Columbia Aged Care

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.

First aid kits are an essential to any home, office or car, as accidents do happen.

A handy, easy to access kit is a great idea and should be a basic house hold item – especially in homes with children or elderly people. Livestrong.com has provided a list of items needed within a first aid kit.

The basic items for any first aid kit are:

• Bandages and gauze
• Adhesive tape
• A torch
• Aspirin
• Latex gloves
• Scissors
• A thermometer
• Tweezers
• A blanket

However, when it comes to a first aid kit for seniors there are a couple of additional items that may be needed.

Emergency supplies:
Be sure to include some emergency supplies of all your medications. This will involve the need to check on all expiry dates regularly. Pick a date you know you will remember, such as the day day-light savings changes or perhaps your birthday, and review all of the contents.

Medical Facts:
Include a short list of medial facts about yourself. Include information such as:

• Any allergies
• Doctors name and phone number
• Any important facts about illnesses you have that people need to know about in an emergency situation, such as allergies, asthma or heart problems.

Extras:
Consider adding an extra pair of glasses, hearing aids, hearing aid batteries, batteries for a wheelchair, an asthma puffer or even oxygen if your daily routine requires it. Be sure to carefully think about what daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly things you use and include replacements or extras of these things just in case.

Prepaid Mobile:
You may not own or want to own a mobile phone but they can be particularly handy – especially in an emergency situation. Even if you don’t ever plan to use a mobile phone, it’s a great idea to add a mobile phone, with a prepaid sim card in it, to your first aid kit. Be sure you know how to turn it on, use the key pad and that you can see the screen clearly.

Read the full article here.

There are 3.85 million people in Australia who are living with arthritis. Arthritis can make even the simplest of everyday tasks difficult and painful to complete, with many people unable to enjoy the best quality of life possible.

Bluesky Healthcare have provided several simple and practical tips to help relieve the pain of arthritis, keep you mobile and make daily activities easier so you can improve on your quality of life.

1. Keep Moving
Regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments of arthritis as it helps to strengthen your muscles and bones which increases flexibility and helps to reduce pain in muscles and joints.

Some great exercises for arthritis sufferers include:

• Warm water exercises such as aqua aerobics, aqua therapy or even simply swimming laps in a pool.
• Regular walks
• Chair-based exercise classes
• Tai Chi is a gentle exercise that involves smooth, flowing movements that helps reduce pain and stiffness

2. Pace yourself and rest when you need to
When living with arthritis it is important to work out a balance between work and rest.

Break larger tasks like cooking dinner into smaller steps and rest in between each step. Don’t set high expectations – enjoying exercise, time with family and leading a happy life is much more important that cooking a five star meal or maintaining a spotless house!

3. Enjoy a good night’s sleep
Sleep helps your body recover and repair itself and most people will feel much better after a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, arthritis can make it difficult to sleep and as less sleep lowers your pain threshold this can quickly become a vicious cycle.

Owning a bed with a supportive mattress can help to put an end to this cycle and can help you achieve a better night’s sleep.

Read the full article here.

This year’s winter seems to be one of the coldest we have had in a while. The cold weather can have health implications for us all but in particular vulnerable groups such as elderly people are most at risk.

Charnwood.gov has provided some helpful and simple tips to help you make sure your loved one stays warm this winter:

• Make sure your loved one keeps warm at all times – even if it appears to be mild outside.
• Make sure your loved one’s hands and feet are kept warm as cold temperatures can cause problems with circulation.
• Make sure your loved one keeps their windows and doors closed during cold weather as most people are more likely to be struck by the common cold if they have a cold nose.
• Encourage your loved one to use heating appliances.
• Be sure your loved one wears adequate warm clothing – several layers is better than one thick layer.
• Be sure to encourage your loved one to visit their doctor or medical centre and get vaccinated for the flu, as it can affect elderly people much more severely.

If your loved one lives alone, or you have an elderly friend or neighbour, be sure to check up on them and encourage them to stay warm this winter.

Read the full article here.

Pets can become great companions for elderly people and come with many benefits.

A pet such as a dog or a cat can provide love, laughter and companionship. They can offer a sense of encouragement and well being, especially if they have just lost a loved one.

Before buying or adopting a pet, elderly people should understand that having a pet means lots of dedication – both physically and financially. This is not a bad thing as this new responsibility for a life can add new meaning to an elderly person’s way of living.

Caring for and providing for a pet can help an elderly person:

• Stay active through feeding, grooming and exercising their pet
• Get out of the house and into fresh air and sunshine
• Meet new people to socialise with while taking the pet out for a walk

Studies have also indicated a link between dog ownership and an increased survival rate in people with heart issues as a pet can reduce stress levels and create a happy and relaxed environment.

Lastly, in cases where elderly people live alone, have little contact with family or friends or their family lives far away, having a companion there can help with the emotional yearning that many people feel when they are lonely or feel isolated.

Read the full article here.

Contrary to popular belief asthma is not just a childhood disease. It has been known to develop for the first time later in life. It is believed that 30% of seniors have undiagnosed asthma as many elderly people tend to ignore the signs of breathing problems.

The Asthma Foundation has provided some tips about how to know if you have asthma and what to do if you are diagnosed.

How to know if you have asthma

Breathlessness, feeling like your chest is very tight, a dry continual cough and wheezing are the main symptoms of asthma. If you are experiencing any of these on a regular basis visit your doctor to be tested and diagnosed properly.

In Australia, 10% of adults are living with asthma. Some were diagnosed as children and others develop it later in life. Unfortunately, the older a person is, the higher the risk of asthma becoming fatal. It’s best to practice good asthma control.

Tips for seniors with asthma

• Make sure you are using your inhaler correctly – ask your doctor to show you how.
• Ask about your other medications as some, such as heart medication, may interfere with the way asthma medications or your lungs work.
• Be sure to get regular exercise.
• Visit your doctor regularly to maintain good asthma management.
• Have an Asthma Action Plan.
• Get you and your family to learn asthma first aid so if you need help they will be able to assist you. You will feel more comfortable knowing what to do as well.  

For more tips, click here.

When planning a trip all travellers should be careful to ensure that they will stay healthy and safe while they are away. Older people need to be more careful as they may have a few extra concerns.

Nobody wants to fall ill or be worried about health and safety while on holidays – holidays are meant to be relaxing. Therefore, to make the planning process easier when it comes to health and safety, here are some tips the Better Health Channel has provided for travelling seniors:

Pre-trip planning:

• Research the areas you will be visiting and note down the medical facilities there.
• Research factors that may affect you such as climate, language and culture.
• Make arrangements for mobility needs in advance.
• Organise travel insurance.

Your Luggage:

• Make sure your carry-on bag contains everything you will need for the entire flight including a medical kit with medications, painkillers and band-aids.
• Take a pill box with separate weekday compartments to ensure your daily medication routine is not forgotten.
• Take a spare pair of glasses.

Safety Suggestions:

• Don’t travel around at night.
• Don’t wear expensive jewellery.
• Wear valuables on a belt worn under clothes and next to the skin.
• If you are going overseas, carry with you the contact details of the Australian Embassy in case you need help.

Read the full article here.

It is no secret that as you grow older, health becomes a major aspect of life. However, growing older should not be synonymous with bad health. Improving on your health as much as you can will ensure the best quality of life.
 
One of the most important parts of leading a healthy lifestyle is to stay physically active. Without regular exercise, people over the age of forty are at risk of suffering from a range of health problems. Making even the smallest of changes to your physical lifestyle can benefit you and your body. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every day (or most days) is extremely beneficial. However, if you are finding it hard to get active, here are some tips from Aged Care Australia:

• Choose activities you enjoy and find interesting. You more likely to keep up with an exercise routine if it’s fun, rather than a chore.
• Make a plan – start off slowly, and aim for small improvements. Keep track of your progress in a training diary for added motivation.
• Exercise with friends. They can help you keep to your plan, remain motivated and be a social occasion.
• Choose appropriate clothing, for example loose clothes and supportive shoes.
• Don't let yourself dehydrate – drink plenty of water before, during and after your activity.
• Don't exercise in hot weather or immediately after meals.

Read the full article HERE.

It is difficult to assess whether your aging parent, spouse or family member needs help at home. Factors such as declining health or periods of illness can dramatically change the ability to look after themselves.
 
In addition to personal caregivers, there are various types and levels of help available for elderly people both in the home and in aged care facilities. The need for services depends on how independent a person is when coping with activities of daily living. Aged Carer has provided a useful checklist to help you identify the level of care a person may require. This includes:
 
Mobility: Can they safely transfer in and out of bed, on and off the toilet, up and down stairs? Are they unsteady on their feet and prone to falls, slips and trips?
 
Driving and Transport: Are they capable of driving safely or using public transport? Can they get to the shops and to medical appointments?
 
Finances: Are bills being paid? Can they manage their bank account and organise their finances?
 
Social contact: Are they isolated in the home? Do they have regular contact with friends and family? Do they engage in social activities or hobbies?
 
Care needs should be regularly re-assessed, particularly in times of illness or stress. Staying with the person for a few days can help you quickly determine whether they need assistance.

If you feel someone needs more care than you can provide, call in professional help.
 
Read the full article HERE.

The first step in dealing with caregiver stress is to recognize the signs. Then, you can find ways to deal with it and enlist support or medical help when needed.

Emotional Signs of Caregiver Stress include:

 Anxiety
 Depression
 Moodiness/mood swings
 Butterflies
 Irritability, easily frustrated, road rage
 Memory problems and lack of concentration
 Feeling out of control
 Increased substance abuse
 Phobias
 Argumentative
 Feeling of isolation 
Job dissatisfaction

If you are experiencing some of the signs listed above, consider talking with a healthcare professional who can help you to evaluate your situation. It is important that a family caregiver realize that she or he is not alone. Getting support will help reduce caregiver stress, as well as reduce the associated physical and emotional risks of ongoing stress.

Remember, it is not selfish to focus on your own needs and desires when you are a family caregiver. In fact, it is a necessity to take initiative with your own physical and emotional care, or else it could make you less useful to the person for whom you are caring.

Source: http://www.caregiverstress.com/yourhealth.html