RetirementHomes.com - health

Avoid This Dangerous Killer: Winter Dehydration

aadmin — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 20:54:53 +0000

Signs and Symptoms of Winter Dehydration

Dehydration is often seen as an issue that comes up during the hotter months of the year. It's when you're exerting yourself physically on a hot day that you become dehydrated most often, isn't it? The thing is, dehydration can occur at any time of the year no matter what the temperature might be. This means that you could suffer from dehydration during the winter as well. In fact, dehydration may be even more dangerous during the winter.

Why is Dehydration More Dangerous During the Winter?

When you become dehydrated during the summer, it's often much easier to tell. Simply sweating tells a lot of people that they need to hydrate. During the winter, sweat will evaporate much faster, which means that people often don't remember to hydrate. Then there's the fact that cold weather causes your blood vessels to constrict, which in turn results in blood being sent to your body's core. This process ends up tricking your body into thinking that you are hydrated even if you're not. Last but not least, dry air can cause dehydration as well. When it's particularly cold and dry out, you may see your breath as you exhale. What's actually happening is that you are losing water vapor with your breath.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Dehydration?

Seeing as how it can be difficult to know whether you're dehydrated during the winter months, it's important to keep an eye on possible signs and symptoms of dehydration. The following are signs and symptoms that you are dehydrated:

You are thirsty.
Your mouth is dry and sticky.
You are not urinating as frequently as normal.
You are suffering from dizziness or light-headedness.
You are constipated.
You are sleepier or more tired than usual.
Your urine is thick and dark. If you are properly hydrated, then your urine should be clear.
Your skin is dry.
You have a headache.

These are all signs that you need to hydrate. There are also more severe symptoms that are associated with severe dehydration, which is a medical emergency. These symptoms include:

Extreme thirst
Extreme irritability and confusion
Extremely dry mouth and skin
Sunken eyes
Low blood pressure
Fever
Delirium
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing

How to Treat Dehydration During the Winter

Anyone that exhibits symptoms of severe dehydration should be taken to the emergency room. However, milder symptoms can easily be treated. The following are a few ways to treat mild dehydration:

Drink water - The best way to treat dehydration is to re-hydrate using water. Make sure not to drink too quickly. In addition to drinking water, you can also drink decaffeinated teas, juices, sports drinks that contain electrolytes.
Avoid certain fluids - Avoid drinking alcohol, soda, liquids that contain caffeine (which will only dehydrate you more) and sugar (which causes you to urinate more).
Keep hydrating - If you've become dehydrated, you'll need to re-hydrate for the next 24 hours by drinking plenty of fluids - it can take a few days to replace all the lost fluids.
Eat certain foods - Some foods have high water content. Fruits such as watermelon, oranges, grapefruit and cantaloupe have high water content. Vegetables such as lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, celery and zucchini all have high water content as well.

To avoid becoming dehydrated during the winter, make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids even if you don't think that you are thirsty. Men should drink around 13 cups of water a day, while women should drink around 9 cups a day. And, of course, keep an eye on possible dehydration symptoms, especially during the winter months.

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Environment

What Did You Say? How to Listen For the Signs...That It's Time For A Hearing Aid

aadmin — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 20:21:17 +0000

Roughly a third of all elderly people between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss. In addition, almost half of those over the age of 75 have trouble hearing. Difficulty hearing can cause a variety of problems for an older person, including making it harder for them to understand and comply with a doctor's orders. They may also have trouble responding to doorbells and hearing alarms in their home. Interacting with friends and family may also be a significant source of frustration.

The first question a senior citizen will have to answer is: Do I have trouble hearing?

Signs that this may be the case include:

They have trouble hearing when using a telephone.
They have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background.
They are not able to follow a conversation if more than one person is talking at the same time.
They often misunderstand what others are saying and respond in an inappropriate way.
They may turn the volume on their television or radio to excessively high levels.

Solutions for Elderly People with Hearing Loss  If an individual is suffering from hearing loss, they should seek the help of a professional. One professional who can help is an otolaryngologist. This doctor’s specialty is the diagnosis of hearing problems. An otolaryngologist and can provide options for treating hearing problems. An audiologist is another type of doctor who may be able to help. Audiologists are trained to identify different types of hearing loss as well as the degree to which hearing has been lost. Audiologists may be able to fit a hearing aid.

About Hearing Aids These are electronic devices worn behind the ear. They amplify sounds. To find the hearing aid that works best for a particular patient, it will be necessary to try multiple devices. An audiologist can provide help in this area. They will also be able to help an elderly person adjust to the fact that sounds are different with a hearing aid.

Benefits of Getting a Hearing Aid Now

The longer the patient waits, the harder it will be for their brain to adjust to a hearing aid. This is because wearing a hearing aid involves relearning certain sounds. Starting as soon as possible gives the patient’s brain more time to adapt.
When people start using hearing aids, it can improve their quality of life, according to the national Council on Aging. They will have a greater sense of independence as well as improved mental health.
Hearing loss has been tied to dementia. Seniors who do not have their hearing loss treated face a considerably higher risk of developing the condition. While the reasons for this are not known, it is thought that auditory deprivation is a cause.

Hearing aids do not cure hearing loss but they do enable communication and thus can make an elderly person's life better. It is essential that the diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems not be postponed.

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10 Tips for Preventing Falls In The Elderly

aadmin — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 19:43:23 +0000

Falling is dangerous for anyone, especially seniors. Bones become more brittle as people age and a fall can be seriously debilitating for a senior citizen. Broken hips, arms and legs mend at a slower rate as the body ages. Head injuries can be fatal.

The Center for Disease Control is "taking a stand" on helping seniors prevent falls with programs for seniors and care givers. The program is called STEADI, Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries.

You can take action to prevent falling and enjoy an active life as a senior with a few precautions.

Exercise

STEADI recommends Tai Chi, Yoga and other exercise programs for maintaining and improving legs and core muscle strength. Many senior living communities offer classes in these exercises along with aerobics. Walking, swimming, golf, tennis, bowling and other sports are also highly recommended for seniors.

The objective is to stay in good condition, improve strength, coordination and balance. People want to stay independent as long as possible and enjoy their activities.

Eyes and hearing check-ups

Get an annual eye check-up and make sure you have glasses if needed. Be careful on stairs if you wear bifocal or multi-focal lenses. You want to see any obstacles that might be in your way. Hearing checks are also important so you can hear warnings that someone may call out to you.

Stairway safety

It's easy to trip on steps if you can't see them. Stairways should have railings and handholds. Steps should be lighted, especially at night.

Special non-slip stair treads can be added to hard surface and carpeted stairways for better traction.

Grab bars are helpful

Install grab bars in bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens and other areas. They prevent falls.

Showers without borders or curbs are elements of Universal Design that makes bathrooms easily accessible to everyone. Bathroom and kitchen flooring and mats should be non-slip and kept dry.

Avoid heights

Keep items you need on low shelves and cabinets so that a chair or step ladder is not needed to reach them. This applies to food, dishes, medications and other items used on a daily basis.

Walkway safety

Outdoor pathways and walkways should be free of debris, hoses, wheelbarrows and other gardening equipment. A person may forget to put away outdoor equipment and trip over a hose or bump into the lawn mower.

An uneven pathway with cracks or broken flagstone can be dangerous. Walkways should be dry when possible and free of snow and ice during the winter.

Indoor safety

Keep all electrical cords out of the way and against walls. Unplug and remove a cord on a heating pad or other small appliance that has been used temporarily and may be in a pathway.

Rooms should be well lighted.

Carpeting and floor coverings

Carpeting should be tight and tacked down at seams and doorways to avoid tripping.

Area rugs and throw rugs should adhere to the floor. It is also easy to trip over a raised doormat. Hard surface flooring should be the non-slip variety in all rooms where it is used.

Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes with good support in place of flip-flops and high heels. If you wear slippers, use the type that have tread on the soles instead of a smooth surface.

Medication reviews

You should review any previous falls and your medications with doctors. Several prescribed medications may have side effects that cause dizziness and other problems. You should talk to your doctor about your risk of falling.

The National Institute of Health advises seniors to take these preventive measures so they do not have to fear falling.

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Family and Personal Care

The 5 Worst Eye Problems For Seniors

aadmin — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 18:30:28 +0000

With the elderly, there is a fine line between the normal deterioration of vision and eye problems of a more serious nature. Knowing and understanding which eye conditions older individuals are at risk of developing will help to reduce their chances of getting them. Here are five common eye problems in the elderly your senior should watch out for:

Glaucoma: Abrupt and severe pain in your eyes and seeing halos can be signs of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye condition caused by elevated levels of fluid pressure in the eyes, which can potentially damage the fragile fibers of the optic nerve. This damage is irreversible and can even lead to blindness.

Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration, otherwise known as age-related macular degeneration, is the main cause of blindness in the elderly. Dry and wet are the two types of AMD that affect seniors. Dry AMD affects almost 90-percent of older people, and it occurs when the macula blood vessels thin over time. Wet AMD is when irregular blood vessel growths drain fluid and blood in the eyes, which in turn will cause loss of vision and even blindness.

Dry Eyes: This eye condition happens when tear glands can't make enough quality tears. Dry eyes is a very uncomfortable condition that causes burning, redness and itching. In extreme cases, loss of vision can occur. A humidifier put in the home or special eye drops could stimulate real tears. In more serious cases of dry eyes, prescription drops or surgery may be necessary.

Cataracts: Cataracts cause clouding in a person's eye lens. This occurs when there is a breakdown of crucial proteins that's main purpose are to help keep their lens clear. Cataracts are often found in people over 45. This is often the age when the lenses begin to have trouble changing shape to focus vision for far-sighted and close objects.

Blurred Vision: Problems seeing in dim light conditions and declined color intensity are symptoms the elderly need to watch out for. Surgery is the only way to cure blurred vision, but it's only suggested when cataracts impair a person’s ability to do every day activities or if there is a lot of pain.

These are the most common and damaging eye problems that affect the elderly. Make sure your elderly loved one visits their eye care professional on a regular basis, and notify their doctor if they experience any vision changes. Taking these preventive measures could save your senior's eyesight.

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Healthy Eating for Older People Doesn't Have to Be Impossible

aadmin — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 19:16:08 +0000

The famous line attributed to 19^th century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli says it best: there are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. And sometimes statistics can beguile and mask a reality that is very different.

Case in point: life expectancies. In the United States, it has reached a record 79 years, on average. And in Canada, even higher: 82 years for the average Canadian. On the face of it, North Americans are living longer – and presumably healthier – than they ever have before. And if people are living longer, then they must be eating right, and exercising enough. Right?

Not necessarily.

According to Felice Kosakavich, Chief Clinical Dietitian at Workmen's Circle MultiCare Center, a healthcare facility in New York City, older people in North America may be living longer, but they’re not necessarily as healthy as we might think.

Kosakavich told RetirementHomes.com that the biggest mistake made by older Americans and Canadians is a combination of eating too much unhealthy food, and too little healthy food. But it’s not as easy as simply buying more lettuce at the grocery store; it can be harder to eat healthy than it may seem.

“Sometimes convenience and finances take over leaving older people unable to have easy access to fresher foods because of cost and possible shopping constraints,” Kosakavich said. “Processed high sodium/fat foods often have a more shelf stable life.”

In other words, an older person who may be on a fixed income, or perhaps suffers from limited mobility, may find it difficult to regularly purchase healthy produce at the grocery store, and may instead opt to buy unhealthier, cheaper foods less often, because they can be stored for longer periods of time without going rotten.

So when faced with a tough challenge – economic factors, mobility issues, and more – how can older people, many of whom were not raised in an atmosphere of healthy eating, learn how to take care of themselves in their advanced years?

As for seniors living in retirement communities, the level of nutrition can sometimes vary with the type of care they are receiving. For example, someone suffering from cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s Disease may be at a disadvantage because they cannot remember which types of foods they enjoyed in the past, or, as their disease advances, they may lose the ability to swallow altogether, further limiting their ability to eat healthy food options.

Still, for the majority of older people who, while experiencing some level of physical & cognitive slowdown which is common with advanced age, healthy eating doesn’t need to be impossible or difficult.

Kosakavich recommends a varied diet which includes a combination of fiber, iron and calcium-rich foods. Fiber rich foods to help constipation, iron rich foods (such as lean meat, eggs, and vegetables) to maintain energy levels, calcium-rich foods are important to stem osteoporosis, and salt should be limited, as it increases the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in both the United States and Canada.

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How to Identify Depression in the Elderly

aadmin — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 14:15:24 +0000

The National Institute for Mental Health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness recently released statements addressing the issue of depression in elderly Americans. They point to a common misconception that the common symptoms of depression are just signs of aging, leading to millions of older citizens to suffer in silence. The elderly face a unique set of conditions that drive depressive thoughts. The death of their spouse, long periods of inactivity, and limitations on personal freedom or mobility rank as the most common issues elderly patients cite as the reason for their depression. Coupled with health and financial anxieties, many elderly Americans and Canadians feel hopeless and utterly alone.

Symptoms

Though there are significant changes to the mind during the aging process, there are clear cut warning signs that you or your loved one may have depression.

Pain Without A Physical Cause. Joint and muscle pain are part of growing older; however, there is a strong link between physical pain and chronic or major depression. The mind refers mental pain to the body, and it’s impossible to find a physical cause for the discomfort. Unfortunately, as the pain intensifies, the patient’s depression deepens. If you or your loved one has unexplained pain, schedule a visit with a mental health professional, as well as a doctor, to uncover the root cause.

Energy Loss. People at 70 don’t have the same energy level that they did at 20, and the loss of energy is natural. Where it becomes a problem is when the lack of energy leads to oversleeping, long naps in the middle of the day or the inability to motivate oneself to participate in activities once enjoyed. Again, this symptom creates a destructive cycle, where the person doesn’t have the energy to socialize, which leads to feelings of isolation, causing further depression.

The image of the cranky old man or woman is a popular one in American culture, often played as joke. The reality is that irritability is often a symptom of depression. The suffering feels sad, anxious or hurt, and they don’t know how to resolve their issues, so they lash out at the people around them. Irritability can also be a reflection of insomnia or poor sleeping patterns. Constant anxiety and pain may make sleep difficult, leading to bad moods during waking hours.

Neglected Personal Care. Once depression sets in, sufferers begin to neglect their personal care. This includes everything from taking a shower and washing their clothes, to eating regular meals. In a deep depression the sufferer doesn’t see a reason to keep going, and they start to see themselves as valueless, so taking care of themselves is no longer a priority.

Suicidal Thoughts? Suicide rates for the elderly are rising, and people over the age of 80 are the second most likely to commit suicide in the United States. It's currently estimated that people over 65 now account for close to 20 percent of all suicides. The actual rate may be even higher than reported, because deaths labeled accidental by coroners, such as overdoses, may have been intentional. Any talk of suicide or losing the will to live should be seen as a cry for help, and never ignored.

Depression in the elderly is a serious medical concern, especially as the population ages. Talk to your loved ones about their mental state, look for outward symptoms of depression, and stay engaged in their lives. Doing so will help alleviate the underlying causes of their depression, and make their final years as rich as their first.

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Don’t Flush Money Down the Toilet: How to Use Sanitaton Products to Save Money

aadmin — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 11:30:39 +0000

By the time people reach the age of 65 years old, more than half of all people – about 40 per cent of men, and 60 per cent of women, on average – experience some kind of incontinence at least occasionally, according to a 2014 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Incontinence is not a pleasant topic of conversation for seniors and older people, and yet it cannot simply be ignored, both for the changes in lifestyle it causes for tens of millions of Americans and Canadians who suffer from incontinence, but also for the enormous health care costs involved, estimated at about $25 billion (USD) every year.

And while doctors, nurses and personal support workers across North America work to address the medical consequences of incontinence, there is more than just the immediate medical consequences to consider.

Just as importantly, the disposal of human waste in senior living communities, individual homes and hospitals is an issue which, if properly managed, can save money for individual consumers, senior living properties, as well as the healthcare system as a whole.

Every day, all around the world, people use and dispose of incontinence products, ranging from disposable adult briefs, adult diapers, and urinary incontinence pads, but these personal hygiene products are rarely ever disposed of properly, leading to lingering bad odors, embarrassment and very unsightly and unsanitary conditions.

For senior living communities, failing to dispose of personal hygiene products and incontinence pads can result in fines, higher incidence of hospitalization (and longer durations) for residents, as well as increased risk of death and disease among residents, as well.

One company, Golden Group International, based out of upstate New York and serving all of North America, has been doing brisk business recently, in large part because of its full range of products, many of which are aimed not only at hospitals, but at smaller senior living facilities as well as individuals.

Check out Golden Group International’s selection of disposal systems, diaper bags, sanitary napkins, and more.

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Health and Wellness

Healthy Living

How The Elderly Can Beat The Heat This Summer

aadmin — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 19:40:20 +0000

The dog days of summer are here, and while the sunshine and warm temperatures are nice, they can be dangerous, too. Warm weather is especially dangerous for senior citizens, so staying safe and understanding how heat effects the senior body is important. We've collected 10 tips that will help you and the senior you care for beat the heat this summer.

Drink Plenty of Water. Hydration is important year-round, but it is more serious during the summer months. Seniors should drink between six and eight glasses of water a day, adding two more for extremely hot days.

Avoid Direct Sunlight. It can be difficult to regulate your body temperature as you age. Seniors should avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day to minimize the risk. Outdoor activity should be greatly limited between 10am and 2pm, according to experts.

Use Air Conditioning. When the temperature outside soars above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 30 Celsius), utilize air conditioning as often as possible, and avoid strenuous activity, especially outside. This goes for in the car, too. Make sure the temperature inside the vehicle is lower than the temperature outside on especially warm days.

Dress Appropriately. Dressing in light clothing can help minimize the risk of overheating. Avoid dark colors, as well, as darker colors can trap more heat, making seniors warmer than they should be.

Check with your Doctor. Check in with a doctor during the summer months if you or a senior you are caring for begins feeling overheated or more tired than usual. Medications may need to be altered to ensure safety during the summer, as some medicines can promote overheating.

Slather on Sunscreen. If you plan to be outdoors, use sunscreen liberally. Not only will it prevent you from burning in the sun, but it will also keep your body temperature down. Sunscreen should be applied on hazy and cloudy days, too, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time outdoors.

Ask a Friend to Check In. Seniors who are living alone are at greater risk of heat exhaustion than those who live with others. Because it can be difficult to tell how warm it is for seniors, someone should be checking in regularly to ensure their safety. If you or a senior you are caring for is living alone, plan for someone to check in regularly.

Cool Treats. Ice cream is a summer staple, but it isn't just sugary goodness. The cool treat can help lower the body temperature, and can be utilized (in moderation) by seniors who are looking to beat the heat. Popsicle are also a good option, especially for those who are on a modified or restrictive diet.

Get Educated. Educating yourself on the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion can be lifesaving, whether you are a senior yourself or caring for a senior. Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion should be moved to a cool place. Hydrants should also be offered while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.

Enjoy Activities in Climate Control. If the home doesn't have air conditioning, consider utilizing services and centers designed for cooling down individuals during warm weather. Senior centers often offer activities and lunch in a climate-controlled environment. Not only can a senior cool down, but they can socialize, too.

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Family and Personal Care

Home Safety

How to care for yourself when you're a caregiver

aadmin — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 13:50:41 +0000

Unquestionably, the only person who would ever tell you that care giving is an easy job is someone that has never had to do it themselves. For the person needing care, the loss of independence coupled with increasing physical and perhaps mental frailty can be exceptionally harrowing. Although care is usually given with love, it can - on occasion - be received with some measure of resentment, especially if it means a reversal of the parent/child roles that you have been used to fulfilling.

Even on a good day, with a cordial relationship based on love and respect, looking after a senior member of the family can lead to increased stress levels, and eventually care giver burnout. When your focus is someone else's needs, your own can sometimes fade into the background, and it's surprisingly easy to lose sight of the situation getting out of control until it's too late.

Signs that the frustrations of losing some of your own freedoms, relationships and indeed privacy to care for someone else are getting too much shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that you're constantly physically and emotionally wrung out, or worse still entertaining thoughts of hurting yourself or the person you're caring for, it's time to find ways to take breaks to alleviate the strain.

Make sure you're sleeping properly. It can be difficult to get decent rest if you're having to get up every few hours to check on someone or give medication. However, napping when the person you're caring for is also asleep during the day might help you top up too.
Cook proper meals where possible. Relying on snacks and quick meals from the chiller cabinet instead of preparing food from scratch may be essential to stay on top of care duties at times, but where you can, cook meals in bulk to stock up the freezer.
Talk to others. You may feel that none of your family and friends understand your position, or even that they've forgotten or abandoned you. The sad truth is that unless they've experienced a similar care situation, they may not be able to empathize to the degree that you need. Message boards and online support groups can be a lifeline where simple solidarity accompanies offers of practical solutions.
Take advantage of respite care. Progressive conditions such as dementia, especially where challenging or even violent behavior can accompany physical decline inevitably reach a point where not only can you not do it alone any longer, but you may have to consider full-time residential care so that your senior can establish a routine that will be comforting and reassuring to them. Even if you haven't yet reached this stage, making sure you can step away from the care situation from time to time is essential to your well being.
Don't beat yourself up. You're not required to feel "up" and positive all the time, and nor are you obliged not to feel like screaming with frustration. Caring is tough, and it will get on top of you at times. Don't blame yourself for the bad days.

The most important thing of all to accept is that if you're the caregiver of an elderly parent or in-law, then you are unlikely to be in the first flush of youth yourself. Pay close attention to your own physical and mental health, especially if you have a family history of classic middle-age disorders such as high blood pressure or arthritis, and don't ignore warning signs that all is not well. After all, you can't provide care if you need care yourself.

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Family and Personal Care

How to encourage obese seniors to lose weight

aadmin — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 18:52:34 +0000

Sometimes the elderly can be set in their ways, and getting them to workout and eat healthy may seem like a hassle. As much of a hassle as it may seem, nothing is too much trouble when it comes to prolonging the life of a loved one. Here's some tips on how to encourage someone advanced in years to lose weight.

Be Encouraging

If you have an obese elderly person in your life don't nag, or make them feel ashamed of their weight. You can encourage them to lose weight by metaphorically being a cheerleader, and not a coach.

Ask them what they think is the best way to get back in shape. Don't push what you think is right onto them.

If the elderly person doesn't have a plan you could encourage them to buy healthy food, go walking, and not to eat out as much. Don't tell them that's what they have to do in order to lose weight, encourage them to do those things.

Be Active In Their Life

You could go with them to the grocery store, or even cook a healthy meal once a week for your loved one. Be on their team, and not just a bystander.

Some elderly people may not be active online, but you can print out healthy food recipes. Make sure its something you know they would like to eat. You could also research online if there's walking groups, or exercise classes for the elderly in the area. If there isn't, you could walk with them once a week.

Healthy Incentives

Another way to encourage an obese elderly family member to lose weight is by treating them when a milestone is met. A milestone could be anything from them not eating fast food for a month, to them losing five pounds.

Taking them out to eat is a bad way to celebrate. Instead do something that doesn't involve food. You could treat them to a movie, a manicure, take them to a sports game, or even buy them flowers.

Be Supportive

It's also important to know that if you're trying to help an obese elderly person lose weight, don't make all the conversations about diet and exercise. When you talk to them make sure to ask how they are doing, and what's going on in their life.

If every conversation is about losing weight, that person may start to feel pressure and back away from you. Be supportive of their life, not just their healthy lifestyle.

Be Positive

If they need to vent, listen and don't judge. If they stumble along the way, pick them back up. Never use judgmental language, or criticize them for messing up.

If the elderly person has a misstep with their diet, use encouraging language. Ask them if there's something you could do to help them get back on track. Remind them of what they have accomplished in order to help them get past the set back.

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