Hospice Care Greenville: Myths, Services, and How to Select the Right One for Your Family

By Bruce Meyer
Hospice care is a special form of healthcare that provides individuals who are facing end-of-life with compassion, peace, and pain relief. The home care providers of Always Best Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, know that there are many myths surrounding the role of hospice caregivers; however, by debunking these myths, these professionals will help you to understand the valuable services that hospice caregivers offer and how you can choose the right one for your family.

Refuting Myths Regarding Hospice Care

Ultimately, people see the need for hospice services as a death warrant; because these services are used in end-of-life situations, the philosophy of hospice care has earned a negative connotation in the minds of seniors and their families. The truth is, though, that hospice providers offer peace, comfort, and pain relief for individuals who are facing end-of-life or who have illnesses that are not responding to medical treatment. As such, these professionals provide physical, social, emotional, and, in some cases, spiritual care to patients.

Hospice Services

The main goal of a hospice caregiver is to alleviate the pain of their patients and manage their symptoms. Because of this, hospice services do not include treatment for disease. Instead, the professionals who work in this capacity offer pain management and the care necessary to minimize symptoms and keep patients comfortable. As such, they allow individuals to face terminal illnesses and end-of-life in as dignified a manner as possible while offering compassion, comfort, and peace.

Hospice care providers also work with family members to help them understand and come to terms with the condition of their loved one. They facilitate visits between patients and friends and family if necessary. Through these services, hospice is a resource upon which not only patients, but also their loved ones can rely during this time.

Choosing the Right Hospice Provider

Hospice, itself, is a healthcare philosophy. As such, there are many different organizations that provide their own version of this type of care. You will find that some take a more religious approach while others might highlight family involvement or another aspect of care. For this reason, it is important to talk to representatives from the hospice providers in your area to determine which organization will best see to the needs, priorities, and values of your elderly loved one.

The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville (www.AlwaysBestCareGreenville.com) understand that hospice can be a scary thing, as it has such a negative connotation; however, this information should assist you in seeing how much value this form of care can hold for your senior and your family.

Elder Care Greenville and Spartanberg: Is It Dementia or a UTI?

By Bruce Meyer

Dementia and urinary tract infections, or UTIs, actually share some symptoms that can make it difficult to tell the difference between them. According to Alzheimer's Society, both of these conditions can cause confusion, withdrawal from social and other events and activities, or agitation.[1] Additionally, since elderly individuals who are older or who already suffer from dementia may have a difficult time communicating, it may be hard for your senior to tell you exactly how they are feeling. As such, the professionals at AlwaysBest Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, explain that it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with the symptoms, prevention methods, and cures of UTIs to best care for your loved one.[2]

UTI Symptoms

UTIs can take root at any place in the urinary tract system, including the bladder or kidneys. Some of the symptoms associated with this infection include:

• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Urine that has a strong odor
• Low fever
• Burning or painful sensation during urination
• Pressure in the lower abdomen or back
• Urge to urinate often
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• High fever
• Pain in the side or groin
• Skin that is flushed or red
• Warm skin
•  Confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting

UTI Prevention

Your senior can reduce their risk of developing a UTI with several lifestyle changes. For instance, they can take showers instead of baths, practice healthy personal hygiene, and (in the case of women) wipe from front to back. Additionally, seniors can wear pants that do not fit too tightly, choose cotton undergarments, and change their clothing at least once per day. In terms of diet, elderly individuals can drink the proper amount of fluids and cranberry juice while refraining from alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate the urinary tract system.

UTI Cure

Antibiotics are the most common method of treatment for UTIs. In addition to antibiotics, individuals may be prescribed medications to alleviate pain and control the sudden urge to urinate. If the infection is severe, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure that your senior gets the amount of fluids, antibiotics, and other forms of care that they need.

Dementia and UTIs have surprisingly common symptoms, so the home care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville believe that it is important that you understand the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of UTIs in order to best care for your elderly loved one.

Check us out at our website.

Call us today at 864-527-0464 or visit online for a free e-booklet on senior care!

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[1] http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=1777

[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001549/

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Greenville is Bruce Meyer. Bruce and his team assist seniors and their families in South Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

Senior Care Greenville and Spartanberg: Does Your Living Will Have a DNR Order?

By Bruce Meyer

Many individuals mistakenly assume that placing a do not resuscitate (DNR) order in a living will is the right way to go about planning for unforeseen medical situations. While it is always a good idea to be prepared by providing information regarding one's wishes to the individuals who may have to make such decisions, it is important that individuals understand the difference between a living will and a DNR order and how to enact them appropriately. If your senior is creating a living will or other advance directive, the home care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, believe that it is crucial that they take these important notes into consideration when doing so.[1]

• The interpretation of the verbiage used in living wills is very widely debated. Terms like "seriously incapacitating" can be interpreted by different physicians to varying degrees. As such, it is important to note that there may not be one specific level of medical need that will qualify as such. This can cause complications if a DNR order is added to the directive, as it can cause medical professionals to carry out the DNR order when it is not intended.
• When medical personnel interpret living wills they are not given code status designations. As such, it can make the wishes of your elderly loved one difficult for these healthcare professionals to understand and, by extension, can cause your loved one to be treated in a manner that might not be in line with their wishes.
• Informed consent is integral in the establishment of a DNR order, as this order can mean life or death for a patient. As such, living wills do not offer the level of informed consent required in many cases. This means that, in some situations, elderly individuals who sign living wills are not always aware of the implications of their signature.

Talking about living wills and DNR orders with your elderly loved one is not an easy task. The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville (www.AlwaysBestCareGreenville.com) know that this is an emotionally difficult responsibility, to be sure, but it is crucial that you have this conversation in order to ensure that your senior's wishes are documented properly. Doing so can make future medical decisions easier for your loved one, your family, and the healthcare team responsible for your senior.

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Greenville is Bruce Meyer. Bruce and his team assist seniors and their families in South Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

Check us out at our website.

Call us today at 864-527-0464 or visit online for a free e-booklet on senior care!

---

[1] http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/541/living-will-dangers.html

Elder Care Greenville, SC: Age-Related Macular Degeneration

By Bruce Meyer
With Elder Care in Greenville, SC we face age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, a condition of the eye that occurs most commonly in individuals who are 50 years of age and older.[1] The elder care and senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, explain that this is the most common catalyst of vision impairment in seniors.

AMD essentially causes the deterioration of the macula, which is the component of the eye that allows individuals to see images clearly. Located exactly opposite of the lens, right above the optic nerve, the loss of the macula results in the impairment of the form of vision that is used most often (namely, central vision).  There are two different types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry is the less severe, but it impacts approximately 90 percent of individuals who have the condition. Wet, though experienced by fewer individuals, leads to vision loss more quickly.

Who Is At Risk?
The older an individual becomes, the higher their risk of developing AMD gets. While AMD affects a diverse mix of the senior population, there are some risk factors that can encourage its emergence. For instance, individuals who smoke are considered to face two times the risk of AMD than those who do not. Additionally, Caucasians are most likely to be impacted by the disease—as well as those individuals who have a family history of AMD.

Is There a Cure?
Currently, there is no cure for AMD. There are, however, treatment options that can alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Seniors who have wet AMD may undergo injections, phyotodynamic therapy, or laser surgery; individuals with dry AMD may be given high-dose supplements of antioxidants, zinc, and other substances by their doctor.

Is Prevention an Option?
While there is no known way to prevent AMD with certainty, there are certain lifestyle habits that an individual can embrace that can reduce their risk of developing the condition. First and foremost, quitting smoking can significantly decrease the odds of developing AMD. Additionally, getting regular exercise, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels within the normal range, and eating a well-rounded diet that incorporates leafy vegetables and fish can all contribute to the reduced risk of AMD.

Bruce Meyer and the senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville know that AMD can be a very scary condition to elderly individuals who are facing vision impairment. As such, they recommend talking to your elderly loved one and ensuring that they understand exactly what is happening if they suffer from this disease.

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Greenville is Bruce Meyer. Bruce and his team assist seniors and their families in South Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members.

Check us out at our website.

Call us today at 864-527-0464 or visit online for a free e-booklet on senior care!

---

[1] All information from http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp#1

Elder Care Greenville, SC: Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

By Bruce Meyer
With Elder Care in Greenville, SC we come across symptoms of congestive heart failure on occasion. This develops when the heart is not strong enough to pump blood through the entire body.[1] A chronic condition, heart failure also has the ability of quickly developing and may, in certain cases, impact only one side of the heart at a time. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, know that facing congestive heart failure with your elderly loved one can be scary. But, by understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options associated with this condition, you can better provide senior care as they battle this disease.

Causes of Congestive Heart Failure
Coronary artery disease is the most common catalyst of congestive heart failure. This disease takes root when the blood vessels that carry blood—and oxygen—to the heart are too narrow to provide the amount of blood needed. Additionally, high blood pressure caused by this and other conditions can lead to the failure of the heart.

Additional causes of congestive heart failure include:

• Congenital heart disease
• Arrhythmias
• Heart attack
• Diseases of the heart valves (causing them to leak or become too narrow)
• Infection of the heart muscle

Congestive heart failure is a disease that can actually be prompted by other health conditions. Some of these include: amyloidosis, underactive and overactive thyroid, emphysema, a surplus of iron, sarcoidosis, and extreme anemia.

Symptoms Associated with Congestive Heart Failure
The signs of heart failure develop gradually. As such, it is important for you to understand what to look for when providing home care to your elderly loved one. Here are some of the most common symptoms of this particular condition:

• Cough
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Swollen feet, ankles, liver, or abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Irregular Pulse
• Urge to urinate at night
• Heart palpitations

These symptoms, although they normally emerge at a slow rate, may begin suddenly. As such, it is important to pay attention to the overall health of your loved one when providing home care.

Treatment Options
Medications are the first line of defense against congestive heart failure. These medicines are targeted at alleviating the symptoms of the disease and preventing it from becoming more severe. Coronary bypass surgery, heart valve surgery, the implantation of a pacemaker, or the use of a defibrillator may also be used.

Bruce Meyer and the home care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville hope that this information can assist you in better caring for your loved one and, if necessary, helping them seek immediate medical attention should they develop the symptoms of heart failure.

Always Best Care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. The owner of Always Best Care of Greenville is Bruce Meyer. Bruce and his team assist seniors and their families in South Carolina by providing non-medical in-home care and FREE assisted living placement services. We have strong relationships with area hospitals, social workers, senior communities and senior resources throughout the area.  We have your loved ones’ best interests at heart, and will ensure that exceptional service and care is provided to all family members. Check out our website: http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/us/sc/greenville-county/greenville.aspx

Call us today at 864-527-0464 or visit online at for a free e-booklet on senior care!

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[1] All information from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001211/

Assisted Living Placement Greenville SC: Understanding the Differences Between Senior Living Communities

By Bruce Meyer

Assisted Living Placement in Greenville SC requires a knowledge of senior living communities and that they come in many varieties. In fact, there are three main categories of these facilities: independent living communities, assisted living communities, and nursing homes. The home care professionals of Always Best Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, know that choosing the right facility for your loved one is not always easy—but you can better weigh your options by understanding the differences between these categories.

1.  Independent Living Communities: These neighborhoods are for residents over a certain age (most commonly 55) who do not need elder care assistance. People living in these communities are responsible for their homes and can benefit from the social events that are often planned by residents. This is a wonderful option for seniors who are looking to live near people who share their interests.
2. Assisted Living Communities: In an assisted living community, residents benefit from non-medical care, such as assistance with personal hygiene, meal preparation, grooming, etc. Like independent living communities, assisted living facilities frequently provide an active social calendar that allows residents to participate in a variety of events. For instance, they may host fitness classes, book clubs, art classes, trips to local museums, etc.
3. Nursing Homes: Also called skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes provide medical care to seniors who have health conditions that require special attention. Staff members are on call 24 hours per day to ensure that elderly individuals have access to the care that they need. Some social activities may be provided, but the focus of care in a nursing home is health, rather than social interaction. A nursing facility is a good option for seniors who can no longer take care of themselves at home or rely upon extensive in-home care provided by skilled professionals.

At Always Best Care of Greenville, the safety and wellbeing of seniors are the top priorities. At a certain point, the professionals know that it is in your loved one's best interest to move into a community that affords a higher degree of care. By understanding the differences between independent, assisted, and skilled nursing facilities, you can help your senior choose the right community for their needs. 

For a free e-book on senior care issues, please click here to have one sent to you free of charge.

For more information, please contact +Bruce Meyer at  (864) 527-0464.

Elder Care Greenville SC: Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

By Bruce Meyer

When dealing with Elder Care in Greenville SC, one must be aware of congestive heart failure. This develops when the heart is not strong enough to pump blood through the entire body.[1] A chronic condition, heart failure also has the ability of quickly developing and may, in certain cases, impact only one side of the heart at a time. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, know that facing congestive heart failure with your elderly loved one can be scary. But by understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options associated with this condition, you can better support your senior as they battle this disease.

Causes of Congestive Heart Failure

Coronary artery disease is the most common catalyst of congestive heart failure. This disease takes root when the blood vessels that carry blood—and oxygen—to the heart are too narrow to provide the amount of blood needed. Additionally, high blood pressure caused by this and other conditions can lead to the failure of the heart.

Additional causes of congestive heart failure include:

·       Congenital heart disease

·       Arrhythmias

·       Heart attack

·       Diseases of the heart valves (causing them to leak or become too narrow)

·       Infection of the heart muscle

Congestive heart failure is a disease that can actually be prompted by other health conditions. Some of these include: amyloidosis, underactive and overactive thyroid, emphysema, a surplus of iron, sarcoidosis, and extreme anemia.

Symptoms Associated with Congestive Heart Failure

The signs of heart failure develop gradually. As such, it is important for you to understand what to look for when providing home care to your elderly loved one. Here are some of the most common symptoms of this particular condition:

·       Cough

·       Weight gain

·       Fatigue

·       Shortness of breath

·       Weakness

·       Swollen feet, ankles, liver, or abdomen

·       Loss of appetite

·       Irregular Pulse

·       Urge to urinate at night

·       Heart palpitations

These symptoms, although they normally emerge at a slow rate, may begin suddenly. As such, it is important to pay attention to the overall health of your loved one when providing home care.

Treatment Options

Medications are the first line of defense against congestive heart failure. These medicines are targeted at alleviating the symptoms of the disease and preventing it from becoming more severe. Coronary bypass surgery, heart valve surgery, the implantation of a pacemaker, or the use of a defibrillator may also be used.

The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville  hope that this information can assist you in better caring for your loved one and, if necessary, helping them seek immediate medical attention should they develop the symptoms of heart failure


For a free e-book on senior care issues, please click here to have one sent to you free of charge.

For more information, please contact +Bruce Meyer at  (864) 527-0464.

---

[1] All information from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001211/

Senior Care Greenville: Age-Related Macular Degeneration

By Bruce Meyer

Those families dealing with senior care and elder care in Greenville need to be aware of an age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. This is a condition of the eye that occurs most commonly in individuals who are 50 years of age and older.[1] The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, explain that this is the most common catalyst of vision impairment in seniors.

AMD essentially causes the deterioration of the macula, which is the component of the eye that allows individuals to see images clearly. Located exactly opposite of the lens, right above the optic nerve, the loss of the macula results in the impairment of the form of vision that is used most often (namely, central vision).  There are two different types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry is the less severe, but it impacts approximately 90 percent of individuals who have the condition. Wet, though experienced by fewer individuals, leads to vision loss more quickly.

Who Is At Risk?

The older an individual becomes, the higher their risk of developing AMD gets. While AMD affects a diverse mix of the senior population, there are some risk factors that can encourage its emergence. For instance, individuals who smoke are considered to face two times the risk of AMD than those who do not. Additionally, Caucasians are most likely to be impacted by the disease—as well as those individuals who have a family history of AMD.

Is There a Cure?

Currently, there is no cure for AMD. There are, however, treatment options that can alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Seniors who have wet AMD may undergo injections, phyotodynamic therapy, or laser surgery; individuals with dry AMD may be given high-dose supplements of antioxidants, zinc, and other substances by their doctor.

Is Prevention an Option?

While there is no known way to prevent AMD with certainty, there are certain lifestyle habits that an individual can embrace that can reduce their risk of developing the condition. First and foremost, quitting smoking can significantly decrease the odds of developing AMD. Additionally, getting regular exercise, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels within the normal range, and eating a well-rounded diet that incorporates leafy vegetables and fish can all contribute to the reduced risk of AMD.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care ofGreenville  know that AMD can be a very scary condition to elderly individuals who are facing vision impairment. As such, they recommend talking to your elderly loved one and ensuring that they understand exactly what is happening if they suffer from this disease.

For a free e-book on senior care issues, please click here to have one sent to you free of charge.

For more information, please contact +Bruce Meyer at  (864) 527-0464.

---

[1] All information from http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp#1

Senior Care Greenville: Brain Games - Keeping Your Senior's Brain Engaged

By Bruce Meyer

When dealing with Senior Care in Greenville, it is important to think about an overlooked organ...the brain.  Although the brain is an organ, it needs to be exercised like a muscle in order to retain its ability to function optimally. You see, the brain's cells are connected, and these connections are strengthened the more they are used. So by keeping the brain active, elderly individuals can retain a certain degree of strength regarding their mental capabilities. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville, serving Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin, suggest that you encourage your loved one to play fun brain games in an effort to keep their mental capabilities as strong as possible.

Which Games Are Best?

Choosing a great brain game is relatively easy and can be a fun part of senior care, once you know what to look for. Think about the nature of the games you are considering and chose those that require players to utilize their minds. This may mean calling upon their vocabulary, using spatial reasoning, or exercising problem solving skills. In addition to strategy, words, and numbers, it is a good idea to look for games that engage the senses, such as those that have bright colors.

Examples of Great Brain Games

Crossword puzzles, word searches, and Sudoku are wonderful games that encourage your elderly loved one to use their mental power. Additionally, jigsaw puzzles and dominos require players to think about each move.

These traditional games are great, but there are new games that can exercise the brain and add a bit of social fun into the mix. Last Word is a game that requires players to use their vocabulary skills while beating the clock. Mad Gab, Scattergories, Cranium, Pictionary, and other thought-provoking games encourage mental activity and fun.

Start a Game Night

A great way to ensure that your loved one stays mentally active is to start a family game night. Your senior will enjoy spending time with loved ones and your family will have a blast supporting the mental capabilities of one another through fun games. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Greenville know that playing games with your senior will allow you to enjoy the time you spend with your family and sharpen your loved one's mental capabilities.

For a free e-book on senior care issues, please click here to have one sent to you free of charge.

For more information, please contact +Bruce Meyer at  (864) 527-0464.