Sleeping Problems In The Elderly

Sleeping problems in the elderly may involve a number of factors such as: decreased energy output as a result of retirement,the age of the person, their state of health, and any prescription drugs they may be taking for health problems.

Illness disrupts sleeping patterns in the elderly, and may result in increased awakenings due to physical discomfort, caused by urinary urgency,cramps, angina, chronic obstructive airways disease, and left ventricular failure, these may be some of the many illnesses which cause sleeping problems in the elderly.

An elderly person may become very anxious about a change in their sleeping pattern, however, it will be necessary to thoroughly investigate the problem in order to ascertain if this perceived sleeping problem, causes dysfunction in their waking activities. If the elderly person has a carer, or lives with family then the problem may be easier to assess, for what appears to be a problem may only be a normal change in sleeping pattern for the age.

The most frequently occurring sleeping problem in the elderly is sleep latency, the person may spend some hours in bed before sleep occurs. The elderly person may view this as a problem and request sleeping pills, whereas, all that is needed is to teach them how to reorganize their lives to cope with the changes in sleeping patterns they are experiencing.

Reduced energy output as a result of retirement with an increased opportunity to take naps, either as a result of boredom or just plain exhaustion, may contribute to reduced quality of night-time sleep.

The pressure of a normal working day has been taken away, so the energy output is considerably less, while this may be offered as a possible reason for sleep latency, many others factors may be involved.

There may be much confusion about sleep latency, the difficulty may be exaggerated because the person who experiences it may be convinced that unless they have 8 hours of quality sleep, they will become ill. Sometimes it is difficult to convince an elderly person that they no longer require 8 hours of unbroken sleep, but may be better served by a shorter night time sleep supplemented with day time naps.

So how can sleeping problems in the elderly be resolved? Firstly it is necessary to provide a warm comfortable noise free environment, if this is available then the addition of regular exercise, combined with a healthy diet may be all that is needed to resolve the sleeping problem. However, if the previous measures fail to help, many other modalities are available to help the person .

Reflexology offers a very gentle and effective aid to sleep , and aromatherapy has proven to be very successful to assist relaxation and sleep in the elderly. Both of these modalities have been used in nursing homes and have been found to assist not only sleep, but the general well-being of the patients.

Sleeping problems in the elderly should be thoroughly investigated before any medications are prescribed. Unfortunately this is not always the procedure that is adopted, for often a script is written for what has been described as insomnia by the elderly person, however, such is mostly not the case, but rather it's a normal progression or a resetting of the circadian rhythms as people age which requires education, not medication.

Provided that there is no evidence of disease of the central nervous system, such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic brain damage, and chronic pain, then sleeping problems in the elderly are far better managed conservatively.

About the Author:

Colleen Redman webmaster and publisher of http://www.sleep-problems-nomore.com, a site offering sleep aids and articles showing you how quality sleep, not more sleep improves your energy levels.

Theres Some Place Like Home

As our population lives longer, the need for quality care for the elderly is growing and family members are frantically searching for creative alternatives that allow their loved ones to be part of the family and community for as long as possible. Theyre also searching for options that help them feel good about their decision and that minimize the inevitable feeling of guilt.

As our population lives longer, the need for quality care for the elderly is growing and family members are frantically searching for creative alternatives that allow their loved ones to be part of the family and community for as long as possible. Theyre also searching for options that help them feel good about their decision and that minimize the inevitable feeling of guilt.

Bob Phillips, owner of S.A.R.A.H. Adult Day Services in Strongsville knows from personal experience that his facility provides such an alternative for many families facing these difficult choices.

My mother lived alone and was quite self-sufficient for 23 years. Then she broke her leg and everything changed, explains Bob. It was obvious she needed care during the day that our family couldnt provide, but we werent comfortable with our options. We knew Mom didnt need to be in a nursing home and home health care didnt provide her social interaction with anyone but the home care aide.

Shortly afterwards, Bob sought the advice of Dr. Merle Griff, an experienced Gerontologist in the Canton area. In 1985, Dr. Griff founded S.A.R.A.H. Adult Day Services in Canton. The more Bob spoke to her, the more interested he became in adult day care, not only as a customer but as a provider.

In October of 2001, after considerable research and planning, Bob and his wife, Rita, opened the Strongsville S.A.R.A.H. Center. See SARAH Adult Day for more information.

Rita Phillips designed the centers interior to be reminiscent of Grandmas House. Victorian style furniture complete with lace doilies fills the living room, dining room and parlor. Memories are important to the elderly. We want our clients to feel at home when theyre here, says Rita.

More important to the centers homey atmosphere is the staff. S.A.R.A.H. employs six full time staffers, including an R.N., each of whom has a home health care background and experience working with seniors. No one wants to think about leaving their loved one with strangers all day, but once our families meet our staff, they no longer seem like strangers, offers Bob.

Seniors that attend the center enjoy the company of other seniors. Nutritious meals, snacks and the scheduled activities further promote good physical, mental and emotional health. Clients, both men and women, take part in crafts, music, exercise and socializing time. Ritas father, the accordion-playing Steve Saporita, is a favorite, We enable our clients to do things that they just wouldnt do in home care, Bob boasts. Its important to everyones emotional and mental health to experience these types of interactions, especially seniors. They really enjoy it.

In terms of costs, one day of care at the center typically costs less than three hours of home care. Clients also receive medical and nutritional care throughout the day. Healthy meals are provided and clients are encouraged to eat properly. Medicines are given at the right time and in the proper dosage. Personal hygiene is also important. Our staff showers clients if necessary, takes them to the rest room and handle any incontinence problems that may occur. We have a 1-to-4 staff-to-client ratio, so services are provided in a timely and caring fashion, Bob states.

The Strongsville S.A.R.A.H. Center has recently received Certification as a Senior Approved Service. For a free Quality of Service Report see Certified Senior Approved I was overwhelmed by the response this survey revealed of our clients perspective of how we provide services, says Bob. It made us both proud and humble. Now we feel our job is to educate more and more people of the sandwich generation who embrace day care centers as valuable resources for their children, but might not be aware that the same principles hold true at adult centers for their parents.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Co-owner of S.A.R.A.H. Adult Day Services. 10901 Prospect Rd, Strongsville Ohio. 440-846-1751

Book Review: Gifts for Baby Toys Clothes & Nursery Accents to Make with Love

By Joanne O'Sullivan
Copyright 2003
128 pages

With Christmas fast approaching, there is still time to create a thoughtful gift, for the special baby, in your life. This book includes projects for, both, those who sew and those who enjoy crafts, alike.

In addition to easy to follow instructions, and colorful photos of each project, the book also covers topics such as choosing the right gift, tips on fabrics and embellishments, common stitches, gift presentation ideas, safety issues, and a helpful, standardized baby sizing chart. Templates for each project are included, as well.

Another interesting feature of Gifts for Baby is the fact that Ms. O'Sullivan has included several examples of welcoming the new baby traditions, which cover various cultures, and time periods. Did you know that in Cambodia strings with money attached are tied around a baby's wrist as presents? Or, in Ancient Greece new parents placed a piece of woolen fabric over their door, to announce the birth of a baby girl? A wreath made of olive branches was placed over the door, if the child was a boy.

All of the projects are practical. These gifts will be used, not stored in the top of a closet. Many of them are educational, in nature.

Projects included:

~Window Dressing Flower Garland
~Heart-Felt Booties
~Baby Kimono Top w/ Embroidered Trim
~Big, Fun, Soft Baby Blocks and Balls
~Royal Treatment Washcloth and Towels
~Pretty and Practical Portable Changing Pad
~Moon and Stars Cradle Sheet
~Star Bright Applique Top
~Beaded Baby Booties
~Buttercup Fleece Stroller Blanket
~One-of-aKind Snap Tops
~Baby Bee Hooded Towel
~Twinkly Star Toy
~Just Ducky Toy Tote and Floor Pad
~Baby's Best Friend Stuffed Scottie Dog
~Four Seasons Felt Activity Book
~Dots and Flowers Decoupage Shelf
~Good Little Eater Oilcloth Bib
~Sweet Little Socks
~Vintage Tea-Towel Lavender Sachet
~Color-Slice Felt Rattle
~Flying Friends Mobile
~Nursing and Play Pillow
~Good Times Rolling Toy Basket
~Elfin Slippers
~Little Ladybug Sunhat
~Sweetheart Shade
~Baby Pixie Hat
~Baby Bunting
~Fairytale Treasure Chest
~Baby's First Counting Book
~Snuggle Bunny
~Super-Absorbent Diaper Bag Pouch
~Toile Keepsake Box
~Playful Pony Bookends
~Star Attraction Frame
~Fleecy Jumper
~Fleecy Baby Pants
~Changing Table Organizer
~Cute-as-a-Button Changing Table Tray
~Little Bird Baby Album
Copyright 2003
128 pages

With Christmas fast approaching, there is still time to create a thoughtful gift, for the special baby, in your life. This book includes projects for, both, those who sew and those who enjoy crafts, alike.

In addition to easy to follow instructions, and colorful photos of each project, the book also covers topics such as choosing the right gift, tips on fabrics and embellishments, common stitches, gift presentation ideas, safety issues, and a helpful, standardized baby sizing chart. Templates for each project are included, as well.

Another interesting feature of Gifts for Baby is the fact that Ms. O'Sullivan has included several examples of welcoming the new baby traditions, which cover various cultures, and time periods. Did you know that in Cambodia strings with money attached are tied around a baby's wrist as presents? Or, in Ancient Greece new parents placed a piece of woolen fabric over their door, to announce the birth of a baby girl? A wreath made of olive branches was placed over the door, if the child was a boy.

All of the projects are practical. These gifts will be used, not stored in the top of a closet. Many of them are educational, in nature.

Projects included:

~Window Dressing Flower Garland
~Heart-Felt Booties
~Baby Kimono Top w/ Embroidered Trim
~Big, Fun, Soft Baby Blocks and Balls
~Royal Treatment Washcloth and Towels
~Pretty and Practical Portable Changing Pad
~Moon and Stars Cradle Sheet
~Star Bright Applique Top
~Beaded Baby Booties
~Buttercup Fleece Stroller Blanket
~One-of-aKind Snap Tops
~Baby Bee Hooded Towel
~Twinkly Star Toy
~Just Ducky Toy Tote and Floor Pad
~Baby's Best Friend Stuffed Scottie Dog
~Four Seasons Felt Activity Book
~Dots and Flowers Decoupage Shelf
~Good Little Eater Oilcloth Bib
~Sweet Little Socks
~Vintage Tea-Towel Lavender Sachet
~Color-Slice Felt Rattle
~Flying Friends Mobile
~Nursing and Play Pillow
~Good Times Rolling Toy Basket
~Elfin Slippers
~Little Ladybug Sunhat
~Sweetheart Shade
~Baby Pixie Hat
~Baby Bunting
~Fairytale Treasure Chest
~Baby's First Counting Book
~Snuggle Bunny
~Super-Absorbent Diaper Bag Pouch
~Toile Keepsake Box
~Playful Pony Bookends
~Star Attraction Frame
~Fleecy Jumper
~Fleecy Baby Pants
~Changing Table Organizer
~Cute-as-a-Button Changing Table Tray
~Little Bird Baby Album

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Merry Vincent is a freelance writer, living in northern Michigan. She is an avid reader, and content editor of the Reading Channel at: http://www.bellaonline.com/Site/reading

Integrating Hospital Uniform Programs Is Easier Than Ever Before!

 



Integrating Hospital Uniform Programs Is Easier Than Ever Before!Submitted By: Max Johnson [See Author?s Biography  

Developing a plan of action where hospital uniform programs are encouraged within a medical or healthcare facility has never been easier. Simply choose the styles, the customization, and the budget your institution wants, and The Uniform Connection insures your facility receives the service and products necessary for optimal performance and patient recognition. There are many potential benefits of having a consistent and regular source of medical apparel available for staff as well as visitors and patients.

Uniformity is an important concept within a medical or healthcare institution. Regardless of position or title, having the uniform medical scrubs or uniforms for your employees is going to have reverberating affects.

Today, the importance of a sanitary or sterilized environment is vitally important. Hospital uniform programs insure the safety and security of employees, visitors, and patients. The appropriate level of protection and security is provided with properly sanitized garments perfect for the hustle and bustle of the institute?s environment.

There are numerous designers providing apparel appropriate for hospital uniform programs. The following designers are reputable, reliable, and versatile offering the same traits to the facility.

> Cornerstone

> Dilly

> Los Angeles Rose or LA Rose

> Nurse Mates

> Barco

> Cherokee

> Dickies

> Landau

> Peaches

> Scrub Zone

> Urbane

> White Swan

Integrating these superior medical apparel designers into your existing or new hospital uniform programs has never been more simplistic. The benefits far exceed the minimal cost, and the development of your personal plan of action takes little to no time or effort on your part. Because uniform companies collaborates directly with you in designing a positive and painless plan of action designed specifically for your institute or facility?s well-being.

Deciding on changing or developing new hospital uniform programs starts with knowing what you and your facility needs. Then the next step is to investigate what uniform Companies have to offer. A few of the styles and designs you may find are listed below.

> Medical scrubs

> Medical uniforms

> Nursing dresses or uniforms

> Scrub tops, blouses, or shirts

> Scrub bottoms, pants, or trousers

> Scrub jackets or coats

> Lab coats

> Surgical scrubs

> Team scrubs

> Junior size, missy size, or plus size garments

> Cartoon character apparel

> Maternity uniforms

> Unisex medical scrub separates

> Gender specific medical scrubs

> Medical caps or hats

> Medical footwear, shoes, or boots

> Face masks

> Other medical accessories or equipment

Integrating your facility?s plan of action into an already established facility means setting guidelines and/or regulations concerning the uniformed and consistent dress code. Do you have regulations concerning the laundering of the garments? How do you intend on the staff members receiving the appropriate sizes and styles? Is your institution?s brand or logo easily available for placement? What is the correct placement of the customizable information?

Your uniform company works with you and your staff members to regulate and insure the plan of action runs smoothly and professionally. Your uniform company handles the tough parts so you can concentrate on more important aspects of your important career.

If you need assistance in establishing ideas for your uniform program, please visit your favorite online uniform supplier.

About the Author:

Max Johnson of The Uniform Connection. Click for more Medical Uniform Programs.

Article Tags: uniform, medical, hospital

Tips to Help Deal With the Physical Pain of Breast Feeding Weaning

Weaning occurs whenever you offer something to your baby other than your breast at times when you would normally breastfeed. Just as breastfeeding is a natural process, so should weaning from the breast occur naturally. A natural weaning will cause the least amount of physical pain for the mom.

Weaning should always be baby-led, except in medically required weaning. No matter how weaning happens, it is better for you physically if you wean slowly. Stopping abruptly will cause your breasts to become engorged, and you may develop a breast infection.

If you must wean quickly for medical reasons, it is important to manually express milk for your comfort until you begin to produce less naturally. Going all night without nursing can leave your breast feeling really heavy and full and even produce a backache. One way to relieve your breasts in this situation is to pump before going to bed. This will help your breasts to be less full throughout the night and helpfully relieve your physical discomfort when you awake. Only pump or manually express a small amount. If you pump too much, you will only make your body think that there is an increased demand and it will produce more milk!

Some women have found it helpful when weaning to wear cold green cabbage leaves in their bra during the day to ease the physical symptoms of weaning. If you want to try this, keep the leaves in place just until they begin to wilt, and then replace them with fresh, cold ones. Warning: cabbage leaves will stop milk production, so be careful to do this in cases of engorgement during weaning only. This is not the method to use if you only want to temporarily decrease milk production. Drinking Sage tea is also recommended. Drink two to three infusions a day of 1 tablespoon/1 cup hot water and you should see some results soon. Another comfort aid is to use an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce any swelling.

The key to comfort while weaning from the breast is to do it gradually. A good rule of thumb is to go from expressing 6 times a day to 5 or 4, then to 3 or 2, and then to once every 2 or 3 days, then to once a week until your child is completely weaned.

Avoid touching or stimulating your breasts and avoid hot showers. Binding your breasts may also help. You may try wearing pre-pregnancy sports bras. Wear the bra for a few days and the discomfort should decrease.

Icing your breasts with covered cold packs is not fun, but it does relieve any swelling and pain. Just be sure to not touch cold packs to bare skin. If you and your health care professional decide for you to use BCP (birth control pills) for family planning, they work wonders on reducing your milk production, too.

You can also use cold washcloths in place of the ice packs. To relieve pain and discomfort you can also take Tylenol as directed on the label.

Visit http://www.bottleweaning.com for more information on Bottle Weaning

Breastfeeding Health Benefits for the Baby and the Mother

Breastfeeding is now accepted in our communities. The problem remains that most women who intend to breastfeed will give-up in the first six months. There are tangible measures we can take to help and support breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding would be made easier for new mothers if there were more private areas where they could nurse their baby. Support groups and forums devoted to breastfeeding mothers have proven to encourage mothers to nurse longer.

More clinics solely devoted to breastfeeding mothers and their babies are needed countrywide.

Most women are convinced of the benefits of nursing their babies, they just give-up when faced with challenges they are not prepared or equipped to deal with. Among the many benefits for the baby to be nursed, there are: Breastfed babies are less sick, have fewer ear and pulmonary infections and are less hospitalized.

One of the greatest benefits of breastfeeding is the special bond it provides both the mother and the baby.

Breastfed babies have fewer allergies and are less prone to the dreaded sudden infant death syndrome. On the overall, breast milk provides the baby with the proper nutrients to its developing brain and is easily digested. It needs no preparation and is very economical.

For the nursing mother, there are also health benefits such as lowering their risk of post-partum hemorrhages, fewer risk of developing breast cancer later on in life and some types of ovarian cancers.

Our society needs to take tangible actions to facilitate breastfeeding and improve the long term persistence. Fathers can play a crucial role in supporting the breastfeeding mother by taking over the other tasks like preparing meals, changing the baby?s diaper or giving the baby a bath, etc

A long term plan is well needed is governments really want to help new mothers continue breastfeeding for longer periods and diminish the important drop rate after a few months.

Support groups and complete information web sites on breastfeeding and solutions to the usual problem encountered by breastfeeding mothers are a must. Such information as what to do if baby seams not satisfied? How to deal with sensible skin in the first few weeks of breastfeeding? The proper positions while breastfeeding, etc would be of great help to nursing mothers.

The overall benefits of breastfeeding are tremendous for the baby and the mother. By encouraging and supporting breastfeeding mothers, society would insure a healthier and happier generation of developing babies.

For more information now go to: http://www.hypno-beginning.com/yourpregnancy.htm http://www.hypno-beginning.com

Holiday Survival Guide for Singles 5 Ways to Enjoy the Season

How will you survive the holidays single? Very well if you put our mind to it! According to the Boston's TV show Chronicle, there are now more singles than married people. That's an amazing statistic. So how does that tidbit really impact you? Let's think about it.

Singles Set the Trends

As a single adult, you are now the majority! In the past, stigmas were associated with those who veered from the traditional path. But as of right now, you ARE the path. In other words ? enjoy the holidays anyway you like because at this point in time, finally, you are the trend setters! In fact, being single is actually in vogue. Good stuff right?

Five Ways to Ensure the Season Is Festive

Even though you have probably heard it all before, pick at least one or two and actually DO them.

1) Celebrate Single-Style

Get together with other single friends and celebrate the holidays single-style what ever that looks like for you! Throw a big dinner party, go out with a group, or get together with just your close buddies.

2) Focus on Charity

Donate some time to your favorite holiday charity. You might wrap presents for the United Way, collect gifts for Toys for Tots, or sing Christmas carols at nursing homes and assisted living centers. As you open your heart to give, you'll receive as well.

3) Through a Child's Eyes

Spend time with the children in your life. If you seek the magic of the season, hang out with kids who still elieve. Visit Santa, decorate cookies, tell holiday stories. Watching the celebration through the eyes of a child is refreshing and fun.

4) Don't Be a Party Pooper

Attend the parties you're invited to! Even though you rather stay home, go. You'll never meet anyone watching Miracle on 34th Street for the hundredth time. Put on something great, spiff yourself up and get out there. Holiday parties are only a drag when you are ? so do your best to get in the mood and have fun. Who knows ? you might be the life of the party or even meet an exciting new prospect. And maybe you'll have a chance to hang out under the mistletoe

5) Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude

Be grateful that you've made it to another holiday season. My Dad always says, another year older is better than the alternative. (Yes, Dad's quite a character.) Look back on the year with just one thing in mind ? what are you grateful for? What went well, made you happy, fell into place, took you by surprise, was a lot of fun, or added to your life in a good way? When you think about life from this perspective, you are bound to see the glass half full ? and that is a fabulous attitude with which to enter the New Year.

Be conscious of the choices you make and actively choose things that serve you and contribute to your happiness and joy. I'm rooting for you to have the most enjoyable holiday season ever.

To get f*r*e*e advice on 10 Reasons Why Women Should Never Pay on the First Date, visit http://www.NeverTooLate.biz Check out the book MANifesting Mr. Right: It?s Never Too Late to Find the Love You Want by Dating Coach and expert Ronnie Ann Ryan at http://www.ManifestingMrRight.com