistance experts

MD Home Health is a Phoenix home care company offering in-home assistance for persons temporarily or permanently disabled, and which provides care for loved ones as though they were family. 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 through our Phoenix home health care services. If someone in your household needs a companion, personal care, home-making, or supportive services, call us at MD Home Health.

 

 


4 Ways to Stay Healthy and Active in the Cooler Months Ahead

September 18, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Seasonal/Holiday Comments Off on 4 Ways to Stay Healthy and Active in the Cooler Months Ahead , , , , , , , , ,

Active Fall

Both the calendar and the cooler weather are telling us that fall is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to start thinking about healthy fall activities to keep you active, while also enjoying the change of seasons. Here are some activities you can do which are low-impact in terms of effort required, and yet still take full advantage of the delightful freshness of the autumn season.

Raking leaves

This is not only a very practical activity, but it’s also pretty good exercise which you can do while appreciating the beautiful colors of the falling leaves. If there are kids in your household, they’ll find tons of ways to have fun and enjoy the piles of leaves you rake up, but even if no one else is around, this is a very productive and satisfying activity that goes beautifully with the season.

Take a walk

Walking is one of those healthy activities which burns calories and strengthens muscles, and also provides you an opportunity to just enjoy the sights and sounds of the fall season as it descends on your neighborhood. It’s also great for lifting your spirits, because you’ll probably be walking in sunshine and breathing in clean fresh air, all of which helps to brighten your outlook and improve your mood for the rest of the day. There’s even a benefit to you from just soaking up a little sunshine, because it supplies needed Vitamin D to your body.

Do some volunteer work

If you are physically able to do so, volunteering to help out with some worthy cause can do a world of good for you, and with the cooler fall weather, you won’t be exerting yourself in difficult weather conditions. This can be something as simple as volunteering at a local soup kitchen for a couple hours, or getting involved with a neighborhood cleanup project. The beauty of this activity is that you can exert yourself to whatever level you’re comfortable with, and afterward you’ll also have a wonderful sense of having made a contribution that helps others. One other definite benefit is that while you’re assisting other people, it gets your mind off your own problems, to give you a break from anything troubling you.

Go for a bike ride

Riding a bike is a wonderful cardiovascular activity, and it can be a very enjoyable experience as well, as you ride around your neighborhood and appreciate the signs of autumn all around you. Bike riding is one of those activities which you can do at just about any age and any level of fitness, as long as you’re not physically disabled. It gets you out into the fresh air to enjoy a little bit of the world around you, especially that part of the world which doesn’t include your favorite couch or chair.

More about home health

You can learn about more healthy activities from the health experts who provide Phoenix home health care, and are dedicated to helping others with programs of wellness. Our Phoenix home care can be tailored to fit the needs of people of all ages and all health conditions. 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.


How to Maximize Your Time With In-Home Care

August 17, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Caregiver Information, Hiring a Caregiver Comments Off on How to Maximize Your Time With In-Home Care , , , , , ,

Home health care worker and a teenage girlHaving a home health care worker provide you with assistance can take a great deal of pressure off of your household. Whether you are considering a Phoenix home health care professional for help with a relative, to ease your load as a primary caregiver, or you require some assistance for yourself, you may be surprised to learn that such workers are equipped to perform a variety of non-medical tasks.

The Benefits of Remaining in the Home

In the last several years, various social service agencies, health care professionals, and non-profit organizations have determined that keeping people in their homes whenever possible is the ideal solution. When patients are able to receive health care at home, the prevailing thought is that they tend to be happier overall. That is why home care seems to be the overwhelming preference of innumerable individuals who require health care.

An Integrative Approach

In addition to needing home health care, countless people also benefit from receiving non-medical assistance in their homes. Getting personal care at home can be incredibly helpful for a wide range of clients. When a person who needs medical care can also get home care assistance with non-medical tasks, that person is being served on a variety of levels. This integrative approach to home care has become the ideal strategy for millions of people nationwide.

Providing Respite for Caregivers

Many individuals care for their relatives on a full-time basis – often in addition to working full- or part-time jobs, as well as caring for other family members. One of the best ways that a caregiver might maximize his or her time is to hire a home health care worker who can also provide non-medical services. This may lead to a significant decrease instress for both the primary caregiver and the person who is receiving medical and personal care.

How a Home Care Professional Can Help

In numerous cases, those who receive care and those who help them are unaware of the non-medical services available via home care professionals. A home care worker might provide a client with help making beds, doing the laundry, dusting, and other light housework duties. A personal care assistant could help a client with bathing, getting dressed, and even nail hygiene. Such a person could be available to remind a client to take medications when scheduled. An individual who is no longer able to cook may appreciate having someone come to the home to plan and prepare meals.

While people often assume home care workers assist only disabled or senior citizens, such a professional may be hired to assist other types of clients, as well. These clients may include new mothers, parents with sick children, people who have recently undergone surgery, and clients who need help getting from one place to another.

Whether you are a caregiver or a person who needs care, your time is valuable. A Phoenix home care professional can help you to make the most of your time. 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.


Eating Healthy by Season With the Help of a Phoenix Home Care Professional

August 9, 2016 mdhomehealthadmin Active Living, Caregiver Information, Healthy Eating, Hiring a Caregiver, Seasonal/Holiday, Senior Lifestyle Comments Off on Eating Healthy by Season With the Help of a Phoenix Home Care Professional , , , , , , , , ,

Eating Healthy by Season (Small)When you require assistance at home, you may benefit from a variety of non-medical services. These services might include help with basic housekeeping tasks, grocery shopping, and getting errands done. One of the most common needs that a Phoenix home care professional may fulfill is to assist a client with meal preparation.

Eating healthfully all year long is crucial to maintaining a state of good physical, mental, and emotional health. In fact, the potential for developing a chronic disease increases as a result of unhealthy eating habits. If you hire a home care worker to help you with planning your meals, you may want to discuss a schedule of healthy meal plans for every season.

Why Eat According to the Season?

Eating fresh, healthy foods based on the season is a great way to support your overall health. When you consume local foods as much as possible, you are also supporting your community – which ultimately benefits everyone in the area. Cooking fresh, local foods enables you to enjoy a variety of highly nutritional items during every season.

Healthy Fall and Winter Recipes

Fall and winter offer an abundance of opportunities to create delicious, healthful meals. Some examples of fall and winter foods include cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, squash, and pumpkin. You and your home care worker might devise hundreds of meals based on healthy fall and winter recipes. Such recipes could include chicken breasts sautéed with mushrooms, hearty pumpkin soup, and “pasta” made from squash (this can be easily created with an inexpensive kitchen gadget that spiralizes vegetables). Other recipes you might enjoy in the fall and winter months are roasted cauliflower, oatmeal blended with figs and ricotta cheese, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Healthful Spring and Summer Fare

Springtime and summertime bring a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that may be savored via a wealth of nutritious recipes. The foods of the warmer months include strawberries, tomatoes, spinach, watermelon, and zucchini. Recipe ideas might include whole-grain pasta topped with fresh spring vegetables (such as artichoke, asparagus, and even dandelion greens), green salad with tomatoes, and smoothies made with blackberries, raspberries, and fresh pineapple juice. If you have access to an indoor or outdoor grill and some assistance, you could grill chicken, eggplant, and zucchini, followed by slices of fresh mango sprinkled lightly with cinnamon.

Once you know how to plan healthy meals, eating foods that nourish you can be fun. Remember to buy organic foods whenever you have the opportunity; they may be more expensive than other options, but you won’t be exposed to the harmful chemicals found in many non-organic items. A Phoenix home health care professional may be able to advise you on making solid choices for seasonal eating. With a little help from a home care worker and some careful planning, you may indulge in the delicious possibilities that each season yields.

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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