Quick Guide: What to Do if an Older Adult Falls
For caretakers and older adults, the risk of falling can be scary but, unfortunately, very common. According to the CDC, one out of four adults in the United States will fall yearly. These falls can be dangerous because one out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
No matter how much we do not want falls to take place, since they are so common, knowing what to do when a fall happens and how to prevent further injury is essential.
Here are […]
Tips for improving senior sleep
For many older adults, falling asleep and staying asleep can be more difficult. There’s also a myth that seniors need less sleep. However, like all adults, 7-9 hours of sleep is recommended for adults 65 and older. This amount of sleep is necessary for your overall health as well as improving your mood.
In fact, according to the National Institute on Aging, an ongoing lack of sleep or poor quality sleep increases your risk of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and obesity. That’s why it’s […]
3 Tips to Help Older Adults Manage Diabetes
Many older adults have to deal with managing diabetes, in addition to other health conditions. According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year, and of adults 65 and above or older, 29.2% have some form of diabetes. Managing a late-in-life diagnosis of type II diabetes can be overwhelming. With all the doctor appointments you must see and the responsibility of knowing you must keep your blood sugar in check, it can be challenging for older adults to manage it all.
At Special Touch Home Care, we know […]
5 Fun Activities for Older Adults
Taking the time to participate in fun activities is essential for everyone. For older adults, in particular, making time for activities can help you live a longer, happier life. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults who participate in meaningful activities, such as volunteering, and being physically active, say they feel happier and healthier. In addition, creative activities, such as music or dance, can help older adults with memory problems or dementia.
While pursuing your passions is always important, deciding what activities suit the senior(s) in your life can be hard. […]
Organization tips for senior care
An organized home makes you feel better, but sometimes for older adults, it can be hard to keep a home clutter-free. According to a study in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services,
“Problems with clutter have been associated with stress and life dissatisfaction. Helping older adults realize the benefits of decluttering their living environment and advising them on how to do this can help them feel accomplished and in control.”
That’s why older adults need an organized home that meets their needs. It boosts overall mental health and makes […]
4 Tips For Caregiver Self-Care
While being a caregiver for a loved one can be deeply rewarding, it’s easy to get burned out and stressed, which can negatively impact your mental and physical health. According to the CDC, the stress of caregiving has been associated with the following:
- Higher levels of depression and anxiety
- Increased use of psychoactive medications
- Worse self-reported physical health
- Lower or compromised immune function
- Increased risk of early death
That’s why caregivers must make time for self-care and focus on their mental health. While you may feel guilty caring […]