Page not found – Helping Hearts Senior Care https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com Just another WordPress site Fri, 26 Jan 2024 03:52:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 In-Home Care: Dementia-Related Communication Tips https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/in-home-care-in-home-care-dementia-related-communication-tips https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/in-home-care-in-home-care-dementia-related-communication-tips#respond Mon, 17 Jan 2022 14:00:54 +0000 http://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/?p=647 Is your elderly loved one struggling with dementia-related communication issues? For example, do you find that your elderly loved one is taking longer to respond to you. If so, it is likely caused by the changes that are happening with their brain. While there isn’t a way to cure dementia right now, there are some dementia-related communication tips that could help you and your elderly loved one and their in-home care aides.

Use the Power of Time

In-Home Care Pleasant Grove AL - In-Home Care: Dementia-Related Communication Tips
In-Home Care Pleasant Grove AL – In-Home Care: Dementia-Related Communication Tips

The dementia diagnosis is there and the disease will get worse over time. However, if your elderly loved one is still in the earlier stages of this disease, they likely still have some communication skills present. It just may take them some time to figure out what you are saying and to grasp how they are supposed to respond. Even if they have lost some of their ability to communicate, giving them time to respond can take the stress off from them, so they can respond with less pressure.

Hearing Loss Issues

There are many elderly people who have hearing loss, even if they don’t have dementia. With this being said, there are also many people who have a dementia diagnosis who have hearing loss that arises after the disease comes up. If this is the case for your elderly loved one, when you are communicating with them, be sure to keep the noises in the background to a minimum. In addition, if you can’t hear your elderly loved one very well, do your best to stand in front of them and nearby, so you can hear better. If needed, an in-home care provider may have better experience with this issue and be able to help your elderly loved one to communicate.

Focus on Responses

If your elderly loved one is having a difficult time communicating with you, it may be best to focus on how they are responding. For example, if your elderly loved one gets angry when you suggest having someone come over to their house, you may want to take this as a sign that visitors aggravate them right now. It may be better to have the person visit another time, when your elderly loved one isn’t so on edge. If you need to see the person that was supposed to come over, you can always have an in-home care provider keep an eye on your elderly loved one while you go somewhere else to visit them.

In-Home Care Providers can Help

These are some of the dementia-related communication tips that will hopefully help you and your elderly loved one to communicate better. As you know, there isn’t a cure to dementia at this time. However, there are tips that can help you to better handle the issues that come up with this disease.

Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20047540

If you or an aging loved-one is considering In-Home Care Assistance Services in Pleasant Grove AL please contact the caring staff at Helping Hearts Senior Care today at (205) 490-1079.

]]>
https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/in-home-care-in-home-care-dementia-related-communication-tips/feed 0
Possible Signs of Malnutrition in Your Senior https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/home-care-assistance-possible-signs-of-malnutrition-in-your-senior https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/home-care-assistance-possible-signs-of-malnutrition-in-your-senior#respond Mon, 03 Jan 2022 14:00:18 +0000 http://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/?p=642 If your elderly family member isn’t getting the nutrition that she needs, that’s a huge problem. Finding practical solutions to malnutrition, like hiring home care assistance, is crucial. But it’s also crucial to get to the bottom of what’s causing the malnutrition in the first place.

Less Energy than Usual

Home Care Assistance Trussville AL - Possible Signs of Malnutrition in Your Senior
Home Care Assistance Trussville AL – Possible Signs of Malnutrition in Your Senior

Your senior may have less energy than she did as a younger person, but if you’re noticing a big decline in energy levels, that could be a signal. Eating a healthy diet helps your senior to have enough energy to get through her day and to avoid feeling blah. Other necessary aspects, like getting enough sleep and exercising, can also help with energy levels.

Weakened Immune System

Is your senior feeling more than just blah? If she seems to be battling little illnesses constantly or has small wounds that take a long time to heal, that could be another sign to pay attention to. Without the right nutrients, your senior isn’t able to keep her immune system functioning properly and that can lead to big problems.

Balance and Strength Issues

Besides low blood sugar from not eating, balance and strength issues can be another sign of malnutrition. Without plenty of protein, muscle loss accelerates. The muscles that remain are then weaker, and your senior may find it’s that much more difficult to maintain her balance. All of that can lead directly to a fall.

Weight Loss or Gain

Unexpected weight gain or loss can also be a sign of malnutrition. Changes to your senior’s weight, especially when she’s not trying to change her weight, are a clue that you can’t afford to ignore. Eating foods that are full of calories, but not nutrients is a big problem for your senior.

Changes in Sleep Habits

Energy levels tell you a lot, as mentioned, but your senior might have low energy not just because of malnutrition but also because her sleeping habits have changed. She may be sleeping more than usual and yet still feel fatigued. Or she could be experiencing difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, both of which are forms of insomnia.

Having Home Care Assistance to Step in

Battling malnutrition may be easier than you expect. Some of the reasons for malnutrition can come down to simple difficulty with the demands of cooking. Home care assistance can take care of that for your senior. Home care assistance providers can also be beneficial in reminding your senior to eat when she should, which can be another major contributing factor to malnutrition.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care Assistance Services in Trussville AL please contact the caring staff at Helping Hearts Senior Care today at (205) 490-1079.

]]>
https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/home-care-assistance-possible-signs-of-malnutrition-in-your-senior/feed 0
Ways To Help a Senior Stay Cheerful This Holiday Season https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/companion-care-at-home-ways-to-help-a-senior-stay-cheerful-this-holiday-season https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/companion-care-at-home-ways-to-help-a-senior-stay-cheerful-this-holiday-season#respond Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:00:25 +0000 http://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/?p=637 The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. However, it can be difficult for many seniors to maintain a cheerful and happy disposition during this time. To assist seniors in overcoming feelings of isolation, a lack of activity, and depression that may occur during the holidays, it is critical to remain informed and proactive. The following is a guide to what you and their companion care at home providers need to know about seniors and the holiday season’s challenges, as well as ways to stay optimistic so that the holidays can be more happy and joyous.

Companion Care at Home Birmingham AL - Ways To Help a Senior Stay Cheerful This Holiday Season
Companion Care at Home Birmingham AL – Ways To Help a Senior Stay Cheerful This Holiday Season

Companion care at home can be one of the best things to give a senior this holiday season. They are there when a senior may feel extra lonely and can help bring some joy to the senior household. A senior may feel like this holiday season is a lot to handle, and they may feel like a burden to their family because they cannot do much on their own. Companion care at home is one of the best ways to ensure a senior doesn’t feel like a burden. There are many reasons a senior could feel stressed during this time.

A senior may feel stuck in the past, remembering all of the celebrations they used to host. This can make them sad, but they also may love sharing these stories with someone new, like companion care at home. Some seniors may find the holidays to be a huge financial burden feeling like they can’t give enough. Other seniors may have limited mobility and cannot get around or even decorate like they used to. All of these problems are things that personal care at home can help with.

Remember The Past in a Happy Way

For many seniors, holiday memories can evoke negative emotions during the holiday season. However, memories are frequently among the most treasured aspects of our lives. Rather than dwelling on what has changed, concentrate on all that has improved. Utilize the past to reflect on your favorite objects and people. Bring out old photographs, sing old songs, and remind yourself of the true meaning of the holidays.

The holidays are an excellent time to reflect on the traditions and friends who have passed through your life, to reflect on what has changed and to appreciate what hasn’t. Make the most of the holiday season by starting a new photo album or scrapbook filled with your favorite memories.

Budget and Control Finances

Many seniors feel like they need to spend tons of money to make things special for their family, but they don’t have to. Companion care at home can remind a senior to set a budget and stick with that budget. Help a senior create a list of items that they want to buy for each person in their family. Having a list will help them stick to a realistic budget and help them feel less stressed.

Connect With Family with Assistance of Companion Care at Home Aides

You may not be able to drive and pick up your loved one, but companion care at home can help with that. This is one of the best ways to ensure a senior stays in touch with important people in their lives, and gets to visit others.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Companion Care at Home Services in Birmingham AL please contact the caring staff at Helping Hearts Senior Care today at (205) 490-1079.

]]>
https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/companion-care-at-home-ways-to-help-a-senior-stay-cheerful-this-holiday-season/feed 0
Seniors Experiencing Nocturia https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/24-hour-home-care-seniors-experiencing-nocturia https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/24-hour-home-care-seniors-experiencing-nocturia#respond Wed, 01 Dec 2021 14:00:19 +0000 http://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/?p=631 If 24-hour home care notices that a senior is up all night going to the bathroom, it could be a sign of nocturia. They may be experiencing daytime fatigue because they are up so much going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The elderly do experience going to the bathroom more in the middle of the night for several reasons. If 24-hour home care has questions about this condition, keep on reading.

24-Hour Home Care Vestavia Hills AL - Seniors Experiencing Nocturia
24-Hour Home Care Vestavia Hills AL – Seniors Experiencing Nocturia

Nocturia is the clinical term for frequent urination in the elderly at night. Although the condition is prevalent as we age, it is frequently underreported and undertreated. Men and women alike may experience frequent urination during the night. Female and male elderly patients are frequently diagnosed with nocturnal polyuria, a type of nocturia. Individuals with this condition produce a large amount of urine at night. Their urinary output is normal, if not decreased, throughout the day.

Many elderly people experience daytime fluid retention in their feet and legs. When you lie down at night, the fluid in your lower extremities is no longer pooled. Gravity’s effects are diminished when your feet and legs are elevated. Nighttime urinary volume increases as trapped fluid are recirculated throughout the body.

What Causes Nocturia?

There are a few things that may cause nocturia in seniors, this may include habits, illnesses, or other things that the senior may not be able to control. Here are some things that may cause nocturia.

  • Consumption of large amounts of fluid prior to going to bed.
  • Alcohol and caffeine consumption, particularly in the evening.
  • Diabetes Insipidus
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Hypertension
  • Congestive Failure of the Heart
  • Disorders of Sleep
  • Diseases of the Valves
  • Reduced bladder capacity at night
  • Diuretic drugs

 

Now that you know what causes nocturia there may be some things you can do to help your senior. Here is how you can help your senior fight going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

How to Stop Nocturia

There are some easier lifestyle changes a senior can make but if it persists senior home care may suggest they go to a doctor. The doctor will prescribe medication that can help kidneys produce less urine which will help a senior go to the bathroom less and get a full night of sleep. If it is an underlying illness causing this, that illness will be treated first and then it should help rid a senior of nocturia. Firstly, 24-hour home care can help the older adult try these natural ways first.

Stop Drinking Water

Before bed a senior should drink less water. During the day it is safe to drink water, but two to four hours before bed they should restrict water intake.

Diuretics

Some seniors will take diuretics and these will increase urination if taken too close to bedtime. They should always take these six hours before bed. 24-hour home care can help remind a senior to take their medication but cannot handle the medicine themselves.

Elevate Legs

Fluids can build up in a senior’s legs. Proper elevation can help drain the fluid and keep their urination habits regular.

Sources:  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14510-nocturia

If you or an aging loved-one is considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Vestavia Hills AL please contact the caring staff at Helping Hearts Senior Care today at (205) 490-1079.

]]>
https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/24-hour-home-care-seniors-experiencing-nocturia/feed 0
Ways to Keep Your Dad’s Eyes Healthy https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/senior-home-care-ways-to-keep-your-dads-eyes-healthy https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/senior-home-care-ways-to-keep-your-dads-eyes-healthy#respond Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:00:22 +0000 http://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/?p=627 Eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and cataracts are more likely to occur as you get older. You want to make sure your dad is doing everything possible to keep his eyes healthy. What steps should you and his senior home care providers be taking to help him maintain his vision?

Make Sure He Eats a Balanced Diet

Senior Home Care Inverness AL - Ways to Keep Your Dad's Eyes Healthy
Senior Home Care Inverness AL – Ways to Keep Your Dad’s Eyes Healthy

Eye health starts with a balanced diet. Studies show that foods rich in zinc, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein help lower the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Your dad’s eyes benefit from him enjoying foods high in these vitamins and minerals.

Some foods he should enjoy each day include nuts and seeds, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, citrus fruits, dark, leafy greens, and bell peppers. Ideally, he wants to plate his meals so that half of his plate has fruits and vegetables, a quarter of his plate has a whole grain, and the other quarter has a serving of fish or another lean protein.

Wear Sunglasses

When he’s outside, your dad needs to have sunglasses on. He wants sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Ideally, the frames should be wide enough to fully cover his eye and eyelids to keep any sunlight from coming in from the side and damaging his eyes.

Use Safety Glasses When Doing Household Projects

Your dad should wear protective safety glasses when he’s doing some household projects. If he’s cleaning his oven with a chemical cleaner, he wants to have protective glasses or goggles to keep any of the oven cleaner from getting into his eyes.

If he’s replacing some decking, he needs to have safety glasses on when using a saw. He should also wear glasses when using his drill or other power tools. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to put on protective eyewear when he’s hammering nails, too.

Schedule Yearly Eye Exams and Have Senior Home Care Aides Accompany Him

Make sure your dad has transportation to and from his eye appointments. A thorough exam uses dilation eye drops that may make his vision distorted for a few hours. It makes it hard to drive.

If you can’t take time off work or live too far away, consider senior home care transportation services. Your dad can have a caregiver drive him to his eye doctor’s practice and accompany him during the appointment if he wants.

Senior home care services also help your dad around the home. You can hire caregivers to clean his house, cook his meals, and keep him company. Call our senior home care specialist to get started.

Sources: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/diet-and-nutrition?sso=y

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Home Care Services in Inverness AL please contact the caring staff at Helping Hearts Senior Care today at (205) 490-1079.

]]>
https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/senior-home-care-ways-to-keep-your-dads-eyes-healthy/feed 0
Celebrate Your Role During National Family Caregivers Month https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/home-care-celebrate-your-role-during-national-family-caregivers-month https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/home-care-celebrate-your-role-during-national-family-caregivers-month#respond Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:01:30 +0000 http://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/?p=620 National Family Caregivers Month is a time to celebrate anyone who is a family caregiver. Whether it’s a sibling providing your parents with the help they require or it’s you, make sure you celebrate your role. Home care services can step in with some of these suggestions.

Buy Yourself a Present

Home Care Vestavia Hills AL - Celebrate Your Role During National Family Caregivers Month
Home Care Vestavia Hills AL – Celebrate Your Role During National Family Caregivers Month

What have you been forgoing when you’re caring for your mom and dad? Have you had a haircut recently? When was the last time you bought a new outfit? How about some flowers?

Buy yourself something that’s just for you. Book an appointment for a haircut, and then head to your favorite store to buy clothes after. You may dislike spending money, but a quick pick-me-up can do amazing things for your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Treat Yourselves to Takeout

Whether you’re the primary family caregiver or it’s a sibling, order takeout from your favorite restaurant. If you live within range for delivery, you can have it delivered. Otherwise, get someone to pick it up.

Grab some board games and enjoy dinner together as a family. You won’t have to do the cooking, and clean-up is minimal. Your parents get to be part of the celebration.

When you’re choosing the restaurant, you’re not stuck to takeout. Most restaurants offer takeout now. Plus, some make it easy to order through online systems. Treat yourselves to dessert, too. The care you provide deserves to be celebrated.

Take a Vacation

When was the last time you went on vacation? Rent a hotel room or house for a long weekend and take a long weekend away. While you’re away, your parents can have someone else help them with their daily activities of living. What if no one in your family is available? Have you considered respite care?

Home Care Providers Can Offer Help Too

As a family caregiver, you need to keep your own care in mind, too. You can’t devote so much time to your parents that you forget about your own mental and physical health. One of the best ways to make sure you have time for self-care is by talking to a home care agency about respite care.

Home care aides can come to your parents’ house and help them with daily routines. That allows you to go out with friends, have a day to yourself, or sleep in late. It doesn’t matter how you spend a day off. It’s just important that you’re embracing your own needs. Call our home care specialist to make arrangements.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care Services in Vestavia Hills AL please contact the caring staff at Helping Hearts Senior Care today at (205) 490-1079.

]]>
https://www.helpingheartsseniorcare.com/home-care-celebrate-your-role-during-national-family-caregivers-month/feed 0