The stress of facing a hospitalization, whether planned, such as for a surgical procedure, or unexpected from sickness, a fall, or other injury, can be greatly reduced when a caring advocate is by a senior’s side. The senior care specialists at THE MEDICAL TEAM share the following tips to help hospitalized seniors, and those who care for them, experience a more comfortable hospitalization experience. Provide Comfort. Equipping the senior with some of the comforts of home can help transform the sterile hospital environment into one that’s soothing and more familiar. Consider bringing along the person’s blanket, robe, and slippers, a portable CD player and some favorite music, books, personal toiletry items, and a framed picture. Be Informed. Helping to keep track of medications the … [Read more...] about THE BEST WAYS TO ADVOCATE FOR HOSPITALIZED SENIORS
Advice for Avoiding Overmedication in Older Adults
With the majority of older adults taking multiple prescriptions – on average, as many as 14 different medications – it’s important to understand the potential side effects and interactions, and to reduce the risk of overmedication in seniors. While prescriptions are meant to improve health, without close monitoring, they can have the opposite effect. According to the CDC, older adults (65 years or older) are twice as likely as others to visit emergency rooms because of a drug related complication or overmedication and nearly seven times more likely to be hospitalized after an emergency visit. To help keep seniors safe, these tips from the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation can help: Make (and regularly update) a list of all medications. Keep a current list … [Read more...] about Advice for Avoiding Overmedication in Older Adults
Is It Time for Hospice Care?
The term hospice care is one most families would rather not hear, and many people firmly decline this type of assistance until the need is imminent. However, the real benefit of hospice care comes through early intervention – in fact, the sooner hospice care is initiated, the more services the person will be able to access, resulting in a higher quality of later life. So exactly when should hospice care be considered, and what does it entail? The in-home care experts at THE MEDICAL TEAM have some answers. What Is Hospice Care? Hospice care enhances comfort for patients in the final stages of life. Care can and should begin as soon as the doctor provides certification that an individual’s particular condition generally results in a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice … [Read more...] about Is It Time for Hospice Care?
Are You at Increased Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Although the jury is still out on what actually causes Alzheimer’s disease, the pieces of this puzzle are slowly coming together. Experts do know, for instance, that there are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease. To help those at risk to take steps to get tested and, if needed, to be treated in the earliest stages of the disease, THE MEDICAL TEAM’s Alzheimer’s care experts share these top risk factors. Physical factors: Obesity (a BMI of 30 or greater) triples a person’s risk High blood pressure in middle age is a strong indicator of later-life Alzheimer’s Abnormalities of the brain that impact Alzheimer’s risk have been identified by scientists Lifestyle choices: Smokers are more likely to develop … [Read more...] about Are You at Increased Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Top Tips for Diabetes Self-Management
Those with diabetes know that staying on top of the disease requires patience, persistence, and endurance. With 29 million Americans diagnosed, and likely as many as 86 million more in the pre-diabetic stage, we can all benefit from learning what it takes to keep the disease under control. Educate yourself. Knowledge is power, and learning as much as possible about diabetes, the most recent research findings and treatment options, and recommended lifestyle changes is crucial. Keep a record book. This can be as simple as a file kept on the computer or in a notebook that documents A1C, cholesterol, blood pressure and other readings by date. Sharing this with the doctor at each appointment makes it easier for him or her to provide the best possible care. Form a network of support. … [Read more...] about Top Tips for Diabetes Self-Management
Losing Weight & Feeling Great After 70
Anything worthwhile takes time and effort, and that’s certainly true for maintaining a healthy weight. It may seem even more difficult for older adults to lose the extra pounds that can lead to serious health concerns. Research shows that as many as 25% of seniors in America over age 65 are obese, placing them at a greater risk for diabetes, heart attack or stroke, reduced mobility, depression, and more. So how should older adults who want (and need) to lose weight begin? THE MEDICAL TEAM has put together a simple step-by-step process to help. First and foremost, schedule an appointment with the doctor. The senior’s doctor should perform a full physical and provide guidance on whether obesity is a concern and how to address it. Review the senior’s current dietary plan. Evaluate … [Read more...] about Losing Weight & Feeling Great After 70