While slipping on ice outdoors is a definite health hazard, fall prevention for the elderly starts right inside your own home. Correcting these common hazards will go a long way toward preventing falls.
By Wyatt Myers
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Whether it’s slippery floors, rickety stairs, or electrical cords on the floor, some of the most common causes of falls are actually in your own home, where you might have a false sense of security. That’s why fall prevention starts with creating a living space that’s safe.
Luckily, this doesn’t have to involve major home changes or a complete house remodel. You can make your home a safer place designed for fall prevention in the elderly with just a few basic changes.
Senior care experts offer the following advice for preventing falls at home:
Clean up clutter. The easiest method for preventing falls is to keep your home clean and tidy. Remove all clutter, such as stacks of old newspapers and magazines, especially from hallways and staircases.
Repair or remove tripping hazards. Sometimes, home fixtures can contribute to falls, which in turn lead to back pain and other injuries. Examine every room and hallway, looking for items such as loose carpet, slippery throw rugs, or wood floorboards that stick up. Then repair, remove, or replace those items for more effective fall prevention.
Install grab bars and hand rails. These safety devices are the keys to going up and down stairs, getting on and off the toilet, and in and out of the bathtub without injuring yourself. Gary Kaplan, DO, founder and medical director of the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine in McLean, Va., suggests installing grab bars by toilets and bathtubs and handrails in stairways and hallways for fall prevention in the elderly. Have a handyman or family member help with this, if needed.
Continue reading http://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/future-planning/prevent-falls-at-home.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthHealthyAging_20110131
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte, N.C.
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Aspirin May Cut Cancer Deaths, But Caution Urged
Lung, prostate and colon cancers were among those studied
by: Maria Cheng | from: Associated Press Online | December 7, 2010
LONDON, Dec. 7, 2010 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- A new report from British scientists suggests that long-term, low-dose aspirin use may modestly reduce the risk of dying of certain cancers, though experts warn the study isn't strong enough to recommend healthy people start taking a pill that can cause bleeding and other problems.
In a new observational analysis published online Tuesday in the medical journal Lancet, Peter Rothwell of the University of Oxford and colleagues looked at eight studies that included more than 25,000 patients and cut the risk of death from certain cancers by 20 percent. Continue reading: http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/news-12-2010/aspirin_may_cut_cancer_deaths_but_caution_urged.html?intcmp=dso-hp-ns
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte, N.C.
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by: Maria Cheng | from: Associated Press Online | December 7, 2010
LONDON, Dec. 7, 2010 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- A new report from British scientists suggests that long-term, low-dose aspirin use may modestly reduce the risk of dying of certain cancers, though experts warn the study isn't strong enough to recommend healthy people start taking a pill that can cause bleeding and other problems.
In a new observational analysis published online Tuesday in the medical journal Lancet, Peter Rothwell of the University of Oxford and colleagues looked at eight studies that included more than 25,000 patients and cut the risk of death from certain cancers by 20 percent. Continue reading: http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/news-12-2010/aspirin_may_cut_cancer_deaths_but_caution_urged.html?intcmp=dso-hp-ns
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte, N.C.
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Miracle of Aging
As children, we couldn't wait to get older. We embraced every second, even rounding up to 7 1/2 years old instead of just 7. As we made our way past the 20s, however, there was a shift—we clung on to the lower numbers, pining away for that last 30 as we headed into our 40s, 50s or 60s. But growing older doesn't have to be a bad thing—and it's up to us to change our perception!
"I want you to begin to believe that 50 and beyond will literally be the most miraculous—and I do mean miracles occurring in your life," Oprah says.
In her book The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife, author and lecturer Marianne Williamson tells women how to shift the way they think about aging. "It's changing if we allow it to change," Marianne says. Continue reading http://www.oprah.com/spirit/The-Miracle-of-Aging
The Oprah Winfrey Show | March 14, 2008
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I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
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"I want you to begin to believe that 50 and beyond will literally be the most miraculous—and I do mean miracles occurring in your life," Oprah says.
In her book The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife, author and lecturer Marianne Williamson tells women how to shift the way they think about aging. "It's changing if we allow it to change," Marianne says. Continue reading http://www.oprah.com/spirit/The-Miracle-of-Aging
The Oprah Winfrey Show | March 14, 2008
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte, N.C.
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520
Monday, October 18, 2010
A Senior Moment: When do you become 'old' ?
By LESLIE HOWARD
Posted: 10/16/2010 01:17:37 AM PDT
A lively exchange in the "Tell It to the E-R" column caught my attention. An E-R article had referred to a 67-year-old as "elderly," and several Tell It callers took exception.
Quipped one, "I am an active 83-year-old woman and I was amused by your reference to a 68-year-old as an elderly man. Heck, I've got underwear older than that." Another responder complained that the preferred term was "senior," not "elderly." A third announced that "Elderly is (and always will be) someone 20 years older than me."
The federal government may use 65 as the qualifying age for Medicare or Social Security, but in day-to-day life, "senior" does not have a clear-cut definition. An invitation to join AARP, the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons, shocks many 50-year-olds. Others are pleased to take advantage of senior discounts and specially priced menus for ages 55 and older at restaurants such as Denny's, Jack's and Kalico Kitchen. At 60, some see a movie at the Pageant Theatre for a special price or take classes through Osher Lifelong Learning Institute or Elder College at Chico State University. Continue readinghttp://www.chicoer.com/ci_16355320?source=rss
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte/Greensboro, N.C.
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
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Posted: 10/16/2010 01:17:37 AM PDT
A lively exchange in the "Tell It to the E-R" column caught my attention. An E-R article had referred to a 67-year-old as "elderly," and several Tell It callers took exception.
Quipped one, "I am an active 83-year-old woman and I was amused by your reference to a 68-year-old as an elderly man. Heck, I've got underwear older than that." Another responder complained that the preferred term was "senior," not "elderly." A third announced that "Elderly is (and always will be) someone 20 years older than me."
The federal government may use 65 as the qualifying age for Medicare or Social Security, but in day-to-day life, "senior" does not have a clear-cut definition. An invitation to join AARP, the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons, shocks many 50-year-olds. Others are pleased to take advantage of senior discounts and specially priced menus for ages 55 and older at restaurants such as Denny's, Jack's and Kalico Kitchen. At 60, some see a movie at the Pageant Theatre for a special price or take classes through Osher Lifelong Learning Institute or Elder College at Chico State University. Continue readinghttp://www.chicoer.com/ci_16355320?source=rss
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte/Greensboro, N.C.
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520
Monday, October 4, 2010
Telemedicine for Elderly Depression
By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on October 4, 2010
Telemedicine for Elderly DepressionDepression is common among elderly homebound individuals. Unfortunately, treatment for the condition is usually inadequate, if any.
Beyond the decline in mental health, depression can exacerbate medical conditions and may influence mortality.
To address this issue, researchers at Rhode Island Hospital and other organizations have developed a telemedicine-based depression care protocol in home health care. Continue readinghttp://psychcentral.com/news/2010/10/04/telemedicine-for-elderly-depression/19119.html
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte, N.C..
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on October 4, 2010
Telemedicine for Elderly DepressionDepression is common among elderly homebound individuals. Unfortunately, treatment for the condition is usually inadequate, if any.
Beyond the decline in mental health, depression can exacerbate medical conditions and may influence mortality.
To address this issue, researchers at Rhode Island Hospital and other organizations have developed a telemedicine-based depression care protocol in home health care. Continue readinghttp://psychcentral.com/news/2010/10/04/telemedicine-for-elderly-depression/19119.html
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte, N.C..
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520
Monday, September 20, 2010
Why Older People Are Forgetful
Brain Tissue Changes May Play a Role in Forgetfulness, Researchers Say
By Bill Hendrick
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Sept. 15, 2010 -- Abnormal brain tissue changes called brain lesions may be more at fault than previously thought in forgetfulness in older people, new research shows.
Scientists at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago say the same brain lesions that are associated with dementia in old age may be responsible for mild memory loss.
The researchers studied 350 Catholic nuns, priests, and brothers who were given memory tests annually for up to 13 years, and after death, had their brains examined for lesions.
The study found that memory decline tended to be gradual before speeding up in the last four or five years of life.
Researchers say they found that strokes as well as protein accumulations called tangles and Lewy bodies seemed to be related to memory loss in older people. Continue readinghttp://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=119773#
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte/Greensboro, N.C.
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520
By Bill Hendrick
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Sept. 15, 2010 -- Abnormal brain tissue changes called brain lesions may be more at fault than previously thought in forgetfulness in older people, new research shows.
Scientists at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago say the same brain lesions that are associated with dementia in old age may be responsible for mild memory loss.
The researchers studied 350 Catholic nuns, priests, and brothers who were given memory tests annually for up to 13 years, and after death, had their brains examined for lesions.
The study found that memory decline tended to be gradual before speeding up in the last four or five years of life.
Researchers say they found that strokes as well as protein accumulations called tangles and Lewy bodies seemed to be related to memory loss in older people. Continue readinghttp://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=119773#
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte/Greensboro, N.C.
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520
Friday, September 10, 2010
Helping the Elderly Avoid Falls
Why do we always think it is a medical problem when the elderly fall. This is a great article that gives insight on the health of the elderly when there is a fall. There is a lot of good information we can all use in the article.
Verlia Caldwell, Pres.
http://icareforyouhomecare.com
Study on Risk Factors for Indoor and Outdoor Falls May Help Tailor Fall-Prevention Strategies
By Katrina Woznicki
WebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Sept. 8, 2010 -- The risk factors for indoor and outdoor falls among the elderly differ, and not all falls indicate poor health, a study shows.
Researchers found that risk factors for indoor falls include being a woman and having an inactive lifestyle. Risk factors for outdoor falls include being a man and being more physically active.
The study is published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Falls among the elderly are common, with as many as 40% of people age 65 and older falling each year. Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as a fractured hip or concussion. Continue reading http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20100908/helping-the-elderly-avoid-falls?ecd=wnl_day_090910
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte/Greensboro, N.C.
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520
Verlia Caldwell, Pres.
http://icareforyouhomecare.com
Study on Risk Factors for Indoor and Outdoor Falls May Help Tailor Fall-Prevention Strategies
By Katrina Woznicki
WebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Sept. 8, 2010 -- The risk factors for indoor and outdoor falls among the elderly differ, and not all falls indicate poor health, a study shows.
Researchers found that risk factors for indoor falls include being a woman and having an inactive lifestyle. Risk factors for outdoor falls include being a man and being more physically active.
The study is published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Falls among the elderly are common, with as many as 40% of people age 65 and older falling each year. Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as a fractured hip or concussion. Continue reading http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20100908/helping-the-elderly-avoid-falls?ecd=wnl_day_090910
Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in Charlotte/Greensboro, N.C.
I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520
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