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
A Ministry of Care
A Ministry of Care
Promoting Health in Your Faith Community
Churches tend to focus—rightly so—on spiritual care for parishioners, but what if your church also had a healthcare ministry? Health-related concerns affect the majority of individuals at some point in their lives. Whether it’s facilitating healthcare clinics, hosting seminars by medical professionals, or helping congregants navigate the complex healthcare system, A Ministry of Care explores a variety of ways for any church to become a place where people can be ministered to in spirit, mind, and body. Advanced practice nurses Cynthia Russell and Kristen Mauk guide you through the steps toward starting and sustaining a health-oriented ministry in your church. Pastors, church board members, or motivated lay members can take advantage of the professional tips and advice shared in this handbook in order to better care for the physical well-being of the members in their church and the community beyond.
Cynthia A. Russell
Dr. Cynthia A. Russell is dean and professor of nursing at Holy Family
University, School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Prepared as a psychiatric mental health clinical nurse
specialist, she is also a certified health and wellness coach. She is the
mother of five children and grandmother to four.
Kristen L. Mauk
Dr. Kristen L. Mauk has nearly forty years of teaching and clinical
experience in rehabilitation and gerontology. She is a professor of nursing
and the graduate program director at Colorado Christian University. Dr.
Mauk is the mother of eight children.
Guest Blog: 3 Essential Tips in Senior Foot Care
Due to decades of intense usage, the inevitable process of aging can be particularly taxing on your feet. However, foot troubles are not necessarily an unavoidable part of getting older, and there are many actions one can take to maintain healthy feet beyond their years.
Here are the three main factors you need to consider:
1. Hygiene
The foot is like any part of the body, and if you neglect its cleanliness, then you are bound to end up with some undesirable effects. It’s a good idea to wash your feet every day with a mild soap while using a foot scrubber to smooth off any dead skin.
After a good soak, you may want to trim those softened nails by using clippers to cut straight across, careful to avoid sharp corners that may become ingrown toenails. It’s also important to note that you should never put socks on wet feet, as bacteria thrive in damp conditions and a fungal infection could be quick to follow.
2. Footwear
A bad shoe can not only cause an array of displeasing foot conditions (including bunions, hammer toes, and Achilles tendinitis) but can also inflict trauma on your knees and posture. Always choose comfort over fashion, get every shoe professionally fitted, and ask about the best insole for your arch shape to prevent foot pain.
If mobility has become a problem for you, then test out an assistive walking device. Whether a cane, a rollator, or a mobility scooter, there are so many options to choose from that you will easily find something to suit your exact needs.
3. Attention
Your foot cramp might be telling you something, so don’t ignore it! There is a good chance that these muscle contractions are related to your diet, hence why you should always load your plate up with fruits and vegetables. This may also be the perfect excuse to go out and get a nice relaxing foot massage.
Another essential aspect of foot care is to regularly inspect your skin for any new marks or sores, taking note of everything that wasn’t there before including ulcers, corns, and ingrown toenails. If you’re in doubt about anything you discover, it’s better to be safe than sorry and speak to a medical professional. Remember: the sooner something hazardous is caught, the easier it will be to repair.
Guest Blog: Reasons The Elderly Benefit From Aging in Place
In the movie classic, The Wizard of Oz, little Dorothy knew then what has become a staple in the lives of elderly seniors today; “there is no place like home!” Dorothy, the main character in the movie, was swept away by a tornado from her home to a far away fantasy land. The only way back home was for her to follow the directions of the Good Witch Glenda’s magic spell which required Dorothy to click her red shoes together three times and think of the phrase, “there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home!” Afterwards, she woke up from a deep sleep in her own bed and in her own home.
Today, roughly 90 percent of older adults aged 65 and over prefer aging in place rather than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home according to a study conducted by AARP. Like Dorothy, these older people know what Dorothy knew then, that “there is no place like home”, and they plan to stay in their homes as opposed to living in a long term care facility.
What Does Aging In Place Really Mean?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines aging in place as “The ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Although aging in place is the new trend for senior living, changes to an elderly senior’s body due to aging, may pose a problem. However, with a few low-cost home modifications, the goal to age in place is easily achieved and the benefits from doing so are rewarding.
There are however, some seniors living with medical conditions and other limitations that may prevent them from performing normal activities of daily living on their own. If this is the case, they may need to seek assistance from a home care provider or a family member. With in-home care assistance for routine daily life activities, aging in place is still achievable in spite of those limitations.
3 Common Reasons Elderly Seniors Should Age In Place
Elderly seniors choosing to age in place are doing so for any number of reasons. Even though assisted living facilities have been on the rise since 1979, over a million Americans are opting out of that option. Here are five common reasons why:
1. The growing high cost of living in an assisted living facility!
According to LongTermCare.gov, the average cost for a one bedroom at an assisted living facility is over $3,000 a month. Of course, this price may increase if additional services beyond the basic ones mentioned in the contract are needed. For example, if the resident requires assistance from a healthcare provider or home health aid. This service could add an additional $1,600 a month. Therefore, staying in your own home will definitely save money, even if you had to hire a personal care provider. In most cases, an elderly person’s medicare will cover part or all of the cost of home healthcare.
2. Aging in place is more comfortable!
Living in your own home is much more comfortable. All the treasures you hold dear are in your long term home. In fact, the American Society On Aging found that 56 percent of seniors 65 to 74 years old and 63 percent of those 75 years old and older reports that the “emotional” value of their home is worth more to them than the sales value. This is most likely because their home may be the same home they raised their children in and the memory recall is priceless.
3. Aging in place offers more independence!
Maintaining an independent lifestyle is very important to the elderly population. The ability to go where you want, when you want is a very liberating feeling and doesn’t diminish your quality of life. Responsible adults do not like being told what they can or cannot do. In assisted living facilities, meals are served at a certain time of day, activities are scheduled around their schedules and outside visitors are monitored which can be intrusive.
Just like little Dorothy, “there is no place like home” for today’s elderly seniors choosing to age in place. The benefits for doing so are very rewarding. Aging in place offers elderly seniors an opportunity to save money to enjoy life’s extra pleasures as well as allows them to enjoy the comforts of living at home. In addition, aging in place allows elderly seniors to maintain their independence.
Guest Blog: Everything You Need to Know About Cosmetic Dentistry in 2020
Unfortunately, one of the perils of ageing manifests in your teeth. Several oral issues present themselves in most seniors because it is common for your pearly whites to deteriorate with time. Weakening ligaments around the mouth and jawbone density loss due to age create teeth misalignment. Apart from normal wear and tear, genetics, oral hygiene habits, and food choices also impact how your teeth look.
As such, it is customary to see cracks, chips, stains, or discolorations in seniors. You may also encounter teeth and gum sensitivity. The worst-case scenario is missing teeth which affects your smile and self-confidence. However, just because you’re older doesn’t mean you are doomed to have missing, damaged, or discolored teeth for the rest of your life. Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry can restore your glorious smile and youthful glow. Take time to understand this unique practice and how it can significantly improve your life. Let’s get started!
Who Needs Skills of Cosmetic Dentistry
If you feel insecure facing the mirror because you’ve got broken teeth, then it is high time to consider going to a cosmetic dentist. Getting oral procedures will restore your teeth and face shape. As a result, you will feel more confident once again. With the aid of a reputable practitioner, you can speak and smile with ease.
Best of all, the right dental procedures will also alleviate your pain and discomfort. Sometimes, you’ll find it difficult to chew because of crooked, broken teeth. If you get these issues fixed, you can enjoy your food even more. Take a look at the following cosmetic dental procedures below and check to see if they are right for you:
Composite Bonding
If you have gaps cracks, and chips, composite bonding is an excellent fix. Your dentist will use the composite fillers for the spaces and crevices. Composite resins are the same shade of your natural teeth. Depending on the severity of your issue, you may need a single visit or more.
Dental Veneers
Veneers cover the same issues as bonding, but they are better and last longer. They also camouflage flaws like an ugly tooth shape and stains. Depending on your budget, you can go for plastic or porcelain veneer shells. Your dentist takes a mouth impression, buffs existing teeth, and cements the veneers into place.
Teeth Whitening
If you smoke, consume tea or coffee, and take certain medications, you may have bad teeth discolorations. You can whiten it with chemicals in the dental clinic, or you can try a home whitening system. This process exposes your teeth to peroxide so watch out for sensitivities. As such, steer clear from too cold or too hot food and beverages.
Crowns
Some call this a dental cap because it will cover your entire tooth. It comes in metal, resin, ceramic, or porcelain. It restores the look and shape of your damaged tooth. With proper care, it will last for a very long time. You may need a crown for the following:
- Fill a large hole
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover a root canal
Implants
It is the most natural and permanent procedure; however, it is also the most invasive and expensive. It is an excellent long-term solution to replace missing teeth. You will need a qualified oral surgeon to drill the implant into your gums and jawbone. It will look very natural, but it comes at a high price.
Advantages of Cosmetics Dentistry
Getting cosmetic dental procedures will help improve the quality of your life. A famous Orthodontics in Barnet dental practice shared that when you look good, you feel good. With a brilliant smile, you’ll have more confidence to face the world. But more than vanity, getting your teeth fixed is a necessity because of the following:
- It can improve the way you speak because your teeth and tongue work together in making the proper sounds.
- Nice teeth improve your bite, lessening jaw fatigue and preventing further deterioration.
- Cures various dental problems, so you alleviate pain and discomfort.
- It influences your appetite because you can chew well.
Remember, as a senior, the state of your teeth matters because you need optimal nutrition to boost immunity. The first stage of digestion takes place in your mouth. As such, your teeth must be in good condition to break down your food for better nutrient absorption.
When you opt for cosmetic procedures, you can select from a broad range of treatments that use varying techniques. Ask your dentist for advice to find out what approach best suits your budget. Best of all, you can opt for non-invasive treatments if you feel scared and dread any form of downtime.
How to Choose the Perfect Dentistry for You
When you’re choosing the best cosmetic dental practice, keep in mind that the lowest price is not always the best choice. There are many cosmetic dentists in town, but not all of them are made equal. Consider the following points when you are looking for the best cosmetic oral care provider:
- Check their license, experience, and education. Keep in mind that cosmetic dentists need further training and certifications.
- Peruse the clinic to check prices, evaluate hygiene, and examine equipment. You want to work with a clinic that makes you feel comfortable.
- Choose caring staff that accommodate your questions because they will help you quickly in case of a dental emergency.
- Read online testimonials to see client reviews. They are your best bet when it comes to finding the best cosmetic dentist. Some even go so far as to share before and after photos so you can see results.
Final Word
You don’t have to be stuck with ugly teeth forever. Speak with a qualified cosmetic dentist about the risks and perks of various procedures to restores your smile. When you’re unhappy with your teeth, the only person who can help is your dentist.
However, you must research to find the best one you feel comfortable. When you hand over your health to someone, you need to make sure you can trust this person.
Finally, before you make a decision, discuss your options. By doing your due diligence, you can be well on your way to get that brilliant smile you’re craving for it.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Profile – Dr. Kristen Mauk
Kristen Mauk has never been one to stop learning. The clinical nurse specialist has nearly 30 years of experience in rehabilitation and gerontology, a handful of degrees, and has authored or edited seven books. She now helps train the future generation as a professor of nursing at Colorado Christian University in Colorado. She also recently launched her own business, Senior Care Central/International Rehabilitation Consultants, which provides nursing and rehabilitation education throughout the world.
Question: What drew you to nursing? What do you enjoy about it?
Mauk: “I grew up in a medical family. My father was a pediatric surgeon and my mom was a nurse, so I was always around the healthcare professions. However, nursing offered so many opportunities for growth and change while doing what I loved — helping others. There are many aspects of nursing that I enjoy, but feeling like I help make peoples’ lives better has to be the best perk of the job. Nursing is a versatile profession. I started off my career as an operating room nurse, worked for a decade in med-surg, geriatrics, and rehabilitation, then eventually went back to school for additional education so that I could make a greater impact on healthcare through teaching nursing students.”
Question: You have an impressive education. Why did you continue to pursue advanced degrees in the field? How has that benefited you?
Mauk: “First, I am a life-long learner, something that was instilled by my father who was always encouraging his children to explore the world and have an inquiring mind. Dinners at my house were filled with learning activities such as, ‘How does a flashlight work?,’ ‘What is a group of lions called?,’ or ‘For $20, who can spell hors d’oeuvres?’ (By the way, I got that $20!) So, continuing my education through studying for advanced degrees seemed a natural progression when you love to learn and love your work. I felt a need to know as much as possible about my areas of interest, gerontology and rehabilitation, so that I could provide better care to patients and be a better teacher for my students. My advanced education has?opened many doors in the professional nursing world, such as the opportunity to write books, conduct research to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, or hold national positions in professional organizations.”
Question: What’s one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had, either as a student, educator or in your practice?
Mauk: “There are many memorable experiences I’ve had both as an educator and in practice. One of the most memorable from practice was early in my career working on a skilled/rehab unit in a little country hospital in Iowa. There was an older man who couldn’t find a radio station that played his favorite hymns and one of my co-workers knew that I had a musical background and asked me to sing to him at the bedside. I timidly held his hand as he lay in his hospital bed, and with the door closed because it was late at night, I softly sang all the old hymns I could remember. He closed his eyes and smiled, clasping my hand for nearly an hour of singing. The next evening, I heard him excitedly tell his family members that ‘an angel visited me last night. She had the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard. She held my hand and sang all of my favorite hymns!’ Hearing that outside the door, I smiled, but was later surprised when I stopped in to see him that he truly didn’t seem to remember me. One day later, he died unexpectedly. I often look back and wonder on that experience. In the many years of nursing experience that followed, I have learned that there are sometimes angels where we least expect them.”
Question: What advice do you have for people just starting their education or their professional career?
Mauk: “Nursing is a great profession! Learn all that you can while you are in school and continue to be a lifelong learner. The need for nurses who specialize in care of older adults and rehabilitation is only going to continue to grow because of the booming aging population. There is currently, and will continue to be, a shortage of skilled professionals to meet the demand that is looming with the graying of America. Gain skills that will make you a specialist and afford you additional opportunities. Always give the best care to those you serve. Set yourself apart by building a professional reputation for excellence through advanced education, publication, scholarship, clinical practice, and community service. Then, go and change the world!”
CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST PROFILE FOR KRISTEN MAUK
Guest Blog: A Solid Rehab Approach for the Elderly
Unfortunately, addiction doesn’t just stop in one place and stay there. It can affect many people across all walks of life. It happens to any person, of any age, in any area, in any place of their life. This is why it is important to note those rehabs that specialize in rehab care for the elderly.
With over 40 million seniors aged 65 or older living in the country, it is no wonder that some of them do have an addiction issue. With so many seniors, many of them have taken prescription pills for one health issue or another. As a leading cause of substance abuse in the country, seniors are not exempt from this addiction.
In fact, seniors are more likely to be prescribed these medications and more likely to abuse them than any other age group. This is because they are oftentimes forgetful, may feel like they haven’t taken enough, do not realize they are taking too much, or any number of other reasons.
Rehab for these seniors addicted to these medications will be needed.
Addiction in Seniors
Many find it surprising that so many seniors are addicted to medications. Isolation and loneliness tend to be the most common issues for addiction in older adults, especially those abusing alcohol or other drugs.
This type of addiction needs to be addressed in a specific setting and in a specific way. Not only should the root of the problem, such as the loneliness, be addressed, but the specific person should understand that they have a problem. Even though they are older, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t get help.
An addiction rehab with specialists that are trained in senior rehab is required. This is a rehab center that can speak with the senior, understand why they are using or abusing the substance, and then find the best course of action to take regarding their treatment plan.
Seniors, just like the rest of us, are susceptible to addiction. Due to this, it is important to check in on those that are close to you to make sure that they do not feel the need to use. You want to help them when it is needed, visit with them, and let them know you are there. Rehabs for seniors, and others that have drug abuse issues are out there, but it shouldn’t have to get this far.