Information on Wandering

Wandering patients is a major problem, especially Alzheimer’s patients. These individuals have a tendency to wander off trying to find something or someone that is familiar. Many senior Alzheimer’s patients get lost and disoriented, unable to find their way back. The list below provides some useful information on how to prevent wandering.

1. Some patients may wander to escape something that is causing them stress and anxiety. This could be too many conversations or a lot of noises. Try to minimize conversations and reduce background noises as much as possible.

2. In many cases, Alzheimer’s patients will wander it an attempt to relive the past. This is especially true for those who had a strict schedule for many years.

3. Wandering can also be triggered by certain medications.

4. To prevent wandering, address triggers, such as offering food and water, encouraging physical activities. Providing a family photo can also help reduce wandering.

5. Use visual cues to help the patient notice where they are. This can be done by putting photos on doors and walls to identify objects and areas of the home.

6. Try to keep them active and involved. The more interested a patient is in something, the less apt they are to wander off.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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Travelling Seniors – Important Information

Since so many seniors enjoy travelling, the following list contains five very useful tips for seniors. There are some things that should be planned for in advance. This list can help seniors plan their vacation without the worry that they may have forgotten something prior to departing.

1. When using a travel agent, make sure to choose the right one. There are many agents that specialize in making travel arrangements for seniors. This can include making sure their needs will be met while on vacation.

2. Make plans early. The earlier these plans are made, the more time seniors will have to make important arrangements, including filling prescriptions and taking care of doctor’s appointments.

3. Always do a little research on your chose destination before making final plans. Some destinations are not suitable for seniors, especially those with mobility problems. Other locations may place the senior in extreme heat.

4. Group trips can be rewarding. This can include travelling with friends or family members. This will also add to the safety of seniors while traveling because there are more people that can offer assistance and keep an eye on seniors with health problems.

5. Always visit a doctor before traveling to make sure that seniors are physically well.

Source: Healthy Life Tips

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Kitchen Safety for Seniors

Seniors are prone to buying food in bulk. Many cannot turn down a great sale and they will buy more food than is needed. This can lead to spoiled food being stored in the kitchen. Caregivers should take some steps to help seniors shop differently and be aware of what is in their kitchens. The list below can be beneficial in achieving a safe kitchen for seniors.

1. Seniors need to learn that they do not have to buy in bulk. Buying too much food leads to a lot of wasted money as well as rotting food in the kitchen.

2. Look for anything that has expired and throw it away. This includes canned goods, as well as frozen foods.

3. Many seniors are so used to feeding large families that they have difficulty buying for just themselves and a spouse. Caregivers may need to take some time to shop with seniors to show them how to buy in small amounts.

4. The kitchen is often the place for clutter. Seniors will often leave mail and many other things on the kitchen table. This can create a fire hazard and can also affect the cleanliness of the kitchen as a whole.

Source: Caregiver’s Home

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Older Women Tend to Work in Direct Care

It is very common for older women to be employed. In fact, many of these women work in the field of direct care. This is an important job position to hold. These women care for seniors who have severe health problems and disabilities. The list below contains some facts and information about women in the role of a direct care worker.

1. In 2018, it is believed that more that 1.2 million women over 55 will be direct-care workers.

2. This increase is mainly due to the growing work force. Fewer seniors are retiring early and many senior women stay employed as long as possible.

3. Older women will make up the majority of employees that are providing services and support to other seniors with illnesses and disabilities.

4. Direct-care jobs are typically funded with public money. The government is trying to ensure that these jobs attract a stable group of employees.

5. Direct-care positions are very important in society. Without these jobs, many seniors would not receive the care they need on a daily basis.

6. One major concern is the low pay scale. People who provide direct-care earn much less than the average worker. This could cause potential problems in the future by driving older women away to look for a better paying job.

Source: PHI National

Florida Caregivers

Letting Go Of Clutter in Senior’s Lives

When a caregiver walks into a senior’s home for the first time and it’s someone who has a habit of hoarding, what they might see is stuff. What a good caregiver knows is that to a senior is that this stuff has a much greater significance to a senior. To them it’s memories, it’s control and it’s comfort at a time when there are so many changes occurring. A caregiver also knows that physical clutter can be very dangerous to seniors, which is why it’s up to them to help seniors let go of clutter in a way that’s delicate:

1. Start small – instead of getting frustrated about a senior’s unwillingness to let go of certain items; praise and be happy for some small purges. Even if all you’ve managed to do is go through old mail cluttering the kitchen counter, it’s a victory that should be rewarded!

2. Take baby steps – like starting small, taking baby steps can allow seniors to see how they feel when a few things have been given away. If they have too large of a collection of old clothing, donate just a few pieces. After a few weeks have past, find out how the senior feels. They’re likely to discover that the parting wasn’t as bad as they thought

3. Let them take control – the accumulation of clutter can be about control; whether it’s controlling memories of the past they feel they’ve lost, or simply remaining in control of certain aspects of their life at a time when there’s so much change. Allow them to decide how to get rid of things and which items to start with first. If they refuse overtime, tell them that if they don’t take control then you or someone else will have to

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Organization and Seniors

Organization can be beneficial to seniors. Since many seniors have multiple things they are responsible for, an organizational system can save them time and money. Getting organized is not a quick and easy task. It will take some planning. Below is a list of some tips that can be useful for seniors who are looking to become organized.

1. There is no one way to be organized. People have different needs, so they will need to find an organizational system that works best for them.

2. Make use of organizational products. Written lists on paper are easy to lose, so try a dry erase board on the fridge to remember certain things.

3. Becoming organized is a process. It will not happen in one day. Begin by setting priorities and always know what things must be taken care of before others.

4. After finding a system that works, the challenge is maintaining it. Many seniors will go through the planning steps but often fall short when maintaining their organizational system.

5. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Friends and family members can offer some great ideas that will help seniors get organized and save time and money.

Source: http://www.napo.net/get_organized/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

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With Mother’s Day coming up this week, it’s time to show appreciation to those mothers who have been there for us throughout our lives. Those mothers who we are there for now that they are aging. But while we appreciate them, we may not know how Mother’s Day came about. There are a number of different historical perspectives from different cultures and all of them recognize that joy and appreciation of motherhood.

•    Egyptian Roots with the Goddess Isis – in ancient Egypt, an annual festival was held to honour the goddess Isis, considered the mother of the pharaohs.

•    Ancient Roman History with Cybele – initially in Roman tradition, Isis was also recognized, marking the beginning of winter with a 3-day celebration. However, Mother’s Day also recognizes the Phrygian goddess Cybele who was Rome’s version of Rhea, considered the mother of many of the major deities. These celebrations were said to be very wild, and were banned until later the focus shifted to giving flowers and eating cake

•    European History for Lent and the Mother Church – in Europe, on the fourth Sunday lent, individuals honoured the church where they were baptized which was known as the “Mother Church”. Flowers and jewels were placed around the place of worship as offerings.

These Mother’s Day celebrations of the past have similarities to what is celebrated here today in Canada on the second Sunday of May.

Mother’s Day Central

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Safe Exercise Guidelines to Encourage in Seniors

If you’re a caregiver, you can get out there and get active with the senior that you care for to help them adopt a healthier lifestyle and improve their heart health. Make sure that their comfort and safety is also a priority, and do so by following these basic guidelines for seniors starting a new exercise program for the first time:

1. Talk to a doctor  – seniors should never start a new exercise program without first consulting a doctor

2. Invest in the right clothing – the right clothing is important for anyone who’s engaged in a physical activity, but seniors who are sensitive to changing temperatures and at a greater risk for injury should be more cautious. Supportive, comfortable shoes are essential, and clothing should be loose yet flexible and breathable

3. Always warm-up – exercise should never begin without a warm-up to prevent injury. A low-impact activity can warm up muscles, get blood circulating and increase overall body temperature

4. Don’t start too quickly – early into an exercise program, seniors need to build their endurance. Going too hard, too fast can be physically damaging. Intensity can be built as endurance improves

5. Cool down – a cool down portion of a workout is as important as the warm-up. It allows the body to physically cool down and move into a state of rest

6. Schedule it in – to keep up the motivation to exercise, seniors should set their next workout!

Via: The Franklin Institute

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Seniors who live a healthy lifestyle will probably live a long life. Most seniors are now living at least ten years longer than their parents. This is great news, especially for active and healthy seniors. Increased life expectancy is a result of awareness and education and more seniors are taking better care of their body. Below is a short list that provides some facts on the increase in life expectancies.

1. Improving living conditions can help lengthen life. If seniors live in a clean and safe environment, they are more apt to be healthier.

2. The improvement in general health is largely due to public health efforts that aim to prevent disease and improve the living conditions of seniors.

3. There has been a drastic increase in life expectancies over the past 170 years. In fact, the life span has increased at an astounding rate of 2.5 years each decade. This is equivalent to 6 hours each day.

4. As people age, their chances of death increase. However, if an individual were to reach the age of 110, their chances of death do not increase anymore. Instead, it holds steady at a 50% chance.

5. As people begin to live longer, it causes changes in the way younger adults think. If they believe they will live a long life, they should begin to take care of themselves better. This is the hope for the younger generations. It is important to remain as fit, healthy and active as possible, no matter what your age is.

Source:  http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/2010/03/aging.html

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Fit and Healthy – Love your Body

Accepting and loving your body are two essential keys to staying fit and being happy. Seniors who accept their body are typically much happier and healthier than those who do not. The following list of tips and information can be beneficial to seniors who wish to accept who they are and stop the insane search for vanity. We can’t all be supermodels!

1. Everybody wants to be a supermodel, but for most seniors, this will never be a dream that comes true. To overcome this, seniors need to learn how to love their body. This is done by noting the positive and not dwelling on the negative.

2. Keep in mind that being different from another person is what makes us all unique. If everyone were a model and had perfect features, there would be no personal satisfaction or gain when a goal is reached.

3. Losing weight may help get your body trim again, but it is not the most important thing in life. Never compromise general health for vanity.

4. Looking good comes from feeling good. If you are comfortable with the person you are on the inside, chances are you will have a better chance of accepting the physical aspects as well.

Source: http://www.fromfat2fit.com/articles/a2.html

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.