The Danger of Elderly Falls

Every year, approximately one third of senior citizens suffer a fall, often leading to serious injury and costly medical bills. Not only do falls cause injuries that often lead to the need for long-term care, but falls are actually one of the leading causes for death in both men and women over the age of 65.

Why are Falls Especially Devastating to the Elderly?

While falls are certainly never a joy for younger individuals, their impact on seniors is certainly made worse by a number of different factors. Everything from muscle weakness, osteoporosis, loss of vision, and other common changes associated with the aging process not only makes falls more likely, but also increases the instance of injury and other damaging effects following the fall itself.

Medications are another common culprit that often leads to falls, as are common behaviors of elderly individuals. Unfortunately, many seniors attempt to do some of the same tasks that they once performed with ease. Things like climbing ladders, mowing the lawn, gardening, lifting heavy objects, and the like can easily cause a fall and subsequent injury. Other contributing factors to falls by seniors can include alcoholism, poor diet, and environmental issues such as poor lighting and uneven flooring.

How Can Falls be Prevented?

Knowing what factors increase the risk of falls is the first step to facilitating their prevention. Most falls can happily be prevented by being aware of the behavioral, environmental, and biological changes most seniors might be experiencing. Recognizing their limitations is incredibly important, as is asking for help when the situation warrants it. The need to feel independent is certainly understandable, so it can often be difficult to ask for assistance, which is why family and friends should take the initiative and offer to help when it's needed.

Seniors who are looking to avoid falls can also make certain changes in their lifestyle. Examples include:

• Exercising more frequently
• Eating a wholesome, healthy diet
• Reducing their alcohol consumption
• Going to the doctor for regular checkups
• Discussing the side effects of any and all medications with their physician
• Eliminating hazards in the home
• Using canes, walkers, and other devices when needed

When the occasional assistance by family and friends is no longer sufficient, hiring an in-home caregiver can be a good option. With in-home care, the senior receives the care they need while still retaining the independence and confidence of remaining within the home and community they know and love. An in-home caregiver can provide assistance with a number of non-medical tasks including housekeeping, meal planning, cooking, errand running, and other chores. Caregivers can also monitor the individual's home environment to make sure that the area is as conducive to safe living as possible. To learn more about the many benefits an in-home caregiver can provide, contact Visiting Angels today.

The Importance of Senior Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a lifelong responsibility; a senior may need to retake some immunizations that were already taken as a child or in earlier adult years. Certain senior citizens may have medical conditions or lifestyles that make it even more important to have certain vaccinations. Immune systems naturally weaken with age, so it is not uncommon to pay attention to vaccinations.

Flu Vaccinations for Seniors
It is recommended that seniors receive a flu vaccination every year. More than half of flu-related hospitalizations and 90 percent hospitalizations happen in adults over the age of 65. The earlier in the flu season the better; it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective. Flu vaccinations are very important as an individual progresses in age; the flu can severely weaken a senior and even become life-threatening. Side effects such as headache, hoarse and fever are common, but they typically only last for no longer than 2 days.

Shingles Vaccinations
The risk of contracting shingles increases as an individual grows older. Seniors should check with a physician first to determine if their immune system is able to withstand a shingles vaccination. Shingles can cause general pain lasting from days to years, and can cause brain swelling, hearing and vision loss and even death in extreme cases. Common side effects such as soreness, headache and itching where the shot was administered are mild and only last for a few days.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Infants are first given this one-shot immunization composed of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, but a booster shoot should be given after the age of 65 to prevent death. Whooping cough can lead to broken ribs and pneumonia in a senior citizen, and it is especially important for a senior to receive this vaccine if they are around children. Side effects such as headache, mild fever, vomiting and tiredness may occur after injection, but it is typically not enough to interfere with everyday activities.

Chickenpox Vaccination (Varicella)
The chickenpox vaccination began to be administered in 1995, so many seniors may have missed the opportunity to receive it beforehand. A recommendation from a physician should be acquired before getting the varicella shot, and one dose from years before may be enough. Chickenpox can cause serious complications with other medical conditions that a child may not have, and it could even result in death. Common side effects such as a mild rash, low fever, nausea, trouble sleeping and stomach issues may occur for a few days after receiving the varicella vaccine.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming Your Parent’s Caregiver

 

How is it that one man’s dream is another’s worst nightmare? This seems to be the norm when it comes to our older generation who want to spend their golden years in the home they worked so hard to have. Unfortunately, their dream can quickly turn into a nightmare for their children who are tasked to take care of them as they get older.

 

Seniors wanting to live independently are occasionally inflexible and obstinate.

It’s understandable wanting to live at home, but sometimes it isn’t the most practical decision. Even though there are many different alternatives to retirement centers, the belief that there is no place like home holds true for most. Seniors who wish to remain in their homes until their last days, must be able to take care of themselves for the most part. The reality is that more often than not, this isn’t the case. This raises the question, "Who will be their caregiver?"

 

Being your parent’s caregiver is a full-time job. Adult children often feel obligated to do so, and most of the time, the sole responsibility falls directly onto one person’s shoulders. Before you take on this massive responsibility, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before you make a final decision.

 

What are the sacrifices I will need to make to able to take care of my parents?

1. Will I be able to give my own family enough quality time?
2. From a financial aspect, is it affordable?
3. How understanding is my employer about the situation?
4. Is my job in jeopardy due taking time off from work to care for my parents?
5. Will I lose possibility for advancement at work?
6. Do I fully understand what is involved?
7. Am I able to provide a satisfactory level of care in comparison to a trained professional?
8. How will my spouse and children feel about my absence?
9. Is it possible to have time for myself without feeling guilty?

Keep in mind that your decision will not only impact you, but your own family as well. If you think you are unable to be your parents caregiver, don't feel ashamed.

The dedicated staff at Visiting Angels in Las Vegas understand. We know how much you love your parents, but we also understand that you have other obligations that demand your attention. Call us today to talk about the possible options. Together we can find a solution that makes everyone smile.

Caring for a Loved One with Mobility Issues

When your loved one’s mobility decreases, he or she may suddenly need help doing a lot of the things that are necessary for daily living. The thought of lifting and assisting your loved one may be daunting, but it will become easier with time. Here are some tips for caring for a loved one with reduced mobility.

Respecting Your Loved One’s Independence
A decrease in mobility is a major loss for most people. Your loved one wants and needs to have as much control over his or her life as possible. Before you attempt to assist your loved one, be careful to explain what has to be done and why.

Staying Safe During Transfers
Transfers can be dangerous. You can make the process much safer by planning ahead, waiting for help if your loved one is too heavy, and following safety guidelines. These include keeping your legs slightly apart and your back straight while holding your loved one near to own body during the move, turning your whole body rather than just you waist, and wearing skid-proof shoes. To initiate the transfer, face your loved one while gently gripping beneath each arm. If you must carry your loved one, put one arm around him or her and under an armpit, then put the other under the knees.

Using a Wheelchair
A wheelchair can allow your loved one to continue many activities he or she loves, such as visiting, shopping, enjoying the outdoors, and attending religious services. However, getting into and out of the wheelchair must be done safely.

Before transferring your loved one to a wheelchair, adjust the height so that the rider’s thighs are at a 90 degree angle to his or her torso. Place a pad in the seat for comfort. Before you assist your loved one into the chair, lock the brakes and adjust the footrests to the side. Then use the general safety guidelines for transfers to help your loved one into the chair. Once your loved one is in the chair, move his or her feet apart to about shoulder width.

Always turn the chair backwards before going up stairs or over curbs or bumps. Whenever possible, make sure your loved one can see where you are going. Casually mention that you are approaching bumps, turns, stairs, ramps, or lifts. When it is time to get back into bed, use the safety guidelines for transfers again, this time gently lifting your loved one from the wheelchair.

Reach out for Help
Even the most dedicated caregiver needs help now and then. Enlist other family members to help care for your loved ones when needed, or ask for a helping hand from a professional such as Visiting Angels in Las Vegas.

Adapting Your Home On a Budget for Care of Senior Parents In Las Vegas

When the subject of elderly parents living with their adult children comes up, an idyllic scene of the old TV show "The Walton's" might come to mind where three generations lived in one big farmhouse. However, reality is quite different from a TV show. Today's average home is smaller, and adult children often have spouses, children and pets in homes where a parent or parents might be moving in. Regardless of whether the situation is temporary or permanent, caused by financial constraints or insurance coverage or just because of a debt of love, the change can be made much easier and safer by completing some simple home adaptations.

Common Needs In Senior Home Care

Compromised strength, range of motion and balance are the fundamentals considered when adapting homes for their care. Compromised cognitive abilities may also apply. The degree of severity differs for each person needing care, but typically adaptive needs are similar. The most dangerous room in homes for elders has always been the bathroom. Slips and falls that cause serious injury mostly occur there. Thresholds transitioning from one floor surface to another, from one room to another and from indoors to outdoors are another high hazard area. Burns while preparing food, navigating stairs and tripping over throw rugs, objects left on the floor and furniture edges are also common. Adaptive equipment minimizes injury potential.

Examples of Easy Home Adaptations to Enhance Senior Care

The first changes should be in the bathroom. Adding shower/tub chairs, elevated toilet seats and non-slip surfaces to floors, tubs and showers is a must. Most of these devices are available in practically any department store pharmacy at a low cost with no professional home renovations being required. Thresholds can be made safely navigable by walkers and wheelchairs by installing threshold ramps available at home supply centers. The rubber ones are available in different heights, and installation only involves placing them at the door like a door mat. Telescoping grab handles make it easier for seniors to retrieve light objects that have fallen onto the floor or are stored in overhead cabinets. Having favorite microwaveable foods always available helps to prevent burns and potential fires from stove cooking.

Caregiver Training Is Part of Home Adaptation

All of the best devices that aid with adult children providing care to elderly parents cannot compare to proper training. An example is patient lifts available in most care facilities. They are quite expensive but make it easy to lift the full weight of a person. However, there are proper lifting methods that make it much easier to do routine lifts of seniors who have difficulty standing. Knowledge of proper lifting procedures takes the strain off of caregivers and reduces the risk of injury for both seniors and caregivers. Training on methods such as this are available but may require asking medical professionals involved in senior care for advice on how to obtain it.

It would be nice if every home where seniors are cared for could be adapted using the latest technologies and equipment, but the reality is that families are most often under the strain of compromising on space and costs. Still, a little forethought and asking for help from available professionals can make the adaptation of a home to provide safe senior home care much easier, even on the tightest of budgets.