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Caring For Mom And Dad As They Grow Older: WhatCaring For Mom And Dad As They Grow Older: What Baby Boomers Need To Know About Geriatric Health CareI often get letters, like the two below, from Baby Boomers who are caring for aging parents and trying to find health care that meets the unique needs of older people. Finding the right kind of care can seem daunting, but a little information and some key resources can help tremendously. Q: My 81-year-old mother recently fell and was rushed to the emergency room. The doctor who saw her suggested that she start seeing a geriatrician. What is a geriatrician and why should she see one?A: A geriatrician is a physician with special training and expertise in caring for older adults, especially those with complex health problems. Like children, older adults have unique health care needs. As we age, our bodies change in many ways that affect our health. Among other things, we’re more likely to develop chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, and to need multiple medications (all with potential side effects). About 80 percent of adults 65 or older have at least https://blogfreely.net/nuadanysdj/making-the-nursing-home-choice one chronic health condition and 50 percent have at least two. As we grow older it’s also harder for us to recover from illnesses. Q: I’ve tried to find a geriatrician for my parents but haven’t had any luck. Why aren’t there more geriatricians? What should I do? A: Today, there are fewer than 7,000 practicing geriatricians in the U.S. That’s about one geriatrician for every 5,000 adults over age 65. Finding a geriatrician is likely to become even more difficult over the next 20 years, as the nation’s 77 million Baby Boomers reach retirement age. To prepare for this “Aging Boom,” we need to support programs that both train geriatricians and better prepare all health care providers to care for older adults. Until recently, the federal government’s “Title VII” geriatric health professions program did just that, by supporting geriatric education centers and young medical school faculty who trained medical students, primary care physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other providers to better meet the health care needs of older adults. Unfortunately, Congress eliminated all funding for this program in late 2005. We need to restore this funding–for the sake of all older Americans.

Potassium Concerns in the ElderlyHaving sufficient nutrients in the body is a general goal for everyone. It doesn’t necessarily take great effort to achieve this goal. If you simply follow a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, you should be healthy. However, taking medication, genetics, and age can cause you to become vitamin or mineral deficient. Potassium is one such mineral that the elderly or those individuals who care for them should be aware.Potassium is a mineral that, in combination with sodium and calcium, maintains normal heart rhythm, regulates the body’s water balance, and is responsible for the conduction of nerve impulses and the contraction of muscles. The body of an average-sized person contains about 5 ounces (140 g) of potassium. Blood levels of the mineral are controlled by the kidneys, https://privatebin.net/?db4ee894be3a566d#C55BEPNtf2fMYcixNzRZVJMAxrMs7yFfXRNmR6HRj6ZR which eliminate any excess in the urine. Potassium deficiency is rare because almost all foods contain potassium. The best sources of potassium include lean meat, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, beans, and many fruits (especially bananas and oranges). A diet that includes these foods is sufficient for obtaining adequate amounts of potassium.Since potassium sources are so abundant, for most people potassium deficiency is not a concern. The elderly, however, are at a greater risk for potassium deficiency. The main reason the elderly should be concerned about sufficient deficiency is because their kidneys and other organs tend not to function as well. This results in the system not being able to absorb and regulate the amount of potassium in the body. In addition, medications prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure are less effective with elderly. High blood pressure can lead to serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. So, the elderly who are prescribed blood pressure reducing medications with little success may want to discuss potassium supplementation with their doctor. The main symptoms of potassium deficiency are irregular heart rate, gastrointestinal problems, muscle weakness and abnormal skin sensations, such as numbness. To detect potassium deficiency a doctor tests the patient’s blood levels for the presence of potassium. If less than 5.6 grams of potassium are present the individual is determined to have a potassium deficiency.

Emergency Response Systems: My ExperienceOne of the best ways to protect the indepencence of an elderly parent, or parents, as the case may be, is to set them up with an emergency response system. First of all, the emergency alert system will give them the freedom of living alone because help, when needed, is only the push of a button away. I know, because my 86 year old mother slipped and fell in her bedroom just a few feet away from her phone, but could not get to it to dial for help.Luckily I had installed an emergency response system for her just a few weeks before this incident. When she fell, she simply pushed a button on the pendant she always wears around her neck, and help was on the way.Having an emergency response system installed in your parent’s home is almost like having someone living with them 24/7—They are never alone.The system I installed for my mom cost https://privatebin.net/?f8e668e59f9d6502#B8FXXEbMDeVDpxs8CAb2tDNkV1bCs3aTHHmmv4TxdjgK me less than fifty dollars and instead of paying 40 dollars or more each month for a monitoring service I set it up to call my own phone. I was even able to listen in to find out if she way seriously injured and to let her know I was on my way over.Thankfully I live only 5 minutes from her home. If I lived any further away I would have simply called an ambulance or the police, who are trained to handle most situations. When I arrived at her house I found her on the floor in the bedroom unable to move without a great deal of pain due to injuries sustained when she fell. I am just grateful that someone makes a system that is reliable, yet inexpensive. A good system where I don’t have to pay an additional $40 a month for monitoring. What I don’t need is another bill to pay every month.This type of emergency response system gives my mom extra peace of mind because she knows if she needs help it is not a stranger, but her own son (or daughter—if I am not available the system will dial my sister’s phone next) that is just the push of a button away.

Adjusting To An Aging MindAs our brains age, we’re less likely to think as quickly or remember things as well as we used to. Research is now showing how the brain changes and adapts with age. You can use what we’ve learned and follow a few simple tips to help remember things and avoid scams.Dr. Denise C. Park, director of the Roybal Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Illinois, explains that the knowledge we gain from life experience can sometimes compensate for other changes in our brains as we age. Older professionals can often be better at their jobs than younger ones. “Your memory may be less efficient,” Park says, “but your knowledge about how to do it may be better.” Researchers can design tests that expose problems in the aging mind by creating tasks in which older adults can’t use their experience. These tests reflect real-life situations like getting upsetting medical news or having a crafty scam artist pressure you for an answer. One key to dealing with situations like these, Park says, is not to make rash decisions. Ask for further information and more time to consider. Discuss it with friends or relatives.Perhaps the most common trouble people face as they age is remembering things. Park says it’s important to acknowledge that your memory is fallible. “For medicines, driving directions or other things with specific details, don’t rely on your memory,” she says. “That’s good advice for everybody, but especially for older adults.” If you need to remember something important, write it down on a pad or use an electronic device like a personal digital assistant (PDA) that lets you store notes and reminders.Another way to remember things is through routines. Take your medicine with a snack or a particular meal, for example. Always keep your keys and wallet in the same place.You can also use your imagination. If you imagine doing something beforehand, Park says, you’re much more likely to do it. So, for example, imagine taking your medicine in as much detail as you can, paying attention to https://cristianhosr256.theglensecret.com/medicare-drug-benefit-gaining-millions-of-enrollees-1 where, when and how.Practice can help, too. Rehearse talking to a salesperson. Visit somewhere new in advance.Keeping your brain active with activities that require mental effort, such as reading, may help keep your mind sharp. Staying physically active may help, too.

Care For CaregiversIf you’re caring for an aging parent or facing the challenges of assisting a loved one or friend who is chronically ill, disabled or elderly, you are not alone. You are one of the 22 million Americans who care for an older adult. Caregivers provide 80 percent of in-home care, but unlike nurses and home health aids, they are unpaid for their labor of love. “Caregiving is a difficult job that can take a toll on relationships, jobs and emotional well-being,” says Dr. Elizabeth Clark, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers. “Those who care for others need to be sure to take care of themselves, as well.”Here are some important tips for caregivers:• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For HelpWe tend to wait until we are in crisis before asking for help and consultation. Seek https://telegra.ph/Curved-stair-lifts-an-overview-06-27 out the help of a licensed clinical social worker or other trained professional.• It’s Not Easy to Tell Your Parents What to Do The most difficult thing about caring for a parent is the day you have to tell them they need to have help, they can no longer drive or they may have to move from their home. Discuss long-term care wishes and desires before any decline happens. • Take Care of Your Mental Health It is not unusual to feel frustrated with your parents or children when they refuse your input and help. Seek a referral to a professional who can help you cope with your personal issues and frustrations. • Stay InformedWe live in a world of constant change. Medications and treatments are constantly changing and the only way to keep up-to-date is to stay informed with the latest news. Attend local caregiver conferences, participate in support groups, speak with friends and relatives, and talk with professionals in the field of gerontology and geriatrics. • Take Time OutCaregivers who experience feelings of burnout need to accept that occasionally they may need a break from their loved one in order to provide him or her with the best care.• LaughHumor and laughter are tremendous healers.• Hire HelpIf possible, you may want to hire help. The most important thing is to find trustworthy people to provide assistance. Use recommended home care agencies, talk with friends about their experiences and interview professionals before deciding on the one you are going to retain.

Choosing the Right Wheelchair For YouMost people are familiar with prescriptions from a doctor for medications, but not for mobility aids such as wheelchairs or even crutches. The process of choosing the right wheelchair can be especially difficult, because the types of options available are as varied as the types of people in the world and their various lifestyles. Depending on what you do on a daily basis, you may need a chair with a pressure-relieving cushion, brake extensions, or other special options in order to make it effective. Since a wheelchair is designed to either fully provide or significantly add to your mobility, its vital that you get the right chair for you.Unlike prescriptions for medications, which are very specific, a doctors prescription for a wheelchair often reads a wheelchair. This is partly because most General Practitioners are not experts in physical medicine and so they are not really qualified to make a suggestion as to exactly what type of chair youll require. When possible, it is a very good idea to go through the selection process with a qualified physiotherapist or occupational therapist who knows what your daily routine and lifestyle look like so that they can help you get the chair that properly suits your needs.Depending on what your requirements are, you may need to have your doctor write a somewhat specific prescription for insurance purposes. If youll be spending a significant amount of time in your chair, or if you have particular needs in terms of posture or support, these options can represent a considerable expense above a basic wheelchair system for many insurers to provide payment, they require that these options be outlined by a physician, which means that you may need to have the prescription re-written by your doctor after an evaluation with a rehabilitation professional. Although evaluations are not yet required by all insurers, most rehabilitation personnel consider them an absolute requirement people always test-drive a car before buying it, and in the same way you should get to test-drive your wheelchair and have a professional opinion to ensure that it will do what you need it to.Getting a professional evaluation https://blogfreely.net/schadhusmq/helpful-gadgets-for-the-elderly before purchasing your wheelchair is the best way to ensure that you get a chair that will support you in doing what you need to do on a daily basis so that you can live comfortably and do the things that you want and need to do, so even if your insurer doesnt demand one insist on it!

Should You Join AARP?The AARP used to be the American Association of Retired Persons.The AARP is known for representing and speaking on behalf of aging populations based in the United States.It is involved in all kinds of activities such as:negotiating reduced rates for prescriptions, housing, tourist attractions, automobile rentalsm motels and hotels.It is at present involved politically with the Medicare Prescription Drug Program.The AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus and hopes to have 70 million members in the next ten years due to the increasing age of the US population.It is interesting that the AARP is fighting the proposed changes to Social Security.The AARP has changed its role over the last few decades so as to reflect current living standards and the way in which we now approach age with dignity and purpose.On its website discounted trips to Hawaii and Alaska are advertised as well as news specifically geared to https://rowanfmyw969.capitaljays.com/posts/emergency-response-systems-my-experience-2 seniors, such as employment news, legal advice, health and fitness information and other interesting items.At present some of the hot button items the AARP is working with are:Prescription Drugs;Prescription Drugs over the last 5 years have increased much more rapidly in costs than the rate of inflation and as such are a heavy burden on Seniors.The AARP makes available the results of studies of changes in manufacturers’ prescription drug list prices for 200 brand name and 75 generic drugs most widely used by Americans age 50 and over.Social Security;President Bush seems to think that there will not be enough money in the future to pay for Social Security benefits for Seniors at today’s level.His private accounts plan would allow workers to invest up to one third of their payroll contributions in the Stock Market.Based on Stock Market results for the time President Bush has been in office this would have resulted in a loss for the average Senior taking inflation into account.And the indexing plan that Bush embraced at his April 28 press conference would preserve the present defined-benefit approach only for low-wage workersthose currently earning less than about $20,000. For everyone else, 70 percent of workers, the system would be flipped upside downso that the more you earn and pay in, the more your benefits are cut.Consumer alerts; Last year Americans spent more than $20 billion on anti-aging products of which a sizeable amount was for so called “snake oil” products such as “human growth hormone ” pills which sold for $80 per bottle per month and promised to cure anything that ails you. The US Food and Drug Administration does’nt regulate over-the-counter products so it is buyer beware.

Finding Nonmedical Home Care There are a https://arthurvfnc600.overblog.fr/2026/06/caring-for-mom-and-dad-as-they-grow-older-what.html number of ways to get nonmedical supportive services inside a home. But regardless of what level of service you are looking for, odds are you will find yourself facing one choice: Should you find and hire an independent contractor or someone who works for an agency? Here’s a closer look at both options. Nonagency ServiceNonagency workers, or independent contractors, are hired by either a family member or the person needing help. While this may appear less expensive, it could involve some hidden costs and risks:• Whoever hires an independent contractor must pay all appropriate payroll taxes because, technically, that person is the employer. • If the independent contractor is injured on the job, the person who hires the individual is responsible for medical bills and any other expenses. • If the independent contractor is sick or goes on vacation, he or she is not obligated to find a replacement. • Because people often hire an independent contractor without first conducting the proper background checks, they may be leaving themselves or their loved ones open to theft, fraud and-in rare cases-even abuse. Agency ServiceCompanies such as Interim HealthCare employ individuals to provide specific services that help with activities of daily living such as preparing meals, light housework, bathing and companionship. The agency can alleviate consumers of many of the problems they may face if they hire an independent contractor because it is responsible for taxes, insurance, bonding and workers’ compensation. Also, if an employee is sick or goes on vacation, the agency provides another employee to perform the needed services. The home care agency provides training for its employees and ongoing supervision as well. This helps the agency monitor and respond to the changing needs of clients, ensuring that the appropriate level/skill of caregiver is assigned. The agency also conducts background checks according to state law. In addition, the agency is often licensed to provide a higher level of home care (skilled nursing, for example) for individuals. That means that as a person’s needs change, he does not need to work with more than one company. Working with one company can make it easier to access formal payer sources such as Medicare.