WINTER 2016• RECOMMENDED READING

• COPING WITH NEGATIVE EMOTIONS

• A CATARACT PRIMER

•NUTRITION TIP

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A Cataract PrimerCataracts usually develop so slowly that people don’t notice. Some people compare it to looking through a dirty window — a fuzzy or foggy effect that comes from tissue damage changing how light enters the eye. Other symptoms include colors appearing more muted or yellow, sensitivity to glare (like a ‘halo’ effect around a light source), poor vision at night, or more rapid changes in vision. This common ailment can have a profound effect on vision over time, even making it unsafe to drive or raising the risk of a fall in the home.

There are currently no drugs that prevent, slow down, or reverse the development of cataracts. Some people choose surgery if cataracts have progressed. But there are many steps you can take to reduce the effects of cataracts:

• Shield your eyes outdoors with sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat

• Avoid driving at night, when vision is more challenged

• Use magnifying tools for household tasks and reading

• Adjust lights at home to reduce glare and shadows

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake

• Eat a plant-rich diet and maintain a healthy weight

• Keep any chronic conditions well managed

• Get regular eye exams for early detection

residentialhomehealth.com phone: (866)902-4000

The Emotional Impact of

CHRONIC ILLNESS

For help managing your chronic conditions, call Residential Home Health any time at (866)902-4000.

Are you experiencing these negative emotions?• Depression: You may feel low or hopeless or not enjoy things

you used to. This common medical condition can be helped with counseling and/or medication if you ask.

• Fear: When the future is uncertain, feelings of fear are to be expected. To avoid envisioning worst-case scenarios, learn all you can about your disease and how you can manage it.

• Anxiety: You may feel restless, irritable, or tense, or even be losing sleep. Relaxation techniques and/or anti-anxiety medication can help you avoid extreme ‘panic attack’ symptoms.

• Anger: Losing your temper can have dangerous effects on your heart rate and blood pressure, especially if you have heart disease. Explore techniques to step back and avoid a blow-up.

Being diagnosed with a chronic condition can bring feelings of grief, sadness, or uncertainty. You may feel different physically, and managing your disease may mean big changes in your diet or routine. Because your emotional state is tied to your physical well-being, it’s important to watch for negative emotions.

There are many ways to cope with these feelings: you might try relaxation techniques, meditation, prayer, music, exercise, a new hobby, or calling a friend. If negative emotions are interfering with your daily life or outlook, share your feelings with a loved one or a clinician. Speaking up can be the first step toward solutions that could help restore quality of life and help you become accustomed to a new normal.

Healthcare journeys are seldom prepared for; more often, they are learn-as-you-go, and there is no instruction manual. In The Complete Eldercare Planner, author Joy Loverde answers questions across a wide spectrum of practical topics and offers checklists and tools to help seniors and caregivers stay better organized and in control.

The book is intended to address issues happening now, rather than in the hazy future. Topics covered include finances, housing, facilitating communication, self-care, legal issues, health care and insurance, and other aspects of aging in place. Arranged by searchable subjects, and including numerous thorough indexes by topic and type, the book quickly points readers toward the information they need.

Each section zeroes in on the question at hand, explains why the topic is important and what must be done, and offers worksheets to help readers collect information or get a better sense of the whole picture. Chapters end with a summary of ‘Low-cost and free resources,’ as well as a detailed ‘Action checklist.’ The most recent edition also includes numerous Web resources, and all worksheets are available for download online.

To find The Complete Eldercare Planner, ask your local bookstore, or visit elderindustry.com to learn more.

Recommended ReadingPart guide, part workbook, part index — a complete companion

As one Residential Home Health patient was

getting out of bed, his hospital bed broke, and he

fell suddenly to the floor. Although the patient was

rattled, he had his convenient Residential Nurse

Alert personal emergency alert system, and simply

pressed the button for assistance. An emergency

team was quickly sent to the patient’s home, where

they helped him up and checked for injuries. To

the patient’s relief, the responders agreed that

he could stay at home instead of going to the

emergency department for follow-up care.

Later that same day, the patient pushed his

Residential Nurse Alert button again, this time

needing help with managing his diabetes. After

talking him through a self-test of his blood sugar

levels, a nurse was able to advise the patient over

the phone about how much insulin to take and

what to eat. Their conversation continued until the

patient felt stable and assured that he knew what

to do.

By providing a connection to in-person assistance,

as well as being a resource for skilled medical

expertise, Residential Nurse Alert gave this

patient true ANYTIME - ANYWHERE - ANYTHING

assistance, both times resolving the matter safely

and avoiding a likely hospital stay.

results

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real-life FIND OUT MOREFor in-depth information, tips,

stories, and our blog, visit:

residentialhomehealth.com

Nutrition TipCholesterol is an important indicator of heart health.

You naturally make enough of this compound for your

body to function. But cholesterol is also present in many

foods, and if you eat too much of it, the waxy substance

can build up over time in your arteries. This buildup can

block normal blood flow and put you at increased risk of

heart disease and stroke.

Many adults can reverse cholesterol buildup and lower

risk simply by making lifestyle changes, like quitting

smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. Smart diet

choices (like fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains)

and exercise will also make a big difference. If your body

needs extra help lowering cholesterol levels, your doctor

may prescribe a medication to complement your efforts.

Unfortunately, because high cholesterol shows no

symptoms, you can’t be certain of your cholesterol

status unless you seek it out. The National Cholesterol

Education Program recommends getting a simple

blood screen for cholesterol every five years. Learn

what you can about your risks and talk to your doctor or

clinician about checking your cholesterol levels soon.

Visit blog.residentialhomehealth.com/topic/nutrition for more diet and health tips, as well as healthy recipes.

residentialhomehealth.com phone: (866)902-4000

Falls are the leading cause of injury, immobility, and nursing home placement for seniors. Each year,

falls affect 1 in 3 seniors over the age of 65, accounting for more than 2 million emergency room

visits. Residential Home Health’s proactive StepWise program takes a personalized approach, using

assessments, tips, healthy exercise, and teaching to boost confidence and quality of life by lowering the

risk of a life-changing fall.

Consider StepWise if you have any of these common fall risks:• Age 65 or older

• Taking 4 or more medications

• Recent fall, or a history or fear of falling

• Incontinence

• Poor vision

• Pain while walking or standing

• Medical condition that impairs judgment or coordination

spotlightresidential service

Call (866)902-4000 at

any time to talk with a

nurse about StepWise,

or if you want your

Residential Home Health

Care Team to come out

and care for you again.

p: (866) 902-4000f: (866) 903-4000 residentialhomehealth.com

5440 Corporate Dr., Suite 400 ï Troy, MI 48098p: (866) 902-5854f: (866) 903-4000

residentialhospice.com

residentialhomehealth.com phone: (866)902-4000READ. DISCOVER. LEARN. SHARE.

For seniors aging in place, there are many factors beyond physical health that need to

be considered for safety and independence at home. Managing a chronic condition

may raise emotional issues, and there are financial aspects to consider as well. Among

the topics covered in this issue of Residential Review, we look at the potential dangers

of long-lasting negative feelings, as well as a practical book that can aid seniors and

their families in planning for future care and expenses.

Should you ever need home care, call (866)902-4000 to speak with a Residential

nurse — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit us online at

residentialhomehealth.com for additional resources, videos, and articles.

Editor’s Note