VNA & Hospice

Arthritis is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each year. In simple terms, arthritis is a medical condition characterized by joint pain due to inflammation of the surrounding tissue. Though anyone can develop arthritis, it is most common in the elderly and those who have had joint related injuries in the past. While arthritis cannot be cured, there are many things that people can do to reduce the impact that arthritis has on their life.

Arthritis can be caused by a variety of issues, but wear and tear from frequent use and injuries are the most common. For example, many people who do manual labor will develop arthritis in their hands, elbows or shoulders as a result of repetitive movement. Arthritis can also be caused by other medical conditions such as an infection. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system that attacks healthy tissue in the body. Arthritis is generally diagnosed without any need for medical tests, but medical testing may be completed to rule out other health problems that can cause similar symptoms.

The treatment of arthritis varies depending on its cause. The beginning treatment for arthritis that is caused by a medical condition is to address the underlying problem. For minor cases of arthritis, over the counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be used to reduce the pain and swelling. For those whose symptoms cannot be managed with over the counter medications, prescription pain relievers are available. Doctors can also provide pain relieving injections into the affected joint, but these injections cannot be frequented used. Occupational therapy can also help arthritis sufferers by teaching them ways to reduce strain on their affected joints while living a normal life. In severe cases, surgical procedures can be used to help joints to work properly or to completely replace a joint with an artificial one.

In addition to medications and other medical treatments, a number of lifestyle changes can also have a positive impact on arthritis. Exercise and stretching can be effective for reducing arthritis symptoms. Exercise can help a person to strengthen muscles and lose weight which will both reduce the strain on a person’s joints and reduce the occurrence and severity of arthritis. Low impact aerobic activities such as swimming, riding a stationary bike or yoga can be very beneficial without placing much stress on the painful joints. Dietary changes such as reducing sodium intake and eating a balanced diet with lots of fresh foods can also reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

While many people overlook the mental health aspects that medical problems can cause, mental health issues often occur with those who suffer from arthritis. The pain from arthritis, as well as the social isolation that it can cause, often has a negative impact on a person’s mental health. Those suffering from arthritis, or other chronic conditions, should stay aware of their mental health and consult with a medical professional about any problems that may arise. Staying active and connected with others with help arthritis sufferers to fight off the depression and other mental health disorders that poor health can create.

Like most medical problems, arthritis can be a difficult problem to treat and correct. However, there are a number of treatment options available to help those with arthritis to live a normal and productive life. Regardless of the severity of the arthritis symptoms, a person who has arthritis needs to contact a medical professional to take action to treat his or her existing symptoms and to prevent the problems from becoming worse.

VNA & Hospice is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents of the Central Coast and Monterey County. Registered nurses and skilled staff members provide many services, including senior home care, hospice health care, palliative care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and more.

Due to misconceptions and misunderstandings about hospice care, many patients who could benefit from it don’t receive it. Hospice care provides a supportive and caring environment in which those who have a terminal illness can live out their remaining days as comfortably as possible. The care received is tailored to the wants and needs of you and your family, so one person’s hospice experience can be vastly different from another’s. Here are the five most important facts you need to know if you’re considering hospice care.

Many people believe that hospice care requires the patient to move into a designated hospice facility, but this simply isn’t true. Hospice is a type of care, not a place. You can receive hospice care wherever you call home, be it a private residence or a room or apartment within a nursing care facility or retirement community. Hospice does not require you to live in a specific place or environment. In this arrangement, care comes to you rather than asking that you come to it.

While hospice care is for those with a terminal illness, it’s not about giving up. Hospice is about giving patients the care and support they need to get the most life possible out of whatever time they have left. In fact, people who receive hospice care often live longer than those who don’t. When thinking about hospice care, many people picture patients receiving pain killing drugs in high enough doses that they simply sleep most of the time. While controlling pain is one of the many services hospice care can provide, the care focuses on getting patients the services and equipment they need to live comfortably. If you’re still feeling well enough to run a marathon or volunteer at your church, hospice is happy to help you do so.

Hospice programs offer a multitude of support services to both the patient and his or her family. Support services are available to help people make end of life decisions, cope with their illness and help loved ones deal with their grief both before and after a hospice patient’s passing. Hospice provides services on an a la carte basis, providing only those service you need or want. They can provide the following and more on an as needed basis:

• Home visits from registered nurses
• Access to home health aides who can help with bathing, dressing and other tasks
• Counseling services for patients and their family
• Medical equipment, including hospital beds and oxygen tanks
• Medical supplies
• Nutritional counseling, occupational therapy and other support services
• Access to physicians and specialists
• Pain and symptom management

It is often assumed that hospice care is only for those in the last stages of life and that care has a six month tine limit. This is a misconception. You can receive hospice care as long as you meet the qualifications. If your condition improves and you no longer meet hospice care requirements, you can leave hospice but resume care at any time if you once again meet the criteria. There is no tine limit on how long you may receive hospice services.

Hospice is covered by Medicare in 43 states, so many people qualify for care at little or no cost. Many private insurances also cover hospice services so that families need not worry about the cost. If you don’t have insurance. Medicare or Medicaid, hospice programs will sometimes provide at least some of their services for free. It’s always worth a telephone call to your local hospice care provider to find out what help may be available.

VNA & Hospice is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents of the Central Coast and Monterey County. Registered nurses and skilled staff members provide many services, including senior home care, hospice health care, palliative care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and more.

Making the transition for staying the the hospital and receiving the ok from your physician is an exciting time! With many ends to tie up and preparations to be made, here is your guide to making your transition an effortless one.

Another term for a healthcare proxy is a Medical Power of Attorney. This is when you designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you have become incapacitated. The document is legally binding. It is crucial to make one as soon as possible. You will continue to make decisions for yourself as long as you are capable.

The proxy comes into play if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. For example, if you are terminally ill, and cannot do things like you normally do, the person designated on the proxy would take over and make the decisions for you. Another example is if you end up in a coma following an accident. The person you designate on the proxy would make all the decisions on your behalf.

Typically, when you get admitted to a hospital, the attending physician would ask for a healthcare proxy. Most people draw one up when preparing a living will. The vast majority of people do not have a living will or a health proxy. Some people have never heard of the term until the doctor first mentions it.

Depending on how severe the illness is, your caregiver will need to order some equipment and supplies. The hospital will assist you with the necessary information. If you are utilizing a home care agency, find out what type of medical equipment they provide and what you will need to pay out of pocket.

Find out if you will need equipment such as a walker, shower chair, or a commode. You will also need to know if you will have to get supplies ranging from diapers, disposable gloves, or skincare items. You will need to know if your insurance will cover any of the equipment and supplies. As a caregiver, it can get overwhelming to look after a loved one. You do not have to do it alone. .

Additionally, your home should be comfortable and safe. You will have to remove obstacles from your home that would cause falls such as a rug or electrical cords that extend across the room. Find a place where you would write relevant information for appointments such as a bulletin board, a drawer, or a notepad.

Figure out what you will be doing for yourself and what others will be doing for you. For example, can you shower by yourself? Can you comb your hair? Will you need assistance to make the bed? Whatever you cannot do, communicate that to the hospital staff. They will, in turn, pass the information to your caregiver.
Don’t be afraid to be the best advocate for yourself!

You will need to know what medications you will be taking and what time to take them. Also, you will need to know for how long you will take the medicine. Other information regarding your medication includes whether you should take them with meals and also knowing the side effects. You will also need to know what drug can get combined with medicines you were already taking. Furthermore, you will need to know how to manage your medication.

VNA & Hospice is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents of the Central Coast and Monterey County. Registered nurses and skilled staff members provide many services, including senior home care, hospice health care, palliative care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and more.

The majority of people understand that physical exercise is vital for long-term health as well as overall longevity. Unfortunately, many seniors may think that it is too late or that exercise is too strenuous or dangerous for them to take part in. No matter what physical condition you are currently in, a doctor-supervise and, if necessary, a caregiver assisted exercise regimen can always improve your quality of life.

Always get the OK from your physician before you begin any type of exercise. Also, engaging the help of a professional caregiver or home healthcare expert is a good idea,they can assist with encouragement and maintaining safety.

Whether you are guided by a healthcare professional or are exercising on your own, the number one rule is to say safe and not to push yourself too hard and increase the chance of health issues or injury. Also, to something that you find fun because you are more likely to continue the activity than if it is pouring or too difficult. Exercising with friends or family members is a great idea too.

Some great ideas for physical activity in the elderly include:

1. Take a walk. Any period of walking instead of sitting down in the chair or lying in bed is beneficial to your physical and mental health.
2. Go dancing. There is no need for tricky steps or fast-paced movements. If you love music, put on your favorite song and get up and dance.
3. Seated exercises can be beneficial to seniors with mobility problems. You can move your feet, stretch, do arm exercises with or without light weights.
4. Water aerobics provide a lot of fun and a great workout without putting excess strain on your joints. Many senior centers organize classes and a caregiver can assist.
5. Wii or other active virtual games can get you up on your feet or even provide exercise for your body and arms as you move the controllers to go bowling, play tennis or golf, go fishing or even play carnival games in front of the TV.

Most people consider active exercise to be primarily about increasing physical strength and ability. The benefits of physical habits for people in their old age are many.

Increased muscle mass and tone can make mobility easier, improve balance, can ward off injuries, improve joint strength and increase independence. Any weight-bearing exercise can give a boost to bone density, reducing fractures. Reducing body fat can help maintain a healthier heart and blood sugar levels. Any exercise that increases the heart rate and makes you breathe heavier improves cardiovascular health as well.

Exercise in the elderly is not all about the physical benefits however. Scientific studies have clearly found a connection between physical activity, which improves blood flow and overall vigor, with greater mental acuity and lower risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Physical exercise can also help alleviate depression and anxiety that frequently plagues older people.

Not only does physical activity benefit the mind because of the physical changes that go on in your body, but adopting a new exercise regimen also gives your brain a workout because it engages with a new activity. When you learn a new Wii game or learn a new dance style, your brain needs to process new information. Constantly learning trying new things is great way to stay sharp.

Many of us find it difficult to have a productive morning. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all of the things that you have to do before you even leave the house. The good news is that there are many things you can do in order to make your morning more productive. Below is a list of tips that will help:

You can start your morning off right by getting a good night’s rest the night before. If you get seven to nine hours of sleep per night, then you will likely wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start your day. Additionally, you will have the energy needed to get through your day if you rest.

Mornings will be less hectic if you create a realistic routine. There are both physical and psychological benefits that you can reap from sticking to a morning routine. A study done by the American Psychological Association has shown that people who create a morning routine and stick to it are less likely to experience anxiety and depression. A morning routine can also help you lower your stress levels.

You should make time in your morning routine for stretching or meditation. Both of these practices have many benefits. Stretching feels good and helps improve your flexibility. It also helps improve your balance and coordination. Meditation can help lower your blood pressure, improve your focus and boost your mood.

It is easy to skip breakfast when you do not have a lot of time in the morning. However, eating a nutritious breakfast is one of the best things you can do in order to start your morning off the right way. It will be a lot easier for you to concentrate while you are at work or school if you eat a nutritious breakfast. You will also have an easier time getting the nutrients that you need if you eat breakfast.

Furthermore, eating breakfast can help you if you are trying to lose weight or maintain your weight. You are less likely to overeat later in the day if you eat breakfast.

Mornings can be a very busy time. In order for you to avoid rushing, you should give yourself enough time to get everything done. You may want to consider going to bed a little bit earlier so that you can get up earlier in the morning. Taking your time to complete morning activities will make your day a lot less stressful.

Stay Positive

Thinking positively sets the tone for having a good day.That is why you should start your day off by thinking positively. Do not worry about all of the things that can potentially go wrong during the day. Tell yourself that you will be able to handle whatever happens during the day. This attitude will help you stay focused on the right things.

VNA & Hospice is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents of the Central Coast and Monterey County. Registered nurses and skilled staff members provide many services, including senior home care, hospice health care, palliative care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and more.

Everyone experiences stress on occasion, and a small amount of stress can be a useful motivator. However, the modern world has led many to accept increasing levels of stress as part of their day-to-day lives, and this stress can build to levels high enough to have measurable, and potentially dangerous, health effects. Here are a few ways to determine if stress is limiting your quality of life.

Poor Sleep Quality

Sleep is fundamental for both physical and mental health, and stress can significantly reduce your quality of sleep, leading to late nights and difficulty waking up in the morning. Furthermore, insufficient sleep can directly raise your level of stress, creating a dangerous cycle. Insufficient sleep can cause your performance at work to drop or even strain your relationships with others, potentially creating more sources of stress.

Other Mental Symptoms

Stress and anxiety overlap significantly, and they’re often caused by the same factors. People with underlying anxiety might find that low levels of stress make it difficult to stay focused on work or to stay productive during the day, and this poor work quality can cause more stress. Stress and anxiety can also cause or exacerbate depression, a common comorbid symptom. Getting a handle on stress can help people improve their depressive symptoms and achieve better mental health.

Personality Changes

Over time, stress can cause personality changes. Work-related anxiety might make people feel guilty about taking time to relax, potentially causing more stress. People with high levels of stress might not have the energy to go out with friends or family, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Stress can also lead to people simply being in a bad mood more frequently, which can strain relationships. Better managing stress can lead to a more positive outlook and higher energy levels.

Physical Effects

While it’s widely known that stress affects the mind, its physical effects are often ignored. Stress has been linked to cardiovascular problems , and people with existing cardiovascular problems might have more difficult keeping these problems under control. Stress can also lead to lower energy levels, which can lead to a lower quality of life. It can be more difficult to exercise when your levels of stress are high, and a lack of exercise can cause a host of physical problems.

Lowered Expectations

Many people experiencing high levels of stress come to view it as normal; without expert help, many people are simply unable to take the steps needed to break out of stress-causing cycles. As a result, people sometimes develop a more limited view of how much they should expect out of life and stop taking steps to combat their stress.

As sinister as stress can be, there are a number of ways to combat it. Stress is unavoidable, but learning how to best deal with it can make it a rare, transient feeling instead of a chronic pressure that can affect nearly all parts of our lives.

VNA & Hospice is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents of the Central Coast and Monterey County. Registered nurses and skilled staff members provide many services, including senior home care, hospice health care, palliative care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and more.

Approximately 4 million Americans suffer from peptic ulcer disease. Ulcers occur when the acid present in the digestive tract starts to eat away at the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. This creates a painful sore that can cause severe abdominal pain. If left untreated, ulcers can cause internal bleeding, serious infections of the abdominal cavity, and scar tissue that can prevent food from passing through the digestive tract.

What Causes Ulcers:

A common misconception is that spicy foods or worrying too much can cause an ulcer. A person develops an ulcer when the stomach produces an excessive amount of acid or when the mucous layer that protects the lining of the stomach is decreased. The most frequent cause of ulcers is a bacteria called H. pylori. Approximately two-thirds of the world’s population is infected with the H. pylori bacteria. Many people don’t realize they are infected. The bacteria can live in the digestive tract for years where it slowly attacks the lining of the stomach. The most common sources of H. pylori infection are close contact with other infected individuals, food, water, and contaminated eating utensils.

Other potential risk factors for ulcers include:

• Frequent use of aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen
• Smoking
• Regular alcohol use
• Family history
• Being over the age of 50

Symptoms of Ulcers:

Most individuals with an ulcer complain of a burning sensation in their stomach that is typically worse when the stomach is empty. Other symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Frequent burping
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting that may have a coffee ground appearance

Diagnosis of Ulcers:

The patient’s description of their symptoms will often lead a physician to suspect an ulcer. The doctor may follow up with several tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Blood, breath, or stool tests to check for the presence of H. pylori bacteria.
• An endoscopy that involves inserting a hollow, lighted tube and lens down the throat to allow the doctor to view the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.
• A barium swallow or upper GI series during which the patient drinks a contrast liquid and undergoes a series of X-rays.

Treatment of Ulcers:

If tests determine that an ulcer is the result of an H. pylori infection, the doctor will order antibiotic treatment that typically lasts two weeks. Other treatments include proton pump inhibitors and acid blockers to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and medications to coat the lining of the digestive system. Surgery may be required if the ulcer perforates the lining of the stomach, causes serious bleeding, or fails to heal with conservative treatment.

Preventing Ulcers:

The first step in preventing ulcers is to limit lifestyle risk factors by not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and using caution when taking over-the-counter pain relievers. You can also take steps to reduce your risk of H. pylori infection by washing your hands frequently with soap and water and eating foods that have been properly cooked.

VNA & Hospice is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents of the Central Coast and Monterey County. Registered nurses and skilled staff members provide many services, including senior home care, hospice health care, palliative care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and more.

It is estimated that 95,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer each year. The good news is that you have the power to fight colon cancer by following a healthy diet. Below is a list of some of the foods that are essential for a healthy colon:

Beans

Beans are a great source of a nutrient called folate. You should aim to get 400 mcg of folate per day. One cup of black beans will provide you with 64 percent of the recommended daily intake of folate. One cup of kidney beans will provide you with 57 percent of the folate that you need for the day.

Even if you do not have a family history of colon cancer, it still pays to get the recommended intake of this nutrient. In fact, you can potentially cut your risk of colon cancer by up to 40 percent by getting the recommended intake of folate.

Fish

Studies have shown that diets high in red meat can increase the risk of colon cancer. On the other hand, you can cut your risk of colon cancer by substituting red meat with fish. Regular fish consumption can decrease the risk of colon cancer by up to 12 percent.

Avocado

Avocado is another one of the foods that are rich in folate. One avocado will provide you with 22 percent of the folate that you need. Not only is avocado a great source of fiber, but it is also filled with vitamin K, healthy fats and dietary fiber. You can add avocado to your sandwich or salad.

Whole Grain

Whole grain-rich foods, such as whole wheat bread, wild rice, whole oats and brown rice, are all rich in fiber. Dietary fiber helps promote healthy digestion and helps prevent common problems, such as constipation. Increasing your fiber intake can also help prevent intestinal blockage.

Furthermore, fiber can protect against a condition called diverticulitis. This is a condition that affects the pouches in the walls of the colon, which are known as the diverticula. It causes the diverticula to become inflamed. It is estimated that half of people who are over the age of 60 have this condition.

Men who are under the age of 50 need to get 38 grams of fiber every day. Women who are in this same group need to get 25 grams of fiber per day. Men who are over the age of 50 need to get 30 grams of fiber whereas women in this same age group need to get 21 grams of fiber.

Dairy Products

You may have heard that you should avoid dairy products. However, dairy products can actually be very healthy. In fact, they can help protect against colon cancer. Dairy products, such as yogurt, have good bacteria. Certain types of bacteria can stop bile from converting into bile acid. Excess amounts of bile acid can increase the risk of colon cancer.

Additionally, dairy products are a great source of calcium. Studies have shown that getting the proper amount of calcium can reduce the risk of colon cancer.

VNA & Hospice is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents of the Central Coast and Monterey County. Registered nurses and skilled staff members provide many services, including senior home care, hospice health care, palliative care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and more.

It is very difficult for the average person to tell the difference between the onset of seasonal allergies and the symptoms of a common cold. The symptoms for both afflictions are exceedingly similar, and there is a lot of blatant misinformation that is presented as informed fact in the media. It is important to treat both allergies and colds when they occur: untreated allergies can lead to chronic conditions like sleep apnea, and colds can last for months if they are not properly cared for.

Similar Symptoms

Part of the reason for the general confusion surrounding the difference between colds and allergies is that the symptoms for the two really are quite similar. A runny and stuffed nose, sneezing, coughing and general fatigueare all common indicators of both conditions, so if these are the only symptoms that appear to be present, it can be difficult to tell what the unfortunate affliction truly is.

Important Differences

Doctors agree that there are certain symptoms that are native to colds, and certain others that are only observed in allergy sufferers. Allergy-only symptoms include watery, itchy eyes, small itches in the ears and throat, and symptoms that last for a month or two without fading or increasing in intensity. Symptoms that are usually only seen when the common cold is present include fever, chills, a throat that is either sore or scratchy, and body aches and pains. Most of these symptoms will decrease in intensity in one to two weeks for the typical cold.

The Importance of Diagnosis and Treatment

Once you can tell the difference between colds and seasonal allergies, the next step is essential — see a health professional for treatment recommendations or purchase over the counter medicine on your own. Left untreated, allergies can lead to long-term health issues such as chronic nasal blockages, sleep apnea, or even asthma in severe cases. Untreated colds can expose your body to infections by weakening its natural defense systems — in this way, a cold can be the conduit for the passage of more serious infectious diseases into the body, such as pneumonia or influenza.

Allergies and colds are different in nature, so they must be attacked using different methods. Although many allergy sufferers believe that treatment with antihistamines is the most effective form of care, research has shown that nasal sprays are actually more effective in reducing the effects of allergies. Clinical data trials have proven that antihistamine treatments are only partially effective for seasonal allergy reduction.

Colds should be treated with rest and relaxation — medicinal approaches differ in effectiveness, and the only proven treatment for a cold is time! If the cold does not abate in one to two weeks, contact a medical professional for their opinion and further advice. The symptoms of colds can be treated by using over the counter pain relievers or other related products.

The Importance of Elderly Care in Protecting Against Colds and Allergies

Colds and allergies affect elderly patients more, simply because their white blood cell defense systems have been weakened by age. The staff at VNA & Hospice has been committed to providing compassionate and thorough care to Central Coast and Monterrey Coast residents for many years, and their skilled nursing practitioners are extensively trained in many different medical fields, including hospice health care, palliative care, and orthopedic rehabilitation services. In terms of trusted community healthcare providers, VNA & Hospice is one of the premier senior care facilities in California.