Families have to opt for long-distance caregiving when they are far away from their senior loved ones. Here are 6 tips to help make your caregiving successful.
When family outings and other social events such as weddings and graduations call for time spent outdoors, it is important to help an elderly loved one to beat the heat. Remind your loved one to wear loose, breathable layers like cotton. Whenever possible, remind your aging loved one to wear lighter colors as well. A sun hat can also help to prevent sunburn on the skin. Bring an umbrella to help provide shade if trees or a canopy is not available at the event.
For most of us, summer conjures up images of swimming pools, beaches, barbecues and camping. The air conditioner is running daily, but it’s worth it! Soaring temperatures may make most hearts sing, but it can be dangerous for aging seniors to spend extended periods of time in the summer heat. It is vitally important that an elderly loved one stay cool and hydrated in the hot summer sun.
With the warm days of the season upon us, it is much easier to overextend ourselves, especially our elderly loved ones. No matter how much you prepare for the heat, there is always the possibility that your aging loved one could be negatively affected but the blistering summer sun. This is why it is so important to understand and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke to better prepare for immediate care when needed. Each person who suffers from heat stroke will experience it differently depending in a myriad of factors specific to their circumstances. Remember that the sooner you recognize the issue in your elderly loved one, the sooner you will be able to get the help your senior needs.
Keeping an elderly oved one safe so they are able to live successfully in their beloved home is very important. It’s key to have them feel secure and live happily through their golden years when they are most comfortable and at home. One way to keep your senior’s home safe it to create an organized system. Have a spot where keys always go when returning home. Have a bin near the door for shoes, perhaps under a bench to sit on when putting on and removing shoes. Hooks near the entrance are also great for easy cleanup of quickly removed jackets. Making a place for everything makes it easier to avoid piles of clothing on floors and shoes in the way for walking. It also makes finding everything possible because items are in their designated spots.
When asked, most seniors would express a strong desire to stay independent in their home for as long as physically and emotionally possible. Depending on the symptoms a loved one is experiencing with an onset of a dementia related disease, you may need additional assistance and support from an outside source. Many families worry that leaving a loved one alone in their home for long periods of time will be dangerous. You may worry for your loved one’s safety but do not want to move them to a nursing home or assisted living facility to receive the care they need. Not only is in home care more affordable when compared to a life altering move to an assisted living facility, it is also most preferred. Your loved one will thrive in their familiar home environment doing routine activities. This consistent living situation will be a positive experience for your loved one.
Planning a Father's Day celebration for an aging dad requires extra care and attention. Here are some tips for making the day special and memorable.
World Music Day lets seniors enjoy musical activities that promote well-being. Here are ways to celebrate this day that are tailored for seniors.
There’s no need to sweat or risk a heat related illness to enjoy the summer. The elderly should be especially careful about spending too much time outdoors without sunscreen and wear other forms of sun protection such as a hat, long sleeves and an umbrella. The summer sun is hot and it’s good to remind your senior loved one to dress in light-colored, loose, cotton clothing. There are many medications such as anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and acne medications that can make the skin extra susceptible to the sun’s strong rays. Avoid the peak hours of sunshine and enjoy the weather first thing in the morning or early dusk. There are usually outdoor movies playing in nearby communities or local concerts in the park.
When an elderly loved one lives a long distance from you and your family, you may worry about them living alone in their home. You may have seen signs of forgetfulness in your last visit and wonder if they are getting the proper nutrition in their meals and if they are remembering to take their medications. There is no need to believe that a life altering move to an assisted living facility or nursing home is the only option. With affordable in-home senior care options, it is possible to have daily visits on weekdays, weekends and holidays as needed. This way, your loved one will not feel lonely and are less likely to feel isolated, even with family living a long distance away.
The month of May brings Memorial Day at the end of the month. This day usually signals the start summer and usually means barbeques and get-togethers. While it is fun to hang out with friends and family, let’s try to remember the real meaning of this special and patriotic holiday. Memorial Day isn’t just about kicking off summer and hosting a party; it all starts with those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep America free.
Card games have been around for a long time and have been enjoyed by many people. Did you know that these games offer mental and social benefits? Learn more about them here.
Exercising can benefit anyone, including seniors. Take a look at this guide on how you can choose the right exercise program for senior relatives.
With the arrival of the month of May comes time to celebrate our mothers on Mother’s Day. Why not take the time to show Mom how much she means to us and that we cherish our time together. Whether we live near or far, a text, small gift or a card can go a long way to boost a loved one’s mood on this special holiday. Mother’s Day is a great time to take time out of our busy lives to make sure the moms in our lives know how much they are appreciated and loved.
As we age, it is highly desired to live comfortably in a familiar home environment for as long as possible. Staying in the community and remaining active are essential for a positive outlook on life and a better overall sense of wellbeing. As our senior loved ones get older, it is can be more complicated to remain at home, but it doesn’t have to be impossible.
If you have a loved one in your family who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the care that comes with it. Daily living will require additional assistance that wasn’t always necessary in the past. Coping with daily hygiene tasks can be made easier with the help of a compassionate and highly trained caregiver. Senior Helpers of Lansdale can help with Parkinsons Disease care in many ways that can help to ease the responsibilities of family caregivers. In home senior care makes it possible for an elderly loved one coping with Parkinson’s disease to stay independent and remain in the comforts of home for as long as physically and emotionally possible.
Every day, we find something in our home to toss out. Whether it’s old food scraps, paper plates, or junk mail, there are always items being thrown into the garbage can. With companies working harder to use more recyclables in their new products, it is prudent to also follow trend as much as possible. The more we learn how to reuse everyday items, the less of a contribution we make to the landfill. Earth Day in 2023 is celebrated on April 22nd.
Bringing together seniors and the younger generation can make for a positive experience. Intergenerational programs can make this happen and are beneficial for everyone involved.
Whether it's the loss of a loved one or someone's terminal diagnosis, everything can become difficult as you go through grief. It's important to seek grief support during times like this.
You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. –Michael Pritchard--These are great words to live by.
Help your senior loved one stay young at heart with daily laughter. Laughing goes a long way in making a senior loved one feel vibrant and connected to life. Laughter helps them to feel better about themselves, those around them, and to share their blessings with others.
As a senior, living with diabetes can create unique challenges. Learning to living healthfully is very beneficial to seniors, whether they are coping with diabetes or not. Choosing to eat well balanced meals created with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats is a healthy way to dine. Be sure to watch portion sizes as excess weight can cause other health related problems.
The secret to feeling better and living longer is staying active. Finding a workout routine that works for your aging loved one and helping them stick with it can pay big dividends. Regular exercise helps older people stay independent and may even prevent diabetes, heart trouble, arthritis pain, anxiety and depression. You may not see your aging loved one at the gym every day, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be conscious about their physical health. No matter our age, it’s important to keep exercise in mind.
As a senior, living with diabetes can create unique challenges. Learning to living healthfully is very beneficial to seniors, whether they are coping with diabetes or not. Choosing to eat well balanced meals created with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats is a healthy way to dine. Be sure to watch portion sizes as excess weight can cause other health related problems.
Our sense of thirst becomes less reliable as we age. Here are some tips for seniors on how to stay hydrated if you never feel thirsty.
How much water do you need to drink in a day? The "8 glasses a day" rule is outdated, so hydration depends on the person. Read more in this helpful guide for seniors.