Five Ideas for Managing Arthritis Pain

Posted in Caregiver in Elba AL, Elder Care in Elba AL |

June 18, 2020

| by

Arthritis pain is something that can come and go for your senior. When she’s in the midst of a flare, your senior’s joints may be hot, swollen, and red. She may find it difficult to move the affected joints at all, much less do any of her regular activities. That’s part of what can be so difficult about arthritis and never knowing when a flare is going to happen.

 

Elder Care in Elba AL: Managing Arthritis Pain

Elder Care in Elba AL: Managing Arthritis Pain

 

Start with Your Senior’s Doctor

As with any medical issue, you want to start with your senior’s doctor. Your elderly family member’s doctor can give you detailed information about how arthritis affects her specifically. There may be medical therapies that your senior can use in addition to these ideas.

 

Alternate Heat and Ice

Ice and heat are both helpful for arthritis pain. Alternating those two methods is highly effective, but you need to make sure that you’re not using either for too long. For heat, make sure that the heating pad or hot pack is not too hot and put a towel or some type of cloth between the pack and your senior’s skin. Ice is cold, but it can also burn delicate skin. Make sure that there is some sort of fabric barrier with ice packs, too.
Consider Massage

Massage helps to move fluid through your senior’s joints and tissues, which can help to warm up the joints and keep them limber. Your senior may also learn some specific stretches and movements that help her to experience less pain. Massage can be a way to ease your senior into becoming more active.

 

Exercise Does Help

Moving, much less exercising, may feel to your senior like the last thing she wants to do when her arthritis is flaring up. But it really can be helpful. Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around the joints, which supports them when they’re feeling weak and painful.

 

Get Some Extra Help

When your elderly family member is experiencing more pain than usual, she may find it difficult to handle some of the tasks that aren’t a problem when she’s not in the middle of an arthritis flare. Senior care providers can make a huge difference for your elderly family member on those days.

Finding the right combination of treatments for your senior’s arthritis pain is really important. There may be solutions that work better at certain times of the year, so you may need to adjust periodically to account for other contributing factors.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Elba, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

What Does Vitamin D Have to Do with Kidney Health?

Posted in Caregiver in Elba AL, Home Care in Elba AL |

May 20, 2020

| by

More than 50 percent of people in the United States don’t get enough vitamin D. You may know that vitamin D has been linked to bone health since it helps the body to absorb calcium. However, what you may not know is that it is also important to kidney health.

 

Homecare in Elba AL: Vitamin D and Kidney Health

Homecare in Elba AL: Vitamin D and Kidney Health

 

The Link Between Vitamin D and Kidneys

People get vitamin D from three sources: the sun, food, or supplements. The kidneys help the body to turn the vitamin D it takes in from the sun or from supplements into its active form, a substance the body can use.

Often, people with chronic kidney disease are very deficient in vitamin D, sometimes severely so. The reason for this is that as kidneys become more and more damaged, they are not as effective in turning vitamin D into its active form. Elderly people with kidney disease seem to be among those especially susceptible to vitamin D deficiency.

Because vitamin D can be an issue for seniors with kidney disease, a doctor may suggest they take a supplement, even in the early stages. In addition, family caregivers can help older adults to support kidney health by serving foods that are rich in vitamin D. Some good sources are:

  • Cheese.
  • Beef liver.
  • Fatty fish, such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon.
  • Egg yolks.
  • Foods that have been fortified with vitamin D, like certain dairy products, orange juice, and cereal.

Other Ways to Support Kidney Health

In addition to eating foods that contain vitamin D, there are plenty of things seniors can do to improve their kidney health, such as:

-Exercise: Exercising regularly can support kidney health through weight loss and lowering blood pressure.

-Control Blood Sugar: Uncontrolled blood sugar can harm the tissues in the kidneys.

-Keep an Eye on Blood Pressure: Having blood pressure that is consistently higher than 140/90 can also damage the kidneys.

-Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys to flush toxins from the body.

If your older family member has chronic kidney disease, home care can help them to maintain, and perhaps improve, their kidney health. A home care provider can prepare meals that are balanced and healthy as well as including foods that contain vitamin D. Home care providers can also help your older family member to exercise by doing things like taking walks with them or driving them to an exercise class or facility. Home care providers can also remind the older adult to take medications or supplements suggested by the doctor for managing kidney problems.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Healthcare in Elba, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

 

Sources
https://www.kidney.org/news/
https://www.webmd.com/
https://www.healthline.com/

What Effects Does Stress Have on Elderly Adults?

Posted in Caregiver in Elba AL, Elder Care in Elba AL |

January 21, 2020

| by

Most older adults have a difficult time handling stress. Due to this fact, you should know there are many negative effects that stress has on elderly adults. Whether you are caring for an elderly aunt, neighbor, parent, or any other elderly adult, these are some effects that stress may have on them. Learning more about these effects can better assist you when helping the elderly adult in your life.

 

Caregiver in Elba AL: Stress on Elderly Adults

Caregiver in Elba AL: Stress on Elderly Adults

 

Worsened Immune System

One of the most common effects that stress has on elderly adults is a worsened immune system. When the body is stressed out, the person who is stressed is more likely to become ill. They have a more difficult time fighting off germs and infections. Since elderly adults are already more likely to get ill than younger adults, the stress just makes it that much easier for them to become ill.

 

Heart Issues

Stress can also fill the body with more adrenaline. This increases the person’s blood pressure and heart rate. The relationship between increased blood pressure and heart rate connects with heart disease. If your elderly loved one is stressed out for long periods of time, it is not unlikely that they will start experiencing heart issues. In addition, many people who are stressed overeat, drink alcohol in excess, or use drugs. These are all other factors that can lead to heart issues.

 

Hearing and Vision Loss

As previously mentioned, stress can cause increased production of adrenaline. This increased production of adrenaline can cause constriction of blood vessels which can lead to temporary vision and hearing loss.

 

Digestive Problems

Stress can make someone sick to their stomach. The reason for this is because the fight or flight response is activated non-stop. The stress causes their central nervous system to shut down the blood flow throughout their body. This can lead to contractions in the digestive tract. Many elderly adults who have high levels of stress also have ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome.

These are some of the effects that stress has on elderly adults. Whether you or elderly care providers are taking care of your elderly loved one, if they are experiencing stress, they are likely to have at least one of these issues. It is important that you do what you can to help reduce their stress levels, especially since some of these effects can be life-threatening. You want to improve the quality of life in your loved one and increase their life expectancy. Stress isn’t going to help you do that. Start today by helping your elderly loved one to lower their stress levels.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Elba, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

 

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health

July is UV Safety Month- Help Your Senior Loved-One Stay Protected!

Posted in Caregiver in Elba AL, Home Care in Elba AL |

July 2, 2019

| by

July and the rest of the summer months pose significant risks from excessive sun exposure. This is why UV safety month is a great time to refresh your knowledge about the dangers of things like sunburn and the possibility of skin cancer from excessive solar radiation.

 

Home Care in Elba AL: July is UV Safety Month

Home Care in Elba AL: July is UV Safety Month

 

The purpose of UV safety month is to focus on providing information related to staying safe while exposed to the sun.

Senior care is also especially important when considering UV safety, as the elderly tend to be much more susceptible to health problems. This is especially true if older people are fair skinned or taking certain medications that can exacerbate the effects of UV radiation. Decreased immunity that is associated with the elderly and infirm also puts certain individuals at a higher risk of damage from the sun.

How to protect aging skin?

One important tip is to stay in shaded areas as much as realistically possible during the middle of the day. From about noon to 4 or 5 pm is when the sun will be strongest in most areas, so the skin can burn quickly and the elderly can get dehydrated and stressed from intense heat and sunlight.

There are a number of skin care products that also give protection. Most doctors recommend that any kind of sunscreen or lotion should be SPF 15 or greater and should be reapplied every few hours as the protection starts to break down.

Clothing such as hats or long sleeves can make a big difference when someone will be outdoors for extended periods of time. Ideally, most exposed skin should be covered in order to minimize the possibility of burning, especially around areas such as the head, neck, and back.

Sunglasses can protect against cataracts and other harmful effects of UV rays entering the eyes consistently. Many sunglasses now are specifically designed to block UV rays and protect much of the face and forehead. Unfortunately, exposure to the sun and UV rays is believed to be one of the main reasons seniors begin to lose their vision.

 

Aftercare

After someone has been exposed to the sun, it can be helpful to take some precautionary measures even if no noticeable burns are visible. Remember that sunburn may not appear until several hours later or even the next day. Aloe Vera and other related products can moisturize and heal the skin after intense sun exposure. Water and sports drinks can help maintain hydration, while alcohol should be avoided immediately after sun exposure to prevent further dehydration. If someone is actually sunburned, a cold towel or over the counter pain relievers can be used to minimize the symptoms and discomfort. In cases where an elderly person seems to be severely burned or in a lot of pain, they may require a visit to an emergency room to prevent further health complications. A home care service provider can help you with this, by taking them to the doctor if you are unable.

 

Remember to be safe and have fun

While sun exposure can really be harmful, by following just some of the basic rules outlined above, your time outdoors can be enjoyable and worry-free. As long as you are making an attempt to be safe, remember to relax and make the most of the beautiful summer weather.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in Elba, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

Source

Precheck.com

 

Getting In-Home Help for Senior with Dementia

Posted in Caregiver in Elba AL, Elder Care in Elba AL, Homecare in Elba AL |

January 22, 2019

| by

Caring for an elderly loved one with dementia is a real challenge, as family caregivers work hard to meet their day-to-day physical and emotional needs.
One of the best ways to ensure that seniors have all the help they need and are not left alone is to hire a home care provider. Not only will the in-home care provider take good care of the aging adult, but they also provide respite for the family caregiver who is in danger of becoming overstressed.

 

Elder Care in Elba AL: Seniors with Dementia

Elder Care in Elba AL: Seniors with Dementia

 

Home Care Providers Help with Safety

Dementia affects a senior’s judgment and reasoning ability, making even the most common household situations potentially dangerous. To keep their loved one safe, the family caregiver needs to make modifications to the home and let everyone on the caregiving team know about safety protocol for the home.

For example, seniors with dementia are prone to wandering, and they leave the safety of the home to move around aimlessly outside. Because the aging adult can’t be left alone, having a home care provider to attend them can prevent dangerous wandering.

 

Home Care Providers Help with Health and Wellness

Aging adults with dementia often lose track of time and place, and that makes it hard for them to remember to eat, go to bed on time and attend to hygiene issues. When a home care provider is caring for them, seniors get reminded about what they need to do and can have assistance at any point. Home care providers can prepare meals, remind seniors about taking medication, and so forth.

Many seniors are also at high risk for slip and fall accidents. These are usually caused by things like clutter on the floor, wet weather, poor lighting and being unaware of tripping or slipping hazards. Home care providers can help maintain an environment that reduces the risk of slip and fall accidents by seniors.

 

Home Care Providers Help with Burnout

There’s no doubt that caring for an aging relative with dementia can take a toll on family caregivers, physically and emotionally. It’s also hard for them to take regular breaks to recharge their mental health batteries. Hiring a reliable and professional home care provider to provide some relief can be a big help to family caregivers who need some respite.

Without regular breaks, family caregivers run the risk of developing chronic stress and caregiver burnout. When the body is in constant stress, it can have significant negative health impacts such as high blood pressure, headaches, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues and even an increase in the risk of heart disease. Chronic stress can also lead to anxiety and depression. With an in-home care provider to take some of the responsibilities, family caregivers can devote some time in the week to themselves.

 

Caring for a relative with dementia will showcase both good days together with some tough ones. However, with supportive resources such as in-home professional care, both family caregivers and aging adults with dementia will be much better off.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Elba, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

Honoring Hard Work During National Family Caregivers Month

Posted in Caregiver in Elba AL, Homecare in Elba AL, Senior Mental Health |

November 19, 2018

| by

Few people work harder for their loved ones than family caregivers who assist aging relatives. With millions of family caregivers in the United States who deserve recognition for their selfless service, it’s no wonder that November is designated as National Family Caregivers Month. It’s a time for all Americans to recognize the good deeds that family caregivers do, and to provide information and support for them.

 

Homecare in Elba AL: National Family Caregivers Month

Homecare in Elba AL: National Family Caregivers Month

 

Who Needs Family Caregivers?

Millions of elderly adults have the desire to age in their own home, but numerous physical or mental afflictions can interfere with their ability to live alone. From arthritis and osteoporosis to the after-effects of a stroke to Alzheimer’s disease, chronic conditions can prevent seniors from being safe and healthy at home. Even seniors who can do several daily tasks on their own may still struggle in other areas, requiring assistance to take care of themselves and their homes.

Family caregivers are those family members who step up and take over the daily duties that their elderly relatives cannot. This can range from handling finances and medical affairs to assisting with meal preparation to assisting, bathing, toileting, laundry, and home maintenance. As the elderly adult’s health declines, the amount of time the family caregivers spend with them increases.

 

Family Caregiving is Rewarding but Difficult

National Family Caregivers Month is designed to shine the spotlight onto all the good things that family caregivers do for senior Americans. National organizations and associations provide resources for them to use to make their duties easier and get the best help for their aging loved ones. Family caregivers need to connect with resources that specialize in senior services, elder care and medical advancements that can keep seniors happier and healthier.

National Family Caregivers Month is also designed to help family caregivers feel supported and point out any warning signs that they need some help of their own. Family caregivers have a very high risk of developing chronic stress, burnout, and depression. That’s because caregiving in any form is often frustrating and full of worry. It’s difficult to see an elderly relative decline physically and mentally, and as their needs increase, so do the demands on the family caregiver.

 

In-Home Care Provider Services Help

One of the most important pieces of information that family caregivers can gain from National Family Caregivers Month is to help them decide the appropriate level of care for their aging relative. Many are looking closely at in-home care provider services. These trained professionals come to the senior’s home and assist them with numerous tasks, from getting ready in the morning to preparing meals to light housekeeping. In-home care gives the family caregiver respite and time away to take care of their own needs.

There’s no doubt that National Family Caregivers Month is an excellent time for organizations to connect with individuals as they work together to care for the most vulnerable population in the country. Sharing information and experience results in better health for both family caregivers and their aging loved ones.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Elba, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

What Do You Do When You Need the Stress to Stop Right Now?

Posted in Caregiver Health, Caregiver in Elba AL, Caregiver Stress, Caregiver Tips, Senior Care in Elba AL |

September 5, 2018

| by

So many situations as a caregiver can send you into a super-stressed mode very quickly. You’re likely to spend a good bit of time anxious and on edge anyway, so the last thing you need is more stress.

 

Caregiver in Elba AL: Stop the Stress

Caregiver in Elba AL: Stop the Stress

 

Walk Away for a Minute or Two

One easy way to stop serious stress immediately is to walk away for a minute or two. If you’re on the phone with someone who is spiking your stress, ask to call them back. Go walk around for a second or two and breathe slowly. Return to the situation and see if you’re still at high alert levels of stress.

 

Take a Bigger Break

Sometimes you’ve taken that quick break and it didn’t help. Now you might need to take a bigger break in general. Make sure that your senior is in a safe situation and then take that break. Don’t put it off until a better or more convenient time. You need it right now, so take it.

 

Solve What Can Be Solved Right Now

Almost every situation has at least one aspect of it that can be solved right this minute. Look for whatever that is in this situation and put a solution in place. Once you’ve done that, table the rest of it. You’re not going to be able to force a situation if there isn’t one right now. Approaching the issue with a cooler head later is going to help.

 

Take Deep, Slow Breaths Until You Feel Calmer

Your breathing is an underrated stress relief tool. When you’re stressed, your breathing tends to become more shallow and faster, until you might be close to hyperventilating. Count to five on an inhale and then count to five again on your exhale. That might be tough at first, so work up to it. Gradually you’ll notice that your muscles will relax and your breathing will even out even more.

 

Hand the Situation Over to Someone Else

It’s not always possible in every situation as a caregiver, but find someone else that you can turn this problem over to. Perhaps there’s a family member who can solve the paperwork nightmare, for instance, or who can deal with whatever has caused you immense stress. Let them handle it if they can.

The better you manage the low-end stress in your life as a caregiver, the easier it’s going to be to manage the immediate, heavy stress. Try some of these practices more often to resolve the lower end of your stress spectrum and see if they help everywhere.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Elba, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.