HOW TO HELP SENIORS THROUGHT SUNDOWNERS SYNDROME
Mood changes are common for aging adults and often accompany health problems. Seniors with memory-related illnesses like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are especially prone to challenges resulting from mood changes. (NCBI)
About Sundowners Syndrome
One common mood issue among seniors with memory-related illnesses is sundowners syndrome.
Sundowners Syndrome is:
- Not a disease, but a common behavior pattern noticed by medical staff and caregivers
- A change in mood occurring in the late afternoon, evening, or night
- Spotted by symptoms of stress, anxiety, restlessness, confusion, and/or aggression
- Most common among seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Worsened by poor lighting, fatigue, or a disrupted schedule
(Senior Living)
HOW TO HELP SENIORS THROUGH SUNDOWNERS SYNDROME
C A R E G I V E R S
Triggers of Sundowners Syndrome
To help minimize triggers, avoid:
- Dim or changing lighting
- Disruptions to routines
- Unhealthy diets
- Exciting, energizing activities later in the day
- Loud noises and music
- Argumentative or commanding tones
(Medical News Today)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003566/
https://www.seniorliving.org/health/sundown-syndrome/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314685.php
HOW TO HELP SENIORS THROUGH SUNDOWNERS SYNDROME
Home Care Tip
Mental Health Among Seniors
Careful and consistent communication between caregivers is important for seniors who face sundowners syndrome. This ensures routines are kept, which can alleviate symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of seniors live with mental disorders. Some of the top mental challenges seniors face include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s Disease
(WHO)
C A R E G I V E R S
Sundowners Syndrome
Tips for Managing Sundowners Syndrome
While most people seem to calm down later in the day, seniors with memory-related issues experiencing sundowners syndrome tend to get more active. There are several ways to help seniors through this challenge.
Support Sleep
Since disruptions to schedules and lack of sleep can exacerbate sundowners syndrome, it is important to support seniors getting good sleep. A solid routine and supplements like melatonin can help.
Use Lighting
Dimming lights seem to be one of the triggers of sundowners syndrome, so it can be helpful to plan to turn more lights on later in the day and keep them on until bedtime. Closing the blinds while lights are on can also minimize symptoms.
Be a Calming Presence
To help seniors’ moods stabilize, caregivers should be a calming presence. Limit alcohol intake and activity later in the day. Remain calm if mood swings begin. Remind seniors what time it is and what their schedule holds. This helps seniors to relax despite feelings of confusion or anxiety they may be facing.
(WebMD)
http://www.clearcareonline.com
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/manage-sundowning#2
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KEEPING SENIORS SAFE ON THE ROAD
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PROSTATE HEALTH FOR AGING ADULTS
PROSTATE HEALTH
FOR AGING ADULTS
Prostate Health Awareness
September is prostate awareness month. [cite: 1, 2] Spreading awareness of this disease is important, especially among seniors. Men over age 65 account for nearly 60% of all prostate cancer diagnoses. [cite: 2, 3] (Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide) [cite: 3]
Prostate Cancer Prevention
About Prostate Health
Men have prostates, which are small glands located near the bladder. [cite: 3, 4] Prostates can develop problems like infections or inflammation. [cite: 4] Cancer cells can also form in the prostate, which can develop into tumors. [cite: 4, 5] There are more than 20 specific forms of prostate cancer. [cite: 5]
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Unfortunately, prostate cancer doesn’t usually have symptoms until it is in an advanced stage. [cite: 5, 6] That’s why screening for prostate cancer is so important. [cite: 6]
Screening for Prostate Cancer
There are two main options for screening for prostate cancer. [cite: 6, 7] Seniors can receive a blood test, which is called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. [cite: 7] A physical rectal exam may also be conducted. [cite: 7, 8] If a doctor suspects a patient has prostate cancer, a biopsy is almost always involved in the diagnosis. [cite: 8, 9] Treatment of Prostate Cancer
The most common treatments for prostate cancer include radiation, surgery to remove tumors, and drug-based therapies. [cite: 9, 10] (Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide) [cite: 10]
No studies to date have definitively proven a prostate cancer prevention strategy. [cite: 10, 11, 12] However, some prevention strategies are believed to reduce the risk of cancer overall, and may improve the body’s ability to fight any kind of cancer. [cite: 11, 12] Try:
- Eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying active
- Attending regularly scheduled doctor appointments
(Mayo Clinic) [cite: 12]
Why Screening for Prostate Cancer is Vital
The obvious reason for screening older men for cancer is that early detection increases the odds of survival. [cite: 13, 14] There are other reasons for getting screened, though:
- Men with prostate cancer may have genes that predispose both their sons and daughters to forms of cancer. [cite: 14, 15]
- Data about prostate cancer, even if it is non-aggressive, can be used by researchers to prevent and treat all cancers. [cite: 15, 16]
- Early detection can reduce the intensity of treatment required, as well as the side effects. [cite: 16, 17]
- Doctors may be able to begin with the less invasive blood test if a senior’s risk level is low. [cite: 17, 18]
(Prostate Cancer Foundation) [cite: 18]
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Men should be certain to get screened for prostate cancer if they:
- Are over 65
- Have a family history of cancer
- Have genetic factors predisposing cancer
- Are African American
- Have an unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits
Home Care Tip
For many men, having to experience a rectal exam is the main reason for avoiding prostate cancer screening. [cite: 18, 19] Remind senior men that their health (and genes) can affect their loved ones. [cite: 19] Any temporary discomfort is worth it.
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UNIFYING SENIORS CARE TEAM
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AGING ADULTS AND DIABETES
AGING ADULTS AND DIABETES:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Managing Diabetes as Part of Senior Care
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body processes food, especially sugar. Many seniors have a form of diabetes, which can become serious if it isn’t managed. Learn basic facts about diabetes prevention and management.
(CDC)
Types of Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. While type 2 is much more common, especially among aging adults, type 1 diabetes can also affect seniors.
Type 1 Diabetes
- Chronic
- Unpreventable
- Diagnosed with a blood test
- Checked on through regular blood sugar tests
- May require regular insulin injections or a pump
Type 2 Diabetes
- Chronic
- Sometimes preventable
- Diagnosed with a blood test
- Checked on through periodic blood sugar tests
- Often manageable by lifestyle and diet changes; may require medication
For seniors with type 1 diabetes, care should continue as normal. Caregivers should pay special attention for symptoms of hypoglycemia and take care to help seniors manage their disease as common parts of aging, like memory loss or lack of routine, increase the difficulty of maintaining a healthy state.
About Type 2 Diabetes and Seniors
Symptoms:
- Feeling tired
- Being unusually hungry or thirsty
- Accidental weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Skin infections
- Healing slowly from cuts and bruises
Medical Tests:
Blood tests can diagnose diabetes and sometimes even show signs of prediabetes. Seniors should be screened for diabetes at annual appointments and ask a doctor for blood tests if symptoms develop.
Type 2 Diabetes Management:
- See a dietician for help with meal planning for a healthier diet
- Get regular exercise (personal training is often discounted for seniors)
- Track glucose levels with blood tests as directed by a doctor
- Lose weight if obesity is contributing to the disease
- Choose a healthy lifestyle to decrease risks associated with diabetes like stroke (stop smoking, get more sleep, attend annual physical exams)
In some cases, medication is part of type 2 diabetes management. Ask a doctor if any medications could be helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes from worsening. Be sure a senior’s caregiving team is in sync concerning diabetes care to keep blood sugar levels healthy.
Home Care Tip
Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be discouraging for seniors. The risks of worsening diabetes are serious: people sometimes require amputations. Be supportive and understanding. Find a support group or classes about type 2 diabetes to help seniors stay positive and make healthy choices.
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
Many people can lower their risk of type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes like:
- Losing weight
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
- Taking prescriptions as recommended by a doctor
Seniors should take prevention very seriously if they are told they have prediabetes, which predisposes them to develop the disease.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Seniors are at greater risk of type 2 diabetes if they:
- Are over 65 years old
- Are overweight
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are sedentary
- Had gestational diabetes while pregnant
*ClearCare
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PREVENTATIVE HEALTH STRATEGIES FOR SENIORS
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HELPING SENIORS CREATE AN EMERGENCY CONTACT PLAN
- Published in ALZHEIMER, CAREGIVERS, DEMENTIA, IN HOME CARE
WHAT SENIORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS
How Osteoporosis Affects Seniors
It’s likely that more than 200 million people are living with osteoporosis—especially common among older women. Learn how to prevent or manage it this National Osteoporosis Month.
It’s likely that more than 200 million people are living with osteoporosis, a medical condition marked by having fragile bones. This condition is especially common among older women, and it can be dangerous. (NCBI)
May is National Osteoporosis Month. Since seniors are at greater risk of this disease, it’s important to learn how to prevent or manage osteoporosis.
The Basic Facts of Osteoporosis
What Is Osteoporosis?
Everybody relies on their bones for strength, support, and more. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones. As a result, bones are fragile and susceptible to risks like breaks and fractures. When combined with conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis can make tasks like moving around risky and painful.
Potential Outcomes of Osteoporosis:
- Breaks and fractures
- Complications resulting from breaks & fractures
- Poor posture
- Limited mobility
What Causes It?
For many people, osteoporosis is a side effect of aging. However, it can be exacerbated and accelerated by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, and some cancers. Certain medications and negative habits, like poor nutrition, can also contribute.
Diagnosing Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is diagnosed through a bone mineral density (BMD) test. Other exams and laboratory tests are sometimes administered as well. (National Osteoporosis Foundation)
WHAT SENIORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis Awareness Month
Home Care Tip
Since seniors are at greater risk of osteoporosis and falling, it’s important for you to learn how to avoid falls, including arranging a home safely and knowing how to get up and down safely. (National Osteoporosis Foundation)
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
If you are experiencing any of the following signs of bone loss, it is essential you be screened for osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases:
- Loss of height
- Aches without injury
- Poor posture
- Oral bone loss conditions
- Regular fractures
(WebMD)
Risk Factors
- Being a woman
- Getting older
- Being of Caucasian or Asian descent
- Family history
- Small body frame
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
(Mayo Clinic)
Preventing and Managing Osteoporosis
Prevention Tips
Preventing osteoporosis protects seniors from bone-related problems. Consider incorporating the following:
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Regular exercise
- A balanced diet
Managing Osteoporosis
- Learn to prevent falls and what to do in case of a fall
- See a doctor for regular monitoring of disease progression
- Eat a bone-healthy diet and follow an exercise regimen
- Take medication to treat osteoporosis
(American Family Physician)
References:
- Published in ALZHEIMER, CAREGIVERS, DEMENTIA, IN HOME CARE
HELP SENIORS PREVENT HEARING LOSS
An In-Depth Look at Senior Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss affects many seniors. Here’s how to help seniors prevent further hearing loss and cope healthily.
About 1 in 3 adults between 65 and 74 years old experiences hearing loss. Since hearing loss can sometimes be reduced, it’s important for seniors to be aware of their auditory health. (NIDCD)
Difficulty hearing or making out sounds can put seniors at risk of social, health, and safety problems. Here are the hearing loss basics. (NAIA)
The Basics of Hearing Loss
Who experiences hearing loss?
Anyone can experience hearing loss, but it is especially common among older adults. As age increases, the risk of hearing impairment increases as well.
What causes hearing loss?
Damage from noise or certain diseases can cause hearing loss, but so can the simple deterioration that comes with age. Deterioration can be exacerbated by medical conditions like high blood pressure, exposure to noise, and other factors.
Are there different levels of hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss is often gradual. What may begin as simply needing the TV volume louder can turn into being unable to make out words or sounds.
How can hearing loss be prevented?
Currently, hearing loss can’t be prevented entirely. However, it can be minimized or delayed by protecting against noise and avoiding common conditions (like diabetes) that put you at greater risk of hearing loss.
Is hearing loss dangerous?
Medically, age-related hearing loss is unlikely to cause other health problems. However, being hard of hearing can put you in risky situations, such as making it difficult to hear an alarm or understand important instructions spoken to you. (NIDCD)
HELP SENIORS PREVENT HEARING LOSS
C A R E G I V E R S
Home Care Tip
There are some apps that can be paired with hearing aids to customize options and preferences. Encourage seniors to embrace technology like this to make using hearing aids less frustrating.
Risks Associated With Hearing Loss
Impaired hearing can make it hard for seniors to hear at all, but can also make understanding words clearly difficult. As a result, seniors are at greater risk for:
- Misunderstanding doctor’s instructions
- Mishearing warnings or important statements
- Not hearing fire alarms or other emergency notifications
- Growing isolated due to less confidence in conversations
- Certain health issues, particularly those related to stress or balance
(Hopkins Medicine)
Hearing Loss by the Numbers
- Among adults over 70 with hearing loss, only 1/3 of those who could benefit from hearing aids use them
- Around 28.8 million U.S. adults could use hearing aids for their benefit
- Men under 69 are twice as likely as women of the same age to experience hearing loss
- About 50% of people 75 or older have impaired hearing
(NIDCD)
What to Do If You Think You Have Hearing Loss
Signs of hearing loss include:
- Not being able to make sounds out against background noise
- Difficulty understanding words or sounds, especially consonants
- Withdrawal from conversations or avoidance of socializing
- Regularly turning up the volume
- Muffling of typically clear sounds including speech
If you have symptoms of hearing loss, see a doctor as soon as possible. A simple hearing test can lead to a diagnosis. Through the use of a hearing aid (or possibly with the help of surgery or implant), your hearing loss may be minimized.
(Mayo Clinic)
- Published in IN HOME CARE