Brittany Hartman

A Youthful Brain at Any Age

When people think about staying fit they generally think about their physical appearance. But our brain health plays a significant role in everything we do. More research is showing that there is a lot that can be done to maintain brain health and prevent cognitive decline. There is even some research that shows a lifestyle that supports a healthy brain can prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Why is this important?

Upholding a standard of living that will keep one’s brain in tip-top shape is important for many reasons. Maintaining cognitive health will help one live a longer and more pleasant life. It will ensure that one is able to perform daily activities, prevent diseases, and enjoy life to its fullest. So what steps should we take to preserve a healthy brain?

First, it is important to eat a brain-healthy diet. A diet that reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, while maintaining a healthy weight is good for our brain. This means reducing foods high in fat and cholesterol and including more protective foods. These are things like dark skinned fruits and vegetables, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Staying physically active is also very important. Physical activity helps maintain essential blood flow to the brain. In addition to this it can help prevent heart attack, stroke, and diabetes therefore reducing the risk of dementia. Taking part in physical activity that also involves a mental activity is even more beneficial. And aerobic activity has been shown to reduce brain cell loss in the elderly.

Lastly it is imperative to stay socially active. Research shows that mental decline as we age appears to be much in part to changes in brain cell connections. Staying socially active reduces stress levels which help maintain healthy connections between brain cells.

To keep your brain active daily:

  • Stay curious and involved
  • Read, write, do crossword and other puzzles
  • Attend lectures and plays
  • Enroll in courses at your local adult education center or other community group
  • Garden
  • Try memory exercises

These are all positive steps that can be taken towards a lifestyle that supports a healthy brain. And be sure and ask your doctor what else you can do. If you have questions-ASK!

For more information about Jordan call 800.64.NURSE (800.646.8773) or email bhartman@jhsi.com.

About Jordan Health Services:
Jordan is an industry leader and prominent provider of home health services to both Medicare and Medicaid eligible patients, servicing the citizens of Texas since 1975. The company also services Miller County in Arkansas. Jordan is licensed to provide home care services by both the State of Texas and State of Arkansas. Jordan is continuing to expand its services through acquisitions and internal growth.

How to Choose a Home Care Agency

Simply put, home care is health care delivered to you in your own home. A variety of home care services are available including nursing and therapy, as well as those who can assist with the most personal of needs such as helping with bathing, dressing, or preparation of meals. Home health care provides the care you need in the convenience and comfort of your own home. A familiar home environment contributes to maintaining a positive outlook and often results in a more speedy recovery. Choosing the right home health agency is a serious decision and can be a difficult process if you’re not sure what to look for.

Finding the best home care for your needs will require some research, but it is well worth the time. Quality care service and a skilled staff should be your primary concerns. Once you attain the names of a few agencies you should learn more about their services and reputations. The following are questions to ask home care providers.

    • How long has the agency been serving the community?
    • Is the agency certified by Medicare?
    • Is the agency licensed?
    • Is the agency accredited?
    • Does the agency provide literature explaining its services, eligibility requirements, fees, and funding sources?
    • How does the agency select and train its employees?
    • Are the agency’s nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient’s home care needs?
    • Is the patient’s course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each professional caregiver?
    • Does the agency assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes?
    • Does the agency take time to educate family members on the type of care that is being provided?

In addition to this you should ask your home care provider to present a list of references that are familiar with the provider’s quality of service. Contact each reference and ask:

      • Do you frequently refer clients to this provider?
      • Do you have a contractual relationship with this provider? If so, do you require the provider to meet special standards for quality care?
      • What sort of feedback have you gotten from patients receiving care from this provider, either on an informal basis or through a formal satisfaction survey?
      • Do you know of any clients this provider has treated whose cases are similar to mine or my loved one’s? If so, can you put me in touch with these individuals?

To find home care agencies in your area, ask your doctor for a referral or contact a hospital discharge planner. You should also contact your state’s department of health, aging, and social services to find a list of their licensed agencies. Additionally, you can also locate home care agencies in the yellow pages under “Home Care” or “Home Health Care”. Your church may also have information about home care.

There are many home health options available and you should always remember the choice is yours. Once you know what you’re looking for, your decision will not be a difficult one.