senior woman smiling with a teacup

Tips to Help Seniors Age at Home Safely

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Seniors can age at home safely with senior home care in Phoenix and the surrounding areas.

The vast majority of older individuals would prefer to age at home where they are comfortable, rather than making a move to an assisted living facility or nursing home – nearly 90 percent of them, based upon research done by AARP. And who can blame them? The comfort of home, the freedom to go wherever, whenever you would like, and preparing the meals you want when you want them are all invaluable commodities.  Read more

Home Care Services in Sun City AZ: Senior Eye Exams

Why are Eye Exams Important for Older Adults?

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When was the last time your aging relative had an eye exam?
If you’re not sure or if it has been a while, there are plenty of good reasons you should schedule an appointment soon. In fact, since August is National Eye Exam Month, this is the perfect time to focus (pun intended!) on good vision health for your older family member. Older adults are at higher risk for developing several eye problems. Below are some of the common ones—all of which are good reasons for your aging relative to have their eyes checked.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the retina, which is an area at the back of the eye. Specifically, it affects the macula, the part of the retina that is responsible for clear central vision. In addition, the macula allows people to see colors vividly and fine details. Without good central vision, your aging relative may be unable to read, drive, or recognize faces.

Dry Eye

Sometimes the tear glands fail to make enough tears or don’t produce good quality tears. This can cause the eyes to burn, turn red, and feel itchy. If dry eye isn’t treated, it can result in vision loss.

Cataracts

Usually, the lens of the eye is clear and it will allow adequate light to come in. When a person gets cataracts, the lens becomes cloudy. Cataracts aren’t painful, but they can cause vision loss. Cataracts can make your aging relative’s vision blurry or cause colors to seem duller than usual.

Problems with Eyelids

Sometimes older adults have problems with their eyelids, such as drooping or twitching. Sometimes eyelids get inflamed, too. Eyelid problems can cause the eyes to tear, itch, or hurt. These problems are often treated with medications or surgery.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve. Usually, it is linked to pressure in the eye. People with glaucoma may lose their peripheral, or side vision. Glaucoma can also lead to blindness.

Elder care can assist your aging relative to get to their eye appointment by driving them there. If the older adult suffers from low vision, there are many ways an elder care provider can help them to stay safe and have a better quality of life. Elder care providers can monitor older adults while they take their medications, ensuring they take the correct ones and in the proper dosages. Elder care providers can walk with your aging relative to make sure they do not fall and injure themselves. And, elder care providers can assist with things that require good vision, like reading, paying bills, and cooking.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Care Services in Sun City, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Endeavor Home Care today. Call  (480) 535-6800.

Sources:
Aoa.org
Nih.gov
Webmd.com

 

 

 

Home Care in Sun City AZ: Habits for Good Sleep

Four Excellent Habits for Good Sleep

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If your elderly family member isn’t sleeping well, there are likely many other areas in her life that are not running smoothly. These ideas can help to get her sleep back on track.

 

Regular Exercise

Your elderly family member’s doctor has likely recommended some form of exercise for her, so now is the time to start if she hasn’t already. Make sure that you’re familiar with the boundaries within which exercise is safe for your elderly family member and then put a plan in motion. Even a few minutes of stretching each day can help so very much.

 

Healthy Food Choices

Eating the right foods is what fuels your elderly family member’s body. Too much of the foods that are low in nutrients means that your senior’s body doesn’t have what it needs in order to properly operate. Talk to your senior’s doctor about working with a dietician or a nutritionist. These specialists can help you to choose a diet that is just right for your senior’s current health needs.

 

A Solid Daily Routine

One problem that can plague aging adults is that they may not have much of a daily routine any longer. Retirement can be fantastic, but if your aging family member doesn’t have a general idea of what she’s doing each day, she may find that she wakes up at random times and goes to bed way too late. Help your elderly family member to work out a time that is good for her to wake up and establish some general times for other activities throughout the day, such as meals and exercise. Then set up a routine that eases her into bedtime.

 

Help to Spend Her Energy Wisely

Using her energy wisely can be a huge tool for your aging adult. This means that instead of struggling through household tasks on her own, she allows home care providers to take over. This frees up her time and energy to focus on choosing healthier foods at mealtimes, for instance. She’s more able to have the room she needs to spend her time wisely when she has the energy with which to do so.

Even if your elderly family member is following all of these tips to the letter, she might still be having trouble sleeping. It might be a good idea to talk to her doctor at that point and determine if there is anything else that you can do that might help.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Care in Sun City, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Endeavor Home Care today. Call  (480) 535-6800.