Friday 27 May 2022

5 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day in Assisted Living

https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/5-ways-to-celebrate-memorial-day-in-assisted-living/

Memorial Day is so much more than a holiday – it’s a time to remember those who have died while serving our country and celebrate what we stand for. Here are some great ideas for celebrating Memorial Day in assisted living with your loved ones, from our assisted living team in South Jersey.

#1 – A moment of silence

At 3 pm local time, it’s traditional that everyone across the USA has a moment of remembrance for those who died in the line of duty. Anyone can join in, and you can have a local musician follow the moment of silence with the traditional Taps bugle call.

#2 – An informal gathering

After the moment of silence, it’s time to share stories, reminisce, and enjoy each other’s company! A casual gathering for residents, staff, and volunteers can be a wonderful way to connect with other veterans in the assisted living community and spend time with friends and family. Tea and coffee with cake and light snacks are the perfect accompaniment to this gathering.

#3 – Stream a Memorial Day parade

Many residents in assisted living won’t be able to attend parades in person, so it’s a great idea to set up a screening space in the restaurant or communal room and live-stream parades from around the country. Usually, there’s a great national broadcast program too, and this can be played on TVs or computers in communal living areas.

#4 – Crafting, games, and themed activities

Leading up to Memorial Day, seniors can get involved in making décor and crafts for the holiday, including remembrance poppies, yellow ribbons, and bunting. As part of the day’s events, you can include a range of activities that are social and easy for all abilities, including games of dominoes and chess, cornhole, beanbag toss, and even croquet. Make sure there are plenty of baked treats and foods to enjoy through the event, like cherry or apple pie, hot dogs, watermelon, and other American classics!

#5 – Invite speakers and veterans from your local community

A good speaker can be a wonderful attraction for seniors in assisted living, so chat with your community to find veterans who would like to do a public speaking event for your assisted living family. You can also have local, younger veterans come and visit your seniors to spend time together and participate in your Memorial Day event. This is a great way to show appreciation to veterans and their families who are in assisted living and your larger community and shows what Memorial Day is really all about.

Join our vibrant, welcoming assisted living community in Cape May County

UMC at The Shores is a beautiful community offering assisted living in South Jersey. Our team is passionate about helping seniors live full and rewarding lives in a safe and welcoming environment. With a great calendar of events and social activities, some of the best dining in town, and spacious apartment-style living, we’re the best place to be for senior living. To find out more about assisted living in Cape May County, give us a call or visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org

Original content posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/5-ways-to-celebrate-memorial-day-in-assisted-living/

Thursday 26 May 2022

Skin Conditions Seniors Should Look Out For

https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2022/05/23/skin-conditions-seniors-should-look-out-for/

Skin conditions are common in the senior population because as we age, our skin changes in ways that can make it more prone to disease. Older skin is less oily, less elastic, and thinner, which means it bruises and burns easily and can take a long time to heal when sun-damaged or injured. Even though skin conditions are common for seniors, it’s important to know which ones to keep an extra eye on as they could develop into something more serious.

Studies show that one of the most common skin diseases that affects older adults is eczema, a skin infection that causes severely dry and itchy skin. This infection occurs when your skin doesn’t produce oils like it used to and becomes irritated by fragrances, pollen, and invisible dust mites. If you’re noticing itchy, dry, red patches on your skin that don’t seem to calm with a little lotion, you might have eczema. Don’t ignore it! Make an appointment with your doctor to confirm and see if they can give you advice to help manage it. Often a steroid cream is prescribed, but also a healthy diet can make a big difference. Staying hydrated and eating healthy fats, protein, and foods high in zinc like dairy products can help to heal and prevent eczema.

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that can appear at any age, but is more common in older adults. Rosacea can cause bumps and blistering, often on the face, neck, or ears, and accompanied by a painful stinging or burning sensation. Symptoms of rosacea can include blushing cheeks and nose, visible veins, and broken blood vessels. Being aware of these symptoms can help prevent a painful flare-up. The best treatment is prevention, which means avoiding triggers like sun exposure, strong winds, spicy food, alcohol, stress, and overly hot water from bathing. These triggers can be different for everyone so it is important to pay attention to what might be causing your flare-ups.

Fungal Infections can be common in seniors and are often found under toenails. It is important to look out for yellow, green, or discolored skin that’s painful to the touch. Most often your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and an antifungal steroid cream to clear the infection, but prevention is key. Regularly trim the toenails, change your socks, and replace worn out shoes regularly. Keeping your feet dry and letting them air out will also help. 

The Right Senior Community for Staying Healthy and Safe

If you or a loved one is in need of long-term care, UMC at Pitman has skilled nurses and caregiving professionals that can take care of all your medical needs, including your skin conditions. Care is individualized to each person’s needs and adapts as their needs change over time.

UMC at Pitman believes in living an abundant life no matter what care is needed. If you have any questions about assisted living or long-term care in Pitman, New Jersey, please contact our experts, we are happy to help.

Visit our website at – https://pitman.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2022/05/23/skin-conditions-seniors-should-look-out-for/

Wednesday 25 May 2022

5 Essential Nutrition Facts for Seniors to Know

https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/5-essential-nutrition-facts-for-seniors-to-know/

Good, healthy nutrition is essential at any age, but it’s often overlooked in senior health. Eating well not only improves physical energy and resistance to illness, but also supports a more positive attitude and mental capabilities. So, how can seniors support good eating habits and reap those benefits?

Our nutrition experts at UMC at Collingswood have put together five essential facts for seniors to be aware of regarding the state of their nutrition.

Vitamins & Mineral Supplements for Seniors: The most important thing for senior nutrition is to get your vitamins and minerals. You may not know that adults over 70 often need higher levels of calcium and vitamin D to maintain healthy bones. You can naturally increase your intake by having three servings of calcium and vitamin D rich foods a day. Some food sources for calcium are low-fat dairy products and leafy vegetables, while vitamin D can be found in foods such as salmon and eggs. Fortified cereals or juices like orange juice can have both calcium and vitamin D.

For some adults over 50, it becomes harder for the body to absorb vitamin B12, which helps the formation of new red blood cells, and also plays a role in bone health and neurological functions. Vitamin B12 can be found in animal products like chicken, milk, eggs, yogurt, salmon, and tuna. It might be necessary to have regular blood tests to make sure your B12 levels are normal, and in some cases, it’s also recommended to take a B12 supplement even if you’re eating foods naturally high in B12. Remember, however, that it’s always best to speak with your doctor before making any changes to daily supplements.

Dietary Fiber: Most people know that fiber aids in digestion and can help to keep you naturally regular. What you might not know is that dietary fiber can also help lower your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes by lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The Institute of Medicine recommends that total fiber intake for adults older than 50 should be at least 30 grams per day for men and 21 grams for women. Fiber-rich foods consist of whole-grain breads or pastas, lentils, and oats. Whole fruits and vegetables like broccoli, avocados, pears, and raisins are also great sources of fiber.

Potassium is often thought of to help stop “growing pains” but it helps with so much more! This mineral helps keep bones strong, and is essential for cell function and reducing the risk of high blood pressure and kidney stones. Symptoms of potassium deficiency can lead to general fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and higher blood sugar. Foods high in potassium are leafy greens, bananas, beans, nuts, and winter squash like acorn and butternut.

Eating healthy fats is another important staple in any senior’s diet. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, found in foods like nuts, fish, and avocados, are considered “healthy fats” and are necessary for a balanced diet. Polyunsaturated fats, also known as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, are considered essential for muscle movement and inflammation. Consuming these healthy fats can prevent and, in some cases, help treat heart disease and stroke, as well as reduce blood pressure. Saturated fats, on the other hand, should be avoided or limited to 10% of your daily calories a day because they are known to drive up high cholesterol. Saturated fats can be found in meats, whole milk, cheeses, butter, sugary desserts, and many commercially prepared foods.

Your Life at Collingswood Comes with a Built-in Nutritionist!

Our chefs at UMC at Collingswood actually work with licensed nutritionists to create a healthy delicious and nutritious diet for our residents. At Collingswood, you may feel better than you have in a while once the effects of healthy eating kick in. And of course, all personal diet restrictions are accommodated as needed.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our experts at UMC at Collingswood, we are happy to hear from you. Visit our website at – https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/ 

Original content posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/5-essential-nutrition-facts-for-seniors-to-know/

The Top 4 Common Chronic Illnesses in Seniors Explained

https://umcommunities.org/blog/chronic-illnesses-in-seniors-explained/

It’s true that senior adults are more likely to experience common chronic illnesses. But there’s still good news – a healthy, quality life is possible by managing the symptoms of these chronic illnesses and making the right lifestyle choices.  

In this article, we discuss the four most common chronic illnesses in seniors and how to manage them. 

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects 58% of seniors

High blood pressure (hypertension) often shows no symptoms, so regular blood pressure checks are vital. Even older adults who eat healthy and regularly get moderate exercise can have high blood pressure. Unmanaged blood pressure could cause heart disease, stroke, vascular dementia, eye problems, and kidney disease.    

Blood pressure results are given in two numbers. The first is systolic blood pressure, caused by the heart contracting and pushing out blood. The second number is diastolic blood pressure when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. 

Normal blood pressure

120/80

High blood pressure

130 or higher/80 or higher

Elevated blood pressure

120 – 129/less than 80

Low blood pressure

90 and lower/60 and lower

 

Taking medication recommended by your doctor and making the following lifestyle changes will lower blood pressure.   

·         Maintain a healthy weight.

·         Exercise moderately by walking or swimming.

·         Follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. 

·         Get at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep.

·         Reduce your salt and alcohol intake.

·         Do not smoke.

High cholesterol affects 47% of seniors

According to the American Heart Association, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) can cause coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Cholesterol comes from two sources:the liver and foods high in saturated and trans fats such as meat, poultry, and dairy products.

Normal cholesterol is needed to build cells, make vitamins, and certain hormones. Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats forces the liver to manufacture high levels of cholesterol that forms a thick, hard deposit inside our arteries, blocking blood flow.

To manage cholesterol, follow the 3 C’s rule:

Check. Check your cholesterol levels, as it is important to know your numbers and assess your risk.

Change. Change your diet by eating more low-fat foods and exercising moderately. 

Control. Control your cholesterol with medication prescribed by your doctor, if required.   

Arthritis affects 31% of seniors

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among seniors. This disease occurs when cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones within the joints, breaks down and wears away, leaving the bones to rub against each other.  

The condition generally affects the neck, hands, lower back, knees, hips, and feet. Not everyone with osteoarthritis feels pain, but there is no cure for the disease. The common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

·         Joint pain, swelling, and tenderness

·         Stiffness after getting out of bed

·         Crunching sounds like bone rubbing on bone. 

Pro-active participation by affected seniors is important for the effective management of the disease. Treatment plans include pain relief, rest, joint care, weight control, exercise, medicines, surgery, and complementary treatments.

Coronary heart disease affects 29% of seniors

Older adults are more likely to develop coronary heart disease, suffer a heart attack, or have a stroke. Heart disease is caused by the buildup of fatty deposits in the walls of coronary arteries over many years, which is called atherosclerosis. Regular checkups with a doctor are essential as heart disease shows little to no symptoms in its early stages.    

Heart attack symptoms for females are sometimes different from those males experience. Common heart attack symptoms for both groups are: 

·         Chest pain during physical activity that gets better when resting.

·         Tingling, numbness, pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.

·         Shortness of breath.

·         Dizziness

·         Lightheadedness

·         Confusion

·         Headaches, nausea, or cold sweats.

·         Tiredness and fatigue

·         Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, stomach, and/or neck. 

The steps to take towards a healthier heart include:

Manage other chronic diseases. Keep cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes in control.

Maintain a healthy weight. Limit food portion sizes and do moderate exercise.  

Follow a heart-healthy diet. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber foods.  

Exercise. Clean the house, garden, walk briskly, cycle, dance, or go bowling. 

For more information, or if you have any questions about common chronic illnesses in older adults, please contact our team at UMC today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/chronic-illnesses-in-seniors-explained/

Tuesday 24 May 2022

Insights into Dental Health in Seniors

https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/insights-into-dental-health-in-seniors/

May 31st is National Smile Day! In honor of this event, and to help keep all our loved ones’ smiles bright and healthy, the team at UMC at Bristol Gen has some insight into common dental issues that seniors should watch out for.

·         Gum Disease – Poor dental healthcare, smoking and tobacco use, poor diet, diabetes, cancers and anemia, and poorly-fitting dentures and bridges can all lead to gum disease. This can cause tooth loss, and difficulty eating, and has been linked to heart health risks

·         Darkened teeth – Teeth can change color as we age. Yellowing can mean that the outer enamel is wearing very thin, allowing the yellowish dentin to show through. Brown or blackened teeth can be caused by long-term tobacco use, food, and drink stains, or tooth decay.

·         Dry mouth – Low saliva production in the mouth can leave your mouth feeling dry, sticky, and painful. This can be caused by medications, cancer treatments, and certain health conditions. Dry mouth can increase the risks of gum disease, halitosis (bad breath), and infections, as saliva cleans and sanitizes the mouth.

·         Stomatitis – This is when candida albicans, a type of fungus, develops in the mouth and causes inflammation in the tissue. This can be caused by poor dental hygiene or ill-fitting dentures.

·         Loss of taste – Loss of taste can be caused by illnesses, dentures, certain medications (allopurinol, captopril, enalapril, nitro-glycerine, diltiazem, dipyridamole, nifedipine, hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril, lithium, lovastatin, and levodopa) and advancing age.

 

How to boost dental health in seniors

So, what can you do to help support great oral health and prevent these conditions?

·         Brush your teeth twice a day in a polishing, not scrubbing motion, using a fluoride toothpaste

·         Floss your teeth once a day

·         Visit the dentist or oral hygienist every year, if not every 6 months, to check on the condition of your teeth, your fillings, and oral soft tissues

·         Be aware of the side effect of treatments or medications and increase visits to the dentist if needed

·         Have dentures and bridges checked on a regular basis and properly fitted to your mouth

·         Watch out for redness, inflammation, discomfort, bleeding, and darkening of the teeth

·         Speak to your doctor if your medication is causing dry mouth, bad breath, or loss of taste

·         Visit the dentist as soon as you notice pain or loose teeth

·         Eat a healthy and nutritious diet, avoiding sugary foods

·         Eat foods recommended for dentures/bridges, etc.

·         Drink plenty of water, especially after drinking coffee or red wine

Quit smoking

Bristol Glen is one of the leading retirement communities in the state, providing independent and assisted living, as well as long term care and rehab, in beautiful Sussex County, NJ. We offer a beautiful and welcoming space for seniors who need additional care and assistance to live a full and abundant life. Our nursing team is compassionate, fully trained, and ready to assist with stroke treatments for seniors as well as managing dementia, diabetes, and other medical conditions.

For more information on Bristol Glen and why we are a unique provider of assisted living in Sussex County, NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/insights-into-dental-health-in-seniors/

Thursday 19 May 2022

The Difference Between Forgetfulness and Dementia

https://umcommunities.org/blog/forgetfulness-and-dementia/

Forgetfulness and dementia reflect our cognitive health, which is the ability to think, learn, and remember clearly. It is normal to be a bit forgetful as we age. If you cannot immediately recall a word you want or mislaid the car keys, do not be concerned. Occasional forgetfulness doesn’t necessarily mean your cognitive health is at risk. Dementia, on the other hand, is not a normal part of aging.

Dementia is the loss of cognitive function to such an extent that it interferes with daily activities and life. The personalities of some people with dementia may change, or they have difficulty controlling their emotions. The most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and mixed dementia.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a milder form of cognitive function loss. People with MCI have more thinking or memory problems than the average person their age, but it does not affect their daily activities to the extent that dementia would.

Are you wondering what normal forgetfulness is, how to deal with it, and when you should visit the doctor? This guide might answer some of your questions.

What’s normal forgetfulness and what’s not?

As previously stated, it is normal to forget things at times. A serious memory problem, however, will affect your daily life, making it hard to perform activities such as using the phone, driving, and even finding the way home.

If you feel concerned about any changes in thinking or memory, either your own or that of a loved one, talk to your doctor. To prepare for your conversation, compare what is normal forgetfulness with what might be signs of dementia, and a condition like Alzheimer’s disease.

Normal forgetfulness

Alzheimer’s disease

Forgetting which day it is but remembering later

Losing track of the date or time of year

Losing belongings from time to time

Misplacing items often and being unable to find them

Making a bad decision once in a while

Making poor decisions and bad judgments a lot of the time

Missing one monthly payment

Struggling to take care of monthly bills

Sometimes forgetting which word to use

Trouble having a conversation


Tips for dealing with forgetfulness

When you are concerned about forgetfulness, there are many constructive steps you can take to manage it. Here are some tips for dealing with forgetfulness.

  • Sleep at least seven to eight hours every night.
  • Eat healthy foods and do moderate exercise.
  • Enjoy lots of time with family and friends.
  • Volunteer at a school, in your community, or a place of worship.
  • Place your glasses, phone, keys, purse, or wallet in the same place every day.
  • Make to-do lists and make notes on calendars as a reminder.
  • Learn a new skill, especially if it is something you always dreamed of doing.

When to visit the doctor for memory loss

Memory loss can have many possible causes. It could be due to depression, a lack of vitamins from unhealthy eating, a stressful life event, or the side-effects of medication. When you are concerned about memory loss, talk to your doctor. They may suggest a thorough checkup, perform tests and assessments, and even recommend a visit to a neurologist, if necessary. 

When you or a loved one demonstrate certain behaviors, a doctor’s visit becomes essential. These behaviors include:

  • Getting lost in familiar settings.
  • Becoming more confused about people, time, and places.
  • Not taking care of oneself by not bathing, eating poorly, or behaving unsafely. 
  • Having trouble following directions, instructions, or recipes.
  • Asking the same question repeatedly. 

The cause of dementia is often unknown, and there is no treatment. Early detection is valuable because an early diagnosis helps with managing the symptoms and planning for the future.

For more information, or if you have any questions about forgetfulness and dementia, please contact our team at UMC today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/forgetfulness-and-dementia/

Wednesday 18 May 2022

Tips for Keeping Aging Parents Living at Home

 Do you want your parents to keep living at home but still support them through the challenges of aging? It’s a wonderful gift to give your parents, but it does need a little figuring out! We have some great, practical tips to help keep your aging parents at home, figure out how much help they need, and determine how much help you can provide. 

#1 – Figure out how much help your parents need

The best starting point is knowing what support your parents need. Make a list of all the daily, monthly, and special tasks they’ll need help with, and make a note of what time of day the help is needed. Also take notes while you assist them, and try to keep your note-taking process going for at least one-month so you don’t leave anything out.

#2 – Consider the type of care needs they have

Now that you’ve got a list of the help they typically require, break it down into categories to see if you or other family members can fill in. For example, if they need someone to fetch groceries, then you could set them up with home delivery options. If they need help with home and yard maintenance, then you might need to hire a trusted handyman and gardening services.  If they need nursing care or medication management, then you might need a qualified person to help you out while you take care of non-specialist tasks.

#3 – Think about future care needs

Aging can come with additional health problems, and while we can’t see the future, it is important to consider future care needs.If your mother is currently in early stages of dementia, for example, you may be able to handle her care – but you also need to plan for when her care needs become much more intensive. You could consider getting specialized home health aides through the experts at UMC Homeworks. Regardless of your parents condition it can be reassuring to everyone involved when a plan is set into place. Knowing your next move can help you and your loved one relax and enjoy the present moment. 

#4 – Be realistic about how much care you can provide

Many family caregivers take on the role and quickly become burned out because it is a much heavier task than they expected. This is perfectly natural because we want to care for our parents the way they cared for us, and it feels a bit like cheating if you get help! However, to be the best caregiver you can be, you need to manage your own health and life at the same time…and that often means getting help. “Help” could mean professional care for tasks that are outside your skillset or physical ability (for example, nursing care or bathing tasks), respite care for when you need a getaway, or daily help and company for your loved one while you’re working. Sharing responsibility is essential when you want to keep your parents at home and have quality family life.

#5 – Ease the financial pressure

Senior care does carry a financial burden – whether you are keeping your parents’ home because it is more affordable than assisted living or reducing your work hours to care for them – and it’s important to address that. Easing your financial pressure can include drawing up a budget to share costs with other family members, finding government and private programs to assist with costs, considering to see if you qualify for Medicaid, or looking at alternatives to assisted living like home health aide services.

Make living at home easier with home health aide services in New Jersey

Hiring hourly services from a home health aide provider is a great middle-ground for providing essential assistance for independent seniors who want to stay at home and not move into assisted living. These services, provided by United Methodist Communities’ HomeWorks program, deliver the additional assistance for family caregivers, keeping your parents healthy and leading a fulfilling life in the comfort of their own home and community. 

Chat to us today to find out more about getting a part-time or live-in home health aide in New Jersey, or visit our website

https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/home-health-aide-services/

This blog was originally published at 
https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/tips-for-keeping-aging-parents-living-at-home/

Health Benefits of Gardening for Seniors



Gardening is a wonderful activity with multiple health benefits for seniors. In addition to being a form of exercise that helps to tone and strengthen muscles, it also supports cardiovascular health, promotes bone strength, and helps reduce stress, dementia risks, and social isolation. Here are some insights into exactly how gardening helps seniors stay fit and healthy, from our team specializing in at-home care for the elderly.

  • Stress reduction – Studies show that gardening is an activity that lowers levels of the stress response hormone cortisol by combining exercise with the relaxation we experience when we’re in nature. Reduced cortisol means lower blood pressure, easier digestion, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety. 


  • Eases depression – Gardening helps to treat depression by increasing serotonin levels, easing depression symptoms, and improving your mood. Serotonin promotes feelings of calmness and peace, while working in a garden gives you a sense of purpose and productivity. You can multiply these benefits by joining community gardening groups and clubs, as working together on projects helps form social bonds that also reduce risks of depression and isolation.


  • Supports a healthy immune system – A little bit of dirt in your life can do wonders for your immune system! Friendly bacteria in soil, called mycobacterium vaccae, help support the good bacteria in your body, which help combat allergies, asthma, psoriasis, poor digestion, and even depression.

 

  • Reduces dementia risks – One of the best ways to reduce risks of dementia is to keep the brain healthy and active. Gardening ticks all the boxes  by supporting cardiovascular health and improving circulation and endurance, as well as strengthening muscles, practicing motor skills and dexterity, and even challenging the brain by solving gardening problems, planning planting for vegetable and flower gardens, and learning about new plants and gardening techniques.

 

Gardening safety tips for seniors

Get the most out of gardening by:

  • Wearing good sun protection – Always wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV rated sunglasses, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It’s also important to limit your gardening activities to the earlier hours of the morning, late afternoon, or early evening, when there’s less risk of heat stroke or sunburn. It’s also better for your plants!

 

  • Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water before you garden as well as after you’re done, even if you don’t feel thirsty or it’s cooler outdoors. Have a bottle of water with you so you can sip on it as you work, so you don’t have to keep going inside.


  • Wear protective clothing –  Wear lightweight, light colored, breathable long sleeve shirt to protect your skin from the sun. It’s also a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes with good grip so you can keep your feet protected and walk and work easily.

 

  • Garden comfortably – Invest in comfortable, ergonomic gardening equipment and don’t overexert yourself. We love foam pads that fit under your knees (they protect your pants from grass and soil stains too!) and lightweight gardening tools with rubber grips. Get help for any heavy lifting, jobs that require a ladder or power tools, and plan your garden with raised beds and trellises so you don’t have to bend down too much.

Looking for professional home health aide services in New Jersey?

If your loved one needs a helping hand to maintain their independence and health at home, chat to the team at UMC HomeWorks about getting a qualified, experienced, and trustworthy home health aide in NJ. You can also look at our website for more information on how our innovative at home care for elderly program works:

https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/cost-of-home-care-for-elderly/

This blog was originally published at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/health-benefits-of-gardening-for-seniors/