It’s been proven repeatedly – female doctors “will not work the same hours or have the same lifespan of contributions to the medical system as males,” says Dr. Brian Day, president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Family duties are at least partly to blame. Day’s own wife and his sister-in-law, both trained physicians, haven’t practised since having kids 10 . . . → Read More: Canadian Health Care in jeopardy?]]> Question by Clonez: Canadian Health Care in jeopardy?
Canada, theoretically, has a very functional health care system, free and universal health care for all, with government funding. However in reality there are factors restricting the longevity of universal health care that are beyond our control. radical change has begun. Fifty-two per cent of doctors under age 35 are now women. And the majority of students at nearly all of Canada’s 17 medical schools are female. At some, the number is huge – 66 per cent at Université de Montreal, and 70 per cent at Université Laval in Quebec City. By 2015, women will make up 40 per cent of the total physician workforce. Peter Coyte, a professor of health economics at the University of Toronto, predicts this influx of women will contribute to a crisis in health care. “It’s going to have a profound impact on the gap between supply and demand,” he cautions. “It will get worse before it gets better.”

It’s been proven repeatedly – female doctors “will not work the same hours or have the same lifespan of contributions to the medical system as males,” says Dr. Brian Day, president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Family duties are at least partly to blame. Day’s own wife and his sister-in-law, both trained physicians, haven’t practised since having kids 10 years ago. Despite their demanding careers, women are still “given the bigger proportion of child care, housekeeping and elder care,” says Dr. Janet Dollin, president of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada. But this pressure comes with a price. Burnout – the workplace exhaustion to which females are particularly susceptible – drives many women out of medicine altogether.

Today, five million Canadians are without a family doctor. A 2005 survey found that just 23 per cent of Canadians were able to see a physician the same day they needed one – placing this country last among the six studied, including the U.S., Britain and Australia. Canada’s doctor-patient ratio is among the worst of any industrialized nation: with just 2.2 physicians per thousand people, it ranks 24th out of 28 OECD countries (well below the average of three). And among the G8 countries, Canada ranks dead last when it comes to physician supply.

It’s going to get worse. The aging population – one in four Canadians will be 65 or older by 2056, compared to 13 per cent now – will put huge strains on the health care system, and little is being done to address the doctor shortage that already exists. The CMA estimates it would take 26,000 more doctors, right now, to bring Canada up to the OECD average. Medical schools aren’t graduating enough students to keep up with demand, and Day estimates that 1,500 Canadians are studying medicine in other countries. Already, one in nine doctors who graduated in 2006 practises in the U.S.,

When forced to choose between work and home, women physicians are more often opting for the latter – leaving a clan of “orphan patients” behind. They flood emergency rooms for care. Or they ignore whatever ails them until they can no longer. It’s been established that people without a family doctor should expect to be sicker – and cost the health care system more money – than those with a dedicated physician. An acclaimed report, first published in 1994 in The Lancet, examined how the relationship between family doctors and patients influences individual health as well as a country’s health care costs. It concluded that regular family physician care results in a less medicated, more satisfied population.

“There will come a time when our health care will hit the wall,” Baker says. “And we’re not far from that point.”

There is evidence that doctor-patient relationships improve with female physicians. They tend to be better communicators, according to the Montreal report, and create stronger bonds with their patients, which in turn leads to greater patient satisfaction overall. “Women listen in a different way,” agrees Dollin. “They try to treat patients as partners.” And that leads to a more complex view of health. Female doctors take a holistic, prevention-oriented approach, the study continues. The conversation between a woman physician and her patient, says Dollin, is “a more emotionally focused discussion.”

Canada’s health planners can’t ignore the fact that the doctor shortage is about to get worse. The country will soon have an older population than ever before – and a female-dominated medical workforce unwilling to work the hours its predecessors did. Day also warns that more Canadian physicians may be drawn to the U.S. if the presidential candidates keep their promise of delivering doctors to the 47 million Americans who are uninsured today. Between 1993 and 2004, roughly 4,000 Canadian physicians went south.

What do you think Canada should do to put some pressure off of the unstable health care system?

Best answer:

Answer by Canadiangirl
I love the fact you’re placing all the blame for some problems in our health care system on women doctors. I have a women doctor and she works very hard and is very devoted to her patients.

It is also not the fault of women doctors for the doctor shortage. It was the shortsightedness of the gov’t to restrict the applications to medical school that caused this problem. Also, women doctors cannot prevent their collegues to practice in other countries, it is the individual doctor’s decision.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Q. When do you need a care facility? A. A residential care facility should be taken into account when at least one of the following circumstances happens:

- Your elderly relative requires and demands twenty four hour of continuous care and attention. – Your elderly relative can not anymore cope up with the activities of day-to-day living such as eating, bathing, using the toilet, changing etc. – Your elderly relative is more likely to have either physical or verbal violent out burst and is a threat to himself and to others. – Your elderly relative has wandered off from the safety of home. – The caregiver’s physical condition and welfare is harmfully affected.

Q. What out of home choices for the elderly are available? A. A variety of choices are available, and it is an important decision, so choose wisely.

1. Residential care facility.

For the elderly that is no longer able to live alone however does not require skilled nursing attention and care. Assistance is given in grooming, bathing and other daily activity as well as care and supervision for temporary illness.

2. Assisted living facility.

Granting independence to the elderly who are moderately healthy and active. An impaired spouse and a healthy spouse may live together in an assisted living facility, where most include apartment . . . → Read More: Elder Care Planning Guide]]> Article by Rosie Fletcher

Q. When do you need a care facility? A. A residential care facility should be taken into account when at least one of the following circumstances happens:

- Your elderly relative requires and demands twenty four hour of continuous care and attention. – Your elderly relative can not anymore cope up with the activities of day-to-day living such as eating, bathing, using the toilet, changing etc. – Your elderly relative is more likely to have either physical or verbal violent out burst and is a threat to himself and to others. – Your elderly relative has wandered off from the safety of home. – The caregiver’s physical condition and welfare is harmfully affected.

Q. What out of home choices for the elderly are available? A. A variety of choices are available, and it is an important decision, so choose wisely.

1. Residential care facility.

For the elderly that is no longer able to live alone however does not require skilled nursing attention and care. Assistance is given in grooming, bathing and other daily activity as well as care and supervision for temporary illness.

2. Assisted living facility.

Granting independence to the elderly who are moderately healthy and active. An impaired spouse and a healthy spouse may live together in an assisted living facility, where most include apartment style of living with separate kitchens, twenty for hour security, social and recreational programs.

3. Skilled nursing facility.

Also known as nursing homes, wherein patients are given continuous nursing services and assistance from a licensed vocational or registered nurse. Skilled nursing facility provides extensive and broad services and help, such as medication, injections and constant monitoring of blood pressure as well as support for patients with ventilators. Compared to residential care facility and assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility provides the much needed medical care of patients.

4. Others. There are special care centers that offer and give special attention to certain medical conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Psychiatric facilities are an option for the elderly that displays violent behaviors.

Q. What qualifications should I look for in a primary care physician? A. A primary care physician should be competent, well trained and has concern for and about the elderly. Ask these questions to guide you in choosing the right one for your relative:

- Does the physician practice as part of a group or does he practice on his own? – Does the physician accept patients with Medicare? – Is the physician’s clinic accessible from where you live? – Are you comfortable with him? – Where does he treat his patients? At which hospital? – Can he explain to you things clearly? Can you easily understand his explanations? – Does he readily listen to you and to his patient? – Does he show concern when communicating with you? – What is his policy and guidelines about following up patients with regards to patients that has moved to a residential care center?

Q. What should I consider when choosing an elder care facility? A. Carefully consider the following areas: services, facility, staff, rooms, respect, and medical considerations

1. Services

- What are the care services that the facility provide? Do these satisfy your needs? – What accommodation choices do they offer? – What items from your home can you bring in the facility? What items are not allowed? – Can you have your own car on the grounds? – What are their policy regarding visitation? – Is it licensed by the State? – Is there a balance of social and recreational activities?

2. Facility:

- Is it well kept and sanitary? – Are the safety measures such as fire exits should be clearly marked, hallways should be well-lighted and bathrooms should have grip bars appropriately set up? – Is it located in a convenient and safe location? – Does it have a twenty four hour security?

3. Staff:

- Are they friendly, approachable and respectful? – How many are assigned per shift? – What are the staff’s credentials? – What medical services (physician, physical therapist, nursing, respiratory care, etc.) do they specialize in?

4. Rooms:

- Are the rooms bright and airy? Are they arranged in a cheerful manner? – Does it permit privacy? – Does the room offer a view? Does it have wide windows? – Is the dining room clean and spacious, in such a way that one can move around easily? – Is the kitchen clean, organized and sanitary?

5. Respect:

- Does the facility clearly state the rights and responsibilities of patients? – Are the staff well trained, so as they treat each elder with respect and dignity? – With regards to the patient’s care plan, do they encourage family members to get involved?

6. Medical considerations:

- When emergency arises, is there always a physician available? – Is the personal physician of the elder permitted to follow up the patient or does the facility appoint a resident physician to each elder? – In cases of emergency, does the facility have arrangements with a hospital nearby? – Is there always transportation that is available at all times?

Now you are prepared to plan out the elder care for yourself or a relative! I hope you have found this article useful.

When your parents, loved ones, or older relatives begin to need constant care, it can be both saddening and overwhelming. This article discusses how elder care services make a difference in aiding family caregivers provide help for loved ones in need of assistance. Elder care services encompass a broad range of services; personal care for elderly friends, relatives, and loved ones as well as housekeeping duties, day care, and meal preparation as well. Approximately 16% of the population is currently over the age of 65 and are in need of help when it comes to bathing, dressing, grooming, and dietary services. However, much of elder care is needed on a supplementary basis, as the majority (80%) of the elderly and senior citizens live with other family members or loved ones.Elder care services are particularly necessary when seniors suffer from medical conditions. Among the most common medical ailments that affect an elderly individual’s day-to-day activities include forms of dementia (such as Alzheimer’s), Parkinson’s disease, heart related diseases and recovery from heart treatments, vision problems, and diabetes as well. These illnesses and the varying degrees of severity pose challenges for not only the elderly who suffer them but the caregivers who provide treatment and support. As mentioned, the majority of elderly individuals choose to live in the comfort of . . . → Read More: Does Your Loved One Need Elder Care Services?]]> Article by Erica Ronchetti

When your parents, loved ones, or older relatives begin to need constant care, it can be both saddening and overwhelming. This article discusses how elder care services make a difference in aiding family caregivers provide help for loved ones in need of assistance. Elder care services encompass a broad range of services; personal care for elderly friends, relatives, and loved ones as well as housekeeping duties, day care, and meal preparation as well. Approximately 16% of the population is currently over the age of 65 and are in need of help when it comes to bathing, dressing, grooming, and dietary services. However, much of elder care is needed on a supplementary basis, as the majority (80%) of the elderly and senior citizens live with other family members or loved ones.Elder care services are particularly necessary when seniors suffer from medical conditions. Among the most common medical ailments that affect an elderly individual’s day-to-day activities include forms of dementia (such as Alzheimer’s), Parkinson’s disease, heart related diseases and recovery from heart treatments, vision problems, and diabetes as well. These illnesses and the varying degrees of severity pose challenges for not only the elderly who suffer them but the caregivers who provide treatment and support. As mentioned, the majority of elderly individuals choose to live in the comfort of their own homes or with their loved ones. Elder care services provide the resources and support necessary for them to do so.Even if your elderly relatives or loved ones are fortunate enough to have their health, elder care can still be an option for support. But how do you know when it’s time to provide your loved ones with assistance, especially if they aren’t going to ask for it?

Signs Your Loved One is in Need of Elder Care Services or Assistance:

Does your relative, friend, or family member lose track of what they’re saying mid conversation? I.e. the names of their children, grandchildren, or the year or date?Has their spouse or close friend recently passed away?Have you noticed a decline in their personal hygiene?Have you observed a significant change in their weight?Do they neglect to clean or repair their home?Even though they’re still mobile, is there never any food in the house?Do they sometimes forget to take their medication, or fail to take it regularly?It’s important to consider getting help for your elderly loved ones when they can be involved in the process, as joint decisions are generally more thoughtful and respectful to a senior’s dignity. Remember that moving your loved one out of their house and home isn’t always the best option, and elder care services provide assistance better suited to their needs. Elder care services aid seniors with the daily activities mentioned above, allowing them to remain the security of their own home with some necessary assistance to improve their quality of life.

In countries such as Asia, extended families are very common due to close family ties. In one home, you may see the elderly seniors living with their children and grand children under one roof. This may even be seen in some Asian families who may be residing in the U.S. However, such conditions are not common in the U.S.

Taking care of elderly seniors is a challenge to many families in the U.S. Of course, there are different options available today. But these options need to be evaluated and analyzed carefully by the families concerned depending on the their time, finances, and their availability.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are very common in the U.S. If families cannot personally handle the care of their elderly seniors, they bring them to nursing homes for elderly care. But sending your elderly seniors to nursing homes is not free. You should either have some financial support from the government such as your local state, or you should have a long term care insurance.

On the other hand, you should also consider that at institutions such as nursing homes, your elderly patient is not the only patient. Some problems could possibly arise if the facility concerned may be understaffed with nurses.

Personally Caring For Your Elders

There is always the option of taking care of your elders . . . → Read More: Elderly Care Options]]> Article by VMT Singuillo

In countries such as Asia, extended families are very common due to close family ties. In one home, you may see the elderly seniors living with their children and grand children under one roof. This may even be seen in some Asian families who may be residing in the U.S. However, such conditions are not common in the U.S.

Taking care of elderly seniors is a challenge to many families in the U.S. Of course, there are different options available today. But these options need to be evaluated and analyzed carefully by the families concerned depending on the their time, finances, and their availability.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are very common in the U.S. If families cannot personally handle the care of their elderly seniors, they bring them to nursing homes for elderly care. But sending your elderly seniors to nursing homes is not free. You should either have some financial support from the government such as your local state, or you should have a long term care insurance.

On the other hand, you should also consider that at institutions such as nursing homes, your elderly patient is not the only patient. Some problems could possibly arise if the facility concerned may be understaffed with nurses.

Personally Caring For Your Elders

There is always the option of taking care of your elders personally on your own. This may be very much possible especially if you have all the available time to devote for them. In this case, you are now acting as your own family caregiver.

Some state governments may even possibly give you an extra bonus of taking care of your own elderly parents. In this particular case, try to find out some priveleges that may be available for you in your local state.

Expect that as a family caregiver, your patient needs you even at the middle of the night. They may need you to bring them to the bathroom at those times.

The question is, what if you are working, who will take care of them while you are at work? Or maybe if you have your own family too with little children, do you have the time to take care of your children as well as your elderly parents at the same time? Or perhaps, could you keep on doing this on your own?

Long Term Care at Home

If you have the financial reserves, but time and your availability is in question, perhaps you can also hire a caregiver for your elderly parents.

Financially, if your elderly seniors have a long term care insurance or you have the finances to take care of them at home, that would be great. Many elders still love to stay at their own homes.

But do you know where to hire such caregivers? Some agencies have programs such as live in caregiver or senior care in home programs. Try to look into it if this would be best for your situation.

One big advantage of this program is the availability of someone to take care for your elderly seniors while you are away from home – such as when you are at work, or when you need to have time for your own family and children.

Home health care should be closely considered for your elderly seniors. Just look around, home care may be available for them at your own locality.

In home elderly care agencies provide non-medical elderly care to those who need additional help with their daily routine. When you work with a quality elderly care agency these services are provided by a qualified professional who goes through a screening and training process.

Elderly care caregiver agencies usually require a minimum of 3 to 4 hours of elderly care per visit to begin. Many elderly care agencies will begin services with one visit per week, knowing that seniors are sometimes resistant to start care. Typically a senior who is resistant to elderly care will be open to more hours of service once they experience the benefits of an elderly care caregiver’s visits. Elderly care home care agencies will ask clients to commit to a regularly weekly schedule, in order to staff a qualified, consistent elderly care caregiver. It is acceptable to change the hours after your initial start-up, as often the real needs are exposed after the elderly care caregiver has started services.

One you have decided on an appropriate schedule and it may be after a trial and error process, elderly care services vary depending on your needs. Listed below are elderly care services and possible task list.

Task List for Elderly Care Caregivers:

* Assist with walking and light exercise * Plan and prepare meals, followed by . . . → Read More: Task List for Elderly Care Caregivers]]> Article by Linda Dunkelberger

In home elderly care agencies provide non-medical elderly care to those who need additional help with their daily routine. When you work with a quality elderly care agency these services are provided by a qualified professional who goes through a screening and training process.

Elderly care caregiver agencies usually require a minimum of 3 to 4 hours of elderly care per visit to begin. Many elderly care agencies will begin services with one visit per week, knowing that seniors are sometimes resistant to start care. Typically a senior who is resistant to elderly care will be open to more hours of service once they experience the benefits of an elderly care caregiver’s visits. Elderly care home care agencies will ask clients to commit to a regularly weekly schedule, in order to staff a qualified, consistent elderly care caregiver. It is acceptable to change the hours after your initial start-up, as often the real needs are exposed after the elderly care caregiver has started services.

One you have decided on an appropriate schedule and it may be after a trial and error process, elderly care services vary depending on your needs. Listed below are elderly care services and possible task list.

Task List for Elderly Care Caregivers:

* Assist with walking and light exercise * Plan and prepare meals, followed by clean-up * Monitor food expiration dates, make future meals * Make beds and change linens, as needed * Light housekeeping to include dusting and vacuuming * Assist with bathing, dressing and grooming * Laundry * Take out garbage * Run errands (pickup prescriptions, dry cleaning) * Engage in physical and mental exercises * Provide medication reminders * Escort on appointments (hair salon, physical therapy, etc.) * Escort to religious services or events * Maintain calendar and organize mail * Engage in activities (games, memory books) * Companionship * Record daily care notes * Report any significant client changes to the Agency office

Best answer:

Answer by LaredoThe CNA has neither the knowledge nor the experience to be giving medications to anyone. They are supposed to have a state nursing license to do that. If the wrong medication is given to a patient, and that will happen, I sure hope the little CNA has plenty of malpractice insurance because they will certainly need it.

Know better? Leave your own answer in . . . → Read More: Why is it legal for a CNA to pass meds in elder care with just a one day med class in minnesota?]]> Question by cat: Why is it legal for a CNA to pass meds in elder care with just a one day med class in minnesota?
A CNA working in ast living or a nursing home in minnesota can count pills,test blood sugar,give glucose pen to residents with just a one day med class.They are doing Nurse duties at low CNA pay and lack of a two year nursing degree.The corporations lobbied the state for this change to save money on pay and personal.Now a CNA has all her/his normal dutys ,plus that of a nurse.Cheap and foolish.The employees and residents will pay the price in the end.
By MN law this is legal now.I hope when the accident does happen they go after the corporation for millions.

Best answer:

Answer by Laredo
The CNA has neither the knowledge nor the experience to be giving medications to anyone. They are supposed to have a state nursing license to do that. If the wrong medication is given to a patient, and that will happen, I sure hope the little CNA has plenty of malpractice insurance because they will certainly need it.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

When searching for an elder care service agency to take care of your loved one, there are several questions you should ask to make certain you are hiring a high quality elder care agency.

1. How does your agency screen its elder care employees? A quality elder care service agency will carefully screens all of its employees with in-depth background checks so that you can be comfortable that your loved ones are in good hands. Employees should under undergo extensive reference checks, social security validation, national and local background checks and motor vehicle records checks.

2. Are your elder care providers employees of your company? At quality elder care agency the answer to this question will be yes. With the elder care providers being employees of the agency, it is the agency that is responsible for their social security, federal and state taxes, and their unemployment taxes so your family is not legally responsible. If the elder care providers are not employees of the agency, you could be responsible for paying worker compensation if the provider is hurt on the job while caring for your loved one.

3: Are your care providers trained before they are assigned to homes and do they receive ongoing training? The answer to this question should be that each care provider completes an intensive . . . → Read More: How to choose a quality elder care service agency]]> Article by Yewande D. Awoyemi

When searching for an elder care service agency to take care of your loved one, there are several questions you should ask to make certain you are hiring a high quality elder care agency.

1. How does your agency screen its elder care employees? A quality elder care service agency will carefully screens all of its employees with in-depth background checks so that you can be comfortable that your loved ones are in good hands. Employees should under undergo extensive reference checks, social security validation, national and local background checks and motor vehicle records checks.

2. Are your elder care providers employees of your company? At quality elder care agency the answer to this question will be yes. With the elder care providers being employees of the agency, it is the agency that is responsible for their social security, federal and state taxes, and their unemployment taxes so your family is not legally responsible. If the elder care providers are not employees of the agency, you could be responsible for paying worker compensation if the provider is hurt on the job while caring for your loved one.

3: Are your care providers trained before they are assigned to homes and do they receive ongoing training? The answer to this question should be that each care provider completes an intensive training program and is fully qualified to provide elder care that is professional, personal and friendly.

4. Are your care providers bonded? The answer to this question should be yes. You only want to choose elder care agencies that are bonded. Never work with an agency that is not bonded.

5. Is professional liability insurance paid so my family is protected? At a quality elder agency, the agency will be licensed and insured to protect you and your loved one.

6. Are your care providers licensed with your state’s Board of Nursing? At quality agencies, all care providers will be state licenses with the board of nursing and should have a license number that can be verified for authenticity.

7. Can we reach your staff 24 hours in a day? At a quality elder care agency, the office staff will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through an emergency telephone line.

8. Does your agency provide replacement care if the scheduled care provider cannot make it to work? Quality agencies will send replacement without any additional charge for the period of time that the scheduled care provider cannot make it to work.

9: Does your company provide a written care plan? When dealing with a quality elder care agency, the agency should provide a detailed written care plan for each client. In creating the care plan, the agency should consider all levels of care and types of services that might be needed.

You should always ask the above questions when you are interviewing elder care service providers to take care of your loved ones.

Holidays are times when we find ourselves rushing around and taking on a little more then we should. If you are a caregiver to an elderly family member or loved one it’s certain that you are overbooked during the holidays. Elder care during holiday times becomes a bit more complicated then we’re prepared to handle. It’s difficult to accomplish all the holiday tasks alone but with the added responsibility of elder care you may need to enlist the help of an in home elder care specialist. Elder care providers such as Visiting Angels can lend a handle during these busy times. Elder care on a daily basis requires patience, organization and consistency. When you are not prepared or able to provide your current duties it is best to have assistance. For those who we are caregivers to do not always realize that the extra load of responsibility may be too much for us to handle at times. Those who need elder care are sometimes oblivious to the time of year or the increased responsibility that you may have. The importance is to remain consistent with the elder care duties that you are responsible for so that your schedule can return to normal as the holiday busy season passes. That makes stepping back into your non holiday routine . . . → Read More: Elder Care during Holiday Times]]> Article by Linda Dunkelberger

Holidays are times when we find ourselves rushing around and taking on a little more then we should. If you are a caregiver to an elderly family member or loved one it’s certain that you are overbooked during the holidays. Elder care during holiday times becomes a bit more complicated then we’re prepared to handle. It’s difficult to accomplish all the holiday tasks alone but with the added responsibility of elder care you may need to enlist the help of an in home elder care specialist. Elder care providers such as Visiting Angels can lend a handle during these busy times. Elder care on a daily basis requires patience, organization and consistency. When you are not prepared or able to provide your current duties it is best to have assistance. For those who we are caregivers to do not always realize that the extra load of responsibility may be too much for us to handle at times. Those who need elder care are sometimes oblivious to the time of year or the increased responsibility that you may have. The importance is to remain consistent with the elder care duties that you are responsible for so that your schedule can return to normal as the holiday busy season passes. That makes stepping back into your non holiday routine easier and more comforting for all.Enlisting the help of an elder care provider to fill in with simple responsibilities may be all you need. If your elder care responsibilities include meal preparation and light housekeeping but you are unable to keep up with it during the holidays, an elder care in home professional will be able to work with you to provide those services while you are unable. If it is transportation to medical appointment or medical services you are able to make these arrangements as well. Elder care providers are non medical professionals that can step in to assist you with everyday elder care chores and responsibilities. It’s easy to customize their services to your elder care needs.Besides everyday responsibilities, you may need assistance from an in home caregiver for your holiday travel time. Elder care in home providers are able to provide care and companionship for a few hours a week, everyday care to overnight care if needed. These services should be booked well in advance to insure that you have coverage you need during holiday travel times. Elder care responsibilities do not stop because of our busy holiday schedules. Find relief during the holidays and reach out for additional help from an in home elder care provider. The holiday will be less stressful for all.

Many older people are very set in their ways and expect to have a say in choosing elder care facilities that will be used when they need medical care and those that will be used when they are no longer able to care for themselves. The elder care facilities could be covered under their social security benefits and other facilities will only be available if the elder has the insurance coverage to pay for it.

Many retirement planners take care of choosing elder care facilities because many retirement plans include medical care that can be used at any time after a person has reached the age of retirement. The Government provides for many types of medical care and has created prescription plans to fit many lifestyles.

Some elders do not require prescriptions on a month to month basis, but knowing that they are covered will certainly give them peace of mind in their later years. In choosing elder care facilities it is important for family members to know what the medical needs are of the person and then they can determine if every facility they visit can provide for their needs in the best way possible.

When choosing elder care facilities, it is usually a good idea for the family member to visit the facility and spend some time there . . . → Read More: Choosing Elder Care Facilities]]> Article by James Brown

Many older people are very set in their ways and expect to have a say in choosing elder care facilities that will be used when they need medical care and those that will be used when they are no longer able to care for themselves. The elder care facilities could be covered under their social security benefits and other facilities will only be available if the elder has the insurance coverage to pay for it.

Many retirement planners take care of choosing elder care facilities because many retirement plans include medical care that can be used at any time after a person has reached the age of retirement. The Government provides for many types of medical care and has created prescription plans to fit many lifestyles.

Some elders do not require prescriptions on a month to month basis, but knowing that they are covered will certainly give them peace of mind in their later years. In choosing elder care facilities it is important for family members to know what the medical needs are of the person and then they can determine if every facility they visit can provide for their needs in the best way possible.

When choosing elder care facilities, it is usually a good idea for the family member to visit the facility and spend some time there before making a final decision. The best way to find out information about an elder care facility is to talk to the people that live there on a day-to-day basis. If tours are cut short, and answers to questions become hesitant or way too friendly, then other elder care facilities should be considered.

Only the elderly person knows about the floor plans that they are comfortable with. Many elderly people choose to stay at the same hotel chain because they have become accustomed to a certain style and service. The elder care facilities that are chosen should also cater to those needs and make the elderly person feel at home at all times. Some elder care facilities have peculiar smells and are not clean. Those are the elder care facilities that families know to avoid at first sniff.

When choosing elder care facilities for family members it is always a good idea to keep in mind that if the person is a veteran then they might be privy to all sorts of benefits. The medical care facilities that they can use might mean the difference in being able to afford surgeries and get excellent medical care or having to settle for substandard rooms in facilities where only the basics are provided.

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Home Page > Home and Family > Elderly Care > Medication Safety Tips for Care Providers: Elderly Care and Prescription Drugs

Medication Safety Tips for Care Providers: Elderly Care and Prescription Drugs

Posted: Mar 18, 2011 |Comments: 0
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Side effects of prescription drug interactions cause an estimated one in four hospital admissions for seniors. Often, seniors take multiple prescription drugs daily, and in some circumstances, they are given new prescriptions without a thorough assessment of other medications and the interactions or side effects. The Consumer Report on Health states that, “New health problems occurring for older individuals should be considered drug induced unless otherwise proven.”

Medical interactions can occur between over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements (mineral and herbal), foods, and prescriptions. Seniors and caregivers, it’s best to discuss all possible medical interactions with your doctor before starting a new prescription or stopping any prescriptions. Not everyone experiences the same interactions and side effects from different medications—in many cases, the benefits of a medication may outweigh the side effects.

Elderly care providers can provide assistance, reminding seniors when to take certain medications. If you’re a senior living alone or if your senior loved one, an elderly care provider can help ensure you take medication on schedule to avoid any potential deviations from medically prescribed regimens. An elderly care provider can provide round-the-clock assistance to elderly loved ones, helping seniors avoid medication errors that can compromise their health and wellbeing.

Medication Assistance Tips for Care Providers by Elderly Care Specialists

If you’re responsible for assisting a senior with their medication, keep the following points in mind. An elderly care specialist can help provide in home care as well. Should you have any concerns about your loved one’s memory, get them to a doctor or care provider. As an elderly care provider, you’ll need to check with their doctor to be clear on any prescribed medicine regimens—frequent checks will help avoid mistakes.
You or an elderly care provider will need to know which medications are prescribed and which regular intervals or specific times they should be taken.Some may be weekly, some daily or some monthly. Elderly care providers can keep track of these for timely administration.
If an error or mistake has occurred, you or an elderly care provider must contact a doctor promptly—in some instances, emergency medical support may be necessary. An elderly care provider can call for emergency treatment in these circumstances.

If your elderly loved one frequently forgets to take his or her medication, seriously consider elderly care options—a few hours of professional care per day can make life easier. Choose a flexible and compassionate elderly care provider to work with your loved one and family to come up with a safe, reliable and individually tailored in home care service.

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Erica Ronchetti -
About the Author:

Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer for Visiting Angels, the nation’s leading, network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies providing senior care, elderly care , personal care, live in care and companion care to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across America. Visit our website to find out more information on home care providers programs

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