Heart health is something that a lot of seniors need to pay close attention to. Heart-related conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke all become more possible as seniors age. Combined with other health issues, heart problems can be even more troubling. Senior home care can help seniors at risk of heart illnesses to have a better quality of life and focus on staying as healthy as possible.
Why Is Heart Health a Big Issue for Seniors?
As seniors age, their cardiovascular systems can change. They might experience decreased heart efficiency, which leads to fatigue and poor circulation. Arterial stiffness strings the heart and can increase blood pressure. Chronic health conditions like high cholesterol and diabetes can make heart health even more difficult. Good heart health allows seniors to stay independent and active while avoiding bigger complications.
Eating a Heart-healthy Diet
Diet is often the first recommendation from doctors when seniors need to make changes for heart health. The details might vary from one patient to another, but in general, fruits and vegetables are great to eat more of while also focusing on lean proteins like poultry and fish. Reducing salt can help to control blood pressure, which can be a big change for seniors. Home care providers can do a lot to make dietary changes easier to manage. Seniors can find it easier to eat healthier meals when someone else cooks for them.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Physical activity helps to improve circulation while also lowering blood pressure and strengthening the heart. Remembering to move more can be the problem, especially if seniors are new to moving more. Senior home care providers can help seniors figure out when to fit movement into their daily routines and stick with those plans.
Staying on Top of Appointments
Heart problems mean a lot more doctor’s appointments and that can be difficult for seniors to manage. Home care assistance can help seniors stay on top of their appointments and even get to appointments if driving is difficult. If seniors are taking new medications, professional caregivers can help seniors pay attention to side effects and log changes.
Reducing Stress and Preserving Mental Well-being
Life is stressful enough, but adding in heart problems brings even more stress, particularly for seniors. Chronic stress has a negative impact on heart health, so reducing stress is incredibly important. Caregivers offer seniors companionship and emotional support from someone who understand the challenges seniors are facing. Home care providers can also help seniors to learn new relaxation techniques to try.
Adopting Lifestyle Changes
The smallest lifestyle habits can have a big impact on health in general. Seniors might need to drink more water or reduce their sugar intake for instance in order to experience some changes in how they feel. Senior home care providers can make it easier for seniors to adopt little habits over time that contribute to better heart health.
Seniors at risk of developing heart issues or managing existing heart conditions may need more support as they age in place. Senior home care providers can offer help on various levels to stay as healthy as possible.
If you or an aging loved one needs senior home care in Lawrenceville, GA, call Home Care Matters. We can answer your questions about home care and help you learn more about options for care. Call today (770) 965-4004.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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