Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Medical Alarm Emergency Alert Button

Perhaps you suffer from an ailment that leaves you prone to accidents? Maybe you are in a wheelchair and live alone? Medical alarms can be your friend in need as you reach emergency responders with the push of a button.

Medical alarms are available for the old and young alike. Anybody who may need emergency help and cannot do it on their own can use these systems.

The alarms come with 24/7 monitoring by qualified staff ready and able to aid you during your medical emergency. Set-up is quick and easy. The alarms consist of a base unit that can be activated remotely from a wireless alert button. Feel like a day outside in the nice weather? The range not only covers indoors, but outdoors up to 400 feet.

When you suddenly find yourself in need of emergency services if you are nearby all you need to do is depress the emergency button on your medical alarm console. You're not near the console? Don't be frightened - simply depress your panic button on your wireless alert device. The portable wireless panic button can be worn three different ways: as a pendant, bracelet or clipped to your belt. Each one is waterproof so you can wear them at all times: even in the shower, tub or pool!

How does the system work for you? When you activate the medical alert system by pressing your panic button, you are connected to staff ready to help. They will decipher your need and if no one answers their two-way communication, emergency vehicles are dispatched instantly. You will have your personal medical history on file to aid in your care.

There is nothing to worry about when the responders are called. They will be able to get to you quite easily. The EMTs will find you in your home, yard or wherever you were when you pressed your panic button. They will cater to you; you do not need to find them once they arrive.

The medical alarm system simply plugs into a power outlet and your home phone system and you're ready to go! Put on your medical alert bracelet or medical alert necklace and you will begin to regain your independence. For added security in your health and well being, research the First Response Medical Alert System to ease your mind.

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Information About Nursing Home Abuse and What to Do

Aging is a natural part of life and is inevitable. When a person gets to the point that they cannot care for themselves they may need to be placed into a nursing home. Many will tell you that the nursing homes they have seen are nice and cozy. Unfortunately, that is not true for all nursing homes out there. Some homes are a place where your loved ones are enduring physical, mental or emotional, and sexual abuse.

Physical Abuse
It is natural for the body to become weak with years of aging. Unfortunately, this makes it all the more easier for a nursing home worker to physically abuse their patients. Many people do not realize that it can become quite difficult to handle taking care of an elderly person. While this does not justify abuse in a nursing home, it should be a question you want to address to your nursing home candidates to see whether or not they can handle your loved one. Examples of physical abuse include:

o Pushing- this is quite common because the patients tend to move slower due to their age. Workers can become impatient and push or shove their patients to get them to hurry up.

o Hitting or Shaking- it is not uncommon for a patient to get violent or act out, but that does not give the worker a right to retaliate. There have been instances where workers try to "teach the patient a lesson" by pinching, hitting, kicking, or shaking.

o Restraining- while restraining a hostile patient may be necessary, some workers over sedate or restrain a patient which is uncalled for.

o Neglect- some elderly workers get tired of running back and forth to a patients room, but that is a part of the job. When a worker neglects a patient and fails to change or bathe them in a timely manner, it can result in bed sores infections, and rashes.

Mental Or Emotional Abuse
Elderly people deserve the same amount of respect as any other individual. Belittling a patient who is reliant on your care is an abuse of power. It is inappropriate to exploit the patient's feelings of embarrassment to make yourself fell better. Unfortunately this happens all the time. Comments such as geezer, senile, lazy, fat, etc. are harmful to the patient's already fragile state.

Sexual Abuse
Unfortunately sexual abuse in nursing homes has happened. The inability of the patient to defend themselves leaves them vulnerable to this abuse. Forms of sexual abuse that have occurred in nursing homes include rape, assault, nudity, and sodomy.

Financial Abuse
Caretakers have been known to steal or threaten their patients to obtain money. They have also violated the law and forged a patient's signature to obtain their assets, property, and any other money available.

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Monday, June 28, 2010

Moving Grandma - Plan B

Grandmothers are wonderful, sweet, tender loving people. When a family turns to me to help them with their grandmother, I always think about my grandmothers.

"Marcella" had downsized from her home to a small apartment a couple years ago, and the time had come for her to move into an assisted living facility. Living alone, lack of socialization and her dementia led the family to this decision. Marcella was quite happy about it. She was getting scared and confused being alone. Her family was worrisome, too.

We spent a few hours choosing the best clothes to move to Marcella's new home, consolidating boxes of pictures and letters, and clearing out the kitchen. Marcella was smiling about donating her clothes and other household items. She was even go through items on her own that needed to be tossed.

The plan was Marcella to have breakfast with a daughter while we moved her things to her new home and have all her things put away with her favorite nick-knacks in place. On the morning of the move, Marcella was found in her bathtub. She could not get out and had spent about 12 hours alone unable to reach a towel or phone. Cold and disoriented, her granddaughter got her dressed and under the covers of her bed to warm up.

Quickly we came up with Plan B: Marcella seemed OK, though we just were not certain. The family ended up taking her to the ER for evaluation. They had me continue to work in Marcella's new home getting all her items put away. Turns out she was a bit dehydrated from not eating and drinking properly. Luckily, the night spent in the tub has not caused any serious problems. After a couple days in the hospital, she is now enjoying her new home.

Please take the time at your family gatherings to make sure your older loved ones feel safe and secure in their home. With our children, we speak about scenarios for fire and weather safety drills. Perhaps it is time for your family to discuss the game plan for reacting to a situation with your older family members. Whom in your family may need a plan B?

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Sunday, June 27, 2010

Are You a Caregiver?

I have to say, it's not easy. While I am just beginning to experience this first hand, I have seen it in my family on more than one occasion..caring for an older adult. Whether it was a cousin caring for her mother or my mother and her sisters caring for my grandparents, ti was hard. It takes its toll. However, there are things that can be done to help.

There are so many things that need done when you need to take over caring for a loved one. Just figuring out that "the" time has come is hard; then add all the bewildering aspects of finances, health care and physical care... it is enough to make you feel desperate.

There is some good news. First, you aren't alone and second, because so many have gone before, resources are available.

The legal aspects of all of this are better left with those who handle the law. Durable power of attorney, reverse mortgages and all of that are highly individual, and I'm a Master Herbalist. To paraphrase a certain original Star Trek character, I'm a simple Master Herbalist, not a lawyer.

When it comes to the myriad health care decisions, I must say it is best to find out *before* things get bad what your relative wishes. That takes a lot of pressure off, and if other family members object, you have the directive...and a directive isn't a bad idea.

Under some circumstances, herbal supplements may be helpful. Ginseng for stamina and gingko for mental function are often recommended. Be aware that no supplement comes without side effects or warnings. Ginseng, for instance, should not be used if there is any rheumatism or other rheumatic illness. Gingko is a blood thinner, and should not be taken with other herbs or medications that do the same thing.

Above all, be aware of your own needs. Many people feel that they must shoulder the entire burden of being a caregiver on their own shoulders. You are doing neither yourself, nor your relative, any good that way. Many resources exist that can give you a break now and again, use it for both of you.

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Saturday, June 26, 2010

Medication Management for the Elderly

The ability of the elderly to manage their medications is often a
concern to the family. These concerns of the family often become
a point of contention between themselves and the elder. At what
point does the family step in?

I am a big believer of trusting your instincts--there is a reason
you are concerned. You did not worry about your parents ability
when they were healthy and strong in their 60's or 70's.
Something has you thinking there is a problem now. Trust that !!!

Thirty five percent --read that again---thirty five percent --of
hospital admissions of the elderly are related to either medication
non-compliance, under-medicating, or over medicating.

125,000 elderly DIE each year due to medication
mismanagement.

By age sixty five, two thirds of all seniors have two or more
chronic conditions requiring prescription medications.

By age eighty, 70% of elders have several chronic conditions:

Heart Disease

High Blood Pressure

Diabetes

Thyroid Disease

Arthritis

Acid Reflux

Osteoporosis

Eye Disorders

Lung Disease

Kidney Disease

Depression

Each chronic condition that is diagnosed adds an additional
medication or two. This is a way of life for the elderly and is
often too large a task for them to handle without support.

Side effects of these medications and interactions with each
other require the ongoing study of an alert mind.

Elders need to be informed about each medication:

Its Purpose

Correct dosage

When taken

Side effects

Interaction possibilities

Over the counter medications are often used by the elderly
along with vitamins, minerals, laxatives, herbs and pain
remedies. Many of these over the counter medications were
once prescription medications with potential drug interactions
and side effects.

Many people do not understand the importance of informing
their physican of all over the counter medications that they
take routinely or occasionally. By not being informed, physicians
do not have the opportunity to relay drug inter action information
and in fact may be adding a drug that is similar to an over the
counter medication already being taken--over dosing!!

Each time a new prescription or over the counter medicine is
added to the regiment, there is an increase in potenial side
effects or intereactions thus creating an increase in safety
issues. Less than thirty percent of older adults take their
medication correctly. Please read that again--less than 30%
take their medications correctly!!!

Family involvement is imperative if there is any possibility
that your elder is forgetful or confused. If the elder is unable
to relate the purpose of each medication what condition it
is treating when it is taken then your intervention is necessary.

THE SOLUTIONS

There are many ways to individualize the medication regiment
for your elder. You will know in which area of the process they
need assistance. Please allow them their dignity in choosing
where they need help. There are many ways to provide this
assistance.

Obtain easy open bottles from the pharmacy.

Ask for large print labels.

Ask for different color medication bottles for specific medications.

Use a pill organizer-7 days-breakfast-lunch- dinner-bedtime.

If able, allow the elder to fill the med box-with supervision.

You fill the medication box. I have four boxes and fill them once a month.

Creat a chart if opposed to a pill box.

Daily reminder phone calls from you.

Regardless of the method you and your elder choose, the most
important issue is attendance at all doctor's appointments.
Someone needs to go with the frail elder to each and every
appointment even if it means hiring a local private duty
agency. Have your elder assigned to a specific nurse. The
nurse will accompany your elder, get new prescriptions filled,
make follow up appointments, fill the med box, and even call
you with a report. You can get everything you need done.

Money well spent!!!

More information regarding this and other topics may be found at [http://www.AskNurseAlice.com]

Dedicated To Eldercare

Nurse Alice

www.AskNurseAlice.com [http://www.AskNurseAlice.com]

[http://www.AskNurseAlice.com/blog/]

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Friday, June 25, 2010

How Can Medical Alert Bracelets Bring More You Peace of Mind?

Imagine that your elderly family member is home alone while you are off running errands. You always feel uneasy leaving the house, but realize that you have to take some time to do things on your own. While you are away your loved one reaches for a cup on a counter, slips and falls on his hip and head. He can't get up and is no where near a phone.

Luckily, you installed a medical alert system a week earlier in the event of such an accident. You gave him a medical alert bracelet with an emergency button on it. He presses the button and is immediately connected to a emergency phone operator through the call box in the house. The phone operator communicates with him through the call box, calmly assessing he situation and dispatches 911 help.

Along with calling 911, the operator calls 4 of his emergency contacts and calls the person at the gate to open the gate for the paramedics. The paramedics arrive 7 minutes later and swiftly transport him to the hospital. You reunite with your loved one and realize he is disoriented but is ok. Luckily, medical attention arrived quickly to prevent further injury.

Families have relied on medical alert systems for years to provide them with peace of mind. For families seeking home health care, medical alert bracelets are essential tools to ensuring the safety of your loved one especially if they suffer from a brain-impairing disease.

That being said, there are a few things you should look for in a medical alert bracelets system:

1.) UL Listing

2.) 30-Day Money Back Guarantee

3.) Trained In-House Phone Operators

UL Listing- The Underwriter's Laboratory is the recognized standard for call centers. Being listed under the UL means that the company has met the high communications standards of the UL.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee- A satisfaction guarantee allows you to test the quality of the service with no strings attached. I recommend you try more than one service. Evaluate the service on response time, customer service, and equipment quality.

Trained In-House Phone Operators- Companies that train and employ their own emergency phone operators have more control over the quality of their calls. The best companies constantly review their operator's emergency calls.

You can get this information by simply calling the services you are considering purchasing.

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Thursday, June 24, 2010

Why Choose Home Care?

Despite challenges in the activities of daily living, many families still prefer to have their loved ones in the comfort of their home. In other cases, the elderly father would prefer to stay at home rather than in a nursing home or facility, while his family worries about his care and the challenges he may face on a daily basis.

Home care is an alternative for those who wish to live as independently as they can, while having the care they need. It can provide many services as well as advantages. Below are some of the top reasons for choosing home care:

o Services such as taking vital signs, assisting with medications, and assistance with challenges in the activities of daily living can be provided. This in turn helps minimize the need for urgent care and/or rehospitalization. For instance, when your elderly father forgets to clean himself or refuses to change his underpants, he may be prone to infection and other illnesses, which may eventually result in hospitalization. Home care can oversee these types of problems and help prevent additional mishaps.

o Medical as well as non-medical care can be provided.

o Strength and healing is promoted. When someone is in a hospital or an institution, where they are surrounded by other people who are weak or have illnesses, they themselves may become ill. After all, we are made to adapt to our environment. Evidence have shown that our familiar surroundings and the things that comfort us may give us strength, therefore promoting any necessary healing.

o If medical home health care is necessary, more involvement with the physician will take place, therefore promoting continuity.

o One on one attention is provided.

o It is less expensive and health wise, more effective when it comes to promoting the healing process.

o It can help bring families together. When illness strikes, family members, strife and peace, can be brought together to help care for the one they love.

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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Wholesale Medical Alert Systems

Wholesale, as the name suggests, refers to anything available in a large quantity. Medical alert systems are devices used by the elderly or diseased people. At the time of crisis, these people are equipped and can summon help by pressing a simple button. This is connected to a monitoring service in the vicinity, manned by people who intimate all concerned and come to the rescue almost immediately.

Anyone going in for wholesale items does so for the price reduction offered or a requirement for bulk quantities. The buyer might also wish to make the most of some short-term scheme offered by the company, on the product. Wholesale medical alert systems can be bought from a retailer or an institution providing the equipment free of cost. Some doctors could also be interested in buying them in large quantities.

It is advisable to keep certain facts in mind while going in for bulk purchase. Since the product is being purchased is in quantity, it is important to give a fore thought to storage, transport and handling. Medical alert systems are electronic equipments similar to burglar systems. They have batteries that could lose their over a period of time. Their buttons could get jammed over a long period of non-utilization, as well.

The wholesale buyer should be certain of customers for the stock being bought. He should also ascertain that every single piece is in working condition when delivered to the customer. He should ensure proper handling of the product. The storage place should also be free of dampness and moisture.

The buyer can buy bulk quantities from the manufacturer or the concerned company itself. This is better and preferable, since the packing and transporting would be relatively better, with specific clauses included in the sale deed, holding the company responsible for any losses incurred in transit.

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