Tag Archives: elderly care

Stroke. General Information

Stroke occupies one of the leading positions among diseases representing a mortal danger to humans. The problem is that in early stages it is quite difficult to recognize this disease. A little numbness in the arm, dizziness, being tongue-tied – few people will attach importance to these symptoms. Neither the patient nor his family can even know that at this time a brain disaster is happening. Meanwhile, the person’s life often depends on competent and immediate action of those who are close by. It is therefore useful to know the causes of stroke, its symptoms and the way to act in a critical situation.

At the situation with stroke literally every minute counts. Depending on how quickly and accurately people surrounding the patient find the way around the situation, depends not only on the possibility of further recovery but first of all the person’s life. Because of a stroke, millions of people die each year. And this disease spares nobody – neither men nor women, neither old nor young people.

Risk Factors
In recent years stroke “became much younger”. Cases of the disease in people aged 25-30 years surprise no one anymore. This is facilitated by a number of factors – from inheritance to bad habits. The main risk factors for stroke include:

• Arterial hypertension
• Increased level of cholesterol in the blood
• Alcohol abuse
• Constant stress
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle, obesity
• Malnutrition (excess of salty, spicy, fatty foods)

In addition, more strokes are registered in the elderly. And if under the age of 60 years, men are susceptible to this disease more than women, after 60 years, the situation changes – women suffer from strokes more often. As for the adverse outcome, the death rate from stroke is higher among men.

The mortality rate in stroke is conditioned by the fact that the people, who were near, did not attach importance to suspicious symptoms, were confused and did not call an ambulance in time. And the precious minutes were slipping away, taking with them the chances of the person to survive. The mortality rate in strokes depends directly on how quickly the qualified medical assistance was provided

Each of us is exposed to stroke risk, and at any moment someone next to you might need an emergency. And if you know how stroke manifests itself, what to do if it happens, thus you can save the life of this person.

Important!
The sooner the medical assistance will be provided in stroke, the lower is the probability of death and the risk that the person will be for a lifetime confined to a wheelchair.

What is a stroke?
A stroke is a syndrome of acute cerebrovascular accident, which leads to the development of certain neurological disorders. In accordance with the genesis strokes can be divided into ischemic and hemorrhagic. The first one is caused by the blockage of cerebral vessel by thrombus or embolus, the second one is characterized by a rupture of the vessel. In both cases circulatory failure occurs and, consequently, the loss of a certain area of the brain tissue. Cells located in the midst of disaster, are often beyond repair. However, around this “dead” area there is a zone of reversible changes – for this area actually the struggle in the treatment of the patient is unfolding. And here every minute counts: the time during which the cells can resuscitate in the zone of reversible changes is only three hours after the stroke. It is essential to keep within this so-called “therapeutic window” to minimize the affected area.

How to recognize the symptoms of stroke
Stroke symptoms in most cases occur already in the first minutes of the disease. And everyone can recognize them. During the stroke the brain cells, deprived of normal blood supply, begin to die, that may manifest itself by the following symptoms:

• Sharp headache
• Severe dizziness, incoordination
• Weakness, numbness of the muscles on one side of the body
• Speech problems (retardation, smudging, complete inability to pronounce sounds)
• Blackouts, a sense of the blurred image, double objects, reduction of vision
• Confusion or loss of consciousness (usually short-time)
• Disorientation (confusion in the dates, the inability to determine location, the lack of in-touch capability, a person cannot recognize the loved ones)
• Hallucinations

Do not ignore the alarming symptoms, even if they were short-term. At the slightest suspicion of a stroke, for example, if a person stumbled several times for no reason, or just for a few seconds lost consciousness, use the rule of SSR:

• S – smile
Ask the person to smile. During the stroke muscle paralysis or paresis occurs usually on one side of the body, resulting in the curved smile – on the affected side the mouth will be downward-sloping.

• S – speak
Try to speak to the stroke victim, asking him to say any simple phrase, such as “It is raining outside.” During a stroke the speech is usually disturbed, it becomes incoherent or hindered.

• R – raise the arms
Ask the stroke victim to raise both arms up simultaneously. During the stroke one arm will fall or go sideways.

If doubts remain, ask the person to put out tongue. During a stroke it usually sinks down to one side. If the afflicted person has at least one symptom of a stroke – immediately call an ambulance! At the same time as accurately as possible, list all of the symptoms. Even if the signs of a stroke were short-term, and the afflicted person recovered quickly, it is important to convince him to seek medical help.

One should know that frivolous at first glance symptoms of a stroke almost in 100% of cases are indicative of serious brain dysfunctions. And this, in turn, can cause serious consequences that can chain the afflicted person to a bed or wheelchair, and even lead to death.

Hypertension. Causes, symptoms and treatment.

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Hypertension is permanent or occasional elevation of blood pressure. It’s an insidious disease. High blood pressure often doesn’t have any symptoms, but it slowly affects the heart, brain, kidneys. The disease informs about its presence by headache, dizziness, tinnitus, short term heartache and rapid heartbeat. Also the following symptoms became possible: faintness, shortness of breath, rapid fatigability, unprovoked nose bleeding.

Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120/80 mmHg. Identification of hypertension is possible only by regular blood pressure measurement, because there can be just single jumps in pressure, for example, during physical activities, emotional experiences or after alcohol ingestion. It is important to know not only the blood pressure readings, but also how quick the blood pressure comes back to normal.

After age 40 the vasoconstriction happens, the vessel wall elasticity decreases, which contributes to hypertension. At a young age the increase in arterial blood pressure is possible on the background of diseases of endocrine glands, lungs and kidneys, as well as during the pregnancy period. The risk of hypertension increases if your immediate family members or you suffer from diabetes. Permanent neuropsychic overstrain, stresses and lack of sleep facilitate the hypertension development. Excessively salty and fatty food, smoking and alcohol abuse also raise the blood pressure. Overweight people and people with sedentary lifestyle often suffer from hypertension.

You should pay a close heed to the changes in the state of your organism, and it is recommended to measure the blood pressure at the first signs of the disease. If you noted a repeated rise of pressure, doctor’s appointment is plainly required for you, as the selection of preparations is strictly individual, and is performed on the basis of a complete diagnostics of your body.

There are some risk factors, which may cause the complications in the work of cardio-vascular system.

The following risk factors are emphasized:

1. Age. Men older than 55, and women older than 65 years.
2. The cholesterol content – total cholesterol above 6,5 mmol per liter.
3. Cardiovascular diseases in the patient’s relatives.
4. Diabetes.
5. Smoking.
6. Sedentary lifestyle.
7. Corpulence.

The risk factors are divided into two groups. The first group comprises the risk factors, which can be eliminated with doctor’s help or by your own efforts. These include diabetes, increased cholesterol, smoking, etc. The second group comprises age, genetic predisposition.

Long-lasting hypertension aggravates the cardiac performance, heartbeat increases, pulse quickens, the heart enlarges.

Besides hypertension, the increase of blood pressure may be caused by kidneys disease, malfunction of thyroid gland, structural heart defects, constriction of aorta (coarctation), etc.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Principal symptoms:

· headache;

Headache occurs more often in the occipital region, but also in temporal and parietal regions. The pain increases with mental and physical activity. Particularly severe pain accompanies the hypertensive crises.

· pain in the region of heart;

Constricting pain, long-lasting dull pain or sometimes short-term lancinating pain in the region of heart are possible in the people with hypertension.

· palpitation;

· tinnitus;

· seeing spots;

· dizziness.

Hypertensive crisis

Hypertensive crisis is a sudden short-term manifestation of hypertensive disease. The reason of hypertensive crisis is the interruption of arterial pressure regulation mechanisms, accompanied by an increase in arterial blood pressure and disorder of blood circulation in internal organs. It originates from the alteration of psychoemotional state, using a significant amount of salt in food, abrupt change of weather conditions. Hypertensive crises are often a result of the absence of hypertension due treatment. The danger of hypertensive crisis lies in the fact that it can exacerbate the existing heart and brain diseases.

Symptoms of hypertensive crisis:

· headache;
· precordialgia shooting up the arm and scapula;
· dizziness;
· faintness.

Complications of hypertensive crisis:

· myocardial infarction,
· acute cerebrovascular disorder,
· pulmonary edema,
· cerebral edema,
· lethal outcome.

Hypertensive crises are much more common in women.

Treatment of hypertension

The treatment of hypertension is mainly focused on normalization of blood pressure. The disease treatment is a complex one. One group of preparations is oriented to reduce the blood pressure. Vasodilating and diuretic preparations are also used. Sedative (obtundent) medical preparations are due in no small part to treatment. The selection of medication is strictly individual and will depend on the patient’s condition. The special diets focused on decrease of salt and liquid consumption are selected for people with hypertension. Alcohol is forbidden for people with hypertension disease as well.

Leeches are also used for hypertension treatment – hirudotherapy.

Activities for Patients with Alzheimer’s

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Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but it is very serious. The disease can cause serious problems, among which is memory loss.

Memory loss may start as mild forgetfulness, but usually the disease worsens over years. What can be done to keep patients with Alzheimer’s happy and active?

Activities and hobbies that your loved ones liked in the past will be really helpful. Help them to continue staying busy with the things they like.

Doctors agree that such activities help to stir memories, lessen the irritability that the disease may bring, develop emotional connections and help to self-express. What is more important, all these activities should be meaningful, not just usual activities to fill the time. You also need to keep in mind that Alzheimer’s disease affects not only memory, but also behavior and senses. Be careful with choosing activities for your loved ones!

If we talk about the suggested activities, doctors suggest:

Play music and sing sons
Engage you loved ones in doing arts and craft
Clean around the house
Read books and newspapers together with your loved ones
Cook and bake together
Play with puzzles
Enjoy watching family videos

Always remember that every person should be approached differently. Be supportive and flexible. If your loved one doesn’t want to be engaged in any kind of activities – take a break and try later.

Keep in mind that with seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, the result is not so important as the process. Enjoy the process of an activity together with your loved ones!

Is it important to look after your skin?

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Life is life, and aging is a part of it. Our loved ones become older and not only their health changes, but also their appearance and skin in particular. The skin looses its fullness and becomes thin.

It’s not a secret that skin plays an important role in protecting our bodies from the environment. Healthy skin is very important for people of all ages, but seniors need to pay special attention.

We have prepared the list of tips that will help your loved ones to come with skin problems.

· Don’t forget to moisturize!

Dry skin is one of the main problems for seniors. Face, hands and feet must be moisturized. There is a great number of products that can help the skin to become smooth and shiny.

· Do not forget to protect your loved ones from the sun!

Even in our Washington State, it is important to protect your skin from the sun. Using special creams will help prevent wrinkles and brown spots. While choosing a cream, look for those that contain SPF components.

· Healthy eating

A healthy diet is one of the main ways for skin improvement. Dermatologists agree that products that we eat affect our health, hormone balance, etc. Do not think that healthy diet is a boring one. Not at all! Healthy diet is one that makes your body healthy and improves your mood.

· Regular visits to the doctor

It is very important to visit your doctor regularly, to have your loved ones skin checked. If you notice any changes, encourage your loved ones to look for professional medical advice.

Aromatherapy for Seniors

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Aromatherapy is a well-known type of alternative medicine that works with essential oils and other plants. Aromatherapy is known for its positive effect on human’s health and emotions. If we talk about seniors, aromatherapy can not only improve their mood, but also help with such diseases as respiratory infections, dementia, arthritis and others.

Remember that there are several ways how seniors can receive aromatherapy: oils, candles, baths or massages. The most commonly used essential oils in aromatherapy for seniors are:

Rosemary and Lavender

Both of the essential oils are known for improving memory and increasing cognitive performance. Lavender and rosemary decrease cortisol levels and both of them have soothing effect. Lavender and rosemary aromatherapy is a good choice if your aim is to de-stress and to have a deep night sleep.

Rose

Rose essential oils are commonly used in cosmetology; it helps to soften wrinkles and lines on the face. At the same time, rose oils have mood-improving effects and have antibacterial properties. Rose essential oils contain farnesol that kills bacteria. This oil works wonders on small scrapes and cuts.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil has such properties as increasing cognitive performance, decreasing stress level and increasing energy level.

It also helps to regulate the work of the digestive tract.

Lemon

Lemon essential oil is the number one choice for those seniors that feel depresses, stresses and for those who suffer from anxiety. Researchers agree on the fact that lemon is a great anti-depressant and it also helps to regulate blood pressure, increase memory abilities, etc.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil has antiseptic properties and it is used for healing wounds, ulcers, cuts, sores, etc. This essential oil is perfect for those seniors who suffer from different respiratory problems. It helps to fight cold, runny nose, cough, asthma, sore throat, bronchitis, etc.

Note! Before starting any kind of aromatherapy for adults, consult a doctor – aromatherapy shouldn’t interact with seniors’ medication process.

Is it Dementia or Depression?

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It’s not a secret that dementia is one of the most misdiagnosed diseases. If you see that your elderly parent begins to forget or has real problems concentrating, may be your loved one suffers from dementia? Or it can be usual depression?

To tell you the truth, it is very easy to diagnose these diseases wrongly. Both have very similar symptoms: sleep problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulties with concentration, loss of interest, people become irritable and have problems remembering things.

As well as there are similarities between diseases, there are differences between them. Depression, for example, causes loss of energy and suicidal thoughts; and dementia can cause problems with organizing things, speech problems and incontinence.

People who suffer from dementia seem very unreachable, but there are several ways that help to unlock their hearts and emotions.

Very often such people make statements that are not correct and your reaction is very important. First of all, it’s better to be silent than start correcting. If you are silent, there is no tension between you and your parent. Your loved one feels secure and not frustrated. If you choose to correct, be ready to cope with anger and grief that were trigged by your correction. It’s much better to say something neutral or change the topic asking a question.

It is also very important to remember about the 5-minute rule. Caregivers and doctors know that people who suffer from dementia have short memory. If your parent refuses doing something, stay calm and wait for a little bit, then return with the same question. Usually their reaction is changed. Very often 5-minute rule helps to keep stress on a low level.

If you have questions or problems with taking care about your parents, Day View Adult Home in Renton will gladly help you. Contact us and our professional team will resolve your problem.

Healthy Food for Seniors

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Healthy eating is important for everybody, but especially for kids and seniors. Every elderly person has different nutritional issues and needs, but there is a list of the products that are considered to be the best healthy food for elderly people. If you like products from our list consult your doctor and talk to him about the possibility of changing the diet.

Products that improve brain functioning and memory:

• Salmon: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are good not only for your brain, but also for your heart.

• Canola oil: Cook using canola oil and increase your daily intake of omega-3.

• Avocado: avocado contains a lot of healthy fatty acids that are good for your memory.

• Eggs: Choline that is found in eggs, is a type of Vitamin B and it is perfect for increasing you memory.

• Almonds: Almonds do not only give you energy, but they also contain choline useful for the brain.

Products for your bone health:

• Fortified milk: Only milk that is fortified with Vitamin D should be used by elderly people.

• Cottage cheese: Doctors say that cottage cheese contains 156 – 318 mg of calcium.

• Kale: Kale doesn’t only contain calcium that is good for your bones, but it is also rich in Vitamin K.

• Collards: Experiments show that just half of a cup of collards contains 20% of your recommended daily value of calcium.

Foods for better digestion:

• Beets: Nutritionists agree that red beets help constipation symptoms.

• Cod liver oil: This oil is rich in Vitamin D and Vitamin A that are good for the digestive tract.

• Prunes: they are rich in fiber, which helps to digest.

• Turnips: Turnips is another source of good dietary fiber.

Foods for the better eyesight:

• Lutein: All foods that contain lutein are good for your eyesight; this is kale, spinach, etc.

• Garlic: Garlic is a great source of sulfur that helps in production of glutathione, antioxidant for your eyes.

• Onions: Onions are also rich in glutathione.

• Fish Oil: Fish oil helps to preserve your precious eyesight. It can be found in flax seed, walnuts, salmon, mackerel, etc.

How to Encourage Your Parents to Move into an Adult Family Home?

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What can be harder than encouraging your parents to move into an adult family home? Where to start? What to say? Lots of things should be taken into consideration, but the main thing lies in the fact that living in an adult family home has more advantages and possibilities than staying at home alone.

One of the benefits of an assisted living is care and guidance from a team of professionals.

You should take into consideration that elderly people suffer not only from physical diseases, but they also have emotional problems such as depression, etc. It is very important to have someone who takes care of your loved ones and enlightens their day. Professionals from Day View Adult Family Home know for sure what your loved ones need and how to make their life brighter and easier. Tell you parents that people who work in a family home will keep an eye on them and will be of a great help and assistance.

Great opportunity to meet new people.

Living in an adult family home opens wonderful opportunities to meet new people and to have much in common with them. The atmosphere at an adult family home is favorable for interaction and numerous activities with new people.

Active life and entertainment.

Life in an adult family home will be more attractive and full than a life at home in loneliness. Games with friends, all kinds of entertainment, social inclusiveness… all this can be found in an adult family home.

Be sure that your parents as well as you should be prepared for this new period in your lives. Nobody says that transition period will be easy and smooth. Your loved ones will have the adjustment period, but our professionals try to make it as smooth as possible for our residents.

Trained staff provides quality service and hospitality. Your loved ones will be in good hands at Day View Adult Home.

If you have any questions or propositions, we will be glad to hear from you. Don’t hesitate – contact us.

Elderly Depression

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Numerous life changes, such as retirement, health problems and limited mobility lead to elderly depression. Elderly depression is considered to be a serious problem that can cause other health diseases.
How can we help our loved ones to come back to life and to enjoying it in a full sense?
Firstly, let’s understand what leads to depression at this age?
One of the main reasons why people are depressed at this age is loneliness. People do not feel that they are needed. Most of them don’t want to be burdens and they do not want to ask for help, though the help is needed.
Isolation and loneliness, disability to physically function on the same level, disability to stay active and to do things and attend the activities they liked. Lots of reasons to feel depressed at their age.
What can be done in order to make elderly people’s life easier, happier and free of depression?
One of the answers is adult family homes. People who work there are trained to watch for causes of elderly depression including loneliness, physical disability, health and cognitive problems, sociability, etc.
At the same time depression can be caused by medication, especially improper usage of the medicine such as painkillers, sleeping peels, calcium blockers, tranquilizers, beta-blockers, high cholesterol medications. Employees from adult family homes will surely monitor medication process to ensure that elderly depression isn’t caused by medication process.
What are the signs and symptoms of elderly depression?
There are numerous symptoms and signs, but the most obvious among them are sleep problems, weight loss, alcohol and medication usage, fatigue, loss of interest in life, social isolation and suicidal thoughts.
Social isolation and loneliness are the main reasons for elderly depression. That’s why our trained employees at Day View Adult Family Home make sure that your loved ones receive not only care, but are included into social life. At the same time, we are here to help your elderly loved ones to control medication and eating process, exercises and social activities.
If you have any questions concerning elderly depression, please call us and our professionals will gladly help you. Elderly depression affects health and wellness of your loved ones, but we are here to help you.