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Tips to Protect an Older Loved One from Viruses

sthcTFM — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 10:00:52 +0000

Tips to Protect an Older Loved One from Viruses

Catching a virus is a nasty, uncomfortable experience no matter how old you are. For our older relatives and friends, however, the risk of getting sick is much higher than younger people in good health.

Illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 can have serious health repercussions for seniors. Each year, thousands are hospitalized with virus symptoms that have gone ignored or misdiagnosed. However, you can help the senior in your life avoid or treat illness.

Learn a few simple tips to protect an older loved one from viruses, who is at risk, symptoms to watch for, and available treatments.

How can you prevent spreading viruses to your older loved ones?

Implementing a few of the following tips in your life, and helping your loved one do the same, can protect them from the flu, COVID-19, and other viruses year-round.

Get the flu vaccine.
Wash your hands regularly.
Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing.
Avoid contact with those who are sick.
Eat healthy food and stay hydrated.
Keep fully rested.
Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.
Boost your immunity with Vitamin C.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Sanitize your computer and mobile device.
Stay clear of crowds or unnecessary travel.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can catch a virus, but some are more susceptible than others. The following are at the highest risk of falling ill:

Anyone over the age of 50.
Adults and children who have chronic diseases, such as heart disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, or diabetes.
Residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
People with a weakened immune system, like those receiving chemotherapy or suffering from conditions like HIV/AIDS.
Community members like policemen and firefighters.
Anyone working in healthcare.
Household members of people in this high-risk group.

How do virus symptoms manifest in seniors?

Common symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and loss of taste and/or smell. However, the “expected” symptoms of viruses are not typical symptoms in older adults. This confusion leads to many overlooked and misdiagnosed flu or virus cases each year. The following are the common symptoms that seniors may experience:

Loss of appetite
Dizziness or a light-headed feeling
Weakness
Delirium
A worsening of a chronic heart or lung condition

If you suspect your loved one may have a virus, visit your primary care physician immediately. Ignoring symptoms can lead to serious health implications like pneumonia, dehydration, or even death.

What treatments are available, and when is hospitalization necessary?

Similar to other infections, bed rest and fluids are the best treatments available for viruses. However, for those needing additional relief, your loved one’s doctor may also prescribe an antiviral to further alleviate the symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also help with any aches and pains.

If your loved one begins to experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Sudden dizziness
Symptoms that get better, then suddenly worse
Seizures
Chest or abdominal pain
Swollen mouth or throat
Confusion
Severe vomiting
Worsening of chronic medical conditions

By following these tips and keeping in mind the symptoms and available treatments, you’ll be better equipped to protect an older loved on from viruses and keep them happy and healthy.

We know trying to keep your loved one away from germs can get overwhelming. If you need assistance caring for your parent or relative, there is no shame in asking for help. In-home experts can provide the necessary care and supervision to help keep your loved one virus-free. You can ensure he or she is happy, healthy, and safe while finding balance in your own life.

Safe-T Home Care is an in-home care agency in Monticello, Indiana. We provide services such as transportation, personal care, and companionship to your loved ones so they can remain safely at home and maintain as much independence as possible. For more information, please visit our website or like us on Facebook.

The post Tips to Protect an Older Loved One from Viruses appeared first on Safe T Home Care | In Home Care.

Five Tips for Caregivers: How to Make Time for Yourself

sthcTFM — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 09:34:45 +0000

Five Tips for Caregivers: How to Make Time for Yourself

If you’re caring for an ill or aging loved one, you may be struggling to find a balance between providing for him or her and taking care of your and your family’s needs. You may also be missing the non-caregiver relationship you once had because you’re now the responsible one.

We know caring for a loved one can take a toll, and it just seems selfish to want some alone time. However, taking time for yourself is a vital part of being a great caregiver. It will help you prevent burnout and exhaustion while ensuring your family member gets the best possible care. It can even remind you to spend quality time with him or her as a companion, rather than simply checking tasks off the list to meet his or her needs.

Here are a few simple tips to help you set aside time each day to focus on you.

Schedule “me” time.

It’s easy to let “me” time fall by the wayside, especially when you feel obligated to always place your loved one’s wellness (and your family’s) above your own. However, it’s important to treat these moments for yourself like any other appointment. Set a date and time to do something just for you each day.

Some activities that may help you unwind include:

Reading a chapter of a book
Taking a short walk
Fitting in a 20-minute workout
Running a quick errand
Watching an episode of your favorite show

Pencil the activity into your schedule or set a reminder on your phone to ensure you don’t forget. When the time comes to rest, be sure to take it seriously. You wouldn’t break an appointment with a loved one, so don’t miss a date with yourself.

Try meditation, prayer, tai chi, or yoga.

Mind-body practices can boost physical health with stretching and strength building, and they’re incredible for easing tension. For example, yoga has proven to be especially effective at reducing stress in caregivers, particularly in families of those with Alzheimer’s or cancer.

Practicing mind-body awareness, and meditating or praying about the day ahead, will help you focus on what’s important to you and increase your overall wellness.

Prioritize your physical health.

You can’t take care of those around you if you don’t take care of yourself. When you’re busy and working hard to provide for others, you need a strong foundation. Keeping your body healthy is a great way to boost your physical and mental wellness, and it almost forces you to set aside dedicated time for your wellbeing.

There are a few ways to focus on your physical wellness:

Exercise regularly. Try to work out daily, even if it’s simply going for a walk. Joining a class can help you stay motivated.
Get enough sleep. Most adults need around 8 hours of sleep each night, so aim for this. Also, take 15- to 30-minute naps when necessary.
Eat healthy foods. Base your diet on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other unprocessed foods to keep up your energy and mood.

Find support with friends, family, or a caregiving group.

When you start to feel overwhelmed, you shouldn’t feel like you have to keep it to yourself. Instead, take time to reach out to friends or family members, even if it’s just to vent. Sometimes, as a caregiver, you don’t want help caring for a loved one—you just need someone to talk through frustrations. Either way, it’s a great idea to surround yourself with those who will listen.

Talking with others who are “in your shoes” can help relieve the stress you’re under as well. Check your area for groups of people going through a similar experience such as cancer or Alzheimer’s support. You may even be able to find a group online! No matter how you seek support, you don’t have to do anything alone.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a little extra help.

More than anything else, your loved one wants you to be happy and healthy—and probably feels a little guilty that you’re having to care for them. While asking for emotional help is a major step, asking for assistance with the daily tasks of caregiving is the biggest way you can help yourself. You may feel as if it’s all your responsibility, but it’s important (and okay) to have someone else take over a few jobs, so you can have some “me” time. You will be better for taking the time off.

An expert, friend, or family member can provide companionship, transportation, assistance with errands, housekeeping, meal prep, medication reminders, personal care, and more for your loved one while you take the time you need to rest and recharge.

As a caregiver, taking time for yourself can help you stay balanced, healthy, and happy. It’s necessary to prioritize your own physical and emotional wellbeing so you can continue to be a great caregiver and companion.

Caring for someone can be more than you expected. Sometimes, to provide the best care for a loved one, you simply need to ask for help from a family member or a professional caregiver. With a little assistance, you can ensure your loved one is getting excellent care while you take time to recharge and be your best, healthiest self.

The post Five Tips for Caregivers: How to Make Time for Yourself appeared first on Safe T Home Care | In Home Care.

Home Care Safety Tips for Every Room

sthcTFM — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 12:14:26 +0000

Home Care Safety Tips for Every Room

Your aging family members understandably want to keep their independence as much as possible. While you value their safety and want to make changes, you can do so without limiting their freedom.

When you’re caring for a loved one with mobility or memory struggles at home, there are a few easy ways to make each room less hazardous. Check out our home care safety tips!

Bathroom

While the bathroom is a common place for slips and falls, there are simple ways to make the space safer and more comfortable for loved ones with impaired memory or mobility:

Mark the hot water knob on the sink with red nail polish or marker to prevent accidental burning.
If possible, put a telephone near the toilet in the event of an emergency.
Remove the lock on the bathroom door to allow easy access in case of a slip and fall.
Get rid of all glass items in the bathroom to prevent cuts from any shattering.
Keep extra rolls of toilet paper within easy reach.
Clean the tub regularly to avoid slippery soap, mold, or mildew from building up.
Install designated support bars for balance, NOT towel racks, glass doors, or soap dishes.
If your loved one’s shower or tub is white, get a colorful non-slip mat to help them judge distance.

Bedrooms

An easily accessible bedroom is a necessary part of keeping a routine. Ensuring your loved one can get in and out of bed, move without trouble, and prepare to handle an emergency is easy with a few simple adjustments:

Keep a flashlight by the bedside table for a power outage or other situation where vision is limited.
Have a sturdy chair or table near the bed for support when getting up and down.
Move the bed against a wall to minimize chances of falling out of bed.
Remind loved ones that dressing while lying down is okay.
If a family member is weaker on one side, encourage them to dress the weaker side first.
Purchase an inexpensive room monitor to make alerting you easier.
Get rid of clutter, clothing, and towels on the floor.

Kitchen

Keeping the kitchen safe for aging family members is an important part of helping them retain their independence. Here are a few ways to reduce risk:

Keep appliances as clean as possible to prevent a fire hazard, including the toaster, microwave, and stove top.
Add adhesive, raised dots to common settings on the microwave and stove or oven.
Remind loved ones to avoid handling electrical equipment with wet hands.
Place commonly used items at a convenient level within reach—somewhere between the shoulders and the knees.
Suggest that family members use non-glass dishware, or at least get rid of any cracked or chipped items.
Unplug electrical appliances and encourage your loved one to only plug them in when they’re in use.

Living Room

Your family members should feel safe and comfortable at home, especially in shared spaces. There are a few ways to make the living room more accessible:

Agree on a furniture arrangement that helps your loved one navigate the living room. Once it’s decided, don’t make changes.
Keep floors free of clutter.
Be sure the living room and other frequently navigated areas are well lit, possibly adding automatic night lights activated when it gets dark.
Make sure furniture is sturdy in case your loved one needs to lean on it for balance.

By taking these easy steps, you can keep your aging loved ones safe without limiting their independence. If they still need transportation assistance or even a little help around the house, an expert can assist them so you can handle other responsibilities.

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Tips for Caring for Loved Ones with Failing Eyesight

sthcTFM — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 08:05:02 +0000

Tips for Caring for Loved Ones with Failing Eyesight

As your parents or relatives age, problems like macular degeneration can impact their vision and daily life. What’s more, sight and independence go hand-in-hand. A loved one with failing eyesight may be afraid they’ll lose their freedom, too. However, you can adjust a few things in their home to assist a visually impaired parent.

It can be challenging to make changes around the house to ease their struggles while not restricting their freedom. We’ve provided a few tips to help your loved one keep his or her dignity and as much independence as possible.

The Basics

Caring for relatives or parents with failing eyesight doesn’t have to be difficult. There are a few things to do around the house to simplify moving from room to room and completing daily tasks for your loved one with vision problems:

Keep a consistent routine.
Don’t move furniture or important items on counters.
Create an agreed-upon system for administering medication throughout the day, like a pill organizer.
Get rid of any throw rugs or other tripping hazards.
Don’t leave guests’ shoes or bags on the floor.

Kitchen

Navigating the kitchen with impaired vision can be stressful. Make it easier for your loved ones to find what they need and prepare meals with a few quick and easy changes:

Write your loved one’s reminders or to-do list for the day on a whiteboard in large print.
Cover the table with a white tablecloth so they can see items against the contrast.
Add raised, sticky buttons to the microwave to help them locate the on/off button and commonly used settings.
If you prepare meals, freeze and label them with white tape and a black marker on the tops and sides of each container.

Laundry Room

Ensuring your loved one can keep up with his or her daily chores without constant assistance will help them retain their sense of independence. A few small adjustments will ensure they can do laundry with ease:

Add a raised button on the warm, hot, and cold water settings and a button on the knob so your loved one can line up the dots for the correct setting.
Add similar raised buttons for their preferred dryer setting.

Living Room & Hallways

Getting around the house can become increasingly difficult when vision starts to decline, and this can be especially upsetting for aging loved ones wanting to retain their freedom. But keeping the main rooms comfortable and accessible is easy:

Leave lights on as often as possible, and use nightlights and hall lights.
Add a red button to heat and blue button to air conditioning on the thermostat.

Bedroom & Bathroom

Ensuring your loved one can navigate bedtime and bathtime without issue is an important part of establishing a regular routine. A few simple aids can help:

Purchase a talking alarm clock, which says the time aloud with a push of a button.
Add a red button to “hot” and a blue button to “cold” in the shower.

Errands & Entertainment

Keeping errands and entertainment available is a great way to assist your loved one with the adjustment to a life with declining vision. Here are a few ways to make sure they feel independent:

Try using paper clips to differentiate dollar bills. For example, $1 has one paper clip, $5 has two paper clips, $10 has three paper clips, etc.
Set TV closed captions to the largest font possible.
A tablet with a large font or a handheld magnifying glass can help your loved one read the news.
If he or she enjoys playing cards, purchase ones with large print and dark or vibrant colors.
Good activities for visually impaired loved ones include listening to an audiobook, planting a flower in a pot, or putting together a puzzle with a little assistance.

Communication

Making sure your loved one can contact you, your family members, or 911 is an important part of helping them retain their freedom while keeping them safe. There are easy ways to make this possible:

You can program his or her landline and cell phone to have each family member on speed dial.
Add a raised button to the phone so they can easily connect to an operator or make an emergency call.
If you have a device like Google Home or Alexa, create a command list in large print so that your loved one can ask questions, listen to music, or call you in an emergency.

While adapting any household to a loved one with declining vision can seem difficult, a few simple tips and tricks can make life easier and allow them to retain the independence they enjoy.

If your loved one needs a little extra assistance around the house, and you could use a helping hand, experts are always available to provide additional care with transportation and other services.

The post Tips for Caring for Loved Ones with Failing Eyesight appeared first on Safe T Home Care | In Home Care.