May 26, 2010
Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT would like to say Happy Fathers Day and to mention that it is so important for all children to show gratitude for all their support and love.
By Carol Carbutti
Sons and daughters who are blessed with a loving retired father should consider themselves fortunate. For, they feel safe knowing they have someone to count on and to guide them when they are heading down the wrong path. This is where everyone owes their elderly dad a big thanks for his adorable scolding and affectionate punishments. Remember times in the past when he was there to give his children courage before the big game or offer some help on a school project. Your senior dad also protected you and your siblings from everyday worries while guiding all of you along the road to success.
That’s why many young kids look up to their fathers as the powerful and intelligent head of the household with a lot of resourceful knowledge. Their sons grow up trying to emulate their fathers since dad is the strongest person in their home and daughters just become daddy’s little girl. Even for the grownups their senior fathers are someone whom they look up to for the most experienced and honest advice that is always in the best of our interest.
All children should make a gallant effort to celebrate Father’s Day with their healthy aging Dad. Remember to pamper your senior dad for the day in a manner he likes the most. Such as going out for a picnic or indulging him with a gourmet meal. Children can also express love with thoughtful gifts accompanied by their favorite activity like a ballgame or an afternoon of fishing. Now if you live far away then maybe you can find a nice gift that relates to what he enjoys most like a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant or a prepaid day of golf with his own golf cart. The idea is to show our affection and tell Daddy how much he is loved and appreciated not just on Father’s Day but every single day of our lives.
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May 20, 2010
Carol Carbutti, Owner Of Comfort Keepers In Wallingford, CT Would Like To Share Some Important Questions That Should Be Asked When A Doctor Prescribes A New Medication For Your At Home Senior Parents
By Carol Carbutti
Healthy aging parents are fortunate for the advances in western medicine. It seems like there is a medication for every possible ailment threatening our senior citizens. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can treat diseases, minimize symptoms, and contribute to a longer, healthier life.
However, medication cannot be “taken lightly”, and is a more complicated issue than just swallowing pills. Family caregivers and private personal companions need to make sure the medication is being used the correct way. Family members and in home caregivers need to play an active part in the decision making about treatment. By following the doctor’s prescription plan your elderly parents will be able to avoid many of the side effects and complications that can happen from using a medication in the wrong way.
Everyone involved should take an active stance in a retirees’ medical treatment. Ask questions of the doctor and express everyone’s concerns. Jot down notes to bring to the doctor’s office so everyone can formulate all the questions ahead of time. Don’t worry about being a nuisance. Encourage mom and dad to be open and honest about their concerns and problems. Ask these key questions when your doctor suggests a new medication:
- What are the benefits and risks of this medication?
- How often will the effects of the medication be checked by caregivers or their doctor? Meaning, how often do we follow-up to see if the meds are having the desired effect?
- Will this new medication have any adverse interaction with the current meds they are taking?
- Tell the doctor what preferences your elderly parents have in terms of medicines. Do they prefer a prescription with a low dose? Are there any newer medications with Lower side-effects? Do they make a version of this medication that is easy to swallow?
- It is very important for all involved to remind the doctor about any allergies mom or dad may have or any negative experiences they may have had with past medicines.
- Prepare a list of all the other medications prescribed by other doctors to make sure all meds are compatible.
Always remember efficiency is key. When prescribed a new medicine ask questions of their doctor or pharmacist.
- What’s the name of the medication and what’s its purpose?
- How often and at what time of day do they take the medicine?
- How much, and for how long? Are there any foods, beverages, other medicines, or activities that you need to avoid while on the medication?
- What are the possible side-effects, and what should you do if they happen?
- Will they get refills, if so, how often?
- What happens if you miss a dose?
- Is there a brochure or pamphlet you can take with you?
When using a new medication, keep the doctor informed on how it’s working, how your senior parent is feeling, any problems they having, and whether any new medicines have been added by another doctor. Ask your doctor for the results of all medical tests evaluating your progress on the drug.
Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT like to reiterate how important it is to make sure your family and your senior parents keep an open line of communication with the doctor. It is always beneficial to give and receive feedback.
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May 13, 2010
HERE ARE A FEW INTERESTING FACTS FOR OUR HEALTHY AGING SENIORS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS, WHO WANT TO KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO APPLY FOR THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND HOW SOON THE CHECK COMES IN
By Carol Carbutti
If your retired senior parents are thinking about applying for your Social Security retirement benefits, they need to know when to apply and when their first check will arrive. This will help seniors transition their monthly bills. Knowing when to apply and when their first check will arrive will also make a budget less stressful. If your retired mom and dad are going to start their Social Security benefits, they need to know that the earliest they can start receiving a check is age 62.
Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT wants all healthy aging seniors to now that they can begin to applying for benefits 3 months in advance of their 62nd birthday. All they need to do is call the Social Security’s toll-free number 1 (800) 772-1213 or you can go to their website and apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov and schedule an appointment at this time. Three months is the typical processing time for Social Security to get its cogs going and start their payments.
When will your parents receive their first check? Every senior needs to realize that the benefits will not start right away. Their first month of eligibility for Social Security at age 62 is the month after their birthday. If they turn 62 on August 15th for example, their first month of eligibility is September. Social Security benefits are paid one month behind, so they will receive their first payment for the month of September in October. This is useful information to help our senior parents prepare their budget. .
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May 5, 2010
A Mother’s Day Poem Written by Carol Carbutti, owner of Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT
By Carol Carbutti
Mommy! Where are you?
I see your broad reassuring smile in the face of my Hospice client
Your half opened glazed eyes in my dementia prospect
The memory of your hearty laugh tickles me at senior bingo
Mommy! Where are you?
I see your tears of loss in my widowed senior resident
Your determined stance in my hip rehab hopeful
The memory of your love warms me at family gatherings
Mommy! Where are you?
I see your confused expression in the face of my Alzheimer innocent
I’m warmed by the loving embrace of a family caregiver’s thankful hug
The memory of your loving support helps define my career choice of caregiving
Mommy! Where are you?
I see you spying me every day in my mirror
Your approving wink bolsters my efforts to live life to the fullest
The memory of you nourishes my mothering style
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April 28, 2010
Not Just on Mother’s Day
By Carol Carbutti
Did you know that Mother’s Day began way back in 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as this national holiday and asked all Americans to offer their respect and love for mothers publicly? Every year this day is celebrated by millions of families spending the day with mom to honor her and pay tribute to her. Moms often provide endless support, love and encouragement, especially during our most difficult times. Think of the countless diapers she changed, loads of laundry she managed, and the meals she prepared. Think of how moms were always there to love, comfort, protect and encourage their children. There is no doubt that mothers are special! Moms have that special touch to make things better, and put a smile on our faces and in our hearts.
While it is wonderful to offer our respect and love on Mother’s Day, there are 364 other days of the year that moms also deserve our praise. As our parents age, become ill or face injury, many of us will have the opportunity to honor our mothers and fathers by providing assistance and encouragement as life becomes more difficult in their golden years. Here are a few tips to help family caregivers ensure that their mom and dad are getting the interactive care and support they need and deserve.
1. IDENTIFY POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS – As our senior parents’ age in place, everyday tasks may become more difficult. An occasional visit here and there often does not allow us the opportunity to really see that. One can ask if there are certain aspects of daily living that are becoming more challenging. But the general answer you will get is – “No, I’m fine.” I have found that you really have to visit for a good solid day or more to see where they might need help. You might even stumble upon a potential medical concern or safety issue. Consider the skills and abilities you take for granted in living independently. Those skills might be difficult for them but often pride gets in their way of asking for assistance, as they don’t want to be a burden on you. If you notice your elderly mom may be struggling, discuss your concerns in a loving and kind manner to determine if it might be time to offer or otherwise provide homemaking and caregiving assistance.
2. MAINTAIN CONTACT – Whether seeing your healthy aging mom on a regular basis, or talking with her on the telephone, keeping the lines of communication open may give you insight to life changes and struggles she may be facing. Often, what she says or how she says it can be quite insightful. Each time I ask Mom how her day was, even though her answer is always “Good”, I can tell if that is a “good” good or a “bad” good just by her tone of voice. Ask questions such as: “What did you do yesterday?” “How are you feeling?” “When was the last time you saw your doctor?” “What are you planning to have for dinner tonight?” and “What can I help you with this week?” So often people don’t know what is going on, simply because they don’t ask. Maintaining ongoing communication and talking about more than just news, weather and kids is a great way to honor your mom and demonstrate how much you care.
3. PROVIDE SUPPORT – If you observe or have reason to believe your senior parents may be struggling, it is often easier to lend an occasional hand without asking and gradually increase the level of support you provide, as opposed to waiting for a crisis situation. Quite often the type of support your aging mom wants or needs is basic help around the house, assistance with meals or transportation, or a hand to hold and a heart to understand. For many us, providing assistance can be challenging because of family, work and personal commitments. Maybe it’s time to look for ways to supplement the care and support you are providing. Explore the options that may be available in your community. From community programs to our companion caregiving services, there are many ways to help people maintain their sense of purpose, level of activity and independence.
Comfort Keepers provides non-medical in home companions and personal care services similar to what is often provided by family members. Carol Carbutti, Owner, understands the need to keep people in their own homes and Comfort Keepers’ constellation of services are designed to help people of all ages (not just the elderly) stay in their own homes and maintain their independence and avoid isolation. We provide up to 24 hour care to clients in their residential home or in a facility. To learn more about our services call our office at 203-697-1030 or view our website at www.comfortkeepers.com/749
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April 21, 2010
THIS WEEK WE WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT REBUILDING AN ELDERLY IN HOME SENIOR CITIZENS SELF ESTEEM AND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO HAVE FAMILY AND PRIVATE CAREGIVERS WATCH FOR SIGNS OF DEPRESSION AND OTHER RELATED ISSUES
By Carol Carbutti
Self esteem is an integral part of an individual’s mental makeup and human psychology. It is an image we have about ourselves, how we feel, how we react to our work, and our relationships with family. In general, how we socialize in the community as a whole. Self esteem is viewed as the basis of human psychology and each person is quite aware of their own self esteem. The same awareness of self esteem is present in our elderly parents, though it may change with the changes in the lifestyle and a change in the roles. As our in home senior citizens become more and more dependent on family caregivers and private companions, they begin to feel they are unimportant, and that others also perceive them to be so.
Caring for an aging parent may not be your first experience at caregiving and homecare. You may have been performing the role of a caregiver to your children by taking care of their psychological and emotional needs. Self esteem is an important aspect of child psychology too and it is crucial to their success later in life. As the primary caregiver for your elderly parent, you may have to perform the same functions, though you are not ‘raising them’. That means you have to take care of their physical health, their finances, their living arrangements and their self esteem and mental health as well.
As an individual, one cannot empathize with an at home elderly client due to the constant changes that go on in their lives and the great impact it has on their self esteem. Your own sense of self esteem stems from the fact that you are an independent individual and your ability to provide for your kids, perform your job well and also be useful to others in the society. From the viewpoint of the non medical healthy aging senior, these factors have changed and the roles have been reversed. This results in a feeling of worthlessness and low self-esteem for them.
The changes that the older adults face in terms of role reversals, dependency on their children or the loss of a spouse can be very difficult to cope. According to the perceptions of our aging retirees, they cease to be useful to anyone in any way and this increases their feeling of worthlessness in their golden years. Their pillars of existence and the ideas of life in general begin to disappear. They go from being heroes to their kids to being dependent on their kids, a fact that they cannot accept. Simple things like driving around or even walking become a safety issue.
Loss is always painful, be it loss of a spouse, of mobility, or health or independence. In such situations, it is no wonder that our senior citizens suffer from low self esteem. This is a precarious mental situation that may lead to depression and health problems that will prevent them from enjoying life. If there is no support system, the elderly baby boomers may even turn to alcohol or drug abuse and in severe cases, suicide.
We as caregivers should try to catch the signs of low self esteem at the earliest. These may manifest in the form of sadness, or losing interest in hobbies, not taking care of themselves, not socializing or having suicidal thoughts, etc. Other symptoms may be excessive repetition while telling a story about pleasant memories or trying to do things which they cannot cope with.
There are many ways to help your elderly mom or dad to regain their self esteem. The first is to offer emotional support and companionship. Homecare companions and family caregivers should ensure that their seniors are given adequate medical attention for their ailments. Another good therapy would be to allow them to spend their time in the company of their grandchildren or hire a private caregiver from a local agency like Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT who employee non medical home health caregivers for personal care, light housekeeping and errands. Many seniors look forward to visitors who come over for a few hours a week for a lunch date or a nice ride on a country road. Encourage a senior client to interact with their friends and to talk of the old times. As a caregiver, you need be compassionate and patient while dealing with their fears and anxieties.
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April 13, 2010
COMFORT KEEPERS, AN IN HOME SENIOR CAREGIVING AGENCY OF WALLINGFORD, CT WOULD LIKE TO MENTION, TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND HOME CARE COMPANIONS, THAT A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF OUR ACTIVE HEALTY AGING SENIORS ARE OPTING TO STAY IN THEIR OWN HOMES WITH ASSISTANCE TO MAINTAIN A COMFORTABLE AND FAMILIAR ENVIROMENT
By Carol Carbutti
Surveys by the American Association of Retired Persons found that more than 85 percent of healthy aging Americans age 50 and older want to “stay in their own home and never move.” An aging society of baby boomers will have a very different sort of retirement. They’re more likely to work longer, start a second career, volunteer or go back to school. Baby boomers want to live well and healthy, live comfortably, and age in familiar surroundings. Here are the ten top reasons for planning for aging home healthcare during your golden years.
Aging in place allows for maximum amount of freedom for your senior parents. Baby boomers are more likely to be found in the gym, spending time volunteering, or on the internet. Remaining at home allows them to engage in a daily routine, as their health permits, in the least restrictive environment. It allows elderly retirees to have the home care that they want.
Aging in place is safe. Baby boomers are changing the expectations of what they want as they age. They do not want to compromise health and safety. A senior client who returns home after an illness will have a decreased risk of infection if their home is well cared for. Family members and caregivers should prepare the home ahead of time to prevent issues that may arise. This can be done by having an evaluation done by a health care professional to identify problem areas in the home. One example in assessing the home environment includes preventing falls. Simple changes in the home environment and introduction of caregivers and home care professionals can address many issues. As an example, you may have a senior that may have balance issues, weakness, and dizziness or may need help bathing and dressing.
Aging in place promotes healing. Baby boomers want quality of life. Aging in place allows a more holistic approach to senior care as their physical bodies or health declines. For an older adult, there is no place like home for successful aging. Living in the familiar surroundings, being around loved ones heals the mind and spirit, not just the body. Minimizing change also helps create less confusion in the older adult and can help extend their lives.
Aging in place gives the retired adult some control. Baby boomers want choices and options. They expect to be an active participant in their own care. Planning ahead and exploring all their options will help the aging adult choose the in home services that best suit their needs. Receiving care at home allows them to have more of an individualized approach to their care.
Aging in place can allow for the care to be personalized. As our aging mom or dad get older they may require more assistance in the home. Home care allows the care to be individualized to meet the specific needs of each elderly client. It also allows one on one attention and interaction.
Aging in place is comfortable. Retired baby boomers have made it loud and clear year after year they would prefer to stay in their home for successful aging. Familiarity and comfort of being in their own environment, surrounded by loved ones is a type of quality of life that our senior parents have come to expect. It is also the type of quality care that loved ones would want for their aging loved ones.
Aging in place contributes to a healthier, safer and happier life. Elderly clients are more health conscious and concerned about the quality of life than previous generations. There is a growing industry of universal design (home modifications that can be appealing to the eye and useful to everyone) and technological advances to meet the needs of the baby boomers as they age at home. This movement will replace the institutional walls of a nursing home. Living out the rest of their days at home, in a safe environment contributes to a healthier, happier aging adult.
Aging in place allows them to remain in their community. The entire community stands to gain from the aging adult that wants to remain in their home as they age. If their health allows, the healthy aging senior can be a mentor in the community. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, forty-five percent of people over 65 volunteer annually. This equates into savings for the community and having positive role models for future generations. Aging retirees are concerned about their community and show their support by buying locally and contributing financially to causes that are important to them.
Advanced technology supports aging in home senior citizens. Baby boomers have been heard and now advanced technologies are available for them. Advancements are being made daily to assure safety and well being as they age in place. For example, the Wii is being utilized by hospitals and rehab centers to promote strength, endurance and flexibility in elderly patients. This is a program that can be utilized at home to keep the aging retiree active and have fun doing something they like to do. Robot vacuums are now available to assist in keeping the house clean. Also, there are sensors that can be placed in the home that measures the activity of the aging adult, so that even a long distance family member can see if there is a change in activity on a daily basis.
Aging in place reduces the fear of loss of independence. A study commissioned by Clarity and the EAR Foundation, found that aging adults fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than they fear death. This same study found that the Baby Boomer children of seniors also fear for their parents. In particular, there is a concern about their parents’ emotional and physical well being should they have to enter a nursing home?
If your family is planning for future long term needs now you and your senior parents are already ahead of the game. Anything that you can do now will save your elderly mom and dad money and decrease stress and anxiety for you and your family when difficult decisions have to be made. We should all be prepared by planning early to allow our seniors and their family caregiving members to be more thoughtful and knowledgeable. It allows everyone involved a chance to explore all their options for when the time comes.
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April 6, 2010
CAROL CARBUTTI OF COMFORT KEEPERS HERE IN WALLINGFORD,
By Carol Carbutti
Family caregivers and private homecare companions need to know that an elderly senior clients’ leg pain can come in many forms, and there are a variety of conditions that can commonly cause discomfort. Healthy aging seniors describe their leg pain as tingly, sharp, dull, throbbing and aching. Whatever their leg pain feels like, it can inhibit an active elderly parent’s ability to stand for long periods, put weight on their leg or simply perform everyday activities. Let’s take a look and discuss solutions that will get your retired baby-boomer back on their feet.
There are many causes of leg pain, especially if your elderly loved one has suffered any injuries in the past to their bones, muscles or tendons. Caregivers, homemakers, and family companions may be able to connect these injuries to past events and seek treatment. Sometimes, however, the cause of leg pain is not crystal clear. Vascular disorders involving the vessels that carry blood and lymph throughout the body can cause blood clots or varicose veins. Blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis, often result from a period of prolonged bed rest.
Atherosclerosis is another cause of leg pain for our in home seniors. This is a condition that causes narrowed arteries and this can impair your aging parents’ circulation so that less blood reaches their legs. In this case, they might feel pain during exercise which is called claudication which feels like a sharp cramp when you walk or run.
Infections are another source that causes leg pain. Osteomyelitis, for example, is an infection of the bone that results in impaired mobility. Inflammation from diseases like arthritis and gout can also attack joints in the leg. This will cause your elderly client pain during everyday activities.
As you can see, the causes of leg pain are many and varied. It is essential to identify the underlying condition causing the pain. First you should contact your senior parents’ physician who can help treat the source of the pain. This will help your elderly retirees feel healthy and mobile once again. If family helpers and caregivers notice that their aging client is still experiencing leg pain, swelling in either leg or varicose veins after a week, they will need to schedule a second office visit.
Family members and Personal Care homemakers need to be aware of Redness and swelling which can indicate blood clots. If you notice this you need to contact your seniors’ physician as soon as possible. Blood clots in deep veins may be dangerous if they travel to the brain or heart. To avoid developing clots, move frequently. If you care for an elderly client who sits a lot you need to encourage them to get up and walk around every hour. Frequent elderly air travelers should walk around during flights as often as possible. A regular exercise program also helps keep blood vessels healthy.
In the case of claudication due to poor circulation, retired baby-boomers can avoid complications by not smoking and monitoring their cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis. A healthy diet of produce and whole grains that is low in saturated fat and salt can help our healthy aging seniors. Natural supplements to fight high cholesterol may also be useful. They should continue to exercise under a doctor’s supervision in order to train their muscles to use oxygen more efficiently and strengthen their legs in the long run.
For arthritis sufferers, many natural vitamin and mineral formulas have been developed to strengthen joints and bones. A high quality calcium formula is a good place to begin. The best advice for our senior patients with leg pain is to take action. If your elderly dad suffers from chronic pain, complacency can lead to complications if the underlying cause is not treated immediately. Family members need to work with the primary doctor to help their aging parents get back their mobility and strength for their health.
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March 30, 2010
HERE ARE A FEW GOOD GARDENING TIPS FOR OUR ACTIVE IN HOME SENIORS, THEIR FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND PRIVATE PERSONAL CARE COMPANIONS FROM COMFORT KEEPERS HERE IN WALLINGFORD, CT
By Carol Carbutti
The aspects of gardening for a senior will benefit their health while being therapeutic and help them to stay active and productive.
Gardening in itself is an enjoyable pastime and an excellent form of exercise for mobility, flexibility, use of motor skills while helping to improve strength and endurance. This type of physical activity for our healthy aging seniors also helps to prevent osteoporosis while reducing their stress levels for a better nights rest.
A few good words of advice for our elderly parents who garden is to warm up by doing a few stretches before starting any gardening activities. By doing this, they will help reduce any muscle soreness they may experience later on.
Family caregivers and private companions need to remind their at home aging clients to drink plenty of liquids (avoiding alcohol), to keep their body well hydrated. Home care helpers need to make sure that they take care of their seniors’ cuts, bruises scrapes and insect bites right away to help avoid infection. Retiree’s should try to work in the garden early in the morning or late in the day to avoid blazing midday sun and heat which can make even the healthiest senior ill or weary. Caregivers should remind their elderly parents or clients to wear comfortable clothes and shoes while working in the yard or garden. They should also add a hat, gloves and sunscreen to protect them from sun damage.
However, in addition to these tips, it is also important to know their limitations. When senior clients start to feel fatigued, they need to take a break for a few moments or ask you for some assistance. Also, retired baby boomers can try rotating their gardening tasks every half hour or so. By rotating their tasks they may cause less stress on their muscles and become less uncomfortable later on. It is important to purchase tools that are ergonomically designed to reduce strain and injury. Your senior gardener will notice that these tools are lightweight and sturdy with longer handles for leverage, thus giving better control.
Every spring our healthy aging seniors need to check their tools to see if they are sharp, well oiled, and in good working condition. This will help avoid resistance when using them and cut down on the manpower needed to execute certain tasks. Remember to remind your elderly parents that proper body positioning will minimize muscle soreness and fatigue.
Here are a few extra safety tips and easy steps that active seniors can use while gardening to avoid injury and minor aches and pains. It is so important to remember to bend at the knees and hips to help avoid injury. Be careful with power tools because even the smallest ones can become a burden in worn and weary hands. Elderly seniors should try to work below shoulder level when possible and keep their elbows partially bent while gardening. Definitely avoid twisting the forearm back and forth by having your Aging retiree work with their hands in a neutral position.
If bending is a problem then your Elderly retiree should try to plant vertical or raised garden beds to avoid stooping. If your elderly parent wants to start a new garden, they should try to put it in a location that has shaded areas if possible. Finally, if memory abilities, such as dementia, are becoming affected, secure gates and fences can be an enormous advantage by helping to keep seniors secure while still allowing them to indulge in gardening.
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March 24, 2010
CAROL CARBUTTI, THE OWNER OF COMFORT KEEPERS IN WALLINGFORD, CT; WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THE BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR OUR ACTIVE NON MEDICAL AT HOME SENIORS
By Carol Carbutti
There are a number of reasons why stay at home seniors like yoga. First, it uses static stretches. That means your elderly parents get into a position and hold it for a time rather than bouncing. Static stretches are safer and result in fewer injuries. We have also found that they work better for increasing flexibility.
Many senior centers prefer yoga because it goes well beyond a typical stretching routine. It works muscles in combination and includes smaller muscle stretches that are easy to overlook, but are very important to how well a senior citizens body works.
Finally, we found that diminishing flexibility is usually accompanied by stress. Yoga doesn’t just help you and your aging clients by stretching and lengthening their muscles-it also helps to release stress. And who wouldn’t like that?
In a study of the benefits of yoga, researchers found that many healthy aging retirees who practice yoga for six months report improved flexibility, higher energy levels and a better sense of well-being.
Other studies have found that yoga increases both strength, flexibility and that it may help to control blood pressure while building a seniors exercise capacity.
Yoga is best learned in a class setting with an experienced instructor. In a class setting the instructor can check their posture and form. By having an instructor around, they can help make corrections where needed. But if your senior parent is not able to find an affordable yoga class then we recommend that family caregivers and private companions can contact the local YMCA or community adult senior centers for free classes.
Comfort Keepers would also like to remind caregivers to have their seniors check with their doctor before changing any of their exercise routines to make sure this will not cause other issues down the road.
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