Adverse Drug Reactions by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are much more common in the elderly.   Most cases of ADR occur within the framework of commonly prescribed medications at commonly prescribed doses.  The VA Center for Medication Safety says, “An adverse drug reaction is harm directly caused by the drug at normal doses, during normal use”.  The question then is why does this occur, and why more often to senior adults? 

Some doctors think it may be caused by seniors taking medications over long periods of time and often taking more than one prescription drug.  A senior may even add in several over-the–counter drugs to that list.  We know that as we age, the amount of water that our bodies hold is lower than that of younger people, and the amount of fat on our bodies increase.  An older person’s body weight is different in composition than when they were younger.  The liver slows down and does not clean out residual drugs like it once was able to.  Neither do the kidneys work as well in eliminating drugs from the system.  Poor circulation and low blood pressure can also affect the way a senior’s body processes the prescription drug.

While this can be all sound alarming, there are steps being taken to help prevent ADR from happening.   The FDA is requiring, at least in part, that some of the testing being done on a drug represent the group that will most likely use it.  Computerized systems in drugstores and hospitals are helping to keep track of all the drugs a patient is using.   And lastly, increasing awareness by health care professionals is making a difference on how seniors are prescribed drugs and at what doses.

*This is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.  Please consult your physician or health care provider with any concerns and questions you may have.

Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix Arizona is an assisted living and short term care community.  We are all looking for ways to save money and there are some new ways to do just that.  Please read our latest post on how online coupons can stretch your budget.

Games and Seniors: Benefits to Mind and Body by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

There is a great deal of research to prove that exercising the brain is just as important as exercising the body.  Keeping fit physically and mentally will greatly improve our overall health as we age.  Learning new things and trying new activities can and should be entertaining and fun.  Constantly challenging ourselves to walk a little further, swim another lap, and try to solve a bit more difficult puzzle will keep our minds sharp and our bodies feeling younger.

In a government funded study, researchers discovered that brief training sessions for the brain had an impact on improved cognitive thinking even five years later.   Playing games is a great way to exercise our brain.  Puzzles, memory games, and video games are good for increasing concentration and giving us the confidence to solve everyday problems.   Challenging ourselves to start a new hobby or take up activities we have always wanted to try, can help slow or stave off cognitive decline.

The Nintendo Wii has a number of games that according to an article in Senior’s Advocate by Christopher Leto, declares that, “Wii games can increase the ability of older adults to process information and divide attention.  Also, they’re fun”.   The Wii Fit is a perfect game that is suited to a range of fitness abilities.  It has over 40 activities that work on cardio, balance, flexibility, and strengthening.  Dr. Byrant Stamford, of the University of Kentucky, calls the Wii Fit “perfect for seniors”.

Another Wii game is the Big Brain Academy Wii Degree.  It has a multi-player mode (up to 8 players) which makes it fun for a group as well as a single player version.  The games are original with lots of variety.  Wii Degree mini-games measure skills in five basic categories that use identifying, memorizing, analyzing, computing, and visualizing.  There is even an online play component.     

Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living, Phoenix, AZ is an assisted living and short term care community.  In the era of information sharing, how comfortable does it make you feel about sharing your own medical history?  Please follow our latest post about are personal electronichealth records for you?

Importance of an Advance Health Care Directive or Living Will by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

An Advance Health Care Directive is simply a document prepared by you with written instructions as to what medical procedures you would want in the event that you are unable to speak out for yourself.  It is important to know that Advance Directive policies may differ from state to state.  Most states have a living will form that you can use to convey what kinds of life-prolonging medical care you want.  A living will needs to be signed, dated, and most states require them to be witnessed or notarized (or both).   Be sure to check with your state laws and policies.

Advanced Health Care Directives should also include a medical care power of attorney (POA) that designates an individual to be your health care proxy.  This would be the person that will speak on your behalf regarding what medical steps will be taken when you are unable to do so.  Sometimes a “do not resuscitate” (DNR) order is part of the directive but doesn’t have to be.  This order would mean that in the event your heart stops, you will not have CPR performed.

An Advanced Health Care Directive needs to be discussed with your spouse, family, and physician.  Keep the original in your personal files with other important documents.  Copies can be given to your health care proxy, family members, and have your doctor place it in your medical records.   

Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living Phoenix, Arizona is an assisted living and short term care community.  We all want our senior years to be as healthy as possible.  There are some simple things we can do to help in that effort.  Please read our latest blog on why green tea benefits seniors.

A Balanced Exercise Program for Seniors by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

Please remember to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program especially if you have a history of heart disease or osteoporosis.  Exercise is important to help a senior keep their independence by maintaining the ability to walk, keep good posture and balance (helps to reduce risk of falling), and offer some relief from pain caused by arthritis.  Exercise helps to maintains joint health and muscle mass and tone. 

There are some things to think about when starting to exercise.  The National Institute on Aging MedlinePlus website suggests a balanced approach to exercising would include the following:

• Endurance activities - like walking, swimming, or riding a bike - which build "staying power" and improve the health of the heart and circulatory system
• Strengthening exercises which build muscle tissue and reduce age-related muscle loss
• Stretching exercises to keep the body limber and flexible
• Balance exercises to reduce the chances of a fall

Try and make exercise an activity that you can do on a regular basis and have fun with it.  Getting a group together to walk is not only good aerobically, but can be an opportunity to socialize.  It is a good idea to include relaxation techniques in your routine.  Yoga and tai chi are two examples of activities that help with flexibility, stretching, and relaxation.  Just remember to exercise safely and take it slowly at first.  If you have been ill, do not take up where you left off.  Start over again to build body strength and endurance.

*This is for informational purposes only.  Consult your doctor or health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have and ask if there are activities you should avoid.

Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living, Phoenix, Arizona is an assisted living and short term care community.  Sometimes limitations and disabilities can make exercise seem like impossibility, but everybody can benefit from some form of activity.  Please read our latest post on some suggestions for exercises for chair-bound seniors.

Fall Prevention by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

According to the CDC, one in three adults age 65 and older falls each year and most of the fractures that seniors suffer from are a result of falls.  Most injuries that occur in the bathroom are from falls.  Women are more likely than men to fall.  It is thought the decrease in bone density, which occurs more often in women, could contribute to that.  

That being said there are some things that can be done to help prevent the risk of falling.  The CDC advises the following to reduce falls:

·         Exercise regularly-Emphasis should be on increasing strength in the legs and improving balance.

·         Review medications-Talk to your doctor about any side effects from your medications that may affect your balance or cause dizziness or drowsiness.

·         Vision-Many eye problems seniors develop can affect depth perception and peripheral vision.  Make sure to have an eye exam yearly and update prescriptions as needed.

·         Environmental factors-Perform a safety check around your house.  Install and use towel bars and non-skid mats in the bathroom.  Reduce clutter and do not allow electric cords to be left exposed.  Avoid the use of scatter rugs and make sure to provide adequate lighting.

*Please remember this is for informational purposes only.  Consult your doctor or health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ  is an assisted living and short term care community.  We all know how hard it is to buy gifts, but it can be even harder to find just the right thing for our senior loved ones.  Please read our blog about some interesting gift ideas for seniors.

Easing the Difficulty of the Senior Care Transition by Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

Moving a senior loved one into an assisted living community is certainly one of life’s more challenging moments.  For some seniors, it can feel like an end to their independence and feelings of grief for all that they have given up.  It is an important time to give your loved one support to help them through the adjustment.  

Even though others may now be assisting your loved one with their day-to-day needs, they still need you to be a part of their life.  Helpguide.org website has some tips to help you and your senior with the transition:

•   Acknowledge your loved one’s feelings of loss. Even in the best of situations—where your loved one willingly chose assisted living—grief and feelings of loss are to be expected. Leaving one’s home is huge. Don’t minimize their feelings or focus excessively on the positive. Sympathize and respect feelings of loss and give them time to adjust.
•   Call and visit as often as you can. Regular contact from friends and family will reassure your loved one that they’re still loved and cared for. Continue to include your loved one in family outings and events whenever possible. If your loved one lives far away, regular calls or emails can make a big difference.
•  Work through concerns together. While your loved one will likely go through a period of adjustment after moving into an assisted living facility, don’t automatically assume that complaints are just part of the transition process. If your loved one has concerns, take them seriously. Talk about what steps you can take together to resolve the issue. And if the problem turns out to be a big one with no apparent solution, be prepared to look at other facilities.
•  Help your loved one personalize their living space. Help your loved one choose and bring over the meaningful possessions and decorations that will give the new living space the feeling of home. But be careful not to take over. Let your loved one take the lead. He or she is going to be the one living here, after all.

Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living, Phoenix Arizona  is an assisted living and short term care community.  Caregivers face their own unique set of challenges and concerns.  Please read our informational post on what is caregiving?