The Healthcare system is complex, fragmented, costly and can be dangerous. Empowering people to be their own best advocate when entering the healthcare system is critical.
The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in the house. Review and follow key bathroom safety tips. Minimize the risk of injury.
Helping people get the care they need when they need it in an efficient way to meet THEIR needs.
Spring cleaning is a great time to focus on home safety and fall prevention.
The lack of modesty protection in healthcare is a troubling issue; a barrier keeping patients from seeking care and treatment. The lack of modesty protection is especially challenging for individuals who have suffered from sexual assaults and physical disfigurement/deformity. They are not alone; those with strong religious/cultural beliefs relating to modesty, children and teens, individuals transitioning, and those with poor body image and are prone to embarrassment are also challenged. Unfortunately, privacy in healthcare is in short supply and
Loving a needle phobic husband is challenging! He grasps the importance of vaccination; his overwhelming fear has resulted in many unusual situations.
The ways I have observed masks being worn is amazing. My desire to contain the spread and help us return to some “normalcy” is overwhelming. My ideal imaginary mask monitoring job may soon be gone! Oh, what a hopeful thought.
Serving as a COVID-19 volunteer vaccinator has been exciting, gratifying, and rewarding. There were many touching moments revealing the challenges individuals encountered coupled with hope for the future.
Getting your flu vaccine is more important than ever this year. This is especially true for caregivers whose loved ones depend on them. Flu vaccine can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, hospitalizations and been shown to be life-saving. This is a very important step that you can take to decrease the chance of getting the flu, especially since COVID-19 is another risk factor.
Staying healthy is vital; don’t delay getting time-sensitive medical care, or ignore a sudden change in condition. Addressing changes in medical conditions early and promptly responding to a medical emergency improves your outcome. This is especially important if you are the caregiver, and your loved one is depending on you. Look after both your mental and physical health; be sure to do something nice for yourself each day.
Caregiver personal safety is extremely important. If the caregiver is incapacitated from an injury, who cares for the loved one? While no one can eliminate the risk of injury entirely, the use of proper body mechanics will absolutely reduce the risk of injury. Taking advantage of supplemental equipment and devices can further reduce the risk of injury to both the caregiver and loved one.
November is National Palliative and Hospice care month. It is the time to recognize and raise awareness for the vital work done for those in need of symptom management and comfort care. The dedicated professionals are committed to controlling symptoms and providing end-of-life care. It is a perfect time for individuals of all ages to discuss their end-of-life preferences and wishes with loved ones and their physician. How you formulate your individual Advance Directive will be shaped by many aspects including your culture, values, experiences, religion, relationships, and environment. As you address your Advance Care Planning wishes, remember that aging in place may be part of your plan. Consider is your current home going to meet your needs or will modifications be necessary?
Medication overload or polypharmacy is the drug problem that is not getting headlines; it is a serious and growing issue impacting the aging populous. Protect yourself and be proactive in minimizing your risks. This problem cannot be ignored as implications to you are high.
Falls happen for a variety of reasons and can be life changing for a growing percentage of the population. There are actions to be taken to decrease falls risk.
Speak Up™ program, launched in 2002 has been used in more than 70 countries. It encourages patients and family members to speak up and be advocates for their healthcare.