What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Fall and Injury Prevention
Preventing Senior Falls | According to estimates, one in every three older adults over 65 sustains a fall each year. While falling may not be particularly hazardous for some, the effects of falls are often disastrous for seniors. Fractures and internal injuries are the main causes of long-term hospital admissions in Canadian seniors and can be fatal.
Preventing Senior Falls: Why Are Older Adults More Affected?
The risk of experiencing a serious fall-related injury increases with age. Proneness to falls can be attributed to biological changes such as muscle weakness, mobility issues, vision loss, chronic conditions, and physical impairments. Then there are prescribed medications whose side effects are known to affect balance and gait.
Behaviour also plays a strong role when it comes to falls. Many seniors are accustomed to keeping up with their routines and attempt strenuous and unnecessarily risky tasks. Climbing a ladder to dust ceilings, hanging draperies, pruning trees, or shoveling snow are just a few examples of how falls happen.
Additional factors that put seniors at a higher risk of falling can be associated with poor lifestyle habits. Inadequate diet, a lack of physical activity, and alcohol abuse are some unhealthy habits. Lastly, environmental factors such as dim lights, uneven flooring, and a lack of handrails in the home are also major fall risks.
Preventing Senior Falls
The best strategy for reducing falls is to raise awareness. Introducing certain fall-proofing modifications to boost safety in the home can help. Family caregivers and elderly loved ones need to learn more about fall risks and how to eliminate them.
As a primary caregiver, you can help by encouraging your loved one to:
- Stay physically active and adopt a light exercise regimen that focuses on mobility, balance, and coordination
- Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated throughout the day
- Visit their physician to review medications and identify those that may cause dizziness or impair senses
- Avoid alcohol
- Schedule regular checkups and eye exams
- Use canes or walkers both inside and outside their home
In addition to this:
- Inspect and fix loose carpets, rugs, clutter, or anything else your loved one may trip over.
- Consider adding safety features such as grab bars, railings, or additional lighting fixtures in the bathroom and where necessary.
The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®
Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services
Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™
Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life.
Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC
Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes
If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.
Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families
Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.
How Seniors Can Protect Themselves from Foodborne Illnesses
What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Food Safety and Foodborne Illnesses
How to prevent foodborne illnesses in seniors. Even with increased safety measures and imposed regulations, the threat of foodborne illness remains present in our communities. For seniors, the risk of foodborne illnesses is much higher than for others. Aging adults are at a greater risk of contracting most foodborne illnesses and usually take much longer to recover from the incident.
As Statistics Canada estimates, one in every eight of our fellow seniors gets affected by a foodborne illness at least once a year. So, let us see why the effects of foodborne illnesses can be much more dramatic for the elderly.
What Makes Seniors More Vulnerable to Foodborne Illnesses?
Of all the changes that occur in the body as we age, the weakening of the immune system is one of the most significant. This means that the body’s natural defense system which protects us from germs, viruses, and bacteria is no longer able to fight illnesses as efficiently as before. Simultaneously, the liver and kidneys slow down their functions and need more time to get rid of toxins.
To make matters worse, prescription medication is also a catalyst. Most medications used to treat chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease cause side effects that can further weaken the immune system. With all these factors combined, recovering from any type of food-related illness is usually much more complicated for most older adults.
Foodborne Illnesses Protection & Tips for Seniors
Keeping seniors informed is one of the best ways to prevent foodborne illnesses. For this reason, older adults should consider the following tips so that they do not jeopardize their health and well-being:
At the grocery store – Avoid buying dented or damaged packages and always make sure to check the expiration date for perishable goods. Bag raw meat, seafood, or poultry separately from other produce.
Food handling and preparation – Always wash hands with soap and warm water before handling any food. Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before peeling or dicing. To avoid cross-contamination, meat should be separated from other foods when being prepared for the same meal. It may be best to use separate cutting boards for this. Seniors can also use a food thermometer to avoid serving undercooked food. Last but not least, make sure to refrigerate all perishable foods no less than two hours after cooking.
When eating out – Whenever possible, seniors should refrain from ordering any foods that may have any uncooked ingredients. These are usually marked on the menu, but you can always ask the waiter or waitress to confirm just in case. Just like with any home-cooked meals, refrigerate any leftovers brought from the restaurant or takeaway within two hours after getting back home.
The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®
Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services
Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™
Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life.
Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC
Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes
If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.
Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families
Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.
9 Ways Seniors Can Assist with Cancer Prevention
What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Cancer Prevention
Seniors and Cancer Prevention, what you need to know. Aging is the most significant risk factor for cancer development; nevertheless, many types of cancer can be significantly reduced by focusing on prevention measures. Many factors, such as heredity, have a part in cancer development, although many can be avoided willingly.
9 Ways Seniors Can Assist with Cancer Prevention
#1. Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke:
The most significant cancer risk factor is smoking. It is the cause of lung cancer, as well as a variety of other cancers. Smoking cessation or never starting is the best approach to help prevent cancer. The body responds as soon as you quit, so it’s never too late. Secondhand smoke contains more than 60 recognized carcinogens, so avoiding it can help you avoid cancer. These carcinogens are triggers that cause cancer by disrupting normal cell formation.
2. Protect yourself from the sun and monitor changes in your skin:
Over one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Although it is the most common disease, accounting for over half of all cancer diagnoses, it is also one of the most preventable. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, as well as avoiding the midday sun and tanning booths can help to reduce UV radiation exposure.
3. Consume fruits and vegetables:
A diet high in fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of cancer and other diseases. Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, and they aid in the repair of damaged cells. To help prevent cancer, eat more green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables. Dark fruits, such as blueberries and grapes, have also been shown to have anti-cancer benefits in studies. Numerous studies have found cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, brussels sprouts, and cabbage are particularly beneficial.
4. Limit your intake of red meat and animal fat:
A high-fat animal-based diet raises the risk of various types of cancer, including colon cancer. Because red meat has a higher fat content than chicken and fish, cutting back on red meat in your diet may help you avoid cancer. Obesity is another risk factor for many types of cancer, and a high-fat diet is a primary cause of obesity.
5. Consume alcohol in moderation:
Drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly raises the risk of developing a variety of cancers. According to studies, males who drink two alcoholic drinks per day and women who drink one alcoholic drink per day have significantly higher risk factors for some cancers.
6. Get some exercise:
When you exercise, you lower your risk of developing cancer. For cancer prevention, the American Cancer Society suggests exercising for 30 minutes or more 5 days a week. Before beginning any workout regimen, always consult with your doctor.
7. Be aware of your surroundings:
Chemical exposure raises the risk of developing a variety of cancers, including kidney and bladder cancer. If you are exposed to fumes, dust, chemicals, or other potentially harmful substances, you should look into ways to decrease or eliminate your exposure. Carcinogens include gasoline, diesel exhaust, arsenic, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, and chloromethyl ethers.
8. Know your medical history, both personal and familial:
Hereditary cancers include breast, colon, ovarian, and other forms. Tell your doctor if certain cancers run in your family so he or she can offer the appropriate screenings and determine your true risk. Based on a family’s medical history, genetic testing and counselling may be recommended.
9. Get cancer screenings regularly:
Cancer screening tests can aid in the detection and prevention of cancer. Abnormal cellular alterations can be detected using a colonoscopy and Pap smear before they become malignant. The fact that they are carried out regularly is the key to their efficiency. Other tests may help detect cancer early on, but not necessarily in preventing it. Digital rectal exams are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests can help detect prostate cancer early. Breast cancer can also be detected with mammograms and other imaging technologies, and the survival rate is improving.
The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®
Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services
Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™
Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life.
Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC
Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes
If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.
Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families
Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.
Physical Activity Helps Victoria’s Seniors Manage Chronic Conditions
What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Managing Chronic Pain Conditions
What do you need to know about Physical Activity Helps Seniors? It is estimated that more than 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition while around 77% of seniors struggle with two or more health issues. Besides being a burden on the family budget, chronic conditions often lead to disability and loss of independence in seniors.
On the bright side, the effects of common chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes can be mitigated by introducing a physician-prescribed exercise routine.
Unfortunately, staying physically active can be very challenging, if not impossible, for seniors diagnosed with a chronic condition. A common problem is that most chronic conditions result in reduced activity and a sedentary lifestyle. This only aggravates the symptoms and quickens the progression of the disease.
Breaking this cycle requires the help of a trained medical professional who can assess the senior’s physical abilities and recommend an adequate exercise program.
Physical Activity Helps Seniors; Here Are Some of the Benefits
The health benefits for seniors who introduce an exercise regimen into their routine are amazing. Studies show that a 30-minute exercise practiced five days a week reduces the risk of death for those with cardiovascular disease by 20%. By staying physically active, seniors can reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, lose weight, and feel more energized.
Those with type 2 diabetes can enjoy similar benefits, too. Engaging in a senior-friendly exercise can help your loved one with diabetes to improve their blood glucose, lipid, and blood pressure levels. Repeating high-intensity 10-minute workouts three times a day, five to seven days a week, can enable your mom or dad to maintain optimal blood glucose and weight levels and reap some additional health benefits in the process.
Adopting a physically active lifestyle also contributes to minimizing the risks of certain types of cancer, such as prostate, colon, or breast cancer.</strong> Cancer patients may also have a better chance of combating the disease when they can exercise regularly.
Last but certainly not least, taking the time to exercise with your loved one is probably the best way to show support and let them know you care. If your busy schedule prevents you from being there in person, hiring a professional in-home caregiver can be a good solution.
The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®
Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services
Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™
Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life.
Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC
Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes
If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.
Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families
Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.
Organization Solutions for Senior Medications
What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Organizing Their Medicine Cabinet
Senior Medications are most effective when taken according to a doctor’s prescription. In the case of over-the-counter medications should be taken according to label directions. However, proper medication management is often an issue for older adults. Seniors who live independently may struggle with this due to depleting health and rising chronic conditions.
Additionally, a family caregiver or a licensed professional can provide reminders and help seniors safely store their medications.
Three Solutions for Senior Medications that Enable Safer Administration:
#1 – Med boxes & pill organizers:
These handy containers are well-stocked by pharmacies and other healthcare suppliers and are often free. Smaller boxes hold up to a week’s dose of medicine while larger ones can last an entire month.
Moreover, these easy-to-use organizers are divided into compartments for each day and each dose. To make medication management even easier for your loved one, you can opt to label these compartments by colour.
#2 – Senior Medications and Blister Packs:
Offered by pharmacies, blister packs are a great medication management solution. A local pharmacist can fill each pack with pre-arranged medication doses. Each blister pack compartment is filled with pills as required for a specific time of day, making it easy to use.
#3 – Senior Medications and Organization Devices:
Medication dispensers, such as Comfort Keepers’®SafetyChoice Medication System, are the best way to ensure seniors are taking prescribed doses. These electronic units remind seniors with an automated voice, a display screen, and flashing lights.
However, the system will alert the Central Monitoring Station if medication is missed. This alert will then promptly notify a designated individual. The device features a compartment that can hold between three to four weeks of medicine organized by a family caregiver or a licensed professional.
The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®
Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services
Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™
Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life.
Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC
Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes
If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.
Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families
Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.
Seniors and Nutrition: Promoting Overall Health
What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Promoting Overall Senior Health with Balanced Nutrition
Seniors and Nutrition | Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health and an elevated quality of life in golden years. According to the National Institute of Aging, good nutrition plays a pivotal role in boosting overall health, acuity, and longevity, while keeping a range of chronic illnesses at bay.
With the support of a family member or a professional caregiver, older adults can reap a plethora of health benefits when getting proper nutrients.
Some of the most common benefits of eating a well-balanced diet in golden years include:
- Stronger immune system and better protection against illnesses
- Increased energy levels
- Increased mental sharpness and reduced risk of developing cognitive issues
- Reduced likelihood of mood swings and depression
- Reduced risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol when eating more low-sodium and low-fat foods
- Maintaining an ideal weight
- Reduced risk of developing diabetes
- Improved digestion and regularity of bowel movements
- Decreased risk of macular degeneration that can lead to vision loss
- Decreased risk of some types of cancer
- Strengthened bones
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Younger-looking, healthier skin
- Easier recovery from illness or surgery
Seniors Living Alone Are Often at a Greater Risk of Being Undernourished
Many older adults who live alone find it difficult to prepare healthy meals as often as they used to. This may happen because of various age-related issues such as chronic conditions, mobility issues, or physical limitations that make meal prep too strenuous or physically impossible to perform.
Unfortunately, seniors left to their own devices resort to eating unhealthy, processed, but easy-to-make foods more often than they should. Opting for unhealthy foods can lead to malnourishment and put your loved one at a higher risk of developing serious health complications.
That being said, the common effects of undernourishment in seniors are:
- Increased risk of digestive, lung, and heart complications
- Mental confusion
- Worsened symptoms of existing medical conditions
- Diminished strength, muscle mass, and body weight
- Anemia, or low red blood cell count
- Moodiness and depression
- Blood clots
- Post-surgery complications
- Increased risk of hospitalization
- Diminished efficiency of prescribed medications
- And more
The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®
Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services
Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™
Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life.
Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC
Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes
If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.
Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families
Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.
Dehydration and Victoria’s Seniors
What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Senior Dehydration
Dehydration and Seniors | Seniors are at a higher risk of dehydration than any other age group. With age, physiological changes happen in the body that increase the risk of becoming dehydrated. For example, many seniors lose their sense of thirst, which is why they do not drink enough fluids. Also, as older adults engage in fewer physical activities and tend to eat fewer calories, they do not get fluids from solid foods, like fruits or veggies.
Seniors can also develop dehydration as a result of medications, stress, health problems, and the weather. Because older adults are unable to regulate body temperatures as well as younger adults, they are more affected by changes in temperatures. Plus, seniors perspire less, which makes it difficult for them to stay cool while also making them more susceptible to dehydration. This is also why older adults are more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, two very serious conditions that are closely related to dehydration.
The Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration and Seniors
Since dehydration can in severe cases lead to death, it is important to know the most common signs and symptoms. Dehydration is often manifested with fatigue, lethargy, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, headaches, dizziness, confusion, rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate. But there are also some less common symptoms to be on the lookout for, such as loss of fluids through vomiting, sunken eyes, dry/sticky mucous membranes in the mouth, decreased tears, and decreased urine output.
If your loved one has any of these symptoms and if taking in fluids does not help, go to the emergency room or contact your doctor immediately.
How to Prevent Dehydration in Seniors
To prevent dehydration in seniors, it is important to monitor their fluid intake and ensure they are taking at least 64 ounces of fluids on a daily basis. Older adults should take in fluids through water and non-caffeinated drinks (caffeinated drinks and alcohol can lead to dehydration), as well as through fruits and veggies like melons, berries, apples, peaches, cucumbers, and cauliflower. If your loved one is unable to take in plenty of fluids due to the taste of water, you can mix water with powdered drink mixes (but do not add any sugar).
Following these simple tips should prevent dehydration in seniors. But be especially careful during warm months and make sure your loved one always has a bottle of water nearby.
The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®
Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services
Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™
Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life.
Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC
Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes
If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.
Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families
Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.
Sleep Changes in Seniors: Is It Time to Consider Overnight Care?
What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Sleep and Changes in Sleep
It’s important to pay attention to Sleep Changes in Seniors. Sleep patterns and habits are normal to change with age. However, waking up too often in the middle of the night and being tired after waking up are not considered a normal part of aging.
Sleep Changes in Seniors: Insomnia
Insomnia is very common among all age groups, but seniors are the most affected by it. As many as 25% of adults 65+ report symptoms of insomnia. Many seniors think they have insomnia because they do not sleep as well as they used to. But, not sleeping as well as when they were younger does not mean they suffer from insomnia.
This may sound confusing, so let us take a closer look at what are normal sleeping changes in senior years. To begin with, seniors often go to bed earlier in the evening and also wake up earlier in the morning. This is considered normal, due to the changes in the internal body clock that regulates sleep. It is also normal for seniors to become light sleepers, that is to spend less time in deep sleep (and to sleep less overall). And if a senior wakes up during the night, it is also nothing to worry about – seniors sleep as much as 15% less than younger adults.
If you or a loved one are experiencing these problems with sleep, it is fairly easy to solve them. But suppose the problems are caused by serious health conditions like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, depression, arthritis, or side effects of medications. In that case, it is best to consult with a medical professional.
Sleep Changes in Seniors: How to Improve Sleep with Overnight Care
So, how can you sleep better or help your loved one get a good night’s sleep? Here are some tips that may help:
- Establishing a regular sleeping schedule (going to bed and waking up at the same time every day)
- Avoiding long naps during the day
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Spending plenty of time in the sun
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
- Make sure the bed is for sleeping only (not spending time in bed reading, watching TV, etc.)
If you are still stuck, you should consider talking to a doctor. But for most seniors, changing a couple of lifestyle habits should do the trick, drastically improving their sleep and overall wellness, too.
The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®
Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services
Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™
Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life.
Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC
Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.
Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes
If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.