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Did you know that a diet high in protein is incredibly important for seniors? Protein is particularly important right before medical procedures or surgery and can help the healing time during an acute illness when the body doesn’t digest protein as easily. For our seniors, they especially need high-protein diets to maintain good bone density and muscle mass!
However, research has shown that a third of senior adults are not getting adequate amounts of protein in their diets. It’s due to several reasons, including:
The problem is compounded even more because older adults tend to not be as active in their lifestyle, and this can make the lack of protein consumption even more pronounced. Some of the damaging impacts can include:
Ready for some good news? Well, older seniors who do get the protein that is needed will be far more likely to avoid any or all of these problems! They will stay independent much longer and maintain their ability to do tasks like getting dressed, seeing to their hygiene needs, climbing stairs, and even walking! A study at Purdue University states that “While eating an adequate amount of protein is not going to prevent age-associated loss of muscle altogether, not eating enough protein can be an exacerbating factor that causes older adults to lose muscle faster.”
The study also shows us that whenever possible, protein intake should come from natural food sources, rather than supplements like shakes. A good number to shoot for with protein consumption on a daily basis is about .8 grams of protein for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. This would mean that a woman weighing 120 lbs. should have 48 grams of protein each day. If seniors are already going through the aforementioned challenges, they can increase the protein to 1.5 grams per 2.2 pounds.
How do we increase protein naturally?
Here are some excellent food options that are rich in protein:
Of course, you should always consult with the treating physician before changing your older loved one’s diet, but this guide can give you the general things to be aware of. Having your fridge stocked with items that are rich in protein, along with pre-cooked healthy meals high in nutrition can make a world of difference. Don’t forget healthy snacks too!
For more information and support on your senior’s dietary needs, please contact us today! We can help with meal preparation and other plans to make sure your senior loved one stays as healthy as possible for as long as possible!
Home Helpers of Metro Denver is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour live-in care, Alzheimer's & dementia care, Parkinson's care as well as homemaker services in Denver, Centennial, Arvada, Littleton, Aurora, Lakewood, Greenwood Village, Cherry Creek, Englewood, Bailey, Golden, The Highlands, Wheat Ridge, Glendale, Cherry Hills Village, and Evergreen, Colorado.
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When it comes to various housing and care communities for older adults, one of the most common misconceptions is that assisted living and nursing homes are essentially the same thing.The simple answer is, they are not. Heres how they are different:Nursing Homes Provide Skilled Medical CareNursing homes are designed for individuals who require ongoing medical supervision and skilled nursing services.Residents may:-Have complex medical conditions-Need rehabilitation after hospitalization-Require around-the-clock nursing care-Depend on specialized healthcare services, labs, medical oversight and moreMedical staff are available 24 hours a day to provide clinical care and monitor residents health in a nursing home.Assisted Living Focuses on IndependenceBy contrast, Assisted Living emphasizes lifestyle, independence, and support.Residents typically:-Live in private apartments or suites-Participate in community activities, programs and events-Receive assistance with activities of daily living, but not necessarily around the clock-Maintain greater control over their daily routinesFor many older adults, assisted living offers the right balance between support and independence. Staff provide care and guidance, but not so much that the individual is bedridden, highly monitored or restricted to a hospital-like setting.At Kavod Senior Life, Assisted Living residents enjoy the best parts of living as Kavod lifts the struggles and isolation of individual home life outside a community. Benefits include:-Three meals a day in a family-style dining environment-Activities such as music, lectures and outings (at no extra cost!)-Housekeeping, laundry and bed-making-Medication monitoring-Five wellness checks per day-On-site access to geriatric medical clinics, physical/occupational and speech therapy, and a variety of health clinics-Available add-on services (oxygen management, incontinence care and escorting to appointments around campus)-Affordable rents that are 66% below market rate in the Denver area!If youre wondering whether a nursing home or Assisted Living is right for you or your loved one, consider the tips above to help you make that decision. We are always happy to discuss your options with no obligation. Contact us today for assistance!Created with the assistance of ChatGPT
For years, home was a place that felt more like a memory than a reality for one senior who spent most of his time moving between hospitals and rehab centers. As someone relying on Health First Colorado, his healthcare journey was often exhausting and repetitive until he found a way to bridge the gap between needing help and wanting to stay in his own favorite chair.A Lifeline through Colorado Medicaid Remote Support ServicesEverything changed when he started a new routine that combined four hours of daily help from a caregiver with the around the clock security of Colorado Medicaid remote support services. While his caregiver focused on making sure his home was clean and his meals were delicious, the remote support team acted like a quiet guardian watching over him through the day and night. By using simple devices to check his blood pressure and oxygen levels, he was never truly alone, and his remote coordinators became familiar voices who checked in on him with a friendly call every single day.Technology that Catches the Small DetailsThe true value of this hybrid care became clear when his daily vitals showed a trend that no one would have noticed otherwise. His remote team saw his blood pressure was dropping to a level that made him feel lightheaded, and they immediately coordinated with his doctor to adjust his medication before he could have a dangerous fall. Even during a sudden bout with an infection, he was able to use his emergency button to keep everyone informed while he was being helped by paramedics, ensuring that his care team was right there with him every step of the way.Six Months of Staying Home After a lifetime of being told he needed to be in a facility, he has now spent six months thriving in his own home with only one very short hospital stay. This story proves that when we combine human heart with the power of technology, staying home is not just a dream but a reality that is accessible through programs like Colorado Medicaid.
Returning home from a hospital stay can challenge anyone, especially people with chronic conditions. For Colorado Medicaid members, Remote Support Services simplify this transition. Our program provides comprehensive support right in your home, ensuring a smooth and safe return to your daily life. We use technology to monitor your health, empowering you to take an active role in your wellness journey and prevent future complications.Our Post-Hospitalization ProcedureOur simple process focuses on your well-being: Initial Contact: A member or family member contacts our agency to discuss their needs. Service Determination: We assess the members condition and decide if our chronic disease management services are right for them. Coordination with County/Case Manager: We contact the members case manager or county to confirm their benefits are initiated or enrolled. This step ensures a seamless process and proper coverage under Health First Colorado, the states Medicaid program. Initiating Remote Monitoring: Once we have confirmation, we start the member on remote monitoring to ensure their safety and track their progress. This allows us to proactively address any potential issues. Continuation Discussion: After the initial three-month period, we discuss continuing services to ensure the member continues receiving the care they need to maintain their health. How We Monitor Your HealthOur remote monitoring program uses easy-to-use, at-home equipment to help you track your health vitals and communicate with your care team. The program combines devices and daily check-ins: Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff: For those with hypertension or heart conditions, this device automatically sends your blood pressure readings to us, giving us a continuous picture of your cardiovascular health. Bluetooth-enabled weight scale: We use this to monitor for sudden weight changes. For conditions like heart failure, a significant, rapid weight increase can signal fluid retention and may need prompt attention. Pulse oximeter: This small device clips onto your finger to measure your blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. Its especially useful for managing conditions that affect breathing, such as COPD or asthma, and provides a quick look at how well oxygen gets to your body. Daily phone questionnaire: You will have a brief daily check-in with your remote care coordinator by phone. This allows you to report on how youre feeling, discuss symptoms, and ask questions. This personal touch ensures we can provide timely support and adjust your care plan as needed. This regular monitoring allows our team to identify changes and intervene early, preventing complications and giving you a sense of security at home.Benefits of Chronic Disease ManagementOur chronic disease management program offers significant benefits to Colorado Medicaid members: Improved Health Outcomes: With continuous, proactive management, members can better control their chronic conditions, reducing the risk of complications and future hospitalizations. Enhanced Access to Care: Using technology and telehealth services, our program helps overcome barriers to care, ensuring members have timely access to medical advice and support. This particularly benefits those in rural or underserved areas of Colorado. Better Care Coordination: Our team serves as a central point of contact, facilitating communication between all healthcare providers involved in a members care. This ensures a well-coordinated treatment plan and effective communication of any changes. Increased Patient Engagement: By regularly monitoring their vitals, members become more engaged and knowledgeable about their own health. This empowers them to make better lifestyle choices and stick to their treatment plan. ConclusionOur remote support program provides seamless, personalized care for Colorado Medicaid members after a hospital stay. This approach benefits both the individual, by empowering them to manage their health safely at home, and the healthcare system, by ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively. If you or a loved one are a Colorado Medicaid member returning from the hospital, our remote supports program can be a critical step toward long-term wellness and independence.
Comprehensive In-Home Health Care Services with Home Helpers Home Care Greater Denver MetroAt Home Helpers Home Care Greater Denver Metro, we are dedicated to delivering compassionate, professional, and personalized in-home health care services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illness or surgery. Our mission is to provide exceptional non-medical home care that ensures safety, comfort, and independence for your loved ones in the place they cherish most their home.Trusted & Customized Home Care in Metro DenverAs a locally owned and operated senior care provider, we take pride in serving the Greater Denver Metro area with customized care plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether your loved one requires companion care, personal care, respite care, or 24/7 live-in assistance, we create a care solution that aligns with their specific requirements and lifestyle.Our comprehensive range of home care services includes:Personal Care Assistance Helping with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility assistance.Companion Care Providing emotional support, conversation, and social interaction to prevent loneliness and isolation.Respite Care Allowing family caregivers to take a break while ensuring their loved ones receive quality care.24-Hour Home Care & Live-In Care Around-the-clock support for those requiring continuous assistance.Alzheimers & Dementia Care Specialized care to manage memory loss and cognitive decline while ensuring safety and comfort.Meal Preparation & Nutritional Support Assisting with meal planning, cooking, and dietary monitoring to promote overall well-being.Medication Reminders & Management Ensuring medications are taken on time and as prescribed.Light Housekeeping & Laundry Maintaining a clean and organized home environment.Transportation & Errands Assisting with doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and social outings.Why Choose Home Helpers Home Care?Experienced & Compassionate CaregiversOur professional caregivers are carefully screened, background-checked, and trained to provide high-quality in-home care that prioritizes dignity, respect, and safety.Flexible & Personalized Care PlansWe understand that care needs evolve, which is why we offer customized care solutions ranging from a few hours a day to 24-hour live-in care. Our services are designed to adapt to your loved ones changing requirements.Locally Owned & OperatedWe are a trusted Denver-based home care agency, deeply committed to the well-being of our local senior community. Our team understands the unique needs of families in the Greater Denver Metro area.Affordable & Reliable Home Care SolutionsWe provide cost-effective home care services tailored to fit different budgets while ensuring your loved ones receive the best possible care.Caring for Seniors, Families, & Individuals with Special NeedsAt Home Helpers Home Care, we dont just provide assistance; we build meaningful relationships with our clients. Our caregivers act as an extended family, offering companionship, reassurance, and peace of mind to both clients and their families.Whether your loved one needs short-term care during recovery or ongoing support for a chronic condition, our team is here to help. We specialize in providing care for seniors aging at home, individuals with Alzheimers or dementia, and those with disabilities requiring non-medical assistance.Helping Seniors Age in Place Safely & ComfortablyAging in place is the preferred choice for many seniors, but it often comes with challenges. At Home Helpers Home Care Greater Denver Metro, we make it possible for seniors to remain in their homes while receiving the essential care and assistance they need to maintain a high quality of life. Our services help reduce the risk of falls, support independent living, and enhance emotional well-being by keeping seniors engaged in daily activities.If you are looking for professional, reliable, and compassionate home care services in Denver and the surrounding areas, trust Home Helpers Home Care Greater Denver Metro to provide the support your loved ones deserve.Call us today at 303-777-7870 to discuss your care needs and speak with Rick or a member of our support team. Let us customize a care plan that ensures your loved ones comfort, safety, and happiness while giving you peace of mind.Home Helpers Home Care Because Home is Where the Heart Is.