When providing care for an older adult, it’s easy to slip into a habit of taking over tasks. After all, it’s often easier to do things yourself and to provide the senior with the opportunity to sit back and enjoy being pampered. While our intentions are certainly in the senior’s best interest, particularly with regard to safety concerns, it’s important to make sure we’re not overdoing and taking over activities the senior can still do independently. Dr. Barry Jacobs, clinical psychologist and co-author of the book AARP Meditations for Caregivers, shares his own experience with this in providing care for his mother: “…I mostly succeeded in curbing her independence and squelching her spirit. She didn’t see me as her caring son so much as the overbearing usurper of roles she cherished.” … [Read more...] about Show Support While Encouraging Senior Independence
Top Symptoms of Mental Illness in Elderly Individuals
One out of every five older adults is impacted by some type of mental illness, and a third of those seniors remain undiagnosed and untreated. Reasons for this vary and include: the stigma associated with mental health concerns, the isolation that’s all too common with older adults, transportation difficulties, financial concerns, and more. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, providing the perfect opportunity to learn the signs to watch for that could indicate the need for an evaluation and treatment for the seniors in your life, and to help ensure that all seniors have access to the care they need. If you notice any of the following in an older adult, it’s important to relay the information to the senior’s physician: Excessive fatigue, depressed mood, sleeping too much or too … [Read more...] about Top Symptoms of Mental Illness in Elderly Individuals
Pain in the Neck: Conditions that Mimic Rheumatoid Arthritis
Those with rheumatoid arthritis (or RA) know all too well about the pain, stiffness, and deformity that it brings. What they may not know, however, is that those symptoms could be reflective of an entirely different condition that closely mimics rheumatoid arthritis. For instance: Psoriatic arthritis causes similar joint pain and stiffness; yet unlike RA, the majority of patients experience psoriasis first – something that does not occur in RA. Gout is a type of arthritis that leads to tenderness and swelling of the joints, often with such intense pain that even the slightest touch can be excruciating. Gout is caused by excess levels of uric acid, however, unlike RA. Inflammatory erosive osteoarthritis causes inflammation to the joints; yet in IEO, inflammation will eventually … [Read more...] about Pain in the Neck: Conditions that Mimic Rheumatoid Arthritis
What’s Next After a Parkinson’s Diagnosis?
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