Columbia Aged Care

AgingCare.com's Editor, Marlo Sollitto's article, 'Guide for managing medications and prescriptions' breaks down how you can help your loved one to manage their prescriptions and medication.

When patients, caregivers, doctors and pharmacists function as a team, medication-related problems can be avoided, contributing to better outcomes and improved daily functioning. Here are some tips for managing medication use:

Understand the medication
Find out as much as possible about every medication: the name, dosage, frequency and side effects. Understand why it has been prescribed, and ask the doctor to write down instructions for its use.

Have complete medical records
Make sure to provide complete medical records to your loved one’s health care providers. Medical history records should contain surgeries, immunizations, allergies and family health history (i.e. diabetes, colon cancer). Records can be sent by a previous provider if needed.

Follow the directions
Following the directions of the medication is imperative to ensure safety. Read all instructions carefully. Dispense only the recommended dosage at one time and finish the entire prescription if instructed. There may be foods or drinks to avoid while taking the medicine. Or the medicine may have to be taken with food or a whole glass of water.

Avoid dangerous drug interactions

The average older adult takes five or more prescriptions drugs each day. In addition, many elderly people take various over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, laxatives or pain-killers, which are often used without informing their physician.  The drugs may conflict and interact poorly with each other – basically going to war against each other in the body, leading to serious side effects and even life-threatening conditions.

Make sure that every physician involved with your loved one’s care knows about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Ask the physician to check for possible drug interactions. Keep a detailed list including the drug name, size of dosage (usually in milligrams) recommended dosage (daily, for example), and any cautions stated on the package. Carry a copy of this list with you in your wallet or purse at all times. This record will be invaluable in the event of a serious drug interaction or overdose. Share the lists with your doctors.  Also, use the same pharmacy to fill all prescriptions, so the pharmacist can keep an eye out for dangerous interactions.

To read full article CLICK HERE

Technology-gossip.com's article, 'Nintendo Wii and the Elderly Play in Harmony' reports how the elderly are benefiting from the advent of the Nintendo Wii in regards to their mental health and physical fitness.

The Nintendo Wii has hands down, without a doubt, truly transformed the way we play video games. No one game console has single handily revolutionised the way we use and interact with video gaming. The Wii is a massive hit with families, partners, and friends and now it seems it’s become a hit with the elderly in care homes too.

The Helen McArdle Care Home Group in the north east of England has introduced the Wii to the residents so they remain active, fit and healthy whilst receiving respite care. Popular games among the elderly residents include favourite old past times such as bowling, golf and tennis.

To read full article CLICK HERE

The International Eczema- Psoriasis Foundation have written an article on 'Eczema Craquelle,' types of Eczema more commonly found in the elderly. The article offers tips on how to alleviate the irritation and discomfort brought on by dry skin.  

Eczema Craquelle or Asteatotic eczema as it is sometimes called, occurs in older people who have a tendency to have thinner and dryer skin. This is also known as asteatotic eczema and it occurs in older people who have thinner and dryer skin.

Asteatotic eczema affects the legs and feet in elderly persons thought to be the result of dry skin, dehydration and malnutrition. Asteatotic eczema almost always affects people over the age of 60.

Winter itch occurs during cold weather. Cold weather wreaks havoc on our skin, sometimes making it dry and flaky. Skin dries out if it's deprived of water and this dryness often causes itchiness, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as "winter itch."

All of these types of eczema will respond positively to the care and control tips listed below:

1) Use moisturizers regularly, particularly after bathing.

2) Avoiding overheating rooms.

3) Limiting and adjusting the method of bathing. 

4) Avoiding the use of deodorant soaps. many soaps contian ingredients that can be irritating to the skin.

5) Avoiding excessive friction on the skin, such as scrubbing with harsh washcloths or wearing woolen clothing.

To read the full article CLICK HERE

Ermony Street's eHow article, 'How to Prevent Osteoporosis' is very informative offering tips on how to prevent osteoporosis, a disease that results in a decrease in bone mass and density - a disease that is commonly found in the elderly.


 

As we get older our choice of what to wear may change. Our wardrobe sometimes needs to be revisited to bring in styles of clothing more practical and appropriate. Love to Know's Senior section has an article on how to choose clothes for elderly women. 

Special Fashion Needs
Senior and retirement living often means a change in fashion needs. As a woman continues to age, several factors may affect her fashion needs and might cause the need for more revisions in her wardrobe:

• Health issues – Changes in energy levels and reactions to medications can make it difficult to dress and perform personal care activities.
  
• Cooler body temperatures – Older women often find it harder to stay warm and they look for warmer clothes.
  
• Movement challenges – Arthritis, muscle weakness or medical issues can make it complicated, if not impossible, for a woman to get dressed and to operate bra closures and buttons.
  
• Mobility challenges – A woman may need clothes that are easy to get on and get off from a seated position.
  
• New environment – Activities in an active adult or golf retirement community require a wider range of fashions than if a woman has health or mobility issues that require her to be in an assisted living or nursing home situation.
  
• Change in peer group fashions – Often a woman wants to make changes in her wardrobe to more closely follow the styles worn by a new peer group.
  
• Downsizing a living situation – Less closet and storage space might cause a woman to want to reduce her wardrobe.
  
• More leisure time – A woman may find that she needs wardrobe changes to accommodate her increased involvement in casual activities such as travel, classes and exercise such as chair exercising, strength training or Tai Chi.

Selecting Fashions for Elderly Women
It is important for a woman to feel that she is maintaining her independence and that her personal needs are being met with her attire, even if she is not personally selecting the fashion items.

If selecting clothing for someone else, continue to seek her input and pay special attention to her comments about what she enjoys wearing and fashions worn by other women with whom she has contact.

Look for fashions that:

• Match her personal style. – She will probably want to wear the same styles and colors that she has worn for many years. If she liked classic styles when she was 50, she will probably still want to wear classic styles. If she was proud of her avant-garde style when she was younger, she will probably not be comfortable in soft colors with teddy bear appliqués.

To read full article CLICK HERE
 

As we age it often gets harder to do the daily tasks we have been easily doing our whole life. Joints and limbs often start to stiffen and hurt more. Reaching for itmes in high/ low places becomes more strenuous and exhausting than what we once remembered. Even simple things like pulling on socks and shoes requires more strength than it would seem some aged people have.

There are a variety of companies that have dedicated their enterprises to creating living and rehabilitation aids for people, such as the elderly, to help them complete their daily activities with more ease than their bodies would, at this stage, permit. There are now a range of living aids on the market to help with a number of activities.

Australia's aged care directory, Wisecare, provides an article by LifeHealthCare Distribution who supply a range of living aids.

Daily living aids supplied by the company include dressing aids, kitchen aids, cutlery, reachers and general purpose aids. Dressing aids are available in options such as stocking aids, stocking donners, sock aids, dressing sticks, shoe horns, long-handled combs, spring laces, leg lifters and button hooks. Kitchen aids supplied by the company include plate surrounds, plate guards, scoop dishes, twister jar openers, tap turners, anchor pads, anti-spill mugs, dysphagia cups, feeding cups, two-handled mugs, insulated mugs, can openers, reflex cutlery, Nelson knives, kettle tippers and kitchen trolleys. General aids come in choices such as handy bars, magnifying viewer sheets, pen holders, key turners, chiropodist scissors and foam tubes.

To read the full article CLICK HERE

As people age many refuse to admit to what they perceive as defeat to ageing senses. 

"Despite the fact smaller text is blurry beyond readability these days I will not succumb to getting glasses. My hearing is fine, just because I can not hear the TV unless it is at maximum volume doesn't mean I need a hearing aid."

Unfotunately these tell tale signs are often the indicator that glasses may be the key to improved vision and a hearing aid may be what's required to improve quality of life. It is not a sign of defeat, it is merely the process of ageing but for many it's still hard to accept.

Esther Hansen has written an article that offers some helpful advice on how to identify whether your loved one might require a hearing aid. She also offers tips on how to broach the subject in 'Does an Elderly Person I  Know Need a Hearing Aid?'

You perceive the unmistakable signs. The volume on the TV is turned up well beyond what is comfortable for the average listener. Conversation is often interrupted by the need for repetition: " What did you say?" "Excuse me?" "Would you say that again, please?" Words go unheard that you fail to address directly to the one for whom they are intended.

All of this is quite obvious to the caring relative or caregiver who begins to take note of the signs. It will be quite normal and natural to discuss the matter at once and to want to ACT! Of course you want to help, but is the person you care about ready for this kind of help? Is he/she prepared to accept the reality of a hearing loss?

If the individual is extremely defensive or angry, it may well be best to drop the subject. Simply having brought it up may be enough for the time being. Some other time the elderly person may be more accepting.

Meanwhile, the would-be helper can also consider a few important questions, like these:
·How much do I know about hearing aid services?
·Have I talked with anyone who seems to be at ease with wearing hearing aids? Where did he get them? Does he trust the audiologist? Is regular, free service provided to the hearing aid user?
·Are the costs involved affordable? Are payment plans available if necessary?
·Can the prospective hearing aid user be trusted to take the simple steps needed to care for them and keep them easily available when not in use?

Careful thought about these questions can make it easier to broach the subject a second time. Ongoing resistance, however, is not unusual. If a person is dead set against it, the question of hearing aids had best be forgotten until a change in attitude is apparent.

To read the full article CLICK HERE

Diabetes is a condition commonly associated with the elderly. It is important to understand what Diabetes is, how it can be prevented, what the risk factors are and how it can be managed. 

There are two main types of Diabetes; Type 1 and Type 2.

Medical professionals are not positive on what causes Type 1 Diabetes. It is a condition in which the body's immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The problem with this, is that we need this insulin because it is what allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide energy.

The other type, Type 2 Diabetes, is much more prevalent affecting between approximately 90% of all Diabetics. As Australia's fastest growing chronic disease it is also the type that many elderly people are diagnosed with.

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition where high blood glucose levels are caused by either a lack of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin efficiently. Certain lifestyle factors increase the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

The Better Health Channel  define Type 2 Diabetes as a ‘lifestyle disease’. 

They go on to identify it as 'more common in people who do insufficient physical activity and are overweight or obese. It is strongly associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an ‘apple’ body shape, where excess weight is carried around the waist'

Diabetes.co.uk highlight important points to consider about the elderly and Type 2 Diabetes. 

Symptoms
Elderly people who are at risk of developing diabetes, or who have already developed the disease, may not exhibit the classic symptoms expected.

Certain drugs may be less suitable for the elderly
Managing diabetes amongst the elderly may often have different objectives to treating the condition in younger patients. Some drugs may be less suitable for elderly patients, and treatment plans will almost certainly have to be adjusted.

Goals may surround reduction of diabetes related complications
Treating geriatrics with diabetes requires the caregiver to take a multidisciplinary role. The goals should always be the reduction of diabetes-related complications.

Read the full article "Diabetes and the Elderly"

The International Diabetes Institute outlines that "the aim of treatment is to control blood glucose levels and to prevent long term problems associated with diabetes such as heart disease."

The International Diabetes institute recommends that eating healthy and participating in regular physical activity so to stay active are the first steps to getting blood glucose levels and blood pressure under control.

Aged care facilities can ensure that your loved one is involved in a physical activity suited to their abilities and conditions daily. At such facilities professionals can also devise a nutritious diet that ensures your loved one receives all the necessary nutrients and dietary requirements.

Jake Ryan makes some helpful suggestions regarding diet in "Type 2 Diabetes Diet";

Recommended diet for Type 2 Diabetes
* Determine exact number of complex & simple carbohydrates to be eaten at each meal with Doctor

* Reduce intake of saturated trans fats (anything with hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oil has trans fat in it)

* Reduce amount of sodium in diet

* Eat more natural, less processed foods

To learn more about Type 2 Diabetes read The Better Health Channels article.

No one can deny that deciding whether to put a loved one into an aged care facility/ or a Nursing Home is one of the toughest decisions a person could make.

Guilt, sadness and frustration are emotions that are often associated with such a choice and often these very emotions can hinder an individual making the right decision. 

Aged care facilities employ medically trained professionals 24/7 to ensure that your loved one has around the clock care. At such a facility, your loved one could potentially be provided a better quality care than you yourself are equipped to offer them.

There should be no shame or guilt felt by whatever decision you make. Every situation is unique and the decision is often a life altering one for both your loved one and those who surround them.

 Heaven Stubblefield from EduBook considers both factors of the decision, offering food for thought in What are some of the Pros and Cons of Nursing Homes? ;

Sadly to say, more times than not we may all have to face that difficult question of whether or not to put one of our loved ones into a nursing home. The decision that you make cannot be taken lightly and should take a lot of deliberation before doing so.

Pros

1. Your loved one will be closely watched. They will have around the clock care from in- house nursing staff and will also have a host of medical professionals caring for them including visits from Doctors whenever it is needed.

2. They will more than likely get a better diet more suited to them.

3. They are better equipped to move a patient and take care of their needs should they no longer be ambulatory. This type of work might be too taxing on you, especially if you have to work outside the home as well.

Cons

1. You may not be able to find a nursing home that is close enough for you to visit every day, and this can be a very difficult situation to be in. It’s the parting that is painful for all those involved and knowing that you will no longer be able to see them whenever you want to.

2. The worst part of placing your loved one in a nursing home is that they may feel like they are no longer wanted or welcome in your home and this can have a devastating affect on their mental health.

It is important as a family member that you explain to them more than once the reasons why they are being placed in a nursing home.

To read the full article CLICK HERE