Craig Bass, Author at Golden Heart Summerlin

Strength Training – How Does It Work and What Are the Benefits?

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Craig Bass

Home Care in Las Vegas NV

You’ve heard all about the recommendation that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. Your mom goes for walks with her dog, but that’s all she does. Her doctor recommends that she start adding strength training to her daily routine.

What is strength training? What types of activities does it cover, and how are they going to help her? Learn more about the benefits of strength training and tips for getting started.

The Benefits of Strength Training

Strength training involves exercises that build and strengthen the muscles you have. As you strengthen the muscles, it improves balance and coordination. It reduces the risk of falling. You also improve bone density.

Osteoporosis affects approximately 10 million men and women in the U.S. When you strengthen the muscles, it also helps maintain the bones. Strength training reduces your mom’s chances of developing osteoporosis.

Strength training also helps lower the risk of other chronic health conditions and improves flexibility. Plus, strong muscles and joints can help prevent severe arthritis pain.

A 2015 study looked at the health data for close to 400,000 adults up to 80. Those who completed strength training exercises twice a week were less likely to have conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Aim For Twice a Week

Your mom wants to work on strength training exercises two days a week. The best fitness plan is one that varies the activities. She could walk twice a week, do strength training twice a week, and ride a bike or swim laps on the other days.

What types of activities should she engage in? Strength training workouts focus on the muscles in different areas of the body. One day, she could do legs and hips. On the next day, she could do her arms and shoulders. Abs and back muscles round out her plan. If she keeps circling through these areas, she’ll find muscle strength improves within weeks.

Getting Started With Strength Training

Ask your mom’s doctor if it would be advisable to have her work with a physical therapist. If she has health issues or has fallen in the past, it’s a good idea to have her work with therapists. She’ll target her strength training to match her wellness goals.

If her doctor says there are no limitations as long as she doesn’t push herself too hard, start with beginner videos. Some require equipment like weights or resistance bands. Decide if that’s worth the expense. Otherwise, look for videos that don’t require equipment.

With home care services, she stays safe when she lives alone by having help with daily chores. This is important if she has fallen in the past. She also gains companionship, which makes a difference when it comes to staying motivated with exercise routines. Call a home care agency to make arrangements.

Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/strength-training-builds-more-than-muscles
https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(18)32137-8/fulltext

If you are considering home care in Las Vegas, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

July 2021 Caregiver of the Month

Posted on August 16, 2021 by Craig Bass

Our amazing caregiver Makala Messenger was named Golden Heart’s July 2021 Caregiver of the Month! Makala is originally from Houston, TX. Something that is important to Makala is her family; an older brother and two little sisters. Her favorite part about caregiving is “taking care of those that once took care of us through all of their former professions.” She loves that gets to learn and experience something new every day. Her best memory on the job is singing to her client Maria; she says that just those few minutes made her day so bright! Makala is currently working on getting her lash certification, because she “loves making women feel beautiful!” She is also pursuing her LPN degree to get her closer to being an RN. Another goal of Makala’s is to build her dream home in the next five years. Your future is so bright Makala! Thank you for being you!

The Most Common Sleep Problems Seniors Have And How To Avoid Them

Posted on August 13, 2021 by Craig Bass

Senior Home Care in Summerlin NV

Research shows that as many as 70% of seniors could be dealing with sleep problems. There are many different factors that affect a senior’s qualify of sleep including things like the medication that they take and how active they are. But regardless of the reasons why seniors aren’t getting enough sleep family members and senior home care providers need to do what they can to help seniors manage their sleeping problems so they can stay healthy. Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. The most common problems that seniors experience include:

Insomnia

Insomnia can be occasional or chronic but whenever it appears it’s going to make it tough for seniors to get the good night’s sleep they need. In order to combat insomnia you can help your senior loved one establish a night time routine that includes a relaxing activity like reading a book or taking a bath. Seniors should also go to bed at the same time every night to help them fall asleep faster.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that occurs when someone’s airway is obstructed when they sleep. Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea in varying degrees. Sometimes all it takes to alleviate the problem is using more pillows or side sleeping instead of sleeping on the back. But in more serious cases a sleep apnea mask might need to be used to ensure your senior loved one is getting the oxygen they need throughout the night. It’s quite common for seniors to use sleep apnea machines at night.

But if your senior loved one is anxious about using a sleep apnea mask they may be unable to sleep because of that anxiety. A senior home care provider that is there throughout the night can bring peace of mind to seniors at night. They will know that someone will be there to help them if they need help with the sleep apnea machine or if it stops working. It will bring you some peace of mind to have a senior home care provider staying with your senior loved one at night too.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes a powerful urge to move the legs and feet when sitting or lying down. It’s similar to what happens when you feel like you’re about to fall in a dream and you jerk awake. The urge to jerk the legs and feet can be very intense. Some medications can make RLS worse. If your senior parent has RLS and finds it difficult to sleep because of the sensations in their legs there are some ways to try and stop that urge. Gentle exercise during the day and improving muscle strength can help. So can a warm bath before bed to relax the muscles. Hot and cold packs can provide some immediate relief when the urge flares up at night. If your senior loved one is prone to bouts of RLS a senior home care provider can help them manage their symptoms so that they can sleep at night.

Sources:
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0501/p2551.html

Insomnia and Older Adults

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377174

If you are considering senior home care in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

5 Things Home Care Can Do for Your Senior

Posted on August 6, 2021 by Craig Bass

In-Home Care in Las Vegas NV

Most senior adults struggle with the reality that living on their own becomes more complicated with age. Leaving their home would heartbreaking, and family members have to make tough decisions between the senior’s health and happiness.

Home care is one of the most popular solutions for helping senior adults stay in their homes comfortably. When everyday activities become overwhelming for your senior, in-home care services offer aid for daily living.

Personal Care Tasks

As aging seniors struggle with mobility, brain function, and memory, it becomes increasingly apparent that your senior may need help with personal hygiene. In-home care can offer visits from personal care aides to help your senior with daily living tasks.

Personal care is crucial for both health and comfort. However, these tasks tend to fall on the list of priorities for many seniors struggling with various age-related issues. Your senior will feel a difference when they can consistently keep up with hygiene-related tasks.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping tasks often become overwhelming for family caregivers. Home care services can often help with basic housekeeping tasks. This includes daily laundry, dishwashing, and tidying. Ensuring that your loved one is living in a clean and tidy environment is part of the home care service’s essential function.

It is important to note that in-home care are not housekeeping services. Many caregivers consider the benefits of hiring a housekeeper for bi-weekly or monthly deep cleaning tasks. Consider the amount of time that you are spending on these tasks. You may find that additional help is necessary.

Medication Assistance

Seniors often find themselves overwhelmed with the number of medications they are prescribed daily. Managing these medications can be overwhelming. Caregivers may find themselves worrying about their senior’s ability to remember the proper dosages and times for daily drugs.

In-home care can help seniors manage their medications safely. Medication assistance can be requested by having a home care aide scheduled for a daily visit at the same time. Although there are other medication management systems available, the help of a professional aide offers peace of mind to family members.

Mobility

Seniors who experience mobility issues might be considered at risk of a fall or injury. Caregivers of these seniors often worry about the health of their loved one when they are not able to be in the home.

Home care services can provide routine supervision and check-ins for your loved one. Although most home care aides are not in the home full-time, frequent checks can reduce anxiety and worry about your loved one falling in the house.

Many home care aides are also able to assist their clients in getting daily exercise. Whether your loved one desires a short outdoor walk or simply needs some help walking through the home, home care is an excellent solution for mobility concerns.

Socialization

With all of the age-related complications, your senior is likely to experience a diminished social life. The isolation that comes for aging adults is a serious concern. Even when they have family caretakers rotating in and out, it can still concern mental health.

Home care services provide your senior with a new set of people in their daily life. These care professionals are excellent at spending time with senior adults and giving them the socialization they need to feel fulfilled.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a caregiver for a loved one is an overwhelming and emotional adventure. Hiring the services to assist with in-home care tasks can be one of the most beneficial choices for the new caregiver.

If you are considering in-home care in Las Vegas, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Stop and Look at Safety Issues Before Your Mom Falls

Posted on July 30, 2021 by Craig Bass

In one year, an average of three million older adults seeks emergency care following a fall. Twenty percent of those falls cause serious head injuries or bone fractures. More than 300,000 of those bone fractures involve the hip.

Reducing your mom’s risk of falling is crucial when she lives alone. You need to stop and look at these common safety issues and address them sooner rather than later.

Cluttered Rooms and Floors

Clutter is not only a fire hazard, but it also increases the risk of a fall. Those books that don’t fit on the bookshelf get stacked on the floor. It seems reasonable until you’re walking down the hallway and catch your toe on them and trip.

Poor Furniture Placement

Your mom loves home design shows, and she loves the living room seating arrangement that has everyone facing each other. The problem is that the paths out of the room are now narrow. She’s consistently hitting her shins on the coffee table. You worry that one of these days she’ll hit her shin hard enough to fall and injure herself.

Loose Stair Rails

Stairs must have handrails for your mom’s safety. The rails have to be securely affixed to the wall or posts. They need to be smooth and splinter-free. Check them periodically for splinters and loose screws.

Low Lighting

Lights on stairs, in rooms, and hallways have to be bright enough. LED lighting is bright and energy-efficient. It will lower your mom’s electricity bills and provide plenty of illumination to every corner of a room and entry.

Slippery Flooring

Flooring in kitchens and bathrooms is often linoleum or tile. When those surfaces get wet, the risk of a slip and fall is high. Add grab bars in the bathroom, too. Grab bars give your mom something to hold onto as she steps into and out of the shower or tub.

Newer vinyl flooring is waterproof. Plus, the surface of this flooring can be textured to give it a slip-free surface even if it’s wet. As vinyl flooring comes in snap-together planks, it’s also quick to install and doesn’t need glue or nails.

Hire Caregivers to Assist Your Mom With Ambulation

Call a home care agency and ask about a home assessment. If caregivers can help her with ambulation, it’s important to hire them. Caregivers keep your mom safe and make sure she has everything she needs. Learn more by talking to a specialist.

If you are considering caregivers in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Four Myths About Aging That You Must Ignore

Posted on July 23, 2021 by Craig Bass

Home Care Assistance in Summerlin NV

As you get older, you start to hear things or even believe things about getting older that may not be true. Here are the four myths about aging that you have to ignore.

Sleep is Less Important

Sleep is just as important as it was when you were a child. Your mom and dad should try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Eight is better. To improve the odds for a good night’s sleep, they should stop drinking water a couple of hours before bed. That helps them avoid middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.

Your mom and dad need to avoid a heavy meal right before bedtime. Your parents should also create a bedtime routine that doesn’t vary. Talk to them about going upstairs, reading a book for an hour, and then turning on a fan for white noise.

Your Diet Doesn’t Matter

Diet is even more important as you age. For artery and muscle health, your parents need to avoid excess sodium and eat enough protein. They must avoid saturated fats and added sugars. They need to make sure they’re eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, legumes, and low-fat dairy that’s high in calcium.

Arthritis Limits Your Mobility

Arthritis is prevalent as you age. It’s hard to avoid it. Your toe and ankle joints, knee joints, and hip joints have handled your weight for decades. Understandably, they’d start to wear out and become painful.

When you have arthritis, mobility may seem counterproductive. It’s painful to walk around, so you shouldn’t. The truth is that you need to stay mobile. It’s what keeps the joints limber and reduces pain. If your parents want to avoid intense arthritis pain, daily activities and exercise are crucial.

Home Care Services Are Just for People Who Are Very Ill or Infirm

Are you among the number of people who associate home care as being something for an aging adult who is very ill or immobile? Home care can help people in those situations, but there’s far more to it. It’s about helping someone remain independent in their home for as long as possible. It’s a helping hand.

Relying on others for help doesn’t mean you’ve lost your independence. Reinforce that with your parents as often as you can. If they need help with daily activities, home care is the perfect solution.

With the help of caregivers, your parents don’t struggle with tasks like housekeeping or meal preparation. They have someone to help out, enabling them to maintain their independence as they age at home. Call a home care agency to learn more.

If you are considering home care assistance in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Golden Heart Conducts Successful Monthly Training

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Craig Bass

Golden Heart is proud to announce that it has completed another month of successful caregiver training at our corporate office.

This month we focused on the importance of successful communication between the client, family and care staff.

The staff was was engaged and hungry!

We provided lunch and dinner for all staff members involved. Overall, we had a great time and learned a lot.

Home Care Las Vegas Training

Use National Anti-Boredom Month to Explore New Outdoor Activities

Posted on July 14, 2021 by Craig Bass

July was chosen as National Anti-Boredom Month because it’s the time of year when kids are out of school and starting to miss their friends. Boredom isn’t just for kids. When it gets hot outside, you may hear your parents complain about being stuck inside. What can you do?

During summer’s heat, you may not be able to get outside as much, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay trapped inside all of the time. Here are some of the outdoor activities that help your parents avoid feeling bored while also staying cool.

Fish for Fun or Food

Invest in some fishing poles and head to the nearest fishing hole. Your parents can keep what they catch and have fresh fish for dinner. Or, they could catch and release if they’re not interested in eating fish. You might want to see if fishing charters nearby can take your parents out onto the lake or ocean. That enables them to try to catch fish they don’t see as often.

Go Swimming or Soak in a Pool

Elderly Care in Summerlin NV

Swimming pools aren’t as expensive as they were in the past. An inflatable ring pool is a suitable solution to summer’s heat. You don’t have to purchase a big one either. Get a small pool, fill it with water and soak in that on a hot summer’s day.

If you have a full-size pool or live near a public pool, take advantage of it. Your parents get plenty of exercise swimming laps. If they prefer, they can walk laps and use the resistance of the water to help them work out their leg muscles.

Photograph Nature

Grab a camera and head into the forest. The shade of the trees keeps you cooler, and your parents can get photos of nature along the way. If they don’t want to go into the forest, look for other scenic areas like rivers with waterfalls, lakes, and public gardens.

Play Water Volleyball

Head to a lake or ocean cove where the water is waist-deep and play water volleyball. You can get inflatable nets and an inflatable beach ball to make it easy to bring with you. The benefit to the water is you stay cool, and falling doesn’t hurt.

In between your visits, who helps your parents with daily activities? Call a home care agency and look into elderly care providers. Caregivers assist their elderly clients with housework, meals, transportation, laundry, medication reminders, and so much more. With elderly care aides helping them, your parents are able to age at home independently and safely.

If you are considering elderly care in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Six of the Best Habits to Embrace as You Age

Posted on July 8, 2021 by Craig Bass

Senior Care in Henderson NV

As your parents’ caregiver, you need to keep your well-being in mind. At the same time, you also want them to stay in the best possible health, making it important for them to embrace healthy habits. Team up and make sure all of you are taking steps to improve your health.

Choose Meals and Snacks Wisely

Added sugars, high sodium items, saturated fat, and processed flours are all poor dietary choices. It’s time to embrace a diet that focuses on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy unsaturated fats, and a lot of fresh produce.

Make as much as you can from scratch using fresh fruits and vegetables, grains like farrow and barley, and healthy fats like walnut oil or extra virgin olive oil. Canned low-sodium beans are high in fiber and low in fat, so they’re a must-have. Stop snacking on cakes, cookies, and doughnuts. Instead, enjoy nuts, raw vegetables, and fresh fruit.

Exercise Often

Every day, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity. If you feel you can do more than half an hour, feel free. Mix it up, too. Put on a Yoga or Tai Chi video before you shower in the morning. Go for a walk after dinner. Add weight training and aerobic activities throughout the week.

Stop Smoking

If you or your parents still smoke, it’s a good time to stop. Talk to your doctor about cessation aids that will help you kick the habit. Within weeks of quitting, your blood’s carbon monoxide levels return to normal.

You’ll find it’s easier to breathe. It also helps lower your blood pressure and reduces the risk of many chronic health conditions like gum disease and lung diseases.

Check Your Blood Pressure

See your doctor each year for a blood pressure screening. You may want to ask about electronic monitors you can use at home to track it so that you’re not dealing with doctor’s office anxiety when the reading is taken.

Drink Plenty of Water

Everyone should be drinking about two liters of water per day. Set this as your goal, and do your best to reach it each day. Some foods will add water to your daily intake, but it’s also essential to drink enough water throughout the day.

Make Time for Fun

It’s just as crucial for you to take breaks. If you’re busy helping your mom and dad and keeping up with work, stop and think about your last day off. Has it been months or years since you did something fun like take a vacation or went out with your friends?

Hire senior care aides to help your parents for a few days. While their needs are covered, you’ll have time to go on a trip. Take some days off, sleep in, and lounge around the home for a chance.

No matter how you decide to relax and unwind, make sure you take this time for yourself. Senior care is the best way to ensure everyone’s needs are covered.

If you are considering senior care in Henderson, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Socializing and Fun: Two Things the Elderly Need

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Craig Bass

Caregivers in Las Vegas NV

The elderly need to keep socializing and having fun. If they don’t do this, their memory and other health aspects are likely to decline. The good news is there are many ways for elderly people to have a great time in life. If you are a family caregiver, keep reading here to find out more about how your elderly loved one can socialize and have fun at the same time.

Joining a Club

What interests does your elderly loved one have? Do they like gardening, reading, crocheting, or singing? Talk to your elderly loved one to find out what passions they have. Then, you can help your elderly loved one to find clubs in their area or online that fit with these passions. If needed, you can even hire caregivers to drive your loved one to these clubs. By attending a club, your elderly loved one can feel like they belong somewhere. They can also socialize and have fun.

Humor

Another way for your elderly loved one to have fun is by hanging out with people who enjoy laughing and having a good time. Think about the people your elderly loved one spends most of their time with. Now think about the times when you see your elderly loved one smiling around certain people. Who are those people? These are the people they should be spending more time with.

Hosting a Gathering

Your elderly loved one can have fun and socialize by having a small get together at their home. There are so many different types of parties they can throw. You or their caregivers can help to put on the party, too. A dinner or game party can be a fun way to see longtime friends or family that haven’t been together in awhile.

Conclusion

Socializing and having fun are very important for the elderly. Doing these things helps the elderly to reduce stress, ease their pain, express themselves, and much more. If you want to help your elderly loved one obtain these things in life, you should encourage them to do the things mentioned above. If needed, you can hire caregivers to help your elderly loved one with these things, as well. Caregivers can even visit your elderly loved one regularly. This way, your loved one doesn’t feel alone. The caregivers can play games with them, have conversations, and much more.

Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233208/

If you are considering caregivers in Las Vegas, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.