Category Archives: Elder Care

How a Stairlift Benefits Your Health

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There are a number of reasons someone may need help with mobility. Stairlifts are seats that help people who struggle with mobility easily climb up and down staircases. Age isn’t the only factor when it comes to losing mobility. People at any age can struggle with arthritis or other bone or joint disease that decreases the general range of motion. An unexpected accident or other situation can leave you needing help when it comes to freely moving around and doing things you formerly had no trouble doing. Stairlifts are able to improve the way you get around your home and allow you to keep your independence.

Stairlifts Can Prevent Falls

Doctors who treat the elderly or patients with bone and joint disorders will tell you that one of the most common causes of injuries for their patients is falls. Whether a person realizes it or not, when mobility is challenged it increases the risk of falls. Stairs are a dangerous place to fall because a fall down the stairs often results in multiple injuries. Sometimes you can even trip going up the stairs and injure your face or neck if you fall upwards. A lift can help you avoid falls by providing a safe alternative to climbing.

If your only problem is a lack of mobility, you don’t want to compound it with injuries from a fall. Stairlifts remove the risk of falling down the stairs and insure that you won’t end up at the doctor for a broken bone or other injury. A lift can even help remove any fear you may have of falling when climbing up or down the stairs. Some people don’t realize that they even have a fear of injuring themselves on the stairs until they get a lift and realize that it helps build their confidence when climbing.

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How to Deal With Hospitalization

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Most senior citizens will be faced with hospitalization at some point in their later years, whether it is because of an emergency, treatment for an illness, or surgery. Most people are nervous before a hospital stay and there are many things that family members and caregivers can do to make the transition to a hospital stay easier for the patient. The cause of the nerves may be fear of the unknown, worry that they will be uncomfortable, or uneasiness about the health issues being treated.

When packing for the hospital, leave all valuables at home, even items the patient might wear every day such as a wedding ring or watch. It is best to bring as little as possible to avoid losing any personal items, but some good things to include are comfortable nightclothes and slippers, toothbrush and other hygiene items, eyeglasses, all medicines, contact numbers, and reading items if the patient is in the condition where they might need some entertainment. Cell phones are usually not necessary and could be lost or stolen while in the hospital.

When filling out admission paperwork, the caregiver can help the patient by having all of their insurance and medical history information readily available. It is a good idea to have legal documentation such as a living will and power of attorney for the worst case scenario. Depending upon the circumstances of the hospital stay, the patient will be in a private or semi-private room. The hospital staff they will be interacting with include doctors, surgeons, nurses, nursing aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, technicians, pharmacists, volunteers and social workers. Family members should take note of the visiting hours and make sure that the patient receives visitors but not too many to overtire them.

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Stability And Mobility Through Age In Place Renovations

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As loved ones age caregivers need to start putting in place a plan against home accidents. Aging in place is becoming more common as loved ones are living longer and are more independent than in past decades. Assisted living a popular option also however many senior prefer to maintain their quality of life and independent living for as long as possible. This leads to aging in place safety procedures being instituted in homes.

One issue that often arises as loved ones ages is the loss of balance and stability. This often leads to falls that then grow into large issues such as broken hips or fractures. The best thing we can do as caregivers is to eliminate the possibilities that make our senior higher risk. It is impossible to offer them more balance on their own so establishing the aid around the house to offer this while removing obstacles is the key element in keeping seniors safe while aging in place.

The main area to begin with is the floors. This is obvious as it is where mobility happens. Observe the room. Look for obstacle as you walk through, in and around the room. Is there furniture everywhere? Is it too tight to maneuver with the use of a cane or walker? Are there rugs scattered about or loose carpets? How about magazines, papers, dog beds and extra debris that is not necessary cluttering the floor area? Also examine any cords for lamps, phones and other miscellaneous items often around the home stored on the floor. Even fan and humidifier cords are hazards in moving about one’s home in a safe manner.

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Adult Day Care in Canada

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What is Adult Day Care?

There are two types of adult daycare, social and medical and the purpose of both is that seniors have a place where they are cared for and have the opportunity to interact with other seniors during the day. In both social and medical settings, there are programs keep seniors motivated and energized. Seniors can be involved and engaged socially while being cared for in a safe and comfortable environment. The difference between social and medical care centres is that in a medical day care facility, healthcare professionals are present and available.

How Adult Day Care (Social) differs from Adult Day Health Care (Medical)

Facilities staffed with medical personnel are sometimes known as Adult Day Health Centres. A senior in an adult day health program generally requires that a physician complete a health assessment before they enter the program. The day health centre will usually include therapy according to the needs of those in the program such as physical therapy, speech and occupational therapy. The staff will include registered nurses and other healthcare professionals.

How would an Adult Day Program benefit my loved one?

Adult Day Care is also known as Adult Day-Programs, and they benefit elderly adults in several ways. For seniors in need of social stimulation there are activities that encourage and promote a social sense of well-being. Day Programs also provide assistance with various tasks that seniors or adults with disabilities may require. Having a loved one in a Day Program also allows the caregiver a break from the duties of taking care of a senior on a full time basis.

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