Summer Safety for Seniors

Summer Safety for Seniors – As the country continues to experience its recent history of long, hot summers, it is becoming vitally important that we understand symptoms of heat related illnesses, especially for our seniors. Our bodies work hard every day to maintain a normal temperature. Excessive heat forces our body to work harder than normal, which often is the root cause of heat-related illness. Essentially the heat forces our bodies to work beyond their limits. For senior citizens, this can be a dangerous – and even deadly – problem. With awareness and preventative measures, caregivers can help their senior loved ones enjoy a healthy, active summer.

Seniors don’t ‘feel the heat’ the way younger people do, and so might not be aware of the risks of high temperatures. Physiologically, as we age our bodies lose some natural ability to regulate temperature making seniors more susceptible to temperature changes in the environment. One such change is that the subcutaneous layer of fat beneath the skin, which acts as a natural insulation to hear and cold, dwindles. Also because seniors perspire less, it’s harder for them to keep cool which also increases their risk of becoming overheated.

Summer Safety – Serious Conditions for Concern

The two most serious conditions for seniors that result from heat and exposure to high temperatures are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is a non-life-threatening condition caused by loss of salt and fluid from the body that results from prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Characteristic symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, blurred vision, nausea, upset stomach, ashen appearance, low blood pressure, vomiting, sluggishness, fatigue, thirst, rapid weak heartbeat, profuse sweating and moderate increase in body temperature.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

headache
dizziness
elevated or lowered blood pressure
disorientation
agitation
confusion
sluggishness
fatigue
seizures
hot dry skin
fainting
loss of consciousness
increased body temperature
rapid heartbeat and hallucinations

Summer Safety – Keeping Seniors Hydrated

Another major issue seniors can experience due to prolonged heat exposure is dehydration. People age 65 and older can lose their sense of thirst, and tend to not drink enough. Older people also have less ability to perspire, which is a mechanism to release heat from the body. In addition, many older people have chronic health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, and may take medications that can make them more susceptible to dehydration and can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Dehydration is caused by loss of salts and water in our bodies due to severe sweating, extreme heat, vomiting, diarrhea and certain medications. Severe dehydration can become life threatening to the elderly because there is no longer enough fluid in the body to carry blood to the organs. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry skin, fatigue, confusion, light headed, dry mouth, increased heart and breathing rate and decreased urination. Seniors who are dehydrated should be moved to a cool place to lie down and rest. They should drink water to replenish fluids.

Summer Safety – As a caregiver you can help to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion in your senior loved one by following these simple tips:

Make sure your senior drinks plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if he or she doesn’t feel thirsty. Seniors should avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages as much as possible as they accelerate dehydration. Have him or her drink plenty of water. The body also loses sodium and potassium through sweating, so popular sports drinks can be good for rehydration also. Good nutrition and adequate fluids are especially important for seniors in the hot summer months. Remember, dehydration increases the risk of skin injury.
Avoid direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Keeping your senior out of direct sunlight as much as possible is key. Seek out shaded spots outdoors. To protect your senior’s skin from harmful UV rays, the American Cancer Society uses a catch phrase that can help your senior remember some useful steps to protect him or herself when going out in the sun – “Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap!” Meaning, “Slip on a shirt. Slop on Sunscreen. Slap on a hat. And Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them.”
Limit strenuous activity and exercise. Our body works hard enough during the hot days that adding strenuous physical activity can be detrimental. If your senior exercises regularly, try it during the early morning or late evenings. Planning around the hottest time of the day can help to limit exposure to the heat.
Take frequent breaks to cool down. When spending time out in the hot sun, it’s beneficial to take numerous breaks to recover. Having a cool area in his or her home in which to recover can also be beneficial. Make sure the home’s cooling device – whether it’s an electric fan, a portable air conditioner or central AC – is working properly to ensure faster recovery.

As always, guidelines in this article are not intended as medical advice. Do seek medical attention for your senior if he or she experiences heat-related issues. That way you can assure that your senior has a safe and healthy summer!

Summer Safety for Orangeville Seniors Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

Comfort Keepers can help. Our caregivers can provide wellness support, remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. As part of an individualized care plan, caregivers can let a senior’s care team know if there are changes in behavior or physical characteristics. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.

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

Bonus Article: What to Expect with Home Care

References

‘Senior Citizen Summer Safety Tips,’ U.S. Center for Disease Control online, (http://www.centerfordiseasecontrol.com)

‘Extreme Heat Causes Exhaustion and Heatstroke,’ by Christine Bude Nyholm, Yahoo! Contributor Network; (www.Yahoo!.com)

‘Summer Health Risks for Senior Citizens,’ by Drew Taylor, Yahoo! Contributor Network; (www.Yahoo!.com)

‘Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection,’ published by the American Cancer Society online, (http://www.americancancersociety.com)

Seniors and Bladder Incontinence

Seniors and Bladder Incontinence – bladder incontinence is a highly prevalent disease that not only affects a senior’s health, but impacts their daily lives emotionally, socially, and economically. With a rapidly growing senior population, more people will experience incontinence – however, it is not an inevitable part of aging.

What happens with Bladder Incontinence:

The body stores urine in the bladder, a hollow organ much like a balloon. During urination, muscles in the bladder tighten to move urine into a tube called the urethra, while the muscles around the urethra relax and let the urine pass out of the body. When the muscles in and around the bladder don’t work properly, urine can leak. Incontinence can occur for short periods of time due to urinary tract infections, constipation, or as a side effect of a medication.

Fast Fact

At least one in eight Canadians aged 65 and older suffered from urinary incontinence according to
a Stats Can report.

When bladder leaking urine lasts longer, it may be due to:

Urge Incontinence: The most common diagnosis, this involves an urgent need to urinate resulting in the loss of urine before arriving at the toilet, caused by involuntary contractions of the bladder that can’t be stopped. Also called overactive bladder, it can be caused by strokes, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or injuries. Conditions such as pelvic floor atrophy in women, prostate enlargement in men, or constipation in either sex can also lead to urge incontinence.
Stress Incontinence: This occurs when an increase in abdominal pressure overcomes the closing pressure of the bladder. Abdominal pressure rises when you cough, sneeze, laugh, climb stairs, or lift objects. The bladder muscles of seniors may be so weak that leaking can occur just by getting up out of a chair. Stress incontinence is more common in women due to pregnancy and childbirth, and a lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women can also cause muscular atrophy that may lead to the condition. Men with enlarged prostates, have had prostate cancer treatments or surgery can also develop it.
Overflow Incontinence: Rarely diagnosed, this occurs when one’s bladder never completely empties. Sufferers frequently feel the need to go and often leak small amounts of urine. This condition is often caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract system or by a bladder that either has very weak contractions or is unable to contract at all. Causes include an enlarged prostate or damage from prostate surgery, constipation, fecal impaction, and nerve damage from stokes or diabetes.
Functional Incontinence: This incontinence is caused by disabilities. Arthritis could make unzipping one’s pants difficult, or a bad hip could make a trip to the facilities take longer than expected – and accidents might happen. Neurological disorders, stroke complications, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or multiple sclerosis are other causes. Often, the mind cannot plan or carry out a bathroom trip.
Mixed Incontinence: People can have more than one type of incontinence. Usually there is a combination of stress and urge incontinence, especially in women. People with severe dementia, Parkinson’s disease, neurological disorders, or who have had strokes can suffer from urge and functional incontinence.

Urinary incontinence diagnosis: Your loved one may feel embarrassed by accidents and the use of absorbent pads or protective underwear, which, in turn, could trigger a reluctance to visit the doctor. Or there could be some confusion about which specialist to see. But stress to your loved one that the best reason to see a doctor is that senior urinary incontinence is quite treatable. If your loved one feels comfortable with his or her primary care doctor, start there. Women can also find a urogynecologist, while men could visit a urologist; either can see a geriatrician, or a nurse practitioner who specializes in incontinence issues.

What to expect with Seniors and Bladder Incontinence:

A urinalysis to rule out infection or blood in the urine; blood tests to check on kidney function, calcium and glucose levels; a thorough discussion of one’s medical history; and a complete physical exam, including a rectal exam and a pelvic exam for women, and a urological exam for men. The doctor may prescribe a medicine that calms muscles and nerves to treat an overactive bladder. If leakage is caused by weak muscles, the doctor or nurse can suggest exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles. The doctor may fit a woman with a device worn in the vagina that helps lift the bladder. If other treatments fail, surgery may be suggested to improve bladder control.

What caregivers can do to help:

Avoid giving drinks like caffeinated coffee, tea, and sodas that increase urination, but don’t limit water; keep pathways clear and the bathroom clutter-free with a light on at all times; make sure there are regular bathroom breaks; if there is a tendency to leak urine at certain times of the day, trips to the bathroom ahead of time can help; supply underwear that is easy to get on and off; and use absorbent underclothes for trips away from home.

Discussing it with your loved one:

Find a time when you and your loved one can be alone together, and discuss the subject with sensitivity and clarity. This is a dignity issue. Help your loved one understand that dignity is very important to both of you.

Comfort Keepers^® can help. We offer a wide range of in-home care services ranging from personal care to companionship. Our services can include bathing, grooming, and hygiene; mobility assistance; toileting and incontinence care; dementia care; meal preparation; household tasks; and more. Call the Comfort Keepers Orangeville office today!

Bonus Article: What to Expect with Home Care

References:

A Place for Mom. “Elderly Urinary Incontinence: Causes & Care.” Web. 2016.

AgingCare.com. “Urinary and Bowel Incontinence for the Elderly and Aging.” Web. 2016.

WebMD. “Over Half of Seniors Plagued by Incontinence: CDC.” Web. 2014.

AgingCare.com. “How to Approach the Subject of Incontinence and Adult Diapers with an Elderly Parent.” Web. 2016.

NIH National Institute on Aging. “Urinary Incontinence.” Web. 2016.

Making Sure Seniors are Getting Enough Vitamin C

Making Sure Seniors are Getting Enough Vitamin C – For seniors, good eating habits improve physical health, which in turn has a positive effect on mental wellbeing and overall quality of life. Vitamin intake is often an important part of maintaining a healthy diet and getting the necessary nutrients.

As seniors age, vitamin deficiencies can occur for many reasons, such as skipped meals, medications interfering with the absorption of vitamins or certain health issues.

The recommended daily dose of this vitamin is 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for a woman.

One vitamin that can greatly play a role in the quality of life of seniors is vitamin C. While usually associated with colds, this vitamin plays a part in keeping older adults healthy all around.

Benefits include:

Fights off colds: Vitamin C reduces the duration and severity of some illnesses
Immunity boost: Assists in the formation of white blood cells, which help fight off infection
Supports healthy joints: Helps form collagen, which helps hold skin, ligaments and cartilage together
Builds strong blood vessels: Helps keeps blood vessel walls strong and resistant to damage

When people age, the need for vitamin C only increases as they become more susceptible to illness and disease. Making Sure Seniors are Getting Enough Vitamin C, whether it is to prevent macular degeneration, heart disease, osteoporosis or cancer, vitamin C has a vital role.

Seniors that want to ensure that they are getting enough of this crucial vitamin on a regular basis should talk to a healthcare professional. Typically, avoiding vitamin C deficiency is possible with a healthy diet, but some older adults find that a supplement can be beneficial.

Foods rich in vitamin C are citrus fruits, bell peppers, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cantaloupe.

Bonus Article: What To Expect with Home Care

References

Oregon State University. “Micronutrients for Older Adults.” Web. 2020.

SF Gate. “How Much Vitamin C Should Seniors Take in Addition to Multivitamins?

Seniors and the Road to Quality Sleep

Quality Sleep, Not Quantity for Seniors

Seniors and the Road to Quality Sleep – The older we get, the harder it becomes to get a good night’s sleep. Beginning in our late 20s, there’s a steep decline in the amount of deep sleep we get each night – and by the time we reach 50, that amount is reduced by more than half. For older adults (65 years of age and older), getting adequate sleep can be an even greater challenge. Even if they reach the recommended 7-9 hours each night (a metric that, despite popular belief, remains constant throughout all stages of adulthood), it may not exactly be quality sleep.

Consequently, seniors may fall asleep earlier than usual, wake up in the middle of the night, or suffer from insomnia – all of which can negatively impact quality of life. In addition to making them tired and irritable, lack of sleep can lead to issues with memory and an increased risk of falling. But what makes sleep deprivation so prevalent in the senior population?

Factors that Impact Senior’s Sleep Quality:

We know that sleep plays a significant role in the regeneration of cells, but there is much about the process that remains a mystery. What is known, however, is that sleep occurs in stages and patterns – what sleep experts refer to as “sleep architecture” – which includes light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. The natural process of aging shifts this architecture so that there is more time in light sleep and less in deep, which is what causes older adults to wake up frequently throughout the night. This is also why they may find themselves napping more during the day. Adding to this, as we age our body tends to manufacture less of the hormones needed to regulate sleep, such as melatonin.

Ways to Improve Senior’s Sleep:

Although there are a number of factors that can influence a senior’s sleep quality, it’s important to remember that poor sleep is not a normal part of aging. Seniors who experience the symptoms of sleep apnea or severe insomnia should consult a physician or sleep specialist. However, seniors can also take steps on their own to regulate their sleep-wake cycle and get better rest at night.

Set a strict schedule and go to bed at the same time every day (including weekends)
Avoid napping throughout the day, if possible
Follow a daily exercise regimen, with approval from a physician
Spend time outside each day (at least 10-15 minutes) to receive some natural sunlight
Avoid caffeine and smoking 8 hours before
Avoid eating large meals or snacks before bed
Limit alcoholic beverages throughout the day, but avoid completely in the hours before bed
Make the bedroom a place exclusively for sleep, and ensure that the conditions are ideal for promoting quality sleep

Seniors and the Road to Quality Sleep | Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

At Comfort Keepers^®, we want to help preserve all areas of senior wellbeing. Our caregivers can help seniors follow the recommended steps that promote quality sleep and let the family know of any dramatic changes in sleep behavior. Contact a the Comfort Keepers Orangeville office today to learn more about our in-home care services.

Bonus Article: What To Expect with Home Care

References:

FamilyDoctor.org. “Sleep Changes in Older Adults.” Web. 2017.

AgingCare.com. “Do People Need Less Sleep As They Age?” by National Institutes of Health. Web. 2018.

National Sleep Foundation. “Aging and Sleep” Reviewed by Michael V. Vitiello, PhD. Web. 2009.

Malnutrition: A Serious Concern for Seniors

Malnutrition: A Serious Concern for Seniors – We all know that we feel better when we eat well. Good eating habits, and being mindful of healthy eating goals, can improve mental and physical health, and give us the energy we need to do the activities we love.

Unfortunately, too many seniors are not having their nutritional needs met. Changes in our bodies as we age, and changing dietary needs, can make healthy eating more difficult for older adults.

One in three hospital patients is malnourished upon admission and almost one-third of Canadian patients (31 percent) experiences declines in nutritional status while in the hospital.

The health risks associated with malnutrition can be especially concerning for seniors.

Malnutrition symptoms can include:

Weakened immune system
Poor wound healing
Muscle weakness
Weight loss
Dental issues

If engaging in good eating habits is a struggle, there are steps anyone can take to ensure that they are getting proper nutrition. In addition to consulting a physician about diet or health concerns, family and caregivers can also try the following tactics to get the seniors they love and work with back on the right track.

Strategies to avoid senior malnutrition:

Make meals a social occasion – Sharing a meal is one of the most enjoyable ways to ensure that someone is eating well. This can look like making something healthy and delicious for others or reaching out to people that love to cook healthy food and offering them your company.
Make healthy eating fit your budget – Good food doesn’t have to be expensive. A doctor or nutritionist can point patients to budget friendly, nutritious food options. And, maintaining a healthy lifestyle saves money on medical care in the future.
Shop for healthy foods – Having a kitchen stocked with healthy snacks and meal options is one of the most important steps to maintaining a balanced diet.
Encourage people to ask for help – If someone you know has concerns about their ability to plan healthy meals, shop for the groceries or if they just aren’t getting the nutrition they need, tell them to ask for help! In-home caregivers, delivery services, family, friends and medical professionals can all help older adults reach their nutrition goals.

For those concerned about their nutrition, or the eating habits of a senior loved one, speaking to a medical professional is critical.

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

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

Bonus Article: What To Expect with Home Care

References

Feeding America. “Facts about Senior Hunger in America.” Web.

Mayo Clinic. “Senior health: How to prevent and detect malnutrition.” Web. 2017.

Next Avenue, “Malnutrition is Affecting Too Many Older Adults.” Web. 2016.

Public Health Post. “Malnutrition in Older Adults.” Web. 2017
Healthline. “How Your Nutritional Needs Change as you Age.” Web. 2017.

Seniors and Blood Pressure Management

The Silent Killer
53% of Canadians aged 60 to 79 have high blood pressure (or hypertension).

Seniors and Blood Pressure Management – It’s especially concerning considering that high blood pressure contributes significantly to the risk of health conditions that thousands face each year, such as heart attack, stroke, chronic heart failure, and kidney disease. And because those with high blood pressure tend not to have any symptoms, the disease is often referred to as the ‘silent killer.’

Blood Pressure and the Risks for Seniors

Blood pressure can increase for those of any age, but adults age 65 and older tend to be at greater risk of high blood pressure because of structural changes to the arteries. Fortunately, education around blood pressure seems to be making an impact; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there has been a gradual increase in the number of older adults who have received treatment for high blood pressure since 1999. The key to managing high blood pressure for these individuals was having their blood pressure checked frequently. But what exactly constitutes normal blood pressure for seniors?

What Is Considered Normal?

High blood pressure was, for many years, treated at 140/90mm Hg, but just last year, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) released new guidelines that consider 130/80 to be high. While these new guidelines were put in place to help treat high blood pressure earlier, some in the medical community feel that it may be harder to apply directly to seniors, who, as mentioned, already have higher blood pressure levels than younger adults. Treating the matter as black and white may not be realistic. For instance, lowering a senior’s blood pressure, when unnecessary, can dramatically increase seniors’ risk of falling. Conversely, one study showed that frail seniors may actually benefit from a slightly higher blood pressure level to help facilitate constant blood flow.

By ACC standards, blood pressure lower than 120/80 is still considered ideal, but physicians should consider all aspects of a senior’s wellbeing before setting out to reach this goal. Cardiovascular health is an extraordinarily important part of our overall health, but it should not be managed in a silo. Seniors should discuss the subject of their blood pressure thoroughly with a physician, keeping in mind any existing conditions and current medications. Comprehensive discussion will help lead to a better plan for either reducing the risk of high blood pressure or management of existing high blood pressure.

Managing Blood Pressure:

All seniors should obtain a blood pressure monitor for their home so that they can self-check. It’s recommended that several readings, across the span of about one week, are averaged in order to get higher level of blood pressure accuracy. If blood pressure consistently stays high, medication may be required. However, there are a number of lifestyle choices seniors can make to help reduce their risk of high blood pressure, all of which should be done with physician approval.

Lifestyle changes that support healthy blood pressure:

Follow a balanced, heart-healthy diet, complete with fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and nuts
Maintain a healthy weight
Get some form of exercise every day for at least 30 minutes
Do not salt your food and avoid processed foods whenever possible (especially if salt-sensitive)
Follow a consistent sleep schedule
Limit alcohol consumption (no more than one beverage a day for women, and two for men)
Don’t smoke, or take steps to quit

Bonus Article: What To Expect with Home Care

References:
Statistics Canada. “Health Fact Sheets:Blood pressure of adults, 2012 to 2015.” Web. 2016.
AgingCare. “High Blood Pressure: Guidelines and Treatments for Seniors. Web. 2018.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “High Blood Pressure Facts.” Web. 2018.
Better Health While Aging. “6 Steps to Better High Blood Pressure Treatment for Older Adults” by Leslie Kernisan, MD
MPH. Web. 2016.
American College of Cardiology. “New ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guidelines Lower Definition of Hypertension”
Web. 2017.
Harvard Health Publishing. “Blood pressure goals may need to change with age” by Howard LeWine, M.D Web. 2012.
National Institute on Aging. “High Blood Pressure.” Web. 2015.

Summer Safety for Seniors