My Aging Dad - Blog

Navigating life after a stroke is a unique journey, and understanding the intricacies of each individual's experience is crucial. The specific area of the brain affected by the stroke becomes a guiding factor in tailoring a rehabilitation program that aligns with the needs of the survivor. As we embark on this path to recovery, it's essentiaAl to consider the lifestyle someone led before the stroke—a roadmap of their independence and daily activities. As an expert in helping people recovery after strokes, I ask them to consider a 'bigger picture'. Take a moment to reflect on your loved one's pre-stroke routine. Were they living independently, driving, cooking meals, and participating in social activities? These aspects provide valuable insights into their baseline level of functioning and can help shape a personalized recovery plan. For those who lived alone before the stroke, an additional layer of consideration emerges: Is their current living situation conducive to a safe and supportive recovery? This question becomes particularly pertinent when assessing the feasibility of returning to their previous dwelling. Safety and well-being take precedence in this evaluation. Crafting a comprehensive recovery plan is not only beneficial for the stroke survivor but also for their support network, including family and medical professionals. The initial stages of the plan may involve an alternative living arrangement—a temporary setting focused on physical and cognitive improvements. This interim step can prove instrumental in laying the foundation for a successful return home. Embracing the notion that every stroke recovery journey is unique, we recognize the importance of flexibility in our approach. A recovery plan is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it's a dynamic roadmap that evolves alongside the individual's progress and changing needs. In conclusion, as we embark on the path of stroke recovery, let's consider the nuances of each survivor's life, create recovery plans that prioritize safety and progress, and foster an environment of support and understanding for both the survivor and their loved ones. Together, we can navigate the challenges of stroke recovery and empower individuals to age in place with dignity and resilience.

Three key things to remember when you or your loved one has a stroke

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Some easy & simple strategies to help the senior in your life stay in shape!

As we age, our bodies change, and the medications we take can have different effects. Some medicines may increase the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries, hospitalization, and even death. Medications to specifically treat depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders are the medications with the strongest evidence that can cause falls. Thankfully, medicines and pharmaceuticals are constantly evolving. Insurance companies vary their coverage and patients often adopt the substitutes. As a result, the health system often evolves as do patient responses. Consider simple impacts : dry eyes, drowsiness or dizziness, found on many medicines taken regularly. These impact vision and balance and can often lead to increased fall risk. Medication is specific to each person. Its takes through analysis from physicians, caretakers, family and the patient to agree that a medication is safe fit for your body. Breaking down the thought process of medication by these questions; What medicines are you taking? Why are you taking this medication? Finally how do use this medication? As an occupational therapist, I would like to provide you with some tips to help mitigate fall risks that occur from taking elderly medicines. Know your medications: Make a list of all the medicines you are taking and share it with your healthcare provider. Ask if any of the medications increase the risk of falls or interact with each other. Follow the prescription: Take your medication as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Beware of side effects: Be aware of the side effects of your medication, such as dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase your risk of falling. If you experience any side effects, speak with your healthcare provider. Use caution: Use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position, especially if you are feeling dizzy or unsteady. Take your time and hold onto something sturdy for support. Stay active: Regular exercise can help improve balance, strength, and flexibility, which can reduce the risk of falls. Speak with your healthcare provider about exercises that are safe and appropriate for you. In conclusion, falls can be prevented by being aware of the risks associated with elderly medicines and taking steps to mitigate those risks. Speak with your healthcare provider, be cautious, stay active, and remove tripping hazards to reduce the risk of falls.

Vision is a neglected area discussed when talking about fall prevention. One of our five senses, vision, changes as we age. Declining vision frequently goes unnoticed by older adults while they adapt slowly and unconsciously. Vision loss or changes can exacerbate the difficulties of getting around, such as climbing up and down stairs, stepping down curbs, or noticing the changes in levels of the floor or ground when walking. It also connects to the vestibular system, providing stimulus and feedback. Regular eye-exams. Scheduling regular eye exams is the best way to detect changes in the eyes, for example, a cataract. Cataracts are a standard part of aging. More than 50% of people aged 80 and older have had cataracts. Being proactive about cataracts is essential because they can cause permanent blindness if not surgically removed. Regular eye check-ups can also encourage a change in your glasses and diagnose more severe eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. Customized eye-wear Investing in a good pair of sunglasses is essential to protect your eyes from UV rays that cause glare. Sunglasses can be ordered in different tints, and your local optometrist can customize them for an aging adult's eye issues. Some of our patients have purchased wrap-around sunglasses to fit over prescription sunglasses, further reducing glares and helping older adults notice unfamiliar outdoor hazards. Night blindness Night blindness or (nyctalopia) is the inability to see well at night or in poor light, such as in a restaurant or movie theater. It is often associated with a failure to adapt quickly from a well-illuminated to a poorly illuminated environment. Common causes of night blindness are glaucoma, cataracts, vitamin A deficiency, and retinitis pigmentosa. Night blindness falls become a severe risk in older adults living areas when the lighting is not adapted to their vision deficits.

It's In The Shoes The beloved Dr. Seuss classic, "The Foot Book," takes us on a journey where left and right feet explore different locations. Just like in the story, understanding how our feet feel is essential as it directly impacts our body position, stance, and gait. For aging adults, foot problems can impair balance, leading to a higher risk of falls. Conditions like foot pain, bunions, hammer toes, weak toe flexors, and reduced ankle mobility can compromise the integrity of our feet and increase the likelihood of accidents. When it comes to selecting the right footwear, there are a few things to keep in mind: Proper Fit: Ensure your shoes fit correctly, as both too tight and too loose shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and foot pain. The heel should fit snugly, and there should be ample room in the toe box for toe movement. Adequate Support: Look for shoes that provide excellent support, especially around the ankle. Low-heeled shoes can enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls. Reliable Traction: Choose shoes with reliable traction, particularly if you expect to walk on slippery surfaces. Non-slip soles can significantly reduce the likelihood of slips and falls. Comfort: Comfort is key when selecting footwear. Shoes that are too hard or too soft can cause foot pain and discomfort. Seek shoes with proper cushioning and support.  Importance of Regular Podiatrist Visits: Visiting your podiatrist annually is a recommended habit to not only prevent foot problems but also to understand what type of foot stability a person needs. Shoes are in fact personal. Comfort and safety should be the leading factor when purchasing shoes. When buying shoes, have your feet properly measured so that the shoe fits well. A roomy toe box is important to prevent the listed conditions above. Below are some shoes characterizes to look for when picking out a pair that promote foot health and prevent falls.

Assessing and Modifying the Home A home hazard assessment is a service provided by an occupational therapist. One way to achieve this is by providing recommendations for home adjustments that can prevent falls, which are one of the leading causes of injuries among older adults. Preventing falls is crucial, especially among older adults who are more susceptible to injuries. As an occupational therapist (OT), one of your key responsibilities is to assess homes for potential fall hazards and provide recommendations for adjustments. By taking simple steps to modify living spaces and raise awareness of potential risks, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls and help your clients maintain their independence and quality of life. There are many new products and as we learn about more, we will continue to list them here . If you find any others that are helpful, please send them over. ( Anna@myagingdad.org ) Assessing and Modifying the Home The first step in preventing falls is to assess the layout of the home. Are there any hazards that could cause someone to trip or stumble? These could include rugs, cords, or uneven surfaces. If these hazards are present, it is crucial to remove or repair them as soon as possible. Additionally, you should recommend the installation of handrails in areas with stairs, such as the entrance or bathroom. Handrails can provide support and stability, reducing the risk of falls. Another critical aspect to consider is lighting. Adequate lighting is essential in preventing falls, especially for individuals with low vision. Ensure that all areas of the home are well-lit, and consider the use of nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom. Motion sensor lighting can also be installed in high traffic areas, providing additional visibility. Engaging Clients in Identifying Hazards Raising a person’s awareness of potential hazards in their home has to be broken down into sections. Consider starting with asking them to show you how they get through their front door. I like actively involving the person in identifying physical fall hazards in their space. Examples include throw rugs, clutter, steps that are too steep or too long, poor lighting, extension cords across walkways, or the toilet seat being too low. Behavioral hazards include bringing awareness to using safer behaviors when an older adult is doing tasks independently. In this instance, taking your time when going down the stairs, or asking for help when changing a light bulb. Emphasize to clients to ask themself if they want to put themselves in this situation if it's not safe. Providing Helpful Resources Encouraging your clients to use assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, can also improve their balance and stability. These devices should be properly fitted to the individual's height and strength, and education should be provided on their proper use. Identifying home hazards without the help of a therapist can be overwhelming. Below I have lInked is a very readable checklist to start looking at making small changes, in the rooms/areas of the space that are essential to living. Subscribe to the blog and we’ll send you a copy of one of the best checklists we have found. In conclusion, making these simple home adjustments can significantly reduce the risk of falls for your clients, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life. As an occupational therapist, you play a critical role in promoting safety and well-being, and your recommendations can have a lasting impact on your clients' lives.

Learn some quick strategies to help seniors be prepared if they happen to fall.