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Tag: healthy living

Engaging Spring Activities for Seniors: Embracing the Season with In-Home Senior Care

February 9, 2024 / / 0 Comments

March is a wonderful time for seniors to spend time outdoors. The cooling weather provides many opportunities for outdoor activities. However, seniors dealing with health concerns find it challenging to fully enjoy the outdoors. In this month’s blog, we’ll explore delightful spring activities and how in-home senior care could be of great help.

Discovering Nature’s Beauty

Exploring the beauty of nature is a great way to pass the time and can be therapeutic for seniors. If your loved one isn’t fully mobile, they may enjoy walking along trails with the assistance of a companionship service. The main idea here is to “take a nature break.” After being cooped up at home all winter, your loved one can finally soak up some sunlight.

Related: Learn how caregivers help overcome winter challenges here.

Crafting and Hobbies

Spring offers an excellent opportunity for seniors to explore their creative side. From gardening projects to arts and crafts endeavors, seniors can engage in activities that provide enjoyment and stimulate cognitive functions. Home Instead Senior Care is available on an as-needed basis, helping your family enjoy crafting, gardening, and even creating a routine for them.

Getting Some Exercise

Exercising would be tailored to your loved one’s strength and mobility limitations. Low-impact activities like walking, yoga, swimming, and water aerobics can improve their physical well-being. A caregiver can create a tailored program for your older loved one or you can get started with The National Institute on Aging’s guide.

Social Connections and Community Engagement

If the above activities do not appeal to your loved one, encouraging and building social connections is always great! Connecting with people socially is a part of who we are and helps us feel happier and supported. Caregivers can facilitate transportation, accompany seniors to events, and provide the necessary support to ensure your loved one remains connected and involved in their community throughout the lively spring season.

Related: Learn more about the importance of social connections for seniors here.

Conclusion

Home Instead Senior Care stands ready to enhance the lives of seniors in Wilmington, NC, by providing dedicated and personalized in-home care services. We offer all the mentioned activities and more to help seniors enjoy the season and stay healthy this spring. Visit our website or contact us at (910) 342-0455 to learn more about what we offer at Home Instead Senior Care!

How to Create a Daily Routine and Structure for Seniors

December 7, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Daily routines can be beneficial for people of any age, but they are especially vital for seniors who feel like they lack independence. However, creating and monitoring a daily routine that is customized to a senior’s specific needs is easier said than done. In this month’s blog, we will explore how to create a daily routine for seniors and provide practical tips on how to achieve it.

Why Establish a Daily Routine

Many older adults struggle with feelings of loneliness that stem from being bored as they age. According to NPHA, one in three adults aged 50-80 feel a lack of companionship. Therefore, creating a daily routine is a must. Creating a daily routine involves setting a schedule and incorporating regular activities into a senior’s day, which can help reduce the feeling of isolation and help stabilize the sleep cycle.

Related: Learn more about how to promote good sleep hygiene for older folks here.

How to Create a Daily Routine That Sticks

You want the routine to be reasonable and repeatable enough that it’s sustainable. Here are some practical tips to help you establish and maintain a successful routine:

Involve the senior: Encourage their input and preferences when creating the routine to ensure it aligns with their interests and capabilities.

Make Exercise a Daily Habit: Daily exercise helps to tire out the body, which provides pain relief and inflammation reduction for those with arthritis and other inflammatory-related ailments.

Prioritize socialization: Include time for social interactions, such as visits with family and friends, joining clubs, or participating in community activities. Social connections are crucial for emotional well-being.

How Can In-Home Senior Care Help?

In-home senior care providers work closely with seniors and their families to create personalized care plans that cater to their specific needs and preferences. These plans include morning wake-up help, companionship, light housekeeping and laundry, medication reminders, and more.

Related: Learn more about why you should hire a professional caregiver for the elderly here.

Contact Us to Learn More

At Home Instead Senior Care, we have a team of experienced caregivers who will help make each day the best it can be for your loved ones. By working together, we can create a daily routine that enhances their quality of life and promotes a sense of purpose and fulfillment. To learn more about our services, visit our website or give us a call at (910) 342-0455.

The Importance of Social Connections for Seniors

September 25, 2023 / / 0 Comments

While tranquility and retrospection are cherished in the golden years of life, one challenge often shadows many seniors: loneliness. As individuals age, they may experience changes in their social networks, such as the loss of friends and family members or a decrease in social activities. However, maintaining social connections is crucial for a senior’s mental, emotional, and physical health. This blog post will explore the importance of social connections for seniors and how they can positively impact their lives.

Disease Prevention

Loneliness doesn’t just weigh heavily on the soul; it has tangible impacts on physical health. Recent studies have linked chronic loneliness to a host of health issues, from heart disease to type 2 diabetes, and even depression and anxiety. Social connections, on the other hand, provide seniors with a sense of belonging and purpose. For instance, engaging in social activities and maintaining relationships can boost their self-esteem and mental health.

Related: Learn more about how to help seniors deal with depression here.

Sense of Belonging

Connections with loved ones not only enhance life’s quality and offer a feeling of security, but they also combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It’s crucial for feeling integrated and socially connected. Yet, as time rolls on, relationships evolve. Individuals relocate, get wrapped up in careers and family, and soon we discern the value of having a handful of close friends over numerous acquaintances. For seniors, these social ties become even more vital in fostering a sense of belonging.

Related: Learn more about signs your aging parents need immediate help at home here.

Decrease the Risk of Abuse

Elder abuse is a widespread problem affecting seniors throughout the U.S. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), about one in 10 Americans aged 60 or older have suffered from some type of abuse. Those seniors who are isolated and lack strong social ties are most vulnerable and need protection. However, linking seniors with friends and family reduces their risk of all forms of abuse. Building social bonds not only helps prevent abuse but also increases the likelihood of seniors reporting any incidents.

Find Social Connection at Home Instead Senior Care

At Home Instead Senior Care, we understand the importance of social connections for seniors. Our team of compassionate caregivers provides personalized care that promotes social engagement and companionship. Whether your loved one needs assistance with daily activities, transportation to social events, or simply someone to share a conversation with, we are here to help. Contact us today at (910) 342-0455 or visit our website to learn more about how we can support your loved one’s social well-being.

How To Promote Good Sleep Hygiene For Older Folks

August 17, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Sleep becomes increasingly vital as we age, yet many seniors face challenges in achieving restful nights. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine up to 50% of older adults in the U.S. report sleep disturbances. Given the profound impact of sleep on cognitive abilities, physical health, and emotional well-being, it’s essential to address these challenges. In this month’s blog, we’ll explore strategies to enhance sleep quality for the elderly, ensuring they reap its numerous benefits.

Optimize the Sleep Environment

One of the primary factors to achieve restful sleep is creating an ideal sleep environment. Our surroundings significantly impact our ability to fall asleep and maintain a deep sleep throughout the night. As a caregiver, it’s essential to ensure that the senior’s bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Equip the bedroom with blackout curtains to eliminate external lights, consider white noise machines or earplugs to drown out noises, and adjust the room temperature to a comfortable level. The bed should be comfortable, with a supportive mattress and soft, breathable bedding. Additionally, remove distractions such as electronic devices that emit blue light, as they can interfere with the body’s internal clock and suppress the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.

Related: Learn more about tips to avoid caregiver pitfalls here.

Craft A Sleep Routine

Another critical aspect of promoting good sleep hygiene is establishing a regular sleep routine. Encouraging seniors to go to bed and wake up at the same time daily can regulate their internal clock, making it easier for them to fall asleep at night. Evening rituals, such as reading a book, listening to soft music, or practicing relaxation exercises, can signal the body that it’s time to wind down. Limiting caffeine and having healthy meals in the evening can further enhance the quality of sleep.

Related: Learn more about the best nutritional foods to improve a senior’s diet here.

Let Our Team Take Care of Your Loved Ones

At Home Instead Senior Care, we prioritize the well-being and health of the seniors we serve. If you’re looking for expert care for your elderly loved ones, our senior caregivers in Wilmington, NC, are ready to assist. We incorporate a holistic approach, ensuring that all aspects of our clients’ lives, including sleep, are catered to with the utmost care and attention. Let us help your loved ones achieve the quality of life they deserve. Visit our website or give us a call at (910) 342-0455 to learn more about our personalized in-home senior care services.

How Caregivers Help Overcome Winter Challenges

January 13, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Winter with its cold temperatures, can make things challenging, especially for those who are elderly or have mobility challenges. The shorter days and colder temperatures in the US can make it difficult for seniors to get outside and stay active, which can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Caregivers play an essential role in helping older adults overcome these winter challenges, so read along to explore more.

Stay Engaged and Connect With the Community

During the winter, roads can be icy, which can lead to a perfect storm that abstains seniors from attending their appointments on time. Here the role of caregivers comes into play! Caregivers can help by driving them to appointments, running errands, and accompanying them to social events.

Related: learn more about why you should hire a caregiver for elderly the here.

Stay In Shape

Another way caregivers can help is by assisting with exercise and physical activity. The elderly need to be as right as rain during winter months, but cold can make it difficult for them to stay active. Caregivers can help by providing safe indoor exercises, such as walking or stretching, or by encouraging the individual to participate in activities that they enjoy such as dancing.

Health Is Wealth

When the temperature drops, seniors run a higher risk of health problems. This goes to show that seniors need to be prepared with foods that encourage healthy thermoregulation. However, seasonal fruits and vegetables are not always available, so caregivers can plan meals that include nutrient-rich alternatives. They can also remind their clients to be hydrated, as it can be easy to forget when it’s cold outside.

Related: learn more about how to prevent elderly dehydration here.

Staying Connected With Family

Staying inside during the winter can develop feelings of isolation and loneliness, which means that depression can occur like a bolt from the blue. However, caregivers can give seniors the necessary love and assistance they need. For instance, a caregiver can encourage socialization by setting up regular visits with friends and family, or by arranging for phone or video calls.

Related: learn more about how to help seniors deal with depression here.

Conclusion

Caregivers play an essential role in helping individuals overcome the challenges of winter. Home Instead Senior Care is here to help your elderly loved one stay healthy, engaged, and connected to their communities during the colder months. Give us a call at (910) 421-2548 to avail of our services. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website.

Tips to Prevent Diabetes Among Seniors

December 16, 2022 / / 0 Comments

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently released the 2022 National Diabetes Statistics Report. This report estimates that more than 130 million adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes in the United States. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes — high blood sugar that doesn’t reach the threshold of a diabetes diagnosis — lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of disease. Following are some the lifestyle changes that you can adhere by for diabetes prevention among seniors.

1. Minimize sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet.

Sugar and refined carbohydrates are one of the biggest reason for high spikes in sugar level in blood that leads to type 2 diabetes. White bread, potatoes and sugary cereals should strictly be avoided and replaced with a diet rich in complex carbohydrates like vegetables and whole grains. They can help delay the onset of diabetes and management of insulin levels in one’s body.

Related: “Best Nutritional Foods to Improve a Senior’s Diet”

2. Exercise daily to lose extra weight.

Losing extra weight has shown to reduce the risk of diabetes. Try to incorporate exercise in your daily routine for at least 30 minutes. Even if it is light walking around the block, exercise can be beneficial as it will help you remain fit and lose weight eventually. So, plan an exercise regimen and consult your doctor for weight management goals based on your personal needs. Stay healthy and remain energetic as you age.

Related: “Things You Must Know If You’re A Diabetic Patient”

3. Quit smoking.

If you are an active smoker or tobacco user, now is the time to stop. Smoking makes you resistant to the insulin that further leads to type 2 diabetes. Quitting tobacco has shown to reduce the risk of diabetes among seniors. Apart from diabetes, it will also improve your respiratory health and save you from breathing problems and cancer.

Conclusion

Want to give the best care to your senior loved ones but can’t manage time for it? Have no worries! Our caregivers at Home Instead Senior Care are passionate about delivering important in-home diabetes care to the senior population of Wilmington, NC. Call us to find out how we can help your loved one manage life with diabetes at (910)-342-0455 or visiting us online here.

How to Take Care of Your Senior After a Hospital Stay

October 21, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Returning home after a hospitalization is a delicate period for seniors. Indeed, it is often synonymous with a loss of bearings. Fatigue and lack of confidence, combined with reduced mobility and the fear of losing their autonomy, are generally what they fear most. However, taking care of them is a must in their recovery process. In this month’s blog, we will share with you some helpful tips that can give your loved one all the affection and attention they need.

Hire Qualified Professionals

Human support is essential. You will not be able to be present 24/7 for your loved one. You will have to delegate at one point or another. For this, you can call a local caregiver center for home assistance. A caregiver can accompany your elderly loved one with a variety of daily tasks including getting up, going to bed, bathing, or eating meals.

Related: Learn more on how to choose the right caregiver here.  

Bring Technology to Your Home

For an elderly person to be confident, they must feel secure. You can equip them with technological devices, such as path lighting or a medical emergency alert system such as Medical Guardian. This system allows you to be in touch with a person in the event of an emergency, day and night.

Equip the House with Mobility Equipment

It is also a good idea to offer your loved one technical aids to help them stay at home, such as a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair. You can buy or rent this medical equipment according to your loved one’s needs. Besides that, you must learn some safe methods when moving the patient.

Keep Them Healthy

The patient’s body after a hospital stay will be in need of more healthy food than usual including protein, fiber, and hydration. Adopt a healthy diet for them along with giving them some advice, such as avoiding fast eating, having enough daily meals, and so on. Healthy food and healthy eating habits will tide them over until they recover and help prevent complications like elderly dehydration.

Review Your Interior Layout

Finally, in anticipation of returning home after hospitalization, it is ideal to rearrange the living space of the vulnerable person. For example, you can declutter their rooms to facilitate movement and remove any objects on the ground to limit the risk of falling. It is also possible to have a stair lift installed or to transform the bathtub into an accessible shower. The options are endless. An occupational therapist can even support you in this process.

Related: Learn more about the best home modifications for seniors here.

Conclusion

Many seniors no longer have the same physical abilities after a hospital stay. That being said, their home must be adapted according to their abilities, so that they are secure and comfortable. If you have a senior loved one that needs home assistance in Wilmington, NC, rely on Home Instead Senior Care. We provide the best quality care, with services personalized to you and your family’s needs. Visit our website or call (910) 421-2574 for more information!

Things You Must Know If You’re A Diabetic Patient

August 26, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Do you want to keep your blood sugar steady but are not sure how? Stress not! Firstly, you just have to focus on having a balanced, lower glycemic diet. Secondly, you also need to keep track of what and how much you eat, because eating healthy is an extremely important factor in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. To help you understand better, we have compiled some important things that you need to consider if you’re a diabetic patient. Scroll down to read more.

1. Foods to Eat as a Diabetic Person

If you have diabetes and high blood sugar levels and wish to maintain a healthy lifestyle, here are some foods that can help you lower your blood sugar levels.

  • Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, and mackerel
  • Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, chard, lettuce, etc.
  • Avocados
  • Chia seeds
  • Broccoli
  • Flaxseeds

Related: “Best Nutritional Foods to Improve a Senior’s Diet”

2. Foods to Avoid if You Are Diabetic

Diabetes can affect almost every part of your body without you even realizing it. Therefore, it is necessary to pay close attention to the food you eat. To help you understand better, we have listed some food items that you must avoid in order to maintain a healthy blood sugar level naturally.

  • Sugar-sweetened beverages
  • Trans fats, white bread, rice, and pasta
  • Fruit-flavored yogurt
  • Sweetened breakfast cereals and coffee drinks
  • Honey agave nectar and maple syrup
  • Dried fruit

Related: “The Hypertension Diets for Seniors”

3. Exercising

We have all heard this quote: “Health is wealth”. Exercising regularly helps in improving your health while maintaining a healthy weight. Drinking plenty of water can also add benefits to your health. So, if you want to stay healthy, start off by exercising. Even simple activities can make a big change to a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Must Have Medical Devices

Nowadays, there are many diabetic devices available on the market. These devices are easy to use and less invasive. So, purchasing these devices will not only help you monitor your sugar level while sitting at home, but will also keep track of your blood level. Some of the best devices are listed below.

  • Ketone monitor
  • Blood glucose monitor
  • Continuous glucose monitor
  • Insulin pumps
  • Smart insulin pens
  • Diabetes management apps

5. Expert Advice

Though we understand that diabetic devices are super handy, consulting with a diabetes specialist is also very important at the same time. These experts can provide you with the best diabetes treatment based on your condition, diabetes level, and type. So, if you haven’t visited a healthcare professional for your diabetes treatment yet, we recommend you do so.

Related: “Home Care Help for Diabetic Seniors”

The Bottom Line

We hope the above advice helps you in maintaining your diabetes. If you need professional and friendly diabetes senior care in Wilmington, NC, look no further than Home Instead Senior Care. Visit our website or give us a call at (910) 342-0455 to learn more about our services.

A Guide to Improving the Respiratory Health of Seniors

June 24, 2022 / / 0 Comments
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With growing age, maintaining your physical health is important. The respiratory system performs the most essential of the tasks for your body and breathing is vital for humans. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the respiratory system healthier has become a priority, especially for seniors. The following is a helpful guide to improving and maintaining the respiratory health of seniors.

1. Quit smoking.

Smoking is one of the leading reasons for a weak respiratory system in seniors. Even passive smoking harms the lungs and damages the respiratory system. Regardless of how long you have been smoking, the best time to quit is right now. Get your breath back by giving up on tobacco and nicotine today.

2. Set the right posture.

Your lungs are made up of soft tissue. With a bent and poor posture, the lungs bend as well. They’ll occupy as much room as your posture allows. Stay mindful of your posture and try to sit as straight as possible. This ensures that the lungs are unobstructed, and you can breathe much easier with this simple step.

3. Add exercise to your daily routine.

Exercising is great for all ages. Seniors can still benefit from it to improve their cardiovascular and respiratory health. Exercise also prevents muscle atrophy around the chest, which helps the lungs to open up freely. You can also incorporate deep breathing exercises in your daily workout to ensure better lung health. If you’re not sure what exercises are safe for you, please consult with your doctor.

4. Get screened and checked routinely.

Going for routine checkups should be on the priority list. Don’t miss your doctor’s appointment under any circumstances. It is better to get screened and checked routinely so the doctor can catch any sort of medical anomaly early on. Early detection of medical conditions can save your life and finances from a huge loss.

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Conclusion

Depending on your physical capabilities, taking care of your respiratory health as a senior can be difficult alone. Let the trained and experienced professionals take care of you. That is what we are here for. Home Instead Senior Care provides compassionate in-home care services which includes personal care, light housekeeping, meal prepping, grocery shopping, transportation, and much more. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website. Get in touch with us by calling (910) 421-2574 to avail our services.

The Hypertension Diets for Seniors

February 25, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Hypertension is a manageable condition otherwise known as high blood pressure, which is when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. If hypertension is left untreated it can lead to severe consequences including heart attack, stroke, aneurysm or worse. Below we discuss some diets that have shown to make the most significant positive changes in the health of those living with hypertension.  

DASH Diet

The DASH diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It’s comprised of dietary guidelines that, when followed, encourage a greater consumption of a variety of nutrients that naturally reduce blood pressure. The basic rules of this diet involve eating mostly fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products as well as whole grains, lean protein, and nuts.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is very similar to the DASH diet in that they both naturally promote overall health and work to reduce hypertension naturally. This diet is based upon a pyramid structure with a foundation of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, a second tier of fish, a third tier of poultry and dairy, and a top tier of red meats and sweets.

Salt Reduction

The easiest and simplest way to reduce blood pressure and hypertension naturally is to decrease the levels of salt you ingest. According to Harvard Health when you consume too much salt your body holds on to water in an effort to dilute it. Unfortunately this extra water increases your blood volume, which causes your heart to work harder to pump blood through your blood vessels. 

Final Thoughts

When you or your loved one is diagnosed with hypertension the reasons to stay proactive in its management are endless. If your family could use more support when it comes to senior care, nutrition, socialization and more call on the compassionate professionals at Home Instead Senior Care. Our goal has always been to help our clients and their families’ age happily together at home.

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