What Does Vitamin D Have to Do with Kidney Health?

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

May 20, 2020

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

 

Homecare in Elba AL: Vitamin D and Kidney Health

Homecare in Elba AL: Vitamin D and Kidney Health

 

The Link Between Vitamin D and Kidneys

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

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

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

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

Other Ways to Support Kidney Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

Honoring Hard Work During National Family Caregivers Month

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

November 19, 2018

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

 

Homecare in Elba AL: National Family Caregivers Month

Homecare in Elba AL: National Family Caregivers Month

 

Who Needs Family Caregivers?

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

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

 

Family Caregiving is Rewarding but Difficult

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

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

 

In-Home Care Provider Services Help

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

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

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