Managing medications is important for anyone who relies on medication to control physical or mental conditions. Medication errors such as improper dosage and missed doses can cause side effects that can sometimes lead to chronic conditions. Not receiving the proper dosage can also reduce the effectiveness of the control that the medication has over the condition. These errors can lead to unnecessary hospitalizations and costs, and may cause health to decline. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 200,000 elderly adults are hospitalized every year in the United States due to medication errors.

Dementia causes challenges and changes for the whole family of the individual that receives the diagnosis.

Kristie Iavisile, ComForcare Franchise Development Manager

Ricki Wilkins, ComForcare Franchise Development Manager

(originally posted here)

How has the industry changed from your perspective in the last few years?

The home health industry has grown larger than ever with the expanded needs of the aging baby boomer population.  It has also gotten more sophisticated, requiring owners to have depth in management and marketing skills. Compliance and professional standards are becoming the norm in many states.  For example, twenty nine states now have licensing requirements.  More will come.

Originally posted on the ComForcare Franchise blog

When a loved one needs assistance with senior care, everyone wants to make sure that the senior care provider that is chosen is going to provide the best service available. To achieve the highest level of care, the specific needs of the loved one should be taken into consideration. The family should discuss what type of care would best meet the needs of the family member. If the family member is capable, they should be included in the discussion. Several different senior care providers should then be interviewed to determine the best fit.

When symptoms of dementia begin to manifest and a dementia diagnosis is made, it can be daunting for an individual. Feelings of vulnerability and inadequacy often accompany a dementia diagnosis. Treating a person that has received a dementia diagnosis with respect and compassion may help to assuage these feelings.

A study done by the Boston University of Medicine indicates that there is a link between the nutrient choline and improved memory function. Choline has been found to increase communication between brain cells. This reaction has resulted in the use of choline in many dementia medications. Certain commonly used medications have been found to decrease levels of choline, however. The study showed that loss of choline is associated with impaired cognitive function, which may worsen dementia symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that affects cognitive functions. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, individuals’ needs may change, requiring different types and levels of care. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but with treatment and proper care, the disease can be managed so that affected individuals continue to enjoy a high quality of life.

Communicating may become difficult for those who have dementia. Dementia affects different areas of the brain and may impact a person’s ability to communicate affectively through both speech and body language. Dementia may also affect the person’s ability to understand and process information that is being communicated. Communication is crucial for maintaining a positive environment, so it is very important that those in association with dementia sufferers take the time to understand and communicate successfully.

Positive Interaction

The BBC recently posted a story about how those with dementia can have their memories triggered by being shown old photographs.