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.

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

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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.

Common Foot Problems that Affect Seniors

Posted in Elder Care in Ozark AL, Home Care in Ozark AL, Senior Care in Ozark AL |

May 15, 2018

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Foot health is important at any age, but it may be especially important for older adults since foot problems can make them more likely to fall.

Older adults can have problems with their feet that are related to age or because of other medical conditions. Understanding common foot problems affecting seniors will allow you to ensure your aging relative’s feet stay as healthy as possible.

 

Senior Care in Ozark AL: Senior Foot Problems

Senior Care in Ozark AL: Senior Foot Problems

 

Age-Related Foot Changes

Just like other parts of the body, feet change as people age. Some of the ways your aging relative’s feet may have changed are:

-Feet spread and get wider with age. This can cause shoe sizes to change, so it’s important for older adults to have their feet measured each time they purchase new shoes. An elderly care provider can drive your family member to the shoe store and ensure they get shoes that fit well.

-The fatty pad that cushions the bottom of the foot becomes thinner, especially at the heel.

-The skin on the feet becomes thinner and more prone to injuries and infections.

-The tendons and ligaments in the feet lose their elasticity.

-Toenails get thicker and may become brittle.

 

Common Foot Problems

Foot problems occur frequently in older adults. Experts say that one-third of adults over the age of 65 experiences problems with their feet, like pain, stiffness, and achiness. Some common foot problems are:

Bunions: Bunions usually affect the big toe. They are either a bony growth or a bone that has become misaligned. Bunions can cause the big toe to bend toward the other toes.

Calluses and Corns: Thickened areas of skin that look yellowish.

Toenail Issues: Toenails may become ingrown or discolored.

Heel Pain: Heel pain is usually caused by heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.

Diabetic Foot Problems: People with diabetes may get ulcers on their feet, which may not heal easily. They can also lose feeling in their feet.

Hammertoes: Hammertoes occur when the senior’s toe joints cause the toe to curl under. Sometimes the toe will be flexible, but it may also be rigid. This can result in permanent deformity.

Elderly care providers can assist with your aging relative’s daily foot care. An elderly care provider can wash the feet with warm water and soap every day. Afterward, they can pat feet thoroughly dry to prevent fungal infections. An elderly care provider can also inspect the senior’s feet for any sores or problems they may not have noticed.


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

Sources

http://www.healthinaging.org/

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

https://www.uspharmacist.com

https://www.uwhealth.org

https://www.livestrong.com