Hot weather can be uncomfortable for people of all ages. For senior citizens, intense heat and stifling humidity have the potential to be downright dangerous. According the Environmental Protection Agency, since 1999, people aged 65+ are several times more likely to die from heat-related cardiovascular disease than the general population. 

Here are a few tips to ensure you stay happy, healthy and hydrated when the temperatures rise. 

Make Sure You Drink Enough Liquids  

Consume plenty of cool water, juice and other liquids that don’t contain caffeine or alcohol. Older people are more likely to become dehydrated than their younger counterparts, and they sometimes have trouble adjusting to changes in temperature. If you’re planning a long car trip, remember to take along a cooler filled with cold water. And don’t count on your body to tell you when it’s thirsty. Especially in the summertime, you should drink at least six to eight cups of water a day. 

Prepare Your Home

It’s important to use your air conditioner if you have one, even if you’re concerned about cost. Keep curtains and blinds closed to keep the sunlight out, and try to spend more time on the first floor of your home, as heat rises. If you don’t have an air conditioner or there is a power outage, make sure to spend the hottest part of the day in a public place – such as a library, mall or movie theater – or at the home of a loved one with air conditioning.   

Limit Your Outdoor Activities  

Check the weather report, and don’t spend more than a few hours a day in the sun if an unusually hot day is expected. If you start to feel uncomfortably warm, find a cool place indoors to take a break. If you must complete more strenuous activities, such as gardening, yard work or exercise, do so early in the morning. 

Cool Down

After you’ve been outdoors, it’s vital to cool back down as quickly as possible. Wash yourself with a cold washcloth, or take a room temperature shower or bath. If you want to cool down even faster, grab ice packs or frozen veggies wrapped in a towel and place them on the back of your neck, wrists and face. 

Use Sunscreen  

Keep it with you at all times when you are planning to be outdoors, and re-apply it regularly, per the instructions on the bottle.  

Ask Your Doctor  

Check with your physician about the medications you are taking. Some drugs make people more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Also, avoid taking salt tablets, which dehydrate, unless your doctor tells you to keep doing so.  

Wear the Right Clothes  

If you’re going to be outside for a while, it’s best to dress in loose, light-colored clothing, which will help reflect the heat from the sun. Wearing a hat is an excellent idea as well, to help shade your face and avoid sunburn, and a good pair of sunglasses is a must. 

Don’t Forget the Bug Spray  

Seniors are especially prone to diseases carried by insects, such as the West Nile virus and encephalitis. If you’re going to be outside for a while, a reliable mosquito repellent is a good investment.  

Know Your Neighbors and Keep in Touch  

Let your friends and family members know if you plan to be outside on a warm day, and ask them to check on you occasionally. This is especially important if you live alone or don’t have air conditioning. 

Most Importantly, Know the Warning Signs  

Hyperthermia, an unusually high body temperature, can lead to heatstroke, a dangerous condition, especially for older people. Seek medical attention right away if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms:  

• Rising body temperature; 
• Dry, flushed skin; 
• Heavy breathing or a rapid pulse; 
• Lack of sweating when it’s hot outside; 
• Fainting; 
• Nausea or vomiting; and/or 
• A change in behavior, such as acting confused, agitated or grouchy. 

Do you need more information about how to best protect you or a loved one from the high temperatures and humidity this summer? Contact Nye Health Services, which provides a wide range of services to maximize the health and wellness of older adults. For more information, please contact Nye Health Services at (402) 753-1400. 

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Many older adults live wonderful, healthy, and independent lives. At times, the natural aging process can cause unforeseen changes that affect their independent lifestyle. You may be noticing changes in your loved one’s ability to complete daily tasks.  An indication that a loved may be struggling may include things such as, dishes in the sink, an unmade bed, piles of dirty laundry, unpaid bills, changes in physical appearance, bathing infrequencies, mobility difficulties, keeping up with home maintenance and more.  

To address these changes with your loved one, oftentimes the responsibility to provide care falls on a family member or may include seeking out services for in-home care or even deciding to move your loved one to a campus that provides assisted living or skilled nursing care. Addressing these changes can leave caregivers full of questions on how to provide their loved one with the appropriate amount of care that falls within their budget.  

Home Care services may be the best option to address increasing care needs while allowing your loved one to remain living safely and independently in their home or community.  Home Care services provide support to each person differently based on their needs. Some people may only require occasional assistance, while others require more supervision or assistance with things they do every day. Supervision or assistance may be for a short length of time, such as a week or two after returning home following a surgery or lengthy hospital stay or can be on a routinely scheduled basis. 

Home Care is provided by caregivers who are trained to understand the specific kind of care your loved one needs. Home Care services can assist older adults with activities of daily living, or just offer some friendly companionship. Some of the services provided by Home Care include: 

• Personal Care Services:Personal Care services provide assistance in activities such as bathing, dressing, transferring, using the bathroom, eating, walking and self-care so that an individual may remain safely in their home. 
• Homemaker Services:Homemaker services provide assistance with household tasks such as light housework, meal preparation, shopping or use of the telephone so that an individual can continue to live independently in a safe and healthy home. 
• Companion Services: Companion services provide assistance with non-medical care, socialization, basic supervision and light housekeeping — secondary to companion services — to maintain an individual’s safety and well-being in their home. 

If you or a loved one is interested or in need of in-home services, consider Nye Home Health Care.  Nye Home Health Care offers various levels of care and service and here to help your loved one live a safe, happy and healthy life at home.  For more information, please contact us at 402-753-1401

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For many of us, driving our own car is a key aspect of maintaining our independence. Driving is how we stay connected, by seeing the people we want to see and getting to the places we want to go. But, as we age, it is normal for our driving abilities to change. Changes in our physical, mental, and sensory abilities can challenge our ability to drive safely.

In honor of National Occupational Therapy month in April, we asked our Occupational Therapists to provide tips to consider to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe on the road through the aging process.

1.  See your Doctor Regularly

Regular check-ups are key to staying in the best health to drive. The better your physical and mental health, the longer you will be able to drive safely. Follow the recommendation of your physician, and have your sight and hearing tested regularly. Also, be sure to talk with your doctor about any possible side effects or interactions of the medication(s) you are taking as these could have an impact on your ability to drive safely.

2.  Take a Driving Assessment

A driving assessment is a great way to assess your skill and safety level and can often be completed by an Occupational Therapist. When completing a driving evaluation, which reviews all aspects of your driving, an Occupational Therapist’s goal is to determine and address areas of concern to improve or maintain your ability to drive for as long as possible. Occupational therapists can suggest vehicle adaptations and equipment to address your specific needs, such as broader mirrors, seat boosters, hand controls, scooter lift, etc.

3.  Stay Healthy

Staying physically active improves your strength and flexibility. In turn, physical activity can improve driver safety by making it easier to turn the steering wheel, look over your shoulder and make other movements while driving and parking.  Walking is a great choice to include in your physical activity daily routine. Did you know that the ability to walk one has been shown to have a significant impact on one’s ability to drive.? Keep walking, keep fit!

4.  Understand Your Limitations

It is not an uncommon practice for adults to modify their driving habits as they age. Therefore, if a driving situation makes you uncomfortable, avoid it. Choose to drive only on familiar streets, during daylight hours, when traffic is light, when you are well rested and with as few distractions as possible. If you have to go somewhere when the conditions aren’t favorable, consider asking for assistance with transportation from your family, friends or neighbors. Finally, avoid putting yourself or others in danger and make adjustments to your driving techniques or ask for assistance.

Following these simple recommendations can assist in maintaining your independence, ensure you stay connected to the things you enjoy and help keep you safe.  Be conscious of changes in your ability to drive safely, recognize and avoid the dangers these changes may cause and most of all Be Safe Out There!

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Feeling at home is more than just the physical environment where we live, we want a sense of belonging – knowing we’re in the right place. We understand that selecting a senior living community can be a stressful and difficult time. You may feel overwhelmed, don’t have a clue where to start or afraid of making a decision you might regret.  These feeling are normal.

To make the process easier, we have a few tips to help you navigate the selection process, whether it be for a short stay or a longer-term decision.

How to Choose a Senior Living Community

Tip #1  Determine the appropriate level of care you or a loved one needs. 
It’s important to understand the different types of senior living options that are available and the types of services and care they offer. From independent living communities to memory care and assisted living communities, there are options for each resident’s unique needs. If you are unclear which setting might best serve your needs, talk to the admission counselor; they are a wealth of information and can help you understand your options. To read more about the levels of care read this article.

Tip #2  Tour
Visiting communities and walking through the building is the best way to evaluate your options and get a feel for the “culture” of each community. Ask to sample the dining services or attend a community event, this will allow you or your loved one to meet with current residents and observe the culture first-hand.

Tip #3  Get Feedback from Residents & Families
Another great way to determine if a senior living community is right for you is to speak directly to the residents or family members. Talk to your friends, you may know someone that currently lives in the community or has in the past. If you don’t know anyone who has had experience with the community, your tour is a great time to chat with those you meet along the way.

Tip #4   Ask the right questions
When trying to narrow down your search for an independent senior living community, don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. You want to make sure that the community is not only the right culture fit but it fits your financial needs and lifestyle as well. Here are a few great questions to ask to make sure you are informed.

• How much will care cost?
• How are services billed?
• Do you participate in Medicare, Medicaid, VA Aid and Assistance, long-term care insurance or any other payment program?
• Can I continue to see my own physicians?
• Can I have a pet and my own furniture?
• What are types of social and recreational opportunities available in this community?
• Is there transportation provided?
• What training and background checks are required of staff?
• Is there a registered nurse or other medical professional available at all times?

Tip #5    Plan for the future 
It’s important to think about what kind of care is needed now, and also what additional assistance or health care might be needed down the road. Here are a few questions to consider:

• What are additional types of care and services provided on the campus?
• If I require a higher of care in the future is that available on campus?  When will I have to move to another setting?
• Does the community offer other settings with a higher level of care?

Tip #6    Trust Your Instincts
Most importantly trust your instincts. When you tour the community ask yourself, “Can I see myself or my loved one living here?” and “Do I feel there is caring and capable staff?”  How a community makes you feel when you visit is critical. If the answers are yes, and all of the other important aspects of the community align, hopefully, you found the place to call home.

If you are looking for the right place, Nye Health Services offers a continuum of care levels on all our campuses, including independent living, assisted living, and personal care. We understand the importance of a maintenance-free lifestyle for older adults, and we are committed to improving quality of life. Call today to talk to an admission counselor on one of our campuses for more information. We are here to help you or your loved one celebrate life in the environments we create. We understand this decision may be a part of your life’s journey, and we are committed to making it the best.

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According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the number one results in injury among older adults. These falls can result in broken hips, skin tears, head and brain injuries, and death. The fear of falling alone can keep the older adult from enjoying the simple pleasures life provides — activities and social engagements.

The good news is that you can prevent many falls without having to break the bank to remodel. You can do it by making minor adjustments to your home, by learning the causes of falls, by being aware of your own body, and taking care of yourself when you feel slightly off. By incorporating these tips, you can prevent your fear of falling from limiting your life.

Body Awareness
Falls tend to occur when we push ourselves beyond our capabilities. If you feel you are limited by your mobility, endurance, or strength, look into a physical therapy screening. A physical therapist can develop a personalized plan to increase your endurance, mobility, and strength.

Medications
Certain medications such as sedatives, sleeping aids, and antidepressants, may cause dizziness, lethargy, and dehydration. Be sure to check with your doctor on the side effects and interactions with the drugs you are taking. You know your body the best, so if you notice you are feeling these symptoms, notify your doctor for precautionary measures.

Exercise
As we age, we tend to decrease our activity – leaving us with weaker muscles, less endurance, and decreased mobility. To combat these symptoms of aging, it’s important to exercise daily for 30 minutes with cardiovascular, resistance, and stretching exercises. Those who exercise decrease their risk of falling. It’s also good for your heart and overall well-being!

Safe Bathrooms
Adding grab bars near and in the shower can stabilize yourself as you enter and exit. It’s also helpful to add a non-slip mat in the shower and outside of the shower to prevent possible slippage.

Stairs
Living on a single level to avoid stairs is best, but if this isn’t possible, install two rails for you to hold on to as you use the stairs. Ascend and descend each stair carefully and mindfully.

Tripping Hazards
We become so accustomed to our living quarters that we move through our homes without thinking. You may not be aware of potential trip hazards. By keeping clutter to a minimum, you can ensure your walkways are clear to reduce your risk of tripping.

Watch out for:

•  Extension cords that may be sticking out
•  Pets that may be getting in your way as you move through your home
•  Area rugs — try to minimize them or ensure they are in perfect condition!

See, painless! There is no need to fear falling when you intentionally make yourself aware of your surroundings and become mindful of what you are doing in the moment.

Any safety tips you’d like to add?  Please comment below!

Nye Health Services  · 750 East 32nd  Street ·  Fremont, Nebraska 68025  ·  402.753.1400  ·  Privacy Policy | XML Sitemap