This just in: it’s officially spring in Vancouver—the perfect time to get seniors outside, and enjoying the best of the season. If the mild temps and plentiful daffodils aren’t enough to lure folks into the outdoors, the science should: pleasant weather has been shown to improve mood, boost memory and…
Read MoreOlder adults take more medications than any other age group. In many cases, several medications are prescribed at the same time to control multiple symptoms simultaneously. As the elderly typically have more than one prescribing physician, Vancouver senior home care experts stress the importance of keeping track of all prescribed medications, side effects, and risk factors. Namenda Namenda is an anti-Alzheimer’s drug prescribed to elderly with advanced symptoms of the disease. A dosing guide dictates administration of Namenda at low increments, slowly increasing the dosage until the desired target range is reached. This drug is not recommended for seniors with a history of seizures, passing urine disorders, or liver and bladder problems. The most common side effects include confusion, dizziness,…
Read MoreSeniors who receive professional in-home care after they are discharged from the hospital have faster recovery times and are less likely to require readmission. During the transition home, caregivers can ensure their loved one’s best chances for a strong recovery and reduce their stress by establishing a comprehensive plan for post-hospital care. The following checklist is designed to provide caregivers and their loved ones with all the information needed to navigate through the discharge process and ensure that all after-care needs are met. Symptoms Requiring Follow-Up During recovery from an illness or injury, it is important to watch for signs that a senior’s condition is worsening. Common symptoms should be listed on the discharge papers and may include signs of…
Read MoreCanada’s premiers have a new platform that’s garnering more and more attention as elections approach: senior care. In the wake of study published in January that revealed medical treatment of elderly Canadians is lacking compared to other developed countries, Canada’s premiers have sought to place senior care in the limelight. This is no doubt in part due to academics protesting new changes to federal healthcare funding– changes that essentially punish provinces whose populations are mainly comprised of elderly adults. The Canadian Institute for Health Information’s How Canada Compares report showed that Canadians aged 55+ wait longer for healthcare than their counterparts in eleven other equivalent countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Over 50 percent of elderly patients wait…
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