TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH SENIORS

Top Tips for Traveling with Seniors

For seniors, travel can be especially challenging or risky. Use these tips to make senior travel fun and safe.

As adults age, their family members tend to act as long-distance caregivers. The average distance a long-distance caregiver lives from a senior is 450 miles. That means if seniors travel to see their loved ones, they often go a long way. (Caregiver.org)

It’s common for seniors to have some trouble getting around like they used to. So, it’s not surprising that long-distance travel can be a real challenge. Here’s how to make travel safer and more comfortable for aging adults.

Options for Travel for Seniors

Although seniors can travel by plane, train, or car, each option has pros and cons.

Traveling by Plane

Pros:

  • A fast form of travel
  • Can earn loyalty program points
  • Often accommodates disabilities

Cons:

  • Airports can be overwhelming
  • Might be expensive
  • Some are afraid of flying

Traveling by Train

Pros:

  • Access to many locations
  • Passes by moderately fast
  • May allow for socializing

Cons:

  • Routes can be inconvenient or confusing
  • Limited options for stops and pricing
  • Limited accessibility for those with disabilities

Traveling by Car

Pros:

  • Control over routes/stops
  • Can add cushions/supports for comfort
  • Often most affordable

Cons:

  • Can take a long time
  • A possibility of getting lost
  • Driving alone may not be safe

(AARP)

Travel Icon

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH SENIORS

C A R E G I V E R S – Tips for Traveling with Seniors

How Seniors Can Travel with Ease

For safe, comfortable, and fun travel experiences, seniors can use the following tips:

Prepare Ahead of Time

  • Practice using a map app, write down directions
  • Contact airports or train stations to learn about available assistance options
  • Pack vital items in a carry-on or easily accessible bag in case of emergency or change of plans
  • Research parking options (get a disability tag if necessary)
  • Consult a doctor about plans if travel is a concern for medical reasons
  • Know where medical facilities are located at travel destination

Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask other people for help while traveling. Try to ask people who work wherever you are (in a hotel, airport, etc) for safety reasons. Never offer strangers more details than necessary when asking for help.

Bring Someone / Share With Loved Ones

  • Find a friend or relative to travel with
  • Inquire about traveling caregivers if assistance will be needed
  • Share your location on your phone, as well as copies of your itinerary, with loved ones

(Better Health Channel)

A Senior’s “Bonus” Packing List

Although some of these items may be on most adults’ packing lists, they tend to be extra important for seniors to ensure their safety and comfort:

  • Medications/supplements
  • Support pillows or cushions
  • Ambulatory/medical devices
  • Hearing aid batteries
  • Doctor list/medical alert information
  • Compression socks
  • Dentures holder/cleaner

(USA Today)

Why Most Seniors Travel

  • See family/friends
  • Multigenerational vacations
  • Medical specialist appointments
  • Complete “bucket list” goals
  • Hosted or group tourist outings

(Senior Living)

Home Care Tip

Seniors may have difficulty estimating their need for downtime or rest while traveling. Encourage them to make plans that can be flexible so they can enjoy their time away.

References:

Read more
No Comments

UNDERSTAND CHOLESTEROL AND ITS EFFECTS ON IN HOME SENIORS CARE

Helping Seniors Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol levels can be a source of stress for seniors. Here’s what seniors and their loved ones need to know.

Cholesterol Header Graphic

Image extracted from 0319-Cholesterol-CMYK.pdf: 0319-Cholesterol-CMYK-page1-header.jpg

About 37 percent of U.S. adults have a higher than recommended LDL cholesterol level. Since this can increase risk of heart disease or stroke — and since seniors are already at higher risk of such health problems — it’s important for aging individuals to understand cholesterol. (Source: CDC)

What Cholesterol Is All About

Although many people think of cholesterol as something negative to avoid, cholesterol is actually a natural substance the body makes on its own. It helps cells make hormones, digest food, and more. Besides the cholesterol your body makes, you can also consume cholesterol in eggs, meat, and other foods.

There are three types of cholesterol doctors measure:

  • High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
  • Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
  • Triglycerides

HDL is considered “good” cholesterol because its function is to clear out LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which can build up plaque in the arteries. Triglycerides can also accumulate and affect the heart. When doctors give patients their “cholesterol level,” higher HDL numbers are good news; higher LDL and/or triglyceride numbers are commonly referred to as “high cholesterol” and increase the risk of heart disease. (Source: MedlinePlus)


C A R E G I V E R S

Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels

How to Manage Cholesterol Levels

Seniors tend to be at an elevated risk of heart disease simply because of the aging process. When a senior also has high cholesterol, their heart disease risk increases. It is important for seniors to manage their cholesterol levels in order to keep arteries clear and functional.

Here’s how cholesterol can be managed:

  • Medication: There are a few medications that help lower bad cholesterol levels and increase HDL. The most common medications are called statins.
  • Dietary Changes: Since cholesterol levels can be affected by what you eat, seniors with high LDL or triglycerides should:
    • Avoid unhealthy fats
    • Eat healthier fats
    • Get plenty of fiber
    • Reduce sugar intake
    • Reach a healthy weight
  • Exercise Regularly: The body can manage conditions like high cholesterol better if you are physically active. Exercise stimulates many important natural processes, and simply taking walks is a great start.

(Source: WebMD)

Risks Associated with Poor Cholesterol Levels

The consequences of having too much LDL cholesterol include:

  • Clogged arteries
  • Increased risk of heart disease
  • Higher risk of stroke
  • Reduced function of the cardiovascular system

(Source: MedicineNet)

Other Heart Disease Risk Factors

Besides high cholesterol, other risk factors for heart disease among seniors include:

  • Race/ethnicity
  • Smoking
  • Conditions like diabetes or obesity
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Genetics
  • High blood pressure

(Source: WebMD)

Home Care Tip

Seniors can often have high cholesterol without showing any symptoms. Encourage seniors to visit doctors regularly and receive recommended blood tests to check cholesterol levels, especially if they are at elevated risk due to obesity or a poor diet.

References:

Read more
No Comments

ALLERGIES AND SENIOR CARE

Allergies and senior care

Read more
No Comments

FINDING THE RIGHT MOBILITY AIDS FOR SENIORS

Mobility Aids for Seniors

Many seniors experience difficulty getting around independently. Mobility aids can offer stability and support. If a senior is unstable performing motions like sitting down or walking, it is essential to find mobility aids that fit their needs and ensure their safety.

Approximately 1/3 of older people living at home fall at least once a year. It’s common for seniors to need mobility aids for safety and support. (Source: MerckManuals)

Common Mobility Aids for Getting Around

For seniors living at home and maintaining a high level of independence, common mobility aids are designed to help them get around. Options include:

Canes

Designed to increase stability and compensate for minimal balance issues.

Walkers

Help support those with significant stability problems but moderate upper body strength.

Rollators

Designed for those with severe stability issues who lack upper body strength and balance.

Power Scooters

Support those who cannot walk long distances but have upper body control and stamina.

Wheelchairs

Offer mobility to those unable to walk safely on their own. Variations of steering ability available.

(Source: Aging Care)

FINDING THE RIGHT MOBILITY AIDS FOR SENIORS

C A R E G I V E R S

Possible Results of Senior Falls

Sometimes mobility issues are just inconvenient for seniors. Other times they put seniors at risk of falling. Falls can be very dangerous for the aging. Falling can result in:

  • Bruises
  • Fractures
  • Breaks
  • Need for physical therapy
  • Surgical correction
  • Hospitalization
  • Death

(Source: MerckManuals)

Home Care Tip:
Style matters. If seniors seem unwilling to accept mobility aids, consider options that look sleek or fit their sense of style. Sometimes a device that feels personalized makes a difference for seniors struggling to accept necessary changes.

Mobility Problem Risk Factors

A number of issues can increase seniors’ risk of struggling with mobility and balance, including:

  • Diminished eyesight
  • Diabetes or heart disease
  • Thyroid problems
  • Nerve issues
  • Medications
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Gait changes
  • Postural hypotension
  • Foot pain, deformities, or poorly-fitting footwear
  • Confusion or memory problems
  • Environmental factors like lack of lighting

(Source: NIA)

Paying for Mobility Aids

Insurance companies, as well as some grant or senior care nonprofits, may help cover the costs of mobility aids. Ask a doctor or local agency for the aging for ideas on where to start seeking financial assistance for mobility devices.

(Source: DailyCaring)

Mobility Aids for a Safer Home Environment

Some mobility aids aren’t designed to support long-range motion. Instead, they make the home environment safer and increase independence with specific tasks. Consider installing:

  • Rails along stairs, near bathroom fixtures, in hallways, etc.
  • Tub/bath transfer seats or benches
  • Supportive seat cushions
  • Grab handles for getting in/out of a car, bed, couch, or chair
  • Rolling over-bed or over-couch tables
  • Additional lighting or voice command lighting to improve visibility
  • Non-slip flooring that is securely tacked down
  • Stairlift
  • Ramps to replace stairs

(Source: ScripHessCo)

© 2023 Mobility Aids Guide

Read more
No Comments

HOW TO HELP HOMEBOUND SENIORS STAY ACTIVE

Tips for Helping Homebound Seniors Stay Active

Seniors who are homebound face extra challenges. Loneliness, lack of physical activity, and more can become problems. Help seniors stay active.

Being homebound as a senior can increase risk of loneliness, stress, lack of physical activity, and more. It’s important for seniors’ health to stay active even if unable to get out.

Up to 3.6 million people over 65 in the US are considered housebound. Often, those who are housebound suffer from medical and/or mental illnesses. Between the isolation of being at home and the challenges of illnesses, homebound seniors often have trouble staying active. (NCBI)

Common Challenges Homebound Seniors Face

Seniors who are homebound often suffer from a medical problem, psychiatric disability, or a memory disorder. When seniors are homebound, they often face challenges like:

  • Being isolated
  • Feelings of loneliness
  • Hardship getting medical care/going to appointments
  • Difficulty buying groceries and other essentials
  • Mobility problems within the home
  • Lack of exercise and physical activity
  • Trouble finding mental stimulation
  • Few conversations or social connections
  • Decreased quality of life

(Healthline)

C A R E G I V E R S

Keep Homebound Seniors Active

Top Reasons Seniors Become Homebound

  • Limited mobility
  • Weakness
  • Poor balance
  • Medical conditions
  • Memory disorders
  • Mental health problems
  • Lack of social support or assistance

(Sciencedirect)

Top Ways to Help Homebound Seniors Stay Mentally Sharp

  • Crosswords
  • Puzzles
  • Reading
  • Learning something new
  • Regular conversations
  • Practicing memorization

Home Care Tip:

Often being homebound can be discouraging for seniors. Help them stay positive and encourage them to stay active by participating in their activities.

How to Help Homebound Seniors Stay Active

Staying active can help seniors who are homebound to live higher quality, healthier lives. Use these tips to help seniors stay active:

Find Exercises That Seniors Can Do At Home

Physical activity is a natural form of stress relief. It also helps seniors stay flexible, fit, and healthy. Some great exercises for homebound seniors include:

  • Stretching
  • Seated strength training
  • Aerobic exercise
  • Yoga

Help Seniors Enjoy a New Hobby

Trying something new can help seniors stay sharp and active. Activities like knitting, reading, painting, wood carving, and scrapbooking are great choices.

Set Seniors Up in Online Communities

There are many ways for seniors to connect with others online. If they really like writing, for example, they could write for a blog. Online communities, chat rooms, and digital games all allow seniors to socialize without leaving home.

Play Games Regularly

If seniors have favorite board or card games, make time to play on a regular basis. They may also be able to play some games by themselves.

Encourage Visitors

Socializing doesn’t require going out. Seniors can connect with others by:

  • Having visitors over
  • Hosting groups for activities
  • Using Skype to catch up with friends or loved ones

Taking Care of Their Place

For seniors able to perform some maintenance, cleaning, or decorating tasks, it’s good to keep at it. These sorts of activities can help seniors stay active and take pride in their home.

(ClearCare Online)

Footer Illustration

References:

Read more
No Comments