Columbia Aged Care

Your loved one may find it difficult to buy comfortable clothing that fits them properly. If your loved one suffers from arthritis or an injury they may also have difficulty dressing themselves.

You can make your loved one’s life easier by purchasing them clothing that is easy to put on and is comfortable to wear. You can buy adaptive clothing specially designed for people with restrictive movement, which will make it easier and less painful for your loved one to dress themselves.

If they suffer from dementia they may resist wearing certain types of clothing or have a favourite outfit. You can help them by purchasing multiple sets of their favourite outfit so they always have clean clothes to put on.

Aged Carer has provided some great tips for buying appropriate clothing for your loved one.

• Choose natural fibre and cotton fabrics that breathe
• Choose clothes with elastic waists
• Buy slip on shoes with a non-slip sole
• Stretchy fabrics
• Bras that clip at the front for women with arthritis
• Choose large buttons
• Ensure there is lots of room in sleeves
• Choose fabric that can be washed frequently and in water with temperatures up to 90 degrees if your loved one is in a nursing home
• Choose clothes that don’t have to be ironed

You can help your loved one achieve a greater independence by buying them comfortable clothes that they can easily dress themselves in.

Read the full article here.

As a carer it is extremely important to manage your loved ones medication to ensure they remain healthy. If medications are taken incorrectly they can cause dangerous side effects such as high blood pressure, incontinence, constipation, skin rashes or falls.

Medications must be administered at the right time with the right dosage, which can be difficult when your loved one has a variety of different medications.

Aged Carer has provided some useful tips for managing your loved ones medication.

• Visit only one pharmacist: It’s important to establish a regular pharmacist because they will know the history of your loved one’s medication. They can also consult with your local doctor if there is an issue.
• Use Webster or blister packs: Your loved one’s pharmacist can pack their medication into blister or Webster packs, which arranges their medications into separate days. This allows your loved one to access their medications safely and prevent over medicating.
• Understand all medications: Read the consumer medication leaflet inside the medication package and keep them in a file for future reference. When you know the ingredients in your loved one’s medication you can help to prevent possible allergic reactions.
• Know the side effects of medications: Ask your loved one’s doctor about the possible side effects they can experience from their medication. This will help you to assess the severity of any side effects that occur.
• Keep an up-to-date medication list: This list should detail all of your loved ones medication, allergies and side effects to possible medications. It can be used in emergencies or by respite carers.

If you notice that your loved one is experiencing side effects from their medication consult with their doctor as soon as possible. However with these helpful tips on managing your loved ones medication you can help to prevent medication errors and keep your loved one healthy.

Read the full articlehere.

Home and personal security is an important part of creating a comfortable living situation and having peace of mind at any age. Many elderly people live alone or have limited mobility and can therefore be an easy target for burglaries.

However, most burglaries can be prevented by using a number of simple home and personal security measures.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has some great tips on how to secure your home and reduce your risk of burglary:

• Use security deadlocks and grilles on doors and windows.
• Always lock all outside doors and windows when you go out, even if it’s for 5 minutes.
• Lock up parts of the house you can’t keep an eye on.
• Prune bushes and trees that hide your home’s windows and doors.
• Don’t hide extra keys in flowerpots or under mats.

Here are some basic safety tips for your personal security:

• Always be aware of other people and your immediate surroundings.
• Be aware of situations that could make you vulnerable to crime, such as laneways, back streets, and poorly lit parking lots.
• Don’t carry large sums of money. Pay your bills by cheque, credit card or over the phone.
• When you are banking always vary your routine.
• If you carry a handbag, hold it under your arm or in front of you and never leave it unattended.

You should always stay up to date on any security issues in your neighbourhood and if a crime does occur contact your local police station.

For more information on how to improve your home and personal safety contact your local Neighbourhood Watch or police station.

Read the full article here.

Bed sores can be a common problem in elderly people, which can lead to pain and discomfort for your loved one. Bed sores are the result of prolonged pressure to the skin, which prevents a sufficient amount of blood flow and nutrients to the skin tissue. Ulcerations or sores then develop on the skin, typically over bony prominences.

Bedsores can develop if your loved one is bedridden or sitting for a prolonged period of time without being properly repositioned. Common areas for bed sores to look out for are hipbones, lower back, tail-bone, knees and shoulders. 

www.bedsores.org has provided some useful information on the risk factors for developing bedsores.

Confinement to bed, chair or wheelchair
If your loved one is unable to move themselves then they can develop bedsores in as little as 1-2 hours if the pressure is not relieved.

Loss of bowel or bladder control
Moisture on your loved ones skin from urine or perspiration can irritate the skin.

Poor nutrition or dehydration
If your loved one’s skin is not properly nourished bed sores can develop.

Carers must be aware of these risk factors when caring for their loved ones in order to prevent the unnecessary development of bed sores. Bedsores can be prevented if your loved one is repositioned frequently, bathed appropriately and any incontinence problems assessed and treated.

Remember that everyone is different and may have different risk factors and treatment options.

Read the full article here.

Lifting and transferring your loved ones can often be a difficult task for many caregivers. If the wrong techniques are implemented then caregivers are at risk of injuring themselves or their loved one. That is why it’s so important for caregivers to learn safe lifting techniques.

Aged Carer has provided some tips on how to safely lift and transfer your loved one without injuring them or yourself.

1. Encourage your loved one to participate
If your loved one is able to, ask them to move to the edge of the chair and push up from the seat. This will help exercise their mobility and muscle strength as well as reduce the risk of injury.

2. Use transfer devices and lifting equipment
Always try to avoid lifting your loved one by yourself. Use equipment such as slide sheets, hoists, lifters, slings and powered lift chairs.

3. Use proper body mechanics
Never lift your loved one by bending your back. Always ensure that your knees are bent and your back is kept straight.

4. Don’t lift under the arms!
Avoid lifting your loved one from under their arms as you may become unbalanced or risk injuring yourself. Your loved ones can often experience discomfort or shoulder injuries when pulled up by the arms. You should support your loved one by placing one hand on their shoulder and the other on their lower back.

Caregivers can seek additional advice on the best lifting equipment and techniques from an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

Read the full article here.

Depending on our age and wellbeing, our diet continually changes throughout our life. What we are putting in to our mouths is very important when aiming for a well-balanced diet. The elderly in particular must keep track of the many foods they are consuming. Lack of some foods and too much of others can result in a lack of nutrients.

Aging Care has listed some important nutrients that your loved one should include in a well-balanced and healthy diet.

Omega 3 fatty acids
Foods with omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to reduce heart disease and arthritis. Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in different types of food such as fish and flaxseed oil. Making sure your loved one has a serving of omega 3 fatty acids twice per week will ensure that they are having the right amount of nutrition intake.

Calcium
Your loved one’s diet should consist of a substantial intake of calcium. This is because calcium can help preserve bone health and lower blood pressure.  It is recommended milk is consumed daily. However, to find out how much milk you loved one should be consuming it is best to consult your doctor.

Hydrate
One of the most simple and commonly forgotten forms of nutrition is liquids. As people age however, they tend to not get as thirsty. Our bodies, however, still need the same amount of liquids.

If you notice your loved one is not drinking as often as they should, try and encourage them to drink amounts of water that is appropriate for their body type. Consulting with your doctor would be a great way of knowing how much water or liquids they should be consuming.

Before making any changes to your loved one’s diet, it is important to consult a doctor to make sure that any changes made will not have a negative effective on your loved one’s health.

It is important to have a moderate amount of all types of foods within your loved ones diet to ensure that they are getting the right amount of solids to help stay strong and healthy. By setting an example and making eating a social activity, you may be able to show them that a few dietary changes aren’t so drastic.

Read full article here.

As people age, some may begin to experience significant vision loss.  Vision loss is a global issue that affects thousands of people, particularly the elderly. It can be extremely difficult when a loved one that has been able to see all their life begins to lose their vision.

Better Health Channel has provided some helpful tips for elderly people struggling with deteriorating vision. These recreational activities can be suited to people who are completely blind or are vision impaired.

Books and Magazines
In today’s world, many books and magazines are now available in audio for those struggling with their vision. Vision Australia offers a wide range of audio books as well as large print and Braille books. With a convenient borrowing system, this recreational activity will ensure your loved one will not feel isolated or confined.

Games
Various board games have now been adapted in Braille form to ensure that those experiencing vision loss are able to develop hobbies and feel included. Games that are sold in Braille form include chess, cards and Monopoly. Other types of board games are available in tactile and large print versions.

Gardening
Although elderly people experiencing vision loss may feel lonely and useless, there are many ways they can keep busy in the garden. Elderly people may be able to tell the difference between plants and weeds by touch and a basic layout of garden beds will ensure that your loved one will be able to differentiate between plants.

Where to get help
If you require any help please contact your doctor, vision specialist or a vision loss organisation in your area.

Vision loss can be an isolating, confining and sometimes even a traumatic experience for your loved one – especially if they have had the ability to see their entire life. By including your loved one in activities that are enjoyable you will be able to help your loved one through a tough transition in their life.

Read the full article here.

Your loved one can derive many benefits from children and young people visiting them. Whether it is their own grandchildren or children from a local school, your loved one will enjoy the companionship and it will help them to develop a feeling of purpose in life.

eHow has provided a few benefits your loved one may gain from having children pay them a visit from time to time.

Companionship:
Whether it is a day trip to the park, shops or library, playing board games or cards, these activities allow the children and your loved one to bond as well as breaking your loved one out of their daily routine.

Your loved one may also have the chance to tutor or share a bit of their knowledge with a child on a particular school project. This will not only help with bonding but it will also provide your loved one with a sense of purpose and self worth.

Bringing gifts:
Having a child bring your loved one a gift – whether it be slippers, a book, a blanket etc. allows your loved one to not only feel the joy of receiving a surprise gift but it also provides them with the feeling of being loved, valued and remembered.

Making sure your loved one feels valued and remembered is important, especially if they live alone, in a nursing home or live far away.

Sharing experiences:
Your loved one will have so many experiences and stories to tell children. Having your loved one sit with a child or a group of children and share their knowledge or a story about something they experienced (e.g. historical events) is a fantastic way to not only teach the children or child something new but also give your loved one a sense of pride and importance.

Having a child or group of children visit your loved one is a great opportunity to break up your loved one’s daily routine – especially if they do not get regular visitors. If your loved one lives alone, creating a sense of self worth and making sure your loved one knows you care is extremely important.

Read the full article here.

Many caregivers struggle with the role of providing care to their elderly parent, spouse, family member or friend. Common complaints are that there is not enough time in the day, or they feel frustrated with the difficulties of elderly care.

Aging Care has provided some tips to help you care for your loved one.

Remember the person inside: the process of aging changes people’s personalities – conditions such as deafness can cause anger and Alzheimer's affects memory. Keep in mind the person that you have always loved whenever you feel frustrated.

Arm yourself with knowledge: If your loved one has a medical condition, learn all you can about their ailments, symptoms and treatments. This will guide you and instil confidence, and will also help your loved one relax in your care.

Have humility: Don’t underestimate your loved one’s intelligence and knowledge. Embrace all you can learn from their experiences and don’t disregard their opinions. Respond to your loved one as the person they were before they became ‘the patient’.

Remember that it is natural to feel frustrated and overworked at times, but use these tips to make your role easier.

Read the full article here.

Encouraging your loved one to talk to their doctor about their health is extremely important. Many people, especially seniors, may find it difficult to communicate with their doctor. But by asking questions, bringing up problems even if the doctor doesn't ask and letting the doctor know when a treatment isn't working, your loved one is taking an active role in their own health. 

HealthierYou.com shares some good communication topics you should encourage your loved one to talk about.

Sharing Symptoms:
It is important to be very clear and concise when explaining and describing symptoms. Although medical tests can determine what is wrong, it is your loved one’s symptoms that point the doctor in the right direction. Be sure to stress to your loved one that being concerned about symptoms is not a sign of weakness and it is definitely not complaining.

Learning more about medical tests:
If it has been decided that your loved one will need a medical test be sure they ask questions. Before the test encourage them to ask the doctor to explain why it is important, what it will cost, what the procedure is, how long the test will take and how long it will be before results are received.

When the results are ready, get your loved one to ask the doctor to explain what they are and what they mean. Also encourage them to ask for a copy and if the results are from a specialist, your loved one should ask them to send the results to their primary doctor.

Making the most of medications:
Sometimes medications can affect older people differently to younger people. Encourage your loved one to notify their doctor if their medication is not working for them and communicate exactly what the side effects are. Make sure your loved one doesn’t stop taking their medication without consulting their doctor first.

Read the full article here.