Hip Fractures and Seniors

Seniors have many health issues to be concerned about. One of them is falling and fracturing a hip. This happens quite often, but not as often as it did years ago. There has been a steady decline in the number of seniors who are breaking hips. There is no explanation for this decline, but it is good news for seniors. Additional facts and information on hip fractures and the decline in numbers is provided below.

1. When a senior breaks a hip, they have a one in four chance of spending a year or more in a nursing home after the injury. The break will also cause serious threats to mobility, possibly preventing the patient from walking.

2. There is no explanation on why the rate of hip fractures is dropping, but it is doing so in large numbers. Hip fractures are much more common among older women, but the decline in the cases of fractures has reduced in men over 85 and women over 75.

3. Some believe this is because older people are healthier and much more functional, which can help prevent falls. Older people are also developing stronger bones that have helped prevent hip fractures.

Source: New Old Age blog

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Tips for Better Sleep

It is not always for seniors to get a good night’s sleep. This could be for many reasons, but there are many seniors who have extreme difficulty falling asleep at night. By following the tips that are provided in the list below, seniors will be able to sleep better and wake up feeling rejuvenated. Sleep is an important part of senior health, so it is essential that seniors get some good sleep at night.

1. Do not drink coffee or tea before going to bed. Some doctors suggest stopping drinking caffeine by 2 in the afternoon so it has time to leave the body.

2. Do not eat a heavy meal before going to bed. Some foods can help seniors sleep, such as whole wheat pasta, fresh vegetables and chicken breast. Late night snackers should choose cottage cheese with fruit slices.

3. Avoid wine before retiring for the night. Have a glass of wine at dinner, but no later.

4. Take baths earlier in the day. While some people may become relaxed after a bath, it will raise the body temperature and make it difficult to sleep.

5. Gentle stretching may help seniors sleep better. Avoid excessive exercising before bed, but yoga can help relax the body and the mind.

6. Keep the room dark and cool. Dim lights around the house a few hours before bedtime, using the least amount of light as possible.

7. Shut off cell phones and computers at least an hour before bed. This will help seniors unwind and let the day end.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/17/how.best.sleep/index.html

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Mom’s Preference – Favorite Children

When Mom chooses a favorite child, other siblings will feel the effect. This is often negative and can be the root of many family conflicts. Mothers, especially those that are aging, will often choose a favorite child based on emotional attachment. In most cases, this child will become the caregiver for the aging parents. The list below contains some interesting facts about favorite adult children.

1. Most parents with multiple children will have one that they are emotionally close to and one that there is a lot of conflict with.

2. Parental favoritism is actually normal and is a fundamental part of the family landscape.

3. Studies have indicated that middle-aged children will begin to recognize that their parents are closer to one child than another.

4. Aging parents will usually make it very clear which child they want caring for them later in life. This will typically be the child that is emotionally close to the parents.

5. In most cases, the role of the caregiver will be granted to a daughter because mothers are usually closer with their daughters than their sons. The emotional bond plays an important role in child favoritism.

6. If there is a favorite child, they will usually be the one who is chosen to be the caregiver, even if they are unsuitable for this important role. This can cause many conflicts within the family.

Source: New Old Age Blogs

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Home Safety Tips for Seniors

Senior safety is a huge issue and concern. Many seniors who cannot see well will experience a higher number of injuries at home. This is because the home is not safe for seniors who cannot see. To help with this, the following list provides some great ideas on how to make the home safer for any senior who has low vision.

1. Make sure all rooms are well lit.

2. Try to use task lighting, such as desk lamps, to make everyday activities simpler for seniors.

3. Always use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. This will help seniors be able to navigate through the house in the dark.

4. Make stairways safer. This can be done by placing a piece of brightly colored tape along the edges of each stair.

5. Paint door frames a contrasting color from that of the walls so they stand out.

6. Eliminate as much clutter as possible to reduce the chance of falling. Clutter is one of the main causes of falls in the home.

7. Try to position televisions so that the sun does not shine directly on the screen.

8. Seniors who take medications should always use pill organizers. This will help to ensure they are taking the right medication at the right time.

Source: Senior Living

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Seniors and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It affects the lives of millions of seniors. Each year, many more are diagnosed with this disease, for which there is no cure. However, research is being conducted on various drugs that will hopefully be effective in slowing down the disease and allowing it to be detected at earlier stages. Below is some more information about Alzheimer’s research.

1.    More than 5 million seniors in the US have Alzheimer’s and many of these cases are severe, resulting in the loss of daily functions.

2.    As the population continues to age, the number of people that will be affected by Alzheimer’s will also be on the rise. Currently, a senior in the US develops Alzheimer’s every 70 seconds. This is expected to become every 33 seconds in the next decade.

3.    Those who are researching early detection of the disease say they are on the road to substantial advances.

4.    Alzheimer’s drugs are now being used on many senior patients. The medication focuses on amyloid, which is a protein that clumps in the brain of those with the disease.

5.    Researchers are optimistic that once an anti-amyloid drug is perfected, the disease could be stopped in its tracks. It will also allow the disease to be detected by using scanning technology.

6.    Currently, there is no national plan aimed at researching the disease. Not enough funding and lack of researchers is the reason more progression has not yet been made.

7.    Researchers have a goal of perfecting medications and learning much more about this debilitating disease.

Source: Consumer Health Day

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

How Seniors Can Be Safe Driving in Bad Weather

Driving in bad weather can be very stressful for many seniors. When it is raining or snowing, visibility is low. For seniors with vision problems, this can create a bad situation. To help keep seniors safe as they drive in bad weather, the list below provides some tips that can be used.

1.    Make sure to allow enough time to reach the destination. If the weather is bad and the visibility is poor, seniors should try to leave the house about 15 minutes earlier than they normally would.

2.    Always maintain the vehicle. Making sure the car is in good condition is one way to make sure seniors stay safe while driving in poor weather conditions.

3.    When buying a newer car, consider options that will increase safety, such as all-wheel drive and traction control.

4.    Be sure to keep an emergency kit in the car. These kits can help seniors who have car trouble during bad weather. Most kits will have blankets that will help seniors stay warm and comfortable until help arrives.

5.    Always drive with the headlights on.

6.    Stay in the middle lane on the highway. Most roads are built higher in the middle, allowing water to runoff to the other lanes.

7.    Avoid pools of water. There could be potholes beneath.

Source: Senior Living

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Eating Tips for Traveling Seniors

Traveling seniors still need to find healthy foods to eat while on the road. If driving to the destination, seniors will pass many food establishments in their travels. It is important to eat where healthy food is served. If this is not possible, there are some tips below that can help seniors eat healthy and enjoy their vacation.

1.    Try to avoid the temptation of junk food from convenience stores. Eating junk food will fill the body with calories and fat, leaving seniors feeling fatigued and irritable.

2.    When eating breakfast in the road, try to avoid foods that have high amounts of sugar. A meal that is high in carbs will elevate the mood, but a high amount of sugar can cause drowsiness. If the senior is driving, this is never a good combination.

3.    In a restaurant, choose a meal that is as healthy as possible. Opt for an omelet with vegetables and whole-grain toast.

4.    Oatmeal with fruit is a great breakfast and snack during the day. It will provide the body with nutrients and energy.

5.    For seniors who are craving something sweet, try a bran muffin or whole-wheat toast with a little jelly.

6.    Fresh fruits, hard boiled eggs and yogurt are great in the hotel or for snacking.

7.    If seniors have to eat at a service station, avoid sugars. Try a protein bar or a breakfast sandwich.

8.    Try to avoid fast food. Go for soup, salad, vegetables and fish for dinner or lunch.

Source: http://nutrition.about.com/od/foodfun/a/healthyeating.htm

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.

Tips for Keeping Seniors Active

When a senior has a low activity level, they are more prone to health problems. To avoid this, seniors should have some form of exercise in their life. It does not have to involve going to a gym or even joining exercise classes. There are many things that can be done to increase activity and promote good health. The tips below can help seniors with their exercise routines.

1.    Seniors need to set goals for exercise and stick to them. They should start with small goals, such as exercising a few times a week. The goals should be realistic and achievable.

2.    Make a purchase! Buying a new bathroom scale can help seniors monitor their weight. Many newer scales will also display the body fat percentage. Seniors should set goals to reduce body fat. Seniors should also use the scale to keep track of their results from exercise. Most scales will have a built in memory, so seniors can monitor weight loss and gain.

3.    Do not think of exercise as a chore. It can actually be a social event if done in groups. Get together with other seniors for a walk. Socialization is linked with many health benefits, so seniors who combine exercise with a social activity will reap many benefits.

4.    Seniors do not have to engage in rigorous exercise routines. They should set short-term goals that are realistic. Most seniors will benefit from just 2 ½ hours of exercise each week.

Source: Consumer Healthday

Home Care Bakersfield provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Lamont, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, Shafter, Bodfish, Wofford Heights, Rosedale, Oildale, Kernville area. Call us today at 661-321-3235.