Improving Breast Cancer Awareness for Seniors

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.

Living with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Throughout my high school years, the dean would typically end the morning announcements with the same reminder: to pursue “in all things, ladies and gentlemen, moderation.” But for young teenagers who smirked at any suggestions of restraint, his message was often lost in translation throughout the course of that very same day.

Sometimes we need constant reminders in order to shape our behavior for the better. Other times, we aren’t given the opportunity of a second chance to make those necessary changes. If you or a loved one is currently living with cardiovascular disease, now is the time to make the lifestyle changes needed to prolong life. These helpful tips offer a comprehensive, health-conscious strategy for managing cardiovascular disease.

Quit Smoking

One of the most important steps anyone can take towards managing cardiovascular disease is to quit smoking. While quitting cold turkey does not technically follow a trend of moderation, there is no “moderately healthy” amount of smoking.

Smoking is extremely harsh on our hearts and blood vessels by giving 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 diminishes by half. Reducing the risks associated with CVD begins with putting out that last cigarette, for good.

Healthy Eating

Besides kicking unhealthy habits like smoking, living with CVD also requires extra dietary monitoring. Limit consumption of unhealthy, solid fats and cut down on foods that are high in cholesterol. Even without the threat of disease, everyone should be trying to include a moderate amount of protein by consuming lean meats, poultry, fish, low-fat dairy and eggs.

Remove that saltshaker from the table come dinnertime. Diets high in sodium can lead to increases in blood pressure that can further complicate symptoms of CVD. Substitute plain fruits and vegetables into your shopping list for items that are high in sodium, like instant dinners.

One of the greatest challenges is pairing a nutritious diet with regular exercise. Although a person’s ability to perform certain activities may lower with age, the importance of exercise does not. Older adults, who are at the greatest risk of heart disease, must engage in regular physical activity to enjoy lower, safer blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Regardless of age, enjoying a comfortable level of control over CVD cannot happen before having a conversation with your doctor. Active monitoring, a dietary adjustment, and extra emphasis on exercise are essential for seniors looking to enjoy a greater level of control over their CVD.

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What Are My Rights and Responsibilities As A Client?

If you have ever checked in at a hospital for an overnight stay, you may have had to sign some documents related to your “patient’s rights & responsibilities.”

Your patient’s rights will include detailed instructions for how the hospital will administer your care. Typically, a hospital will also outline your responsibilities as a patient. While most of the heavy lifting will be done by the doctors and nurses administering your care, the success of your care ultimately does rely on your fulfillment of these responsibilities.

Home care agencies, like A Place at Home, must provide clients with a similar patient’s bill of rights and responsibilities that outlines a list of expectations for your care. As a client of a home care agency, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities to guarantee you are enjoying the highest quality care you deserve.

As a client of A Place at Home, you have the rights to:

  • Choose A Place at Home as the agency that provides your home care.
  • Participate in the planning of your care and receive education regarding the plan prior to care being provided and as changes are made.
  • Request information about your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
  • Refuse home health care and be informed of any possible health consequences of this action.
  • Receive care given without discrimination as to race, color, creed, sex, age, or national origin.
  • Be admitted for service only if A Place at Home has the ability to provide safe, professional care at the level of intensity needed and to a reasonable continuity of care.
  • Enjoy confidentiality of all records, communications, and personal information.
  • Review all of your health records, unless, the physician has documented otherwise in the medical record.
  • Receive both oral and written explanation regarding termination if services are terminated for reasons other than discharge and receive information regarding community resources.
  • Voice complaints, grievances, and suggest changes in service or staff without fear of reprisal or discrimination.
  • Be fully informed of agency policies, and charges for services, including eligibility for third-party reimbursement, prior to receiving care.

As a client of A Place at Home, you have the responsibilities to:

  • Request further information concerning anything you don’t understand.
  • Give accurate and complete health information concerning your past and present illnesses, hospitalizations, doctor’s appointments, medications, allergies, and other pertinent items.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining a safe environment in your home.
  • Inform A Place at Home at least 24 hours in advance of any address changes or when you will not be able to keep a visit.
  • Participate in the development and update of your home care plan and adhere to this care plan—including proactively informing A Place at Home of any known changes/needs relative to the client.
  • Give information regarding concerns and problems you have to an administrator of A Place at Home.
  • Accept qualified personnel without discrimination against race, religion, political belief, gender, social status, sexual orientation, marital status, or age.

 

Do you know a friend or family member in need of home care in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area? Keeping your loved ones happy and healthy at home requires a delicate balance of patience and teamwork that we can offer at A Place at Home. Our dedicated staff of nurses and caregivers is prepared to offer realistic solutions to the obstacles standing in the way of your independence.

Failing Vision Tied to Higher Mortality Rates Among Seniors

While it may seem common for aging adults to experience a decline in eyesight, failing vision can put seniors at a dangerously higher mortality risk by complicating even the most basic parts of their daily routines.

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Ophthalmology, research suggests that the active prevention and early treatment of conditions that cause vision impairment may reduce mortality risks for aging adults.

“Throughout an analysis of more than 2,500 test subjects, ages 65 to 84, declining vision over time was linked to an increase in the person’s risk of death during the study. Participants who experienced visual decline of one letter on an eye chart were expected to have a 16 percent increase in mortality risk during the eight-year study because their vision affected daily activities.”

The kinds of daily activities as defined by the study included more “instrumental” ones rather than necessary functions like bathing, dressing or eating. Researchers determined that failing eyesight prevented seniors from being able to perform essential tasks like using the phone, shopping and preparing their own food. An inability to perform these duties throughout the course of a given day reflects the higher mortality risk.

The results reaffirm the emphasis on providing more accurate early- detection services and better treatment methods for the visual side effects of other complications like diabetes. Additionally, these findings place extra importance on the quality of care seniors are receiving on a daily basis. Seniors can enjoy potentially longer lives by receiving the basic help they need to get through the day.

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Tips to Interpret Your Cholesterol Readings for Seniors

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is an essential substance for growth and development that is produced naturally by the body in your liver. However, when you consume certain foods, you can introduce additional cholesterol into your body that can build up in the arterial walls.

When this build up occurs, the cholesterol can harden, making it more difficult for blood to travel to your heart. This process, called atherosclerosis, can be deadly.

What are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol is accompanied by very few symptoms. Sever atherosclerosis may be identified by by sharp chest pain (angina). However, if left untreated, a blocked artery can quickly lead to a life-threatening heart attack. Get your cholesterol checked today in order to prevent your risk for atherosclerosis.

Do I need a Cholesterol Test?

According to WebMD, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends tests for:

  • Men age 35 or older
  • Men ages 20-39 who have risk factors for heart disease
  • Women age 20 and older who have risk factors for heart disease
  • Adults who have coronary artery disease
  • Adults who have diabetes

How Often Should I have my Cholesterol Tested?

Typically, cholesterol should be checked regularly (every 4 to 6 years) for adults ages 20-79. If you are currently being treated for high cholesterol, then you may require more frequent testing to guarantee effective monitoring of your numbers. Doctors will consider your current levels, risk for heart disease, and other health complications when determining how often to do your tests.

How Should I Prepare for My Next Test?

Depending on the type of test you are undergoing, preparation may require more or less work on your part. In general, always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully before taking your test. If necessary,  fast before your test:

  • Avoid food and drinks for 9-12 hours before your test.
  • Stay away from foods that are high in fat the night before your test.
  • Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise before your test.
  • Inform your doctor of any prescription and non-prescription medications you take.

How Do I Interpret My Numbers?

The numbers from your cholesterol readings alone will not reveal specifically which actions you need to take in order to remain healthy. Your age, blood pressure, prescription medications, and tobacco use are all factors that, when combined with information from your cholesterol evaluation, can help you and your doctor determine a strategy for lowering your risk of heart disease.

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Oh, the Amenities You’ll Find!

There are always things to do once you make the move to a senior living community.

Who says that happy hours have to end once you move into a senior living community? You can still enjoy your favorite cocktail; in fact, some communities even have a lounge that is not limited to happy hour.

Need your hair blown out or cut? Need a manicure? Don’t think that treating yourself is not in the picture, because it sure is. In fact, most communities also offer this amenity. Some even allow your regular hairstylist to use the facilities.

If the roads are bad from a snow or ice storm, your son or daughter does not have to worry about getting you to your doctor’s appointment. This is true even when the weather is wonderful. Transportation is yet another great perk of many communities. It is offered all year long and will even take you to the grocery store or an outing to the casinos, movies or dining.

When you pack your bags, make sure to leave those cleaning supplies behind, and while you are at it, get ready to say good-bye to doing laundry! Housekeeping is usually included in your monthly rent, or at the very least, for a minimal fee. Laundry is the same story. While many apartments are furnished with a washer and dryer, laundry service is regularly offered.

Lastly, be prepared to never be bored. Whether it’s going for a drive through Wild Safari Park in Ashland on a sunny day, learning to knit in the activity room or gathering to listen to a visiting jazz band in the lobby, most senior living communities have a plethora of activities that are sure to spark an interest or get you involved with something totally new.

Today’s senior living communities are designed to keep you comfortable, active and involved. Let me help you or a loved one find the senior living community that best fits your amenity needs!

Determining the Type of Senior Living Community to Best Fit Care Needs

How do you know what type of care at a senior living community is the best fit for you or a loved one?

It can be confusing when you first seek out senior living alternatives.  Many prospective residents make this move from their home, but others are coming from the hospital, or more likely, rehabilitation centers.  Everyone has a different story.

If you or someone you know is making the move, this does not necessarily mean that this should be made straight to an independent community.  If driving is a concern, most communities offer transportation.  However, if you also need assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, etc., then assisted living is probably the best option.

Each community offers apartments with a base rent plus a care plan otherwise known as ADLs (Activities of Daily Living).  These ADLs will be added to the resident’s care plan.  Each prospective resident is assessed usually within a couple of weeks before moving in.  Once the assessment is completed, the community will go over the ADLs and what that additional cost will be.

If you are assisting someone who needs memory support, there are some things to consider.  There are assisted living community options that have a separate secured memory unit and there are communities that are secured and can support assisted and memory.  There are also some communities that are equipped for memory only.

If you are seeking a community for someone that is only having slight memory issues, then assisted living may be the way to go.  However, it’s a good idea to make sure that the community has memory support for when that time comes.  Many memory units or memory communities often offer an all-inclusive price.  They will still have someone from the community do an assessment before the move, but it will be solely to determine what ADLs that the resident will need.  Either way, the price will be the same.

If you or someone you know is seeking a senior living community, please call me so that I can be your senior living concierge.  The Senior Living Alternatives service is always free to families, and our knowledge of the various options and communities that might best fit your situation can be a huge time saver while providing you with the peace of mind that you or your loved one will receive the care they need.

 

Understanding our Senior Living Alternatives Service

Have you ever had to help a loved one move from their own home to a Senior Living Community?

If so, then you will unquestionably understand how difficult this process can be, and that’s why A Place at Home offers our Senior Living Alternatives service.

This article will help you understand how I can make the transition an easier one for you or someone you might know.

Simply put, this is what I do every day.

My name is Kari McElderry and I am the Senior Living Advisor at A Place At Home.  My job is to assist individuals when seeking a Senior Living Community. I help ANYONE and it’s a FREE service.  Yes, I did say FREE.

Our first meeting can be at your home, coffee shop or on the telephone.  My job is to make it as convenient as possible for you or the guardian during this stressful time.  It is at this initial meeting when I assess the budget, care, amenities, and location.

There are many variables when it comes to the budget.  What is your monthly income?  Do you have a pension?  Do you own your house?  Are you a Veteran or a spouse of one?  Will you need a Medicaid waiver?  These are some questions that I may be inquiring about.

The care is also essential.  Are you seeking Independent, Assisted or Memory?   Will you need skilled?  Sometimes I speak with couples who need two different types of care.  I help them decide if they should move together or if it’s more feasible for one to stay at home.  They may even move to two different sections of a community.  Every situation is different.

Amenities also can play a part.  Do you want a chapel, transportation or weekly housekeeping?  How about a happy hour?  There can be many benefits to community living.

Sometimes this is what it’s all about.  Do you want to be near a family member, friend, church or shopping mall?  These are all things to consider.

Next, I narrow down the options based on all of the information that has been provided to me.  I have a matrix of all the Senior Living Communities in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area.  I have also been to these communities.  This is all part of my job description and how I can assist.

Once we have discussed which communities are more appealing to your wants and needs, I set up and accompany the tours.  I am there to hold you or a loved one’s hand and help them walk through what is otherwise known to be a daunting process.  All communication between you and the Senior Living Communities can be directed through me.  This way you will not have several communities contacting you and making your decision a more confusing one.

Also, did I mention that I am a referral source for real estate agents; moving, sizing down, organizational and estate sale companies?  It is true for all of the above.

Just consider me as your personal concierge when it comes to a Senior Living Alternative.

I am a one-stop-shop for a Senior Living Transition and it’s absolutely FREE.  I can be reached at 402-218-1868.  Let me know if I can assist you or someone you know today.

Private Caregivers Vs. In Home Care Company Caregivers

There is a lot of information out there about whether you should hire private caregivers vs. an agency. Here are some key issues to consider when deciding what route to take.

A Place at Home Provides Agency Caregivers at Home

What this means to our clients is that our caregivers are thoroughly screened including national background checks for criminal, driving, elder/child abuse, drugs, and sex offender.  APH caregivers are insured and bonded, go through a rigorous hiring process, and trained thoroughly on specific care needs, all the while, focusing on being professionally excellent with your loved ones!  APH will also pair client and caregiver based on caregiver specialties and personality characteristics.

 https://www.facebook.com/aplaceathome/videos/951821084849052/A Place at Home receives dozens of applications for employment. The select few who pass the initial screening and phone interview then are asked to come in for a personal interview. Those who receive a personal interview have a hiring ratio of 1 to 5 applicants meaning we are very selective. Our motto is if we would not put them with our family we would not put them with yours!

So what are private caregivers?

Although they can cost less per hour then agency caregivers, you still need to be selective and weary of “hidden” costs.

  • Private caregivers rarely are insured and if are injured at your home, home owners insurance rarely will cover a private caregiver.  Workers compensation for injury could fall on your loved one.
  • You typically do not know the background of the caregiver, even if you hired family or a friend.  When hiring a private caregiver be sure to do your due diligence and complete all needed background checks both nationally and at the state level.
  • Private caregivers are rarely bonded as well. Be sure to ask this on initial meeting with them.
  • Private caregivers rarely have anyone to hold them accountable for their actions. This could mean: receiving a bill for care you did not receive, not having a back-up in case the caregiver were to become sick, and even things such as car problems could result in the caregiver not showing up.

Ultimately we are not advocating against private caregivers, just simply encouraging all of our potential clients to do their research. If you have first hand experience dealing with private caregivers, we encourage you to share your experience with us and our clients on Facebook or Twitter.