North River Home Care Blog

Outdoor Senior Activities in Norwell, MA

Get out into the countryside around Norwell to enjoy fascinating glimpses of the past and ever-changing perspectives on our classic New England landscapes. From the tranquil banks of the North River to the famous Cape Cod shore, there’s plenty to enjoy just outside your door.

Continue reading for some amazing outdoor senior activities you can enjoy in Norwell whether you’re on your own or with family and friends. 

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Author:  | Posted in: Aging Care 

Managing Diet Plans for Medical Conditions in the Elderly

A customized diet is a cornerstone of any healthcare management plan. Healthy diets, focused on the latest research findings for particular conditions, help aging adults achieve or maintain healthy weight goals, minimize symptoms, and may reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medications.

Customized Diet Plans for Medical Conditions

The right combination of nutrition therapy,

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Author:  | Posted in: Aging Care, Senior Health 

Understanding the Costs of Dementia Care

After the shock of a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis fades, there are important decisions to make. Dementia is a progressive disease, and time is of the essence. As soon as possible, families should begin to explore the costs of in-home dementia care and care provided in memory care facilities and skilled nursing facilities.

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Author:  | Posted in: Alzheimer's Care 

Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults

Daily physical activity is a must for senior health and overall wellbeing. According to the CDC, regular even very moderate physical exercise or movement has exponential benefits for older adults, including:

  • Strength and stamina
  • Heart health
  • Improved mental and emotional outlook
  • Weight management
  • Healthy sleep habits
  • Reduced episodes of depression,
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Author:  | Posted in: Aging Care 

Food Safety Concerns for Older Adults

One of the most telling signs that seniors need more support to age independently in place is a lack of fresh food ingredients or, even worse, bare pantries and refrigerators shelves. This is why professional home care agencies offer grocery shopping and meal preparation as part of their services lineup,

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Author:  | Posted in: Senior Safety 

The Benefits of Pets for the Elderly

Pets make great companions no matter what age you are. They can be especially beneficial for the elderly as they lift your spirits, stave off loneliness, and even improve your cardiovascular health.

The benefits of pets for the elderly will vary depending on which animal you choose. While dogs offer the listening ear and loyal support of a close friend,

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Author:  | Posted in: Senior Support 

The Dangers of Senior Isolation and Loneliness

Long before social distancing entered the public domain, health care agencies championed the importance of social engagement in the senior population. Decades of studies have correlated the multiple ways senior social isolation and loneliness affect physical and emotional well-being.

This is why we’ve continued to post articles supporting the many ways you can socialize for your good health and the wellbeing of those around you.

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Author:  | Posted in: Aging Care Issues 

The Dangers of Senior Loneliness – and How to Help

With more than 325 million people residing in the U.S. alone, it is not easy to think that loneliness would be so common. However, more than 50% of older adults live alone, and more than a million of them are estimated to be chronically lonely. In fact, nearly half of older adults researched stated that their most common source of companionship is the television.

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Boston Resource Guide for Dementia & Memory Care

Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia and memory care issues or you’ve been afflicted with them yourself, it’s critical for you to understand that this is one journey you do not have to take alone.

According to one recent study conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association, the total number of people in Massachusetts living with these conditions rose to 120,000 in 2016.

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What to Say and What NOT to Say to Someone About Their Health Issues

Have you ever walked into the office or a get-together with friends or family and had someone say to you with great concern, “You really look tired today!” Although you may have been feeling pretty perky before that moment, suddenly you really DO feel tired and rundown. The words we speak to each other and the way we interpret them are powerful.

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Are We Missing the Mark? Neuroscientist Shares Radical Thinking on Alzheimer’s Cause.

Thomas Edison’s infamous words ring true today in the race to find both the cause and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Each day seems to bring hopeful news of yet another clinical trial, followed soon after by the disappointing news that results failed to meet expectations – and so the cycle continues.

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Author:  | Posted in: Alzheimer's Care | Tags: ,

Can Surgery Anesthesia Cause Dementia in Seniors?

For seniors, experiencing surgery always includes some inherent risks, but there’s a little-known effect impacting a significant number of seniors following surgery that people all need to be aware of: POCD (postoperative cognitive dysfunction). POCD takes place in more than 25% of seniors during the days after non-cardiac surgery, and can present with a variety of symptoms,

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Author:  | Posted in: Dementia Care | Tags: ,

Missteps We All Make When Talking to Senior Parents & How to Communicate Better

It is always best to tell the truth, right? Even so there are times when some truths are better left unsaid or at least worded more positively, especially when talking with aging parents. Although we may have the finest of intentions in wanting to help senior parents navigate life, we are able to help prevent hurt feelings in our loved ones by rethinking statements such as the following:

  • Don’t you remember…?
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Medicare Denials: How Older Adults Can Get the Coverage They Need

Medicare coverage of medicines for seniors is often crucial, especially because on average, older adults take a shocking 15-18 prescription medications. And with the standard pricetag of over $11,000 per year for the most common prescription drugs prescribed by doctors for the elderly, it usually is debilitating when Medicare suddenly declines coverage.

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8 Life Issues You’re Bound to Face When Caring for an Aging Parent

As you start down the sometimes difficult road of caring for your parents, you’ll confront a range of challenges from the profound to the practical. You’ll find it’s a life-changing experience — one that’s often as inspiring as it is painful. To get you started, here’s a list of the important life issues you’ll face in the months and years to come:

  1. Understanding your parents’
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5 Easy Memory Aids That Can Help Anyone

Having problems remembering to take pills, buy grocery items, or make appointments? Everyone experiences memory problems sometimes. Memory experts often recommend the following simple aids to people with mild cognitive impairment or early symptoms of dementia. But anybody (including harried caregivers!) who’s ever forgotten something important can benefit.

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North River Home Care Receives Home Care Pulse Certification

North River Home Care has completed and received its  Home Care Pulse Certification.  This certification program is dedicated to the measurement of client and employee satisfaction scores, North River Home Care is now officially certified in home care quality.

“We know that sometimes it is difficult to make care decisions when you don’t have specific experience with an agency. 

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