Senior Q & A – January Edition
Q & A: Answers to Common Questions About Senior Living
Q. What exactly is Arthritis anyway?
A. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that first targets the lining of joints. Uric acid crystals, infections or underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis. Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Q. What’s the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
A. Assisted living does not provide medical care, such as treatment for specific conditions or diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, or hospice care. An assisted living facility will assess the elder to decide what kind of care his or her needs require. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are designed to house and assist individuals who have health conditions that require constant monitoring and the availability of medical personnel. An elder should make the move to assisted living if hiring in-home care is not an option. If a senior is constantly confused, forgetful, and sometimes wanders, their safety is at risk. If they have severe mobility issues and cannot get around the house safely and on their own, an alternate living option should be considered.
Q. What are some ways seniors can remain safe in the winter?
A. Cold weather can pose serious health hazards to older adults. Falls and other accidents, hypothermia and depression are more common as the temperature drops. The key to safety is prevention. First, be sure to remain warm. A diminished response to cold can put seniors at risk for hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature). Seniors should keep their home’s thermostat set at 68 degrees F or above and dress in loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothes for warmth. Second, beware of slips and falls on ice. Wear sensible footwear. Shoes should have low heels, good support and non-skid soles and seniors should only walk on cleared sidewalks and roads. Third, protect the skin. As we age our skin becomes thinner and drier and thus more susceptible to tears. In addition, certain medications can thin already fragile nasal tissue, creating a risk of nosebleeds. Keep room air moist. Add a humidifier to your heating unit, if possible, or purchase a separate humidifier or vaporizer.
Q. Where can I find great information about senior living and care?
A. That’s easy. Simply visit alternativeforseniors.com. There, you’ll find a wealth of information about senior living options and a powerful, easily-to-use search function that helps you find a senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community in your area. You can also call a Senior Specialist at Alternatives for Seniors at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) to ask questions and receive free placement assistance.
BLOG Date: January 20, 2015
Writer: Ryan Allen