SYNERGY HomeCare Magazine Summer 2019

CAREGIVER CORNER DO YOU HAVE A TAMMY?

SUMMER SAFETY HOW TO BEAT DEHYDRATION

Can We Get 1,000 Senior Selfies?

Three years ago, SYNERGY HomeCare launched Senior Selfies to End Alzheimers.

Our campaign is simple; for every selfie that is posted to our SYNERGY HomeCare Facebook page we will donate $5 to the Alzheimer’s Association. to help end Alzheimers.

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TO END ALZHEIMER’S

Below are three easy steps to donate to a great cause without spending a penny. If you need technical help, ask a family member or friend to take a selfie together, because two smiles are better than one.

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Take a selfie and show off your beautiful smile

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Post your selfie to facebook.com /synergyhomecare

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Add these hashtags

#SeniorSelfie #EndAlz

We love our Senior Selfie to #EndAlz campaign, as we capture so many smiling faces from all over the United States. In the past two years, more than 3,000 Senior Selfies have been shared to our Facebook page, which has raised Alzheimer’s awareness and money to help end it, which is a cause that everyone at SYNERGY HomeCare is so passionate about.

SYNERGY HomeCare will donate $5 for every Senior Selfie that is posted to facebook.com/synergyhomecare beginning July 1, 2019, through August 31, 2019, and up to a total of 1,000 selfies.

reduce logo size to be same height as copy block and put copy on same line--make copy flush left Published by S YNERGY HomeCare four times annually, serving the home care community. For questions, call 877.432.2692 or visit synergyhomecare.com.

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SYNERGY HOMECARE

SENIOR How to Beat Dehydration this Summer Using These Simple Precautions

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taying hydrated is important for everyone, especially seniors!

With the summer months upon us and as the days get hotter, not getting enough fluids in your body can cause serious health problems. Older adults, in particular, have a higher risk of suffering from dehydration and should take extra precautions.

WHY ARE SENIORS AT HIGHER RISK? There are a number of reasons seniors are more susceptible to dehydration. As the body ages, it changes. The older population experiences a reduced ability to conserve water and a reduced sense of thirst. Both cause an issue for seniors trying to balance important electrolytes and fluid intake.

While the body struggles to conserve water— its ability to acclimate to temperature change decreases. Combining this challenge with a lack of thirst can be extremely dangerous.

Along with the natural aging process of the body, medical conditions can increase the chances of dehydration. Seniors who struggle with cognitive issues or dementia often forget to eat and drink. In later stages

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of dementia, they often lose the ability to swallow. These conditions make it more difficult to retain fluids and keep the body hydrated. There are other medical conditions and prescription medications that cause frequent urination which can deplete the body of fluid faster.

Because there are several different factors that pose a high risk of dehydration in seniors, it is extremely important to take necessary precautions and to pay close attention to the body. Whether you are looking after yourself or are the caregiver of an aging relative—it is important to watch for warning signs of dehydration and to have clear communication with a doctor to avoid complications.

SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION Since it can be a struggle to balance fluid intake and manage other medical concerns, noticing early signs of dehydration and taking action can reduce the risk of serious medical problems like kidney failure, seizures and heat-related injuries. Some of the more common and noticeable signs of dehydration are dark colored urine, dry mouth, headache,

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SAFETY constipation and muscle cramps.

More severe indicators include irritability, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure and weak pulse.

If you notice early warning signs of dehydration, try to increase fluid intake. If plain water is refused, there are other options. Fruit-infused waters or diluted juice with 50% water are alternative options. Popsicles, smoothies and soup broths are good options that can help seniors who prefer sweets or meals to drinking fluids. Raw fruits and vegetables have high water content and can serve as healthy snacks that will also improve hydration.

SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR When it comes to seniors and dehydration—there are many variables to consider.

Seniors who have different medical issues or are prescribed prescription medications could be at a higher risk of dehydration than others. Be sure to talk to your family doctor and discuss your individual risk for dehydration. If you aren’t sure exactly what to ask your doctor about, here are a few questions

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that can help you get the conversation started and manage hydration in yourself or a loved one more effectively.

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Do any of my prescribed medications cause symptoms that look like symptoms of dehydration?

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Are any of my prescribed medications likely to increase the risk of dehydration?

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Do you have any suggestions to keep hydration and electrolyte levels managed optimally?

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When would dehydration symptoms require medical attention?

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Is dehydration an emergency medical need that would require emergency attention?

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Am I (or my loved one) displaying signs of dehydration currently that should be monitored?

If you have any other concerns regarding hydration maintenance and/or current medical needs and treatment, be sure to speak directly to your primary health care provider.

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BENEFITS OF BEING BESTIES WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS

Raising children is as tough as it is rewarding.

You will always be a mother or a father. But being a grandparent is a lot more fun.

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the recent years, an increasing amount of research has been done to show how strong relationships between grandparents and grandchildren benefit both generations. A Boston College associate professor of sociology, Sara Moorman, expresses that

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close grandparent/grandchild relationships often extend from strong overall family connections, but that the distinctive bond between the generations comes with its own specific benefits. How many times have you heard someone tell a story about their grandparents with a hefty laugh and a twinkle in their eyes? Or how often do you

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benefits from spending time with each other.

catch yourself reminiscing about time spent with your own grandparents? The same thing happens when seniors laugh and smile at young children talking to them in the grocery store and they casually mention their own grandchildren.

The connection between the two is apparent and both ages gain measurable

BENEFITS FOR GRANDCHILDREN A study done by the University of Oxford showed how the role of grandparents in their grandchildren’s lives promotes well-being and decreases emotional and behavioral problems.

The study reports that “more than 1,500 children showed that those with a high-level of grandparental involvement had fewer emotional and behavioral problems.”

The relationship does not just impact behavior and emotional stability of children but also into adolescence. Along with these benefits, grandparents offer guidance, support and help children better understand accept aging.

The benefits for grandchildren can stretch into healthier communication skills, success in setting and reaching goals and stronger interpersonal relationship skills.

BENEFITS FOR GRANDPARENTS The mutually beneficial relationship has just as many advantages for grandparents as it does for grandchildren. Many aging adults struggle with feelings of isolation, depression and loneliness, decreasing

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the quality of life and sense of fulfillment that aging adults experience. Strong relationships with their grandchildren can promote a positive state of mind, a greater sense of purpose and an opportunity to learn new skills and ideas from a new generation.

Further research by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) of 186 Australian women, aged 57–68, found that mental sharpness was increased in grandmothers who took care of grandkids once a week. Spending time with their grandchildren can help grandparents feel energetic and playful—but also fulfill a fundamental desire in the human development process to guide the next generation.

Grandparents can play a pivotal role in the lives of their grandchildren, providing a sense of calmness during crucial and devastating events such as a death of a family member or divorce. Equally, grandchildren give grandparents the opportunity to enjoy a new phase of life and to journey through the aging process with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can deeply impact both generations in a positive and important way. Research has provided much information about the significant benefits for both. As people are living longer, the relationships that the younger generation has with the older generation and how we understand it, is becoming more and more important and relevant in the overall quality of life.

SYNERGY HOMECARE

5 SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR SENIORS SUMMER

ummer is a great time to exercise in the fresh air, enjoy the outdoors and have fun with family and friends. For seniors, summer can bring some potential health risks and taking precautions may ward off unnecessary injury and complications. Always talk to your doctor about your specific healthcare needs and how the heat can affect your body before planning any prolonged outdoor activities, and

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difficult to manage hydration levels. Combined with other medical concerns and prescription medications that deplete the body of fluids, managing hydration can become difficult. The CDC alerts seniors to “Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.”

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HARMFUL SUN RAYS Everybody knows the impact the sun’s rays can have on the skin. Be sure to keep yourself protected from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen before spending time outdoors. Don’t forget to dress for the climate. Because aging adult bodies do not regulate to climate changes easily, minor fluctuations in temperature can cause serious health risks. Wear loose and light clothes to help stay cool.

make the most of your summer by following these summer safety tips.

STAY HYDRATED Staying hydrated is extremely important for everybody, but seniors face particular risks.

As the aging body changes it can become increasingly

SAFE EXERCISE AND ACTIVITIES While summer activities can be exciting and inviting, it is important to pay attention to your body and make sure that you do not overexert yourself. The US National Library of Medicine explains that how much exercise you need depends on your age and health. Be sure to discuss your exercise needs and limitations with your doctor so that you know what is best for you and your body.

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SHARE YOUR PLANS WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS Keep others informed of your plans during the summer.

Let them know where and how long you intend to be participating in an activity.

Even small outside activities like walking in the park or gardening outside can increase health hazards during hot months. Stay in contact with your friends and family and ask caregivers/support people to check in with you a couple of times a day.

PROTECT YOUR VISION As the body ages, vision loss is natural. However, you can decrease further damage by keeping your eyes protected from harmful rays. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that “Ophthalmologists caution us that too much exposure to UV light raises the risks of eye diseases, including cataract, growths on the eye, and cancer.”

Be sure to talk to your eye doctor about concerns that you have about your vision and if there are any other precautions you can take to protect your eyes from hazardous sun rays.

For caregivers, be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep your loved ones safe while outdoors. While sun and fresh air are healthy for seniors, it’s important to take necessary steps to keep them safe.

SYNERGY HOMECARE

Do You Have a Tammy?

SYNERGY HomeCare of Temecula, California, Puts the Spotlight on a Special Caregiver

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ince they opened their doors in 2015, S SYNERGY HomeCare of Temecula, CA, has enjoyed having Tammy as a valuable team member.

Tammy has been working with the same client since October of

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affectionately known as

2016, known affectionately as “Grandma.” The case has evolved from periodic personal care and a lot of wonderful companionship, to a higher level of personal care, where Tammy was happy to help her special person as her care needs advanced.

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They essentially gave Tammy carte blanche in handling this case including managing the work schedule, managing Grandma’s appointments and attending all meetings with physicians, physical therapists, etc. Tammy efficiently and accurately summarizes all information from each visit with health care professionals and clearly communicates it with our office and Grandma’s family.

But Tammy’s efforts go beyond just the client, as she has immersed herself into Grandma’s family fabric, being sure to regularly attend family gatherings such as birthdays, baby showers and more, with Grandma. Grandma is part of a “horse” family and Tammy accompanies her to special events happening within the equestrian community, such as competitive shows and fundraisers. Tammy even brings her husband often and he enjoys dressing in the regalia of the old west!

Grandma loves to visit her great granddaughter and Tammy makes sure she gets to see her as often as possible. They create memories and forge a bond that will last a lifetime.

Tammy loves her “Grandma Time,” as she calls it and Grandma loves her “Tammy Time.”

Have you found YOUR Tammy yet?

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CARE FOR EVERYONE At SYNERGY HomeCare, our caregivers are incredible individuals with an unmatched ability to care for everyone. Call or visit our website to find out more.

877.432.2692 | SYNERGYHOMECARE.COM 011

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Do you have a dream that you want to come true?

Here are a few dreams we’ve received so far: “I wish my son could visit me.” “I wish I had a vacation with my grandchildren.”

What’s your dream? Tell us!

Today may be your lucky day. SYNERGY HomeCare’s Senior Genie is granting dreams-cometrue to adults over the age of 50. Don’t waste any time, submit your dream to Senior Genie today, by visiting the website shown below (where you’ll learn more about Senior Genie, too):

seniorgenie.synergyhomecare.com