Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Chester County, Pennsylvania, 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 West Chester, Oxford, Jennersville, Chadds Ford, Honeybrook, Glen Mills 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 Chester County, Lancaster County or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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/4227.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Chester County, PA, 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 West Chester, Oxford, Jennersville, Chadds Ford, Honeybrook, Glen Mills 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 Chester County, Lancaster County or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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/4227.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Chester County, Pennsylvania, 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 West Chester, Oxford, Jennersville, Chadds Ford, Honeybrook, Glen Mills 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 Chester County, Lancaster County or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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/4227.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Chester County, PA, 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 West Chester, Oxford, Jennersville, Chadds Ford, Honeybrook, Glen Mills 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 Chester County, Lancaster County or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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/4227.

Seniors Often Ignore Local Heat Warnings Cautions Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Chester County, Pennsylvania

Study finds heat warnings targeting the elderly are largely dismissed

(Exton, Pennsylvania) – August 9, 2010 – This summer has been brutally hot across most of Chester County, 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 Chester County 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 Colleen Slusarczyk, President of Senior Helpers of Chester County, Pennsylvania (PA). “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,” Slusarczyk 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 Chester County 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 Slusarczyk. “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: Colleen Slusarczyk, (484) 879-6573, COLLEEN@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/4227

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in West Chester, Oxford, Jennersville, Chadds Ford, Honeybrook, Glen Mills 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 Chester County, Lancaster County or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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/4227.

Communicating & Cognitive Impairment: 10 Practical Suggestions from Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Chester County, Pennsylvania

Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease, has had a stroke, head injury, or another condition that causes cognitive impairment presents a special set of challenges. The person may have trouble understanding or being understood by you. He or she may experience difficulty in forming thoughts, finding the words to express them, or understanding what others are saying.

What are some of the practical steps you can take to improve your visits or caregiving involving a person who is cognitively impaired? Here are a few suggestions from professional and family caregivers:

1. Begin each visit or conversation by calling the person by name. Sit at his level, at a distance that seems comfortable, moving slowly to avoid startling him. Try to make eye contact before speaking.

2. Speak slowly, clearly, and at a volume appropriate for her hearing ability. Avoid shouting and overstimulation. Keep your messages short enough to fit her attention span; use short, simple sentences.

3. Give him time to organize a thought and respond. Choose open-ended questions that allo w a range of appropriate responses-ones that don’t have to be answered “yes” or “no” or with a specific fact. For example, “What did you do today?” is better than “Did you go out in the garden today?”

4. If you have to repeat yourself, watch to see if it’s best to say the same words exactly as before (so there is only one message to process) or whether it is more helpful to paraphrase or simplify. Similarly, if she is struggling for a word, is it helpful or frustrating to have you supply it?

5. Sometimes it may be appropriate for you to just talk, gauging reactions through visual clues, even if he is unable to organize a response. Just listening to you speak can be a pleasure.

6. The person may appear to be hallucinating or having delusions. This is a time to follow the recommendations of professionals involved in caring for the person. Often, it is best not to try to correct the person’s ideas or perceptions. Instead, focus on the associated feelings the person is experiencing. For example, a person sitting in the doctor’s office reception area may think she is at the airport; rather than repeatedly correcting her, you might say, “It’s getting to be a long wait, isn’t it?”

7. Remember the role of body language. Watch the person’s face and body for changes and reactions. Is she happy, sad, calm, or agitated? Can you pick up positive or negative reactions to a particular topic or activity? Your own body language is important, too. Show interest and involvement by leaning forward a bit.

8. Emotions, which often play a big part in communicating, may produce unpredictable or inappropriate responses. If you are facing emotional or behavior obstacles, discuss the situation with the person’s care professionals a counselor.

9. Don’t overlook the power of touch. Reinforcing pleasant emotions with a touch to the hand or a hug can help the person you are visiting or caring for feel calm, happy, and loved. But monitor the body language of the person to learn whether a hug or other form of physical contact is welcome and appropriate at a particular time.

10. Conversation is not the only-or even necessarily the best-form of communication. A cognitively impaired person may derive enjoyment and a sense of connection just by listening to music or someone reading, or by looking at books, photo albums, movies, or home videos.

Don’t judge the success or value of your communicating in conventional terms. You can’t expect a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of cognitive impairment to follow the usual patterns of conversation. She may not recall what the two of you just did, or even remember who you are. But the time and effort you spend helping her express herself and perceive your love and support can provide important moments of comfort and enhanced well-being.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in West Chester, Oxford, Jennersville, Chadds Ford, Honeybrook, Glen Mills 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 Chester County, Lancaster County or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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/4227.

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Warns Seniors Not to Fall for The Jury Duty Scam

The phone rings, you pick it up, and the caller identifies himself as an officer of the court. He says you failed to report for jury duty and that a warrant is out for your arrest. You say you never received a notice. To clear it up, the caller says he’ll need some information for “verification purposes”-your birth date, social security number, maybe even a credit card number.

This is when you should hang up the phone. It’s a scam.

Jury scams have been around for years, but have seen a resurgence in recent months. Communities in more than a dozen states have issued public warnings about cold calls from people claiming to be court officials seeking personal information. As a rule, court officers never ask for confidential information over the phone; they generally correspond with prospective jurors via mail.

The scam’s bold simplicity may be what makes it so effective. Facing the unexpected threat of arrest, victims are caught off guard and may be quick to part with some information to defuse the situation.

“They get you scared first,” says a special agent in the Minneapolis field office who has heard the complaints. “They get people saying, ‘Oh my gosh! I’m not a criminal. What’s going on?'” That’s when the scammer dangles a solution-a fine, payable by credit card, that will clear up the problem.

With enough information, scammers can assume your identity and empty your bank accounts.

“It seems like a very simple scam,” the agent adds. The trick is putting people on the defensive, then reeling them back in with the promise of a clean slate. “It’s kind of ingenious. It’s social engineering.”

In recent months, communities in Florida, New York, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado, Oregon, California, Virginia, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Hampshire reported scams or posted warnings or press releases on their local websites. In August, the federal court system issued a warning on the scam and urged people to call their local District Court office if they receive suspicious calls. In September, the FBI issued a press release about jury scams and suggested victims also contact their local FBI field office.

In March, USA.gov, the federal government’s information website, posted details about jury scams in their Frequently Asked Questions area. The site reported scores of queries on the subject from website visitors and callers seeking information.

The jury scam is a simple variation of the identity-theft ploys that have proliferated in recent years as personal information and good credit have become thieves’ preferred prey, particularly on the Internet. Scammers might tap your information to make a purchase on your credit card, but could just as easily sell your information to the highest bidder on the Internet’s black market.

Protecting yourself is the key: Never give out personal information when you receive an unsolicited phone call.

How to Avoid Falling Victim to Jury Duty Scams

• Court workers will not telephone to say you’ve missed jury duty or that they are assembling juries and need to pre-screen those who might be selected to service on them, so dismiss as fraudulent phone calls of this nature. About the only time you would hear by telephone) rather than by mail) about anything having to do with jury service would be after you have mailed back your completed questionnaire, and even then only rarely.

• Do not give out bank account, social security, or credit card numbers over the phone if you didn’t initiate the call, whether it is to someone trying to sell you something or to someone who claims to be from a bank or government department. If such callers insist upon “verify” such information with you, have them read the data to you from their notes, with you saying yea or nay to it rather than the other way around.

• Examine your credit card and bank account statements every month, keeping an eye peeled for unauthorized charges. Immediately challenge items you did not approve.

Resources: Common Fraud Schemes | Jury Fraud Press Release (09/28/05) | Executive’s Identity Theft Testimony | FBI

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in West Chester, Oxford, Jennersville, Chadds Ford, Honeybrook, Glen Mills 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 Chester County, Lancaster County or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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/4227.

Senior Helpers In Home Eldercare of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Advises Families to Protect Elderly from Summer Health Dangers

Record heat has families making ‘Summer Survival Kits’ for seniors

July, 2010 – For most of us, record summer heat means little more than higher cooling bills and more time at the pool – but for aging seniors living on their own, the consequences are far more serious. The National Climactic Data Center reports the Northeast had its warmest March, April and May in history. A stagnant June heat wave brought records for both high temperatures and total days above 90 degrees for a third of the country, stretching from Missouri to New York to the Southeast. The summer heat is already taking its toll, and this is just the start of the season.

That’s why the senior care experts from Senior Helpers, the nation’s fastest growing in-home senior care provider, are advising families to protect aging relatives by putting together a simple Senior Summer Survival Kit. These kits are an easy, inexpensive way to make sure elderly loved ones have what they need to stay safe and comfortable during hot summer days – especially when family members may be off on vacation.

“Whether seniors are traveling themselves or staying on their own while the rest of the family is out of town, it’s absolutely vital that aging family members have the resources to be safe, happy and healthy,” says Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers. “Seniors are far more susceptible to health problems related to summer heat than any other demographic. Taking the time to prepare one of these kits to make sure loved ones have the essentials they need can make all the difference in preventing a serious situation.”

Quick Facts – Why is Heat Dangerous for Seniors?

• The amount of water retained by the body decreases substantially with age.
• As a result, seniors are at far greater risk of heat-related health problems such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, severe sunburn and dehydration.
• Over 8,000 Americans have died as a result of heat-related afflictions during the past two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What’s in the ‘Senior Summer Survival Kit?’

• Reusable water bottle to maintain hydration
• Copies of all prescriptions and health insurance cards
• Phone numbers of health care providers and information concerning chronic health problems
• Sunscreen, at least SPF 30, to prevent serious burns
• Multivitamins to keep the immune systems strong
• Battery operated/hand-held fan in case of power outages and extreme heat

The Senior Summer Survival Kit can be easily purchased and assembled for under $25 in less than 15 minutes.

“Most heat-related issues for seniors can be avoided through simple planning and precaution,” Ross says. “When it’s unbearably hot outside for you and your kids, it’s downright dangerous for seniors. Take a few minutes and make sure that mom, dad and any other senior family members have everything they need to be safe this summer. A few minutes of planning and a quick trip to the drug store can make all the difference.”

Media Contact: Colleen Slusarczyk, (484) 879-6573, COLLEEN@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/4227

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About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in West Chester, Oxford, Jennersville, Chadds Ford, Honeybrook, Glen Mills 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 Chester County, Lancaster County or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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/4227.

Senior Helpers In Home Eldercare of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Warns Local Seniors of Dehydration Risks During Summer

It’s a serious health issue affecting millions of aging Americans each year  – but more times than not, it’s also easily avoidable. As the dog days of summer are quickly setting in, the thermometer continues to rise and the threat of dehydration for seniors looms larger and larger.

Locally, Senior Helpers is raising awareness to help seniors avoid the medical problems and hospitalizations that are a direct result of dehydration. These cases continue to make headlines every year, but they don’t have to.

Seniors are bombarded with lists of things they can do to decrease their risk of health issues like heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer’s, but dehydration is among the most common, most serious dangers that’s easily forgotten. Seniors are particularly susceptible to dehydration because they don’t drink or eat as much as younger people and their bodies don’t retain as much water to begin with. This means that elderly individuals typically take in less fluid over the course of the day and lose it more quickly, which is a dangerous combination, particularly in the summer.

A recent study by the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research found that seniors are far more likely to experience adverse health effects related to dehydration than younger people. The report shows the average adult loses more than ten cups of water per day and states that thirst isn’t always a reliable gauge of the body’s need for water, especially among older adults who have less acute senses.

Most times, dehydration can be easily prevented by paying attention to simple dietary measures and looking out for early warning signs. According to the Mayo Foundation, some of the most telling signs of dehydration include:

• Dizziness
• Blurred Vision
• Dry, sticky mouth
• Unusual sleepiness or tired feelings
• Decreased urine output
• Muscle weakness
• Sudden or persistent headaches

The hottest days of summer may still be to come.  Our professional caregivers are helping seniors living on their own every day to make sure they are properly hydrated and doing all they can to stay healthy and happy through these long, hot summer days. If you have an aging loved one in the area, make sure they have the help and the resources they need to beat the heat.”

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in West Chester, Oxford, Jennersville, Chadds Ford, Honeybrook, Glen Mills 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 Chester County, Lancaster County or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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/4227.

Senior Helpers In Home Senior Care of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Urges Families to Help Seniors Be Sun Smart

Memorial Day may be the start of summer in everyone’s minds, but its June that brings the official start. Remember the summer solstice on June 21^st, the longest day of the year.  Either way, the month of June brings with it picnics, trips to the beach, the park, and a long list of summer fun. The summer sun is meant to be enjoyed but it can be a dangerous threat especially for senior citizens.  That’s why Senior Helpers reminds seniors and their loved ones to become sun smart.

While sunshine is healthy, too much sun is dangerous, especially for seniors.  Don’t forget, a suntan is your skin’s way of showing damage.  The deeper the tan the more sun damage there is and the more the skin is trying to protect itself.

Times have changed when it comes to people’s thinking about the sun.  That deep, dark tan is no longer viewed as a good thing.  Plus, there are plenty of misconceptions about the summer sun.  So Senior Helpers, following the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, compiled this list of sun safety myths and senior sun safety tips.

Sun Myth #1: Seniors need constant sun to supply vitamin D.

Seniors only need about 15 minutes or less of sun exposure two to three times a week on their faces and hands for their bodies to produce an adequate supply of Vitamin D.  Vitamin D can also be found in foods and in multivitamins. Seniors should always wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothing that cover their skin when they are in the sun.

Sun Myth #2: Seniors only need to apply sunscreen once a day

Sunscreen needs time to work.  Seniors should apply it about an hour before going out into the sun and reapply about every two hours.  They should reapply more frequently if they are swimming.  They should use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause tanning and wrinkling while UVB rays cause sunburn, aging, wrinkling and skin cancer.  Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15. Use SPF 30 or higher if you have a history of skin cancer or have fair skin.  The risk for cancer increases as you get older. Seniors should especially pay attention to moles and other skin abnormalities.

Sun Myth #3: Seniors only need sunscreen at the pool or beach

Seniors should wear sunscreen everywhere if they go outside longer than 15 minutes.  Seniors need to exercise but to avoid too much sun they can walk in malls, casinos, or museums.

Sun Myth #4: The sun isn’t a problem on cloudy days.

The sun doesn’t feel as hot when it’s cloudy but the UVA and UVB rays that tan and burn your skin are still shining down and being absorbed.  Seniors’ skin is more sensitive. The sun’s rays are more intense in the summer so even on a cloudy day seniors should still wear sunscreen and sun protection.

Sun Myth #5: There’s nothing seniors can do if they get sunburn

The bad news is that’s partially true.  The CDC recommends aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain, headache and fever.  When seniors are exposed to too much sun they’re at severe risk for dehydration. They should drink six to eight glasses of water a day and eat fresh fruits and vegetables.  They can also take a cool bath and use an aloe cream to moisturize skin.

Sun Myth #6: Sunburn is the only sun problem seniors should worry about

The sun can also hurt your eyes.  The UV rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer around the eyes.  Seniors should always wear sunglasses.  Choose brown, gray or green lenses and the darker and larger the lens the better.  Seniors should choose glasses that wrap around their eyes and block a high percentage of UV rays.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in West Chester, Oxford, Jennersville, Chadds Ford, Honeybrook, Glen Mills 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 Chester County, Lancaster County or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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/4227.

***Source: CDC