Napping can feel really amazing when our bodies feel overworked, and sometimes it is crucial to nap to remain healthy. However, there are certain do’s and don’ts when it comes to napping for a senior, and you should be helping your loved one pay attention to these things if you’ve taken on the role of family caregiver. On the other hand, if you’re only a part-time caregiver, it may be in the family’s best interest to hire a 24-hour home caregiver to help your loved one. These professionals will help ensure your senior mom or dad sleeps every night and only takes the appropriate naps during the day. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of napping.

Don’t Nap In The Afternoon

One of the worst things a senior can do is nap later on in the afternoon. An afternoon nap may seem like a good way to get more energy, but this late nap can impact how well a senior sleeps at night. A senior should work with 24-hour home care or a family caregiver to create a nighttime routine that helps them sleep at night. Part of this routine may include when they can and cannot nap. A senior may not need to nap every day, but if they choose to, the earlier, the better. They should be getting a full night of sleep to stay as healthy as possible and age in place for longer.

Do Set An Alarm

Whenever a senior chooses to nap, it should always be under an hour, and they should be setting up an alarm to tell them when to wake up. Many seniors are capable of doing this on their own, but this is something a family member or professional can help them too. Ask them how long they feel they need to nap and set an alarm for the appropriate time. This will ensure they don’t nap too long and help you keep track of the time they spend napping during the day. They should also never take more than one nap, no matter how tired.

Don’t Nap or Sleep With The TV On

It can be so easy to fall asleep with the TV on, but it is crucial they don’t do this. They should not be going to sleep with the TV on or napping. It is important to have a good nighttime routine, which involves creating a relaxing environment, and the routine should be the same for naps. It’s important to turn the TV off, drink some warm tea, get comfortable, and rest your eyes. There should be no background noise; your brain should turn off during a nap.

Do Give Yourself a Few Minutes to Wake Up

No matter if you’re waking up in the morning or from a nap, don’t rush this process. A senior should have plenty of time to wake up and feel refreshed, which can take several minutes. It’s important not to schedule anything right after a nap, and it’s important that you set the alarm a few minutes before you think a senior needs to wake up to give them a few extra minutes.

If you are considering 24-hour home care in Houston, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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