August 24, 2015
Author lancaster
You (or your appointed power of attorney) have the right to be included in your healthcare decisions. Plain and simple; if you have had a recent hospital stay doctors, nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists and a host of other health care disciplines will give input as to where you should go after discharge. Whether you go home with care from family or friends, or with paid home care services or to a skilled nursing facility is a decision you can help to make. If you have had a recent hospital stay due to joint replacement surgery, a recent heart attack or stroke, you will, most likely, need continued care after your hospital stay to ensure your safety at home. Physical and occupational therapyRead More +
August 18, 2015
Author lancaster
Recovery after joint replacement surgery, of course, involves physical therapy; but what role does nutrition play in the process? As it turns out, nutrition is plays a key role in a speedy recovery. Implementing some easy nutrition tips may make you feel more comfortable as you recuperate. After surgery your body needs rest and you may not feel like eating. Try to eat smaller meals more frequently so that you are giving your body what it needs to heal. Be sure that you are drinking plenty of water; many symptoms like fatigue, lightheadedness and nausea may be a result of dehydration. Get plenty of fiber, if available, fresh fruits and vegetables will stimulate bowel function which can be slowed after surgery. Good sources of fiberRead More +
July 23, 2015
Author lancaster
Often time holistic medicine is used to describe medicine that takes into account the person’s medical, physical, nutritional, environmental, social, emotional and spiritual well-being. Many times the term is used when people speak of alternative medicine or natural medicine only. Other times it is used in conjunction with medical treatment that involves surgery, medications and other routine medical procedures. The types of things that are included in holistic approaches are acupuncture, chiropractic care, homeopathy, massage therapy, guided imagery and aromatherapy. None of these therapies are new and some are ancient. What is important to remember is like Western Medicine, there is no “one size fits all” approach to healing. Almost all physicians agree that holistic or alternative medicine works best in conjunction with modern medicine.Read More +
July 23, 2015
Author lancaster
There are numerous online resources for today’s aging adults. Here are a few that might assist you and your loved ones. Administration on Aging (AOA) The Administration on Aging is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The AOA carries out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965, promoting the well-being of older individuals by providing resources and services for seniors to live independently. For more information, click here. Alzheimer’s Association The Alzheimer’s Association is a leading organization providing support and research for Alzheimer’s disease. Click here to find information regarding research, caregiving tips, events, and a list of Alzheimer’s professionals in your area. National Care Planning Council The National Care Planning Council is a comprehensive resourceRead More +
July 23, 2015
Author lancaster
We all need someone to talk to…. When you were a teenager you hung around with other teens. When you were newly married you hung around with newly married couples and when you had children you socialized with other new parents. The why to all of this is simply because you needed support. You needed to know what others were doing in the same situations in case they had better information or advice and you needed to know your frustrations and anxiety were not abnormal but normal. We all need someone to talk to. When the people we talk to today have no idea about a problem or diagnosis you have just been given then you need to seek out others that do. Doctors areRead More +
July 23, 2015
Author lancaster
Like everything else in life what makes someone good is subjective. Everyone has an opinion regarding how to choose the right doctor… Like everything else in life what makes someone good is subjective. Everyone has an opinion regarding how to choose the right doctor and everyone usually loves the doctor they have or they are currently looking for a new one. The way most of us go about it is by word of mouth. What is interesting is that healthcare professionals go about it completely different. If we use word of mouth it is only between other health care professionals and not what lay individuals think. That is because there are a few things we know that the general public does not. First of allRead More +
July 23, 2015
Author lancaster
When we look at healing, we need to address it from the standpoint of what you can control and what you can’t. Where you heal, in the environment you heal, and what you eat, drink and use as alternative therapies are YOUR call. These decisions are the ones that can enhance, shorten or prolong healing. The interesting thing about the things you CAN control is that most of these things are pleasant experiences and actually help you feel better in the moment and not just in the long run. Lets first talk about where you heal. We all know the best place and the only place we want to heal, is at home. When this is not possible because you need assistance or daily therapy,Read More +
July 23, 2015
Author lancaster
I am absolutely amazed at the number of people that ask this question. It’s as if we think that by not preparing for accidents then accidents won’t happen. This convoluted thinking creates many a hardship for families. Ask anyone who has had a traumatic car accident or a stroke or massive heart attack if they expected it to happen. I have never personally heard anyone say they did yet we all live as if it couldn’t happen to us. Both a healthcare power of attorney and a financial power of attorney are essential documents to have prepared in the event of a catastrophic illness or accident, especially if you are single, divorced or in the process of a divorce. No one will take your partner,Read More +
July 23, 2015
Author lancaster
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created a five star rating system and ranks only nursing homes that are certified to participate in Medicare or Medicaid and provide skilled care. The ratings are based on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. How are ratings calculated? CMS created the Overall 5-Star rating for nursing homes based on three areas: 1) Health Inspections; 2) Quality Measures (QMs); and 3) Staffing. Star ratings for each area and the overall rating range from 1 star to 5 stars, with more stars indicating better quality. CMS describes each of the three domains below: 1. Health Inspections rating: CMS bases health inspection ratings on the three most recent anual inspections, and inspections due to complaints in the last threeRead More +
July 21, 2015
Author lancaster
After a hospital stay, you or your loved one will be tired, overwhelmed and grateful to be returning home. Preparing your home for a safe return before your enter the hospital or asking a family member to prepare your home will help ease the transition. Making your home as comfortable and stress free as possible will help speed your recover. In the weeks leading up to your surgery: Some patients opt to bank some of their own blood in case it’s needed during surgery. You can arrange for this with your surgeons office any time up to six weeks prior to surgery. Discuss this option with your doctor. Plan to have someone stay with you during at least the first week of your return home.Read More +
