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.

Women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis, but men also suffer from bone loss and osteoporosis.

Men in Calgary are affected by osteoporosis yet have a much lower risk of osteoporosis than women. Men that have a history of osteoporosis in their family are at higher risk of the disease, but anyone can be impacted by it. Studies show that 55% of seniors in the US have osteoporosis, and two million senior men have the disease.

• Osteoporosis is a key factor in senior care as a trip and fall can lead to bone fractures or breaks.
• Osteoporosis is a silent disease, progressing slowly over time as the person’s bones begin to thin.

Men in Calgary are affected by osteoporosis; another 12 million men are at-risk of the disease.

As the population continues to age, these figures continue to rise. One-in-five men will suffer from osteoporosis compared to one-in-three women. While the risks of having the disease are lower in men, the risks of death are higher.

Men are at a much higher risk of a fall-related death than women. Hip fractures, due to bone loss, can lead to a statistically higher percentage of men dying within a year of their fracture compared to women.

Older men are often diagnosed with osteoporosis later than women, allowing the disease to progress. Men that are over the age of 50 must take a proactive approach to senior care and receive treatment or take measures to strengthen their bones.

Men that fall into the following categories are at a higher risk of osteoporosis:

• Smokers
• Maintain an inactive lifestyle
• Lower testosterone levels
• Drink alcohol often
• Family history of osteoporosis or bone fractures
• Disorders that prevent the absorption of amino acids, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K and vitamin D

Men that believe they’re at a higher risk of osteoporosis should be screened by a doctor. Additional steps can include a senior care plan that includes physical therapy, exercise, medication to stop bone loss and a proper diet that encourages strong bones.

A person that smokes, drinks or is inactive will want to stop these habits.

Men that take action early, exercise and maintain a healthier diet will be able to reduce their risks of fractures, bone breaks and osteoporosis.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help Men in Calgary Affected by Osteoporosis

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.

Stress Relief Techniques Seniors Can Follow Today to Lower Stress with the Help from Home Health Care Services

Stress is a part of life but stress relief tips for seniors can be vital for happiness, health and wellbeing. Home health care services that integrate proper stress management are more effective and helps a person avoid the harmful side effects of stress.

When stress is a one-time occurrence, the health implications are not severe. Consistent stress, or frequent stress, will cause a cascading effect on a senior’s health.

Stress in Seniors can lead to:

• Increased heart disease risks
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Weakened immune system
• High blood pressure

For some seniors, stress can even make it difficult to eat, causing heartburn and indigestion. Seniors already have a weaker immune system, so eliminating stress can help improve their well-being.

Stress Relief Tips for Seniors

Seniors are encouraged to take the stress and their health into their own hands. The following techniques can help relieve stress:

• Spend time with friends or loved ones
• Join a senior yoga class
• Listen to classical music
• Engage in physical exercise (with doctor approval)
• Eat a healthy diet and be cautious of caffeine
• Volunteer around town
• Meditate or practice mindfulness
• Practice deep breathing
• Keep busy with to-do lists

Stress can be brought on by a variety of factors, and one main factor is a person’s loss of health or mobility. A proper diet and exercise can help a senior stay active and healthy, reducing the risk of stress, anxiety or depression.

Coping with stress is possible but eliminating stress can be difficult. It’s important to take steps to reduce stress every day. Relaxation techniques and meditation are a great start. If loneliness is leading to stress, get out in the community through volunteering, visiting friends or going to events to meet people.

Home Health Care Services That Focus on Stress Relief

Our caregivers will help provide home health care services that reduce stress for clients. Meal preparation, light cleaning and running errands can help reduce these harmful stressors. We have spent over twenty years helping seniors find happiness and joy in their lives. Through our Interactive Caregiving™ approach, we’re able to focus on our clients’:

• Body
• Mind
• Nutrition
• Safety

Offering a caring touch, our team will provide the empathy and help that seniors need from home health care services. We follow a unique approach that is fully customized to the unique needs of all of our clients.

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.

Our senior home care services provide opportunities for loved ones to form new and healthy relationships.

How Can I Maintain a Positive, Happy Environment for My Loved One? Home Care Services Improve Senior’s Mental Health. 

As we age, our normal, daily routine becomes difficult to do on our own. Many seniors feel overwhelmed and frustrated by these life changes. Eventually, these changes can take a toll on their mental and physical health. 

Poor mental health can lead to poor physical health, and vice versa.

What can you do to help maintain a positive and happy environment for your loved one? Encourage socialization. Interacting with friends and people outside of the immediate family will benefit your loved one’s emotional health and memory.

Socializing with old friends is certainly beneficial, but forging new friendships may provide even greater mental health benefits. New friends provide the opportunity to share stories and memories as if they were sharing it for the first time. Reliving those positive, happy memories can be uplifting and will keep your loved one’s brain active.

There are many opportunities for your loved one to make new friends right here in Calgary. In addition to our senior home care services, there are many local programs designed to help seniors make new friends.

How Does Socialization Improve Our Cognitive Function?

When we socialize with other people, we feel good. Why? Researchers believe neurotransmitters may be the cause.

Interacting with others triggers the release of dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters reduce feelings of stress and improve our overall sense of well-being.

How Senior Home Care Services Can Help

In-home caregivers build relationships with their clients that go beyond helping around the house. Our caregivers are carefully chosen for each of our clients to encourage the formation of genuine friendships.

Caregivers act as compassionate, kind and patient companions who also provide senior home care services. Whether your loved one needs assistance with cooking meals, cleaning the home, or just wants a friend to spend time with, Comfort Keepers provide the care you need.

Comfort Keepers build client relationships on the foundation of compassion and trust. Building trusting relationships with clients put the family’s mind at ease knowing their loved one is being cared for and is comfortable.

Comfort Keepers minimize the stress on your loved one and your family. Your loved one also receives the opportunity to forge a new and lasting relationship with the caregiver.

Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Home Care Services Improve Senior’s Mental Health

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.

Comfort Keepers Calgary shares debunked myths about diabetes and offers useful advice to seniors suffering from this disease.

Myths About Diabetes | Although it’s one of the most common diseases among senior citizens, diabetes is still a condition that’s surrounded by a veil of mystery. Not many seniors actually know how it’s caused, nonetheless how it’s treated. We’ve uncovered and now share, debunked myths about diabetes in seniors.

Debunked Myths About Diabetes

Myth 1 – Seniors Need to Eat a Special Diet to Prevent Diabetes

Eating a healthy diet can prevent various diseases, including diabetes. Therefore, the seniors aren’t required to go on any special diet regimen in order to prevent this disease from happening; they just need to keep on eating healthy.

They need to eat regular healthy foods, such as whole-grains, lean meat, fruits and vegetables, etc. However, they do need to cut down their intake of processed foods, animal fat, and simple sugars.

Myth 2 – Seniors with Diabetes Catch Cold and Other Illnesses More Commonly

Although it’s true that diabetes can cause certain problems with certain organs, as well as affect the immune system, other factors come into play as well.

Having diabetes does not automatically increase the possibility of catching common cold and other illnesses. However, if a diabetes patient happens to develop some kind of additional illness, it is likely that they will have more difficulties in keeping a control of their diabetes.

Myth 3 – Diabetes in Seniors Isn’t Too Serious

Because the symptoms of diabetes aren’t too eye-catching, especially in the early stages, many people do not take this disease seriously. But, this doesn’t mean it isn’t serious. In order to keep the blood sugar levels under control, the senior needs to take the right medication, eat a proper diet, get enough exercise, and go to doctors on a regular basis.

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.