At Home Care New Braunfels, we’re seeing more and more seniors taking steps each year to reduce their chances of developing heart disease. This disease is very common in the senior population. There are some simple diet changes that can be made. These changes could drastically reduce the chances of developing the disease. The following list provides some steps to alter a diet so that risks are reduced.

1. Reduce the intake of cholesterol and unhealthy fats. This is one of the most important steps to lower cholesterol as well as the risk of heart disease.

2. Eat foods with low-fat protein. This can include fish, poultry and egg whites. Flaxseed, walnuts, beans and peas are high in protein and low in fat.

3. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in fiber and low in calories. They also contain substances that can reduce the risk of heart disease.

4. Eat whole grains instead of bread with refined flour and cereals with sugar.

5. Reduce salt intake. Don’t forget that processed foods contain high amounts of salt. Reduce the intake of processed foods and avoid the addition of salt while cooking and eating at the table.

6. Eat in moderation and avoid filling your plate. Keep portions of food balanced.

7. Create daily menus to help you plan ahead.

Source: mayoclinic.com

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Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Advice and Resources to avoid investment scams

In a down economy, seniors and small investors become the likely victims of risky investments and financial scams. According to Metlife Mature Market Institute, senior financial abuse costs $2.6 billion annually. Seniors can avoid becoming just another statistic by arming themselves with information and resources.

• If it sounds too good to be true it probably is— One of the best questions a senior can ask is simply about the investment itself, questioning if the broker or product is registered with the state or national regulatory authorities. Be cautious of broker claims that their certificates of deposit (CDs) earn above average interest rates. Many companies trying to scam seniors will say the pay will yield much higher rates of return than normal.

• Be extremely skeptical of salespeople—Scammers target seniors by going door-to-door or pestering them with phone calls.

• Research, research, research—Check the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission’s list found at www.sec.gov/investor/oiepauselist.htm of unregistered entities with consumer complaints. Also, make sure you do not agree to an investment without consulting family and friends.

• If you have been scammed, all is not lost—Financial crimes against seniors often go under reported, with seniors feeling ashamed or they do not know where to report the company. To file a complaint against a broker or firm, visit www.finra.org/complaint. Read about a seller’s background, at www.SaveandInvest.org or call 888-295-7422. For more on brokers or firms, call 800-289-9999 or log onto www.finra.org/brokercheck.

Source: ConsumerAffairs.com

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Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

You might feel like coming up with gift ideas for a senior in your life is impossible, but there are some gifts that are on every senior’s Christmas list. These items are practical, and can really help to change their lives!

• Items that allow them to pamper themselves – seniors on a budget are not likely to splurge on things they consider non-essentials. Buy them candles, soaps and body lotions that allow them to feel pampered at home. Gift cards to restaurants or spas are added luxuries

• Gift baskets – gift baskets with a combination of items, including some of the above, as well as seasonal foods, books, and craft supplies that they will enjoy and make use of are all great things to include! Gift baskets can be bought pre-fabricated or can be created at home

• The gift of companionship – seniors will most appreciate the company of their loved ones. If this is not possible, senior care services can be gifted for companionship and assistance at home

• Take an elderly loved one out for the day – a trip out for lunch around the holidays to see a movie or a musical event can be a very enjoyable way for them to spend a day and it will be memorable!

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Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Q – I have parents who are in their 90’s, and I really don’t have the slightest idea of what to buy them anymore. After years of birthdays and holidays, I feel like I’ve covered all the bases; I’m not sure that there’s anything specific that they need or want. Anything you would suggest for holiday gifts this year?

A – There are all sorts of little things than seniors can use on an ongoing basis, even if they don’t require any big ticket items. Think about offering them items that they require – but choose varieties that they might consider more luxurious and wouldn’t necessarily buy from themselves.  Here are some great ideas for items that you can include in a senior’s holiday gift basket:

1. Purchase items that will aid in dental health – it might not sound like a glamorous holiday gift idea, but a senior’s dental health can really change their quality of life, especially over the holidays when they’d rather enjoy. In a gift basket, include a favorite toothpaste or denture cleaner, mouthwash, floss and a new toothbrush (buy electric, or one in their favorite color – something they might not splurge on!).

2. Stock up on other personal items – splurge a little bit and include personal items that are more than just the basics. If you know that they prefer a certain kind of scented soap or body wash, but typically stick to a cheaper bar soap, pick some up! Bubble bath, body lotion and other items they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves would also be appreciated

3. Include nutritious snacks – crackers, preserves, tea and coffee are all great things to include in a senior’s gift basket. Try to buy the items you know they love, but won’t get for themselves!

Via: Well Sphere

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

If you ask many baby boomers or seniors about their plans for retirement, you’re likely to get the same answer: what’s retirement? While in the past, seniors found ways to bide their time until the age 65 threshold which would allow them to retire; today’s older adults look at things a little bit differently. Many older adults prefer to remain in the workforce, rather than being idle in their later years; others need to keep working at least part time for financial reasons. Regardless of the reasons that seniors are choosing to work, the realities are, it’s something that they’re doing, and it might come as a big surprise, but studies have shown this is beneficial to senior health.

While you might think that remaining in the workforce would pose undue stress on seniors, it allows them to maintain a sense of purpose, a regular income, and keeps them active. Seniors don’t need to continue to work full-time to receive these benefits, working part-time, temporarily or from home offers the same. Keep working seniors, and you’ll find that your body and mind will thank you in the following ways:

Benefits of Work on Senior Health:

• With a transition period from full-time work into retirement with part-time work, temporary work or work at home, seniors find it’s less of a shock to their mental health. Seniors who immediately retire from full-time work can find that feelings of loss of purpose can cause anxiety and depression

• Seniors who remain in the workforce longer, even part-time are more functional, and often have greater mobility while remaining active members of society

• Instances of high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and stroke are some of the common medical problems that are reduced in working seniors

Via: Home Instead Senior care

Home Care San Marcos, New Braunfels, Schertz, Canyon Lake, Seguin. Call 830-624-8380.

Home Instead Senior Care offers our New Braunfels’ area seniors a free home safety check. Call us today at  830.624.8380

Caregiver Stress in New Braunfels - Signs that you are stressed out

Many people who care for their loved ones adapt to naturally giving a huge amount of time and energy for the sake of the one you love. If you are one of these people, do you ever stop to wonder if you are giving too much? How would you know if you are finally reaching the point of not caring about YOU anymore?

Some signs of stress are:

• Withdrawal - You may find yourself withdrawing from family and/or friends. Also, not participating in the hobbies you once enjoyed is a sign.
• Difficulty sleeping - If you are having a hard time falling asleep and/or staying asleep.
• Exhaustion - Feeling tired from everyday tasks and the feeling that there is not enough time to get things done.
• Lack of Concentration - Feeling overwhelmed by the tasks at hand and what needs to be done.
• Weight Loss/Gain - Loss of appetite, or eating to comfort yourself is indicators that you are under stress.
• Drinking or Smoking  - If you find yourself turning to this as an outlet, realize it isn’t a healthy way to deal with your feelings.
• Head Aches and Stomach Problems - You can start to feel physically ill if you are stressed out
• Sick More Often - If you are stressed out, your body can’t fight off illnesses and viruses as well.
• When you start to identify with these signs, you know it is time to sit back for a minute and evaluate your situation. In this series, we will go over a number of techniques to help you cope and conquer stress.