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Tag: Home Care in Clayton CA

What Myths About Aging Might Hold Seniors Back?

Posted on 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.

How to Craft a Care Plan After Your Dad’s Stroke

Posted on by Craig Bass
Home Care in Clayton CA
Home Care in Clayton CA

Every year, close to 800,000 people have a stroke. Of those, around 610,000 are first-time strokes. Close to 87 percent of strokes are ischemic strokes, meaning a clot blocks blood flow to the brain.

Your dad had a stroke. After talking to his medical team, you need to make plans as he cannot live alone without having others help him. It’s time to come up with a care plan that matches his needs.

Changes in the Home

Your dad will work with therapists to regain as much mobility as possible. He needs to work on the exercises that are recommended. What’s important to consider is that he may always need a walker, cane, or wheelchair. It’s hard to tell until he’s working with therapists.

His home may need to undergo some changes. If those changes aren’t possible, you may not have a choice other than to move him to a single-level home equipped with wider doors and hallways.

Bathing will be different after his stroke. If he cannot get in or out of the bathtub independently, he needs a home care provider there to help him. A shower seat that affixes to the wall or suctions to the tile or fiberglass floor is essential if he cannot stand for long. A walk-in tub or wheelchair-accessible shower can make it easier to bathe.

He may not be able to walk up and down the stairs. Look at the possibility of adding a power stairlift. If that’s not possible, moving him to the main level of the home is essential. He needs to have his bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area on the same level as the door he uses to get inside and outside of the home.

If there are stairs to the outside, a wheelchair ramp may be necessary to ensure he can get outside. This is why some families have to decide whether it’s better to stay in the current home or downsize to a single-level condo, apartment, or single-family home.

Changes to His Diet

After a stroke, his doctor may tell your dad to cut salt from his diet. He needs to watch saturated fat, excessive amounts of sugar, and processed foods. He needs to embrace a whole diet that contains plenty of fiber, lean protein, and nutrients found in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Look Into the Benefits of Home Care

After your dad’s stroke, his medical team may recommend he goes to a rehabilitation wing or facility to relearn some of his required skills like swallowing, moving his legs and arms, and speech. Sometimes, you can arrange to have physical, speech, and occupational therapists come to his home. He’s still going to need additional help.

Home care aides can help your dad with bathing, grooming, and personal care. They can assist him on the stairs and when getting in and out of bed. Have home care aides help with meals, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation, too. It enables you to focus on spending time with your dad without worrying about what needs to get done around the home.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm

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.

Better Breakfast Month – Pantry Staples for Healthy Breakfasts

Posted on by Craig Bass

What pantry staples should be on hand for healthier breakfasts? September’s Better Breakfast Month is a good time to explore the things your parents could be eating to start their day off in a tasty, nutritional way.

Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce is a must-have for making apple muffins. You can also use it to sweeten overnight oats, yogurt parfaits, and homemade granola bars. Purchase jars of unsweetened applesauce or make it yourself using peeled, chopped apples and water.

Vitamin C is one reason to keep applesauce on hand. It’s high in the antioxidant. There’s also fiber and vitamin B-6.

Dried Apricots

Keep dried apricots on hand for topping cereals. Chop them up and use them in overnight oats, muffins, or yogurt parfaits.

Dried apricots are a great source of vitamin A and potassium. They’re also a good source of iron, vitamin B-6, and calcium. They even contain a small amount of fiber.

Frozen Berries

Buy a bag of frozen berries and keep them on hand for breakfast smoothies. You can use naturally sweetened juice to make a fruit smoothie or kefir or yogurt to make fruit and yogurt smoothies.

Frozen berries are a great source of antioxidants like vitamin C. The seeds in some berries also have omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies have found that berries are one of the best fruits for brain health. Plus, they taste good in parfaits, oatmeal, muffins, and by themselves.

Whole Oats

Whole oats are a handy breakfast item to keep on hand. Make plain overnight oats and keep it in the fridge for easy warm or cold breakfasts. You or your parents can top the oats in things they enjoy each morning.

Oats are a good source of fiber. Fiber absorbs water and helps prevent constipation. Soluble fiber also draws cholesterol from the intestines and helps move it out of the body. Steel-cut oats are ideal. If you’re making overnight oats from steel-cut oats, use the ratio of 1.75 cups of milk to 1 cup of oats.

Would your parents eat more if they had someone helping them? Breakfast is an important meal, so it’s not one they should be skipping. Home care services cover things like grocery shopping and meal preparation.

If your parents don’t like to eat by themselves, caregivers can be on hand to join them for a meal and do the dishes after. Home care aides are friends and helpers who will keep your parents happy and engaged. Call to learn more.

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.