Tag: NAIPC Philadelphia

Understanding Fall Risks

Falls are a common and serious problem affecting many older adults. Individuals suffering with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia however, are twice as likely to experience annual falls and fractures. This varies from a range of factors including medication, night waking, shuffling, weakening musculature and balance. The first step in protecting your loved one from a serious injury associated with a fall is understanding the risk factors.

 

senior care Philadelphia, fall risk Philadelphia, dementia care Philadelphia

The following are common causes of falls:

Health Conditions

While everyone is at risk for falls, older adults are at the greatest risk due to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, low blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and other cognitive impairments. While some individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s are in excellent physical condition, many others seem to develop difficulties before cognitive impairment even begins. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it can cause lack of coordination, muscle weakness and diminished joint flexibility.

Reaction Time

As we get older, the nerves that carry information to and from the brain deteriorate. This slows reaction time and the ability to navigate around obstacles. This can be hazardous as seniors do not react as quickly in dangerous situations.

Medication

Many medicines also have side effects, causing dizziness, drowsiness and impaired vision.

Environmental Hazards

Many times, falls can happen because of environmental factors and hazards found throughout the home. These include everything from wet or slippery floors, poor lighting, to tripping hazards such as loose rugs, uneven floors, and trailing wires.

Visual-Spatial Problems

Because Alzheimer’s disease can affect the visual-spatial abilities, an individual can misinterpret and misjudge steps, uneven terrain, shiny areas on the floor or changes in floor color.

What you can do:

  1. Identify the risk factors for your loved one. Many people with Alzheimer’s and dementia suffer from poor eyesight, shuffling gait, muscle weakness and generalized frailty.
  2. Minimize or avoid medications that have been linked to falls. People with dementia are also more likely to fall when taking sedatives, tranquilizers, and antipsychotics.
  3. Exercise is important in preventing people from falling, especially if it includes balance and strength exercises. Ask the doctor about leg strength, gait, and balance evaluations. These tests help can determine physical risk factors.
  4. Consider a physical therapist or occupational therapist. These experts can work with your loved one to develop exercises strengthen joints.
  5. Make sure your loved one has eye tests regularly. Low vision is a huge risk factor for falls, and many vision problems come on gradually but steadily.  NursePartners’ use of theGEMTM methodology will also alert us towards changes in vision.
  6. Finally, get a home-safety assessment. Carepartners routinely perform these and can target danger spots and suggest easy improvements. This assessment can focus specifically on the needs of your loved one.

If you or a loved one is thinking about home care assistance, our team would love to help. Contact us today.

 

Sources:
Heerema, Esther. “Common Causes of Falls in People with Dementia.” Verywell.com. N.p., 31 Dec. 2015. Web. 30 May 2016.
 Perkins, Chris. “Dementia and Falling.” Continuing Medical Education 35.1 (2008): n. pag. Web. 31 May 2016.

NursePartners becomes the second SAGE-certified Pennsylvania home care company

SAGE Care LGBT Cultural Competency Training - 2017 Bronze

NursePartners, Inc. is proud to be the only home care company in Philadelphia that is SAGETM certified for LGBT Seniors.  As an Independence Business Alliance (“IBA”) member and sponsor for many years, we know that aging LGBT seniors face a unique set of challenges when it is time to receive personal care.  If they move into an assisted living community or nursing home, they may have to hide their identities or not participate in favorite activities.  This forced change is not only difficult, but it is one that should never happen.

 

We sought to make a difference by training 25% of our employees to better understand how to connect and care for the aging LGBT community.  The training taught employees the intergenerational and racial nuances that apply to LGBT older adults. We learned how respond to bias behavior, incorporated new vocabulary, and received an overview of federal protections.

Previously these same employees completed the GEMTM training, a 7.5-hour training module that refines approaches for working with clients living with dementia.  This training involves role playing with a dementia coach and working through challenging behaviors.  Many of the techniques in Teepa Snow’s Positive Physical Approach to CareTM can also be applied to clients not living with a diagnosis of dementia.  This is because we focus just as much on our approach as the quality of care delivered.

We are prepared to service older LGBT adults in the Philadelphia region.  The following are some of the tasks our carepartners can complete:

  • Bathing, Grooming, and Hygiene
  • Mobility Assistance
  • Transferring and Positioning
  • Feeding and Diet monitoring
  • Toileting and Incontinence Care
  • Meal Preparation
  • Laundry
  • Light Housekeeping
  • Grocery Shopping/Errands
  • Grocery Delivery Coordination
  • Transportation in private vehicles or public transportation
  • Medication Reminders

All clients receive a care of plan uniquely made for them.  These plans are developed by a registered nurse and adjusted accordingly as conditions change.

NursePartners values the relationship with the client as much as with their family.  We know that the journey may be challenging and we are here to offer support.