Influenza and seniors

You may be wondering why a healthy, young person should consider getting the flu shot. Do it for the people that you love. Compromised immune systems, often the case with seniors, are unable to battle these bugs like a healthy person. If you get the flu, chances are you will pass it to them.

Germs:
are spread by contact (person or surfaces)through droplets from sneezing or coughing
Can project up to 2 metres
live on skin for up to 10 minutes
live on surfaces for up to 48 hours
incubate up to three days meaning you are contagious before you know you are sick


What can you do??
Get the flu shot (always consult physician first)
Wash hands frequently
Wash down surfaces frequently
If you are sick, avoid visiting family until you are better

Help your loved ones by not getting sick.

Failing to provide the necessities of life

So much for honour thy mother and father. The recent incident of the 68 year old women left by her son and daughter in law, to live in an unheated room since November, is more then sad. I would like to hear what they were thinking when they made this decision. This is one of the worst elder abuse cases that we have heard about. I wonder how many more situations like this are happening right now.....

New medications give hope for those with dementia

Friday I attended a luncheon with speaker Dr. Sharon Cohen discussing some exciting breakthroughs in the medications for those who suffer from dementia and hope for all of us in the future that may fall victim to this devastating diagnoses. It is great to know that recent discoveries have led to the identification of a clearer diagnoses and also treatment options that both slow and, in some cases, reverse the memory loss associated with the illness. Ask your doctor about the human trials being done and ask when the new medications will be available.

Dating and seniors – encouraging companionship

The loss of a life long companion leaves a hole in the life of the remaining spouse and can leave adult children unsure of how to fill this gap. Even the most dedicated children are hard pressed to find time in their busy lives to see their parent as much as their parent may want. It should not be a surprise when two people, who have both faced the loss of a spouse, find each other and begin to build a new foundation on their common experience. With good health and financial stability, it can be the best time of their life and this new relationship can provide both companionship and boost confidence. Emotions surrounding this budding relationship can be mixed as everyone tries to maintain loyalty to their deceased family member and allow their remaining parent to continue to live the life they want. Time does heal all wounds. Embrace this new opportunity and with time and encouragement, a family, looking for happiness for their parent, will accept this new person.