What Effects Does Stress Have on Elderly Adults?

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

January 21, 2020

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

 

Caregiver in Elba AL: Stress on Elderly Adults

Caregiver in Elba AL: Stress on Elderly Adults

 

Worsened Immune System

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

 

Heart Issues

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

 

Hearing and Vision Loss

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

 

Digestive Problems

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

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

 

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

 

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

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

What Desserts Can Diabetics Eat?

Posted in Elder Care in Abbeville AL, Elderly Care in Abbeville AL, Homecare in Abbeville AL |

January 8, 2020

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When diagnosed with diabetes, many older adults immediately assume that anything containing sugar is off-limits. This can leave them mourning the loss of beloved desserts. The truth is that having diabetes doesn’t have to be about restrictions. Instead, it can be about moderation. This means that desserts aren’t off the table. Instead, older adults with diabetes need to make smarter choices. There are many kinds of desserts that won’t interfere with maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. Below are some tips that can help seniors with diabetes continue to enjoy desserts.

 

Homecare in Abbeville AL: Desserts Diabetics Can Eat

Homecare in Abbeville AL: Desserts Diabetics Can Eat

 

Keep it Small

The larger the serving of dessert the older adult eats, the more sugar they eat, too. By keeping portion sizes small, the seniors can enjoy the sweet flavor without throwing off their entire meal plan. It can help to serve desserts in smaller dishes since it can trick the senior’s eyes into thinking they are getting more. For example, instead of serving a piece of cake on a dinner plate, use smaller dessert plates or a teacup saucer, which is even smaller.

 

Make Dessert in Small Amounts

Cut recipes in half or even smaller. This prevents tempting desserts from hanging around the house for days. You might even consider making desserts in single portion sizes whenever possible. Family caregivers may want to prepare the dessert at their house and bring just one piece over for the seniors to enjoy. Another idea is to make the dessert with the senior and then share it with friends or neighbors. The older adult gets to enjoy the dessert and also gets the joy of the smile and gratitude of the person they share it with.

 

Plan Ahead

It’s important to know the older adult will be having dessert later in the day so that carbs can be reduced in other meals. In other words, balance the carbs in the dessert with other foods the senior eats throughout the day.

 

Choose Sugar-Free Desserts

Consider making sugar-free desserts, like a sugar-free hot chocolate or gelatin. Fruit is also a good choice, like some berries topped with sugar-free whipped topping. You can also bake desserts using sugar substitutes.

If your older family member has diabetes and also a bit of a sweet tooth, a home care provider can help them to balance the two. Home care providers can assist with making healthy meals that allow the older adult to enjoy a dessert now and then. In fact, the home care provider can prepare the dessert, too. In addition, the home care provider can remind the older adult to check their blood sugar level, so they know how the foods they eat affect their blood sugar.

 

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

Sources

https://www.healthline.com/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/

https://www.webmd.com/

Liver Health – Foods that Harm and Foods that Heal

Posted in Caregiver in Hartford AL, Home Health Care in Hartford AL |

December 19, 2019

| by

There are many kinds of liver diseases that can affect older adults, including hepatitis viruses.
Liver disease can be a serious problem that can lead to complications, including death. Liver health is extremely important since the liver performs a lot of vital functions, including breaking down toxins, making proteins and cholesterol, and storing nutrients. One way to help your aging relative to manage liver disease is through the foods they eat. Certain foods can improve liver health, but others can cause harm.

 

Home Health Care in Hartford AL: Liver Health

Home Health Care in Hartford AL: Liver Health

 

Healthy Food for Liver Disease

 

Oatmeal
Fiber is important to keep the liver performing at its best. Oatmeal contains a great deal of fiber. It has also been associated with helping people to lose weight, especially belly fat, which can improve liver health.

 

Coffee
If your older relative likes to start the day with a hot cup of coffee, there’s good news! Coffee is considered one of the healthiest beverages for the liver. Research indicates it reduces the risk of cirrhosis and may even protect against liver cancer.

 

Blueberries
Blueberries contain polyphenols. Polyphenols have been linked to protecting the liver from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Try adding a serving of blueberries to your older family member’s diet about three to four times per week.

 

Foods That Can Harm the Liver

 

Fatty Foods
Foods that contain a lot of saturated fat can harm the liver because they make it work harder. As time goes on, fatty foods can cause inflammation in the liver, which can then cause scarring. Scarring of the liver is known as cirrhosis.

 

Sugar
One of the jobs of the liver is to convert sugar into fat. When your aging relative eats too much sugar, the liver has to work harder. In addition, the excess fat made by the liver tends to hang around the liver, causing fatty liver disease.

 

Salt

Although the body needs some salt, many people eat more than they need. A diet high in salt has been associated with fibrosis, which is the beginning of scarring in the liver. Avoiding pre-packaged foods, using herbs and spices instead of salt, and eating fresh vegetables instead of canned are all good ways to cut back on salt in your aging relative’s diet.

Elder care can help your aging relative to eat a diet that supports the health of their liver. Elder care providers can assist with planning meals and going grocery shopping with the older adult. An elder care provider can even make your loved one’s meals and clean up the kitchen afterward.

 

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

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/

https://www.healthline.com/

https://www.livestrong.com/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

Are Smartphones to Blame When Elderly Can’t Sleep?

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

December 6, 2019

| by

Does your aging relative often seem tired during the day? Do they complain of not sleeping well at night? If so, they’re not alone. Researchers recently published a report indicating that more Americans than ever are having difficulty sleeping at night.

 

Home Care in Hartford AL: Are Smartphones to Blame?

Home Care in Hartford AL: Are Smartphones to Blame?

 

Smartphones May Be a Factor in Poor Sleep

According to a study published in the journal Sleep Health, the number of people who have difficulty falling asleep and of those who cannot stay asleep is rising. The study used data from around 165,000 adult people in the United States that was collected between 2013 and 2017. According to the data:

  • The number of people having trouble getting to sleep is up 1.4 percent.
  • The number of people who have trouble staying asleep is up 2.7 percent.

 

Those numbers might seem small. However, they equate to around 5 million more people are having trouble sleeping. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to some serious health problems, including heart disease.

The researchers don’t know exactly what is responsible for the rise in poor sleep. One possible culprit is smartphones and other devices. The blue light emitted from their screens affects melatonin levels. Usually, melatonin is released starting a few hours before bed. Melatonin levels are highest in the middle of the night, which should keep your aging relative asleep. However, if your aging relative is using their smartphone or tablet close to bedtime to read, use social media, or play games, the brain may not release as much melatonin, which could account for their sleep problems.

 

Evening Activities Senior Care Can Do with Older Adults

The National Sleep Foundation recommends shutting off devices in the hours before bedtime to improve sleep. So, what activities should older adults do before bedtime to keep them from getting bored and also improve sleep? There are plenty of things a senior care provider can do with your older family member near bedtime, like these activities:

  • A senior care provider and older adult can work on a jigsaw puzzle together.
  • Your aging relative’s senior care provider can read to them from a book, newspaper, or magazine.
  • Senior care providers can turn on soothing music and listen with the older adult.
  • Your aging relative and a senior care provider can look through photo albums together and reminisce about the past.

These are just a couple of activities that a senior care provider can do with your loved one. There are many other activities they can do together. If there’s a quiet activity your older family member likes to do, a senior care provider can assist them to engage in the activity during the evening hours.

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

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/

What Can You Do Right Now for Stress Relief?

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

November 22, 2019

| by

Managing stress is a big part of being a caregiver. If you weren’t already an expert, you’re going to become one over time.

 

Caregiver in Hartford AL: Stress Relief

Caregiver in Hartford AL: Stress Relief

 

Take a Moment and Breathe

You can take a second and check your breathing no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Just stop a minute and focus on your breathing. If you can leave the room and close your eyes, that’s even better. But if you can’t, just focus on keeping your breathing slow and even. In a few minutes, you’ll feel better able to cope.

 

Go Walk or Run it Off

If you can, go for a quick walk or run. This helps you to burn off the excess energy that anxiety likes to dump into your system. You can even find that your brain starts to clear a little bit. Part of this is because you’re getting your blood flowing a little bit better, but part of it has to do with chemicals. Your brain and your body release endorphins and other happy chemicals into your bloodstream when you move, so it helps more than you realize.

 

Eat Something Nutritious and Tasty

When did you eat last and what was it? If you can’t remember what you ate or you know that you ate something that was low in nutritive value, it’s time to change that. Go eat something that’s at least a little bit nutritious and that’s tasty. You want it to be delicious so that you’ll keep eating it and you want nutritive value so you’re giving your body what it really needs.

 

Reach out to Friends or Family

Take a quick second and reach out to friends and family. Let them know you’re having a bad day, even if you’re not comfortable fully sharing why or what’s going on. They may be able to offer you more comfort than you realize, just because you took the time to reach out. This doesn’t have to take long, either. A quick text message can help.

 

Line up Home Care Services Now

You’re stressed right now and you probably realize that you need more help. Stop what you’re doing and go line up help from home care services now, while you’re thinking about it. You might forget to do it later, but taking this step when you’re in need helps ensure it gets done.

Put together a toolbox you can dip into when you feel stress rising. You don’t have to make it complicated, but the solutions inside should be helpful for you.

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.

Could Senior Care Be the Answer for Your Senior’s Independence?

Posted in Caregiver in Geneva AL, Homecare in Geneva AL |

November 7, 2019

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Something your senior might not realize is that having help from home care providers can allow her to be more independent, rather than more dependent. It’s difficult for her to see that at first because she’s accepting help from someone else. But once she sees how that one shift can make a difference, she may be on board.

 

Homecare in Geneva AL: Your Senior’s Independence

Homecare in Geneva AL: Your Senior’s Independence

 

She Only Has So Much Energy

Some of the activities that are part of your elderly family member’s normal task list might be ones that she used to be able to take care of with no problem. As she ages, though, she’s only got so much energy to devote to those tasks. She may also have other ways she wants to spend her energy, even if those draining tasks aren’t really negotiable. Having someone else to help with the more difficult tasks really helps.

 

Her Mobility May Change Quickly

Mobility issues may not have been a problem for your senior in the past but that can change a lot more quickly than either of you might realize. That can have a huge impact on her ability to continue to do certain things, like taking care of household tasks. Leaving those tasks to elderly care providers means that your senior doesn’t have to challenge her mobility as much as she has been trying to in the past.

 

She Really Doesn’t Want to Feel Like She’s a Burden

One big reason your senior might be striving to be as independent as possible, even when she’s struggling, is that she doesn’t want to feel like she’s a burden to you and to other family members. It’s really difficult to go from living an independent life to suddenly needing a lot more help. Your elderly family member may be still getting a handle on how she can accept more help gracefully at times.

 

Lots of Tasks Might not Be Worth it Anymore

Your senior might have been willing to do things like vacuum every day to keep up with pet hair, but maybe that task doesn’t feel worth the energy expenditure any longer. It’s not that the task doesn’t still need doing, especially if she has breathing issues, but it might mean that she needs some more help making sure that task is handled.

Talk to your elderly family member about what she needs help doing and what tasks she’s willing to hand over to elderly care providers. It might help to explain to her how having some extra assistance can ensure that she’s able to do more of what she truly wants to do on her own.

 

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

Four Ways to Keep an Eye on Your Senior’s Mental Health

Posted in Caregiver in Ozark AL, Elderly Care in Ozark AL |

October 23, 2019

| by

Several different aspects of your senior’s life can help you to stay on top of how she’s doing overall. Her mental health is just one aspect to watch and there are little signs that can give you an idea of whether there might be more happening.

 

Caregiver in Ozark AL: Your Senior’s Mental Health

Caregiver in Ozark AL: Your Senior’s Mental Health

 

Her Environment Can Tell You a Lot

Your senior’s immediate environment could include her home, her favorite room in the house, or her car. All of these spots can give you a quick overview of how she might be doing mentally and emotionally. This is especially the case if her home has always been clean and tidy and now is the exact opposite. At the very least, your senior’s home can be a sign that you need to look into other aspects of her life.

 

Her Appearance Can Be a Clue

Besides your senior’s environment, her own personal appearance might have gradually undergone a change as well. Just as with her home, a formerly immaculate appearance might be more disheveled lately. Or your senior might just not seem as put together as she used to be. If she used to wear makeup or get her hair done regularly, that might not be happening now. Look for little signs that might indicate she’s having trouble.

 

What and How She’s Eating Matters

Nutrition is a cornerstone of health for your senior. If the foods that she’s eating are low in nutritional value, then she’s going to exhibit that in some way. She may be losing weight or otherwise less healthy in some way than she used to be. Take a quick look in your senior’s pantry and her refrigerator. The foods that she has on hand can give you a good overview of what she might be eating.

 

Social Isolation Is a Bad Sign

Something else to pay attention to is whether or not your senior is still being as social as she has been. Withdrawing from others can be a sign that your elderly family member is having a little more difficulty with certain aspects of her life than she did have. If she’s not talking about friends the same way that she used to, that might be because she’s not seeing them or talking to them as often. There might be reasons for that change.

All of these signs could be indications that your elderly family member needs a little more help than she has needed in the past. Hiring home care providers can help her to manage the day-to-day tasks that need to be handled. You might also want to talk to her doctor about the long-term impacts these situations might have on her mental health.

 

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

What Can Your Senior Do to Stay Safe and Active?

Posted in Elderly Care in Ozark AL, Home Care Services in Ozark AL |

October 9, 2019

| by

Keeping your elderly family member both active and safe is part of what you want to accomplish as a caregiver. There are some factors to consider that can make that task a lot easier for both of you.

 

Home Care Services in Ozark AL: Stay Safe and Active

Home Care Services in Ozark AL: Stay Safe and Active

 

Stand Slowly and Carefully

Anytime that your senior has been sitting or even lying down it’s a good idea for her to take her time getting up. Just trying to jump up and take off can leave her off balance and might lead to a fall. It’s a much better idea for her to slowly slide to the edge of the seat and carefully stand. If she needs any assistive devices, she should use those.

 

Wear the Right Shoes

The right shoes, particularly ones that fit properly, are vital for keeping her safe and allowing her to stay as active as she wants to be. Ideally, your senior’s shoes should have a non-slip sole and they should be comfortable. Make sure they’re neither too tight nor too loose as well.

 

Get Her Eyes Checked

If your elderly family member isn’t seeing well, it’s a lot more difficult for her to avoid obstacles, of course. That directly impacts her safety, but both of you might overlook how it impedes her ability to stay active, too. Encourage your senior to get her eyes checked regularly to ensure that her vision is corrected, if necessary.

 

Get Plenty of Quality Sleep

Sleep deprivation can be a big impediment in terms of both safety and activity for your senior. If she’s getting plenty of sleep, that’s going to help her to have the rest she needs in order to be more active. As she’s more active, that helps her to sleep well, so it’s a cycle you want to encourage.

 

Make Sure Her Medications Are Still Working for Her

It’s a good idea for your elderly family member to talk to her doctor regularly about her medications and how well they’re working for her. Over time, medications may start to affect her differently or they may interact with each other. Adjusting dosages or the medications themselves can help quite a bit.

 

Cut Back or Eliminate Alcohol

Some medications might cause worse side effects for your senior if she drinks alcohol. Some of those side effects could contribute to concerns about safety. Cutting back or eliminating alcohol completely might be the way to go.

It’s a good idea to help your senior to spend her time and her energy wisely. When she’s got help from elder care providers, they can handle the heavy-duty tasks and allow her to focus on staying as safe as possible while doing what she enjoys.

 

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

Tips on Caring for a Senior Who Has Arthritis

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

September 18, 2019

| by

According to the CDC, between 2013 to 2015, 54.4 million U.S. adults, had been told they had some form of arthritis. Caring for a senior who has arthritis can be tough. However, whether you are a family caregiver or home caregiver, there are some great tips for senior care, when it comes to helping someone who has arthritis.

 

Caregiver in Hartford AL: Senior Who Has Arthritis

Caregiver in Hartford AL: Senior Who Has Arthritis

 

#1 – Applying Heat or Cold

One of the things that might help you to care for a senior who has arthritis is to have them apply heat or cold to the area that is hurting. It depends on where the pain is coming from and how badly it is hurting, whether heat or cold will help better. Hot baths, heating pads, heated rice packs, frozen water bottles, and ice packs are all great ways to apply heat or cold.

 

#2 – Exercise

Many people avoid having seniors exercise. They believe it will make the pain worse. However, if you find the right exercise, it can actually benefit the person with arthritis. Before choosing certain exercises, though, your parent or the person you are caring for should have their doctor’s permission to exercise. Joint movement can help to reduce stiffness which can increase comfortability. It can also protect swollen joints, reduce fatigue, and improve overall movement, too. According to NCBI, without any exercise, joints are likely to deteriorate.

 

#3 – Losing Weight

If your parent or the person you are caring for is a bit overweight, helping them to lose weight can help to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the joints which leads to more pain. When it comes to senior care, having them exercise and helping them to eat right, can greatly improve the symptoms associated with arthritis.

 

#4 – Helpful Devices

There are some devices that can help with senior care when it comes to arthritis. Some help with buttoning shirts, others help with pulling up zippers, and still, others can extend that person’s reach. These devices reduce the stress that is put on their joints. You may want to get these devices for the senior you are caring for.

 

#5 – Changing Lifestyle Habits

Another tip is to have the senior in your life change their lifestyle habits. It might be helpful for them to do multiple activities in one day, with rests in between, instead of going out multiple days for activities. In addition, your parent or the person you are caring for could start asking for help more often for certain things. A handicapped parking sticker may help for someone with a more severe form of arthritis.

 

#6 – Getting a Home Caregiver

If the senior you are caring for has a severe form of arthritis, it may be time to get them a home caregiver. The home caregiver can help them with daily activities and other things that need to be done.

Using these tips on caring for a senior who has arthritis can help to reduce their pain and discomfort.

 

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.

 

Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Tips for Handling End-Stage Cancer in Your Parent

Posted in Caregivers in Dothan AL, Senior Care in Dothan AL |

September 3, 2019

| by

Handling and dealing with end-stage cancer in your parent can be one of the toughest things you ever do. However, there are some tips for handling this stage of cancer if you need them. While cancer will never get easier to deal with, especially in a loved one, it is with great hope that these tips can guide you in handling it better.

 

Senior Care in Dothan AL: Handling End-Stage Cancer

Senior Care in Dothan AL: Handling End-Stage Cancer

 

Acknowledge Dying and Death

Many people will ignore the words dying and death when they have a parent with end-stage cancer. The problem is, with end-stage cancer, this is what is happening. It can be one of the toughest things you ever have to deal with. However, ignoring the truth that is right in front of you, will make grieving all that much more difficult.

 

Expressing Your Emotions is Helpful

When your parent has end-stage cancer, it is helpful to express your emotions. The positive memories and sad emotions, too, should all be expressed. You may want to act like everything is going to be alright for your parent, but the truth must be put in motion. Your parent knows what is happening, they can feel it physically and emotionally. They don’t expect you to hide from your emotions, no matter what you are feeling.

 

Be Present

While it may be scary and frightening to watch your parent with end-stage cancer, being present in their last years, months, or days is crucial. Show them you love them and you care about them. When it comes to caregivers, family really does matter at all times.

 

Create Positive Conversations

While everything may seem depressing when your parent has end-stage cancer, it can be helpful to create positive conversations. Most of the time the talk may be about symptoms your parent is experiencing, doctor’s appointments, home care provider help, and other things like that. However, it doesn’t always have to be that way. You can increase the positivity in your parent’s last years, months, or days.

 

Listen to Messages Your Parent Has

In the final days, your parent may have messages they want to give to you or others. It is important for their peace of mind and yours that you listen to these messages and convey them appropriately.

 

Get Legal Documents in Order

It will make things easier when your parent passes away if you get legal documents in order ahead of time. Yes, it may be tough to think about doing this, but it is going to save you a lot of stress later on.

If your parent has end-stage cancer, this can be tough. As a family caregiver, you may be having a difficult time coping with it all. However, it is with the hope that these tips find you well. They may be able to help you handle your parent’s end-stage cancer and the entire situation better, as well.

 

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

 

Sources
Cancer.gov
Nia.nih.gov