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

Elder Care Chapel Hill - What Can a Concerned Person Do to Stop Elder Abuse?

By:  Todd Palmer

Elder Care Chapel Hill - The senior care professionals of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, are aware that elder abuse is, unfortunately, an issue that many families must address. The proper way to handle this situation depends, though, upon the environment in which the abuse takes place. No matter where the abuse happens, or who commits it, it is crucial that you and your family do everything possible to protect your elderly loved one against such mistreatment.

Abuse Committed by Professionals

Whether it is in an assisted living, nursing home, or home care setting, abuse at the hands of professional elder care providers is something that does take place. If you suspect that your senior is suffering at the hands of a professional caregiver, it is crucial to get them out of the situation as soon as possible. This might entail requesting that a different home care provider is assigned to your loved one, moving them out of a nursing home, or having them transferred to a new assisted living facility.

While it is important to quickly protect your senior, it is equally as important to, after they are removed from danger, ensure that the allegations against professional caregivers are true. The company that employs the accused caregiver should be willing to work with you to find out what, exactly, has taken place.

Abuse Committed by Family Members

Taking care of an elderly family member can be incredibly taxing, particularly if the responsibility falls to one single person. But the immense stress of the situation does not make it acceptable to abuse seniors physically, emotionally, or financially. If you are worried that your elderly loved one is being mistreated by a family member, it is important to speak to both your senior and their caregiver. If necessary, have another trusted individual take over care until the situation is resolved. Should abuse allegations be true, counseling is often recommended—as well as hiring a professional caregiver or having another family member take over the responsibility.

Elder abuse is, unfortunately, something that many families must face. Should your senior fall victim to any form of abuse at the hands of a caregiver, whether they are a professional or a family member, it is incredibly important to step in and address the situation.


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

Memory loss is, quite honestly, a very scary thing to experience. As such, your senior may feel frustrated, insecure, or uncomfortable when they cannot remember certain details. The key to keeping them from continuing to carry on a confrontation is to stop the argument and either explain the situation to your senior or, if they have severe memory loss, move on to a new topic of conversation.

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.