Category: News

Going outside in the summer heat can be extremely demanding for seniors. However, sun exposure produces vitamin D, which is necessary for brain, bone and muscle health. Finding the right summer activity that interests the senior and meets their capabilities can be challenging, but worth it.

Natural sunlight and fresh air not only provide physical benefits but mental and emotional benefits as well. Outdoor summer activities can be rejuvenating for seniors. In a recent blog post, Aging Care gave ten creative outdoor activity ideas for caregivers and seniors to enjoy together, which include:

1. Catch a sporting event
2. Stroll around
3. Picnic outdoors
4. Attend community events

It is much more difficult for a senior’s body to adjust to the warm summer heat than a younger one. It is important to make note of any signs of fatigue, thirst, sunburn or overheating the senior may be experiencing and return to the indoors.

Read the full article here.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in every 20,000 eggs are contaminated with Salmonella. Even some undamaged, fresh eggs may contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness. Eggs must be properly handled, refrigerated and cooked before being consumed in order to be safe.

In a recent blog, University of Minnesota Extension suggests some ways to prepare your eggs to ensure that you are consuming them safely. Here are a few of them:

1. Buy eggs that have been refrigerated.
2. Store your eggs in the refrigerator, in their carton, at 40 degrees F or below.
3. Don’t wash your eggs.
4. Serve your cooked eggs and egg dishes as soon as possible after cooking.

Regardless of whether it is for health purposes or not, no one should eat foods containing raw eggs. Salmonella can cause serious intestinal infections, especially in those lacking a strong immune system, which includes young children and elderly.

 

Read the full article here.

Stiff and painful joints can make exercising extremely difficult for the millions of Americans suffering from arthritis. It is easy for arthritis sufferers to avoid exercise altogether however, experts argue that they cannot afford to go without daily cardio. In fact, exercise is highly beneficial for those suffering from arthritis pain.  

Exercise will help alleviate joint and arthritis pain as long as the patient is practicing proper habits during their workouts. In a recent blog, Aging Care suggests 8 ways to make an exercise regimen more “arthritis-friendly.” Here are some of them:

1. Prioritize pain management
2. Start slow
3. In pain, no gain
4. Work on weaknesses

It is important to engage only in low-impact exercise that does not induce pain, otherwise it can be damaging. A doctor can best advise an arthritis sufferer which exercises could be beneficial and harmful.

 

Read the full article here.

Thousands of motorcyclists are killed each year, and many of the deaths are due to accidents involving automobiles. As automobile drivers, we have the responsibility of sharing the road and taking cautionary measure to ensure the safety of motorcycle riders around us.

Many times, the automobile driver is at fault in accidents that involve both automobiles and motorcycles. In a recent article, Driving Tests shared “10 things that every driver should know about sharing the road with motorcycles.” Some of those include:

1. Always check your blind spots!
2. Remember that motorcycles react more quickly than cars.
3. Night-riding can be treacherous for motorcyclists.
4. Take a second look at left-turners.

It is important to remember that motorcyclists are completely exposed, allowing for serious or fatal injury if hit. As an automobile driver, it is your responsibility to protect motorcycle drivers and prevent motorcycle accidents.

Read the full article here.

Often times, many people find themselves taking on the role of a caregiver unexpectedly. Whether assisting an elderly neighbor or taking care of a suffering family member leads to a full-time caregiver role, changes will have to be made.

You must begin to plan for these changes if you want to avoid threatening your own health. Aging Care recently discussed a few tips that will help you settle into the caregiving role, which include:

• Set healthy boundaries and make them clear.
• Be flexible as you settle in.
• Research types of help for different needs.

It is important that you take care of yourself first before caring for someone else. Otherwise, you may develop severe caregiver health problems that will prevent you from caring for your loved one properly.

Read the full article here.

E. Coli is a bacteria that naturally lives in the intestines of people and animals. However, certain strains of E. Coli can cause intestinal infection that can lead to further complications in people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children, and the elderly.

While most cases of E. Coli are mild and can be treated at home, it is important to know how it spreads to prevent infection. In a recent article, Healthline lists the most common causes for E. Coli, including:

• Improper food handling
• Food processing
• Contaminated water
• Person to person
• Animals

Symptoms of E. Coli typically appear between 1 and 10 days after contact with the bacteria. Although infection is sometimes hard to avoid, being aware of the causes and symptoms can help prevent further contamination and infection.

Read the full article here.

Several health conditions associated with seniors, including arthritis, low and high blood pressure and heart disease, can negatively affect their ability to remain in a steadily balanced state. Balance not only maintains a strong composure, but it also prevents from detrimental slips, trips and falls.

In a recent article, Aging Care discusses the importance of balance-enhancing exercises for seniors, which include:

1. Tightrope Walk
2. Rock the Boat
3. Toe the Line (“Heel-Toe” Walk)
4. Flamingo Stand

Engaging in these at-home exercises regularly will greatly improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of serious injury prone to older adults. Seniors should not engage in exercises that seem strenuous or difficult, unless directed to do so by a doctor.

Read the full article here.

 

While heat exhaustion may pose a mild threat or discomfort for middle-aged caregivers, it can be life threatening to the elderly. There are various types of drugs that are typically given to the elderly in order to prevent overheating. However, folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, can be a natural and inexpensive alternative.

Folic acid increases blood flow to the skin and even helps reduce the risk of cardiac disease. In a recent article, Health Central discusses other methods of keeping the elderly safe in extreme heat:

1. Provide cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
2. Seek an air conditioned environment if possible.
3. Avoid strenuous activities.
4. Provide a cool bath or shower.

Small, preventative measures are important in keeping your loved one safe during the hot, summer months. In addition to these methods of prevention, talk with a doctor about supplementing extra folic acid into your loved one’s diet to ensure the avoidance of heat exhaustion.

While working as a family caregiver, the decision of leaving your job to become a full-time caregiver or to continue working an outside job can be very overwhelming. You may feel guilt for not being able to dedicate all of your time to your loved one, while also facing concerns of losing out on income, benefits and retirement plans.

Making these types of important decisions takes time and thoughtful planning. In a recent article, Aging Care provides a list of things to consider before leaving your job to become a caregiver, including:

1. Calculating lost wages, benefits and health insurance to ensure you can afford daily expenses.
2. Explore alternatives and employer accommodations that could eliminate the need to quit.
3. Let your employer know about your caregiving responsibility ahead of time.
4. Contact your state unemployment insurance office to find out the conditions for receiving UI and if you’re eligible.

Before jumping to any conclusions, it is important to weigh out the benefits and costs of leaving your job to become a full-time caregiver. By understanding your options, you will be able to make an educated decisions of what’s best for you and your family.

 

Physical therapy is often an important step to take when facing an injury or having trouble completing specific motions, like climbing stairs or bending over. While there are many treatment plans that can be completed at home, some at-home pain remedies may not be as beneficial as patients and therapists may think.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a recent article, Aging Care lists out certain treatments that may have been thought to be helpful, but can actually be counterproductive. Some of these treatments include:

1. Ice packs and heating pads
2. Bed rest to prevent blood clots
3. Whirlpool baths for wounds
4. Exercise machines after knee replacement

It is important to get the most out of your physical therapy treatment and stay as active as possible during recovery. If your treatment plan is not helping with discomfort or recovery, talk with your therapist on other exercises that may produce maximum benefits.

 

 

 

 

Mike Scinta, an attorney at Brown Chiari, spoke with WIVB about the death of an 87-year-old man residing in Emerald South nursing home in Buffalo, NY. Under lack of supervision, the man attempted to escape out of his third-story window, resulting in death.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brown Chiari is currently working on another case with Emerald South in which lack of supervision lead to the death of Ruth Murray in 2016.

Scinta states that the reasons behind the lack of supervision within Emerald South is because it is continually understaffed. They are a “poorly monitored, poorly staffed” facility.

Staffing is the most expensive cost of the nursing home, so remaining short-staffed allows for Emerald South to save a lot of money. “They make financial decisions that are a detriment to care,” Scinta said.

Emerald South is run by a corporation located in the New York City area. While they own the real-estate and the license to operate, they are making big operational decisions from miles away. The lack of first-hand involvement in the nursing home is detrimental to the establishment.

 

Watch the full interview here…

 

Construction sites are often home to many hazardous objects and a lot of activity happening simultaneously. Although construction accidents happen frequently on job sites, they are often avoidable.

In a recent article, Construction World lists their top 10 tips for project managers to implement in order to keep a safe work environment, including:

1. Reducing the amount of night work
2. Clear signage to warn danger
3. Avoiding sunlight to minimize fatigue
4. Encouraging a healthy diet

Through the consistent practice of these tips, the amount of construction accidents should decrease, and a safe, teamwork centered environment will emerge.