News and Blog
An apple a day may truly keep the doctor away! From fiber to antioxidants, learn about the incredible health benefits of apples and their impact on your well-being.
Continue ReadingDon't let the summer heat worsen your chronic condition. Learn essential techniques for managing chronic diseases in the summer to keep your health in check during hot months and make the most of the sunny days ahead.
Continue ReadingRediscover the joys of old hobbies while boosting senior brain health. Uncover the remarkable ways reengaging with past interests can lead to more fulfilling and mentally stimulating golden years.
Continue ReadingDiscover essential tips for proper foot care tailored specifically for diabetic seniors during the summer season. Learn about effective strategies to prevent foot complications, establish a daily care routine, and enjoy a worry-free summer while prioritizing foot health.
Continue ReadingDon't let arthritis hold you back from staying active and healthy! Learn about the best workouts and exercises to promote joint health that can help you combat the aches and pains of arthritis and improve your overall quality of life.
Continue ReadingLiving with an elderly relative who stays up all night or wakes up too early can be a struggle. Learn effective coping strategies to help both of you get the rest you need while maintaining a healthy and respectful relationship.
Continue ReadingLearn effective ways to reduce social isolation in seniors with frontotemporal dementia. Discover practical strategies and tips that can help seniors with FTD maintain social connections, engage in meaningful activities, and improve their overall quality of life.
Continue ReadingCognitive training games designed for seniors can help boost cognitive function and maintain mental sharpness. With a variety of games available, seniors can choose from fun and engaging activities that can be done at home to help keep the mind sharp and agile.
Continue ReadingMillions of individuals in the US alone are affected by the chronic disease diabetes. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes risks are significantly influenced by genetics. You are far more likely to get it yourself if one of your parents or siblings does. Diabetes, however, is not solely a genetic disease. It's not a given that you will contract the illness just because a family member did.
Continue ReadingOur parents in Des Plaines and surrounding areas often have many medications prescribed to them as they age. Prescription regimens can be very confusing, with some medicines meant to take only in the morning, some twice a day, and others with food. It is difficult to remember what the doctor said in the examination room about the medications, making it more confusing when managing prescriptions at home. Discussing your parent's medicines is essential in avoiding mistakes and mismanagement of the drugs they take. These conversations, however, take work to broach. Our independent parents may feel threatened, or they may view you as questioning their ability to care for themselves. Consider these strategies to start the conversation with your parent.
Continue ReadingDaylight Saving Time will end on November 6th and the time shift can disrupt sleeping and digestion patterns, affect routines, and even cause depression. Help your senior loved ones adjust properly with these tips so the seasonal change won’t affect their mental and physical health.
Continue ReadingSeasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, can be a serious issue. It's a type of depression that typically appears after the holiday season, and it's important to be able to recognize the symptoms of SAD in seniors before things get too bad. That being said, let's dive into the signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder in seniors.
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Spring and fall can be beautiful when you live less than 20 miles from Lake Michigan. Morning walks and evening strolls are healthy ways to enjoy Des Plaines and surrounding areas. However, walking can present challenges if you have difficulty balancing. A dip in the sidewalk or a misstep out your door can result in a fall.
We at Senior Helpers in Des Plaines have put together five exercises to help improve balance and fall prevention.
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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is often associated with fall and winter. It is considered a form of depression that impacts energy levels and mood. SAD affects 3% of the world population, with most cases occurring in countries with brutal winters and decreased natural light. Cities located on or near Lake Michigan, such as Chicago, Lake Forest, and Des Plaines, IL, are known for their harsh winters that can keep people indoors.
Because a decrease in sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms, researchers attribute the seasonal affective disorder to hormonal changes that influence mood. However, social and environmental factors also contribute to the disorder's intensity. Cold temperatures and poor travel conditions can isolate people, keeping them away from family and friends.
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Vaccines are very important to senior adults because they protect their immune systems from different forms of infection. Senior citizens in-home care institutions need vaccines more because they live in populated settings and are more prone to communicable diseases.
This Senior Helpers Des Plaines’ post highlights five immunizations and vaccines that are important for senior adults:
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Looking to stay cool this summer? For many of us, this means donning our bathing suits or wearing the least amount of clothing possible. However, professional advice suggests that seniors should avoid extreme heat and sun exposure due to their body's inability to respond appropriately to high temperatures. For many seniors, medications and diagnosed illnesses can inhibit the body's natural response to respond to heat. But if you are planning on going outside or to an event, wearing the right clothing can make all the difference.
Continue ReadingMany seniors find themselves on the exterior edge of loneliness with old age kicking in. The buzz of fast life suddenly goes quiet, and in comes the silence accompanied by dull mornings and evenings. When this happens, most seniors will isolate themselves, primarily affecting their mental health. How can occupational therapy help?
Continue ReadingIf you’re tired of relying on the same recipes, there’s a new option. Learn how to transform the way you cook and eat with HelloFresh meal delivery kits.
Continue ReadingThis Thanksgiving will likely look a bit different from the last one, in light of COVID-19 and social-distancing requirements. However, this doesn’t mean you should put Thanksgiving on hold! There are many reasons to celebrate Thanksgiving in 2020, family being one of them. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to hosting a fun and memorable Thanksgiving meal.
Continue ReadingNutrition is essential during all phases of life. Senior nutrition can be difficult to maintain for a variety of reasons, but home caregivers can help maintain a healthy standard.
Continue ReadingAccording to the Texas A&M University Health Center, every six seconds a senior is admitted to an emergency room somewhere in the country. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people aged 65 or older.
Continue ReadingSenior Helpers Highlights Facts You Should Know
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