Boston

Some of the best ways to prepare for the safety and comfort of aging relatives is to think ahead and put in place a plan long before your loved ones need help. Fall prevention begins with proactive thinking. Don’t find yourself waiting till an accident happens to do a home safety audit, instead look for potential hazards during your next visit. Many times, families wait till after an accident has occurred and it’s the older adults who suffer most. Family caregivers need to think proactively and anticipate potential dangers to seniors by installing safety equipment, removing tripping hazards, and evaluating the day-to-day tasks that are difficult for an aging loved one to do independently.

As caregivers and concerned family members, it is our job to help plan for our aging relative’s future; by arming ourselves with knowledge and thinking proactively, we can ensure that they receive quality caring throughout their elder years.

Here are additional things to look for when checking on an aging loved one’s safety at home:

• Assess their driving skills. Even though they have been driving for many years, it may no longer be safe for them to continue.
• Make sure they are getting proper nutrition.  If your loved one can no longer prepare nutritious meals, arrange for food to be delivered.
• Check on finances. They can become forgetful and neglect to pay bills on time.
• Watch for balance problems. Watch how they walk and go up and down stairs.
• Consider buying them a medical alert device.
• Make note of changes in their memory. Try to talk about recent events to see what they recall.
• Make sure they are not forgetting to take their medications.

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.314. 9873.

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Safety for Aging Seniors at Home in Boston – Fire Safety Check

Here is a checklist for seniors to follow – these are important fire safety tips:

· Check to make sure smoke detectors are working properly.

· When smoking, make sure the contents in the ashtray are cool before you throw them away.

· Pay close attention to pots and pans when you are cooking.

· Keep an eye out for electrical problems. Look closely at extension cords and check for frayed wires or damaged outlets.

· Do not place anything flammable next to ovens, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces.

· Keep matches and lighters in a safe place.

· Know where the exits are in the senior’s home.

· Know what to do in case of a fire. Have an escape plan in place.

· Keep in mind the senior’s special needs.

Finally, do not use electric blankets in the winter. They can be fire hazards. You could put a warm bottle in the bed for a few minutes before getting in.

Above all else, in case of a fire, stay calm. This could save the lives of you and your senior living in Boston.

The Statistics We Need to Change

• People between 65 and 74 are nearly twice as likely to die in a home fire as the rest of the population.
• People between 75 and 84 are nearly four times as likely to die in a fire.
• People ages 85 and older are more than five times as likely to die in a fire.

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Symptoms of Improper Medication Dosage

It can be nerve wracking to be a caregiver when you are worrying about your parents’ health issues. There are a number of symptoms that arise if something is wrong and one of the most common health issues is improper medication dosage. If your loved one is getting the wrong dosage they may experience the following symptoms:

•    Falls
•    Dizziness
•    Depression
•    Incontinence
•    Psychiatric problems
•    Sleep issues / Insomnia
•    Memory loss
•    Confusion
•    Depression
•    Loss of coordination
•    Delirium / Hallucinations
•    Malnutrition / Dehydration
Then Issues This Can Lead To

Medication related problems can lead to numerous health and life altering consequences. Staying on top of medication dosage is vital. If your loved one has experienced any of the symptoms above they could be at risk of:

•     Hip fractures.
•    Death.
•    Hospitalizations.
•    Loss of independence.
•    Decreased quality of life.
•    Doctor / Emergency Room visits.

If you require more information about caregiving there are a number of resources available on the web. To learn about medication mismanagement and its warning signs, read this article on CaregiverStress.com.

Senior Health Problems: Falls

A common cause of injury or medical complications leading to death in seniors is falling. If your parents are living at home, make sure there isn’t a chance of them getting hurt. Some ways to prevent falls include:

•    Be sure medications aren’t interacting. Have your parents’ doctor take a look at their list of medications. Make sure they don’t cause dizziness or loss of balance when they interact.

•    Make sure your parents’ home is in good shape. There are a number of things to watch for when it comes to maintaining your parents home including installing more handrails and lights around the stairs, taping rugs to the ground, modifying the bathroom to suit their mobility needs and maintaining outdoor stairs.

•    Exercise can greatly benefit your parent. Get your loved one exercise, even just a short walk. This can greatly improve balance and a number of other brain functions.

•    Are there memory concerns with your parent? This can lead to confusion which can cause medication mismanagement and dehydration.

Safeguarding against falls in the present will save you hassle and heartache in the future. Be sure your parents’ home and health is well maintained to prevent falls. For more information read this article.

Source: Goerie.com

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Aging seniors deal with chronic pain and this can negatively impact their lives. But in addition to the physical pain, exhaustion and necessary lifestyle changes; seniors are also at a greater risk for accidents. According to a study, those with chronic pain have up to a 50% greater risk of falling, creating even greater physical challenges. Unfortunately, chronic pain often goes unrecognized and is under treated in seniors, so here are some tips for seniors and their caregivers to implement to cope:

1. Keep a pain journal – using a calendar or day planner to rate the level of pain felt each day creates a document of the consistency and frequency of the pain and can help identify other factors that might contribute to it. Seniors can rate their pain on a scale from 1 to 10 in their journal

2. Be persistent – doctors don’t always take a senior’s complaint of pain seriously. Some may feel that the older adult is simply complaining, others may not think it’s as serious because some seniors downplay their experiences. Seniors suffering from chronic pain need to be honest, and persistent to make their doctor understand

3. Understand triggers – if specific activities make the pain worse or physical temperatures outdoors, seniors should record this and adjust their activities to reduce the instances

4. Get on with life – chronic pain can cause seniors to withdraw and avoid all activity. They should continue with activities that they enjoy and maintain a physical routine

Exercise is the key to staying strong, energetic, and healthy as you get older. It can help you manage the symptoms of illness and pain, maintain your independence, and even reverse some of the symptoms of aging. And not only is exercise good for your body—it’s good for your mind, mood, and memory.

Via: Chronic Pain Support

When the family comes together, this makes for the perfect time to make sure elderly family members are safe at home in Boston. There are many things to look for without coming right out and asking questions that may be embarrassing. The list below contains six things that should be noted while visiting for the holidays. Any changes should be noted and if necessary, action should be taken as soon as possible.

1.            If the elderly family member is still driving, assess their skills. Even though they have been driving for many years, it may no longer be safe for them to do so. Ask if they have had any tickets or small accidents in the recent past. Look for dents on the car. If there is concern about their driving safety, schedule a driving test with the DMV.

2.            Make sure the senior is getting the proper nutrition. Check the cabinets and refrigerator to make sure they have food to make a meal with and not just a snack. If the senior cannot prepare their own meals any longer, arrange something with Meals on Wheels to help.

3.            Check on finances. See if there are unpaid bills lying around. Many seniors become forgetful and will neglect to pay bills on time.

4.            Watch for any balance problems. When seniors have issues with their balance, they will begin to experience many falls. Watch how they walk and go up and down stairs. Older family members may benefit from a medical alert bracelet.

5.            While talking to the senior, make note of any changes in their memory. Try to talk about recent events to see what they recall. Also check to make sure they are not forgetting to take their medications.

6.            Some seniors will experience loneliness and depression. This can be noticed by changes in behavior. Often, when a senior is depressed, their hygiene will begin to suffer. Check to see that their clothes are clean and they are caring for their personal hygiene.

Source: Eldercare ABC Blog

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Aging adults believe that a driver’s license is their last freedom. They want to continue driving for as long as possible. Unfortunately, for many in this age group, it’s not an option and it is usually something that must be addressed by a family member, such as an adult child. When doing this, the information in the list below can be beneficial in breaking the news to a senior.

1. Encourage seniors to be evaluated to determine if they are still safe to be driving. At-risk drivers can be the cause of many accidents and these may cause the death of the senior or another innocent person.

2. Be direct with the senior if they have to give up driving. Do not make up excuses and try to cover the facts. Simply state that they are no longer safe on the road.

3. If necessary, involve a doctor. The doctor will be able to tell the senior that they can no longer drive. Seniors will often take the information better coming from a medical professional.

4. Talk about alternatives, such as a transportation service or car pool. If the senior realizes they can still go out and do what they like, they will accept the fact better.

5. Driving can be dangerous for many seniors, especially those with severe health conditions. Make sure to discuss this with the senior as well as their doctors.

Source: USAWeekend.com

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Home Instead Senior Care understands how hard it is for family members and adult children to talk to aging relatives about getting older and living at home. There is no better time than the present to bring up concerns like long term care, giving up the keys, or financial matters.

Here are 7 tips listed from the Home Instead website that are helpful when you decide to have “the talk”.

Seven Tips to Help Boomer Children Communicate With Their Aging Parents:

1. Get Started.

If you’re 40 or your parents are 70, it’s time to start observing and gathering information carefully and thoughtfully

2. Talk it out.

Approach your parents with a conversation. Discuss what you’ve observed and ask your parents what they think is going on. If your parents acknowledge the situation, ask what they think would be good solutions.

3. Sooner is best.

Talk sooner rather than later when a crisis has occurred.

4. Forget the Baby Talk

Remember you are talking to an adult, not a child.

5. Maximize the Independence.

Always try to move toward solutions that provide the maximum amount of independence for the older person. Look for answers that optimize strengths and compensate for problems.

6. Be aware of the whole situation.

7. Ask for Help.

Many of the issues of aging can be solved by providing parents with the support they need to continue to maintain their independence.

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Tips for Winter Driving

Many seniors will still have to go out on the roads during winter weather. While this may cause some tension and anxiety, seniors will feel safer knowing their vehicle is operating properly. The list below offers some tips on what to check and also suggests some travel safety tips for senior drivers.

1.    Always take care of the vehicle. The tires and all fluids should be checked regularly throughout the winter months. Cold temperatures could turn a simple break-down into a life-threatening situation.

2.    Make sure the antifreeze mixture in the car is correct. This will keep the cooling system running properly.

3.    Check all belts, hoses and other moving parts under the hood. Seniors should have a trusted mechanic go over the entire car before the cold weather strikes so there is plenty of time to make necessary repairs.

4.    Check that the battery is in good condition. Cold temperatures can make a battery lose the charge.

5.    Take care of health. Make sure all eyeglass prescriptions are up to date. Seniors should always try to travel with another person so if something does happen, they are not alone. Seniors should also preplan their travel route and get updates on road conditions and traffic before leaving home.

Source: http://www.nebraska.tv/Global/story.asp?S=9449517&nav=menu605_2_8

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.

Senior Medications and Adherence

When a senior is prescribed a medication, they are expected to take it correctly. This means at the right time and the right dose. Many seniors have more than one medication they are taking daily, which can lead to a lot of confusion and even result it non-compliance. This could cause serious health problems for seniors. The following list contains some important information on taking medications correctly.

1. Adherence refers to properly taking a medication, including taking the right dose at the right time.

2. When seniors do not follow medication orders, there are many consequences that could have a negative effect on overall health.

3. Non-adherence includes not filling a prescription, skipping doses, stopping the medication before recommended, taking more of a medication than is prescribed, taking the medication at the wrong time, taking medication with foods or other medications that are prohibited, taking medication that is expired and using medical devises the wrong way.

4. To help patients with managing their medications, patients should be educated on the benefits of the medication as well as the consequences associated with not taking it properly.

5. Making medication regimens simpler can help patients keep track of their medications, making sure they are taken correctly.

6. Seniors should have a daily routine for medications and keep a checklist. An alarm can also be useful when taking multiple prescriptions throughout the day.

Source: Updatefrom.com

Home Care Boston providing elderly services in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville. Call us at 617.557.4600.