All posts by : Comfort Keepers

Urinary incontinence is an issue that more than half of seniors deal with, and it can affect a senior’s health, social connections, and self-esteem. Managing incontinence is critical for seniors that want to maintain their independence and quality of life while remaining in their home.

New guidelines released in 2018 recommend that women be screened for issues that cause incontinence on a yearly basis.

While incontinence is a highly prevalent issue, it’s important to remember that incontinence is treatable, and a physician can make recommendations based on the type of incontinence they diagnose.

Why Does Incontinence Happen?

During urination, muscles in the bladder tighten to move urine into a tube called the urethra, while the muscles around the urethra relax and let the urine pass out of the body. When the muscles in and around the bladder don’t work properly, urine can leak. Incontinence can occur for short periods of time due to urinary tract infections, constipation, or as a side effect of a medication.

How is Incontinence Diagnosed and Treated?

Depending on the severity of the problem, a doctor may recommend any or all of the following:

• A urinalysis to rule out infection or blood in the urine
• Blood tests to check on kidney function, calcium and glucose levels
• A complete physical exam and thorough discussion of one’s medical history
• Medicine that calms muscles and nerves to treat an overactive bladder.
• Exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles
• If other treatments fail, surgery may be suggested to improve bladder control.

How Can Incontinence be Managed at Home?

There are a few lifestyle changes that can help manage incontinence:

• Pelvic muscle exercises: Working the muscles that can stop urination can have a positive effect in reducing incontinence.
• Timed bathroom breaks: Going to the restroom on a schedule can help those with urge and overflow incontinence.
• Fluid and diet management: Avoid food and drinks that irritate the bladder. It’s important for seniors to discuss their diet and fluid intake with the doctor before making any changes.
• Behavioral changes: There are some habits that can make incontinence worse. These include smoking, drinking alcohol, lifting objects that are too heavy and consuming caffeine, among others.

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

If your loved one has specific care needs related to a health issue, like incontinence, we can help. Our caregivers can provide transportation to appointments, medication reminders, support for physician-recommended diet and exercise programs, and help monitor physical changes and symptoms. And, we strive to elevate the human spirit through quality, compassionate, joyful care.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

Mayo Clinic. “Urinary Incontinence: Diagnosis.” Web. 2019.

National Institute on Aging. “Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults.” Web. 2017.

WebMD. “Urinary Incontinence: Foods and Drinks that Make you Gotta Go.” Web. 2017.

Diabetes is a condition that prevents someone’s body from properly processing sugars, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and negative health effects as a result. While diabetes has its own signs and symptoms, it can also make other conditions worse – conditions like heart and kidney disease. Seniors represent almost 48% of the total number of people with the disease, and this number is expected to rise as Canada’s population continues to age.

Having diabetes almost doubles someone’s chance of having a heart attack.

Diabetes can be effectively managed, but it’s often important for older adults to seek help from their care team, including their family, physician, nutritionist and caregiver. Here are some strategies for people dealing with diabetes:

• Education – It is important for seniors to understand their Diabetes diagnosis and treatment regimen Depending on the physician’s recommendation, changes may need to be made to a senior’s diet, exercise, medication and treatment plan. There are also new symptoms, risk factors and medical needs that a person may have. It’s important for older adults to learn everything they can about their diabetes and how to treat it.
• Diet– Diet plays a huge part in diabetes management. A nutritious diet that is low in sugar is important for reducing symptoms and complications from the disease. Sugar from fruit needs to be considered too, along with saturated fats. Diabetes educators can help seniors plan meals that will successfully help them maintain their health.
• Exercise and activity– Seeking advice from a health care professional is the best first step for seniors that want to create an activity or exercise plan. While the American Diabetes Association recommends 30 minutes of exercise per day, five days per week, that level of activity isn’t always possible for some. However, shorter periods of activity, done throughout the day, can be just as helpful when managing diabetes. Seniors should always speak to their physician before starting any exercise program.
• Prescribed medication is critical– Missing a dose of medication can have negative effects on diabetes sufferers. Seniors that have a hard time keeping track can set up a system of reminders, whether that’s a pill box, an alarm, a checklist, or a caregiver that can prompt them to take medications. In addition to prescribed medications, vaccines can also be a useful tool in diabetes management – for example, complications that are caused by the flu can be more severe for those with diabetes.
• Checking glucose and other levels– Most seniors with diabetes will need to keep an eye on their glucose levels. A physician will provide instructions on how often someone should be checking, and what to watch out for. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels can also indicate a problem – those should also be checked on a regular basis by a healthcare professional.

Comfort Keepers Can Help
Diabetes can be difficult to manage, and the trusted care team at Comfort Keepers can help. Our caregivers can remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. Above all, our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

References
Endocrine Web. “9 Ways Older People Can Manage Their Diabetes to Stay Healthier.” Web. 2015.
National Council for Aging Care. “Seniors and Diabetes: A Complete Guide.” Web.
Diabetes Forecast. “5 Ways to Help Seniors With Diabetes.” Web. 2014.
American Diabetes Association. “Older Adults.” Web.

Staying hydrated is important for maintaining health and keeping critical bodily functions working properly. This can be a challenge for some seniors because of changes that happen with age. Seniors may have a diminished ability to sense thirst, notice changes in body temperature and may be taking medications that have a dehydrating effect.

Being dehydrated can cause confusion, headaches, elevated heart rate, muscle weakness and fatigue. Because the effects of dehydration are so great, seniors need to be especially vigilant about getting enough water through the day. Seniors that think they may be dehydrated should discuss their symptoms with their doctor before making any changes to their fluid intake.

Older adults looking for ways to stay hydrated through the day should try these six tips to get started:

1. Talk to a doctor – not only can a healthcare professional provide a recommendation about how much water someone needs, they can also provide guidance and tips on managing water intake.
2. Create a schedule – it can be difficult to drink a lot of water in one sitting. However, creating a schedule that accounts for daily activity, physician-recommended intake levels and the preferences of the senior can help keep hydration on track.
3. Eat water rich foods – Eating cucumbers, watermelon, apples and other water rich produce can help seniors get more fluids at meal times. Broth is also a good option.
4. Make water more interesting – For those that don’t enjoy drinking water, adding small amounts of juice or flavoring to water can make it less boring. Popsicles are also a great option…especially on warm days!
5. Reduce water loss – excessive sweating can contribute to dehydration – keeping inside temperatures at a reasonable level, and being mindful of fluid loss during outside activities, can help seniors stay hydrated.
6. Don’t wait for thirst – often, by the time seniors feel thirsty, they may already be

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

Comfort Keepers can provide support for seniors that are concerned about the issue of hydration. Our caregivers can provide transportation to healthcare appointments, assist with meal preparation and planning, and provide support for physician-prescribed hydration regimens. Our goal is to support physical and emotional care goals, and to elevate the spirits of our clients and their families every day. A

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Get the Facts: Drinking Water and Intake.” Web. 2016.

FamilyDoctor.org. “Hydration: Why It’s So Important.” Web. 2017.

Mayo Clinic. “Dehydration.” Web. 2018.

WebMD. “What is Dehydration? What Causes It?” Web. 2019

It’s estimated that at least 10% of the population will have a hernia in their lifetime. A hernia is described as a bulging of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening. The causes and types of hernias vary depending on the location in the body, severity and symptoms. One thing holds true, no matter the circumstances – any hernia can turn into a medical emergency. Seniors that suspect they have a hernia, whether it is painful or not, should discuss this with their doctor as soon as possible.

Seniors that have a hernia will often notice a lump in the abdomen, groin, leg or other area of the body. These lumps can be painful or painless, soft or firm, and will vary in size. Other hernia symptoms include pain, a heavy sensation in the area of the hernia, and swelling.

The trapped tissue causing the hernia can lose blood supply, becoming a strangulated hernia. A strangulated hernia can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate surgery. Hernias that have become strangulated can cause fever, sudden intense pain, nausea and vomiting. Strangulated hernias can also change appearance, with the lump becoming larger or turning red or purple.

Medical professionals evaluating a hernia will typically do a physical exam and may order an ultrasound or CT scan as well. Seniors that want to discuss their hernia with their doctor can use the following list of questions as a guide for starting this conversation:

• What type of hernia is this?
• Does my hernia require surgery?
• How can I know if my hernia is getting worse?
• How can I care for my hernia?
• What should I do if my hernia starts to hurt, or changes in appearance?
• How can I take care of my hernia?
• What does surgery and recovery look like for a hernia?

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

If your loved one has specific care needs related to a health issue, like a hernia, we can help. Our caregivers can provide transportation to appointments, assist with meal preparation and light housework, provide companionship and help monitor physical changes and symptoms. We strive to elevate the human spirit through quality, compassionate, joyful care.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

eMedicine Health. “Hernia FAQ.” Web. 2018.

Mayo Clinic. “Inguinal hernia.” Web. 2019.

Web MD. “What are the Types of Hernias.” Web. 2018.

Being out in the sunshine is a summertime tradition. Research shows that a majority of seniors rank being outside as one of the activities that bring them the most joy. But it’s important to practice sun safety when it comes to protecting our skin and enjoying the long summer days safely. Skin cancer is the most common cancer.  One in every three cancers diagnosed worldwide is a skin cancer, 80-90% of which are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

For seniors, these prevention strategies are even more important than at any other age. For most people, skin cancer is a result of a series of sun damage events that occur throughout one’s life. It makes sense that someone with more years of living would be exposed to more sun damage over time.

Over 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Canada each year

Every suntan and sunburn has the potential to contribute to future skin cancer. Factor in the increase in outdoor activity that some seniors embrace in retirement, and the fact that older adults have more sensitive skin, and it’s easy to see why skin cancer may be a concern for older adults.

Taking a few precautions to prevent skin damage can allow seniors to continue to enjoy the sunshine without worry:

• Avoiding the hottest time of the day – From 10am-4pm, the sun’s rays are the most intense. To avoid too much sun exposure, seniors should plan outdoor activities for the morning or evening. Seniors worried about dehydration, which can be made worse by excessive sweating, should also avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.
• Having the appropriate cover – Planning ahead to ensure that there will be shade available is an important step to avoiding sun damage. For outside activities that don’t take place in areas with accessible shade, a hat or parasol can provide some protection. Sun-safe clothing can also help – this can include long sleeve shirts and/or long pants. And, it’s important for seniors to build the habit of always wearing sunglasses when they are outside.
• Remembering to use sunblock – For seniors that will be spending any time exposed to the sun, sunblock that is at least SPF 30 is a necessity. Sunblock should be re-applied every two hours and immediately after water activities.
• Practicing medication safety – Seniors should talk to their physician about medications before participating in outdoor activities. Some prescriptions can cause increased sun sensitivity, and additional precautions may be necessary.
• Knowing the signs of skin cancer – Seniors should ask their doctor to conduct an annual skin cancer assessment. Early detection is critical for treating skin cancer quickly and effectively.

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

For seniors that want to get outside and enjoy the summer safely, the trusted care team at Comfort Keepers^® can help. Our caregivers can assist with transportation to appointments and events, can ensure warm weather safety inside and outside of the home, and can support physician-prescribed exercise and activity regimens. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation.  “Skin Care.”  Web, 2019.

Skin Cancer Foundation. “The Sun Keeps Rising: Why Seniors Can’t Skip UV Protection.” Web. 2015.

Aging and Disease. “Skin Cancer Epidemics in the Elderly as an Emerging Issue in Geriatric Oncology.” Web. 2017.

Cancer.Net. “Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma): Risk Factors and Prevention.” Web. 2018.

American Academy of Dermatology. “Skin Cancer.” Web. 2018.

One in five adults suffer from arthritis, and the majority of these are seniors. For older adults to understand the stages of living with arthritis, it’s helpful to talk about how the disease is identified, diagnosed and managed.

Arthritis is not a diagnosis – it’s a general term that covers more than 100 diseases and conditions affecting the joints.

Signs and symptoms:

Generally, symptoms of arthritis can include any of the following: joint redness, swelling, pain, stiffness, warmth, or difficulty with movement. Many people are familiar with arthritis of the hands and feet, but they don’t always realize that it can affect any joint in the body. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should visit their physician.

Diagnosis:

When diagnosing arthritis, medical professionals will typically conduct a physical exam, and gather medical history and genetics information to help identify the type of arthritis. Blood tests and imaging may be necessary as well. The type and severity of the arthritis will determine the ongoing treatment plan. While arthritis cannot be cured, it can be managed to limit the impact it has on seniors.

Strategies for arthritis management:

The treating physician can recommend arthritis management strategies and should approve all plans to change or increase physical activity that may impact the condition.

• Lifestyle changes: Seniors with arthritis may need to stop performing certain activities, or limit them. Depending on the area of the body affected, some hobbies may become more difficult. However, planning ahead can be helpful – for example, having a stool to sit on in the kitchen can help seniors that want to cook but have difficulty standing for long periods of time due to arthritis pain. Some seniors with arthritis get into the habit of using non-affected parts of the body more often. As an example, someone suffering from arthritis pain in their wrist may open doors by using their shoulder or elbow to push.
• Movement: For some types of arthritis, sitting or working in one position for too long can cause the condition to worsen. Moving, walking and stretching every 15 minutes can be helpful. For some, setting an alarm as a reminder to prompt movement can be helpful.
• Weight – Maintaining a healthy weight can be helpful in managing arthritis. Excess weight can cause strain on joints, worsening the condition. Anyone concerned about this should consult their physician for exercise and diet recommendations. Physical activity, if possible, can also help reduce arthritis symptoms in many cases.

Education and awareness are critical – seniors that may have arthritis, or have already been diagnosed, should engage their care team to develop management strategies.

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

A care plan for arthritis can minimize the impact of the disease on a senior’s life, and Comfort Keepers can provide support for a management program. Our caregivers remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. As part of an individualized care plan, caregivers can also help with activities like cooking, cleaning and physical care. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

Arthritis Foundation. “Understanding Arthritis.” Web.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “5 Proven Ways to Manage Arthritis.” Web. 2019.

Quest Diagnostics. “Helping you focus on patients with arthritis” Web.

Everyday Health. “May is Arthritis Awareness Month – Mark it with the ABCs.” Web. 2018.

Stroke is the third largest killer of Canadian adults, after heart disease and cancer. It’s also the primary cause of physical disabilities and is second only to Alzheimer’s disease as a cause of mental disability. While people at any age can be susceptible to suffering from a stroke, nearly three-quarters of strokes occur in people over the age of 65.

Women are disproportionately affected by stroke: 45% more women die of stroke than men in Canada, and because they live longer, more women are living with the effects of stroke

Risk factors for a stroke include high blood pressure, genetics, gender, tobacco use, heart disease, diabetes, weight, age and the use of some medications.

There are three main types of stroke that can occur:

Ischemic stroke – Most strokes fall into this category. In an ischemic stroke, arteries narrow or are blocked, reducing blood flow to the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke – During a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel leaks or bursts, causing damage.

Transient ischemic attack – Sometimes referred to as “mini-strokes,” this is a condition that is also caused by a narrowing of the arteries, but only causes temporary symptoms.

It’s important to note that medical attention after a stroke is critical, and time is of the essence. Anyone suffering from the symptoms of a stroke should not wait for the effects to go away or get worse. They should call 9-1-1 or visit their physician as soon as possible. Quick treatment can minimize damage and potentially save someone’s life.

Symptoms can include:

• Trouble speaking
• Confusion or trouble understanding
• Paralysis of the face, arms or legs
• Trouble seeing
• Headache
• Trouble walking
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Neck stiffness
• Dizziness

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

Whether the goal is healthy living to prevent strokes, or recovery after, Comfort Keepers can help. Our caregivers can provide wellness support, remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. As part of an individualized care plan, caregivers can let a senior’s care team know if there are changes in behavior or physical characteristics. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.

To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.

References

WebMD. “Top Causes of Stroke.” Web. 2017.

Mayo Clinic. “Stoke” Web.2019.

Healthline. “Massive Stroke” Web. 2018.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. “Stroke.” Web.

Canada.com.  “Stroke”. Web 2018.

Heart and Stroke Foundation.  “Stroke Report 2019.”  Web. 2019.