What Health Screenings Do Women Aged 60 – 69 Need?

By:  Todd Palmer at Always Best Care

As the body ages, seniors experience a wide range of changes. For instance, they may find that they have higher blood pressure, are at a greater risk for certain types of cancer, or have developed diabetes. Yasmine, who lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, talked to her doctor about the healthcare needs for women in her age group (60 to 69). Here, Yasmine offers a list of health screenings that are recommended by the AARP.1

1. Blood Pressure Screening: Seniors should have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years, as abnormal levels can indicate heart disease and other conditions. Blood pressure tests are noninvasive and quick, and are as such often conducted at each doctor's appointment before the consultation with a physician. 
2. Breast Cancer Screening: Mammograms scan the breast for abnormal tissue, allowing doctors to detect any tumors or other concerns. These should be done once every two years. 
3. Cervical Cancer Screening: A Pap smear, which should be done every three years, can identify any cellular changes that may be caused by cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, can lead to cervical cancer, so an HPV screening is also recommended. 
4. Cholesterol Screening: Through a blood test, medical professionals can pinpoint any elevated or high cholesterol levels. This test will differentiate between LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol. One test every five years is recommended.  
5. Colorectal Cancer Screening: This test can be performed in one of three ways, depending upon a senior's medical needs and the recommendations of their doctors. A colonoscopy may be conducted, which sends a camera into the body to identify any abnormalities. A sigmoidoscopy is the same procedure, but it is focused on the rectum and pelvic colon area. Finally, stool samples may be screened for blood. 

Yasmine has spent a great deal of time determining which health screenings she needs to have done in order to best protect her health as she ages. For women who are between the ages of 60 and 69, these are five of the most highly recommended tests. By having these conducted, seniors can work with their doctors to ensure that they are in the best health possible.

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1 http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-092010/screenings_by_age_and_gender.3.html

Health Screenings: What Do Women Need Between 50 and 59?

By:  Todd Palmer at Always Best Care

Throughout all phases of life, from birth forward, health screenings are extremely important. These appointments allow doctors to pinpoint any medical concerns and address issues that may arise, allowing their patients to access the high quality healthcare they need to live the best life possible. But as individuals get older, the actual screenings that they should have performed may change. Janet, who lives in Durham, North Carolina, recently did a bit of research to determine the kinds of healthcare support she should expect in terms of screenings between the ages of 50 and 59. Here, Janet shares her findings:1

• Diabetes Screening: A fasting plasma glucose test is conducted in order to detect any abnormal blood sugar levels and the presence of diabetes. This screening should take place at least once every three years, particularly if individuals have elevated or high blood pressure. 
• Hepatitis C Screening: Through a simple blood test, this screening can determine whether or not an individual has the hepatitis C virus, which can cause liver cancer and other serious conditions regarding this organ. Seniors born between 1945 and 1965 are urged to be tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
• Depression Screening: Depression symptoms lasting for two weeks or more may require medical attention, so this is an important aspect of proper healthcare. 
• Alcohol Abuse Screening: Alcohol abuse can cause a wide range of health problems, and as such it is important that misuse is detected and addressed as soon as possible. 
• Obesity Screening: As individuals age it can become difficult to keep weight off and lose excess pounds. This screening allows seniors to determine if they are at a healthy weight and, if they are not, to partner with their doctors to create a weight loss plan. 
• Tobacco Use Screening: This screening sheds light on the importance of refraining from tobacco use and offers interventions when necessary. 
• Sexually Transmitted Disease Screenings: It is important for sexually active individuals to be screened for HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Janet knows that it can be difficult to understand just what health screenings are necessary at certain ages, and this list has helped her to ensure that she has the right tests performed.

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1 http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-09-2010/screenings_by_age_and_gender.2.html

Chapel Hill Elder Care: What is Osteoarthritis?

By:  Todd Palmer at Always Best Care

Chapel Hill Elder Care - Osteoarthritis is a condition that impairs the joints. Joints are areas of the body, such as the knee, elbow, and hip, where bones meet and the body is able to bend. Between the ends of the bones is cartilage, which is a softer texture than bone tissue and allows the bones to slide easily as arms, legs, and other parts of the body move. When osteoarthritis occurs, this cartilage is broken down and does not provide the shock absorption that the joints need to function smoothly. As a result, seniors who develop osteoarthritis may experience pain, limited range of motion, and swelling of the joint.[1] The home care professionals of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, encourage you to learn more about osteoarthritis to best care for your elderly loved one.

Why Does Osteoarthritis Occur?

The body naturally wears down as individuals age, so the wearing away of cartilage in the joints is a natural part of the aging process; however, there are other factors that can contribute to osteoarthritis. These include being overweight, injury to the joints, irregularly shaped joints, genetic issues, and stress due to excessive movement (such as that experienced when playing sports or performing a repetitive motion at work).

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Pain is the most common symptom associated with this condition. Additionally, as was mentioned previously, limited range of motion and swelling are also experienced by some seniors. But there are other warning signs for which elderly individuals may be on the lookout. These include: stiffness, tenderness, a crunching sensation, or a sound occurring when a joint is moved.

It is important to note, too, that some of the symptoms that seniors experience may indicate that complications have arisen. Over time, bone spurs and the breakage of bone and cartilage can develop. These can be extremely painful for elderly individuals and can, if not addressed quickly, cause further damage to the joint.

Treatment Options

Orthopedic doctors have several different approaches to call upon when treating osteoarthritis. First, they often try to create a healthier lifestyle through weight loss and exercise. Additionally, they may call upon medications, surgeries, and alternative therapies.

If you suspect that your senior has osteoarthritis it is important to schedule an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible. 

 

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[1] All information from http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis_ff.pdf

Durham Elder Care: Maintaining Independence When Paraplegic

By:  Todd Palmer

Durham Elder Care - Paraplegia occurs when damage to the spinal cord causes individuals to suffer paralysis of the lower half of their body. Depending upon the location and severity of the damage, seniors who are paraplegic may be affected from their chests down. The home care providers of Durham, North Carolina, know that orthopedic professionals work hard to avoid and improve paralysis when possible; however, sometimes elderly individuals who suffer from paralysis are not able to regain feeling in their lower extremities. No matter what stage of recovery your elderly loved one is in following an accident that has left them paraplegic, it is important that you assist them in creating as autonomous a lifestyle as possible.

Independence: Is It Possible?

Seniors who want to continue aging in place despite paraplegia are often able to do so if they have a strong support network and the right resources. You see, today's medical industry is able to provide elderly individuals with a long list of caregivers and assistive devices that allow them to perform a wide range of tasks regardless of their condition. The trick is for you to ensure that your senior has these resources at their disposal when they need them.

Assistive Devices: Improving Autonomy

Wheelchairs and scooters are extremely useful for seniors who are paraplegic, as these devices allow them to retain a degree of mobility even if they are unable to walk. If your elderly loved one is recovering from paralysis, canes, walkers, and other assistive devices may prove beneficial as well.

While having a scooter or wheelchair is necessary for seniors with paraplegia to maintain an independent lifestyle, it is just as important that their homes are conducive to the use of these devices. Make sure that your loved one has ramps where necessary. Additionally, you might need to rearrange furniture and widen doorframes to allow your senior to easily maneuver throughout their home.

Support: Having Someone to Rely Upon

While your loved one will be able to get around on their own with assistive devices, they will still face limitations due to their paraplegia. Make sure that they have a family member, friend, or elder care professional at hand to assist them in maintaining their independence.

Social Security Disability Benefits for the Aging and Elderly

By:  Molly Clarke at Social Security Disability Help

 

As individuals age, they become susceptible to a number of conditions that could prevent them from working before they are ready to retire. These conditions include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, joint replacement, and arthritis among others. Being forced to leave the workforce early can cause significant financial strain. Fortunately, those who are unable to work due to a condition associated with aging may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits until Social Security Retirement benefits kick in. Social Security Disability benefits can significantly alleviate financial stress and can help caretakers provide adequate treatment and support.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

The first step toward obtaining Social Security Disability benefits is filling out a Social Security Disability application. This can be done online or at your local Social Security office. In order to qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, you must be able to prove that your condition prevents you from performing any type of work activity.

The easiest way to qualify for disability benefits from the SSA is to prove that your condition meets the criteria of a condition that has been listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. The Blue Book is a published list of conditions and symptoms that may qualify for disability benefits. If you do not suffer from a condition that is listed in the Blue Book, you may still be able to qualify for benefits based on a vocational allowance. You will, however, have to gather sufficient medical evidence to prove that your condition completely prevents you from performing any type of work activity.

How Age Plays a Role

Age plays a large role when you apply for Social Security Disability benefits. This is because the SSA understands that it is much easier for a 30-year-old to be retrained for other types of work than it is for a 50-year-old to be retrained. As such, your age will be taken into consideration when your application for disability benefits is being evaluated. If you can prove that you can no longer perform the work that you had been performing and that you can’t perform any type of work that you already have the skills for, chances are that you will be approved for Social Security Disability benefits.

How Social Security Disability Benefits Can Help

As the age of retirement keeps going up, more and more people are finding themselves disabled before they reach full retirement age. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to fill that gap.

If you’re not financially ready for retirement but health conditions now prevent you from performing your daily work activities, Social Security Disability benefits can help alleviate unnecessary financial stress. In addition to receiving a monthly benefit check, you will also receive medical insurance under the Medicare program. If you qualify for Medicaid, you may also be entitled to additional medical assistance.

Applying for disability benefits will also relieve any stress that your caregiver or future caregiver may be feeling. While the SSA does not offer assistance to caregivers directly, there are programs that are run at the local and state levels which offer financial assistance to those who are caring for a disabled family member. For example, if your son or daughter has had to leave the workforce to help take care of you due to your disability, he or she may be able to receive pay for their efforts if you qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration, compensating them for their loss of wages.

The Services of a Social Security Disability Attorney

If you are no longer able to work due to a condition that is related to the aging process, you may want to consult with a disability attorney. These professionals know which conditions can qualify an individual for disability benefits and what you will need to do to prove your eligibility.

Additional resources are available here: http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/.