In our San Francisco practice when we work with families to encourage their senior members to stop driving, we encourage them to maintain their independence by using the public transportation that is available in the area. However, we do make sure that they are also aware of the potential risks and encourage them to take the following precautions:

1. Get on and off transportation with caution – when getting in or out of a vehicle, like a bus, be aware of uneven pavement or other hazards that could result in tripping, falls, or twisting of ankles

2. Have bus fare ready – fumbling around for change when a bus is starting to move can result in losing balance, have it ready before you get on the bus

3. Brace yourself – when a bus, subway or streetcar is turning or stopping, make sure you’re sitting or brace yourself to ensure you don’t lose your balance

4. Watch the gap – when stepping off the curb onto a bus, or a subway platform into the vehicle, be aware that there might be a gap between where you’re standing and the vehicle

5. Let others go first – before getting onto a bus or subway, let others exit first. You can also let others get ahead of you at the vehicle’s doors when waiting to get off so you don’t get pushed

6. Watch for closing doors – on a subway or streetcar where doors automatically open and close, never try to go through doors as they’re closing

7. Don’t get on if it’s too crowded – if public transportation is too crowded, wait for the next one. Or when getting on make sure you get a seat; many vehicles have reserved seating for seniors and people with disabilities. If the seats are taken by people who don’t fit this criteria, don’t hesitate to ask them to move or ask the driver to assist you

8. Keep hands free – don’t carry too many things in your hands, so you can adequately hold on to railings

9. Ask a bus driver to lower the steps – most buses are equipped with ramps and stairs that lower to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs, if you’re worried about getting up or down the stairs, ask them to lower it

10. Get there safely- if walking at night, wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, be careful when crossing streets, and remember to buckle up if taking a taxi

Via: About.com

image: jupiterimages.com

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.

Does an older adult in your life have a San Francisco caregiver come into his/her home to help with day-to-day tasks so they can get through the day in safety and comfort? You might not know much about the background of your caregiver sent from Home Instead Senior Care, so here are a few details to help you feel even more confident about your choice.

Home Instead Senior Care looks for specific traits in each of their caregivers, and even in their administrative staff so that teamwork and a healthy work environment is promoted.

The traits of  Home Instead Senior Caregivers:

• Dependability - work history and employment reference checks are completed for all staff members
• Honesty - drug test and background checks are completed by HISC
• Experience – personal or professional experience in the senior care industry or dealing with senior citizens is considered
• Compassion – a sense of compassion for giving seniors a better quality of life is looked for during the interview process
• Motivation – someone who is motivated in everything they do is better suited to ensuring that seniors are provided the highest quality of care

HISC also has a Caregiver Leadership Training Program that focuses on creating a fantastic caregiver experience by focusing on the following elements:

• Treating CAREGivers with dignity and respect
• Nurturing positive relationships
• Showing appreciation
• Humanizing and professionalizing the caregiving journey
• Connecting CAREGivers to Home Instead, its mission and other CAREGivers
• Dealing with issues openly and honestly.

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.

We all think that it won’t happen to us – but prostate cancer is a disease that affects many men throughout the United States, and many of these people do not even know that they have it until the later stages of the disease due to the lack of symptoms. Screening for a diagnosis may not be for everyone, but all senior men must be aware of the resources available to them and take a long and hard look about their options, because those choices could be responsible for saving their life.

1. Talk to your San Francisco doctor about screening – prostate cancer screening can cause discomfort and be a substantial expense; however, in many cases it is crucial as often symptoms do not surface until the disease has progressed to the later stages. The age to start discussing prostate cancer screening is 40 for those of African American descent, and those with a history of prostate cancer in their families. All other men should speak to their physician by age 50
2. Understand the screening options – there are two main tests used to screen for prostate cancer, which can help detect the disease so it can be treated, if necessary, before symptoms even occur:

• Digital Rectal Exam – a physician places a gloved hand into the patient’s rectum to feel the prostate and determine if any lumps or anything else unusual are present

• Prostate Specific Antigen Test – a blood test that looks at the enzyme levels produced by the prostate, anything above the normal range of 0 to 4.0 may indicate cancer

3. Know the symptoms – even if you’ve decided against preventative screening, knowing the symptoms of prostate cancer can help you to receive medical help when it’s required. The most common symptom is a more frequent need to urinate accompanied by an inability to empty the bladder completely. Some seniors may also find sexual dysfunction or blood in ejaculate fluid
4. Decide whether it’s important to you to receive a diagnosis, preliminary or otherwise – prostate cancer most often moves very slowly in senior men, and the vast majority die of other causes and not the prostate cancer. It’s important to evaluate whether a diagnosis is important to you, because if you choose not to receive treatment, it might just cause additional emotional stress

Via: How To Do Things

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.

Seniors suffering with prostate cancer might not find simple answers when it comes to getting over the disease physically, but there are ways to deal with prostate cancer emotionally.

6 tips for dealing with prostate cancer:

1. Embrace knowledge – knowledge really is power, so research the disease, the symptoms, and the treatment options so you know exactly what to expect from it. At a time when you might feel hopeless, this can help you regain a sense of power over the situation
2. Accept support – you don’t have to do it alone; accept support from family and friends to the degree that you’re comfortable with and form a united front against the disease. You can even join a support group for other seniors with similar struggles
3. Recognize your partner’s struggles – even if you have the disease, your partner is suffering almost as much at the time of diagnosis. Don’t shut her out; try to get through it together
4. Don’t let it affect your masculinity – many men fear prostate cancer because it can mean loss of sexual function. Not all options lead to this, so do your research so you can make an informed decision. Also know that whatever happens, you aren’t less of a man, and no one who loves you would ever think that!
5. Be honest – don’t hold back; recognize your physical symptoms and share them with your doctor. Also don’t hesitate to let him/her know if you want a second opinion form another San Francisco doctor, or if you’re uncomfortable with a treatment option
6. Keep pushing forward – no matter what happens, don’t accept defeat. Keep things going, never stop looking for knowledge, and never allow anyone else to make decisions for you as long as you’re able

Via: Prostate Cancer Institute

Bio-Medicine

Image Source: jupiterimages.com

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.

Caring for an elderly parent or loved one can be incredibly stressful. Although it’s rewarding, it’s caregivers who are responsible for the day-to-day activities of a senior, while all the time being a witness to the changes that someone they love is undergoing. The physical and emotional burden of caregiving can really take a toll on caregivers, so the last thing that they need is to struggle to find resources that can help them and their loved ones leave more satisfying lives. Here are 3 ways seniors can access San Francisco senior resources:

1. Find out what local eldercare services are available in your area – contact the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 so you know what’s available near your loved one’s San Francisco home and how you can get in touch to arrange services.
2. Know which services your senior qualifies for – NCOA has developed an online questionnaire which allows caregivers and seniors to take a survey that helps them determine which services and benefits that they may qualify for. Visit www.benefitscheckup.org to learn about eligible benefit programs for prescriptions, utilities and health care.
3. Understand seniors rights and know how to get assistance – whether you are helping a parent or senior loved one prepare a will, dealing with a situation where a senior has been abused or neglected, or simply want a professional to help explain the legal rights of seniors, knowing where and how to get legal assistance is crucial. Many organizations provide pro bono legal representation for seniors. Contact the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging or use the Eldercare Locator to find other resources.

Via: The University of Vermont

Image: pro.corbis.com

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.

Seniors are already at a disadvantage when it comes to driving safely as physical changes and health changes can impact their reaction time and ability to interpret situation when on the San Francisco roads in their cars. Fortunately, 48% of seniors are thinking safety first when it comes to driving with a cell phone, but for those remaining 52% of San Francisco seniors who are talking while driving, need to make sure they remain safe with 4 simple tips:

1. Only use cell phone with hands free options – headsets, speaker phones and other gadgets can allow San Francisco seniors to talk in the car without having to risk their safety by driving one handed
2. Don’t dial while driving – trying to dial, text, or send an email while driving using a cell phone can result in serious distraction behind the wheel. Seniors should set up voice dialing if they plan on making calls anyways while driving, or only make calls when the car is stopped
3. Have a friend make the call – when driving with a friend, a senior driver can pass the phone off to someone else to make a phone call or answer a ringing cell phone if it’s urgent
4. Turn off the phone – having a phone on and ringing can make it tempting to answer when it rings in the car. By shutting it off, seniors can stop themselves from making and receiving calls; however, the phone is still present for emergencies

Via: About

mage: pro.corbis.com

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.

As a senior caregiver, you want to make sure that your San Francisco senior is prepared for every possible situation. Since you can’t be there all the time, unless you live in the same home, it’s important to ensure that they have an emergency kit ready in their home that will help them to survive a natural disaster or terrorist attack, even if they’re on there own. Go through the following list of 12 items that you need in an emergency kit with your seniors, and put them together in an accessible area of the home where a senior can get to them when required.

• Water – one gallon of water per person, per day with enough for at least 3 days

• Food – non-perishable food items should be in an emergency kit, with enough to survive on for at least 3 days. If canned items are included, don’t forget the manual can opener!

• Radio – a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio will keep you informed about the state of the emergency situation, and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert will notify you if a natural disaster is approaching

• Light – a flashlight and lots of extra batteries is crucial, especially if the electricity is out

• First Aid Kit – bandaids and antiseptic along with spare necessary prescription medications should be included

• A whistle – this should be used to signal for help

• Dust mask – this will help you to filter contaminated air

• Shelter – plastic sheeting and tarp and duct tape can be used to create a temporary shelter if needed

• Items for personal sanitation – if there is no water available, moist towelettes and garbage bags will be handy

• Tools – wrench, pliers or other tools can be used to turn off utilities in the home

• Maps of the area and your documented escape route and emergency plan

• Pet supplies – remember, that in an emergency, your pet may need supplies such as food for days too!

Sources:

1. Ready.gov http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/older_americans.pdf

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.

I work at a San Francisco hospital where we see many seniors coming through the door for various illnesses and ailments, but with summer here, many of the older adults coming in for treatment and examination are finding themselves there due to inadequate knowledge of the effects of this hot summer heat on people of their age. While at 20 you might have been able to lie out on a beach all day, not worrying about hats, sunscreen, or how much water you’re drinking; at 60, you are much more sensitive to the heat and need to take some precautions so you don’t find yourself paying me and my colleagues a visit. Protecting yourself from the sun may seem unnecessary – but you won’t think that once you find yourself with an expensive medical bill for dehydration or heat stroke just because you failed to drink enough water or wear a hat!

Here’s how you can protect yourself from the effects of the summer heat here in San Francisco:

1) Keep hydrated with cool beverages and avoid caffeine and alcohol. If you are a senior who has been told by a San Francisco doctor to limit water consumption, check first how much you should drink when it’s the heat of the summer
2) Remain indoors during the high heat of the day. Get out in the early morning or evening when the sun is not as hot
3) Seek cover when outside in the heat either by bringing an umbrella to your outdoor location or finding a big shady tree to sit under
4) Remember your sunscreen and protective clothing. A hat will help protect you from heat stroke, and loose, light clothing which has long sleeves and pants will protect from UV rays.
5) Avoid strenuous activities outside. During the summer months, exercise indoors in air conditioning to ensure there are no detrimental effects to your health as an older adult
6) Pack juicy snacks when outside to keep cool. Fruits, light summer salad, juices, popsicles and even ice cream can all help seniors to keep their body temperatures down during the summer
7) Stay cool by taking tepid showers or baths when needed
Get lots of rest, especially when coming in from the heat

Sources:
1. CDC

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.

Some aspects of getting older stink, both figuratively and literally, and if you’re an older San Francisco adult who still manages to balance a career with some limitations that can develop with aging, then you are well aware of the challenges involved. Urinary incontinence is one embarrassing issue that might keep you from commanding respect from the office, and might cause your co-workers to pry into your personal issues. If this is an aging issue holding you back in your career, then keep on reading for ten ways to avoid embarrassment at the office due to incontinence:

1) Get the right pads – menstrual pads are not designed the same as pads for incontinence, get some good quality absorbent pads that can also help to control odor. These will come in handy during a long, important meeting when you can’t escape to the bathroom
2) Practice odor prevention – some incontinence products release a pleasant odor when in contact with fluid, or you can buy sprays to help control the effects of incontinence
3) Use a tampon – for women, tampons also put pressure on the urethra which can also help to control leaks that come with incontinence
4) Watch what you drink – despite the need to remain hydrated, during a long meeting, avoid drinking too much water or coffee, otherwise you’ll have a full bladder and might leak when you stand
5) Consider your wardrobe – choosing darker colored suits for the office will help to mask the presence of fluid
6) Do kegels – to strengthen bladder muscles, regularly contract the muscles you’d use to stop the flow of urine
7) Train your bladder – try to slowly increase the time between bathroom visits until you can go between 3-4 hours between trips
Use a pessary – most common to help bladder weakness after pregnancy, a pessary can help to control incontinence
9) Use deep breathing – when you feel the urge to go, practice deep breathing for 5 minutes until the need passes.
10)  Tighten the pelvic muscles – when you’re going to laugh or cough, tighten the pelvic muscles to prevent leakage

Sources:

1. Web MD
2. Wikipedia

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

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.

Q – Is there a certain age that exercise no longer benefits seniors? My mom’s San Francisco doctor is encouraging my mom to begin resistance training in order to improve her strength, but I have to wonder if at her age, the benefits will be the same as they would be in a younger person?

A – According to a recent study, resistance training doesn’t actually benefit San Francisco women over 80 like we thought. Women who participated in this study began a weight lifting regiment and the results were verified with an MRI. It turned out that these women didn’t actually gain muscle mass. However, that’s not to say that there aren’t benefits – since while muscle mass did not increase in the older adults over 80, they did increase their strength by as much as 23% which can help them in their day-to-day lives. Having stronger muscles means that seniors are better able to care for themselves, getting out of bed, out of the bathtub or picking up a grandchild.

Sources:

1. Health Discovery Canada

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

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.