Managing Chronic Pain in Seniors

The Importance of Vaccinations for Frail AdultsAs a trusted home health partner, we understand the critical role that vaccinations play in safeguarding the health of frail adults. During National Immunization Awareness Month this August, we emphasize the importance of immunizations in preventing severe illnesses and complications, particularly among vulnerable populations.The Role of Vaccinations in Frail AdultsVaccinations are a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, particularly for frail adults who are at a higher risk of complications from infectious diseases. Immunizations help to: Prevent Disease: Vaccines prevent diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, and shingles, which can be particularly severe in older and frail adults. Reduce Hospitalizations: Immunizations reduce the incidence of hospitalizations due to vaccine-preventable diseases, decreasing the burden on healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes. Enhance Quality of Life: By preventing disease, vaccines help maintain the quality of life for frail adults, allowing them to remain more independent and active. Community Immunity: Vaccinating frail adults contributes to herd immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical conditions. Key Statistics on the Impact of Vaccinations Influenza: Each year, influenza vaccination prevents an estimated 3.2 million medical visits and 79,000 hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Pneumococcal Disease: Vaccination against pneumococcal disease has been shown to reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease by 60-70% in older adults (Jackson et al., 2003). Shingles: The shingles vaccine reduces the incidence of shingles by 51% and postherpetic neuralgia by 67% in adults aged 60 years and older (Oxman et al., 2005). Our Commitment to Vaccine Education and RemindersAs your partner in home health care, we are committed to working collaboratively with you to ensure that your patients are well-informed about the importance of vaccinations. Our services include: Educational Outreach: Providing patients with information on the benefits of vaccines and addressing any concerns or misconceptions they may have. Personalized Vaccine Schedules: Assisting in the creation of personalized vaccine schedules tailored to each patients health status and medical history. Timely Reminders: Sending reminders for upcoming vaccinations to ensure patients receive their immunizations on schedule. Coordination with Healthcare Providers: Collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure seamless vaccine administration and follow-up care. By partnering with us, you can enhance your patients health and wellbeing through comprehensive vaccination education and support. Together, we can make a significant impact in preventing disease and improving health outcomes for frail adults.For more information on how we can support your patients immunization needs, please contact us.ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Estimated influenza illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States 20192020 influenza season. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/2019-2020.htmlJackson, L. A., Neuzil, K. M., Yu, O., Benson, P., Barlow, W. E., Adams, A. L., & Thompson, R. S. (2003). Effectiveness of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in older adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(18), 1747-1755. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa022678Oxman, M. N., Levin, M. J., Johnson, G. R., Schmader, K. E., Straus, S. E., Gelb, L. D., & Shingles Prevention Study Group. (2005). A vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 352(22), 2271-2284. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa051016

At Amada Senior Care, we are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our clients, especially when it comes to preserving senior independence, and this includes preventive care. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to emphasize the importance of annual health screenings and checkups. Today being Mammogram Day provides a particularly appropriate opportunity to heighten awareness of a significant screening for women to protect their health as they age.Why Mammograms MatterBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide; in fact, women in the U.S. have a 1-in-8 chance of developing breast cancer. Public awareness campaigns point to the fact that early detection can make all the difference. Regular mammograms help identify abnormalities in the breast tissue long before they can be felt during a self-exam. Early-stage detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, with survival rates as high as 99% when breast cancer is caught in its initial stages.For older women, especially women over the age of 50, mammograms become an even more critical part of their healthcare routine. Age is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and while it can occur at any age, the risk increases as women grow older. Its estimated that about two out of three invasive breast cancers are discovered in women 55 or older. This is because as we age, there are more opportunities for genetic damage or mutations to occur in the body at a phase when the human body typically is less capable of repairing genetic damage.While breast cancer is associated with womens health, men also can be diagnosed with and experience symptoms like those in women. Family history of breast cancer or other genetic factors, exposure to radiation in the chest area, or having liver disease or another condition that causes estrogen levels to rise in the body all are risk factors for male breast cancer.Check out the images below to learn more about how to conduct a breast self-exam.Benefits of Regular MammogramsEarly Cancer Detection Saves LivesThe earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available, and the better the outcomes. Mammograms can find cancer up to three years before it is large enough to be felt, offering a greater chance for less aggressive treatment.Peace of Mind in Protecting Senior HealthA mammogram is a quick procedure, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing youre actively monitoring your health is immeasurable. Regular screenings help older adults and seniors feel more secure and proactive in managing their well-being.Guided Preventive Care in Aging WellMammograms are often the first step in a broader breast health plan. For seniors, keeping up with these appointments ensures continuity of care, allowing their healthcare providers to monitor any changes and take action if necessary.Overcoming Common Concerns of MammogramsCommon concerns include fear of discomfort or radiation exposure. However, modern technology has made mammograms more comfortable, and the amount of radiation is minimalno more than a dental x-ray or flying cross-country.How Amada Can Help with Protecting Senior HealthAs seniors age, they may become concerned about mobility or getting to and from appointments. A free care needs consultation with an Amada Senior Care advisor can help identify specific assistance you or a loved one require, whether its transportation to screening facilities, compassionate caregiving services at home, or emotional comfort before and after a procedure.As a provider of non-medical at-home care, we at Amada are committed to making senior preventive healthcare as accessible and stress-free as possible. We can help with:Appointment Scheduling: Well help book your mammogram and any necessary follow-up appointments with ease.Transportation Assistance: If you need help getting to the clinic, our caregivers can provide transportation or accompany you to ensure you feel supported.Personalized Health Plans: Amadas caregivers are trained to help our senior clients manage symptoms of various health conditions. Our care team professionals understand the importance of following your doctors instructions and ensure they are included in your personalized care plan, tailored to your specific needs.Regular Screenings Lead to Improved Health in AgingIf you or a loved one havent had a mammogram in over a year, now is the perfect time to talk to your healthcare professional to schedule one. Encourage the women in your life, especially those in their 50s and older, not to skip their annual health screenings.Let's celebrate the power of early detection and honor our commitment to protecting the health of the women (and men) we care for.

Note: this is not medical advice and should not replace a discussion with your own treating physician. This document was created after compiling helpful over the counter and home remedies from patients and colleagues.Winter is a beautiful time of the year, but it also brings along various illnesses. With the constant change in temperature and dry air, it's easy to catch a cold or flu. However, being sick doesn't have to be miserable. Here are some tips to help you through your winter sickness.First off, make sure you are getting enough rest. Your body needs time to fight off the illness, so getting plenty of sleep is essential. Drinking lots of fluids is also crucial to staying hydrated. Warm liquids such as tea or soup can help soothe your throat and loosen congestion. Second, take over-the-counter medication to relieve your symptoms. Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion, and pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and body aches. However, be sure to read the instructions carefully and consult with a doctor if you have any doubts.Lastly, try to avoid spreading your illness to others. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Stay home if you're feeling unwell to prevent spreading the illness to others, and mask up if you need to leave the house. Reminder that we are fortunate enough to have vaccinations against flu, COVID and RSV which cause significant respiratory illness.In conclusion, being sick during the winter can be tough, but with plenty of rest, hydration, and medication, you can make it through. Ive gathered up some of the most common remedies used by myself, my patients, and my followers on social media and shared them below. Remember to take care of yourself and stay warm during the chilly winter weather.  Straight Off the ShelfNote: if you take other medications, its important to talk with your physician or pharmacist about how these over the counter meds may interact with your prescribed meds       Cough o   Vicks Vapo Rub on the chest and bottoms of feet o   Coricidin (good for those with cough and high blood pressure) o   Delsym Cough Medicine: dextromethorphan containing cough meds help with cough suppression, for dry coughs o   Mucinex: guaifenesin containing meds help to loosen up mucus in your though to help you cough it up, for wet coughs o   Sudafed: pseudoephedrine is a decongestant and can make you pretty wired/awake. caution if you have high blood pressure o   Dimetapp for kiddos 6 and older       Congestion/sore throat o   Afrin nasal spray: temporary congestion relief o   Flonase nasal spray: great for post nasal drip that causes sore throat o   Saline nasal rinses       General cold/flu symptoms o   Dayquil/Nyquil: remember, these contain acetaminophen aka Tylenol. so dont mix with additional tylenol unless instructed by your physician Know your meds! acetaminophen is also known as Tylenol; ibuprofen is also known as Motrin and is the same class of medications as naproxen aka Aleve  Home/Herbal RemediesNote: if you take other medications, its important to talk with your physician or pharmacist about how these remedies may interact with your prescribed meds      Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa-Chinese herbal throat and cough syrup       Green tea       Ginger tea       Boom boom inhaler stick       Lemon, honey, and chamomile tea       Sleep      Epsom salts baths       Oscillococcinum       Black elderberry syrup       Raw garlic with honey       Mullein tincture       Electrolyte rich drinks like liquid IV, LMNT, pedialyte-- monitor sugar content       Fermented foods       Reishi       Ashwaghanda       Foods high in vitamin C (citrus!)  Soothing Tea RecipeIn a saucepan, bring the following to a boil, then remove from heat and enjoy: tips and enjoy:       8 oz water       1 tbsp apple cider vinegar      1 tbsp honey       1 cinnamon stick       1 clove of peeled and smashed garlic       small piece of peeled ginger             Tips & Tricks From a PCP:      after a viral infection, cough can last 4-6 weeks in some cases. if you have fever with the cough or its getting worse, talk with your doctor as it could indicate a bacterial infection       never underestimate the power of sleep and resting your body       a fever is technically a temperature over 100.4 degrees F       the symptoms of COVID, flu, and RSV overlap significantly. getting tested for these infections may be helpful in determining if you need further intervention       your gut health is key to your immune system. you may not be able to fully prevent getting sick, but a healthy mind and body will help you with resilience and recovery. focusing on fiber, mindfulness, sleep and regular exercise can help your gut stay strong!       most viral infections last about 5-7 days. but if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, high fevers, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, or wheezing, contact your physician immediately