Senior Wellness Online – Page 3

News: Southern California Geriatric Care Unit

March 19, 2015Jennifer

Thanks to Prime Healthcare Services, Southern California will soon have a geriatric ER and impatient unit. This will be at Encino Hospital Medical Center and is being developed to offer specialized geriatric care.

Indeed, these new units will be run by experts who understand the more specific needs of the elderly such as thicker mattresses (due to thinner skin), non-slip floors, medications that must be monitored, comfortable rooms, etc.

Further, patients will be subject to geriatric doctors, nurses, physical therapists, case managers, etc., all whom have experience and expertise working with the elderly. Nutritionists and pharmacists will also be on the case.

Making Eldercare Environments Safer

February 18, 2015Jennifer

Seniors encounter all sorts of issues that their younger counterparts are often spared from. For example, their eyes have a slower reflex time. So when a hospital is fitted with glaring lights, it can lead to problems with walking for the elderly as it takes them longer to register. According to Dr. Diana Anderson, an architect currently engaged in internal medicine residence at New York-Presbyterian Hospital:

“The hospital can be a hazardous place for anyone, but particularly for the elderly. Hospitalization is one of the major risk factors for older people. We can end up seeing irreversible decline in their functional status after they’re admitted. This decline cannot always be attributed to a progression of their presenting medical problem.”

Another issue the elderly tend to encounter at hospitals is the mattresses. Since older people have thinner skin, they need softer mattresses. They also feel the cold more and what might be perceived as white noise by other patients (monitors, gadgets etc.), can have a strong interfering effect on the elderly, making it harder for them to communicate with staff.

Thus Anderson is seeking to make it safer for the elderly in these such environments. She has also decided to practice “dochitect” medicine, a term she coined herself which is a combination of architecture and medical knowledge that will hopefully ultimately result in safer environments for the elderly at hospitals.

Thankfully today, Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE), has recognized over 500 senior-friendly hospitals and 100 skilled-nursing facilities for their senior-friendly programs and physical environments.

Aging and Chronic Illness

January 18, 2015Jennifer

The elderly population that generally suffers from increased chronic conditions, often require more complicated personal and medical care. The best way of coordinating all of this is through geriatric care management services. It is the staff that work with these services that have a greater pool of information of the elderly, the issues they have, and the resources that are available in the community. With this, there is greater access for both the elderly and their carers to the services required.

Broadly speaking, a Geriatric Care Manager’s (GCM) role is to serve as an advocate for the senior. GCMs may have a degree in a field such as nursing, social work, gerontology or psychology. The GCM monitors the care the seniors receive, identifies what is needed and develops and implements a plan. And this system is good for those who have more complicated needs.

There is a lot of coordination involved with the role of the GCM too. In some ways these professionals are a mix of social worker, medical expert and counselor. They explain medications to patients, help with transportation, figure out placements, etc. As well they may intervene with family disputes regarding long-term care.

It seems that GCMs could be the right way forward for quality, efficient, elderly care.

Enhancing Quality of Life for Seniors

December 18, 2014Jennifer

Research undertaken by the National Institute on Aging will focus on how to enhance: decision-making, mobility, cognition and overall independence. There will be two new centers that will focus on: interventions that help increase and maintain an active lifestyle to promote wellness, especially vis-à-vis populations at risk (such as the elderly) and focus on vulnerable adult populations and transition of healthcare services like nursing homes.

According to Richard J. Hodes, M.D, Director of NIA:

“Through a range of projects, the centers seek to find new and better ways to maintain mobility and physical function; support sound financial and medical decision making; aid cognitive function; manage pain; and enhance caregiving.”

The centers provide ways of practicing the research that has taken place, into programs to improve the health and wellness of older people.

Senior Wellbeing: Enhancing Independent Living

October 17, 2014Jennifer

In general, as people age, their preferred option of lifestyle arrangements is to remain in their homes. Even if they need assistance, they would rather be in the comfort of their own surroundings, than in a senior citizens home. As such, today, there are many organizations, services and products, designed to enhance independent living. Elder Care Services, Inc. (ECS) is one of them.

Some of the services ECS has been providing to seniors over the years in Tallahassee include: meals on wheels, senior day care (at the Lake Ella Elder Day Stay facility), and eldercare home assistance ranging from companionship to respite care. ECS offers supplies, assistance, devices and more. In addition, it gives seniors the opportunity to engage in volunteer activities, further enhancing their sense of independence.

A couple of months ago Capital Medical Society Foundation gave ECS $3,450 to “help keep more seniors where they want to be – in their homes.” The money is being put toward helping 20 seniors and their caregivers on the waiting list for this kind of support, such as: bathing, taking to and from medical appointments, help with filing insurance claims, etc.

Many studies over the years have found that there are tremendous benefits for seniors living at home while they age rather than move into an institution. Apart from the financial advantages (with ECS estimating their program is around 50% less than an assisted living facility), according to eCaring, it is a great way for the family to “helping [the elderly in their care] age comfortably, and gracefully.” Some of the most notable benefits to seniors staying at home include: not needing to adapt to a new environment (which can sometimes slow down recovery time when a medical procedure has to be performed), dignity, more personalized care, keeps families together, is generally safer (less cases of infections more common in institutions) and more of the same people are around (not changing staff and unknown people).

As well, according to a study undertaken by Clarity and The EAR Foundation, “senior citizens fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than they fear death.” With the variety of remote monitoring systems available on the market, it is also possible for many seniors to remain at home today.

Thus with the many options available to assist those caring for elderly to help them remain at home, the senior community is often faced with a greater choice than ever before, as to how to age.

Elderly Care in Summer

September 17, 2014Jennifer

The hot summer weather can be hard for everyone. But one of the extra potential problems the elderly have is that they often have a harder time identifying when they are thirsty. It is thus very important for those caring for the elderly to keep tabs on how much they are drinking. Of course, this is even more the case with those who have dementia.

It is not so good for people to just drink a whole lot in one sitting. Sipping little bits throughout the day is best. But according to Dr. Jim Thomason of Maple Lawn retirement community, while it is beneficial to get older in that one doesn’t feel the heat as much, what’s worrying is that the elderly are thus at a greater risk for dehydration.

Another tip for elderly care during the summer month is to contact one’s local Area Agency on Aging to see if they can help those with limited resources get air-conditioners. Also be careful about vision in the elderly as too much sunlight can be problematic, especially with aging eyes. Use UV rays to protect eyes.

There are many things that can be done in the summer to protect our elders. Just keep on top of things and follow these simple ideas above.

Enhancement of Geriatric Health in Hawaii

August 17, 2014Jennifer

Elderly people in Hawaii are going to be benefiting from the Victor and Margaret Pavel gift. A staggering $11.5m was given to the University of Hawaii Foundation. According to the School of Medicine’s dean, Jerris Hedges, it will be used to:

“support two faculty members on an ongoing basis who will contribute to both training and research in geriatric medicine. Expertise in geriatric medicine is very important for Hawaii as we have one of the oldest populations in the U.S. We know that, as we age, a variety of conditions can develop. Having faculty who are focused on understanding the physiology of aging, and how to work hand-in-hand with the patient to have healthy aging, is really a key part of our training program.”

Other initiatives currently taking place in the state are being undertaken by Hawaii Pacific Health. This not-for-profit health care institution is sponsoring workshops for the elderly on healthcare information and how to enhance their quality of life. Subjects covered include: diabetes prevention and treatment, hearing and vision loss, etc. In addition, through its Summer Student Research Program, a few college students are able to participate in a clinical research study and medical curriculum organized by Hawaii Pacific Health.

It is a way for participants to learn about health issues, understand those matters specifically pertaining to the elderly, and what kind of preventive measures can be taken. In addition, the sheer aspect of socializing with these students is extremely positive for the seniors. It is really a win-win for both the students and the elderly. As one student, Noa Yee said, “My calling, I think, is healing. While I’m only 20 years old, the summer student research program has given me an opportunity to be a healer when I can’t cure.”

Elderly Care: Pennsylvania

July 17, 2014Jennifer

For seniors faced with a choice as to where to live so that they can age the most gracefully, Pennsylvania probably shouldn’t be in the running. Even though the state is home to more seniors than the national average, it came in at No. 42 and no. 46 for affordability and long-term care accessibility.

However, according to Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging’s spokeswoman, Christina Reese, things aren’t all bad in the region. Reese believes that Pennsylvania is actually working on setting up initiatives that will ultimately enhance services for their seniors. Indeed, just recently, there was an announcement from the Department of Aging and Department of Public Welfare that the Balancing Incentive program has donated $94m in federal funding for this. So with this additional funding, there is likely to be better services for the elderly in Pennsylvania.

First, close to 1,800 extra elderly Pennsylvanians will be able to access in-home/community-based care. Second, Gov. Tom Corbett launched a program to evaluate Pennsylvania’s long-term care system and ways to improve it. Financing programs seems to still be a large issue though, as Ray Landis, AARP Pennsylvania’s advocacy manager pointed out: “our long-term services are among the most expensive in the country in Pennsylvania.”

Another issue for seniors in Pennsylvania is the low Medicaid reimbursement rates. According to President of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, Dr. Stuart Shapiro, this is part of what is “jeopardizing access to care. [Thus] it is imperative that legislators make senior care a priority in the state budget.”

What thus ends up happening is that the seniors in the region are being cared for by their families – over 1.8 million people fall into the unpaid caregiver bracket. These are unpaid caregivers. Were they to get paid, it would be at a cost of around $20bn per year! Long-term care is simply too expensive for most middle income families to be able to afford. As state director of AARP Pennsylvania, Bill Johnston-Walsh said: “When it comes to helping older Pennsylvanians live in the setting of their choice, this silent army of family caregivers assumes the lion’s share of responsibility. Many juggle full-time jobs with their caregiving duties; others provide 24/7 care for their loved ones. With every task they undertake, these family caregivers save the state money by keeping their loved ones out of costly nursing homes – most often paid for by Medicaid. They have earned some basic support.”

There needs to be more help from the state of Pennsylvania for seniors. Greater access and easier affordability for care, needs to be provided by the state.

New Senior Wellness Center

June 17, 2014Jennifer

A new senior wellness center will soon open in New Jersey on East Main Center just by the Adult Day Center that currently exists. It is a project of the Chosen Freeholders. According to Patrick Scaglione, the organization’s director:

“We are looking forward to the completion of this brand new Senior Wellness Center for the benefit of all residents, age 60 and above. Building next to the Adult Day Center will allow us to form a campus that is focused on helping county residents age in place safely.”

It is also hoped that along with its other Senior Wellness Centers, this new venture will enhance the quality of life for participants and the entire community. They provide educational programming, activities, computer labs and more, giving seniors of all ability-levels a wide array of opportunities that otherwise would not be so easily accessible.

The center will measure 14,000 square feet and share a driveway with the Adult Day Center. It will feature a computer room, exercise room, health screening room, pool table, dining room and kitchen and it is hoped that it will be up and running by the end of next year.

California: Enhancing Geriatric Health

May 17, 2014Jennifer

A two day conference on geriatric health just took place in Long Beach, CA. Since society is aging, there is a growing need for specialist healthcare professionals. This conference aimed to figure out methods of enhancing geriatric health care, while helping the professionals develop their leadership skills. Participants include: nurses, health professionals and physicians, but the conference is focused on the business side of geriatric health.

The event was a great opportunity for participants to learn from geriatric health care leaders vis-à-vis the physician and managerial side, according to conference course chair, UCLA Professor of Medicine and SCAN Health Plan Medical Director, Dan Osterweil, M.D. This is necessary since, as Osterweil notes, the majority of those with a medical degree don’t have any business/finance background and this very soon becomes somewhat problematic.

In addition, given that within the next 20 years, a fifth of all Americans will be 65 or older, it’s crucial that geriatric care becomes “more efficient and less costly.” But in order for that to happen, those in the healthcare industry need to work on their management and leadership skills. And it is this that was the focus of the conference.

The annual Leadership and Management in Geriatrics (LMG) Conference was sponsored by SCAN Health Plan, in conjunction with the California Geriatric Education Center and the UCLA Academic Geriatric Resource Center.