The holidays are a time to celebrate with your loved ones, but they can also be a time to check on their well-being. If you haven’t seen your aging family members in a while, you may notice some changes in their physical or mental health that could indicate a need for more support or care. Here are some tips on what to look for and how to help your loved ones stay safe, fit and healthy during the holidays and beyond.
Safety
Pay attention to potential safety hazards in your family members’ homes, such as:
– Piles of clutter, garbage or spoiled food that could indicate difficulty with daily chores or memory loss.
– Signs of physical frailty, such as difficulty walking, balancing or climbing stairs, or significant weight loss or gain.
– Burns, bruises, cuts or infections that could suggest falls, accidents or neglect.
– Expired or unused medications that could imply confusion, non-compliance or overuse.
– Unpaid bills, scam calls or mail, or unusual purchases that could signal financial problems or exploitation.
-Furniture walking or relying on items for support could indicate a fall risk and the need for an assistive device.
If you notice any of these red flags, you should talk to your family members and their health care providers about possible solutions, such as hiring a home health aide, modifying their home environment, moving to a more accessible or assisted living facility, or appointing a trusted person to manage their finances.
Fitness
Physical activity is important for everyone, but especially for older adults who may be at risk of losing muscle mass, bone density, balance and coordination. Regular exercise can help prevent or delay chronic diseases, improve mood and cognition, and enhance quality of life. However, many people tend to be less active during the winter months, especially if the weather is cold, snowy or icy.
Some ideas to help promote safe and effective physical activity:
– Plan some fun and festive activities that involve physical movement, such as dancing, playing games, decorating, or going for a walk or a drive to see the lights.
– Give them gifts that promote fitness, such as an In Home Senior Fitness gift certificate, fitness trackers, exercise equipment, or comfortable workout clothes.
– Help them set realistic and specific goals for their physical activity, such as walking for 30 minutes a day, three times a week, or doing 10 chair push-ups every morning.
– Support them with positive feedback, praise and encouragement, and celebrate their achievements.
How In Home Senior Fitness Can Help
In Home Senior Fitness provides in-home fitness services for seniors. We began service in The Greater Tampa Bay Area and over the last six years have expanded to a variety of areas in Florida. And if you aren’t in Florida, we offer virtual sessions to anyone in the US!
Our mission is to improve the well-being of senior citizens by helping them stay active and healthy. In Home Senior Fitness was founded by a team of rehab professionals who are dedicated to improving each individual’s strength, balance, and self-confidence.
We offer a range of services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors. These services include personal training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, fall prevention training, and aquatic fitness.
In Home Senior Fitness has been serving seniors in Tampa Bay since 2017, and welcomes anyone looking to take care of their health and well-being.
If you think your family members could benefit from exercise, you should:
– Ask them about their pain, stiffness, mobility, balance, or any other issues that affect their daily activities or quality of life.
-Contact In Home Senior Fitness about service in their area, or virtual sessions.
-Assist with gathering their health history and medication list for our easily accessible new client intake form.
– Monitor their progress and communicate with their IHSF trainer about any concerns or questions.
Have long-term care insurance? Ask us about reimbursement!
For more information about In Home Senior Fitness:
www.inhomeseniorfitness.com
(813) 802-8049 | (727) 434-3085
Bradenton | Clearwater | Daytona Beach | Orlando | Sarasota | St. Petersburg | Sun City Center | Tampa | The Villages | Virtual
