Living With Arthritis and Elderly Care in Calgary, AB
Comfort Keepers offers elderly care services that help seniors navigate life with arthritis in Calgary, AB
Living With Arthritis | There are two types of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is more common and is likely the type of arthritis someone might get as they age. With this type of arthritis, the cartilage that usually acts as a padding or cushion to the bone gets worn down to the point that bone rubs against bone, which causes pain and swelling.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue, which leads to weakened cartilage.
Signs of Arthritis
The main symptoms of arthritis are pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This may affect only certain areas of the body, like the fingers or knees, or may affect multiple areas. There may also be redness in the area, and you might notice a decreased range of motion.
What to do if you think you or your loved one has arthritis?
If you or your loved one may have arthritis, a visit to the doctor can help to confirm the diagnosis and get you started with elderly care and placed on a management plan. In order to diagnose arthritis, your doctor may take a sample of joint fluid. They may also take an X-ray, which can show if there’s any cartilage loss or bone damage.
How to Manage Arthritis
While there isn’t a cure for arthritis, there are many elderly care options to manage it. In fact, many people live with arthritis and are able to do most of the things they used to do. Starting treatment at the first sign of arthritis can help to prevent it from getting worse later on.
Anti-inflammatory and painkiller medication are often suggested to patients with arthritis, and for mild to moderate arthritis, over-the-counter medications work well. Physical therapy is also helpful for many seniors who have arthritis.
Regular movement and exercise can help manage arthritis inflammation and pain. Standing or sitting in one position for too long can aggravate arthritis for some people, so adjusting your position regularly can help manage flare-ups.
Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce arthritis symptoms. Make sure to get nutrients that help promote healthy joints – for example, Omega 3s are great for joint and bone health. And maintaining a healthy weight reduces the amount of pressure that is put on joints.
For the Elderly Living with Arthritis, Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help
If your loved one was recently diagnosed with arthritis, you may be looking for support. At Comfort Keepers Home Care in Calgary, AB, we provide elderly care services b working with seniors to ensure that they stick to their management program. Whether they need help taking medicine or a reminder to do their daily exercise, we can help. Contact us at our Calgary location today to find out more information about elderly care and to schedule an appointment.
Comfort Keepers Calgary is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.
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Senior Well Being During Isolation
Senior Well Being During Isolation | During these stressful times, it’s important that we check up on our senior loved ones to make sure they’re getting what they need. Most states are urging those 65 and older to stay at home so that they can reduce the risk of catching the virus. At Comfort Keepers Home Care, we understand how crucial it is to make sure seniors are getting their basic and emotional needs met. Here are some ways that we can encourage seniors to feel the best they can during these times.
Ideas for Senior’s Well Being During Isolation:
Basic Needs: Caregivers and low-risk family members or friends can offer to pick up groceries, prescriptions, and other supplies to ensure that your loved one stays safe. They can also assist in online ordering, as many stores offer grocery delivery now. Our caregivers will also put away groceries, meal prep, and do light cleaning.
Social Connection: Staying connected to your senior loved one is extra important during these times. You can plan weekly phone calls or video chats with them to connect, even when you can’t see each other in person. Encourage other family members and friends to do the same.
Hobbies and Entertainment: Talk to your senior about the things they enjoy and help them find at-home activities that make them happy. Whether it’s listening to music, watching a movie or playing a game, you can find something they enjoy. They can even enjoy some of these activities virtually with others. For example, they could play a card game with friends online.
Exercise: There’s no better way to keep healthy than to exercise regularly. Walks, light stretching or yoga, or even dancing are great ways for seniors to maintain and improve their range of motion and cardiovascular health. Resistance training with bands or light weights is a good way to improve strength and build muscle. There are many free workout videos online, some that are even targeted towards seniors.
Diet: It’s easy to start snacking on unhealthy foods when you’re home all the time. Help your senior meal prep and come up with some healthy ideas for snacks. You can’t go wrong with fruit and veggies!
Cleaning: Not only is cleaning important for eliminating germs, but it can also feel good to have a clean home to live in each day. Start out small with just one area of a room, and go section-by-section to make it feel more doable. Have your senior put on their favorite music, audiobook, or podcast to make it more fun.
Holidays: Even though you and your loved one may be in isolation, celebrating holidays like Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo can lift spirits. Decorate the house with springtime flowers and decorations and have a video chat with others to celebrate the holiday.
Daily Rituals: Most importantly, encourage your senior to keep up on daily rituals and find alternatives for the things they can’t do right now. Help them find joy in the little things each day.
Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help with Senior Well Being During Isolation
If your loved one needs some extra help at home, contact us at Comfort Keepers Home Care of Calgary to schedule a consultation.
Comfort Keepers Calgary is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.
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COVID-19: Precautions You Can Take
COVID-19: Precautions You Can Take | It is more important than ever to keep your senior safe during these uncertain times. An in-home caregiver can help to keep your loved one safe by supporting them at home, running errands for them, and even providing virtual care.
COVID-19: Precautions You Can Take
Reducing the Risk: Our caregivers know what steps to take to reduce the risk of infectious disease. Between cleaning and using proper personal protective equipment, our caregivers will keep your senior safe and healthy.
Home Remains the Safest Place: Staying away from crowds and groups of people is the best way to lower risk of exposure. Our care at Comfort Keepers Home Care of Calgary, AB allows your loved one to stay in their home while getting the care that they need.
Picking Up Necessities: One way to prevent infection is to avoid packed grocery stores. Our caregivers will run errands for your loved one, which includes picking up groceries or medications, going to the post office, or providing transportation to appointments. We can also help with ordering supplies and necessities online.
Cleaning: Our caregivers follow strict cleaning and hygiene guidelines to keep your loved one healthy. We offer light housekeeping services, including laundry, disinfecting countertops, and vacuuming. Our caregivers practice good hygiene by regularly washing hands and can teach your loved one about the most up-to-date hygiene practices, too.
Staying Social: During a time when family and friends can’t see each other in-person, we turn to alternatives to stay social. Our caregivers enjoy getting to know your loved one and can play games with them or encourage them to take part in their hobbies. We can also help your loved one set up a video chat or phone call with friends and family.
Family Support: Not only do we support seniors, but we support their families too. Whether you want an update on your loved one’s health or have some concerns, we are here to listen and help you out.
Virtual Care: If your loved one is unable to have a caregiver visit in person, we can provide virtual care through video chat and phone calls. This is a great way for us to check in with your loved one, and for them to get some social interaction.
Interactive Caregiving: At Comfort Keepers, we believe in Interactive Caregiving. This means that we work with our senior clients, not for them. We encourage your loved one to be active in their care and continue to keep a daily schedule, even on days that we can’t be physically with them.
Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help
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. Contact Comfort Keepers Home Care in Calgary for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Comfort Keepers Calgary is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.
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Advice and Wellness Tips Regarding COVID-19 for Seniors in Calgary, AB
At Comfort Keepers of Calgary, AB we are committed to the safety and health of our clients
Advice and Wellness Tips Regarding COVID-19 | Safety has always been the top priority at Comfort Keepers of Calgary, AB, but now more than ever health and wellness is a top priority due to the COVID-19 crisis. We believe that home remains the safest place, which is why we offer a variety of services that allow seniors to live comfortably and safely at home while receiving the assistance they need.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronavirus can be spread through person-to-person through touch, sneezes, and coughs, through surfaces, as well as through the air. This is why our Comfort Keepers caregivers are here to help your loved one with tasks such as keeping a clean home, keeping up with the laundry, and preparing healthy foods with proper sanitation practices.
Advice and Wellness Tips – How Comfort Keepers Calgary Can Help
At Comfort Keepers of Calgary, AB we take pride in helping to maintain the general health and wellness of those in our care. In these uncertain times, we have also come up with these best practices for staying on top of the COVID-19 crisis:
- Know the symptoms: Keep in mind that fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain and confusion are the symptoms of COVID-19.
- Personal care: Maintaining optimal personal hygiene is crucial during the outbreak. Our caregivers offer personal care services that include assistance with bathing, washing hands, brushing teeth, washing clothes and bedding, and more.
- Practice social distancing: During the crisis, your loved one should stay at home. Our caregivers will take care of everything else, like running errands and shopping for groceries.
- Maintain a clean home: We will make sure that every part of your loved one’s home is disinfected thoroughly regularly.
Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help
At Comfort Keepers®, we create individual care plans for every client. In addition to keeping your loved one safe during this stressful time, we can provide a number of additional services including medication management, incontinence care, respite care and more. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. 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 is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.
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Seniors and Sleep: How Much Sleep Do Older Adults in Calgary, AB Need?
Seniors and Sleep: How Much Sleep Do Older Adults in Calgary, AB Need?
Seniors and Sleep: How Much Sleep Do Older Adults Need? | Did you know that seniors may wake up 3 or 4 times per night? Many seniors also have trouble falling asleep or getting enough sleep. However, just like the rest of us, seniors need around 7-8 hours of sleep.
Causes of Poor Sleep in Seniors
- Underlying medical conditions can cause difficulty sleeping for seniors. Heart or lung conditions like COPD can make it difficult to breathe easily, which can cause a senior to wake up during the night. Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s also may have trouble sleeping. Any condition that causes chronic pain can impact sleep, too.
- Sleep Apnea is a top cause of sleep trouble. If your loved one is having trouble sleeping well, talk to their doctor about getting tested for sleep apnea. In fact, a study done on 68-year-old seniors showed that 37% of those tested met the criteria for sleep apnea.
- Insomnia is another cause of poor sleep in seniors. As we get older, our body releases fewer of the hormones that help us fall asleep and stay asleep. Combine that with anxiety, depression, or another medical condition and it can be quite difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
How Seniors Can Sleep More Soundly
If your loved one is having trouble sleeping, there are steps they can take to start to improve their sleep.
- Engage in healthy habits. Make sure that your loved one isn’t drinking caffeine too late in the day, and that they’re getting healthy meals. A senior home care provider can help them experiment with meal times and sleep, as some people have trouble sleeping if they’ve eaten recently. Other healthy habits include getting daily exercise.
- Practice nighttime rituals. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or just some deep breaths, keeping a pre-bedtime schedule can help signal to the brain that it’s time to go to bed. Also, make sure that the bedroom is dark, quiet, and a comfortable temperature.
Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help
Comfort Keepers can help. If your loved one is having trouble sleeping, a Comfort Keepers senior home care provider can help them stick to a schedule and keep healthy habits. Our caregivers can provide wellness support, remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. As part of an individualized care plan, caregivers can let a senior’s care team know if there are changes in behavior or physical characteristics. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.
To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your the Comfort Keepers Calgary location today.
Comfort Keepers Calgary is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.
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Heart Attacks: What to Look Out For and How to Help
Heart Attacks: What to Look Out For and How to Help | Many of us expect a heart attack to look like a big, sudden event, with someone collapsing to the ground. However, that is not always the case. In fact, some people don’t even realize that they’ve had a heart attack until much later.
Heart Attacks: What to Look Out For and How to Help:
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attacks
Chest Discomfort – One of the biggest symptoms is chest discomfort. Not everyone feels the same thing, but many people report feeling an intense pressure or squeezing feeling.
Other Pain or Discomfort – Some people feel pain or discomfort in other parts of their body during a heart attack. For example, some people feel jaw, back, or even arm pain during a heart attack. It’s more common for women to feel pain in other areas of the body, but it can happen to men too.
Shortness of Breath – Shortness of breath can be a symptom of a heart attack. Not everyone has this symptom, and many people don’t think of it as a symptom of a heart attack. Regardless of other symptoms, someone experiencing shortness of breath should seek treatment immediately.
Nausea – Some people may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy. Some may even vomit or have cold sweats.
Impending Sense of Doom – Those who have had heart attacks report that they felt an “impending sense of doom,” or a strong feeling that something was wrong. If you or a loved one is feeling this, it’s best to go get checked out – especially if other symptoms are present.
How to Treat Heart Attacks
If you think you or someone you’re with is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. They may tell you to give the person aspirin, so keep some on hand in your medicine cabinet in case. If they go into cardiac arrest, the dispatcher may have you start CPR compressions. They will guide you through this.
Many people recover from a heart attack and are able to get back to regular life in a few weeks. It’s important to follow a doctor’s directions and take it easy, especially for the first few weeks after the heart attack.
How to Prevent Heart Attacks
Here are some ways to prevent a heart attack.
- Avoid Smoking
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
- Eat healthy
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help
Heart health is especially important for seniors. At Comfort Keepers of Calgary, our caregivers can help your loved one create and keep good habits. Whether it’s daily exercise, creating a meal plan, or making sure your loved one is taking their medications on time, our caregivers can help.
Interested in working with Comfort Keepers? Contact us at our Calgary location today.Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.
Low Impact Exercises For Seniors
Low Impact Exercise for Seniors
Daily physical activity is important for anyone’s health, but it’s especially important for seniors. Low impact exercise is great for the heart and for the mind. As we get older, our mobility and strength lessens; however, that doesn’t mean there aren’t lost of great low impact exercises out there. In fact, many of these exercises can be done at home. Whether it’s walking, yoga, or dancing, seniors should talk to their doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Some examples of low impact exercise are:
Walking – Walking is one of the best low impact exercises. You can walk for as long or as short as you want, and as fast or as slow. Bringing a friend along or walking a dog are great ways to make walking even better.
Yoga – Gentle yoga is a great way to build strength and flexibility. You can go at your own pace and there are often modifications for poses if you’re not quite ready for one. It’s relaxing and a good way to refocus, too.
Pilates – Pilates focuses on small movements that strengthen the core and align the spine. This makes it great for seniors who may need to build up core strength.
Swimming – There’s a reason why water aerobics is so popular in senior communities. Not only is it fun, but it’s low impact and easy on the joints.
Cycling – Cycling can be a great low impact exercise. Hop on a bike and pedal at a comfortable pace.
TRX – TRX is a form of resistance training that uses suspension straps to pull or push your bodyweight. It’s a great way to build muscle and get extra stabilization for exercises like squats.
Tai Chi – Tai Chi is a slow, gentle workout that focuses on balancing and coordination. It’s a great way to build strength, and even prevent falls.
Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help with Low Impact Exercise for Seniors
At Comfort Keepers, we care about the happiness and health of our seniors. Our caregivers will create a personalized plan for your loved one that can include daily exercise. Whether your loved one wants to walk their dog or go to a yoga class, our caregivers can encourage and help them make it happen.
Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.
Preventing and Treating Pneumonia in Seniors
Preventing and Treating Pneumonia in Seniors
As we get older, our immune system weakens, making it easier to get sick. This is why seniors should be vigilant about staying as healthy as they can so that when an illness does hit, they’ll be able to bounce back quickly. Aside from changes in the immune system, our lungs change as we get older – it becomes more difficult to clear secretions from the lungs, making infection more likely. And of course, health conditions can compromise one’s ability to fight off infection.
Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia in Seniors
Many signs of pneumonia are similar to a bad flu or cold. However, with pneumonia, you’ll often see patients who have chest pain when they cough. Confusion or changes in mental awareness is also a symptom seen in seniors with pneumonia. Another symptom seen more often in seniors is a lower body temperature than usual. Other symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
How to Treat Pneumonia in Seniors
If you think you or your loved one has pneumonia, go to the doctor as soon as possible. They will take a chest x-ray to determine whether you have pneumonia. If you do, they may give you fluids, oxygen, and medications, depending on the severity of the case.
How to Prevent Pneumonia in Seniors
Luckily, there are ways to prevent pneumonia. One of the best ways to prevent it is to get the flu shot and the pneumonia shot. And if you smoke, work towards quitting. Smoking seriously affects the lungs and makes them more susceptible to infection. Finally, practice good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. It’s important to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise so that your body can fight off viruses and bacteria. And don’t forget to wash your hands!
Preventing and Treating Pneumonia in Seniors; Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help
If your senior is recovering from pneumonia or another illness, Comfort Keepers can help them get back to normal life. At Comfort Keepers, our caregivers provide in-home care services including light housework, mobility assistance, and 24-hour care. We only hire caregivers that we ourselves would let care for our family, so you know that you’re getting high-quality services.
Contact the Comfort Keepers Calgary office to learn more about how we can help maintain safety, comfort, and happiness in the home.