It’s very true – there’s no place like home. That’s why the elderly strive to stay there for as long as they can. When a person is aging or recovering from a recent surgery and needs help with their activities of daily living, a certified home health aide may be necessary. But is a home…
It starts slowly and innocently at first. An older adult needs relief from the knee or back pain that so often comes with aging. Or, perhaps he had a life-changing event, like divorce or the death of a loved one. This can throw him or her into a pit of depression. A doctor may then…
With all the free spirited Baby Boomers aging, it might be hard for them to think of giving up a big part of their vehicles of freedom – the car keys. As such, we must ask a question. Is it safe for seniors to drive in Brooklyn? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,…
healthAgeism & Age-Related Myths Pose Danger to Seniors When seniors subscribe to the following myths regarding elderly ageism, seeking the medical help they need can suffer. These myths and pitfalls include thoughts such as: “It’s too late to change my lifestyle” “Lifelong damage is irreversible” “This pain is a result of my age” “I don’t…
One-quarter of patients who regularly take prescription medications are over 65. However, clinical trials severely underrepresent this age group. Unfortunately, this is no oversight. Ageism in clinical trials is an unfortunate reality. The International Longevity Center reports that people over the age of 75 are “explicitly excluded” from participating in 40% of clinical trials. These…
Diagnosis of Dementia A diagnosis of dementia mostly associated with cognitive impairment and memory loss can be such a terrifying prospect that many refuse to confront that reality at all. They prefer to say that confusion is just part of getting older or that everyone forgets things. They blame their forgetfulness on stress or mild…
“Where’s Dad?” Panic sets in when you realize your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease has wandered off alone. Dealing with a loved one with this dreaded disease can be very challenging at times, if not downright terrifying. How to keep Alzheimer’s patients safe? An Alzheimer’s Diagnosis An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can put a lot…
Mental health is equally as important as physical health. The U.S. Surgeon General once defined mental health as “the successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and providing the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity.” This holds true for everyone – including the elderly. Sadly,…
With more and more of the elderly using technology, especially our aging Baby Boomers, assistive computer technology can go a long way in helping those whose abilities begin to wane. There are very useful options like automation, voice commands, and dictation, for those in need of assistive technology. These could make otherwise difficult tasks much…
As we age, the health challenges we face become more complex. Chronic conditions, as well as the list of medications can quickly pile on. As such, a more holistic view of the geriatric patient may become essential. Therefore, if you or an aging loved one is beginning to become overwhelmed, it may be time to…