Can a Doctor Tell Your Parent What They Will Expect with Parkinson’s Disease?

August 1, 2018 By David Goldenberg

As a family caregiver, when your aging parent receives a diagnosis of a serious health issues such as Parkinson’s disease, your first instinct is likely to ask what to expect. You immediately want as much information as you possibly can get about what your parent is going through right in this moment, as well as what they will face in the days, weeks, months, and even years to come. While preparing yourself for the progression of the disease is an important element of giving your senior the type of care they need, it may not as easy as asking a doctor what to expect.

Home Care in Abington PA: Understanding the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease

The truth is, a doctor is not able to see ahead into the progression of the disease and accurately predict what your parent will face, and when. Every person who suffers from Parkinson’s disease will experience the progression of the disease in their own personal way. This means no doctor can accurately predict exactly what they will go through, and the pace at which they will progress through the stages of the disease. That being said, there is a general process of progression through the disease that people suffering Parkinson’s tend to follow. Broken into five stages, the progression generally follows a pattern of increased symptoms and challenges. Talking to their doctor about these stages can help your senior, and you, better understand the disease and how they might progress. This can give you a list of symptoms to look for that might indicate your senior is progressing to a further stage of disease, and allows you to take steps now that will prepare you for the future challenges of caring for your senior.

It can be challenging to face all of the needs of an elderly adult. This is especially true if that senior is living with a serious medical condition, such as Parkinson’s disease. Fortunately, taking on the role of being a family caregiver does not mean having to do it all on your own. Home care is there for you. Introducing an in-home senior care services provider into your care routine with your aging parent can be an invaluable way to boost the effectiveness of the care services you give them, enhance their quality of life, and also ease your stress to support your own health and well-being as your senior ages. When it comes to caring for an adult with a serious health issue, a home care provider can help your parent to follow through with the guidelines given to them by their doctor, including helping them make good lifestyle choices, preparing healthy meals and snacks, encouraging physical activity, and providing medication reminders to keep them compliant with their doctor’s instructions.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Abington, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Source

http://parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Causes-and-Statistics/Statistics

8 Things You Should Know After Stroke

July 25, 2018 By David Goldenberg

Strokes happen suddenly in older adults, leaving families to deal with an aftermath they are not prepared for. The first step in helping your aging relative to recover from a stroke is to learn as much about stroke and what to expect as possible. Below are 8 post-stroke facts to get you started.

Senior Care in Villanova PA: Things to Know After a Stroke

1. Stroke Survivors Are at Risk for a Second Stroke.

People who have had a stroke are at a higher risk for having another. The National Stroke Association says that around 795,000 people in the U.S. have strokes each year. Of those, 185,000 are a second stroke. Because of the high risk, it’s important to take steps to prevent another, like ensuring the senior eats a healthy diet, takes their medication, and exercises.

2. Some Races Are at an Even Higher Risk for a Second Stroke.

Studies show that people who are African American or Hispanic are at greater risk of having another stroke than Caucasians. One study showed that people who had a specific kind of stroke, called a bleeding stroke, had a second stroke at the following rate:

Caucasians: 1.7 percent.
Hispanics: 6.1 percent.
African Americans: 6.6 percent.

3. Stroke Rehabilitation Should Start Quickly.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic say that patients should begin rehabilitation as soon after a stroke as possible for the best results. In fact, your aging relative might start their rehabilitation program before they even get out of the hospital.

4. Stroke Recovery Takes Time.

Although the biggest gains are typically seen in the first four months after a stroke, it is possible for the senior’s condition to continue to improve for as long as two years after a stroke.

5. Stroke Survivors Often Become Depressed.

It’s not uncommon for people who have had a stroke to suffer from depression. Between 30 and 50 percent of stroke survivors experience depression. Watch for signs of depression and report them to the doctor.

6. Stroke Rehabilitation Requires a Team.

After a stroke, your older family member will likely be assigned a team of people to help with their recovery, including physical and occupational therapists, a speech therapist, a social worker, doctors, and nurses.

7. Support from Friends and Family Impacts Recovery.

The Mayo Clinic says there are several factors that impact how well a person recovers after a stroke. One of those things is the support system around them. Friends and family who provide assistance and encouragement can make a big difference.

8. Senior Care Can Complete the Support System.

Senior care can provide your loved one with another layer of support. Senior care providers can be hired through an agency to come to the older adult’s home to assist them throughout their recovery. Senior care providers can remind them to take their medication, assist with rehabilitation activities, and help them with personal care, like dressing and grooming.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Villanova, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Sources

http://www.strokesmart.org/Blacks-Hispanics

http://www.stroke.org/we-can-help/survivors/stroke-recovery/first-steps-recovery/preventing-another-stroke

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/LifeAfterStroke/ForFamilyCaregivers/CaringforYourLovedOne/15-Things-Caregivers-Should-Know-After-a-Loved-One-Has-Had-a-Stroke_UCM_310762_Article.jsp#.W04H3dJKjIU

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/in-depth/stroke-rehabilitation/art-20045172

How Can Elder Care Help a Senior with Migraines?

June 28, 2018 By David Goldenberg

If you are a family caregiver for one of the approximately 38 million people throughout the United States who are currently living with migraines, you know that this condition can bring with it many different symptoms and struggles for your senior. This can be difficult not just for their physical health, but for their mental and emotional well-being as well. Fortunately, starting elder care for them can be extremely beneficial in supplementing the care you already give them to ensure their needs are met, they manage their condition well, and they can pursue the quality of life they deserve.

Elder Care in Worcester PA: Helping Seniors with Migraines

Some ways elder care can help a senior with migraines include:

Medication reminders. If your aging parent has been prescribed medications for their migraines, it is important that they remain compliant with when to take them, and how. A care provider can offer your parent reminders to ensure they stay compliant so they can get the benefits their doctor intends for them.
Meal preparation. Eating a healthy diet is an important part of staying healthy, and can also reduce the frequency with which your aging parent experiences migraines. Eating the right foods, avoiding any food-related triggers such as additives and preserved foods, and maintaining a healthy weight all help to prevent migraines. For those seniors in the midst of a migraine, meal preparation can also allow them to rest rather than trying to get up to cook.
Assistance with household tasks. In the days before, during, and even after a migraine, your parent is likely to experience lack of energy and sensitivity. The symptoms of the attack may also reduce their ability to handle basic daily tasks such as tidying, dishes, and laundry. A care provider can handle these for your senior so they can focus on resting and recovering.
Monitoring symptoms. Most often migraines do not require medical attention. If your parent experiences a sudden, intense headache, severe symptoms, or other challenges an elder care provider can be there for your parent to monitor their symptoms, and ensure if there is any change or emergency, they can alert you immediately so you can decide what needs to be done next.

Helping your aging parent cope with their migraines isn’t the only way an elderly home care services provider can help your parent. This type of professional care can be invaluable for your senior whether they have only mild needs or more extensive challenges. The personalized care of an elderly care provider can help your parent to save their energy for activities beyond caring for their home, provide support to engage in more activity, particularly if they are dealing with mobility issues, and even make it easier for them to pursue a healthier lifestyle through efforts such as encouraging exercise and preparation of healthy meals and snacks.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Worcester, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Sources

https://migraine.com/migraine-statistics/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201

How Can You Help Your Senior Determine What Makes Breathing More Difficult?

June 7, 2018 By David Goldenberg

If your elderly family member has lung issues or COPD, then it’s crucial to know what makes her have more problems breathing. When you have that information, you can do as much as possible to avoid those triggers.

Home Care in Bryn Mawr PA: Helping Your Senior Breathe Easier

Look at Common Triggers.

Most people with lung diseases or COPD experience some of the same triggers that make breathing worse. Chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, pollution, and fragrances usually tend to top the list. But your family member might also be sensitive to high humidity or dust and mold. It’s important to note that being stressed or anxious can also be a trigger for breathing problems.

Keep a Breathing Diary.

If you’re starting from scratch with determining your elderly family member’s breathing triggers, a breathing diary makes everything much easier. What you’re going to want to track first is how your family member is breathing at different times of day. From there, track what she’s eating, drinking, and what is happening when she notices that she’s having trouble breathing.

Include Times of Day.

It’s really important to include the time of day when you or your elderly family member updates the breathing diary. You may start to notice that situations that don’t cause problems in the morning are more difficult for your family member later in the day. This could be because she feels stronger and less stressed in the morning, but by afternoon she’s more tired and less able to deal with certain triggers. Time of day can therefore be seen as a trigger of sorts.

Take the Info to Your Senior’s Doctor.

Once you’ve collected a good bit of data, your aging adult’s doctor can use it to look a little more at how her environment is impacting her ability to breathe. Some of that information can also help her doctor to see how well her medications are helping her to breathe. From there, you can develop a better plan to help your aging adult.

Learn How to Avoid Triggers.

The more you understand the triggers that cause worsened breathing for your senior, the easier it is for you and other people to help her avoid them. If cleaning products or dust create issues for your senior, then it might be time to hire home care providers to take over those tasks for her.

Avoiding triggers is so much easier when you are aware of them. Your family member’s triggers may change as her health changes, too, so it’s important to periodically revisit this process. Each time you can learn even more about what helps your family member to breathe better.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Bryn Mawr, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

How Long Does Stroke Recovery Take?

May 24, 2018 By David Goldenberg

When your aging parent has suffered a severe medical event such as a stroke, your first thoughts are of getting them through the initial risk. You then start thinking about their recovery and how soon they can reclaim their health and move forward with their life. Having an idea of how long it will take for your aging parent to recover from their stroke not only lets you plan care, and gives you something to look forward to, but it can also eliminate wondering how well your parent is responding to care and support. This can let you determine if they may need further care to help them respond better, and get through the recovery more efficiently.

Elder Care in Berwyn PA: How Long Does Stroke Recovery Take?

You likely hope your parents medical team will be able to give you a clear timeline for just how long it will take your parent to recover, as well as individual milestones that they will reach throughout the recovery. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Recovery from a stroke is a very personal experience, and your parent will recover on their own timeline, and at their own pace. Because each person is an individual, and goes into the stroke recovery process with their own health issues, as well as other factors that go into how they will respond to stroke care, the recovery process must be approached in an individual way.

This does not mean that the doctor will not be able to give your senior recovery goals, or help you to understand the basic timeline. It is important to realize, however, that your parent’s individual needs, and their individual pace of recovery should be respected and supported in order for them to get the most benefit from each aspect of their care. The most rapid improvements will likely occur in the earliest hours, days, and weeks after your parent suffers a stroke. After that, improvements will slow down, and they may even experience setbacks. It is extremely important that you stay in close contact with the medical team to discuss each stage of the recovery and, and make sure your parent is making improvements. The doctor may be able to identify other ways to enhance their recovery, and improve their health.

Starting elder care can be one of the most beneficial, effective, and meaningful decisions that you can make throughout the course of your caregiver journey with your senior adult. The highly personalized services of an elderly home care services provider can ensure that your parent gets the support, care, and assistance they need to live the healthiest, safest, and most comfortable lifestyle possible as they age in place while also supporting greater independence. This can be particularly meaningful if your senior has recently suffered a serious medical condition such as a stroke. This care provider can help your parent understand the treatment and prescription guidelines given by their doctor to support compliance, encourage them to eat a healthier diet, support a more active lifestyle, and give them the companionship and emotional care that will help them live better throughout and after their recovery. Starting elder care for your aging parent should be part of your earliest planning after they suffer a stroke. The sooner you integrate this care into your care routine, the sooner your parent, and you, can enjoy the benefits.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Berwyn, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Source

https://www.strokesurvivorblog.com/

Can Dizziness be a Potential Sign of Parkinson’s Disease?

April 26, 2018 By David Goldenberg

Becoming suddenly dizzy or feeling dizzy when standing up can be frightening. For an elderly adult it can be particularly dangerous, potentially leading to a fall that can result in a serious injury. There are many reasons why your aging parent might experience some dizziness or feel faint when they first stand up from a chair. Certain medications can make it more likely that they will experience dizziness or feel faint, possibly even passing out. Your parent might also experience these feelings if they are dehydrated or have not eaten enough or enough of the right foods. They might also experience these feelings if they suffer from low blood pressure. While virtually everyone has moments when they feel dizzy or times when they stand up too fast and feel as though they might faint, if this happens to your aging parent frequently, it might be more than just these issues. This could be an indication of Parkinson’s disease.

Elderly Care in Dresher PA: Can Dizziness be a Potential Sign of Parkinson’s Disease?

Feeling dizzy or fainting are among the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease. This symptom is caused by low pressure that is frequently related to PD. If your aging parent experiences dizziness or fainting regularly, it could be dangerous. These feelings increase the chances that your parent will experience a fall, which could lead to a very serious injury, such as a broken hip. Seniors who fall, particularly those who are already living with a serious issue such as Parkinson’s disease, can suffer very severe consequences, including diminished quality of life, decreased mobility, and even increased risk for death. If your parent is struggling with these symptoms, attentive support from you and from an elderly care provider can reduce the impact and help keep your parent safer.

If you have been looking for a way to enhance your aging parent’s quality of life as they age in place, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elderly care for them. An elderly home care services provider can be in the home with your senior on a customized schedule that is right not just for their needs, but also for the amount of care that you give them on a regular basis. This means that they will have access to all of the care, support, and assistance that they need while also easing your stress and ensuring that you can focus on the other aspects of your life as well. These services can include safe and reliable transportation, medication reminders, assistance with personal care tasks, support for activities of daily living, companionship, meal preparation, and more.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Dresher, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Source

http://parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-warning-signs

What Causes Blood Sugar Spikes?

March 21, 2018 By David Goldenberg

When a person has diabetes, it can cause their blood sugar levels (also called blood glucose levels) to rise to an unhealthy level. In healthy people, the hormone insulin allows the body to use glucose for energy. But, when a person has diabetes, their body either does not produce enough insulin or it cannot use insulin properly. This is what causes blood sugar levels to get too high. Understanding what can make blood sugar rise can help to better manage diabetes in your elderly family member. Below are some foods that can cause blood sugar spikes.

Elderly Care in King of Prussia PA: What Causes Blood Sugar Spikes?

Bagels.

Managing diabetes involves watching the carbohydrates that the diabetic consumes. Bread, of course, is a major source of carbs. But, people are often surprised to find out that the kind of bread product a person eats makes a difference. Bagels are a perfect example. The average 4.5-inch diameter bagel contains more carbs than a glazed donut! There are about 294 calories and 58 grams of carbs in a bagel that size. In comparison, an English muffin contains only 140 calories and 27 grams of carbs. If the older adult enjoys bagels, consider getting mini bagels or serving just half a bagel.

Sugary Drinks.

Its best to avoid soda and other sugary drinks. That includes sports drinks. Sports drinks might be great for helping the body to re-hydrate, but they also contain a lot of carbs. The average sports drink has as much as 19 grams of carbs in an 8-ounce serving. When your aging family member is thirsty, reach for water or an unsweetened beverage again.

Some Fruits.

Fruits contain sugar, but some kinds of fruit contain more than others. In fact, the same kind of fruit can have more sugar in one form than in another. For example, a serving of 10 fresh grapes (about 1.75 ounces) has 34 calories and 8 grams of sugar. Now, take those grapes and turn them into raisins and a 1.5 ounce serving has 129 calories and 15 grams of sugar.

Fatty Foods.

Fatty foods can contribute to blood sugar spikes because they take a long time for the body to digest. As a result, they can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. It’s okay for diabetics to eat fatty foods in moderation, just be sure to make up for it in other food eaten that day.

Concerned about sugar spikes in your diabetic family member? Elderly care can help your senior to avoid them. An elderly care provider can make meals that stick to the established meal plan. They can also monitor the amount of carbs the senior is eating and help them to make better choices. Elderly care providers can even help to plan meals and take the older adult shopping for healthy ingredients that will help keep blood sugar levels under control.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in King of Prussia, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Sources

https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/living-with/foods-that-spike-blood-sugar/

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/foods-drinks-blood-sugar-swings#1

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317215.php

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/type-2-diabetes-care/everyday-things-spike-blood-sugar-pictures/#03

Is Arrhythmia a Serious Condition?

March 15, 2018 By David Goldenberg

When many people think about serious heart conditions the first thing that they think about is a heart attack. They may also think about stroke or cardiac arrest. As a family caregiver it is important that you recognize that these are not the only serious heart issues that your parent may face, and that they do not always appear independently. They can be caused by other conditions, making it essential that you understand the risks that your parent is facing and help them to make the right choices regarding their ongoing health management.

Senior Care in Abington PA: Heart Arrhythmia

One condition that may seem more of a nuisance than a true problem but that can, in fact, be very serious is arrhythmia. This term is used to describe a condition that causes the heart rhythm to become uneven or irregular. This can mean beating too fast, too slow, or erratically. While there are some instances when this can be mild and not cause serious problems, in other circumstances it can be severe. Arrhythmia negatively impacts the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body, and in cases of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, the erratic heart rhythm can become so severe that the heart trembles and is unable to pump blood at all. This can result in your parents fainting or even experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Long periods of time without sufficient blood flow throughout the body can result in damage to the organs and reduction of other functions. Arrhythmia can also dramatically increase the risk of stroke.

If your elderly parent suffers arrhythmia, it is very important that you work closely with their medical team to understand what they are facing and what you can do to help reduce these risks and protect your parents from potentially severe consequences of their heart rhythm disorder.

Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them during the course of your caregiver journey with them. A senior home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure that your parent has access to the level of care, support, and assistance that is right for them. This means that they are able to address their individual needs, challenges, and limitations in ways that are efficient, meaningful, and respectful of their beliefs, opinions, lifestyle, and goals. These services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with personal care needs, fulfillment of activities of daily living, mobility support, help with housekeeping tasks, meal preparation, companionship, and more. As their caregiver this can give you tremendous peace of mind knowing that they can pursue the highest quality of life both when you are with them and when they are with their care provider.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Abington, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Source

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Conditions_UCM_001087_SubHomePage.jsp

What is an Eye Stroke?

February 22, 2018 By David Goldenberg

The American Heart Association reports that one-third of people who experience an eye stroke receive follow-up care to determine their risk for having a more serious stroke. Yet, one percent of people who have eye strokes go on to have a regular stroke in just 90 days. Some experts believe that eye strokes aren’t always reported. Part of the problem may be that people don’t always recognize what is going on. Knowing more about eye strokes could help to ensure an older adult receives the care they need.

Home Care in Worcester PA: What is an Eye Stroke?

What Happens During an Eye Stroke?

You may hear an eye stroke referred to as a retinal artery occlusion. An eye stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the retina becomes blocked or narrows so that blood flow is restricted. This means that the retina isn’t getting enough blood. During an eye stroke, blood and fluid may flow out into the retina, causing swelling. This can quickly result in damage to the retina and a loss of vision.

What Are the Risk Factors?

The risk factors for an eye stroke are much the same as those for a regular stroke. If your aging relative has a history of the following conditions or has had a family member with one of them, they may be at greater risk:

Elevated cholesterol levels.
Chest pain.
Diabetes.
Hypertension.
Glaucoma.
Heart attack.
Stroke.
Atherosclerosis.

In addition to the above risk factors, a person’s age and gender can increase their risk. People in their 60’s have an elevated risk, and men are at greater risk than women.

What Are the Symptoms?

There is usually no pain associated with an eye stroke, but there are other signs. A change in vision that comes on rapidly is one sign to watch for. The person may suddenly see floaters or lose their peripheral vision. Or, their vision may become blurry or distorted. Sometimes a person having an eye stroke will suddenly lose vision in one eye. Sudden changes in vision should be treated as an emergency. If your older adult relative experiences a vision change, call 911.

People who are at risk for eye stroke or regular stroke can benefit from the assistance of home care. A home care provider can watch for signs of a stroke and call for emergency care if needed. If the older adult is taking medications to prevent stroke, a home care provider can remind them when it’s time to take their medicine. Home care providers can also remind older adults about upcoming medical appointments, and even drive them to the appointment.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Worcester, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Sources

https://news.heart.org/eye-stroke-patients-often-dont-get-proper-care/

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/eye-occlusions.htm

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317877.php

Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

February 15, 2018 By David Goldenberg

Awareness is one of the most important tools that you can use as a family caregiver to ensure that you are giving your aging loved one the care that they need to handle the challenges that they face as they age in place. One way that you can use this awareness is by educating yourself about the particular risks that they face so that you can detect when they’re saying they might be suffering from an illness or health challenge that could compromise their well-being, such as shingles. This potentially devastating virus affects approximately one million people throughout the United States each year and the risk for developing it increases with age. Identifying the signs and symptoms of the illness allows you to ensure that your parent gets the medical attention that they need as soon as possible so that they can reduce the severity and help to minimize the potential complication and consequences.

Elderly Care in Lafayette Hill PA: Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

Some of the signs and symptoms of shingles include:

Pain.
Burning.
Tingling.
Numbness.
Sensitivity to touch.
Red rash that develops within a few days of the pain.
Rash that contains fluid-filled blisters that then burst and crust over.
Itching.
Headache.
Fever.
Fatigue.
Sensitivity to light.

The rash can develop on any area of the body but most commonly occurs on the torso. If it develops on the face it can move toward the eye and lead to serious complications including vision loss. It is very important if you notice any of these symptoms in your aging parent that you get them to the doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and to begin the type of treatment that would be right for them.

If your aging parent has been struggling with challenges that you do not feel you can meet, your schedule is too busy for you to give them the level of care that they need, you struggle with your own limitations that keep you from giving them adequate care, or you simply feel that they would benefit from more diversified care and attention, now may be the ideal time for you to start elderly care for them. Through elderly care your aging parent can manage their challenges and limitations, seek a more active and engaged lifestyle, and maintain as much independence as possible as they age in place. The services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with personal care needs, help with keeping the home clean and tidy, meal preparation, and companionship to support mental and emotional health and well-being.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Lafayette Hill, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054

https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/overview.html

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Can a Doctor Tell Your Parent What They Will Expect with Parkinson’s Disease?

8 Things You Should Know After Stroke

How Can Elder Care Help a Senior with Migraines?

How Can You Help Your Senior Determine What Makes Breathing More Difficult?

How Long Does Stroke Recovery Take?

Can Dizziness be a Potential Sign of Parkinson’s Disease?

What Causes Blood Sugar Spikes?

Is Arrhythmia a Serious Condition?

What is an Eye Stroke?

Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

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