Tips for Seniors on Shower Safety

Seniors are very prone to experiencing falls when they are in the bathroom. It is common for seniors to slip in a shower. Since this is such a concern, there are some things that seniors and caregivers can do to help protect them against these events. The following list provides some ways that seniors can make their bathroom safer and help protect against falls and injuries.

1. Caregivers should be aware of any physical restrictions that the senior may have. This could affect their ability to shower on their own. If there is concern, these seniors may need assistance while in the bathroom.

2. All bathrooms that are used by seniors should have safety equipment installed. This does not mean the entire room must be remodeled. Installing safety bars and non-slip mats could help protect seniors in the shower.

3. Some seniors could benefit from having a telephone placed in the bathroom. If the senior owns a cordless phone, taking it into the bathroom when they shower is a good idea. This way they will be able to call for help if they fall.

4. Many seniors do not have a lot of physical strength. This could prevent them from doing simple tasks while showering. Using a shower chair could help keep the senior safe while showering.

Source: Article Alley

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The Right Medicine for Seniors

It may seem impossible for seniors who have just been diagnosed with a disease to find the right medicine. However, this process does take some time and it is very important to make sure the right medicine is found. Since each individual will react differently, this process may take time, but it is beneficial. More information on finding the right medicine is provided below.

1. Tibetan medicine breaks things up into categories. It states that there are 404 diseases that are further classified by 101 diseases, those of which are classified by cause.

2. Finding the right medicine can involve many factors, including age, diagnoses, dosages and side effects that may cause other health problems.

3. Patients who have the same disease will respond differently to treatments. This is why it is important to treat each individual, not the disease over all. This means that many seniors with the same conditions may be on different medications and treatment plans based on the individual person and how they respond to a particular medication.

4. There is no one form of healing. Each senior has a different body make-up. This will affect how certain medications will affect the patient. Trying to find the right medication may take time. It will also involve the patient trying different medications until one is found that does the job.

Source: Ultra Wellness Center

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Florida Elder Care helps seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Cancer prevention is an important area of concern for many seniors. As we age, our immune system becomes weaker, which can increase the risks associated with cancer. Prevention is possible if seniors follow some of the tips that are provided below. There are certain types of cancer that can be prevented just by taking some precautionary steps.

1. Have routine screenings. This is important for senior women. Having annual screenings for breast and cervical cancer can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. It will also allow for early detection if cancer does develop which increases the chances of survival.

2. Seniors should try to avoid using tobacco and alcohol. By avoiding these things, cancer can be avoided. Seniors should also use caution when exposed to ultraviolet rays. This will help prevent skin cancer.

3. Eating a well-balanced diet can also help prevent cancer. By adding fresh fruits and vegetables to a daily diet, seniors will get the necessary nutrients needed to battle cancer.

4. There are various vaccines available that will prevent certain types of cancer. These include the human papilloma virus vaccine and Hepatitis B vaccine.

5. The more information seniors have on cancer, the better they will be able to avoid it. Screenings, vaccines and healthy lifestyles are essential.

Source: cdc.gov

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Florida 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..

Our Florida Caregivers help seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Seniors can suffer from many food allergies. Most people do not just have one thing they are allergic to. When a food allergy is present, there are things that must be done to ensure the senior does not consume any food with that particular allergen. This can be a difficult task, but it is important to make sure that seniors do not eat foods that can cause an allergic reaction. The list below explains the types of food allergies and also contains other allergy facts.

1. Food allergies are the most common types of allergies. These could include an allergy to fish and shellfish, eggs, milk, peanuts and tree nuts, soy and wheat. If a senior has an allergy to one of these foods, they need to know how to manage that allergy and how to deal with the possible reaction if they are exposed to it.

2. There are more than 160 foods that are known to cause allergic reactions. However, 90% of all food allergies are to the foods listed above.

3. Wheat, soy and milk allergies are the most difficult to deal with. This is because these ingredients are in almost everything we eat. Those with wheat allergies need to be on a gluten-free diet. Potato bread is a great substitute for other breads that contain wheat. Soy is in most processed foods, so this allergy is especially hard to manage.

4. No matter what the food allergy is, seniors should make sure that everyone is aware of the allergy. This is important when others are preparing food.

Source: eatright.org

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Florida 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..

Our Florida Elder Care help seniors live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Knowing the risk factors for the three types of diabetes is important for seniors. While many seniors have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are just as many who have the disease but have not been diagnosed. By knowing what the risk factors are, seniors will be able to determine if they are at risk. If you believe you may be at risk, have your blood sugar levels tested and discuss things with your doctor. The list below provides the risk factors associated with different types of diabetes.

1. Type 1 diabetes risk factors include family history and genetics. If you have family members who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you will be at a higher risk of developing the disease. Disease of the pancreas or injury to the pancreas can have an effect on how the body produces insulin, placing you at a high risk. Rare infections and illnesses that affect the pancreas are also a risk factor.

2. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being over-weight, having an impaired glucose tolerance and having insulin resistance. In addition, your ethnic background could also be a risk factor. Type 2 diabetes occurs more often in Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, Alaska natives, African-Americans and Asian-Americans. High blood pressure, family history, no exercise and age can all be risk factors.

3. Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women. The risk factors for this type of diabetes include obesity, age, family history and previous glucose intolerance.

4. The best way to reduce risks associated with diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight, exercise daily, have a healthy and balanced diet and manage your blood pressure. These things can reduce the chances of developing all types of diabetes.

Do you have a parent with diabetes? The American Diabetes Association offers these tips on how to help your parent manage their diabetes.

Source: diabetes.webmd.com

There are a number of common health issues that older adults face. Some might fall into the realm of normal, while others can be more concerning. Oftentimes both of these categories surface in similar ways:

1. Symptoms from medical side effects – side effects that develop from medications should be discussed with a doctor. Some side effects might be normal; others might be a result of mixed medications. All concerns should be addressed with a medical professional

2. Awareness of self-medication – when caregivers see signs that a senior is self-medicating, it should be addressed. Even using over-the-counter medications combined with multiple prescriptions can cause complications

3. Understanding anxiety and depression – unmanaged depression can lead to more serious health complications. Caregivers should recognize the signs and encourage their loved ones to receive treatment

4. Changes in mobility – although physical changes can occur with seniors, changes in mobility do need to be addressed. First, a doctor can investigate any underlying medical problems; and second, changes to a senior’s home can be made to make it a safer environment

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Care Florida, Elder Care Florida, Senior Care Melbourne, FL, Home Care Fort Myers FL and Senior Home Care Florida 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..