Aging « The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Older Americans Month

May 18, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Health, Help, Life, News, Support

Each May we celebrate the contributions and achievements of older Americans. The 2012 theme for Older Americans Month is, “Never Too Old to Play.” This theme encourages older Americans to stay engaged, active, and involved in their own lives and in their communities. Older Americans are living longer and are more active. Since 1963, communities have celebrated Older Americans Month organized by the Administration of Aging through the Department of Health and Human Services. While there is a vast network of programs for older Americans, many still struggle everyday to stay healthy and make ends meet. Many seniors cope with multiple health conditions and find it difficult to pay for food, utilities and other basic necessities on a fixed income.

To maintain good health, it is important to do something active each day. Older Americans should select activities that they enjoy but also maintain their strength, balance, flexibility and heart health. Activity helps older Americans maintain a healthy weight, prevent or control illness, sleep better, reduce stress and depression, improve balance and feel their best. Being active has also been shown to improve memory.

The theme, “Never Too Old to Play,” is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to play games together. Younger children or teens can play games with older relatives, neighbors and friends or they can volunteer to play games at area nursing homes. Games can include card games, such as Uno or War and board games, like Monopoly, Clue and Scrabble. Other activities they can participate in are trivia games, video games such as Wii games, bowling, cooking, swimming, going to the movies or a concert, or taking a walk.

Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for older adults and to thank them for their contributions to our communities. Interactions with older Americans enrich the lives of everyone involved. As part of Older Americans Month, get involved with at least one senior and enjoy an interaction which will ultimately benefit both of you.

Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management serves Bergen, Passaic, Rockland and Orange County with nurses licensed in New Jersey and New York. We help families dealing with various issues related to their elderly loved ones and would be happy to discuss any concerns you may have related to long term care.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

An Aspirin a Day

April 20, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Eldercare, Health, Life, Medication, Personal, Prevention, Safety

Aspirin is used to reduce fever, relieve mild to moderate pain from muscle aches, headaches or toothaches, and reduce pain and swelling in those with arthritis. Doctors prescribe aspirin therapy to prevent blood clots, which reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. Nearly a third of middle-aged Americans take aspirin daily, mainly in the hope of preventing a heart attack or stroke. More recently individuals have begun to take aspirin to lower their risk of cancer. New studies suggest that aspirin therapy can decrease one’s risk of many cancers, including colon, esophageal, breast and prostate cancer.

Other research studies, though, demonstrate aspirin is not for everyone and sometimes does more harm than good, particularly in the elderly. Aspirin is a medication and all medications have side effects. Aspirin may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and heartburn. More serious side effects of aspirin include hives, rash, swelling of the eyes, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, bloody vomit, bright red blood in stools or black, tarry stools.

It has been demonstrated that there exists a potential for life-threatening bleeding in people over the age of 70 years who take aspirin daily, which may be greater than the heart disease protection it may offer. The benefit of aspirin therapy in individuals with heart disease is clear, however, and those taking it under a physician’s supervision should not stop.

The benefits of aspirin in older individuals without heart disease is uncertain.

Age is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk, with the thinking that the benefits of aspirin would be greater in the elderly than those in other age categories. The elderly, though, also have an increased risk of bleeding from aspirin use. Even low dose aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

So daily aspirin might not be for everyone. Many individuals decide on their own to take an aspirin a day. Aspirin therapy should be prescribed case by case depending on the individual’s risk factors and family history. Consult with your doctor to decide if the benefits of aspirin therapy outweigh the risks and if you should be one of those taking an aspirin a day.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

The Social Connection

April 6, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Family, Health, Life, Love

Recent studies have demonstrated that those individuals in loving relationships with spouses, family members or friends were healthier and lived longer than those lacking these connections. Even those with unhealthy lifestyles but close social connections lived longer than individuals with poor relationships and healthier lifestyles. Those with both close social ties and healthy lifestyles lived the longest. As we age we all hope to live a long life that is rewarding and worthwhile with family and friends. No one wants to live with ill-health or alone. Happiness , a sense of meaning and peace of mind are important attributes possessed by individuals who live long lives, and having good relationships is one of the best predictors for longevity. Just as we need food, water and shelter, we need others in our lives.

The MacArthur Study of Successful Aging talked to individuals between 70 and 79 years old and asked them how useful they felt to family and friends. Years later they found that those individuals who had rated their usefulness to loved ones as high had higher survival rates and a lower incidence of chronic illness. Maintain a sense of purpose and stay involved in activities that have meaning. Give your time to others by joining a cause or volunteering. It has also been shown that having a greater sense of purpose is linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Close loving relationships have many advantages. When we have others looking out for us they are there to give us advice, assistance and emergency aid if needed. In addition, when we are feeling needed and loved it causes a biochemical change in the body that lowers stress, increases energy, strengths the immune system and extends your lifespan.

Social connections give us something to live for as we age. There are few things that can give us more than happy, loving relationships and good social relationships can increase our longevity and improve our health. Be grateful for your friends, they will help you live longer!

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Sleeping Pill Alert

March 23, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Health, Medication, Safety

In some cases doctors will prescribe medications for the treatment of insomnia. Sleeping pills will not treat the underlying cause of one’s sleeping problems, but may help one get some much-needed rest. Prescription sleeping pills are available to help you fall asleep, stay asleep longer, or help with both. Today’s sleeping pills do not carry the same level of risk of dependence of the past, but risks still remain. Recent studies found that individuals taking prescription sleeping pills on a regular basis were nearly five times more likely than non-users to die over a period of two and a half years, and be more likely diagnosed with cancer. The study, though, did not prove that sleeping pills caused death, but that there may be a link between the two. Many individuals using sleeping pills are usually sicker than those not using them.

Insomnia also causes additional health problems. Those individuals taking sleeping pills may be at a higher risk because of health conditions that may have brought on the sleeping problems. Many chronic conditions, such as cancer, are linked with insomnia and mortality. Sleep disorders can be a symptom of an underlying mental or physical condition. Many who get prescriptions for sleeping pills have higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and other conditions which contribute to sleeplessness. Sleeping pills can be helpful in many situations, but are not without side effects including drowsiness, impaired judgement, depression and heart problems. The elderly should particularly use caution with sleeping medications.

The nonbenzodiazepine sedative hypnotics including Ambien, Lunesta and Sonata are believed to be safer and less likely to be abused. They are recommended for short-term or occasional use, but some individuals take them for years. Side effects of the nonbenzodiazepine’s include dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In addition, severe allergic reactions, breathing problems and depression may result. They can contribute to confusion, affect judgement and behavior, and have resulted in falls that may be fatal for older adults.

If you suffer from insomnia then, what should you do? An individual needs to weigh the risks versus the benefits as with many other medications. If there are ways to help you sleep, other than taking pills, that’s a better solution. Practice good sleep habits such as a set bedtime and start a pre-sleep ritual, like reading. Try not to nap during the day and do not watch television or use the computer before trying to sleep. Avoid exercise, nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods several hours before bedtime. In addition, block out light and noise from the bedroom to get a good night sleep.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

The Benefits of Vitamin D

March 16, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Diet, Education, Health, Life, Personal, Tips, Vitamins

Vitamin D is a fat soluble essential vitamin. It has been used to treat weak bones or osteoporosis and for preventing falls and fractures in people at risk for osteoporosis. Vitamin D is also used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Research has shown that increasing blood levels of vitamin D may additionally protect an individual from chronic or life-threatening diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, muscle weakness, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, bronchitis and tooth and gum disease. It is also used for boosting the immune system, preventing autoimmune diseases and cancer. In addition, deficiencies of vitamin D may be responsible for neuropsychological disorders including depression and memory loss.

Sun exposure is an easy way for individuals to get vitamin D. The necessary exposure time varies with age, skin type, season and time of day. Ten to fifteen minutes of sunshine three times a week is enough to produce the body’s requirement of vitamin D. The sun needs to shine on the skin of your face, arms, back and legs.

Vitamin D deficiency is common. Individuals stay indoors more, cover up when outside or use sunscreen to reduce skin cancer risk. The elderly are particularly at risk for vitamin D deficiency. They are less likely to spend time in the sun, have fewer receptors in their skin that convert sunlight to vitamin D and may not get enough vitamin D in their diet.

It is difficult to get enough vitamin D from food sources alone. Very few foods naturally have vitamin D. Vitamin D can be found in small amounts in a few foods including fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, sardines and tuna, beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and mushrooms. Vitamin D has been added to most dairy products, some juices, cereals and soy beverages. Some individuals may have to take a vitamin D supplement in order to boost their level. The Recommended Dietary allowance for vitamin D for those age 9 to 70 is 600 IU daily. Adults over age 70 should take 800 IU daily.

The best measure of an individual’s vitamin D status is a blood level. Levels below 30 ng/mL are too low for bone or overall health and require a supplement. Vitamin D is important to the body in a number of ways. As with all medications and supplements, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider about starting a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D may interact or interfere with one’s prescription or over-the-counter medications and how your body absorbs or uses them.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Hepatitis A In The Elderly

March 15, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Amy Shein, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Health, Life, Personal, Prevention, Tips

Today I went to see one of my long term clients who happens to be 80 years old. She has been living in a skilled nursing facility for over a year now and has been doing very well. She loves everything about the facility, except for the food. She really misses her own home cooked foods that she loves and is part of her ethnic background, which she is so familiar with. She is a beautiful Japanese woman who really misses her Sushi and Sashimi.

As her Geriatric Care Manager, I explained to her that the facility does not offer Sushi to their residents and that I also needed to speak with the Dietician on staff about the safety perspective of bringing food in from the outside, and also needed to consider her medical history and what foods she may be restricted from.

The Dietician educated me that eating raw fish or oysters can contribute to food poisoning. Food poisoning occurs when you consume toxins, bacteria or viruses from water or food that contains harmful substances. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, weakness and nausea and vomiting.

Sushi lovers are at high risk for Hepatitis A virus infection. Hepatitis A, or HAV, is an acute viral infection of the liver. Symptoms of liver infection are similar to food poisoning; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, exhaustion, jaundice and pain in the right upper abdomen. HAV is caused by the transmission and ingestion of microscopic contaminated feces that can be found on or within fruit, raw vegetables, drinking water or exposure to an infected person who showed lack of hand washing.

You need to be extremely careful of what restaurants you choose to dine in and the safety that is necessary during your own home preparation of food. Stay with what you know best. According to the Centers for Disease Control, most healthy people recover from HAV infection without complications and could even develop immunity again re-infection. But, HAV exposure in older adults my cause severe and serious symptoms, with risk of both morbidity and mortality and this could increase with age. There are vaccinations available to you for both Hepatitis A and B for its prevention. People that do a lot of traveling to many countries are encouraged to get the Hepatitis A vaccination. Please ask your own physician about the Hepatitis A vaccination and see if they feel it is right for you.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Aging Eyes

March 2, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Eldercare, Health, Help, Life, Personal, Prevention, Tips

Your circadian rhythm is a biological clock that regulates many of the systems of your body, such as the sleep-wake cycle, the temperature regulation system and the endocrine system. Circadian rhythms are responsible for rallying the body in the morning and slowing it down at night so the body will rest and rejuvenate. The malfunction of an individual’s circadian rhythm causes circadian rhythm disorders leading to insomnia, heart disease and cancer.

Most of the time your biological clock or circadian rhythm is in sync with the 24 hour day-night. In some individuals, the circadian rhythm is out of sync due to several reasons, which include travel, shift work or neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Symptoms found in individuals with circadian rhythm disorders include difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, decrease in cognitive skills, headaches, gastrointestinal distress and poor psychomotor coordination.

Recently researchers have been studying the effect of the aging of the eyes as one of the reasons for some of the health problems that come with age. As we age there is a gradual yellowing of the lens of the eye and a narrowing of the pupil, which results in less sunlight getting through the lens and reaching key cells in the retina, which regulate the body’s circadian rhythm. Studies indicate that by age 45 the photoreceptors, cells in the retina that absorb sunlight and transmit messages to the part of the brain which governs our internal clock, receive only 50 percent of the light needed to stimulate the circadian system. By age 55, it is only 37 percent, and only 17 percent by the age of 75. Due to these changes it is felt that as an individual ages they should make an increased effort to expose themselves to bright sunlight or bright indoor lighting when they cannot get outside. Often older adults spend more time indoors and put themselves at increased risk.

The eye’s role in maintaining good health is becoming increasingly evident. In order to decrease some of the conditions that occur with age, such as depression, slower reaction time, memory loss and insomnia, it is important that the eyes get the proper light exposure they require to maintain one’s circadian rhythm.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation. 201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

The Hidden Disability

February 3, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Education, Eldercare, Health, Life, Tips

Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear. If you have hearing loss you may not be aware of it. It has been called the hidden disability. An individual with hearing loss will ask others to speak up, repeat what they say, or speak more slowly. Family and friends may notice you have trouble understanding them. It can gradually worsen over time and is easily ignored. As one’s hearing worsens, though, an individual may become increasingly frustrated and socially isolated.

Social isolation has been linked to depression and an increased risk of heart disease. Studies have also shown another major risk associated with hearing problems is dementia. New research suggests that the strain of decoding sounds over the years may overwork the brain of individuals with hearing loss, leaving them more susceptible to dementia. Hearing loss could also lead to dementia by making individuals more socially isolated, a known risk factor for dementia and other cognitive disorders. Individuals who have a hard time hearing can’t follow conversations or respond to questions. They become frustrated and embarrassed, and begin to avoid socializing.

Common causes of hearing loss include noise, age related changes in the inner ear, injury to the ear, an ear infection or an object in the ear. Some common symptoms of hearing loss include muffled hearing, trouble understanding what people say, especially when there is background noise and listening to a television or radio at a higher volume. Noise induced or age related hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids. An audiologist will do tests to find out what kind of hearing loss you have, how severe it is and which part of the ear is affected. To prevent hearing loss, turn down the volume on anything you listen to through headphones, wear hearing protection when working around loud noises, avoid loud noise, avoid putting foreign objects in your ear and treat ear infections as soon as possible.

Individuals do not give hearing loss the same kind of attention they give hypertension or heart disease. Most accept hearing loss as an inevitable part of aging. It is time to take a more serious look at hearing loss. Urge individuals to get their hearing checked and if needed fitted with hearing aids to hear clearly again.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Shingles

January 27, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Eldercare, Health, Life, Medication, Prevention, Tips

It can start out with burning or shooting pain, tingling, or itching on one side of the body or face. The pain can be mild or severe. Blisters then form and can last one to 14 days. It’s shingles, a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once one has had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body, and can cause shingles many years later. Other symptoms of shingles include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach. Sometimes a shingles infection can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation or death. The pain of shingles may last for weeks, months or even years after the blisters have healed.

You cannot catch shingles from another person with shingles. A person who has never had chickenpox, though, can get chickenpox from someone with shingles. Shingles is far more common in people 50 years of age and older. It is also more common in people whose immune systems are weakened because of a disease such as cancer, or drugs, such as steroids, or chemotherapy. There is no cure for shingles. Early treatment with antiviral drugs, such as Zovirax or Valtrex, that fight the virus may help. Medication may also help prevent any lingering pain. Taking a cool bath or using cool, wet compresses on your blisters may relieve the itching and pain.

Two vaccines may help prevent shingles. The chicken pox vaccine has become a routine childhood immunization to prevent chickenpox. The vaccine is also recommended for adults who have never had chickenpox. In 2006, a vaccine was approved for the treatment of shingles. It is recommended for adults 60 years and older. It does not guarantee you will not get shingles, but will reduce the course and severity of the disease if you do. A person should not get the shingles vaccine who has had a life threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or any component of the shingles vaccine, a weakened immune system, or is pregnant. Minor problems associated with the shingles vaccine have included redness, soreness, swelling and itching at the site of the injection and headache. At least one million people a year in the United States get shingles. The shingle vaccine is used only as a prevention strategy. It cannot be used to treat people who currently have the disease. Speak to your doctor or other healthcare provider to learn more and if the shingles vaccine is for you.

Please contact us in our Ramsey or Ridgewood Office to schedule a consultation.

201-587-5283.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Oral Care for the Elderly

January 20, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted in Deborah Varisco, GCM | Leave a comment
Tags: Aging, Eldercare, Health, Life, Safety, Tips

Dental disease can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, oral cancer and respiratory problems. The elderly are more susceptible to oral disease, and this can lead to further medical complications and complaints. Oral disease is closely linked to overall health. Current research states providing the elderly with proper dental care can help avoid illness and discomfort.

As we age it is important to continue with daily mouth care and regular dental checkups. As with other activities of daily living, one should encourage the older adult to do as much of the brushing and flossing as possible. The elderly usually have less saliva, and certain medications decrease saliva output. This decrease in saliva output can change the taste of toothpaste and mouthwash. You may have to switch toothpaste to find one that is acceptable. The same is true for mouthwashes. Try switching brands or diluting the mouthwash if it causes irritation.

To maintain independence in the oral care regime, the toothbrush may have to be adapted. If an individual has difficulty holding a toothbrush, a sponge or rubber ball can be attached to the end of the toothbrush. Sometimes using an electric toothbrush is easier and speeds up the brushing process. If an individual has dentures, it is important to brush the gums and roof of the mouth prior to setting the dentures into place. The dentures should be cleaned once a day and if they break they need to be given to a dentist to repair. Elderly individuals need to watch for any signs of gum bleeding, severe weight loss, loose or chipped teeth, red and swollen gums, change in tooth fit or increased bad breath and loss of taste. These symptoms could all be signs of periodontitis, or gum disease.

Gum disease left untreated will result in tooth loss and other medical complaints. Risk factors which increase periodontitis include older age, poor nutrition, certain medications, tobacco, poor oral care habits and diabetes. Preventing gum disease involves daily brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleaning. If the individual has a problem with mobility and is unable to visit a dentist, many dentists now will make visits to the home or a facility, such as nursing homes. The aging process does not mean teeth should be neglected and regular dental care will ensure the elderly have a full set of healthy teeth.

145 N. Franklin Turnpike, Suite 311, Ramsey, NJ 07446

45 N. Broad St., Suite 503, Ridgewood, NJ 07450