How to keep yourself safe and well at home
We’ve all heard the saying ‘Prevention is better than cure’. As experts in elderly care we understand the importance of keeping loved ones safe and well in their own homes.
Unfortunately, we often hear from family members when Mum or Dad’s health deteriorating and they have reached crisis point. Sometimes these health issues is unavoidable, but in many cases prevention and/or early intervention can avoid a difficult situation.
It’s important not to dismiss any deterioration in someone’s general health as simply ‘getting old’. Changes such as sudden inactivity, missing appointments, signs of depression or changes to mood, struggling with making meals, a poor appetite or weight loss, as well as slips, trips and falls are all warning signs that should be checked out.
Doctors orders
It’s important to go to the doctor regularly and make time for check-ups such as hearing and eyesight. We advise maintaining a diary of these appointments so these regular and annual appointments aren’t missed. It’s also a good idea to plan ahead for the logistics of getting to the appointments. Details such as who will drive and do Mum or Dad need someone with them all need to be considered.
Ensuring that the right medication is being taken at the right time is also very important, particularly if your family member is living with dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Finding the right solution that’s easy for the person to manage independently is important to ensure they are keeping up to date with medication.
Keep physically and mentally active
“Use it or lose it” is particularly apt in relation to physical fitness. With warmer weather now upon us (hopefully!), getting out and about for short walks, even if that’s just a trip out to the garden centre or a walk round the grocery store will make a big difference to physical and mental wellbeing. Other gentle activities such as gardening, which is great for both body and soul, can help to maintain muscle and flexibility as well as releasing stress. Even light house work will help to maintain physical dexterity and gives a sense of purpose.
Maintain a healthy diet
Encourage a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables – the latest advice is to ‘eat the colours of the rainbow’ which is a fun way of keeping on track. Choose wholegrain options when it comes to bread, include oily fish in your diet each week and cut down on sugary snacks.
Keep hydrated
This is possibly one of the easiest ways to maintain wellbeing. Did you know that water makes up 60-75% of our body weight? Particularly as we head into the summer months, it’s really important to keep hydrated as it is involved in many important functions including regulating body temperature, helping our brains to function, as well as helping to prevent constipation. Experts recommend around 1.2 litres daily which is 6-8 glasses. Water is best of course, but foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, and ice lollies can all help to maintain hydration.
Companionship
Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are as harmful to our health as smoking. We all know how good it is to talk and spend time with like-minded individuals. Encourage your loved one to take part in local activities such as craft clubs, having a cuppa with a neighbour or joining one of the many community-run social groups. There are many active groups aimed at older adults around Pocklington and Market Weighton to get involved in.
Knowing what to look out for can really help to avoid health issues. Our team is on hand to offer help and advice, including signposting to local organisations and groups. Please get in touch to find out more.