Caring Companions Of Atlanta

Helping People Live With Dignity

470-514-5954

An Ounce of Prevention…

Hey friends!

We talk a lot in the older adult business about “resistance” and not wanting to admit one is losing their independence. We get it…look for a post specific to why older adults resist in a week or two. That being said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (or a ton…or mega-ton!).

The thing is, a fall for a senior can spell disaster. It is one of the top three reasons older adults end up in the hospital. Fifty percent of people that break a hip over the age of 65 never end up back home. Mom…dad, ponder that.

My father asked me what I wanted for Christmas this past holiday season and my “ask” was that he see his doctor to get assessed for his fall risk. Get with a physical therapist to make sure he is exercising to lessen the likelihood of a fall and engage an occupational therapist to evaluate hi physical surroundings.

Class Helps Prevent Falls Among Seniors

I came across an article in the New York Times the other day that merits a share. It shares how seniors in the Netherlands are getting educated on how to deal with declining mobility issues and fall safely. The link is below:

NYT Article On Fall Classes in the Netherlands

I am happy to say that Santa delivered my holiday wish and I feel better about my dad living on his farm in SW Michigan.  My dad was a swimmer in his younger days (one year swam 365 miles at his health club!), and an avid camper and paddler. We took many float trips for days down rivers in the Ozarks camping along the way. I am not sure week-long canoe trips are in the cards with him in the near future, but at least I know he has done his part to be as safe as possible at home.

Happy reading friends!

Adam

What Are the Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer?

Elder Care in Sandy Springs GA

Approximately 26,370 new cases of stomach cancer are diagnosed throughout the United States each year. While the prevalence of this disease has declined dramatically since the 1930s when it Elder-Care-in-Sandy-Springs-GAwas the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country, it is still a risk, particularly for elderly adults. The average age for development of this disease is 69, which means as a family caregiver it is critical that you are aware of this disease and the risk that your parent faces so that you can take the steps that you need to in order to reduce the chances that your senior will develop it during their later years.

 

November is National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, educate yourself and your aging parent about some of the risk factors for developing stomach cancer, which include:

  • Sex. Men are at a higher risk of developing stomach cancer. They are also more likely to die from the condition.
  • Ethnicity. Those who are of Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Island, and black ethnicity are more likely to develop stomach cancer than whites.
  • Stomach infections. Certain infections, especially prolonged exposure to these infections, increase the chances that your aging parent will develop stomach cancer.
  • Dietary choices. What your parent eats can make a tremendous impact on their risk of developing stomach cancer. Those who eat diet high in pickled vegetables, smoked meats, fish, and cheese, heavily salted foods, and processed or preserved foods are more likely to develop this condition. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are thought to lower the risk of stomach cancer.
  • Tobacco use. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and using dip are all linked to increased risk of stomach cancer. This is especially true of those cancers that impact the upper portion of the stomach.
  • Being overweight. Though it is not fully understood, there appears to be a possible link between being overweight or obese and an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.
  • History of surgery to the stomach. If your aging parent has had surgery to their stomach or have had part of their stomach removed, they may be at higher risk of developing stomach cancer. This is linked to the reduced production of stomach acid.

 

If your aging parent has recently been diagnosed with stomach cancer or you feel that they could live a healthier lifestyle, now may be the ideal time for you to start consider elder care for them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a schedule that is right for them and provide a set of highly personalized services tailored to their specific needs, challenges, and limitations as well as their personality, lifestyle, and goals. This means that they will be able to stay as healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy as possible, while also maintaining more independence and activity. When it comes to helping a senior who is dealing with cancer, an elderly home care services provider can be with your aging parent to help them make good choices to keep their body healthier and stronger, encourage them to keep their mental and emotional health high, and offer valuable reminders to help them stay compliant with their medications, treatments, and other guidelines from their doctor.

If you or an aging family member are considering hiring elder care in Sandy Springs, GA, please contact the caring staff at Caring Companions of Atlanta 470-514-5954 .

We provide quality non-medical services to our clients in their homes or in a facility if that’s where they live. Our staff is available for care plans for extensive care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or as little as 4 hours per visit. Reach out to us, and one of our outstanding administrative staff will meet with potential clients to assist them and their families in designing an effective, personal plan of care.

 

Source: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomachcancer/detailedguide/stomach-cancer-key-statistics