May is Older Americans Month, a terrific occasion to clearly show our thankfulness for the older adults in our towns.

The theme for Older Americans Month 2012, “Never Too Old to Play…”
really encourages older Americans to stay involved, energetic and involved in their own lives and in their neighborhoods.

Here are some creative ideas for Older American’s Month

Physical Activity

Here are some physical activity ideas:

- Wii bowling tournament. Wii bowling is a popular physical activity among older adults, and a wonderful way to connect elders and young people in an intergenerational session of exhilaration that encourages fitness and fosters intergenerational connections.

- Miniature golf. Miniature golf is a marvelous type of light exercise and fun for people of all ages. For your Day of Play give some thought to an outing to a local miniature golf course. Call in advance to check if there is a group rate or senior discount. To make this an intergenerational event ask the older adults to bring along a friend from another generation such as a child or grandchild.

-Choreographed fitness. There are a number of options for fun group exercise activities for older adults. For your Day of Play you may choose to put together training in one or more of these exercises in movement:

-Tai chi is a group activity in which participants move slowly and gently in unison. Tai chi improves balance and strength.

-Water aerobics is exactly what it sounds like. The gentle resistance of the water in a pool intensifies this low-impact aerobic workout. And exercising in a pool reduces the risk of injuries from falls.

-Yoga uses stretching and breathing to relax the mind and body, and it’s very good for circulation.

-Dancing improves balance and coordination. Plus, it’s a great creative outlet and way to meet new people.

Take care of the seniors in your life and celebrate National Older American’s Month.

For more information about how the caregivers at Senior Services Unlimited can help your family with senior care, call (888) 427-5285. We are a elder care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Wildwood MO, and the surrounding communities.

All over the United States, registered nurses are being saluted.

On May 6, 2012, we are joining the American Nurses Association in remembering Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring, as part of National Nurses Week, which is on May 6-12, each year. The intention ofthe week long festivities is to draw attention to of the value and quality of nursing and  assist with educating the public  concerning the role nurses master in meeting the health care demands of the American people.

In honor of the dedication, commitment, and tireless work of the nearly 3.1 million registered nurses nationally to increase and preserve the healthiness of this nation, the American Nurses Association is proud to recognize registered nurses in all places on this specified day for the caregiving and excellent effort they provide seven days a week, 365 days a year.

In respect of Nursing: Advocating, Leading, Caring, all registered nurses in America are urged to proudly wear the official ANA “RN” pin or any other pin that clearly recognizes them as registered nurses, and/or their nurses uniform on May 6, 2012.

Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring

Commonly referred to as an art and a science, nursing is a occupation that accepts special persons with diverse likes, skills, and passions because of the many alternatives the profession suggests. Nurses are caregivers, work in emergency rooms, school based clinics, and homeless shelters, to name a few. They have many functions – from staff nurse to educator to nurse practitioner and nurse researcher – and serve all of them with excitement for the practice and with a strong commitment to patient safety.

National Nurses Week History    

National Nurses Week commences annually on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

These solid dates complement planning out and station National Nurses Week as an organized recognition celebration. As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be commemorated each year. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year.

The nursing field has been endorsed and publicized by the American Nurses Association (ANA) since 1896.

Each of ANA’s state and territorial nurses associations promotes the nursing profession at the state and regional levels. Each conducts celebrations on these dates to recognize the contributions that nurses and nursing make to the community.

If you know a registered nurse, be sure to thank him or her for their service during National Nurses Week 2012.

For more information about how the caregivers at Senior Services Unlimited can help your family with homecare, call (888) 427-5285. We are a elder care agency providing quality and affordable caregivers in University City MO, and the surrounding communities.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) follows the same mold as a group of ailments called motor system disorders, which are the end result of the decrease in dopamine-producing brain cells.

The four major symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination.

As these symptoms grow to be more pronounced, patients may have trouble walking, talking, or completing other simple duties.

PD usually affects people over the age of 50.  Beginning symptoms of PD are faint and occur steadily.  In some some people the disease advances much quicker than in others.

As the disease moves forward, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of PD patients may begin to hamper with routine.  Other signs or symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions.

There are at the moment no blood or laboratory tests that have been verified to aid in diagnosing sporadic PD.  As a result the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological examination.

The disease can be challenging to diagnose precisely.   Physicians may in some cases ask for brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other diseases.

Is there any cure?
At present, there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, but a variety of medications offer dramatic remedy from the warning signs.

Homecare and Treatment
Early on, Parkinson’s disease may not tremendously upset your life. But for many people, the disease turns out to be more disabling over the course of time. Homecare can help patients as they become adjusted, and as the disease progresses. This of course, can help them to remain self-reliant for as long as possible. The high quality of their life may depend in part on their capacity to continue working, take care of a home, care for their family, and remain independent. They may require adaptive devices such as canes or walkers as the disease continues.

Features of  Homecare that are vital for people with PD include:

• Adjusting their tasks and their household, such as simplifying their every day activities and modifying the position of furniture so that they can grasp something as they move around the home.

• Preparing healthy foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, poultry, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products.

• Exercising and doing physical therapy, which have benefits in both early and advanced stages of  Parkinson’s Disease.

• Dealing with tremor, which may include putting a little weight on the hand to help reduce tremor and restore control.

• Improving speech quality by working with a speech therapist (also called a speech-language pathologist).

• Reducing problems with eating and drooling by changing how and what they eat.

• Dealing with “freezing” by various means, such as stepping towards a specific target on the ground.

• Handling depression. If they are feeling sad or depressed, ask a friend or family member for help. If these feelings don’t go away, or if they get worse, talk to their doctor. He or she may be able to suggest someone for you to talk to or give them medicine that will help.

• Coping with dementia. Dementia is common late in Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms may include confusion and memory loss. If a family member notices that they are confused a lot or have trouble thinking clearly, talk to their doctor. There are medicines that can help dementia in people with Parkinson’s disease.

For more information about how the caregivers at Senior Services Unlimited can help your family with homecare, call (888) 427-5285. We are a elder care agency providing quality and affordable homecare Chesterfield MO, and the surrounding communities.

Here are some options on how to to spread the spirit of gardening in your community.

Plant a Row for the Hungry at a Local Community Garden

In this land of plenty it’s difficult to visualize lacking access to quality food at a realistic charge. Having said that, for many Americans, getting a healthy meal is not always very easy. It’s approximated almost 33 million people, including 13 million children, end up with emergency food because they cannot manage to pay for the food they need.

Hold a Plant Swap at a Nearby Church

The best plants aren’t always from your community garden center or seed catalog. Rather they are collected through quick cuttings or by obtaining seeds from the garden of a friend or family member. These “pass-along plants” provide both natural beauty and sentiment to your garden.

Have a Spring Cleaning Green Up Day at a Senior’s Home

Spring cleaning — indoors and out — is a ritual that marks the end of winter and the beginning of a fresh season, and similar to many things to do, it’s more fun when you share it. A senior’s home, your street, neighborhood, town park, and any other public space could use some greening up; it just takes someone to organize a small group.

Yard Sale Philanthropy

The emergence of spring, coupled with lengthier days and higher temperatures, conjures up wishes of green oases teeming with tomatoes and brimming with beans. Spring is also a time for cleaning out. This year, celebrate National Garden Month in an unexpected way-by visiting yard sales in search of second-hand stuff that every senior’s garden needs.

Organize a Garden Visit with Senior Friends, Over Tea!

Gardeners grow more than plants – every one of us has stories to share. For a change, why not share them in over tea? Socialization and admiration of another person’s garden brings joy to everyone.

Other ideas for having fun with seniors in your community:

-Organize or play a role in a town beautification day.

-Check out your area farmers’ market.

-Flatter a neighbor on his or her garden.

-Gather with neighbors to purchase compost and mulch in bulk quantities.

-Volunteer to plant and sustain a garden at your community library.

-Submit a gardening article or essay to your local paper.

-Interview an elder to learn what foods his or her family grew when he or she was a child.

-Look for neighbors from various ethnic groups to learn about their native cuisine and gardening techniques.

-Clean up your street or a local park by picking up trash.

-Share a cutting of one of your favorite landscape or houseplants with a senior neighbor.

-Look at your gardening gear (e.g., pots, seeds, stakes) and give away the excess to a neighborhood gardening program, assisted living facility or school garden.

-Celebrate other important “green” holidays: Earth Day (April 22) and National Arbor Day (April 26).

-Volunteer at your local school’s garden.

-Volunteer at a local senior center’s garden.

-Start a neighborhood garden club.

-Share your garden’s bounty with a senior neighbor.

-Have fun doing a gardening project with a senior.

-Deliver houseplants or flowers to a nursing home, assisted living or children’s hospital.

-Donate past issues of gardening magazines to your library, or buy the library a gift subscription.

For more information about how the caregivers at Senior Services Unlimited can help your family with senior care, call (888) 427-5285. We are a elder care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Florissant MO, and the surrounding communities.

Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, cause cold-like signs such as  itchy nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes and ears, along with watery eyes, runny nose, congestion and sneezing. But unlike a cold, allergies aren’t caused by a virus; they are triggered by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as mold, trees, pollen and pet dander.

Allergies, which have an affect on an estimated 60 million people in the United States both young and old, can genuinely take a toll on your daily regimen, and they are a nuisance both in daily life and professionally. Whether you’re influenced all year or during a specific season, knowing how to manage allergy symptoms can be important to fixing your relaxation and well-being.

This issue can also be costly to take care of . From 2000 to 2005, the expense of treating allergic rhinitis nearly doubled from $6.1 billion to $11.2 billion, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. More than half of that was expended on prescription and over-the-counter medications. Many experts propose patients acquire store-brand, over-the-counter medicines as an effective means of coping with both the allergy issue and its connected charges.

“There are a number of very effective over-the-counter treatments to address the symptoms of seasonal allergies,” says Dr. William Berger, professor of allergy and immunology at the University of California, Irvine. “In fact, to help patients save money, I would recommend many of the store-brand, non-sedating antihistamines sold at leading retailers and pharmacies, such as Cetirizine or Loratadine. These products are approved by the FDA, but cost significantly less than the brand names.”

According to Berger, several allergy sufferers could find much better relief of their symptoms by attempting one of these newer, more beneficial treatments now obtainable in the aisle, like Fexofenadine, which just switched from prescription to over-the-counter in 2011.

“Effective management with medicines, ideally before the allergy symptoms start, is key,” he says.

When an aging loved one requires elder care, be aware of the interactions between over-the-counter medications and the elderly person’s prescription drugs.

You may think that over-the-counter (OTC) medications are always safe. But if you are over 65 and in addition taking prescription medications, this kind of thought can get you into some problems.

“The average number of prescription medications taken by people over 65 is five or six,” says Michael H. Perskin, MD, an assistant professor of medicine and an internist at the New York University Langone Medical Center. “As you get older, it increases and so does the potential for drug interactions.”

So how can you find effective and secure comfort from arthritis and other pain, and cold or allergy symptoms? “When in doubt, ask your pharmacist,” Perskin says. “If you have taken the medication before, it’s probably OK. But if it’s new or your other medication regimen has changed, check it out.”

You can find more info about the symptoms and treatments for allergic rhinitis at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (www.aaaai.org), or the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (www.acaai.org).

For more information about how the caregivers at Senior Services Unlimited can help your family with elder care, call (888) 427-5285. We are a elder care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Kirkwood MO, and the surrounding communities.

If a senior in your life is receiving home care services, you might also consider asking their physician about Occupational Therapy services that are often covered by Medicare.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on “doing” whatever occupations or activities are relevant to the individual. It is occupational therapy’s purpose to get way beyond issues to the solutions that ensure living life to its fullest. These options may be variations for how to do a task, changes to the surroundings, or aiding people to redefine their own behaviors.

When using the services of an occupational therapy practitioner, strategies and alterations are customized for each individual to resolve difficulties, strengthen function, and aid everyday living tasks. The goal is to maximize potential. Through these therapeutic methods, occupational therapy facilitates folks structure their lives, build needed skills, adjust their environments (e,g., home, school, or work) and build health-promoting habits and practices that will make it easy for them to progress.

By having the full picture into account—a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup as well as their environment—occupational therapy assists clients to do the following:

• Achieve goals
• Perform at the best level
• Concentrate on what matters most to them
• Maintain or rebuild their self-sufficiency
• Participate in daily interests that they need or want to do.

Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.

For more information about how the caregivers at Senior Services Unlimited can help your family with home care, call (888) 427-5285. We are a elder care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Fenton MO, and the surrounding communities.

Some states are now requiring driving tests for seniors or for men and women who have been in three or more collisions in one year, required. This is because elderly drivers are more susceptible to either being injured or killed. Statistically, senior citizens are more often in perilous or fatal wrecks than any other ages. The only way to efficiently be sure that the unsafe drivers are off the roads is for them to be mandated to take a test to see who should and who shouldn’t be driving. A few see this as discrimination, while other folks see it as a peace of mind and a way to know that their loved one will be safe while on the road. Most of the people, especially those with older family members, are already aware of the potential risks.

A terrific alternative for keeping your older parent or loved one safe is to use a home care agency that furnishes transportation. Home care agencies not only provide transportation but more importantly they supply the chance for people to keep their independence. This also prevents isolation and helps them to continue to get around to their own doctor appointments as well as run their own errands.

You’ll find a number of diverse ways to find out how to get help in your community. Call your local Area Agency on Aging. If they do not offer transportation, they can point you in the right direction in order to find  a home care agency who does. There are also door-to-door services in most areas and driver volunteers. The door-to-door service do require you to call and give them notice on what your plans are but this may offer the most range of flexibility.

However, if you are more interested in paying a fee for each designated stop you should ask about a fixed route. The fees charged are discounted at senior citizen rates and in some cases are actually free. The option available with driver volunteers usually is a great option for people who need to be taken to a specific place at certain times such as doctor appointments or senior centers. For more information you can call the National Transit Hotline Toll Free at 1-800-527-8279, they can provide you with a list of local home care agencies that can help you find the right alternative to fit your specific needs.

For more information about how the caregivers at Senior Services Unlimited can help your family with home care, call (888) 427-5285. We are a elder care agency providing quality and affordable home care in St. Louis MO, and the surrounding communities.

When a loved one can no longer navigate through their own home safely, it could be time for you to make use of a caregiver. They can offer safety, relaxation, companionship and stability, all from the comforts of the seniors own household. This can also minimize any stress and anxiety the rest of the family may very well be feeling. Here are some advantages to obtaining a caregiver.

Caregivers employed through an agency are pre-trained, screened and in case they call in sick, a back-up will be available to fill in. They are trained to be informed of potential hazards and safety concerns in regards to medication, falls and aid in daily activities.

Recognizing potential risks is important and needs to be at the top of the list when it pertains to senior care. A caregiver must be able to check up on the recipient daily to make sure everything is in order and if there are any medications that need to be taken, it’s done so in a timely fashion. They will also have the capacity to ensure that there aren’t any fallen objects or tripping dangers lying around your house that could cause a safety problem. CPR and first aid is also a requirement for a companion in this field and will be an asset in case an emergency occurs.

Accomplishing daily chores can become a difficult task for some seniors. Things like changing light bulbs, getting the mail in icy weather, grocery shopping, cleaning, and meal preparation can all be demanding. Finding the perfect professional will give the care recipient and the family peace of mind that they can still live in their own home, yet have assistance in attaining these jobs that they can no longer do alone.

A caregiver will also be able to support in personal care needs. These may include toilet help, bathing, dressing and aiding in their mobility. Caregivers can also deliver companionship to seniors living on their own. It’s easy to be doing simple duties and have an incident. By having a caregiver supply continuing daily care, the recipient will feel at ease and feel less emotional stress knowing that somebody is caring for their best interests and making them their top priority.

Aides are trained and know precisely what to look for and take care of to make sure your loved ones are safe, secure and provided with only the best care.

For more information about how the caregivers at Senior Services Unlimited can help your family with home care, call (888) 427-5285. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregivers in Kirkwood MO, and the surrounding communities.

For older adults this can be harmful, as it could cause low blood sugars, low blood pressure, fainting, and falls. Homecare for our elderly is one of the most beneficial ways to tackle these problems. Homecare offers your loved ones assistance with light meal preparation, always being careful to make adjustments for each individuals specific nutritional requirements. Often seniors may have difficulty swallowing, therefore homecare agencies even provide them with texture modified diets or thickened liquids to assist them in consuming their food.

Homecare is actually a good possibility, as it makes it possible for the senior person to live in their own house and  get care, helping them to maintain a feeling of dignity and independence. Homecare also gives them qualified supervised help, as well the bonus of having some extra folks around now and again. A lot of homecare companions grow lasting friendships with their customers.

In some circumstances, the person may have to accept not being able to feed themselves. This can be an particularly difficult  as an older person, because feeding yourself is one of the most normal functions that we have. Homecare providers understand that feeling of loss of independence. Home care aides also can assist grocery shopping and meal planning, if there is a need for it. That is why homecare aides take the time, and put out additional effort to help make mealtime very special. Despite the reason why someone may need home care, whether they be disabled or elderly a good homecare agency provides remedies to some of the most troublesome difficulties a senior has to tackle.

For more information about how the caregivers at Senior Services Unlimited can help your family with homecare, call (888) 427-5285. We are a elder care agency providing quality and affordable homecare in Chesterfield MO, and the surrounding communities.

A colonoscopy should really be done once every ten years. Throughout this test, the large and small bowels are observed with a little camera. This is performed to uncover and eliminate any polyps and is vital to premature cancer discovery. The first colonoscopy should be given at age fifty.

While a colonoscopy provides for the evaluation of the entire four to five feet of the colon, a flexible sigmoidoscopy allows the sigmoid colon or the final two feet to be seen. A colonoscopy is a preferred exam over a sigmoidoscopy; however, a sigmoidoscopy is quicker. A sigmoidoscopy should be given every five years.

A fecal occult blood test is a strategy of colorectal cancer screening that should be given yearly. This requires a stool sample to be forwarded off to a lab for testing. Chemicals are used to discover blood that cannot be seen. If blood is discovered in the stool, further testing is essential. A patient may be referred for a colonoscopy.

A double contrast barium enema may be used every five years for supplemental testing. This is a technique in which an X-ray of the colon is taken. The barium used in this procedure  highlights the large intestine. It is simultaneously delivered to expand the colon, allowing for clearer images. The barium will pass out of the body with stools.

Everybody between the ages of fifty and seventy-five should have standard testing for colorectal cancer. Assessing should be initiated earlier with family history of colorectal cancer or with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. Tests is also recommended in some seniors who are over the age of seventy-five. Talk to your primary care physician about colorectal cancer screening today.

For more information about how the caregivers at Senior Services Unlimited can help seniors, call (888) 427-5285. We are a elder care agency providing quality and affordable home care to seniors in Clayton MO, and the surrounding communities.