Interim HealthCare Blog
Posted: 7/19/2018 1:46 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Anyone who likes animals knows how calming and comforting it can be to stroke and cuddle a friendly dog or cat. It’s little wonder that therapy pets are often brought into nursing homes and hospice facilities. But did you know that you can arrange — often at no cost — to have a therapy pet visit a sick or aging relative in their home?
Posted: 7/19/2018 1:28 PM by
Interim HealthCare
As much as you would like to spend your caregiver experience close to your aging parent so you can be with them on a regular basis, this isn't always possible. You may already live far away from your parents when they need you to start being their family caregiver, or life circumstances can arise requiring you to move away from your parent. Whatever the reason is, if you are caring for your par...
Posted: 7/18/2018 11:04 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Learning that a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia can be devastating. But understanding what’s ahead can help you plan for the care your family member will need. Maura Rhodes, an experienced health journalist, elaborates on the symptoms of each dementia stage.
Posted: 7/17/2018 9:01 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Realizing that your parent or another loved one in your care has reached the point of needing hospice is painful. It means the time has come to make the person comfortable instead of trying to make them better. Broaching the subject of hospice can also be painful, and it can be hard to figure out how to do it. But the conversation itself doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think.
Posted: 7/16/2018 2:23 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Most of the simple things we do each day — getting out of bed, getting into the shower, lining up the buttons of a shirt, scooping a spoonful of cereal and delivering it to the mouth — we never think twice about. For some older adults, however, they become a real challenge. Maura Rhodes provides insight on how to tell if your aging loved one needs a little extra help at home.
Posted: 7/11/2018 2:01 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Taking trips and enjoying new experiences are essential parts of the summertime months for many families. Many people love taking the opportunities presented by warmer, longer days, breaks from school, and an overall more leisurely pace of life during the summer season to enjoy quality time as a family, and go on trips to take a break from daily life. If your senior loved one is adventurous, th...
Posted: 7/6/2018 2:51 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Falls are some of the most serious risks elderly adults face. Each year throughout the United States millions of seniors experience falls, and a large percentage of these will suffer injuries serious enough to end up in the hospital. These injuries can lead to serious consequences, including greatly diminished mobility, health, and quality of life. While there are some fall risks your parent is...
Posted: 7/5/2018 1:12 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Ice cream for breakfast, cookies with lunch, heaps of sugar in coffee or tea...It’s not unusual for older people to suddenly have insatiable cravings for sweet foods. And if a parent or other aging senior you’re caring for seems to be channeling their inner toddler at the table, you’re probably wondering why they’re insisting on dessert with every meal — or dessert for every meal — and how you ...
Posted: 6/22/2018 1:04 PM by
Interim HealthCare
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, getting good care for them is your first concern. But at some point down the line, it’s only natural to wonder: Does this mean I’ll get it, too?
Posted: 6/19/2018 12:51 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Young and middle-aged people aren’t the only ones taking their lives. In fact, the highest rates of suicide in men, by far, are among those age 75 and older. In this article, Allison Ashton outlines why older adults are at risk for suicide and what to do when your loved one shows warning signs.
Posted: 6/19/2018 12:11 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Getting a better understanding of what causes Alzheimer's and Dementia helps us create the right treatment plan for our patients. In this article, Kathleen Doheny breaks down the difference between the two conditions.
Posted: 6/13/2018 9:13 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Hip surgery is one of the most common forms of surgery performed on older adults. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 300,000 of these surgeries are performed on people over the age of 45 in the United States each year, with the majority occurring among elderly adults. This type of surgery can make a tremendous difference for a senior who has suff...
Posted: 6/13/2018 6:14 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Spring and summer entice people young and old to head outdoors, especially after a cold winter. Elderly adults are usually eager to get out there and enjoy warm weather, gardening, walks and fun family events. However, warmer temperatures and sunny skies can also be dangerous to elderly people if they don’t take precautions. Family caregivers have a responsibility to make sure their aging loved...
Posted: 6/13/2018 6:00 AM by
Interim HealthCare
June is Scleroderma Awareness Month and there’s no better time for elderly Americans and their family caregivers to learn more about this chronic condition that affects people of all ages, including elderly adults. While the condition is not very common, it does affect more than 300,000 Americans. Because it can be painful and also contribute to a number of health issues, it’s wise for family c...
Posted: 6/6/2018 11:33 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Between 2000 and 2015, the number of deaths related to Alzheimer's increased by 123 percent. According to the Alzheimer's Association, in just 65 seconds, another person develops Alzheimer's.
When your mom or dad has Alzheimer's, it's virtually impossible to predict what you're about to face. Every patient is different. Some progress faster than others. One thing is certain. You'll face sit...
Posted: 5/25/2018 12:32 PM by
Interim HealthCare
A migraine is a kind of headache that can cause severe pain, often on only one side of the head. In addition to pain, migraine can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last for hours or even days. Doctors don’t know just what causes migraines, they think it might have something to do with the brain stem and the way it works with certain nerves. In a...
Posted: 5/25/2018 12:26 PM by
Interim HealthCare
For 2018's Older American's Month, the theme is “Engage at Every Age.” The goal is to get everyone out and engaging within the community. Engaging activities can help a person, teach someone something, or help the environment.
Posted: 5/24/2018 12:11 PM by
Interim HealthCare
Sundowning is a phenomenon that occurs later in the day for individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. They often experience a burst of confusion, anxiety and aggression, which can be difficult for loved ones to cope with. We provide several tips you can follow to help ease the agitation.
Posted: 5/17/2018 9:35 AM by
Interim HealthCare
As driving becomes challenging and mental health issues make socializing more difficult, seniors are prone to facing feelings of isolation. While it's not proven that social connection benefits the heart and blood vessels, companionship certainly has its benefits when it comes to reducing the risk of a stroke.
Posted: 5/10/2018 8:32 AM by
Interim HealthCare
Our parents dedicate their time to taking care of us. One day, you'll be taking care of them as they age. The signs that tell you they might need help in their later years could be subtle. It's important to keep your eyes open for clues like a messy yard, a dented car, dressing inappropriately or having poor personal hygiene.