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.
We all await milestones in our younger years, like getting a driver’s license or graduating high school. Those are exciting times, but later in life, we can become overwhelmed or perhaps even dread what aging may have in store for us.
The good news is that aging can be enjoyable with the right daily support and healthcare. It’s all about prevention, and outpatient therapy is one of the best preventive measures.
Preventative Therapy
Many people think they have to be recovering from an illness or surgery to qualify, but thankfully, those are not the only reasons. You could be eligible for outpatient therapy if you’re feeling weak, losing balance, or having falls—or even close calls! Therapy can help you work to prevent a fall.
By avoiding a fall, you could be saving yourself from a serious setback. Injuries from falls can result in ER visits, hospitalizations, and nursing home stays. One fall can increase the risk of leaving the home where you’re most comfortable. A therapy evaluation can evaluate your balance and strength and determine if you qualify for outpatient therapy services.
Along with this evaluation, therapists may also visit your home to assess your surroundings and identify any risks that increase your chances of falling. They may recommend making changes to enhance access to areas of your home or small additions like grab bars to keep you safe.
Home Health Services
You may achieve a better outcome by combining home health services and outpatient therapy. Home health offers a registered nurse to visit your home to provide help according to your goals.
If you need education to manage a new diagnosis or an ongoing health condition such as diabetes, home health visits can help you prevent unwanted setbacks. Managing life-limiting health conditions can put significant demands on anyone. The travel time alone to pharmacies and clinics and navigating waiting rooms to get care and consultation can feel like a full-time job. Home health can add a layer of convenience to allow you time to rest and return to feeling better versus going into a clinic setting for every treatment.
From dietary education from a registered dietician to receiving IV fluids under your own roof, home health can be a helpful investment in your future. The more your health is managed or, better yet, stabilized, the less likely you will require frequent clinic and ER visits or hospitalizations.
Prepare For the Changing Seasons
As you prepare for the “ber” months this year (September, October, November, and December), consider what would help you stay well this winter. Cold days, snow, and ice can reduce activity levels. Instead of losing strength this season, think about how adding a home health service or two could help you to maintain or improve your abilities.
Connect with us if you think home health services could be right for you or a loved one. Simply reaching out to discuss concerns and needs is just that; it does not guarantee services, but talking through it can provide peace of mind to know if it might be time. We are also happy to help our patients explore insurance coverage to relieve any worries that home health services will cost too much.
Contact us at info@caringedge.com. We’re here to help those on the road of aging to have peace of mind!
June brings us the longest day of the year, the one with the most light. The Alzheimer’s Association honors The Longest Day to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Across the globe, there are 55 million people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. As the symptoms progress, it’s important to find the right care, including healthcare services, can help to improve their quality of life.
Many people do not know that Alzheimer’s disease is actually one form of dementia and that it’s the most common. Other examples of dementias include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is an umbrella term that describes a group of symptoms. The most common symptom widely known is memory loss. Those with dementia can also suffer from increasing confusion, difficulty problem-solving or doing routine tasks, misplacing things, difficulty speaking, mood changes, and withdrawal from social settings.
As physical and cognitive changes set in as a result of this disease, patients may not be able to safely complete the care they need each day to remain healthy. Many with Alzheimer’s will require 24-hour care and supervision to stay safe. Combining daily support with home healthcare services can help support a good quality of life.
Dietary Consulting (by a registered dietician for diabetes and other conditions)
Care Planning (for short and long-term needs)
Benefits of Home Health for those with Alzheimer’s Disease:
Continuity of Care (nurses and therapists will be the same during treatment)
Education for Patients, Families, & Caregivers
Decreased Anxiety & Depression
Improved Communication
Enhanced Quality of Life
Reduced Hospitalization Rates
Better Management of Symptoms
Improved Overall Health
Maintain Independence
Consistent Routines for Predictability
Safety & Security in Familiar Surroundings
Reduced Travel
Those with Alzheimer’s disease can benefit from routines. Even though they may not recall each day or visit by our providers, continuity of care matters. When the same providers see patients, they can get to know each patient’s patterns to identify changes in their demeanors and abilities.
Not having to travel or schedule transportation is very helpful for anyone, but for those with dementia, it’s even more beneficial! Those with dementia cannot easily take transport alone or even attend a medical appointment on their own to report their needs effectively.
When healthcare providers see patients right where they live, each visit is more efficient. A combination of regular and routine on-site healthcare gives those with dementia a wraparound level of support to set them up for better outcomes.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed or suspected of having Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, check in with us! As you plan for the future, we can help. Reach out to us at info@caringedge.com today for a consultation!
To all the women rolling up their sleeves to make the world a better place, we celebrate YOU this month! It isn’t news to us that women can do all things, and we’re honoring one of ours who keeps getting it done.
This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating Angela Hilleshiem, one of our selfless leaders who has helped inspire many. Angela is the president, CEO, and founder of All Care Health Solutions, CaringEdge, and president and CEO of One Source Home Health and Hospice. These home health organizations serve over 1,000 patients every day across Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
About Angela:
Angela started her career as a CNA when she was 17 before becoming an RN. Once she got her degree, she quickly moved into a management role as an assistant director of nursing. She enjoyed her leadership role back then so much that she’s remained in leadership.
Today, she has 40 years of experience in healthcare. In the almost two decades she’s spent working in senior living, she has overseen the operations of 137 assisted living facilities and 25 skilled nursing facilities.
Angela’s love for people doesn’t stop when she’s off the clock. She also serves as board president for the Alice Foundation, a nonprofit program that provides temporary custodial care, short-term basic living expenses, transportation, advocacy, medication expenses, assistive devices, utilities, appliances, and companionship to those with chronic diseases and life-threatening illnesses. Angela is also a member of the Idaho Health Care Association board. When she’s not helping others, Angela spends as much time as she can with her daughter.
Building Success:
As it’s often said, great leaders aren’t just born; they’re made. Angela explained that the secret to her success has been surrounding herself with like-minded colleagues who provide care with purpose. She said, “Care is at the forefront of what we do. You can teach a job; you cannot teach or change a personality. A good, honest steward can be taught the job. Everything is possible through education. You have to empower those who work with you to be great. Showing them that what they do is important and matters helps everyone to be able to offer patient care.”
Aside from growth across her organizations, retaining staff has also been a significant success even during challenging times; “We’ve had some excellent key leaders here since we started. It’s not about being at the top; it’s about seeing what everyone else has built. It really isn’t about me; it’s about the people and their growth. The patient care has been extraordinary. We’ve seen incredible outcomes, which comes back to what we do as leaders. It’s been awesome for me to see how people are a part of the solution,” Angela continued.
Role Models:
While Angela has learned from many colleagues and mentors, she credits her parents with the most significant impact. “There have been so many people who have touched my life in so many ways. My parents, specifically, were genuinely encouraging. They always told me I could do whatever I wanted.”
Angela added, “My dad didn’t want me to fall into normal, traditional roles. He said it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female; gender roles should be out of the equation. He taught me how to work hard—I am usually the first person here and the last to leave. My dad was a strong role model.”
Work/Life Balance Thoughts:
A hot topic today is how to balance work and life. Angela has a clear point of view about managing successful businesses and not feeling bogged down; “Love your work so it doesn’t unbalance the rest of your life. It has to do with your passion and finding your purpose so you’re fulfilled at work and at home. What matters to me is being there to help people. Helping others fills my bucket. If I am doing what I love, it doesn’t feel like work because it’s not about the hours.”
Advice For Those Beginning their Careers:
Angela explained, “If anyone else can do it, you can, too. It’s a lot of hard work. Starting is the hardest.”
She also explained that showing yourself grace is important; “Don’t be your worst critic. Love yourself. Love what you’re doing, and go for it. Don’t get in your head. As women, we’re our own worst critics. If you love yourself, others will love who you are, too.”
If you’d like a career with meaning and purpose, consider home healthcare. You’ll help patients live their best lives and learn from some truly outstanding leaders. Click on the links below to learn more:
Aging can present many emotions because, plain and simple, change is uncomfortable. How we look from age 20 to age 40 to age 85 will shift. The way and speed at which we move may be different. How we’ve done everything we’ve known for years can all change faster than we ever dreamed.
The more we change, the harder it can be to stay optimistic about the future. No one wants to worry about who will help them get out of bed or a chair or help them walk safely to the restroom. It’s common for this to weigh heavily on our minds as we age.
We all value our independence. It gives us the freedom to live our lives how we want. Fear of the unknown can take over and make us feel bleak about the future. Thankfully, we don’t have to do it alone. There are medical and professional providers to help ease this burden and gift that we call aging.
Finding Answers
It would be great to have an easy button, a magic wand, or a miracle pill to fix it all. Unfortunately, we all know that’s not an option. One excellent way to improve your outlook for the future is through keeping your abilities. To maintain your abilities, it’s necessary to stay in motion. When doing that is unsafe, painful, or slow, it can seem like an uphill battle. Thankfully, physical therapy can be a helpful way to stay moving!
Physical therapy can help people regain their ability to move freely, safely, and independently. Not having to fear falling or that every step will cause pain can offer some hope. Beyond the hope of safe and pain-free movement, if seniors keep up with exercising and staying mobile after treatment, they can experience more independence and better life satisfaction.
Barriers to Physical Therapy
“I don’t want to.” We all need days of rest, and that’s ok. But too many days of rest and skipping movement can permanently impact your life and your chances to regain your abilities. Think about the future before you habitually skip workouts or therapy sessions.
“I can’t drive.” Living in a rural area away from services is another barrier. Thankfully, a few home health providers can offer physical therapy right where you call home. CaringEdge is one such provider; they see patients at home or on-site in senior living communities.
“It’s icy.”Ice and snow don’t help those with limited mobility, and injuries can set folks back. If you’re trying to get to appointments to improve your health, be safe on the ice, or see if providers can come to visit you at home instead of going out. If you must leave, get someone to help you safely navigate the slick sidewalks.
“It hurts.” If you’re having pain, your healthcare providers must know so they can complete the proper tests and suggest the right approach to care. Physical therapy may help, but the therapists must know how you are feeling so you can benefit from the treatment and not get worse.
“It costs too much!” Surprisingly, physical therapy can be VERY affordable. It’s coverable under most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.
The cost of losing independence and abilities can be more significant than a co-pay! If you have questions about coverage, please ask your doctor or contact CaringEdge.
Honesty is Best
If you’re feeling unsteady, have had falls you’re not telling your family about or are just not feeling as strong as you used to be, check with your doctor, and don’t wait. Share your pain points, fears, and goals. Aging doesn’t have to come with so much anxiety and uncertainty with the right help in place.
If you or someone you care about could benefit from physical therapy or would like to learn more, email us at info@caringedge.com. We’ve helped many seniors improve their lives and find the gold in their golden years!
Bathtime should be relaxing! Whether you like to soak your cares away in a tub filled with bubbles or prefer a warm shower, these cares shouldn’t add stress. For some, bathtime has caused falls, injuries, or near misses to the point that it’s more hassle than self-care should be.
January is many things, but it’s also bathtub safety month. According to the National Council on Aging, 80% of senior falls happen in the bathroom. That number is alarming, but prevention is possible.
Outpatient physical or occupational therapy can help you regain strength and balance and teach you new techniques to safely get in and out of the shower or tub. Outpatient therapists can show you how to move more painlessly based on your needs. Best of all, these experts can recommend everyday exercises to help you stay strong even after you recover.
Therapists may also recommend some helpful equipment to help keep you safe. Shower chairs, grab bars, hand-held shower heads, and long-handled sponges are all useful for safe bathing/showering.
Be cautious when choosing bathroom décor and equipment on your own. Stick-on grab bars are readily available, easy to install, and may be fashionable, but perhaps dangerous to use if they don’t stay in place.
Set up your bathtime to have toiletries easy to grab once you’re finished. Be sure you have proper lighting and that rugs are firmly secured to the floor before hopping in the tub.
Adding a Layer of Safety
Having someone to help you safely step into the tub or wash your back can reduce the risk of falling. If fear or dignity keeps you from a thorough wash, hiring a trusted professional rather than asking a family member can be beneficial. Each person’s comfort level differs, but having family help with the most personal care doesn’t work for everyone.
Regardless of who helps you, ask them to look over your skin during the process. Skin breakdown can affect overall health. Wounds that don’t heal properly can create pain and potentially need antibiotics, wound care, surgeries, or hospitalization.
Skin Checks
Sores
Blisters
Bruises
Wounds
Skin tears
Changes in your skin or moles
CaringEdge can offer home health services that can help you enjoy bathtime again. They can provide home health services from a nurse to address medication safety or outpatient therapists to help you regain your strength and independence with tasks of daily living like bathing. Prevention is always best, so consider getting help before health problems escalate from falls to skin breakdown or more complex issues. Please get in touch with us to learn more at info@caringedge.com.
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