Tag: Home Care in St. Paul MN

If you have been looking at fun activities to do with your senior parent, there are tons of national “days” that celebrate all kinds of things. One day that is coming up soon is National Go Fishing Day, a great idea for something to do with your senior. This day is celebrated on June 18th and celebrating it can highlight how fishing can be beneficial for your senior. Here are a few of the benefits of fishing for your senior, and how home care can play a role:

Health Benefits of Fishing

You may be surprised to find out that fishing does have a few health benefits, which can be even more of a reason to get out on June 18th.

It’s Physical Activity

Staying fit can be incredibly hard as you get older, but fishing can be a good way to get outside and move around. It won’t be draining or physically exhausting, but it will help get a senior moving.

Fishing Helps a Senior Socialize

Fishing with family and friends is a favorite pastime, particularly for the grandkids. A fishing vacation is a great opportunity to spend time with your family, create lasting memories, and have a good time. There are many things to do, from just relaxing in nature to engaging in friendly competitions to see who can catch the largest fish.

It’s Stress Relieving

This is a time for you and your dad to openly talk; it allows you both to get out in nature where you can feel stress-free. Limiting the amount of stress a senior feels is crucial when trying to help them live healthier and longer.

What To Do Instead of Fishing

Not all seniors will like fishing, but maybe your senior mom still wants to celebrate a fun day like this. There are other ways to celebrate this day. You can take your senior mom out on the lake to watch the sunset on a dock or on a boat. You can go fishing and bring back your catch to cook up a nice meal for her. Lastly, you can play go fish, the card game! It’s a way of “fishing” without ever leaving the house.

How Home Care Can Help

Finding ways to keep your senior parents happy while living out the rest of their days can seem impossible. Especially when they have so much free time, and you don’t. If you can’t seem to find the time to help your senior mom or dad throughout the day, it may be time to look into home care providers to help with everyday activities. You may be there for the fun activities once in a while, but your senior parent may need more help than that. It is okay to turn to home care for that additional help that is often needed when an elderly loved one chooses to age in place.

Source
https://nationaltoday.com/national-go-fishing-day/

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in St. Paul, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.

Dehydration increases the risk of constipation, kidney problems and even falling in the elderly. It’s a common problem year-round, but in the high heat of summer, the risk is even higher than usual.

What Causes Dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when a body loses more fluid than it takes in. Sometimes people aren’t in the habit of drinking well, or they may take medications – or have medical conditions – that cause excessive urination. When a heat wave or illness hits, the situation can quickly turn into a medical emergency.

High temperatures
Hot weather can cause fluid loss through sweating.

Illness
Fever, vomiting and diarrhea are common causes of rapid fluid loss and dehydration.

Seniors are at Greater Risk for Dehydration

Adults are at a greater risk for dehydration as they age due to a number of reasons.

Less Fluid to Begin With
There is less fluid overall in older bodies, which means that it doesn’t take as long to dry out.

Reduced Sense of Thirst
Older adults have less of a sense of thirst. Seniors don’t usually even feel thirsty until they are already partially dehydrated.

Decrease in Kidney Function
Older kidneys don’t work as well, and seniors often lose more fluids through urination than they did when they were younger. This can be even more pronounced in individuals with diabetes or kidney disease.

Health Conditions and Medications
Various health conditions and medications common to older adults can contribute to dehydration. For example, certain blood pressure medications and diuretics for swollen legs can cause the body to put out quite a lot of fluid through urination.

Mobility Challenges
Many seniors have a harder time getting around, which can make it difficult for them to get up to get a drink, even if they want to do so.

Memory Challenges
Seniors who have memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease, or other forms of dementia, may forget to drink, putting them at greater risk for dehydration.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Increase fluid intake right away if these common early symptoms of dehydration are noted:

  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Reduced amount of urination
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dizziness

If you notice these signs that dehydration is severe, you should seek immediate medical attention.

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Difficulty walking or moving
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Fainting
  • Complications of Dehydration

When dehydration is untreated, it can lead to severe health problems, including:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Kidney stones
  • Kidney failure
  • Seizures
  • Heat stroke
  • Hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening medical emergency

What to do About Dehydration

For mild dehydration, water, juices and broth can be good choices to replenish lost fluids.

In the case that many fluids are lost through vomiting or diarrhea, electrolyte drinks, such as sports drinks or Pedialyte can help replenish lost electrolytes.

For severe dehydration, hospitalization is necessary for IV fluids.

It’s always best to prevent dehydration whenever possible! That means keeping up on drinking.

How Home Care Can Help

When a senior has difficulty taking in enough fluids due to mobility or memory challenges, they are at a heightened risk for dehydration. Happily, home care services can do a lot to help encourage or remind seniors to drink.

Home care aides can:

  • Offer and encourage sips throughout the day (or visit)
  • Ensure drinks are set up for the senior’s convenience.
  • Prepare tantalizing drinks, like herbal teas and fruit-infused waters
  • Prepare, encourage and assist with eating fluid-rich foods, like soups, Jello and fruit salads
  • Pick up drinks and fluid-rich foods from the grocery store, ensuring they’re always available in the senior’s home

Sources
Symptoms of Dehydration in Elderly: Signs, Prevention, Treatment

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in St. Paul, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.