Protecting the Immune System with In-Home Care in Gilford, NH
Ever since the onset of COVID-19, seniors and people with autoimmune disorders or other medical conditions have been at risk. According to the CDC, people over 65 may be more likely to contract the illness due to lower immune systems. It is more important than ever to practice healthy habits, and Visiting Angels of Gilford makes it a priority to keep seniors healthy and safe with our essential in home care services.
Visiting Angels Helps Seniors in Gilford, Laconia, Wolfeboro, and Nearby Cities Stay Safe and Healthy with In Home Care
Forming a healthy routine is crucial for maintaining or improving the immune system. Our in home care aides assist seniors with tips and reminders that help enhance physical and mental health.
Improving the Immune System for Seniors with In Home Care:
- Staying hydrated – As people age, the water content of the body slowly decreases, making it important for seniors to hydrate more often. Visiting Angels of Gilford’s in home care aides can also assist with medication reminders when necessary.
- Washing hands – It is important to wash hands, even when there isn’t a pandemic. People of all ages should wash their hands after sneezing, blowing their nose, or after touching frequently touched surfaces. The CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Frequent exercise – Exercising can become difficult as people age, but even light activity such as stretching or walking can make a difference. Our experienced professionals can assist seniors with low impact activities.
- Getting sufficient rest – Seniors should be getting seven to nine hours of rest a night.
- Eating healthy – Maintaining a healthy diet is vital for improving the immune system. Visiting Angels of Gilford can help seniors prepare healthy meals as well as assist with grocery shopping.
Stress and the Immune System
It has long been known that stress can affect the immune system negatively. The COVID-19 virus has everyone on edge. Staying indoors, while very important to fighting this pathogen, can be frustrating and stress-inducing. That is why it is important to find means of stress reduction.
How to Suppress the Stress:
- Don’t watch the news – Turn off the news for a while. With new reports on COVID-19 appearing every few hours, it can be stressful hearing about it all the time. Instead, do something you enjoy.
- Caring for your mind – Exercise isn’t only good for your body; it is also good for your mind. Light exercise such as taking walks outside or doing yoga can do wonders for your emotional well-being. Eating healthy, meditating, and avoiding alcohol and drugs are also very important.
- Relax – Do things you enjoy. Spend time with the people you live with. Play board games, watch movies. On your own you can read, solve puzzles, sew, paint, or teach yourself a new skill.
- Stay connected online – While it isn’t quite the same as in-person socialization, contacting your friends and family frequently will help reduce stress. At Visiting Angels of Gilford, we offer a program to help seniors learn to use technology to remain in contact with their loved ones.
Most importantly, reach out if you need help. You can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or talk to a therapist using a computer or a smartphone. You can also text TalkWithUs to 66744 for additional help.
How to Get Started
Visiting Angels of Gilford understands that you and your loved ones have a lot going on, so we pride ourselves on making it very easy to get started with our in home care services. When your loved one needs assistance, we will be there to help. For more information, call our agency at 603-366-1993 today.