There’s a fine line when it comes to senior issues. Often, ailments that are “normal” parts of aging can have similar symptoms to more severe issues which is why it’s important that caregivers encourage their senior loved ones to seek medical attention for the following issues:

1. Symptoms from medical side effects – side effects that develop from medications should be discussed with a doctor. Some side effects might be normal; others might be a result of mixed medications. All concerns should be addressed with a medical professional

2. Awareness of self-medication – when caregivers see signs that a senior is self-medicating, it should be addressed. Even using over-the-counter medications combined with multiple prescriptions can cause complications

3. Understanding anxiety and depression – unmanaged depression can lead to more serious health complications. Caregivers should recognize the signs and encourage their loved ones to receive treatment

4. Changes in mobility – although physical changes can occur with seniors, changes in mobility do need to be addressed. First, a doctor can investigate any underlying medical problems; and second, changes to a senior’s home can be made to make it a safer environment

Image Source: sxc.hu

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Despite the fact that we know the holidays are meant to be a joyful time, many of us suffer from a case of the holiday blues at this time of year. Especially senior caregivers and the elderly, who find that they have a lot on their minds and a lot on their plates, can find it a struggle to find joy. But here are some tips to get them through the holiday blues:

1. Surround yourself with people – even if you don’t have family or friends around that you can spend time with, do join other social events taking place in your community

2. Volunteer – no matter what’s happening in your life, you’ll feel great when you volunteer and give back to those in need

3. Join a support group – sometimes it’s not easy to talk to family about the emotions you’re struggling with, so join a support group that allows you to share your feelings

4. Don’t put pressure on yourself – it’s okay if you don’t feel like celebrating over the holidays, don’t push yourself. Get involved with those things that make you happy, and don’t get down on yourself if you don’t feel joyful

5. Avoid alcohol – alcohol can depress your mood, so even though the wine and eggnog is flowing over the holidays, stick to the non-alcoholic stuff!

6. Know the signs of depression and seek treatment – the holiday blues are one thing, but you also need to recognize depression and get help

Via: Health in Aging

Image Source: www.sxc.hu

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Shopping for grandma or grandpa for the holidays can seem like a big challenge for many families, but here are some great gift ideas that many seniors are likely to appreciate.

• Items that allow them to pamper themselves – seniors on a budget are not likely to splurge on things they consider non-essentials. Buy them candles, soaps and body lotions that allow them to feel pampered at home. Gift cards to restaurants or spas are added luxuries

• Gift baskets – gift baskets with a combination of items, including some of the above, as well as seasonal foods, books, and craft supplies that they will enjoy and make use of are all great things to include! Gift baskets can be bought pre-fabricated or can be created at home

• The gift of companionship – seniors will most appreciate the company of their loved ones. If this is not possible, senior care services can be gifted for companionship and assistance at home

• Take an elderly loved one out for the day – a trip out for lunch around the holidays to see a movie or a musical event can be a very enjoyable way for them to spend a day and it will be memorable!

Image Source: www.sxc.hu

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

According to a recent study, one in three senior caregivers is uncomfortable talking about incontinence with the senior that they care for. Lack of discussion can lead to inadequate care and treatment, so it’s important that these hesitations are overcome.

1. Ease into the issues gently – caregivers need to ensure when talking about incontinence, that they appear concerned. They can’t make it into a personal issue or make the senior feel embarrassed

2. Understand if it’s appropriate for you to bring up the topic – depending upon your relationship with your senior care recipient, you might want to bring up the topic, or have a friend or medical professional break the ice

3. Try to anticipate how they might react – if you’re bringing up the topic yourself, or even if you’ve talked to a doctor about approaching the subject of incontinence, try to anticipate how the senior might react. Will he/she be embarrassed? Combative? Accepting? This can help you to manage the situation better

4. Empathize – let them know that you care, and while you can’t understand exactly what they’re dealing with, make sure they know you hate that they’re going through it and are there for them

5. Know when to back off – particularly when approaching such a touchy subject, don’t push too hard about your beliefs; know when to back off

6. Talk to a doctor – encourage the senior to seek medical attention to determine the source of the incontinence and appropriate treatment. Caregivers can provide in-depth details to medical professionals if seniors are uncomfortable talking about it

Via: Caring.com

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

A large percentage of the American population suffer from sleep disturbances, and much of this can be attributed to stress. While many seniors believe that it’s natural for sleep to disappear with youth, a new study shows that’s a misconception. People of all ages experience the following sleep issues during their lives:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism) – an involuntary act which can cause problems with oral health and jaw pain

• Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome – a skewed internal clock that often makes it challenging for people to fall asleep before 2am and wake before 7am

• Sleep apnoea – this comes at varying levels of severity, and results in unusual sleeping patterns which can disturb sleep

• Insomnia – difficulty falling and staying asleep

• Restless Leg Syndrome – leg pain that comes with sleep that can interrupt sleeping patterns

Stress can be a major cause of these issues, but they should not be considered a result of aging. It’s important that all seniors understand this and consult a doctor to discuss any sleep disturbances that they’re experiencing.

Sources:

ScienceDaily

SleepDeprivation.com

Image source: sxc.hu

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

With the holidays among us, many seniors will be traveling. There are so many things to plan for when preparing for a trip. If you are a senior who intends on traveling, or a caregiver, there are some tips that will help make the planning much easier. It may be beneficial to create a check list. This way, the individual will be able to properly pack and prepare for the trip. The following tips can be useful during trip planning.

1. Have a medical check-up prior to traveling.

2. If you have medical needs, make sure to make arrangements ahead of time. For example, if you need a wheelchair, contact the hotel prior to arrival.

3. Make sure to pack all medications and make sure you have enough for the duration of the trip.

4. Check your luggage twice. Include things that will be needed during travel in your carry-on bag. It is suggested to pack all medications in a carry-on as well in case your luggage gets lost.

5. Consider your personal safety. Seniors are a target for theft, so try not to travel at night or alone. Do not wear valuable jewelry and make sure you always carry identification.

Source: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Image source: sxc.hu

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

The economy has taken its toll on a large percentage of the population, and seniors are a group that’s been hit especially hard due to their limited incomes. Few are likely to admit that they’re having problems, especially to family members, so over the holidays, families should be on the lookout for signs of financial issues that include the following:

1. Unusual temperatures in the home – seniors are more sensitive to temperature as they age, so a colder home in the winter and warmer house in the summer, despite the availability of adequate heating and air conditioning might indicate financial problems

2. Their home is in disrepair – if your loved one is typically on top of home repair and maintenance, if you visit and things are in disrepair, financial problems might be taking place to prevent the needed attention to necessary repairs

3. The outside of the home is lacking attention – seniors often need assistance with outdoor maintenance like lawn mowing or snow clearing, and if they are not being done, seniors may not be able to afford to hire someone

4. He/she is unwilling to travel over the holidays – if your senior typically visits family or travels over the holidays, they might not be able to afford to

5. Medical appointments are being missed – many seniors try and avoid visiting the doctor, but you have to look at the reasons that motivate them

6. Medications aren’t being filled – necessary medications that are going unfilled can indicate financial issues

7. Social activities are being cut out – entertainment, social activities and dining out could be eliminated from a senior’s routine

Via: Home Instead Senior Care

Image source: sxc.hu

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.

Before leaving on a vacation or trip, seniors should be aware of several tips geared towards their age group. Not only will the trip run smoother, but also senior citizens will be able to enjoy their desired destination to the fullest degree.

• Contact a Travel Agent - Travel agents offer additional discounts for senior citizens on vacations, along with age-appropriate itineraries and travel packages.

• Take Your Time While Traveling- Seniors should not pack too much sightseeing into one day. Make sure to take several breaks throughout your trips so you do not become too exhausted. It is a vacation after all.

• Pack All Medications, Special Equipment and Items You Can’t Live Without- All necessary medications should go in every senior’s suitcase before leaving on a trip. However, plan accordingly as some countries do not allow certain medicines on their soil. If you need a wheelchair be sure to pre-arrange one with airlines and hotels before leaving the house. Also, pack all items you can’t live without such as an extra pair of eyeglasses.

• Think About Your Safety While on the Move- When traveling do not fall victim to thievery. Carry only the amounts of cash you need for the day. Also write down your credit card company’s phone number should your wallet or purse be stolen.

Via: eHow

Keeping Aging Relatives in Austin Safe and Independent at Home by providing senior home care for Austin Seniors and Elders. Call Home Care Austin 512-347-9207.