September is Healthy Aging Month

Managing Parkinsons Symptoms at HomeThis article is part of The Parkinsons Care Compass, an educational series from At Your Home Caregiving of Texas. Managing Parkinsons symptoms at home takes preparation, compassion, and the right support and we are honored to guide families every step of the way.Managing Parkinsons disease at home requires a careful balance of patience, knowledge, and proactive strategies. Parkinsons affects not only mobility but also speech, mood, memory, and overall daily living activities. As symptoms progress, the home environment and caregiving approach must evolve to meet new challenges and ensure that the individuals dignity, comfort, and independence are preserved.At Your Home Caregiving of Texas specializes in providing customized home caregiving solutions that empower families to manage Parkinsons symptoms effectively while preserving the quality of life for their loved ones.The Importance of a Symptom Management PlanParkinsons symptoms are highly individual no two people experience the disease in exactly the same way. Creating a personalized symptom management plan is essential to addressing the patients physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.A well-rounded plan typically addresses: Mobility and fall prevention Medication management Cognitive and emotional changes Speech and swallowing difficulties Nutrition and hydration Daily routines and activities for mental and physical engagement At Your Home Caregiving of Texas helps families design care plans that respond to their loved ones unique symptoms, preferences, and goals.Mobility Challenges and Fall PreventionMobility issues are among the most recognizable symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Slowed movements (bradykinesia), stiffness, and balance problems increase the risk of falls and injuries.Strategies for Safer Mobility: Home Modifications: Remove trip hazards (like loose rugs), install grab bars in bathrooms, and ensure adequate lighting throughout the home. Use of Assistive Devices: Canes, walkers, and specially designed furniture can aid in safe movement. Clear Walking Paths: Maintain wide, unobstructed paths through frequently used areas like bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Encouraging Movement Techniques: Techniques like "freezing" drills and cueing strategies (using rhythmic music or counting steps) can help when patients feel stuck or rigid. At Your Home Caregiving of Texas caregivers are trained in fall prevention and can assist clients safely with standing, walking, and transferring from beds or chairs.Medication Management at HomeStrict adherence to medication schedules is critical in Parkinsons care. Medications like levodopa/carbidopa must be taken precisely to control motor symptoms and prevent sudden worsening.Medication Management Tips: Use pill organizers clearly labelled with times of day. Set alarms or use medication reminder apps. Keep a written medication schedule visible for caregivers and family members. Monitor for side effects like dizziness, hallucinations, or sudden involuntary movements (dyskinesias). Our professional caregivers ensure that medication regimens are followed accurately, reducing the risk of complications and hospitalizations.Addressing Cognitive and Emotional ChangesCognitive changes such as memory loss, slowed thinking, and difficulty concentrating are common in Parkinsons, especially as the disease progresses. Emotional changes, including depression and anxiety, may also develop.Support Strategies: Cognitive Engagement: Activities like puzzles, reading, and conversation help keep the mind active. Routine and Structure: A consistent daily routine minimizes confusion and frustration. Patience and Understanding: Allow extra time for decision-making and avoid rushing tasks. Mental Health Support: Professional counselling and medication management can help address depression and anxiety. At Your Home Caregiving of Texas, we prioritize emotional support alongside physical care, creating a nurturing environment for both the patient and their family.Managing Speech and Swallowing DifficultiesSpeech difficulties (dysarthria) and swallowing problems (dysphagia) are common but manageable aspects of Parkinsons.Tips for Speech Challenges: Encourage slow, deliberate speech. Use voice exercises, sometimes under the guidance of a speech therapist. Practice reading aloud or singing to strengthen vocal muscles. Tips for Swallowing Challenges: Consult a speech-language pathologist for swallowing assessments. Offer smaller, more frequent meals. Use thickened liquids if needed to prevent choking. Monitor for signs of aspiration, such as coughing during meals. Our caregivers are trained to notice changes in speech and swallowing and can assist with appropriate interventions to maintain safety and nutrition.Nutrition, Hydration, and ExerciseProper nutrition and hydration are vital for maintaining strength, energy, and medication effectiveness. Constipation, a common non-motor symptom of Parkinsons, can often be alleviated through diet.Key Nutrition Strategies: Focus on fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains). Maintain hydration offer water throughout the day. Time protein intake carefully, as large amounts of protein can interfere with medication absorption (consult with a physician or dietitian). Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods to support brain health. The Role of ExerciseExercise is one of the most powerful non-medication tools for managing Parkinsons symptoms. Regular movement improves: Balance and gait Flexibility and strength Mood and cognitive function Simple exercises like walking, gentle stretching, yoga, and chair exercises can make a significant difference. Specialized programs like Parkinsons-specific boxing or dance classes can also offer tremendous benefits.At Your Home Caregiving of Texas, our caregivers incorporate gentle movement and stretching routines into the daily care plan, promoting physical vitality and emotional well-being.Creating an Emotionally Supportive Home EnvironmentBeyond managing symptoms, creating a positive and emotionally supportive home environment is essential.Key Elements: Respect and Dignity: Involve the patient in decision-making whenever possible. Companionship: Regular conversation, laughter, and shared activities prevent isolation. Patience and Flexibility: Parkinsons symptoms can vary from day to day caregivers must adapt with grace and understanding. Empowerment: Focus on what the patient can do, not what they cant. Celebrating small victories boosts confidence. Families often find it overwhelming to balance these emotional needs with the physical demands of caregiving. Thats where trusted professional caregivers make a tremendous difference.How At Your Home Caregiving of Texas Supports In-Home Parkinsons CareOur specialized Parkinsons care services are designed to ease the burden on families while maximizing the comfort and independence of the individual living with the disease.Our Parkinsons Home Care Includes: Assistance with personal care, mobility, and safety Medication management and reminders Nutrition support and meal preparation Exercise encouragement and participation Cognitive stimulation activities Emotional support and companionship Home safety evaluations and fall prevention Coordination with therapists, physicians, and family members Every care plan is customized, compassionate, and flexible evolving as the patients needs change over time.Final ThoughtsManaging Parkinsons symptoms at home is both an art and a science. It requires deep understanding, careful planning, and a loving, patient approach. With the right tools, support systems, and caregiving partnerships, families can help their loved ones live meaningful, dignified lives at home for as long as possible.At Your Home Caregiving of Texas is honored to be a trusted partner in this journey. Our expertise in Parkinsons care, our compassionate caregivers, and our commitment to excellence ensure that families receive the support they need, every step of the way.If you are caring for a loved one with Parkinsons disease, reach out to us today. Together, we can build a personalized care plan that brings peace of mind, safety, and hope into your home. At Your Home Caregiving of Texas is committed to helping families manage Parkinsons symptoms at home with expertise, compassion, and customized support. To learn more about creating a safe, empowering home environment for your loved one, explore the Parkinsons Care Compass series or contact us today. Together, we can make every day safer, stronger, and filled with possibility.Contact us at 469-830-8414

Warmer weather is a great invitation to enjoy the outdoors and nature. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining health and keeping critical bodily functions working properly. Hydration can be a challenge for some seniors because seniors may have a diminished ability to sense thirst, notice changes in body temperature, and may be taking medications that have a dehydrating effect. Keeping a few tips in mind will ensure that seniors stay hydrated and continue to enjoy the activities that bring them joy.Older adults looking to stay hydrated throughout the day should try these tips to get started. Being dehydrated can cause confusion, headaches, elevated heart rate, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Seniors who think they may be dehydrated should discuss their symptoms with their doctor before changing their fluid intake. Seniors should discuss hydration with their doctor as only can a healthcare professional recommend how much water someone needs, and they can also provide guidance and tips on managing water intake.  Create a schedule drinking a lot of water in one sitting can be difficult. However, creating a schedule that accounts for daily activity, physician-recommended intake levels, and the preferences of the senior can help keep hydration on track. Eat water-rich foods cucumbers, watermelon, apples, and other water-rich produce can help seniors get more fluids at mealtimes. Broth is also a good option. Make water more interesting For those that dont enjoy drinking water, adding small amounts of juice or flavoring to water can make it less boring. Popsicles are also a great optionespecially on warm days! Reduce water loss excessive sweating can contribute to dehydration keeping inside temperatures at a reasonable level, and being mindful of fluid loss during outside activities, can help seniors stay hydrated. Dont wait for thirst often, when seniors feel thirsty; they may already be dehydrated. Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers can provide support for seniors that are concerned about the issue of hydration. Our caregivers can provide transportation to healthcare appointments, assist with meal preparation and planning, and provide support for physician-prescribed hydration regimens. Our goal is to support physical and emotional care goals and to elevate the spirits of our clients and their families every day.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today by calling (970) 241-8818 References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Get the Facts: Drinking Water and Intake. Web. 2016. FamilyDoctor.org. Hydration: Why Its So Important. Web. 2017. Mayo Clinic. Dehydration. Web. 2018. WebMD. What is Dehydration? What Causes It? Web. 2019 Healthline The Causes and Symptoms of Dehydration in Older Adults

It is a sad commentary on our current cultural worldview that sunlight is widely perceived to be harmful, a cancer-causing threat. But what does the research actually say? And does this research affect older adults differently than other people?Spectrum: For starters, we should understand that sunlight is a complex combination of photons, with different wavelengths and properties. The sun is the original full-spectrum illumination, while both incandescent and LED lights emit, as one might expect, mostly visible-spectrum light.Intensity: The other important variable is the intensity of light, measured in LUX units (a foot away from one candle): direct sun comes in at 100,000; a cloudy day at 1,000; a kitchen or office measures 500; and a living room only 50. Thats why you need to get outside.UV: At one extreme is ultraviolet light (UV), whose wavelength is slightly shorter than visible violet. With regard to our health, UV is a mixed bag.It does cause sunburns, damages DNA, and triggers the aging of skin. It is also statistically associated with malignant melanoma, although, curiously, not with increased deaths from melanoma (because these cancers are mostly treatable).On the other hand, there are numerous health benefits: UV lowers the risk of hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), blood inflammation, and COVID infections. UV also stimulates Vitamin D synthesis in the skin. A large-scale study of 500,000 Brits, with a 12-year follow-up, found that frequent UV exposure lowered all-cause mortality by 14%, with cardiovascular deaths down 21% and total cancer mortality decreased by 13%. It gives one pause to reconsider the vast sums spent on sunscreen lotions. Just wearing light summer clothing blocks 80% of UV.IR: UV radiation represents only about 3% of the sunlight that strikes the surface of the earth, while about 50% is infrared (IR), whose lightwaves are just beyond (longer) than visible reds. IR radiation is more predominant at the beginning and end of days, while UV is strongest when the sun is overhead. A thick cloud cover reduces IR significantly more than UV. In a recent superb Huberman Lab podcast, Dr. Roger Seheult touted the many benefits of IR radiation. Most severe and chronic diseases also involve mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondria are the small organelles within a cell that produce the energy-generating chemical ATP). One aspect of aging is that we lose 70% of our mitochondrial functioning after age 40. Unlike UV, IR radiation passes through light clothing and the surface of the skin to penetrate deep into body tissues, where it significantly stimulates mitochondrial ATP synthesis.Effects: The effects of improved mitochondrial functioning are pervasive, correlated empirically with sun exposure. Dr. Seheult cited statistics demonstrating that the greatest number of all-cause mortality comes soon after the shortest day of the year, and the lowest number of deaths occurs close to the longest days.People who live far north or south of the equator where days are particularly short in winter have higher overall mortality rates, particularly in mid-winter. In a study of almost 30,000 Swedish women, avoidance of sun exposure carried the same risk of premature death, as did smoking.There is well-replicated rigorous research that moderate IR exposure lowers the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and it reduces blood lipids and chronic inflammation. IR increases immune system response to infections, such as influenza, COVID and pre-cancerous cells.On a sunny day, just 15 minutes outside can make a big difference. If youre in a green space with lots of grasses, leaves, bushes, and trees, you can receive two to three times the IR dose because plants reflect much of the IR that strikes them (notice that most leaves dont get hot in the sun because of these reflective properties).Red Light Therapy: There are many red-light therapy devices now available if you are considering them, be sure to carefully research IR wavelengths, dosage, safety, and therapeutic benefit. One study, utilizing an IR desk unit shining only on face, neck, and hands, proved to be quite therapeutic.Forest Bathing? Dr. Seheult delighted in reminding us of the wisdom of the ancient beliefs that sunlight and fresh air promote convalescence. Forest bathing has become a thing the air around trees is infused with phytoncides that defend plants from bacteria, fungi, and insects. When inhaled by humans, they up- regulate immune functioning and lower stress levels, and reduce stress hormones. The beauty and serenity of such an environment further enhances these benefits, some of which are detectable by lab tests a month later. Furthermore, getting up with the sun (and out from behind the filtering effects of plate glass windows) helps to set your circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep patterns. Take home message: forests, parks and even golf courses soothe the soul, and the body. And early morning and late afternoon may be particularly beneficial.Sweat Benefits: Dr. Seheult is a pulmonologist who treats many respiratory infections he also reminded us about how previous generations treated patients with hot baths and hot packs, as if to sweat out infections. Its been recently discovered that body temperatures a little over 100 degrees Fahrenheit actually accelerate the production of interferon, a powerful anti-viral protein. Maybe weve been a little too quick to reduce our fevers with aspirin, Tylenol, and Advil. And maybe the saunas so favored by Scandinavians and Russians are more therapeutic than weve realized.Conclusion: As spring has sprung, we encourage everyone to get away from your screens, go outside and enjoy the benefits of the sunshine that so amply surrounds us. Residents at Kavod Senior Life have a myriad of ways to get outside, whether it be on the sunlit patio areas, in the resident gardens, on the nearby walking paths in Cherry Creek or on the many benches and sitting areas surrounding the campus. Come for a visit and see for yourself!Ben and Scott  https://theagingwiselyproject.com/