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All Posts Tagged: home health care

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Lack of Sleep Interfering with Daily Life

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shutterstock_84333127Insomnia is one of the most prevalent symptoms of aging. It affects any people over 60 and can be attributed to a number of causes. Many older people experience difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep, as well as waking during the night or waking up too early. This is in part because people’s circadian rhythm, which governs cycles of sleepiness and wakefulness, change with age. People who may have formerly been night owls may find that they become sleepy earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning. Additionally, sleep architecture – the proportion of time spent in deep, restorative sleep versus lighter sleep stages – changes, leaving older people more susceptible to waking up suddenly.

As well as the fundamental biological changes that occur with age, sleep may be disturbed by a host of ailments that are common in older populations. Aches and pains can be detrimental to a good night’s sleep. So can diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, of which insomnia is a common symptom. Additionally, sleeplessness can be a side-effect of many medications.

For older adults who struggle to get a good night’s sleep, insomnia is often extremely frustrating. Instead of waking up feeling refreshed and well-rested, insomnia sufferers often wake feeling groggy. This can have detrimental affects on the daily life of those who struggle with insomnia, interfering with normal activities and reducing energy. Particularly for older people, a lack of sleep can have negative implications for coordination and balance, leading to an increased likelihood of falls. It can also effect memory and make it more difficult to recall basic information. A lack of sleep can leave insomnia sufferers drained of energy, more likely to nap, and less likely to take part in exercise and outdoor activities, which in turn makes it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Because of the implications for quality of life, it’s crucial for insomnia sufferers to be proactive about managing their symptoms.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for general assistance. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

General Home Care New York

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Premature Waking and Trouble Falling Back Asleep

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shutterstock_109628897For many older adults, sleep problems rank high on their list of concerns; people who once slept soundly through the night may find that they suffer from insomnia as they age. Difficulties falling and staying asleep can be caused by an underlying medical condition, by medications, or by natural changes in the sleep cycle. The sleep deprivation that often results from insomnia can cause or exacerbate other problems, such as depression, forgetfulness, and the tendency to fall. Older adults can find strategies to improve sleep in order to maintain alertness during the day.

One of the leading symptoms of insomnia for older adults is waking early in the morning and being unable to go back to sleep. This can be due to a number of factors. Changes in circadian rhythm, the “biological clock” that governs patterns of sleeping and waking, often shift as people age, causing them to become sleepier earlier in the evening, and alert earlier in the morning. For many people, it can be extremely difficult to change their sleeping habits. Someone who is used to a later bedtime may still wake early in the morning and be unable to go back to sleep, leading to a lack of sleep that can compromise quality of life. Many older people also wake during the night or early in the morning to use the bathroom, and may be unable to go back to sleep afterwards.

For people struggling with insomnia, lifestyle changes can be helpful in managing symptoms. Taking fewer naps during the day, getting regular exercise, and spending time outdoors can all be beneficial in regulating circadian rhythm and improving sleep. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially later in the day, and refraining from drinking excessive liquid in the evening, can also be helpful. Additionally, addressing medical conditions and adjusting medications can be an important aspect of improving sleep.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for general assistance. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

General Home Care New York

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With Age Comes Extended Time to Fall Asleep

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It is very common for people over the age of 60 to get less than the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night. In fact, many older adults struggle with insomnia. Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling and staying asleep – taking longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep or waking frequently during the night.   

Sleep changes in older people are due to a number of factors. As people age, the circadian rhythm – the internal cycle often called the “biological clock” – shifts. Many older adults become tired earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning than they used to. This can be frustrating, as a new sleep cycle may conflict with social and work schedules. People who are not used to going to bed at an earlier time may have trouble falling asleep, even if they feel sleepy. In addition to changes in circadian rhythm, sleep architecture – the way in which the different stages of sleep are structured – also shifts as people get older. This means that, instead of extended periods of deep, restorative sleep, older people tend to spend more time in lighter stages of sleep, during which they are more susceptible to being woken by changes in the environment, such as noise or light.

In addition to biological changes in sleep architecture and circadian rhythm, older people may experience insomnia due to the ailments that often accompany aging. Chronic pain can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep; diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can also cause insomnia. Insomnia is also a very common side-effect of certain medications. Although it can be disruptive to daily life, insomnia is a completely normal part of aging. With the right approach, it can be managed to allow maximum quality of life.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for general assistance. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

General Home Care New York

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Understanding the Types and Symptoms of Arthritis

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Arthritis is the name given to a group of chronic disorders whose symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in one or more joints. Arthritis can effect anyone but is most common in older adults. Arthritis may result from trauma, aging, infection, an auto-immune disease, genetics, or occupational injuries. Treatment options for arthritis include medication, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery. Understanding the various types of arthritis and the symptoms that accompany them can help you communicate with your health care professional to find the best treatment.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by the wearing away of cartilage around the joint, causing bones in the joint to rub together. Although almost everyone will experience some degree of osteoarthritis after the age of 70, people who work in certain physically demanding jobs or play some sports are more susceptible. Osteoarthritis sufferers often experience stiffness (particularly in the morning) and loss of range of motion in addition to pain that is more severe after physical activity or certain types of movement.

Another  common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks healthy cells. Symptoms are usually experienced in the same joint on both sides of the body. The joints most often affected by rheumatoid arthritis are the fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet. Pain, swelling, and compromised movement are all common in rheumatoid arthritis, as well as eventual deformity of the affected joints in more severe cases. More women than men have rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout is a kind of arthritis that occurs primarily in the joint at the base of the big toe, although it can also occur in the wrists, fingers, knees, and heel. It is cause by excess uric acid in the blood, which is then deposited in joints and surrounding tissues in the form of uric acid crystals. Gout can have various causes, including genetics and trauma, but is often associated with frequent consumption of alcohol and meat. Gout is more prevalent in men than women.

There are many other forms of arthritis, including autoimmune diseases like ankylosing spondylitis and scleroderma, and those resulting from infection, like gonococcal arthritis. Although different types of arthritis can be differentiated on the basis of their symptoms, medical testing is usually necessary to conclusively determine the underlying cause.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Arthritis problems. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Arthritis Home Care New York

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Living a Healthy Lifestyle with Arthritis

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Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects as many as 50 million Americans. Although it encompasses more than 100 conditions that may have different origins, arthritis always involves inflammation of the joints which can lead to swelling, pain, and stiffness. While everyone’s experience of the disease is different, most arthritis sufferers will experience discomfort and limitation. Pain and limited joint mobility can compromise the ability to participate in and enjoy many activities of daily living. Fortunately, there are many treatment options that can mitigate the effects of the disease and promote quality of life.

Non-drug treatment approaches to arthritis, such as physical therapy, can improve mobility and reduce pain through specialized exercises, stretching, and manipulation of the joints, as well as the application of ice or heat, massage, and the use of splints and supports around the affected joint. Over-the-counter medications, like acetaminophen (a pain reliever) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can alleviate pain and swelling, particularly in the early stages of arthritis. For more severe symptoms, prescription narcotics, like oxycodone and hydrocodone, steroids, like cortisone, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) may be indicated.

In addition to physical therapy and medication, arthritis sufferers can take proactive steps to improve their quality of life. In many cases, simple lifestyle changes can have a big impact on the health and wellbeing of people living with arthritis. Low-impact exercise, such as swimming and walking, can strengthen muscles that support the joints and improve flexibility and range of motion. Getting plenty of sleep can help to reduce the frequency and severity of arthritis flare-ups. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (like those found in nuts, seeds, and fish) can help the body fight arthritis symptoms and improve overall health. Avoiding activities and positions that put stress on the affected joints is another way to minimize symptoms and improve joint health.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Arthritis problems. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Arthritis Home Care New York

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