Category: Articles

As we age, our bodies change and so does the nature of the medical care required to meet our needs. It is important to understand the difference between the types of treatments available at each stage in our lives. Two types of medical care that are commonly confused are hospice care and palliative care.

While they are both necessary throughout the treatment process of a disease or serious illnesses, the two differ primarily in the timing of their implementations.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care can begin as soon as a patient is diagnosed, and can accompany curative treatment methods that work to eliminate a disease’s symptoms. In contrast, hospice care begins only when a patient’s treatment has unsuccessfully run its course, accompanied by a very short life expectancy and low survival rate.

In general, to palliate means “to make comfortable.” The goal of palliative care is to offer the patient an improved quality of life by targeting the negative side effects of a disease or serious illness, including any physical, emotional, social and spiritual problems.

As Medline Plus states, “a serious illness affects more than just the body. It touches all areas of life, including the family.”

In these situations, communication is key. Be vocal about exactly what is bothering you the most and what you feel is the most important to your process of treatment and recovery. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be given any time, from the initial diagnosis to right before death. As a result, palliative care measures can be taken within hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, hospices or homes.

What is Hospice Care?

In the event that the disease or illness has taken a turn for the worst, patients are able to refuse the use of any further life-prolonging treatments by entering hospice care. Hospice care offers patients an opportunity to experience the comfort needed to deal with the emotional stress of dying, without the demanding side effects of treatment.

Hospice care is geared towards those with a life expectancy measured in months rather than years. It is no surprise then, that most hospice care patients choose to spend their final moments at home or in a living facility outside of the hospital receiving care. Healthcare organizations and hospitals can offer hospice care within specialized residences, nursing home facilities and even within hospitals themselves.

Getting These Types of Care Covered By Your Insurance Company

In general, both palliative care and hospice care are likely to be covered by your health insurance. Some palliative care treatments and medications may not be covered by Medicare/Medicaid, but hospice care is entirely covered as long as you qualify.

Article Sources:

• What is Palliative Care? – Medline Plus
• Hospice vs. Palliative Care – National Caregivers Library
• Palliative Care – WebMD
  

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Understanding the types of medical care available to you or your loved ones can lessen the level of stress and anxiety that usually accompanies major treatment decisions. At A Place at Home, we can help you navigate the complexity of the health care system to help you identify the best solution.

For most adults, posture is typically an afterthought at both work and home. But as we age, retaining good posture actually becomes even more important to our physical health and wellness.

What Causes Poor Posture for Seniors?

Avoiding a wholly sedentary lifestyle is the key to good posture for people of all ages. However, it is unfortunately common for seniors, especially those with pre-existing health complications like arthritis, to take up inactive lifestyles. This can also lead to poor posture.

Seniors who are recovering from a recent injury or surgical procedure may also encounter similar difficulties staying fit and sitting right. Families and caregivers must encourage their aging loved ones to correct poor posture. Performing a minimum amount of daily exercise to improve balance and muscle strength will help this.

Good Posture Prevents Falls for Seniors

Did you know that seniors who are mindful about their postures are more likely avoid injuries and even falls? According to the National Institute for Fitness and Sport, “when you have good posture, your body will work the way it is supposed to, keeping your muscles balanced.”

When you sit or stand with proper posture, you are doing your body a favor by not overexerting yourself. Overexertion can cause unnecessary strain on weaker muscles. Additionally, being mindful of your posture is great for balance.

Steps for Improving Posture

• Don’t give up; Improving posture can be done with time and focus.
• Discuss your current weight with a doctor or caregiver. The conversation should reveal expectations of an acceptable weight for your age, sex, and body type, as well as a plan for how to stay there.
• Take up a regular schedule of exercise, if you haven’t already. There is evidence that group nature walks can provide mental benefits for seniors, beyond just delivering a dose of physical activity.
• Evaluate the lumbar support of the chairs and other seating options in your home. If necessary, consider purchasing a new chair that encourages better posture.

It is important to correct poor posture as soon as possible to avoid further health complications, like neck and back pain. Keeping our bodies in motion is essential to avoid the consequences of living an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle.

A Place at Home specializes in providing Compassionate Care delivered by Passionate Professionals. Our skilled caregivers advocate for the health and wellness of those who want to remain in the comfort of their own homes.

CPR is a life-saving technique that can be used in a number of emergency situations when an individual’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It is encouraged that everyone learn basic CPR, however you do not need to take a class in order to administer basic chest compressions in an emergency.

In fact, the American Heart Association recommends performing CPR to the best to your ability before paramedics can arrive on the scene. Simple hands-on CPR (chest compressions) at the rate of about 100 a minute can be enough to save a life before help can arrive.

Assess the Situation in an Emergency

Making decisions during an emergency can be extremely stressful. If you are in the company of a loved one whose breathing or heart beat has stopped, stay calm. Regardless of that person’s age, keep these three tips in mind before administering CPR:

1. Identify if the individual is still conscious or not. Ask “are you OK?” in a loud voice while clapping or tapping the person’s arm.
2. Ask a friend to call 911 while you begin CPR. If you are alone, always call 911 first unless you are dealing with a victim of drowning or suffocation. It is imperative to deliver immediate CPR to someone who is unresponsive because of suffocation.
3. Use an AED if it is available. Follow the instructions on the device to deliver a single shock before starting CPR.

Keep this Acronym in Mind: CAB

Memorize this simple acronym to properly administer CPR. Remember, even if you are not formally trained, you can still administer hands-on CPR in the form of chest compressions.

• C for Compressions. Chest compressions aid with restoring blood circulation after breathing has stopped. These should begin immediately.
• A is for Airway. Clear the airway by tilting the head backwards while lifting the chin forwards as the individual is laying down flat on his or her back. (See photo)
• B is for Breathing. Rescue breathing is the final step in administering CPR and should only be done by those trained to do so. Use only when an injury prevents the airway from opening. If you have reason to believe the person is unconscious from a heart attack, forgo rescue breathing and continue chest compressions until help can arrive. Rescue breaths are administered in cycles in combination with chest compressions. One full cycle: 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.

Perform up to five cycles before using an AED, if available. If you have access to an AED, administer a single shock, then continue CPR. If no AED is available, continue administering full cycles until help arrives.

A Place at Home specializes in providing Compassionate Care delivered by Passionate Professionals, including urgent care. Our skilled caregivers advocate for the health and wellness of those who want to remain in the comfort of their own homes. Contact us today!

Taking proper care of your heart requires a lifestyle commitment that not everyone is willing to make.

People of all ages can get caught up in bad habits like smoking, unhealthy eating, and lack of exercise. Celebrate American Heart Month this February with the American Heart Association by evaluating your focus on heart health.

Live smoke-free

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. Smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year.

The act of smoking is extremely harsh on our hearts and blood vessels. Smoking gives way to increased blood pressure and depleted oxygen levels. In just 20 minutes after that last drag, blood pressure levels and pulse rates begin dropping. After a full year of quitting, a person’s chance of a heart attack is diminished by half. Reducing the risks associated with CVD begins with putting out that last cigarette, for good.

Remember, quitting tobacco products completely is the only working strategy to fully protect your heart from the negative effects of smoking.

Eat Healthy

Did you know that protecting yourself from heart attacks and other heart diseases can begin with a simple change in diet? Diets high in sodium can lead to increases in blood pressure and further complicate symptoms of an existing cardiovascular disease.

Limit consumption of unhealthy, solid fats and cut down on recipes that are high in cholesterol. Substitute plain fruits and vegetables into your shopping list for items that are high in sodium, like instant dinners. Consider buying from local producers to add an extra dash of freshness to your next meal.

Looking for a new culinary direction for your meals? Check out the delicious, heart healthy dishes that are common to the Mediterannaean Diet. Seniors can greatly benefit from the food choices associated with a Mediterranean diet, as well as the cultural emphasis on enjoying meals with friends and family.

Exercise Daily

One of the greatest challenges is pairing a nutritious diet with regular exercise. Older adults, who are at the greatest risk of heart disease, must engage in regular physical activity for lower, safer blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

If you are looking for ways to stay active, don’t underestimate the value of simply going for a walk if the weather is tolerable. Many adults with joint pain and arthritis will turn to yoga or water aerobics as their outlet for physical activity. Water provides a kind of low-impact resistance training capable of targeting your joints and muscles.

As always, family members and caregivers should work to improve mobility and fall prevention by finding exercises that target the skills and abilities that can keep seniors safe during their daily routines.

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A Place at Home provides a range of at home services, as well as R.N. advocacy and care coordination to the aging communities around Omaha and Council Bluffs.

The Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s was developed by Barry Reisberg, M.D.. Reisberg is a clinical director of the New York University of Medicine’s Aging and Dementia Research Center.

These seven stages make up a general guide to show the progression of Alzheimer’s. Each person responds differently to the onset of the disease, therefore making it difficult to place a person within one specific stage. Also, the symptoms may overlap.

Stage 1

First, Alzheimer’s begins before there is any evident impairment or memory problems. Dementia symptoms are not seen at this stage.

Stage 2

Next, the patient may experience mild cognitive decline. This can appear as normal age-related changes in addition to early signs of the disease.

Stage 3

Those around the patient may soon especially begin to notice memory issues. These may include:

• Trouble scheduling plans
• Remembering correct words or names
• Misplacing objects

Stage 4

Moderate cognitive decline and symptoms in line with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis are easily seen at this stage. Some may notice the following:

• Lapse of recent events
• Trouble remembering one’s personal history
• Difficulty doing complex tasks
• Becoming moody or withdrawn, in socially or mentally challenging situations

Stage 5

Soon after, patients may exhibit obvious gaps in memory and thinking. In addition, they may require assistance with some day-to-day activities, including:

• Stating the days of the week
• Recalling basic personal information; addresses and phone numbers
• Choosing proper clothing for the current weather or season

Stage 6

This stage marks the beginning of severe cognitive decline. Patients at this point require a great deal of assistance with daily tasks. Patients may:

• Lose sight of recent experiences and their surroundings
• Tend to wander or become lost
• Trouble remembering personal information
• Not be able to match a name to a familiar face
• Require help in the bathroom
• Have issues with bladder and bowel control

Stage 7

And finally comes the person’s inability to respond to their surroundings or carry on a conversation. In some cases, control of movement and motor functions disappear.

For help caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s, contact A Place at Home today.

Article Sources:

• Alzheimer’s Association – The Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s

Finding activities that keep seniors active in their daily lives can be challenging. Recent studies have shown how yoga can be beneficial for both the minds and bodies of aging adults. If you or a loved one are looking for low-impact, low-resistance exercise, consider taking a yoga class or learning the positions at home with a friend or family member.

Build Strength and Improve Balance or Mobility

We all know that falls are the leading cause of injury among aging adults. But did you know that the movements and poses taught in yoga can improve muscle strength and balance over time? Practicing yoga can save seniors from future falls; guaranteeing mobility for years to come.

Minimize hypertension and Protect Your Joints

Yoga is a low-impact exercise that aides with the lubrication of joints that may have become stiffer with age. Regular yoga can slow the onset of painful joint disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. One key element of yoga is breathing. Slow, controlled breathing accompanied by the proper movements and poses can decrease nervous system activity and even tackle high blood pressure rates associated with hypertension.

Sharpens Mind, Reduces Anxiety, Boosts Mood

Focusing on an activity like yoga allows seniors to achieve a certain level of mindfulness in their daily lives. When your mind and body work together to perform a pose, it is common to enter a calming state of relaxation. Take this opportunity to block out negative thoughts and feelings that complicate your ability to focus. You may notice a boosted mood following your workout, and the ability to carry this focus into other activities in your life outside of yoga.

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Do you need a care provider for yourself or a loved one? Here at A Place at Home, we understand the importance of a regular schedule of exercise and offer at home care services that can accommodate your needs.

Hypoglycemia is a common problem for diabetic patients, however people without diabetes can suffer from it as well. Regardless of your risk, it is important to learn about safely preventing, detecting, and treating its symptoms.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), hypoglycemia is a condition distinguished by abnormally low blood glucose (sugar) levels. Blood glucose levels should stay above 70 mg/dl, however symptoms of hypoglycemia differ dramatically from person to person.

A combination of factors can cause sudden drops in blood glucose levels. These include diet, medication, and exercise. Talk with your doctor and become familiar with how your body reacts to an episode of low blood glucose.

If Left Untreated

If left untreated, severe hypoglycemia can have fatal consequences. Hypoglycemic patients are prone to accidents and injuries as a result of the swift onset of dangerous symptoms, including:

• Unconsciousness
• Weakness or fatigue
• Anger, sadness
• Lack of coordination
• Nightmares / crying out during sleep
• Seizures
• Nervous or Anxious Feeling
• Sweating, Chills, Clamminess
• Irritability / Impatience
• Confusion, including delirium
• Rapid heartbeat
• Feeling lightheaded / dizzy
• Hunger or Nausea
• Blurred / Impaired Vision
• Tingling / numbness
• Headaches

How To Treat

While hypoglycemia can sometimes turn into a medical emergency, it is rather easy to treat from home if done immediately. The ADA suggests consuming 15-20 grams of glucose or simple carbohydrates to help boost blood sugar levels. Be sure to recheck your glucose levels after eating. If the symptoms continue, repeat the process.

Without immediate treatment, hypoglycemia can cause seizures and comas. If a patient becomes unresponsive, the hormone glucagon must be used to return glucose levels to normal. Glucagon signals the liver to release stored glycogen and change it back to glucose. Because of this, blood sugar levels return to the normal range.

In some cases, a person may have few or none of the above symptoms, even though their blood glucose level may be lower than normal. This is called Hypoglycemia Unawareness (HU). HU can affect patients who often experience low blood sugar episodes or those who have had diabetes for a long time.

Wearing a medical ID can help increase the response time for a person having a hypoglycemic episode. In the event of an emergency, a medical ID communicates valuable information to first responders, therefore helping to make sense of an emergency situation.

Most of all, learn to understand the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemic episodes. Inform those close to you of the necessary precautions needed to handle such emergencies.

 

Article Sources:

• American Diabetes Association – Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose)
• Mayo Clinic – Benefits of Medical ID Bracelets
• WebMD – The NIDDK on Hypoglycemia

The National Institute for Health recognizes breast cancer as one of the most deadly forms of cancer for American women between the ages of 45-85.

As technology and health care have improved, the fatality rate for breast cancer has decreased. However, the number of new cases of breast cancer has increased steadily for years.

Increasing Awareness Is the Key to Early Detection

Increasing awareness of breast cancer screening methods among women (and men) as they age is incredibly important to guarantee they have the knowledge and preparedness to take action.

In general, cancer cells are known for their rapid, abnormal growth. While these harmful cancer cells may develop locally in one area of the body, they can quickly spread to other vital organs and prevent normal bodily functions that support life. For all forms of cancer, early detection is critical to the success of patient outcomes.

Helping Seniors Understand Screening Methods for Breast Cancer

Mammograms: The best way to confirm any suspicions that you have about the health of your breasts is to schedule an appointment where screening can be performed using mammography. According to the National Institute for Health, a mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast that often can detect cancers that are too small for a woman or her doctor to feel. Due to the density of women’s breasts before menopause, mammograms are typically only given to women over the age of 50.

Clinical Breast Exams: In addition to receiving mammograms annually, regular clinical breast exams (CBE) should be performed by a health professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or physician’s assistant. During a clinical breast exam, the breasts will be inspected for abnormalities in size and shape, as well as changes in the skin or nipples. The examination will also require the health professional to feel the breasts to inspect tissue for lumps or irregular shapes or textures.

Breast MRI: Using magnetic imaging, MRI’s are used to get a detailed look at the breast health of women with higher risks. Typically used as a follow-up method after the discovery of suspicious physical symptoms.

Breast Self Exam: While it should never replace a mammogram or CBE from a doctor, a self examination of one’s breasts can be performed at home alone. Known as a Breast Self Examination (BSE), women can inspect their own breasts for abnormalities in size and shape by gently palpating the breasts one at a time in front of a mirror. If you choose to perform regular BSE’s at home, remember that there are a number of reasons why you might notice changes in the size or shape of your breasts. These changes can often be attributed to:

• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Menopause
• Menstrual Cycles
• Birth Control Pills
• Hormones

Despite the fact that there are differing opinions in the medical community about the effectiveness of self-exams at home, women of all ages need to understand the risk factors and physical warning signs for breast cancer.  You can read more about the risk factors and physical warning signs of breast cancer here.

Helping Seniors Get Screened for Breast Cancer

Seniors might need special attention to make sure they receive the necessary screening for breast cancer as they age. Caregivers, companions, and family members can help schedule doctor’s visits and ensure transportation is in order to guarantee that missed mammograms are not missed opportunities for early detection.

Other times, seniors might hesitate to have screenings done out of fear that they cannot afford them. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention outlines eligibility for these individuals to receive low-cost and even free screenings.  Since September 2010, the Affordable Care Act has required all new health insurance plans to cover yearly mammography (with no co-payment) for women ages 40 and older.

A Place at Home provides RN Advocacy services that can include coordinating your health care needs and acting as a liaison between you or your senior and various medical professionals.  This ensures that communication is understood and followed while providing the peace of mind that no stone is left unturned when it comes to your care. Contact us today to learn more.