Did you know that Seniors are much more prone to the dangers of dehydration than the general population?  It is one of the main reasons Seniors are hospitalized every year, and the death rate within a year of hospitalization is almost 50%. How unfortunate that so many Seniors are lost to something so preventable.

It seems that Mother Nature plays a few tricks on Seniors that make it more difficult for them to maintain healthy fluid levels.  The first trick is that their sense of thirst diminishes as they get older, making them think they are drinking enough, when in fact they aren’t.

Another trick is that as they age, they lose muscle, which is 70% water, and gain fat, which is 0% water. Since the body draws on reserves in and around tissues when needed, there are fewer of those reserves as we become Seniors. 

And finally, as Seniors may sometimes experience urinary incontinence, they may try to prevent accidents by cutting back on how much they drink. This just exacerbates the problem.

With all of the above contributing to Seniors being less hydrated than they should, potentially dangerous situations may arise if they are exposed to extremely warm weather conditions, or if they should get sick and begin to experience vomiting or diarrhea.

So it is very important that you have someone who can keep an eye on your Seniors to make sure they are getting sufficient water in both their food and beverages, and closely monitor them when they are sick. 

Here are a few suggestions to help keep your Seniors’ fluid intake at safe levels:

·        Keep a small pitcher of water near their favorite chair, and by their bedside

·        Add foods containing liquid, such as soup, fruit, and ice cream, to every meal

·        Remind them to drink a glass of water before each and every meal

·        Keep a filled water bottle tucked away in a bag when out getting fresh air 

Remember, a refreshing beverage is always nice to enjoy, especially when it keeps your loved one well!

For more information, go to http://search.usa.gov  and search “Dehydration in Seniors”

Ahhh, the long days of summer are almost here. We will soon be out doing the things we love, like swimming, jogging, and just plain sitting on the porch enjoying the sunsets.

The Seniors we care for will likewise be able to enjoy the fresh air by getting reacquainted with nearby neighbors, family outings and……………. the dreaded mosquito!

Not that the mosquitoes themselves aren’t bad enough, but every year, we hear about the effects of West Nile Virus which is spread by mosquitoes.

Most people who get West Nile Virus do not get sick; others may have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and feeling tired.

Did you know that people older than 65 (even as young as 50) are more likely to get very sick if they get West Nile Virus?  It can cause serious infections of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. If Seniors already have health problems they are at greater risk. So, in order to protect yourself and the Seniors you care for, it is wise to follow some simple guidelines to lower the risk of infection.  The best protection is prevention.

Mosquito Bites Prevention

• Use bug spray. Look for permethrin or DEET on the label. Read & follow the directions.
• If you use bug spray, wash your clothes before you wear them again.
• Get rid of standing water (flower pots, buckets, barrels, and tire swings) Mosquitoes can breed in standing water. Change water in outdoor pet dishes and bird baths often.
• Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when not in use.
• Stay inside during times when there are a lot of mosquitoes (evening or dusk until dawn).
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Put screens on your windows and doors.
• Don’t wear perfume or cologne when you go outside for a long time.
• Check to see if there is a mosquito control program in your area.

If you have taken all of these precautions and you notice that you or your Senior loved one displays any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away.

• bad headaches
• muscle weakness
• high fever
• loss of eyesight
• stiff neck
• numbness
• confusion
• coma
• shaking and/or jerking movements

Remember, in rare cases, West Nile Virus can cause death or lasting health problems. In 2003, the FDA approved a blood test to help doctors find out if a person has West Nile Virus.  So getting prompt medical attention will ensure prompt treatment.

Finally, to help control the spread of the disease, please call your state or local health department if you find a dead bird.

With the above simple precautions, we can all look forward to an enjoyable summer outdoors!

For more information go to www.CDC.gov.

Spring is here, and along with it come Spring Showers!   Once in awhile, though, the showers evolve into storms and tornadoes. 

We all know how to prepare for these emergencies.  But have you considered whether your senior loved-ones are ready to deal with a bad storm and its aftermath?

Something as simple as having the lights go out can cause much distress for the elderly, even for those that are still quite independent.   By planning ahead, you can reduce any fear and anxiety they may experience in the event something happens.  So here are some simple precautions to take for the ones we love.

First, make sure there are flashlights handy anywhere they may find themselves should the power go out, such as their bedroom, kitchen, bath and living room.

Second, take time right now to help them pre-determine the safest place to wait out a severe storm (such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level) and remind them to go there at any hint of severe weather.  Remember, if there is no basement, the next best place is on the lowest level, with as many walls between them and the outside as possible (usually an interior closet, bathroom, or hallway). If possible, prepare the spot with a comfortable chair, and a battery powered radio, flashlight, and warm blanket, so that they can sit out the storm in relative comfort.

Third, make sure there are smoke detectors in or near the attic, as lightning can strike well before the storm, and many homeowners are unaware their house has been struck until too late.

Fourth, if you are quite a distance away, make sure you keep handy the phone numbers of some neighbors who would be happy to help fix the aforementioned tripped breaker, and check in to make sure they are well.

And finally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends every household have a Basic Emergency Supply Kit for ANY emergency.

It should include:  Water: one gallon of water per person; at least 3 days worth

                              Food: at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food; and Can-opener!

                              Radio: Battery powered (with extra batteries) or hand-cranked

                              Flashlight (and extra batteries)

                              First Aid Kit

                              Whistle: to signal for help

                              Dust mask: to filter contaminants from the air

                              Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

                              Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

                              Local Maps

In addition to the above, we would remind you to include 3 days worth of any prescription medications they are taking.

By taking a little time now and planning ahead, you and your elderly loved-ones will have more peace of mind, and be able to face whatever Spring may bring!

For more information please visit  www.ready.gov