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Amidst the Coronavirus crisis, during a period of time when staying at home and socially distanced is essential, it’s important to keep seniors safe, reassured, active and cared for.

• One-to-one relationships are important right now. Our caregivers are trained in infection control and senior care, and work in a one-on-one relationship with seniors, reducing the risk of community-wide exposure to COVID-19.
• Seniors are safest at home, away from the risk of infection. Comfort Keepers focuses on care and supportive services centered around serving seniors in their home, where they are best protected.
• Our caregivers can pick up prescriptions, grocery shop or provide transportation to medical appointments.
• Our offices can help with online orders of supplies, meals and other necessities.
• Our caregivers can provide housekeeping and make sure that surfaces are disinfected to keep seniors clean and prepare meals to make sure they are nourished.
• Comfort Keepers is all about Elevating the Human Spirit for clients, caregivers and families. That has never been more important than now. During this time of social distancing, seniors may be socially isolated, in addition to being physically isolated. Comfort Keepers works to help seniors fight depression and loneliness, especially while remaining at home. We help keep them active, optimistic and socially engaged during this period. A daily dose of joy is sorely needed.
• Supporting families is essential. When a senior is in the care of Comfort Keepers, so is their entire family. We are a supportive resource to address questions, concerns, and check on loved ones.
• Many of our offices provide digital, remote services to extend care (including virtual check-ins). We can enable social connection and augment in-home visits. This includes check-in phone calls.
• Whenever possible and safe, our caregivers are encouraged to practice Interactive Caregiving™. Instead of doing for the client we do with the client. Participating in daily activities will keep seniors active, engaged, and provide a sense of normalcy in a time of uncertainty.

Contact your local office for a free consultation. Let us be a resource during these difficult
times. Learn more at ComfortKeepers.ca.

As we all prepare to keep our homes and families safe during this COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important to consider the needs of the seniors in our lives and in our communities.

Provincial and local health agencies are taking steps to ensure that seniors are physically protected from the virus, including directives for everyone and especially those 65 and older to stay home and the closing of non-essential services. Many families are searching for guidance and solutions to ensure their loved ones are best taken care of.

This isolation can take a toll a senior’s mental and physical health, and it’s important to remember that there are things we can all do to foster connection, hope, purpose, and support for seniors during this difficult time.

Families, caregivers and health professionals should work with seniors to develop a plan that allows them to take part in activities they love, follow the self-isolation recommendations of health agencies, and maintain positive mental health.

This can include:

• Ensuring basic needs are met. Caregivers, loved ones, and volunteers considered low risk (those under 65 without preexisting medical conditions) can help seniors by running errands, grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, helping with online orders of delivery of food and supplies, and taking care of other tasks outside of the home. With self-isolation guidelines in place, seniors should remember that there are people willing to help them stay safe.
• Connecting with others whenever possible. Spending time with loved ones doesn’t have to happen in-person to be meaningful. Video calls, Facetime, texts and emails can help seniors stay in touch with loved ones when they can’t be together. Get the whole family in on connecting with loved ones.
• Enjoying the things they love. Life doesn’t stop when staying at home, talk to your senior about what they
  enjoy – uncovering old favorites can lead to new memories like an at home spelling bee, a spirited game
  of cards, or a renewed love of art. For any activity and hobby, there’s a virtual version available. For those that
  love art, museums are offering online tours for those that can’t visit. There are a host of music options available on streaming services and singing and dancing is just as fun in the living room! And, podcasts on any topic can be streamed on a phone, website or through a virtual assistant.
• Get some exercise. It’s important for seniors to continue movement and motion through exercise, even during a period of isolation. Ensuring a senior’s range of motion is still intact through daily stretching or yoga is a great way to keep moving. Keep moving by getting steps in when you can or turn up the tunes and have a dance party in the living room! Lifting light weights at home can help keep muscles strong when getting out of the house may not be an option. Many gyms and fitness professionals are offering free virtual workouts to do at home, for those that have permission from their physician to exercise.
• Maintain a healthy diet. When we spend a lot time at home it’s often easy to grab a bite anytime we pass the kitchen. It’s important to keep in mind healthy options when snacking – avoid too many salty or sweet snacks.
  And, when meal prepping remember the food pyramid – fruit, veggies, calcium, grain, and proteins.
• It’s a great time for spring cleaning! Not only is disinfecting surfaces in the home a recommended step to avoiding Coronavirus, it’s also a good time to consider a larger spring-cleaning project. And, a spring refresh doesn’t have to be a chore – seniors can make housework fun by playing upbeat music or using the time to look at photos and mementos with loved ones.
• Spring serves up holidays that are pure fun. Seniors and their loved ones should make it a point to celebrate occasions like Mother’s Day, Easter, Passover, and the first day of spring. Whether it’s making a special meal, dressing up or sending cards to loved ones, holidays offer lots of opportunities for connection – even when families aren’t together.
• Find joy in everyday activities. Take time to enjoy the small things – card games, baking projects, a good cup of coffee, a phone call with a friend, eating your favorite food. There are always opportunities for meaningful moments and joyful days with a little planning, conversation, and intentional action.

For those in need of a little extra help at home, Comfort Keepers can help. Our professional caregivers are well-trained and have the right protective equipment to provide loving and safe in-home care. Find out more about our uplifting in-home care services at ComfortKeepers.ca.

Here’s a list to get you started. You can do these activities with the senior in your care or even share in the activity remotely:

1. Read suspense or romance novels out loud;
2. Order an herb garden online, and watch it grow;
3. Order supplies to garden in a pot;
4. Send your senior a coffee or tea of the week;
5. Order supplies from an online crafts store for your loved one’s favorite hobby or something fun and new;
6. Have your senior narrate parts of their life for you. Write down the memories and create a booklet with photos for you all to cherish;
7. Picnic in the backyard or inside;
8. Have a fashion show at home;
9. Watch favorite classic movies;
10. Watch classic TV shows from childhood together and talk about it;
11. Have fun with adult coloring books;
12. Paint by numbers;
13. Read your horoscope every day;
14. Try Wii sports;
15. Make a Sundae bar at home;
16. Gather items to donate;
17. Organize a room, a drawer or closet;
18. Phone or Video calls with family;
19. Look at old albums and yearbooks;
20. Try scrap booking;
21. Watching the Travel Channel or History Channel;
22. Voice journaling/journaling;
23. Create a recipe book for the family;
24. Have fun with Snapchat filters;
25. Learn a language online;
26. Watch documentaries;
27. Have a culture day: Watch a foreign film and cook a meal;
28. Visit a virtual museum, go to a virtual concert, ballet and opera;
29. Play online Bingo;
30. Put together a collage;
31. Play Charades;
32. Have a formal tea;
33. Make origami;
34. Press flowers;
35. Make greeting cards;
36. Order supplies and paint rocks;
37. Plan a dream vacation;
38. Try a new food;
39. Watch old music videos;
40. Start corresponding with a pen pal;
41. Listen to music favorites; make a playlist;
42. Download a new podcast;
43. Make a family tree;
44. Make a time capsule;
45. Have a spelling bee; really challenge yourself.

Let us be a resource during these difficult times. Learn more at ComfortKeepers.ca.

Spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature and participating in activities can improve quality of life for seniors. However, cold winter weather can create a barrier to many senior’s regular schedules. And, it’s not just snow and ice that make winter a difficult season for seniors – additional factors include post-holiday isolation, illness, and the physical effect of cold weather.

For an older person, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse.

Knowing what to look for, and creating a strategy for combatting winter health risks, can help seniors maintain positive mental health and physical wellness.

Some factors to consider include:

• Winter blues – Cold air and gloomy skies can make anyone feel less cheerful during the winter months. However, depression can have an outsized effect on seniors and their long-term mental health. Creating opportunities for socialization and finding joyful moments isn’t just for fun – it can help foster critical connection and combat loneliness. There are a variety of uplifting activities that can be enjoyed during the winter months. These include movie nights, reminiscing by the fire, and getting outside on a rare sunny day.
• Winter illness – There are a variety of ways that seniors can be physically affected by the winter season.
  • Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection that can be dangerous for seniors due to lung issues that come with age, weakened immune systems and conditions that make pneumonia more severe. Older adults should talk to their doctor about healthy lifestyle changes and vaccines that can help.
  • Joint pain: Joint pain can be more common for seniors in cold conditions – whether they suffer from arthritis or not. Dressing in layers, regulating temperature inside and stretching exercises can help. A healthcare professional can also suggest exercise, medication or other coping strategies.
  • Heart issues: Heart attacksand high blood pressure are more common in winter because cold snaps increase blood pressure and strain on the heart. The heart must work harder to maintain body heat, while falling temperatures may cause an unhealthy rise in high blood pressure, especially in seniors.
• Winter safety – Being mindful of winter safety issues is important for seniors and their families. Cold weather can be more dangerous for those with some health conditions, like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes or thyroid problems. Seniors should talk to their doctor to learn more. Other types of accidents or injuries can be avoided through education too. Examples include being mindful about fall risks, monitoring carbon dioxide levels and preventing hypothermia.

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

Our goal is to provide uplifting in-home care that benefits seniors and their families. The individualized care plans we create for our clients consider physical goals as well as non-physical mental health needs. Our caregivers can provide companionship or transportation to community events, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens, provide companionship and help to families that want to stay connected through technology. We strive to elevate the human spirit through quality, compassionate, joyful care.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

Medical Alert. “How to Avoid the Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Web. 2020.

American Lung Association. “Lung Health and Diseases: Learn About Pneumonia.” Web. 2018.

U.S. News. 10 Ways to Avoid Winter Joint Pain. Web. 2015.

American Heart Association. “Cold Weather and Cardiovascular Disease.” Web. 2015.

National Institute on Aging. “Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults.” Web. 2018.

Parkinson’s disease affects 1 in every 500 people in Canada.  Most are diagnosed over the age of 60. Parkinson’s disease affects both men and women.  Statistically, however, men have a slightly higher chance of developing the disease.  The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease also increases with age, with the average age of onset being 65 years old.

Over 100,000 Canadians are living with Parkinson’s today and approximately 6,600 new cases of PD are diagnosed each year in Canada

Parkinson’s disease can manifest in the following ways:

• Tremors
• Balance problems
• Cognitive impairment
• Mood disorders
• Short steps and slowed movement (bradykinesia)
• Speech and writing changes

While there is no known cure for Parkinson’s, taking steps to manage the disease can increase a senior’s quality of life and help to reduce the impact of symptoms.

Those that have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s should discuss management strategies with a healthcare professional. There are a variety of medications and therapies that a doctor can recommend.

Everyday symptom management strategies can include:

• Finding ways to relieve stress: There is ample evidence that stress can make symptoms worse. However, they usually return to normal levels once the cause of stress is removed. Activities that can help reduce stress include meditation, yoga, deep breathing, getting outside, spending time with loved ones, participating in hobbies or physical activity approved by a physician.
• Maintaining a good diet: For those with Parkinson’s, proper nutrition will not only help manage symptoms, but can help slow the progression of the disease in some seniors. In addition to healthy, nutritious food, it’s important to prevent dehydration too.
• Adapting your home: Depending on the Parkinson’s symptoms that someone is experiencing, there are a variety of ways to improve everyday life with a few adjustments to living space. For those with trouble walking, or those that needs a wheelchair, wide walkways help manage mobility. Mattresses with adjustable features can be helpful for anyone with difficulty getting in and out of bed, and grab bars may be helpful for those with balance issues.
• Preventing falls: Having trouble walking is a common Parkinson’s disease symptom. Minimizing fall risk is an important safety management strategy that is easy to execute. Wearing proper footwear, making sure rooms are properly lit and removing trip hazards can all help reduce the risk of falls.

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

For those who need extra help, in-home caregivers can help facilitate stress management activities, provide support for physician-approved diet and exercise plans and will evaluate a home for safety as part of an in-home assessment. Caregivers can also help with mobility, improve home safety, provide transportation to appointments and events and can help seniors maintain positive mental health through connection, engagement, and companionship. For more information on how in-home caregiving can provide assistance to those with Parkinson’s disease, contact your nearest Comfort Keepers^® office today.

References

Mayo Clinic. “Parkinson’s Disease.” Web. 2018.

UCB Canada.  “Parkinson’s Disease.”  Web. 2019.

WebMD. “Parkinson’s Disease Guide: Living & Managing.” Web.

Parkinson’s Foundation. “Statistics.” Web. 2016.

PTSD develops in approximately 1 in 3 people who go through serious trauma. This can include anything from the death of a loved one, military combat, car accidents, illness or injury, natural disasters, a disease diagnosis or other events that may have significant physical or psychological impact.

Many people experience negative feelings after experiencing a traumatic event. However, when these negative feelings last for a long period of time, cause someone to relive the trauma or have daily impacts, that person could be suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For seniors, it’s not uncommon for symptoms of PTSD to be a result of traumatic events that happened earlier in their lives or to occur after a major fall, a heart attack or other serious health events.

For seniors with PTSD, symptoms can include flashbacks, depression or anger, fear, self-isolation, outbursts or trouble sleeping. These symptoms can be difficult to identify or mistaken for other age-related conditions.

There are treatment options for seniors experiencing PTSD. It is recommended that anyone experiencing PTSD symptoms consult their physician to establish a plan of treatment to successfully manage symptoms.

• Lifestyle changes– for some, keeping active and engaged can help manage PTSD symptoms. This can include anything from starting a physician-approved exercise regimen, volunteering, getting involved in community activities, or finding ways to increase mental stimulation.
• Medicine– there are medications that can help seniors with PTSD. For seniors that are prescribed medication, it’s important to schedule regular check-ins with a physician and to be open about the positive and negative effects of medications.
• Therapy– individual or group therapy can be a great resource for seniors with PTSD. There are multiple types of therapy, with different goals and methods for each. Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Stress Inoculation are types of therapy specifically created to help with PTSD symptoms. Seniors that are interested in starting therapy should talk to their doctor about the type of program that might work for them.
• Sharing experiences– talking about the traumatic event that caused the PTSD can also bring relief and foster connections that may be beneficial for a senior’s physical and mental health. This can be a conversation with a friend or joining a support group – it’s important for people to share in an environment where they feel supported and understood. It can be difficult for someone with PTSD to talk about their experiences, but for many this may be a necessary step for managing symptoms.

Comfort Keepers Can Help

Our goal is to provide uplifting in-home care that benefits seniors and their families. The individualized care plans we create for our clients consider physical goals as well as emotional and psychological needs. Our caregivers can provide transportation to community events and appointments, support physician-prescribed exercise regimens, provide companionship and help families stay connected to the Comfort Keepers care team and informed of their loved ones care through use of technology. We strive to elevate the human spirit through quality, compassionate, joyful care.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

Mayo Clinic. “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).” Web. 2018.

Psychiatric Times. “PTSD in Late Life: Special Issues.” Web. 2018.

American Psychiatric Association. “What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.” Web. 2013

Everyday Health. “When a Health Crisis Leads to PTSD.” Web. 2012.

Changes to vision and concerns about eye health can happen rapidly for older adults. Seniors should get a vision test done once a year and should always follow a doctor’s recommendations on treatment plans and vision health.

Here are eight strategies for seniors to maintain eye health:

1. Diet– Eating delicious food is one of the most enjoyable ways seniors can maintain eye health. And, there are a variety of options that provide vitamins and nutrients that help with eye health – kale, carrots, eggs, sweet potatoes, oranges, almonds and salmon are great sources.
2. Exercise– A physician-recommended exercise plan can not only help with overall health, but has benefits for the eyes too. Increased blood circulation can remove toxins and increase oxygen levels in the eyes.
3. Avoid eye trauma– Injuries can have a huge impact on long-term eye and vision health and taking precautions can prevent accidental eye trauma. Remembering to wear protective eyewear or goggles when appropriate, using chemicals and sharp objects with caution, and eliminating trip hazards are some of the ways that accidents can be avoided.
4. Smart computer use– Regular computer use can lead to eye strain and discomfort at any age. However, computer screens can be more harmful to our eyes as we age, and can cause headaches, eye irritation or vision issues like blurriness or seeing double. Seniors that use a computer regularly, particularly those who are in front of a computer for long periods of time, should make sure that their desk has good lighting, take regular breaks and always use corrective eyewear.
5. Consider other health issues– Older adults can have health issues that affect their vision health, and it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional about how physical conditions and medications can have an impact on the eyes.
6. Sunglasses– Protective eyewear becomes more important as we age, and it’s important for seniors to build the habit of always wearing sunglasses when they are outside.
7. Sleep– Sleep has beneficial properties for overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. It’s no surprise that getting a good night’s rest is important for eye health too!
8. Vision screenings– Changes to vision and eye health can happen rapidly for older adults. Seniors should get a vision test done once a year and should always follow a doctor’s recommendations on treatment plans and health.

Comfort Keepers Can Help

If someone is experiencing changes in their vision, or wants to build healthy habits, the trusted care team at Comfort Keepers^®can help. Our caregivers can assist with meal preparation, medication reminders and can support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. 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 local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

ClearCare. “3 Easy Tips for Seniors to Maintain Healthy Eyes & Improve Vision.” Web. 2016.

American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Tips for Eye Health in Adults Over 60.” Web. 2014.

All About Vision. “Boost your diet to protect aging eyes.” Web. 2019.

Bausch + Lomb. “60+ Eye Health.” Web.

More than one-third of Canadian seniors experience falls, which can have a devastating physical and psychological impact, resulting in disability, chronic pain, loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and even death. Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors And, falling once doubles someone’s chances of falling again.

Preventing accidents in the home, including falls, is one of the most important planning strategies for helping seniors stay independent. Fractures, head trauma and other injuries can cause long term mobility issues and have lasting physical effects. And, once an injury occurs, it can affect someone’s ability to live the way they want and enjoy the same lifestyle and activities.

Health issues that occur more often as we age can also make seniors more likely to fall. These risk factors include:

• Muscle weakness
• Heart disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia
• Malnutrition
• Low blood pressure
• Poor vision
• Ear infections or inflammation
• Pain or sensitivity in the legs or feet

There are some precautions that seniors and their families can take to reduce the likelihood of a fall.

Evaluating risk factors and taking preventative measures in a way that considers the unique lifestyle, needs and health of a senior can help.

• Minimize trip hazards– Some fall hazards are obvious; flights of stairs, slippery shower floors or cords that are too far from a wall outlet. But there are less obvious features that can be an issue for someone with dizziness or vision loss. These can include loose rugs, certain types of carpeting, dimly lit hallways or a dog toy in the middle of the floor. Removing the hazard or installing safety devices, like grab bars and brighter light bulbs, can help.
• Evaluate footwear– Footwear that has an open back, doesn’t fit properly, is worn out or has a slippery bottom can all contribute to tripping or balance problems. There are a variety of safe shoe options to fit any activity and personal style…safe shoes don’t have to be boring!
• Know the effects of medication– Seniors and their families should talk to a healthcare professional about how a person’s specific medications – both prescription and over-the-counter – can have side effects that cause dizziness or balance issues.
• Nutrition and exercise– Having healthy habits when it comes to diet and exercise can prevent weakness in the legs and feet, and can reduce pain. Seniors should always talk to their doctor about any diet and exercise plan, and can ask specific questions about how these things affect their fall risk factors.
• Focus on mental health – Studies show that there is a correlation between depression in seniors and falls. According to one report, “both depression and fear of falling are associated with impairment of gait and balance.” Positive mental wellbeing can improve many areas of a senior’s life, and reduced fall risk is another benefit. Connecting with loved ones, finding a sense of purpose, engaging in enjoyable activities and experiencing joy can improve physical and mental quality of life.

Some families only think about fall prevention after a loved one is hurt. Taking precautions before an accident happens can help seniors maintain their physical health and their independence.

Comfort Keepers Can Help

For every client, our Comfort Keepers team does a thorough home evaluation to minimize hazards in the home – including fall risk evaluation. Our caregivers can help with mobility issues, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. And, our goal is to elevate the spirits of our clients and their families every day. As part of an individualized care plan, caregivers can also help with activities like cooking, cleaning and physical care. Whether a senior is recovering from a fall or needs help with fall prevention, we can provide services to help.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

Canadian Patient Safety Institute. “Falls”. Web, 2019.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Falls Are Serious and Costly.” Web.

Better Health While Aging. “Why Older People Fall & How to Reduce Fall Risk.” Web. 2017.

Mayo Clinic. “Fall Prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls.” Web. 2016.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research. “The Complex Interplay of Depression and Falls in Older Adults: A Clinical Review.” Web. 2016

Seniors suffering from osteoporosis often don’t experience any symptoms of the disease until they get a fracture. According to Osteoporosis Canada, approximately 2 million Canadians have osteoporosis.  Over 80% of all fractures in people 50 plus are caused by osteoporosis.

One in three women and one in five men over 50 will experience osteoporitic fractures.

While bone density naturally decreases with age, starting in the mid 30’s, osteoporosis is a preventable, and treatable, condition.

Prevention strategies for osteoporosis:

• Diet – Getting the right vitamins and nutrients is critical for seniors that want to prevent osteoporosis. Malnutrition can also contribute to the disease and can be a concern for older adults. A healthcare professional can help seniors evaluate their eating habits and will suggest improvements to keep bones healthy.
• Activity – Seniors should always consult a physician before starting any new exercise program. Weight bearing exercises, if approved by a doctor, can be particularly helpful in preventing osteoporosis. This can include dancing, weight training, walking or jogging and other activities that get someone up on their feet.
• Healthy habits– Smoking, or inhaling second hand smoke, can increase risk for osteoporosis. Alcohol consumption can also contribute to low bone density.

For those diagnosed with osteoporosis, or osteopenia (low bone mass), there are treatments available. Physical therapy, medication and lifestyle changes can help seniors maintain healthy bones and can also help prevent falls for those already at risk. Older adults that are concerned that they may have osteoporosis can discuss screening options with their healthcare team.

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

If someone is suffering from osteoporosis, the trusted care team at Comfort Keepers^® can help. Our caregivers can assist with meal preparation, medication reminders and can support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. 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 local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

International Osteoporosis Foundation. “Preventing Osteoporosis.” Web.

National Institute on Aging. “Osteoporosis” Web.2017.

Womenshealth.gov. “How can I prevent Osteoporosis” Web. 2016.

Osteoporosis Canada.  “Fast Facts”.  Web. 2018.