Assisting Hands of Preston Hollow

The Importance of Senior Vitamins and MineralsChanging Your Diet May HelpThere is a lot to consider before adding vitamin and mineral supplements to your diet.Like most adults, you are probably bombarded with information about these types of supplements. So, do vitamins have health benefits? That is a question that is best discussed with your health care provider to determine what would be recommend for you according to any health issues you may have or medications you may be taking. Since each person has different needs, so are their vitamin and mineral requirements.  Here are a few factors to consider. Consider Your Nutritional StatusIf you are eating a healthy diet, then chances are you are getting all the nutrients you need. According to AARP, multivitamins and supplements are a small bit of extra insurance meant to fill in the gaps in a generally healthy diet. They do not take the place of real food. Of course, there are some exceptions such as poor absorption problems, or poor appetite, or bad diet. For more information visit, AARP.Seek Your Doctors AdviceBefore adding supplements to your diet, it is probably a good idea to talk to your doctor first. Although multivitamin and mineral supplements may seem harmless, sometimes they may cause more harm than good. Some vitamin supplements may cause an adverse reaction by increasing side effects or altering the effectiveness of certain prescriptions drugs. In some people, vitamins can exacerbate some undiagnosed illnesses.Be Aware of Surgery ConcernsAgain, let a doctor tell you when to avoid a supplement or vitamin or change your diet. May people are not aware that some vitamin supplements can cause problems after surgery. Vitamin supplements such as Vitamin E should be avoided before surgery because it impedes blood clotting. Herbal supplements such as ephedra, garlic, ginseng, and others should not be taken two weeks before surgery. There is a list of supplements to avoid so be sure to consult with a doctor prior to surgery and provide the list of vitamin and mineral supplements that you are taking.Consider Your PrescriptionsLong term use of some prescriptions may deplete vitamins and minerals from your body. Make sure to keep up with your routine blood work and consult your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.Here are some examples of prescriptions and what vitamins and minerals they may deplete. This is not an exhaustive list, so make sure you ask your primary doctor about your prescriptions and how they may be affecting you.Lasix can rob the body of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Eating foods that are rich in these minerals may be all that is needed. However, based upon your blood work results, your health care provider may feel that a supplement is necessary. Here is a link that will provide a list of mineral rich foods for you to consider. Statins are used for many people to lower their cholesterol but unfortunately these drugs can also inhibit the production of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) which is a particularly important vitamin. Mild to severe leg cramping can occur when this vitamin is diminished by the statin drug which may be relieved when a supplement of CoQ10 is taken. Learn more information from the Mayo Clinic on this important, antioxidant producing vitamin.Diabetic medications such as metformin can reduce levels of folic acid and vitaminParkinsons drugs levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet) may reduce levels of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid which are also important to your system. If you do not eat meat or dairy products, you may be deficient in B12 due to a vegan diet which is then exacerbated if taking Sinemet. Your doctor can check this with a simple blood test.Anticonvulsants and corticosteroids reduce levels of calcium and vitamin D. According to the Cleveland Clinic, vitamin D is one of many vitamins needed to stay healthy. Read more on the importance of vitamin from the Cleveland Clinic.Consider AgeAs we age our bodies use vitamins and minerals differently. Search the vitamin aisle and you will probably find a plethora of options for seniors.Of all the research available to find through an internet search, there seems to be just a handful of vitamins and minerals that healthy seniors need. Here is a recommended list of vitamins for people 60+.Vitamin DVitamin B12CalciumVitamin B6Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)For more information on the importance of these vitamins, visit https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/supplements-older-adults-need-know/.Consider Assisting Hands Home Care if you or a loved one needs assistance in the home. Assisting Hands has professional and compassionate caregivers who can help with meal preparation, groceries, shopping, and other services. Find our list of locations by visiting www.assistinghands.com

WHEN IS OVERNIGHT CARE NEEDED FOR SENIORS? Overnight care becomes very important for seniors and their families when comprehensive care is needed. Many seniors require help with daily activities such as bathing, eating, and grocery shopping. However, a greater benefit is seen with seniors who suffer from progressive conditions such as Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. What is Overnight Care & Who Can BenefitOvernight care is when a caregiver provides care through the night. For example, they help with using the restroom at night, provide fluids and snacks, and assists the senior with getting ready for bed. Some seniors receive help with transfer assistance and changing positions in bed throughout the night. Overnight caregivers also prepare breakfast and offer morning care such as personal hygiene and home care.Overnight care is best for those seniors who have trouble sleeping at night or who wander due to dementia. Having a caregiver available at night gives them assurance, relieves anxiety and disorientation due to disrupted sleep. Benefits of Overnight CareOvernight care gives peace of mind to your family, as you can rest assured that a highly qualified individual is providing constant care to their loved one. NIGHTTIME SUPERVISION Many seniors can wander at night due to dementia or similar conditions as they tend to experience disrupted sleep and disorientation. Frequent wakefulness that leads to wandering at night and can be dangerous. Not only can the senior be at risk for falling, but in general, seniors with these conditions should not be alone at night. An overnight caregiver can monitor them and help as needed. MEDICAL CARE In the case that a senior has epilepsy or other medical conditions and needs constant supervision, an overnight caregiver who is qualified for the specific type of care needed can help them deal with any medical condition if it gets worse. Family members can rest assured that their loved one is getting the best care possible in the case that their condition flairs up, or they face an emergency. MOBILITY ASSISTANCE Many seniors can wander at night due to dementia or similar cIf the senor must use the restroom at night, the overnight caregiver can help. This way the senior can get to the restroom safely with the help of the caregiver. ERATIC BEHAVIOR Dementia can cause a change in personality and emotional outbursts. Leaving a senior with dementia at home at night can be dangerous, so having an overnight caregiver can help prevent the seniors with these conditions from facing dangerous situations. MEDICATION SCHEDULES Forgetting to take medications is common behavior for the elderly, especially if they are alone. Some medications such as the ones for blood pressure, must be taken regularly to avoid bad consequences. An overnight caregiver can remind the senior to take the medication before bed. FORGETFULNESS For those seniors that are extremely forgetful, it can be very beneficial to have an overnight caregiver. Seniors who are forgetful can leave the stove on and even leave their doors open. A highly qualified overnight caregiver can monitor their environment and help keep them safe. DEPRESSION As seniors get older, they can have depressive thoughts. An overnight caregiver can help support them emotionally and provide companionship to help prevent them from harming themselves while they are in a depressed state. Article submitted by Robbie McCullough with Assisting Hands Home Care | www.assistinghands.com/38/texas/prestonhollow/