By Anna Hazard
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Part 1 : Urinary Tract & Lung Infections
Introduction
Two other types of infections common within the elderly are respiratory infections (comprising the mouth. nasal cavity, pharyx/larynx/trachea, bronchi and lungs) and gastrointestinal infections (comprising the GI tract - mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum, and anus - as well as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder) both of which tend to flare up often and spread quickly through institutionalized group settings where seniors can often be found such as nursing homes, rehab centers, and hospitals.
Bacterial or viral infections are the most widespread, but seniors comprise a disproportionate amount of patients suffering from fungus based infections within the skin & lungs due to their overall weaker immunities and tendency towards activities that expose themselves to fungal spores.
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By Anna Hazard
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Introduction
The risk of infections poses an increasing danger as people age to the point that more than 33% (greater than 1/3) of all deaths of those 65+ can be attributed to an infectious disease. In particular, gram-negative bacteria are responsible for more infections in the elderly than in younger adults.
Seniors are overall more susceptible to infections due to diminished immune responses, decreased physical reserves, a greater likelihood of the presence of chronic diseases & medications for treatment which can cause further complications, as well as a greater chance for requiring invasive procedures that leave them more vulnerable to infections. In addition, there are higher rates of exposure to infection (including more dangerous antibiotic resistant strains) at hospitals and institutional group settings such as nursing homes & senior care centers. Besides a greater overall susceptibility, early detection & treatment of older adults for infections can be further complicated by symptoms which are more subtle & nonspecific and generally manifesting differently than in younger patients. One of the most common symptoms of infection is fever, which may not be noticed within an older adult due to an aging person's poorer body temperature response. Due to their white blood cell count often not rising as high as the norm in a younger adult, many of the common blood tests will not properly detect infections in the elderly. Some common symptoms for various infections within seniors include loss of appetite, weight loss, loss of balance & falling, cognitive impairment & decline in functioning, delirium & other mental changes, as well as an increase in respiratory rate.
By Anna Hazard
Introduction
While the colder months of winter are not known for their abundance of produce & other natural foods as with the other milder seasons, there still remain certain herbs, fruits, vegetables, and types of meat that reach their peak taste or availability around this time of year. In addition, there are other edible plants that are hardy enough to retain their growth even through the frost & thus will also still be available locally fresh.
The following recipes focus on fresh natural ingredients easily available during the winter with an emphasis on those that provide nutrition particularly beneficial for seniors during this time of year. This includes fatty fish & other sources for the Vitamin D not absorbed through direct exposure to sunlight, citrus fruits for fighting off colds, flus, and other infections abundant during winter, as well as dark leafy greens, root vegetables, and winter squashes that are nutrient dense & reach their peak taste after the first frost. This is a phenomenon often known as frost-curing or frost-touched where certain crucifers, cabbages, roots, and tubers produce sucrose from their stockpiled starches in order to help protect the plant from the incoming cold.
By Gary Simmons (A Hand to Hold)
So, you’ve decided to hire a caregiver to take care of an elderly person in your life. Now comes the hard part: deciding what qualities the right caregiver will possess in order to provide the best care. If you were car shopping, you would simply research vehicles that fit your criteria, visit a few car lots, test a couple, and buy your new wheels.
Finding a suitable caregiver that you entrust a loved one’s care to is not as easy. Extensive research must be done, interviews must be held, and all parties involved in the care must be in agreement. So, what qualities make a good caregiver? Better yet, what qualities make the RIGHT caregiver for your loved one?
By Anna Hazard
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Introduction
Similar to the Android exclusive apps, these iOS based ones tend to be completely free or inexpensive to upgrade or purchase compared to the more well known cross-platform mind training apps such as Luminosity, Elevate, and Peak.
With some exceptions such as the Mensa based programs games, these games tend to focus more on being entertaining with the side effect of improving mental acuity & memory due to their puzzle-like natures rather than having scientifically backed research & studies behind their activities. iOS Apps
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AboutNews updates, tips, and guides on senior care, senior health, stress relief and a host of other caregiving related topics from the professionals at Ella Stewart Care. |