Is it just a little heartburn or something more serious? There are symptoms that you just don’t want to ignore. The quicker you receive treatment, the better the outcome. Call the doctor or seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms.

It is a risk if you have extreme fatigue or decreased ability to complete daily activities. If you become too tired to do things, like make yourself breakfast, struggle to take a shower or even take the garbage out, these are signs of significant fatigue. A new irregular heartbeat or fast heart rates are also reasons to call your doctor.

You may feel your heart racing or skip a beat. This can happen when you are doing your regular daily activities. Chest pain that radiates down the arm seems to be the one sign that everyone recognizes as the hallmark symptom of having a heart attack. Note that symptoms of a heart attack may differ in men and women. In women, it may look more like tightness or pain in the neck and jaw. Some may dismiss the chest pain as anxiety or heartburn, but it’s better to get checked and treated than to let a heart condition go unnoticed.

Dizziness, confusion and restlessness are also signs of heart related problems. Decreased urination is one sign that many people don’t relate to a heart condition, but is just as important to get checked. We all have a rough night of sleep every now and again, but when you have a consistent change in sleep patterns or feel like you could sleep all day, it is also time to call your doctor.

Nausea, decreased appetite or a bloating sensation are other symptoms to mention to your doctor.  By now, you might be thinking that all of these symptoms can easily be associated with any other illnesses. This is true, but many medical conditions overlap in symptoms, but nonetheless, they still need a work up by your doctor.

Working with your doctor and knowing your risk factors are the best ways to prevent a heart condition from occurring or treat what is already going on. There is a temptation to self-diagnose with all of the online information out there, but nothing takes the place of your medical provider. It can make the difference in saving your life. Be an educated consumer and ask all of the questions you need to, but don’t let your computer make the entire decision.

It’s time to call 911 if you experience shortness of breath that cannot be relieved by a period of rest; any sudden onset of weakness or paralysis and fainting with a loss of consciousness. Others signs include, a severe headache; a heart rate more than 150 beats per minute; a new chest pain or discomfort that is severe and accompanied by shortness of breath; sweating and nausea or weakness. There may be atypical symptoms as well, so again, I cannot stress the importance of calling your doctor before you have to worry about any of these symptoms happening to you. Have a healthy Heart Month and beyond!

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, care-giving services for the elderly in the Chicago, Illinois area. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured care givers all of whom pass a National background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Belmont Harbor, Bucktown, Chicago, DePaul, Downtown, Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Avenue, Near North, Near North Side, North Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, Water Tower Place and the surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home health care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice, but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Chicago Home Health Care Company. For more information, please visit:  http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago.

Chicago, Illinois (February 2012) – It’s a fact – heart disease is the single biggest health risk for seniors across the United States. It is the leading annual cause of death and hospitalizations among all older Americans, but one local company is showing Chicago seniors that simple nutrition tips and lifestyle tricks can significantly lower the risk of them becoming another statistic.

February is American Heart Month, and as groups around the nation are raising awareness about heart disease, local senior care experts from Senior Helpers are working with the local elderly each day to help fight the battle on the front lines.

“Many of the families and seniors we work with locally don’t understand that a proper diet and even the modest of exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attacks among seniors by more than 25 percent,” said Jonathan Wishnick with Senior Helpers of Chicago, Illinois (IL), a local senior care company that provides in-home and companion care services for seniors throughout the area.

“Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting lazy, so we do everything we possibly can to help our clients continue to live a healthy, happy lifestyle,” Wishnick said.

Statistics About Seniors and Heart Disease*:

• – 5.3 million Americans are living with heart disease and over 600,000 more are diagnosed each year
• – 1 in 5 seniors (those over the age of 65) develop some sort of heart disease
• – The number of seniors hospitalized annually for heart failure has increased more than 130 percent since 1980
• – Simple regular light to moderate physical activity (walking, gardening, outdoor chores, etc.) can reduce the risk of heart disease among seniors by 25 to 36 percent.

*Source: American Heart Association

In addition to physical exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle can also significantly reduce the risk of suffering heart disease, heart attacks and irregular or rapid heartbeats – all red flags of potential heart failure among the elderly.

“The heart is a muscle, and like every other muscle group in the body, you need to exercise it and give it the nutrients it needs to work properly,” Wishnick said. “Especially as you get older.”

Nutrition Tips for a Heart-Healthy Senior Diet:

• – Quit smoking and minimize alcohol consumption
• – Avoid foods with trans-fats (margarine, bakery goods, fast foods) to reduce cholesterol levels
• – Eat plenty of fish, green vegetables and nuts with omega-3 fatty acids to improve overall heart health
• – Drink black or green tea after meals – antioxidants in these beverages decreases blood vessel constriction and improve overall circulation

“Each senior we work with needs different help and assistance to remain independent,” Wishnick said. “Our caregivers are all trained and certified, and they know how to safely promote an individual heart-healthy lifestyle among aging loved ones. Whether it’s help in the kitchen preparing meals, assistance moving around the house during the day, or simply a friend to motivate an aging family member to get out for an afternoon walk, we can help.”

Media Contact: Jonathan Wishnick, (312) 867-7110, jwishnick@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, care-giving services for the elderly in the Chicago, Illinois area. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured care givers all of whom pass a National background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Belmont Harbor, Bucktown, Chicago, DePaul, Downtown, Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Avenue, Near North, Near North Side, North Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, Water Tower Place and the surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home health care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice, but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Chicago Home Health Care Company. For more information, please visit:  http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago.

Society now realizes the benefits of the Internet and many communities have begun to offer computer-related activities for senior citizens. There are various free and paid trainings that are available in group and/or individual settings for those ages 50+. A computer savvy acquaintance may be able to help a senior search for such classes.

For those friends and family members who are going to be the teacher, there are some key things to consider. Make sure that the chair that the senior will be using to sit at the computer is comfortable and ergonomically suitable.  Also, because a simple computer lesson can seem quite overwhelming, make sure that the time of the lesson is not too long.  A thirty minute training is advisable to start until the senior becomes more comfortable and shows signs of being able to go for longer periods of time.

The most common uses of the Internet for seniors are instant Messenger Services and Social Networking sites.

Instant Messengers : Skype and AOL Instant Messenger are the two most popular, free service, chat providers that seniors may want to try. Skype offers video conferencing, which can be a most satisfying experience when a senior is able to see and talk live with their loved ones who are away from home.

Facebook is the most popular social networking site that brings family and friends together; enabling friends and family to share photos, chat online, play games, search old friends and more. What an exciting experience it can be for a senior to reconnect with old friends with whom they have lost contact throughout the years.

Other Basic Lessons May Cover the Following:

• . . . . . .Parts of the computer

• . . . . . .Getting started turning on and off the computer

• . . . . . .Basic windows navigation

• . . . . . .Basic typing lesson

• . . . . . .Using word processing software

• . . . . . .How to browse the Internet

• . . . . . .Accessing and composing an e-mail

Contact Senior Helpers to find out if our Caregivers can help your aging loved one with their computing needs.

About Senior Helpers

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, care-giving services for the elderly in the Chicago, Illinois area. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured care givers all of whom pass a National background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Belmont Harbor, Bucktown, Chicago, DePaul, Downtown, Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Avenue, Near North, Near North Side, North Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, Water Tower Place and the surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home health care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice, but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Chicago Home Health Care Company. For more information, please visit:  http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago.

Many Seniors Require Care Beyond That Which Family Members Can Provide

Baby boomers and advancements in science have paved the way to more comprehensive medical needs to all of our senior citizens. Truth is, there are many seniors in the nation that currently need comprehensive attention and care not just coming from their loved ones, but with other health services too.

Not all senior citizens may be able to look after themselves and not all home caregivers and family caretakers have the luxury of time, so continuing care can be considered. This is an assured solution that helps families to provide the proper and best care required by their seniors. This care does not eliminate the ability of the senior to still be independent in their own way.

Continuing care provides constant care and this is normally given by retirement facilities, home health aides, family caregivers and home caregivers. They may be provided in both out-of-home or in-home, which includes nursing homes, hospitals and senior communities. The services can differ from the senior’s wants.

They can provide a private service that is customized to satisfy all the senior’s needs, but this can be a private pay option. They may also give personal care services, which may include personal grooming, housekeeping, preparation of food, administering medications, and assistance with transportation. And lastly, they could help with intensive heath care treatment such as IV therapies, ostomy services, wound treatment, along with preventive care methods for ailments and disorders.

Continuing Care Communities

Continuing care communities include retirement communities or life-care communities. These organizations provide a risk-free and secure location for seniors. They could either be a gated campus or a high-rise condo building.

The designed living for seniors would either be a single living unit or assisted-living unit. They may as well include both in just one setting. They could provide a nursing-home unit type that is convenient for seniors who need thorough treatment.

Continuing care community may be overpriced, but you have the assurance that a senior lives within a community that will help and fit the level of aid they desire. For example, a younger senior could first live single unit, or a condo-style unit, but as their requirements progress, they may be transferred to a far more advanced facility such as assisted-living units. And as their wellness conditions weaken, this continuing care may level them up to a elderly care or perhaps a hospital facility.

Continuing care community matches the daily needs of the senior. They may vary from day to day or maybe from year to year. Although it could be costly, families, nevertheless, receive the guarantee that each of their levels of need are attended to, including travel needs, meals, housekeeping, recreational, and social needs.

Continuing Care Services

Continuing care services varies from other services offered such as respite care as they simply provide occasional needs if necessary, but continuing care provides continual and on-going services. These facilities can be provided out-of homes and in-homes.

The care offered also expands to personal care, for example reminding patients with ambulatory problems to take their own medicines, overseeing those patients are not getting bedsores when bedridden, and making sure patients get the best care possible.

Continuing Care Health Care

While continuing care is mainly provided out-of-home, such as in nursing facilities, senior home communities, and hospitals, continuing care is also offered in homes. Continuing care is helpful for seniors with terminal illnesses and debilitating diseases given that the care provider is under direct supervision of a registered nurse and the senior’s physician.

In the event you consider putting your love one under continuing care service, it is important that you check all your resources. Sometimes, there is private insurance or Medicaid and Medicare that could cover some fees, like hospitalization and senior meals.

Furthermore, be sure you conduct a complete profile verification with your care provider, such as their background and criminal records. This will only ensure that you always obtain the best care for your elderly loved one.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, care-giving services for the elderly in the Chicago, Illinois area. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured care givers all of whom pass a National background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Belmont Harbor, Bucktown, Chicago, DePaul, Downtown, Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Avenue, Near North, Near North Side, North Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, Water Tower Place and the surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home health care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice, but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Chicago Home Health Care Company. For more information, please visit:  http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago.

Making Preparations to Accommodate Their Changing Needs

Our parents take care of us our entire lives but as they age their health makes it more difficult for them to do the daily activities they are used to doing. Often times in their later years the roles are reversed and they may need extra love, assistance and care from their children or health care provider. Caring for aging parents is not a simple task but by understanding the aging process, health concerns, senior living options and the financial and legal aspects you can be better prepared for the journey ahead.

Before any serious health issues arise, it is important to discuss with your parents what their wishes are so that you can work together to prepare any of the needed legal or financial paperwork. Once you gain an understanding of what to expect, you and your family can work together by making all the necessary preparations to accommodate the needs of your parents.

Caregiving

Once it has been determined that your parents are ready for a little help, there are some guidelines you can follow to make the transition from being independent easier. Do your best not to treat your parents as children. Instead communicate your concerns with them to identify alternatives on which they can agree. The need of care depends on your parent’s level of dependence. This can be determined with the help of a physician. As tempting as it is, do not try to do it alone. Ask for help and advice from support groups, physicians, and family members. Stay positive. Show your parent affection and support. The links below will provide more answers for questions you may have.

• Caring for aging parents
• Survival Guide for caring for an aging loved one
• Aging parents (PDF)

Senior Living

It can be difficult to understand or solve all the issues that arise but with support and understanding the process can be made easier. Your parent may still be able to live on his/her own with occasional help from you. A home health aide may also be able to provide help with daily activities. Another option may be to have the parent move into your home. Depending on their health or level of independence and/or needs there are other options available. The links below provide more information on long-term care as well as hospice care and support.

• Skilled nursing facilities
• Hospice care and support (PDF)

Aging Related Health Concerns

There are many health concerns that come about as people age. Some of them include arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and osteoporosis. There are signs and symptoms of each to which family members should be alert. Below is a guide to a few of these health concerns.

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability and may likely be a cause for an aging parent to require more assistance. This disease affects muscles, joints, skin and other organs of the body. In severe cases this disease can cause daily activities to be difficult. Arthritis in the hands can cause a person to be unable to grasp items to lift or open them. Arthritis in other areas may make it difficult to stand or walk.

• All about arthritis (PDF)
• Treatment for arthritis
• Arthritis education and support

Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease can impair thinking, behavior and memory. It can cause restlessness, impaired judgment and communication. Alzheimer’s is different from other types of dementia. There are things that can be done and medications that can help manage the disease, but, as of now, there is no cure. Watching a parent’s health deteriorate from Alzheimer’s can be extremely difficult for the entire family. Seeking support from family and medical professionals is highly recommended and a medical professional will help direct you to the proper support avenues. Arthritis and dementia/Alzheimer’s disease are two common health concerns for the aging but there are many other health concerns, as well, including depression, congestive heart failure, and eye diseases.

• Causes and risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease
• Education and support for Alzheimer’s disease
• Other aging diseases and disorders

Financial and Legal Aspects

Should your parent become unable to make decisions themselves, who will take care of financial and legal aspects? Planning ahead can help to eliminate any stress that may come with these issues. Although these things are not always easy to discuss, they should be discussed ahead of time. Work with your parents to gather any and all personal information and documentation that may be needed, such as social security information, bank account information, wills and power of attorney.

• Financial and legal protection issues
• Writing a will (PDF)
• Estate planning/durable power of attorney (PDF)

Source: http://www.lifeinsurance.org/life-insurance-overview/ensuring-a-quality-life-for-aging-parents/

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, care-giving services for the elderly in the Chicago, Illinois area. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured care givers all of whom pass a National background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Belmont Harbor, Bucktown, Chicago, DePaul, Downtown, Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Avenue, Near North, Near North Side, North Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, Water Tower Place and the surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home health care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice, but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Chicago Home Health Care Company. For more information, please visit:  http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago.

(Chicago, Illinois)– January 2012 – One in three people will be making a New Year’s resolution during that sixty second descent of the crystal ball in Times Square. In fact, studies show *that those who make resolutions are ten times more likely to successfully change their behavior. This year, Senior Helpers, one of the largest in-home care agencies in the nation, is asking all caregivers to make a New Year’s Resolution list and check it twice!

“Once that countdown is over, 10,000 people will officially hit senior status each day of the New Year,” says Jonathan Wishnick with Senior Helpers of Chicago, Illinois (IL). “That means many adult children will suddenly find themselves taking on a new role as caregiver for their aging parent/s. We’re encouraging all caregivers, families, and professionals to take a moment of reflection for the New Year and write down their ‘top ten caregiving resolutions.’ Something as simple as writing down their goals for the New Year really can help them cope emotionally through this challenging stage in their lives.”

Research reveals* that the readiness to change is the single best predictor when it comes to whether your New Year’s resolutions will be successful. Family caregiving has become so main stream that many Baby Boomers are working an average of more than 20 hours/week, OUTSIDE of their normal 40 hour work week. The individual feeling most of this stress is often the middle-aged, eldest daughter, who is also working. If you’re feeling the stresses of caregiving, here are some resolutions Senior Helpers recommends.

Senior Helpers’ Top 10 Caregiving Resolutions:

1.  I am doing my best – no one is perfect – and I won’t allow myself to drown in guilt.

2.  Receiving advice from others only makes me stronger, not weaker. It’s okay to ask friends and family, or agencies like Senior Helpers, for guidance.

3.  I promise to take care of myself and my health, and to not cancel doctor appointments.

4.  I promise to make time for myself, alone. And I won’t hesitate to ask for help to achieve that or feel guilty about it.

5.  I will say “no” to requests when I feel my schedule is too full for one more thing.

6.  I will always keep in mind that the senior I care for did not choose their illness or disability.

7.  I will reach out for help if I feel caregiver burnout or signs of depression.

8.  I will make time for my own family members – they’re important too.

9.  I will remind myself that the healthier and happier I am as an individual, the better caregiver I will be.

10.  If I’m having a tough day, I will slow down, back up, and try again.

“We believe one of the most important resolutions listed above is for caregivers to not be afraid to reach out for help,” says Wishnick. “Six months into the New Year, only **46% of people are still making good on their promises. Senior Helpers can help you keep your caregiving resolutions. In-home care isn’t just for full time senior clients…we’re also here to help give caregivers a break, even if it’s just for two hours at a time.”

Sources: *American Psychological Association, **Yahoo News!, Health Magazine, National Alliance for Caregiving

Did You Know?

• . . . . . .72% of family caregivers report not going to the doctor as often as they should; 55% say they skip their own doctor appointments.

• . . . . . .40% of caregivers who work full time report missing work on a regular basis due to the health needs of an elderly loved one.

• . . . . . .17% report their health has gotten worse as a result of family caregiving.

• . . . . . .23% of those providing care for family members for five or more years report health as fair or poor.

Media Contact: Jonathan Wishnick, (312) 867-7110, jwishnick@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, care-giving services for the elderly in the Chicago, Illinois area. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured care givers all of whom pass a National background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Belmont Harbor, Bucktown, Chicago, DePaul, Downtown, Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Avenue, Near North, Near North Side, North Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, Water Tower Place and the surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home health care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice, but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Chicago Home Health Care Company. For more information, please visit:  http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago.

‘Do’ and ‘Don’t’ Gifts for the Elderly

The elderly can be the most difficult people to shop for during the holidays. Selecting appropriate gifts for seniors means being mindful of certain restrictions and limitations, so that the gift that you give can be enjoyed.

Don’t give these food gifts:

Candy, nuts, salty snacks, taffy, popcorn, specialty coffee, caramel corn and sweets

Many seniors suffer from diabetes, digestive issues and weak teeth. Many senior have dentures. Candy, nuts and sweets may hurt their teeth. Many candies are sticky and difficult to chew. Diabetics, of course, must restrict their sugar intake. Nuts and popcorn are difficult to digest and aggravate Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colon problems, diverticulitis and other digestive issues. Salty snacks and caffeine are unhealthy for seniors with high blood pressure, circulation problems and heart disease. Salty snacks are hard on the teeth.

Do give these food gifts:

Herbal teas, vitamin drinks, hot cocoa, low-sodium crackers, Pepperidge Farm crackers (made with healthier ingredients), soft, non-sticky candies made with Splenda, mints and hard candy

Do give these helpful gifts:

Senior citizens may have difficulty seeing and hearing things clearly. Many elderly people love to read, but lack the visual acuity. Instead of giving books with fine print that are difficult to see and read, look for these entertainment alternatives:

• . . . . . .books with large print

• . . . . . .large coffee table books with nice illustrations

• . . . . . .book magnifier for reading

• . . . . . .large print crossword and word puzzle books

• . . . . . .books on CD, a

• . . . . . .folding lap table or desk

• . . . . . .desk lamp

• . . . . . .audio CDs with a portable CD player

• . . . . . .Ipod or Mp3 player preloaded with grandma’s favorite gospel, country or classical music favorites. [The mp3 player is perfect because the ear-buds fit right into her ear and she can easily adjust the volume.]

Do give these practical, comfort gifts:

• . . . . . .warm, soft blanket (Senior citizens are almost always cold, no matter the temperature at which the heat is set. Many elderly persons will not turn up the thermostat because they are concerned about the cost of gas and electricity.) [Polar fleece, micro plush and micro fiber blankets wash up very nicely.]

• . . . . . .robe and slippers

• . . . . . .hat, scarf and gloves (Many senior men are balding or have thinning hair. They catch cold easily. A warm, knitted cap and scarf make ideal gifts.)

• . . . . . .massaging back pillow or neck roll

• . . . . . .heated, massaging foot bath

Any and all of these gifts will be most welcomed by every senior on your gift list.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, care-giving services for the elderly in the Chicago, Illinois area. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured care givers all of whom pass a National background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Belmont Harbor, Bucktown, Chicago, DePaul, Downtown, Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Avenue, Near North, Near North Side, North Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, Water Tower Place and the surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home health care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice, but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Chicago Home Health Care Company. For more information, please visit:  http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Free and Open to Everyone

Includes Free Social Worker CEUs!

Over the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in differential diagnosis and tailoring treatments and interventions to each type of dementia. This web seminar will provide specific and distinguishing characteristics of some of the more common forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementias. Part of the session focuses on how care and expectations may need to be changed for each condition, as well as for those individuals with mixed dementia.

This series is a great opportunity to earn Social Worker CEUs while gaining valuable information that will help you in your work with older adults – all without leaving your desk. It’s convenient and it’s FREE!

Each of the webinars will be recorded and available for viewing for up to 30 days after the live presentation. Preregistration is required to attend the live or to access the recorded webinars.

Click on a title below for more information and to preregister!

Dementia and Caregiving: Focusing on the Person While Understanding the Progression

December 19, 2011 (Monday)

11:00 AM Pacific / 12:00 PM Mountain / 1:00 PM Central / 2:00 PM Eastern

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, care-giving services for the elderly in the Chicago, Illinois area. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured care givers all of whom pass a National background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Belmont Harbor, Bucktown, Chicago, DePaul, Downtown, Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Avenue, Near North, Near North Side, North Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, Water Tower Place and the surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home health care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice, but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Chicago Home Health Care Company. For more information, please visit:  http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago.

Planning and Preparation for Smaller Meals

Are you used to cooking for an entire family and finding it challenging and frustrating trying to cook for one or two? All it really takes is a bit of planning and a few tips and tricks.

Keep variety in your cooking for healthful eating, and remember that homemade meals can be more nutritious, better tasting, and more economical than eating out. Plan your menus a week at a time in order to be efficient and save money. For example, a Sunday roast can be used for sandwiches on Monday and beef and vegetable stir-fry another day.

Smaller cans or pre-cut fruits and vegetables might be more economical if you frequently toss out spoiled items. Plus they are more convenient and save time. Prepared pasta sauce, boneless chicken breasts, and frozen bread dough help make meals faster and easier. If you like using sauces, try gourmet condiments, like cranberry honey mustard, that will last longer.

Make meal times at home fun and joyful by following these simple tips:

• . . . . . .Prepare a place setting with your good china and crystal.

• . . . . . .Add a centerpiece, light some candles, and play some music.

• . . . . . .Invite a friend over for a potluck.

Tips for Shopping, Storing, & Cooking Smaller Portions

• . . . . . .Wrap individual portions of meat; label and freeze (smaller pieces of meat are easier to work with and thaw faster).

• . . . . . .Freeze leftover items such as tomato paste, lemon juice, and chicken broth in ice cube trays; pop out after they are frozen and store in a freezer bag or plastic container.

• . . . . . .Start a cooking or food shopping club with other singles or couples; meet new people, try new foods, and divide larger meals among your group.

• . . . . . .Buy smaller portions of chopped vegetables for stir-fries and casseroles from salad bars in your supermarket.

• . . . . . .Buy nuts and candy from self-serve dispensers to get smaller quantities.

• . . . . . .Prepare a standard recipe for a casserole but make it in several smaller pans, then freeze.

• . . . . . .Use muffin tins for baking individual-sized portions of meatloaf or stuffing that can be frozen and reheated as needed.

• . . . . . .Store unused canned and jarred ingredients in the refrigerator in glass or plastic containers (storing foods in their original aluminum cans can be unsafe for your health).

• . . . . . .Use smaller appliances such as mini-slow cooker, toaster ovens, and mini-food processors (they take up less storage space too).

• . . . . . .Separate bacon slices into appropriately-sized portions and freeze, using waxed sheets for separating after freezing.

Need help with meal planning and preparation? No problem! Our Senior Helpers can help with that and much more!

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, care-giving services for the elderly in the Chicago, Illinois area. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured care givers all of whom pass a National background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Belmont Harbor, Bucktown, Chicago, DePaul, Downtown, Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Avenue, Near North, Near North Side, North Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, Water Tower Place and the surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home health care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice, but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Chicago Home Health Care Company. For more information, please visit:  http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago.

(November 29,2011) Holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year” to many – but if you’re a senior, it’s also one of the most challenging. If seniors’ children can’t be by their side to help them put all the dressings on the holidays, Santa’s Senior Helpers can! These elders’ elves drive the cars, open the doors and wait in the lines for their aging friends who can’t do it on their own anymore. They hunt for deals, decorate, wrap the presents and help seniors shop online. They are Santa’s Senior Helpers, and they aren’t from the North Pole.

Caregivers from Senior Helpers of Chicago, Illinois (IL), a leading in-home elder care provider, are doing the little things and helping thousands of seniors from coast-to-coast prepare for the holidays. Whether they need errands run, cleaning done or even online shopping assistance, Santa’s Senior Helpers are lending a helping hand to embrace the season.

“The holidays can be tough on seniors, especially those who aren’t able get out and to do things like they used to,” says Jonathan Wishnick with Senior Helpers of Chicago, Illinois (IL). “We care for seniors in their own homes year-round but the holidays tend to bring additional challenges that require an extra set of hands and feet. From gift wrap to Google, our caregivers are taking care of everything seniors we care for need to celebrate the holidays.”

Two new trends many seniors are embracing this holiday season are more on-line shopping and increased experimentation with Internet-based technologies.  Santa’s Senior Helpers show them how to find the best deals online and help seniors learn to use newer communication tools, like Skype and social media platforms, to connect with family and friends who may be far away.

Fast Facts About Seniors Online:

• . . . . . .The number of seniors using the Internet has almost doubled since 2005

• . . . . . .57 percent of seniors plan to shop online for holiday gifts (latest figures)

• . . . . . .52 percent plan to do at least ¼ of their holiday shopping online (latest figures)

• . . . . . .26 percent of Americans over the age of 65 are using social networks and online* communications tools

Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project / Extend Health, Inc.

“We work with seniors living on their own each day and we understand how difficult and frustrating it can be when they realize they can’t do it all by themselves anymore,” Wishnick says. “The holidays can be a hectic and physically demanding time for a lot of people. We’re helping seniors by shouldering some of the burden so they can focus on enjoying the season, which is really what this time of year is all about.”

Media Contact: Jonathan Wishnick, (312) 867-7110, jwishnick@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, care-giving services for the elderly in the Chicago, Illinois area. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured care givers all of whom pass a National background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Belmont Harbor, Bucktown, Chicago, DePaul, Downtown, Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Michigan Avenue, Near North, Near North Side, North Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, Water Tower Place and the surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home health care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice, but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Chicago Home Health Care Company. For more information, please visit:  http://www.seniorhelpers.com/chicago.