Making Healthy Choices

A good diet starts with making healthy choices. Reducing processed foods in your diet is a good start. Try to limit high-sugar or high-salt food and drinks. Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption can also be a good way to feel healthier. Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Choose more whole grains over refined carbs. These can help you maintain a healthier weight and a more regular bathroom schedule. Eating healthier makes you feel more energized too.

Healthy Foods To Reduce Cancer Risks

Many fruits and vegetables have phytochemicals and phytonutrients. These are naturally occurring compounds that have been shown to reduce the growth rate of cancerous cells. They can also reduce the risk of cancerous growth.
Foods that include these phytochemicals include spinach, kale, bok choy, swiss chard, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, oranges, berries (especially blueberries and strawberries, and soybeans.

Limiting Red Meat Consumption can Reduce Cancer Risks

Red meat consumption (such as beef, pork, and lamb) has been linked to higher cancer risk. Consider eating more fish, chicken, or turkey. Eggs can also be a good source of protein. Alternatively, opt for non-meat proteins for some of your meals. These can include beans, lentils, chickpeas, and tofu.

Seasoning With Your Health in Mind

Its easy to add salt or butter for extra flavor, but there are a lot of spices that aren’t as unhealthy. Experiment with different spices, and find new flavors that you like. Be mindful of spice blends found in stores, as they likely have high salt content. When shopping for spices, read labels and look for spices without preservatives and other additives. Limit your oil use when cooking, and choose healthier oil options over vegetable or canola oils. Avocado oil, coconut oil, and olive oil are all healthier choices.

Meal Preparation and Eating Healthy

Meal preparation makes it easier to eat healthier throughout the week. Making the right choices and eating well throughout the week can have a big impact on your health. Unfortunately, even the healthiest eaters may have trouble sticking to their good habits as seniors. It can become harder to chop vegetables, stand by the stove, or bend to pull dishes out of the oven. Many seniors experience an overall drop in the quality of their meals as they age. Sometimes, this is because it becomes harder for them to shop for quality ingredients as their mobility worsens. Safeharbor’s Home Health Aides can assist your elderly or disabled loved one in many aspects of their daily life, including meal preparation and grocery shopping. Helping your loved one with creating healthy meals is just one of the many responsibilities of our certified aides.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact us by clicking here, or by calling (718)-979-6900.

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Making a Routine

The first step to making them feel comfortable and dignified is to establish bathtime as a routine. Make a schedule of what time bathtime occurs, and make sure that your loved one has a say in this decision. Giving them some autonomy in this decision will help them feel more empowered. If possible, try to set bathtime to roughly the same time each day.

Asking over Telling

Forcing your loved one to take a bath might make them feel like a child. It is best to ask them “Would you like to take a bath now?” Rather than telling them “It’s time for a bath.” Giving them the ability to confirm or postpone their bath by a few minutes will make them feel like they are more in control. Telling them what to do can make them feel disrespected, but asking them grants them more dignity.

Respecting Privacy When Bathing

This may feel like a difficult task to accomplish while respecting your loved one’s privacy, but there are steps you can take to make them feel more comfortable. If they need your help to get undressed, consider giving them a towel to hold up. They will have a bit more privacy, which will make them feel better about the situation.

Safety Measures While Bathing

Safety is important to prevent your loved one from suffering from a bad fall in the shower. Anti-slip mats or pads in the shower can help your loved one feel safer. Installing hand-rails can be incredibly important, especially if your loved one has a shower-bath combination. Shower chairs can be built into the walls, but removable ones can serve the same purpose without renovation. Before they enter the shower, make sure that the water is not too hot or too cold, as it may hurt or startle your loved one. Have them touch the water before getting in to make sure that it is comfortably warm for them.

Helping them Wash Themselves

It can be important to help your loved one feel like they are still (at least somewhat) in control of their body. Consider handing them a soapy washcloth, instead of having them fumble with the soap bar. Let them wash areas that they can reach, and assist them where needed.

Communicating with Your Loved One While Bathing

Talking with your loved one can help distract them from the situation. It can be frustrating and embarrassing for an elderly individual to lose the ability to properly care for themselves. Communication during bathtime can help them feel more comfortable with having you help them.

Hiring Help

Bathing an elderly loved one can be a difficult, and uncomfortable, task for all involved. Consider hiring a professional home health aide, who is trained to care for your loved one in and out of bathtime, while maintaining their dignity and privacy.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.

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Autumn Orchard Visits

Going apple or pumpkin picking can be a fun Fall activity for people of all ages. If your loved one has mobility issues, be sure to check if the orchard has accommodations for the elderly and disabled. Otherwise, you can always bring the pumpkins and apples home to keep the activities going.

Baking Festive Pies

Nothing says Autumn quite like a fresh-baked pie. Baking is a great family activity, where everyone can get involved. If your loved one isn’t able to walk around the orchard, baking a pie with fresh ingredients is the next best thing. Your elderly family members may even have recipes to pass down to the family.

Pumpkin Painting

Carving pumpkins can be a dangerous activity for children and the elderly alike. Avoid accidental injuries by painting pumpkins. Painting a pumpkin can be a fun, safe way to decorate for the holidays. Acrylic paints are recommended, as they will stay on the pumpkin longer. Be sure to wash and dry the pumpkin first, for best results.

Halloween Fun

Sharing ghost stories with the family can be a fun and festive activity for family members of all ages. There are plenty of family-friendly sources online for folk stories and spooky tales. If you have older children, a scary movie night can also be a fun family activity, provided that your elderly loved one can handle it too.

Autumn Walks

Taking a walk with the family can be a great way to get fresh air and enjoy the changing leaves. Be sure to take care when walking with elderly family members, who may have difficulty walking, as fallen leaves can be slippery.

For over 50 years, Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing home health assistance to Staten Islanders suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and more.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.

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Household Upkeep Without a Spouse

Household chores, both inside and out, are often divided among partners. Especially with older generations, a widowed spouse may not know how to do their partner’s chores. They may have to learn how to do them or hire someone to do them. Alternatively, you may have to take care of some of the chores for your loved one. Chores like dusting, cleaning the bathroom, clearing the gutters, or mowing the lawn are common problems after the loss of a spouse. You may need to consider hiring a housekeeper or landscaper to help maintain your loved one’s home.

Bills and Financial Management

Like chores, some spouses divide the responsibilities of certain bills. One may take care of the mortgage, while the other pays for cable. When a partner passes away, the fiscal burden falls to the surviving spouse. It is important to help your loved one transfer accounts, if needed, and take care of the bills. If necessary, help your loved one cut down on some expenditures that are not essential.

Cooking for One

Good cooking usually takes time and practice to learn. But, for some couples, it is a skill handled by only one partner. If your surviving loved one is not culinarily inclined, they may need to learn how to cook for themselves. You may want to help your loved one learn to cook healthy and nutritious meals so that they can take care of themselves. On the other hand, a person who has cooked for a family their whole life may not know how to cook for one. Help them learn to cook smaller portions, or to divide leftovers for meal-planning.

Consider ordering meal plans for them. Some programs help provide nutritious meals with or without cooking. Meal plans that require cooking usually come with step-by-step instructions. Alternatively, organizations such as Meals on Wheels could provide hot meals for the elderly. Look into what options are best for you and your loved one.

Companionship After the Loss of a Spouse

Companionship is often a major issue for the elderly, especially after the loss of a loved one. The bed feels empty, and the house is quieter. Your loved one may feel more isolated and alone than ever before. Feelings of grief can only pile-on to the feelings of loneliness. Help your loved one find ways to feel less alone. This may include more frequent visits to family members or more active community involvement.

Hiring a Home Health Aide

A Home Health Aide can help your loved one in many aspects of their life. Home Health Aides can assist with companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grooming, and more. Our certified home health aides are prepared to help your loved one with many tasks throughout the day to help them maintain a healthy, safe, and independent lifestyle.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information, contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.

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Bed Sores and the Immobilized

Bed sores, also called decubitus ulcers, are areas of the skin where pressure can cause skin to break or damage. This is usually caused by pressure from the body against a bed or chair for a prolonged period of time. It commonly occurs on the bttocks, shoulder blades, back of the head, elbows, and heels; but can appear anywhere on the body with the right conditions. The listed areas tend to be where the most pressure is as we lay in a bed. Bed sores can be a sign of poor blood flow. Decubitus ulcers can increase the risk of infection and disease in your loved one; which is why it is important to prevent them.
To prevent bed sores, your loved one should be moved and shifted regularly. You will need to help them maintain proper hygiene. Drying them thoroughly before returning them to the bed after bathing is also important in prevention. Your loved one’s doctor can help you understand what is needed to prevent bed sores.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by a build-up of fluid in the lungs. Laying down or sitting still for an extended period can lead to fluid build-up; which leads to an elevated infection risk. The immobilized are at a high risk of getting pneumonia because of this. Elderly individuals, especially those with other health complications, have an increased risk of death from pneumonia. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible if your loved one is wheezing, coughing, or showing other signs of labored breathing that may be a sign of fluid in the lungs.

Nausea, Malnutrition and Indigestion

While immobilized, the body’s metabolism can slow down to a snail’s pace. A slow metabolism can make it harder for the body to extract nutrients and reduce the body’s ability to digest properly. This can lead to malnutrition, indigestion, and nausea. Malnutrition can lead to the development of additional health issues.

Hiring Home Health Care

Hiring a certified home health aide can be a good step in preventing further health complications for your immobilized loved one. A certified home health aide will have the training and skills to assist your loved one with all of their needs to stay comfortable, while reducing risks of further ancillary health problems that might arise.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.

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Easy Access

Making your loved one’s life easier starts with putting things within reach. Organize their living space to make things easier to reach. High shelves can present hazards for your loved one, while lower level storage can be a problem for bending. Open shelving can be helpful for a more forgetful loved one. Items they use more often should be within reach.

Easy to Put on Clothing

Many older people have trouble with buttons or zippers. Consider buying pants with elastic waistbands and pull-over shirts. This can help them get dressed without needing support, which will make them feel more confident.

Choices Matter for Seniors

Making choices, even small ones, make us feel independent. Supporting your loved ones choices and giving them options can be a good way to boost their morale. Let them pick the movie, or ask them what they would like for dinner. Even if you narrow down the choices, letting them have options will make them feel better.

Encourage Activity

Active lifestyles help improve your loved one’s health and fosters a feeling of independence. Regular physical activity can improve strength and mobility. Going for walks, trips to the store, or exercise classes should be encouraged. Getting out of the house makes elderly people feel more independent.

Age-Friendly Home Upgrades

Some minor changes to your loved one’s living space can make a big difference in their ability to be independent. Grab bars in the shower and near the toilet are important for maintaining balance and mobility. A shower chair can also be an important bathroom upgrade. Elevated toilet seats can reduce the amount of difficulty your loved one has going to the bathroom. Recliners with stand-up assistance can be a great asset for elderly people with weaker knees. If your loved one is wheelchair-bound, there are a lot of different changes you can make to the home to be more accommodating.

Hiring a Home Healthcare Professional

Often, seniors do not like receiving care from younger family members. Role reversal from “caregiver” to “cared for” can feel uncomfortable for them. Hiring a home healthcare professional can allow your loved one to feel independent while still receiving the care they need. A home healthcare professional can also assist your loved one when you aren’t available. You can improve your loved one’s quality of life while allowing them to feel like they are still their own person.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.

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Confusion

Like many diseases, increased confusion and lack of focus is a common first symptom of the coronavirus. While that can be easily missed in a dementia patient, look for signs of rapidly increasing confusion, and then contact your loved one’s healthcare provider. Unless they are showing signs of a fever or difficulty breathing, talking to their physician is recommended over an emergency room visit.

Written Reminders

It is important to help your loved one practice safe hygiene practices. One of the easiest ways to do this is to provide them with written reminders. Put a sign in their bathroom reminding them to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You should also show them how to wash their hands thoroughly. Other written reminders may be helpful in aiding your loved one when you aren’t with them. A reminder to drink water, for instance, can be important in keeping them hydrated.

Social Distancing

Social distancing may be a difficult concept for your loved one to grasp while they are suffering from dementia. The best way to help them is to keep yourself and your other loved ones informed. If you and your family do your best to remember to maintain proper social distancing, you can reduce the risk of infection to your loved one. It is important to explain social distancing to your loved one. While they may not understand it, or remember it; you don’t want them to feel neglected.

Working with Their Doctor

You should contact your loved one’s primary care physician, in order to get additional information regarding care during these times. You may want to ask them for extended prescriptions to reduce the amount of trips to the pharmacy during this time.

Avoiding Contact With the Sick

While caring for your loved one, you should limit the amount of contact you have with others. Avoid going shopping for groceries and other supplies when possible, and take preventative measures when you do need to venture out. Your family members that are feeling sick, or who have been in contact with those who are sick, should avoid visiting you or your loved one. If you become sick, find another family member or friend to provide care for them. Communicate with their neighbors, who may be able to check on them when you cannot. Additionally, consider hiring a home health care professional to care for them during these times.

Home Health Aides at Safe Harbor

Our certified home health aides are trained to take preventative measures, including social distancing, for the safety of your loved one. Our professional team is working to ensure that everyone under our care is well taken care of during this global health crisis. We are closely monitoring information as it comes out from vital medical sources, such as WHO and the CDC; and making sure that our home health aides are working in accordance with these safety regulations.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.
SafeHarbor is working 24 hours to continue providing safe and quality home care services during COVID-19. Let us know if we can help you during these difficult times. Information regarding the novel coronavirus is changing daily. For more up-to-date information, check the CDC and WHO websites.

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Discharge Planning

Before your loved one is released from the hospital, it is good to come up with a plan for adjustment and recovery. Work with your loved one’s doctor in order to create a plan that best fits their unique situation. A standard discharge plan might include: a safe place to live, installing special assistance equipment (such as rails in the bathroom, or a chair lift), physical therapy, and more. If your loved one drove, you may need to consider whether or not that is still possible given their present condition. Additionally, some families look to hire a home health aide or nurse to assist with post-stroke care.

Home Changes for Stroke Survivors

Many stroke survivors return home after the hospital; but it is often necessary to adjust their living situation. The needs of your loved one will determine how much change is needed. Tripping hazards such as area rugs or small pieces of furniture are common issues in a stroke-survivor’s home. You may need to install a chair lift or rails in the shower. Some families will move a stroke-survivor’s bedroom to the ground floor if possible; to limit stair usage.

Rehabilitation

It is common for stroke-survivors to have follow-up appointments pertaining to their condition. Your loved one will have to meet with rehabilitation professionals and doctors. Physical therapy and follow-up appointments can be very stressful for your loved one.
Your loved one’s doctor can help them discuss how their condition is affecting their daily lives. It is good to follow up with your loved one’s primary care physician to better assess how to properly maintain a good home environment for their situation.

Full-Time Care After a Stroke

Often, it can take a lot of time and energy to look after someone who has suffered from a stroke. It is important to understand the level of help that you can give them. If your loved one needs more assistance than you are able to grant, you may want to consider hiring a home health aide. A home health aide can assist your loved one with daily tasks and care. They can also help your loved one go to appointments with their doctors or physical therapists.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.

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Hygiene For Bedridden Care

When bedridden, it can be difficult to maintain proper hygiene. Caretakers will need to assist with dental hygiene and bathing. Good hygiene care is vital to keeping your loved one comfortable. Grooming hair, brushing teeth, and trimming nails are seemingly everyday tasks can become virtually impossible once you are bedridden. Hygiene care may not be glamorous, but it can reduce additional complications or issues regarding your loved one’s health. Groomed hair can help prevent lice infestations. Good nail care can reduce the risk of ingrown nails; and can reduce the risk of your loved one scratching themselves to the point of injury. Additionally, improved hygiene can benefit your loved one’s self esteem.

Nutrition for the Bedridden

Nutrition is important regardless of your health status. But for the bedridden, proper nutrition can make a huge difference in overall quality of life. Before altering your loved one’s diet, speak with their physician or dietician. Many prescriptions may have adverse effects when combined with certain foods. It is important to work with them to create a diet plan that works best for your loved one’s needs. Access to water should be close at hand. Hydration is vital to elderly health. As you age, your body’s indicators for thirst dull, and you can become dehydrated much more easily.

Preventing Bedsores

Bedridden patients are prone to injuries to skin and underlying tissues from sitting or laying down for long periods of time. Prevention of bedsores starts with making sure that your loved one changes positions every few hours. These sores, if left untreated, can result in infections that can cause complications with quality of life. Ultimately, bedsores can result in shortened life, too. Ask their medical professional for the best practices of moving them without causing harm. Keep their skin clean and dry. Place pillows between areas of the body that may press against each other, such as the ankles or knees.

Finding Assistance

Caring for one who is bedridden can be a full time job. It can be difficult for you to take care of your needs, the needs of your bedridden family member, and still do everything else you need to do each day. Hiring a home healthcare professional can be the answer you need. A home health aide can provide your loved one with the care that they need, while giving you peace of mind that they will be well taken care of.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.

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Self Care and Hygiene

Personal hygiene is often one of the most common signs that your loved one can not properly care for themselves. However, it can also be overlooked. Not being able to properly bathe because of pain or mobility concerns can be common. Some elderly people lose the energy or the wherewithal to launder their clothes as they age. Unkempt hair and physical appearance can be a good sign that they are struggling to care for themselves properly. Poor dental hygiene can also be a sign. Especially if your loved one’s hygiene practices are usually in order, it can be easy to notice a change in their appearance, or smell.

Driving Habits

Your love one’s self care can extend to how they drive. Taking care on the road is vital for safety, no matter your age. You may notice that your loved one’s vehicle has new dings and scratches. They may seem more anxious or agitated when driving than before. Near-misses with other drivers or even pedestrians can be a sign that your loved one is not as attentive on the road as they used to be. Visit the DMV website here for more information and resources regarding elderly drivers.

Meals and Self Care

Your loved one might also slack on nutrition and being able to properly feed themselves. Meal preparation can become more difficult with joint pain or weakened mental state. It is not uncommon for elderly people to leave the stove unattended because they forget. Inconsistent meals or forgetting to eat entirely can be dangerous, as well.

Forgetting Medications

It is not uncommon for elderly people to forget to take medications. Unfortunately, forgetting to take daily pills can have consequences. Symptoms will often return or worsen as medicine goes unused. It is very important that medicine is taken as scheduled. Additionally, many medicines require that they be taken with food, for the patient’s benefit. Forgetting to take pills during meal time (or forgetting meals) can be troublesome. Talk with your loved one’s doctor for ways to improve planning with medication. 

Mobility

Mobility can be an issue that ties in closely to many others. A lack of mobility can mean that your loved one can’t get in and out of the shower. Instability can make stairs hazardous. Immobility can stop your loved one from being able to prepare a meal or to take care of other basic needs.

Hiring the Right Help for Their Needs

A Home Health Aide can help your loved one in fulfilling their daily needs. Our staff of certified aides can help care for your loved one and maintain a safe home environment for them. Home healthcare gives your loved one a sense of comfort and independence while working towards improving their quality of life.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact Safe Harbor by clicking here, or call us at (718)-979-6900.

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