By Jim Smeaton
With Senior Care in Hendersonville, abuse is something that can impact people of all ages and genders. Victims of abuse can be mistreated in a variety of ways, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial. While it is crucial to prevent and stop abuse that takes place in any situation, the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, encourage you to understand the warning signs of physical abuse to keep your senior safe. While abuse is something that it is hoped no senior will endure, it is a problem that cannot be overlooked.
According to HelpGuide, the following signs of abuse can help you to identify and, ultimately, put a stop to the physical mistreatment of your elderly loved one:
• Evidence of physical restraint, including marks made by ropes on the wrists or ankles, could indicate that your senior is being mistreated by their caregiver.
• Tension between your elderly loved one and their caregiver, particularly if they had a positive relationship before, may indicate a shift in their attitudes toward one another. If conflict arises it is important to determine the root of the change in this relationship, as abuse can cause such negative attitudes.
• When a caregiver becomes very protective of a senior (i.e. not letting family members or friends spend time with an elderly individual without the caregiver's presence) it can indicate that they are hiding something that they don't want their patient to reveal.
• Changes to your loved one's personality or behavior can be caused by the stress of physical abuse.
• Improper drug administration (either too many or too few pills being given) can indicate that a caregiver is misusing their position to abuse your loved one. Distributing medicine at the wrong intervals is also a sign of physical abuse.
• Physical evidence of abuse, including bruises, scars, welts, and scratches, can indicate mistreatment. This is of particular concern if these marks are made symmetrically.
• Broken glasses are a sign that a caregiver may have exerted force on your senior, although this particular warning sign can have many innocent explanations, so it is important to communicate with your senior to determine exactly what happened.
The senior care professionals Always Best Care of Western NC know that most caregivers are honest and compassionate; however, it is important to understand the signs of abuse just in case your elderly loved one is subjected to the abuse that does, unfortunately, take place in the elder care industry.
Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.
If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
What Treatment Options Are Available for Stroke?
A stroke is an event, either a blood clot or a burst blood
vessel, that cuts off the blood supply to the brain. As such, it can cause
massive brain damage if not treated right away. In fact, it is imperative that
seniors who are experiencing a stroke receive medical attention as soon as
possible in order to minimize the damage that the event does to the brain. The
prognosis associated with stroke is truly a case by case issue, but the home
care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville,
Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that
the right treatment can improve an elderly individual's prognosis.
The treatment plan that your senior's doctor chooses will
depend upon the kind of stroke that has taken place. If your loved one has an
ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot, they will most likely be
given a thrombolytic. This kind of drug is called a "clot-buster" and
is designed to break up blood clots; however, there is a risk of hemorrhage
associated with use of this pharmaceutical. As a result, it is essential that
physicians confirm the presence of a blood clot through a CT scan before
administering this drug.
A hemorrhagic stroke is the other kind of event that may
take place. As its name implies, this type of stroke stems from a hemorrhage,
or a bleed, that is caused when a blood vessel bursts. Instead of following the
vessel up into the brain, the blood escapes into the body where the rupture has
occurred. Surgery is often required to repair the aneurysm or arteriovenous
malformation that has caused the event to take place. This may be done in one
of two ways: through a craniotomy or through a catheter. In addition to
surgery, seniors may also need to take medications to lower their blood
pressure and improve the ability of their blood to coagulate, or clot.
The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC know that strokes
are incredibly scary events. From the moment that your elderly loved one begins
showing symptoms of a stroke, the first priority is to secure medical
attention. You will have to wait for the type of stroke to be verified and the
treatment plan finalized, which can be difficult, as you will certainly be
concerned for the safety of your loved one; however, by understanding what to
expect in terms of treatment options, you can better cope with the situation
and help your senior get through it.
We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.
If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.
We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.
Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.
If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Hendersonville Senior Care: Risk Factors Associated with Stroke
By Jim Smeaton
When dealing with Hendersonville Senior Care - stroke is a real concern. The National Stroke Association asserts that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, it is the leading cause of disability in adults throughout the nation.[1] As such, it is very important for individuals providing home care to seniors to understand what strokes are and what risk factors are associated with them. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, understand that your goal, as a caregiver, is to offer the highest level of support to your loved one as possible. As such, these in-home care professionals encourage you to learn the risk factors of stroke so you can better monitor your senior's health.
When dealing with Hendersonville Senior Care - stroke is a real concern. The National Stroke Association asserts that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, it is the leading cause of disability in adults throughout the nation.[1] As such, it is very important for individuals providing home care to seniors to understand what strokes are and what risk factors are associated with them. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, understand that your goal, as a caregiver, is to offer the highest level of support to your loved one as possible. As such, these in-home care professionals encourage you to learn the risk factors of stroke so you can better monitor your senior's health.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke takes place when the blood supply to the brain is
cut off. This can happen in one of two ways. First, a blood clot can stop the
flow of blood through an artery. When this occurs, blood is prevented from
traveling to the brain. When a blood vessel bursts the same effect can happen,
except in this scenario the blood flows out of the vessels.
When a stroke takes place, the brain cells that are affected
die. This can cause damage to parts of the brain and, ultimately, can create
long-term complications for your loved one. Difficulty speaking and problems
with motor function are common long-term side effects of a stroke.
Risk Factors
The risk factors associated with stroke are divided into two
categories: unmanageable and manageable. The unmanageable risk factors include
those that seniors cannot possibly control:
·
Age
·
Gender
·
Race
·
Family history
·
Previous stroke
·
Fibromuscular dysplasia
·
Patent foramen ovale
The manageable risk factors, on the other hand, can be
controlled. In fact, a healthy lifestyle can minimize the presence of these
risk factors and greatly reduce the odds that your loved one will suffer from a
stroke. These risk factors include:
·
Physical inactivity
·
Atrial fibrillation
·
Obesity
·
High blood pressure
·
Alcohol use
·
High cholesterol
·
Circulation issues
·
Atherosclerosis
·
Tobacco use
·
Diabetes
The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC know that
you do everything you can to keep your elderly loved one safe and in good
health. By recognizing the risk factors for stroke, you can be better prepared
to get your loved one the medical assistance they need should such an event
occur.
We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.
Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.
If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.
[1] http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=stroke
Alzheimer's Care Asheville: Nine Foods to Help Prevent Dementia
By Jim Smeaton
Alzheimer's Care Asheville...A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association says that one out of three seniors die with Alzheimer’s, although that is not necessarily the cause of death. While research is still ongoing about how to stave off Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, some research suggests that certain foods may help protect against mental decline and even prevent brain-wasting diseases. Alzheimer’s is identified with inflammation, so the thinking is that foods with anti-inflammatory properties may be able to delay age-related cognitive disorders. Nine commonly available foods could help prevent mental deterioration, and they even taste good. 1. Dark chocolate. Studies show that the flavonoids in cocoa increase blood flow to the brain and may help to protect against conditions that reduce cerebral blood flow, such as dementia and stroke.
2. Red wine. Drinking wine in moderation can protect cognitive function and decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This is due to the high levels of flavonoids and possibly other polyphenolics such as resveratrol in red wine.
3. Clams. It’s thought that when vitamin B12 levels are low, blood levels of homocysteine will raise, significantly increasing the risk for dementia, heart attack and other ailments. Clams contain 98.9 micrograms of vitamin B12 in just a 100-gram serving, or 1,648 percent of the recommended dietary allowance.
4. Asparagus. One study found that individuals who were deficient in folate, a form of vitamin B9, were 3.5 times more likely to develop dementia. One cup of asparagus will take care of nearly 66 percent of your daily folate needs.
5. Wild salmon. According to one study, an average of three servings of oily fish a week adds up to an almost 50 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The reason is the omega-3 fatty acid and other nutrients such as vitamin D and B12 can help to prevent neurodegenerative disorders.
6. Walnuts. In moderation, walnuts were found to help improve motor and cognitive skills in older rodents, due, it is believed, to a combination of polyphenols, omega-3 fats and other bioactive substances.
7. Cherries. The antioxidant compounds, anthocyanins, which give cherries their bright red color, possess anti-inflammatory properties that could work like pain medications but without the nasty side effects.
8. Turmeric. A study found that curcumin in turmeric, commonly used in curry dishes, removes plaques from the brain. Plaques are thought to contribute to the degradation of brain cells and lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
9. Apples. The skins of apples contain quercetin, found to protect the brain from damages associated with Alzheimer’s disease, in studies conducted by Cornell University.
Adapted from the Conscious Life.
Alzheimer's Care Asheville...A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association says that one out of three seniors die with Alzheimer’s, although that is not necessarily the cause of death. While research is still ongoing about how to stave off Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, some research suggests that certain foods may help protect against mental decline and even prevent brain-wasting diseases. Alzheimer’s is identified with inflammation, so the thinking is that foods with anti-inflammatory properties may be able to delay age-related cognitive disorders. Nine commonly available foods could help prevent mental deterioration, and they even taste good. 1. Dark chocolate. Studies show that the flavonoids in cocoa increase blood flow to the brain and may help to protect against conditions that reduce cerebral blood flow, such as dementia and stroke.
2. Red wine. Drinking wine in moderation can protect cognitive function and decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This is due to the high levels of flavonoids and possibly other polyphenolics such as resveratrol in red wine.
3. Clams. It’s thought that when vitamin B12 levels are low, blood levels of homocysteine will raise, significantly increasing the risk for dementia, heart attack and other ailments. Clams contain 98.9 micrograms of vitamin B12 in just a 100-gram serving, or 1,648 percent of the recommended dietary allowance.
4. Asparagus. One study found that individuals who were deficient in folate, a form of vitamin B9, were 3.5 times more likely to develop dementia. One cup of asparagus will take care of nearly 66 percent of your daily folate needs.
5. Wild salmon. According to one study, an average of three servings of oily fish a week adds up to an almost 50 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The reason is the omega-3 fatty acid and other nutrients such as vitamin D and B12 can help to prevent neurodegenerative disorders.
6. Walnuts. In moderation, walnuts were found to help improve motor and cognitive skills in older rodents, due, it is believed, to a combination of polyphenols, omega-3 fats and other bioactive substances.
7. Cherries. The antioxidant compounds, anthocyanins, which give cherries their bright red color, possess anti-inflammatory properties that could work like pain medications but without the nasty side effects.
8. Turmeric. A study found that curcumin in turmeric, commonly used in curry dishes, removes plaques from the brain. Plaques are thought to contribute to the degradation of brain cells and lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
9. Apples. The skins of apples contain quercetin, found to protect the brain from damages associated with Alzheimer’s disease, in studies conducted by Cornell University.
The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC know that taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family better understand the illness and get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.
We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.
Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.
If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.
Adapted from the Conscious Life.
Benefits of a Good Night's Sleep
By Jim Smeaton
You’re having a hard time falling asleep at night. What’s the most effective action to take?
Most studies conclude that seniors need the same amount of sleep—seven to nine hours a night—as the rest of the adult population. However, because seniors experience more disruptions during the night, whether from going to the bathroom, experiencing arthritis pain or being more sensitive to light and noise, you may rarely get a deep, restful sleep.
Health Issues from Lack of Sleep
Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in adults age 60 and older, according to the National Institute on Aging. Some people have a hard time falling asleep, while others wake up several times during the night, but people with insomnia suffer in both ways.
Many seniors suffer from insomnia, and this lack of sleep can cause memory problems for older individuals. A new research study of 33 participants found that seniors get less deep sleep than the younger generation, which is linked to less reliable memory (“Lighter Sleep May Dull Memory Skills in Seniors,” HealthDay News, Jan. 27, 2013). Findings showed that when compared with younger individuals, seniors were more than 50 percent less able to remember new information after sleeping.
As you age, your body produces lower growth-hormone levels, which means a decrease in slow-wave or deep sleep. Apparently, deep sleep consolidates memories after learning, and without it, we’re more apt to not remember. Because the study entails such a small group, it’s not definitive, and more work will need to be done to solidify the connection between sleep and memory.
Sleep also allows your body to repair daily cell damage and strengthens your immune system (Helpguide). The list of potential ills from not sleeping well is long: depression, attention and memory problems, nighttime falls, more sensitivity to pain and more use of sleeping aids, which should only be used on a short-term basis because they can ultimately contribute to insomnia and increase the risk of serious health issues.
Reasons Why Seniors Don’t Get Enough Sleep
"Insomnia is more common for seniors, partly because of health issues, partly because of the anxiety and the concerns of aging, and sometimes because of medication," says Jack Gardner, a neurologist certified in sleep medicine at the Sleep Center at Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie, Texas (quoted in “Do Seniors Need Less Sleep?,” WebMD the Magazine). Pain and sickness can disrupt sleep, as can many health conditions common in older people, such as a frequent urination, arthritis, asthma, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, nighttime heartburn, menopause and Alzheimer's.
One big problem is sleep apnea, which causes short pauses in breathing while sleeping. If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to other problems such as high blood pressure, stroke or memory loss. If you find yourself gasping for air or being told you snore, you should contact your doctor for a sleep apnea check.
Movement disorders also impede sleep. Restless legs syndrome causes feelings of tingling or crawling in one or both legs, while periodic limb movement disorder causes people to jerk and kick their legs every 20 to 40 seconds. Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder can cause your muscles to move. All three are disruptive to sleep, so check with your doctor to discuss treatment options.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Older adults are more prone to something called advanced sleep phase syndrome, which causes the body's internal clock to adjust to earlier bedtimes and wakeup times. Maybe you remember staying up past midnight years ago but now find yourself nodding off on the couch every night by 9 p.m. The best advice from sleep experts is: Don’t fight it, because if you do, you’ll find yourself unable to sleep through the night. One potential aid to help you stay awake later is bright light therapy, which can fool the body into thinking it’s earlier.
In fact, light exposure is a big factor in getting a good night’s sleep. One research study linked light exposure at the wrong times of day to various health problems, including sleep disorders. This is why sleep experts advise turning off the TV and computer at least one hour before bed and using low-wattage bulbs where safe to do so. One study of adults over 65 found that 13 percent of men and 36 percent of women take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, possibly due to excessive light exposure.
Medications can also impair sleep because drug combinations or side effects can be stimulating. With your doctor’s help, you might be able to adjust when you take certain medications.
Stress, depression and other psychological disorders can interfere with our ability to sleep, and seniors experience these disorders more than younger adults. Significant life changes such as the death of a loved one or moving from a family home can cause stress. Anxiety or sadness can also keep you awake, which can, in turn, cause more anxiety or depression. Researchers have noted that people without major medical or psychiatric illnesses report better sleep.
There are many ways to improve your sleep (see sidebar). Perhaps one of the most important is getting enough exercise, although not close to bedtime. A study by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University found that aerobic exercise resulted in the most dramatic improvement in sleep as reported by middle-aged and older adults who had problems with insomnia. Not only did the patients report longer and better quality of sleep, they also reported less depression, more vitality and less sleepiness during the day (“Insomnia in Older Adults: Tips for Sleeping Better as You Age,” Helpguide).
Sources:
National Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/insomnia-and-sleep
National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/good-nights-sleep
HealthDay News, MedlinePlus, National Institutes of Health, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_133479.html
Caring.com, www.caring.com/articles/exercise-and-sleep
WebMD, www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/do-seniors-need-less-sleep
Helpguide.org, www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_aging.htm
You’re having a hard time falling asleep at night. What’s the most effective action to take?
- Enjoy a meal before bedtime
- Fall asleep in front of the TV
- Exercise at night
Most studies conclude that seniors need the same amount of sleep—seven to nine hours a night—as the rest of the adult population. However, because seniors experience more disruptions during the night, whether from going to the bathroom, experiencing arthritis pain or being more sensitive to light and noise, you may rarely get a deep, restful sleep.
Tips for Improving Sleep
|
Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in adults age 60 and older, according to the National Institute on Aging. Some people have a hard time falling asleep, while others wake up several times during the night, but people with insomnia suffer in both ways.
Many seniors suffer from insomnia, and this lack of sleep can cause memory problems for older individuals. A new research study of 33 participants found that seniors get less deep sleep than the younger generation, which is linked to less reliable memory (“Lighter Sleep May Dull Memory Skills in Seniors,” HealthDay News, Jan. 27, 2013). Findings showed that when compared with younger individuals, seniors were more than 50 percent less able to remember new information after sleeping.
As you age, your body produces lower growth-hormone levels, which means a decrease in slow-wave or deep sleep. Apparently, deep sleep consolidates memories after learning, and without it, we’re more apt to not remember. Because the study entails such a small group, it’s not definitive, and more work will need to be done to solidify the connection between sleep and memory.
Sleep also allows your body to repair daily cell damage and strengthens your immune system (Helpguide). The list of potential ills from not sleeping well is long: depression, attention and memory problems, nighttime falls, more sensitivity to pain and more use of sleeping aids, which should only be used on a short-term basis because they can ultimately contribute to insomnia and increase the risk of serious health issues.
Reasons Why Seniors Don’t Get Enough Sleep
"Insomnia is more common for seniors, partly because of health issues, partly because of the anxiety and the concerns of aging, and sometimes because of medication," says Jack Gardner, a neurologist certified in sleep medicine at the Sleep Center at Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie, Texas (quoted in “Do Seniors Need Less Sleep?,” WebMD the Magazine). Pain and sickness can disrupt sleep, as can many health conditions common in older people, such as a frequent urination, arthritis, asthma, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, nighttime heartburn, menopause and Alzheimer's.
One big problem is sleep apnea, which causes short pauses in breathing while sleeping. If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to other problems such as high blood pressure, stroke or memory loss. If you find yourself gasping for air or being told you snore, you should contact your doctor for a sleep apnea check.
Movement disorders also impede sleep. Restless legs syndrome causes feelings of tingling or crawling in one or both legs, while periodic limb movement disorder causes people to jerk and kick their legs every 20 to 40 seconds. Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder can cause your muscles to move. All three are disruptive to sleep, so check with your doctor to discuss treatment options.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Older adults are more prone to something called advanced sleep phase syndrome, which causes the body's internal clock to adjust to earlier bedtimes and wakeup times. Maybe you remember staying up past midnight years ago but now find yourself nodding off on the couch every night by 9 p.m. The best advice from sleep experts is: Don’t fight it, because if you do, you’ll find yourself unable to sleep through the night. One potential aid to help you stay awake later is bright light therapy, which can fool the body into thinking it’s earlier.
In fact, light exposure is a big factor in getting a good night’s sleep. One research study linked light exposure at the wrong times of day to various health problems, including sleep disorders. This is why sleep experts advise turning off the TV and computer at least one hour before bed and using low-wattage bulbs where safe to do so. One study of adults over 65 found that 13 percent of men and 36 percent of women take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, possibly due to excessive light exposure.
Medications can also impair sleep because drug combinations or side effects can be stimulating. With your doctor’s help, you might be able to adjust when you take certain medications.
Stress, depression and other psychological disorders can interfere with our ability to sleep, and seniors experience these disorders more than younger adults. Significant life changes such as the death of a loved one or moving from a family home can cause stress. Anxiety or sadness can also keep you awake, which can, in turn, cause more anxiety or depression. Researchers have noted that people without major medical or psychiatric illnesses report better sleep.
There are many ways to improve your sleep (see sidebar). Perhaps one of the most important is getting enough exercise, although not close to bedtime. A study by the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University found that aerobic exercise resulted in the most dramatic improvement in sleep as reported by middle-aged and older adults who had problems with insomnia. Not only did the patients report longer and better quality of sleep, they also reported less depression, more vitality and less sleepiness during the day (“Insomnia in Older Adults: Tips for Sleeping Better as You Age,” Helpguide).
The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC know that taking care of a senior loved one is emotionally difficult. But with these tips, you can help your family get the most out of the time they have with their loved one.
We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.
Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.
If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.
Sources:
National Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/insomnia-and-sleep
National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/good-nights-sleep
HealthDay News, MedlinePlus, National Institutes of Health, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_133479.html
Caring.com, www.caring.com/articles/exercise-and-sleep
WebMD, www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/do-seniors-need-less-sleep
Helpguide.org, www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_aging.htm
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