Live Free Home Health Care, LLC. - Bristol, New Hampshire

All posts within: home health care

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Outdoor Precautions and Community Monitoring

At Live Free Home Health Care, we want to share additional ideas for outdoor monitoring that may offer peace of mind and safety for those deciding to age in place—in the comfort of their own homes. Family caregivers, with their finger on the pulse of their loved one’s needs, can apply the following simple home modifications and establish appropriate relationships with community officials to ensure wellbeing.

• Motion-sensitive lighting. Install lights that automatically turn on when there's any movement near them. These are a deterrent for intruders, plus if one forgets to turn on the lights before he/she leaves during the day, the lights will be on when he/she returns home.

• Lights on timers. Install timers for outside lights and a light in the bathroom so they’ll turn on and stay on throughout the night. Timers are inexpensive and easily installed by plugging them into electrical outlets.

• Keys and the neighbors. If a senior lives in a neighborhood, the neighbors may be friends. If not, identify someone trustworthy to have an extra set of keys to the house. Exchange phone numbers so if there is a concern—the phone is not being answered or the mail is piling up—that identified person can check out the situation.

• Getting into the house. The path to and from the house should be clear of obstacles. If there is a garage but no automatic garage-door opener, have one installed. Wherever the car is parked should be well lit, which can also be controlled by remote control as the driveway is entered.

• Friendly local police. Find out from the local police if there is a neighborhood watch group in the area and let that group know the living arrangements and that some monitoring is needed.

• Friendly postal carriers and utility meter readers. Most mail carriers work the same route every day and get to know a neighborhood quite well. The U.S. Postal Service has a program to alert the Area Agency on Aging if the carrier believes there is a problem. Utility companies do the same.

Live Free Home Health Care of Concord, New Hampshire is here to offer further guidance and options that can give you the choice to age in place. If you're looking for a partner in home care in the Lakes Region or Central New Hampshire, contact Live Free Home Health Care today at 603-217-0149, and let us help make your life a little easier.

Tags:   home health care, home safety, in-home care providers

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease

It’s a dreaded moment. As soon as an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis is given, lots of questions emerge in the minds of family and friends. To provide the best care for the diagnosed individual, education about the disease and proper caregiving techniques are essential.

Who is at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease?

• Familial or early-onset Alzheimer’s is caused by a gene mutation that is inherited from a parent, but only occurs in less than five percent of patients and develops between the ages of 30 and 60.

• Late-onset Alzheimer’s typically develops after age 60 and is the most common form of the disease. Currently it is difficult to determine exactly who is at risk for developing late-onset Alzheimer’s, but studies show that increasing age is the most important known risk factor.

• Alzheimer’s disease’s definitive cause is not known and no clear pattern of inheritance has yet been discovered, but scientists have identified genes that may influence the risk of contracting the disease. Researchers are also studying education, diet, and other factors to see if they play a role in developing the disease.

What changes in the brain happen to people with Alzheimer's disease?

• People with Alzheimer's disease develop abnormal clumps in their brains (called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (called neurofibrillary tangles).

• As increasingly more plaques and tangles form, healthy nerve cells begin to lose their ability to communicate with each other and eventually die. As the nerve cells die, brain tissue begins to shrink.

Are there treatments available for Alzheimer’s disease?

• While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, there are medications that can help to control some symptoms such as depression, aggression or hallucinations. However, some of these medicines can react badly with other Alzheimer’s medicines as well as worsen other symptoms of the disease.

• Keep in mind that many Alzheimer’s symptoms are caused by non-medical “triggers”, which can oftentimes be managed without the use of medications. Modifying the environment to reduce potential stressors plays a large part in helping a person with Alzheimer’s feel calm and safe.

At Live Free Home Health Care of New Hampshire, our talented in-home caregivers have years of experience dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and are happy to answer additional questions. Contact us today at 603-217-0149 to find out more about our in-home care offerings and learn if home care is a good fit for your situation.

Tags:   Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, home health care

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Friday, August 26, 2011

How to Develop an Open Line of Communication with Your Physician

Communication is a key to any successful relationship. When it comes to doctor/patient relationships, communication is also key to receiving the best healthcare possible. However, it is not always easy for patients to talk to their physicians, especially for older Americans – though the older people get, the more important it is for them to nurture an open, honest, communicative partnership with their healthcare provider.

Knowing that your time with the doctor is limited, there are some basic ways to help maximize this time. Preparing beforehand and then asking questions during the appointment are vital to achieve the best level of healthcare possible.

Before the Appointment

• Jot down everything you'd like to ask your physician.

• Note any changes in appetite, mood and/or body.

• For each, note the date that the entry is made, what it is about, and the changes noticed.

• Also write down changes in health since the last doctor’s visit.

• Bring a list of all your prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal remedies or supplements, as well as dosage information and side effects, if any.

Medical Testing 101

If medical tests are ordered during a visit to the doctor, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends finding out the following information:

• Name of test

• Reason for test

• What the test involves

• What the test will attempt to reveal

• Cost/health insurance coverage

• Dangers/side effects

• When the results will be ready

Diagnose the Diagnosis

To assist in understanding information while visiting the doctor, ask the following questions about a diagnosis:

• What is the name of my condition? How is it spelled?

• Why do you think I have this condition? What may have caused it?

• How long may this problem last? Will it be forever?

• What is the prescribed treatment?

• Is there a specialist who I need to see for further information or a second opinion?

Home care agencies, such as Live Free Home Health Care, can also be important advocates for a senior’s health and wellbeing. Among numerous skills and services, we can assist with scheduling and transportation to and from a doctor’s appointment, and in making certain that medications are taken as prescribed. Providing in-home care services in Concord, New Hampshire and the rest of the Lakes region and Central New Hampshire, contact Live Free Home Health Care today to learn more about how we can assist.

Tags:   communication, communication tips, home care, home companion, home health care, in-home care providers, medication management, private duty agencies

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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Simple Ways to Keep Track of Medications

It isn’t unusual for a senior to have several different doctors with different specialties. Because these physicians may each prescribe different medications, it is important that each physician know exactly what medications the senior is taking in order to avoid complications.

Make a list of all the medicines the senior is taking, including:

• Prescription drugs

• Non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, antihistamines, vitamins, supplements

Make a note of:

• How often each medicine/vitamin/supplement is taken

• Who the prescribing physician is

• Any side effects, unwanted feelings or symptoms

Be sure to ask:

• What is the name of the medication? How do you spell it?

• Why do you want me to take it?

• Are there foods, drinks, other medications or activities I should avoid while taking this medication?

• Should I take my medicine at meals or between meals? Do I need to take the medicine on an empty stomach or with food or a glass of water?

• What should I do if I forget to take the medicine and miss a dose?

• When will the medicine begin to work?

Keep track of all of these questions and answers in a notebook for future reference. This information can prove invaluable to a senior managing multiple health conditions. For further information on how to make the most of doctors’ visits, contact Live Free Home Health Care. We can help manage a senior’s medications and also have experience in seamlessly arranging, coordinating and monitoring a multitude of services to make in-home care a comfortable, successful experience based on individual needs and desires.

Tags:   home care, home health care, medication management

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Thursday, August 11, 2011

How to Make the Most of Your Minutes with the Doctor

Studies show that a typical visit to a doctor averages only 15 to 20 minutes. Additionally, a doctor’s appointment can often seem overwhelming, making it difficult to remember all the questions that need answering during a short appointment. In fact, nearly half of the U.S population has difficulty understanding health information, and as a result, could miss follow-up appointments, take medicine incorrectly or misunderstand doctors’ directions.

A little pre-planning and preparation is the key to getting the most out of the minutes with one’s doctor and ensuring health concerns get the proper attention they deserve. Preparing lists of questions and information beforehand can lessen the stress and worries often associated with a doctor’s appointment and ensure that all the information needed is received while at the appointment. It can also help the doctor to develop the best possible understanding of any symptoms and conditions.

Don’t be embarrassed to pull out your information and questions lists in front of the doctor. Not only can they be essential in helping you remember what questions need answering, but the doctor will also appreciate that you are serious about your health. Good doctors will always encourage their patients’ desire to understand as much as possible about their condition and will welcome your active participation in your care. If the physician does not, then perhaps a new one should be sought.

Never hesitate to use the words, “I don’t understand.” Doctors are only human and may not always know when they haven’t explained something well or in terms can be understood. When in doubt, repeat back what the doctor has said for clarification. The doctor can also be asked if he or she recommends any specific reading materials about the condition.

Keep in mind that a home care agency, such as Live Free Home Health Care, can also be an important advocate for your health and wellbeing. Among numerous skills and services, a home care agency can assist with scheduling and transportation to and from a doctor’s appointment, and in making certain that medications are taken as prescribed.

Live Free Home Health Care in Concord has experience in seamlessly arranging, coordinating and monitoring a multitude of services to make in-home care a comfortable, successful experience based on individual needs and desires. Contact Live Free Home Health Care today at 603-217-0149 to find out how easy and comforting extra care in the home can be.

Tags:   better quality of life, caregiver tips, communication tips, home care, home health care, private duty agencies

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