{"id":17783,"date":"2026-10-14T06:32:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T06:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/?p=17783"},"modified":"2026-10-14T06:32:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T06:32:05","slug":"supporting-a-senior-through-chemo-what-families-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/resources\/supporting-a-senior-through-chemo-what-families-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting a Senior Through Chemo: What Families Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting an extra hour of sleep is one of the nice things about fall. However, when daylight saving time ends and the clocks go back, the change can be more disruptive than many people expect, especially for older adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It starts getting dark earlier, and mealtimes could end up feeling different. Sleep schedules tend to change, and routines for medications, activities, or evening errands may need to be adjusted. For seniors who already have trouble sleeping, changes in vision, mobility, or memory, even a one-hour shift can take time to get used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With some planning, the transition can be easier and help seniors stay safe, well-rested, and comfortable as the days get shorter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_36 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/resources\/supporting-a-senior-through-chemo-what-families-should-know\/#Ease_Into_the_New_Sleep_Schedule\" title=\"Ease Into the New Sleep Schedule\">Ease Into the New Sleep Schedule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/resources\/supporting-a-senior-through-chemo-what-families-should-know\/#Review_Medication_Routines\" title=\"Review Medication Routines\">Review Medication Routines<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/resources\/supporting-a-senior-through-chemo-what-families-should-know\/#Pay_Attention_to_Earlier_Darkness\" title=\"Pay Attention to Earlier Darkness\">Pay Attention to Earlier Darkness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/resources\/supporting-a-senior-through-chemo-what-families-should-know\/#Rethink_Evening_Driving\" title=\"Rethink Evening Driving\">Rethink Evening Driving<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/resources\/supporting-a-senior-through-chemo-what-families-should-know\/#Look_for_New_Fall_Hazards_in_Los_Ranchos\" title=\"Look for New Fall Hazards in Los Ranchos\">Look for New Fall Hazards in Los Ranchos<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/resources\/supporting-a-senior-through-chemo-what-families-should-know\/#Be_on_the_Lookout_for_Changes_in_Mood_and_Routine\" title=\"Be on the Lookout for Changes in Mood and Routine\">Be on the Lookout for Changes in Mood and Routine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/resources\/supporting-a-senior-through-chemo-what-families-should-know\/#A_Small_Change_That_Deserves_a_Little_Preparation\" title=\"A Small Change That Deserves a Little Preparation\">A Small Change That Deserves a Little Preparation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ease_Into_the_New_Sleep_Schedule\"><\/span>Ease Into the New Sleep Schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our internal clocks are affected by light, daily routines, meals, and sleep habits. Setting the clock back an hour can temporarily throw off that rhythm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few days before the time change, it can help for seniors to slowly adjust their bedtime and wake-up time instead of changing everything at once. Keeping daytime routines the same can also make it easier for the body to adjust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting morning sunlight can help reinforce the body\u2019s natural sleep-wake cycle. Opening the curtains after waking up or spending time outside during the day can make it easier to settle into the new routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try not to let naps get too long or happen too late in the day. An afternoon nap might be tempting after a bad night\u2019s sleep, but it can make it harder to fall asleep that night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Review_Medication_Routines\"><\/span>Review Medication Routines<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many older adults take their medications on a set schedule, often tied to waking up, meals, or bedtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most medications, the one-hour time change is not a problem. However, families should not change the timing of prescription medications without checking first, especially when exact timing matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before the clocks change, look over your loved one\u2019s medication schedule. If you are not sure whether a medication should stay at the same time or be changed gradually, ask the doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is also a good time to check that pill organizers, medication lists, and reminders are current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pay_Attention_to_Earlier_Darkness\"><\/span>Pay Attention to Earlier Darkness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest changes is not about the clock. After daylight saving time ends, it gets dark much earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For seniors with changes in vision, depth perception, or balance, less light can make it harder to move around the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walk through your loved one\u2019s home and check for spots that get dim in the late afternoon and evening. Pay special attention to hallways, stairs, bathrooms, entryways, and the path between the bedroom and bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think about adding brighter bulbs where needed, using nightlights, and making sure light switches are easy to reach. Outdoor walkways and entrances should also have good lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rethink_Evening_Driving\"><\/span>Rethink Evening Driving<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier sunsets can also impact seniors who drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driving at night often gets harder with age. Headlight glare, lower contrast, and trouble seeing pedestrians, road markings, or obstacles can make a familiar drive feel very different after dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your loved one does not feel comfortable driving at night, encourage them to plan errands and appointments earlier in the day when possible. Family, friends, community transportation, or professional caregivers may also be able to help with rides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is not to stop someone from driving, but to notice changing conditions and make choices that help them stay safe and confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Look_for_New_Fall_Hazards_in_Los_Ranchos\"><\/span>Look for New Fall Hazards in Los Ranchos<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier darkness can raise the <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/resources\/fresh-air-and-fitness-safe-outdoor-exercise-routines-for-seniors\/\">risk of falls<\/a> both inside and outside the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check that pathways are free of cords, clutter, loose rugs, or furniture that might be hard to see in low light. Outside, fallen leaves can hide uneven pavement, steps, or other hazards and can get slippery when wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Encourage seniors to wear supportive shoes and avoid hurrying to answer the door, get to the bathroom, or do other tasks in areas with poor lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your loved one begins limiting activity because they are afraid of falling after dark, take that concern seriously. Fear of falling can lead seniors to become less active, which may eventually affect strength, balance, and independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_on_the_Lookout_for_Changes_in_Mood_and_Routine\"><\/span>Be on the Lookout for Changes in Mood and Routine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shorter days can affect more than just physical safety. Some seniors may spend less time outside, do fewer activities, or see friends less often once it gets dark earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watch for <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/resources\/supporting-seniors-emotional-well-being-understanding-behavioral-health-needs\/\">changes in mood<\/a>, sleep, appetite, or interest in usual activities. Encourage daytime outings, regular phone calls, visits with friends and family, hobbies, and other ways to stay connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having a steady routine can give helpful structure during this seasonal change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Small_Change_That_Deserves_a_Little_Preparation\"><\/span>A Small Change That Deserves a Little Preparation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Turning the clocks back only takes a moment, but getting used to darker evenings and a new daily routine can take more time. By planning ahead for sleep, medications, lighting, driving, and fall prevention, families can help make the change much easier for their older loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always Best Care of Los Ranchos caregivers can offer companionship, rides, medication reminders, help with daily routines, and other personalized support to help seniors stay safe and independent as the seasons change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your loved one needs extra support at home this fall, call Always Best Care of Los Ranchos at (505) 898-6262 to set up a care consultation and learn more about our in-home care services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getting an extra hour of sleep is one of the nice things about fall. However, when daylight saving time ends and the clocks go back, the change can be more disruptive than many people expect, especially for older adults. It starts getting dark earlier, and mealtimes could end up feeling different. Sleep schedules tend to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":17782,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[166,234],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips","category-senior-care"],"acf":{"background_image_blog_posts":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17783"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17785,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17783\/revisions\/17785"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/albuquerque\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}