Keeping You Safe From COVID-19
Interested in a career at Golden Heart Senior Care. APPLY HERE!

What Types of Exercises Help Seniors to Reduce Their Risk of Falling?

The older seniors get, the higher their risk of falling becomes. The consequences of falling can be far more serious than many people realize. Seniors and family caregivers can take some significant steps to reduce fall risk, however, especially by implementing an exercise plan and getting a little bit of help. Home care assistance can ensure that seniors remember to exercise as often as necessary and that seniors are safe in general.

Why Is Fall Prevention Important?

Focusing on fall prevention is absolutely vital for seniors as they age. Falls can lead to not only physical issues but also psychological ones. Falls can result in broken bones, brain injuries, loss of confidence, fear, and overall reduced quality of life. Seniors who want to maintain their independence can do so most effectively by reducing fall risk as much as possible. Seniors should talk to their doctors about what exercises are okay for them to start out trying.

Balance Exercises

Balance exercises are a great place to start with fall prevention. Focusing on improving balance and coordination also helps to improve posture. Some of the exercises to try include walking, yoga, and even gentle stretching. The exercises don’t have to be complicated in order to help seniors make improvements that benefit them.

Strength Training Exercises

Seniors tend to lose muscle tone as they age. Strength training exercises help to slow down muscle loss and can even help seniors to regain muscle. Bodyweight exercises are some of the easiest strength training exercises and seniors don’t need any additional equipment to do them. Resistance band exercises and small dumbbells are also good options.

Flexibility Exercises

Flexibility is another crucial part of avoiding a fall and seniors tend to lose flexibility as they age. Stretching exercises, like Pilates and yoga, are excellent for improving flexibility. They also help with balance, which can be important for seniors who want to maximize their exercise time. Flexibility exercises help to improve range of motion as well.

Cardio Exercises

As seniors improve their stamina and ability to exercise, they might want to start including options like cardio. Cardio exercises help to boost heart health, endurance, and overall strength. These are exercises like swimming, cycling, or brisk walking. Improving overall fitness helps to reduce fall risk while improving quality of life.

Exercises Related to Falling Safely

Another type of exercise that seniors might want to consider with a lot of support is exercises designed to help them fall safely. It’s best for seniors to do these types of exercises with lots of help to ensure they don’t get hurt. Home care providers and medical professionals can be a huge help with these types of activities because their goal is to keep seniors as safe as they can.

Having support and companionship from home care assistance can also be a huge win for seniors as they learn how to reduce their fall risks. Staying as safe as possible is a big goal for seniors to have, but it’s one that is achievable, particularly if seniors are focusing on building strength, balance, and flexibility through a personalized exercise plan.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Chandler, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!

How to Support Your Loved One When She Quits Smoking

November 16 is the Great American Smokeout Day. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, this day serves as a possible starting point for those who wish to kick the habit of smoking tobacco and begin a smoke-free life.

If you are providing care for a loved one who is a long-term smoker, you have seen the toll that smoking can take on her. From health issues to financial issues to cleanliness issues, smoking permeates every aspect of a person’s life, and not for the better. Most long-term smokers have tried quitting multiple times and find themselves getting frustrated over trying again, but along with that, most quitters found it took multiple attempts. This year may be the year your loved one quits successfully and completely.

As their loved one and caregiver, you can support them along this journey. You should also enlist others to be a part of their “cheer team,” such as other family members, friends, neighbors, and senior home care providers. All can rally alongside your loved one as she attempts to break free of the bonds of smoking.

But what can you specifically do? Here are five ways you can support your loved one as she begins her Great American Smokeout.

  • Ask her what she’d like as you support her. Does she want you to check in multiple times a day? Or would she prefer you don’t constantly ask about it? Follow her lead to support her.
  • Be ready to be ready. Your loved one may say she doesn’t want to check in much, but then calls you or texts you multiple times during those first few days for support. Be willing to be flexible, especially at the beginning. Talk to her senior care provider about providing additional support during that time to help over the first hump.
  • Ask about more than just smoking. When you check-in, don’t make it all about the smoking. Ask about how her body is feeling. How is she emotionally getting by? What new things did she discover today since she’s not smoking (maybe she went on a new walk with her senior home care provider or tried a new recipe to distract herself)? Try to keep it upbeat and positive.
  • Resist the urge to nag or shame. Even if she slips up, remind her about how proud you are that she’s trying and that you are there for her no matter how it goes.
  • Offer more outings. Distraction is a big part of quitting. Your loved one needs her mind on something other than smoking, so plan more outings to keep her occupied. Ask her senior care provider to also help her find ways to get out of the home and her mind off of the nicotine.

Quitting is a journey, and often a long one that may not be a very straight or smooth path. It’ll have a lot of bumps and turns, but your loved one will have more success navigating it if she has your support.

Reference
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Mesa. AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!