If we don’t struggle with the condition ourselves, we certainly know someone who does. Diabetes impacts as many as one in four seniors, resulting in the need for lifestyle changes including a carefully-followed nutrition plan, exercise, routine blood sugar checks, and ongoing medical care to manage the disease. What we may not be as familiar with, however, are the concurrent conditions that are more prevalent in diabetics. Because of the damage that occurs from heightened levels of blood sugar, it’s important for those with diabetes – and those who care for them – to monitor their health closely for the following: Heart problems. Have the doctor assess which types of heart disease may be more likely to occur, and then put together a list of symptoms and warning signs to allow for … [Read more...] about Watch Out for These Diabetes Complications
Technology Improves Quality of Life for People with Parkinson’s
Technology is booming and improving quality of life for all of us in so many ways, but for those with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, it can mean the difference between dependency and independence. As the disease progresses causing increased challenges with motor skills, movement, and the many daily tasks that make up our everyday lives, embracing technology is key. Discovering what advances are available can begin by talking with the primary care physician or neurologist for recommendations, and by being open to trying something new. In fact, the use of technology can be discussed with the doctor without ever even leaving home – through telemedicine. Receiving medical care in the comfort of home is not only possible now, but is reported to be preferred by … [Read more...] about Technology Improves Quality of Life for People with Parkinson’s
Making the Kitchen Accessible After a Spinal Cord Injury
Independence and autonomy are so important to our overall wellbeing, and for those with a spinal cord injury or other disability, there are a number of steps we can take to make sure the home allows for maximum freedom and self-reliance. In honor of National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, the in-home care professionals at THE MEDICAL TEAM offer the following modifications to one of the most important rooms in the home for expressing self-sufficiency: the kitchen. These alterations provide easier access for those in a wheelchair to independently prepare meals, clean, organize, and more. Refrigerator: Based upon the individual’s particular needs, there are several refrigerator options for better wheelchair accessibility: A small, compact refrigerator placed at the appropriate … [Read more...] about Making the Kitchen Accessible After a Spinal Cord Injury
Top Ways Technology Is Improving Senior Care
Today’s seniors have a wonderful advantage over previous generations: the boom in technological advances that create fascinating new opportunities to enhance quality of life, safety, and socialization. At THE MEDICAL TEAM, we know firsthand the benefits of technology in a health care at home setting, and have outlined some of our top picks here. Smartphone Apps It seems that new and incredibly useful apps for seniors become available every day. From a health care standpoint, apps can provide medication reminders and confirmation that meds were taken, heart rate monitors, GPS tracking, and so much more. This can provide families with peace of mind. For fun and socialization, there are memory games, social apps like Facebook and Skype to stay connected to family and friends, apps to … [Read more...] about Top Ways Technology Is Improving Senior Care
THE MEDICAL TEAM’s Post-Stroke Communication Tips
According to the CDC, as many as 795,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke. It’s especially prevalent in older adults, and a third of those impacted by stroke also have one or more of the conditions or habits that put them more at risk: obesity, high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, or diabetes. Recovering from a stroke takes time, and can include a variety of effects that need managing: Physical Effects: Weakness, numbness, stiffness, trouble swallowing, fatigue, incontinence, sleep difficulties, and more. Emotional Effects: Depression, frustration, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, anger, and more. Cognitive Effects: Memory loss, vascular dementia, and more. One particular challenge that impacts as many as a third of all stroke survivors is aphasia: defined by the … [Read more...] about THE MEDICAL TEAM’s Post-Stroke Communication Tips
Better Hospice Care: Understanding Informed Consent
How informed are you about informed consent? It’s important for all of us to know the criteria used to determine a person’s ability to make important health care choices, and how that ability can impact their quality of life. This is especially true for individuals receiving hospice care. Learn more here from THE MEDICAL TEAM. Having the freedom to make our own choices is a vital component of our overall wellbeing. We may take for granted smaller decisions, such as when and what we want to eat, how we want to spend our time, what time to fall asleep and when to wake up; yet they become significant expressions of independence as we grow older. One decision that impacts us throughout our lifetime is the ability to rationally choose and make known our healthcare preferences. Known … [Read more...] about Better Hospice Care: Understanding Informed Consent