Home Health Phoenix enables seniors to live happy, healthy, and independent lives in their own homes.

Seniors are often affected by diabetes. Millions of seniors have the condition, and many more develop it as they age. Type 1 diabetes is serious and requires daily injections of insulin. This is because the pancreas is no longer functioning properly and is not producing insulin for the body. Type 1 diabetes can be managed and patients usually enjoy a normal and long life. Below is a list that provides some useful facts about Type 1 diabetes.

1. Those with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. Without insulin, the patient will not survive. It is important to find out exactly how much insulin is needed to control blood sugar levels.

2. The onset of Type 1 happens rapidly. The warning signs of the development of type 1 diabetes include increased blood sugar levels, increased urination and thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and fatigue. If any of these symptoms are noticed, contact a doctor as soon as possible.

3. It is important to test blood sugar levels regularly. These levels allow patients to monitor their diabetes and can tell them how much insulin they need to control the levels. It is best to test before meals, a few hours after meals and before bedtime.

4. A regular diet is important, but so is the time meals are eaten. Many diabetics have to eat at the same time every day to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

5. A healthy life style will help the battle with Type 1 diabetes. Work with doctors to find a regime that works best and stick to it. Once your diabetes is under control, you will lead a normal life.

Source: diabetes.about.com

Image: diabetic-forum.net

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

High blood pressure is a serious disorder that can be the cause of other health problems. At Home Health Phoenix we care for a number of seniors and know the importance being aware of all symptoms that are associated with high blood pressure. Below is a list that provides symptoms that may signify that high blood pressure has affected other parts of the body.

1. High blood pressure is the primary risk factor for heart attack and stroke. It can also cause kidney damage, blindness and heart disease.

2. The symptoms of high blood pressure can be different for each person. Some seniors will never experience any symptoms. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, headaches and fatigue.

3. If the heart has been affected, the following symptoms may be present: chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and dizzy spells.

4. If the kidneys are affected by high blood pressure, patients may experience frequent urination, urinary tract infections, pain in the lower abdomen, increased glucose and protein in the urine or blood.

5. Should high blood pressure affect your eyes, you will experience loss of vision, blurred vision, headaches or double vision.

6. Malignant hypertension is caused by the rapid onset of high blood pressure and may cause shortness of breath, severe headaches, nausea, chest pain, confusion or seizures.

7. Talk to your doctor if any symptoms are present. Then work on a solution to lower your blood pressure, either by diet changes, medications, exercise or a combination of all three.

Source: hearthealthyonline.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

No one enjoys being sick, especially with the flu. Seniors tend to face additional challenges with the illness. As a senior caregiver, you can easily give your elderly loved one some helpful advice towards staying out of the flu’s radar.

• Wash Your Hands—The simple act of cleaning your hands can prevent germs from spreading or reaching your senior. Encourage your senior to wash their hands or carry hand sanitizer.

• Avoid People Who Are Sick—As much as a senior may love to see their grandchildren or children, if any party is sick, it is best to just stay out of close contact until no longer contagious.

• Stay in Bed—If you are a sick senior, try to not push yourself by going out on errands. Not only can rest help a senior recover faster, but you will also prevent others from getting sick.

• Sleep, Exercise, and Eat Healthy—Some of the best ways to fight the flu can easily be by getting a full night’s sleep, being active, and eating foods and drinking liquids beneficial to your health.

• Keep your hands out of your eyes, nose and mouth—One of the most common ways germs can spread is by rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth after touching a doorknob or other item that is contaminated.

• Cover Your Nose and Mouth—When sneezing or coughing, it is always better to cover your mouth and nose to prevent your flu-like symptoms from spreading to others.

Source: cdc.gov

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Particularly with the winter months here, and ice and snow hitting cooler climates in the United States, falling is an even bigger concern of many seniors. Unfortunately, for those with chronic pain, the risks of falling are increased by as much as 50%. Seniors need to learn to cope with chronic pain from their personal perspective and address these issues with their doctor as well.

1. Keep a pain journal – using a calendar or day planner to rate the level of pain felt each day creates a document of the consistency and frequency of the pain and can help identify other factors that might contribute to it. Seniors can rate their pain on a scale from 1 to 10 in their journal

2. Be persistent – doctors don’t always take a senior’s complaint of pain seriously. Some may feel that the older adult is simply complaining, others may not think it’s as serious because some seniors downplay their experiences. Seniors suffering from chronic pain need to be honest, and persistent to make their doctor understand

3. Understand triggers – if specific activities make the pain worse or physical temperatures outdoors, seniors should record this and adjust their activities to reduce the instances

4. Get on with life – chronic pain can cause seniors to withdraw and avoid all activity. They should continue with activities that they enjoy and maintain a physical routine

Via: Chronic Pain Support

Image Source: sxc.hu

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

If you have an elderly loved one, you should become familiar with the risks associated with hypertension. This disease also known as high blood pressure can be responsible for creating other health issues. Many times, patients will suffer a stroke or heart attack as a direct result of untreated hypertension. All patients should have their blood pressure monitored each year, regardless of age. Elderly patients should be monitored more closely. The following are risk factors that are associated with this fatal disease, as well as some ways to reduce the risk of hypertension.

• Diets that contain high amounts of salt. Studies have indicated that the reduction of daily salt intake will lower the blood pressure. Low sodium diets are highly recommended for most elderly patients.

• High levels of alcohol intake. If you, or an elderly family member, consume high amounts of alcohol on a daily basis, the risk of the development of hypertension is increased.

• Past family history of high blood pressure. It is important to be aware of any family member who has been diagnosed with hypertension. The disease does run in families and can be transferred genetically, even if the patient does not live a lifestyle that includes any other risks.

• Obesity. It has been proven that hypertension affects obese individuals more often than those who maintain a normal weight.

• Individuals with an African American heritage will be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure.

Source: thedoctorwillseeyounow.com

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Flu season is here, and while some seniors have let their guard down against the swine flu due to knowledge that they’re not in the greatest risk group, people 65 and older still need to make sure they safeguard themselves against H1N1. Seniors with existing health issues in particular are at greater risk for developing complications as a result of the illness which can have devastating results.

Those who should be especially aware of potential H1N1 warning signs include those seniors who have health conditions like blood disorders, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, as well as neurological and neuromuscular disorders that can cause weakened immune systems.  Warning signs that all seniors should be on the look out for are outlined below, and those who have these symptoms should immediately seek a doctor’s attention:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

There’s no way to prevent H1N1 indefinitely, but all seniors should take the following steps to help safeguard themselves from the virus:

• Wash hands often or use alcohol based hand sanitizers that don’t require water

• Get plenty of rest to increase the immune system; ensure you get enough sleep on a nightly basis

• If recovering from surgery or another illness, focus on recovery. Hire a professional care agency or talk to a family member to step in to help out around the home so you can decrease your stress and get plenty of rest

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

If you’re looking to hire a professional caregiver to help provide care for an elderly loved one, you need an agency that’s going to provide you with more than just the basics; you need a caregiver who will ensure that your loved one is safe and protected at all times. When interviewing prospective caregivers or talking to agencies, make sure that they have procedures in place to address the following areas:

1. Be aware of changes – seniors who are experiencing health changes, financial difficulty or other problems might begin to act differently. Often seniors who are experiencing problems might not be open about them due to embarrassment, but caregivers can speak with other family members if they notice anything unusual while spending time with their senior clients

2. Help address financial need – while it’s not a caregiver’s responsibility to pry into a senior’s finances, they can identify problems. If stacks of mail are piling up or collections calls are being received in the senior’s home, it’s possible bills aren’t getting paid. Again, a caregiver can approach this issue gently with the senior’s family, and suggest that a Power of Attorney be used if the issue appears to be that bad

3. Dispose of sensitive information – assist seniors by suggesting that they shred bills or other information that could compromise their safety

4. Know who is making healthcare decisions – caregivers should ensure that they have the contact information on hand for the family member or other individual for making these important decisions in case of a medical emergency

5. Suggest an advanced directive or living will – to help seniors secure their future wishes, suggest an advanced directive or living will so that their medical needs are fulfilled according to what they want

6. Determine how expenses will be paid – if the caregiver will be responsible for household purchases on behalf of the senior, it should be determined how this will be managed. Signed checks can be provided, seniors can open an expense account that the caregiver has access to, or if all expenses will be paid in cash provided

7. Be wary of strangers – caregivers should be wary of new friends that come into senior’s lives, especially if they are from a different generation. Seniors can become victims of scams because they are anxious to curb their loneliness with new social opportunities. With this in mind, caregivers should also work with seniors to investigate any charitable organizations or other causes seniors are thinking or donating to before a transaction is made

8. Provide a safe environment – in all circumstances, senior caregivers from a franchise should be responsible for identifying potential hazards in the household and ensuring that they are addressed to put their senior care recipient’s safety first.

Via: Keeping Seniors Safe

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Most women only have mammograms once every year, but in this time, anything can happen, so all women should examine their breasts on a monthly basis, especially if they are over the age of 40 or in their senior years. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery, so here are the steps that all women should know for breast cancer awareness month:

1. Remove all clothing and undergarments from your upper body

2. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms up and behind your head. Flex your hips and your chest muscles and be on the lookout for anything unusual

3. Lying down, place a pillow under your left shoulder and your left arm behind your head. Use your right hand to examine your breast, working your way around in circles from the outside in

4. Repeat the same steps for the right breast

5. During all stages of your self-breast examination, you want to look for the following:

• Lumps that have not previously been examined by a doctor. They don’t need to be sore or have any particular feeling in order to require medical attention

• Changes in the skin texture anywhere on the breast

• Thickening of the breasts

• One breast which is lower than the other, or one which is larger that seems to have changed size

• Unusual discharge from nipples that is sticky or bloody

Via: Family Doctor

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

This might not be the first time that you’ve heard that fish is brain food, but a recent study has the evidence to substantiate it, and these are results you don’t want to miss if you’re a senior or approaching older adulthood. According to this study, if you eat fish even a couple of times a week, you can decrease your likelihood of Alzheimer’s or dementia by up to 20%! If you currently don’t have a diet that incorporates fish and the Omega 3 fatty acids that result in these benefits, here are some tips to adopt a diet for your brain.

1. Start slowly – you don’t need to overhaul your diet right away, start incorporating fish high in omega 3’s like salmon, tuna and sardines into your diet a couple of times per week

2. Make fish burgers – since red meat can increase the chances of dementia, replace traditional burger patties with tuna or salmon burgers. Buy them pre-made or create your own from steaks or canned fish

3. Put them on the grill – not only meat is good for barbequing, buy fish steaks, or make fish kabobs on the grill. Make sure you choose fish that won’t fall apart when cooked, like tuna or salmon

4. Buy canned – there’s nothing wrong with using canned tuna, salmon or other types of seafood for a fast lunch or snack. Put it over salad, on crackers, or make a sandwich on multi-grain bread, but make sure you use little or no mayo to reduce the bad fats!

Sources:

1. CogniFit

2. International Food Information Council

Image: squidoo.com

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

I’m a geriatric specialist in a Phoenix clinic, and we see a large number of seniors who are dealing with the symptoms of stress; from insomnia to more serious health effects. Older adulthood comes with a large number of stresses naturally, but there are some, like choice of place to live that can reduce the effects. Believe it or not, some places to live are more stressful than others, and not only when comparing a tropical town to an urban environment. When choosing a place to retire, we suggest that seniors look at the following factors of living:

1. Population and crowding – consider the population density in the area is the more likely it becomes that there can be crime, petty problems between neighbors, and other factors that can influence your overall quality of life. If you’re looking for a quieter retreat where you can relax in privacy, avoid cities like Chicago (ranked the most stressful place to live) where crowding is high.

2. Employment – even in retirement, the level of unemployment in your area can affect your quality of life. You don’t need to be in the workforce for it to have an impact! Unemployment rates attest to the overall state of the economy.

3. Air quality and weather – the air quality can affect your overall health, which greatly impacts your quality of life, as well as your finances. Also choose a climate that brings you the most enjoyment.

4. Home values – with rising interest costs and decreasing home values, it can be a worry that you might lose your home in older adulthood or find it unaffordable. Low home values can also mean little equity when it comes time to sell. Choose a place to live where home values seem to be higher and holding strong.

Image: gotoretirement.com

Via: Yahoo! Real Estate

Home Health in Greater Phoenix & Home Health in Central Phoenix helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.