Recovering from any kind of surgery can be a challenge, but if your friends and family who could help you don’t live close by, you may be having to recover on your own. Here are some tips to help make that recovery process easier, whether you are the patient, or you have a senior loved one who is the one recovering. The main goal, of course, is to get back to normal as quickly as possible!

Things You Should Do BEFORE the Surgery

One thing that is critical for a good recovery is making sure you get things in order before the surgery even takes place. This is especially important if your surgery will impact your mobility or require physical/occupational therapy afterward. You’ll want to make sure your bedroom is set up so that you can get to the things you need easily, etc.

Here are some tips to help set yourself up for success:

• Do your shopping ahead of time. If you have an idea of how long you will be off your feet, shop accordingly so that you have plenty of food, as well as convenient choices that are easy to prepare. Think of it like you would storm prep—non-perishable food items, plenty of bottled water near your bed, easy snacks, etc.
• Make sure critical items are easy to reach. Take the time to think of the things you reach for most often throughout the day and have those items within easy reach. These items might include things like your remote control, medication, eyeglasses, water bottles, etc. Having these items out within easy reach, rather than in a drawer, will help you.
• If you will be having physical therapy or home health nursing, make room for it.Remove rugs and other hazards that could cause a fall, and make sure you have clear walking paths. If you are using a walker, make sure furniture is set up in such a way that you can navigate freely and easily.
• Create a clean environment. Be sure to do housecleaning ahead of time so that you have an environment free of dust, mold or mildew, and even strong cleaning products. It’s better to use gentle ingredients to clean, such as vinegar and water, mild dish soap, and baking soda. This will allow you to breathe easier and that will definitely aid in your recovery time!

Items You May Need During Recovery

Following are some items you might want to keep nearby while you are recovering:

• Hand Sanitizer. Keeping your hands clean is imperative! Never change bandages unless your hands have been properly cleaned. Hand sanitizer will help reduce the risk of infection.
• Easy Clothing. Wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes that you won’t mind lounging in, and will not sit tight against your skin or near incisions.
• Easy Meal Ideas. Frozen food that is prepared ahead of time will be very helpful. Salad kits, non-perishable food and snacks are all great ideas. Also, be sure to eat plenty of fiber.
• Entertainment. Have plenty of good reading material, movies, and puzzles or games you can play on your cell phone or tablet or computer. This helps to pass the time during recovery!
• Filled Prescriptions. Fill any prescriptions ahead of time when possible. If not, have a friend or relative who can pick them up for you straight away after surgery so you can get in bed as soon as possible. This goes for over-the-counter meds as well. Adding a fiber supplement will help reduce constipation, which happens easily when you are immobile for extended periods of time.
• Water. Drinking a lot of water or other clear liquids, such as chicken broth or hot green tea, will help flush anesthesia and other drugs out of your system. It will also help you recover energy and improve pain control.

Specialized Home Help After Surgery

If you’re still concerned about taking care of yourself after surgery, Home Helpers Home Care can also provide one-on-one care for you. Home Helpers caregivers can assist in the following:

• Meal preparation
• Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments or physical therapy
• Medication reminders
• Getting dressed
• Bathing

You can adjust these hours and services according to your needs until you are ready to live life normally. For more information, contact us.

Home Helpers of Canton is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Akron, Alliance, Aurora, Brewster, Brimfield, Canton, East Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Kent, Louisville, Mantua, Massillon, Minerva, Mogadore, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, Ravenna, Streetsboro, Suffield, Tallmadge, and Waynesburg, Ohio.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

It’s often thought that those diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s will steadily lose their quality of life. While cognitive decline is certainly part of the process, there are things you can do as a caregiver to maintain as much quality of life as possible. Regardless of the stage of their disease, they need to be stimulated every day, both in mind and body!

Engage Them in Conversation

Cognitive activity is so very important for Alzheimer’s and dementia. They need to have at least a half hour per day of just keeping the brain active with engaging conversation and other cognitive activities. Doing crossword puzzles or trivia games is a great way to stimulate the mind while also having fun. Using physical touch by guiding their hands also helps them with tasks they might otherwise find difficult or frustrating.

Physical Stimulation

Physical stimulation is just as vital as mental stimulation when it comes to maintaining quality of life. Dementia patients need to move and have physical activity each day. This could be in the form of walking, light exercise or even dancing. Nothing makes them feel young again quite like dancing! Try to set a goal of at least 30 minutes daily for some form of physical stimulation. This is especially true for those who were active before they were diagnosed. If you are unsure what is safe, talk to a physical therapist about exercises that encourage range of motion and prevent stiffness in joints and muscles.

Engage in Self-Expression

Everyone needs to have a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. Help them nurture their spirit by engaging in activities that help them express themselves and do what they love. Art, music, cooking, writing are all wonderful ways to express joy and nurture the spirit. Don’t forget to reminisce and tell stories! Dementia patients often have excellent long-term memory, so they will love to talk about the good old days! Finally, if they are a person of faith, accompany them to church where they can pray, sing, and worship.

Connect with Others

This might be the most important tip of all. Dementia and Alzheimer’s can be very isolating which leads to depression easily. Find ways to help them socialize by getting together with friends or taking advantage of adult day care services. Assisted living facilities often have activities where older adults can gather and enjoy each other. The idea here is to maintain as much normality as possible, especially if they were socially active beforehand.

Living with dementia can be a challenge and it is definitely a learning process for both the patient and the caregiver. Finding what works may take some time, but is well worth the effort to maintain quality of life! Encourage friends and family to drop in for visits and share a meal. Above all else, assure them they are valued and loved.

For more ideas on how to maintain quality of life while living with dementia, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of Canton is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Akron, Alliance, Aurora, Brewster, Brimfield, Canton, East Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Kent, Louisville, Mantua, Massillon, Minerva, Mogadore, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, Ravenna, Streetsboro, Suffield, Tallmadge, and Waynesburg, Ohio.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

You’ve probably heard of Parkinson’s Disease or know someone who suffers with it. It is a progressive disease that affects the central nervous system, making movement, balance and muscle control become very difficult. Over time, it can cause total loss of control over certain body functions. More than 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with PD each year, and although there is no cure, there are many treatments to help manage the disease. One such option involves nutrition. Keep reading to learn what seniors with Parkinson’s should be eating.

Eating a Nutritious Diet for Parkinson’s Disease

Proper nutrition is important in all aspects of our lives, but it’s crucial in managing symptoms of Parkinson’s. Because the disease affects fine motor skills, eating can become challenging. Also, medications used to manage PD can have side-effects such as dry mouth, nausea, vomiting and excessive watering in the mouth.

To avoid feeling dehydrated or constipated, increased fiber should be added to the diet. This will also help boost energy. Fiber is found in many foods such as grains, cereals and bread, and in several vegetables like peas and broccoli. Hydration is key, so seniors with Parkinson’s should be drinking at least 51 ounces of water daily. Less salt, meat, and dairy are also helpful to manage Parkinson’s symptoms.

Here are some other helpful tips:

• Eat slowly and take smaller bites
• Smaller meals can help with nausea
• Drink beverages between meals, rather than with them
• Try not to mix hot and cold foods
• Eat colder foods if the smell of hot foods causes nausea
• Rest after meals

What to Eat with Parkinson’s Disease

Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, pomegranates, and cranberries are all loaded with antioxidants.
Salmon, tuna, and sardines: These fatty fish options are high in omega 3s and very nutritious.
Green tea: You can drink it hot or cold and it is full of antioxidants.
Prunes: Prunes fight constipation issues and are high in fiber, potassium, potassium and vitamin A.
Ginger: Ginger root is wonderful for preventing nausea caused by the medications or the disease on its own. 
Chocolate: Not only is dark chocolate a great dessert to satisfy that sweet tooth, but it is also high in antioxidants and flavonoids that help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

What Not to Eat with Parkinson’s Disease

Dairy: Dairy causes inflammation and can affect how the brain utilizes oxygen, so it’s best to steer clear. Calcium supplements can be helpful as well. 
Saturated fat: High-fat foods are unhealthy all around and increase cholesterol and blood pressure. 
Excessive sugar: Sugar offers nothing nutritionally. Limit processed foods and try to eat fresh. You can also avoid extra sugar by reading the labels on things like jams and jellies.

Services to Help Those with Parkinson’s

A well-balanced diet goes a long way in managing the symptoms of PD. While there isn’t an exact diet plan, these tips can give you or your senior loved one the best shot possible at utilizing nutrition to help manage Parkinson’s Disease.

For more information, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of Canton is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Akron, Alliance, Aurora, Brewster, Brimfield, Canton, East Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Kent, Louisville, Mantua, Massillon, Minerva, Mogadore, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, Ravenna, Streetsboro, Suffield, Tallmadge, and Waynesburg, Ohio.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Seniors, like all of us, need all the essential vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. As we age, our bodies begin to be depleted of certain vitamins for many reasons. This can put the senior at risk for many diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis, among many others. Heart disease and cancer remain two of the top diseases that take people far too young, so getting proper nutrition is vital. For aging adults whose bodies don’t absorb vitamins as easily, it’s even more important. During the winter months, Vitamin D is often depleted due to lack of sunlight and time outdoors. This problem can be even more compounded because vitamin D is not found naturally in many foods like other nutrients are.

So how much vitamin D do seniors need on a daily basis?

While opinions vary among experts, most can agree that vitamin D can be depleted among seniors. Two of the top health agencies agree that the following guidelines should be followed for adequate vitamin D intake among seniors:

• 600 IU daily for everyone up to age 70
• 800 IU for seniors age 70 and over

Some agencies argue that these numbers should be a lot higher, especially when considering bone health. It certainly is not out of the question for senior adults to take up to 1000 IU of vitamin D daily as they age, especially women.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

It can be tough to recognize a deficiency of vitamin D in seniors. The symptoms are often not very easy to pinpoint and can easily be mistaken for other issues or problems. Here are a few symptoms that you can be aware of:

• Weakness and fatigue that is hard to shake
• Muscle weakness and pain
• Swelling of joints and bones
• Concentration difficulty, or keeping focused 
• Sweating, even though it’s not unusually hot

The good news is that if you suspect a deficiency, there are blood tests that can help the physician determine the problem. If getting outside is difficult, you should stay aware of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency so it can be dealt with quickly. There are OTC supplements as well as some higher forms of supplements that come through prescription only. These higher doses often are taken only until blood tests reveal that they have returned to normal ranges.

For more information on how to spot vitamin deficiencies in older adults, contact us today.

Home Helpers of Canton is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour care and live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Akron, Alliance, Aurora, Brewster, Brimfield, Canton, East Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Kent, Louisville, Mantua, Massillon, Minerva, Mogadore, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, Ravenna, Streetsboro, Suffield, Tallmadge, and Waynesburg, Ohio.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

It’s that time of the year where family and turkeys converge. The big Thanksgiving get-together is traditionally a time to share a meal, gratitude for the good things in our lives, and just good fellowship with those we love. Many of us are mindful of our diets, including seniors, so how do you help everyone eat healthy at the Thanksgiving feast? Here are a few tips.

1. Eat Healthy by Cooking at Home
While cooking at home for Thanksgiving can be a bit stressful, why not divide up the jobs and let others help? It can be a wonderful time to be together and give you a much healthier option by knowing exactly what’s in your food. With a little planning, you can decide who is bringing which dish, share kitchen duties and even make sure the food lands on the table at the same time. The key is not to take it all on yourself.

While it might be tempting to just forget all that eat out, many seniors of dietary needs that will not easily be met in a restaurant. Commercially prepared food is often full of sugar, preservatives, and sodium, all of which is terrible for our health, especially the fragile health of our senior loved ones. While cooking at home might be more work, it’s also a great way to be together, and you won’t be spending the next week trying to undo the effects of bad food on diabetes and high blood pressure.

Another tip as you cook Thanksgiving meal for seniors is to make sure the foods you choose are soft and easy to eat. If you do have chewy food, cut it up in smaller pieces to avoid the risk of choking. Seniors often have sensitivities when it comes to chewing and swallowing food.

It might seem obvious, but make sure that the senior in your life is not alone for Thanksgiving! Perhaps you are a caregiver and the rest of the family can’t make it to see the senior loved one. In this case, set up a Skype session or phone call that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

2. Think About Travel
Thanksgiving travel can be full of danger, whether it’s icy roads, busy airports or taxis running late. Make sure the senior isn’t driving on their own, even if they are able to drive normally. If there are family gatherings to attend, have a plan in place about who will safely drive them there.

3. Remember that Holidays Can Trigger Lots of Emotions
Thanksgiving holidays and Christmas are a time of joy for many, but they can also conjure sadness and loneliness for others. Holidays can be a painful reminder of loved ones who have passed away or can no longer be with us at home. Be mindful of the senior loved one in your life possible feeling sad or overwhelmed with memories of friends and family who are not there to celebrate this year. You can help ease this pain by talking about the loved ones who have passed, sharing a memory out loud, saving them a seat of honor, or going around the table and sharing stories about favorite friends and family.

The main thing to remember is that there is no magic formula. You just need to be sensitive to how the seniors are feeling. They may have no trouble at all, or they may seem a little withdrawn. Whatever the case, don’t miss out on the opportunity to love on them a little more, schedule calls with other family members so they can connect, and ask them questions that allow them to tell their stories. Most seniors love to talk about the past. Your job is just to listen.

Home Caregiving 
If Thanksgiving is not possible for your older adult, consider bringing in a home caregiver who can help during this time. Caregivers can be the next best thing to family, no matter what time of the year it is! For more information on how to help seniors get through the holidays, please contact us today! It doesn’t have to be stressful.

Home Helpers of Canton is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour careand live-in care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in Akron, Alliance, Aurora, Brewster, Brimfield, Canton, East Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Kent, Louisville, Mantua, Massillon, Minerva, Mogadore, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, Ravenna, Streetsboro, Suffield, Tallmadge, and Waynesburg, Ohio.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.