Month: June 2015

Puyallup, WA – June 19, 2015 – One of the biggest fears people have about getting older is the loss of independence. So, in honor of Independence Day, CayCare is offering some tips to help us retain independence as we age.

“Aging can be a lot less scary with a little planning,” says Lisa Doyle, Registered Nurse and Owner  at CayCare. “There are numerous things people can do today to help ensure getting older is less of a burden – both for themselves and their families.”

Here are some tips to help make your golden years a little more golden:

• Get moving! Exercise has enormous benefit for keeping people healthy throughout the aging cycle. British researchers discovered that those who were active at the start of an eight-year study and remained so throughout that time had the lowest incidents of chronic diseases, memory loss and physical disability.
• Eat well. Numerous studies have shown that eating healthfully can not only lower your risk of disease, but also can actually extend your life. Eating healthfully includes eating mostly whole (unprocessed) foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables, choosing healthy fats like those found in avocados and olive oil, and relying on fish, nuts and beans for most of your protein needs.
• Save your money. The flip side to living longer is that most people need more money after they retire to live comfortably. If you haven’t already, start a retirement fund by opening an IRA, joining your company’s 401k plan or setting up an account at your local credit union or bank. Being financially secure will also ease your stress level.
• Make your wishes known. Talk about the future. Make a will and an advance directive (or “living will”). A will allows you to decide who will receive the assets of your estate and an advance directive lets people know what kind of medical treatment you would want – or wouldn’t want – in the event you are unable to make these decisions.

“Getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your health and independence,” says Doyle.  “People today are not only living longer, they’re living healthier than ever before. It just takes some dedication towards that goal to make it work.”

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CayCare is available to help you help ensure your loved one’s well-being. CayCare is a referral agency, offering placement services, in-home care coordination, and care management services in Pierce, King, Kitsap, and Thurston counties. Since 2005, they have helped thousands of seniors – and their families – navigate the challenges of aging, assisting them in leading fulfilling and purposeful lives. If you have questions about these services please call us at 253-777-3804 or toll free 1-844-582-7767. You can also visit online at www.caycare.com.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers tips for buying shades that give the most protection from harmful UV rays.

Everyone knows sunglasses make it easier to see on a sunny day, whether you’re out on the road or the water. However, wearing the right sunglasses is also the best defense for keeping ultraviolet (UV) rays from causing short- and long-term eye damage, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons.

Studies have shown that accumulated UV exposure from the sun can heighten the risk of cataracts, as well as certain kinds of growths and eye cancer. Even just a few hours of intense UV exposure can cause temporary blindness. While everyone can potentially suffer these conditions, children and people with light-colored eyes should be especially careful since their eyes may be more susceptible to damage from the sun’s rays.

To help the public better protect their eyes from the sun, the Academy recently shared a list of important factors to consider when purchasing sunglasses:

Make it 100 percent. The single most important thing to look for when buying sunglasses to protect your eyes is a sticker or tag indicating that they block 100 percent of UV rays.
Bigger is better. The more coverage from sunglasses, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. Consider buying oversized or wraparound-style glasses, which help cut down on UV entering the eye from the side.
Darker lenses don’t protect better. While very dark lenses may look cool, they do not necessarily block more UV rays.
Color doesn’t matter. Some sunglasses come with amber, green or grey lenses. They do not block more sun but can increase contrast, which may be useful for athletes who play sports such as baseball or golf.
Polarized lenses cut glare, not UV. Polarization reduces glare coming off reflective surfaces like water or pavement. This does not offer more protection from the sun, but can make activities like driving or being on the water safer or more enjoyable.
Cost shouldn’t be a factor. Sunglasses don’t have to cost a lot of money to work well. Less expensive pairs marked as 100 percent UV-blocking can be just as effective as pricier options.

“When shopping for sunglasses, some people concentrate on appearance rather than sun protection,” said ophthalmologist Brenda Pagán-Durán, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “That’s why I always recommend they check for a tag or sticker that verifies the lenses block 100 percent UV rays. It’s a small step, but it really can help protect your eyes from the risk of serious conditions that can affect your vision and eye health.”

Source: The American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org). Learn more about how to protect your eyes from the sun at the Academy’s public information website, www.geteyesmart.org.

Anyone who has owned a pet knows the joy an animal can bring to one’s life. You often hear enthusiasts describing their pets as their “children” and including them in family vacations and activities. Service animals help people with various disabilities get around in the world. Florence Nightingale, a pioneer of modern nursing, noticed that animals served as “excellent companions for the sick,” especially those with chronic conditions. Our popular culture is rife with images of animals performing heroic feats or simply uplifting spirits with their adorableness.

In spite of all the anecdotal evidence showing the healing power of animals, science was slow to study the phenomenon. That’s beginning to change. One of the earliest published studies found that heart attack patients who owned pets lived longer than those who didn’t. More recently, several studies have shown pets are natural mood enhancers, increasing levels of oxytocin and serotonin, both of which enhance our well-being. Even the simple act of watching a pet fish swim in an aquarium can lower levels of cortisol – a hormone associated with stress – in the body. Other studies have shown that pet owners get numerous health benefits from their animal companions:

• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Reduced risk of heart attack and increased survival rates after a heart attack
• Decreased anxiety, loneliness and depression
• Better physical fitness
• Children growing up with a pet have fewer allergies and stronger immune systems
• Seniors who own pets have fewer doctor visits and reduced healthcare costs

Given all of the numerous benefits animals bring to humankind, it makes sense that animals are now being used as tools of therapy for a variety of maladies. For instance, an animal may be able to reach a child with autism or a senior with dementia in a way that no human can. Studies with Alzheimer’s patients have shown that interaction with animals can reduce agitation, increase positive social behavior (smiling, laughing, talking) and improve appetites. That’s why animals are now commonly used for therapeutic purposes in hospitals, senior living communities, and even in hospice settings.

It is in hospice situations, as people are nearing the end of their life, that the benefits of animal therapy may be most profound. Perhaps the best-known hospice therapy animal was Baxter, a dog who spent much of his time at San Diego Hospice and had such an amazing impact on the people he met there that he inspired many popular You Tube videos as well as his own book, Moments with Baxter. Today, dogs of all shapes and sizes help people at hospice facilities all across the country transition more peacefully.

There are a few things to consider before adding a pet to your life. Seniors who are considering pet ownership should select an animal that’s best for their situation. Pets should be properly vaccinated and trained—a rambunctious dog underfoot could cause a fall. Making emergency preparation plans for pets is another consideration. But with proper preparation, in most cases seniors have so much to gain from contact with friends with fur, feathers and fins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our staff makes a difference in the lives of others, every single day. Call us toll free at 1-844-582-7767 or complete an online intake and our staff will be in touch with you!

CayCare’s mission is to provide exceptional support and guidance to families navigating the senior care environment, by offering a nurse pioneered experience that personally assists and empowers families to make informed decisions about the care solutions they seek.

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Call us at 253-777-3804 or toll free 1-844-582-7767