Helping Senior Loved Ones With Chronic Pain
“The biggest thing I want people to know is that you don’t have to accept pain as normal,” says Cowan. “Many older adults feel like they shouldn’t complain because pain is simply expected with age, and that expectation needs to be changed. Older adults need to realize that they can live a more active life in spite of the pain. You have to recondition yourself to live with chronic pain and take control of your life,” Cowan advises. “It might be challenging, but it’s not impossible. I’m living proof.”
10 Frequently Asked Questions for Physical Therapists
October is National Physical Therapy Month. Stephanie Humphries, Right at Home owner in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been a licensed physical therapist since 1999; she spent many of those years working directly with physical therapy clients in their homes. Stephanie answers common questions people ask about the physical therapy process.
Joint Replacement Surgery and Transitional Care
Joint replacements are among the most common elective surgeries in the country. A recent study found that people are seeking joint replacements earlier in life, in part because people are staying more active as they age and they want a better quality of life through retirement.
Chronic Pain, Prescribed Opioids and Pain Management
Prescribing opioids for chronic pain remains controversial. What are the treatment alternatives and are there any resources for chronic pain management?
How Can You Treat Arthritis With Aquatic Exercise?
People with arthritis tend to be less active due to pain and discomfort. But in warm water, the muscles are more relaxed and therefore more flexible for stretching and exercises.
Physical Therapy vs Occupational Therapy
What is the difference between physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT)?
Pain, Opioids and Fall Risk
Many elders have chronic pain from musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis, from nerves damaged by diabetes or shingles, or from cancer. Consequently, more than 30 percent of people enrolled in Medicare Part D use opioid prescriptions to control pain.
Avoiding Falls by “De-Prescribing” Medications
Nearly 60% of Americans — the highest ever — are now taking prescription drugs. More than half of elders take five or more medications. Why such lengthy medication lists?
Managing Medications Challenges Seniors; Why You Should Report Memory Issues to Your Doctor
These and other stories are in the October edition of the Caring Right at Home e-newsletter, providing information, advice and support for adult caregiving.
Finding the Right Pill Organizer
While pill organizers can help avoid medication errors, there must be a good fit between the user and the pill organizer, otherwise, the benefits of using a pill organizer will be lost, and may actually impair one’s health.
Home Remedies for Aches and Pains of Aging
A 2012 National Health Interview Study found that 11.2 percent of adults report having daily pain.
Senior Women and Arthritic Thumb
Arthritis is a condition that wears down and destroys a joint in the body. Degenerative wear-and-tear arthritis known as osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis that most commonly affects the thumb.
Legal Issues for Family Caregivers; Is Yoga Safe for Seniors With Joint Pain?
These and other stories are in the August edition of the Caring Right at Home e-newsletter, providing information, advice and support for adult caregiving.
The Opioid Crisis and Fall Risk
Seniors using opioids are at a seven-fold greater risk for falls (and increased hip fractures) than those who use other pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).