Ask nearly all older people if they want to remain in their homes, even if they are struggling with aging-related issues, and the reply is overwhelmingly a resounding “yes!” Having to move away from home, a place that has so many memories, can be distressing, even if seniors can identify that it’s getting more challenging to manage the tasks of everyday life. But, wishing to continue to be at home…
Urinary incontinence in seniors can be an embarrassing subject for those who experience it. The preconception behind the problem frequently contributes to individuals having either a lack of facts or believing in some common myths about incontinence. Following are some incontinence myths and the facts to be aware of instead:
Urinary Incontinence, or reduced bladder control, is a disturbing and delicate issue, particularly for seniors. It can trigger a number of problems, from skin sores to social reclusiveness for individuals who are uncomfortable with leaving home in case of an “accident.” But while bladder leakage causes approximately 25 million people in America to suffer with difficulties, the affliction seldom receives the attention and conversation it needs. With the lack of…
Have you ever started your day and thought, “It’s likely to be one of those days!” Perhaps your alarm didn’t go off, the hot water heater decided to quit working, and the dog chewed up one of your favorite shoes overnight. Now envision if every day were “one of those days!” For an individual coping with a chronic illness (and that’s much of the senior population), daily struggles and challenges…
Regarding chronic diseases, seniors are usually the experts, hands down, with as many as three out of four older persons impacted by a number of conditions that are ongoing, require extensive medical attention, and put limitations on activities. With the continuous barrage of bloodwork and other exams, physicians’ appointments and procedures and medications, chronic disease care management often takes both a physical and emotional toll, and that can quickly become…
We all know that home is where the heart is, which is why the hearts of so many older adults are set on remaining at home throughout aging, rather than facing a move to a nursing home or assisted living facility – as many as 90% of them, in fact, according to research conducted by AARP. And it stands to reason: the familiarity of home’s surroundings, the freedom to go…
With as many as 10,000 prescription drugs available in the United States, it’s no surprise that so many seniors – approximately one in three – are taking a minimum of five of them each and every day. And family caregivers recognize firsthand the struggles of medication management for seniors. In fact, studies show that as many as 55% of prescription drugs are being taken incorrectly for a variety of reasons,…
Perhaps you’ve been beside a loved one at the hospital and noticed the nurse attaching a brightly colored “FALL RISK” band to his/her wrist, alerting the medical team to this increased risk. This allows extra safety measures to be taken to keep patients safe during medical procedures. However, many do not know that a fall risk exists even in routine, everyday life among individuals diagnosed with these conditions:
Providing the assistance that helps seniors remain healthy, happy and independent is the objective of not only our professional senior care experts, but of each and every family caregiver who has ever assisted a loved one. Considering the health and happiness of older individuals is so important to us, it’s vital that we discuss something that can be tough for many of us to even consider – senior abuse.