Athulya Homecare-Geriatric Home Healthcare

Indian summers are a bit much to handle in general given the rise in the intensity of humidity and heat waves with every passing hour, let alone days. Heat waves are a major threat to seniors as their daily outdoor activity quota would get minimised and understandably so! To beat the heat even despite being indoors is not that big of a task given the kind of care that can be given to both seniors and caregivers so they feel calm and composed. 1) There is no such thing as “We are hydrated adequately” during summer! Sighing at this sentence already, but it is the gospel truth of Indian summers - dehydration and summers go hand-in-hand because no matter how much you hydrate or rather how much you think you are hydrating yourself, you’ll end up drinking less water than you would actually realise. With seniors, they aren't aware of their sense of thirst unless you hand them a glass of water and they’d gulp it down in an instant and their hand reaches out for another glass. That’s how d...

Smoking – Easily one of the most horrifying habits humanity could ever brainstorm, and over a century later, here we stand helplessly, erecting ‘Stop Smoking’ banners and holding awareness camps in the hopes of putting an end to the production of tobacco across the globe. Nevertheless, we are going to try again!  Indeed, smoking can seem like a ‘one-time experience’ at first, most likely spurts out of curiosity or peer pressure. Eventually, in most cases, it turns into an occasional event wherein the smoker begins to smoke cigarettes on regular occasions.  Then, almost inevitably, follows the most extreme phase; addiction. Some have managed to break out of these tightly knitted chains through yoga, therapy and other similar activities but, unfortunately, there are still a handful of people out there that just can’t seem to let go of this habit. This majorly includes senior citizens too. In most cases, most smokers over the age of 60 have been doing so since their young adult y...

Geriatric Depression? Geriatric depression is a constant mental health condition that affects older persons and can interfere with normal functioning. In 2022, the geriatric population in India was 6.9%. Depression is a common geriatric problem that involves a persistent loss of interest and feelings of sadness.  This sort of depression does not probably match the entire requirements for severe depression. But, if left untreated, it can develop into serious depression.  Depression in the elderly is sometimes misunderstood as the result of several disorders and the medications used to treat them.  The Severity of geriatric depression Depression in older persons is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and mortality from illness. Depression has been linked with an increased risk of death after a heart attack and it affects an elderly person's capacity to recover. It can also worsen the problem they are facing. Stroke , hypertension, Atrial fibrillation, diabet...

The quality of our waking days determines the quality of our sleep. Sleep apnea, sleep deprivation, loud snoring, mouth breathing, sleep apnea, jaw pain, tension in the neck and shoulder region, gas, bloating. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? We are sure it does, because these are the key pointers for a life that is not “normal” which is ironically considered a “normal” way of life because it’s so common. One of the best ways to tackle sleep apnea in seniors is by employing natural remedies to get a good night's sleep. Let us touch upon 3 quick and easy sleeping tips that facilitate good quality sleep for seniors and which is counter productive in reducing sleep deprivation.              Best sleep aiding foods before bedtime Having a good blend of complex carbohydrates, raw proteins needed to make tryptophan, you are going to support your sleep in wonderful ways. Rich in potassium and magnesium, bananas and apples carry an amino acid that helps i...

 Ayurveda is undeniably one of the most preferred medicine systems in the entire world, let alone India. Of course, Allopathy continues to rule the world with the help of incredible scientific advancements and consequent breakthroughs in cures for several deadly diseases and conditions. However, there are a handful of people who still believe in Ayurveda, solely for its presence among human lives for over 3000 years, which effortlessly predates Allopathy. Furthermore, Ayurveda originated in India and is based on Hindu philosophy. While Ayurveda may not be able to cure most of the diseases, currently causing disruptions in the elderly’s lives, there is something unique about this traditional medicine system. Ayurveda offers longevity in human lives and promises long-lasting health benefits. Developing harmony with what you eat may have a significant impact on how your body reacts. A well-balanced diet will not only decrease the ageing process but will also bring energy and vig...

  Seasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu, is one of the most common illnesses among senior citizens. Although flu isn’t usually as severe as other illnesses, it is often known for its extremely frustrating symptoms, including runny nose and sore throat. Hence, here we are, playing our part in gifting the senior readers with winter health tips to protect themselves from such simple but exasperating sicknesses. What is Flu and How Serious is it? The flu is a viral respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. In most cases, they don’t cause much damage to your body and the recovery time doesn’t exceed a week or, in rare cases, two weeks. However, seniors who are facing other medical challenges should be wary of the flu, since it has the potential to produce life-threatening consequences. The flu can cause minor problems such as sinus and ear infections. But, in more severe situations, the elder may even be susceptible to pneumonia. Here...

  As we age, our digestive system undergoes changes that can make it more difficult to digest certain types of foods. Additionally, aging can lead to an increased risk of certain digestive disorders such as constipation, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome. To help alleviate these issues and promote digestive health, it is important to focus on consuming a balanced diet that is rich in nutrient-dense foods. In this blog, we will explore some food and diet plans that can make your tummy feel better in your phase of elderly.      1.  Fiber-Rich Foods Fiber is essential for maintaining healthy digestion, and as we age, it becomes even more important. Fiber helps to promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and regulate blood sugar levels. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Some great options to incorporate into your diet include oatmeal, brown rice, apples, carrots, and chickpeas.   Probiotics ...

Epilepsy Day is here and so is the time to raise awareness of this brain-numbing disorder among our loving seniors. As many suggest, epilepsy is life-threatening and can easily take a hefty toll on seniors. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is undefeatable. When the mental health of seniors is in its best shape, epilepsy could be a mere speed bump in their lives. “ I run a race called epilepsy. If I reach a hurdle, stumble and fall I pick myself up, dust myself off and keep running the race until epilepsy exists no longer. God, please let this be a race that we all finish together. ” – Sagitarian Ricky. All it takes to overcome epilepsy is opting for a proper diet, featuring foods for good memory. If you are one of those currently burdening the pain of epilepsy, take a look at some of the best foods and food products that could play a crucial hand in winning against this deadly disorder. ·          Carbohydrates – Provides an im...

  A common issue is hearing loss, which can be brought on by loud noise, aging, illness, and genetic variations. Hearing loss affects about one-third of older persons, and as people get older, their probability of developing it increases. Conversations with friends and family members can be challenging for those who suffer hearing loss. They might also struggle to hear doorbells and alarms, and react to warnings.   Brain shrinkage The first association between hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease was made when the "hearing" part of the brain started to become less active. This led to tissue loss and structural changes in the brain.   Dementia can develop up to five times more frequently in those with moderate to severe hearing loss. In comparison to older persons with normal hearing, older adults with hearing loss, especially men are more likely to acquire dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Men with hearing loss had a 69 percent higher risk of dementia than men ...