August is National Wellness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on self-care, healthy routines, and establishing lifelong wellness habits that support mind and body. If you haven’t started a wellness routine yet, no worries—it’s never too late to begin. In fact, a recent study published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy found that older adults at risk for dementia experienced measurable cognitive improvements after adopting healthy lifestyle changes, specifically in areas such as diet, exercise, and brain stimulation.¹ The research reinforces what many families and caregivers already know: small, consistent routines can make a lasting difference in mental sharpness and overall quality of life.

 

For older adults, especially those currently facing extreme summer temperatures, staying healthy can be even more challenging when it’s simply too hot to go outside. But good health doesn’t stop at the door. With the right daily routines and the support of professional home care services, seniors can remain active, safe, and healthy right from the comfort of home.

 

At home wellness isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about creating an environment where an older adult can stay mentally engaged, physically active, emotionally supported, and safely independent. For many families, professional home care plays a key role in making that happen.

 

When summer temperatures make it unsafe to be outside for long periods, home care professionals help seniors adjust their routines without sacrificing their health. They can encourage gentle indoor movement, mental stimulation, assist with hydration and meal preparation, and monitor for early signs of heat stress—all while providing much-needed companionship.

 

At home, wellness for seniors can include:

Hydration and Nutrition: Caregivers can offer water regularly throughout the day, prepare cooling snacks like fruit or yogurt, and help plan meals that support energy and heart health without overheating the kitchen.

Safe Indoor Activity: Movement doesn’t have to mean long walks outside. With a caregiver’s help, seniors can stretch, practice balance exercises, do chair yoga, or take short walks through the house to stay mobile and strong.

Cognitive Engagement: A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Caregivers can encourage activities like puzzles, reading, memory games, or even learning a new hobby to keep the brain active and spirits high.

Cooling and Comfort: Seniors may not always recognize the signs of overheating. Caregivers can monitor for signs of heat exhaustion, help adjust room temperatures as needed, and assist with dressing in breathable clothing or using cooling cloths when necessary.

Medication and Wellness Monitoring: Many home care providers are trained to assist with medication reminders and monitor for early signs of dehydration or heat-related illnesses, providing family members with peace of mind.

 

Wellness is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it involves making a series of small, daily choices. These choices become easier, safer, and more sustainable when professional support is available. During National Wellness Month, it’s an ideal time to assess how you and your loved ones are maintaining health at home.

 

If the heat is keeping an elderly family member indoors and feeling isolated, consider partnering with a trusted home care provider. At-home care can help bridge the gap between safety and well-being—one compassionate visit at a time.

 

 

 

Sources:

Ngandu, T., Baker, L. D., Brickman, A. M., et al. (2024). Multidomain interventions to prevent cognitive decline and dementia: An updated review of randomized controlled trials. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, 16(1), 68.

  Summary article via MedPage Today: https://www.medpagetoday.com/geriatrics/dementia/116698

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Older Adults and Heat. Last reviewed May 2023.

  https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.html

National Institute on Aging (NIA). Tips for Staying Hydrated and Healthy in Hot Weather.

  https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-weather-safety-older-adults

National Wellness Institute. National Wellness Month – August.

  https://nationalwellness.org

Posted in Aging Veterans Care, Aid and Attendance, Aid and Attendance Benefit, Care for Aging Veterans, Home Care Benefits, Home Care for Veterans, Partner Support, VA Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit, VA Benefits For Home Care, Veterans, Veterans Care
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About Jamie Gianopulos

Jamie Gianopulos has been with VCC for over 5 years leading brand messaging, original content design and creation, and partnership communications. She brings over seven years of marketing experience and more than ten years in interior design and home staging, pairing creative strategy with process-driven thinking. Her commitment to serving Veterans is deeply personal. Jamie is the daughter of a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and the mother of a Marine Corps officer currently deployed in Okinawa. That multi-generational connection to military service fuels her dedication to ensuring Veterans and their families receive the respect, care, and support they have earned.