The weather has changed and although homes, offices and businesses are air conditioned, heat and humidity continue to affect our senior and elderly population. Heat stress, heat fatigue and hypothermia can cause nausea, muscle spasms, headaches and cold symptoms (sneezing, coughing and wheezing).  Heat stroke and symptoms related to hyperthermia can lead to serious unrelated illnesses and negatively affect prescribed drugs and medications. 

Heat related illnesses can be triggered by changes in barometric pressure, increased humidity, lifestyle and changes in environment. Family vacations, tours, cruises and road trips can trigger heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Going from an air-conditioned car to an air conditioned building or from an outdoor event to an air conditioned room can increase the threat. Poor blood circulation, kidney disease, heart disease, an inability to sweat and aged-related skin disease are affected by the heat. 

Clothing seniors and the elderly during the summer months can be challenging. They often prefer long sleeves and heavy clothing to protect them from the sun; they wear jackets and sweaters in air-conditioned cars and buildings. Choosing light weight, breathable fabrics is important. Easily removed layered clothing can protect and provide comfort. 

These much longed for lazy days of summer can be enjoyed by all when preventable steps are taken. Drink lots of water, avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeinated drinks and over dressing. Primary care providers can explain heat’s effect on prescribed medications. Know the symptoms of heat stroke and discuss them with your family. If signs of hypothermia or heat stress are exhibited seek emergency assistance. Heat stroke in the elderly can be deadly.

Sitting mom or dad in front of the television can have the same effect as plopping a two-year-old in front of the cartoon channel. A whole aspect of a child’s development and a senior’s health depends on socialization and interaction. Many caregivers feel they are doing the right thing by keeping mom and dad at home. They love their parents and want the best for them, however the long list of responsibilities and obligations of in-home care can be daunting. Making time for spouses, children, work and household chores by delivering round-the-clock access to situation comedies, reality shows, sports, movies or 24/7 news channels can affect psychological health. As our elderly age, lose the ability to drive, are uprooted from a home and community they love or suffer health issues, become immobile or homebound and social isolationism develops.

Hours of sitting alone in front of a television directly affects mood, emotions, behavior and thinking. TV programs generating anger, anxiety, unhappiness or scaremongering affect how they interpret events in their own lives. Television’s negative sensationalism can trigger fear of their situation, of health problems, of incontinence, of becoming a burden. Long hours in front of a television set are as unhealthy as long hours alone staring into space. Older adolescents, teens and adults enjoy time away from the “rat race”. Time to relax, gather thoughts, make plans and solve problems.  There is a big difference in finally getting some time alone and experiencing isolation. Caregiving extends beyond providing basic needs. Caring for a mom or dad [in your home] who can no longer care for themselves is comparable to caring for a toddler or very young child; psychological, emotional and spiritual needs must be meet.  

Social ties, inclusion and interaction can preserve mental health in the elderly. Researchers have found elderly who engage with others have fewer health problems, fewer colds, and less incidents of heart disease, stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Senior Day Care and Senior Centers are more popular today than ever before. A wide array of diverse activities is available to seniors at all levels of care. Unlike extended and assisted living facilities, these entities offer positive physical, emotional and social activities – most at a reasonable cost.

As the weather warms and days grow longer, investing in Senior Day Care or dropping mom, dad or grandparents off at a Senior Center is good for them and for you, the caregiver. Need help deciding what’s best for the family member you are caring for? We can help. Call us to learn more.

You pull up to mom and dad’s house, throw open the door and find a house in shambles. The once spotless floors are old and soiled. The sink is piled high with dirty dishes and strange odors are coming from the refrigerator. You wonder what happened – when did things go so wrong. Seniors living alone with little to no care can experience mental disorders, physical illnesses, anxiety and depression. In less than 30 days their lives can change drastically. Failure to monitor medications, keep doctor appointments and meet nutritional, physical and social needs can lead to extreme loneliness, in-home accidents and an increased risk of dementia.

With more seniors than ever remaining in their homes, in-home care is more important than ever. From asking a neighbor to look in on them to making the trip yourself, a daily visit is a must. Senior house-keeping services clean kitchens, vacuum, clean bathrooms, mop floors, make beds and prepare meals allowing seniors to prolong independent living. Grooming and hygiene keeps them looking and feeling their best. Personal Care Services range from daily baths, showers and shampooing to hairstyling and shaving. Urinary incontinence and the need for toileting care are embarrassing. Improper care can lead to skin infections, rashes, hygiene problems and offensive odors. The In-home health care professional meets medical, emotional and personal needs. Regular mobility can be life-sustaining. A sedimentary lifestyle can cause cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and a loss of balance. Reduced muscle strength and decreased flexibility can lead to deterioration resulting in accidents and in-home injuries. Standing, stretching and walking lifts spirits and improves agility.

Seniors 85 and over are remaining in their homes, or in the home of a family member. Thanks to care-givers and visits by professional in-home care providers, they are living a safe, healthy and happy lifestyle. Healthy seniors are at an advantage, however, seniors with major medical illnesses and/or chronic mental disorders are also living at home – the home of a family member. Today more medical needs than ever can be met in the home. We just need to ensure care is available and “care” is given. There is no one size fits all when it comes to senior care. Don’t let guilt or promises control your decision -making process. Let us guide you through the process. We can help. Call us.