Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update From First Choice Senior Care

As seniors age, they become vulnerable to many ailments and health conditions. Controlling their blood pressure is one of the common challenges most elders face. Identifying the signs of blood pressure fluctuations at an earlier stage can help you seek timely medical care.

As we age, making sure that all social needs are met can be pushed to the side to tend to the usually increasing physical ones. However, it is vital to continue to provide social interactions for seniors to ensure their emotional health and psychological well-being thrives into their later years.

As the day progresses, people with dementia diseases like Alzheimer's can experience a condition known as sundowning. Sundowning occurs late in the day and can last through the night. A state of confusion referred to as sundowning occurs as the sunlight fades away. Symptoms get worse over the remainder of the day and improve the next morning. An Overview Sundowning is a disorder highlighted by a disconnection from reality. Sufferers will show aggression, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and disorientation. They may refuse to follow directions or perform their regular tasks. Sufferers might pace or wander and could have trouble sleeping. The patient's stress is, of course, transferred to the caregiver. Caregivers can find themselves not getting good rest and having difficulty functioning during the day. It's believed one out of five Alzheimer's patients has sundown syndrome . This is also a condition that appears in mature persons who have no form of dementia. Possible Causes of Sundowning Scientists still debate the actual cause of sundowning. One hypothesis is a disruption in the "biological clock." The biological clock is a regulating cycle of circadian rhythms. Composed of molecules and cells interacting throughout the body, the process manages our 24-hour cycle of mental, physical, and behavioral activity. Circadian rhythms influence hormone release, eating, digestion, and even body temperature. They greatly impact sleep patterns. Our rhythms scan information about light. That info is delivered to the brain and transformed into preparation for sleep. In essence, when we "see" night coming, our brain makes melatonin that makes us drowsy. If there's a glitch in that delivery—such as the transmission to a brain not completely operational—the brain will receive messages but not send out signals. The body will never be told it's tired and should get ready to sleep. That, in turn, leads to the agitation and confusion associated with sundowning. Sundowning is often aggravated by: ● Fatigue ● Hunger and thirst ● Pain ● Depression ● Boredom ● Low lighting and increased shadows ● Inability to separate dreams and reality ● Infection such as a urinary tract infection Dealing with Sundown Syndrome Keep an eye out for symptoms of sundowning which tend to show up in the late hours of the afternoon and the early evening. Sufferers may be confused or irritated. They might yell, pace, or wander. If you come across this behavior, reassure them they have nothing to worry about and everything is fine. Listen calmly to their frustrations and concerns. Here are some other tips you can try: ● Minimize the number of people around the sufferer. ● Reduce clutter and noise. ● Relieve the stress by distracting the person with a favored snack, object, or activity. Give them a drink. Try talking about something they enjoy, like their grandkids or a cherished memory. Suggest a simple chore like folding clothes. Turn on a familiar and calming television show or movie. Avoid the news as it can be upsetting. ● Prepare so that the period where sundowning starts is quiet. Have soothing music playing in the patient's room or use a wave machine. Take them for a walk. Have a friend or family member call. Help the sufferer focus on a book. ● Shadows can agitate sundowning. Close blinds and curtains. Turn on lights at dusk to minimize shadows. Avoid Sundowning The restlessness associated with sundowning gets worse when everyone's tired. You can use the following tips to avoid restlessness among patients. Use them to give everyone a chance to reduce stress and possibly get a good night's sleep. ● Make sure the patient gets outside or sits by a window. Getting exposed to bright light can assist in keeping the body clock on point. ● Make sure the sufferer gets exercise or physical activity at least once a day. ● Have the patient take a short nap early in the day. There are also a few things you can do to keep sundowning from getting worse. ● Do not let sufferers drink cola, coffee, or other caffeinated drinks late in the day. ● Do not serve any alcoholic beverages. The psychotropic effect can aggravate the anxiety and confusion associated with sundowning. ● While we advise some exercise, do not think keeping sufferers busy with activities will help. Full schedules can be too tiring and may leave patients with unwanted energy. Get Professional Help Sundowning can be difficult for everyone. Even when following all the above guidelines, problems could still occur. Should you see any signs of sundowning in a loved one, talk to their doctor. They will conduct an exam to identify potential causes. The doctor will determine if it's a sleep disorder, a pain-related condition, or even a medication side effect. If the doctor prescribes a medication to aid with relaxation and sleep, make sure you know about side effects. Medication can increase the chances of falls, dizziness, and confusion. Medications are typically only used for short periods. It may be necessary to contact professional help to provide care at home that can help guide you and your loved one through difficult scenarios. First Choice Senior Care is the premier home care provider in Central Arkansas. Please contact us to learn more or visit our website for more information.

The foot is a very complicated body part with about 26 bones and must endure years of wear and tear. With age, the foot widens, flattens, exposing joints and bones to uncomfortable pressure. As we age, healing slows, and a minor injury like a blister can affect older adults' mobility, balance, and overall general health. Not all seniors are flexible enough to care for their feet, and they should have a caregiver there to help them when needed. Whether if it is a pedicure or home-based care, assisting a senior with regular foot care is important to their general well-being. Here are the key benefits of regular foot care for seniors: Improved Blood Circulation Seniors with underlying conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery diseases experience low blood circulating to their feet and lower legs. When ignored, this could result in dangerous blood clots. Some common signs of low blood circulation include cold feet, skin discoloration, numbness, swelling, cramps, or limb pain. Regular massage can help increase blood circulation. Other times, all that is needed is to change the foot position. Elevate the feet to eliminate kinks in the blood vessels and create room for proper blood flow. Alternatively, you can do a warm water soak. It stimulates blood vessels near the surface to dilate, increasing circulation. A caregiver should also ensure that seniors put on the right socks to promote proper circulation, preferably of a breathable cotton material. Alleviated Pain Around 24% to 30% of older adults report foot pain. When improperly cared for, the foot, blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, and bones can lead to sources of pain. If seniors wear shoes that don't fit properly, they could put pressure on the delicate bones of the foot, causing pain. When they put on improperly sized footwear, the toes can rub against each other, causing painful blisters that post risk of infection. It is a best practice to have the senior’s feet measured and sized by a specialist before buying a pair of footwear. Additionally, with age, the sole padding may become thinner and the skin becomes dry. Using foot lotion daily helps manage this issue. Other illnesses like gout, inflammation, and diabetes can cause damage to the feet and result in pain. With proper care, you can reduce mobility pain and improve a senior's quality of life. Identify Diseases Earlier By keeping a close eye on a senior's feet and mobility, you can spot early signs of infections. Caregivers should examine the feet daily for bruises, scrapes, scars, or blisters that don't seem to heal. Excess dry skin on the feet could also be a sign of early-stage thyroid issues. You should then contact a physician to address the problem before it could escalate to a more serious issue. Blood circulation problems or pinching sensations also warrants a visit to a specialist. Seniors Will Enjoy a More Active Lifestyle Tending to senior's feet often helps improve their mobility. It boosts foot strength and makes it easier for them to take part in activities and be more mobile. The stronger the feet, the longer a senior can maintain an active lifestyle. Additionally, footbaths and spas help relax tense muscles and soothe any dry skin. Treat seniors to a regular massage or spa session to help them feel happier, rejuvenated, and more confident. Prevent Infections Cleaning the feet often wards off possible infections; hence, seniors should wash their feet daily with soap. Caregivers should also see to it that seniors have a regular foot bath outside the shower. Once thoroughly cleaned, dry the feet completely to prevent bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. When the foot's skin dries, it can crack, flake, or break, resulting in open sores. Applying foot lotion locks the moisture in to keep the skin soft and supple. Additionally, remember to trim the toenails. When neglected, nails can grow into the skin, causing pain and infections, which interfere with stability and mobility. Wearing open-toed shoes and past foot-related injuries could also lead to ingrown toenails. When this happens, rather than pulling it off, trim the nail straight across and keep it leveled with the top of the toe. To avoid ingrown toenails, regularly trim the nails in straight and across directions. Also, file the nails straight, across, and around the edges. It's worth noting that older adults who have dementia may experience discomfort while trimming the nail. Find calming methods to put the individual at ease, you can try massaging or soaking their feet first to soothe them before trimming their nails. Good foot hygiene will leave seniors both looking and feeling great. As we age, it can pose a challenge to care for our feet on our own. It's only through good foot care that they can maintain mobility and overall foot health. Maintaining a senior’s feet grows their independence, increases their activity level, and significantly reduces pain, and risk of serious injuries. First Choice Senior Care is a licensed home care agency that specializes in non-medical home care for seniors. We strive to ensure a better quality of life for our clients and their families with comprehensive senior care services. If you would like to learn about our team and our services, contact us today to find out more! The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Heart disease and other heart-related health problems are significant concerns for seniors and their caregivers. Maintaining a senior's heart health is an effective way to help maintain their quality of life and prevent serious threats to thier health. Once a person develops a heart-related issue or disease, it can affect them in a variety of ways. Taking some precautions by modifying daily lifestyle choices can significantly impact overall heart health and well-being. The following prevention actions are the key to success in managing or avoiding heart disease and heart-related complications. Quitting Smoking Seniors who smoke have a much higher risk of heart disease or heart attack than those who don't. Long-time smokers may need plenty of support and encouragement to reach their goals. In addition to providing them with products that make quitting easier, they should have professional support and advice to make the transition a smooth one. It is also important to monitor their health and progress by visiting their medical professional periodically. Although there are plenty of smoking aids on the market, some may not be suitable for seniors. A doctor or qualified health professional would be able to recommend a safe alternative that provides the necessary support. Reduction of Stress Stress in seniors can create a strain on the heart and make pre-existing conditions worse. The best course of action is to take steps to reduce any current stress. This process can be highly individualized, but keeping them from stressful social gatherings or situations where they feel overwhelmed is a good starting point. Further, they should have ways to unwind that they enjoy, and caregivers can provide them with relaxation techniques they can practice when they feel stressed. Healthy Diet Perhaps one of the most effective ways to improve seniors' heart health is to ensure they have access to a healthy diet. This diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Leafy green vegetables, in particular, are essential because they are rich in vitamins and minerals, plus they provide a high fiber content that seniors might need. Fish is also a great addition to their regular diet because it has heart health vitamins and nutrients. Dishes created with fish should be baked and low in fat content. Catfish should be avoided and replaced with fish such as Cod and Salmon. Fruit is also a great option, especially to help replace sweet treats. Try for example to incorporate berries into their meal plan that have antioxidants, such as blueberries. Weight Management Seniors who have weight issues will be far more likely to have a heart condition such as heart disease or congestive heart failure. Fad diets shouldn't be used for seniors to control their weight; but rather a diet that reduces calorie intake to recommended amounts. Additionally, healthy foods should be the primary focus, and caregivers should ensure they provide balanced meals high in vitamins and nutrients that support heart health. Seniors who exhibit obesity may need to work closely with a doctor and nutritionist to ensure they avoid complications with a newly incorporated health diet. They also need to be closely monitored during their weight loss journey to ensure they get the best results. Seniors who are also losing weight due to reduced caloric intake may need close supervision to reduce heart strain and encourage reaching their goal of reaching a healthy weight. The Body Mass Index or BMI for a senior should not exceed 30. The goal is to keep numbers in a normal range or under 30 percent body fat. Caregivers and high-quality facilities like First Choice Senior Care providing services for seniors should ensure they have a regular meal plan that focuses on heart health and weight management so they have the best health possible and can maintain a good quality of life. Exercise Exercise is crucial for seniors to maintain proper body function, mobility, coordination, and weight. It is one of the primary ways to maintain and improve heart health. The recommended length of activity for seniors is 30 minutes daily. Those individuals with mobility issues should engage in low-impact, seated exercises. One of the main focus areas for caregivers should be flexibility and range of motion. Exercise can be gradually increased over time to avoid overexertion or injuries. Seniors should also be closely monitored during exercise to avoid falls and mishaps or spot potential medical issues. Avoid Alcohol Seniors who need to improve heart health should avoid alcohol entirely. Alcohol can impede progress in those who strive to incorporate healthier habits and strain the heart. People with a previous history of alcohol abuse or who drink regularly should be supervised to ensure they don't consume alcohol. Whether seniors receive care at home or in a supervised facility like First Choice Senior Care, they should be encouraged to improve or maintain their heart health. These steps can also help them avoid other related conditions that can deteriorate their health and overall well-being. Lifestyle changes should be added gradually to make it easy to adopt new habits and reduce stress during the process. If you would like to learn about our team and our services, contact us today to find out more!