IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS

When you think about staying healthy, you probably think about making lifestyle changes to prevent cancer and heart disease. But, keeping your bones healthy is just as important. Here are some important facts.

We have 206 bones in our body. And it’s important to keep them strong by getting enough calcium, vitamin D and weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activity. However, that might not be enough. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and how you can prevent osteoporosis.

44 million Americans have low bone density or osteoporosis. In fact, about one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. By 2020, half of all Americans over age 50 are expected to have low bone density or osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is considered a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences. Up to 90 percent of peak bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and age 20 in boys, which makes youth the best time to build strong bones to last a lifetime.

There are many reasons people get osteoporosis. Some of these include having a family history of broken bones, smoking, not getting enough physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, drinking too much alcohol, taking certain medicines and having certain medical conditions.

Osteoporosis can sneak up on you. You can’t feel your bones becoming weaker. You could have osteoporosis now or be at risk without realizing it. A bone mineral density test can tell if you have osteoporosis before you experience symptoms, such as breaking a bone.

Osteoporosis isn’t just a problem for older Caucasian women. While osteoporosis is common among white women, men and women of all races and ethnicities can develop the disease. It can also strike at any age.

These are just a few facts about osteoporosis.

National Osteoporosis Foundation

1150 17th Street, NW Suite 850

Washington, DC 20036

800.231.4222 T | 202.223.2237 F

www.nof.org

Taking care of your feet is an important part of overall health for seniors. Healthy feet allow you to maintain balance, prevent falls and remain mobile. Feet can show early signs of health issues such as poor blood circulation, diabetes and some neurological conditions. Avoid foot problems by following some of these techniques:

• Do a daily check of your feet. Check for decreased sensation, redness, swelling, cuts, blisters, ulcers or toenail problems. If you cannot reach your feet, ask someone to help.
•  Keep your feet clean. Wash with soap and pat dry rather than rubbing, especially between toes which can harbor fungal infections.
• Trim your toenails straight across and never the corners or cuticles. If this is difficult to maintain, schedule a visit with a licensed podiatrist. Sanitize your clippers and do not share with other family members.
•  Use unscented, alcohol-free foot cream daily avoiding between the toes. You can use foot powder in the warmer months if sweat or odor is a problem.
•  Avoid tight-fitting socks and change them on a daily basis. Keep your feet elevated to keep swelling at bay and don’t cross your legs for an extended amount of time. If you are diabetic, buy specialized diabetic compression socks.
• Wear proper foot wear. Shop for shoes late in the day when feet are the largest. Wear closed toe shoes with a large box toe. Get properly fitted for insoles and rotate your shoes to prevent foot injury.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience loss of sensation, open sores, wounds or change in color of your toes or nails. Home & Hearth Caregivers can assist in bathing and maintaining cleanliness of your feet and can transport you to your medical appointments. Give us a call today at 800-349-0663!

The driving behaviors listed below are ranked from minor to serious. Many of the less serious issues may be overcome with changes in driving behavior or physical fitness, while the more serious behaviors may require your immediate action. Since driving ability seldom changes drastically in a short time, you should be able to track changes over time to get a clear picture of overall driving ability.

Here’s How to Use This List:

Observe driving over time, keeping notes to help you understand changes in driving ability.

Look for a pattern of warning signs and for an increase in the frequency of occurrence.

Driving Behavior Warning Signs

1.            Decrease in confidence while driving.

2.            Difficulty turning to see when backing up.

3.            Riding the brake.

4.            Easily distracted while driving.

5.            Other drivers often honk horns.

6.            Incorrect signaling.

7.            Parking inappropriately.

8.            Hitting curbs.

9.            Scrapes or dents on the car, mailbox or garage.

10.       Increased agitation or irritation when driving.

11.       Failure to notice important activity on the side of the road.

12.       Failure to notice traffic signs.

13.       Trouble navigating turns.

14.       Driving at inappropriate speeds.

15.       Not anticipating potential dangerous situations.

16.       Uses a “copilot.”

17.       Bad judgment on making left hand turns.

18.       Near misses.

19.       Delayed response to unexpected situations.

20.       Moving into wrong lane.

21.       Difficulty maintaining lane position.

22.       Confusion at exits.

23.       Ticketed moving violations or warnings.

24.       Getting lost in familiar places.

25.       Car accident.

26.       Failure to stop at stop sign or red light.

27.       Confusing the gas and brake pedals.

28.       Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason.

For more information, please visit The Hartford Group at    

www.safedrivingforalifetime.com

Bathing and personal hygiene of their loved one has long been a struggle for caregivers. If their loved one has dementia, this issue may further become one riddled with fear and trepidation. While bathing can be difficult for the elderly, it is necessary for skin cleansing and infection control as well as providing an opportunity for the caregiver to inspect the senior’s skin. Socially, a bath controls body odor, enhances social interactions and provides positive touch.  But the question remains, “How can we make shower time less of a strain on your personal relationship?”

§         Communicate Tell your loved what you are going to do before proceeding. “Mom, I am going to help you get undressed for the shower.” Approach from the front and maintain eye contact. If he/she becomes violent, back off and try another time.

§         Schedule Set up a bath schedule and use a calendar. Find a time of day where he/she is less likely to have outbursts. Use incentives to get him/her to bathe, such as telling your loved one that they must bathe before a favorite TV show or a favorite dessert. Once or twice a week is sufficient for seniors if they are not incontinent and keep the genital area clean.

§         Atmosphere Make it like a spa experience. Dim the lights and play relaxing, instrumental music. Use scented soaps/lotions, heated towels (use heated towel bars/containers or pluck them from the dryer) and a warm fuzzy bathrobe.

§         Temperature Turn up the heat one to two hours before the bath to keep the bathrooms warm. Seniors are often cold when we are wearing short sleeves. If there is tile in the bathroom, cover them with a plush bath rug or carpet (watch for falls). If you have an overhead heater, turn that on. Wear a t-shirt so you’re not overheated!

§         Safety Make sure the bathroom is safe - use bath chairs, non-slip mats/appliqués and grab bars. If the senior doesn’t feel safe, he or she will not agree to bathe.

§         Equipment Install a hand-held shower. The water spray in the face is distressing as often happens when sitting in a shower chair. The hand-held shower also allows the warm water to pour over them as they wash resulting in a greater sense of control.

§         Modesty Allow your loved one to do as much bathing independently as possible. Keep the doors closed and curtains drawn. Always cover the genitals with a washcloth or keep a light gown on the body that is not being bathed.

If your loved one still refuses to bathe, use alternative methods. Use no-rinse washcloths and dry shampoo. Try a “weekly bath” with everyday washing one part of her body using washcloths. For example, Monday wash her arms, armpits and back, Tuesday, feet and legs. Ask her to take that body part out of her clothes one at a time to wash, dry and then switch. It takes longer but your loved one may be more open to this. Sometimes you could time it during a trip to the washroom and use that as an excuse to clean the genitals. Use powders, body sprays, etc to help cover the body odor when you just can’t get them to bathe.

And lastly, many home care agencies offer a bathing service so that you don’t have to do the “dirty work”. Hire them and then go out for a cup of coffee to de-stress. Home & Hearth Caregivers offer a variety of packages that include bathing. Call us at 800-349-0663 for your complimentary, no obligation home assessment.

During this holiday season, we spend countless hours wrapping, addressing, baking, cleaning and spending time with our loved ones, many of them seniors.  As you visit with your loved ones, take a look around for signs that they may need help:

Inside the Home

1. The kitchen is filled with dirty dishes, burned pots, food and possible infestations. Mom has always been a great cook but occasionally forgets to turn off the stove or gets too tired to wash the dishes.
2. The refrigerator has expired or moldy food and possibly non-food items inside. Cleaning out the refrigerator is not a fun task, but Mom has found it overwhelming to throw away food and/or may not remember where to put items.
3. The clutter is piling up. Mom and Dad may not want to admit that maintaining their home is becoming an overwhelming task.
4. The mail is stuffed with bills and late notices. Dad used to pay the bills two weeks ahead of time but is now faced with possible shut-offs or late fees.

Personal Care

1. Your parents have body odor. Perhaps Dad is afraid to bathe because he has fallen in the bathtub. Mom may not remember when she last bathed but insists that she does not need an incontinence product.
2. They wear the same clothes or inappropriate seasonal attire. Mom is wearing the sweater with the large coffee stain on the front that she got during the last visit you had. Dad goes out to get the mail in December without a coat or shoes.
3. Mom’s clothes are baggy. She just doesn’t want to cook now that Dad has passed or the shopping can be too much trouble for one so she eats a bowl of soup and nibbles on crackers.

Health Care

1. They forget their medications and doctor’s appointments. Mom always reminded Dad to take his medications but the pill boxes are now unorganized or full when you visit.
2. Dad has unexplained bruises or skin tears. He has fallen but refuses a cane or walker and Mom thinks it’s a natural progression of skin as she ages.
3. Noticeable cognitive decline. Dad has forgotten his granddaughter’s name but still remembers his best friend from elementary school. Mom can’t remember how to work the microwave.
4. Increased hospitalizations. Mom can’t control her blood sugar levels and Dad has been dizzy since he started his new blood pressure medication.

If you do notice significant signs like these, sit down with your loved ones and have a conversation about their needs. Home care agencies like Home & Hearth Caregivers are able to relieve the burden of caregiving from adult children and allow the seniors to remain in their home. We accept private pay, veteran’s benefits and long-term care insurance. Please contact us at 800-349-0663 to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation assessment.

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1-800-349-0663

Abuse is some action by a trusted individual that causes physical or emotional harm to the victim. There are a number of different kinds of abuse including physical, financial and neglect.  Emotional abuse is another kind of abuse that we hear of but don’t think it happens.  People who commit emotional abuse tend to hurt their victims on a regular basis or even daily.

What is Emotional Abuse?    

Emotional abuse is when someone causes anguish, pain or distress to another person by what they say or do.

Emotional Abuse includes:

• insults
• threats
• intimidation
• humiliation
• harassment
• treating an elderly person like a child
• keeping someone away from their family/loved ones
• giving someone “silent treatment” or ignoring them

Signs of Emotional Abuse:

• Seems to be afraid of certain caregivers or family members
• Are yelled at by family members or caregivers
• Are chastised by family members or caregivers
• Are suddenly very agitated/short tempered
• Suddenly confused or more confused than usual
• Talks about being worthless or who are very depressed
• Have trouble sleeping or  seems to never get enough sleep
• Have a sudden change in appetite
• Have big changes in their weight (up or down)
• Seems quiet or stops talking suddenly
• Cries all the time or is distraught
• Talks about being helpless
• Seems scared to talk to you about their lives or their health
• Are angry all the time  

What you can do about Emotional Abuse:

Keep a close eye on your loved ones or client. Don’t be afraid to discuss a situation that might be considered emotional abuse.  Report any suspicions to the proper authority.

Encourage open communication as you are their sounding board and rely on you to help  them.

Treat your loved ones/client with respect and be kind to them. Always treat them the way you would like to be treated.

Abuse happens in every community.  Every day there are elderly people being abused in their own homes. Physical abuse is one that is unimaginable but yet it still happens.  People who commit physical abuse are usually stressed out or have emotional problems of their own.  The abuser is usually a family member often with psychological problems.

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse is the use of physical force that may cause injury, pain or impairment.

Physical abuse includes:

• punching, hitting, slapping or beating
• pushing or shoving
• shaking/kicking
• pinching
• burning
• using physical restraints inappropriately
• taking away all food or water or forcing food
• putting someone out unprotected in severe weather
• using physical punishment
• making inappropriate sexual contact

Signs of physical abuse:

• burn marks, including cigarette burns
• unexplained bruises especially bruises in the shape of a belt or fingers
• mutliple bruises/ black eyes 
• frequent trips to the emergency room
• cuts or scrapes
• sexual assault
• spots where hair seems to have been pulled out
• rope marks especially on wrist or ankles
• broken bones
• broken eyeglasses  
• limping  

Ways to prevent physical abuse:

• Keep a close eye on your loved one or client.  Report any suspicions of physical abuse to the proper authority.
• Discuss physical contact with your loved one what is appropriate and what some may consider it an invasion of their private space. Be understanding as it is a sensitive issue.
• Be gentle with your loved one or patient. Rushing may save you time but it doesn’t work out in the long run if your loved one or patient becomes hurt or injured.

If you suspect there is physical abuse don’t wait to report the abuse because you might think it’s not.  If it is abuse you can trully save someone’s life.  If it isn’t abuse no one will get hurt. You are looking out for that person’s best interest.

Neglect is another type of abuse that seniors face and it is one that is a serious problem in our communities.  People are most at risk when they get older and become sick and aren’t able to take care of themselves. The job of care giving usually falls on their loved ones or a hired caregiver. While most families will do whatever it takes to make sure their loved ones are taken care of, not all agree.  Most are left with feelings of resentment, burden and in some cases don’t feel that they have to take care of their parents at all. The hired caregivers are often overworked, stressed out or poorly trained. It is important to learn about neglect so that we know the signs of abuse to protect our loved ones or patients.

What is neglect?

Neglect is when someone refuses or fails to take care of someone for whom they are responsible.

Examples of neglect:

• Refuses to take an elderly person to the bathroom.
• Leaves an elderly person in the same clothes for a month.
• Leaves an elderly person in a dirty and unsafe environment that smells of urine or feces.

 Signs of neglect:

• Stays in an environment that has health or safety hazards such as no heat or no running water.
• Have rashes, sores or lice.
• Don’t have enough clothes to stay comfortable or warm.
• Seem poorly fed or dehydrated.
• Have a medical condition that is going untreated.
• Don’t have the medications they need.
• Have a dirty appearance.
• Have ripped clothing.
• Are lying in soiled bed linens when you arrive.
• Complain of not getting enough sleep.
• Never seem to have to urinate. They may be dehydrated.
• Beg for food constantly.
• Have muscles that are contracted.
• Have bed sores, especially if the sores don’t seem to be getting treated.  

Ways to prevent neglect:

• Keep a close eye on your loved one or client. Report any suspicions of neglect to the proper authority.
• Encourage your loved one or client to be as independent as possible but never refuse help if they ask you for assistance.
• Follow your loved one or client’s care plans carefully.
• Listen to your loved one or client’s needs. They depend on you for their most basic needs.

Follow these suggestions and you will help your loved one or client live a happier and more comfortable life.

Depression is a disease not just a way of feeling. Everyone feels “blue” now and again, but those feelings of sadness go away. Depression is different.  It is an illness that comes from a chemical imbalance in the brain. People who are diagnosed with depression have an illness that affects their whole body, including their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, physical health, appearance and daily activities. 

The most important thing to remember about depression and the elderly is that being depressed is not a normal part of getting older. However, depression is a common illness in the older population. Doctors say that depression in the elderly increases the risk of heart disease and death from a heart attack. Depression also affects how the blood clots, so people with depression may develop dangerous blood clots after surgery.

Elderly people often have one or more chronic illnesses. Depression often occurs with illnesses such as Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes, Cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

The risk factors that make an elderly person more likely to suffer from depression include:

• Being female
• Living alone
• Having few friends
• Being a widow
• Fear of death
• Having chronic illness or dementia
• Having a recent death in the family
• Having a family history of depression

There are a number of ways to treat depression. Some are treated with medications and some are treated with therapy or both. If you are caring for an elderly that has signs of depression or has been diagnosed with depression, be positive and be patient. Encourage your clients to participate in their care. Doing activities they enjoy (if they are able) can go a long way in relieving depression.