Seniors Need to Protect Their Eyesight

There are steps we can take to ensure we protect our eyesight as we age.  One of the most important things we need to do is to have our eyes examined annually by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.  For those over the age of 65, it should also include a yearly dilated eye exam.  Also for anyone suffering from diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, eye care is critical as these diseases can lead to serious eye problems. 

Anyone can suffer from eye problems but it is typically more common for older adults to experience vision problems.  Keep in mind that while many eye problems can be treated easily, sometimes they can be a sign of more serious diseases.   

One of the most common changes to our vision affecting seniors is the condition known as Presbyopia.  This is where we lose the ability to clearly see close objects and small print.  Presbyopia is a normal aging process and can be corrected with reading glasses.

Another problem often reported by seniors are tiny specks or spots often called “floaters” that appear to float across your field of vision.   Although these can be normal for anyone with aging eyes, they can also be a sign of more serious eye problems such as retinal detachment.  It is important to have it checked out by your eye doctor.  

Many seniors experience dry, uncomfortable eyes that can cause itching, burning and sometimes even loss of vision.  The Cleveland Clinic advises that your doctor “may suggest using a humidifier in your home, nutritional supplements, such as flaxseed oil, medications to reduce inflammation as a cause, or special eye drops that simulate real tears.”   On the other side of too dry eyes, many elderly adults suffer from too many tears.  This can occur from a sensitivity to light, wind or temperature changes.  Protecting your eyes by wearing sunglasses can sometimes help but check with your doctor to make sure it is not a more serious problem such as a blocked tear duct or an infection.  

Other more serious eye diseases include cataracts, glaucoma and retinal disorders.  Cataracts form over time and if they start to affect your eyesight can generally be removed by surgery.  Glaucoma and retinal disorders are very serious and need to be treated as early as possible in order to protect your vision. 

**This blog is intended for informational purposes only.  Always consult your health care provider regarding all medical decisions. **

SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the San Antonio area’s most trusted agencies for non-medical home care.  We provide families with affordable, reliable and compassionate services that include everything from short term wellness visits to live-in care.  Please contactus to discuss the range of services we can provide for you or your loved one. 

Sources:my.clevelandclinic.org/services/cole-eye/diseases-conditions/hic-vision-problems-in-aging-adults, nia.nih.gov/health/publication/aging-and-your-eyes,

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/basics/definition/con-20015113

The Growing Need for Caregivers

According to the new Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 report from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, it discovered that over the past year “about 43.5 million American adults worked as unpaid caregivers, the bulk of them to an adult age 50 or older.”  Furthermore, the study found that while family caregivers are usually women around 50 years of age and that their caregiving duties are for a relative; caregivers come from a variety of ages and backgrounds and are both men and women.         

One aspect the study looked at was the level of stress for the caregivers and it was no surprise that unpaid caregivers who were on the job for more than 21 hours a week reported the most stress.  The average length of time those who were high-hour a week caregivers have done the job is five years.   Most reported they expect to continue in their role as caregiver for another five years. 

As projections from the Census Bureau estimate the number of U.S. seniors 65 and older will almost double from 2012 to 2050 and the number of seniors 85 years and older more than triple, there will certainly be a need for more caregivers.  In a recent article in NBC’s Business section it quotes John Schall, chief executive of the Caregiver Action Network, as saying, "We are seeing, without a doubt, that the caregiving need is just growing and growing."  The article went on to say that currently over 80 percent of adults 51 to 54 years old may be “at risk” of needing to provide care for a parent or in-law due to health problems. 

At SYNERGY HomeCare of Austin, we understand the stress of juggling caregiving with work, raising children and managing a household can have over time.  This is why we provide professional and compassionate respite care services to allow you to take some much-needed time for yourself while still meeting the needs of your loved one. 

SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the most respected agencies in the Greater Austin area for non-medical home care.  Our affordable, compassionate services provide families with everything from live-in care to short term wellness visits.  Please contact us to discuss our range of options for providing your family peace of mind with professional home care in the Austin area.    

Sources:aarp.org/ppi/info-2015/caregiving-in-the-united-states-2015.html

nbcnews.com/business/personal-finance/more-americans-pay-steep-price-plunge-caregiving-cliff-n425081

The National Institute on Aging’s Report on Aging

As one of the world’s most comprehensive and longest running longitudinal examination of human aging, the National Institute on Aging’s Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) celebrated its 50^th year in 2008.  Right from its inception, the study’s primary purpose was to thoroughly examine the question of what it means to age normally, and thus far, two major conclusions have emerged. 

The first thing the study has taught us is that “normal aging can be distinguished from disease.”  While we know that our bodies change as we age, these changes do not necessarily lead to disease such as diabetes, hypertension or dementia.  Rather many of the diseases the elderly suffer from are “a result of disease processes, not normal aging.”

The second important finding from the 50-year long BLSA study is that there is not a single, chronological timetable for human aging, but instead we all age as individuals.  Just as children do not go through the various development stages at an exact time, the same is true for older people.  The research indicates that genetics, lifestyle, and disease processes are all a part of what affects the rate of aging for an individual. 

As the BLSA study has progressed and we learn more and more about the basic concepts of aging, researchers are looking at other common health issues such as “obesity, loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), disability, and cognitive disorders.”  One fascinating study from BLSA looked at cognitive changes in the brain and how visual memory and mental skills were related to structural changes in the brain.  Participants underwent brain scans over a 9-year period and the results showed that even healthy older adults lost a significant amount of brain volume in the normal aging process.  Check out the National Institute on Aging’s website to learn more about the study. 

SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the most trusted agencies for non-medical home care in the Greater Austin area.  We provide families with affordable, reliable and compassionate services that include everything from live-in care to short term wellness visits.  Please contact us so we can offer your family peace of mind knowing you are getting the best professional home care available in Austin.

Source:nia.nih.gov/health/publication/healthy-aging-lessons-baltimore-longitudinal-study-aging/introduction

Preparing for a Hospital Stay

When you know in advance that you will be spending time in the hospital, there are a few things you can do to ensure you are well-prepared for your stay.  While keeping in mind that you should not bring too much, do take the time beforehand to get your essentials packed up and ready to go.

The Leapfrog Group, which is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting quality, safety and transparency in our health system offers some good advice that they publish on their Hospital Safety Score website.  One of their first recommendations is that you pack all of the medications you are currently taking including over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements and herbal remedies so your doctors can review them. 

Furthermore, do not forget to bring items such as hearing aids, dentures, and glasses as well as a book or magazine to read along with your slippers or non-slip socks, bathrobe and toiletries.  Pack a set of comfortable clothes for your trip home or plan on wearing the same clothes you wore to the hospital.  Also remember to bring your photo identification and insurance cards as well as a small amount of cash and one credit card. 

Now is the time to update your medical history by preparing a list of all allergies and bring along the paperwork regarding any past illnesses and surgeries you have had.  Make sure your hospital bag also includes emergency contact information that is complete with both home and work phone numbers.

Items that should not be taken to the hospital are jewelry (even wedding rings should be left at home), additional credit cards and large amounts of money.  Keep in mind that the hospital is not responsible for your lost or stolen items.  Laptops, cell phones, tablets and other electronics you bring are your responsibility.     

SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the most trusted agencies in the Greater Austin area for non-medical home care.  Our affordable, reliable and compassionate services provide families with everything from live-in care to short term wellness visits.  Contact us for a complementary home visit to discuss the ways we can provide your family with the best professional in home care.    

Sources:hospitalsafetyscore.org/what-you-can-do-to-stay-safe/preparing-for-your-hospital-stay, nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hospital-hints