Falls are a Big Deal for the Elderly
While it may seem like no big deal for a young person to slip and fall, falls and their resulting injuries can prove fatal for an elderly person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an elderly person dies from a fall every 20 minutes in the United States. There are a number […]
Why We Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The Home Care Plus team recently participated in the Charleston Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This wonderful event helps raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, research and support. Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is a debilitating disease that destroys a person’s memory and cognitive abilities over time. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it […]
National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and with flu season only a few months away, it is a great time to remind older adults that vaccines aren’t just for kids! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults over age 65 are at greatest risk for complications from the flu. The CDC recommends […]
Unintentional Injuries: How Can You Protect Yourself?
According to the National Safety Council, more than 145,000 deaths in 2015 were the result of unintentional injuries. Topping the list is poisoning, usually as a result of a prescription drug overdose. Motor vehicle crashes come in second for unintentional-injury-related deaths. Everyone can do their part to make the roads safer by not texting while […]
Heat Stroke: Know the Signs
As the mercury rises this summer, it is important to recognize the signs of heat stroke and know how to prevent it. Older people are more susceptible to heat stroke because their bodies are less adaptable to changes in temperature. In addition, certain medications can also affect how their bodies react to changing temperatures. According […]
It’s Hurricane Season: Are You Ready?
It’s that time of year again—the 2017 hurricane season officially kicked off on June 1st and there have already been several tropical disturbances to date. It’s always a good idea to review your emergency plan with your family and make sure you have a disaster supply kit with up-to-date non-perishables and other necessities on hand. […]
Is It Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is not a normal part of aging. The disease usually strikes individuals 65 years and over, but younger people are not without risk. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are treatments available that can help slow the progression of the disease and help manage symptoms. […]
May is Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month is really a celebration of what aging means in today’s society. Being an “older” adult doesn’t mean the end of your career or that you suddenly have to give up doing the things you love. In fact, the opposite is often true–seniors today are taking on a new career, trying new hobbies, […]
Grow Your Greens!
The warm, sunny days of spring and summer offer the perfect opportunity to get outside and exercise your green thumb. Gardening offers many physical and emotional benefits. Almost everyone’s health could benefit from eating more fruits and vegetables (which are high in fiber and antioxidants), so plant a few of your favorites or expand your […]
Your Brain Health and Aging
The human brain is a wonderful, complex organ, which, among other things, is responsible for our cognition and memory. Unfortunately for many, aging brings a host of unwanted changes, both physical and mental. Many people mistakenly believe that you either get dementia (or other forms of cognitive decline) as you age or you don’t—but research […]