January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease.
Currently, more than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages.
There is no cure for glaucoma—yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease. Visit https://www.glaucoma.org/ for more information.
Why Hot Baths Are Good for Seniors
5 Benefits of Hot Baths
Soaking in a bubble bath is a luxurious routine for many folks looking for stress relief and their own quiet, personal time. But beyond this tranquility, researchers are finding that an extended sit in a hot bath, technically called hot water immersion, delivers up a tub full of health advantages.
1. Reduces inflammation
2. Lowers blood sugar
3. Lowers blood pressure and improves circulation
4. Soothes aching muscles and joints
5. Improves skin health
Hot baths and Epsom salt baths are also credited with reducing headaches, lifting mood and promoting better sleep.
Bath Safety Tips for Seniors The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that every year in America 30 million older adults fall, and at home, the highest rate for injuries is “in or around the tub or shower.” Because our professional caregivers assist seniors at home regularly, our care providers are extra attentive about safeguarding older adults in the bathroom, especially when bathing.
The Fall Prevention Guide created by Right at Home offers the following bathroom safety tips:
- Add grab bars with color contrast on the sidewall of the bathtub and near the toilet.
- Use nonslip mats, decals and strips in the bathtub and on the shower floor.
- Replace slippery rugs with nonslip rugs or add double-sided tape to keep rugs secure.
- Keep towels and other trip hazards off the bathroom floor.
- Be sure the bathroom and surrounding hallways have bright lighting.
Our Caregivers are Spot On!
At Right at Home, we perform random spot checks of our Caregivers to make sure they are doing everything correctly. These Caregivers were spotted doing the right thing! Thank you for all that you do!
