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How To Promote Good Sleep Hygiene For Older Folks

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.

Preventing Falls and Promoting Safety for Elderly Individuals

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize the safety and well-being of elderly individuals. One of the most significant risks they face is falling, which can lead to serious injuries and a decline in overall health. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of preventing falls and promoting safety for the elderly. We will explore various strategies and resources that can help reduce the risk of falls and create a safer environment for seniors to thrive.

The Significance of Fall Prevention

Falls are a significant concern for the elderly population, with millions of older adults experiencing falls each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. The consequences of falls can be severe, resulting in fractures, hospitalizations, and a loss of independence. However, many falls are preventable with the implementation of proper safety measures and interventions.

Promoting safety for elderly individuals involves a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, conducting a thorough assessment of the home environment is crucial. Identifying and addressing potential hazards such as loose rugs, uneven flooring, or poor lighting can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Installing grab bars in bathrooms, using non-slip mats, and securing loose cords are simple modifications that can enhance safety. Additionally, encouraging regular exercise programs that focus on balance, strength, and flexibility can improve overall mobility and reduce the risk of falls.

Related: “Decluttering Your Senior Loved One’s Home”

Promoting Safety with Professional Help

At Home Instead Senior Care in Wilmington, NC, we understand the importance of fall prevention and promoting safety for elderly individuals. Our dedicated team of caregivers is trained to identify potential fall risks and implement preventive measures. We work closely with families to develop personalized care plans that include fall prevention strategies tailored to each individual’s needs. Our caregivers provide assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and mobility support to minimize the risk of falls. We strive to create a safe and comfortable environment for our clients, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life.

Related: “Why You Should Hire a Professional Caregiver for the Elderly”

Get In Touch With Us

If you are seeking professional care and assistance for your elderly loved one, contact Home Instead Senior Care in Wilmington, NC today at (910) 342-0455 or visit our website. Our compassionate and experienced caregivers are ready to provide personalized care that includes fall prevention strategies. Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of your senior family members.

Here’s How You Can Find Quality Senior Care When the Time Is Right

We understand how difficult it is to choose a senior living home or care provider for a loved one. Luckily, we are here to guide you. Here is a resource guide that will help you find practical tools for evaluating options and advice on knowing when “it’s the right time”. Continue reading to learn more!

Here’s How to Manage Difficult Emotions Around Senior Care

It can be extremely difficult and you may be fraught with emotions when you have to decide on your options for senior living homes or in-home care. Here are some of the main contributors to the stress that many caregivers experience:

  • You will witness a decline in your loved one’s health.
  • You will see your loved one struggling to maintain independence after they’ve lost a spouse or partner.
  • You are feeling the strain of balancing your career and family while being a caregiver.

Are you the primary caregiver for a parent or older relative? Then you must also be wrestling with guilt, grief, feelings of inadequacy, or even burnout – especially if you’ve been taking care of the person for a long time.

Related: “Improving Cognitive Health of Elderly People”

Being aware of and processing complicated feelings and emotions can be very important. It can help you shape the entire experience. Some tips you can follow to help include:

  • You can talk to a trusted friend, relative, mentor, or therapist.
  • You can seek professional support online or in-person.

Signs Your Loved One Needs Support

Apart from dealing with the emotions on your end, keep an eye out for things that may signal a parent’s or relative’s need for support. Some signs may be subtle, however, other times they are quite obvious and can include:

  • The lack of organization or forgetfulness such as piles of unopened mail or unpaid bills.
  • The lack of energy or inability to maintain their daily chores and errands such as cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.
  • Your elderly loved one failing to take their required medications or seek medical help.
  • Not enjoying or partaking in their usual activities.

Related: “Decluttering Your Senior Loved One’s Home”

Top Steps for Finding Care

Here’s a checklist that you can follow to find the right housing or in-home care once you’ve determined the type of support your loved one needs:

  • You can start your research online.
  • You can also consider referrals from friends or peers who have relied on those services.
  • Try making a list of three to five home care agencies or senior living communities and make appointments for consultations.
  • You can also interview prospective caregivers or take an in-person tour of the facilities.
  • Ensure that you are asking as many questions as you can while taking into account your elderly loved one’s needs and requirements.
  • Make sure to have a proper discussion with your family in order to take their considerations into mind and to make the right choices.

Conclusion

We hope the above-provided guide will help you make the right decision. At Home Instead Senior Care, our CAREGivers are professionally trained to care for your loved ones. With proper care and assistance, our team will ensure your loved ones are active and mentally stimulated so they can enjoy life to the fullest. Call us at (910) 421-2572 for further information.

What You Can Expect From In-Home Respite Care

Caring for an elderly loved one at home can be a rewarding experience, but it can also take a significant toll on your physical and mental health. As a caregiver, you need to take a step back and recharge your batteries every now and then. This is where respite care comes in – offering rest and reassurance for both parties. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that 13.8 percent of the U.S. civilian population provides unpaid eldercare, and if you’re one of them, then this blog is for you.

The Care Your Loved One Needs In the Place They Love

Respite care provides the necessary elements that help seniors achieve the highest quality of life possible. We’re talking about access to medical care if needed and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This helps you to do your everyday activities, relax, deal with stress, and look after yourself.

Related: Learn more about the benefits of respite care here.

Flexible Care You Can Count On

In-home respite care is, by its very nature, a care that provides benefits to both you and your love one. Unlike facility-based respite care, in-home respite care can be tailored to your loved one’s specific needs and schedule. You can choose the frequency and duration of care that best suits their needs.

A Chance to Socialize

While respite care provides companionship for your loved one, it also gives you the time to catch up with friends, both old and new. Yes, you can happily take time out for yourself, knowing that professionals are taking care of and accompanying your loved one. This means there is no room for loneliness and isolation concerns.

Assessment and Guidance

Since respite care will be provided by professionals, you’ll have a chance to determine your abilities and learn more about caregiving. Many caregiver families assume their role without having any experience, and this can put their loved one’s health at risk. A respite caregiver will guide you to develop easy schedules that include self-care and provides you with tips to avoid caregiver pitfalls.

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

Conclusion

With in-home respite care, seniors and their family caregivers can get the needed break they deserve and build a better relationship. When you are looking for reliable in-home respite care in Wilmington, NC, turn to Home Instead Senior Care. Our respite caregivers are highly trained to assist seniors with all their daily needs. Call us at (910) 421-257 to create an in-home respite care plan for your parent.

Safe And Reliable Techniques To Safely Transfer An Individual

Transferring an individual is a process of moving a person from one flat surface to another. From a bed to a stretcher and from a bed to a wheelchair are some of the common transfers. This transfer is often required for a bedridden person who may not be independent (requiring minimal help) or totally dependent. Since transferring a person is not as easy as it seems, it requires the right techniques and following certain guidelines because it all depends on understanding each person’s specific needs. To help you understand better, here is a guide to follow.

What are the general safety precautions you need to follow?

Below are some of the general safety precautions that you must consider when you transfer an individual.

  1. You need to ensure that you are using the correct body posture during the transfer.
  2. You need to ensure that you lift and move the person safely.
  3. You need to ensure that you are not letting his or her arms wrap around your neck or back, as this can injure your back and neck.
  4. Seek out help if you find yourself struggling to move the person because of their weight.
  5. To avoid the risk of falls, injuries, or pain, ensure to move the individual smoothly, without quick and forceful movements.
  6. Make sure you have the right equipment nearby as these will help you transfer the person safely. Some of the best equipment includes slide boards, slide sheets, hoists, and transfer belts.

Related: “Organizing 101 for Seniors”

What do you need to consider before transferring someone?

  1. Make sure you are aware of the person’s pain, condition, or other problems.
  2. Make sure to keep some extra pillows around to ensure a smooth transfer.
  3. Try wearing shoes with nonslip soles, as they will help you have a firm grip on the ground. Also, look around the room to remove anything you might trip over while lifting the individual.
  4. Ensure that all equipment is locked and not moving, be it a wheelchair or walker.

Related: “How to Take Care of Your Senior After a Hospital Stay”

What do you need to do after you’re done with transferring someone?

  1. You need to check whether the person is comfortable or not after the transfer.
  2. If he or she needs to rest, help them sit with their back resting against the back of the chair.
  3. Double check to ensure that all medical equipment is running correctly.

Conclusion

We hope that the above-mentioned important advice will assist you in providing the best possible care for your loved one. If you need professional help, Home Instead Senior Care is here to help your elderly loved one stay healthy, engaged, and connected to their communities. Give us a call at (910) 421-2548 to avail of our services. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website.

Ways to Improve the Life of Your Loved One When Dealing with Arthritis

There are numerous ways that you can opt to manage the arthritis of a loved one. To help you improve the life of your loved one dealing with arthritis, we’ve listed some simple strategies that will help you reduce symptoms so your loved one can pursue the activities that are important to them.

  • Teach Self-Management Skills

Ecourage your loved one join a self-management education workshop. This will help them learn new skills to manage their arthritis and make better decisions about their health. Here are some of the main factors involved in teaching self-management skills to your loved one:

  1. They will feel more in control of their health.
  2. They will have the courage to manage pain and other symptoms.
  3. They will have more energy to plan and carry out valued activities, like working and spending time with other people.
  4. It will help them reduce stress.
  5. It will improve their mood.
  6. They will feel more conformable and able to communicate better with their health care provider(s) about their care.
  • Visit the Doctor

Accompanying your loved one to their medical appointment can help them feel more confident about getting medical treatment. Especially with an early and accurate diagnosis, this can help with effective treatment for your loved one to minimize symptoms and prevent the disease from getting worse.

Your main focus for arthritic treatment for your loved one should be to:

  1. Reduce their pain
  2. Effective treatment plans to minimize their joint damage
  3. Improving or maintaining function and quality of life

Ensuring your loved one is going for regular appointments with their health care provider and following their recommended treatment plan will play an active role in controlling their arthritis.

  • Managing Weight

Helping your loved one lose excess weight and stay healthy can also help them overcome arthritis. This will not only reduce their pain but will also improve their general physical movement.

Conclusion

We hope this guide will help when it comes to supporting a loved one dealing with arthritis. 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!

How to Take Care of Your Senior After a Hospital Stay

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!

Why You Should Hire a Professional Caregiver for the Elderly

In this fast-paced world, many seniors may need the additional help and support. As they age, the deterioration of health and energy is inevitable. They require more attention, care, love, and support. It can be hard to always be present for them, which is why hiring a professional to assist them in their daily routine is often recommended. The following are some of the reasons why you should consider hiring a professional caregiver for the seniors in your life.

1. A caregiver can help maintain a senior’s independence.

Being sent to an old home can be the cause for a senior to lose their independence. A personal caregiver in the comfort of a senior’s home allows them to have a sense of individuality and independence even at such an age even with the extra help. As a much happier alternative to in-facility care, seniors can still receive personalized care without losing their confidence, comfort, and independence.

2. The care services are personalized depending on the individual.

A professional caregiver can solely focus on one person and give them their undivided attention and service whenever it’s required. By choosing a professional caregiver, you get a personalized plan for your beloved elderly that contributes to their health and wellbeing. Whether the services call for transportation and mobility or housekeeping duties, a professional caregiver will do it all.

3. Caregivers are excellent companions and listeners.

One of the biggest problems the elderly face as they age is the struggle with loneliness and depression. The family is not around as much as they used to be before. At such times, they need a companion to help them share their feelings. It curbs loneliness and keeps depression away. A caregiver will always be present to act as an emotional support for the elderly. They will assist your loved one to be in touch with life and their emotions.

Conclusion

We understand that life can get very hectic with things coming up out of nowhere. If you have trouble maintaining housekeeping and taking care of your loved one, we can help. Home Instead Senior Care provides compassionate in-home care services that includes personal care, light housekeeping, meal prepping, grocery shopping, transportation, and much more. Give us a call at (910) 421-2574 to avail of our services. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website.

Best Nutritional Foods to Improve a Senior’s Diet

“Health is wealth.” We’ve all heard this very famous quote but often fail to prioritize our health. Moreover, as we get older, we regret the health choices we’ve made. Are you a person taking care of a senior but don’t know which foods to incorporate into their daily diet? Don’t stress! There are many healthy food options to choose from. To help you, we have listed all the important nutritional foods to help you establish a balanced diet for your senior citizen.

  • Grains
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Nothing is better than whole grain food. This type of grain is low in fat, contains complex carbohydrates, and is high in fiber. This will prevent seniors from overeating and keep them full longer. Some of the best grain foods that you can choose are:

  1. Brown rice 
  2. Barley, quinoa, whole corn, etc.
  3. Wheat crackers and bread
  4. Whole wheat pasta 
  5. Steel-cut oats 
  • Fruits and Vegetables

A bowl of fresh fruits and vegetables is amongst the most popular healthy foods. These are low in fat and packed with nutrients, flavors, and minerals. Some of the best colorful fruits and vegetables that you can choose are:

  1. Apples, mangoes, oranges, pineapples 
  2. Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, pomegranates
  3. Citrus fruits: grapefruits and oranges.
  4. Peaches, pears, and melons
  5. Dark green vegetables: spinach and kale 
  6. Leafy green vegetables: cabbage and romaine 
  7. Tomatoes and avocados

Adding these healthy food items to a senior’s daily diet will not only keep them healthy but will reduce the risk of heart disease, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other health issues. 

Related: 3 Tips to Improve Your Memory – Home Instead Senior Care (homeinsteadseniorblog.com)

  • Meat, Poultry, Fish, and Beans
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Incorporate lean meats and fresh fish into your senior’s diet. We recommend serving these foods baked, boiled, grilled, and roasted instead of deep-frying. This is a great start to a healthy meal, as well as keeping your loved one from not becoming constipated and prevent weight gain in the long run. As they age, it may become difficult for a senior citizen to lose weight and burn calories. We suggest the following meats and fish for a balanced diet:

  1. A lean cut of beef or lamb
  2. Turkey and bacon.
  3. Chicken breast 
  4. Haddock, white fish, salmon, tuna, etc. 
  5. Shrimps, mussels, scallops, and lobsters
  6. Beans, lentils, and chickpeas
  • Dairy and Dairy Substitutes

Often, people experience joint pain, loss of bone mass, weakness, and slow movement as they age. A lack of proteins, vitamins, and calcium can lead to osteoporosis, causing the bones to become weak and more likely to break. In order to keep your senior bones healthy, you need to increase the intake of enriched milk substitutes such as:

  1. Sting cheese
  2. Low-fat milk 
  3. Low-fat cottage cheese 
  4. Plain, no-fat yogurt

The Bottom Line

As people age, it becomes quite essential to maintain a healthy diet. We hope that our guide will help you pick the best nutrient-rich food to meet your senior’s daily needs. If you’re looking for the most professional and friendly caregivers in Wilmington, NC, Home Instead Senior Care is the best choice. We have decades of experience in taking care of seniors’ meal prep and other lifestyle areas. For more information about our home care services, call (910) 342-0455 today!

Organizing 101 for Seniors

Organizing your home or living space has many benefits. It cleans up your house and everything is easier to find and manage. On another positive note, a neat and organized home looks less cluttered and less overwhelming. It’s much safer to live in a clean space. We have gathered some practical organizing tips for seniors to make life and living at home easier.

1) List all the items that needs organizing.

Take a walk around the house with a pen and paper in hand. Anything that you believe needs re-arranging or organizing, simply write it down. Take a long thorough look for anything that feels too cluttered or messy. Don’t jump on it right away, take your time and list everything down. For example, if you have unorganized shoes at the door, make a note to buy a simple shoe rack later. You can also ask a friend or loved one to do this inspection with you.

2) Make an action plan.

As said in the previous step, don’t jump up to do everything at once. You could end up overwhelmed and even messier than the moment you began. So, start off small. Even if you tackle one drawer in a day, it is more than enough. Eventually, you will clear the entire house without over-exerting yourself.

Make a schedule for yourself. Take some time out of the day to do this cleaning. Keep taking breaks in between to catch your breath. Even if you fail to follow it, it is not an issue. You can just start over the next day.

Related: Home Modifications for Your Senior

3) Keep a list of things that need maintenance.

Is the power socket out? Is the dishwasher not working properly? Light bulb in your bedroom needs to be replaced? Keep a list of these types of things that you could work on, so they do not become a nuisance later. Daily checklists such as these can benefit the elderly significantly. It helps you from forgetting the important stuff and you will always be on the top of everything with it. When practiced long term, this habit can do wonders for you.

Related: Decluttering your Senior Loved One’s Home

Bonus Tips for Practical Organizing:

  • Label all the storage boxes and spaces clearly so you always know where your stuff is.
  • Keep your staircase and door entry clear and clutter free.
  • Buy multiple baskets to easily carry items and for storage.
  • Get rid of the dark hallways and passages by adding a source of light in there.
  • Keep your important documents all in one safe place that is easily accessible for you.   

Conclusion

We understand that staying organized for an elderly can be quite difficult at times. With passing age, every day tasks become hectic to deal with. Everybody needs someone trustworthy and responsible to take care of their loved ones. That is what we are here for. Home Instead Senior Care provides compassionate in-home care services that includes personal care, light housekeeping, meal prepping, grocery shopping, transportation, and much more. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website.

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