Photo by Srikanta H. U on Unsplash
Article Written By Tim and Gina Murray - Aging Matters

Even in the closest families, aging parents and changes of a new life season can create discord.
For some families struggling years before a parent needs help, dysfunction escalates issues and even affects the senior’s care.

Defining dysfunction — The weight of caring for an aging loved one can bring challenging family dynamics. Some deal with power struggles around health decisions and finances, and others deal with dishonesty or fractured relationships.

When family issues affect a senior’s care — A spouse may not be ready to relinquish every day duties or may not feel their partner requires the level of care the rest of the family does. Perhaps siblings will communicate only with their parent and not each other, putting Mom in a high-pressure place when she needs to be focused on her own well-being.
These tensions can affect the day-to-day lives of seniors and their care teams, here are a few tips to combat them:

• Set rules and stick to them — Providing compassionate care for seniors is like following a sheet of music; we want everyone singing in unison. It’s important to narrow down and map out the family’s top two or three goals – not 10 or 20 – and share them with the client and their family. You won’t be able to accommodate everyone’s opinion, and sometimes family members will try to undermine what’s happening. Stand your ground; prioritize and stick to the agreed-upon plan.
• Find a spot for everyone — Bringing in help can shake up a family’s roles, and that’s often unsettling for adult children and seniors alike. We recommend finding a “job” for everyone, whether that’s playing a favourite game or music with a parent, bringing out old photographs or discussing cherished memories. When everyone feels like a part of the team, they’re more likely to cooperate and support the care plan.
• Recognize when people are doing their best — A common issue is the fight to have each child contribute equally in time, finances and support.

Whether someone truly cannot or just doesn’t want to be hands-on, encourage the family members to recognize that people can only give what they can. How else could they contribute? Twice-monthly phone calls? Increased financial support? Showing that you care is pivotal, but recognizing when others are doing the same can turn a strained situation.

If we can’t meet everyone’s goals, we step back and figure out what else we can do for a family as. often, dysfunction is a result of a new and unfamiliar situation.

Link for Original Article:
​www.urbanacitizen.com/opinion/columns/72793/when-family-dysfunction-disrupts-in-home-care?fbclid=IwAR2-VG_oXhPL392UNiMN-_lR87-_dNakI5t6kab7dA2WsP9QfKc5KJWOx1E
 

Photo by David Menidrey on Unsplash

Halloween is just around the corner yet as fun as it is, it increases safety concerns for the elderly- especially those with mental and/or physical complications, such as Dementia and increased risk of falls.
Some factors that contribute to these concerns include:

• Decorations
• Costumes
• Wet pavements
• Falling leaves
• Less daylight hours
• Changing weather conditions

Consider the following tips to help alleviate these concerns for your elderly loved one, friend or neighbour:

• Keep all floors, entry ways and porches free of decorations.
• Add night lights to hallways, walkways and rooms, and keep well lit.
• Avoid window decorations that block light or view of front or side doors.
• Use only safe pumpkin carving tools, light pumpkin with flame-less votive.
• Place carved pumpkins outside to keep decaying smell and bugs outside.
• Spend the evening with them, be available to help answer door, keep them safe.
• When done with candy, or at dusk: Put a sign on door, “Sorry No More Candy”.
• There is debate on turning off porch light, which can increase security risk

Don’t leave an elder with Dementia or physical limitations home alone on Halloween…

• Take them to a community event or family home, and return home after dusk.
• Send a companion to be with them from 4:00pm-10:00pm or overnight if needed.
• Help them answer the door and hand out candy if they wish.
• Watch a movie or listen to music in another room away from front door if possible.
• Be prepared; books, albums, crafts, favourite foods, etc. to enjoy and distract.
• Follow dietary instructions; avoid over indulgence of chocolate or sugar.
• Remember Halloween may not be a happy time for our elderly with Dementia and they may be scared from the added stimulation of doorbell, knocks, noise outside. Be sensitive to what they can tolerate and do your best to keep them safe and enjoy the evening with you.

Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash

At some point, we may have had to help a loved one or even a perfect stranger when they have run into trouble with their wheelchair. Today we are sharing a great guide about transferring in/out and how to navigate those curbs.  

Assisting to transfer into the wheelchair

1.     Make sure that both of the brakes are ‘on’, and the front casters are swivelled forwards.
2.     Fold up both footplates and swing them to the sides and out of the way.
3.     If possible, get another person to hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it will not move. If this is not possible then stand behind the chair and hold the handles yourself.
4.     Ask the person to stand then, with both hands on the front of the armrests, get them to lower him/herself onto the seat.
5.     Swing the footrests to the front and fold down the footplates. If required, assist to place their feet on the footplates, with their heels well back.
6.     Ensure that their elbows are not sticking outside the wheelchair when going through doorways. Also ensure that their hands are on their laps and not hanging outside the chair where they can catch in the spokes.

Assisting in transferring out of a wheelchair

1.     Back the wheelchair so that the front casters swivel forwards.
2.     Make sure that both the brakes are on.
3.     Fold up both footplates and swing them to the sides, out of the way.
4.     If possible, get another person to hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it will not move. If this is not possible then stand behind the chair and hold the handles yourself.
5.     Ask the person to move forwards on the seat.
6.     Ask to place both feet firmly on the ground, slightly apart and with one foot further back.
7.     Ask the to place both hands on the front of the armrests, then get them to lean forwards with their head and shoulders over their knees to give balance. From this position they should be able to push themselves to standing. Always encourage the client to take their time with each step of the procedure.

Assisting in transferring sideways from a wheelchair to another form of seating

1.     Place the wheelchair alongside, and at 45°, to the chair/toilet/bed/car that they wish to transfer to.
2.     If possible back the wheelchair up slightly so that the front casters swivel forwards.
3.     Ensure that both the brakes are on.
4.     Fold up both footplates and swing them to the sides out of the way.
5.     Remove the armrest on the side to which the client is transferring.
6.     If possible, get another person to hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it will not move. If this is not possible then stand behind the chair and hold the handles yourself.
7.     Ask the person to place one hand on the remaining armrest and the other palm down, on a stable area of the surface they are transferring to.
8.     Ask the person to move forwards on the seat.
9.     Ask the person to lean slightly forwards, push up and slide their bottom across to the other surface.

Negotiating curbs

Whenever possible, it is best to avoid curbs. Instead, always try to use dropped curbs or ramps. If a curb is unavoidable then the following precautions should be taken.

Pushing an occupied wheelchair down a curb

It is safer to go down a curb backwards. It requires less strength and gives a gentler ride. Care should, however, be taken due to the weight of the chair and because the task involves stepping backwards into a road.
1.     Practise with an empty wheelchair first.
2.     Always keep the wheelchair user informed about what you are intending to do.
3.     Make sure the road is clear, and then back the wheelchair to the edge of the curb.
4.     Ensure that the chair is lined up at 90° to the curb.
5.     Slowly roll the rear wheels down from the kerb and onto the road surface, making sure that both wheels touch down at the same time.
6.     When the front casters are at the edge of the kerb, push down and forward on the tipping lever with your foot while gently pulling back on the handles and at the same time. This will balance the wheelchair and its occupant on the rear wheels. Do not tip the wheelchair back more than necessary.
7.     Carefully pull the wheelchair further back into the road and, when the occupant's feet are clear of the kerb, gently lower the front to the road. Check that the road is clear before turning around and crossing.

Pushing an occupied wheelchair up a curb

It is safer to go up a curb forwards; it requires less strength and gives a gentler ride.
1. Practise with an empty wheelchair first.
2. Always tell the person in the wheelchair what you are about to do.
3. When the occupant's feet are nearly touching the kerb, push down and forwards on the tipping lever with your foot while gently pulling back on the handles and at the same time. This will balance the wheelchair and its occupant on the rear wheels.
4. When the front casters are just clear of the kerb, push the wheelchair forwards until the casters rest on the pavement. Do not tip the wheelchair back more than necessary.
5. Push the wheelchair forwards until the back wheels just touch the kerb and then lift up on the handles as you continue pushing forwards to place the rear wheels on the pavement. The occupant can help with this stage by pushing forwards on the hand rims (if they are capable of doing so.

Thank you to the University of Western Australia for putting this very informative guide together. Link to original article:
www.safety.uwa.edu.au/incidents-injuries-emergency/first-aid/wheelchairs/assistance
 

Photo Credit: iStock

Dear Candid Caregiver: My dad is in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Meanwhile, my mom is recovering from cancer surgery, and the prognosis isn’t good. I’m trying my best to be a good caregiver for both of them and stay positive while doing it, but it’s hard.

I recognize that we’re fortunate in that my parents are able to hire an agency that supplies a rotation of in-home caregivers. The other side of it is that I have a brother and a sister, both living hundreds of miles away from our parents and me, so they can’t help out much. They try to be sympathetic and appreciative of what I’m doing, but their suggestions usually feel like criticism. It’s never overt, but they simply have no understanding of what it’s like to have the responsibility that I have, so their attempts at “helping” by offering simplistic, sometimes insulting, advice hurts me.
I love my parents and I want to help them but I have a hard time not sliding into general negativity. How do others stay positive when they see caregiving going on for years? – Gloomy Suz

Dear Gloomy Suz: I’m sorry for what’s happened to your parents and for your own understandable struggle. Two parents who need care at the same time is difficult, and your mom’s poor prognosis must color each day that you have together. Nearly anyone in your situation would be struggling to stay positive, but I can suggest some tools that might help.

Let’s start with the fact that it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to be a positive caregiver every minute. You are trying to help your dad live well with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis as well as looking at the fact that your mom may not survive her cancer for any length of time. Give yourself credit for persevering under these difficult conditions, and even striving to make caregiving a happier time.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) maintains that caregivers have both positive and negative responses to their role. This shouldn’t be surprising because most of us do experience both emotions. Their goal seems to be to show that family caregiving isn’t just a burden; it’s worthy and can also be uplifting.

I feel that while well-meaning, this data might best be ignored by individual caregivers who are going through a hard time. It would be easy to take this information to heart and simply feel more burdened and guilty for not being “positive” about your caregiving experience all the time.
Taking steps to care for yourself is key and can improve your outlook.
 
That being said, one aspect that is highlighted by the NIH is how much difference perceived social support received by the caregiver can make. This is an absolute truth. Thus the effectiveness of both online and in-person caregiver support groups.
AARP offers an article on positive caregiving by clinical psychologist Dr. Barry J. Jacobs. In his article titled Repeat After Me: I Am A Good Caregiver, Dr. Jacobs offers some suggestions such as guarding against shame and eliminating old messages that we torture ourselves with. His tips are timeless and guilt reducing.
I’ve found some additional methods helpful for refreshing my own caregiving attitude, so I’ll offer these ideas to you as a potential way forward:

• Learn to cope with negative input from outsiders by seeking support from other caregivers. Yes, I touched on this above but it bears repeating. Having the loving support of other caregivers can help you learn steps that work for you when you have to face down ignorant or cruel input from outsiders. Search out a support group, or in your case, you might benefit from two; one for cancer caregivers and one for Alzheimer’s caregivers. Time-consuming, yes, but even online groups can be an enormous help and they are quite convenient.
• Absolve yourself of the need for perfection. Caregivers seem to be repositories of unearned guilt. In my mind, one of the most effective ways to have a more positive attitude toward caregiving is to understand that guilt is counterproductive. If necessary, see a counselor. It’s important that you work at erasing that burden from your thought process.
• Adjust your expectations to reflect reality. We can’t fix our loved ones who are living with terminal diagnoses. We can only try to make their lives as good as they can be given their circumstances.
• Learn to say no to outside demands that add to your burden. If your friends don’t understand that you can’t drop everything to meet for coffee, that is their problem. It would be nice if they could learn to be a better friend to a caregiver, but if they can’t, it’s their loss.
• Create a journal. It’s a way to make order out of chaos. For some people that just seems like more work. A formal journal can be, but my approach to journaling is broad. If you love the idea of a beautiful book to write in, please splurge and buy yourself one. However, for many, a Word document on their computer desktop works fine.
• Structure your journal as you’d like it, but keep that structure fluid to reflect your own growth. I’d suggest at least two categories. One is to list and explore your frustration, depression, and, yes, anger (your parents’ health struggles are bound to make you angry). Then, make a page where you can list each positive emotion about caregiving. These might include noting a rare, beautiful moment of clarity experienced by your dad, or his joyful reaction to your offering of music. Quality time making memories with your mom would certainly qualify, as well.
• Engage in outside activities that you enjoy. Your last statement led me to believe that you are looking at the future as solely one of caregiving. I understand the feeling of being too exhausted to even think of going out, but you do need to work on finding a balance. Look for activities that you enjoy, whether they are solitary, such as reading or taking a walk in a park, or social such as lunch with friends. You are high risk for caregiver burnout so self-care is vital. Part of self-care is finding something in life outside of caregiving that is satisfying to you.

It’s admirable and even sensible to try to find the positive in most situations, Suz. Considering the fact that you’ve spent years as a caregiver and are likely looking at more years of the same, taking steps to care for yourself is key and can improve your outlook. Everyone's mental and physical health can benefit from finding a more positive outlook, however, no one can stay in that place constantly, so don’t put that expectation on yourself. If you find yourself becoming too negative, please do see a counselor. If anyone can use some compassionate guidance, caregivers can.
 
The Candid Caregiver

The Candid Caregiver (TCC) is a safe place for all caregivers, of any condition area or caregiving level, to go for candid yet professional guidance. Questions will be answered, tough topics will be discussed, and the caregivers will ultimately have a place where they, themselves, feel cared for. No topics are off the table. Ask your questions and share your stories on social media using the hashtag #TheCandidCaregiver.

​TCC's lead caregiver and author is Carol Bradley Bursack, a veteran family caregiver with more than two decades of experience.


 
 

As we get older it is normal that our vision changes. Our eyes may find it harder to read small print, take longer to adjust from light to dark and be more sensitive to glare from sunlight or unshielded light bulbs. There’s a decline in depth perception that can make it hard to judge distances, and perceiving contrasts and colours may become more difficult. Sight provides much pleasure, but it’s also an important part of staying safe and independent. Because our eyes do so much for us, they deserve good care and attention. Be kind to your eyes!
 
Turn on the lights. Seeing better can sometimes be as easy as changing a
light bulb! Putting 100 or 150-watt bulbs in your lamps can reduce eye strain
(but make sure your fixture is designed for that wattage!). Brighter lighting in stairways can help prevent falls.
 
Don’t smoke. Studies show that tobacco smoking is an important risk
factor in the early onset of an eye disease called age-related macular
degeneration (AMD). This disease causes serious and permanent loss of
central vision.
 
Reduce glare. There are many ways of reducing glare, including good
lampshades, glare shields on computer monitors, and sunglasses. Wear
sunglasses that provide 99 to 100% UV-A and UV-B protection when you
go outside during the day. They will protect you from UV rays that can harm
your eyes even on a cloudy day.
 
Protect yourself. Many people suffer vision loss because of accidents in the
home. Here are some ways to prevent damage to your eyes:
• put a grease shield over frying foods
• make sure that spray cans and bottle
nozzles are pointed away from you
• wear safety glasses in the workshop
and when opening and using
chemical products like ammonia
• when using bungee cords, be careful of recoil
Eat your carrots. Studies show that a daily dose of the vitamins and minerals found in melons, citrus, carrots, spinach and kale may help slow the progress of age-related eye diseases such as macular
degeneration, glaucoma or cataracts.
 
Get an eye examination. Many changes to vision happen so slowly that you may not realize you have a problem. If you are over 45 years of age, the most important thing you can do to protect your vision is to have an eye exam on a regular basis. Finding problems early may make the difference between maintaining good vision and vision loss.

Vision changes
 
 Here are the most common changes that come with age:
 
Presbyopia is the inability to focus on close objects or small print. Reading glasses usually solve the problem. The usual age of onset is 40.
 
Cataracts are a gradual clouding of the natural lens of the eye that prevents light from reaching the retina. If the central part of the lens is cloudy, you may not be able to read or drive unless the cataract is removed. This is one of the most successful surgeries done in medicine today.
 
Floaters are tiny spots or specks that float across the field of vision, that are often normal. If a floater appears right in your line of vision, sometimes moving your eye around will make it shift out of your central vision. If you notice a sudden change in the number or types of spots you see, or if they come with light flashes, see your eye doctor as soon as you can. These may be signs of a serious problem.
 
Dry eyes are a common problem, especially with aging. Your eyes may feel gritty, itchy or burning. Your doctor may suggest using a humidifier in your home, or special eye drops that act as tears. In a few serious cases, surgery may be needed to correct the problem.
 
Tearing (watery eyes) is another common problem. It may be because you are more sensitive to light, wind or changes in temperature. Simply protecting your eyes by shielding them or wearing sunglasses may solve the problem. The condition can also be a result of an eye infection, eye irritation or blocked tear duct, all of which can be appropriately treated. See your doctor to find the exact cause and treatment.
 
Vision loss
 
Here are the most common reasons for age-related vision loss:
 
Glaucoma is an eye problem that develops when the pressure within the eye starts destroying the nerve fibres within the retina. If not treated early, glaucoma can cause vision loss and blindness. Because most people have no early symptoms, it is very important to have regular eye exams. Treatment may include eye drops, medication or surgery.
 
Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that occurs when the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision) is damaged. This damage can be the result of many factors, including aging, and causes permanent loss of central vision. Regular eye exams can detect the disease early on and laser treatments can slow down central vision loss.
 
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem linked to diabetes. Changes to blood vessels can cause the retina to become oxygen starved. Symptoms include cloudy vision and seeing spots. This condition goes through many stages and can result in blindness. If you have diabetes, have regular examinations and inform your eye specialist that you are diabetic. Treatment can slow down vision loss. Laser treatment in the early stages often proves successful.
 
Visit your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) if you or someone else notices that you:
• squint – you may have a greater sensitivity to light and glare
• choose bright over dull coloured objects or clothing
• spill food or drinks because you misjudge where objects really are
• find it hard to copy from written texts
 • are getting “clumsy” – you have a hard time threading a needle, buttoning a shirt or finding food on your plate
• see flashes of light or rapid movement from the corner of your eyes
 • experience difficulties with sharpness and contrast while driving at night
• experience uncontrolled eye movement
 • make driving mistakes – you miss street or traffic signs. This is important for your safety and the safety of others. Older drivers with vision impairment are more likely to be involved in a car accident
• have fallen because of a missed step or an object on the floor that you didn’t see.
 
For most seniors, normal age-related vision loss can be corrected or stopped
with glasses, medication or surgery. For others, using vision aids and making changes to their homes and routines help them stay safe and independent. For those who have more serious vision loss, there are many services available to help you through this difficult period of adjustment.
 
For more information...
If you want to have your eyes checked or treated, look under Optometrists in the Yellow Pages or ask your family physician if a referral to an ophthalmologist is suitable.
 
To learn more about eye problems, falls prevention, vision and driving, or on how to live an active life with vision loss, call the following organizations or visit their web sites:
 
Eye conditions and vision loss:
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
www.eyesite.ca
 
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
(416) 486-2500; www.cnib.ca
 
Canadian Association of Optometrists
www.opto.ca
 
Falls prevention:
Public Health Agency of Canada Division of Aging and Seniors
(613) 952-7606 www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines
This web site offers publications on home safety, assistive devices, falls prevention, etc.
 
Driving:
Contact your provincial ministry of transportation, who can provide tips and advice to improve driving safety. The following Ontario web site provides excellent information:
www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/ yourdriving.htm
 
Our thanks to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society and the National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) for their help in the preparation of this info-sheet. Division of Aging and Seniors Public Health Agency of Canada
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines
 
Link to online publication:
http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/H30-11-8-7E.pdf
 
 

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
 
Every day, an average of 58 Canadians are diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is the most common cancer among Canadian men. If detected early, survival is now close to 100 per cent. It is important to spread awareness about this disease as men over age 65 account for nearly 60% of all prostate cancer diagnoses. (Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide) 
 
About Prostate Health:
Men have prostates, which are small glands located near the bladder. Prostates can develop problems like infections or inflammation. Cancer cells can also form in the prostate, which can develop into tumors. Prostate cancer is a disease where some prostate cells have lost normal control of growth and division. They no longer function as healthy cells.
A cancerous prostate cell has the following features:
•    Uncontrolled growth
•    Abnormal structure
•    The ability to move to other parts of the body (invasiveness).
 
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
Symptoms are not always present especially in the early stages of the cancer. If detected and treated in its earliest stages (when cells are only in the prostate), your chances of survival are greatly increased. Early detection is key. For many men, having to experience a rectal exam is the main reason for avoiding prostate cancer screening. Remind senior men that their health (and genes) can affect their loved ones. Any temporary discomfort is worth it and could save a life. 

Common signs and symptoms of prostate cancer may include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Urgent need to urinate
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Inability to urinate or difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in the urine or semen

Screening for Prostate Cancer:
There are two main options for screening for prostate cancer. Men can receive a blood test, which is called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. A physical rectal exam may also be conducted. If a doctor suspects a patient has prostate cancer, a biopsy is almost always involved in the diagnosis. 
 
Treatment of Prostate Cancer:
 The most common treatments for prostate cancer include radiation, surgery to remove tumors, and drug-based therapies. (Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide)
 
No studies to date have definitively proven a prostate cancer prevention strategy. However, some prevention strategies are believed to reduce the risk of cancer overall, and may improve the body’s ability to fight any kind of cancer. Try:
• Eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet • Maintaining a healthy weight • Staying active • Attending regularly scheduled doctor appointments (Mayo Clinic)
 
 The obvious reason for screening older men for cancer is that early detection increases the odds of survival. There are other reasons for getting screened, though: • Men with prostate cancer may have genes that predispose both their sons and daughters to forms of cancer. • Data about prostate cancer, even if it is non-aggressive, can be used by researchers to prevent and treat all cancers. • Early detection can reduce the intensity of treatment required, as well as the side effects. • Doctors may be able to begin with the less invasive blood test if a senior’s risk level is low. (Prostate Cancer Foundation)
 
For more information, speak with your Physician.

​To find a local support group or for more online information visit: www.prostatecancer.ca/ and www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/prostate/prostate-cancer/?region=on 
​

 
 

Photo Credit: www.chemist-4-u.com/

For many seniors, doctor’s visits are stressful. There are sometimes complex health issues that need to be addressed and your loved one is unsure where to start. You can use this checklist to help ease anxiety and ensure a smooth visit.
Arrange for transportation to and from prior to the appointment. If you are unable to attend, companion/PSW services can be arranged through Alert Best Nursing & Home Care to accompany your loved one. 

Check if the appointment or associated tests require seniors to contact their insurance company ahead of time for pre-certification or other purposes. Check if fasting will be required or if there are certain foods your senior needs to avoid.
Pack everything needed for a successful appointment:

• Insurance cards
• Health Card
• Payment for co-pays or other charges
• Contact information for other doctors
• List of current medications
• List of allergies/medical conditions
• Medical records, if needed
• A list of questions for the doctor
• A notepad or device for note-taking

Verify at checkout after the appointment: 

• If further testing or labs are required
• When new prescriptions should be picked up
• If there are instructions or treatment notes seniors can take home with them
• When follow-up appointments are scheduled
• If any payment is due 

Keep an eye out for the expiration date on the health card. If you need to renew an expired card and are in the Province of Ontario, you can visit www.ontario.ca/page/health-card-renewal-replacement-and-cancellation for up to date renewal information. 

Summertime is a favorite season for most Canadians and especially older adults who spent most of the time indoors during the cold winter months. While summer is a great time for outdoor fun with family and friends, the heat and sun can be dangerous if precautions aren't taken.
If you are a senior or a caregiver, here are some tips for a fun, safe summer.

Stay Hydrated:
You are more susceptible to dehydration because you lose your ability to conserve water as you age. You also can become less aware of your thirst and have difficulty adjusting to temperature changes.
You should drink at least eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated, more in conditions of extreme heat and humidity. Salt and potassium replacement products (Gatorade) are also helpful. Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola) and alcohol, which can actually dehydrate the body.

Check Your Medications
Make sure your medications won't be affected by higher temperatures -- especially if you don't have air conditioning in your home. Some medications are less effective if stored at temperatures higher than room temperature.

Keep Cool:
Even small increases in temperature can shorten the life expectancy for seniors who are coping with chronic medical conditions. Cool your home by keeping hot, humid air outdoors. Shut windows and doors as well as blinds or shutters. Stay indoors on lower floors in hotter, more humid weather. Shopping malls, movie theaters, churches and libraries provide welcome, cool spaces. They also afford a great opportunity to get out of the house and get some exercise, without the exhaustion of the heat.

Contact your city/local municipality office to inquire if there are any programs to assist seniors with fewer resources to get air conditioners or fans. Take a cool shower or bath which can lower your body temperature on extremely hot days. Temperatures inside the house should never exceed 85 degrees for any prolonged period of time.

Stay In Touch:
You should let friends and family know if you will be spending an extended period of time outdoors, even if only gardening. Do these tasks in the early morning, not during peak heat or sun. Keep track of time and do not stay outside for long periods of time.
Caregivers should check in regularly with the senior when temperatures are high.

Know Who To Call:
Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and place them in an easy to access area. This way, the right people can be called to help quickly, to prevent any further issues or to keep medical problems from getting worse.

Keep The Menu Light:
Eating yogurt, fruit, vegetables, salads and chilled soups in smaller portions can keep your body from overworking and overheating.

Dress For The Weather:
Everyone, including seniors, should dress for the weather. When it's hot out, some people find natural fabrics (such as cotton) to be cooler than synthetic fibers. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes to help feel cooler. They reflect the heat and are more comfortable.

Protect Your Body:
Sunblock will protect your skin from damage. Use at least SPF 30 or higher sunblock, along with wearing hats and sunglasses. Don’t forget the bug spray too!
Vision loss can be common among seniors, and too much exposure to the sun can irritate eyes and cause further damage. Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and preserve your vision.

Be Aware Of Heat-Related Illnesses:
During the summer, be particularly cautious about abnormally high body temperatures. Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia that can be life-threatening. Make sure to know the warning signs and get medical attention immediately if you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms:

• Body temperature greater than 104 degrees
  
• A change in behavior such as confusion or agitation
  
• Dry, flushed skin
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Headache
  
• Heavy breathing or a rapid pulse
  
• Not sweating, even if it's hot out
  
• Dizziness or fainting
  

If you or an elderly loved one start to feel any of these symptoms, ask for medical help!

Check The Weather Report:
A heat wave is at least 48 hours of excessive heat and high humidity. It is difficult and dangerous for everyone, especially seniors. A heat index tells how hot it feels as it combines the air temperature and relative humidity. Direct sunlight can increase this temperature by several degrees.

Know Your Risk:
These health factors may increase the risk and threat of a heat related illness:

• Poor circulation, inefficient sweat glands, and changes to the skin by normal aging
  
• Heart, lung, and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes weakness or fever
  
• High blood pressure or conditions that require changes in diet. Low salt diets may face added risk
  
• Taking several different prescriptions for various conditions
  
• Being overweight or underweight
  
• Drinking alcoholic beverages
  

Keep cool and stay safe this summer in the heat!
 

Summer is finally here but does the thought of ticks and Lyme disease make you a bit nervous of going outdoors this summer? Here are some information and tips for how to protect you and your family while hitting the great outdoors this summer:

What is Lyme disease?
We Ontarians are fortunate to have an abundance of wilderness that provides us great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.  But one thing to keep in mind when outside—especially in wooded areas and those with tall grasses, bushes and shrubs—is Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is spread to humans through the bite of an infected, Blacklegged Tick and health officials are seeing an increase in the number of cases in the province.
“We’ve seen a marked increase in the number of confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Ontario, particularly in the last year,” says Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “This is partly due to an increase and expansion of Blacklegged Tick populations to new areas of the province.”

The most common symptom of Lyme disease is an expanding skin rash, which can appear between three and 30 days after a bite. However, many people never get or see a rash.
If the disease is left untreated, other symptoms may develop including fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, problems with your heartbeat, breathing, balance and short-term memory. In rare cases, Lyme disease may result in death.

“It is important to see your health care provider as early as possible if you have symptoms or if you feel unwell in the weeks following a tick bite,” says Dr. Williams. “The earlier treatment is received the better.”

How do people contract Lyme disease?
Blacklegged Ticks cannot fly, but settle in brushy areas until they attach themselves to a passing person or animal. The ticks are known to feed on migratory birds and can be carried throughout the province. Lyme disease is not transmitted from person-to-person; however, dogs and cats can carry Blacklegged Ticks inside and place families at risk of being bitten.

Check your pets for ticks daily and talk with your vet about keeping your pet protected from ticks. If your pet is found to have a tick, remember that you are at risk when spending time in the same environments.
 
When you’re out in tick habitat, protect yourself by taking these precautions:

• Wear light-coloured clothing. It makes ticks easier to spot
• Wear closed footwear and socks and a long-sleeved shirt tucked into long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks
• Use a tick repellent that has DEET or icaridin on your clothes and exposed skin (be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions)
• Search your clothes and body for ticks at least once a day, paying special attention to areas such as the groin, navel, armpits, and scalp and behind ears and knees. Use a mirror to check the back of your body or have someone else check for you. Don’t forget to tick check children in your care
• Take a shower as soon as you can after being outdoors to more easily find and wash off any ticks crawling on you
• Place outdoor clothing through the dryer cycle for 60 minutes on high heat before washing to kill any ticks that may be hard to see. Ticks thrive in wet environments

What if I find a tick?

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
2. Pull the tick out slowly with even pressure to ensure mouth parts are removed and body is not crushed
3. Wash area with soap and warm water
4. Put the tick into a container with a lid or a sealed plastic bag
5. Bring the tick to your local health unit for identification

DO NOT

• Grasp around bloated belly and squeeze the tick
• Use a match, heat or chemicals to try and remove it
• Twist the tick when pulling it out

Current Lyme disease risk areas in Ontario
While not all Backlegged Ticks can cause Lyme disease, there has been an increase in the number of areas in Ontario where Blacklegged Ticks have been identified or are known to exist.
Infected ticks are continuing to spread and can now also be found in in the Simcoe-Muskoka district, York Region and all of Eastern Ontario as well as Hamilton and parts of Northwestern Ontario.
For more details, review the Lyme disease risk area map:
 
While the probability is low, it is possible to encounter an infected tick almost anywhere in the province.

For more information please consult the Public Health Agency of Canada or the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.