Rhode Island

While everyone worries, seniors in particular can find that stress hits them the hardest. The effects of inadequate stress management for Rhode Island seniors who are dealing with the natural stresses and concerns that come with growing older can be fatal; since stress can lead to serious health complications including cardiovascular problems like heart attack, stroke or hypertension. So as a caregiver or loved one of a senior in Rhode Island how can you detect the signs that your senior is worrying their way to an early grave?

Look out for the following signs that your senior loved one is suffering from the effects, so the stress can be managed appropriately before the consequences are grave:

• The senior complains of gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea

• The senior suffers from increased anxiety, demonstrated through inability to make decisions

• Signs of depression are exhibited by the senior, which might be characterized by lack of motivation, and an inability to complete day-to-day tasks

• The senior no longer has an appetite due to constant worrying

• The senior begins experiencing headaches more frequently

• The senior begins complaining of problems with sleeping, since insomnia can be a sign of inadequate coping with stress

Sources:

1. SeniorJournal.com

2. Associated Content

3. The American Institute of Stress

Image: www.absmentalhealth.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Sometimes walking into a doctor’s office feels like traveling to another country. The flight can be as short or as long as the scheduling dictates and is not determined by distance, but like a plane ride, your neighbor in the next room probably has a bad case of the sniffles. Once you get to your final destination, it can be like emerging yourself in another culture where no one speaks your language, and you return home feeling like you might have learned something from the experience, but require a translator to determine just what. As a senior caregiver, this might be a circumstance you encounter every time you step into a doctor’s office for a consultation with his/her physician. As with traveling to another country, doctors assume that we speak their language and understand what they’re saying; however, this may not always be the case when less common medical terms are being thrown around.

While of course it’s important to ask for clarification when at the doctor’s office, the internet has a wealth of resources to help seniors and their families understand important issues that relate to their health. The Medical Library Association offers a site called Medspeak which gives caregivers access to medical terms in an easy to understand dictionary form. MedicineNet also offers a comprehensive guide to help people understand the medical conditions and other information related to their health.

Caregivers, share your worst doctor experiences that have resulted from a breakdown in communication.

Sources:
1. Medical Library Association
2. MedicineNet

Image: www.ecwusers.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

Spring is in the air in Rhode Island and seniors are dying to get outside into the fresh spring air and sunshine. However, when outside in Rhode Island health and safety is important, so when taking a senior outside, ensure that you are properly prepared to provide for their age specific needs by completing this checklist!

• Outdoor time is planned for early in the day, before the sun and temperatures rise

• The outdoor location chosen has plenty of shady areas to escape the sun

• The elderly person is wearing appropriate outdoor clothing – including a hat (and sunscreen) and light, loose clothing. Also bring an extra sweater in case the senior feels cool, and an umbrella should the sunny skies turn to rain

• Items are packed to keep the senior well hydrated, including plenty of cold water, fruits, and popsicles to cool the body down

• You won’t rush the senior when outside – let him/her take their time when walking around

• You understand the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, and know you can’t always rely on a senior to tell you when they’re not feeling well. Look out for signs of dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, sweating or even fainting

Sources:

1. Today’s Senior’s Network

2. Senior Ark

Image: www.superstock.com

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.

The decision to become a family caregiver for an aging parent in the Rhode Island area can be one of the most challenging and rewarding choices you’ll ever make. Naturally, when taking a dive into elder home care you want to ensure that your senior loved one receives the best care available; so how do you prepare to become a caregiver? Start by arming yourself with information; use the internet, like you are now, and other home care resources to learn how to deal with the emotional aspects of caregiving.  Seek out additional resources within your local Rhode Island community; including caregiver support groups, transportation services, adult day cares and local medical centers. Whether or not you and your senior will require some of the services today, it’s wise to have an understanding of what’s available when you need them.

It’s also important to work with your parents to have all the legal and financial documentation prepared and available should you need to assist them in managing their affairs. Ask them to put together a list of important account numbers and contacts and keep it in a safe and secure place. You don’t need to be savvy to the information today, but it’s a good idea to have it available. You should also ensure that your parents have a living will prepared, so that you can ensure their medical wishes are carried out appropriately if at some point they are unable to speak for themselves.

Sources:

1. Associated Content

2. Adsense Blog

Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.