Dr. Mauk’s Boomer Blog
Each week, Dr. Kristen Mauk shares thoughts relevant to Baby Boomers that are aimed to educate and amuse.
Dr. Kristen L. Mauk, PhD, DNP, RN, CRRN, GCNS-BC, GNP-BC, FAAN
The Future of Rehabilitation: Trends and Predictions
The field of rehabilitation is evolving rapidly. New technologies are bringing about changes in how we practice and treat patients, and there are many ways OTs can be at the forefront of this shift. Here are predictions for what will change in the future of rehabilitation:
The growth of telerehabilitation
Telerehabilitation is an increasingly popular method of treating patients who have experienced a traumatic brain injury or stroke. It allows you to work with a therapist from home and can improve your quality of life while reducing costs for the healthcare system overall.
The expanding role of the occupational therapist
As rehabilitation expands, the role of the occupational therapist is also expanding. OTs are becoming more involved in the healthcare system, working with patients who have a variety of conditions and using technology to help them recover for example providing a diabetic patient with physical exercise plan and a healthy eating strategy.
As this information becomes more widely available, more people will become aware that they can benefit from occupational therapy services. As a result, we expect demand for occupational therapists to rise significantly over time–especially as baby boomers age and need assistance with daily activities such as cooking or bathing themselves.
The future of homecare
The future of homecare is a topic that has been discussed at length by occupational therapists. While there are many ways to approach this question, one thing is clear: homecare will continue to be an important part of rehabilitation and recovery processes for patients.
Homecare is often characterized by its flexibility and accessibility for patients who need assistance with daily tasks but do not require hospitalization or other intensive treatment options. Like if a person is having diabetes and is also struggling with weight issues so they can be helped by following a weight loss plan for diabetes and helping them with their other health needs likewise a home health services can provide medical equipment such as wheelchairs or mobility aids; occupational therapy services may include help with physical therapy exercises (such as stretching) or assistive technology devices like iPads for communication purposes; speech-language pathology services might include speech therapy exercises for those who have difficulty speaking due to injury or illness; social work services might offer support groups where people go through similar experiences together so they don’t feel alone in their struggles; etcetera! This combination of different types of care allows patients to maintain independence while being cared for by professionals who understand exactly how challenging day-to-day life can be after an injury or illness has affected someone’s ability
How technology will change the way we practice
The future of rehabilitation will be much more efficient and effective, thanks to technology. We’ll be able to diagnose and treat patients remotely, providing them with support whenever they need it. We’ll also be able to collect data on patient outcomes in order to provide better care in the future.
The use of technology to connect patients with their healthcare providers will increase.
As technology continues to advance and become more accessible, it’s likely that patients will have more opportunities to connect with their health care providers. This can help reduce the need for in-person visits, which can be costly for both insurers and patients alike.
The use of technology will also allow patients to receive instructions for exercises and diet plans remotely–which could save money by reducing the need for physical therapy visits or trips to the doctor’s office.
Telemedicine will become more popular, as well as mobile apps.
The use of telemedicine and mobile apps is growing rapidly, especially among people with disabilities.
Telemedicine is a way to get medical care remotely. Mobile apps can be used in the same way as telemedicine, but they’re also useful for things like monitoring your health data or getting reminders about your next appointment (among other things).
Both methods are growing in popularity because they give patients access to specialists who wouldn’t otherwise be available locally; this includes people living in rural areas without access to nearby hospitals or clinics.
Research on muscle stimulation and brain activity will advance.
As more research is conducted on the brain and how it works, new treatments will emerge. The same goes for muscle stimulation, which is a popular treatment option for stroke victims. Research on both has already led to new methods of rehabilitation; combining these two fields of study could lead us even further into the future of rehabilitation.
VR will be integrated into rehabilitation techniques.
Virtual reality (VR) is a great way to motivate patients and help them visualize their recovery. It can also be used to simulate real-world situations, such as walking through the grocery store or navigating crowded sidewalks.
With advancements in technology, VR will become even more immersive and interactive than it already is today. For example, if you’re recovering from surgery on your hip or knee joint and want to see what it would look like when healed properly, a virtual reality simulation could provide an accurate depiction of what that might look like–and show how much better life could be after rehabilitation!
Data analytics will help identify which patients are responding best to a particular treatment plan.
Data analytics will help identify which patients are responding best to a particular treatment plan.
By tracking data from individual patients, doctors can better understand how each person responds to certain medications or therapies, as well as their overall health status. This information is invaluable for improving patient care and ensuring that everyone gets the best possible treatment options based on their specific needs. For example, if you have diabetes and you’re taking medication to manage it, your doctor may want to monitor how much sugar is in your blood at different times throughout the day (or night). If this number creeps up too high or too low without any apparent reason–for example, if you’ve forgotten about taking your pill–the doctor can adjust dosage accordingly so it doesn’t happen again.
An increasing number of people who have been in car accidents or had strokes will seek online support groups from others who have experienced similar injuries.
As more people are able to connect with others who have been through similar experiences, they will be able to find support groups online.
Support groups provide a great way to talk about your feelings and learn from other people who have experienced the same injuries as you. For example, if you were in an accident or had a stroke, you could join an online support group where people who have been through those things can share their stories with each other. It’s easier for most people to open up about personal issues online rather than face-to-face because there’s no pressure or judgment involved when communicating via social media platforms like Facebook Messenger or Reddit threads (or even text messages).
These trends hold great promise for people who need physical therapy and other types of rehabilitation
As technology becomes more and more integral to our lives, it’s no surprise that it will affect the way we practice rehabilitation. Here are some of the most significant trends:
- More patients will be able to connect with their healthcare providers via video chat and other forms of telemedicine. This means that you can meet with your physical therapist or other health professional in person less often, which saves both time and money for both parties involved.
- Mobile apps that make therapy easier to access may become more popular among patients looking for alternatives to traditional treatment options like physical therapy or occupational therapy (OT). These apps allow users to track their progress at home or on-the-go by inputting data into their phones’ sensors–which could lead those who need rehab services but don’t have time for regular appointments with professionals like us here at Fitness & Wellness Center!
Rehab is evolving, and there are lots of opportunities for OTs to be at the forefront.
OTs will be in a good position to help patients get back to their day-to-day lives.
The future of rehabilitation is evolving, and there are lots of opportunities for OTs to be at the forefront. You can help patients recover from injuries or illnesses by helping them get back into their daily routines–whether that’s working out, cooking dinner or just sitting down on the couch with their family after work. This can also include helping them set up home gym equipment or find ways around obstacles if they’re having trouble walking up stairs.
Conclusion
We can’t predict the future, but we can prepare for it. If you’re an OT or PT who’s interested in working with technology, I encourage you to explore these areas and see how they might apply to your practice. You may not be able to use every one of these technologies right away–after all, not everyone has access to VR equipment or telemedicine programs–but they are important tools that can help people recover faster from injuries and illnesses.
Guest Blog: Anticipating, Planning, and Financing Your Long-Term Care Needs
According to the Motley Fool, 69 percent of Americans will need long-term care one day. While this statistic may look scary, you can overcome these fears by preparing for that eventuality ahead of time. As long as you have thought ahead, long-term care does not have to be a financial or emotional burden on you and your loved ones. Senior Care Central brings you some tips and resources that can help you prepare for long-term care.
How to Finance Your Long-Term Care Needs
The best long-term health plan works to prevent it from being needed and plans for the eventuality that it will. Even as you change your home and lifestyle to decrease your chances of ever having to fund long-term care, you need to know where those funds would come from.
There are a few options available to you, each with their pros and cons:
- You could simply set money aside for this purpose. If you choose to do this, it is worth understanding exactly how much money you need to save. The main benefit is that you will only ever spend as much money as is needed. The downsides are that you may find it harder to save for other expenses and that you can only really guess a target figure.
- You can purchase long-term care insurance. The main benefit is the ease of mind that comes with it, but it can add up to a lot of money over the years. This article by Nolo details the pros and cons in more detail.
- You can rely on existing health insurance, such as Medicare. Medicare can help fund some healthcare, but it does not cover what they call “custodial care,” which are the services associated with any form of assisted living. Seniors are often best off signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan, which can offer additional coverage for prescription drugs and vision, dental, and hearing care. Just make sure you sign up during the yearly enrollment period.
How to Anticipate and Plan for Long-Term Care
Being smart about long-term care means facing the issue head-on and trying to determine, as objectively as possible, what issues you could have and how you could pay for them. Before thinking about the money, look at how you can possibly anticipate your future medical needs.
Of course, the answer is that you can’t — not really. But you can take a look at your lifestyle, health, and genetics to determine particular risks. For example:
- Are you exercising enough? If not, you are putting yourself at risk of stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, and certain cancers.
- Are you eating a balanced diet? Many people overestimate how healthy their diets are, so go back to basics and get a real understanding of what eating well means.
- Is your home safe for aging in? You can greatly reduce your risk of accident and injury if you make some small home modifications to keep yourself safe.
- Is there a history of illness in your family? Collect all the information you can get about your family medical history to see if you are at risk of any genetic illnesses.
Asking yourself these questions can be scary. However, running away from the subject is likely to make things worse. Apart from genetic illnesses and accidents (which can be managed and prevented), your health is actually well within your control. No matter how old you are now, efforts to improve it could save you the need for long-term care in the future.
Illnesses and accidents do happen sometimes, and the elderly may need more help getting back on their feet afterward. This is something you can try to prevent, but it is ultimately outside your control. What is fully within your control is how responsibly you plan for this eventuality, so that you can just focus on getting better if that day ever comes.
Guest Blog: Lasik Surgery – Do You Need It?
Often called the windows to our soul, eyes are the first thing that almost everyone notices when they meet someone. Whether you are meeting for the first time or have known them for years, your eyes will meet theirs while having a conversation. Besides that, they are one of the basic senses that you need to function properly. This is why the majority of the people take great care of their eyes to maintain their health.
While corrective lenses and glasses have been the norm of treating near or far-sightedness, a more permanent solution has become popular globally. Lasik eye surgery has seen a surge since many doctors and professionals have reported the great success of the procedure.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK or Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis is a corrective eye procedure that uses a laser to treat vision problems such as astigmatism, nearsightedness and/or farsightedness. It is administered by ophthalmologists to reduce the patient’s dependency on prescription lenses or glasses.
It involves the surgeon creating a flap in the cornea with a laser to raise and then fix it through reshaping. There are different techniques and detailed procedures that are used to treat specific vision problems.
It is one of the most famous eye surgeries performed across the world among the various types of refractive surgeries. Its popularity is credited to its list of accolades and successful cases. In fact, the majority of the patients who receive the surgery have successfully achieved a 20/25 or better vision.
While it is a famous treatment choice among many patients with vision-related problems, it is still not applicable to everyone. There are certain requirements that make you eligible for the surgery. As for the ones who can’t get the procedure, there are only very few exceptional cases who are rejected for the LASIK procedure.
The following few points will help you decide if you are a candidate for the surgery and if you should start asking about how much LASIK surgery costs.
AGE
Your age is an important consideration when determining your eligibility for the LASIK procedure. Usually, if you have a good ocular health overall and are in the age range of 18-65, you are eligible for the corrective eye surgery. But remember that the case for you might be different depending on various other factors. For example, there are certain instances where kids under 18 can receive the surgery. It is better that you ask a surgeon to evaluate your ocular health and make a more informed decision.
Your Ocular Health
Ocular health or general state of your eyes will greatly impact the decision of your eligibility for LASIK. According to Mayo Clinic, patients with low to moderate level of refractive vision problems with no other vision errors are best suited for LASIK. Any disease that holds the potential to get worse as a result of the surgery will eliminate your chances of getting LASIK. These diseases include cataracts, large pupils, glaucoma, lid disorders, keratitis, uveitis and a few others.
Your Overall Health
Besides particularly ocular health, your overall health also impacts your chances of being eligible for LASIK. There are certain medical conditions that might have negative impacts on your eyes if you get LASIK. These diseases include diabetes, severe depression, certain chronic pain conditions and disorders related to the immune system that makes you prone to infections like lupus, HIV, arthritis among other autoimmune diseases.
While these might be able to give you a general idea about what you need to be eligible for the LASIK surgery, but it is better that you get a professional evaluation.
Guest Blog: Spinal Health: How to Decrease Your Back Pain
Back pain can affect every aspect of your life from your job, sleep, sitting posture and so much more. It prevents you from being able to accomplish your daily tasks. In fact, back pain causes the highest number of job-related disabilities. As such, you need to take care of your spine today to ensure that you reduce the chances of getting back pain in the future. Here are a few ways to do that:
Sleep Right
While you sleep, your spine should be restful and straight. You can ensure that happens by getting the right pillow and mattress combination. Get a firm or a medium-firm mattress that supports your spine as an old and soft mattress allows the spine to sag. Choose pillows that only elevate your head enough to align the spine.
The pillows and their placement should be ideal for your sleeping position. For back sleepers, place a pillow beneath your knees. For side sleepers, place a pillow between your knees, and you can also have a neck pillow to support the neck.
Exercise the Core Muscles
Exercising the core muscles gives them the strength to support your spine. These are the muscles of the lower back and the abdomen. When they are strong enough, the muscles will take the pressure off the lower back. In most cases, you will not exercise the core muscles during everyday activities. To exercise the muscles, you need to take on targeted exercises. If you already have back pain, or you have other medical conditions, you need to talk to your doctor or therapist to find the best exercises for you. There are those exercises that can reduce back pain to keep you comfortable.
If you do deadlifts, you need to lift right. When lifting, use your legs and knees instead of the lower back to lift the item.
Surgery to Ease the Pain
If you have a nerve condition that causes back pain, you need less invasive surgery to correct the pain. This surgery, known as rhizotomy, helps correct back pain for people with conditions, such as arthritis, joint pain, disc herniations, degenerative spinal conditions, spasticity, pain from cerebral palsy, and trigeminal neuralgia.
A specialist will assess you to determine the level of nerve pain and whether the procedure is right for you. If they determine you are eligible for the procedure, they will place an electrode through fluoroscopy and then stimulate the nerves and then deaden the sensory nerves to stop the pain.
Massage the Lower Back
Massage has several advantages. For starters, it increases blood flow to the back, loosens the tight muscles and the connective tissues, and helps you relax. The massage doesn’t have to be vigorous. Get some moderate level massage, and it will be stress-relieving.
If you are not able to visit a massage spa, due to financial or time constraints, you can get a massage chair, which offers Swedish or shiatsu massage. Combining massage with exercises for the core will give you all the benefits of a strong lower back. Besides, the massage will help with insomnia, restore the full range of motion, and increase endorphin levels.
Besides massage, you can use heat therapy around the muscles that surround your spine. This will increase the flow of blood to the spine and in turn bring healing. You can go for heating pads, heat wraps, or seek professional heat therapy.
Eat Well
Your diet can help maintain the health of your spine. To get the best from your food, limit your food intake to only the items you can find in nature, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, meats, legumes, and others that are rich in anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants. When you take foods rich in vitamins and calcium, you can treat conditions, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Limit the intake of processed foods and unhealthy sweet treats. This will help you fight weight gain and reduce pressure on your spine. People who are obese place too much pressure on their spines, and losing weight can be a good remedy.
There are many other practices that can help you relieve back pain. These include re-evaluating your sitting posture, doing yoga, staying hydrated, and paying attention to any back pain warning signs.
Skin Care for the Elderly: 7 Useful Tips to Take Care of Your Skin in Your 60s and 70s
Your 60s is a period of reduced stress as you relinquish control over demanding commitments such as young children and work. Additionally, this is the stage when you have more flexibility to indulge in yourself and put your wants first. With less stress and more flexibility, this decade gives you more opportunities to keep your skin healthy and looking great.
Visible signs of aging do not have to mar an otherwise glorious chapter of your life. Understanding the current changes in your skin is vital to building the best anti-aging skincare routine for seniors. Slow down the hands of time with products that boost collagen, reduce wrinkles, and moisturize your skin.
Here are some skincare tips to help you achieve healthier skin and feel more confident as you blow out more birthday candles.
Understand Your Skin
While everyone experiences skin aging, women’s skin ages faster after menopause. The skin’s balance is disrupted when the production of certain hormones drops, which explains why signs of aging are more visible in women in their 60s.
Healthy aging-related skin changes such as thinning, dryness, roughness, sagging, and the appearance of age spots and deeper wrinkles and lines are unavoidable. Many of these characteristics are caused by the loss of firmness and elasticity in your skin.
It’s only natural for your skin to go through changes over time. However, external variables such as pollution, stress, and sun exposure might accelerate or aggravate this process. Your skin may also be more susceptible to common skin conditions affecting the elderly such as eczema, skin infections, and severely dry and itchy skin.
Understand your mature skin’s characteristics so you can use mild, effective, and natural products that address your specific needs.
Use Natural and Organic Skincare Products
Many conventional skincare products contain hormone-disrupting chemicals like parabens, phthalates, GMOs, sodium lauryl sulfate, and synthetic colorants and fragrances. These carcinogens are known to have devastating effects on the immunological, reproductive, and endocrine systems.
Natural, organic, or vegan skincare products are less prone to trigger allergic reactions, inflammation, or irritations since they do not contain harsh chemicals. These natural skincare products rich in botanical oils, vitamins, and antioxidants often provide superior benefits.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
One of the most common causes of wrinkled, spotted skin is sun exposure. While sun damage may not manifest fully until later in life, it is never too late to improve your skin’s health by limiting your exposure to the sun.
Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above whenever your step outdoors. Seek shade, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV light is strongest. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight apparel that protects your skin from the sun.
Don’t Neglect Cleansing
Cleanse your face and neck at the start and end of each day as part of your beauty regimen. This will help maintain the health of your skin and stimulate skin renewal.
Because mature skin is more sensitive, use a mild, organic facial cleanser that is gentle on the skin. Consider oil cleansing instead of using traditional facial cleansers. Cleansing oils are a form of multi-purpose facial wash that purifies and hydrates your skin at the same time.
Don’t Take Too Long in the Shower or Tub
Taking a bath or shower can help soothe dry, itchy skin, but remember to keep it short. While a hot bath may be a wonderful way to unwind, you risk drying out your skin if you spend too long in the tub.
Wash with a mild, fragrance-free, moisturizing bar soap or body wash to help reduce dryness. Avoid using hot water as it can dehydrate your skin and contribute to its dryness—use warm water instead. Finally, apply a good moisturizer formulated for dry skin while your skin is still damp.
Exfoliate Gently
When you reach your 60s, it is important to gently exfoliate your skin to boost its ability to rejuvenate. Exfoliating also aids in the removal of dead skin cells, resulting in a more radiant complexion.
As previously stated, your skin is thinner and more fragile, so use a mild, organic face and body scrub and gently massage it over your skin in circular motions. Don’t apply too much force as this may easily lead to more fine lines and worsen the situation of sagging skin. Additionally, limit your exfoliating routine to every 10 to 14 days.
Hydrate More
Stay properly hydrated both inside and outside. Consuming sufficient water throughout the day may be a difficult habit to form for anyone, but keep in mind how critical it is to stay hydrated and how it can impact your skin.
Skin tends to become dull and dehydrated when you reach your 60s. If you want to keep your skin bright and supple, drink more water and apply a deeply moisturizing cream every morning and evening. Doing so will help reduce the appearance of pronounced wrinkles and restore your skin’s freshness, radiance, and suppleness.
Age Gracefully in Your 60s and Beyond
Consider this stage of your life as an opportunity to look and feel great about yourself. Embrace your wrinkles and be proud of the accomplishments you’ve made throughout the decades. Adopt an effective skincare routine, a healthy lifestyle, and a happy outlook to make aging gracefully a breeze.
Guest Blog: Hiring an In-Home Caregiver: What You Need to Know
When looking for an in-home caregiver for your loved one, it’s a given you would prefer someone they can get along with really well and will do a great job of taking care of them. However, finding this home care option for your senior loved one can be challenging at times.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of tips you can follow to ensure you find the perfect person for the job. The following tips should get your search off to a fantastic start:
Create a clear job description
To come up with a clear job description, identify what your elderly loved one’s needs are. A clear and specific job description can help you determine the flexibility needed, the number of hours they’ll be looking after your loved one, and how much you are likely to pay.
Be flexible when hiring independently
If you want to find great candidates, you need to be flexible about the pay. It is also recommended that you offer the going rate in your area. Otherwise, you might not find applicants with the care skills you are looking for.
Conduct multiple interviews and a trial period
To get more insights about a candidate, consider conducting three interviews:
- A short screening interview over the phone to ensure they meet the necessary requirements.
- An in-person interview if they pass the phone screening.
- An in-person interview where the top 2 candidates can also meet your elderly loved one.
Ask all the important questions during the interview
Asking all the right questions can help you find someone responsible, compassionate, and trustworthy. It would also be a good idea to ask what they’ll do in a specific situation. For instance, what they would do if your elderly loved one refuses medications or does not cooperate.
Check their references
Even if you find a candidate very impressive, it is ideal that you still do a background check. You can do this by calling the work references they have provided. You can ask if they do a good job and if they’ll hire the candidate again.
Conclusion
While finding the best in-home caregiver can be challenging, it can be done. As long as you prepare accordingly and cover all the essential bases, you’ll find the right person for the job with ease.