Helping your Senior to Declutter their Home

As we age, we tend to accumulate a lot of belongings. We save sentimental cards and gifts, stock up on knick-knacks, acquire appliances and electronic devices, and inherit things from others. Eventually these things begin to pile up and take up space. This can become a safety hazard for elderly adults if it interferes with their ability to navigate their home or poses a risk of things falling. Also, should they downsize to a smaller home or move to assisted living, they won’t be able to take everything along.

Periodically helping your senior to declutter their Cedar Valley home can keep their belongings more manageable and reduce time spent on these activities later. Before you jump in and start throwing things away though, keep the following in mind:

Recognize it can be emotionally challenging to part with their belongings. Many things hold sentimental value and can bring up a variety of memories and feelings. Realize that it can take some time for them to come to terms with letting things go. Let them talk about different items and the memories they hold. Don’t force them to get rid of something. You can always come back to it later.

Start small and pick a single area to tackle first. As your loved one gets more comfortable with going through their things and determining what they can get rid of it will become easier. Be willing to negotiate. If they have multiples of the same item, see if they will pick one that means the most or is representative of the group.

Pass on or donate items that are in good condition. Perhaps another family member will appreciate pictures, knick-knacks, jewelry, or other belongings that hold meaning. It is a small part of their family they can keep with them. Ask your senior about donating other things so that other Cedar Rapids residents can benefit from them. If they know that they are helping someone in need it can make letting go a little easier.

Improve storage to keep things more organized. Once you sort through everything and reorganize, you may find that you have more space than you thought. Invest in clear plastic boxes, removable hooks, or other storage containers to give everything a place. This can also help your senior to put things back where they belong and reduce clutter in walkways and other common areas.

Be patient and realize that it took them a lifetime to collect everything, so you can’t expect to declutter overnight. As you help them downsize their belongings, it can make their home a safer place and make navigation easier. If your loved one does need a little more assistance as they age in place, consider investing in in-home care through Always Best Care Senior Services of the Cedar Valley. Our high quality, personalized elder care can give your aging parent the level of support they need. Call (877) 292-2126 or visit our website for more information.

Recognizing Signs of a Heart Attack and Risk Factors

Having a heart attack can be a very scary situation. If not treated early, it can lead to serious damage or even death. While some people experience the classic signs of a heart attack such as chest pain, not everyone does. This is why heart attacks can also be known as a silent killer. Learning to recognize the range of symptoms and how they can present differently in males and females can save lives. Also knowing your risk factors and how to promote a healthier lifestyle can help as well.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Chest pain is one of the most recognizable symptoms. It may come and go or feel like constant pressure. Often people become more concerned when they notice that it is not alleviated with resting or becomes very intense.

Arm pain or numbness in the left arm can also be a sign. However, some people experience pain in other parts of their body as well. Women especially may experience pain in their jaw or neck. Some people also experience stomach pain or what feels like indigestion.

Fatigue and weakness are common, but people often describe it as just not feeling “right.” It’s a different type of feeling than being rundown. The person may also feel weaker than usual and have trouble keeping up their energy.

Shortness of breath can also be associated and breathing may become more difficult. This can be paired with chest pain or discomfort.

Dizziness, sweating, and nausea can also indicate a heart attack. They are often accompanied by other warning signs and can alert people that something is definitely not right.

Common Risk Factors for a Heart Attack

Some risk factors for a heart attack can be controlled while others cannot. You cannot change your family history, age, or the presence of certain heart conditions. However, you do have some control over things such as:

• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Cholesterol
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Stress
• Weight
• Diet
• Sedentary lifestyle

The combination of these factors can increase your risk of a heart attack or heart disease. Coronary heart disease is a very common cause of heart attacks. Making lifestyle changes to become more active and improve diet can help to keep other factors better controlled. Monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol can also reduce risk.

Seeking Help

If you notice that you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms of a heart attack, it is important to seek help immediately. Even if you are unsure, it is better to get checked out than to risk waiting. Early detection and treatment are essential. Make sure that you know the symptoms as well as your risk to help detect problems early on.

Promoting Heart Health for Seniors

February is American Heart Month and a great time to start implementing healthier habits. Over time, the combination of many different factors can increase risk of heart disease which can in turn lead to a heart attack or heart failure. For seniors, this can be a serious concern as it impacts their health and quality of life. There are numerous ways to be proactive and implement strategies that support heart health:

• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol. These are two conditions which can increase strain on the heart. Keeping your numbers in check through medication, exercise, diet, and other measures can reduce risk of developing heart disease. Another condition to monitor is diabetes.
• Exercise. Engaging in regular exercise that includes cardio can strengthen the heart and keep blood and oxygen flowing. Aerobics, swimming, biking, and walking or running are effective cardio exercises. You want to increase heart rate and breathing to build endurance, but not to the point where you have trouble catching your breath or feel dizzy or weak. Talk to your doctor about starting an exercise regimen that meets your needs and provides an appropriate level of physical activity.
• Eat a healthy diet. As with many other health conditions, your diet can play a big role. Try to steer clear of foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables in a range of colors, whole grains, lean meats, and foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. This can also help you to maintain a healthier weight. Excess weight can increase risk of heart disease.
• Reduce stress. Elevated levels of stress can take a toll on your heart health. Take up yoga, meditation, or other enjoyable activities to clear your mind and unwind. Reducing tension and stress can also decrease risk of engaging in other unhealthy activities such as smoking or excessive drinking which can contribute to heart disease risk. Spend time with friends and family, laugh, and keep a positive attitude.

Integrating these simple changes into your daily routine can support a healthier lifestyle. Being proactive to reduce risk and keeping existing health conditions managed and monitored is beneficial as well. There are certain factors, such as family history, that you cannot control, but there are many that you can. Stay alert to your risk factors and what you can be doing to stay active and keep your heart in good working order. Don’t let heart disease get the best of you – fight back through improved health.