Family members often feel a lot of stress and pressure when a loved senior is hospitalized. There are important decisions that will need to be made, and often times, a family member is responsible for this. The following list contains some tips that will be useful for family members of a hospitalized senior.

1. Make sure all legal documents are in place. This includes Advanced Medical Directives and a durable power of attorney for health care. The first informs all family members and physicians of the type of medical treatment and care the senior wishes to receive if they are unable to make their own decisions at that time. An example of this is a DNR or a Living Will. The second is also known as a health care proxy. This individual is appointed by the senior to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. Each of these documents must be signed. The family members and physicians should have copies.

2. Make sure you are able to provide all medical information when asked. Medical history is an important part of treatment plans, so you want to make sure you know all there is to know, including medications, allergies, current physicians and a description of the senior’s mental and physical capacities.

3. Be as active as possible. This requires the family member to be part of the health care team. This can be done by learning how to get in touch with the physician providing care, knowing the nurses who are caring for the senior, having the ability to speak with and social service workers and case managers and being a strong advocate for the medical care of the senior.

Far too often, the health of a caregiver is overlooked. Most people focus on the services needed and provided to seniors. While this is a common scenario, it should be noted that the caregiver’s health is equally important. If a caregiver is not healthy, they will not be able to perform their job as well as they could. This could eventually cause many problems while caring for seniors. Below is a list that provides some tips for caregivers on how to remain healthy.

1. Caregivers need to pay special attention to their own health. It may become difficult, or even impossible, to care for a senior if your own health is failing.

2. Take daily vitamins to promote healthy living. Caregivers, just like seniors, can benefit from exercise. This will be helpful for the physical and emotional well being of the caregiver.

3. It is ok to take a break. Many caregivers can become burnt out. It is important to take respite time. Use this time to relax and rest so you remain healthy and can continue being a caregiver.

4. Some caregivers may begin to experience depression, especially if the senior needs a lot of care. Watch for signs of depression and discuss them with your doctor as they arise.

5. Make sure to have routine check-ups. Flu shots are also advised.

6. Do not neglect your own life. Being a caregiver is demanding, but to remain effective and beneficial to the senior, you need to take time to enjoy life. Stay involved with family, friends and hobbies.

Source: thefamilycaregiver.or

Image Source: sxc.hu

Seniors who feel like they’re popping pill after pill often get tired of it, and some choose to take their medical care into their own hands and stop taking medications that have been prescribed by a doctor. Often these seniors do have valid reasons, but these can be addressed by talking to a medical professional to explore the other options. Specific concerns that seniors can have include:

1. They may forget – seniors that take multiple medications, particularly those that struggle with dementia may need assistance in managing their medications to ensure they are taken correctly

2. They may not like the side effects – some drugs do have side effects, even those that are required for seniors to take. Sometimes seniors decide they simply don’t like the side effects and don’t want to bother with taking them anymore

3. Seniors might not understand why they require the medication – particularly for those seniors who take multiple medications, some may feel that certain medications are unnecessary because they don’t understand the reason behind taking them, so they simply stop

4. They feel the medications are too costly – medications can become a financial burden to seniors, and this can influence their decision about whether or not to continue using a specific medication

Via: n4a.org

Image Source: sxc.hu

After handing in their car keys, many seniors choose to take public transportation to get them to their appointments, to visit family and friends, and to run their errands, because the costs are lower and there might be fewer safety risks. However, even seniors on public transportation need to exercise caution to avoid accident or injury with these 10 safe travel tips for public transportation:

1. Get on and off transportation with caution – when getting in or out of a vehicle, like a bus, be aware of uneven pavement or other hazards that could result in tripping, falls, or twisting of ankles
2. Have bus fare ready – fumbling around for change when a bus is starting to move can result in losing balance, have it ready before you get on the bus
3. Brace yourself – when a bus, subway or streetcar is turning or stopping, make sure you’re sitting or brace yourself to ensure you don’t lose your balance
4. Watch the gap – when stepping off the curb onto a bus, or a subway platform into the vehicle, be aware that there might be a gap between where you’re standing and the vehicle
5. Let others go first – before getting onto a bus or subway, let others exit first. You can also let others get ahead of you at the vehicle’s doors when waiting to get off so you don’t get pushed
6. Watch for closing doors – on a subway or streetcar where doors automatically open and close, never try to go through doors as they’re closing
7. Don’t get on if it’s too crowded – if public transportation is too crowded, wait for the next one. Or when getting on make sure you get a seat; many vehicles have reserved seating for seniors and people with disabilities. If the seats are taken by people who don’t fit this criteria, don’t hesitate to ask them to move or ask the driver to assist you
8. Keep hands free – don’t carry too many things in your hands, so you can adequately hold on to railings
9. Ask a bus driver to lower the steps – most buses are equipped with ramps and stairs that lower to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs, if you’re worried about getting up or down the stairs, ask them to lower it
10. Get there safely- if walking at night, wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, be careful when crossing streets, and remember to buckle up if taking a taxi

Via: About.com

If you’re a woman planning on traveling alone overseas this summer or fall, look out for your safety first by preparing and planning so that you don’t become a target of crime and theft when you travel far from your Denver home:

1. Know the destination’s cultural regulations – many countries have specific regulations for women with regards to clothing and behavior. It may seem like a double standard, but to avoid conflict, try to respect and abide by these guidelines

2. Check for travel warnings – the US State Department Consular Information provides up to date information about safety issues and any other travel warnings about where you intend to travel

3. Make sure travel documentation is up to date – make sure that you have the right visas for where you’re traveling and that your passport is valid. Make sure you get a passport 3-4 months before you travel so you don’t run into any problems

4. Leave information at home – make sure a friend or family member has your full itinerary, including contact information for places you’re staying, as well as a copy of your plane ticket, and even a copy of your passport

5. Leave valuables at home – leave extra credit cards and jewelry and valuables at homes, costume jewelry included as it could be mistaken for the real thing

6. Have health insurance – make sure you have travel insurance that covers potential medical costs while you’re away, including evacuation

7. Take enough medication and make sure it’s labeled – for prescription medications, have enough for the duration of your trip and then some in case of delays. Make sure your medications are in their original prescription bottles with labels as some countries might give you trouble due to trafficking laws

8. Remain aware – be aware of those around you and use common sense if you feel someone is acting suspiciously. Go into a store or contact your hotel if you feel uncomfortable

9. Look confident – look and act like you know where you’re going, keep your head held high, and you won’t look like such an easy target

10. Ask for directions – know where you’re going and how to get there before you leave your hotel. Ask the concierge for directions to avoid unsafe areas and keep your confidence up

11. Choose a safe hotel – a central hotel with security and public transportation like taxis nearby is a safer bet

12. Dress conservatively – dress conservatively wherever you’re going and keep jewelry and makeup minimal so you don’t look like a good target

Via: About.com

Image Source: jupiterimages.com

Despite the fact that it’s a known distraction behind the wheel, many seniors are still choosing to talk on their cell phones while driving, and they are actually the smallest demographic that will with only 52% claiming they would chat and drive. To make sure that seniors have a safe experience behind the wheel, here are 4 ways to drive safe with cell phones:

1. Only use cell phone with hands free options – headsets, speaker phones and other gadgets can allow Denver seniors to talk in the car without having to risk their safety by driving one handed
2. Don’t dial while driving – trying to dial, text, or send an email while driving using a cell phone can result in serious distraction behind the wheel. Seniors should set up voice dialing if they plan on making calls anyways while driving, or only make calls when the car is stopped
3. Have a friend make the call – when driving with a friend, a senior driver can pass the phone off to someone else to make a phone call or answer a ringing cell phone if it’s urgent
4. Turn off the phone – having a phone on and ringing can make it tempting to answer when it rings in the car. By shutting it off, seniors can stop themselves from making and receiving calls; however, the phone is still present for emergencies

Via: About

We might not anticipate that a natural disaster or another emergency is going to take place where we live – it’s unfathomable to think that a terrorist attack will occur in Denver; but even the unexpected can happen and especially as seniors, it’s important that we’re always prepared. If you haven’t put together an emergency kit, here are 12 things that you’ll need to include:

• Water – one gallon of water per person, per day with enough for at least 3 days
• Food – non-perishable food items should be in an emergency kit, with enough to survive on for at least 3 days. If canned items are included, don’t forget the manual can opener!
• Radio – a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio will keep you informed about the state of the emergency situation, and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert will notify you if a natural disaster is approaching
• Light – a flashlight and lots of extra batteries is crucial, especially if the electricity is out
• First Aid Kit – bandaids and antiseptic along with spare necessary prescription medications should be included
• A whistle – this should be used to signal for help
• Dust mask – this will help you to filter contaminated air
• Shelter – plastic sheeting and tarp and duct tape can be used to create a temporary shelter if needed
• Items for personal sanitation – if there is no water available, moist towelettes and garbage bags will be handy
• Tools – wrench, pliers or other tools can be used to turn off utilities in the home
• Maps of the area and your documented escape route and emergency plan
• Pet supplies – remember, that in an emergency, your pet may need supplies such as food for days too!

Sources:

1. Ready.gov

Summer is here in Denver and whether you’re planning on remaining local to enjoy the beautiful seasonal weather, or if you’re planning on getting away to another state or country to kick back and relax, you need to protect yourself from the heat. Seniors are more prone to heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration and these effects are even more prominent for some older adults who have other illnesses or take medications that can make them more sensitive. So, if you are a part of this demographic or fall into one of these categories then you need to be extra cautious when you step outside to hit the beach or watch your grandchildren play at the playground. With 8 simple methods you can ensure that you summer is not ruined by the effects of the summer heat so that you can appreciate every moment illness free!

1) Keep hydrated with cool beverages and avoid caffeine and alcohol. If you are a senior who has been told by a Denver doctor to limit water consumption, check first how much you should drink when it’s the heat of the summer
2) Remain indoors during the high heat of the day. Get out in the early morning or evening when the sun is not as hot
3) Seek cover when outside in the heat either by bringing an umbrella to your outdoor location or finding a big shady tree to sit under
4) Remember your sunscreen and protective clothing. A hat will help protect you from heat stroke, and loose, light clothing which has long sleeves and pants will protect from UV rays.
5) Avoid strenuous activities outside. During the summer months, exercise indoors in air conditioning to ensure there are no detrimental effects to your health as an older adult
6) Pack juicy snacks when outside to keep cool. Fruits, light summer salad, juices, popsicles and even ice cream can all help seniors to keep their body temperatures down during the summer
7) Stay cool by taking tepid showers or baths when needed
8. Get lots of rest, especially when coming in from the heat

Sources:
1. CDC

Image: pro.corbis.com

Q – Although my dad maintains his license and has had it renewed in Denver, he has mentioned that his visibility is declining as he gets older and he is worried it will impact his ability to drive. He is concerned about his changes in peripheral vision and how that will compromise his safety behind the wheel. Is there anything he can do to improve his vision while driving so he doesn’t hurt himself or someone else?

A – As long as your dad has a driver’s license issued in Denver that is valid, he should be considered safe to drive. However, if he has concerns that his vision might be compromising his visibility behind the wheel, there are a few techniques that he can try.

• Get eye exams at least every 2 years – with detection many common eye issues can be slowed or treated before the affect vision too seriously
• Drive during the day – seniors who have issues with night driving or glare should limit their driving to daytime
• Turn your head frequently – this can help expand more limited peripheral vision when driving
• Keep car clean – the windshield, wipers and mirrors should all be kept clean so they don’t further obstruct vision
• Install a larger rearview mirror – for seniors with more limited visibility, a larger mirror will increase where and how they can see
• Adjust mirrors properly – adjusting mirrors properly will improve range of vision

Sources:

1. AAASeniors

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Although ankle sprains and injuries aren’t the most common issue amongst older adults, weak ankles can be a major cause of poor balance and that can result in the potential for ever greater accidents and injuries that can change senior’s lives for the worse. Untreated ankle injuries from earlier in life that affect balance can also affect seniors later in life, but with some simple techniques, it’s possible for seniors to improve their balance and prevent ankle related issues.

In order to strengthen ankles, seniors can try a simple balance activity – standing on one left for a few seconds at a time, and slowly increasing the intervals. For added support, Denver seniors can hold onto a table, chair or other support device. It might seem like a trivial exercise, especially when combined with resistance training and cardio, but it’s a simple technique that can help prevent seniors from future or further injury, and isn’t that worth a whole lot more?

Sources:

1. New York Times

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