After a health episode, it’s important for seniors to review their habits. With a few lifestyle adjustments, seniors can hasten the healing process and prevent further health episodes from happening. Here are some changes seniors can make after health scares to boost their overall health.
1. Look at Health from a New Perspective
Whether a senior has a fall or experiences another type of health episode, it’s a good time to examine his or her lifestyle habits. Many people feel living a healthy life is boring. They don’t enjoy exercise or healthy foods, and they don’t want to give up bad habits.
Seniors should try to find some joy in healthier habits, and caregivers can help them by finding recipes, exercise classes, and other healthy hobbies that suit their tastes. By turning a healthy lifestyle into something fun and exciting, seniors may be more open to lifestyle alterations they would otherwise disregard.
Seniors who need help making healthy lifestyle choices can benefit from professional in-home care. Homecare experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Make Accommodations to Increase Safety in the Home
When injured due to a slip or fall, seniors should use their recovery time to modify their homes. There are many types of assistive technology, and seniors of all mobility levels can benefit from them. Seniors who want to prevent falls should consider getting grab bars and rails installed in stairways, bathrooms, and hallways. Transfer benches and walk-in tubs help seniors bathe without incident. Stairlifts can also be a great help to seniors who have a difficult time walking.
3. Eat Healthier
After experiencing major health episodes, it’s essential to consume a well-balanced diet. Doctors might suggest dietary plans to follow, which may contain lean protein and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
Seniors who are used to eating unhealthy meals may find it difficult to comply with their doctors’ orders, but professional caregivers can help them incorporate healthy ingredients into their diets. Instead of cookies, your loved one can eat a healthy bowl of oatmeal sweetened with cinnamon. Instead of fried chicken and french fries, your parent can dine on salmon and sweet potatoes. By coming up with creative solutions to dietary changes, professional caregivers can help seniors transition to healthier lifestyles.
From assisting with healthy meal preparation to offering respite to family members, there are several ways professional caregivers can help seniors and their families. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oshkosh seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
4. Exercise
If your loved one has sustained an injury, gentle exercise can help him or her heal. Seniors can try sit-down activities such as chair yoga or chair aerobics to keep them active and help them maintain strong, healthy bones and muscles. Regular exercise is also important for seniors recovering from cardiovascular events. Your loved one can try gentle, heart-healthy activities like taking a walk around the park or riding a stationary bike.
5. Get Proactive about Medical Care
After injuries or health episodes, it’s often up to caregivers to make sure their loved ones get the best possible medical treatment. During the healing process, caregivers should make sure their loved ones receive the appropriate attention from their doctors, take the right medications, and attend all scheduled medical appointments.
Seniors who have experienced serious health episodes may need professional in-home care. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care service. Oshkosh families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Trust Senior Stride Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.