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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.
Additional Tips
Comfort Keepers® Can Help
Comfort 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.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Get the Facts: Drinking Water and Intake.” Web. 2016.
FamilyDoctor.org. “Hydration: Why It’s So Important.” Web. 2017.
Mayo Clinic. “Dehydration.” Web. 2018.
WebMD. “What is Dehydration? What Causes It?” Web. 2019
Visit any critical care unit, childrens hospital, or other specialty inpatient facility, and youll find a common feature: therapy dogs. For decades, healthcare practitioners have understood the surprisingly positive effects on patients of time spend with cute and cuddly dogs. Therapy dogs reduce stress, improve mood, and can help patients reframe their outlook on whatever condition ails them. The positive effects of patient interactions with therapy dogs are a well-documented fact of the medical world. Senior citizens with limited mobility and other health conditions also benefit from the companionship of dogs. Owning a pet reduces feelings of loneliness among seniors living at home or in a retirement facility, which in turn greatly reduces the risk of diseases associated with loneliness and isolation. Pets can also decrease the number of stress hormones in a persons blood, lower blood pressure, and contribute to a more positive outlook on life. Dogs and other pets, it seems, have tremendous healing powers!Since Alzheimers patients cannot adequately care for a pet, owning one is out of the question. Considering the nature of Alzheimers dementia, it is easy to assume that a loved one may not benefit from a pet since they will not remember the interaction. Researchers, convinced therapy dogs would have a positive effect on Alzheimers patients, put this question to the test: Do Therapy Dogs Help Alzheimers Dementia Patients?Short-Term Benefits of Therapy Dogs for Patients with Alzheimers Dementia.A study conducted in the early 2000s looked carefully at the subject of therapy dogs and Alzheimers dementia patients. They measured the incidence of behavioral disturbances among patients in a nursing home for a period of four weeks, then introduced therapy dogs. Their initial findings showed that the dogs helped to reduce behavioral disturbances in the short term, meaning they helped to immediately calm patients. The short-term effects proved that therapy dogs do have a positive effect on patients with Alzheimers disease, particularly in regards to anxiety, anger, and changes in behavior associated with the disease.Long-Term Benefits of Therapy Dogs for Patients with Alzheimers Dementia.The same study did not stop at the short-term effects of therapy dogs on Alzheimers patients. Previous assumptions suggested that since patients would not remember their encounters with the therapy dogs, the effects of spending time with them would vanish from one day to the next. Not true, the study authors found. Although most of the patients did not remember their interactions with the therapy dogs (some did), the behavioral disturbances noted in the four weeks prior to the study reduced. In fact, the longer and more frequently patients interacted with the therapy dogs, the less they exhibited behavioral disturbances.Therapy Dogs As A Long-Term Therapy.The study findings confirmed what clinicians suspected all along: dogs are an excellent long-term therapy for persons with Alzheimers dementia to reduce the incidence of behavioral disturbances. Therapy dogs also had the same effect on Alzheimers patients as they do on other kinds of patients, including reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, better appetite, and fewer feelings of loneliness. These effects continued to increase the longer and more frequently patients interacted with the dogs.What Makes Dogs Such Good Therapy?Dogs are wired to give unconditional love and devotion. They can provide physical and social contact where it is missing, and they are not picky. what sets dogs apart, particularly those trained as therapy dogs, is that they will approach anyone regardless of their physical or mental deterioration, and initiate contact. Patients can pet, hug, and cuddle dogs unlike any other kind of pet. These positive interactions provide a distraction to the other goings-on around them and provide relief for those suffering from sadness, anger, or angst.The Takeaway.Dogs have a tremendous healing power. While studies have focused specifically on Alzheimers dementia patients, their positive effects will benefit anyone suffering from general dementia. Families of patients will feel relief that their loved ones have fewer outbursts of anger, sadness, or angst. While dementia impairs memory, it does not interrupt the long-term benefits of regularly interacting with a therapy dog. In fact, the more they interact with a therapy dog, the fewer behavioral problems they exhibit.
Loss and grief are inevitable parts of life, but for our beloved seniors, navigating through these emotions can be particularly challenging. As they journey through their golden years, they often face the loss of spouses, friends, siblings, and sometimes even their own health. In such times, compassionate support becomes of utmost importance. Here, we discuss how we can extend a caring hand to our seniors as they cope with loss and grief.First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that everyone experiences grief differently. Some may openly express their emotions, while others may prefer to grieve in solitude. As caregivers and loved ones, our role is not to impose how they should grieve but rather to create a safe space where they feel heard and supported.One of the most powerful ways to support seniors in their time of grief is through active listening. Sit with them, hold their hand, and let them share their memories, stories, and feelings. Even if they repeat themselves or express anger or sadness, offer them your undivided attention without judgment. Sometimes, all they need is someone to validate their emotions and reassure them that it's okay to feel the way they do.Encourage them to reminisce about the good times they shared with their loved ones. Sharing fond memories can be therapeutic and help seniors find solace amidst their grief. Look through old photo albums together, watch home videos, or simply engage in heartfelt conversations about the moments that brought them joy.It is important to respect boundaries and not force them to engage in activities they're not ready for. Grieving is a deeply personal journey, and pushing them too hard may only exacerbate their pain. Instead, let them take the lead and offer gentle encouragement along the way.Practical assistance can also alleviate some of the burdens they may be facing. Offer to help with daily tasks such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, or household chores. By easing their responsibilities, you may allow them the time and space to focus on their emotional well-being.In addition to providing emotional and practical support, connecting seniors with resources and support groups can be immensely beneficial. Many communities offer grief counseling services specifically tailored to seniors, providing them with a safe environment to share their experiences with others who understand what they're going through.Encourage them to participate in activities that bring them comfort and joy, whether it's joining a book club, attending religious services, or taking up a new hobby. Engaging in meaningful activities can provide seniors with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, helping them navigate through their grief more effectively.Above all, be patient and empathetic. Grieving is a process that takes time, and there is no set timeline for healing. Reassure them that you're there for them every step of the way, and remind them that it's okay to seek professional help if they're struggling to cope. Helping seniors deal with loss and grief requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to listen. By providing unwavering support and understanding we can help ease their burden as they navigate through life's inevitable challenges with grace and resilience.
It's a difficult decision to make, but sometimes it becomes clear that our older loved ones need more care than we can provide at home. If you're struggling with the decision of whether or not to place your parent or spouse in an assisted living facility, this blog post is for you. Here are some signs that it might be time to start considering assisted living.1. Are simple activities becoming difficult?Assisted living facilities are designed to help seniors with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. If your loved one is struggling with any of these activities, it might be time to consider assisted living.2. Does your loved one have difficulty with living independently?Another sign that assisted living might be the best option is if your elderly loved one is having difficulty paying bills, getting around to run simple errands, or attending appointments. If getting from point A to point B has become a challenge, assisted living can help. Most facilities offer transportation services for their residents and have services on-site for a variety of needs. 3. Has there been a decline in your loved ones hygiene or appearance?Has your loved one started to neglect their personal hygiene? Are they no longer keeping up with their usual grooming routine? This could be a sign that they need assistance with activities like bathing and dressing.4. Are you noticing changes in mood or behavior?Sometimes changes in mood or behavior can be a sign of declining health. Has your usually cheerful loved one become withdrawn or depressed? Do they have sudden outbursts of anger? These changes could be indicative of a larger health issue that might be best addressed in an assisted living facility.Making the Decision TogetherOnce you have decided that assisted living is the best option, its important to involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible. Let your Senior Care Authority advisor assess their care needs, explain the options, and schedule tours of places that best fit the needs of your family. Include your loved ones in the process as much as possible so they feel that they are part of the decision to choose the next place they will call home. If possible, try not to wait too long as adaptive skills can decrease with the progression of age or cognitive decline.Finding the best senior living setting for your loved one can be an overwhelming task, but you dont have to go through it alone. The experts at Senior Care Authority are here to help! We offer a variety of services designed to help seniors live their best life possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family.
Comfort Keepers provides award-winning in-home care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities. Our highly trained and dedicated caregivers can help your loved one stay in their home for as long as safely possiblea dream come true for many elders. Our in home health care providers can be there when your mom, dad or other relative needs help scheduling appointments, picking up prescriptions or need transportation to social outings.They will also be there to take your loved one to the mall to pick up a present for a grandchild, to walk through the park with or to take them to their doctors appointments. In addition to taking your loved one grocery shopping, to their favorite restaurant or to the park, our home caregivers can perform light housekeeping, do the laundry as specified, provide pet care and prepare nutritious meals. Also, our certified home health aides can help with medication reminders, bathing and dressing, just to name a few. Our home health aides transform day-to-day caregiving into opportunities to engage and enrich the lives of seniors physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Each in home health care provider is are properly to handle the challenges that our clients' families face, including dementia and Alzheimer's. Should you need help with a loved one coming home from the hospital, a relative needing end of life care, or to give yourself a well-deserved break, Comfort Keepers is here to help. Comfort Keepers is a leading provider of in-home, non-medical care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities. Our highly trained and dedicated caregivers can help your loved one stay in the comfort of their home for as long as safely possible - a dream come true for many elders.We understand the struggle family members face when a loved one needs extra assistance in their home.Were here to help. Our caregivers alleviate this stress by providing professional in-home care services with a personal touch.Our Mission: Our goal is to enrich the lives of our clients while maintaining their safety, well-being, and comfort as they continue to live independently at home despite disease and other age-related conditions.Our Team: Our caregivers, or our Comfort Keepers, are carefully selected, screened, and trained to provide professional, compassion assistance. Through our unique approach called Interactive Caregiving, our caregivers build true friendships with their clients in order to fulfill their emotional and social needs.Our Story: Our offices are independently owned and operated, allowing each location to have a personal and local touch. With more than 700 offices worldwide, Comfort Keepers has been named a world-class franchise for ten years in a row, as well as one of the fastest growing franchise systems by INC. Magazine.At Comfort Keepers, we believe that an in-home care plan should be customized to each individual's needs, goals, and living situation. The best care improves quality of life by focusing on the care activities that increase engagement, improve physical and mental wellness, and bring happiness, purpose and hope.Our services focus on physical needs and total wellbeing. We believe that everyone should experience the best of life, no matter their age or the level of care that is needed. At Comfort Keepers, we strive to elevate the spirits of our clients and their families every day.Our in-home care includes:Companion Care to preserve mental health and social wellbeingPersonal Care to maintain activities of daily living, such as dressing and groomingSafety Care, including personal emergency response systems and medication safetySenior Transportation to safely provide rides for seniors to and from appointments or activitiesTechnology support to help keep seniors in touch with family and friendsRespite care to provide temporary relief for family and other primary caregiversSpecialized care services, including Alzheimers and dementia care, 24-hour care, and post-hospital careCaring is KeyEvery individual we serve is important and unique. We provide the best possible senior care tailored to the individual needs of each client we serve. Our caregivers are thoroughly screened, empowered to provide the highest quality of care and highly trained. In addition, our caregivers are screened for empathy and dedicated to bringing joy.Peace of Mind for Loved OnesComfort Keepers brings peace of mind to families and helps seniors to maintain the lifestyle and independence they deserve. We utilize technology to help families stay connected and updated on the health and wellbeing of their loved one. Our caregivers are also available to provide respite care to family caregivers.We strive to provide the best quality care to exceed expectations and support families. We understand that there is peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving the best care from experienced caregivers. We are able to provide a variety of technology solutions for real time updates, transparency, and communication with your loved ones care team all from the convenience of your phone or laptop.Individualized Care PlansOur uplifting in-home care services begin with an in-home visit. Our professionals complete a comprehensive assessment and develop a care plan that is customized for each client.Some seniors need only occasional help with household chores. For others, 24-hour home care is desired. Whatever the case, we will be happy to meet with you and your loved one to create an individualized plan of care for services.We will also complete a free Home Safety Assessment and offer recommendations to improve the safety of the home.Comfort Keepers offers top-rated home care to seniors needing assistance in:Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, PA is a leading provider of home care services. Our expert caregivers provide customized care plans that may include personal care and companionship-homemaker services. We help seniors and other adults live an independent, quality life.We are proud to provide care services to the following communities: Pittsburgh, Coraopolis, Sewickley, Wexford, Cranberry Township, Ross Township, McCandless, North Hills Moon, Mars, McKees Rocks, Glenshaw, Carnegie, Ambridge, Crescent, Bradfordwoods, Warrendale, Leetsdale, Aliquippa, Avalon, Beaver Falls, Bellevue, Crafton, Dormont, Green Tree, Robinson Township, Shaler, Sheraden, Warrendale, West View, Butler and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.
Comfort Keepers offers a full range of in home companionship and personal care services to support your senior loved one in Fox Chapel, Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.Welcome to Comfort Keepers of Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, where warm hearts and helping hands are there for you and your family! We are proud to offer industry leading in-home care services and around-the-clock care to seniors and older adults. Our services include companion care, home making services, 24 hour care, respite care, and private duty nursing. Home care in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania from Comfort Keepers provides quality, professional, and compassionate care that aims to preserve independence and contribute to a better life.Each individual we lend a helping hand to has a unique set of needs, and we pride ourselves on making sure they receive the best care possible. We create a custom care plan that accounts for all situations, concerns, and requirements. Our care plans include a variety of services and can be arranged for short-term or long-term care. We can work with your family and insurance provider to get you on the track to provide high quality support in your own home.Contact us today for a care consultation!Our company, Comfort Keepers, provides two types of care: in-home care and specialized care. We provide assistance to seniors with a wide range of needs, ranging from simple daily living assistance to hands-on care for individuals with specialized needs. Read through our extensive selection of home care services listed below:In-Home CareCompanion Care: Caregivers work hard to create strong relationships with the people they serve.Temporary or Respite Care Short-tern or long-term caregiving visits so caregivers can take a break without compromising their loved one's quality of care.Personal Care: We help people with their personal care, such as washing, dressing, and grooming, in a polite manner.Senior Transportation Services: Providing transportation help to seniors who want to get out and about is something our caregivers specialize in.Seniors and Technology Services: If your loved one is experiencing social isolation, our caregivers can help them stay connected with friends and family by using video calls, social media, and texting services.Interactive Caregiving: Our caregivers are there to uplift seniors' lives and guarantee that they receive the highest possible quality of care throughout their entire health.Specialized Care24-Hour Care: In order to provide the best care and monitor your loved one's health at all times, our caregivers are available to work in shifts.Alzheimer's and Dementia Care: As a result of our memory care services, people with dementia can remain in their own homes, where they are most at ease. In order to keep you or a loved one safe and healthy at home for as long as possible, our caregivers are trained in the best practices of memory careEnd-of-Life Care: We are here to help terminally ill persons and their families emotionally.In-Facility Care: Even while our organization is known for providing care in the comfort of the client's own home, we also provide services to those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.Post-Hospital Care: Also called transitional care, our caregivers can assist older or disabled persons who are preparing to leave the hospital.Our unique approach to providing care not only focuses on the task at hand, but also more importantly on the person the in home care is being provided for. Comfort Keepers home health aides strive to involve the client and encourage their active participation, as their individual abilities allow it.If you have any concerns about the safety and wellbeing of your senior loved one living at home, call us today at (412) 406-7667 to find out how he or she could benefit from home care services.
Welcome to Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh, South Hills, and East SuburbsComfort Keepers provides award-winning in-home care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities. Our highly trained and dedicated caregivers can help your loved one stay in their home for as long as safely possiblea dream come true for many elders.Assisting residents of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area since 2001Located in Pittsburgh, Monroeville, and South Park and serving the surrounding area, Comfort Keepers has been offering area residents devoted care since 2001. Our award-winning service happens through trustworthy caregivers who deliver personalized senior care plans that include personal care and companion care. Our work ensures that your loved ones enjoy a life of independence inside their own home. Interested in learning more? Call us at (412) 204-7938.Seniors receive excellent care and companionship, allowing them to "keep" their "comfort" in their older years. We try to give the greatest quality care to our customers by involving them in all parts of their daily lives through our proprietary method of care called Interactive Caregiving. This distinctive approach lets your loved ones remain active and involved in their everyday activities. Because each client we serve is unique, we provide personalized attention.Our local caregivers are one-of-a-kind in the elder care industry They are passionate about what they do, and they bring that passion into your house. They work hard to improve the quality of life of your loved one by involving them in their strong work ethic, ethics, and desire to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. Services can range from simple companionship to Alzheimer's and dementia assistance, end of life care, recovery and transitional care, and much more.To find out how our office serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding are may fill your needs or those of a loved one, call today at (412) 204-7938 to schedule a free in-home assessment! With the assistance of family members, we will develop a Plan of Care designed to match your specific needs or those of your loved ones.Personal Care ServicesBathroom Personal Hygiene CareBathing, grooming, and other aspects of personal hygiene can be made easier for elders with the help of Comfort Keepers. Several benefits to bathing go beyond the physical cleansing of the skin. Our caregivers are well-versed in techniques for minimizing patients' feelings of shame or humiliation.Mobility AssistanceKeeping the elderly active has numerous physical health benefits, including decreasing blood pressure, improving digestion and sleep, increasing energy and stamina, and bolstering the cardiovascular system. In addition to accompanying the client on a short walk, your compassionate home helper can offer encouragement and reassurance that prescribed activities are being completed.Transfer and Position HelpTo ensure the health and safety of our clients, all of our caregivers have undergone extensive training on how to move and position clients correctly. Moving from one bed or chair to another with care avoids pressure points on the skin, decreases muscle weakness and stiffness, and promotes digestion.Toileting and Incontinence CareWe work to keep the dignity and self-esteem of older people, and other adults high as our team helps them with home care and daily living tasks. Through this kind of treatment, we try to lessen some people's embarrassment about having incontinence and needing help in the bathroom.Feeding and Special DietSome of our clients need help feeding themselves, and it can be hard to let go of being able to eat on your own. People who work for us know this and make extra efforts to make mealtime a more pleasant time for everyone. We also want to ensure that our care providers help their clients stay on prescribed diets to prevent or treat a wide range of illnesses, like heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.In-Home CompanionshipConversing as a CompanionOur home care services give our clients someone with whom to talk and eat. Social interaction like this has been shown to improve the health, happiness, and quality of life of people of all ages, particularly the elderly.Meal PreparationMany older people can't go shopping for food and make a healthy meal. We can make hot, tasty, healthy meals for their clients based on what they want. This will help them get the nutrition they need. Clients can help with meal preparation as long as their abilities allow.Washing and Folding ClothesYou'll be happy that our caregivers can wash, dry, fold, iron, and put away clothes at their clients' homes or bring them to a laundry service near their home. We try to ensure that each customer's laundry is done the way he or she wants.Light HousekeepingOur in-home care services include light housekeeping that covers most domestic tasks. Often seniors can and want to join their caregivers in housework, which can help them feel useful and needed. These tasks include vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping floors, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Please be advised that we do not provide outdoor cleaning or maintenance services.Grocery Shopping/ErrandsWe will shop for groceries at the stores their clients prefer and run errands such as picking up prescriptions or going to the post office. Clients may choose to stay home or come along and help with the shopping and errands as an excellent way to stay active and engaged. They will also use any coupons provided by their clients.Incidental TransportationOur care aides can provide incidental transportation for clients, allowing them the freedom to go shopping and attend other activities or get to medical appointments, the barbershop or beauty salon, and other places the senior chooses. Getting a senior out and about is good for the seniors mind, body, and spirit.Medication RemindersOur agency can help ensure that clients take their medications as prescribed. They can assist with opening medication containers, reading labels, and reminding their clients when to take a dose. In instances in which a client needs additional assistance with medications, such as administering or setting up in a pillbox. In that case, we can provide a registered nurse or refer them to an outside nursing agency.24-Hour CareDepending on the clients needs, we can provide home care for seniors for just a few hours a week or provide full-time, in-home care. Through our 24-hour at home senior care service, a team of care providers coordinates caregiving responsibilities in shifts. This offers clients and their families full-time peace of mind. Whether your loved one requires Alzheimer's care, end of life care, or other assistance, we can be there when and how your family needs us. Personal home care is a comprehensive term that supports primary home care, daily living, and personal hygiene. We realize everyones situation is different. As such, our caregivers are trained to assist with moments-notice assistance and complete home care, depending on your needs. Specifically, your needs might include bathing, mobility assistance, cleaning, cooking, or companion care. We can also transport your loved one to and from events, doctor appointments, and errands. Were here to offer emotional and physical engagement through our customized services which involve Interactive Caregiving. Our mission with personal care is to help your loved one enjoy the best quality of life while remaining in the comfort of their home.We proudly assist with everyday tasks such as:Bathroom personal assistanceHelp with movement around the homeTransferring and positioning from room to room and chair to chairToileting and incontinence careMeal preparation, cooking and clean-upTransportation to and from appointments, events and around townCare for your loved one who might have memory issues or cognitive impairmentsMedication reminders Support regarding physician prescribed nutrition and exercise programsAny changes with condition monitoringFall risk assessment and helping with fall preventionDiscover the ways we can assist you with specialized care24-Hour Care We'll be there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if needed. Our caregivers work in groups throughout the day to ensure your loved one's needs are always met. We've discovered that seniors appreciate our caregivers' presence and pleasure since it helps them cope with the necessities of life.Alzheimers and Dementia Care It's hard to know what comes next when dealing with the mind and the effect Alzheimer's and dementia can have on it. The result is you're constantly concerned about your loved one's safety. Allow a Comfort Keepers caregiver to keep your loved one safe and comfortable in their home if they have Alzheimer's or dementia. We've been trained to deal with this type of issue and are ready to assist.End of Life Care Our patient-focused care means youre not alone during this difficult time. When our caregivers assist your loved one with end of life care, you get the privilege and peace of mind to focus on your loved one not the labor.In-Facility Care Comfort Keepers caregivers can supplement the care your loved one receives even if they currently reside in an assisted living facility.Post-Hospital Care We can make the transition easy if you return home after surgery or any hospital visit. Areas we cover: Pittsburgh (Downtown, Hill District, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, Garfield, Shadyside, Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, Point Breeze, Homewood, East Liberty, Lincoln Lemmington, Upper St. Claire, Mount Lebanon, Castle Shannon, Bethel Park, South Park, McMurray, Washington, Jefferson Hills, McKeesport, Braddock, Edgewood, Wilkinsburg, North Huntingdon, Forest Hills, Export, Plum, Monroeville, Irwin, White Oak, Trafford, North Versailles, and MurrysvilleGive us a call today!