Healthy Aging Month: Its Never Too Late

October 21, 2021
A man is sitting on a bed next to another man.

Healthy Aging Month allows us to use September as a time to observe and focus on the positive aspects of growing older. It is the perfect time to re-assess your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In the words of Carolyn Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine, “it’s never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion or hobby.”1 Throughout this month, Assistance in Home Care encourages you to act how you feel- which is different than acting your age!

5 Tips to Make the Most Out of Healthy Aging Month

Taking charge of your well-being in the pursuit of a healthier body and mind can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, Assistance in Home Care has a few ways to help get you started:

1. Take on a More Positive Perspective

Shifting your conversations and actions into a more positive light can have some surprising affects on your mental health! For example, instead of thinking “I have so much to do today…” think “I’m going to accomplish a lot today!” When you catch yourself saying or thinking something negative, take a moment to see how you can shift it into something more positive.

2. Get Social

This doesn’t mean be on social media more often, rather take more opportunities to interact with others. Going for a neighborhood walk, volunteering in your community, or playing games with your caregiver, are all great ways to avoid a sedentary lifestyle devoid of interaction from friends or family. Research indicates that maintaining social connections and surrounding yourself with those who make you smile can improve your mental health and make healthy aging easier. 2

3. Start a Healthy Diet

As our bodies age, our metabolism begins to slow down. Adjusting eating habits can play a major part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Fruits and vegetables are a great way to feel full without the excessive calories of processed foods. Being more aware of the nutrients you are eating and avoiding empty calories is a great first step to healthier eating.

4. Keeping the Mind Active

Reading the newspaper, starting a new book, and finishing those word puzzles are easy ways to exercise your mind. If you aren’t an avid reader, a new hobby like cooking or knitting are also great ways to stimulate the mind!3

5. Stay Updated on Your Regular Check-Ups and Physicals

Making your mental health a priority is an important step to healthier aging, but don’t forget about your physical health! You know your body well enough to know if there is something that is out of the ordinary. Do not neglect your regular medical check-ups and physical examinations. If transportation is an issue, Assistance in Home Care provides Transportation Assistance to help you or a loved one with picking up medications or driving to doctor appointments.

A Healthier You

Healthy Aging Month is the time to dispel the myths about aging and embrace the idea that it’s never too late to make simple changes on the path to a healthier you! Instead of focusing on stereotypes and the negative aspects of aging, why not change the conversation and try something new? What changes can be made in your daily routine that lead to a healthier lifestyle? As you begin to set new goals and aspirations for yourselves, know that Assistance in Home Care is here to help you achieve them! Whether it’s assistance in meal planning and preparation for a healthier diet, or driving you to your next check-up, our services are available to bridge the gap between you and a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.

Resources

  1. Healthy Aging: https://healthyaging.net/healthy-aging-month/september-is-healthy-ag-ing-month/
  2. Unicity Healthcare: https://www.unicityhealthcare.com/celebrating-healthy-aging-month-during-september/
  3. MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/healthyaging.html
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When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, one of the most important decisions a family faces is choosing the right type of care. Two of the most common options are in-home dementia care and facility-based care, such as assisted living or memory care centers. While both can provide valuable support, in-home care offers distinct advantages in comfort, familiarity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Understanding the differences between these options can help you make the best decision for your family. 1. Comfort and Familiarity In-Home Care: One of the most significant advantages of in-home dementia care is that your loved one remains in a familiar environment. Being surrounded by their own furniture, photos, and routines provides comfort and stability that can reduce confusion and anxiety. Familiarity is essential for people with dementia, as new or unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming and disorienting. Facility Care: Residents must adapt to new surroundings, schedules, and caregivers in a care facility. Even in specialized memory care units, the environment is shared and may feel impersonal to some. While many facilities offer structured care, the transition can be difficult for someone with memory loss. 2. One-on-One Attention and Continuity of Care In-Home Care: In-home caregivers provide personalized, one-on-one attention. Care plans are tailored to the individual's needs, preferences, and routines. Families can expect more consistency, often with the same caregiver providing support regularly. This continuity helps build trust and reduces stress for the individual and their family. Facility Care: In facilities, staff members rotate between multiple residents. While care is available around the clock, it is often divided among many individuals. This can lead to less personal attention and less consistent caregiver relationships, which can be challenging for those with dementia who thrive on routine and familiarity. 3. Flexibility and Family Involvement In-Home Care: Families have more control over the schedule, type of care, and level of involvement with in-home care. You can adjust hours, responsibilities, and even integrate care with other healthcare providers or hospice services. Loved ones can remain a part of daily life and participate more fully in the care process. Facility Care: Facilities operate on set routines and regulations. The administration typically manages visiting hours, care plans, and staff access. This can limit how and when families can participate in care decisions or visit loved ones. 4. Cost Comparison In-Home Care: In-home care costs can vary depending on the number of hours needed, but they are often more affordable than full-time residential care, especially in the early and middle stages of dementia. Families can start with part-time care and increase support as needs grow, making it a flexible and cost-effective option. Facility Care: Residential care facilities typically charge a flat monthly rate that covers room, board, and basic services. Costs can rise significantly based on the level of care required, and some facilities charge additional fees for medication management, personal care, or special accommodations. For many families, these expenses can exceed the cost of in-home care. 5. Emotional and Mental Well-Being In-Home Care: Remaining at home often contributes to better emotional health. Familiar surroundings can reduce feelings of fear, confusion, and loneliness. The ability to continue with long-standing habits—watching a favorite show, tending to a garden, or eating home-cooked meals—can improve quality of life and help slow cognitive decline. Facility Care: While many facilities offer enriching activities, some individuals may struggle to adjust to group settings and shared routines. The change in environment and loss of independence can sometimes negatively impact emotional well-being. Which Option Is Right for Your Loved One? Every family’s situation is unique. In-home dementia care is often preferred for those seeking comfort, flexibility, and personalized support. It allows your loved one to age in place while receiving high-quality care tailored to their needs. Facility care may be more suitable for individuals requiring intensive medical attention or no longer safe in a home environment. Assistance In Home Care offers compassionate, customized dementia care that evolves with your loved one’s needs. Our experienced caregivers are trained to provide support at every stage of dementia, all in the comfort of home. Ready to explore in-home care options? Call us today at (844) 490-9755 or schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help your loved one stay safe and supported at home.