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Tips To Consider When Your Sleep-Wake Cycle Changes As You Age

As you age, your sleep patterns change, causing you trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the night, and waking up earlier in the morning. Lack of physical activity, stress, or health conditions including specific sleep disorders, circadian rhythm disturbances, & medical and psychiatric comorbidities are some of the major causes of disturbed sleep in older adults.

When your sleep-wake cycle changes as you get older, following the tips given below may help you sleep better.

Go to bed & get up at the same time every day, even on the weekends.
Stay active by exercising regularly so you are able to sleep better.
Avoid caffeine before bedtime.
Avoid nicotine & alcohol in the evening. Although alcohol helps you fall asleep in almost no time, it actually causes you to wake up in the middle of the night and then prevents you from getting back to sleep.
Do not lie in the bed for too long trying to sleep. If you aren’t able to sleep after about thirty minutes of trying to sleep, get up & go to a different room, and do something quiet, like listening to music or reading a book. Don’t do anything which may stimulate your brain, or else, it would be harder for you to fall asleep.
Don’t take naps longer than twenty minutes.
Don’t read or watch TV in bed. Lie down on your bed only when it is time to sleep.
Sometimes, medications that you take for your health conditions could keep you awake at night. In this case, you should talk to your doctor about your sleeping issues so that they either change the medications or recommend a lighter dose.

You can also search for ‘home care agencies near me’ on Google to find the right caregiver who could help you live a healthy and active lifestyle. Helping Hand Nursing Services is one of the top senior care providers in Florida that you’d find in your search results because of the excellent services the company has been providing for almost three decades. Call @ (863) 616-1888 to find out more!

Depression Is Not A Normal Part Of Aging!

Depression isn’t just having “the blues” or feeling low when grieving the loss of a loved one. It’s a medical condition which is treatable, just like any other condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.

Depression in the Elderly

Depression is a common problem among the elderly, but isn’t a normal part of aging. There are many factors that contribute to this mental health condition in older adults, like declining health, death of a spouse, transitioning from work into retirement, etc. All these life changes which happen as you get older may cause feelings of uneasiness, sadness, and stress. Many seniors regain their emotional balance after a period of adjustment, but others don’t and gradually fall into depression.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression in seniors

Some of the most common symptoms of depression in the elderly are:

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness
Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
Irritability and restlessness
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
Sleep problems (Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, excessive sleeping, etc)
Overeating or loss of appetite
Loss of interest in activities/hobbies once pleasurable
Fatigue and decreased energy levels
Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment

If you have an aging family member living with you, always keep a check on their mental health. If they are living independently, you can consider hiring a caregiver to check in on them and help them with day-to-day chores, like grocery shopping, meal preparation, light housekeeping, etc. At Helping Hand Nursing Services, we have a team of well-trained caregivers to provide seniors with the right level of care and support according to their needs. To learn more about us or our home health services in Lakeland, Florida, feel free to talk to us @ (863) 616-1888!

How to Prevent Seniors from Being Scammed

Financial scams are one of the most insidious forms of senior abuse. In order to prevent it, one needs to understand how common scams and fraud schemes work, & what makes the elderly vulnerable to them. What’s also important is a healthy dose of vigilance & a certain degree of know-how.

With an increasing number of seniors getting online and the criminals being aware of it, the possibility of financial scams is quite high. As it doesn’t take a huge investment to be a cyber crook, there are perpetrators all around the world financially exploiting seniors in different ways due to the latter’s memory loss & cognitive decline.

Fraudsters target seniors as they are more trusting than younger individuals, often lonely, and always willing to listen. Fraud schemes against them are usually performed over the telephone, door-to-door, or through advertisements. Seniors are prime targets to schemes related to sweepstakes or contests, credit cards, health products, home improvements, investments, banking, equity skimming, and insurance.

As a family member of a senior living independently, if you wonder what can be done to protect them from such scams, here are tips that may help –

Get more involved with your loved one’s financial decisions.
Ask them not to give out their personal information, like credit card details, banking information, social security number, etc. with anyone.
Tell them not to sign any business deal with anyone who doesn’t provide written information about their company.
Ask them about the phone calls they’ve received & check their mail box.
If possible, try to visit them as often as possible so you know how they are doing.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can make sure that your loved one doesn’t fall prey to any financial scams. If they experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline due to aging or other health issues, hiring an in-home caregiver can be beneficial for them. At Helping Hand Nursing Services, we have a team of licensed caregivers specializing in memory care in Lakeland, Florida. To find out how we can assist your loved one with their care needs, reach out to us today @ (863) 616-1888!

Managing Mobility Decline in Old Age

Mobility problems in old age may include difficulty getting in & out of a chair, unsteadiness while walking, or increasing falls. Joint pain, muscle weakness, & neurological difficulties may also contribute to mobility problems in the elderly. Sometimes, many mild problems combine & occur simultaneously, affecting mobility.

To prevent mobility problems or reduce the risk of it getting worse, here are some tips to follow:

Stay active – Exercising regularly can help strengthen the muscles & improve flexibility. Moreover, with increased strength & balance, seniors can manoeuvre better and eliminate the risk of falls.

Check for the possible influence of medications – Prescription, over-the-counter, and even herbal medications can sometimes cause drowsiness or distraction that can lead to falls. In case medications are affecting your balance or alertness, consult with your physician immediately so they can prescribe you a lower dose or different medication.

Maintain a healthy weight – It is easier to get around when you aren’t overweight as there is less stress on the bones & joints.

Use walking aids – Seniors that are unsteady on their feet can consider using a cane or walker as a walking aid. A physical therapist or doctor can recommend specific styles or types of walking aids depending on your unique needs. These aids can also be adjusted according to an individual’s height so they can be properly used.

Seniors with declining mobility can also benefit from having an in-home caregiver who can help them with all their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). At Helping Hand Nursing Services, we have a team of highly experienced and trained caregivers to provide the best quality in home care services in Lakeland, Florida. To find out more about us or our care services, feel free to visit https://www.helpinghandnursingservices.com/ or call us @ (863) 616-1888

Healthy Habits at 60 and Beyond!

You have lived a life of diverse experiences which have made you who you’re today. How would it be to feel more vibrant, healthier, and more joyful? Sounds impossible at this stage of life? Well, it isn’t if you cultivate healthy habits. Good habits can make a difference in the life of even those seniors who have health issues or haven’t made their health a priority in the past.

Some of the healthy habits the elderly should cultivate are listed below:

Eat right – You know this already. However, what you probably don’t know is that eating right is beyond eating more veggies & letting go of your favorite desserts and potato fries. For example, the elderly needs more fiber as their digestive system slows down as they age.
Plan time for joy – Write down all the things that bring you joy. Make sure you do one of these things daily so they become a part of everyday routine. Planning time for joy triggers dopamine, vasopressin, & oxytocin hormones; and reduces cortisol (stress hormone).
Exercise – An exercise program that’s approved by a physician can help you stay fit, healthy, and active. With your heath under control, you are also more likely to be happier.
Socialize – Declining social circle is one of the reasons seniors often experience loneliness and fall into depression. Try to keep in touch with old friends by planning outings, join a group class where you can meet like-minded people, and spend time with family & grandchildren so you don’t feel isolated.
Sleep well – Not getting adequate sleep can lead to many health issues in the elderly. So, develop good sleeping habits and make sure your bedroom is cool, quiet, and comfortable so you are able to sleep well.

If you need a compassionate caregiver to make your senior years more joyful with their help, reach out to Helping Hand Nursing Services today. To know about our senior home care services in Lakeland, Florida, feel free to call @ (863) 616-1888 or visit https://www.helpinghandnursingservices.com/

Common Causes of Sleep Problems in the Elderly

Many older adults have trouble falling asleep, causing a daytime fatigue so overwhelming that they are unable to drive properly or take part in various normal activities. There are many changes in the sleeping patterns that people experience as they age, like having less deep sleep, feeling sleepy too early, waking up too early, waking up tired every day, etc. Before finding out the solution to sleep problems in the elderly, it is important to understand what causes them.

Shared below are some common causes of sleep problems in seniors:

Poor sleep habits & sleep environment – Irregular sleep hours, alcohol consumption before bedtime, switching on the TV when it is time to sleep, etc. are some of the things that are sure to get you disturbed sleep. So, make sure that your bedtime rituals are conducive to sound sleep, and you room is dark, quiet, and comfortable.
Medical conditions – People in old age often suffer from one or more health conditions that interfere with their sleep. It could be arthritis pain, diabetes, nighttime heartburn, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, or any other illness that could be affecting your sleep. It is important to talk to your doctor about your medical issues that are affecting your sleep so the problem can be addressed.
Lack of physical activity – If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you may either never feel sleepy or feel sleepy all the time. Regular exercise promotes good sleep while benefitting you in a number of other ways.
Stress – There are various significant changes in the life of a senior, such as retirement, death of a spouse, etc. that can cause too much stress. Not only do these changes affect their mental health, but also their sleep.

Having a compassionate and reliable caregiver to look after you and your needs in old age can go a long way in helping you successfully deal with various mental and health problems. Contact Helping Hand Nursing Services to benefit from the best in home care services in Lakeland, Florida. Call us @ (863) 616-1888 now!

5 Stress Management Tips for the Elderly

Retirement is often seen as a time when you can relax, play golf, and do everything that you couldn’t do when you were younger due to other responsibilities. When you retire, not only are you older and wiser, but also have the answers to many questions of life. However, with old age come many concerns, like declining health, financial problems, feelings of loneliness, etc. Most seniors struggle to cope with these new challenges and succumb to stress, anxiety, and unhappiness. If you or your aging loved one is experiencing stress due to any of these reasons, here are some useful stress management tips to follow:

Meditate – Meditation is an excellent stress reliever not only for the elderly, but people of all ages. What makes it ideal particularly for seniors is that it does not require any special equipment or physical ability.
Practice Yoga – Yoga helps ease stress in the body & mind. Being an adaptable exercise, it can be practiced in a chair & can even be modified for specific conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease.
Develop a New Hobby – Learning something new can reinvigorate older adults. When it comes to trying new hobbies, the possibilities are endless even if you have limited mobility due to conditions like arthritis or other challenges.
Spend Time Outdoors – Spending time outdoors can help in revitalizing seniors who often feel isolated. Simply taking a walk, getting involved in gardening, etc. are some great ways to relieve stress.
Set Goals for Yourself – You are never too old to set goals or have dreams. However, you do not need to set big life goals that may leave you overburdened. The goal could be as simple as becoming a healthier and fitter version of yourself in the next six months, or learning a new language that you always wanted to but couldn’t.

These positive practices will definitely help you manage stress effectively. You can also benefit from our in home care services in Lakeland, Florida to improve your overall health. To learn more, give Helping Hand Nursing Services a call @ (863) 616-1888!

Ways to Improve Bone Health in Old Age

Bone density loss is inevitable as you age. However, there are many ways you can keep the bone loss to a minimum. Some of the simple steps that you can take for strengthening your bones and keeping them healthy in old age are listed below:

Go For a Bone Density Test

If you have not gone for a bone density test yet, go for it now. The test gives you an estimate of the density of your bones & your chances of breaking a bone. Depending on the test results, your doctor will make recommendations for protecting your bones.

Bone Up With Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium and Vitamin D are the cornerstones of healthy bones. While calcium is a vital building block of bone tissue, Vitamin D plays a critical role in helping your body absorb a well as process calcium.

Do Strength-Building Exercises

Incorporate resistance and weight-bearing exercises in your daily routine. Even a thirty minute workout including all these exercises will help you significantly slow down your bone loss. When practicing Yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi, you can modify your movements for avoiding loaded flexion & twisting.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

As you age, being both overweight and underweight can prove to be damaging for your bone health. So, try to maintain a healthy weight by taking the right diet and exercising regularly. Sometimes, your underlying health issues may prevent you from achieving the right weight for your body. Hence, you must consult your doctor if you want to increase or lose weight in a healthy way. All these small but significant steps can go a long way in ensuring healthy bones as you get older. If you have an aging loved one who can benefit from in home care to improve their overall health, get in touch with us today. We have been providing the best home health care services in Lakeland, Florida for over twenty-seven years. To schedule a free care consultation, give us a call @ (863) 616-1888.

Fun Indoor Activities for the Elderly

There are many indoor activities that the elderly can enjoy whether they are in their own house or in assisted living. It can be too hot or too cold, too snowy or too rainy outside, but inside, there is always plenty to do. Given below are some fun indoor activities that seniors can enjoy while keeping their minds & bodies in shape.

Solve Puzzles

Solving a puzzle is fun at any age, but older adults are likely to benefit more from it. Even studies show that jigsaw puzzles help in keeping the aging brain sharp by targeting those parts which usually deteriorate due to neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s.

Learn a Skill

Learning a new skill is a great way for keeping your cognitive abilities up. To learn something new, you can take help of a family member or turn to tutorials on websites like YouTube where you can learn pretty much everything from knitting, painting, to basic home repair. If you have always been academically inclined, you can even consider taking free online classes to enhance your knowledge of your favorite subject.

Plant an Indoor garden

Growing your own greens in an indoor garden can be fun, especially for the elderly. The best part is that almost all kinds of plants, even tomatoes, can be grown indoors on a table or windowsill. If you need help to get your indoor garden started, you again ask your family members or check out tutorials on YouTube.

These indoor activities are sure to keep you occupied and entertained while providing you a myriad of benefits. Do give them a shot!

To learn about senior home health care in Lakeland, Florida, contact the leading elder care organization in the region – Helping Hand Nursing Services!

Visit https://www.helpinghandnursingservices.com/ or call @ (863) 616-1888 for more info!

Reasons Why The Elderly Should Consider Getting A Pet

All pets, be it a dog, cat, rabbit, or any other animal – have the innate ability to enrich the lives of humans. Especially, when it comes to seniors, having a four-legged companion can be quite life-enhancing. Given below are some compelling reasons why older adults should consider getting a pet. Take a look.

Pet Love Conquers Loneliness

According to a recent survey, 1 in every 5 seniors over sixty years of age is suffering from dementia or a mental health condition. Moreover, many older adults spend far more time alone than they once did. This leads to increased loneliness, isolation, and depression. However, the presence of a pet in their life helps lift their spirit & lighten their mood.

Pets Keep You Moving

A pet goldfish may not be of much help in assisting you with the daily chores; however there are some pets which can do this brilliantly. For example, dogs love to take their owners on walks, which is a great form of exercise for everyone. If you have hearing issues, a pet dog would also let you know when the doorbell or phone rings.

Improves Overall Health

Older adults with pets tend to have lower blood pressure than those who don’t own a furry pal – which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease in the former. Apart from that, having a pet also helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

While a pet may provide you with a number of benefits, it may come with its own set of responsibilities too. While taking care of your pet and ensuring that its needs are met, it is important that the seniors do not forget to take care of their own health. If jugglingthe demands of your pet and your own needsgets stressful, we are here to help you! At Helping Hand Nursing Services, we have well-trained and experienced caregivers to provide you with the best home care in Lakeland, Florida. To learn how we can assist you with your needs, please visit https://www.helpinghandnursingservices.com/ or give us a call @ (863) 616-1888.