Prevent Heat Strokes in Seniors
Prevent Heat Strokes in Seniors because it is considered one of the most dangerous forms of heat-caused health conditions. It can damage or kill brain cells, as well as cause problems to other internal organs. The heat stroke comes as a result of overheating. It typically happens when the body temperature goes over 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
The seniors are particularly under the risk of suffering heat stroke, as their bodies aren’t great at regulating the heat. Furthermore, many seniors suffer from chronically conditions which can get only worse if overheating happens.
This is why it’s of crucial importance to prevent overheating from happening. If you have a senior you’re concerned about, here’s how you can help them prevent heat strokes:
- Make sure their medications don’t interact with heat
- Advise them to stay inside during the hottest hours of the day
- Keep their living environment cool
- Suggest them to wear large-brim hats when going outside
- Encourage them to drink a lot of water
- Discourage them from doing hard physical work
- Urge them to change unhealthy diet habits and stay away from junk food and alcohol
What If a Heat Stroke Happens?
The key to preventing a heat stroke leaving serious consequences is reacting on time. The soon as you spot that a person is having a heat stroke, you need to react by providing them water and helping them move into a shaded area or a cool room.
But, how are you supposed to know that someone is having a heat stroke? You need to look for symptoms, which include the following:
- Dry and red skin
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Breathing challenges
- Confusion
- Trouble walking
As soon as you spot one or several of these heat stroke signs, it’s time to do your utmost to help the person in trouble. But, even your best might not be enough, which is why it’s of the essence to give a call to the emergency as soon as possible.
If you have any questions on how senior home care can help prevent heat stroke in the summer, please do not hesitate to call us!
7 Facts about Alzheimer’s Disease
In Home Care for Seniors in Calgary, AB from Comfort Keepers
7 Facts about Alzheimer’s Disease | As of June 2018, Alzheimer’s disease is still without a cure. It can’t even be slowed down, although scientists all over the world are working on it. To give them moral support, you can wear purple; to give them material support, you can donate money to the Alzheimer’s Association. Another way to play your part in the fight against Alzheimer’s is to help spread the word about the factors that increase/decrease the risk of this disease.
7 Facts about Alzheimer’s Disease:
- Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder, which means that its symptoms get more severe over time.
- Almost two-thirds of Alzheimer’s sufferers are women.
- In some cases, Alzheimer’s is genetically passed down, but genes aren’t always the decisive factor.
- Our lifestyles have more impact on Alzheimer’s disease risks than our genes. People who smoke, drink, and eat unhealthy diets are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s then those who lead healthy lifestyles.
- Regular exercise is proven to have a great impact on the brain health and can even prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- Watching TV is the only leisure activity that is proven to have a negative impact on your brain. Because it doesn’t make the brain work hard, this activity increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- By wearing purple, people are showing their support for the battle against this brain disease.
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.
The Benefits of In Home Care for Seniors in Calgary
In Home Care for Seniors
The Benefits Of In Home Care For Seniors | Is it time for your loved one to have some extra help around the house? Many seniors don’t want to admit that they need help with tasks like cleaning or personal care. But getting high quality in home care for seniors can make it easier and safer for them to remain in their own homes instead of moving into an assisted living facility.
Deciding when to talk to your senior loved ones about getting some extra help can be a sticky subject, often one that many family members of aging adults try to avoid. It is important to understand what the benefits of in home care for seniors really are before introducing the idea to your senior loved one.
First and foremost, there are key differences between home senior care and an assisted living facility or nursing home. This alone may change your loved one’s attitude about whether or not they will accept help. Care in the home differs primarily from assisted living and nursing homes in that the care your loved one receives is in his or her very own home. There is no need to relocate. A caregiver will come into their home (or your home, as the case may be) and will work with your family and senior loved one to make improvements that will allow the senior client to remain at home as safely and independently as possible.
In Home Care for Seniors Can Take Many Forms;
At Comfort Keepers our in home care for seniors is on an as-needed basis: weekly, daily or even 24/7 as the case requires. We are able to provide support to make life for seniors at home easier, such as moving furniture to clear pathways, adding lighting to help aid better sight and avoid falls, and installing handrails and grips to make bathing and movement easier. We are also able to help with daily chores that can bog down a senior and cause messes and dirt to accumulate.
Our expert care providers can assist seniors with laundry and folding, light housekeeping such as vacuuming and dusting, mobility assistance to get up and down stairs, errand running, meal preparation and nutritional planning, transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and much more. Whatever your loved one needs to make living at home a little less stressful, Comfort Keepers Calgary can do it.
Seniors who are struggling with chronic or terminal illness can benefit from residential care services specifically tailored to those needs. Specific care plans, such as post-hospitalization transitional care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care and end of life care, can take a large amount of stress off family members attempting to do it all themselves.
With certain diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s or other chronic/terminal illnesses it simply isn’t always possible. Our care services afford families the opportunity to spend quality time together while our care providers take care of the day-to-day details.
Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help with In Home Care for Seniors
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 Assistance: How to Protect Senior Skin During Hot Summer Months
Tips for How to Protect Senior Skin
How to Protect Senior Skin | The summer is near and it’s a great opportunity for seniors from Calgary, AB to get out and enjoy the nice weather. Spending time outdoors is definitely good for their health, both physical and mental. However, there’s one bad thing about the hot weather – dangerous UV rays.
In order to ensure nothing bad happens to the seniors, the home care assistance providers need to help them out keep their skin protected from the harsh sun. To do that, they need to provide the seniors with assistance with some of the following things!
Skin Cleansing
The people from the home care assistance team need to provide seniors with the cosmetics necessary for keeping their skin healthy. One of the key things they need is the skin cleanser. We suggest using a mild cleanser as it will cleanse their skin without making it dry.
Skin Moisturizing
Spending time in the sun can result in making the skin red and dry. Not only does this make the skin look unhealthy, it can also make it very itchy. A solution is simple – using a good moisturizer.
Sunscreen
Obviously, the most important part of the senior’s cosmetics’ kit is the sunscreen. It will keep their skin protected from the dangerous UV rays, but only if it comes with a decent SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Although the summers in Alberta aren’t too hot, we still advise using sunscreens with an SPF of at least 20.
Hydrate Often
Home care assistance providers need to watch out for many other health issues that hot weather can cause, apart from the problems related to skin. They need to help out the senior with getting properly hydrated. Otherwise, they can end up suffering from all kinds of serious problems.
By following these guidelines, the seniors will ensure the health of their skin. But, not only that, taking proper care of their skin during hot summer days can help prevent many other serious issues.
Do you have a senior in the family who needs assistance in the home? Contact our office serving Calgary, AB to learn about our services.
Methods for Recognizing Symptoms of Stroke Used by Senior Care Specialists
Recognizing Symptoms of Stroke in Seniors
Recognizing Symptoms of Stroke | By definition, stroke is a condition in which the blood supply to the brain is cut off. It can happen as a result of different issues, although in most cases, a stroke happens when a sudden artery blockage happens.
Whatever the reason might be, one thing is certain – stroke can cause some really serious consequences. Severe strokes often end up in death, but even the mild ones aren’t to be ignored. They can leave all kinds of consequences, including paralysis, speech impairment, and so on.
All of the reasons are enough to make senior care professionals think of ways for recognizing signs and symptoms of stroke. One way to quickly determine whether a stoke is occurring is to perform the FAST test.
The FAST Test
Senior care providers are using the FAST test in order to ensure their clients are completely healthy. This test enables them to spot sure signs and symptoms of stroke. This is how it’s done:
F-Face: The caregivers need to inspect the senior’s face for any signs of stroke. For instance, they can ask the senior to smile and see whether they’ll be able to do it properly.
A-Arms: The next thing Comfort Keepers will do is ask the senior to lift both of their hands in the air. If one hand drops down, it may mean that a stroke is happening.
S-Speech: The caregivers need to determine whether the senior’s speech sounds strange. This can be done by asking the client to repeat simple sentences.
T-Time: If Comfort Keepers spot some of all of these symptoms, they will know that it’s the right time to call an ambulance.
Other Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
Senior care providers are trained and educated to recognize many other stoke symptoms apart from those that make up the FAST test. The caregivers should have no problems spotting signs of stroke such as:
Problems with balance – If the senior is having problems standing upright on their own, something wrong might be going on.
Impaired vision – If the senior client is complaining that they can’t see properly, the caregivers need to react.
Talking gibberish – If the senior is talking gibberish, it might be a sign that a stroke is taking place.
These are just some of the common signs of stroke, which professional senior care providers need to be able to spot straight away.
Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help Recognizing the Symptoms of Stroke
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.
Oral Cancer & Oral Hygiene: What Seniors Need To Know
Seniors and Oral Cancer & Hygiene
In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, home health aides from Comfort Keepers of Calgary, AB are sharing information about common dental concerns among seniors such as oral cancer, while providing adults with home care tips on how to achieve healthy teeth and gums.
Some of the most common dental problems among the older population include darkened teeth, lost teeth, a diminished sense of taste, dry mouth, gum disease, root decay, and uneven jawbones. Oral cancer being one of the most serious dental concerns, and can occur anywhere in the mouth area. Seniors with oral cancer often display symptoms such as chewing or swallowing challenges, a lump, sore, or irritation on the mouth, lip, or throat, jaw swelling, and white or red patches in the mouth. A home health aide can help seniors keep track of oral problems so that they can discuss those problems with a dentist.
Fortunately, there are many ways older adults can ensure excellent oral hygiene and prevent oral cancer and the other oral conditions they may be susceptible to. A healthy diet is essential for seniors including fresh vegetables that will help them stay physical healthy. And seniors should not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of oral cancer by over 60%. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, seniors should make it a top priority to visit their dentist regularly for an oral exam.
During an oral exam, older adults will be asked questions related to changes in their mouth, loose or sensitive teeth, challenges with swallowing or chewing, lumps, bumps, or swellings in their mouth, and pain or discomfort. A home health aide can help seniors who have trouble remembering their symptoms describe them for the dentist so that the dentist can give them a better evaluation.
A dentist will also check their face, mouth, tongue, neck, and throat for possible signs of oral cancer. In addition, seniors who wear dentures can expect to answer several questions about them and take them out so that a dentist can inspect them for issues.
In the same visit as their oral exam, seniors can expect a dental cleaning. A dental cleaning involves a dental hygienist removing plaque and tartar, brushing the teeth with a high-powered electric toothbrush, and flossing the teeth in all areas including the ones that are hard to reach. A hygienist can also provide older adults with oral hygiene advice.
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.
Long Term Care Providers Share Tips for Managing Portion Control with Seniors
Managing Portion Control with Seniors
Managing Portion Control with Seniors; In honor of National Nutrition Month, older adults should take the time to evaluate their eating habits and identify if they need to make any changes to portions they consume. Larger portions come with more calories and encourage older adults to eat more than they otherwise would.
Portion control can condition a senior’s body to become full after eating smaller quantities of food so that they can achieve their weight loss goals and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Seniors who refrain from utilizing proper portion control often underestimate how much food they actually consume and experience unhealthy weight gain as a result. Long term care providers from Comfort Keepers of Calgary have the following tips for seniors who would like to ensure they’re eating proper portions:
Tips for Managing Portion Control with Seniors:
Avoid Skipping Meals
People who skip meals are more likely to eat portions that are far too large. For this reason, your senior loved one should stick to three nutritious meals each day, as well as a few snacks. Whenever possible, older adults should refrain from going longer than five hours without eating. It’s easy for seniors to forget to eat throughout the day, or maybe the tasks of shopping for or preparing meals has become too challenging. In home care can be a big help in ensuring that your loved one is eating healthy snacks and well-balanced meals throughout the day.
Use Smaller Plates
Seniors have likely been taught to finish their plate in order to avoid food waste and are more likely to overeat when they use larger plates. Therefore, smaller plates can help older adults prevent overeating.
Load Up on Nutritious Foods First
By loading up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and fiber-filled foods first, older adults will be less likely to overindulge on sweets, unhealthy fats, and other unhealthy foods.
Drink Water Frequently
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can make it easier for older adults to cut back on calories without feeling hungry. Seniors should drink at least eight-ounce glasses of water each day. It’s so important for seniors to consume an adequate amount of water in order to prevent symptoms of dehydration, like dry skin, fatigue, dizziness, even fainting. Long term care providers or home caregivers can be there to help monitor your loved one’s fluid intake and offer reminders or assistance during the day.
Split Meals When Dining Out
Some restaurants in the Calgary area are known for serving large portions. Seniors who dine out regularly should split meals with their loved ones or ask for half of their meal to be packed up in a doggy bag.
Take Advantage of Cups and Scales
Measuring cups and scales can help seniors measure their portion sizes. Once they use cups and scales for a while, they can eyeball their portion sizes. Seniors who find it difficult to utilize measuring cups, kitchen scales, and other appliances can depend on getting the help they need from long term care services.
Managing Portion Control with Seniors; 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.
How Senior Caregivers Can Help Your Loved One Manage Kidney Disease
Helping Seniors Manage Kidney Disease
How to Manage Kidney Disease | Kidney disease is very common among seniors. It can be caused by many different factors including aging, medications, or other health conditions that aren’t being managed properly like diabetes. One in 10 Canadians has kidney disease, although some of them may not know it.
The symptoms of kidney disease are often mistaken as the symptoms of other health problems. And because some of the symptoms of kidney disease mirror those of other health conditions, it can be difficult to identify when those symptoms are really serious. If you notice any of the following symptoms in your senior loved one, or if their senior caregivers do, encourage them to see a doctor to get checked for kidney disease.
Swollen Feet and Ankles
Swollen feet and ankles are extremely common in seniors. Edema, or swelling in the legs and feet, can be caused by medications, poor circulation, or many other conditions. Medication can also cause it, however; it can also be caused by kidney disease. Decreased kidney function can cause sodium retention, which may lead to swollen feet and ankles. Swollen feet and ankles can also be a symptom of chronic leg vein issues, heart disease, or liver disease. Regular exercise is the best way to reduce the swelling. Senior caregivers can help mom or dad who has edema get the exercise they need to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
Changes in Urination
Due to the fact that kidneys handle urine, changes in urination are often a sign of kidney disease. Some examples of these urination changes include urine with traces of blood, urine that comes out foamy or bubbly, overwhelming urges to urinate in the middle of the night, and difficulty attempting to urinate.
Weakness or Fatigue
When the kidneys begin to fail, a buildup of wastes or anemia which is a shortage of red blood cells can lead to feelings of weakness or fatigue. Home care services include professional assistance with mobility and fall prevention.
Constant Coldness
Anemia and kidney disease may make someone feel cold even when they are surrounded by warmth. In addition, pyelonephritis or kidney infection may lead to fever and chills.
Shortness of Breath
Additional fluid in the body which can build up in the lungs and anemia can lead to shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is often seen in the later stages of kidney disease.
Bad Taste in the Mouth
A consequence of waste buildup in the blood is a bad taste in the mouth. In some cases, a bad taste in the mouth is the result of medications used to treat kidney stones, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Comfort Keepers can assist your loved one with shopping for and preparing nutritious meals.
To determine if you or your older loved one has kidney disease, a doctor can perform basic screening tests. If kidney disease is found, a nephrologist can conduct an evaluation and recommend lifestyle changes or medications that can slow the progression of this condition.
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.