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Guest Blog: 3 Reasons How Counselling Can Be a Life Saver for Many Seniors

Many of us face loads of issues in different aspects of life. It can be heed to our career, studies and personal affairs. However, we all are somehow dependent on a counsellor to sort out our emotional difficulties, overcome our problems and make appropriate changes in our lives. Counselling can help people of any age, but the counselling needs of a teenager are almost going to be a lot different than those of an adult. Ageing includes life changes and transitions like retirement that you may want to talk to someone about. Many famous counselling centers, such as Lakewood senior care, help seniors stay home with custom assistance which works together to create a network of services and support for seniors in a community. They focus on providing a safe, pleasant, home-like environment for their residents. Their goal is to treat every person with respect and the dignity they deserve. They urge us to focus that why counselling plays an essential role in the life of seniors. Hence, this is proven as under.

Stimulate seniors to have a positive mindset:

For most people, retirement is a thrilling time to progress, engage themselves in entertainment, or spend additional time with their loved ones. Others may feel less passionate and admiration what to do with their time. Even if they are excited to retire and have plans for how to spend their time, the adaption can still be a shock to the system. Part of ageing is losing people that you know. For some, that means losing a friend, family, or partner. Counselling can help them work through their grief and thoughts related to ageing, death, and dying. Counsellors provide therapy that changes our thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Talking to a counsellor can help seniors consider their choices and reflect on their careers. It can also give them a more accurate sense of what they should want to focus on during retirement. This also builds a positive sense of humor in adults, and they start observing things firmly. Better advice and guidance promote positivity in their thinking and professional life.

Address speculative affairs formerly:

A clash from the past would be sorted out when a person reaches seniority in a perfect world. However, many seniors are still getting their hands-on on issues that ensue long ago. A time-honoured family dispute could turn down your loved one’s fretwork of support. Remembrance of a horrifying experience can cause seniors to segregate themselves from the ones left over. Your beloved may not be ready to transverse some of these problems with close family members, but they are likely to open up to a counsellor who can help them take steps towards relief.

Most counselling techniques are based on respect, empathy, and support. It is critical for the profession of geriatric counselling to foster a culture in which mentally healthy older persons are seen as “normal.” Counsellors must convey the concept that old age is not problematic in and of itself and does not necessitate counselling. However, when symptoms exceed an older adult’s capacity to function, counselling should be considered regardless of age. Some therapists and counsellors focus on dealing with seniors. They are informed about the unique challenges that impact you and others your age.

Dealing with medical issues:

Mental health mainly deals with our thinking, feelings and behaviors. From the time we are born through childhood, and adulthood, until old age, we can get stressors in life, leading to changes in thinking, feeling, and behaviors, leading to mental health problems. A counsellor will help the person and guide the person in various ways. One of the ways is counselling, where the person is taught to develop specific coping skills and help them become better at dealing with stress. There are also other methods like medications that help a person recover faster and those who are incredibly suicidal or homicidal very agitated. They may require inpatient management. Positive mental health allows seniors to realize their full potential to cope with destresses in life and work productively.

Counsellors advise people to maintain positive mental health, have a positive connection with others, and get enough periods of sleep. As time passes, you may have health issues that change how you do things. Many circumstances associated with getting aged may alternate your daily routines and capability. Even if you haven’t been treated with a condition, your vision, hearing, memory, and physical strength will likely decline as you get older.

Positive deliberation is not about expecting the best to happen. It’s about accepting that whatever happens, happens for the best.

By Jim|2024-04-23T11:14:54-05:00June 2nd, 2024|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: 6 Best Practices to Avoid Back Injury For the Elderly

Back injuries are more prevalent among seniors. Although old-age contributes to some back injuries, most injuries result from handling daily activities inappropriately. Lifestyle changes that require heavy sitting and standing could also cause back injuries. As a senior, you should watch out for the following practices to avoid back injury.

Maintain Good Sleeping Posture

Seniors sleep longer, but their sleeping patterns are pretty short. A senior can sleep for two hours, wake up, stay awake for an hour, and go back to bed. Such sleeping patterns increase the chances of wrong sleep postures.

And as you know, the wrong sleep posture can cause back injury and sciatica. Keep your position reclined and fetal when sleeping on an adjustable. Sleep on the side while keeping the pillow between your knees.

Maintain a Safe Posture

Maintaining a good posture when sitting or sleeping can help seniors prevent back injuries. Avoid slouching over your telephone or computer as that stresses the back, causing injuries and pains.

Stick to the ergonomically recommended sitting position at home and in the office. Do not sit a whole day in front of a computer. Take breaks and perform some stretches to keep your back curves streamlined and strong.

When you stand, maintain a straight posture keeping the feet shoulder-width apart and the head aligned with the body. As you sit, keep the feet resting flat on the front and never cross the legs. Keep the knees behind the ankles and the neck and upper back straight.

Keep Spine-Supporting Muscles Strong

The ligaments and muscles supporting the spine get weaker as you age or when exposed to injury-triggering risks. Keeping the core strong is one way to stabilize the spine and prevent back injury and pains. Engage in exercises that promise to strengthen your core muscle groups.

Remember, an injured back can make it impossible to lift things, bend and stretch. You can engage in several exercises to keep your spine-supporting muscles strong. Low-impact aerobics activities with emphasis on walking for seniors does a great job of preventing back injury. Gentle exercises such as yoga can also do a great job of helping seniors avoid back injury.

Avoid Stress

As old age knocks, you will likely feel more stressed and unsatisfied. It won’t be a surprise if small things leave you with high anxiety and stress levels. However, do not forget that stress is a strong catalyst for back injuries. Stress changes your breathing patterns, ultimately straining your mid-back. The shoulders may also hunch up, ultimately causing pain in your middle and upper back.

Stop Smoking

Many studies have linked cigarette smoking to back injuries and pains. Smoking doubles the risk of heart disease and makes your body prone to colon and lung cancers. Smoking has been linked with worsening back pain issues and affecting your overall health. Smoking also increases the risk of back injuries.

It does so by damaging the arteries in your joints and discs. When the back joint and disc arteries are damaged, you’re more likely to experience back injury. In addition, smoking can cause osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disorder that causes back injury.

Do Not Over Exercise

Seniors have a range of issues they want to address through exercising. They want to minimize the risk of heart disease, stay fit, avoid obesity, and keep stronger. Such huge goals can make some seniors overdo some physical activities. However, never overdo any physical activity as that can leave you with more health issues.

First, excess physical activities are known to overstretch or tear up your lower back ligaments and muscles. Overstretched muscles and ligaments often cause muscle spasms, pain, and stiffness. These all can lead to back injury and unending pains. Although back sprains and strains are treatable at home, they are better avoided.

Wrapping Up

The last thing a senior wants is to have back aches and injuries. Exercises and physical activities are the leading causes of back pains and aches. Understanding how to perform exercises is the first step to avoiding back injury. You should understand that sitting and sleeping postures can also make you prone to back injury. Know the basics of maintaining the proper posture when sleeping and sitting, and bid goodbye to common back injuries and pains.

By Jim|2024-02-01T14:36:35-05:00April 7th, 2024|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

How to Provide Care for Elderly and Disabled Persons

There are many factors to consider when it comes to elderly care or dealing with the needs of disabled people. First of all, you should understand that we are all placed in positions like this eventually so empathy is highly important. Caring for these individuals is about love and respect coupled with science, but also common sense depending on each situation. Each person is different, and understanding their specific condition is the first step towards proper care.

Learning about CPR Procedures for Emergencies

CPR is invaluable when working with anyone because you never know when certain ailments will sneak up on you. This is especially true for those dealing with unique conditions or old age which makes you susceptible to breaking bones easier. According to AED CPR, “Cardiac arrest may be reversed if cardiopulmonary resuscitation is performed immediately and a defibrillator is used to shock the heart and restore a normal heart rhythm within 3-5 minutes.” This is an amazing process even though it’s very frightening. You can get your online CPR renewal to stay updated and refreshed about this life-saving medical procedure. The reality is that someone is doing CPR right now somewhere in the world because heart attacks are common. The elderly and disabled are more likely to have increased frequency and severity of heart attacks because of age and underlying conditions.

Dealing with Resistance and Help Living Transitions

Sometimes it’s best if an elderly or disabled person is taken care of by professionals in a medical environment. Resistance is common for those who have been self-sustained their whole lives and many also don’t want to be away from their family. However, you have to do what’s best for your loved ones and give them a good balance of social interaction if they’re at a care facility. Frequent visits are advised so they don’t feel forgotten or unloved which is a response to the need for assisted living. There are many burdens and stresses involved with caring for them, and sometimes the right methods are outside your grasp. The best way to help people in the most severe positions is to find them a good facility.

Reduce any Background Noise and Distractions

One of the difficulties of getting older is having increased hearing difficulties. There are certain methods you can implement to help them feel more comfortable if you decide to take care of them at home. One of the strategies is to reduce any ongoing noises like the television set or radio. Repeating yourself is part of the process, and you should be kind and understanding of their position by raising your voice so they can hear better. Speak clearly and slowly so that communication with these individuals is easier. You also should be in a well-lit room so they can see your facial cues which become increasingly important.

Take Care of Them Yourself and Know Their Condition

Knowing how to take care of elderly patients is part of a nurse’s job description, and you can learn much from their process if you decide to undertake the responsibility of caring for a loved one. Knowing their condition is the first step to properly understanding what they need. No matter what setting, it’s critical they are accommodated and safe with the proper medication to alleviate any symptoms. Sometimes conditions stack up and cause complex situations, and they get more challenging usually. Gaining insight into the side effects of aging will help you develop a concrete foundation on how to address it. Always remember that their psychological well-being may depend on professional care based on the severity of their circumstance.

These Methods Will Help You Care for The Elderly or Disabled

As you can see, there are two possibilities for the elderly and disabled people who struggle to take care of themselves. Either a nursing home is necessary, or perhaps the family is willing to take care of their needs. This will vary depending on the severity of the situation, and sometimes it’s much safer for them to be placed in assisted living. The family can still support them there, and they get the consistent treatment needed in a professional and comfortable environment.

By Jim|2024-01-29T11:55:40-05:00February 25th, 2024|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Tips For Preventing Falls Among The Elderly

Falls among seniors are more common than you think.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 36 million older adults suffer a fall each year.

Our muscles lose strength, and our balance and coordination decline as we get older. As our senior loved ones are already at a certain age, they are now more prone to falls, and it could only get worse as they get on in years.

However, we can take steps to keep our seniors from suffering falls. Here are some tips on how to prevent falls among the elderly.

Declutter

Make sure your parent’s or grandparent’s space is clutter-free. You can’t have random stuff lying all over the place, becoming a tripping hazard for seniors. The floors that your elderly loved one walks on should always be clear, with nothing to step, slip, and trip on.

Put Up Grab Bars & Handrails In Strategic Spots

Seniors can use additional support when walking around the house. So, it would be great if the hallways, bathrooms, and stairways are fitted with handrails and grab bars.

Add More Lights

Our seniors typically have poor eyesight, which can only get worse under poor lighting conditions. By installing additional lights (and brighter ones at that), seniors will have a better chance of seeing and avoiding tripping and slipping hazards as they go about the house.

Use Only Non-Slip Mats & Rugs

All the mats and rugs in the house should be the non-slip type or secured to the floor.

Get Them To Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is crucial to keeping the muscles, bones, and sense of balance of our seniors strong. Walking, lifting light weights, climbing stairs, or doing something as simple as standing on one leg for a minute or two can already help them stay as fit as possible. The fitter they are, the lower their risk of suffering a fall.

Tell Them To Be More Careful

Sometimes, seniors fall because they try to move too fast when walking across the room or getting out of bed. Tell them they need to be more careful when doing so and always move at a more comfortable pace.

Falls don’t have to be synonymous with getting older. By taking the necessary precautions, our seniors stand a better chance of avoiding them.

About the Author

Melissa Andrews is the Content Marketing Strategist for Paradise Living Centers, an assisted living center for seniors with locations in Paradise Valley and Phoenix, Arizona. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and going on hiking trips with her siblings and cousins.

By Jim|2023-11-20T17:13:32-05:00December 2nd, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Common Skin Conditions Affecting the Elderly

No matter how well we take care of ourselves, advancing age eventually takes its toll – especially on our skin. Over time, the various components that make up our bodies gradually become less able to resist the onset of decay. The epidermis, which is the body’s largest organ, is no exception. As we age, it dries out, grows thinner, and becomes more vulnerable to disease. These naturally-occurring difficulties are compounded when an elderly patient is confined to a long-term care facility.

In some cases, a skin problem may indicate an underlying condition that has gone undetected. Skin conditions can also arise from problems in positioning for patients who are confined to a bed or a wheelchair for an extended period. Once the wound has been healed, the caregiver should make sure that its cause is determined and addressed, and nothing else is being overlooked.

While there are many possible skin disorders that can affect the epidermis of an elderly patient, not all of them will require treatment. Some do, however, and the following are a few of the more common conditions and their possible treatments.

Allergic Reactions

It has been estimated that approximately 5-10% of people 65 or older suffer from an allergic disease. In addition to those who suffer from allergies throughout their lives, some individuals only develop allergies once they reach an advanced age. Underlying medical conditions, memory issues, the use of several medications simultaneously, and overall poor health, can also contribute to the late appearance of an allergy problem in an elderly patient.

Prescription medications are often the culprit when a geriatric patient develops a systemic allergic reaction. Because of this, anyone who does have allergies should be asked about any recent new medications he or she may have begun taking. However, there are other potential causes, including exposure to detergents or mites. Allergic reactions can present in a wide array of symptoms, making it difficult to sometimes narrow down a specific cause.

Allergic reactions should always be treated with topical steroids for one to two weeks. The caregiver should also make sure that the cause of the reaction has been addressed.

Fungal Infections

The most common fungal infection, regardless of a patient’s age, is candidiasis, which is a yeast infection that tends to appear on occluded regions of the epidermis, such as in the folds of the skin or under dressings. It’s most dangerous to older patients and most transmittable to patients who are confined to bed or a wheelchair. In geriatric patients, candidiasis presents with chills, fever, pustular skin lesions, and in some cases, symptoms indicating sepsis.

Fortunately, candidiasis can be prevented by applying miconazole powder to at-risk patches of skin. When it does appear, it should be treated by applying clotrimazole or nystatin cream to the affected areas. If it becomes a recurring problem for patients, bowel eradication using nystatin pastilles should be considered. The provider should also be sure to check the patient for signs of retinal lesions, as many elderly patients suffer from cataracts.

Another common fungal problem is seborrheic dermatitis, which is caused by infection from a different type of yeast, malassezia furfur. It presents as red and scaly patches of skin typically found in areas where hair is present; particularly the head, neck, and chest. It can be treated with ketoconazole (nizoral) 2% shampoo or selenium sulfide 2.5% (Selsun Blue).

Staph and Strep infections

Staph and strep infections are also among the most common problems health professionals will face in patients at a long-term care facility. Studies have estimated that, at any given time, 30-40% of long-term care residents are experiencing a fungal infection.

A staph infection typically results when bacteria enter the epidermis through a sore or a cut (including in areas where a patient may be attached to a catheter or other medical device). The infection presents painfully as a red, swollen patch on the skin. This may be accompanied by pus drainage, a skin abscess, warmth in the area, and a fever as well. In more severe cases, patients may even experience shortness of breath, chills, chest pain, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and rashes.

When a geriatric patient is suffering from a staph or strep infection, it should first be treated with a topical antibiotic such as mupirocin (bactroban). If this does not cure the infection and it enters the surrounding tissue, a tissue culture should then be taken to determine what organism is causing the problem. Depending on the results, a systemic antibiotic – usually augmentin, bactrim, ciprofloxacin, or tetracycline – should be given to the patient.

By Jim|2023-07-31T12:47:31-05:00August 22nd, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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