by Amber Kevlin, RN | Feb 20, 2024 | Senior Home Care
Dehydration for elderly seniors is a very common and very serious health concern. As we mature, our bodies become less efficient at regulating fluid balance. This can make older adults more susceptible to dehydration.
Understanding the risks, complications, and prevention strategies associated with dehydration in seniors is crucial for maintaining their overall health and well-being.
Some common elderly dehydration causes:
- Medications commonly prescribed to seniors can have diuretic effects, increasing urine production and the risk of fluid and electrolyte loss.
- Age-related changes in thirst perception can lead to decreased fluid intake causing senior dehydration.
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease can also contribute.
Prevention is key when it comes to combating dehydration.
Encouraging regular fluid intake throughout the day is important. Offering fluids that are appealing and easily accessible can help increase consumption, and may help replenish lost electrolytes, such as zero-sugar Gatorade or Pedialyte.
Monitoring medication side effects and adjusting dosages if necessary is also important to prevent dehydration senior citizens could experience.
If you notice that a loved one has dramatically decreased their fluid intake, make sure to speak to a doctor right away. Complications arising from senior dehydration can be severe.
Elderly dehydration signs
Dehydration for elderly seniors can lead to electrolyte imbalances, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even heatstroke in extreme cases. Cognitive function may also be affected, leading to confusion or delirium. Cognitive decline may also be a root cause of senior dehydration. Here are some more signs and symptoms to look for.
Tracking patterns of change in a senior’s diet is essential in catching potentially harmful health issues before they can make an impact.
Looking for help at home to keep your senior loved ones healthy and hydrated? My Choice Home Care is an in-home elderly care service. One of our priorities is teaching how to prevent senior dehydration. We serve clients in Macon, Jackson, and Haywood Counties in North Carolina. Counties served in Georgia are Rabun, Towns, and Habersham. Counties served in Upstate South Carolina are Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson. Visit MyChoiceHome.Care or call (828) 200-9000 to speak to someone today if you or a loved one would like to enjoy the benefits of living independently in your own home.
by Amber Kevlin, RN | Feb 8, 2024 | Senior Home Care
Winter can be an intimidating time of year for seniors, especially those that live alone in areas where severe cold and bad weather possibilities are common.
Here in the mountains of North Carolina, it’s a tough job for meteorologists to accurately predict some sneaky winter storms.
Staying two steps ahead of the weather can be helpful in planning for seniors and winter care. This can prevent serious emergencies for seniors living independently in the home.
We summarized some useful winter safety tips for seniors:
- Make sure to have a network of support. Make a list of neighbors you can call if you need help. Notify nearby friends and family for a solid elderly care winter assistance plan.
- Charged battery packs for your cell phone and electronics in case you DO need to call for help. Also sign up for community alert systems and apps, so you will receive an alert for severe weather and possible power outages.
- Keep a solid supply of water to prevent senior dehydration and non-perishable foods that should last you at least two weeks. Make sure to keep a thermometer close to monitor food temperature, and use coolers or store food outside if necessary.
- Consider medical needs, especially if electronics or power is necessary. Do you have refrigerated medicine, electronic locks, doors, or elevators in the home? Make sure to have a back up plan if these devices are unusable.
- Plan for emergency heating, but be careful not to use a generator or kerosene heater indoors. And to this point, make sure your home is equipped with fire alarms, carbon dioxide detectors on every floor, and charged fire extinguishers.
- Red Cross offers several more helpful hints on winter safety for seniors during a surprise power outage in the winter.
When all of these options are either exhausted or not applicable, make sure to have a back up plan for evacuation if needed.
Bags of salt for melting driveways and a full tank of gas are always good to have if needed. And of course for seniors and winter time, don’t forget about your furry family members, they will need back ups of food, shelter, and a place to go as well if you need to leave.
Looking for help at home this winter or beyond? My Choice Home Care is a senior in-home care service that serves clients in Macon, Jackson, and Haywood Counties in North Carolina. Counties served in Georgia are Rabun, Towns, and Habersham. Counties served in Upstate South Carolina are Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson. Contact us via email here or call (828) 200-9000 to speak to someone today. We can help you or a loved one enjoy the benefits of living independently in your own home.
by Amber Kevlin, RN | Feb 1, 2024 | Senior Home Care
Lowering cholesterol levels in seniors is an important aspect of maintaining their overall health and well-being. As individuals age, they become more susceptible to high cholesterol, which may increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
There are several strategies that can be implemented to help lower senior cholesterol levels.
Adopting a healthy diet is crucial.
This includes reducing the intake of saturated fats and trans fats found in processed foods and fried foods. Instead, seniors should focus on consuming a diet rich in lean proteins such as fish and chicken or turkey, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Add healthy fats like those found in nuts and avocados. This will prevent what causes high cholesterol in elderly people.
Consistent movement is a pillar.
Regular physical activity is also key in lowering cholesterol levels for seniors. Engaging in moderate-intensity exercises such as leisurely swimming or slow to medium paced walking for at least 30 minutes a day can help improve cardiovascular health and promote weight management.
Medication can help normalize levels.
In some cases, medication may be necessary to effectively lower cholesterol levels in seniors. Statins are commonly prescribed to individuals with high cholesterol to help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
It’s important for seniors to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized plan for lowering their cholesterol levels. There are cholesterol charts and figures to know when setting a health plan. Regular check-ups and monitoring of lipid profiles will ensure that progress is being made towards achieving optimal cholesterol levels.
Looking for help at home to help your elderly loved one maintain healthy cholesterol levels? My Choice Home Care is a senior care service that serves clients in Macon, Jackson, and Haywood Counties in North Carolina. Counties served in Georgia are Rabun, Towns, and Habersham. Counties served in Upstate South Carolina are Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson. Visit MyChoiceHome.Care or call (828) 200-9000 to speak to someone today if you or a loved one would like to enjoy the benefits of living independently in your own home.
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