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Month: September 2020

Foot Care Tips for Your Elderly Loved One

Posted on by Craig Bass

Proper foot care is important for your elderly loved one. Unfortunately, caring for the feet is a commonly overlooked. The better foot health your loved one has, the more active they can be. As people get older, they can develop a wide range of issues with their feet. Some of the common foot issues elderly people have include bone spurs, bunions, and more. If these issues aren’t treated properly, they could cause mobility problems for your elderly loved one. Mobility can help your elderly loved one to stay social and to be healthier. The good news is that you and elderly care providers can help your loved one to maintain proper foot care.

Going to the Podiatrist

One of the ways to ensure that your elderly loved one is getting the best foot care is by making sure they are going to the podiatrist regularly. The podiatrist will check your elderly loved one’s feet for any concerns. If there is a problem, they will give your loved one the proper treatments.

Daily Feet Inspections

Does your elderly loved one have diabetes? If so, it is important to know that people with diabetes have a higher risk of feet issues. You should encourage your elderly loved one to inspect their feet every day. Diabetics often have severe feet issues that can even cause an amputation to be needed. It is essential that you help your elderly loved one avoid this at all costs.

No Barefoot Walking

Your elderly loved one needs to walk with proper footwear. If they are walking barefoot, there is more of a chance that they will get a foot disease or an infection if their feet. In addition, walking barefoot can cause more balance issues for your elderly loved one.

Dry and Warm Feet

If your elderly loved one’s feet are constantly being left wet, there is a much higher chance that they will get an infection. It is important that you and their elderly care providers help your loved one to keep their feet dry and warm.

Toenail Care

In addition to actual foot care, your elderly loved one needs to have proper toenail care, as well. Their toenails should be trimmed regularly. Having longer toenails can cause your elderly loved one discomfort. If they are ripped off, this could cause excess bleeding.

Conclusion

These are some of the foot care tips that you should include in your elderly loved one’s schedule. It is imoprtant to ensure that your loved one maintains their foot health. If they have any serious health issues with their feet, it could mean major surgery or even an amputation.

Sources
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/healthy-aging-tend-to-your-feet.page

If you or an aging loved one is considering elderly care in Danville, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Better Breakfast Month – Pantry Staples for Healthy Breakfasts

Posted on by Craig Bass

What pantry staples should be on hand for healthier breakfasts? September’s Better Breakfast Month is a good time to explore the things your parents could be eating to start their day off in a tasty, nutritional way.

Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce is a must-have for making apple muffins. You can also use it to sweeten overnight oats, yogurt parfaits, and homemade granola bars. Purchase jars of unsweetened applesauce or make it yourself using peeled, chopped apples and water.

Vitamin C is one reason to keep applesauce on hand. It’s high in the antioxidant. There’s also fiber and vitamin B-6.

Dried Apricots

Keep dried apricots on hand for topping cereals. Chop them up and use them in overnight oats, muffins, or yogurt parfaits.

Dried apricots are a great source of vitamin A and potassium. They’re also a good source of iron, vitamin B-6, and calcium. They even contain a small amount of fiber.

Frozen Berries

Buy a bag of frozen berries and keep them on hand for breakfast smoothies. You can use naturally sweetened juice to make a fruit smoothie or kefir or yogurt to make fruit and yogurt smoothies.

Frozen berries are a great source of antioxidants like vitamin C. The seeds in some berries also have omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies have found that berries are one of the best fruits for brain health. Plus, they taste good in parfaits, oatmeal, muffins, and by themselves.

Whole Oats

Whole oats are a handy breakfast item to keep on hand. Make plain overnight oats and keep it in the fridge for easy warm or cold breakfasts. You or your parents can top the oats in things they enjoy each morning.

Oats are a good source of fiber. Fiber absorbs water and helps prevent constipation. Soluble fiber also draws cholesterol from the intestines and helps move it out of the body. Steel-cut oats are ideal. If you’re making overnight oats from steel-cut oats, use the ratio of 1.75 cups of milk to 1 cup of oats.

Would your parents eat more if they had someone helping them? Breakfast is an important meal, so it’s not one they should be skipping. Home care services cover things like grocery shopping and meal preparation.

If your parents don’t like to eat by themselves, caregivers can be on hand to join them for a meal and do the dishes after. Home care aides are friends and helpers who will keep your parents happy and engaged. Call to learn more.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.