People often reach a time when their care needs exceed a family's capabilities. The family may decide that home care is the best option, but what type of home care should they choose? If your loved one has long-term chronic conditions, they may be best off with a private-duty nurse. This article will discuss private duty caregiver duties in Ocala, FL, and how to find the home aide best suited to your loved one's needs.
First, knowing the difference between a private duty nurse and other home care professionals is essential. Here are the basics:
Unlike other types of home care, private duty care is not covered by Medicare. However, some life insurance policies offer full or partial coverage.
A private duty nurse may offer the following services:
Home Care Recharged is optimal for relatives who require private duty care and other home care services. Our team is dedicated to helping your loved one achieve a high quality of life. We relieve family members of stress and give them the confidence to know their loved one is well cared for.
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services.
There comes a time in many people’s lives when a family member needs extra care. They may be faced with deciding between a residential home and a quality home care provider in Ocala, FL. A home care provider is preferred because they offer more personalized services.
When you check your loved one into a residential facility, they are just another face in a sea of others. The caregivers may not recognize their individual care needs and personalities. As a result, they may not get the attention they require. Their physical and mental health may suffer.
A quality home care provider in Ocala, FL, offers the following benefits:
· They Get to Know Your Loved One: Personal care often includes companion care. The caregiver will communicate with your loved one, engaging them in topics that interest them. They will encourage them to participate in enjoyable hobbies, boosting their mental health.
· They Follow Their Treatment Plans: A caregiver who works one-on-one with your loved one will be attentive to their health needs. They will ensure they take their medication on time and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine. The home aide will also take your loved one to doctor’s appointments and communicate with providers about their health needs.
· Customized Scheduling: Families that work with personal home care providers can also develop a schedule best suited to their needs. They can order part-time, full-time, respite, or around-the-clock care. Caregivers will work with their schedule and save them from paying for services they don’t require.
Home care services can be even more personalized with a private duty CNA near me, Ocala, FL. Private duty nurses are trained to provide more intensive one-on-one care for more complex medical needs. A trained medical professional administers services that typically include wound care, medication administration, and vital sign monitoring.
Unlike other types of home care, which are typically short-term and episodic, private duty care is long-term and can sometimes be 24/7. Medicaid does not usually cover private duty care, but some insurance providers may. The service is suited to patients who require ongoing monitoring.
Once you decide home care is right for your loved one, you must choose the best provider in your area. Home Care Recharged is a recommended choice.
Our agency offers a wide range of care options, including personal care, companion care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, end-of-life care, transitional/post-op care, chronic illness management, vet assistance, and the services of a private duty CNA near me in Ocala, FL. We help our clients reach high levels of health and independence. Our trained teams are reliable, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and experienced.
Contact us for the services you need to help your loved one achieve a higher quality of life.
If your loved one has specialized medical needs, you may consider working with an agency that provides private duty CNA near me Ocala FL. A skilled nurse typically offers this type of care. It is more comprehensive and personalized than other types of home care.
The first step involves finding a private duty CNA near me in Ocala, FL. Home Care Recharged has the services you require.
Private duty nursing is typically provided by a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or certified nursing assistant (CNA). These professionals have been trained to handle various medical conditions. They will develop customized plans and offer one-on-one attention to support independence and improve quality of life.
A private duty nurse offers specialized care, including:
They may provide care for patients with:
Private duty nursing is similar to home health care as both are conducted at home and address healthcare needs. However, there are some key differences as follows:
A private-duty CNA is essential to your loved one’s health. You must find someone who offers compassionate, comprehensive services. Here are some things you must look for when choosing a CNA that’s right for you.
Home Care Recharged is a reputable private-duty nursing agency in Ocala, FL. We offer personal care assistance, companion care, and chronic illness management. Our team integrates a personalized approach that enhances independence and improves your loved one’s quality of life.
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services.
In the heart of Florida, where vibrant communities thrive, finding reliable and compassionate care for your loved ones is crucial. A Companion Caregiver in Ocala FL is dedicated to providing a range of services that go beyond just physical assistance. It’s about creating meaningful connections, fostering independence, and ensuring a higher quality of life for seniors or individuals needing support. But what exactly does companion care entail, and how does it benefit families in Ocala, FL?
Companion care is much more than providing basic assistance with daily activities. It’s a holistic approach to caregiving that focuses on building emotional connections and addressing the overall well-being of your loved ones. Services provided by a companion caregiver in Ocala, FL, include:
These services are all tailored to ensure that your loved one feels cared for, independent, and valued.
Many seniors in Ocala thrive with the help of companion home care services. These benefits include:
1. Enhanced Emotional Well-Being
Isolation and loneliness are common challenges for seniors, but with the support of a compassionate caregiver, they can engage in meaningful social activities. This emotional connection often leads to improved mental health and happiness.
2. Support for Independence
Maintaining independence is a priority for many individuals. By assisting with light housekeeping, transportation, or errands, caregivers enable clients to live comfortably in their own homes while still enjoying their autonomy.
3. Peace of Mind for Families
Knowing that your loved one is in good hands brings comfort. A companion caregiver in Ocala, FL, ensures that clients are safe, cared for, and enjoying a fulfilling life.
Ocala, known for its welcoming community and beautiful landscapes, is an ideal location for individuals seeking quality care. Families in Ocala trust companion care services to help their loved ones enjoy a fulfilling and independent lifestyle in this charming city.
With activities like nature trails and community events, a companion caregiver in Ocala, FL, can help clients enjoy all this vibrant area offers. Whether it’s a local park visit or a quiet day at home, caregivers ensure each day is meaningful.
When selecting a companion caregiver Ocala, FL, it’s important to take several factors into account to ensure the best care for your loved one. Here’s what to consider:
Choosing the right caregiver is an investment in your loved one’s comfort, happiness, and well-being.
At Home Care Recharged, we take pride in offering exceptional companion home care Ocala, FL. Our dedicated caregivers provide tailored services to meet your family’s unique needs, ensuring a caring and compassionate approach to everyday challenges. With our focus on companionship, independence, and well-being, we are here to help your loved ones thrive.
If you’re looking for trusted and compassionate companion care in Ocala, FL, we’re here to help. Let us support your family with tailored services that bring comfort, independence, and joy to your loved ones. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you.
Have you decided your loved one is ready for home care? If so, you must consider the services that best suit their needs. Do they need basic care or more specialized services? If specialized care is required, exploring private duty nursing agencies in Ocala, FL can help ensure they receive the right level of support at home.
If your loved one requires specialized services, you may consider partnering with private duty nursing agencies in Ocala, FL. They offer services similar to home health care but with a more specialized approach. Learn more about your options when choosing this service.
Private duty nursing is typically provided by registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). It provides care for various healthcare conditions. It may include post-surgery care, chronic condition management, and other services for people who require medical assistance outside a hospital setting.
Typical services include:
· Skilled Nursing Care: Nursing care includes vital sign monitoring, wound care, and injection administration.
· Post-Surgical Care: Licensed nurses ensure clients follow their treatment plans after they are released from the hospital.
· Personal Care: Caregivers can assist with personal care tasks like self-care, light cleaning, meal prep, and mobility assistance.
· Medication Management: The nurse will ensure clients take medication on time. They will also monitor progress to ensure clients get on well with their medication and check for side effects.
· Coordination of Care: The caregiver liaises between the client, family, and physicians. They will report to doctors regarding the client’s progress with medication and other aspects of treatment. The nurse will also keep family members in the loop.
· Wellness Checks: The nurse may periodically check in on patients to assess their health and well-being.
· Cost and Insurance Coverage: Insurance or government programs often cover home health care, making it a low-cost solution. Private duty nursing is more specialized and, therefore, more expensive. Additionally, because not all services are considered medically necessary, they may not be covered by insurance.
· Duration of Care: Home health visits are often brief and meet short-term needs. Private duty nursing is typically long-term care.
· Services: Home health care services are often more general and include nutritional support, telehealth, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy. A social worker typically oversees service and offers regular reviews and check-ins. Specialized services are for specific needs. Home health care services are sometimes combined with private duty services for a customized approach.
Families that feel private duty nursing is the right choice for their loved one must determine which agency best suits their needs. They must consider the services offered and the quality of service. Home Care Recharged clicks off all the boxes.
We offer a compassionate team of skilled nurses who will do all they can to meet your loved one’s needs. Our staff provides a wide range of services, including companion care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, post-op care, and much more. We take the stress off the family caregiver’s shoulders and provide peace of mind.
Contact us and discover why we are one of Ocala, FL's best home care agencies.
Private duty home care is a subset of home care that encompasses non-medical services. It is typically provided by home health aides overseen by a registered nurse. Payments are usually out of pocket. However, clients may also consult their insurance provider about reimbursement. Although private duty care in Ocala, FL is limited, it offers several benefits. Here are some to be aware of.
1. It Includes Companion Care
Many seniors deal with isolation and depression due to losing loved ones and a lack of age-appropriate activities. A private duty aide will be there to keep your loved one company. They can also teach them to use social media and technology so they can keep in touch with friends and relatives virtually. Caregivers can also take them to social events where they can interact with others.
2. Caregivers Can Oversee Self-Care
As people age, they may be unable to perform self-care duties due to illness and mobility issues. They may be embarrassed to admit they need help, but this type of neglect can lead to illness and a lack of self-esteem. A home duty aide can assist with self-care duties ensuring loved ones enjoy optimal physical and mental wellbeing.
3. Cost Effective
Private duty care is typically less expensive than residential care. It can be customized to ensure families only pay for the services they require. You may also qualify for insurance compensation which further reduces the financial burden.
4. Improved Physical Health
Seniors who enroll in private duty care experience higher levels of physical health. Caregivers clean the home to eliminate germs. They ensure that loved ones adopt a high level of personal hygiene.
Home aides also assist with meal prep ensuring your loved one eats healthily. They engage them in physical activity which benefits overall wellness. A caregiver also ensures that loved ones take their medications on time and follow recommended treatment plans.
5. Relieves Family Caregiver Stress
Caregivers often take on the responsibility of caring for loved ones. Although this may seem like a money-saving solution that ensures loved ones receive compassionate care, it takes its toll.
Family caregivers often feel isolated and depressed because they miss out on social activities due to care responsibilities. They may also lose money if they need to take off work to care for a loved one. A private duty aide can take the stress off your shoulders ensuring you enjoy a vibrant lifestyle.
Home Care Recharged provides private duty care, including companion care, personal care, and 24-hour service. We also offer more advanced options like care for clients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, end-of-life care, post-op care, vet care, and chronic illness management. Our services are provided by trustworthy, reliable, knowledgeable, and experienced industry professionals.
Contact us to learn more about our private duty near Ocala, FL services. Learn how we can help your loved one achieve a higher quality of life.
There comes a time in many people’s lives when they decide a loved one requires additional care. They must determine which type of care is best for their loved one- home care or a private duty home health aide in Ocala, FL. Family members should research what each service offers to determine which is suited to their loved one’s needs.
Home care and private duty care are beneficial to loved ones in that they allow them to get the care they need in the comfort of their home. They foster self-confidence and independence. However, there are some key differences to be aware of.
The main difference between private duty nursing and home health care is the coverage. Medicare or Medicaid typically covers home health services. Private duty nursing is paid out of pocket, although some types of insurance may offer coverage.
Private duty care is also more customizable. It aligns with patient needs. It may include:
· Personal care
· Meal preparation
· Physical therapy
· Bathing
· Toileting
· Companionship
However, a private duty home health care aide will offer services more specific to a patient’s medical needs. They may provide:
· Vital sign monitoring
· Wound care
· Dementia and Alzheimer’s care
· Specialized care for heart disease, diabetes, and other serious medical conditions
Private duty care is typically an out-of-pocket expense. However, some insurance plans may offer coverage. Some veterans with disabilities may also qualify for Medicaid coverage for private duty care.
Here are some reasons you may choose a private duty home health aide for your loved one.
· Cost Isn’t a Factor: You may choose a private duty home health aide if you can afford the out-of-pocket costs or if your insurance covers the expense.
· You Aren’t Eligible for Medicaid or Medicare: Unlike Medicaid and Medicare, which are only available to eligible individuals, private duty home health care is available to anyone. You do not need to prove your age, medical condition, or income to qualify.
· You Prefer a Specialized Approach: Private duty care provides a personalized approach. Families may experience peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the unique care they require. It can be especially helpful if your relative has a recognized medical condition.
The main goal of private-duty home health is customized care. Ensure the agency you choose takes a personalized approach. They should provide the ideal service to cater to your loved one’s needs. Other considerations include customer reviews, services provided, cost, and scheduling.
When considering various factors, you will find Home Care Recharged ticks off all the boxes. We offer a wide range of services that can be customized to your loved one’s needs. Our caring staff has a history of helping clients achieve a higher quality of life.
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive services.
Reliable home care in Ocala, FL for seniors. Get personalized in-home support for comfort and independence. As your family members age, they may find themselves needing extra assistance with daily tasks. One option that many families turn to is home care in Ocala, FL, which offers support in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, allowing for a greater sense of independence. This service helps older adults maintain their lifestyle while providing necessary assistance tailored to their needs.
If you’re asking yourself, “What exactly is home care? What does it offer, and how can it help?” you’re not alone. This article will cover all the details you need to know about Home Care in Ocala, FL.
What is Home Care?
Home care involves a trained caregiver visiting the home of your loved one to assist with tasks that have become difficult or impossible for them to manage. The services provided include:
Personal Care: Caregivers can help with self-care activities such as bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, and grooming to ensure your loved one feels comfortable and well-kept.
Light Housekeeping: Home care aides take care of household chores such as sweeping, washing dishes, and maintaining a clean environment, helping to promote health and cleanliness.
Meal Preparation: They can prepare nutritious meals and assist with feeding if needed to ensure seniors are getting the nourishment they need.
Medication and Appointment Reminders: Caregivers ensure that seniors follow their medication schedule, attend medical appointments, and complete daily activities.
Companionship: Home care aides can provide emotional support, conversation, and companionship, preventing feelings of loneliness and isolation in older adults.
Fall Prevention: They help identify hazards such as cluttered walkways or broken fixtures that could lead to falls, and assist seniors in moving safely around their home.
Errand Running: Caregivers can take care of essential errands like grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions, making sure your loved one has everything they need.
Transportation and Appointment Escorting: Caregivers offer transportation and accompany seniors to their appointments, ensuring they arrive safely and receive support when needed.
With these services, home care provides peace of mind to families, knowing their loved ones are in good hands while still enjoying the comforts of their home.
Now that you understand home-based care, let’s explore its key benefits.
Enables seniors to receive care in the familiarity of their own homes: Many elderly individuals prefer to stay in familiar surroundings near loved ones, which brings them peace and comfort. Home care in Ocala, FL, enables them to age in place with ease.
Supports Continued Independence: Instead of limiting independence, home care helps seniors with daily tasks, allowing them to maintain their routines and enjoy their favorite activities.
Cost-Effective and Adaptable Compared to Residential Facilities: Home care can be customized to your needs, whether you need part-time, full-time, or round-the-clock assistance, often at a lower cost since caregivers aren’t present 24/7.
Home Care Recharged – A Trusted Provider
At Home Care Recharged, we offer a range of home care services with a compassionate team dedicated to treating each person with dignity. We aim to help seniors maintain independence in a supportive environment.
Home care is often considered when families notice their elderly loved one becoming frail or needing assistance with daily tasks, or after an illness or hospital stay. Our caregivers can typically arrive within 24 hours, or sooner in emergencies, providing peace of mind.
There’s no fixed time to arrange home care—it’s based on when you feel extra support is needed. Helping Hands provides a personalized care plan tailored to your unique needs.
You may be exploring different care options now as you prepare for the future. If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of our customer service specialists, our friendly team is always here to help (https://homecarerecharged.com/contact/). They will be happy to discuss your situation or that of a loved one in more detail and help you determine the most appropriate type of care to meet your needs.
What is Private Duty Home Care?
Private duty home care is a specialized form of home care designed to meet the specific needs of seniors and their families. It can be arranged through an agency or by hiring a private caregiver. This type of care provides a wide range of services, from medical and nursing assistance to non-medical tasks like bill paying and transportation, with the goal of helping seniors remain independent in their own homes.
Essentially, private duty home care is a specialized branch of broader home care services. Caregivers in this field offer a wide array of support, from medical care and nursing assistance to non-medical tasks such as helping with bills or providing transportation. The primary goal is to meet the unique needs of seniors and their families, allowing them to continue living independently at home. A few of the services private duty home caregivers offer include:
One major distinction between private duty home care and traditional home care lies in how it’s paid for. Often referred to as insurance-paid in-home care, the payment process typically follows two main routes:
In private duty care, many families choose to pay out of pocket or use long-term care insurance to cover the cost of services. There are also hybrid payment models that combine different methods, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and self-payment options. Private duty home care in Ocala, FL, offers an excellent opportunity for your loved one to maintain their independence while benefiting from professional care. Plus, having a skilled caregiver introduces a new supportive presence in your loved one’s daily life, offering companionship and peace of mind.
Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer.
According to AARP, 77% of adults age 50 and up prefer to age in place over moving to any kind of assisted living facility. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define aging in place as the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. Aging in place promotes life satisfaction, a positive quality of life and self-esteem, and many other health benefits that improve health, wellness, and happiness of elderly adults well into their later years of life.
Benefits of aging in place include:
When an elderly adult states that they would like to remain in their home but their loved ones decide otherwise, it can create tension between the family, as well as feelings of anger, grief and sadness, and stress for the elderdly adult being forced out of their home. These negative emotions can play a huge impact on the elderly adult’s mental and physical health. There is a solution though that allows elderly adults to stay in the comfort of their home safely as they age. In-home care providers offer companionship and assistance with daily tasks that may become more difficult over time such as:
An in-home care provider offers peace-of-mind and a break for family caregivers, knowing their loved one is safe and being cared for by professionals. To elderly adults, care providers offer them assistance while still allowing them to maintain a sense of independence and empowerment.
Loneliness and feeling isolated becomes a huge problem for elderly adults living in care facilities with structured social activity times and rules regarding when patients are and are not allowed to be out of their rooms. When elderly adults get to stay in their communities they maintain regular access to:
Living in their home with the assistance of a home care provider allows for different forms of positive social stimulation on their desired schedule.
The average cost of a full time home care provider costs less than half the amount of a semi-private room in a care facility. A bed in a shared room at an assisted living facility typically costs anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 and a private room can cost upward of $70,000. Elderly adults with specialized care requirements can expect to pay more on top of these costs. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who choose to age in place can save thousands of dollars per month in care costs.
Many elderly adults’ homes are either paid off or close to it, making monthly expenses much cheaper than if they were living in a care facility. Home Care, Recharged offers free consultations with experienced care providers who can help explain price breakdowns and comparisons between the costs of in-home assistance and care facilities.
Age-related memory loss and Dementia affect a person’s short-term memory exponentially more than long-term and preserved skills. For more information about memory loss and dementia in elderdly adults, check out Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Benefits of Home Care. Moving an elderly adult to a new setting and social environment strips them of foundational long-term stimuli, resulting in stress, confusion, and can even potentially speed up the rate of cognitive decline.
The comfort and familiarity of home reduces the confusion and fear that an elderly adult is likely to experience when they are moved into an unfamiliar environment. In-home caregivers with experience in memory and cognitive care hold invaluable knowledge and skills in:
The experience of moving into a senior care facility is already a very stressful experience, as with any move, but this experience can be especially traumatizing to elderly adults because most nursing homes or assisted living facilities are extremely limited as far as what furniture and personal belongings that they can bring with them and have strict rules in regards to pets. Having to give up their beloved pet so they can move into a facility they didn’t want to, in the first place, is an absolutely devastating moment for an elderly adult.
Mental health has a huge effect on a person’s physical health, and as we age this impact becomes greater. The health and well-being of an elderly loved one isn’t solely based upon clinical care, but also their comfort and happiness. Elderly adults are far more comfortable and happy through the aging process when they are surrounded by:
Moving into a nursing home or other form of assisted-living facility poses many potential health and safety risks to elderly adults.
Aging in the consistent and safe environment of their own home reduces an elderly adult’s risk of getting sick and provides a better quality of life. With the added assistance from an in-home care provider, clients and their families can rest assured that they are safe and regularly monitored to catch any potential illnesses as soon as possible for the best health outcome to the client.
According to an AARP survey, 90% of older adults nationwide want to remain living in their home for as long as possible. The assistance of an in-home care provider can make that possible, though there may be some potential home features that may require some modifications to aid in the care and safety of your elderly loved one. Creating clear pathways throughout the home, marking changes in any floor level changes, and ensuring that regularly used appliances and rooms (like the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen) and as close together as possible are some easy ways to make home life easier for your elderly loved one.
Potential hazards, repairs, and modifications that may be necessary can be easily missed by someone inexperienced in elderly care, so a home safety assessment is highly recommended. Information about a professional home safety assessment by Home Care, Recharged and some simple tips can be found in Falls at Home: The Risks and Prevention Tips, so that your loved one can have the safest and happiest experience through the aging process, while remaining in their beloved home.
Created by: Bailey
Has anyone ever told you that you should walk more? If so, have you ever wondered why? Walking is beneficial in so many ways! Walking seems like such a simple activity, you’d never expect it to have so many incredible health benefits on the body. First and foremost, it’s free exercise! No monthly charge for a gym membership or any kind of financial obligation required, and you still get the fat-burning effects you want. Walking is beneficial as a low-impact activity, putting much less stress on joints, tendons, and ligaments compared to running or other high-intensity forms of exercise.
It can also be an extremely relaxing activity, giving people the ability to take a break from the stress of the day and enjoy the nature around them as they walk. As if these benefits weren’t enough, walking for even just a half hour per day can have monumental benefits to your physical and mental health.
A brisk 30 minute walk can burn 200 calories, which is equivalent to 20 minutes of intense biking under certain conditions. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that participants in their study on weight-promoting genes who walked for an hour each day at a brisk pace experienced half of the weight gain effects by these weight-promoting genes compared to those that did not walk. Walking for even just 15 minutes can reduce a person’s cravings for sugary foods or chocolate, even those pesky stress cravings!
Walking for 7 hours per week can reduce a person’s risk of developing breast cancer by up to 14%, and is highly recommended to women that have a greater risk of developing breast cancer due to certain factors such as being overweight, hormone supplementation, and family history.
Taking a 30 minute walk each day can stop the loss of bone mass and density, especially in people suffering from osteoporosis. Walking also lubricates joints, strengthens their supporting muscles, and enhances the supply of oxygen and nutrients brought to cartilage and joint cells. Walking 5 to 6 miles each week can greatly reduce the inflammation and pain experienced in arthritic knees, hips, and ankles, and can even prevent the development of arthritis from occurring.
In a research study performed on over 1,000 men and women who all walked for a minimum of 20 minutes per day, at least 5 days a week, it was found that 43% of participants experienced fewer sick days than those who only exercised once a week or less. Participants who did walk at least 5 days also reported that if they did get sick, their symptoms were milder and did not last as long as those who did not walk.
Walking is a great form of exercise to tone and strengthen core and leg muscles. It’s a great way to shape up muscles while losing weight and build the strength required for other activities like playing soccer with the kids or going for a bike ride along the beach with your loved one. Core and leg strength also becomes more important as we age to keep us fit, healthy, and independent. Working the hip and leg muscles while walking helps maintain range of motion, relieve weight-bearing pressure on joints, and maintain core strength and balance.
Walking for at least 30 minutes per day can strengthen the heart muscles, lower blood pressure and reduce symptoms of Hypertension, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve circulation throughout the body. Blood circulating throughout the body transports vital nutrients and oxygen to all cells, bringing them the fuel they require to function optimally. Healthy circulation is key to optimal body system functions and overall health and wellness. For people who may be prone to blood clots, walking every day can greatly reduce this risk. As you walk, the calf muscles and the blood vessels that run through them contract and relax, forcing the flow of blood through and out of the lower extremities, reducing the formation of clots. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a common condition in adults over the age of 60, increasing the potential formation of blood clots in the legs. Going for a half hour walk in the morning or evening is a great start or end to the day, while also combating a DVT clot from forming.
Walking can be a great, natural treatment for insomnia in older adults. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one study performed on women ages 50-75 documented that those who took an hour-long walk every morning experienced greater relief from their insomnia symptoms than those who didn’t add walking to their treatment plan. Going for a walk in the morning has been known to alter the body’s natural secretion of the sleep hormone, melatonin, increasing the onset of nocturnal melatonin in the evenings when our bodies’ circadian rhythm shifts from daytime energy to nighttime rest mode. An evening walk can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, promoting relaxation as well as elevate the body’s core temperature. About 30-90minutes after the walk, the body’s core temperature begins to fall, facilitating sleepiness.
Walking can improve mood in many ways. The sense of accomplishment a person may feel after going for a walk can improve someone’s attitude for the rest of the day. Humans are a social species, so spending time with a loved one and socializing while enjoying the nature around them can alter a person’s attitude without even realizing it. At the scientific level, exercise stimulates the body to release endorphins, also known as “feel-good hormones”, which promote feelings of happiness and relaxation to improve a person’s mood. Think of it as your body’s way of “rewarding” you for taking care of it by exercising, walking improves overall health and the body’s ability to function optimally so as a “thank you”, your body releases endorphins in the brain to make you feel happy and relaxed. The more steps you take, the more your body “thanks” you by releasing more endorphins!
Similar to the way walking increases the strength of leg muscles, it also increases the strength of the muscles surrounding the lungs that are responsible for their expansion and contraction as you breathe in and out. This increase in lung capacity and function improves their ability to circulate more oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the body. This also improves oxygen levels in the bloodstream to be brought to cells in the body for improved function, resulting in improved cell health, better waste elimination from the body, increased energy output, and improved natural healing function by cells in the body.
You may remember back in the Home Care, Recharged blog article Brain Power Foods, the correlation between cardiovascular health and brain health was mentioned, discussing the importance of healthy blood circulation and fueling the brain. The brain itself is mostly made of fatty tissue containing billions of neurotransmitters, cells that relay messages through the nervous system to respond to environmental stimuli, control thought, emotion, preserve memories, perform motor skills, and control every autonomic and somatic function in the body. All cells require oxygen and nutrients to function optimally, including these brain cells. There is about 400 miles worth of blood vessels and capillaries spread throughout the brain to fuel these cells, which is where walking comes in. The benefits that walking has on cardiovascular health, circulation, and lung function means that there is more oxygen and nutrients made available to these brain cells. This improves their health, function, and life expectancy, thus slowing down the rate of decline in mental functions and reducing the risk of developing age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Losing our sense of independence is often one of the biggest fears we have as we age. Our bodies begin to slow down and our physical and mental abilities begin to decline. Muscles and joints begin to stiffen and remembering simple tasks becomes harder. Daily walking for at least 30 minutes offers the body the help it needs to stay in its best shape! Muscles and joints stay stronger, mood stays better, and the brain maintains healthy cells for optimal function. As we get older, the importance of exercise increases in order to keep our bodies as healthy as possible. Walking every day offers our bodies the physical and mental benefits it needs to aid in our fight to maintain our independence and grow old gracefully and happily.
All of these benefits work to enhance life expectancy and the quality of that longer life! Research shows that daily exercise, especially walking, by people in their 50s and 60s, are 35% less likely to pass away in the next 8 years when compared to non-walkers. That percentage increases to 45% less likely in those with underlying conditions!
So now that you know, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the nature around you while you walk to a happier, healthier, and longer life! If you need assistance getting outside or if you just want a walking companion, our Home Care Providers and Nurses can be available to assist you.
Created by: Bailey
