Aging is not a reason to lose brain ability. The brain does not age like the body. The brain starts to get older when you stop using it. Remember if you dont use it, youll loose it!!! At prn Health Service we recommend to our senior consumers that they incorporate small changes into their daily lives to exercise and stimulate the braiin. Some healthy activities to exercise the brain are:
- Play word and number games several times a week
- Switch things up - try different games or try new foods
- Walk along differnt paths - see new sights and hear new sounds
- Exercise regularly
- Exercise your concentration - dont sleep with the tv on
- Add brain healthy foods to your diet
- Read as often as possible
- Explore more positive emotions
The brain can continue to grown and improve throughout your entire life if we exercise it . At prn Health Service, we want you to understand that overall brain fitness can be achieved by maintaining a variety of brain activities that stimulate it.
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.
Elder care providers should be aware of nutritional needs of seniors. As we age, our eating habits change, partially due to physical changes. For example, poor dentures coupled with less saliva may make it difficult for seniors to manage dry foods. Dulling of senses, such as touch, taste, smell, and sight will also impact the appeal of certain foods. Sweet or salty sensations typically decline with age as well potentially resulting in overseasoned food.
Spicy foods can affect metabolism and result in heartburn or gas. The spiciness is an attempt to overcome the gradual loss of taste. Caregivers should be alert to added sodium as well since adding salt may make food more palatable, but could also lead to water retention.
Reducing salt for blood pressure related issues becomes more important and increasing calcium for bone health becomes more important.
As we age, the ability to absorb nutrients from food may also be compromised. Roughly 30% of seniors lose the ability to produce stomach acid, and therefore their system may not absorb b12 or folic acid. Both of these important nutrients are important for neurological health. Loss of memory, numbness of the extremities and decline in mental alertness could all be diet related issues.
As our bodies slow down, so does the movement of food in the intestine. An unfortunate side effect of aging is slowing of the food through our system, resulting in harder stools and issues like constipation.
There are some tips that help manage eldercare nutritional requirements:
- Eat a variety of foods from five of the six major food groups (fruits; vegetables; breads and cereals; milk and cheeses; meat, poultry, fish, and dry beans) to obtain all the nutrients needed for good health.
- Eat nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk and cheese, poultry, fish and beans.
- Avoid fatty foods with empty calories
- Limit fat intake to less than 30% of calories
- Avoid salty snacks
- Add fiber to the diet
- Avoid foods that can cause gas
- Offer moister foods in smaller portions more frequently
- Increase foods rich in calcium
- Avoid sugary foods with empty calories
- Be sure to serve plenty of fluids, especially water
- Be aware of drug interactions with foods
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prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.
Who should get the flu vaccine? According to the Center for Disease Control, everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. It's especially important that people who are at high risk get the flu vaccine, especially if flu related complications may result with the flu.
The CDC voted for a "universal" flu vaccine in the U.S. in order to protect more people from the flu. The typical "flu season" begins when the whether is colder, and runs from October-May.
The flu virus is transmitted through the air but it can survive on surfaces, too. It can spread from person to person when someone who has the flu leave the virus on a surface, like a pen at the doctor's office, then the next person next person touches that object, then touches their nose, or mouth. Children and older adults are considered to be at higher risk to contract the flu.
Categories of high risk include:
- Women who are pregnant
- Young children (especially children younger than two)
- People over 50
- People with certain chronic medical conditions
- People in longterm care facilities
- People in nursing homes
- Healthcare workers
- Any contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
- Caregivers for children less than six months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
- Caregivers for elderly
- Caregivers for immune suppressed due to medication or illness
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever (100ºF or greater)
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Extreme tiredness
- Cough
- Runny nose (more common in children than adults)
If you have one or more of these symptoms, check with your health care provider. It could be the flu.
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.
Anyone can suffer through an accident and find themselves to suddenly have limited mobility. A broken bone, knee replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery or torn ACL can result in a person having limited ability to move around their environment.
When faced with a temporary debilitation, family and friends can help, but there comes a time when more may be needed.
Home health aids, visiting nurses and home care aids can assist depending on the level of support and care that may be needed. Sometimes, if you are the person who was injured, you may feel you want to retain your independence, yet you realize that you need some help to do shopping, light housekeeping or simple chores. If the situation is more involved, you may need help with injections, or wound dressing.
Each situation is unique, and if you are concerned that you are putting too much strain or stress on your family, or leaning on your friends, it may be time to consult a home health service.
Having another person who will look in on you during the day when your family members are at work or school isn't a bad idea either. Even if you think you are OK and can handle the temporary disabiiity on your own, having someone who can help by walking the dog, or making a light meal can aid in the healing process. Keeping spirits positive and upbeat isn't easy when suffering through a prolonged healing period, but a visiting home health aid can help by taking care of your home health needs.
Whether a visiting RN is required or someone to do chores, the best way to determine what makes sense for your situation is to put together a health plan. "
Have you ever been in a situation where you required assistance and health care, but didn't know where to turn? How did you handle it?
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.
Your family member or senior citizen may not notice that the sun has harmed their skin or their eyes. By taking appropriate steps as the caregiver, you can help your family member avoid painful situations like sunburn or eyeburn.
Skin needs protection from the sun - that's why it's so important to protect your skin with an SPF rated suntan lotion to prevent burns. Especially for seniors, it's important to protect skin from burning, but many people who are conscientious about protecting their skin fail to recognize that eyes need protection too.
Sun Harmful To Eyes
A lifetime of time spent outdoors winds up with long term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and blue light rays. Although you can't see these spectrums, they can injure your eyes.
Over time, repeat exposure to UV rays can elevate risk factors that can lead to vision loss. Some of the age related vision issues may include:
- Cataracts.
- Age-related macular degeneration.
- Benign growths (pterygia) on the eye's surface.
- Moles and skin tissue tags
- Skin cancer near the eyes
Eyeburn - Sunburn of the Eyes
Spending just one day in the bright sun without adequate protection can result in eye damage. Surfaces, such as snow, water, sand or light concrete may amplify the sun's rays and accelerate the damage. Believe it or not, eyes can become sunburned if exposed to too much ultraviolet light especially if it's amplified:
- Photokeratitis - sunburn or inflammation of the cornea (the eye's surface)
- Photoconjunctivitis - sunburn or swelling of the conjunctiva (the tissue that covers the white part of the eye)
Discomfort caused by sunburn of the eye can be painful, and may begin shortly after exposure.
Tips to protect your eyes
Take these six steps to shield your eyes from the sun's destructive rays:
- Wear sunglasses where UV light is most intense,even during cloudy days. The ultra violet rays pass through clouds and haze and can damage your eyes.
- Invest in sunglasses that are rated to block at least 99% of UVA AND UVB rays. Be sure the lenses are large enough to shield the eye from oblique angles.
- Special sunglasses are available for people with macular degeneration. These have side panels and a ridge at the top that filter out all light.
- Carry a spare pair of sunglasses just in case the original pair is lost or broken.
- To be sure your sunglasses were accurately labeled, have your yet care professional or optician check the UV protection.
- Wear hat or cap with a brim that will block the sun.
If you notice that your family member is squinting or seems to be uncomfortable in bright lights, be sure to visit an eye care professional to have the situation evaluated.
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.
Seniors who are living independently may be able live on their own, but may struggle to do most daily activities. Having a home health aide or home health nurse may give peace of mind to the family of an independent senior. Some of the activities that can be supported in the home include:
- Provide companionship
- Assist with grooming or dressing
- Transport to recreational activities
- Maintenance of the home
- Incontenance care and cleaning
- Mental stimulation and conversation
- Reminder of medication
- Light housekeeping
- Shopping and procuring groceries
- Making meals
- Provide a break for family and caregivers
- Assist with paying bills
- Reading, writing letters
- Care of plants or pets
- Counseling services and guidance
- 24 hour emergency assistance
- Organize closets or rooms
- Help with laundry
- Check in with phone calls
- Doing errands
- Returning library books
- And other types of activities.
There are many unforeseen situations and circumstances that may result in needing another set of hands or another person's time to assist and help. Having a caring and responsible alternate to pitch in is a neccessity at times.
What types of activities do you wish you had someone to help with when caring for someone else? Are there peak times or holidays where you wish you had some time to deligate care to another person?
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.
When the weather gets hot, sometimes our aging parents are not prepared to avoid heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Seniors are more prone to heat related ailments and have more problems with hot weather for several reasons:
!. Seniors don't always feel the heat
2. Seniors are less likely to feel thirsty, even if almost dehydrated.
3. If there are medical complications, some medicines may further dehydrate or cause lowered sensitivity to the demands of their body.
To keep your elderly parent or aging family member safe when the weather is hot, assume that any time the thermometer is over 90 degrees, it's too hot for them to be outside. Try to keep your oldster in an air conditioned environment - if you are out, try a restaurant or mall, or even a senior center or library. Don't engage in strenuous activity. Before venturing out, be sure your parent is dressed in lightweight, light colored clothing. Hats are great to help ward off sunburn and also reduce sensitive thin skin from burns. Be sure your senior drinks plenty of fluids and is well hydrated - if their urine is dark, they are not hydrated.
There are a few warning signs to keep in mind for your elderly parent. If your senior shows signs of dizziness or confusion, has a headache or is suddenly weak, that could be signs of dehydration or heat stroke. Other signs may include sudden muscle cramps, a feeling of nausea or actual vomiting. If you senior passes out, or show signs of swooning with a weak pulse, take them to a cool place quickly and call for medical attention.
Keep in mind that the body will sweat to cool itself, and this could cause an imbalance in the chemicals within the blood stream. Electrolyte drinks are good but must be moderated if the elder has taken medications to thin the blood or reduce fluids.
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.
After suffering a stroke, you may find that your parent has trouble expressing him or herself. You may notice they have difficulty understanding what you say to them. You may also notice that they have trouble reading or writing.
This is not uncommon.
A stroke or other brain injury may damage parts of the brain involved with communication, however your parent's thought process is not neccessarily impaired.
People suffering with this condition, also known as aphasia become prisoners within the constraints of being able to communicate. Their thought process is working, but they cannot communicate because of the damage that's been done due to the stroke.
Unfortunately, you may notice your parent or spouse with this condition may be quite frustrated. He or she may have a hard time sharing their thoughts, and this frustration may be the precursor to becoming isolated... which could also lead to depression.
Althought the condition cannot be cured, it may help to work with a speech pathologist. Unfortunately, insurance and Medicare coverage for therapy is not always covered. You may find that your parent has this condition and when discharged from the hospital you may find that you don't have the skills or knowledge of how to cope with it.
Dealing with this difficulty in communication after a stroke can be made easier with a few steps to minimizing situations that can be the cause of frustration:
- Minimize stress and pressure. This inability can be made worse when the person feels that they are in a pressured situation and must give a response.
- Allow ample time for the person to answer. Keep in mind that it takes them longer to share what they are thinking.
- Minimize distractions and background noise. Turn off the television or the radio and enable a situation where the person can concentrate.
- Don't shout. That's not going to help. Use normal speaking tones. Louder doesn't mean better.
- Sometimes it may help to have the person write what they want to say.
- Pictures can help. If you can use pictures to communicate that may reduce some of the stress of trying to come up with the words.
- Ask simple questions with a yes or no answer. Nodding the head may be easier than answering a long drawn out question.
- Check to make sure the person understands you. After a stroke, your parent may sometimes say yes but they mean the opposite. Double check by asking something you know the answer to to be sure you correctly interpret the response.
As our parents age, it can be difficult to understand and deal with the infirmities, but knowledge on how to deal with these situations can be very helpful.
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.
As our parents age, and we become their caregiver, some of the idiosyncasies that they may have had tend to become more pronounced. Our parents lived through the Great Depression, and sometimes they tend to want to live frugally and conserve money or services. Senior parents will sometimes seek false economies at the risk of their health. One thing you may notice is false energy conservation by turning down or turning off the air conditioning.
If living with you, you would likely notice this, however if your senior parent is living on their own, you may not realize they have turned off the air conditioning until you visit. Unfortunately, some of our elderly parents may not recognize that they are suffering from heat related symptoms, and without maintaining their body temperature, they may be causing life-threatening conditions.
Long-term exposure to extreme heat may result in symptoms that can be catastrophic. A few of these include:
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the struggle for the body to maintain stable temperature. Thirst, dizziness, weakness and nausea may be signs the body cannot cool itself. There could be profuse sweating and the person appears to be uncoordinated. To deter heat exhaustion, keep your parent hydrated and take them to a cool place, out of the sun or the heat.
Heat Edema
Edema, which means swelling, is a sign that the body is retaining water. Swelling of the legs and ankles may also be symptoms of circulatory system issues. It’s important to keep an eye on any edema and encourage your senior citizen to rest their legs and prop them on a cushion.
Heat Cramps
Cramps can be the result of exercise or depletion of elements from the body from sweating. These painful tightenings may affect the stomach, legs or arms. Potassium, unless otherwise regulated by medication, is a good remedy for cramps. Be sure to check with your healthcare professional before offering any remedy other than cooling the person and keeping them hydrated.
Heat Syncope
If your parent takes a beta blocker and is not used to hot weather, he or she is likely to feel faint in the heat. Sudden dizziness is a sign that you should have your parent get to a cool place and put up his or her feet and rest.
Heat Stroke
Heat Strokes can be deadly require immediate medical attention.
Signs of a Heat Stroke:
- Fainting
- Not sweating (despite heat)
- Delirious
- Coma, coma-like symptoms
- Dry, flushed skin and rapid pulse
- Slow, weak pulse
- Behavior change - confusion, ill-tempered, staggering
- Body temperature above 104 degree Fahrenheit
Remedies for most heat related symptoms include getting the person to a cooler environment, having them rest, and keeping them hydrated. Be sure to be n the look out for any symptoms, as many seniors may not recognize the symptoms, or fear going to the doctor.
What concerns do you have with your elderly parent? Do you have concerns related to the summer season and how they will handle the heat? Do you notice your parent attempting these false economies and turning off the air conditioning?
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.
When considering elder care options, most people think first of either home care or assisted living. If your elderly parent needs help with daily tasks, but can live independently, considering home health care could be the best option.
Home health care providers can share with many of the tasks that mom or dad may not be able to do. Running errands, shopping, cooking, housekeeping or helping with hygiene are just a few of the things that a home health care provider can do to accomodate the needs of the patient and their familiy.
When the parent starts to struggle with their daily tasks, it becomes evident that it may not be safe for the parent to live safely on their own without help or support. Doing the every day things may be difficult and age related limitations may require assistance. Many seniors have limited mobility, and housework becomes impossible to manage. Symptoms and signs may include noticing that the seniors home is unkempt or the parent seems to wear the same clothes every time you visit.
Forgetfulness and early Alzheimers can complicate matters, since medication may be forgotten and potential safety issues will emerge.
Depending on the parent's condition and current standard of living, considering home health care versus assisted living may be a difficult decision. Most seniors prefer to remain independent as long as possible and may feel that moving to an assisted living facility and away from their home will rob them of their ability to be independent. Others may welcome the opportunity to relinquish their housekeeping chores and live in a situation with potential social opportunities.
Sometimes to your parent, moving to a new environment with full time care may be necessary. However, in most cases, home care is an excellent choice. Most seniors admit they would be happier remaining in their homes. Home elder care includes many services, and can be flexible - ramping up during times when the patient requires more attention, and scaling back during stages that the parent has family visiting or needs less support. Familiar circumstances and surroundings can contribute to the senior's happiness, and mental and physical health.
Flexility of home elder care includes whether it is temporary or long term. Home care can be for daytime help, nighttime support, overnight assistance or for weekends or covering holidays.
Especially if you may be traveling and you are concerned about leaving your senior parent unattended, the flexibility of home health care or home aide and assistance, can provide great peace of mind and a respite for primary caregivers.
Hygiene assistance, meal prep or cooking, light housekeeping, errands, home repairs, handyman services, chores or other assistance are available. The visits are typically welcomed and the companionship is helpful for the elderly parent.
What types of concerns have troubled you with your aging parent? Have you been the primary caregiver, and have you had time for yourself? You may want to consider a flexible home care situation to take a break and recharge your own batteries so you can be the best support a son or daughter could be.
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.