(182 unread) - pmangiola1@verizon.net - Verizon Yahoo! Mail:
'via Blog this'
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Could Your Parent Have Dementia? The Top Rated In Home Health Care Company In Manahawkin Nj Talks About Dementia
Could Your Parent Have Dementia? The Top Rated In Home Health Care Company In Manahawkin Nj Talks About Dementia
As we age, it's perfectly normal for all of us to forget certain things from time to time. As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and it's the most common form of dementia. Dementia is defined as a state of serious emotional and mental deterioration. This is not to be confused with Alzheimer's. While Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, seniors can suffer from dementia and not have Alzheimer's.
A person with dementia struggles with memory loss and other mental abilities that are severe enough tointerfere with everyday activities. It's caused by changes in the brain and generally doesn't start until around age 65 and older, although it can start in any stage of adulthood. There are other illnesses that mimic dementia-like symptoms such as depression, drug interactions, thyroid problems, excess use of alcohol or some vitamin deficiencies. Be sure to address any of these possible illnesses with your parent's doctor if you suspect they may be an issue.
A person with dementia struggles with memory loss and other mental abilities that are severe enough tointerfere with everyday activities. It's caused by changes in the brain and generally doesn't start until around age 65 and older, although it can start in any stage of adulthood. There are other illnesses that mimic dementia-like symptoms such as depression, drug interactions, thyroid problems, excess use of alcohol or some vitamin deficiencies. Be sure to address any of these possible illnesses with your parent's doctor if you suspect they may be an issue.
According to the Alzheimer's Association the 10 most common signs of Alzheimer's:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of Alzheimer's, a fatal brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.
If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, it can also take a tremendous toll on your own physical and emotional well-being. There's no need to go it alone. Senior Helpers can create a customized care plan that changes as your loved one's needs change. We'll help your loved one cope better with a cueing program that stimulates their ability to remember and we'll carefully monitor everything from medication to daily activities. As experts in Alzheimer's and dementia care, you can trust Senior Helpers to make your loved one's life-and yours-much easier and more enjoyable!
Senior Helpers can help your loved one live independently at home for many wonderful years to come! Please visit our website to learn how we can help you.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more helpful information.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more helpful information.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Different Types of Bathing Assistance
Bathing assistance is
an essential component of caregiving, given especially to clients who
are not able to do it independently. The caregiver makes it a point to
provide the hygiene needs of the client whether he performs the bath or
the client himself does it. In general, there are two types of bath,
namely cleansing and therapeutic; and the type of bath performed depends
on the self-care abilities of the client.
This type of bath refers to routine care given to
clients for their personal hygiene. There are 5 kinds of cleansing
baths, and these are shower, self-help bath, partial bath, tub bath, bed
bath, and complete bed bath.
1. Shower bath is
mainly for ambulatory clients who are still capable of taking a bath
independently. Those with some physical limitations are recommended to
use a water-resistant chair while taking a shower. The caregiver may
provide some bathing assistance with this type of bath.
2. Self-help bath is
for clients who are confined to a bed. With this type of bath, all that
the caregiver needs to do is prepare the bath equipment and provides
assistance in cleansing hard to reach areas such as the feet, legs, back
and external genitalia.
3. With partial bath,
the caregiver gives assistance in washing only those areas that might
cause irritation or odor such as the hands, face, and genitals.
4. With tub baths, the caregiver provides
bathing assistance to clients with physical limitations while going
into and out of the tub. It is also the responsibility of the caregiver
to ensure that the water temperature is safe enough for his client.
5. When administering a complete bed bath, the caregiver assists clients by washing his entire body.
In order to administer a therapeutic bath to a client, caregivers
are required to have a physician’s order or care plan. This order will
indicate the type of bath to administer, the body surface that needs
treatment, water temperature, and the kind of medication solution
needed. Therapeutic baths often last from 20-30 minutes inside a tub and
can be categorized as hot or warm bath, cool bath, soak bath, and Sitz
bath.
1. The hot or warm bath, which is done inside the tub aims at reducing soreness, muscle spasms and tension.
2. The purpose of the cool bath, which is also performed in the tub is to relieve tension and reduce body temperature in order to avoid chilling.
3. Soak bath is administered
using medicated or plain water to relieve pain, swelling and irritation
or get rid of dead skin tissues.
4. Sitz bath is done to reduce inflammation and cleanse the extra genital and anal areas.
The Different Types of Bathing Assistance
Bathing assistance is
an essential component of caregiving, given especially to clients who
are not able to do it independently. The caregiver makes it a point to
provide the hygiene needs of the client whether he performs the bath or
the client himself does it. In general, there are two types of bath,
namely cleansing and therapeutic; and the type of bath performed depends
on the self-care abilities of the client.
This type of bath refers to routine care given to
clients for their personal hygiene. There are 5 kinds of cleansing
baths, and these are shower, self-help bath, partial bath, tub bath, bed
bath, and complete bed bath.
1. Shower bath is
mainly for ambulatory clients who are still capable of taking a bath
independently. Those with some physical limitations are recommended to
use a water-resistant chair while taking a shower. The caregiver may
provide some bathing assistance with this type of bath.
2. Self-help bath is
for clients who are confined to a bed. With this type of bath, all that
the caregiver needs to do is prepare the bath equipment and provides
assistance in cleansing hard to reach areas such as the feet, legs, back
and external genitalia.
3. With partial bath,
the caregiver gives assistance in washing only those areas that might
cause irritation or odor such as the hands, face, and genitals.
4. With tub baths, the caregiver provides
bathing assistance to clients with physical limitations while going
into and out of the tub. It is also the responsibility of the caregiver
to ensure that the water temperature is safe enough for his client.
5. When administering a complete bed bath, the caregiver assists clients by washing his entire body.
In order to administer a therapeutic bath to a client, caregivers
are required to have a physician’s order or care plan. This order will
indicate the type of bath to administer, the body surface that needs
treatment, water temperature, and the kind of medication solution
needed. Therapeutic baths often last from 20-30 minutes inside a tub and
can be categorized as hot or warm bath, cool bath, soak bath, and Sitz
bath.
1. The hot or warm bath, which is done inside the tub aims at reducing soreness, muscle spasms and tension.
2. The purpose of the cool bath, which is also performed in the tub is to relieve tension and reduce body temperature in order to avoid chilling.
3. Soak bath is administered
using medicated or plain water to relieve pain, swelling and irritation
or get rid of dead skin tissues.
4. Sitz bath is done to reduce inflammation and cleanse the extra genital and anal areas.
Could Your Parent Have Dementia? The Top Rated In Home Health Care Company In Manahawkin Nj Talks About Dementia
Could Your Parent Have Dementia? The Top Rated In Home Health Care Company In Manahawkin Nj Talks About Dementia
As we age, it's perfectly normal for all of us to forget certain things from time to time. As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and it's the most common form of dementia. Dementia
is defined as a state of serious emotional and mental deterioration.
This is not to be confused with Alzheimer's. While Alzheimer's disease
is the most common form of dementia, seniors can suffer from dementia and not have Alzheimer's.
A person with dementia struggles with memory loss and other mental abilities that are severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. It's caused by changes in the brain and generally doesn't start until around age 65 and older, although it can start in any stage of adulthood. There are other illnesses that mimic dementia-like symptoms such as depression, drug interactions, thyroid problems, excess use of alcohol or some vitamin deficiencies. Be sure to address any of these possible illnesses with your parent's doctor if you suspect they may be an issue.
According to the Alzheimer's Association the 10 most common signs of Alzheimer's:
If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, it can also take a tremendous toll on your own physical and emotional well-being. There's no need to go it alone. Senior Helpers can create a customized care plan that changes as your loved one's needs change. We'll help your loved one cope better with a cueing program that stimulates their ability to remember and we'll carefully monitor everything from medication to daily activities. As experts in Alzheimer's and dementia care, you can trust Senior Helpers to make your loved one's life-and yours-much easier and more enjoyable!
Senior Helpers can help your loved one live independently at home for many wonderful years to come! Please visit our website to learn how we can help you.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more helpful information.
A person with dementia struggles with memory loss and other mental abilities that are severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. It's caused by changes in the brain and generally doesn't start until around age 65 and older, although it can start in any stage of adulthood. There are other illnesses that mimic dementia-like symptoms such as depression, drug interactions, thyroid problems, excess use of alcohol or some vitamin deficiencies. Be sure to address any of these possible illnesses with your parent's doctor if you suspect they may be an issue.
According to the Alzheimer's Association the 10 most common signs of Alzheimer's:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, it can also take a tremendous toll on your own physical and emotional well-being. There's no need to go it alone. Senior Helpers can create a customized care plan that changes as your loved one's needs change. We'll help your loved one cope better with a cueing program that stimulates their ability to remember and we'll carefully monitor everything from medication to daily activities. As experts in Alzheimer's and dementia care, you can trust Senior Helpers to make your loved one's life-and yours-much easier and more enjoyable!
Senior Helpers can help your loved one live independently at home for many wonderful years to come! Please visit our website to learn how we can help you.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more helpful information.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
How Far Should a Caregiver Go in Helping an Elderly Person with His Daily Routine?By Peter Mangiola Rn Bsn
How Far Should a Caregiver Go in Helping an Elderly Person with His Daily Routine?By Peter Mangiola Rn Bsn
— Senior Helper
The level of intervention that a caregiver should give in helping an elderly person with his daily routine depends on his needs. A bed-bound elderly person obviously requires more personal senior care- like someone to give him a bed bath, while a more active elderly person might just need some amount of assistance in doing his personal hygiene routine. If you are not experienced in the elder care industry, getting advice from professional caregiverscould help establish a necessary level of intervention. This could be a nurse or a doctor, who is able to provide both aid and training in managing personal hygiene routines.
In general, most professional caregivers advise that elderly people be given the freedom to perform their personal hygiene routines by themselves. An elderly person, for instance, who can still move his arms, should be allowed to wash his own face or brush his teeth. Even if it might take forever for him to finish these basic routines, it is still important that you allow him that freedom. This will not only save him from being completely dependent on you, his caregiver, but this will also help him maintain his mobility as well as reduces your senior care workload.
How frequently should an elderly person shower?Not all senior persons need a full bath each day. However, all of them need to have their face, underarms, and private parts washed daily.
Bathing and Shower Tips for Mobile SeniorsHere are some tips to remember when helping a mobile senior have a bath or shower.
In general, most professional caregivers advise that elderly people be given the freedom to perform their personal hygiene routines by themselves. An elderly person, for instance, who can still move his arms, should be allowed to wash his own face or brush his teeth. Even if it might take forever for him to finish these basic routines, it is still important that you allow him that freedom. This will not only save him from being completely dependent on you, his caregiver, but this will also help him maintain his mobility as well as reduces your senior care workload.
How frequently should an elderly person shower?Not all senior persons need a full bath each day. However, all of them need to have their face, underarms, and private parts washed daily.
Bathing and Shower Tips for Mobile SeniorsHere are some tips to remember when helping a mobile senior have a bath or shower.
- Place a non-slip mat at the bottom of the bath or shower.
- Put a non-skid bathmat that has a rubber base in front of the bath or shower.
- Install steady grab rails at the senior’s bath that can support him anytime he gets in and out of the bath.
- Put a stable shower seat inside the shower so that the senior can use it in case he needs to sit down while bathing.
- Always ensure that the water temperature in the bath or shower is neither too hot nor too cold.
- If the senior in your care would rather bath or shower on his own, ensure that he always leaves the bathroom door unlocked.
Link to this post!
Posted in Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia Care, Senior Care, Senior Health Issues. RSS feed for comments on this post.. TrackBack URL.
Leave a comment
Assisted Living for Your Senior Parents
Assisted Living for Your Senior Parents
For children of senior parents, it
might be a tough decision to sign up their parents for assisted living.
However, pretty soon they’ll realize that it is for the better. In fact, the most challenging part is on
recognizing the signs that your parent is already in need of these services. As
soon as you notice some of the things I’ll discuss below, then it is high time
to think through your options. You and your parents will have a much better life
if they have someone staying with them who can help them go through their daily
lives properly and safely.
1. Depression. This is a common and
strong sign that a senior is in need of assisted living. While depression may
be a normal phenomenon after the death of a spouse, it should not continue many
years after. And while you may not be clear how to identify depression, you can
look around and see if menial things such as keeping the house clean or the
refrigerator full are being neglected. When they fail to do these things, it
not only means that the elder is physically incapable of doing the work, but
also that they are no longer aware or care about these things.
2. When seniors start wearing the same
clothes every day then it’s a clear indicator that they are in need of assisted
living. Often, these seniors also stop brushing their teeth or taking a bath.
As soon as you notice this, you’ll have to ask for help quickly because their
health is at risk.
3. If you notice that your senior
parent is getting cuts or bruises frequently you should act immediately for
them to receive proper care as soon as possible. This is because as a person
gets older, his skin becomes more fragile and cannot heal fast.
While some of the signs above are
obvious, others require your careful observation. But the bottom line is that
when you notice any of these signs in your aging parent, then it’s time to
consider getting an assisted living service for him. By far, this is the best
thing you can do for him so that they will have the care that they desperately
need. At the end of the day, they will live a happier and healthier life and
you can have the peace of mind knowing that they are always being taken care
of.
Assisted Living for Your Senior Parents
For children of senior parents, it
might be a tough decision to sign up their parents for assisted living.
However, pretty soon they’ll realize that it is for the better. In fact, the most challenging part is on
recognizing the signs that your parent is already in need of these services. As
soon as you notice some of the things I’ll discuss below, then it is high time
to think through your options. You and your parents will have a much better life
if they have someone staying with them who can help them go through their daily
lives properly and safely.
1. Depression. This is a common and
strong sign that a senior is in need of assisted living. While depression may
be a normal phenomenon after the death of a spouse, it should not continue many
years after. And while you may not be clear how to identify depression, you can
look around and see if menial things such as keeping the house clean or the
refrigerator full are being neglected. When they fail to do these things, it
not only means that the elder is physically incapable of doing the work, but
also that they are no longer aware or care about these things.
2. When seniors start wearing the same
clothes every day then it’s a clear indicator that they are in need of assisted
living. Often, these seniors also stop brushing their teeth or taking a bath.
As soon as you notice this, you’ll have to ask for help quickly because their
health is at risk.
3. If you notice that your senior
parent is getting cuts or bruises frequently you should act immediately for
them to receive proper care as soon as possible. This is because as a person
gets older, his skin becomes more fragile and cannot heal fast.
While some of the signs above are
obvious, others require your careful observation. But the bottom line is that
when you notice any of these signs in your aging parent, then it’s time to
consider getting an assisted living service for him. By far, this is the best
thing you can do for him so that they will have the care that they desperately
need. At the end of the day, they will live a happier and healthier life and
you can have the peace of mind knowing that they are always being taken care
of.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
How to Help an Aging Parent Who Refuses Help
The Best elder care And In Home Care In Little Egg Harbor New Jersey Offers Advice On How To Help An Aging Parent Who Refuses Help
During My frequent visits to my patients in southern ocean county New Jersey I get a chance to hear what is on the minds and hearts of adult children, the challenges that are the toughest for them to deal with. One question I hear over and over goes something like this, “We see our parents struggling with their living situation, and we have tried every way possible to talk with them about it, but they refuse to accept help in their home. What can we do?”
Before I offer up some suggestions, I want to take a step back and explore the situation from your parents’ perspective.
our owners are registered nurses who have beeen taking care of seniors for 20 years and have
parents who are in need of home health care . There is no magic pill but a comprehensive plan
with caring professionals at the senior helpers team can help to decrease the stress and give options that are realistic and affordable.
I would love to hear your insight and ideas on how to reach out to aging parents who refuse help. What has worked or not worked in your family?
please contac me at www.seniorhelpersnj.com email me at mporchia@seniorhelpers.com
Before I offer up some suggestions, I want to take a step back and explore the situation from your parents’ perspective.
- On a high level, the mention of services brought into the home can make your parent think, “This is the first step to losing my independence. If this happens, what’s next?” Whether they consciously or unconsciously have this thought, they will want to fiercely grab on to the life they know and resist any change.
- Your parent may treasure their privacy, so even the mention of bringing a home aide or visiting nurse into their home, may be unsettling.
- Your parent may be financially conservative, wanting to be frugal and responsible. They’ve lived through the Great Depression. They see their health care costs rising, and the instability of world economy.
our owners are registered nurses who have beeen taking care of seniors for 20 years and have
parents who are in need of home health care . There is no magic pill but a comprehensive plan
with caring professionals at the senior helpers team can help to decrease the stress and give options that are realistic and affordable.
- Begin by listening to your parent. Have a relaxed conversation away from your homes, perhaps in a park or some other peaceful setting. You’ll be amazed at how this can break the cycle of a “stuck” conversation. Ask a big question like, “Mom, what has been the most difficult part of aging for you?” She’ll have to dig deep to answer that, and you’ll learn about her values, wishes and goals. And, you will then be able to find common ground and build trust as you work together in the future, in finding the right option for your parent.
- Observe. I share in my book and presentations about the importance of being a “detached” observer for a day or two. Become like a quiet shadow beside your parent. Envision yourself as a caring friend. Watch how your parent moves, what they struggle with, what makes them happy, how they interact with their friends and the outside world. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed or disturbed by what you see. By all means, do NOT jump into solution-mode. I love this quote by James Thurber, “Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.” This is what we need to do as we seek to understand our aging parents.
- Reach out to your Area Agency on Aging. Now that you have listened and observed, you will need to reach out and learn about options and resources. I always suggest contacting your parent’s local Area Agency on Aging. Every part of the country is covered by one of these agencies, funded by the federal government. They offer a hotline staffed by trained elder advisors. They maintain a comprehensive listing of community resources, and most now have a geriatric care manager on staff. No matter where you or your parent are in the country, you can go to their website and plug in a zip code to get the contact information for your Area Agency on Aging. Simply explain your parent’s need(s) and ask for assistance.
- Reach out to a geriatric care manager. So, you’ve tried the listening and the observing. And, you reached out to your Area Agency on Aging and gathered resources and options. But, your parent will still not consider accepting help. Then it is time to have a professional step in and assist. Senior helpers of Little Egg Harbor has a quality geriatric care manager on staff . This professional usually has a background as a social worker or nurse. Such individuals have the experience and sensitivity to meet with your parent in their home and do a holistic assessment (of your parent, their living environment, their support structure) and then make recommendations. They are trained to know that each elderly person and each family are unique in their needs and wishes. They will be able to frame their recommendations in a way that will help your aging parent understand it is in their best interest.
I would love to hear your insight and ideas on how to reach out to aging parents who refuse help. What has worked or not worked in your family?
please contac me at www.seniorhelpersnj.com email me at mporchia@seniorhelpers.com
How to Help an Aging Parent Who Refuses Help
THE BEST ELDER CARE AND IN HOME CARE IN LITTLE EGG HARBOR NEW JERSEY OFFERS ADVICE ON HOW TO HELP AN AGING PARENT WHO REFUSES HELP
How to Help an Aging Parent Who Refuses Help
During My frequent visits to my patients in southern ocean county New Jersey I get a chance to hear what is on the minds and hearts of adult children, the challenges that are the toughest for them to deal with. One question I hear over and over goes something like this, “We see our parents struggling with their living situation, and we have tried every way possible to talk with them about it, but they refuse to accept help in their home. What can we do?”
Before I offer up some suggestions, I want to take a step back and explore the situation from your parents’ perspective.
- On a high level, the mention of services brought into the home can make your parent think, “This is the first step to losing my independence. If this happens, what’s next?” Whether they consciously or unconsciously have this thought, they will want to fiercely grab on to the life they know and resist any change.
- Your parent may treasure their privacy, so even the mention of bringing a home aide or visiting nurse into their home, may be unsettling.
- Your parent may be financially conservative, wanting to be frugal and responsible. They’ve lived through the Great Depression. They see their health care costs rising, and the instability of world economy.
So, with those thoughts in mind, how can we approach the conversation in a more empathetic way? At Senior Helpers of Little Egg Harbor NJ , we strive to listen empathetically , because
our owners are registered nurses who have beeen taking care of seniors for 20 years and have
parents who are in need of home health care . There is no magic pill but a comprehensive plan
with caring professionals at the senior helpers team can help to decrease the stress and give options that are realistic and affordable.
our owners are registered nurses who have beeen taking care of seniors for 20 years and have
parents who are in need of home health care . There is no magic pill but a comprehensive plan
with caring professionals at the senior helpers team can help to decrease the stress and give options that are realistic and affordable.
- Begin by listening to your parent. Have a relaxed conversation away from your homes, perhaps in a park or some other peaceful setting. You’ll be amazed at how this can break the cycle of a “stuck” conversation. Ask a big question like, “Mom, what has been the most difficult part of aging for you?” She’ll have to dig deep to answer that, and you’ll learn about her values, wishes and goals. And, you will then be able to find common ground and build trust as you work together in the future, in finding the right option for your parent.
- Observe. I share in my book and presentations about the importance of being a “detached” observer for a day or two. Become like a quiet shadow beside your parent. Envision yourself as a caring friend. Watch how your parent moves, what they struggle with, what makes them happy, how they interact with their friends and the outside world. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed or disturbed by what you see. By all means, do NOT jump into solution-mode. I love this quote by James Thurber, “Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.” This is what we need to do as we seek to understand our aging parents.
- Reach out to your Area Agency on Aging. Now that you have listened and observed, you will need to reach out and learn about options and resources. I always suggest contacting your parent’s local Area Agency on Aging. Every part of the country is covered by one of these agencies, funded by the federal government. They offer a hotline staffed by trained elder advisors. They maintain a comprehensive listing of community resources, and most now have a geriatric care manager on staff. No matter where you or your parent are in the country, you can go to their website and plug in a zip code to get the contact information for your Area Agency on Aging. Simply explain your parent’s need(s) and ask for assistance.
- Reach out to a geriatric care manager. So, you’ve tried the listening and the observing. And, you reached out to your Area Agency on Aging and gathered resources and options. But, your parent will still not consider accepting help. Then it is time to have a professional step in and assist. Senior helpers of Little Egg Harbor has a quality geriatric care manager on staff . This professional usually has a background as a social worker or nurse. Such individuals have the experience and sensitivity to meet with your parent in their home and do a holistic assessment (of your parent, their living environment, their support structure) and then make recommendations. They are trained to know that each elderly person and each family are unique in their needs and wishes. They will be able to frame their recommendations in a way that will help your aging parent understand it is in their best interest.
I hope this advise helps you get “unstuck” with your aging parents. Step back, reflect on your parent’s values and wishes, and then reach out for professional help.
I would love to hear your insight and ideas on how to reach out to aging parents who refuse help. What has worked or not worked in your family?
please contac me at www.seniorhelpersnj.com email me at mporchia@seniorhelpers.com
please contac me at www.seniorhelpersnj.com email me at mporchia@seniorhelpers.com
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Senior Helpers of Moorestown Nj talks about Possible Symptoms of Severe Memory Loss
Possible Symptoms of Severe Memory Loss
As we get older, we tend to get more forgetful. This
is part of the aging process and there’s not a lot we can do about it. For this
reason, some memory loss among elderly persons is usually not cause for alarm.
However, there are cases when chronic forgetfulness can progress into full
blown dementia or Alzheimer’s. So if you believe that you or an elderly loved
one might be suffering from a severe form of memory loss, it’s important to get
some help right away.
Here are 4 symptoms to look for that may be signs of
severe memory loss:
- Forgetting
dates
Forgetting a couple dates here and there may not be
too big a deal, but if there is a recurring pattern of forgetting important
dates, forgetting to show up at work, or forgetting to show up at planned
social events, this could be a sign of trouble. If this type of memory loss is
occurring, keep a close eye on it and if it gets any worse, get help right
away.
- Forgetting
where they are
This is a potentially dangerous trend if it’s
happening with an aging family member. Losing your direction in an unfamiliar
place is common, but if you see them forgetting where they are in places
they’ve known for a long time like just a couple blocks from their house, get
help before something bad happens.
- Losing
Things
Everyone misplaces their car keys or wallet from time
to time, but those suffering from severe memory loss do this on a regular
basis-to the point where it becomes difficult for them to function during their
daily life without someone else keeping track of their things. Watch out for
your loved one commonly misplacing important items. This may be another sign of
trouble.
- Pulling
back from normal living
This is the natural progression of someone suffering
from severe memory loss like dementia or Alzheimer’s-pulling back from work
and/or social activities and essentially withdrawing from their network of
family and friends. This is usually done out of fear that others will discover
their failing memory. When confronting them on this issue, make sure to always
be compassionate and empathize with what they’re going through.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Senior Helpers In Home Care of Brick and Toms River New Jersey talks about Possible Symptoms of Severe Memory Loss
Senior Helpers In Home Care of Brick and Toms River New Jersey talks about Possible Symptoms of Severe Memory Loss
By peter mangiola. Published 2012-01-17 21:45:00
Possible Symptoms of Severe Memory Loss
As we get older, we tend to get more forgetful.
This is part of the aging process and there’s not a lot we can do about
it. For this reason, some memory loss among elderly persons is usually
not cause for alarm. However, there are cases when chronic forgetfulness can
progress into full blown dementia or Alzheimer’s. So if you believe
that you or an elderly loved one might be suffering from a severe form
of memory loss, it’s important to get some help right away.
Here are 4 symptoms to look for that may be signs of severe memory loss:
- Forgetting dates
Forgetting
a couple dates here and there may not be too big a deal, but if there
is a recurring pattern of forgetting important dates, forgetting to show
up at work, or forgetting to show up at planned social events, this
could be a sign of trouble. If this type of memory loss is occurring,
keep a close eye on it and if it gets any worse, get help right away.
- Forgetting where they are
This is a potentially
dangerous trend if it’s happening with an aging family member. Losing
your direction in an unfamiliar place is common, but if you see them
forgetting where they are in places they’ve known for a long time like
just a couple blocks from their house, get help before something bad
happens.
- Losing Things
Everyone misplaces their car keys or wallet from time to time, but those suffering from severe memory loss
do this on a regular basis-to the point where it becomes difficult for
them to function during their daily life without someone else keeping
track of their things. Watch out for your loved one commonly misplacing
important items. This may be another sign of trouble.
- Pulling back from normal living
This is the natural progression of someone suffering from severe memory loss like dementia or Alzheimer’s-pulling
back from work and/or social activities and essentially withdrawing
from their network of family and friends. This is usually done out of
fear that others will discover their failing memory. When confronting
them on this issue, make sure to always be compassionate and empathize
with what they’re going through.
Senior Helpers In Home Care of Brick and Toms River New Jersey talks about Possible Symptoms of Severe Memory Loss
By peter mangiola. Published 2012-01-17 21:45:00
Possible Symptoms of Severe Memory Loss
As we get older, we tend to get more forgetful.
This is part of the aging process and there’s not a lot we can do about
it. For this reason, some memory loss among elderly persons is usually
not cause for alarm. However, there are cases when chronic forgetfulness can
progress into full blown dementia or Alzheimer’s. So if you believe
that you or an elderly loved one might be suffering from a severe form
of memory loss, it’s important to get some help right away.
Here are 4 symptoms to look for that may be signs of severe memory loss:
- Forgetting dates
Forgetting
a couple dates here and there may not be too big a deal, but if there
is a recurring pattern of forgetting important dates, forgetting to show
up at work, or forgetting to show up at planned social events, this
could be a sign of trouble. If this type of memory loss is occurring,
keep a close eye on it and if it gets any worse, get help right away.
- Forgetting where they are
This is a potentially
dangerous trend if it’s happening with an aging family member. Losing
your direction in an unfamiliar place is common, but if you see them
forgetting where they are in places they’ve known for a long time like
just a couple blocks from their house, get help before something bad
happens.
- Losing Things
Everyone misplaces their car keys or wallet from time to time, but those suffering from severe memory loss
do this on a regular basis-to the point where it becomes difficult for
them to function during their daily life without someone else keeping
track of their things. Watch out for your loved one commonly misplacing
important items. This may be another sign of trouble.
- Pulling back from normal living
This is the natural progression of someone suffering from severe memory loss like dementia or Alzheimer’s-pulling
back from work and/or social activities and essentially withdrawing
from their network of family and friends. This is usually done out of
fear that others will discover their failing memory. When confronting
them on this issue, make sure to always be compassionate and empathize
with what they’re going through.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Dispelling Myths About Home Care: What Home Care Is and Isn't
Dispelling Myths About Home Care: What Home Care Is and Isn't
Home Care. These two words may overwhelm families as they're considering viable options for their aging and/or ailing relative. Home Care allows a person with special needs to remain in their home, and may encompass a variety of roles such as personal care (i.e., bathing, washing your hair, getting dressed), homemaking (i.e., cleaning and yardwork), cooking or delivering meals, and health care such as having a home health aide come to your home.While it entails a variety of situations such as people getting older, people who are chronically ill, recovering from surgery or disabled, there are many myths about home care to become aware of as you consider the possibility.
Home care is only for old people.
"People of all ages are eligible for home care," says peter mangiola Rn msn at Senior Helpers Of Burlington and Ocean counties in new jersey. In fact, he notes older patients aren't the only people receiving care; mothers and babies receive services as well as older individuals. In addition, home care may be necessary for a variety of life altering situations such as car accidents, unanticipated illnesses, or other mishaps.
The quality of care provided at home is inferior compared to institutionalized care.
According to Mangiola, the clinical training of the staff for home care is the same if not better than training in institutions. he explains, "The clinicians need to be very well versed since they're on their own inside a home. It's not uncommon to have advanced medical treatments such as intravenous therapy and ventilator care to be done at home."
Home care is the solution to a problem.
In essence, Maria Porchia, RN, ceo of senior helpers of ocean and burlington counties in new Jersey, indicates that home care is quite the opposite: it finds ways to solve the problem. "The purpose of visits is to teach family members how to provide care for their loved ones in the home." She adds, "It will open them to the resources in their communities that will be able to assist them to function at their highest level if possible where they were prior to hospitalization." For instance, patients and family members are taught how to do procedures such as uncomplicated wound care and post-orthopedic home exercises.
Home care is an alternative to other care options such as a hospital or nursing home.
This is simply not true, according to peter mangiola Rn. Actually, home care provided by professional caregivers often supplements other care arrangements and helps ensure patients receive the care they need and deserve. "Instead of viewing home care as a replacement for other care arrangements, it is about meeting people's needs and wants regardless of where or when services are provided or who else is involved in the care process."
Home care is expensive and only wealthy people can afford it.
Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers, says there are actually many ways for seniors to afford quality home care. "With new programs such as reverse mortgages, VA benefits, long-term care insurance, and access to state and local programs such as Medicaid, many more families are able to afford quality home care for their loved one."
Long-term care only exists in a nursing home.
This is not the case for many families according to Ross. He explains, "If the senior has medical issues that require health care throughout the day, a nursing home may be the right option however, most seniors require assistance and many times it is non-medical. Seniors want to live out their life in their own homes."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)