Did you know that more serious injuries typically occur at home than at work? This week is National Safe at Home Week it occurs the last week in August each year (August 23-27, 2010). The week is designed to promote and emphasize safety in and around the home to eliminate senseless home-related injuries.   According to The State of Home Safety in America™ (2004) conducted by the Home Safety Council, falls are by far the leading cause of unintentional home injury death. Falls account for an average of 5.1 million injuries and nearly 6,000 deaths each year.   At Interim HealthCare, the safety of our seniors is our number one priority whether we’re engaged in in-home care or in one of our assisted living facilities. In honor of National Safe at Home Week, here are some helpful tips to identify and remedy potential hazards.    Walk through your home and spot what could be a potential problem. There is no better way to avoid an accident than by impl... [More]

At Interim HealthCare, one of the issues family members tell us they are concerned about with senior family members living alone is whether they are getting the proper nutrition. Eating well is one key to staying healthy. One of the problems that frequently plagues senior citizens is the abundance of sugar in their diets. It can lead to a number of health problems, including diabetes, tooth and gum problems, and being overweight. Interim HealthCare has home caregivers that can assist with proper dietary habits. [More]

You ever notice that when you pet a dog or cat while sitting on the sofa, you relax and your heart slows down just a little bit? Pets in fact have proven to be an important form of social contact especially for seniors and a growing number of research now points to the boost in physical health that pets can provide. Studies show that pet ownership is linked to increased chances of heart attack survival and reduced blood pressure while others have shown that pets can sometimes help with Alzheimer’s.    At Interim HealthCare, we know how important a pet can be in the lives of the seniors we care for. Pet Pals, our pet-friendly in-home senior care program, was specifically designed to meet the needs of both seniors and their pets, which allows our seniors to remain in their homes longer and live more enriched lives. In addition to providing the superior in-home care that Interim is renowned for, our Pet Pal professionals will also help with daily pet-related tasks such ... [More]

Psoriasis isn’t contagious, but awareness is. Did you know that each August the National Psoriasis Foundation sponsors the Psoriasis Awareness Month to underscore the life-changing impact of the disease and the need to find a cure?   Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the United States affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells resulting in painful, red scaly patches on the body that can bleed and itch. The disorder is a chronic, reoccurring condition that can vary in severity from small, localized patches to complete body coverage. While not contagious, Psoriasis sufferers are impacted in public as nearly 70% of those afflicted say the disease makes them feel self conscious, embarrassed and helpless according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.   Unfortunately the cause of Psoriasis is not fully understood. Some believe there is a geneti... [More]

Many seniors find cooking for themselves difficult. As a result, they rely on processed foods which are easy to heat up in the microwave or on the stovetop. These meals are usually high in both cholesterol and sodium. High cholesterol and high sodium create a number of health risks, especially for senior citizens. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is one way to avoid these problems. At Interim HealthCare, some of our home health services include assistance with food shopping, planning for and preparing meals to help seniors eat a proper diet. [More]

A nutritious diet is one key to good health. Including a balance of vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates is important for everybody, and senior citizens in particular. Seniors and those that are cooking for them, such as family members and in home health care specialists, should pay special attention to foods that are low in cholesterol, fat and sugar, but high in vitamins and protein. A variety of fruits and vegetables, milk and cheeses, protein and whole grains is important for any diet. Interim Healthcare can help its patients choose the right types of foods for a healthy diet. Within our personal care services we offer meal preparation and planning and shopping assistance to help keep seniors on track with a well-balanced diet. [More]

Did you know that according to the United States National Eye Institute, more than half of all Americans by the age of 80 either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery?   Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are several other types including: ·         Secondary - these are cataracts that form after surgery for other eye problems. Secondary cataracts can also develop in people who have diseases such as diabetes or other health related issues. ·         Traumatic - these cataracts can develop after a serious injury to the eye ·         Congenital - some babies are born with cataracts and while some may be small and not affect vision, others need to be corrected surgically ·         Radiation - these cataracts can form after you’ve been exposed to some forms of radi... [More]

Nutrition is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for seniors. As we grow older, what is on the list of things we are “allowed” to eat grows shorter and what we are “not allowed” to eat grows longer. This can be frustrating and take some of the joy out of eating. Aging also alters your sense of taste and smell. With a little bit of thought and creativity, as well as a little help from Interim’s home care providers, eating can still be enjoyable while improving nutrition. [More]

Caring for an aging parent and maneuvering through the murky world of medicine, hospitals, guilt, fear, nursing homes and family strife can be tough business. Care giving descends upon us in all sorts of ways and becoming the “parent of the parent” can be one of the most distressing experiences of a lifetime. It’s the story millions of Americans are facing as the baby boomer generation ages and there are some warning signs to look out for.   Difficulty concentrating Diminished skills Mishandled medication Loss of appetite Memory loss Reluctance to socialize   One of the first things you need to determine is what kind of help does a love one need? Are the problems correctable or do new living arrangements need to be made? And most importantly, how do you manage it emotionally, physically and financially while maintaining a life of your own?   First and foremost, take a deep breath. If you sink under the weight of care giving at the onset t... [More]

Unfortunately loss is painful - whether it’s a loss of a loved one, your independence, your health or a career. Grieving and sadness over such losses are also normal emotions and can last for weeks or even months. These are just some of the many difficult changes that older adults can face as they age. While challenging, these natural ebbs and flows of life can be met and overcome with a solid support system and a strong will to carry on. However, when these problems mount and are not addressed - they can lead to depression and especially in the elderly.   Nevertheless, depression is not a normal or necessary part of aging. Unfortunately statistics point to the exact opposite. Depression among the elderly is a growing trend and only a small percentage actually seek the help they need. Most assume that seniors usually have good reason to be depressed and its just part of the natural aging process. The consequences of this oversight can be high. Untreated, depression can le... [More]