Don’t Go Falling for It!

Don’t Go Falling for It!

senior man climbing upstairs with walking stick

The majesty of winter is here. You’re bundled up and headed out to adore the beauty and ope! You’re staring up at the universe faster than you can say the word ice.

We’ve all been there. When we were young, we might have a good laugh over it. When we begin to age, each fall can cause panic. So, how do you avoid these nasty little blunders when old man winter sets in?

  • Walk like a penguin with a wide stance
  • Wear ice cleats (YakTrax is a familiar brand)
  • Keep your hands free to catch yourself
  • Use railings whenever it’s possible
  • Keep snow melt or sand handy for sprinkling
  • Take someone’s hand—only if it’s safe
  • Avoid rushing
  • Bundle up (dress for the slide, not the ride—this is usually advice for being on a motorcycle, but it can apply to winter, too)
  • Go through the snow if it’s safer (wet feet/clothing is no fun, but falls can be worse)

What to do After a Fall

If in doubt, have your doctor check you out! Sometimes, you dust off and get up and limp away, only to find that three days later, you’re struggling with pain in your lower back.

Be diligent and seek care if you have any thought that you’re injured, and ALWAYS see a doctor if you hit your head from a fall. It’s just better to be safe than sorry for falls.

It’s also important to track how many falls you’ve had. Those who have fallen often need to see their doctors to learn the root causes. It’s not always a slippery floor. There could be several factors putting someone at risk.

When you see your doctor, list all your symptoms and any changes to your sleeping, eating, or activity patterns before you visit. If you’re taking supplements and medications, be sure to bring a current list and be honest about how you take your medications. If you forget now and again, offer that information, too. Your doctor is not there to scold you, but they want the best for you. Clarity is essential to receive the best treatment!

Home Evaluations & Therapy Services

Therapy services from CaringEdge can help! Our physical and occupational therapists can help you get back to working order if you’re falling or at risk of a fall.

Our occupational and physical therapy staff could give you a lot of tips to improve your safety. One of the most important things they can recommend is the placement of grab bars around your home.

Grab bars are often found in the shower or bathroom, but they should always be purchased and installed by someone knowledgeable about how they work. Stick-on or suction grab bars are unlikely effective and could pose a danger if they come unstuck as you fall and grab them.

Check with your doctor to see if you qualify for outpatient or home health therapy services, or contact us at CaringEdge at info@caringedge.com. We aim to help as many seniors as possible to live independently and safely!

The Secret to a Healthy Heart

The Secret to a Healthy Heart

Ahh, February. It’s almost time for pink and red decorations, gifts from sweethearts, and sugary snacks—everywhere. Don’t forget; it’s American Heart Month, too!

Did you know that more deadly heart attacks happen during the winter and holiday season? How about the fact from the CDC that 1 in 5 people having a heart attack don’t even know they’re having one?

The American Heart Association reported that December 25th has the highest number of heart attacks compared to any other day during the calendar year. The second-highest day is December 26, followed by the third-highest day on the first of January.

What do all these days have in common? Holidays can throw people off their routines. There may be travel, nights spent sleeping poorly on bony hide-a-beds, more visiting into the late-night hours followed by the early morning coffee chatter that throws people off their routines.

As a result of all the socializing and fun, folks may skip more medications, move less, eat more, and may also use more alcohol or too much caffeine. They’re also probably forgetting their recommended eight glasses of water to flush out the holiday fun.

All of these factors compounded may contribute to the uptick in heart attacks around these days of the year. The good news is that all those dates are behind us, and if you’re enjoying this blog, you can share some of this helpful information with your loved ones!

Do you know what the symptoms of a heart attack are? Many folks don’t know that they’re even having a heart attack!

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack:

  • Chest Pain
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Heartburn/indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, back, jaw/teeth, or upper abdominal area
  • Shortness of breath

Prevention Tips:

  • Exercise
  • Follow a heart-healthy diet
  • See your healthcare provider to know your numbers and your risks
  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Use “sometimes” foods and beverages in moderation
  • Work on stress reduction

Regular & Routine Medical Care

Maintain your health through regular visits to your primary care physician. They can recommend specialty care and services such as home health if you are managing chronic conditions, like diabetes, that put you at risk of a heart attack.

Regular cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose checks help your doctor understand your risks so they can advise you on the next steps. Self-care like managing stress, getting enough sleep and exercise, and eating right can also help to reduce the risks.

Self-Care & Diet

In the land of hard work, slowing down can feel impossible. It can even look selfish to some, causing guilt if we take a moment. But to be healthy, we need prep time to schedule workouts, shop and prepare healthy foods, and relax. We also need the ability to exercise safely.

Heating up quick and ready-to-eat sodium-laden prepackaged foods can take a toll. It’s important to make time to prepare and eat healthy meals. You don’t have to do it alone, though. If you’re struggling to adjust your diet, your doctor may recommend the help of a registered dietician through home health to advise you on making the right changes.

Support at Home

If you’re interested in reducing your risk for a heart attack and could use some help, consider CaringEdge. We offer home health services to make you feel your best.

Our home health nurses can monitor your vitals, medications, and any new symptoms you may be having. Dietitians can also offer education on how your nutritional habits impact your health.

With the help of CaringEdge home health and outpatient therapy, you may regain the ability to exercise and move safely and freely around your home. Lastly, with our help, you can learn how to maintain your health and stay independent in your daily activities.

Let CaringEdge set you up for success, and get back to being you again! Reach out to us at info@caringedge.com with any questions you may have about services.

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way!

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way!

Aging can present a lot of 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

  1. “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 also 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 coverage questions, please ask your doctor or contact CaringEdge.

Honesty is Best

If you’re feeling unsteady, you’ve had falls you’re not telling your family about, or you’re just not feeling as strong as you used to be, check with your doctor, and don’t wait. Share your pain points, fears, and your 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 you’d like to learn more, drop us a line at info@caringedge.com. We’ve helped many seniors improve their lives and find the gold in their golden years!

How to Stay Safe in the Tub

How to Stay Safe in the Tub

elegant bathroom design

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.

What Keeps People from Enjoying Bathtime?

  • Fear of falling
  • Prior falls
  • Pain
  • Memory loss
  • Limited mobility
  • Inaccessible bathtub/shower
  • Injuries
  • Diminished strength
  • Limited range of motion
  • Loss of balance

 Bringing Relaxation Back

If you’ve had an injury or are experiencing pain, consult your doctor to determine if your insurance will cover outpatient therapy. Medicare may cover the bill.

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.

Durable medical equipment comes in different heights, sizes, and weight capacities. Outpatient occupational and physical therapy specialists can offer expertise on which products are appropriate for you and your bathroom.

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.

♫♫ Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes

♫♫ Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes

physical therapist and patient with hand weight

That title might take many of us back to nursery school when we learned about the parts of our bodies. By adulthood, we’re probably more than aware because, let’s face it, they probably all hurt!

Pain can make us feel rusty as we age, but we’ve got to keep moving in any way we can. When you stop, you stop. But how do you keep on moving even when it starts to hurt? Physical therapy can help! Today is National Physical Therapy Day. To celebrate, let’s answer some important questions about this fantastic service.

What is Physical Therapy? Physical therapy, or “PT” for short, helps patients learn to exercise, stretch, and move in a way that can reduce their pain and increase their ability to be independent with movement. This includes walking safely without falling. The best part about physical therapy is that it can relieve pain without taking medications. Sometimes PT is stretching, sometimes it’s exercising, and sometimes, it can involve light massage to treat the area of the body experiencing pain.

A Preventative Approach

While many think that PT is something folks do following an injury, a hospital stay, or surgery, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, PT is done preventatively to improve a condition before the pain or injury leads to a more severe issue.

“If you don’t use it, you lose it” is a common saying that couldn’t be truer! PT helps you use the muscles of your body so you can keep doing all the daily activities you need to do to stay healthy.

What Conditions Can PT Treat? PT can treat conditions from foot, ankle, arm, or low back pain to urinary incontinence.

Where Can I Do PT? PT can be done in a clinic, hospital, nursing home, assisted living community, or at your home. Physical therapy can be considered outpatient or home health when you’re not admitted to a hospital or nursing home. One of the best enhancements to outpatient therapy is when the therapists come right to your door!

How Do I Qualify? If you have an injury, pain, limited range of motion, or use a device for safe mobility, you may qualify for PT. Some insurances do require a physician’s referral.

Who Can Pay? Most insurance can pay for PT. Medicare is a typical pay source as well. Depending on your insurance plan, many will cover the cost of physical therapy. CaringEdge can help to determine your coverage if you’re unsure. 

How Long Does PT Last? Therapy sessions typically are 45-60 minutes. The average length of therapy depends on each individual’s progress, injury, pain, and other health conditions.

What if I Need it Again? Patients can requalify for PT if their injury/limitation does not improve or if a new condition requires it.

Is Physical Therapy Hard? Physical therapy isn’t like a boot camp that forces you to work, but it is a commitment. When you choose physical therapy, you’re committing to maintaining your independence. Movement can be challenging, but the alternative could mean relying on mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs long-term. Sometimes it can also mean that you’ll require total care from others for dressing, bathing, and getting in and out of bed. This can take a toll mentally on a person’s well-being.

CaringEdge brings our physical therapy services to YOU. Our services are dependent upon what each person needs and hopes to achieve. We will monitor you for pain and adjust the physical therapy schedule and exercises based on how you’re feeling. We can help to address any concerns you may have about your condition and check in with you as you progress toward your goals. If someone wants to maintain independence or return to their baseline, we can help! Check out the fantastic patient testimonials on our Facebook page by clicking here.

If you’re interested to find out if you qualify for PT and if it’s right for you, connect with us at info@caringedge.com.

Preparing for a Safe Winter Season

Preparing for a Safe Winter Season

male senior working with physical therapist

After a lovely summer filled with pleasant weather, friends, and walks outside, the impending doom begins to set in; winter is coming. The demands of winter can be tougher and tougher as we age and as parts of us don’t work like they once did. Suddenly, the shoveling workout becomes a mountain of a task instead of an opportunity for exercise. Maybe you’re not moving around as much because the risk of falling is high or the tasks are too complicated.


If this sounds like you, our friendly advice is, don’t wait until you’re injured or sick to ask for help. If you wait too long, the support you might need could be beyond just a little. Untreated illnesses, injuries, and overall decline may compromise your independence.

Consider Home Health Services

If you’re like many people, you don’t want to leave home even if you need help in the winter, and it gets downright lonesome sometimes. If leaving home is hard, consider asking your doctor for a home health referral.

Home health can provide a registered nurse to monitor your vitals and medical conditions. They can help educate you on your medications and monitor you for any side effects that might go unnoticed over the winter if you don’t go out as much.

Maintain or Regain Strength

Physical or occupational therapy can come right to your home as well. Whether you need one or both, these can help you do range of motion exercises, strengthening, or balance-improving movements to help you maintain your independence.

Each therapy is designed to help you improve and maintain your strength and balance. They might also help you avoid falls. Did you know that someone 65 or over falls every second? That’s an important stat from the CDC.

Here is some additional info on falls:

  • 1 out of 4 older adults will fall each year.
  • 1 in 5 falls causes an injury like broken bones or a head injury.
  • Each year, 3 million older adults are seen in the emergency rooms after a fall-related injury.

Fall Prevention Tips

  • See your doctors—notice we said more than one doctor! See your primary care physician, optometrist, and hearing specialist. Be sure you’re on the proper medications and can see and hear your surroundings.
  • If you have clutter or risky throw rugs lying around your house, remove them.
  • Be sure your outside walkways are clear of snow and ice.
  • Take your time when walking. Falls happen quickly!
  • Ask your doctor if you need home monitoring of your medications by a registered nurse. If you live alone and manage chronic illnesses, you may not notice the side effects of meds or symptoms of your condition.
  • Use proper lighting. Keep a flashlight handy for those late-night trips to the bathroom, install a night light, or buy a smart bulb and ask Alexa to turn your light on.
  • Be aware of pets as you walk. Fluffy pups or clingy kitty cats can trip you up when you least expect it.
  • Wear supportive, nonslip footwear.
  • Get an emergency pendant system if you live alone and are concerned about an emergency or fall that could make getting to the phone difficult.
  • Go-go Gadget! Railings, grab bars, and hand-held showers can all be helpful—so can a shower bench. A home evaluation by a physical or occupational therapist could be a great way to get recommendations for the exact gadgets you need to be safe.
  • Consider taking classes on fall prevention. There are a variety of curriculums available across the United States. These can be easily found by an internet search such as “Fall prevention classes near me.”

If you’re concerned about old man winter causing a ruckus in your life this year, don’t wait. Find out if you qualify for home health services and if CaringEdge can help! Reach out to us at info@caringedge.com.