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Coping with the Challenges of Cancer Treatment

Elder Care in Pleasant Hill CA
Elder Care in Pleasant Hill CA

Cancer treatment is a challenging experience for people of all ages, but it can be even more difficult for seniors. Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can cause physical and emotional side effects. This can affect the quality of life of your older loved one. Coping with these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes medical management, emotional support, and lifestyle adjustments. Let’s discuss some tips for senior loved ones to cope with the challenges of cancer treatment, and how elder care can help.

Managing Physical Symptoms

Cancer treatments can cause various physical symptoms that can be challenging for seniors to manage. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain are also common side effects caregivers can help identify. Seniors receiving elder care should work closely with their healthcare team to manage these symptoms effectively.

This may include taking medications, making dietary changes, and engaging in physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation. It is essential to communicate with the caregivers and inform them about any new symptoms or changes in the elderly patient’s condition. This will help the care provider to adjust the care plan accordingly and provide support to help manage the symptoms.

Emotional Support

Cancer treatment can be emotionally challenging for seniors. Older adults usually experience anxiety, fear, or depression during this period and require family support. Elder care can help provide the emotional support your senior parent needs to improve their overall well-being.

In addition, counseling or therapy can be beneficial in helping seniors cope with the emotional challenges of cancer treatment. Your senior’s healthcare provider can offer referrals for cancer counseling services.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Seniors may need to make lifestyle adjustments to cope with the challenges of cancer treatment. This may include adjusting their diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest.

A healthy diet can help seniors manage the physical symptoms of cancer treatment, such as nausea and vomiting. Provide your senior loved one with a balanced diet rich in nutrients. This includes food such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. They should also avoid foods that aggravate their symptoms, such as spicy or fatty foods.

Exercise and Sleep

Regular exercise can also be beneficial for seniors. Exercise can help improve energy levels, reduce fatigue, and maintain muscle strength. Seniors should work with a professional healthcare team to develop a safe and effective exercise plan for their condition.

Getting enough rest is also essential for older adults. Cancer treatments can be exhausting, and seniors should aim to get adequate rest to help their bodies heal. Seniors should prioritize rest and ensure a comfortable and supportive sleeping environment.

Support from Family, Friends and Elder Care Providers

Family and friends can play an essential role in helping seniors cope with the challenges of cancer treatment. Seniors should reach out to their loved ones for emotional support, help with daily tasks, and help from transportation to medical appointments. They can help seniors maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage their symptoms. When friends and family aren’t able to be there, elder care can step in and help. Elder care providers can help with all of these tasks of daily living and more.

Cancer treatment is a challenging experience, particularly for older loved ones receiving elder care. Coping with cancer treatment’s physical and emotional side effects requires a multifaceted approach that includes medical management, emotional support, and lifestyle adjustments. Seniors should work closely with their healthcare team and a certified caregiver to manage their symptoms effectively and seek emotional help from their loved ones. With the proper support and care, seniors can successfully cope with the challenges of cancer treatment and maintain a good quality of life.

URLs:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5070391/
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support

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

4 Scams That are Targeting Seniors Right Now

Home Care in Danville CA
Home Care in Danville CA

Scams that target seniors have increased in the last year or so. Right now there are a variety of new scams targeting seniors that are more sophisticated than ever. But there are some things that seniors can do to stay safe. Getting home care is one of the best ways for seniors to protect themselves against scams. With home care seniors will be able to have someone else answer the phone or ask if something seems suspicious. Home care can help seniors avoid scams like these:

Wrong Number Scams

In this increasingly common scam seniors will receive a text from a number they don’t recognize talking about something urgent like a wedding, a party, or a meeting. When the senior texts back that they have the wrong number the scammer will start engaging in conversation and may start sending links that will trick the senior into giving up their personal or financial information. Then the person texting will use that information to steal from that senior. To avoid this seniors should just delete texts and block numbers they don’t recognize.

Business Relationship Scams

Not that seniors are getting wise to romance scams the scammers are trying business relationship scams. They will approach seniors by messaging them on LinkedIn or professional sites and claim to be looking for a mentor or a business teacher. They will try to build a relationship with a senior over a shared job or industry. Often they claim to have gone to the same college as the senior, because all of that senior’s information will be in their professional profile or public resume. Then they will start asking for money for various things or asking for things like gift card that they can use to get a new phone, a new computer, or clothes for a job interview.

One Time Passcode Scams

Scammers have figured out how to get around the two-factor authentication that is designed to help people safe from scams. A scammer will try to log into your account, which will trigger the two-factor authentication. Then they will text or call the senior who owns the account claiming to be from the bank. They will say they need that senior to verify the passcode that was texted or emailed to them. When the senior gives them the code they are able to log into that senior’s account and take their money. Seniors should never give out codes or other information other the phone when someone calls them. If they are concerned about their account security they should call their bank directly.

Package Delivery Scams

In this scam a senior may get a text from someone saying they are delivering a package, groceries, or food and ask where the house is. When the senior gives them the address and direction they can use that information to steal that senior’s identity or wait until that senior does get something delivered and steal it. Seniors should never give out their address to strangers.

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

Tips for Selecting a Home Care Agency

Choosing the right home care agency for a loved one can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision and find a home care agency that meets your loved one’s unique needs.

  1. Determine Your Loved One’s Needs

Before you start searching for a home care agency, it’s important to determine your loved one’s specific needs. Are they recovering from an injury or surgery? Do they have a chronic illness? Are they dealing with cognitive decline? Understanding your loved one’s situation and the level of care they require will help you narrow down your search and find an agency that offers the appropriate services.

  1. Research Home Care Agencies

Once you know what type of care your loved one requires, you can start researching home care agencies. Look for agencies that specialize in the type of care your loved one needs, such as dementia care or post-surgery care. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or healthcare providers.

  1. Check the Agency’s Reputation

When choosing a home care agency, it’s essential to check their reputation. Look for reviews online, and ask the agency for references from previous clients. You can also check the agency’s accreditation and licensing status to ensure that they meet the necessary standards.

  1. Consider the Caregiver’s Qualifications

The caregiver who will be providing care for your loved one is a crucial factor to consider. Ask the agency about their caregiver screening process and training. Look for agencies that employ caregivers who are licensed, bonded, and insured. You should also consider the caregiver’s experience and expertise in providing care for your loved one’s specific needs.

  1. Evaluate the Agency’s Communication and Support

Effective communication and support are essential for a successful home care experience. Look for an agency that provides clear and consistent communication with you and your loved one. They should also have a support system in place to address any concerns or issues that arise.

In conclusion, selecting a home care agency is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By understanding your loved one’s needs, researching agencies, checking their reputation, considering caregiver qualifications, and evaluating their communication and support, you can find an agency that provides the high-quality care your loved one deserves.

When should seniors stop driving?

As people age, their driving abilities may decline due to a number of factors such as slower reflexes, vision problems, cognitive impairment, and medical conditions. This can raise concerns about their safety on the road and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. However, giving up driving can also mean a loss of independence and mobility, which can be a difficult transition for seniors. So, when should seniors stop driving?

The decision to stop driving should be based on an individual’s driving ability, not just their age. Some seniors may be able to drive safely well into their 80s or 90s, while others may need to stop driving earlier due to medical conditions or cognitive impairment. Family members and caregivers can play an important role in monitoring seniors’ driving abilities and assessing whether it’s time for them to stop driving.

Here are some signs that may indicate it’s time for a senior to stop driving:

  1. Difficulty with basic driving tasks: This may include trouble with braking or accelerating, staying in the correct lane, and maintaining a safe speed.
  2. Getting lost or disoriented while driving: Seniors who get lost or confused while driving may be experiencing cognitive decline or memory problems.
  3. Increased accidents or near-misses: If a senior has been involved in multiple accidents or near-misses, it may be a sign that their driving skills have declined.
  4. Difficulty seeing or hearing: Vision and hearing problems can make it difficult for seniors to drive safely, especially in low-light conditions or when navigating busy streets.
  5. Medication side effects: Some medications can cause drowsiness, confusion, or other side effects that can impair driving abilities.

If a senior is experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to have a conversation about their driving abilities and consider alternative transportation options. Family members and caregivers can work together to find alternative transportation options such as public transportation, ride-sharing services, or volunteer driving programs.

It’s important to approach this conversation with empathy and understanding, as giving up driving can be a difficult transition for seniors. Encourage seniors to express their concerns and feelings, and work together to find solutions that meet their transportation needs while ensuring their safety on the road.

In conclusion, there is no set age at which seniors should stop driving. The decision to stop driving should be based on an individual’s driving ability and any medical or cognitive issues that may impair their ability to drive safely. Family members and caregivers can play an important role in monitoring seniors’ driving abilities and finding alternative transportation options when it’s time for them to stop driving.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Sleeping Issues

Caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease can be tough. They experience all sorts of issues including sleeping issues. Many people who have this disease have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. There are many reasons for this that you and their caregivers should be aware of.

Trouble Sleeping

Your elderly loved one might have trouble sleeping. If you have noticed they have had changes in the way that they fall asleep or stay asleep, it is time to find out what the issue might be. The first thing to note is that this disease, alone, can cause people to have trouble sleeping. There is something in their brain that causes sleep disruptions. It could be they are feeling restless or anxious before going to bed. Whatever the issue might be, these troubles sleeping should be addressed.

You should pay attention to how your loved one is behaving. Pay attention to how they are acting before bedtime. If they seem anxious about something, find a solution for their anxiety. You should also be sure that your loved one gets ready for bed 15 – 30 minutes before their bedtime. This way they can get laid down and situated before it is time to fall asleep.

Sundowning Syndrome

Sundowning is when your elderly loved one displays negative behaviors around sundown and through the night. Sometimes there are medications that the doctor will prescribe to help manage the sundowning symptoms.

You should also make sure your loved one’s sleeping environment is as comfortable as possible. Increasing the activities they do during the day can help to tire them out for nighttime, as well. Lastly, you and your loved one’s caregivers should make sure they don’t have electronics during the evening or nighttime.

Hallucinations

Your loved one might also experience hallucinations that make it difficult for them to fall asleep. They may see things in their bedroom that make them scared to fall asleep. It might seem as if the shadows are strangers in their house. This can be very frightening for your elderly loved one.

If your loved one is experiencing hallucinations, the first thing to do is make sure they talk to their doctor about it. In addition, you should make sure the corners of their rooms are lit. This will prevent them from seeing things in the dark. You should also make sure there aren’t any noises that could be deemed as scary throughout the home at nighttime.

These are some of the sleeping issues that your elderly loved one might have with Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure you and their caregivers do your best to understand what they are going through and help them in any way that you can.

Sources
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/sleep-deprivation-increases-alzheimers-protein
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/6-tips-managing-sleep-problems-alzheimers

When you are in need of care for a senior loved one, consider caregivers provided by Golden Heart Senior Care. We have offices nationwide. 

Understanding Hoarding Among the Senior Community

Senior Home Care in Danville CA
Senior Home Care in Danville CA

Hoarding is when a person collects objects and things and never gets rid of them. These objects will fill up a senior’s home, and it can be dangerous because it can create chaotic paths and even impact the cleanliness of a senior’s home, encouraging pest infestation. There are so many reasons why your seniors may hoard, and they may not even know they are doing this toxic behavior. So, how can you help them and help them get rid of things so they can live independently? Here are some tips to help you address your senior’s hoarding, and how senior home care can help them work through the process.

Learn What Signs Are of Hoarding

Most of the time, you may clearly see that a senior is hoarding, but if you don’t visit often, it can be less obvious. Sometimes senior home care may mention issues, or they may be denied access to certain rooms due to the acquisition of stuff. Here are some other signs to look for.

  1. A Growing Collection Of Things– The most obvious sign is the collection of things without getting rid of other things. Sometimes these things are of no value and can be junk to you but special to the seniors.
  2. Spaces Becoming Cluttered– There may be so much stuff that their normal living spaces become cluttered. When things become too cluttered, it can be dangerous for your loved one and even for senior home care who is helping them.
  3. They Can’t Throw Things Away– If your senior has collected things and they are trash, it can be hard for them to throw things away. Even if you ask them to throw something away, they may refuse, believing that they need it in the future.
  4. Losing Items– Among all the cluttered objects, your loved one may start losing important things necessary for everyday life. When it becomes too much senior home care may not even be able to help.
    There may be more signs of hoarding, but these are the main things to look for.

How to Treat Hoarding Behavior

It can be easy to judge your loved one when they are collecting too much stuff that you don’t think is worth keeping. However, the best thing you can do is encourage and support your loved one through this hard time in their life. There are multiple ways to help your senior treat their hoarding behavior, but it will take time and patience.

Set Small Goals Together

Instead of going through their house and throwing everything away, start with one drawer at a time and then work on one room at a time. Small goals will lead to a huge outcome in the long run. This may seem like a slow way to get rid of things, but it will help a senior get used to throwing things out.

Focus on Safety

One thing you should be doing is focusing on safety for your senior. If they want to live alone, they need to be able to move around their house. Doorways, hallways, and floors should be clear of clutter. If they can’t keep the floor cleaned off, you may need to help them. This can be one of the small goals to work on.

Always Be Understanding

Seniors hoard for many reasons, and you must try to understand their side without judgment. Some seniors hoard because they can’t move around enough to get rid of things, or maybe something has a good memory for them. Either way, you need to help them throw away trash or moldy things and allow them to hang on to things with good memories.

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

Companion Care At Home Can Help Seniors Stay Socially Engaged

Companion Care at Home in Lafayette CA
Companion Care at Home in Lafayette CA

As people age, they may become more isolated and lonelier, especially if they are living alone or have limited social networks. Social engagement can have a positive impact on seniors’ mental, emotional, and physical health. Companion care at home provides seniors with social support and companionship, helping them to stay engaged with the world around them and allowing family members to have peace of mind knowing that their loved one is not alone.

Companion care is a type of in-home care that is designed to provide seniors with social support and companionship. Companion care providers work closely with seniors to develop a personalized plan of care that meets their unique needs and helps them maintain their independence.

How Does Companion Care Help Keep Loved Ones Social?

One of the key benefits of companion care at home for seniors is that it can help them stay socially engaged. There are many ways companion care can help keep seniors socially engaged which are discussed below:

Having companion care at home offers one-on-one interaction to seniors. This can be extremely beneficial for seniors who are living alone or have limited social groups. Providing regular companionship for seniors, this can help them feel less isolated and more engaged with the world around them.

Companion care providers can accompany seniors on social outings helping them to feel more comfortable in their surroundings as they engage with others. Companions can join the senior at the local senior center, the library, or other community events. This can provide seniors with opportunities to interact with others and participate in activities that they enjoy.

Continuing hobbies and interests for seniors is important for their quality of life. Companion care providers can encourage seniors to continue these hobbies and interests such as reading, gardening, or playing games. Additionally, this can help seniors stay mentally stimulated and engaged in activities that they enjoy.

In-home companions can help seniors learn how to use technology they might not be used to. Some of the technology advancements they can help teach them are social media, video chat, or email, to stay connected with friends and family members. This can be particularly helpful for seniors who live far away from their loved ones.

Companion care providers can offer emotional support to seniors, providing them with a shoulder to lean on and a caring presence. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors who do not have someone to listen to them when they need someone to talk to.

Pets are another great addition for seniors as they stay socially engaged. Companion care providers can help seniors care for their pets, providing them with companionship and opportunities for social interaction. Pets can be a great source of comfort and companionship for seniors.

Overall, companion care at home for seniors can help keep them socially engaged by providing one-on-one interaction, social outings, assistance with hobbies and interests, technology assistance, mealtime companionship, emotional support, and pet companionship. It can also help to promote mental, emotional, and physical health, reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness, increase independence, and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. By working closely with seniors to develop a personalized plan of care, companion care providers can help seniors stay connected to the world around them and maintain their independence.

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

4 Fun Ways Seniors Can Move Every Day

In-Home Care in Danville CA
In-Home Care in Danville CA

April is Move More month and it’s a great time for seniors to focus on moving more every day. Doctors say that the single best thing that seniors can do to stay healthy as they get older is move more. And more activity doesn’t have to mean doing hard workouts. Seniors can set small manageable goals to start adding extra activity into their day and still get the massive health benefits of daily exercise. When it comes to exercise any movement is good movement. Here are a few ways that seniors can start adding more movement and activity to their everyday life, and how in-home care can help.

Walk Around The Block After Breakfast

A super easy way to increase activity and move more is for seniors to just take a quick walk around the block before or after breakfast. A walk around the block just takes a few minutes but it will improve circulation and get seniors moving before they start taking on the day. An in-home care provider can walk with your senior on a daily basis and offer physical support as well as encouragement. Even just a 10-15 minute walk around the block can dramatically improve a senior’s health when it’s done every day.

Park At The Furthest Parking Spot When Running Errands

Another way that seniors can rack up more steps and get more activity is to park their cars in the furthest spot from the door when they run errands. That extra walk to the door will add up to lots of additional steps and that will help seniors stay healthy. After doing that a few times seniors won’t even really notice that they’re walking extra far to get to the door. But they will definitely notice that their health improves doing it.

Set Up Some Yard Games

Spring is coming so why not set up some fun yard games? Take advantage of the back yard and play some spring and summer yard games with family members, neighbors, or an in-home care provider. Pickleball is a very popular backyard game. So are horseshoes, bocci ball, or your senior loved one can set up a mini-golfing course in the backyard so they can practice their golfing. Playing in the backyard is an easy way to get moving everyday and it will also give seniors a reason to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Do Some Volunteer Work

Seniors can volunteer for organizations where their volunteer work will encourage them to move. For example, seniors may want ot volunteer for the local humane society where they can walk dogs, play with puppies, or help feed the cats and other animals. They also may want to work with kids which would require them to be active and engaging with the kids. There are so many great volunteer opportunities out there that any senior should be able to find a volunteer role they would really enjoy.

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

Different Nuts Your Senior Should Add To Their Diet

Home Care in Moraga CA
Home Care in Moraga CA

Diet is crucial for a senior to maintain a healthy life, especially if they wish to age in place. Nutrient-rich foods like nuts can help a senior maintain weight, energy levels and reduce risks of chronic disease. Eating healthy helps boost immune systems and keep a senior’s mind sharp instead of feeling sluggish all of the time.

Finding food for your loved one can be challenging, especially when there is so much misinformation online. Your senior should always be talking to a doctor or someone they trust with their health. When a doctor gives you directions on eating, you should always try to follow them. Here are some nuts a home care provider can prep for your senior loved one.

Cashews

One of the best things about cashews is they’re filled with protein which can help keep a senior full for longer. They are super low in calories, especially raw cashews, and they’re filled with dietary fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Cashews make one of the best snacks for a senior; the only downside is they can be relatively expensive. They are nuts that require a lot of labor to grow and process for consumption, so their cost is higher than other nuts. However, for a tasty snack, this is something that home care may want to pick up for your loved one.

Walnuts

If you’re worried about your seniors’ weight and the doctors say they need to gain more weight, they should snack on walnuts! These nuts are filled with protein and healthy fats, making them great for weight gain. In addition, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and boost heart health, making them a great option for seniors.

Almonds

When you think of snacking on nuts, you may automatically think of almonds. They are often the first found in the store, and they can be healthy. Eating almonds can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. They can also help to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, which is vital for seniors. Almonds are the perfect snack if a senior is trying to manage their weight!

Hazelnuts

These are funky nuts because you do have to prep them unless you get pre-peeled hazelnuts. They come with an outer shell that needs to be peeled before consumption. These nuts have tons of vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, folate, magnesium, and zinc. All of these are so important for health, and a senior needs a certain amount of each. Hazelnuts are not always on store shelves because they are typically harvested from August to October. These are also nuts that are more expensive in stores because they grow in clusters that have to be handpicked, unlike other nuts! Each tree also takes a long time to mature, which can impact the price of nuts.

If your senior needs to focus on diet, finding the right kind of nut can be crucial for them. All nuts have different flavors and textures; seniors may need to experiment to find the kind they like and how to eat them. Some nuts are best plain, in yogurt, or even on a salad. If you are worried about certain vitamins and minerals, it’s time to have home care help drive a senior to get some blood work done.

Reference
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/ss/slideshow-healthy-nuts

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

Is Your Loved One in Danger of Having Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Elder Care in Clayton CA
Elder Care in Clayton CA

March is Deep Vein Thrombosis Month or DVT Month. A DVT refers to a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, such as those in the legs, pelvis, thighs, and arms. This month, people are called to know awareness of what a DVT is, how or why it may occur, and how to recognize it. While in many cases, a DVT doesn’t cause much harm, it could possibly have a part of the blood clot break off and head to the lungs, reducing blood supply and being fatal. Helping your loved one recognize when he develops a DVT may help him prevent a pulmonary embolism. You, your senior and an elder care provider can watch for these signs of a DVT and also take steps to reduce the risk of one developing.

Let’s start with the symptoms of a possible DVT.

If your loved one complains of any of these symptoms to you or his elder care team suddenly occurring in his legs or arms, he should be brought to the hospital right away.

  • A swelling in one leg or arm that doesn’t affect the other limb.
  • If his leg or arm feels warm when your elder care provider touches it.
  • The leg or arm changes color and becomes more red or purple
  • A sudden cramp or soreness that often begins in the calf muscle.

Your loved one may be more at risk for DVT if he has any of these risk factors, but it can occur to anyone.

Over 60
While it can occur at any age, those over 60 are more likely to develop a DVT.

Being Obese
Extra weight puts more pressure on the veins of the pelvis and legs and could lead to a DVT.

Lack of Mobility
If you are caring for an elderly loved one that is bedridden due to an illness or recovery from surgery, his chances of developing a DVT are higher. It can also increase with those who sit for long flights on airplanes or generally just sit most of their day. When the legs aren’t moving, the calf muscles don’t contract and help the blood flow through the veins of the legs. When possible, it’s important to regularly move and stretch the legs.

Being a Smoker
Smokers are more likely to develop a DVT due to how smoking affects blood flow and clots.

Heart Failure
Someone with heart failure doesn’t have a heart and lungs that work as well as they should, making the risk of DVT increase.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease
DVT risk can increase for those who have Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis.

If you think your loved one has developed a DVT, contact his health provider. Most likely they will want to see him so they can monitor it and make sure it doesn’t break off and create a much more serious Pulmonary Embolism.

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