You cant always be there, but we can

Tag: health care

How Caregivers Help Overcome Winter Challenges

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.

Things You Must Know If You’re A Diabetic Patient

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.