Rhode Island

Seniors and Facts about Summer Safety

Senior safety is an important issue during the summer. Seniors have a higher tendency to react to the heat. This could include heat stroke and heat exhaustion. No matter what the weather is forecasted to be, seniors should be prepared to battle the heat. The following list provides some great tips that will help to make sure seniors are safe during the summer.

1. Heat exhaustion can cause many problems for seniors. It can be the cause of fatigue, nausea, headache and dizziness.

2. Heat stroke can cause a senior to experience dizziness, confusion and could even cause unconsciousness.

3. Seniors must make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the summer. This will help to keep the body hydrated and avoid heat stroke and exhaustion.

4. A light, but well-balanced diet should be eaten during the warmer months. Eating heavy will cause fatigue.

5. Light and loose clothing should be worn to help keep seniors cool.

6. Always apply sun screen when a senior will be exposed to the sun. Their skin is very sensitive and they will burn easily and quickly.

7. If outdoor temperatures become uncomfortable, seniors should go inside and sit down. If they can be in an air conditioned area, that would be even better.

Source: NJ

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Preparing to be a Caregiver

Caregivers have a large load to carry. Taking on this role is never an easy thing to do. The caregiver will be responsible for the senior in every aspect. This is why it is essential that all caregivers be prepared for what they will have to do. The following list contains some of the most common things that caregivers have not prepared for.

1. Caregivers are often not prepared to deal with medication management. Seniors who have multiple health problems will be taking a lot of medications. Caregivers must know what pills are for what condition and how much the seniors needs and when. Some drugs will interact with others, so caregivers must also be aware of this.

2. Many seniors will have medical equipment that will help them during the day. Caregivers must know how to safely operate this equipment.

3. Coordinating care can be quite a challenge. Caregivers must know when the senior has a doctor’s appointment. Most seniors have multiple appointments, so coordinating them is essential, though it may be a difficult task.

4. Many of these things cannot be trained. The caregiver must learn these things along the way. They are important issues and have a huge effect on the care of a senior.

Source: Howard Gleckman

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Male Depression Information

Depression often affects older men, especially those over the age of 40. We will all experience depression at some point in our lives. It is important to treat the condition as soon as possible. In men, it can lead to other actions and even health conditions that can be negative. Below is some information about depression and how it affects men.

1. Many men will deny that they are depressed. This is often due to the fact that men feel they must be strong, and depression would be a sign of weakness.

2. Male depression is a serious disease. More than 80% of suicides are men. Many of these men were suffering from depression.

3. Between 60 and 80% of men who are depressed will never seek any form of treatment.

4. Those who do seek help find they have some relief from their symptoms.

5. Depressed males are more likely to act out their feelings. Women tend to keep these inside, but depressed men may become violent as a result of their condition.

6. Men feel there are others to blame for their depression. They will also begin to sleep less and become agitated.

Source: Men Alive

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Technology Allows Seniors to Remain at Home

Seniors who wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible must make sure that they are safe. This may require the installation of a technological system that can help to ensure the safety of the senior. This will provide peace of mind for caregivers and family members. Below is a list that provides some useful information on a system that ensures the safety and well-being of the senior at home.

1. Caregiver Systems consist of touch screen monitors and wireless sensors that are placed in various locations in the home. The sensors will monitor health indicators, such as blood pressure, weight, motion and activity.

2. The system also acts as a communication system, allowing users, such as caregivers, to go online and send messages and reminders to the seniors at home. These messages will appear on the touch screens.

3. The system has one touch access that is easy for seniors to use. This will allow them to access games, family photos and appointment reminders.

4. The system also has a personal emergency response system, also called PERS. This system provides 24/7 monitoring of the senior and can call for medical response if necessary.

5. These technological advances allow seniors to stay at home longer. There is less worry from friends and family members regarding the safety and well-being of the senior while they remain in their home.

Source:  Working Caregiver

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923

Monetary Costs of Physical Inactivity for Seniors

When seniors think about the effects of an inactive lifestyle, one of the repercussions is not usually the monetary costs, after all, physical fitness costs money, right, so shouldn’t they be saving? In reality, lack of activity can lead to greater instances of injuries and illnesses which are associated with millions of dollars of medical costs per year.

• Seniors who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from acute diseases and chronic illnesses which are associated with high medical costs in the country

• Seniors are more likely to injure themselves when they are physical unstable and weak because they do not remain physically active. Hospital care is covered by provincial healthcare, but often seniors need supplemental services like physical therapy during the recovery process

• There may be costs associated with family caregiving when a senior suffers from a health issue or an injury when someone is no longer able to maintain a full-time job and takes on costs of care

Source: Home Care Etobicoke

Father’s Day Celebrations for Seniors

Seniors should have the opportunity to be honored on Father’s Day like anyone else, whether they are dead or alive. When you were a kid, I’m sure you showered your dad with homemade gifts that made him feel like you were thinking about him. Don’t give up on that now just because you’re both older!

1. Give him a great meal – treat him to his favorite meal. Bring him breakfast in bed, out to his favorite buffet, go for a beer or to a fancy restaurant he loves. Remember, it ís all about him!

2. Give him something he would not get himself – your gift does not have to be expensive, but do think of something he’d never get for himself and skip the stereotypical gifts

3. Pay attention to his wants – if there is anything in particular youíve noticed your dad talking about, try to make that desire a reality. The best part of the gift will be the recognition that you have been paying attention!

4. Give him your undivided attention – it does not matter what you do, but make sure your time together is uninterrupted. Do not answer your text messages or phone calls unless it ís absolutely crucial!

5. Honor dad after death – if your father is no longer alive, you can still honor him on Father’s Day. Have a tribute to dad with other family members or donate to his favorite charity or cause

eHow.com

Seniors Should Ask Questions About Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition, but it can be managed. Many seniors will manage their diabetes by altering diets, taking medications or having shots of insulin. No matter what type of diabetes a senior has, it is important for them to know what questions to ask. Below is a list of facts that can help seniors understand and manage their diabetes.

1. Asking the right questions can provide seniors with the right information to better enable them to manage the disease.

2. Seniors are urged to discuss all of their symptoms. While they may seem harmless, some symptoms could indicate other health problems.

3. Seniors who have diabetes will receive treatment for these symptoms, not the cause of the disease. This is why it is important for all seniors to know and recognize any new symptoms.

4. There are many questions in regards to the cause of diabetes, however, at this time; the answer consists of a very long list. There are so many factors that are involved and each person can have the disease because of different reasons.

5. Diabetes is manageable, so seniors must take the right steps to make sure they are receiving the correct treatment for their type of the disease. This includes asking questions about treatment options.

Source: Ultra Wellness Center

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Chronic Disease and Seniors

Treating a chronic disease requires various steps. There is actually a right order in which seniors should deal with a chronic disease or illness. The following information will provide seniors with information on what steps should be taken when treating a chronic disease.

1. The first thing is to determine the actual cause of the illness.

2. Daily diets play a large role in maintaining health. It is important for any senior with a chronic illness to make sure all allergens are removed from their diet.

3. The digestive system is also important. Seniors should be tested to make sure there are no problems with their digestive tract.

4. Increase the intake of essential nutrients. Many times, seniors will have a diet that does not allow them to get the nutrients they need to help fight off illness.

5. Poor diets can have an impact on the balance of hormones in the body. Insulin resistance, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, axis dysfunction and subclinical adrenal insufficiency, thyroid dysfunction and sex hormones all need to be in balance.

6. Increasing the metabolism can be helpful. This will provide seniors with more energy, which can help them remain healthy.

7. Detoxification is important. Removing mercury and lead from the body will help with cleansing.

8. Seniors need to know how to take care of their minds and body. These work together to help seniors achieve optimal health.

9. Hidden infections can be the cause of resistance to certain medications.

Source: Ultra Wellness Center

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Senior Information on Ibuprofen

Aches and pains are a common complaint of most seniors. To deal with this pain, seniors take ibuprofen. Instead of taking pills to battle pain, there are some natural ways to obtain relief. Below is a list that contains some common foods and spices that have been shown to have the similar pain relieving effects as ibuprofen.

1. Any food that acts as an anti-inflammatory can be referred to as Nature’s Ibuprofen. These include many spices and herbs that are typically found in a healthy diet.

2. Organic berries offer many benefits. They can fight inflammation, but they also have anti-oxidant powers. These berries also include high amounts of fiber, which is important in any senior diet.

3. Some seniors do not like to add spices to their foods. However, there are certain spices that can offer great benefits. Seniors should consider using oregano, garlic and turmeric when preparing a meal.

4. Green tea also offers some anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Foods that contain rosemary and ginger will help seniors with an inflammatory disease.

6. No matter what the medical condition is, if seniors are taking ibuprofen daily to battle aches and pains, they should consider including these foods and spices in their daily diets.

Source: Ultra Wellness Center

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.