Empower!You

Posted on

Jan 28, 2017

share-this
Share This
Did you know that 1 in 3 people aged 65+ falls every year? Or that chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and lung disease can force older adults to give up their independence too soon?
The good news is that there are free classes available to help older adults reduce their risk of falling and help people with chronic diseases learn to manage their symptoms for better quality of life.
A Matter of Balance
Classes emphasize practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. You will learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable. Youll set realistic goals to increase activity, change your environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
These proven classes were developed by Maine Healths Partnership for Healthy Aging, and have been taught with successful results nationally. Two coaches teach small classes, no larger than 16 persons. Two-hour classes are scheduled weekly for eight weeks or twice a week for four weeks.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program - Diabetes Self Management Program
Interactive classes focus on building your skills to deal with any ongoing health condition, including arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, depression, emphysema, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and other physical and mental conditions. Classes are scheduled for 2 hours weekly for six weeks. One or both of the lay leaders teaching your class have a chronic condition.
Topics include techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation; improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; healthy eating; appropriate use of medications; and working more effectively with health care providers.
Developed by Stanford University and taught with proven results throughout the world, Self-Management classes can be your answer to take charge of your health and your life.
To sign up for classes or discuss volunteer opportunities, contact:
Collin & Denton Counties: North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging, 1-800-272-3921 or 940-999-1024
Dallas County: Dallas Area Agency on Aging, 214-871-5065, empoweryou@ccgd.org '
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Marilyn Self, Director of the Dallas Area Agency on Aging, at the Community Council of Greater Dallas. 214-871-5065 or mself@ccgd.org

Other Articles You May Like

The Perfect Gifts for Grandma

Gifts for Grandma, Grandpa, or Aging ParentsIts no secret that shopping for gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an older parent, can be difficult. A life well lived also means theyve probably acquired everything they need for their day-to-day tasks. Do they really need another stock pot, blanket, or screwdriver? Probably not. And those kinds of gifts are BORING with a capital B. Why not find something thats new AND solves a problem?How do you buy a gift for a senior who already has everything?The trick is to find a present that adds value and independence to their life. As we age, things that we took for granted in our youth become much harder as the years pass on.One such example that many seniors struggle with is the simple task of clipping fingernails. The standard fingernail clipper hasnt changed for over 70 years. Its small and requires a surprising amount of vision and dexterity.Now imagine youre a senior with advancing arthritis or decreasing vision and what used to be a simple task is now a lot more difficult. Maybe you have MS or Parkinsons and fine motor dexterity is an everyday challenge. Or perhaps youre fully capable of clipping your own nails, but want additional convenience. Or maybe youre a caregiver and clipping fingernails is low on your priority list. Any way you look at it, theres no right or wrong reason to want a bit of independence.In fact, there are over 50 million people in the US alone who have limited dexterity, strength, or vision. And tens of millions more who dislike the messy and annoying process of clipping fingernails. If your parent or grandparent needs help, theyre certainly not alone.Get them something that makes their life easier.Introducing the ClipDifferent Pro: the easiest-to-use nail clipper on the planet. Its easily one of the best gifts for grandma, grandpa, or an aging parent.The ClipDifferent Pro is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind, automatic fingernail clipper that safely trims fingernails with the simple touch of a button. Its effortless, safe, leaves no mess, and is built to last.It includes FREE SHIPPING and a FULL GUARANTEE!It uses a bit of science, a bit of magic, and a few top-secret components that elevate the act of fingernail clipping from boring to holy cow!.Put simply, the ClipDifferent Pro utilizes a high-capacity, rechargeable NiMH battery to power a finely-tuned, patent-pending trimming mechanism manufactured with surgical grade stainless steel, to create the most seamless, clean, and nearly effortless fingernail clipping experience youve ever had. Dont Just Take Our Word For It Heres What Others Are Saying The ClipDifferent Pro is so simple and easy to use! Rollie Rodgers (Korean War Veteran and Living with Parkinsons) It gives me one more way to be independent. Rick Zeidler (Vision Loss) Ive won the war but its these day-to-day battles that we have to deal with. Rick Ebner (Living with MS) I think anyone will find the Pro fabulousespecially those who have challenges with fine motor skills. Geno Mucciacciaro (Disabled Veteran with Neurological and Central Nervous System Issues) Once you see the Pro work, its hard to go back to the old way of clipping your nails. Butch Donohue (Amputee/Limb Loss) Every home needs to have one of these! Tamara S. (Home Health Care Advisor) I need to buy one of these for my husband! Velma Hagar Ristaino (Author, Inspirational Speaker)

Transforming Arthritis Care with ClipDifferent A Perfect Solution for 58.5 Million Americans

Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with over 58.5 million Americans currently living with this chronic disease. Characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, arthritis can significantly impact one's quality of life, making everyday tasks challenging. Among these tasks, nail clipping can become particularly difficult due to the precision and hand strength required. This is where ClipDifferent steps in offering an innovative solution designed to ease this burden.Understanding Arthritis and Its ImpactArthritis causes over 100 different types of joint diseases and conditions, with the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions often result in pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the affected joints. For many, simple daily activities such as buttoning a shirt, opening jars, or clipping nails can become daunting tasks.People with arthritis may find these tasks especially problematic for several reasons:Limited Hand Strength: Arthritis often reduces grip strength, making it hard to grip jars and buttons, or handle traditional nail clippers.Joint Pain: The pain in the fingers and wrists can make certain repetitive  motions required by certain daily tasks like opening doors, medications and even showering, very uncomfortable.Reduced Dexterity: Swelling and stiffness can hinder the fine motor skills needed to clip nails neatly and safely.ClipDifferent: A Game-Changer for Nail CareClipDifferent is revolutionizing nail care for individuals with arthritis by providing an easy-to-use, safe, and efficient nail clipping solution. Heres how ClipDifferent stands out:Automated Clipping Mechanism: The ClipDifferent Pro is designed with an electric nail trimming mechanism that eliminates the need for manual squeezing. Users simply insert their nails into the designated slot, and the device does the rest, trimming the nails smoothly and safely.Ergonomic Design: The devices design takes into account the physical limitations faced by individuals with arthritis. Its user-friendly interface and stable base require minimal hand movement, reducing strain and discomfort. The ClipDifferent pro, our one handed use design, stays put on a table or flat surface so you can safely trim. The Lil Nipper, our handheld design, takes minimal effort to hold onto and utilizes the same electric trimming technology.Safety Features: ClipDifferent prioritizes user safety with features such as a protective nail slot to prevent skin contact with the blade and an easy-to-clean design. This makes it suitable for individuals with limited hand control.Precision and Neatness: The precision trimming mechanism ensures that nails are cut evenly and smoothly, preventing jagged edges that can lead to further discomfort or injury.Independence and Confidence: By making nail care accessible and straightforward, ClipDifferent helps individuals with arthritis regain a sense of independence and confidence in their personal care routines.Real Lives Changed Many users with arthritis have experienced significant improvements in their daily lives thanks to ClipDifferent. Take it from our very own Kathi Holmes, who overcame paralysis and is living with arthritis. With the help of ClipDifferent, she was able to gain some independence back into her life. What once was a difficult task, is now something she feels grateful to be able to do so easily.Embrace a Better Quality of Life with ClipDifferentArthritis may be a part of life for millions, but it doesnt have to dictate your daily routine. ClipDifferent offers a practical, effective solution to one of the many challenges posed by this condition. By simplifying nail care, ClipDifferent empowers those with arthritis to maintain their personal grooming with ease and dignity.If you or a loved one is struggling with arthritis, consider trying ClipDifferent. Its more than just a nail clipper its a step towards reclaiming control over your daily life.Explore ClipDifferents products and see how they can make a difference in your life. Visit ClipDifferent.com today!

UTIs and Older Adults: Symptoms and Prevention

UTIs and Older Adults: Symptoms and PreventionUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are a prevalent health issue among older adults, often leading to discomfort and potential complications if not addressed promptly. Home care agencies and caregivers play a vital role in managing UTIs, offering tailored support to prevent and treat these infections effectively. Lets explore how they can help.Understanding UTI Symptoms in Older AdultsOlder adults may not exhibit the typical symptoms of UTIs, such as burning during urination or frequent urges to urinate. Instead, they might experience cognitive changes, confusion, agitation, or sudden behavioral shifts. These atypical signs can be challenging to recognize, but trained caregivers are adept at identifying them early, ensuring prompt treatment and reducing the risk of complications like kidney infections or sepsis.Why Are Older Adults More Susceptible to UTIs?Several factors contribute to the increased risk of UTIs in older adults. As people age, both men and women often face challenges in completely emptying their bladders, which can lead to bacterial growth in the urinary tract. In men, conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can obstruct urine flow, while in women, post-menopausal hormonal changes can alter the balance of bacteria, increasing infection risk.Prevention Tips and Care StrategiesEducation and Awareness: Home care professionals educate seniors and their families about the unique symptoms of UTIs in older adults. By increasing awareness, they empower families to recognize potential infections early. Understanding the signs can lead to quicker interventions, preventing more serious health issues.Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated is crucial in preventing UTIs. Caregivers encourage seniors to drink plenty of water, aiming for at least 64 ounces a day, to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. They also promote a balanced diet to support overall health and resistance to infections. Proper nutrition, including foods rich in vitamins and minerals, can strengthen the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infections.Personal Hygiene: Proper hygiene practices are essential in preventing UTIs. Caregivers assist with daily hygiene routines, ensuring that seniors maintain cleanliness and follow practices such as wiping from front to back. This reduces the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract. Regular bathing and changing of undergarments also play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene and preventing infections.Regular Bathroom Visits: Encouraging regular bathroom visits helps prevent the buildup of bacteria in the bladder. This is particularly important for seniors with cognitive impairments, who may forget to urinate regularly. Caregivers can remind and assist them in maintaining this routine. Establishing a schedule for bathroom visits can help ensure that seniors empty their bladders regularly, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.Catheter Care: For seniors using catheters, home care providers ensure proper catheter maintenance to reduce infection risks. This includes regular cleaning and monitoring for any signs of infection, which is crucial for preventing UTIs in patients with limited mobility. Caregivers are trained to recognize early signs of infection, such as changes in urine color or odor, and can coordinate with healthcare providers for timely intervention.Lifestyle Modifications: Caregivers may suggest lifestyle changes, such as wearing loose, breathable clothing and avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol, which can exacerbate UTI symptoms. These modifications can significantly reduce the risk of infections. Encouraging physical activity, as appropriate, can also support overall health and improve bladder function.Use of Supplements: Some studies suggest that cranberry juice or supplements may help prevent UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. Caregivers can coordinate with healthcare providers to determine if such supplements are appropriate for the patient. Additionally, probiotics may support urinary tract health by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria.UTIs pose a significant health challenge for older adults, but with the right care and preventive measures, their impact can be minimized. Home care agencies provide essential support, from education and early detection to personalized care and lifestyle guidance. These services empower seniors to live healthier, more independent lives while managing their health effectively in the comfort of their own homes. By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of UTIs, caregivers play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of older adults.