Issue 9.10

The U.S. population continues to age, with population of older adults projecting to increase 50 percent by 2020, and double by 2030.  As a result, health care organizations and providers are paying closer attention to preventing falls with seniors.  The medical costs associated with falls have an annual cost of about $19 billion nationwide.  Hospitalizations from falls far exceed the number of auto related accident hospitalizations– for all ages combined.

Unfortunately, some of the elderly believe the “safest course” is to move less not more!  Sometimes the concern about the loss of independence, or the stigma of being labeled “too old,” can result in inactivity for our seniors.  Perhaps those who have experienced a fall with an injury may want to restrict their activity as a method of “self-preservation.”  But inactivity is the wrong choice, and can only increase the chances of future falls.  Why?  Because lack of exercise can actually make you more likely to develop muscle weakness, and poor balance.   This then increases the likelihood of a future falling incident. 

The answer to less fall risk is exercises geared toward maintaining lower body strength and balance. (ie: swimming with supervision provides resistance as well as support).  Tai Chi and yoga is highly recommended for those who are able.  (The SG Senior Center offers classes in both of these).  Any program which exercises in groups is more likely to be successful for seniors, and helps give them personal confidence, thus eliminating the fears associated with falling.   Other advice to help prevent fall risk– steer older adults away from prematurely relying on motorized scooters, walkers, and wheelchairs.  These create a dependence which may speed loss of a person’s strength and balance, because with too much reliance they may eliminate regular exercise programs.  Other advice—have your medications assessed for possible side effects, have an annual eye exam, make sure home lighting is adequate, install handrails, eliminate throw rugs, and wear shoes which are low-heeled and supportive.

Most skilled-nursing facilities are filled with patients who have had some type of injury fall.  To keep yourself independently in your own home, with limited fall risk, remember to get adequate exercise and follow the guidelines above.  Let’s keep you in your home without this fear, as long as you desire! 

Susan Frazier is an ownes of Care To Stay Home in St. George.  It is her desire to help assist seniors in their homes, and to help them remain as independent as possible.  Care To Stay Home is licensed by the State of Utah Health Department.  All caregivers are insured and bonded.  Call 435-652-4888.

Issue 5.10

In the year 2000, the government, under a program titled, “Healthy People”, set some health goals for the nation to reach by the year 2010.  The results were a mixture of both positive and negative.  For one, there are more obese Americans than a decade ago, not less.  Our eating habits have us eating more salt and fats.   And more of our children have untreated tooth decay. (16% in 2000, the latest is about 20%).

Some other disturbing statistics: An estimated 28% of adults had high blood pressure in 2000.  The goal was to reduce that to 16%.  But the most recent data suggests the proportion has risen to 29%.   The proportion of cesarean section births has increased despite a 2010 goal of lowering them.  Also the percentage of small, fragile infants born has risen.

But, the “good news” is– the nation as a whole did make progress in other areas.  Vaccinations have improved.  Workplace injuries are down, smoking laws have been initiated, and death rates from cancer, stroke and heart disease are all dropping.

The “Healthy People” project was first designed with the goal for getting Americans to live longer, healthier lives.  It also had hoped to inform the public that many health problems are preventable.  In 1990, 41%  of the goals were achieved.  For the 2000 goals, it was just 24%.  A Healthy People goal for 2010 called for the percentage of obese adults to drop to 15%.  That goal was set when nearly a quarter of all adults were obese.  Now, about 34% of adults are obese, according to the latest federal statistics.

But, to many health officials, simply making some progress is a victory.  Out of 635 of the nearly 1,000 target goals of the past decade, only 117 have been met.  But progress was also made on another 332.  So, in other words, there was improvement in 70% of the measures.  “That’s evidence of a healthier nation”, says Dr. Howard Koh, the federal health official who oversees the Healthy People Project.  As always, statistics are what you make of them.

So—how is YOUR health this year and what will YOU be doing to keep yourself a part of the “good news”?

Care To Stay Home is a state licensed non-medical home care giving business, whose goal it is to keep people in their homes, as they age.

Issue 43.09

Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease affecting more than five million people in the US (30,000 in Utah alone).  Utah has the second fastest growing rate in the country—a staggering 45% increase in Alzheimer’s cases from 2000-2010!  The Utah Chapter offers a grouping of services to assist persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their families.  If you have a loved-one who has been affected by Alzheimer’s, come walk with us in their honor!

On November 14, at Dixie College’s Hansen Stadium (from 9-11am) the St. George Alzheimer’s Association will be sponsoring their annual fundraiser “Memory Walk”.  This walk is an optional ¼ mile to raise Alzheimer’s awareness and to fundraise for our local office.  Alzheimer’s support is given without charge to Southern Utah residents.  At the Memory Walk, breakfast will be served, as well as booths and sponsors, fun and activities for all ages.  Minimum donation is $25 per individual, children under 12 are free.  To sign up a team, to sponsor, or for more information contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 435-628-8656, or sullivan.mitzi@gmail.com.

If you are caring for an Alzheimer’s/Dementia loved-one, you most certainly will need help and support.  Planning for the future is key; with immediate plans beginning soon after the diagnosis has been made.  Put in place important legal documents, arrange your assets–including financial plans for long-term care coverage.  When families are affected, meet together early after the diagnosis.  (This is not a time to rehash or resolve old family conflicts).  Assess as a family the resources available in our community.  In addition to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are facilities which can provide living arrangements for moderate to advanced diagnosis. 

When working with Alzheimer’s patients remember these few tips.  Be sensitive to the environment by keeping it quiet and calm.  Help them to remain as independent as possible.  Offer simple directions.  Establish routine.  Respond to their feelings.  Be flexible, and use creativity. “Re-direct” their frustrations.  Encourage.  Be patient.  Try to avoid:  scolding, speaking negatively, startling the person, “talking around” them as if they weren’t there, or speaking to them as a child.  Don’t be afraid to express affection, and NEVER give up on them!  Remember, they did not choose this disease.

If staying home is the preference for an individual, spouse or family, then support can be given for caregivers from licensed agencies such as Care To Stay Home.  We work with patients IN THEIR HOMES to care for and assist the permanent caregiver with all of their daily living needs– from showering and personal care, to respite, household chores and errands, cooking, toileting, and ambulating.  When some sense of balance is achieved for those caregivers working hard each day, the caregivers health is less likely to decline, and emotions can be channeled elsewhere, outside the patient.  We work hard  to allow those who want to remain in their homes, to do so…….those who “Care To Stay Home”.

Contact Care To Stay Home at 435-652-4888. Address: 720 S. River Rd. Suite A-215K, St. George.