As we get older, sticking to a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet can become more of a challenge. Seniors who live alone can benefit greatly from having a private in-home companion around to assist with these important tasks. These types of household staff members specialize in elder care and provide peace of mind for friends and family members who want to help but don’t live close by.
Here are some of the ways that a private companion can help seniors get the nutrition and exercise their bodies need.
Keep Seniors Safe While Exercising
Some seniors are hesitant to exercise because of the safety risks, or they just don’t have the motivation to get moving a little every day. A private in-home caregiver can help your elderly parent perform easy exercises at the recommendation of a doctor.
This may include going for walks around the neighborhood together or driving to senior fitness classes at the local gym. At-home exercises using a senior’s own body weight, resistance bands, and yoga balls are much safer and more effective when an experienced and compassionate professional is watching for proper form and possible signs of exhaustion.
Provide Motivation and Encouragement
At any age, it helps to have a workout buddy to stay motivated and accountable to your fitness goals. A private in-home caregiver can provide this type of motivation and encouragement for seniors who need a little extra push to get active.
Simple words of verbal encouragement can go a long way in helping seniors maintain a healthy weight, joint flexibility, and muscle tone. Companions can also help by keeping a written record of a senior’s daily exercises to monitor progress and relay any health concerns back to his or her doctor.
Meal Planning and Grocery Shopping
If the senior you love has mobility problems, simply getting to the grocery store can be a big deterrent to eating healthy meals. But when you hire a private companion, this professional can create grocery lists, assess contents of the pantry and refrigerator, and run shopping errands for food.
Seniors’ digestive system, metabolism, and appetite often change over time and based on the state of overall physical and mental health. When searching for an elder companion, look for a professional who has some nutrition experience if you have serious dietary concerns.
Homecooked Meal Preparation
Cooking meals at home is often a much healthier and more affordable option for seniors when compared to eating out or snacking all day long. Elder companions are not only skilled in shopping for food but also preparing healthy meals to make sure all the food groups are covered.
It’s important for clients to talk with their companions to discuss food likes, dislikes, and any allergies or dietary restrictions to keep everyone happy and healthy. As a general rule, meals for seniors should include healthy fats, whole grains, high fiber foods, high calcium foods, the recommended intake of vitamin B-12, and plenty of water.
Trusted Caregivers Agencies for the Elderly
Household Staffing International is one of the finest caregivers agencies in the nation that specializes in care for the elderly. This is a wonderful way to allow the senior you love to remain in his or her own home and stay healthy in a familiar place.
Since 1974, we have been helping families and household staff professionals find each other and establish meaningful relationships that go far beyond just basic needs. Please tell us a little about your elderly parent’s needs and abilities in our family application form so that we can best assist you.