October is National Fire Prevention Awareness Month. For older adults, the risk of being harmed or fatally injured in a fire is more than double that of younger adults. When a senior reaches the age of 85 their risk climbs to nearly five times higher. That means that while seniors make up only 13% of… Read more »
Author: optalishealdev
Engaging with Your Grandchildren
When a grandparent lives in a central Ohio assisted living community, it might be challenging to find engaging ways for your children to stay connected with them. Finding meaningful activities they can enjoy together is important for both age groups. Creating bonds with their elders helps kids develop healthy attitudes about aging. Spending time with… Read more »
Supporting Your Spouse in Post-Hospital Rehab
You’ve successfully gotten your spouse through their surgery and have helped them make the transition to an inpatient post-hospital rehabilitation center for their recovery. Do you know what’s coming next? Here’s what you can expect during their stay at the rehab center and the transition home, as well as tips and advice to make the… Read more »
The Importance of Continuing Therapy at Home
Everyone who receives services from an inpatient rehabilitation center leaves with a discharge plan in place that outlines any necessary follow-up care. This plan often includes therapy exercises to be completed at home. It might be tempting to ease up on your exercises and go back to your normal routine once you’re back in the comfort of… Read more »
Types of Post-Hospital Therapy for Seniors
Dear Kelly, About a week ago, my 74-year-old mom had a stroke. None of us were prepared for something like this, and now we’re scrambling to take care of her as best we can. The stroke wasn’t a severe one and she’s doing well, but she is having some speech issues and difficulty balancing. Her… Read more »
First 48 Hours in Post-Hospital Rehabilitation
You’re about to leave the hospital, headed for a post-hospital rehab facility as the next step in your recovery. Your doctor has signed off on your release, the flowers and cards from well wishers are all packed up and you’re ready to go. But you may be feeling nervous or even overwhelmed—how do you know… Read more »
7 Tips to Improve Communication With Your Doctor
Clear communication with your doctor is crucial when discussing any diagnosis, health plans, medications and/or symptoms. Improve conversations with your doctor with these simple tips. Improve Your Conversation When your doctor explains a diagnosis, explain it back to the doctor as you understand it. This will help make sure you understand the information correctly and allows… Read more »
Understanding the Goals of Short-term Rehab
My father’s physician is recommending a short-term rehab after Dad leaves the hospital. I’m not exactly sure what that entails, and, to be honest, it sounds a little scary! Can you help me understand what I need to know? -Evelyn in Columbus, OH Hi Evelyn, Many central Ohio older adults (or their family members) may… Read more »
What Vaccines to Get After Age 50
Dear Tasha: My Dad lives with a chronic illness that has caused his immune system to be weaker. As a result, he seems to catch every bug that makes the rounds. I’m trying to make a list of vaccines that might protect him so we can speak with his doctor about them later this month…. Read more »
