April 2019 - Premier Caregiver Services

Worried that Dad or Mom drink too much coffee, tea, juice, soda, milk, or even alcohol? These liquids increase the risk of heart attacks because they require digestion, which can create a blood-thickening effect. Water is absorbed into the bloodstream and thins the blood; therefore, drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day can lessen complications for senior citizens. Consuming at least one cup of water for every 20 pounds of body weight daily—six to eight glasses for most people may help keep Dad or Mom from suffering health issues that could later lead to rehabilitating senior home care.

A number one contributor to daytime fatigue is the lack of water, especially as the body ages. Staying hydrated can protect the heart and reduce the risk of heart attacks, as well as kidney failure. Encourage Dad and Mom not to wait until they are thirsty to drink water. Try freezing bottled water and introduce them to a chilled drink by allowing the ice to melt slowly. Sipping on it during the day can prevent dehydration and get them used to drinking water. Crushed ice in a glass of water can also be refreshing. Bring them lunch or dinner and serve chilled or sparkling water as a beverage instead of soda, tea or coffee.

Make the time you spend with Dad and Mom a training session on the values of water to the body. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides additional hydration; cucumbers, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, spinach, grapefruit, and broccoli are 90% water. Take them fruit dishes and/or baskets as treats and add a bottle of sparkling water in the center. Let them know you care about their health now, during a home care situation, and later.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative, and ultimately fatal disease that destroys brain cells.

There is no doubt that genetics play a role in the disease, but the most common way to get Alzheimer’s is just by normal aging – up to 10% of people between 65 and 74 years of age have this disease. However, there are medications health care providers may use to help manage problematic symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. These symptoms may include depression, sleepiness, and behavioral problems such as agitation and aggression. There are also new medications that may slow down the progression of the condition. An earlier diagnosis may increase the benefits.

The Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms or progress at the same rate. Below are a list of things you will need to look for if you think a loved one may have signs of Alzheimer’s so you can get them the help they may need.

Loss of Abstract Thinking – Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may lose the ability to draw conclusions and solve problems.

Disorientation – People with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost on the street where they live, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.

Lack of Initiative – Become passive or unmotivated, not pursuing his or her usual activities.

Language Problems – People with Alzheimer’s disease often forget simple words or substitute words with inappropriate ones.

Misplacing Items – A person with Alzheimer’s will misplace things or place normal items in unusual places.

Mood Swings – Rapid mood swings from calm to tears to anger for no apparent reason is quite common.

Personality Changes – Has onset of severe personality changes while becoming extremely confused, suspiciously fearful, or dependent on a family member.

Poor Judgment – A loss of judgment is a common symptom. A patient may dress without regard to the weather, wearing several shirts or blouses on a warm day or very little clothing in cold weather. Others may give away large amounts of money to telemarketers or pay for home repairs or products they don’t need.

These are just a few of the troubling symptoms Alzheimer’s disease can cause. If you need help taking care of a loved one, contact Premier Caregiver Services at 877-724-3678. Whether you need part-time or full-time caregiver services, our staff is on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Drinking Enough Water Daily?

Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

The Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s