Joint and bone pain is often a fact of life for many in the elderly population. Most of the time these ailments are taken with a grain of salt, and blamed on arthritis. Sometimes these pains grow so great that walking aids, or scooters are needed for older people to get around. As a caregiver it is important to understand what arthritis is, what causes it, and how it can be treated. Arthritis is one of the most common aliments home care workers will encounter, and while there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to help clients cope with it.
Two types of arthritis are commonly seen in the elderly population. The first is osteoarthritis, or OA, a condition in which the cartilage between the joints has broken down, and pain is caused by the rubbing of bone on bone. OA is often seen in the back, knees, hips, and hands, making movement painful, and sometimes nearly impossible.
The second type of arthritis home care workers will come in contact with is Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. RA is an autoimmune disorder which causes swelling in the joints, and other parts of the body. RA is a symmetrical disorder, which means it attacks both sides of the body.
Both types of arthritis are very prevalent among the female population, and can lead to accidents, and health complications in elderly people. A caregiver should be alert for signs of either type of arthritis in clients, and the things that can be done to help them.
While there are no cures for arthritis, of either type, medical science has provided some methods to help fight against it. In the past narcotic pain killers were often used to treat the symptoms of arthritis. Studies have revealed that there may be non-narcotic ways to combat arthritis. Glucosamine, an amino sugar, has been shown to help the body produce cushioning fluid around joints. Omega 3 fatty acids have shown success in helping treat people suffering from arthritis, and other ailments. Chondroitin, a substance found naturally in both human and animal cartilage, has also been shown to help the body produce cushioning fluid around the joints.
One of the fastest growing crimes are financial scams perpetrated against senior citizens. Many elderly citizens become targets for these types of crimes because they can be more easily confused in some cases, while in others it is a more trusting nature, and a failure to keep up with the ways that scammers find to victimize people.
For caregivers, and family alike, there is a shared responsibility to protect the elderly from scams and con jobs. Home care workers, and family members should pay close attention to transactions posted to bank accounts, and credit cards of the elderly. Home care providers are often in the best position to catch people attempting to pull off scams on the elderly. Their proximity to the potential victim makes a caregiver a good first line of defense against these scams.
Educating the elderly on the nature of some of these scams can help reduce their vulnerability. If the client is often on the internet, or frequently makes purchases online, it is wise to check to see if the website encrypts the data being sent. This is usually easy to spot, as a small lock will appear either near the top search bar, or in the lower right corner of the screen. This lock, usually gold in color, denotes that the site uses data encryption to protect user information.
Make sure that the client understands the dangers associated with giving out personal information to people on the phone. No reputable financial, or charitable institution will ask someone to confirm account numbers over the phone. Most of these establishments will also have some kind of literature which can be sent through the mail, this means that most charities will avoid telephone solicitation.
If they feel they have been the victim of a scam let the senior know how important it is to report the activity, and help them in any way possible. This can help protect not only the client, but people everywhere.
As a home care provider the responsibility is part of the job. When working as a caregiver someone is watching out for more than just a clients health. They must help their client avoid anything that may have a negative impact on their lifestyle.
Many people do not follow a diet that provides all the vitamins, and minerals that the human body needs to function at its best. This is even more true of the elderly population. Lack of the right nutrients can lead to a weakened immune system, poor eyesight, weak bones, and a variety of other health complications.
To make up for many of these vitamin deficiencies people often take dietary supplements. A large majority of dietary supplements are taken by the elderly. As a home care worker it is wise to understand when, and if dietary supplements are the right choice for clients.
As a caregiver, one of the biggest responsibilities a person will face is making sure that their clients eat right. If a senior is under the observation of a home care professional, who helps them set out their meal plans, it is unlikely that they will need any dietary supplementation. If certain vitamins are missing from the diet, then supplements may be used to help balance out the body’s needs. Speaking with the clients doctor can help a caregiver better understand what their clients needs are.
People who take regular medications, even those sold over the counter, should always seek a doctors advice before turning to dietary supplements. Some supplements may cause adverse reactions when combined with medication. Seeking the advice of a doctor or pharmacist is always recommended when dietary supplements may affect new medication.
It is also wise to discontinue the use of dietary supplements both before, and after surgery, unless instructed otherwise by a medical professional. Dietary supplements can cause spikes in blood pressure, and other changes in the body, which may cause complications before, during, and after surgery. Speaking to the clients doctor can help rule out any possible dangers associated with taking dietary supplements, when major medical procedures loom on the horizon.
Unless otherwise notified by a doctor it is recommended that dietary supplementation be stopped three to six weeks before a major medical procedure. As a caregiver, or other person working in the home care industry, it is always important to know what your client is taking, and how it may affect them.
Tags: in home care, medication
For many people who provide home care to the elderly, safety in the home is one of the biggest issues. The bathroom in particular can provide a host of problems for the elderly. A few simple modifications can help make the bathroom both safer, and more comfortable. A caregiver should suggest making a few of these modifications to their clients, as it will protect them, and make access to things much easier on them.
The easiest thing that can be done to make the bathroom safer for elderly clients is to improve the lighting. A nightlight, or motion sensor light can help. A caregiver many also want to increase the wattage of blubs already placed in the bathroom. Extra lighting can help avoid some of the accidents that can befall elderly clients.
Modifying a bathroom for better mobility is more difficult, but can significantly improve an elderly persons quality of life. Widening the bathroom door way can help provide easier access for clients who use mobility aids such as power chairs, and walkers. 32” to 36” is recommended, as this allows plenty of extra room for clients to maneuver through.’
Mounting sinks at waist height can reduce bending in taller clients, as well as help provide access to people who may be spending much of their time in a wheel chair, or scooter. A larger shower area, with no steps, and a floor sloping towards the drain, can make the bathroom safer and more comfortable as well. Adding extra hand holds, and a detachable shower head can also help make the shower a safer place. For traditional bathtubs handrails are recommended, as they can help a patient stabilize themselves while bathing. It also makes it easier to sit, and stand in the bathtub.
The standard height of a toilet is 15”. Raising the height to 17” can make it easier for some clients to use. A caregiver can also make some other suggestions to help improve the comfort of a bathroom. Lever type handles on sinks, and tubs are easier on the hands than standard knobs. The same logic applies to door handles. Pull out shelving can help increase the usable space in cabinets, and also make the room easier for elderly clients to navigate.
Tags: home care safety, in home care
While staying cool in the summer can be difficult, no matter who you are, the danger that the heat poses to some members of our society is largely overlooked.
For the elderly population, the summer heat can be more than just uncomfortable, it can be deadly. Many of our elderly live on fixed incomes, and the rising costs of energy can deter them, or even make it impossible, for them to use air conditioning during the hottest parts of the year.
In many larger cities, when the heat rises, television and radio will make the point of how dangerous the heat can be to the elderly. In many communities, however, there is little information on how to help those who are most affected by the dangerous heat of summer.
For families, and caregivers who take care of the elderly, finding ways to protect them from the summer heat is one of their most important tasks. While it may not always seem easy, checking the local newspaper, or keeping an eye out for public notices about local activities can help protect the elderly, as well as provide them with entertainment during the summer months.
In many communities there are day time programs designed for seniors. These are often all day events, and in most cases are hosted inside community centers, or other large public buildings. Many of these programs offer a respite from the summer heat, as well as crafts, meals, and games. A large majority of these programs are free of charge.
Other good places to escape the heat of the day for seniors are malls, and libraries. Most libraries are designed to deal with handicapped visitors who many be using mobility aids. Audiobooks and reading groups offer a variety of activities for people who may have impaired vision.
Most shopping malls are also handicapped accessible, and they are usually located along public transit routes, making them a cheap way to get away from the day time heat. During the summer many malls host special events, such as car, boat, and fashion shows which can provide entertainment, and keep people out of the heat.
Almost a quarter of the elderly population has to take three or more pills per day. With many seniors taking multiple pills, it can be difficult to keep up with the times, and dosages needed. Home care workers can help elderly clients remember their medication in a number of ways.
Medication alarms are much like alarm clocks, which can be set to go off when the next medication needs to be taken. These can be set to go off several times a day, as needed. Another good way to help elderly clients remember to take their medication, is to associate taking the medication with a common daily activity. Some medications need to be taken with food, or right before bed, so it is easy for a caregiver to associate the medication with the normal activities.
It is also important for the caregiver to make sure that their client is taking the correct dosage of medication. Daily medication organizers can help tackle both the task of remembering when to take a medication, as well as the dosage. Medication organizers are cheap, and allow patients, or caregivers, to preset the dosages of medications, as well as remember which ones need to be taken on a given day. Another alternative caregivers can look into, for patients who have a hard time remembering dosages, is bubble packed medication. These prepackaged dosages are an effective way to help people manage their medication needs.
Hiring a home care agency can help elderly clients remember to take their medication, and help protect them from a variety of other complications. Many times a caregiver can serve an elderly client better than family, as they form a different type of relationship with the client. Many people are more likely to take advice from a trained professional, as opposed to a close family member.
There are many agencies which can help families manage the needs of elderly members, who can no longer fully take care of themselves. Hiring a trained home care worker can help elderly loved ones live longer, and fuller lives, without the need to move into an assisted living facility.
Tags: home care medication
One of the most challenging aspects of working as a caregiver to elderly clients, is finding the right doctor. The caregiver, and family members must be careful to choose a doctor who has the right kind of experience to best treat their client, or loved one.
Treating elderly patients can be much more difficult than treating younger people. While the flu, or a common cold can be easily treated in the younger population, they can quickly turn deadly for geriatric patients. Often times older patients have compromised immune systems, due to their advanced age, and must be treated differently than their younger counterparts.
When working in the home care industry, it is always best to attempt to find a doctor who specializes in geriatric medicine. This is not always possible; the next best thing is a general practitioner, with several years of experience, who is well versed in dealing with elderly patients. Many doctors who are fresh out of medical school lack any working experience with elderly patients This lack of experience can turn deadly, so choosing a doctor who has been in the medical field for a few years is highly recommended.
A medical journal, know as Academic Medicine, recently published a list of basic geriatric procedures. Many of these focus on preventative practices, such as avoiding fall hazards, and dealing with common diseases in the elderly. It is important for caregivers to understand what they can do to prevent medical complications. Another study published, by the Institute Of Medicine, in 2008 called “Retooling for an Aged America”, urged caregivers, doctors, and people working in other aspects of the home care industry, to become acquainted with basic geriatric care.
While it can be difficult for a caregiver to find the right doctor for their situation, it is one of the most important things they can do to help their clients. They need to find a doctor that both they, and their client can trust, who is well versed in situations which might arise when dealing with geriatric patients It is also important for home care workers to understand the basic things that they can do to help prevent accidents, or other medical incidents.
Tags: caregiver, elderly care
The Center For Disease Control, the CDC, has recently unveiled the findings of a study than may shock many people working in the home health care industry. The study estimated that nearly forty-seven thousand elderly Americans are injured in accidents each year, which involve the use of a mobility aid.
Almost 87% of these falls occurred in people using walkers, while 13% involved the use of a cane. The CDC has urged caregivers, and people working in the home care industry to educated themselves, as well as their clients, on the topic of mobility aid safety precautions. There are a few simple guidelines that can help home care workers help keep their clients safe.
Maintaining a clear walking path through the home is one of the most important things that can be done to help keep mobility impaired people safe. Caregivers should always make sure that walking paths are clear of clutter, and electrical cords which may cause a fall. Keeping the room well lit will also help protect people using mobility aids.
Caregivers should also check the mobility aid for any cracks, or damage, which may create a fall hazard. Many walkers have a certain weight capacity, ensuring that the user meets these requirements will help keep them safe. Some walkers have folding pieces, which allow for easy storage, but can provide a fall hazard if they are not correctly locked in place. A walker should never be used to climb stairs, or escalators, so a caregiver should try to find ways around these obstacles.
For home care clients who use canes, it is always recommended that they use the cane on their strongest side, as that side will be supporting most of their weight. When ascending stairs on a cane a person should lead with their strong leg, while descending they should lead with the weaker leg. Make sure that adjustable canes are set to the correct height, to help further protect clients.
Educating both caregivers, and clients in the proper safety precautions can help significantly reduce the number of falling accidents suffered by those who have impaired mobility.
We have provided you with a short list of benefits as to why we think it is better to stay at home, instead of moving into a care home/facility.
Social Interaction
By staying at home instead, you can have the same social life you have always had. There are no visiting times within your own home so family and friends can come and go as they please. If you feel like preparing a dinner then you can do so in your own kitchen and invite guests over. There is no reason to lose sight of your social circle.
Finance Management
If you are choosing to live in your own home then there will be no need to sell it and go through the lengthy and sometimes difficult sales period. This can be very troublesome for the elder and family due to the economic situation in your country and concerns over fluctuating market values.Why sell a home to only then move into a different one?
Freedom
If you choose to stay at home instead then you will have more freedom. Care homes, due to the amount of people they have to look after, are very regimented and timings play an important part of the daily routine. At home you can eat when you want, get up when you want – in fact your life is your own.
Mental Well-being
Many people can not handle such a drastic change in circumstances, such as moving into a care home, so late in life. The change in the sights, sounds and smells, all the new faces, rules and regulations, etc, can all be overwhelming to the strongest person.
Better Health Care
It is an obvious fact that if you choose to stay at home instead and receive individual care then you will be under a better umbrella of care, on a one-to-one basis, than if you were at a care home mixed in with a group of people, all with different ailments and needs, etc. A caregiver is your own private medical team who knows you and your conditions, your likes and dislikes, someone who becomes a friend.
Many of our clients view our caregivers as ‘visiting angels’. This is no doubt due to their uncompromising professional and compassionate approach to their work. Caregivers have very flexible roles within our company, some can be with a client for only one day a week, others spend much more time with the clients – also, hours of care per visit vary greatly as well.
Not only are the timings of our ‘visiting angels’ flexible – per the clients requests – so are the duties performed. All manner of care is given to the client, so they can rest comfortably in their own home.
Friendship comes naturally between the elder and the caregiver and as they work together a bond of trust builds up. This is very important for times when the elder needs someone to confide in or has to go through moments where their dignity must be maintained, such as personal hygiene assistance, dressing and bathing.
Running your own home is difficult enough when you are young and fit, however when you are a senior receiving home care your caregiver can help you organize the home, prepare your meals and help with light housekeeping duties and laundry services.
Mobility and transport as you become older become more difficult, especially if walking aids are needed and/or you have given up your right to drive. The ‘visiting angels’ are there again to assist you getting ‘out and about’. Lack of mobility does not mean you have to spend all the time indoors, it just means you have to be more careful when you do want to go out. A caregiver will always make sure you have all your necessary aids with you and can organize transport. Even a day out to nearby local attractions can be planned.
If you know of someone, a family member, friend or loved one, who is considering their options with regards to their health care management and their housing make sure they know there is the option to stay comfortably and safely within their own home and have one of our ‘visiting angels’, a caregiver, come round and take care of their every need.
Tags: caregiver, Home Care in Houston
