Monthly Archives: February 2017

EASY HOMEMADE CHICKEN WHITE BEAN SOUP

This entry was posted in Recipes on by .

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ cup diced green onion
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped (1 cup)
  • 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
  • 1 can white kidney beans 19 oz. (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 5 ½ cups of chicken broth (64 oz.)

Directions

  1. In 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onions and carrots; cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender. Remove bay leaf.

FLAVOR BOOSTER: For additional flavor SERVE WITH 2 TBSP of your favorite organic salsa.  I like to buy organic salsa that is prepared with FRESH chopped tomatoes and ingredients instead of mashed tomatoes.

MEAL TIP* FOR A HEARTIER MEAL ADD ½ CUP OF PREPARED WARM BROWN RICE TO BOTTOM OF YOUR BOWL BEFORE ADDING THE SOUP.

Home Safety Checklist for Seniors

This entry was posted in Safety on by .

Injuries and accidents can best be avoided by knowing your risks and implementing safety measures that can prevent an injury or accident.  As YOUR NEEDS change with age it is important for you and your loved one to be prepared.  Below is a home safety checklist that can be used to expose any risky areas in your home. 

  • Remove all throw rugs, frayed carpet, loose cords and clutter from the home.
  • Make sure there is enough walking space between furniture. Keep your walkways clean and clear of clutter.
  • Make sure there is adequate lighting in all rooms of the home.
  • Wear shoes that fit well and make sure they are non-slip when walking indoors and outdoors.
  • Check your feet every day (the top and bottom of your feet)
  • Keep a telephone nearby with emergency numbers so you can dial the police or fire department in case of an emergency.
  • Keep your medications out of reach of children and review your medications often (at least at every Doctor visit)
  • Use safety devices such as a walker, cane, or wheelchair even when in the home.
  • Keep drawers and cabinets closed.
  • Install grab bars in the shower and bathrooms.
  • Remember to move slowly. Try to avoid feeling of impatience and the need to rush.
  • Do not drink fluids at least 2 hours before bedtime to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom
  • Use a step stool when reaching for items that are too high.
  • Have your eyes checked annually.
  • Have an Emergency Evacuation plan and register with your county shelter in advance of an emergency.
  • Keep a copy of any advanced directives or Healthcare Surrogate information that you have on your refrigerator or somewhere you can give it to the paramedics in an emergency.
  • Keep a calendar at home with all Important dates and reminders on it.
  • Unplug electrical appliances when you are not using them and buy a home fire extinguisher.
  • Do not smoke in the home if you are using oxygen.
  • Clean up spills right away.
  • Consider some sort of buddy system such a life alert or an emergency call system.
  • Find a friend or neighbor that you give a copy of your house key.

Why Home Care is the Best Alternative to Assisted Living Facilities

This entry was posted in Home Care on by .

Is it no longer safe for your loved one to live on their own? Many families struggle with the decision of the best living situation for their aging family members.  This can be a very troubling process.  Both home care and assisted living facilities can improve a person’s life and well-being tremendously.  Home care is the best alternate to assisted living facilities for several reasons.

Independence

As people age, they become less independent.   Home care enables people to receive the best care, while maintaining the most independence.  They can make many of their own decisions and still live their lives how they choose to.  They are able to plan when family and friends can visit and are not restricted by visiting hours.

Improves Well-Being and Quality of Life

It is very beneficial to receive professional care in the comfort of your home.  Home care allows people to receive assistance with daily tasks, while also letting them remain in a setting that they are familiar with.  Feelings of depression and loneliness are typically decreased with home care.

Consistency

When people remain in their homes and receive care, they can maintain their same daily routine.  Most of the time, the person will be receiving care from the same caregiver.  This allows them to build a relationship with their caregiver.

Safer Environment

Most of the time people recovering in their own homes will recover faster and have fewer complications than in an assisted living facility.  They are also less likely to catch a contagious illness or infection in their own home.

Home care offers all these advantages and more.  Family members will have a peace of mind knowing that their loved one is receiving care by trained professionals in the comfort of their home.