Tips When Your Aging Parents Won't Listen

You may be dreading the conversation, but at some point, you'll need to have the talk with your parents. No adult child wants to watch their parents struggle, not getting the help they need. But how do you start the conversation that may compromise their independence?

Remember to take a breath before you begin, and follow these 15 tips for a smooth conversation.

Be Persistent – Don't expect that everything will work itself out after one sitting. You may have to continue the conversation more than once, so be patient.

Avoid Power Struggles – Don't push, nag or harass your parents. Don't make ultimatums or argue. You don't want to damage your relationship or cause further tension.

Be Sensitive – Criticism and judgment can also put your parents on the defense – let them know that you feel concerned about them, be honest that you're worried.

Timing Is Everything – Find a day or time where everyone is relaxed and calm. If you pick a day to talk, make sure you but your worries and anxieties aside – it will only make the matter worse.

Stay Calm – At some point, your parents may already be aware that they are changing. State your concerns calmly, speaking with love and tenderness can help reassure to them that everything is ok.

Seek Outside Help – You're not alone – plenty of adult children have gone through this conversation. It's ok to find support groups or talk to someone who can help guide you through this process.

Spend More Time With Them – Life gets busy, but be sure to make time with your parents. As they grow older, they'll need more attention from you. Plus, it will help keep the relationship and bond strength.

Ask Questions – Instead of talking at your parents, try asking open-ended questions. Such as, "why did you want to go to this particular store?" This could be a clue as to why your parents may need help or a change.

Coming Up With Solutions – If you feel your parents are concerned about ending up in a nursing home, try suggesting an alternate solution. Take time to do research on different senior living option. Take them to open houses. Show them that there are many other alternatives that can meet their needs.

Focus On Benefits – If your parents require around the clock care, find a place that meets their needs, as well as their hobbies and interests.

Bring In Siblings – Caregiving is a big responsibility, you shouldn't have to do it alone. If you have siblings, ask them to speak to your parents as well. It's important everyone sees eye-to-eye.

Enlist Support of Friends – Consider setting up a family meeting that includes close friends or neighbors. It can be easier to hear the truth from someone outside the family.

Talk To Their Doctor – Try talking to your parent's doctor. Let them know your concerns about their wellbeing. In the end, a medical professional may the advice your parents only listen to.

Outline Consequences – If your parents still demand to drive alone or live alone, remind them of the possible consequences of their actions.

Don't Count On Change – In the end, there may not be much you can do to change their mind. Remember – your parents are grown adults who have the right to make their own decisions. Sometimes all you can do is let go and accept the situation.

Help at Home can provide around the clock care for your senior loved ones by providing a stable, positive environment for seniors living with Alzheimer's, helping them to stay active, social, and stay healthy. Located in Greenwich, CT, Alzheimer's and Dementia Care / Help at Home, LLC is proud to be a top rated home health care provider in Fairfield County, CT, Westchester County, NY, Manhattan, NY and beyond. Our clients are our family and we treat everyone with compassion and care. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your loved ones. Email: maryann@alzdementiacare.com Phone: 203-520-0116

Top 5 Vitamins Actually Worth Taking

We all know the importance of taking vitamins as we age – but out of all the available choices, which ones should your elderly loved ones focus on?

Vitamins Impact on Senior Health

As we reach over 50, nutrients become more important to our well-being and overall health. Many medications that are prescribed to adults begin to deplete vitamins such as Magnesium, B1, Calcium, Vitamin K, CoQ10, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Iron, Zinc, Beta-Carotene and B12. With the loss of so many essential nutrients, try giving your loved on a daily multi-vitamin or add vitamin-rich foods into your diet.

More Is Not Always Better

As we age, it’s important to remember that “more isn’t always better” – Some vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Iron can be toxic when consumed in heavy doses. Be sure to speak to your doctor first about any effects they could have on your health.

Five Supplements Worth Taking

With all the vitamins available to us, it can be hard to choose the right one for you and your loved ones. Here are five recommended vitamins for optimal senior health.

CalciumCalcium is essential for women to prevent bone loss which can lead to osteopenia. It is also important for men, who can also experience bone loss later in life. Try taking Vitamin D to maximize absorption, and also adding dark green leafy vegetables – like spinach and kale – to your everyday diet. It is recommended to take 1200 mg of Calcium daily through food and supplements, more than younger adults.

ZincZinc is essential for enzymatic reactions throughout the body. It plays a critical role in immunity, wound healing and proper taste and smell. It can also ward off depression by helping neurotransmitters travel better to the brain. Zinc can also serve as a treatment for arthritis by reducing inflammation throughout the body.

MagnesiumMagnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can be a helpful treatment of type 2 diabetes. Many senior medications inhibit the absorption of magnesium, so it’s important to include magnesium rich foods, such as seeds, nuts, and whole grains into your diet.

Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells health. It also plays a vital role in preventing anemia and memory loss.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: EPA and DHAOmega-3’s has been shown to reduce dry-eye symptoms, reduce the pain and complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis and reduce depression. Having low levels of DHA has been linked to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease, but very high levels of 800-900 mg per day have actually been shown to reverse memory loss and aid in verbal recognition, according to an article in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: A Journal by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Help at Home can provide around the clock care for your senior loved ones by providing a stable, positive environment for seniors living with Alzheimer’s, helping them to stay active, social, and stay healthy.

Located in Greenwich, CT, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care / Help at Home, LLC is proud to be a top rated home health care provider in Fairfield County, CT, Westchester County, NY, Manhattan, NY and beyond. Our clients are our family and we treat everyone with compassion and care. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your loved ones.

Email: maryann@alzdementiacare.com

Phone: 203-520-0116

Autumn Safety Tips

Just as quickly as the leave are changing, so could an elderly loved one.

It's important to keep in mind continuous safety precautions and have regular home checks as the season's change. Fall home maintenance can be difficult for an aging loved one living along – here are some tips to stay safe.

WINDOWS – Be sure to check all windows to make sure they open and close easily. Your loved one may want to have fresh air on a warm day. If the windows are difficult to manage, try taking a wax candlestick on the inside of the windowsill to make the window pane move easier.

HEAT – Make sure any areas with a draft occurs is sealed off and secure. Check the homes heating system to make sure it doesn't need any repairs. If there is a fireplace or chimney, have it cleaned prior to any fires. Be prepared for cold weather by having a stockpile of wood ready when needed.

LEAVES – Keep walkways, sidewalks, and stairs clear of leaves. As leaves begin to pile and get wet, they can become a slipping hazard. Also be sure to clear all drain pipes of leaves and other debris as well.

CLOTHING – Be sure that your older loved one's clothing is weather appropriate. During the transition between summer and fall, it's best to keep a few lighter clothing items out when needed.

SPACE HEATERS –

Having a space heater can be a great way to warm up on a chilly fall evening, but it's vital to read the instructions prior to use. If the space heater requires venting, be sure to have it placed near where it can get outdoor venting. Also, never use your oven or stove for heating a home.

SMOKE ALARMS –

When we change our "clocks back" it's a good reminder to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace any home fire extinguishers in your loved ones home – especially if they're expired.

HOME CARE – It's also a good idea to hire a home care assistant to help check-in on your loved ones when you're not able to. At Help at Home, we offer a wide variety of services that can fit the needs of you and your family.

Help at Home can provide around the clock care for your senior loved ones by providing a stable, positive environment for seniors living with Alzheimer's, helping them to stay active, social, and stay healthy. Located in Greenwich, CT, Alzheimer's and Dementia Care / Help at Home, LLC is proud to be a top rated home health care provider in Fairfield County, CT, Westchester County, NY, Manhattan, NY and beyond. Our clients are our family and we treat everyone with compassion and care. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your loved ones. Email: maryann@alzdementiacare.com Phone: 203-520-0116