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]

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]

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]

Times have changed. While people 65 and older still make up only around 10 percent of active Internet users, their numbers are growing. In the last few years, the amount of these active “Silver Surfers” has increased by more than 55 percent, from 11.3 million in November 2004 to 17.5 million in November 2009, according to the latest data from Nielsen. In addition, these Senior Surfers are spending more time on the online, totaling an average of 58 hours in 2009.   What’s particularly interesting are senior’s browsing habits and what keeps them busy on the web. According to Nielsen’s research, the number one online destination for people 65 and over in 2009 was Google Search, followed by Windows Media Player, Facebook, YouTube, Amazon and others.   Top 10 Online Destinations Visited by People 65+ in November 2009 (U.S., Home and Work) RANK Site Unique Audience (000) Unique Audience Composition (%) 1 ... [More]

Forgetting where you left your keys, people’s names or what was on your shopping list are all normal consequences of getting older. While annoying, those “senior moments” are just part of the natural aging process. However, just because you forgot to pick up some onions at the store doesn’t mean your brain is turning to mush. In fact, some seniors are better than their younger peers at certain memory related tasks. Age-related memory loss does not have to get worse and seniors can even stop memory decline or reverse some of the loss by adopting some key lifestyle changes.   Exercise Mom was right when she said a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Aerobic training leads to increased blood flow to the brain, which makes all those neurons fire and connect in new ways. Something as simple as walking or swimming for 30 minutes a few times a week will help fuel your mind and also keep you in better shape.   Diet Mom was right again. Eating your v... [More]

June is Men’s Health Month and this week is National Men’s Health Week, which, along with Father’s Day, is a perfect opportunity to make sure senior men are doing all they can to prevent common health problems. Below are some simple, but effective tips on how senior men can stay in shape and stay in the game.   Exercise The notion that exercise is good for you has been around for a while, but until recently seniors had been left out of the picture. Today we know unequivocally that even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of senior men and prevent or delay many diseases or disabilities. It is never too late for senior men to start exercising. Research shows that exercise can help seniors maintain or restore strength, balance, flexibility and endurance.   Get a Checkup In addition to staying fit, it’s a good idea for senior men to get regular cancer screenings because prostate, colon, lung and skin cancers all have the h... [More]

Did you know that according to the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants more than 2.5 million caregivers provide daily hands-on care to our nation’s elderly, frail, or chronically challenged in long term care settings? As the Baby Boomer generation ages, more and more want to remain in their homes and enjoy an independent and active lifestyle. The AARP claims that nearly 7 out of 10 older Americans own their own residences and most have no plans of moving. However, many often have fewer resources available to help them with the daily tasks of living. Nursing assistants, which we celebrate this week, are on the frontline of in-home care and provide the predictability and stability needed for people to stay in the comfort of their homes longer. According to Dawn Thompson, director of healthcare services for Interim HealthCare Spokane, nursing assistants provide hands-on care and perform routine tasks related to a patient’s care. They often help patients to eat, dres... [More]