Traveling by public transportation is a great way for seniors who do not drive to get around and maintain some resemblance of independence in older adulthood. Those who are capable of taking public transportation can take themselves to appointments, run errands, and visit family and friends without having to rely on someone else to get them there. But as we age, even taking public transportation can come with additional risks, so keep these 10 ways to travel safely in mind next time you get on a bus, subway or streetcar.

1. Get on and off transportation with caution – when getting in or out of a vehicle, like a bus, be aware of uneven pavement or other hazards that could result in tripping, falls, or twisting of ankles
2. Have bus fare ready – fumbling around for change when a bus is starting to move can result in losing balance, have it ready before you get on the bus
3. Brace yourself – when a bus, subway or streetcar is turning or stopping, make sure you’re sitting or brace yourself to ensure you don’t lose your balance
4. Watch the gap – when stepping off the curb onto a bus, or a subway platform into the vehicle, be aware that there might be a gap between where you’re standing and the vehicle
5. Let others go first – before getting onto a bus or subway, let others exit first. You can also let others get ahead of you at the vehicle’s doors when waiting to get off so you don’t get pushed
6. Watch for closing doors – on a subway or streetcar where doors automatically open and close, never try to go through doors as they’re closing
7. Don’t get on if it’s too crowded – if public transportation is too crowded, wait for the next one. Or when getting on make sure you get a seat; many vehicles have reserved seating for seniors and people with disabilities. If the seats are taken by people who don’t fit this criteria, don’t hesitate to ask them to move or ask the driver to assist you
8. Keep hands free – don’t carry too many things in your hands, so you can adequately hold on to railings
9. Ask a bus driver to lower the steps – most buses are equipped with ramps and stairs that lower to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs, if you’re worried about getting up or down the stairs, ask them to lower it
10. Get there safely- if walking at night, wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, be careful when crossing streets, and remember to buckle up if taking a taxi

Via: About.com

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Home Care Beaumont serving seniors in Port Arthur, Orange, Groves, Nederland, Silsbee, and Vidor. Call us at 409.892.7494.

Q – My father has mentioned that he’s been having difficulty urinating, but he seems to think that’s what happens when you get older and refuses to talk to his Beaumont doctor. If he’s experiencing any other symptoms, he hasn’t admitted to them; but I do know that urinary difficulties can be some of the symptoms of prostate cancer, and I know I’ll worry until he talks to a doctor. Can you tell me what the symptoms are, and if I’m right to be concerned?

A – Any unusual symptoms are a need for concern, and your father should discuss them with his doctor. Of course it’s possible he’s correct and that his experiences are only part of getting older; but it’s equally as possible that his symptoms signify a more serious disease or illness. The only way to be certain what he’s experiencing, is to talk to a doctor, but here are the specific signs of prostate cancer, which do include urinary difficulties:

1. Frequent urination – prostate cancer can be signified by a frequent need to urinate, especially at night
2. Difficulty urinating – despite the feeling of needing to urinate often, seniors might have problems starting to urinate, or even sometimes with holding back urine
3. Weak urination – when urinating, seniors may find that the flow of urine is interrupted or weak
4. Burning urination – when urinating, seniors may feel a burning sensation
5. Sexual dysfunction – seniors with prostate cancer may find it difficult to attain or maintain an erection, and may find that ejaculation can be extremely painful
6. Blood – blood might appear in urine or semen
7. Stiffness in body – seniors may feel pain or stiffness in their lower back, hips of upper thighs

Via: Prostate Cancer Foundation

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Home Care Beaumont serving seniors in Port Arthur, Orange, Groves, Nederland, Silsbee, and Vidor. Call us at 409.892.7494.

Q – My mom lives in Beaumont and has a trip planned overseas early this fall. She’s traveling alone, although friends and family have volunteered to go with her, she says it’s a trip that her and my dad had been planning before he passed away and it wouldn’t be right to go with anyone else. I think it’s great that she’s going to be so independent, but what can I do to assure for her safety:

1. Know the destination’s cultural regulations – many countries have specific regulations for women with regards to clothing and behavior. It may seem like a double standard, but to avoid conflict, try to respect and abide by these guidelines
2. Check for travel warnings – the US State Department Consular Information provides up to date information about safety issues and any other travel warnings about where you intend to travel
3. Make sure travel documentation is up to date – make sure that you have the right visas for where you’re traveling and that your passport is valid. Make sure you get a passport 3-4 months before you travel so you don’t run into any problems
4. Leave information at home – make sure a friend or family member has your full itinerary, including contact information for places you’re staying, as well as a copy of your plane ticket, and even a copy of your passport
5. Leave valuables at home – leave extra credit cards and jewelry and valuables at homes, costume jewelry included as it could be mistaken for the real thing
6. Have health insurance – make sure you have travel insurance that covers potential medical costs while you’re away, including evacuation
7. Take enough medication and make sure it’s labeled – for prescription medications, have enough for the duration of your trip and then some in case of delays. Make sure your medications are in their original prescription bottles with labels as some countries might give you trouble due to trafficking laws
8. Remain aware – be aware of those around you and use common sense if you feel someone is acting suspiciously. Go into a store or contact your hotel if you feel uncomfortable
9. Look confident – look and act like you know where you’re going, keep your head held high, and you won’t look like such an easy target
10. Ask for directions – know where you’re going and how to get there before you leave your hotel. Ask the concierge for directions to avoid unsafe areas and keep your confidence up
11. Choose a safe hotel – a central hotel with security and public transportation like taxis nearby is a safer bet
12. Dress conservatively – dress conservatively wherever you’re going and keep jewelry and makeup minimal so you don’t look like a good target

Via: About.com

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Home Care Beaumont serving seniors in Port Arthur, Orange, Groves, Nederland, Silsbee, and Vidor. Call us at 409.892.7494.

As caregivers, we do everything we can to make the lives of our loved ones as happy and comfortable as possible. But we can’t do everything for them, and for those times, here are 3 ways to find resources that can help seniors and their caregivers address medical, legal and financial needs:

1. Find out what local eldercare services are available in your area – contact the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 so you know what’s available near your loved one’s Beaumont home and how you can get in touch to arrange services.
2. Know which services your senior qualifies for – NCOA has developed an online questionnaire which allows caregivers and seniors to take a survey that helps them determine which services and benefits that they may qualify for. Visit www.benefitscheckup.org to learn about eligible benefit programs for prescriptions, utilities and health care.
3. Understand seniors rights and know how to get assistance – whether you are helping a parent or senior loved one prepare a will, dealing with a situation where a senior has been abused or neglected, or simply want a professional to help explain the legal rights of seniors, knowing where and how to get legal assistance is crucial. Many organizations provide pro bono legal representation for seniors. Contact the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging or use the Eldercare Locator to find other resources.

Via: The University of Vermont

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Home Care Beaumont serving seniors in Port Arthur, Orange, Groves, Nederland, Silsbee, and Vidor. Call us at 409.892.7494.

During your lifetime, you might never have seen a serious emergency like natural disaster hit your Beaumont home, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared incase something like that should occur. Planning is always important, and when you’re putting together your emergency kit, there are 10 key items you should include:

• Water – one gallon of water per person, per day with enough for at least 3 days
• Food – non-perishable food items should be in an emergency kit, with enough to survive on for at least 3 days. If canned items are included, don’t forget the manual can opener!
• Radio – a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio will keep you informed about the state of the emergency situation, and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert will notify you if a natural disaster is approaching
• Light – a flashlight and lots of extra batteries is crucial, especially if the electricity is out
• First Aid Kit – bandaids and antiseptic along with spare necessary prescription medications should be included
• A whistle – this should be used to signal for help
• Dust mask – this will help you to filter contaminated air
• Shelter – plastic sheeting and tarp and duct tape can be used to create a temporary shelter if needed
• Items for personal sanitation – if there is no water available, moist towelettes and garbage bags will be handy
• Tools – wrench, pliers or other tools can be used to turn off utilities in the home
• Maps of the area and your documented escape route and emergency plan
• Pet supplies – remember, that in an emergency, your pet may need supplies such as food for days too!

Sources:

1. Ready.gov

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Home Care Beaumont serving seniors in Port Arthur, Orange, Groves, Nederland, Silsbee, and Vidor. Call us at 409.892.7494.

Regardless of your age, if you’ve been a fan of the heat and the sun in the past, that probably isn’t something you’ve outgrown. While your appreciation of the hot Beaumont summer where you live may not have changed, your ability to spend time outside in the hot sun just might have decreased as you got older since seniors are much more susceptible to heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration. Make sure that you protect yourself by abiding by these 8 rules for preventing negative effects of the summer heat.

1) Keep hydrated with cool beverages and avoid caffeine and alcohol. If you are a senior who has been told by a Beaumont doctor to limit water consumption, check first how much you should drink when it’s the heat of the summer
2) Remain indoors during the high heat of the day. Get out in the early morning or evening when the sun is not as hot
3) Seek cover when outside in the heat either by bringing an umbrella to your outdoor location or finding a big shady tree to sit under
4) Remember your sunscreen and protective clothing. A hat will help protect you from heat stroke, and loose, light clothing which has long sleeves and pants will protect from UV rays.
5) Avoid strenuous activities outside. During the summer months, exercise indoors in air conditioning to ensure there are no detrimental effects to your health as an older adult
6) Pack juicy snacks when outside to keep cool. Fruits, light summer salad, juices, popsicles and even ice cream can all help seniors to keep their body temperatures down during the summer
7) Stay cool by taking tepid showers or baths when needed
Get lots of rest, especially when coming in from the heat

Sources:
1. CDC http://www.prepare.org/seniors/CDCSrsHeatStress.pdf

Home Care Beaumont serving seniors in Port Arthur, Orange, Groves, Nederland, Silsbee, and Vidor. Call us at 409.892.7494.

Q – I believe in treating all health issues as naturally as possible, and I take that same attitude when it comes to my 87 year old Beaumont mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Of course, she takes the medication prescribed by her doctor, and still receives medical attention, but I’m always looking for natural ways that could benefit her. My mom’s always been a big fan of Walt Whitman’s poetry and he talks about nature and the rejuvenating benefits, can nature help someone like my mother?

A – Walt Whitman really was onto something, as nature has a number of positive qualities which can improve the health of seniors both mentally and physically. For someone like your mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s, the benefits can be extensive and can be an ideal way for her to improve her overall being on the following levels:

• Attention and memory spans improve by 20% after a 50 to 55 minute walk in a natural setting
• Sights in nature cause reflection and mental stimulation
• In nature, your mind can focus on stimulus rather than tuning out other surroundings in the environment when it’s overwhelming in a busy city environment
• Being in an environmental surrounding provides the brain with “active rest”
• Getting out into nature generally involves some form of physical activity and weight bearing activities like walking can help with osteoporosis and muscle strength
• Body weight, body fat and cholesterol is lowered when Beaumont seniors get active by hiking or walking outdoors reducing the risk of stroke, and heart conditions
• The boomer generation has a strong sentimental to the outdoors based on Woodstock and other events, so it can take them back to fond memories of their youth

Sources:

1. AARP

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Home Care Beaumont serving seniors in Port Arthur, Orange, Groves, Nederland, Silsbee, and Vidor. Call us at 409.892.7494.

Q – My mom seems to struggle with her balance, primarily in one leg. When she was younger, she actually ran track and field in Beaumont and believes that an ankle injury that never healed properly is to blame for her poor balance today. Could this be the case and is there anything she can do to regain her balance?

A – A recent study has shown that seniors who experienced ankle injuries earlier in life can in fact have problems with balance later on, especially if the issues were not addressed earlier. Believe it or not, there’s a very simple technique that your mom can use in order to ensure that her balance improves. All she needs to do is get in touch with her inner flamingo and stand on one foot; and I’m not kidding. For a few seconds, she can balance on one leg and slowly increase her endurance to balance. Of course, since she’s an older adult, it’s important that she has something available to her to provide support since balancing to improve balance can potentially cause injury. Overall, this can certainly help seniors to improve balance from ankle injuries and reduce the likelihood that balance issues will result in future problems.

Sources:

1. New York Times

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Home Care Beaumont serving seniors in Port Arthur, Orange, Groves, Nederland, Silsbee, and Vidor. Call us at 409.892.7494.

Working in a geriatric care facility, we see the benefits that pet ownership or visitation can have upon our seniors; however, our Beaumont doctors also see the negative side of the spectrum when treating accidents and injuries that have resulted in activities relating to caring for a pet. We don’t discourage seniors from bringing a pet into their home if it’s right for them, but we do suggest that they seek out pet technology products that can help them ease the physical burden that can come with taking care of a pet. There are some great products available on the market today, including:

• Hyrdosurge – an all-in-one dog bathing system that automatically suds with shampoo, combs and rinses. It’s a device that can be attached to any faucet, and it resembles the end of a garden hose. This can help seniors who face physical strain when struggling to restrain a pet and fumble with multiple bathing devices and products

• GoDogGo – every dog needs exercise, but throwing a ball can be physically laborious for seniors, so this is a product that automatically shoots out tennis balls to entertain and exercise a dog

• Komfort Climate -Controlled Pet Carrier – you’re never supposed to leave a pet in the hot car, but when out and running errands with pets, seniors are able to leave their pets in the climate controlled pet carriers. They adjust the temperature of the carrier if the car temperature is too hot or too cold

• The Haptic Creature – for those seniors who really can’t have a living pet, there’s a robotic version that provides the same therapeutic benefits, as the pet responds to touch and sound just like a real animal

Sources:

1. Forbes

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Home Care Beaumont serving seniors in Port Arthur, Orange, Groves, Nederland, Silsbee, and Vidor. Call us at 409.892.7494.

In order to address the unique and specific driving needs of Beaumont seniors, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has launched a new website that focuses upon the older adult demographic. There are many stigmas surrounding driving into older adulthood, and this site helps explain those that are both true and false, and also provides safe driving tips for those Beaumont seniors who still intend to get behind the wheel of a car despite their potential physical and cognitive limitations.

According to the AAA, aging does affect driving – although all people can be impacted to different degrees in older adulthood, everyone undergoes some level of change when they get older and get behind the wheel of a car.

According to AAA, there are 3 major ways that the changes of aging can have an impact on driving:

• Sensing behind the wheel changes, with regards to vision and hearing. 85% to 90% of safe driving relies upon the eyes and the eyes change in a number of ways, including diminished light entering the eyes, declining focus, increases sensitivity to glare, difficulty perceiving color, diminished depth perception and narrowed peripheral vision. Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults, and it can affect a driver’s ability to take in their surroundings
• Deciding – once the senses take in information, the brain needs to process what to do with it. In older adults, it takes longer to process information, which can decrease the reaction time needed to respond to situations on the road
• Reacting – this can be affected by a few things. While seniors might know that they need to respond, their level of physical fitness or mobility or their medications might inhibit them from physically responding when behind the wheel of a car

Sources:

1. AAASeniors

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Home Care Beaumont serving seniors in Port Arthur, Orange, Groves, Nederland, Silsbee, and Vidor. Call us at 409.892.7494.