Homecare: How To Help Seniors Manage Stress?

Posted in Homecare, Senior Stress |

January 18, 2022

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Homecare: Understanding stress and how it can affect seniors is the first step in figuring out how to help your parents manage stress.

There may be things that you don’t even know about going on. Maybe they can no longer work their homes on their own but refuse to move, perhaps they cannot cook for themselves, or maybe they refuse to ask you for help in fear of being a burden. Homecare service providers can help reduce some of the stress a senior feels, but there are also things you can do on your own.

 

Homecare in Ozark AL: Senior Stress

Homecare in Ozark AL: Senior Stress

 

Many seniors want to age in place, and that is an understandable desire. Going to a senior community or nursing home is not always a comforting thought. 24-hour home care can be a better option for seniors who want to remain independent, but that doesn’t always solve all of the issues causing a senior stress in life.

Chronic stress can be severe and even deadly for seniors. Chronic stress is defined as “A consistent sense of feeling pressured and overwhelmed over a long period of time.” Many symptoms come from having chronic stress, and that is why it can be so essential to help your loved ones manage the stress in their lives. This may mean you hire extra help or spend more time with them to help limit the chronic stress they feel. Here are some tips to help you understand how you might help a senior dealing with an enormous amount of stress.

Evaluate Diet

Believe it or not, some foods can induce stress whereas fresh whole foods can help limit stress and become overall healthier. Things like sugar release more cortisol which controls blood sugar and stress levels. When you add more into your diet your blood sugar and stress levels may spike. It is best to understand what foods may cause a senior unnecessary stress and eat alternative foods.

Evaluate Sleep

It is crucial for seniors to get adequate sleep. There is some myth out there that says seniors need less sleep than everyone else. That is not entirely true. As someone ages their sleeping patterns may change, they may go to bed earlier and get up earlier but they still need that rest to shut down for the night and re-energize for the next day. Loss of sleep can cause stress and anxiety that a senior shouldn’t have to deal with.

Find Activities

Activities for seniors to socialize in or meet new people may keep them from feeling stress. Sometimes a senior can stress because they are not focused on something proactive or they have too much time to sit and stress. Sometimes it is best to become distracted especially when the stressors are out of the family’s control. Encourage the seniors to get out and have hobbies.

Homecare: Organize The Space

Seniors who want to stay at home should try to avoid clutter. A simple thing like going through things purging and organizing can help limit the stress a senior feels daily. It may be something you can do together.

 

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

 

Sources:

https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/stress-disorder

Tips for Keeping Your Senior Safe While Gardening

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

April 15, 2019

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Gardening is a wonderful activity for older adults. It gets them out in the fresh air and sun, promotes physical exercise, stimulates their mind, and gives them something to feel proud of. As with anything else, however, it is important for you to recognize potential risks associated with gardening and take steps in your caregiver efforts to minimize these risks and keep your parent safer.

 

Homecare in Ozark AL: Senior Safe While Gardening

Homecare in Ozark AL: Senior Safe While Gardening

 

Use these tips to keep your senior safe while gardening:

  • Make sure your parent is properly protected from the sun. This includes sunscreen, a hat with a wide brim, and clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
  • Make sure your parent is properly protected from the dangers of bug bites with a high-quality bug spray applied to the skin and clothing prior to going outside.
  • Check the area around the garden to detect any signs of potentially dangerous pets such as rodents or snakes. Make sure these are managed properly before your parent spends time gardening.
  • Discourage your senior from gardening during the time of day when the sun is at its most intense, which is usually between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. This can quickly become a dangerous situation for seniors, who are more vulnerable to heat and sun exposure than younger people.
  • If your parent struggles with mobility or cognitive issues, discourage them from gardening by themselves. Having someone with them will help to reduce risks and handle situations that may arise effectively.
  • If your parent is going to do their gardening independently, make a habit of them letting you know when they are going out and when they come back in. This way you can monitor the time and check in if you are concerned about them.

 

Caregiver guilt is a very real thing, but you should never feel guilty of reaching out for help.

Caring for an elderly adult is rarely something one person can manage, and if you are taking care of your senior parent while also fulfilling other responsibilities such as raising your children, managing your career, and also taking care of yourself, it can be overwhelming.

Getting help from a home care provider can be one of the best decisions you can make for your senior and yourself. The care provided by this professional meets your senior’s needs in ways that are meaningful, respectful, and personalized, and also gives you the time, flexibility, and freedom you need. This means a better life and a stronger relationship for both of you, which is something you should never feel guilty about.

 

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