Nice weather is around the corner, which means spring cleaning time isn’t far off. This often includes lots of dusting, sweeping, scrubbing and decluttering. One area that should be added to your cleaning list is the medicine cabinet.
The fear of falling is understandable. A simple fall can have life altering effects and potentially lead to loss of independence. However, it’s important not to let the fear of falling lead to inactivity, which further increases fall risk by decreasing strength, balance and flexibility. Luckily, there are ways for seniors to prevent falls.
St. Louis summers bring the heat, which can be particularly dangerous for the elderly population. Aging decreases the body’s ability to adjust to heat and sense temperature extremes, making the elderly more susceptible to heat-related disorders. Luckily, there are ways to help prevent heat-related conditions.Read More…
It’s summer in St. Louis – the time of year many seniors enjoy sitting on the porch, taking leisurely strolls or getting back in the garden.
These are great activities for boosting a seniors’ health and overall outlook, but there are extra precautions that should be made before heading outdoors. These often apply to people of all ages, but for the elderly their importance and consequences are more serious.
Whether you love a cozy fire on a cold winter night or loathe the mere thought of a snow covered driveway, now is the time to prepare for the winter if you live in St. Louis.
It’s a no-brainer, right? Of course fitness improves strength, balance and flexibility, but have you really thought about what’s at risk?
Warm weather is arriving in St. Louis, and for many that means spring cleaning. The seasonal tradition is especially important for seniors who may no longer be able to keep up with household chores. The upcoming weeks are also a terrific time to lift your loved ones’ spirits and renew a positive outlook after a sometimes depressing time of the year.
Medication management is one of the most important issues when caring for a senior. Whether you’re a family caregiver or working with a home health care agency, you should know about the prescriptions a senior is taking.
In the wake of the recent natural disasters across the Midwest, many of us St. Louis area residents are abandoning the “it can’t happen to me” attitudes that we once held and are realizing the importance of emergency preparedness.
While recently speaking with a client, she said something that I believe many seniors relate to. She said, “Fear and Falling" are her two primary concerns as she ages.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three seniors fall each year. Interestingly, studies have linked the fear of falling to an actual increased risk of falling. Fear may lead to limiting activities, reducing mobility and curbing physical fitness, which in turn increases the risk of falling.
Confronting the declining driving skills of an elderly loved one can be a daunting task. A recent study in Canada suggests that perhaps this conversation should include more than an aging driver’s family or caregiver. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study found that doctors may have more influence on this touchy subject.
According to the National Institutes of Health, more than one in three seniors over the age of 65 suffer a fall each year. Nearly 1.6 million of these injured seniors require an emergency room visit and approximately 5,000 of these falls are fatal. The NIH also asserts falls are the largest cause of hospital admissions, fracture and loss of vitality or independence for seniors. The loss of balance that accompanies age is a key reason for these unwanted falls and their resulting injuries. Here are 5 senior home care tips to help improve your balance, and quality of life.
Winter is, indeed, a wonderful time for many of us. Children and skiers love the snow and everyone enjoys the holidays. For some, however, the cold weather brings more bad news than good. The elderly, in particular, are extremely wary at this time of year and for good reason. Ice, snow, colds and seniors do not mix.
St. Louis summers can be sweltering, but residents know that come December, the temperatures can stay below freezing for days and weeks at a time. The resulting ice, snow and cold weather can be a hazard for people of any age, but those over 60 should take extra caution. Winter weather and seniors just don't mix well. Below are a few things you can do to help you stay safe this winter season:
During these hot summer days, it’s important to avoid the heat by staying in an air-conditioned environment and drinking plenty of water. Ice helps to keep our drinks cold and our bodies hydrated, but there is another kind of ice that can help individuals during an emergency situation. By programming “ICE,” or “In Case of Emergency” contacts in your cell phone, it can help save your life by storing crucial information for first responders.
Summer, and Summer heat waves pose a very real danger to the elderly. Normally, our body controls and regulates elevated temperature by allowing heat loss through the skin and by evaporation.
Living along the Gulf of Mexico, on the west coast of Florida, for several years, I became concerned with Hurricane season each year. In lieu of the past several seasons with devastating storms across the nation, I have become especially concerned for the elderly that I serve.
More home fires happen during the winter months than any other time of the year, mainly due to home heating devices. People age 65 and older are three times more likely to die or be injured in a home fire as those younger.
As the temperature drops, we all need to be reminded about home heating best practices. More specifically, senior citizens are at a higher risk due to situations such as decreased mobility and reduced circulation. Use this list as a guide to assist an elderly person determine a homes level of safety.
Ice and snow in many cases add a certain danger to the winter months. Slips and falls among the elderly greatly increase during the winter months. Staying inside when conditions are snowy and icy is always the best plan, however sometimes this is not possible. Whether living in an assisted living facility or at home with private duty home care services, simple tasks such as walking out to get the paper at the curb can result in a slip or fall.
Part of a good assessment should include assessing the needs for devices such as a wheel chair, bedside commode and/or grab bars. In the medical industry, this is called Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
My name is Lydia and I am a nurse at Seniors Home Care. I find great joy in helping to create a plan of care that is most appropriate and customized for each client. I also make sure each client receives the best possible care. This is achieved through constant communication with caregivers, clients, client families (when appropriate) and other professionals in the community. Lets face it, situations change and communication is key. I would like to talk a little bit about having a safe winter.
When I talk with families about caring for the elderly and safety in the home, falls and fractures seem to always come up. Our senior clients tell us they are terrified they are going to fall and their children are equally worried as well. Proper fall prevention strategies should always be included in a home safety evaluation. For a complete home care checklist, please contact us.
Today's elders are living longer and have more disposable income. More and more of them are traveling regularly, many by car. Unfortunately, statistics show that this group also has one of the highest accident rates.
According to the National Institute on Aging, about 600,000 people 70 and older stop driving each year. AARP surveys show that a third of older non-drivers complain of feeling isolated from other people, compared to 19 percent of older adults that still drive.
You may be finding yourself in a state of unceartainty and questioning whether in-home care is appropriate.
Use this checklist to help determine the need for in-home private duty care. If you find that you or your loved one meets 3, 4 or 5 of these items, it is probably time to look for care in the home.
"All I Heard Was Congestive Heart Failure. What Does That Mean? Is She Going To Die? "
"He Is Trying to Explain It -But It is Like The Doctor Is Speaking Another Language."…
As a nurse who primarily cares for the elderly, these are common reactions I hear.