Home Care Blog | Albany & NY Capital Region
Posted: 8/10/2014 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Many family caregivers struggle with when to begin talking about hospice care for their loved one. But should it be introduced even sooner? A new study conducted at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School, in Providence, R.I., has found that caregivers may be waiting too late. The research found that during the last month of a person's life almost one in three spent some time in the int...
Posted: 7/28/2014 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, more than half of U.S. veterans are 60 or older. Around 45 percent are 65 and older, numbers which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) believe will continue until 2035.
Posted: 7/15/2014 9:41 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Most people step into the role of a family caregiver without thinking about how hard it could be, or that they could end up creating more problems with their relationships, both with the person they are caring for and the other people around them.
Posted: 4/22/2014 9:20 AM by
Interim HealthCare
One of the toughest decisions facing families today is how to care for our aging loved ones who need additional care. The traditional route of placing elders into a nursing home, while it has some merits, is very expensive. Additionally, almost every study on the subject shows that given the choice, seniors overwhelmingly say that they would prefer to remain in their own homes. Assisted living ...
Posted: 3/24/2014 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Several studies done over the last ten years have contributed evidence to a very simple premise; regular exercise is tied to improved memory. By measuring how active a person is and comparing it to the number of errors the made on a range of cognitive tests over time, researchers found that people who were in better cardio-vascular health were more likely to have better memories as they age. "T...
Posted: 3/10/2014 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
While being a caregiver for a loved one comes with a multitude of responsibilities, worries and frustrations, the rewards of improving the quality of their life can bring happiness and satisfaction as well. Effective caregivers share many characteristics, they learn and grow as they become more comfortable with their care giving role and they realize that no one can be perfect all of the time. ...
Posted: 2/25/2014 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
When it comes to Senior Health, a variety of "alternative" practices are getting noticed by health care professionals. Acupuncture, deep tissue massage and meditation have proven to be effective in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and helping the body to process sugars. Risk of Heart Disease, according to experts at Harvard Medical School, can be lowered by participating in Yoga.
Posted: 2/10/2014 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
As our loved ones age, the role of diet exercise and medication management becomes a key factor in reducing the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Helping seniors stay active and social can also contribute to good overall health.
Posted: 1/22/2014 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
We've all heard the expression "breakfast is the most important meal of the day". According to nutritionists worldwide, starting your day with a healthy, balanced meal boosts your metabolism, maintains your energy level throughout the day and reduces cravings for those "not so good for us" snacks. Research has shown that breakfast foods that are higher in sugar and carbs will cause you to be hu...
Posted: 1/8/2014 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
A recent study looking at the vision of seniors found that nearly 40% of patients tested saw better when they were tested at an ophthalmologist's office than they did when they were tested in their own homes. According to Dr. Anjali Bhorade, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis, "poor lighting in the home was the most significant ...
Posted: 11/22/2013 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
We’ve all done it - you know, justifying that extra serving of cornbread stuffing or another slice of pumpkin pie because it’s the holidays. We know it’s not good for us, but we figure our New Year’s resolution of weight loss and exercise will take care of the few extra calories in the long term. Those of us who are caring for seniors have to remember that this cycle can cause problems for peo...
Posted: 11/11/2013 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
It’s that time of year again, and if you’re planning to travel for the holidays, there are some important things that you should remember. Whether you’re flying out to visit with the family or finally going on the holiday cruise you’ve always wanted to take, the following tips will help make sure that you stay healthy enough to enjoy your holiday travel to the fullest.
Posted: 10/31/2013 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Approximately 16 million Americans currently receive home-delivered health care for causes including acute illness, long-term health conditions, permanent disabilities or terminal illness. In 2014 alone, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services projected that annual expenditures for home health care were forecasted to be $104.2 billion. That’s why each November the National Association for ...
Posted: 10/10/2013 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Our bones remain fairly healthy and strong through young adulthood. The problem is that as we hit middle age, they start to thin out. For women, this process can even accelerate after menopause. Seniors in particular are at special risk when it comes to bone health, but the good news is that you can put the brakes on bone degeneration and one of the best lines of defense in this battle is your ...
Posted: 9/12/2013 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Meditation is helpful for more than just relaxation and stress reduction. Studies show that it is also good for the brain, especially for seniors. A recent study sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation found that seniors who do just 12 minutes of Yoga exercises every day can improve memory and thinking skills. The study’s leader also thinks this daily activity may preven...
Posted: 8/12/2013 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
A nutritious diet is one key to good health. Including a balance of vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates is important for everybody and senior citizens in particular. Seniors and those that are cooking for them, such as family members and in home health care specialists, should pay special attention to foods that are low in cholesterol, fat and sugar, but high in vitamins and protein.
Posted: 7/15/2013 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
One of the key factors when caring for a patient with Alzheimer's disease is to encourage activities that they enjoy. If for instance, your loved one with Alzheimer's enjoyed painting earlier in life, but now can only move the brush around the canvas encourage it, as long as they seem to enjoy the activity. It has been shown that Activities that concentrate on enjoyment and happy feelings can h...
Posted: 7/1/2013 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
As the Baby Boomers age and the younger generation have to work harder than ever, more people near Albany, Columbia, Rennselaer and Schenectady counties in New York are turning to Home Care Companions to help care for their loved ones. Retirees who are able to care for themselves and others are finding rewarding home care companion jobs that allow them to make a difference as well as be social ...
Posted: 6/12/2013 12:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
After a hospital or rehabilitation facility stay, all you may be thinking about is returning to the comfort of your own home. But even after leaving these facilities, your recovery is still ongoing. One of the keys to making this transition a successful one is communication. By effectively sharing information between doctors, nurses and other heath care providers with the patient and his/her fa...
Posted: 6/7/2013 10:41 AM by
Interim HealthCare
We're looking forward to seeing you at the festival. Please visit the Interim HealthCare Booth to learn about home care services in the Albany NY area and how we contribute to our community.