home care for the elderly

Travel with the Elderly

2007-11-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

The Elderly Traveller

Age is no longer an obstacle to travel. However, there are potential risks and problems for the elderly which, if addressed, can minimise the risk of ill-health.

Before the trip

Plan your trip well in advance. Choose a more relaxed itinerary.

Check to see if companion services are available in the area in which you are traveling.
Consult your doctor about : - Appropriate vaccination schedules : Some vaccines require several weeks before giving effective protection;
Anti-malarial measures : Ask about anti-mosquito measures and the necessity of anti-malarial medication. Be aware of the side effects of these medications;
Participation in strenuous activities like health spas and trekking.
Existing chronic illnesses : Have your doctor review your present health status and see if there are any special measures that need to be taken for the trip. Ensure that you have enough medication for the trip. Keep your medication with you at all times, especially when boarding the plane. Don' t keep your medication in your suitcase!

Personal effects : Bring appropriate clothing for your destination. For warm climates, pack loose-fitting cotton clothing, sun-glasses, hat, insect repellents and sun-tan lotion. For cold climates, do not forget warm water-resistant clothes, hat, gloves and lip balm. A travel health kit containing items such as dressings, anti-diarrhoeal tablets and water purification tablets is useful.
Medial insurance : Advisable for those going on a long trip or to faraway places and should include provisions for emergency evacuation.
Exercise : A fit traveller will be more able to weather the effects of travel and derive greater enjoyment from the trip. So start a gentle exercise program to prepare for the trip.

While travelling

Prevent blood clot in the legs : Blood clots in the legs are a well recognised health risk especially during prolonged air flights. Try to move around as much as possible and perform simple exercises whilst in the aircraft. Elevation of the legs is beneficial.

Acclimatisation

Elderly people need more time to adjust to the local conditions of temperature, altitude, and culture. Wear appropriate clothes, have plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity. Take liberal amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Constipation : This is often a problem because of the change of routine and decreased fluid intake. Take plenty of fluids. The use of a mild laxative may be occasionally necessary.
Be vigilant on food and water hygiene : While abroad, only drink boiled or bottled water. Use water purification tablets if necessary. Avoid ice-cubes or ice-cream of dubious source. Eat properly prepared and well cooked food.
Anti-mosquito measures : Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes! Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Use mosquito-repellents. Most mosquitoes bite during the dark, so it is best to stay indoors after dusk.

Rest :

Adequate rest is important.
After the trip
If you have any symptoms like fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or skin rash, see your doctor as soon as possible and mention the places that you have visited.

2007-11-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

Home care

2007-11-14T12:18:00.001-08:00

Home and Community Care

A person who is ill or disabled may be able to get help from a variety of home services that might make moving into a nursing home unnecessary. Home services include Meals on Wheels programs, friendly visiting and shopper services, and adult day care. These programs are found in most communities.
If you are considering home care, discuss this option with family members to learn if they are able to help provide your care or help arrange for other care providers to come to your home. Some nursing homes may provide respite care and admit a person in need of care for a short period of time to give the home care givers a break.
Depending on the case, Medicare, private insurance, and Medicaid may pay some home care costs that are related to medical care.

Home care

2007-11-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Alternatives to Nursing Home Care

Nursing Homes serve as permanent residences for people who are too frail or sick to live at home or as a temporary facility during a recovering period. However, many people need a nursing home level of care but would prefer to remain in their own home with the help of their family and friends, community services, and professional care agencies. The Medicare program offers limited access to two unique programs for certain beneficiaries who need a comprehensive medical and social service delivery system. The two programs currently available are: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and Social Managed Care Plan
There are some people, however, who require less than skilled care, or who require skilled care for only brief periods of time. In most communities, people can choose from a variety of living arrangements that offer different levels of care. Before deciding on a care setting, talk to a doctor or maybe a social worker about your care needs. Most people want to stay in their home for as long as possible. If you are considering staying at home make sure you know the amount of responsibility and work involved. If you cannot live independently, but don't want to live in a nursing home, you may want to consider some of the other alternatives available.