Keep These Tips in Mind Before Celebrating National Picnic Day

Posted in Home Care, Senior Care Tips |

April 17, 2023

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April 23rd is National Picnic Day. It’s a day when families can pack a picnic lunch or dinner and head to a favorite park, beach, or backyard to share a meal. A companion care at home aide could help your loved one prepare for the event. While picnics are a lot of fun, they also carry some risks. Make sure you’re putting safety first.

Companion Care at Home Enterprise AL - Keep These Tips in Mind Before Celebrating National Picnic Day

Companion Care at Home Enterprise AL – Keep These Tips in Mind Before Celebrating National Picnic Day

Check For Recalls and Bring Plenty of Water

Before getting started, make sure the items you’re packing for the picnic haven’t been recalled. Many recent recalls have been for items like picnic coolers, deli meats and cheeses, salad kits, and frozen strawberries.

Your mom needs to stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water for everyone. Depending on the temperature, plan on about eight ounces of water every hour. If it’s hot out, she may need more than that.

Other ways to make sure she stays hydrated is by bringing cubes of watermelon, cantaloupe, and grapes. Fruits and vegetables that have a high water content are ideal. Other options include kiwis, berries, cucumbers, tomatoes, and oranges.

Items Containing Egg, Meat, or Cheese Need to Be On Ice

Any salads, sandwiches, or items that will go onto a grill have to be stored on ice. If you can’t put it in a cooler with ice, don’t bring it.

Non-perishable items like bags of chips, crackers, and fresh fruit can go into another cooler. You’ll want a cooler with ice for beverages, too.

Don’t risk food poisoning. Keep items on ice or don’t bring them. It needs to be that simple. While food poisoning may be uncomfortable for you, it could be deadly for your mom.

Protect Skin From the Sun and Wear Bug Spray

Make sure your mom has sunscreen with her. Apply it around 15 minutes before she goes outside. You want to invest in a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. An SPF of 35 or higher is best.

Mosquitoes, black flies, deer flies, and ticks are all insects you’ll find when you’re out in a park, beach, or forest area. Bug spray helps deter them. As some insects carry dangerous diseases, it’s important to make sure your mom doesn’t get bitten.

If she’s in areas with ticks, long pants that are tucked into her socks will help. When she comes out of taller grass or shrubs, check her legs for ticks and pull any off before they have a chance to climb to her torso or neck.

Consider Hiring Companion Care at Home Providers

While you’re with your mom for National Picnic Day, you can’t be there the rest of the time. Consider setting up companion care at home services to ensure your mom isn’t alone. Her caregiver can help her cook meals, prepare snacks, and get drinks.

With companion care at home, your mom isn’t alone or lonely. She’s no longer feeling isolated and forced to eat by herself night after night. She’ll have a caregiver with her as much as she wants, and that will make a big difference in her happiness.

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

Spring’s Arrival Turns Attention to Outdoor Skin Care Routines

Posted in Home Care, Senior Care Tips |

April 3, 2023

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For some women, spring’s arrival changes skin care routines. Allergens in the air can make the skin on the face itchy. The sun is out more, and time spent outside requires sunscreen to protect from sunburn and skin cancer. It’s time for your mom’s outdoor skin care to change from winter’s routine. Her personal care at home aides can oversee her skincare routines.

Personal Care at Home Dothan AL - Spring's Arrival Turns Attention to Outdoor Skin Care Routines

Personal Care at Home Dothan AL – Spring’s Arrival Turns Attention to Outdoor Skin Care Routines

Here are some of the differences between winter and spring skin care practices.

Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells

Winter’s dry, cold air can dry out the skin, and has to be treated carefully to avoid cracking and peeling skin. Start spring skin care routines with an exfoliating mask or wash that removes some of those dead cells.

Make sure your mom’s diet is heavy in fruits and vegetables that have antioxidants to help skin cells battle oxidative stress that impacts cell health. Your mom can boost her antioxidant intake by having frozen berry lemonade made with honey or stevia in place of sugar for a cooling afternoon drink.

Switch to a Lighter Moisturizer

Winter’s dry air may have your mom using a heavier moisturizer that clings and creates an oily barrier. Your mom may not want that same heavy feeling on her skin when she’s outside in the spring’s sunny weather. Consider a lighter moisturizer that adds SPF protection.

Facial sunscreen is essential. She wants broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 35 or higher. One that is zinc-based over chemicals is better for her skin, though it can be drying. She may want to apply a moisturizer first and cover it with a facial sunscreen product.

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours when your mom is outside. If she comes in, she can stop reapplying it. But, as soon as she wants to go back outside, she should apply more facial sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outside to protect her skin against UVA and UVB rays.

Water-based serums are lighter. Aim for those for the nighttime skincare routine. Before applying a water-based serum, your mom should wash off daytime products with a foaming cleanser that doesn’t contain parabens or sulfites, which can be irritating to delicate skin.

Look for Hypo-Allergenic Products

Spring’s pollen can irritate and inflame sensitive skin. If your mom is prone to allergies, look for ingredients in skin care products that have anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe and cucumber.

In addition to a product that helps soothe inflamed skin, make sure your mom is drinking plenty of water to help plump skin cells with water.

Have a Personal Care at Home Aide Around to Help Her

Does your mom find it difficult to take care of her skin? Personal care at home aides can help her with her skincare routines. Learn more about personal care at home services that assist with hygiene and grooming tasks. Your mom doesn’t have to go without, and you don’t have to struggle to be available to help her.

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

How Does Home Care Assistance Help Mental Health?

Posted in Benefits of Home Care, Home Care |

March 1, 2023

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Aging adults need to be healthy physically and mentally in order to keep living their best lives. Sometimes the challenges that they are facing mean that they need a little bit of extra help in order to live the lives they want to live. Home care assistance providers can take over a lot of those tasks, which can be a great boost to mental health for aging adults.

Home Care Assistance Hartford AL - How Does Home Care Assistance Help Mental Health?

Home Care Assistance Hartford AL – How Does Home Care Assistance Help Mental Health?

Why Are Seniors Facing Mental Health Problems?

Seniors often have expectations about what life will be like when they’re older. They may also have some big goals, like aging in place for as long as they possibly can. In fact, most aging adults who want to age in place picture themselves never leaving their homes. For many, this is something that they can do, but they can’t necessarily do it alone. Having help from family caregivers and from home care assistance providers can make a big difference. The challenges that come with aging affect health, mobility, and every other aspect of seniors’ lives. Ultimately, those events can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that need to be addressed.

Addressing Social Isolation

Social isolation is a massive cause of mental health issues in seniors. Many seniors don’t realize that they’ve become isolated until their mental health starts to deteriorate. Seniors who live alone or who are unable to participate in community activities like they used to may start to feel lonely and depressed. Mobility challenges and other health issues can also contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Home care offers seniors a chance to interact with care providers on a regular basis, getting the socialization that they need.

Independence and Self-esteem

Some people find it hard to believe that home care assistance can be helpful in fostering independence, but it’s true. Seniors who are having more and more difficulty with normal daily activities can easily find themselves frustrated and battling self-esteem issues because of those challenges. Caregivers who help only when it’s truly necessary to enable seniors to continue to do the things that they’re able to do, while not experiencing self-esteem issues because of that help.

Improving Quality of Life with Home Care Assistance Aides

When people feel frustrated, lonely, and depressed, their quality of life deteriorates significantly. By choosing options like home care assistance providers stepping in to help out, those issues are addressed. Having the help that seniors need with household chores, meal preparation, and many other daily activities all contribute to a much stronger quality of life, which in turn benefits mental health.

The later stages of life can be a lot more complicated than aging adults expect them to be. There might be a lot less family involvement than they hoped would be available and health issues may be taking a bigger toll than expected. All of those difficulties can contribute to mental health challenges. But there are solutions that can help, like bringing in home care assistance to take care of some of those tasks and to offer companionship at the same time.

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

Caring Tips For A Parent When You’re Part Of The Sandwich Generation

Posted in Home Care, Senior Care Tips |

February 15, 2023

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Are you a member of the Sandwich Generation? If you’re trying to balance taking care of your kids and taking care of a senior parent then you are. The members of the Sandwich Generation are often stretched very thin trying to meet the needs of both their children and their senior parent. And sometimes trying to squeeze in a job as well. If you’re feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the responsibilities and challenges of trying to care for two different generations of your family first, take a deep breath. Elder care providers can take a lot of the day-to-day responsibilities of caring for a senior parent off of your shoulders.

Elder Care Geneva AL - Caring Tips For A Parent When You’re Part Of The Sandwich Generation

Elder Care Geneva AL – Caring Tips For A Parent When You’re Part Of The Sandwich Generation

Use these tips to give yourself some breathing room and help you find a balance in caring for your kids and your senior parent:

Get Elder Care

When your senior parent has elder care you won’t need to worry about helping your senior parent with things like housecleaning, laundry, meal preparation, shopping, medication management, and errands. A care provider can help with all of those tasks and more. Elder care makes it much easier for you to juggle the responsibilities you have and it gives your senior parent consistent care that they can rely on.

Use Time-Saving Services

When it comes to juggling the care of your senior loved one and care of your children sometimes spending a little money to gain time is worth it. You can use time-saving services like grocery delivery or grocery pickup to reduce the amount of time you need to spend taking your senior parent grocery shopping or shopping for them. You can also set up an account so they can take a car share service to the doctor, the gym, or anyplace else that you would usually drive them. Elder care can also help with getting your senior loved one to the doctor or other appointments.

Make Time To Keep Yourself Healthy

Even though it might seem like you’re being selfish if you block off time for yourself taking the time you need to keep yourself healthy isn’t selfish. Take the time to exercise, get your hair cut, and get to bed at a decent hour. You won’t be able to effectively care for anyone else if you’re not taking care of your own needs first.

Double Up On Chores And Errands

If services like grocery delivery aren’t available in your area try to double up on chores and errands to save time. For example, when you go to the grocery store do the shopping that your senior parent needs to be done as well as your own so you don’t have to make two separate trips to the store. Take their mail to the post office as well as your own. Doing double duty when it comes to errands and chores can save you hours of time each week that you can use for other things.

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

Companion Care Makes Shopping And Errands Easier For Seniors

Posted in Benefits of Home Care, Home Care |

February 1, 2023

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Going shopping and running errands are things that many seniors enjoy. Those little trips give them a sense of purpose and get them out of the house. They also give seniors a chance to interact with people. And seniors who are aging at home like the independence of being able to go out whenever they want to go out. But as seniors get older and driving gets more difficult doing errands, going to appointments, and doing the shopping gets more difficult too. Seniors who have companion care at home services get to keep their independence and do their own shopping and errands with the help of a companion.

Companion Care at Home Elba AL - Companion Care Makes Shopping And Errands Easier For Seniors

Companion Care at Home Elba AL – Companion Care Makes Shopping And Errands Easier For Seniors

When seniors who are aging in place have companion care at home they aren’t left sitting at home alone all day. They have a companion to talk with, shop with, go out to lunch with, or go do errands with.

Some of the ways that companions can make shopping and errands easier for seniors are:

Driving

Seniors won’t have the hassles of a car share service or a taxi when they have companion care at home. Their companion can drive them wherever they need to go in comfort so that seniors won’t have the stress of trying to find a car, getting in and out of vehicles that may be difficult for them, or worrying about making sure they retrieve all their packages when they get out. Seniors in general greatly prefer running errands with a companion rather than trying to do them alone.

Helping Carry Packages

When seniors are out running errands they can rack up a lot of purchases. Even light grocery shopping can result in several bags of items. And if seniors are shopping for their pets that can mean heavy bags of food or boxes of litter. Clothes shopping, gift shopping, and picking up medications and household items at the pharmacy can also be part of an errand trip. Your senior loved one will appreciate having someone with them to help them carry and sort all their packages and items.

Taking A Break With A Companion Care At Home Aide

After a long period of shopping, getting their hair or nails done, and going to the post office or the mall your senior one will likely need a break. If your senior parent is alone they may feel too self-conscious to sit down and rest for a while even if they need a rest. But with a companion that is shopping with them, they can sit down and have a drink and a snack and a nice conversation with a friend while they rest. It’s a great way for seniors to stay connected to the world and enjoy getting out of the house.

Keeping Track Of Things

When seniors are going out to run errands they may be doing several errands at once. It can be confusing for them to try and keep track of the items they need to mail, bills that need to be paid, shopping lists, prescriptions that need to be picked up, money, and other items. With companion care at home, seniors have someone to help them stay organized and make sure they get everything they need.

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

Best Cat Breeds for Seniors

Posted in Home Care, Senior Care Tips |

January 16, 2023

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Companion pets can be one of the best things for seniors who want to age in place. Even if they have in-home care assistance services who come in regularly to help keep a senior to a routine, they may need more companionship than that. You may automatically think about a dog whenever you hear the word companion pet. These pets can be great, but dogs can also be time-consuming. If your senior needs something more low-key than a dog, they should consider a cat.

Home Care Assistance Daleville AL - Best Cat Breeds for Seniors

Home Care Assistance Daleville AL – Best Cat Breeds for Seniors

Cats can be easier to care for but just as loving as a dog. Most importantly, they can be strong emotional support animals. But did you know that there are different breeds of cats? Certain breeds may be better for your senior and home care assistance aides to take care of.

Here are breeds of cats to look for when you think your senior needs an extra companion.

Breed: Russian Blue

The Russian Blue, known for its stunning gray hue, is a docile and affectionate breed. They are not very active or needy, but they like being close to their human companions. They’re friendly to other cats, people of all species, and even some dogs (though this depends on the disposition of both animals).

Breed: Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold, like the American Curl, is so called because of its unusually curled ears. Because of the breed’s gentle nature, it’s a breeze to care for one. Although it needs to be brushed regularly, it gets along well with children and other pets. Although the Scottish Fold won’t go tearing around the house in search of toys, it may be enticed into some light daily exercise if you choose, and it isn’t naturally prone to barking. This is the perfect cat if you have small kids who love to visit your senior.

Breed: Chartreux

The Chartreux is a muscular cat that seldom vocalizes feelings, but it may sometimes chatter at you. It enjoys physical activity and will benefit from everyday playing. The breed is also particularly canine in that it creates a deep attachment with a single owner, unlike all family members and guests. It is minimal care, requiring just food and water, and most of this breed can withstand being left alone for extended periods. This cat breed can be deeply loyal, which is great for some seniors.

Breed: Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is an attractive cat with a lengthy coat. The coat needs daily brushing, but as long as you stay on top, this should be a quick and enjoyable pastime for both of you. The affectionate cat will follow you around and is always willing to offer you help with whatever work you’re performing. They are perfect pets for seniors working around the house or even gardening outside, as they will stick close by.

The perfect breed will rely on your specific requirements. Some cats thrive as indoor cats, while others benefit from the regular independent exercise given by being let outside. You may love the frequent grooming that some breeds demand, or you may prefer the weekly five-minute brushing of a breed that requires less upkeep. Some cats like sitting on their owners’ laps, while others are more independent. Determine what is most essential to you and what you want in your future feline companion, and then choose the breed that most closely meets these criteria.

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

Helping Your Senior Go To The Doctors Easier

Posted in Home Care, Senior Care Tips |

January 2, 2023

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Maintaining optimal health in old age requires regular medical checkups. However, some elderly people may be resistant when it’s time for their appointment. There are numerous things that home care providers can do to make older citizens more comfortable with doctor’s visits, even if this can occur for a number of different reasons. Keep in mind that home care providers may need the assistance of family members to help encourage a senior to go to their doctor’s appointment.

Home Care Headland AL - Helping Your Senior Go To The Doctors Easier

Home Care Headland AL – Helping Your Senior Go To The Doctors Easier

Here are some ways to make this upcoming appointment easier.

Talk About the Appointment in Advance

It’s not a good idea for caregivers to take their elderly loved ones to the doctor on a whim. Instead, find a quiet time to get with the elderly person and explain why you’re taking them to the doctor. Then, inquire as to whether or not the senior has any worries regarding your planned visit. Even just a phone call from family members can help encourage a senior to go to the doctor.

Talk About Any Concerns Your Senior Has

Elderly people who refuse to accept their appointment may provide an explanation. Some people deny any problems exist, while others may be too afraid to admit they need help. Give careful attention to each worry and reassuring words.

Ask Them If They Want Someone Else In the Appointment Such as a Home Care Aide

As senior citizens share their worries, they might be supportive of providing possible answers. For some elders, it may help to have a trusted friend or family member accompany them. Encourage them or offer a companion, similar to home care providers. If they don’t want anyone to join them in the appointment, have them write down a list of concerns so they don’t forget what they want to talk about.

Have a Way for Them to Get There and Use Activities to Keep Them Distracted

Some elderly patients may be concerned about how they will get to their scheduled appointment. However, driving in a strange location may be intimidating for anybody, regardless of age. When going to the doctor causes anxiety, scheduling a ride there and back is a simple solution.

Anxiety overseeing the doctor may rise as the patient waits. If possible, carry along a small bag of food and entertainment options to keep the senior occupied throughout any delays. When waiting, pass the time with card games, periodicals, or audio novels.

Plan an outing with the elder as a form of positive reinforcement after the scheduled visit. A senior’s confidence may be bolstered for the following visit by various means, including a trip out to lunch, a modest gift, or simply some praise on the car ride home.

It’s time to talk to your senior about why they’re avoiding the doctor and figure out solutions to make it easier to go. Their doctor may also have ideas on how to get them to their appointment easier. Other doctors may also do house visits, which can make a senior feel much more comfortable seeing their healthcare professional.

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

Oral Health Habits for Seniors

Posted in Home Care, Senior Care Tips |

December 19, 2022

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When a senior stops enjoying food, there could be a few problems. One of the biggest culprits is the lack of proper oral health. Dental hygiene is crucial for seniors but also something people forget to consider. Even if your senior has dentures or fake teeth, taking care of your mouth is an important healthy habit that should be focused on. If a senior needs help to brush teeth or just stick to a routine, it’s time to look into personal care at home services. These professionals can help a senior with personal needs like oral health and may even take a senior to the dentist for a checkup.

Personal Care at Home Eufaula AL - Oral Health Habits for Seniors

Personal Care at Home Eufaula AL – Oral Health Habits for Seniors

Here are some of the best tips your elderly loved one can use to take care of their teeth and mouth.

Personal Care at Home can Drive them to Visit the Dentist Regularly

For seniors to maintain good oral health, they must see the dentist regularly. Problems may fester and become much more serious if patients only come in sometimes or not at all. Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist as soon as possible if you are a senior. If you know a senior who can’t get to an appointment and has been avoiding it, talk to their personal care at home professional and see if they can help drive a senior.

Brush Every Single Day and Continue Flossing

Dentists and medical professionals often advise their patients to wash their teeth twice daily, in the morning and before night. Dentists vary in their recommendations for when people should wash their teeth after eating. Many seniors’ oral hygiene routines, including brushing twice daily, will have been well established, but for those who want to take better care of their teeth and gums, it is essential to develop a regimen. Personal care at home can help remind a senior to brush after they’ve eaten a meal. A reminder can go a long way regarding oral health habits.

When it comes to maintaining good dental hygiene, many individuals neglect to floss on a daily basis even though doing so is essential. Seniors may benefit from better oral health and a decreased risk of cavities and gum disease by daily flossing. The advantages of flossing much outweigh the little discomfort of doing so once or twice a day.

Stop Using Tobacco

Your general and dental health are at risk when you smoke. One of the many adverse effects of smoking is discolored teeth. Tooth decay may be caused by chewing tobacco, and all tobacco products have been linked to esophageal and oral cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other significant and often fatal health issues. Your senior’s dentist may partner with their personal care at home professional to devise a plan to help a senior quit smoking. It may take a team of professionals and time to quit this habit.

Focus on Eating Less Sweets

Cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease are all consequences of a diet high in sugary foods and beverages. Brush your teeth immediately after consuming a dessert or sugary beverage, such as sweet tea or soda, to prevent tooth decay.

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

Services Offered Through Elder Care Not to be Overlooked 

Posted in Benefits of Home Care, Home Care |

November 1, 2022

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Your dad lives alone, and you’re not nearby. As you look over his options when it comes to living alone and staying safe, elder care services are at the top of the list. These six services are essential when considering elder care.

Elder Care Dothan AL - Services Offered Through Elder Care Not to be Overlooked 

Elder Care Dothan AL – Services Offered Through Elder Care Not to be Overlooked

Assistance Running Errands Provided by Elder Care Aides

Your dad can’t drive or has a hard time shopping unassisted, but he still has errands to run. He can have a caregiver present to help him with his errands.

If he needs someone to help him pick up prescription refills, he’ll have that help. If he wants someone to read nutrition labels while he’s grocery shopping, that’s possible with elder care.

Companionship Visits

Your dad lives alone and doesn’t have a large social circle. If he doesn’t have people visiting often, he can get an elder care agency to send him a caregiver for companionship visits.

His caregiver can play games with him, join him on walks, and watch movies with him. If he’d like to go to a local museum or park for an outing, his caregiver can join him on that outing.

Housekeeping and Laundry Tasks

Your dad may not be able to clean his home appropriately for his safety. His caregiver can do all of the main housekeeping chores like vacuuming, dusting, dishes, sweeping, and wiping down counters.

Once a week or sooner if it’s needed, your dad will have a caregiver available to change and launder his sheets and clothing. His towels will be washed and dried. Clean towels will be hung for him.

Medication Reminders

Your dad may not remember when it’s time to take his medications or which to take. It’s okay if this happens as he can have a caregiver for medication reminders. His caregiver will let him know what he needs to take if he should take it with water or milk, and when to take them.

When his prescriptions need to be refilled, his caregiver can help him with medication reminders. If he needs to talk to his doctor to get the refill approved, his caregiver can help him.

Preparation of Meals and Snacks

His caregiver can help your dad plan a weekly menu, build a shopping list, and prepare meals and snacks. His caregiver can cook meals for him or involve him as much as he’d like to help out.

Elder Care Aides Provide Transportation to Appointments and Businesses

Your dad is unable to drive or struggles to get ready for appointments on time. His caregiver can help him get ready for an appointment, drive him to the office, and escort him to the registration desk.

While he’s in with his doctor or dentist, his caregiver will sit in the waiting room until he’s ready to leave. If he needs to schedule another appointment, his caregiver will help him schedule it.

Call our elder care agency to make arrangements for the services that benefit your dad. You want to choose services that help him live independently, even if you’re not around to help out.

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

Tips Seniors Can Use To Avoid Getting The Flu This Year

Posted in Home Care, Senior Care Tips |

October 3, 2022

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The flu can be very dangerous for seniors and it’s recommended that all seniors get a flu shot. But, the flu shot may not be able to prevent seniors from getting the flu or even bad colds once the weather starts to cool off and flu season starts. Home care providers can help them follow guidelines to prevent the flu.

If your senior loved one is immuno-compromised because they have a condition like cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or diabetes or if they have other health conditions that make them vulnerable to catching the flu they need to be especially careful.

Home Care Hartford AL - Tips Seniors Can Use To Avoid Getting The Flu This Year

Home Care Hartford AL – Tips Seniors Can Use To Avoid Getting The Flu This Year

Some ways that seniors can prevent catching the flu include:

Wear A Mask

Even though masks are not required in most places anymore it’s still a good idea for seniors to wear a protective mask when they are in public. Masks don’t just help prevent the spread of COVID-19 they also help prevent the spread of colds and the flu. When seniors are going out socially, going to the store, or going out to run errands they should wear protective masks. It’s just a smart way to avoid becoming ill with viruses like flu that are easily transmissible.

Get Home Care

Home care makes it easier for seniors to stay well because elder care allows seniors to stay at home safely and comfortably. A senior that has home care doesn’t need to go out on their own to shop or do errands because the care provider can do those chores for them.

A care provider will also vacuum and dust regularly, mop the floor, do laundry, and clean so that the home stays free from germs. A clean and sanitary environment is important for seniors, and seniors who have mobility challenges or other challenges may need some help keeping the house clean.

Wash Hands Often

Seniors and those around them should be washing their hands frequently throughout the day. But, seniors and those around them should pay special attention to washing their hands after talking to someone or spending time around someone. Washing with good quality antibacterial soap and following the recommended procedure for washing the hands will help seniors prevent getting the flu or spreading the flu to others by accident. Anyone who visits a senior loved one during the fall and winter should wash their hands when they arrive as a courtesy to prevent spreading the flu.

Social Distancing

Social distancing is something that some people assume is not necessary anymore, but it’s actually a smart thing for anyone that has health issues or is older to continue doing. Social distance just means staying far away from someone else so that if they are sick they can’t spread that illness to you. When you are in a store, at the post office, or in a restaurant you should always try to stay at least six feet away from other people. While social distancing won’t protect seniors from all illnesses it will help protect seniors from colds and flu throughout the fall and winter.

Source:  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

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