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How Can Home Care Assistance Help Seniors Maintain Heart Health?

Portrait of caregiver with senior
Portrait of caregiver with senior woman on walk in park with shopping bag, looking at caemra.

Cardiovascular issues are a very serious concern for seniors, particularly if they already have risk factors for heart problems or other variables that make heart health more critical for them to pay attention to. Addressing risk factors and following medical advice are two of the ways that seniors can maintain and even improve their heart health. Sometimes they might need more help, though, and that’s where home care assistance can come in handy.

Help with Nutritional Meals

Nutrition and eating healthier overall is far more powerful for heart health than many seniors realize. That’s because a healthier diet helps to reduce risk factors like excess weight, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. Eating right can sometimes feel impossible to seniors, though, especially if they don’t have a lot of energy to spare for cooking. Elder care providers can help by planning and preparing meals that meet up with doctor’s recommendations.

Reminding Seniors to Move More

Staying active helps to improve muscle tone not just in the large muscles of the body but also muscles like the heart and lungs. Seniors don’t have to engage in complicated exercise programs to get results, though. Taking a walk, engaging in regular stretching activities, or engaging in hobbies that require movement like taking care of a garden can all fit the requirements.

Helping Track Some Vital Signs

For some seniors, having more information can help them to stay informed about their health and how well their care plan is working for them. That might include tracking weight, blood pressure, or heart rate while exercising. Doctors can offer insights about what information to track and where those numbers should be based in individual situations. Home care assistance can remind seniors to track this information and help them log it for later use.

Offering Emotional Support

It can feel lonely dealing with heart health concerns, especially if seniors already felt isolated and alone. No longer engaging in some of the activities that they loved because of health issues can be draining, making it harder to get through the day. But being able to talk to home care providers and know that they understand offers seniors a lot of the support they need. Professional caregivers also offer someone for seniors to simply spend time with, engaging in conversation and maintaining a positive attitude.

Reducing Senior Stress

Stress is a big problem for heart health. Seniors experience a lot of stress when they worry about their health, so finding ways to feel more in charge of their health helps a lot. Home care assistance can help seniors to remember how far they have come, rest when they need to, and get extra help if they need it.

Every senior’s situation is a little bit different, so they may need different types of help. Home care assistance can work with aging adults and family caregivers to accommodate their unique needs and keep their hearts as healthy as possible. As their needs change, seniors can get the support they need to weather those changes, too.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Sunnyvale, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.

Planning for Bathing When Seniors Have Dementia

Woman cutting her elderly mother's hair at home

A common problem for seniors with dementia is that they may develop a greater resistance to the idea of bathing. There are a lot of different reasons for this, including fear and memory issues. Having a plan for bathing and other similar tasks can make a difference, though. Personal care at home can help family caregivers figure out the best plan to support seniors as they deal with the other challenges dementia brings.

Make the Bathroom Accessible and Safe

Bathroom safety, especially in the tub or shower stall, is so important for helping seniors with dementia bathe more often. Non-slip mats inside the shower area as well as on the bathroom floor can reduce fall risk. Grab bars are also helpful, but a shower chair or bench allow seniors to sit safely while bathing. Home care providers can offer support, ensuring seniors can bathe safely.

Avoid Arguments

Logic doesn’t work as well on seniors with dementia as it might have before dementia progresses, which can be frustrating when it seems like there is a simple task to handle. Associating bathing with activities seniors enjoy, like feeling clean and wearing comfortable clothing, can help much more. It also helps to explain clearly and succinctly what is going to happen throughout the process and personal care professionals have experience doing just that.

Prepare the Bathroom

Keeping the bathroom ready to go helps to eliminate some of the waiting seniors might endure when it comes to bathing. Stocking the bathroom with shampoo, soap, conditioner, towels, and washcloths means everything is right there when it’s time for the next shower. Other things to consider are ways to keep the bathroom at a comfortable temperature and anything else that might keep seniors relaxed.

Keep Preferences in Mind

Seniors with dementia can be very sensitive to smells and other sensations. For instance, water beating down from the shower head can be frightening, which might make it difficult for them to want to shower. Shifting to baths instead can make a positive difference. Using lotions, soaps, and shampoos that smell nice to seniors can help make bathing more enjoyable. Giving seniors with dementia choices helps a lot as well. They have little control over many other parts of life, so choices help them to feel more independent in some ways.

Don’t Rush the Bathing Process

Rushing seniors with dementia is not a helpful thing to do. Making them hurry or feel rushed is disorienting and may make them feel even more vulnerable while bathing. Personal care at home can help seniors to feel comfortable and safe, taking the bathing process at a pace that is pleasant for them.

Getting help from personal care at home allows seniors with dementia to have experienced assistance with a task that can feel overwhelming. This assistance also allows family caregivers to step back and avoid feeling like they’re forcing seniors to do things that feel unsafe or uncomfortable for them. In the end, what’s important is that seniors are comfortable and safe while their hygiene needs are met.

If you or an aging loved one are considering personal care at home in Mountain View, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.

Embracing the Benefits of Aging in Place

When seniors decide that they want to age in place, they might feel as if their lives aren’t going to change much at all. What happens, however, is that they’re able to hold onto more of their independence while also continuing to enjoy their routines and surroundings. At some point, they may need some assistance aging in place the way they would like, which is when home care becomes a valuable addition to their support system.

More Control Over Daily Life

Part of the drive to age in place involves the fact that seniors don’t want to give up control over their daily lives and routines. They have spent a lot of time living life on their own terms, so it makes sense that they don’t want to give that up when they don’t have to. Aging in place ensures that seniors continue to make choices that support how they want to live for as long as they can.

Remaining in a Familiar and Comfortable Place

Home isn’t just an address. For many people, it’s also a feeling that they experience when they’re in familiar surroundings that they enjoy. As seniors age in place, they’re able to stay in the homes that they’ve made comfortable. Elder care providers can assist them with keeping their homes safe and tidy, but the main benefit is that they’re able to stay where they want to be.

Experiencing Improved Quality of Life

Leaving their homes and uprooting themselves is something that many seniors want to avoid because of the effect it has on their quality of life. Even if they need a little bit of extra help, seniors don’t necessarily have to leave their homes. Home care providers can help with safety issues, personal care tasks, transportation, and other needs.

Improving Emotional Wellness

Staying connected with their family members, friends, and the neighborhoods they love does so much to support emotional wellness for aging adults. Dealing with the stress and strain of relocating, meeting all new people, and learning even the simplest things like where the closest grocery store is can all be extremely unpleasant. Aging in place allows seniors to maintain the connections they have, especially with the people and places that help them avoid feeling lonely and isolated.

Peace of Mind for Families

A side benefit is that family caregivers and other family members are less likely to worry about seniors when they’re happily aging in place. This is further enhanced by assistance like home care providers. Family caregivers want the seniors they love to be healthy, safe, and happy as well. Professional caregivers can address some of these concerns, allowing seniors to remain where they want to be and still get their needs met.

As they get older, seniors might be more concerned about the choices they may not get to make. Aging in place allows seniors to maintain the independence they want, stay comfortable around their belongings, and enjoy life the way they want. Add in the assistance they can get from home care services, and there are many reasons aging in place is a popular decision.If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Cupertino, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969

Recognizing Dehydration in Seniors and Solving the Problem

Elderly woman feeling sick holding head having painful migraine headache

Seniors are especially vulnerable to dehydration and the complications that can result. When seniors spend a lot of time alone, they’re more likely to have trouble getting enough of the fluids they need every day. They may also feel as if they have to restrict fluids to deal with issues like incontinence, even though that’s not an effective solution. 24-hour home care providers can help seniors to get the help they need with hydration while also getting help with other issues they’re facing around the clock.

Signs Seniors Are Dehydrated

Sometimes seniors don’t realize they’re dehydrated because the sense of thirst becomes less accurate. Seniors may also be eating less, which brings in even less water to their bodies. Some of the signs of dehydration might include a headache, dizziness, or lack of coordination. Seniors might also have a dry mouth or muscle cramps because they’ve lost electrolytes. They may not urinate as much as they should and experience fatigue or weakness.

Mix Up the Hydration Options

Sometimes drinking regular, plain water is what seniors need most but it’s the least appealing option. To get around that, home care providers can help aging adults find other options that are both more appealing and also hydrating. Herbal tea, milk, or fruit that’s been infused with berries or lemon slices can help. Sometimes seniors need to experiment with water temperature or even the glasses and containers they drink from during the day. Finding the right combination can help seniors seek out hydrating fluids more often.

Avoid Dehydrating Variables

There are some drinks that might do more harm than good if seniors are dehydrated. Too much coffee or caffeinated tea can be a problem because of the caffeine. Alcohol can also cause fluid loss, which means that it’s better to avoid too much of it. Spending too much time out in the sun without a beverage or exercising without hydrating can also make it tough for seniors to stay hydrated.

Get Consistent, Especially with Help

Proper hydration relies on seniors staying consistent with their choices. 24-hour home care providers can help with this because they’re there with seniors during the day and at night. They can help seniors remember to sip water throughout the day and also make sure that they’re taking medications with plenty of fluids. If seniors are avoiding water and other fluids because they’re worried about incontinence, 24-hour home care providers can help them to get to the bathroom on time and to have other help on hand to manage the situation.

Talk to Medical Providers

If increasing hydration gradually at home is not helping seniors with dehydration as much as they’d hoped, there might be more going on. Seniors should talk with their doctors about how their health issues might affect their hydration needs so that they can focus on getting the right amount of fluids for them.

With the right information and some small tweaks, 24-hour home care providers can help aging adults to avoid dehydration. This helps seniors stay comfortable and healthy while they age in place.

If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-hour home care in Santa Clara, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.

Why Seniors Need Companion Care At Home

Young daughter and elderly mother drinking tea at home. Happy family spending time together

Often when family members think about the care that a senior parent needs to be comfortable, they only think about physical care. But your senior parent needs more than just help with physical tasks to thrive at home, like companionship and emotional support from companion care at home.

Even if you visit as often as you can, that’s not going to be enough social engagement to keep your senior happy and healthy. Companion care at home provides the kind of consistent engagement that seniors need to be happy at home. Some of the ways that companion care helps seniors who are aging in place are:

Reduces Loneliness and Isolation

One of the biggest challenges for seniors living alone is feeling lonely. Many older adults go long periods without seeing family or friends, which can lead to sadness and even depression.

A companion provides regular social interaction, offering someone to talk to, share meals with, and enjoy activities together. Whether it’s chatting about memories, discussing current events, or simply spending time together, having company helps seniors feel less alone.

Keeps the Mind Active

Staying mentally engaged is important for overall health. A companion can help seniors keep their minds sharp by playing games, doing puzzles, reading books together, or having stimulating conversations.

Engaging in these activities can improve memory, boost cognitive function, and provide entertainment. Regular mental stimulation can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and keep seniors feeling confident and alert.

Provides Emotional Support

Aging comes with challenges, and many seniors experience stress, anxiety, or sadness about changes in their lives. Having a trusted companion to talk to can make a big difference in their emotional well-being.

Companion care at home offers a listening ear, encouragement, and reassurance. They can help seniors process their feelings, share stories, and find comfort in knowing they have someone who truly cares about them. This emotional support can bring peace of mind and a sense of security.

Encourages Hobbies and Interests

Many seniors lose interest in hobbies they once loved because they feel unmotivated or have no one to share them with. A companion can encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy, such as painting, knitting, gardening, or playing music.

Whether it’s helping them start a new project or simply being there to appreciate their work, a companion makes hobbies more enjoyable. Staying engaged in hobbies adds joy to daily life and gives seniors a sense of purpose.

Creates a Sense of Routine and Stability

Having a regular visitor can bring structure to a senior’s day, which helps reduce stress and uncertainty. Many seniors feel anxious when they don’t have a predictable routine.

 A companion provides a sense of stability by visiting at set times and engaging in familiar activities. Knowing someone will be there to spend time with them creates comfort and security, making each day feel more meaningful and fulfilling.

If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Campbell, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.

Alzheimer’s Care Helps Families Care for Seniors with Dementia

Caregiver and happy family with parents and daughter in a retirement home

Six Ways Alzheimer’s Care Helps Families Care for Seniors with Dementia

It’s a big job to care for seniors who have dementia, and family caregivers can easily find themselves feeling overwhelmed. Alzheimer’s care services can offer support to these families in so many different ways that can be customized to their needs.

Offer Information to Help Families Understand

Education is so important for family caregivers, especially in terms of understanding more about how to help their seniors cope with dementia. Alzheimer’s care providers have experience not only helping seniors with Alzheimer’s disease but also helping family members learn more about how the disease progresses. Learning more about the stages of Alzheimer’s is especially important.

Model Simplified Language and Instructions

As dementia worsens, it’s more important than ever for family caregivers to learn how to simplify instructions and information when they talk to aging adults with dementia. Home care providers who have experience helping seniors with dementia can model exactly what to do and make it easier to learn the techniques that work best. Family caregivers have a chance to practice, which can be a calmer learning experience for everyone involved.

Encourage Seniors to Be Independent

Just because seniors have dementia, that doesn’t mean that they can’t still do quite a lot on their own. With the right guidance and support, seniors with dementia can still do many different daily activities. Sometimes prompts or visual cues can help keep them on track. Allowing seniors with dementia to maintain independence gives them a way to maintain self-esteem, which is so important for them.

Practice Safety

There are so many possible safety issues for seniors with dementia who age in place. Alzheimer’s care providers stay alert for safety issues and can recommend changes that help seniors stay safe as their cognitive health changes. Eventually, solutions like locking away dangerous items like medications and sharp implements become necessary to keep seniors safe.

Encourage Activities That Stimulate the Brain

Alzheimer’s care experts can also help families encourage seniors with dementia to keep doing activities that stimulate their brains. These can be games and puzzles, reading favorite books, or trying new crafting skills. Keeping the mind active helps to slow down dementia, even if only a tiny bit.

Allow Family Caregivers to Take Respite Time

It is so difficult to witness the changes that dementia brings to a familiar and beloved family member. Family caregivers need to be able to take breaks so they can focus on something else for even a short period of time. Alzheimer’s care providers have the experience and skills that help family caregivers feel more comfortable taking respite time when they need it. When they come back, they’re better able to face the challenges again.

Caring for a family member with dementia is difficult work, made even more difficult when families try to go it alone. Alzheimer’s care services offer families the hands-on and emotional support that they need to keep being there for seniors with dementia. Helping seniors to age in place as dementia progresses offers them stability, while also allowing family members to be there for as long as possible.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Sunnyvale, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.

Why Your Senior Parent Needs A Yearly Eye Exam

Doctor Examining Senior Female Patient's Eyes

When was the last time your senior parent had an eye exam? If it’s been close to a year, or longer, now is the best time to schedule an eye appointment for them. March is National Save Your Vision month so it’s a great time to help your mom or dad get their vision checked.

Seniors should be getting an eye exam at least one a year, or twice a year if they have a history of vision problems. There are several different eye conditions that can impact seniors as they age, but in many cases early detection can prevent those conditions from becoming very serious.

If you’ve been putting off taking your mom or dad to the eye doctor because you work and have a hard time getting time off to take them to appointments, senior home care can help. A senior home care provider can take your mom or dad to medical appointments like eye exams, hearing screenings, and dental appointments.

Schedule an eye exam for your mom or dad today to help lower their risk of age-related eye conditions like:

Cataracts

Cataracts happen when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This can make vision blurry, dull, or foggy. Seniors with cataracts may have trouble seeing at night, and lights may seem too bright or have halos around them. Cataracts develop slowly over time and are very common in older adults. The good news is that when caught early, seniors often can have surgery done to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear one.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is needed for clear vision. It is often caused by high pressure inside the eye. At first, glaucoma may not cause symptoms, but over time, it can lead to vision loss, especially in the outer parts of vision.

If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. Eye doctors can check for glaucoma with regular eye exams, and treatments like eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can help control the disease.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that helps with sharp, central vision. This condition makes it hard to see details, which can affect reading and recognizing faces. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet.

The dry type is more common and happens slowly, while the wet type is more serious and can cause vision loss quickly. While there is no cure for AMD, treatments like special vitamins, laser therapy, and injections can help slow it down.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems.

In the early stages, there may be no symptoms, but as the condition worsens, seniors may experience blurry vision, dark spots, or even blindness.

Managing blood sugar levels and getting regular eye exams can help prevent or slow down diabetic retinopathy. Treatments like laser therapy and injections can help if the condition becomes severe.

If your mom or dad has diabetes, they may need to have their eyes checked every six months to make sure they are not developing diabetic retinopathy.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome happens when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause burning, itching, redness, and a feeling like something is stuck in the eye.

Dry eyes can make it uncomfortable to read, watch TV, or use a computer. Seniors are more likely to develop this condition because tear production decreases with age. Using artificial tears, humidifiers, and certain prescription eye drops can help relieve dry eye symptoms.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Los Gatos, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.

Celebrating Excellence: Geraldine Sapp, Our Employee of the Month & Heidy Juliana Hernandez, Our Rising Star of the Month!

At Home Helpers of Santa Clara Valley, we believe in recognizing hard work, dedication, and the individuals who go above and beyond. This month, we’re proud to honor Geraldine Sapp as our Caregiver of the Month for their outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence.

We’re also thrilled to spotlight Heidy Juliana Hernandez as our Rising Star of the Month—a team member who has shown incredible growth, enthusiasm, and potential in a short time.

Join us in celebrating their achievements and learning more about what makes them shine!

CAREGIVER OF THE MONTH – GERALDINE SAPP

Geraldine’s dedication and compassion shine through in everything she does! Since joining us in March 2021, she has provided outstanding care to our clients and consistently gone above and beyond. Her hard work, kindness, and commitment make a difference every day, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have her on our team.

Congratulations, Geraldine, on being named Caregiver of the Month! This recognition is so well deserved!

RISING STAR OF THE MONTH – HEIDY JULIANA HERNANDEZ

Juliana has been making waves as a rising star in our caregiver team! Her dedication, exceptional work, and unwavering commitment to representing our agency set her apart. She consistently goes above and beyond, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her on our team. We can’t wait to see the new heights she’ll help us reach!

Congratulations, Juliana, on your well-deserved Rising Star recognition!

Six Tips to Help Seniors Adopt a Healthier Way of Eating

Senior woman with caregiver or healthcare worker indoors, preparing healthy smoothie.

Eating healthier is something that lots of seniors want to do, but might not be sure how to accomplish. Cooking, especially for just one person, could also be a problem for aging adults. Home care assistance can be just the right answer when seniors want to eat healthier but are having a difficult time sticking to their plans.

Encourage Hydration

Any plan for healthier eating needs to include proper hydration. Most seniors may not be getting enough of the fluids their bodies need, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and eat hydrating foods. For exact amounts of water to drink, seniors should talk to their doctors. But since seniors tend to experience a reduced sense of thirst, it doesn’t hurt to sip on hydrating beverages all day long.

Watch for Excess Salt and Sugar

Most healthy diet recommendations include rules about excess sugar and salt. That’s because these two ingredients may lead to health issues, particularly for seniors, and they’re not necessary. Home care providers can help seniors find products while shopping that include less added sugar and salt. They can also help seniors eat more whole foods, which automatically reduces both of these ingredients.

Keep an Eye on Portions

Seniors tend to experience lower activity levels and slower metabolisms. That might mean that they eat the same amounts of food that they used to for years and suddenly they start to have more trouble with a few extra pounds they can’t budge. Reducing portion sizes slightly can help to account for those changes in activity levels and help seniors control excess weight more easily.

Consider Smaller Meals More Often

If seniors are having trouble with energy levels or struggling to get enough nutrients, they might need smaller meals more often during the day. Home care assistance can make it easier for them to graze or snack on nutritious and filling mini-meals. This is especially helpful for seniors who are trying to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables along with more protein. Pairing the two in a snack can feel more manageable than a full meal.

Exercise Can Help

When seniors are cleared for exercise, they might find that moving more helps to stimulate appetite and improves energy levels. As seniors sit around more, they’re more likely to lose muscle tone and feel less energized. That can lead to them not wanting to do things, including eat healthy meals and snacks.

Get Their Doctor’s Perspective

If seniors are still having trouble shifting their diet to a healthier version, their doctor may have more specific recommendations for them. Sometimes supplements help or there are other options, like switching to different textures to make food more appealing. Doctors can help narrow down some of those other ideas.

Finding the right healthy eating habits isn’t something that seniors have to struggle through on their own. Home care assistance can be there for them along the way, making these changes easier to handle and making them more fun to try as well.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Mountain View, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.

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