15 Best Home Health Care Tips
Many people may find themselves at home either recovering from an illness or surgery. At times it may seem impossible that you can get back to your previous “normal.” However, regardless of your age, it is essential to never lose hope. The other thing you need to do is have a strategy in place which helps you overcome and recover even if you’re restricted to staying at home for the most part.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 15 things you can do to improve your health and recover at home. Remember: that home is the safest place for you; being at home means you’re in a safe and familiar environment which can be very important for recovery.
Tip no. 1 - Work On your Mobility
Mobility refers to how well you can walk and move. So, whether it is trying to get to the bathroom or going out to the porch, mobility is essential and should be your prime focus when at home.
Mobility can be lost for various reasons, including aging and surgery. When it becomes hard to work comfortably, you will feel uncomfortable and often cut off.
One of the best ways to improve your mobility is to do a combination of aerobic exercises to get the blood pumping and resistance training like lifting weights and a bit of stretching. The combo will help you build some muscle, improve flexibility and stamina.
Tip no. 2 – Entertain Yourself
Many older adults or those who are recovering will often find themselves alone, especially if everyone in the household has left for work and school. While it is easy to fall into depression and lose hope, your time is better spent entertaining yourself. Maybe watching your favorite show, play a few video games or call up a friend to speak with them.
Entertainment is often an overlooked part of recovery despite it being a big one. If you don’t keep yourself in a positive frame of mind, getting through the challenging period can be challenging to say the least.
Tip no. 3 – Host A Party At Your Home
We admit that most people may find it challenging to host a party. However, it does not have to be anything fancy. You can invite a few friends over to play a game of bridge. The idea here is to engage in social interaction, which keeps your brain in thinking mode instead of it reflecting on the past. As social animals, human beings tend to recover and feel better with social interactions, and what better than a group of friends and a few friendly hands of poker or bridge?
Tip no. 4 – Have A Routine
Many people find it hard to recover because they don’t have a routine. Not having a routine can mean that you don’t know what to do next. Ideally, your routine will have a healthy mix of doing a bit of housework, exercise, socializing and engaging in hobbies.
Setting a routine can be challenging at first, but experts believe that things become easier if you have a plan and stick to it for a week. A routine also helps take your mind off a lot of the negativity that may be invading your mind.
Tip no. 5 – Hire Some Help
Let’s face it, recovering often means getting the help you need. The same goes for if you are old and are trying to manage your health. Getting help also means that you have someone around the home who can do things that you can’t, like cleaning the attic, buying groceries, etc.
Sometimes people may need someone to keep them on track, and having an extra pair of hands and eyes can help keep you committed.
Tip no. 6 – Eat A Balanced Diet
By balanced diet, we mean to eat the right amount of everything, i.e. vegetables, meat, low sodium and pulses. However, if the doctor has recommended that you avoid certain foods, then make sure that you eat everything other than what’s been forbidden.
Diet is a big part of recovering and feeling better. Sometimes sticking to a balanced diet can mean that you have more energy, something that many older and even young people can’t have enough of.
Tip no. 7 – Manage Your Weight
Now this tip ties into exercising, which we discussed in the previous tip. The heavier you are, regardless of age, the more difficult it can be to move. Many people report that they find it hard to go to the bathroom because they are out of breath. Exercise and a good low-calorie diet can be your friend.
If you are recovering from an illness or surgery, consult with your doctor before cutting calories. You don’t just want to cut calories which could affect your recovery. That said, most people feel better after they have lost those extra pounds.
Tip no. 8 – Know what you're allergic to and avoid it
It is easy for someone recovering to end up eating something that throws their health into a tailspin. Being allergic to something does not mean that you’ll end up in the emergency room, but it can give you indigestion like gluten. As someone who is recovering, make a list of everything that gives you indigestion or what you’re allergic to so that it can be avoided.
If you have a list, it can be handed over to the person responsible for cooking your meals. Whether it is family or hired help, a list can mean that you only eat what is beneficial and key to recovering.
Tip no. 9 – Get some time in the sun
People who are often stuck at home for whatever reason don’t think to go out and get some sun. However, it is important to understand that our bodies need a bit of sunshine daily if possible. The body naturally produces vitamin D in the sun, and the warm sun can also help with various types of joint and muscular pain.
However, you should be mindful of spending too much time in the sun. An hour or two at most every day is enough.
Tip no. 10 – Keep your blood pressure in check
If you have a history of low or high blood pressure, make sure to check it at least once a day, in addition to taking your blood pressure medication. If you see that your blood pressure has risen beyond normal, contact your doctor immediately.
High and low blood pressure can mean different things. That’s why you need to stay on top of it.
Tip no. 11 – Spend time with family
Many people feel that spending time with family helps improve their health. However, this can be easier said than done. That said if they can’t visit you, and you have an assistant or nurse that can drive you there, then a visit once a week should be in order. Not only does it keep you engaged in positive activity, but also an opportunity to soak up some sun on the way.
Tip no. 12 – Drink green tea
Many experts and numerous studies show that green tea is rich in antioxidants which is important for your health. Not only do they help detox your body, but they improve digestion, your skin and numerous other issues. What’s more, is that you can’t drink more green tea than you need. It’s just not possible to drink a hundred cups a day. However, it ensures that your body is also hydrated.
Tip no. 13 – Drink enough water daily
Many Americans don’t drink enough water, and dehydration can cause numerous physical issues, including cramps and joint pain. Speak to your doctor and determine how much water you should drink every day. Fill up bottles and put them in view, with the goal of finishing those bottles by the end of the day.
At first, some people may find this challenging to do, but it is an important part of staying healthy.
Tip no. 14 – Show up for regular doctor's appointments
Make sure that you schedule a doctor’s visit for an examination at the recommended intervals. A doctor’s examination can help determine if you’re on the right track to recovery. The doctor may also prescribe a different medication or ask you to take vitamins to help deal with some of the issues you’re dealing with. Either way, don’t miss a doctor’s appointment.
Tip no. 15 – Meditate and keep calm
As someone at home and who isn’t in the best health, it is easy to think negatively. Meditation, regardless of what you choose, can help clear the mind and relax your body. Many people find that meditating daily improves their health and energy levels greatly. After all, it does not cost you anything and sitting at home often means that you have the time for it. So, why not give it a shot since you have nothing to lose but a lot to gain in the way of better health. All you need is a quiet place to spend a few minutes each day.
