Ahh, it’s almost time to tackle the fall to-do list. Have you made yours yet? Some lists are as simple as washing a few windows, whereas others might entail raking the yard, bagging leaves, leaves, and more leaves (the week after, more again).
As you prepare for your seasonal list, have you considered who can help? Do you need help? Are you SURE you don’t need help?
Using step ladders, hoisting heavy bags, and treating the blisters that always seem to come from holding a rake is often part of that to-do list, whether we intend them to be or not. When you make your list, consider having some first-aid relief on hand to care for what may come from seasonal chores. While you’re at it, have you made your annual check-ups to be sure you’re in tip-top shape to do everything you need to before the snowflakes fly?
Here are some helpful ideas to remember all the chores in and around your home and a few additional tips to stay healthy this winter:
Outside:
Be sure to have heating sources prepared (wood stacked conveniently or fuel refilled)
Turn off outdoor faucets
Be sure hoses are drained and tucked away neatly
Prepare your mowers, blowers, and weed whips for freezing weather
Rake or mulch the leaves in your yard
Clean your windows so you can enjoy the winter scenes
Clear out gutters
Cover the air conditioner
Deep-clean dryer vents
Inspect any electrical cords you may have to ensure they’re safe for use & not frayed
Install storm windows & doors
Clean your vehicle & put a winter emergency kit in the trunk
Inside:
Clean the fridge and freezer
Change the furnace filter
Change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries
Be sure your fire extinguishers are easy to access and not expired
Clean your ducts/vents
Find & clean your winter gear (hats, gloves, boots, etc.)
While preparing your home inside and out is great, consider a shopping trip while the weather is nice. Some items may be bulky and inconvenient to lug around in shopping carts once the snow and slush arrive:
Staying ahead of medication refills/taking medications as prescribed
Did you know that outpatient therapy can be done BEFORE you have an injury? Yes, it’s true! If you’re having near misses, losing your balance, or feeling unsteady, outpatient therapy can help you regain strength and abilities. Therapies can also help you move and do tasks in a way that reduces your pain.
The best way to stay strong for the future is to keep moving. If moving is starting to be difficult or you’re having falls you are afraid to admit to your family, call CaringEdge. We can talk through what is needed to be approved for outpatient therapy. Doing therapy before you lose abilities entirely can do wonders for your future, and it can help you stay strong over the winter so you’re ready to plant your flowers in the spring!
How do we get from eating an apple a day to keep the doctor away to needing a pill organizer for all of our medications so quickly? “Someday” comes faster than we anticipate!
To combat pain and the effects of aging, multiple prescriptions, along with over-the-counter medications, can be common. However, juggling the medications we’re prescribed may not only feel daunting but can sometimes prove to be dangerous.
Remember that you have a voice as a medical patient or a pharmacy customer. Sometimes, medications prescribed to help us can do more harm than good. When in doubt, always check it out!
Medication Safety Tips:
If possible, use the same pharmacy and doctor (pharmacy or doctor hopping can increase your risk for adverse reactions to medications prescribed to you).
Follow your prescription instructions; never take more medication than prescribed.
Keep a current list of all over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.
Store your medications in a safe place and dispose of them with the help of your local pharmacy when they’re no longer needed or expired.
Watch for medications that look unfamiliar in size or color or if the number of pills you need to take has changed (if you experience an unexpected hospital stay, don’t recognize the pills being given, or are unaware of what’s being provided, ask).
Common Side Effects from Multiple Medications:
Blurred Vision
Bleeding
Bruising
Cognitive Impairment
Confusion
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Dry Mouth
Falls
Headaches
Indigestion
Loss of Balance
Skin Rash
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
Make the Most of Medical Appointments:
See your medical providers as often as recommended or as new needs occur. During your appointment, discuss your medications.
At your doctor’s visit, inform them of any new health issues and all medications you’re taking.
Tell your doctor if you’re experiencing medication side effects or are concerned before starting new prescriptions.
If you struggle to recall important information during medical appointments, bring someone with you to help communicate, or write a list of questions and concerns to bring with you.
Following a medical appointment, you may request a patient summary to be printed or emailed.
Ask for a printed medication list following an appointment to review the information and be sure it’s accurate.
Keep a current medication list (including supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter meds) handy for appts.
If you’re seen in the ER or hospitalized, follow up with your primary care provider or ask your medical team to inform them of any new findings, procedures, or prescriptions.
Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (if appropriate, wear medical jewelry).
As a patient, you are at the center of the team; remember that YOU call the shots.
If managing your healthcare needs is taxing and confusing or you don’t feel you can do it independently, appoint a trusted healthcare decision-maker to help.
Additional Tips:
As a patient, you can refuse treatment and seek second or third opinions if necessary. Be consistent in reporting your needs and concerns, and always be forthcoming about your medications. Consistency is key to managing your healthcare needs and staying safe when taking prescriptions. If you should find yourself struggling to manage your medications or have a new health condition, find out if you’re eligible for home health services.
Medicare typically covers home health services, and sometimes, having a little extra help to get used to dealing with a new medical issue can go a long way, especially if you live alone. Living alone, you may not recognize a medication’s side effects or be able to manage a life-threatening side effect on your own.
Home healthcare services can offer a nurse to visit your home to help you understand your condition, manage your medications, and monitor your vitals to ensure your health. They can also recommend helpful services and safety interventions to keep your home a safe place to be.
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