Who isn’t sleep-deprived and exhausted these days? If you’re caring for an elderly loved one, you may feel this sentiment strongly. Between caring for your parent, your immediate family, your occupation, your home, and the list goes on and on, you’re probably needing a little energy boost. While most of us run for caffeine, there are other great ways to give yourself the boost of energy you need without that fourth cup of coffee for the day.

Likewise, if your elderly loved one also struggles with low energy, these might help her.

Drink some water

Dehydration can lead to fatigue, so keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water. For an extra boost, add a little lemon to the water. For seniors, drinking enough water during the day can be a struggle. Having an elder care provider slice up some lemons and put them in a pretty pitcher in the fridge might be exactly what your parent needs to be encouraged to grab a glass of water when she’s thirsty, instead of a caffeinated soda. Don’t forget to have her grab a glass for you. Heck, she should get one for her elder care provider! Water for everyone!

Take a nap

A short power nap can be the thing to give someone enough energy for the rest of the day, especially if it’s going to be a late night. The important thing is to keep it short – about 20 to 30 minutes is all you should snooze for. If your parent is home with an elder care provider, have the provider set an alarm and wake your senior when it goes off, so she doesn’t interrupt her daily sleep schedule with an overly long nap.

Go for a walk

If you’re tired, the idea of getting up and going for a walk may seem almost impossible. But a short walk around the block, or doing a series of stretching exercises, can increase energy levels. They wake up both the body and the brain, giving you and/or your parent the extra energy needed to complete daily tasks.

Eat an apple

Many falsely assume that a good dose of a sugary treat will give them a boost in energy. While it might momentarily, foods high in sugar and carbs can spike blood sugar levels and then make you feel very drowsy afterwards, having the opposite effect you are looking for. Instead, have your parent grab an apple to wake her up and give her longer-lasting energy. Having whole grains, fruits, and legumes is a much better choice of snacks to hold her over to the next meal. Add them to your shopping list the next time you’re at the store purchasing snacks.

Light a candle

Some scents boost a person’s energy. The next time you buy a candle for your parent, try one with a cinnamon or peppermint scent. It will not only make the home smell nice, but also to increase her energy.

Hopefully, some of these unique suggestions will help you and your loved one have more energy throughout the day.

Aviva In-Home Care provides compassionate and skilled in-home care. We are the Bay Area’s premier provider of in-home care services.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Elder Care in Menlo Park, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203

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Evan Loevner

CEO at Aviva In-Home Care

As a former hospital administrator, I launched Aviva with the goal of having a more focused, direct impact on the delivery of care than I could ever accomplish within a hospital setting. For me, the joy of running an organization like Aviva In-Home Care is having the ability to positively improve the lives of individuals needing customized care. As a passionate Bay Area resident, I know that many local seniors can benefit from new approaches to in-home care, that will bring them more connection to the community, and provide families with a greater sense of comfort that their loved one is indeed matched with an ideal caregiver.

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