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Author: ltcep2023

What Helps Seniors to Stay Well Emotionally?

Posted on by ltcep2023

Emotional well-being is a bigger part of overall health and wellness than many people realize. Seniors in particular need to focus on emotional wellness in order to help improve their quality of life. Taking a variety of approaches, including increasing socialization with companion care at home, makes a huge difference for aging adults.

Boost Creativity

Encouraging seniors to find ways to express their creativity seriously improves emotional well-being. Activities like painting, writing, making music, or even gardening can all provide avenues for self-expression, creativity, and joy. Engaging in creative pursuits is also incredibly important for mental stimulation and cognitive function. Seniors feel a huge sense of accomplishment when they engage in creative pursuits, too, making this even more important to engage in regularly.

Consider an Exercise Routine

Regular physical activity boosts overall physical health, but it also boosts emotional health. Seniors should always talk to their medical providers before starting a new exercise program, just to make sure that they’re able to start a new exercise program. Exercising releases endorphins and other brain chemicals that enhance mood and improve emotional wellness. Activities like walking, yoga, swimming, or chair exercises are all good options.

Make Social Connections Easy

When it’s easy to be socially active, seniors get lots of benefits. Finding ways to make it easy for family members and friends to stay in touch with seniors is important. It’s also helpful to consider options like elder care providers who can offer hands-on help along with companionship. The easier it is to socialize, the less likely it will be that seniors have to deal with isolation and feelings of loneliness. Companion care at home can be there with seniors to engage in all sorts of activities or simply to be a friendly conversational partner.

Support Relaxation

Incorporating relaxation techniques into everyday routines can help seniors to improve their emotional wellness. Activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle stretching help to relieve stress and promote relaxation. They can also help to boost moods and make it easier to sleep well. Mindfulness activities help seniors to focus on what’s happening right now in the present moment, which can be a huge help for seniors who are battling anxiety and depression.

Offer a Strong Support System

Having a strong support system is essential for seniors. When they feel less alone, they’re more likely to express their concerns, emotions, and needs. This helps family caregivers to offer even more of the support that seniors need in order to live their best lives. Home care services can also be there to offer not only companionship but also support with daily activities and needs.

Maintaining emotional well-being for seniors involves taking a holistic approach to daily activities as much as possible. Using as many different strategies as possible to improve emotional wellness helps aging adults to get their needs met and get invaluable support. Companion care at home helps seniors to navigate the various challenges of aging without having to worry that they’re being a burden to anyone.

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

Six Tips to Help Seniors Stay Active All Year Long

Posted on by ltcep2023

Staying active is a huge part of helping seniors to stay healthy and vital as they grow older. Once seniors become more physically active, they need to keep going. But when the weather is bad or during the winter it’s all too easy for seniors to back off of being more physically active. Home care assistance can offer seniors a lot of support in their goal to stay active all year long.

Find Indoor Exercise Options

Indoor exercise options mean that seniors can stick with their workout plans no matter what is going on outside. This could mean joining fitness classes, enjoying workout videos at home, or using a home gym on a daily basis. Working out inside means that there’s a climate-controlled environment. If seniors are working out at home, they don’t have to worry about getting to another location at all. Also, it’s important for seniors to talk with their doctors about what exercise options are healthiest for them.

Explore More Low-impact Activities

Sometimes the weather wouldn’t keep seniors from exercising, but it does something else, like cause discomfort in joints, that makes exercising more difficult. That means that it’s also a good idea to ensure that exercises are low-impact and support complications seniors might encounter. Activities like walking, yoga, Pilates, and more can all offer serious benefits for seniors.

Emphasize Strength Training

As seniors age, they lose muscle tone gradually. It’s really important to slow muscle loss as much as possible and strength training can help seniors to do this. This can be as simple as using resistance training or bodyweight exercises to maintain and build muscles.

Prioritize Balance and Flexibility

Another common problem is that seniors lose flexibility and balance over time. Both of these skills help to prevent falls, so it’s important to improve them as much as possible. Some of the exercises that can help to build strength can also help with both balance and flexibility. Yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and more can all be great options.

Find a Fitness Buddy

Working out with someone else can be tremendously motivating for seniors. It can also help to serve as a distraction for seniors who don’t like to exercise. This fitness buddy could be a friend, a family member, or even senior care providers. Having that layer of companionship ensures that seniors stick with their exercise routine and that they meet their socializing needs at the same time.

Set Realistic Goals

When fitness goals aren’t realistic, they’re really difficult to meet. The right goal is going to help seniors stay motivated and consistent, even when they can’t get outside to get that workout in. Starting out with smaller goals can help seniors to build up their stamina as well as the mindset around working out on a daily basis.

Staying active all year long is tremendously helpful for aging adults. Home care assistance can offer support that seniors need in order to keep working out, even when the weather outside doesn’t support being physically active. The key is finding activities that feel good and that move the needle toward being healthier.

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

Six Tips for Helping a Senior Who Has Trouble Walking

Posted on by ltcep2023

Mobility challenges are extremely common for aging adults. When seniors start to have more trouble walking, that is a safety concern. Fall risks increase because of mobility difficulties, so it’s vital to put solutions in place. For many seniors, working with personal care at home is an excellent answer. Here are some other tips that can help.

Talk to Medical Providers

The first step is always to talk with the person’s doctors about what’s going on. There may be underlying health issues that are worsening or other variables to consider. The cause of the mobility challenges can help to inform the solutions that need to be in place. If there are medical treatments that can help, seniors may find that they’re better able to handle the challenges they’re facing with walking and mobility in general.

Talk about Mobility Aids

Mobility aids can offer tremendous support to seniors who have trouble walking. Different mobility aids offer specific types of support, but they need to be used regularly and properly for the best results. When seniors do use mobility aids correctly, they may find that they’re more confident and stable. Home care providers can help seniors to remember to use these devices when they need them the most.

Create a Safe Living Space

A safer living space is crucial when seniors develop mobility challenges. There are degrees of safety to consider, too. Personal care at home can help families to understand what safety issues their seniors are facing and what steps they can take to resolve some of those issues. Home care providers also help to maintain safety over time.

Encourage Exercise if Exercise Is Recommended

Some seniors may find that they can improve their mobility by moving a little more and growing stronger. They should always follow their doctors’ recommendations around exercise, including frequency and intensity. Caregivers can help aging adults to exercise safely, as well, offering support and stability while seniors practice moving more.

Offer Support Safely

Often fear makes mobility challenges worse for seniors. Because they’re worried about falling and injuring themselves, they may be less inclined to move, even around their homes. It can help a lot for seniors to have a supportive arm to lean on as they walk. The physical connection can also help to soothe fears around moving more.

Consider Personal Care at Home

Elder care providers can offer a wide range of support to seniors who are having more difficulty walking. Caregivers offer support with daily activities like bathing, toileting, and grooming. They can also offer mobility assistance, companionship, and safety advice. All of these different forms of support ensure that seniors have the experienced assistance they need to remain safe and live their lives happily.

When seniors are having more trouble walking, they need a supportive approach. Personal care at home offers practical hands-on help as well as emotional support that keeps seniors grounded when they’re facing big challenges. Home care personalizes care plans to ensure that aging adults have exactly the help they need when they truly need it.

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

Keeping Seniors Safe at Home with ADL Assistance

Posted on by ltcep2023

Growing older often means more trouble living independently. Sometimes seniors can age in place just fine, as long as they have a little bit of help. Senior home care providers can keep seniors safe and healthy while also offering invaluable assistance when needed.

What Are ADLs?

Activities of daily living, often abbreviated as ADLs, are fundamental daily tasks that people do in order to take care of themselves, to stay healthy, and to remain independent. These tasks include activities like dressing, bathing, mobility, toileting, eating, and more. Seniors can have more trouble with these tasks for a variety of reasons ranging from cognitive changes to declining health or physical limitations.

Customized Care Plans

The first way that home care offers the help seniors need is through customizing care plans to meet individual needs. Caregivers work closely with the care recipient to understand what they need and want, what their routines are, and any other mitigating factors. These care plans aren’t static, either. They are adjustable as needs change.

Bathing and Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene is essential for physical health, emotional well-being, and comfort. Caregivers can help seniors to bathe and take care of any personal hygiene tasks. This can feel embarrassing for some seniors at first, but caregivers offer compassionate support without judging or making the person feel bad about needing help with personal tasks.

Grooming and Dressing Help

It’s amazing how intricate some clothing and fasteners can be. As seniors age, it can be more difficult to manage getting dressed on their own. Home care providers help seniors to continue looking their best, while also wearing clean clothing that makes them feel their best.

Nutritional Support and Meal Preparation

When seniors aren’t eating healthy meals, that has a huge impact on their overall health. Home care assistance ensures that seniors are eating healthy meals on a daily basis. If seniors need more help with planning meals and grocery shopping, caregivers can help with that, too.

Mobility Assistance

Maintaining mobility is a huge part of helping seniors to remain independent. Senior home care services help seniors to have the support they need with tasks like transferring between surfaces, walking, and even exercising. Seniors with a high risk of falling can greatly reduce the likelihood that they might fall if they have mobility assistance on a daily basis.

Toileting and Incontinence Care

Incontinence is a sensitive issue for so many seniors. Home care providers offer support with toileting, getting to the bathroom safely, and establishing bathroom routines. Incontinence care is nothing to be embarrassed about, and having this assistance can reduce the chances of seniors experiencing UTIs and other health issues.

Monitoring and Reporting Health Issues

There’s more involved, however. Family caregivers who live far away or who are extremely busy may not be able to keep up with everything that is happening with the seniors they love. Caregivers can help them to stay aware of health issues and other concerns that families need to start addressing.

Getting help with ADLs does not mean that seniors have to move or that they are unable to care for themselves at all. Senior home care providers offer the support necessary for aging adults to do what they can and to know that they have assistance when they need it.

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

Social Media Safety Tips For Seniors

Posted on by ltcep2023

Social media can be a great way for seniors to stay connected to family, make friends, and even find romance later in life. But, there are a lot of scammers using social media to find vulnerable people and steal from them. Seniors who may not know much about social media have a high risk of being scammed on social media. And seniors may also inadvertently share sensitive information on social media that can put them at risk. These tips can help seniors use social media safely and avoid being scammed:

Strong Passwords

Seniors should create strong, unique passwords for their social media accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as birthdays or names, and consider a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a password manager to keep track of your login details securely. Seniors also can ask a home care provider to write down their passwords and keep them in safe space so that seniors can access them if they need to.

Use Privacy Control Settings

Most social media platforms offer privacy settings that allow you to control who can see your content and engage with you. Adjust these settings to limit your information’s visibility to only friends and family, rather than making it public. Seniors who are unsure of how to use their privacy control settings should ask a home care provider for help.

Be Careful When Accepting Friend Requests

Be cautious when accepting friend requests. Ensure you know the person personally or have a mutual connection before adding them to your friends’ list. Fake profiles and scammers often target seniors. Even if a profile says it’s someone that you know verify that the account really belongs to that person before accepting their friend request.

Avoid Oversharing

It’s essential to avoid oversharing personal information on social media. Refrain from posting your full name, address, phone number, or other sensitive information that could be exploited by cybercriminals.

Phishing Awareness

Be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. Phishing attempts are prevalent on social media, and they often trick users into revealing their personal information. Never click on links in emails or direct messages. Instead, go directly to that website in a secure browser.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Enable 2FA on your social media accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to provide a code or use a second device to log in, in addition to your password. Many seniors find two-factor authentication annoying, but it does provide protection.

Recognize Scams

Seniors should be aware of common online scams, such as the “grandparent scam,” where scammers impersonate a family member in distress and ask for money. Always verify the identity of the person making such requests through other means.

Think Before You Post

Think twice before posting anything online, as once it’s out there, it can be challenging to take back. Always consider the potential consequences of your posts, especially if they contain personal or sensitive information.

Report Abuse and Harassment

If you encounter any abusive or harassing behavior on social media, report it to the platform administrators. They take these matters seriously and will investigate and take appropriate action.

Limit Third-Party Apps

Be cautious when giving access to your social media accounts to third-party apps. These apps can potentially access your personal information and post on your behalf. Only use apps and services from reputable sources.

Regularly Review Friend List

Periodically review your list of friends or connections on social media. Remove or unfriend individuals you no longer wish to stay connected with.

Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Offers

Scammers often entice victims with offers that seem too good to be true. Whether it’s a lottery win or an unbelievable deal, approach such offers with caution and verify their legitimacy.

Don’t Share Financial Information

Never share your financial information, such as credit card details or social security numbers, on social media. Legitimate organizations will never request such information through social platforms.

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

How to Help Seniors Manage Diabetes by Managing Stress Levels

Posted on by ltcep2023

Life with diabetes is complicated, but even more so for seniors. There are dietary restrictions, medications, and exercise recommendations galore. This can bring up a lot of stress for aging adults, and stress has a serious impact on blood sugar levels. Having help with diabetes management helps to reduce stress and can have a positive impact on overall health. 24-hour home care offers assistance that seniors can truly use.

Take the Pressure Out of the Numbers

One of the biggest causes of stress for diabetic seniors is worrying about their blood sugar numbers, especially when they’re high for reasons that are unclear. Blood sugar is impacted by so many different factors. Sometimes monitoring glucose numbers can become obsessive for diabetic seniors, which leads to anxiety and frustration. Blood sugar numbers are just a tool used to help manage diabetes, and home care providers can help seniors to keep that in perspective.

Perfection Isn’t vhe Goal

Another big cause of stress for diabetic seniors is trying to manage diabetes perfectly. Perfection shouldn’t be the goal. It’s much more important to consistently make progress toward better diabetes management. This happens when seniors work with their medical providers and keep making incremental choices that support better health.

Remove Obstacles that Make Care Difficult

Obstacles make anything more difficult and for seniors with diabetes some of the obstacles to better health can include trouble remembering to take medication, difficulty managing dietary changes, and having the daily support they need. 24-hour home care providers can be there for seniors to offer them the support they need to have the best possible quality of life with diabetes. Caregivers can also help seniors get to medical appointments and have access to the supplies they need.

Prioritize Positivity

Cultivating a positive attitude is an important part of helping seniors to stay healthier and stress-free, even with diabetes. Seniors can start to look at diabetes management as self-care rather than a difficult burden to bear. Having the support that they need can help them to make those mindset shifts, embracing positivity along the way. There may still be days that are more challenging, but a positive mindset can still help.

Find Lots of Support and Assistance

Having access to as much support and help as possible is crucial for seniors with diabetes. Support groups can be an important piece of the puzzle, for instance. When seniors know that they have the hands-on and emotional support that they need, a lot of the stress of managing diabetes can fade into the background. This can also help family caregivers to experience a lot less stress.

There are lots of different facets to managing diabetes, especially for seniors. Stress makes everything worse, so finding ways to mitigate that stress for aging adults can help them to finally get a better handle on their health issues, including blood sugar levels that are too high. 24-hour home care enables seniors to have support that they need around the clock, ensuring that they don’t have to worry about needing help and not having it.

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

Symptoms Of Shingles Seniors Should Watch Out For

Posted on by ltcep2023

Seniors have a high risk of developing shingles, a painful skin rash that can cause serious medical problems. Seniors are often advised to get a vaccination that may help protect them from shingles. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox in children. And like children seniors can develop serious skin infections and other problems related to shingles.

Seniors who get shingles may be in pain and struggling to get rid of the virus for a long time. In-home care can help seniors who are affected by shingles by helping with things like meals and housecleaning. And in-home care can help seniors make sure they don’t develop skin infections or conditions related to shingles. Seniors should know these symptoms of shingles and get to their doctor immediately if they notice any of these symptoms:

Pain and Tingling Sensations

Shingles typically begins with localized pain, tingling, or burning sensations in a specific area of the body. These sensations often appear on one side of the body and can be intense. Seniors may notice these symptoms even before the rash appears. If seniors do notice pain and tingling in their face, hands, or another part of the body they should make a doctor’s appointment right away.

Rash

Within a few days of experiencing pain and tingling, a rash develops in the affected area. This rash consists of small, fluid-filled blisters that are often grouped together. The rash can be itchy and can occur anywhere on the body but typically follows a dermatomal pattern, meaning it appears along the path of a specific nerve. Any time a senior develops a rash they should see a doctor. It’s very easy for rashes to lead to skin infections if seniors scratch at the rash or if the blisters pop exposing the skin to germs.

Redness and Swelling

The rash is accompanied by redness and swelling in the affected area. The skin may become inflamed and warm to the touch. Home remedies like an oatmeal paste may help alleviate any redness or soreness.

Blisters

The fluid-filled blisters that make up the shingles rash can be painful and sensitive. Over the course of several days, these blisters may rupture, ooze, and form crusts as they begin to heal. Never pop blisters. Seek medical treatment immediately to make sure they don’t become infected.

Itching

The rash and blisters associated with shingles can be intensely itchy, leading to discomfort for seniors. Home remedies and anti-itch creams can help seniors avoid the temptation to scratch their skin.

Fever and Chills

Some seniors may develop a low-grade fever and experience chills when they have shingles. These systemic symptoms are often accompanied by fatigue.

Headache

Seniors with shingles may experience headaches, which can be attributed to the overall discomfort and stress associated with the infection.

Sensitivity to Touch

The affected area may become sensitive to touch, and clothing or even a gentle breeze can exacerbate discomfort.

Muscle Pain

Muscle pain, especially in the area surrounding the rash, can be another symptom of shingles in older adults.

Nausea and Upset Stomach

Some seniors may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea.

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/senior-health/shingles-elderly
https://www.medicarefaq.com/blog/complications-of-shingles-in-the-elderly/
https://www.elcaminohealth.org/stay-healthy/blog/shingles-older-adults

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