As a senior, if you become sick and have to go for medical help, one of the worst things is having to wait at a walk-in clinic. ClinicBook is a new tool that is available to seniors and their caregivers that will help locate the closest clinic with the shortest waiting time. In many cases, seniors have no choice but to go to a clinic, so being able to find one that will quickly attend to the medical issues at hand is very important. Below is some additional information on ClinicBook and some other benefits it can offer.
1. In addition to helping locate the closest clinic in a time of need, ClinicBook can be helpful in booking appointments with other medical professionals. This is a great thing for caregivers, allowing them to have a fast and organized way to make necessary appointments.
2. ClinicBook will also help caregivers find the earliest appointment for emergencies, such as a dental emergency. Instead of having to be on the phone with multiple offices, ClinicBook takes away that hassle and provides the information quickly.
3. One of the great things about ClinicBook is that doctors and other medical professionals do not have to change how they do things. ClinicBook taps into the clinic management software that is already being used, making this one of the recommended options for caregivers.
They say it’s the “thought that counts” when it comes to gift-giving over the holidays, and that statement really does go along way. However, you do want the gifts you choose for the important seniors in your life to be something that is useful and appreciated, and those items are easier to come across than you might think! Setup a gift basket with some of the following, which will help their financial situation and even help to improve their health!
1. Purchase items that will aid in dental health – it might not sound like a glamorous holiday gift idea, but a senior’s dental health can really change their quality of life, especially over the holidays when they’d rather enjoy. In a gift basket, include a favorite toothpaste or denture cleaner, mouthwash, floss and a new toothbrush (buy electric, or one in their favorite color – something they might not splurge on!).
2. Stock up on other personal items – splurge a little bit and include personal items that are more than just the basics. If you know that they prefer a certain kind of scented soap or body wash, but typically stick to a cheaper bar soap, pick some up! Bubble bath, body lotion and other items they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves would also be appreciated
3. Include nutritious snacks – crackers, preserves, tea and coffee are all great things to include in a senior’s gift basket. Try to buy the items you know they love, but won’t get for themselves!
Seniors control their diabetes by regulating their diet. However, some seniors have severe cases of diabetes that require insulin injections. These seniors have to be extremely careful when it comes to ingesting sugar. Halloween is known to be a time for sweet treats, treats that could tempt seniors. It is important for all diabetic seniors to find the will power during Halloween to avoid these temptations.
1. Instead of eating candy and other foods with high amounts of sugar, seniors with diabetes should find foods with a sugar substitute. This will provide them with the sweet taste they are craving without the negative effects of ingesting sugar.
2. Many refined foods contain high amounts of sugar. Most seniors believe that eating fruit is a way to satisfy a sweet craving. However, there are some fruits that diabetic seniors should always avoid. These include bananas, plums, strawberries, papaya, oranges and grapefruit. These fruits contain high amounts of sugar.
3. Many vegetables will also have large amounts of sugar. Seniors should avoid beets, peas, beans, carrots and anything with high amounts of starch.
4. Be careful when drinking certain beverages. Soda, tea and coffee should be avoided by seniors who have diabetes.
Men and women over the age of 50 require a Vitamin D supplement due to the body getting older. In addition to Canada’s Food Guide, everyone over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 µg (400 IU). Vitamin D and calcium are important for bone strength and to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in older adults.
As we age, our ability to produce vitamin D through sun skin exposure is reduced. Therefore, it is recommended all adults over the age of 50 take a daily vitamin D supplement.
Why do we need Vitamin D?
Vitamin D maintains bone health. The major role of vitamin D is the maintenance of serum calcium and phosphate concentrations within the normal range (IOM, 1997). Improved muscle strength, reduced fracture rates, and reduced rates of falling have been associated with higher levels of vitamin D in the body. Another role of Vitamin D plays in the prevention of some cancers and offer a protective effect against certain autoimmune diseases.
The major sources of vitamin D are fortified foods. In Canada, cow’s milk and margarine must be fortified with vitamin D. Goat’s milk, fortified plant based beverages (ex. fortified soy beverages), and some calcium-fortified orange juices are permitted to be fortified with vitamin D. Cheese and yogurt can be made with vitamin D-fortified milk, however, the final product does not contain as much vitamin D as fluid milk alone. The only natural sources of vitamin D in the Canadian food supply are fatty fish and egg yolks.
Mississauga expert hosts presentation on household clutter and the risks to seniors’ health and safety
Home Instead Senior Care welcomed seniors and family caregivers to a presentation on Household Clutter recently. Guests came out to the Mississauga Central Library for the event, which included a presentation by Home Instead Senior Care as well as Motion Specialties. Guests enjoyed refreshments while learning about clutter and how to manage it – clutter can even be a safety hazard if not managed properly! The event was also the launch of Home Instead Senior Care’s public awareness campaign to educate families about clutter and household hazards.
Planning for any outpatient care can be very stressful for seniors. This is especially true for those who need assistance at home. After having an outpatient procedure, some seniors may need some additional help while healing. Mississauga Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGivers can be very beneficial for seniors in this situation. The following list contains some of the services that are offered.
1. The program can assist patients getting to and from follow-up appointments.
2. Clients can be accompanied to all different kinds of medical appointments. This can even include dialysis and chemotherapy treatments.
3. CAREGivers can help reduce stress and anxiety that many seniors experience before, during and after an outpatient procedure.
4. CAREGivers are specially trained to help clients with daily needs. This can include getting dressed, bathed and preparing meals. They will also help the patient follow any instructions that have been given by a doctor.
5. Many seniors who have had a procedure may be confused and tired. In some cases, they may not remember when to take their medications. This is another thing that CAREGivers can help with when the senior returns home.
6. The CAREGiver can even go to the pharmacy to retrieve any necessary prescriptions that are needed by the patient.
Many healthy seniors do not feel they need to have a family doctor. No matter what the medical conditions are of seniors, they should have a doctor. The family doctor can help with the treatment of many different health conditions. There are also many family doctors that primarily have seniors as patients. The list below contains some information for seniors on why, and how to choose a family doctor.
1. Family doctors can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. They can also refer patients to a specialist when needed.
2. Even is a senior does not have any medical needs at this time, family doctors practice preventative medicine. This means that things can be done to protect a senior from developing a medical condition in the future.
3. When looking for a family doctor, seniors should talk to other seniors. This is a great way to find a family doctor that deals with senior health on a regular basis.
4. When choosing a doctor, make sure they accept the form of insurance carried by the senior. Also check the office hours to see that the doctor is available during times the senior would be able to make appointments. Seniors should also find out what hospital the family doctor deals with in case there is ever the need for a hospital admission.
Maintaining health is one of the most important things for seniors. Many seniors do not take the necessary steps to stay healthy. The following list can offer some great tips for seniors who are looking to improve their health and maintain it. Seniors who have existing medical conditions also need to take extra measures to ensure their health. These tips can be very beneficial.
1. Health is affected by your environment, including diet, stress, water, radiation, trauma and exercise. Seniors should know how to alter these things to prevent health issues and maintain good health.
2. Blood tests can detect immune issues as well as inflammation. Precautionary blood tests can help senior health.
3. Hormones that are not balanced can cause medical issues.
4. Many seniors have digestive issues that prevent them from eating healthy foods. Try to diagnose this problem and get treatment, and then devise a healthy diet.
5. Detoxify your body for ultimate health.
6. Seniors who have low energy levels will be more prone to illness. Boosting metabolism can be done by taking a daily vitamin supplement. This can help prevent many diseases and illnesses.
7. Having a positive outlook on things can improve physical health. Happy seniors tend to be healthier, so try to stay involved in hobbies and stay socially active.
For many seniors who have a history of cancer, heart disease or other forms of potentially life-altering diseases. Many live with the fear their whole lives that they might be the next one to fall victim to one of these genetic illnesses. Family caregivers can have similar concerns, and sometimes it’s hard to convince an older adult to go into a doctor’s office if they feel like they’d rather not know. But detection is essential in providing care.
There is a new technology under development that could change that, offering bedside detection of changes in health for seniors, plus also the opportunity to test for different types in cancer by changes in fluid levels. The device tat’s being developed will be very small and convenient so it will offer practical use for seniors and their healthcare or senior home care providers.
Early detection of diseases like cancer can help to ensure that it’s caught before seniors have even recognized symptoms. They also don’t even have to leave home initially in order to learn that follow-up medical care may be required.
This is another example of how technology can help keep seniors living at home longer!
Seniors who injure themselves often face a long period of recovery in the hospital, and while that can be trying some of the greatest challenges start once seniors return home. As they recover, even the most independent seniors can struggle to take care of themselves; it becomes a challenge to get to necessary medical appointments and manage the upkeep of their home. Seniors may not require ongoing home help, but these seniors need to make their recovery a priority and may benefit from home helper services such as:
• Escort to medical appointments, rehabilitation facilities and other crucial aspects of the recovery process that seniors need to attend to out of their home
• Personal services to help seniors as they’re recovering like reminding them to take medications and helping them to dress and bathe
• Help around the home so seniors can focus on recovering rather than maintaining their home. Home helpers can do light housekeeping, laundry and help prepare meals
