Dealing with Depression

11th of April, 2017

Dealing with Depression:

 Depression, also known as clinical depression, can affect people from all backgrounds and genders. Depression is a mood disorder that causes negative feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety and worthlessness.

These are just some of the feelings that occur during depression. There are other factors that occur with depression and it varies from person to person.

Some of the other symptoms of depression are: trouble sleeping (sleeping too much or too little), loss of appetite or overeating, irritability, lack of energy, loss of interest in hobbies or people, thoughts of death, anxiety, low energy, fatigue.

An individual can not just "get over" depression. It is a difficult feeling that some people may not even be able to recognize themselves until confirmed by a healthcare professional. The direct causes are unknown but the link seems to be genetic as well as environmental. Certain medications and life traumas can induce depression in someone who has never had it before. Depression is also most likely to occur in those individuals whose family members had a history of depression. Depression is also very common in the geriatric population and those with dementia.

Some ways of dealing with depression can include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, anti-depressant medications and Electroconvulsive therapy. Exercise and getting a lot of sunlight can increase feel-good neurotransmitters and can also help fight depression. If you feel like you may be experiencing some of these symptoms, talk to a mental health professional. Not all individuals require medications or intensive therapy. Every person will require a different combination of treatment to help you live a happier and healthier life.

Springtime Activities for Seniors

15th of March, 2017

Springtime Activities for Seniors:



Springtime brings plenty of opportunity to do something fun and outdoorsy. It is a great opportunity for seniors to spend time with their families and get some sunshine as well. So take advantage of our tips and the good weather and spend some time together doing these fun activities!

1. Go for for a walk/hike.
             Whether you live by a hiking trails, the beach or the woods - it is the perfect opportunity to go out and get some exercise and get in touch with nature. Dress comfortable and go out hiking or walking when the weather is good. Remember to stay hydrated.

2. Plant or garden together.
             If you don't want to go out into the nature - bring the nature to you. Purchase some seeds and begin planing fruits, vegetables or herbs together in your garden. It is a great way to pass time and you will have something delicious to eat later.

3. Have a picnic.
           If there are nice parks near by you can combine the best of both worlds (food and nature) and have a picnic somewhere! This can be relaxing and they will have a wonderful time spending time outdoors with their loved ones.

4. Shop and Cook.
           This is a fun activity for the elderly to do with their caregiver or their friend or loved one. Go to a local farmer's market and shop for ingredients together. After you can use the ingredients to cook a meal together and enjoy.

5. Go to a museum or art gallery.
           
If you live in the city or in a town with a nice art district, then this is good for you. This is an activity the whole family can enjoy- no matter what age. Get a few people together and go to the local museum or art gallery. It will be time well spent and you can discuss your favorite artwork for days to come.

Staying Safe During the Storm

13th of March, 2017

Staying Safe During the Storm:

Winter time can be challenging for everybody. It can cause mood disorders due to decrease in daylight, traffic jams and holiday stress. However, winter time can also wreck havoc on the elderly or disabled who live alone and rely on someone to help care for them. Many older adults rely on their caregivers to arrive but the caregivers are not able to due to the storm.


Here are some tips for the elderly and their families to follow to survive the winter flurries or the rain:

First, prepare all the groceries in advance. As everyone braces for the storm - grocery stores will be jam packed with people. Be smart and get there first - stock up enough food for several days to make sure you don't need to leave the house and have all the food you need. Make sure to prepare water and warm drinks as well (such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate).

Second, purchase flashlights, candles and enough batteries to last for a minimum of 4-7 days. Although unlikely, sometimes the power does go off during an intense storm. It is better to be safe than sorry - which is what will happen if you're stuck in the dark for such a long time. Prepare to light your own way through the house just in case the power goes out.

Third, have a first aid kit prepared for yourself and loved ones in advance. Most likely you will not need it - but is better to have it if you do, in case of emergency. Here are some things that must be in a First Aid Kit, courtesy of the Red Cross (this can also be found on their site):

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket) 
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches) 
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers

Some additional tips: 

• have the batteries in your hearing aides replaced so you don't run out. 
• charge your cell phones in advance
• enough pet supplies and food
• ample heating methods such as personal heaters or fireplace
• enough medication especially if you have an existing condition

Most importantly, stay warm and safe!

Fall Prevention for the Elderly

8th of March, 2017


Fall Prevention for the Elderly:


A tumble can happen at any age. We learn to walk as little kids, and we fall quite often - its a natural part of life. Unfortunately when elderly people fall, it is much more dangerous because their brittle bones cannot withstand the impact.

As we age, our gait/balance changes and becomes more unstable due to lack of practice. Falling can also lead to anxiety, depression and a sense of vulnerability. Which is why it is so important to prevent falls.

There are several ways to prevent falls::

First, encourage the elderly person in your family to get an eye check up to make sure their vision is not deteriorating. Poor vision can affect their ability to walk and see what is in their path.

Second, be familiar with their medication. Some medicine does include sleep aids or can lead to drowsiness and disorientation. This is especially dangerous at night when the elderly may get up to use the restroom. Consider bed pans to reduce late-night walking.

Third, get companion care for your loved one. This is the easiest step but unfortunately people always hire help AFTER a serious fall has taken place. A companion will ensure your love one's safety and prevent falls.

Other tips and tricks to prevent falling:

• install grab bars in showers
• use non-slip rugs
• keep a well-lit home
• secure rails on stairs

Keep your loved one safe and healthy by using these tips to prevent falls!

Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels the Natural Way

7th of March, 2017


Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels the Natural Way:


It is bound to happen to a lot of us, but rising cholesterol levels as we age are definitely preventable.
But is it reversible? It most definitely is with the right attitude, diet and exercise.

First let's find our how high cholesterol actually happens. Several factors affect cholesterol: aging, foods we eat, family history, being overweight. The negative aspects of cholesterol are possible heart attack, stroke, clogged arteries (atherosclerosis).

It is much more difficult to control cholesterol levels as we age, but is certainly not impossible. You can decrease your risks for high cholesterol by exercising several hours a week and eating a healthier diet consisting of fruits and vegetables. Decreasing foods from animal sources can also help decrease cholesterol. This means eating less meat, cheese, milk, etc. Not smoking cigarettes and decreasing alcohol intake are also a huge help! Increasing cardio and resistance training is definitely also a great source for lower cholesterol.

 While there are medications available for cholesterol control, changing old habits into healthier ones will take you a long way and have the most impact. Always consult your doctor prior to making any drastic changes to diet or exercise.

Pet Therapy to Boost Mood for Older Adults

7th of March, 2017


Pet Therapy to Boost Mood for Older Adults:


Aging is something we all must endure at some point in our lives. It is a process that brings many ailments with it and the most common one is clinical depression. There are many ways to help alleviate the symptoms of depression: exercise, socializing, medication, sunlight therapy. However, one of the newest ways of battling depression in older adults is through Pet Therapy.

Owning a dog generally has positive side affects on people and especially on the elderly. It significantly lowers blood pressure, risk of heart disease, and encourages them to exercise because the dog must be walked. Owning a dog has even helped improve vital signs for elderly experiencing dementia. Although it is not a cure-all for disease, it certainly improves the situation for a lot of people!

Spending time with dogs and petting them, releases "feel good" chemicals such as serotonin, oxytocin (a bonding hormone) and prolactin. These chemicals critically improve mood and alleviate depression.
So the next time you sense your parent or grandparent is depressed, let them spend a little time with the neighbor's pooch! It will go a long way.

Elderly Companion Care in Brooklyn, NY

Comforcare companion home care provides outstanding companion-caregiver services 

at an affordable price. Our clients’ comfort and peace of mind is our top priority. We are there every step of the way to ensure your companion is not only an experienced one but also has an ideal personality match to complement our client. You will meet your caregiver prior the date of service, in your home or in another comfortable environment of your choice. With our free in-home consultation, we will be able to address your concerns and find you the best care possible at an affordable price!

We have a minimum of 12 hours per week and a minimum of 4 hours per day.