Knowing these tips will give you peace (and health) of mind!

Stay Social & Stay Involved

​While the Covid-19 pandemic may have complicated the socialization a bit, there are ways to stay involved while still staying healthy and safe. Call a friend or family member or call your local senior center and discover ways to stay involved while also staying physically active. If transportation is an issue, the Department on Aging has resources to help you out so you can go out.

Eat Healthy

Maintain Proper Blood Pressure

Stimulate the Brain

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For Better or Worse

Anticipate Changes and Stay Flexible

Adapt Your Roles

You may need to reevaluate your roles. For instance, if your spouse typically did the cooking or finances you’ll need to take on this role. Realize that you won’t need to do it like he or she did. But adjust your mentality and know that it needs to be done. If you need to ask for help, don’t be afraid to call in help from a sibling or another relative or friend. Take a look at the responsibilities and order them from most important to least important and decide how to conquer.

Avoid Isolating Behaviors

Find Local Support

Cultivate Healthy Communication

Remember to Care for Yourself

Hands and Hearts Home Care in West Columbia is here to help!

1 in 4 Seniors are Diagnosed with Diabetes

Did you know that roughly 25 percent of seniors have some sort of diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association? This number is expected to increase for those over the age of 60. If you know a senior with diabetes or at risk for diabetes, take a little time to learn more about this condition and how you can help your family member or friend improve their health. The More You Know

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Making Changes

Monitoring Glucose Levels

Diet & Exercise Finally, diet and exercise are integral when it comes to diabetes management. A low sugar diet is very important in helping to reduce symptoms. Check with the doctor about a senior meal plan. You can also check with wellness centers, senior centers or home health care providers for more information and plans.

One Day at a Time

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Importance of Self-Care

Evaluating the Options

One way to relieve some a small percentage of caregiving is looking into adult day care programs or centers. Not only will you get a small break but your loved one can look forward to socialization and activities with others. These care centers, generally provided during the day, provide an array of services from meals to cognitive motivation. Sometimes transportation may be available depending on distance or cost.  Maybe you only need a couple hours here and there--and Hands and Hearts can arrange our caregiver times around your schedule.

Finding Qualified Caregivers Day cares and communities should require their staff to be skilled and up-to-date on qualifications. When researching your options, this is definitely important to keep in mind. After all, you wouldn’t send a child to just any after school program so why should you send your older loved one to just any facility? The right place should be engaging and fun in addition to safe and like a second home.

Home Care You Can Count On

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Safety First! Many seniors and older people want to stay in their home because independence and comfort are a top craving. There are checklists to follow through and steps to take. You can also check with a local home health care organization which will provide services as needed in the home. It is also important to check with the senior’s doctor for all health related issues and to get personalized advice.

Smart Ways to Stay Safe

Keep Track

9 Easy Ways to Make a Home Safer for Seniors

Affordable, Compassionate In-Home Caregiver Services in Columbia, SC

Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe on the Road

Knowing When to Take Away the Keys

What to WATCH OUT for:

Straddling lanes or abrupt lane changes Missing or ignoring traffic signs and signals Braking and accelerating mistakes Increased anxiety while driving Increased vision difficulties An increase in close calls and near misses Dents or scrapes on cars or surrounding objects at or near their home Traffic citations​

Difficulty reaching and decreased flexibility and/or reaction times

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What's for Dinner?

Keep it Balanced

6 Easy Meal Ideas for Seniors

Canned Fruit

Oatmeal

Quick Soups

Yogurt Yogurt is such an easy snack or meal with lots of nutritional benefits such as calcium, Vitamin D and probiotics. Make yogurt parfaits with low sugar granola and various fruits. To keep sugar content down, look for plain or more basic flavors as fruit flavored yogurt tends to be higher in sugar.

Cottage Cheese

Fish

Good Posture and Stretching Help Seniors Tremendously!

Benefits of Stretching

Breathing 

Check out these Simple Moves to begin your Stretching Routine:

1. Overhead side stretch. Stand with your feet hip width apart and raise your arms overhead. You may want to interlace your fingers if you like. Stretch your stomach long and gently lean to the left for 10-30 seconds. Repeat on other side. Modify by sitting in a chair and keep your hips, knees and toes forward.

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Adjustments in Interaction as Dementia Proceeds

Problems in communicating with Alzheimer's suffers can include:

10 Ways to Communicate Effectively with Dementia Patients

5. Prevent Open-Ended Inquiries

6. Speak Gradually and Plainly, Giving Simple Instructions

7. Your Eyes Show You Care

8. Minimize Distractions, Chose a Quite Setting for Conversations

9. Make Introductions Facing Your Patient

10. Understanding Your Role in Their Well-Being​

Need help with Dementia Care in Columbia, SC or the surrounding areas?  Give Hands and Hearts a call today!

Card Games

Hands and Hearts Home Care now offers a library of fun games, puzzles, coloring books and more for our patients to check out.  Visit our office today to find out more!

Board Games

There is such an array of board games both old and new for seniors to participate in with others their age or with all ages. Check with the county recreation centers, senior centers and even coffee shops. Sometimes locally owned coffee shops encourage game playing over a cup of their delicious brew. ​Here are some common games that are a good start:

Puzzles & More