Lee Welch is our employee of the month. Lee is reliable and has a good work ethic. He has been a great help to us here at Golden Heart. We want to say thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Please know we recognize you and you are appreciated. Congratulations!!!
Month: November 2019
Why Might Your Senior Be Bored?
All too many older adults finally have the time that they wanted in the past to do just about anything, but a variety of issues conspire to make them bored instead. It’s not something that you want for your senior, but to correct anything for her you need to get a handle on why she’s feeling bored.
Life Now Is Likely a Lot Different
In the past your senior’s life might have looked a lot different than it does now. She might have had a career that kept her busy or a home life that was packed full. Now she may only have herself to worry about and that doesn’t seem nearly as exciting as all of the stuff she used to do. Changes in her health can mean changes everywhere, too.
She Might Feel Stuck
Your senior might feel stuck where she is, emotionally and mentally speaking. She may feel as if there’s nothing more for her to do or that there’s nothing more she can do. If she’s always been too busy in the past for hobbies, it might not occur to her to find a new one that she enjoys now. Transportation problems can be another contributing factor, leading your senior to think that if she can’t go anywhere, she can’t do anything.
What She’s Able to Do Changes
Much of life is an ebb and flow and that’s still the case when your senior is older. What she might have been able to do to entertain herself last year might not be so enjoyable this year, for a variety of reasons. In the past, maybe she loved to read, but her eyesight has changed, for instance. Listening to audiobooks might be an option, but that’s a different activity and might not be something she enjoys as much as reading the words herself.
Loneliness and Boredom Go Hand in Hand
Who comes and goes in your senior’s life also matters, especially when you’re talking about boredom. When someone is lonely, that can lead to a general malaise. Being alone too often can tamp down your senior’s zest for life, leaving her unexcited about most anything that used to bring her joy. It’s important to keep tabs on how much socializing your senior is doing, if only because it can be a barometer for other mental health concerns.
Your elderly family member might not recognize that she’s bored or lonely or missing activities she used to do. She may chalk it up to just not feeling right. Bringing in home care providers can help because they can shake up her normal routine while also assisting her with daily tasks.
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN ANKENY, IA, FOR A SENIOR LOVED ONE, CONTACT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF DES MOINES, IA AT 515-631-5033. OUR CARING STAFF CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!
Everything You Need to Know About Strokes in the Elderly
Stroke is one of the main causes of elderly adult deaths. It is also one of the most common reasons why people in the United States get disability. It is important to know that strokes can be prevented. Raising awareness and increasing education on strokes in the elderly can save lives. If you are caring for a senior citizen and want to best protect their health, you should know more about strokes.
Learn the Basics of Strokes
If you have a loved one that you are taking care of and want to keep them healthy, you should learn the basics of strokes. Strokes or brain attacks happen when the blood flow that goes to one’s brain stops because it is clotted or blocked. The cells in the brain start dying off from the loss of oxygen from the sudden bleeding. Those who don’t die immediately can be saved if they get the proper treatment in time. There are ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Stroke Prevention Information
It is important to note that strokes can be prevented in many instances. Working with your loved one to reduce their risk of having a stroke is one of the best things you can do for them. It is also important to know that there are risk factors for strokes including ethnicity, race, gender, and age. Of course, there is nothing that can be done about these. There are also some medication conditions that can increase the risk of strokes. Things such as circulation issues, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other things can lead to an increased risk for strokes. In many cases, lifestyle changes can help to prevent a stroke. Exercise and eating healthy are 2 of the things that can be done to reduce the risk of strokes.
Warning Signs of Strokes
In addition to preventing a stroke, it is important to know the warning signs, as well. The results of the stroke can change from second to second. The quicker you can respond to the stroke and get the senior citizen help, the better. F.A.S.T. is what you should be looking for. Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 9-1-1. If you notice the symptoms, call 9-1-1 right away. Some other symptoms include sudden trouble with seeing, sudden confusion, sudden severe headache that doesn’t have another cause, and more.
These are the most important things to know about strokes in the elderly. If you are taking care of an elderly citizen and you want to protect them, make sure you remember this information about strokes. If they have an elder care worker, be sure they are aware of this information, too.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs_symptoms.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/healthy_living.htm
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ELDER CARE IN ALTOONA, IA, FOR A SENIOR LOVED ONE, CONTACT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF DES MOINES, IA AT 515-631-5033. OUR CARING STAFF CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!