Tulsa Home Health care solutions for all of Northeastern Oklahoma.

35 Million Americans have cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher.  High levels of cholesterol is a leading cause of heart disease.  The CDC advises all adults to get their cholesterol checked but seniors are especially at risk.

The good news is that there are now safe and effective drugs to help control our cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease.  Every elderly person should be screened for high cholesterol.   It’s a good idea to take advantage of free screening clinics put on by the WISEWOMAN program and other organizations.  In the meantime, here are some things that you can do to reduce the risk of high cholesterol.

• Eat low-fat and high-fiber food such as fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly.  2 1/2 hours of moderate exercise every week can help keep cholesterol under control.
• Stop Smoking
• Watch your weight.  Maintaining a healthy weight has many benefits for the elderly and reduced risk of heart disease is one of them.

For more information on home health care contact Oxford Healthcare.

Depression is a mental illness that can diminish the quality of life for those who experience it.   Depression in the elderly can go unnoticed due to several factors.  Symptoms of depression such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and insomnia also can also be part of the aging process or even a medical condition.

Also, the life changes that come with aging can be a cause for sadness.  Going through a normal grieving process is not depression.  Coming to grips with reduced mobility or the end of a career is not depression.  If the feelings of sadness last for months and are accompanied by a feeling of total hopelessness – that is depression.

Depression can be brought on by loneliness and isolation.  The reduced sense of purpose that comes with retirement can also cause people to experience depression.  Certain medication can also trigger depression in seniors who are predisposed to depression.  Even the fear of dying can bring on clinical depression.

Home care workers who see clients on a daily basis learn to recognize the difference between grieving and depression.  If a senior can still laugh at a good joke or appreciate a kind hug, they are probably not depressed.  A home care worker may be able to gauge the emotional state of an elderly client more objectively than relatives and loved ones.

Here are some common signs of depression:

• Sadness
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Becoming socially withdrawn
• Loss of weight or appetite
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Feelings of worthlessness and/or self-loathing)
• Heavy drinking or drug abuse
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

A recent study in Canada had some startling results.  Elderly patients who received home health care services after their hip replacement were 43% less likely to die during the following 3 months.

Hip surgery is increasingly common in our aging population.  The double whammy of brittle bones and reduced motor skills is something most senior citizens are faced with sooner or later.  Avoiding hip fractures is definitely preferable to dealing with surgery and post-op recovery. The likelihood of injury can be reduced by getting help with household tasks like laundry and shopping.  Professional home care staff can also spot and fix situations in the home that create a slip and fall hazard.

As the study indicates, having professional home care after surgery improves outcomes significantly.

News report about medical study: Winnipeg Free Press