2.  Grand Rapids Home Health Care is a Medicare
Certified home health care agency providing
skilled, in-home nursing, rehabilitative services,
and can connect you with a home based
physician as well.
 Our professional staff is committed to servicing
you by providing the highest quality care and
education to West Michigan.

3.  Exercise is a part of healthy living. It creates a
higher level of independence by increasing
strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance.
 Physical Activity shows strong evidence of
lowering the risk of early death, heart disease,
stroke, high blood pressure, colon and breast
cancer, and Type 2 Diabetes along with reduced
depression, prevention of falls and better
cognitive function.
 It is NEVER too late! A study by the Journal of
the American Medical Association showed
people who didn't start working out until their
mid-60's cut their risk of dying from disease by
half.
 Regular activity may even limit some effects of
aging. Loosing independence is generally
caused by lack of activity, not aging.

4.  Aerobic Activity
Aerobic activities, such as brisk
walking and swimming, strengthen
your heart and improve overall
fitness.
Take the stairs instead of the
elevator…
 Strengthening
Strength training includes lifting weights
and working with elastic bands. This type
of exercise builds muscle and bone and
keeps your metabolism higher. Balancing
exercises and lower body exercises keep
your legs strong to avoid slips and falls.
 Stretching
Improves flexibility, movement, and
helps prevent injury and muscle
strain. General stretching, yoga and
tai chi are all good choices.

5.  Check with your healthcare provider before
beginning a new or more challenging exercise if
you have chronic conditions (such as diabetes,
heart disease, or osteoarthritis) or symptoms like
pain or pressure, dizziness, or joint pain.
 Get active most days. Consistency is the most
important, and most ignored, part of fitness. Start
with achievable goals. 5 minutes a day/21 days!!!
 Be sure to drink water before, during and after an
exercise session. Dehydration is a very serious
issue!

6. As we age, we need fewer calories to maintain our weight,
but the same amount of nutrients to stay healthy.
Eat a variety of foods
1. Fruits
2. Vegetables
3. Grains
4. Meats & Beans
5. Milk
6. Oils

7.  Balance what you eat with physical activity
 Eat less saturated and trans fats and less
cholesterol. Focus on more polyunsaturated
fats and monounsaturated fats.
 Eat 100% whole-grain products, vegetables,
and fruits.
 Limit high-sugar foods and drinks.
 Choose a diet moderate in sodium.
 If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

8.  Falls are the leading cause of injury
– related deaths among older
adults.
 In 2003, more than 13,000
Americans 65 years and older died
as a result of falls and more than
1.8 million had a falls injury that
resulted in an emergency room
visit.

9.  Wear walking shoes with good support.
 Secure vinyl flooring, rugs, and carpets to
the floor.
 Keep telephones and electrical cords out of
walkways.
 Move items to lower shelves so you won’t
need a stepstool.
 In the bathroom, use bathmats with
suction cups. Install grab bars in the
shower, tub, and toilet areas.

10.  Many diseases and conditions can be
controlled with medications, however, if
used improperly medications can do more
harm than good.

11.  General Guidelines
1. Learn about your drugs, Ask questions. Read
package inserts and be sure you understand when
and how much to take.
2. Keep your medications in the original container.
3. Follow directions. Read the label every time you
take the medication to prevent mistakes. Notify
your pharmacist if there is a change in size, color,
shape, or smell.
4. Ask your pharmacist what foods to take with each
drug and be aware of mixing vitamins also.
5. Keep a list of your medications you are taking for
reference to your friends or family members

12.  Everyone faces the ups and downs of
mental wellness. Two of the most
common challenges among older adults
are Depression, and Memory Loss.
 Depression is more severe and lasts longer
than normal feelings of sadness.
 Symptoms include loss of appetite, low
energy, and feelings of worthlessness.
Keep in mind, depression is a very
treatable condition.

13.  Get out and see
the world!
 Connect with
others
 Participate in
activities
 Volunteer your
time
 Care for a pet
 Learn a new skill
 Enjoy jokes and
stories
 Maintain a
healthy diet
 Exercise

14.  As we get older, it may take longer to
remember things, but serious
memory loss is not necessarily a part
of aging.
 The best way to prevent memory loss
is to remain mentally active and live a
healthy lifestyle.
 Some Ideas for Brain Exercises
Include:
 If your right handed, brush your teeth
with your left.
 Work on hand-eye coordination by
bouncing a tennis ball against the wall.
 Use only one hand to do tasks like
buttoning a shirt. When you have
mastered this try with the other hand.
 Crosswords, card games, board games,
etc.

15.  Eat Healthy
 Exercise Regularly
 Get Medical and Dental Check-ups regularly
 Don’t Smoke
 Put Safety First
 Protect your body
 Lessen or avoid alcohol intake
 Remain Financially Healthy
 Keep in touch with family and friends
 And Stay Positive.

16.  Use your resources at Your Local Senior
Center
 Area Association On Aging
 616-456-5664 or www.aaawm.org
 Gerontology Network
 616-771-9748 or www.gerontologynetwork.org
 WWW.MYPYRAMID.GOV
 http://www.nia.nih.gov

17.  Skilled Nursing
 Physical Therapy
 Occupational Therapy
 Speech Therapy
 Medical Social Worker
 Lab services
 Medical supplies
A Home Health Care agency provides you with
physician approved care in the comfort of your
home. In support of your doctor’s orders,
home health staff develops a written plan for
improvement of a condition or concern you
may have. This home based care is designed
to help you reach and keep your best physical,
mental, and social well being.

18.  If you find you are having issues with any condition
which is beginning to affect your daily activities,
you should think about using Home Health Care.
 Balance Issues which require an assistive device such as a
cane or walker.
 Muscle weakness which makes it difficult to stand up, put
on your shoes and socks, or perform any activity which you
love.
 Severe pain you may have in your arms, legs or back.
 Conditions requiring additional care such as diabetes,
congestive heart failure, kidney disease, following a
hospital stay or a recent surgery.

19.  Medicare covers home health care at
no cost to you if you meet these 4
conditions:
1. Your doctor decides you need
medical care in your home.
2. You need intermittent care only
3. It is becoming difficult to make it to
your appointments
4. The home health agency caring for
you must be approved by Medicare

20. We know how important it is to:
 Maintain your health
 Ensure safety in your home.
 Maintain or improve your
independence
 Provide Education

21. Together We Can Make a Difference.