Sunday, September 11, 2011
Never Forget 9-11-01
Friday, July 1, 2011
Keeping Aging Parents Hydrated and Cool this Holiday and Summer
Hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July! This can be a terrific holiday because it's more low key than some of the others. Picnics, BBQs, potlucks, pool parties. Time to relax and enjoy the summer that stretches out before us. Take time to enjoy yourselves and refresh yourselves.
This is also a time to take note of the HOT weather we can expect over the next few months. Older people tend to "run cold" and may not notice that it's really HOT until they are overheated. I've visited many an elderly patient who kept the heat on in the summer with a median temperature of 80+ degrees inside! So make note of your aging parent's habits and have them turn down the heat and step up the fluid intake to stay hydrated.
Watch for signs of dehydration such as increased confusion or forgetfulness, slurring of words and increased fatigue. Most older people are resistant to increasing fluids as then they have to urinate more often and sometimes this keeps them up at night. Encourage them to start drinking fluids when they wake up and decreasing them late afternoon and to slow intake after 6 PM. This will help with the "up all night" aspect.
Coffee and tea are dehydrating and if 8 cups of coffee is Mom's idea of increasing fluids, you might see more dehydration. Juices, flavored waters and of course plain water are best. Ice chips, frozen ices, popcycles and jello are also excellent sources of fluids and may be more palatable than plain water. They can also be a great way to sneak in extra fluids without alerting them to the process.
If your aging parents have pets, be sure they give the pet more water during the summer months as well and a shady place to rest.
Close draperies and blinds, use fans to circulate the air. And cool damp rags or a baggie of crushed ice on the head, neck or even in the lap can help to keep them cooler and replace or cut down on air conditioning.
Keep activities to a minimum during the middle of the day when it is the hottest. And remind them to eat. Cool foods such as fruits and fresh veggies may be most appetizing on a hot day. Small frequent snacks or meals work well with hot summer days as opposed to large heavy meals, but remind them to not skip meals.
Have a great holiday weekend and enjoy this time with your aging parents.
This is also a time to take note of the HOT weather we can expect over the next few months. Older people tend to "run cold" and may not notice that it's really HOT until they are overheated. I've visited many an elderly patient who kept the heat on in the summer with a median temperature of 80+ degrees inside! So make note of your aging parent's habits and have them turn down the heat and step up the fluid intake to stay hydrated.
Watch for signs of dehydration such as increased confusion or forgetfulness, slurring of words and increased fatigue. Most older people are resistant to increasing fluids as then they have to urinate more often and sometimes this keeps them up at night. Encourage them to start drinking fluids when they wake up and decreasing them late afternoon and to slow intake after 6 PM. This will help with the "up all night" aspect.
Coffee and tea are dehydrating and if 8 cups of coffee is Mom's idea of increasing fluids, you might see more dehydration. Juices, flavored waters and of course plain water are best. Ice chips, frozen ices, popcycles and jello are also excellent sources of fluids and may be more palatable than plain water. They can also be a great way to sneak in extra fluids without alerting them to the process.
If your aging parents have pets, be sure they give the pet more water during the summer months as well and a shady place to rest.
Close draperies and blinds, use fans to circulate the air. And cool damp rags or a baggie of crushed ice on the head, neck or even in the lap can help to keep them cooler and replace or cut down on air conditioning.
Keep activities to a minimum during the middle of the day when it is the hottest. And remind them to eat. Cool foods such as fruits and fresh veggies may be most appetizing on a hot day. Small frequent snacks or meals work well with hot summer days as opposed to large heavy meals, but remind them to not skip meals.
Have a great holiday weekend and enjoy this time with your aging parents.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Some Stylish Aids for Daily Living
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| photo: Omhu.com |
If they could have a cane with some flair and style perhaps they would be more likely to use it. Here's a site that offers some stylish canes as well as other great ideas to assist with everyday living.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Avoiding Financial Scams with Your Aging Parents
One of the scariest things you might not even consider as a risk in caring for an aging loved one or friend is the ramifications of financial scams. The elderly are so very vulnerable. And so many of them still believe in get rich schemes.
Too often we easily dismiss this because our aging parents or loved ones are intelligent, strong individuals who won't fall for some hair brained scheme. But look at all the people who have been hurt by the likes of Bernie Madoff! That set off a world of trouble for almost everyone.
So here are 10 Scary Financial Scams That Target the Elderly. I hope this article gives you good food for thought and opens a healthy discussion with your aging parents and loved ones so that you can avoid financial scams with your aging parents and loved ones.
Too often we easily dismiss this because our aging parents or loved ones are intelligent, strong individuals who won't fall for some hair brained scheme. But look at all the people who have been hurt by the likes of Bernie Madoff! That set off a world of trouble for almost everyone.
So here are 10 Scary Financial Scams That Target the Elderly. I hope this article gives you good food for thought and opens a healthy discussion with your aging parents and loved ones so that you can avoid financial scams with your aging parents and loved ones.
Friday, January 14, 2011
New Fall Prevention Guidelines
The American Geriatric Society has published new guidelines to help prevent falls.
Falls are a leading cause of death in the elderly. Prevention can be a huge compliance issue especially if it entails a lifestyle change such as removing throw rugs. One of the proposed ideas here includes adjusting medications. This can be another issue especially for those who depend on sleeping medications, anxiety and anti depressant meds. Slow progressive changes may be needed in order to accomplish the goal and achieve compliance.
Falls are a leading cause of death in the elderly. Prevention can be a huge compliance issue especially if it entails a lifestyle change such as removing throw rugs. One of the proposed ideas here includes adjusting medications. This can be another issue especially for those who depend on sleeping medications, anxiety and anti depressant meds. Slow progressive changes may be needed in order to accomplish the goal and achieve compliance.
Monday, January 10, 2011
A Senseless Murder
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims of the recent Tuscon AZ shooting. We wish for a speedy and full recovery for those who were not fatally wounded, and for compassion and empathy for the families who lost loved ones in this senseless murder. May they be laid to rest in peace!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
It's 1/1/11
•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆ ★ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆
╔╗╔╦══╦═╦═╦╗╔╗ ★ ★ ★
║╚╝║══║═║═║╚╝║ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆
║╔╗║╔╗║╔╣╔╩╗╔╝ ★ NEW YEAR ☆ 2011
╚╝╚╩╝╚╩╝╚╝═╚╝ ￥☆★☆★☆￥
╔╗╔╦══╦═╦═╦╗╔╗ ★ ★ ★
║╚╝║══║═║═║╚╝║ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆
║╔╗║╔╗║╔╣╔╩╗╔╝ ★ NEW YEAR ☆ 2011
╚╝╚╩╝╚╩╝╚╝═╚╝ ￥☆★☆★☆￥
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