We are often so consumed with the symptoms and treatments of the diseases endemic to the elderly that we fail to see how a simple fall can have catastrophic effects. These falls can lead to disabling conditions, extended hospital stays and even death. To the elderly, commonplace activities like walking, shopping and socializing become dreaded…
Managing Diabetes There has long been a controversy in managing diabetes as to whether it is better to eat two large meals or six small meals over the course of a day. There are experts that come down on either side of the issue. Also, some believe it doesn’t make much of a difference. There…
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. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the past 10 years has seen about a 20% increase in licensed drivers over 65 years…
According to a recent article in Home Healthcare Nurse entitled “Diabetes, Depression, and OASIS-C: A Guide for Home Healthcare Clinicians”, among the population 65 years and older, one in six suffers from depression. There was an additional finding that has some serious implications for our aging population. The research indicates depression is higher among adults…
The Geriatric Care Manager shows up to check on her 78-year-old client. She notices the elderly man is gaunter and noticeably thinner than when she started the case. From week to week, the piles of mail seem to grow and the dishes seem to wait all week for the once per week cleaning woman to…
Dr. Sarah Brewer is a medical nutritionist, nutritional therapist and the author of over 60 popular health books. We are excited about her guest blog post on this vital topic. At one-time, vitamin D was all about ensuring good calcium absorption from the diet to maintain healthy bones. Researchers now realize this important vitamin does a…
Readmission Problem Hospital readmission is a persistent problem amongst the elderly and reforms by hospitals and other health-related agencies enacted to date have done little to make a real impact. The truth is healthcare policymakers are not even sure where the problem lies. Are the hospitals discharging patients too early or is the post-hospital home care…
Social Media for the Elderly A new study out of England and Italy finds that when the elderly are trained in the use of social media as well as Skype and email, they perform better cognitively and experience improved health. Ironically, social media for the elderly is a very good thing. During a two year period,…
There seems to be a big gap with respect to caring for seniors in terms of reporting and screening for elderly falls. The responsibility for this failure falls to both the elderly experiencing the falls as well as their caregivers and healthcare providers. Failure to Report A study out of the UCLA Center for Health…
Simple Pleasures is the Key For our most senior citizens, the way to their hearts and minds is through simple companionship. Rather than wasting money and energy on new fangled gadgets for older loved ones, a visit and a simple dinner is the best gift in the world. What they most want is time and…