How to Build a Long Distance Care Team

We live in a progressive society, which means adult children are not always going to reside in close proximity to senior loved ones. This situation makes it difficult to ensure that the daily needs of an aging parent are addressed, especially if he or she is living with a chronic disease. However, putting together a reliable long-distance care team is possible. Having relatives, friends, and professional caregivers who can offer support to your loved one will give peace of mind. Boynton Beach home care has shared a few simple ways to create a dependable team that will serve the best interest of your aging loved one.

Ask Questions

Start by inquiring how you can be helpful. Does your aging loved one require transportation to run errands, visit doctors, or attend events? Find out about your loved one's day-to-day activities and what tasks are difficult for him or her.

Talk to the Senior’s Doctor

Ask the doctor to provide you regular updates about the senior loved one’s health. Find out if you are the health care proxy. Seniors often hide information regarding their diagnosis or ailments for fear of losing independence. You should know the exact health condition to address it properly. Get written permission to receive medical information. If you don’t have written permission from your aging loved one, the doctors cannot, by law, reveal private medical information and diagnosis to you. However, physicians may be willing to advise the types of support that will be helpful.

Talk to Family Members, Friends, and Neighbors

You can schedule a reliable support system if the neighbor’s child agrees to take out the garbage or a friend accompanies your loved one during exercise. Family members can also offer transport to grocery shopping, especially during extreme cold and hot weather. Provide your phone numbers, e-mail, home address, and other contact information to the long-distance care team and Boynton Beach in-home care provider.

Rely on Local Resources

Several organizations are providing support for elderly people. You can search and find the ones in your aging loved one’s area.

Hire Professional Caregiver

If your senior loved one requires help maintaining healthy habits, eating nutritious foods, establishing strong social ties, and performing daily tasks, consider hiring Boynton Beach home care professionals. Providing long-distance care to senior loved ones may present unique challenges for many caregivers, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A dedicated caregiver can provide updates and help with making fruitful decisions for your loved one. Many families schedule Skype calls with seniors, their caregivers, and physicians to get up-to-date information.

Keep Detailed Records

You can create a notebook or ring binder in which you can take notes, keep insurance information, save medical records, and schedule appointments. This will provide a great help as the home care becomes complex. Write the contact information for all close relatives, caregivers, nurse practitioners, and physicians.

Health Benefits of Garlic for the Elderly

Garlic has been used in folk medicine for over 4,000 years, and many recent studies have confirmed just how healthy this root vegetable can be. Boynton Beach home care experts believe the benefits of garlic can be especially helpful for seniors. Here are a few reasons to include more of this healthy food in your elderly loved one’s diet.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Over time, high blood pressure can contribute to heart disease and harm the kidneys and eyes, but adding garlic to your loved one's diet can help lower his or her blood pressure levels. Garlic has sulfur-containing molecules the body can use to produce hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide helps the blood vessels expand, allowing blood to flow through more easily and decreasing blood pressure levels. A 2013 study found participants who took 600 to 1,500 milligrams of garlic supplements a day were able to keep their blood pressure levels in the normal range.

Boosts Immune System

When garlic is chewed, crushed, or chopped, it forms a compound known as allicin, which has been found to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Seniors develop weaker immune systems with age, putting them at greater risk for getting colds and the flu, but garlic can help reduce this risk. A 2001 study published in Advances in Therapy found participants who took a daily garlic supplement had a 63 percent reduction in colds compared to those who took a placebo.

Reduces Glucose Levels

If your loved one is diabetic or has been diagnosed with prediabetes, keeping his or her blood glucose levels in a normal range can help prevent certain complications. Eating raw garlic as part of this diet may help. A 2006 study published in The Journal of Nutrition found rats that were given raw garlic dramatically lowered their blood glucose levels. Additionally, there was a decrease in their triglyceride and cholesterol levels. When the rats were given cooked garlic, there was not a significant change found. Researchers believe cooking the garlic may kill some of the nutritional properties that can lower glucose levels.

Increases Iron Metabolism

The body uses iron to make red blood cells that carry oxygen to its various organs and back to the heart. The diallyl sulfides present in garlic can increase the production of ferroportin, a protein that allows the body to release iron and use it as necessary. Including garlic in your loved one's diet or as a supplement can help him or she absorbs iron better, increasing his or her energy. Garlic can be included in a wide variety of dishes filled with other ingredients that also work well for senior diets. If your loved one needs help maintaining healthy eating habits, turn to Home Care Assistance. In addition to helping with tasks like grocery shopping and cooking, we also offer comprehensive Parkinson’s, post-stroke, and dementia care Boynton Beach seniors and their families can rely on. To learn more and to schedule, no-obligation consultation with a Care Manager, call 561-740-6256 today.