How to Make the Home Safe for Seniors

Many seniors have issues with their vision. In fact, the vast majority of the senior population has poor vision. When this is the case, seniors may not be safe at home. There are some things that can be done to improve the home and make sure seniors remain safe when they are at home. The following list contains some great tips.

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:  http://seniorliving.about.com/od/visionproblems/a/low_vision.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.

Taking Advantage of Seniors

Some people find it very easy to take advantage of seniors. While this is a disgusting thing, it happens every day. Seniors are approached by individuals claiming to offer them a sound financial investment. These people are actually looking for an easy target. Seniors need to be aware of the schemes that are out there and be prepared to deal with them when they enter into retirement.

1.    Seniors who are isolated or have disabilities are often the target of these schemes.

2.    One out of every five retiree over the age of 65 has been a victim of a financial scam. More than 7.3 million seniors have been taken advantage of each year.

3.    Older people are targets because they are more willing to invest in something that is supposed to help them through their retirement years. The elderly are also much more trusting than the younger generation.

4.    Many of the people doing the scamming are retirees as well. This is how they know who to choose for a target. Elderly con artists are more common than most people believe.

5.    Veterans are also a target. There are many groups who offer to help a former soldier. While many of the programs do actually exist, these seniors are being told they must liquidate all of their assets to become eligible for benefits, which is not true at all.

Source: MSNBC

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 Aging in Place

Most seniors want to remain independent for as long as possible. While this may be a cause for concern, seniors are starting to stay at home longer. A particular technological system that can be installed in the home of the senior has helped to ensure the safety of the senior when they are at home. Additional information on this product is provided below, along with the benefits.

1. Caregiver Systems consist of touch screen monitors and wireless sensors that are placed in various locations in the home. The sensors will monitor health indicators, such as blood pressure, weight, motion and activity.

2. The system also acts as a communication system, allowing users, such as caregivers, to go online and send messages and reminders to the seniors at home. These messages will appear on the touch screens.

3. The system has one touch access that is easy for seniors to use. This will allow them to access games, family photos and appointment reminders.

4. The system also has a personal emergency response system, also called PERS. This system provides 24/7 monitoring of the senior and can call for medical response if necessary.

5. These technological advances allow seniors to stay at home longer. There is less worry from friends and family members regarding the safety and well-being of the senior while they remain in their home.

Source: Working Caregiver

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.

Safety During the Summer

Summer time is one of the most enjoyable times of year for many seniors. If a senior enjoys being outdoors, there are some safety issues that must be taken into consideration. Seniors do not tolerate extreme heat very well. The following tips and facts can help seniors and caregivers make sure that this summer is a safe and healthy one.

1. Heat exhaustion can cause many problems for seniors. It can be the cause of fatigue, nausea, headache and dizziness.

2. Heat stroke can cause a senior to experience dizziness, confusion and could even cause unconsciousness.

3. Seniors must make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the summer. This will help to keep the body hydrated and avoid heat stroke and exhaustion.

4. A light, but well-balanced diet should be eaten during the warmer months. Eating heavy will cause fatigue.

5. Light and loose clothing should be worn to help keep seniors cool.

6. Always apply sun screen when a senior will be exposed to the sun. Their skin is very sensitive and they will burn easily and quickly.

7. If outdoor temperatures become uncomfortable, seniors should go inside and sit down. If they can be in an air conditioned area, that would be even better.

Source: NJ

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.

Control Wandering

Controlling a wandering Alzheimer’s patient can be a difficult thing. Many patients 2will wander off to find something that is familiar to them. There are some simple things that can be done to help with this issue. Controlling wandering is a way to ensure the safety of the patient. Below is some information and useful tips on how to control wandering and make sure the patient remains safe.

1. Some patients may wander to escape something that is causing them stress and anxiety. This could be too many conversations or a lot of noises. Try to minimize conversations and reduce background noises as much as possible.

2. In many cases, Alzheimer’s patients will wander it an attempt to relive the past. This is especially true for those who had a strict schedule for many years.

3. Wandering can also be triggered by certain medications.

4. To prevent wandering, address triggers, such as offering food and water, encouraging physical activities. Providing a family photo can also help reduce wandering.

5. Use visual cues to help the patient notice where they are. This can be done by putting photos on doors and walls to identify objects and areas of the home.

6. Try to keep them active and involved. The more interested a patient is in something, the less apt they are to wander off.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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.

Information for Seniors with Sleep Issues

Senior sleep issues are a common problem in the population. The majority of seniors have difficulty sleeping. They either do not fall asleep or cannot stay asleep. There are many reasons for this, some of which may be medical. Before trying sleep aids, try some of the tips from the list below. They may be the answer to a restful sleep.

1. Seniors should not consume and caffeine for up to six hours before going to bed. This includes coffee, tea and soda.

2. It is advised to turn off the TV before trying to go to sleep. The television could be the reason seniors wake up in the middle of the night.

3. Do not perform any type of strenuous exercise prior to bedtime.

4. Long naps during the day can cause seniors to be unable to sleep at night.

5. Smoking and drinking alcohol should not be done for at least 2 to 4 hours before going to bed.

6. Try to listen to soothing and soft music when there is difficulty falling asleep.

7. Warm baths before bed can help seniors relax. This may help them fall asleep easier.

8. If you cannot fall asleep, do not just lay in bed. After about 20 minutes, get up and read a book or do something calming until you feel drowsy.

9. Try to have a routine. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day.

Source: Assisted Living Facilities

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.

Senior Health – Kitchen Safety

An important concern among the senior population is kitchen safety. While the seniors themselves do not see any problems, caregivers and family members may notice certain things, such as expired food in the cabinets and freezer. These foods can breed bacteria and cause health problems for seniors. The list below contains some great tips on how seniors can have a safe and healthy kitchen.

1. Seniors need to learn that they do not have to buy in bulk. Buying too much food leads to a lot of wasted money as well as rotting food in the kitchen.

2. Look for anything that has expired and throw it away. This includes canned goods, as well as frozen foods.

3. Many seniors are so used to feeding large families that they have difficulty buying for just themselves and a spouse. Caregivers may need to take some time to shop with seniors to show them how to buy in small amounts.

4. The kitchen is often the place for clutter. Seniors will often leave mail and many other things on the kitchen table. This can create a fire hazard and can also affect the cleanliness of the kitchen as a whole.

Source: Caregiver’s Home

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.

Father’s Day Activity Ideas for an Older Dad

The term ‘father’ doesn’t stop applying simply because a child is grown and the parent is in their senior years. Fathers hold onto that title throughout their lives and it is one that should be remembered and appreciated by children of all ages.  This Father’s Day, don’t forget about your dad and try these ideas for activities:

1. Give him a great meal – treat him to his favorite meal. Bring him breakfast in bed, out to his favorite buffet, go for a beer or to a fancy restaurant he loves. Remember, it ís all about him!

2. Give him something he would not get himself – your gift does not have to be expensive, but do think of something heíd never get for himself and skip the stereotypical gifts

3. Pay attention to his wants – if there is anything in particular you’ve noticed your dad talking about, try to make that desire a reality. The best part of the gift will be the recognition that you have been paying attention!

4. Give him your undivided attention – it doesn’t matter what you do, but make sure your time together is uninterrupted. Don’t answer your text messages or phone calls unless it ís absolutely crucial!

5. Honor dad after death – if your father is no longer alive, you can still honor him on Father’s Day. Have a tribute to dad with other family members or donate to his favorite charity or cause

eHow.com

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 Chronic Disease – The Right Order

Millions of seniors are diagnosed each year with a chronic disease. While most of these seniors are receiving some type of treatment, they may not be going through all of the required steps. The following list contains some important information on the right order in which to treat a chronic disease.

1. The first thing is to determine the actual cause of the illness.

2. Daily diets play a large role in maintaining health. It is important for any senior with a chronic illness to make sure all allergens are removed from their diet.

3. The digestive system is also important. Seniors should be tested to make sure there are no problems with their digestive tract.

4. Increase the intake of essential nutrients. Many times, seniors will have a diet that does not allow them to get the nutrients they need to help fight off illness.

5. Poor diets can have an impact on the balance of hormones in the body. Insulin resistance, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, axis dysfunction and subclinical adrenal insufficiency, thyroid dysfunction and sex hormones all need to be in balance.

6. Increasing the metabolism can be helpful. This will provide seniors with more energy, which can help them remain healthy.

7. Detoxification is important. Removing mercury and lead from the body will help with cleansing.

8. Seniors need to know how to take care of their minds and body. These work together to help seniors achieve optimal health.

9. Hidden infections can be the cause of resistance to certain medications.

Source: Ultra Wellness Center

Senior Health – Avoid Clutter

Avoiding clutter can be a challenge for many seniors. Older people are prone to keep things they do not need or use on a daily basis. This could lead to many problems. Below is a list that can help remove clutter and understand the potential problems that could arise if the clutter issue is not corrected.

1. Take a look in the kitchen cabinets and look for unused pots and pans.

2. The refrigerator and freezer should not hold any food that is old or expired.

3. If a caregiver notices piles of mail on the table, this could mean that the senior is not paying their bills.

4. Clutter in the bathroom can create hygiene problems. Check the medicine cabinet for outdated medications.

5. Cluttered basements are common in the senior population. While this may seem harmless, it can create a perfect space for rodents, mildew and mold.

6. Stairways should be free of clutter to prevent falling.

7. Bedroom closets should not have too much in them. If they are cluttered, it could cause the senior to get confused.

8. Extra papers and magazines lying around the house could be a fire hazard. They should be discarded regularly.

Source: Home Instead

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.