Why Is Dental Hygiene Important for the Elderly?
There are certain conditions that might make it more challenging to practice good oral hygiene. Arthritis can make it painful to hold a toothbrush, Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can create irregularities in the approach to oral health, and those who have experienced a stroke or tremors can struggle to brush their teeth thoroughly. But both Starkel and Dr. Burket agree that with a little bit of planning and assistance from others, those who are living with chronic illnesses can maintain good oral hygiene.
October 03, 2019 Hilary Young #Health/MedicalDysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing) in Older Adults
Dysphagia is the medical term used to describe difficulty swallowing foods or liquids. While people of all ages can experience dysphagia for a variety of reasons, it is more prevalent in adults over the age of 50.
Karen Sheffler, a speech-language pathologist, board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders, and founder of SwallowStudy.com, has dedicated her professional life to helping diagnose dysphagia and treat seniors who have the condition.
June 25, 2019Hilary Young #Health/MedicalPersonal Care Assessment vs. Skilled Care Assessment
When a local Right at Home office is contacted for service, a consultation is performed to assess the care needs of the client so a custom care plan can be initiated. As state regulations and services vary, differing consultations may be considered—a personal care assessment or a skilled care assessment will be conducted by a local care team member or a professional licensed nurse (a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse).
March 21, 2019Lorraine Grote Johnson #Health/MedicalTurning Tragedy Into Triumph
“When you’re frustrated over something that you can’t control, you’re allowed to speak up for yourself,” says Amberley Snyder, the U.S.'s only paralyzed barrel racer and national rodeo champion. "You should remember you can advocate for yourself. You can make people aware that changes need to happen, because if not for you, it’s going to be for the person behind you, and that is what is important.”
March 07, 2019Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalType 2 Diabetes Awareness, Prevention and Management
The American Diabetes Association recommends that everyone be screened for diabetes starting at age 45. Those with higher risk factors besides age should be screened earlier. A basic diabetes screening via a simple blood sugar test can alert you to indicators of diabetes before the disease begins.
March 05, 2019Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalWhat Is Specialized Healthcare?
In recent years, the U.S. healthcare system has shifted to offer more niche medical programs that provide specialized healthcare. These medical programs are often referred to as centers of excellence that focus on the same diseases, disorders or medical conditions with a team of the best and brightest medical specialists in their respective fields. When your health issues are beyond your primary care provider’s expertise, you will be referred to a specialist.
February 12, 2019Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalHome-Based Cardiac Rehab: Designing an Effective Approach
Right at Home is sponsoring a one-hour CEU webinar, “Home-Based Cardiac Rehab: Designing an Effective Approach,” on February 28, 2019. This webinar will provide an overview of home-based cardiac rehab programs and give the multidisciplinary care team ideas for designing and implementing a home-based cardiac rehab program. Karen Collins, nutrition consultant and David Schopfer, MD, a cardiologist and health services researcher at the San Francisco VA Healthcare System, will be presenting and answering questions live.
February 07, 2019Today’s Geriatric Medicine #Health/MedicalLow Vision Awareness Month
The Cleveland Clinic notes, “1 in 6 adults over age 45 has low vision; 1 in 4 adults over age 75 has low vision.” Because of a number of eye disorders and injuries, anyone of any age can be affected by low vision, but older adults are at highest risk for impaired vision. The American Optometric Association (AOA) lists 4 common causes of low vision.
February 05, 2019Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalUrgent Care vs. Emergency Rooms
Where do you seek medical care when your regular doctor or healthcare provider is close for the day? How are urgent care centers and ERs different?
January 29, 2019Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalCE Webinar on Addressing Health Issues Seen in Seniors Over the Holiday Season
On December 13, Right at Home is sponsoring a web seminar, Discovering and Communicating the Need for Care, hosted by the American Society on Aging. We cordially invite you to join us and learn more about how you can discover and communicate the need for care concerning a senior loved one.
December 11, 2018Michele Fan #Health/Medical #CaregivingWhy the Flu is Bad for Diabetes Patients
"“The flu is challenging for anybody, but it is more so for people with diabetes,” explains Mary Stuhr, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with the Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands in Omaha, Nebraska. “Dehydration, a changed eating schedule and how the body responds to infection can all make the management of blood sugars more difficult.”
November 13, 2018Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalAdvances in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Dr. Joel Stein, Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia University in New York City, discusses a number of forward-looking stroke therapies. Dr. Stein is also Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and Physiatrist-in-Chief at New York-Presbyterian hospital.
October 29, 2018Beth Lueders #Health/Medical #RightTransitions10 Frequently Asked Questions for Pharmacists
October is American Pharmacists Month, Lisa Sukin, a pharmacist with 20 years’ experience in hospital and retail pharmacy, shares her answers to common questions people ask about medications.
October 25, 2018Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalRespiratory Health Awareness for Seniors and Caregivers
“Many people don’t realize how crucial respiratory health is when it comes to aging well,” says Bill Osborne, Flight Respiratory Therapist at Atrium Health. “But keeping your lungs healthy can improve your quality of life and help you live longer.”
October 23, 2018Hilary Young #Health/Medical #Health LivingSupport for Life After a Stroke
Every year in the United States, 800,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, and while some people recover completely from a stroke, nearly 70 percent of stroke survivors undergo rehabilitation to help recover from post-stroke disabilities.
October 02, 2018Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalHonoring 9/11 First Responder Paul Johnson
After working an overnight shift at the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Emergency Service Unit (ESU), Paul Johnson was sleeping when his sister pounded on his door the morning of September 11, 2001. The father of nine responded to the 9/11 attack immediately by heading out to the World Trade Center.
September 10, 2018Michele Fan #Caregiving #Health/MedicalVaccines for Seniors Covered by Medicare
Vaccines help those with weakened immune systems and chronic health conditions protect themselves against infections and diseases. Many people think vaccines only apply to children, but they can be life-saving for seniors, as well.
August 07, 2018Hilary Young #Health/Medical #Paying for EldercarePreventing Dehydration in the Elderly
A study of more than 15,000 Americans found that among older adults age 71 and above, 95 percent of elder men and 83 percent of elder women do not drink enough water. These inadequate fluid levels can lead to serious or life-threatening health conditions including urinary and kidney problems, seizures and heatstroke.
August 01, 2018Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalU.S. Vacations for Seniors With Limited Mobility
You have reached your senior years and now have more time for vacations, but your limited mobility is a concern. With some advance planning and the tips we share here, you can leisurely travel most anywhere in the United States.
July 12, 2018Beth Lueders #Health/Medical #AgingJoint Replacement Surgery and Transitional Care
Joint replacements are among the most common elective surgeries in the country. A recent study found that people are seeking joint replacements earlier in life, in part because people are staying more active as they age and they want a better quality of life through retirement.
July 03, 2018Beth Lueders #Health/Medical #Pain ManagementChronic Pain, Prescribed Opioids and Pain Management
Prescribing opioids for chronic pain remains controversial. What are the treatment alternatives and are there any resources for chronic pain management?
February 15, 2018Beth Lueders #Aging #Health/Medical #Elder Care Mediation #Pain ManagementCancer Care--Caregiving, Support and Resources
The suspect lump, mole or nagging cough may be a health nuisance, but for millions of people around the world, these changes in the body are warning signs of cancer. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide; the World Health Organization reports that cancer killed 8.8 million people globally in 2015.
February 01, 2018Beth Lueders #Caregiving #Caregiver Help #Health/Medical #Planning for EldercareDiagnosing Hearing Loss in Adults and Seniors
“People think hearing loss is an old-person thing,” says Maionchi, an audiologist. “But my average patient is in their mid- to late 50s."
December 21, 2017Beth Lueders #Aging #Health Living #Health/Medical #Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care & Support #Technology #Senior Care TechnologyHow Healthy Is Your Heart?
World Heart Day was born at the turn of the 21st century, as a way for the World Heart Federation to spread awareness about heart health. Globally, heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death each year, resulting in the loss of over 17.5 million lives. As a global organization, the World Heart Federation is determined to see a 25 percent reduction in “premature deaths from cardiovascular disease around the world” by 2025.
September 28, 2017Hilary Young #Health/Medical #Health LivingPain, Opioids and Fall Risk
Many elders have chronic pain from musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis, from nerves damaged by diabetes or shingles, or from cancer. Consequently, more than 30 percent of people enrolled in Medicare Part D use opioid prescriptions to control pain.
September 12, 2017Dr. Rein Tideiksaar #Fall Prevention #Pain Management #Health/MedicalThe Connection Between Magazines and Falling
It’s irritating when you open a magazine and a bunch of subscription postcards fall out and scatter on the floor. For frail elders with poor balance, this irritation becomes a health hazard, as they can fall if they bend over to pick up the cards that have fallen out of magazines.
August 29, 2017Dr. Rein Tideiksaar #Fall Prevention #Health/Medical #Support for Adult CaregivingBell’s Palsy vs. a Stroke
Bell’s palsy is a temporary paralysis of the face caused by inflammation, compression or trauma to the facial nerve. Typically, the disorder only affects one side of the face, and the resulting physical distortion occurs suddenly and peaks within 48 hours. Because of the facial paralysis and possible affected speech, Bell’s palsy may be confused with a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), but Bell’s palsy is not connected with either of these conditions.
August 10, 2017Beth Lueders #Caregiver Help #Aging #Health/MedicalThe Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day® Event
Walk, stretch, dance and celebrate. Americans of all ages and fitness levels are invited to join in the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day® event to raise awareness and funds to fight Parkinson’s disease.
August 01, 2017Beth Lueders #Community Involvement #Health/MedicalWhy Test for Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by certain diseases, toxins, medications, infections or excessive alcoholic use.
July 27, 2017Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalHow Epilepsy Affects Older Adults
Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which abnormal signals are sent between brain nerve cells, causing unusual body behaviors known as seizures. An estimated 65 million people worldwide and 3 million in the United States experience epilepsy.
July 13, 2017Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalIs Gluten Allergy Real?
Can Thyroid and Autoimmune Issues Be Caused by Gluten Allergy?
May 24, 2017Michele Fan #Health/Medical #Health LivingSigns & Behaviors of Hoarding Disorder in Seniors
What an 87-year-old man counted as decades of treasures—jumbled mounds of well-aged newspapers, crumpled clothes, decayed food, a broken toilet and a long-dead refrigerator—most would consider throwaway junk. But he continued to crawl around the chaotic piles in an apartment with no heat and shattered window panes, huddling most days in one sparse spot in his living room.
May 04, 2017Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalNational Mental Health Awareness Month - A Call To Help Those With Mental Illness
May is designated as National Mental Health Awareness Month, a call for helping those living with mental health conditions to get the resources and acceptance they need. Older Americans in particular are vulnerable to unrecognized and untreated forms of mental illness.
May 01, 2017Beth Lueders #Health/MedicalThe Role Nutrition Plays During Cancer Treatment
Family caregivers play a major role in a cancer patient’s journey to recovery. They shoulder a myriad of responsibilities from helping the patient attend doctor appointments, to providing emotional support, to tending to the nutritional needs of the patient.
February 03, 2017Michele Fan #Health/MedicalBetter Digestion After the Thanksgiving Feast
You swirl another ladle of gravy on the mashed potatoes and gulp down another helping of turkey. But before the pumpkin pie is cut, you start to feel that internal restlessness. What happens to your body’s digestion when you overeat?
November 22, 2016Beth Lueders #Aging #Health Living #Health/MedicalSocialization –– How It Benefits Caregivers and Care Receivers
Caregivers are frequently told how important it is for them to stay engaged socially, but I think we sometimes forget how beneficial it can also be for the care receiver.
November 10, 2016Elaine K. Sanchez #Aging #Health/Medical #Caregiving5 Things We Learned From Reagan’s Alzheimer’s and Thatcher’s Dementia
In what is considered his farewell address to the American people, former President Ronald Reagan penned a November 5, 1994, letter announcing his recently diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease, the irreversible neurological condition that is the most frequent form of dementia.
November 01, 2016Beth Lueders #Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care & Support #Aging #Caregiving #Health/Medical #Support for Adult CaregivingDiabetes-friendly Halloween Treats
Do you have any healthy Halloween recipes? Share with us!
October 27, 2016Beth Lueders #Aging #Health Living #Caregiving #Health/Medical #Support for Adult Caregiving4 “Sugar Strategies” for People With Diabetes to Enjoy Desserts
Every year, Americans celebrate National Dessert Day (October 14) by sampling a full menu of sweets. Do you know which American age group is most likely to pick up their dessert fork or to dip a spoon in some dessert decadence?
October 13, 2016Beth Lueders #Health Living #Aging #Health/MedicalManaging Medications Challenges Seniors; Why You Should Report Memory Issues to Your Doctor
These and other stories are in the October edition of the Caring Right at Home e-newsletter, providing information, advice and support for adult caregiving.
September 28, 2016Rita Ude #Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care & Support #Pain Management #Health/Medical #Support for Adult CaregivingToo Much Television Is Bad for You
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association finds that Americans who watch at least three hours of television a day double their risk of dying prematurely compared to people who watch TV an hour or less a day.
September 20, 2016Beth Lueders #Health Living #Aging #Health/MedicalPill Organizers Could Lead to Overdoses
According to a new report, pill organizers may actually be responsible for causing dangerous overdoses. Individuals who started to use a pill organizer suffered impaired mobility, episodes of dangerously low blood sugar, and falls.
August 30, 2016Dr. Rein Tideiksaar #Health Living #Fall Prevention #Planning for Eldercare #Health/MedicalHome Remedies for Aches and Pains of Aging
A 2012 National Health Interview Study found that 11.2 percent of adults report having daily pain.
August 09, 2016Beth Lueders #Aging #Health Living #Pain Management #Health/MedicalAre Men’s Brains Smaller Than Women’s?
A Mayo Clinic study of 1,246 men and women between ages 30 and 95—with normal cognitive function—shows that the brain’s memory region, the hippocampus, shrinks more for men than women, especially past age 60.
July 26, 2016Beth Lueders #Aging #Health/MedicalThe Opioid Crisis and Fall Risk
Seniors using opioids are at a seven-fold greater risk for falls (and increased hip fractures) than those who use other pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
July 19, 2016Dr. Rein Tideiksaar #Elder Care Mediation #Aging #Pain Management #Fall Prevention #Health/MedicalIs the Rate of Alzheimer’s Declining? How to Relieve Back Pain
These and other stories are in the June edition of the Caring Right at Home e-newsletter, providing information, advice and support for adult caregiving.
May 26, 2016Rita Ude #Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care & Support #Aging #Health/Medical #Support for Adult CaregivingNational Nurses Day Celebrates the Contribution of Nurses
National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year celebrates the contributions nurses make to our lives and communities.
What would you do to honor nurses in America?
Coconut Fat May Slow Aging
Nutrition experts praise coconut fat as a super food that improves brain function, boosts energy and burns the body’s excess fat. Plus, research is finding that a diet high in coconut fat also may delay brain cells from aging.
April 19, 2016Beth Lueders #Health Living #Health/Medical #CaregivingGetting Around When You No Longer Drive
It’s time for your elderly loved one to give up the car keys, but how will he or she get around to doctor appointments, errands and social activities?
March 29, 2016Beth Lueders #Aging #Health/Medical #Support for Adult Caregiving #Planning for EldercareDecreasing Fall Risk Through Dancing
A new study showed that elders who participated in a half hour of ballroom dancing (three days a week for three months) had a 50% improvement in balance and fewer falls.
March 17, 2016Dr. Rein Tideiksaar #Health/Medical #Fall Prevention #Caregiving #Caregiver Help #Support for Adult Caregiving