Category: Blog

The Aging Brain on Music, Pets and a little Exercise

On By Choice Matters Home HealthcareIn Blog

We know that music, pets, and exercise make us feel good – but did you know they can also make the aging brains stronger?

It used to be that getting older meant forgetting more, slowing down, and acting more and more like our grandparents. But that does not always have to be the case.
We can add years to our lives and boost our brain power by learning to play an instrument, jog around the block, or even bond with our dog. Science shows that the best thing we can do to keep our brains healthy is to stay active – both physically and mentally.
And the best news is that we don’t have to begin when we’re young. It is never too late to start.
And we don’t just keep our brains strong when we play an instrument or exercise. We grow new brain cells that build a more flexible brain that resists shrinkage.
REF: http://www.yourpublicmedia.org/content/wnpr/aging-brain-music-exercise-and-animals

Music as Medicine

On By Choice Matters Home HealthcareIn Blog

For centuries, music has been known to calm people down and provide relief from stress and tension. Some studies worldwide have found that Music Therapy may be useful in helping patients with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association recognizes that Music can stir long-term memories. Some patients might respond well to rhythm-and-blues, or to instrumental hymns and spiritual songs. U2 and Beyonce will not work for some one over the age of 8- years old – for example.

This is an exciting addition towards bettering the lives of those living with Dementia and or Alzheimer’s decease.

Ref: http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/music-as-a-tool-to-improve-communications-skills-in-alzheimers-patients/

 

 

Seniors and Hospitalization

On By Choice Matters Home HealthcareIn BlogLeave a comment
Senior  medical care has become  more and more complex and difficult to manage. As hospital visits and admissions become more frequent, overall health can decline as a result of even a brief hospitalization stay. Hospitalization is sometimes necessary for seniors but is not always free of risk.
Episodes of confusion (delirium) is a common feature in hospitalized elderly.In a hospital setting, patients are subject to unfamiliar sounds, medical tests, and schedule disruptions that contribute to disorientation and delirium.Delirium is treatable and often reversible, it can sometimes linger for a long time and possibly reset one’s mental function at a lower baseline. Delirium can be caused from several reasons:
  • Infection
  • Medications
  • Unfamiliar Environment
  • Unfamiliar sleep and wake schedule due to consistent vital check
  • Medications for pain and sedation which can alter thoughts and mental judgment
  • Sensory and Sleep deprivation caused by florescent lighting and unfamiliar sounds
  • Intravenous lines, urinary catheters, and other medical devices attached to the body
Other potential dangers of hospitalization of seniors:
  • Hospital environment infections
  • Medication and procedure related side effects and complications
  • Interaction between home medications and new hospital drugs
  • General decline in function and deconditioning
  • Falls and injuries
Although there are many problems that seniors may encounter, both in and out of the hospital, understanding the problems and then forming a plan to address them is a first large step in making the senior years still productive and enjoyable. Seniors should consider finding a geriatrician who is a specialist in the care of seniors to help manage their specific medical concerns and foreseeing problems and minimizing risk.
See how Choice Matters Home Healthcare can help you and your loved one while in the hospital with our hopital sitter services.
Ref:
1. Blue Sea Care
2. http://www.uspharmacist.com/continuing_education/ceviewtest/lessonid/105762/