Experiencing a heart attack, stroke, fall, or other serious illness can be a worrying event for a senior. Managing the aftermath of major health scares requires seniors to make some important lifestyle changes and focus on their wellbeing. After major health episodes, seniors and their family members should take these steps.
Follow the Doctor’s Advice
The most important thing to do after a major health scare is to follow the doctor’s instructions. Seniors may need to follow a specific diet or avoid certain physical activities, depending on the nature of the health scare. They may need family members to help them with physical therapy.
It’s also necessary to continue taking prescribed medications for as long as the doctor recommends instead of throwing them out when your loved one feels better. To make sure all medical advice is followed correctly, it’s a good idea to keep a notebook filled with the recommendations your loved one receives.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver to ensure your loved one receives high-quality care while recovering from a major health scare. Homecare professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Ask for Help
Recovering from a health scare can be an overwhelming task, so it’s important for seniors and their family caregivers to be honest about their own limitations. Some seniors might find it difficult to ask family members for help with eating, grooming, or housekeeping tasks, but it’s vital to arrange for assistance when they really need it. Likewise, family caregivers should consider getting help from respite caregivers if they find it difficult to manage their caregiving tasks after their loved ones’ health scares.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Miami, FL, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Eat a Healthier Diet
A healthy diet is important for recovering from illnesses or injuries. Seniors typically need a diet with plenty of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Diet is particularly important for seniors recovering from heart attacks or strokes, as they need to cut back on salt, sugar, and red meat and increase their fiber intake. Talk to a doctor or nutritionist if you need help planning your loved one’s diet.
Don’t Start Exercising Immediately
After a health scare, many seniors try to jump into rigorous exercise programs because they want to get healthy as soon as possible. However, this can put a lot of stress on the body while it’s still trying to heal. Seniors shouldn’t exercise after heart attacks or other major health events until their doctors say it’s okay. Once your loved one is cleared for physical activities, he or she should start slowly with gentle exercise, such as walking and swimming.
If your loved one needs assistance with exercise or managing daily tasks, consider hiring a professional caregiver. 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 service Miami families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
