ltcep2023, Author at Golden Heart Walnut Creek

What Is Companion Care and Why Do Seniors Need It?

Posted on March 11, 2025 by ltcep2023

For seniors living alone, social engagement is just as vital as assistance with daily tasks. While home care services address physical needs, companion care at home plays a crucial role in supporting a senior’s emotional and mental well-being. Unfortunately, loneliness is a growing concern among older adults who are aging in place, and too many seniors experience a lack of meaningful social interaction.

Prolonged loneliness can significantly affect a senior’s overall health. Research shows that isolated seniors are at an increased risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Additionally, social isolation has been linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, further compromising their quality of life.

Even with regular visits from family, seniors may still struggle with feelings of loneliness. Companion care at home offers a solution by providing consistent social interaction tailored to your loved one’s needs. A dedicated companion can engage your parent in conversation, share hobbies, or participate in activities that stimulate their mind and bring joy to their day.

Some meaningful activities a companion can enjoy with your loved one include:

Play Board Games and Card Games

Games are a great way to keep your mom or dad engaged while also providing entertainment and social interaction. A companion can play classic board games like Scrabble, checkers, or chess with your parent, encouraging strategic thinking and memory skills.

Card games like Rummy, Solitaire, or Go Fish can also be fun and mentally stimulating. Playing together gives your mom or dad a chance to laugh, focus, and enjoy friendly competition, which can improve their mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Watch and Discuss Movies or TV Shows

Watching a favorite movie or TV show is more enjoyable when shared with someone. Companion care at home providers can watch classic films, old sitcoms, or even new shows with your parent, giving them something to look forward to.

Afterward, they can talk about the story, characters, or themes, keeping your parent mentally engaged and socially connected. This activity can bring back happy memories and create a fun, shared experience.

Cook or Bake Together

Even if your parent isn’t able to cook like they used to, a companion can involve them in simple kitchen activities. They can bake cookies, prepare a family recipe, or make a favorite snack together.

This can give your mom or dad a sense of purpose and it can spark conversations about memories tied to certain foods. The process of measuring, mixing, and tasting can be fun and rewarding, giving your parent a sense of accomplishment.

Look Through Old Photos and Share Stories

Reminiscing about the past is a wonderful way to spark conversation and strengthen emotional connections. A companion can sit with your parent and look through old photo albums, asking about the people, places, and events in the pictures.

This activity helps seniors recall cherished memories and gives them an opportunity to share their life stories. It can also be comforting and affirming for seniors who enjoy reflecting on their past.

Work on Arts and Crafts Projects

Creative activities help seniors express themselves while keeping their hands and minds active. A companion can do simple arts and crafts projects with your parent, such as painting, coloring, knitting, or making greeting cards.

Crafting provides a sense of accomplishment and can be a relaxing way to spend time. The finished projects can also be given as gifts, adding a sense of purpose and pride.

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.

What Myths About Aging Might Hold Seniors Back?

Posted on February 21, 2025February 21, 2025 by ltcep2023

Myths and misconceptions about growing older are everywhere, and when seniors believe them that can have an impact on how they live their lives. Understanding what’s behind these myths and helping seniors get past them can greatly improve their quality of life. Home care providers can offer seniors the support they need to live life how they want no matter what they’re facing.

Exercise Might Get Seniors Hurt

Sometimes seniors avoid exercise because they believe that it’s going to cause injuries and accidents. Unfortunately, believing this myth can cause seniors to reduce their mobility and then have more difficulty moving well. As long as their doctors agree that exercise is safe for them, seniors may need help from elder care providers to incorporate more movement into their daily routines.

They Don’t Need Much Sleep

Another common misconception is that seniors just don’t need to sleep as much as they did in the past. Some seniors might not need as much sleep, but everyone is an individual and has unique health issues. Most experts recommend anywhere from seven to nine hours of sleep for good health. If seniors do experience insomnia, they should talk with their doctors.

Falls Are Just Part of Growing Older

Some people perpetuate the belief that falling is just what happens to aging adults. This is not true and is a very dangerous myth. Falls are not normal and are completely preventable. Moreover, falling just one time doubles a senior’s risk of experiencing another fall. Couple that with the fact that falls can cause serious injuries that last the rest of their lifetime and seniors need to practice fall prevention regularly.

Feeling Lonely Is Normal for Older Adults

It’s also damaging for seniors to believe that it’s normal for them to feel isolated and lonely. Believing this myth can cause them to not reach out to people when they are suddenly feeling lonely and isolated. There are solutions that can help, like having home care providers available to assist with daily activities and offer companionship.

Aging Adults Are Always Cranky

Lots of people believe the myth that seniors are just going to be cranky, no matter what. The reality is that seniors may be a lot happier when they have more time and freedom to try new things and spend their time in ways that is more fulfilling for them. Aging doesn’t have to be a negative experience at all.

They’re Going to Have to Leave Their Homes

One misconception that is often also a big fear for seniors is that they may have to leave their homes. While there are a lot of factors that play into whether seniors need to move or not, it’s not necessarily a given that seniors have to leave their homes. With the help of home care services, seniors can get the support they need with daily activities to age in place successfully.

Talking about these myths with seniors can help family caregivers understand more about the support seniors might need. Home care providers can help families to get the assistance necessary for seniors to stay safe and healthy as they remain at home.

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

Five Tips to Help Your Elderly Loved One Gain Weight

Posted on February 10, 2025 by ltcep2023

If your elderly loved one has always been diminutive in size, you might have started to notice in her later years that she is getting smaller and smaller. It might not only be the height she is losing but weight as well. Losing too much weight can bring about some serious health consequences, much like obesity can.

Health Concerns of Seniors Who are Underweight

Being underweight is considered to be anyone who has a BMI (Body Mass Index) of less than 18.5. For many seniors, it can be easy to slip into this danger zone of not only being underweight but being malnourished. As a person ages, they might lose a lot of their desire to eat for a myriad of reasons, and then without realizing it, have lost enough weight to put them at risk for other health conditions. Some of those health concerns include:

A weakened immune system that could put them at greater risk of developing an infection
Weakened bones that might break more easily.
Decreased muscle strength which can lead to falls and injuries.
Wounds take longer to properly heal.
Cognitive decline.

Five Tips to Help Your Loved One Gain Weight

Personal Care at Home in Moraga CA

Before you begin any process of making changes to your loved one’s eating habits, make sure to talk with her physician first to receive guidance to help you navigate any health issues she may have or medications she may take.

Make calories count. While you may have the goal to boost her daily caloric intake, making those calories count is vital to better health. It shouldn’t be all milkshakes and cake! Instead make sure meals and snacks are made up of nutrient-dense and protein-rich foods that have healthy fats, whole grains, and are low in sugar.
Reconsider meal sizes. Your loved one may not be able to eat three large meals a day so consider serving five small meals. This can help alleviate possible digestion issues she might have with a larger meal.
Make snacks part of the diet. Healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and cheese and crackers can add extra calories each day.
Add calories to drinks. While you don’t want to add a ton of sugar into her drinks, consider having her enjoy a smoothie with her lunch or a glass of milk with breakfast.
Start an exercise program. Exercising can build muscle mass and increase appetite.

Better Meals with a Personal Care at Home Provider

If one of your main goals with your elderly loved one is helping her to eat meals that have more calories and making sure those calories are healthy, it can help to have a personal care at home provider step in and assist with meal preparation. A personal care at home provider will work with you and your loved one to help ensure she’s eating appropriate foods that taste great and will help her gain weight. You can provide the personal care at home provider with the dietary guidelines that will help your loved one increase her body mass healthily and they will gladly step in to help your loved one succeed in her goals.

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

Preparing for Exercise and Cooling Down Properly

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Being physically active is important for sustaining health and mobility as the years pass by. Regular exercise can help seniors improve their balance, strength, and cardiovascular health while also boosting their emotional well-being. However, proper preparation and cooldown are essential for workout safety and effectiveness. With the help of senior home care, seniors can not only be encouraged to remain active but also ensure they’re doing all they can to prepare for exercise and properly cool down afterwards.

Preparation Is Key

Before beginning a new fitness program, seniors should meet with their doctor to discuss their health conditions and receive personalized recommendations. This step guarantees that the workouts selected are safe and appropriate for their fitness level and health status. Beyond this, senior home care can encourage them to pay attention to the following:

Choose the Right Attire: Seniors should wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes to avoid injuries and maintain a full range of motion. Additionally, when planning outdoor activities, they will need to be mindful of the weather and dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes.
Warm-Up: Seniors should begin each session with a 5-10-minute warm-up to get their body ready for exercise. Gentle movements such as marching in place, arm circles, or slow walking gradually raise the heart rate and circulation, relaxing muscles and lowering the chance of injury.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can be dangerous during physical activity, particularly for seniors. Senior home care can remind them to drink water before exercising and keep a water bottle handy to sip on during activity.
Pay Attention: Seniors need to pay attention to how they feel during exercise. For instance, if they feel pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, they need to stop right away rather than push through.
Set Realistic Goals: Seniors should begin with low-impact workouts like walking, stretching, or swimming and gradually increase in intensity.

Cooling Down

Senior Home Care in Walnut Creek CA

Abruptly discontinuing activity can cause blood pooling in the legs, resulting in dizziness or fainting. With this in mind, seniors should spend five to ten minutes progressively decreasing the intensity of their activities. For example, if they were walking quickly, they should switch to a slower speed, gradually decreasing until they’re at a stopping point. Other cooling down tips include the following:

Stretching: Stretching after exercise helps to increase flexibility, minimize stiffness, and prevent muscular discomfort. Seniors should hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds without bouncing, concentrating on key muscular groups such as the legs, arms, and back.
Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises might help relax the nervous system and restore natural breathing. Senior home care can work with seniors to slow down breathing by encouraging them to breathe in through their nose and out through their mouth.
Rehydrate and Refuel: Hydration is just as important after exercising as it is during. Seniors should drink water or an electrolyte-rich beverage to replace fluids lost. Also, a light snack, like a piece of fruit or yogurt, can help them regain energy.

Exercise is an important part of healthy aging, but safety comes first. With the help of senior home care, seniors can prepare properly and cool down successfully so they can better enjoy the advantages of physical activity while reducing risks.

Sources:
https://www.helpguide.org/aging/healthy-aging/exercise-and-fitness-as-you-age
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/warm-up-cool-down https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/how-older-adults-can-get-started-exercise

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

Creative Ideas to Help Seniors with Dementia Stay Mentally Sharp

Posted on January 10, 2025January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Cognitive health is something all seniors need to consider, but if they have dementia, seniors might need some creative ideas to keep their brains as healthy as possible. Pairing cognitive health with activities that are also fun is a great solution. Alzheimer’s care providers can help seniors and family caregivers adopt some of these ideas to keep their brains as sharp as possible.

What Does Staying Mentally Active Do for Seniors with Dementia?

The brain works like any other muscle in the body does. When the brain gets enough exercise through mental activities, it gets stronger. One of the best ways to work the brain is for seniors to stay as mentally active as possible. Practicing activities that boost mental strength helps to slow down cognitive decline and enhances both problem-solving skills and memory retention. Mental activity can also help seniors with dementia to experience better moods.

Brain Games

Brain games are fun for seniors and they are an easy way to stimulate the brain. Crossword puzzles help to exercise memory and vocabulary. They also offer seniors a sense of accomplishment when they successfully complete them. Sudoku is a number game that works on logical thinking as well as problem-solving skills. Memory games, word searches, and other types of brain games can have similar impacts.

Creative Activities

Alzheimer’s Care in Concord CA

Creative activities help to enhance brain health through self-expression. As seniors with dementia experience worsening symptoms, it can sometimes be more difficult for them to express their thoughts and feelings. Art projects, crafting, music therapy, and other creative activities help seniors to relax and reduce stress. Home care providers can help seniors to set up activities and work through them.

Physical Activities

Physical activities, even ones as simple as stretching, can offer seniors with dementia a lot of benefits. Alzheimer’s care providers can help seniors with dementia find activities they enjoy that combine movement with mental focus. Activities like yoga or tai chi are good examples of exercises that use concentration and balance, while also including relaxation.

How Alzheimer’s Care Helps

There are lots of different ways that Alzheimer’s care providers work with seniors to keep their brains as strong as possible. They can offer prompts and gentle guidance when seniors start new activities or get stuck in familiar routines. They can also help to tailor routines and activities to pair them with the senior’s interests. Paying attention to those details allows seniors to enjoy these activities even more and helps them to feel more comfortable participating in them. Having solid routines that support cognitive health keeps these practices a regular part of everyday life for seniors with dementia.

Dementia brings so many changes for seniors and their family members. Alzheimer’s care providers offer seniors with dementia so much support in their daily lives, including helping them to find activities and routines that support mental sharpness. As dementia continues to change life for seniors and family caregivers, home care providers can be there to continue to support them as they navigate those waters.

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

Could It Be Time for Home Care Assistance?

Posted on December 24, 2024January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Making the decision to opt for home care assistance is something that can cause families to debate for a long time. The choice feels a lot bigger than it really might be, for multiple reasons. There’s a lot to consider and families may have to get real about what they can do and what seniors really need.

Signs It’s Time for Home Care

Seniors may need home care when they start to have trouble moving around their homes safely because this assistance can reduce the risk of falling or injuries. If seniors are showing signs that their eating habits or personal hygiene habits are changing, assistance can make a big difference. Withdrawing from social situations and increasing health issues, particularly ones that lead to hospital stays, can also mean that it’s time for more help from home care providers.

How Home Care Assistance Helps

The big question from many families is what senior home care actually does to offer assistance to aging adults. There are a lot of different ways that home care helps. Care providers can assist with bathing, dressing, and other personal hygiene tasks. They can also help with preparing balanced meals that seniors are excited to eat. They don’t offer medical assistance, but home care providers can remind seniors to take medications and stay on target with exercise goals. Professional caregivers also make great companions for aging adults because they genuinely enjoy spending time with seniors.

Talking About Home Care Assistance

Home Care Assistance in Alamo CA

Once families realize that seniors need some extra help, the next step is to bring up the topic with seniors. Surprising them with home care providers may not be the best idea. Talking about what is happening during a comfortable and calm conversation is a good start. Keep the focus on the challenges they’re having and what they need. From there, family caregivers can bring up how home care assistance can alleviate those difficulties. Sharing specific examples is important because it’s concrete and something seniors can start to picture getting solved with this idea.

Moving to the Next Steps

These decisions often don’t get resolved in one conversation. Seniors may need to take some time to think about what comes next. Some seniors like the idea of trying out senior care before they commit. That could be the best way to help them to see first-hand how exactly senior home care is going to make their lives easier and better overall. The goal is for seniors to age in place safely and happily, so it’s important that they don’t resent the help they get.

Taking things at a reasonable pace is the best move for family caregivers to make when they realize that their aging family members need some extra help. Home care assistance is something that families can customize to meet their seniors’ needs and preferences. If seniors are only comfortable with help one or two days a week, that might be a step in the right direction. They could make a different decision after a few more positive experiences.

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.

Six Benefits of Companion Care at Home for Isolated Seniors

Posted on December 6, 2024January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Seniors tend to spend a lot of time alone, especially after experiencing life changes like retirement or health issues. They may have also experienced loss of people they love or mobility challenges that leave them feeling isolated and alone. Companion care at home is one solution families might consider to help seniors avoid loneliness and isolation.

Improved Mental Health

Home care providers who focus just on companionship help seniors to boost their mental well-being. Spending prolonged periods of time alone can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, so seniors need tools and support that helps them to feel valued and understood. Companion caregivers and seniors get to know each other well, getting comfortable with each other and sharing thoughts, concerns, and things that bring them happiness.

Increased Cognitive Stimulation

Spending time with other people is also an activity that supports cognitive stimulation for seniors. Talking with other people, engaging in activities, and having something to look forward to all boosts brain health. Seniors find new ways to remain curious and might be encouraged to learn more or explore new hobbies and ideas.

Healthier Habits

Companion Care at Home in Orinda CA

One surprising benefit of companion care at home is that seniors may be encouraged to stick with or adopt healthier habits. This can happen as seniors start to feel happier and more interested in general well-being. Seniors might go on walks with companion caregivers, for instance, or take up hobbies like yoga or meditation. Spending time with other people can also help seniors to get more excited about things like eating healthier meals and snacks.

Reduced Stress Levels

Social connections that are enjoyable help seniors to feel less stress overall, but they may not realize that there are chemical reactions in the body that explain why that’s true. Connecting with others helps to slow down cortisol production, for example. Cortisol is a hormone related to stress, so reducing those levels allows seniors to reduce the symptoms of stress they experience. Other chemicals like endorphins and oxytocin help boost mood and feel good as they get released, and spending time with others can help to release those chemicals.

Improved Sleep

Another surprising impact of companion care at home might be that seniors start to sleep better overall. This can happen for a variety of different reasons. First, if seniors are more active during the day they’re more likely to sleep better. But social connection can improve emotional wellness, which also helps seniors to rest better when they lie down to go to sleep. As they sleep better, their energy levels may also improve, helping them to feel better overall.

Improving social engagement has so many ripple effects that help aging adults to have a better overall quality of life. Companion care at home is one of the easiest ways for seniors to fill their time and reduce their loneliness and isolation. Companion caregivers help seniors to find the social support they need to reconnect with the world around them in a larger way. As aging adults experience these and other benefits, they may find that they enjoy life far more than they did in the past.

Reference
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place/aging-place-growing-older-home

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

Why Is Staying Hydrated Key for Seniors?

Posted on November 25, 2024January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Hydration becomes so much more crucial as seniors grow older. Proper hydration gets overlooked easily, but it’s a huge part of maintaining overall well-being, preventing dehydration, and improving cognitive function. Seniors may experience challenges related to lack of hydration without realizing that’s the problem. Senior home care providers can encourage seniors to stay properly hydrated while helping with other tasks and needs.

Why Does Hydration Matter?

The human body relies on water to keep organs functioning properly and to support major bodily functions. Mild dehydration can affect how the brain works, leading to confusion, trouble concentrating, and memory problems. Dehydration also contributes to urinary tract infections, kidney problems, low blood pressure, and digestive issues. Proper hydration also helps the body regulate temperature and keeps the immune system functioning properly.

Encouraging Hydration

As important as hydration is for seniors, they don’t always get as much water and other fluids as they should. Home care providers can offer lots of reminders for seniors to sip fluids throughout the day. They can also help seniors to keep track of how much water they’re getting. Drinking a variety of different fluids helps with the boredom that many seniors experience when focusing on water only. Milk, herbal tea, and clear broths are all excellent ideas.

Serve Smaller Portions More Often

One way to help seniors stay better hydrated is to encourage them to eat smaller meals more often. This is especially helpful for seniors who might experience trouble with bloating or conditions like COPD, where the lungs affect how much seniors can eat or drink. Snacks and meals offered with a glass of water each time can help seniors get more water with less effort.

Track Fluid Intake

For most seniors, a general estimate of how much water they’re drinking is really all they need. If seniors need to be more precise about how much water they’re taking in, their healthcare providers can help them determine how much they need. A simple log works, but there are also smartphone apps that make fluid tracking more fun.

Create Hydration Routines

Having a hydration routine is a good plan for seniors who aren’t usually getting enough water. Senior home care providers can help seniors figure out routines that allow them to meet all of their goals, including drinking more water. When water and other fluids are easy to access, seniors are more likely to drink as much as they should. Seniors may also have more preferences around water than they realize. For instance, they might enjoy water with ice more than without ice or drinking through straws instead of from a glass.

Proper hydration is an easy way to solve a lot of potential issues for seniors that they might not realize are related to lack of adequate fluid intake. Reminders, routines, and figuring out what works to make hydration more enjoyable for aging adults is a lot easier with the help of senior home care providers. Home care services can also help seniors solve other challenges they face as they try to age in place.

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

Supporting Seniors with Hearing Issues: Navigating the Highs and Lows

Posted on November 8, 2024January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Hearing loss is a prevalent issue among seniors, affecting their quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, approximately one in every three persons over the age of 65 has debilitating hearing loss. While this condition can quickly impact communication and social relationships, there are effective approaches to assist seniors in navigating both the emotional and practical aspects of hearing loss. Here are a few things to know about hearing loss and how home care can help.

Understanding the Impact of Hearing Loss

For many seniors, hearing loss is much more than simply losing the ability to hear sound. It also has an impact on their capacity to communicate, enjoy social occasions, and feel connected to their loved ones. One important task for family members and home care when it comes to assisting seniors is to recognize the impact and handle the situation with empathy. Also, it’s important to consider how it may influence their confidence, self-esteem, and sense of independence.

Creating a Supportive Communication Environment

Changing how communication happens is one part of supporting seniors with hearing issues. This doesn’t mean shouting, but rather speaking slowly, clearly, and at a reasonable volume. The truth is that shouting actually makes it harder for those with hearing issues to hear. Also, face-to-face conversations allow seniors to read lips and facial expressions, which can improve comprehension. With these things in mind, it’s important to keep background noise and distractions to a minimum. Also, to promote lip-reading and better listening in group settings, seniors need to be seated in a well-lit area that is closer to the speaker.

Additionally, practicing patience and being okay to repeat things is essential. If seniors are having difficulty understanding, it’s important to reword the sentences rather than simply repeating them, as particular sounds or words may be more difficult to digest.

Promoting the Use of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can be quite beneficial for seniors with hearing loss. However, many seniors are hesitant to use them due to stigma, inconvenience, or the belief that they will not be effective. Home care and loved ones can help seniors be more comfortable with wearing hearing aids by providing them with education, ensuring they meet with the audiology team, and offering moral support. Also, assisting with hearing aid maintenance, such as cleaning, battery replacement, and other tasks, might help alleviate their anxiety.

Practice Active Listening

Making seniors feel heard, whether they have hearing loss or not, is critical to their well-being. Active listening includes giving them undivided attention, acknowledging their emotions, and allowing them to express themselves. This demonstrates that they are valued as well as what they say is valued. For seniors who might be less willing to talk due to their hearing issues, ask open-ended questions that encourage them to process their feelings.

Exploring Assistive Technologies

Aside from hearing aids, a range of assistive technology can help seniors hear better. These include amplified telephones, television listening devices, and personal sound amplifiers. Closed captioning on television shows, as well as specialized alarm clocks or doorbells that use flashing lights instead of sound, can also assist seniors and keep them safe.

When dealing with hearing issues, especially if they’re new, seniors need a strong support network who understand their hearing issues. This network can include family, friends, home care, and others who will encourage seniors to express their feelings and try new technologies to help them better handle the highs and lows of hearing loss.

Sources:
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/communicating-with-people-with-hearing-loss
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7295162/
https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/health-conditions/hearing-and-mental-health

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.

How to Help Seniors Aging in Place Feel Safer at Night

Posted on October 25, 2024January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Aging in place is a popular choice among seniors due to the comfort and familiarity it provides. However, it can also raise a number of concerns, including safety at night. Thankfully, with the right supports in place as well as assistance from elder care, seniors can take steps toward feeling secure in their own homes so they can continue to be independent.

Improve Home Security

Enhancing home security is one of the most effective ways to improve seniors’ nighttime safety. Modern security technologies are accessible and can be tailored to any home. Some of the strategies that seniors and their family members might consider include the following:

Smart Locks: Replace traditional door locks with smart locks that enable keyless entry. This reduces the likelihood of seniors misplacing keys or fumbling with locks late at night.
Alarm Systems: Consider installing a security alarm system that will notify authorities if a door or window is tampered with. Some systems include panic buttons, which seniors can easily access in an emergency.
Video Doorbells: With these devices, seniors can see who is at their door without having to open it. The ability to monitor visitors can provide peace of mind, especially if unexpected visitors arrive at unusual hours. Elder care can work with seniors during the daytime hours to get them used to how these devices work.
Exterior Lighting: Install motion-sensor lights around the home’s perimeter. Well-lit areas deter potential intruders and help seniors avoid tripping while walking outside after dark.

Establish a Nighttime Routine

While it’s important to not add to their fears, having a consistent nighttime routine can help seniors feel more secure and settled before bedtime. Some of the things they might incorporate into their routine include:

Securing Locks and Doors: Check and lock all doors and windows before going to bed. Some seniors may find it useful to use a checklist to ensure that everything is complete. Elder care can help them create this list as well as update it regularly.
Create a Bedside Emergency Plan: Seniors should keep essential items on their bedside table, such as glasses, a flashlight, a phone, and any medications within arm’s reach. Having these items on hand can help to reduce stress during the night.
Use a Personal Alert System: A wearable device, such as a medical alert bracelet or necklace, lets seniors call for assistance if they fall or experience another emergency during the night.

Improve Indoor Lighting

Navigating through a dimly lit house can be difficult for seniors, raising the risk of falling. Elder care and family members can go through the home, noting where lights need to be added, such as in hallways, on stairways, and in bathrooms and bedrooms. Motion-sensor lights inside the home are also an excellent option, since they automatically turn on when seniors move about.

Stay Connected

Staying in touch with family or neighbors can give seniors who live alone a sense of security. Family members can schedule regular check-ins or use video calls to connect each night or arrange for neighbors to check in on seniors. Additionally, families may consider installing monitoring systems that allow them to check on loved ones remotely while respecting their privacy.

Helping seniors feel safer at night while aging in place requires a combination of practical measures and emotional support. Loved ones and elder care can work together to ensure that seniors enjoy their independence while remaining safe by incorporating some of the tips above.

Sources:
https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/home-safety-older-adults/
https://www.frontpointsecurity.com/blog/tips-for-senior-safety-when-aging-in-place
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2021/aging-in-place-checklist.html

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.