What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About a Healthy Summer Diet
While it’s often recommended that we eat five-to-seven servings of fruits and vegetables each day, the CDC suggests that it could be as much as 13, depending on age, gender, and physical activity.
Senior Nutrition: Clearing the Plate
Remember when you were a child and your parents insisted you finish all your fruits and vegetables? It may have felt like a chore back then, but looking back, it’s clear they had your best interests at heart. While those foods were essential for your growth and development, they become even more critical as we age. Fruits and vegetables are powerful allies in supporting healthy aging and can help lower the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and even some types of cancer.
In fact, there are a number of fruits and vegetables that have been classified as “superfoods.” This signifies that they represent an all-natural (generally plant-based) source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients conducive to healthy living. And because these foods are so nutrient-dense, they are ideal for aging adults, who are often challenged with reaching their required daily intake of essential vitamins, folic acid, and niacin.
Below you will find some of the fruit and vegetable superfoods that your aging loved ones can incorporate into their diets. Be sure that they consult a physician before modifying any diet, especially if they do not have a comprehensive understanding of their food allergies.
Eight Fruit and Vegetable Superfoods for Seniors
#1. Blueberries:
Packed with vitamins C and K, blueberries provide seemingly innumerable health benefits. Regular consumption has been linked to maintenance of brain functionality, due primarily to high flavonoid levels. Its manganese levels help regulate metabolism, while the fiber lowers cholesterol and, in turn, maintains blood sugar.
#2. Apples:
Similar to blueberries, apples are a significant source of soluble fiber (daily consumption is said to reduce LDL cholesterol by 40%), but they’re also rich in potassium and vitamin C, both of which benefit blood pressure. Moreover, apple skin contains an antioxidant called quercetin that provides antihistamine and anti-inflammatory support.
#3. Cherries:
Did you know that cherries get their red color from an antioxidant known as anthocyanin? Not only does it provide the small fruit with a vibrant color, it gives it some pretty significant inflammation-reducing and triglyceride-lowering power. Cherries can also help regulate sleep cycles because of their melatonin richness.
#4. Grapes:
In addition to its abundance of resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that helps promote heart health, studies have shown that the seed extract in grapes can potentially slow the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
#5. Asparagus:
High in lycopene, which reduces the risk of prostate cancer, asparagus also helps the immune system with its plentiful supply of vitamin A. Additionally, its fiber contains prebiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria.
#6. Broccoli:
It’s almost become a cliché, but broccoli could very well be considered a miracle food. With plentiful fiber, vitamins A, C, B9, and K, just about every aspect of your body is directly benefited. New research suggests that broccoli may also help aid in reducing the risk of certain cancers, due to its anti-carcinogenic compounds such as diindolylmethane and glucoraphanin. What’s more, many of its nutrients (zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and phosphorus) protect the eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts.
#7. Kale:
Often considered a close relative of broccoli, kale does just about everything, from protecting arteries to reducing cholesterol. And whether it’s prepared raw or cooked, these leafy greens are an excellent source of iron and fiber. Kale also contains a plethora of carotenoids and flavonoids – powerful antioxidants that can help protect the body from chronic diseases.
#8. Butternut Squash:
Loaded with beta-carotene (essential for eye health) and vitamin C, this vegetable is a vital asset, especially when it comes to controlling blood pressure. And because of its high fiber, butternut squash is great for maintaining blood sugar and lowering cholesterol.
A Balanced Diet for Seniors
Despite the fact these superfoods are nutrient-dense and help the body in a number of ways, they should not become one’s entire diet. Balance and moderation are both vital when it comes to all aspects of physical well-being, and consumption of fruits and vegetables is no exception. You can still gain weight from the over-indulgence of healthy foods – especially if they’ve been processed. Be wary of “too good to be true” marketing devices, do your research, and always try to find the purest form of the foods listed above.
And remember that fruits and vegetables should represent a component of your daily nutritional intake. If your senior loved ones are looking to understand what constitutes a balanced meal, encourage them to check out ChooseMyPlate. The site is a wealth of information regarding healthy eating, but it also looks at all angles of senior well-being, including recommended physical activities. You might also want to look at Canada’s Food Guide.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services
Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness.
Top-Notch Home Accredited Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta
For over 15 years Comfort Keepers Edmonton has offered a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!
Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™
Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.
Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services.
What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?
CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.
Accredited Home Care Edmonton
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.
To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.
References:
- AARP. “Top 15 Superfoods for People Over 50” by Julia Bencomo Lobacco. Web. 2016.
- Live Science. “What Are Superfoods?” by Christopher Wanjek. Web. 2015.
- Health.com. “23 Healthiest Superfruits You Need Now” by Benjamin Packet
- Everyday Health. “5 Tricks for Getting Enough Fruit and Veggies” by Krisha McCoy. Web. 2017.
- MindBodyGreen. “Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating Kale” by Alison Lewis. Web. 2012.
In-Home Dementia Care vs. Memory Care Facilities: Finding the Best Environment for Your Loved One
Making care decisions for a loved one with dementia is more than a logistical puzzle; it’s an emotional journey. You’re balancing medical needs, safety concerns, and financial realities, all while navigating feelings of stress, grief, and the profound desire to do what’s best. The choice between in-home dementia care vs. memory care facilities can feel overwhelming, with each path presenting its own set of questions.
You’re not just looking for a list of pros and cons. You’re looking for a clear, compassionate path to a confident decision. This guide is designed to provide just that. We’ll move beyond surface-level comparisons to help you evaluate what truly matters: your loved one’s well-being, their stage of dementia, and your family’s unique situation.
The Core Differences: Environment, Care, and Cost
Comparison: In-Home Dementia Care vs. Memory Care Facility
At a glance, the two options seem straightforward. One is care at home; the other is care in a specialized residence. But the differences in daily life, cost, and philosophy are significant.
| Factor | In-Home Dementia Care | Memory Care Facility |
| Environment | The familiar, comfortable, and consistent setting of their own home. | A secure, structured environment with other residents and staff. |
| Level of Care | One-on-one, personalized care from a dedicated caregiver tailored to specific needs and routines. | Staff provides care for multiple residents; care is structured around the facility’s schedule. |
| Socialization | Consistent companionship from a caregiver, with opportunities for community engagement based on the individual’s abilities. | Structured group activities and daily interaction with other residents and staff. |
| Personal Autonomy | High degree of independence and control over daily schedules, meals, and activities. | Lower level of personal autonomy; daily life follows a predetermined facility schedule. |
| Family Involvement | Families can be highly involved in daily care decisions and routines. | Family involvement is typically through scheduled visits and care plan meetings. |
| Typical Cost | Averages $36 per hour. For 40 hours/week, this is about $6,240 per month. | National median cost is approximately $7,292 per month for a semi-private room. |
Please note: To support aging in place, the Government of Alberta provides funding that helps people remain comfortably at home.
The Most Important Factor: Your Loved One’s Stage of Dementia
A generic comparison only gets you so far. The best environment for your loved one depends heavily on where they are in their journey with dementia. Needs change, and the right solution today might be different from the right solution a year from now.
Early-Stage Dementia: Prioritizing Familiarity and Independence
In the early stages, individuals can often live quite independently but may need help with reminders, organization, or transportation. The primary goal is to maintain their routine and sense of self.
Why In-Home Care Often Excels:
- Preserves Normalcy: Staying at home minimizes the confusion and anxiety that can come with a new environment.
- Builds Trust: A consistent, one-on-one caregiver can become a trusted companion, which is crucial as the condition progresses.
- Targeted Support: Care can be scheduled for just a few hours a day or week to help with specific tasks like meal prep, errands, and managing appointments, making it a flexible and cost-effective option.
For families at this stage, focusing on creating a safe home environment for seniors with dementia can make a world of difference in extending their independence.
Mid-Stage Dementia: The Tipping Point
As dementia progresses into the middle stages, the need for support becomes more significant. Symptoms like wandering, increased confusion, and behavioral changes become more common. This is often the point where families feel the most pressure to consider a facility.
How to Evaluate Your Options:
- Safety vs. Familiarity: A memory care facility offers a secure perimeter to prevent wandering. However, specialized in-home care can achieve a high level of safety through trained caregivers and technology without the emotional toll of a move.
- One-on-One vs. Group Care: In a facility, staff must divide their attention. At home, a dedicated caregiver can focus entirely on your loved one, providing redirection and managing challenging behaviors with patient, personalized techniques.
- The Hybrid Model: Many families find success by supplementing specialized in-home care with adult day programs. This provides the social stimulation of a group setting while maintaining the comfort of home.
Understanding the typical progression through the stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia: a family guide can help you anticipate these changes and plan accordingly.
Late-Stage Dementia: Focusing on Comfort and Dignity
In the late stages, individuals require extensive, often 24/7, assistance with all aspects of daily living. The focus shifts entirely to comfort, dignity, and intensive personal care.
When a Facility May Become the Right Choice:
- Complex Medical Needs: If your loved one requires round-the-clock skilled nursing care (like tube feeding or advanced wound care) that goes beyond the scope of non-medical in-home care, a facility with integrated medical staff may be necessary.
- Caregiver Burnout: The demands of late-stage care can be physically and emotionally exhaustive. Unpaid family caregivers provide an estimated $247 billion in care annually—a testament to their dedication, but also a sign of the immense burden they carry. A move may become the most compassionate choice for the well-being of the entire family.
Even in these advanced stages, many families opt for in-home palliative or end-of-life care to allow their loved one to remain in a peaceful, familiar environment.
Beyond the Logistics: The Unspoken Factors in Your Decision
This choice is deeply personal, and the right answer isn’t on a spreadsheet. It lies in understanding the emotional and psychological needs of both your loved one and your family.
Honoring Their Independence and Dignity
For a person with dementia, their home is more than just a building – it’s a repository of memories, a symbol of their identity, and the last bastion of their independence. While safety is paramount, preserving their dignity is just as important. The ability to sit in their own chair, sleep in their own bed, and follow their own rhythm can have a profound impact on their quality of life.
Managing Caregiver Guilt and Well-being
It’s easy to feel that you are failing if you can’t do it all yourself. This feeling of guilt is a heavy burden. Remember, seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you choose in-home support to give yourself a needed respite or a facility for intensive care, you are making a decision based on love and responsibility. Improving your communication tips for caring for a loved one with dementia can also ease the strain and foster a stronger connection.
Dementia Care Assessment Checklist
Use these questions to guide a thoughtful conversation with your family and assess your specific situation.
About Your Loved One:
☐ What is their current stage of dementia?
☐ Can they still express their own preferences? Have they?
☐ Do they have behavioral challenges like wandering or aggression?
☐ How do they react to new people or environments?
☐ What are their primary medical needs?
About Your Home Environment:
☐ Is the home layout safe and easy to navigate? (e.g., single-story, few trip hazards)
☐ Is the location secure? How close are neighbours or family?
About Your Family and Caregiving Capacity:
☐ What is the primary caregiver’s physical and emotional state?
☐ How many hours of care per day are truly needed?
☐ What is your budget for care? Have you compared the cost of 24/7 home care vs. a facility?
☐ Can technology (like monitoring sensors) help bridge any gaps?
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t a memory care facility always safer for someone who wanders?
Not necessarily. While facilities are secured, the one-on-one attention from a dedicated in-home caregiver can often prevent wandering before it starts by engaging the client and redirecting their attention. Technology like door sensors and GPS tracking can also provide a powerful safety net at home.
I’m worried my mom will be lonely and isolated at home. Is a facility better for socialization?
Forced socialization in a group setting can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Quality is more important than quantity. The consistent, meaningful companionship from a caregiver who understands their personality and interests—what we call Interactive Caregiving™—can be more effective at combating loneliness than being in a room full of people.
Can in-home care handle advanced dementia symptoms like aggression or sundowning?
Yes. A key advantage of professional in-home care is the specialized training caregivers receive. At Comfort Keepers, our caregivers are trained to understand the triggers for challenging behaviors and use techniques like redirection, validation, and creating calm routines to de-escalate situations and provide compassionate support.
Making a Confident, Compassionate Choice
There is no single “best” answer in the debate between in-home care and memory care facilities. The best choice is the one that honors your loved one’s dignity, ensures their safety, and supports the well-being of your entire family.
For many, in-home care provides the ideal balance—offering expert, one-on-one support within the comforting and familiar environment of home. It allows for a personalized approach that can adapt as your loved one’s needs change, preserving their independence for as long as possible.
If you are exploring your options, the first step is a simple conversation. Our team and Comfort Keepers Edmonton can help you understand your loved one’s needs and develop a personalized care plan that elevates their spirit and brings your family peace of mind.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services
Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness.
Top-Notch Home Accredited Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta
For over 15 years Comfort Keepers Edmonton has offered a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!
Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™
Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.
When you are ready to start exploring your homecare options here is a guide on what to ask a homecare company
Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services.
What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?
CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.
Accredited Home Care Edmonton
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.
To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.
Osteoporosis Affects Senior Men Too
What Every Senior Make in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis Affects Men | Osteoporosis gets plenty of press with older women, but older men would do well to assess their risk for this disease. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bone density loss in both women and men. Its progression is silent, and without screening, it usually becomes evident when the person suffers a fractured bone from a low-impact activity. More than half, 55%, of all senior adults in Canada have osteoporosis. Fractures from osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined
Fast Fact About Osteoporosis in Men
More men over the age of fifty (one in four) will suffer from a broken hip due to osteoporosis than will get prostate cancer.
While osteoporosis appears to affect fewer senior men than women (one in five men compared with one in three women), the consequences for men are more severe. For example, older men are more likely to die within a year of having a hip fracture due to bone loss. Unfortunately, due to a lack of understanding of the disease, older men are also less likely to be diagnosed with and receive treatment for osteoporosis after a fracture occurs. Considering this, men over 50 may want to be proactive and find out if they have osteoporosis so they can receive treatment for it before a fracture occurs. They can start by assessing their risk.
Higher risk includes those with the following:
- Family history of bone fractures, especially hip fractures, due to osteoporosis
- Smoking
- Inactive lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol use
- Certain medications used over prolonged periods of time, such as corticosteroids, sedatives, antidepressants, and medications that inhibit the absorption of calcium
- Low body weight and weight loss
- Loss of height
- Abnormally low levels of sex hormones
- Gastrointestinal disorders that prevent the absorption of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, vitamins D and K, phosphorous, and amino acids (all essential for bone health)
Older men who have any of these factors should discuss their risk with their doctors and request a screening, although there is some controversy as to whether those test results can be interpreted the same for men as for women. They can also make lifestyle changes that will help decrease their risk, including decreasing alcohol intake, stopping smoking, increasing activity levels, and doing weight-bearing exercises. Any dramatic lifestyle changes should only be done, however, after consulting with a medical professional. By taking action early, older men can tackle osteoporosis before it causes significant bone density loss and help ensure they stay independent and active longer.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services
Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness.
Top-Notch Home Accredited Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta
For over 15 years Comfort Keepers Edmonton has offered a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!
Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™
Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.
Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services.
What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?
CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like, Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.
Accredited Home Care Edmonton
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.
To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.
References
Osteoporosis Canada. Facts and Figures.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (May 2009). Osteoporosis and bone health. AAOS Now.
International Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). Facts and statistics.
National Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). Just for men.
NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases–National Resource Center. (January 2012). Osteoporosis in men.
Men’s Health Month: Prostate Cancer Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Every Family in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Prostate Cancer
The month of June is dedicated to Men’s Health, highlighting the crucial role of well-being for our grandfathers, fathers, brothers, and uncles. In Canada, prostate cancer stands as the most prevalent cancer affecting men, as reported by the Canadian Cancer Society. Tragically, it ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Canadian men.
Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer: A Growing Concern for Seniors
In 2017, the Canadian Cancer Society projected 21,600 new prostate cancer diagnoses and 4,000 related deaths. This prevalence is partly due to increased life expectancy, as 80% of cases occur in men 65 and older. Though the exact cause remains elusive, significant scientific strides have been made in understanding the genetic factors at play.
Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer: Potential Causes and Risk Factors
Researchers note that, in many instances, prostate cancer can be caused by alterations in the normal prostate cell’s DNA. Some changes are inherited genetically, passed on from one generation to the next.
As with many cancers, the genetic factor is not to be underestimated. In fact, a man is twice as likely to have prostate cancer if his brother has/had it. Those that have Lynch syndrome, a hereditary disorder caused by genetic changes, also are at higher risk.
Some of these changes, known as acquired mutations, may occur during the course of one’s life. One potential source for these acquired mutations is diet, as some studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may be a predictor of aggressive prostate cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals may be another source of acquired mutations. A recent study found that U.S. veterans exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical defoliant used during the Vietnam War, had a significantly increased (48% higher) risk of development versus veterans who had not been exposed.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer in Seniors
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases once men reach the age of 50. However, one of the more challenging aspects of prostate cancer is that symptoms often do not manifest until later stages of development, since it tends to grow slowly.
Men’s Health and Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
- Frequent urination (especially urges at night)
- Difficulty urinating
- Bladder control difficulty
- Blood in the urine and/or semen
- Swelling in the legs or pelvis
- Chronic bone pain
- Erectile dysfunction
As some men may have an “out of sight, out of mind” attitude toward medical issues, it is vital that they discuss testing with a physician as close to the age of 50 as possible – especially if they’ve experienced any of the symptoms listed above.
Screening is often done either by testing for prostate-specific antigen levels (PSA) levels in the blood, or by a digital rectal exam (DRE). If the results come back positive, the doctor may wish to test further.
Although screening can help detect prostate cancer, it does not always help gauge the severity or threat level. Additionally, test results may be false-positive (signifying that a man does have cancer when he does not), or false-negatives (signifying that he does have cancer when he does not).
Men’s Health and Senior Cancer Treatment Options
As mentioned, doctors may not have a full understanding of how threatening a man’s prostate cancer may be – which can make it difficult to recommend treatment. Often times, these treatments – done through surgery and/or radiation – can negatively affect various aspects of normal living, especially for older men.
Many health communities tend to agree that screening (and potentially treatment) for older men may not be greatly beneficial since they are more likely to die from other conditions, should they exist.
That is not to say that prostate cancer does not pose a threat. While treatment may potentially be more harmful than the cancer itself, it’s not to be taken lightly. If your aging loved one is concerned about his prostate and unsure about screening, it’s important to begin the discussion with his doctor and to see what the best course of action is, given factors such as age and health. Screening/treatment should always be mutually agreed upon by both your loved one and his doctor.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton Can Help with Men’s Health
At Comfort Keepers® Edmonton, our caregivers can help provide a daily routine for your loved one that promotes good health and independent living. We can also make sure that he or she has transportation to and from any scheduled appointments.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services
Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness.
Top-Notch Home Accredited Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta
For over 15 years Comfort Keepers Edmonton has offered a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!
Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™
Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.
Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services.
What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?
CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.
Accredited Home Care Edmonton
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.
To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.
References:
- National Cancer Institute. “Prostate Cancer Overview.” Web. 2017.
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America. “Prostate Cancer Symptoms.” Web. 2017.
- American Cancer Society. “Early Detection.” Web. 2017.
- Medical News Today. “Prostate Cancer: Symptoms and Causes” by Christian Nordqvist. Web. 2017.
Skin Protection for Seniors in Alberta
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Skin Health Ahead of the Summer Season
Skin protection for seniors: What do you need to know? There are obvious cosmetic benefits to taking good care of our skin. More importantly, good skincare plays a big role in our overall health, especially for seniors. Because of the natural changes that occur in skin as we age, the summer season can leave seniors even more vulnerable to its harmful effects.
One of the biggest factors to consider is the effect of being outdoors—sun exposure, heat, and environmental conditions. With a little awareness and some simple, practical precautions, caregivers can help their senior loved ones safely enjoy the outdoors and all the fun activities that come with it.
The Importance of Skin Protection for Seniors
Our skin has many important functions. It serves to protect us from the environment, helps us control our body temperature, fluid and electrolyte balance, and through its nerve receptors, allows us to feel sensations like touch, pain, and pressure.
Over time, skin changes occur due to genetic makeup, nutrition, environmental and other factors like smoking, but the greatest single factor is sun exposure.
Aging and Skin Protection for Seniors
With aging, the outermost layer of our skin thins and the number of cells that contain pigment decrease. The skin’s strength and elasticity also decreases, blood vessels in the middle layer become fragile, and the subcutaneous fat layer that provides padding and insulation reduces. Age also changes our glands. They produce less oil as we age making it more difficult to keep skin moist, and sweat glands produce less sweat making it harder to keep cool.
Wrinkles and sagging skin are among the most visible signs of growing older, but there are other common effects of age-related deterioration as well. Aging skin appears more pale and translucent, is more fragile and tears easily.
The Effects of Sun on Senior Skin
Skin that has been exposed to the sun frequently and consistently produces a leathery, weather-beaten appearance and large pigmented spots called age spots, liver spots or lentigos, may also appear in sun-exposed areas. The most serious diseases directly related to sun exposure are skin cancers such as basal cell, squamous cell carcinoma, and the deadliest, melanoma which is much more likely to spread to other parts of the body when left untreated.
Sensitive Senior Skin
Older people bruise easily and may bleed under the skin, a condition known as senile purpura. The dwindling fat layer leaves senior skin at risk of injury and reduces his or her ability to maintain body temperature. The lack of natural insulation can cause hypothermia in air conditioning. Because seniors perspire less, it’s harder for them to keep cool and increases their risk for becoming overheated or developing heat stroke.
Senior Skin Disorders
More than 90% of all older people have some type of skin disorder, too. Common difficulties include those caused by conditions such as blood vessel diseases like arteriosclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, obesity, reactions to medications, and allergies to plants, or other substances to name a few.
While the effects of aging can’t be reversed, maintaining proper care means having healthy skin and more importantly, healthy senior people.
Here are seven tips for senior and skin protection:
#1. Opt to shower or bathe every other day to avoid dry skin:
Take a sponge bath on alternate days, cleansing gently with moisturizing soap or detergent-free cleansers that do not need to be rinsed. Such cleansers do the job of removing dirt and natural oils but don’t impact the natural acid balance of mature skin.
#2. Apply moisturizer on a daily basis:
Advanced skincare products that nourish the skin from the outside and deliver amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and ingredients that are gentle and soothing make skin stronger and more resilient.
#3. Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible:
To protect your senior’s skin from harmful UV rays, the American Cancer Society uses a catch phrase that can help your senior remember some of the key steps to protect him or herself when going out in the sun – “Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap!” Meaning, “Slip on a shirt. Slop on Sunscreen. Slap on a hat. And Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them.”
#4. Keep hydrated and well fed:
Good nutrition and adequate fluids are especially important for seniors in the hot summer months. Dehydration increases the risk of skin injury.
#5. Protect fragile skin:
Take care to avoid injuries that can cut or tear fragile skin or caustic substances that can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier. Cover small wounds with band aids made for sensitive skin so as not to cause added injury when removing after wounds have healed.
#6. Remember the special needs of seniors with common diseases like diabetes:
Diabetics are more prone to bacterial and fungal infections and itchy skin. Protecting the skin of your senior loved one, especially on extremities, is essential.
#7. Avoid alcohol-based solutions:
astringents, strong bacterial soaps and products that are harsh and damaging for older skin. Hand-sanitizers can be especially drying and using a hand moisturizer afterwards can be important.
Cook-outs, trips to the beach, a day at the pool, walks in the park, fishing at the lake, and other outdoor activities are all part of summertime traditions that everyone enjoys, especially seniors. Most involve the potential to soak up the sun. Think ahead and anticipate your senior loved ones’ needs to protect his or her skin beforehand to assure that summer fun is worry-free.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services
Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness.
Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta
Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!
Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™
Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.
Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services.
What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?
CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.
Accredited Home Care Edmonton
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.
To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.
References
- ‘Aging Changes in Skin,’ from Minaker KL. Common clinical sequelae of aging, published on MedlinePlus (http://www.medline.com)
- ‘Skin Care Benefits Overall Health For Seniors,” published by ARAcontent on Princeton Online, (http://www.princetononline.com)
- ‘Sun Safety: Melanoma,’ published by ARAcontent, Princeton Online, (http://www.princetononline.com)
- ‘Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection,’ published by the American Cancer Society online, (http://www.americancancersociety.com)
The Top 5 Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke in Seniors
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About the Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke
Do you know the top 5 signs of a stroke? Are you aware that a stroke must be treated quickly as a medical emergency to prevent disability or death?
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain becomes severely reduced, sometimes as a result of sudden arterial blockage and sometimes from brain tissue bleeding. The best news for those living in senior care is that strokes are often successfully treated and sometimes even prevented when the proper care is received.
With fewer numbers of Americans dying from strokes due to medical advances, remembering these common stroke symptoms can likely save someone’s life. People attending to adults in senior care must commit to memory of the FAST signs of a stroke.
The Signs of Stroke Using the FAST Acronym:
F-FACE: Face drooping when you ask the person to smile
A-ARMS: Arms cannot be raised simultaneously.
S-SPEECH: Ask for a simple sentence to be repeated correctly to see if there are speech problems.
T-TIME: If there are problems, get immediate medical attention in time to help.
Five Questions for Caregivers to Ask Themselves About The Top 5 Signs of a Stroke
#1. Is There Sudden Weakness, Numbness, or Paralysis?
If suddenly, there is numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arms, or legs, maybe just on one side of the body, it could be a stroke. Ask the person in senior care to lift both arms overhead. If both arms don’t rise simultaneously, or one arm drifts down, call for emergency help.
#2. Is There an Inability to Talk or Slurred Speech?
When someone in senior care suddenly becomes confused, presents slurred speech, and doesn’t seem to understand your words, quickly get help.
#3. Is There Blurred, Blackened or Double Vision?
Blurred, blackened, or double vision can indicate a stroke. Call for immediate help, whether it has affected one eye or both.
#4. Is There a Dizzy Feeling with Extreme Headache?
Make the emergency call for help if an extreme headache and sudden dizziness occur, especially if it comes along with altered consciousness.
#5. Is There Difficulty Standing or Walking?
Older people in senior care services who suddenly can’t stand up or walk without help need quick medical assistance.
Be FAST in Senior Care. Remember to be FAST in senior care to determine if someone is suffering a stroke, then get help immediately.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services
Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness.
Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta
Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!
Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™
Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.
Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services.
What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?
CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.
Accredited Home Care Edmonton
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.
To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.
Aging-in-Place: How To Adapt Homes for Seniors Who Prefer to Stay Home
How to Meet The Needs of Edmonton’s Seniors Who Live Alone
What do you need to know about aging-in-place in Edmonton? Instead of moving to retirement communities, more Canadians are opting to “age in place” and remain in their homes as they age. This often necessitates home modifications to ensure their safety and health as their physical abilities decline.
Seniors and Aging-in-Place
A new career field has risen to address this need: the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a program of the National Association of Home Builders (www.nahb.org). CAPS certified specialists assess homes to identify and recommend modifications to prevent injuries from falls and other risks.
According to Veteran Affairs Canada, one third of Canadians age 65 and over fall each year. Veteran Affairs Canada adds that environmental factors lead to about half of all falls that occur at home. These include slipping and tripping hazards, poor lighting, or lack of needed modifications, such as bathroom grab bars, handicapped showers, stair railings and ramps.
For more information, visit the Veterans Affairs website: Falls Prevention Initiative
Home modifications help seniors maintain quality of life because they prevent injuries and loss of independence from early admission to an assisted living or long-term care facility.
Aging-in-Place and Examples of Commonly Recommended Modifications for Senior Homes:
- Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seat
- Remove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slipping
- Move furniture to create clear walking paths
- Keep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent tripping
- Replace knobs with lever door handles
- Apply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor steps
- Replace standard light switches with rocker-style switches
- Increase the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs, and where possible, lower sinks and countertops
- Move often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stools
- Repair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairways
- Install an elevator or chair lift
- Install an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy access
- Replace old stoves with induction cook tops to help prevent burns
- Replace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standing
Shedding Light on Senior Home Modification
When modifying a home for a senior don’t forget the importance of good lighting. Seniors need two to three times as much light to see as well as younger people.
Good Lighting—in the form of natural light—Provides Seniors With Advantages Besides Safety:
- Sunlight produces a good dose of Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Choose window treatments that allow in sunlight, without glare, to enhance the health of seniors, many of whom get outside less than they used to.
- Daylight also uplifts psychological health. It lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services
Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness.
Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta
Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!
Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™
Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.
Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services.
What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?
CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.
Accredited Home Care Edmonton
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.
To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.
Managing Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Do you need help managing Parkinson’s Disease symptoms? One in every 500 people in Canada has Parkinson’s. The majority of those diagnosed with the disease are over the age of 60. Although the illness affects both men and women, men have a higher chance of developing it.
Today, more than 100,000 people in Canada are struggling with Parkinson’s and every year, 6,000+ new cases are diagnosed. Since the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease increases with age, it is most commonly diagnosed in seniors.
#DYK – April 11th is World Parkinson’s Disease Day, the day to raise awareness about this nervous system disease. #WorldParkinsonsDiseaseDay.
The most common Parkinson’s disease symptoms are tremors, balance problems, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, short steps, and slowed movement. Speech and writing changes can become a challenge.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but lifestyle changes can help seniors manage the disease and reduce the symptoms’ impact.
Managing Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms with these 5 Effective Strategies:
#1. Find ways to relieve stress:
Although stress can increase symptoms of Parkinson’s, once it is removed symptoms return to normal levels. Therefore, seniors should engage in activities that help them unwind and feel calm.
#2. Focus on self:
Try to meditate, breathe deeply, practice yoga, spend time outside, be with loved ones, participate in hobbies, and maintain a workout routine that is approved by a physician.
#3. Maintaining a good diet:
A well-balanced diet is important for all seniors. Seniors with Parkinson’s should focus on eating healthy. Nutritious foods help to manage symptoms and even slow the progression of the disease.
#4. Adapting your home:
Depending on the senior’s symptoms, wide walkways and mattresses with adjustable features and grab bars may be helpful and increase their safety.
#5. Preventing falls:
Balance problems are a common Parkinson’s disease symptom. Preventing falls by removing tripping hazards such as loose rugs and clutter is an important safety strategy.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services
Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness.
Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta
Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a wider range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care and more!
Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™
Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.
Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services.
What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?
CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like, Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.