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HEALTH TIPS & SIGNS YOU MAY NEED IN-HOME SUPPORT

Gregg Mazza- Certified Senior Advisor

1. Your loved one may have had a mini-stroke, their skin looks dry, they have skin breakdown’s, they have become increasingly more forgetful lately, or they have not had a bowel movement in a few days. There is a possibility that they may not be drinking enough water/fluids. They should drink six to eight 8oz glasses of water per day (unless your doctor tells you specifically to limit your fluid intake). The human body is made up of between 55-90% of water, depending on age, sex, and body type!! Your body needs proper amounts of water to carry out its daily functions and support your health system. One of the biggest issues seniors face is poor hydration. Poor hydration can lead to many health issues including higher risk of stroke or heart attack, skin tears and/or breakdowns, a possible increase in cognitive decline, impacted bowels, and more. If you don’t like water because it’s “tasteless” mix the water with a little bit of juice to give it some flavor. The most common reasons seniors don’t drink enough water/fluids is they don’t like the taste, they forget, they don’t want to go to the bathroom as much or their incontinent.

2. Your loved one is becoming slightly more forgetful. Research suggests that doing brain stretching & mentally stimulating activities may actually slow down the progression of dementia, forgetfulness, and/or Alzheimer’s. Examples of some of these activities may include, following a cooking recipe, organizing your tools or screws in the shed, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, scrap booking, reading a good book and discussing it with a partner.

3. Your loved one has chronic health issues and they have been hospitalized within the last 12 months. 7 of the top 10 most chronic illnesses in seniors can be affected and possibly improved by proper nutrition and physical activity. Eating the right types of foods that are nutrient dense, the right amount of food, staying hydrated, and doing 20-30 minutes of walking (if medically appropriate) at least 3 X week are all important factors that can minimize the risk or reduce the affects of senior related chronic illnesses. Examples of some chronic illnesses that can be affected by proper nutrition and physical activity are: Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Cancer, Chronic Sinusitis, Diabetes, and Visual Impairments.

4. Your loved one is not getting enough activity and you are starting to see signs of functional decline or bruises on their body (which could indicate FALLS). The right amount of functional fitness incorporated into your life can significantly reduce the risk of falling- which is the leading cause of death from trauma in seniors age 60 or older. The right amount depends on your health condition, your balance, and your ability to ambulate. The types of activities can be as basic as progressive walking, low impact aerobics, stretching, yoga, light weights, TaiChi, and more. Consult a professional to find out what might be appropriate for you.

5. Your loved one has missed some medications or you are seeing signs of medication mismanagement. It is critical that you keep an updated record of any medications you are taking including name, dosage, frequency, times and any other instructions for taking. Keep this list in an easily accessible place. Medication Errors count for at least 7,000 deaths in the US, each year.

6. Your loved one is losing weight, you notice they are not eating as much, or eating a lot of prepackaged meals and fast food. Seniors should be eating nutritionally dense foods that are high in fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables. They should be eating foods like high fiber cereals, oatmeal which can reduce blood pressure, fresh fruits and vegetables like spinach and broccoli, foods rich in Omega 3’s such as salmon and other fish. Proper nutrition may help reduce the incidence of or some of the risks associated with chronic health issues that seniors face. Proper nutrition is a critical part to maintaining your health and improving quality of life.

7. Be aware of signs that you, your parents, or your loved one may need a little extra support in the home. Many times you may notice your loved one is showing some of the signs that they may need a little more help in the home. Many people wait and wait until something serious occurs before they step in and recommend additional in-home support or provide it through the family network. Sometimes, they wait too long and their loved one ends up with a break or fracture from a minor fall that can put them in the hospital, nursing home, or rehab center without the chance of ever coming back home. Falls are the leading cause of death among the elderly!!. Some signs your loved one may need additional help in the home are:

a. They are forgetting to pay household bills on time or at all
b. They are not handling or scheduling household repairs
c. They are not preparing or eating regular and healthy meals
d. There is a decline in personal hygiene
e. They are losing track of medications
f. They are becoming less social and/or failing to keep up with household chores
g. They have fallen within the last few months
h. You have seen a decline in their ability to ambulate or they have lost a significant amount of weight

BrightStar is a private duty home health care agency that provides licensed and trained caregivers who come into your home and quickly become an extension of your family. Their goal is to provide support for your loved one(s) utilizing our “integrative wellness” platform to help them stay healthy and reduce the
incidence of falls or functional decline while providing a safe environment for them to “age in place”.

BrightStar Healthcare
Gregg Mazza
Certified Senior Advisor
1-800-976-MORE (6673)
Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, & Pasco Counties- Making More Possible

Disclaimer: This is not official medical advice. You need to consult a physician before implementing any of the ideas or strategies above. Although there is a lot of research validating what I am suggesting, I am not a doctor and cannot legally give you ANY medical advice. Please consult with your primary care
doctor.