When caring for a patient with dementia, the goal should be to enable that person to thrive and function as much as possible. By using abilities-based care, the abilities of the individual are focused upon and treatment for the disease is based on these abilities. The following list contains some interesting information on how doctors are now caring for patients that have dementia.
1. Doctors and therapists are using the person-centered care model that allows the individual to use their abilities and function during every stage of dementia.
2. Person-centered care involves a care team gathering life stories of people with dementia and gaining an understanding of their interests, beliefs, leisure interests and routines.
3. A great example of this new model is employed during dinner time. Patients with dementia face many challenges when it is time to eat. Encouraging patients to eat foods that are nourishing is the goal. This helps maintain health but also allows the patients to have some control over what they are eating. They will be allowed to make food choices based on personal preferences.
4. It is important for each patient with dementia to be monitored so that team members can get an in-depth understanding of the individual needs of each patient.
5. The person-centered model allows for each dementia patient to be treated as an individual. This individualism carries forth into treatment methods that will be used.
Indigestion is a stomach condition that can make life miserable for many seniors. Many times, the indigestion is caused by something we eat. While it may be hard for seniors to alter their diets, there are some simple things that can be done to reduce indigestion. These tips can allow seniors to continue eating the foods they love without the discomfort of indigestion.
1. After each meal, drink a half glass of pineapple juice.
2. When indigestion strikes, combine two tablespoons of honey with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Add this mixture to a glass of warm water. This is one of the best home remedies for indigestion.
3. Eating oranges will reduce indigestion. The orange will allow the digestive organs to rest and will also provide the body with vitamins and nutrients.
4. Grapes and grape juice have been known to cure indigestion.
5. Lemon juice will fight bacteria that can cause indigestion. Adding some lemon juice to a cup of water and drinking it before eating will help reduce the chances of suffering from indigestion.
6. Using an ice bag on the stomach for 30 minutes after each meal offers relief from indigestion.
7. Some seniors will find relief from making a drink with either cumin seeds, coriander leaves or ginger.
8. Eating ½ tablespoon of aniseeds effectively enhances digestion.
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Seniors realize there is no miracle cure for ailments or disease, but research shows that an increase in antioxidants can help seniors maintain and even improve their health. The best way to avoid disease and improve overall health is to stop doing things that can promote disease, such as smoking, and do things that promote good health. The following list contains information on how antioxidants can help.
1. One of the major causes of sickness and aging is a suppressed immune system. Toxins that are taken into the body can weaken the immune, such as cigarette smoke, drinking alcohol and the ingestion or absorption of chemicals.
2. In order for the body to have the ability to destroy toxins, there must be an adequate supply of antioxidants in the body.
3. Antioxidants are rated by their ability to neutralize free radicals. The higher the rating, the better the substance.
4. Acai is one of the most powerful antioxidants. Adding this to a daily diet can help seniors maintain and promote good health.
5. Another great source of antioxidants is red wine grapes. Studies have indicated that people who drink red wine reduce their chances of dying prematurely by 40%.
6. The body naturally produces antioxidants, but as we age, we produce less, requiring many seniors to take a supplement to strengthen their immune system and improve health.
As we age, the body becomes worn down. If seniors do not exercise regularly, they will lose flexibility and may develop many health problems, including cardio issues. Staying flexible and improving cardio health can literally save a life. This is especially true for those who have excess weight. The following information provides tips and facts about flexibility and cardio health.
1. To help with flexibility, individuals over the age of 50 will benefit from yoga and Pilates classes. These exercises can be easily modified. Seniors who have arthritis will benefit from these forms of exercise because they help to loosen the tendons and increase elasticity in the muscles.
2. After every workout, it is important to spend some time stretching. This will reopen joints and is a very important part of any exercise regime.
3. Stretching provides the most benefit when it is done when the muscles are still warm. A 10 minute stretching session following exercise is recommended.
4. Since heart disease affects many older individuals, it is important to have a cardio workout in an exercise regime.
5. To avoid impact on the joints, riding a bike is a great way to get a full cardio workout.
6. Many seniors still enjoy a night out dancing. Not only will this be a great way to spend the evening, but this activity is also considered a cardio exercise.
7. Swimming is also a great way to stay fit. This will strengthen muscles and provide a cardio workout.
Most patients who have been diagnosed with dementia will be subject to aggressive treatments. Since many of these patients cannot speak for themselves, they are often sent out in an ambulance unnecessarily. Dementia patients who are transported by ambulance are often hospitalized even if there is no immediate cause for the hospital stay.
1. A recent study conducted on 300 patients with dementia in Boston shows that 30% of total expenditures were spent on hospital stays.
2. Skilled nursing accounts for an additional 10%.
3. It is believed that more than 75% of all hospitalizations of dementia patients can be avoided. They could actually be treated in the nursing home where they are currently located instead of being transported to an unfamiliar environment.
4. Dementia patients are often sent to the hospital when they develop respiratory infections, especially pneumonia, which is actually a recurring and common problem in patients with progressed dementia.
5. It is believed that the reason for the high number of hospitalizations is due to cost shifting by the nursing home. When a patient returns from a hospital stay, their next 100 days in the nursing home will be covered by Medicare at a higher rate than Medicaid payments have been paying.
6. The billions of dollars that could be saved by reducing the number of hospitalizations could be better spent improving nursing home care.
Reaching the age of 100 will be a reason for many seniors to celebrate. With increased health care and advanced technology, many seniors who are now in their 50s will have a long life to look forward to. However, there are some concerning issues that need attention, especially in the area of senior finances. The following list contains some information on aging and financial resources.
1. With extended life expectancies, many seniors are working well past the age of retirement in hopes of being able to save up money to enjoy later in life, especially if they reach the age of 100.
2. While some seniors have the desire to work, it can be difficult. Not many companies will hire older adults. Some companies will not allow employees to work past the age of 65. This has raised some serious discrimination issues.
3. For people who are in their 50s, it may be very difficult to save enough money by the time they reach the age of retirement to ensure income that will last until they are 100 years old.
4. Reaching 100 should be a cause for celebration, and for many people it will be. However, there will still be many financial concerns for the future.
Getting old may mean that some seniors will have to deal with changes in their health. However, this does not mean that they cannot enjoy life just as they always have. By taking steps to maintain health, seniors can carry on and lead a healthy and enjoyable life, even as they age. The following health tips can be useful to seniors during the aging process.
1. Always make sure to get enough sleep. The body needs this time to recover from the events of the day. Getting enough sleep will not only help improve physical health but it will also promote mental health and cognitive functioning. Seniors who nap during the day must make sure they are still getting a full night of sleep.
2. Stay active and engage in physical activity. Regular exercise will help keep the body healthy and can also help seniors recover quicker after an illness.
3. Have a healthy and nutritious diet. This is very important. Many seniors do not eat the right foods and do not get the nutrients their body needs.
4. Have a positive social circle. Having a healthy social life has many benefits for seniors. It will help with emotional and physical health.
5. Make sure to see a doctor on a regular basis. Some seniors will only go to the doctor when they become ill. By having regular appointments, health problems can be detected in advance and seniors will be able to avoid problems in the future.
6. Find ways to deal with stress. Daily life is full of surprises and it is common for seniors to experience high levels of stress. This can have a negative effect, causing anxiety and loss of sleep. Stress is a factor in many diseases as well, so finding ways to reduce stress is essential.
Being in the role of a caregiver can create high levels of stress. Now, there are a variety of apps on the Smartphone that can be of great use to caregivers. These apps can help a caregiver keep track of many things that are related to the care of a senior. The following list contains five new apps that caregivers are making us of on their Smartphone.
1. Tell My Geo is a personal-health-record app that will allow healthcare providers to access medical history through a Smartphone. The app also has a GPS locater. It is available from Android for $9.95 per month. This is a great app for seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
2. Personal Caregiver is from iPhone at no charge. This app helps seniors and caregivers keep track of medications. Since many seniors take multiple medications at different times during the day, this app can be very helpful.
3. Pain Care is also a free app that has won numerous awards. This app helps seniors communicate their level of pain. This is a great app for seniors who cannot speak because of a certain medical condition.
4. iBioMed is an app that contains a treatment log book for therapies, diets, medications, test results and allergies. It is a portable medical record that has a time-stamped journal.
5. Public Speech is a free app that can help caregivers record the reminiscences of a senior who may not be with us for much longer. This app makes for a great activity that will engage seniors and allow them to record memories and their life stories.
