Limiting Back Pain with Winnie Wagons

Your back, by virtue of its location in your body, is an important part of your core support system. The spine is the bony center of the back, to which many ribs and muscles are attached. When your back is injured, your entire body is affected and grave consequences can result. From the vertebrae within the spine to the muscles of the lower back, every part of your back is susceptible to uncomfortable and sometimes life-altering symptoms.

It is estimated that as many as 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their life, including minor muscle strains to more severe dislocations. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for Americans to miss work, and these same Americans will spend approximately $50 billion each year in search of relief. While treatments can be as inexpensive as heating pads or over-the-counter muscle relaxers, more serious sufferers may spend much more on regular chiropractor visits or expensive, intrusive back surgery.

Some of the symptoms of back pain include:

• A stiff, achy feeling centered anywhere along the neck or back.
• Sharp pains along the neck or back that occur after heavy lifting or rigorous activity.
• Radiating pain from the neck to the buttocks following long periods of standing or sitting.
• Muscle spasms in the neck or back.

Sciatica is another type of back pain that is caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve, a long nerve that extends from the lower back to the bottom of each leg. Symptoms of sciatica can include:

• Pain in the legs or buttocks that gets worse in the seated position.
• Burning or tingling sensations in the legs.
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet.
• Persistent pain on one side of the buttocks.
• Shooting pain when standing up.

Aside from irritated nerves, back pain can result from a number of different scenarios, including:

• Mechanical problems: These are back problems that relate to the way a person moves or uses their back. Over time, the cartilage within the spin can wear down, causing a mechanical problem of old age. Other times, muscle spasms or tension can limit the usability of the back, causing pain or discomfort in the process.
• Injuries: Back injuries such as sprains, fractures and herniated disks can cause persistent pain in the back and supporting areas.
• Diseases: Sometimes people acquire diseases that affect the condition of the back, such as scoliosis, arthritis, osteoperosis, spinal stenosis and many others.
• Pregnancy: The rapid changes to a woman’s body, combined with the additional weight and strain of a growing fetus, can cause prolonged back pain in women.
• Obesity: Extra fat adds weight to the body, which can put pressure and strain on the back.

In general, back pain does not require medical attention, though doctors may be able to provide information for medications and equipment that can provide relief. Left untreated, persistent back pain can cause insomnia, lost productivity and, at worst, leave more serious conditions undetected.

Since back pain can affect every aspect of life, it’s worthwhile to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place. There are no sure-fire ways to keep from ever having back pain, but there are steps you can take to make it less likely from occurring, such as:

• Strengthening Exercises: When the muscles in the back are strong, they are better able to protect the spine from injury. Core-strengthening exercises such as crunches, sit-ups and back extensions can be effective, when done incorrectly. Stretching can also help to keep the back muscles lumber and less prone to strain.
• Posture: Keeping a straight posture with the stomach pulled in and the head held straight can help prevent back pain during prolonged periods of standing.
• Sitting: Swiveling chairs and seats with lower back support help to avoid stressing the lower back, and adjustable height helps to keep the rest of the body comfortably positioned to support itself.
• Sleeping: When it comes to mattresses, there’s never been a right answer for soft vs. hard mattresses. Choose a mattress that is comfortable to you. If you feel your mattress is causing back pain, experiment with making it harder or softer.
• Lifting and Carrying: A common cause of back pain, lifting and carrying heavy objects without using the proper techniques can result in injury or complications.

The causes for back pain can occur almost anywhere, and the home offers plenty of opportunities for incurring them. People often lift groceries, laundry and other heavy items as a part of their daily chores. While it’s nearly impossible to avoid these activities of daily life, there are things you can buy to limit the amount of strain they put on your back. One such item is the Winnie Wagon.

Winnie Wagons are small, cage-like carts with long handles and low wheels. They can be used to carry groceries back from the store, transport items from a car to a home, take laundry to the Laundromat, take trash bags to the curb and accommodate a wide variety of other small-scale transportation needs. Winnie Wagons are especially useful for the elderly or people whose strength is diminishing, or to simply help prevent back pain during regular activities. The Winnie Wagon Cart is available online at Vitality Medical.

The Winnie Wagan Cart features durable steel construction, large rubber casters for easily handling over all kinds of terrain and a folding design for easy storage in a closet or storage bin. Its affordable price makes it a worthwhile investment in convenience and continued back health. Other medical devices that help reduce back stress are available at Vitality Medical and can be found at Living Aid Accessories and Back Support.

Back pain is common amongst Americans, but that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. Some easy preventive measures, such as an investment in a Winnie Wagon, can help save your back from needless strain in daily life. Though medications and equipment are available for those who choose not to take preventive measures, it’s much more difficult to make up for loss of productivity and missing out on activities with your friends and families. Make prevention a part of back pain management, and you’ll find yourself healthier and happier in the long run.

Resources:

WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/back-pain-overview-facts

American Chiropractic Association: http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=68

Buying a Meaningful Holiday Gift

Every year, millions of Americans spend approximately $700 on Christmas gifts for their friends and family. However, a large chunk of those gifts are often dictated by popular trends, advertising or “safe” selections that most people would enjoy. For example:

• In 2001, 78% of holiday shoppers purchased at least one electronic product as part of their gift giving.
• Almost 60% of consumers purchase clothing and apparel as a gift for other adults.
• Books, DVDs and gift cards are next in popularity when it comes to adult gift-giving.

It’s easy to see from the statistics above that most gifts are non-specific to the person receiving them.

Time and money are at a premium, so people often find ways to reduce the burden of Christmas shopping by waiting until the last minute to snag great deals or buying gifts in bulk. There are some easy ways to find personal, meaningful gifts that can be just as convenient but give that personal touch:

• Shopping Online: Online shopping can be done any hour of the day, and any day of the week. Finding gifts with personal touches is easy online, because many specialty storefronts are available with search functions to narrow down your selection.
• Useful Gifts: Entertaining gifts and luxury items are great, but when you give someone a useful gift it adds to their daily life. The recipient gains pleasure from it more than once, and will think of the giver each time they use it.
• Lifestyle Gifts: Everyone enjoys a different lifestyle, which is what makes us all interesting in our own way. Finding gifts that reflect a person’s lifestyle not only signify that you are interested in their lives, but that you cared enough to take the time to learn more about it.
• Timely Gifts: As people age, they go through different stages of life. Each stage is more suited to certain gifts more than others, and finding gifts that are age appropriate is a sign of consideration to the recipient.
• Luxury Gifts: There are basic models of almost every item on the market, and then there are luxury models. Luxury items are typically made from higher quality ingredients, are better constructed and tend to last longer than inferior models. Most people, especially those on tight budgets, will get by with inferior items rather than spend the money on luxury goods. Giving a luxury item as a gift shows that you want a person to truly enjoy what you are giving them.
• Something They Wouldn’t Buy Themselves: Everyone has seen something they liked, but couldn’t justify spending money for themselves. Purchasing gifts like these for others brings fun and excitement to a person’s life, because it is a treat that only you could give them.

With all the benefits of purchasing thoughtful gifts and the ease of online shopping, why wouldn’t you take a little more time to find some truly special items? Vitality Medical’s Online Store has a great selection of meaningful holiday gifts from which to choose, including the following:

• Arcoa Adjustable Folding Cane: Your friend or loved one may already have a cane, but the adjustable folding cane from Arcoa has so many benefits that they wouldn’t mind having this one, too. This cane collapses easily to fold away into a bag or purse, and is attractively constructed in brass-tone metals and a dark wood handle.
• Conair Pollenex Teak Spa Bench: Teak is a tropical wood that naturally resists mold, mildew and bacteria so it’s naturally suited to stands and furniture for use in bathtubs and showers. The Conair Pollenex Teak Spa Bench is an attractive way for aging adults to maintain stability and safety while bathing without the addition of unsightly plastic and rubber.



• Battle Creek Moist Heat Pack: For friends and family who suffer from back aches, muscle spasms, arthritis or bursitis, or for those who simply seek a simple method for relaxation at home, the Battle Creek Thermophore Moist Heat Pack offers soothing moist heat for medical treatment and non-clinical uses alike. The automatic, pulsing heat helps to prevent burns if patients fall asleep, which they probably will due to the relaxing, detoxifying properties of this treatment.



• Standers Bed Rail Advantage: Items that perform more than one task are like two gifts in one! The Standers Bed Rail Advantage is a sturdy bed rail to give weak or elderly individuals an extra hand while getting out of bed, but it also doubles as a simple, organized space for keeping books, reading glasses, magazines, remote controls and other items within arms length.
• Drive Medical Exercise Peddler: Exercise is an important part of staying strong and healthy at any age. Give the gift of health with the Drive Medical Exercise Peddler, a stationary stand with two pedals that can be used to strengthen and tone the arms and legs. With no assembly required, compact portable construction and super simple operation, it’s perfect for any level of fitness within any space.
• Dry Foot Massager: You’d be hard pressed to find anyone that doesn’t enjoy a foot massage. The Dry Infrared Foot Massager gives a nice subtle massage without having to worry about tubs full of water or hand-held tools that can have a numbing effect.



• Duro Med Lighted Magnifier: Reading is a simple pleasure for many, but aging adults might find it more of a challenge to see small print or pictures. The Duro Med Lighted Magnifier brings bright magnification to books of any kind to help increase print size and lighten up books in dim settings.



• HoMedics Magnetic Wave Back Support: Back pain is common among all American adults, and sometimes simple hot and cold applications can keep it from interfering with the day. The HoMedics Magnetic Wave Back Support takes this basic therapeutic concept and builds it into a supportive back brace for the treatment of aches, pains, strains and bruises.

Buying a meaningful gift is an easy way to show someone that you care about their happiness and well-being. This holiday season take a few extra moments to find something meaningful for each person in your life.

Resources:

Industry Market Trends: http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/2002/11/holiday_statist.html

Exercise while you watch TV, while you work, or do anything!

 

Exercise is one of the most powerful things that people can do for their bodies. By spending 20-30 minutes at least three times per week exercising, you can reap a number of incredible benefits:

Invacare Exercise Pulley Set

• Weight Control: Exercise burns fat and calories and build muscle which, in turn, helps to burn more calories even when you aren’t exercising. When combined with a thoughtful diet plan, exercise can help people shed pounds and maintain an overall healthy body weight.
• Strong Bones: Weight bearing exercises, such as strength training and cardio, help bones become harder and more dense. Keeping bones strong is an important part of battling osteoporosis and defending yourself against fractures and breaks.
• Strong Muscles: Exercise builds muscle which burns calories and helps protect the body’s spine and other structures.
• Better Skin: Exercise boots circulation which, in turn, brings more nutrients to the body and the skin and detoxifies organs. Exercise also increases collagen, which keeps skin firm and fresh looking.
• Less Stress: When you exercise, the stress hormones in your blood stream decrease which, in turn, lowers the heart rate, relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
• Better Mood: Exercise releases endorphins, which are your body’s natural mood enhancer. Active people tend to suffer from less depression and also helps to keep people calm.
• Better Immune System: Exercise strengthens the immune system, so that you are less likely to suffer from colds and flus.
• Clearer Thinking: Exercise boost the flow of blood to the brain and delivers nutrients and oxygen. Over time, people who exercise regularly have faster brainwaves than those who do not.
• Better Sleep: Since exercise uses more physical energy during the day, you’re likely to get better sleep at night.
• Better Sex Life: Sexual performance is dependent upon overall health, and the benefits of exercise translate readily into the bedroom.

Heart Rate Watch

Some people find that they do not have enough time in the day to exercise, however the Drive Medical Exercise Peddler is one possible solution to this problem, because it allows people to multi-task while exercising. With the drive peddler, you can:

• Watch instructional or educational videos.
• Read or study.
• Work on the computer.
• Watch children.
• Fold laundry.
• And many more.

Drive Medical Exercise Peddler

The drive peddler can be combined with any seated activity because it is portable and only requires the use of the feet. You can use it while sitting on a couch, in a chair, on the floor or anywhere else while reaping the benefits of regular exercise. Some other reasons to use the drive peddler:

• Easy to Use: To operate the drive peddler, simply place your feet or hands on the pedals and turn them in an alternating motion — similar to that of a bicycle. No special skill, balance or coordination is required.
• Convenient: The drive peddler is compact and portable, so it can be moved to any room in the house, stored as needed, and even taken on trips. Plus, this exercise is done in doors during any type of weather or time of day.
• In-Home Use: For those who are uncomfortable exercising in front of others or simply need to say in doors, the drive peddler is a private, comfortable way to ensure that you get the exercise needed to stay healthy and fit.
• Low-Risk: The fluid, low impact movement of the drive peddler means that it is safe for knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders and other joints.

It’s easy to see that there are many benefits to using the drive peddler for daily exercise. However, it is important to note that other exercises should be used as well in order to get a well-rounded workout. Overall, the three basic components of an effective workout plan are:

• Stretching Exercises: This can include basic stretches or exercises that focus on flexibility such as yoga and dance.
• Conditioning Exercise: This includes pedaling, cycling, walking, running or any other stamina-building exercise that involves steady or heavy breathing.
• Strength-building Exercises: Lifting weights and using resistance equipment can help to build muscle strength.

You don’t need to go to a gym to get a full-rounded workout, however. All-over stretching can build flexibility quickly and effectively while household items such as canned food can be used as simple weights.

Thera Band Resistive Exercise Systems Latex Bands

When starting exercise, it is not necessary to develop a complicated or lengthy routine. Talk to your doctor before starting any workout routine, but simple exercises like walking or using the drive peddler can typically be used in small amounts each day. By setting small goals, such as five-minute pedaling sessions each day, you can gradually become accustomed to a routine and slowly increase the amount of time or level of tension you use in each session.

Staying hydrated is also an important part of developing an exercise routine. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your exercise routine to ensure that your body has enough fluids. Not only will water replace the fluids you lose through sweating and heavy breathing, but it will help your blood to circulate more freely and actually make you feel more energized throughout your session.

Exercise has some incredible health benefits that affect the body and the mind. Exercising on a regular basis helps to keep weight down, moods up, stress low, immunity high and skin looking fresh. Getting at least 20-30 minutes of exercises at least three times per week should be on everyone’s to-do list, but in today’s busy world it can fall by the wayside. Priorities such as work, school and family time often take precedence.

Wrist and Ankle Weights

However, with so many benefits to exercise, it’s crucial that it become a priority. The Drive Medical Exercise Peddler helps to bring exercise back into the lives of even the busiest people by allowing them to complete other tasks while using it. Even for people who are homebound or live alone, the drive peddler can be used while watching television or reading, making it a healthy way to catch up on the news or watch your favorite shows while simultaneously reaping all the health benefits of exercise.

There’s no reason to exclude exercise from you life. Try a drive peddler from Vitality Medical as part of a healthy exercise routine and see where it takes you.

 

Resources:

WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/benefits-of-exercise

MayoClinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676

ArthritisToday: http://www.arthritistoday.org/fitness/other-exercise/stationary-cycling.php

 

 

Ways to Prevent Falls at Home

For Americans 65 years or older, there is no greater threat to their lives than a devastating fall. Each year, nearly 40% of elderly adults fall at least once and either suffers injury, decreased independence or death as a result.

Falls need not be from high locations or within dangerous environments in order to be injurious. Most falls occur at home or in the nursing home environment while the person is conducting regularly activities of daily life. Things that were once commonplace, such as showering or walking around furniture, can become hazardous for the aging population without the appropriate accommodations.

The consequences of falls can range from minor to serious injury, to death. Some common fall-related injuries include:

• Bumps and bruises.
• Fractures, especially hip fractures.
• Head trauma and brain injury.

Not only can such injuries incur medical bills and a need for ongoing healthcare services, but they can also limit the patient’s ability to live and function on their own, which can also necessitate daily and ongoing monitoring.

At-home caregivers and nursing home staff need to take the proper precautions for preventing falls, as do aging individuals who live alone. Luckily, there are many ways for people to prevent falls for themselves and for others. Following is a collection of some easy, inexpensive methods to try.

Drive Medical Teak Bath Shower Stool

• Shower Chairs: The shower can be a dangerous environment for elderly patients due to its slippery flooring and lack of stabilizing fixtures. For this, shower chairs can be an effective way to help the elderly maintain regular hygiene. Shower chairs are simple, cushioned chairs with suction cups on the feet and rust- and mold-resistant materials. These chairs can stay in the shower, allowing the patient to sit when they become tired, to use the fixture as a method for stabilization and to help get in and out of bathtubs.

The Invacare Adjustable Transfer Bench is a basic example of such a chair, with its bench-like seating and arm-rails. Such chairs are especially good for patients who use walkers, are in wheelchairs or otherwise have restricted mobility. Patients can simply get next to the tub or shower, sit on the transfer bench, and then swivel into the bath or shower with ease.

Invacare AdjustableTransfer Bench Padded

• Grab Bars: Many falls occur within the transition between seated and standing positions, as rising can cause dizziness and instability in the elderly, and weak leg muscles may not be able to fully complete the movement. Grab bars are an easy way to maintain a steady, stable motion and allow the patient to use their upper and lower body to stand and make other similar movements.

The bathtub and the toilet are two common areas where sitting and standing can become problematic and even dangerous. The Standers Curve Grab Bar is one type of specialized grab bar for the toilet area. It is affixed to a wall near the toilet and its two-tiered handle system gives patients the ability to bring themselves to a standing position one tier at a time. The large looped handles are easy to grip, and lie flush with the bar to prevent interference or injury once the assistance is complete.

The Rubbermaid Bathtub rail is another example of a specialized grab bar for the bathroom. These rails affix firmly and easily to the side of the tub, and feature multi-level handles to allow patients to pull themselves up into a sitting position, and then rise into a standing one.

Rubbermaid Bathtub Rail: White

For other areas of the home, standard gripping bars can be affixed to any stable surface in any room. The Invacare Knurled Grab Bars come in multiple sizes for vertical and horizontal mounting. The texture surface makes them easy to grip, while sturdy construction makes them reliable.

• Bed Rails: After long periods of rest, the body can take a little bit of time to get back to full strength. For those who need help getting in or out of bed, a bed rail can be a practical solution. Bed rails can be affixed to the bed or placed between the ceiling and the floor in accordance with the environment and desired setup.

The Standers Security Pole & Curve Bar is one example of a bed rail that stands between the ceiling and the floor. It features a pivoting, multi-tiered handle that sits security at the head of the bed and allows the patient to grasp the handles or the bar and safely and securely stand up. This particular model accommodates ceilings between 8 and 9 feet in height, locks into place for extra stability and disassembles for easy transport.

Standers Security Pole & Curve Grab Bar

• Walkers and Canes: While maintaining independence is important to many aging adults, they are not always able to walk or stand on their own. Without the ongoing stability needed to maintain the upright position, falls and other accidents can occur. A walker or cane gives patients a simple, portable method for getting around while concurrently avoiding falls.

The Rubbermaid Fixed Wheel Adult Folding Walker is one of the more common walkers on the market because of its affordability, simplicity, versatility and portability. The light construction and folding frame keep it easy and convenient to use, back wheels make it ideal for walking and stationary front stops also make it useful for support while standing.

Canes are a traditional way to help aging adults get around with extra stability and support. The Invacare Quad Cane is another popular stability item, with a four-footed support that makes it more stable to use and prevents it from falling over and becoming a tripping hazard.

In addition to assisting products, aging adults can take some personal and medical precautions to help them avoid falls and maintain independence for longer periods of time. A few of these steps include:

• Regular, light exercise that focuses on strength and balance (such as yoga or tai chi).
• Reviewing medications with doctors to find ways to limit side effects such as dizziness or weakness.
• Having eyes checked once per year to ensure that prescriptions are up to date and effective.
• Improving lighting in the home.
• Reducing tripping hazards by minimizing clutter and rearranging furniture

For over 9 years, at Vitality Medical, we have delivered on our promise to sell top quality medical supplies at the best prices on the Web.

Resources:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/NCIPC/olderadults.htm

Patient Safety Alarms for the Elderly

An estimated 34 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers for other adults, including elderly family members. As healthcare costs rise and many baby boomers find themselves sandwiched between the care of their children and their parents, it becomes more important for them to find ways to balance time and resources.

Patient alarms are one method that caregivers can use to monitor their elderly patients while simultaneously working on other tasks. These alarms emit noises or other methods of notification when activated by the elderly patient for any number of reasons, in any location. Often used in patient care homes by nurses who manage multiple patients, patient alarms have evolved significantly over the years to make them user-friendly and affordable for in-home use, as well. Patient alarms can be acquired to accommodate a number of scenarios that pose a risk for elderly patients. Alarms can be placed around the house or affixed to patients to help them alert someone when they have fallen or otherwise require assistance. Bathroom alarms can notify caregivers when accidents have occurred or help is needed to complete tasks. Wheel chair alarms can go off when problems or accidents have occurred, sometimes even without the help of the operator. There are even alarms for bed wetting to prevent patients from being exposed to uncomfortable, unsanitary bedding for prolonged periods of time.

Patient alarms aren’t just a way to keep tabs on an elderly patient. When used correctly and consistently, they are can actually be a powerful life-saving device. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified falls as the leading cause of death for Americans 65 years of age and older. In addition, they report that 35-40% of people in this age group suffer from falls each year, and that the rate of deaths caused by falls has been on an incline over the last decade. Since many falls cause bruises, fractures and head trauma, it is clear to see how these medical conditions can take their toll on the health of an elderly loved one, as well as become a costly expense.

Elderly patient alarms can also be an important measure for avoiding accusations of elderly abuse or neglect, a charge that is considered to be a misdemeanor in most states. Since many families and nursing homes have full schedules and workloads, some elderly patients may not receive prompt attention they need through routine check-in’s. Patient alarms can help family and caregivers to become aware when emergent conditions arise, and can also help them to prioritize their elderly patients within the context of their day. A variety of new conditions emerge as people age, many of which are gradual and unexpected for caregivers. As people age, they can suffer from any or all of the following:

• Burns or injuries due to weakness
• Misuse of medication
• Deterioration of personal habits and hygiene
• Increased care accidents
• General forgetfulness and disorientation
• Small fires from forgotten appliances, candles, etc.
• Sudden weight loss
• Unexplainable behavior

While a patient alarm cannot help with all of the circumstances surrounding elderly care, it can provide the following:

• Gives elderly patients the opportunity to call for assistance when handling heavy or dangerous items.
• Notifies caregivers when elderly patients need attention to help with hygiene or similar personal care.
• Reminds caregivers to administer medication, removing the risk of under or over-dosing by elderly patients.
• Notifies caregivers in the event of a fall or accident.
• Notifies caregivers when smoke or other hazards are present.

Vitality Medical offers a variety of patient care alarms to help caregivers better monitor their elderly patients. Some of their patient alarms include:

Bathroom alarms: Bathroom alarms are a simple, non-invasive way for caregivers to monitor elderly patients while they are using the restroom. The Posey KeepSafe Alarm is a reasonably priced method for professional and at-home caregivers to monitor their elderly patient’s movements while they are away. A sensory mat is placed under the chair or bed, and when the patient gets up, the caregiver is notified of the movement so that they can check on the patient and provide assistance if needed, helping to prevent falls.

Bed wetting alarms: An alarm for the patient himself, this type of alarm, such as the Nite Train’r DVC Bedwetting Alarm, features a moisture-sensing device that alerts patients when leakage has occurred. This then gives them the opportunity to use the restroom before a more significant accident occurs, thereby saving them from embarrassment and discomfort.

Personal alarms: The most versatile of patient alarms, the personal alarm gives patients a device to carry with them throughout their day so that they can receive needed attention regardless of their location. The Posey Wireless Personal Pager gives patients a paging device with a lanyard that can be worn comfortably around the neck, and features 100 feet reception and a single over-sized button.

Wheelchair alarms: Wheelchair alarms can perform double duty as a fall-prevention and tip-detection mechanism. The Posey Wheelchair Cushion Alarm System also gives added comfort to wheelchairs while its pressure sensor alerts caregivers when the patient’s weight is lifted from the chair seat. This helps to prevent falls by alerting caregivers to the need to monitor wheelchair-bound patients who are trying to stand up or exit the seat for any reason, and it also alerts caregivers if the wheelchair has tipped and the patient has fallen from the chair.

Caring for an elderly patient can be a full-time endeavor full of unique and challenging circumstances. However, a wide variety of patient alarms are available for professional and at-home caregivers to ensure that their elderly patients receive the attention they need to stay comfortable and safe. If you are in a position to provide care and attention to an elderly patient, educate yourself on the risks and symptoms associated with aging and equip your space with patient alarms to help prevent unexpected accidents from occurring.

Resources:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/NCIPC/olderadults.htm USAToday: http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/eldercare/2007-06-24-elder-care-cover_N.htm Lawyers.com: http://elder-law.lawyers.com/Elder-Abuse.html