Summer Activities for Caregivers and the Elderly

For most people, it’s easy to decide what to do on a weekend afternoon, as there are a multitude of choices to pick from. The choice is even easier, now that it’s summer because the parks, beaches, and trails are prime places to run around in. When it comes to seniors and the elderly, however, the choices can seem limited, as many of these activities seem too strenuous for those who suffer from weakened bones or other problems that can come with age.

Caregivers sometimes struggle with what activities to do with their patients, so we, as a senior home care agency, would like to offer some of the strategies that our senior caregiver have utilized. All our caregivers are trained in several facets of care, such as Senior Care and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, but most importantly, they are trained in Companion Care. They know exactly what is safe and appropriate for the elderly, and such activities include walking by the beach or in a park, arts and crafts, nature watching, and even stargazing from the comforts of home.

If you need help juggling between responsibilities, trust in our caregivers to relieve some of those burdens. We have senior home health aides available temporarily, for Overnight or 24 Hours. Our in home and live in caregivers have given our agency a good name by accomplishing their duties with care and expertise.

For more information on our services, call our office at 310 366 7964. Check us out online and like us on Facebook!

Tips on living with cervical cancer/ A-1 Home Care Cancer Care

Did you know that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month?

Cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix) is the second most common cancer in women. The cervix is the narrow part of the uterus through which babies are born. Cervical cells can go through many types of changes, most of which are harmless and not related to cancer. These changes can be caused by a number of factors, including HPV infection.

Lately, medications like Gardisil have boomed in popularity for providing vaccines against certain cancer causing strains of HPV. It is important to know, however, that HPVs (human papillomaviruses) are a group of more than 100 related viruses, many of which can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. About 15 types of the 100 types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. Elders should be aware of this, as reduced immune systems increase susceptibility to all illness.

A-1 Home Care is dedicated to promoting good self care for elders in Palos Verdes, Torrance, Pasadena, and other cities in the area. We encourage local seniors who have recently suffered a from cancer to consider these facts. Our agency is A+ rated with the BBB and a member of the National Care Planning Council.

Call 310-366-7964 or visit http://www.palosverdeseldercare.com/ today! 

Cancer Care in Orange County & Los Angeles County from A-1 Home Care / A-1 Domestic

After Surgery Care in Palos Verdes

If you have had surgery, the food you eat can make a great impact on your recovery and on how quickly your wound heals. Eating the right foods can prevent complications, such as constipation, and provide the necessary building blocks your skin needs to heal quickly.

One of the best things you can do to improve your nutritional status when you are recovering from surgery, is to focus on whole foods. That means to choose foods that are “whole” or unprocessed. For example, an orange would be a whole food. Orange juice, though, would be a more processed version. A baked potato would be a whole food, while a French fry would be more processed and less healthy, having been fried.

We recommend trying this delicious and healthy recipe from Food.com

Chicken Caccitore by Ellie Krieger

Ingredients

4 skinless chicken breast halves on the bone, about 2 pounds
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 pound white mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice, chopped and juice reserved
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste

Directions

Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Heat the oil in a saute pan over moderately-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 8 minutes. Remove the chicken.

Reduce the heat to moderate. Add the onion and pepper, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to brown. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the wine and cook until reduced by half. Add the tomatoes and juice, oregano, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and simmer the mixture covered for 10 minutes.

Return the chicken breasts to the pan and simmer, covered, until the chicken is just done, about 20 minutes longer.

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/chicken-cacciatore-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback

The many uses of greek yogurt for healthy weight/ Heart Disease Caregivers in Palos Verdes

Greek yogurt has been a buzzword for health lovers this year. Creamy, smooth and tangy, the addition in place of cream allows seniors and elders to enjoy their favorite meals with far fewer calories. Greek yogurt is a key ingredient in the heart healthy Mediterranean diet. It's thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, contains twice the protein and less lactose. This makes it an ideal food for elders wishing to lose weight, improve heart health, and build calcium.

So what can we do with it? A-1 Home Care has provided a few delicious ideas on how to incorporate Greek yogurt into your daily diet.

1. Use it in place of cream, sour cream and mayo
2. Mix it with chopped onions, a bit of minced garlic, and parsley for a topping for fish and chicken
3. Use it in place of mayo in your chicken and tuna salads
4. Eat it topped with sliced berries and granola
5. Blend with 1/2 parts olive oil, a bit of lemon juice, salt and pepper for a delicious dressing

A-1 Home Care is dedicated to promoting good self care for elders in Palos Verdes. We encourage local seniors who have recently suffered a heart attack, or stroke to consider these tips. Our agency is A+ rated with the BBB and a member of the National Care Planning Council.

Call 310-366-7964 or visit http://www.palosverdeseldercare.com/ today!

Wartime Vets and Spouses may qualify for "Improved Pension"

Have you heart of the Aid & Attendance Benefit? Neither have a majority of wartime vets who are not struggling to arrange daily care in their elder years. This new benefit is part of a little known program from the Veterans Administration, and is designed to provide home health or assistance care services for senior and disabled veterans needing 24 hour care.

To qualify, vets must:
Be over 65 years of age OR disabled
Require daily care for basic living
Have financial need
Served at least 1 day of 3 months active service in war

A-1 Home Care is a nonmedical home health agency that arranges consultation services for elders who may qualify for this program. We can help you complete and file your application to recieve monthly checks towards your health.

Call us today if you live in Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Torrance, Pasadena, Whittier, Rolling Hills and other cities in Los Angeles County.

Our at home care services are reasonable priced and we are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to best serve your needs. Call 310-366-7964 or visit http://www.palosverdeseldercare.com/ today!

Hospice Care in Palos Verdes

Hospice care is a sensitive subject for loved ones, making it important to plan ahead. Many times, family members get into conflict about "what Mother really wanted," often holding different ideas. A-1 Home Care suggests that elders with terminal illness or delicate health define their wishes to loved ones ahead of time.

A-1 Home Care provides skilled Hospice Care Providers, Companions and caregivers in Palos Verdes and surrounding areas. Our services are available for part time, live in and respite.

A-1 Home Care is A+ rated with the BBB and a member of the National Care Planning Council. We offer care in Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Torrance, Pasadena, Whittier, Rolling Hills and other cities in Los Angeles County.

Our at home care services are reasonable priced and we are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to best serve your needs. Call 310-366-7964 or visit http://www.palosverdeseldercare.com/ today!

Senior Care for Respite in Palos Verdes

The years grow short and people get older. When mom and dad are nearing the winter of their lives, it might be time to think about getting a senior caregiver. Senior citizens who are 65 or older have a greater likelihood of falling in an accident, potentially breaking a hip. In other scenarios, elders in poor health find difficulty coping alone and often skip essential elements of self care. In such situations, it's unlikely that one would be able to reach help on one's own. That's when a caregiver factors in.

A-1 Home Care arranges Palos Verdes Senior Caregivers in Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Torrance, Pasadena, Whittier, Rolling Hills and other cities in Los Angeles County.

Our at home care services are reasonable priced and we are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to best serve your needs. Call 310-366-7964 or visit http://www.palosverdeseldercare.com/ today!