Healthy Eye Care and Nutrition for Seniors in Edmonton, AB
Healthy eye care and nutrition are important especially when rapid changes in vision and eye health can occur in older individuals. Seniors should undergo an annual vision test and adhere to their doctor’s advice regarding treatment plans and maintaining good eyesight.
One in three seniors has some form of vision-reducing eye disease by age 65.
Changes to vision and concerns about eye health can happen rapidly for older adults. Seniors should get a vision test once a year and should always follow a doctor’s recommendations on treatment plans and vision health.
Here are eight tips for seniors to maintain eye health:
Tip #1 Diet:
Seniors can maintain their eye health by indulging in tasty food options that offer an array of vitamins and nutrients. Some excellent sources include kale, carrots, eggs, sweet potatoes, oranges, almonds, and salmon.
Tip#2 Exercise:
Following a physician’s exercise regimen can not only contribute to overall well-being but also offer advantages for the eyes. Enhancing blood flow aids in eliminating harmful substances while boosting oxygen levels within the eyes.
Tip #3 Avoid Eye Trauma:
Long-term eye and vision health can be greatly affected by injuries, and taking preventative measures is key to avoiding accidental eye trauma. Being mindful of wearing suitable protective eyewear or goggles, handling chemicals and sharp objects with care, and removing trip hazards are among the strategies that help prevent accidents.
Tip #4 Smart Computer Use:
The use of computers regularly can cause eye strain and discomfort regardless of age. However, as we get older, computer screens have the potential to be even more damaging to our eyes, resulting in headaches, eye irritation, blurriness, or double vision. Seniors who frequently utilize computers, especially for extended periods, should ensure their workspace is properly illuminated, take frequent breaks and consistently wear corrective eyewear.
Tip #5 Consider Other Health Issues:
Older individuals must discuss with a healthcare provider the potential impact of physical ailments and medications on their vision. Certain health conditions and medicines can significantly affect eye health in older adults.
Tip #6 Sunglasses:
As we grow older, the significance of protective eyewear intensifies, making it vital for seniors to develop the practice of consistently wearing sunglasses while outdoors.
Tip #7 Sleep:
Sleep is not only advantageous for overall health, well-being, and quality of life but also plays a vital role in maintaining good eye health.
Tip #8 Vision Screenings:
Rapid changes in vision and eye health can occur in older individuals. It is recommended that senior citizens undergo an annual vision test and faithfully adhere to a doctor’s advice regarding treatment plans and overall 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.
References
ClearCare. “3 Easy Tips for Seniors to Maintain Healthy Eyes & Improve Vision.” Web. 2016.
American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Tips for Eye Health in Adults Over 60.” Web. 2014.
All About Vision. “Boost your diet to protect aging eyes.” Web. 2019.
Bausch + Lomb. “60+ Eye Health.” Web.
Edmonton Comfort Keepers® Find Joy in Every Day
How Caregivers Find Joy Every Day in Edmonton, AB, with Comfort Keepers®
Comfort Keepers® Find Joy | Our staff comes from many different walks of life, each equipped with a special blend of understanding, sympathy, and a passion to make a difference. Caregiving is more than just an occupation for these individuals, it is a mission.
No matter their inspiration, our caregivers are the foundation of our mission. Drawn to caregiving whether through personal experience or simply a deep-seated need for nurturing and empathy, caregivers share a common attribute: the love of making someone else’s life better. Each caregiver is integral to Comfort Keepers®’s cause and the hub of everything we do.
How Comfort Keepers® Make a Difference in Senior Homecare
It takes a family working together to choose the most appropriate option for a loved one’s senior care and ensure that a senior’s needs and wishes are met.
Today, 80 percent of older Canadians prefer to age in place. This means families are more directly involved than ever in their loved ones’ senior care. Now more than ever, families need to be involved in the planning stage for home care.
You may also consider options that match your parent’s unique traits and temperament. For instance, is your parent typically a thinker or a socializer? Thinkers desire space and privacy and prefer independence, reading, and working quietly alone. On the other hand, socializers are energized by people. They enjoy interactions with others and act lonely without regular interaction.
Why Our Caregivers Love What They Do
For those gifted with a caring spirit, being a caregiver is more than just a job – it’s an inspirational calling. We proudly encourage dedicated individuals who strive to make a difference in other people’s lives. Hear what our team of dedicated caregivers have to say about the sense of fulfillment they gain from providing care and support.
Caregiver Testimonials
“I love making people laugh, and I like it when they make me laugh, too. … The whole thing is rewarding … Knowing I am keeping people healthy, happy and safe.”
— Comfort Keeper caregiver Jan
“To know that they depend on me every day, they know that Juna is coming and Juna is going to make everything ok, I love that feeling … I feel wanted, I know they appreciate what I do, they don’t take me for granted … I enjoy coming back every day … It feels good to help and give.”
— Comfort Keeper caregiver Juna
“When you see their faces, and how much they appreciate you … just makes you feel so good … I do it because I believe it is really in my heart to help people.”
— Comfort Keeper caregiver Carol
“I think it is an honour, to allow you to share … I’ve come to learn a lot from their experiences, and that makes a big difference in my life.”
— Comfort Keeper caregiver Fabrice
“Me being here really helps elevate that spirit … It’s just a rewarding thing that I’m just lucky to have in my life is how I feel about the work I do for Comfort Keepers.”
— Comfort Keeper caregiver Charlene
“The best part of being a caregiver is, I like to go to work and see the smiles on my client’s faces… my job is flexible … I’ve been a Comfort Keeper for three years, and it’s three years of wonderful memories, and just a wonderful environment to be in.”
— Comfort Keeper caregiverTerrian
“If they’re having a bad day … I try to make them remember something from their family, I’ll take out the photo albums, or we’ll discuss our families and what our kids did when they were younger … I feel appreciated.”
— Comfort Keeper caregiver Linda
Comfort Keepers® Find Joy; Reasons Why to Choose a Career as a Caregiver
It takes a unique person to be a caregiver—someone with empathy and concern for others is necessary to work with seniors and make a difference in their lives.
Comfort Keepers® caregivers have a unique ability to bring joy and fulfillment to their clients, while also bringing contentment to themselves through helping those in need.
Our caregivers come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but they all have some things in common, such as:
- Empathy – understanding the feelings of others on a deeply personal level.
- Compassionate – sympathetic to the needs and challenges of others and want to help them find more joy and fulfillment in their daily lives.
- A desire to make a difference – a sincere desire to make a difference in people’s lives and care about the seniors and families they work with.
The Comfort Keepers® Difference
As seniors age, they wish for a safe and comfortable lifestyle in their own homes. This has resulted in an ever-growing need for compassionate caregivers.
If you are looking for a job that offers satisfaction through supporting others, the role of a professional caregiver is an option to consider. Working directly with individuals can create gratifying relationships that add joy to their lives and yours. Plus, the hours can be quite flexible.
At Comfort Keepers® we are devoted to both our caregivers and clients. We strive to offer the best possible service, providing our care providers with sound instruction, required supplies, and helpful advice. A supportive atmosphere leads to improved home care for our clients, and we endeavour to ensure our caregivers have a positive experience.
Do you derive satisfaction from helping people, building relationships, and having a positive effect? Learn more about our caregiver roles!
Do You Want to Become a Comfort Keepers Homecare Worker?
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.
Reduce the Risk of Dehydration of Your Elderly Loved One This Summer
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About the Risks of Dehydration
Reduce the Risk of Dehydration | Compared to younger people, older family members and friends have a higher risk of dehydration and are more susceptible to electrolyte and fluid imbalances. This is often a result of prescribed medications that may cause a diminished sense of thirst. You can keep your loved ones better hydrated by increasing their liquid intake through warmer months when seniors are more vulnerable to dehydration.
Dehydration Symptoms
When you can recognize the symptoms of dehydration, you’re more likely to notice and take action before a dehydration problem becomes severe. When there is a problem, you must get help promptly.
This following list of symptoms may be the only indicators of dehydration you will see, so call 911 or a healthcare provider to get immediate assistance if these symptoms are present:
- Muscles cramping
- Skin dryness
- Dizziness
- Sudden sleepiness
- Urine is dark in colour
Keep Seniors Hydrated
Encourage your family and friends to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. Since our bodies are made up of at least 60% water we must drink plenty of liquid daily, especially on warmer days.
Some people don’t want to drink water because of its lack of taste, but you can offer flavoured waters instead, or add fruit to your pitcher of drinking water at home.
Don’t forget that broth, such as beef, chicken, or vegetable, is a good hydration source. Yet another option is adding portions of hydrating fruits and vegetables into daily meals.
Hydrating Fruits & Vegetables
Hydrating fruits and vegetables may be the perfect choice in warm weather for seniors because they contain as much as 80% water. The following info is a list of the best hydrating fruits and veggies:
- Cucumbers
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Grapes
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Oranges
Comfort Keepers® understands the hydration needs of seniors and can help. Our caregivers are trained to encourage hydration by regularly offering water, fruit-infused water, and other tasty liquids and hydrating foods.
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.
What is a Healthy Weight for Seniors to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes?
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Maintaining a Healthy Weight & Reducing the Risk of Diabetes
What is a healthy weight for seniors? Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can help prevent prediabetes and diabetes in seniors, allowing them to continue leading rich, fulfilling lives. Knowing more about diabetes empowers seniors and family caregivers to create healthy diets and exercise plans that can help prevent the disease or slow its progression.
#DYK – Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease that affects an estimated 25% of adults over 65, and 50% have prediabetes.
Understanding Prediabetes and Diabetes Types
Prediabetes in Seniors:
Prediabetes is a period of high blood sugar that can only be diagnosed with testing. This means older adults may have prediabetes and not realize it. Almost everyone has prediabetes before diabetes, so regular screening is critical.
Type 1 Diabetes:
This type of diabetes usually starts in children or young adults and lasts for the rest of their lives. It is more likely to develop if you have a family history of diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes:
This type of diabetes usually develops in middle-aged or older adults. It is most likely to develop in older adults who are inactive, overweight, or have a family history of diabetes.
Benefits of Seeing a Doctor Regularly for Diabetes Prevention
Preventive healthcare is essential to detecting health issues such as diabetes early. For an older adult with diabetes or possible prediabetes, these visits help manage the disease for better overall health and, in the case of prediabetes, possibly catch it before it starts.
Diabetes Prevention and Management
Although regular preventive care or well visits are key to both prevention and management, there are actions an older adult can take every day to improve their general health. Learning more about diabetes is the first step toward prevention and management.
Successfully managing diabetes can help seniors feel more energized and motivated to do things that bring them joy. Their bodies are functioning better, which means more energy to do enjoyable activities, such as connecting with family and friends, walking their dogs, and other pastimes.
Weight and Diabetes
While prediabetes or diabetes diagnosis is serious, there are things older adults can do to prevent or reduce the severity of the condition. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things anyone can do for their health. Losing just 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve health and well-being. This means a 200-pound person will be healthier if they lose 10-20 pounds. Often, healthy weight loss helps people feel more energetic, sleep better, and reduces or eliminates the need for medication.
Exercise and Diabetes
Exercise has benefits in addition to helping with weight loss. It makes people feel healthier overall, sleep better, and have a sharper mental function. For seniors with diabetes, it can also help them manage the condition. An active lifestyle makes the body more sensitive to insulin, so it won’t need to make as much. This means seniors won’t need to take as much medication to manage their diabetes. In addition, lower insulin levels can help prevent excess fat storage and weight gain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), basic guidelines for physical activity include the following:
- Weekly: at least 150 minutes of brisk walking or other moderate activity, 75 minutes of more vigorous activity, or a combination of the two
- Two or more times per week: resistance exercises that involve every muscle group
For those who may not be used to exercising, finding something a senior loved one likes to do and starting small is key. If dancing or gardening brings them joy, then start there. A brisk walk to get the mail can also be a great place to kickstart a low-impact exercise routine.
Having someone to exercise with makes it more fun, which is one of the reasons our Interactive Caregiving™ approach calls for our Comfort Keepers to do activities with seniors, not for them. The goal is to choose fun activities and never go more than two days without being active.
Seniors should check with their doctor before starting any new physical activity or increasing intensity.
Healthy Weight for Seniors: Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Diabetes
No matter their background or family history, older adults should schedule an appointment for a physical exam and talk to their doctor about ways to prevent diabetes. Here are a few questions to ask:
What health problems does diabetes cause for seniors?
Many conditions caused by diabetes can be serious and even life-threatening. Knowing what to expect helps older adults and family caregivers make a plan to manage the disease.
What types of diabetes are seniors at risk for?
Although developing type 1 diabetes as an older adult can happen, type 2 diabetes or prediabetes is more common. A visit to the doctor is necessary for a proper diagnosis.
How is diabetes treated in seniors?
Depending on the disease’s progression, type 2 diabetes is generally treated with a combination of diet, exercise, oral medication, or insulin as prescribed by a doctor.
Can diabetes be prevented in seniors?
If an older adult has prediabetes, maintaining a healthy weight, diet, and exercise can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How can seniors manage their diabetes?
When an older adult is diagnosed with diabetes, their doctor or endocrinologist will help them develop a plan of action to keep the condition under control. In addition to the steps mentioned above, seniors may be asked to monitor several additional factors to help reduce diabetes complications, including checking their glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol and keeping vaccinations up to date.
Healthy Weight for Seniors: Comfort Keepers® Edmonton Can Help
Whether your loved one has prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, it’s not too late to take charge of the disease. Even small changes can make a big difference, and once healthy habits have been developed, seniors can better manage their diabetes. The knowledgeable and trusted team at Comfort Keepers® can help your loved ones follow the health plan set by their doctor.
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
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/prediabetes-diagnosis-as-an-older-adult-what-does-it-really-mean-202106142481
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/diabetes-older-people
https://diabetes.org/about-us/statistics/about-diabetes
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes/4-steps
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/healthy-weight.html
How to Reduce the Symptoms of Diabetes for Seniors
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Reducing The Symptoms Of Diabetes
Reducing the symptoms of diabetes is important for optimal health. When someone develops diabetes, it means their bodies are no longer able to properly process sugars. The consequences are elevated blood sugar levels are worsening of health and conditions such as heart and kidney disease.
The majority of affected individuals are seniors and the number of diagnosed cases of diabetes is only expected to rise. The good news is that diabetes can be managed with the support of a strong support system of family, caregivers, and physicians.
Reducing the Symptoms of Diabetes and Successfully Managing the Disease:
#1. Education:
Your parents might want to learn everything there is to know about diabetes and how to treat it. With a proper understanding of their diagnosis and recommended treatment regimen, your loved one has a better chance of reducing the severity of the symptoms and managing their diabetes successfully.
#2. Diet:
It is imperative that your loved one follows a nutritious, well-balanced diet low in sugar. With such a diet, they can reduce the symptoms of diabetes, prevent health complications, and also feel much better.
#3. Physical Activity:
Staying active plays an important part in diabetes management. According to the American Diabetes Association, we should all exercise at least half an hour per day, five days per week.
However, this may not be possible for your loved one. It is good to know that even shorter exercise regimens can be just as helpful, so make sure to consult your loved one’s medical team on what type of activity they should engage in.
#4. Prescribed Medications:
Seniors with diabetes have to take their medications as prescribed by their doctor. If your loved one has a hard time following their medication schedule, they can opt for medication reminders like pillboxes, medication management systems, alarms or checklists. Caregivers and family members can provide medication reminders as well.
#5. Regular Checks:
Your loved one has to check their glucose levels on a regular basis, following the instructions of their physician. It is also important to check blood pressure and cholesterol levels as often as possible.
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.
Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors on a Fixed Income
Tips for Eating Healthy on a Fixed Income for Seniors and Caregivers that Focus on Diet and Nutrition
No matter the age, a nutritious diet is essential. Seniors who may face economic and physical struggles, however, can find it difficult to procure and prepare healthy meals. In this blog we discuss healthy eating tips for seniors on a fixed income.
This month, Comfort Keepers® is focusing on their STOP Senior Hunger initiative to assist seniors, their families and caregivers in developing a healthy nutritional balance. With the help of Comfort Keepers’® home health care services and physicians, seniors can easily incorporate common-sense strategies for good eating habits and living well.
Seniors can eat a nutritious, delicious diet at an affordable price by following these tips:
- Make meal planning and preparation a fun experience. Plan one new meal, prepare a new recipe or try a new food item each week. Look for new ways to prepare an old favorite.
- If you buy enough ingredients to cook more than one meal, you can freeze individual portions.
- Provide complex carbohydrates instead of simple sugars.
- Buy fresh fruits and vegetables when in season (it is cheaper) and opt for frozen produce when fresh is not available.
- Purchase lower cost, high-quality protein, such as low-fat ground meat, eggs, beans, tofu, tuna and dairy products including milk, cottage cheese, cheese and yogurt.
- Avoid impulse purchases and excessive calorie consumption by shopping with a list and making better food choices.
- Caregivers and seniors can clip coupons and watch grocery store ads for sales if they like store brands.
- Avoid prepared foods, sweets, and snack foods that are low in nutrients or purchased in small amounts.
- Take advantage of senior menus or discounts when eating out. Lunch is usually cheaper than dinner, and portions will probably be smaller.
Good nutrition contributes to a greater quality of life for seniors.
More than 1 in 3 seniors in the care of others is at risk for under- or mal-nutrition (Mayo Clinic/American Dietetic Association). Malnutrition is the lack of proper nutrition, not necessarily a lack of food. Detecting malnutrition in seniors may be difficult, and even seniors who eat enough may be eating the wrong foods to keep themselves healthy.
Your local Comfort Keepers® may have a resource guide with contact information for local financial assistance programs that apply to seniors in home health care.
Note: Seniors, their family members and other caregivers should speak with their doctors about managing their nutrition.
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.
Keep Seniors Safe from Foodborne Illness
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Keeping Seniors Safe from Foodborne Illness
Do you know how to keep seniors safe from foodborne illness? Nowadays, even with all the regulations, the risk of food poisoning is still present. Every so often we hear that someone has been hospitalized after eating contaminated foods, such as fish, dairy and chicken. Most cases of food poisoning can be attributed to these foods.
Eating food contaminated with bacteria or parasites is concerning at any age. For seniors, contracting a foodborne illness is not easy to recover from. Some older adults even end up in a hospital, and in certain cases, food poisoning even leads to death.
Why Seniors Are More Vulnerable to Foodborne Illness?
Due to their age, seniors have a weakened immune system and their body is no longer capable of fighting illness as efficiently as before. The liver and kidneys also do not function as well as they used to and they cannot easily cleanse the body of harmful toxins.
In addition, some medications can cause a problem. Drugs that are prescribed for heart disease or diabetes have side effects that can weaken the immune system so recovering after food poisoning becomes increasingly difficult.
Three Tips to Keep Seniors Safe from Foodborne Illness
Tip #1 – At the Grocery Store:
If a can is dented or a jar has cracks, it should not be bought. Also, seniors should avoid any produce that looks bruised. When packing groceries, raw meat should be packed in a separate bag so it doesn’t drip on other food. Older adults should pay close attention to the expiration date of the product.
Tip #2 – Food Handling and Preparation:
Hands should be thoroughly washed with warm water and soap prior to meal preparation, and kitchen counters should be sanitized. Any produce should be rinsed with tap water, while raw meat and other foods should be prepared on separate cutting boards.
Seniors should also use a food thermometer to make sure that their food is cooked safely, instead of just relying on the color. Any perishable foods should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.
Tip #3 – When Eating Out:
When dining out, older adults should stick to meals that do not contain any uncooked ingredients. In case the food doesn’t look properly cooked, it should be sent back.
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.
Why Should You Take Senior Dental Hygiene Seriously?
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Dental Health and Hygiene
Senior Dental Hygiene | Today’s seniors are maintaining more of their natural teeth than elders of earlier generations, which is something to smile about. However, they should keep in mind that dental hygiene isn’t just important for dental health – it can also contribute to other factors such as a balanced diet, as well as influencing conditions like heart trouble, stroke, and diabetes.
As people age, they may find that their oral health begins to suffer. Conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke effects, and dementia can make brushing and flossing regularly a struggle. Further problems may arise from age-related concerns like dry mouth; this restricts the amount of saliva which aids in cleaning out food particles and preventing acid buildup – data from the Academy of General Dentistry supports this.
Dry mouth, a treatable issue, can be the result of disease, certain drugs or cancer treatments. Additionally, 95 percent of elderly people experience gum recession which leads to their tooth roots being unprotected and vulnerable to decay – meaning seniors are more prone to cavities than children. Consuming bottled or filtered water rather than tap water can further heighten senior citizens’ risk of dental decay because such types of water do not contain fluoride which helps protect against it.
The following Senior Dental Hygiene tips can help maintain good dental health:
- Floss daily and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Seniors who have limited dexterity due to medical conditions may consider using an electric toothbrush or having a caregiver assist with oral hygiene practices, the Canadian Dental Association suggests.
- Alternatives to the above include adapting a manual toothbrush for easier use by inserting the handle into a rubber ball or sponge hair curler or gluing the handle into a bicycle grip. Dental floss holders are also available for those with limited dexterity. Dentists can help you find solutions.
- Drink fluoridated tap water instead of bottled water to protect against cavities, and see a dentist for fluoride treatments.
- If dry mouth is a problem, see a dentist. Dentists can prescribe artificial saliva and mouth moisturizers.
- Visit the dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Caregivers can assist seniors with scheduling and transportation to their appointments.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks, particularly those with sugars and starches.
Senior Dental Hygiene: Denture Care
Keep in mind that seniors who wear dentures still need regular professional dental care. Hygiene tips for denture wearers include:
- Brush full or partial dentures daily with a soft toothbrush or denture cleaning brush and put them in water each night. Use a commercially prepared denture powder or paste or baking soda. Brush them inside and out and rinse them with cool water.
- Brush remaining natural teeth and gums—and floss.
- See a dental professional when there are changes in the way dentures fit.
For more information on dental health, visit the Canadian Dental Association’s website.
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.