Wellness Tips for Seniors: Beyond Eating Better and Staying Active

Wellness in later life is frequently connected with eating healthy foods and remaining physically active, but true wellness for seniors extends beyond these basic fundamentals. A holistic approach to health considers emotional well-being, social connections, cognitive stimulation, and having a sense of purpose. With the encouragement and support of elder care providers and loved ones, seniors can check all the boxes and have a better quality of life.

Cognitive Stimulation and Lifelong Learning

Elder Care Somerset County NJ - Wellness Tips for Seniors: Beyond Eating Better and Staying Active

Elder Care Somerset County NJ – Wellness Tips for Seniors: Beyond Eating Better and Staying Active

Keeping the mind engaged is essential for cognitive wellness. Seniors tend to benefit from brain-challenging activities and hobbies, including learning a new language, playing musical instruments, and solving puzzles. Community centers, libraries, and online platforms provide classes suited to older individuals, promoting a sense of accomplishment and mental health. Additionally, artistic hobbies such as painting, writing, or crafts offer both mental stimulation and a means of self-expression. Ultimately, focusing on these things can help prevent cognitive deterioration and provide a therapeutic outlet for feelings.

Developing Social Connections

As the years go by, it may get harder and harder to find new social connections, leading to loneliness and social isolation. These two issues can have serious consequences for seniors, as research suggests strong social relationships can minimize the incidence of chronic illnesses while also improving mental health. For seniors aging in place, elder care offers built-in socialization as well as the encouragement to participate in group activities such as book clubs, walking groups, or volunteering. Technology also provides new avenues for connection, such as video calls, virtual meetups, and participation in online communities that match their interests.

Emotional Well-Being

While sometimes overlooked when considering wellness, emotional health is essential for living a fulfilled life. Mindfulness meditation and yoga can help seniors manage stress, focus better, and improve their mood. Journaling can also be an effective method for achieving emotional clarity and gratitude. Expressing sentiments on paper can help seniors gain perspective, reduce anxiety, and celebrate moments of happiness. In addition, therapy or support groups may be beneficial for seniors dealing with grief, depression, or anxiety, as they provide a safe space to share and heal.

Purpose and Meaning

A sense of purpose is important at any age, but it can be especially meaningful after retirement as roles and routines change. This is why it is often suggested that seniors volunteer, as it allows them to contribute to their communities in a meaningful way. Whether it’s through mentoring the younger generations, volunteering at animal shelters, or engaging in another way, seniors find fulfillment in giving back.

Another way to find a sense of purpose might be through spiritual practices. Spiritual practices, whether religious or secular, help to promote a sense of purpose and peace. Attending services, practicing appreciation, and connecting with nature can all help to nourish seniors and provide improved wellness.

Technology as a Wellness Tool

Embracing technology can help seniors gain new opportunities. Technology may enrich people’s lives in a variety of ways, from apps that track health to virtual reality experiences that provide immersive travel. Seniors who learn to manage digital platforms may feel empowered and more connected to the outside world.

True well-being for seniors includes the body, mind, and soul. With the help of elder care, seniors can live richer, more fulfilling lives by focusing on these various aspects of well-being and incorporating some of the tips above.

Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/healthy-aging-tips-older-adults-your-life
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/healthy-eating-physical-activity-for-life/health-tips-for-older-adults
https://medlineplus.gov/healthyaging.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Elder Care Services in Somerset County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




Tips to Beat Winter Dehydration for Seniors

Winter months are when cold, dry air outside and warm, dry air inside can wreak havoc on seniors’ efforts to stay hydrated. Shorter days also mean that seniors might drink less water and eat fewer meals and snacks. All of this can lead to dehydration, which reduces energy levels, takes a toll on the immune system, and can leave seniors feeling sluggish. Home care providers can help families try out some of these tips for beating winter hydration for seniors.

Home Care Berkeley Heights NJ - Tips to Beat Winter Dehydration for Seniors

Home Care Berkeley Heights NJ – Tips to Beat Winter Dehydration for Seniors

Warm Fluids Are Soothing

In colder weather, it’s soothing to drink warm fluids. The bonus is that they’re also very hydrating. Some warm fluids to consider include herbal teas, broth-based soups, or even just warm water with a squeeze of lemon. Reminders during the day help aging adults stay hydrated and stick to their routines.

Hydrating Foods Can Be the Easiest

One of the easiest ways for seniors who don’t like water to stay hydrated is through eating hydrating foods. Lots of foods have a high water content, like melons, berries, and tomatoes. But lots of foods that people enjoy during winter weather can also offer a lot of hydration, like stews and casseroles that include hydrating foods. Home care providers can help family caregivers plan meals that help hydrate seniors.

Too Much Caffeine and Alcohol Can Be a Problem

Too much of anything can be a problem for aging adults, and that’s especially true with things like alcohol and caffeine. Both of these ingredients can have dehydrating effects, particularly if seniors are not supplementing with a lot of water either caffeine or alcohol. Seniors who love drinking coffee all day long might want to make a switch after the first couple of cups to something similar but without a high caffeine count. Herbal tea can offer similar flavors without dehydrating seniors.

Winter Superfoods Are Hydrating

Winter superfoods like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are rich in minerals and vitamins, but they’re also hydrating. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and cabbage also contain lots of nutrients and water. Whole grains like oats, barley, and quinoa boost energy levels and contain a lot of fiber. They also offer plenty of hydration.

A Balanced Diet Does So Much

Comfort foods are natural for colder months, but those comfort foods are better for seniors when they offer a balance of essential nutrients. Including plenty of protein, healthy fats, and a good mix of vegetables can support the immune system while maintaining overall health. Home care providers can help family caregivers plan balanced meals and snacks. They can also help with preparing those meals, and stocking up freezers and fridges so these healthy options are easy for seniors to grab and eat.

Maintain Activity Levels

Physical activity helps seniors stay healthy, too. In colder weather, seniors might need to move their exercises inside and prioritize hydration before and after exercising. Walking inside with YouTube videos or on a treadmill helps seniors keep moving while reducing the risk of injury.

Staying hydrated during colder weather keeps seniors healthier and energized. It’s just as important during winter as it is throughout the rest of the year and home care providers can help seniors use some of these tips in their hydration routines to stay comfortable and properly hydrated.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Care Services in Berkeley Heights NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




Recognizing the Signs When Seniors Worry Too Much

As we get older, life might provide us with additional obstacles and uncertainties, ranging from health worries to financial demands, which can be mentally taxing. While occasional worry is a normal part of life, excessive or persistent worrying can cause substantial stress, health problems, and a lower quality of life, particularly among seniors. With senior home care providers, loved ones, and the medical team by their side, seniors who might worry too much can gain the support they need and have a better quality of life.

Identifying Signs of Excessive Worry

Senior Home Care Somerset NJ - Recognizing the Signs When Seniors Worry Too Much

Senior Home Care Somerset NJ – Recognizing the Signs When Seniors Worry Too Much

Excessive worrying in seniors frequently emerges in ways that extend beyond a passing concern. It may manifest as a continual obsession with worst-case scenarios, problems sleeping, obvious anxiety, or bodily symptoms such as headaches, exhaustion, and an upset stomach. Loved ones may also notice changes in their conduct, such as avoiding social situations, making numerous calls or messages for reassurance, or expressing increasing fears about the future.

For some seniors, these symptoms can be caused by specific stressors such as health issues, loss of independence, or financial difficulties. For others, they may be part of a larger mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression. If senior home care or loved ones begin to realize that worrying is interfering with the senior’s everyday activities or their overall well-being, it is essential to address the problem.

Importance of a Support System

A solid support system is important for helping seniors in navigating their concerns while maintaining a sense of stability and comfort. This assistance can come from a variety of sources, including family members, senior home care agencies, and medical experts.

Emotional support is frequently provided first by family members and close friends. Simple actions such as checking in regularly, listening with empathy, and promoting open communication about worries and concerns can make seniors feel heard and valued. Sharing meals, doing hobbies together, or going on walks are all activities that promote connection and can provide a reassuring feeling of routine and companionship.

Senior home care provides an additional layer of support, particularly for seniors who live alone or with restricted mobility. Home care professionals can help with daily tasks, creating a safe and pleasant atmosphere while also providing companionship. Additionally, these services can help reduce some of the practical burdens that can lead to excessive worry, such as food preparation, transportation, and household maintenance.

Finally, healthcare professionals have an important role in reducing anxiety and stress among seniors. If worrying becomes overpowering, speaking with a doctor or mental health specialist can help uncover underlying issues and develop a treatment plan. This could include treatment, medication, or lifestyle changes including more physical activity, mindfulness exercises, or nutritional modifications. Regular checkups can also help address health concerns that are causing worry, bringing peace of mind.

The Importance of Working as a Team

Combining the efforts of family, senior home care, and medical specialists ensures a comprehensive approach to senior care. Encouraging healthy habits, developing meaningful connections, and providing access to tools can help seniors manage their problems more effectively.

Managing excessive worrying is about helping seniors find balance, feel supported, and enjoy their later years with confidence and peace of mind. When senior home care, loved ones, and the medical team work together, they can create a supportive environment that relieves seniors’ worries and helps them look forward to each day.

Sources: https://aagponline.org/patient-article/anxiety-and-older-adults-overcoming-worry-and-fear/
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-anxiety-in-older-adults
https://www.ioaging.org/medical-concerns/signs-stress-seniors-recognize-stress-early-generate-resilienc

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Senior Home Care Services in Somerset NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




Things Your Dad Needs When He Comes Home From A Hospital Stay

If your dad is recovering from an illness or injury and he’s been in the hospital but is ready to come home there are some things that you should do to get the house ready for him. When your dad comes home things won’t go back to how they were before his hospital stay right away. Your dad will need more time to recover at home before he is able to live independently again. Depending on why your dad was in the hospital he may not be able to live on his own again without home care assistance services. If your dad has home care assistance, he should be able to continue living in the home he wants to live in because he will have the extra support and help that he needs.

To make sure that your dad has the care and support he needs to be comfortable while he recovers at home, he will need these five things after he is released from the hospital:

Medication Reminders

Home Care Assistance Somerset NJ - Things Your Dad Needs When He Comes Home From A Hospital Stay

Home Care Assistance Somerset NJ – Things Your Dad Needs When He Comes Home From A Hospital Stay

Chances are good that your dad is going to be taking a lot of new medications, especially if he was in the hospital because of a heart attack or stroke. Make sure that he has all prescribed medications, including those for managing heart health, blood pressure, cholesterol, and any other conditions.

Then make sure he has home care assistance so that he will have someone in the home with him to remind him when to take all of his medications. Your dad mustn’t miss any doses of his medication. Having a care provider that reminds him when to take his medications will help.

Healthy Meals

Your dad will need to start eating healthier meals at home. A heart-healthy diet plan rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low in saturated fats, sodium, and sugars will help your dad recover. Since your dad probably won’t be able to comfortably cook for himself it’s a good idea to have home care assistance so that someone will be there to help him cook meals.

A home care assistance provider can also do the shopping and run errands so that there will be lots of healthy and delicious food in the house for your dad to eat.

Physical Activity Plan

When your dad is released he should be given guidelines for safe physical activity, which might include gentle exercises or rehab exercises. It’s important to follow the doctor’s recommendations to ensure that the activity level is appropriate for his condition. In-home physical therapy may be recommended by the doctor.

Support System

Emotional and practical support from family, friends, or caregivers is an important part of recovery. Having someone available to assist with daily tasks, monitor his health, and provide companionship can significantly aid in his recovery. If you can’t be there around the clock to help your dad during his recovery call for more information about home care assistance.

Medical Equipment

Any necessary medical equipment, such as a blood pressure monitor, heart rate monitor, or mobility aids should be delivered to his home before he comes home from the hospital. Ensure he knows how to use these devices properly.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Care Assistance Services in Somerset NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




Spring Cleaning Tips for Seniors

As seniors age, they may stop moving as much as they used to and this means they stop cleaning as much as they used to. Their bodies don’t move the same, their eyes don’t see as well, and maybe they don’t want to ask for much help from their adult children. Tons of things accumulate in their house over the years and there can be a lot of dust that comes with it. If your loved one needs more help around the house it is time to consider hiring senior home care providers to help them.

Here are some of the best spring cleaning tips for seniors who want to age in place.

Go Through the Pantry

Senior Home Care Union County NJ - Spring Cleaning Tips for Seniors

Senior Home Care Union County NJ – Spring Cleaning Tips for Seniors

One of the many things a senior needs to focus on is diet. Senior home care should ensure that your elderly loved one is eating tons of fresh foods and vegetables. They may help prepare meals throughout the week or even help your loved one grocery shop. Before senior home care takes your loved one to the grocery store they need to see what a senior already has. If your loved one has not gone through their fridge or pantry it’s time to do that. This is the time to get rid of any expired foods and even deep clean the fridge to help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria that could be in there. This is a great spring cleaning task to do as the weather gets warmer. Open up the kitchen windows and clean the fridge and pantry out!

Start With Main Rooms

If your loved one has a bigger house there may be rooms they don’t use at all. Senior home care can help your loved one prioritize which rooms they use the most and focus on cleaning those areas. This may mean your loved one needs to sort through possessions and take them to a donation center or just throw a bunch of stuff away. However, if a senior thinks they need to get a whole house done in a week this can put too much pressure on them. Instead, start room by room and start with the rooms they use the most. This could be the living room and bedroom or it could be the living room and kitchen! Senior home care is supposed to be observant and can make recommendations based on what they notice and how a senior lives.

Use Storage Bins

A senior may not want to get rid of everything because they may want to save things for certain family members. But they may also need to get these items out of the way and put them somewhere where they can be kept safe and clean. A senior should use storage bins and maybe even a storage unit. Your loved one may need help with transportation and it is something you may have to help with or ask senior home care if they are comfortable doing this as well.

All of these tips can help your loved one get their homes in order this spring and will boost their quality of life.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Senior Home Care Services in Union County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




Easy Ways to Help Boost a Senior’s Immune System

It’s incredibly frustrating for seniors to realize that their immune systems are likely to weaken, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses. When aging adults have experienced a major illness, it can take a lot of extra support and time for them to recover as fully as they would prefer. Home health care providers can do quite a bit to make it easier for seniors to strengthen their immune systems.

Encourage a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Home Health Care Somerset NJ - Easy Ways to Help Boost a Senior’s Immune System

Home Health Care Somerset NJ – Easy Ways to Help Boost a Senior’s Immune System

A well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet is paramount in supporting the immune system. When seniors eat foods that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, they are better able to use those nutrients to strengthen their immune function. Sometimes their medical providers might want them to eat a specific diet while they recover, and home health care providers can help aging adults to stick to those recommendations.

Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and immune function, especially when seniors are recovering. Encourage seniors to drink plenty of fluids, including water, herbal teas, and even hydrating foods. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins from the body and keeps mucous membranes moist, which serves as a physical barrier against infections. Ensure that seniors have easy access to water throughout the day and offer reminders to drink regularly.

Promote Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity is beneficial for seniors’ immune systems. Gentle exercises like walking, tai chi, or yoga can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being. Engaging in regular exercise also supports mental health, reducing stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on the immune system. Seniors may need extra help being able to be physically active, and physical therapy may be part of their recovery plan.

Prioritize Adequate Sleep

Restful sleep is essential for the body’s immune system to function optimally. Ensure that seniors are getting enough sleep by establishing a consistent bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment. Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine close to bedtime and limiting daytime napping can also contribute to better sleep quality.

Maintain Good Hygiene Practices

Practicing good hygiene is vital to prevent the spread of infections and support the immune system. Encourage seniors to wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public spaces. Reinforce the importance of covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and avoiding contact with individuals who are sick. These simple practices can help reduce the risk of reinfection and protect their immune health.

Consider Immune-Boosting Supplements

Some seniors may need additional supplements to regain their immune system health. Home health care providers work closely with medical providers to incorporate those supplements in daily activities for seniors. Nutritional shakes and other types of supplements might be recommended if seniors are having trouble eating regularly.

When a senior has been sick, their immune system needs all the support it can get to aid in a speedy recovery and prevent future illnesses. Home health care providers can be liaisons to healthcare providers and make recovery a lot easier for aging adults who need extra help.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Home Health Care Services in Somerset NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




What Could Be Causing Your Seniors Insomnia

When a senior suffers from insomnia, they have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or can’t get quality sleep throughout the night. Sleep is one of the most crucial aspects of life a senior should be focusing on. A common myth says elderly people sleep less naturally. This myth is false. Your loved one’s sleeping habits may shift by going to bed at different times, but they still need the average amount of sleep and need good quality sleep just like everyone else. Their in-home care provider can help them develop better sleeping routines and habits to improve their sleep.

If you think your mom or dad is suffering from insomnia, here is what could be causing it.

They May Suffer From Anxiety

In-Home Care Warren NJ - What Could Be Causing Your Seniors Insomnia

In-Home Care Warren NJ – What Could Be Causing Your Seniors Insomnia

Unfortunately, anyone of any age can suffer from anxiety. It’s not always as simple as telling someone to calm down, and it’s even harder to work through anxiety as a senior who is aging in place and on their own. Your loved one may not be sleeping because their anxiety has become overwhelming. They may lay awake thinking about their problems at night, and these thoughts may be keeping them awake or giving them stressful dreams that wake them up. The best way you can help your loved ones is by asking them what their worries are. When you understand the true problem, you can help find the solutions that ease stress and anxiety.

Seniors Sometimes Develop Poor Habits

Poor sleeping habits can truly impact how well your loved one sleeps and whether or not they are sleeping through the night. If your loved one needs more help creating a healthy routine when it comes to sleep, this is something that the right in-home care specialist can help with. Your loved one may need guidance about what to do before bed and what activities they should avoid before bed. They may also need help from in-home care to eat, drink, bathe, and dress for bed. Finding the right routine will help your loved one relax, and eventually, their body will physically become used to this new routine, which can promote sleep.

Sometimes, They Have Chronic Pain

Some seniors may suffer from chronic pain, which can be horrible to sleep through. If your loved one is in pain, they may need to seek a medical professional or their primary care provider who can help manage the pain they feel. A doctor must know a senior is not sleeping due to the pain they feel because this will help a doctor determine what kind of treatment is best for your loved one. Pain should always be managed, but that has to be done with the help of a loved one’s doctor.

Medication Can Keep Seniors Up

Often, seniors will be taking a few different kinds of medications, and this can, unfortunately, impact how well a senior sleeps or their sleeping patterns. This is something that can be hard to fix, especially if your loved one needs a specific kind of medication. However, all negative effects of any medication are because a doctor may be able to prescribe something else or lower the dosage to help the effects of the medication. It is so important that a senior always listens to the doctor’s orders and always reports any problems. Communication is a crucial part of aging in place well.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional In-Home Care Services in Warren NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




Benefits of Today’s Hearing Aids For Seniors

Loss of hearing is a common problem that affects millions of people all over the world. Hearing aids today are more powerful and flexible than ever before, thanks to technological breakthroughs that have changed the field of audiology. In this blog, the benefits of modern hearing aids and how they might change how seniors hear are explored, as well as how the senior home care team can help.

Significant Changes in Modern Hearing Aids: How They Look and How They Work

One of the best things about current hearing aids is that they allow seniors to hear sounds better than ever. Unlike older models, today’s devices have advanced processing capabilities and algorithms that filter out background noise and produce sound that is crystal clear. This means that seniors who wear them can hear conversations, music, and other things around them better and clearer.

Additionally, the ability to adjust today’s hearing aids is something that would not have been possible in the past. This allows for better customization to ensure the wearer gets the best amplification for their unique hearing profile, making conversation more enjoyable.

Other changes are the size of today’s hearing aids. They are typically slim, unobtrusive forms that are hard to notice when worn. Some models can even be totally hidden in the ear canal so seniors can still feel good about themselves and not be embarrassed by their hearing issues.

Better Connection With Modern Hearing Aids

Integration with smartphones and other devices is one of the most exciting new things about hearing aids. This lets seniors change settings, stream music, and even answer calls right from their hearing aids. This connection makes it easier for them to stay in touch with their loved ones and watch their favorite shows and movies. While integration is easy once it’s set up, seniors might be overwhelmed until they get comfortable with the new technology. The senior home care team can help them with this and encourage them to continue using them until they become second nature.

Today’s Hearing Aids May Also Help With Tinnitus

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be a bothersome disease that often happens when someone loses their hearing. Modern hearing aids often have built-in ways to deal with ringing. These things can help hide or lessen the effects of tinnitus, giving people who have it some relief and making them feel better overall. If seniors have mentioned this ringing to loved ones or their senior home care team, working with an audiologist might help.

Modern hearing aids have a lot of great benefits. They have better sound quality, can be customized, have a small design, and more. As technology keeps getting better, the future looks even better for seniors who have trouble hearing, and more innovations and improvements are likely to come in the area of audiology. With the help of senior home care and loved ones, as well as a strong connection to their audiologist team, seniors with hearing issues can thrive.

Sources: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-benefits-and-limitations#:~:text=to%20the%20FDA%3F-,What%20are%20the%20benefits%20of%20hearing%20aids%3F,easily%20with%20family%20and%20friends.
https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-aids/health-benefits
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/hearing-aids-benefits.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Senior Home Care Services in Union County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




Tips for Helping Keep Your Mom Hydrated in the Heat

Temperatures in many regions have been soaring for weeks. Keeping hydrated is important, but your mom seems to be having a hard time remembering to drink enough. Don’t let your mom risk her health and safety in this heat. A senior home care aide can make sure she has enough to drink and eat throughout the day.

How do you make sure she’s staying hydrated?

Senior Home Care New Providence NJ - Tips for Helping Keep Your Mom Hydrated in the Heat

Senior Home Care New Providence NJ – Tips for Helping Keep Your Mom Hydrated in the Heat

Have a Pitcher of Her Favorite Beverage

What does your mom love to drink? If she likes iced tea or lemonade, have a pitcher ready in her refrigerator. She’s more likely to drink regularly if she has favorite beverages available.

Keep Cubed Melon in the Fridge

Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew all contain a lot of water. Cut them up and put the cubes in a reusable container. When she’s hungry, she can snack on some melon and stay hydrated. In addition to melon, berries, grapes, and oranges are also hydrating.

Make Chilled Soups

On a hot day, the last thing your mom probably wants is a hot bowl of soup to go with the sandwich she’s having. Make chilled soups and store them in single-serving-sized reusable containers.

Soups like chilled borscht, cucumber soup with dill, and gazpacho are all options that will keep your mom hydrated and increase her vegetable intake at the same time.

Purchase a Reusable Bottle That Measures Water Intake

Unless your mom has an underlying health condition that limits her water intake, most women need about two liters per day. Purchase a one-liter reusable water bottle that has hourly markings on the side. She needs to drink two of those per day.

Remind Her of Sun Safety Rules

Remind your mom that in hot weather, it’s best to stay inside during the hottest hours, which are usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., though that does vary by region. A good rule of thumb is to tend to her gardens or walk her dog before breakfast and after dinner.

If she has to go out in the hottest hours of the day, she needs to make it quick. It’s also advisable that she messages you that she’s heading outside. Door cameras with motion detection and alerts also help you track her movements and determine if she’s been outside for longer than she should.

Make Sure Her Home Is Cool Enough

Check that your mom’s home is cool enough. If she has AC and it’s not working effectively, it might be time to have it serviced. If she doesn’t have AC, would she like a window unit? They cost a lot less to run than they used to.

Newer ENERGY Star U-shaped window units have mounting systems that snap in place with rubberized feet that brace against the home’s exterior. It doesn’t require holes to be drilled into the window frame. With the fan inside the home and everything else located outside the home, these units are also very quiet.

Call our senior home care specialist and ask about companion care and meal preparation.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Senior Home Care Services in New Providence NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.




Understanding Personality Changes In Your Loved One

As your loved one gets older, you may notice their personality change. But is that normal, or is it not normal? It can be concerning to watch your loved one get older, and unless you’re a professional, you may not know what to expect or how to help. Whether you have senior home care assistance helping your loved one or you’re helping on your own, here are some things you should know about personality changes in seniors.

Common Behavior Changes

Senior Home Care Essex County NJ - Understanding Personality Changes In Your Loved One

Senior Home Care Essex County NJ – Understanding Personality Changes In Your Loved One

The beautiful thing about life is that every person is different and has a unique personality. This means the changes can drastically differ from one person to the next. But you know your loved one best. You may be their daughter, son, or even grandchild. You have grown up with them and know what they’re like. Even senior home care will get a good feeling of who your senior loved one is and will be able to notice when something is off with them. When caring for a loved one, you must take time to observe who they are and who they are becoming.

Here are some common behavioral changes that don’t necessarily mean anything is wrong.

  • They Become Quiet

Growing up, you may have been used to getting lectured or having them teach you something. You may find they don’t lecture you as much as when you were little and as they get older. They may find they like the quiet and become more reserved with words. This doesn’t mean there is a problem with your loved one. Continue to talk to them and ensure they are engaging in conversation too. If they are ignoring you, that may be a different problem that should be addressed but may not have anything to do with major personality changes.

  • They Get Frustrated Easier

You may be used to your mom being as cool as a cucumber and never losing her composure. However, as someone gets older, they may find they have more limitations than they would care to admit. They may need more help from senior home care, or they may have to avoid doing certain activities because of limitations. This can lead to frustrations with their age. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong, but it can be hard to cope with. If you notice your senior is getting frustrated and not handling their new body well, it may be time to speak to a professional therapist who can give them tools to cope with this new age.

  • They May Go Out Less

As your body ages and you can’t do as many things, it becomes challenging and hard to go out. If your senior isn’t going out to things that require a lot of movement, this can be normal. However, they may try replacing it with an easier activity that allows them to socialize and get out of the house. If they are into concerts but can no longer stand in a crowd that will jolt them, invite them to go to music in the park where they can relax in the sunshine with family on a nice day. Going out less isn’t exactly a problem, but if they are socially isolated and refuse to see anyone, this could be a problem.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Senior Home Care Services in Essex County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.