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SeniorHomes.com Weekly Roundup

Saturday, January 28th, 2012 by Angela Stringfellow

This Week in Senior Living News

Aging News:

Maintaining cognition through aging

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Ladies, we knew it! Mild memory impairment is more common in men, according to a post on WebMD. All joking aside, the condition is officially termed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and is more than just the occasional “senior moment.” Often, MCI is a precursor to the development of full-blown Alzheimer’s disease, and a recent study showed the development of MCI was more common in men over the course of three years. The study also found MCI to be more common among participants who were less educated and those who were single.

Speaking of memory, want to try to keep your brain sharp? A number of publications have weighed in recently with tips for maintaining cognitive ability and giving your noggin a good workout. Read these tips, learn about current brain research and get inspired by tech-savvy and forward-thinking seniors by visiting The New York Times, The Columbian, Moorabbin Leader and 9News.com.

Senior Living News:

Joan London is at it again! This time in Joan’s Journey: The Search for Senior Housing, Joan is writing a blog post directly to you, her loyal readers. She’s been loving the many words of encouragement, friendly advice and suggestions. Read Joan’s latest post.

LGBT Crosswalk currently has an ad in the running for the TED Ads Worth Spreading Award. Aging LGBT adults face a unique set of challenges, and the issue is garnering more and more attention in the media and even by the U.S. Government. President Obama made mention of the struggles this group faces during his State of the Union Address. Check out the press release on PRWeb for more facts and details about emerging organizations focused on increasing awareness and improving transitions.

Caregiver Stories and Advice:

Do you accompany an aging loved one to medical office visits? If you do, you could be improving the care your loved one receives, according to an article in Outcome Magazine.

Caregiving is often a 24-hours a day, seven days a week challenge. It’s easy to become burnt out, and the problem is only compounded by the feelings of grief that follow. We feel guilty because we wish we had a few moments to ourselves, or we feel like we’re not doing enough. Here are a few tips for avoiding caregiver burnout from EmpowHer.

Tech Roundup:

Is Social Security taking a step backwards in technology? U.S. News says the Social Security Administration will resume mailing paper statements to beneficiaries in February. But it’s not what it seems: The Administration didn’t move to an electronic system, they simply put a hold on mailing statements to save money temporarily. There are actually plans to develop an online system, according to SSA Commissioner Michael Astrue, but the system is being tested to ensure demand can be met and there are no firm implementation dates at this time.

Computer-aided exercise is a valuable tool for seniors, according to a post in The Atlantic. A study tested whether combining stationary bike exercise with video-led visual routines would help seniors maintain cognitive ability. Turns out that video games might not be as bad for our brains as we think. We also covered the study in a recent blog post.

Operations and On the Political Beat:

The National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC) reports that senior housing occupancy rates continued to show a slow recovery in the fourth quarter of 2011. Construction, however, remains stagnant. Occupancy rates are expected to continue at a slow growth rate, with projections indicating occupancy rates of 89% by Q4 2012. NuWire Investor summarizes these findings.

Obama hangs out on Google+

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Health reform discussions are heating up as we ramp up to the upcoming presidential election. The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, an independent body tasked with determining the comparative effectiveness of health policies, programs and treatments, has published it inaugural agenda, outlining plans for research in the coming year. Dr. Joe Selby, the Institute’s first chief executive officer, talks with The Washington Post about health reform and the group’s role in ensuring positive outcomes. Additionally, the PCORI is soliciting feedback on its National Priorities Research and Research Agenda. The public comment period ends mid-March. Get the details on how to add your comments from SacBee.

The Alzheimer’s Challenge 2012, a collective effort by a number of groups and companies, was introduced at the Care Innovations Summit in Washington, D.C. The Challenge aims to improve diagnostics through the development of cost-effective, consistent tools and techniques that can assess memory, mood, thinking and activity level over time. Get more details on the program and how it may improve Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatments at Enhanced Online News.

Things that make you say, “Huh?” and our favorite unexpected news of the week:

I know, we preach about social media a lot. We love social media. And apparently, so does President Obama. When he first took office, he wouldn’t give up his Blackberry, as most presidents are asked to do to maintain safety and security. Now, even President Obama is hanging out on Google+. That’s right, hang out with the President and maybe even have your question answered (you must submit it by Jan. 28th – today!). And get this: Questions are to be submitted via The White House’s very own YouTube channel.

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Posted in Aging, Health News, Health Tech, Senior Living News | 1 Comment »

SeniorHomes.com Weekly Roundup

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 by Angela Stringfellow

This Week in Senior Living News

Aging News:

Age discrimination is perceived by 63% of older people, according to a recent study published in Research on Aging and reported by The New York Times. Further, those who report discrimination are more likely to provide poorer self-ratings over a two-year period in terms of depression and health.

Noticing some short-term memory loss or slowed decision making? Don’t worry, you’re not losing brain cells — provided, of course, you haven’t been diagnosed with a disease indicating otherwise. BendBulletin.com reports on research demonstrating that we don’t lose brain cells as a part of normal aging, but connections between them break, causing these “senior moments.”

Betty White is white-hot! If you’re looking for inspiration, look no further than America’s favorite leading senior lady. Betty White, known for her brazen honesty and raunchy sense of humor, is taking charge of her senior years. At 90, she’s just landed a brand-new show, sure to be a hit with both the younger and older crowds alike. The Chicago Tribune discusses White’s impact on the senior generation.

Betty White: Senior Role Model

Image via Wikipedia

Senior Living News:

Our friends at Emeritus Senior Living want to hear your “Worst Date Ever!” stories. Enter by Valentine’s Day for your chance to win a number of prizes. They’re particularly interested in hearing about your Grandma’s worst date ever, but feel free to ask your aunt, uncle, parent or cousin for their funny stories, too. And, members of the younger crowd with a particularly eyebrow-raising story should share theirs, as well!

Our own Joan London is at it again, this time reporting on the second leg of her journey, touring facilities in Seattle and San Francisco. Read Joan’s latest installment of “Joan’s Journey: The Search for Senior Housing” or check out our blog post to leave a comment for Joan!

Caregiver Stories and Advice:

Older Americans and caregivers are expected to have a major impact on increased use of mobile health tech by 2015, according to an interesting analysis by InformationWeek. With an eye on better patient health monitoring, cost reductions and less hospital admissions, mobile health apps will skyrocket to $392 million per year by 2015. If you’re a caregiver and you haven’t yet investigated the usefulness of mobile health in caring for your loved ones, now’s the time!

Caring for a loved one with dementia poses a host of unique challenges. Times of India offers some advice through a first-person account and USA Today provides some expert tips on coping with the “unparalleled stress” these caregivers face.

Tech Roundup:

CES 2012 was chock full of ingenious gadgets and inventions that help consumers lead healthier lifestyles. Scientific American weighs in on the future of health tech as it increasingly allows us to shift to a prevention-based model — and puts more control than ever in the hands of consumers.

Similarly, The Wall Street Journal examines the growing field of health tech and its implications for the way we look at personal health in “A Doctor in Your Pocket.”

On the downside of million-dollar gadgets: Should health systems and providers be spending their money on certain technological advances if they really don’t improve patient outcomes? Health Leaders Media discusses the difference between good technology and bad.

Operations and On the Political Beat:

Surgeons save lives, but they still age like the rest of us. The Wall Street Journal discusses an analysis of 3,600 thyroid surgeries, tracked for the incidence of permanent complications as a result of surgical error. Rates are higher for surgeons within the first five years of practice — and those over age 50.

QUEST, a national initiative spanning 31 states, aims to reduce costs and improve performance against a higher standard of care. The program is open to any hospital in the nation that wants to participate. In its first three years, QUEST held participants to strict quality standards, including an 18 percent reduction in mortality and significant reductions in the cost of care. The result? A $4.5 billion reduction in costs and 24,820 prevented deaths across 157 hospitals. Not convinced? Get the details at MarketWatch.

Things that make you say, “Huh?” and our favorite unexpected news of the week:

Penn State Proud: Joe Paterno passes

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The news is far from favorite, but this week we’re taking this coveted spot in our weekly roundup to honor the legendary Joe Paterno, who passed away this morning at the age of 85. The Penn State sex scandal is tragic and horrifying, there’s no question about that. Whatever your personal feelings regarding JoePa’s guilt or involvement, you can’t deny Paterno’s incredible legacy as coach and, as many would say, the man who “is” Penn State University. Paterno coached for 46 seasons, spent 62 seasons on PSU football staff and maintains his record as the best Divison I coach in history with 409 wins.

Paterno, as most of you know, was relieved of his duties as head coach on November 9, 2011, soon after the Jerry Sandusky scandal hit the media. It was days later he was diagnosed with lung cancer and immediately began undergoing treatments. But Paterno, who gave his heart and soul to Penn State Football, seemed to succumb to a broken heart as complications from cancer treatments took his life this morning. Joe requested to be removed from a ventilator yesterday.

Even in death, JoePa continues to teach us valuable life lessons. This man dedicated his life to coaching Penn State. He brought Penn State Football to a new level, encouraging his players to succeed both on the field and in life. He demanded excellence — but through inspiration. And just 11 weeks after his life’s passion was brought to an abrupt end in the midst of scandal, JoePa succumbed to his illness.

Coincidence? Or is there something to be said for an active lifestyle, living with passion, for as long as you’re able and willing?

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Posted in Health News, Senior Living News | 1 Comment »

Mobile Tech in Healthcare: Asset or Distraction?

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 by Angela Stringfellow

Mobile tech has been embraced by the medical community and widely touted for the potential to streamline healthcare, provide immediate access to important medical history and coordinate care among providers and caregivers. But there are two sides to every story. In this instance, ZDNet.com points out that lines are currently blurred as to what constitutes appropriate medical use and what’s merely a distraction for physicians. Who wants a distracted physician? Or worse, a surgeon focused more on his Twitter feed than the patient’s procedure? Not me.

Mobile tech streamlines healthcare

The many advantages to mobile tech are obvious, and it appears the healthcare community has taken notice. ZDNet.com reports that 81 percent of physicians use smart phones, and 38 percent say they use medical apps daily. About one-third are accessing electronic health records (EHRs) using smart phones or tablets, and 20 percent say they’ll be implementing EHRs this year.

Mobile health tech saves time, money

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For physicians at least, it seems to be a no-brainer. Providers are already overwhelmed, especially those working under a corporation. Frequently, they’re asked to squeeze more patients in in a single day, reducing the total time spent with each patient. And billing is a nightmare. While physicians don’t handle billing themselves, they have to rely on staff to document appropriate diagnosis codes and choose treatment options covered by an individual’s insurance plan. Otherwise, they might not get paid. They have to sort through dozens of medical plans, which can vary dramatically in coverage and treatment options. Mobile tech can save providers a significant amount of time.

  • Instant access to patient history
  • Past treatments
  • Current medications prescribed by any or all providers
  • Instantaneous medical reference applications
  • Drug interaction databases
  • Coordination of care across providers

Grey’s Anatomy docs embrace Twitter

If you’re a Grey’s Anatomy fan, you may recall the episode from last season in which Chief Weber was none-too-pleased when he discovered his staff were tweeting status updates during surgeries. Fortunately, the surgeon performing the procedure wasn’t taking periodic breaks to do so; instead, it was Lexi Grey (assisting the procedure) who stood on the sidelines and manned the Twitter feed.

Eventually, the Chief was won over when an old colleague reached out to him during a complex procedure and Twitter became an acceptable OR practice.

Status updates from the operating room?

Texting during surgery

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In the Grey’s Anatomy episode, the doctors were using Twitter to describe the procedure they were performing to an interested and targeted audience. But is it also acceptable to send a tweet to a Friday-night beer buddy during surgery? Or for the surgeon to PM his wife on Facebook? This is where the lines get fuzzy.

Surprisingly, less than half of healthcare organizations currently have guidelines defining the acceptable use of mobile devices on the job. Some lock devices with passwords or encrypt data to enhance the security of patients’ personal information, but about half of all organizations surveyed do nothing at all to monitor, guide or secure the use of mobile devices and applications. (Data from a survey by the Ponemon Institute.)

ZDNet.com also points to other research indicating that more than half of technicians monitoring heart bypass machines during surgeries admit to talking on their cell phones or texting during surgeries.

Mobile device management

Clearly, the healthcare industry as a whole or individual organizations should implement a set of best practices or solid rules that define acceptable use under certain circumstances. The potential for saving time and money is too great to ignore, so banning mobile devices from healthcare settings altogether isn’t a viable option.

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Seniors Who Socialize Report More Happiness, Study Shows

Friday, January 6th, 2012 by Angela Stringfellow

Social seniors are more content.

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A new Gallup poll shows that socialization is clearly linked to happiness and lower stress levels. Seniors (65 and older) report the highest levels of happiness of any age group, and those who spend at least three hours daily socializing are more likely than their peers to report happiness.

The level of happiness reported increases with each hour of social time, to a maximum of about seven hours. Most interesting is that the senior group seems able to maintain their levels of happiness with less social time, provided they are getting at least a few hours each day.

The biggest gap, it seems, is between seniors who get no social time and those who get at least three hours of socialization each day. In fact, the number of seniors reporting happiness and contentment increases by 20 percent between zero and three hours of socialization. But figures remain nearly the same for this age group between those reporting three hours of social time and those reporting up to seven or eight hours.

Research limitations

It’s always tough to generalize findings from this type of research. There are many variables that are unaccounted for which could be impacting the numbers.

  • How is socialization defined, specifically? Is there a difference between social time inside or away from the home? The Gallup poll asks, “Approximately how many hours did you spend socially with friends of family yesterday? This can include telephone or email.” But the results don’t account for differences between those who socialized primarily on the phone and those who spent more time in the direct company of others. Further, it’s not clear whether socialization at work counts. Most of us have friends at the  job, so does friendly office chatter count?
  • How many respondents are widows or widowers, and how does this variable skew responses? It’s possible that those reporting high levels of contentment have a living spouse, for instance, whereas seniors living alone may require more social hours for the same level of contentment.
  • How many seniors responding are residing in communal settings, such as assisted living or independent living, and what effect does this have on responses?

Clear link between social time and positive emotional state

Get social to reduce depression.

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Still, we can safely conclude that seniors are more likely to be happy if they’re spending time with friends and family for at least three hours each day. That could mean spending time in a senior center, an adult day care facility, on the golf course or at the fitness center. For some seniors, it could mean it’s time to consider a move to an assisted living home.

Individual personalities and preferences can strongly impact how much satisfaction a senior may get from different activities. Some social outings, for instance, can be very stressful for seniors who struggle with mobility or prefer the comforts of home.

Gallup notes that the average amount of social time spent each day drops dramatically with age. The 30-and-younger crowd reports an average of 8.1 hours of socialization each day, but Americans 65 and older average about 5.7 hours. Among the 65+ group who reported positive moods without a lot of stress and worry the previous day, the average social time was 6.1 hours.

So what’s the bottom line? If you’re a senior and you’re feeling down, try getting out and about. Grab lunch with a friend. Give a loved one a call. If you’re a caregiver, and your loved one lives alone and isolated, consider trying a community setting like a senior center or elderly day care center. Encourage your loved one to get involved with activities at church or local social clubs. But be sure to keep a close eye on unpredictable stressors, like a hidden mobility challenge.

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Posted in Aging, Caregiver Tips, Health News, Senior Living News | 2 Comments »

Aging America: Affecting a Grocery Store Near You

Monday, December 12th, 2011 by Angela Stringfellow

You can expect to see some changes on your local grocery store shelves in 2012, according to a new report from Leatherhead Food Research, a U.K.-based market research firm. The aging population means changing consumer demands, so you can expect to see more foods with added health benefits (or claims of added health benefits). Further, younger consumers with food intolerances and preferences will drive demand for gluten-free items and dairy alternatives.

The reason for this major shift is due to the Baby Boomer generation entering its senior years. Baby Boomers are savvy consumers and don’t take their health lightly, so they’ll be looking for products that can help maintain good health as they age. Items like glucosamine (for joint health) and omega-3 fatty acids (for brain function) are top on the list of desires for this group.

Also important? Heart health. Researchers anticipate that demands will drive growth in this department, with product launches that claim to improve heart health by reducing plague buildup in arteries.

Even the younger consumer groups are impacting change in terms of food products. Food allergies, as well as a preference for cutting out certain harmful ingredients, will drive sales of gluten-free, dairy-free, reduced sugar and reduced fat food products in the coming years. Nuts, also a common and sometimes dangerous allergy, are also on the hit list. Researchers anticipate more nut-free foods over the next year or so.

Seniors will drive food trends in 2012.

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The New York Daily News covers this new research and also points out some other up-and-coming food trends courtesy of Leatherhead:

  • Reductions in fat, salt and sugar (big diet no-nos) will be common as manufacturers strive to meet nutritional guidelines.
  • Convenience is still important. Even retired Boomers have busy lives, so prepared and time-saving  meals will continue to be popular.
  • Natural and organics will get a boost. Consumers are looking towards natural products, free of dyes and additives that have a reputation for being harmful over time or causing gastrointestinal upset. Organic produce and meats, among other items, will be commonplace.
  • Buying local. Consumers are looking to boost their local economies, as well as cut down on transport costs, so they’ll be increasingly seeking out locally-produced foods.
  • Eco-friendly packaging. In tune with the organic and natural trend, packaging will also become more environmentally-friendly, making use of recycled materials when possible and an overall reduction in packaging.
  • Flavor, flavor, flavor! Expect to see bold flavors and added use of spices to compensate for the flavors lost in the reduction of fat, sugar and salt.

And if you’re looking to start a healthier lifestyle for 2012, check out these resources to get you motivated!

The USDA has a cool feature that allows you to track both your food intake (per the food pyramid – er, plate – guidelines) and physical activity.

U.S. News and World Report has a basic article with tips for senior diet and exercise — oldie, but a goodie.

WebMD explains why it’s never too late to get started with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

SeniorFitness is a complete website dedicated to providing resources and advice for older people who want to start a fitness routine. Check out their article on planning a menu for weight loss.

Do you have a favorite website or app that helps you track your diet and fitness? A great resource for seniors who want to start eating healthier or living a more active lifestyle? Let us know in the comments so we can share it with our audience!

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Posted in Aging, Health News, Senior Living News, baby boomers | 2 Comments »

Miniature Horses in Nursing Homes? Trying new ways to help patients.

Friday, December 2nd, 2011 by mackenzie

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Recently, many studies have proved the fact that animals can help in almost every stage of health care and recovery.   They are used to comfort patients in the hospital, and are used to help many with devastating disabilities go through physical therapy.  Furthermore, many are starting to believe that beyond simple happiness for elderly, animals can actually be beneficial for extending their life. This discovery has made many nursing homes start to allow animals.  Generally patients bring their cats, and sometimes their dogs, but horses are obviously not a pet they can easily bring into or care for in a nursing home. Allison, a former Certified Nursing Assisted from Minnesota, is working to change this, by collecting donations to be able to bring her miniature horses into nursing homes.

Half Pint Horses

When Allison worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she found that many of her residents were lonely, and seeking any form of companionship.   That is why her favorite aspect of the job was visiting the residents.

Where she lived in Minnesota,  many individuals had grown up with horses and had been forced to accept the fact that they would never see a horse again.

So, Allison started Half Pint Horses and began to collect donations to be able to take these horses into the nursing homes.  So far, it has been a success.   She has been able to visit a couple nursing homes and the horses were able to remind the residents of some happy childhood memories.   Even those who weren’t able to get out of bed were comforted and calmed when they were able to pet and see the miniature horses.

Though, miniature horses might not be coming to a nursing home in your local city, there are many organizations who are trying to bring animals to those who are sick or elderly.   There is no doubt that the companionship, and comfort that an individual can get from simply petting an animal can help them through difficult times.  If you are having a question about whether or not you should bring your pet to your new community check out this article.

Do you have a great story about animals in your nursing home or community, please let us know!

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Ohio Legislation makes Medicaid payments contigent on Quality of Care

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 by mackenzie

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In recent years, there has been a surge of news exposing the neglect and often abuse of the elderly in nursing homes.  This has made states’ take a greater interest in the quality of care in nursing homes and how they regulate it.  Ohio has come up with a bill that will aim to improve the overall quality of care their residents pay for.  Their house bill 153 seeks to use medicaid payments to motivate nursing homes to improve their practices.

Measuring Quality of Care

A subcommittee made up of elderly advocates, nursing home representatives, state officials and legislators.  They created a list of measures that were defined, and developed into a calculated point system that could determine the quality level of a nursing home. For example to receive one point the nursing home must enroll in “Advancing Excellence in Nursing Home Campaign” and select at least three goals.  Another point was given to homes that assured that at least 50% of Medicaid certified beds were in private rooms. There are 20 measures that will earn the nursing home one point, they are divided into categories: framework, choice, clinical, environment, and staffing.

Calculating Payments

A facility is required to get 5 points to receive the full quality payment, which is $16.44 per Medicaid bed day in 2013. Facilities with less than 5 points receive one-fifth of the full quality payment per point. The budget assumes that every nursing facility will receive the full quality incentive payment. If some facilities do not achieve 5 points and there is a residual amount left at the end of the fiscal year, then that amount will be distributed to facilities that earned more than 5 points based on each facility’s Medicaid bed days and total points received.

To see a full list of these measures and how they are calculated in this 5 point system go here.

Goals

These measures aim to:

  • Encourage person centered care
  • Limit staff turnover
  • Improve family Satisfaction
  • Reduce Bed sores and Urinary track infections

If Bill 153 is successful in passing it may act as an example to other state governments on how to attain quality care in their nursing homes.

What has your state been doing to try to improve the quality of care available to seniors?

Remember to always watch out for these warning signs of elder abuse and notify your local authorities if you suspect your aging loved one or community member is being abused.

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Seniors See Increase in Drug Shortages: Is It a Hidden Profit Tactic?

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 by Angela Stringfellow

Prescription drug shortages have become an increasing problem over the past two years, according to a Globe and Mail report. While drug shortages affect people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable when life-sustaining medications are suddenly no longer available. Seniors are more likely to skip doses rather than seek the help of a physician to obtain an alternative, and many don’t know what steps to take if they can’t obtain a needed medication.

Multiple reasons for shortages

Interestingly, manufacturers aren’t required by law to report drug shortages, so consumers usually only find out when they attempt to have a prescription filled. There are a number of factors that can contribute to sudden shortages: Chemotherapy drugs in record shortage

  • Increase in demand
  • Discontinued medications being phased out by newer, brand-name pharmaceuticals
  • Manufacturing/quality control issues and recalls

Consumers aren’t the only group affected by drug shortages. Hospitals have reported delays in patient care as a result of decreased access to life-saving medications. Regardless of the population impacted, what’s most disturbing is the alleged motivation behind the shortages. Some are unavoidable. Recalls are necessary when patient safety is in question. But some experts are suggesting that prescription drug shortages are in part financially-motivated moves on behalf of pharmaceutical companies.

Big-name pharmaceutical companies make their money from brand-name medications for which no generic alternative is available. Companies typically obtain a patent on the specific molecular structure of a medication, which restricts generic drug-makers from replicating the formula. When the patent runs out, generics take over in terms of market share due to affordability, and the brand-name product ceases to be a money-maker for pharmaceutical giants.

If a shortage of a generic prescription medication means the only alternative is the drug’s brand-name counterpart, pharmaceutical companies could have financial incentive for creating faux shortages by decreasing production. Pharmaceutical companies, of course, deny these allegations, but the truth is anyone’s guess.

Chemotherapy drugs in crisis

One major concern is a shortage of chemotherapy drugs, according to Clinical Oncology News. In September, 23 generic and brand-name chemotherapy drugs had reported shortages, often resulting in patients skipping one or more treatments. There’s now a waiting list, and practitioners have been faced with making difficult rationing decisions, such as moving patients with curable disease to the top of the waiting list.

Substitutions are more difficult when it comes to chemotherapy. Some of the medications in shortage are those used when all other regimens have failed, meaning no adequate substitution is available. In other cases, substitutions increase the likelihood of medical error, because it can be difficult to convert to the proper dosage of a new treatment.

It’s particularly difficult when a patient has been responding well to a treatment that suddenly becomes available. In many cases, the substitution has a much lower cure rate, literally putting patients’ lives at risk.

The White House responds

President Obama, in response to the increasing drug shortage crisis, is recommending new legislation which would require manufacturers to report shortages to the FDA, giving suppliers more time to find viable alternatives. The Denver Post says the bill wouldn’t force manufacturers to increase production, but would provide more time for providers and patients to prepare for upcoming shortages.

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Protect your Aging loved ones this Winter

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 by mackenzie

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As temperatures drop across the county, and many states see the first signs of snow, it is apparent that winter is on it’s way.  This is a good time to brush up on your winter safety tips, especially to help the aging members of your family and community stay safe. Here are a couple things to remember this winter.

Avoiding Slips & Falls

  • Snow and Ice need to be cleared from around the home, but it can be dangerous if an elderly person does it themselves.  If possible, help them by shoveling the snow, get them a snow blower or hire a service to come clear away the snow.  If they insist on doing it themselves make sure they are taking proper precautions so that they don’t fall or overwork themselves.
  • For everyday errands, make sure your aging loved one has non-skid boots and that the rubber tips on their walker or cane is fairly new and has treads.

Preventing Hypothermia

  • Help your aging loved one bundle up during the winter season.  Seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia can tend to wander off and forget to wear enough warm layers, which leaves them subject to hypothermia and frostbite.
  • Make sure the heat is on.  Occupants older than 75 should never have the thermostat set below 65 or 70 degrees.
  • Check for these signs of hypothermia in your aging loved one:
    • Confusion or memory loss
    • Sleepiness
    • Slowed, slurred speech or shallow breathing
    • Weak pulse or low blood pressure
    • Exhaustion
    • A change in behavior during cold weather or a change in the way a person normally looks
    • A lot of shivering or no shivering; stiffness in the arms or legs
    • Poor control over body movements or slow reactions
    • Chilly rooms or other signs that a person has been in a cold place

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  • If you have a fireplace, gas furnace, or gas powered space heater, you should invest in a carbon monoxide detector.   The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are devastating on the elderly and it is something that’s easy to prevent.
  • Make sure you also have a working smoke alarm and that it is on.

For other Winter Weather safety tips, check out your state’s health website.

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Posted in Caregiver Tips, Health News, holidays | No Comments »

Find a Job as a Caregiver Today

Friday, October 28th, 2011 by mackenzie

At Seniorhomes.com we are consistently getting inquires about jobs at the communities we feature on our site.  We are not able to tell the person if the community is hiring, but we try to help them anyways by offering resources that can help.

But, Caregiverlist has taken the next step and created a easy to use widget that can direct you straight to a caregiver job in your area.  Once you find a job you can also use their site to help you build you resume or brush up on your caregiver knowledge with a certification course.

Providers please let us know what you look for in a caregiver and we will share it with our readers!

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