WINTER 2016 • RECOMMENDED READING • COPING WITH NEGATIVE EMOTIONS • A CATARACT PRIMER • NUTRITION TIP
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A Cataract Primer Cataracts usually develop so slowly that people don’t notice. Some people compare it to looking through a dirty window — a fuzzy or foggy effect that comes from tissue damage changing how light enters the eye. Other symptoms include colors appearing more muted or yellow, sensitivity to glare (like a ‘halo’ effect around a light source), poor vision at night, or more rapid changes in vision. This common ailment can have a profound effect on vision over time, even making it unsafe to drive or raising the risk of a fall in the home. There are currently no drugs that prevent, slow down, or reverse the development of cataracts. Some people choose surgery if cataracts have progressed. But there are many steps you can take to reduce the effects of cataracts: • Shield your eyes outdoors with sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat • Avoid driving at night, when vision is more challenged • Use magnifying tools for household tasks and reading • Adjust lights at home to reduce glare and shadows • Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake • Eat a plant-rich diet and maintain a healthy weight • Keep any chronic conditions well managed • Get regular eye exams for early detection
The Emotional Impact of
CHRONIC ILLNESS Being diagnosed with a chronic condition can bring feelings of grief, sadness, or uncertainty. You may feel different physically, and managing your disease may mean big changes in your diet or routine. Because your emotional state is tied to your physical well-being, it’s important to watch for negative emotions. There are many ways to cope with these feelings: you might try relaxation techniques, meditation, prayer, music, exercise, a new hobby, or calling a friend. If negative emotions are interfering with your daily life or outlook, share your feelings with a loved one or a clinician. Speaking up can be the first step toward solutions that could help restore quality of life and help you become accustomed to a new normal.
Are you experiencing these negative emotions? • Depression: You may feel low or hopeless or not enjoy things you used to. This common medical condition can be helped with counseling and/or medication if you ask. • Fear: When the future is uncertain, feelings of fear are to be expected. To avoid envisioning worst-case scenarios, learn all you can about your disease and how you can manage it. • Anxiety: You may feel restless, irritable, or tense, or even be losing sleep. Relaxation techniques and/or anti-anxiety medication can help you avoid extreme ‘panic attack’ symptoms. • Anger: Losing your temper can have dangerous effects on your heart rate and blood pressure, especially if you have heart disease. Explore techniques to step back and avoid a blow-up.
For help managing your chronic conditions, call Residential Home Health any time at (866)902-4000. residentialhomehealth.com
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Recommended Reading
Part guide, part workbook, part index — a complete companion Healthcare journeys are seldom prepared for; more often, they are learn-as-you-go, and there is no instruction manual. In The Complete Eldercare Planner, author Joy Loverde answers questions across a wide spectrum of practical topics and offers checklists and tools to help seniors and caregivers stay better organized and in control. The book is intended to address issues happening now, rather than in the hazy future. Topics covered include finances, housing, facilitating communication, self-care, legal issues, health care and insurance, and other aspects of aging in place. Arranged by searchable subjects, and including numerous thorough indexes by topic and type, the book quickly points readers toward the information they need. Each section zeroes in on the question at hand, explains why the topic is important and what must be done, and offers worksheets to help readers collect information or get a better sense of the whole picture. Chapters end with a summary of ‘Low-cost and free resources,’ as well as a detailed ‘Action checklist.’ The most recent edition also includes numerous Web resources, and all worksheets are available for download online. To find The Complete Eldercare Planner, ask your local bookstore, or visit elderindustry.com to learn more.
real-life
results As one Residential Home Health patient was
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getting out of bed, his hospital bed broke, and he fell suddenly to the floor. Although the patient was rattled, he had his convenient Residential Nurse Alert personal emergency alert system, and simply pressed the button for assistance. An emergency team was quickly sent to the patient’s home, where they helped him up and checked for injuries. To the patient’s relief, the responders agreed that he could stay at home instead of going to the emergency department for follow-up care. Later that same day, the patient pushed his Residential Nurse Alert button again, this time needing help with managing his diabetes. After talking him through a self-test of his blood sugar levels, a nurse was able to advise the patient over the phone about how much insulin to take and what to eat. Their conversation continued until the patient felt stable and assured that he knew what to do. By providing a connection to in-person assistance, as well as being a resource for skilled medical expertise, Residential Nurse Alert gave this patient true ANYTIME - ANYWHERE - ANYTHING assistance, both times resolving the matter safely and avoiding a likely hospital stay.
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Nutrition Tip Cholesterol is an important indicator of heart health. You naturally make enough of this compound for your body to function. But cholesterol is also present in many foods, and if you eat too much of it, the waxy substance can build up over time in your arteries. This buildup can block normal blood flow and put you at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Many adults can reverse cholesterol buildup and lower risk simply by making lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. Smart diet choices (like fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains) and exercise will also make a big difference. If your body needs extra help lowering cholesterol levels, your doctor may prescribe a medication to complement your efforts. Unfortunately, because high cholesterol shows no symptoms, you can’t be certain of your cholesterol status unless you seek it out. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends getting a simple blood screen for cholesterol every five years. Learn what you can about your risks and talk to your doctor or clinician about checking your cholesterol levels soon.
  Visit blog.residentialhomehealth.com/topic/nutrition for more diet and health tips, as well as healthy recipes.
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spotlight
Falls are the leading cause of injury, immobility, and nursing home placement for seniors. Each year, falls affect 1 in 3 seniors over the age of 65, accounting for more than 2 million emergency room visits. Residential Home Health’s proactive StepWise program takes a personalized approach, using assessments, tips, healthy exercise, and teaching to boost confidence and quality of life by lowering the risk of a life-changing fall.
Consider StepWise if you have any of these common fall risks: •
Age 65 or older
•
Taking 4 or more medications
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Recent fall, or a history or fear of falling
• Incontinence •
Poor vision
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Pain while walking or standing
•
Medical condition that impairs judgment or coordination
Call (866)902-4000 at any time to talk with a nurse about StepWise, or if you want your Residential Home Health Care Team to come out and care for you again.
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Editor’s Note For seniors aging in place, there are many factors beyond physical health that need to be considered for safety and independence at home. Managing a chronic condition may raise emotional issues, and there are financial aspects to consider as well. Among the topics covered in this issue of Residential Review, we look at the potential dangers of long-lasting negative feelings, as well as a practical book that can aid seniors and their families in planning for future care and expenses. Should you ever need home care, call (866)902-4000 to speak with a Residential nurse — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit us online at residentialhomehealth.com for additional resources, videos, and articles.
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