Family Wise Home Care

As Seniors Age, Their Risk of Disease and Health Problems Increases Preventative strategies can help seniors live healthier lives with fewer risks. 60% of older adults manage two or more chronic conditions, according to one study. Some conditions that affect seniors are preventable; others aren’t but may be improved if they are recognized early enough. (Healthypeople.gov)... There are several preventative strategies seniors can use to protect their health and reduce their risks, including certain medical tests. It’s important for seniors to have these screenings performed. Common Preventative Services for Seniors Everyone Over 50 Colorectal Cancer Screening Annual Wellness Exam Influenza Vaccine High Blood Pressure Screening Skin Check Mental Health Checkups Everyone Over 65 Annual Pneumococcal Vaccines Diabetes Screening Thyroid Screening Annual Vitamin D Test Bone Density Scan Semi-Annual Hearing Test Annual Periodontal Exams Shingles Vaccine Annual Eye Exams Women Over 45 Cholesterol Screening Women Over 50 Annual Breast Cancer Screening Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear Women Over 65 Osteoporosis Screening Men Over 35 Cholesterol Screening Men Over 50 Prostate Cancer Screening (Healthline; Family Doctor) How to Keep Track of Tests and Screenings With so many steps to take for preventative care, it’s easy for some tests to be overlooked or forgotten. Seniors should keep track of which services they have had performed and when. Some helpful methods for tracking include: Keep a checklist of annual screenings to be filled out each year Ask for copies of test results to keep in a binder Grant doctors’ offices permission to share files with each other electronically Sign up for electronic health records websites used by doctors’ offices Keep a long-term record of screenings, procedures, and other notable medical events to bring to annual wellness appointments (EverydayHealth)

June is National Safety Month. This is a great time to check in on senior home safety as well seniors’ emergency preparedness plans. In emergency situations, seniors are often less able than other adults to protect themselves. For example, older adults are 2.5 times more likely to die in fires than the general population. Preparing for emergencies can help keep seniors safe when hazards arise.... (U.S. Fire Administration) Safety is one of the major concerns of most seniors and their family members when older adults live in their own homes. The concern is valid; injury is the cause of 1 in 40 deaths in America. National Safety Month each June is a great time to check on the emergency preparedness of seniors and the condition of their living spaces. (Healthfinder.gov) Besides common home hazards, seniors are also at an elevated risk when emergencies like fires or natural disasters occur. This can be due to factors such as dulled senses and health conditions like memory loss or limited mobility. Build an emergency kit to protect seniors. Be sure to make the kit something seniors can grab and take with them quickly if necessary. (American Red Cross)