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Tag: Senior Health

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

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

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.

Eldercare in Daleville ALHealthy Lifestyle ChoicesSenior Care in Daleville ALSenior Health

February is Low Vision Awareness Month: Ways to Help a Senior with Low Vision

Posted in Caregiver in Headland AL, Low Vision, Senior Care in Headland AL, Senior Eye care, Senior Health |

February 21, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

There are 4.2 million Americans over the age of 40 who have low vision. A person who has low vision cannot regain their eyesight with surgery, medication, contact lenses, or eyeglasses. The loss is permanent and affects their ability to do everyday things like reading, driving, cooking, and shopping. Being unable to do these things causes them to lose some of their independence and may lead to anxiety and depression. Understanding vision loss and how to help your aging relative can improve their quality of life and reduce the psychological impact.

 

Caregiver in Headland AL: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

Caregiver in Headland AL: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

 

Causes of Low Vision

There are several conditions that can cause low vision in older adults. Some of them are:

 

Macular Degeneration: This condition affects a part of the retina called the macula, which is the part of the eye that allows for clear, sharp central vision. Macular degeneration makes vision blurry. Some people also experience a blind spot in their vision.

 

Diabetic Retinopathy: When a person has diabetes, it can cause extra tiny blood vessels to develop in the retina. These blood vessels can leak and interfere with vision.

 

Cataracts: Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which means that light doesn’t reach the retina as easily, causing a general loss of vision.

 

Glaucoma: Glaucoma damages the optic nerve. It happens when pressure builds up in the eye because of problems with fluids draining or when the optic nerve isn’t receiving enough blood.

 

Helping a Senior with Low Vision

One way to help a senior with low vision to live a better life and continue to be as independent as possible is to hire senior care. There are many things a senior care provider can do to assist with daily activities, such as:

 

Ensuring the House is Well Lit: Keeping the house brightly lit can help a senior to better use the vision they have left. A senior care provider can help with this by turning on lamps and lights. They can also change light bulbs that have burned out.

 

Keeping the House Clutter-Free: A person with low vision is more likely to trip over items that are in the way. A senior care provider can keep the house tidy by picking up things left lying around and organizing messy areas.

 

Helping Them Stay Active: Being unable to see may cause a senior to become less active than they once were. A senior care provider can help them to continue being active by accompanying them on walks or driving them to fitness classes.

Reading: A senior care provider can read to the older adult. They can read mail, medication instructions, newspapers, and books to your aging relative.

Even with vision loss, your loved one can lead a full and happy life. A senior care provider can be an important part of their daily care. Senior care providers can ensure the older adult is able to remain safely at home, even when you cannot be there to help.

 

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

 

Sources

https://nei.nih.gov

http://www.allaboutvision.com

https://www.enhancedvision.com

https://www.aoa.org

Caregiver in Headland ALEyesLow VisionSenior Care in Headland ALSenior Eye CareSenior Health

Hip Fractures in the Elderly

Posted in Caregiver in Enterprise AL, Hip Fractures, Senior Health |

January 18, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

Few things are more devastating to an elderly adult than a hip fracture. This serious injury is common in those over age 65 and becomes more likely the older they get. Not only is the injury itself traumatic to the body, the recovery is difficult and long. Medical researchers have linked geriatric hip fractures to all kinds of additional health problems as well as increased mortality rates.

Family caregivers that look after an elderly relative will often have to deal with their loved one’s injury as they help them through recovery. When an aging relative has suffered a hip fracture, caregivers must focus on helping them recover from this injury and prevent it from happening again.

 

Caregiver in Enterprise AL: Elderly Hip Fractures

Caregiver in Enterprise AL: Elderly Hip Fractures

 

Risk Factors for a Broken Hip

Elderly adults are more likely to break a hip for several reasons. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes the bones to weaken and become more brittle. Women are more likely to develop the disease and, not coincidentally, are more likely to suffer from a broken hip. Numerous chronic conditions also make elderly adults less steady on their feet, boosting the possibility of a slip and fall. Medications can also cause the elderly to be less steady on their feet, and slower reflexes mean that when they fall, they can’t react in time to catch themselves.

Other risk factors for seniors include weakened leg muscles, fluctuations in blood pressure that cause dizziness, poor vision, and substance abuse. Broken hips are considered a severe injury for the elderly because of the impact it has on the body. It also takes longer for them to recover because their aging bodies simply aren’t as efficient as they once were at repairing bones.

 

Treatment of Hip Fractures

To repair a broken hip, the doctor will recommend surgery as a necessary treatment option. The type of surgery depends on the break, but it is usually to put in a pin to keep the bones lined up in the proper position. Similarly, the surgeon may use a plate and screws to bring the bones together. In some cases, the elderly patient may require a hip replacement surgery. The recovery can take many months where the elderly person is not mobile. They will need home care assistance to be able to complete their daily tasks.

Hip surgery is quite risky in elderly adults, and there are many things that can go wrong due to the patient’s age and overall health. Risks of hip surgery include developing blood clots, infections and additional damage to the bone. Sometimes, the elderly person’s health puts them at risk and surgeons fear that the operation may do more harm. However, if it is at all possible, doctors recommend hip surgery because it is much riskier to avoid the surgery.

There’s no doubt that a broken hip can completely change the life of an elderly adult, as well as their family caregiver. However, with a good support network of doctors, physical therapists, home care assistance, family members and community services, an aging adult has the best chance of making a full recovery.

 

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

 

Source:
Mdedge.com

 

Caregiver in Enterprise ALHip FracturesSenior Health

January is Thyroid Awareness Month – Here’s What You Should Know

Posted in Elderly Care Geneva AL, Senior Health, Thyroid Awareness Month |

January 9, 2018

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

Thyroid Awareness Month is here. What do you know about your thyroid? According to the American Thyroid Association, about 20 million men and women in the U.S. have a thyroid disease. About 40 percent know they have a problem. Could your mom or dad be one of the 60 percent who doesn’t know they have a thyroid disease?

 

Elderly Care Geneva AL: Thyroid Awareness Month

Elderly Care Geneva AL: Thyroid Awareness Month

 

 

What Does the Thyroid Do?

The thyroid gland is responsible for helping the body keep warm, use energy properly, and help with organ health. The hormones released by this gland helps regulate your respiratory rate, pulse, cholesterol levels, weight gain and loss, and muscle strength. That’s just a start.

When the thyroid fails to work properly, a person may become anxious or moody, deal with depression, deal with insomnia, become constipated, or experience many other symptoms depending on if hormone levels are too high or too low.

 

What Are the Common Thyroid Diseases?

Thyroid diseases are numerous. For adults, there are things like Grave’s Disease, different forms of thyroid cancer, goiters, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are very common and often linked to conditions like goiter or Grave’s disease.

Generally, the bigger issues are hyperthyroidism (hormone production is too high) and hypothyroidism (hormone production is too low). Blood tests are needed to determine if thyroid hormone levels are off.

 

-Hyperthyroidism affects about 1.2 percent of the men and women in the U.S. It’s more common in people with a family history of hyperthyroidism. It’s also more common in women over the age of 60. It should be treated as one of the symptoms is a rapid or irregular heart rhythm that can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

 

-Hypothyroidism is most common in men and women over the age of 60, though it can occur at any age. It affects about 4.6 percent of the population. It’s also most common in women. Typically, goiters (enlargement of the thyroid) or Hashimoto’s disease are key causes of hypothyroidism.

 

-Hashimoto’s disease affects approximately 1 out of every 20 Americas. It’s an autoimmune disorder that is most common in women over the age of 40. The key complain is hypothyroidism. Symptoms are mild at first, but they can progress to weight gain, depression, lethargy, feeling cold, memory issues, and a slower pulse. Left untreated, hypothyroidism can increase cholesterol levels.

 

What Can You Do?

If your mom or dad seems to have unexplained symptoms like weight gain or loss, anxiety, or an unusual pulse, talk to their doctor. The test for thyroid disease is simple.

If thyroid disease is discovered, make sure your parent follows through with the treatment. If taking medications on time is a problem, caregivers can provide medication reminders as one of the many services. Caregivers can also bring your mom or dad to medical appointments. Learn more by calling your local home care agency.

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

 

Sources:
thyroid.org
niddk.nih.gov
niddk.nih.gov
niddk.nih.gov

Elderly Care Geneva ALSenior HealthThyroid Awareness Month

How Can You Start to Assess Your Senior’s Needs?

Posted in Caregiver Tips, Elder Care in Abbeville AL, Senior Health |

December 21, 2017

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

Determining what your aging adult needs and what it’s going to take in order to help her is a giant task. As her caregiver, you’ll need to break it down into steps that help you to see the whole picture.

 

Elder Care in Abbeville AL: Caregiver Tips

Elder Care in Abbeville AL: Caregiver Tips

Talk with Her Doctor

Setting up a meeting with your aging adult’s doctor can help you to understand exactly what’s going on with her health. Be sure that you ask about the immediate and longer-term future, too. The more information that you have in order to make decisions, the better.

 

What Types of Assistance Are Necessary

Your aging adult may need a variety of different types of assistance ranging from frequent doctor’s appointments to hospital visits, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. It may be time for your aging adult to stop driving, which means that help with transportation could become an issue now. If she’s no longer able to cook for herself, help with meal preparation or meal delivery is vital.

 

Look at Who Can Provide that Assistance

As your senior’s primary family caregiver, it’s possible that the bulk of what your senior needs will fall to you to carry out for her. But you’re only one person and as much as you may want to do everything yourself, that’s just not reasonable. Getting help from other family members, elderly care providers, and friends can help you to ensure that all of the bases get covered.

 

Determine if Home Modifications Are in Order

Depending on the needs your aging adult has, she may need some home modifications to make her home safer or more secure. Doing this properly helps her to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible, which is frequently a goal for aging adults.

 

Revisit the Process Periodically

This is a process you’ll need to revisit periodically as your needs change, as your senior’s needs change, and as her health changes. Setting aside time quarterly or even just a couple of times a year can help you to think through what’s changed for your aging adult and to respond accordingly.

Take a deep breath and remember to be good to yourself as you learn to be a caregiver. You’re doing something amazing for your aging adult and need to give yourself time to learn the ropes.

 

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

Caregiver TipsElder Care in Abbeville ALSenior Health

Seeking Out Support After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Posted in Alzheimers, Elderly Care in Dothan AL, Senior Health |

December 6, 2017

| by Thad and Allyson Johnson

The moment that you find out that your aging loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease is truly life-changing. From that moment you know that their needs will increase and change as the disease progresses, and with them, your care efforts will need to increase as well. As their family caregiver, this will likely turn your thoughts to putting plans into place to handle these challenges, ensure your parent’s health and safety, and prepare for their future needs.

 

 

Elderly Care in Dothan AL: Caregiver Assistance After Alzheimer's Diagnosis

Elderly Care in Dothan AL: Caregiver Assistance After Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

 

As their adult child, you are also going to think about the way that this disease will change their lives and impact the plans that they might have had for their later years. Both perspectives can be very difficult and leave you facing serious stress that can have a potentially negative effect on your physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.

 

Finding support can help you to ease this stress and cope with the difficulties that you will face.

 

Seeking support for an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis is not just important for you. Your elderly adult will also encounter their own emotions and reactions to this diagnosis and to the thoughts of how it will impact them as they progress. Support can help them to deal with these emotions in a healthy way and guide them through recognizing that life can still be fulfilling, meaningful, and valuable as they live with this disease.

 

Sources for support?

There are many sources for the support that you can seek out after this diagnosis. Friends and family and spiritual sources can be valuable, as can formal support groups. Utilizing a support group designed for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and those caring for them gives you the opportunity to receive support and encouragement from those who understand what both of you are going through, and to feel safe and comfortable expressing yourself and what you are going through.

 

Is respite care for you?

While you can seek support along with your parent, it is also beneficial for you to receive support on your own. This way you can discuss the issues that you are facing and your own stress without worrying about offending or upsetting your parent. This is an ideal time to utilize respite care so that your parent will continue to receive the care and support that they need while you take care of yourself and guard your own health and well-being for the challenging journey ahead.

 

How can elderly care help?

If you have recently learned that your aging parent is living with Alzheimer’s disease, or they have been progressing through the stages and their challenges have increased, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting senior care for them.

A senior home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they get all of the care, support, and assistance they need to handle their challenges and needs now and prepare them for their continued progression into the future. As their family caregiver, this can give you tremendous peace of mind and confidence that your senior is getting everything they need both when you are able to be with them and when you are not so they can enjoy the most active, fulfilling, and healthy quality of life possible as they age in place.

 

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

Sources:
www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_diagnosis.asp

Alzheimer'sElderly Care in Dothan ALSenior Health
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