Tips for Diabetes Management During the Holidays

Tips for Diabetes | Seniors who have diabetes don’t have to give up all the holiday foods they love during the holidays; however, they do need to take some extra steps to try and make sure that their blood sugar is stable and that they are taking care of themselves during this time. Because it’s Diabetes Awareness Month, Comfort Keepers of Calgary, AB has compiled a helpful list of home care tips for diabetes management during the holidays:

Search for Home Care & Diabetes Friendly Alternatives

It’s only natural that seniors with diabetes still want to eat all the foods they love during the holidays. After all most of those foods are only available once a year. The key for seniors with diabetes who want to enjoy all those classic holiday dishes is to find ways to make healthy substitutions in their usual recipes. Baking cookies and sweets with an artificial sweetener instead of sugar is one way to make holiday treats healthier for those with diabetes. Another is to substitute things like applesauce for butter in cookies and cakes.

Seniors who like to cook holiday dishes and sweets can get help figuring out healthy substitutions from a home care provider who can offer advice, help them cook and help them clean up after the holiday treats are made.

Tips for Diabetes

Exercise Regularly

Often times, diabetic seniors forget to exercise during the holiday season. This is unfortunate because working out on a regular basis during the holidays can help stabilize blood sugar and even offset the effects of a large meal. Some of the best exercises for older adults with diabetes include brisk walking outside or on a treadmill, water aerobics or swimming, bicycling, tai-chi, yoga, and stationary bicycling.

Get Enough Sleep

Due to the fact that the holiday season is filled with social gatherings, many seniors stay out later and don’t get enough sleep as a result. Since sleep loss can make it more difficult for them to control their blood sugar, and sleep deprivation almost always leads to overindulging in foods that are high in fat and sugar, it’s imperative that older adults get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every evening.

Refrain From Skipping Meals

Contrary to popular belief, it is not a good idea for older adults to skip meals in order to save up for a big holiday feast. By doing so, seniors will find it more challenging to control their blood sugar. They will likely be starving and more likely to overeat if they skip meals than they would if they eat a nutritious meal a few hours beforehand.

Limit Alcohol

Holiday gatherings almost always involve some type of alcohol. While it’s okay for seniors to have a drink or two, they should be careful not to overdrink as alcohol can reduce blood sugar levels and interact with diabetes medications. In the event that they do decide to drink, diabetic older adults should pair their alcohol with food. A home care giver can assist seniors who want to indulge in a little holiday drinking make sure that they get safely safe from holiday parties and events.

Sticking to a diabetes meal plan and healthy lifestyle choices can be tough when there are temptations and holiday gatherings that make it easy for seniors to splurge. The good news is it can be done when older adults make it a priority to look for diabetes friendly alternatives to traditional holiday dishes, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, avoid skipping meals, and limit their alcohol intake.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with Tips for Diabetes

If you are concerned about the safety of your aging loved ones, especially in regard to fire, we can help. While it’s important to rely on the expertise of licensed professionals for certain precautions, we can provide home safety assessments and ensure your loved ones’ environment is safe.

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

Seasonal Precautions for Seniors this Winter

Winter Precautions for Seniors | Now that the warm summer days are behind us, it’s time for older adults to prepare for the winter months. By doing so, they can prevent common winter hazards and ensure an enjoyable season despite the ice, snow, and cold temperatures.

Here are several tips from providers of home care services that can help senior citizens stay safe and comfortable all winter long:

Dress Warm

While dressing warm during the winter may seem obvious, too many seniors fail to do so and suffer from frostbite and hypothermia as a result. To prevent these serious conditions, older adults should always wear a heavy winter coat as well as a hat, gloves, scarf and warm socks. Dressing warm can ensure that a senior’s body temperature never drops below 95 degrees.

Consume a Vitamin D Filled Diet

In the summer, most senior citizens get enough vitamin D because they are constantly outside in the sun. To make sure that they continue getting the vitamin D they need to build strong bones in the winter, older adults must fill their diet with foods that are fortified in Vitamin D. Some of these foods include tuna, salmon, mackerel, milk, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks.

Seniors who are committed to living a safe and fulfilling life this winter should be extra cautious when they are around icy roads, dress warm, stay social to avoid depression, prepare for power outages, and consume a diet that’s full of vitamin D.

Be Extra Cautious on Ice

All too often, senior citizens slip and fall on roads and sidewalks that are loaded with ice and snow. These falls typically lead to serious injuries such as head trauma, lacerations, and wrist and hip fractures. While younger individuals can recover from these injuries quickly, seniors can take months and even years to get over them. In some cases, these injuries can even take an older adult’s life.

The good news is there are certain safety precautions older adults can take to reduce their risk of slipping, falling, and severely injuring themselves. Wearing comfortable shoes with non-skid soles and good traction, staying inside on days where the roadways are full of ice and snow, and removing shoes every time they return indoors can keep a senior safe from the snow and ice. Home care services can help with clearing snow and ice so that seniors can safely get outside in the winter. It’s also a good idea to have a caregiver accompany your senior loved one on shopping trips or running errands.

Avoid Winter Depression

Due to the fact that it can be challenging and dangerous to get from point A to point B in the winter, many older adults stay away from social activities and spend a significant amount of time at home during the winter months. When they do so, they often face feelings and isolation.

In order to avoid winter depression, older adults should arrange a daily check in with a trustworthy family member or friend, search for dependable transportation options, and make it a priority to stay informed on family outings and other social activities.

Prepare for Power Outages

Winter snowstorms may leave senior citizens with no power. To prepare for power outages, older adults should make sure they have easy access to flashlights, warm blankets, and a battery-powered radio. In the event that the power does go out, they should dress themselves in a few layers of clothing and move around their home to increase their body temperature.

If your senior loved one in Calgary, AB needs a little extra help dealing with the winter cold and snow call use today to find out more about home care services and how they can help seniors stay safe and happy at home during the winter.

Elderly Care and Breast Cancer | Since aging can lead to an increased risk of abnormal changes in the cells, older women are more likely to develop breast cancer; therefore, seniors should make every effort to visit their healthcare provider for a screening this October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection is key to successfully treating breast cancer, and adult women who make it a priority to go to the doctor for an annual screening can save their life. Let’s take a closer look at some of the risk factors of breast cancer, as well as what can be expected during a screening, treatment options and elderly care services available in Calgary, AB.

Become Familiar with the Risk Factors

Research has proven that there are several primary risk factors that can increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer. These risk factors include age, adolescent weight gain, no pregnancy or late pregnancy, late menopause, post-menopausal weight gain, increased breast tissue density, chest radiation as a child, and a long-term use of oral contraceptives. It’s important to note that although these are risk factors, the majority of senior woman with one or more of these risk factors do not get breast cancer.

What to Expect From a Screening

Senior women who get an annual screening will do so through a mammogram, an X-ray of the breast that can detect cancer before any physical symptoms such as a lump or pain arise. The mammogram will be performed in a private room with an X-ray technician who will provide an older woman with a gown to wear.

The technician will place each of the woman’s breasts between two plastic plates. Although this procedure may be uncomfortable, it is essential as it allows the breast tissue to spread and flatten so that a clear image of the breast can be created. Some seniors find having a caregiver go with them makes the procedure easier and more comfortable.

If the mammogram does not reveal any issues, senior women can expect to receive a letter within 30 days of the procedure informing them that their results were normal. However, if doctors locate something suspicious, they will call them back within 5 days to perform further testing.

Elderly Care and Breast Cancer: In Home Care Available in Calgary, AB

In the event that breast cancer is detected, a medical team will determine its stage and design an appropriate treatment plan. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy are four of the most common breast cancer treatments. A senior woman’s stage, clinical history, and preferences are all taken into consideration before a treatment is prescribed. Professional in home elderly care is a great solution for senior women in need of assistance with personal care tasks, light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication management and other care services at home.

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

Tips for Coping with Sundown Syndrome

Coping with Sundown Syndrome | Are you a caregiver for a senior loved one that is dealing with Alzheimer’s disease? In honor of World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this September, Comfort Keepers of Calgary, AB is proud to provide tips on dealing with one of the most common problems associated with this disease.

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are degenerative diseases. As a memory illness progresses and a senior’s memory fades, the symptoms they present change. Sundown syndrome, also known as sundowning, is a symptom of Alzheimer’s that occurs in the middle stages of the disease. The sleep disruption, confusion, and behavioral changes that come with sundowning can be overwhelming for family caregivers. Below are some tips for coping with sundown syndrome and other Alzheimer’s symptoms:

Recognize the Signs

Sundown syndrome, or sundowning, received its name because it’s symptoms typically occur in the late afternoon or evening. Alzheimer’s symptoms such as confusion are exacerbated by the end-of-day physical and mental exhaustion. According to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center, as many as 20% of seniors with Alzheimer’s will experience increased anxiety, confusion, and agitation late in the day. Being able to recognize sundowning and other Alzheimer’s symptoms is the first step in providing proper dementia care.

Manage Triggers to Create a Safe Environment

Poor lighting and shadows often increase confusion and anxiety with seniors experiencing sundowning. Keep the home well-lit in the evenings to help your loved one recognize their surroundings and that they are safe.

Since exhaustion contributes to Alzheimer’s symptoms, make a comfortable and safe sleep environment. Sticking to a sleep schedule and avoiding mental stimulants like caffeine, sugar, or watching television before bed are also helpful.

Know When to Look For Help

Even when you are able to identify Alzheimer’s symptoms and the negative effects of things like sundowning, there may come a time where professional help becomes necessary. Professional caregivers and senior living facilities specially trained in memory care may be better suited to care for your loved one. What is most important to know when coping with memory illnesses is that you are never alone.

To learn more about how your or your senior loved one could benefit from having a professional in home caregiver, contact us or call 587-315-5388 and schedule a free in-home consultation.

Health Care Professionals Share Healthy Aging Tips For Seniors

Healthy Aging Tips For Seniors | September is Healthy Aging Month in Calgary, AB, and seniors should take this time to evaluate their lifestyle and implement new habits to promote better wellbeing. By making a few modifications to their lifestyle and having a serious commitment to living a healthier life, older adults can enjoy increased happiness while reducing their risk of developing serious health conditions. In home health care professionals recommend the following lifestyle habits for seniors and their families:

 Regular Exercise

Older adults must make it a priority to exercise for at least 30-minutes each day. Whether they go for a walk around the neighborhood, participate in a group fitness class at a local gym or community center, or run on a treadmill, they can burn calories, maintain a healthy weight, improve their strength and flexibility, and strengthen their immune system.

 A Good Night’s Sleep

A good night’s sleep is essential for older adults. By getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night, seniors can reap the benefits of greater energy, improved memory, and a decreased risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and sleep apnea. Find more great senior healthy living tips here:

For a better and longer sleep, older adults should stick to a regular sleep schedule, avoid stimulants like caffeine and chocolate, refrain from eating large meals before bed, ensure they have a comfortable mattress, and turn off distractions like the television and radio.

Reduce Stress

Reduced stress levels and healthy aging go hand in hand. Seniors who keep their stress levels to a minimum enjoy higher quality lives than those who are constantly worried about their health, finances, family issues, and other stressors. Attending social outings and community events, practicing yoga and meditation, relaxing in a warm bath, and participating in hobbies are all excellent ways for seniors to lower their stress.

Socialize

Studies have proven that senior citizens who are consistently engaging with friends and family live happier and more fulfilling lives than those who isolate themselves. For this reason, it’s imperative that older adults make plans with their loved ones and do their best to attend social functions such as birthday parties and weddings.

Healthy Eating

Often seniors don’t want the hassle of cooking healthy meals just for themselves. They also may have trouble getting to the store to shop for healthy foods. In home health care services can be a big help to seniors who could use assistance shopping and stocking the house with healthy food. Senior citizens should make every effort to stick to a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Opt for In Home Health Care

Opting for in home health care is one of the most overlooked healthy aging tips. Seniors who receive in home care services will have the support they need to live safe and independent lives at home. With in home care, they’ll receive help with personal care and companionship care tasks such as bathing, grooming, grocery shopping, and meal preparation.

If your senior loved one in Calgary, AB could benefit from in home health care, contact us or call 587-315-5388 and schedule a free in-home visit.

Financial Awareness Month: In Home Nursing Care

In Home Nursing Care Advice | Financial Awareness Month is here in Calgary, AB. During this time seniors should evaluate their finances to determine if there are any ways they can cut back their spending and add more money into their savings. Budgeting and uncovering new ways to save money will give seniors increased peace of mind when it comes to their financial futures.

If your senior loved one is having trouble staying out of debt and making the most out of their savings, consider the following tips from in home nursing care professionals:

Clip Coupons

Couponing can save seniors a lot of money on their grocery and household spending. Coupons can be found in newspapers, magazines, and on the Internet. There are numerous coupon clubs that seniors can join to get advice about couponing and to share coupons. Couponing can be a hobby as well as a money saving technique. In home nursing care providers can also assist seniors with finding and organizing coupons, as well as provide transportation to the store.

Downsize

Many senior citizens are living in the same home they raised their children. However, seniors don’t need all that extra space. And many seniors don’t want the hassle of trying to maintain a large older home. The cost of home repairs alone can be a huge problem for seniors. Downsizing to a condo or a townhome will make life easier for seniors while saving them money.

Cut the Cable

Cable can be very costly, especially for senior citizens living on a fixed income. Older adults who get rid of their cable and subscribe to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime will enjoy a variety of movies and television shows without the financial burden.

Ask About Senior Discounts

Restaurants, retailers, hotel chains, and entertainment venues often offer discounts to their senior customers. Since these discounts are not always advertised, older adults should get in the habit of asking about a senior discount prior to making any purchase. Even a small savings of 15 or 20% off can make a positive difference in their finances.

Buy in Cash

If possible, older adults may want to buy everything in cash and avoid monthly payment plans. Making cash purchases can save them from overspending on interest and buying items that they truly cannot afford.

Dealing with money is stressful. And seniors who are worried about their finances may struggle to find ways to cut back and stay on a budget. However, there are lots of ways that seniors can make the most of the budget they have, while still putting money away for the future.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with In Home Nursing Care Advice

If you are concerned about the safety of your aging loved ones, especially in regard to fire, we can help. While it’s important to rely on the expertise of licensed professionals for certain precautions, we can provide home safety assessments and ensure your loved ones’ environment is safe.

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

Home Care Providers Recommend Senior Vaccinations

Senior Vaccinations | August is National Immunization Awareness Month in Calgary, AB and that means it’s time to update vaccinations for seniors. Getting regular vaccinations, like a yearly flu shot, is very important for seniors who want to stay healthy throughout the year. Not sure what vaccinations you should have? Here our home care providers take a closer look at the types of immunizations that are a must for all senior adults.

Diphtheria & Tetanus

In order to protect themselves from Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis, senior citizens should get the TDAP vaccine. Doctors recommend that older adults get this vaccination every 10 years to ensure that they do not develop any of these diseases. The TDAP vaccine can also protect them against Pertussis or the whooping cough which can be hazardous to a senior’s young grandchildren.

Chickenpox & Shingles

If an older adult has never been vaccinated for chicken pox, now is the perfect time for them to do so. There is a certain vaccine that can actually protect seniors from chickenpox and shingles, a painful rash that often arises in individuals who are age 50 or older. It’s important to note that even though chickenpox and shingles arise from the same bacteria, two separate vaccines are necessary to protect against both diseases. Even if your loved one has been vaccinated before if it’s been five years or more since they were vaccinated they need to be vaccinated again.

Pneumococcal

Pneumonia is something that seniors should try to avoid at all costs. Especially seniors who already have problems with their lungs because of asthma or conditions like COPD. Pneumonia is an infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill up with fluid or pus and make it difficult for an individual to breathe in enough oxygen to reach their bloodstream. Pneumonia is one of the most frequent causes of death for seniors. But a simple vaccination can keep seniors safe in most cases.

If a senior citizen had a pneumonia shot as a child, they are likely still eligible for another one. It should be noted that while the pneumonia vaccine may protect seniors from pneumonia, preventing this condition by quitting smoking and practicing healthy lifestyle habits is essential.

Influenza

Unfortunately, the flu is not uncommon among the older population. It can bring senior citizens a great deal of discomfort, a slow recovery period, and in some serious cases, death. This holds true because aging leads to a weaker immune system that makes it difficult to fight of illnesses like the flu. The good news is that a yearly flu shot can help older adults avoid this disease.

Other Vaccinations

There are also other vaccines that doctors might recommend for seniors depending on their individual medical history. A doctor may recommend a vaccine for Mumps, Measles, Meningitis, and Hepatitis A and B. Since every older adult has a different medical background, seniors should take the time to sit down with their doctor and home care providers to determine which other vaccinations make sense for them.

Seniors who have put off going to the doctor to get vaccinations should make it their priority during August to get those vaccinations. Most insurance companies cover the full cost of the vaccinations so that there is little or no out of pocket cost to seniors. All it takes is a little time to prevent some nasty illnesses.

If you have a senior loved one in the Calgary, AB area that needs a little extra help around the house but doesn’t want to give up their independence an in home caregiver can help. Home care providers can offer many services ranging from cooking and cleaning to helping with personal care. Talk to one of our senior care specialists today to find out more in home care services.

UV Protection Tips For Seniors

Elder Care and UV Protection | Now that summer is in full bloom many senior adults are spending more time outdoors enjoying the weather and activities with family and friends. Getting outdoors is great for health, but it can also be risky if seniors don’t protect themselves from the harmful ultraviolet or UV rays. Since July is UV awareness month, consider the following elder care tips to help seniors stay safe in the sun all summer long.

Dress Appropriately

Seniors who are spending time outdoors should pay close attention to their clothing. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is ideal for older adults who are out in the sun. It’s recommended that seniors wear natural fiber clothing made from cotton or linen to help them stay cool. Long sleeved shirts and long pants are also recommended for sun protection.

Seniors who have trouble with personal care tasks like getting dressed will find that elder care providers are a big help in making sure they are protected from the sun in the summer.

Apply Sunscreen

The importance of sunscreen should not be overlooked by senior citizens. By applying sunscreen on a daily basis, older adults can prevent painful burns, skin cancer, and a number of other serious conditions. In order for sunscreen to be effective, it needs to be reapplied every 2 hours.

When shopping for a sunscreen, older adults should look for one that is labeled as “broad spectrum protection” and in the range of 30 to 50 SPF. Additionally, it’s a good idea to opt for a sunscreen that is designed for sensitive or aging skin. Sunscreen that comes in a stick like a deodorant is usually easier for seniors to apply. Elder care providers can also help seniors reapply sunscreen often.

Protect Your Eyes

In addition to protecting their skin with sunscreen, seniors must remember to protect their eyes with a high quality pair of sunglasses. When searching for sunglasses, they should find a pair that boasts a 99 to 100% protection from UVA and UVB light. Speaking to their eye doctor prior to making a purchase is a smart move. It’s also smart to purchase several pairs of high quality sunglasses and leave them in the car, at home, and in a senior’s purse or bag so that they always have a pair close by.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help with Elder Care and UV Protection

If you are concerned about the safety of your aging loved ones, especially in regard to fire, we can help. While it’s important to rely on the expertise of licensed professionals for certain precautions, we can provide home safety assessments and ensure your loved ones’ environment is safe.

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