Tips for Seamlessly Moving Your Senior from the Hospital to a Nursing Home

Making the transition from hospital to nursing home can be a challenge for the elderly individual and their family alike. Your loved one may be resistant to the idea of heading to a nursing home, and you may feel concerned about whether they’re actually ready to leave. Use these tips to help make the transition seamless:

Figure out who’s in charge

You’re not alone when it comes to making this transition. Eldercare professionals advise families to figure out who’s handling your senior’s discharge from the hospital. Some hospitals may have a discharge coordinator, while others rely on the primary nurse to navigate the transition. 

This individual can become a powerful resource when it comes to getting your senior accustomed to their new living conditions. They can ensure that your loved one is heading to a place where they’ll be well cared for. Additionally, if you’re wary about letting your elderly loved one leave the hospital, they can have a discussion with you about what’s appropriate given their current state.

This person can also help to give you a sense of what your loved one’s recovery process will look like. They can provide guidance about the kinds of medications your senior will be taking, and may also offer information about training or other services that are available for the family.

Do your own research

However, senior care professionals explain that a family shouldn’t rely fully on hospital staff members or nursing home personnel to help guide the transition. To ensure that your elderly loved one receives the best care, you’ll want to do your own research too. Look into the top nursing homes in the area, learn about the side effects of the medications your senior is taking, and figure out what the healing process entails. When you have information, you feel better equipped to help them make the transition seamlessly.

Another way to prevent errors as your elderly family member moves from hospital to nursing home is to get copies of medical records. This allows you to ensure that they are sent with any and all necessary medication, and that everyone is on the same page about dosage. 

Why You Should Have a Long Term Care Plan

Though it’s not always pleasant to acknowledge that your senior is getting older, long term care plans are an essential part of ensuring that your elderly loved one lives a high quality life in a comfortable setting. Start these discussions early in order to ensure that plans are in place when they are needed, and that everyone’s goals are met. There is a number of different long-term care options, including:

Home care

Home care professionals can assist your elderly family member with important daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. They can also ensure that your loved one is taking their medication each day. This option is beneficial for seniors who live well independently, but could use a little extra assistance. 

Day programs

Day programs allow seniors to interact with other people their age, while enjoying nutritious snacks and stimulating activities. This option is a great one for an elderly individual who doesn’t need constant supervision, but could benefit from some additional socialization during the day. They’ll participate in light exercise, field trips, arts and crafts activities, and other events, while getting help with their medication.

Assisted living

For seniors who need help with daily living tasks but don’t need the intensive level of care found in nursing homes, assisted living facilities are ideal. Eldercare professionals handle bathing, dressing, and administering daily medications. Your loved one resides in a safe place, with plenty of opportunity for socialization. They also enjoy much of the independence that they experienced when living on their own, without the risks that come along with it. 

Nursing homes

Nursing homes provide round-the-clock care for your senior, and are necessary for those who can no longer care for themselves independently. Services include help with bathing, using the restroom, eating, dressing, and taking medication. Elderly individuals can also get wound care and rehabilitative therapy.

With so many different long-term care options, a family must decide what appeals to their senior. Planning early allows those family members to assess all options thoroughly, and find an option that works with their senior’s needs and wishes most effectively. The ideal option will depend on your senior’s health, necessary care regimen, and ability to take care of themselves.  

How to Help Your Senior Enjoy a Safe (Yet Fun!) Halloween

Halloween is a favorite among many seniors, but some degree of caution is required during the evening. There is a risk of falls when your elderly loved one is hustling to and from the door to pass out candy, and (unfortunately) some people use seniors who live alone as the targets of pranks. To make sure that your elderly loved one enjoys the holiday safely, keep these tips in mind:

Volunteer to help them pass out candy

Depending on your senior’s mobility, you may want to assist them with passing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Many elderly individuals love seeing kids dressed up in their costumes, but simply don’t have the ability to hurry to the door, pass out candy, set the bowl down, then return just moments later to greet new costumed kids. They may feel pressure to get to the door quickly, and may end up tripping on a loose rug or other items in their rush.

To prevent a problem during the evening, home care professionals encourage families to provide support for their seniors. Come over and help them answer the door to take some of the stress out of this part of the night. Let them be the one to put the candy into the trick-or-treat bags, but encourage them to sit and wait as the doorbell rings. This allows the elderly individual to enjoy the social interaction and to take in the costumes without dealing with the up-and-down that is required to greet the guests.

Invite them over

If your senior loves the festivities associated with Halloween but struggles with mobility, it’s often best to invite them to your home for the night. They can enjoy watching the parade of trick-or-treaters, but don’t have the pressure of heading to the store to buy candy and answering the door.

Find other ways to celebrate

If your senior wants to get into the Halloween spirit but simply doesn’t have the energy to do so, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the occasion. You can watch Halloween-themed movies together, decorate pumpkins, or bake cookies and use orange frosting and black sprinkles to make them look festive.

Depending on your senior’s energy level, you can tailor Halloween festivities accordingly, ensuring that the elderly individual has an enjoyable evening without putting their safety at risk.

Showing Appreciation to Your Senior on Sweetest Day

Sweetest Day was created to recognize the generous, compassionate people in the world and the genuine kindness that they bestow upon others. As such, elder care professionals are excited to celebrate Sweetest Day on October 19 by showing appreciation to the seniors who bring happiness and light into today’s world.  Caring for elderly individuals is a rewarding experience, particularly when senior care providers have the honor of working with people who truly love and appreciate life.

Here are a few ways that you and your family can show your appreciation to your senior in celebration of Sweetest Day this year:

• Make a card listing all of the reasons why you love your senior. Have each member of the family contribute ideas and sign it. This is a keepsake your elderly loved one will cherish for years to come!
• Have family and friends come over for a meal and small party. The companionship of loved ones can help your senior feel more appreciated and this will give attendees the chance to personally thank your elderly loved one for their kindness and generosity. 
• Make a donation or volunteer your time in the name of your loved one. Seniors who have mobility issues or other health problems and cannot physically volunteer at certain events will be happy to know that you have done so in their stead. This is a great idea for large families, too, as they can strengthen their relationships while working side by side. 
• Spend the day doing things for your senior, who has for so long done things for others. Start with breakfast in bed and continue to do all that you can throughout the day to make their life easier, happier, and more fulfilled. For instance, you might visit their favorite museum, take a picnic to their favorite park, or go to a movie that they have been waiting to see in theaters. 

No matter how you celebrate Sweetest Day, make sure that you keep your senior at the center of your attention. Your appreciation will mean the world to them, so take this opportunity to show your loved one just how much you value their positivity and kindness!

Inspiring and Exciting Home Activities for Your Senior

Even if your elderly loved one has lost the mobility they once enjoyed, there’s no reason that they have to sit at home mindlessly watching television all day. According to eldercare professionals, there are plenty of inspiring and fun activities that a homebound senior can enjoy with family and friends. Some of these choices include:

• Studying genealogy: Family members can bond with their senior as they take some time to research the family’s ancestry. It’s often eye opening to learn about distant relatives, and to track the family’s progression to America.
• Painting: Even if your elderly loved one struggles with fine motor skills, painting can be the perfect pastime. They can find a brush size that works for them, and create paintings that allow them to express themselves. Regardless of whether the work is museum-worthy or not, seniors will get a kick out of turning broad brushstrokes into their own unique piece.
• Learning about new subjects: Thanks to the Internet, seniors can learn about any subject they please without having to venture to a museum or library to do it. Is your loved one interested in woodworking? Watch some videos on the topic. Does the elderly individual love exotic places? Take them on a Google Maps tour of Mount Everest or the Amazon. They’ll get the thrill of seeing a new place and learning about an unfamiliar subject without having to leave the comfort of their home. 
• Scrapbooking: Home care professionals encourage seniors and their loved ones to work together to create a scrapbook. The book can detail family vacations, milestones, or the elderly individual’s childhood. The finished product is beautiful to look at and has sentimental value, making it the perfect project to work on together.
• Catching up with friends: For seniors, loneliness can become a problem. To ward off feelings of isolation, encourage your elderly loved one to catch up with friends. The two can discuss their families, and can provide each other with emotional support. Having someone to care for and think about helps to keep a senior feeling fulfilled.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your senior engaged even when they can’t leave the home, these easy, inspiring activities are perfect. Work together with your elderly loved one so they have some company as they pursue a new hobby.

Autumn Activities for Seniors in Chapel Hill

With the first day of autumn, which is September 22, quickly approaching, eldercare professionals are encouraging you to think about seasonal activities that your senior may enjoy. When it comes to eldercare, Chapel Hill is a wonderful location. With such a strong community and beautiful natural environment, you can certainly find some great activities that your senior will love. When providing care for elderly individuals it is always a good idea to get them out and about, allowing them to enjoy social activities and meet new people. To help you meet this goal, below are some of the events that are going to be taking place at the Central Orange Senior Center and the Seymour Center.

• Wellness special events: These seminars provide elderly individuals with information about important topics, including smoking, diabetes, and podiatric health. Other wellness classes, which are given on a regular basis, including aerobics, balance, yoga, Pilates, pacesetter, NIA, strength training, t'ai chi, walking, and more. 
• Computer classes: Technology is continually evolving and, to keep from feeling left behind, your loved one may want to take a course on how to use computers. From learning about Google to computer maintenance, there is a wide range of topics to choose from. 
• Support groups: These groups are wonderful for seniors who have certain illnesses or have been through difficult experiences. Some of the support groups that are offered include those based upon Parkinson's disease, the death of a spouse, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, and more.
• Arts and crafts classes: Art is a wonderful form of self expression, and the community centers provide several different courses dedicated to helping seniors use their creativity. These include oil painting, Chinese brush painting, mixed media, pastels, and watercolors. Crafts, too, such as making bobbin lace, jewelry, quilts, birdhouses, and more, are highly popular. 

In addition to these categories, the community centers in Chapel Hill provide classes on pottery, bridge, dance, music, theater, movies, hiking, and more. With such a diverse list of activities, it is certain that your senior will find something that they can enjoy this fall.

5 Ways to Keep Your Elderly Father Healthy

With Father's Day right around the corner, it is a great idea to reflect on the eldercare that you provide for your dad and how you can improve his quality of life. Personal eldercare allows you to help your father to retain the highest degree of independence possible without compromising his safety; however, it is extremely important that you pay close attention to his health. Care for elderly individuals is an activity that forces you to pay attention to details and dedicate your time to making the life of your senior as positive as possible. How better to say thank you to your dad for all he has done than to boost the level of care that you provide?

1. Collaborate with your father's doctors to ensure that all of his medical needs are met. Given his medical history and other factors, he may need certain health screenings at precise intervals. Scheduling appointments in advance can help you take a proactive approach to health.
   
   
2. Make sure your father has fresh fruits and vegetables on hand at all times for healthy snacks. Additionally, help him to make certain that he addresses the nutrition needs that he might have due to his medical history.
   
   
3. Join your dad in exercise activities, such as going for a walk. Keeping your father active is important to maintaining his health and you both will enjoy these activities more if you do them together.
   
   
4. Make sure that your dad's home is safe and free of any clutter, uneven flooring, ripped carpeting, etc. Falling is one of the most risky accidents in terms of a senior's health, so minimizing the odds that your father will fall by keeping his home clean and neat is a great idea.
   
   
5. Pay close attention to your dad's mental wellbeing. People often forget that mental health is an important consideration with regard to eldercare. Visit often, encourage your dad to engage in social activities, and do what you can to keep him in high spirits. 

These are great ways in which you can keep your father healthy both now and for years to come.

Health Screenings: What Women Aged 70-74 Should Look For

Aging is a natural process that brings about changes in the body; however, it is important that you and your senior understand what these changes are and how they can impact your elderly loved one's health in order to keep your senior at an optimal level of wellbeing. Regular health screenings are a wonderful way to monitor your loved one and catch any medical concerns as early as possible. But the truth is that different stages of life require that attention is paid to a wide range of health concerns. Debbie, a nurse in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, recommends that women who are between the ages of 70 and 74 get the following screenings. 1

• Blood Pressure Screening: Administered at least once every two years, blood pressure tests can ensure that the cardiovascular system is working as it should be. Typically, blood pressure is checked at the beginning of every doctor's appointment, so keeping up with a screening every other year should not prove difficult. 
• Breast Cancer Screening: Another bi-annual screening, mammograms look for abnormal breast tissue in order to detect any cancerous cells. These tests use low levels of radiation to scan the tissue and create images of it that doctors examine.
• Cholesterol Screening: Unhealthy cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease and other medical conditions. A simple blood test can measure LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol to determine if these levels are acceptable or if lifestyle changes need to be made to improve these readings. This screening should be performed once every five years at the least. 
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool samples are all different measures of checking for abnormalities that could indicate cancer. These tests can be stopped after age 75 but are important, as they detect a type of cancer that is difficult to otherwise pinpoint. 
• Osteoporosis Screening: By using an x-ray, doctors can test bone density in an effort to detect this condition as early as possible. This should be done every two to five years, depending on the recommendations of healthcare professionals. 

Debbie knows that it can be difficult to help your loved one navigate the healthcare system. By using this list as a guide, you can make sure that your senior is getting the medical attention they need.
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1 http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-09-2010/screenings_by_age_and_gender.4.html

Chapel Hill Elder Care: The Effects of a Stroke on Memory

By: Todd Palmer

Chapel Hill Elder Care: A stroke can have a long list of effects on a senior, one of which is memory loss. John from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has recently assisted his mother with settling back into her home after recovering from a minor stroke. Although she has been able to return to her independent lifestyle thanks to the daily assistance of a home care provider, his mother suffers from a bit of memory loss due to her stroke. John set out to research the ways in which this memory loss developed and how it impacts his mother's cognitive capabilities. Here are some of the important facts that he discovered during the process:[1]

• Because a stroke cuts off blood supply to the brain, the lasting effects that this event has on a senior varies based upon the part of the brain that is affected. Memory loss is more common in individuals who have suffered a stroke that has impacted the right hemisphere of this organ.
• In addition to memory loss, strokes in the right hemisphere can also cause an elderly individual to have difficulty focusing on a task, conversation, or other object.
• Verbal memory, including the names of individuals, information pertaining to language, and stories, is often disrupted by a stroke.
• Visual memory, too, can be impaired by a stroke. This type of memory includes directions, shapes, the faces of friends and family members, and other information that is visually collected.
• Informational memory, or the memory regarding information and skills, is also frequently impacted by a stroke. This type of memory loss can make it difficult for seniors to learn new things.
• Vascular dementia is commonly associated with stroke. This form of memory loss entails a more general decline in cognitive abilities.
• The symptoms of memory loss vary from one senior to the next; however, the most common signs that memory impairment has taken place include loss of short-term memory, confusion, wandering, and trouble following directions.

John knows that helping your senior cope with a stroke and its subsequent effects can be extremely difficult. But by understanding these basic facts about memory loss you can better care for your loved one as they recover from their experience.

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

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[1] http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=memory

Chapel Hill Senior Care: Treatment Options for Diabetes-Related Skin Conditions

By:  Todd Palmer

Chapel Hill Senior Care: According to the American Diabetes Association, up to 33 percent of individuals who suffer from diabetes also develop skin disorders that are related to this condition.[1] Most of these skin problems are resolved by getting blood sugar levels back under control, as they subside when diabetes is properly managed; however, there are some skin infections that are related to diabetes that need additional care. These bacterial and fungal infections impact many individuals who have diabetes in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and should be taken seriously. Here is some additional information from the American Diabetes Association regarding these infections and how to best treat them.

Bacterial Infections

Individuals who develop a bacterial infection may see it emerge in a variety of ways; styes, boils, folliculitis, carbuncles, and nail infections are all indications of a bacterial infection and should be attended to by a medical professional. Oftentimes, the area that is impacted by the infection becomes inflamed and swollen. It may become hot to the touch, turn red, and create pain.

To treat these infections, antibiotics and blood sugar management techniques are recommended. Bacterial infections can be fatal if not addressed quickly, although innovations in modern medicine have reduced the number of fatalities associated with such infections drastically if they are caught in time. If you believe that your senior has a bacterial infection it is crucial that you get them to the doctor as soon as possible. To prevent this issue encourage your elderly loved one to practice proper skin care.

Fungal Infections

Seniors who have diabetes may find themselves suffering from Candida albicans, which is a fungal infection akin to yeast that can cause a great deal of discomfort. The tell tale signs of this infection include moist, red patches of skin that accompany blisters. Additionally, the skin becomes scaly in texture.

Fungal infections can be treated with a prescription and, if your senior seeks medical assistance early, can be cured quite quickly; however, as with all skin conditions, it is important that your elderly loved one sees a medical professional as soon as possible.

Diabetes-related skin conditions can be extremely uncomfortable, but understanding that your elderly loved one is at higher risk for these issues—and knowing how to treat them—can help you better care for your senior.

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

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[1] http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/skin-complications.html

Alzheimers Care Chapel Hill: Alzheimer's-Related Diabetes

By Todd Palmer

Alzheimers Care Chapel Hill:  At first, a connection between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes may seem improbable. One of these conditions concerns the brain and the other pertains, most basically, to the hormone insulin—how can they be related? While studies have yet to reveal the entirety of the connection between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes, they have uncovered links between these two illnesses that are important to understand.

The studies that have thus far indicated a connection between these diseases assert that individuals who have diabetes, particularly the type 2 variety, are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease when they get older.[1] As a result, it could prove possible (although research has yet to confirm the theory) to reduce the odds that an individual develops Alzheimer's disease by engaging in preventative and maintenance activities related to diabetes.

The link between these diseases that has been, so far, uncovered lies in the damage that diabetes does to the blood vessels. When blood vessels in the brain are impaired by diabetes, they may lead to vascular dementia. A form of dementia like Alzheimer's, this particular condition leads to a decline in cognitive abilities. Because Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia share many symptoms, it is not yet understood how one can lead to the other; however, it has been asserted by some researchers that these two diseases may interact in a way that worsens them both simultaneously.

But the connection between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes may also be rooted in the fact that diabetes changes the way that the body processes glucose. Type 2 diabetes has the power to alter the body's ability to respond to insulin, as well, and this may cause the brain and other important organs to develop different conditions due to this abnormality.

Finally, the connection may also lie in the fact that diabetes can enhance the odds that an individual will develop mild cognitive impairment. This condition is seen as a bridge between normal aging processes and the damage done by dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

The relationship between Alzheimer's disease and dementia is yet to be clearly defined; however, understanding that this link exists can help individuals in engaging in preventative activities that may decrease their risk of developing dementia as they age.

Please take advantage of our free e-book that provides information on senior care and an overview of the services we offer.

Please visit our YouTube page, where you'll find short, informative videos on issues surrounding elder care.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care in Chapel Hill, contact Todd Palmer and the professionals at Always Best Care of Chapel Hill and Durham at (919) 357-1440 visit their website.

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[1] All information from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-and-alzheimers/AZ00050