Frailty in your aging parent or loved one can be prevented with regular exercise. If your older relative or friend is reasonably healthy, he or she can begin a regular program of exercise including stretching, weight training, and low impact aerobics, after discussing it with his or her physician. Exercise can help to avoid accidents, improve strength and mobility, lower blood pressure, and help to prevent or control some diseases. If your loved one is frail or ill, you can ask the physician about what exercises may be appropriate.
One of the primary areas of concern in frail older adults is balance. The balance system includes all the senses that tell a person how they are moving, the brain which puts this information together, and the muscles that control movements. People of all ages and abilities need to keep their balance system healthy, and no one is too young or too old to benefit. A healthy balance system helps a person to look and feel good - move freely and confidently, and have more energy and strength. A poor balance system causes a person to move more conservatively and be fearful of normal movement. Decreased mobility leads to more severe balance impairment and more fear of movement. Get the picture?
The complex balance system needs plenty of regular 'practice'. As children we develop good balance by practicing balancing activities - walking along walls, jumping, spinning and climbing. Your older relative or friend may want to begin such an exercise program under a physical therapist’s supervision. Physical therapy, when ordered by a physician, is covered under most health insurance plans. Discuss the potential benefit of phyical therapy with the doctor. The physical therapist can show how to do range of motion, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Over time, these exercises can help to increase strength, balance and ultimately mobility.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Thursday, December 06, 2007
The Flu Likes It Cold
The flu killed 36,000 older Americans in 2003. Of all age groups, people over 84 are at the highest risk of dying from flu complications. People over 74 face the second highest risk. Older people and people with chronic illnesses are at the greatest risk of getting complications from the flu, such as pneumonia. The elderly have reduced cough and gag reflexes. Their immune systems are also not as strong.
The New York Times reported today that Mount Sinai School of Medicine has found that the flu virus is so prevalent in winter due to environmental conditions. The flu likes the cold weather. It is more stable and stays in the air longer when air is cold and dry. In test animals, the virus was transmitted best at a low humidity of 20%, and not transmitted at all when the humidity reached 80%. The animals also released viruses nearly 2 days longer at 41 degrees than at room temperature of 68 degrees.
The flu usually spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. People occasionally may become infected by touching something with influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
Healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 5days after getting sick. Therefore, it is possible to give someone the flu before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. To decrease the likelihood of passing the flu on this winter, be sure to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and discarding tissues immediately after use.
The flu tends to start suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
Fever (usually high)
Headache
Tiredness (can be extreme)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.
Treatment for the flu:
Rest
Drink plenty of liquids
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before buying a new over-the-counter cold or flu medicine to make sure they won't interfere with prescribed medicine.
Call the doctor if your loved one or you have:
Trouble breathing
Your symptoms don't improve or get worse after 3 to 4 days.
After feeling a little better, you develop signs of a more serious problem. Some of these signs are a sick-to-your-stomach feeling, vomiting, high fever, shaking chills, chest pain, or coughing with thick, yellow-green mucus.
The New York Times reported today that Mount Sinai School of Medicine has found that the flu virus is so prevalent in winter due to environmental conditions. The flu likes the cold weather. It is more stable and stays in the air longer when air is cold and dry. In test animals, the virus was transmitted best at a low humidity of 20%, and not transmitted at all when the humidity reached 80%. The animals also released viruses nearly 2 days longer at 41 degrees than at room temperature of 68 degrees.
The flu usually spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. People occasionally may become infected by touching something with influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
Healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 5days after getting sick. Therefore, it is possible to give someone the flu before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. To decrease the likelihood of passing the flu on this winter, be sure to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and discarding tissues immediately after use.
The flu tends to start suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
Fever (usually high)
Headache
Tiredness (can be extreme)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.
Treatment for the flu:
Rest
Drink plenty of liquids
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before buying a new over-the-counter cold or flu medicine to make sure they won't interfere with prescribed medicine.
Call the doctor if your loved one or you have:
Trouble breathing
Your symptoms don't improve or get worse after 3 to 4 days.
After feeling a little better, you develop signs of a more serious problem. Some of these signs are a sick-to-your-stomach feeling, vomiting, high fever, shaking chills, chest pain, or coughing with thick, yellow-green mucus.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
What Is Causing Weight Loss?
Elderly patients with unintentional weight loss are at higher risk for infection, depression and death. The leading causes of involuntary weight loss are depression, cancer, heart disorders and digestive diseases.
Medications that may cause nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and anorexia can also cause unexpected weight loss. Multiple medication use, or polypharmacy, and the reduction of medications used in psychiatric disorders are also causes. Unfortunately, in as many as 25% of those with unintentional weight loss there is no identified cause.
In all cases, a visit to the physician are needed to determine unforeseen causes. The doctor will want to complete blood tests, a phydical exam, obtain a stool and a urine sample.
It is important to play close attention to the environment to determine other factors that may play a role. For example, many older adults lose weight due to disinterest in preparing a meal to eat alone. Others may rely on meals on wheels for the daily meal and ration out the contents for other meals. Addressing these issues are important to get to a possible solution such as sharing meal preparation duties and having congregate meals with neighbors. It is also possible that the older adult may think that they ate a sandwich a few hours earlier but was really yesterday. Short term memory loss or early dementia is a frequent culprit behind weight loss.
Once a cause is identified, treatment will be provided to treat the condition. Protein supplements and meal supplements are abundant on the market in both liquid and nutrition bar forms. Many appreciate supplements that have natural taste appeal including milk shakes made with ice cream, and peanut butter on bananas. Occasionally, if a person expresses a real aversion to food, appetite stimulants may help to improve the appetite.
Medications that may cause nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and anorexia can also cause unexpected weight loss. Multiple medication use, or polypharmacy, and the reduction of medications used in psychiatric disorders are also causes. Unfortunately, in as many as 25% of those with unintentional weight loss there is no identified cause.
In all cases, a visit to the physician are needed to determine unforeseen causes. The doctor will want to complete blood tests, a phydical exam, obtain a stool and a urine sample.
It is important to play close attention to the environment to determine other factors that may play a role. For example, many older adults lose weight due to disinterest in preparing a meal to eat alone. Others may rely on meals on wheels for the daily meal and ration out the contents for other meals. Addressing these issues are important to get to a possible solution such as sharing meal preparation duties and having congregate meals with neighbors. It is also possible that the older adult may think that they ate a sandwich a few hours earlier but was really yesterday. Short term memory loss or early dementia is a frequent culprit behind weight loss.
Once a cause is identified, treatment will be provided to treat the condition. Protein supplements and meal supplements are abundant on the market in both liquid and nutrition bar forms. Many appreciate supplements that have natural taste appeal including milk shakes made with ice cream, and peanut butter on bananas. Occasionally, if a person expresses a real aversion to food, appetite stimulants may help to improve the appetite.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Making the Holidays Less Stressful and More Enjoyable
When you're caring for a family member, the holidays can change dramatically from what they once were. Though initially difficult and emotional, It helps to change your mindset to plan “new” holiday traditions that will help make the holidays happier, less stressful, and preserve family traditions.
Whether you’re going to your aging loved onesà house or they are coming to yours, the holidays are a wonderful opportunity to open the lines of communication and earn more about your family history.
❖ When the group is gathered (at dinner, for example), encourage each person, even the youngest child and non-family members to share their favorite holiday memories. How did they celebrate the holidays as children? What was their favorite gift and why? What was their favorite holiday memory? What was their favorite holiday food?
❖ Take advantage of any opportunity that arises, such as while preparing dinner or wrapping presents. While these stories are fun and informative for the whole family to hear, don’t force a group activity.
❖ Slow down the day. Ask that only one person (including the children) opens a present at a time. It gives everyone the pleasure of seeing the gifts being opened and reduces the activity level which makes the atmosphere feel more relaxed.
❖If your loved one is coming to your home, keep in mind that too much noise, activity, and hustle and bustle can be overwhelming for the elderly. Set aside a “quiet place” where anyone can go to get away from the ctivity. (But make sure that it isn’t a place that will displace others, such as the room with the television.)
❖ Don’t over schedule the day. “Sharing” flows best during the down time.
❖ Prepare as much as you can in advance so you have longer periods of “calm” time.
❖ Put in those safety aids you’ve been thinking about (such as grab bars in the
bathroom and/or lighting in dark hallways and stairs).
If your loved one is coming to your home from an assisted living community or nursing home, in addition to the above, also:
❖ Confirm holiday meal times with the staff so that you can pick up your loved one before the meal has started and return them in time for the evening meal.
❖ Make sure you have all meds and (extra) supplies your loved one will need.
❖ The elderly get cold more easily so suggest they dress in layers and bring an extra sweater. You may also want to have an extra sweater or blanket on hand at your house.
❖ If your loved one has dementia, it’s important to make the atmosphere as relaxed as possible – too much excitement can make them anxious and agitated.
❖ Talk with your other guests – especially siblings about their needs and expectations and negotiate – in advance – any differences around what’s best for your loved one.
❖ Talk with your kids about your loved one’s situation (for example, they may not remember them or may have physical limitations or issues)and coach them on how to handle it.
❖ If your loved one has an aide, decide in advance whether s/he will be needed for the day and make appropriate arrangements.
❖ Allow family and friends to help you. If you don’t get any offers of help, ask for it. Divide up the caregiving duties, clarify the scope of each, and ask each person which one they’d like to take.
If you’re visiting your loved one at the assisted living community or nursing home:
❖ Unless you’re planning to eat with them (and made arrangements in advance),
confirm holiday meal times so your visit doesn’t conflict.
❖ If possible, arrive an hour or two before mealtime so you have an opportune
time to leave.
❖ Try to coordinate schedules if other family members who will also be visiting. You may want to plan the visits at different times so that your loved one has company throughout the day.
❖ If you visit all at once, keep the atmosphere as calm as possible. Sitting literally lowers the energy level so visit in a location with enough chairs for everyone.
❖ If you bring children, talk with them in advance and coach them on appropriate behavior. Depending on your loved one’s condition, you may decide not to bring very young children.
❖ If your loved one hasn’t gotten gifts for the visiting children, you may want to bring a present “from” your loved one for each of the children that they can play with while there.
❖ Whether the children come or not, encourage them to make cards and gifts that can be hung or placed in the room.
Whether you’re going to your aging loved onesà house or they are coming to yours, the holidays are a wonderful opportunity to open the lines of communication and earn more about your family history.
❖ When the group is gathered (at dinner, for example), encourage each person, even the youngest child and non-family members to share their favorite holiday memories. How did they celebrate the holidays as children? What was their favorite gift and why? What was their favorite holiday memory? What was their favorite holiday food?
❖ Take advantage of any opportunity that arises, such as while preparing dinner or wrapping presents. While these stories are fun and informative for the whole family to hear, don’t force a group activity.
❖ Slow down the day. Ask that only one person (including the children) opens a present at a time. It gives everyone the pleasure of seeing the gifts being opened and reduces the activity level which makes the atmosphere feel more relaxed.
❖If your loved one is coming to your home, keep in mind that too much noise, activity, and hustle and bustle can be overwhelming for the elderly. Set aside a “quiet place” where anyone can go to get away from the ctivity. (But make sure that it isn’t a place that will displace others, such as the room with the television.)
❖ Don’t over schedule the day. “Sharing” flows best during the down time.
❖ Prepare as much as you can in advance so you have longer periods of “calm” time.
❖ Put in those safety aids you’ve been thinking about (such as grab bars in the
bathroom and/or lighting in dark hallways and stairs).
If your loved one is coming to your home from an assisted living community or nursing home, in addition to the above, also:
❖ Confirm holiday meal times with the staff so that you can pick up your loved one before the meal has started and return them in time for the evening meal.
❖ Make sure you have all meds and (extra) supplies your loved one will need.
❖ The elderly get cold more easily so suggest they dress in layers and bring an extra sweater. You may also want to have an extra sweater or blanket on hand at your house.
❖ If your loved one has dementia, it’s important to make the atmosphere as relaxed as possible – too much excitement can make them anxious and agitated.
❖ Talk with your other guests – especially siblings about their needs and expectations and negotiate – in advance – any differences around what’s best for your loved one.
❖ Talk with your kids about your loved one’s situation (for example, they may not remember them or may have physical limitations or issues)and coach them on how to handle it.
❖ If your loved one has an aide, decide in advance whether s/he will be needed for the day and make appropriate arrangements.
❖ Allow family and friends to help you. If you don’t get any offers of help, ask for it. Divide up the caregiving duties, clarify the scope of each, and ask each person which one they’d like to take.
If you’re visiting your loved one at the assisted living community or nursing home:
❖ Unless you’re planning to eat with them (and made arrangements in advance),
confirm holiday meal times so your visit doesn’t conflict.
❖ If possible, arrive an hour or two before mealtime so you have an opportune
time to leave.
❖ Try to coordinate schedules if other family members who will also be visiting. You may want to plan the visits at different times so that your loved one has company throughout the day.
❖ If you visit all at once, keep the atmosphere as calm as possible. Sitting literally lowers the energy level so visit in a location with enough chairs for everyone.
❖ If you bring children, talk with them in advance and coach them on appropriate behavior. Depending on your loved one’s condition, you may decide not to bring very young children.
❖ If your loved one hasn’t gotten gifts for the visiting children, you may want to bring a present “from” your loved one for each of the children that they can play with while there.
❖ Whether the children come or not, encourage them to make cards and gifts that can be hung or placed in the room.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Is It Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an elderly person. It may include assault, threats of assault, verbal abuse, financial exploitation, physical and/or emotional neglect, or sexual abuse. Elder abuse is one of the most under-reported problems in the country because victims may be ashamed, unable to report it, or fearful of reprisals if they speak up. Abuse is more likely when the stress level of the individual providing the care is heightened as an older person’s condition worsens.
The following symptoms may be as important clues to, but not necessarily signifying, possible abuse:
• Bruises, burns, or cuts
• Dehydrated or malnourished appearance
• Anxiety, confusion, or withdrawal
• Expressions of shame, embarrassment, and fear
• Poor personal hygiene
• Overmedication or oversedation
• Sudden bank account withdrawals or closings
In most places, either Adult Protective Services (APS), the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), or the county Department of Social Services is designated as the agency to investigate allegations of elder abuse. If the investigators find abuse, they make arrangements for services to help protect the victim. Call the National Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 and ask for the county Area Agency on Aging telephone number.
In Berks County, the Office of Aging's phone number is (610) 478-6500. Possible elder abuse can be reported anonymously at 1-866-623-2137.
The following symptoms may be as important clues to, but not necessarily signifying, possible abuse:
• Bruises, burns, or cuts
• Dehydrated or malnourished appearance
• Anxiety, confusion, or withdrawal
• Expressions of shame, embarrassment, and fear
• Poor personal hygiene
• Overmedication or oversedation
• Sudden bank account withdrawals or closings
In most places, either Adult Protective Services (APS), the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), or the county Department of Social Services is designated as the agency to investigate allegations of elder abuse. If the investigators find abuse, they make arrangements for services to help protect the victim. Call the National Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 and ask for the county Area Agency on Aging telephone number.
In Berks County, the Office of Aging's phone number is (610) 478-6500. Possible elder abuse can be reported anonymously at 1-866-623-2137.
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