Thriving While Aging

Brought to You by Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs

Every September we celebrate Healthy Aging Month, marking ways to thrive while we age. It’s a time to recognize that learning is a lifelong process, with engagement and wellness habits that we can adopt to enhance our quality of life.

Fourteen years ago, Hilary and Greg Eldridge were inspired by family and set out to raise the bar for in-home care that helps you thrive. “I saw what a difference personalized care made for my Dad,” says Hilary. “I use his memory as a touchstone to provide quality care that engages the spirit of our clients and honors the richness of their lives. Our goal is to help you make each day the best it can be.”

The beauty of professional in-home care lies in its adaptive nature. As personal needs increase, it’s built to evolve. From basic, occasional assistance to comprehensive support, it matches the needs of your health journey.

Far from denying aging or health challenges that come our way, Home Helpers focuses on ways to thrive that emphasize resilience, adaptability and a positive mindset to meet and find joy and value in life. The daily choices we make over the years impact how we age, and actively managing or changing our daily habits in some key areas can make a critical difference.

Physical activity and vitality are partners. There are many options like brisk walking, dancing, gardening, yoga or online work out videos that provide an appropriate exercise level that helps move your body daily. Strength and resistance training helps maintain muscle mass and bone density. Your doctor can help advise a course of regular moderate exercise that reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, lowers stress levels and decreases your fall risk.

Prioritize supporting your nutritional needs and you’ll find that the saying “you are what you eat” was right. Choose whole foods over ultra-processed options and follow a nutrient rich diet with vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Protein needs increase as we get older and are critical to maintain muscle and balance. Hydration is also important because our sense of thirst diminishes as we age. Following a water consumption schedule can help prevent dizziness, confusion and UTI’s. Avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol use helps round out your healthy path.

Cognitive engagement keeps our minds in shape by learning new skills, taking classes, playing music, singing, doing puzzles or brain games – even spending time in nature to boost our brain power. Curiosity has no age limit, and keeping your brain active can help mental sharpness. Social connections are one of the most powerful keys to a longer, healthier and happier life. Studies show that loneliness and isolation increase illness and depression. The Harvard Study of Adult Development followed participants for over 80 years and found that the strongest predictor of longevity was the quality of relationships.

A positive mindset is also linked to a significantly longer lifespan. Embracing aging and focusing on practices like keeping a gratitude journal, maintaining a sense of purpose, and facing changes with a “can do” attitude improves our well-being and our ability to face change.

Recent studies from AARP, CDC and the National Poll on Healthy Aging show that seniors experience better health outcomes when they remain at home with proper support – experiencing lower rates of depression and loneliness, fewer hospital readmissions and better chronic disease management.

A heart-centered and skilled Home Helpers caregiver can help your loved one with ways to thrive and focus on their safety, wellness and independence in the warmth and comfort of home. Whether home is a private house, apartment setting or even receiving additional assistance as you recuperate in a health facility, we can work with you and your older loved one to create a care plan and schedule to meet your unique needs.

When home is in an assisted living community, in-home care provides a bridge with immediate response to your care needs if you experience an increased fall risk, changing health condition or need to recuperate from a procedure. Your caregiver can help you remain in the setting and with the friends and lifestyle you want.

We can assist with all personal care needs, help around the house, support recovery from surgery, a stroke or return home from a rehabilitation stay. A well-matched caregiver offers genuine companionship, aids family communication and provides a link to their community and friends or help with transportation to events or appointments. Along with specialized Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s care, we have Nursing Services as an added support for families.

From four hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care we’re here to help. For a free consultation call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.

Paid Content by Home Helpers