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Tag: Elder Care in Orinda CA

Tips and Tricks to Help Seniors Improve Brain Health

Posted on by ltcep2023

It makes sense that as seniors age, they worry more about preserving their mental capacity and general well-being. And while it’s true that aging can cause changes in brain function, seniors who focus on a few tips and trips may increase their chances of staying mentally sharp and energetic for years. Here are some of the ways seniors can improve brain function and how elder care might help them achieve their goals.

Remain Physically Active

Exercise is important for keeping the brain healthy in addition to being good for the body. Frequent exercise enhances overall cognitive function, stimulates the creation of new brain cells, and boosts blood flow to the brain. Walking, swimming, yoga, and Tai Chi are a few gentle yet effective fitness options that seniors can incorporate into their everyday routines. Elder care can help them increase their physical activity by encouraging them to get up and move throughout the day or even participating in the activity with them.

Keep Testing the Mind

To remain in good health, the brain needs regular exercise, just like the body. Seniors can try their hand at games like chess, Sudoku, crosswords, and learning a new language, or take up some brain teasers. Developing a new skill or pastime keeps their mind active and promotes the creation of new neural connections. Again, having elder care by their side helps, as it gives seniors built-in socialization opportunities and the chance to test their minds.

Focus on Socialization

Speaking of socialization, engaging in social interactions is beneficial to the brain. Frequent social contact helps prevent depressive and lonely moods, which can impair cognitive performance. Fostering social ties is essential for maintaining brain health, whether it takes the form of volunteering, joining a club, or just spending time with friends and family.

Eat Foods That Promote Brain Health

Keeping the brain healthy requires a balanced diet. Seniors should concentrate on eating a diet high in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. This consists of an abundance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Additionally, drinking sufficient water throughout the day is important for maintaining good brain function.

Get Enough Sleep

Good sleep is necessary for memory consolidation and cognitive performance. To encourage restful sleep, seniors should set a regular sleep routine and strive for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Establishing a soothing bedtime routine, abstaining from technology and caffeine before bed, and making sure the sleeping environment is comfortable can all improve the quality of sleep.

Manage Stress

It’s important to develop appropriate techniques to control stress levels because prolonged stress can have a negative impact on brain function. Seniors can decompress and lower their stress levels by practicing techniques like yoga, deep breathing exercises, meditation, and spending time in nature. Elder care can also remind them to take time out for self-care activities that support emotional stability and relaxation.

Even though there will be some aspect of cognitive decline as seniors’ age increases, that does not mean they can’t incorporate tips and tricks to get the most out of their brain health. With elder care by their side and their loved ones support, seniors can continue to enjoy a high quality of life long into their older years.

Sources:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/staying-sharp.aspx
https://www.harvardpilgrim.org/hapiguide/senior-brain-boosters-tips-for-maintaining-brain-health/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

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

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Posted on by Craig Bass
Elder Care in Orinda CA
Elder Care in Orinda CA

While it’s common for vision to change and even get worse as we get older, if your parent is complaining about his ability to see things as clear as before, it’s possible he may have the beginning of a cataract and may need the help of elder care. Most cataracts occur in individuals after they turn 60, so it is not uncommon for seniors to suffer from cataracts.

Cataracts occur when the proteins in the lens of your parent’s eye becomes thicker and less transparent. It can also change color and become more yellow as the proteins build up. When this happens, the discolored lens will become more difficult to see through and may create a cloud for your parent to try to view the world through. It can occur in just one eye or both and can even return once a cataract has been removed through surgery. If it’s extremely advanced, you or an elder care provider may even be able to see a cloudy film over your parent’s eye(s).

While cataracts aren’t painful, they do cause some common symptoms that your parent may be experiencing. They will change the way your parent sees the world. It may happen slowly at first so that your parent doesn’t realize his vision is changing, but over time, it’ll affect his vision enough that he won’t be able to ignore it. Here are the most common symptoms linked to cataracts.

It’s hard to see in the dark or at night.

One of the most common symptoms of a cataract is the difficulty of seeing at night. Your parent may have slowly stopped driving at night because he cannot see the lines on the road as well. If he has started asking you or his elder care provider to do most of his night-time driving, ask him what makes it difficult for him now. If it’s his inability to see, getting his eyes checked is a good first response.

Light sources start to have halos.

This symptom is another reason many people with cataracts stop driving at night. It’s hard to distinguish distance and speed when every headlight and streetlight has rays of light shooting out of it. While a cataract is not the only cause for this (scratched eyeglasses or even dirty windshields can have this affect), if your parent is noticing halos around light sources even when not wearing his glasses, he may have a cataract causing them.

He’s sensitive to light.

A cataract can cause your parent to struggle with bright sunshine or other intense sources of light. If your parent is consistently asking his elder care provider to dim the lights because they bother his eyes, add it to another reason to get his eyes examined.

Double or ghosted vision is more common. If your parent is seeing two of the same item, or if items kind of overlap and seem to have multiple images, a cataract may be to blame.

The world just isn’t as colorful as it was. Cataracts can cause colors to fade and be muted as the cataract creates a cloudy film for your parent to try to see the world from.

The world is so much better when we can see it clearly. If your parent is suffering from any of these symptoms, make an appointment with his eye doctor to see what steps you can take to improve his vision. An elder care provider can assist by taking your senior loved one to their various doctor appointments and provide support while they are there.

 

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

Cancer Treatments and In-Home Care: How Can it Help?

Posted on by Craig Bass

Is your elderly loved one dealing with some sort of cancer? If so, this can be difficult for their mind and body. It can be a constant struggle for your elderly loved one to keep up with their independence. With everything they have, your loved one might keep trying to do things on their own. However, it is alright for them to ask for and get help. It is alright for you to help them get the services and assistance that they need. Home care services might benefit your loved one the most. The elder care providers can help your loved one to have the best quality of life.

Recovery Support

If your elderly loved one has received cancer treatments and they are trying to recover, it could be taking a huge toll on their body and mind. It is important that they have the help and support that is needed to get through each day and get stronger. Some of the ways that elder care providers can help your loved one include the following:

  • Assistance with waking up and going to bed
  • Getting help with grooming and dressing
  • Prepping meals
  • Light housekeeping
  • Going to get prescriptions
  • Reminding your loved one about taking their medications
  • Scheduling and transporting your loved one to appointments
  • Offering companionship

These measures can help your elderly loved one to feel more comfortable. The elder care providers can make your loved one’s life easier, as well.

Depression Management

Anyone who gets diagnosed with cancer is likely to experience some level of depression. If your elderly loved one needs help with their depression, home care services can help with this. The elder care providers can be there for your loved one when they need to vent. They can be there to help your loved one with household tasks to make things easier. By doing these things, the provider is helping your loved one to manage their depression.

Personalized Care

If your elderly loved one needs to get cancer treatments, they deserve the most personalized care possible. The doctors and the hospital will certainly providing your loved one with the personalized care they need. Your loved one should be able to get this type of care in their home, as well. The elder care providers who come to your loved one’s home will take their individual situation in mind. Then, they will adjust their care based on what is happening with your loved one.

Anybody who has to deal with cancer treatments is in a tough situation. It can be scary, irritating, frightening, and much more. It is important that your elderly loved one gets the best in-home care possible.

Sources
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/finding-and-paying-for-treatment/choosing-your-treatment-team/home-care-agencies/types-of-services-available.html

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