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
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.
5 Great Benefits of Rub for Inflammation and Minor Pain
Content Body: Whether you are an athlete or a regular office-goer, every human body is prone to two issues: inflammation & minor pains. Strained, overworked, and strained muscles these fundamental problems can be relieved by simple muscle rub cream. In most cases of minor aches, muscle rubs work by rushing blood to the affected areas. However, when the user is tackling inflammation, rubs can provide cooling, soothing sensations to ease it. The third primary work of muscle rubs is to penetrate herbs to encourage the healing of muscles. These rub creams are prepared to loosen up tight, loosen up and tired muscles so that they can perform at their full potential.
- Reducing Swelling & Inflammation
Cooling rubs, especially ones prepared using CBD oil, are the first choice of people facing inflammation-related skin issues. Meanwhile, warming muscle rubs are usually applied for the sole purpose of improving blood circulation in certain areas.
Rubs with cooling effects can also reduce swelling and inflammation caused to any muscle due to injury or overuse. It is the active ingredients like MCT oil, lavender, and menthol that make these cooling rubs so effective for inflammation.
Most of these rubs that are thick in the state can tackle acute pain, cramps, and scars as well. What makes such rubs ideal to use is the fact that they are suitable for all sorts of skin types, even for sensitive and dry.
- The Natural Rubs Are Good For Your Skin.
Along with helping you cool down the inflammation and helping you with pain, natural rub creams are actually good for your skin too. Natural rubs contain ingredients valuable ingredients like clary extract, willow bark, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Saccharide Isomerate, and Tilia Cordata (Linden) Flower Extract.
All these ingredients help your body in reducing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Similarly, some rubs have black pepper and ginger in them, that help in warming muscles, joints and tendons naturally.
The foremost benefit of using natural products is that you’re not applying lab-developed chemicals but only nature’s boons provided to humans. In other words, you’re lowering the risk of irritation, blistering, swelling, and other side effects.
Other side effects in rather basic creams include severe redness, nausea, ringing in the ears, rashes, dizziness, and allergic reaction. So, it is better if you’re consulting a proper doctor before using any rub available in the market. If your city is still observing lockdown, then telehealth is a safer option.
- Warming The Muscles/ Painkillers
The most basic combination every rub contains is cassia oil, camphor, and menthol. This master combination provides pain relief and vasodilation. Vasodilation is the process of drawing blood rush into the skin capillaries that create warmth sensation.
While using a rub for warming up a muscle, make sure it has basic ingredients cayenne, ginger, rosemary, and lemongrass. Named elements are essential to create a gentler sensation of warmth.
Many studies have found that many rubs are effective as acetaminophen and fast-acting as pain relief in the cases of acute tension headaches. So, if you have a home care consultant as him/her to throw those painkillers away and start using rubs straight away. Nonetheless, if you’re not using the services of a home care consultant, read here why you should for your business?
- Accelerates Healing Process
We’ve established how rub creams help to rush blood to a muscle it is applied to with ingredients like camphor. Health benefits of improved blood circulation include reduced inflammation and quicker healing time.
Some leading rub creams also have capsicum that blocks pain impulse transmitter nerve receptors. The whole process not only reduces the pain but also speeds up the healing process.
Capsicum is also used in medicine as it reduces the aches induced from gastrointestinal, arthritis, and even cancer.
Another basic ingredient that boosts the healing process is methyl salicylate that numbs the skin, reducing aches and stiffness.
- Unlocking Skin Cells
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It regulates temperature, plays a vital role as a protective water barrier, controls fluid loss, and keeps your health balanced internally. There is an intricate blood supply that human skin is supported by. Our skin also has nerve endings that carry signals like pain, temperature, touch, etc., to the brain.
The rub creams we use carry medication through our skin layers directly into the blood. Certain compounds in the rubs help in penetrating skin barriers by widening the closed channels for a longer time.
Not just that, the rub creams also help the skin in absorbing drugs quickly through the unlocking of the skin cells closed naturally.
Ending Note
So, these are some expected benefits of the rub creams used basically to reduce inflammation and minor pain. The medical world is increasingly getting close to topical drugs instead of pills and injections. The reason behind this new trend is thought to be the fact that rub creams have lesser side effects than their counterparts. Rub creams are a safer option, especially for kids and senior citizens.
However, it is highly recommended that one use the natural rub creams as much as possible as they have lesser side effects.
CBD rubs are the most recommended rub creams as the cure for inflammation if your state has legalized it. They are safest, have all the required ingredients, and are very economical compared to other options.
Author Bio
For the past year, Sami J has worked as an author at Clariskincare.com. CLARI Skin Care is a growing company that is owned and operated by women and focuses on providing skincare beauty and body products. She has evolved a passion for content writing through beauty. Beauty and skincare are her main interests, which is what lead her to start writing within these industries.
Guest Blog: 5 Aged Care Aids that Should Be Accessible to Health Workers
When you are involved in the healthcare sector in Australia, and dealing with aged caregiving, you need to know what you may need to take care of the elderly under your supervision. Aged care requires some equipment and aids to be accessible to healthcare workers in order for them to perform their duties responsibly.
After all, health care workers dealing with aged caregiving is more demanding than many other jobs. You have to be on call for tending to the needs of the elderly in your care. If the equipment you have is insufficient, there might be a drop in the level of service provided.
That reflects badly, not only on you but on the health care facility as a whole. If you are missing any of these 5 aged care aids at your facility, you need to get in touch with your supervisors to have access to them when you need them most.
1. Wheelchairs
This is an absolute essential and can be used with many of the other aids mentioned here. There are many elderly that face difficulty when walking and a wheelchair on hand ensures that they don’t have to wait and suffer in discomfort to get to where they want.
It’s really important to have wheelchairs available on the spot if there is an injury in the elderly as the statistics about hip injuries and lack of immediate care are not that bright.
2. Gel Cushions
There are times when the elderly patient complains of pain in their hip joints and that sends stress signals, as your mind starts to go haywire thinking of the implications. You don’t need to be worried. With gel cushions, you’ll be able to have support for the elderly when they sit down.
The gel cushions are especially formulated for multiple uses, and are recommended by physiotherapists for pressure problems that may lead to stress fractures down the road.
3. Arthritis Handles
If there are elderly in your aged care facility that you see, struggling to open doors due to arthritis, an arthritis handle can help them be more mobile with less effort. It can safely attach to doors and drawers to help open them easily.
There’s no need to twist any knobs, grip firmly or any of the hard stuff. The elderly can get a hold of the things most important for them with an arthritis handle installed on doors and cupboards.
4. Hip Protection Pants
Safety+Mobility Aged Care Suppliers also have unisex protection pants with padded pressure guards, especially near the hip, for the elderly. It can be worn over undergarments as well, if they feel uncomfortable wearing it without underpants.
It’s not embarrassing as it is barely visible to anyone and protects the most precious areas of the elderly’s lower torso when they sit and walk. It’s a necessary aged care aid for those prone to hip problems.
5. Back Support
Lastly, back support is also very important because as we age, our bones also start to weaken without the proper diet and exercise. It means that you need to have our most important body areas safeguarded as we approach our golden years. A cushion provides the back and head support to help the elderly with posture problems.
Guest Blog: Home Care Vs. Private Caregiver- 5 Differences To Explore
Introduction
Back in the day, the concept of the elderly needing care was majorly related to caregiving by the family or kids. Some fortunate parents got the best care from their family, while the unlucky ones had to suffer misery, depression, and prevailing sad moods, which eventually impacted their health. It is not always the family negligence, but sometimes the situation is so challenging that the elderly themselves have to let go of their families so that the next generation does not miss out on any opportunity to improve their lives.
Some compassionate people understood the need for every senior citizen to have good company, a clean environment, food, and medicine to spend the most crucial phase of their lives in harmony. The concept of senior home care was introduced, where the elderly are provided child-like care to keep them away from any adverse event or energy.
In certain places, there are purposefully constructed home care centers carrying every necessity and plan for a peaceful life for the elderly. On the other hand, we have private caregivers who care for the elderly. People often need clarification on the two types and find it challenging to decide which suits them.
What is Private Caregiver?
Private caregivers are hired and employed directly by senior citizens or their close family. Apart from providing help to senior citizens with ADLs or IADLs, some private caregivers are also trained to provide some medical care such as wound care, injections, and monitoring vital signs. However, this is rare and would cost more at a higher hourly rate.
What is Home Care?
Home care agencies are licensed businesses that hire a team of caregivers. The agency then contracts with families to send caregivers to their loved one’s homes to provide the necessary long-term care services. Some agency-based caregivers may be certified nurses or nursing assistants who can offer medical care. Some others provide legal assistance with ADLs or IADLs.
5 Differences between Home Care and Private Caregiver
- Cost Difference
Private caregivers offer services at an affordable rate. They are averaging around $15 per hour—which can be between 20 and 30 percent lower than caregivers hired via an intermediary home care agency. On the other hand, While costs can vary significantly from place to place, home care agencies are more expensive than independent caregivers across the board. Nationally, the average hourly rate for home care through a home care agency is $20+ per hour—approximately 20 to 30 percent more than an independent caregiver.
- Certification
The home care service centers are registered with the government, and there are regular inspection raids to ensure the quality of services. The strict check also provides that the caregivers are well-trained and certified; they even have to attend regular workshops to improve their skills.
An individual hires private caregivers, so quality assurance or checks must be made by the individual, which could be more satisfactory due to the lack of resources. The certification checking services are also not available to ordinary people, so you cannot guess whether a person has a valid, accurate degree.
- Family Involvement
No matter how excellent care you get from any outsider, no one can match the happiness one brings from the love, respect, and attention received from family members. They say blood relations never fade away, which is the world’s reality.
Everyone craves love from their loved ones. In the case of in-home care service centers, family involvement is minimal as the senior citizens have to stay within some building or boundary. However, the private caregivers attend to the senior citizens in their own homes so the family can also pay attention to their elderly and keep a check on the private caregivers.
- Facilities Available
In-home care services are packed with facilities necessary for the well-being of senior citizens.
The available equipment, medicines, and other necessities are provided to the elderly in need within seconds.
On the other hand, in private caregiving, the employers have to take care of the necessities themselves, meaning they have to wander in the market to get medicines and medical equipment.
- Availability
Since the in-home care centers are buildings based, they have a minimum or maximum capacity, so they may get overcrowded or run out of space. In the case of private caregivers, if you hire them full-time, they can focus on an individual elderly’s care without any competition among themselves.
Guest Blog: How You Can Find the Best Multivitamin for Senior Citizens
As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to illnesses and nutritional deficiencies. That is why it is important for senior citizens to take a multivitamin to ensure they get the necessary vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and active. But with so many multivitamins on the market, it can be difficult to find the best one for your needs.
This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the different types of multivitamins available and the factors you should consider when choosing the right one for you. Discover the best multivitamin for senior citizens and achieve optimal health and well-being.
What are the benefits of multivitamins for seniors?
As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies. If you do not take a multivitamin, you are putting yourself at risk of developing diseases like anemia, osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer. Taking a multivitamin daily can help promote optimal health and wellbeing. There are various authentic online supplement stores from where you can purchase your desired multivitamins.
A multivitamin can help you meet your recommended daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, iron, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and folic acid. These can be difficult to get from food alone, especially if you have certain health conditions or a restricted diet.
A multivitamin can also help you meet your recommended daily intake of certain minerals and vitamins, like Vitamin D. These are important for optimal health and wellbeing as they can affect your mood, immunity, and even your metabolism.
Different types of multivitamins for seniors
There are many different types of multivitamins available, each with its own unique benefits. Multivitamins have no harmful effect if taken properly even doctors prescribe multivimins to people going through IVF treatment as well. Below are the most common types of multivitamins for seniors. If you have a specific health concern, such as heart disease or breast cancer, you may also want to look for multivitamins with specific ingredients tailored to these conditions.
- Vitamin-only multivitamins: These are the most basic type of multivitamins, containing only the essential vitamins and minerals we need daily. They are generally inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk. They can be taken daily in combination with a B-complex.
- B-complex multivitamins: B vitamins are essential for our health and wellbeing. They can affect our metabolism, mood, and immunity. A B-complex multivitamin can help you meet your daily recommended intake of B vitamins.
- Multivitamins for seniors with heart disease: There are specific multivitamins for seniors with heart disease. They contain higher amounts of Vitamin C, E, and B-complex vitamins.
- Multivitamins for seniors with breast cancer: These multivitamins contain higher amounts of Vitamin C, E, and folate. They can also be taken by women without breast cancer.
- Multi for seniors: This type of multivitamin is made for people with a wide range of health conditions. They are often combined with other nutrients and minerals like omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Important factors to consider when selecting a multivitamin for seniors
When you are looking for the best multivitamin for seniors, you should consider your age, health conditions, dietary needs, and the brand of multivitamin. Here are some important things to keep in mind when selecting the right multivitamin for seniors.
- Age: It is important to select a multivitamin that is age-appropriate. Multivitamins are generally recommended for adults over 50. While some seniors may benefit from a multivitamin, others may find it unnecessary. This can depend on your health and dietary needs.
- Health conditions: If you have certain health conditions, you may need to be extra careful when selecting a multivitamin. For example, people with heart disease or high blood pressure may benefit from a multivitamin for seniors with heart disease. If you are on medication, you may want to consult with your doctor to see if you should also be taking a multivitamin.
- Dietary needs: You should also consider your dietary needs when selecting a multivitamin. If you have certain dietary restrictions, it can be difficult to get all the vitamins and minerals you need daily. This is where a multivitamin can come in handy, as it can provide you with everything you need. – Brand: Finally, you should select the best brand of multivitamins for seniors. In order to do so, you will need to consider the factors above, as well as the price and reputation of each brand.
Tips for selecting the best multivitamin for seniors
Begin by taking note of your dietary habits. What do you usually eat? Do you take care of your diet? After you know what your dietary needs are, you will be able to select the best multivitamin for seniors. Here are some tips for selecting the best multivitamin for seniors.
- Do some research: Before you head out to buy the first multivitamin you see, take some time to do some research. Read reviews and find out what other people are saying about different brands. You can also consult your doctor for recommendations.
- Look at your dietary needs: After you know what your dietary needs are, you will be able to select the best multivitamin for seniors. You will want to look for a multivitamin that has the appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals for your needs.
- Consider your budget: You should also consider your budget when selecting a multivitamin. Multivitamins are available at a wide range of prices. You can find quality multivitamins at every price point.
The risks of taking a multivitamin
There are several risks associated with taking a multivitamin. They can cause negative interactions with certain medications, such as blood thinners, or certain diseases. They can also cause excess iron in your body, which can lead to anemia. If you are considering taking a multivitamin, you should consult with your doctor first. Your doctor can help you select the best multivitamin and can also help you avoid the risks of taking a multivitamin.
What to look for in a multivitamin
When it comes to selecting the best multivitamin for seniors, there are several things to look for in order to ensure that you get the most out of your daily supplement. Here are some things to look for when selecting the best multivitamin for seniors.
- Amount of vitamins and minerals – You should look for a multivitamin that contains essential vitamins and minerals. This will help you meet your daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals.
- Amount of nutrients – You should also look at the amount of nutrients each multivitamin contains. This will help you determine which multivitamin is best for you based on your dietary needs.
Popular multivitamins on the market
There are many popular multivitamins on the market. Below are some of the most popular multivitamins for seniors.
- Centrum Silver: This is one of the best multivitamins for seniors. It is rich in essential vitamins and minerals and does not contain artificial coloring or flavors.
- Nature Made Adult Multi-Vitamin and Mineral: This multivitamin for seniors is made of 100% natural ingredients. It contains 22 essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid and calcium.
- Nature’s Bounty Senior: This is a multivitamin specifically designed for seniors. It provides essential vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C, E, and B vitamins.
The importance of speaking to a doctor before taking a multivitamin
While it is important to select the best multivitamin for seniors, it is also important to discuss your dietary needs with your doctor. After you have selected the right multivitamin and you have spoken to your doctor, you should take your multivitamin as directed on the packaging.
In order to get the most out of your multivitamin, it is important to take it daily. When you are deciding which multivitamin is best for you, you should consider your dietary needs, your age, and any health conditions you may be dealing with. You should also select the best brand of multivitamins for seniors. A quality multivitamin can help you meet your daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals and promote optimal health and wellbeing.
Conclusion
As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to illnesses and nutritional deficiencies. This is why it is important for senior citizens to take multivitamins