Be aware of the risks and take steps to preemptively reduce injury due to falls for seniors with osteoporosis.

According to the National Council of Aging (NCOA), about 54 million people in the United States are living with osteoporosis, a degenerative condition that weakens the bones, heightening the risk for breaks and fractures. Even further, the NCOA reports that one out of every five falls amongst older adults result in a serious injury, such as a broken bone, which can be detrimental to an aging adult.

Seniors with osteoporosis live with a particularly higher risk for these falls, as well as the injuries that can follow, as osteoporosis can contribute to body aches, loss of balance, and altered posture. However, there are steps you can take to help avoid the risk of falls for seniors with osteoporosis. First, let’s identify if the aging adult you care for is at risk.

Who is at risk for osteoporosis?

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the following factors can create a higher risk of osteoporosis:

• Age – The older we get, the faster our bones deteriorate, and the slower they experience growth, which is a direct cause of osteoporosis.
• Sex – Women have a lower peak bone mass and are at a greater risk for osteoporosis, but men are still at risk, especially after the age of 70.
• Body size – Slender people with naturally thinner bones are at a particular risk for the condition.
• Family history – Researchers have found that if a parent suffered from osteoporosis, their aging adult children are also at a higher risk.

Why are falls a particular concern for seniors with osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis essentially means “porous bone.” This means that the low bone mass in people with osteoporosis creates weaker, more brittle and fragile bones. However, our bones naturally get weaker over time, and osteoporosis is often referred to as a “silent disease” because it can go undetected until a break or fracture causes an aging adult to get tested for the disease.

The issue is that, sometimes, if a senior experiences a fall with undetected osteoporosis, it can be detrimental. The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation explains that falls in older adults are not only more likely to result in broken bones, but the broken bones are likely to be major bones in the body, such as the hip, spine, or wrist. After breaking such vital bones, it’s not always as simple as waiting for the break to heal. Major bone breaks can result in a permanent loss of mobility, chronic pain, or a stooped or hunched posture.

Even further, the aftereffects of a break can be life-altering for aging adults. A loss of mobility can lead to depression in older adults. Chronic pain can also cause irritability and a loss of interest in daily activities. On top of these effects, healing from a broken bone can be an extremely costly process, creating a financial burden on the aging adult and their family.

With all of these concerns, it’s vital that seniors with osteoporosis have all the help necessary to limit the risks of falls.

How can I help prevent falls for seniors with osteoporosis?

The Osteoporosis Foundation offers the following tips to help avoid falls for seniors with osteoporosis:

1. Practice a regular exercise routine, with a special focus on balance, to help build aging adults’ strength as they age and their muscles naturally begin to weaken.
2. To avoid vision obstructions, make sure the aging adult’s glasses are clean, repaired, and that the prescription is up to date. It’s also important to pay attention to any glares the glasses could cause on particularly bright days.
3. Ensure the aging adult is wearing sensible, comfortable shoes with adequate support.
4. Fall-proof the home, which could mean removing loose rugs, installing handrails in the bathroom, and even upgrading the lighting around the home.

It’s also important to educate yourself on the risks associated with the medications an aging adult takes on a regular basis, as these can contribute to osteoporosis as well as changes in balance that can lead to a fall.

Making these changes could help avoid severe injury as osteoporosis progresses in aging adults. As a caregiver, it can also be helpful to consider any previous falls or stumbles the seniors has experienced and the factors that may have contributed to them.

If you or a loved one may benefit from in-home senior care in Hingham or any Massachusetts communities, My Personal Home Health Care offers both non-medical and skilled nursing care that can help! Our expert caregivers are prepared to help aging adults with osteoporosis stay safe and comfortable at home while maintaining their independence as they age. If you would like to hear more about our services, contact us online or call 508-386-3065 to start the conversation and schedule a free in-home consultation!

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One-on-one home care helps seniors age at home by preserving independence while facilitating wellness.

As aging loved ones find themselves requiring more assistance in their day-to-day lives, we have many options to choose from to help meet their individual goals. While senior care facilities can be a great solution, studies show that most people prefer to age at home, where things are familiar and they feel most comfortable. In particular, most people prefer one-on-one home care, which enables them to receive personalized care that is specially designed to accommodate their unique  needs.

What are the benefits of one-on-one home care?

The fact is that there is no more effective care than one-on-one home care from a professional home health care agency. When adults choose to age at home, they are afforded the comfort of the familiarity and security of home. This option avoids the potential shock of leaving their lifelong home to move into a care facility with new surroundings and new people.

There is also a level of control and flexibility that receiving personalized care at home offers that cannot be accommodated at a care facility. Being able to regulate when the caregiver comes in and out of the home, how long they stay, and what they do while they’re there gives the aging adult some control as they receive care that can make their healthcare transitions less stressful. 

It also means that the aging adult can still see their family, friends, and pets as often as they want to as they receive the care they need. This care model also creates an opportunity to prioritize family-centered care, in which the aging adult can receive care from loved ones they are comfortable with to work harmoniously with the work their professional caregiver does.

On top of these more obvious benefits, choosing to use one-on-one care also means:

• The aging adult will be able to develop a meaningful bond with their regular caregiver(s), easing the tension of home care.
• The caregiver will get to know their individual and unique care needs in more detail, providing more consistent, adaptable care.
• The older adult can enjoy peace of mind after building a rapport with the caregiver, creating trust that they are the best caregiver to fulfill their care needs.

How do I start the one-on-one home care journey?

Starting a home care journey takes some courage to take that first step, but we can help make it easy from there! There are some relatively simple factors to think through as you begin searching for a one-on-one home care arrangement that will be the best for you or an aging loved one. 

Ask yourself about the following details as you begin to search for one-on-one home care:

1. What are the care needs? Some people need help with bathing, using the bathroom, and other personal care needs, while others may need companionship or transportation. Is there a need for skilled nursing services now or in the future? We do that too. Determine what level of care is needed now and in the future so that you can search more efficiently for the right services.
2. How often do you need help? Are everyday tasks beginning to become too much of a challenge, or do you just need a helping hand every now and then? Deciding how often you need care for a loved one can help you create a more accurate budget for home care and prepare the aging adult for how often they’ll have help around the home.
3. Speaking of budget, how much do you want to spend? Home care costs can vary greatly depending on the agency and the services you use. There are also many avenues to pay for one-on-one home care, such as private pay, long-term care insurance, etc. Draw up a realistic budget to make sure that the agency you choose won’t break the bank.
4. What’s the aging adult’s comfort level with home care? Welcoming a caregiver into an aging adult’s life as they enter a vulnerable phase of adulthood can be a process. Make sure you consider the senior’s comfort level so they aren’t overwhelmed as they begin this journey. We can assist with easing the transition and discuss how we have helped other families overcome this hurdle in the past.

After you consider those questions, then you’ll be ready to start finding the perfect care agency to provide home care as an aging loved one begins to age at home. If you want only the best one-on-one home care in Massachusetts as a loved one begins to age at home, My Personal Home Health Care has the professional, compassionate caregivers to help!

If you want to learn more about our home care in Lexington, Weston, Concord, Sherborn, Brookline, Newton, Hingham, Boston, Plymouth, Norwell, Belmont, and Mashpee, contact us online or at 508-386-3065. See all the communities we serve throughout Massachusetts!

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Have some fun in the sun with these senior-friendly outdoor activities this summer!

The smell of a hot barbeque, the bright shine of the sun, and the sound of splashing in the pool – it’s summer time! As temperatures rise outside, aging adults may be ready to enjoy some time in the sun doing their favorite outdoor activities. In fact, fun outdoor activities are great for seniors’ health, providing mental and physical benefits such as decreased stress and anxiety and increased vitamin D exposure.

However, with so much fun to be had in these soaring temperatures, it’s important that aging adults are equipped with senior-friendly outdoor activities that are safe while still being exciting and entertaining. 

Here are a few senior-friendly outdoor activities for the summer that can help aging adults live their lives to the fullest while enjoying the many benefits of time outdoors:

1. Swimming/water aerobics – With the flaring temperatures of summer, it’s always nice for seniors to be able to cool down while getting some sunshine. Supervised swimming or water aerobics is a great way to stay cool while also getting great exercise. The water activities can help those with stiff joints or arthritis, as well as increase bone density and muscle mass. Consider sun protection in the pool with a shirt covering the senior’s bathing suit, sunscreen, and a hat.
2. Going for a walk – There’s something special about a leisurely stroll at the beginning or end of the day, watching the sunrise or sunset when the temperature isn’t too high. Daily walks can also help maintain mobility, strengthen bones, and serve as a major mood booster. Try a walk around the neighborhood or your local park to start.
3. Gardening – Did Dad have a green thumb back in the day? Was Mom always excited to pick her first tomato of the season when you were a kid? Well, try to get them outside this summer with gardening activities. Not only will this be a great way to get fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet, but it’s also a great way to keep their minds stimulated, remain in touch with their interests, and get their bodies moving during the summer! If traditional gardening requires more mobility than they can commit to, get creative with potted plants or a hydroponics kit.
4. Outdoor reading – Seniors can combine the benefits of the great outdoors with the benefits of reading by finding a shady tree and digging into their favorite novel. Getting lost in a story will help reduce stress and add some extra entertainment to their day. And of course, the mental stimulation from reading is always helpful as well. 

If a senior you love wants to get outside this summer, these senior-friendly outdoor activities can help! However, there are safety tips to remember that can help aging adults avoid any heat-related emergencies.

• Stay hydrated – Water is essential to summer fun. Whether it’s healthy fruit juice, whole fruits and vegetables, or just regular H2O, it’s vital that seniors stay hydrated, especially if they’re going to be spending time outside in the heat.
• Keep clothing light – Wearing loose, light clothing can help seniors avoid retaining      body heat so that they can stay as cool as possible in the sun.
• Sunscreen! – The sun has so many health benefits for seniors, but it can also be damaging if the appropriate precautions aren’t in place. Make sure that seniors have applied sunscreen liberally before going out in the sun, and be sure to bring the bottle with you in case they need to reapply at some point!

With these tips for senior-friendly outdoor activities, the seniors in your life should be well on their way to a fun-filled, exciting summer! And if you need help making sure the seniors you love can spend time outside every day or with making sure they are taking the right safety steps, My Personal Home Health Care can help!

Our customizable home care in Bristol, and all of Massachusetts, can help seniors live their lives      to the fullest this summer. We even offer companionship services if older adults would benefit from a friend to try these activities with! Learn about options for in-home care for in-home care in Hingham, Weston, Concord, Sherborn, Brookline, Newton, Lexington, Plymouth, Norwell, Belmont and Mashpee and see our full service area to see communities we serve across all of Massachusetts. If you’d like to learn more, contact us online to schedule your free in-home consultation! 

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When soaking up all of the joy summer has to offer, seniors and all of us can enjoy summer safely by remaining mindful of hydration and sun protection.

Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, fun in the sun, and time with family and friends. For everyone, but especially for seniors, hot sun and warmer weather can mean increased health risks. Still, that doesn’t mean older adults have to sacrifice vacations, gardening, pool time with the grandkids, or other beloved summer activities. With a few precautions and preparation, and plenty of activities for seniors in Massachusetts, senior loved ones can enjoy summer safely and comfortably. The following tips can help.

Drink enough water. Dehydration can happen quickly in the summer due to hotter, drier weather and increased sweating. In fact, a UCLA study reported that up to 40% of older adults may be chronically under-hydrated, making the need for water during hot, dry weather even more necessary. Yes, it may seem obvious – but actually this is a very common problem and the severity is often overlooked. In an article by the Cleveland Clinic, Geriatric Nurse Anne Vanderbilt says, “By the time they are thirsty, that’s already an indication of early dehydration.” Make sure to drink eight or more glasses of water per day, and increase that amount if you are doing strenuous activity. Avoid leaving home without water. Find your favorite water bottle and take it with you when you go out on walks, to the beach, by the pool, when running errands in an air-conditioned vehicle, etc. Additionally, avoid caffeinated beverages, like coffee and tea, as these can increase dehydration. 

Protect the skin and eyes. Sun protection is vital for older adults. According to Johns Hopkins University, UV light ages all structures of the eye, leading to corneal damage, cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses can protect the eyes from harmful UV rays that may damage vision. Additionally, the CDC reports that less than 50% of seniors properly protect their skin when outside, which can greatly increase their risk for skin cancer. Hats and sunscreen should also be worn when outside in the sun to protect the skin. Make sure your sunscreen is SPF 30 or higher and protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. A common mistake is to use the correct sunscreen, but not enough of it; applying liberally will help reduce health risks.

Stay in when it’s too hot. A CDC report noted that 36% of heat-related deaths in the U.S. were among people age 65 and over. When it is very hot and humid outside, the body must work harder to maintain its regular temperature, so limiting time outdoors during extreme conditions is a best practice. If conditions are moderate and the desired activity is outdoors, consider bringing your own shade with an umbrella or other canopy.

Ensure air conditioning is nearby. For older adults, an air-conditioned home is essential during hot weather. Before the temperatures rise, have air conditioning units tested to ensure they are in proper working order. If you are out and about during extremely hot weather, find an indoor air-conditioned area to cool down like a mall, grocery store, library, or the home of a friend or family member.

Consider how medication plays a role. There are certain types of common medicines that can cause sensitivity to the sun, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, estrogens, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and extremely common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Evaluate how medications can impact your photosensitivity and follow guidelines from the FDA.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke & Other Heat-Related Illnesses 

When enjoying the outdoors with a senior loved one this summer, it is important to recognize the signs of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Here’s what to look for:

• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Flushed face
• High body temperature
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Rapid pulse
• Lethargy

Take immediate action if an older adult exhibits any of these symptoms. Help to cool the person down with water or ice packs and seek medical attention right away.

At My Personal Home Health Care, we are dedicated to helping seniors enjoy life while maintaining the highest level of safety. Our personal care services help seniors with a variety of needs, including walking and exercise to maintain physical health with a caregiver on hand to promote safety. We can also monitor hydration and vitals to ensure seniors are safe and healthy during the summer months and year-round. 

A no-cost consultation is a great place to begin exploring options for home care in Needham, MA and communities in Hingham, Weston, Concord, Sherborn, Brookline, Newton, Lexington, Plymouth, Norwell, Belmont and Mashpee. Contact us today to learn more about our wide range of home health care services or to schedule a no-obligation in-home consultation.

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A stroke is nothing short of a life changing event. It is the 5th leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Depending on the severity and location of a stroke, the brain can be affected in a variety of different ways. Paralysis, speech issues, memory loss, and vision problems are all common repercussions of a stroke. Recently, a lesser-known stroke-related injury has come to light thanks to celebrity Bruce Willis paving the way for an outpouring of support for older adults affected by aphasia.

In March 2022, Willis’s family announced that the actor was stepping away from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia. The announcement brought about a mix of sadness and curiosity, with many people wondering just what aphasia is. In honor of affected families and National Stroke Awareness Month, let’s take a closer look at this complex issue.

What Is Aphasia?

According to the American Stroke Association, aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand and express themselves through speech. The left side of the brain typically influences a person’s ability to use and understand language. When a stroke occurs on the left side of the brain, it can cause aphasia.

A common misperception about the disorder is that it impairs intelligence. Actually, most people with aphasia remain mentally alert even though their speech may be difficult to understand. 

Individuals with aphasia may find it difficult to:

• Find the right words to use
• Get their words out
• Pronounce or understand long or uncommon words
• Understand what others are saying
• Read, write, or do math

Below are common types of aphasia:

• Global aphasia: Individuals with this type of aphasia are severely impaired at both forming and understanding words and sentences.
• Broca’s aphasia: A person with Broca’s aphasia has halting speech and may drop words, have difficulty with grammar, or have comprehension issues.
• Wernicke’s aphasia: Those with Wernicke’s aphasia may sound as though they are speaking in sentences, but the words do not make sense. They also have difficulty understanding speech from others.

How to Help People with Aphasia

Aphasia can be an extremely frustrating disorder. Imagine knowing what you want to say to someone, but being unable to say it or having your words come out jumbled or incoherent. We rely on communication in all of our relationships, from personal to professional ones. When the ability to communicate is taken away, it is both frightening and challenging. If aphasia is suspected following a stroke, it is important for the person to seek the support of a doctor and a speech therapist. Family and friends can help by:

• Having open conversations about aphasia so that those communicating with the person are aware of the situation.
• Remembering that aphasia is a language problem and not a hearing problem. Shouting will not help the person understand you. 
• Confirming that the person has heard and understood you by using yes/no questions. 
• Developing a daily routine that incorporates practice skills from the speech therapist as well as time to rest.
• Keeping sentences short and to the point.
• Reducing noise level when possible and standing near the person with aphasia when communicating.
• Engaging the person with aphasia in conversation and including them in decision-making.
• Helping the person cope with any frustrations that arise.
• Being patient.

If someone you love is a stroke survivor and/or has been diagnosed with aphasia, the expert team at My Personal Home Health Care can help in many ways. We provide a wide range of services that can benefit people recovering from a stroke, including:

• Homemaking care, including meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, etc.
• Personal assistance, such as help with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, eating, etc.
• Assistance with communication, including scheduling appointments and making telephone calls
• Transportation, including errands, appointments, and recreation
• Skilled nursing
• And more

Contact us today online or at (508) 386-3065 to learn more about our in-home care services and how we help stroke survivors improve quality of life and restore independence in the comfort and familiarity of home. Schedule a free in-home consultation to learn about options for in-home care in Hingham, Weston, Concord, Sherborn, Brookline, Newton, Lexington, Plymouth, Norwell, Belmont and Mashpee. See all the communities we serve throughout Massachusetts.

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