Knowing how to help elders get better sleep is part of loving and caring for older people. As people reach their elder years they tend to sleep less. Whether because of medical conditions that wake them repeatedly overnight or just changes in their biorhythms, it becomes more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. As a leader in elder care, we know that failing to achieve adequate restful sleep can result in a number of daytime issues including confusion, excessive sleepiness, difficulty focusing on important tasks like driving and an increased risk of falls.

What Prevents Elders From Getting Their Sleep?

In addition to health issues and natural cycle changes, there are other reasons that seniors sleep poorly, including:

1. Why do elders struggle with sleep?

Elders can struggle with sleep for a lot of reasons. Stress, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and even prescription medications can cause these struggles. Elders may also be diagnosed with medical conditions that make it harder for them to sleep.

2. What do elders stress about?

Elders worry about many of the same things that people of any age worry about. Concerns about their health can keep them awake, and so can financial problems or potential money issues. Changes in relationships are also stressful and can interrupt sleep for elders.

3. How does eating and drinking affect sleep for elders? And what about smoking?

Both caffeine and nicotine are stimulants. They make a person feel more awake. Using them around bedtime can make it hard to sleep. Relying on them when sleep is poor can lead to further sleep problems. While alcohol can make a person feel sleepy, it changes how the brain functions during sleep. It can actually make sleep less restful and may even keep people awake sometimes.

4. How can prescription medications impact sleep?

Many medications have side effects. Sometimes, they can cause wakefulness or make it hard for a person to get restful sleep. These medicines are usually prescribed for something specific, and the impacts on sleep are not intentional.

5. What medical conditions can make it harder to sleep?

There are many medical conditions that can affect sleep. One common one for elders is restless legs syndrome, or Willis-Ekborn Disease. People may experience unpleasant sensations in their legs that cause them to feel like they have to keep changing positions when they’re trying to sleep. Another common medical condition that affects sleep is sleep apnea. A number of things can cause this. People living with sleep apnea experience brief interruptions in normal breathing while sleeping that can cause them to wake repeatedly or to have sleep that isn’t restful.

 

Top Ways to Help Elders Get Their Sleep

Here are some strategies for getting a better night’s sleep:

• Sleep in a room that is comfortably cool and dark.
• Get more exercise during the day, preferably before dinner time, as late-day exercise may make it harder to fall asleep.
• Increase your exposure to natural light during the day (while being sure to use sunscreen).
• Decrease or eliminate the use of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. If you continue to consume them, do so earlier in the day.
• Keep your bedtime and morning waking time consistent.
• Use relaxation techniques like meditation and guided imagery before going to bed.
• Take action to address any issues that are causing you stress. Even if they can’t be completely resolved, making progress toward a solution can be helpful.
• Talk to your doctor about your medications if you believe they may be compromising your sleep.
• Get treatment for sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome or any other conditions you believe may be hindering your sleep.

 

Elder Care that Considers the Whole Person

We take a holistic approach to elder care at Green House Homes, and know that sleep is a key ingredient for health, happiness and well-being. Consequently, we do all we can to create an environment in our real-home setting that is interesting and stimulating during the day, but calm and restful at night. We do all we can to help elders get their sleep every time they go to bed.

Managing finances can become more challenging for elders, and eventually helping parents with their finances is often necessary. However, handing over control of their finances can feel as though they are surrendering some of their independence. They may be reluctant to turn over this important task, but as we frequently see in our elder care environment, with proper preparation this transition can take place smoothly, freeing the elder from what has become a time-consuming task and protecting them from potentially costly financial errors.

7 Proven Methods for Helping Parents Manage Their Money

In some cases, a loved one will request help. In others, you may start to notice that your assistance is needed. Either way, there are steps you can take to move smoothly into the role of “money manager.” Use the tactics below to ensure a stress-free transition.

• Be proactive about discussing future plans. It’s much better to have relaxed and unhurried conversations about an elder’s finances than to have to make a snap decision after a physical health or cognitive crisis. These conversations will also assure your loved one that you understand and honor their wishes regarding how their money is managed.
  
• Be vigilant about changes in cognitive capabilities. If you become aware that the person has started to forget to pay bills or is making other bookkeeping errors, it is time to take action. You may be able to suggest helping your parents with finances by paying the bills together as part of the conversation about how they want their money managed. If possible, demonstrate that it’s still their money and they get to make decisions, you are there to help execute their wishes.
  
• Get input from other family members as appropriate. In some cases, it will make sense for an elder to have just one person helping with their finances. In others, it may be a good idea to have help from multiple family members. Financial savvy seems like it may be the most important quality of the person chosen to manage the money, but the truth is, trust is the most important factor. Find the person the elder trusts.
  
• Start with a thorough financial review. Getting the “big picture” on all of an elder’s assets and liabilities up front can make it easier to see how, when and where assistance is or will be needed. This financial review can and should take place well before any transition is required.
  
• Involve a third party expert as needed. Some of the choices you and your loved one will have to make may be difficult. Getting input from an impartial third party like a financial advisor can simplify decision making.
  
• Establish power of attorney. At the appropriate time, it is important to get the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the person, rather than just having their permission to do so. There is no requirement to begin making decisions or helping your parent(s) with their finances once you have the document in place. Having it completed sooner than later will give you both peace of mind that nothing will fall through the cracks.
  
• Keep the person “in the loop.” Your loved one will appreciate knowing what actions you are taking regarding their finances. After all, it is still the elder’s money and they can still exercise as much independence as possible.
  

Empowerment and Financial Security: Finding the Right Balance

At Green House Homes, our unique approach to elder care is focused on empowering elders to stay engaged and active as they age. That said, there clearly are times when certain responsibilities must be handed off to others. But when managed properly, these tricky transitions can go smoothly. And, ultimately helping a parent with their finances can allow them to enjoy more free time and pursue their passions.

When talking to a spouse, family member or friend with dementia, the growing difficulties in communicating with them effectively can be frustrating and disheartening. But, over time, you learn that what you say to them is less important than how you say it and that you are present for them. As a leading elder care provider, we tell families that you begin to understand that although the way you communicate is changing, it’s still critically important to them and to you that you continue to talk. We encourage families to understand that talking to someone who has dementia is talking to someone whose current reality is very different from yours and from what they used to be before dementia.

Keeping the Lines of Communication Open

To ensure your conversations with your loved one are as positive as possible, use the tips below.

DO’s

• Be aware of the person’s body language. In people with dementia, it may convey a different message than the words they are using. And, use positive non-verbal communication yourself such as a smile or gentle touch, and face the person so they understand they have your attention.
  
• Wait for them to collect their thoughts if it appears they have more to say. Try not to interrupt or rush them.
• Look for ways a story about the past may be intended to communicate. Use present-day concerns or emotions.
• Try to put yourself into their reality. If they are talking about something that is not actually happening, play along and ask questions so that you can join them wherever they are.
  
• Practice patience. Conversations may become repetitive, confusing, frustrating, and emotionally draining. Try to have discussions when you are rested and unhurried.
  

Don’ts 

• Avoid arguing with them. A person with dementia can rarely be convinced to change their mind. So, look for ways to take the emotion out of the conversation.
• Don’t stop talking to them even if they don’t or can’t respond. Very loving people with dementia sometimes say things they don’t mean. Try to remember it’s part of the disease.
  
• Don’t be offended if they say things to or about you that are unfair or hurtful. Speak slowly, make a clear transition from one topic to the next, and ask only one question at a time.
• Try not to get frustrated. Patience and gentle persistence are the keys to having a meaningful dialogue with a person dealing with dementia. If you are attempting to elicit a response, ask your question again in a different way, give an example, share your answer to the question, and above all else, keep talking. You can try again in a different conversation.
• Don’t get discouraged. Some days are better than others and every day is one more opportunity to show your care for someone who is dealing with dementia. Try different times of the day – oftentimes mornings are better for cognition. Try bringing them things they like such as flowers or chocolate chip cookies.
  

A Positive Environment for Uplifting Interactions

The real-home setting at Green House Homes is designed to make elders feel safe and comfortable. And, as experts in elder care, we know that a relaxed environment can help elders with dementia communicate more effectively.

Deciding to make the move to a skilled nursing facility in Loveland, CO? There are many practical considerations as well as emotional matters to explore when you consider modifying your lifestyle. However, rather than seeing this transition as something you should put off for as long as possible, you may choose to embrace it. If you do, you’ll see that there are a number of benefits to calling a skilled nursing community your home.

Top 6 Questions When Choosing a Skilled Nursing Facility

Are you wondering if now is the right time to move to an elder care community? If so, here are some frequently asked questions you should keep in mind as you consider your options.

 

1. Is cooking and preparing meals a burden? 

Less time in the kitchen gives you more time to do the things you enjoy and you don’t have to sacrifice good nutrition. Some seniors do an excellent job of eating healthy meals on a regular basis. Others, however, are known to make a meal out of whatever happens to be handy, even if it’s not particularly nutritious. Skilled nursing environments provide residents with hearty, healthy and satisfying meals each day. And, eating better can improve everything from your energy level to your outlook on life.

2. Do you have a social network or community of support?

Many elders will laugh off the need for social interaction, saying they prefer to keep to themselves. However, people who take steps to interact with others more often will tell you that it relieves feelings of loneliness and improves their quality of life. The research supports this feeling. Study after study shows that social connections can improve your health, both mental health and physical health. Making and maintaining social connections is much easier at a skilled nursing community. And, getting started down that path now is definitely better than waiting.

3. What is the security level in your current living situation?

Senior living communities tend to have a higher level of security than you would have in your home. Most communities have security doors and staff to help ensure the area is safe. Plus, if someone has suffered an incapacitating injury, it is generally discovered much more quickly in a community setting.

4. Are you able to get to all your healthcare easily?

Senior living communities offer different levels of healthcare. But in general, it is much easier to access services when they are onsite rather than miles from your home. For example, if you are considering a skilled nursing facility in Loveland, medical professionals are close by to help with daily activities as well as medical issues should they arise.

5. What are your interests and activities?

Whether it’s lunch in the dining room, a card game with friends, or a weekend shopping outing, having an event to look forward to can be very encouraging. More than just an appointment, the activities are important engagements for your mind and body that contribute to the wellbeing of the entire community. Imagine that having lunch with another resident might be the highlight of their day … any maybe yours.

6. Are you enjoying conversations with your friends and family?

Your family and friends surely look forward to hearing about your day, regardless of what it has involved. But, it’s fun to have new people and events to talk about with your loved ones. Think about how much you enjoy hearing about our loved ones’ activities of the day. They will love to hear about your adventures as well.

 

Your Ideal Community is Waiting

Whatever you are looking for in a skilled nursing facility and community, it’s out there. Does a real-home setting where the focus is on engagement and autonomy appeal to you? If so, Green House Homes may be for you.

One of the key components of an elder’s overall wellbeing is brain health. In the same way that they can take steps to achieve and maintain their optimal physical wellness, there are proven techniques they can use to help maintain mental clarity and help minimize cognitive decline. At our skilled nursing facility in Loveland, CO, we encourage elders to treat brain health as a top priority.

Top Strategies for Staying Sharp

While decreased mental function is common as we age, it isn’t inevitable. Rather than sitting back and hoping you are one of the “lucky ones” who stays sharp, use the strategies below to help ensure that you do.

1. What Kinds of Activities Help in Maintaining Elder Brain Health?

A wide variety of activities can help older people keep their minds healthy. Things like exercise, continuously using the brain in a variety of ways, keeping social connections strong, eating well, and getting help for any emotional difficulties that come up can all help the brain stay strong.

2. How Does Physical Activity Help the Brain?

A lot of people think that brain health is disconnected from the health of the rest of the body. However, they are actually closely linked. The healthier the rest of your body is, the more likely your brain will be healthy, too. When people exercise, they increase the number of small blood vessels throughout the body. This includes the brain! These vessels mean that key areas of the brain have a better blood supply. Regular physical activity also helps develop new nerve cells and makes more connections between those cells. You don’t have to do anything too strenuous to get these benefits. Walking regularly or using an elliptical is a great way to get these benefits without putting yourself at a high risk for other injuries.

3. What Kind of Mental Stimulation Helps Brain Health?

The more you use your brain, the less likely you are to experience any sort of cognitive decline. Regularly using your brain in new and different ways helps, too. You don’t have to go too far out of your way to find opportunities to do these things. Do a crossword puzzle every day. If something interesting comes up in conversation, go home and research it. Tackle a new skill and practice until you master it. Study a new language on your phone for a few minutes each day. Using your brain helps it stay strong.

4. Why Do Social Networks Matter for Brain Health?

Maintaining social connections is good for your body. People with larger social circles usually have lower blood pressure and live longer. What is good for your body is good for your brain, because your brain is part of your body. Thus, keeping your social connections strong can help with your brain health, too. Additionally, keeping social relationships strong requires your brain to work. You have to remember the names of friends old and new and plan activities you can do together. Strong social connections are a great way to stimulate your brain without having to think about it too much!

5. Does Diet Really Matter When it Comes to Maintaining Elder Brain Health?

It does! As mentioned above, what is good for the body is usually good for the brain. Eating well gives you the energy and the nutrients you need to stay strong and healthy. When you make sure you are eating foods with the healthy fats your brain likes, your diet can also work to prevent dementia and other cognitive impairment. These foods include fatty fish like salmon, nuts, and unsaturated oils like olive oil. Some fruits and vegetables help your brain stay healthy, too!

6. What Emotional Issues Affect Brain Health?

A wide variety of emotional issues can have a negative impact on brain function. These include anxiety and depression, but are not limited to those. For the best results for your brain, seek treatment for any mental or emotional issue that comes up. Talk to your doctor or find a counselor to get the help you need!

Healthy Brain, Happy Life

Green House Homes is a skilled nursing facility where we support whole-person health in everything from the meals we serve to the activities we coordinate. Our unique real-home setting helps elders lead happy, healthy, productive lives with a focus on personal growth that keeps both their head and their heart engaged.