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It’s normal to expect a decrease in certain abilities as we age. However, there is a distinct difference between changes resulting from natural aging and those related to more serious health concerns. Take a look at these comparisons to help ensure your elderly loved one’s health and safety. Poor Eyesight The gradual loss of visual acuity is to be expected as we age. Cataracts, the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40, are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. However, peripheral vision that is worse than central vision, or vice-versa, is cause for concern because it may be a sign of glaucoma, which can result in blindness. Hearing Impairment One-third of people over the age of…

If you are providing in-home care in Anchorage for a senior loved one with diabetes, diligently following a treatment plan can be a constant and important effort. Everything you do to help him or her control this disease can limit the likelihood of serious related complications. Here are 4 ways you can help alleviate your loved one’s diabetes symptoms while bolstering his or her overall health. 1. Encourage Your Loved One to Stop Smoking Smokers who have been diagnosed with diabetes should consider trying a smoking cessation plan. Smoking cigarettes can further reduce circulation in the hands and feet and increase your loved one’s likelihood of developing problems like ulcers and infection. Smoking also increases the risk of heart disease…

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…