Vitamin B12 May Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Care

Vitamin B12 May Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Care | Vitamin B12 may play a role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s according to a Scandanavian study. The study found that Vitamin B12 may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

The study included 271 participants 65 to 79 years old. Researchers took blood samples of the group which has not shown any signs of dementia. Blood was tested for:

• B12
• Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is found in the body and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers followed the participants over a seven-year period and found that 17 of the participants had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Interestingly, the group of 17 had higher levels of homocysteine and low levels of Vitamin B12.

Individuals in the study that decided to increase their consumption of Vitamin B12 also experienced a decrease of 2% risk of Alzheimer’s for every unit increase in B12. Researchers suggest that the increase in Vitamin B12 may be able to fight back against Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamin B12 is very potent and has been shown to naturally lower the levels of homocysteine in the body.

Seniors are often deficient in this key vitamin, and it should be included in a person’s nutrition plan as they age. Many foods are being fortified with Vitamin B12, and it can naturally be found in:

• Meat
• Poultry
• Fish

Science has also proven that B12 can be beneficial in a series of other ways. This key vitamin has been shown to assist with:

• Formation of red blood cells which can help combat anemia
• Support bone health and stop osteoporosis from developing according to a 2,500-person study
• Reducing a person’s risk of macular degeneration
• Seniors that are suffering from depression and mood-related problems
• The prevention of neuron loss in the brain
• Prevention of memory loss and brain atrophy
• Energy production
• Improvement of heart health by reducing homocysteine levels

It’s estimated that around 6% of people over the age of 60 have lower Vitamin B12 levels. And about 20% of seniors have low or borderline deficient levels of B12.

If a senior does have very low levels of Vitamin B12, there’s also the option to have intramuscular or oral injections which will add an abundance of B12 into a person’s bloodstream.

Caretakers should ensure that seniors have their vitamin levels checked and that any deficiencies are addressed either through diet or some form of supplementation.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help Alzheimer’s Care

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

Home Care and Managing the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease in Calgary, AB

Managing the Symptoms of Parkinson Disease | Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is second in prevalence only to Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. An aging population has led to a rise in the number of seniors suffering with Parkinson’s.

Signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease may include:

• Balance issues
• Mood changes
• Slowed movement
• Tremors
• Speech changes
• Writing changes

Researchers have not yet found a cure for Parkinson’s, but seniors can take steps to help manage the symptoms of this disease. The symptoms, when managed, will have less of an impact on a person’s life.

Home care strategies for proper symptom management that can be included in a person’s everyday routine are:

• Diet management. Proper diet can help manage a person’s symptoms. Healthy, nutritious foods along with adequate water intake will benefit anyone with Parkinson’s. While there is not a special diet for anyone that has Parkinson’s, a healthy diet is always recommended.
• Stress management. Stress has been linked to worsening symptoms, and studies are showing that less stress can help alleviate worsening symptoms. Activities that can reduce stress are:
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Socialization
  • Exercise
• Fall prevention: A person’s balance will often be a key sign that is first noticed with Parkinson’s. Minimizing the risks of falls is the most important step that you can take, and home care services can help. Preventative steps can include:
  • Removing loose carpeting
  • Wearing proper footwear
  • Removing any trip hazards

Fall prevention may also come in the form of adapting a person’s home. Adjustments to a living space may mean installing grab bars in the bathroom, or it may mean extending doorways so that a wheelchair can easily go through the entryway.

Doctors should be consulted once symptoms start to present themselves. There may not be a cure, but a doctor can offer the best advice on managing your symptoms. Through proper preventative measures, it’s possible to keep symptoms under control while also helping ensure that injuries and falls do not happen.

Physicians can also approve an exercise plan that can help a person maintain their mobility while also maintaining balance.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

Senior care and Healthy Aging in Calgary, AB

Healthy Aging | The natural aging process can cause hormone levels to fall, eyesight to falter, hearing to be lost and muscle strength to decline. These physical and emotional changes are a part of life, but there are steps that you can take to ensure that your loved one is aging in the healthiest way possible.

Building optimal health with senior care requires a positive mental and emotional state.

A senior who is feeling isolated or distressed will be in much worse shape than the senior who sufferers from physical decline.

Understanding the Three Sides of Healthy Aging and Senior Care

There are three sides to aging: physical, emotional and mental. Healthy aging means that all these sides are intertwined, so it is essential that anyone who strives to age gracefully understands that aging involves:

Physical Changes

The physical changes of aging are complex. Skin may begin to wrinkle while becoming drier and thinner. Teeth may begin to fall out, muscle mass may be lost, and walking may become difficult. Hearing and vision problems may also set in.

An exercise routine, that your doctor is informed of and consents to prior to starting, can help by:

• Increasing bone density
• Retaining muscle mass
• Improving balance
• Maintaining coordination

Daily exercise is important in senior care and can be as simple as walking around your neighborhood or even downtown Calgary. Staying active is important, so find something that’s fun and exciting that you can engage in today.

If you follow an exercise plan and eat healthy, you’ll be on your way to optimal physical health for your age.

Mental Health

Mental health is very important to healthy aging, and this includes:

• Memory
• Alertness

One key method of maintaining your mental health is to continue to challenge your mind daily. You can engage in new games or activities, or you can start learning a new language. Creativity is key when trying to keep your mind sharp.

Emotional Health

The emotional health of a person starts to decline with the loss of physical and mental abilities. Depression and isolation can also start to set in as family members die or become sick. Money issues and retirement are also major concerns and forms of stress.

Increased socialization and less isolation are often key to a person’s emotional state.

Those in senior care who remain active, despite any physical limitations that they have, will feel a sense of purpose and community that aids emotional health. A senior should be involved in the community and continue making friends to ensure that their emotional health is always in a good state.

When a senior’s physical, mental and emotional states are in good balance, they can maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

Healthy Grilling for Seniors

It’s hard to beat the flavor of freshly grilled chicken or vegetables. Grilling is a flavorful way to cook your meals in Calgary, AB – no matter the season. Whether it’s a summer barbeque or tailgating with your friends in the fall, grilling can be a fun and healthy way to prepare your favorite foods.

Follow our senior care tips for healthy barbecuing and grilling.

Choose Your Protein

Choose healthy proteins for your meals, such as fish, lean ground turkey or chicken breast. Fatty fish, such as trout or salmon, offer many health benefits.

Try grilling healthy chicken kebabs layered with colorful vegetables. Marinate your fish, and wrap it in foil to keep it moist and flavorful. Use ground turkey instead of beef for your burgers, and add savory flavors by including minced onion, garlic and mushrooms into the patties.

If you do choose to grill beef, go with grass-fed or “choice” or “select” grades instead of “prime” beef. Go with “round” or “loin” cuts of pork.

Choose Healthy Portions

One of the most important aspects of senior care is maintaining a healthy weight, and eating healthy portions is the best way to achieve this goal. It’s easy to overdo it when grilling meats. Make sure that your portions are a healthy size: about 3 ounces for any meat. Your meat portion should not exceed six ounces.

If that sounds like a small portion, keep in mind that you can load up your plate with delicious (and healthy) grilled vegetables.

Add Healthy Flavor

Marinades and rubbing spices add flavor to poultry and fish without forcing you to use more salt. All it takes is one tablespoon of spice rub or half-a-cup of marinade for each pound of food. Give this simple marinade recipe a try the next time you grill.

Discard any marinade or spice rub that has touched raw meat.

Keep things simple. Skip the processed, sugary and salty sauces and marinades. Use your own spice blends and marinades. Grilling itself adds a lot of flavor. Sometimes, a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice is all you need to finish your dish.

Pile on the Vegetables

Diet is crucial in senior care, and a healthy diet should include ample portions of vegetables. Vegetables add nutrients and colors to your meals, making it a feast for both your stomach and your eyes.

The trick to grilling vegetables is to cut them into pieces that will cook evenly and quickly. Brush with a healthy oil, and use a grill basket to keep them out of the fire.

Some of the best vegetables for grilling include asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, onions and zucchini.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with Healthy Grilling

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

Summer Safety for Residents of Calgary, AB

Home care in Calgary starts with summer safety this season. Long, hot summers are causing many heat-related illnesses that our caregivers are trained to prevent.

Summer Safety | Seniors are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses this summer. Record temperatures seem to be reached every month, causing the senior’s body to work harder to maintain normal temperatures.

As the body is forced to work harder, the heat will push the person’s body beyond its limits.

Seniors are at risk of heat stroke or even death. As a person ages, their body doesn’t perspire as much, and the layer of fat underneath the skin doesn’t work as well to insulate the body. The result is a higher risk of heat stroke and exhaustion.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Uncontrollable sweating
• Upset stomach
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure

Our caretakers are trained to notice the signs of heat exhaustion and take action to cool the senior down. As an essential part of every home care routine, a caregiver may have to apply ice to the person’s skin and ensure that they’re drinking enough fluids to cool down.

Electrolytes may also be given.

If the senior’s heat exhaustion is allowed to persist, it can lead to heat stroke. Heat strokes can be deadly, and this occurs when the core temperature rises too high. The person’s body will stop sweating and be unable to cool itself.

Heat stroke symptoms include:

• Blood pressure elevation or lowering
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Disorientation
• Fainting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hallucination
• Seizures
• Severe fatigue

Caregivers will incorporate several measures in a person’s day-to-day home care that are meant to keep a senior safe in the summer heat. A few recommendations to keep seniors healthy and safe this summer are:

• Fluids. Adequate liquid intake is essential. Liquids will allow for better heat regulation and will be key to reducing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Proper nutrition and avoiding caffeine or alcoholic beverages are ideal choices to stay safe during the summer heat.
• Seniors should avoid being out in the sun during peak hours. During the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, the sun is at its strongest level. Seniors should remain in a shaded area, wear sunscreen and increase water intake if out in the summer heat during these peak hours.
• Breaks. If a senior remains outside, it’s important to take numerous breaks to drink and cool down.
• Limit. Outdoor activities and exercise should be limited to adequately cool off and stay safe in the summer heat.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with Summer Safety

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

Why Routine Eye Exams are Crucial to Senior Health

Routine eye exams can help seniors in Calgary, AB detect eye diseases early on.

Regular eye exams are an important part of senior care. But, why are routine eye exams crucial to senior health? Adults over the age of 60 are at a greater risk of developing certain eye diseases that can permanently affect their vision.

Seniors in Calgary, AB should visit their optometrist for a comprehensive dilated eye exam, which is needed to detect eye diseases. When eye diseases are discovered early on, treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss. For this reason, routine eye exams should be a part of every senior care plan.

Age-related eye problems often have early warning signs, and seniors should see their optometrists if they notice any changes to their vision. However, many eye diseases do not present any symptoms early on. Because they often develop painlessly, seniors have no idea they have the disease until it’s already progressed to a later stage.

Some of the most common vision disorders that affect seniors include:

• Cataracts: Cause cloudy or opaque patches in areas of the eyes that are normally clear. Depending on the location and size, cataracts can interfere with normal vision. They typically affect both eyes, but one eye is often worse than the other.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD: Affects the macula, which is what allows you to see fine details and colors. AMD causes central vision loss, but your peripheral vision remains intact. The disease makes it difficult or impossible to read, watch TV, drive, or even recognize faces.
• Glaucoma: A group of eye disorders in which optic nerve damage has caused vision loss. Older adults and people with a family history of glaucoma are at a greater risk of developing the disease. Peripheral vision may be impacted.
• Dry Eyes: Makes it more difficult for the eyes to produce tears.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Occurs in people with diabetes and is the result of progressive damage to the blood vessels that nourish the retina.
• Retinal Detachment: The tearing or separation of the retina from its underlying tissue. Advanced health problems or trauma to the head or eye can cause retinal detachment.

Eye Exams Can Reveal Other Health Problems

When regular eye exams are part of a senior care plan, older adults are often able to learn other things about their health. Many chronic health conditions affect the eyes and present symptoms that only your eye doctor can pick up on, such as:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cancer
• Thyroid disease
• High cholesterol
• Mental health
• Tumors
• Aneurysm
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Multiple sclerosis

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

Seniors in Calgary, AB with vision impairment may feel depressed, anxious and unable to engage in their daily activities. The home care services offered by Comfort Keepers can help.

Vision loss in seniors is one of the most traumatic health issues seniors face. Vision impairment makes it more difficult to prepare meals, go for walks, or even use the telephone. Many seniors with vision loss feel as if they are unable to engage in the daily activities they love.

Vision impairment is a major contributor to disability and a primary reason why families seek home care for their senior loved one. Many older adults experience diminished quality of life and loss of independence as a result of their vision loss.

Vision Loss Creates a Vicious Cycle

Research shows that seniors with vision loss have greater difficulty engaging in daily activities than those with other chronic conditions. Older adults with vision loss also tend to have a greater number of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. This may be attributed to the fact that seniors with diminished eyesight tend to have poorer diets and are less physically active. Poor eyesight makes it difficult or impossible to safely prepare meals at home. Vision loss also makes it more difficult to walk and get outdoors for exercise.

As a result of all of these effects, seniors with vision impairment tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that the depression and anxiety associated with vision loss is more detrimental than the vision loss itself. Seniors become more depressed as their eyesight worsens, and in turn, that leads to more medical problems. It creates a vicious cycle.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.

Seniors in Calgary can slow the natural weakening of their bones with proper osteoporosis prevention.

Low bone mass impacts 54 million Americans according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Two million seniors suffer from fractures and often have to have professional home care due to fractures relating to bone loss.

Fractures relating to osteoporosis start to creep up when a person reaches 50, and women are at a much higher risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture than men. Women are at a 50% higher risk than men for fractures, and there’s a 50% chance that women will have a fracture due to osteoporosis if they’re over 50.

Preventing Osteoporosis

Preventing osteoporosis requires a multi-prong approach which starts with a home care plan. Genetic factors play a role in the risks of getting osteoporosis, and bone thinning starts occurring as young as in a person’s 20s.

Adolescents can follow a nutritious diet, and engage in physical activity to be able to maintain some of their bone mass.

Adults and seniors that have bone mass loss will not be able to stop bone loss completely, but steps can be followed to treat osteoporosis.

Treating Osteoporosis

Multiple treatment options are available for osteoporosis, and the severity of the disease will determine the right approach for you. Home care professionals can help you stick to treatment plans.

Options that are available for treating this condition are:

• Medication: Drugs are available that contain the compound Denosumab which has been shown to be effective at preventing bone fractures. Other medications can help, including Fosamax, Reclast, Actonel and Evista. Your physician will be able to discuss your options with you and help you best choose a medication that works best for you.
• Hormonal Therapy: Women may engage in estrogen therapy which also has its own risks. This therapy can help reduce the risk of bone loss, but there are also risks of heart disease, blood clots and breast cancer.

Diet is also crucial in treating osteoporosis. Increased levels of calcium and vitamin D may help encourage bone growth and strengthen bones. A dietitian will be able to help you follow a diet that promotes bone health and strength.

Preventing Falls and Engaging in Exercise

Exercise and physical therapy are also recommended. A combination of therapies works best, and physical therapy can:

• Strengthen bones
• Improve balance
• Increase muscle strength

Physical therapy can reduce the risk of falls making it less likely of fractures or bones breaking. Walking is not enough. It’s also recommended that, when physically possible, a person engage in weight training.

Physical therapists will work with seniors to find the best exercise routine for you.

When combined with a proper diet and treatment, exercise and fall prevention will help lessen the impact of osteoporosis and lower the risks of fractures or broken bones.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with Osteoporosis Prevention

At Comfort Keepers^®, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life.

Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.