Its important that we all keep moving regularly as we go through life. For a lot of us, that’s not too difficult to physically (mentally is another thing). But, when you have something like Parkinson’s it can be tough. And, it can be tough on family caregivers if their loved one stiffens up and isn’t able to participate in regular ADLs. However, there is a program out in Indiana that works on a lot of the issues that seem to dog the parkinson’s patient.
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With this blog post we’ll explore how to use a cane properly. The accompanying video will help you visualize what I’m suggesting. So make sure you take the time to watch it. It’s not that long. When most people think of a cane, the picture that comes to mind is that of what we call a “straight cane” or “single point cane”. Some are adjustable and others (mostly the wooden canes) aren’t. Make Sure The Cane Is Adjusted To The Right HeightIt’s important to make sure that’s it’s properly adjusted to your height. You can tell you’ve got it right if the handle of the cane when you’re standing up the hits you at the bend of the wrist. This is true also if you’re using a walker. As far as using it properly will depend on what leg is hurt/injured/weak. This is what will determine if you’re using it properly or not. The cane is usually used in the opposite hand of the “involved” leg. If the left leg is hurt/injured/weak, then you’d use the cane in your right hand. If it’s your right leg that gives you trouble, then use the cane in your left hand. Here’s a very important point: The cane is not meant to lean heavily on. You’re not carrying your weight through the cane. The can is primarily meant for balance and minimal support as you’re walking ( you probably need a walker if you’re tempted to put a lot of your weight through your arm(s)). Another point is to make is that you may see some people carrying their cane. There may be several reasons for this. However, if they are still unsteady, but carry their cane, they also may need to use a walker. Use The Cane For Balance, Not Weight BearingThe best way to use the cane is to let it rest on the ground with each step you’re taking. Don’t focus on looking at the cane when it contacts the floor. Just let it tap the ground as you’re walking. So, first, you want to determine which leg is the one that’s weak or painful. Next, place your cane in the opposite hand. The reason for that is when we are generally walking using a normal gait cycle the shoulders and the hips move in opposite directions. If you’re stepping with the right leg then the left hand comes forward with it. if you’re stepping with the left leg then your right hand comes forward. With the natural or normal gait cycle your arm swing and leg swing are opposing each other. So, when you use a cane, you want to preserve this normal motion because it helps use keep our balance and move more efficiently. You can tell if someone is using a cane the right way because their walk looks normal. When you see someone using a cane on the same side as their hurt/weak leg, it doesn’t look normal. When you use a cane on the wrong side, it forces the shoulders and hips to rotate in the same direction and this looks abnormal. The following video goes over how you can use a cane properly. The post How To Use A Cane Properly appeared first on Simple Steps Mobility. from http://simplestepsmobility.com/mobility/walking/use-cane-properly/ One of the more physically demanding tasks of a caregiver is what therapists call “bed mobility”. Bed mobility is important for a number of reasons. But most commonly 1) giving someone a bed bath, 2) providing pressure relief for a bedbound or mostly immobile person to prevent bed sores, and 3) to get people up to the edge of the bed and then possibly to a wheelchair or bedside commode. The primary reason that this can be physically demanding is that its difficult for the person in bed to assist the caregiver. And so the caregiver ends up doing a lot of the physical work or rolling and lifting parts or all of the bed bound patient. Don’t Lift An Elderly Person Out Of BedBut, what many caregivers don’t fully understand is that they may be working too hard. They may be doing things that 1) the bed bound person can actually do for themselves, or, 2) they are not using the best strategies or techniques to accomplish the task. For instance, in some cases, a caregiver may end up lifting a limb and attempting to hold it in position while completing a task. However, it may be easier to “prop” the limb up with a pillow or other object to accomplish the same task. Also, many family (and other) caregivers feel they need to lift the person up when they are trying to get them sitting on the edge of the bed, and in so doing they use a poor technique that puts a strain on all the parties involved. There may be a better way to do this and avoid feeling the need to lift a person from the bed. The following photo sequence will demonstrate what therapists and rehab professionals refer to as the log roll. Its the primary technique used for bed mobility and is the least stressful on the patient as well as the caregiver that may be assisting. 1. Hook-lying This is the starting position for most is not all bed mobility. From this position, its easier for the person in bed to scoot, slide, roll, and yes, lift themselves to be re-positioned. Sometimes the sick or elderly are unable to get out of bed. But the hook-lying position will help make a number of caregiver duties easier and less stressful to complete. The hook-lying position is generally comfortable for the person and easy to maintain with very little assistance from the caregiver (that is unless the bed bound person is significantly weakened or paralyzed in their legs) In addition, this position allows the caregiver greater control of the lower half of the body if assistance is needed to re-position the bed bound person. You can place a pillow between the knees for comfort or skin protection if needed. 2. Log Roll To One Side This movement is called the “log roll” because the idea is to move “nose, navel, and knees” all at the same time without twisting. You know, … roll like a log. To do this technique as efficient as possible, the bed bound person reaches across the body in the direction they are rolling while at the same time letting the knees “flop” to the same side. If needed the caregiver can help them roll by reaching behind the shoulder (left side in photo) and with a hand on the knees, and gently pulling them into the direction of the roll. 3. Stay in Side-lying Position For a Moment At this point, the person should be positioned in sidelying, or the fetal position. This position should be fairly comfortable. You will have to make sure that the person is not too close to the edge however, because this may cause them to panic for fear of falling. When a person is anxious about falling, it’ll be difficult for them to concentrate on anything else. Its important that the person is actually in pure sidelying and not 3/4 sidelying. Its easier and less stressful to move to sitting when a person is completely lying on their side. 4. Drop Feet From Edge of The Bed, Push Up With Hand and Elbow From sidelying the person moves their feet forward off the edge of the bed (don’t lift up off the bed) and lets them drop toward the floor. At the same time, they push their upper body off the bed using the free hand, and the elbow of the arm they are lying on. This is a coordinated movement and is similar to a see-saw or teeter-totter you see on a playground. When the feet go down, the head goes up. The caregiver can assist by placing their hand between their shoulder and bed and assist by gently pushing the person to the upright. 5. Sitting Edge of Bed At the end of this sequence, the once bed bound person should be sitting on the edge of the bed and you may hear them say something like “Boy, that was a lot easier than I thought it would be”. As with anything, to learn and perfect this technique, you would have to practice it. That goes for the caregiver as well as those who are receiving the care. It makes getting a person out of and into the bed a lot easier. Getting Someone Back Into BedIf someone has been out of bed for a while, just reverse the technique to get an elderly person into bed. 1)Have them sit on the side of the bed, 2) have them “lay on their ear” while you lift the feet on to the bed, 3) pause in sidelying (have them scoot their hips and feet back a few inches), 4) then perform a “reverse log roll” onto their backs, 5) straighten out their legs.
The post How To Move An Elderly Person Out Of Bed appeared first on Simple Steps Mobility. from http://simplestepsmobility.com/mobility/bed-mobility/how-to-move-an-elderly-person-out-of-bed/ Healthcare and the commonweal should not be politicized, nor should it strictly be about the “bottom line”. When people from differing philosophies, political positions, as well as those strictly concerned about “market forces” can come together, understanding our true potential for solutions, and for the good of others, rather than just “their team”, great things can be done.
thumbnail courtesy of npr.org The post Story: Home Care Agencies Often Wrongly Deny Medicare Help To The Chronically Ill appeared first on Simple Steps Mobility. from http://simplestepsmobility.com/news/story-home-care-agencies-often-wrongly-deny-medicare-help-to-the-chronically-ill/ If you’re wondering how to help an elderly person get out of a chair, it helps if you keep in mind a few things first. This blog post will explain some of the principles and offer suggestions that some caregivers and individuals have found very useful. The first thing to keep in mind if someone needs help getting out of a chair is that positioning is everything. If a person is not in the right position, it’s going to be a lot harder for them to stand up or for you to help them. Many Elderly Have Difficulty Getting Out Of A ChairFor instance, if you’re sitting too far back in the chair, or, if the chair is too low, it’s going to be more of a challenge to get out of that chair. But when you position yourself near the front of the chair it becomes a lot easier to get out of it. Sitting near the front of the chair is just the starting position. It’s important that you help them maintain the best position through-out the whole movement until they are completely and safely standing (this blog post will touch on those positions). Along with being in and maintaining the proper position, its just as important that you understand and encourage them to push in the proper direction. Who hasn’t tried to help someone stand up only to have them push backward and pull you into the chair with them. This is more common than you would believe. But its an easy fix when you understand that they are “pushing” in the wrong and opposite direction that they need to. Remember These When You Help Someone Out Of A ChairSo, positioning and pushing are the main ideas that are covered in this blog post and will help family caregivers and others understand how to help those who need assistance getting out of a chair. Note: The photos below do not show a walker or other device. This is only to demonstrate the body mechanics of going from sit to stand from a chair. If your loved one typically uses a walker or other device, it should be in front of them when they are doing this. Step 1. Sit toward the front of the chairDon’t try to get someone out of a chair if they are sitting like this (below). The shoulders are leaning backward and the feet are in front of knees. No matter what your age, strength or ability, no one could stand up from this position. (Try it for yourself) Step 2. Lean Shoulders Over KneesWhile leaning the shoulders forward over the knees your loved one should be gazing downward, not forward or up. This position is the normal position that people have used since the dawn of time to stand up from a sitting position. For practical understanding, try to stand up from a chair while at the same time leaning backwards. Step 3. Push Forward Over KneesIt’s important to note that the person should still be looking down toward the ground during this step. It’s when a person tries to straighten up and look forward/up before they are balanced on their feet, that pulls them backward to the chair and gives the impression that they are “weak” or “can’t stand up”. The following is what some people try to do and its never successful. Some try to push themselves straight up out of a chair like a rocket with their feet far ahead of their knees. Again, the reason they cannot stand is not because they’re weak. It’s because they are in the wrong position and pushing in the wrong direction. Step 4. Shift Weight Forward Onto ForefeetAt this point, they have to let go of the chair and shift their body weight to the front of their feet rather than their heels. Note: If they continue to hold onto the arms of the chair, their body weight will be distributed backwards to the rear and again, they will feel they “can’t stand up”. But in truth, no one could. Try standing up while your hands are still in contact with the arms of the chair to see this for yourself. Step 5. Straighten UprightIt’s only when the body weight is shifted to the front of the feet that the person should try to straighten up and stand upright. This is the point that the person is balanced. As was stated above, it’s good if the person uses a walker, to have it in front of them so that they can support themselves. Understanding these principles and techniques will enable a family caregiver or others to help an elderly person or anyone out of a chair. The post How To Get An Elderly Person Out Of A Chair appeared first on Simple Steps Mobility. from http://simplestepsmobility.com/mobility/transfers/how-to-get-an-elderly-person-out-of-a-chair/
Back in June, in a blog post I wrote about the stresses many of America’s 40 million family caregivers feel, I said: “Perhaps one day, Congress will pass something like the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage (RAISE) Family … What The New RAISE Family Caregivers Act Will Do Last month, the House of Representatives passed the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act of 2017 (H.R. 3759.) This bill, co-sponsored by Reps. Paul Tonko, Elise Stefanik and John Faso, would require the development … Family caregivers need our support U.S. Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, along with other members of Congress, joined leaders from the employer, health care, venture funding, entrepreneurial and consumer advocacy communities on July 8 for a discussion on the challenges facing — and … Family Caregivers Act
The post What The New RAISE Family Caregivers Act Will Do appeared first on Simple Steps Mobility. from http://simplestepsmobility.com/news/new-raise-family-caregivers-act-will/
thumbnail courtesy of mensfitness.com The post Exercising pretty hard for 30 minutes a day is the ‘prescription for life,’ doctors say appeared first on Simple Steps Mobility. from http://simplestepsmobility.com/lifestyle/exercising-pretty-hard-for-30-minutes-a-day-is-the-prescription-for-life-doctors-say/ We generally overlook things we consider small or inconsequential in life because what’s big, loud, and dramatic demands our attention and we put the little things aside to focus on the bigger. Walking is one of those things that we put aside. Many times because we don’t really see the point in it. Many consider it “boring” or a “waste of time”. And, to a certain extent, this is understandable. For those who have “come up” in a more golden era, going out for a walk is not what it used to be. Life is busy. There are more cars on the road. There is more noise on the streets. And, for some, they can feel a little more vulnerable out side the home. But, all that not withstanding, the simple act of walking can actually add exponentially to the quality of one’s life. This can be seen in several areas and it’s worth considering how to find time and a safe place to do it. Medical research has shown that engaging in some form of physical activity can improve the mental, emotional and physical qualities of life for all who make it a regular practice. This has the potential of not only helping those that may be a little older and in less than excellent health, but also helping those tasked with caring for them and reducing the burden of care. Dr. Anders Hansen, a medical doctor and psychiatrist has spent a lot of time researching the positive effects that a simple brisk walk can give.
For caregivers of those able to walk safely, this regular activity will help keep your loved one strong, improve digestion and bowel function, improve circulation and respiration (which helps boost immunity) and also do a lot to counteract depression. With all those benefits, a regular walking program is really a “no brainer”. The post Help Prevent Dementia With a brisk walk appeared first on Simple Steps Mobility. from http://simplestepsmobility.com/lifestyle/help-prevent-dementia-brisk-walk/
thumbnail courtesy of alsnewstoday.com The post Here Are Four Tips for Taking Care of Caregivers appeared first on Simple Steps Mobility. from http://simplestepsmobility.com/tips/here-are-four-tips-for-taking-care-of-caregivers/ There are several aspects that many over look when they think of successfully aging in place. But they are as important as having a single story home and a medic alert system. The first one is “Being Active”. This doesn’t mean “being busy”. It means having or participating in some form of regular physical activity. It should be something enjoyable but also something intense enough to get the blood flowing and increase your respiration. This will go a long way to keeping your body working well. “Eating Well” is the second aspect that people take for granted. A nutritious diet will prevent and possible cure diseases. It’s something that’s lost sight of in todays fast paced world of fast food and easy entertainment. The last frequently overlooked aspect of aging well is regular “Socialization”. This can be difficult because as we age, our social circle usually shrinks because we retire from our jobs, our kids grow up and life becomes a little more sedentary. Making a deliberate effort to make a place for these things in your lifestyle will do a lot to help you age gracefully and age in place easier.
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