The CareGiver Partnership: August 2012

Diabetic Foot Care Takes Prevention

Diabetic foot care may involve the use of diabetic socks. Because people who experience diabetes may have problems with their feet, they need to be extra sensitive to things that may cause their feet to be irritated. Diabetic socks help to remove part of the problem by providing a footwear atmosphere that helps to eliminate unwanted foot moisture. The socks are also designed to eliminate bunching, wrinkling and the irritation that may be caused by socks that have seams.

Footwear helps with circulation.

Tools that Help the Visually Impaired Live Safely at Home

by Lynn Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership

Help for living safely at home

A study published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association shows risk of hip fractures decreased among seniors who had cataract surgery. During Cataract Awareness Month in August, The CareGiver Partnership wants seniors to know there are options for managing impaired vision before and after cataract removal.

The FootMate TM System and Gel

Clean feet are essential to good health, but if you suffer from back pain, arthritis or another malady that makes it difficult to reach your feet (such as pregnancy), it can be difficult to be as thorough as is necessary for optimal health. The FootMate TM System is here to help. This complete foot care system can help you clean your feet thoroughly, even those tough to reach, or often neglected places, like between the toes, leaving you feeling refreshed, renewed, and restored.

The FootMate TM System and Gel

Do you want to have feet that look and feel great? Do you want to show off your toes without having to hide those heals? Are you afraid of summer sandal season because of the rough dry skin, and calluses on your feet? Get healthier, happier feet using the FootMate TM System. It is your solution for avoiding cracked heals, foot calluses, rough skin, and so much more.

The CDC reports multiple statistics about falls, including this: "Among older adults (those 65 or older), falls are the leading cause of injury death.

They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma" (emphasis added). One of the most effective means of fall prevention is activity, including strength-bearing exercises that help the muscles, joints, and bones work properly. However, falls can have causes that cannot be addressed through a fitness regime.

FootMate TM System with gel

Foot massage offers many benefits for health and well-being: Getting a foot massage can benefit your whole body. The following is a look at three of the top benefits of foot massage.

CareConscious is dedicated to improving the approach to Family Caregiving by providing Family Caregiver’s with the most effective online program ever developed, the 8 Principles Program. This program creates a specific plan that caters to every Caregiver’s situation. Each plan allows Caregivers to identify their key needs, access the necessary resources, and have an achievable path laid before them, that can be adjusted with unexpected life changes.

Buying Incontinence Supplies

When someone is first diagnosed with incontinence they may be unsure as to how they are going to cope with this ongoing medical issue. After seeking out medical help the first step is to determine what type of incontinence supplies he or she will need in order to effectively manage their incontinence. This can take some time, research and experience before a suitable solution is found however, it is important to understand that there are a number of considerations that should be made before you purchase any type of incontinence supplies. Knowing what these are will help you to end up with incontinence supplies that will allow you deal with your incontinence and continue on with your normal and daily activities. Here are things to look for when buying incontinence supplies-

Beyond the Incontinence Undergarment

When someone has to deal with incontinence they may focus on choosing the right incontinence undergarment. However, it is important to know that there is a wide range of incontinence supplies that can help to make managing incontinence much easier and more effective. While it is certainly important to choose the right incontinence underwear or adult diaper using these other incontinence supplies can provide other options for dealing with incontinence either by the incontinence sufferer themselves or for a caregiver. It is important to take the time to learn all you can about all of the options in incontinence supplies so that the appropriate choices can be made in what incontinence supplies will be used. Here is what you need to know about incontinence supplies beyond incontinence undergarments-

Buying Incontinence Products

When someone is first diagnosed with incontinence they often feel alone. However, the reality is that there are millions of people who have been diagnosed with incontinence. This group of people includes individuals of all ages, varying health status, and both genders. There is a mistaken belief that incontinence is a normal part of aging. The reality is that while incontinence is more common as we age this is only true because it is often caused by medical conditions that are more common as we grow older. Because incontinence is a medical problem anyone experiencing symptoms should immediately seek out a medical evaluation by their doctor.

Foot care can is essential for the diabetic.

Diabetic foot care care may involve the use of diabetic socks. Because people who experience diabetes may have problems with their feet, they need to be extra sensitive to things that may cause their feet to be irritated. Diabetic socks help to remove part of the problem by providing a footwear atmosphere that helps to eliminate unwanted foot moisture. The socks are also designed to eliminate bunching, wrinkling and the irritation that may be caused by socks that have seams.

One of the very real dangers of diabetes is that...

Compression Socks Can Be Used To Help With Circulation

Compression socks may be one of the things that a doctor recommends to someone who has varicose veins. Other recommendations may include resting and elevating legs and surgery.

Varicose veins are caused by genetics, standing for long periods of time and pregnancy. While no one can do anything about genetics at this point in time, other actions can be taken

Multiple Treatments for Varicose Veins

to give the person the best chance at not getting varicose veins possible.

People who are involved in activities that require standing for long periods of time need to take appropriate breaks and rest their legs. Varicose veins are formed when the vein can no longer pump blood to the heart. The valve may fail, and blood will pool in the vein causing it to become wrinkled and come closer to the surface. By resting the legs and elevating them. The person is giving those valves and the veins the opportunity to rest in their fight against gravity.

Incontinence Management Strategy

There are many different challenges that arise for someone who has been diagnosed with incontinence. First and foremost, when someone begins experiencing incontinence they should immediately seek out a medical evaluation. It should be stressed that incontinence is almost always caused by an underlying medical condition and is not a normal part of aging. The mistaken belief that incontinence should simply be put up with or is part of growing older is simply not true. The earlier you see your doctor about your incontinence symptoms the better the chances that your health care professional can diagnose the cause and type of incontinence and recommend the appropriate treatment. Today, there are treatments for incontinence that can reduce or completely eliminate your incontinence symptoms.

Buying Incontinence Pads

Incontinence pads are one of the most widely used and popular types of incontinence products. Many incontinence sufferers choose to use incontinence pads as part of their incontinence management strategy. It is important to understand that incontinence pads are particularly designed to be used for incontinence management. They are manufactured in such a way that it allows the skin of the wearer to stay dry and protected. This is crucial since the delicate skin of the incontinence sufferer should be protected from skin irritation and breakdown and the integrity of the skin should be preserved at all times.

My Health Phone

Travel is one of the goals many people have for after retirement, but senior travel can pose a number of risks and anxieties. Many seniors travel in fear of emergencies, of not having their medical information, their caregivers and loved ones worrying, or not knowing that they are in trouble. There is a new on-the-go safety device that helps eliminate these concerns, and put safety first for the senior, and provide peace of mind for the caregiver:

#1 seller in North America

When someone is first begins experiencing symptoms of incontinence they may feel overwhelmed and unable to figure out what the most effective steps will be in order to manage their incontinence. Because of the intimate nature of incontinence many people find that it is difficult to seek out help and information. They may even feel like this is an unmanageable problem that they will not be able to get under control. However, the good news is that there are things that you can do in order to effectively manage your incontinence. Taking these steps will help you to get to the bottom of the problem and put management strategies in place that can help you to deal with it.

Incontinence Bed Pads

When someone is first diagnosed with incontinence they can often feel overwhelmed and overcome with embarrassment. Many people feel that they will no longer be able to carry on with their daily activities. They may worry that the embarrassment that can be caused by incontinence accidents will leave them homebound and alone. The good news is that there are many different adult incontinence products that are available that can help you to manage your own incontinence or that of the loved one in your care.

My Health Phone

Seniors want their independence, and yet their caregivers and loved ones are concerned that if they live alone and an emergency occurs it may have tragic results. Thus, many companies have come up with tools to help elderly live independently and still have access to emergency help should an emergency situation arise.

Fast response = faster recovery

When an elderly person takes a spill, fast emergency response is key. If treated quickly, the damaging effects of a fall are far fewer, and the recovery time is shorter.

How can you help insure that if you fall, you get the quick emergency response that is needed? Having the right tools to help you maintain a safe, but independent life is key. Should you take a fall, being able to contact someone for help, or put in an emergency call is important. While there are many services available for in home call buttons, what happens if you fall while out tending to your garden? Taking a walk in the early morning? Or traveling? Is there an emergency response system that is not limited by the confines of your home’s walls?

Take care of your feet!

Diabetic foot care is so important because as diabetes progresses, those who experience the disease may lose sensation in their feet. This loss of sensation can create problems with wounds and infections that may lead to foot amputation. The best way for someone who is diabetic to keep their feet is to prevent the causes of foot wounds and to control the diabetes itself.

End-of-Summer a Prime Time for Senior Recreation

by Lynn Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership

More summer fun for seniors

Late August and early September can be a great time to squeeze in a little more summer fun, especially for seniors. In regions where temperatures start to cool in late August or early September, it’s a safer, more comfortable time for seniors to enjoy outdoor recreation and travel.

Lessen the stress on the caregiver.

As a caregiver, it is always a little stressful to care for a senior. You worry about their health and well-being, but also want to help them keep their independence and dignity. You want to make sure they are staying on top of their medications, that they are safe, and that they are getting what they need, but you also do not want to nag or frustrate them. It is natural to worry, and want the best for your loved ones, and this new safety device is the best of emergency response systems and so much more. It is called My Health Phone, and it is the Swiss Army Knife of personal emergency response systems, and will put caregiver’s and senior’s minds at ease. Here are some of the features that make this product so revolutionary:

How to select the right incontinence product

It can be overwhelming and even frightening when someone is first diagnosed with incontinence. Many people assume that the only individuals with incontinence are sick, elderly, and bedridden. However, there are many people who are trying to manage their incontinence while leading their normal lives. The bottom line is that with the help of incontinence underwear an individual can continue working, socializing, and participating in their daily activities.

How to select the right disposable underwear for incontinence

One of the major decisions that have to be made after being diagnosed with incontinence is how the person will be managing the problem. The most important management strategy will be determining what type of incontinence products the person with incontinence will need. The good news is that there is a wide variety of incontinence supplies that are available. People with incontinence can choose from incontinence products that include: incontinence pads for light to medium incontinence all the way to adult diapers that help to manage medium to heavy incontinence.

One less thing to worry about when traveling.

Many seniors want to travel the world, but worry about medical and other emergency situations when they travel. This can be a huge concern, and one that detracts for the excitement of being able to go new places and see new things. Fortunately for seniors, there is a new tool called My Health Phone that allows access to health information from anywhere in the world, and provides many other benefits that help eliminate many health and emergency concerns when traveling. Here’s what you should know:

Travel is easier when you don’t have to worry about emergency situations. Rather than worrying about whether or not you have all the necessary information for emergency personnel in a different country to treat you properly, you can just grab your My Health Phone and go enjoy your tours. You also do not have to stress over what you would do if you were to fall, get hurt, or an emergency situation were to arise. The My Health Phone has you covered.

Compression Hosiery Is Important

Compression hosiery is important for those who are experiencing varicose veins and other venous deficiencies. Compression stockings and other hosiery items create the conditions in the leg that do not allow blood to pool in the lower area. By doing so, the hosiery helps to prevent further formation of varicose veins, and it can also help prevent the formation of blood clots.

Varicose veins can be caused by damage to the veins when they are straining against gravity to pump blood back to the heart. If a valve fails, blood will pool in the vein causing the unsightly condition. While about half of all cases of varicose veins are due to standing too long, especially in jobs like waiting tables and nursing, the other half are genetically related.

Compression hosiery can help those who need to stand for long periods of time.

Urinary Incontinence Episodes Can Be Reduced Through Medication and Dietary Changes

by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Nutritionist

Dianna Malkowski

Pfizer Inc. recently announced results of a study showing patients with overactive bladder who took Toviaz experienced a reduction in the average number of urinary incontinence episodes per 24 hours. New treatments in medicine — combined with a change in eating and drinking habits — can help those managing incontinence.

How to Buy Incontinence Products

There are many different decisions that have to be made when someone is first diagnosed with incontinence. One of the most important decisions that will have to be made is what incontinence product to use. One of the most widely used types of incontinence supplies is the adult pull up. Many incontinence sufferers choose to use type of adult incontinence product with or without incontinence pads in order to maximize their effectiveness. In addition, this type of incontinence underwear is used due to the fact that it can be easily put on and taken off. However, if you are considering buying adult pull ups there are different factors that you should consider. Here is what you need to know about how to buy adult pull ups.

Stylish thigh highs

Travel socks

Someone who has varicose veins may benefit from using compression socks. Varicose veins are a condition that is usually hereditary though those who are obese, women who are pregnant and those who stand for long periods of time like wait staff, nurses and young mothers may also get varicose veins. Because the condition is usually caused by damage to the veins which allows blood to pool, compression socks can help by keeping the blood from pooling in the area.

Prevail Incontinence Products

One of the most challenging parts of dealing with incontinence is the odors that can happen because of this problem. It can seem like it is an ongoing battle to make sure that the person who is experiencing incontinence and their surroundings remain free from the odors that can permeate when incontinence is a problem. However, the good news is that there are several things that you can do that will help to keep odors under control and work to manage the effects that incontinence can have. Whether you are the person who is experiencing incontinence or the caregiver these tips can make managing incontinence a little easier and a lot more effective.

Best Adult Diapers

One of the first decisions that anyone experiencing incontinence has to make is how they are going to manage their incontinence. This can be an overwhelming experience simply because of the number of incontinence undergarment choices that are available. The sheer number of choices can leave many people feeling bewildered and even more overwhelmed. However, by gaining some basic knowledge about incontinence undergarments, incontinence underwear, and incontinence pads anyone with incontinence or anyone who is caring for someone with incontinence can make the right choice to fit the needs of the person with incontinence.

Adult Incontinence Products

When someone first begins experiencing incontinence they often feel alone, embarrassed, and even ashamed at the lack of control they are experiencing. However, it is important to understand that you are not alone. Studies show that several million people of all ages, health status, and both genders are dealing with incontinence. The good news is that there is a wide range of adult incontinence products that can help anyone continue on with their daily activities while still managing their incontinence.

The key to successfully managing your incontinence is to educate yourself about all of the options that are available and then choose the right incontinence undergarment and other adult incontinence products that work best for your needs. Once you have the right incontinence underwear and other incontinence management strategies in place then you can continue on with the daily activities that you want to be doing. It should be stressed that there are incontinence products for men and incontinence products for women so that each gender can find the adult incontinence product that works best for their gender, size, type and severity of incontinence. Keeping all of these factors in mind will help the incontinence sufferer to be able to successfully manage his or her incontinence. Here is all about adult incontinence products-

Incontinence undergarments-There is a wide variety of incontinence undergarments. There are incontinence products for men and incontinence products for women. Each of these incontinence undergarments is designed to provide a certain level of absorbency and protection for the wearer. The wearer will need to determine the correct incontinence undergarment for their needs depending on their gender, size, and type and severity of incontinence. The incontinence sufferer who is choosing an adult incontinence product will also need to take into account their lifestyle and activity level since certain kinds of incontinence underwear lend themselves more effective in managing incontinence for the wearer. Finally, adults who are looking for the right adult incontinence product should also take into consideration that their protection needs may vary from day to night and even from day to day so having a variety of different incontinence undergarments on hand is recommended.
Incontinence pads-Many people (both women and men), have only light incontinence symptoms. If you fall into this category you may find that using an incontinence pad is enough protection. There are incontinence pads for both men and women that provide protection where each gender needs it the most. These incontinence pads can be used inside normal underwear to help manage light incontinence or they can be worn in conjunction with a incontinence undergarment in order to boost the protection and efficacy of the incontinence underwear. Many types of incontinence underwear come with a special pouch that allows the wearer to change his or her incontinence pad without having to take off their incontinence underwear.
Incontinence bed pads-Another effective adult incontinence product is the incontinence bed pad. These are pads that are used to protect bedding and furniture from the damage that can be done by incontinence accidents. Incontinence bed pads should not be confused with incontinence pads that are worn by an incontinence sufferer. Incontinence bed pads come in both reusable and disposable forms and are used to cover any surface that may need protecting from incontinence accidents.
Other incontinence products-There is a variety of other adult incontinence products that include but are not limited to: skin products for protecting and cleaning the skin, urine collection devices, and even physical therapy tools for helping in the treatment of incontinence. All of these adult incontinence products can be found on sites that offer incontinence supplies.

Adult Diapers-Questions to Ask Before Buying

Check out The Incontinence Product Finder a free
and easy tool to help you find the right product.

You may be surprised to learn that recent studies show that approximately 25 million people suffer from incontinence. However, before you assume that incontinence only affects the elderly, ill, and bedridden it is important to know that a large number of people with incontinence are younger, basically healthy, and trying to hold down jobs, raise families, and continue socializing even while managing their incontinence. This can be a daunting challenge. Once you begin charting bathroom routes, avoiding long trips without restroom access, or curtailing your social life then you know that it is time to put better incontinence management strategies into place. There are many different styles of incontinence underwear including an adult diaper. Using an adult diaper can be an effective incontinence management strategy.

Wearing Adult Diapers Discreetly

Many people are completely undone at the thought of using adult diapers to manage their incontinence. They often feel that it will be humiliating and that they have no choice but for the world to see that they are dealing with incontinence. Because of this fear many people with incontinence isolate themselves and begin to curtail the normal daily activities of their lives. However, it is crucial to understand that there is no need to do this. You can choose to use adult diapers to manage incontinence and do it with discretion and privacy. The good news is that there are many tips to help you do this.

The right Adult Diaper for you

If you are experiencing moderate to severe incontinence you may need to choose an adult diaper that can help you to better manage it. It is important to understand that today there is a wide variety of adult diapers that can effectively manage incontinence and best of all they bear no resemblance to the oversized baby diaper that was passed off as an adult incontinence product not to long ago. Today, manufacturers of incontinence supplies understand that there are a growing number of people who are dealing with incontinence and because of this there is a wide variety of adult diapers that available to choose from. Here is what you need to know about how to choose the right adult diaper-

Fit is everything (almost)-One of the most important factors that you should take into account is the fit of the adult diaper that you are considering wearing. It is important to understand that not every adult diaper will work for every body. Your body shape, your size, and the type of incontinence that you have will all play a part in what type of adult diaper that you choose to use. It cannot be stressed enough that fit is crucial in every incontinence undergarment but even more so in an adult diaper. The reason for this is that if the adult diaper does not fit correctly the wearer is at risk for leaking and accidents. Since most incontinence sufferers choose to use an adult diaper due to moderate to severe incontinence this is a serious consideration. The bottom line is that fit should be at the top of the list when you are considering which adult diaper to buy.
Absorbency level-The wearer of an adult diaper is most often looking for the highest degree of protection that is possible. However, the absorbency of adult diapers will vary dramatically from brand to brand. This makes it crucial that the incontinence sufferer or the caregiver take the time to research what type of absorbency levels are available in the adult diaper that they are considering. While incontinence pads can be added to boost the efficacy of the adult diaper wearers should have the confidence that the adult diaper they are wearing will give them plenty of protection against leaks and accidents. In addition, it should be taken into consideration if the wearer has just urinary incontinence or if they also have needs to help manage bowel incontinence. Checking out what is being offered on sites that provide incontinence supplies will help the incontinence sufferer or the caregiver make an informed decision.
Lifestyle choices-When many people think about incontinence they assume that the only people who have to deal with it are the elderly, ill, and bedridden. However, you may be surprised to learn that many people who have to manage incontinence are younger, active, working, traveling, and participating in most of the normal, daily activities that everyone else does. However, if you need to use an adult diaper you will need to take these factors into account. The adult diaper that someone who is active selects will most likely be very different then the one that is used by someone who has mobility problems or other medical issues. Today, there are adult diapers that can be worn under normal clothing and there are adult diapers that have tear away sides for easy removal and changing. Choosing the right one to fit your needs is crucial to having the best strategy for managing your incontinence.

New Tools Help Seniors Leave Their Legacies

by Lynn Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership

Tell your life story.

There’s never been a better time to take advantage of legacy tools. From documenting a personal or family history to leaving heartfelt communications, new tools help individuals leave lasting memories.

By Amy Reinstein, M.S., CCC – SLP
Speech – Language Pathologist

Eating is an activity of daily living that we as humans seem to take for granted since it has become something of second nature. But isn’t that mostly the case, until it gets taken away from you? Eating is something that provides nutritional value for energy and growth, is cultural, and is a sociable act. Now try and imagine someone telling you, for whatever reason, that you cannot eat - or even worse drink! You’re told you can no longer eat your favorite foods until further notice and possibly even take a simple sip of water because it may be harmful to your life.

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Dianna Malkowski - Physician Assistant & Nutritionist

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