Each year, 3 million seniors are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries.¹ Research shows that only half of those who have experienced a recent fall will inform their doctor. If you are 65 or older, it is very important to not only tell your doctor if you have had a fall but evaluate your environment with the help of a loved one or caregiver to determine what can be done to reduce said risk in the home.
Nutrition, while important for every stage of life, can pose certain hurdles as we age. Physical changes in the body and possible health issues make obtaining the recommended daily nutrients a bit more complicated. Add to this a diagnosis of dementia and you may be required to come up with some creative approaches during mealtimes.
Every stage of dementia presents its own set of challenges. Familiarizing yourself with what is common during each stage and getting to know your loved one’s personal preferences can go a long way in supporting their health in the best way possible.
When choosing the right person to care for you or your loved one there are many options to choose from. When coming to a decision that is right for you one of the most important questions you should ask your physician is "Do I, or my loved one, need a skilled nurse?"
A nurse that comes to your home is different from a home health aide, contrary to a friend visiting you, and unlike a phone call from a family member to “check in”. When choosing the correct caregiver there are many factors to consider.
A bedsore is a wound that is caused by sustained pressure. Pressure damages the skin when you stay in any one position for a long period of time. Reduced blood circulation to this area of the skin can cause the skin cells to “die” and eventually cause a sore.
Any person who stays in one position for a prolonged period of time either sitting, lying or standing is at risk of developing bedsores. A person who is bed-bound, or even a mobile person who doesn’t spend a lot of time in bed, can develop bedsore if they remain in one position for too long.
Everyone needs help at one time or another. Some people need a little bit of help getting to their appointments or enjoy company when they go out for lunch. Other people need help with their personal care or general assistance in their home. Support may have different timelines: temporary, after hospitalization or fall; or long-term, due to a chronic illness or diagnosis.
Regardless of the situation, a caregiver may be the answer.
A caregiver is a trained professional who provides many different levels of assistance to an individual, catering to their needs and preferences. A home health aide is a caregiver who is certified by the Department of Health.
