Did you know that over half of male premature deaths are preventable? That men lead women in 14 out of 15 of the top causes of death in the United States? Simple screening tests can have a dramatic effect on preventing premature death, and there’s no better reason to get Dad to the doctor.

The experts at the University of Maryland offer a list of recommended screenings to make it easy for men to get checked for the right things:

Heart Health. Cardiovascular disease kills almost half a million men each year. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are early starters and can begin in males as early as their thirties. Risk factors include high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol—things that men usually feel invulnerable to, and usually are linked to diet. Unfortunately many men do not pay attention to potential heart problems, even if there is a family history.

Recommendations:

—Blood pressure: If one out of every four men has high blood pressure, why are so many men unaware that they have it? Sometimes called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure has no noticeable symptoms until other serious problems occur. Blood pressure should be checked at least every two years, starting at age 18, or more frequently if you have other risk factors or high blood pressure generally. If you don’t have time for an appointment with your doctor or a health care provider, that’s no excuse—visit your neighborhood fire station for a free blood pressure check-up.

—Cholesterol: Blood cholesterol for adults is classified by levels. Your healthcare provider must interpret your cholesterol numbers based on other risk factors such as age, gender, family history, race, smoking, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes. A lipid panel test (a simple blood test that measures blood fats such as cholesterol or triglyceride) is recommended for all men age 35 and up, although checkups should start much earlier if heart disease runs in the family.

Diabetes. This chronic disease is not to be ignored; it can be life threatening if it is not controlled. Complications are serious and extensive, and include heart disease and stroke, blindness or vision problems, nerve damage, kidney damage, gum disease, sleep apnea, and depression. Risk factors include: obesity, a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fat levels, and an inactive lifestyle.

Recommendations: According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, men age 45 or over, especially those who are overweight, should be screened for diabetes. Testing is also strongly recommended in men younger than 45 who are overweight with one or more risk factors. If results are normal, testing is recommended every three years.

Prostate Health. Not always an easy topic to discuss, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer. But the best way to avoid it is to catch prostate problems early, when chances of successful treatment are better.

Recommendations: Two prostate screening tests are advised: a physical exam, and a blood test, called a prostate specific antigen test. Dr. Michael J. Naslund of the University of Maryland School of Medicine recommends that men begin the physical exam and the PSA test at age 50. Two groups at higher risk for prostate cancer—men with a family history of the cancer and African-American men—should begin the screening when they are 40.

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of non-skin cancer in men, after prostate cancer and lung cancer. Healthcare providers suggest one or more tests for colorectal cancer screening. These include a colonoscopy, which is used to visually examine the lining of the large intestine. Other screening methods include virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and double contrast barium.

Recommendations: The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, men at average risk for developing colorectal cancer receive a colonoscopy every 10 years; or a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; or a virtual colonoscopy every five years. Men with a family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps or a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease should begin screening earlier.

Skin Cancer. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, men are more likely to develop skin cancers than women; again, men are more likely to feel impervious to danger in this area. One form of skin cancer, called melanoma, causes about 73 percent of skin cancer deaths.

Recommendations: A monthly mole self-exam should be performed by men in all age groups. In addition, starting at age 20, a doctor should do a mole exam every three years. For men 40 and older, a doctor should do a mole exam every year. Plus, encourage Dad to wear sunscreen when outdoors for skin protection.

Additional Screening

The University of Maryland team also reminds men to speak with their healthcare provider about the right schedule for dental exams, vision and hearing care screenings and immunizations.

For a consultation on how to deal with aging parents, contact Karen Fazio at Right At Home, Central Orange County for more details. Call the office on (714) 730-2647 or fill out this form and someone will contact you soon.

On most occasions, they are only gone briefly, but any time they wander it causes panic on the part of the loved ones. Sometimes, the patients’ time away can be an extended period of time and, tragically, each year presents cases of Alzheimer’s patients who become missing-persons cases. What is hard to hear, but true, is that if a person with dementia is not located within 24 hours, he or she is likely to suffer a serious injury, such as a fall, or even death from injury or exposure to the elements. This statistic makes it difficult for any family caregiver to fully relax at any time while looking after a loved one with dementia.

The term “wandering” is rather misleading in this case, as geriatric specialists point out that many patients are not on a purposeless mission; rather, they are looking for a thing or location but cannot find it. This is due to the memory loss, confusion and disorientation that makes it difficult for them to recognize familiar faces and places, even the home they’ve lived in for 40 years, or the spouse they’ve been married to for 60 years. Some patients can find themselves re-enacting habits from years ago, like thinking it’s time to get ready to go to the job they’ve been retired from for years, or looking for children that they imagine are still in their infancy, when in actuality they are middle aged and not in need of care.

When dementia starts causing a loved one to wander, the first reaction is usually to discuss a nursing home or memory care community. But, in truth, it is better for the patient to stay at home in familiar surroundings. But how can they safely live at home? One solution is in-home care. A professional caregiver can support the patient and their family in many important ways:

1. Respite: A home health aide can fill in where necessary to provide respite for family caregivers, allowing them a break to renew their energy levels and deal with other responsibilities. Overnight care can also be arranged if the patient is prone to nightly wandering.
2. Decreasing disorientation: When memory loss interferes with the routine of daily living, a patient’s wandering will increase. With a home health aide, your loved one can maintain their daily routine of meals, toileting, grooming and other activities.
3. Supervised “safe” wandering: Not only can physical activity promote better sleep and reduce agitation, it gives a dementia patient a sense of independence. An in-home caregiver can accompany a loved one on an outing like a walk in the park.
4. Reduce boredom: Appropriate stimulation and activity is important for dementia or memory loss patients, as boredom is stressful and causes increased wandering. After a consultation with the family, an in-home caregiver will find activities that are appropriate and will improve their loved one’s quality of life. Easy domestic chores like folding laundry or helping in the kitchen, music, dancing and even something as simple as conversation can be purposeful tasks that calm people in the early and middle stages of Alzheimer’s.
5. Medication management: Alzheimer’s may not be the only condition that a loved one is taking medication for, and as with all medication, it needs to be taken correctly. It is also very important to be on the watch for symptoms that may signify side effects that could affect wandering or behavioral changes. An in-home caregiver can organize medications, be alert for side effects and provide reminders to a patient for dosage.

For more information on this topic, visit the Right At Home website. For advice and consultation on the right care for your parent or older adult family member, please feel free to contact me, Karen Fazio, at Right At Home Central Orange County. Contact me by calling the office on (714) 730-2647 or via email at rahirvine@att.net.

Although there is no cure—yet—for cases of hypertension on its own, the condition can be controlled effectively and therefore reduce the risk of serious complications. A combination of lifestyle changes and medication is usually prescribed, and that’s where an in-home care provider can really make a difference.

Is your loved one finding it difficult to follow these recommendations from the healthcare provider? If so, a trained, professional in-home care provider can assist, bringing peace of mind for both the patient and the family members.

1. We can help with regular blood-pressure checks. If there’s a home-monitoring device, it can be unwieldy to use, and a caregiver can help while also keeping an accurate record of the results.

2. Diet can make all the difference with high blood pressure, and in-home care providers can promote a healthy diet and good food choices for older adults. Avoiding salt can be difficult, especially when patients are relying on pre-packaged food for ease and convenience. Caregivers can prepare low-sodium meals that will surprise your loved one with their full flavor from alternate seasonings.

3. Physical activity aids in weight control, and better physical fitness plays a big role in lower blood pressure. An in-home caregiver can encourage a patient to follow the routine advised by the healthcare provider, transport them to fitness classes or other active events. Plus, they can be there to offer   support and provide a little extra confidence when the patient needs to get active.

4. Managing medication and keeping on schedule is key for all prescriptions. Often, medications are prescribed to control hypertension, and they needed to be taken at the right time and in the right way. A qualified home health aide can provide medication reminders and watch out for dizziness or confusion, which can be indicators of medication side effects.

5. Transport to and from medical appointments takes time, and many family caregivers can’t be away from their job as much as these appointments demand. But they are important, and an in-home caregiver can ensure that they are at their scheduled appointments on time, and get back home safely. They can also take notes for the family during the appointment, if needed.

6. This is our favorite: we provide companionship. Did you know that loneliness is on the list for hypertension risk factors? Not only can an in-home caregiver help older adults keep their social engagements with friends or visit the senior center, the also are in the home round the clock to prevent the boredom or depression that can set in when a person spends too much time alone.

For more information, visit the National Lung and Blood Institute website, as they are the sponsors of National High Blood Pressure Education Month, and they offer consumer information and updates about hypertension.

Also, for advice and consultation on the right care for your parent or older adult family member, please feel free to contact me, Karen Fazio, at Right At Home Central Orange County. Contact me by calling the office on (714) 730-2647 or via email at rahirvine@att.net.

When someone you cares for is having a medical emergency, such as a stroke, the appropriate action is obvious: Call 911. But after your loved one returns home from the hospital, family caregivers are usually left confused about appropriate care.

For instance, they might wonder what medications have been prescribed? Are there likely to be side effects to watch out for? Are there changes to be made to the house to accommodate the stroke survivor?

“There’s a complicated series of paths that one must navigate after a stroke has occurred,” said David Alexander, M.D., chairman of the American Stroke Association’s Rehabilitation, Prevention and Recovery Committee. “This list is a starting point for answers to common questions and addresses common concerns. It should serve as a resource for caregivers and stroke survivors following hospital admission for stroke.”

The full list of 15 tips can be found on the American Stroke Association‘s website in a Microsoft Word document, and we encourage you to read them carefully, and perhaps even print them out to keep as easy reference. Many of the items on the list can be handled by the skilled caregivers from Right at Home, and take much of the strain from family caregivers.

For instance, Right at Home caregivers are experienced with the transition between a hospital visit and the post-surgery care at home, also called Care Transitions. They can drive the patient to and from the doctor’s office, take notes on medications and recommendations from the doctor, and keep the patient on schedule after they’ve returned home. They can also assist not only with creating healthy meals for the patient, which are highly recommended to prevent a second stroke, they can also assist with regular exercise.

Many stroke victims suffer from dizziness, balance problems, difficulty with mobility, and generally need more assistance with daily activities. The constant attention that this requires can be physically and emotionally draining for a family member. By using a caregiver, family members are free to spend quality time with the stroke patient, plus continue their normal activities such as work, childcare and other family duties.

Also, by using a trained caregiver, falls can be avoided, which will avoid a second hospital visit for an already traumatized individual. The caregiver can also help measure the functional improvements over the course of time or recognize the signs of post-stroke depression setting in. Passing this information on to medical professionals can help with the patient’s rehabilitation and recovery process.

The final tip recommends the family caregiver to “Take care of you.” Even using a Right at Home caregiver on a part time basis can offer respite to the many stresses of caring for a loved one, and give them a chance to recharge, whether it be taking a walk, a nap or visiting with other family members or friends. Taking this kind of time out can help the family caregiver provide better care for their loved one. Read our post about this topic by clicking here.

For more information about the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, visit their website or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For advice and consultation on the right care for your parent or older adult family member, please feel free to contact me, Karen Fazio, at Right At Home Central Orange County. Contact me by calling the office on (714) 730-2647 or via email at rahirvine@att.net.

Every year, the US Administration on Aging designates a theme for Older Americans Month.  For 2010, the theme will be, “Age Strong! Live Long!”, which aims to highlight the strengths and the triumphs of the older generation and to recognize their achievements which have been instrumental in shaping our nation today.  Their influence has not ceased however, and today older Americans still display an unyielding vitality and have continued to positively impact their communities through volunteer and civic activities.  Their commitment to the community is both touching and inspiring, and reaffirms that everybody—not just those in the healthcare sector—has the capacity to improve the quality of life of all generations.

Older Americans, and Americans of all ages and backgrounds, can volunteer with programs that improve knowledge about health, food and nutrition services, ensure that people get access to quality healthcare, provide counseling in the areas of financial issues and housing, sponsor social activities and get the community involved, plus much more. We at Right at Home Central Orange County encourage you to visit the Eldercare Locator to find your local Area Agency on Aging or to call 1-800-677-1116 to find out how you can help improve services for older Americans—not just this month but all year round.

Though recognizing older Americans is essentially our daily motto, in commemoration of the designated theme Right at Home encourages everyone in these upcoming weeks to spend time with an aging loved one.  Have your children spend a Saturday afternoon with their grandmother, or take an afternoon off to plant tomatoes in the garden with your dad.  The older generations have accomplished so much to provide us with what we have today, and what better way to show our appreciation of their contributions than to spend time with them?  Take time this upcoming month to show your gratitude.

For advice and consultation on the right care for your parent or older adult family member, please feel free to contact me, Karen Fazio, at Right At Home Central Orange County. Contact me by calling the office on (714) 730-2647 or via email at rahirvine@att.net.

What can be even harder than realizing one or both of your parents needs a caregiver is choosing one, and feeling comfortable with your choice. Another aspect that can be unexpected—and difficult to deal with—is when your parent or family member resists this move to provide them with in-home care.

Many times, an older parent or family member fears having a caregiver in their home because it seems to signify a surrender, or a loss of control. To already be experiencing the loss of certain routines, functionality or movement, to add the additional loss of control over the environment they live in can be confusing, and more importantly, hard to accept. In some situations, the caregiving can be a temporary issue, perhaps taking on the extra work necessary after a surgery or providing the primary caregiver of the family respite, yet the older adult still may have difficulty accepting the presence of anyone outside of the family.

Right at Home takes this issue very seriously, and all staff members are sensitive to this potentially challenging situation. We take a non-threatening, respectful approach to caregiving, helping the individual maintain as much of their independence as possible. We aim to put not only the client at ease, but also the family; Right at Home realizes that there is a level of trust that needs to be built between the caregiver and both the client and the family.

We also recognize and respect the need for cultural sensitivity. We are there to fit into our clients’ worlds to make them more comfortable. Our philosophy takes into consideration the foods that they are used to eating; respecting the traditions that they and the family have; and not allowing any bias of our own to interfere with serving the client’s needs.

If you have realized that your parent or parents can’t live on their own without assistance, but don’t know where to turn, please read our blog about choosing a caregiver, which can help guide you through the process. Realize that you’re not alone—there are many people in the “Sandwich Generation,” children of older adults who are dealing with care of their parents while also raising children of their own.

For advice and consultation on the right care for your parent or older adult family member, please feel free to contact me, Karen Fazio, at Right At Home Central Orange County. Contact me by calling the office on (714) 730-2647 or via email at rahirvine@att.net.

Mrs. Bloom is lucky enough to have two devoted nieces that check in on her at her home on a regular basis. A few days ago, one of the nieces called our office to inquire about how we could help her aunt. The niece reported that Mrs. Bloom was restless at night, unable to shower on her own and not taking her medications correctly. Both nieces feared for her safety and, frankly, were exhausted from trying to help their aunt return to her normal way of life after she returned home from the hospital. They were relieved when they found out how Right at Home could help.

We arranged for Mrs. Bloom to have a caregiver during the weekdays while the nieces worked, plus a caregiver at night to ensure her safety.  These caregivers take many responsibilities off the nieces’ shoulders, including ensuring that Mrs. Bloom remembers to take her medication as perscribed, assisting her while bathing, keeping her apartment clean and preparing her meals. The night caregiver helps her get to or from the bathroom in the dark, preventing her from falling and reinjuring herself.

This type of care supports an older adult at home after a long hospital stay, and the formal term is “Care Transitions.” It can take time for an older adult to rebuild strength and confidence after surgery, especially after a fall that has resulted in a serious injury. Often, a person has become accustomed to people doing everything for them during the hospital stay, and it may take some time to readjust to managing their own lives. Right at Home offers care that encourages and supports as much independence as possible while providing assistance that maintains and protects a person from another health crisis.

For advice and consultation on this or any related topics, please feel free to contact me, Karen Fazio, at Right At Home Central Orange County by calling (714) 730-2647 or via email at rahirvine@att.net.

On a human level, the thought of someone being readmitted to the hospital very soon after an operation is appalling, but according the the Department of Health and Human Services, one in five patients, after leaving the hospital, will be readmitted within 30 days. Up to 76% of these readmissions may be preventable, says the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, and the average cost per preventable readmission to Medicare is $7,200.

How are these readmissions preventable? By using Care Transitions Programs. The term “care transitions” refers to the location changes that patients make between health care practitioners and settings during the course of a chronic or acute illness, and how their condition and care levels can vary during these changes. These changes can happen frequently during an unexpected worsening of a patient’s condition, say with a stroke after an outpatient surgery. The patient could go from a Primary Care Specialist (PCP) in the outpatient setting, then to the emergency room, then perhaps to a skilled nursing facility before being released to their home with nursing care.

Now with the federal government looking to save $26 billion in the coming years by encouraging hospitals to lower their preventable readmission rates, hospitals will have extra impetus to develop solutions within their community. Especially since their performance in reducing these preventable readmission rates will start to affect how much Medicare will pay out.

Care Transitions programs are encouraging hospitals to begin the care coordination process much sooner than traditionally done in the past—ideally, when the patient is first admitted to the hospital. Improving care coordination for patients between settings has proven successful in lessening the likelihood of a patient returning for a related readmission. A Care Transitions Intervention Model developed by Dr. Eric Coleman in Colorado has helped hospitals reduce readmission rates by a staggering 35-50%, with annual costs significantly reduced.

This is the area where hospitals are realizing that in-home care providers like Right at Home can help. Hospitals have long seen the connection between readmission and a lack of home health settings, but have not done enough to solve the absence of services after discharge—even something as simple as companion care. Right at Home is the missing link for this type of alternative, or “non-medical,” care, especially when it comes to a lack of a support structure for patients leaving the hospital. A successful transition occurs when a discharged patient has a caregiver that they can rely on, especially in two key areas: preventing medication errors and consistent follow up with the primary care provider.

Medication errors account for many preventable readmissions, and in fact, it’s estimated that 60% of medication errors occur around times of patient transition. A trained caregiver can remind a patient of their medication schedule and even help them remember questions they have for the doctor when they are at their next appointment. More importantly, the caregiver can make sure they make that scheduled follow-up appointment after a surgery, which can prevent readmission. Many patients forget the scheduled appointment or worse, cannot drive themselves and can’t find someone to take them.

Right at Home Central Orange County can help with a variety of situations, post surgery or otherwise, from sitter services in a hospital or nursing facility to support following a stroke or during dementia or Alzheimer’s. We also provide respite care for a family caregiver, which can be useful especially after a major surgery when there’s more responsibility.

For advice and consultation on this or any related topics, please feel free to contact me, Karen Fazio, at Right At Home Central Orange County by calling (714) 730-2647 or via email at rahirvine@att.net.

I wanted to share the ten questions that are, in my experience, essential to ask when interviewing a prospective caregiver or in-home care service. Don’t be afraid to print them out and take them as a “checklist” to refer to during the meeting—this is a serious and important decision that will provide relief, comfort and assistance to you, your family and, of course, your loved one.

1. Find out if the owner of the company or field supervisor is familiar with issues of aging, and the health problems of older adults in general.

Education in the field of gerontology and human services can be a huge benefit to your loved one, as a person with that understanding will be designing a plan of care on more than just on the individual’s immediate needs, but also on long-term care.

2. Ask if the caregivers and certified nursing assistants are independent contractors, rather than employed by the agency.

If they are independent contractors, chances are that they are not bonded or covered by any liability insurance, and almost certainly not covered by worker’s compensation. This means that if they get hurt while working in your home, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover the cost. Also, there can be a tax liability for hiring self-employed people for work in your home.

3. Does the agency do a thorough background check on each employee?

If you have decided to hire a caregiver privately, without using an agency, it is highly recommended that you run a comprehensive background check.

4. How much experience do the caregivers have?

Caregivers have different levels of experience and credentials, and definitely look to match the right individual(s) for your situation. Credentials can include Personal Care Assistant (PCA) and Home Care Assistant (HCA), which means that they have been trained to assist with non-medical tasks, including bathing, dressing, fixing meals, companionship, transportation and housekeeping.  Moving up to credentials based on light medical training are the Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), the Home Health Aide (HHA) or the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and then advanced credentials include the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), who have earned additional education and licensing. The more medical needs your loved one needs, the more that the credentials focused on medical issues are necessary. Make sure that they have experience with the same, or at least similar, conditions to what your loved one is dealing with.

5. Does the agency develop a unique plan of care for every client?

Make sure that they ask questions about your loved one’s condition before recommending a plan of action.
6. Are the employees (caregivers) supervised to ensure the plan of care is being carried out properly? How? Also ask what kind of system they use to keep track of hours. Right at Home Central Orange County uses an online timekeeping system that ensures that the caregivers arrive on time and stay for their entire assignment.

7. Before caregivers are hired, do they take any kind of an exam to ensure they are qualified?

With their unique Caregiver Education Recognition & Training Program(SM) or CERT, Right at Home tests and professionally trains every caregiver on their roster.

8. Will the caregiver be able to communicate with my loved one in their native language?

All of our caregivers speak and write English. If a client prefers to speak a language other than English, we will match them with a caregiver that speaks their language.  If we don’t have a caregiver that matches, we will refer them to an agency that can meet those needs.

9. Can the caregiver provide transportation for my loved one?

One of the benefits of in-home care is giving your loved one a caregiver that can do errands, take them to social events and also to medical appointments. I firmly believe that if a person has lost their sight or ability to drive, their morale and attitude is much better if they have someone that is able to take them to their usual social engagements, so that they can keep their usual routine and contact with friends and relatives.

10. Ask about how they find and recruit caregivers.

Right at Home Central OC recruits caregivers and certified nursing assistants from the county’s nursing schools. We are sure to choose caregivers who are devoted to furthering their knowledge and their career in the medical field and, most importantly, who truly care about helping people.

For advice and consultation on any of these topics, please feel free to contact me, Karen Fazio, at Right At Home Central Orange County by calling (714) 730-2647 or via email at rahirvine@att.net.

Unfortunately, many of our servicemen and women returning from the current wars have been permanently disabled, and unable to either serve in the military or work as a civilian. Navigating through the red tape of disability benefits, veterans benefits and regular insurance payouts can be difficult. Home care can be extremely beneficial for disabled veterans of all ages, as it allows them to be at home with their families instead of in a VA hospital or facility. It can also allow the veteran’s spouse to go to work, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is in safe hands. Every situation is different, and please feel free to contact us if you have questions about if the Right at Home, Central Orange County branch can help you.

For advice and consultation on any of these topics, please feel free to contact Karen Fazio at Right At Home, Central Orange County by calling (714) 730-2647 or via email at rahirvine@att.net.