Physical Changes Of Aging: Loss of Vision.

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According to a write up from the American Foundation for the blind (www.afb.org), 6.5 million Americans over the age of 65 have a severe visual impairment. Vision loss can greatly affect the well-being of older adults in many ways.

A lot of visually impaired seniors experience difficulty performing the activities of daily living (ADL) such as : Finance management,cooking, shopping,reading, showering, recreational activities, participating social activities and all other personal needs. And once these difficulties are noticed, it sometimes lets in depression. Some common vision reducing eye problems include:

  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Diabetes
  • Dry eye
  • Age related macular degeneration.

One of the ways to avoid loss of vision is early preventive care. The earlier it’s detected the better the chances of avoiding loss of vision.

  • Going for regular vision appointments at least every two years.
  • Keeping a healthy diet.
  • Exercising more frequently
  • Physical exams to check for diabetes and high blood pressure
  • No smoking

And if seniors are already experiencing some loss of vision, here are some tips that can make a difference around their homes:

  • Installing proper lighting around the home is helpful
  • Using braille, audio tapes and reading large font books.
  • Labeling important thing around the home.
  • Removing clutters around the home.

Finally, getting in touch with nonprofit organizations involved with seniors affected by loss of vision can greatly help. Examples of such organizations are : Pennsylvania association for the blind (www.pablind.org) ,American solution for the blind (www.afb.org).

Physical Changes Of Aging: Aging In Place The Right Way.

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Aging in place for seniors means being able to live wherever they choose to and still get the best quality of life in every aspect of their lives for as long as they can. Studies from so many surveys have shown that a lot of seniors desire to stay and live in their own homes for the rest of their lives.

Aging in place requires a lot of planning and as every senior prepares for these changes, it is highly important for them to consider the changes that will happen to them and the impacts this changes will have on their lives.

Seniors experience both Physical and mental changes which include :

  • Loss of Vision
  • Loss of Hearing
  • Loss of Calcium (also known as Osteoporosis )   
  • Increased risk of illnesses such as Diabetes, Heart disease, Hypertension and arthritis
  • Poor Nutrition
  • Depression

We will be discussing more on how these changes occur and  affect seniors. Also, looking at the various tips and approach every caregiver needs to know about to make life easier and more  meaningful for every senior that comes their way.

 

Bathroom Safety: Use of Grab Rails.

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Considering all accidents that occur during bathroom use in elderly homes, it’s very important to take action with the installation of bathroom safety measures for our loved ones since it is an high risk area.

Grab rail also known as grab bar is one of the safety measures that prevents fall from slippery floors and bathtubs.They are strategically attached to walls in the tub and shower area to offer a steady brace while getting in and out of the shower or getting up and down from the toilet seat.

There are different types of grab bars needed in specific areas in the bathroom. At least two grab bars are needed in the tub.
Grab bars properly and permanently secured to the walls are much safer than the suction cup bars.
Most come with weight capacity, so please be sure to keep this in mind before installation.
#seniorcare #grabbars #bathroomsafety #weloveseniors #fallprevention

Bathroom Safety: Non-Slip Mats.

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An important bathroom safety installation that prevents and reduces the risk of fall are Non-slip bath mats. Non-slip bath mats are placed inside and outside of bathroom stalls to help prevent slips and falls by providing traction to the feet when wet.

Fall related injuries can result to head injuries, broken bones,hip fracture injuries and even spinal cord injuries. Non-slip mats not only provide extra security and stability, they also help when :

  • Getting in and out of the shower.
  • Reaching out for the towel bar and also trying to use the sink.
  • Sitting and getting up when using the toilet.

When buying a non-slip mat, it is important to:

  • Choose a mat with suction grips at the bottom. The suctions grips will stick to the bathtub and shower stalls preventing it from sliding.
  • Measure the tub and choose the mat that mostly covers the length of the tub as well.

Above all, let’s make sure that the bathrooms are well lit.

#bathroomsafety #seniorcare #homecare #fallprevention

The Power of Music.

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Music is a very powerful tool that can be used as a mental stimulation for our aging adults. With the rise in the life expectancy, we have a lot of seniors facing the problem of living in isolation and depression. Implementing Music Therapy for most seniors would tremendously engage and help prolong their lives more.

According to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, “listening to music when used appropriately can shift moods, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive functions and coordinate motor movements”.

River Oaks Homecare has a music therapy program that has proven to improve mental stimulation – promoting active and positive mental attitude, physical activity and interaction with others.

Here’s a 2012 YouTube about a man named Henry whose video went viral. Henry had suffered from Dementia for over a decade, he was always withdrawn and spent most of time in his wheelchair. Watch and enjoy how he responds to listening to his favorite songs on an ipod.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyZQf0p73QM&feature=youtu.be

Navigating And Finding The Right Care.

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Trying to get the right care and help needed for your Senior family member requires looking through various options. Often times seniors and decision makers struggle with the different kinds of options made available to them.
River Oaks Homecare provides a Patient Advocacy Service, which means apart from working with our seasoned personal care attendants and caregivers, we can also work you through many senior care choices and community programs such as

  • Assisted living facility placements : we can walk you through finding the best facilities within your budget.
  • Assistance with finding the right retirement community.
  • Assisting Veterans over 65 years and their spouses apply for the Aids and Attendance Benefit program.

Our unique on-going evaluation of all local facilities ensures the we only direct our clients to the best in the business, providing you the best quality of life that fits your budget.

Give us a call today for a free in home assessment.

[email protected] | 267-755-7500

Three Essential Questions to ask your Senior Home Care Provider.

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Three Essential questions to ask to ensure the company you choose has a strong set of core values:

  • Communication – Will I be able to easily communicate with the personal care attendant and have continued access to my care manager? This is the core of River Oaks Home Care’s approach.  We believe that you should never feel there is a lack of control or communication with your personal care attendant. For this reason, you are assigned a care manager who is always available.
  • Integrity – Has a sense of trust been established? At River Oaks Home Care, we believe this is the key to a comfortable relationship and the well-being of the client. That is why we carefully screen all our personal care attendants and provide a written contract.
  • Performance – Am I confident I will get the professional care promised and that there will be accountability and follow up? Home care is dynamic; a family’s needs can change daily. You chose home care to allow your loved one to remain independent and retain their quality of life, not to endure more paperwork and problem solving. We make a simple promise: We will be there for your family.

Contact us today for a free initial assessment to help determine the best care option for your loved one.