Blog

Eldercare: Common Foods that Interact with Medication

Foods contain the vitamins, minerals and nutrients necessary for us to live long healthy lives. However, those same vitamins and minerals that can be healthy can also interfere with certain medications. It is important for all ages to be mindful of their prescriptions but this is especially important for seniors, who are often taking more medications, each one of which having the potential to interact complexly with their bodies, and diets. Negative reactions between food and drugs can be prevented by being knowledgeable about which medications interact negatively with specific...

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Elder Care Tips: Ways to Increase Vitamin D Intake

As the spring comes, the light brightens and the day lengthens. Not only does this benefit our gardens, but it also benefits our mental and physical health. While there are many reasons for this, one of the main reasons is the increase in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential supplement and improves bone health, physical ability, and energy. It is a staple for most adults, especially older adults, to take vitamin D because it assists in the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Calcium absorption is critical for building and...

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The Benefits of Fiber for Seniors

Fiber is an important nutritional factor for maintaining a healthy digestive system.  Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that is found primarily in plant-based foods. There are two different types of fiber that have important roles and help your digestive system.  Soluble fiber is fiber that absorbs water which provides bulk to your stool and helps it pass more easily through your digestive tract. Insoluble fiber remains unchanged as you digest it which helps the contents move more naturally through your body. Fiber is critical for keeping your bowel movements regular...

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Nutritional Drinks for Seniors

Being a caretaker to your elderly loved one can involve making many decisions regarding their health, including nutrition decisions. There are no easy decisions when it comes to someone’s health especially when you are making that decision about their nutrition. As people age it can become more difficult for them to eat solid food and have an adequate appetite.  Soft food can be the preferential style of food for those who have difficulty eating or who have inconsistent appetites. While nutritional drinks can be an effective solution, they can also...

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Nocturia in Seniors: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Nocturia is defined as a medical condition in which one voids one's bowels at least twice per night, interrupting sleep.  Nocturia is a common ailment in older adults, especially those 70 years and older. Due to its prevalence, nocturia is usually dismissed as an inevitable sign of aging, however, the effects of nocturia affect the quality of life of the senior and should, therefore, be treated seriously. A significant number of falls occur during the night when a senior may be awakening and going to the washroom.  This can lead...

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Dealing with Loss of Appetite in the Elderly (Part 2)

Last week we discussed the possible medical and non-medical causes of appetite loss in the elderly. It is critical to address any medical conditions by working with your family doctor, or specialist and creating a plan of care that specifically addresses your elderly loved ones individual medical needs. A personal care worker can be of great assistance in regards to keeping medicine on an organized routine and supporting physical therapy regimens. Aside from doctor-prescribed health routines, there are a few techniques you can experiment with to see if there is...

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How to Help an Elderly Loved One Make Dietary Changes

Change is hard, no matter what age you are, and if your elderly loved ones have to endure change in their lives, then it may throw them for a loop. As people age they may have to make dietary changes in order to stay healthy and keep their bodies strong. Many doctors recommend that older individuals eat low sodium diets that are rich in nutrients. This type of diet can reduce your loved one’s risk of developing many chronic diseases, heart disease, or having a stroke. Your loved one may...

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Foods that Fight Pain

Chronic pain affects millions of people each year, and the majority of the affected are people from the elderly population. This type of pain can be frustrating. Chronic pain often does not have a specific treatment plan or diagnosis. For this reason, most patients are either given low doses of pain medications or are told by their doctors to fight their pain naturally and on their own. Fortunately though, nature has given humans amazing natural medications in the form of food to fight pain and disease. Anti-inflammatory diets have been...

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Dietary Habits that Trigger Elderly Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence is a medical issue that affects many men and women each year. Anyone, of any age, can suffer from the issue, but elderly men and women are more prone to the issue. Urinary Incontinence is highly common in the elderly, and can lead to other medical issues. Patients with the issue need to go to the restroom frequently, which increases their mobility. In turn, elderly patients with urinary incontinence have higher fall rates and higher rates of broken bones. Urinary incontinence can be due to underlying medical issues,...

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Warning Signs of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is quickly becoming one of the most common diseases that affect the elderly in developed countries. Access to various fatty and sugary foods along with busy lifestyles that do not create time for exercise are causing people to put their health on the back burner and develop health issues. Type 2 Diabetes is one of these health issues that can arise if you do not watch your weight, exercise frequently, and eat healthy. This type of diabetes occurs whenever your body does not process glucose properly. If...

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