Benefits of Seniors Owning Pets

Owning a pet can not only provide joy and contentment, but there are also health benefits as well. Many people have grown up with pets as part of their family. For seniors, owning a pet can help them to stay mentally and physically active as they age. There are numerous benefits to having a dog, cat, rabbit, or other companion to care for.

Exercise: Taking a dog for walk can be a great source of exercise. It allows seniors to get out and about and stretch their muscles. They have more motivation to get moving when they see the joy it brings their pet and themselves. Even the act of petting a dog or cat can help with gross and fine motor skills. Throwing a ball, shaking a toy, and brushing your pet’s fur can also stimulate more movement.

Companionship: Many seniors live alone. Having a pet around can provide companionship and a listening ear. It is a distraction during the day and can help to reduce loneliness. When out walking or at the park, dogs can promote social interaction. People young and old enjoy stopping to look at and pet dogs and this can lead to simple conversation and pride in their pet. Seniors can feel more confident in themselves with a pet by their side.

Reduces stress: The simple act of petting an animal can help to alleviate stress. Animals often have a calming effect and the repetitive motion of petting them can help to lower blood pressure and reduce tension. Dogs and cats are also great listeners and very faithful. Sometimes it helps just to have someone to talk to, even if they cannot talk back.

Provides a sense of purpose: Knowing that they have to care for their pet can give seniors a sense of purpose. They must remember to feed and care for it each day. Knowing that their dog is waiting for a walk or to go outside in the morning can motivate them to get up and stay active. Your senior may not have a lot of family or friends around, so the responsibility of owning a pet can help them to stay more mentally active as well. A pet can be a positive in their life and give them something focus on.

Before buying a pet, talk to your senior to see whether or not they would like an animal and what type they would prefer. Keep in mind their mobility, mental state, and health as well to pick a pet that fits well with their lifestyle and abilities. Older animals tend to be a better match for seniors because they are less active than puppies and kittens and are generally housebroken and trained already. Working with an organization that specializes in pet adoption for seniors can help you to determine if your loved one is a good candidate for a pet, and which pet would best fit in their life.

Benefits of Adding Berries to Your Older Loved One’s Diet

When it comes to proactive dementia care, Cedar Falls families can look to berries to help their older loved ones stay healthier. Berries are abundant this time of year, and not only are they tasty, but they are also proven to help reduce the risks of developing dementia. 

In terms of developing the condition, the Annals of Neurology journal reports that inflammation and stress can contribute to dementia. However, the high levels of flavanoids found in berries could actually counteract the negative effects of stress or inflammation. 

One study revealed that eating 75 grams of blueberries and 150 grams of strawberries each week could actually delay cognitive decline by 2.5 years. Both of these berries are a good source of flavanoids, which are plant compounds that provide both antioxidants and powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. 

These facts are important to keep in mind when providing care for elderly parents. The study’s authors even said that there is “substantial biologic evidence” that supports a berry-rich diet in protecting the brain. Many flavanoids are linked with reduced levels of inflammation, which many scientists already correlate with dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases. In addition, the antioxidants in flavanoids can guard against cell damage from dangerous forms of oxygen, or “free radicals,” and have also been shown to protect the brain in many other ways. 

Previous studies have suggested that berries provided an anti-aging effect. However, these studies were traditionally limited to smaller trials among the elderly or were developed with animal models. Recent research, conducted by Harvard Medical School, observed information from thousands of middle-aged females who had filled out questionnaires starting in the late 1970s. They were asked about the foods they ate. Every four years, they responded to a survey. They also underwent memory and thinking skills tests every two years, which began at the age of 70. For the 16,000 subjects over 70 years of age, their cognitive function was observed every two years.

During the study, researchers discovered that those who ate the most blueberries and strawberries exhibited the lowest rates of mental decline. The largest benefits were seen in those who ate at least one serving of blueberries weekly or at least two servings of strawberries every week. 

These fruits are rich in flavanoids, or the pigments that give the berries their color. These flavanoids are also found in other vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and nuts. 

In the study, a larger rate of consumption of anthocyanidins, a particular type of flavanoid, and the total level of flavanoids consumed, were correlated with lower cognitive degeneration. In essence, those women who consumed more berries staved off mental decline and aging by upwards of 2.5 years.

Berries and other whole foods can play an important role in providing quality senior care for your loved one. This summer season, consider visiting your local farmers’ market or spending more time in the produce section to find these powerful foods that could work to secure the health of your older parents. 

The Prognosis and Rehabilitation Options for Stroke Victims

When your elderly loved one suffers a stroke, it’s a traumatic experience for the whole family. However, it is important to understand that the prognosis for stroke victims is highly positive, so long as the individual receives medical attention in a timely manner. As soon as the signs of a stroke appear, that family needs to get their senior to the hospital immediately. 

According to those specializing in elder care, Iowa families should look out for these common signs of a stroke: 

• Numbness or weakness in the face, arms, legs, or on one side of the body
• Confusion
• Trouble speaking or understanding what others are saying
• Dizziness
• Sudden, severe headaches

Other symptoms include drooping on one side of the face, issues with motor skills and coordination, and loss of control over limbs. When these symptoms occur, senior care professionals explain that it is essential that the individual gets treatment right away. Studies show that immediate treatment helps to lessen the long-term impact of the stroke.

Rehabilitation options after a stroke

The rehabilitation process typically begins in the hospital as soon as possible once the stroke has occurred. Those who are stabilized will typically begin the recovery process just two or three days after the stroke. In order to make the recovery last, the patient will need to continue with a regular rehabilitation routine. 

There is a number of different places where post-stroke treatment can occur, including:

• A rehabilitation unit in the hospital
• A specialized rehabilitation hospital
• Via outpatient therapy administered at home
• A long-term care facility

The ultimate goal of rehabilitation, no matter how or where it is administered, is to help the senior to improve their function so that they can live a high quality life. Depending on the severity of the stroke, this may include helping the elderly individual to relearn how to eat, dress themselves, walk, and talk. 

A stroke is a devastating experience that can strip a person’s sense of independence. However, with a strict rehabilitation regimen given by highly trained professionals, a senior will be able to slowly rebuild the life they once enjoyed. Family members must work closely with their elderly loved one to ensure they are getting the care they need to make a recovery after a stroke has taken place. Professionals who care for seniors can help.  

Fun-Filled Hobbies for Your Senior to Try in 2014

As the new year approaches, many of us are setting goals for ourselves about what we want to do differently in 2014. If you find that your elderly loved one spends most of their time in front of the television, consider making your new year’s resolution about helping them expand their horizons. There are a number of activities that are perfect for seniors of all ability levels. They will keep your elderly loved one engaged without pushing them too much. Some activities you should encourage your senior to try this year include:

Scrapbooking

If your elderly loved one collects pictures from various family gatherings and milestones, do something useful with these shots and turn them into a scrapbook. Instead of gathering dust in a shoebox, senior care professionals explain that these pictures will be displayed in a beautiful and organized way. Eldercare providers note that scrapbooking is the perfect hobby for seniors of all physical ability levels, and is a rewarding hobby for your elderly loved one to pursue.

Discover your family history

There are many useful resources online that can help a senior to trace their family history. Work with your elderly loved one to help them input the information necessary to find out more about their ancestors. This is also a great way to connect with younger generations. They will love finding out that their great aunt was a Broadway star, or that their great-grandfather started his own business. As you search for information about relatives, your senior can chat with their grandchildren about what life was like as they were growing up.

Write a memoir

If your senior enjoys writing, eldercare professionals suggest asking them to create a collection of memories about their childhood and put it into book form. They can add some pictures to make it a special keepsake for future generations. If your elderly loved one is not particularly passionate about writing, consider recording their thoughts instead. You can even have the children of the family “interview” the elderly individual about their past. This is a terrific bonding activity, and it can be a useful resource for the family as the years go on. 

Take up photography

With today’s smartphones and other technological advancements, pursuing photography does not require a significant investment. Get your senior familiar with how to use the camera on their phone, or purchase an inexpensive digital camera for them to use. They will love learning how to perfect their shots as they capture the world around them.

Regardless of how active your senior is, there is a range of activities that they can participate in in order to keep them entertained and fulfilled. 

How to Keep Your Senior Healthy During Flu Season

Flu season is in full swing, which means that you’ll need to take extra steps to ensure that your elderly loved one remains healthy. While older adults are especially vulnerable to the flu and its side effects, the U.S. Department of Health states that only 64 percent of those over 65 actually get the flu shot. 

 The first step in protecting your senior this flu season is to ensure that they get their flu vaccination.

Rumors frequently circulate about the flu vaccine, including that it actually gives a person the flu. In reality, none of these myths are true. The flu vaccination will not sicken your senior. It will only help to prevent them from getting seriously ill should they become exposed to the flu.  The ideal time to get a flu vaccine is in late October or November, but the shots can still be effective in December or later on, too. 

Inquire about a pneumonia vaccine

As you take your senior in to get a flu shot, eldercare professionals suggest asking the medical professional about whether your loved one would benefit from a pneumonia shot too. This vaccine works any time of year, and can offer your senior lifelong protection from this serious illness.

Do not allow sick people to visit with your elderly loved one

While your senior probably loves company, inviting sick people into the home puts your elderly loved one at risk for getting ill themselves. If a family member or friend is sick, explain that you would love to see them, but are trying to protect your senior. Then invite them over once they are feeling better. Most people will be understanding about the extra risks that seniors face when they are exposed to germs.

Encourage everyone in the home to wash their hands

If your elderly loved one lives with you, encourage everyone in the home to wash their hands regularly. This keeps the spread of germs to a minimum, thus protecting your senior. If the elderly individual lives alone, remind them about the importance of hand washing, and consider hiring a home care professional to come in a few days each week to ensure that the place stays tidy and germ free. 

One of the best things your senior can do to stay healthy during this time of year is to get plenty of sleep and eat well. This helps the body to fight off infection. 

¹ http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/no-flu-for-you-tips-to-keep-seniors-healthy-during-flu-season-104287548.html

Winterizing Your Senior's Home

For elderly individuals who are aging in place, caring for the home may be a bit of a challenge. While they might be able to keep up with daily chores and minor repairs, winterizing their property may prove a bit difficult. For this reason, senior care professionals encourage family members to step up and help out. Below are some of the ways in which eldercare providers note that seniors need help in preparing their homes for harsh winter weather.

Cleaning out gutters

The gutters around the home keep water moving away from the structure, and as such protect the property. But this is only true if they are kept in good repair. Clogged gutters can cause massive amounts of damage to a structure, so it's important that they are cleaned at least twice per year. Removing all leaves, twigs, and other debris after the fall season is the best way to prepare the gutters to take on the winter weather. 

Fix air and water leaks

From space that has grown in door jambs due to the settling of the home and warping of the door frame to leaks in faucets, these problems need to be taken care of in order to create the most comfortable living space possible. Go through the house and check for any air coming in through door and window frames. Additionally, check and fix any leaking faucets or dripping pipes. 

Update insulation

This project is on a bit of a larger scale, but it is certainly important when winterizing a home. Check the attic insulation in your senior's house to ensure that it is up to code and in good repair. If necessary, replace the insulation with an energy-efficient version that will both keep the home more comfortable and lower energy bills. 

Have the chimney inspected

Cold weather calls for cozy fires, but this can prove dangerous if your senior's chimney isn't clean. Have a chimney sweep come inspect the chimney and determine if any upkeep needs to be performed or if it is good to go another year before a cleaning. 

Winterizing your senior's home is an extremely important way in which you can show your love and appreciation for your elderly loved one.