The situation one would expect is that the caregiver could run the errands or transport your loved one to his/her appointments. The reality for many of us is that the chance of hiring a caregiver provider is slim due to the costs and family members do not always live close enough. So that is why seniors should know about their options when it come to find transportation assistance.  Also, if your loved one is fortunate enough to have a caregiver, there could be times when they want to have some freedom and go out on their own.

Volunteer Drivers

There are some non-profit institutions, or churches, that have volunteers that are willing to assist seniors concerning their transportation issues, whether is to run an errand or a visit to their physician. This kind of assistance might consist of one-way trips or multi-stops schedules. The cost might vary from a donation up to a minimum price per mile. Be aware that if you decide to go for these kind of services you will have to make a reservation in advance.

Paratransit Agencies

Agencies, whether the are private or public ones, will offer transportation services to a small number of people with mobility issues. The kind of vehicles will be vans or minibuses and you will usually have to share the ride with up to 25 people. In most cases these vehicles are suited for people with lack of mobility and accessible for handicapped people. The price will be a fixed one independent of the distance traveled. This service will drop their client and then pick them up at a given time. Since this service has got a lot of demand you should also book their service in advance.

Public Transportation System

Public buses, metro or trains are part of the public transport and they are also an option for seniors to use, but you should be aware that these services are better for elderly people that can get around on their own. There are some benefits for senior citizens that use the public transportation system; discounted fairs or coupons are some of the benefits they might have.

A special diet is most often recommended by the health care provider. Depending on the diet that has been recommended for the patient, there could be multiple restrictions on various types of foods.

Here is an overview of the common diets which are commonly recommended to seniors:

Low Cholesterol Diet
A low cholesterol diet is prescribed to clients that have a high level of serum cholesterol in the blood. Elevated cholesterol is dangerous, as it can lead to clogged arteries and cardiac problems.

Low cholesterol foods that are included in the diet are whole grains, lean proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fried foods are avoided through the low cholesterol diet as are many processed foods and dairy products that are high in fat.

Diabetes Diet
A diet prescribed to patients that have been diagnosed as diabetic includes very little sugar and refined or processed food. In order to maintain adequate levels of blood sugar it is important to follow the diet correctly.

The caregiver must learn the specifications of the diet in order to maintain the health of the patient. Careful monitoring must often occur through the use of blood glucose meters.

Low Fat Diet
In the case that the client is obese or has been recommended to lose weight for a surgical procedure, for example – a low fat diet is prescribed. This diet often includes caloric restrictions and the client should adhere to the diet to see optimal results.

There are many ways that the client may be advised to follow a low calorie diet, including calorie restriction and soup or liquid diets which include the client fasting for up to seven days. Encouraging and motivating the client to finish the diet and reassuring that the time will pass quickly is recommended for the caregiver.

High Blood Pressure Diet
This diet encompasses meals which are low in sodium and offer the client foods that are free of MSG and foods that have been unprocessed, as these foods contain high levels of sodium and should be avoided. Diets that are created for low sodium patients include fruits and vegetables and dried beans, as well as unsalted nuts and other lean proteins.

Food that is served in restaurants as well as fast food is often very high in sodium, containing more than three times the daily recommended amount. Fast food should be avoided for clients following a diet that has been designed to promote lower blood pressure.

The knowledge of the basics of these diets is essential for care givers as it can assist to better the life and health of the patient. Developing patient nutrition is something that care givers at Hearts at Home Senior Care is passionate about and it is a task made easier with in home care.