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Senior Health

What Causes Pericarditis?

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

January 8, 2019

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

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/

Homecare in Headland ALSenior Care in Headland ALWhat Causes Pericarditis?

Simple Holiday Celebrations for Seniors with Dementia

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

December 24, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

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.

Caregiver in Hartford ALDementiaHolidays

Exercise and Diet Are Important for Healthy Joints

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

October 16, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

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.

Elderly Care in Ozark ALExerciseSenior Health

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 Thad and Allyson Johnson

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.

Elder Care in Eufaula ALElderly Care in Eufaula ALHappiness Happens MonthHome Care Services in Eufaula ALSenior Health

FAQs About Arthritis in Aging Adults

Posted in Arthritis, Home Care in Ozark AL, Home Health Care in Ozark AL, Senior Care in Ozark AL, Senior Health |

July 16, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

Affecting millions of elderly adults across the United States, arthritis is one of the most common diseases around. Characterized by stiff and painful joints, arthritis is definitely a condition that most people are familiar with. If you are a family caregiver that looks after an aging relative with arthritis, you should learn everything you can about the condition so that you can help them manage it effectively.

 

Home Health Care in Ozark AL: Arthritis in Aging Adults

Home Health Care in Ozark AL: Arthritis in Aging Adults

 

Here are some frequently asked questions about arthritis in aging adults that can help you become more familiar about the disease and some of the most effective management strategies:

 

Q: What exactly is arthritis?

A: Arthritis describes more than 100 different joint-related conditions. Arthritis relates to stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints, the cushioned areas where bones come together. Arthritis ranges from mild to severe and generally progresses over many years.

 

Q: What causes arthritis?

A: There is no known cause of arthritis, although there are many risk factors that may increase the likelihood that someone would develop it. Risk factors include age, obesity, genetic and family history, previous injury to bones and joints and bone abnormalities. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for arthritis.

 

Q: How does arthritis affect aging adults?

A: Arthritis usually starts out mild with light pain and swelling. It may affect an elderly person’s ability to do some basic tasks, such as open cans or write. As the disease progresses, aging adults may be limited physically in what they can do, such as clean the house, prepare meals, drive and get dressed. Many families hire senior care providers to help their relatives with arthritis accomplish daily tasks.

 

Q: How is arthritis treated?

A: Seniors should talk about a treatment plan with their doctor. They usually recommend anti-inflammatory medicine, pain relievers and any other drugs that may help with the symptoms. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise can also help an elderly person’s body live with arthritis.

 

Q: What can seniors do to minimize the symptoms?

A: Seniors can maintain a proper weight and exercise. Experts agree that those are some of the best things that can be done to minimize the impact of arthritis. Massage, physical therapy, heat treatments and even acupuncture may also help elderly adults live better with arthritis.

 

Q: How can family caregivers help?

A: Managing arthritis isn’t easy and family caregivers can play a big part in minimizing the effects of arthritis in their elderly loved ones. Besides being on hand to help them with day to day tasks, family caregivers can ensure they have proper senior care providers in place when they are needed. Keeping up with regular doctor appointments is critical in keeping arthritis under control.

 

Q: Can seniors still have a good quality of life with arthritis?

A: Yes, aging adults can still live the kind of life they’ve always wanted with arthritis. Many people find the balance of senior care assistance, medicine, exercise, diet, and more to enjoy aging in their own home and doing what they want, despite their arthritis.

 

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

ArthritisHome Care in Ozark ALHome Health Care in Ozark ALSenior Care in Ozark ALSenior Health

What Do You Need to Remember about Being a Caregiver?

Posted in Caregiver in Enterprise AL, Home Care in Enterprise AL, Senior Care in Enterprise AL, Senior Health |

June 19, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

There might seem to be a lot of rules about being a caregiver, but they’re more guidelines for helping yourself and your elderly family member to have the best experience possible.

 

Home Care in Enterprise AL: Caregiver Efficiency

Home Care in Enterprise AL: Caregiver Efficiency

 

Accepting Your Role as a Caregiver Is Powerful

Being a caregiver is a big responsibility. It may also be one that you were thrust into without much warning or without being asked. That can leave you feeling resentful, even if you’re trying your best to be a good caregiver. Learning to accept this role, from the heart and truly, can be a turning point for you. It’s a chance to make a real choice.

 

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good Sleep

There are a lot of situations that feel entirely impossible until you’ve slept on it. When you’re a caregiver, you very often aren’t giving yourself the time and the space you need in order to get the sleep that you need. Try getting a good night of sleep for just one night and see what happens.

 

Give Yourself Grace

You’re going to mess up. If you go ahead and get that out of the way at the very beginning, it can be easier to accept later. There is no such thing as a perfect caregiver and if you’re shooting for perfection, you’re going to be very disappointed. Give yourself the same grace that you would give to someone else.

 

Remember There Are Professionals Who Can Help

You don’t have to do everything alone. If your senior’s home is not set up in a way that is functional for her, there are professional organizers who specialize in elderly concerns. If you’re overwhelmed with an ever-growing task list, then home care providers can lighten that load. There are always professional helpers available if you look for them.

 

Practice Forgiveness

Caregiving is not for the faint of heart. Chances are very good that you have a long relationship with your care recipient and that things weren’t always rosy. Do what you can to forgive, when it makes sense to do so. You’re going to need the grace of that forgiveness to help with some of the harder times along your caregiving journey.

If you’re still having trouble with the overwhelming aspects of being a caregiver, it might be time to reach out to a counselor or a therapist who can help. There’s no shame in this and you can learn how to accept your responsibilities as a caregiver much more readily.

 

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

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Varicose Veins and Elderly Adults

Posted in Elder Care in Eufaula AL, Elderly Care in Eufaula AL, Homecare in Eufaula AL, Senior Health |

May 1, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

One of the most common leg vein problems for seniors is varicose veins.

Health problems due to varicose veins range from mild to severe, but seniors have a higher risk of complications. Because every case of varicose veins is different, it’s hard for a non-medical person to determine whether they are serious or not. That’s why family caregivers must always be on the lookout for new symptoms in their elderly loved ones and get them to a doctor for an exam.

 

Homecare in Eufaula AL: Varicose Veins

Homecare in Eufaula AL: Varicose Veins

 

What are Varicose Veins?

A person’s legs are a web of veins that carry blood to and from the heart. Some veins are deep inside the leg, while others are on the surface. When surface veins become abnormally wide, it results in a condition known as varicose veins. The wall of the veins weakens, making it harder for the valves to push blood upward and against gravity. When this blood pools in the legs, it makes it harder for oxygen-rich new blood to circulate.

Family members and senior care assistants can recognize varicose veins as enlarged, purplish-blue veins. They are often surrounded by smaller spider veins. If left untreated, varicose veins can cause serious health problems.

When blood vessels remain dilated for long periods of time, it can lead to symptoms like swelling and discomfort, itchiness, fatigue and inflammation. Over time and without treatment, varicose veins can lead to discoloration of the skin, stiffening of leg tissue, and spontaneous bleeding. In severe cases, varicose veins can lead to venous leg ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. It’s important for family caregivers and senior care assistants who notice varicose veins in an elderly person’s leg to get it checked out.

Prevention and Treatment of Varicose Veins in the Elderly

Typical treatments for varicose veins vary depending on the severity of the condition. There are minimally invasive techniques available that can effectively deal with the varicose veins. Some of the self-help treatments include wearing compression stockings, losing weight, elevating the legs and not sitting for long periods of time.

In more serious cases, surgery may be needed to take care of the problem. Fortunately, surgical treatment for seniors with varicose veins is usually an outpatient procedure or at least a single night stay at the hospital. By incorporating laser procedures in surgery, recovery is fast with minimal invasion.

Of course, the best thing that family caregivers and elderly adults can do about varicose veins is to practice good health habits that prevent them from forming or from getting worse. Diet and exercise are the two most important ways to prevent varicose veins, as is elevating the legs when sitting. However, elderly adults that are less mobile may have a hard time sticking to an exercise plan, so the other prevention methods become even more important. Family caregivers should support their elderly loved ones by doing what they can to spot them and then get medical attention for them as soon as possible.

 

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

Source:

https://www.centerforvein.com

Homecare in Eufaula ALSenior care in Eufaula ALSenior HealthVaricose Veins

Could Your Parent’s Poor Judgment be a Sign of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Posted in Alzheimers, Caregiver in Geneva AL, Elderly Care Geneva AL, Elderly Care in Geneva AL, Senior Health |

April 18, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

Imagine the following situation happening with your aging parent.

You got to their home to care for them as you do regularly and find a note from their bank that their account has been overdrawn. You check the account and find large transactions for companies that you do not recognize. When you ask your parent about it, they explain that the companies called them and told them that they needed to purchase a wonderful drug that will help with their arthritis or that their computer has a virus and that they needed to pay a large sum to get it fixed.

 

Elderly Care in Geneva AL: Senior Alzheimer's Signs

Elderly Care in Geneva AL: Senior Alzheimer’s Signs

 

This situation would be frustrating for any family caregiver, but it should also be a moment to stop and evaluate your parent’s health.

If something like this happened you might immediately think that they have been scammed or that they simply don’t understand technology or medicine. While this might be true and is the reason that the elderly are a target for scammers, it may also be something more. Issues like this are signs of poor judgment, which could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Monitoring your parent’s decisions and behaviors can give you insight into their condition and help you determine if they may need to be evaluated by a doctor to determine if they may be at the beginning of this progressive disease.

 

Some other signs of poor judgment to look out for include:

-Not grooming themselves properly

-Applying garish cosmetics

-Gambling

-No longer following basic safety guidelines such as walking out into traffic

-Sending large amounts of money to televangelists

-Buying excessively from TV programs

-Eating strange things such as canned food straight from the can or a bowl of cake batter rather than baking the cake

 

Elder care can be a fantastic way to help your aging parent achieve and maintain a better quality of life as they age in place.

An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they have access to the level of care, support, and assistance that is right for them as they cope with their individual needs, challenges, and limitations, and seek out more independence and fulfillment throughout their later years. As their family caregiver, this can give you tremendous peace of mind knowing that your aging parent will be able to pursue a lifestyle that is active, engaged, and healthy, while also knowing that they will have all of the care that they need both when they are with you and when they are not.

 

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

Source:

https://www.alz.org

Elderly Care in Geneva ALSenior Alzheimer's SignsSenior care in Geneva AL

How Can I Help My Aging Relative Avoid Loneliness? 

Posted in Elder Care in Daleville AL, Home Care in Daleville AL, Senior Activities, Senior Care in Daleville AL, Senior Health, Senior Loneliness |

April 5, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

Loneliness is not usually something that people believe can affect a person’s physical health.

However, studies show that chronic loneliness leaves a lasting impact on the body. Elderly adults are most likely to experience loneliness day after day due to several factors. The good news is that family caregivers can do a lot to make sure their aging relative can avoid loneliness.

 

Elder Care in Daleville AL: Seniors and Loneliness

Elder Care in Daleville AL: Seniors and Loneliness

 

Because loneliness has the potential to negatively affect the health and wellness of elderly adults, family caregivers must take an active role in promoting social interaction for them. Because many seniors are limited by illness, injury and the effects of aging, the need help to stay active and involved socially.

Here are some ways that family caregivers can help their aging relatives avoid loneliness:

 

Arrange for Transportation

One of the main causes of loneliness in elderly adults is that they are physically isolated. Often, they are no longer able or willing to drive to do something social. If they can’t go see their friends, attend a community event or make it to family gatherings, it is really hard to maintain those social connections. Family caregivers can arrange to give them rides or hire a home care assistant that can drive the elderly adult anytime they need to go.

 

Adopt a Pet

Numerous studies show the health benefits of owning a dog or cat and seniors can especially benefit. Seniors are less likely to be depressed and enjoy better health with a pet in their lives. Pets, especially dogs, are an excellent way for seniors to get up and out the door, meeting people in parks and on walks.

 

Encourage Hobbies

Many hobbies take place in a social setting, so if elderly adults are beginning to feel the effects of isolation, family members can encourage them to maintain or start one. From quilting, scrapbooking, and dancing to photography, genealogy, and golf, hobbies provide seniors with a sense of purpose and the motivation to get involved.

 

Adapt to Physical Limitations

Many seniors stop being social because they physically can’t overcome the effects of old age enough to engage. Examples include poor vision, hearing loss, or bad balance. Other factors like arthritis, diabetes, incontinence, chronic pain and more may make seniors feel like they are better off staying home. Different adaptive technology, from hearing aids and wheelchairs to incontinence supplies and cataract surgery can give seniors confidence in socially integrating once again.

 

Hire a Home Care Assistant

Family members may want to spend all kinds of time with their aging relative but other responsibilities prevent that. One of the best ways to alleviate loneliness in the elderly adult is to work out in-home care services with a reputable agency. Not only can a home care aide clean, cook and drive, but they can be companions. Professional home care aides will show interest and compassion for seniors and make sure they are not so socially isolated.

Family caregivers don’t need to worry about loneliness overcoming their aging loved one when they take steps to help. Especially with a home care aide on the scene, seniors can enjoy a rich and a fulfilling social life for many years.

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

Source:

https://www.aarp.org

Elder Care in Daleville ALSenior Care in Daleville ALSeniors and Loneliness

Simple Healthy Lifestyle Choices Your Parent Can Make Every Day

Posted in Home Care in Daleville AL, Senior Activities, Senior Care in Daleville AL, Senior Health |

March 21, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

One of the most important things that you can do as a family caregiver helps your parent live a healthy lifestyle. Making good choices and taking responsibility for their health encourages your parent to live their best quality of life as they age in place. For many people, the thought of switching to a healthy lifestyle can seem daunting. Fortunately, this does not have to be the case. You can help your parent make simple healthy lifestyle choices every day, and a home care provider can support your parent in making and maintaining these choices.

 

Senior Care in Daleville AL: Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Senior Care in Daleville AL: Healthy Lifestyle Choices

 

Some simple healthy lifestyle choices that your parent can make every day include:

-Start the day with a healthy breakfast packed with protein. This will give your parent the sustained energy that they need to get through their morning and help to curb cravings that might lead them to overeat later

-Eat healthy, controlled snacks throughout the day to keep their blood sugar even, maintain energy levels, get in as much balanced nutrition as possible, and prevent overeating

-Cut out as many processed foods as possible and rely on whole ingredients

-Shoot for as many steps as they can each day. This can mean parking further out in parking lots, circling the block a few times each evening, or even just walking through the house during the day

-Avoid smoking

-Get in enough water. Don’t count beverages such as caffeinated coffee as part of their hydration for the day

-Avoid soda and other carbonated beverages

-Use germ control methods including washing their hands regularly, using waterless hand sanitizer, avoiding contact with people who have been ill, and keeping the home clean

-Choose cleaning products with natural ingredients more frequently than those with harsh chemicals as these chemicals can cause irritation to the skin, lungs, and eyes

 

If your aging parent has developed needs and challenges that you are unable to fulfill, a changing schedule has made it so that you are no longer able to give you a parent to the level of care that you previously could, your own limitations make it difficult to fulfill your care needs, or you simply believe that your parent would benefit from more diversified support and assistance, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting home care for them.

 

An in-home senior care services provider can be with your parent when it is right for them according to their needs as well as the care that you already give them. This enables them to give your parents a highly personalized set of services designed to specifically address their individual needs in the ways that are right for them. this care can include transportation, meal preparation, assistance with personal care needs, mobility support, medication reminders to help them to remain compliant, help with running errands, and more.

 

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

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