By Jean M. Walsh, RN
Trauma Coordinator
As I wrote last time, a concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Quite simply, a concussion alters how the brain normally functions. Concussions can have serious long term health effects and even a subtle “ding” or “bump” can be serious.
According to the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that nearly 1.6 to 3.8 million sports and recreation concussions occur in the United States each year. Youth 5-18 years of age account for over 2 million sports related emergency room visits per year. Of these visits, nearly 6% or 135,000 involve concussions. Football accounts for nearly 60% of these concussions while bicycling, basketball, soccer and other playground activities round out the top five causes.
If you are a parent or a coach and you believe one of your children or players has suffered a concussion you should:
· Remove the player from the competition immediately.
· Never leave the player alone.
· Get a professional medical evaluation.
· Avoid contact or collision sports for at least 3 weeks.
The 911 system should be activated in the following situations:
· Severe head trauma
· A fall from a height greater than the height of the person
· Prolonged loss of consciousness (greater than 2 minutes)
· Unequal pupils
· Severe Nausea/Vomiting
· Confusion/Perseverating that does not go right away/Restlessness/Agitation
· Extreme drowsiness, weakness or inability to walk
· Severe headache/Slurred speech
A child with a grade III concussion will need to be evaluated by a physician in an emergency setting. A full neurologic exam will be performed to check reflexes, vision, hearing, pupil response, balance, memory, concentration, and coordination. A brain CT scan will be performed to check for any bleeding or bruising in the brain tissue. Admission to the hospital for neurologic observation may also be necessary.
Returning a child to sports after a concussion should be a well defined 4 step process:
1. This should be a gradual process and should be done under the supervision of qualified people. When the player does not have any symptoms, they may be able to do light exercise, stationary cycling or walking.
2. The next step is to do sports specific activity without contact for example running. If there are any symptoms returning then take a step back.
3. Next step is on field practice without contact. Again, any symptoms indicate a return to the previous stage.
4. When a medical doctor has given the go ahead on field practice with contact can begin. The time taken to get to this stage will depend on the severity of the concussion.
Long term consequences of repeated concussions are functional changes that affect thinking, language, emotions, behavior, and sensations. There may be an increased risk of seizure disorders, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Premature return to play can cause permanent neurologic disability from cumulative trauma, death from secondary impact and post concussion syndrome.
Some ways to prevent concussions and their severity are to, wear appropriate headgear at ALL times. Learn proper techniques for tackling opposing players and heading a soccer ball. Understand and recognize the symptoms of a concussion. Never allow an athlete to play if you suspect a concussion. The effects both short and long term are simply not worth it.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The 5 Rights of Dispensing Medication
By Laura Dillon
Service Coordinator
Saint Francis Home
Care Services, Inc.
Caregivers assume many responsibilities in order to keep their loved ones safe at home. And if you are a caregiver for a loved one at home, chances are that at some time you have had to tackle the task of dealing with your loved one’s medications. This includes calling a prescription into the pharmacy, picking up medications, dispensing medications or helping organize and fill your loved one’s pill box.
If your loved one takes multiple medications, you know that filling a pill box can take extreme concentration and organization. And although it is often a daunting task as several bottles of medication lie before you week after week, let’s remember that medication compliance is extremely important for your loved one’s health and well being.
With that in mind, before giving a loved one any medication, remember to read each medication label to check for the “5 Rights” - Right Person, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Time, and Right Route. Here is why checking the labels can be so important:
1. Right Person: Make sure that the name on the bottle matches who will be receiving the medication. This step seems self-explanatory and obvious however, if more than one person living in the home takes medications it is easy to mix them up. Often people have a tendency to store all medication in the kitchen as a visual reminder to take the medication either at a meal time or with food. Instead, each resident of the home should have a separate place to store their medications. If pill boxes are used, make sure to clearly label each box with the proper patient name. Do not trust that you will remember a color-coded system.
2. Right Medication: If you are a caregiver to someone who takes more than two medications you know how confusing labels can be. A patient may be taking one medication and suddenly their physician switches them to the generic version. Make sure to ask the physician if you are unsure what the medication is for or if a generic medication was prescribed as a “substitute.” (Hint: To make life easier for yourself as well as medical professionals in case of an emergency, keep an updated list of medications handy and make sure to update it after each doctor’s appointment.) If the physician no longer prescribes a medication to your loved one, discard the old medication and bottle immediately. If it is not discarded, it may accidentally find its way back into your box of medications. Also, do not reuse old, expired medication bottles to store new medication. A healthcare professional would not be able to administer these medications and it may also confuse the patient and caregivers. Additionally, remember that the manufacturers of the medications may change without notice, thus changing its size, shape and/or color. Do not assume what the medication is just by the way it looks! To be safe, keep all medications in their respective bottles unless putting it directly from the bottle into a pill box.
3. Right Dose: Know the correct dose of each medication. A physician may change the dosages of medication at any time, especially medication that has been prescribed for only a short time period or one whose dose depends on how a patient is reacting to it. Stay current on the dosages so as to not over or under medicate your loved one. Do not adjust dose amount without consulting your physician! Although medications can often be costly, “cutting back” on how many pills you take in order to save money can be very dangerous.
4.Right Time: Be sure to know when your loved one should take their medication. Many times there is a reason the medication should be taken at the time specified. The medication may not interact well with food or may cause drowsiness or alertness. If you have concerns about how a medication is affecting your loved one, consult your physician. Do not change medication times prior to a physician consultation.
5. Right Route: Always know how the medication should be taken (orally, inject able, etc.) and follow the instructions properly.
Hopefully the “5 Rights” will help caregivers remember the importance of carefully and correctly reading their loved one’s medication labels. Next time we’ll take a look at alternatives available through Saint Francis Home Care Services, Inc. if a caregiver is no longer able to assist with their loved one’s medications.
Service Coordinator
Saint Francis Home
Care Services, Inc.
Caregivers assume many responsibilities in order to keep their loved ones safe at home. And if you are a caregiver for a loved one at home, chances are that at some time you have had to tackle the task of dealing with your loved one’s medications. This includes calling a prescription into the pharmacy, picking up medications, dispensing medications or helping organize and fill your loved one’s pill box.
If your loved one takes multiple medications, you know that filling a pill box can take extreme concentration and organization. And although it is often a daunting task as several bottles of medication lie before you week after week, let’s remember that medication compliance is extremely important for your loved one’s health and well being.
With that in mind, before giving a loved one any medication, remember to read each medication label to check for the “5 Rights” - Right Person, Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Time, and Right Route. Here is why checking the labels can be so important:
1. Right Person: Make sure that the name on the bottle matches who will be receiving the medication. This step seems self-explanatory and obvious however, if more than one person living in the home takes medications it is easy to mix them up. Often people have a tendency to store all medication in the kitchen as a visual reminder to take the medication either at a meal time or with food. Instead, each resident of the home should have a separate place to store their medications. If pill boxes are used, make sure to clearly label each box with the proper patient name. Do not trust that you will remember a color-coded system.
2. Right Medication: If you are a caregiver to someone who takes more than two medications you know how confusing labels can be. A patient may be taking one medication and suddenly their physician switches them to the generic version. Make sure to ask the physician if you are unsure what the medication is for or if a generic medication was prescribed as a “substitute.” (Hint: To make life easier for yourself as well as medical professionals in case of an emergency, keep an updated list of medications handy and make sure to update it after each doctor’s appointment.) If the physician no longer prescribes a medication to your loved one, discard the old medication and bottle immediately. If it is not discarded, it may accidentally find its way back into your box of medications. Also, do not reuse old, expired medication bottles to store new medication. A healthcare professional would not be able to administer these medications and it may also confuse the patient and caregivers. Additionally, remember that the manufacturers of the medications may change without notice, thus changing its size, shape and/or color. Do not assume what the medication is just by the way it looks! To be safe, keep all medications in their respective bottles unless putting it directly from the bottle into a pill box.
3. Right Dose: Know the correct dose of each medication. A physician may change the dosages of medication at any time, especially medication that has been prescribed for only a short time period or one whose dose depends on how a patient is reacting to it. Stay current on the dosages so as to not over or under medicate your loved one. Do not adjust dose amount without consulting your physician! Although medications can often be costly, “cutting back” on how many pills you take in order to save money can be very dangerous.
4.Right Time: Be sure to know when your loved one should take their medication. Many times there is a reason the medication should be taken at the time specified. The medication may not interact well with food or may cause drowsiness or alertness. If you have concerns about how a medication is affecting your loved one, consult your physician. Do not change medication times prior to a physician consultation.
5. Right Route: Always know how the medication should be taken (orally, inject able, etc.) and follow the instructions properly.
Hopefully the “5 Rights” will help caregivers remember the importance of carefully and correctly reading their loved one’s medication labels. Next time we’ll take a look at alternatives available through Saint Francis Home Care Services, Inc. if a caregiver is no longer able to assist with their loved one’s medications.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Caring for Wounds, Big and Small
By Frances T. Traver
Clinical Manager
Most of us have cared for some type of wound. You cut your finger, wash it out and put on a Band Aid. However, when you’ve been hospitalized or injured the wounds may be much more complicated and frightening. Despite the size or type of wound, the principles to healing wounds are the same.
There are many different types of wounds. You may have had surgery and need to care for the incision. You may have been bedridden for awhile and had a sore as a result of pressure. You may have burned your hand. All these wounds need some type of care to heal. Whatever the care, the wound needs to be protected from trauma or infection. Your doctor and/or nurse will direct you as to which treatment is best for your wound.
There is a saying that a wound is not a hole in the patient but rather the whole of the patient makes the wound. Your overall condition plays a big role in the healing of any wound. If you have chronic disease, such as diabetes, it will take longer for your wound to heal. A proper diet is important in healing a wound. Certain medications may also slow the healing process of a wound. Your nurse can help you understand your individual condition and discuss how it may be affecting your wound healing.
Here at Saint Francis Hospital, Home Care Services (Certified), Inc. we are blessed to have Helen Bunyi, RN, one of the best wound care nurses working with us. She has recently been recognized as the New York State Nursing Association’s District 19 Clinician of the Year and was honored for nursing excellence by our hospital. But more importantly, our patient’s are always grateful to her. She always seems to know how to heal that wound which just won’t heal.
So don’t be afraid of your wound, there are people to help. You doctor will give you the treatment to best help heal your wound. You need to help heal your wound with good nutrition and chronic disease management.
Clinical Manager
Most of us have cared for some type of wound. You cut your finger, wash it out and put on a Band Aid. However, when you’ve been hospitalized or injured the wounds may be much more complicated and frightening. Despite the size or type of wound, the principles to healing wounds are the same.
There are many different types of wounds. You may have had surgery and need to care for the incision. You may have been bedridden for awhile and had a sore as a result of pressure. You may have burned your hand. All these wounds need some type of care to heal. Whatever the care, the wound needs to be protected from trauma or infection. Your doctor and/or nurse will direct you as to which treatment is best for your wound.
There is a saying that a wound is not a hole in the patient but rather the whole of the patient makes the wound. Your overall condition plays a big role in the healing of any wound. If you have chronic disease, such as diabetes, it will take longer for your wound to heal. A proper diet is important in healing a wound. Certain medications may also slow the healing process of a wound. Your nurse can help you understand your individual condition and discuss how it may be affecting your wound healing.
Here at Saint Francis Hospital, Home Care Services (Certified), Inc. we are blessed to have Helen Bunyi, RN, one of the best wound care nurses working with us. She has recently been recognized as the New York State Nursing Association’s District 19 Clinician of the Year and was honored for nursing excellence by our hospital. But more importantly, our patient’s are always grateful to her. She always seems to know how to heal that wound which just won’t heal.
So don’t be afraid of your wound, there are people to help. You doctor will give you the treatment to best help heal your wound. You need to help heal your wound with good nutrition and chronic disease management.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
All About Organic Foods
By Sarah Daubman, R.D
Staff Dietician
You’ve seen them in the store, heard about them on the news and maybe knowingly, or unknowingly, eaten them at a meal. So what makes foods organic? Are they more nutritious? Should you start (or continue) buying them? Let’s start at the beginning: what exactly is organic?
The National Organic Program (NOP) is a division of the USDA that regulates organic standards, policies and labeling. They define organic as:
Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too. (www.ams.usda.gov/NOP)
Organic foods may be labeled in different ways. “One hundred percent Organic” means all ingredients meet or exceed USDA specifications for organic foods, which translates to no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics or hormones. Foods labeled “Organic” ensure that 95 percent of ingredients meet or exceed USDA standards and “Made with Organic Ingredients” guarantees 70 percent of the ingredients meet or exceed standards.
Many consumers equate the term organic with pesticide free. However under the guidelines of the NOP, certain quantities of natural pesticides may still be used in organic farming. While natural pesticides do have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic, they are still toxic and therefore organic produce may contain pesticide residue (though lower levels than non-organic produce.) For this reason it is important to wash ALL produce, even those with inedible skins and peels, whether organic or not to ensure optimal pesticide removal.
Even if pesticides are not a concern, there is still the question, “Is organic food more nutritious?” Until recently most research had found no conclusive evidence to support that organic foods were nutritionally superior to conventionally grown foods. However an extensive four year study completed in 2007 by Newcastle University in England found some interesting results. The research concluded that certain fruits and vegetables contained more antioxidants, zinc, iron and vitamin C when grown under organic standards. Despite these new findings, the USDA itself does not make claim to organic foods being more nutritious than non-organic foods.
So should you buy organic? There are arguably endless pros and cons that go beyond the scope of this blog. Believers of the organic movement tout fewer chemicals in their foods and more nutritious produce, not to mention more environment and animal friendly farming and reportedly better “taste.” Others argue that organic foods are too expensive and that quality and stability are reduced due to the lack of conventional fertilizers and preservatives. The fear also exists that the organic trend is merely a marketing ploy set upon unsuspecting consumers. In the end, the ultimate choice regarding eating organic foods is up to you. For more information, check out the following links:
USDA’s National Organic Program: www.ams.usda.gov/NOP
Organic.com www.organic.org/
Article on the Newcastle University study: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/86972.php
Staff Dietician
You’ve seen them in the store, heard about them on the news and maybe knowingly, or unknowingly, eaten them at a meal. So what makes foods organic? Are they more nutritious? Should you start (or continue) buying them? Let’s start at the beginning: what exactly is organic?
The National Organic Program (NOP) is a division of the USDA that regulates organic standards, policies and labeling. They define organic as:
Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too. (www.ams.usda.gov/NOP)
Organic foods may be labeled in different ways. “One hundred percent Organic” means all ingredients meet or exceed USDA specifications for organic foods, which translates to no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics or hormones. Foods labeled “Organic” ensure that 95 percent of ingredients meet or exceed USDA standards and “Made with Organic Ingredients” guarantees 70 percent of the ingredients meet or exceed standards.
Many consumers equate the term organic with pesticide free. However under the guidelines of the NOP, certain quantities of natural pesticides may still be used in organic farming. While natural pesticides do have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic, they are still toxic and therefore organic produce may contain pesticide residue (though lower levels than non-organic produce.) For this reason it is important to wash ALL produce, even those with inedible skins and peels, whether organic or not to ensure optimal pesticide removal.
Even if pesticides are not a concern, there is still the question, “Is organic food more nutritious?” Until recently most research had found no conclusive evidence to support that organic foods were nutritionally superior to conventionally grown foods. However an extensive four year study completed in 2007 by Newcastle University in England found some interesting results. The research concluded that certain fruits and vegetables contained more antioxidants, zinc, iron and vitamin C when grown under organic standards. Despite these new findings, the USDA itself does not make claim to organic foods being more nutritious than non-organic foods.
So should you buy organic? There are arguably endless pros and cons that go beyond the scope of this blog. Believers of the organic movement tout fewer chemicals in their foods and more nutritious produce, not to mention more environment and animal friendly farming and reportedly better “taste.” Others argue that organic foods are too expensive and that quality and stability are reduced due to the lack of conventional fertilizers and preservatives. The fear also exists that the organic trend is merely a marketing ploy set upon unsuspecting consumers. In the end, the ultimate choice regarding eating organic foods is up to you. For more information, check out the following links:
USDA’s National Organic Program: www.ams.usda.gov/NOP
Organic.com www.organic.org/
Article on the Newcastle University study: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/86972.php
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Sports Related Concussions - Part 1
By Jean M. Walsh, RN
Trauma Coordinator
A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Quite simply, a concussion alters how the brain normally functions. Concussions can have serious long term health effects and even a subtle “ding” or “bump” can be serious.
According to the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that nearly 1.6 to 3.8 million sports and recreation concussions occur in the United States each year. Youth 5-18 years of age account for over 2 million sports related emergency room visits per year. Of these visits, nearly 6% or 135,000 involve concussions. Football accounts for nearly 60% of these concussions while bicycling, basketball, soccer and other playground activities round out the top five causes.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not appear immediately. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or longer. The two most common concussion symptoms are confusion and amnesia. The amnesia, which may or may not be preceded by a loss of consciousness, almost always involves the loss of memory of the impact that caused the concussion.
Common symptoms of a concussion may be one or several of the following; headache, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance, confusion, amnesia (short term), perseverating (repeating the same thing over and over), ringing in the ears, difficulty concentrating, nausea, vomiting. Symptoms which may occur later are sensitivity to light or sounds, mood changes and sleep disturbances
Concussions are broken down into III grades of severity, with Grade III being the most severe: A Grade I concussion can have some of the symptoms listed above, but with no loss of consciousness and with symptoms ending within 15 minutes. A Grade II concussion, there has been no loss of consciousness but the symptoms last longer than 15 minutes. A Grade III concussion, the person loses consciousness — even if it's just for a few seconds. Knowing the different grades is important because how soon a player can safely return to a sports activity is directly related to the grade of the concussion. With a Grade I concussion, the player can resume play once symptoms have stopped. However, that player should stop play if he or she gets another head injury. A Grade II concussion requires that a player stop playing and not return to any type of sport or physical activity that could cause a head injury for at least another week. This player should be seen by his pediatrician. Someone with a Grade III concussion should see a doctor immediately and not return until medically cleared to do so.
If you are a parent or a coach and you believe one of your children or players has suffered a concussion, what should you do?
More on that next time.
Trauma Coordinator
A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Quite simply, a concussion alters how the brain normally functions. Concussions can have serious long term health effects and even a subtle “ding” or “bump” can be serious.
According to the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that nearly 1.6 to 3.8 million sports and recreation concussions occur in the United States each year. Youth 5-18 years of age account for over 2 million sports related emergency room visits per year. Of these visits, nearly 6% or 135,000 involve concussions. Football accounts for nearly 60% of these concussions while bicycling, basketball, soccer and other playground activities round out the top five causes.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not appear immediately. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or longer. The two most common concussion symptoms are confusion and amnesia. The amnesia, which may or may not be preceded by a loss of consciousness, almost always involves the loss of memory of the impact that caused the concussion.
Common symptoms of a concussion may be one or several of the following; headache, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance, confusion, amnesia (short term), perseverating (repeating the same thing over and over), ringing in the ears, difficulty concentrating, nausea, vomiting. Symptoms which may occur later are sensitivity to light or sounds, mood changes and sleep disturbances
Concussions are broken down into III grades of severity, with Grade III being the most severe: A Grade I concussion can have some of the symptoms listed above, but with no loss of consciousness and with symptoms ending within 15 minutes. A Grade II concussion, there has been no loss of consciousness but the symptoms last longer than 15 minutes. A Grade III concussion, the person loses consciousness — even if it's just for a few seconds. Knowing the different grades is important because how soon a player can safely return to a sports activity is directly related to the grade of the concussion. With a Grade I concussion, the player can resume play once symptoms have stopped. However, that player should stop play if he or she gets another head injury. A Grade II concussion requires that a player stop playing and not return to any type of sport or physical activity that could cause a head injury for at least another week. This player should be seen by his pediatrician. Someone with a Grade III concussion should see a doctor immediately and not return until medically cleared to do so.
If you are a parent or a coach and you believe one of your children or players has suffered a concussion, what should you do?
More on that next time.
Monday, June 9, 2008
"Home Care" Means Much to Many
By Laura Dillon
Program Coordinator
Saint Francis Home Care Services, Inc.
Many Hudson Valley residents know that Saint Francis Home Care Services, Inc. has been providing compassionate in-home care assistance to our community for over 20 years. Our patients have received services such as wound care, physical therapy evaluations, cardiac rehabilitation, and the assistance of home health aide visits to the home. But what happens when an individual does not need nursing services or help with their personal care, but instead, they need help with tasks such as: laundry, light homemaking, meal preparation and grocery shopping? For example:
Mrs. S. lives alone. Her children live out of state. She appreciates the help that her neighbors have shown her, but feels that she needs more frequent, consistent help around the house. She can do all her own personal care, but because of her arthritis it is hard to push the vacuum and carry up the laundry basket from downstairs. Additionally, Mrs. S. does not drive and her medications need to be picked up at the pharmacy regularly. Despite these challenges, Mrs. S. wants to continue living in her own home.
To meet the needs of clients who want to stay safely at home as long as possible we have created the “Care-Givers at your Service” program which focuses solely on assisting with non-medical tasks. This non-medical care provides clients with services such as:
· companionship & friendly visitor services
· shopping & errand services
· meal preparation, baking & clean-up
· laundry/ironing services
· homemaking/housekeeping
· attend social/recreational activity
· monitor diet, eating & food expirations
· care of house plants & simple gardening
· medication reminders
· arranging medical appointments
· escort/reminders to appointments
· oversee home maintenance
· assistance with mail & paying bills
· accompany on vacations
· assistance with walking
· assist with pet care
Mrs. S. would benefit greatly from this program. Should her care ever require more medical attention, services can easily transition to our Licensed Home Care Program where nursing and certified Home Health Aide services provide more medical oversight and hands-on care.
For more information about the “Care-Givers at Your Service” program please contact Laura at 845-483-5528 or ldillon@sfhhc.org
Program Coordinator
Saint Francis Home Care Services, Inc.
Many Hudson Valley residents know that Saint Francis Home Care Services, Inc. has been providing compassionate in-home care assistance to our community for over 20 years. Our patients have received services such as wound care, physical therapy evaluations, cardiac rehabilitation, and the assistance of home health aide visits to the home. But what happens when an individual does not need nursing services or help with their personal care, but instead, they need help with tasks such as: laundry, light homemaking, meal preparation and grocery shopping? For example:
Mrs. S. lives alone. Her children live out of state. She appreciates the help that her neighbors have shown her, but feels that she needs more frequent, consistent help around the house. She can do all her own personal care, but because of her arthritis it is hard to push the vacuum and carry up the laundry basket from downstairs. Additionally, Mrs. S. does not drive and her medications need to be picked up at the pharmacy regularly. Despite these challenges, Mrs. S. wants to continue living in her own home.
To meet the needs of clients who want to stay safely at home as long as possible we have created the “Care-Givers at your Service” program which focuses solely on assisting with non-medical tasks. This non-medical care provides clients with services such as:
· companionship & friendly visitor services
· shopping & errand services
· meal preparation, baking & clean-up
· laundry/ironing services
· homemaking/housekeeping
· attend social/recreational activity
· monitor diet, eating & food expirations
· care of house plants & simple gardening
· medication reminders
· arranging medical appointments
· escort/reminders to appointments
· oversee home maintenance
· assistance with mail & paying bills
· accompany on vacations
· assistance with walking
· assist with pet care
Mrs. S. would benefit greatly from this program. Should her care ever require more medical attention, services can easily transition to our Licensed Home Care Program where nursing and certified Home Health Aide services provide more medical oversight and hands-on care.
For more information about the “Care-Givers at Your Service” program please contact Laura at 845-483-5528 or ldillon@sfhhc.org
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Dealing With Medication Issues
By Frances H. Traver
Manager, Clinical Services
There are more than three million older adults in the United States. Many need to take medication every day in order to stay healthy. A majority of these older adults take an average of three-to-five different medications daily. It is often difficult for these older adults to take these medications as ordered. I have difficulty remembering to take my vitamins, I don’t know how they remember to take all their medications.
Studies show that up to 59 percent of the elderly have difficulty with taking medications correctly. The consequence of not doing so can be devastating and may lead to falls, hospitalization and/or nursing home placement.
There are many reasons an elderly person may have difficulty taking all their medications. The first may be the number or type of medical conditions, such as heart problems or depression. These conditions may cause the elderly person to be more forgetful. Other medical conditions may affect a person’s vision.
How can a caregiver be assured their elderly family member is taking all their needed medications? I have found it best to ask how they take their medications in a non-threatening manner and not “if they take their medications.” They will often say they are taking their medications but really having difficulties.
Our goal at Saint Francis Home Care is to help our patients help themselves. Home care nurses will ask the elderly patient to read the medication bottle label to them, assuring that the elderly can read the label correctly and understand what it means. In order to help these patients, the nurses and/or occupational therapists at Saint Francis Home Health services can work with you and your elderly family member who may be having trouble. Our agency has been able to improve the majority of our patient’s ability to manage their own medications.
When you compare our outcomes in medication management to other agencies throughout the country, we are about 20 percent higher.
Manager, Clinical Services
There are more than three million older adults in the United States. Many need to take medication every day in order to stay healthy. A majority of these older adults take an average of three-to-five different medications daily. It is often difficult for these older adults to take these medications as ordered. I have difficulty remembering to take my vitamins, I don’t know how they remember to take all their medications.
Studies show that up to 59 percent of the elderly have difficulty with taking medications correctly. The consequence of not doing so can be devastating and may lead to falls, hospitalization and/or nursing home placement.
There are many reasons an elderly person may have difficulty taking all their medications. The first may be the number or type of medical conditions, such as heart problems or depression. These conditions may cause the elderly person to be more forgetful. Other medical conditions may affect a person’s vision.
How can a caregiver be assured their elderly family member is taking all their needed medications? I have found it best to ask how they take their medications in a non-threatening manner and not “if they take their medications.” They will often say they are taking their medications but really having difficulties.
Our goal at Saint Francis Home Care is to help our patients help themselves. Home care nurses will ask the elderly patient to read the medication bottle label to them, assuring that the elderly can read the label correctly and understand what it means. In order to help these patients, the nurses and/or occupational therapists at Saint Francis Home Health services can work with you and your elderly family member who may be having trouble. Our agency has been able to improve the majority of our patient’s ability to manage their own medications.
When you compare our outcomes in medication management to other agencies throughout the country, we are about 20 percent higher.
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