I spent the first 16 years of my career handing instruments to surgeons in a busy suburban operating room. I left the OR in 2006 and at that time there were not any surgeons using the minimally invasive technology to replace knees and hips, yet it was still one of the most common orthopedic surgeries […]
One of the most common things elderly people give up is traveling. There are many reasons for this; being afraid to travel alone, being dependent on others, or the need for adaptive equipment. If traveling is something you have enjoyed, there are many alternatives to help you continue. Let’s explore some of those options that […]
Many people will experience some level of age-related cognitive decline sometime between ages 40 and 60. Age related cognitive decline is the normal and subtle deterioration of thinking and memory abilities that occur due to aging. Signs may include things like slowness in thinking, difficulty paying attention or multitasking, retaining information, word finding, and recalling […]
This is such an important subject that I have written about it in the past. I’m going to cut right to the chase, using unlicensed caregivers in your home is not safe. Clients needing home healthcare services are often alert and oriented but need some assistance around the home with various tasks. There are also […]
Many people in the last 3-6 months of their lives experience some difficult behavioral issues that can make this precious time very challenging. There are several terms we use in the medical field to describe this behavior, most commonly “sundowning syndrome”. It includes a variety of things a patient in this stage of life can […]
Recently, I had a friend tell me how much music helped her get through difficult times after the loss of her husband. I knew she loved music; I have watched her be completely immersed in a song she likes. With her eyes closed and body moving to the rhythm she is focused on the music. […]
Living in Florida means living with hurricanes from June to October every year. They bring with them not only rain and high wind, but stress, panic, and sometimes depression to senior citizens. It is many times shocking how many seniors chose to stay in their homes and ride out the storm. Many have horror stories […]
An analysis last year of nearly 4 million people in the United States, Canada, Scandinavia, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom found dog ownership was associated with a 24% reduction in dying from any cause. If the person had already suffered a heart attack or stroke, having a dog was even more beneficial; they were […]
Those 3 words are the most important words on a home care agencies marketing material and what every consumer should be looking for when shopping for help in the home. There are 2 different types of agencies in “Nonskilled” home care. Both can provide the same services as light housekeeping, help with safe showering, laundry, […]
According to Consumer Affairs 28% of people over 65 live alone. As of January 2023, there are over 14.7 million senior citizens living alone in the US. The upcoming holidays create some difficult times for seniors as they have lost family and friends over the years. They may not be able to travel and see […]
