Prescription Drug Interactions: Things to Know

Prescription Medications Are Not the Only Cause of Drug Interactions

As seniors, you are at a greater risk of drug interactions than the general population because you typically take more medications. Taken in certain combinations, drugs can interfere or interact with one another, altering their effectiveness in controlling symptoms and improving health. In some cases the results can be life-threatening.

A University of Chicago Medical Center study published in the Dec. 24-31, 2008, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that more than half of American seniors take five or more medications or supplements. The study further found that at least one in 25 older Americans—about 2.2 million—take drugs in potentially harmful combinations.

The problem of medication interactions does not involve only prescription medications. The study found that about half of the interactions involved over-the-counter (OTC), or nonprescription medications. Herbal medications, supplements and vitamins—and even some foods and beverages—also interact with drugs to alter their performance.

Prescription Drugs and Nonprescription Products

The following are just a few examples of how nonprescription products can interact with prescription drugs for unhealthy results:

• Taken separately, aspirin and warfarin help prevent blood clots from forming. Taken together, they may cause excessive bleeding.
• Decongestants, found in many OTC cold remedies, may increase blood pressure of people taking anti-hypertension medications or MAO inhibitors, a type of antidepressant.
• Certain antacids can diminish the effectiveness of many medicines, such as antibiotics and heart medications, by preventing them from being absorbed into the blood stream.

Prescription Drugs and Food

Food can also alter the effectiveness of medication. The National Council on Patient Information and Education cites examples:

• Dairy products, antacids and vitamins containing iron can slow the body’s absorption of antibiotics into the bloodstream and thus diminish their effectiveness.
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice block enzymes that metabolize certain drugs, thus making them less effective. Drugs affected by grapefruit include some blood pressure-lowering medications, some cholesterol drugs, the antihistamine terfenadine, and cyclosporine, a drug taken to prevent organ transplant rejection. Pomelo and Seville oranges can cause similar effects.

If you do not know whether any of your medications interacts with foods, ask your doctor or pharmacist

Let Us Hear From You!

Have you experienced complications from prescription or OTC drug interaction? Do you research your medications online? If you are an in-home caregiver, how do you ensure your clients avoid harmful drug interactions?

photo credit: RambergMediaImages

Part 2: Things You Can Do to Prevent Interaction

Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

Do You Know The Dangers of Adult Poisioning?

Poisoning is the harmful effect that occurs when a toxic substance is swallowed, inhaled, or comes in contact with the skin, eyes or mucous membranes in the mouth and nose. It is the most common cause of nonfatal accidents in the home.

Poisons can be found inside and outside your home and can be things you use every day. The most common source of serious poisonings and poison-related deaths come from drugs, which may be, either prescription, nonprescription, or illegal. Other poisons include gases, household products, agricultural products, plants, industrial chemicals, vitamins, and foods. There are also animals that can cause problems, such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions, whose bites or stings can be poisonous.

Damage caused by poisoning will depend on the poison, the amount consumed, and the age and health of the person taking the poison. Some symptoms occur within seconds, where others take hours or days to occur.

Poisons need to be kept in a safe place, and locked away from young children or confused seniors. Make sure the lids are tightly secured and labeled appropriately, and do not store poisons around food.

Common poisons for adults include:

Pain medication—prescription and over-the-counter

Sedatives

Antidepressants

Cardiovascular drugs

Alcohols

Household cleaning products

Most dangerous poisons include:

Antifreeze and windshield washer products

Medications

Corrosive cleaners (drain openers, oven cleaners, toilet bowel cleaners)

Pesticides

Fuels (gasoline, kerosene)

Carbon monoxide

First Aid

In case of poisoning, get help if someone eats, breathes, or touches poison, or get it in their eyes.

Call 1-800-222-1222 if:

a. There may be a poison problem but the person seems OK

b. You have questions about poisons

Call 911 if someone:

a. won’t wake up

b. is having trouble breathing or is not breathing

c. is having a seizure

The Poison Center Help number is 1-800-222-1222 with experts who will help if you have questions about poisons. They are medical professionals who are very knowledgeable about poison.

Anyone who has been exposed to a toxic gas should be removed from the source quickly, into the fresh air, by a professional. Special training and precautions must be considered to avoid being overcome by the toxic gases or chemicals.

In a chemical spill, all contaminated clothing and jewelry should be removed immediately. The skin should be washed with soap and water, and the eyes should be flushed with water or saline if exposure occurred.

Any containers of the poisons or any drugs that might have been taken by the poisoned person should be saved and given to the physician or rescue personnel. Identifying the poison will be helpful in their treatment.

Prevention

To prevent accidental poisoning:

a. Keep medication in its original container.

b. Store medications and toxic substances in locked cabinets.

c. Clearly label household products, or keep in their original container.

d. Dispose of expired medications.

e. Read directions before using chemical products.

f. When taking medications, read the label every time.

g. Use carbon monoxide detectors.

h. Put the Poison Center Help number near the telephone.

i. Do not mix different cleaners together.

j. Protect your eyes and skin.

Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

photo credit: Jar0d

Advance directives: Planning for end of life

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For some, end-of-life planning, or Advance Directives, is not a topic easily discussed, but like anything, education and candid discussion can help ensure that an individual’s wishes and treatment preferences are carried out the way he or she would want them to be. Take the steps to learn how you or someone you care for can prepare for death on personal terms. You can start by visiting www.caringinfo.org,a wonderful website that allows you to begin educating yourself on how to prepare for end-of-life-planning.

As you are reviewing the website and other documentation, make note of several general guidelines:

• State laws can vary considerably. If you have moved to a new state or are creating documentation for the first time, remember that the documentation is state-specific. Paperwork that may have been valid in one state may be invalid in another.

• Instructions should be in writing. Start with a living will that provides specific instruction to healthcare providers on the type of treatment you do or do not want.

• Assign a durable health power of attorney (DPOA). The person who represents you under the DPOA must be willing to follow your wishes and stand strong if disagreements arise.

• In addition to written instructions, have dialogue with your family, spouse, and physician so you have provided them first hand information on your wishes.

At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

Caring for the Caregiver

Family caregivers aren’t alone. An estimated 44 million Americans regularly care for an elderly relative or friend, with estimates that as much as 75 percent or more of elder care is provided by informal caregivers.

But many caregivers shoulder the responsibility as if they were alone, often not asking for help. As a consequence, they suffer stress that takes a toll on their own physical, mental and emotional health. They may feel guilty for wanting help, for instance, feeling as if they were letting down a parent who has always been there for them. But taking on all the responsibility, along with parenting, career and other obligations, can turn into an unhealthy situation for both the caregiver and the person being cared for.

The Family Caregiver Alliance reports that 40 to 70 percent of family caregivers show clinically significant symptoms of depression. The Center on Aging Society adds that one in 10 family caregivers reports that their responsibilities have caused their physical health to worsen.

The stress of caregiving is so significant that a 1999 study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reported that elderly spouses who care for a loved one were 63 percent more likely to die in the next four years than those who didn’t provide care.

However, caring for a family member or friend can be a very rewarding, uplifting experience – if done with support. To be most effective, caregivers need regular breaks, or respites, from their caregiving role. A respite can just be a day away with friends or an afternoon of personal errands … to going on vacation.

Caregivers can look to a variety of sources to find support:

• Other family members and friends, who can share the responsibility

• Professional in-home senior care providers, who can fill in as needed

• Churches and other volunteer organizations

• Nursing homes or adult day care centers

• Senior centers and area agencies on aging

• Web sites that offer caregivers advice, forums and links to resources

Often, family and friends want to help. They just don’t know how. Caregivers can make it easy on them—and themselves—by always having in mind a list of assignments, like preparing meals, picking up a few things at the grocery store, going on a walk with the senior or staying with him or her from time to time.

Leading medical societies have recognized the health risks associated with caregiving and have created practice guidelines to identify and serve those at risk. The American Academy of Family Physicians (www.aafp.org), for instance, has published “A Practical Guide to Caring for Caregivers.” It provides screening tools for assessing the degree of a caregiver’s stress. The guide suggests, “If the caregiver does not receive respite regularly, physicians should give them permission to ask for help and assist them in finding sources for assistance.”

Caregivers can protect their own health and well-being – and be of greater service to those they care for – by practicing the following:

•           Exercise—make sure to incorporate it in your schedule for added energy

•           Get plenty of sleep—eight hours is recommended for most people

•           Eat regular, well-balanced meals

•           Maintain contact with friends and stay involved in hobbies and social activities

•           Join a support group to reinforce the idea that you are not alone

•           Visit your doctor regularly

•           Take time off for yourself, and relax

Finding Caregiver Support on the Web

Family caregivers have a wealth of online resources to find support and advice. Here are a few examples:

• www.eldercare.gov – a service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that locates local Area Agencies on Aging, along with other resources for seniors and caregivers
• www.strengthforcaring.com – Johnson and Johnson’s resource center for caregivers
• http://nac.lotsahelpinghands.com – a site that allows family and friends to share and coordinate caregiving tasks online. The site is sponsored by the National Alliance for Caregiving.
• www.familycaregiving101.org – a project of  the National Family Caregiving Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving, which operates under the theme, “Family Caregiving: It’s not all up to you.”

At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

Food As Medicine: Good Nutrition Promotes Senior Health

Florida Seniors! Eat balanced meals!

photo credit: norwichnuts

A healthy diet delivers essential nutrients for optimal health and plays an essential role in improving the quality of life and independence of seniors and the elderly.

According to the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health (http://nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/02.html), good nutrition may help seniors slow the onset of many diseases, manage the symptoms of chronic illness, lessen the impact of disease on lifestyle and boost longevity.

With the support of family and professional caregivers, as needed, seniors can realize numerous benefits from good nutrition. Among them:

• Greater energy and improved feeling of well-being by providing calories needed to get through the day
• Strengthened immune system and protection against illness
• Reduced incidence of mood swings and depression
• Increased mental focus, reducing the risk for dementia-related conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, as well as the spice turmeric, green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower show promise in helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
• Reduced risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol through low-sodium and low-fat foods
• Lessened chance of diabetes through weight control and a diet that includes whole grains, multi-colored fruits and vegetables, small amounts of healthy fats, lean poultry, low-fat dairy, and adequate water
• Decreased risk of vision loss from macular degeneration
• Strengthened bones from calcium
• Decreased risk of some forms of cancer
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Improved weight control by concentrating on nutrient-rich foods that are more filling than “empty calorie” foods that lack essential vitamins and minerals
• Younger, healthier-looking skin
• Improved digestion and regularity, through consumption of whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables and adequate hydration
• Greater effectiveness of some medications
• Improved recovery from illness, accident or surgery

Seniors are at a greater risk of malnutrition than younger adults due to a wide range of social circumstances, such as living alone, and health conditions, such as dementia.

These factors can lead to “a cascade of difficulties” that prevent seniors from getting the nutrition needed for healthful living, according to the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com/health/senior-health/HA00066).

The Clinic adds that malnutrition leads to serious health consequences and raises the risk of death—and that the effects of malnutrition build up over time, leading to fatigue and a weakened immune system. This can leave seniors vulnerable to pneumonia and other serious infections. Other effects of undernourishment include:

• Increased risk of digestive, lung and heart problems
• Mental confusion
• Worsening of existing health conditions, including dementia
• Increased loss of strength and muscle mass, which can lead to greater risk of falls and fractures
• Anemia, or low blood count
• Changes in brain chemistry that increase the incidence of depression and isolation
• Blood clots
• Bed sores
• Post-surgical complications
• Increased need for hospitalization
• Decreased efficiency of many prescription drugs

Help Seniors Stay On-Guard Against Germs

photo credit: Arlington County

As people grow older, natural defenses against disease weaken.

Caregivers of elderly relatives or seniors need to strengthen efforts to keep germs at bay—and protect seniors’ health and quality of life.

Here are some tips:

Wash your hands

Often neglected, hand washing is a key infection control practice that substantially reduces the risk of illness. Caregivers and the cared for need to do this several times a day. Our hands transfer germs whenever we touch something or someone—and then touch our eyes, mouth or nose. Hand washing with soap, for at least 15 to 20 seconds, eliminates most of the germs.

On a related note, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer so you don’t spread germs. (Before washing, throw away the tissue! Don’t let it, and the germs, lie around for others to pick up.)

A few other important times to wash your hands:

•       Before eating or preparing food

•       Immediately after handling raw food, such as poultry

•       After using the bathroom

•       After contact with blood or body fluids.*

•       After touching a trash can, cleaning cloth or other contaminated area

•       Before dressing a wound or giving medicines

*(Wash your hands even after wearing gloves. They do not provide an absolute barrier to germs. Wear gloves as needed, such as when exposure to bodily fluids is likely or the senior is infected with a pathogen that is spread by direct contact.)

Stay away

Have family members or friends in the wings, ready to help care for your loved one when you’re sick. And if you’re a professional caregiver or work with seniors, call in sick when you’re ill. For the elderly with chronic health conditions, even cold germs can be dangerous.

Bathe

Seniors may not need a bath every day but do need to bathe often enough to prevent skin infections. To keep their skin from getting too dry, make sure they use a good skin lotion.

Sanitize surfaces

Keep hard surfaces—kitchen countertops, tabletops, desktops, and bathroom surfaces—clean and disinfected. Use a combination detergent and disinfectant or a cleaner first, followed by a thorough rinsing and disinfectant. Clean and disinfect other commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and kitchen appliance handles and controls. Use sanitizing wipes on electronic items such as phones, computer keyboards and remote controls.

Police the refrigerator

What goes on behind the closed door of a refrigerator can be dangerous. Bacteria lurk—and lead to food poisoning—when food is left too long, the refrigerator is dirty or the temperature isn’t cold enough.

Boost resistance

You can’t stop every germ, but you can help seniors intensify resistance to infection by making sure they eat regularly and maintain a well-balanced diet, get enough sleep and maintain physical activity at a level appropriate to their ability. And, caregivers, practice your own medicine.

At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

How to Detect Reactions to Medications – Tips for Seniors and The Elderly

photo credit: Nils Geylen

When a senior or elderly loved one takes medications ordered by a physician, it is very important that other medicine not be taken unless the physician knows about it. This includes over-the-counter medications as well as drugs prescribed by the same or other physicians.

The actions of some medicines are changed when taken with other medications, even a commonly used medication. Aspirin, for example can cause bleeding in certain situations, so it would be very important for the physician to be informed if
your loved one is on other medications takes an aspirin for headache, even on one occasion.

Certain foods change the reaction of specific medicines, as well. The medication bottle may contain a warning about what foods to avoid. It is extremely important that seniors follow their physician’s instructions about how and when to take their medications. Food and liquid can slow down or stop the action of certain drugs. Also, certain foods contain man-made chemicals or natural substances that may change the actions of the prescribed medications. Drinking alcohol can also seriously change the effect of drugs, so this should be observed and reported, when it occurs while clients are also taking medications.

What to do if your loved ones don’t want to take their medications.

After giving gentle encouragement to your loved ones to take their medications, the next step for a Comfort Keeper or caregiver in such situations should be to try to figure out why they aren’t taking the prescribed medications. By asking them and by observing them and knowing about their lifestyle, you or a Comfort Keeper may discover the reasons, which should then be reported to a physician or other family member to see if anything can be done about them.

There are many reasons elderly loved ones and seniors may not take their medications, including the following:

• They may have a difficult time obtaining their medicines because of transportation problems or because they cannot afford them.

• They may not understand their physician’s instructions about their medicines—or, because of having several medications; they may be confused about what to take, how much to take, and when to take them.

• Arthritis or other disabilities (difficulty with walking, seeing, or remembering, for example) may make it difficult for clients to get to or to open the bottles or containers, in which medications are stored or difficult for them to take, apply or swallow.

• They may not believe their medications will help them, they may dislike their side effects, or they may not feel they want to get well.

Keep these tips in mind when helping a loved one adjust and use medications to ensure things go smoothly. At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

Respite Care: Relief for the Family

Ocala Senior In-Home Care

No matter how much you love the person you are caring for, you need regular breaks from caregiving. Nonstop caregiving will zap your energy and take a toll on your physical, mental and emotional health.

If you will not do it for yourself, please consider that respite care also benefits the person you are caring for. After a break, you will return with your battery recharged. You will be refreshed and more effective.

A respite could be just a day away with friends, an afternoon of personal errands, or an exercise break. Or it could be a vacation, away from it all.

You can find relief from numerous sources:

• Relatives and friends, who can step in as needed
• Professional in-home senior care providers, such as Comfort Keepers^®
• Churches and other volunteer organizations
• Adult day care centers
• Senior centers and the local Area Agencies on Aging
• The Department of Health and Human Services Eldercare Locator
• Often, family and friends want to help. They just do not know how. As a caregiver, you  can make it easy on them—and yourself—by always having a list of assignments ready, like preparing meals, picking up a few things at the grocery, going on a walk with the senior, or staying with him or her from time-to-time.

Physicians also subscribe to the critical need for caregiving respites. A Practical Guide to Caring for Caregivers, published by the American Academy of Family Physicians, states, “If the caregiver does not receive respite regularly, physicians should give them permission to ask for help and assist them in finding sources for assistance.”

Before planning respite care, be sure to talk with your loved one about it, explaining the up side for everyone. To help your loved one accept the idea, be sure to involve him or her in making the arrangements.

For more information on respite care, visit helpguide.org.

How to Care for Yourself and Prevent Caregiver Burnout

Besides scheduling regular respites, Comfort Keepers recommends that you practice the following to relieve stress and maintain optimal health:

• Exercise—make it part of your schedule for added energy.
• Get plenty of sleep—at least seven hours.
• Eat regular, well-balanced meals.
• Maintain contact with friends for essential emotional support.
• Stay involved in hobbies and social activities.
• Join a support group, which can encourage you and back you up with experienced advice.
• Seek support through your faith and faith community, which could be a good source of volunteer caregiving help.
• Visit your doctor regularly and share concerns you have about the effects of caregiving on your physical, mental and emotional health.
• Take time to pamper yourself—for instance, a warm bath, manicure or massage.
• Laugh. Find humor in everyday situations and take time out with a humorous book or movie.
• Keep a journal to record your thoughts and feelings. It provides an essential release for your emotions.
• Arrange for a family member, friend or volunteer from a church or senior center to call you on a regular basis to see if you need any help.
• Confide in others. Do not bottle up your emotions.
• Know your limits. You know what other responsibilities you have, so be realistic about how much time you can give to caregiving. Do not be afraid to delegate.
• Learn as much as you can about caregiving and your loved one’s needs or illness. The more you know, the more effective and more satisfied you can be.

How a Support Group Can Help You

Community Support Groups…

• Get you out of the house on a regular basis and prevent isolation.
• Put you face-to-face with other caregivers who know what you are dealing with. From their experience, they can offer you relevant advice.
• Offer you information about local resources available to help you.
• Open the opportunity for new friendships.

Internet Support Groups…

• Enable you to get support and advice as needed and when convenient for you.
• Provides support without having to leave the house, which could be particularly helpful for those with limited transportation or mobility.
• Provide the experience and knowledge of a broader pool of participants, which could be especially helpful if your loved one has a rare medical condition and special care needs.

Caregiver Support and Advice on the Web

You will find a wealth of online resources to provide caregiving support and advice. Here are a few examples:

• The Family Caregiver Alliance’s state-by-state Family Care Navigator.
• Strength for Caring, Johnson and Johnson’s resource center for caregivers.
• Lotsa Helping Hands, a site that allows family and friends to coordinate caregiving tasks online. The site is sponsored by the National Alliance for Caregiving.
• Family Caregiving 101, a project of the National Family Caregiving Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving, which operates under the theme, “Family Caregiving: It’s not all up to you.”

A Furry Friend For Loneliness

photo credit: CMuñoz

Many seniors have discovered that pets are an antidote to isolation and loneliness. And numerous studies show cats, dogs, and other creatures are a prescription for improved health in the elderly.

Kelly Connolly of the Humane Society of the United States says on HSUS’s Web site (www.hsus.org), “Emotionally, pets can bring new meaning and purpose to the life of a senior who is living far away from friends or family…. Being responsible for another life often gives new meaning to the lives of those who are living alone or far from loved ones. Caring for and providing a loving home to a companion animal also helps elderly people remain active and stay healthy.”

As they keep seniors’ feelings of isolation at bay, pets help lower blood pressure, decrease stress, reduce bone loss, lower cholesterol, and improve blood circulation.

Getting out and walking a dog also can lead to human interaction, which further promotes better emotional and physical health.

Lack of social interaction takes a toll on seniors, their longevity, and quality of life. In the August 2007 issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science, University of Chicago researchers reported that lonely, older adults in their study exhibited more pronounced physical symptoms (higher blood pressure, lower levels of “good” cholesterol and higher levels of the stress hormone epinephrine) than younger subjects, on whom loneliness showed relatively little effect.

Following are other suggestions for countering isolation:

• Get online. Computers offer a convenient way to stay connected with loved ones and keep up with news and interests. Seniors, though, may need some hands-on help from children and grandchildren to get started. And senior centers, public libraries and adult education programs provide basic computer classes. There also are less technical, spam-free alternatives to the computer. The HP Printing Mailbox, for instance, connects to a phone line and prints messages and digital photos e-mailed by friends and family. And don’t forget letter writing.

• Help others. Volunteering enables seniors to continue exercising their skills and talents. For local opportunities, check with the United Way, service organizations or visit www.seniorcorps.org for information on local units of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

• Center yourself. Local senior centers offer a wealth of social, educational, and service opportunities.

• Subscribe. Newspapers and magazines help us all stay connected to our community, world, and interests.

• Open the door. For seniors who have difficulty getting out, visits from relatives, friends, and neighbors can provide a great lift. Out-of-town children can contact neighbors, family friends and their church back home to arrange such visits.

Staying Strong: Aging & the Musculoskeletal System

As people get older, it’s common for the spine to shorten. This causes people to “shrink” very gradually, losing from one to four inches in height. In some people, the upper spine also begins to curve, leading to a stooped posture. Usually elderly people experience a shrinking in their muscles, especially if they don’t exercise. This can make them feel weak and tired more easily. In addition, if injured, older muscles take long to heal.

The bones can get thinner and weaker, especially in women. This puts elderly people at risk for broken bones. So, if they do break a bone, it will take longer to heal. Usually joints become stiff, which is especially noticeable after a night in bed. This loss of flexibility causes movement to be slower and sometimes painful. The cartilage in joints wears out over time. This weakens the joints and causes arthritis.

To Help Your Elderly & Senior Loved Ones Prevent Problems With Their Muscles and Bones, You Should:

• Assist them to exercise every day, even if it’s just a slow walk or a series of range of motion exercises.

• Encourage them to use assistive devices as needed for ambulation. This includes canes, walkers, braces, and crutches.

• Help them “loosen” their stiff muscles and joints by doing range of motion exercises.

Keep an eye out for times when your senior loved one might need help. For example, they may not have the strength needed to open a food jar or a medication container. Or, their stiff joints may not bend to allow them to put the cap back on the toothpaste or to pick up a pen. Be ready to assist them as needed.

Remember that elderly people move more slowly. Allow plenty of time for them to complete tasks. And be sure to build in some rest periods in between activities.

Watch For & Seek Medical Help When You Notice:

• Pain in limbs or joins or swollen joints

• Weakness

• Unsteady walking (gait)

• Problems with walking

• Falls

At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

photo credit: greg westfall.