A person with their hands over his face

Is It Holiday Stress . . . or something else??


A person with their hands over his face

Bah Humbug?  It’s that time of year when friends and loved ones unite to celebrate family. It is usually a joyous season filled with laughter, plentiful food and drink, and a renewed sense of faith and hope.  However, for some of us who suffer from a major depressive disorder (MDD), the Holidays can create additional stress, anxiety and worsen our existing depression.  We may feel like isolating and not participating in festivities.  We may look around at all the happy faces and wonder, “why am I not happy?†According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 3.8% (264 million) of the population affected, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years.† MDD is defined as depression that lasts more than two weeks.

 

During a depressive episode, the person may experience feelings of profound sadness, irritability, increased anxiety or agitation, poor concentration, feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and feelings of hopelessness, to name a few.  Chronic untreated depression can often lead to suicidal thoughts and actions.  Yet, with all the advanced medical technology available today, there are few effective treatments that cure or put depression into remission.  The most common medical treatment over the years has been antidepressant medications (along with psychotherapy) and there are hundreds, if not thousands, to choose from.  For some, antidepressants can play an invaluable role in helping relieve symptoms; but for those who suffer from treatment resistant depression (TRD), standard medications bring little to no relief.  According to Johnson and Johnson, up to one-third of adults with MDD do not respond to treatments.

 

But there is hope at the end of this dark tunnel:  Psychedelics. You heard right! Hold on ladies and gents from the 60’s and 70’s—this isn’t a joke. Due to the massive failure of Big Pharma to deliver, psychedelics have undergone a medical renaissance as researchers look to an ancient remedy for help.  Studies at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world are conducting research into the world of psychedelics:  John

Hopkins University, Yale School of Medicine, University of California/San Diego, London’s Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, and New York’s Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, for example.  Recent research has proven psychedelics to be stunningly effective against intractable mental illnesses such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug dependence.  Ketamine is showing promise in the treatment of MDD and PTSD; Ecstasy (MDMA); and LSD has proven to be quite effective at treating MDD and alcohol and drug dependence.  However, by far the most promising among the psychedelics is psilocybin—the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms.â€Â  Studies show that this powerful compound, combined with psychotherapy, brings fast and long-lasting relief from MDD and PTSD.  Not only are psychedelics effective in the treatment and remission of MDD ad PTSD symptoms, but recent studies also suggest that psychedelics can heal and repair the brain, many times in just a single dose. This is great news to those of us who suffer from one of these debilitating illnesses.

 

Suffice it to say, this could still be years away from production and approval from the FDA.  So, what do I do in the meantime?  There are many helpful strategies that can bring temporary relief from depression, such as psychotherapy, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, listening to music, exercise, and even pet therapy.  I will be doing a series on depression where I will expand on helpful therapeutic interventions.  In the meantime, if you or a loved one is suffering from depression, please seek professional help right away. Here are a few resources:

 

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA):(800) 662-HELP (4357)
  2. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):  (800) 950-NAMI (6264)
  3. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

/by
A group of people sitting at tables with paint and pencils.

Spring Activities to Boost Seniors’ Mental Health


With longer daylight hours and warmer weather, it’s a great time to shake off those winter blues. Many people have been stuck indoors because of COVID-19 and the cold, which can increase feelings of depression and loneliness. We’re taking a closer look at some ways to boost your mood while enjoying the change in seasons.

Simply spend time outdoors. Just getting out and breathing in the fresh air and soaking in some natural sunlight can do wonders for your mood. Go for a walk around your neighborhood or sit out on your porch with a good book. Watch as the trees bud, flowers bloom, birds build nests, and more critters emerge.

Plant flowers. Spruce up your yard by turning over old soil, pulling weeds, and planting some of your favorite flowers. Choose bright, colorful blooms that make you smile and make your space look more alive. You can even mix and match plants of different types and heights.

Start a garden. A garden can give you something to look forward to every day. You can slowly watch the seeds turn into plants and then enjoy your favorite vegetables as they grow and ripen. You can grow everything from tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers to peas, carrots, and peppers. Choose veggies you love to eat, or even some new ones that you’ve been wanting to try. Don’t have a lot of space for an outdoor garden? Consider container gardening instead!

Make a birdfeeder. You don’t need to spend money on anything fancy when you can make a birdfeeder at home. You can use a plastic water bottle or milk jug, a paper plate, a tin can, some scraps of wood, or other materials that can hold birdseed or berries. Use some string to tie it in a tree, or secure it to a railing or windowsill. Count how many different types of birds come to enjoy a snack!

Have a picnic. Pack up a blanket, some water, and your favorite foods and go on a picnic. You can spread out in a park or nature reserve and take in your surroundings with a family member or friend. It’s also a great way to socialize while social distancing because each person can have their own space.

Go to an outdoor event. As the weather gets nicer, more organizations are shifting events outside again. You can listen to music, take in a show, watch a movie, participate in a fitness class, or do other activities. Ask around to see what is happening in your area.

Move exercise outside. If you’re tired of staring at the walls of your house as you exercise, take it outside instead. You can do yoga, stretches, cardio, aerobics, biking, swimming, hiking, running, and countless other types of exercise while enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and change of scenery.

/by
A woman and an older person smiling for the camera.

Breast Cancer and Seniors: What You Need to Know


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while a lot of attention is given to the importance of early detection and women getting mammograms beginning at age 40, there is less emphasis on older adults. In reality, this population is at increased risk and should continue to be vigilant about breast health.

According to the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results registry, “The median age of a breast cancer diagnosis is 62 and nearly 20 percent of women diagnosed are over the age of 75.†Researchers also predict that cancer diagnoses in women ages 70 to 84 will continue to increase.

The good news is that breast cancer is still treatable – and survivable – for seniors. Whereas radical mastectomies were once commonplace, with advancements in research and treatment, they are now fairly rare with other options proving effective. More studies are being conducted to better understand cancer development and treatment effects on older adults. It is important that the patient’s age and functional ability be taken into consideration when undergoing chemotherapy treatment to reduce risk of potential toxicities and minimize the impact on their quality of life.

Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Early detection is still key when it comes to effectively treating breast cancer. Women should continue to receive annual or biennial mammograms to monitor breast health and detect any changes. Unfortunately, doctors have found that seniors tend to become less consistent with yearly breast screenings. Monthly self-exams are also recommended, as well as paying attention to warning signs that may indicate breast cancer.

Signs and symptoms include:

  • A lump in the breast or underarm
  • Visible changes in breast size or shape
  • Redness or pitting of the skin
  • Bloody discharge from the nipple

Women should also know common risk factors for breast cancer such as:

  • Over 50 years old
  • Menarche beginning before age 12
  • Menopause beginning after age 50
  • No pregnancy or pregnancy after age 30
  • Long-term oral contraceptive use
  • Dense breast tissue

Treatment for Breast Cancer

Surgery is still very common for breast cancer, but it is not necessarily the first line of defense. Many women undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink or destroy tumors and cancer cells. These treatments are sometimes used in conjunction with one another, or with surgery. A lumpectomy may be performed to remove just the tumor, or a mastectomy may be performed to remove the entire breast. Hormone therapy is also becoming more common for certain types of breast cancer.

Chemotherapy and radiation often take place over many weeks and require regular visits for treatment. These treatments can be hard on the body, and it can be beneficial for women to have reliable transportation as well as support at home to manage side effects and assist with daily care.

Caregivers can provide a wide range of non-medical care and support for women as they undergo or recover from breast cancer treatment. Caregivers can help prepare healthy meals, assist with mobility, accompany individuals on errands or outings, provide medication reminders, perform light housekeeping, and much more allowing seniors to remain as independent as possible.

/by
A man in glasses is using his phone

Best Technology Gifts for Seniors


Shopping for aging parents can be tough because they often have everything they really need. Throughout their lives, they have accumulated a lot of belongings, and many are working on consolidating and cleaning to minimize clutter and prepare for if they want to eventually downsize their living space. Certain technology can be a good option because it is practical and allows seniors to stay connected and active. Here are some great gift ideas for seniors:

  1. Digital Tracking Tags: Small tags such as Tile Stickers or other tracking devices can be great for older adults who forget where they put their keys, phone, wallet/purse, remote, or other items. All you have to do is attach the tag to the item, and you can use a phone app to track its location. This can save time and frustration of searching for missing items.
  2. Video Doorbell: Not only can seniors quickly see who is at their door, you can set up alerts so a family member is notified as well. This can provide an added level of safety and security.
  3. Noise Cancelling Headphones: Cut down on background noise by wearing noise-cancelling headphones when watching tv or movies or listening to music. This can be great for seniors who are experiencing hearing loss.
  4. Tablet: Get a simple tablet and set it up with some fun games and apps for video communication. Your aging parents can keep their minds sharp and also have an easy way to connect with family members and friends whether they live near or far.
  5. Fitness Watch: Not only can these products help track activity levels, some can also monitor heart rate, sleep, and other data. It can help your loved one better manage their health and physical activity.
  6. Digital Photo Frame: Pictures can be a wonderful memory-jogger and conversation starter. Get a digital frame that can hold dozens of photos and automatically scrolls through so your loved one can see family and friends. Some models even allow you to upload photos remotely, so they can be regularly updated with new images.
  7. Gaming System: Videos games aren’t just for kids. There are plenty of games that seniors can enjoy that will challenge their minds, provide entertainment, and work on balance and coordination. Find things you can play together as well as a way to bond and spend time together.
  8. Alexa/Amazon Echo: These devices can make it easier for aging adults to quickly access information, set reminders, make lists, and much more. They can also be set up to control lights, music, thermostats, and other devices.

It can take some time for seniors to get used to technology and understand how to use it, but once they do, it can have a lot of advantages. Plus, as technology continues to improve, it becomes more user friendly and intuitive, and some products are geared specifically toward seniors.

/by
A man running in the park wearing headphones.

Three benefits from exercising with others


Staying active is beneficial for people of all ages, but it’s especially important for older adults. But you may be surprised to learn that the benefit go beyond physical… Exercising with others offers many social benefits as well! A study from BioMed Research International found that “improvements in mental health, emotional, psychological, and social well-being and cognitive function are associated with regular physical activity.”

Here are three benefits of exercising with friends, groups, or classes:

1. Meet new friends

What better way to connect with others who want to live an active, healthy lifestyle than at a fitness class? An energetic and supportive environment may be the start of new friendships, but it certainly isn’t the end. Fitness technicians from our communities love to see their members sharing meals, life, and laughter together––even outside the fitness center.

2. Learn from others

Whether exercising with a professional instructor or a peer who’s just a bit further along in their exercise journey, we can all learn from each other. Fitness techs at our communities offer expert group classes and personal training sessions, so there’s something for everyone. The best part? These team members, along with residents and fitness center members, make learning fun.

3. Work toward your goals together

Motivation. Accountability. Encouragement. Knowing others around you are working to improve, even if you have different goals, can be a great reminder to keep going. A study from The Ohio State University found that telling someone you respect or admire about your goals makes you more likely to reach it.

We hope this inspires you to try something new, invite a friend to go for a walk, or find the support you need for your wellness journey.

/by

Depression in Seniors: Elderly Mental Health

 

Throughout our lives, our mental health has a close relationship to our physical health. But in our senior years, that relationship can become more pronounced. Putting aside the quality of life concerns for the moment, depression can be quite dangerous. Especially when combined with comorbid conditions – which can both cause depression, make depression worse, and even predict worse medical outcomes.

The CDC estimates depression affects as much as 5% of the elderly population or as high as 13.5% of those who require home care. Unfortunately, nailing down a precise figure is difficult, since depression is both underdiagnosed and frequently untreated. But the good news is that there are treatment options for depression in elderly folks, and there are several opportunities for loved ones to help.

Depression in Seniors

The elderly and depression aren’t strangers. Stressors can be more common later in our later years. Reduced mobility, fragility, chronic disease, pain, bereavement, elder abuse, socioeconomic decline – age can bring more than a few challenges.

Precisely how large is the problem? The CDC estimates depression affects as much as 5% of the elderly population or 13.5% of those who require home care. But nailing down a precise figure is difficult because depression is both underdiagnosed and frequently untreated.

Part of the issue is that it’s easy to overlook symptoms as they occur alongside comorbid conditions. They can also be easy to mistake for the side effects of medications. There’s even some overlap between the symptoms of dementia and depression, which can confuse things further. But unlike with dementia, mental decline in depression occurs quicker, motor skills remain slow but normal, and depressed people notice their memory problems.

Signs of Depression in Elderly Populations

Everyone is sad once in a while, but when does it become depression? Mental health professionals generally say at least two weeks during which time a person experiences a depressed mood. The most common signs of depression in elderly populations include:

  • Poor sleep
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Loss of interests
  • Social withdrawal
  • A general feeling of sadness
  • Persistent anxiety over wellbeing
  • Unintended weight change

Depression in Elderly Adult Treatment Options

While there’s no silver bullet that can wipe away depression in an afternoon, there are many excellent options. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven effective at helping seniors rid themselves of thinking matters which contribute to depression. Support groups are shown to help those who are experiencing similar issues.

As the causes of depression are widely varied, so must be the solutions. In some cases, those solutions might be as simple as basic life changes. In other words, diet and exercise. It can also help to schedule outings and weekly social visits, provide assistance with transportation needs or meal preparation, or otherwise find small ways to provide support for aging loved ones.

Elderly Mental Health Management

Depression in seniors can cause considerable impairment to their ability to function. Older adults can be reluctant to speak about their depressed feelings. For those living in isolation, it can be even more challenging to ask for help. That can be a dangerous combination. But like our physical health, our mental health can be improved with the right approach to treatment. With seniors, that often means developing strategies that provide them with more agency, security, and social support.

/by
A woman holding a banana in front of some fruit.

High Fiber Foods for Seniors


There is no clearly defined age that says you have become a senior citizen. Most people consider themselves seniors when they retire from the workplace, sign up for social security and begin to experience the common milestones and challenges that are associated with aging.

If you are reading this, you’re most likely in that time of life or caring for a loved one who is a senior citizen.

We all hope to be happy, healthy, and as independent as possible as the years creep upon us. Have you heard the expression “You are what you eat?â€Â Consuming a well-balanced, healthy diet is one of the best ways to maintain good health as we age.

So, what can we do to keep our digestive system healthy and working as it should?

If you said to eat more fiber, you are correct.

High fiber foods for seniors are not the most popular choices when planning menus but high fiber foods will improve your digestion, and eliminate the sluggish feeling caused by a slow metabolism.

Eating more fiber can help alleviate other health problems such as chronic constipation, high blood sugar, and elevated cholesterol levels.

High-fiber foods can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, which in turn will give you more energy and stamina. Fiber-rich foods make you feel fuller faster, and they keep you satisfied longer than that sugar-glazed donuts or chocolate candy bars.

A diet high in fiber can reduce your risk of cancer and cut your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

What are some high-fiber foods for elderly menu planners?

If you are adding fiber to your diet, remember to do it slowly. Adding fiber-rich foods too quickly can cause gas, bloating, or stomach discomfort until your body gets used to the change.

Start with whole fruits and vegetables. They can be cooked in a soup, chopped up in a fruit salad, or enjoyed in their natural form right off the tree or plant.

Eat whole grains such as whole-wheat bread, corn, and oats. A hot bowl of oatmeal with blueberries is a great way to start the morning. Brown rice is healthier and tastes better than white rice, so give it a try in your next casserole or homemade soup.

Here are some more high-fiber foods you can incorporate into your daily food plan.

  • Beans
  • Berries
  • Avocados
  • Popcorn
  • Lentils
  • Dried fruit
  • Nuts
  • Potatoes (Baked in skin)
  • Bran and whole-grain cereals
  • Baby carrots with hummus
  • Whole-grain crackers

What are the fiber requirements for seniors?

Dietary guidelines recommend 28 grams of fiber each day for senior men and 22.4 grams of fiber a day for senior women, but the Department of Agriculture states that most people in this age group consume 16 grams or less.

The takeaway here is filling your plate with fiber! Slowly add delicious fruits, veggies, whole-grain breads, and snacks to your diet. Cut back on sugar and processed foods. Grab an orange instead of orange juice. Choose broccoli as a side dish instead of French Fries.

You won’t believe the difference in the way you feel and how much your energy level will increase.

/by

C Diff in Elderly Adults: Causes, Symptoms, Recovery

 

Clostridioides difficile, (often referred to as C. difficile or C. diff), is a bacterium that results in infection of your colon. This illness typically comes after the use of antibiotic medications and can result in diarrhea, life-threatening colon damage, fever, nausea, and a range of other symptoms. C. diff mostly comes from hospitals and other healthcare settings but they’re luckily less common due to improved prevention matters. However, it’s still useful to arm yourself with as much information as possible to ensure your safety. In this post, we will review what you need to know about C. diff infection and the elderly.

Antibiotics and Other Causes of C. diff in the Elderly

Antibiotics may be known for killing bad germs but they can also kill good germs that would protect your body from infections. C. diff bacteria most commonly comes from the use of antibiotics for more than a week. The antibiotics that most often lead to C. diff include:

  • Cephalosporins

  • Clindamycin

  • Fluoroquinolones

  • Penicillins

You may feel the effects of antibiotics for several months and if you come in contact with C. diff germs during this time, you can become very sick. There are several ways you can come in contact with these germs. These causes of C. diff in the elderly include:

  • Human or animal feces

  • Food, including meat

  • Contaminated room surfaces or objects

  • Soil

  • Water

  • Unwashed hands

Risk Factors for C. diff in the Elderly

In addition to antibiotics, there are other factors that can put you at risk for C. diff. The risk factors of C. diff infection in the elderly include:

  • Being age 65 or older

  • Being assigned female at birth

  • Staying in a healthcare facility

  • Having a weakened immune system

  • Having a serious illness (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease) or medical procedure (gastrointestinal procedure, other abdominal surgeries)

  • Having a previous infection with C. diff

Symptoms of C. diff in the Elderly

You can experience various complications for C. diff, including death if not treated promptly. C. diff symptoms in elderly include:

  • Watery diarrhea or frequent bowel movements

  • Abdominal cramping

  • Dehydration

  • Occasional blood or pus in the stool

  • Loss of appetite/weight loss

  • Nausea

  • Fever

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Kidney failure

  • Toxic megacolon

  • Bowel perforation

Treatment of C. diff in the Elderly

You can treat C. diff through antibiotics. These include:

  • Metronidazole

  • Vancomycin

  • Fidaxomicin

While many people recover from C. diff within two weeks of antibiotic treatment, many become reinfected and need additional therapy. Most infections reoccur within three weeks after stopping antibiotic treatment but some may occur two or three months later. That is why it’s important to get treatment immediately. Below are a few options for C. diff recovery in the elderly:

  • Avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics or requesting a prescription for an antibiotic that can be taken for a shorter period of time

  • Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or coming in contact with possibly contaminated surfaces

  • Carefully disinfecting surfaces with chlorine bleach

  • Drinking plenty of fluids, including beverages with electrolytes, to prevent dehydration

  • Eating starchy foods (i.e. bread, potatoes, noodles, rice, oatmeal, crackers) to settle your stomach and stop loose stools

  • In extreme cases, consult a doctor about having a fecal transplant

 

/by
A woman sitting on top of a bench wearing headphones.

Podcasts for Seniors: 2021 Recommendations


Podcasts. You have probably heard your children or grandchildren talking about them, or maybe heard something on the news like, “true crime podcasts are all the rage these days.†But what is a podcast? The simplest explanation is: radio but on the internet.

If you remember the old radio shows from the 1940s (or if you’ve heard about them) then you already know about one type of podcast – audio dramas. Audio dramas are complete stories with actors and sound effects – everything you would get in a TV show without the TV. But there are many, many other types of podcasts on almost any topic imaginable – health, science, sports, politics, news, history, true crime, talk shows – the list is endless. Podcasts are generally released in episodes and can be streamed on almost any internet-connected device.

Do Seniors Listen to Podcasts?

Recent studies indicate around 26% of participants over the age of 55 listen to podcasts, but that number is steadily increasing as podcasts have grown in popularity and accessibility. Seniors who aren’t listening to podcasts probably either a) don’t know much about them and how they work or b) don’t know there are podcasts out there they would enjoy. Luckily, this article is here to help!

How to Listen to Podcasts

Most people listen to podcasts on their phone using either the Apple Podcasts app (on iPhones) or Google Podcasts (on Android devices). You can listen on a desktop or laptop computer using iTunes or Spotify. You can also use an Alexa device to listen to podcasts. Most podcasts are free to enjoy.

Podcasts for Seniors

As previously mentioned, there are podcasts on almost every topic imaginable. For example, I googled “podcasts about knitting†and found more than twenty (my personal favorite based solely on the title being “Two Ewes Fiber Adventuresâ€). Some podcasts that pop up on every “top podcast for seniors†list include:

  • Consider This from NPR

  • History Unplugged

  • The Perfect Scam

  • In Our Time

  • The Relic Radio Show

There are many health podcasts created specifically for seniors, such as:

  • Aging in Full Bloom

  • Girl Talk: Women, Aging and Sexuality

  • Better Health While Again

  • Not Old, Better

  • Living to 100 Club

  • Fearless Aging

  • Live Long and Master Aging

Love sports? There are hundreds of podcasts about sports. You can “shop around†and find commentators you like. There are tons of choices for news podcasts as well, and your favorite newscaster probably already has a podcast.

You can find audiobooks on podcasts. If you have trouble sleeping, you can find podcasts specifically to help you sleep, like Sleepy. In Sleepy, a narrator reads a familiar tale like Rapunzel in basically the most boring way possible so you can listen and drift off to sleep without feeling like you will miss an important part of the story.

Working on brain health? Use a podcast to help you learn a new language and keep your memory sharp.

It is not an exaggeration to say there is a podcast for everything. A little searching can definitely lead you to one you will love listening to every day.

/by
Three older men playing cards at a picnic table.

Rehab for Elderly Patients After Hospital Stay: What To Know


Rehab for Elderly Patients After Hospital Stay: What To Know

After a stay in the hospital, it’s understandable to have many questions about a parent’s prognosis. In many cases, the answer to those questions will depend on the kind of rehabilitation services involved with recovery. Since there are many kinds of elderly rehabilitation, navigating through the process can be confusing. But learning a few more things about rehab for seniors can help orient you in the process.

Reasons for Elderly Rehab After Hospital Stay

With old age, our immune system weakens, our bodies heal slower, and inactivity can become more dangerous. Accidents, injuries, and surgeries are generally more hazardous. And the prolonged recovery times associated with these kinds of medical events can also mean that seniors are at greater risk of losing some of their functionality during the recovery process.

That’s where elderly rehabilitation comes into play. Doctors might recommend elderly rehab after a hospital stay for an extensive range of health problems. That might include treatment for things like fractures, stroke, heart attack, joint injuries, cancer, pneumonia, osteoporosis, brain injuries, and so on. Offered as both inpatient and outpatient services, senior rehab programs are essentially designed to ensure a person can recover and retain as much of their functionality as possible.

Elderly Rehabilitation Care Options

Since every senior has a different range of rehabilitation needs, goals for treatment can vary just as widely. Rehab for seniors can also span many different timeframes depending on the issues at hand. For instance, a short-term rehab for the elderly program might emphasize learning to use mobility aids, while a long-term program might involve regaining lost functionality.

With that said, the form of treatment used in senior rehab programs is usually a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Between those three types of therapy, seniors can find assistance with communication issues, memory problems, fine motor skill enhancement, mobility assistance, pain management, and so on.

Rehab for Seniors – Inpatient vs Outpatient

Inpatient rehabilitation is common for seniors who are recovering from major surgery or a serious medical incident, and the environment tends to feel similar to living in a hospital. In addition to therapy programs, inpatient services might include meals designed by dietitians, counseling, fitness courses, and even managed social events.

Understandably, after already having spent time in a hospital environment, spending more time in a similar environment is not always a popular decision. Rehab for the elderly after a hospital stay in an in-home environment is also commonly done through outpatient services. Professionals can be used to help monitor health, care for wounds, provide physical therapy, or assist with a variety of other routine tasks.

Rehabilitation Services for the Elderly

Rehab for elderly folks can take many forms depending on the kinds of challenges that need to be overcome. Some kinds of senior rehab challenges are well suited for a home environment, while others may not be. As always, it’s best to consult with your physician to make these kinds of decisions. Though medical outcomes are hard to predict, arranging for the most appropriate elderly rehabilitation care is an excellent predictor for seniors retaining as much of their independence as possible.

/by