A furry friend to cuddle and play with can sometimes feel like the cure for any illness. A wagging tail greeting you when you walk through the door or the calming purrs of a contented cat on your lap can be just what you need after a long day. The loyalty and companionship of a devoted pet has many benefits for the average adult and even more benefits for the elderly. If pet ownership is not possible for an elderly person for one reason or another, they can certainly consider pet therapy.What is pet therapy for the elderly?Pet therapy, which is sometimes also known as animal-assisted therapy, is a type of therapy that uses pets as a form of companionship and treatment. The animals interact with the seniors in ways that help improve their quality of life. The idea of a dog or cat improving the quality of an elderly persons life may sound a bit difficult to believe, especially if you are not a pet person yourself. But research has actually shown a variety of benefits of pet therapy for the elderly.Benefits of Pet Therapy for SeniorsPet therapy benefits for the elderly are numerous. Many seniors find themselves suffering from loneliness or depression. Perhaps their spouse has passed and they live alone. Perhaps they live in an assisted living facility and their family simply cannot visit very often. A pet can offer companionship and bring a lonely or depressed senior out of their shell. Having something to pet or touch can result in a lower heart rate and reduced stress. Walking a dog, even for a short time, increases mobility and gives a senior a reason to get up and out of the house. Just being near an animal to care for, even if the senior does not own the pet personally, can give them a sense of purpose and make them feel needed. Interacting with a therapy pet can provide mental stimulation as well. The senior may interact with the pet handler.The therapy pet may also remind them of a pet they knew earlier in their life. Several positive impacts have been noticed when using pet therapy for dementia patients. Dementia patients may have a difficult time communicating with others. Often these patients feel more comfortable communicating with a pet. There is no fear of judgment or worry that the pet will not understand. They will simply listen and provide unbiased affection.The benefits of pet therapy for older adults should not be overlooked. You can find pet therapy near you by visiting https://www.therapydogs.com/alliance-therapy-dogs/ or https://www.pawsforpeople.org/. A quick google search can also find local pet therapy organizations, which are growing in number and popularity. Help a senior near you spend some time with a furry friend and reap the benefits. To learn more about our home care services, call Griswold Home Care of Anoka today at 763-325-1950 or visit us at https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/anoka-county

Raw honey is known for its numerous health benefits, but is it safe for our aging loved ones to eat? In this blog, we will explore ways honey can assist seniors in achieving and maintaining their overall health.Yes, raw honey is safe for elderly adults. The only age group for whom honey is unsafe is children under the age of one, as they do not have enough of an immune system yet to fight any potential bacteria in the honey. Otherwise, honey provides considerable benefits for people in most other age groups.What is the Difference Between Raw and Commercial Honey?Raw honey differs from commercial honey in that it has yet to go through the pasteurization process. It is not filtered, so while it does not have the smooth golden look of honey you usually find in grocery stores, it maintains many nutrients and enzymes that filtration otherwise removes.The Benefits of Eating Raw HoneyRaw honey is highly beneficial in managing seasonal allergies, especially when locally sourced. The bees ingest the same pollen that will make you sneeze in April and May. You can build immunity to those allergens when you eat local honey starting a few months before allergy season. It won't replace your allergy medicine, but it can help reduce symptoms and provide relief.The anti-inflammatory properties in honey can help soothe a cough or sore throat, which is why you may be reaching for honey to put in your tea when you are feeling ill. Honey also acts as a natural sweetener, a healthier alternative to sweeten your tea in place of processed white sugar.Honey can even be used for wound or burn care. Honey releases hydrogen peroxide through an enzymatic process and has antiseptic properties. A bit of honey on a small burn or cut can help with pain relief and healing.Does Honey Help with Anxiety?Recent studies in rats show a significant reduction in anxiety after consuming honey. A spoonful of honey with some cinnamon for added flavor can help you calm down in a particularly anxious moment. (It helps that sweet things generally help us feel happier). Adding some honey to your chamomile tea in the evenings can also help promote restful sleep.The Connection Between Honey and Alzheimer'sThis article has been singing the praises of honey, so you might think suggesting honey can help treat Alzheimer's is getting carried away. To convince you, here is a super fast science lesson:Acetylcholine is a chemical in the body critical as a neurotransmitter and plays a role in memory, learning, attention, and involuntary muscle movement. Lack of acetylcholine is a cause of Alzheimer's.Cholinesterase inhibitors are drugs or other medical treatments which help to prevent the decay of acetylcholine.Honey is a great source of cholinesterase inhibitors, preventing the decay of acetylcholine and improving memory function and brain health. Honey is also full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, both crucial for brain health. So while taking honey for dementia may not cure it, it can have a positive effect.Overall, there are only benefits to eating raw honey (unless you are allergic to bee pollen). So enjoy a spoonful when you need a sweet treat, or add it to your tea the next time you can.To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 763-325-1950 or find a caregiver near you.

Excessive sleep in the elderly is quite common due to numerous conditions. Luckily, there are several ways to treat excessive sleepiness, whether through medications or by practicing good sleep hygiene. In this post, we will review what you need to know about sudden excessive sleepiness in the elderly.Causes of Excessive Sleepiness in the ElderlyWhat causes excessive sleepiness in the elderly? Excessive sleepiness can be caused by anything, from pre-existing conditions to medical treatments. Below are some causes for excessive sleeping in the elderly.Anxiety and/or depression. When emotions overwhelm an older adult, they can sometimes manifest as physical symptoms such as extreme fatigue.Dementia. Excessive sleepiness and sleep deprivation are common symptoms of older adults with dementia. Fatigue can aggravate dementia symptoms more, which is why one should seek treatment immediately upon experiencing excessive sleepiness or sleep deprivation.Sleep disorders. Sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy can impact overall health and quality of life.New medications. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs such as antihistamines, sleep aids, anti-nausea meds, opioids, antidepressants, and others have fatigue as a common side effect, which can become more significant as one ages.Medical treatments. Recovering from surgery, chemotherapy, and other medical treatments can often leave older adults feeling worn out.Infections. Illnesses such as pneumonia, flu, or urinary tract infections can all result in feelings of fatigue and may often go undiagnosed in older adults.Nutrient deficiencies. When older adults have low nutrients such as iron or vitamin B12 and vitamin D in their bodies, it can often result in them feeling sluggish and weak.Chronic diseases. Fatigue can occur as a symptom for adults with autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, heart problems, lung conditions, and cancer.Next, lets review some treatment methods for excessive sleeping in the elderly.Treatment for Excessive Sleepiness in the ElderlyMedications combined with other types of therapies, treatments, and behavior modifications are often recommended for older adults with excessive sleepiness. Below are some possible medications for excessive sleeping in the elderly.Armodafinil is a wake-promoting agent that can be used to treat narcolepsy and sleep apnea.Benzodiazepine receptor agonists are hypnotics that can assist with nighttime sleep.Melatonin is an over-the-counter supplement that helps one fall asleep and wake up on time.Methylphenidate encourages alertness.Modafinil can be used to treat narcolepsy and residual sleepiness.Sodium oxybate is used to treat narcolepsy and limit sleep interruptions at nighttime.DOWNLOAD OUR SLEEP HABITS GUIDELastly, lets take a look at ways to maintain sleep hygiene for excessive sleepiness in the elderly.Maintaining Sleep Hygiene for Excessive Sleepiness in the ElderlyElderly excessive sleeping can be maintained by practicing good sleep hygiene. Below are some ways to practice good sleep hygiene for excessive sleep in the elderly.Use the bed only for sleep.Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning.Make sure the sleeping space is cool, dark, quiet, and relaxing.Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and large meals before bedtime.Get some exercise during the day to help you fall asleep more easily at night.

After experiencing heart troubles, a patient may be advised to undergo pacemaker implantation. But what does that entail? In this post, we will provide answers to the following questions:Why should a patient get a pacemaker?Is a pacemaker a major surgery?Is pacemaker surgery invasive?Are there pacemaker risks for the elderly?How do you go about replacing a pacemaker battery in the elderly?How do older adults recover from pacemaker surgery?Why Should One Get a Pacemaker?Doctors may recommend a temporary pacemaker to patients with a slow heartbeat after a heart attack, surgery, or overdose. This is done when the patients heartbeat is otherwise expected to recover. Afterward, a surgeon may implant a pacemaker permanently to correct a chronic irregular heartbeat or to help treat heart failure.Is Getting a Pacemaker a Major Surgery?No. Pacemaker surgery is a minor surgery that can take around 1-2 hours. Most patients go home within 24 hours after the procedure.How Invasive Is Pacemaker Surgery?The surgeon implants the pacemaker under the skin of the chest with no need for open-heart surgery. The patient will be put under local anesthesia but may receive some medications to keep them comfortable or help them fall asleep.Is There a Risk of Pacemaker Surgery in Elderly Adults?Pacemaker problems for the elderly are uncommon, but the Mayo Clinic notes that pacemaker replacement surgery risks include:Infections near the heart, where the device was implantedBlood clots near the pacemaker siteBlood in the area between the lung and chest wallBlood vessel or nerve damage near the pacemakerBruising, swelling, or bleeding at the pacemaker siteCollapsed lungShifting of the device or leads, which could rarely lead to cardiac perforationFurthermore, patients should call their doctor if they experience any of the following side effects after surgery:Abnormal heart rhythmBreathlessnessChest painDizzinessFaintingFever for longer than 2-3 daysHeart rate dropping below the pacemakers lowest settingHiccups for long periods of timeRedness, swelling, or pain at the site of the pacemakerSwollen arm on the side, where the surgery took placeWeakness for prolonged periods of timeHow Do You Go About Changing Pacemaker Battery in Elderly?A pacemaker should last 5-15 years before replacing the battery. Pacemaker battery replacement in the elderly is usually less invasive. Furthermore, pacemaker battery replacement recovery is usually less than the initial implant procedure.What Is Pacemaker Surgery Recovery in Elderly Like?Some patients recover a few days after pacemaker implantation while others take months to recover. Patients are usually advised to take 3-7 days off of work after the procedure. However, a cardiologist may recommend taking more time off if theyre concerned about the patients overall health. Patients will also need to get a checkup 4-6 weeks after the procedure to see if small adjustments need to be made. Additional checkups will also need to be completed every 3-12 months.As for lifestyle changes, patients will not be allowed to drive for at least six weeks or reach up on the side they had the procedure on for about 4-6 weeks. Additionally, cardiologists recommend avoiding sports for 4-6 weeks after pacemaker surgery. Overall though, most patients are back to resuming normal activities within four weeks.To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today online or call us at (763) 325-1950.