January 11, 2018 by
“I do NOT have Alzheimer’s disease! There isn’t anything wrong with me!”
If you’ve ever heard a friend or family member with dementia frustratingly communicate this or perhaps a very similar sentiment, it’s possible you have believed that individual was merely in denial and not willing to accept a tough diagnosis. The truth is, however, that oftentimes people who have dementia are experiencing anosognosia – an unawareness of their impairment. (more…)
January 6, 2018 by
It is among the more tricky decisions we must confront in later years, and a remarkably delicate subject for adult children to initiate with their elder parents: surrendering the car keys. Driving a vehicle, while supplying an inherent sense of freedom and independence, can become significantly unsafe due to a number of conditions linked to growing older. And giving up that independence for safety’s sake can feel defeating. (more…)
December 21, 2017 by
Most of us desire the most effective senior health care for our loved ones, but is it possible that on occasion, less is the most beneficial? As reported by a recent study published in Plos One by Dr. Martin Makary, professor of surgery and health policy at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a full 21% of medical care we receive is irrelevant – which means that millions of people put through various treatments, screenings and scans are obtaining little if any benefit. And these unwarranted senior health care services come at a cost: as much as $210 billion annually, as revealed by the National Academy of Medicine. (more…)
December 14, 2017 by
Living across the country from family makes it complicated to pay a visit to our older loved ones as often as we would like, but when the holiday season is here, families make an extra effort for time together – making it the perfect time to review a senior’s safety and wellbeing. There are many warning signs about senior safety that aren’t observed in weekly telephone conversations, emails, or even through Skype, but which often become very clear when the family gathers together for the holidays. (more…)
December 7, 2017 by
Looking at the holiday season through the lens of Alzheimer’s disease can seem to be anything but merry and bright. Family caregivers may be bogged down with care duties, and the disruption to routine can result in more distress for a person experiencing the impact of dementia. (more…)
November 21, 2017 by
Let’s be genuine: providing care for an elderly family member is often tiring, stressful, and isolating. When caregiving requirements advance, particularly if a long-term disease such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease is at play, family care providers may feel as if they’re in over their heads, and getting through the standard elements of the daytime – showering, cooking food, running errands – can seem to be a hurdle too great to leap. Caring for the caregiver sadly often falls to the bottom of the to-do list and can lead to caregiver isolation. (more…)
November 14, 2017 by
Although we’d prefer to turn a blind eye to it, family friction happens to be common in some form for most of us, and during a time of crisis when caring for aging parents, is usually aggravated. After levels of stress are elevated, it’s common to look for a target to serve as an outlet for those emotions; and unfortunately, that target is often those we’ve shared probably the most with over a lifetime: our brothers and sisters. (more…)
November 7, 2017 by
The field of Alzheimer’s research is expanding, and today there’s a way all of us could actually help bring about the finding of a cure. With an online game, Stall Catchers, many people are dedicating time and energy going through slides of mouse brains to help researchers in establishing the effectiveness of addressing cerebral blood circulation issues to reverse loss of memory. (more…)
October 18, 2017 by
Aging involves adjusting to a great many changes, and how we take care of our bodies is among the most meaningful ones. We realize the necessity of staying physically active, but may not realize that the old tried-and-true exercise techniques we’ve long practiced must be changed after age fifty, because of a rise in injuries, pain in muscles and joints, and all-around fatigue. If you’re exercising after 50, and you should be, use these tips:
Don’t forget to consult with your physician for personal recommendations on beneficial exercise regimens, and if you’ve a client or loved one who needs support in supplying the motivation, guidance, and transportation necessary to adhere to a workout program and boost health, contact At Home Independent Living at 315-579-4663. Our professional Bridgeport home health care team is experienced in helping older persons improve health and overall wellbeing, and we help to make exercising after 50, and any other activities, more fulfilling.
October 11, 2017 by
There’s encouraging information for those with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a debilitating condition that can occur from smoking or diabetes and can increase a person’s likelihood of developing a heart attack or stroke, and sometimes resulting in limb amputation. Medicare will now cover the cost of treadmill therapy once prescribed and monitored by a medical professional.
With few treatment methods, individuals battling with PAD experience soreness and cramping in the legs described as “feeling as if their leg is in a vise,” according to University of Minnesota’s Diane Treat-Jacobson. Prescription drugs have proven inadequate in decreasing pain, and although stent or bypass operations can certainly help, they’re pricey and come with their own associated risks. The latest research is revealing that treadmill therapy can be just as effective, at a greatly reduced cost, and with Medicare on board to pay for that cost, a lot of rehab centers are preparing for a wave of patients prepared to test it out.
The expectation is that various other insurance companies will shortly follow suit and provide coverage for treadmill therapy, which is usually the case once Medicare covers a treatment option. At present, over 2,000 hospital-based therapy centers are preparing to provide treadmill exercise sessions to those whose health professionals prescribe and oversee them.
Considering people who have PAD often restrict regular exercise because of leg pain, the benefits of supervised treadmill therapy go beyond decreased hospitalizations and cost savings to improving heart and lung health, lengthening the distance a person with PAD can walk without discomfort, and even potentially increasing length and quality of life.
If your senior loved one is among the 8 million Americans suffering the difficulties of PAD, or any other medical condition that makes living at home independently a challenge, contact At Home Independent Living. We can offer elderly home care support in numerous ways, including:
Contact us at 315-579-4663 to learn more about our customized elderly home care in Syracuse, Clay, Fayetteville, and nearby areas and elevate the quality of life for your loved one!