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In the United States, approximately 50 percent of older adults experience some level of insomnia. Could your loved one be one of them? The staff at Anchorage Home Care Assistance suggests you be on the lookout for the most common symptoms of elderly insomnia so the disorder can be treated if necessary and further complications can be prevented. Difficulty Sleeping Since insomnia is defined by the inability to sleep, patterns of difficult sleep are often the first signs of the disorder. Take note of the time it takes your loved one to fall asleep, a period that should not last more than 30 minutes on average. Waking often during the night or too early in the morning may also be indicators…

Seniors often have a reduced thirst sensation ora decrease in kidney function, and certain medications can diminish thirst and increase sweating. Knowing this, how can caregivers effectively prevent seniors from becoming dehydrated? The staff at Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Anchorage home care, offers these tips for helping your senior loved one stay hydrated. Offer Fluids Often Seniors with a decreased sensation for thirst may not even know they are thirsty. Keeping a glass of water by your loved one’s chair or bedside can make it easier to access fluids. If he or she is ill, the body may lose too much fluid and require replenishment due to diarrhea, vomiting, or a high fever. Be aware of dehydration…

One of the best ways your elderly loved one can help prevent illness is to get vaccinated, but he or she may not know which vaccines may be the most important. Here is a list of vaccines that can help seniors prevent various health complications, brought to you by the staff at Anchorage Home Care Assistance. Influenza Vaccine The immune system weakens with age, which makes seniors more susceptible to contracting seasonal influenza. Over 90 percent of deaths from the flu happen to those over 65 years of age, which makes getting a seasonal flu vaccine a good idea. Seniors have the option of getting the regular flu vaccine or a higher-dose shot resulting in a stronger immune response. Shingles Vaccine…

It’s never too late to help your loved one walk down a healthier path and reduce his or her risk of cancer. The staff at Anchorage Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care, recommends these steps your loved one can take to help keep cancer away. Stop Using Tobacco Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Seniors should be reminded it is never too late to quit tobacco, as kicking the habit yields immediate rewards like improved blood pressure, circulation, and lung function. A variety of safe, FDA-approved replacement medications such as nicotine gums, lozenges, and patches can help alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms and a counselor can help jumpstart a…

One of the challenges your senior loved one may face is maintaining his or her ideal weight. Whether he or she needs to shed excess pounds or pack them on, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight will help your loved one avoid some serious health risks. Here are just a few reasons why it is important for your loved one to maintain a healthy weight, brought to you by the senior care professionals at Home Care Assistance of Anchorage. 1. Obesity Can Lead to the Development of Diabetes Although your loved one’s advanced age already increases his or her risk of diabetes, being overweight or obese amplifies the risk even more. In fact, along with an inactive lifestyle, having a…