“Palliative care (from Latin palliare, to cloak) is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients. Unlike hospice care, palliative medicine is appropriate for patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for curable illnesses and those living with chronic diseases, as well as patients who are nearing the end of life. Palliative medicine utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, relying on input from physicians, pharmacists, nurses, chaplains, social workers, psychologists, and other allied health professionals in formulating a plan of care to relieve suffering…

Welcome to my very first blog entry! I thought I would use it as a sneak peek as to some of what I will be discussing in the coming weeks and months. The title for today’s entry struck me as very pertinent as to what is happening currently in my personal life. I guess I am in what some people refer to as “the sandwich generation.” With aging sick parents (my father was recently diagnosed with lung cancer), a two-year-old daughter with pervasive developmental disorder-nos (a disorder on the autistic spectrum), a husband…

Rising summer temperatures are right around the corner, which means the elderly need to take certain precautions prior to heading outdoors. Older adults can continue to enjoy outdoor activities and prevent heat related illnesses by following these easy steps.

1) Avoid walking between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — generally the hottest time of the day.

2) Begin your daily walk at a slower pace to prevent exhaustion and retreat to a cool place if you start to feel uncomfortable.

3) Wear light colored and loose fitting clothing.

4) Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to remain adequately…

Every day our visiting nurses enrich the lives of the elderly by helping them manage their health needs in the home. The benefits of their visits extend to caregivers, family and friends as well.

Can you imagine a world where the elderly weren’t an important part of our lives? It’s difficult for me to envision a world like this.

When I travel to my home visits, it is a pleasure to see older adults exercising outdoors, socializing with one another at the local bakery or taking their grandchildren for a stroll in the…

Photo by Danilo Rizzuti

In 2009, 2.2 million non-fatal fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 581,000 of these patients were hospitalized. (Source: Centers for Disease Control)

Tripping hazards are one of the most common causes of falls in the home among older adults. I want you to know many of these hazards can be eliminated.

I understand, as a caregiver, there are times when your responsibilities may seem so overwhelming that home safety ends up being overlooked. However, take the time to follow these simple steps…

Caregiving for a parent is never easy, especially when that parent does not live near you. This is a problem facing many people across the country, but unfortunately, it’s a problem for which there aren’t always easy solutions.

Every situation is different. But, for some caregivers, there is the added stress of worrying about the brother or sister who is caring for the parent. I have one girlfriend who is so concerned about how her sister is handling their mother’s affairs, it sometimes keeps her awake at night. She told me that although she is concerned about her mother’s health, she has come to…

Photo by TCJ2020

According to the Nielsen Media Group, 98% of American households owned a television in 2009. Until a few months ago, I was actually part of the minority without a set. However, you may be even more surprised to learn that some of my seniors use the televisions in their bedrooms — as a source of lighting at night.

This practice is a safety hazard because the bedroom is a common place for the elderly to fall. A fall in the bedroom often occurs in the middle of the night…

My family recently gathered for our Lunar New Year celebration, which included the usual festive meal, snacks and red envelopes. However, this year there was even more excitement with the addition of our six-month old daughter, Grace. As Grace grows before our eyes, my wife and I realize that we’re blessed to share the joy of a new child with both sets of parents who live in close proximity. Their advice, support and encouragement have been invaluable during these first few months of parenthood.

The care I provide for the elderly is greatly…

Are you having difficulty getting in and out of your bath tub?
Do you live in a rental that prohibits the installation of grab bars?
Would you like to decrease the risk of falling in your bathroom?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above,  then you may want to consider using a tub grab bar. Installation is simple because the device clamps along the tub wall and no drilling is necessary.

Tub grab bars will also benefit those with bathroom walls which are not sturdy enough for the installation of traditional grab bars.…

Graeme Weatherston / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Many people are able to stay active outdoors with the assistance of canes, walkers, rollators and wheelchairs. However these devices are a safety hazard when certain parts start wearing out. Please take a moment to check the condition of your assistive device before going outdoors.

Brakes

Wheelchairs and rollators with worn brakes are a safety hazard. Your local surgical supply store or medical supply vendor can assist with repairing or replacing worn brakes.

Rollator Brake

Rubber Tips

Walkers and canes have rubber tips that provides traction and absorbs impact. Over time these…