For more information about the author, click to view their website: Homewell Cares Edina
Did you know people aged 65 years and
older are more prone to heat-related illness?1 According to
Harvard Medicine magazine, older adults tend to retain more heat because their
hearts don’t circulate blood as efficiently as they used to. Additionally,
older adults—especially those who have a low income, identify as Black or
Hispanic, or live in large cities—are more likely to become seriously ill from
excessive heat.2
One of the best things you can do to
help your aging loved one stay safe this summer is to be proactive. Understand
the difference between heat exhaustion
and heat stroke, know what signs to watch out for, and learn how you
can help prevent heat-related illness from occurring in the first
place.
When the temperature begins to soar,
you and your aging loved one can beat the heat with these cool
tips.
1.
Know what to wear
Possibly the biggest factor in keeping
cool is the way you’re dressed. The most cooling clothing for extreme heat will
feature:
2.
Stay hydrated
Older adults should ask their doctor
how much water they should drink per day, particularly if their daily fluid
intake is limited or if they’re taking water pills. In general, it’s a good
idea to drink more water than normal during the hot summer months. Don’t wait
until you’re thirsty. Rather, drink small amounts of water consistently
throughout the day.
Simple ways for seniors to stay
hydrated include:
3.
Keep the house cool
Blasting the air conditioning in the
summer tends to be a go-to choice to keep the house cool. But many cooling
systems these days are notorious for breakdowns, leaving you with no AC and a
pricey repair. Whether your HVAC has broken down or you’re simply looking to
save on your electric bill, it can help to know how to cool down a room without
AC:
#DidYouKnow
A common myth is that closing doors to
unused rooms will help cool down a home more efficiently. However, this can
actually disrupt the airflow throughout your house. That means your cooling
system must work harder to do its job, and your energy bill will likely
increase because of it.
In-home
modifications
If you or your loved one has the means
to do so, modifying the house itself is one of the best ways to beat the heat
this summer. Here are some simple tips to help you get started:
4.
Avoid overly strenuous exercise
Regular exercise has a multitude of
health benefits for older adults; however, seniors should consider certain
safety precautions when it’s excessively hot outside. To help your aging loved
one maintain a healthy exercise routine without overheating, try the following
tips:
5.
Explore the great indoors
When the going gets tough, the tough
get going. If you and your loved one have exhausted your at-home options for
cooling down and nothing seems to help, venture out into your community. Find a
sweet treat at a local coffee shop, dive into a good book at a nearby library,
or try a fun new activity at a recreation or senior center. Public spaces like
these should always have working air conditioning and offer unique ways to
switch up your afternoon with a change of scenery.
How
does home care help seniors stay cool?
At HomeWell, we understand an in-home
caregiver’s crucial role in ensuring seniors’ safety. Our caregivers can help
clients maintain their daily routines, make sure they stay hydrated, choose
weather-appropriate clothing, and monitor their general well-being—all while
providing invaluable companionship. To learn more about how we can keep you or
your loved one safe during the summer and throughout the year, schedule a
consultation with HomeWell today.
Interested in more health and safety
tips? Check out our downloadable Trusted
Tips and Guides where you can access more information about
staying cool in the summer and more.
Sources
Gifts for Grandma, Grandpa, or Aging ParentsIts no secret that shopping for gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an older parent, can be difficult. A life well lived also means theyve probably acquired everything they need for their day-to-day tasks. Do they really need another stock pot, blanket, or screwdriver? Probably not. And those kinds of gifts are BORING with a capital B. Why not find something thats new AND solves a problem?How do you buy a gift for a senior who already has everything?The trick is to find a present that adds value and independence to their life. As we age, things that we took for granted in our youth become much harder as the years pass on.One such example that many seniors struggle with is the simple task of clipping fingernails. The standard fingernail clipper hasnt changed for over 70 years. Its small and requires a surprising amount of vision and dexterity.Now imagine youre a senior with advancing arthritis or decreasing vision and what used to be a simple task is now a lot more difficult. Maybe you have MS or Parkinsons and fine motor dexterity is an everyday challenge. Or perhaps youre fully capable of clipping your own nails, but want additional convenience. Or maybe youre a caregiver and clipping fingernails is low on your priority list. Any way you look at it, theres no right or wrong reason to want a bit of independence.In fact, there are over 50 million people in the US alone who have limited dexterity, strength, or vision. And tens of millions more who dislike the messy and annoying process of clipping fingernails. If your parent or grandparent needs help, theyre certainly not alone.Get them something that makes their life easier.Introducing the ClipDifferent Pro: the easiest-to-use nail clipper on the planet. Its easily one of the best gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an aging parent.The ClipDifferent Pro is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind, automatic fingernail clipper that safely trims fingernails with the simple touch of a button. Its effortless, safe, leaves no mess, and is built to last.It includes FREE SHIPPING and a FULL GUARANTEE!It uses a bit of science, a bit of magic, and a few top-secret components that elevate the act of fingernail clipping from boring to holy cow!.Put simply, the ClipDifferent Pro utilizes a high-capacity, rechargeable NiMH battery to power a finely-tuned, patent-pending trimming mechanism manufactured with surgical grade stainless steel, to create the most seamless, clean, and nearly effortless fingernail clipping experience youve ever had. Dont Just Take Our Word For It Heres What Others Are Saying The ClipDifferent Pro is so simple and easy to use! Rollie Rodgers (Korean War Veteran and Living with Parkinsons) It gives me one more way to be independent. Rick Zeidler (Vision Loss) Ive won the war but its these day-to-day battles that we have to deal with. Rick Ebner (Living with MS) I think anyone will find the Pro fabulousespecially those who have challenges with fine motor skills. Geno Mucciacciaro (Disabled Veteran with Neurological and Central Nervous System Issues) Once you see the Pro work, its hard to go back to the old way of clipping your nails. Butch Donohue (Amputee/Limb Loss) Every home needs to have one of these! Tamara S. (Home Health Care Advisor) I need to buy one of these for my husband! Velma Hagar Ristaino (Author, Inspirational Speaker)
Elevating Compassion CareAging with grace and vigor is challenging. Being a caregiver for an aging loved one maybe even more challenging. Here are some innovations to help those you love are able to care for themselves and lengthen their independence.The Cassia Learning Lab director, Kate Ingalls-Maloney, suggests listing your concerns and then deciding, with some help, which technologies fit those situations. For example, is there a concern about leaving the oven or a burner on? Perhaps theres a worry about falling in the shower. On occasion, are daily medications forgotten? Be very honest with yourself and your family about what causes hesitation or concern. Then make your list.The top two reasons people move from their homes are medication errors and falls. Insurance companies may be more likely to cover home modifications and medication management devices that are designed to prevent these two situations. Waivers and private pay are other ways to obtain home adaptations or devices, and some vendors offer a try before you buy policy.Innovations to support seniors independence and peace of mind for their caregivers.Medication management systems There are many different kinds of medication reminders and dispensing systems: From a simple flip-top dispenser to a lockable electronic dispenser that can give alerts to both the person taking the meds and to his/her remote caregiver.Fall prevention innovations Easy to install lighting, with or without motion detection, can be affordable and also very effective. The adhesive-backed LED motion lights can easily mark a trail to the bathroom at night and provide a safe path. Other strategically placed night lights or touch lamps can also help to avoid falls.Grab bars systems In the bathroom, grab bars can be installed according to the users mobility needs. Newer models incorporate towel bars and toilet paper dispensers. Note: Its important to consult your physical therapist when installing grab bars. Non-skid flooring is another great way to help prevent bathroom falls.Wearable pendants or watches There is a variety of these on the market. They can detect falls automatically or be triggered to summon help if a fall occurs. In addition, there is now a wearable (but not noticeable) tracking device that inserts into a shoe or boot so that someone who tends to wander can be located using GPS technology.Safety in the kitchen There is no need to fear to leave the oven on if you have an automatic appliance shut-off sensor system. They can be installed in both electric and gas ranges.My mother is 93 and has very arthritic hands. Ive been clipping her nails for her. (I bought her a ClipDifferent Pro) and it will allow her to be independent when it comes to doing her nails. NancyFingernail care For self-care, the ClipDifferent Pro automatic fingernail clipper and Lil Nipper automatic fingernail clipper provides a way to safely and independently clip fingernails with no risk of harm or mess. Shop for Lil Nipper or ClipDifferent Pro here.Home voice activation systems Whole-home voice activation systems like Amazons Alexa or Google home, when installed correctly, can be very helpful for controlling thermostats, lighting, doorbells, TV, or calls for help.
What does self-care mean to you? Self-care is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Self-care can be small acts, such as your nightly skincare routine, or brushing your hair and teeth in the morning. Self-care can also be something like exercise, which takes a little bit more thought and effort, but in the end pays off big time. The list of benefits that exercise has to your mental health is long and truly amazing. Helpguide.org lists some of those benefits as:Depression: Studies show that exercise can treat mild cases of depression just as well as medication, but without all of the side effects that typically turn people away from these types of medication. Physical movement promotes many changes in the brain like reduced inflammation and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calmness.Stress and Anxiety: The way that stress and anxiety can affect the way your body feels, is truly something to think about. Getting up and moving can relieve the tensions of stress that your body may be holding onto.PTSD and Trauma: There is evidence showing that when you really focus on your body and how it feels as you exercise, your nervous system becomes unstuck and can move away from the stress response of immobilization that comes as a PTSD response. Some other benefits that come with exercise are better sleep, more energy, higher self-esteem, and sharper memory. The best part is, that these efforts that we can make to have better self-care do not have to be overthought. Incorporating exercise into your self-care routine can be as simple as starting small. There is no need to have a big goal of being able to lift crazy weights or go for mile-long runs. Begin with fitting in a couple of 15-minute walk breaks into your workday. This is not only a great way to start getting some physical movement in, but it also can increase productivity when you return to your tasks. Finding activities you enjoy and setting realistic goals are key to making exercise a sustainable part of your routine. Remember, self-care is about prioritizing your well-being, and it's important to do what works best for you. A great way to start practicing more self-care habits is to first look at your current habits. Are there some that could be removed? One that could be modified to be either a little harder or easier? Once you do that, you can easily reflect on what self-care needs you personally have, and then can find a way to fit them into your day-to-day life. I like to write these practices down in my planner so that I have reminders to create time for them, as I know its important for me to do. Now, we at ClipDifferent are by no means physical training experts, but we have a couple of things that have worked for us to better create a self-care routine. Here are tips from the ClipDifferent team:I like to have it in my head that I want to work out every day. I often wake up and look at my day and then try to decide when I can fit in an hour to move! But the other part of this is something that I stay true to even more than just planning to exercise. And that is to not beat myself up on the days that I just couldnt find the time. I know that there will always be tomorrow, and I can push myself a little bit harder for the lost time.Modify! If I had planned that I was going to get to the gym after a long day of work, and I come home just far too tired to get there I often opt for a walk outside instead of an intense gym session, just so that I am at least moving my body. Half the time, once I do this I come back in the mood to pump out some extra movements like squats or lifting dumbbells.I love to reward myself. Getting into the habit of exercise is hard, but so worth it. I often like to reward myself on those days that I really was not in the mood, but did it anyway. One thing to note, is that I try not to make a habit of this. It can be expensive and not always the healthiest. (Grabbing a latte every day after the gym will add up!) As you reflect on your own self-care journey, consider the power of starting small and being flexible in your approach. By examining your current habits and making intentional adjustments, you can tailor your self-care routine to suit your individual needs and preferences. Whether it's modifying your workout plans, setting realistic goals, or incorporating innovative solutions like ClipDifferent for nail care, the key is to find what works best for you and stick with it.Above all, be kind to yourself throughout the process. Self-care isn't about perfectionit's about progress and self-compassion. So, celebrate your successes, learn from setbacks, and remember that every step you take towards prioritizing your well-being is a step in the right direction. With dedication, mindfulness, and a commitment to self-care, you can cultivate a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Catch your breath on your journey as a family caregiver. Caring for a loved one is one of the most fulfilling acts of love, but even the finest family caregivers deserve moments of relief. In most cases, caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. If you continually feel exhausted carrying out your responsibilities as a caregiver, it can lead to emotional and physical burnout. Fortunately, this is not a journey you must navigate alone. HomeWell is here to lend a helping hand, providing you with the essential break you need to recharge and spend more quality time with your loved one and other family members and friends.What is respite care?Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers and families. If your loved one resides at home or in a living or care facility, a professional caregiver can cater to their needs, whether for an afternoon, several days or weeks. Respite care is more than just a pause in your caregiving routine; its a lifeline for you and your family. It allows you to recuperate, reducing your stress and the risk of burnout, all while ensuring your loved one receives the personalized attention they need wherever they call home.Why HomeWell for respite care?Trained Caregivers Our caregivers are equipped with the knowledge and resources to provide respite care. They are compassionate, dedicated, and committed to the well-being of your loved ones.Customized Care Plans We believe in personalized care, so we work with you to create a care plan that suits your unique needs and schedule. Whether its a few hours of respite or an extended break, were here to assist.Quality and Reliability HomeWell is known for our reliability, consistency, and commitment to ensuring safety and comfort. You can count on us to become an extension of your family and keep you apprised of updates and changes in symptoms.Peace of Mind With HomeWells respite care, you can take the time to recover, knowing that your family members are in capable hands. We offer you the peace of mind you deserve.
As we age or face an injury, disability, or chronic condition, simple responsibilities around the home and taking care of our physical health can sometimes become too much to handle alone. However, with the right support, many of these everyday tasks can still be manageable and less overwhelming.HomeWells Personal Care services are designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals who can function on their own but require extra assistance with certain aspects of daily life. Our personalized care plans take into account the emotional and social needs of aging in place while providing additional support for activities of daily living. This approach alleviates the burdens of solitude, enhances safety, and offers assistance in navigating the complexities of life at home.How is Personal Care different?Our Personal Care plans elevate the standard of care by seamlessly integrating our Companion Care services with additional help for daily living tasks. Personal Care can be customized to include our Companion Care services plus:Daily wellness checksBathing assistanceDressing assistanceChanging bed linensMedication remindersAssistance with personal hygieneObserving and reporting changes in conditionAnd more, depending on your specific needs.