Tag Archives: adaptation

Sleep Tips for Elderly People

Sleep is one of the most important factors not only for seniors, but also for younger people. It is very important for normal physical and mental functioning of an organism. Lack of sleep brings fatigue and a bunch of different health problems. For seniors it is very important to sleep on average 7.5 hours per night, but many of elderly people suffer from insomnia.
There are several things that can improve the quality and the ability of sleep that is vital for seniors.

1. Sun Yourself. Excessive sunshine increases the risk of skin cancer development, but sunbathing in moderation can bring only positive effect. Sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D. This vitamin is known for keeping the bones strong.

2. Create an environment that ideal for healthy sleeping. Keep the room cool and dark. The bedroom should be used only for sleeping; it should be associated with rest.

3. Control senior’s napping time. It should interfere with the sleeping at night. All naps should take place early in the afternoon, not in the evening. At the same time naps should be short, not more than 40-45 minutes.

4. Do not drink a lot of liquids before going to bed. Seniors go to the restroom at night more often than younger people. You can control this process by limiting the intake of liquids.

5. Do not consume caffeine in the second part of the day. The same should be said about alcohol, no alcohol before going to bed.

6. Bedtime routine as in the childhood. It is very important for seniors to have a routine before going to bed. Half an hour is enough to prepare your mind and body.

Day View Adult Family Home provides qualified and affordable services for seniors. Our trained crew understands the importance of a good night’s sleep and we work to create positive sleeping environment for seniors. Our residents receive the rest they need.

Social Isolation and Ways to Stop It

First of all, we need to realize that loneliness and isolation has a negative impact on health.

Recent researches and studies have shown that social isolation of elderly people has directly connected to health problems and earlier death. 59% of adults at the age of 60 and older, who consider themselves to be lonely, show significant disabilities to carry out everyday activities.

Another study that can be found in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry states the fact that elderly people who suffer from isolation and loneliness double the chances for developing dementia within three years.

Some other researches have shown the connection of loneliness with early death. Social isolation and loneliness are strong predictors for an early death, strong as alcoholism and smoking. All these results should be taken seriously and the life of seniors should be changed, they should stay connected and be socially active.

What are the ways of helping your aging parents to overcome these problems and ease the sense of loneliness and isolation?

One of the possibilities is to move into an adult family home with lots of possibilities for communication.

Social isolation can be also caused by transportation difficulties. You need to resolve this problem for your aging parents. There are different transportation options provided in most cities, you just need to contact a local agency on aging, who will provide all the needed information.

Different activities and classes can be a good answer to loneliness. Local libraries, colleges, community centers provide numerous classes, clubs, social activities, etc. it would be great if you take these classes together with your loved ones.

If you’ve noticed more serious problems than just loneliness, it’s time to talk to the doctor and at the same time it’s time to join a support group. These support groups provide important information, as well as encouragement and understanding.

Is Seniors’ Adapting to Disability Possible?

Lots of studies and researches that are dedicated to adapting possibilities to disability have been conducted in US. Recent studies of University of Michigan Institute for Social Research have shown that only about one third of Americans at the age of 65 and older utterly and completely can care of themselves. These people can leave independently and do not need any kind of assistance.

This new study also proved that there are different ways seniors adapt to different kinds of disabilities in their lives.

A research professor at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research has stated that such studies help to develop policies concerning public heath and the quality of life of older Americans.

Researches analyzed data of 8,077 men and women at the age of 65 and older.

The main results of the study included:

About ¼ were able to succeed in accomplishing daily tasks using assistance devices, such as walkers, scooters, bath-shower seats, etc.
6% of respondents felt much better about their disabilities when the number of daily activities was reduced, for example going outside less often.
21% said that they would feel much better if they receive help from other people.

It should be said that this study was the first one that estimated the ways of adapting to limitations in daily routine of older Americans.

The group of respondents, who use assistance devices and try to lead an independent life, seems to enjoy their life on the same level as those who can utterly and completely take care of themselves.

Researches analyzed data about such daily activities as going outside, getting out of bed, eating, getting around the house, using the bathroom, getting out of bed, dressing, etc.

The respondents were also asked whether they have encountered or experienced any kinds of difficulties in using assistance devices or whether they have been helped by other people over last year.

The results also showed that the proportion of seniors to perform daily activities varies by age and by activity.

For example, 90% of seniors are able to eat by themselves, but only 54% of respondents said that they are fully able to bathe.

As for the age…45% of respondents at the age of 65-69 are able to function independently, but only 4% can do it at the age of 90 and older.

Women tend to use assistance devices and to live independently more eagerly than men, 26% of women compared to 23% of men.

At the same time older adults with low incomes are less likely to be accommodated to the limitations and declines in their abilities to function.

The results of the study prove that we need to be very sensitive to the needs of older adults. Our team at Day View Adult Home will gladly help those who have difficulties with adjusting to the limitations in functional abilities. We are here to be near you all the time.