The 10 Proven Tips For Healthy Aging

Have you ever wondered about the secrets to healthy aging?

Everybody prays to always be healthy, hopes to grow old, to live long enough to see their children married and carry their grandchildren in their hands. 

They pray to live their best lives with their partners, looking back at the good years they had together. 

But even though some people do grow old, at times, they realize that they have too many medical conditions than they can count and 

become a burden to their children.

Some of them become depressed as a result of the loss of a spouse, or the realization that life as they knew it is not the same anymore. 

Nobody wants to grow old and become lability. 

I am very sure you want to grow old and still be agile and able to do things without depending on others. 

Well, you will not achieve it by just dreaming about it,

You would have to work towards it every day by making intentional daily decisions. 

Some of those choices are what I will be discussing in this blog post. 

In this blog post, I will be giving you 10 tips for aging healthy, which are;

1. Watch what you eat and drink

If you want to age gracefully, then I suggest you start being intentional about what you eat. 

This may sound like a cliche, but when you eat meals that are balanced, you would have good health, and energy and prevent illness. 

Do you know that an ideal diet should be low in saturated fat with a huge amount of fruits and vegetables, 

inclusive of whole grains, oily fish, and smalll amounts of low-fat dairy and lean meat? 

You should never eat a meal without drinking lots of water, this would avoid dehydration, which can definitely make you feel tired and confused. 

Taking tea, coffee and fruit juice will also help you to stay hydrated, 

But you should definitely avoid sugary fizzy drinks. 

If you insist on drinking alcohol, then limit it to 2-3 days a week 

This will enable your liver time to recover from the toxic effects of alcohol.

It is advisable that you eat; 

A lot of fruits and vegetables 

Lean protein which includes fish and beans

Low fat or fat-free dairies such as milk, yogurt, or cheese that are fortified with vitamin D

Foods with healthy fats. 

When cooking, it is usually advised that you use oils instead of solid fat. 

Also stay away from processed foods, refined sugar, and unhealthy fats. 

It is also advisable that you reduce your salt intake in order to keep your blood pressure down. 

2. Be Kind To Your Skin

Do you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? 

So if you treat it with care, it can better protect your body from certain harmful toxins. 

There are certain routines you must adopt if you are serious about maintaining your skin. 

You have to; 

Ensure you wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside

Make sure you get yearly skin cancer screenings

Always stick to gentle products in your anti-aging skincare routine

Stay hydrated 

3. Exercise Regularly

When you exercise regularly, you would realize that your risk of falling ill and contracting certain diseases will reduce. 

Diseases such as heart disease and cancer will not be a problem for you when you exercise and you will be able to retain mobility longer. 

Exercise also lowers stress and improves sleep, skin, bone health, and mood. 

It is always recommended that adults are to exercise 2.5 -5 hours or week for moderate-intensity exercise 

and 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of vigorous-intensity exercise or a combination of the two. 

Also, muscle-strengthening activities should also be advised, as they will build the muscle and prevent it from sagging in old age. 

Engaging aerobic exercises like; 

Walking

Swimming

Dancing

Cycling 

are very good for the health,

and you should encourage your aging loved ones to focus on activities that include balance training in addition to aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises. 

4. Be Active

Staying active is also a great way for you and your aging loved ones to stay healthy. 

Living a sedentary lifestyle is always linked to an increased risk of chronic illnesses and early death. 

The solution to this is instead of sitting down all day working, you can choose to go on walks, hikes, take vacations and participate in group exercise classes. 

5. Live a Stress-free Life

Stress has a lot of negative impacts on the body which range from premature aging and wrinkles to a higher risk of heart disease. 

There are many ways to relieve stress, some of which are;

Engaging in relaxation activities like meditation, breathing exercises and Yoga

Exercising 

Getting sufficient sleep 

Talking to your friend

6. Get sufficient sleep

I cannot emphasize this enough, but getting good sleep is important for your physical and mental health. 

It also plays a great role in your skins health. 

Ideally, how much sleep you need greatly depends on your age. 

Adults over 18 years should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night. 

Getting enough sleep has over time been proven to; 

Lower the risk of heart disease and stroke 

Reduce stress and depression 

Lower the risk of obesity

Reduce inflammation

Improve focus and concentration

 

7. Quit smoking and decrease alcohol consumption

Do you know that smoking and alcohol have both been shown to cause premature aging and increase the risk of disease? 

I know that quitting smoking isn’t easy, but there are resources available to help you quit.

You can speak to a doctor about how to quit. 

As regards alcohol, you should reduce your intake to 2-3 times a week.

8. Find new hobbies

When you find new hobbies, it will help you maintain a sense of purpose and keep you engaged throughout the course of your life. 

People who engage in hobbies, leisure, and social activities are happier, experience less depression, and live longer. 

9. Drink enough water

When you drink water regularly, it helps to improve your energy and brain function. It is also proven to help keep the skin healthier and reduce signs of aging. 

You should always drink water no matter your thirst level, activity level, how often you urinate and move your bowels, how much you sweat, and your gender. 

You should always drink a lot of water because it helps to cleanse your system and remove harmful toxins. 

10. Take care of your mouth

When you do not take care of your teeth, it not only ages your smile, but also puts you at a risk of gum disease which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia.

In addition to proper oral care, it is always important to see a dentist regularly. 

It is always recommended to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use a mouth rinse. 

Living a healthy life and engaging in healthy activities are things that need to be done regularly to be effective,

So if you have aging loved ones who need assistance in getting around the house, eating healthy, going out and getting chores done,

then we at Lovebird Home Care would be delighted to assist,

We will ensure they live healthy, happy and independent just like they have always wanted.

Our professional home care caregivers will provide assistance with feeding, house cleaning, medications, take them for a stroll, to visit friends,

Keep them company and ensure they are safe at all times. You can contact us by clicking

here,

and we will be delighted to step in and make your aging loved ones life more healthy and peaceful.

Have a great day!

How to Prevent Osteoarthritis in The Elderly

Even though it is not difficult to prevent Osteoarthritis, a lot of aging people still end up getting it.

Do you wonder why?

Check this out.

Do you know that Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among older people? 

Do you also know that Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects both men and women? 

And that it is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among older adults? 

Before age 45, Osteoarthritis is more common in men, 

but after age 45, it is usually more common in women.

So you might be wondering, 

What causes Osteoarthritis in people?

The answer is simple. 

Osteoarthritis usually occurs when the cartilage wears out and breaks down. 

However, to fully understand why cartilage loss can be a serious issue, 

which can make it very difficult for you to prevent Osteoarthritis,

You need to understand the;

Importance of Cartilage

 I will tell you.

Cartilage is the tissue that cushions the end of your bones where they meet together. 

This protects your bones and makes it easy for you to prevent Osteoarthritis.

What this means in simple English is that it allows the bones to glide over each other smoothly and fluidly. 

Now, this is the juicy part, 

Do you know that if your cartilage has worn away, 

you would have a hard time moving your bones?

It usually causes bone on bone friction,

and in certain cases, intense pain. 

It can also result in swelling, stiffness, or grinding in your joint. 

So now that you know why cartilage loss can be a serious issue, 

You should know in detail what causes Osteoarthritis. 

What Causes Osteoarthritis

I have stated earlier that what usually causes Osteoarthritis is a result of the wear and tear of the cartilage. 

So the question you might be asking is,

 what then causes the wear and tear of the cartilage?

The first cause of cartilage loss is; 

1. Obesity

According to physics, being heavier places more wear and tear forces on our cartilage and therefore causes arthritis. 

The knee joints are particularly vulnerable to the effects of obesity, 

and being overweight increases the load on knee joints by 2-4 times,

which usually leads to pain and arthritis, 

and increases the risk for knee replacement. 

It is always advisable for people to lose weight if they really want to prevent Osteoarthritis,

even if there has been some damage to the joint.  

Shedding a few pounds can improve the symptoms and slow the progression of arthritis. 

The second cause of cartilage loss is; 

2. Trauma

Traumatic events such as a sports injury can injure the cartilage surface and potentially cause a weak spot in the cartilage. 

This will make it very difficult to prevent Osteoarthritis.

If the weak spots are present, 

the cartilage can break down faster with normal force. 

While the damage to the cartilage may be small, 

the cartilage will wear faster with weak spots. 

So if you or your aging loved ones suffer from a traumatic event, it is advisable to take an oral antioxidant known as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). 

It will decrease the negative impact on the cartilage.

The third cause of cartilage loss is; 

3. Joint Instability

When a person has injured ligaments (torn or stretched), it can cause joints to move around too much, 

which can lead to joint instability. 

As a result of continuous usage without treatment, this can slowly continue to injure the cartilage in the joint, 

eventually leading to arthritis. 

Soreness or swelling after activity may indicate joint instability.

In addition to it, if the instability is severe, one might experience sudden shifting, popping, or cracking. 

Most of the time joint instability is overlooked by physicians,

looking for injured ligaments. 

Joint instability, if not checked and treated,

 can lead to arthritis. 

The solution is to take injections like Prolotherapy, PRP, and stem cells.

They would help reduce instability whether the ligament is loose or torn.

4. Poor Nutrition

Nutrition has a powerful influence on not only your cartilage,

 and musculoskeletal system but your entire body. 

What you eat can either enhance,

 or reduce the effect of the genes in your body,

 that protect your cartilage. 

If you or your aging loved ones engage in poor dietary habits, 

it can lead to a lack of proper nutrition, and can cause major issues not only to your cartilage and musculoskeletal system, 

but your entire body.

It will also make it very difficult for you to prevent Osteoarthritis.  

The solution is to educate yourself. 

It is essential to know what is good and bad for you and your aging loved one’s body,

 which will help you know the kind of diet to eat that would enhance their cartilage health. 

For example, 

Glucosamine and chondroitin are known to preserve and protect the cartilage and slow the progression of arthritis. 

Vitamin also helps to protect. 

Additionally, resveratrol and vitamin are known for the protection,

 and support of cartilage cells. 

5. Lack of Exercise

Apart from leading to many other health issues,

lack of exercise can create problems with our joints. 

The joints are for movement and 

regular exercises always help to keep your cartilage healthy, and prevent Osteoarthritis.  

Also, running may have a positive effect on normal, healthy cartilage. 

It is always advisable to switch from high-impact exercises to low-impact exercises to protect existing cartilage. 

However, if you have normal healthy joints, it is advisable to keep running and exercising regularly.

6. Aging and Genetics

Sadly, older patients seem to have less cartilage, and some people usually have the genetic makeup for weaker cartilage. 

So while there isn’t much that we can do about our genes, 

the solution is to ensure they are healthy by;

paying attention to eating healthy, exercising, limiting chronic exposure to environmental toxicants/chemicals,

 better sleep and use of certain supplements, more love and laughter, and having a sense of purpose. 

In addition, injecting PRP or stem cells into an arthritic joint will protect and improve the health of the cartilage from the effects of aging for some time. 

It is not enough to know the causes of Osteoarthritis, 

it is also important that you know how to prevent yourself and your aging loved ones from contracting it. 

I will be revealing to you; 

 How to Prevent Osteoarthritis In Older Adults

1. Diet

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Taking foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids will help prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis among women. 

Foods rich in omega 3 acids are;

  • Fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines
  • Nuts and seeds such as; flaxseeds, chia, and walnuts
  • Plant oils, which includes flaxseeds, soybean, and canola
  • Fortified foods such as yogurts, eggs, and milk and supplements

Other foods can help to fight arthritis, they include;

  • cherries, which have anti-inflammatory properties
  • low-fat dairy, to improve bone density and strength of your aging loved one’s bones
  • broccoli, which helps to build bones and slow the development of Osteoarthritis
  • green tea, for antioxidants that give the cartilage protection
  • citrus, which contains a good amount of vitamin C that helps prevent inflammatory arthritis
  • garlic, that prevents cartilage damage

2. Exercise

Do you know that physical activity is one of the best ways to prevent Osteoarthritis? 

Moderate intensity exercise five time a week help to keep the joints flexible, 

and helps to strengthen the muscles that support them. 

Exercise usually involves walking, doing chores around the house, or playing with children and pets. 

However, your aging loved ones will only see results from working out consistently. 

The difficulty level of exercise should be according to their age,

and fitness level. 

Exercise always helps to strengthen the muscles that provide balance and stability, 

which will come in handy as a result of injury to the joint being a common way osteoarthritis develops.

3. Weight Management

When a few extra pounds are added, 

it may be overlooked, 

but every pound added puts four extra pounds of stress on the knees and increases strain on the hips. 

This pressure causes the breakdown of cartilage that helps cushion the joints. 

You have to ensure that your aging loved ones are conscious of their weight and adopt healthy habits that help them manage it.

4. Quit Smoking

Do you know that people who smoke have an increased risk of Osteoarthritis?

Smoking has the possibility of causing breathing and circulatory problems, which can make it hard to stay active, 

and as such, it can prevent movement such as exercise,

 which helps to prevent joint flexibility and strengthen muscles that support the joint.

Smoking can also cause breathing and circulatory problems, which makes it hard to stay active. 

It can prevent movement, such as exercise, which helps maintain joint flexibility and strengthens muscles that support joints.

5. Medical Consultation

If your loved one begins to feel pain in their joints, and it does not subside within a few days, they should visit a doctor for consultation. 

Arthritis is a progressive condition, so if more time passes before treatment begins, there will be more damage to the joint. 

Most of the time, doctors recommend medication to help relieve the pain and slow the progression of Arthritis, 

and in some cases, they recommend surgery to relieve the pain or repair joints that are badly damaged. 

The key to protecting your aging loved one’s cartilage as they get older is to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and utilize regenerative options like PRP and stem cells. 

These seem to be the best strategy to maintain healthy cartilage and decrease the pain associated with arthritis. 

However, if you need help ensuring that your aging loved ones lead a healthy lifestyle, 

Lovebird Home Care is willing to step in and ensure that your aging loved ones are well taken care of. 

We offer personal services such as bathing, cooking, assistance with walking, eating, grooming, oral hygiene, and other services that will aid your aging loved ones to live a healthy lifestyle. 

If you have questions on how we can be of help to your aging loved ones,

 you can reach us by clicking here, and we will be sure to answer all your questions. 

Nutrition and Health

In order to understand how nutrients affect human health, nutritionists use molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics theories. A part of nutrition also focuses on how people can lower their risk of disease through dietary choices, what happens if they have too much or too little of a nutrient, and how allergies work. Food consists of nutrients. All nutrients — proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water — play an essential role in the body. A person’s risk of developing certain health conditions increases if they do not consume the right balance of nutrients.

The UN declaration on UHC recognizes primary healthcare as the most inclusive, effective, and efficient whole-of-society approach to ensuring people’s physical and mental health and social well-being. The declaration further highlights the fundamental role of healthy diets and of healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems – along with quality education, gender equality and women’s empowerment, access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and social protection mechanisms – in building healthier societies.

The case for including nutrition as an integral component of primary healthcare is compelling:

  • For decades, health systems and clinicians have focused on the medical, drug-treatment-based model of disease that ignores fundamental causes such as diet and lifestyle. The consequences of this narrow approach are evident: the global malnutrition epidemic that is sweeping the world.
  • Poor diets are among the leading health and societal challenges of the 21st century, leading to disability and death, growing inequalities, staggering healthcare costs, and environmental implications.
  • As governments and policymakers increasingly recognize the depth and breadth of malnutrition burdens, they are compelled to act. Integrating nutrition actions into health systems to promote healthier eating, and prevent and treat undernutrition and diet-related chronic diseases, could generate substantial health gains and be highly cost-effective.

Ensuring equitable access to effective nutrition interventions within health systems can play a pivotal role in improving diets, preventing and treating disease, reducing healthcare costs, and ultimately improving everyone’s health. However, these justifications are not yet matched by a robust approach that unites nutrition and healthcare in terms of equitable policy, financing, monitoring, and evaluation. Nutrition is frequently under-prioritized in national healthcare policy and financing discussions. The current Global Nutrition Report highlights the need to integrate nutrition into universal health coverage as an indispensable prerequisite for improving diets, saving lives, and reducing healthcare spending while ensuring that no one is left behind.

KEY POINTS:

  • Poor diets and resulting malnutrition are among the greatest societal challenges in our era, causing vast health, economic and environmental burdens.
  • The global commitment to universal health coverage is a unique opportunity to address malnutrition in all its forms. Integrating nutrition within health systems would generate substantial health gains and be highly cost-effective.
  • WHO’s six building blocks of a health system provide a helpful framework for comprehensively integrating nutrition into health systems.
  • Coverage and quality of nutrition actions within primary healthcare settings are limited and generally focused on undernutrition.
  • Nutrition actions are supported by only a minuscule portion of national health budgets and are typically not delivered by qualified nutrition professionals.
  • Mainstreaming nutrition within universal health coverage requires a joint effort by governments and key stakeholders to build functional and resilient health systems, supported by strengthened governance and coordination.

Heart Health

Keeping Your Heart Healthy

To stay healthy, one must maintain a healthy heart. It is possible to reduce your heart attack and stroke risks at any age by adopting a healthy lifestyle. The time to start caring for your heart is never too early or too late. You can reap the benefits of healthy lifestyles for a longer period of time, the younger you begin. It’s still possible to improve your health even after a heart attack if you swap good habits for bad ones.

To maintain good heart health, eat healthier foods and exercise regularly. In addition to reducing your heart disease risk, you can do a range of other things. Following are the causes of heart diseases:

Smoking.

High blood pressure.

Obesity/being overweight.

High cholesterol levels.

Inactivity (no exercise).

Family history of heart disease (especially a parent or sibling).

Making changes to your lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to decrease your risk. No matter what your family history of heart disease may be, prevention is on your side.

Path to improved health

Many things directly affect your heart’s health, so you have direct control over them. This is your responsibility, so you should take it seriously. Healthy living may be easy for some people. Some people will seek treatment only after being diagnosed with symptoms of heart disease. These symptoms may include high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

If you want to keep your heart healthy, know that the benefits are worth the effort. If you keep your heart healthy, you will benefit the whole body. In addition to protecting you from chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, asthma, and joint pain, having good overall health can protect you against a wide range of chronic illnesses. Your risk of cancer may even be reduced. It has also been proven that living a healthy lifestyle, including eating healthy foods and exercising regularly, improves moods. There will also be a reduction in stress.

Try starting with just one healthy habit at a time if you don’t know where to begin. Adding one after another will help you gain control. As a result, you’ll feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

Make healthy food choices

For long-term health, eating well requires balance. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean protein should make up a large portion of your diet. When you follow this eating pattern most of the time, you’ll still be able to indulge occasionally.

There is nothing wrong with eating something you crave every now and then. Treat yourself to a treat after eating healthily, and don’t feel guilty about it. Be careful not to overindulge.

Consider the color of your vegetables when choosing them. You can ensure you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need by eating a colorful plate of red, orange, yellow, and dark green vegetables.

Limit your intake of heavily processed foods, or even eliminate them altogether. Foods that are highly processed are those that are packaged and boxed, especially those that can be eaten right away (think crackers, potato chips, even fast food). Sodium-free foods are also a good choice.

Water is a healthier alternative to soda and energy drinks. Soda and energy drinks contain an incredible amount of sugar. By substituting water for these, you will significantly improve your health. Make sure to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.

Watch your weight

Obesity and obesity are unhealthy. The larger your BMI, the more weight you gain. Your body mass index (BMI) determines how much fat you have based on your height and weight. You are more likely to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels if you have a high BMI. As well as respiratory problems, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and even cancer, obese people can suffer from gallbladder disease.

Maintain a healthy diet and workout to keep your heart health up to standards. Your health can be improved even if you lose a small amount of weight. Losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

Be active

Exercise does not require a gym membership or expensive equipment. Simply getting up and moving will do. Walk around. Walk up and down. Get up and move around. Dance. Adults are recommended to get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Every day, children should take part in physical activity.

Aerobic exercise directly affects your heart. Your heart becomes stronger as a result of aerobic exercise. Having a healthy heart will enable it to pump blood efficiently, providing oxygen and nutrients to other body parts. Being physically active can lessen your risk of developing artery plaques. A waxy substance known as plaque clogs arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart. Over time, plaque can even block the artery. A heart attack results from this.

Know your numbers

A person’s blood pressure and cholesterol level should be known to every adult. Blood pressure should be checked every three to five years starting at age 18. High blood pressure is often asymptomatic. You can only be sure by checking.

All adults who are 20 years of age or older and who smoke or have a family history of heart disease should be screened regularly for cholesterol. After the age of 45, women should begin to have regular cholesterol checks. The age for men is 35. In addition to blood pressure and cholesterol screening, diabetes screening should be performed if you have been diagnosed with either of these conditions.

Stop smoking

No new news here. Smoking is bad for you. It makes you sick. The lungs are damaged by it. It is also very harmful to your heart. You are more likely to develop heart disease if you smoke. As a result, the arterial walls are damaged. Numerous studies have shown that smoking cigarettes can lead to coronary heart disease, which contributes to heart attacks.

Stop stressing

Stress management may aid in reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Hypertension is a common consequence of stress. Stress hormones are elevated in your body when you’re under chronic stress, which is not healthy, either.

Stress can be processed through breathing exercises. A common way to manage stress is through meditation. Regular exercise can also reduce stress levels. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and letting stress interfere with sleep are poor ways to cope with stress.

Things to consider

The United States has consistently had a high mortality rate from heart disease. Heart attacks and strokes are often the results of heart disease.

Heart attack

Myocardial infarctions (or heart attacks) occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked. An accumulation of plaque (fat and cholesterol) is the cause of this blockage. Heart attacks damage, and sometimes destroy, parts of the heart muscle.

It is possible to die from a heart attack. You are more likely to survive a heart attack if you receive medical care as soon as possible. Heart attacks are treated differently. Your doctor may need to perform surgery depending on the severity of the attack. The surgeon will attempt to clear or repair the blocked artery during surgery. LBHC doctors may also prescribe medicines to lower your blood pressure.

Stroke

If the brain is deprived of its blood supply, it suffers a stroke. Veins can become blocked or burst when they are blocked or burst. The obstruction prevents oxygen from reaching the brain, resulting in the death of brain cells.

It is possible to die from a stroke. It is more likely that you will survive a stroke if you seek medical attention as soon as possible. The onset of a stroke has several side effects, which can be avoided with quick medical care. Paralysis or speech problems are a few of the side effects. The type of stroke will determine the treatment. Surgery may be needed in some cases. Sometimes, medications are effective in treating strokes.

When to see a doctor:

If you’re over the age of 40, you should be getting regular blood pressure and cholesterol tests from your doctor. Both indicate heart disease. Your doctor will prescribe you a treatment plan that includes a healthy lifestyle if you have been diagnosed with heart disease. Prescription medications may also be included to help control cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Call 911 right away if you suspect a heart attack or stroke is occurring. Among the most common heart attack symptoms are:

Uncomfortable chest. A chest pain, tightness, squeezing, and pressure may occur. These symptoms usually last for more than a few minutes. Occasionally, they come back again.

Pain in one or both arms. Sometimes this pain isn’t limited to your arms. You may feel pain in your jaw, neck, back, or stomach.

This will come on suddenly and may feel like indigestion.

Shortness of breath.

Cold sweat.

Dizziness.

Stroke symptoms are often more easily recognizable than those for a heart attack. According to the AHA, here is how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T.:

Drooping of the face – Does one side droop or is it numb? Smile if they can. Are their smiles even?

Are you experiencing arm weakness or numbness in one arm? Make sure that both arms are raised. Do one or both arms drift downward?

Slurred speech – Is speech difficult? Is the person having trouble speaking or understanding? Do they repeat the sentence correctly? For example, “The sky is blue.”

The person should contact us at 7085806956 or contact Love Bird Health Care as soon as they show any of the following symptoms even if the symptoms go away. Write down what time the symptoms started showing up.

Choosing a Home Care Agency in Illinois or Indiana

Are you looking to find a way to give your aging loved one a little extra companionship or support in their home? Finding a home care agency in Illinois or Indiana can be challenging. The sheer amount of agencies in the area is enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed, and it can feel confusing as you start to narrow down your choices.

It’s important to take the time you need to research a home care agency well so that you can be confident your loved one will be safe and well cared for. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself and prospective home care agencies as you begin your search.

What types of assistance do you provide?

First things first, make sure the home care agencies you are looking at provide the type of assistance your loved one needs. Home care agencies generally provide services that fall into one of two categories: medical and non-medical care. Medical care includes skilled nursing care that must be prescribed by a physician and overseen by a nurse or therapist. Medical services might include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or wound care.

Companionship is a common non-medical service that can boost mood and decrease loneiness.

Non-medical services are those that do not need to be prescribed by a physician. These services can include assistance with activities of daily living, like dressing or bathing, as well as meal preparation, transportation assistance, grocery shopping, companionship, or light housekeeping.

If you aren’t sure what type of services your loved one needs, jot down a list of tasks you see them struggling with on a regular basis. You can also talk with their physician to get their opinion of which type of agency to pursue.

Does the agency serve my location?

Home care agencies typically serve a general area, but it is important to confirm that your loved one’s home is within the boundaries of their service area. 

Do I need to commit to an hourly minimum each week?

Many home care agencies offer flexible scheduling, which means they will work with you and your loved one a few weeks in advance to schedule in the hours they need assistance. However, other agencies do require an hourly minimum per week, which is less flexible for the family members to adjust as needed.

Is there an option for VA benefits?

If your loved one is qualified to receive Veterans Assistance benefits from an approved home care agency, be sure you are only looking at agencies that are pre-approved by the VA. 

Are caregivers reliable, friendly, and experienced?

Choose to only work with a home care agency that is dedicated to hiring and empowering the best caregivers in the area. Your loved one will want a consistent caregiver in order to build trust and create a meaningful relationship, so ask about staffing consistency. You can also inquire about background checks and training programs to ensure the home care agency stands behind its caregivers.

Does the agency have experience with a specific condition?

If your loved one has a specific medical condition or challenge, determine if the home care agency you are speaking with has experience with that condition. Specialty programs can ensure your loved one is receiving care from a team that understands the disease process.

Making a decision about a home care agency requires you to take the time to research local agencies. However, it also relies on your interaction with the agency representatives. At Lovebird HomeCare, we genuinely enjoy getting to know our clients and their families so we can serve them better. Call us today to tell us more about your situation and to ask any questions you might have.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia FAQ: Is It Dementia or Just Normal Aging?

As your loved one gets older, you might find yourself looking and listening for any signs that they are having challenges while living at home. For many adult children, they pay very close attention to their older loved one’s cognitive skills. If you are wondering if you are seeing early signs of dementia in your loved one or if it is just normal aging, you aren’t alone. At Lovebird HomeCare, we work with families across Illinois and Indiana who are wondering the same thing.

Here are a few of our most commonly asked questions when it comes to determining if your loved one is showing signs of early dementia or normal aging. While everyone is unique, these questions and answers might be able to guide you to schedule a follow-up physician appointment or make a call to our team to set up support services.

Should I be worried if my loved one is always forgetting my son’s name?

Occasional forgetfulness is common, but if it affects daily life, it could be something more serious.

Occasional word-finding challenges are common for anyone of any age. In fact, you might have even noticed that you need an extra moment to find the right word or name when in a conversation with a friend. This is normal.

If your loved one occasionally forgets your son’s name or needs to go through a few other grandchild names before they get to your son’s, it is most likely normal. However, if your loved one consistently forgets your son’s name or refers to him as another name from the past, it could be a sign of dementia and you should follow up with your physician.

Why can’t my loved one remember where she puts things?

Have you ever misplaced your smartphone or had to leave the house in a rush because you were searching for your missing keys? Misplacing or losing items every once in a while is normal. In fact, misplacing items often can still be normal if it is an issue of organization (for example, always put your keys in the same place when you come home).

However, if your loved one is misplacing items all day long, or if searching for lost items is taking up a large portion of the day or causing her anxiety, it could be a sign of dementia and you should follow up with a physician visit. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that any forgetfulness, judgment issue, or confusion that disrupts daily life is often a sign of dementia and should be pursued with a medical professional.

Should I be concerned if my loved one is just not himself lately?

Everyone has bad days, but if you notice your loved one is more depressed or anxious than usual, it’s time to chat with their physician. Depression and anxiety are not always an indicator of dementia. In fact, seniors are generally more vulnerable to mental health challenges as they get older. However, if you notice that their anxiety significantly increases in the late afternoon or early evening hours, it could be a symptom of dementia and you should follow up accordingly.

Dementia can also cause personality changes that don’t necessarily include depression or anxiety. If you notice that your loved one is grouchier than usual or has a shorter fuse than normal, it could be time to talk to a medical professional about it.

Why can’t my loved one manage their own bills anymore?

Complex, multi-step tasks that require work over an extended period of time can be very challenging for someone living with cognitive decline. If you notice that your loved one simply cannot keep up with paying their bills or managing their budget any longer, it could be a sign of early-stage dementia. Again, use the rule of thumb from the Alzheimer’s Association that tells us that any forgetfulness, judgment issue, or confusion that disrupts daily life should be brought up to a physician.

As your loved one ages, they will face physical and cognitive challenges that could make you worry. Fortunately, when you have the right support system in place, you can rest assured they are receiving the assistance they need to stay healthy and safe. The team at Lovebird HomeCare provides personalized services in the home designed to meet your loved one’s specific abilities and challenges. Call us today to talk more about your situation and learn how we can help. 

Summer Safety for Seniors

June marks the official start of the summer season which means warmer temperatures, more daylight, and a lot more humidity. While the summer is a season full of family get-togethers, ice cream trucks, and vacations, it is also a season that can be especially dangerous for seniors. Here are a few safety tips for you to ensure your senior loved one stays healthy this season.

Check that Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is the best way to keep your loved one’s home nice and cool. However, air conditioning is only effective if it is working and if it is running. If you haven’t already, have someone come out to inspect your loved one’s air conditioning system. If your loved one rents, contact the landlord or property manager to make sure an inspection is done sooner than later. Once you are confident that the air conditioning system is working, you can focus on making sure your loved one is using it.

While some older adults have no qualms about turning on their air conditioning all summer long, others are hesitant. If your loved one is worried about energy bills rising during the summer, connect with your city’s senior services agency to learn if they are eligible for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) or other programs that can offset the cost. If possible, consider installing a smart thermostat in the home so that you can monitor the temperature and adjust it as needed right from your smartphone.

Rearrange the Closet

Summertime is not the season for heavy wool cardigans or sweaters. In fact, overheating due to seasonally inappropriate clothing can happen quickly and with serious consequences. While it is common for older adults to naturally feel colder than their younger peers, you can reduce the risk of overheating by taking a few hours one afternoon to switch out their closets for summer. Move the heavy sweaters, sweat pants, and wool items to the back of the closet and move the lighter weight items to the front. This will make it easier for them to dress for the warm weather.

Plan for Heading Outside

When your loved one heads out for their morning walk or to run errands with a friend, encourage them to plan for summer safety. Add a reusable water bottle to their purse or bag and keep sunscreen near the front door. Encourage them to use a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off their face as well, ensuring they stay as cool as possible while on their trip out of the house.

A wide-brimmed hat can keep bright sun of your loved one’s face.

Watch the Time

Finally, encourage your loved one to spend their time outside in the mornings or evenings. The hottest parts of the day are between the hours of 10am and 2pm, making these hours the most dangerous for heat-related illnesses. You can help reinforce this by planning family gatherings around these times so that you can be sure your loved one will be cool and safe.

Know Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses

Finally, be sure you and your loved one know the signs of heat-related illness. Seniors can present different symptoms than their younger peers, especially when it comes to dehydration or heat exhaustion. Watch for symptoms like sudden confusion, fatigue, muscle cramping, or stomachache, and head indoors to cool off immediately.

At Lovebird HomeCare, we are sure to bring the excitement and traditions of summer to our clients without the extra heat-related dangers. Call us today to learn more about how our services can keep your loved one safer this season.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia FAQ: Is My Loved One Safe at Home?

The World Health Organization reports that approximately 50 million people around the world are living with some type of dementia. Here in America, the Alzheimer’s Association reports that more than 6 million Americans currently have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, though that number is even higher when you include other types of dementia. What does all of this mean? It means if your loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia, you are certainly not alone even if it feels like it sometimes.

Here at Lovebird HomeCare, we have the honor of working with family members around the Chicago suburbs and South Bend area who are trying to advocate for their loved ones who are living with dementia. We have found that perhaps the most common question we get always includes the topic of safety.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Safety

It’s no wonder why family members are concerned about the safety of their loved ones. Dementia affects multiple parts of the brain, making decision-making and judgment calls too complex for those even in the early stages of the disease. Safety while living at home alone or with a partner is more challenging for those trying to navigate dementia. Common concerns can include confusion, wandering off, becoming lost, wearing seasonally inappropriate clothing, and falling for financial scams.

Here’s the good news: finding the support of home care when you notice any red flags can prevent any major events or medical crises. Here are a few observations you might make that could point to potential safety concerns.

Expired Food in the Fridge

You can get an excellent view of how your loved one is living at home by paying close attention to their kitchen. Start in the fridge and cabinets. If you notice a lot of expired food, it could indicate that they are not able to pay attention to nutritional details. It can also point to them not eating often or well, which is all too common for those living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Recent Falls

The Centers for Disease Control reports that 1 in 4 seniors fall every year, though that number is likely higher since many falls are not reported. However, if your loved one has fallen in the past six months, it could indicate that in-home care services are warranted. Falls can happen to any senior, certainly, but those living with dementia can experience changes to cognition, balance, and visual interpretation that can increase the risk of falling during daily activities.

Increased Anxiety

Anxiety often arrives with dementia, particularly in the early and middle stages of the disease. This anxiety can cause restlessness which can sometimes lead to wandering inside and outside of the home. Your loved one might exhibit signs of anxiety any time of day, but the late afternoon and early evening hours can be especially intense.

General Confusion

One of the hallmarks of dementia is confusion and forgetfulness. While there are plenty of other challenges that come with the disease, confusion and forgetfulness are often the root causes for unsafe decisions or conditions. If you notice that your loved one is becoming increasingly confused, it is time to get them the support they need through home care services.

How Lovebird HomeCare Helps

Our team of caregivers is trained in dementia care best practices. Our personalized approach ensures every client is receiving the interventions and approaches they need to stay as healthy and as safe at home as possible. 

We can provide a consistent and calming presence to reduce anxiety, verbal cues and assistance to reduce falls, and nutritional support through meal preparation. Call us today so your loved one can receive the support they need at home. We would be honored to serve them.

Low Vision and Living at Home

May was Healthy Vision Month and the perfect time to talk more about the prevalence of low vision in older adults. The American Foundation for the Blind reports that the risk of severe eye problems increases significantly with age. Those over the age of 65 are much more likely to experience conditions that cause low vision or legal blindness than their peers. 

If your senior loved one has vision loss and is struggling at home, they aren’t alone. Approximately 6.1 million Americans over the age of 65 have some type of vision loss. Most troubling is that those living with vision loss did not grow up with it and are attempting to navigate their homes and the world with vision impairment that occurred over the past few years. 

Low Vision Challenges at Home

Living with low vision is easier with the right support.

People with low vision can certainly live at home alone and thrive. However, there are some challenges. For example, low vision can increase the risk of falling. People with low vision can also experience challenges with food preparation, which can quickly lead to poor nutrition. Finally, people with low vision can struggle with getting out and about to meet friends as often, leading to isolation and feelings of loneliness.

Making It Work

If your loved one has low vision, safety is the number one concern. Here are a few adjustments you can make to their home in order to ensure their safety:

  • Remove clutter. Ensure that the main pathways through your loved one’s home are clear and easy to navigate. 
  • Enhance lighting. If your loved one is living with low vision, they can benefit from having more lighting throughout the home. Add extra light sources to stairways, the bathroom, and halls.
  • Use contrasting colors. For those with vision challenges, noticing the difference between surfaces can be difficult. Make it easier to navigate stairs and floor transitions (carpet to hardwood, for example), by using bright tape. It might not be trendy, but it will keep your loved one safe.

To make preparing and eating meals easier, try any of these tips:

  • Prepare individual portions of meals in advance and put them in the fridge or freezer. This way, your loved one can easily grab one container and put it in the microwave for a home cooked and nutritious meal.
  • Consider signing up your loved one for your community’s Meals on Wheels program. This way, they receive a meal delivered to their door throughout the week.
  • Contact the team at Lovebird HomeCare to set up meal preparation services. Our caregivers love to nourish clients with delicious meals.

Finally, socialization decreases for most people who have low vision and who live at home alone. Decrease isolation and feelings of loneliness by:

  • Scheduling transportation to/from church fellowship groups, activities at the senior center, and other events your loved one enjoys.
  • Contact the team at Lovebird HomeCare; not only do our caregivers provide transportation to activities or events, but we also specialize in providing companionship. We love to get to know those we serve, sharing meals together, taking a walk around the neighborhood, and reminiscing about the past. This consistent connection decreases the risk of health problems that can come with isolation and feelings of loneliness.

Vision difficulties make it more challenging to thrive at home, but it doesn’t make it impossible. With the right resources and supports in place, your loved one can live independently at home.

Dehydration Dangers for Seniors

Now that we have all put away our snow shovels and winter coats for the season, it is time to look forward to all of the good things summer in the midwest brings. More sunshine and warmer temperatures mean better weather, but can also mean an increased risk of dehydration for seniors throughout the area. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to dehydration and how you can focus on healthy hydration all season long.

What is dehydration?

When you hear the word dehydration, you likely think that it’s simply not drinking enough water. While that is partially true, it is also important to note that dehydration happens when you lose more fluids than you take in. This is why dehydration risks increase in the summer season when we are sweating and losing more fluids than we are drinking.

Why is dehydration dangerous for seniors?

Anyone of any age can become dehydrated. However, seniors are at an increased risk for dehydration for a variety of factors such as medication side effects and decreased ability to sense thirst. Seniors with limited mobility, endurance, balance, or strength may also be less likely to head into the kitchen to refill their bottle of water multiple times throughout the day. Further, seniors with incontinence challenges (or anxiety about incontinence) can often dehydrate themselves in order to avoid having any accidents.

When a senior becomes dehydrated, they can experience symptoms like dry mouth, fatigue, or muscle cramping. They can also begin to feel lightheaded or dizzy, which increases their risk of falling. Most alarmingly, dehydration in seniors often causes acute, or sudden, confusion. This is scary for family members and for the seniors, and prolonged dehydration can also contribute to urinary tract infections, another cause of sudden disorientation.

Long story short, dehydration can cause dangerous side effects in older adults.

How can I help my aging loved one stay hydrated?

The best way to avoid dehydration in the summer season is to practice good hydration habits all year long. Here are a few ways you can empower and assist your aging loved one to make fluid intake a priority.

Keeping water bottles handy is one way to encourage good hydration habits.
  • Encourage water over all other fluids. This doesn’t mean your loved one has to give up their morning coffee or evening tea. However, it does mean that they should focus on drinking water above juice, caffeinated beverages, or alcoholic beverages. A good tip is to have a cup of water before your morning coffee and then throughout the day.
  • Invest in a few reusable water bottles or cups that your loved one can keep throughout their home. We recommend putting one by the bedside, by a favorite chair in the living room, and one that stays in a bag or purse.
  • Review medications with your loved one’s physician. You may be able to switch out a few medications so they do not cause dehydration as a side effect.
  • Keep foods that are high in water content prepared in the fridge so your loved one can snack on them any time. Try chunks of watermelon, slices of cucumber, or grapes.
  • Ensure your loved one is dressing appropriately for the weather. Wear layers of cool, thin fabrics.
  • Make sure your loved one is running their air conditioner as needed so that their home is cool and safe.

The best way to ensure your loved one is staying hydrated is to constantly cue drinking water throughout the day. That’s where the team at Lovebird HomeCare comes in. Our caregivers provide a constant source of companionship and support to our clients, and we are sure to remind them to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Call us today to talk more about our services and how we can serve you and your loved one.

Let’s all raise a glass (of water) to good hydration and health this summer!