Seniors Come Home from the Hospital

When your loved one is released from the hospital following a medical illness or injury, many families feel excited and hopeful. While these feelings are great, they should also know that a senior’s return home from the hospital is when the real work starts. When a senior is released from the hospital, here are a few things that caregivers and families need to do:

1. Don’t expect too much – release from the hospital doesn’t mean that a senior has recovered; there will be lots of hard work at home for many seniors

2. Ask questions – understand the senior’s diagnosis and their future prognosis. Take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

3. Talk to a hospital discharge planner – a discharge planner can help families determine if a senior will require home care or nursing care after they leave the hospital. They can also advise families on additional supplies and equipment needed

4. Make sure you’re prepared at home – before the senior goes home, purchase any necessary safety equipment; hire a care provider, and make sure you have medications on hand

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – get the contact information of hospital staff who provided care to your loved one, and don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions or concerns after your senior has left the hospital

Via: Caring.com

Online Ways to Keep in Touch with Aging Relatives

Q1 – What are the benefits of using the internet to stay in touch?

A1 – Various online applications allow families and friends to stay in touch year-round without encountering the costs of long-distance phone calls or mail. It’s also a quick and easy way to give loved ones access into exactly what’s happening in your life.

Q2 – Can seniors use the internet to stay in touch, too?

A2 – Seniors’ internet use is rapidly growing. They are becoming more apt with social networking, email and basic web surfing. Seniors who have problems with hearing over the phone, may find it easier to communicate through email or other fast, written methods.

Q3 – Can families share pictures online?

A3 – There are many free online applications that allow users to upload pictures to their photo albums. Flickr, Yahoo! Photos and Facebook are just a few of the masses. These sites give users the option to notify family and friends by email when they have uploaded new photos. These applications give seniors the chance to see exactly what’s happening in the lives of their children and grandchildren soon after they’ve occurred.

Q4 – It becomes expensive to call my mom long distance as often as I’d like; are there any ways to communicate verbally online for free?

A4 – Two major options are Podcasts or applications that offer free live calling services. Mypodcast.com and Podomatic.com are two easy to use, free sites that let people record their own messages which can be downloaded online, and listened to using a media player, MP3 player or other audio device. Skype is a popular application that lets people talk online using the microphones on their computers; the best part is that it’s free so it doesn’t matter where each party lives.

Image: art-ivy.cnn

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors an alternative to a nursing home. Call 602.588.7725 or 480.991.3959 for Home Care and Independence.

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.

It seems like we’ve all encountered a home bound senior at some time in our lives. The thing is, when we’re younger, we often think that seniors are remaining isolated by choice when specific health limitations aren’t keeping them confined to their Phoenix homes. But it becomes clear that with the aging process, when mobility becomes more limited, there is a greater challenge involved with stepping outside just to run simple errands. Since so many seniors find it difficult to get around, new technologies are being developed to improve their quality of life that is affected by mobility.

About the ICIO Personal Transporter for Seniors:

• It has a convertible design

• Seniors can choose to use the personal transporter as a traditional 3 wheeled walker

• During periods when they’d like to move at a faster pace, they can stand on an attachable support and activate the electric function

• The device is suitable for seniors as their level of physical mobility changes, since it also converts into a mobile scooter with a seat

• With the personal transporter, seniors can venture out for exercise and convert the device if they get tired, giving them the security that they won’t be stranded

Sources:

1. TrendHunter

2. The Design Blog

3. TrendHunter

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.

Our caregivers know how appropriate and healthy communication can make or break the important relationships that they come to form with the seniors that they care for. They try not to pay attention to the common stereotypes that come with aging, and instead learn about who they are and what’s important to them.

We know that some members of society see seniors as having a low continued value, since they may no longer work and have children who are grown. However, our caregivers focus upon the many contributions that they do make, instead of what they don’t. We like to learn about and help seniors get involved in the community through local volunteering, help them make preparation to donate to important causes, and love hearing the stories about spending times with their grandchildren and families.

Instead of treating seniors differently, we talk to them like people; we know that regardless of physical or cognitive difficulties, children aren’t babies, and they deserve respect too. However, our caregivers have learned it’s not helpful to go overboard either; while we appreciate the knowledge and experience that their advanced aged provides them with, we know it’s better to treat them as we would any other adult, regardless of age.

After years of professional experience, we’ve refined our communication skills with seniors, and encourage families to do the same.

Dr. Jake Harwood, Professor, University of Arizona

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.

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.

Although ankle sprains and injuries aren’t the most common issue amongst older adults, weak ankles can be a major cause of poor balance and that can result in the potential for ever greater accidents and injuries that can change senior’s lives for the worse. Untreated ankle injuries from earlier in life that affect balance can also affect seniors later in life, but with some simple techniques, it’s possible for seniors to improve their balance and prevent ankle related issues.

In order to strengthen ankles, seniors can try a simple balance activity – standing on one left for a few seconds at a time, and slowly increasing the intervals. For added support, seniors can hold onto a table, chair or other support device. It might seem like a trivial exercise, especially when combined with resistance training and cardio, but it’s a simple technique that can help prevent seniors from future or further injury, and isn’t that worth a whole lot more?

New York Times

Image: csufresno.edu

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.

Q.    My 85-year-old mom was sent back to the hospital after being discharged after recovering from a serious illness.  Is this common and what can be done about it?

It’s more common than you know.  One of five Medicare beneficiaries discharged from the hospital is readmitted within 30 days, and half of non-surgical patients are readmitted to the hospital without having seen an outpatient doctor in follow-up, according to a Commonwealth Fund-supported study in a recent New England Journal of Medicine.

Surprisingly, most patients were rehospitalized for conditions other than those for which they were originally hospitalized.

The rehospitalizations were so rapid that these conditions should probably have been the focus of discharge planning in many cases.  Overall, 73 percent of patients who were initially in the hospital for surgery were readmitted for medical diagnoses such as pneumonia, heart failure or bacterial infections.

The study also showed that a history of rehospitalization and prolonged length of hospital stay were stronger predictors of rehospitalization than age, gender, race, poverty or disability.  The authors suggest several steps to reduce rehospitalizations including:

•    interventions to better educate patients about self-care in the hospital discharge process;
•    helping hospitals better understand their comparative performance on readmissions by providing them readmission data for their patients including those who were rehospitalized elsewhere;
•    collaboration between physicians and hospitals to ensure patients get follow-up care; and
•    follow-up care from a primary care doctor as well as a surgeon for surgery patients.

At-home non-medical assistance also could be of benefit.  Home Instead CAREGivers often handle tasks around the house such as meal preparation, light housekeeping and medication reminders, which can help seniors devote their energy to recovering.

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors quality care at home. Call today 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

You might have heard of seniors using habit-forming prescription medications that lead to drug abuse or addiction, but these problems don’t only stem from the seniors themselves; shockingly, across the United States, there are other forces that can cause seniors to abuse prescriptions. According to recent reports, antipsychotic drugs typically used to treat patients suffering from Schizophrenia are found to be used inappropriately to sedate seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia because some facilities are finding them too much to handle.

Home Instead Senior Care in Phoenix can help families with elder care concerns like properly taking medications, giving “how to tips” on quality care at home or in nursing homes.

To learn more about medication abuse and how families can further help their elderly loved one, read the post linked below in My Elder Advocate.

Sources:
1. My Elder Advocate

Nursing Home Care Greater Phoenix & Nursing Home Care Central Phoenix gives Phoenix elders and seniors quality care at home. Call today 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Image: www.oceanhillsrecovery.com