February is not only about Valentine’s Day. We also celebrate Heart Health Month and it’s a perfect time to look at lifestyle considerations that can help our hearts stay strong. Seniors may face challenges maintaining heart health and enlisting support through companion care can make a difference in addressing those needs.
Loneliness and Heart Health
One aspect of growing old is coping with the loss of loved ones, especially spouses, siblings and dear friends. This February, a senior may be reflecting on the loss of their special Valentine and feeling melancholy.
Loneliness is a common condition for older people; in fact, a recent national study found that more than one-third of people aged 50 to 80 feel lonely or isolated. Older adults who are coping with major physical or mental health issues may be at even greater risk. We know that isolation can cause or exacerbate health problems, so it’s important to address it.
Active socialization, exercise and meaningful connection can help a senior loved one maintain his or her sense of purpose and fulfillment – and encourage a healthier heart! Companion care is a resource that can support the senior in these areas, whether it’s spending time in conversation, preparing healthy meals together or going for walks and enjoying the outdoors.
Companion caregivers are also a tremendous help with transportation, an important aspect of ensuring that seniors can stay involved with their interests and commitments. Companions drive seniors to appointments and to and from activities outside the home.
Medication Management and Heart Health
Skipping doses, discontinuing medications or forgetting to refill meds can have serious implications, including causing strokes and other health problems.
Having a professional caregiver who regularly visits and checks on an older adult is an invaluable resource. A caregiver is sometimes the first line of defense in recognizing that something is amiss. Kadan caregivers are highly trained in measuring vital signs and other health indicators, and they can make sure that the senior is following the recommended treatment plan and medication schedule. They also can ensure that medications are promptly refilled and picked up.
Sleep and Heart Health
Sleep is an often overlooked component of heart health because it can affect factors like blood pressure. During normal sleep, blood pressure drops. Having sleep problems can cause blood pressure to stay higher for a longer period of time. High blood pressure is one of the leading risks for heart disease and stroke.
Experts recommend sleeping 7–8 hours a night to improve heart health. If stress or insomnia are issues, a caregiver can provide a listening ear, comfort and reassurance, help with safely taking a soothing bath or shower, and assistance with household tasks so that the senior can relax and rest.
Companion Care Services for Seniors in Metro Atlanta
When it comes to your heart, Kadan Homecare is here to support you! Kadan’s compassionate, highly trained and highly qualified professional caregivers can help provide a higher quality of life for senior adults who prefer to age in place at home. We’d love to hear more about your companion care needs so that we can match a caregiver to your family.
For more information, call 770-396-8997 or email info@kadan.org.
