Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater South Jersey

Everyone experiences grief differently, so it’s important to find coping strategies that resonate with the person. Below are some ways to help encourage someone to cope with grief:

1. Acknowledging and accepting their loss
2. Talking about their feelings
3. Joining support groups for comfort
4. Expressing emotions through writing or art
5. Maintain self-care with sleep, nutrition, and exercise
6. Allow them to experience the natural ups and downs of grief
7. Seek professional help if needed
8. Memorializing their loved one
9. Give them time to heal
10. Find meaning in the loss by volunteering or supporting causes

After spending your life working and taking care of others, it’s important to take care of yourself as well.

Read this blog to learn a variety of steps you can take and changes you can make to support healthy aging and improve your quality of life.

👀 https://alwaysbestcare.com/resources/aging-gracefully-and-making-the-most-of-your-golden-years/

HAPPY DOG DAY! Seniors make the BEST dog owners. Spend today with your furbabies and enjoy that last of these dog days of summer!

Remember, the goal is to make seniors feel valued, respected, and loved...so, here are some tips to get you started:

• Special Meal: Organize a meal with their favorite dishes

• Family Gathering: Arrange a family reunion

• Memory Lane: Create a photo album and reminisce

• Outdoor Activities: Plan a picnic, visit a garden, or walk

• Games and Puzzles: Play board or card games

• Movie Marathon: Watch their favorite movies or shows

• Crafts and Hobbies: Ask what their favorite is in advance

• Music and Dancing: Music and movement helps the body and mind

• Pampering Session: Spa visit or home pampering

• Volunteer Together: The interaction is priceless

By engaging in these activities, you can create meaningful and enjoyable experiences for your loved ones.

Celebrating National Senior Citizens Day on August 21st is a wonderful opportunity to honor and connect with the seniors in your life. By honoring seniors, it shows gratitude for their wisdom, achievements, and contributions.

By just spending time with seniors, it can enrich their lives by reducing loneliness, and by acknowledging their life experiences. It fosters intergenerational connections, promoting empathy and understanding across age groups. Interacting with seniors allows younger generations to learn valuable life lessons and values.

Overall, this interaction builds a nurturing and compassionate community that values seniors’ contributions and cherishes the stories they share, ensuring they feel appreciated and respected.

Caregiving offers flexible schedules, an earned income, community involvement and the ability to leave a positive impact on another. 💙

To apply and/or more information, complete a form at: https://alwaysbestcare.com/caregiverjobs/

Alwaysbestcare Caregiver

You have ONE GOAL today - MAKE SOMEONE GIGGLE! Today is Tell a Joke Day! Get your best 'wocka wocka wocka' ready and tell a joke today! 🤣😆🤣

To find out if it’s the right time to consider in-home care for yourself or someone you care about, call Always Best Care for a care consultation!

For seniors with limited mobility, finding accessible activities can be challenging. However, there are plenty of activities to keep you engaged and entertained this summer without requiring significant physical exertion or agility.

👀 Read this blog for exciting fun activities for seniors: https://alwaysbestcare.com/resources/summer-activities-for-seniors-with-limited-mobility/

1. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Annual flu shots are essential for seniors to prevent complications such as pneumonia.

2. Pneumococcal Vaccine: Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and other bloodstream infections; two types are
PCV13 and PPSV23.

3. Shingles Vaccine: Reduces risk of shingles and the severe pain caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.

4. Tdap Vaccine: Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis and is crucial for seniors that are around young children with weakened immune systems.

5. COVID-19 Vaccine: Prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death in older adults.

Keeping regular healthcare consultations can ensure you receive necessary vaccines for your optimal protection.

National Health Center Week is an opportunity to highlight the commitment and passion of Community Health Centers. This years theme is 'Powering Communities Through Caring Connections' which is a theme we stand behind!

Check out: Health Center Advocacy Network to learn about health centers in your area and to make a caring connection!

Do I really need vaccines?

Immunization or vaccines is a vital aspect of preventative health care for seniors. By protecting against infectious diseases, vaccines help maintain health, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of severe infections.

Below are some key reasons to get vaccines:
1. The effectiveness of vaccines can reduce incidence of the disease spreading
2. Seniors have weakened immune systems making them more susceptible to infections
3. The elderly may have an increased risk of severe complications if infected
4. Immunizations can reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system

Staying up to date with vaccinations is the best way for seniors to avoid infections and other complications.

Don’t brush off changes or pain in your feet. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have so that you can receive proper treatment. Read this blog to learn about common foot problems for seniors and how to prevent it:
👀https://alwaysbestcare.com/resources/on-your-feet-common-foot-problems-for-seniors/

Did you know that skin cancer does not discriminate? It does not matter what skin color, age, or gender, because skin cancer can affect anyone! That is why it’s important to know everything about it.

There are certain risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburns, excessive sun exposure, and a family history
of skin cancer, which can increase one’s susceptibility to getting skin cancer, but the number one risk factor is SUN
EXPOSURE!

Encouraging people to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding indoor tanning beds can greatly reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.

The encouraging news is that when detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable.

Today is Gorgeous Grandma Day!

Today is a day to celebrate the beauty and grace that comes with age, and to recognize the incredible women who have nurtured and loved others.

Caregiving offers flexible schedules, an earned income, community involvement and the ability to leave a positive impact on another. 💙

To apply and/or more information, complete a form at: https://alwaysbestcare.com/caregiverjobs/

When choosing an activity to do with your elderly loved one, think about what hobbies and interests they enjoy. Get
creative!

How About…
⚾ Catching a sporting event – grandchild ball game or watching an event on TV

🎣Fishing for fun – Be one with nature

🔍Be a tourist – Consider a tour of your city. What about a wonderful Sunday afternoon drive?

🏊‍♂️Take a dip – Put your toes in a pool or maybe even water aerobics

🚶Stroll around a city park – People watching can be fun

🦁Be an animal lover – Go to zoo or local dog park

🌹Visit a public rose garden

🏆Participate in a walking event

🍨Go out for a treat

A solid #5...always! Which Granny are you?

LIKE/FOLLOW our page for fun senior-related content! 👍

Happy 4th of July! 💥

As we celebrate this 4th of July, we also remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Their bravery and patriotism will not be forgotten. 🗽

❗SPOILER ALERT ❗
The answer is YES!

Keep a close eye on those in your care. Visit more frequently, such as 2 times a day if possible.

When you are with them, ask these questions:
• Are they drinking enough water? Don’t wait until they are thirsty to encourage them to drink!
• Do they have access to air conditioning? Do not rely on a fan only!
• Do they know how to keep cool?
• Do they show any signs of heat stress?
• Encourage them to take cool showers or baths
• Is their clothing appropriate for the weather? Are they loose and light- colored?
• Help them limit their exposure to the sun

It's gettin' HOT in here! So take out all the hoses! Stay HYDRATED! 🥵💧

Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are things that you can do that aim to manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.

Such as:
A. Medication Therapy– certain medications can help improve memory and thinking skills while also managing behavioral symptoms.

B. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and social engagement may also be beneficial.

C. Therapies such as cognitive stimulation, occupational therapy, and reminiscence therapy can help maintain cognitive function and improve quality of life.

Arthritis causes stiff, achy joints which can make moving around painful. Physical activity is good for arthritis, as long as you don’t overdo it. Here are a few arthritis-friendly activities to consider:
👀 https://alwaysbestcare.com/resources/arthritis-friendly-exercises-for-seniors/

If you are interested in:
1. Senior Care
2. Caregiving Support
3. Aging Tips
4. Health & Wellness
5. Community Events

LIKE/FOLLOW our page to be up-to-date ! 👍

Happy Juneteenth! Today we celebrate freedom and unity as we recognize this important day in our nation's history.

Yes, anyone can get Alzheimer’s! But, Alzheimer’s disease has early signs. Let your MD know if you have these symptoms:

1. Memory loss: Trouble recalling information, dates, or events. (normal age-related forgetfulness may occur but resolves)

2. Struggle to plan/solve problems: Finding it hard to do tasks, make plans, handle money.

3. Struggles with familiar tasks: Difficulty with everyday activities like driving, grocery lists.

4. Confusing time/place: Forgetting what time it is, where you are, how to get places.

5. Trouble seeing/understanding spaces: Changes in balance, reading, judging distance.

6. Trouble communicating: Trouble talking, pausing mid-sentence/repeating phrases.