Keeping You Safe From COVID-19
Interested in a career at Golden Heart Senior Care. APPLY HERE!

Author: Craig Bass

5 Things That Will Help Your Mom Sleep Better At Night

Posted on by Craig Bass

Insomnia, sleep apnea, and the symptoms of many different physical conditions can make sleep difficult for seniors. And when seniors can’t sleep they can become anxious, which can make it even harder for them to sleep.

But sleep directly impacts health. When seniors aren’t getting enough sleep, their health can suffer because of it. If your senior parent is having trouble sleeping or they’re not getting enough sleep talk to their doctor. They may need a sleep study to figure out why they aren’t sleeping well.

In the meantime, these things may help your mom get a better night’s rest and help her fall asleep faster:

Home Care Assistance

Home care assistance can help alleviate any anxiety your mom has at night. If your mom is not used to being alone at night it can be very lonely. With home care assistance, someone will be there to talk to your mom at night, watch TV with her, help her get ready for bed, and make sure she doesn’t need anything during the night. Sometimes just knowing someone else is there can be a huge comfort.

A Hot Bath

A hot bath can be very relaxing and a great way for seniors to wind down for the night. Just make sure the bath isn’t too hot. Home care assistance can help your mom safely enjoy a hot bath then get into some cozy pajamas so she can drift off to sleep. Using bath products can be a good way to make baths more relaxing. Just make sure not to use oils or any products that can make the tub slippery. You don’t want mom to fall getting out of the tub!

Meditation

Meditation and breathing exercises help a lot of seniors manage anxiety at night and prepare for a deep sleep. If your mom has never tried meditation before you should talk to her and see if it’s something she is interested in trying. There are lots of guided mediation apps, CDs, and playlists that can help her learn how to meditate. Many seniors report that they fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply if they meditate at night.

A Nightly Phone Call

Another great way to alleviate the loneliness that your mom might be feeling at night is for you or your siblings to call her every night at a set time just to say goodnight. Even if it’s just a quick five minute call it can give your mom a lot of comfort. And you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that she’s ok. If you have siblings, you can take turns calling so that your mom gets a chance to talk with all of her kids.

A Voice Activated Assistant

A voice activated assistant may give your mom peace of mind and make life much more pleasant for her. And it can be a great safety tool as well. Your mom can tell the voice activated assistant to turn on the lights if she needs to get up. Or she can tell it to play music or call one of her children if she needs help.

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

12 Great Ways For Seniors to Reduce Loneliness

Posted on by Craig Bass

Seniors aging at home have a high risk of becoming lonely. The risk is even higher for seniors that don’t have immediate family living close to them or who don’t have a strong support network. When seniors become lonely it increases the risk of developing anxiety, depression, and health problems like high cholesterol and heart disease.
Companion care at home is the perfect way for seniors who are aging in place to have regular social visits. Seniors who are in wheelchairs, have dementia, or just have a hard time getting out of the house can get great benefits from companion care at home. A companion can also help seniors try new ways to socialize and reduce loneliness like:

Stay Connected with Family

Maintaining strong ties with family members is crucial. Regular phone calls, video chats, and visits from family can provide emotional support and a sense of connection. Video calls and regular check ins can greatly improve a senior’s social connection with family.

Make New Friends

Seniors can seek out social opportunities in their communities to meet new people and build friendships. Joining clubs, senior centers, or local groups based on shared interests can be a great way to connect with others. Seniors should visit the local senior center or library to find new friends.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a meaningful way for seniors to engage with their communities and give back. It provides a sense of purpose and can lead to new friendships. Seniors can choose from hundreds of volunteer opportunities in everything from social services to politics.

Join An Exercise Club

Physical activity has numerous benefits, including reducing loneliness. Seniors can participate in exercise classes, walking groups, or other activities that promote physical and social well-being.

Find New Hobbies

Pursuing hobbies and interests can be an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing music, shared hobbies can lead to friendships. When seniors retire and have a lot of time on their hands they can finally try some of the hobbies and activities they’ve wanted to try for years.

Attend Social Events

Seniors should look for social events and gatherings in their communities, such as concerts, lectures, or cultural events. These outings offer opportunities to meet people and enjoy shared experiences.

Explore Online Communities

For those comfortable with technology, online communities and social media can be valuable tools for connecting with others who share their interests.

Adopt A Pet

Pets can provide companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness. Seniors who are able to care for a pet may benefit from the emotional support and interaction they offer. And seniors with pets can socialize with other pet owners.

Support Groups

Joining a support group for seniors dealing with similar challenges or life transitions can provide a sense of belonging and understanding.

Take Classes

Many communities offer classes for seniors, covering a wide range of topics from art and music to technology and history. These classes not only stimulate the mind but also offer social interaction.

Intergenerational Programs

Programs that bring seniors together with younger generations, such as mentoring or volunteering with children, can create fulfilling connections and a sense of purpose.

Stay Open to New Experiences

It’s important for seniors to stay open to new experiences and opportunities. Trying new activities or taking on new challenges can lead to unexpected social connections.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
https://www.ncoa.org/article/navigating-social-isolation-and-loneliness-as-an-older-adult

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

Why the Elderly Generation Is Choosing to Age in Place

Posted on by Craig Bass

As your parents and grandparents become older, you may notice that a huge trend in the senior community is to age in place. It is crucial to look into all care options when helping your senior parent plan for the future. There are 24-hour home care options that make aging in place much easier. Some caregivers will work full-time shifts providing 24-hour care, or you may split the duties with your senior caregiver. Either way, this can be a great alternative to leaving their home and often makes a senior feel more comfortable about aging in place. 24-hour home care offers a way for seniors to receive help with bathing, dressing, eating, getting regular exercise, and everything else needed to be happy as they age at home.

Here are a few reasons your loved one may be considering aging in place.

Moving Causes Stress

One of the biggest reasons a senior may not want to move from a nursing home is because they have created a home filled with memories they do not want to leave behind. If they can live at home and be healthy, they shouldn’t have to move. When a senior chooses to move, they are also choosing to get rid of personal possessions, their home, and things they have come to love. Moving is stressful for anyone, but it can be exceptionally hard for seniors. When they are healthy enough, it may be the best option to keep them home where they can thrive in a stress-free environment.

They May Feel Attached to the Community

As your senior lives in one place for a long time, they will come to know their neighbors and community. It can be a lot to ask them to give that up. They will be attached to their community and feel safe in their home, which greatly benefits aging in place. You can set their home up with security systems and other household products that make it easy for seniors to live and thrive in their community.

It May Help Them Heal

When you take a senior out of a space, they know it can hurt their health. If they’ve just had surgery and you place them in a home that is not their own, it can cause stress, and they will not heal as fast or at all. When you allow your loved one to age in place, it will help them heal from emotional trauma and physically too.

Being At Home Gives Them Freedom

One of the biggest reasons seniors choose to age in place is because they still feel free and independent. Even with the help of 24-hour home care, they are not living in a place with a structure set by someone else. They will be in charge of their routines and can do what they want when they want. They can also choose the family and caregivers who help them age in place, and that sense of control can make a senior feel better as they age.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Pleasant Hill, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Foot Care for Diabetics

Posted on by Craig Bass

If your loved one has developed Type 2 Diabetes as she’s aged, she needs to keep on top of her condition to prevent any other health issues from developing. Diabetes occurs when a person’s blood sugar levels get too high. This occurs because the body has stopped being able to create enough insulin to keep those levels at a safe level. Without enough insulin, glucose can’t get into your loved one’s cells as quickly as it should. It then builds up in the blood and causes high blood sugar levels.

Over time, these high blood sugar levels may damage the vessels and nerves in the feet. The nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy, can cause some foot problems as well as mask some foot problems.

If your loved one has diabetes, home care assistance can support her daily efforts to manage the disease. These efforts can include a specific diet, incorporating exercise into her daily life, or assessing them regularly for signs of damage.

Here are some ways to help keep your loved one’s feet healthy:

  1. Check them daily for any type of injury. Because diabetic neuropathy can cause feet to become numb and not always feel the pain associated with a cut or scrape, it’s easy for those areas to become infected without your loved one knowing. A home care assistance provider can help look for any new sores or ingrown toenails that might need medical attention.
  2. Wash them daily. Don’t soak them, but give a good washing each day with warm (not hot) water and soap. Then make sure to dry them well and apply lotion if dry skin is a problem. Never apply lotion between the toes. Use talcum powder between toes if needed.
  3. Trim the nails, but not too short. Your loved one might need help trimming her own nails. That’s where your home care assistance provider can help or you might have her visit a podiatrist. Nails should be cut straight across and left long enough to prevent ingrown toenails from developing.
  4. Since the feet often can no longer feel heat or cold very well, it’s important to prepare them correctly for the elements and not rely on signals from them about being too hot or too cold. If your loved one is walking on a hot, sunny day, make sure she’s not barefoot, even at the beach. Invest in some beach shoes that’ll protect her feet from the hot sand or cement around a pool. When it’s cold outside, wool socks and well-fitting warm shoes are the key to keeping her feet comfortable.
  5. Put her feet up. When it’s time to rest, putting your loved one’s feet up on an ottoman or the couch can help with blood flow. Encourage her to wiggle her toes and make sure socks are not too tight.

With proper care, your loved one’s feet will stay in good shape.

Reference
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html

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

Seven Steps to a Healthier Bladder

Posted on by Craig Bass

Most people don’t like to talk about the bladder or what it does, especially when it isn’t working properly. The bladder is a balloon-like organ that stores urine until it is evacuated from the body. Like many organs of the body, it can change as a person ages. The bladder may become less flexible, not allowing it to expand as much to hold urine. That may cause your loved one to have to use the bathroom more often. The walls and the pelvic floor may weaken, making it more difficult to fully empty the bladder, which can cause urine to leak out later at unexpected times.

Even if your loved one isn’t experiencing any bladder issues, he can help prevent them by applying these seven steps for better bladder health.

  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Both of these can help him maintain a healthy bladder and reduce the risk of leaking urine. Have your loved one plan out his daily exercise routine (30 minutes a day is optimum) and then have an accountability partner such as his elder care provider to keep him focused on meeting those daily goals.
  • Make diet adjustments. Some foods and drinks can make bladder problems worse. Soda, artificial sweeteners, citrus fruits, and spicy foods can make a bladder problem worse. If any of those items are a regular part of your loved one’s diet, ask his elder care provider to help him find better substitutes the next time they go grocery shopping.
  • Drink more water. If your loved one enjoyed his soda and is looking for a replacement, have him increase his water consumption. He should drink enough that he needs to urinate every few hours to keep his bladder in tip-top shape.
  • Drink less alcohol and caffeine. Both of these products can cause bladder issues. Caffeinated drinks can irritate the bladder and stimulate it to need to urinate too often.
  • When urinating, take time and relax. Running into the bathroom and then running out may not give your loved one’s body the time it needs to fully empty the bladder. Your loved one should give himself enough time to fully empty his bladder when urinating.
  • Urinate often. While sometimes a person can become very busy or focused on an activity, your loved one should strive to take breaks at least to urinate every few hours. Holding urine in the bladder can weaken the bladder muscles and possibly create a bladder infection. Have your elder care provider ask your loved one each time he visits when was the last time he used the bathroom. If it was more than 4 hours ago, he should try to use it again.
  • Wear cotton and loose-fitting clothes. Both of these will allow the area to stay dry and not trap moisture, which can lead to infections.

Don’t let bladder issues keep your loved one from enjoying life. Help him find some new healthy bladder practices and if the problem persists, see a doctor to help him find a solution so he can continue to get out and do the things he loves.

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

How Seniors Can Make Daily Exercise Fun

Posted on by Craig Bass

Exercise is one of the most important things that seniors can do to protect their health as they get older. Seniors need exercise to maintain physical health and to prevent future health problems. When seniors exercise daily they are also more likely to retain their mobility as they get older.

Doctors recommend that seniors get at least 30 minutes of moderate to brisk activity for a minimum of five days per week. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but for seniors who really don’t like exercise it can feel like a lot. When seniors are trying to lose weight or just trying to protect their health they know that exercise is important. But that doesn’t mean they want to do it.

Because exercise is vital for a senior’s health it can help if seniors find exercise fun. When seniors are doing something they enjoy it won’t seem like something they have to do. It will seem like something they want to do. Some things that seniors can do to make daily exercise more fun are:

Dance, Dance, Dance

Dancing is great cardiovascular exercise and it’s a lot of fun. Seniors who have home care can ask their provider to make a playlist of dance party songs. A mix of music from different eras and different styles can make a dance party lively. And seniors can even have theme dance parties and get dressed up in costume to make exercise something really special. A 70s disco dance party or a musical sing along dance party with costumes will make exercise something to look forward to.

Outdoor Walks and Nature Exploration

Seniors who have limited mobility or just don’t find exercise to be fun may enjoy hiking or going for outdoor walks. Spending time in nature has a lot of physical and mental health benefits for seniors. When seniors take walks in nature parks, gardens, or scenic trails the beauty of nature and the fresh air can make exercise exhilarating.

Water Exercises

Swimming or water aerobics are excellent options for seniors, particularly those with joint pain or mobility issues. Water workouts are low-impact and appropriate for almost any seniors. But they also are a great way to work on strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Many community centers and senior living facilities offer aquatic exercise classes designed specifically for older adults.

Fitness Classes

Joining fitness classes tailored to seniors can be a fun way to exercise and socialize. These classes may include yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or senior-specific aerobics. When seniors join fitness classes they can try out activities they’ve wanted to try but never had the opportunity to try.

Goal-Oriented Challenges

Exercise that is based on goal achievement can motivate seniors to exercise and give them a sense of accomplishment when they hit their goal. Gamifying exercise or making it like a game where they win if they achieve their goals can appeal to seniors who have a competitive streak.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/index.htm
https://ncoa.org/article/the-life-changing-benefits-of-exercise-after-60
https://familydoctor.org/exercise-seniors/

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

Sun Safety Has to Be a Top Priority for Seniors

Posted on by Craig Bass
Home Care Assistance in Moraga CA
Home Care Assistance in Moraga CA

Twenty percent of Americans 70 or older have been diagnosed with skin cancer. When melanoma is caught early, there’s a 99% five-year survival rate. Self-checks and regular skin exams with a dermatologist are the best ways to catch skin cancer early.

Sun safety has to be a priority as your mom gets outside in her gardens, at the pool, on outings to the beach, or when sitting on her deck or patio. What can she do to stay safe when she’s outside in the sun?

Wear Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must when your mom is outside in the sun. Protect her face with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Clothing that protects against UV rays is also beneficial.

When she applies sunscreen, she needs to use plenty of it. A shot glass full of sunscreen is typically the proper amount if she’s in a swimsuit. She might not need that much if she’s in capris and a T-shirt, she won’t need as much.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or higher. A mineral product is best for coral reefs and aquatic life. When she’s outside, she wants to reapply it every two hours.

Cover Her Porch or Patio With a Sunshade

If you can create a protective space for your mom to sit, it’s worth it. If she has a patio, you could get a pop-up canopy to put over her patio. Invest money in a roof over her deck and create a shaded place.

Put comfortable seating in the shaded area. If she has plenty to drink and a shady place, she can spend some time outside.

Stay Hydrated

When she’s outside in the sun, your mom has to stay hydrated. A small glass of water each hour is a good goal. If she’s sweating a lot, she might need more than that.

If your mom isn’t big into water, add slices of lemons, limes, or oranges for flavor. Frozen grapes and strawberries make great ice cubes and flavoring agents.

Know When to Go Inside

One of the harder aspects of sun safety is to know when to go inside. Your mom does need to know when to head inside. If she’s been working in her gardens for two hours, it’s time to take a break.

Older adults can love the feel of the heat on their aching joints, but safety has to come first. On very hot days, limiting her time outside from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is important.

Arrange Home Care Aides to Help Out

If your mom cannot do simple things like properly applying sunscreen or remembering when to reapply it, she needs someone to help with that aspect of personal care. Home care assistance is a good service to ensure she’s taking care of herself.

With home care assistance, your mom has a caregiver to accompany her on trips outside. Her caregiver can make sure hard-to-reach areas are covered with clothing or sunscreen. Learn more about the benefits of home care by making a call.

Sources:
https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/

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

4 Ways Seniors Can Break Out Of Their Comfort Zone And Be More Social

Posted on by Craig Bass
Companion Care at Home in Concord CA
Companion Care at Home in Concord CA

July is Social Wellness Month and now is a great time for seniors to get out of their comfort zones and try to be more social. Making friends and maintaining social connections is very important for seniors, especially for seniors that are living independently. Even though there are a lot of benefits that seniors get from living independently it can make staying socially connected a little challenging. During Social Wellness Month, seniors should make an effort to make new friends and reconnect socially with the world. Some things that seniors can do to break out of their comfort zone and make new friends are:

Rely on Companion Care at Home

Companion care at home gives seniors the social connection they need without them having to leave the house. Companion care at home is a great way for seniors that have chronic medical conditions or mobility challenges to get the important social connection they need to avoid loneliness without having to struggle to get out of the house. Talk to a local care agency today about the benefits of companion care for seniors.

Join A Club

Clubs are fantastic ways for seniors to make friends with people who have the same interests that they have. There are lots of different clubs seniors can explore. Almost anything a senior is interested in there is a club of other seniors who are interested in the same thing. Crafting, painting, hiking, pets, exercising, golf, books, movies, and more all have clubs that seniors can join. Seniors can also look online for virtual clubs that they can join using video chat so that they can meet and talk with other seniors about hobbies, books, and other things that interest them.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a fantastic way for seniors to get out of the house, be more active, and make friends. When seniors are volunteering they can meet new people from all walks of life as well as have a reason to get up in the morning. Seniors can volunteer with any number of groups that do good in the community and provide social connections and friendships that can help seniors stay well as they age. Many seniors find that volunteering gives them a new sense of purpose and determination. There are many local organizations that rely on volunteers who would love to have more seniors volunteer their time.

Visit The Local Senior Center

Almost every city has a senior’s center, but many seniors don’t realize how valuable these centers are. At your local senior’s center your senior parent can find clubs like book clubs to join. They can take classes, workout in the gym, find other seniors to walk with, and enjoy the benefits of having a space just for seniors. Often senior centers have live music on regularly scheduled days and other activities that are open to seniors. Encourage your senior parent to check out the local senior center and take advantage of everything it has to offer.

Reference
https://nationaltoday.com/social-wellness-month/
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/psychological-benefits-of-friendship

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

4 Benefits Seniors Get From Walking Everyday

Posted on by Craig Bass
In-Home Care in San Ramon CA
In-Home Care in San Ramon CA

Seniors need exercise. Study after study shows that consistent movement can make a huge difference in the health of seniors as they get older. Walking is one of the best things that seniors can do because it can be adapted to suit the needs of almost any senior. Seniors who have no mobility challenges can walk fast, challenge themselves to hikes, or enjoy long daily walks that include a variety of terrain. Seniors that have mobility challenges or have old injuries that limits their movements can walk around the block or take short walks through the neighborhood and still get the benefits of walking. Fast or slow, long distance or short, smooth pavement or hiking trails none of that matters. Walking is good for seniors no matter how they do it. Some of the biggest benefits of walking for seniors are:

Weight Loss

Seniors that need to lose some weight can lose weight walking. It’s not necessary for seniors to go through extreme workouts or push their bodies into long periods of exercise to lose weight. Making smart dietary choices and walking every day can be enough to help seniors lose weight. It helps if seniors have in-home care so that they get help cooking healthy meals and shopping for healthy food. But seniors can lose weight by walking.

Better Sleep

Another benefit that comes from daily walking is better sleep. There are millions of seniors that struggle with insomnia and poor sleep. Often seniors have anxiety at night or suffer from anxiety. But daily walks can help seniors reduce their stress levels. And physical exercise is a great way to correct the body’s Circadian rhythm so that seniors are tired at night and will sleep better. Within a walk of starting regular walks many seniors report being able to fall asleep faster and staying asleep longer than they did when they weren’t walking.

Stronger Core Muscles

Walking is great exercise for the legs, but it also works the core muscles and the arms and shoulders too, especially if seniors wear hand weights or pump their arms while they walk. Increasing core strength will help seniors move more easily, breathe deeper, and hold themselves up better. Increasing core strength is something that many doctors recommend but ab workouts can be difficult for seniors. Walking is really a full body exercise without the stress and struggle of a strenuous workout.

Better Mental Health

Getting outdoors into the fresh air every day can significantly improve a senior’s mental health. Seniors with in-home care who are able to walk daily while a care provider helps with the household chores report lower rates of depression and anxiety than seniors who don’t walk regularly. Being outdoors in nature can be very healing and lower stress. Seniors who can handle walking on an unpaved trail can enjoy big mental health benefits from hiking as well as the physical benefits. Encourage your senior parent to go hiking for their health.

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

How Do Nutrition and Oral Health Work Together for Seniors?

Posted on by Craig Bass
Personal Care at Home in Alamo CA
Personal Care at Home in Alamo CA

Maintaining good oral health is essential for aging adults to enjoy a healthy and vibrant life. Nutrition plays a crucial role in helping to support oral health, as diet influences the strength of teeth and gums. Personal care at home is one solution that makes both nutrition and better dental hygiene easier for aging adults.

The Impact of Diet on Oral Health

Aging adults should be mindful of their diet as it significantly influences oral health. Certain foods and nutrients play a key role in maintaining strong teeth and gums. Calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals support tooth enamel strength. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and peppers, aids in gum health. Additionally, foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and green tea, help reduce inflammation and protect oral tissues. On the other hand, frequent consumption of sugary and acidic foods can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. Limiting sugary snacks, carbonated drinks, and acidic foods like citrus fruits can help protect tooth enamel and reduce the risk of dental problems.

Foods for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Incorporating specific foods into the diet can promote optimal oral health for aging adults. Raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables can stimulate saliva and help to remove plaque from teeth. They’re also high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that contribute to health. Dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and milk, are rich in calcium and phosphates, which strengthen teeth and support remineralization. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines possess anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to gum health. Drinking fluoridated water or using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash can also aid in maintaining strong teeth and preventing cavities. Changing a senior’s daily diet is a lot easier when they have help from home care providers to prepare meals, help with meal planning, and assist with cleanup.

Personal Care at Home and Oral Health

For some seniors, keeping up with daily oral health practices is a lot more difficult now than it once was. Personal care at home can help immensely with both nutrition and oral health. Eating regular, well-balanced meals that include a variety of nutrient-dense foods is crucial for overall health, including oral health. Adequate hydration is essential to maintain saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and prevent dry mouth. Proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash, should be followed diligently to remove plaque, prevent tooth decay, and promote gum health. Caregivers can offer hands-on help with all of these tasks.

Additional Tips for Optimal Oral Health

In addition to a nutritious diet and personal care at home, there are other tips to enhance oral health for aging adults. Quitting tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, is essential for maintaining healthy gums and reducing the risk of oral cancer. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to oral health, as alcohol can irritate oral tissues and increase the risk of oral diseases. Lastly, practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help minimize teeth grinding or clenching, which can damage teeth and lead to jaw pain.

Aging adults can foster better oral health by prioritizing a nutrient-rich diet, following proper oral hygiene at home, and seeking regular dental care. Personal care at home can assist seniors in getting the nutrition that helps them to keep their teeth healthy and to get better nutrition as well.

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