For many seniors, a trip to the doctor’s office for a checkup or prescription refill can be a laborious task. Physical limitations, illnesses, aches and pains and lack of access to transportation can make even a routine doctor’s visit a challenge. For these older adults, home visits by a physician can be the best way to get the medical care that they require. Many healthcare agencies around the United States specialize in home doctor’s visits for elderly patients. The staff of these house call organizations are medically trained doctors and nurses, who often have had specific expertise in geriatric care. The idea of in home doctor’s visits is to bring all the medical services a senior would typically receive at their physician’s office, without ever leaving home.

When physician’s and nurses pay house calls to seniors who are homebound, they are prepared to complete routine checkups to assess the elderly patient’s health. They are also able to write prescriptions, manage IV’s, complete lab work, administer x-rays and EKG’s and assess and monitor illnesses.

Medicare does offer coverage for in home medical care for those who receive Part A benefits. In order to receive Medicare benefits for doctor’s visits at home, seniors must be classified as homebound, due to specific limitations that relate to physical and mental capabilities. In some cases, Medicare will provide coverage for patients who are not isolated to their homes, provided their situation justifies in home care by a medical practitioner. Doctors who also specialize in providing house calls to the elderly also mention that Medicare covers services documented due to immobility, the need to assess in home caregiving and safety in the home, and other reasons that may prevent a senior from going to a medical office.

Medicare will not cover home visits by a physician for senior assistance with Activities of Daily Living or for those who are chronically ill. Those who do not qualify for coverage of home visits by a doctor should consider hiring an in home, non-medical caregiver for assistance with the Activities of Daily Living that they’re finding to be too much for them.

Sources: http://www.aahcp.org/homebound.shtml
http://www.seniorresourcesonline.com/articles.iml?category=Medicare
http://www.drshomevisits.com/services.html
http://www.housecalldoctorstexas.com/services.asp

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Q1 – Fact or fiction; seniors are at a greater risk for cancer?
A1 – As we grow old, the risk of developing cancer does increase slightly. The aging process lowers stress tolerance, which can impact the functioning of major organ systems and seniors may have weaker immune systems which puts them at a higher risk for cancer than younger generations. Statistics indicate that the elderly are at a much greater risk for certain types of cancer than younger Americans.

Q2 – Are there specific times of cancer that are more prevalent in seniors?
A2 – The number one form of cancer that elderly women are at risk for is breast cancer. Statistics show that by age 80, 1 in 10 women are likely to be exposed to breast cancer; a great increase compared to 1 in 2,212 at age 30. For every decade of life, the risk of developing breast cancer increases in women. Studies have also shown that men with diabetes are more likely to develop rectal or colon cancer. Since the risk of contracting diabetes increases with age, especially in senior men who struggle with obesity, the risk of colorectal cancer also increases with age. Other types of cancer, like cervical cancer, are actually more prevalent in younger generations; however the risk does still exist for women and seniors over the age of 40, with an increased risk for those struggling with other health problems.

Q3 – Is there any way for seniors to determine if they have risk factors that could contribute to the development of cancer?
A3 – Family history and overall health both play a major role in preventing cancer. Older adults should be aware of their relatives’ history with cancer so a physician can setup appropriate screening. Seniors can reduce their risk factors with diet and exercise; maintaining a healthy weight and keeping their immune system strong. Seniors can reduce the likelihood of cancer with knowledge and healthy living.

Sources: http://www.imaginis.com/cervical-cancer/risk_factors.asp
http://seniorhealth.about.com/od/cancer/a/br_cancer_age.htm
http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=3701&channel_id=12&relation_id=30096
http://www.springerlink.com/content/l7630l71t816g513/

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Q1 – Why should seniors read?
A1 – Reading offers an escape for seniors which let’s them use their imaginations, build their vocabulary, requires memory and problem-solving.

Q2 – Is there an additional benefit for seniors who join book groups?
A2 – Having the opportunity to discuss reading materials with someone else that has read them uses problem-solving and builds cognitive skills through friendly debate.

Q3 – Are there options for seniors with vision problems?
A3 – Seniors who enjoy reading, but have challenges due to their vision can buy large-print books or audio recordings on CD.

Q4 – Are there magazines that address senior issues specifically?
A4 – There are a number of magazines on the market that are written specifically for seniors. Some cover a variety of topics, like the well-known AARP magazines, while others focus on specific areas of life, including exercise and health, retirement, travel and more.

Q5 – Why should seniors read publications that specialize in writing for them?
A5 – Of course seniors have the ability to read publications suited for any age, but by reading things made for their demographic they learn about things that impact them specifically, have insight into other’s reflections on aging and help to support the senior community.

Q6 – Where can I find books that are good for seniors?
A6 – SuddenlySenior.com put together a comprehensive list in 2006 that provides recommendations for seniors, including both fiction and non-fiction publications.

Sources: http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Cultures_and_Groups/Seniors/Magazines/
http://seniorwriter.blogspot.com/2008/06/poetry-especially-for-seniors-book.html
http://www.suddenlysenior.com/books2004.html

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Back up care for working families:

Below are key findings from the 2008 Back up Care Survey conducted by Work Options Group.

The question asked was, “If back-up care was not offered, what would you have done?”

• 71 percent would have missed work to provide care for their loved one
• 14 percent would have conducted an independent search for short-term care
• 13 percent would have asked friends or family to provide care for their loved one
• 2 percent said they worked from home, changed their work schedule or brought their child to work.

Work Options Group serves as a third-party liaison to link employees of companies with a network of service contractors who can help them provide back-up care for loved ones of any age – from infants and school-aged children, to adults and seniors.

One of those contractors who works on behalf of seniors is Home Instead Senior Care, an international franchise company with 800 offices worldwide.  The company’s CAREGivers go into the homes and care communities of older adults to keep them independent.  Through these types of relationships, you could locate the help you need in a moment’s notice.

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care San Francisco, please contact us at the number below. For more information about the survey, log on to http://www.workoptionsgroup.com/press_release_survey.html.

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

In most cases, seniors and decision-makers wait too long before addressing the need for senior care.  The result of this is that health may decline either quickly or progressively because the senior may not be taking their medications correctly, eating a well balanced diet or following the orders of their health care professionals.  The other possibility is that they will grow weak and have a fall causing them to be hospitalized.  All of these problems can be avoided if families see the signs of decline and move swiftly to ensure they have the help they need at home.

Two-thirds of seniors report obtaining care after they have what they describe as a “pivotal incident.”  A pivotal incident is commonly defined as a fall or other kind of accident.  However, in most cases the incident is actually the result of a chronic condition sucn as arthritis or dementia that should have been addressed much sooner.

In the course of dealing with chronic and persistent conditions, there is a tipping point where decision-makers decide that care has grown beyond their capacity.  The age of the senior when this tipping point is usually reached may be anywhere between 70 and 90, depending on a wide variety of individual factors.  A relatively small number of seniors, 10 percent are under 70 when they are recommended for senior home care.

Average Age Recommended for In-Home Senior Care:

Age: % Recommended:

50-60                        2%

60-70                        7%

70-80                        43%

80-90                        49%

90+                            0%

By working with either an independent care manager or a professional, who understands the changes that seniors go through that lead up to needing either assisted living or assistance at home, families can stay ahead of their seniors needs.  Home Instead Senior Care can conduct in home assessments to help with the process of understanding the maze of options available.

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

A recent study with 40 drivers diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and 115 elderly drivers without this diagnosis underwent a combination of off-road tests measuring thinking, movement and their visual skills. Each participant drove a 35-mile route within and outside a city. Driving safety errors were recorded by a driving expert, based on a video review of the drive.

Research in the study found that drivers with Alzheimer’s disease committed an average of 42 safety mistakes, or 27 percent more errors than those made by the drivers without Alzheimer’s disease, who committed an average of 33 safety errors on the test drive. The most common mistakes were lane violations. For every five years older the participant was, the number of safety errors went up by about two and a half, whether or not the driver had Alzheimer’s disease.

Among the study drivers with Alzheimer’s disease, those who performed better on the off-road tests also made fewer on-road safety errors.

Read full story.

Thirty-three percent of current seniors have accidents each year. The annual number of hip fractures alone is 350,000. But, Baby Boomers are healthier and more active than previous generations. More than 70 percent report good mental and physical health, but precisely because they are more active. Boomers have more accidents than previous generations. Biking, running, skiing and other activities send Boomers to the emergency room far more frequently than previous generations.

And despite the overall good health of their generation, 30 percent of Boomers are already suffering from debilitating health issues that are usually associated with old age, such as Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis.

Arthritis is the most common condition that affects seniors. Another emerging area of concern is obesity. In 2002, 30 percent of Boomers were reported as obese. That number is expected to grow to 42 percent by 2025. Obesity makes daily activities much more difficult and increases the likelihood of other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke.

Most Common Conditions Impacting Senior:

10% General Dementia
3% Parkinson’s Disease
12% Orthopedic Condition
12% Depression
12% Alzheimer’s Disease
30% Multiple Sclerosis
12% Arthiritis
23% Other

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Today we are presenting some more information that came out of the largest study that was conducted on the state of senior caregiving in America.  These results just came out recently and if you would like a full copy of the report contact us to receive an electronic version.

The Importance of Home was another factor they looked at and the study found that an overwhelming majority (86 percent) of elderly want to be cared for at home for as long as possible. This is consistent with several other studies, including an AARP survey that found 89 percent of elderly would prefer in home care as opposed to assisted living or nursing homes.

The Home Instead survey also examined the views of family decision-makers about the desirability of their relatives continuing to age in place. The study found a strong correlation: 76 percent of decision-makers believe it is important for their loved one to be able to stay at home and to have in home care when the time comes that they need extra help.

So why are so many elderly people moving from their homes or being advised to move from their homes into Assisted Living Communities?  We would love to hear your thoughts on this question - please leave us a comment.

Source:  When the Age Wave Hits: The State of Senior Caregiving in America by Home Instead Senior Care, January 2009.

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

Home Instead Senior Care San Francisco offers services such as assistance with shopping, cooking, and household cleaning and laundry, as well as providing incidental transportation to appointments like trips to the salon or stylist.

Most seniors enjoy a clean home but as older adults, they become less steady. The following safety tips from the Home Safety Council (http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/index.aspx) and Home Instead Senior Care can help:

• Keep stairs, steps, landings and all floors clear of clutter
• Carry loads you can see over, and keep one hand free to hold banisters and railings
• Safely tuck telephone and electrical cords out of walkways
• Always use a ladder, if you need to climb - but get others to do the climbing
• Pay close attention to product label safety such as wearing gloves and masks when using harsh products
• DO NOT mix household cleaning products together, since their contents can react and cause deadly results
• Read labels carefully on all products and medications
• Separate those which say “Caution,” “Warning,” “Danger” or “Poison.”
• Always empty cleaning buckets after use, and store them upside down
• Make sure the water heater is set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy, along with a fully stocked first-aid kit
• Post emergency telephone numbers near every phone in the house
• When cleaning becomes too challenging, a reputable cleaning firm might be the answer

Or, better yet, consider hiring a senior-care companion to assist around the house. Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGivers are screened, bonded, insured and equipped to help keep seniors living independently in their homes. CAREGivers assist clients with tasks like laundry, meal preparation, medication reminders, errands and shopping-in addition to providing cleaning support.