Staying Socially Connected

For elderly individuals, staying socially connected can be difficult. However, maintaining social contact is important for an individual’s well-being and their health. There have been studies that indicate social contact can increase physical and mental health, reduce disease and lead to increased longevity. If your elderly loved one is expressing a desire for more social contact then you can suggest some options for them.

Social Media

Social media can be incredibly helpful in staying connected. It can allow an individual to remain involved in their friends and family’s lives remotely, so it can be a wonderful tool for the elderly. If you know an elderly individual who is looking to become more connected in their friends lives introduce them to Facebook. It may be difficult at first, but if you show them how to properly and safely use the site then they can add friends and stay in touch. This type of connection will help them to feel more included and active in their friends and family’s lives.

Volunteer

If your elderly loved one is active and looking for opportunities to get out of the house then you can suggest that they volunteer. They can take the time to volunteer at a local food pantry or at a local school. Whichever environment they choose will be beneficial to their well-being. This will provide them with the opportunity to interact with other individuals and to make new friends.

Planning

Another great way to maintain social interaction is through planning and scheduling. Take some time to talk to your elderly loved about setting up specific times to call them or to interact with them. You can encourage them to set up a routine that involves meeting with one or more of their friends.

Senior Center

Your local senior center can be an incredible resource for your elderly loved one. If you’re concerned that they’re not interacting enough and are withdrawing from social situations, reach out to your senior center. They will have activities to suggest and they will have a wealth of information on how to help your elderly loved one stay connected.

However you approach it, you need to keep your elderly loved one socially connected for their well-being!

Winter Safety Reminder

Did you know that the first few weeks of February are among the stormiest? Storms and cold weather can pose a serious risk for the elderly. For advice on how to help your elderly loved ones, take a look at our past post by clicking here.

Tips for Helping an Individual Who Is Experiencing Depression

Depression is something that we’ve covered before. It can be especially prominent in the elderly population, especially with winter’s decreased hours of sunlight and cold weather. As a caregiver, it can be difficult to see your elderly loved one experiencing depression. It’s easy to try to blame yourself and it can be hard not to internalize everything, but as a caregiver you can’t do that. Here are some things to do when you are caring for an individual with depression:

Bring your loved one to a medical professional.

Make sure they are being properly evaluated and supported by a physician.

Educate yourself on the symptoms and signs of depression and remember that it is a clinical diagnosis.

Take some time to learn about the disease and ask your elderly loved one’s physician about the symptoms and signs. If you know that a certain behavior is linked to depression, then you will be less likely to blame yourself.

Try to schedule time to bring your elderly loved one outside.

You can rearrange their schedule to maximize your time outside so that they can get some time in the sun. This will help increase Vitamin D production and will help to increase their mood.

Support them and be there for them.

Encourage your elderly loved one to talk about what they are experiencing or feeling, and make a plan to work through their feelings. Whether it is going to a movie when they are feeling down or just staying in and talking, you can work with your elderly loved one to show them that you are there to support them.

Keep them on any prescribed treatments.

This is perhaps one of the most important things to do as a caregiver, but these treatments will help them recover.

Take time out of your day for yourself.

This is incredibly important. You can’t support your elderly loved one if you are emotionally drained and exhausted. Take at least fifteen minutes every day and take some time to yourself.

For more information, you can visit the following website:

WebMD: When A Loved One Has Depression

Staying Hydrated in the Winter

Staying Hydrated in the Winter

Did you know that it’s incredibly easy to get dehydrated in the winter? There are two things that can further dehydrate your body in the winter. Heating systems that keep your home warm can also dry out your body, and the cold winter air outside drains your skin of moisture. Here are some tips to keep yourself hydrated this winter:

Drink Water

One way to start your day off on the right foot is to drink a full glass of water when you wake up. Your body loses hydration as you sleep, so this is a great way to jump start your day. You can also carry a water bottle around with you all day.

Avoid Caffeine

This is easier said than done, but a lot caffeine can dehydrate your body. If you’re opting for more warm beverages, try alternating between caffeinated and decaf. This will help you stay hydrated!

Bundle Up

When you’re outside, be sure to bundle up! Any exposed skin will quickly become dry and lose moisture. Remember to wear gloves, a hat, a scarf and cover your face. 

Find Hydration in Your Food

Load up on fruits and vegetables! In addition to helping you avoid the dreaded winter weight, it will help your body stay hydrated. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with water, so make it a priority to keep them in your diet this winter.

Stay warm!

Pneumonia Vaccine for Older Adults

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is associated with a fever, chills, muscle ages, fatigue and coughing. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria, and according to the National Vital Statistics Report, it was the 8^th leading cause of death. There are two types of pneumonia that an individual can develop. When the illness is contracted outside of a healthcare setting, it is categorized as community-associated pneumonia. When it is contracted while an individual is in a healthcare setting it is called healthcare-associated pneumonia.

For elderly individuals, this diagnosis is incredibly serious. Elderly individuals can have a weaker immune system due to pre-existing conditions, and this can make it more difficult for their body to battle pneumonia. Additionally, the body gets weaker as it is fighting off the infection, and as a result, the effects of pneumonia can move beyond the lungs. Some complications that can develop from pneumonia include respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress, kidney failure, sepsis and death.

Fortunately, the pneumonia vaccine can help. There are two vaccines available: PCV13 and PPSV23. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is recommended for children and high risk adults. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is the most important vaccine for older adults, and it’s recommended for all adults over 65. The vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing pneumonia. According to the CDC, half of the people who get PPSV experience redness or pain where the injection was given. Furthermore, less than 1% experience muscle aches or a fever. Speak with your elderly loved one and their physician to see if the vaccine would be a good option. It can help to prevent pneumonia and then prevent further complications.

For more information regarding the vaccination, you can visit these sites here:

CDC: Pneumococcal Vaccination

CDC: Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Information Statement

Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Elderly

Hopefully, the majority of your holiday shopping is done. If you're having a hard time thinking of ideas for your elderly loved ones, you've come to the right place. Shopping for an elderly individual can be difficult. We've compiled some of the best ideas we've come across so far.

1. Basic Necessities 
For some seniors, shopping can be difficult, and as a result they can run out of basic goods. Put together a collection of paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner and soap for them. They'll be grateful because they'll have to make one less trip to the store!

2. Blankets and Throws
You can never underestimate a good blanket - especially during the winter.

3. Gift Cards
There are a variety of gift cards that you can get an elderly loved one. Gift cards to pharmacies can be a great option because it will help them with prescription costs. Gift cards to different restaurants can be a wonderful excuse for your elderly loved one to get out of the house and treat themselves to a meal. If you think your senior wouldn't want to do an activity alone, you can buy a gift card to the movies for them and a friend.

4. Adaptive Tools

Whether it is a reacher-grabber or an OXO can opener, tools that have been modified to address the needs of seniors are always a great gift. It will make tasks easier for your loved one and help them around the house.

5. Photo Album/Scrapbooking Material
This is a perfect present for any seniors who want to organize their photos and focus on their family history. You can offer to help them put the photo album together and learn more about their past and life.

6. Books or an eReader
Has your elderly loved one read all of the classics? What about newer books If your elderly loved one has trouble with reading, you could get them an eReader with adjustable font size.

7. Puzzles and Games
This is a great present because it will keep your elderly loved one's mind engaged, and it will also offer them an opportunity to socialize with friends.

8. Donate to Charity
If your elderly loved one truly does not want any gifts, you can donate to a charity for them. You can make a donation to a local charity under their name or find a more hands on charity. For example, Heiffer International offers a wonderful program in which you can buy an animal for a community.

9. Your Help
Offer to help your elderly loved one with something. For example, offer to clean their house for them or offer to take their clothes to the drycleaner for them. Helping with extra errands is always a nice treat!

10. Your Company
Spend time with your elderly loved one! This might be the most valuable gift on the list.

Have any other ideas? Post them below in the comments section!

Music Therapy for the Elderly

According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music Therapy is defined as the following:

“Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.”

Music is something that isn’t always thought of in a clinical sense, but the benefits of music therapy can be incredible. Music therapy can be especially helpful in the senior citizen population.

For the elderly, music therapy can help in numerous ways. In 2012 a YouTube video of an elderly man named Henry went viral on YouTube. At the beginning of the video, he was unresponsive, but with the aid of a set of headphones and some music he became animated and responsive. This served as a reminder that music therapy is an incredible tool when working with the elderly.

Here are some of the things that music therapy can do:

• Listening to music will help to ease anxiety in older patients.

• Lyric writing and singing can help with the expression of different emotions and feelings.

• Music can help strengthen the immune system.

• Listening to music releases dopamine, which is associated with pleasure.

• It is incredibly helpful for individuals who are non-verbal. Music crosses all communication barriers, so it can be especially helpful with individuals who have suffered a stroke or are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

• For older patients, music is linked with memories, so it can stimulate memories, increase awareness and initiate emotional responses.

If you know of an elderly individual who may benefit from music therapy, you can reach out to a local music therapist. Additionally, you could sit with your elderly loved one and make a playlist of different songs they enjoy. You can spend time listening to the music with your elderly loved one and both reap the benefits of music!

For more information on music therapy, you can visit these websites:

CNN Health: When patients have ‘music emergencies’ 

NPR: For Elders With Dementia, Musical Awakenings 

American Music Therapy Association