by Amber Kevlin, RN | Nov 11, 2023 | Senior Home Care
Shingles is an illness brought about by the varicella-zoster virus, which is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus. It is more likely to occur in people with a weakened immune system, which includes seniors.
Shingles presents as an angry, painful rash with a “stripe of blisters,” and affects over 1 million Americans each year in the U.S., according to the CDC. Shingles can be managed better if detected early on and treated swiftly to avoid complications like postherpetic neuralgia, meaning the pain persists after treatment.
Some signs and symptoms of shingles in seniors include:
- Painful blisters and sores on the trunk of the body
- Redness or rash-like appearance that may tingle or be itchy
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Upset stomach
The best method of prevention for shingles is by means of vaccination.
The shingles vaccine seniors need to know is Shingrix, which can greatly decrease your chances of getting shingles. It’s suggested for adults over 50 — even if you’ve had chickenpox already, as well as adults over 19 who may have compromised immune systems.
Aside from immunization, there are other steps older adults can do to potentially lower the chances of getting shingles. Keeping yourself in proper shape through regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and proper rest can bolster your immune system.
Family members of loved ones that may not be able to schedule vaccinations should be educated on senior specific vaccinations, and talk with their loved ones primary care provider to create a vaccine schedule. Shingle prevention is an essential part of creating quality of life for our elderly loved ones.
Do you need help?
Are you or a loved one looking for help at home with shingles in seniors and other disease prevention? My Choice Home Care is a senior 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. 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 | Nov 3, 2023 | Senior Home Care
The health and well-being of the overweight aging population is a growing challenge that has significant implications on their health. Seniors tend to put on weight as they age because of various factors including reduced metabolism, hormonal changes and lifestyle habits that make one gain weight easily but have difficulty losing it. The definition of obesity for seniors is a BMI of 30 or greater.
Obese seniors face a heightened risk of developing several diseases which include:
Obesity in old age can also worsen pre-existing health problems, leading to a poorer standard of living.
Addressing obesity in seniors over 70 is largely preventive. This can be achieved by promoting ongoing physical activity that suits individual capabilities and conditions, even if it’s a short 10-minute walk each day. Muscle preservation can be done through strength training, which also boosts mobility.
In managing weight, a balanced diet is also crucial for seniors.
Weight management can be enhanced by promoting a diet which includes whole grains, healthy fats, vegetables, lean proteins and fruits.
Do your best to limit processed foods packed with saturated fats, high fructose corn syrup, and extra sugar.
Additionally, it is crucial to raise the awareness of the dangers of obesity
Educating seniors and their caregivers can prevent the harmful outcomes of obesity in old age. This leads to recognizing unhealthy patterns that may cause a risk later on. To kick-start a healthy lifestyle, speak with your doctor today to create a specialized plan for yourself or your loved one.
We are here to help
Are you or a loved one looking for help at home with senior obesity? 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.
by Amber Kevlin, RN | Oct 24, 2023 | Senior Home Care
Foot health and, particularly for senior citizens, toenail care is a very important aspect of healthy aging. As we get older, our toenails harden and get more fragile, rendering them harder to clip.
Foot care is important for diabetics
Many foot ailments can result from failure to fully take care of your feet. It can cause potentially dangerous issues, especially in seniors with prevailing health problems like diabetes. Diabetes may lead to poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet (called neuropathy). This makes them less sensitive to cuts, scrapes or infection.
Problems such as ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and ulcers can also develop when toenail care is neglected. Seniors should also trim and care for their toenails very carefully. Trimming nails should be done straight across and not too short. The corners need to be rounded out to prevent the occurrence of ‘ingrown nails’.
Elderly foot care tips to maintain healthy feet:
- Avoid tight or constricting footwear that can cause blisters
- Avoid going barefoot to prevent injuries
- Aim for circulation! Give yourself a foot massage, prop your feet up when sitting down, and wiggle your toes if sitting for long periods of time
- Change socks daily, and keep feet from being exposed to moisture for long periods of time
- Moisturize often with lotion to prevent calluses and cracking in the skin
- Check in with a podiatrist annually for optimal foot health
Find professional help:
If you or a loved one suffers from vision impairment and cannot reach their feet, you should consult a healthcare practitioner or a podiatrist. They can assist in the right nail care methods for optimal senior foot care. They will give a heads up if there are any foot troubles looming. If needed, have family or friends check frequently for preventative measures for injury, fungus, or infections.
Are you or a loved one looking for help at home for proper foot care? My Choice Home Care is an in home 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.
by Amber Kevlin, RN | Oct 19, 2023 | Senior Home Care
As seniors age, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine becomes increasingly important for their overall well-being. In-home care providers play a crucial role in directing elderly exercise and diet routines. This helps individuals in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A balanced diet is crucial for seniors to meet their nutritional needs and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
It is recommended that a diet for seniors consists of a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Examples are lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. Seniors should also aim to limit their intake of saturated fats, added sugars (look for the labels that say “No Added Sugars!”), and sodium.
In terms of specific dietary recommendations for seniors, it is important to focus on foods that promote bone health. Some examples are calcium-rich dairy products or fortified alternatives like almond milk or tofu. Additionally, incorporating foods high in fiber can help with senior digestive health and prevent constipation which can be common among older adults.
Regular physical exercise for seniors is equally important
It helps improve balance, flexibility, strength, and overall cardiovascular health. Engaging in exercises such as cycling, swimming, walking, or even light weightlifting can have numerous benefits. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen to ensure safety.
For those who may have limited mobility or other physical limitations due to age-related conditions or disabilities; there are still plenty of senior diet options available. Chair exercises or gentle stretching routines can be done from the comfort of home while providing significant benefits.
A healthy senior diet improves quality of life and health
By following a healthy diet plan tailored to their needs along with regular elderly exercise routines suitable for their abilities; seniors can significantly enhance their quality of life and maintain optimal health as they age. In-home care providers play an essential role in supporting elderly individuals in adopting these lifestyle changes. They provide guidance on nutrition choices and assisting with physical activities when needed.
Are you or a loved one looking for diet and nutrition help at home? My Choice Home Care is an in-home elderly 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. Email us 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. We offer a free Elderly Care Options guide to help you navigate Medicare, Medicaid and other programs for seniors.
by Amber Kevlin, RN | Oct 14, 2023 | Senior Home Care
In-home care is an incredible opportunity when a senior is in need of companionship. Aides and caregivers can provide senior companion services which can help battle feelings of loneliness. Isolation can become a common experience in elderly adults. Companionship can make all the difference.
Senior companionship provided by caregivers not only offers social interaction but also promotes mental stimulation. Engaging in conversations, playing games, reading together, or simply sharing stories can help seniors keep a sharp mind and prevent further cognitive decline. Furthermore, having a companion at home ensures that seniors have someone they can rely on for assistance with daily activities such as meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and transportation. This support enables them to maintain independence while ensuring their comfort and safety.
In-home care services also provide respite for families caring for elderly loved ones.
Knowing that a trained caregiver is present to offer companionship and support can alleviate stress for family members. Especially those who may have other responsibilities or need time for self-care. Ultimately, the benefits of companionship for seniors through in-home care are invaluable. It not only enhances their quality of life but also contributes to their physical health in a very real way.
- A lower risk for cardiovascular disease. People that suffer from loneliness are 32% more susceptible for a stroke and 29% more likely to develop heart problems than people that engage in social activities.
- Lower risk for dementia, as keeping socially engaged also keeps the mind engaged, improving cognitive functioning.
- Emotional balance, as being lonely can increase the risk for depression and anxiety.
Are you or a loved one looking for elderly companionship at home? My Choice Home Care is an experienced in-home care service agency 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. Email us 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. We offer a free senior care consultant guide to help you navigate Medicare, Medicaid and other programs for seniors.
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