Home Health Aide services provided from a reputable company can be a great help in assisting your loved one maintain their independence at home. There are several standards that you can expect from all reputable service providers. Use these guidelines to evaluate the quality of services provided:
1. Your home health aide should be on time.
2. Your home health aide should provide the proper level of care that you and the agency's nursing supervisor defined in the plan of care.
3. The home health aide works in collaboration with the nurse to notice and report any changes, both physical and emotional, that might indicate the beginning of medical problems.
4. The home health aide should demonstrate respect for your family's values.
5. The home health aide should never use the phone for personal reasons, never borrow or buy anything from you or lend or sell anything to you.
6. The home health aide should be observant and report any safety hazards within the home.
7. The home health aide should be neat, clean, and act in a professional manner.
8. The home health aide should be sensitive to your loved one's needs and concerns.
9. The home health aide should keep her or his work and private life separate.
10. The home health aide should never smoke in your loved one's home.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Avoiding Falls
Falling or fear of falling causes many older adults to put limits on their activity, causing a downward spiral of decreased strength, less balance and deconditioning which leads to an increased risk of falling. There are a number of actions that can be taken to decrease the risk of falling.
Encourage your loved one to:
1. Wear shoes and slippers that have non-slip soles. Avoid wearing socks only - they might cause a slip.
2. Be extra careful if the bathroom floor becomes wet. If the bathroom has handrails, encourage him or her to hold onto them when getting up or down. Make sure non-slip strips are on the bathtub floor.
3. If he or she wears a bathrobe or nightgown, be sure it is short enough to avoid tripping on.
4. Discourage leaving clothes, magazines, bags, or other objects lying around on the floor - they are easy targets to trip over.
5. Place loose electrical cords or telephone wires out of walking areas.
6. Before going to sleep, place glasses within easy reach. Get out of bed or chair slowly, and sit up before standing.
7. Sit in higher chairs or chairs with armrests - they're easier to get in and out of.
8. Remove or secure any loose rugs or mats.
9. Make sure hallways and staircases are well lighted. (If the hallway or staircase in the building is not well lighted, call the superintendent.) When walking up or down stairs, hold onto a handrail or use a cane.
10. Wipe up any kitchen spills as soon as they happen.
11. Place lamps in dark areas. If he or she walks into a dark area, let eyes first adjust to the dark.
12. If he or she do fall, DON'T PANIC! Try using a stable chair or some other piece of furniture to help him or her to get up. Call 911 for help if he or she cannot get up.
Encourage your loved one to:
1. Wear shoes and slippers that have non-slip soles. Avoid wearing socks only - they might cause a slip.
2. Be extra careful if the bathroom floor becomes wet. If the bathroom has handrails, encourage him or her to hold onto them when getting up or down. Make sure non-slip strips are on the bathtub floor.
3. If he or she wears a bathrobe or nightgown, be sure it is short enough to avoid tripping on.
4. Discourage leaving clothes, magazines, bags, or other objects lying around on the floor - they are easy targets to trip over.
5. Place loose electrical cords or telephone wires out of walking areas.
6. Before going to sleep, place glasses within easy reach. Get out of bed or chair slowly, and sit up before standing.
7. Sit in higher chairs or chairs with armrests - they're easier to get in and out of.
8. Remove or secure any loose rugs or mats.
9. Make sure hallways and staircases are well lighted. (If the hallway or staircase in the building is not well lighted, call the superintendent.) When walking up or down stairs, hold onto a handrail or use a cane.
10. Wipe up any kitchen spills as soon as they happen.
11. Place lamps in dark areas. If he or she walks into a dark area, let eyes first adjust to the dark.
12. If he or she do fall, DON'T PANIC! Try using a stable chair or some other piece of furniture to help him or her to get up. Call 911 for help if he or she cannot get up.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Staying Healthy This Winter
Both you and the one you care for can stay healthy this winter with some care attention. Consider the following recommendations:
1. Get your flu shot. The virus that causes the flu changes each year. You may also want to ask your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine.
2. If you or your loved one have asthma, breathing in cold air can cause an asthma attack. To lower this risk, wear a scarf over your mouth to warm the air before you breath it. If you do develop a persistent cough or a fever over 100, call your doctor.
3. Cold weather is hard on arthritis sufferers. If you or your loved one have arthritis in your hands, keep them as warm as possible by wearing mittens or gloves, even if you plan to go out for a short walk. Keep them moving to reduce stiffness!
4. If you or your loved one have heart disease or high blood pressure, do not carry heavy packages, shovel snow or stay outside too long. The extra layers of clothes you need in the cold weather also make your heart work harder. However, exercise is still important during the winter months, so just pace yourself and limit exposure in the cold weather to short periods.
5. Be extra careful of icy sidewalks and streets. Be sure to wear shoes or boots that have rubber treads and do walk slowly. As we age, some of us are at higher risk for fractures, if we have osteoporosis and we fall. Check with your nurse or doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.
6. Be sure to eat well. Food provides the body with energy (from carbohydrates) and heat. Be sure your diet also contains protein daily to prevent your muscles from deteriorating. This will keep you stronger and warmer during the winter months. There are many ways to increase the protein in your diet at low cost. One way is to add non-fat dry milk to hot chocolate mix instead of water. Before you change your diet, talk to your doctor first.
7. You should also drink plenty of water and other beverages to keep your protective layers of skin intact and moist. It is a good idea to eat foods with water in them like soup, fruits and vegetables. Review your dietary restrictions with a nutritionist, your nurse or your doctor.
8. Because the winter air is dry, it can cause nosebleeds. If you have radiators in your home, you can increase the moisture in the air by placing a loaf pan on the radiator filled with clean water daily. Also, a humidifier can help, but be sure to clean it regularly.
9. If you live in a house with a hot-water heater, set the temperature on the hot-water heater to 120 degrees or lower. As people age, their sense of touch declines. The chance of scalding from hot water increases. If you cannot control the hot-water heater, always turn the hot water on last and off first, especially in the shower.
10. To help prevent frostbite when the temperature drops below zero, keep your skin covered and dry. If you think you may be getting frostbite, go indoors immediately. Warm the affected skin. DO NOT RUB to avoid damaging skin tissue. If you can, use warm water (never hot). If the affected skin still doesn't feel better, call your doctor.
1. Get your flu shot. The virus that causes the flu changes each year. You may also want to ask your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine.
2. If you or your loved one have asthma, breathing in cold air can cause an asthma attack. To lower this risk, wear a scarf over your mouth to warm the air before you breath it. If you do develop a persistent cough or a fever over 100, call your doctor.
3. Cold weather is hard on arthritis sufferers. If you or your loved one have arthritis in your hands, keep them as warm as possible by wearing mittens or gloves, even if you plan to go out for a short walk. Keep them moving to reduce stiffness!
4. If you or your loved one have heart disease or high blood pressure, do not carry heavy packages, shovel snow or stay outside too long. The extra layers of clothes you need in the cold weather also make your heart work harder. However, exercise is still important during the winter months, so just pace yourself and limit exposure in the cold weather to short periods.
5. Be extra careful of icy sidewalks and streets. Be sure to wear shoes or boots that have rubber treads and do walk slowly. As we age, some of us are at higher risk for fractures, if we have osteoporosis and we fall. Check with your nurse or doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.
6. Be sure to eat well. Food provides the body with energy (from carbohydrates) and heat. Be sure your diet also contains protein daily to prevent your muscles from deteriorating. This will keep you stronger and warmer during the winter months. There are many ways to increase the protein in your diet at low cost. One way is to add non-fat dry milk to hot chocolate mix instead of water. Before you change your diet, talk to your doctor first.
7. You should also drink plenty of water and other beverages to keep your protective layers of skin intact and moist. It is a good idea to eat foods with water in them like soup, fruits and vegetables. Review your dietary restrictions with a nutritionist, your nurse or your doctor.
8. Because the winter air is dry, it can cause nosebleeds. If you have radiators in your home, you can increase the moisture in the air by placing a loaf pan on the radiator filled with clean water daily. Also, a humidifier can help, but be sure to clean it regularly.
9. If you live in a house with a hot-water heater, set the temperature on the hot-water heater to 120 degrees or lower. As people age, their sense of touch declines. The chance of scalding from hot water increases. If you cannot control the hot-water heater, always turn the hot water on last and off first, especially in the shower.
10. To help prevent frostbite when the temperature drops below zero, keep your skin covered and dry. If you think you may be getting frostbite, go indoors immediately. Warm the affected skin. DO NOT RUB to avoid damaging skin tissue. If you can, use warm water (never hot). If the affected skin still doesn't feel better, call your doctor.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Eating Healthy At Any Age
A healthful diet is important at any age. Maintaining a healthful diet helps control diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, digestion and elimination, and can also strengthen bones. While we all need our daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to maintain good health, the elderly need them even more, since, as you age, your metabolism slows and you tend to eat less food. That means that the food you do eat must pack a healthy punch. A diet that includes a variety of foods in moderation is best.
Since some ordinarily healthy foods are contraindicated with certain medications (for instance, don't eat lots of green, leafy vegetables if you are taking Coumadin, a blood thinner), you should always consult with your doctor before changing your diet.
Here are some additional recommendations:
1. Keep your diet low in fat, low in caffeine, and low in alcohol.
2. Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits a day. Include dark green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.
3. Have two servings of protein a day. Protein is necessary to build and repair skin, hair and muscles. Choose from lean meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and cheese, or from beans, peas, and nuts.
4. Have many servings of bread, rice, cereal, potatoes, and corn to fuel your body and boost your energy, and go easy on cakes, cookies, and other sweets, which have empty calories.
5. Drink plenty of fluids. This will help your digestion and keep your kidneys working well, and prevent you from becoming constipated and dehydrated. Although incontinence may be a problem, it is still very important to have liquids.
6. Add fiber to your diet. Along with fluids, this will aid in digestion. Start moderately, eating from a choice of carrots, potatoes, apples, broccoli, green peas, prunes, bran cereal, corn, grape-nuts cereal, a little at a time each day. Also check the labels on foods for fiber content. About 20 to 35 grams of fiber is a good daily amount.
7. Ask the doctor about taking a multivitamin supplement if it is too difficult to get all the nutrients you need from diet. Older people particularly need the important vitamins B-12, B-6, D, A, E, and folic acid.
8. Eat foods that are rich in calcium to strengthen bones (particularly in aging women). These include nonfat dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, tofu, salmon, sardines, citrus fruits, and dried beans. Consider taking a calcium supplement of 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams a day.
9. If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of sodium, mostly found in processed food. Consult your doctor about your sodium intake if you take diuretics or have diarrhea.
10. If you have diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, or take diuretics, eat fish and other seafood which provide zinc. This mineral helps heal wounds and aids the appetite.
Since some ordinarily healthy foods are contraindicated with certain medications (for instance, don't eat lots of green, leafy vegetables if you are taking Coumadin, a blood thinner), you should always consult with your doctor before changing your diet.
Here are some additional recommendations:
1. Keep your diet low in fat, low in caffeine, and low in alcohol.
2. Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits a day. Include dark green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.
3. Have two servings of protein a day. Protein is necessary to build and repair skin, hair and muscles. Choose from lean meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and cheese, or from beans, peas, and nuts.
4. Have many servings of bread, rice, cereal, potatoes, and corn to fuel your body and boost your energy, and go easy on cakes, cookies, and other sweets, which have empty calories.
5. Drink plenty of fluids. This will help your digestion and keep your kidneys working well, and prevent you from becoming constipated and dehydrated. Although incontinence may be a problem, it is still very important to have liquids.
6. Add fiber to your diet. Along with fluids, this will aid in digestion. Start moderately, eating from a choice of carrots, potatoes, apples, broccoli, green peas, prunes, bran cereal, corn, grape-nuts cereal, a little at a time each day. Also check the labels on foods for fiber content. About 20 to 35 grams of fiber is a good daily amount.
7. Ask the doctor about taking a multivitamin supplement if it is too difficult to get all the nutrients you need from diet. Older people particularly need the important vitamins B-12, B-6, D, A, E, and folic acid.
8. Eat foods that are rich in calcium to strengthen bones (particularly in aging women). These include nonfat dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, tofu, salmon, sardines, citrus fruits, and dried beans. Consider taking a calcium supplement of 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams a day.
9. If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of sodium, mostly found in processed food. Consult your doctor about your sodium intake if you take diuretics or have diarrhea.
10. If you have diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, or take diuretics, eat fish and other seafood which provide zinc. This mineral helps heal wounds and aids the appetite.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Risks to Spousal Caregivers When Spouse is Ill
When one spouse of a married couple is in the hospital or dies, there is a risk that the other spouse will become ill or die.The level of risk for the caregiver depends on the type of medical condition that the ill spouse has. This study was done by Harvard Medical School. 500 couples age 65 or older were evaluated over a period of nine years. During that time, more than two-thirds of the individuals were hospitalized and more than one-third died. The study was able to evaluate how specific illnesses or diseases affect the caregiver partner.
A wife’s risk of death is 61 percent greater during the first 30 days following the death of her husband. If a wife dies, the husband’s risk of death during the first 30 days increases by 53 percent. Time tends to help people heal. After one year, surviving husbands in the study had a 21 percent increase in the risk of death, and surviving wives had a 17 percent increase.
One of the most significant finding of this study is the serious effect that a spouse’s hospitalization can have on the caregiver spouse. In some cases, the effect of sudden, serious illness is almost as devastating to the caregiver spouse as a death would be. This risk remains elevated for up to two years. The period of greatest risk is within 30 days of a spouse's hospitalization or death.
Researchers have found that caregivers tend to have more of the following:
• Decreased ability to fight illness
• Slower healing rates
• Higher hospitalization rates
• Higher death rates
• Higher incidence of headaches, gastro-intestinal problems and insomnia
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Increased rates of poor general health
The following are examples of psychological effects common to caregivers.
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Stress/ Burden
• Guilt
• Higher incidence of suicide
Emotional signs of caregiver stress and exhaustion include:
• Anger at self and the patient
• Social withdrawal from friends and activities
• Irritability leading to moodiness
• Negative thoughts and reactions
• Inability to concentrate
• Problems at work
• Alcohol and other substance use
Through all this muck is some good news. Research has also clearly shown that access to a good social support network can offset some of the physical, mental and emotional effects some caregivers deal with:
• Seek help for depression or stress. Don’t be afraid to recruit family and friends to help, or join a Caregiver Support Group. The first step is the hardest, but you will be glad you did.
• Call your local Area Agency on Aging. Find out about Respite Programs, Caregiver Care Coordination and other caregiver programs. Take advantage – they are there to help you.
• Inform yourself. Seek out educational resources online or at your local community or senior centers.
• Visit your doctor regularly. Prioritize your health; it is just as important to care for yourself as it is for the one that you love.
You can't take care of your loved one properly without first taking care of yourself.
• Taking Care of Yourself
You, the caregiver, are incredibly important. The welfare of another person depends on you. If you aren't in good health, that other person also may suffer. So, if you've taken on the role of a caregiver, you've also accepted a special responsibility to take care of yourself. That means taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, interpersonally and financially. Listen to your body. Your body will tell you when you are pushing yourself too hard.
• Pay attention to nutrition. Take your vitamins and make a good diet a part of your life.
Daily Renewal
Caregiving takes energy. Spend a little time every day renewing your energy before you become drained; that way you have a reserve to work from.
• Exercise! Try to squeeze it into your schedule, incorporate it into what you already do. Try walking more and see how your energy increases.
• Take time off. It is often easier said than done, but even just an hour can make a world of difference. Use family or community support to make this happen.
• Try relaxation techniques. You can do them anywhere, and they can often give you that extra energy you need. Do breathing exercises, meditate before bed or try aromatherapy. Do what works for you.
A wife’s risk of death is 61 percent greater during the first 30 days following the death of her husband. If a wife dies, the husband’s risk of death during the first 30 days increases by 53 percent. Time tends to help people heal. After one year, surviving husbands in the study had a 21 percent increase in the risk of death, and surviving wives had a 17 percent increase.
One of the most significant finding of this study is the serious effect that a spouse’s hospitalization can have on the caregiver spouse. In some cases, the effect of sudden, serious illness is almost as devastating to the caregiver spouse as a death would be. This risk remains elevated for up to two years. The period of greatest risk is within 30 days of a spouse's hospitalization or death.
Researchers have found that caregivers tend to have more of the following:
• Decreased ability to fight illness
• Slower healing rates
• Higher hospitalization rates
• Higher death rates
• Higher incidence of headaches, gastro-intestinal problems and insomnia
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Increased rates of poor general health
The following are examples of psychological effects common to caregivers.
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Stress/ Burden
• Guilt
• Higher incidence of suicide
Emotional signs of caregiver stress and exhaustion include:
• Anger at self and the patient
• Social withdrawal from friends and activities
• Irritability leading to moodiness
• Negative thoughts and reactions
• Inability to concentrate
• Problems at work
• Alcohol and other substance use
Through all this muck is some good news. Research has also clearly shown that access to a good social support network can offset some of the physical, mental and emotional effects some caregivers deal with:
• Seek help for depression or stress. Don’t be afraid to recruit family and friends to help, or join a Caregiver Support Group. The first step is the hardest, but you will be glad you did.
• Call your local Area Agency on Aging. Find out about Respite Programs, Caregiver Care Coordination and other caregiver programs. Take advantage – they are there to help you.
• Inform yourself. Seek out educational resources online or at your local community or senior centers.
• Visit your doctor regularly. Prioritize your health; it is just as important to care for yourself as it is for the one that you love.
You can't take care of your loved one properly without first taking care of yourself.
• Taking Care of Yourself
You, the caregiver, are incredibly important. The welfare of another person depends on you. If you aren't in good health, that other person also may suffer. So, if you've taken on the role of a caregiver, you've also accepted a special responsibility to take care of yourself. That means taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, interpersonally and financially. Listen to your body. Your body will tell you when you are pushing yourself too hard.
• Pay attention to nutrition. Take your vitamins and make a good diet a part of your life.
Daily Renewal
Caregiving takes energy. Spend a little time every day renewing your energy before you become drained; that way you have a reserve to work from.
• Exercise! Try to squeeze it into your schedule, incorporate it into what you already do. Try walking more and see how your energy increases.
• Take time off. It is often easier said than done, but even just an hour can make a world of difference. Use family or community support to make this happen.
• Try relaxation techniques. You can do them anywhere, and they can often give you that extra energy you need. Do breathing exercises, meditate before bed or try aromatherapy. Do what works for you.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Managing Behaviors That Occur in Dementia
Behaviors and psychological symptoms of dementia can be a burden to caregivers and effect the quality of life for both the caregivers and the recipient of care. The key to any behavior is to first understand the behavior and what is driving it. What is the nature and extent of the problem?
What triggers the behaviors?
Noisy rooms
Loud music
Being tired
Need for toileting
Illness
Pain
Change in Routine
The severity of problem behaviors is often evaluated by the risk of harm to the person with dementia or to those caring for him or her. Hitting or kicking would be considered more severe than verbal agitation. Keep in mind that all behavior has meaning. Because a person with dementia cannot think logically, their behavior is more difficult to understand. The person wih dementia is not acting purposefully, they cannot control outbursts or irrational behaviors.
Behaviors have three parts:
1. A trigger: something that causes a response
2. Problem behavior occurs
3. Consequence to behavior
It is helpful to keep a diary to evaluate what is occuring in the environment that may be causing a behavior. Facial expressions and body language may provide some clues. Time of day, a particular activity such as meal time or bathing may trigger a behavior. An activity such as a bath may be well received in the morning when the person with dementia is well-rested, but he or she becomes agitated if the bath is given in the evening when he or she is more tired.
Sleep disturbances are also common with night time awakening and excessive napping during the day. It is important for the person with dementia to get adequate sleep balanced with adequate daytime exercise. Discourage long naps dduring the day and provide regular exercise and activities. If your loved one awakens at night time, keep the lights low, speak softly, provide a light snack, calming music, and perhaps a back rub.
Its also important to evaluate whether or not your loved one is experiencing pain, causing disruptive behaviors. Look for moaning, pacing, grimaces, or increased problem behavior with movement. Speak with the physician to get your loved one appropraite pain relief if this is occurring.
People with dementia find it diffuclt to plan and adapt due to the cognitive changes with dementia. It is extremely helpful to have a consistent routine with few changes from day to day. A change in routine is likely to cause anxiety and an increase in problem behaviors. Schedule personal care activities at the same time every day to avoid needless anxiety.
What triggers the behaviors?
Noisy rooms
Loud music
Being tired
Need for toileting
Illness
Pain
Change in Routine
The severity of problem behaviors is often evaluated by the risk of harm to the person with dementia or to those caring for him or her. Hitting or kicking would be considered more severe than verbal agitation. Keep in mind that all behavior has meaning. Because a person with dementia cannot think logically, their behavior is more difficult to understand. The person wih dementia is not acting purposefully, they cannot control outbursts or irrational behaviors.
Behaviors have three parts:
1. A trigger: something that causes a response
2. Problem behavior occurs
3. Consequence to behavior
It is helpful to keep a diary to evaluate what is occuring in the environment that may be causing a behavior. Facial expressions and body language may provide some clues. Time of day, a particular activity such as meal time or bathing may trigger a behavior. An activity such as a bath may be well received in the morning when the person with dementia is well-rested, but he or she becomes agitated if the bath is given in the evening when he or she is more tired.
Sleep disturbances are also common with night time awakening and excessive napping during the day. It is important for the person with dementia to get adequate sleep balanced with adequate daytime exercise. Discourage long naps dduring the day and provide regular exercise and activities. If your loved one awakens at night time, keep the lights low, speak softly, provide a light snack, calming music, and perhaps a back rub.
Its also important to evaluate whether or not your loved one is experiencing pain, causing disruptive behaviors. Look for moaning, pacing, grimaces, or increased problem behavior with movement. Speak with the physician to get your loved one appropraite pain relief if this is occurring.
People with dementia find it diffuclt to plan and adapt due to the cognitive changes with dementia. It is extremely helpful to have a consistent routine with few changes from day to day. A change in routine is likely to cause anxiety and an increase in problem behaviors. Schedule personal care activities at the same time every day to avoid needless anxiety.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
How to Tell if Caregiving Help is Needed
Have you noticed that your loved one's home is less clean than it once was? Is your loved one's personal appearance clean and neat or does their clothing show signs of repeated wear even though it is soiled? Is your loved one grooming or has he been unshaven for a number of days?
Is there a pile of unopened mail on the table? When you open the refrigerator, do you see only an old piece of cheese and an outdated carton of orange juice?
If these changes are noted, your loved one may be going through some physical or cognitive changes that effect his or her ability to care for him/herself. But the cause of the problem may not always be what it first appears.
For example, you might think that Dad is depressed and losing interest in his appearance. Instead, it could be that his hands have started to shake, making it hard for him to hold his razor steady or to use the iron. You may think that Mom is ill and has lost her appetite, when in fact she just finds the grocery store confusing and difficult to navigate.
These activities are referred to as Activities of Daily Living and can be broken down into two groups:
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Ability to Handle Finances
Ability to Travel Independently
Ability to use the telephone
Grocery Shopping
Laundry
Food PreparationHousekeeping
Ability to take medications independently
Activities of Daily Living
Bathing
Dressing
Transferring from bed to chair
Walking
Eating
Toileting
Grooming
Loss of the ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living require consideration to what support an person needs in order to continue to live independently. These are the activities that older adults ask others
for assistance with when their ability to perform them become impaired. These activities are easy to support with the right help available through family, friends, or hired assistance.
Research study reports and experience indicate that older adults with disability on at least one instrumental activity of daily living item are frailer because they had more associated disorders, poorer cognitive function and more frequent falls.
Older people who do not have help for daily tasks such as dressing and bathing are much more likely to be hospitalized for acute illness than older adults who receive the help they need, a Purdue University study indicates, suggesting that reducing health-care costs for older adults may be as simple as providing them with a little household help each day. Older adults who qualify for nursing-home care because of their disabilities in daily tasks can continue to live in their homes provided they receive assistance with fundamental needs such as bathing, dressing and preparing food. Elders who lived alone without such needed assistance were more likely to require hospitalization. After a few weeks of help with daily tasks, however, the need for health care dropped off, implying that a little help with the basics goes a long way.
If a homemaker or personal assistant helps these frail elders for a few hours a day, they would be less likely to experience medical conditions such as hunger, dehydration, falls and skin problems that occur when disabled older adults do not receive needed help with daily tasks.
Is there a pile of unopened mail on the table? When you open the refrigerator, do you see only an old piece of cheese and an outdated carton of orange juice?
If these changes are noted, your loved one may be going through some physical or cognitive changes that effect his or her ability to care for him/herself. But the cause of the problem may not always be what it first appears.
For example, you might think that Dad is depressed and losing interest in his appearance. Instead, it could be that his hands have started to shake, making it hard for him to hold his razor steady or to use the iron. You may think that Mom is ill and has lost her appetite, when in fact she just finds the grocery store confusing and difficult to navigate.
These activities are referred to as Activities of Daily Living and can be broken down into two groups:
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Ability to Handle Finances
Ability to Travel Independently
Ability to use the telephone
Grocery Shopping
Laundry
Food PreparationHousekeeping
Ability to take medications independently
Activities of Daily Living
Bathing
Dressing
Transferring from bed to chair
Walking
Eating
Toileting
Grooming
Loss of the ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living require consideration to what support an person needs in order to continue to live independently. These are the activities that older adults ask others
for assistance with when their ability to perform them become impaired. These activities are easy to support with the right help available through family, friends, or hired assistance.
Research study reports and experience indicate that older adults with disability on at least one instrumental activity of daily living item are frailer because they had more associated disorders, poorer cognitive function and more frequent falls.
Older people who do not have help for daily tasks such as dressing and bathing are much more likely to be hospitalized for acute illness than older adults who receive the help they need, a Purdue University study indicates, suggesting that reducing health-care costs for older adults may be as simple as providing them with a little household help each day. Older adults who qualify for nursing-home care because of their disabilities in daily tasks can continue to live in their homes provided they receive assistance with fundamental needs such as bathing, dressing and preparing food. Elders who lived alone without such needed assistance were more likely to require hospitalization. After a few weeks of help with daily tasks, however, the need for health care dropped off, implying that a little help with the basics goes a long way.
If a homemaker or personal assistant helps these frail elders for a few hours a day, they would be less likely to experience medical conditions such as hunger, dehydration, falls and skin problems that occur when disabled older adults do not receive needed help with daily tasks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
