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Author: Craig Bass

The Impact of Caffeine on Seniors

Posted on by Craig Bass

For many individuals of all ages, using caffeine on a regular basis is a bit of a ritual, especially for coffee drinkers, whose first step in the morning is to brew a cup. However, there are varying thoughts as to whether caffeine is a good or bad thing. This is particularly true for seniors, whose caffeine routine is likely years in the making. Although it’s frequently marketed as having the power to elevate mood and increase alertness, its effects on seniors can be more complex and occasionally even worrisome. It’s important for seniors to understand the impact caffeine consumption has in the later years. Here are a few details about caffeine to know, and how senior home care can support your elderly parent’s efforts to curb caffeine consumption.

Understanding How Caffeine Affects Seniors

It’s common knowledge that the body changes over the years, and how it reacts to certain foods and drinks is only one of those changes. For caffeine, research suggests that the body has an enhanced sensitivity to caffeine in the older years, which means seniors might not need as much to get the same effects as they did when they were younger. It also means that even modest amounts of coffee might cause jitters, anxiety, or disturbed sleep patterns in seniors.

Caffeine’s Impact on Sleep

As people age, getting a good night’s sleep becomes more crucial. Caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns and cause insomnia or interrupted sleep, especially if it is taken later in the day. This may be a factor in the sleepiness that some seniors feel throughout the day and the cycle of caffeine dependence that results from it. While senior home health can encourage seniors to drink more water or get up and move when they start to feel tired, not getting enough sleep can impact seniors’ moods, their willingness to engage with others, and more.

Caffeine’s Impact on Medications

Seniors often use medication for a variety of conditions. Certain medications and caffeine may interact, decreasing the former’s effectiveness and increasing the latter’s negative effects. Senior home health can help monitor seniors caffeine consumption and encourage them to be mindful of possible interactions or to talk with their physicians about any concerns.

Caffeine’s Impact on Cardiovascular Health

While most individuals consider moderate caffeine consumption to be harmless, seniors who have cardiovascular problems should exercise caution. For those who already have high blood pressure or cardiac problems, caffeine may be dangerous because it might momentarily cause a spike in these conditions. Again, talking with the medical team is vital to ensuring seniors have all the information they need to make an informed decision.

Tips For Seniors Who Need to Limit Caffeine Intake

For seniors who consume a lot of caffeine, scaling back their use might be the perfect balance for them. This allows them to gain the benefits of caffeine, such as being more alert and elevating their moods, while steering clear of any negative impacts. However, limiting the amount of caffeine they consume should be done gradually to decrease withdrawal symptoms like headaches and irritability. Additionally, senior home care might suggest decaffeinated coffee, flavored water, or herbal teas as caffeine-free options. These substitutes might still offer a soothing drink experience without the caffeinated impacts.

Although there are advantages to caffeine, such as better mood and alertness, seniors should use caution when using it. Home care can help them maintain greater general health and well-being by being aware of the impact caffeine has on their bodies and choosing to minimize intake.

Sources:
https://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/archive
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/caffeine-sensitivity-grows-as-people-age
https://getvipcare.com/blog/how-much-caffeine-is-too-much-for-older-adults/

 

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

Personal Care at Home and Preserving Senior Dignity

Posted on by Craig Bass

One of the issues that comes with age is that seniors may start to have more difficulty with personal care tasks. These are tasks that are fairly simple and that almost everyone deals with every day as a regular part of life. Personal care at home offers comprehensive solutions to those challenges, but the idea of accepting help with these tasks can feel incredibly embarrassing. Here’s how personal care assistance helps preserve dignity for seniors.

Help with Activities of Daily Living

Simple tasks like taking a shower or changing clothes are tasks that are easy to forget about. When those tasks become difficult for seniors to handle alone, however, they may feel embarrassed about asking other people for help with them. Without that help, seniors might be at risk of injury, though. Home care providers who specialize in personal care assistance can help with these daily tasks, ensuring seniors are safe and healthy.

Adapting Daily Activities

One of the ways that personal care at home helps with daily activities is by suggesting ways seniors can adapt them for their needs. When seniors have someone else helping them figure out how they can still do certain tasks, they improve their ability to maintain independence, but they also know that help is available if needed. Elder care providers allow seniors to make the decisions about how things get handled, and they empower seniors to stay engaged in their daily routines.

Monitoring for Changes

It’s also important for seniors to have someone assisting them regularly who can monitor for changes. Seniors may not always realize when their needs are changing and how those changes affect their functional abilities. Home care providers can keep family caregivers informed, ensuring that seniors are getting the help that they need as their needs and health issues continue to change.

Emotional Support

It’s draining to have more trouble with tasks that used to be easy to manage. Sometimes seniors even withdraw from friends and other people they love. When personal care at home is there helping with daily tasks, they’re also offering emotional support for seniors. That support is invaluable, helping aging adults work through the emotional challenges that can come with aging.

Preventing Falls

Safety is always a concern for aging adults. When seniors have mobility challenges, like balance issues or other concerns, it helps immensely to have personal care at home providers there who understand their safety needs. Personal caregivers can help seniors address safety concerns, like tripping hazards, and have assistance with mobility concerns when engaging in tasks like bathing and dressing.

Personal care at home keeps seniors healthy and safe while offering assistance with daily tasks. They do this without reducing independence or dignity for seniors. In fact, having the exact help that they need and only when they need it does a lot to help seniors be more independent and to maintain dignity while doing so. Personal care providers allow seniors to age in place with as much grace as they possibly can.

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

Effective Long-distance Caregiving with 24-hour Home Care

Posted on by Craig Bass

Caring for a beloved family member from far away involves some unique challenges, especially when those family members need some more help. With thoughtful planning and the right help, seniors can get the assistance they need, even around the clock. 24-hour home care can offer valuable assistance for seniors and family caregivers who are trying to be as effective as possible from far away.

Coordinating 24-hour Home Care from Afar

Managing home care services from far away means that family caregivers need to start with a plan. Elder care providers help family caregivers to first understand their seniors’ needs, including daily living requirements and other care needs. Communicating regularly with caregivers and aging adults is essential and 24-hour home care providers help everyone involved to stay on the same page. With the right plan in place, elder care providers can take care of what seniors need without a lot of extra fuss and bother for family caregivers.

Using Technology to Help

Technology can play a helpful role, too. Video conferencing, medical alert systems, wearables, and more can all offer information that family caregivers can use to help make decisions about their seniors’ care. These tools are easier for seniors to use when they have help at hand, and 24-hour home care providers remove a lot of the frustration that seniors might get when they try to use some types of technology.

Building a Local Support Network

Families absolutely must build a local support network for their seniors. Even if they’re not able to be there in person, family caregivers can gain a great deal of peace of mind from talking with people who can be there. If local family and friends are able, setting up times to visit can be a great way to help seniors get the socialization they need. Other community resources like support groups and volunteer organizations can work with 24-hour home care providers to coordinate visits and support.

Coordinating Care with Regular Updates

Establishing regular times for updates is one way that family caregivers can make sure they’re getting the information they need. Shared calendars, task management apps, and scheduled calls are just a few of the options that can help. It’s really important for family caregivers to remember, though, that they need to spend time just chatting with their seniors, too. Having time to catch up without worrying about specific issues or problems is important for both aging adults and the family caregivers who love them.

Long-distance caregiving can feel so complicated because everything is happening so far away. When family caregivers know that their aging adults can rely on 24-hour home care services to offer the help they need, it’s a lot easier to focus on the decisions that still need to be made. 24-hour home care providers can offer not only the hands-on assistance with daily tasks that seniors need, but they can also help make it easier for family caregivers to feel informed and to know what’s happening with their family members.

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

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.