When a patient is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it’s the beginning of a number of life changes to come, and can leave the person feeling uncertain as to how to move forward and meet the challenges ahead. Maintaining a sense of control is important, and can be accomplished by putting together a plan of action to address current and future needs THE MEDICAL TEAM suggests beginning with these four steps: Choose the best medical professional. It’s important to ensure the doctor who will be treating the disease is highly qualified, fully trusted, and easy to communicate with. It’s perfectly acceptable to get a second opinion and/or to shop around to find the best fit. Team up with others. Those with Parkinson’s need a strong network of support. Following the initial diagnosis, … [Read more...] about What’s Next After a Parkinson’s Diagnosis?
Preparing the Home for Hip Replacement
If your doctor has recommended hip replacement surgery, you’re in good company; as many as 2.5 million Americans are currently living with a hip implant, according to the Mayo Clinic. With a little advance planning and preparation, you can ensure your home is conducive to the unique needs you’ll experience post-surgery, allowing for enhanced safety and a reduced risk of falling. THE MEDICAL TEAM’s in-home care experts offer the following room-by-room recommendations: BedroomMake sure clothing is easily accessible, without the need for reaching high or bending low. If necessary, move your favorite and most commonly worn items into middle drawers and the front of your closet. Also note that an unusually high bed will be more difficult to climb in and out of after your surgery. You may … [Read more...] about Preparing the Home for Hip Replacement
Q&A About Speech Therapy for Adults
While speech therapy is of course beneficial for children to correct any communication problems early on, it’s just as helpful for older adults challenged by a variety of conditions: cognitive problems, brain injury, stroke recovery, and more to overcome language and swallowing obstacles. The professional in-home speech therapists at THE MEDICAL TEAM have provided answers to some of the top questions families have about speech therapy services for seniors: How do I know if a senior needs speech therapy? If you notice any of the following symptoms, speech therapy can help: Communicating through whispering or speaking very softlyMemory problemsA hoarse or breathy tone of voiceSpeaking too rapidlyDifficulty with finding the right words to use or in understanding othersOther oral … [Read more...] about Q&A About Speech Therapy for Adults
How Can Medicare Help You Care for Your Heart?
We only have one, so it’s important to take care of it! Thankfully there are a number of steps we can all take to keep our heart healthy: staying physically active, making wise dietary choices, and staying up to date with regular checkups. This is especially vital for older adults as heart disease is the leading cause of death in seniors. There are additional preventative measures that can be taken to boost heart health – and, they’re even covered by Medicare: Diabetes tests and care. The risk of heart disease for those with diabetes is heightened, due to the damage that can be caused to nerves and blood vessels from high blood glucose levels, and that risk increases over time. Warning signs of diabetes include blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, and an increase in appetite, … [Read more...] about How Can Medicare Help You Care for Your Heart?
Medications & Falls: What Seniors Should Know
With the majority of older adults taking multiple prescription medications – a full 80% take at least two medications, and more than 50% take four or more –managing these medications is crucial to ensure they’re providing maximum benefit while minimizing side effects. One important side effect of many prescriptions for seniors is the increased risk of falls. THE MEDICAL TEAM’s in-home care experts recommend seniors and their caregivers make sure they are fully informed about the medications being taken, by getting answers to the following questions from the prescribing physician: What side effects can be expected, and what’s the best way to minimize them? Talk to your doctor if you have side effects like dizziness, light headedness, sleepiness during the day, confusion, lack of … [Read more...] about Medications & Falls: What Seniors Should Know
Helping Seniors Cope with Vision Loss
It’s common, and even normal, for some degree of vision loss to be experienced as we age. We learn adaptive techniques – using reading glasses or a magnifying glass, holding a book slightly farther away from the eyes, and utilizing stronger lighting. Yet when a condition such as glaucoma, retinal detachments, or macular degeneration is diagnosed, additional coping tools need to be utilized to maintain as much independence as possible and to maximize quality of life. THE MEDICAL TEAM’s in-home care professionals are equipped to help seniors with vision loss in a variety of ways, from making recommendations on adaptive equipment and home modifications, to keeping the home environment clean and clutter-free to ensure safety, to assistance with preparing meals and running errands, and a … [Read more...] about Helping Seniors Cope with Vision Loss