How to Make the Home Safe for Seniors

Many seniors have issues with their vision. In fact, the vast majority of the senior population has poor vision. When this is the case, seniors may not be safe at home. There are some things that can be done to improve the home and make sure seniors remain safe when they are at home. The following list contains some great tips.

1.    Make sure all rooms are well lit.

2.    Try to use task lighting, such as desk lamps, to make everyday activities simpler for seniors.

3.    Always use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. This will help seniors be able to navigate through the house in the dark.

4.    Make stairways safer. This can be done by placing a piece of brightly colored tape along the edges of each stair.

5.    Paint door frames a contrasting color from that of the walls so they stand out.

6.    Eliminate as much clutter as possible to reduce the chance of falling. Clutter is one of the main causes of falls in the home.

7.    Try to position televisions so that the sun does not shine directly on the screen.

8.    Seniors who take medications should always use pill organizers. This will help to ensure they are taking the right medication at the right time.
Source:

http://seniorliving.about.com/od/visionproblems/a/low_vision.htm

Many seniors have issues with their vision. In fact, the vast majority of the senior population has poor vision. When this is the case, seniors may not be safe at home. There are some things that can be done to improve the home and make sure seniors remain safe when they are at home. The following list contains some great tips.

1.    Make sure all rooms are well lit.

2.    Try to use task lighting, such as desk lamps, to make everyday activities simpler for seniors.

3.    Always use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. This will help seniors be able to navigate through the house in the dark.

4.    Make stairways safer. This can be done by placing a piece of brightly colored tape along the edges of each stair.

5.    Paint door frames a contrasting color from that of the walls so they stand out.

6.    Eliminate as much clutter as possible to reduce the chance of falling. Clutter is one of the main causes of falls in the home.

7.    Try to position televisions so that the sun does not shine directly on the screen.

8.    Seniors who take medications should always use pill organizers. This will help to ensure they are taking the right medication at the right time.
Source:

http://seniorliving.about.com/od/visionproblems/a/low_vision.htm

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Financial Scams Affecting Seniors

There are many financial schemes out there and many people who will target the elderly. Most older people are very trusting and when they are presented with an investment opportunity, they will take it. Unfortunately, most of these investments are scams, leaving the senior with a supposed investment and no money. Below is some more information on how seniors are being scammed.

1.    Seniors who are isolated or have disabilities are often the target of these schemes.

2.    One out of every five retiree over the age of 65 has been a victim of a financial scam. More than 7.3 million seniors have been taken advantage of each year.

3.    Older people are targets because they are more willing to invest in something that is supposed to help them through their retirement years. The elderly are also much more trusting than the younger generation.

4.    Many of the people doing the scamming are retirees as well. This is how they know who to choose for a target. Elderly con artists are more common than most people believe.

5.    Veterans are also a target. There are many groups who offer to help a former soldier. While many of the programs do actually exist, these seniors are being told they must liquidate all of their assets to become eligible for benefits, which is not true at all.

Source: MSNBC

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Technology Helps Seniors at Home

Seniors want to remain in their homes as long as they can. For some seniors, this may be difficult due to medical conditions that cause concern for caregivers. However, some technological advances have been made, such as the system discussed below that allows seniors to remain at home and be safe. These systems can provide a sense of relief for caregivers.

1. Caregiver Systems consist of touch screen monitors and wireless sensors that are placed in various locations in the home. The sensors will monitor health indicators, such as blood pressure, weight, motion and activity.

2. The system also acts as a communication system, allowing users, such as caregivers, to go online and send messages and reminders to the seniors at home. These messages will appear on the touch screens.

3. The system has one touch access that is easy for seniors to use. This will allow them to access games, family photos and appointment reminders.

4. The system also has a personal emergency response system, also called PERS. This system provides 24/7 monitoring of the senior and can call for medical response if necessary.

5. These technological advances allow seniors to stay at home longer. There is less worry from friends and family members regarding the safety and well-being of the senior while they remain in their home.

Source: Working Caregiver

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

A Few Questions to Ask Your Senior’s Eye Care Provider

If you are concerned about your aging loved one’s eye-sight, you may want to set up an appointment with their usual eye care provider to test for glaucoma and cataracts. Help your senior by accompanying them and asking the doctor the following questions:

• If he/she uses Medicare, will it cover the cost of cataract surgery? Does Medicare cover the cost of new glasses after surgery?
• How long can he/she take to decide about cataract surgery?
• If he/she waits a year or more before having surgery, will this make it more likely that surgery won’t restore his/her vision?
• How will he/she know if the cataracts are getting worse?
• He/she has _____ other health conditions. How can he/she best manage them together?
• Are there any restrictions that he/she needs to follow?
• Should he/she see a specialist? What will that cost, and will his/her insurance cover it?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that he/she can take with him/her? What Web sites do you recommend?
• What will determine whether he/she should plan for a follow-up visit?

Source: The Mayo Clinic

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Tips for Summer Safety

Caregivers and seniors need to make sure steps are taken to keep seniors safe during the summer months. There are many things that can affect health, and exposure to extreme heat is one of them. To make sure seniors remain safe, healthy and comfortable, the list below contains some useful tips and facts about summer safety.

1. Heat exhaustion can cause many problems for seniors. It can be the cause of fatigue, nausea, headache and dizziness.

2. Heat stroke can cause a senior to experience dizziness, confusion and could even cause unconsciousness.

3. Seniors must make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the summer. This will help to keep the body hydrated and avoid heat stroke and exhaustion.

4. A light, but well-balanced diet should be eaten during the warmer months. Eating heavy will cause fatigue.

5. Light and loose clothing should be worn to help keep seniors cool.

6. Always apply sun screen when a senior will be exposed to the sun. Their skin is very sensitive and they will burn easily and quickly.

7. If outdoor temperatures become uncomfortable, seniors should go inside and sit down. If they can be in an air conditioned area, that would be even better.

Source: NJ

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Information on Wandering

Wandering patients is a major problem, especially Alzheimer’s patients. These individuals have a tendency to wander off trying to find something or someone that is familiar. Many senior Alzheimer’s patients get lost and disoriented, unable to find their way back. The list below provides some useful information on how to prevent wandering.

1. Some patients may wander to escape something that is causing them stress and anxiety. This could be too many conversations or a lot of noises. Try to minimize conversations and reduce background noises as much as possible.

2. In many cases, Alzheimer’s patients will wander it an attempt to relive the past. This is especially true for those who had a strict schedule for many years.

3. Wandering can also be triggered by certain medications.

4. To prevent wandering, address triggers, such as offering food and water, encouraging physical activities. Providing a family photo can also help reduce wandering.

5. Use visual cues to help the patient notice where they are. This can be done by putting photos on doors and walls to identify objects and areas of the home.

6. Try to keep them active and involved. The more interested a patient is in something, the less apt they are to wander off.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Men and Testosterone – Link to Frailty

When men age, their levels of testosterone will begin to decrease. This is actually a normal part of aging, but it can also be the cause of frailty in many men. It is important to monitor testosterone levels, especially if men begin to experience loss of strength. Below is a list that contains some additional information that senior men should be aware of.

1. It is normal for testosterone levels to begin to deplete with age.

2. When levels are too low, men will begin to lose bone density, muscle mass and some of their physical strength. Also, red blood cell production will begin to slow down.

3. Various studies are being conducted to prove the link between low levels of testosterone and these medical issues. Currently, there is no way to determine if frailty in senior men is actually caused by the lack of the hormone.

4. Some recent research has shown that men who have a lower level of the hormone will be more likely to become frail within the next four to seven years.

5. At this time, it is not known if testosterone replacement therapy will be beneficial. Unfortunately, the hormone levels could be masked by another disease or illness that could be the primary cause of frailty.

Source: Reuters

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Older Men Being Caregivers

Being a caregiver is a difficult thing to do. There are many things you will now be responsible for. For many men, this is an overwhelming thing. They are not used to being the one to provide the care in the home. When this happens, many men will be reluctant to do certain things, such as helping with hygiene. This is very common. Below is a list of some other things that men will deal with as a caregiver.

1. Most men who become a caregiver will take a different approach than a female. Men are more apt to take on executive or long-distance tasks, such as dealing with the insurance companies or making appointments.

2. Men are only half as likely to perform hands on tasks when they are a caregiver.

3. The men who do help with daily tasks, such as dressing and showering may be reluctant to discuss their role. It seems as though they are slightly embarrassed about having to be the caregiver.

4. Many of these men will suffer from depression and feelings of inadequacy when they are a caregiver. This is actually quite normal. They have a hard time talking about their role with others because of how they feel it will make them look.

Source: AARP

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.

Dementia Facts and Information

Each year, more seniors are diagnosed with dementia. With no available cure, these seniors are at the mercy of the disease and its progression. Despite the facts that many people do not believe the disease exists, the millions of seniors that are affected is proof. The following list provides some facts about the disease.

1. In 2050, more than 14 million people will be affected by this disease.

2.  This increase will cause huge cost increases for the healthcare system.

3. There are a few medications that are being used to help slow the progression of the disease. Some patients report positive changes, but many do not notice a difference at all.

4. The actual cause of the disease has not yet been discovered. There has been many research projects conducted and the results indicate that there could be many factors involved in the development of dementia.

5. In the case of dementia, each senior will react differently. They will have different symptoms, different progression rates and will react differently to medications. Doctors are now focusing on the individual instead of the disease as a whole.

Source: Ultra Wellness Center

Home Care Jacksonville, Elder Care Fort Walton, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Bradenton provides home care for the elderly, aging, and seniors in Jacksonville, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Destin, and Palm Coast. Call us today at 904-363-6699 or 850-243-6464.