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Author: ltcep2023

Preparing for Exercise and Cooling Down Properly

Posted on 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 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 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 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.

How Can Alzheimer’s Disease Affect Your Mom’s Personality?

Posted on by ltcep2023

If your mom has Alzheimer’s, you may notice some changes in her personality as the disease progresses. Alzheimer’s can affect seniors in many different ways because of the way that it affects the brain. Even though this is a normal symptom of the disease, it can be very difficult to process. If you’re taking care of your mom and you are starting to feel overwhelmed or burned out by the demands of caregiving, Alzheimer’s care at home can help.

Alzheimer’s care at home is specialty care for seniors with Alzheimer’s that live in their own homes. When your mom has Alzheimer’s care at home you can take the time off that you need to process your own emotions knowing that your mom is safe and comfortable.

Some seniors don’t experience any personality changes. But personality changes like these are possible in any senior that has Alzheimer’s:

Increased Irritability or Anger

One of the most common personality changes that you might notice is that your mom becomes more irritable or quick to anger. She may get upset over things that never bothered her before. Simple things, like trying to find her phone or remembering how to turn on the TV, might lead to frustration.

This is because she may be aware that something isn’t right, and it’s frustrating for her. Her memory and thinking skills are declining, and this can make her feel lost or out of control, causing sudden bursts of anger. Put yourself in her shoes and imagine how frustrating it would be to experience those changes.

Anxiety or Fearfulness

Your mom may also start to feel more anxious or fearful. Alzheimer’s can make familiar places or people feel strange and confusing to her. This can cause fear.

She might not want to be left alone or might get nervous when doing something as simple as going to the grocery store. She may also become more anxious about her safety, worrying about things like whether the doors are locked or if someone is going to hurt her. This fear can lead to restlessness and make it hard for her to relax.

Alzheimer’s care at home can help with this anxiety because Alzheimer’s care at home is available around the clock. When you can’t be with your mom a caregiver can be so that she feels safe.

Paranoia or Suspicion

As Alzheimer’s gets worse, your mom may begin to believe things that aren’t true. She might start accusing people of stealing from her or think that someone is plotting against her. This is called paranoia.

For example, if she can’t find her purse, she may accuse you or someone else of taking it, even though it’s just misplaced.

Her brain can no longer make sense of certain situations, so she fills in the gaps with false beliefs. This can be hurtful, but it’s important to remember that it’s the disease, not her, causing these thoughts.

Loss of Interest in Hobbies or Socializing

Another common personality change is that your mom may lose interest in things she once loved. If she used to enjoy gardening, knitting, or watching her favorite TV shows, she might suddenly stop caring about them.

This change happens because Alzheimer’s affects her motivation and ability to enjoy activities. She may feel overwhelmed by things that once made her happy, or she may simply forget how to do them.

Becoming More Dependent

As Alzheimer’s progresses, your mom may become more dependent on others, even for simple things. She might start asking for help with tasks she used to do easily on her own, like cooking, cleaning, or paying bills.

This increased dependency can also affect her personality. She may become clingier, always wanting to be near someone because she feels unsure or unsafe on her own.

This can be hard for family members to handle, especially if your mom was once very independent and proud of doing things by herself. Alzheimer’s care at home can make caring for your mom at home easier for you and your siblings.

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

5 Ways Seniors Can Improve Their Emotional Wellness At Home

Posted on by ltcep2023

October is National Emotional Wellness Month and now it a great time to find ways to help your senior parent improve their emotional wellness. Making sure that your senior mom or dad is emotionally healthy living at home is just as important as making sure that they are physically healthy.

Seniors who are living at home have a high risk for loneliness, depression, and anxiety because they don’t get as much social contact as they need. Visits and phone calls from family members go a long way toward helping seniors stay emotionally healthy, but it’s not always possible for family members to completely meet their senior parent’s emotional needs.

If you’re worried that your mom or dad may be lonely as they age at home try talking to them about some of these highly recommended ways for seniors to improve their emotional wellness at home:

Companion Care At Home

 

Companion Care at Home in San Ramon CA
Companion Care at Home in San Ramon CA

Companion care at home is a wonderful way to make sure that your mom or dad is getting the social engagement they need. When your senior parent has companion care at home they get regular visits from a companion who will spend time with them. A companion will share meals, conversation, and activities with your mom or dad.
A companion that visits your mom or dad on a set schedule may play games with them, do puzzles, watch movies, or help them learn more about hobbies that interest them.

Making Donation Items

Seniors sometimes struggle to find a sense of purpose, or a reason to get up each day. Making items to donate to charity can be a fantastic hobby for your mom or dad. Making things with their hands can relieve stress, improve happiness, and give them a sense of accomplishment.

There are hundreds of organizations that need handmade donation items like pet rescues and shelters which accept handmade blankets and crate pads, NICUs that always need warm and cozy hats, booties, and blankets for babies, and charities that collect cards, letters, and other items to send to other lonely seniors.

Taking Online Classes

Online classes are a way for seniors to stimulate their minds and explore subjects they were interested in but never had time to pursue. Your mom could have wanted to study fine art, but never had the time before. Or your dad may enjoy taking a class that is an in-depth look at his favorite historical time period.

There are many colleges and universities that now offer classes online for free, or have free video overviews of different topics.

Joining The Library

Even if your mom or dad can’t easily get out of the house they should join the local library. Since the pandemic many libraries have expanded their services and now offer digital books, video book clubs and discussion groups, and many other social opportunities that are perfect for seniors. And it’s all free.

Using Social Media

Using social media is also free, and it can be a fun way for seniors to reconnect with family and friends. Some seniors are even making their own social media content and making social connections with people of all different age groups.

Reference
https://nationaltoday.com/emotional-wellness-month/

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

Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Posted on by ltcep2023

When a blood clot occurs in one of the deep veins of the body, usually in the legs, it is called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT. A DVT can cause swelling and pain but sometimes occurs without any noticeable symptoms. While there isn’t usually any great risk of blood clots in the legs, the danger lies in the fact that it may break loose and head to another area of the body where it could cause serious issues and possibly even death. It can travel through the bloodstream and get lodged in the lungs, blocking blood flow and causing a pulmonary embolism.

Who is at Risk for Getting a DVT?

A DVT can happen to anyone at any time, but certain conditions and health issues may make having DVT more common. And because your loved one is elderly, his risk naturally increases each decade of his life after 60, compounding the risks listed below.

  • Being Overweight. Obesity increases the risk of developing DVT because of the increased pressure on the veins located within the legs and pelvis.
  • Being a Smoker. Those who smoke increase the risk of developing DVTs because of the damage to how the blood flows through the body due to smoking.
  • Having some cancers and/or going through some cancer treatments. If your loved one has cancer or is currently being treated for cancer, talk to his doctor if it will put him at greater risk for developing a DVT.
  • Having Heart Failure. Because the lungs and heart don’t work as strongly as they would in a healthy person, someone with heart failure may be more dangerously affected by even a small DVT that breaks off.
  • Not Moving for Long Periods. One of the most common triggers of DVT is the lack of movement. International flights where you sit for 8-10 hours at a time can increase this risk. The risk is also increased for anyone who is bed-ridden, or wheelchair-bound.

Home Care Assistance Can Help Seniors Reduce the Risk of DVTs

If you know your loved one is going to be bedridden or wheelchair-bound for a significant amount of time, having a home care assistance provider visit to help stimulate blood flow in the leg and assist with moving around can help reduce the risk of your loved one developing a DVT that could break off and lead to serious consequences. A home care assistance provider can help your loved one stretch out his legs or walk around if that is possible.

A home care assistance provider may also be able to help with lifestyle changes that will have positive impacts on your loved one’s overall health, including reducing his risk for a DVT. A home care assistance provider can help make healthy meals to keep his weight at a healthy level and support him with daily exercise to keep the legs moving and increase the caloric intake he needs each day, so he doesn’t put on more weight. A home care assistance provider can even help if your loved one is ready to quit smoking by providing support and accountability.

Finally, your loved one’s doctor may suggest he wear compression socks to help reduce his risk of developing a DVT. These can be difficult for some elderly people to put on properly: a home care assistance provider can help.

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