Seniors And Taking Vitamins Guide

An important part of senior care is proper nutrition.  As we grow older, the body starts losing its capability to absorb vital nutrients.  On top of that, many seniors do not get the needed nutrition in their diets to start with. Vitamins are a viable way to fix this problem. To ensure that a senior is doing all he or she can to remain healthy, a quality home care company, such as a senior care company in Edmonton, Retire At Home, can supply a caregiver to supervise daily nutrition for a senior.  Click here for more details.

Best Vitamins for Seniors

There are several important and basic vitamins that seniors need. Seniors need these basic vitamins to prevent memory loss, slow down the aging process, and combat common health issues. Either a multi-vitamin or separate vitamins can be bought. They are:

* Vitamin D
* B vitamins
* Vitamin K

Vitamin D helps the body better absorb Calcium. Fractures and broken bones occur more frequently and easily when seniors lack calcium in their bones.  B vitamins are anti-oxidants, which help fight the aging process. They play an important role in brain function as well, and can help improve memory and alertness. Vitamin K is important because it can help prevent osteoporosis. A study also discovered that individuals with Alzheimer's Disease had a deficiency of this vitamin.

Are Vitamins Safe for Seniors?

There are ways to protect yourself from harmful drug interactions and other dangers:

* Speak to your doctor
* Take exactly what you need
* Read labels

Some prescription medications do interact with certain vitamins and also other supplements. Talk to your doctor about any vitamins you are taking. It can be beneficial to bring an updated list along with you to any appointment. The pharmacist can also be of assistance.

Avoid taking high doses of any vitamin. Some manufacturers will load their supplements with very high doses of vitamins and minerals. Not only is this unnecessary, it can be dangerous.

Study the labels on your supplements.  Some will have directions, like to take it with food or with water. Always follow these. Also watch out for "energy boosting" supplements, which may contain caffeine.

Multi vitamins can be beneficial, because they contain a variety of needed vitamins and minerals. If you choose to take a multi vitamin, select one that is specifically for seniors. This will ensure that you get the nutrients you need.

Getting the Help You Need

Home care is an important facet of independence. If you're having difficulty providing a few of your basic needs, there are options. A reputable home healthcare provider can help. These professionals can help manage some of your home responsibilities, including:

* Light house cleaning (changing bed linens, laundry, vacuuming, etc.)
* Meal preparation and cooking
* Administration of medications
* Basic health monitoring (blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, etc.)

A home health care provider can also advise families on issues that sometimes arise with elderly members of the family, such as household tasks and doctor appointments. They can also become a major support and friend to the seniors they are working for.