Guest Blog: Telehealth for Seniors: 7 Things You Need to Know
Telehealth is changing the way we visit the doctor, and how seniors experience long-term care. COVID-19 has made telehealth a necessity for seniors, both for regular doctor visits, and for those in long-term care. Patients are more likely to suffer from diabetes as they age, and studies have also shown that patients with underlying diabetes complications are at an especially high risk for contracting COVID-19.
By communicating with medical professionals over a video-conferencing tool – like Skype or Zoom – seniors and long-term care staff can avoid unnecessary trips that might expose patients to COVID-19. And although it’s still early days, many studies indicate that telehealth is good for both doctors and patients, even for complex issues like wound care.
Why have I heard so much about telehealth and telemedicine lately?
The 2020 CARES Act expanded Medicare coverage of telemedicine, in part to address the concerns of patients who It’s one of the measures taken to prevent unnecessary exposure to COVID-19.
Telehealth and telemedicine — What’s the difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably. Telehealth is the umbrella term, and telemedicine refers specifically to treatment provided remotely.
Can telehealth deliver the same level of wound care as an in-person doctor visits?
Multiple studies indicate that patients receive the same level of care using telemedicine. This is especially true of patients who add telehealth applications to their pre-existing doctor-patient relationships.
Do I need special equipment?
Everything you need is right there on your smartphone or desktop. In general, you need access to a secure internet connection and audio-visual communication. And in some cases, audio or text alone will suffice.
Who pays for my telehealth appointment?
Medicare covers telemedicine in the event of an established patient-doctor relationship. The CARES Act also has an amendment that allows Medicare to waive this requirement. Many private insurance plans cover telemedicine as well. And in good news all-around, advanced wound care can significantly lower the overall cost of care.
Is telehealth new?
Telehealth isn’t new, just recently expanded. You’ve probably used it without realizing it, via an online portal that your doctor office. It’s also been in use for years in rural areas, where many residents live too far from doctors to receive adequate health care from in-person doctor visits alone.
What are the advantages of telehealth?
Aside from wound care, telehealth can provide easier access to a wide spectrum of health services. Seniors in long-term care shouldn’t have to sacrifice their mental health needs in order to avoid exposure to COVID-19, and telehealth is helping more seniors access mental health professionals. Remote monitoring is advantageous to patients who need regular health monitoring, including those recovering from a stroke. Telehealth can also provide handy reminders to take medication.
5 Ways Seniors Can Make Exercising Fun
By: Eric Daw
Lets be honest, exercising is not always fun. It can create discomfort, make you sweaty, and take you away from some other pleasurable pastimes or methods of relaxation. However, research clearly shows that those who are active on a regular basis have better weight management, are more relaxed, have higher energy and typically experience a better quality of life. For seniors, exercise is especially crucial since it has positive effects on memory, mood, balance, posture, strength and pretty much any issue involved in healthy aging. For those that find it difficult to start or stick with an exercise program, here are 5 ways seniors can make exercising more fun. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.
1. Find what you like to do. Do you enjoy playing golf, tennis or swimming? Have you considered taking long walks or gardening as pleasurable activities? Well if you enjoy any of the above activities, that is good news. All of these can be considered as some form of exercise. Exercise doesn’t always have to mean going to the gym. Experts tell us that we can accumulate the positive effects of exercise throughout the day by doing such activities.
2. Make it social. For people who enjoy socializing, you can incorporate exercise to add to the experience. Mall walking or group exercise programs have allowed people to interact and get in better shape in the process; just make sure you do as much exercising as you do talking.
3. Add music. Line dancing or Zumba, which are popular forms of exercising for seniors, use music to keep rhythm and add to the fun of the dance class. In these exercise classes, music helps weight management, muscle tone, balance and coordination. Whether you incorporate music during group exercise or during a long walk; music can give us energy, relax us and enhance exercise.
4. Add variety. Our minds and bodies typically love variety. Physically, variety is good for our bodies because it allows the use of different muscles, preventing wear and tear on joints. The body is also stimulated more when you do different exercises, which gives more health benefits from the activity. For our minds, variety is good for the brain. When you do different activities it can prevent you from becoming bored of the same exercises continually.
5. Attach a reward. If achieving results is important for you, attaching fitness rewards can make exercising more fun. Some examples of fitness rewards could be having a low calorie dessert if you’ve finished exercising that day, getting a pedicure, going shopping, or having a massage after exercising. Positive reinforcement encourages us to exercise while knowing that if we do it, there is something good coming at the end.
About the Author: Eric Daw is an active aging specialist and the owner of Omni Fitt. Omni Fitt is dedicated to the wellbeing, health and quality of life of people aged 65 and over. Eric motivates and empowers the older adult population to take responsibility for their independence, health, and fitness through motivating and positive coaching experiences.
Guest Blog: 5 Pain Management Tips for Elders Dealing with Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common ailment for older adults. Unfortunately, the swelling and stiffness that lead to this condition can stop patients from performing daily routines. Here are five pain management tips for elders with knee pain.
An inactive lifestyle can contribute to pain and inflammation in the knee. On the other hand, regular exercise can help keep the muscles that support the knee joint strong and flexible. Try doing low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or biking. Always increase the intensity of your workout gradually. Stop if your knees hurt.
Ice Packs and Heat Therapy
Applying ice packs to the affected area can reduce swelling and inflammation. Use an ice pack for 10-15 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 2-3 days. Then reduce the frequency and duration of use over time. Apply heat to the knee using a heating pad. You can also apply a warm, moist towel to the knee several times daily to reduce pain and stiffness.
Medication
Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain. However, these medications should be given under a physician’s prescription. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight gain can increase the pressure on the knee joint and lead to pain and discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help relieve this pressure and keep the knee joint healthy. See your doctor to help you develop a weight-loss plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Massage Therapy
Massaging the knee joints can also help improve the flexibility and mobility of the knee and promote healing. This is especially useful for individuals recovering from injury or surgery. A physical therapist will apply gentle pressure to specific body areas to promote relaxation and encourage blood flow. Studies have proven that massage therapy can help reduce pain and improve joint function in people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Knee Joint Pain Remedies
If you are experiencing knee pain, many remedies are available to help ease and improve your mobility. Below are some tips to help improve your overall health and reduce knee pain.
Rest
Rest sore joints as much as possible. Avoid activities that cause pain when your knee is painful or swollen. This can help reduce inflammation and relieve some of the pain. Rest for at least a few days to allow your knee joint to heal. In the meantime, try to keep the knee in as straight of a line as possible.
Acupuncture
This is a clinically tested procedure involving inserting fine, sterile needles into the skin at specific points that correspond to different body systems. Regular acupuncture sessions can reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
Compression Bandage
Compression bandages are also known as elastic knee bands. Wearing a compression bandage can help reduce swelling in your knee and improve mobility. The bandage also provides support to help keep the joints stable and prevent further injury.
Stretches
Stretching can also help to improve flexibility and reduce pain. One stretch that is particularly effective for knee pain relief is the quadriceps stretch. It involves straightening one leg and bending the other at the knee so that the shin is parallel to the ground. Keep your back straight as you hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, and repeat with the other leg.
Aromatherapy
Massaging oils such as eucalyptus into the knee joint can also relieve pain and stiffness. Essential oils containing cinnamon, sesame, orange and ginger can help reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis. They may also improve flexibility and functionality in the knees.
When to Seek Medical Advice?
If the pain persists for more than one week or worsens over time, you should make an appointment with your doctor so they can help diagnose and treat your pain. You may also want to visit your doctor if you experience redness, swelling, muscle weakness, or when you can’t put weight on your knee. Your doctor will examine your knee for mobility, flexibility and general functionality. MRI/CT or X-rays scan can help identify injuries or deformities. Occasionally, your doctor may need a small amount of joint fluid for testing.
Knee pain can cause discomfort and prevent you from doing daily routines. Thankfully, the above tips can help you overcome pain and discomfort in your knees.
Guest Blog: What We Can All Do About Rising Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs are skyrocketing at record rates. This is making it less affordable than ever for Americans to get the care they need. It’s particularly hard for the most vulnerable of our population, seniors and lower-income families. In 2017, U.S. healthcare costs equalled over $3.5 trillion. That’s a number we should all be worried about. Here’s what we can all do about rising healthcare costs.
Image via Pexels
Utilize Low-Cost Health Insurance
The first thing we can all do is look for low-cost health insurance options. For most, this means using a program like Medicare or Medicaid which is available to seniors or those who match certain income requirements.
Aside from federal programs, many families choose a high-deductible plan which costs less on a monthly basis but will still provide protection in emergency situations. This type of plan is known as an emergency plan, and it’s a good option for families who don’t expect to need regular treatment. Visit HealthMarkets´ list of low-cost health insurance companies for more information.
Take Advantage of Telemedicine
Another option is to stop seeing a traditional doctor for smaller problems. Today, you can reach a medical professional on your smartphone in just a few clicks. It’s faster, less expensive, and you don’t even need insurance in many cases.
Telemedicine can help with anything from therapy to the common cold. You can even get prescriptions through apps nowadays, and this saves both time and money.
Image via Pexels
Prepare for the Future
Finally, we should all be preparing for the future. Unfortunately, many seniors find themselves unable to afford the right healthcare. We should all be saving today to prepare our families for a future in which we need more funds to afford healthcare.
In the meantime, we should talk to our politicians about finding new solutions to the healthcare crisis. From electing officials who focus on healthcare solutions to calling your congress representatives, every little action matters.
What are you doing to fight the rising healthcare costs? If you’re not prepared, you could find yourself facing a bad financial situation. Take these steps above today to protect your health. It’s the most important thing you have.
Guest Blog: Tips for Making a Home Safer for Seniors
With growing age, keeping up with daily activities can become difficult. Aging seniors cannot do basic chores like cooking and cleaning and even moving around in their homes can sometimes become difficult. Taking care of your aging parents is a noble task, but due to current lifestyles, it has become challenging for children to take care of parents. Since you cannot be with them 24/7, you can change at home to make their lives easier and to avoid accidents. The good news is, now you can get help with your senior care in Dallas or any other city across cities across the nation. There are great options for senior care to simplify and improve your life, putting everyone’s mind at ease.
Here are five of the top things you can do to make life easier for seniors living in their own homes.
- Create a fall free zone.
Older people have increased risks of falling or slipping even from the smallest things. The following simple changes can reduce the chances of tripping:
- Install a cordless or cell phone instead of using a traditional telephone.
- Remove throw rugs from the home, as they can be hazardous for people using walkers.
- Place electrical cords for the TV, modem, and telephone should correctly to avoid tripping.
- Obtain an alarm bracelet or necklace that sends alert to emergency services with a push-button.
- Encourage the use of a cane or a walker at all times instead of holding onto walls and furniture.
- Purchase non-slippery footwear or flat, thin-soled shoes that fit well.
- Change floorings from tiles to wooden.
- Create a secure place for pets, so that they do not clutter things in the hallway or the living room.
- Teach older adults fire safety tips
The kitchen is a potential area where seniors are at risk of getting burnt. Here are things you can do to prevent danger from fire:
- Set up the kitchen so that everything is easily accessible.
- Install a smoke detector and check its battery regularly.
- Replace faulty appliances.
- Avoid putting too many electrical wires in one socket.
- Instruct them to call 911 to put out a fire.
- Instruct them to avoid smoking in bed.
In case you feel that getting a caregiver is a better resource for your aging parents, you may contact a trusted provider for senior care in Dallas or your local area.
- Reduce the risk of bathroom slips and falls.
A risk assessment of the bathroom identifies the potential dangers of slips and falls and highlights any further controls needed to ensure seniors’ safety.
- Set the water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding.
- Add support and grab bars in the bathing area and near the toilet to assist more natural movement.
- Place a rubber mat in tubs to avoid slips due to water.
- Install chairs and bars in the tubs to reduce the risk of falling in the bathroom.
- Install better lighting or sensory lights in hallways and bathroom areas.
- Protect them from strangers.
Older adults are an easy target for scams and crime. You can protect them from these risks by teaching them a few tips:
- Don’t welcome strangers in the house for any reason.
- Don’t be fooled by strangers in uniform or with an identification badge. Call 911 immediately.
- Install security cameras and an alert system so they as well as you can check who is at the door.
- Teach your loved ones the emergency contact information.
- Tell them not to give personal information on the phone.
- Arrange for in-home caregiver services.
Most cities and towns across the United States (New York, D.C., Seattle, Phoenix, etc.) now offer in-home caregiver services through agencies like Ultimate Home Health Care in Dallas, Texas. This is a convenient service, because you can simply call to arrange 24/7 caregiver support, just when you need it. That means your aging parents or grandparents can maintain their independence and stay in thir home longer, getting expert care with all of the comforts they enjoy.
Senior care in Dallas is only a phone call away and is always available for your aging parents or grandparents. Ultimate Home Health Care is a great agency to consider for seniors in the Dallas area. Ultimate provides the best 24/7 caregiver services sent directly to the homes of seniors in need of help throughout the DFW area in North Texas. From cooking meals to providing transportation to social events, you can trust Ultimate Home Health Care’s caregivers to assist your parents with love and care.
Guest Blog: How Do Seniors With Alzheimer’s Handle Change?
When seniors develop diseases affecting cognition, like the various kinds of dementia, caregivers typically make an effort to make their living environment as safe and comfortable as possible. Sometimes caregivers make lots of changes to a senior’s living space, with the best intentions of helping them. However, this can have a two-sided effect, because seniors with mentally deteriorating illnesses can find change to be a confusing or frightening thing. Caregivers might change the entire layout of a house, remove everything that could be a hazard, or add numerous locks to provide security. Changes like these can actually prove to be disorienting for a senior, in addition to being helpful. So the question becomes, how much change can seniors with Alzheimer’s handle?
It’s typical to find instances where seniors have lived in the same home for decades, and have a curious ability to navigate the living space with a sort of muscle memory after memory-harming diseases like Alzheimer’s set in. Routine is very important to the delicate psyche of an elder with dementia, so finding the perfect balance of what to change for their own good can be tricky. Making abrupt overwhelming makeovers to their home’s layout can make them flustered and end up actually making it more difficult for them to get around, adding to their impaired cognition. So it is best to maintain an environment that is familiar as much as possible. And make any alterations subtly and slowly over time.
The necessity to make changes will depend of the severity of a senior’s individual case. If the Alzheimer’s is in the mid to late stages and a senior is wandering out of the home constantly, then immediate action to prevent hazard is surely appropriate. Installing door alarms or adding locks can be great helps. If a senior with dementia typically kept a messy household, then the mess may add to their unease or make it easier to trip and fall. De-cluttering their living space can be advantageous in these cases.
Thus, change will surely be necessary at times. Though it is advisable to make changes as gradually and calmly as possible, to avoid overwhelming or distressing what was comfortable, normal, and assuring to the mind of a loved one with dementia. Routine is key for security in these instances. It may also be helpful to make sure you let them see when you move something, or set their things some place, to help then more easily adapt to the change.