Home health care has gained immense popularity among seniors, as it allows for more comprehensive and personalized care than received in traditional institutional settings. For individuals requiring complex medical care, a higher level of attention and service is necessary, which can only be provided by a very select number of elite home care agencies.

Overview

In 2013, a senior-aged husband and wife, referred to here as John and Jane, were both diagnosed with complicated illnesses, but wanted to remain together in the comfort and familiarity of their home. They knew a long-term home health care solution was the answer but did not know who could provide the concierge and hospital-grade services they required. 

A trusted registered nurse (RN) recommended Care Bearz Home Health’s 24/7 private duty nursing services to the primary care physician, because she knew the home health care agency would meet the couple’s high expectations for professional yet compassionate care. The RN also knew Care Bearz Home Health’s offering would allow the couple to remain together at home and had an impressive track record of reducing the frequency of hospitalizations, especially compared to those staying at nursing facilities.

For 8 years, Care Bearz Home Health advocated for the couple, assisted with activities of daily life, provided proactive expert and complex medical care, and maintained consistent communication  between the nursing and medical teams. And as a result, Jane was able to live as comfortably as possible until her passing and John lived 3 years longer than his doctors anticipated.

Medical Diagnosis and Care Team

Before working with the couple, John had a primary diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) and was in remission from prostate cancer. Jane was diagnosed with Parkinsonism (a progressively debilitating disease similar to Parkinson’s). Eventually, as her disease progressed, she was unable to walk, talk, and relied on her nursing staff to perform all aspects of her care.

Initially, the couple tasked Care Bearz Home Health with creating a customized nursing plan for Jane which included an RN in the home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As her condition naturally progressed,  additional RNs were hired to provide 24/7 care with 2 RNs at a time. Once John required assistance, an additional male RN was hired. At its peak, with a need of 3 RNs per shift, a total of 27 Care Bearz Home Health RNs – the majority with ICU experience – were caring for the couple. 

Clear Communication

Throughout the 8 years, Care Bearz Home Health RNs were not alone. The couple’s medical team included a primary doctor, a family office liaison (LCSW), a medical information analyst, a doctor specializing in palliative care, a chef, a physical therapist, and additional Care Bearz Home Health team members.

With so many medical professionals in the mix, there was opportunity for confusion. Effective health care often has the best results when communication is thorough and consistent. The Care Bearz Home Health team took the lead, maintaining regular contact with the couple’s medical team, family office, and children with daily reporting and a standing quarterly medical team meeting. 

When the couple needed to visit their primary medical providers in person, dedicated RNs accompanied them to all appointments and communicated all findings and recommendations to the entire nursing staff.  

And beyond being reachable by email or phone, an on-site, dedicated team phone was also established to communicate anything that needed immediate attention, ensure daily transitions were successful, and host daily check-ins with the family.

Customized Care Plan

The couple’s comprehensive personalized and proactive care plans essentially turned their apartment into a hospital-like setting to avoid admissions while remaining a comfortable home for them to share. Under the guidance of their medical doctors, new equipment and care from RNs prevented John and Jane from having to regularly travel to a medical facility to have blood drawn, take x-rays, and even receive IV antibiotics – as RNs can perform or coordinate all of these functions at home – thus improving their quality of life.

The Care Bearz Home Health nursing team assisted Jane and eventually John with all activities of daily life (ADLs) like bathing and dressing, as well as other activities like leading physical training exercises, reading news articles aloud, assisting with written communication, and for John, helping him finish the novel the couple worked on together for many years. Because Jane was losing her ability to swallow, RNs continuously assessed her swallowing, monitoring her for aspiration and making recommendations to adjust her diet accordingly, eventually preparing a special soft foods diet daily.

Beyond administering medications, the Care Bearz Home Health team also handled inventorying, coordinating, and managing all medical supplies and medications. If supplies were low, refills were called in or renewals were handled.

During each shift, the couple both received physical assessments by the Care Bearz Home Health RNs to assess for changes to their status. These continuous assessments and monitorizations led to early interventions which in turn reduced hospitalization and decreased complications.

Putting plans into practice

Because of the thorough care plans and Care Bearz Home Health RNs having experience at renowned New York hospitals, our RNs were prepared for anything that came their way. For example, one day John experienced an acute GI bleed resulting in alarmingly low blood pressure, a racing heartbeat, and a change in level of consciousness. 

His RN’s experience allowed her to know exactly how to handle the situation: 911 was called, the patient was placed in Trendelenburg position, given supplemental oxygen, and the medical team was notified. John was able to get to the ER on time and survived the incident without any complications such as a stroke or heart attack from such low blood pressures and blood volume, a feat that his doctors called a miracle).

The team approach to caring for this family proved to vastly improve and extend the patient’s quality of life. At one point, John’s heart failure was so severe that he wore an external defibrillator and had an ejection fraction of less than 20%, meaning his heart was pumping much less blood than expected. The team nursed him through the placement of an ICD, an internal defibrillator, and the adjustment of cardiac medications to improve his cardiac output. During a team meeting, the palliative care physician explained that a patient with such severe heart failure typically lives less than 6 months. The nursing team micromanaged every aspect of care, including daily weight and vital signs monitoring, physical assessments including assessing his lungs for fluid, assessing for edema in his legs, adherence to a low salt diet, and daily cardiac rehab with exercises. John’s medications were adjusted daily, as needed under the care of his physician. This exemplary care prevented exacerbation of CHF and pneumonia, reduced hospitalizations, and gave John the time to finish his life goal of publishing his novel. John lived 3 years past that clinical care meeting, exceeding everyone’s expectations, including his own doctors. Care Bearz Home Health has been able to effectively replicate this type of care model for many of its nursing clients over the past 15 years. 

About Care Bearz Home Health

Care Bearz Home Health prides itself on being the gold standard of long-term, home health care. Our private duty nurses are highly vetted before being hired to ensure they’re the best at what they do. Not only do they have the critical knowledge and experience required to excel in their role, but they’re also specially selected because they have qualities that go above and beyond basic care – they understand what it means to provide best in class care to their patients.

The post Elevating Home Health Care: A Case Study appeared first on Care Bearz Home Health.

What Makes Care Bearz Home Health’s Home Health Care Services Elite?

A fundamental part of Care Bearz Home Health agency’s mission is to elevate home care, from the quality of the care provided to the overall experience of our clients and families. Our in-home nursing program is deeply ingrained in our agency’s mission, driven by our two founders who are ICU nurses themselves.

To provide elite nursing services to our clients, we begin by ensuring every one of our team members is the right fit. And as such, we only hire those with the unique combination of the most qualified experience, elevated professionalism, and extreme compassion.

Professionalism and Expertise

Care Bearz Home Health’s elite pool of nursing professionals have years of specialized training and clinical experience, either previously or currently working at top hospitals in New York. Their hospital background provides a strong foundation of medical knowledge, directly qualifying them to provide a full range of medical services, and proven experience in navigating the unique challenges that arise when caring for individuals in their homes. All of our skilled nurses that provide home health care services collaborate with the physicians and healthcare specialists that will be a part of your loved one’s medical team to make sure that the patient’s health is consistently monitored and their care needs are met.

By combining improved communication and more frequent early intervention methods, we allow for significant improvement in the patient’s health outcomes when compared to a nursing home or hospital with less personal care.

Our nurse’s experience in the hospital system means they also understand that healthcare is constantly evolving and strive to stay up to date with their field’s latest research, techniques, and technologies.

Training

To meet the ever-evolving needs of the health care industry, Care Bearz Home Health is committed to providing ongoing education and training to ensure our clients receive the most advanced and effective care possible. This continuous education also empowers our nurses to adapt to the home environment and tailor their care to each patient’s individual needs – allowing for better outcomes and, in many cases, preventing hospitalization.

Personalized & Holistic Care Plans

Similar to medical conditions, client personalities are also unique, so we take an individualized approach to ensure you get the best level of home care. And that begins with carefully selecting the right nurse for you or your loved ones from our pool of elite nurses.

Upon interest, Care Bearz Home Health Registered Nurse Care Managers will meet with clients and their loved ones to understand their health concerns, such as medical needs, medication management, mobility assistance, dietary requirements, emotional support, and other concerns. The Care Bearz Home Health team uses this opportunity to get to know you personally, so we can find a caregiver that not only has the proper medical specialization but will also seamlessly transition as a part of your home and family.

Beyond identifying the right nurse, Care Bearz Home Health works hard to keep the same nurses with clients to ensure they are familiar with their needs and the family’s preferences. Your Nurse Care Manager also becomes an integral part of your care team, ensuring all nurses on your schedule are up to date on the plan of care and liaising directly with any outside clinicians or specialists to keep communication clear and streamlined.

From the introduction and throughout our service, our approaches allow for better communication and a more personalized care plan specific to each client’s needs. Our goal is to create a cohesive and trusting relationship that not only addresses your medical requirements but also nurtures emotional well-being and provides companionship. 

Our team of highly skilled and compassionate nurses is committed to providing the best possible care while ensuring that our clients can maintain their independence and dignity. Let Care Bearz Home Health provide you with unparalleled home care services that are based upon deep standards of excellence: compassion, integrity, professionalism, and education while honoring and advocating for the dignity and well-being of our clients and their loved ones.

The post Elite Home Nursing Care Part 2: Finding the Right Nurse appeared first on Care Bearz Home Health.

But before you depart, we recommend thinking about the unique needs and care requirements of your loved one. Care Bearz Home Health is here to offer guidance and support for seniors and their families. Find valuable tips and important considerations below.

Traveling with Seniors: Accessibility, Safety, Transportation, and Medical Care

Vacationing with aging parents or grandparents might seem like a daunting excursion, but it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re going on a short road trip, traveling overseas, visiting an all-inclusive resort, boarding a cruise ship, or something in between, the following considerations can help set you up for success.

#1 Research the Destination

Before booking your trip, we recommend researching the destination, as well as potential alternatives. Some seniors struggle to climb stairs, walk more than a short distance, and stand for long periods, while others may need the support of a wheelchair, walker, or cane.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations require public facilities in the U.S. to accommodate disabled individuals with things like ramps, wide entries, automatic doors, and grab bars in bathrooms. However, there are some exceptions, and many tourist attractions outside the country aren’t up to speed.

Mobility can be a challenge when traveling with seniors. Nearly anywhere is possible, but you’ll want to plan ahead and note certain activities or places that may not be ideal for your loved one.

#2 Pack Smart

Whether you’re anticipating a long flight, drive, or train ride, make sure to pack accordingly. Sitting for an extended period may lead to numbness or blood-clotting issues for elderly individuals. Supportive stockings can help, but we recommend checking with a healthcare provider about other preventative measures.

Bring plenty of water, too, as dehydration is a potential health concern for a senior traveler. We also recommend packing lightweight, layerable clothing and keeping a change on-hand anytime you leave your hotel or rental home. Lastly, medications should be clearly labeled (or potentially presorted in a pill organizer) and readily available.

#3 Consider Transportation

Arriving at your destination is one thing, but you’ll also want to think about how your party will get around while you’re there. Will you be driving a rental car, taking public transportation, riding in cabs, or using a ride-share service?

In any case, consider how your aging family member will get in and out of each vehicle and whether frequent stops will be necessary. Also, if they use a cane, wheelchair, or walker, find out if or how it can be brought along.

#4 Create an Accommodating Itinerary

Beyond your chosen destination and means of transportation, it’s also important to create an accommodating itinerary.

This means considering:

• When your loved one wakes up and goes to bed
• What time they typically eat meals
• Whether they have dietary restrictions
• What types of attractions they’re able to see
• Which facilities accommodate people with limited mobility
• How much standing or walking is involved with each activity
• How many events and activities are feasible for a given day
• Whether restrooms are accessible at each location

Some aging adults may be content sitting out certain activities. Still, they might need someone else to stay back with them. If you’re not sure which things they’ll be able to do, we recommend having a conversation before creating the itinerary.

#5 Schedule Rest Periods

An accommodating itinerary should include plenty of rest periods. Consider your aging loved one’s physical capacity not only in terms of mobility but also their stamina and energy levels. If you have two or more activities planned in a day, be sure to leave breaks in between.

You can expect each day to be a little different too. A senior traveler might be up for sightseeing one day and then much more tired the next. Walking or standing for long periods could also drain their energy or even leave them sore for a day or two.

#6 Allot Plenty of Time

Be sure to allot plenty of time not just on the day of departure but for every event throughout your trip. Whether your family member needs a wheelchair or is able to walk on their own, you can generally expect each checkpoint to take a little longer than usual—from getting in and out of cars and going through airport security to boarding a plane and getting ready each morning.

#7 Have a Plan for Medications

If your senior family member takes medications, be sure to have a plan in place for packing, transporting, and taking them. We suggest checking in with their healthcare provider to ensure they can fill their prescriptions beforehand or while away if needed.

It’s a good idea to also ask about potential food interactions, so you know what to avoid when eating out. Additionally, their provider can recommend whether or not to adjust their medication schedule for a different time zone.

#8 Keep Important Documents on Hand

When traveling with a senior, you’ll want to keep all essential documents on hand and organized. This includes a passport or another government-issued ID, as well as Medicare and medical insurance cards (or at least a photo of this information).

If your aging family member doesn’t use a smartphone (and even if they do), you may want to print out their boarding pass and itinerary for easier access. It might be a good idea to have a copy of their prescriptions too.

#9 Check the Vaccine Requirements

If you’re going on an overseas trip, certain vaccinations might be required beforehand. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to see what’s required for your destination and how far in advance you need to get a vaccine before traveling abroad.

#10 Keep Up the Communication

Traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a challenge, but it’s not out of the question. Your best bet is to communicate with them about each activity before it starts and try to keep it simple instead of overloading them with information.

#11 Arrange for your Alliance Caregiver to Travel With You

At Care Bearz Home Health, our clients can work with their RN Care Managers to plan for travel with the support and care of their regular caregiving team. For those looking for short term care while traveling in New York, our Registered Nurses can help with things like medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, transferring and wound care.

The extra assistance gives families peace of mind about traveling with aging adults while ensuring they’re cared for every step of the way. Whether you need 24/7 support or help a few hours a day, it can make a world of difference.

If you’re unsure about traveling with a senior, contact their healthcare provider before making any plans. In the event they advise against a trip, Alliance can offer respite care or in home nurse care to fill in for caregiving family members while they’re away.

Contact us today to learn more about our customized care plans.

External sources:

1. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/travel-tips-for-seniors
3. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/travel-tips-elderly-13507.html
4. https://www.ada.gov/ada_title_III.htm
5. https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/
6. https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm

The post Tips for Traveling with Seniors appeared first on Care Bearz Home Health.

Care Bearz Home Health elevates home care by being one of the very few agencies that offers an in-home nursing program – a fundamental part of our agency’s mission as two of our founders are ICU nurses. The reason? As co-founder Michele Teter, RN, BSN, CCRN, states

“No one knows how to provide care like nurses.”

What Are the Benefits of Having a Home Health Care Nurse?

Home health care nurses – also known as in-home care nurses, private nurses, private duty nurses, or visiting nurses – are licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) who provide medical care to patients in their own homes.

Home health care nurses provide a wide range of services, including, but not limited to:

• Assistance with daily living activities
• Multisystem clinical assessments
• Wound care
• Medication management and administration
• Managing complex medical equipment
• Monitoring vital signs

Reduce or Prevent Hospital Readmissions

By providing constant care and regular monitoring and assessments, Care Bearz Home Health nurses ensure clients receive timely intervention when necessary. For example, when clients have limited mobility, they are at a higher risk of developing various complications. Having an Alliance nurse in the home who can listen to their lungs, monitor blood pressure, and perform other assessments helps to catch any issues early, preventing hospitalization.  

Those with chronic care needs are likely to benefit the most from in home nursing care. Instead of consistently returning to the hospital, our highly experienced nurses can provide hospital-grade services in your home. Alliance nurses have all previously worked at or are currently at top hospitals in New York, including The Mount Sinai Hospital and New York-Presbyterian. Their hospital experience means they are ready to react and adapt to any situation at any time. With a strong foundation of medical knowledge, they are able to provide a full range of medical services, including medication management and other specialized treatments, all in the comfort of your home.

As examples, our nurses can manage clients with mechanical ventilation, provide tracheostomy care, and provide wound care and dressing changes for those with slow healing surgical wounds.

Coordinated Care and Communication

As Alliance nurses are integrated with their clients’ lives, they are able to provide effective and clear communication with the client’s physicians to describe any activities, changes in condition, or ongoing concerns. As both are medical professionals, this information offers the opportunity to quickly understand and provide early intervention.

Home health care nurses can also serve as a liaison between physicians or other clinicians and the client and their families. In some cases, they are advocating for their client’s needs and desires. In others, they are ensuring there is a clear understanding of their medical conditions, treatment options, and instructions for managing their health.

Co-founder Michele Teter, RN, BSN, CCRN, emphasizes the importance of having home health care nurses. She understands that continuous assessments lead to early interventions which prevent hospitalizations and improve quality of life. Home health care nurses are also an excellent resource for the client’s physicians by offering a clear picture of their patient’s condition. Lastly, home health care nurses provide more direct answers for the client and family regarding disease process, symptoms, and medications. When it comes to delivering the highest quality of care, Michele says,

“Home health care nurses are the most important piece of the puzzle.”

Our team of highly skilled and compassionate nurses is committed to providing the best possible care while ensuring that our clients can maintain their independence and dignity. Let Care Bearz Home Health provide you with unparalleled home care services that are based upon deep standards of excellence: compassion, integrity, professionalism, and education while honoring and advocating for the dignity and well-being of their clients and their loved ones.

The post Elite Home Nursing Care  appeared first on Care Bearz Home Health.

Is this someone I would hire to care for my own grandmother?

This question is the guiding force at Care Bearz Home Health. In fact, it’s the concept on which we were founded, and we believe strongly in only bringing on new team members that we would not only entrust with our grandmothers, but also provide care above and beyond what we would dream for them.

To deliver that promise, we begin with a highly selective hiring process and transition to first-class training, continuous education and ongoing support. Through these efforts, our elite team of registered nurses, certified home health aides and dedicated RN care managers continue to set the standards of excellence across the home care industry.

Our approach

Our recruiting and onboarding process is unique from the start. We will not hire to fill openings; we are looking for the right fit. Simply having the necessary knowledge isn’t enough—we search for those with the unique combination of qualified experience, elevated professionalism and extreme compassion.

We only hire RNs and LPNs with the specialized skills, clinical insight and personal disposition to provide expert care for all our clients, including their specific medical needs.

And we require the same “right fit” from our home health aides. As most aides will have general medical knowledge, we go above and beyond to find those truly passionate about caring for our clients, who may be in their most vulnerable state.

Among many other qualities, our home health aides must be professional, compassionate, adaptable and regimented. Beyond requiring an HHA certification and requiring at least a full year of caregiving experience, we conduct background checks and extensively vet our caregivers’ hard and soft skills via in-person assessments.

We also regularly conduct client and employee surveys to ensure we remain exceptional. We know we are setting the standard as our clients respond with comments like this:

“Care Bearz Home Health is a first-class, first-rate healthcare service organization. Professionals from Alliance have provided consistent quality-oriented services for my 95-year-old father.”

Caregiving with integrity — every step of the way

As a home care agency specializing in concierge services, we prioritize fostering a people-first culture. By providing our people with a compassionate, professional culture, including supplying our team with tools and resources to exceed expectations, we know our caregivers will provide our clients with unparalleled home healthcare services.

We take pride in honoring the lives of those we touch, both our clients and our team. As such, we remain a people-first culture by continuously focusing on two foundational elements:

Caregiver training

Aging at home with dignity requires care that is both compassionate and capable. Highly vetted and skilled home health aides are an ideal support system for clients seeking to maintain a high quality of life while requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), home tasks and companionship.

To ensure our aides always elevate our clients’ experience, we’re one of the few agencies employing an on-staff director of learning and development. In this unique role, Krystal Vias is dedicated to quality assurance with a human touch.

“At Care Bearz Home Health, we see our Caregivers as the people and healthcare professionals they are and give them the respect they deserve. From the first interview and throughout their careers, we approach them with tremendous respect and admiration.”

We know support is essential to their success, which is why our approach to caregiver training involves several key elements that set us apart:

• Orientation. After being hired, our aides immediately attend orientation to ensure they feel part of our team, become familiar with our processes and set our expectation of constantly raising experience standards in our industry.
• Extensive training. Our one-of-a-kind training department ensures our caregivers are exceptional in providing the highest level of support. From the expert execution of hard skills, like lifting and assisting clients with ADLs, to subtle yet non-negotiable soft skills, such as etiquette, confidentiality, appearance and conversation skills – our team is fully prepared to deliver with confidence, professionalism and warmth.
• Continued development. Because healthcare needs and technology consistently evolve, we offer our aides paid training to stay ahead of the trends and improve their skills. Whether participating in specialized medical condition simulations or identifying unique experiences that require additional assistance, our team is committed to always being prepared.

Human connection

We believe experience is more than the accumulation of medical knowledge. It is also learning to prioritize the importance of human connection. Because the home care industry has challenges regarding turnover and quality of service, we committed to doing things differently from the start.

We hold true to our promise by prioritizing key elements that drive human connections:

• Supportive workplace. We offer back-to-school support for busy parents, providing backpacks and school supplies.
• Team building. We host yearly events, like our spring picnic, which allows team members to get to know each other and build rapport through fun activities.
• Welcoming environment. Our office is a relaxed, inviting space for mingling or downtime and is stocked with drinks and snacks.
• Individual attention. We have an open-door policy for questions and concerns, whether it’s about work or another area of our caregiver’s life, we are always available for our team.
• Additional opportunity. For those seeking additional income, overtime hours are available at time and a half.

Providing our team with the assurance that we genuinely value and care for them empowers our caregivers to pay it forward to our clients. Our aides genuinely understand our clients’ unique needs and wants, such as knowing how they prefer to be addressed, rules for the home, dietary preferences and religious beliefs and often develop lifelong friendships.

With a foundation of support and respect, Alliance caregivers exceed the expectations of the Grandma Rule^®. They provide clients with unparalleled home care services that reflect deep standards of excellence: compassion, integrity, professionalism and education while honoring and advocating for the dignity and well-being of their clients and their loved ones.

If you have the passion, experience and drive to raise the standards in home healthcare, join the Care Bearz Home Health team.

The post What Makes an Alliance Caregiver Special appeared first on Care Bearz Home Health.

Wound care can be complicated and requires regular attention. While there is no replacement for professional help and nursing support, this article offers the do’s and don’ts of wound care at home.

The Do’s of At-Home Wound Care

There are a various considerations to take when caring for a wound at home, such as inspecting, diagnosing, dressing, and bandaging.¹ However, in most cases, it is best to leave wound care to a professional. If you’re not looking to acquire professional help, there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for a wound at home. 

Do Know the Essentials of Wound Cleaning

Whether it’s a papercut or a more serious injury, do make sure that you know the essentials of wound cleaning:

• Wash your hands – Before dealing with a wound, make sure your hands are clean. Wash your hands for at least twenty seconds with soap and warm water before beginning. This will ensure you don’t introduce any additional dirt, germs, or other harmful material to the damaged area. 
• Stop the bleeding – Smaller wounds, such as cuts, scratches, and scrapes, will usually stop bleeding on their own. However, for more severe abrasions, you will want to keep the site of the wound elevated while gently applying pressure to the area with a clean, non-irritating cloth.
• Rinse the wound – Run clean water over the wound site, ensuring that it is free of dirt, germs, and foreign matter. Use warm water, as hot water can dry out the skin and lead to irritation and cause the affected area to be broken easily. 
• Gently wash the wound – Use a soft, clean cloth to form a lather with a mild soap. If the area is susceptible, you can skip the soap entirely. Lightly scrub the wound, then rinse the soap from the wound bed. Be sure to pat the area dry before continuing.
• Dress the wound – To prevent scabbing and provide a protective layer, dress the wound with an ointment. Moisturizing the area will also help to keep scarring to a minimum.²  You can use one of the following for wound dressing:
  • Antimicrobial gel
  • Petroleum jelly 
  • Hydrocolloid 
  • Foam dressing 
• Bandage the wound – Bandaging the wound is essential for preventing infection and keeping it from being damaged further, which may lead to bleeding. Try using a bandage that has an adhesive. However, in some cases the skin might be too sensitive for adhesive. In this case, you can strap gauze around the area and secure it with paper tape. 

Do Clean the Wound Daily

Daily cleaning is necessary when it comes to caring for a wound. Check it daily to see how the wound is healing and ensure that it is clean and well-moisturized. If you notice that the wound is showing signs of infection, consult a medical professional. 

Do Compress the Wound Area

According to the Mayo Clinic, plenty of evidence that shows that compression can help wounds heal more quickly.³ That’s because compression reduces edema—swelling caused by excess fluids by evenly distributing fluid in the tissue rather than letting it build in one place. 

Here are some popular options for compression that you might consider keeping around the house in the case of a wound:

• Compression sleeves
• Wraps and bandages
• Stockings

Do Protect the Wound From the Sun 

When your skin is healing, it’s not at its strongest. As such, the wound site will need some extra protection from the elements, including the sun. 

Even if your wound is healing quickly and appears to be much better, it may be beneficial to apply sunscreen to the wound site to protect your healing skin from any damaging rays. 

Do Consider Getting Professional Medical Support from a Home Nurse

It can be overwhelming to take care of a wound by yourself or for a loved one. At-home nurses are trained to handle wounds and can keep a watchful eye over your or your loved one’s physical health so you can focus on recovery. With an at-home nurse, you can rest assured that you’re getting the care you deserve. 

The Don’ts of At-Home Wound Care

When it comes to wound care, knowing what not to do is important to prevent further damage and infection. 

Don’t Use Your Bare Hands 

Hygiene is key when treating any wound. Take precautions by thoroughly washing your hands and wearing a pair of non-powdered vinyl or nitrile gloves before touching the wound.⁴

Don’t Cause Friction and Irritation

When treating your wound, try to avoid adding friction to the damaged area. If possible, use powdered sheets on the affected area to prevent your wound from shearing. Wound shearing occurs when downward pressure combines with friction and may lead to cell death. As such, avoid rubbing or massaging the wound site.

You’ll also want to be careful when stretching. While this can increase blood flow throughout your body, it can also worsen the wound and cause it to bleed. 

Don’t Take a Bath or Soak the Wound

When you have a wound, taking a shower is preferable to taking a bath. You don’t want the wound to soak in water, as this can delay recovery. If a bath is the only option, try keeping the wound out of the water or limiting bath time.⁵  

Don’t Bother with an Antibiotic 

Thorough, gentle lathering of the wound site is enough to prepare it to be dressed and bandaged. There’s no need to apply antibiotic ointment. In fact, some studies suggest that this could slow the healing process.

Don’t Forget to Check-in Daily

Sometimes it’s easy to bandage a wound and forget to follow up. With aging skin, healing a wound takes longer. Check-in daily to ensure everything is clean and appropriately dressed for fast healing. 

Different Types of Wounds

There are several ways that a wound can form on the body. The most common types of wounds  that afflict seniors include: 

• Surgical wound – One of the most common causes for a wound is surgery. As the body ages, people are more likely to need surgery. However, the aging body typically does not heal quickly, and some extra care and attention may be necessary.
• Pressure ulcers – This type of ulcer is also commonly known as bedsore. Pressure ulcers occur when pressure has been applied to the skin for an extended period of time. This is often the result of immobility or sitting and lying in the same place over a long period of time without adjustment. As these types of sores can be life-threatening, it’s important to know how to identify and treat pressure ulcers.
• Skin abrasions – As the body ages, the skin cannot divide cells and reproduce as quickly as it once could. As a result, the skin is thinner, making it more susceptible to tearing, especially when experiencing any type of friction.

Be careful to avoid unnecessary friction when moving or shifting from a seat or vehicle. Also, try to dress the abrasions in clothing that is loose-fitting. 

• Foot circulation and ulcers – Especially common amongst seniors with diabetes, foot problems such as ulcers and blisters can occur when there is insufficient circulation for the feet. The culprit is often a shoe that restricts blood flow. However, diabetes patients are not always able to feel pain or discomfort in their feet, making this a difficult issue to detect. An at-home nurse can help identify these ulcers during routine checks. 
• Venous stasis ulcers – Lack of movement, diabetes, and hypertension—each of these conditions can contribute to venous ulcers in seniors. When blood flow is less than ideal, it can cause pressure and damage to small blood vessels. The result is skin that can break more easily. Something as minor as a scratch or a bump can form an ulcer. According to a report from the Mayo Clinic, venous ulcers are the most common type of wound that affects seniors,. Most often, they’re caused by obesity or recent surgery.⁶

How to Prevent Wounds from Occurring 

While wounds are to be expected as the body ages, certain preventative measures that can prevent wounds from occurring:

• Get enough movement – Whether you’re in a wheelchair or bed for a long period of the day, it is important to get the blood flowing. Try to change positions as often as every fifteen minutes throughout the day. This will minimize the blood pressure on the skin and help to prevent bedsores from forming. 
• Provide support and elevation – Elevating your head above the rest of your body helps to prevent shearing. If you are often lying in bed, keep the head of the bed elevated if possible.
• Improve circulation – Edema is the main cause of venous ulceration. There is robust evidence showing that compression can aid in the reduction of edema, thus leading to less venous ulceration. Use sleeves and wraps to encourage circulation in your arms and legs.
• Avoid rubbing and scratching – Friction of any sort presents a potential problem for aging skin, such as shearing or tearing. 
• Keep skin moisturized – When skin becomes dry, it can become irritated and itchy. Keeping your skin healthy and happy is important when preventing shearing and friction. 

Proper skin and wound mitigation treatments can help to prevent and treat chronic wounds. Particularly in senior citizens, it’s important to address any medical issues before the problem has the opportunity to grow worse.

Let Care Bearz Home Health Help You

Wound care is a complex process that requires knowledge and expertise and most often requires professional assistance. Care for your wound the right way with Care Bearz Home Health. 

We offer at-home wound care services that provide patients with basic wound care, self-care training, and cutting-edge treatments such as Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) for complex wounds.

With Care Bearz Home Health, you can rest assured that you’re on the fastest road to recovery.

Sources: 

1. SEALSKIN Medical Wrap. The Do’s And Don’ts of Wound Care at Home. https://sealskinwrap.com/blog/wound-care-at-home/
2. AAD. Proper wound care: how to minimize a scar. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars#.
3. Mayo Clinic. ​​Mayo Clinic preclinical discovery triggers wound healing, skin regeneration. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-preclinical-discovery-triggers-wound-healing-skin-regeneration/
4. Real First Aid. Gloves. https://www.realfirstaid.co.uk/gloves.
5. NHS. Caring for Your Wound at Home. https://www.lhch.nhs.uk/media/1112/wound-care-discharge-advice-march-15.pdf
6. NHS. Causes-Venous leg ulcer. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leg-ulcer/causes/
7. The Mayo Clinic. Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Chronic Wounds in Older Adults. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(19)30886-9/fulltext

The post Wound Care at Home: Do's and Don'ts appeared first on Care Bearz Home Health.

Dementia and falls are, unfortunately, correlated according to numerous medical studies.¹ 

In this article, we’ll discuss how and why dementia symptoms and treatment can lead to falls in seniors, and answer some crucial questions, including: “Can a fall accelerate dementia symptoms?” and “What dementia-related symptoms or treatments lead to falls?”

As you read this article, remember: frequent falls or recurrent falls with dementia aren’t guaranteed—you and your home medical assistance team can keep your loved one safe and prevent falls before, during, and after their dementia diagnosis. 

Dementia and Falls: The Evidence

In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that there were five million older adults over 65 living with dementia in the US.²  

While scientists are still researching the specific causes of the older people’s memory loss and other dementia symptoms, they’ve determined—via numerous peer-reviewed medical studies—that dementia symptoms can increase the likelihood of falls in senior patients.³

Reasons for falls in elderly dementia patients can generally be placed into one of two categories:

• Intrinsic risk factors – Intrinsic risk factors are added risks for falls due to an elderly person’s mental wellbeing, dementia symptoms, and physical factors (such as age, weight, or muscle mass). Intrinsic risk factors can be treated in some cases, but aren’t always avoidable. 
• Extrinsic risk factors – Extrinsic risk factors are elements that an elderly person encounters in their environment, medications they take to treat their disease or symptoms, or equipment that they use to complete everyday functions (like walkers, wheelchairs, or verbal aids). 

In the following section, we’ll discuss numerous extrinsic and intrinsic factors that can lead to increased fall risk factor for a dementia patient. 

Dementia-Related Falls: Common Causes

While factors like full-time supervision and quality in home nurse care can help in reducing fall accidents in older adults, some risks are unavoidable. While reading about the common causes of dementia-related falls, remember that it’s critical to address as many risk factors as you can to keep your loved one safe.³ 

#1 Disorientation While Walking

One of the most common symptoms of vascular dementia is increased likelihood of disorientation. What does that look like in real time? Your loved one might experience one or more of the following disorientation effects before, during, or after their dementia diagnosis:²

• Getting lost or losing track of time in a familiar neighborhood, park, or indoor area
• Forgetting names, places, or basic directions
• Losing track of a task in progress
• Referring to previously-known people and objects by strange or unfamiliar names

Unfortunately, a common response to disorientation is panic. Even if the older person is safe at home, they may suddenly forget what they were working on, where they are, or where they were intending to walk in their home. This can lead to panic or fear, which may cause erratic movements in an attempt to protect themselves and regain stability. However, unpredictable movements, especially in unfamiliar environments, can cause falls. 

#2 Overloading

When we’re young, it’s relatively easy to climb a flight of stairs, balance on one leg, or unlock a door with an armful of groceries. However, minor to severe muscle or mobility loss in older years is normal. This means elderly people will find themselves less able to complete semi-risky, balance- and strength-related tasks like this as they get older. 

People with memory loss or time-related disorientation—like dementia patients—may easily forget that they’re not as strong, flexible, or agile as they used to be. This means your loved one may not remember that they have reduced physical capabilities and may attempt to overload themselves with objects that are simply too heavy for them to carry all at once. 

Overloading can lead to loss of balance, dropped objects, or reduced situational awareness, all of which can cause a fall. 

#3 Loss of Balance

Reduced balance is a symptom of dementia, and while it might seem clear that this could lead to a fall, doctors have confirmed this correlation in multiple studies.¹

Think of all of the scenarios where balance is critical to daily function:

• Steadily walking at a normal pace
• Standing and sitting
• Climbing into a shower or bathtub
• Maneuvering to reach for hygiene products while in the shower or on the toilet
• Getting into the passenger seat of a car
• Reaching up for an object on a high shelf and pulling it down with one arm
• Climbing stairs or crossing elevation changes, like door thresholds or porch steps

Like many everyday functions, balance is physical, mental, and chemical. How so?

• Physical – Maintaining muscle mass (especially in your core) can improve your balance and increase your ability to regain stability after a stumble. 
• Mental – If your loved one has fallen in the past, they may have decreased confidence, even in everyday movements. 
• Chemical – Numerous brain and inner ear functions contribute to balance control. 

With so many factors involved in maintaining good balance, it can be difficult to identify and mitigate the balance risks your loved one with dementia may experience.

#4 Changes in Gait

As a result of dementia-related disorientation or reduced mobility in old age, a senior loved one’s gait will likely change over time. You might observe sudden or gradual changes to a loved one’s walking pattern in one or more of the following areas:¹

• The length of their stride
• Their strike pattern (for instance, changing from heel-toe strikes to toe-heel strikes)
• Their walking speed
• Their dependence on informal mobility aids, like walls, chair backs, or furniture

Your loved one may not expect these changes, especially if they experience reduced cognitive function and memory function associated with dementia. Like disorientation, sudden changes in gait patterns could easily confuse or scare seniors with dementia, potentially causing a loss of footing and a fall. 

Medical experts have also correlated increased use of formal walking aids (like walkers, canes, and wheelchairs) with increased fall risks, along with participation in outdoor walks. 

#5 Previous Falls

Unfortunately, a fall in your loved one’s past could lead to a fall in the future. While we touched on reduced confidence after a fall in the section about loss of balance, there are a few other impacts of a previous fall that could increase your loved one’s risk of another slip:³

• Reduced strength – After a fall in old age, your loved one may have sustained major injuries, like bone breaks or fractures. While injuries in old age can have a lifelong impact on mobility, their recovery time may also reduce their strength, especially if the senior in your life was particularly active before their fall. 
• Unfamiliar reductions in muscle, joint, or bone function – As we discussed in the overloading section, a dementia patient with memory issues may not remember that they’ve lost muscle mass, joint function, bone strength, or balance as a result of a previous fall. Thus, rediscovering their reduced function may surprise, disorient, or scare them, all of which could cause another fall. 
• Mobility aids – Medical experts have correlated the use of walking aids with increased risk for falls. If your loved one was prescribed a mobility aid after their last fall, learning to use the aid correctly and confidently may cause trips and falls at first.

One way that can help slow down the symptoms of dementia is engaging in physical activities like wheelchair exercises for seniors.  ⁴

#6 Attention-Seeking Behavior

In some dementia patients, loss of memory, decreased social skills and awareness, and prolonged language or cognitive impairment—especially impairments that prevent their loved ones and friends from understanding them—can lead to attention-seeking behavior.¹

Attention-seeking behavior is one of a few psychosocial symptoms and comorbidities of a dementia patient that can lead to increased fall risk, along with:

• Verbal or physical disruptiveness, especially when patients can no longer speak
• Generalized anxiety or anxious behaviors like pacing
• Higher than average impulsivity

All four of these behaviors can lead to risky movements, which can cause falls in some cases. If your loved one often acts out in an attempt to be heard or understood, consider speaking with their doctor about cognitive behavioral strategies that you and your dementia care team can use at home. 

One of the benefits of home care is that your loved ones can pursue physical and mental health improvements without having to leave the house. 

#7 Medication Side Effects

Some medications can decrease cognitive awareness, increase drowsiness, or cause physical instability. Dementia medications often impact the central nervous system, and these treatments can have side effects that could cause a fall.¹

Before adding any new medications or modifying existing medications in your loved one’s pharmaceutical regimen, ask their doctor about any potential side effects that could increase their risk for a fall. Their doctor may decide that a different medication is more appropriate and less risky, or that medication side effects aren’t worth the fall risk. 

Preventing Dementia-Related Falls with High-Quality In Home Care

Unfortunately, doctors have determined that dementia and falls are correlated, meaning that your loved one with dementia is more likely to experience a fall due to their unique symptoms. However, by identifying and addressing the above risk factors for falls, you can protect your loved one from a potentially fatal injury and ensure their long-term physical comfort. 

Risk mitigation in an elderly loved one’s home can be a lot for one person to handle. Fortunately, if you’re the sole caretaker of an elderly loved one, you don’t have to go it alone. 

At Care Bearz Home Health, we provide highly trained, compassionate, and expert caregivers when your family needs them most. Whether your loved one is recovering from a fall or learning to manage new symptoms of dementia, we’re here to take some of the caretaking weight off of your shoulders. 

When you and your loved ones need a helping hand, look no further than Care Bearz Home Health’s team of in home health experts. 

Sources: 

1. National Library of Medicine. Risk Factors Associated with Falls in Older Adults with Dementia: A Systematic Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435396/  
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Is Dementia? https://www.cdc.gov/aging/dementia/index.html 
3. National Institute on Aging. Prevent Falls and Fractures. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures 
4. Dementia. Physical exercise and dementia. https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/helpsheets/Helpsheet-DementiaQandA08-PhysicalExercise_english.pdf

The post Does Dementia Increase the Frequency of Falls? appeared first on Care Bearz Home Health.

If there’s a significant geographic distance between you and your elderly parents, caring for them becomes even more complicated and presents its own unique set of challenges. Fortunately, caring for your parents from a distance isn’t impossible, and more importantly, you don’t have to do it alone. 

If your parents are facing common old age diseases that require extra care, or you are just wondering if non-medical sensior care is a good option for your loved one,  take a look below at our advice for how to help elderly parents from a distance.

Consider Relocation

Living far away from your parents can present a range of obstacles when it comes to managing all of their healthcare needs. When you live cities or states away, it simply isn’t possible to be there for every doctor’s appointment, specialist’s visit, or other procedures your parents might need.

For some people, closing that distance is the best option when it comes to caring for their elderly parent/s, moving to the same state, city, or even neighborhood as their parents.

For others, closing the distance can mean moving their elderly parents into their house. Cohabiting with your elderly parents can come with a number of benefits, including: 

• Financial savings – Sharing a living space with your elderly parents can limit the amount of money they need to spend on things like groceries, housing, and utilities. You can even split expenses so that you can both reap the financial benefits. 
• Added security – Many people appreciate the added sense of security gained by being able to keep a close eye on their elderly parents. When you share a home with them, you never have to worry about an accident going unnoticed or subpar elderly care in a nursing home or senior housing. 
• Social perks – Loneliness among elderly people can present its own range of health risks, from increased risk of cognitive decline to a battery of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. By moving your parents in with you, you can help lessen these risks.¹ 

Be Realistic

That said, uprooting your life or your parents’ life isn’t always the most suitable course of action. In fact, it may not even be possible, depending upon your situation. But that doesn’t mean you have to completely give up control of your parent’s health care.

When distance poses an issue, it’s important to be realistic—with yourself and with your parents—about how involved you can be in their health care. It likely won’t be possible for you to attend every check-up or accompany them for every medical procedure, so be practical about what you can do, manage your expectations for how much care you can provide remotely, and make a plan. 

Consider At-Home Care

There are many ways to care for your elderly parents from afar. Knowing the different types of long term and short term senior care will help you plan for your parents’ future. 

Depending on their needs, options for elderly parents might include:

• Assisted living facilities – Assisted living facilities allow elderly people a certain amount of independence while keeping health care nearby. 
• Nursing homes – Nursing homes offer 24/7 care for elderly people who need to be monitored more closely or who need more regular care or assistance.

However, an at-home healthcare service or a home medical assistance provider, like Care Bearz Home Health, may just be the most beneficial option for both you and your parents. Here are some of the home care benefits when you work with these agencies: 

• Regular visits from registered nurses
• Transportation to and from appointments
• Medication reminders
• Low cost medical equipment
• And more

Plus, these types of in home nurse care services or medical care services make it possible for your parents to stay in the place where they’re most comfortable—their home. 

Schedule Regular Visits

Even if your parents are receiving the mental benefits of in-person visits from a licensed home care services professional, it’s also helpful to visit them yourself. Not only will you both enjoy seeing each other, but you’ll also be able to get a better idea of: 

• Their living situation – Although regular phone calls are a great way to keep in touch, in-person visits allow you to assess the cleanliness, safety, and quality of your parents’ living situation.
• Their daily health – Spending time with your parents can give you a better sense of how they’re managing their health. Are they taking their medications regularly? Are they eating well? Are they staying active? 

Fortunately, even if you’re not able to make as many trips as you’d like, a home healthcare service provider can keep you up-to-date on your parents’ living situation and daily health after their regular registered nurse visits.

Make It a Family Affair

Other family members can be a great resource when it comes to caring for aging parents from afar. Splitting your parents’ healthcare between siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and older children in your family can help reduce the amount of responsibility you have to shoulder on your own—especially if they’re local. 

Having a trusted caretaker is both emotionally invested in your parents’ healthcare and more conveniently located can help ease any worries or concerns you might have.

Embrace Technology

These days, there’s no shortage of technological options that can make long distance caregiving a bit more feasible. From video calls to remote monitoring systems, you can use modern-day technologies to stay on top of your elderly parents’ healthcare needs. 

Here are a few examples:

• Health monitoring devices – Smartwatches, FitBits, and other monitoring devices can help keep you remotely up-to-date on your parents’ health, safety, and wellness. These devices can track health issues like blood pressure, heart health, dietary habits, sleep patterns, and other activities. They can also sense and send automatic alerts—to you and local paramedics—if your parent falls down or becomes incapacitated. 
• Wearable health tools – Wearable and/or wireless blood pressure monitors, pain relief tools for arthritis, and GPS trackers are also available to help you remotely monitor and care for your elderly parents.²
• Home security systems – If your parent lives alone, a home security system can be a great way to keep a remote eye on them and make sure they’re staying safe. 

Keep Communication Open

Even though technology has made remote care easier than ever before, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of regular communication. This means communicating with your parents and their doctors.

Communicate With Your Parents 

Speaking regularly with your parents is vital when you’re caring for them from a distance. Phone calls are an opportunity to ask leading questions that reveal important information about the details of their life. Video calls can also give you a visual sense of their living situation, health, and emotional wellbeing.

Communicate With Their Healthcare Providers 

It’s important to have a functional line of communication with your parents’ doctors and other healthcare providers so that you can ask questions, schedule appointments, and be notified in the event of an emergency or other issue. 

Make a list of the names and contact information (phone numbers, emails, etc.) of all of your parents’ healthcare providers, as well as their insurance providers. Keep it somewhere handy and be sure to share it with any family member who are assisting with care.

A person’s medical information is private and legally protected, which means you’ll need to obtain the necessary permissions in order to access files, receive information from providers, and make decisions. The three most important forms you’ll need are:³

• HIPAA Authorization Form – This form serves as written permission from your elderly parents for you to access information about their healthcare. 
• Medical Power of Attorney – You’ll need this if you plan on making any decisions about your parents’ healthcare, such as authorizing treatments and procedures.
• Living Will – With a living will, your parents can dictate how they want to be cared for should they become unable to make decisions and which life-saving procedures should be implemented, if necessary. It can be a difficult conversation to have, but devising a living will can provide your senior parent with a sense of security and comfort.  

For Quality, Professional At-Home Healthcare, Choose Care Bearz Home Health

When you’re living far away, caring for aging parents can be stressful, time-consuming, and difficult to manage. Even if you have siblings or other family members pitching in, you might find yourself wishing you had an extra set of hands or professional advice. 

With Care Bearz Home Health, you do. As a leading, fully-licensed home health care agency, we’re setting a new standard for in-home care. Our care team, composed of registered nurses, certified home health aides, and dedicated professional caregivers are here to help you manage all of your parents’ healthcare needs, including:

• In-home nursing care
• Post-surgery at-home care
• Respite care
• Chronic care management 
• Home health aide services

Our professional nurses and professional caregivers are highly-trained professionals with impeccable service records and a passion for providing excellent at-home care guided by compassion and respect. Plus, with our vast network of partner services, we can help with a variety of issues, from wealth management and estate planning to medication assistance and grocery delivery.

Your parents have done a lot for you. You can return the favor by making sure they receive the best at-home care available—that’s Care Bearz Home Health. Let us help. 

Sources: 

1. Cdc.gov. Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html#:~:text=Older%20adults%20are%20at%20increased,the%20amount%20of%20social%20contact.
2. Techforaging.com. Healthcare and Wearable Technology Devices for the Elderly. https://techforaging.com/healthcare-wearable-technology-elderly/ 
3. Agingcare.com. 3 Legal Documents Caregivers Need to Manage a Senior’s Health Care. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/legal-documents-to-make-healthcare-decisions-for-your-parent-146623.htm#:~:text=This%20means%20it%20is%20illegal,important%20document%20for%20family%20caregivers. 

The post How To Help Elderly Parents From a Distance appeared first on Care Bearz Home Health.

For anyone trying to stay sharp in their old age, our guide to balance exercises for seniors will provide tips, tricks, and pointers for maintaining (or rebuilding) good balance. Seniors can perform these physical activity exercises alone or with the help of a home medical assistance specialist—in either case, they’re sure to strengthen muscles and refine overall balance. 

We’ll cover muscle strength exercises for seniors who walk without an assistive device, strategies for elders who do, and movements that work for just about everyone. 

Exercises for Seniors without an Assistive Device

If the senior in your life walks without the help of a cane or a walker, but still occasionally becomes off-balance, the following physical activity exercises for elderly folks could help them build muscles and regain crucial balance control skills. 

#1 Tai Chi

Tai chi is a gentle martial arts practice that strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and bolsters dynamic balance. Often called “meditation in motion,” tai chi is a low-flow practice consisting of constant, gentle movement through a variety of postures.¹

It’s a popular exercise program among elderly people for a couple of reasons:

• During tai chi, practitioners don’t flex their muscles—they keep their muscles relaxed throughout each simple exercise movement.
• Movements don’t require the bending or hyperextension of joints. 

While practitioners shift their weight between each foot, move their arms, and shift into different poses, they’re strengthening their core to create fluid movement—two crucial elements of creating and maintaining excellent balance control. 

While there are likely tai chi courses available outside of their homes, seniors can also find instructional simple exercise videos online. 

#2 Heel-Toe Walking

Heel-toe walking—sometimes called balance beam walking—is a balance-building regular exercise that can be modified for a variety of difficulty levels. Thus, it’s an excellent technique to build balance throughout a recovery process or as patients continue to age. 

Heel-toe walking is easy and doesn’t require any specialized equipment or instruction. Simply stand in a room clear of obstructions, start with your feet planted hip-width apart, and take a step forward. As you take your next step, place your other foot immediately in front of your first, touching the heel of your second foot directly against the toes of your first. Repeat the process until you’ve crossed the room. 

There are a few ways to enhance this regular exercise depending on your current balance training skills:

• If you’re having trouble balancing without a guideline, place a line of tape or string across the floor, using it to guide your steps. 
• Place your arms out beside you or in front of you to help you shift your weight if you start to wobble.
• Perform the strength training exercise along a wall, keeping one hand on the wall at all times for support. 

Once you can cross a room without difficulty, wobbling, or relying upon a string or tape guide, try it with your eyes closed (while supervised by someone else) for the ultimate dynamic balance test. 

#3 Yin Yoga

One of the lowest-impact yoga practices, Yin yoga is the perfect physical and meditative practice for seniors looking to improve their balance. While Yin yoga is relaxing and encourages peace of mind, it also builds strength, particularly of connective tissues.

One of the foundational principles of Yin yoga is the importance of strengthening your body’s connective tissues, which begin to weaken as we age. Yin builds connective tissue strength by stretching these tissues.²

Why should seniors focus on strengthening their connective tissues? These tissues are crucial to joint function, and major joints like the knees, ankles, and hips play a major role in helping us maintain balance. We use our knees, ankles, and hips every day, and seniors who stand up and sit down many times a day rely upon these critical joint groups.

While Yin yoga is excellent for balance, it can also quiet the mind—a particularly useful skill, especially after a traumatic medical incident like a stroke. 

Exercises for Seniors with a Walker or Cane

One of the benefits of home care is that seniors have assistance while walking, whether or not they’re using an assistive device. But, even seniors using additional walking tools should maintain balance to prevent falls and improve their walking capacity.

#1 Leg Raises

Leg raises are an excellent balance exercise for seniors using a walker or cane. While unassisted senior walkers could risk a fall while standing on one leg, walker or cane users always maintain at least one additional point of stability while holding onto an assistive device.

You can perform leg raises in a variety of ways:

• While standing with your walker or cane, place your weight on one leg. Slowly raise your leg directly off of the ground, as if you’re going to march. Hold the position for ten seconds (or as long as you can), take a short rest, then repeat with the other leg.
• You can also raise your legs to the side or the back, holding the position for the same duration and resting between each rep.
• To do forward leg raises, walker users may find it easier to stand facing away from the front of the walker to extend their legs without kicking it. Make sure to maintain two points of contact with your hands on the walker as you turn around to prevent falls.

While it might not be a particularly innovative exercise, each rep gives seniors a chance to build both balance and confidence in holding their weight on one leg. 

#2 Chair Yoga

For seniors who use an assistive device, walking can be a strenuous activity. Seated exercises—like chair yoga—can also be useful for building strength and maintaining healthy joints, which are both crucial for building and maintaining balance skills.

There are countless chair yoga positions, plenty of which engage the lower body as well as the shoulders, arms, and core. The gentle, seated movements of chair yoga take the pressure off of muscles, which is crucial for joint stretching and lubrication, both of which improve joint strength.³

Like tai chi, chair yoga sessions are widely available online, so seniors seeking a relaxing balance-building regimen don’t even need to leave home.

Balance Exercises for All Seniors

Whether they walk unassisted or with a cane or walker, the following balance exercises for seniors build strength and confidence for walking and standing. The following three exercises have something to offer for everyone.

#1 Single-Limb Stances

Similar to leg raises, single-limb stances challenge seniors to stand on one leg. While traditional single-limb stances call for standing on one foot with your arms by your sides, this exercise is easily modified for seniors:

• Placing one or two hands on a stable chair—not a rolling chair—or countertop for assistance
• Holding the position for longer and longer durations to progressively build muscle control and strength
• Crossing the raised foot in front of the opposite leg for an added balance challenge
• Circling the ankle of the raised foot for ankle joint stretching and an added flexibility exercise

Single-limb stances are some of the most versatile balance exercises for elderly people. Poses with scalable difficulty are perfect for balance recovery after a stroke or fall.

#2 Core Exercises

Core strength is crucial for balance. The core muscle group helps keep the body upright and regain stability in the event of a stumble. 

Seniors can try a variety of core exercises to improve their balance:

• Twists – While standing or seated, square your shoulders directly above your hips. With hands held out in front of you, slowly twist your body to the right side, keeping your hips and legs as stationary as possible. When you’ve twisted as far as you can without moving your lower body, hold the position for five seconds before repeating the motion on the other side.
• Oblique crunches – Align your shoulders with your hips while seated or standing. Hinge your body to one side while keeping your shoulders facing forward and without moving your legs. Hold the position for five seconds, then repeat on the other side. 
• Seated bows – Sit down on the floor or a couch with your legs out in front of you. Raise your arms over your head, and hinge at the waist as far as you comfortably can while keeping a straight back. Hold the position for three seconds, and slowly raise your chest back up to a seated position.

As always, make sure to complete standing exercises with supervision, and hold onto a steady chair, wall, or countertop if needed.

#3 Toe Stands

While cane or walker users can do this exercise simply with the help of their assistive devices, seniors who walk unassisted will want to place their hands on a countertop, table, or mantel. 

Starting with your feet flat on the floor, slowly raise your heels, shifting your weight to your toes. Hold the position for as long as you can, aiming for ten seconds. Slowly lower your heels back to the starting position, rest for a few seconds, and repeat the exercise. 

Toe stands strengthen calf muscles, which aid in walking stability, reducing the likelihood of trips and falls.

Balance Your Elder Care Plan with Care Bearz Home Health

If a senior loved one in your life isn’t as strong as they used to be, or if they’re recovering from a balance-altering accident like a fall or a stroke, the balance exercises above can help them regain critical skills. Improved balance makes everyday tasks like walking, standing, and sitting significantly easier and safer and, in many cases, reduces the likelihood of slips and falls.

Between understanding the causes of a stroke in the elderly to learning about life expectancy after a stroke at 70,  caring for a family member who has suffered from a stroke can be difficult. At Care Bearz Home Health, our experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate home nurse care staff are here to help you in every step of your elder care journey. 

Our team members embody integrity and professionalism, and we provide the care your loved ones need in the most comfortable, supportive environment—at home. 

Contact our care team today. 

Sources: 

1. Harvard Medical School. The Health Benefits of Tai Chi. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi 
2. Yoga Journal. Why Try Yin Yoga? https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/types-of-yoga/yin/yin-yoga-2/
3. Healthline. 7 Yoga Poses You Can Do in a Chair. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/chair-yoga-for-seniors  

The post 8 Balance Exercises for Seniors appeared first on Care Bearz Home Health.

This is true of more serious strokes as well as mini strokes (or warning strokes). Although mini strokes can occur over a shorter duration and with more temporary symptoms, they can also signal the onset of more severe events in the near future. To learn more, visit our post discussing life expectancy after a stroke at 70 as well as the causes of a stroke in the elderly. 

If you or your loved one has experienced a stroke, that doesn’t mean the power is out of your hands. Start by equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to look out for the ones you love. In this guide, you’ll learn more about the signs of mini stroke in elderly people so that if you ever witness such symptoms, you can be sure to get them the medical care they need and strive for the best health outcomes possible. 

What Is a Mini Stroke? 

In general, both mini strokes and strokes are events that affect the blood flow to and within the brain. To better understand mini strokes, let’s first take a look at these two main types of strokes:² 

• Ischemic (blood clot) – By far the most common type, affecting just under 90% of stroke patients, this occurs when a blood vessel is obstructed, or blocked, preventing it from providing blood supply to the brain.
• Hemorrhagic (bleed) – Affecting just over 10% of stroke patients, this type is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, resulting in the accumulation of blood supply and the compression of brain tissue.

The medical term for a mini stroke is transient ischemic attack (TIA). This is a subtype of the common ischemic stroke but differs in length and severity. In other words, the blockage that restricts blood to the brain is short-lived and causes symptoms for approximately five minutes or less.

But, you shouldn’t be fooled by the name of this type of stroke or its seemingly mild symptoms. In fact, healthcare professionals typically call TIAs warning strokes. This name is more accurate because these events can be a warning for something more severe: 

• A large percentage of people who have a significant stroke report experiencing a mini stroke first
• Up to ⅓ of people who have a mini stroke will have a more severe stroke within the year³

Thus, it’s important to remember that a mini stroke is a medical emergency that should not be overlooked. 

Mini Stroke Symptoms

Because transient ischemic attacks are still strokes that prevent blood flow to the brain, mini stroke symptoms in the elderly are the same as any other stroke symptoms.

The major difference between mini stroke symptoms and symptoms of other strokes is duration. Ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes can cause symptoms that last hours or days as well as the potential for long-term brain damage. Mini stroke symptoms, however, are far less prolonged, typically lasting around 5 minutes. 

Mini strokes can occur undetected, but typically cause recognizable stroke symptoms that will be noticeable to attentive onlookers. 

#1 Numbness or Drooping

Sudden and unexplained numbness, weakness, or drooping in the face, arms, or legs is perhaps one of the most telltale signs of a stroke. 

During a mini stroke, the lack of blood and oxygen to the brain can affect its ability to process sensory input, affecting muscles, nerves, and skin. Because strokes typically affect one side of the brain, it is very common for this symptom to impact only one half of the body.

This can look like: 

• A lopsided grin
• Abnormal facial movements when talking or eating
• Drooling
• Weakness in arms or legs 
• Inability to lift or move arms or legs
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Trouble walking

#2 Difficulty Speaking or Seeing

In addition to the visually apparent symptoms above, strokes can also affect cognitive function. 

The most common cognitive symptom is disrupted speech. A lack of blood and oxygen to the brain can also affect the muscles associated with speech (such as the tongue and lips) and interrupt important speech-related signals from the brain. 

The most common speech problems associated with strokes are:⁴ 

• Dysarthria – This is when someone cannot speak clearly and/or slurs their words. They might speak too slowly or inaudibly, or their words may not be understandable at all. Dysarthria is the most common speech symptom in the early stages of a major stroke.
• Aphasia – This refers to a broad range of language processing issues. A person experiencing aphasia may experience difficulty with the input and output of information. Aphasia can manifest as nonsensical jumbles of words, made-up words, or an inability to speak. 
• Apraxia – A more physical than cognitive speech issue, apraxia refers to problems with tongue and lip muscles, which can affect the ability to speak understandably.

Strokes can also cause sudden and unexplained vision loss. 

Vision can refer to the images we see that correspond to the physical world, but it also includes:⁵ 

• Object identification
• Facial recognition 
• Visual-spatial awareness

#3 Confusion

Related to speech symptoms, someone experiencing a stroke may be likely to be extremely confused. 

Confusion due to a stroke can come on suddenly and in the middle of an activity, rendering the person unable to think, speak, or understand what is being said to them. 

#4 Severe Headache

Although a serious, painful headache might be attributed to a variety of ailments, a debilitating headache that comes unannounced and without any other explanation could be a symptom of a stroke. 

A stroke-related headache causes pain that is sudden and extreme. This is different from a migraine-related headache, for example, which begins as a throbbing pain that gets progressively worse and comes with a variety of additional sensations (such as the feeling of tingling skin and seeing auras). 

Act FAST

The American Stroke Association recommends that people who may be witnessing a stroke to “Act FAST.” This is a way to remember the most common and obvious symptoms of stroke and to act quickly in order to prevent severe long-term consequences.

The acronym FAST helps you ask questions about the person you are concerned might be having a stroke: 

• F (Face Drooping) – Is one side of their face drooping? If you ask them to smile, is their smile crooked?
• A (Arm Weakness) – Are they complaining of weakness or numbness on one side of their body? If you ask them to raise their arms over their head, does one arm remain at their side? 
• S (Speech Difficulty) – Is their speech slurred or abnormal? Are they struggling to answer basic questions about their life, their surroundings, or the task at hand?
• T (Time to call 911) – Call 911 immediately if you answer yes to any of the above questions.⁶ 

Recovery and Life Expectancy After a Mini Stroke

Although every person’s prognosis after a mini stroke is unique based on a myriad of individual health factors, being able to recognize a mini stroke and get medical attention can be extremely beneficial for long-term wellness. 

It’s important to get someone having a stroke to the hospital as quickly as possible (preferably by ambulance) so that life-saving interventions can take place. For ischemic mini strokes, patients can receive medicine to destroy the blood clot or blockage obstructing blood flow. 

Even though mini strokes might appear mild, receiving immediate medical care and possible treatment is vitally important. Because mini strokes can also be thought of as warning strokes, medical interventions can help prevent more severe strokes in the future. This might, at the very least, push doctors, patients, and their families to work together to be proactive and more aptly prepare for situations that may arise in the future. 

Preventing Mini Strokes 

While strokes are very common, particularly among the elderly, stroke prevention can limit the risk of mini strokes as well as more severe strokes. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people follow the ABCS of stroke prevention:⁷ 

• Aspirin – Regular use of Aspirin can be an effective preventative measure. Aspirin cannot, however, be used to treat an active stroke. 
• Blood Pressure – Be sure to consistently monitor and treat blood pressure levels with your doctor.
• Cholesterol – Through diet and medication (if needed), control your cholesterol levels. 
• Smoking – The significant health risks associated with smoking have been known for some time now. Because smoking can cause significant cardiovascular distress, it can drastically increase the stroke risk.

Care Bearz Home Health: Quality Care For Your Aging Loved One

With age, health issues and risks increase quite dramatically. Perhaps one of the most common and worrisome age-related diseases is stroke. But with the proper care, balance exercises for seniors, and attention, you can take the necessary steps toward achieving peace of mind. 

With Care Bearz Home Health, you can rest assured that our home care staff is knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of a stroke. We can care for your elderly loved one in the comfort of their home and, if the worst were to happen, such as a mini stroke or a more severe stroke, our home medical assistance caregivers are trained to ensure that patients receive immediate medical attention. 

If there are lasting effects from a stroke, caregivers can help the patient experience the benefits of home care and also provide treatment and recovery to manage symptoms and reach rehabilitation goals. 

Contact Care Bearz Home Health today to find the home care your family needs. 

Sources: 

1. The National Center for Biotechnology Information. Influence of Age and Health Behaviors on Stroke Risk: Lessons from Longitudinal Studies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3006180/
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Types of Stroke. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/types_of_stroke.htm 
3. American Stroke Association. What is a TIA. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/tia-transient-ischemic-attack/what-is-a-tia 
4. WebMD. Stroke Recovery: Talking and Communication. https://www.webmd.com/stroke/stroke-talking-communication-issues 
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Stroke-Related Vision Loss. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/services/low_vision/Stroke-Related_Vision_Loss_low_vision.html 
6. American Stroke Association. Stroke Symptoms. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms 
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Stroke: What You Can Do. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/prevention.htm 

The post 4 Mini Stroke Symptoms in the Elderly appeared first on Care Bearz Home Health.