The winter season is upon us, and we are already experiencing the effects of cold weather. Snow, ice, and low temperatures are especially hard on senior citizens. Snow-covered walkways and frigid gusts of wind increase the risk of falling. We have some winter safety tips that will benefit seniors throughout this cold season. It’s important for family members and caregivers to inform seniors of the temperature each day. Frigid air often has drastic effects on the environment, causing slippery ice to form on sidewalks and driveways. When your aging relative needs to leave the house, give them an update on weather conditions before walking outside with them. You’ll never regret taking the time to investigate the weather so everyone can be prepared and practice proper winter safety. Don’t forget to bundle up! According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, most elderly adults produce lower body heat due to slower metabolism. This means that they require more insulation to protect them from cold air. Remember to provide seniors with extra layers of clothing and coats to keep them from experiencing the harsh winter weather. One of the best ways to ensure winter safety is to remind seniors to take their vitamins and supplements consistently. This is especially important during hazardous winter weather conditions. Seniors are more prone to falling during the winter months, so it’s essential to keep their bones healthy. In addition to the temperature-related winter tips for seniors, you’ll also want to craft a thorough emergency plan for the real possibility of a fall. Even when you are extremely careful, slips and falls are a constant danger for seniors. Think of possible scenarios and create practical plans to help your elderly relatives practice effective winter safety strategies. If your loved one needs help around the house, please call Visiting Angels Newton/Canton. Our introductory meeting includes a free fall prevention analysis, and our caregivers can help your loved one live safely at home this winter. Winter safety measures for seniors should not be taken lightly. Winter is often one of the most challenging seasons for seniors, especially those isolated from others. Fortunately, proper preparation can alleviate most issues. We hope these winter safety tips help you and your loved one stay secure this winter. If you need help caring for a loved one, call Visiting Angels Newton/Canton to be connected with one of our home care companions. If you’re interested in more information about how in-home care can help your senior loved ones, contact us today. About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our in-home Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, 24 hour and live-in care, companion care, senior care, respite care, transitional aid, and in-home care services in Watertown, Brookline, Stoughton, Canton, Dedham, Needham, Westwood, Norwood, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns. The essential personal care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one’s happiness and quality of life. We are staying Diligent
As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in our area, we are monitoring the situation and the advice from public health authorities. Visiting Angels Newton/Canton remains committed to our responsibility as your senior home care provider during this time. We recognize that our Visiting Angels home caregivers allow seniors to age safely and comfortably in their own homes, wherever that may be, and that some of our clients cannot get through the day or night without a home care aide. We want to assure you that our caregivers follow best practices, including hand-washing and staying home if they feel ill or have traveled. Our staff and caregivers are vigilant about wearing face coverings, gloves, and other protective gear when working with clients or in our home office.
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Many seniors contend with existing conditions that impact their health and wellness in addition to age-related concerns. Obesity is prevalent among the elderly and has been linked to various health issues. It’s important to explore the effect of obesity on our elderly and how it impacts their quality of life. Effects of Obesity in the Elderly And How to Address ThemObesity affects 42.8% of individuals over the age of 60, according to 2017-2018 figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obesity has long been linked to an increased risk of health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. These chronic conditions can become increasingly hard to manage for seniors as they deal with restricted mobility or cognitive decline. Also, obesity may contribute to age-related challenges the elderly commonly face. Excess weight gain can place more pressure on joints, adding to the general wear-and-tear of daily life. The non-profit organization Obesity Action Coalition also notes that obesity may also be linked to lower cognitive function. There are many ways obesity can limit the independence and overall quality of life for our elderly. However, it’s unwise for seniors to attempt any weight loss without consulting a doctor so they can do so safely. As with any age group, eating balanced meals and exercising regularly are vital parts of maintaining a healthy weight. Staying active has many benefits for seniors, as it can also help improve mood and physical balance. Seniors should consult a medical professional before making any changes to their lifestyle. A physician may recommend gentler exercises like swimming, yoga, or Tai-Chi. They may also suggest muscle-strengthening and balancing activities to help reduce fall risks for seniors. Losing weight can sometimes mean losing muscle as well as fat. Since seniors typically lose muscle as part of the aging process, this is another reason to consult a doctor before pursuing any significant weight loss plan. A doctor can also determine if the medications they’re taking could be causing weight gain. In-Home Care For Seniors With ObesityFamily caregivers can face many challenges when addressing and managing the medical and personal needs of an obese loved one at home. Visiting Angels® specializes in custom in-home care for seniors who wish to retain their independence. Our caregivers can support obese seniors by preparing nutritious meals, accompanying them on walks and outings, and assisting with any errands or activities that have gotten more difficult for them to perform independently. We also provide professional help by assessing your loved one’s fall risk level and “fall-proofing” their home.
If you are interested in more information, call us at 617-795-2727 to schedule a free in-home consultation! With the right support in place, we can help your loved one enjoy a higher quality of life at home. Maintaining or enhancing one’s health and wellness shouldn’t stop at a predetermined age. It is universally beneficial to pursue a balanced mind and body by focusing on our physical well-being and happiness, fulfillment, and mental fortitude. It’s never too late for your loved one to begin the path to living their best and most fulfilled life. With the assistance of family, friends, and professional in-home caregivers, seniors can successfully pursue the following seven elements of senior wellness. Proper Diet A proper diet is fundamental to good health. Without the right levels of nutrients, seniors will have trouble maintaining cognitive and physical energy. Here are a few nutritional recommendations:
Sleep According to research, most healthy seniors need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to feel recharged the next morning. Older adults may awake earlier in the morning due to body rhythm changes called advanced sleep phase syndrome. However, this means older adults may need to go to bed earlier in the evening. Additionally, a range of physical conditions associated with aging can make it difficult for seniors to get enough sleep, causing sleep deprivation. Here are some tips to help seniors get a better night’s sleep:
Physical ActivityA lack of exercise quickly leads to many health problems in both body and mind. Seniors don’t have to break records at the gym to stay healthy and feel well. A moderate amount of physical activity each day will keep the body in good working order and lead to a clearer mind and a greater sense of fulfillment. Consider the following recommendations for senior activity:
Socialization Loneliness is a silent killer for the elderly and contributes to dementia, depression, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other mental and psychological conditions. Older adults must have social interactions with others regularly to maintain their emotional well-being. Community activities, games, and projects can foster a sense of interest, usefulness, and social bonding. Even a good conversation from time to time is a necessity. For seniors living at home alone, an in-home caregiver would provide companionship and support. Purpose After retirement and withdrawal from economic and political involvement, seniors may need to find something new to provide direction and purpose. Volunteer work and other activities that help others are excellent outlets for seniors to find self-purpose. A Visiting Angels caregiver could assist with transportation to and from such causes. SafetyFalling is one of the most significant safety risks for seniors. Making a senior’s home physically safe and secure to navigate is the first step toward wellness. Seniors also need protection from scammers who prey on the elderly. Family caregivers need to take precautions ahead of time to prevent senior loved ones from falling victim to telemarketing and online scams. A home health aide can supervise and ensure both physical and non-physical safety measures for seniors. Identity As seniors grow older, they naturally begin to reflect on their lives and achievements. Seniors want to pass along their knowledge and information to younger generations.
Family and friends can help foster their senior loved one’s sense of identity and accomplishment by encouraging them to tell stories, write down memories, and participate in society as a mentor and teacher. Seniors may often discount the scope of what they’ve achieved during their life, but recognizing and celebrating these achievements can be an important source of satisfaction and well-being. If you’re interested in more information about how in-home care can help your senior loved ones, contact Visiting Angels Newton/Canton today. |
AuthorVisiting Angels Newton/Canton is an award-winning in-home care agency that provides high quality home care to seniors and disabled adults in Greater Boston, MA. Archives
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