Is Frequent Bruising a Cause for Concern?

 

While some people are more prone to bruising and women more so than men, it is true that as we age everyone bruises more easily.  According to the Mayo Clinic, older people’s skin is thinner and has lost some of its fatty layer that works as a cushion to protect blood vessels from injury.   

Contusion, the medical term for a bruise, is typically caused when the small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are broken by the impact of an injury or blow to the area.  This results in blood leaking out of the vessels and creating the black-and-blue mark of a bruise.  A bruise heals as the body reabsorbs the blood. 

There are even certain medications that are known to cause bruising.  The Mayo Clinic website cites aspirin and other anticoagulant medications and anti-platelet agents as things that reduce your blood's ability to clot.  They explain that “bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise.”  In addition they advise that some dietary supplements including fish oil and ginkgo may also increase the risk of bruising because of their blood-thinning effect.

Bruising can sometimes be a sign of serious medical conditions such as abnormally functioning or low levels of platelets as well as problems with the proteins that help to clot blood.  The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting your doctor if large bruises appear on your body for no reason or if you start bruising more after starting a new medication.

One thing you can do to try and prevent bruises is to clear away clutter from your home’s pathways.  Also if you are unsteady on your feet, considering using a cane or walker or install handrails to help you navigate more safely around your home. 

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

 

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762

Extreme Heat Conditions and the Elderly

Seniors are particularly at risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  A recent University of Chicago Medical Center study reports that 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were among people over 65.

There are many reasons why seniors do not fare well in extreme heat. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) cites the following factors that can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses:

·         Heart or blood vessel problems, poorly working sweat glands, or changes in your skin caused by normal aging.

·         Heart, lung, or kidney disease, as well as any illness that makes you feel weak all over or results in a fever.

·         Conditions treated by drugs such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medicines. These may make it harder for your body to cool itself by sweating.

·         Taking several prescription drugs. Keep taking your medicine, but ask your doctor what to do if the drugs you take make you more likely to become overheated.

·         Being very overweight or underweight.

·         Drinking alcoholic beverages.

In addition as we age, our sense of thirst decreases, which can lead to dehydration.  Signs of heat exhaustion include:  heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and rapid, shallow breathing.  The NIA advises calling 911 if heat exhaustion is suspected and immediately move the person to a cool place.  In addition have them lie down and remove any tight-fitting or heavy clothing, and apply cold water or cold compresses directly to the skin.  If the person is able, have them drink water or juice but avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. 

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source:aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-heat-stroke

nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia

Home Modifications to Remain Safely at Home

A 2011 AARP research report indicates that, “almost 90 percent of people over age 65 would rather remain at home as long as they're able, and 80 percent of older Americans have firm plans to stay put.”  One of the obstacles to that are many seniors own older homes that are more challenging to live in and may have slippery surfaces or stairs that are difficult to navigate.  We know that falls for seniors are a real concern as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports thousands of seniors fall at home each year.  To help you or a loved one remain at home more safely and comfortably, there are a few modifications you can do that do not cost a fortune.     

Even small changes to a senior’s home may make the difference of maintaining their independence or needing to move into an assisted living facility.  Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging and part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says, “Modifications can range from something as simple as replacing cabinet doorknobs with pull handles to full-scale construction projects that require installing wheelchair ramps and widening doorways. 

So where do you start?  Eldercare Locator recommends evaluating your current and future needs room by room throughout your home.  There are checklists available that highlight the type of changes that may be needed.  Minor modifications include things like installing grab bars where needed, changing or adding light fixtures, and installing faucets and cabinet handles that are easy to operate.  Other simple changes are adapting closets so things are within reach and adding a chair in the kitchen so you can sit down while preparing meals.      

Minor modifications should be able to be done for as little as $150 to $2,000.  The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modifications (NRCSHHM) is one of the best resources for more information.

Source:eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Resources/Factsheets/Home_Modifications.aspx

Serving the Front Range since 2006, SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the most respected names in home care in Colorado. Currently we have 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015, and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Learn How to Protect Yourself or Loved One from Fraud

It is reported that 1 out of 5 seniors over the age of 60 have been a victim of some type of financial fraud, and estimates indicate it may be as much as $3 billion annually.  An article on Aging.Care quotes Ken Hunter, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureau (BBB), who explains, “Many of us have a parent, friend or neighbor who would benefit from a friendly reminder that seniors are prime targets for scam artists. We can help prevent them from losing their money, their dignity and their sense of security." 

Seniors are often targeted with high-pressure sales calls and mailers that promise gifts, free vacations and sweepstakes as well as financial seminars and dinners that pressure participants into buying sketchy financial products.  Another scheme is to fraudulently solicit donations for charities and other causes.     

The BBB reports Medicare fraud is common.  In these cases, callers claims to be with Medicare and seek personal information such as Medicare, Medicaid, social security, credit card or bank account numbers from the senior.  The victim is given a number of reasons why the caller needs this information such as an error with a claim or the need to sign up for a new prescription drug plan.   BBB’s advice is to remind elderly family members that Medicare will never call to ask for sensitive personal financial information, and if you suspect fraud, to contact your local police department.   

Another scam reported by the BBB involves targeting seniors who suffer a bereavement of a spouse or loved one.  Scam artists check local obituaries and call widows or widowers with claims that their spouse had outstanding debts that must be paid immediately. They proceed to request credit card numbers or bank accounts to pay the debt.  BBB’s advice is for family members to assist elderly parents or relatives who are inexperienced in managing finances when they lose a loved one.  If you are unsure if a debt is legitimate when collectors call, request a written confirmation.  

Other common schemes involve door-to-door sales people who try to sell fraudulent home repair services or goods.  Senior advocate groups encourage elderly adults to learn how to define and recognize fraud, and if you are a victim, to know where to report it.   

Sources:

agingcare.com/Articles/prevent-elderly-becoming-scam-victims-138455.htm

bbb.org/greater-maryland/migration/consumer-tips/2010/08/bbb-warns-against-five-scams-targeting-senior-citizens/

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the front range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.