Monday, December 8, 2014

The Benefits Of Senior Nutrition

When seniors have good nutrition, they have a better quality of life. It’s sad that more than 1 in 3 seniors in the care of others are at risk for malnutrition (a statistic from the Mayo Clinic/American Dietetic Association).  Despite what many think, malnutrition isn’t a lack of food, but the lack of proper nutrition. At Comfort Keepers of Newark, Wilmington, and Dover DE we take nutrition seriously and can provide meals for our clients with the nutrients they need on a daily basis.
Assessing if seniors are malnourished isn’t always easy, since even though they may be eating enough in terms of quantity, they may not be eating enough of the healthy items. Eating well is a benefit for people of all ages and can make all the difference in a senior. Caregivers should place more importance on what seniors are eating to enhance their health and quality of life.  Here’s why more importance should be placed on a senior’s nutrition:
1.     Improves Digestion
Seniors tend to have sensitive digestive tracks that can get backed up easily. Since food choices greatly affect a person’s digestion, poor food choices can create problems for many seniors, especially if they are not getting enough fiber or fluids. Caregivers need to make sure that seniors have enough fruits and vegetables in their diet to help prevent constipation and must increase their water intake for better digestion.

2.     Increases Energy
When seniors have a well-balanced diet, they tend to have more energy. Constantly eating junk foods or other unhealthy items can really slow a person down. Seniors need to eat a certain set of calories based on their age and gender, so making sure a doctor provides this information is crucial for a healthy diet that will in turn energize them. When seniors have enough energy, their quality of life increases since they are able to do more things on their own. Good nutrition will also promote better moods in seniors.

3.     Healthy Weight
When a senior eats the right amount of calories for their age and gender, they’re able to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can be a problem for seniors since it increases their risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as cause joint problems. Carrying too much weight can also hinder a senior’s ability to stay active, which then causes mobility problems. So it’s important that a senior eat healthy items and nutrient-dense foods (which are foods filled with nutrients but have few calories).

4.     Promotes Health
When a senior eats right, they’ll not only feel physically better, but they’ll also decrease their risk from suffering from things like bone loss, heart disease, stroke and other illnesses like cancer and anemia. Eating healthy meals will also reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol and more. The benefits to a eating healthy are numerous, which is why caregivers should always provide nutritional food items for the seniors that they care for.


Before a caregiver changes up a senior’s diet, they should first consult with their doctor to see if there should be any food restrictions.  Do you have questions about Senior Nutrition? Or need some assistance at your loved one’s home? Comfort Keepers can help! Contact us today at 1-888-890-4842.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Alzheimer’s disease – How We Can Help

One of the most common conditions found in seniors is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of Dementia and a condition that we come across on a daily basis with many of our clients.  The typical warning signs of Alzheimer’s are memory loss, and thinking and behavior issues. According to the Alzheimer’s Association the disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of Dementia cases.  
There are several steps that you can take to make the process of caring for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s condition a little bit easier. 

1) Limit their frustrations
  • Reduce stress by limiting the choices that the senior has to make while still involving them in the decisions of everyday living. 
  • Reduce the amount of distractions that the senior faces throughout the day allowing them to keep their mind clear.
  • Provide them with instructions to complete a task that are easy to understand and remember.
  • Be patient with the senior and allow them to still be involved in the activities that they enjoy.

2) Be Cautious 
  • Alzheimer’s disease can increase the likelihood of a fall so make sure that the senior always has a clear path to transition throughout the day. 
  • Alzheimer’s disease has also been linked to wandering.  Make sure to keep a close eye on the senior at all times.
  • Keep dangerous items out of the seniors reach (example: medicine, knifes, firearms) 

Living with Alzheimer’s disease can be emotionally and physically draining on both the senior who is suffering, and their family.  Having a caregiver who is both patient and understands how to limit the risk of injury throughout the day is vital.  If you are interested in finding out more information on Alzheimer’s disease, and how to make the home safer to support this condition please contact us today. 
Alzheimer’s is more than just a condition we write about and work around.  We are passionate about providing quality in-home care services to the Alzheimer’s community and also supporting the mission to find a cure.  Recently, we participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s that took place along the scenic Riverfront in Wilmington, DE.  The event raised millions of dollars to support Alzheimer’s research in an effort to find a cure.  Visit our Facebook page to see pictures from this rewarding and uplifting day.



     




Thursday, October 30, 2014

Celebrating Halloween Safely with Seniors

Halloween is meant to be a spooky night where kids get dressed up and run around the neighborhood collecting tasty treats.  For seniors this night can be physically exhausting on their bodies especially if they are participating in Halloween festivities.  Seniors who are staying in their home on Halloween night should invite family or friends to help them distribute candy to the kids to avoid the physical strain of the ups and downs to the door.  Having help on Halloween night, and an extra person in the senior’s home can also protect them from crime. 
Whether the senior plans to distribute candy or not, they should always leave on their outside lights.  Homes that appear vacant are more likely to be targeted by criminals and can be extra vulnerable on Halloween night.  Another idea is to ask a neighbor to keep an extra eye out the senior’s home during the course of the night, and to pass candy out on their behalf.  This can be accomplished by placing a sign on the senior’s door that directs them to the neighbor’s home to collect candy.


Halloween is meant to be a fun night and seniors should be able to safely enjoy this time to. Comfort Keepers of Newark DE is always here for your assistance.  Need more tips on how to keep a senior safe on the upcoming Halloween night, or any night? Please contact us at 302-892-2214

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

The importance of a good night’s rest for senior’s #seniorcare

Let’s face it getting a good night’s sleep every night can be a daunting task.  We all know that rest is important for the health of everyone.  What many people don’t realize is that getting a good night’s sleep is especially important for seniors. On average it typically takes a senior a longer period of time to fall asleep which means that even though the senior has gone to bed at a decent hour does not mean that they are fully rested.  Seniors are naturally more prone to illness than their younger counterparts so the loss of energy makes them even more vulnerable. 
There are several applications that can be downloaded to a smartphone to help promote a healthy sleep cycle. The apps suggested have a small learning curve and have been rated well by users. Tech savvy children or grandchildren may also enjoy showing our senior client how to use the application  The first is called Proactive Sleep Alarm Clock which allows individuals to track their sleeping progress and gives suggestions on how to improve their sleep cycle.  Another great app is Relax Melodies. This app plays sounds to help listeners fall to sleep faster.  We want to hear from you! What do you do to fall asleep better at night?

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Interactive Caregiving Approach #seniorcare #interactivecaregiving #homecare

At Comfort Keepers of Newark, Wilmington, and Dover Delaware we follow the Interactive Caregiving approach to senior care.  This unique style of caregiving in one of the biggest aspects that separates Comfort Keepers from others in the home care industry.  What is Interactive Caregiving? Interactive Caregiving allows seniors to participate in their own care and activities of daily living (ADL’s) to the extent that they can.  For example when preparing a meal – Interactive Caregiving may mean that the senior helps the caregiver  actually prepare meals; or guides the caregiver with instructions on how to prepare a meal; or simply observes a caregiver preparing a special meal.  The senior’s personal interests are also integrated into their individualized care plan.  Some seniors enjoy spending time in the garden, and others like to go to the local mall for a walk.  Whatever the senior enjoys doing we try to incorporate those activities into their care.  Are you interested in learning more about Interactive Caregiving? Call us today: (302) 892-2214  

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Healthy Cooking for Senior’s #seniornutrition #healthyeating

Eating healthy is one of the most important aspects of senior nutrition, and delivers both mental and physical benefits that can help to increase a senior’s vitality and awareness.  Healthy eating is often frowned upon by individuals who do not want to lose their comfort foods.  What most people don’t realize is that eating appropriate foods can still be fun and a beneficial activity at the same time.  Cooking can be a time to try new recipes and tap into your inner creativity.  To learn more about the benefits of healthy eating and senior nutrition visit http://www.comfortkeepers.com/home/info-center/articles/CookingWithNutritionInMind?group=0 also join us on Facebook for weekly recipes https://www.facebook.com/pages/Comfort-Keepers-Newark-Wilmington-Dover-Delaware/281961388666326

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Discovering the Need for In-Home Care During the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches many middle age adults will go home to visit their mother or father.  This occasion is meant to be an exciting time, and most look forward to catching up with their loved ones.  Many adult children realize during the holiday season that their mom or dad may need some extra help around the home.  Maybe they are facing depression due to an empty home or the loss of a spouse, or maybe they have begun to neglect themselves and the household duties due to dementia.
Having the discussion around extra help with a parent can be a nerve wracking experience.  Many of our clients do not realize their need for in-home care until after their caregiver begins to work with them in the home.  Our Comfort Keepers provide more than just a service to our clients.  We provide comfort when they need it the most.  Comfort Keepers is more than just another in-home care service.  We are a friend, a shoulder to cry on, a friendly reminder, and a caretaker to individuals who need our compassion and loyalty.  If you live in the Newark, Wilmington, or Dover Delaware area and need assistance for yourself or a loved one please call us today at (302.892.2214) or visit one of our office websites below.
Thanks,
Jamie Ramage

Owner, Comfort Keepers