As the group that has faced the most significant health impact from COVID-19, seniors have had to be even more vigilant in practicing social distancing while also following the other protocols such as washing hands and wearing masks if needed to go out in public for essential trips.

We’ve seen the staggering toll the virus has taken in some nursing homes. Even those who haven’t caught it have been affected by further isolation from family and friends. That’s one reason why it’s been imperative to keep seniors safe in the comfort of their own homes, making in-home care more essential for some than it has ever been. Whether you are taking care of an aging loved one or struggling with daily living activities, we have six steps to help you improve your life in 2022 and how home care can assist.

At Veterans Care Coordination, our mission is to improve the quality of life for Veterans and their families by helping them secure the benefits they’ve earned, including in-home care. We’ve listed six ways seniors can make 2022 their year, and when you can’t be there for your aging loved ones, a professional caregiver can.

Stay Connected
It’s important to keep in touch with family and friends. But, even if you can’t see them in person, you can still connect digitally. Fortunately, technology has made it possible to not just speak with loved ones but also to see them “live and in color.” Even those intimidated by most technology can find an application that’s easy to use, so be sure to take advantage and stay connected.

Try Something New
Exercising the body is still important (we’ll get to that) but exercising the mind is vital, too. As in the example above, seniors adept at using technology to keep in touch can also take the next step and use the many online quizzes, games, and mind exercises available to stay sharp. Plus, reading is always an excellent way to work the brain, whether it’s revisiting a classic novel or exploring topics of interest.

Get Moving
As we age, it’s tempting to be still. There’s nothing wrong with that, in moderation, but it’s more important than ever that seniors make an effort to be active. Whether watching an exercise video online or taking a walk in the park, it will make a huge difference as you get older if you can stay physically active. You will feel better, and it can help with obesity, blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis. Of course, if you can get outside and get some fresh air, that’s even better.

Eat Right
While this may seem simple, it is easy to fall into the habit of having prepared food delivered. Much of this, especially fast food, is dangerously high in sodium and calories. Even if you live alone, healthy food options can be delivered, or you can use a service to have your groceries delivered to your house or brought to your vehicle at the store. Online recipe searches can provide interesting new dishes and even videos of how to prepare these dishes.

Get Rest
Now that you’re a senior, you no longer need to set an alarm clock so you can get up and go to work. Still, it is essential to stick to a routine and get a solid night’s sleep every night. You may find that you don’t need to sleep as long or that you like to take a nap in the afternoon. Just be sure to have a comfortable, dark bedroom that makes it easy to establish and keep a consistent rest pattern.

Watch the Signs
Forgetting things occasionally is a natural result of aging, as is reduced dexterity and balance. Following the tips above should help alleviate some of these issues. But if you begin to forget to take medication, notice tremors or find yourself getting lost in familiar locations, it could be a sign of something worse. The most crucial action to take with any potential illness or condition is detecting it early and starting treatment. Establish a good relationship with your doctor – they’re there to help you live your life as healthy as possible.

No matter what your living situation, these tips are designed to help someone not just enjoy their senior years but thrive through them. Professional home care services not only assist with everything listed above but can help with activities of daily living.

At Veterans Care Coordination, we strive to make sure every Veteran and surviving spouse has access to home care. One way we help is by introducing them to the Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit. Aging Veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for the VA’s benefit Pension with Aid and Attendance to ease the financial burden of paying for much-needed home care. Veterans Care Coordination strives to help as many Veterans and surviving spouses as possible gain access to the home care they need to continue living the high-quality of life they deserve.

Our partner providers join Veterans Care Coordination in the mission to improve the quality of life for Veterans and their families. We partner with quality home care providers to help navigate the VA’s application process for pension funds, maximize the VA pensions benefits, and get care started as quickly as possible.

 

Source:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/staying-healthy-as-you-age. htm

Posted in Aging Veterans Care, Aid and Attendance, Care for Aging Veterans, Home Care for Veterans

About Kyle Laramie, Founder & CEO

Kyle founded Veterans Care Coordination in April 2011. As its founder and CEO of VCC, Kyle is driven by the memory of his grandfather, a World War II Veteran who unnecessarily missed out on essential VA benefits because Kyle’s family wasn’t aware of available opportunities. In recognition of his impact in leadership, Kyle was named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list and St. Louis Small Business Monthly’s “100 St. Louisans to Know” in 2014. VCC was named a St. Louis Small Business Monthly “Top 20” small business and a finalist for the St. Louis Post Dispatch Top Workplace (2015-2022), St. Louis Business Journal Best Place to Work (2019 & 2022), and the Arcus Awards (2014). The team has served more than 14,000 Veteran clients and their families. Kyle frequently speaks on Veterans’ benefits, addressing conferences such as the Home Care Association of America and Decision Health. He is passionate about giving back and has built a charitable-minded organization that supports various philanthropic efforts.