10 Tips to Help Seniors Lower Their Fall Risk
Many older adults are at risk of falling. These falls can be life-changing and even life-threatening. Get the steps to reduce your fall risk.
Home Safety Tips From an Occupational Therapist
As we age, home safety becomes top of mind. An Occupational Therapist offers practical tips to help keep you safe at home.
Eight Tips for a Better Doctor Appointment
In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, physicians, patients and family caregivers are partners in care, working together to best manage health conditions and make decisions about treatments. Here are ways to make the most of a doctor visit.
Don’t Forget Preventive Care
Taking extra health precautions such as handwashing, wearing a mask and socially distancing to avoid COVID-19 is important, but don’t forget these preventive care steps.
Tips for Seniors to Stay Safe in Severe Weather
What are the best ways for seniors to stay safe during severe weather occurrences? We’ve rounded up some helpful tips from Right at Home caregivers who have lived through a disaster to help you remain calm and prepared should a weather emergency occur in your area.
Ten Ways to Reduce Stress Today
We’re always told to reduce stress in our lives. Stress raises our risk of heart disease, depression, dementia, digestive disease, sleep problems and a host of other health conditions. But can you recall a more stressful time than we’ve been experiencing as we weather the COVID-19 crisis? For many, it’s more challenging than ever to manage tension. Here are some things we can do—and not do—to lower our stress at this time.
What Are the Health Concerns of Older Women?
May 10-16, 2020, is Women's Health Week, and the entire month of May is Older Americans Month. What a great time to focus on the special health issues of senior women!
Healthy Eating During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
The general rule of thumb is to put off your grocery shopping trip for as long as possible. If you can, order what you need online and arrange no-contact delivery; alternatively, enlist a friend, family member or neighbor to help. Go to the store during special hours for seniors if none of these options work for you. Wear a mask, stay socially distanced and remember to wash your hands afterwards!
Avoid Loneliness During Social Distancing
At the recommendations of medical experts, and in many places by government mandate, we are practicing social distancing to help halt the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Every day, we are seeing our opportunities to interact with others dwindle. Humans are wired for close contact, and studies have shown that maintaining connections, whether with acquaintances or immediate family members, combats stress and anxiety, and may lower health risks such as heart attack and hypertension.
Coronavirus and Seniors
If you are concerned about keeping your senior loved ones safe, there are things you can do to help reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Health
As we age, the number of nephrons in our kidneys decreases as does the amount of kidney tissue, our blood vessels become thicker, and the blood flow slows down. All of these factors contribute to a gradual decline in our kidney function.
Nutrition Tips for Seniors
The saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Because nutrition plays such a big role in overall health, it’s important to make sure your senior loved one’s diet is balanced and healthy, and takes into account their lifestyle and any medical conditions. We’ve put together a few tips to help keep meals delicious, not daunting.
10 Ways to Help a Senior Loved One Manage Diabetes
Diabetes increases the risk of infection. It can damage the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes. It raises the risk of dementia, incontinence and falls. It reduces both the quality and length of life. Fortunately, diabetes can be managed. We've come up with 10 ways to help a senior loved one manage diabetes.
Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, “About 1 in 5 heart attacks is silent—the damage is done, but the person is not aware of it.” To help prevent cardiovascular disease nationwide, February is designated as American Heart Month. A federally established annual event since 1964, American Heart Month is an important reminder to work with friends, family and senior loved ones to keep everyone’s heart healthy.
How to Detect Undernutrition in Seniors
“About 80% to 90% of the clients we see are in some way at risk of malnutrition for a variety of reasons,” Teresi says. “The nutrition component to the care we provide is a significant value to all of our clients and their families. And our caregivers love it, too! Research has shown that eating with someone else improves nutritional status, so we encourage our caregivers to sit down and eat with clients, either at home or at a restaurant. It’s a really nice experience for both parties.”
Senior Care: Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Winter
Older adults with compromised health, such as breathing problems, heart disease or anemia, are more likely to fall ill from carbon monoxide exposure. Because the symptoms of CO poisoning may be similar to other illnesses including the flu and food poisoning, the condition can be hard to detect.
Celebrating Thanksgiving Safely With Senior Loved Ones
The family is coming for Thanksgiving and mouths are already watering just thinking about Grandma’s pumpkin pie. But did you know that during the Thanksgiving holiday, an increased number of older adults go to the emergency room? Some ER physicians see up to a 20% rise in elderly patients during the holidays.
Alleviating Holiday Stress for Family Caregivers
Family and friends love to gather for the holidays, but for families who care for an ill or aging loved one, the holidays can bring on extra stress. If just the idea of getting out of the house or inviting guests into your home elicits sweaty palms and sleepless nights, read on for some holiday breathe-deep help.
10 Common Causes for Hospital Readmissions
While this isn’t a complete list, it will help you play an active role to ensure your recovery at home is successful so you can avoid another hospital stay.
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian cancer sneaks up on women because in its early stages, the symptoms aren’t intense and present vaguely, and there is no dependable screening test for the cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that ovarian cancer is the deadliest of cancers affecting the female reproductive system and the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths among women overall. Ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 22,500 American women in 2019.
SilverSneakers® Program Helps Seniors Improve Health, Fitness and Social Connections
Do you want to swim laps today at one fitness center, then join friends later for a stretch class at a different exercise facility? And all at no charge? You can if you are one of millions of senior Americans who are staying active and improving their health through SilverSneakers®.
Common Ornamental Garden Herbs With Medicinal Benefits
Many cultures around the world still use plants and herbs for medicinal purposes, with great success. If you tend a garden or have planter boxes that can grow common ornamental garden herbs, you can use the herbs to cure your ailments, as well.
5 Quick, Nutritious Meals for Hot Summer Days
Selecting quick, nutritious meals for hot summer days is not always easy for elders who are more sensitive to heat exhaustion and dehydration when the temperatures rise. Loss of appetite, poor sleep and wilting energy are common for older adults in hot weather, so can certain foods and drinks help cool the body?
Is Beer Good or Bad for Your Health?
Although National Beer Day (April 7) promises to be a good time, it allows for the question of whether or not beer is good or bad for our health. There have been a variety of contradictory studies on the effects of alcohol on human health, and the results are, at times, confusing.
Spring Cleaning for Seniors With the KonMari Method
Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo took the world by storm with her Netflix show "Tidying up with Marie Kondo." Can we apply the "KonMarie method" in spring cleaning for seniors?
Four Different Ways You Can Donate Blood
“Many people think they need to know their blood type beforehand, but a lot of people learn their blood type upon donation,” says Samantha Pollard, External Communications Manager for the American Red Cross. “There is also no age limit for donating blood. Many of our best and most regular donors are over the age of 65!”
5 Myths About Frozen Foods
Although frozen foods have a much longer expiration date than fresh foods, they do, in fact, have a limited shelf life. The concern is not so much food safety, but rather quality control.
Are Canned Foods Healthy?
February is Canned Food Month, created in 1987 as a way to clear up misconceptions about canned food, including whether or not it is good for you. Is canned food actually healthy and safe? Let’s look at what is fact and what is fiction.
5 “Health” Foods That Really Are Bad for You
Many of these health food favorites are labeled “low fat,” “high energy” or “fresh,” but these promotional promises often fall short of true nutritional value. Here are five popular unhealthy health foods to watch out for well beyond the holiday season.
Stream Family-Friendly Movies This Holiday Season
The holidays are a time for family, presents, indulgent food and, of course, movies! After all, what’s a better way to spend a snowy December afternoon or evening than snuggled up with your family on the couch watching holiday movies?
What Is Naturopathy or Naturopathic Medicine?
“We’re all going to get older, but your brain and body can function so much better when you take care of yourself from day to day. When our clients take better care of themselves and we help them with their care, what a big difference that makes in their health,” says Patty Hietpas, who has a doctorate in naturopathy and is certified as a naturopath, a non-physician practitioner who can help direct individuals in holistic health choices.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) sponsors Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, which aims to help keep seniors more active, healthy and safe when they are behind the wheel. By keeping seniors on the road, rates of isolation, loneliness and depression can be reduced.
Keeping Older Loved Ones Warm in Winter
Prevention of cold exposure to seniors takes precautionary measures before winter sets in and ongoing observation by family members, caregivers and those familiar with the older loved one’s health and living environment.
5 Popular Books to Read This Holiday Season
The holiday season is here! Whether you are spending time with family, traveling, or having a “staycation,” the holidays are always a good time to catch up on some reading. We have sourced five popular books on Goodreads in 2018, including both fiction and nonfiction.
Tips for a Safe, Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday
As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones, here are a few things to consider.
Respiratory Health Awareness for Seniors and Caregivers
“Many people don’t realize how crucial respiratory health is when it comes to aging well,” says Bill Osborne, Flight Respiratory Therapist at Atrium Health. “But keeping your lungs healthy can improve your quality of life and help you live longer.”
Pumpkin Health Benefits and Easy Recipes
Studies suggest that pumpkins can reduce the risk of cancer, regulate blood pressure, reduce blood sugar and help maintain colon health. Pumpkins are high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C; their seeds are high in antioxidants, magnesium, zinc and fatty acids.
10 Frequently Asked Questions for Physical Therapists
October is National Physical Therapy Month. Stephanie Humphries, Right at Home owner in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been a licensed physical therapist since 1999; she spent many of those years working directly with physical therapy clients in their homes. Stephanie answers common questions people ask about the physical therapy process.
10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Cholesterol
For up to 20 percent of people in the United States with high cholesterol, the underlying problem is genetic. Inherited high cholesterol, medically known as familial hypercholesterolemia or FH, means heightened cholesterol runs in the family. Inherited high cholesterol increases the risk of an early-age heart attack. Knowing one’s full family health history and getting regular medical checkups are two of the best ways to stay ahead of concerns with cholesterol for any adult.
Senior Nutrition: Light Summer Meal Ideas
Here are some simple vegetarian dishes that use summer fruits and vegetables and that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.
10 Frequently Asked Questions for Recreational Therapists
Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, engages a person in an activity of leisure to help restore their functionality following an illness, accident or infirmity. Recreational therapy promotes a client’s self-esteem and self-efficacy, which is “I think I can do this.”
How Men Can Be More Proactive With Their Health
Most guys find it easy to discuss sports or vent about work. But talk about their health? Nope, that’s not happening, well, at least not for the majority of men, reports a Cleveland Clinic men’s health survey. What keeps you or other men you know from talking about your health?
Health Benefits of 5 Asian Herbs and Spices
For those of you who are interested in learning more about Asian herbs and spices and their health benefits, we have identified five commonly used ingredients in Asian cuisines (and tea) for your reference.
CSA Farms and Seasonal Ingredients for a Spring Dinner Party
Here are some ideas on how you can whip up a spring dinner party with 10 seasonal ingredients.
6 Tips for Springtime Gardening
Springtime gardening can keep you guessing as weather & soil temperatures fluctuate. We’ve checked with a few experts to bring you some gardening pointers.
Fighting Parkinson’s With Boxing
Study found that boxing can help Parkinson's patients improve gait and balance. Are you ready to knock out Parkinson's?
Spring Cleaning to Reduce Fall Risks
Spring is when everything starts to come alive again. The sluggish energy from winter moves out, and there’s a vibrant spirit of rejuvenation in the air. This is the time for a fresh look around to see what moved in during our winter hibernation. And do you know what many of us will find?
Clutter!
Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland vs. the U.S.
Although the holiday is celebrated with beer today, that was not the case before Irish soldiers and immigrants decided to make March 17 a day to honor their cultural heritage in America. Right at Home spoke with John Doona, who relocated from Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, to the United States in 1996, about the true St. Patrick’s Day traditions in Ireland.