As the body ages, it naturally loses bone density and muscle mass. Endurance exercises help maintain and strengthen muscles, reduce the risk of falls in older individuals and can help reduce symptoms related to depression, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and back pain, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Before starting a new exercise routine or helping someone do exercises, consult with a physician to make sure it does not pose a health risk.
For many common diseases of the eye, a person’s risk level increases with age. Vision impairment or loss, whether gradual or sudden, can raise fresh injury hazards in everyday activities and threaten independence. As a consequence, visibility and safety are important considerations with respect to home care for seniors.
The most common global cause of blindness is cataracts, which develop slowly over time. The second-most common cause is glaucoma, a more rapid form that accounts for about 1 in 10 cases of blindness in the United States. For National Glaucoma Awareness Month this January, learn what you can do about vision loss and how in home occupational therapy can bring safety tips and quality-of-life gains aimed at longer aging in place. (more…)
TROY, MI, November 22, 2015 – Residential Home Health and Residential Hospice, Troy, MI-based providers of in-home healthcare and hospice services and subsidiaries of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC), are pleased to announce that they have been named as winners of the Detroit Free Press Top Workplace award for the fifth consecutive year.
The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, among them Alignment, Execution, and Connection. (more…)
Some health concerns require the kind of life-saving medical care and urgency that the 911 service is designed for, but others may not. When a loved one needs prompt medical care, consider these points. But if you’re ever in doubt, 911 emergency services are there to help you make the right choice for your loved one.
Every medical-related 911 call gets a response from the fire department and an ambulance company. Ambulance response and transportation is expensive, costing thousands of dollars at a minimum, and the injured person is expected to pay that expense (which Medicare and private insurances may or may not help cover). Availability is another factor; each service area has a limited number of ambulances. If patients over-use 911 for medical transportation, then response times can lengthen and other people may not get the timely care they need.
Whether caused by glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, macular degeneration, side effects of regular medication, or other reasons, low vision affects many seniors. Impaired eyesight can interfere with leisure activities such as reading and watching television, which has the potential to disrupt day-to-day living, hinder engagement, and even lead to depression.
If you or your loved one is coping with low vision, know that there are resources available to help resume or continue these favorite pastimes. Read on for some common alternatives to traditional print and film media, and discover how consulting with an in-home occupational therapist may be your best resource of all. (more…)
The kitchen and bathroom rank among the most hazardous rooms of the home, yet they are essential to daily life — thus, when considering modifications for yourself or your loved one, these key areas deserve the utmost attention. The following suggestions are just some of the options available. With a better understanding of possible home risks and adjustments, as well as the guidance of an in-home occupational therapist, you can drastically improve not only your loved one’s safety from falls or other injuries, but also his or her independence and quality of life. (more…)
Pet ownership has been shown to have numerous benefits for emotional health and quality of life, especially in seniors. However, having a pet in the household can pose disadvantages and dangers that are also important to consider.Whether you or your loved one already has a trusty animal companion, or is merely considering bringing a pet into the home, adoption and caretaking decisions should always be carefully weighed. Read on to explore the risks and rewards of pet ownership for seniors, and learn how expert help and advice from an in-home occupational therapist can help ensure that the experience is a happy one. (more…)