Tips for Seniors starting an Exercise Regime
March 24, 2010
we found these great tips from www.agingcare.com
TIPS FOR SENIORS STARTING AN EXERCISE REGIMEN:
Get clearance first – Before you begin, have a check-up and talk with your doctor or
healthcare practitioner about any special conditions you might have.
If something hurts, stop doing it — If you have a persistent pain when you exercise,
take a break. If you are sick, you should go easy or skip a few days. When you
resume, start slowly again.
Know that there are some warning signs that mean you
should stop what you are doing and consult a doctor:
· Chest pain or pressure
· Breathing trouble or excessive shortness of breath
· Persistent or sharp muscle or joint pain.
· Nausea
· Unusual balance difficulty
· Severe illness
Start Slowly – Start with 10 minutes a couple times a day if you can. Go slow and be
consistent.
Be Comfortable – Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing, supportive shoes and
layers so that you can adjust as your body temperature rises.
Keep It Easy – Moderation is key, don’t overexert yourself.
Breathe – Remember to breathe consistently throughout your exercise.
Hydrate – Drink plenty of water before, during and after your activity.
Warm Up & Cool Down – Always ease your body into and out of exercise.
Walk slowly or stretch for at least 5 minutes.
Build Up – Gradually increase the time and intensity of your activity. It will become
easier as you exercise consistently.
Mix It Up – Vary the type of activity you do. Try a new sport or take a tai chi or yoga
class for variation. Doing new things will help you remain interested.
Make It Fun – Get active with friends, listen to music or take up an active hobby to. Keep it fun and interesting.
The tips are for information only and not intended to be medical advice. PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR.
Geriatrician. What does the word mean?
December 2, 2009
A question we get about Geriatrician.
You suggested that my mother see a geriatrician. What does the word mean?
Geriatrician: A doctor who has additional training in the care of aged adults.
1st Annual Low Country Independent Living & Mobility
October 29, 2009
1st Annual Low Country Independent Living & Mobility
S ATU RD AY, O C T OB E R 3 1
10 am to 3 pm
At Care For Life Plaza
1033 Wappoo Road, Charleston, SC
Helping your parent remain home in Comfort and Safety presentation
October 9, 2009
October 14, 2009 – Women Leading Wellness, a free workshop series by women faculty of MUSC and co-sponsored by the Center for Women, kicks off at 6 p.m. Wednesday with an event called Women as Daughters, The last big role reversal: when your parents become your children. Moderators are Darlene Shaw, PhD, Associate Provost for Student Services at MUSC, and Jennet Alterman, Director of Center for Women. Presentations include “Caring for the Caregivers” by Barbara Edlund, PhD, RN, Professor, College of Nursing; “Transitions in the Aging Process” by Linda Austin, MD, psychiatrist; “Asking Your Doctor for Help with Your Parents” by Kathy Wiley, MD, internist; “Helping Your Parents Remain Home in Comfort and Safety” by Sheryl O’Neal, Marketing Director of Care For Life, a geriatric care management and homecare agency; and “Financial Planning for Aging Parents” by Barbara Franklin, Long Term Care Professional, Franklin & Associates. The event will be held at the Basic Science Auditorium on Ashley Avenue near Bee Street. For info and to register: 763-7333 or c4women.org.
Know someone who needs safe, dignified transportation resource in Charleston, SC area
October 8, 2009
I came across some great information for a group that provides transportation for seniors.
The Independent Transportation Network ITN is a nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to helping seniors (65 and older) and the visually impaired with their transportation needs. Using private automobiles and both volunteer and paid drivers, the ITN will transport these community members 24 hours a day, seven days a week anywhere within the ITN service area. Known as ITNCharlestonTrident™, the initiative offers door-through-door, arm-through-arm, dignified transportation service to seniors and the visually impaired, and peace of mind to their families.
read more about ITN
How to hire a Geriatric Care Manager:
October 5, 2009
We found this article from www.Bestassistedliving.com.
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION LANGUAGE
1. Does your geriatric care manager have the right credentials?
The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers has strict requirements for membership. Members must have a Masters degree in a relevant field like nursing or social work, supervised experience, and certain accreditations. Members of this association are usually a good bet. Care For Life’S Founder Mary Peters Is A Certified Care Manager And Member Of NAPGCM.
2. Get referrals.
Asking for referrals from nurse professionals, therapists, rehab practitioners, attorneys, friends, and geriatricians is always a good idea – you can learn a lot from other people’s experiences.
3. Look for relevant skills
If your elder has a lot of medical issues you might want to find a care manager with a nursing background. But if there are social issues, a social worker background might be more useful. [Care For Life Has Two Nurses On Staff To Oversee Our Caregiving.]
3. A consultation or an assessment
Most geriatric care managers charge by the hour or by the project. You could begin by arranging a consultation to help you get started evaluating the care needed for your elder.
From there a geriatric care giver might provide you with a more detailed assessment. That will give you a baseline to see if the elder’s current facility is the right place for him or her, plus a care plan for your elder. If a move is recommended, they can help you find a qualified facility that suits your loved one.
4. Nurse Care Manager as your elder’s advocate
All elders need an advocate acting on their behalf. The care manager can be especially useful as an interface between the assisted living facility and family members. For example, is your loved one getting the right help with daily tasks, preferred recreation, and medical issues. So if you can’t be there to oversee these mattes, the geriatric care manager can provide a valuable resource to help improve your elder’s quality of life and care.
5. Flexible service as you need it
Some families use geriatric care managers to manage extra care help. For example, the elder might need help getting to meals, dressing, or bathing. Or they just might be lonely and need someone to visit with them. [Care For Life Has Screened, Trained And Compassionate Caregivers On Staff.]
For further reference:
New York Times article: “When Elder Care Problems Escalate, You Can Hire an Expert“