Assuming the role of caregiver for an aging parent can be a rewarding but time-consuming endeavor. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, an estimated 34.2 million people in this country provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last year. On average, a family caregiver spends 24.4 hours per week providing care. And nearly one in four caregivers spends 41 hours or more per week assisting their loved one. It’s a situation that makes for a very busy life.

When you are a caregiver, finding ways to save time is important. We have a few suggestions you might find helpful.

Tips for Juggling a Busy Caregiving Schedule

Errands can be a major drain on your time. Driving to and from different stores and shopping centers and waiting in one line after another can take a bite out of your day. While many people don’t like online shopping, it really can be a time-saver for a busy caregiver. You can order everything from health care necessities to cleaning supplies.

Meal prepping and cooking in batches one day a week can be a helpful way to eat healthy in a hurry. But some caregivers find it tough to carve out a block of time to prepare several days’ worth of meals. Another option to consider is a home-delivered meal service, such as HelloFresh, Green Chef, or Sunbasket. Depending on which one you choose, the meals may come prepared and ready to heat or with prepackaged ingredients for you to assemble and cook.

Connect with local transportation services

For many caregivers, juggling a busy work schedule with taking a parent to and from appointments can be challenging. Fortunately, most communities have senior-friendly transportation services. Some even offer a sliding-scale fee. If you aren’t sure what is available near your parent, start by calling the nearest agency on aging office. They’ll likely be able to send you a list of transportation providers.

While you might feel it’s your duty to handle all of a loved one’s needs, doing everything on your own usually isn’t possible for very long. This is especially true for adult children and family members who work outside the home. By utilizing the services of a private-duty home care agency, you can get help on a regular basis. For example, maybe hire a private-duty aide to help with light housekeeping and laundry. As your senior’s needs increase, you may be able to schedule more time with the agency.

Explore stores and restaurants that deliver

Another way to save time is to get to know which stores and restaurants deliver to your loved one’s home. You may be surprised to discover just how many places started offering delivery services during the coronavirus pandemic and never stopped. Some examples include grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, and more. Don’t overlook options like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Instacart.

Finally, consider investing in a mobile monitoring unit. In the event your loved one experiences an emergency when you aren’t around, they can call for help with the press of a button. Call 1-844-203-5617 for more information!

Are you the caregiver for an aging parent or other loved one? These time-savers might help make your days a little easier.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Nearly 1 in 8 women receive this diagnosis during their lifetime. The fight against breast cancer begins with creating greater awareness. Early detection and disease-specific education can significantly improve outcomes. Understanding risk factors for breast cancer and the importance of regular screenings are vital steps for women everywhere.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual month of recognition is designed to educate people about the disease and help raise funds for research. To aid in this effort, we are sharing essential information that women should know about breast cancer.

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. It can start inside the milk ducts and/or the milk-producing lobules of the breast. These cells can then form a tumor, which can typically be detected with various screening methods. It’s important to know that both women and men can develop the disease, although it is far more prevalent in women.

There are a variety of types of breast cancer, and each one can vary in behavior, growth rates, and responses to treatment. Some of the most common include invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, and ductal carcinoma in situ.

While the exact cause of breast cancer remains unclear, certain risk factors can increase a woman’s likelihood of developing the disease. These include:

Age: The odds of developing breast cancer increase with age. Women over 55 are at higher risk. (But it’s important to know that it can occur at any age.)

Personal family history: Having a first-degree relative—a parent, sibling, or child—who has had breast cancer can raise your risk. As can having multiple family members on either your mother’s or father’s side of the family who have had breast or ovarian cancer.

Genetic mutations: Women who have inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are at higher risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.

Lifestyle choices: Alcohol consumption and being overweight or sedentary are a few of the lifestyle factors that can impact the chances you’ll be diagnosed with the disease.

Having dense breasts: Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue. While researchers aren’t sure why this is, women with dense breasts are more likely to develop breast cancer. Dense tissue can also make tumors more difficult to spot on a mammogram.

Other factors that can increase your risk include reproductive history, previous history of radiation to the chest, and taking hormones.

It’s also important to know that having risk factors does not guarantee a diagnosis. Conversely, many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors. This uncertainty highlights the importance of awareness and regular health screenings for women of all ages.

Early detection is a key component in successfully treating breast cancer. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, clinical breast exams, and self-exams, can help identify changes in breast tissue early on.

The American Cancer Society’s general recommendation is that women start having annual mammograms at age 45. For those with a family history of breast cancer or other high-risk factors, it might be necessary to start ultrasounds and/or mammograms at the age of 40.

While some of the risk factors for breast cancer are out of our control, one that isn’t is managing your lifestyle. How Lifestyle Impacts Healthy Aging offers tips for making wellness a part of your daily life as you grow older.

If you are a senior or the family caregiver for an older adult, managing stress is essential to well-being. Investing in an emergency call device could help lower your stress levels—you’ll have peace of mind knowing that in the event of an emergency, the wearer can quickly call for assistance with the press of a button. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing what people should know about the disease, from risk factors to early detection. We invite you to read on.

Breast Cancer Awareness for Women of All Ages

With winter weather starting to arrive, a warm bowl of soup can make a healthy, delicious meal. It’s also convenient to make in batches to freeze and share with senior loved ones who might struggle with meal preparation. Depending on the recipe and the ingredients called for—from meats and legumes to vegetables and grains—soup can be packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Here are some tips to help you create a well-stocked freezer of healthy soups that will keep you nourished and satisfied.

The base of your soup sets the tone for both the flavor and the nutritional content. You can choose store-bought chicken, beef, or vegetable broth or cook your own. Bone broth made from leftover organic chicken or beef bones can be especially good for reducing inflammation in the body.

For a creamier texture to your soup, consider using pureed vegetables or adding a small amount of coconut milk or yogurt. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, look for low-sodium versions of any ingredients you add.

When reviewing soup recipes, opt for those with ingredients that are rich in nutrients. Leafy greens (like spinach or kale), beans, lentils, whole grains (like quinoa or brown rice), and colorful vegetables (like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini) can boost the nutritional profile of your soups.

Besides providing vitamins and minerals, these ingredients also contain plenty of fiber. It’s good for keeping blood sugar stable and promoting digestive health. And it helps you feel full longer, which can keep you from reaching for unhealthy snacks between meals.

Batch cooking is key to an efficient meal prep strategy. Dedicate a day or even just an afternoon to preparing multiple soups at once. This not only saves time but also allows you to take advantage of seasonal produce and bulk buys. By making a variety of soups, you ensure that you’ll have a range of flavors and textures to choose from when you’re ready to eat.

If you aren’t sure where to start the search for nutritious soup recipes, there are plenty online. Two good resources to help you get started are 35 Healthy Soup Recipes That Are Cozy and Comforting from the Food Network and 79 Flavor-Packed Healthy Soup Recipes from Taste of Home.

Herbs and spices can transform a simple soup into a flavorful dish. Fresh herbs, like basil, cilantro, and parsley, can be added just before serving to enhance flavor. Dried herbs, like thyme, oregano, and rosemary, are good to sprinkle in during the cooking process.

But don’t stick to just basic herbs and spices. Try out some you haven’t tested before, such as cumin, paprika, or turmeric. Each of these can add warmth and depth while providing additional health benefits.

Finally, choosing the right container for freezing your soup is essential for preserving flavor and texture—and for avoiding potential hazards or messes! Select airtight, freezer-safe containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic, which withstand low temperatures and prevent freezer burn.

Mason jars work well, but be sure to leave space at the top to allow for expansion. Alternatively, silicone freezer bags are flexible and can be laid flat for efficient storage. Avoid using regular plastic containers, which may crack in the freezer. Label each container with the soup type and date for easy identification.

Senior Safety Starts With Healthy Nutrition

If you are an adult child who is lending an aging parent a helping hand with meals and other household tasks, know that nutrition plays a key role in safety, too. People who have a poor diet are more likely to experience falls than their peers who consume a balanced diet.

Another way to help keep a senior loved one safe is by investing in a mobile monitoring unit. Should an emergency occur, these discreet devices allow the wearer to call for help from wherever they are. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more today!

Have you tried stocking your freezer with healthy soups to make mealtime easier? Here’s what you should know to get started.

Tips for Stocking Your Freezer With Healthy Homemade Soups

As the days become shorter and the temperatures start to drop, our thoughts often turn to the tasks we need to tackle before winter arrives. One of the most important is getting the annual influenza vaccine. While some may see it as an inconvenience or question whether it’s really necessary, there are compelling reasons why receiving a flu shot each year is crucial for individual and community health. And the older you are, the more essential it is to take this preventive step.

Let’s begin by talking a bit about influenza. Commonly referred to as the flu, it’s a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The viruses mutate rapidly, so different strains circulate every year. This means that last year’s flu vaccine more than likely won’t offer you much protection this year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitor circulating flu viruses to determine which strains to include in the vaccine. This global cooperation increases the likelihood that the flu shot will be effective each year.

One reason to receive a flu shot every fall is to protect your overall immunity. The vaccine works by introducing inactivated or weakened parts of the virus into your body, prompting your immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies help recognize and combat the flu virus if you are exposed to it later. However, immunity gained from the vaccine wanes over time. That’s why you need to get vaccinated annually to maintain strong protection.

While the flu might seem like just an annoyance to a younger adult with a strong immune system, influenza can be life threatening for some populations. The flu can lead to severe illness and trigger complications for children who are too young to receive the vaccine, as well as for older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

When you receive a flu shot, you protect not only yourself but also the community’s overall wellness. When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, the spread of the virus is reduced. This helps safeguard those who cannot be vaccinated or whose immune systems may not respond effectively to the vaccine.

Flu outbreaks can place a substantial burden on healthcare systems, leading to increased hospitalizations and emergency room visits. During peak flu season, hospitals may experience a surge of patients suffering from flu-related complications, such as an exacerbation of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure (CHF). This can strain healthcare resources and delay care for people with other medical conditions.

By getting vaccinated, you help reduce the incidence of cases during flu season. This contributes to a healthier population and a more manageable load for healthcare systems during the fall and winter months.

The bottom line: A flu shot is an essential part of both your personal well-being and the overall public health strategy each fall. As peak flu season approaches, make it a priority to schedule your flu vaccination, and encourage others to do the same. By taking this simple step, you help reduce the impact of influenza for everyone.

Looking for more tips to help you dodge influenza this year? How to Shoo the Flu During Influenza Season shares some best practices, from avoiding crowds to washing your hands, to help you stay healthy and safe.

Wondering why you need an annual flu shot? This article explains the benefits, from avoiding a hospital stay to improving community health.

The Health Benefits of an Annual Flu Shot

When a parent, spouse, or other senior loved one needs to move to assisted living or memory care, family members may feel overwhelmed by the process. It can be difficult to determine what type of care meets the senior’s needs and what community would be the best fit. If you’ve spent time searching online, you may have interacted with a senior living referral service. But oftentimes, families aren’t even aware that this kind of service exists.

So, what is a referral service, and is it a good option? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of working with one of these agencies.

What Is a Senior Living Referral Service?

A senior living referral service assists people in finding housing options that align with their needs and preferences. These services typically educate clients on the various types of senior living, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes.

The companies also offer guidance in navigating the complexities of senior housing. Team members are skilled at taking into consideration factors such as location, amenities, healthcare services, and affordability. By understanding each client’s unique situation, referral services hope to help families make decisions that promote comfort, safety, and quality of life for loved ones making this transition.

Pros and Cons of Working With a Referral Service

While some companies are regional and others have a national service area, they all have in common certain advantages and disadvantages that families should be aware of.

Con: Referrals may be limited to the company’s network

An attractive feature of the majority of senior living referral services is that they are free for older adults and their families. The company receives payment from the senior living community the client moves to. While some companies say they will refer to communities that aren’t part of their paid network, whether that is actually the case is open to doubt. If you decide to work with a referral service, keep in mind there may be additional options in your area that haven’t been presented to you.

Con: Costs may be passed on to you by the community

Another factor to keep in mind is that while the referral company doesn’t charge you for help, the community may pass those fees along to you. Some do that by increasing your monthly fee until the cost charged by the referral company is paid in full. Because these companies typically charge one to two months’ rent, that can add up to much higher monthly fees, at least temporarily.

Con: Your information might be shared with many communities

In an effort to find a community for you before another referral service does, or you find one on your own, a company might send your contact information indiscriminately to all potential solutions. That’s because many referral services state in their contract that they will be compensated if they are the first company to make contact with the family and send the referral. The result can be an overwhelming number of phone calls and emails for families.

Pro: Senior care advisors can save you time

Depending on the referral service you choose, a senior care advisor will typically be assigned to you. Before entering into an agreement of any kind, you’ll want to ask if the advisor is local to your area. That helps ensure they understand the market and have insider knowledge of the communities. It can help you save time sorting through communities that might not have the level of care you need, don’t have any current openings, or are too expensive. This can be especially useful when adult children who live far away are trying to help their parent find housing.

Pro: Reduces stress associated with the search

While some seniors move to a community before a crisis occurs, many do not. Family members might be dealing with the stress of a loved one’s health emergency. The older adult’s physician may have indicated the senior isn’t safe to return home. Trying to conduct a search on your own while coping with the seriousness of a family member’s injury or illness can be difficult.

Pro: Company may have connections to help with the transition

Deciding what community to move to is only the first step. The real work includes downsizing the older adult’s home, hosting an estate sale, lining up movers, and more. Local senior living advisors often have a network of professionals, such as senior move managers, estate sale companies, and seniors real estate specialists, who can guide you through this process.

One last resource you might find useful is Tips for Touring a Senior Living Community for a Loved One. In this article you will find suggestions for how to make the most of your visits to senior living communities.

Finding a senior living community that is a good fit for your loved one and then making the move is rarely a quick process. If you are concerned for their safety while you plan for this transition, a mobile monitoring unit might give both of you peace of mind. These discreet devices allow the user to summon help with a simple press of a button. Call 1-844-203-5617 to learn more!

Are you starting the search for a senior living community for a loved one? Here’s what you should know about referral services.

Are Referral Companies a Good Option for Finding a Senior Community?

As we age, maintaining a healthy diet becomes increasingly important. In fact, experts believe eating well is one of the best things you can do to protect your overall well-being. For seniors who live alone, preparing nutritious meals can be challenging. This might be due to limited mobility, poor vision, or low energy, or sometimes a lack of motivation to cook for just one person.

In this situation, preparing healthy meals in batches and freezing them can be incredibly beneficial. Not only is it convenient and cost effective, but it also helps ensure that seniors have access to nutritious food options without the hassle of daily cooking.

Freezer meals offer convenience for seniors. They can prepare a batch of meals at one time and then simply freeze individual portions for later use. This eliminates the need to cook every day and allows them to enjoy a variety of meals without much effort. For seniors with limited mobility or those who find it difficult to stand for long periods, having pre-prepared freezer meals can be a game-changer.

Ensuring that you or an older adult in your family have easy access to good nutrition is crucial for maintaining health and quality of life. Freezer meals can be specifically designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of seniors. That includes balanced portions of proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Tufts University’s MyPlate for Older Adults is a good resource to help you learn more about senior nutrition.

Cooking in bulk and freezing meals can also be cost effective for seniors on a budget. Buying ingredients in larger quantities often translates to a lower cost per serving. By taking advantage of seasonal produce and sales, older adults can stretch their food budget even further. Additionally, having freezer meals on hand reduces the temptation to order takeout or buy pre-packaged convenience foods, which tend to be more expensive and less nutritious.

One of the challenges many seniors face is food waste, especially when cooking for one. Freezer meals allow people to portion out exactly what they need and freeze the rest for later use. That minimizes the amount of uneaten food that gets thrown away. This not only saves money but also promotes sustainability by reducing overall food waste.

When planning freezer meals for seniors, focus on nutrient-dense ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Include plenty of vegetables, lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, or fish, and whole grains like brown rice or quinoa. Avoid excessive use of salt and processed ingredients. Instead, opt for herbs, spices, and healthy fats like olive or avocado oil.

Seniors often have specific dietary needs based on their age and health conditions. When preparing meals for future use, consider portion sizes that are appropriate for one person. Use individual containers or freezer-safe bags to divide up meals before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat exactly what is needed.

Proper labeling is essential for freezer meals. Clearly mark each container or bag with the name of the dish, date of preparation, and how many servings are in the bag or container. This makes it easier to identify what’s inside and know how long each meal has been frozen. Some people also find it helpful to keep a list on a whiteboard on the door of the freezer. You can add or erase meals as you use them or create more.

It’s also helpful to attach simple reheating instructions to each freezer meal. That allows seniors to enjoy their meals without having to shuffle through cookbooks or search online for directions. Whether reheating in the microwave or oven, or on the stovetop, make sure you include clear guidance on time and temperature.

Chicken and vegetable stir-fry: This is such a simple meal, but one that is often overlooked. Sauté precooked chicken breast strips with mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas) in a light soy sauce, garlic, and ginger sauce. Serve with brown rice.

Vegetarian chili: A hearty mix of beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices makes for a healthy meal on a cold winter day. Freeze in individual portions for a quick and nutritious meal option.

Sweet potato and turkey shepherd’s pie: This casserole features lean ground turkey and vegetables topped with mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower. Bake until golden brown and freeze in single-serving portions.

Vegetable lasagna: Another freezer meal option is to take a favorite lasagna recipe and substitute ingredients to make it a little healthier. For example, use whole wheat noodles instead of traditional lasagna noodles. Adding steamed spinach that is carefully drained also improves the nutritional value of the dish. Cut and freeze individual slices for easy reheating.

Finally, as you are creating menus, keep in mind the role food can play in inflammation and how that impacts healthy aging. Best and Worst Anti-Inflammatory Food Choices has information you might find helpful.

Cooking and freezing meals in batches can be a great way for seniors to eat healthy. Here’s what you should know to get started.

Healthy Freezer Meal Ideas for Older Single Adults

Time-Savers for Busy Family Caregivers

Tips for Juggling a Busy Caregiving Schedule

Invest in an Emergency Call System

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