Month: March 2017

10 Stretches To Help You Stay Limber And Agile As You Age

Posted on by Martin

One of the biggest dangers of aging is a loss of mobility and strength. In fact, a 2013 study published in the Journal Clinical Interventions In Aging, found that strength and muscle mass decrease by between 30-50% as people go from the ages of 30 to 80. What’s more, people lose muscle at a rate of about 12-15% per decade after the age of 50.

Luckily, there are proactive steps you can take to stay healthy and limber as you age.

Staying Flexible Is Possible

Lots of people believe that it’s impossible to stay flexible as you age. Fortunately, this is not true. While it’s true that muscles atrophy and bones change as you get older, staying flexible at any age is as simple as incorporating just a few minutes of stretching into your everyday routine. In addition to helping you feel better, improving flexibility can also improve balance, decrease back pain, alleviate fatigue, and even help you feel clearer and sharper mentally.

10 Stretches To Practice As You Age

Ready to reap the benefits of flexibility in your life? Here are ten stretches to try as you age.

1. Front Hip Stretch

The front of the hip can get surprisingly tight, especially for people who sit all day long. To stretch it out and restore mobility to the area, try the front hip stretch. Here’s how it works:
Begin by sitting on a fitness ball.

From there, straighten your right leg out behind you and stabilize your weight by pressing your toes into the floor and raising your right heel.

Rest your hands on your left knee and use your arms to push your upper body backward gently. You should feel the stretch across the front of your right hip. Switch sides and hold for between 15 and 30 seconds.

2. Standard Chest Stretch

Like the hips, the chest gets tight from extended sitting. To stretch it out and improve your posture at the same time, start standing in an erect position. From there, clasp your hands behind your low back and gently raise your arms as far as you can. Keep your head held high, your shoulders back, and your chest lifted. Hold the pose for 10 seconds.

3. Standard Shoulder Stretch

If your shoulders are tight from exercise or sleeping awkwardly, loosen them up with the stretch. Start standing in an upright, erect position. From there, cross your right arm directly over your chest and hook your left forearm around your elbow. Use the leverage to gently pull the right arm into your chest, stretching the right shoulder. Hold the stretch for between 10 and 15 seconds before switching sides.

4. Side Body Stretch

Even if you don’t think about the muscles that run down your ribs and into your hips, they’re critical for posture and overall comfort. To keep them limber start by standing with your feet hip-width apart.

From there, place your left hand on your left hip and raise your right arm to the sky. Gently bend to the left, using your left arm to support your weight. Make a “C” shape with your body, stretching your right side body for 10 to 15 seconds before switching sides.

5. Neck And Shoulder Stretch

To stretch your neck and shoulders, move your arms in front of you with your elbows touching, and your hands pointed towards the sky, palms facing you. From there, place the palms of your hands on top of your head and use your arms to gently drop your chin to your chest and exert mild downward pressure on the top of your head.

You should feel the stretch in your neck and shoulders. Be sure that you’re not using too much pressure, or you risk injury.

6. The Toe Touch

Allow your back the opportunity to get long and loose by doing a simple toe touch. To start the stretch, stand with your feet hip-width apart. From there hinge at the hips and extend your arms down toward your toes, keeping as flat a back as possible the entire time.
When you reach the point of maximum extension, you can grab opposite elbows and dangle like a ragdoll to take the stretch further.

7. The Hula Hoop Stretch

The hula hoop stretch is a great one for anybody who sits for long periods of the day or occasionally uses a wheelchair to get around. Designed to increase mobility and loosen tension in the hips, the hula hoop stretch is perfect for seniors of all ages.

To start, stand with your feet together and your hands on your waist. From there, begin to circle your hips slowly, as if you were keeping a hula hoop in the air. Keep your back straight, head high, and chest lifted.

8. Triceps Stretch

The triceps stretch is ideal for anyone who feels tension in their arms. To start, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your chest up. From there, take your right arm and reach it over your shoulder, with your elbow pointing toward the sky, and your palm touching the back of your right shoulder.
Then, take your left hand to the ceiling and place your fingers on your right elbow. Exert gentle tension to deepen the stretch. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds before switching sides.

9. The Hand Stretch

The hand stretch is ideal for seniors who write, type, or draw often, or those who have arthritis in their hands or fingers. To do the stretch, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. From there clasp your hands together in front of you. Once you’ve done that, turn your hands out so that the palms are facing away from you and the fingers are still interlocked. Gently push out, so you feel the stretch in the backs of your fingers and hands.

10. The Low Back Stretch

Perfect for anyone who wants to stretch their low back but isn’t quite ready to commit to a full downward dog, the low back stretch helps extend the muscles of your back. You’ll need a chair or table for the stretch.

To get started, stand with your feet hip-distance apart and your arms hanging loosely at your side. From there, bend your knees gently to prevent overextension, and begin to hinge forward at the hips.

Extend your arms in front of you and reach them toward the chair or table. At the full extension of the stretch, your back should be flat, and your hand should be on the chair or table, with a straight line from your arms to your hips and your hips to your ankles. Lean your weight back gently to extend the stretch.

Greater Flexibility Starts Here

Even if you’re not planning on taking up yoga anytime soon, these simple, at-home stretches are ideal for helping you stay limber, comfortable, and flexible throughout your golden years. They’re also ideal for anyone who wants to prevent injury, stay strong, and enjoy a higher quality of life during the aging process.

10 Ways Caregivers Can Stay Motivated in Providing Great Care

Posted on by Martin

Staying motivated as a caregiver can be tough. In addition to the fact that you work long hours, being a caregiver is a difficult job.

Fortunately, most caregivers love their jobs and want to find ways to excel at them. That’s where these motivational tips come in. Ideal for helping caregivers get excited about work each day, this simple checklist can make it easier to love your job and avoid burnout, both now and in the long-term. Whether you’re a new caregiver or an old veteran looking for ways to stay involved, these ten tips can help: 

1. Remember why you’re doing it

Remembering why you chose to work as a caregiver is one of the biggest motivating tricks you can access. While working as a caregiver can be difficult, coming back to the reasons you chose to start the job can help make it more enjoyable. Any time you get stressed or overwhelmed, make a list of the reasons you started caregiving.

For example, maybe you began caring for elderly patients to help them enjoy their independence or maybe you did it because you wanted to see people smile. No matter what your reasons may be, checking back in with them can help you enjoy your position and navigate the hard days with ease.

2. Reach out to friends or family

When you feel stressed or unmotivated, reach out to your friends or family. They’ll be able to help you remember what you love about caregiving and make it easier for you to keep your head in the game. Even a short phone call with a close friend can make you happy and provide the touchpoint you need to keep serving your clients and fulfilling your duties. 

3. Connect With Support Groups

If you feel stuck in a rut in your career, reach out to caregiver support groups. Available through your local hospital, online, or through local nursing homes and assisted living facilities, caregiving support groups make it easier to connect with like-minded peers and find productive and intelligent ways to navigate the stress of the job and stay motivated to care for your patients.

They can also be a fantastic resource when you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused about how to move forward with your career. If you find that you drift in and out of support groups, that’s okay. While some people show up to them faithfully, others use them to fall back when times get tough. Either approach is just fine. 

4. Exercise

While many caregivers feel that they’re too busy to hit the gym, finding a way to fit it in is essential. Exercise helps you stay lean and healthy, and can be an excellent way to blow off steam and clear your head.

Regardless of whether you had a tough day with a patient or things are going well, be sure that you’re making time to be physically active. The more space you create for this pursuit, the better you’ll feel and the more efficient you’ll be at your job.

5. Start Each Day Rested

Good sleep translates to an increased ability to do your job. To make the most of your days and ensure you’re serving your patients well, get some rest. Things, like developing a consistent nighttime schedule, practicing good sleep hygiene, avoiding artificial light in the 60 minutes before bed, and prioritizing sleep, are essential.

Most caregivers work between 40-50 hours a week, and, without enough rest, this schedule is impossible to maintain. With this in mind, enjoy your sleep and make it a priority, since it will help you stay motivated for the task at hand.

If you didn’t sleep well the night before, try your best to fit in a power nap somewhere during the day. Even 20 minutes of slumber can make all the difference in your attitude and outlook. 

6. Brainstorm New Approaches

Have a difficult patient you can’t figure out how to “crack?” Don’t get discouraged. Instead, get proactive. Taking the time to brainstorm new approaches is an excellent way to make the most of the client/patient relationship and ensure that you’re serving each patient as well as you can.

If you’re having a difficult time making headway, or you feel stuck in a rut, talk with your fellow caregivers or head to an online forum. The more proactive you can be in addressing these problems, the more motivated you’ll be to excel at your job.

7. Develop a Morning Routine

Rushing through your morning and starting work stressed and frazzled is a terrible way to start the day. Instead, develop a morning routine that allows you space and time to cater to yourself before you dive into a day spent catering to other people. Wake up early enough to drink your morning beverage, read for a bit, go for a walk, and get cleaned up before you go to work.

This morning routine, combined with a nice healthy breakfast, will make all the difference when it comes to your daily motivation.

8. Set Goals

Goals are a great way to stay motivated in your daily life. No matter if your goals are big or small, setting them can help you hold yourself accountable. For example, you can set a goal to be more interactive with your patients, to stress less during the workday, or to eliminate time-wasters that make you feel frantic and hurried at work.

No matter what you do, setting goals is a great way to motivate yourself. Don’t forget to reward yourself when you achieve them!

9. Take Breaks

According to recent research, taking regular breaks can help you feel more motivated and focused at work. While it’s true that finding time to take breaks can be difficult as a caregiver, it can be as simple as a 20-minute break during the day or hiring respite care to allow for longer breaks throughout the year. No matter what you do, find a way to make it work for you since downtime is essential for caregivers who want to perform as well as possible. 

10. Take a Deep Breath

While it’s easy to find yourself feeling flustered, off-task, or distracted in your daily work, take a deep breath and re-center yourself. Although you can’t do away with stressors completely, you can change how you react to them. 

A Great Caregiver is a Motivated Caregiver

Caregiving is a challenging profession, and learning how to stay motivated will help you achieve better results with your patients and yourself. From taking care of your mind and your body to setting goals for your attention and interaction with your patients, these ten tips will allow you to be a more efficient, motivated, active caregiver – every single day. 

Fall Prevention: 12 Steps to Prevent Falls | & what to do if you or someone else does fall

Posted on by Martin

For seniors, one of the biggest dangers in daily life is simple: falling.

While falling may sound like it’s no big deal, it can be disastrous or even deadly for seniors.

Today, 1 out of every four seniors falls at least once a year, but few tell their doctors or loved ones. It gets even worse than that, though.

Each year, 2.8 million people over the age of 65 are treated in emergency rooms around the country for injuries stemming from falls and more than 800,000 seniors are hospitalized each year because of a fall-related injury. Falls currently rank as the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in older adults and cost upward of $31 billion annually.

These are shocking statistics, and they make it clear that falling is a dangerous reality that affects thousands of seniors in the place they should be the safest: their own homes.

Luckily, there are proactive steps seniors, caregivers, and family members can take to prevent falls, and address them properly if they do happen.

Read on and learn some proven methods to ensure fall prevention.

12 Simple Ways to Prevent Falls in Seniors

Fall prevention is simple, and it can go a long way toward protecting the health and well-being of seniors everywhere. Get started with these 12 easy steps:

1. Make a doctor’s appointment

While falling has many causes, ranging from loss of balance and vision to weakness, falling can also be caused by medications, especially sedatives or antidepressants. With this in mind, the first step to preventing falls is to see your doctor about the medications you’re taking and the potential side effects of each drug.

In many cases, the doctor will be able to prescribe a medication with a lower fall risk or one that is less likely to interact with the other medications you currently take.

2. Get active on a daily basis

Balance and strength are both a “use it or lose it” thing, and seniors who give up physical activity often don’t have the stability or muscle definition to keep themselves from falling. Unfortunately, many seniors assume that staying active is impossible as an older person, and they give up things like walking, running, or yoga because of it.

Luckily, the activity you choose doesn’t have to be high-impact to unleash its benefits. Tai chi is a great option for activity, as is swimming. In fact, it doesn’t matter what you do, just so long as you do something every day to improve your coordination, strength, balance, and flexibility.

3. Wear sturdy, balanced footwear daily  

Certain types of shoes, like flimsy flip-flops or high heels, increase the risk of falling. With this in mind, ensure that the shoes you choose to wear are going to help your balance rather than harm it. For the best possible stability, choose sturdy, well-fitted shoes with non-skid soles.

4. Remove tripping hazards from your home

Sometimes, things in the home can increase the risk of falling and injuring yourself. Things like extension cords, plant stands, and loose rugs can trip you when you least expect it, while spilled liquids can create a dangerous situation.

With this in mind, remove tripping hazards from your home and remain vigilant about identifying and removing things that increase your fall risk in the future.

5. Keep your living space light and bright

Most of us have had the experience of stubbing our toe while getting out of bed in the dark, and it turns out that a dark or dimly lit environment can create a fall hazard for seniors, as well. Because of this, it’s critical to keep all living spaces well-lit. This allows you to spot fall hazards before they trip you up.

For some simple fixes around your home, add a nightlight to bedrooms and other key areas, and add lamps to dark or dim corners of the home.

6. Eat a healthy, well-rounded diet

Diet affects virtually everything we do, and getting around is no different. To ensure that you’re as healthy and balanced as possible, be sure that your diet contains adequate levels of nutrients.

While this may seem unrelated to falling, people who eat healthy diets are stronger and more able to complete everyday activities.

7. Stay hydrated

Dehydration can cause dizziness and fatigue, both of which increase your fall risk. With this in mind, ensure that you’re drinking adequate water every day, and pay attention to your hydration levels and how you’re feeling.

If you notice you’re thirsty, drink up! It will help you stay healthier, and decrease your fall risk, as well.

8. Consider using an assistive device

If you’re recovering from an injury, struggling with balance, or simply not as strong as you once were, an assistive device like a walker or a cane can work wonders in helping you get around. In addition to helping you balance, these simple tools can also help you navigate uneven terrain safely.

9. Install railings around the home

In areas where falls are common, like stairs and bathrooms, it’s smart to install railings to help you keep or regain your balance. These railings are especially useful in unideal circumstances, such as when the bathroom floor is wet, or the exterior steps are coated in ice.

10. Keep ice and snow at bay

Winter creates an environment that’s ripe for falls. Between the ice and the snow of the colder months, there are dozens of dangers that face seniors during the chilliest days of the year. To keep these things at bay, ensure that you’re taking proactive steps, like sprinkling de-icer on dangerous patches and keeping all walks clear of snow.

11. Always tie your shoelaces

While it sounds simple, one common cause of household falls is untied shoes. It doesn’t matter if you’re just walking to the dresser or the mailbox – you should always tie your shoelaces. A simple way to prevent falls, this tiny step can help you stay safe and upright.

12. Arrange the home to allow a clear pathway for movement

You’re more likely to fall if you’re navigating around furniture and accessories in the home, so it’s in your best interest to remove these things to create clear, uncluttered pathways.

What to do if you Fall

Even if you take all of the above steps, it’s impossible to guarantee that you won’t ever fall. With that in mind, here are some steps you should take if you do happen to suffer a fall:

  • Get up properly

If you fall, get up the right way by lying on your side, bending your top leg, and propping yourself up on an elbow. From there, use your upper body to pull yourself to the closest sturdy object (a dining table or banister, for example) and use this to help pull yourself up. Stand slowly, turn and sit down, and take a moment to rest before you stand up again.

  • Call for help

If you fall and you cannot get up, call for help. If you can reach a phone, dial 9-1-1. If you cannot reach a phone, call for help verbally, or make noise to attract a passerby’s attention.

  • See a doctor

Any time you fall, you should see a doctor. Even if the fall seemed minor, complications like fractures can fly under the radar for quite some time, and it’s important to consult your healthcare professional to make sure everything is okay.

While falling is a scary prospect, these 12 preventative steps can help you avoid it as much as possible, to stay healthy, safe, and strong throughout your senior years. 

 

20 Signs Your Parent Might Need Home Care

Posted on by Martin

For most people, knowing when it’s time to think about hiring home care for an aging parent is a painful thought. In most cases, our parents age slowly, going from the joyful, attentive caregivers we’ve enjoyed all our lives to distracted, forgetful people we don’t fully understand.
Maybe you’ve noticed that your mom has begun to tell you the same stories over and over again, or that your dad frequently leaves the stove on. Maybe you have a parent who’s started to get lost, or who is having a hard time dressing, eating, or cooking on their own.

Whatever the case may be, watching your parents age can be difficult, and worrying about their care be gut-wrenching. Unfortunately, it’s critical to face these realities to ensure that your parent is getting the care he or she needs to age gracefully, with dignity, and with support, and recognizing the signs that indicate your parent needs in-home care is the first step.

20 Reliable Signs That Your Parent Needs In-Home Care

No matter how old your parent may be, or whether he or she has been ill up until this point, these 20 signs are a sure-fire indicator that the time to hire in-home care has arrived.

1. Your Parent Has Begun To Miss Meetings, Appointments, And Obligations

Forgetfulness is a dangerous sign of dementia and Alzheimer’s, and parents who have started to miss important social events may be exhibiting the early signs of memory loss. Even if your parent’s memory is still sharp as a tack, missing scheduled appointments can indicate embarrassment about a difficulty or inability to get dressed, or challenges driving, navigating public transit, or walking, all of which indicate a need for additional support.

2. Difficulty Standing on His or Her Own

If you’ve noticed that your parent is having a hard time standing up out of his or her favorite chair, it’s time to hire in-home help. While this may seem like a small symptom that can be attributed to arthritis or stiff joints, it’s important to remember that, without help, your parent could easily be stuck for hours or days if they can’t get up on their own.

3. Bruising or Wounds on Your Parent’s Body

When seniors start to have trouble walking, dressing, or cleaning on their own, it tends to show up as unexplained bruises or wounds on the person’s body. Evidence of falls, slips, or accidents in the home, these unexplained injuries can be alarming to family members.

Although your parent may play them off as nothing, it’s your job to know that any parent who is being injured in his or her own home needs some level of in-home care and assistance.

4. Poor Home or Personal Hygiene

Maybe you notice that the trash hasn’t been taken out in days or that your mom’s refrigerator is full of rotting, spoiled food. Perhaps you’ve begun to notice that your father isn’t showering or shaving anymore.

While symptoms like this may seem like simple forgetfulness, it’s important to remember that rotten food in the refrigerator may indicate that your parent isn’t eating and that poor personal hygiene can put your parent at risk of infections and other unpleasant symptoms.

5. Forgetfulness

Forgetfulness can be a symptom of Alzheimer’s. When a parent starts forgetting critical things, like whether or not they’ve taken vital medication or how to turn off the stove, the condition can quickly become dangerous.

6. Confusion

Parents who get lost, frustrated, or angry are displaying confusion. An early sign of Alzheimer’s and dementia, this symptom warrants home care and additional assistance.

7. Evidence of Bathroom Accidents

Soiled pants or underwear, messed bathrooms, and an unpleasant body odor are all signs that your parent is having difficulty using the bathroom on his or her own, and needs compassionate assistance to maintain their dignity and quality of life.

8. Decline in Housekeeping

If your mom has always kept a neat home, but now the sink is piled high with dishes, and the unopened mail is spilling throughout the entryway, she’s likely having trouble managing her housework, and could use additional assistance.

9. Signs of Financial Trouble

Financial trouble is one thing that frequently befalls seniors without their friends and family noticing. If your parent has begun to bounce checks or get many late payment notices, forgetfulness may be playing a part in making the finances harder to manage.

10. Seclusion

Seclusion is a dangerous thing for seniors. In addition to increasing a senior’s risk of mortality, isolation can have a negative impact on a senior’s health and contribute to the development of dementia and cognitive decline. If your elderly parent has begun to isolate him or herself, hiring in-home help can prevent the situation from worsening.

11. Weight Loss Or Gain

Extreme and sudden weight loss or gain can be a sign that your parent is having trouble feeding him or herself, forgetting whether they’ve eaten, or eating for emotional comfort.

12. Extreme Moodiness

Severe mood swings or moodiness can be a sign that your parent is suffering from the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s or depression. Hiring an in-home caregiver can ensure that your parent has someone around to monitor the symptoms, and sound the alarm if they get worse or change drastically.

13. Car Accidents

For seniors, losing their right to drive can be a devastating occurrence. Unfortunately, many seniors continue to drive past the point where it’s medically advisable, and they put themselves and others at risk as a result. If you notice dents or scratches in your parent’s care, he or she may need additional assistance to ensure their safety and well-being.

14. Poor Medication Management

According to MdMag, most older adults in the U.S. fill between 9-13 prescriptions on an annual basis. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that these medications can become difficult or impossible to manage as age and forgetfulness set in. Fortunately, an in-home caregiver can help seniors manage their medication correctly, and ensure that they’re not duplicating doses or taking the improper amount of any given medication.

15. Depression

It’s not uncommon for seniors to suffer from depression as they age, especially when their spouse has passed away, and they’re alone. In these cases, an in-home caregiver can help by providing companionship and support.

16. Wandering

If your parent has begun to wander out of the house and get lost, in-home help is critical, both for the senior’s safety and your peace of mind.

17. Boredom

In some cases, in-home assistance can help elderly parents who are just bored and in need of more consistent companionship. In addition to performing household duties, in-home caregivers can also play games with seniors, accompany them to social events and appointments, and help them learn new things.

18. Difficulty With Mobility

It’s not uncommon for seniors to experience difficulty with mobility as they age, and an in-home caregiver can make it easier for your parent to get around and maintain his or her freedom.

19. Dangerous Behavior

If your parent has begun to exhibit dangerous behavior or suicidal tendencies, hiring in-home help can give them the support they need to be happier and more fulfilled.

20. Poor Personal Care

Personal care is critical not only for your parent’s well-being but also for their outlook and sense of self-worth. With this in mind, hiring an in-home caregiver to help your parent uphold their personal care routine can be critical. 

In-Home Care: The First Step to the Rest of Your Parent’s Life

While the decision to hire in-home care for an aging parent can be difficult, taking the first step is typically the smartest way to ensure your parent ages gracefully, with all the care, support, and assistance he or she needs to be happy and healthy throughout.