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Exploring What Foods Give Seniors Added Energy

food high in protein- protein source

Maintaining optimum energy levels can get harder with age. However, when seniors focus on eating a balanced diet full of foods that enhance energy, it can have a big impact on their ability to stay active. With home care assistance, they can consider adding the following foods to their daily routine to ensure they have the energy to do the things they want to do.

Whole Grains

Complex carbs are abundant in whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole-wheat bread. Whole grains, as opposed to processed grains, provide seniors with a constant release of energy, which helps them feel full and energized longer. This also allows them to avoid energy dumps and helps to stabilize their blood sugar levels.

Lean Proteins

Protein is essential for keeping muscles healthy and energy levels high. Lean protein options include fish, poultry, tofu, lentils, and turkey. These foods are low in saturated fats and high in protein. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to enhance brain health and general energy levels, are also abundant in fish, such as salmon and tuna.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve general health and give seniors more energy. For example, bananas are a quick natural energy source and are high in potassium. Additionally, iron is a nutrient that is abundant in leafy greens like kale and spinach and is crucial in reducing fatigue. Also, citrus fruits, berries, and apples provide vitamins and hydration to keep seniors feeling energized. Another bonus is that with home care assistance by their side, seniors can visit their local farmer’s market to get some of these foods, which offers additional benefits such as socialization.

Seeds and Nuts

Nuts and seeds are excellent providers of fiber, protein, and good fats. Examples of these include almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. These nutrients offer a filling snack alternative and support energy levels. They also contain a lot of magnesium, which is important for turning food into energy. Seeds and nuts are also easy to integrate into meals by adding them to salads, yogurt, and more.

Yogurt

Speaking of yogurt, Greek yogurt is a healthy snack that has a decent ratio of carbohydrates to protein. Probiotics, which enhance gut health and may facilitate better digestion, are also present. For a snack that will give seniors more energy, they can use plain Greek yogurt instead of one with added sugar, and top it with some fresh fruit or almonds. Also, with home care assistance and some creativity, seniors might enjoy using Greek yogurt to make healthy sauces that enhance their meals.

Focus on Hydration

It is possible to confuse feeling tired with being dehydrated. If seniors are feeling tired, one of the first things they should do is drink a glass of water to see what the issue truly is. If they’re not keen on drinking water, they can also eat foods with a high water content to keep their hydration levels up.

Seniors can increase their energy and remain active by including the above mentioned foods in their diet, along with maintaining good hydration levels. For seniors who struggle to make the changes, having home care assistance can make all the difference.

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

How to Improve Social Engagement for Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer’s Care in San Jose, CA and Surrounding Areas

Alzheimer’s disease causes big changes for entire families. Many seniors find it difficult to maintain social connections, especially when the illness progresses. Some seniors with Alzheimer’s disease have trouble with communication and memory, leaving them feeling isolated and alone. Alzheimer’s care providers can help seniors with Alzheimer’s disease to experience the social engagement that they need.

Understanding the Importance of Socialization

Everyone needs social interaction with other people, but it’s especially important for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease. Social interaction reduces isolation and enhances emotional well-being. But it also helps with cognitive function. Staying socially engaged stimulates the brain and can help with memory retention. All of these are big reasons to prioritize social engagement for seniors with all sorts of cognitive illnesses.

Creating Routines

Daily routines that include opportunities for social engagement are one way to reassure seniors with Alzheimer’s that they aren’t alone. Routines offer predictability, which helps reduce anxiety, too. Group activities on a weekly basis are a great base for a routine, for instance, as are family events. When home care providers stop by, this also becomes part of the social routine. Keeping routines flexible allows for spontaneous adventures as well as changes in health and mood.

Incorporating Familiar Activities

The right routine includes familiar activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Spending time with groups engaging in crafts, physical exercise, or games can be a lot of fun as well as socially engaging. It’s also good to look at activities seniors enjoyed in the past, like cooking or gardening. Incorporating some of these activities into social events can be soothing for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease. Familiar activities also help to reduce frustration, which can often be high in seniors with Alzheimer’s disease.

Adapting to Communication Changes

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may start to experience communication changes that affect how well they can interact with other people. Technology can be a huge help. Video calls connect friends and family who are far away, but sometimes verbal communication is difficult. Sending texts or emails may be easier, depending on the challenges the patient has with communicating. These subtle differences allow seniors to interact in the ways that are comfortable for them.

Reaching Out in Other Ways

Family caregivers may need to learn new ways to reach out to the seniors they love too, especially as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. Patience and simple language go a long way. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease typically need more time to respond. Showing interest in what they’re doing and what they’re thinking can help to build connections. Non-verbal cues like body language and gestures can also deepen connections and make communication easier.

Alzheimer’s care providers can help guide seniors with Alzheimer’s and family caregivers to the easiest ways to keep seniors socially engaged. By using a variety of different strategies, families can help seniors with even advanced Alzheimer’s disease stay connected with all of the people that they care about and want to be around. These connections enhance quality of life and keep seniors thriving.

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

How Can Seniors Maintain a Sense of Purpose After Retiring?

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Retirement is usually regarded as a time for seniors to relax and enjoy their freedom. But it can also be a bit confusing for a lot of seniors, especially if they no longer have solid routines to lean on. Maintaining or regaining a sense of purpose after retiring can help seniors to stay emotionally healthy. Working with companion care at home offers a way for aging adults to explore their options.

Why Is Purpose Important?

Purpose is often connected to keeping busy, but also to feeling valued and useful. After retiring, seniors can start to feel as if life is passing them by and that they’re no longer needed. Seniors can find purpose in a lot of different ways, but the key is to eliminate boredom or feelings of emptiness without overdoing it.

Volunteering

Giving back to the community around them through volunteer activities is one way for seniors to feel a sense of purpose. There are lots of ways to volunteer, both locally and virtually through online organizations. Home care providers can help seniors to find volunteer opportunities or offer help with transportation, making it easier for them to volunteer somewhere.

Hobbies and Creative Outlets

Retirement is a great time for seniors to either find new hobbies or revisit ones that they used to love. Creative outlets lead to a sense of pride and accomplishment. These activities can also help seniors to connect with the people around them. These activities don’t have to be strictly followed, either. If seniors want to explore new hobbies every week, that can still help.

Learning New Skills

Learning new things, whether that’s a skill, a language, or new technology helps to keep the brain active and fully engaged. When seniors take courses in person or online, they also meet new people and expand their horizons. These activities give seniors something to focus on and to fill their time.

Staying Connected

When seniors retire, they may start to realize that they’re spending a lot more time alone. This can further cause them to feel as if they’ve lost their sense of purpose. Setting up opportunities to regularly meet with friends and family can help quite a lot. It also helps for seniors to spend time with companion care at home. Companion caregivers enjoy spending time with aging adults, keeping them company and engaging in a variety of activities together.

Setting Personal Goals

Personal goals give seniors something to work toward. Seniors might set goals related to health and well-being, personal projects like gardening, and so much more. Setting achievable goals helps seniors feel accomplished as they meet those goals. Instead of setting a bunch of goals, it can be a good idea for seniors to set one or two goals and then set new ones after they’ve achieved the first round.

When seniors feel isolated and lonely, they’re more likely to become depressed and experience issues like anxiety. Finding a new sense of purpose after retirement helps them to avoid these problems and companion care at home can be a friendly pal along the way to finding that new purpose.

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

Helping Seniors Eat Healthy Meals

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Maintaining a nutritious diet helps seniors to be healthier overall. It also helps them to keep chronic conditions under better control and can help to improve their quality of life. Helping seniors to eat healthier can be complicated, though. Seniors have specific preferences, but they also may face some challenges related to their ability to keep up with daily tasks. Senior home care providers can be the perfect solution for everyone.

Why a Balanced Diet Matters

For seniors, a balanced diet helps them to maintain their energy levels and experience less fatigue. The right mix of nutrients can also support their immune functioning, keeping them healthier overall and helping them to beat infections and illnesses. Eating healthier also makes it easier to battle conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. If seniors are worried about maintaining their weight, eating a balanced diet makes that goal easier to achieve.

What Makes a Diet Healthy?

But what exactly is it that makes one diet healthier than another? When it comes to seniors, protein is really important. Protein helps seniors to maintain their muscles and repair them. Fiber-rich foods help with digestion and make it easier for their bodies to manage blood sugar levels. Healthy fats support the heart and the brain. Rounding everything out is hydration, vitamins, and minerals. Seniors get these by eating a diet full of whole foods, which is often a little more complicated for other reasons.

Practical Tips for Healthy Meals

Meal planning helps a lot when it comes to getting seniors interested in eating healthier. Mixing proteins, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats into a variety of combinations seniors enjoy makes it easier for them to enjoy their meals while also benefiting from the nutrition. Modifying textures can help some seniors, especially if they’re starting to have trouble eating some foods. Home care providers can prepare meals, but they can also sit down with seniors during meals to offer a social component.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Some seniors experience a reduction in their appetites, either because of aging, medications, or other causes. That doesn’t mean they don’t need to eat, they just need to get more creative about getting nutrients. If shopping and cooking are difficult, senior home care providers can handle those tasks. It may also be a good idea to talk with doctors about whether supplements are a good idea.

Getting Help from Senior Home Care Services

Senior home care providers can be a huge help when it comes to helping seniors eat healthier. They can help with planning meals, preparing them, and making sure aging adults are eating at regular intervals. Caregivers can also monitor changes in eating habits or appetite that could indicate that there are other changes going on.

Helping seniors to eat healthier means understanding what they need and trying to anticipate challenges along the way. Overall, focusing on foods that are nutrient-dense is the best bet. As seniors start to eat healthier in small ways and feel better, they may be less resistant to the idea of eating the healthiest meals possible.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING SENIOR HOME CARE IN SARATOGA, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969

Why Is Sunscreen Still Important for Seniors?

Personal Care at Home in Sunnyvale CA
Female caregiver assisting to apply sunscreen lotion on the face of senior woman,granddaughter using skin care cream for elderly sensitive skin,happy smiling grandmother with sun block on facial skin

Sunscreen is something that most people associate with young people and protecting skin while sunbathing. But seniors need sunscreen just as much as younger people do. Sunscreen helps to protect aging skin from harmful UV radiation and can keep skin healthier longer. Personal care at home can help seniors with all sorts of skincare needs, including remembering to use sunscreen regularly.

Increased Skin Sensitivity with Age

As seniors age, their skin goes through a variety of changes that make it more vulnerable to damage from the sun and other factors. Thinner skin is a common problem, along with reduced elasticity. Older skin also produces less of the natural oils that help to protect the skin. All of this can increase skin sensitivity as well as reactions to factors like UV radiation. Using sunscreen properly protects against sunburn and other issues.

Preventing Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a huge health concern for aging adults. Contrary to what they might believe, the risk of developing skin cancer increases with age. Sunscreen helps to block at least some of the UV rays that trigger the formation of skin cancer. Over time and with consistent use, sunscreen can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer.

Slowing Down Skin Aging

Sunscreen has other benefits for senior skin, too. Prolonged sun exposure accelerates the visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. Sunscreen can’t completely reverse any of these issues, but starting to use sunscreen regularly can slow down these signs of aging.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

The right sunscreen can make all the difference for aging adults. A good sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. These are typically referred to as a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The SPF, or sun protection factor, is another important variable. Using one that is either 30 or above helps to provide more protection. Water-resistant formulas are good for daily use, especially if seniors are in water or might sweat a lot. Sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin are a great option for seniors who are sensitive to fragrances or harsh chemicals.

Sunscreen Application

Applying sunscreen properly helps it to do its job better. For many seniors, proper sunscreen application is not as easy as it used to be. Personal care at home can offer seniors the help they need to both remember to use sunscreen and to apply it properly. Most people use too little sunscreen. It should be applied to all exposed areas of the body, including the face, ears, and hands. Sunscreen also needs to be reapplied every two hours at least, more often if seniors are sweating a lot or are in the water. Making sunscreen application a part of their daily routine helps seniors to stay as protected as possible. Home care providers can easily build sunscreen into seniors’ daily routines.

Additional Sun Protection Measures

Sunscreen is a big part of protecting senior skin, but protective clothing also helps. Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses all add even more protection from the sun. Seniors should seek out the shade when they’re outside, instead of relying on on sunscreen alone to protect their skin.

Personal care at home helps to monitor seniors’ skin for changes, while also helping them stay protected with sunscreen and other measures.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING PERSONAL CARE AT HOME IN SUNNYVALE, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969

Decluttering with Seniors: How and Why it’s Important

Home Care in Mountain View CA
Closet Declutter And Cleaning. Organized Woman Discarding Clothes

As seniors grow older, they naturally collect more and more things in their homes. If they’re not declutterers by nature, it’s perfectly normal for those items to build up and start to cause issues. Decluttering helps seniors to be safer at home, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy process. Home care providers can help seniors and family caregivers understand what is so important about decluttering and how to do it effectively.

Why Is Decluttering Important for Seniors?

Clutter creates a variety of issues for seniors. First, clutter has to be cleaned and maintained, otherwise it collects dust and dirt. Clutter can also contribute to feelings of overwhelm, especially if there’s a lot of it. Finally, clutter can directly contribute to tripping hazards, making a fall much more likely to occur. Decluttering organizes the living space, making it safer and reducing the likelihood that seniors will get hurt at home.

Help Them Focus on the Memories, Not the Things

There are often big emotions wrapped up in things. That means that decluttering is about more than just the things themselves, it’s also about the memories and feelings attached to them. Approaching decluttering understanding these facts helps family caregivers to be more sensitive about this necessary task. Encourage seniors to keep some of the things that mean the most to them, while letting go of things that could have a better home elsewhere. One way to preserve memories is to photograph the items before they’re donated or given to someone else.

Decide Where the Items Are Going

So much of aging removes choice for seniors. They start to lose mobility or their health robs them of activities they used to lvoe, for instance. Decluttering may start to feel like another choice that they don’t have control over. Having a plan for the items that are decluttered makes a lot of sense. For bigger items or heirlooms, seniors might want to give those to the people they want to have them, for instance. With items that aren’t as fraught with emotion or history, seniors may still want to have a say over where they’re donated.

Make Decluttering Fun

Often decluttering is looked at as a stressful project no one wants to do. It’s a chore, after all. But it doesn’t have to be. It can be a lot of fun, which also makes the activity less overwhelming. Gamifying decluttering keeps seniors engaged and keeps the mood positive. Elder care providers can help them to set small goals around decluttering and celebrate those wins together.

Start Small and Keep Going

It doesn’t all have to get done right away. Unless the home is extremely cluttered and a safety hazard throughout, it’s better to start a little slower and just continuously make progress. As seniors gain momentum, it’s going to get easier for them to keep decluttering.

Home Care Can Help Seniors Keep Up Afterward

What makes the most difference is keeping up with decluttered spaces afterward. Home care providers can help with this. Caregivers can help seniors to keep their spaces tidy and watch for signs that clutter is building up again.

Keeping seniors safe at home is the primary goal for most families. Decluttering is a big way to meet that goal and home care services can do a lot to make that easier for seniors and family caregivers to do.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING HOME CARE IN MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969

Eight Tips for Helping Seniors Avoid Respiratory Illnesses

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Older adults are at greater risk of respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, the flu, and even colds. Seniors often experience weakened immune systems which makes them more susceptible to the germs that cause these illnesses. With support from senior home care and the right precautions, aging adults may be able to avoid some of these illnesses.

Practice Good Hygiene

Hygiene is a super easy way for seniors to stay healthy, especially from respiratory illnesses. Proper hand washing helps to remove germs, including bacteria and viruses, that could cause illness and infection. Senior home care providers can remind seniors to wash their hands and help them have access to everything they need for good hygiene.

Avoid Crowds

Respiratory illnesses typically pass from one person to another very easily. That means that crowded areas are not a great space for seniors to be in if they want to avoid getting sick. Home care providers can help run errands and otherwise support seniors in their quest to avoid crowds.

Eat Healthfully

Eating well gives the body what it needs to stay healthy and to power the immune system. The problem for many seniors is that it takes so much effort and energy to cook healthy foods for themselves. Senior home care providers can handle everything from grocery shopping to meal preparation, allowing aging adults to rest and to still get the nutrients they need.

Get Regular Movement

If their doctors recommend that they get exercise, seniors should make it a point to start moving more regularly. Exercise helps to keep the body strong, improves circulation, and helps the respiratory system stay strong. Starting out with easy exercise that seniors enjoy helps to make sure that they’ll keep it up.

Prioritize Rest

Rest is just as important as activity, though. If seniors aren’t getting enough rest and quality sleep, their bodies may have a tougher time staying healthy. Home care providers can help seniors to set up routines and schedules that make it easier to get the rest they need.

Keep the Home Clean

Dust, mold, pet dander, and dirt all contribute to respiratory issues. Keeping the home clean helps to reduce the risk that seniors are likely to get sick. Seniors may not be able to keep up with these tasks as easily as they did in the past, but elder care providers can make quick work of cleaning.

Manage Chronic Health Issues

If seniors have other chronic health issues, their bodies are often busy with those, making it tougher for the immune system to fight off germs. Keeping chronic health issues under better control helps overall well-being, letting the immune system keep up with the challenges it faces.

Consider Vaccinations

Vaccinations exist for some of the biggest respiratory illnesses, like the flu and pneumonia. Seniors should talk with their doctors about the health issues they experience and whether they should consider getting vaccinated. Home care providers can help aging adults stay on top of their vaccination schedules, upcoming doctor’s appointments, and other details they need to pay attention to around health needs.

Avoiding respiratory illnesses is an important part of keeping seniors as healthy as possible. Senior home care providers make it easier for family caregivers and aging adults to see where they can take steps to keep seniors healthier.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING SENIOR HOME CARE IN LOS ALTOS, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969

Is Now the Right Time for Home Care Assistance?

Home Care Assistance in Campbell CA
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So many decisions are difficult ones for family caregivers. They often deal with second-guessing themselves and worrying about whether they’re doing the right things for the seniors they love. One decision that family caregivers might agonize over is whether now is the right time for home care assistance.

Difficulty with Daily Tasks

One of the earliest signs that seniors might benefit from elder care help is that they’re having more trouble with daily tasks and activities. They might be having mobility challenges, having trouble cooking, or keeping up with the house might be impossible. Noticing these issues early enough allows seniors to get help with these tasks so that they can conserve their energy.

Declining Physical Health

Physical health challenges make life much more difficult for aging adults. Whether they’re experiencing new health issues or worsening chronic conditions, they might need a little bit of extra support. Home care assistance can’t offer medical assistance, but they can help seniors with mobility and they can support seniors by offering healthy meals and care that keeps them safe and comfortable.

Changes in Mental and Emotional Health

Sometimes seniors don’t have issues with physical health, but their mental or emotional health is experiencing changes. Memory issues, social isolation, and issues related to anxiety and depression can be massive issues for aging adults. Having home care assistance available can offer companionship that seniors desperately need. Caregivers can also notice signs that seniors may be dealing with bigger challenges.

Increased Caregiver Stress

Family caregivers take so much onto their own shoulders, and if they’re already doing it all, they may not have the bandwidth to do more. When no one else can step up, senior home care services can pick up the slack. This can be exactly what family caregivers need in order to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Increased Medical Appointments

When seniors are going to the doctor more often or are spending more time in specialist appointments, life gets more difficult for everybody concerned. In order to be there more for the seniors they love, family caregivers may need the help of home care assistance in other ways. This can mean that family caregivers can still meet their other obligations, go to medical appointments, and make sure seniors have the help they need on a daily basis.

Safety Issues

If seniors are showing signs that they’re not safe at home alone, it’s definitely time for them to have someone else there with them. This can be especially important if family members and friends live far away and can’t be there as often as they would like to be. Home care assistance can step in, keep seniors safer, and ensure that family members are aware of what’s going on.

Every senior’s situation is different and every family caregiver has different limitations. That means that the question of when it’s time for home care assistance is one that every family has to address on their own. Following some of these guidelines can help families see what home care can do for them, however.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING HOME CARE ASSISTANCE IN CAMPBELL, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969

Building and Reestablishing Friendships with the Support of Companion Care at Home

Home Care in Santa Clara CA
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As seniors grow older, it becomes more important for them to have solid relationships with people that they care about. Unfortunately, modern life brings a lot of challenges that make relationships difficult to manage. Companion care at home is an easy way for seniors to get the emotional support that they need as they focus on staying socially connected in all sorts of ways.

What Companion Care Does

Companion care is a type of elder care, but it’s a specific type of care for aging adults. This type of care involves companion caregivers spending time with seniors as often as they need and want. They might play games with seniors, watch movies together, read, or just spend time talking. This is an easy way for seniors to get the emotional and social interactions that they very much need.

Reconnecting with Others

Life gets busy, and that means that people naturally lose contact with friends they really love spending time around. As seniors get older, retire, and have more free time, they may decide they want to reconnect with people they used to spend more time with, but find it tough to know how to do that. Companion caregivers can help seniors to reach out to people they want to reconnect with via social media, emails, texts, and other ways.

Reaching Out to New People

It’s also really hard to meet new friends as an adult. Seniors may not feel as if they have the same opportunities to meet people that they might have had in the past. Having companion caregivers with them can help seniors feel better about breaking the ice with other people. They can spend time going to local groups or clubs together, getting to know people and engaging in activities seniors enjoy.

Other Ways Companion Caregivers Help

Companion care at home may not offer hands-on help like home care providers do, but they do offer a lot of assistance. Besides helping seniors reconnect with others, meet new people, and spend time with them, companion caregivers help family members stay apprised of what’s happening with them. This gives families peace of mind that their family members are getting their social needs met.

Emotional Support and Easier Communication

Giving seniors a chance to have the emotional support they need is a powerful way to get the encouragement and motivation they need on a daily basis. Being able to talk with someone who is interested in what they have to say is empowering for aging adults. They also have someone there who can help them make communication easier with the people they care about. Technology is complicated, so having someone there who knows how to use video calling, smartphones, and other technology makes life easier and less frustrating.

Friendships are a vital part of life for people of all ages. They can be difficult to maintain, too. Seniors may need some extra help with friendships and companionship. Companion care at home helps make some of these more difficult situations easier to manage.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING COMPANION CARE AT HOME IN SUNNYVALE, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969

How Can Families Support Their Senior’s Quest for More Independence?

Home Care Assistance in San Jose CA
Senior woman with her caregiver at home

A big reason that many seniors decide to age in place is to stay as independent as they can. That independence can take many different forms and seniors might define independence differently. Family caregivers want to do everything they can to support the seniors they love, including finding ways to help them be more independent. Oddly enough, home care assistance can do a lot to help seniors be more independent.

Encourage and Support Goals

Supporting a senior in their goal to be more independent means starting out by understanding their goals as fully as possible. What does independence mean to the aging adult? Many seniors believe that having help at all means that they’re not able to be independent. The reality is far from the truth, however. Getting on the same page about those goals helps seniors and family caregivers to find the right solutions.

Adapt the Home Environment

It might be necessary to make some changes to the home environment to help seniors improve their independence. Making the lighting better, installing handrails in key areas, and fixing items that need to be repaired all help quite a lot. Home care providers can help family caregivers to stay on top of whether any changes need to be made.

Promote Physical and Cognitive Health

Physical and cognitive health are both key components of keeping seniors independent. Engaging in activities that keep them healthier in both of those areas gives seniors what they need to boost independence. Home care assistance can help incorporate more of these types of activities into daily and weekly routines.

Provide Easy Access to Resources

Tools and resources aren’t a cheat when it comes to independence. Everybody needs help now and again, even the most independent seniors. Elder care providers can help families more easily find the resources that will improve independence for their aging adults.

Foster Social Connections

Social interaction is a big part of mental and emotional wellness. As seniors have easier access to social interactions, they’re more likely to boost their independence. Spending time with home care providers is an easy way to help seniors avoid loneliness and isolation.

Respect and Encourage Autonomy

When seniors are determined to do things on their own or in their own way, it’s important that family caregivers support that. Respecting autonomy and offering choices in as many ways as possible helps seniors to build confidence in their abilities. Home care providers can help with this, too.

Offer Assistance with Complicated Tasks

Again, having help doesn’t mean that someone isn’t independent. When seniors are faced with complicated tasks, it pays for them to have help. They can conserve energy and use it to perform tasks that they can perform more easily on their own.

There are so many different ways for home care assistance and family caregivers to make sure that seniors get the independence that they crave. Seniors may find that as they have more help, they’re better able to keep doing the things that they need and want to do themselves.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING HOME CARE ASSISTANCE IN SAN JOSE, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969

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