Genetics and aging are two factors that put seniors at higher risk for experiencing strokes. However, a stroke doesn’t have to be inevitable for an aging adult. Here are some of the steps family caregivers can take to help their elderly loved ones prevent strokes.
Relieve Stress
When aging adults are stressed, their blood pressure levels increase, putting them at higher risk for strokes. Help your loved one develop methods to prevent stress hormones from being released into his or her body. Seniors can handle stress by maintaining social networks, meditating, participating in activities they enjoy, and avoiding stressful situations, people, places, and things.
Help your loved one prevent stress and enjoy a higher quality of life by hiring a professional caregiver. Elder care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Establish a Healthy Diet
Healthy eating habits can reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which are common risk factors associated with strokes. Seniors need to eat more lean meats, fruits, and vegetables and avoid high-cholesterol foods such as cheese, hamburgers, and ice cream.
Promote Physical Activity
Long periods of immobility can cause poor circulation in aging adults, which can lead to various health issues, including strokes. Your loved one needs to stay active by exercising and participating in activities that get his or her heart rate up. Walking, swimming, dancing, and doing aerobics are some of the ways aging adults can prevent their arteries from narrowing, maintain good physical health, and reduce their risk of strokes.
Maintaining healthy habits is often easier for older adults when they have the right support. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Pearland families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Create a Smoking Cessation Plan
Smoking causes the blood to clot, and it also increases the amount of plaque in a senior’s arteries. The combination of these two issues could lead to a stroke. Prepare healthy snacks your loved one can eat whenever he or she gets the urge to smoke.
You should also help your parent develop healthy habits to turn to when he or she craves cigarettes or other tobacco products. Encourage alternative activities such as yoga, gardening, walking, painting, and crafting to boost his or her overall health and prevent a stroke.
Manage Blood Sugar
Living with diabetes puts seniors at risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. By managing their blood sugar, seniors can prevent diabetes and blood clots that block or narrow blood vessels in the brain and neck. As a result, the blood supply won’t be cut off, and oxygen can get to the brain, reducing the risk of a stroke. Aging adults can manage their blood sugar levels by exercising, staying hydrated, increasing their fiber intake, and monitoring their blood sugar on a regular basis.
Seniors can prevent a number of health issues while aging in the comfort of home with the help of professional caregivers. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Pearland, TX, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
