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Guest Blog: How to Choose the Right Mattress for Seniors

When you’re a caregiver for a senior citizen, you know how critical it is to find chairs, beds, and couches that are comfortable for your patients. Choosing the right mattress is especially crucial for the elderly. People in the 65+ age range often suffer from chronic pain related to sore, tender muscles, arthritis, and old injuries that have worsened as the years have passed.

A poor mattress can make even a teenager wake up feeling sore and tired, but for seniors, the effects of a poor mattress can cause debilitating pain and worsen inflammation. Senior citizens need a supportive mattress that cradles sensitive areas that are prone to soreness and stiffness, such as the hips, neck, shoulders, and the lower back. It’s also a good idea to choose a mattress with a comfortable top that cushions the heels and elbows, which will lessen inflammation and irritation.

There are tons of different mattress materials, thicknesses, and designs to choose from, but how do you know which one is going to give your senior patients a comfortable night’s rest? Below, we’ve broken down the different types of mattresses and how they can help seniors sleep well and wake up free from discomfort and pain.

What types of mattresses are the most comfortable for seniors?

When searching for a good mattress for an older individual, manufacturers won’t advertise that it’s the best for senior citizens. What you’ll need to do is look for certain traits and design features that will most likely work for an elderly sleeper.

Typically, seniors need a bed that will retain minimal body heat and will sleep cool. Beds that minimize and isolate movement or motion transfer, and are quiet are usually the best choices for seniors, too. You’ll also want to purchase a bed that is supportive and won’t sag or compress too much. Mattresses that are too soft don’t support spinal alignment and can cause someone to wake up in the morning with a sore back and hips.

Most importantly, a mattress for senior citizens needs to support arthritic joints. As people age, the cartilage that naturally cushions and supports the joints wears away, so seniors need a little more support from their beds than a younger individual.

Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Gel memory foam mattresses are some of the most popular choices for seniors. Gel memory foam is denser and more supportive than traditional memory foam, offering a slightly firmer bed that does an excellent job of supporting the joints and the spine. In mattress lingo, gel memory foam is also referred to as Tempur foam. Gel memory foam mattresses are also cooler than a regular memory foam mattress. Loom and Leaf is one of the more popular gel memory foam mattresses this year.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is a mattress favorite, and it’s been around for decades. First used by NASA, memory foam is a high-quality material that offers superior comfort and cushioning. While memory foams aren’t typically as supportive as a gel memory foam mattress, some models are firmer than others.

Memory foam mattresses cradle and cushion the body, so elbows and heels aren’t resting on a surface that can cause skin irritation. Seniors who are side sleepers can most benefit from a traditional memory foam mattress. Memory foam cradles the shoulder joint and allows it to rest comfortably while keeping the shoulder disk in proper alignment.

However, if a person has never slept on a memory foam mattress, the new bed may take some getting used to. Memory foam beds have a particular and distinct feel to them. Also, be sure to check the bed’s cool rating. Memory foam beds tend to run hot. Nectar memory foam beds are some of the highest rated bed-in-a-box mattresses.

All-natural Latex Foam

A natural, latex foam mattress is an excellent alternative to memory foam mattresses for older sleepers. Latex is a springier material than either gel or memory foam. Latex doesn’t cradle the body, so for sleepers who switch positions a lot, a latex mattress can be ideal. However, all natural latex mattresses are sometimes too soft for people with severe arthritis. A high-quality all natural latex foam mattress for seniors is the Santa Cruz Natural Mattress.

What about innerspring mattresses?

Innerspring mattresses don’t always offer enough consistent support for seniors who need cushioning for aching joints. But adding a pillowtop to an otherwise decent innerspring mattress can offer enough softness and support for senior citizens. Boxtop and pillowtop mattresses are suitable for sleepers who are light or medium weight. But these mattresses won’t provide enough support or last very long for heavier sleepers.

Can you choose a mattress that uses different types of materials?

It’s possible to find a mattress that uses different technologies. For example, manufacturers who specialize in innerspring mattresses often have products that use a top layer of natural latex foam, or memory foam for added support and comfort. If you’re worried that your senior patients won’t be able to get used to a full memory foam mattress, an innerspring memory-foam hybrid can be a good compromise.

As always, it’s essential to thoroughly research different mattress types, product ratings, and what’s going to work best for an individual patient.

By Jim|2023-06-30T10:39:48-05:00July 19th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Manage stress to help you maintain a healthy weight

By Jim|2023-06-30T10:39:31-05:00July 15th, 2023|News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: How To Transition to a Healthier Path in Your Retirement Years

If you feel stuck in a rut from years of bad habits that leave you feeling sluggish and overweight, it’s never too late to change your course to a healthy and happier lifestyle. First, you have to commit to leaving your old ways in the dust and forging a new path with habits that benefit your health instead of harming it. If you’re ready to start this new journey, Senior Care Central presents the following roadmap you can follow.

Eat Whole Foods

If you own a sports car and put the wrong kind of fuel in its tank, it won’t run very well. The same is true for your body. Eating calorie-heavy processed foods full of saturated fat may taste good, but it slows your digestion and worsens some health conditions, like IBD. You can alleviate the symptoms of IBD (which include fatigue and abdominal cramping) by seeing your doctor for medication and a course of antibiotics. In addition, you can prevent future flare-ups by taking peppermint oil supplements when symptoms start and committing to eating fiber-rich whole foods.

Whole foods give you the nutrition you need for optimal energy and to keep your body running smoothly. Following this meal plan is simple. Eat food that nature made instead of processed food made in laboratories. Fill your plate with organic fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs, wild-caught seafood, meat from pasture-raised animals and natural dairy products. Choose whole-grain bread, brown rice and buckwheat pancakes. A quick online search can give you plenty of recipes to try out at home.

Get Moving Every Day

Your sports car won’t run as designed if it sits unused in your garage for months at a time. Likewise, your body functions best when you get moving with some exercise every day. Studies show regular exercise improves your balance and decreases your chances of falling by 23%. It also fills you with endorphins that leave you feeling energetic and lively! Commit to 30 minutes a day of activities that won’t cause overexertion but get your heart pumping and your breath flowing. Ideas include:

Brisk walks
Strength training
Yoga
Water aerobics
Pilates
Swimming

Avoid exercises that could cause injury, like running, bench presses, rock climbing and high-intensity interval activities.

Stay Social

That sports car of yours loves being seen out in public. Research shows that staying socially active in your retirement years leads to an overall positive mood and increases self-confidence. It can also decrease your risk of developing dementia and help ward off cardiovascular disease when compared to seniors who isolate themselves. To meet others, volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about, start a new hobby, join a church or synagogue, or take up a social sport, such as golf or tennis.

Sleep Soundly

You may have noticed you get sleepy earlier in the evening and tend to rise before the sun comes up. These changes are normal and won’t harm you as long as you get the recommended seven to eight hours of sound sleep a night. Your body needs the rest to recharge you mentally and physically. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, consult with your doctor to find a solution.

You can make the most of your retirement years by ditching your old bad habits for a healthier path. These proactive changes can leave you feeling energized and ready to take a friend out on the road for a spin in your sporty car.

By Jim|2023-06-30T10:38:09-05:00July 11th, 2023|News Posts|Comments Off

Tips for Nursing Students: The Successful Interview

The National League for Nursing and the National Students Nurses’ Association (NSNA)(2012) stated that “although there is a shortage of registered nurses, the economic recession has flooded the RN market with experienced nurses who were retired, planning to retire, or went from part-time to full-time employment. The need for RNs has declined due to low hospital census”. Nursing students graduating today face a competitive employment market. Much of your success at getting the position you want will depend on how well you interview for the job. Follow these steps to be better prepared and increase your chances for a successful interview.

Be prepared

Submit your resume and application in advance, but do not assume that the person interviewing you has read them carefully. Before the interview, think about how you can highlight important aspects of your experience or education. Do some background research on the organization or place to which you are applying.

Familiarize yourself with the key people in authority, especially focusing on the person who will interview you. During the interview you can use this information to establish some common ground. Consider some key areas such as: How large is the organization and/or the unit where you are applying? What population and geographic area do they serve? What expertise do you have to offer that might be valuable to them? For example, if you are applying for a job on an inpatient rehabilitation unit, did you have a course in rehabilitation or do clinical rotations in rehab? If so, be sure to mention this during the interview.

Look professional

Paul Walden, writing on the NSNA website, stated, “appearance and attitude are everything. Dress in professional attire and smile. Make sure you arrive promptly”. Although professional attire may be more casual than it has been in years past, employers still expect an interviewee to look his/her best. This means no blue jeans, shorts, cut-offs, flip-flops, low-cut blouses, miniskirts, overbearing jewelry, or other extremes in attire. Business casual is usually acceptable, but when in doubt, err on the side of dressing more formally in business attire than casual.

Start with a good beginning

Introduce yourself and offer to shake hands with the interviewer while making direct eye contact. Do not sit down until directed to do so. The interviewer controls the interview. Express enthusiasm for the interviewer taking time to speak with you and make a positive comment about the surroundings or reputation of the facility. Smile and convey friendliness, approachability, and confidence. Most nurse managers are looking for a “good fit” in a new employee with their existing staff and unit milieu. Your personality may be as important to the manager as your skill set. Listen for comments made by the interviewer that suggest he/she is seeking someone who will be a team player and then be sure to share ways in which you have successfully blended with similar groups in the past.

Ask thoughtful questions

Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. For example: How does the open position fit within the organizational chart? Is there opportunity for gaining additional education? What type of orientation or mentoring do they provide for new nurses? Are there opportunities for advancement? These types of questions show that you are interested in a long-term relationship with the organization and are willing to learn and increase your professional skills. Asking deliberate questions can also help you assess whether or not this job is the right one for you.

Be memorable

You want the person conducting the interview to remember you in a positive light. What sets you apart from others who might be applying for this job? Answering that question in advance will point you in the direction where you need to shine. This might be your engaging personality, strong evaluations from clinical professors, your flexibility or willingness to learn, your experience in another country with service-learning projects, or your good academic performance.

End the interview well

If you were fortunate enough to be given a tour of the unit or facility, be sure to take advantage of any opportunities to greet or interact with staff or patients. The interviewer may be watching to see if you display positive interpersonal skills. Before you leave the interview, be sure that you know how you will be notified if they wish to hire you. Thank the interviewer and shake hands again (if appropriate), expressing your enthusiasm for this wonderful opportunity. If possible, send a follow-up email or thank you note to the interviewer for his/her time and attention. Be sure to continue to display warmth and cordiality as you leave the facility. You never know who may be watching.

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By Kristen Mauk|2023-06-30T10:37:45-05:00July 9th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog:The Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine for Seniors

Everyone wants to look young forever, but it’s not always possible. After all, time can be cruel. But, you don’t have to spend your days feeling old and decrepit. There are a few things that you can do to fight the signs of aging on your skin while avoiding surgery or other invasive treatments. Here are some of the best anti-aging skincare routines for seniors:

Moisturize

You should use a moisturizer every day so that your skin doesn’t become dry and cracked. Look for products with sunscreen protection if you live in an area where sunlight is abundant.

Exfoliate

It’s important to exfoliate regularly so that new cells will grow. Exfoliating can also help you to get rid of dead skin cells, which makes your complexion look more vibrant and healthy. That’s why you should moisturize every day so that your skin doesn’t become dry and cracked.

Avoid the sun

If possible, avoid spending time in direct sunlight for extended periods. Because it’s damaging to your skin unless you’re wearing sunscreen with a high level of protection. Finally, be sure that you wear sunglasses when outside so that ultraviolet light doesn’t do any damage on its own.

Exercise regularly

It’s important for everyone over 50 years old to exercise. Make it at least six times per week to stay fit and maintain their weight (or lose extra pounds). The best part is that exercising has a lot of benefits for your skin, so it’s good for more than your body.

Avoid smoking

Smoking not only causes lung cancer but also leads to premature aging. If you have trouble quitting the habit, consider seeing a doctor about some programs that can help. Try adding anti-aging products into your routine until you’re able to break this nasty addiction.

Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water to keep yourself from becoming ill or dehydrated. This is especially important if you live with other people who might be sick because they’ll make you sick too. It will protect them as well since most germs are spread by close contact with someone else who has them already anyway. You don’t want to spend your golden years sick, do you?

Avoid stress

This is another major skincare issue for seniors. If you want a clear complexion and fewer wrinkles around the eyes or mouth, try not to let yourself get too stressed out about anything. Stress leads to lots of different skin problems including acne breakouts and psoriasis flare-ups. Don’t sweat it if something goes wrong because there’s always tomorrow. It will make a huge difference in how you look. You’ll feel better as well from all that relaxation time. This means that everyone wins when you don’t worry too much about things outside of your control. Remember: life happens but it doesn’t have to happen to you.

Use of serums

These are fantastic all-natural anti-aging skincare products. This is where all the magic happens from a skincare standpoint. There’s been tons of research done on this all-natural ingredient. Which has been shown time and time again to be effective for brightening up sun-damaged skin. Then protecting against future UV damage by neutralizing free radicals in the body before they even have a chance to do any harm.

You can also use a fantastic all-natural antioxidant serum that will protect your skin from free radical damage. Also other harmful environmental toxins like smog and cigarette smoke. These all natural products should be applied every morning right after you wash your face. This will give your skin all day protection against UV exposure as well as pollution.

Closing Thoughts

Maintaining a good skincare routine can be very helpful for seniors because it helps to keep them looking young. You don’t need surgery or invasive treatments if you’re willing to try some simple things out first. Take care of yourself and your skin will reward you with a youthful appearance that won’t age as quickly as the rest of your body. Don’t neglect these tips for anti-aging skincare routines unless you want everyone seeing right through how old you are. These tips will help anyone over 50 years old who wants to look younger. Without having any dangerous side effects from traditional surgical methods.

By Jim|2023-06-30T10:37:28-05:00July 7th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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