Caring Companions for Elderly in Altadena

What is Companion Care?

If you have an elderly family member who is currently living alone, you might consider hiring a companion care provider. Companionship care can include accompanying the client, taking them shopping or to the movies, or playing games at home. A companion care provider can also assist with light house cleaning, meal prep, laundry, and running errands for the client. All of these and much more are offered by the companion care providers of A-1 Home Care in Altadena. They also service the cities nearby and throughout Los Angeles County.

Why Companion Care?

Sometimes life gets busy and having that extra help with mom or dad can put you at ease. Maybe mom and dad live far away and are on their own? You don’t have to worry when a companion care provider is there to check on them and make sure they’re doing well. Having a companion care provider also means your elderly family member can maintain their independence and have a friend with them, who genuinely cares for them and builds a relationship with them.

About A-1 Home Care Agency

A-1 Home Care has been a trusted company since 1991. Our agency specializes in live-in and hourly senior care and offers companionship care, elder care, Dementia care, Parkinson’s care, hospice care, postpartum care, cancer care, and much more. We work with long-term care insurances, and we are licensed, bonded, and insured. We service Altadena, Pasadena, Alhambra, Arcadia, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, La Canada, Rosemead, Monterey Park, San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County, and Orange County. Call us today for your free quote at 562-929-8400

Power Up for your day in Altadena

We have all heard about breakfast being the most important meal of the day-and for good reason.  A healthy meal can set you up for success throughout whatever life throws at you.  But with all of life’s distractions, it can be easy to skimp out or even SKIP out on breakfast.  This is a no-no.  Make the time for a good breakfast and enjoy forever the results of forming such a habit.

A key component to any diet (let alone breakfast) is protein.  Beginning your day with a healthy portion of this key ingredient can not only lead to feeling fuller and more satisfied longer-it can even help you eat less during your day. Take a look at some protein keys to make the time for

• Greek yogurt-heartier than normal yogurt-one cup of this stuff will provide you with 23 grams of protein.  Also loaded with calcium and potassium, paired with fruit and cereal you have a recipe for success in your hand
• Smoked salmon-in some European countries, salmon is a breakfast staple.  A welcome addition to omelets and frittatas or on a sandwich with cream chease; your body will thank you for the nutrients
• Canadian Bacon-got a hankering from some bacon?  Opt for the Canadian variety.  Prepared from the leaner cuts of pork, a single 2 slice serving can yield 12 grams of protein

Whether you or your loved one need help with things around the house like preparing healthy meals or activities of daily living like bathing or grooming, A-1 Home Care is here to help.  Our experienced and compassionate Caregivers are available on a Live-In or Hourly basis and will work hard to deliver the assistance you need.

A-1 Home Care has been servicing Altadena and surrounding communities for over 25 years.  Call us today at 626-287-0250 to learn more about how we can make life easier.

Finding Affordable In-Home Care Assistance As You Adjust to Your New Role

Turning into a caregiver overnight for an elderly loved one is no easy feat.  Overcoming the geographical challenge from your home to Altadena, adjusting to your parent’s home environment (especially if your dad smokes and you don’t) a few times a week, cutting back on work hours to take care of your loved one’s needs, trying to get along with your parent who is antisocial, losing precious sleep due to serious anxiety – it has only been a few weeks since you started caring for your loved one, and you don’t see how you’re going to last through another one.  Good news for you!   A-1 Home Care offers affordable respite and long-term care as you go through this difficult transition.

Affordable In-Home Care for All Scenarios

Whether you or an elderly loved one needs assistance at home, A-1 Home Care has it all: Alzheimer’s Care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Parkinson’s Care, Lou Gehrig’s Care, Heart Attack Care, Arthritis Care, Diabetes Care, Postpartum Care, After-Surgery Care and more!  You can finance any type of in-home care service through our reasonable rates and terms you won’t find anywhere else.  Our senior care services are covered by long-term care insurance and veteran benefits as well.

Diversity, Compatibility and Flexibility

Regardless of the lifestyle your loved one chooses (e.g., smoking/non-smoking), we will find the right live-in caregiver for you.  Our care managers have years of experience with caregiver/care recipient compatibility.  From our large pool of culturally diverse and experienced caregivers, we will have no problem finding someone who’s the right fit for your family.  A-1 Home Care understands that your loved one’s health needs will change, and we will accommodate to your family needs accordingly if you need to switch from live-out care a few times a week to live-in care 24 hours a day.

About A-1 Home Care in Altadena

A-1 Home Care has provided superior elder care to seniors and their families in Altadena for over two decades and is still going strong!  Thanks to our highly skilled caregivers, certified home health aides, certified nurse aides, hospital sitters, licensed vocational nurses, and companion care workers, A-1 Home Care is one of the few licensed, bonded and insured agencies in California that protects your elderly loved ones from predators and fraud.

For low cost, high quality elder care, call A-1 Home Care (626) 287-0250 or visit our website www.altadenainhomecare.com for services in Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Glendale, Glendora, Burbank and other cities throughout LA County.

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5 Techniques That Will Help You Calm Your Elderly Loved One at Dinner Time

Sundowner’s Syndrome refers to a set of symptoms characterized by disorientation, depression, restlessness, anxiety, mood swings, paranoia, crying, pacing, violent behavior, and wandering, especially in the late afternoon or early evening (hence the name “Sundowner’s”).  This syndrome is associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia; the underlying root of this behavior is fear, and seniors try to come to terms with their surroundings by pacing back and forth because their state of mind is agitated.  As the sun begins to set and you’re preparing dinner, here are some ways to assuage your parent:

• Keep them busy. Give them a task like washing lettuce or stirring the beans.
• Turn on the lights to ensure adequate lighting
• Make sure your elderly loved one is taking the right dosage of medication
• Turn on the TV and let him watch his favorite show
• Give him a pet like a little dog to bring some joy

A 24-hour companion adds a lot to the ambiance as well.  She can keep your mom company as they do arts and crafts activities or some other hobby that your elderly loved one enjoys doing.  A-1 Home Care’s 24 hour caregivers have years of experience helping seniors with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  Live-in care includes assistance with cooking, cleaning, laundry, bathing, grooming, transportation to anywhere in Altadena.   With an extra set of hands and feet around the house, you can relax and enjoy quality time with your elderly loved one instead of focusing on the menial tasks.

About A-1 Home Care

A-1 Home Care was established in 1991 as a licensed, bonded and insured home care agency, delivering exceptional senior care to Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Glendale, Glendora, Burbank and other cities throughout LA County.  As one of the few state-licensed agencies in California, A-1 Home Care sends you 24 hour caregivers who are thoroughly screened for their criminal background clearance.  All professional references are verified.  We offer affordable senior care services that fit any budget under the sun at unbeatable rates you can’t find anywhere else!

For quality Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, call (626) 287-0250 or visit our website www.altadenainhomecare.com for services in your area.

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Exhausted with Shoe-Searching for Extra Swollen Diabetic Feet? Tips to Find the Right Fit

Shopping for shoes can be an excruciating ordeal for people with Diabetes due to their abnormally swollen feet.  You may have an elderly loved one who still hangs on to her favorite pair of old shoes that she’s had for over ten years because nothing else will fit and you can’t find anything cute and comfortable.  You’ve exhausted your online search and referrals to different brand name catalogs to find the perfect shoe, and the search still continues to be futile.  What do you do now?  A-1 Home Care in Altadena doesn’t promise any miracles, but we will offer these tips that will help:

1. Look for high performance shoes that have Velcro for easy adjustment and comfort.
2. For specialized fitting, consult an orthotics office where a certified prosthetist and/or orthotist will produce a custom-size shoe that will fit your feet perfectly.
3. If your elderly loved one’s shoes have fallen apart completely and the only thing she has left is open-toe sandals, find a live-in companion caregiver in the meantime to assist her with what she needs. Just make sure your loved one does not get up and walk around on her own!

It’s tempting to walk around on your own if no one is home to help you with chores.  The danger in wearing open-toe sandals for the elderly with diabetes is that the nerve endings in their feet are so damaged that they will not be able to notice if their feet are scraped or cut.  The open wound can lead to disastrous results such as health complications and even amputation if the infection is not treated properly or on time.

About A-1 Home Care

A-1 Home Care is a licensed, bonded and insured agency based in Southern California.  Established in 1991, A-1 Home Care has delivered exceptional Diabetes Care and other types of in-home care services to seniors and their families all over Altadena, Pasadena, Glendale, Glendora, Azusa, Arcadia, Burbank, Hollywood, and other surrounding cities.  Affordable yet high in quality, our home care assistance programs have enhanced the quality of life for the elderly while protecting them from predators, scam artists, fraud and theft.  Our 24 hour care and live-out caregiving services are covered by long-term care insurance and veteran benefits.  We also offer easy financing options with reasonable rates for anyone paying out of pocket.

For more information, talk to one of our care managers at A-1 Home Care (626) 287-0250 or visit our website www.altadenainhomecare.com for services in your area.

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Tricks to Make Senior Care Work for Everybody

When considering senior care for your elderly loved ones, there are many factors and barriers to take into account.  If you recognize some obvious signs that your loved ones will need help soon, A-1 Home Care is here to help you alleviate your problems and address concerns that may be weighing on your mind.

Distance

Do your elderly loved ones live in another state or a city too far away from you?  Is their home remotely far from neighbors?  Call on A-1 Home Care to check in on your parents.   We have caregivers who live in Altadena and every part of LA County to ensure that your loved ones are getting the attention they need.

The Difficult Parent

The time has come when your parents need your help, but the last thing you want is to be around them, physically speaking.  You found a loophole, however.  Whenever there is a third party around, such as a friend or a stranger, your parent is much more pleasant to be around and that is probably the only time when you feel comfortable enough to be in the same vicinity as your parent.

You can still help them and keep your distance.  A-1 Home Care in Altadena can be your buffer.  We will see to it that your elderly loved ones’ needs are met and that your visits be as pleasant as possible.

The Busy Professional

You are married or you’re a single parent with a full schedule and a thriving career.  Before your parents moved in with you, you were already busy enough with work and being there for your kids’ soccer match or singing recitals.  Now, your parents live with you and you’re not sure how you’ll balance it all!  A-1 Home Care offers affordable 24 hour care services that will assist your elderly loved ones and even help with the kids (such as pick-ups and drop-offs).  We are your extended hand whenever you need us.

The High Burden Caregiver

Taking care of your elderly loved ones has been great, but now it is beginning to take a serious toll on your physical, emotional and mental health.  You can’t remember the last time you had a break.  A-1 Home Care provides respite care for folks like you so you can take a mini vacation.  Working close to full-time and caring for loved ones is very taxing.  You owe it to yourself to get away, even if it’s for a week, to restore your sanity and relax.  We offer short-term and long-term care for seniors, and we will work with your scheduling needs.

The Inexperienced Family Caregiver

Your loved ones are at a hospital waiting to be discharged, and their physician just notified you today that they won’t release them unless they know that someone will be home 24 hours a day to take care of them.  You have absolutely no experience in caregiving and suddenly you feel like you have to do a crash course in CPR and First Aid plus learn about toileting care and other types of in-home care.  You feel absolutely overwhelmed!  A-1 Home Care has same-day service for families whose loved ones are waiting to be discharged.  Talk to a care manager today about elder care options that are available to you.

Regardless of the obstacle you face with senior care, A-1 Home Care has the perfect solution to ease your cares and worries.

About A-1 Home Care

Established in 1991, A-1 Home Care is a licensed, bonded and insured home care agency dedicated to delivering superior in-home care services for seniors, adults and children.  As one of the few state-licensed agencies in California, A-1 Home Care upholds client safety and wellness by thoroughly screening every caregiver, certified home health aide, certified nurse aide, and licensed vocational nurse who walks through our doors.  Regardless of the type of care you need – Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s, Kidney Care, Cancer Care, etc. – you will find that our affordable rates cannot be beaten.  For top-notch in-home care services at the most competitive rates in LA County, your satisfaction is guaranteed.

For more information, talk to one of our care managers at A-1 Home Care (626) 287-0250 or visit our website www.altadenainhomecare.com for services in Altadena, Pasadena, Glendale, Glendora, Azusa, Arcadia, Burbank, Hollywood, and other surrounding cities.

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Make a Dash for the DASH Diet to Prevent Kidney Failure

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 10% of the American population has some form of chronic kidney disease, which also happens to be the ninth leading cause of death in the United States, based on a report from Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Symptoms of renal failure include the following:

• Reduced urine
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the legs, ankle and feet
• Pain and/or pressure in the chest area
• Seizures
• Nausea
• Chronic fatigue or drowsiness
• Cognitive confusion

Studies show that following a DASH diet will help prevent or delay the onset of kidney failure.  The acronym stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; although this was originally for adults with high blood pressure, researchers found that this dietary plan is just as effective in preventing kidney disease.

Too Tired for the DASH Diet?

At A-1 Home Care in Altadena, we understand that if you’re already struggling with chronic fatigue and other unsettling symptoms, you may fall by the wayside in your attempt to change your diet.  It takes time and concentrated effort to read instructions on a recipe or to go grocery shopping.  Let us do the hard work for you while you rest at home.  You can reserve your energy for more important things like spending quality time with friends and family.  Enjoy the excellent in-home care service provided by one of our live-in caregivers as they prepare a delicious meal based on DASH recipes.  A-1 Home Care offers 24 hour care as well as live-out care; we are flexible when it comes to scheduling around your needs.

About A-1 Home Care in Altadena

A-1 Home Care is a non-medical home care agency that provides the highest quality of senior care in Altadena. We are licensed, bonded and insured, which serves to promote safety and security for our clients and their families without compromising quality, integrity, and superior service that we promise to you.  For over 20 years, we have met and exceeded the expectations of families, which is why our clients continually refer their friends and family to A-1 Home Care.  We partner with local hospitals and clinics in your area to form strong collaborative relationships in order to provide your loved ones the best quality of in-home care you can receive in Southern California.ive

For more information, talk to one of our care managers at A-1 Home Care (626) 287-0250 or visit our website www.altadenainhomecare.com for services in Altadena, Pasadena, Glendale, Glendora, Azusa, Arcadia, Burbank, Hollywood, and other surrounding cities.

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Caregiver Scams: Just a Phone Call or Something More?

When you hire a caregiver for live-in care or live-out care, you expect her to work – prepare nutritious (and delicious) meals, wash the dishes, clean the house, assist with bathing and grooming, perform personal care tasks and other duties as assigned.  You also expect a pleasant personality to go with a high level of competence and professionalism.  If a caregiver takes a personal call or two, you may tolerate it, but what if the caregiver takes an unusual volume of incoming calls?  Is she being lazy or is there something more to it?

Listen to Your Gut and Take Action

A caregiver’s excessive phone use may signify there is some sort of conspiracy going on if it seems like the personal care aide cares more about her external network of relationships than being attentive to your elderly loved one’s needs.  Who knows if the “caregiver” is receiving orders from an outsider who’s calling the shots?  If you hire a caregiver from A-1 Home Care in Altadena, you will have no such problem.  A-1 Home Care is serious about in-home care and making sure your elderly loved ones are 100% satisfied without an inkling of suspicion.  We have very strict guidelines for our caregivers, and you can always ask our care managers what our guidelines are so that you can report any suspicious behavior to our agency if anyone is violating our agency’s rules.

About A-1 Home Care in Altadena

A-1 Home Care in Altadena is one of the few home care agencies in California that have successfully received state licensure.  Established in 1991, A-1 Home Care has been delivering exceptional senior care services to thousands of families all over LA and Orange County.  We have a culturally diverse pool of caregivers; you can pick and choose any caregiver you want if you have a specific preference for culture and language.  Being “licensed, bonded and insured” means that every caregiver we recruit is required to pass an extensive criminal background check, professional reference verification and DMV record check.  Your trust and satisfaction are our priority – and customer satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!  We’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

For home care you can trust, call A-1 Home Care today!  (626) 287-0250 or visit our website www.altadenainhomecare.com for services in Altadena, Pasadena, Glendale, Glendora, Azusa, Arcadia, Burbank, Hollywood, and other surrounding cities.

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Does your elderly loved one have Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that begins very slowly, long before clinical symptoms emerge.  It accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases, and your elderly loved one may be at risk if he or she manifests the following symptoms:  forgetting recent conversations, one’s own address, and recent events.  Everyone has some sort of temporary memory loss, such as forgetting where you parked or placed your keys.  However, if your loved one starts to forget important dates such as birthdays and holidays, their memory loss could disrupt their daily function in life.  A-1 Home Care in Altadena will be there for you whether you need a caregiver in the beginning, middle or advanced stages of Alzheimer’s for your loved ones.

Alzheimer’s Care Requires Professional Training

For the time being, you or your spouse and children may be able to help with chores or taking your parent to a doctor’s appointment.  However, as Alzheimer’s progresses, the level of care also increases, which requires formal medical training in elder care.  Taking care of your elderly loved one without the proper training may be detrimental not only to your parent or grandparent, but also to your own health as well.  A-1 Home Care in Altadena has a diverse pool of caregivers from which you can choose to suit your elderly loved one’s comfort levels.  Having a live-in caregiver helps a lot; it’s nice knowing that you have a highly seasoned and skilled certified nurse aide at home taking care of your elderly loved one while you are working to provide for your family.

About A-1 Home Care in Altadena

A-1 Home Care is one of the few home care agencies in California to receive state licensing for elder care.  This means that as a licensed, bonded and insured agency, we extensively screen every caregiver, certified home health aide, certified nurse aide, and licensed vocational aide before they are allowed to take care of your loved ones.  We take senior safety very seriously!  A-1 Home Care protects seniors from predators and fraudulent scams while providing the best possible senior care at the most competitive rates in Altadena and LA County.  Choose from live-in care, live-out care, 24 hour care, overnight care, Alzheimer’s Care, Multiple Sclerosis Care, Lou Gehrig’s Care, and various other types of in-home care at affordable rates.

For more information, talk to one of our care managers at A-1 Home Care (626) 287-0250 or visit our website www.altadenainhomecare.com for services in Altadena, Pasadena, Glendale, Glendora, Azusa, Arcadia, Burbank, Hollywood, and other surrounding cities.

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Kidney Care in Altadena

What is it that comes to mind when you think of our kidneys? This impressive pair of organs manages many responsibilities from removing toxicity from the blood and disposing of it via urine, moderating blood pressure as well as contributing to the manufacture of red blood cells.  These are no small tasks to scoff at and it stands to reason kidney problems can actually lead to serious health complications and even death.  No matter what our age, when A-1 Home Care thinks of our kidneys, one word comes to mind-important.  Our expert trained home care professionals offer more than just next level companionship and top shelf personal care-they care about your kidney health.  Here is a short list of some things you may or may not have known can harm our kidneys.

• Red meat-high protein diets rich in red meat can cause our kidneys to work over time. Low risk proteins may be consumed in lighter portions of eggs, fish, beans and nuts.
• Salt-too much salt has been known to bring about kidney stones which can complicate kidney function.
• Smoking-while this is an obvious detriment to one’s health, this nasty habit also helps to the cause of the two leading causes of kidney disease-high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
• Alcohol-those who consume high volumes of booze are doubling their chances of kidney disease development. Even a binging drink session can result in “acute kidney injury”.
• Soda-diet sodas in particular have been shown to raise the risk of kidney disease as well as decrease kidney function.
• Dehydration-water is essential to the function of our kidneys. Failure to maintain regular healthy hydration can lead to serious kidney damage.  DRINK WATER.
• Pain Meds-the habitual use of excessive over the counter pain medication can create problems for your kidneys. Speak with your doctor about what medications you use and how much.

A-1 Home Care in Altadena specials in Kidney Disease Care and wishes to encourage good kidney health.  Monitor your diet and speak with a nutritionist about kidney safe dietary guidelines.  Monitor any other ongoing health conditions; these may include diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems.  Get adequate physical activity, our caring and compassionate personal care providers can assist your loved one with physical activity such as walking, stretching, meditation and more.  Senior years do not need to equate to kidney problems and awareness of our kidney health can keep our organs running smoothly into our Elder years.

A-1 Home Care is State Licensed, Bonded and Insured.  Established since 1991, A-1 is the leader in home care services across Southern California and for good reason-all of our care providers, home health aides and nurse’s assistants are put through a rigorous screening process.  We are available 24 Hours a day and are proud to serve the areas of Pasadena, Alhambra, Arcadia and surrounding communities.  Contact us today at (562) 929-8400 to learn more.