This can present a challenge for doctors because they have to treat run of the mill diseases very differently in patients of advanced age. If they are not trained in doing that, the health care of the elderly patients will be compromised. Thankfully, there are some advocates on the medical science front who are bringing these concerns to light.

In a recently published medical journal called Academic Medicine, a group of doctors and other healthcare providers comprised a list of basic geriatric training that every newly graduating and currently practicing physician should know. The majority of the list was comprised of preventive techniques, such as fall prevention, varied presentations of common diseases, and better patient in-office assessment. This journal comes on the heels of the 2008 Institute of Medicine study titled “Retooling for an Aged America”. That study also outlined and lobbied for all healthcare practitioners to be versed in basic geriatric care.

The caregiver, or family member, should be prudent in choosing a healthcare provider. Most people are leery of fresh out of medical school physicians already, but these studies show that there is even more cause for alarm when it comes to healthcare management in the elderly. Newly trained doctors do not have the experience that established doctors do, which means they also have not had the chance to treat many - if any - elderly patients. This further limits their understanding of the patients’ needs. If a geriatric specialist cannot be found locally, the next best option for families of elderly loved ones is to see a general practitioner that has several years of experience. While a doctor with many years of experience may not have specific geriatric care training, the chance is higher that he or she has seen enough aged patients to understand the differential care that they require.

What are dietary supplements?

Dietary supplements are pills, capsules, or drink mixes that contain a mixture of vitamin and minerals to supplement the body‘s intake of the daily requirements of each one that, for whatever reason, is not being achieved through diet alone. Optionally, there is a supplement for each individual vitamin and mineral so that people can pick and choose what’s right for them based on their deficiencies. Supplements may include herbs, animal extracts, and amino acids in addition to their vitamin and mineral content.

Who may need to take a dietary supplement?

People who are not consuming the recommended daily amounts of vitamins or minerals should consider taking a dietary supplement. Meeting the body’s required amount of each one is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. The elderly population often consumes the bulk of dietary supplements due to increased risk factors from having a deficiency that accompanies age. The chances of a senior needing to take supplements if they are receiving home health care are slim due to the supervision and care they are receiving.

Who should not take dietary supplements?

People who are taking regular medications, whether they are prescribed or the over-the-counter variety, should seek the advice of their dietician, doctor, and/or pharmacist to rule out any possible interactions between the supplements and their medications. Just because the supplements contain important vitamins and minerals does not ensure that they are safe to take in every circumstance.

People who have recently had surgery or are scheduled for surgery in the near future should not consume dietary supplements. The consumption of dietary supplements before or after a surgical procedure could lead to severe complications such as blood pressure and bleeding issues. People who are already consuming dietary supplements should discontinue their usage two to three weeks prior to having a surgical procedure performed.

Regardless of whom is providing your home health care dietary supplements are best used under the supervision of a qualified health professional. Always consult your doctor with questions and concerns before taking any dietary supplements.

That search is never an easy one. Families find it very difficult to trust a stranger with the life and well-being of their elderly loved ones. Finding an in-home senior care provider is the second best thing to doing it themselves, which is why most families who are able opt for this alternative when they cannot be the caregiver themselves. This situation allows the elderly loved one to remain in their home and within familiar surroundings, both of which are vital to their mental health and well-being.

Nursing homes are another popular option when an elderly family member cannot be cared for by an in-home senior care provider or the by family. However, recent statistics regarding abuse inside nursing homes may lead to a drastically reduced number of families opting for this kind of care. The Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee found that thirty percent of all nursing homes in the United States were cited for a total of 9,000 instances of elderly abuse and neglect over a two year period from 1999 to 2001. That equates to one in three residents suffering abuse at the hands of their care providers.

The most common reason for the complaints was neglect. Untreated bedsores, unsanitary conditions, malnutrition, slack medical care, and poor hygienic practices were the most frequently cited situations in the complaints against the nursing homes. Some of the complaints were vastly more disturbing. They accused the staff of striking the residents, punching them, kicking them, and other physical abuses to the point of causing broken bones and bruising. Sexual abuse of the elderly residents by the care providers themselves were also reported.

These statistics should be red flags for any families who are considering nursing homes as a care giving option for their elderly loved ones. They should also bear in the mind that just because a nursing home has a clean record, free of abuse claims does not mean that abuse will not occur there in the future. On the other hand, just because abuse has occurred there in the past does not mean it will continue to occur in the future.

However, if you choose an in-home senior care provider like us you can have piece of mind knowing your loved one is in very capable hands, receiving one on one special care and in their own home with all the familiar surroundings they need.

There are two forms of arthritis that most commonly affect the elderly population - osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage between the bones at the joints is depleted and the bones rub against each other with movement. The lack of support from the cartilage causes severe pain for the person having OA. The most likely places for OA to present itself in the body are the knees, back, hips, and hands. Estimates indicate that 27 million Americans suffer from OA.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes thickening and inflammation of the membrane surrounding and covering the joints. Rheumatoid can lead to weakening of joints, tendons, and other parts of the body. When one side of the body is afflicted by RA, the other side will follow suit, making it a symmetrical condition. Both RA and OA are most prevalent in women and are the leading cause of disabilities in older Americans.

Home care is dificult for arthritis because there is no cure for these conditions, those suffering from arthritis eventually learn to live with the pain and discomfort that they cause. However, recent discoveries on the medical front have provided new hope to those afflicted by arthritis that the pain can be managed more effectively using natural products instead of narcotics. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega 3 essential fatty acids are some of the natural products that have show promise to those suffering from arthritis. Glucosamine is an amino sugar used to produce cushioning fluid around the joints. Chondroitin is a substance found naturally in animal and human cartilage that also produces cushioning joint fluids. Omega 3 fatty acids are derived from fish oils and are used in a number of different medical treatments, including heart ailments and cholesterol management.

Just because these products are touted to be ‘natural’ does not mean they cannot be harmful - especially when taken without the supervision of a qualified physician. Harmful side effects and adverse reactions could result, especially when combined with other medications. Seniors and people receiving home care should always consult their doctor before self administering any natural remedy.

The scam artists glean personal information from the unsuspecting victims and use it against them by depleting bank accounts and racking up immense credit card debts. The scammers will pose as bank employees, credit card representatives, or even hosts of some fictitious contest. People fall victim to these scams because, most of the time, the scammers sound so convincing.

Family members and senior care providers who share the responsibility of overseeing the finances of elderly loved ones should pay close attention to transactions being posted on their bank statements and credit card statements. Additionally, they should also instruct their elderly loved ones on how to handle these type of scamming situations, should they arise. Here are some tips that senior care providers and family members can follow to ensure the integrity of their elderly loved one’s financial information.

• If the senior loved one is an Internet user, being able to verify that a particular website encrypts its information is imperative. This means that the website codes personal information in a way that hackers will not be able to read it, should they attempt to steal it. Credit card, bank account, and Social Security numbers are all favorite targets of online scammers. The way to verify this is to look for a symbol of a padlock on the bottom or top address bar of the open screen. This icon is usually gold in color, but can vary.
• Let them know never to confirm any personal information or repeat any personal information via a telephone call. One of the easiest ways that scam artists get personal account information is to call the person and ask for verification over the telephone while posing as another party. A reputable financial institution will never ask you to confirm your account number during a telephone call. Further, any reputable charitable organization will have literature that they can send through postal mail, without having to solicit donations over the telephone.
• Let them know to report any suspicious activity such as solicitation calls or verification calls to their financial institutions. The institutions may already be aware of the situation, but if they aren’t, this can aide them in helping their other customers avoid being scammed by the current ploy that is circulating.

Senior care providers don’t just have a responsibilty for the health of the client or loved one, they also have to watch out for anything that can have a negative impact on the senior’s lifestyle.

Here is a list of precaution that the care provider and family members of the elderly should follow when venturing into the summer heat.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding drinks that contain caffeine, sugar and alcohol. These drinks deplete the body of fluid rather than restoring it. Waiting until you are thirsty to drink water defeats the purpose because your body is already showing signs of dehydration, which is a precursor to heat related injury. Water consumption could be increased, if not doubled, during times of exertion in high temperatures.
• Never leave an elderly person alone in an unconditioned vehicle for any length of time. Temperatures inside the car can be as much as thirty degrees higher than the outside air temperature during the hottest part of the day.
• Severe burns can result from coming in contact with chairs, car interiors, seat belt buckles, and any other surface that may have been heated by the sun. Always check the temperature of these items before using.
• The hottest part of the day is from 10am until 4pm. Outdoor activities should be very limited or discontinued during these hours.
• Dress in light-weight, light-colored cotton clothing. Cotton allows the skin to breathe and for air to circulate. This helps in the body’s cooling process. Synthetic fabrics and dark colors trap the body’s heat next to the skin and cause the body’s temperature to rise.
• Listening to the body’s warning signs goes a long way in preventing heat-related illnesses. Excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, cramps, headache, fatigue, and excessive thirst are all symptoms that the body isn’t able to cool itself as effectively as it needs to. If an elderly person begins to exhibit any of these symptoms, they should be moved to an air conditioned space and given cool fluids to drink as soon as possible.

A care provider has an enormous amout of responsibility when it comes to looking after an elder and unfortunately even a nice summers day is not a time to relax.

The elderly portion of society is generally more susceptible to the dangers of the summer heat than the rest of us are. Sadly, the elderly population are the least likely to have a working air conditioner in their homes. While some of them may have air conditioning, they are often, at times, leery of using them due to increasing energy costs - and they become a luxury instead of a necessity. In an elderly care situation you might be aware of this by noticing a cooling unit but, despite the heat, it isn’t being used.

Caregivers and families can ensure that their elderly loved ones remain cool and safe during the heat by taking a close look at the options available in their community. Raising awareness about heat related injuries and deaths is something that most larger cities do each summer. Additionally, they offer cooling centers where the elderly, homeless, or other persons without access to adequate air conditioning to cool off for a few hours during the hottest times of the day. If your local community does not offer specific programs and cooling centers, there are alternatives. Here are three options that families and caregivers with elderly loved ones can look into no matter where they live.

Day programs for seniors

Many communities have day programs geared toward seniors. These programs often include crafts, games, meals, and other activities such as field trips and are based in a variety of local public buildings like community centers. These programs are generally offered several times a week and last all day long. Most of them are free of charge.

Libraries

Libraries are a good choice for cooling off during the summer heat. Most of them are handicapped accessible for visitors utilizing mobility aids. Some library offer programs like reading groups and book signings as well as other hands on activities. There are books on tape and large print items for elderly patrons who may have visual impairment. Call ahead to confirm your local library’s hours of operation.

Shopping malls

Shopping malls are another option for finding indoor solace this summer. Aside from the retail outlets, shopping malls often have special events during the summer such as fashion and car shows. Most malls are also located along public transportation routes so when providing elderly care this could be a cheap, refreshing and easy day out.

Falls involving walkers accounted for 87% of the falls while 13% of the falls were attributed to the use of canes. These falls can lead to serious injury - and sometimes death - in the aged population. For this reason, the CDC is urging anyone who is a caregiver to educate themselves and their clients on the importance of mobility aid safety. Here are some basic guidelines that the caregiver can follow to ensure the safety of their elderly charges.

• Maintain a clear path through heavily traveled areas of the home, keeping clutter off the floors and stairways to avoid tripping.
• Well lighted homes also help to prevent trips and falls.
• Always secure electrical cords out of the walking paths in the home.
• Regularly inspect the walking aid for breaks, cracks, or any other flaw that can hinder its reliability.
• For clients utilizing a walker, be sure that their weight is within the guidelines set forth by the manufacturer of the walker. Some devices come with pre-determined weight limits and cannot be trusted beyond those.
• For clients who are using canes for walking, instruct them to always carry the cane on their strongest side, since the side of the body that the cane is on will be the side bearing the brunt of their weight.
• When climbing stairs with a cane, the elder should use their strongest leg first.
• When descending stairs with a cane, they should use their weaker leg first.
• Have the client properly fitted for their walking aid according to their height. Walking aids that are too tall or too short become hindrances and often times stumbling blocks.
• For elderly clients who use walkers, be sure that all folding parts of the walker are locked into the correct position to prevent buckling upon use.
• Walkers should never be used to ascend stairs or escalators.

The most effective way to decrease the number of walking aid related falls is by educating the client as well as the caregiver. Getting instruction on proper usage from the medical supply company that provides the walking aids is just as important as investing the time into choosing the correct aid.

What does a Geriatric Care Manager do?

A Geriatric Care Manager does a variety of tasks focused on assisting the elderly with overall health and well being. They often can act as a liaison between a relative located far away and local medical professionals or other service providers.

Typically, a GCM will do an assessment of the senior, including medication, mental status, home safety, nutrition, socialization, and then develop a plan of care around their findings. They communicate and coordinate with the family, medical professionals, and other service providers to insure safety, medical (and medication) compliance, and appropriate resource usage.

The GCM is often a nurse or social worker who knows the landscape locally of hospitals, rehab facilities, assisted living facilities, visiting nurses, home health care providers, adult day health facilities, durable medical equipment providers, etc. They are well versed in the local resources available, and help match their client with the appropriate provider. Often, the GCM will act as a “stand in daughter” if the family is far away or unable to attend medical appointments.

For example, during her assessment of an elderly client a GCM may determine that the client is a fall hazard when showering. The GCM may arrange for hand rails to be installed in the shower of the client. She would call the service provider (whom she most likely knows) and coordinate and oversee the installation. This is just a small example of a non medical situation where the client’s family might be unaware of the need, too far away to handle, and not know any local providers. The client herself may be uncomfortable or feel overwhelmed trying to arrange and oversee the installation and not know exactly what she needs or a reputable contractor.

The GCM frequently assists with organizing household management tasks, can often help with bill paying and record keeping. Working with a Geriatric Care Manager is a good idea for many families and a resource that should be explored by most.

If you need the name of a good Geriatric Care Manager in the Boston area call North River Home Care at 781-659-1366. We work with and can recommend a number of excellent GCM’s.