Senior Health: How Common is Anemia in Older Women?

Posted in Anemia, Senior Health |

September 9, 2021

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Senior Health: Anemia is a health condition where red cell counts are too low.

It can affect your immunities and heart health. The red blood cells carry oxygen to the organs, so anemia has to be addressed. Senior Health is important to keep an eye on if you suspect anemia.

 

Senior Care in Elba NJ: Anemia

Senior Care in Elba NJ: Anemia

 

Your mom’s been diagnosed with anemia.

Assuming she’s past menopause, it is an unexpected diagnosis. If she’s still in the midst of menopause, it isn’t as unusual.

If she is anemic, know that upwards of 4 out of 10 older adults do have anemia. Her doctor will walk her through the things that need to be done to address her anemia.

 

What causes anemia in older women?

Blood loss during your period is one cause, and that’s why doctors will want to know if she’s through menopause. If she has, it can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding and malnutrition. Sometimes, the cause is never discovered. Her doctor will want to rule out underlying health issues first.

 

What Are the Signs of Anemia?

Your mom may not even realize she’s anemic. The common signs include:

  • Feeling tired.
  • Pale skin.
  • A fast heart rate.
  • Having a headache.
  • Finding it hard to catch your breath.

As many other things can cause that to happen, she may not even think of it as being anemia.

Most of the time, anemia is diagnosed during a routine blood test. If your mom’s iron levels are low, her doctor will want to run a complete blood panel to check her red cell counts. Once that happens, she’ll likely be asked if she’s had a colonoscopy to look for signs of bleeding that could be causing low iron levels.

How is Anemia Treated?

Her treatment will depend on how severe the anemia is. Expect your mom to start taking prescription iron supplements. When she does, they may increase her risk of constipation and make her feel nauseous for a couple of hours after taking them.

If it’s severe, your mom may need to go in for iron infusions. She’ll need someone with her on those days as common side effects include dizziness, low blood pressure, and nausea. She shouldn’t drive herself.

Her doctor may recommend changing her diet to include iron-rich foods like beef, brown rice, eggs, kidney beans, lamb, oysters, shrimp, and tofu. If she struggles with meal prep, hire a senior home care aide to do it for her. She may find she appreciates having someone eat with her, too.

Arrange services by talking to a senior home care specialist. You’ll discuss prices and services, making it easy to schedule care that’s affordable and meets your mom’s needs.

 

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

 

Sources:

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/1001/p1565.html

Constipation: Best Natural Treatments for Constipation

Posted in Constipation, Senior Health |

August 31, 2021

| by

Constipation: Unfortunately, many people suffer from constipation.

This is a condition that can cause someone a lot of pain and discomfort. Many people who have constipation will experience stomach cramps, bloating, painful bowel movements, and other health issues.

Many people who are constipated will try taking medications to treat the problem. However, many of these medications can cause various other side effects. For most people, it isn’t worth it to take anything for their constipation. If you are trying to help your elderly loved one with constipation, there are many natural treatments they can try. You can even get them companion care at home. The home care providers can help your elderly loved one commit to these natural treatments.

 

Constipation

Constipation

 

Eating Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds can be natural laxatives when taken in the right amount. The reason for this is because flaxseeds help digest food in the stomach. If your elderly loved one wants a way to relieve this condition, without the side effects from laxative medications, have them take 1 tsp. Of flaxseeds before bed. They should mix these with a bottle of water. It is best to have the flaxseeds sit in the water for a few hours in the fridge. If your elderly loved one does this, they should have some relief when they get up in the morning.

Eating Fennel

Fennel is a herb that encourages smooth muscle movements throughout the digestive system. If your elderly loved one needs relief from constipation, adding fennel to their diet can help a great deal. To receive the most benefits from fennel, your elderly loved one should eat dry-roasted fennel seeds with a glass of warm water. In addition, when you or a senior care provider makes your loved one pasta or soup, these seeds can be added to those meals.

Drinking Lemon Juice

Research shows the citric acid from lemon juice can help encourage movement in the digestive tract. In addition, lemon juice is known to get toxins out of the colon, which helps to prevent constipation in the first place. If your elderly loved one would like to follow through with this tip, you should have them drink a glass of water with lemon juice in it. They should drink lemon water every morning. If needed, you can get your loved one companion care at home. The companion care providers can make the lemon water for your loved one, so it is ready when they get up.

Constipation: Conclusion

Has your elderly loved one been suffering from constipation? If so, there are many ways they can naturally relieve their constipation. The tips mentioned above are all helpful with this issue.

 

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

 

Sources
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/6-natural-remedies-constipation

Senior Health: What is Causing Your Elderly Loved One’s Sleep Issues?

Posted in Senior Health, Sleep Care |

July 13, 2021

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Senior Health: Has your elderly loved one mentioned that they can’t fall asleep easily at night?

Maybe they lay in bed thinking about a bunch of things. Your elderly loved one might be experiencing sleep issues after they fall asleep, too. These issues might include a range of problems. You should learn about the things that commonly cause sleep issues in the elderly. This would be a great place to start in helping your loved one sleep better for good senior health.

 

Senior Care in Daleville AL: Senior Care

Senior Care in Daleville AL: Senior Care

Medication Side Effects

There are many medications that elderly people often need to take. Some elderly people are on 5 or more medications. There more medications your elderly loved one is taking – prescribed and over the counter – increase the chances of them having sleep issues. If your elderly loved one’s sleep issues are moderate to severe and they believe medications are the problem, this should be discussed with their doctor. It is important for you and home care providers to remind your loved one to never stop taking medications with the approval of their doctor.

Sleep Apnea

Another reason for sleep issues in the elderly is sleep apnea. Your elderly loved one may not think they have sleep apnea because they didn’t have it when they were younger. However, people’s bodies change as they get older. This is a condition that can develop over time. If your elderly loved one snores a lot or has trouble sleeping, you may want to see if their doctor will perform a sleep study. This is the way that sleep apnea gets diagnosed. If sleep apnea is the problem, your elderly loved one might be prescribed a CPAP machine to help them sleep better.

Nocturia

Many elderly people experience nocturia. This is when they have to get up in the night to go pee. If you or a senior care provider notices that your loved one is constantly getting up at night to use the bathroom, this could be the problem. If they only get up at night to pee every once in a while, this isn’t likely the cause. However, you should still schedule your elderly loved one an appointment to discuss this with their doctor. There are different treatments for nocturia. If your elderly loved one has this condition, once the proper treatment is found, they should be able to sleep better at night.

Senior Health: Conclusion

These are some of the things that commonly cause sleep issues in the elderly. Not being able to sleep well can affect people in many ways. Just think about the times when you don’t get enough sleep. It is important to help your elderly loved ones find the reason for their sleep issues, so the proper solutions can be implemented and she will enjoy better senior health.

 

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

 

Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/

Dehydration: Top Tips to Help Prevent Dehydration in the Elderly

Posted in Dehydration, Senior Health |

May 20, 2021

| by

Dehydration: One of the main causes of elderly hospital visits during the summer is dehydration.

When caring for your elderly loved ones, it is important to make sure they stay hydrated. This does not mean they have to be drinking water all throughout the day. While water is a great choice, your elderly loved one can also eat things that have high water content. This includes peppers, watermelon, and other foods. Keep reading here to find out some of the top tips to help your elderly loved one prevent dehydration this summer.

 

Senior Care in Enterprise AL: DehydrationSenior Care in Enterprise AL: Dehydration

Senior Care in Enterprise AL: Dehydration

 

Always Have Water On-Hand

One of the ways that your elderly loved one can stay hydrated is to always have water on hand. The best way for them to do this is to have a water bottle they can fill up wherever they go. You can get them one of those water bottles that stay cold for a long time. If your elderly loved one doesn’t like their water cold, you can get them a normal water bottle. You and their senior care providers can give reminders to keep the water bottle full.

 

Lime or Lemon

Does your elderly loved one get tired of drinking plain water? Maybe they don’t really like drinking water in the first place. One of the things your elderly loved one can do is to add lime or lemon to their water. This can add some flavor. You could also get your elderly loved one a water bottle that has a fruit-infusion tube in it. Then, your elderly loved one can put blueberries or other fruit in the bottle. This can make their water taste even better and help to keep them from dehydration.

 

Hunger and Water

Does your elderly loved done eat every time they feel hungry? Did you know that sometimes, when a person feels hungry, they aren’t actually hungry? They are thirsty. If your elderly loved one is feeling hungry, but they have already eaten their previous meal, they should try drinking a bottle of water instead. This could fulfill their hunger and help them stay hydrated at the same time.

 

Tracking Water

Does your elderly loved one have a difficult time staying hydrated? Maybe they forget to drink water or can’t remember how much they drank. If this is the case, there are a couple of things that can be done. You can get your elderly loved one a 64-ounce water bottle that has numbers on the side. This way, they can fill it with the water they need throughout the day and drink it often. You or senior care providers can also make a note of how much water your elderly loved one is drinking. If they aren’t drinking enough, you can encourage them to drink more water to ward off dehydration.

 

Conclusion

These are some of the top things that can help to prevent dehydration in your elderly loved one. Hopefully, with these tips, your elderly loved one can stay hydrated and feel better this summer.

 

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

 

Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html

Foot Care: Four Ways for Your Senior to Take Care of Her Feet

Posted in Foot Care, Senior Health |

May 5, 2021

| by

Your senior’s foot care health is a lot more important to her overall health than she might realize.

Often medical problems start out in the feet, so it’s vital to pay attention to these hardworking parts of the body. Here are a few ideas that can help your elderly family member to take the best care possible of her feet.

 

Elderly Care in Abbeville AL: Foot Care

Elderly Care in Abbeville AL: Foot Care

 

Avoid Walking Around with Bare Feet

Walking around barefoot might be your senior’s preference, but as she gets older it’s a bad idea. First, being barefoot can be a tripping hazard. It’s also important for your senior to realize that her feet are changing as she ages. They don’t have the same thickness of padding that they used to have, so walking around barefoot can create pain that she could avoid simply by wearing shoes and keeping ahead of her foot care needs.

 

Inspect Feet Daily

Make sure that your senior is washing and drying her feet daily. This is also a great time for her to carefully inspect her feet for any signs of trouble. Sores that she didn’t realize were there, peeling skin, or color changes can all be a sign of something bigger going on. Also, as your senior touches her feet, it’s important for her to notice if she feels that touch on her foot or not. Neuropathy, numbness, and other issues mean that there’s more happening with her health.

 

Watch How Toenails Are Trimmed

Toenails can be a big problem for your senior if she isn’t careful. Cutting toenails in a curve around the edge of her toe can contribute very quickly to painful ingrown toenails that can quickly become infected. The best way to trim toenails is to cut them straight across and carefully file any rough edges.

 

Foot Care: Talk to Her Doctor Right Away about Foot Pain

If your elderly family member is experiencing any changes to her feet, injuries, or foot pain at all, she needs to mention it to her doctor. Getting her doctor’s take on what is happening can help her to spot big issues well before they become severe. Injuries that your senior is convinced she can still walk on may be far more serious than she realizes.

Some aging adults find that it’s a lot more difficult to care for their feet as they grow older than it used to be. Elder care providers can help with foot care and other personal care tasks that help your senior to continue to be as safe and as healthy as possible.

 

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

Senior Health: How to Help a Senior Recover from Surgery

Posted in Senior Health, Surgery Recovery |

April 2, 2021

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Senior Health: Recovering from surgery is a big deal.

Your senior’s body has been through a traumatic event, even if it was a necessary surgery for her to have. Being prepared in advance for her to come home and to have her needs met is easier to do when you think through what she might need and want while she’s recovering.

 

 

Homecare in Daleville AL: Surgery Recovery

Homecare in Daleville AL: Surgery Recovery

Make Sure Her House Is Ready for Her to Come Home

It’s a good idea to make sure that your senior’s home is ready for her to come back. If she’s got a two-story home, she might need to temporarily relocate to the first floor while she recovers. Make sure that you check for any obstacles and that she’s got somewhere comfortable to rest. You might need to rearrange some things in order to make her home as safe as possible.

 

Run Errands and Prep Meals Before She Comes Home

If there are any prescriptions or durable medical equipment that your senior might need, see if you’ll be able to run those errands before your senior comes home. That helps to ensure that you’re not doing those things while your senior waits in the car or at home. Also, try to prepare some of her favorite meals and snacks in advance, so that it’s easier for both of you to help her to eat.

 

Think Ahead about What She’ll Need

You can’t possibly account for every single possibility but try to think ahead a little bit about what your senior might need. Is she going to have follow-up appointments or physical therapy? How will she get to those appointments? Will, she need help with mobility, bathing, and other tasks? If so, hiring elderly care providers is probably an excellent way to make sure that she’s got what she needs, when she needs it, for her senior health to be great.

 

Senior Health: Sometimes You Just Need to Be Supportive Emotionally

Don’t forget to support your senior emotionally as much as you can. Surgeries can take a mental and emotional toll on everyone involved. Your senior may need you to just be a shoulder and an ear for a little while. That’s something that is a lot easier to do than some of the other things she might need as she recovers.

Talk to your senior’s doctor about what all she should expect from recovery and your senior’s health. It’s always best to have as few surprises as possible when it comes to something like surgery.

 

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

What Causes Pericarditis?

Posted in Caregiver in Headland AL, Homecare in Headland AL, Senior Health |

January 8, 2019

| by

Pericarditis is a heart condition that occurs when the sac that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium, becomes inflamed. The inflammation may cause chest pain as well as other symptoms. It can be acute, with symptoms coming on suddenly, or chronic, coming on gradually and lasting for a long time. Many times, pericarditis is mild and does not require treatment. However, it can be more severe and require medication or even surgery.

 

Homecare in Headland AL: What Causes Pericarditis?

Homecare in Headland AL: What Causes Pericarditis?

 

About Pericarditis

The pericardium is comprised of a few layers. Pericarditis occurs when the layers become swollen. The swelling of the layers leaves less room for movement between them, so they may rub together. When they do, the person may experience sharp chest pain. The pain can be so severe that the person may think they are having a heart attack.

 

Pericarditis Causes

Many times, doctors aren’t able to find the cause of pericarditis. They may refer to the condition as idiopathic (having an unknown cause) pericarditis. They may also call it viral pericarditis, assuming that it is caused by a virus attacking the body. However, pericarditis can also occur because of other conditions.

Some other possible causes of pericarditis are:

 

Heart Attack or Surgery: The layers of the pericardium can become irritated because of damage to the heart caused by a heart attack. Having heart surgery may also cause the pericardium to become inflamed.

Inflammatory Disorders: Conditions that cause systemic inflammation, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, may also cause inflammation in the pericardium.

Medications: Rarely, certain medications may cause pericarditis as a side effect.

Trauma: If the chest or heart have been injured, such as in a car accident, pericarditis may occur.

Other Conditions: Some other medical conditions can cause pericarditis, too, including cancer, AIDS, kidney failure, and tuberculosis.

 

Pericarditis Symptoms

Not everyone with pericarditis will experience the same symptoms. Some possible symptoms are:

  • Sharp chest pain that occurs in the center of the chest or off to the left side. The pain is often worse when the person breathes in.
  • Trouble breathing while laying down or reclining.
  • Heart palpitations.
  • A low fever.
  • Feeling weak, tired, or ill.
  • Coughing.
  • Swelling in the abdomen or legs.

If your aging relative develops pericarditis, elderly care can help them while they recover. An elderly care provider can remind the older adult to take medications prescribed to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying cause. An elderly care provider can also allow the senior to rest while they manage household chores, such as cleaning, doing dishes, and preparing meals. Elderly care providers can also monitor the older adult for changes in symptoms that may indicate a need for additional medical care.

 

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

Sources

http://www.heart.org/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

https://www.webmd.com/

Simple Holiday Celebrations for Seniors with Dementia

Posted in Caregiver in Hartford AL, Dementia, Senior Health |

December 24, 2018

| by

The winter holidays are filled with laughter, music, delicious smells and festivities for young and old. However, for many elderly adults with dementia, it can mean confusion, anxiety, and stress. If your aging loved one has dementia, you may not be clear on what to do to help them enjoy the holidays. Many family caregivers struggle with this exact dilemma this time of year, and unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. It all depends on your elderly loved one and your unique situation.

 

Caregiver in Hartford AL: Dementia and Holidays

Caregiver in Hartford AL: Dementia and Holidays

 

Plan Ahead for Holiday Celebrations

Torn between your desire to recreate special holiday memories and knowing that anything out of the routine is often a trigger, how can you know what to do to help your elderly loved one? First, evaluate your aging loved one’s abilities and reactions in past situations. Then, try to avoid any known triggers as you make holiday plans. You can also use family members, friends, and senior care providers to assist you with your elderly relative around the holidays.

 

Simple is Best for Seniors with Dementia

As you make plans for the holidays, you may be feeling stressed about getting everything done and creating a fun-filled celebration for your aging loved one. However, simple events are best for those with dementia because too much stimulation can lead to anxiety, worry, and irritability. You can bring holiday cheer to their lives without introducing hardships for yourself and them. Incorporate meaningful holiday traditions into their existing routines for the best results.

 

Here are a few ideas for creating simple holiday celebrations for seniors with dementia:

-Encourage your aging loved one to sign holiday cards and send them out. As they receive cards, from others, display them where they can be seen.

-Don’t go overboard with holiday decorations. Instead, choose a few beloved pieces and put them around the home to evoke fond memories without changing too much of the atmosphere.

-Invite favorite smells of the holidays with scented wax or diffusers for aromatherapy. Popular holiday scents include cloves, cinnamon, gingerbread, sugar cookie, and apple spice.

-Bake holiday cookies using your aging loved one’s favorite recipe and perhaps make a plate to share with their senior care provider or a familiar neighbor.

-Invite grandchildren to visit and do a simple holiday craft together. Most seniors like to interact with young children and will enjoy interacting together.

-Plan a small holiday gathering with a few close family members and the senior care provider. Hold it during the time of day when your elderly relative is usually at their best. Keep it short and simple, with plenty of holiday cheer.

-Host a holiday sing-a-long with a few good friends or family members. Many seniors with dementia like to listen to music and sing songs that are special to them.

 

No matter what you do to bring the holiday spirit to your aging loved one’s life, you can’t do it alone. Ask family members, senior care providers and friends for help in creating simple and effective holiday celebrations for your aging relative with dementia.

 

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

Exercise and Diet Are Important for Healthy Joints

Posted in Elderly Care in Ozark AL, Exercise, Senior Health |

October 16, 2018

| by

Arthritis is one of the key health conditions that affect senior citizens.
Decades of use and the aging process affect joint health. It can lead to pain and swelling if arthritis sets in. In turn, the pain may impact mobility and make it harder to get up and walk around.

Elderly Care in Ozark AL: Healthy Joints

Elderly Care in Ozark AL: Healthy Joints

 

 

How Does Age Affect Joint Health?

Healthy joints include cartilage and tissue called synovium that helps keep a joint lubricated. Aging reduces the amount of synovial fluid and cartilage can degrade. The bone may rub together and mineral deposits may start building on bones causing painful restricted motions. This is arthritis.

 

The Solution is Diet and Exercise

In an attempt to keep joints healthy, seniors need to watch their diet and get plenty of exercise. Exercise keeps muscles strong. It also helps with bone strength. These factors work together to help joints stay healthy for a longer amount of time.

Aerobic exercise is one of the most recommended when it comes to keeping joints from swelling. Options range from the dance exercise Zumba to bicycling. The aerobic exercise of choice needs to work the muscles and the cardiovascular system.

Diet is equally important. You want to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the impact on your joints. Whole grains like quinoa are a better choice than processed grains like white rice. Fresh fruits and vegetables are better than canned vegetables or fruit. Lean proteins and seafood are better than beef or processed meats.

While whole grains, fresh produce, and lean proteins are important, you shouldn’t overlook foods high in calcium and vitamin D. They can help keep bones strong. Low-fat milk and yogurt, some fortified fruit juices, and breakfast cereals are all easy ways to get enough calcium and vitamin D.

Tips for Making Sure Exercise is on Your Mom and Dad’s Daily To-Do List

When your parent is older, exercise may not seem as vital. Make sure your parent gets up and goes for a walk, a bike ride, or joins a fitness class. If joint pain is present, swimming is a great exercise that is easy on the joints. Elderly care services can help your parent stay on track with exercise goals by providing rides to gyms, pools, or fitness classes.

Caregivers can also help your parent get enough exercise at home. With a caregiver on hand to join your mom or dad for daily walks, exercise goals are easily met. Learn more about companionship and other elderly care services by calling an agency.

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

August is Happiness Happens Month –How Elderly Care Can Add Happiness to Life

Posted in Elder Care in Eufaula AL, Elderly Care in Eufaula AL, Happiness, Home Care Services in Eufaula AL, Senior Health |

August 7, 2018

| by

Everyone wants to be happy, right? That includes both senior citizens and their family caregivers. Unfortunately, sometimes the ailments that come with getting older can get a person down.

 

Home Care Services in Eufaula AL: Senior Happiness

Home Care Services in Eufaula AL: Senior Happiness

Seniors may find themselves stuck in the house because their medical conditions make it hard for them to get out. Or, they may suffer from chronic pain that makes it hard to focus on things that make them happy.

As for family caregivers, as much as they love the older adults they help to care for, being a caregiver is time-consuming and often difficult work. At times, it can seem like there’s little reason for older adults or their caregivers to be happy. But, here’s the thing, you and your loved one can lead happier lives just by bringing in the help of an elderly care provider. Wondering how an elderly care provider can make both you and your aging relative happier? Here are some ways they can help.

Reducing Stress for Older Adults

Older adults may experience stress because they worry about being ill and unable to care for themselves, they’re unable to keep up with household tasks, or because they worry about falling. An elderly care provider can relieve some of that stress by being a reliable source of aid. Elderly care providers can assist with everything from medication reminders, to cooking, to cleaning the house. They can also help older adults who are at risk for falling to move safely around the house.

Freeing Up Time for Caregivers

Caregivers often find themselves struggling to keep up with their jobs, family life, friends, and all of the responsibilities that come with being a family caregiver to an older adult. Elderly care can take on some of the caregiving tasks and fill in slots on the older adult’s care calendar, giving family caregivers more time for themselves.

Offering Support and Companionship

Some older adults find it difficult to get out of the house to see friends and family members. In addition, their circle of friends begins to shrink as old friends pass away or move to be with family. This can leave seniors feeling lonely and disconnected from the rest of the world. An elderly care provider can be a friendly companion who stops by regularly to visit and help with whatever is needed. Elderly care providers can simply sit and chat with the older adult. Or, they can play board games, cards, or do a craft with the senior.

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