What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Maintaining Kidney Health
While seniors often prioritize their heart and brain health, kidney health is equally vital for overall physical well-being and deserves the same attention and care.
FAST FACT: According to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, an estimated 2.6 million Canadians have kidney disease, or are at risk.
Senior Kidney Health: What Do the Kidneys Do?
Located to the left and right of the spine, below the rib cage, these bean-shaped organs may not always be top of mind, but the importance of their roles in supporting the body’s equilibrium cannot be overstated. In addition to filtering the blood and removing waste and excess water from the body, the kidneys also control blood pressure, produce essential hormones, and balance pH levels.
Chronic Kidney Disease in Seniors
As we age, it can be difficult for the kidneys to function optimally.
Additionally, certain conditions and factors—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity—can negatively affect kidney function, potentially resulting in chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is generally defined as the loss of kidney function over an extended period.
Symptoms do not usually manifest until the disease is in an advanced stage, but they include:
- Increased fatigue
- Constant thirst
- Shortness of breath
- Increased frequency of urination
- Skin rashes
- Difficulty managing diabetes or high blood pressure
As these symptoms are subtle and can apply to any number of other conditions, the only way to know if you have kidney disease is through blood and urine tests. If CKD goes unchecked, not only do wastes continually collect in the body, but it may even lead to kidney failure – meaning that the kidneys’ functionality has been reduced to less than 15%.
Should kidney failure come into play, there are treatment options available, including dialysis or a kidney transplant. However, seniors do not have to wait for things to get worse before they can get better. Risk reduction, through adjustments in diet and lifestyle and diligent monitoring, can make a big impact on kidney health (and overall well-being). Here are some recommendations for seniors age 65 or older.
Ways to Support Healthy Kidneys in Canada’s Seniors
Kidney-Healthy Diet for Seniors
- Drink plenty of water. As a general rule of thumb, stick to eight 8-ounce glasses (or about 2 liters) throughout the course of the day.
- Consume foods low in salt, sugar, and fat – and look for labels that contain the words “whole grains”
- Purchase fresh produce, instead of their canned or processed counterparts.
- Discuss kidney-friendly diets, and any diet change in general, with a physician or dietician.
Healthy Lifestyle for Seniors
- Do not smoke, or take steps to quit smoking.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity into your daily schedule. Be sure to consult a doctor or physician before beginning any exercise regimen.
- Maintain a healthy weight, and lose weight if you are currently overweight.
Senior Kidney Health Monitoring
- Rigorously manage blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes. Be sure to abide by your doctor’s instructions regarding insulin and blood sugar monitoring.
- Keep blood pressure in check. Talk to your doctor about options for using anti-hypertensive drugs, designed to lower blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin blockers.
- Get an annual screening, especially if you have any of the risk factors associated with kidney disease.
Senior Kidney Disease Is Not Inevitable
Seniors may feel they do not have a choice when it comes to the health of their kidneys. While it is true that kidney functionality does naturally diminish over time due to the decrease in kidney tissue and filtering units, advanced age does not solely trigger kidney disease. Encourage your senior loved ones to incorporate the tips listed above to help reduce the risk of kidney disease and other health conditions.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton Can Help
Our caregivers can help establish a daily routine and encourage your loved one to make healthy choices – to support not only the health of his or her kidneys, but also his or her overall well-being. Call your local office today to find out about how our in-home care services can help your aging loved one today.
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.
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:
- NIHSeniorHealth. “Kidney Disease” Web. 2016.
- Better Health Channel. “Kidneys – Age-Related Problems” Web. 2016.
- A Place for Mom. “The Connection between Diet and Kidney Damage” by Sarah Stevenson. Web. 2014.
- Kidney Foundation of Canada. “Facing the Facts”. Web 2012.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Seniors
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Kidney Disease
The symptoms of kidney disease in seniors and older adults are so subtle that the disease often goes undiagnosed. This is why it’s important to understand the symptoms of kidney disease so that symptoms can be spotted early. Take your senior loved one to see a medical professional before the disease advances.
Six Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Seniors:
#1. Swollen Feet and Ankles:
If kidney function decreases, sodium can build up in the body. This can lead to swollen feet and ankles. Swollen feet and ankles can also be a symptom of heart disease, chronic leg vein issues, or liver disease.
#2. Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing:
Decreased kidney function can lead to fluid build-up in the body and the lungs, causing shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is often seen in the later stages of kidney disease.
#3. Constantly Cold:
Kidney disease can cause a person to feel cold constantly, even when they should be warm. Additionally, pyelonephritis or a kidney infection can cause a person to experience fever and chills.
#4. Changes in Urinating:
Kidneys are the organ that handles the urinary tract within the body, and changes in urination are often a sign of kidney disease. Urine with traces of blood, bubbly or foamy urine, difficulty urinating, or the overwhelming urge to urinate are all considered changes in urination and should be reported to a doctor.
#5. Weakness or Fatigue:
As kidneys begin to fail, a buildup of wastes in the body or anemia can cause a shortage of red blood cells. This can lead to feelings of weakness or fatigue.
#6. Bad Tastes in the Mouth:
Waste buildup from weakened kidney function can cause a bad taste in the mouth. Medications used to treat kidney stones, arthritis, and high blood pressure can also cause a bad taste in the mouth.
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, you should visit a doctor to perform basic screening tests. If kidney disease is found during screening, a doctor known as a nephrologist can conduct deeper, more specialized evaluations and can advise on lifestyle changes to reduce or treat the symptoms of kidney disease.
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.
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.
A Heart-Healthy Diet and Its Benefits for Seniors in Edmonton, AB
Maintaining a Healthy Heart and Mind: What’s Good for the Heart is Good for the Brain!
Did you know that a heart-healthy diet also supports brain health? When you prioritize nutritious eating for your heart, your brain benefits too. A well-balanced diet—packed with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—helps reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, ensuring a steady flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, including the brain.
Nutritious eating benefits the senior’s brain by boosting mental performance, slowing the aging process and lowering the risk of dementia.
Five Elements of a Heart-Healthy Diet
#1. Vitamins:
Particularly folate and B12—help prevent the inflammation that causes plaque to narrow arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, which can diminish cognitive function. Folate comes from cooked, dry beans, peas, peanuts, oranges and orange juice, dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and mustard greens, fortified cereals and enriched grain products. B12 is in salmon, trout, beef, poultry, cheese, eggs and fortified cereals.
#2. Antioxidants:
Vitamins A, C and E and nutrients lutein, lycopene and selenium—promote brain health. Good sources include dark-skinned fruits and vegetables. Vegetables include: kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn and eggplant. Fruits high in antioxidants include prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries. Almonds, pecans and walnuts also are good antioxidant sources.
#3. Minerals:
Some minerals boost brain function. Iron—from organ meats, beef, pork and most legumes—supports focus and concentration. Zinc—from beef and other meats, oysters, whole-grain bread and soybeans—sharpens verbal memory, helping you recall words.
#4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Found in fatty fish, such as salmon, trout, halibut, mackerel and tuna, help build gray matter, promoting intellectual performance. WebMD reports that one study found that healthy adults who ate the most omega-3 fatty acids had the most gray matter in brain areas that regulate mood. Among cooking oils, canola and walnut oil, are the best sources of omega-3s. On the other hand, a diet high in saturated fats can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
#5. Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight
Through healthful diet and exercise—are essential to the heart and mind. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that a long-term study of 1,500 adults found that those who were obese in middle age were twice as likely to develop dementia. And those who also had high cholesterol and high blood pressure were six times at greater risk of dementia.
Heart-Healthy Diet for Seniors
A diet rich in essential vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support cognitive function, enhance memory, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, maintaining a healthy body weight through balanced eating and regular exercise is crucial for long-term cognitive well-being.
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.
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.
Maintaining Senior Heart Health is Important
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Heart Health
Senior Heart Health | We all know that the heart is one of our vital organs, so what can we do to take special care of the heart? Three lifestyle changes can be made to protect heart health. They are diet, exercise, and stress reduction.
Heart Healthy Food Choices
When eaten regularly, specific foods are important for heart health and can help with blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Coldwater fish: Salmon, mackerel, and tuna
- Eat nuts: Almonds, macadamia, and walnuts
- Flavonoids: Red grapes, dark chocolate, green or black tea
- Vegetables: Colorful veggies, like spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, and asparagus
Heart Healthy Exercise Choices
How about exercise? 150 minutes of weekly exercise is beneficial for a healthy heart. Can you incorporate one or more of these exercises into your weekly schedule?
#1. Walk or Hike:
Available anytime and anywhere. Walk with friends or family members and vary where you go.
#2. Swim:
The buoyancy of water prevents pressure on joints, making swimming a great exercise for everyone.
#3. Bicycle:
Whether indoors on a stationary bike or outside on a path, biking is another fun option for exercise and is easy on the joints.
#4. Practice Yoga:
Yoga can include stretching, strengthening, endurance, breath work and relaxation.
#5. Strengthen:
Building body strength also strengthens the heart muscles. Use hand weights or weightlifting machines to prevent the natural loss of muscle tissue.
Help your heart with stress reduction techniques that lower blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of chronic illness or disease. Be sure to set priorities so your most important items have been accomplished by the end of each week, and then don’t forget to schedule fun and relaxation time, too.
- Don’t deny yourself the things you love. What do you like to do? Work on a puzzle, read a book, walk your dog, call the grandkids, do some art, a craft, or a project. Be happier by enjoying activities that make you smile!
- Remain social. Hang out with a friend, go to the library, or join a bridge group. Do something that gets you out of the house so you’re not sitting home alone.
- Enjoy laughter. A big laugh from your favourite movie or comedian can uplift you. Pursue new ways to laugh with friends for a big stress reduction!
- Try meditation. There are so many varieties of meditation available that you can try, as well as deep breathing techniques that help relax the body and diminish anxious feelings.
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.
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.
Seniors Living with Chronic Diseases: How In-Home Care Enhances the Quality of Life
What Every Senior Living with Chronic Diseases in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About In-Home Care Services
What can be done for seniors living with chronic diseases? Home care services are among the most valuable resources for improving the quality of life for older adults. In-home care services, like Comfort Keepers, are particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions and are among the most frequently utilized options.
Seniors with chronic illnesses often face life-changing factors like depression, decreased quality of life, and poor health. However, professional care services can reduce exposure to these side effects and make life more enjoyable for seniors.
Home Care for Seniors Living with Chronic Conditions
Seniors with chronic illnesses must take precautions to cope. For some, it can be difficult to adhere to the guidelines set forth by medical providers.
In-home care providers make it easier for seniors to deal with and control the factors of their condition. Comfort Keeper’s professional caregivers are trained and knowledgeable in areas of care that accommodate the conditions of the disease.
Types of Chronic Conditions in Seniors
#1. Osteoporosis:
-
- Affects more than 44 million adults 50 and older, and is more common in women.
- This condition causes bones to become brittle and weak, making it easier to break bones when bending over, coughing, or falling.
- Caregivers assist seniors in their daily lives by creating conditions that:
- Reduce the risk of injuries and falls
- Encourages seniors to stop smoking
- Introduces a diet that promotes healthy bones
- Encourages seniors to exercise daily and remain physically active
#2. Arthritis:
-
- Arthritis is defined by inflamed joints that lead to body stiffness and pain and often worsen with age.
- Affecting more than 50% of the senior population, arthritis is deemed the leading cause of disability.
- Care providers can assist with arthritis management by encouraging seniors to participate in low-impact exercises. For example, tai-chi and water aerobics help maintain a healthy weight.
#3. Diabetes:
-
- One out of every four Americans over the age of 65 has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
- Elevated blood sugar levels lead to diabetes in seniors.
- In-home care services can ensure that seniors follow a proper diet and take their medication as prescribed.
In-home care providers have compassion and knowledge of chronic illnesses which assist in making the lives of seniors easier. When symptoms of chronic illness are properly managed seniors can enjoy daily activities and a better quality of life.
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.
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.
Herbals And Drugs Can Have Adverse Interactions for Seniors: Check With Your Doctors First
What Every Family and Caregiver in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know to Avoid Adverse Interactions
Adverse Interactions for Seniors | Herbal remedies, though derived from natural plant-based ingredients, are not inherently safe. When combined with certain prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, they can pose health risks, including potentially life-threatening complications.
This is particularly concerning for older adults and individuals with heart conditions. The Mayo Clinic advises sharing a complete list of herbal products, prescription medications, and OTC drugs with all healthcare providers involved in your care. Additionally, it is essential to consult your physician before starting any herbal remedy.
An estimated 15 million Americans, and counting, use herbal medications or supplements. Used for centuries, herbal medications have become more risky today because many people take multiple medications, multiplying the chance of an adverse interaction.
Avoiding Adverse Interactions in Seniors
Herbal products do not undergo the testing and scrutiny of drugs, which must be proven safe and effective before being released on the market. In addition, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says on its Web site, FamilyDoctor.org, that herbal products may not be pure. Some contain other ingredients, such as plant pollen, as well as drugs that are not listed on the label, such as steroids or estrogens. Others, warns the AAFP, may contain toxic substances, such as arsenic, mercury, lead and pesticides.
Herbals can interact with drugs, reducing effectiveness or increasing potency to harmful degrees and can be particularly risky for heart patients.
The Mayo Clinic provides examples of herbs that can cause drug interactions for seniors:
- St. John’s Wort, used to treat depression, sleep disorders and anxiety, can reduce some medications’ effectiveness and lead to recurrence of arrhythmia, high blood pressure, heightened cholesterol levels and future heart problems.
- Ginkgo biloba, marketed to improve circulation and sharpen the mind, increases bleeding risk in persons taking aspirin or warfarin.
The AAFP says that seniors are at increased risk of adverse interactions with herbal products and recommends that consumers check with their doctor before taking herbal products, particularly if they have any of the following conditions:
- Blood clotting problems
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Immune system problems
- Psychiatric problems
- Parkinson’s disease
- Liver problems
- Stroke
- Thyroid problems
Individuals who will be having surgery also need to tell their doctor if they use herbal products, as they can cause bleeding and problems with anesthesia. The AAFP says that surgery patients should stop using herbal products at least two weeks before their procedure, depending on their doctor’s orders.
The AAFP provides online directories for seniors regarding herbal medications and supplements:
- Possible side effects
- A listing of some of the drugs that may interact with herbal products
In addition, the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine provide an online directory of information regarding herbal medications.
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.
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.
Senior Scams and the Holiday Season: What Families and Caregivers Should Look Out For
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Preventing Holiday Scams
When it comes to holiday senior scams, it seems that no matter where we turn, a nefarious individual or group is looking to take advantage. Scammers and con artists are all around and the holiday season seems to inspire more. To make matters worse, the scams are becoming more sophisticated in their approach.
As society relies more heavily on technology, sometimes a wrong click on the wrong link compromises one’s personal information.
Holiday Senior Scam FACTS: #DYK The Canadian Government reports that from January 2014 to December 2016, Canadians aged 60 to 79 lost almost $28 million to various scams.
The holiday season is a time of giving, charitability, and all-around goodwill – but all of that can make us more vulnerable to the schemes that are out there. Seniors are certainly no exception. It’s common for scammers to target seniors because they often have large nest eggs and exceptional credit scores, but little financial management. Additionally, memory issues and cognitive decline may make seniors more likely to give up valuable information.
Holiday Senior Scams and Fraud Protection
According to CPA Canada’s Fraud Protection for Seniors webinar, seniors are targeted more frequently because they: are home, often alone, all day; may feel lonely, isolated and overly trusting; struggle with health issues, and have more readily available money. Fraudsters play off these vulnerabilities.
Knowing what to look out for can save seniors from having their finances or even identity compromised. Below are some of the more common scams that target older adults during the holiday season. Share these with senior clients so that they can stay guarded and safely enjoy the holiday season.
Common Holiday Senior Scams for Families to Watch Out For
#1. “Emergency” Calls:
This tactic, which has gained considerable traction over the last few years, involves the scammer calling a senior, claiming to be a grandchild or other family member in need of money. They often say that they’ve been arrested, in an accident, or just need emergency funds in general. Seniors who receive such calls should ask specific questions that will trip up the caller. In most cases, the scammer will not be able to answer these questions and hang up in frustration. When in doubt, the best thing to do when an unknown number pops up is to simply not answer.
#2. Phony Email Offers:
Most personal email inboxes are full of promotional offers, and this certainly ramps up during the holidays. First and foremost, if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers create emails that look legitimate but contain links that lead to pages requesting personal information. Seniors should look every promotional email offer over carefully, paying close attention to the sender’s address (it should have a proprietary address such as @amazon.com or @target.com) and anything unusual like misspellings. A good rule of thumb when it comes to entering sensitive information into any website is to ensure that the URL begins with “https.” This signifies that the site is secure and encrypted.
#3. Free Gift Cards:
Speaking of offers that are too good to be true, seniors may come across emails or flashy website ads that advertise free gift cards. While some companies have deals where you receive gift cards after purchase, you can safely assume the ones that say ‘free’ without purchase are entirely illegitimate. Seniors should not click on the accompanying links or ads for these offers.
#4. Illegitimate Charity:
It’s the season of giving, but it’s important to know where exactly your charitable donations are going. Seniors should be wary of any unfamiliar organizations or those whose appeals are overtly emotional. To confirm the legitimacy of an organization, seniors can utilize the website Give.org.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton Can Help
The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends, family, neighbours, and all others who bring joy to our lives. That makes it all the more difficult to imagine that there are those out there who wish to rob people of that joy – but they are out there.
At Comfort Keepers®, we aim to preserve the joy, warmth and wonder that seniors and other adults cherish during the holiday season. We will work to reduce their risk of being conned, not only from the schemes above but also any others that may exist. Our caregivers can also provide help with togetherness tasks and daily routines.
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.
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.
Comfort Keepers® Professionals Can Provide Home Healthcare During the Winter Months
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Professional Home Health Care During the Winter
What do you need to know about home healthcare during the Winter? Throughout the year, there are many times when the assistance of a home healthcare professional is helpful. One of those times is during the winter months. To ensure the safety of seniors, there are precautions to be taken during this time of year.
The winter weather can be extremely stressful for families and seniors. Loved ones and family members of seniors spend many hours concerned or worried about their safety.
To alleviate some worry, many enlisted the support of a home healthcare professional, like Comfort Keepers. Professional caregivers can assist with chores, and errands, and provide a much-needed companion for the senior.
Senior Home Healthcare During Winter
The winter season can be challenging for everyone, but seniors must take a few precautions to help eliminate these challenges, such as packing a winter prep bag or box for seniors in ice or winter storms.
Winter Prep for Seniors
The package should include flashlights with batteries, a weather radio, and warm clothing. These should be put in a location that is easy for the senior to locate if the power fails during a winter storm. It is good to have a home health professional to assist the senior. This will ensure that someone does a well-being check during the winter.
The Home Health Care Comfort Zone
It is important for aging adults to feel comfortable during the cold season. This references physical and emotional comfort. Warm clothing, hats, socks, and winter coats should be prepared for wear before the cold season. This is to ensure that they are readily available should they be needed.
In addition, the senior should be comfortable at home and not concerned about being alone all the time. Winter weather can restrict the amount of travel, social engagements, and outdoor interaction the older adult has, which can cause them to become depressed. Interaction with a professional caregiver can prevent or decrease the chances of depression occurring.
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.