Free and Unbiased Information Blog Focused on Helping The Aging

Recovering from a surgical procedure can take time, especially for older adults. Not only do aging bodies take longer to heal, but together with reduced mobility and a multitude of directions for medications, physical activities, follow-up appointments, and dietary restrictions, there is a lot to keep track of after a hospitalization. Recent research conducted by IPC, The Hospitalist Company revealed that nearly one out of five discharged patients required assistance in at least one area that had the potential to affect their recovery. Other similar studies have shown that bringing in professional home care assistance during the transition from hospital to home actually reduces hospital readmissions. As the premier provider of elder care in Denton, TX and the surrounding area, Heaven at Home Senior Care is here to help seniors with safe transitions home from the hospital by providing trusted in-home care to help with recovery. We can begin with post-discharge planning soon after ho...

Has your head ever been filled with one single thought, or a string of thoughts, that just keep repeating… and repeating… and repeating themselves? Obsessive thinking can be adaptive, when it is directed toward healthy goals and real problems with attainable solutions. But for many people, this process breaks down. We’re here to talk about the other side of obsessive thinking: obsessive rumination. The process of continuously thinking about the same thoughts, which tend to be sad or gloomy, is called rumination. Rumination is focused on past events. It is a preoccupation with perceived mistakes, losses, slights, actions taken or not taken, opportunities forever lost. The feelings associated with obsessive rumination are guilt, regret, anger and envy. Rumination is often accompanied by harsh judgments, criticism, grudges, toward both self and others, and the overwhelming belief that if things had only been different then existing and future misery could have been avoided. ...

June  being  Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month  gives  us  an  opportunity  to learn more  about this fatal disease that more than 5.8 million Americans age 65 and older are living with,  according to the  Alzheimer’s Association .  The nonprofit research organization  estimate s  that 13.8 million people age 65 and older are projected to have Alzheimer’s dementia  by 2050.   It’s  difficult to face such sobering numbers let alone talk about them, but having a conversation about the brain, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is exactly what’s needed to combat this enemy. Know that  all of us—s enior s ,  adult daughters and sons who  have an aging loved one in  our  li ves , someone who wants to know how to avoid Alzheimer’s or another dementia —can  help to end this epidemic by learning more, sharing what you know with others and adopting healthy practices that might...

The coronavirus pandemic has brought to light the realities of long-term care (LTC) facilities in Canada. The companies that own many of these facilities, that we trust to provide care to our most vulnerable, are being called out, deservedly or not, for making millions of dollars in profits while allowing residents to live in deplorable conditions. Cockroach infestations, rotting food, and patients spending endless hours in soiled beds are just some of the things reported by military personnel called in by our government to assist in these homes. They alleged that shocking conditions and practices within these facilities has allowed Covid-19 to spread like wildfire, resulting in over 1,600 resident deaths in Ontario homes alone. Issues in long-term care are not new It was recently announced that Ontario’s ombudsman is launching an investigation into the province’s oversight of LTC homes during the pandemic, Unfortunately, the state of long-term care has been an oversight since well...

Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging. Sometimes they are alert and oriented, and other times they are confused and irritable . And some days they may be somewhere in between. But they are family, and you love them in good times and bad. Alzheimer’s can make communicating more difficult depending on your aging parent’s current state of mind. It can be frustrating when they don’t want to do what you ask, have trouble following directions or answering questions, or start talking about something that happened a long time ago, or never happened at all. Being calm, patient, and empathetic is essential. When talking to a loved one with Alzheimer’s, here are a few considerations to keep in mind: Give them time to answer. When you ask a question, make sure it is simple and straightforward, then give your loved one some time to think about their answer and formulate a response. Rushing them can make them feel more flustered and confused. You may be a...

Head injuries can take their toll on seniors due to their debilitating effects. Luckily, older adults can use protective headgear and take other steps for safety. Let’s take a look at ways you can ensure head protection for seniors. Consequences of Head Injuries When the elderly fall and hit their heads on hard surfaces or experience other types of trauma, they can endure severe consequences. These include : Acute subdural hematoma: A blood vessel tears and blood collects between the dura and surface of the brain. This injury usually occurs during whiplash and typically causes unconsciousness. Chronic subdural hematoma: Unlike the acute version, symptoms develop gradually over 1-6 weeks, accumulating in small, separate bleeding episodes. Concussion: Symptoms can include memory loss, coordination problems, ringing in the ears, seizures, sleepiness, dizziness, and vomiting. Epidural hematoma: Blood collects in the space between the skull and the dura. This hematoma can expand...

Home is everyone’s comfortable place, and the need to be home when you are sick is more than ever. While this is a universal truth, it becomes a kind of necessity for the older adults. With age, one prefers to stay, eat, and be at home. However, seasonal flu’s, a sudden fall or fluctuating BP levels, leave the elderly with little choice but to visit the doctor’s clinic or hospital. Going to the doctor despite mobility concerns or transportation constraints often leaves them miserable. Aggravating the concerns is the present spread of COVID-19. It is more complicated than before to go to the hospital or doctor even for routine check-ups. The elderly are vulnerable, especially if they already have any chronic health conditions. Doctor-On-Call at Samvedna If your children are not in town or you are not convinced about taking public transport and going to the doctor, don’t worry, Samvedna senior citizen care at home will have you covered with the doctor-on-call service. You can opt for ...