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

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

New Hampshire women at higher risk for arthritis

Women living in the northeastern United States are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, which suggests a link between the autoimmune disease and vitamin D deficiency, says a new study led by a Boston University School of Public Health researcher. Because northern states like New Hampshire experience less sunlight, this can result in a vitamin D deficiency.

Earlier studies have also shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a variety of other autoimmune diseases as well. Although the true cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known and it’s relationship with vitamin D deficiency requires further research, the study certainly highlights the importance of vitamin D for good health.

Perhaps it’s time to get outside and soak up some summer sunshine before the New Hampshire clouds roll back in.

To read the entire article, click here.

For tips on caring for arthritis, click here or call (603) 217-0149 to learn more about how Live Free Home Health Care can assist with all of your in-home care needs.

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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Can bathing be dangerous for your health?

Think for a minute about all you go through to take a bath.

First, you step over a high tub wall while trying to maintain balance.

Then you lower yourself into the tub using your arm strength.

And you do all of this on a wet, slippery surface—without wearing shoes for traction.

There are ways to improve bathing safety for an aging or disabled person. Consider purchasing a new bathtub with a transfer bench built into the side. To get into the bathtub safely, you sit on the ledge and swing your legs into the tub. Then you can use grab bars and rails to lower yourself into the water. There are also what are called “accessible bathtubs” on the market today. These bathtubs let you walk into the tub through a door in the tub wall. When the door closes, it seals the opening so you can fill the tub with water.

Can’t afford a new tub? Make your old tub safer by installing a non-slip mat on the floor of the tub and installing grab bars and hand rails. And make sure there's a place to put the towel and shampoo so it can be reached without getting up.

Live Free Home Health Care can perform a free in-home safety assessment to review what could potentially be hazardous in your home for you or your loved one and make recommendations for increased safety. Click here for more information.

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Tuesday, June 08, 2010

The phenomenon known as universal design

So just what is “universal design”? It is an increasingly popular home remodeling request to allow for comfort and safety regardless of the homeowner’s age. Two-thirds of all remodelers have seen an uptick in requests for aging in place remodels. And with the population increasingly going gray with the baby boomer generation, this is projected to be the most important issue affecting the remodeling industry over the next five years. The National Association of Home Builders, in conjunction with AARP even created a new program called the Certified Aging in Place Specialist program (CAPS) designed to teach professionals how to modify homes for aging in place. Since 2002, more than 2,200 people have completed the CAPS program, making it one of the fastest-growing educational programs at NAHB.

Aging in place modifications most frequently purchased by homeowners include:

 Adding grab bars

 Installing higher toilets

 Upgrading to a curb-less shower

 Widening doorways

 Constructing ramps or lower thresholds

 Enhancing lighting and task lighting

As a full service home health care agency, Live Free Home Health Care not only provides traditional l in-home care offerings based on each client’s needs, but can also recommend local contractors who are experienced in home renovations for seniors or disabled persons. For more links to information on universal design tips, click here.

Tags:   better quality of life, home safety

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Tuesday, June 01, 2010

How to win the tug of war between independence and safety

Most people prefer to age in their own homes, not simply because it feels most familiar and comforting, but because it helps them maintain a feeling of independence. But as eyesight starts to fail and mobility falter, oftentimes a tug of war begins between wishing to fulfill a parent’s desires to remain home and believing the parent may be unsafe at home.

However, there are ways to win both sides of this argument. A few home modifications and a little extra care from a compassionate, experienced caregiver can make all the difference. What should a home contain to age in place?

 A master bedroom and bath on the first floor

 A low or no-threshold entrance to the home with an overhang

 Lever-style door handles

 No change in levels on the main floor

 Bright lighting in all areas, especially places like stairways

 A low-maintenance exterior

 Non-slip flooring at the main entryway

 An open floor plan, especially in the kitchen/dining area

 Handrails at all steps

These are just a few tips. To read more, click here, or for a free in-home safety assessment, call (603) 217-0149.

Tags:   better quality of life, eldercare, home safety

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