Bedsores are a common issue for elderly patients.
As people age, movement becomes difficult and limited. The skin begins to thin and sarcopenia causes an age related loss of muscle mass.
Because of this, the elderly are more prone to developing pressure sores.
It can be challenging to manage, especially if you don’t know much about bedsore treatment and prevention.
So today, we will be discussing what bedsores are and how you can manage them better as a caregiver.
Bedsores or pressure ulcers often happen to people with limited mobility.
Also known as pressure sores, these injuries happen to the skin and underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure.
It can affect any part of the body that has consistent pressure, but it is more common in bony areas. These include the heels, elbows, hips, buttocks, and the base of the spine.
Bedsores develop gradually. However, some can take form in just a few hours.
Pressure sores usually occur in the elderly. About 70% of it happens in people over age 65. They are also seen in about 22% of nursing home residents and about 5-23% of hospital patients.
There are three primary contributing factors for bedsores.
First is constant pressure on any part of the body.
Blood flow gets restricted when pressure is applied to an area. This lessens oxygen and nutrient flow, which causes tissue damage.
Friction is also a factor in pressure sores.
The rubbing of the skin on clothing or bedding can cause minor wounds. Moisture in the area can cause the wound to exacerbate, leading to bedsores.
Last but not least is shearing force. Shear is a mechanical force that can cause the skin to tear due to movements in the opposite direction.
Unlike friction sores, shear injury is often seen at the deep tissue level.
These factors may act together to create further damage to the skin. And because seniors often have less movement control, they are more prone to pressure sores.
Other risk factors include immobility and incontinence, especially among seniors.
People with a lack of sensory perceptions like spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders are also at risk.
Medical conditions like diabetes and vascular issues are also more at risk of developing bed sores.
Caregivers can identify bedsores in the elderly by checking on their early symptoms.
Indications include discoloration in the skin. For fair-skinned people, it can show as red patches on the skin. Those with darker complexions can show purple or blue patches.
Pressure sores can also start as patches of skin that feel warm, or spongy. Patients can also complain of pain and itchiness in the affected area.
Doctors and medical professionals may diagnose bedsores according to four stages:
Pressure ulcers that may require debridement usually don’t get better on there own. These wounds have necrotic or infected skin tissue that must be removed to heal.
It reduces infection complications, minimizes scarring, and helps new and healthy tissue growth.
Learn more about debridement here.
The leading cause of pressure ulcers among seniors is the lack of movement.
Seniors who are no longer able to age in place turn to nursing homes for care.
Ideally, the staff in these homes should meet the requirements of the residents to prevent sores.
Such as proper positioning to reduce weight through bony prominences and changing the position every 2 hours.
However, the leading cause of bedsores among seniors is neglect.
If they can’t shift their weight or have issues with movement, bedsores will eventually develop.
Seniors who are in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia often experience this too.
This is why primary caregivers should know why pressure sores happen. It is also necessary to take the proper steps to prevent them.
What happens if you ignore the early symptoms of bedsores? It can be catastrophic.
While rare, untreated pressure sores can lead to carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the internal or external lining of the body.
It can also lead to bone and joint infections, eventually leading to long-term damage to tissues and cartilage.
Untreated infections can also lead to sepsis and even death.
Although bedsores in the elderly may seem like a minor issue, they can quickly become more severe and eventually lead to death if not treated properly.
Caregivers should be aware of the early signs of bedsores in order to avoid any further complications.
In my next blog post, I’ll be sharing tips on how you could prevent bedsores in seniors, so be on the lookout!
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
Pets are, no doubt, great companions. They're a source of companionship and comfort that benefits many individuals.
In our previous blog post, we talked about the benefits of having pets for the elderly.
We also discussed how it can help reduce stress, prevent loneliness, and improve overall health, especially for our seniors.
Now the next question is, should you buy one? Or is pet adoption for seniors the way to go?
So today, we'll look at some of the best places to consider pet adoption for seniors.
Let's get started.
There are many ways to get the best pets for seniors. You can buy from great pet breeders or pet stores.
But while these stores or breeders treat their pets well, it's recommended that seniors adopt instead of buying one for a few reasons.
It can be quite expensive to get new pets, so this is a factor you need to consider.
Adopting pets can leave seniors with more for spending on essentials like dog food, bedding, or toys.
Most rescue groups and animal shelters also have many healthy animals. And most of them are already neutered and vaccinated. This makes the animal shelter's fee a bargain.
Shelters also have more mixed-breed pets than purebred ones. Mixed-breed pets are less likely to have genetic problems, reducing medical pet visit costs.
Most pets from shelters have already been potty trained and have obedience training. This can make it less work for seniors.
Employees from the animal shelter also often know each animal's personality well and can help make a good match for seniors.
Seniors can choose pets who are very protective and alert, especially if they live alone and need extra security.
Less active pets are ideal for seniors with physical and mobility difficulties. They're calmer and gentler, and they're often low maintenance.
Owning pets is pretty much like having kids. It takes a lot of commitment.
And for some seniors, it can also be too much commitment to own a pet. A great alternative is to care for pets until they find their forever homes.
And so, this is where fostering a paw pet becomes an ideal situation for them.
There are no fees when one fosters pets, unlike adoption. Most animal shelters help foster pet parents with the costs like food, crates, leashes, and even veterinary expenses.
Pets get to stay with foster “paw-rents” for at least two months. The duration can change depending on the breed and age of the pets.
What makes it perfect? Fostering pets means you can share your time and energy with the pets.
Sometimes the elderly also get matched with senior pets. Older pets often don’t have the excessive energy a puppy would. But they still provide the affection and companionship that most elderly need.
If it’s not a good match, the shelters can find a better one that your elder loved ones can foster.
Who knows, they might end up with one they can manage and eventually adopt.
There are several ways to choose the shelter from which you can get your pets.
The good news is there are plenty of pet adoption websites where you can find them, without having to physically pick them out.
But before you do, here are some questions you need to ask.
If you have a positive answer to these questions, then it would be wise to get the elder a pet.
Now the next question is, where can you find and process pet adoptions for seniors? Here are some websites you can check out.
Petfinder is a website that helps people find all kinds of pets, from dogs and cats to horses, rabbits, and pigs.
You can narrow your search for a pet by age, organization, and traits and get a lot of information about how to train and care for it.
This non-profit site has information about pets from over 17,000 shelters and rescues in North America.
The website is easy to use, and you can sort by location, age, and breed on the site. You can even use the Rehome program to find a home for your pet if you need to.
PetSmart Charities let you narrow your search by zip code, breed, and age like most other websites for adopting pets.
Once you find the one you want to adopt, contact the shelter or rescue group directly and start the process with them.
This website was first launched in the 1980s and has since expanded across the country. From Los Angeles to New York City, and Atlanta. And almost everywhere in between.
Their mission is to save all pets by ending all killings of these homeless animals.
If you live in Atlanta, you can use ASPCA's local adoption centers to find pets to adopt near those cities.
And even if you don’t live near ASPCA’s location, you can still use the site's local shelter portal to find all the animals in your area available for adoption.
Choosing where to process pet adoption for seniors is just as important as deciding which pets to bring home.
It's best to find those with an excellent reputation and those who are transparent about how they work with animals.
The key is to find the right pets that match best with your loved ones so they can also experience a better quality of life.
What’s your experience with adopting pets for seniors? Let us know in the comments below.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
Are you looking for pets for seniors?
It's no secret that pets make everyone feel better.
From reducing stress levels to improving heart health, there are plenty of reasons why you need to choose pets for seniors.
Today, we will be discussing the benefits of pets for seniors and how to find the right type of pet for your loved ones.
So let's get started.
Growing old can be terribly lonely.
Imagine this. You were once so busy with life, raising a family, building a career, and living life.
Then the kids start going to college. They leave the house, giving you more time to rediscover yourself and pursue new things.
Some seniors have the time of their life. Others don't enjoy it as much, especially if they don't have good ways to cope with the loss.
Depression is common in the elderly and more so for those who are living alone.
Late-life depression affects about 6 million seniors in the US alone. The sad part is that only about 10% of this population gets the treatment they need.
Depression is also linked to other illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases and dementia. And if not addressed, it can lead to death.
Here's where pet therapy comes in.
Pet therapy for seniors is a technique used to help seniors improve their quality of life. Some assisted living facilities include animal-assisted therapy as part of their offerings.
There are three types of pet therapy: ownership, visitation, and animal-assisted therapy.
Ownership therapy is a type where seniors who are willing and able, own pets. However, this requires them to properly care for their chosen animal. Proper care means walking and exercising pets, veterinary care, and grooming.
Visitation therapy involves pets visiting seniors at home or in their assisted living facility.
On the other hand, animal-assisted therapy requires a more intensive approach. Therefore, it is reserved for seniors who require treatment for clinical depression.
In these cases, seniors are paired with a highly trained therapy pet.
The owner and the pet go through obedience training. It usually involves rigorous testing and certification, including temperament testing and other physical exams.
While loneliness can be a common issue for seniors, pet therapy has been shown to help improve socialization and overall wellbeing.
If you're looking for ways to help your elderly loved ones feel less lonely, consider introducing them to pet therapy.
Research shows that companion animals help reduce depression and loneliness in the elderly.
On top of that, there are also tons of benefits that seniors can enjoy when they get pets. Here are a few of the best reasons you should get pets for your aging parents.
Having a pet can increase a person's physical activity.
A 12-year study notes that people who have dogs as pets had a lower risk of death related to heart diseases.
Taking a dog for a walk can burn excess calories and keep your heart healthy. It also improves brain functions, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength.
These activities can lower the risks of strokes, diabetes, heart problems, and cancer. It also helps maintain brain health and reduce the risk of developing dementia in older people.
Studies confirm that seniors with pets have higher confidence and self-esteem.
Pets help their owners connect and meet with other people.
Having pleasant conversations with fellow pet owners can be a great confidence booster. It also helps reduce social anxiety for most.
One superpower of pets is their ability to help us heal.
Research shows that stroking pets can lower our cortisol levels and blood pressure. It also boosts our oxytocin levels, leaving us more relaxed and at peace.
Therapy dogs and cats are often brought to hospitals and nursing homes to help patients calm down.
Offices and universities have also started using animals to relieve stress at work.
Caring for pets is a lot of responsibility. But, at the same time, it also gives the owner the feeling of being wanted and loved.
It's pretty common for pet owners to talk to their pets. Some even use this technique to work through difficult situations.
Pet care also provides structure and routine to a person's daily life.
Most pets require regular feeding, exercise, and play. This gives the owner a sense of order in their schedule, giving them a sense of purpose.
It's best to consider your aging parents' personalities before getting them a pet.
And one of the critical things to consider is how much maintenance the pet needs.
The idea is to get low-maintenance pets. And this will depend on what type of activities your parents enjoy the most.
Some may like fluffy pets like cats, dogs, and rabbits. Others prefer exotic ones like lizards and turtles.
It's also important to consider the type of activities your elders enjoy. For example, are they more active or prefer lounging around?
Some animals also require a lot of attention. So it's also a must-see if your parents can handle the expenses of having pets.
While you think it's a great idea to surprise them with a dog or a cat, it is important to ask them for their preferences ahead of time. After all, they're the ones taking care of it.
Pets can provide a sense of companionship and purpose for seniors.
But it's important to consider what the senior wants in a pet before bringing one into their home.
We will be discussing this topic further in our next blog post, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, if you are considering getting a pet for an elderly loved one, please keep these things in mind.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
Last week, we talked about the long-term effects of mold exposure.
We also talked about how it affected seniors and the risks that came along with it.
This time, we will be discussing how to deal with mold around the house. We will also be sharing tips on how you could avoid mold infestations in your elderly’s home.
So let’s get it started!
Now that you know how dangerous molds are, you also have to be aware of the signs that it’s present at home.
The tricky part is that molds are everywhere. And it can also grow on any surface, including wood, paper, carpet, and even food.
Keeping things clean can be challenging for seniors, especially if they’re home alone. And because there are corners they can no longer reach, senior homes can be a perfect place for mold infestation.
So how would you know if your aging parents’ homes have dangerous black mold and other mold types? Here are five signs you need to watch out for.
You would know if a home has mold if it has a musty, funky smell.
Most of the time, people don’t notice it around their homes because they’re already used to the smell.
Mold volatile organic compounds or MVOCs cause these unwanted smells. It’s the indication that there’s decay going on from the chemical byproduct of the mold reproducing.
Some compare this odor to old cheese, dirty socks, a wet dog, or a dank locker room.
Molds love the dark and damp. That’s why they thrive in places like cabinets, cupboards, and other corners.
Sometimes, our elders don’t get their laundry to dry off completely. And the moisture left in the clothes makes it the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow.
Leftover organic substances on clothes also encourage mold growth.
Carpets, furniture, and towels often have organic matter in them. And if left damp, mold can grow easily on them.
Do you see bubble formations on painted walls?
Mold infestation can be seen in bubble formations on walls in your kitchen, bathroom, and basement.
Rust can also be an indication of potential mold infestation.
This can come from water leaks from rain or pipes. And if left unattended, this can be a haven for black mold to grow.
If your loved ones often have asthma attacks, persistent coughs or colds, and allergy flareups, better check for molds.
It might seem like a little thing. But as you know, long-term mold exposure can cause respiratory problems for the elderly.
And if not taken care of correctly, molds can cause respiratory infections and even death to seniors.
Are the bathrooms slimy? Do you see black spots on the walls and corners?
That’s mold right there.
Most molds are relatively harmless. But for people with allergies, it can cause some form of irritation.
Slimy tiles are also a fall risk for the elderly. Rugs, wet towels, and other items can also be a vessel for mold growth.
Learn more about the long-term effects of mold exposure here.
If you see any of the signs above in your elderly loved ones, the question now is, what do you do next?
Before you panic, know that mold problems can be managed.
The first thing to do is clean the house and fix the moisture problem.
Most molds can be removed with soap and water, white vinegar, or a simple bleach solution.
Don’t forget to use protective equipment when dealing with mold.
Have rubber gloves, eye goggles, and, if necessary, an N-95 respirator. This will filter out any spores from entering your respiratory system as you go.
You’ll need a bit of elbow grease for cleaning.
Scrub all surfaces with a stiff brush to remove mold from walls and surfaces. And make sure you rinse the area clean with water and let it dry thoroughly.
Once cleaned, make sure to disinfect surfaces with bleach or disinfectant spray. Then let the surfaces air dry completely.
It’s essential to take note of the cleaning agents you’re using.
Mixing bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners will produce toxic gas. So it’s best to use no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in one gallon of water.
Keep windows and doors open when using bleach to allow good air circulation.
Also, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using them.
It also makes sense to eliminate items with mold instead of cleaning them.
Check carpets, mattresses, and other items with molds and discard them immediately.
You can opt to wash beddings, curtains, drapes, and clothes. But it’s safest to get rid of them, especially if it has too many mold spots.
No time or energy to clean? Hire a mold removal company to help you.
It also makes sense to get a home inspector to check for potential mold issues inside your home.
Professional mold inspectors can help locate hidden areas where water damage happens. It will also help you identify what causes excess moisture inside your home.
Get in touch with a home inspector here.
Nobody wants to deal with the side effects of mold, especially if it’s with the elderly.
But there are also practical ways to get rid of molds before they worsen.
First, keep the home clean and disinfected regularly.
It’s also a must to control the moisture levels by having enough air circulation inside the house.
Use dehumidifiers in enclosed spaces like basements or cellars. And check for potential water leaks which increase moisture and dampness.
And last but not least, have your home checked by a home inspector to find hidden mold-infested areas.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
Mold exposure can have dangerous long-term effects on seniors, particularly those who are already in poor health.
It’s important for caregivers to be aware of the signs of mold exposure and know-how to protect the elderly from this hazard.
This blog post will discuss the dangerous long–term effects of mold exposure and provide tips for preventing it.
Let’s get it started!
Molds exist naturally and are a vital part of the environment. They help in speeding up decomposition, especially with organic materials and other debris.
However, not all molds are helpful. With more than 100,000 species, there are types of molds that can cause health problems.
More than half of the homes in the US have mold problems. This makes 38% of the population susceptible, especially young children and the elderly.
The problem with molds comes from their spores. These can be categorized into three types: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxigenic.
Allergenic molds are usually airborne.
These molds can also trigger an asthmatic episode if it enters the lungs.
Pathogenic molds can cause infections in humans despite being in good health. Some can even cause pneumonia or result in life-threatening diseases.
On the other hand, toxigenic molds can cause a toxic response in humans and animals.
These mold types produce chemical metabolic byproducts called mycotoxins. These chemicals travel with the spores through the air. And if inhaled, it can cause serious ailments and diseases in the home.
Mold and mildew are often interchanged. And while both are fungi, there’s a huge difference between them.
Mildew is a surface fungus that is non-invasive. It can also be removed and treated with cleaners and bleach.
These are also commonly found in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
However, having a mold infestation in your home may require professional help.
Molds may appear black, green, and sometimes red. Mildew can be grayish, white, or light brown.
But the most dangerous types of mold are black. People with weakened immune systems like young children and the elderly are more susceptible to the effects of black mold.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, black mold can cause certain types of health problems.
Some experience allergies and irritation, congestion, watery eyes, rashes, sore throat, and respiratory issues.
Rare cases of severe reactions can include tiredness, progressive weight loss, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Why are molds such an inconvenience for the elderly? And why do you need to check for them in your elder’s homes consistently?
For starters, you need to understand how the body changes as we grow older.
As you know, the lungs work to pull in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide from the body.
But for the elderly, a lot of changes happen with the lung tissue. All of the muscles, sacs and other parts of the respiratory system weaken.
The air sacs in the lungs lose shape over time. And this makes it difficult for seniors to breathe and maximize oxygen from the air.
The muscles and bones that support the lungs also weaken. The ribcage doesn’t expand and retract like it used to, and the diaphragm also finds it difficult to support the breath.
The nervous system is also affected by these changes further reducing the lung function.
Because of this, it would be harder for the elderly to get rid of dust, spores, and other particles. This can collect in the airways and become more concentrated as time passes.
The severity of the effects of mold may depend on the type of mold and its concentration levels.
Unfortunately, the symptoms the elderly experience can easily be overlooked. For most, it can be addressed as a simple allergy to dust.
But if not given proper attention, it can lead to dangerous respiratory infections, or worse, death.
Research from Science Direct showed a correlation between depression and black mold. Seniors living or working in moldy buildings can show signs related to depression, like anxiety, confusion, mood swings, vertigo, and even decreased memory and word recollection.
Fatigue and headaches are also an effect of long-term exposure to mold.
Because it’s difficult to breathe, it’s harder for the body to fight off illnesses.
Black mold specifically has a negative effect on short-term memory. And in some cases, memory loss from mold can also be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s.
There’s also the mold’s impact on your property.
Mold can cause broken window frames, damage to the walls and floorboards, and more.
More than money, it can become a safety risk for the elderly aging in place.
Mold is a serious issue in homes, and it can cause health problems for everyone in the household, especially elders and young children.
There are different types of mold that can cause a variety of health issues, from allergies to respiratory tract infections. The best way to deal with mold is to address and prevent it.
If you are unsure if there may be unseen mold, a home inspection by a certified aging in place specialist home inspector may be a good idea.
If you know your dealing with a mold infestation in your home, read our next blog post on how to fix the problem.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn