Extreme Heat Conditions and the Elderly

Seniors are particularly at risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  A recent University of Chicago Medical Center study reports that 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were among people over 65.

There are many reasons why seniors do not fare well in extreme heat. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) cites the following factors that can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses:

·         Heart or blood vessel problems, poorly working sweat glands, or changes in your skin caused by normal aging.

·         Heart, lung, or kidney disease, as well as any illness that makes you feel weak all over or results in a fever.

·         Conditions treated by drugs such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medicines. These may make it harder for your body to cool itself by sweating.

·         Taking several prescription drugs. Keep taking your medicine, but ask your doctor what to do if the drugs you take make you more likely to become overheated.

·         Being very overweight or underweight.

·         Drinking alcoholic beverages.

In addition as we age, our sense of thirst decreases, which can lead to dehydration.  Signs of heat exhaustion include:  heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and rapid, shallow breathing.  The NIA advises calling 911 if heat exhaustion is suspected and immediately move the person to a cool place.  In addition have them lie down and remove any tight-fitting or heavy clothing, and apply cold water or cold compresses directly to the skin.  If the person is able, have them drink water or juice but avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. 

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source:aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-heat-stroke

nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia

Exercise Programs Designed for Any Limitations

Not everyone has the physical ability to run a marathon, but regardless of your limitations, exercising is good for you.  Even if you have a disability, physical restrictions, or are chair-bound, there is a variety of fitness programs designed with your needs in mind.  These programs instruct participants on a range of exercises that can safely be done while sitting and help improve overall fitness.  However, you need to consult with your health care provider before beginning any type of physical activity. 

One such program for chair bound individuals is from Sit and Be Fit, a non-profit organization committed to healthy aging that hosts a TV show by the same name that has been on PBS for over 22 years.  In addition the organization’s founder, Mary Ann Wilson, has created 26 home exercise products including workouts for those with arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and stroke rehabilitation.  The Sit and Be Fit TV show is recognized by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for "Best Practices" in health promotion and aging.

Seated exercises are also helpful for those that have difficulty standing for any length of time, but experts recommend starting any exercise program slowly and to build momentum.  Chair exercises include lifting light weights, stretching, and doing chair aerobics.  The exercises are designed to increase range of motion, improve muscle tone and promote cardiovascular health. In addition chair exercises are easy to do as they do not require expensive workout equipment.

Another way to get movement into your life is through chair yoga, which is intended for individuals with disabilities, weight challenges, inflexibility, or an inability to get on the floor.  The chair is your “mat,” and according to the Get Fit Where You Sit website, “Chair yoga offers you the ability to improve your health through an amazing form of adaptive exercise.”

 

* This is for informational purposes only.  Before starting any physical

activity, be sure to check with your doctor.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:sitandbefit.org/chair_exercises_for_seniors 

getfitwhereyousit.com/who_benefits_from_chair_yoga_fitness_exercise.html

The Benefits of Caring for a Pet

There have been several studies that show elderly persons live healthier, longer, and more enjoyable lives as a pet owner.  A study from the American Psychological Association reported that senior pet owners “fared better on several well-being (e.g., greater self-esteem, more exercise) and individual-difference (e.g., greater conscientiousness, less fearful attachment) measures.”  In summary their findings showed that pet ownership is an important source of social support and offers many positive psychological and physical benefits to owners. 

Even though there may be some disagreement as to the extent of the benefits, a study in the Journal of American Geriatrics stated that senior pet owners were inclined to have improved physical and mental health and coped with stress better.  They attributed that to the daily care a pet requires such as feeding, grooming, walking and cleaning up after that encourages seniors to stay engaged and active.  Furthermore, pets offer unconditional affection and companionship.

In a clinical research project done in the 80’s by Dr. Erika Friedmann, Ph.D. and Dr. Aaron Katcher, M.D. from the Brooklyn College of New York, they studied heart-disease patients after they were discharged from the hospital.  Tracking survivors in terms of medical histories, lifestyles, families, and relationships, they reported, "The presence of a pet was the strongest social predictor of survival...not just for lonely or depressed people, but everyone - independent of marital status and access to social support from human beings."

However an article from AgingCare.com cautions families to get the right pet for the right owner.  In other words before you get a pet, think about the personality and physical health of the person who is to be responsible for the pet.  Things to consider are: have they owned a pet before, what age pet should you get, does the pet have a good temperament, and finally, will owning a pet cause a financial hardship?

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:psycnet.apa.org/?&fa=main.doiLanding&doi=10.1037/a0024506, petsfortheelderly.org/articles.html, agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

Mayo Clinic’s Eight Warning Signs Your Parents Need Care

Often children of aging parents are unaware that their mom or dad is not getting the daily care they need.  As it can be an important factor in preventing serious problems down the road, the Mayo Clinic has put together eight warning signs for families to look for in regard to aging parents or relatives.  

The first question they recommend you ask yourself is, “Are your parents taking care of themselves?  There are several clues that can help to answer this question such as are they caring for their personal hygiene and is their house looking neglected and in disarray?  

Secondly, they suggest you look for signs of memory loss.  While some loss of memory is normal as we age, there is a difference between normal changes in memory and that associated with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.  If memory loss just involves misplacing items or forgetting appointments as opposed to altogether forgetting words or getting lost in a familiar neighborhood, it is most likely normal.  

Now think about if your parents are safe at home.  Go room to room to look for problems that may exist or get help from an agency that has experience in senior home safety.  If your parent has fallen recently, address the unsafe conditions immediately.  Also check if they can read directions on their medicine containers.  

Another thing the Mayo Clinic cautions about is to make sure your aging parent is safe on the road.  Have they been involved in an accident recently and/or do they become confused when driving?

Have you noticed a recent weight loss?  This can be a symptom of an underlying health problem or it may be a sign your parent is having trouble preparing and cooking food.  Certain medications can cause a loss of smell or taste, which can interfere with the pleasure of eating so they may not have much of an appetite. 

Has there been a noticeable change in your parent’s mood?  This can be a sign of depression or other health issues.  Also inquire about the amount of socialization they are getting.  Is your parent regularly connecting with friends and does he/she have activities that get them out of the house?

Lastly, take time to assess your parent’s mobility.  Are they unsteady on their feet?  Do they have difficulty walking any length of distance, and could they benefit from using a cane or walker?    Keep in mind that falls are a major cause of disabilities for seniors. 

If you think your parent needs help, contact a home care agency such as SYNERGY HomeCare.  We can provide your mom or dad the care they need to live comfortably and safely in their own home.  

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

  

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/aging-parents/art-20044126