Right at Home, an international leader providing in-home companionship, personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently, is continually monitoring issues that impact our clients and their families from an emotional, physical and financial perspective.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a devastating medical condition that affects millions of people around the world. Also known as the “Brain Wasting Disease,” Alzheimer’s takes a devastating toll on its victims and their families. There is no known cure for this terrible ailment, and the number of American’s affected is growing at an alarming rate.
While normally diagnosed in older adults, Alzheimer’s can strike much younger victims. It’s imperative for all Americans to increase their awareness of this issue, so that they can keep an eye out for warning signs in themselves and loved ones. If you or someone you know has been personally affected by Alzheimer’s, then you know firsthand how devastating the mental and physical effects become as the disease progresses.
Right at Home is here to help suffering patients fight their conditions from the comfort of their own homes. We will always be a trusted source of compassion, support and community – but we greatly prefer that you stay healthy, happy and independent! So do some research on Alzheimer’s Disease.
Right at Home wants to help you and your loved ones participate in Alzheimer's Awareness Week. Get to know the facts and be prepared!
Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
Alzheimer's Risk Factors and Symptoms
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by more than 185 local independent franchisees. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 40 states nationwide, as well as in the UK. For more information on Right at Home Winston-Salem, contact Greg Brewer or visit rightathome.net. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, please go to http://www.caringnews.com.
Showing posts with label Symptoms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Symptoms. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Glaucoma Awareness from Right At Home High Point
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Experts estimate that half of the people affected by glaucoma may not know they have it.
Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain.
There is no cure for glaucoma, yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.
It was once thought that high pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure or IOP, is the main cause of this optic nerve damage. Although IOP is clearly a risk factor, we now know that other factors must also be involved because even people with normal levels of pressure can experience vision loss from glaucoma.
Adult glaucoma falls into two categories - open angle glaucoma and closed angle glaucoma.
Living with Glaucoma
You will probably need to make just a few changes to your lifestyle in order to manage your glaucoma effectively. As long as you are diagnosed early, visit your doctor regularly, and follow your recommended course of treatment, you can continue to live your life fully.
Try to schedule time for taking medication around daily routines such as waking, mealtimes, and bedtime. In this way, your medications will become a natural part of your day.
In addition to taking care of your physical health, it’s equally important to pay attention to the other side of glaucoma—the emotional and psychological aspects of having this disease.
Be sure to share your feelings. Especially in the beginning, it can be helpful to talk about your fears. Confide in your spouse, a relative, a close friend, or a member of the clergy. You may also want to talk with other people who have glaucoma. Sharing ideas and feelings about living with a chronic health condition can be useful and comforting.
Don’t let glaucoma limit your life. You can continue with what you were doing before glaucoma was diagnosed. You can make new plans and start new ventures. The eye care community, including the Glaucoma Research Foundation, will keep looking for better methods to treat glaucoma and will eventually find a cure.
Some daily activities such as driving or playing certain sports may become more challenging. Loss of contrast sensitivity, problems with glare, and light sensitivity are some of the possible effects of glaucoma that may interfere with your activities.
The key issue is to trust your judgment. If you are having trouble seeing at night, you may want to consider not driving at night. Stay safe by adjusting your schedule so that you do most of your travel during the day.
Sunglasses or tinted lenses can help with glare and contrast. Yellow, amber, and brown are the best tints to block out glare from fluorescent lights. On a bright day, try using brown lenses for your glasses. For overcast days or at night, try using the lighter tints of yellow and amber.
Experiment to see what works best for you under different circumstances.
Right At Home High Point can provide you the support you need to prevent and help care for your family members with glaucoma or glaucoma symptoms. If your loved one has special needs, Right At Home can work with you and your health care provider to provide the care needed.
Resources:
Glaucoma Research Foundation
All About Vision
WebMD
Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain.
There is no cure for glaucoma, yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.
It was once thought that high pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure or IOP, is the main cause of this optic nerve damage. Although IOP is clearly a risk factor, we now know that other factors must also be involved because even people with normal levels of pressure can experience vision loss from glaucoma.
Adult glaucoma falls into two categories - open angle glaucoma and closed angle glaucoma.
Living with Glaucoma
You will probably need to make just a few changes to your lifestyle in order to manage your glaucoma effectively. As long as you are diagnosed early, visit your doctor regularly, and follow your recommended course of treatment, you can continue to live your life fully.
Try to schedule time for taking medication around daily routines such as waking, mealtimes, and bedtime. In this way, your medications will become a natural part of your day.
In addition to taking care of your physical health, it’s equally important to pay attention to the other side of glaucoma—the emotional and psychological aspects of having this disease.
Be sure to share your feelings. Especially in the beginning, it can be helpful to talk about your fears. Confide in your spouse, a relative, a close friend, or a member of the clergy. You may also want to talk with other people who have glaucoma. Sharing ideas and feelings about living with a chronic health condition can be useful and comforting.
Don’t let glaucoma limit your life. You can continue with what you were doing before glaucoma was diagnosed. You can make new plans and start new ventures. The eye care community, including the Glaucoma Research Foundation, will keep looking for better methods to treat glaucoma and will eventually find a cure.
Some daily activities such as driving or playing certain sports may become more challenging. Loss of contrast sensitivity, problems with glare, and light sensitivity are some of the possible effects of glaucoma that may interfere with your activities.
The key issue is to trust your judgment. If you are having trouble seeing at night, you may want to consider not driving at night. Stay safe by adjusting your schedule so that you do most of your travel during the day.
Sunglasses or tinted lenses can help with glare and contrast. Yellow, amber, and brown are the best tints to block out glare from fluorescent lights. On a bright day, try using brown lenses for your glasses. For overcast days or at night, try using the lighter tints of yellow and amber.
Experiment to see what works best for you under different circumstances.
Right At Home High Point can provide you the support you need to prevent and help care for your family members with glaucoma or glaucoma symptoms. If your loved one has special needs, Right At Home can work with you and your health care provider to provide the care needed.
Resources:
Glaucoma Research Foundation
All About Vision
WebMD
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Diabetes Awareness for Seniors Part 2 - Diagnosis and Evaluation from Right At Home High Point
Possible symptoms of diabetes include the following:
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• weight loss
• fatigue
• loss of vitality
• wounds that heal slowly
• foot sores
• numbness or tingling in the feet
• confusion
• depression
Not everyone with diabetes shows these symptoms, and some people with diabetes go for years without any obvious symptoms. This is especially true for older adults, who often do not have the increased thirst and urination that is common younger people with diabetes. In fact, it is estimated that up to one-third of older adults with diabetes are unaware of their condition. Unfortunately, asymptomatic diabetes (diabetes without showing symptoms) is still associated with increased risk for many serious illnesses. This is why blood glucose tests are so important. They are the only way to know for sure whether or not you have diabetes.
Blood glucose testing
Blood glucose is measured in units called mg/dL. The normal level of blood glucose is around 100 mg/dL. To check for diabetes, blood glucose levels are usually measured after an 8-hour fast (ie, no food for 8 hours). If two fasting blood glucose measurements are at or above 126 mg/dL, diabetes is diagnosed. Diabetes can also be diagnosed if you are showing symptoms along with having a random (not fasted) blood glucose level at or above 200 mg/dL. Sometimes, more sophisticated tests (eg, glucose tolerance test) are needed to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.
Drug reactions can sometimes cause high blood glucose or lead to complications, so it is a good idea to give your health care providers a complete list of all medications that you are taking. It helps to put all of your medications (including over-the-counter drugs) in a bag and take it to your doctor’s appointment. This "brown bag" inventory allows your physician to see all the drugs you are taking, and to remove medications that you no longer need or are inappropriate for any reason (eg, expired drug).
Complications of diabetes
Symptoms or signs of serious health conditions that are often caused by diabetes include the following:
• heart disease
• blood vessel problems (eg, narrowed arteries)
• nerve problems
• foot problems
• eye problems (including blindness)
• kidney problems
Because heart problems are so common with diabetes, your healthcare provider will likely ask about and check for other conditions that can also cause heart trouble, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history.
Although there is no cure for diabetes, it is very manageable. There are three main goals of diabetes management among older adults:
• control high blood glucose and its symptoms
• prevent the complications caused by diabetes (eg, kidney disease, heart disease, eye problems, etc)
• identify and treat any complications
Complications of diabetes can also be decreased by controlling other risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Preventing and managing risk factors for heart disease in older adults with diabetes is especially important. These include the following:
• Maintain appropriate weight
• Increase physical activity
• Stop smoking
• Limit fat and carbohydrate intake
• Consider drug therapy to treat high blood pressure, prevent heart attack, or treat high cholesterol or blood lipids
Right At Home Winston-Salem can provide you the support you need to prevent and help care for your family members with diabetes or diabetic symptoms. If your loved one has special needs, Right At Home can work with you and your health care provider to provide the care needed.
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• weight loss
• fatigue
• loss of vitality
• wounds that heal slowly
• foot sores
• numbness or tingling in the feet
• confusion
• depression
Not everyone with diabetes shows these symptoms, and some people with diabetes go for years without any obvious symptoms. This is especially true for older adults, who often do not have the increased thirst and urination that is common younger people with diabetes. In fact, it is estimated that up to one-third of older adults with diabetes are unaware of their condition. Unfortunately, asymptomatic diabetes (diabetes without showing symptoms) is still associated with increased risk for many serious illnesses. This is why blood glucose tests are so important. They are the only way to know for sure whether or not you have diabetes.
Blood glucose testing
Blood glucose is measured in units called mg/dL. The normal level of blood glucose is around 100 mg/dL. To check for diabetes, blood glucose levels are usually measured after an 8-hour fast (ie, no food for 8 hours). If two fasting blood glucose measurements are at or above 126 mg/dL, diabetes is diagnosed. Diabetes can also be diagnosed if you are showing symptoms along with having a random (not fasted) blood glucose level at or above 200 mg/dL. Sometimes, more sophisticated tests (eg, glucose tolerance test) are needed to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.
Drug reactions can sometimes cause high blood glucose or lead to complications, so it is a good idea to give your health care providers a complete list of all medications that you are taking. It helps to put all of your medications (including over-the-counter drugs) in a bag and take it to your doctor’s appointment. This "brown bag" inventory allows your physician to see all the drugs you are taking, and to remove medications that you no longer need or are inappropriate for any reason (eg, expired drug).
Complications of diabetes
Symptoms or signs of serious health conditions that are often caused by diabetes include the following:
• heart disease
• blood vessel problems (eg, narrowed arteries)
• nerve problems
• foot problems
• eye problems (including blindness)
• kidney problems
Because heart problems are so common with diabetes, your healthcare provider will likely ask about and check for other conditions that can also cause heart trouble, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history.
Although there is no cure for diabetes, it is very manageable. There are three main goals of diabetes management among older adults:
• control high blood glucose and its symptoms
• prevent the complications caused by diabetes (eg, kidney disease, heart disease, eye problems, etc)
• identify and treat any complications
Complications of diabetes can also be decreased by controlling other risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Preventing and managing risk factors for heart disease in older adults with diabetes is especially important. These include the following:
• Maintain appropriate weight
• Increase physical activity
• Stop smoking
• Limit fat and carbohydrate intake
• Consider drug therapy to treat high blood pressure, prevent heart attack, or treat high cholesterol or blood lipids
Right At Home Winston-Salem can provide you the support you need to prevent and help care for your family members with diabetes or diabetic symptoms. If your loved one has special needs, Right At Home can work with you and your health care provider to provide the care needed.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Alzheimer Disease Awareness - Ten Signs from Right At Home High Point
November is National Alzheimer Disease Awareness Month. As you visit with your family members during this holiday season or provide in home care on a daily basis it is important to notice any changes in their personal behavior especially these top 10 warning signs, from the Alzheimer’s Association:
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
What's typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
What's typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What's typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.
4. Confusion with time or place
People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
What's typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.
What's typical? Vision changes related to cataracts.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
What's typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
What's typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.
8. Decreased or poor judgment
People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What's typical? Making a bad decision once in a while
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
What's typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.
10. Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
What's typical? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
If your loved one is experiencing any or all of these symptoms, it is important to have them evaluated by their doctor as soon as possible.
Right At Home in High Point is here to help you manage your family member's care and provide peace of mind when you can't be there.
Phone 1: 336-760-7131
Phone 2: 877-760-7131
Fax: 336-760-3046
Email Us
Additional Alzheimer's Disease Resources (click on the titles to visit their sites):
Alzheimer’s Association - 877-IS IT ALZ
National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center –
ADEAR - Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center. U.S. National Institute on Aging.
ADEAR maintains information on Alzheimer’s disease research, diagnosis, treatments, clinical trials and federal government programs and resources. AD Lib, ADEAR 's literature database, has nearly 8,500 materials related to Alzheimer's disease that includes fact sheets, textbook chapters, journal articles, brochures, teaching manuals, directories, videos and other media, bibliographies, program descriptions, monographs, newsletters and reports.
Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI).
ADI is an international membership group of Alzheimer associations. The ADI site links to member association sites throughout the world. It also provides information in several languages, statistics on the number of people with dementia worldwide, and the implications for the distribution of research funding, especially in developing countries.
Alzheimer Research Forum
This Web site reports on the latest scientific findings, from basic research to clinical trials; creates and maintains public databases of essential research data and reagents; and produces discussion forums to promote debate, speed the dissemination of new ideas, and break down barriers across the numerous disciplines that can contribute to the global effort to cure Alzheimer's disease.
Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research
Fisher's site is a comprehensive portal for caregivers, family members, people living with Alzheimer's and the general public.
Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Center
The Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Center has easy to understand, practical in-depth information on Alzheimer’s and care-giving.
Web MD.com Alzheimer’s Health Center
This site has a broad range of information, with an emphasis on information for individuals who are concerned about memory problems or have Alzheimer’s disease.
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