A few medical studies about seniors were released late 2017 and early 2018 that would be worth reading if you have a relative who is over 60 years old. The first news is that researchers from UCLA found that sitting for most of the day can affect the brain’s medial temporal lobe. When a senior sits for most of the day, this lobe starts to thin and affects the brain’s ability to make new memories. Also, too much time in a chair or bed increases the risk for diabetes and […] Read Full Article »
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, about 2.5 million American patients suffer from bed sores, also known as pressure sores. Medicare estimates that the medical bills increase by as much as $43,000 for every pressure sore that requires a hospital stay. Furthermore, there are more than 17,000 lawsuits filed every year because of bed sores and sadly around 60,000 deaths every year. Bed sores come from several other names such as pressure ulcers, decubitus ulcers, deep tissue injury, or pressure injuries. They occur because of pressure […] Read Full Article »
Hunter “Patch” Adams is probably the most popular physician who promoted humor as an alternative health care without the need for insurance. Many patients under a home health care program are victims to boredom, which can lead to depression and loneliness even while surrounded by family. It is especially painful and difficult for a patient who lived a very active life prior to getting sick. Fortunately, there are non-medical therapies that you can use at little or no expense to prevent boredom, listlessness, or disinterest in life from setting in. […] Read Full Article »
Adult picky eaters don’t necessarily mean individuals who were picky eaters as children. There are many adults who become picky eaters after a trauma, medical condition, or personal self discovery. When seniors or home cared individuals become picky eaters though, it’s a different matter because it can be dangerous for their already compromised health. According to researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, picky eating is hard to explain and even scientists don’t fully understand the causes. However, they do acknowledge that food often carries powerful memories which can sometimes be […] Read Full Article »
The holidays can be very hectic and oftentimes it is the children, the sick, disabled, and elderly who get neglected as we frantically try to do everything to make the holidays special for everyone. No one will argue about the holidays as being the time most anticipated by practically everyone with family and friends. However, why not try to make the holidays ever more memorable and special for those who don’t have family or who feel left out of the preparations? For family members living in your home who cannot […] Read Full Article »
Probably the most difficult tasks for families with aging, sick, or disabled family members is finding a home care professional with all the necessary credentials and experience who has the ability to empathize with the patient and family members alike. According to a recent post by the Washington Post, there will be a severe shortage of home health aides across the country and the effects are already being felt across the country. The dilemma of many nursing and health care professionals is finding the balance between doing the job and […] Read Full Article »
Sadly, not all home care patients recover completely and many have to face major changes in their life like being bedridden, wholly or partially immobile, or have difficulty with other motor or bodily functions. Even more awkward, perhaps even distasteful, is the inevitable fact of death. Yet, the reality has to be faced and the best way to do it is with professional help. No, you don’t have to start planning for the worst yet. There are many ways you can still help a family member with a chronic condition […] Read Full Article »
Building self-esteem and self-confidence in a senior can be beneficial for everyone that is involved with the senior’s care. When the senior is happy that means that the family member, private caregivers and anyone else involved in their care will receive numerous benefits. The family will be happy because they will know that they have chosen the correct home care service and the service will be happy because they know they are providing quality service to the senior. When one person is happy, everyone is happy. Seniors become vulnerable as […] Read Full Article »
Habits become so familiar that they become effortless. Human beings are creatures of habit and we are wired to want security. It is said that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but the amount of time that it takes will depend on the person’s circumstances and personality. When it comes to setting healthy daily habits, it is important to have support, guidance and encouragement from family and caregivers. Below the worst and best daily habits for seniors will be discussed. Bad Habits Spending too much time in front […] Read Full Article »
As we get older, health conditions, physical changes and even sometimes medications can cause a person to fall. Falls in the home are the leading cause of injury among seniors. There are six strategies that can help with the prevention of falls. #1 Talk to your doctor To start making a fall-prevention plan, speak with your doctor. You will need to take a list of all the prescription medications and over-the-counter medication that you are currently taking. The doctor will review your medication to make sure none of them interact […] Read Full Article »
