Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut Provides Lists of Adaptive Devices

Technology to the Rescue: Focus on Adaptive Devices

If you or your loved one is living with a condition that limits your ability to perform the activities of daily living, are you taking advantage of the wide range of technologies that are now available to lend-almost literally-a helping hand?

Many conditions, such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and injuries, can result in physical limitations. If you or your loved one is experiencing reduced range of motion, decreased strength, loss of hand function and lack of endurance, performing the tasks of daily living that most of us take for granted can prove challenging-and frustrating. Managing for oneself as much as possible when eating, grooming, bathing and in other personal care is so important to self-esteem and a sense of independence!

On the largest level, rehabilitation specialists help the person enhance mobility and upper body function with wheelchairs, walkers, canes, prosthetic devices, seating and positioning equipment, orthotics, etc. Another step is to adapt the home environment with modifications such as ramps, grab bars in the shower and built-up toilet seats.

Then there are the gadgets! Rehabilitation specialists have come up with devices to make the tasks of daily life easier. Here are some of the challenging activities we might face each day…and some clever implements to make it easier.

Mealtime

• Utensils with enlarged, long, and/or angled handles

• Non-skid plates, cups and place mats

• Tumbler with snap-on lid

• Long straws and straw holders

• Rocker knife, to allow a person to cut and pick up food with one hand

Dressing &Undressing

• Easy-to-put-on clothing, such as: front-fastening garments, Velcro fasteners, large buttons, slip-on shoes, elastic shoe laces, clip-on ties, belts with hooks instead of buckles

• Dressing stick

• Long-handled shoe horn and sock donning aid

• Elastic shoelaces

Bathing &Hygiene

• Long-handled sponge or back scrubbing brush

• Bath mitt

• Toothbrushes and hairbrush with built-up handles

• Large-handled nail clippers, tweezers

• Soap-on-a-rope

• Terry robe for drying

• Toilet tissue holder

Work &Leisure Activities

• Reachers

• Book holder/electric page turner

• Built-up pen, pencil

• Magnifier

• Typing stick

• Playing card holder

• Key extender

And don’t forget that creative thinking can solve a challenge! Could you substitute one everyday item for another, or alter an item slightly? A pizza cutter may be easier to use than a knife, and a cup is more secure to hold when equipped with a terry cloth sleeve. High-tech or low-tech, there is often a solution.

This list is just a small sample of the ingenious devices that are available through your loved one’s rehabilitation professionals, or from medical supply houses, or in many cases from your local drug store or variety store.

(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Vernon, Putnam, Old Saybrook and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in New London County, Middlesex County, Tolland County, or Windham County, Connecticut, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut Invites You to Take the Quiz – Nutrition And Older Adults

 

Good nutrition is important throughout our lives, and the basic dietary guidelines are pretty much the same for people of all ages. But nutrition plays a special role in healthy aging. Try your hand at this trivia quiz to see how much you know about the special nutritional needs and concerns of older adults.

1. The average person gains 10 to 20 pounds from age 45 to 65. This is…

• a) normal and desirable. We need a little extra fat to keep us warm.
• b) to be avoided. A person’s recommended weight remains the same throughout adulthood.
• c) unusual. Few people gain weight as they grow older.
• d) caused only by growing older, and not by inactivity or overeating.

2. Being significantly underweight…

• a) is a “red flag” for possible health problems.
• b) is great-the thinner the better!
• c) can lead to fatigue, mental confusion and depression.
• d) a and c.

3. Poor diet in older adults can lead to…

• a) osteoporosis.
• b) mental confusion.
• c) increased risk of falls.
• d) all of the above.

4. If a person has Parkinson’s, stroke, arthritis or other condition that makes eating difficult, he or she…

• a) will never be able to relearn independent eating.
• b) should not rely on adaptive devices like long-handled spoons.
• c) can get help from an occupational therapist.
• d) should be discouraged from trying to feed him or herself.

5. People with heart disease should limit their intake of…

• a) cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium (salt).
• b) citrus fruit.
• c) whole grains.
• d) soy products.

6. Loss of appetite can be caused by…

• a) depression and loneliness.
• b) certain medications.
• c) tooth or denture problems
• d) all of the above.

7. Which of these foods does not contain cholesterol?

• a) Avocado
• b) Turkey
• c) Cheese
• d) Eggs

8. Older adults are the age group most likely to…

• a) be able to get all the nutrients they need from food sources alone.
• b) be targeted by sellers of fraudulent nutritional products and supplements.
• c) prepare a home-cooked meal every night.
• d) eat in a social setting.

9. Seniors on a limited income may skimp on nutritious foods. Help may be available through…

• a) Meals on Wheels.
• b) congregate eating centers, like Senior Hot Lunch.
• c) food stamps.
• d) all of the above.

10. Chewing and swallowing difficulties can be caused by…

• a) poorly fitted dentures.
• b) missing teeth.
• c) stroke.
• d) all of the above.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Vernon, Putnam, Old Saybrook and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in New London County, Middlesex County, Tolland County, or Windham County, Connecticut, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.

 

ANSWERS TO NUTRITION AND OLDER ADULTS QUIZ: 1=B; 2=D; 3=D; 4=C; 5=A; 6=D; 7=A; 8=B; 9=D; 10=D.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut Receives National Certification

(October, 2010) – Senior Helpers of Eastern Connecticut (CT), a leading local in-home care provider, has just received national accreditation from Home Care Pulse, an organization dedicated to the measurement of client and caregiver satisfaction scores for the private duty home care industry. Based on exemplary results from a recent independent local client survey, Senior Helpers is now officially certified in home care quality.

“We work very hard to provide the best for our clients and all of the caregivers we employ,” said Margarita Emerson, Managing Director of Senior Helpers of Eastern Connecticut (CT). “This certification is great validation that our work is translating into real results for local families and a better quality of life for those seniors who prefer to remain independent in their own homes.”

Senior Helpers specializes in in-home and companion care for area seniors. Services and care are available from just a few hours, a couple days per week, to round the clock, 24/7 live-in care as needed. Each client receives a professional evaluation of their individual needs, and Senior Helpers designs a personalized care plan catered to the specific situation facing each person.

“It is our goal to provide families with the ability to make an informed decision, have tangible ways to measure quality and help them find a comfort level when choosing an agency to work with,” commented Aaron Marcum, founder of Home Care Pulse.

Home Care Pulse, a company which measures client and employee satisfaction, created the certification program to measure key satisfaction aspects of in-home care delivery as well as the level of satisfaction of the caregiving staff.  Home Care Pulse believes that certifying agencies can both educate and help families to make better care decisions for their aging loved ones.

The Home Care Pulse Certification requires an agency to be reviewed monthly and includes the evaluation of areas such as loyalty, benchmarking improvements, client and employee interviews, caregiver performance, caregiver morale, agency incentives and caregiver rewards to name a few.

“We want to congratulate Senior Helpers of Eastern Connecticut (CT) for becoming a Home Care Pulse Certified home care agency and commend their commitment to placing high priority on client and employee satisfaction,” concluded Marcum.

To find out more about the Home Care Pulse Certification, please visit www.homecarepulsecertified.com

Media Contact: Gene Bortolameolli, (920) 749-9700, gene@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://www.seniorhelpers.com/location/0906

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Appleton, Oshkosh, Manitowac, Neenah, Kaukauna, Kimberly and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Brown, Calumet, Manitowac, Outagamie or Winnebago counties, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.

About Home Care Pulse

Home Care Pulse was launched in 2008 and is a company specializing in measuring and benchmarking client and employee satisfaction for private duty home care agencies.  Recently Home Care Pulse conducted the largest study ever performed on behalf of the private duty industry.  Home Care Pulse helps agencies promote and drive business, improve service quality and increase employee loyalty. Visit www.homecarepulse.com for more information.

Simple Steps from Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut Help Seniors Conserve Energy and Save Money

The nation is more focused than ever on saving energy and taking care of the environment. However for the elderly, “going green” may not be the easiest thing to understand or do. That’s why we are urging families to follow these simple tips to help their elderly loved ones save hundreds of dollars in energy costs and help save the planet for future generations.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports consumers spend 6 to 12% of their incomes on energy and that is a big hit for seniors on a budget. These are simple tips family members can help their elderly loved ones take to not only save hundreds of dollars but also save energy.

1. Compact fluorescent bulbs are a bright idea for cutting costs.  However not all CFL’s produce the same type of light.  To get that traditional warm light people prefer, look for a CFL with a Kelvin temperature of 2,600 to 3,000.  CFL’s do cost more, but they usually last 10X longer than incandescent bulbs and can save up to $60 in electricity per light over their lifetime.
2. Appliances with a clock, charger, or remote use electricity even when the device isn’t being used. In fact, of the total electricity used to run home electronics, 40% is used when the appliances are turned off.  The best thing, pull the plug when not in use.
3. Hot water heaters built before 2004 don’t have as much insulation. Wrap the heater in an insulating blanket, and save 10%, or $30 off your water heating bill.
4. Get your furnace tuned up and save 10% off your heating bill.
5. For every degree the thermostat is lowered during the heating season, save 5% on your bill.  Seniors need to be careful not to keep their house too cold however.  A programmable thermostat is a better alternative because it will adjust the temperature when you’re away or asleep.  They cost about $70, but it saves more than twice its price in a year.
6. Use cold water to wash your clothes and save 50% of the energy you would use for hot water.  Use the moisture sensor, not the timer on the dryer, and save 15%.
7. Weather-strip the front and back doors and save $30 per year in energy costs.
8. Install low flow shower heads and faucets, and save 50% of the energy and 25-60% of the water needed to shower. Older shower heads use 5.5 gallons per minute, the newer ones use about half that amount or less. That can save $30-$100 per year. Check for leaky faucets and toilets as well.  Leaky faucets can lose 2,700 gallons of water per year.  A leaky toilet can lose 200 gallons per day.
9. Run full loads of clothes and dishes.  Most of the energy is used to heat a set amount of water, so running smaller loads wastes energy and water.

Source: Kiplingers.com

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Vernon, Putnam, Old Saybrook and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in New London County, Middlesex County, Tolland County, or Windham County, Connecticut, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut Helps Seniors Avoid Being Swindled

The old adage, “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is,” may not be that far off the mark.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, types of fraud that are commonly perpetrated, many against the elderly, include:

• Health insurance
• Counterfeit medications
• Cemetery and funeral fraud
• Fraudulent “anti-aging” products
• Telemarketing fraud
• Internet schemes
• Reverse mortgage scams

Not all of these products or services are inherently bad or fraudulent. However, all of us, especially seniors, need to be aware and vigilant of those who try to take unfair advantage of others.

The FBI lists five reasons why the elderly might be more susceptible to fraud.  Older Americans:

1. are most likely to have savings, own their home and/or have excellent credit all of which the con-man will try to tap into by focusing his/her efforts on this population.
2. grew up in the 1930s – 1950s and were generally raised to be polite and trusting. Con men exploit these traits knowing that it is difficult for these individuals to say “no” or just hang up the phone.
3. are less likely to report a fraud because they don’t know to whom to report it; are ashamed at having been scammed; or don’t know they have been scammed. And elderly victims fear that relatives may conclude that they can no longer handle their own financial affairs.
4. who do report the crimes often make poor witnesses because of the effects of age on memory and the con man counts on this.
5. make up the segment of the population most concerned about issues and products that promise increased cognitive function, virility, physical conditioning, anti-cancer properties, and so on.

For more information and tips on how to spot and avoid fraudulent offers of all types, go to: http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/seniorsfam.htm.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Vernon, Putnam, Old Saybrook and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in New London County, Middlesex County, Tolland County, or Windham County, Connecticut, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut is Helping Keep Seniors Safe Online

More and more seniors are computer savvy these days. Seniors and computers are a great match, for plenty of reason:

• they have the patience and dedication that it takes to learn;

• they have more leisure time for picking up and developing new skills;

• they are motivated to stay in touch with family and friends;

• for some seniors, computers are a way to overcome physical challenges;

• online shopping is a real plus for persons with mobility problems.

But you probably know that seniors are a prime target for scam artists, and you may have read about some of the many Internet and e-mail fraud schemes out there. Some seniors do feel hesitant about going online, and recent studies show the 65+ crowd are the most likely to be cautious on the Internet. But that can be a good thing! With a little education on the subject, it is possible to surf the web safely and avoid e-mail pitfalls.

Here are a few simple “do’s and don’ts” to help an older friend or loved one stay safe online:

DON’T…respond to any e-mail asking you for personal information, such as social security number, bank account numbers or PIN number. Banks, credit card companies and other legitimate businesses will not ask you for personal information in an e-mail.

DO…be sure to log out from any site where you’ve entered personal information, a password, user name, etc. if you use a computer in a public place, such as your local library or senior center.

DON’T…click on an e-mail attachment unless you know who it’s from, and until you’ve carefully checked the personal e-mail message that goes with it. Some viruses “send themselves” from someone else’s computer without the owner knowing. When in doubt, double check with the sender before clicking the attachment.

DO…install antivirus and antispyware software on your computer, and keep it up to date.

DON’T…respond to junk e-mail (spam), not even to “unsubscribe” from their e-mailing list. That just lets the spammer know they’ve found a valid e-mail address. The safest path is to ignore and delete.

Just as in any other area of life, knowledge is power when it comes to computer security. Knowing they have taken a few precautions while online-just as they do in real life-will help seniors enjoy the Internet with confidence.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Vernon, Putnam, Old Saybrook and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in New London County, Middlesex County, Tolland County, or Windham County, Connecticut, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut Encourages Healthier ‘Fast Food’ Choices for Seniors

Does “Fast Food” Have To Equal “Fat Food”?

Did you stop at your favorite drive-through on the way to work today-or are you planning a quick jaunt to a local fast-food restaurant on your lunch hour?

Ongoing research increasingly confirms that maintaining the right body weight is one of the key factors in healthy aging. Carrying extra pounds increases the risk and severity of many health conditions, such as heart disease, arthritis, stroke, diabetes and some cancers. Staying active is an important part of keeping at a healthy weight…but no matter how active you are, if you take in more calories than you use up, you will gain weight.

As you know, the term “fast food” might as well be “fat food” in most cases! But here are some tips for making that a less lethal trip:

• Order your hamburger plain instead of with cheese, bacon or fatty sauces. There are still plenty of toppings that won’t push you over your fat limit, such as ketchup, mustard, onions, pickles, and lettuce.
• Avoid giant burgers with large patties or several layers of meat. And if you can’t resist french fries, choose the smallest size.
• Choose your beverage wisely. Did you know that a 32-ounce sugared soft drink has almost 500 calories? That’s almost one-fourth of the daily 2,000-calorie allowance for an active woman over 50! Stick with water, ice tea, low-fat milk or diet soda. And remember: a milkshake doesn’t count as a beverage, weighing in at 1000 calories for a large chocolate malted.
• Chicken is healthier than red meat, right? Wrong, if the chicken is breaded and deep fried! Remove some or most of the breading before eating-or better yet, select a skinless grilled chicken sandwich instead. And the same thing goes for fish.
• If you’ve opted for the salad bar instead of a burger, remember that salad dressings, cheese and creamy salads can add more fat than you might get in a burger. And put the dressing on the side-you’ll eat less of it that way.
• If you aren’t sure about the fat, calorie or sodium content of menu items, ask to see a nutritional value list, which can help you make your decision.

Bottom line: the Food Pyramid doesn’t change shape just because you went through a drive-through or are sitting under a pair of golden arches rather than in your own kitchen. Even if you love fast food or at least its convenience, start making wise menu choices now. Your heart will thank you!

To Help You Choose…

Calorie Count.com has an extensive collection of nutritional information for many fast food chains. Bookmark the site, and check it out before ordering that next triple cheeseburger combo!

NutritionData.com offers similar information for a number of chains, and a graphic representation of the nutrients.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Vernon, Putnam, Old Saybrook and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in New London County, Middlesex County, Tolland County, or Windham County, Connecticut, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut Encourages Seniors to Look for Local Volunteer Opportunities

Older adults who volunteer report higher levels of well-being

You can find many opportunities for yourself or a loved one to get involved with volunteering in your community or anywhere in the world.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Local theater, opera, and dance companies use volunteer ushers to stretch their budgets. And you get to see performances for free!

• Be a friendly visitor and companion to an elderly, home-bound senior.

• Volunteer to help plan a fundraising walk for a cause about which you are passionate, such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

• Your church or temple may have opportunities to volunteer during parts of services. Teach religion classes to youngsters or care for youngsters in the nursery during services.

• Tutor students through school-sponsored programs.

• Act as a mentor for a young boy or girl through your local Big Brothers Big Sisters.

• If you love animals, volunteer at a local zoo, veterinary clinic, or animal shelter.

• Don’t forget your neighbors, friends, or relatives with young children who could use a babysitter for a night out or a few hours to run errands.

• Ask a local childcare facility, library, or school if you can read children’s books aloud to kids.

• Help young people of all ages become workforce ready through programs such as those sponsored by Junior Achievement.

Look for volunteer opportunities for seniors in your local area by searching the Internet or visiting your local senior center. Retired Brains (www.retiredbrains.com) has a long list of opportunities that you can find not only in your local area but that also involve travel domestically and internationally.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Vernon, Putnam, Old Saybrook and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in New London County, Middlesex County, Tolland County, or Windham County, Connecticut, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut Recognizes Cataract Awareness Month in August

The Truth About Cataracts

Did you know that 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts, one of the most curable causes of vision loss?

To recognize Cataract Awareness Month in August, Eye M.D.s wants to debunk the myths about cataracts and remind people they don’t have to live with vision loss from cataracts.

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens, blocking the passage of light needed for vision. They form slowly and cause no pain. Some stay small and hardly affect vision, but if the cataract does grow and begin to affect your vision, it can usually be removed with surgery.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide; however, in most cases, vision loss from cataracts is reversible. New techniques developed over the past decade have made cataract surgery one of the safest and most successful procedures available in terms of restoring quality of life to patients. Each year there are more than 1.6 million of these delicate eye surgeries performed in the United States.

There are no drugs or exercises that will make a cataract disappear, and contrary to popular belief, cataracts are not removed using lasers. Lasers are used in follow-up procedures, if needed. Cataract surgery is most often done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. The cloudy natural lens can be replaced with an artificial lens to give the eye proper focusing power. In most cases, the improvement in the patient’s vision is profound.

So how do you know if you have a cataract? Some people notice a gradual painless blurring of vision, double vision in one eye or fading or yellowing of colors. When older patients mention sensitivity to glare and/or bright light or trouble driving at night, this may be caused by cataracts. Or, if a patient needs frequent changes to his or her glasses or contact lens prescriptions, he or she should be examined for a possible cataract.

Eye M.D.s want to dispel the notion that a cataract has to be “ripe” before it’s removed. That’s just not true. The best time to have a cataract removed is when it starts to interfere with the things you like to do.

Cataract surgery, although quite safe, is still surgery. If cataracts don’t affect your quality of life, you may feel that surgery is not needed. The only person who can really decide when it’s time to have them removed is you, under the care of your doctor.

Eye health care is provided by the three “O’s” – opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is the ophthalmologist, or Eye M.D., who can treat it all – eye diseases and injuries, and perform eye surgery.

At Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care, our skilled caregivers are available to help you when vision is a stumbling block.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Vernon, Putnam, Old Saybrook and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in New London County, Middlesex County, Tolland County, or Windham County, Connecticut, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.

Seniors Often Ignore Local Heat Warnings Cautions Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Eastern Connecticut

Study finds heat warnings targeting the elderly are largely dismissed

(Old Lyme, Connecticut) – August 9, 2010 – This summer has been brutally hot across most of eastern Connecticut, and while heat alerts warning of specific dangers to the local elderly population are being widely issued – they seem to be largely falling on deaf ears.

A recent study out of Kent State University polling major U.S. cities found that nearly 90 percent of respondents over the age of 65 were aware that heat warnings had been issued in their area, but only half of those people did anything about it. The survey found that most seniors thought the messages were targeted toward “older Americans,” a group to which they did not think they belonged.

According to eastern Connecticut senior care experts from Senior Helpers, the fastest growing provider of in-home senior care across the nation, this disconnect can pose a significant problem when temperatures reach dangerous levels – especially for elderly loved ones living on their own.

“It really is a matter of perceived vulnerability, which is a common issue that we all have to face as we get older,” said Margarita Emerson, Managing Director of Senior Helpers of Eastern Connecticut (CT). “Nobody wants to admit that they simply aren’t as physically capable of dealing with factors like extreme heat as they once were. This is why it’s so important to have a second set of eyes available to check in on older friends, family and neighbors when temperatures are consistently as hot as they have been.”

“Elderly individuals might not realize they are over-exerting themselves by doing things they used to be able to do easily on their own, even in the middle of the day,” Emerson added.

By taking some very basic precautions, seniors can decrease their potential for heat-related health issues, whether they decide to acknowledge official heat warnings or not.

Top 5 Ways for Local Seniors to Beat the eastern Connecticut Heat:

1. Stay well hydrated – keep drinking water throughout the course of the day, even if you’re not thirsty.
2. Stay out of the sun – Do chores in the morning and evening, and if you venture out for anything longer than a couple minutes, use plenty of sunscreen.
3. Keep the shades pulled – closing blinds and curtains can go a long way to keeping the house cool, even in triple digit temperatures.
4. Hunker down in the afternoon – the hottest part of the day is from 3-5 p.m., and taking a nap or watching a good movie during this time is a great way to pass the most dangerous hours.
5. Eat plenty, but eat light – heavy foods like lots of meat and cheese tend to make your body work harder to digest them, which uses more water and generates more body heat.

“Seniors are more at-risk than other age groups for most heat-related health problems, but taking these simple steps can reduce the risks dramatically,” says Emerson. “It’s important for seniors to be smart in these hot summer conditions. Having someone available to check on them, even for an hour per day, can make a huge difference.”

Media Contact: Bob Emerson, (860) 434-0647, remerson@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Vernon, Putnam, Old Saybrook and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home health care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in New London County, Middlesex County, Tolland County, or Windham County, Connecticut, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0906.