5 of the Most Common Risk Factors for Elderly Hospital Readmissions

A hospital readmission represents a major setback for seniors that’s usually preventable. When your aging loved one leaves the hospital, the medical team has determined that he or she is well enough to continue recovery at home. However, things often happen after a hospital discharge that cause seniors to get…

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6 Effective Ways to Lower Elderly Rehospitalizations

Hospital readmissions can have physical, psychological, and financial consequences for both families and seniors. While many readmissions are medically necessary, some may be preventable. Both you and your aging loved should consider the following strategies to reduce the risk of multiple hospital readmissions. 1. Maintain Nutrition After your loved one…

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When a Loved One Refuses Treatment for a Chronic Illness

As a leading provider of hourly and live-in home care in Vancouver, our caregivers assist many seniors with chronic illnesses. We know that refusing treatment isn’t common among aging adults and this often leaves families contending with a range of difficult emotions. Foremost among these is a pervasive sense of helplessness. Fortunately, however, there are a number of ways to continue offering support and care to your senior loved one if you are in this situation. Seek Acceptance In instances in which a senior is justified in his or her decision to refuse treatment, it is important for family members to learn how to accept the given diagnosis and prognosis. For example, some aging adults are well aware of the…

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Are Allergy Shots Safe for Elderly?

Older people frequently experience problems with seasonal allergies, but their treatment programs often differ from that of younger adults. If you provide home care for an aging parent or loved one experiencing seasonal allergies, allergy shot treatments may be beneficial and can also help him or her avoid medications that cause unpleasant side effects. Your loved one’s physician will take some factors into consideration before starting a therapy plan that involves injections. Pre-Existing Conditions Some seniors who have underlying medical problems such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias and blood clots may not be good candidates to receive allergy shots. Beta-blockers are medications that are commonly used to treat cardiovascular illness, and they may increase the chances for an adverse reaction…

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Preparing for a Loved One’s Doctor Appointment

Caregivers who are responsible for making sure that their senior loved ones attend their medical appointments can prepare in advance to ensure that each visit is productive. Following a few simple guidelines before each appointment can help make sure that important details are not forgotten. Updating the Medication List Home Care Assistance Vancouver encourages family caregivers to regularly review their loved one’s medication list to be sure that it is accurate and up-to-date. Important information should include: Allergies Prescription names Dosages and frequency Vitamins and minerals Herbal supplements Over-the-counter remedies Compose a List of Questions A great idea for family members is to keep a running list of questions that they need to ask the doctor at the next appointment….

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The Impact of Stress on Senior Health

Stress is commonly attributed to hectic work and family schedules in adults. However, despite the fact that a senior’s schedule may be “slowing down,” this doesn’t mean that the adults in this age group are any less stressed. As a local Vancouver home care agency, our caregivers have seen how stress can impact a senior’s daily life. From concerns about finances to changes in physical abilities, life after retirement is often filled with many unknowns that can result in feelings of stress and anxiety. While our caregivers assist seniors with daily activities to help minimize stress by promoting independence and stability, it’s important that families learn more about the impact of stress on senior health, and how they can look…

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The Best Foods for Senior Diabetics

Seniors need to consume fewer calories since metabolism tends to slow with age. At the same time, older adults also need essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins B, C and D. Throw diabetes into the mix, and seniors are faced with a difficult balancing act when it comes to the foods they can – and should – eat. Knowing that diabetes is a prevalent problem among seniors, the live-in and hourly Vancouver caregivers from Home Care Assistance share some of the best foods for seniors with diabetes. Knowing this information can help you better care for your loved one with diabetes. Fruits and Vegetables Bright fruits (apples, oranges, berries) tend to have more essential nutrients and are low in fat…

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Heart Month 2015: 5 Fast Facts About Heart Disease & Stroke

Every year, heart disease and stroke cause more deaths and hospitalizations throughout Canada than any other disease, and account for a large number of emergency room visits. In fact, ninety percent of the country’s adults have at least one risk factor that makes them susceptible to stroke and heart disease. As a leading provider of stroke care in Vancouver, we wanted to share some information about stroke and heart disease in honor of Heart Month 2015 to help promote heart-healthy lifestyles for seniors and older adults. Uncontrolled hypertension is a major cause. High blood pressure that is poorly managed is a major contributing factor in both heart disease and stroke. Blood pressures that exceed the body’s normal limits can result…

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