Health Basics Archives - Caresify Home Care UK

4Nov, 2022

Eye Problems in Older Adults

Changes in vision are not uncommon as we age. Older adults who notice a decrease in vision may accept this as a normal and expected process, but some serious eye problems can also develop in our later years.

As an older adult or caregiver, it’s important to know the common eye problems older adults can experience. In addition, knowing the warning signs of eye problems in older adults, and when you should see your doctor for further evaluation can help avoid permanent vision loss. We’ll discuss this in detail, as well as tips for maintaining eye health and adapting to vision changes as an older adult.

Common eye conditions in older adults

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the risk for vision problems increases significantly after age 65. 1 For most people it is normal to experience refractive errors such as far-sightedness (presbyopia) after age 45, with symptoms worsening into their 60s. 2 This is why bifocals and reading glasses are commonly needed by older adults.

Beyond this age-related change, there are several eye conditions that can happen more commonly in older adults: 3

Cataracts- these cloudy areas can develop on the lens of the eye, causing blurry vision. They can be removed surgically.

Glaucoma- this problem usually involves increased pressure in the eye, affecting the optic nerve and leading to vision loss and blindness if untreated.

Retinal disorders- the retina is a layer of the eye that affects the transfer of visual images to the brain. Older adults may experience these retinal problems:

- - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)- this causes loss of vision and distorted vision
  - Diabetic retinopathy- older adults with diabetes are at risk for this type of eye damage, which can lead to blindness if not treated
  - Retinal detachment- adults over age 50 and those who have had cataract surgery are at higher risk of this problem, which can cause permanent vision loss. 4

Dry eyes- decreased tear production and dry eyes often occur with age. In fact, your risk of experiencing this problem equals your age in years- so at age 70, you have a 70% chance of dry eye.5 Your ophthalmologist can recommend treatment to reduce symptoms.

Symptoms of eye problems in older adults

Because some of the vision problems described above can begin to develop without discomfort or obvious symptoms, the American Optometric Association recommends eye exams for adults age 65 and older at least annually. 6 You can ask your doctor if they recommend more frequent eye exams based on your medical history.

Common symptoms of eye problems in older adults include:

Difficulty seeing up close
Noticing your eyes adjust more slowly to changes in lighting
Trouble with distinguishing colors
Blurry vision
Problems with recognizing faces

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists the following symptoms as signs of an eye emergency requiring immediate medical care: 7

Suddenly not being able to see or having new blurry vision
Eye pain
Double vision
Redness or swelling of the eye or eyelid
Sudden new floaters (specks or cobwebs in your field of vision) or flashes of light

Vision tips for older adults

In addition to being proactive about regular eye exams to detect developing eye problems, there are some general health behaviors that can positively impact your vision. The CDC recommends the following for better eye health: 8

Eat a healthy diet high in antioxidants- this includes dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens

Quit or avoid smoking- this is a risk factor for eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration

Talk to your doctor about family history- some eye problems run in families, so it’s important to discuss this with your doctor. They may recommend additional screening

Strategies for adapting to vision impairment

Even with the best care, you may experience some vision loss as you age. Your eye doctor can help to treat any ongoing eye conditions and maintain the correct prescription for corrective eyewear. Along with this, there are some helpful tips for adapting to vision problems and avoiding problems like falls due to decreased eyesight:

Improve indoor lighting- adding additional lighting to rooms can help you see more clearly. Use technology to help you turn on lights more easily: smart outlets and light bulbs can help you automatically turn on and off lights so you’re not fumbling in the dark for a switch.

Add colored tape to the edge of stairs- this makes each step easier to identify so you don’t miss any stairs and lose your footing.

Upsize household and personal devices- some phones and tablets come with larger screens and buttons to help people who are visually impaired. A larger TV can be easier to watch. Large print books, magnifying glasses, or E-readers with enlarged text can make reading more accessible. Use clocks with large numbers.

Eliminate clutter- not only can disorganized spaces make items harder to see, they can also result in trip hazards. Make sure there is a clear pathway through the house and that electrical cords and throw rugs have been removed.

Use contrasting colors- dark colors against light backgrounds are easier to see, so for example, choosing a dark non-slip mat for a white bathroom floor is the best option, or using brightly colored potholders in the kitchen can help them stand out.

Change your driving habits- if vision challenges are affecting your driving, be sure to discuss with your doctor whether it’s still safe for you to drive. Opting to avoid nighttime driving, or choosing alternatives to get around may be better options.

Ask about a vision rehabilitation therapist- these certified vision therapy specialists can help you adapt to vision changes and recommend assistive devices for your unique situation.

Vision changes don’t have to hold you back

Promptly treating many of the eye problems discussed above can prevent worsening of vision problems and increase your quality of life. Even with some vision loss, it is possible to adapt your environment and behaviors to increase your independence in spite of any limitations.

Along with discussing the best treatment options with your doctor and adding strategies that help you overcome low vision, discussing any vision concerns with friends and family can help them understand how to best support you if you experience challenges.

Many older adults are embarrassed to talk about changes that make them seem less capable or independent. But if your loved ones only suspect difficulties, they don’t have the opportunity to offer to help in ways that could improve your independence, like helping with transportation to and from your favorite activities.

Ultimately, it is possible to maintain independence and healthy vision well into your older years– a goal we can all aspire to.

If activities of daily living have become more challenging due to vision concerns, Caresify’s professional caregivers can help you maintain your independence and assist with everyday tasks and routines. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007 to discuss a personalized plan of care at home.

References

14Sep, 2022

Is it a Heart Attack? Know the Signs

Even though heart attacks are a well-known medical emergency, are you sure you could identify all the signs if you saw them? You may be surprised to know there are at least 10 common signs of heart attack (also called myocardial infarction).

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., with someone having a heart attack every 40 seconds, and 805,000 people suffering one each year. Of these, 605,000 are first-time heart attacks. 1

As people age, the heart experiences strain and wear over time, just like any part of the body. Also, older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions that contribute to heart disease, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Along with working with your doctor to take steps to reduce your risk of heart attack, it is important that you know your personal risk level for having one, and how to spot the signs when a heart attack is happening. By being informed, you could save your own life or the life of a loved one.

What exactly is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when major blood vessels supplying the heart with blood and oxygen become blocked. This can happen because of narrowing due to a buildup of fat and cholesterol in the vessel (called plaques), or because of a blood clot that develops. When blood flow is blocked to the heart, part of the heart muscle starts to die. Untreated, this can lead to death- it is an emergency.

Risk factors for heart attack

Age by itself is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (the buildup of plaques in blood vessels). The American Heart Association states that adults aged 65 and older are at the highest risk of dying from coronary heart disease. 2 Being male, and certain hereditary traits can increase the risk as well. These risk factors can’t be changed, but there are several that can:

Smoking
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Being overweight or obese
Lack of exercise
Stress
Uncontrolled diabetes
Poor diet
Alcohol abuse

How to figure out your risk score

If you’ve never had a heart attack, your doctor can use a risk calculator to use your unique factors to calculate your 10-year risk of experiencing a heart attack.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has developed a calculator known as the ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) Risk Calculator. 3 A similar calculator for layperson use was developed by the ACC and the American Heart Association (AHA), called the AHA Cardiovascular Risk Calculator. 4

These calculators use values like cholesterol level, age, smoking status, high blood pressure, and others to determine a risk score.

Preventing heart attacks

It’s easy to see some strategies for reducing your risk of heart attack by looking at the list of risk factors mentioned above. Some specific approaches you can take include:

Improve your diet- according to the AHA and ACC, the Mediterranean diet (high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and fish) is a good choice, as is reducing saturated fats. 5

Stop smoking, if you smoke- within just five years of quitting, the risk of cardiovascular disease is decreased by 39%. 6

Get regular exercise- the U.S. Surgeon General recommends 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Talk to your doctor about the best plan for you.

Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol- both exercise and diet can improve these measurements, and your doctor may recommend medications as well to help control any problems.

Manage diabetes, if you have it- talk to your doctor about your A1C numbers, a blood test that helps show how well your diabetes is controlled over time.

Reduce stress- because stress can increase blood pressure and has been found to be tied to cardiovascular disease, taking steps to reduce stress can have a positive effect on your risk of a heart attack. This includes getting a good night’s sleep every night.

Avoid alcohol- the AHA recommends that men should limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day, and women should limit consumption to no more than one drink. 7

Signs and symptoms of heart attack

People can have significant symptoms that a heart attack is happening, or mild symptoms. In some cases, there may not even be any symptoms at all. The most serious symptom of heart attack is sudden cardiac death. Other common symptoms include:

Angina- a feeling of squeezing, pressure, burning, tightness, aching, or fullness in the chest
Angina pain or pressure can be under the breastbone, in the throat, jaw, back or shoulders, left arm, or upper abdomen. It does not have to be in the chest.
Pain or pressure that worsens with physical activity
Dizziness or fainting
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting
Irregular or racing heartbeat
Sweating
Sudden shortness of breath
Restlessness, anxiety, or a “feeling of doom”

Heart attack symptoms in women

It’s important to know that for women, it is more common to have heart attack symptoms that don’t fit the classic description of “chest pain or pressure.” Women may not have any symptoms at all, or they may have abdominal discomfort, nausea or vomiting, back pain, shoulder pain, jaw pain, or shortness of breath.

Time is muscle

The most important thing to remember is that if you have any new symptom that is bothering you, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Heart attacks are not always dramatic and intense, and they don’t always mean a person’s chest will hurt.

It is far better to find out it’s not a heart attack than to ignore a heart attack that is happening. This is because time is muscle. The part of the heart that doesn’t get enough oxygen during a heart attack is permanently damaged. If hours go by before the blockage is fixed, that area of heart muscle may never recover. This can lead to dangerous problems with abnormal heart rhythms and long-term heart issues like heart failure.

Treating a heart attack

To determine whether a heart attack is happening, medical personnel will use a combination of tests. The first test done in the emergency room (or in the ambulance) is called an electrocardiogram or ECG. Using sensors attached to wires, your heart’s electrical activity is recorded. In a heart attack, this electrical activity is disrupted and can be seen on the test.

Along with an ECG, blood tests can be checked to look for certain markers of heart damage that may be happening.

If a heart attack is detected, emergency treatment is provided to remove the blockage causing the attack. Clot-dissolving medications may be used, and a procedure called cardiac catheterization can be performed. In this procedure, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), stenting of the blood vessels can be done to relieve the blockage.

In other cases, a surgical procedure called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) may be done to fix the blockage. With a CABG, blood vessels are taken from another part of the body and grafted to the blocked blood vessel in the heart, allowing blood to bypass the blockage.

After a heart attack

The American Heart Association has found that 1 in 5 people will experience a second heart attack within 5 years of their first. 8 If you’ve had your first heart attack, it’s important to work with your doctor to take steps to prevent another- each heart attack further damages sections of heart muscle.

Your doctor may recommend these treatments:

Medication- many people who have a history of heart attack are prescribed aspirin daily, or another blood thinning medication to help reduce the risk of clots. Cholesterol-lowering medication and medication to help with heart function, like beta blockers, may also be prescribed. It’s important to take medications as prescribed.

Cardiac rehab- this is a medically supervised exercise program, in an outpatient clinic setting. Patients exercise several times a week, for an average of 3 months, to help strengthen heart muscle. The AHA reports that cardiac rehab reduces the risk of a repeat heart attack by 47%. 9

Follow other preventative steps- the measures discussed above, including a healthy diet, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, etc. are still important to follow if you’ve had a heart attack.

Knowledge is power when it comes to heart attacks

Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack and acting promptly if you suspect you are having one could save your life. Along with these emergency measures, prevention is an important potentially life-saving strategy as well.

When it comes to preventing or treating coronary heart disease and heart attacks, having family support can be an important part of staying healthy. Both family and professional caregivers can help an older adult get to regular doctor’s appointments, keep track of medications, remember to ask important questions during visits, and participate in activities like cardiac rehab and a healthy lifestyle.

If you need extra support for an older adult to help with these strategies, Caresify’s home care can offer you solutions for maintaining a healthier, happier life. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

1Sep, 2022

A Complete Guide to Common Health Concerns for Older Adults

The health concerns accompanying aging are an important topic as the population of older adults in the US continues to grow. The number of people 65 and older is projected to double in the next 40 years.1 What common health concerns will play a role as this phenomenon continues?

The saying “knowledge is power,” certainly applies to this topic–understanding common problems you can face with aging allows you to make changes that can help prevent or manage them. Spotting early warning signs can give you an advantage in successfully treating some conditions, or even save your life in some cases.

We’ll explain these common health concerns here, along with symptoms you should know and possible treatment approaches that you can discuss with your doctor.

What are the most common health concerns for older adults?

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that 80% of adults age 65 and older have at least one chronic (ongoing) health condition, and 68% have two or more. 2 Using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the NCOA lists the 10 most common chronic health conditions older adults face as follows:

Hypertension
High cholesterol
Arthritis
Ischemic/coronary heart disease
Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease
Heart failure
Depression
Alzheimer’s and dementia
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The following breakdown of each of these health concerns, along with tips on how to manage them, can help you approach them with confidence and live a healthier life as you age.

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

This is more common for older adults because of changes in blood vessels that happen with age. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to several serious health problems, including some of the other health issues listed above: stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, vascular dementia, and eye problems. 3

People may not always experience symptoms that their blood pressure is chronically high. Regular visits to the doctor can help identify this problem, as well as checking it yourself regularly and reporting high results to your doctor for further advice.

According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is any reading below 120/80. 4

If your blood pressure is too high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes along with medication to help control it. Exercising, losing weight, quitting smoking, limiting salt and alcohol intake, eating a heart-healthy diet, getting a good night’s sleep, and reducing stress can all help you to control your blood pressure.

High cholesterol

If the levels of cholesterol in your blood are elevated, it means you have too many lipids (fats) in your bloodstream. These fats can build up on the walls of blood vessels, causing fatty deposits (plaques).

High cholesterol, over time, can cause problems like hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Along with medications, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help improve your cholesterol levels. Following these healthy habits can help prevent high cholesterol if you don’t already have it, too. These lifestyle changes include: 5

Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, and high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Exercise regularly
Quit smoking
Reduce alcohol consumption
Lose excess weight

Arthritis

This condition is very common in older adults, with 49.6% of people age 65 and older reporting that their doctor has diagnosed them with arthritis. 6 The discomfort from arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. 7

Although there are many types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common form experienced by older adults. To treat this, doctors often prescribe a combination of anti-inflammatories like NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and pain medication. They may also recommend physical therapy or occupational therapy.

In some cases, injections of steroids or other medications into the joint can help relieve symptoms. And transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can also treat painful joints. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be the best option.

Along with these medical interventions, your doctor may make the following recommendations for care at home:

Losing weight
Low-impact exercise
Heat and cold for pain and muscle aches
Topical joint pain ointments
Yoga
Supportive braces
Assistive devices like canes

Coronary heart disease

Also called simply “heart disease” and “coronary artery disease,” coronary heart disease affects 18.2 million adults in the United States. 8 Coronary arteries are the large blood vessels that supply oxygen to the heart. Problems with these arteries can lead to a heart attack.

A common cause of coronary heart disease is high cholesterol. Along with age, genetics, and environmental causes, the following lifestyle changes can help you to avoid or improve coronary heart disease: 9

Quit smoking
Maintain a healthy blood pressure
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Get regular exercise
Aim for a healthy weight
Get a good amount of sleep regularly
Manage stress

Diabetes

Affecting as many as 33% of adults age 65 and older, diabetes, or chronic high blood sugar, increases your risk for kidney failure and heart disease. 10 If you’ve been diagnosed, it’s vital that you work with your healthcare providers to properly treat your diabetes with insulin, diet, and exercise.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes in older adults) include excessive thirst and urination, feeling overly tired, blurry vision, weight loss, and increased hunger.

Along with monitoring your blood sugar levels, if you have diabetes your doctor will periodically perform a blood test called the A1C, which looks at how well your blood sugar levels have been controlled over the past 3 months. This test can also identify pre-diabetes, which means you’re beginning to develop diabetes. An ideal A1C level is less than 7%. 11

To reduce your risk for diabetes and to help control it if you’ve been diagnosed, these lifestyle changes are recommended: 12

Lose weight, if you’re overweight
Stop smoking
Eat healthy foods
Get regular exercise

If you have diabetes:

Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol
Have yearly eye exams to check for eye disease caused by diabetes
Check your kidneys: ask your doctor how often they are looking for early problems
Protect your skin, and check your feet often. People with diabetes can develop undetected skin injuries and infections

Chronic kidney disease

The National Kidney Foundation recommends annual screening for kidney disease for anyone over 60. More than 50% of adults over the age of 70 have kidney disease. 13 Risk factors include high blood pressure and diabetes, so controlling those health concerns is important.

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease include:

Fatigue
Decreased appetite
Trouble sleeping
Swollen feet and/or ankles
Dry, itchy skin
Increased urination/nighttime urination
Muscle cramping at night
Trouble concentrating
Puffy eyes

The CDC recommends the following strategies to reduce your risk of kidney disease: 14

Ask your doctor to regularly screen you for kidney disease
Lose weight, if you’re overweight
Quit smoking
Stay active
Control your blood pressure
Treat diabetes properly, if diagnosed
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Reduce your salt intake
Maintain a healthy cholesterol level
Take any medications recommended by your doctor

Heart failure

Also called congestive heart failure or CHF, heart failure develops when your heart muscle is weak and can’t pump blood effectively. It is more common as people age. Having coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and being overweight can all increase your risk for heart failure.

Symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, trouble breathing (sometimes even with minimal activity), chest discomfort, heart palpitations, cough, chest pressure, swollen feet, ankles, or legs, and inability to lie flat to sleep.

Along with medications, like any chronic health condition, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the risk of heart failure, and manage it if you’ve been diagnosed. These include:

Quit smoking if you smoke
Maintain a healthy weight
Get regular exercise
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Avoid excess sodium
Cut back on alcohol consumption

Depression

This mood disorder is more than just sadness, “the blues,” or grieving a loss. The feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and sadness that come with depression last for weeks, months, or even years, and interfere with a person’s ability to do everyday things.

For older adults, isolation, illness, and loss of physical abilities can lead to or exacerbate depression. And because they are less likely to seek help for depression, it may be overlooked.

Symptoms of depression to watch for include:

Hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies the person used to enjoy
Overeating, or the opposite– decreased appetite
Sleeping too much, or sleeping too little
Restlessness and irritability
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Unexplained aches, pains, and digestive upset
Fatigue
Suicidal thoughts

Depression is not a normal part of aging. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned that you’re noticing signs of depression.

For some older adults, medications they take for another chronic health concern can cause the symptoms of depression. Your doctor will need to consider whether this is a possible cause and can suggest treatment options to improve depression symptoms.

Along with talking to your doctor about ways to manage depression, there are steps you can take that can help reduce symptoms. Connecting with others, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol, and seeking therapy can all benefit someone with depression.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

The memory and personality changes that accompany Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are not considered to be a normal part of aging, despite stereotypes. They are part of a degenerative brain disorder.

If you have noticed memory or behavioral changes in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to have a conversation with your doctor. They can assess your cognitive abilities and help you watch for any new or ongoing changes that may signal a problem.

Being proactive in managing Alzheimer’s and dementia is important. Following routines, putting safeguards in place to prevent wandering and falls, and enlisting family and professional caregiver assistance can limit some of the confusion and dangers that memory loss can cause.

It’s also critical that you plan for the future now, by having conversations with your loved ones about your advance directives and end-of-life care.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is an umbrella term covering several chronic lung diseases: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive lung disease. Along with chronic cough and shortness of breath, COPD can result in exacerbations, where symptoms become worse, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

The most common cause of COPD is smoking– as many as 90% of cases. 15 Occupational exposure to certain kinds of dust and chemical fumes can also contribute to COPD.

Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest, chronic cough, fatigue, and frequent respiratory infections.

The best way to reduce the risk of COPD is to quit smoking if you smoke. If you’ve been diagnosed with COPD, you’re at higher risk for infections like the flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19, so making sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations for these respiratory illnesses is also crucial.

Preventing common health concerns with lifestyle changes

You may have noticed a common theme in this discussion about common health concerns for older adults. Although you cannot control things like your age, gender, and genetic predisposition for developing these problems, lifestyle changes can help prevent many of them.

Exercise, healthy eating, quitting smoking, losing weight, getting restful sleep, and managing stress are all goals to incorporate into your everyday life. It’s also important to be sure you keep up with regular doctor’s visits and screening for these problems so you can catch them early if they happen.

Older adults may find some of these lifestyle changes more challenging, due to problems with mobility, for example. Enlisting the help of a close friend or family member can help remove some barriers to healthier living. They can also be an advocate, such as supporting you in organizing your care and helping with medication reminders and refills.

Older adults who use in-home caregiver services may also find that these caregivers can also be a positive source of support for maintaining healthy lifestyle choices. If you’re interested in learning more about this kind of expert care, Caresify’s team is available to help guide you through the process. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

23Aug, 2022

What Older Adults Should Know About Vaccines

August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, and it’s a perfect opportunity to make sure your vaccines are up to date to protect you against serious illness. It may surprise you to learn that 42,000 adults die each year in the U.S. due to vaccine-preventable illnesses. 1 Older adults are especially vulnerable to complications from several vaccine-preventable diseases.

Several vaccinations are recommended for older adults. We’ll go over each one, and the disease they prevent, in detail. With an understanding of these illnesses and vaccines, you can be proactive and protect yourself or your loved ones.

Why are vaccines important for older adults?

As we age, changes in our immune system make us more vulnerable to disease. And older adults are often more likely to live with chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and others. These chronic diseases can cause serious complications when someone is infected with a vaccine-preventable illness.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases lists nine reasons vaccines are important for older adults: 2

Vaccine-preventable diseases are still a threat
Vaccines are safe
Vaccination can save your life
Vaccines can keep you healthier
Vaccines are as important to health as diet and exercise
Vaccines cannot cause the diseases they prevent
Vaccine-preventable diseases are costly
People who get sick can spread disease to their families
If you’re sick, you can’t care for people who are counting on you

What vaccines are recommended for older adults?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following vaccines for older adults: 3

Seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine
Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
Hepatitis B vaccine for all adults up to age 59, and high-risk adults 60 and older
Shingles vaccine for all adults age 50 and older
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15, PCV20, and/or PPSV23) for all adults 65 and older
COVID-19 vaccine

Let’s take a closer look at each of these vaccines and the diseases they help to prevent.

Influenza vaccine

Older adults are especially vulnerable to complications of the flu, including pneumonia and death. Every year in the US, older adults make up 90% of flu-related deaths and 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations. 4

The National Institute on Aging recommends that older adults get a flu vaccine each year by the end of October. 5 This is because the flu circulates most widely in the fall and winter, and each year a different strain is dominant. There are two high-dose flu vaccines formulated for older adults, so be sure to ask your doctor about what they recommend for you.

Td or Tdap vaccine

The Td or Tdap vaccine is recommended for all adults every 10 years, and this includes adults age 65 and older. It protects against 3 different diseases: 6

Tetanus- this disease causes muscle pain and stiffness and difficulty swallowing, opening the mouth, and breathing. It can lead to death.

Diphtheria- complications include trouble breathing, paralysis, heart failure, and death.

Pertussis- also called whooping cough, pertussis causes severe coughing that affects eating, breathing, and drinking. Adults may also experience loss of bladder control, fainting, weight loss, or even rib fractures from violent coughing spells.

Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B is one of several viral hepatitis infections that can cause serious health problems. Around 2 in 3 people infected with hepatitis B don’t know they are infected, and it can be spread through sexual contact, blood, and bodily fluids. It is a leading cause of liver cancer. 7

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults up to age 59, and any adults age 60 and up who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection. Your doctor can tell you if you are at high risk, and whether you should get the hepatitis B vaccine.

Shingles vaccine

Shingles, or herpes zoster virus, is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Older adults who had chickenpox earlier in life can develop shingles when the dormant (sleeping) virus in their body reactivates. This is more common as people age, and nearly 1 in 3 adults will experience shingles. 8

Shingles causes a painful rash and blisters on the skin. It can also cause headaches, fever and chills, and upset stomach. Rarely, people can have serious problems due to shingles including pneumonia, blindness, hearing problems, brain inflammation, and death. 9

The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN, and it primarily affects people age 60 and older. 10 PHN causes severe skin discomfort where the shingles rash first appeared, and can last for months.

The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 and over and is given in a two-dose series.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

According to the CDC, around 320,000 people get pneumococcal pneumonia every year, with 150,000 of them ending up in the hospital and 5,000 deaths, mostly in older adults. 11

Pneumococcal disease is caused by several strains of bacteria. Along with pneumonia, it can cause ear infections, sinus infections, bacteremia (a blood infection), and meningitis (infection of the tissue surrounding the spinal cord and brain). 12

Several kinds of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines are available, depending on your age and medical history. PCV15, PCV20, and PPSV23 may all be given to older adults. Your doctor can recommend the best combination to protect you from pneumococcal disease. The CDC recommends the vaccine for all adults age 65 and older.

COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 has dominated the conversation on vaccines and illness in the past two years, and for older adults, this is an especially important topic: although adults age 65 and older make up 16% of the US population, 80% of COVID-19 deaths are in this group of people. 13

Adults age 65 and older who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with mRNA vaccines (either Pfizer or Moderna) have a 94% reduced risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19. 14

How older adults can keep track of their vaccine status

It’s easy to lose track of your current vaccination status, and many older adults may find that during the COVID-19 pandemic, some vaccines were overlooked. Having a conversation with your doctor is a good starting point to find out what vaccines you’ve already had, and which ones they recommend you have now.

It can be helpful to keep a current record of your vaccines so that you always know what you are due for. There are a few ways you can do this. The CDC recommends using this form, and you can ask your doctor if they can print a current vaccination status for you to keep on file at home.

Some providers participate in computerized vaccine databases called Immunization Information Systems, which can also help to store your vaccine information. And finally, there are multiple apps available for keeping your health information stored on your phone and easily accessible.

Vaccines are an important part of healthy aging

Understanding the vaccine-preventable illnesses discussed above is important to your overall health. There are many steps older adults can take to make sure that they are supporting healthy aging, and vaccines are one of those steps.

Making sure you are current on vaccines can be a part of routine visits to the doctor. Sometimes, these visits can feel short, and you may have many questions you want to be sure to address with your doctor. It can be easy to forget to mention vaccines. You may find it helpful to make a list of the important questions you want to ask your doctor, and include vaccines so that you don’t lose track of this topic.

If you have a support person that comes with you to your regular checkups, be sure you mention your vaccine status to them too, so they can help you remember to discuss them with your doctor. This can include any caregivers that are a part of your daily care.

For help getting to your regular doctor visits and keeping up to date on your vaccines, Caresify’s professional caregivers are available to assist with transportation and other activities of daily living. You can learn more here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

29Jul, 2022

Understanding Hepatitis and How it Can Impact You

Each year worldwide, viral hepatitis claims a life every 30 seconds. Many of us are unaware of how this disease could impact us, including our personal risk level, symptoms to watch for, and when to have a conversation with our doctor about hepatitis.

The World Health Organization has named July 28 World Hepatitis Day to draw awareness to this health concern, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services highlights hepatitis awareness in July as part of its National Health Observances. Let’s take a look at what you should know about hepatitis and its potential to impact your health.

What is viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is a type of infection that affects the liver. Like many infections, it causes inflammation and can cause damage. There are several types of viral hepatitis: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. There are some differences between these types of infection:

Hepatitis A and E are short-term (acute) infections that your body can heal completely from. They are spread through food or water that has been contaminated by stool containing the virus.

Hepatitis B, C, and D can be acute infections, but they can also cause long-term (chronic) infections that your body is not able to fully heal from. They are spread through blood and/or body fluids. For example, this can happen from sexual contact with an infected person, or contaminated needles during drug use.

In the United States, hepatitis B and C are the most common sources of viral hepatitis infection.1 Because of this, they are a common cause of chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis can cause cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. There are treatment options for chronic hepatitis that can reduce your risk of serious problems developing- but you must first know that you are infected.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is spread through blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. It can be spread through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and shared personal care items like toothbrushes and razors. Around 2 in 3 people who are infected are not aware they are, and hepatitis B is a leading cause of liver cancer. 2

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C often becomes a chronic infection and is spread through contact with infected blood- even small amounts. Prior to 1992, blood transfusions and organ transplants were not screened for hepatitis C. Drug use is another risk factor. About 50% of people infected with hepatitis C do not know they are infected, and hepatitis C is also a leading cause of liver cancer, and liver transplants. 3

What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis?

It’s important to remember that not all viral hepatitis infections cause symptoms. As discussed above, as many as half of people who are infected with hepatitis B or C do not have any symptoms. 4

When symptoms are present, it’s often due to liver damage from chronic infection, and they may not appear for decades. Symptoms from acute infections may take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months from exposure to appear. The symptoms of any type of viral hepatitis can include the following: 5

Fatigue
Fever
Appetite loss
Nausea and/or vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark-colored urine
Light-colored stools
Joint pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Can hepatitis be treated?

The ultimate cure for chronic hepatitis is a liver transplant; hepatitis C has been a leading cause of liver transplants, but this has been decreasing with the use of available treatments. 6 These are the treatments available for both hepatitis B and C:

Hepatitis B- a vaccine is available for people at high risk of infection, such as healthcare workers and people whose sexual partners are infected with hepatitis B. An injectable drug called pegylated interferon-alpha is used to treat hepatitis B and is successful 25% of the time. 7 Oral antiviral medications may also be used.

Hepatitis C- there is no vaccine available for this type of hepatitis. However, there are several treatments available for hepatitis C depending on the specific sub-type, or genotype, of hepatitis C a person is infected with. These treatments can cure hepatitis C in as many as 90% of cases. 8

Hepatitis A, although less common in the US, does occur and can be prevented by vaccination. The vaccine is recommended for certain types of international travel where there is poor sanitation, and for people with liver disease who have not been previously exposed to hepatitis A. There is no treatment for this type of hepatitis.

Should I get tested for hepatitis?

If you have any of the symptoms of chronic hepatitis, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor as soon as possible. Remember, however, that many people do not experience symptoms of chronic hepatitis infection for many years. Because of this, it’s important to consider testing.

Previously, it was recommended that people born between 1945 and 1960 prioritize testing for hepatitis C in particular, as it was more common in that age group. The more recent opioid crisis has increased the number of infections across all age groups. For younger adults, this is especially linked to drug use. 9

Current CDC guidelines recommend: 10

Hepatitis C screening for all adults age 18 and above at least once in their lifetime
Hepatitis C screening for anyone in a high-risk category, regardless of age:
People who are HIV positive
Anyone who ever injected drugs and shared equipment, even if it was just once
Anyone who has ever received maintenance hemodialysis
Anyone with a long-standing abnormal ALT level (a lab value that measures liver function)
Anyone who has received an organ transplant or blood transfusion, especially if it was before 1992

The CDC ultimately recommends that “Any person who requests hepatitis C testing should receive it, regardless of disclosure of risk, because many persons may be reluctant to disclose stigmatizing risks.” 11 There is also current discussion about creating a recommendation that everyone 18 and older have a test for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime. 12

With this in mind, it may be helpful to ask your doctor whether you have been screened for hepatitis C in the past and discuss testing if you have not.

Being proactive is key

Because it is possible to prevent some types of hepatitis and successfully treat chronic hepatitis infections before they cause serious damage, it’s important to be proactive about this disease. As discussed above, reporting any symptoms to your doctor is crucial. And having a discussion with your healthcare provider about screening for hepatitis can play an important role in early treatment if you’re unaware that you’re infected.

Caregivers can help older adults manage concerns about hepatitis by being an advocate at regular checkups. Questions to ask include whether screening for viral hepatitis has ever been done, and whether any testing should be repeated.

Professional caregivers play an important role in regular health maintenance by helping older adults travel to and from checkups, and relaying any important questions family may want to be sure a physician is aware of. To assist with visits to the doctor that can assess for hepatitis and other health conditions, Caresify provides skilled caregivers that defy the ordinary to offer excellent care when you’re not able to be with your loved one. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

18Jun, 2022

What Do Stroke Symptoms Look Like?

If you or a loved one were to have a stroke, do you know all the symptoms to look for and what to do? Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone has a stroke. 1 Understanding stroke, stroke symptoms, and what to do in an emergency is crucial. This is especially true for the senior population– 75% of strokes happen in people age 65 and older. 2

What is a stroke?

Sometimes called a “brain attack,” a stroke is what happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. It can be due to a clot in the brain or a burst blood vessel in the brain. It is a medical emergency. This is because stroke causes damage to parts of the brain. The damage caused by a stroke can lead to death or disability– it is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and 50% of stroke survivors are permanently disabled. 3

Types of Stroke

Not all strokes are the same. There are some differences in what causes a stroke and how it happens. No matter what type of stroke someone has, it can cause serious brain injury.

Ischemic stroke

When a person has an ischemic stroke, they develop a blockage in one of the blood vessels in the brain. This blockage can be a blood clot or it can be the result of plaque buildup in blood vessels (similar to a heart attack). Ischemic strokes are responsible for around 87% of strokes. 4

When blood flow to the brain is blocked, part of the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. With an ischemic stroke, there is a treatment called tPA that can be given to dissolve the clot, but it is best given within 4 hours of the start of symptoms.5 Surgical treatment can also be an option. Because the brain is being damaged while the blockage is happening, every minute counts when it comes to getting medical care.

Hemorrhagic stroke

This type of stroke involves a blood vessel in the brain bursting and bleeding into the brain. Like an ischemic stroke, it causes damage to brain tissue. When this happens, medical care is needed to stop the bleeding. Doctors can give medicine to help with this. There are also procedures and surgery that can stop the bleeding.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

TIAs have earned the nickname “mini-stroke” because they behave like an ischemic stroke but last for a short time, from a few minutes to a few hours. The symptoms of a TIA can be very similar to a stroke. TIAs must also be treated as a medical emergency because you can’t know if someone is having a TIA or a true stroke.

After a person has a TIA, their risk of an ischemic stroke happening in the next 90 days is as high as 17%– with the highest risk during the first week after the TIA. 6

Causes of stroke and stroke prevention

So what causes stroke, and can you prevent it in the first place? Like many illnesses, stroke risk is due to a combination of heredity, lifestyle, age, gender, and chronic health problems. While you can’t do anything about your genetics, age, or gender, there are some changes you can make in your daily habits that can help reduce the risk of stroke.

Here are some common risks for stroke:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Heart disease
Sickle cell disease
Alcohol and/or drug abuse
Obesity
Not getting enough physical activity
Previous stroke or TIA
Gender (more common in women)7
Ethnicity (more common in Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Native Alaskans)8

As you can see, you can control several of these risk factors. A great starting point is to use the American Heart Association’s stroke risk calculator to see where you stand, or ask your doctor to perform a stroke risk assessment. From there, you can take the following steps to reduce your risk of stroke:

If you smoke, ask your doctor for help quitting
Talk to your doctor about whether blood-thinning medication like aspirin is right for you
Follow healthy diet and exercise recommendations, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association
Lower your cholesterol
Lower your blood pressure
If you’re diabetic, control your blood sugar
Keep a healthy weight
Reduce alcohol consumption
Visit your doctor regularly and take medications for chronic conditions as prescribed

Symptoms of stroke and what to do if they happen

If you or a loved one does experience stroke symptoms, do you know what they look like? If you don’t, you’re not alone. In one survey, only 38% of respondents were able to correctly identify all stroke symptoms. 9

So what do stroke symptoms look like? An easy way to remember the most important signs is the acronym F.A.S.T., which stands for:

F= Face drooping- One side of the face may feel numb or droop. When the person smiles, it can appear uneven

A= Arm weakness- One arm may feel weak or numb. When the person lifts both arms up, one may drift back down

S= Speech difficulty- Speech may be slurred, difficult to understand, or the person may not be able to speak at all

T= Time to call 911!- If you notice any of the above symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 immediately.

These are additional stroke symptoms to watch for, especially if they happen suddenly:

Dizziness
Loss of balance and/or coordination
Severe headache
Numbness or tingling anywhere, but especially if it is only on one side of the body
Trouble seeing (may affect only one eye)
Confusion or memory loss
Weakness in any part of the body

Remember, time lost is brain lost! Each minute of stroke, an average of 1.9 million brain cells die.10 First responders such as paramedics can start treating a stroke as soon as they arrive. Always call 911 if you think you are noticing stroke symptoms. Driving to the hospital yourself wastes precious time and can be dangerous if you are experiencing symptoms.

Stay proactive before, during, and after a stroke

The big takeaway from all of this is that a stroke is a serious situation and one that you should work to avoid. Acting immediately if you or a loved one does experience a stroke is important. It’s also critical to stay proactive after a stroke happens. Once you’ve had a stroke, your risk of having another is as high as 23%.11

To lower the risk of a repeat stroke, you can follow the same recommendations that lower your risk of a first-time incident. You’ll also need to stay vigilant for any symptoms of a stroke. For seniors that live alone, this means checking on them frequently and alerting anyone who helps with their care to watch for the stroke symptoms discussed above.

If someone has difficulty with daily tasks and self-care due to a stroke, a professional caregiver can not only help with daily needs, they are excellent at spotting the signs of a stroke and intervening right away. Caresify’s team of in-home caregivers can give you the peace of mind you need if stroke is a concern. You can read more about us here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

18May, 2022

Is it an Infection? Common Warning Signs You Should Know

In our lifetimes, we all experience infections of many kinds. These can be as simple as a common cold, or more severe, requiring medical care. For many of us, most if not all infections we might experience are not much of a threat. But for the senior population, it’s a much more serious concern.

For those of us aged 65 years and older, 1/3 of all deaths are due to infection.1 This is partly because an infection can be hard to spot in elderly people. Do you know the warning signs, and what kinds of common infections to watch for? Read on to learn more!

Health problems that increase the risk of infection

As people age, health problems that can increase the risk for infection are more common. If you or a loved one have multiple chronic diseases or experience any of the following conditions, it’s especially important to watch for signs of infection:

Type II diabetes
A compromised immune system, for example, due to cancer or HIV
Autoimmune disease
An indwelling urinary catheter
Any other tubes or drains in place
An implanted port, or PICC line
Regular use of steroid medication due to any condition
Poor nutrition
Incontinence or mobility issues

Where in the body are infections often found?

There are several common sites of infection in the body that you should know to watch for:

Respiratory
Skin
Urinary tract
Gastrointestinal (GI)
Bloodstream
Bone

What kinds of symptoms should I watch for?

As we mentioned earlier, infection can be harder to identify in seniors. One reason for this is that fever may be less likely due to immune system changes as we age. Another is that communication difficulties due to problems like dementia can mean that a person may be unaware of problems or unable to tell a caregiver they don’t feel well.

If you are a caregiver, it is very important to remember that if your loved one has a sudden change in behavior, such as increased confusion or agitation, it could be a warning sign of infection. The same is true for any sudden increase in weakness or sleepiness.

Let’s look closer at symptoms you might notice:

Respiratory symptoms

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all become familiar with watching for symptoms of respiratory infection. Influenza and pneumonia are also common respiratory infections. In fact, pneumonia is a leading cause of death from infection in seniors.2 Symptoms of respiratory infection include:

Fever
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Cough
Shortness of breath
Body aches
Headache
With COVID-19, loss of taste and smell, and GI symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can also be common

Skin infection symptoms

Skin infections can happen for many reasons in seniors and are very common. Caring for aging skin and watching closely for problems, especially hidden ones, is extremely important. Incontinence and immobility can especially increase the risk of wounds developing, which can then become infected. Symptoms of skin infection include:

Fever
Redness, especially when it spreads
Swelling
Pain
Warmth around an area of redness, pain, or swelling
Drainage

If any of these symptoms are worsening, or are at the site of a drain or tube, it’s important to let your doctor know right away. Waiting can result in a much more severe infection developing quickly.

Urinary tract infection symptoms

In older adults, it is very common for urinary tract infections to cause confusion, lethargy, or even other behavior changes such as agitation. They may not experience the more obvious symptoms, which include:

Burning or pain with urination
Blood in the urine
Cloudy urine
Foul-smelling urine
Needing to urinate more frequently (frequency)
Having an urgent need to urinate (urgency)
Pain or pressure in the pelvis
Abdominal pain, side (flank) pain, or lower back pain
In more severe UTIs, fever, fatigue, and/or vomiting

As with skin infections, any sign or suspicion of urinary tract infection should be addressed with the help of your doctor right away.

Gastrointestinal (GI) infection symptoms

A GI infection can quickly lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other serious problems. This is especially true in older adults with a history of diabetes, underlying problems with proper nutrition, or other medical concerns. Some GI infections can be caused by a virus. Others are caused by bacteria, such as c-difficile or “c-diff”. (This infection is more common after antibiotic use.) Symptoms of GI infection include:

Nausea and/or vomiting
Abdominal pain
Fever
Diarrhea
Blood in the stool or vomit
Dizziness
Irregular or rapid heartbeat
Weakness
Confusion

Any blood in the stool or vomit, or black or tarry-colored stool or vomit, should be reported to your doctor immediately. Because dehydration can cause serious problems quickly, any inability to keep down fluids for more than a few hours is also concerning. Dizziness or rapid/irregular heartbeat should also be addressed by a healthcare professional right away. If you’re not sure, call 911 or go to the emergency room– don’t wait.

Bloodstream infection symptoms

This type of infection results from another infection spreading throughout the bloodstream. For example, it commonly starts with a urinary tract infection that goes untreated. Although this can happen at any age, it is most common over the age of 65 and has a 12-20% fatality rate.3 Also called sepsis, this is a serious medical emergency.

Signs to watch for include:

Fever
Chills (sometimes severe)
Very low body temperature
Discolored or blotchy skin
Low blood pressure or dizziness
Weakness and fatigue
Peeing less
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Sweating, or clammy skin
Confusion
Severe pain

If you or your loved one have any of the above symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Bone infection symptoms

Also called osteomyelitis, infection in the bone can happen due to infection spreading from a wound or other skin infection. It can also happen after joint replacements or surgery. People with diabetes are more prone to this kind of infection. Chronic sores such as bedsores (also called pressure ulcers) increase the risk as well. Some symptoms of bone infection include:

Swelling around a joint or bone
Fever
Tenderness, redness, and warmth around a joint or bone
Severe back pain
Trouble moving a limb or joint

Infections in bone are hard to identify and sometimes challenging to treat. Untreated, they can lead to amputations and bloodstream infections. If you’re concerned that any symptoms you’ve noticed could be a bone infection, it’s important to let your doctor know.

Preventing and treating infection

With any of the above infections, it’s always best to contact your doctor if you have any concerns or questions, or think you have noticed symptoms of infection. Infection can become serious and even life-threatening quickly, especially for an older adult.

To help avoid infection, there are some steps you can take. Staying up to date on vaccines as recommended by your doctor can help prevent respiratory infections. This includes the COVID-19 vaccination, the annual flu vaccine, and pneumonia vaccines. Good nutrition is also important to help your immune system stay healthy. Manage any chronic health conditions by taking your medications as prescribed and with regular doctor visits. And finally, staying mobile and maintaining good hygiene can protect you from wounds, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.

If you need extra help with day-to-day personal care activities and ambulating, a professional in-home caregiver can also help maintain your best health to avoid infection. For more information on these services through Caresify’s expert team of caregivers, you can check out our homepage or call 888-799-5007.

References

15Apr, 2022

Caring for Your Skin as an Older Adult: A Complete Guide

The health of your skin goes beyond everyday bathing and moisturizing, especially as you age. As we get older, many changes happen to our skin that can be normal. But sometimes changes can also lead to an increase in skin damage, infections, and other problems. And if you struggle with mobility and continence, this can lead to even more skin concerns.

You may be surprised to learn that even just a few hours without the right attention can lead to serious injury to your skin and surrounding tissues. For example, every year in the US, 2.5 million people are diagnosed with pressure injuries (also called pressure ulcers).1 And this does not even include the other skin issues that older adults may face.

Common Skin Issues in Older Adults

With aging, our skin loses elasticity, can become thinner and more fragile, and is prone to injury. It also shows the effects of sun damage over the years and other problems. We’ll discuss some common skin issues you might notice as an older adult, and what you can do to care for your skin. It’s also important to know when to talk to your doctor about skin problems.

The following are common skin issues in older adults:

Skin tears
Bruising and discoloration
Growths
Itching
Infection
Skin breakdown and pressure ulcers

Let’s take a closer look at these concerns.

Skin Tears

Because of age-related thinning of the skin, and loss of the fat underneath the skin which leads to loose skin, sometimes skin can be “papery” or appear transparent in older adults. This fragile skin is more likely to tear easily. When thin skin is bumped against a hard surface, or a bandage is removed too quickly, for example, the skin can break open. In severe cases, a flap of skin can tear partially away.

If you have a skin tear:

Be sure your hands are washed with soap and water before handling broken skin
Apply pressure until any bleeding stops
Gently rinse the area with water and let it dry
If there is a flap of skin, move it carefully back over the tear (without forcing it)
Cover with a non-stick dressing (a non-adhesive pad and gauze wrap works well)
Watch for signs of infection. If there is drainage, redness, or increasing pain or swelling, see a doctor right away
If the skin tear is very large or open, or you don’t feel comfortable caring for it, it is best to have it treated by a healthcare professional

Bruising and Discoloration

Fragile skin can bruise more easily, especially if you are taking blood thinners. And with age, sun exposure can lead to an increase in age spots (a normal area of darker coloring). It’s important to know when these bruises and spots are a sign of something more serious.

Problems you should see a doctor for include:

A sudden increase in bruising
Bruising under the skin that looks like tiny pinpricks all over
Dark areas of skin that change shape, are raised, or rapidly darken
Yellow discoloration of the skin

Skin Growths

Lumps, bumps, and changes in moles are all causes of concern. Skin cancer is more common as we age. It is seen in up to 12% of people over 65. 2

Changes to watch for include:

New raised or discolored areas, especially if they appear suddenly or change rapidly
Scaly, crusty spots
New lumps or bumps, especially if discolored
Changes in size or color of existing moles
Any bumps or discolored patches that are oozing, bleeding, itchy, or painful
Discoloration that starts to spread outside of the borders of a mole
A mole that is more than one color

The bottom line? Don’t try to diagnose a lump, bump, or spot yourself. If it’s concerning you, or it’s new, talk to your doctor about it as soon as you can.

Itching

An unpleasant problem that can lead to skin injury, infection, and sometimes a loss of sleep, itching is important to address with your doctor. There can be many reasons someone experiences itching:

Medication side effects
Underlying medical problems, such as liver disease
Dry skin (very common after age 70, and the most common cause of itching without rash)3
Allergic reactions (especially if you notice a rash)

If moisturizing with lotion isn’t improving your symptoms, be sure to see your doctor to find out the cause of any itching.

Infection

Skin can become infected due to an injury or wound that is not healing properly, or without any known injury. Because infections can sometimes rapidly worsen or spread throughout your whole body (known as sepsis), this can be a serious problem if left untreated.

If you notice any of these symptoms, let your doctor know right away:

Drainage from a wound or injury
Redness, especially if it is worsening or spreading
Swelling, especially if it increases
Pain or burning (if you notice burning or irritation in skin folds such as under breasts or near the groin, this can sometimes be a yeast infection)
Fever

Skin Breakdown and Pressure Ulcers

Also known as pressure injuries and bedsores, pressure ulcers are caused when the skin and the underlying tissue, such as fat and muscle, are damaged. This can happen for a few reasons. As we’ve discussed, older, more fragile skin can be damaged easily. So can overly dry skin, which is common with aging. Any skin that comes into contact with moisture for too long can become irritated or injured. And being in one position for too long can affect blood flow and damage tissues. This is especially true of skin and tissues over bony areas.

Symptoms of skin breakdown and pressure ulcers:

Redness and blistering (often from stool or urine having contact with the skin)
Discoloration that is red, purple, or blue
Redness that doesn’t turn white when you press on it
An area of skin that feels spongy or hard
Skin that is warmer or cooler than the surrounding skin
Pain and/or itching
Drainage and/or open skin

Common locations of pressure ulcers:

Tailbone and buttocks
Hips
Elbows, ankles, and heels
Shoulder blades
Spine
Head (especially the back of the head)

Steps you can take to help prevent pressure ulcers:

Change position frequently- pressure ulcers can develop in as little as 4-6 hours4
For bed-bound patients, turning every 2 hours helps improve blood flow to the skin5
Ask your doctor about a special mattress to relieve pressure if you’re mostly confined to bed
Use cushions for wheelchairs and padding like pillows to lift heels off the bed and between knees
Keep skin clean and free from drainage, urine, and stool
Use a barrier cream like zinc oxide over skin that comes into contact with moisture
Make sure you’re getting the right nutrition to support healthy skin- your doctor may suggest supplementation if necessary, like protein shakes
Talk to your doctor about ways to keep dry skin moisturized
Report any skin changes or redness to your healthcare provider right away
Consider in-home caregiving help if mobility and hygiene are a challenge

The Best Advice for Skin Problems

When it comes to the health of your skin, watching for changes, keeping it clean and moisturized, avoiding one position for too long, and getting good nutrition all go a long way in preventing serious problems.

But, if you notice any problems or changes with your skin that are new or unfamiliar, whether they are causing you discomfort or not, the best advice is to talk to your healthcare provider. They can diagnose any issues and advise you on how to best treat your skin concerns.

When it comes to managing difficulties like incontinence, skin hygiene, and mobility, extra attention is needed to avoid skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. If tasks like repositioning in bed and maintaining good hygiene are becoming challenging to manage alone or with help from family, Caresify’s professional and expert in-home caregivers are available to provide extra support. This can help you avoid further complications like falls and skin breakdown. You can learn more on our homepage, or call 888-799-5007.

References

7Apr, 2022

How to Recognize a Urinary Tract Infection in an Older Adult

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are a common experience, affecting 8-10 million people every year. 1 You may be familiar with some of the most common symptoms- burning with urination, and having frequent urges to urinate. But urinary tract infections can cause some surprising symptoms in older adults that you might not know about. Learn how to recognize them here, and what to do when you suspect a urinary tract infection.

What Causes a UTI?

UTIs are caused by bacteria entering your urinary tract and multiplying. This causes inflammation and irritation. Often, the bacteria are the same type found in your intestinal tract- commonly E. coli.

Although this infection is usually in your urethra (the tube from your bladder to the outside of the body), and sometimes bladder, in severe cases it can travel from the bladder to the kidneys as well.

UTIs and Older Adults

In older adults, UTIs are more common. This is for several reasons. In women, changes in the hormone called estrogen have an impact on the balance of good and bad bacteria near the urethra. Urinary tract infections are more common in general in women, but in women age 65 and older, 10% report having an infection in the last year, with 30% of women 85 and older reporting infections each year.2

In men, an enlarged prostate can allow urine to back up and become more stagnant, resulting in infection. For both genders, changes in bladder and pelvic floor muscles can cause urinary retention or incontinence, both of which can cause conditions that allow bacteria to multiply into an infection. This is especially true in older adults due to changes in the immune system as we age.

Additionally, cognitive changes, strokes, and difficulty with hygiene due to confusion and incontinence can increase the risk of infection. And finally, the use of urinary catheters for medical complications is a source of infection as well.

What Are Some Symptoms of UTI?

There are some common symptoms of UTI that can be easily identified. They include:

Burning or pain with urination
Blood in the urine
Cloudy urine
Foul-smelling urine
Needing to urinate more frequently (frequency)
Having an urgent need to urinate (urgency)
Pain or pressure in the pelvis
Abdominal pain, side (flank) pain, or lower back pain
In more severe UTIs, fever, fatigue, and/or vomiting

In older adults, UTIs can have some unexpected symptoms that might not be as obvious. Very often, older adults have no symptoms at all (asymptomatic infection). When they do, a common symptom is confusion. This can sometimes include agitation, falls, and sudden problems with incontinence when making it to the bathroom has never been a problem in the past. The other common symptoms of a UTI might not be present.

You’ve Noticed UTI Symptoms, Now What?

No matter what symptoms you’re seeing, a UTI can be alarming. This is true for both the person experiencing any discomfort and urgency, or for a caregiver dealing with sudden unexplained confusion or aggression.

For mild UTI symptoms, it’s important to continue drinking lots of water and to see your doctor as soon as possible. Uncontrolled UTIs can lead to serious problems. Not only can infection eventually spread to the kidneys and cause damage there, but in a worst-case scenario a severe UTI can lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

If you’ve seen your doctor, it’s important to take all antibiotics prescribed to be sure the infection is eliminated, even if you feel better. If you’re being treated for a UTI and you notice worsening symptoms, it’s important to follow up right away. Your doctor may need to change the treatment prescribed.

For severe UTI symptoms, such as fever, chills, shaking, vomiting, and lethargy or fatigue, a call to 911 or a trip to the emergency room is warranted.

What Can I Do to Prevent a UTI?

Because UTIs cause so many problems, some of them serious, it’s good to try to prevent them in the first place. There are a few steps you can take to try to avoid a UTI:

Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor has asked you to restrict your fluid intake)
Wipe front to back
If you use incontinence briefs, be sure they are changed as soon as they are wet
Women can ask their doctors about vaginal estrogen creams to help restore normal flora balance
Be sure you are using the bathroom frequently, and as soon as you feel the urge to urinate. Emptying the bladder often reduces UTI risk.
Wear clothes that are loose and breathable, such as cotton underwear.
Cranberry juice and a supplement called D-mannose have been suggested to reduce UTI risk.3 You can ask your doctor about adding these to your routine.

A Word About Urinary Catheters

If you use a urinary catheter, it’s especially important to pay close attention to hygiene, and to watch for signs of UTI. Catheters can become a pathway for bacteria to easily enter the urinary tract or bladder. There are three kinds of urinary catheters:

Straight Catheters

Also called “in and out” catheters, this type of catheter is for temporary use. It is used when someone cannot fully empty their bladder on their own. The catheter is inserted into the urethra, urine is emptied from the bladder, and the catheter is removed. With these catheters, it is important to stick to a regular schedule of emptying the bladder and to take steps to avoid contaminating the catheter when using it. Always wash your hands, keep it in the packaging until ready for use, and never reuse a catheter.

Indwelling (Foley) Catheters

These catheters are inserted into the urethra and connected to a bag for continuous drainage. They can be in place for several days to weeks and sometimes longer. Based on your needs, your doctor may recommend changing it out monthly or up to every 12 weeks. Cleaning around the catheter should happen daily. Always wash your hands before touching the catheter. The bag should never be raised above the level of the bladder, because it can cause urine to backflow into the bladder. Be careful to avoid kinking the catheter or tubing. If the urine in the bag ever looks cloudy or smells foul when emptying the bag, it is important to let your doctor know right away.

Suprapubic Catheters

This type of catheter is surgically inserted through the abdomen into the bladder. Caring for it should be done like the indwelling catheter care described above. Always wash hands before touching the catheter, and be sure the skin around the catheter stays clean. If the catheter falls out, a new catheter should be reinserted right away, because the opening can close up. You should contact your healthcare provider for more details if you have not received training on how to do this. To avoid further complications, it may require a trip to the emergency room to correct the problem.

A Final Word on Managing UTIs

By following the above suggestions to avoid UTIs, and contacting your doctor as soon as you notice problems, you can keep your urinary tract healthy and infection-free.

If getting to the bathroom on your own and avoiding accidents is difficult, or keeping up with your personal hygiene is a challenge, considering an in-home caregiver to help with these tasks may help you maintain your urinary tract health as well. Caresify’s professional caregivers are experienced at helping with personal care, mobility, and hygiene, and are available for whatever care needs you may have. You can find out more here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

22Mar, 2022

Living With Alzheimer’s Disease

Although a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can feel scary, one of the best ways to take control of things and live your best life is to learn what to expect and how to manage symptoms. With an understanding of what to prepare for, you and your loved ones can make the best decisions together as you face changes common with Alzheimer’s.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

In the United States, around 500,000 people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease every year.1 It is not a normal part of aging, but instead a serious illness. This degenerative brain disease causes problems with memory and cognition. It also affects personality, and eventually other brain functions as well. The average lifespan of a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is between 3 and 11 years, with some people living up to 20. 2 The exact causes are still being researched, but it is understood that in Alzheimer’s there is a buildup of proteins in and around brain cells, which then form deposits called plaques. There is no cure, but the treatments available can help reduce symptoms temporarily.

What Are Some Symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s starts with mild memory changes and over time symptoms worsen. Some symptoms that develop are as follows:

Memory loss (beginning with short term memory)
Difficulty with problem solving and judgment
Personality changes
Trouble finding words
Getting lost or misplacing items

As the disease progresses, these symptoms will become more pronounced. In addition, the person with Alzheimer’s begins to need help with daily activities like bathing, toileting, dressing, and eating. Eventually, the difficulty with brain function affects the person’s physical ability to move, stand, swallow, and all other bodily functions.

Alzheimer’s Treatments

In June 2021, a new medication called aducanumab was approved to treat a certain kind of protein buildup in the brain, called amyloid plaques. The benefits of this medication are still being closely studied. Other medications, called cholinesterase inhibitors, are used to help with memory problems by helping brain cells communicate with each other. Antidepressants can be prescribed for depression or behavioral changes that happen with Alzheimer’s.

Ways to Manage Changes Due to Alzheimer’s

Along with medical treatments, some steps can be taken at home to help with Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Reduce the risk of falls (you can read more about how to do this here)
Keep photographs and other memories visible around the house
Try to keep the same routine as much as possible, including doctor’s appointments at the same times
Make a consistent spot to keep important items like keys and wallets
Keep extra medications locked away and use a pill organizer for daily doses
Use a medical alert bracelet and carry a cell phone with important numbers clearly labeled as emergency contacts
Remove extra mirrors around the home, which can be confusing or even scary for someone as memory issues worsen
Continue to stay active by being a part of activities as much as possible, even if you need a helper
Consider in-home care for companionship and assistance with daily activities

(For more ideas on how to address concerns about dementia at home, you can read more here as well.)

Advance Care Planning

If you’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s also especially important to have conversations about your future goals, desires, and plans with your family. When you do this, there are ways to get these ideas on paper. This is known as advance care planning. It’s your opportunity to make your wishes known about what kind of treatments you want as your health changes, even when you are no longer able to make those requests known. You can decide now who will be in charge of making decisions about your care if you cannot speak for yourself, and what kind of medical interventions you want if your ability to recover from illness is low.

Your doctor can help you get started with advance care planning. Some documents that can be a part of advance care planning include:

A living will
Medical proxy or healthcare power of attorney
Medical directives/advance directives
Do not resuscitate order (DNR)

Involve Your Family

With all of the above changes and important plans to address, it is important to involve your family whenever possible. It is very normal for someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to have conflicted feelings about their relationships. These feelings can include worry about your ability to fill the same role you have in the past, and fear that you will be a burden to others. You may feel excluded from decisions if your ability to plan and organize is changing. And the help others are offering may at times feel invasive, or like a reminder that you are losing your independence. Anger, embarrassment, and withdrawal from social interactions can be common experiences.

Some key things to remember about navigating changes to your health and involving your family are:

Talk openly about your needs and how you would like to be treated, for example, let your family know you would like to be included in conversations about future plans as much as possible
Be willing to ask for help, and explain to your loved ones what kind of help you expect and what things you would prefer to not have help with if possible
Share your feelings and fears with those closest to you. This includes sharing your wishes, by allowing family you have strong relationships with to be a part of advance care planning with you
Focus on relationships that are supportive and respectful, not the ones that are negative or absent
Keep an open mind about accepting help, even if you may not have had to in the past before your diagnosis

Putting it All Together

Understanding that Alzheimer’s is a life-changing diagnosis means that you can take control over how to manage your care. You can use medication and home modifications designed to make day-to-day life easier. Collaborating with family to get the support you need and make future care plans so your wishes about your treatment are honored is important too. With these tools, it is possible to navigate these changes with dignity.

If you have decided that a professional in-home caregiver would help you with your daily activities and safety, and allow you and your family to manage your needs better, Caresify is always available to discuss how we can help. You can learn more about our services here, or call 888-799-5007 for more information.

References

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