Various eye tests allow eye doctors to not only identify when a senior has glaucoma, but also allows them to track the progress of the eye disease to prescribe the best treatment methods.

Measuring Intraocular Pressure

Glaucoma occurs when there is a build up of aqueous fluid in the eye, which creates excessive levels of intraocular pressure (IOP). A normal level is around 20 mmHg; any pressure above this can cause serious damage to the optic nerve, resulting in loss of peripheral vision and even blindness. A totometer allows eye doctors to track the IOP of a senior’s eye, by placing it right against the surface of the eyeball. Of course, numbing eye drops are used before the procedure begins. Not only can this be used to diagnose glaucoma, it can also be used to determine if treatment techniques, like eye drops to reduce pressure, are working effectively.

Eyesight and Vision Tests

Visual field testing is the main test used to monitor loss of eyesight and peripheral vision. The patient is asked to look into a machine, and press a button every time a blinking light is visible. By tracking what the patient was able to see, any eye doctor can learn where blind spots are occurring, or if their peripheral vision has been impacted.

Tracking Damage

Since the optic nerve can be damaged as a result of glaucoma, it’s important that professionals monitor how the disease is progressing and determine if treatment methods, like eye drops or surgeries, are working effectively. Various imaging techniques allow eye doctors to assess damage to the optic nerve, and an ultrasound biomicroscopy allows them to map the flow of aqueous fluid in the eye.

Source: AllAboutVision.com

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

If your aging loved one has a loss of the senses, like taste and smell it can be a traumatizing experience. A seasoned nurse from an Ear, Nose and Throat practice explains to us another problem that can occur as the senses decline; confusion between taste and smell.

In our practice, we treat a large number of seniors who are complaining about an inability to taste. While sometimes taste buds do change as part of the natural process of aging, this is most often not where the problem stems from. When we try to explain to our patients that the problem actually derives from their nose, it’s not uncommon to receive looks or distrust. Really, we’re not crazy, but we do understand how it can be difficult to accept when people naturally assume that problems with taste must begin with the tongue and taste buds.

While many different problems with the nose can cause challenges with taste and the interpretation of flavor, the best way to illustrate the connection between smell and taste is to use the common cold analogy. Anyone who’s had a stuffy nose knows that any food or drink consumed tastes different than what they’re used to, but since the taste buds aren’t truly at play, what it really comes down to is flavor instead. Taste and smell are very closely linked, and when we eat certain foods, we process both the odor of the food with our nose and taste on our tongue; and unconsciously roll them together and interpret them as one sense. So naturally, when scent is compromised because of a cold or other nasal complication, the flavor appears different than what we’re used to.

So, while you may walk into a doctor’s office, believing you have a problem with taste; whether you belong to the elder or younger generation, keep an open mind, understanding that taste and flavor are not one and the same and that problems with the nose can actually alter the interpretation of flavor.

Sources: American-Rhinologic.org
Wiki.Answers.com
Pubmedcentral.nih.gov

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

Hearing loss impacts about 28 million people in the United States alone, and will touch the lives of nearly one third of people seniors over the age of 60. Seniors are often reluctant to seek help for the aging related changes they’re experiencing, so it often falls to loved ones, like family members, elder care professionals or friends to spot when an older adult is having challenges hearing and to encourage them to seek medical attention which may be beneficial. Some of the signs and symptoms of hearing loss may seem obvious, but it’s important to identify them and acknowledge their significance. These characteristics include:

• Misunderstanding what people say
• Asking people to repeat statements they’ve made in conversation
• Strained conversation over the phone
• Thinking or stating that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly
• Turning up the TV or radio very loudly

Other factors that may indicate hearing loss may be harder to detect, but can be surefire signs that a senior is in the earlier stages of losing their hearing. Be aware if a senior demonstrates any of the following symptoms:

• Increased difficulty hearing when there is background noise present
• An inability to pick up on environmental sounds, like birds chirping
• Attempting to read lips, by watching the speakers face during conversations
• Pretending to understand by agreeing, head nodding or laughing. Due to lack of comprehension, these cues might be used at an irrelevant time
• The senior removes his/herself physically from conversations that are too difficult to follow

As the hearing loss progresses and worsens, the above signs do become increasingly more obvious. Depending upon the type of hearing loss the senior is experiencing; including conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss or mixed hearing loss, they may only demonstrate a few of the above signs. However, it is important for families, friends and other associates to be aware of the potential indicators early on, so that any serious health problems may be ruled out by a doctor, and appropriate treatment can be administered to make the senior’s day to day life more comfortable.

Source:  Stronghealth.com

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

In addition to assistive devices which can better enable struggling seniors to hear, others can help them by using simple communication methods to increase not only hearing, but comprehension.  Here are some tips to ensure communication in a way that benefits a struggling senior:

-  Converse in a quiet environment (no background noises from traffic, music, television, or others engaged in conversation)
-  When speaking with a senior, always ensure you lower the pitch of your voice, since high frequency sounds are the first ones to go ( a condition referred to as presbycusis)
-  Speak slowly, and remain conscious of the pace since seniors can’t process information and listen as fast as younger people
-  Ensure that the older adult is actively engaged and able to hear what you are saying, even by stopping to confirm information
-  Maintain eye contact and make use of non-verbal signals so that your body language supplements your speech
-  Keep in mind that shouting or raising your voice is not usually beneficial for seniors with hearing loss
-  Make sure your speech is clear and your words are enunciated
-  Ensure there is appropriate lighting in the environment  and  attempt to eliminate drastic changes in lighting to aid with vision
-  Provide seniors with written materials and text that are easy to read, with large print
-  Be aware it is easier for seniors to interpret visual cues during the day, when exposed to natural light

When hearing loss occurs, it becomes a family affair. If someone you know is nervous about assistive devices, go with them to consult with an audiologist and help with the decision, and do everything you can through communication to increase their overall quality of life as it relates to hearing.

Source: Phac-aspc.gc.ca

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Important for Phoenix Elderly

While it’s normal for seniors to occasionally have sleep problems, seniors who experience sleep pattern changes that last for longer than two weeks should see a doctor, the American Geriatrics Society says.

“Generally for optimal function, the body and mind need about eight hours of sleep each night,” said Dr. Charles Cefalu, a member of the American Geriatrics Society. Because sleep affects everyone differently, he said seniors shouldn’t count the hours of sleep they get to determine if it’s right for them, but should take note of how they feel the next day.

Common signs of a sleep disorder may include excessive snoring, frequent waking through the night, morning headaches, being tired but having trouble falling asleep, loss of appetite, and not feeling rested in the morning, HealthDay News reports.

Cefalu offers these tips to help seniors get a good night’s sleep:

* Maintain a sleep schedule with consistent sleeping and waking hours.
* Don’t consume caffeinated beverages and foods after 2 p.m.
* Eat a light dinner earlier in the evening to help prevent restless sleep.
* Get rid of unnecessary light in the bedroom. Even light from a digital clock or TV can disrupt sleep cycles, so try turning the clock away from the bed and refrain from falling asleep with the TV on.
* Exercise for 30 to 40 minutes per day, three or four days each week.  This will help promote a more restful sleep.
* Do not take long naps during the day if you have trouble falling asleep at night.

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

At the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies reported a link between normal sleep and healthy aging. A study first reported strong associations between disturbed rest/activity rhythms and mortality rates in older, community-dwelling men. A separate study found that less daytime sleeping and fewer complaints of insomnia best predicted successful aging in the women.

“It is uncertain whether the relationship between rest/activity circadian rhythms and mortality in older people is casual, or whether rest/activity circadian rhythms represent a potent biomarker related to increased risk of death,” said Misti L. Paudel of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Researchers at the University of California-San Diego assessed 2,226 women ages 60 and older for use of sleeping aids, daytime sleepiness, napping, insomnia, early morning awakening, snoring, overall sleep quality and sleep duration, U.S News & World Report says. Based on the results, 20.8 percent of the women were categorized as “successful agers.”

“Our findings reinforce the idea that good sleep is of utmost importance for good health,” said study author Sonia Ancoli-Israel. “Health care professionals need to ask their patients – of all ages – about sleep and help those with poor sleep to find ways for improvement.”

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

Healthy nutrition is vital for seniors especially if they want to continue living independently. Good eating habits help keep seniors strong and able to care for themselves. Food provides the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.

A good diet for aging seniors reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease and potentially certain cancers. As you grow older, you might need less energy, yet your body needs nutrients that food gives. To make sure you get good nutrients, select healthy foods and avoid empty calories which have very little nutritional value.

Always get foods that are low in cholesterol and fat, saturated and trans fats, especially. The saturated fats are usually fats that come from animals. Look for the trans fat on the labels of processed foods, margarine and shortenings.

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

With 90% of people over the age of 65 suffering from cataracts, it’s important that seniors are aware of the symptoms and treatment options in advance so they are in the best position to make decisions that relate to the health of their eyes. Professional and family caregivers should also educate themselves about this serious eye condition, in order to help their loved one through the process. Will you be able to tell if you or someone you know is suffering from cataracts? Are you aware of the treatment options currently available to help cope?

• You are familiar with the signs and symptoms of cataracts, including blurred vision, double vision in one eye, spotted sight, glare and halos from light and sun, and faded colors
• If you or someone you know begins to demonstrate any of these signs, you will consult with an eye care professional
• You understand that while you may feel like eye changes are due to the aging process, it’s better to check with a professional, because serious conditions like cataracts when left untreated can result in blindness
• You are aware that there are no medications currently available to prevent the development of cataracts or reverse their affects
• You know that small changes may help improve eyesight before cataracts progress in severity; like a change of prescription eyeglasses, using a magnifying glass to read or adjusting lighting at home
• You know that the most common treatment method is Phacoemulsification surgery; an operation that involves dissolving the cataract lens for removal, which takes less than 30 minutes and involves minimal recovery time

If your loved one needs any assistance with transportation to and from appointments please contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office.

Sources: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cataracts/article_em.htm
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/catar

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

When a person has Alzheimer’s disease, the damage to his or her brain can make it difficult to recall or to understand words. Attempting to recall or decipher words can be overwhelming and result in frustration. The person may become agitated or repeat one word or a question over and over – a true test of your patience and understanding.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia often:

• Lose their train of thought.
• Need more time to comprehend what is being said.
• Curse or use abusive or offensive language.

As a family member, you can enhance communication with your loved one by:

• Avoiding distractions and noise.
• Keeping things simple – using short sentences and plain words.
• Avoiding questions – offering suggestions instead.
• Being patient and not interrupting when your loved one is expressing him or herself.
• Maintaining eye contact and showing interest. Staying near your loved one, so he or she knows someone is listening and trying to understand.
• Not taking it personally. As hurtful as it is, you need to remember it is the disease talking, not your loved one.
• Using props and cues to increase recognition. For example, when taking your loved one to the bathroom, you can point to the toilet and ask, “Do you need to go to the bathroom?”
• Remaining calm – using a normal and relaxed voice. Patience pays off with a smoother day.

Most families know little about Alzheimer’s disease and how best to cope. We have found that when family caregivers are equipped with some practical information and easy-to-apply techniques, they can more effectively care for their loved one and reduce their own level of stress.  We offer you a copy of a  booklet called Helping Families Cope offering practical tips and resources to family caregivers struggling to care for their loved ones.

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

Researchers have some answers to those questions – but they don’t necessarily have them all. For some seniors, illnesses and other issues that come with aging play a major role in lack of sleep; certain medications can cause insomnia and diseases, breathing issues and mental illnesses can all result in interrupted sleep. And of course, those who have suffered the loss of a loved one and coping with grief are going to find they experience physical and emotional changes that can last for various periods of time.

Those who can’t sleep are desperate for solutions, so in order to try and reduce sleeping issues; here are a few things that seniors can try:

• Exercise in the late afternoon rather than the morning, but at least 3 hours before bed

• Eat the largest meal in the midday rather than the evening

• Stop reading or watching TV in bed. Your bedroom should be an atmosphere for sleeping alone

Sources:

1. Time Goes By

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.