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Tag: Home Care in Mesa AZ

Six Highly Effective Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

Posted on by Craig Bass

Falls are something that seniors need to take seriously because they can lead to life-changing injuries and a loss of independence. There are plenty of proactive steps that seniors can take to prevent falls, however, and improve overall safety in their homes. Often it’s easier to keep seniors safe at home with the help of home care providers because they’re uniquely positioned to know what seniors need and how to help them stay as safe as possible.

Wear Solid, Non-slip Shoes

Wearing the right footwear is crucial for fall prevention. Seniors should opt for sturdy, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid high heels, open-back or loose-fitting shoes, and flip-flops, as they can increase the risk of trips and falls. Choosing shoes with low heels, good arch support, and non-skid soles helps seniors to have a solid foundation while they’re walking. Ensuring a proper fit is essential, as ill-fitting shoes can impair balance and stability.

Use Mobility Aids

Mobility aids can provide valuable support and stability for seniors. Using assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or grab bars can enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls. It is vital to choose the appropriate aid based on individual needs and consult with a healthcare professional for proper fitting and training on how to use them safely. Regular maintenance and adjustments should also be performed to ensure optimal functionality and safety.

Make Home Modifications

Modifying the home environment can significantly reduce fall hazards, too. Simple adjustments like installing handrails along staircases, adding grab bars in bathrooms, securing or removing loose rugs, improving lighting, and decluttering walkways can make a significant difference. Seniors should also ensure that commonly used items are within easy reach, reducing the need for stretching or balancing on unstable surfaces.

Build Strength and Balance

Regular exercise and activities that focus on strength and balance can improve stability and reduce the risk of falls for seniors. Engaging in activities such as walking, tai chi, yoga, or even water aerobics can help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and enhance balance. Seniors should consult with healthcare professionals to develop an appropriate exercise plan tailored to their abilities and needs before starting a new plan for exercise.

Address Risk Factors

Identifying and addressing risk factors that contribute to falls is essential. Seniors should work with their doctors to manage chronic conditions, review medications for potential side effects or interactions that may affect balance or cognition, and undergo vision and hearing check-ups regularly. Maintaining overall health and addressing risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls.

Work with Home Care Providers

Elder care providers can play a vital role in fall prevention for seniors. These professionals can assist with daily activities, provide companionship, and offer support in navigating the home environment safely. They can help with mobility and transfer, provide medication reminders, and ensure the home is safe from hazards as much as possible. Collaborating with home care providers allows seniors to receive personalized assistance and care, enhancing their safety and well-being.

Preventing falls is absolutely an essential aspect of planning for the safety and independence of seniors. Family caregivers need to keep all of these tips in mind while they’re helping their aging adults to plan for future safety.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 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!

How To Pick A Great Cat For Your Senior Parent

Posted on by Craig Bass

June is National Adopt A Cat Month and it’s a wonderful time to find a new feline friend for your senior parent. Cats are great companions for seniors. They don’t need to be walked and they love to cuddle. The purr of a cat can be very soothing for seniors with anxiety. And seniors who have dementia often find comfort holding and stroking a patient cat. There are many cats who need homes, so adoption is a better option than buying a cat. If you’re worried about your senior parent’s ability to care for a cat, remember that home care can help seniors look after pets.

A home care provider can fill food and water bowls and make sure that the cat goes to the vet when necessary, if those things are too difficult for your senior loved one.

But not every cat is going to be a good fit for a senior. Ultimately your senior parent will need to spend time with any cat that they are considering adopting, but there are some things you can do to weed out any unsuitable cats before they meet your senior parent. In general cats that are a good for seniors are:

Seniors

Senior cats are the best cats for senior people. A senior cat is any cat over the age of nine. There are many senior cats in shelters and adoption centers that were left there when their families replaced them with kittens. But kittens are not a good fit for seniors. Kittens are too high energy and their little teeth and claws can cause injuries to seniors who usually have thin skin. Adult cats can sleep for up to 18 hours per day. Senior cats who prefer to sleep all day rather than run around are a good match for a senior’s lifestyle.

Tolerant

Just like people cats have their own unique personalities. Some cats are very high strung and don’t like to be held, picked up, or petted. Those cats aren’t great for seniors. A good cat for a senior should be “bomb proof” and one that doesn’t mind being handled, picked up, hugged, and petted. That way you will know that the cat will be a loving companion for your senior parent and won’t mind getting tons of attention from your senior parent.

Healthy

Cat with chronic health conditions can live a long time with proper treatment so in general people shouldn’t disqualify adopting a cat with health issues. However, for seniors it may be too much to handle a cat with a chronic health problem. For example, a cat with diabetes needs regular blood sugar monitoring and insulin injections daily. That could be too much for a senior that is struggling with their own health. Look for a senior cat with a clean bill of health who really wants to live a quiet life of pets and snacks. That’s the ideal cat for a senior, and there are lots of them just waiting to be adopted.

Source
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fellow-creatures/201906/the-challenges-and-benefits-pet-ownership-seniors

If you or an aging loved one is considering 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!