Category Archives: Tips

If you’re a caregiver for an older adult, you may have noticed that at times, it’s difficult to connect with your loved one. Maybe they seem depressed and withdrawn, or maybe you’re stuck in a rut with the same routine. Or, dementia may be making communication difficult. How can you engage the older adult in your life, and find meaningful activities to share as a caregiver?

In a joint survey conducted by Humana and the National Council on Aging, 90% of older adults reported that they feel “revitalized” when they spend time with their families. 1 This positive effect on well-being is something you can offer to the older adult you provide care for. There are a few ways to make this easier. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Consider any limitations

It can be easy to see things from only our own perspective. As a caregiver, you might not even be aware of all the limitations your loved one faces. These limitations can prevent them from enjoying activities, or sometimes from even joining them:

• Mobility
• Vision
• Hearing
• Cognitive challenges

Are there activities you know the older adult in your life would like to do, but they seem to avoid them? Are there activities you have suggested but they don’t seem interested? Consider if any limitations could be behind the reluctance.

Maybe there is a similar option that doesn’t involve those limitations; for example, inviting a good friend over for a card game, instead of going to visit. You can even offer to pick up and drive the friend to your loved one’s home.

2. Remove barriers where possible

This brings us to another way to help engage an older adult: removing barriers. By finding ways to make activities accessible despite limitations, a whole new world can open up. Some examples:

• Be an advocate- by joining your loved one at routine doctor’s visits, you can learn more about what kinds of health concerns and limitations they have. This is also an opportunity to ask the doctor if there are ways to help with mobility and other tasks, like a referral to an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) who can help you with ideas to make activities more accessible.

• Improve vision challenges- large print versions of crosswords, books, games, and more can help someone with vision trouble join in more easily. Could a magnifying glass help, or an e-reader that can magnify print? Better yet, offer to read their favorite materials to them. And audiobooks offer an option to share a book aloud together while doing another hands-on task, like a craft.

• Remove physical barriers- a seated walker can allow for rest breaks more easily; a wheelchair can mean the difference between being able to get outdoors for a walk in the fresh air, or being stuck in the house. Teaching older adults to use a simple tablet for video calls can let them stay connected virtually with important people in their lives.

• Offer smaller, simpler versions of larger activities- maybe the person used to love gardening but can’t bend and walk as easily anymore; try container gardening on the porch, or arrange comfortable seating and let them work to pot small plants rather than a whole flowerbed. Or maybe they enjoyed cooking elaborate dishes- aim for simpler recipes, and work together on the tasks involved to prep and bake. Maybe they can help you find a new recipe to try each week!

• Bring entertainment into the home- going out to the movies might be too much, but playing a new release on a big-screen TV, making popcorn, and inviting over friends or family can make it an event at home. Recorded concerts can bring well-loved music to life. What about a comedy night at home?

3. Remember to ask for their input

All of the above ideas are great ways to engage an older adult in your care, but perhaps the most important part of it all is collaboration. What are their ideas? What do they like to do most, or miss the most?

You can get a lot more buy-in when it comes to activities by asking questions and including a person in figuring out the best solutions to be a part of things. What stories can they tell you about their life and favorite memories? Sometimes just listening can give you clues about good activity choices.

4. Encourage companionship to engage an older adult

Loneliness can have major negative consequences for older adults. As limitations in mobility and health problems interfere with getting out of the house, it can be easy for older adults to become isolated. And as one study reported, older adults who identified themselves as lonely had a 45% higher risk of death and a 59% higher risk of health decline. 2

Encouraging companionship for an older adult in your care should be a top priority. Some of the activities that create connections with other people can help your loved one stay more mentally active, too:

• Help them learn something new- maybe they’d like to be able to play a game online with a friend but don’t understand the app. Or there’s a class they’d go to if they could drive- could you take it together?

• Adopt a pet- this isn’t for everyone, but if you’re able to help them care for a pet, you can both enjoy sharing the fun a pet brings, and they can form a bond with an animal friend that is with them 24/7.

• Ask them to teach you a skill you don’t have- maybe you can’t crochet but would like to learn. Interested in gardening but don’t know where to start? Need cooking tips? Older adults have a wealth of experience and often enjoy sharing it and feeling valuable.

• Play a game together- nothing beats game night! Card games, putting together puzzles, board games, and more are all great activities for spending time with an older adult.

• Go for a walk together- not only does this encourage physical exercise, it’s also a great time to have a quiet conversation.

Caregiving is a team effort

No matter which approach you take to engage the older adult in your care, remember that caregiving doesn’t have to fall on one person. If you are a primary caregiver at risk for caregiver burnout, there may be other resources you can lean on. Are there other family members who enjoy gardening more than you do? Maybe they can join once a month. Reading books isn’t your thing? Can another person drop by to read for a while?

Another option to help you keep the older adult in your life engaged and happy is to involve a professional in-home caregiver. Whether it’s for temporary respite care or regular help with daily tasks, a paid caregiver can build a relationship with the person in their care and pick up with activities wherever family caregivers leave off.

If you’re ready to add in-home care to your toolkit of ways to support your loved one, Caresify’s experienced caregivers can provide person-centered care that gives you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one is safe and happy when you can’t be there. For more details, visit our homepage or call 888-799-5007.

 

References

1. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payer/many-seniors-connect-well-being-to-time-they-spend-family
2. https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2012/06/98644/loneliness-linked-serious-health-problems-and-death-among-elderly

Spending time in the kitchen serves the basic function of preparing healthy food to eat, but for many, it’s also a source of enjoyment and the center of social activities in the home.

Over the years, cooking and spending time in the kitchen can become more difficult. Loss of vision, strength, and balance can turn navigating the kitchen into a struggle. Arthritis pain can interfere with simple tasks. Changes in memory can even make the kitchen a confusing or dangerous place.

Especially for older adults who live alone or with one other adult, meal prep in the face of physical challenges becomes a hassle barely worth undertaking.

There are ways to get back into the kitchen and safely enjoy cooking again as an older adult, though. Some simple tips and hacks can improve these challenges and even encourage social interaction around cooking again.

Overcoming Barriers in the Kitchen

Sometimes the easiest solution to improve the kitchen experience for an older adult is to remove common barriers that make cooking more difficult as a person ages. If you’re a caregiver, you might not even be aware of how much the older adult in your life is struggling to perform basic kitchen tasks. Let’s look at some trouble spots that can be improved.

Adaptive kitchen tools & tricks

Difficulties with vision, reaching for items, and grip strength can all interfere with cooking. Thankfully, there are easy adaptations that you can make:

Kitchen utensils

Look for items with large handles, or grips designed to slide over handles that make them easier to grasp. Double-handled pots, pans, cups, mugs, and other kitchen items can be much easier to carry, and safer to manage this way if they’re filled with a hot liquid. Weighted utensils can help people with Parkinson’s tremors control what they’re holding better.

Helpful tools

Jar openers, an electric can opener, rocking knives for chopping, lever-style sink handles, a food processor, non-slip mats for holding mixing bowls in place, and a grabber to reach faraway items can all improve the ease of tasks that require grip strength an older adult might have difficulty with.

You can also use everyday tools you already have in creative ways to make tasks easier. A pizza cutter works just fine on pancakes or waffles. A melon baller can scoop seeds out of peppers. A measuring cup can help you transfer water to a pot, instead of filling the pot and carrying it.

Caregiver help

Having a caregiver available to help can make the kitchen more accessible, too. This doesn’t have to mean an older adult gives up all their independence in the kitchen. A caregiver can assist with moving heavy pots or baking dishes, and tasks like peeling fruits or vegetables if it’s just a little too much to manage. Not only does this allow an older adult to participate in cooking, but it’s also an opportunity for companionship as well.

Organization strategies

Along with new tools and utensils, changing the way the kitchen is organized can make a big difference in how accessible the kitchen is. This is an area you can get creative with, by taking your limitations into account and using the following suggestions where appropriate.

Move items within reach

If balance is a concern, overextending to reach for items can be dangerous and can at the very least discourage an older adult from spending time in the kitchen.

Think about commonly used items in cabinets and move them to lower shelves. Make sure appliances like the mixer and microwave are on counters, not up on shelves. Consider a refrigerator that is side-by-side or has a freezer on the bottom, which puts many frequently-used items at eye level instead of bending and reaching.

Clearly label items to avoid confusion or mix-ups due to poor vision

Memory and vision problems can both make the kitchen harder to navigate. There are some simple hacks you can use that will help overcome both of these challenges.

Re-label items like spices with hand-written, large print labels. Use bright colored tape on knife handles to avoid accidentally grabbing the blade. Label the outside of each cabinet for ease in finding contents.

Use large-print measuring tools and cookbooks. Hang pot holders where they are easy to find. If the refrigerator has an “open door” alarm, be sure it’s set to alert users that the door has accidentally been left ajar. Puffy paint can be used to mark the “off” position on the stove knobs so an older adult with poor vision can make sure they are lined up correctly when they’re done cooking.

Kitchen Safety for Older Adults

Falls, burns, cuts, and kitchen fires are all common safety concerns for older adults. It’s important to give the following safety tips special attention.

General safety tips

• Add extra lighting to the kitchen for better visibility
• Clean up spills immediately
• Keep a regular cleaning schedule to reduce bacteria on surfaces that can cause illness, especially in older adults with compromised immune systems
• Choose plastic over glass when possible to avoid the potential hazard of broken glass
• Don’t use rugs in the kitchen- they are a trip hazard
• Don’t use step stools to reach items
• Make sure the water heater isn’t set above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 1

Kitchen fire safety tips

Cooking fires are responsible for 49% of house fires each year in the US. 2 And even without a fire, burns are a serious concern for older adults who may react slower to fire and heat hazards in the kitchen. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Don’t use the stove if you have taken any medications that make you drowsy, or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Don’t leave the stovetop unattended
• Cook on the back burners if possible, and always turn pan handles away from you
• Use a lid or splash guard/screen to avoid hot oil splatters while frying
• Always set alarms to remind you to check on food
• Keep flammable items like pot holders, food packaging, towels, and curtains away from the stove
• Don’t wear loose or long-sleeved clothing while cooking
• Keep the stove and burners clean of buildup or residue
• Never try to put out a grease fire with water
• Cover burning pans with a lid if possible and leave covered until cooled
• Make sure you have smoke detectors and check them monthly to be sure they are working
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area
• If a fire is out of control, leave the house and call 911. More than half of non-fatal kitchen fire injuries each year are caused by people trying to put out a fire on their own. 3

Using technology in the kitchen for safety

With modern technology comes advances that can improve kitchen safety for older adults. Consider these options:

• Stove shutoff timers that can be pre-set
• The FireAvert, which interacts with your existing smoke detector to shut off the stove in the event of an alarm
• Motion detectors that will turn the stove off if you move too far away, including smart monitoring systems like the iGuardStove, which can send caregivers alerts and allows remote access to safety settings
• Motion-activated lighting that improves visibility in the kitchen
• Voice-controlled smart appliances can increase your mobility and reduce falls in the kitchen– virtually!  (Think about turning on and off appliances from across the room.)

Making Healthy Eating Choices

Last but not least, as an older adult, it’s important to make healthy eating choices while you’re in the kitchen preparing meals. Think about these food and cooking tips:

• Talk to your doctor about the healthiest diet plan for you- Conditions like heart disease and diabetes often require special attention to diet choices. Does your doctor recommend low-carb, low-sugar foods? Should you restrict your sodium intake? Always follow your doctor’s recommendations when planning a menu.

• Cook extra portions and save them for later- it can be hard to scale meals down to one or two servings sizes anyway, and if cooking is labor intensive for you, freezing leftovers gives you simple options to reheat later so you don’t skip meals or reach for pre-packaged substitutes, which are usually high in sodium.

• Consider a grocery delivery service- if getting to the store is challenging, it can reduce the number of fresh fruits and vegetables you are able to keep on hand. Grocery delivery can help solve this issue.

Making the kitchen enjoyable again

By using the kitchen tips and hacks discussed above, you can enjoy cooking again as an older adult, and stay safer and healthier while maintaining your independence in the kitchen.

One last thing to keep in mind: if spending time in the kitchen is an important goal for you, there are many ways a professional in-home caregiver can help you reach that goal. From helping in the kitchen with basic tasks and safety to assisting with transportation for grocery shopping, a caregiver is a valuable resource for older adults aging in place who require extra help with activities of daily living.

If you are interested in learning more about in-home caregiving, Caresify’s expert team is available to answer your questions and help you maintain your independence at home. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

 

References

1. http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/121522/5098.pdf
2. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires
3. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Home-Cooking-Fires

Each year in the United States, there are an average of 346,800 house fires resulting in 2,620 deaths and 11,070 injuries. 1 By themselves, these are concerning statistics. For adults age 65 and older, this is an even more important concern, as this age group represents 30% of all home fire deaths every year. 2

As an older adult, it’s important to recognize that changes in mobility, vision, hearing, and some cases cognition can all increase your risk of fire injury or death. There are steps you can take to improve fire safety around the house and to prepare for a worst-case scenario so that you can avoid a serious outcome if a fire occurs.

Some statistics to be aware of:

• Cooking is a leading cause of house fires, with 49% of all fires caused by this activity 3
• 1 in 20 home fires is related to smoking 4
• Electrical problems are the third leading cause of home fires 5
• Home heating equipment is responsible for 1 in 7 home fires 6

Let’s consider specific tips for fire safety, as well as special situations that may add to fire risk, and discuss how you can develop a fire safety plan that everyone in your household can use.

General fire safety

Every day fire safety is something we should all be practicing. There are common fire hazards around the home that you can be aware of and related safety strategies you can learn to prevent fires.

Home heating

Heat sources are a leading cause of home fires, especially in the winter months. Space heaters account for 81% of home heating-related fire deaths, and 54% of deaths are related to heat sources that were too close to flammable objects. 7 To reduce the risk of fire due to home heating, follow these tips:

• Have your chimney(s) cleaned and inspected at least annually by a professional 8

• Keep items at least 3 feet away from heat sources, including furniture, curtains, and clothing 9

• Never use kitchen appliances to heat your home

• Have your furnace or other heating systems inspected and maintained each year by a professional

• If you use a space heater, make sure it has an automatic shutoff if tipped over

• Don’t leave heat sources unattended- turn off space heaters if you leave the room or go to sleep

Electrical hazards

Home wiring, plugs, outlets, cords, lighting, and electrical appliances can all contribute to electricity-related home fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 10% of all fires are related to electrical sources. 10

You can follow these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration to reduce your risk of electrical fires: 11

• Don’t overload extension cords, and replace damaged extension cords right away

• Don’t overload outlets or power strips

• Plug major appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) directly into wall outlets, never extension cords

• Unplug small appliances when not in use (or consider smart plugs that will turn them off automatically)

• Don’t use items with damaged cords

• Keep flammable items away from lighting and light bulbs

• Don’t allow cords to be pinched or damaged

• Be sure plugs are fully seated in outlets

• Have any electrical work done by a licensed professional

Clothes dryers

This appliance deserves special attention, as it is responsible for 2,900 home fires each year, with 34% of these fires caused by a failure to clean the dryer. 12 Some simple tips can help you avoid home fires due to clothes dryers:

• Always clean the lint filter between each load

• Clean the lint vent every 3 months 13

• Be sure the dryer vent hose is not crushed or pinched

• Have the dryer and vent system professionally cleaned regularly, especially if it is taking longer to dry

• Be sure the electrical cord is connected correctly to the dryer and plugged into the correct outlet designed for dryers only

• The dryer outlet on the exterior of the home should have a covering that keeps out debris and animals but doesn’t obstruct air flow

• Don’t use the dryer to dry flammable items like foam or rubber

• Don’t use a dryer that you know has a clogged lint filter or vent

• Don’t leave the dryer running when you are asleep or away from home

Smoking

Along with health risks related to smoking, there are also fire hazards connected to this habit. Each year, 5% of home fires and 23% of home fire deaths are related to smoking. 14

The best way to prevent this risk is to quit smoking. You can have a conversation with your doctor about the best ways to quit successfully, or the National Quit Smoking hotline offers free resources and coaching to help you succeed. You can call this hotline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Other tips to reduce smoking-related fire risks:

• Never smoke in bed
• Smoking outside is the safest choice, rather than inside the home
• Don’t smoke after taking medication that makes you sleepy, or after using alcohol or drugs
• Be sure cigarettes are put out completely, and never leave them lit when not in use
• Use ashtrays with a wide base that won’t tip
• NEVER smoke around medical oxygen, which can explode

Other fire sources around the house

Along with the above sources, there are some other household fire culprits that should always be handled carefully. Never leave the following items in and around the home unattended or use them near items that can easily burn:

• Candles
• BBQ grills
• Wood stoves and fireplaces
• Holiday decorations like Christmas tree lights

Next, we’ll discuss kitchen safety in detail, as it’s a major fire safety concern.

Kitchen safety and fires

Because cooking fires are a major source of home fires and injuries, it’s especially important to take steps to avoid this concern. For older adults with memory issues like dementia, accidentally leaving the stove unattended can have serious consequences and increases this risk. Caregivers should take additional precautions to help these older adults reduce the chances of a kitchen fire happening.

Basic cooking safety tips

Always be sure to follow these everyday kitchen safety practices:

• Don’t use the stove if you have taken any medications that make you drowsy, or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Don’t leave the stovetop unattended

• Always set alarms to remind you to check on food

• Keep flammable items like pot holders, food packaging, towels, and curtains away from the stove

• Don’t wear loose or long-sleeved clothing while cooking

• Keep the stove and burners clean of buildup or residue

• Never try to put out a grease fire with water

• Cover burning pans with a lid if possible and leave covered until cooled

• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area

Technology for kitchen fire safety

Smoke alarms should always be present in the home and they aid with fire safety in the kitchen, but there are some great ways that newer technologies can help with this, too. For older adults with dementia, these technologies can help caregivers prevent cooking fires when they aren’t able to supervise– and they can increase safety for any older adult.

Here are some examples:

• Stove shutoff timers that can be pre-set

• The FireAvert, which interacts with your existing smoke detector to shut off the stove in the event of an alarm

• Motion detectors that will turn the stove off if you move too far away, including smart monitoring systems like the iGuardStove, which can send caregivers alerts and allows remote access to safety settings

Special circumstances to consider for fire safety

While the technology described above can help reduce concerns– especially where dementia is involved– there are a few other health and age-related circumstances that can affect fire safety, too. If the following situations apply to you or your loved one, you need to take additional precautions:

• Mobility issues
• Vision problems
• Hearing loss
• Oxygen use

Mobility issues

If mobility is challenging for you, preparing ahead for a fire should include planning for any limitations. Here are some basic tips:

• Sleep on the ground floor of your home (or try to live in a first-floor apartment if possible)
• Always keep mobility devices close by especially when sleeping
• Ensure fire exits are not blocked
• Make your local fire department aware of your mobility limitations
• If you live with others and stairs are a barrier, consider having a portable emergency stretcher available

Vision and hearing problems

It is common for vision and hearing problems to increase with aging, and special steps should be taken to improve safety for older adults who might be impacted by these difficulties in a fire emergency.

For vision problems:

• Identify escape routes in your home and practice using them so that you can find your way out in an emergency
• Be sure working smoke detectors are in the home
• Notify your local fire department that you have a visual impairment
• Keep your planned escape paths free of clutter and other obstacles
• Consider brightly lit emergency exit signs or lights to increase visibility in a fire

For hearing problems:

• Use smoke detectors with bright strobe light effects to notify of fire
• Look for devices that interact with smoke detectors to emit a low-pitched sound that is easier for older adults to hear
• Use a bed or pillow shaking alarm system to alert a sleeping person who is hearing impaired
• Notify your local fire department that you are hearing impaired

Oxygen use and fire precautions

Home oxygen use increases the risk of fire because oxygen is highly flammable and even a small spark can cause an explosion or fire. If you use home oxygen, it is extremely important to take extra steps to avoid this hazard. The NFPA recommends: 15

• Never, ever smoke when oxygen is in use.
• Candles, matches, wood stoves, and any other source of a spark should not be used in the home
• Keep oxygen cylinders at least 5 feet from any heat source, open flame, or electrical devices
• Hand lotion, body oil, and other greasy substances can catch fire easily- don’t use them near oxygen
• Aerosol sprays that are combustible should never be used near oxygen

In addition, posting clear “no smoking” signs where oxygen is in use can remind others to avoid smoking. Store oxygen canisters away from heat sources and in an upright position.

Have a safety plan

Along with all of the previously discussed precautions, it’s critical that you have a safety plan in the event of a fire, and that everyone in your family is aware of it. Let’s look at some basic components of a safety plan:

Smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are the anchor point for any fire safety plan because they alert you to the presence of a fire in time to escape safely. Even though 90% of US households have smoke detectors, it’s estimated that 20% of them don’t work due to dead or missing batteries. 16

The Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that smoke alarms be installed on every level of the home and outside each bedroom, and all smoke alarms should be tested monthly.

Evacuation plan

You should know ahead of time what to do if you spot a fire or are warned of fire by your smoke alarms. There are several key tips to follow in creating a safe evacuation plan:

• Keep glasses, hearing aids, and a cell phone in reach of where you sleep

• Along with notifying the local fire department of any vision, hearing, or mobility problems, it can be helpful to alert neighbors and building managers ahead of emergencies, too

• Think about 2 ways you can safely get out of any room, and practice ahead of time

• Make sure all doors and windows in the home are easy to open

• Remember to crawl low to the ground to avoid smoke

• Always check to see if door handles are hot before opening any doors in a fire. If they are, use another exit from the room like a window

• Never use an elevator to escape a fire- use stairs instead

• Choose a safe meeting spot outside and away from the home where everyone should gather, so there is no confusion about who might still be in the house

• Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Get out quickly, call 911, and stay out

• Practice your entire evacuation plan with everyone in the home at least twice a year

Some final thoughts

Following the fire safety tips in this guide can both help you avoid a fire in the first place, and escape without injury if one occurs.

If mobility, vision, and hearing issues are a concern for you, communication is key. Talk to friends, neighbors, family, and the local fire department about your limitations and plans in case of a fire.

Don’t forget to involve any professional caregivers in your safety precautions and plans. They can help you maintain safe habits like regularly checking smoke detectors and using smart technology around the house to avoid hazards. It’s also important they’re aware of your evacuation plans and meeting spot in emergencies.

With some attention to these factors, you can rest more easily knowing your risk of fire, injury, and fire-related death is decreased.

If you’re considering in-home care to assist with mobility, everyday needs, and special precautions like fire safety, Caresify’s professional team can help you meet these needs. You can learn more here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

1. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires
2. https://www.osfc.pa.gov/FireSafety/Pages/Elderly%20Adult%20Fire%20Injury%20and%20Prevention.aspx
3. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires
4. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Smoking-Materials
5. https://www.esfi.org/home-electrical-fires/
6. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Heating-equipment
7. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Heating-equipment
8. https://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/faqs/
9. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating
10. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Electrical
11. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/electrical.html
12. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/clothes_dryers.html
13. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/clothes_dryers.html
14. https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Smoking-Materials?gclsrc=aw.ds&?order_src=G054&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0JiXBhCFARIsAOSAKqBCAwwoeOR84_-wLJ6QMXmRghyeVcpqiH-RfMxI6DebqhtH_Kvi10saAs2rEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
15. https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/OxygenSafety.ashx
16. https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2003/CPSC-Warns-Millions-of-Americans-Have-Smoke-Alarms-that-Dont-Work

July marks UV Safety Awareness month, a topic all older adults should be familiar with as part of healthy skin care and skin cancer prevention.

Ultraviolet radiation, known as UV radiation, is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is made by the sun. Because our skin is directly exposed to UV rays from the sun when we’re outside, it can be damaged by this exposure.

Understanding UV radiation and UV safety are especially important during the summer months when more time is spent outdoors. But regardless of the time of year, taking simple precautions to protect your skin from UV damage should be a priority.

Read on for more details and some easy steps you can incorporate into your daily routine!

The basics: UV radiation

Although UV radiation can come from some artificial sources (like tanning beds), the most common source of UV radiation is sunlight. 1 UV radiation is a type of energy.

There are three types of UV radiation:

• UVA- long UV wavelengths with lower energy, easily transmitted through the atmosphere. 95% of UV rays that reach your skin are UVA rays. 2

• UVB- shorter UV wavelengths with higher energy, partially transmitted through the atmosphere.

• UVC- the shortest UV wavelength with the highest energy, blocked completely by the ozone layer in the atmosphere.

Because UVA and UVB rays reach the earth, these are the parts of UV radiation that commonly cause skin damage.

The amount of UV radiation reaching the earth depends on many factors, including where you are located, the time of year, the time of day, cloud cover, and more. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) forecasts the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) by zipcode so that you can see how high UV levels are in your area each day. The higher the number, the higher the level of UV radiation your skin is exposed to.

Risks due to UV exposure

There are several established risks to UV exposure. These include:

• Skin damage
• Skin cancer
• Eye damage
• Immune system damage

It’s worth mentioning again that although sunlight is the main source of UV exposure, using tanning beds can also cause the same damage caused by UV radiation from sunlight.

Let’s look more closely at each of these possible problems due to UV exposure.

Skin damage

Because UV radiation causes DNA damage to cells, it can cause premature aging of the skin, sometimes called photoaging. The EPA notes that 90% of skin changes thought to be related to aging are caused by sun exposure. 3

Symptoms of skin damage due to UV exposure include wrinkles, thick or leathery skin, brown spots (sometimes called liver spots), and a condition called actinic keratosis. These are red, rough-textured skin growths that often appear on the face, arms, hands, or neck. If you find a growth that looks like this, you should have it checked by a doctor.

Skin cancer

Actinic keratosis can be a precancerous growth, and several types of skin cancer have been connected to UV exposure. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, and over 1 million non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year. 4 Skin cancers caused by UV exposure include:

• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

The CDC recommends contacting your doctor if you notice any changes to an existing mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a new growth you haven’t noticed before, especially if it changes rapidly. 5

Eye damage

UV exposure can also affect the eyes. Some eye conditions related to UV exposure include:

• Photokeratitis (similar to a sunburn of the eye)
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration
• Pterygium (where tissue grows on the eye’s surface)
• Cancer of the eye

Immune system damage

The World Health Organization notes that UV exposure has several negative effects on the immune system by suppressing it: 6

• Potential development of skin cancers
• Increased risk of bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections
• Reduced vaccine effectiveness

UV safety tips

With all of these established risks to UV exposure, what safety tips can you follow to reduce UV damage?

The CDC recommends taking safety measures anytime the UV index is 3 or higher. 7 They also note that less than 50 percent of older adults do so, despite higher rates of skin cancer in this age group. 8 There are several things you can do to counter harmful rays from the sun:

• Seek shade- being in the shade partially reduces UV exposure, but not fully. 9 It’s a good strategy to use in combination with other protective measures, though. It can also help you to avoid overheating in high temperatures.

• Wear protective clothing- long sleeves can help block some UV rays, and tightly woven clothing may be more protective. Look for clothing that is UPF rated. Clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher can earn the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Approval. 10 Dark-colored clothing may also offer better protection than lighter clothing.

• Wear sunscreen- this is an important strategy to reduce UV damage. It’s recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 (some organizations recommend at least SPF 30 for outdoor activities). Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming. 11

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat- a hat can help shield your face, neck, and eyes from UV exposure.

• Wear sunglasses- don’t forget your eyes! You can reduce UV exposure by wearing protective sunglasses. The FDA recommends using sunglasses with a UV 400 rating or “100% UV protection” on the label. 12

UV safety is an important part of your health

It’s also important to keep the above tips in mind if you are a caregiver for an older adult. Older adults with dementia, for example, may not be aware of skin damage like sunburn happening and may not report discomfort. Establishing a routine for applying sunscreen and making sure that any professional caregivers have access to sun-protective clothing, accessories, and extra sunscreen is important.

As you can see, there are many reasons to incorporate UV safety into your daily self-care activities. Whether you’re at home this summer or traveling, and trying to enjoy the health benefits of getting outdoors, it’s easy to avoid both the short and long-term consequences of UV exposure with a few extra steps.

If you’re looking for in-home caregiver services to help with daily care tasks like implementing UV safety, Caresify can help! You can read more about available care here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/ultraviolet-uv-radiation
2. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/uv-radiation.html
3. https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/health-effects-uv-radiation#aging
4. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/cancer/skin-cancer/causes-skin-cancer/effects-uv-exposure.html
5. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/symptoms.htm
6. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/Radiation-effects-of-ultraviolet-(uv)-radiation-on-the-skin-eyes-and-immune-system
7. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
8. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/older-adults-protect-skin-sun.htm
9. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/healthy-skin-made-in-the-shade/
10. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/
11. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
12. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses

The free time afforded by retirement means that travel is a high priority for older adults. Many adventures that were not possible in younger years due to job and family obligations are no longer on hold as an older adult.

Travel is on the rise again for older adults as COVID-19 restrictions ease, as well. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 67% of adults age 50 and above plan to travel in 2022. 1

Changes that are a part of aging, like managing medical conditions or reduced mobility, don’t have to threaten travel plans. With planning, your next trip can go smoothly and your time can be spent focusing on fun and memories.

Choosing and planning a destination

Before you book your itinerary, there are a few things to consider. You can avoid becoming overextended by carefully choosing your destination to match any needs and limitations you may have. You should also plan your lodging with the same factors in mind.

Limitations due to health or mobility

If you experience any chronic health conditions, it can be helpful to have a conversation with your doctor before planning a trip. Are there any restrictions to your activity? Do they recommend you stay within a certain distance of any specific medical services?

For those who need assistance with mobility, ensuring that the destination is accommodating is important. Underdeveloped areas with uneven streets may be hazardous or impassable for someone who needs to use assistive devices like a wheelchair, cane, or walker. Are there a lot of stairs where you’re going, or are elevators available? Disability accommodations are not available in every country outside the US.

Planning for extra rest breaks may also be necessary. You may wish to consider a central location for your hotel stay– within a short distance of the sights you’re hoping to see. This way excursions are shorter, and you can return to your hotel easily to rest.

Choose your lodging based on needs

It’s easy to take for granted the comforts of home, where everything you use is likely set up for your needs. Whether you stay in a hotel, a rental home, or other lodgings, there are some questions you may want to find the answers to before you book:

• Will an elevator be needed to access the ground floor, and how close is it to the room?

• Is the bathroom large enough for a wheelchair?

• Are there grab bars in the shower? What about a walk-in shower?

• How many steps are there into and out of the building? What about between living areas like the bedroom and kitchen?

• Are there any hills to walk up to access where you’ll be staying?

• Is parking guaranteed close to the door?

• How high is the bed?

Consider the weather

Extremes in climate can be harder on older adults, especially if there are underlying medical concerns. Spending too much time in the heat, for example, can be dangerous. Consider the weather local to your destination, and plan your trip at a time of year that allows access to outdoor destinations comfortably and safely.

The basics: what to bring

You’ve picked your destination and arranged your travel plans. What should you be sure to pack for the trip? You will need to consider whether any special requirements apply due to your needs, and plan ahead. Once you’re at your destination, some important items may be hard to replace if you don’t have them with you.

Plan ahead for medications

This could easily be number one on your list. You don’t want to be in a situation where important medications aren’t available for the duration of your travel! Some medication tips for traveling:

1. Find out if any of your medications are prohibited at your destination

Certain medications are banned in some countries, or even considered illegal to carry. Common examples include controlled substances like pain medication or ADHD treatments. You can start with your airline to make sure flying with your medications isn’t restricted. At your destination, if it is outside the US, the US embassy may be able to help you answer this question

2. Be sure you have enough to last your trip

Getting a refill while on the road may be difficult. If you are limited on refills and will need to fill your medication while on vacation, be sure you know where a pharmacy is that could fill it, and what steps need to be taken ahead of time if any.

Within the US, it may be as simple as visiting another location within the same chain you already use. Or you may need to have your doctor call in a refill to a new pharmacy after you arrive.

If you’re traveling outside the US, you may need to check with your insurance to see how certain medications are covered and filled in these situations. You may need to coordinate with your doctor to make sure your prescription is written for enough doses to last through a long trip. Specialty drugs can have especially strict requirements that need pre-approval for extra refills.

Finally, certain controlled substances often cannot be refilled within a set number of days. Or, they may have limits on the number of pills that you can fill within a window of time based on your doctor’s prescription.

For example, if you’ve just filled a 30-day supply of your narcotic pain medication, and accidentally leave it at home, you may not be able to fill it again– at least not in a quantity to last the trip. Always double-check your bag to make sure you have all your medications.

3. Plan for any special medication handling needs

Liquid medications, syringes, and cold medications can require special handling for travel. Always check with any airline ahead of time to make sure you’re following any rules they have for traveling with these kinds of medications.

For medications that need to stay cold, be sure you have cold packs or cold storage options that will keep them at the correct temperature for however long you’ll be away from a refrigerator. (On that note, be sure your destination has access to refrigeration for your medications as well.)

4. Be sure to carry your medications with you

Don’t risk getting separated from your medication. Pack them in a carry-on bag, in their individual containers, and clearly labeled. Include a list of all your medications and what you take them for. Include any documentation from your doctor if required by your airline or destination.

Bring any assistive devices for mobility

Canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and even electric scooters are allowed on airplanes. Smaller items like canes can accompany you to the seating area; if you need a wheelchair to get to your seat, the airline can provide you with one that fits down the aisle. They’ll even bring your larger equipment from the cargo area to help you exit the plane on landing if you request it.

Think about ways to pack light

The more you have to carry, the more difficult it is to get to your destination, especially if you have mobility challenges. Check ahead to see if where you will be staying offers a washer and dryer- if it does, you can pack fewer outfits. Consider whether one multi-purpose pair of comfortable walking shoes can be used instead of multiple options.

An e-reader saves space compared to more than one book. A passport holder that you can wear around your neck keeps IDs, credit cards, and cash safe and eliminates a purse if you normally carry one. Small travel-sized toiletries take up less space in a bag.

If you do have to check a bag at the airport and mobility is a concern, be sure to let your airline know that you’ll need assistance to get to baggage claim once the flight lands.

General travel tips

There are a few basic things you’ll want to keep in mind for any type of travel, along with the suggestions mentioned above.

• Be sure you have travel insurance- most Medicare policies do not cover health care outside of the US, so emergency medical coverage for travel is a must if you’re traveling internationally. 2 The right kind of travel insurance can also help cover expensive non-refundable fees if you’re unable to complete part or all of your trip for any reason.

• Look into a personal aide- if you need assistance with personal care and daily tasks and will not be traveling with family or a friend who can help, some paid personal care aides will travel with you. If you’re already using a care service, you can ask if this is something they offer.

• Consider a guided tour- tours can take the guesswork and hassle out of finding your way around popular locations and can help you with planning ahead for considerations like how long you’ll be out and where to stop for food. There are even tours that are specifically geared for older adults. Wheelchair-bound? You can check out WheelchairTravel.org for suggestions.

• Explore cruise options- a cruise can be a great choice if you want to sightsee and relax without a lot of walking. Not only is your room close by for resting whenever you choose, but there are usually plenty of fun activities to pick from. If you do choose shore excursions, be sure they are accessible if you have mobility limitations.

• Plan your time wisely- remember that rest breaks are important and consider your endurance level before filling the whole day with activities. Navigating unfamiliar areas to find accessible bathrooms, elevators, etc. can take extra time, too. Try to pick shorter excursions and activities if you’re limited by health or mobility concerns.

Air travel tips

There are some basics to keep in mind about air travel, especially if getting around and waiting in long lines is difficult for you. Keep these tips in mind:

• Checking in ahead of time online saves time

• For security screening ease, you can apply ahead of time for TSA PreCheck, which means you won’t have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets and reduces your wait time to an average of less than 5 minutes. 3

• Expedited boarding is available for passengers that need extra help due to mobility challenges- check with your airline for how this is handled.

• If you have a connecting flight, you can request assistance getting between gates if you need help due to mobility challenges.

• Talk to your doctor ahead of air travel about the risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot that can form during air travel or when seated for long periods. 4 They may recommend extra precautions for the trip, such as blood thinners or compression stockings.

Road travel trips

While road travel can be more flexible in some ways than air travel, there are still some things you’ll want to keep in mind while in the car:

• Long rides can be hard on your spine and hips. Make sure to take a break every 2 hours or so, and get out and stretch and move around.

• Taking breaks and moving will also help reduce the risk of DVT on car trips. You can also stretch, gently pedal, and flex your legs in the car frequently while riding.

• Pack healthy snacks to reduce the need to stop for convenience and fast foods, which can be loaded with excess sodium- something that doesn’t go well with many health conditions.

• Be sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated, too.

• Make sure you have roadside emergency essentials with you like a flashlight, jumper cables, and in cold weather, extra blankets.

• If you’re driving alone, be sure your family knows your route, planned stops, and when you intend to arrive at your destination.

By planning ahead, you can fully enjoy your travel

As you can see, there are some important steps to take to plan ahead for a safe and healthy trip. By making sure you’ve prepared for your needs, you can enjoy your travel adventures without worry.

If having a professional caregiver with you for your trip would help you maintain your independence and take full advantage of your travel plans, Caresify’s home care services include assistance with travel. You can learn more about how caregiver services can meet your daily needs by reading about Caresify here, or by calling 888-799-5007.

 

References

1. https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/life/info-2022/2022-travel-trends.html
2. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/travel-outside-the-u.s.
3. https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
4. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/dvt

For seniors with long-term care needs, the cost of care can be a source of stress and worry. What type of care is needed and the cost associated with it will vary from person to person.

There are many options you can use to help you cover the cost of this care, depending on where you live, your income level, and other factors. Learning about these options can help you get the care you need.

In this guide, we’ll look at several approaches to paying for care, and then share resources you can use to help you find out more information about these options.

What kind of costs can I expect?

According to Genworth Financial, an insurance company specializing in the financial challenges of aging, these were the median annual expenses related to senior care in 2021: 1

• In-home care: $61,776
• Nursing home (private room): $108,405
• Assisted living facility: $54,000

It’s projected that 52% of seniors 65 and older will need long-term care services for 2 years or less, and 1 in 7 may need care for more than 5 years. 2 It’s easy to see how these costs can quickly add up.

Financing care on your own: paying for expenses out of pocket

If you’ve saved toward your long-term care expenses as a senior, this may be the first option you reach for, especially if you encounter barriers to long-term care insurance coverage. It is estimated that 1 in 6 seniors will pay $100,000 out of pocket towards long-term care costs. 3

To offset this, many seniors will rely on close friends and family to meet care needs. Each year, 53 million unpaid caregivers provide care to family or friends, 17% of which care for an adult 50 years of age or older. 4

Care needs can often increase with time, however, and some form of paid caregiving often has to be added to meet that demand. Adult day care centers, in-home care providers, and assisted living facilities are some options used in these situations.

Private financing options to cover gaps

If existing savings aren’t enough to cover the cost of care, there are a few options seniors can use to privately finance these expenses. As with any financial decision, it’s always best to consult with a financial advisor before choosing one of these options.

1. Long-term care insurance

It’s best to put this choice in place before chronic or serious health problems develop. It can be purchased individually or as part of group long-term care insurance, such as through an employer.

When a person has a long-term care policy, it can be accessed to pay for care when it is needed. If you already have health concerns and need long-term care insurance, it’s unlikely you will be approved for a policy.

2. Life insurance

As an alternative to long-term care insurance, a life insurance policy can be used to pay for long-term care. There are a couple of ways to do this. One option is to purchase a life insurance policy with a long-term care rider, also called hybrid life insurance. This may be easier to qualify for than long-term care insurance if you have a chronic health condition and may cover some of the cost of long-term care.

Another option is to cash out your current life insurance policy. This can involve taking an advance against the final payout your beneficiaries would receive at the time of your death (meaning their payout would be reduced). Or you can also consider selling it for its current value, especially if you are age 70 or above. 5 This is called a long-term care life settlement.

3. Reverse mortgages

This type of mortgage is designed to help older adults use the value of their home to finance whatever needs they may have, without repayment until they leave the home (or pass away). This can have fees and high costs tied to it. Because reverse mortgages can be complicated, you should always discuss this decision with a financial advisor.

4. Certain types of trusts

Personal assets can be placed in a trust, allowing a person to pass them to a beneficiary at the time of death. There are different legal ways to set these up, typically with assistance from an attorney. A Medicaid disability trust or a charitable remainder trust are two types of trusts that use assets to pay for long-term care.

5. Annuities

This is a type of investment that pays a set income on a regular schedule, based on the original amount invested. Special annuities for long-term care or with long-term care riders offer extra benefits to help pay for care.

6. Short-term care insurance

An option to potentially offset costs for a short time, usually a year or less. While this doesn’t offer the same degree of benefits as a long-term care policy, it may be better than no policy at all.

Alternatives to paying out of pocket

Along with paying long-term care costs from personal savings or through financing, there are several government options available to help cover the total cost. Most seniors find that they need some combination of these. It’s not unusual even after careful planning for someone to find they have underestimated their potential need for care, or how expensive it can be.

Let’s take a closer look at the available options:

Medicare

Because Medicare is insurance coverage for medical care for adults age 65 and older, it does not cover long-term care costs. It does cover short-term nursing home stays related to medical conditions, in-home healthcare (which does not include assistance with activities of daily living from a paid caregiver), and hospice care if a doctor has certified that a person likely has 6 months or less to live.

Medicaid

For people who fall below a certain income level, Medicaid is a state and federal program to help cover healthcare costs. It also may cover long-term care in certain situations. This coverage depends on the state in which you live.

Veterans Affairs benefits

If you are eligible for veteran’s benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers coverage for long-term care including adult day care services, respite care, skilled home health care, home health aide services, and a geriatric evaluation to assess needs and develop a care plan. 6

Social Security programs

These programs can offer financial assistance to people with medical disabilities. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people aged 65 and under, and Social Security Income (SSI) applies to those above the age of 65. Although getting approval for these benefits can take several months, there are some conditions like Alzheimer’s disease that qualify for Compassionate Allowances, which speed up the approval process.

Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Although this program is not available in every state, if you’re in an area that participates it can help cover expenses for care at home. The program was designed to help seniors stay in their own homes as long as possible.

PACE provides assistance with both medical care and home care services. This includes skilled nursing, personal care, chore services, meal preparation, and more. 7 To qualify, you must: 8

• Be 55 or older
• Live in an area serviced by a PACE organization
• Need a nursing home-level of care (as certified by your state)
• Be able to live safely in the community with PACE assistance

Resources you can use to find aid

As you can see, there are many ways to fund the cost of long-term care. Some of these may be a good fit for your situation, and others may not. To further sort out eligibility and which approaches can help you move forward with your care needs, there are several resources you can use:

1. The National Council on Aging (NCOA)

This private organization has a free service called BenefitsCheckup that can help you find federal and state programs that you may be eligible for. The various programs offer assistance with challenges like housing costs, medications, heating bills, meal programs, and more.

To learn more, you can go to the BenefitsCheckup website, or call 1-571-527-3900.

2. Government benefits programs

To find out more about the various programs offered at federal, state, and local levels, you can contact any one of these resources:

• The Benefits.gov website, or call 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636)
• Medicare benefits: through the Medicare website or call 1-800-633-4227
• Medicaid benefits: through the Medicaid website or call 1-877-267-2323
• The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), offers both counseling and assistance to those on Medicare and Medicaid programs: through the SHIP website or at 1-877-839-2675
• The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): through their website, or at 1-877-222-8387. You can also read more on their Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support page.
• Social Security Administration Programs: online here, or call 1-800-772-1213
• PACE benefits: information is available at the PACE website, the Medicare PACE info page, or you can call 1-877-267-2323.

Planning for long-term care is important

Even if you don’t need long-term care now, it’s important to plan for the possibility. The more you know about the options discussed above and how you can use them, the better prepared you can be.

Most seniors- as many as 90% surveyed- would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. 9 As previously mentioned, in-home care is a more affordable option than a private room in a nursing home. But to allow for this, saving ahead if possible and enrolling in long-term care insurance now (if you meet the criteria to do so) can help you to be able to choose in-home care when the need arises.

If you’re deciding now on in-home care services, the above programs can help you with affordability, so you can get the support you need. In-home professional care can also supplement unpaid caregiving provided by friends and family so that caregivers avoid burnout. It’s a win-win situation for many seniors and their families.

If you’re interested in learning more about this type of care and how it could work for you with the resources provided above, the team at Caresify is happy to assist with the best possible personalized care. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

1. https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care/cost-of-care-trends-and-insights.html
2. https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/long-term-services-supports-older-americans-risks-financing-research-brief-0
3. https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/long-term-services-supports-older-americans-risks-financing-research-brief-0
4. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/info-2020/unpaid-family-caregivers-report.html
5. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/paying-care
6. https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/VA_Long_Term_Care_Services.asp
7. http://www.pace4you.org/pace%C2%AE-services
8. https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/pace
9. https://gero.usc.edu/students/current-students/careers-in-aging/the-value-of-aging-in-place/

From time to time, everyone experiences stress and worry. When coping with worries becomes overwhelming, these feelings can develop into more than just a passing concern– they can become an anxiety disorder. There are several types of anxiety disorders. How do you know if you have one, and what should you do if you struggle with more than temporary symptoms?

Knowing the answers to these questions is an important part of staying healthy both mentally and physically. Anxiety disorders are very common- the most common mental health concern in the US, touching the lives of 40 million adults every year, with only 36.9% of them seeking treatment.1

Let’s take a closer look at symptoms of anxiety and some tips for coping with it.

Not just occasional worrying

Especially in recent years, everyday stress and fear about concerns like the COVID-19 pandemic have caused many of us to worry. But anxiety is not just occasional worrying. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety involves persistent fears and worries that do not go away and may even get worse with time. 2

When a person has anxiety, they may notice these signs and symptoms:

• A constant feeling of dread
• Irritability
• Trouble sleeping (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
• Stomach upset
• Headaches
• Body aches/tension
• Difficulty concentrating
• Inability to control feelings of worry
• Feeling on edge, restless, or “wound up”
• Fatigue

In some cases, especially when anxiety leads to a panic attack, people can experience:

• Sweating profusely
• Trembling
• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Chest pain
• Tingling sensation all over
• Feeling out of control

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety can be caused by several factors, but it’s important to know that anxiety is not caused by personal flaws or failings. Here are some possible reasons a person can develop anxiety:

• Medical causes- some diseases can lead to anxiety, like heart disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems

• Use of drugs and alcohol- alcohol, some classes of prescription medications, and illicit drugs can all lead to anxiety symptoms, especially if someone experiences withdrawal

• Medication side effects- ask your doctor if any of your medications could be causing anxiety symptoms, especially if symptoms appeared suddenly with a new medication

• Trauma and abuse- people who experience trauma or abuse are more likely to develop anxiety, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Chronic stress- living with stress, due to ongoing personal challenges or health conditions, for example, can eventually cause chronic anxiety

• Genetic predisposition- having close relatives with a history of anxiety can mean a higher risk of developing anxiety yourself

• Other mental health conditions- anxiety often occurs alongside problems like depression

Different forms of anxiety

Commonly, anxiety can be a chronic problem that is a general concern. Sometimes it can also be focused on one specific trigger, such as seen with phobias. Here are a few  types of anxiety to be familiar with:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)- ongoing anxiety, often lasting months or years, that interferes with daily life.

• Panic disorder- sudden episodes of anxiety that cause intense feelings of terror and panic. They last for several minutes or more before passing and can lead to worrying about the panic attack happening again.

• Social anxiety- feeling embarrassed or self-conscious in social situations to the point of avoiding social contact due to fear of being judged by others.

• Specific phobias- fear of specific situations or objects that often leads to panic attacks and a strong need to avoid those situations.

What to do if you think you have anxiety

Because anxiety can be treated just like any other medical condition, it’s important not to ignore the signs and symptoms when they happen. Any time symptoms of anxiety disrupt your ability to enjoy everyday life, there are ways you can seek help.

This is especially important if you have suicidal thoughts- this is a medical emergency and you should seek help right away. To reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline you can call or text 988, or chat online at https://988lifeline.org/.

Here are some steps you can take if you think you have anxiety:

1. Talk to your doctor

Your doctor can review your symptoms with you and look for any medical causes of anxiety. You can also ask about your current medications and whether they could be causing or worsening anxiety. Once medical concerns have been ruled out, your doctor can make recommendations about how to treat the anxiety, including medications that can help.

2. Seek therapy

The most common form of therapy for treating anxiety is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is highly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms and can work in as little as 12-16 weeks. 3

A therapist can help you develop strategies for coping with the feelings caused by stress and anxiety. If you’re not sure where to start, your doctor can be a good source for a recommendation.

3. Try complementary and alternative treatment

Along with help from your primary healthcare provider and therapist, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can help people with anxiety manage their symptoms. This can involve several approaches:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Acupuncture
• Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises

Always be sure to talk to your doctor or mental health professional first about whether these strategies are recommended for your situation.

4. Ask friends and family for support

If stress and challenges with your health and everyday care needs are leading to anxiety, it can help to let your loved ones know that you need help.

Anxiety is common in seniors and may develop in as many as 10-20% of older adults.4 Many seniors are embarrassed or afraid of being a burden to their loved ones and don’t talk about their challenges. Worries include affording medications, being afraid of falls, and concerns about living alone.

If your family and friends don’t know that you need help, they can’t be involved in reducing your stress. And sometimes getting some extra support with everyday challenges can have a big impact. Combined with treatment from your doctor, this support can reduce anxiety levels significantly.

Don’t wait if anxiety is decreasing your quality of life

Taking care of your mental health has a big impact on not only quality of life, but quantity. Research shows that mental health disorders like anxiety actually age the body faster. 5

With this in mind, don’t wait if you are noticing symptoms of anxiety. Taking the steps discussed here can get you on the road to better mental and physical health.

Additionally, if you’re a senior who is experiencing stress and anxiety due to difficulty with meeting self-care needs at home, involving an in-home care service can be a good strategy to alleviate some worries. Along with daily help with care needs and increasing safety at home, knowing that you’re not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges can reduce stress.

These coping strategies have helped many others find relief from struggles with anxiety and stress.

If you’d like to make caregiving help a part of your strategy to beat anxiety, Caresify’s expert and professional caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with any care needs. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

 

References

1. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
3. https://adaa.org/find-help/treatment-help/types-of-therapy
4. https://www.aagponline.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=anxiety
5. https://www.studyfinds.org/mental-illness-cut-life-20-years/

More and more of us are living longer and participating in healthy active lives into our senior years. If this sounds like you, or you are heading into your 50s, 60s, and beyond and want to stay as healthy as possible, it’s important to practice habits that support healthy aging.

In the US, the population of senior adults is projected to almost double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060, and this could increase the number of older adults in nursing homes by more than 50%.1 But the majority of seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, an important goal that can be achieved more easily if a person is in good health.

So what should you focus on to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible? There are 3 important areas of health and well-being you need to pay special attention to. We’ll discuss them here.

Caring for your physical health

This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about healthy aging. There are some things about physical health that we can’t control, like genetics. But if we build healthy habits around the things we can control, it’s possible to reduce the risk of developing serious health problems and to manage any health problems that already exist.

See your doctor regularly

Making sure that you visit your doctor for routine checkups and any time you notice symptoms of a problem is a big part of being proactive about your physical health. Your doctor can work with you to screen for and treat health conditions that could be developing, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or anything you know might be a part of your family’s health history.

Practice healthy eating habits

A healthy diet is important at any stage of life, but as we age there are some particular dietary choices to pay attention to. Older adults tend to need fewer calories, but an increase in some other nutrients, compared to younger adults.2 For example, vitamin B12 absorption can sometimes decrease with age. Your doctor can check a simple blood test to see if your B12 level is high enough. Getting enough protein is also important. And calcium and vitamin D consumption affect bone health– for older adults, a bone disease called osteoporosis can lead to fractures.

Other healthy foods to focus on include:

• Low sodium choices
• Foods low in added sugar
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Foods low in saturated fat
• Plenty of water

Make regular exercise a priority

Staying active has a long list of health benefits. It increases flexibility and balance, reduces the risk of falls, improves mental health, helps to manage chronic diseases, and more. The CDC recommends a goal of 150 minutes of moderate exercise like walking every week (or 22-30 minutes a day). It is also recommended to participate in a strength training activity twice a week. 3

Be sure to get enough sleep

Daily exercise also improves your chances of getting a good night’s sleep. Proper sleep not only helps you to function better during the day, but also reduces your risk for problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, stroke, and depression. 4 The National Institute on Aging recommends older adults get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. 5

Avoid tobacco and alcohol

It’s no secret that the use of substances like tobacco and alcohol can negatively impact your health. Smoking is known to reduce life expectancy by as much as 10 years. 6 And older adults are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol, with the result leading to problems like interactions with prescription medications, increased risk of falls, dehydration, and other health problems. 7

If you smoke, make quitting a priority. And if you drink, limit your alcohol consumption. Some resources to help you are the National Quit Smoking Hotline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP.

Caring for your mental health

Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health. Older adults affected by depression, anxiety, loneliness, and stress can develop age-related physical diseases and neurodegenerative problems and experience reduced life expectancy by as much as 20 years.8

Treat depression and anxiety

If you’re feeling down or anxious and it’s affecting your ability to function or enjoy life, it’s important to seek help. These are not problems that you can just “will away” or that are a sign of a personal flaw. They can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that can be treated with medications, and seeking regular therapy can help you manage the symptoms of problems like depression and anxiety.

Don’t ignore isolation and loneliness

Older adults who are no longer in the workforce, or whose children have moved away, can easily become isolated and lonely. This can be worsened even further if health problems limit a person’s ability to leave their home, and as close friends age and pass away.

Loneliness is a known risk factor for depression. It’s important to make regular social contact a part of your life, by taking steps to stay connected socially, such as volunteering, joining a class, and other activities.

Take steps to reduce stress

Another trigger of difficulties with mental health is stress. Along with causing depression and anxiety, stress can affect physical health, too. The CDC estimates that 75% of visits to the doctor are due to problems caused by stress. 9 Before stress has this kind of impact on your well-being, you can take steps to reduce its effects. Taking time for self-care, including many of the healthy habits discussed above, can help you cope with stress better.

Caring for your cognitive health

Aging can sometimes have an impact on cognitive health, too. This is a part of brain health that affects how well someone can think, remember, and learn. Along with following all of the above tips for healthy aging to support your brain health, there are a few other lifestyle tips you can consider. By doing so, research has shown a potential to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 60%.10

Consider participating in the arts

Research has found that being involved in theater, music, dance and other art has a positive impact on well-being and cognitive function. 11

Learn something new

Evidence suggests that learning a new skill, and engaging in new complex tasks over a period of time, can have a positive effect on cognitive function.12

Exercise your brain

Crossword and jigsaw puzzles, card games, online games, chess, and similar cognitively challenging exercises can help keep your mind active and sharp, much like exercising a muscle. In a 2014 study, researchers found that participants in brain training exercises had benefits 10 years later. 13

Live a healthier, longer life thanks to healthy habits

By taking care of your physical, mental, and cognitive health, you can be sure you are well on your way to a healthier, longer life. Each of these healthy behaviors requires building habits if they aren’t already something you are doing. And it’s important to be patient with yourself– building a new habit can take time, sometimes months. 14

It can help to break these habits into smaller goals- if you are trying to eat healthier and stay better hydrated, tackle hydration first, for example. Or, if you’re trying to exercise more, spend 10 minutes a day exercising and slowly increase it.

It also helps to involve other people in your goals. Maybe a friend has a similar goal and you can work together on meeting it. Or, maybe you need a little extra support from family. This can be especially true if you are older with health challenges or limited mobility that restricts what you can do without physical help.

Even in this situation, you can still make sure your lifestyle supports healthy aging. One way you can do this is by enlisting the help of an in-home care service. By helping you with transportation, mobility, and daily self-care, a professional caregiver can give you the ability to do activities that will keep you healthy and as independent as possible for as long as possible.

If you are considering a professional caregiver, Caresify is available to help you explore assistance with your care needs at home. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

 

References

1. https://www.prb.org/resources/fact-sheet-aging-in-the-united-states/
2. https://health.gov/news/202107/nutrition-we-age-healthy-eating-dietary-guidelines
3. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/healthy-aging.htm
4. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation
5. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep
6. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/tobacco_related_mortality/index.htm
7. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/elderly
8. https://www.studyfinds.org/mental-illness-cut-life-20-years/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341916/#b7-mjms-15-4-009
10. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults#mind
11. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/participating-arts-creates-paths-healthy-aging
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154531/
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055506/
14. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejsp.674