7 Senior Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

Spending time outdoors in the summer is a favorite activity for many people in New Jersey! While it’s important to get enough Vitamin D to keep bones, teeth and the immune system healthy, it’s still important to avoid damage from UV (ultra-violet) rays that can lead to skin cancer.

Although much of this damage is done in our earlier years of life, healthy precautions proactively protect seniors — just look at these seven tips from the team at our assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ:

1. Use high quality sunblock. Always choose a waterproof sunblock of at least SPF30 (sun protection factor) if not higher, even on cloudy days.
2. Cover up. Pretty cotton shawls, wide-brim sun hats and loose cotton pants are great for keeping cool and keeping UV rays from coming into direct skin contact.
3. Protect those eyes. Sunglasses with large polarized lenses and a UV400 rating (blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays) are a must-have, making it more comfortable to see on bright days and protecting the eyes and delicate skin around them.
4. Stay indoors during peak UV times. Sunshine becomes particularly dangerous around midday, so it’s a good idea for anyone — senior or otherwise — to stay indoors between 11am and 2pm and reserve the morning and afternoon for outdoor activities.
5. Take Vitamin D. As we mentioned above, Vitamin D is very important, and many seniors simply aren’t getting enough. Your doctor will be able to tell you just how much of the supplement you should take to stay healthy, as it’s important not to have too much in your diet.
6. Check your medications. Some medications, including some antibiotics, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s effects, causing you to burn more easily. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that none of your prescriptions put you at higher risk. If they do, try to stay indoors or in the shade as much as possible and be extra diligent with reapplying sunblock.
7. Perform a skin exam. Self-examinations are a good way to spot any indications of early skin cancer. Look for spots, changes in skin color, burns, new spots or growths on moles or itchy/bleeding moles or skin growths. If you have any concerns, visit your doctor — it never hurts to have skin cancer ruled out.

Assisted Living in Gloucester County – A True Community for Independent Seniors 

Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality assisted living services in a comfortable, well-supported and beautiful environment. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we also offer rehabilitation, access to therapists, hospice care,respite care and memory care and support services. We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our assisted living community, please visit our website at https://pitman.umcommunities.org/ contact us today or book a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/7-senior-skin-cancer-prevention-tips/

Accident Prevention in the Home

Falling at home is the leading cause of injuries and hospitalizations for the elderly, so it’s no surprise that it’s a serious concern for seniors as well as their family members. Here are some tips from our in home senior care team in New Jersey that will help make home a safer place for seniors.

Accident Prevention Tips for Outside the Home 

If there are stairs outside your loved one’s home, add rails on both sides of them. Each step can be marked with non-slip contrasting colour strips for easier navigation by seniors with poorer vision, and outdoor areas with stairs should be kept well-lit – preferably with motion or light-sensors so that they turn on automatically.

Accident Prevention Tips for Inside the Home 

In the bedroom, make sure the bed is at a height where it is easy to get into and out of, remove clutter to keep pathways free of trip hazards, and install nightlights so that your loved one doesn’t have to get out of bed and move around in the dark. If their bedroom is upstairs, make sure the stair railings are secure or suggest that they move downstairs to avoid the stairs completely.

Safety rails in the bathroom are a must, especially in the bath and shower. Make sure the towel rail is securely fitted to the wall and that there is a grab bar by the toilet if your loved one has trouble getting up from a sitting position. If possible, modify the bath to a low-rise bath and the shower to a walk-in shower to make access easier. Place bath mats on non-slip material and fix down if necessary with double-sided tape. It’s also a good idea to make it a habit to leave a light on in the bathroom at night.

In the rest of the house, check all light bulbs to make sure they are working and that they are bright enough. Remove any pieces of furniture and belongings to make clear, wide pathways through the home, and fix down any carpets or rugs so that they can’t trip your loved one.

In Home Senior Care – The Perfect Balance between Independence and Safety! 

As a leading senior independent home care provider in New Jersey, our team offers at home care for older adults through trained, experienced nursing and health aide staff. We have a wide range of services from companionship and help around the home to 24-hour live-in care, depending on exactly what you and your loved one requires. Our services are scalable and by-the-hour, allowing you to develop a custom care plan.

For more information on our seniors home care services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/Home-Heath-Aid-services

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/accident-prevention-in-the-home/

The Role of a Registered Nurse in an Assisted Living Facility

The assisted living industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the USA. With the number of Americans over age 65 expected to more than double from 40.2 million in 2010 to 88.5 million by 2050, and seniors over 85 expected to account for 4.5% of the total population in the same time period, it’s no surprise that demand for these services is on the rise.

Demand is just one factor, however, with the impressive technological developments in the long-term care field, as well as advancements in medical care helping people not only live longer, but live better, too. The industry has undergone a transformation over the last couple of decades, becoming unrecognizable to the long-term care and assisted living facilities of the past — making them attractive not only to seniors, but as a desirable career option for administrators, doctors, nurses, therapists, care workers and other professionals.

Assisted Living Communities as a Career Option for RNs 

Registered Nurses (RNs) have a particular role in running assisted living facilities often with the title of Head Nurse or Director of Nursing.

Responsibilities can differ among communities, but usually include:

• Supervision of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) staff members.
• Designating nursing assignments and setting work schedules.
• Managing the total care of the residents, including developing and initiating care plans, administering medication, preparing IVs, drawing blood, giving injections, and monitoring vital signs.
• Monitoring residents to assess the effectiveness of their medication and care plans, possible unintended side effects and negative medicine interactions.
• Oversight of the residents’ health as a whole through monitoring and ensuring a high standard of care.
• Completing clinical assessments of residents’ health status.
• Interacting with residents’ families and loved ones and reporting changes in their health or care plan.
• Ensuring continuity of care by getting to know each resident, their needs and the best approach to their healthcare as a whole. Through full-time interaction with residents, RNs are able to observe them in detail, catching minor health complications early for a faster recovery.

Want to Find Out More? Speak to the Team at Our CCRC in Sussex County New Jersey 

Bristol Glen is a CCRC Sussex County New Jersey, dedicated to helping seniors live full, rewarding and independent lives. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we also offer rehabilitation, access to therapists, hospice care, respite care and memory care and support services, and welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

Our assisted living community offers staff an environment which upholds spirituality and our non-profit mission as the framework for everything they do, creating a supportive and focused environment. Our team also lives “the abundant life” we offer our residents by having a true sense of purpose when they come to work every day.

To find out more about career opportunities at any of the four full-service United Methodist Communities or our assisted living community, please visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/ contact us today or book a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/the-role-of-a-registered-nurse-in-an-assisted-living-facility/

Hepatitis and Seniors – A Healthcare Guide

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day and, at our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ, we’d like to highlight this healthcare condition among seniors. Here’s some information from our team that we hope you find helpful!

What is Hepatitis? 

This disease is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the liver. The inflammation can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) and jaundice, affecting the function of the liver and even leading to liver cancer and liver failure. It can be acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic.
In some cases, hepatitis can be self-healing — but it’s always best to visit the doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal discomfort and pain
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Low fever
• General itching

Causes of Hepatitis 

Hepatitis A can be transmitted through a virus as well as through a bacterial or parasitic infection. Type B spreads through contact with the blood, open sores, or body fluids of someone who has the hepatitis B virus; it can also be transmitted as an STD. It can also be triggered by liver damage from alcoholism, ingestion of toxic substances, and long-term use/overdose of certain medications (especially pain medications and anti-inflammatories).

Seniors are especially vulnerable to hepatitis C. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than 75% of adults currently living with the disease were born between 1945 and 1965. Undiagnosed seniors may be unaware that they carry the virus, as it can remain dormant for decades before it starts attacking the liver. Compounding the trend, testing was not as rigorous back then as it is today, making screening essential.

What Happens in a Hepatitis C Test? 

The good news is twofold: First, a simple blood test can detect hepatitis C or any other strain. Second, care and treatment options have come a long way, so once patients are diagnosed, a range of different medications can send the disease into remission and restore healthy living. Some medications can even help reverse liver damage, so early diagnosis is essential!

Life a Full Life at Our Assisted Living Community in New Jersey 

Collingswood is part of the United Methodist Communities network of high-quality, non-profit assisted living communities specializing in independent style living for seniors. With an experienced care and assistance team, scalable services customized to each resident’s needs, and a lively social calendar, we focus on providing essential resources that promote independence.
To find out more about United Methodist Communities or our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ, please visit our website at http://collingswood.umcommunities.org/ or contact us and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/hepatitis-and-seniors-a-healthcare-guide/

5 Ways to Assist a Senior Recovering from a Stroke

Assisting an elderly loved one after a stroke requires patience, planning and a lot of hard work. Here are some tips to help make stroke recovery caregiving easier and more effective, from our in home respite care services team in New Jersey:

1. Research strokes. Knowing as much as possible about your loved one’s condition is key to providing effective assistance. In addition to reading about the subject online from reputable sources like the American Stroke Association, speak to your loved one’s physicians and find out exactly how the stroke has affected your loved one, what the recovery process looks like, and signs of a possible relapse or an additional stroke. Hospitals also offer stroke support groups.
2. Prepare the home. While your loved remains in hospital, take some time to prepare the home to accommodate their caregiving needs. You might need to relocate their bedroom to avoid stairs, get rid of mats and loose carpets that can cause trips and falls, or install grab handles in the bathroom.
3. Identify risk factors. Since stroke patients are more vulnerable to additional strokes, rapid treatment is essential in the event of another. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms that indicate a second stroke, such as loss of balance, fatigue, slurred speech, facial muscle weakness, numb or tingling limbs and blurred/double vision. You can also reduce risk factors by helping your loved one follow a healthy eating plan, adhere to a strict medication schedule, get gentle exercise, and quit bad health habits like smoking.
4. Create a routine. Daily routines aren’t only comforting to stroke patients and easier on caregivers, they also aid in the recovery process. Write down what daily activities your loved one can do independently, which ones they need help with and those they are unable to manage completely, so you know when you’re most needed. While providing assistance, always encourage your loved one to try to complete as much of the task as they can comfortably manage, rather than taking over. This is crucial to helping them re-learn these skills.
5. Take care of yourself. Caring for a stroke patient is hard work and can be frustrating — and when they’re a loved one, this can be a difficult emotional strain, too. Don’t forget to care for yourself — whether it’s joining a support group, letting other family members share the workload, or calling in professionals to provide expert assistance on a temporary basis.

In-Home Respite Care Services in NJ – Support for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones 

Whether you have an appointment you must keep, a meeting you need to attend, or you simply require a day to yourself to recharge, our care team is here to help through our HomeWorks program. As one of the leading residential in-home respite care providers in NJ, our fully certified staff have all the essential senior care training and experience needed to provide for stroke recovery patient, so please feel free to ask for formal certification and references.

For more information on our home health aide services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/Home-Care-Services-For-Seniors

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/5-ways-to-assist-a-senior-recovering-from-a-stroke/

Medicare and Hospice Care – 6 Questions Answered

As a leading hospice in South Jersey, we often find a lot of confusion among the public about hospice care and what hospice services are really about. This lack of information can lead not only to misconceptions, but also patients missing out on the best possible care during the end of their lives. Our team would like to share answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

1. What is hospice? Hospice is a name given to a range of services specially designed to care for terminally ill people, as well as support their families and loved ones. Rather than offering treatment or cures, hospice focuses on pain relief and symptom management, giving patients as much comfort as possible.
2. Will Medicare cover hospice? This depends on the hospice provider you choose, but many are affordable under Medicare. Basic requirements for the resident include eligibility for Medicare Part A, certification by a doctor and the hospice director that they are terminally ill with six months or less to live, and lastly, that the chosen provider is Medicare-approved.
3. What hospice services will Medicare cover? These can include doctor services and nursing care, medical equipment (walkers, etc.), medication for pain and symptom management, physical and occupational therapy, grief counselling, and short-term respite and inpatient care.
4. What hospice services will Medicare not cover? No services or medications focused on curing their terminal health condition will be covered.
5. Will guardians and family still be able to give input on care? The interdisciplinary team will work with you to develop a care plan uniquely suited to your loved one’s needs. It includes things like the frequency of visits by the doctor and nurses, as well as therapists and other hospice team members.
6. Does choosing hospice mean giving up on my loved one? Absolutely not. When medical treatment is no longer an option, hospice services provide a means for your loved one to live in comfort and with dignity. Hospice care is about giving patients the best possible quality of life, surrounded by loved ones and all the comforts of home. For families, this brings peace-of-mind that loved ones’ care needs are well taken care of, and frees up time to spend enjoying the company of loved ones.

Need More Information? Speak to the Team at Our Hospice in South Jersey 

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer care in a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhood in the Jersey Shore area called Bridges.

It focuses on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for individuals and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice neighborhood in Cape May County, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/hospice-care-nj/ or contact us today and schedule your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/medicare-and-hospice-care-6-questions-answered/