Most of us take for granted the human body’s ability to maintain and regulate temperature (maintaining this equilibrium is part of what’s called homeostasis). We all sweat when we’re warm and shiver when we’re cold, but the physiologic picture becomes more complex for elders, whose bodies may lose their ability to self-regulate temperature effectively.

The results of overexposure to heat can be severe, and may include:
• heat exhaustion
• dehydration
• cardiovascular problems
• unconsciousness
• and even death

Elders are also more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions that may exacerbate the negative effects of heat exposure.  Some prescription medications can also negatively affect the body’s ability to regulate and maintain a stable temperature. Combine these risks, and it’s easy to see why seniors and their caregivers should be especially vigilant for signs of heat-related illness. Other risk factors include obesity, use of non-prescribed drugs, and alcohol use.

Spotting the Signs of Heat Stress Early

One way to address the increased risk for heat-related illness among elders is to understand the physiologic signs. These may include:

• Heat rash — a mild skin irritation caused by excessive perspiration.
• Muscle cramps — often caused by loss of critical electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium), often as a side-effect of dehydration.
• Heat exhaustion (or heat stroke) — when perspiration fails to cool the body adequately, body temperature can rise quickly to dangerous levels. Symptoms include throbbing headache, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, body temp > 103ºF, nausea, confusion, muscle twitches, loss of consciousness, and seizures. If untreated, heat sickness can be fatal.
  

Preventing Heat-related Illness among Seniors

Heat-related illness does not require extreme temperatures. It can occur during what most would consider a pleasant summer day, if other conditions (such as dehydration or pre-existing health problems) are present. So while one person may be asymptomatic, another may already be exhibiting signs of heat-related stress.
So how can you help prevent heat-related health problems before they occur? Here are some tips you use as a guide…

• Stay hydrated. Hydration is a key weapon in the fight against heat-related health problems. Dehydration can result in electrolyte imbalances (depleted sodium and potassium levels) and can greatly exacerbate the effects of heat sickness. Adults should consume 5 to 6 8oz glasses of water (not coffee, alcohol, or sweetened soft drinks) daily.
• Keep your body cool. When air-conditioning isn’t an option, it’s important to take other measures to keep your body cool. These can include: wearing light clothing (cotton or linen), keeping sources of fresh air open, and using fans to circulate stagnant air.
• Avoid strenuous activities. Physical activity demands more energy and raises body temperature. Don’t attempt strenuous exercise or work during the hottest part of the day.
• Take a cool shower or bath. One quick way to reduce body temperature is to take a cool (not cold) shower or bath. Lightly towel dry or air dry afterward to allow for maximal body cooling.

How Home Care Can Help

Today, many independently living seniors are turning to in-home caregivers to help them manage their daily lives. A caregiver can help monitor each client’s health by…

• Preparing nutritious meals
• Ensuring healthy water consumption
• Checking that all prescription meds are taken as directed
• Assisting with bathing
• Assisting in dressing (e.g., choosing clothes appropriate to the weather)

An in-home caregiver also serves as another set of eyes—someone who knows what’s “normal” for your loved one, and can easily spot signs of dehydration or heat illness before they become severe.

We hope you find this article helpful. If you or someone you know is an independently living senior, contact 5 Star Home Care today and discover how in-home care can promote healthy living and increase quality of life. We’re eager to hear from you. Please contact us today.

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like.

The post Heat Risk Among the Elderly—How Hot Is Too Hot? appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Under-diagnosis of depression can lead to insufficient treatment and to an increase in symptom severity; however, over-diagnosis may mean that patients receive unneeded medications, which may have adverse side-effects. For this reason, it is particularly important to learn to recognize the symptoms of depression, Alzheimer’s, and dementia to identify each disorder by differential diagnosis.

Depression, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia: Shared Symptoms

One challenge to clinicians, professional caregivers, and family members are the similarities between depression, Alzheimer’s, and dementia symptoms. Among seniors, early-stage dementia, Alzheimer’s, and depression can result in:

• Memory deficits
• Withdrawal from social life
• Loss of interest in family, hobbies, etc.
• Inability to concentrate for sustained periods
• Changes in sleep patterns (over- or under-sleeping)

Reaching a complete and accurate diagnosis often depends on going beyond these initial observations and looking deeper into an individual’s complete clinical picture.

Recognizing Dementia or Alzheimer’s

While the causes of cognitive decline among seniors are not fully understood, common symptoms can include:

• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Difficulty in performing activities of daily living (cooking, dressing, bathing, toileting).

Worsening cognitive decline can prove frustrating and disheartening to those with dementia or Alzheimer’s—making it harder for them to keep up with conversations, remember daily routines, make shopping lists, follow recipes, etc. Together, feelings of frustration or disconnection can have negative effects on mood, often spawning depressive episodes. While depressive episodes among seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s may be less severe or of shorter duration, they should be taken seriously in any care plan.

Recognizing Depression

Unlike dementia and Alzheimer’s, depression is a mood disorder, with symptoms that are largely identified via a person’s affect. Depression sufferers tend to exhibit similar symptoms, which may include:
• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Persistent feelings of worthlessness
• Loss of pleasure in daily activities or interests
• Social isolation
• Reduced appetite or food consumption
• Sleep disturbances
• Agitation or irritability
• Fatigue
• Suicidal thoughts
Understanding these symptoms and learning to recognize them can help guide informed treatment decisions.

Confounding Factors

Reaching a clear diagnosis can often be confounded by other factors. These can include an elder’s prior medical history, lack of proper nutrition, and unanticipated interactions between prescribed medications.  In addition, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and depression can present concomitantly in the same patient, making diagnosis more challenging. And many patients with more advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to articulate their feelings. Taken together, these factors emphasize the need to evaluate an individual’s complete clinical picture when refining a diagnosis. 

How an In-Home Caregiver Can Help

As we age, we often need assistance in performing daily tasks such as shopping or preparing meals. An in-home caregiver can help independently living seniors meet these challenges in an autonomous setting. Plus, an in-home caregiver has the opportunity to observe each client in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of the home.

An aide can see how each client performs daily activities and can assess areas in need of help. For example, a home caregiver may notice that a client has lost interest in reading or knitting. They may notice food going spoiled in the fridge, or appointments missed on the calendar. These markers can help build a complete picture of the client’s daily life, mood, and cognitive challenges. From this unique viewpoint, an in-home caregiver can provide invaluable support, as well as keeping family members and medical personnel informed of any changes in a client’s mood or cognitive abilities. 

We hope you find this article helpful. At 5 Star Home Care, we remain committed to supporting both the physical and emotional needs of each client we serve. If you or someone you love is an independently living senior in need of in-home assistance, we’re here to help. 

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. Contact us today.

The post Depression Masking Dementia—Recognizing the Signs appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Elder Care in the Age of Coronavirus

This abrupt increase in nursing home fatalities adds to already existing pressure to reform elder care in the U.S. Right now, for example, most skilled nursing facilities have two principal income streams—long- and short-term residents. Long-term residents are those who require assistance to perform activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating. These patients currently account for about half of nursing home revenue. The short-term residents are typically former hospital patients requiring physical rehabilitation before returning home.

Unfortunately these skilled nursing centers have seen a dramatic spike in COVID-19 case rates and fatalities, making patients and families who have a choice more reluctant to place themselves or their loved ones at risk.

Transforming Traditional Nursing Home Care

Pressure to transform traditional nursing home care has come from other areas too. Advocates for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 steadfastly pointed out that in-home care is a safer, more humane, and less expensive alternative to nursing home care. In response, home care and government entities have expanded the number of senior housing units, specifically for those transitioning from nursing home to community care.

Some states, like Pennsylvania, have made strides to increase in-home care, even creating a governmental agency focused specifically on transitioning patients from nursing facilities to in-home care. Right now in Pennsylvania over 60% of patients receiving federal funds for long-term care are living outside a nursing home. This relieves the burden on skilled nursing facilities and staff, while reducing coronavirus transmission risk and providing patients with care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

Where to from Here?

The future for traditional nursing homes remains uncertain. And while there will be a continuing need for the long-term care of patients who are unable to live independently, the current trend is leaning hard toward revamping and updating the way we as a national community view elder care.

Shifting the emphasis of elder care from nursing homes to in-home care offers several distinct advantages over the current system…

• In-home care reduces the risk for acquired disease. Coronavirus has shown us the health risks of interacting within closed or semi-closed communities such as schools, prisons, and nursing homes. In fact, the risk for all communicable diseases decreases for patients who are receiving care outside an institutionalized setting.
• In-home care improves morale and health outcomes. Patients tend to recover faster and to report better mood when allowed to recuperate or receive treatment at home. 
• In-home care is less expensive. An in-home aide may visit anywhere from 2 to 7 days a week to assist a client with shopping, transportation, doctor’s appointments, and light housework. The typical cost of those services in a hospital setting is many times higher than the costs of in-home care
• A personal touch. In-home caregivers are experienced not only in providing essential services but in being good companions. Many independently living seniors report bouts of loneliness and depression.  Regular visits from a home care-aide can provide the companionship and emotional support needed for maintaining overall physical and mental health. 5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. 

Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. That’s why we work closely with each family to ensure that your loved ones get the compassionate care they need. If you or someone you know is an independently living senior who may need assistance in performing their daily activities, contact us today and discover how we can help.

The post Beyond the Pandemic: The Expanding Role of In-Home Care appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Causes of Dehydration among Seniors

To understand how best to prevent and treat dehydration in elders, it’s important to identify potential causes. Water depletion can be caused by fever, diabetes insipidus, essential hypernatremia (increased sodium levels), hypodipsia (decreased thirst), and other factors. Dehydration can be complicated by electrolyte loss that may result from diuretic medications, renal salt wastage, adrenal insufficiency, vomiting or diarrhea, excessive sweating, or even burns.

It’s also important to note that elders can perceive thirst differently than their younger counterparts. Simply “not feeling thirsty” is often cited as a reason that elders report low water intake that can lead to dehydration. And the less body fluids there are, the lower the kidney function—a dangerous cycle if left unchecked. Understanding these factors can help clinicians, home care aides, and family members prevent dehydration before it becomes a serious health problem.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Spotting the symptoms of dehydration early can help prevent more severe consequences if left unnoticed.

Mild symptoms include:

• Dry mouth
• Thickened saliva
• Difficulty passing urine
• Darkened urine
• Constipation,
• Cramping of limb muscles
• Weakness, sleepiness, and irritability.

If dehydration is left untreated, it can result in more severe effects, such as:

• Low blood pressure,
• Gastrointestinal bloating
• Rapid pulse and respiration
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Convulsions

Dehydration, UTI’s, and Dementia

Among patients with existing cognitive deficits, a fluid or electrolyte imbalance can be complicated by a urinary tract infection (UTI). Seniors with dementia often experience a spike in cognitive symptoms when they develop a concurrent UTI. Increased rates of confusion, disorientation, memory loss, and even combativeness have been seen in cognitively impaired seniors suffering from a UTI. Fortunately, antibiotic treatment over 5–10 days usually stops the UTI, and results in a return of cognitive health following treatment.

Preventing Dehydration—How Much Water is Healthy?

As a general rule, divide a person’s body weight in pounds by 3 to yield the amount of water (in ounces) that they should consume daily. For example, a 150-pound person (150 divided by 3 = 50) should consume approximately 50 ounces of water—or about 6 8-ounce cups—daily.

If your loved one isn’t consuming a sufficient amount of water daily, don’t panic. Water isn’t our only hydration source. Fruits, juices, puddings, and even power drinks like Gatorade can help maintain fluid and electrolyte levels without dramatically increasing drinking water intake.

The Role of Home Care

Independently living seniors can handle many of the challenges that life throws at them. But sometimes a little guidance and assistance are required. A visiting or live-in home care aide can help keep your loved one healthy and hydrated by:

– Gently promoting healthy water consumption

– Ensuring that fruits and other alternate water sources are available and fresh

– Checking medication dosing to ensure compliance with any anti-UTI meds

– Staying alert to any changes in behavior or cognition.

– Notifying healthcare professionals of any signs of progressive illness. 

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. 

Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like. That’s why we work closely with each family to ensure that your loved ones get the compassionate care they need. If you or someone you know is an independently living senior who may need assistance in performing their daily activities, contact us today and discover how we can help.

The post Danger of Dehydration and UTIs Among Seniors appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

If you or a loved one is a senior struggling to maintain mental acuity during this time when sources of outside activity are limited, we have a few tips that may help… 

• A healthy diet can provide your body with the essential raw materials needed for health and optimal brain function. And conversely, poor eating habits can actually worsen both physical and emotional health. Seniors with poor eating habits are more likely to report feelings of depression and listlessness than are those who consume a healthier diet. A balanced diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, high in essential vitamins and minerals. 
• Exercise has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, boost mood, and stimulates the growth of brain cells. If done regularly, even moderate exercise can have positive effects on mood and mental sharpness.  Exercise needn’t be strenuous and can easily be done at home. Ask your physician about creating a safe and effective exercise regimen for you or your loved one. Be sure to mention any physical disabilities or other health issues that might affect exercise tolerance.
• Books, puzzles, games, and brainteasers offer another way to keep seniors’ minds sharp, even in the presence of social isolation. They offer mental stimulation and improve both critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Socializing online is another great way to keep seniors connected and engaged with others. Apps such as Zoom and Facetime let seniors stay connected with loved ones and friends, whether they’re miles away or just down the hall. And they take very little tech savvy to set up and use.
• Learning a new skill can be another way to keep seniors’ minds active,  when they can’t get outdoors. The Internet is packed with tutorials that can help you or your loved one get started in the worlds of crafting, crocheting, collecting, or even learning a new language. 
• Work with an in-home caregiver who can provide critical social engagement to independently living seniors. Routine social interaction promotes mental 

If you or someone you know could benefit from in-home care, contact us today! We’re waiting to hear from you. 

With offices in Bala Cynwyd and Philadelphia, 5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like.  

The post Keeping Your Mind Sharp When Outside Activity Is Limited appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

1. What is long-term care insurance exactly?

Major medical insurance and Medicare will only cover skilled care. However, long-term care differs from traditional medical care in that you are not necessarily sick. Rather, you require assistance with the basic activities of daily living. Long-term care insurance covers these kinds of expenses in a variety of settings such as nursing homes, assisted living and home care. Agencies like 5 Star Home Care accept long-term care insurance.

2. Won’t I be covered by Medicaid if I can’t pay for long-term care?

This is a common misconception. Medicaid will not pay for long-term care until an individual has used up their assets. Obviously this is not an ideal scenario. Among many potential financial hardships, it also means there will be no inheritance for future generations. It’s also important to note that federal law states that nursing homes only have to accept a certain number of Medicaid patients if they participate. Once they reach their quota, they can refuse Medicaid patients. This can greatly limit your options, and might mean you have to choose a facility far from home. It also puts home care out of the equation for many.

3. Do I really need long-term care insurance?

Since no one can predict their health, the best you can do is evaluate the factors most likely to affect your long-term needs.

• Your age and health – Policies increase as you grow older, and some insurers won’t cover certain diagnoses. You may also want to consider purchasing your policy before you turn 64 and qualify for Medicare. With the number of preventative screenings offered, your doctor could uncover a condition that would prevent you from being approved.
• Family history – If you have a family history of certain illnesses that require long-term care, you may want to invest in long-term care insurance before you have to pay more. You may also wish to extend the number of years you’re covered depending on your family’s history. Benefit periods are usually three to five years.
• Your current income and assets – If your income is low and you have few assets when you need care, you might qualify for Medicaid fairly quickly, making long-term care insurance an unnecessary expense. See question 4 for more on this.
• Your support system – Do you have family or friends who could provide care on a regular basis? Are you comfortable with this arrangement, and are they? It’s best to have the conversation early. 5 Star Home Caregivers might be the solution, if family or friends are not able to take on this responsibility.

4. Can I afford long-term care insurance?

Since long-term policies are expensive, they may not be right for everyone. Here are some guidelines excerpted from AARP:

• If premiums are less than 5% or less of your anticipated annual retirement income, it’s likely affordable, just bear in mind that the premiums will go up over time.
• If premiums are 5% or more of your anticipated annual retirement income, make sure your budget can handle the cost, and consider the increases over time.
• If you have over $1.5 million in assets, you may have enough to fund your own long-term care.

5. Can I use long-term care insurance to pay for home care?

Yes. But keep in mind that not all policies pay the same for similar services. Be sure to ask as many questions as necessary to understand your individual policy. For example:

• Is there a waiting period before your benefits begin?
• How long is the benefit period, and when does it begin?
• What is the maximum daily benefit?

If staying in your home as you age is your preference and priority, long-term care insurance may be the right option for you. While thinking about a future where you need help taking care of yourself is the last thing you probably want to do, it’s worth it. By planning ahead you can reduce the stress on your family and give yourself a greater control over your future.

5 Star Home Care serves many clients who utilize their long-term care policy to pay for our services. Contact us to learn more so you can be prepared and make sure home care is an option.

The post 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Term Care Insurance appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

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We’d like to offer two of the best reasons to consider home care.

Reason #1 – There’s no place like home – You may have lived in your home for years and have many cherished memories. Or perhaps you simply want to retain a sense of control – and living at home represents your independence at a deep psychological level.

Regardless of your motivations, remaining in familiar surroundings is hugely positive for your physical and emotional health. Numerous studies have shown that patients recover faster in the comfort of their own home. Using home care services also allows you to:

• Continue living with your spouse or other loved ones
• Keep all your personal belongings in place (not have to downsize or move)
• Retain relationships with neighbors and friends, who can visit any time
• Keep your beloved pets, often viewed as a part of the family
• Maintain your privacy

Reason #2 – It’s all about you When your caregiver arrives, he/she is completely focused on you. You’ve selected them personally so you are always glad to see them. They know your likes and dislikes, your schedule and all your quirks. Hospitals and nursing homes are more regimented, controlled environments, whereas home care is completely designed by you. Having such a customized experience allows you to:

• Save money by choosing the services and hours of care you need
• Form a one-on-one relationship with your selected caregiver, which creates trust and comfort
• Retain your individual preferences, from how your food is prepared to when you like to have time alone
• Maintain the freedom and flexibility of your own schedule

Need help weighing the benefits and drawbacks of senior long-term care options? 5 Star Home Care can evaluate your situation and see if a home caregiver is right for you or your loved one.

The post 2 of the Best Reasons to Choose Home Care appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Stay physically active
You can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 50% through physical exercise, according to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation. Even if you’ve begun to see some memory decline, adding exercise at any age can slow further deterioration. Try to incorporate these elements:

Challenge your brain
“Brain games” have become popular lately as the rates of dementia increase in the news. Even AARP has a section of their website with games devoted to improving memory, language and attention. But these aren’t the only ways to keep your mind active. Try to mix and match these activities to incorporate skills like communication, organizing and interaction. Keep it fresh and novel.

Stay connected and engaged
This may not seem as important, but it’s just as much a priority as eating well, exercising and challenging your brain. The benefits of in-person, face-to-face communication cannot be matched for keeping your mind sharp. People who stay socially and intellectually engaged are less at risk for dementia. Here are a few ideas for combining these brain-healthy tips together:

What can you do today to keep your mind sharp?
Need help to plan healthy meals, get more exercise, or stay in touch with friends and family? 5 Star Home Caregivers can give you the support you need to keep you physically and cognitively strong well into the future.

The post How to Keep the Mind Sharp as You Age appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

Here are 10 signs that your loved one may have depression:

7. Loss of Concentration
Losing concentration or focus is a classic sign of depression. In older adults, this may be dismissed as a natural part of aging, but that’s not always the case. If your loved one is exhibiting several symptoms of depression, treating the depression may also resolve memory and focus problems as well.

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