In the Media Archives - CareOne Trust in our care Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:33:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.care-one.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-MicrosoftTeams-image-20-32x32.png In the Media Archives - CareOne 32 32 How to Protect Seniors from Air Pollution Health Effects https://www.care-one.com/blog/how-to-protect-seniors-from-air-pollution-health-effects/ Fri, 14 Jul 2023 18:16:27 +0000 http://careone.lndo.site/?p=6798 Skyline of city

The air quality in the Northeast has been hazardous for several days due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a health advisory for the region. Here’s what you need to know to keep elderly family members safe from negative air pollution health effects.

Why Seniors Are at Increased Risk

Poor air quality poses risks to everyone, but seniors are particularly vulnerable. As people age, their lungs become less efficient at filtering out pollutants, and their immune system weakens. This can lead to acute respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, bronchial spasms and respiratory tract infections like pneumonia.

Seniors are also more likely to have preexisting chronic health conditions that can be exacerbated by air particles. In addition, some medications may make them more susceptible to the effects of air pollution.  Beta-blockers, which are often used to treat heart disease, for example, can make it more difficult for the lungs to clear mucus.

As a result, emergency room visits and hospital admissions typically increase as air quality decreases. Research shows that the correlation between air pollution and heart failure, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke grows stronger with age.

How to Protect Your Loved One

There are a few things you can do to protect senior family members during an air quality crisis:

  • Encourage them to stay indoors as much as possible. If they must go outside, they should wear an N95 mask that covers their nose and mouth.
  • Check the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a measure of how polluted the air is. If the AQI is high, it is particularly important to stay indoors.
  • Advise them to avoid strenuous activity when the air quality is bad. Strenuous activity can increase susceptibility to the effects of pollution.
  • Maintain air quality indoors. Keep doors and windows shut and use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier. Avoid smoking, burning candles or cooking fried foods.
  • If your loved one has a preexisting heart or respiratory condition, get in touch with their doctor to see whether their medication should be adjusted.
  • Monitor for signs of respiratory distress. If they experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
    • Coughing
    • Wheezing
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest pain
    • Difficulty breathing

What to Expect If Your Loved One Is Hospitalized

If your loved one does get admitted to the hospital due to the air quality crisis, there are a few things you can expect:

  • They will be monitored closely by the medical team.
  • They may be given medication to help with their breathing.
  • They may be put on oxygen therapy.
  • They may be asked to stay in the hospital for a longer period of time.

After discharge from the hospital, they may need to go to a post-acute rehab center to continue their recovery. Post-acute rehab centers provide specialized care and services – such as cardiac care and pulmonary rehabilitation – that can help seniors regain their strength and function. As you evaluate your options, reach out to the facility to understand what protective measures are in place.

By following these tips, you can help to protect elderly loved ones from air pollution health effects and ensure that they receive the best possible care if they are hospitalized.

The post How to Protect Seniors from Air Pollution Health Effects appeared first on CareOne.

]]> Skyline of city

The air quality in the Northeast has been hazardous for several days due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a health advisory for the region. Here’s what you need to know to keep elderly family members safe from negative air pollution health effects.

Why Seniors Are at Increased Risk

Poor air quality poses risks to everyone, but seniors are particularly vulnerable. As people age, their lungs become less efficient at filtering out pollutants, and their immune system weakens. This can lead to acute respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, bronchial spasms and respiratory tract infections like pneumonia. Seniors are also more likely to have preexisting chronic health conditions that can be exacerbated by air particles. In addition, some medications may make them more susceptible to the effects of air pollution.  Beta-blockers, which are often used to treat heart disease, for example, can make it more difficult for the lungs to clear mucus. As a result, emergency room visits and hospital admissions typically increase as air quality decreases. Research shows that the correlation between air pollution and heart failure, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke grows stronger with age.

How to Protect Your Loved One

There are a few things you can do to protect senior family members during an air quality crisis:
  • Encourage them to stay indoors as much as possible. If they must go outside, they should wear an N95 mask that covers their nose and mouth.
  • Check the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a measure of how polluted the air is. If the AQI is high, it is particularly important to stay indoors.
  • Advise them to avoid strenuous activity when the air quality is bad. Strenuous activity can increase susceptibility to the effects of pollution.
  • Maintain air quality indoors. Keep doors and windows shut and use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier. Avoid smoking, burning candles or cooking fried foods.
  • If your loved one has a preexisting heart or respiratory condition, get in touch with their doctor to see whether their medication should be adjusted.
  • Monitor for signs of respiratory distress. If they experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
    • Coughing
    • Wheezing
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest pain
    • Difficulty breathing

What to Expect If Your Loved One Is Hospitalized

If your loved one does get admitted to the hospital due to the air quality crisis, there are a few things you can expect:
  • They will be monitored closely by the medical team.
  • They may be given medication to help with their breathing.
  • They may be put on oxygen therapy.
  • They may be asked to stay in the hospital for a longer period of time.
After discharge from the hospital, they may need to go to a post-acute rehab center to continue their recovery. Post-acute rehab centers provide specialized care and services – such as cardiac care and pulmonary rehabilitation – that can help seniors regain their strength and function. As you evaluate your options, reach out to the facility to understand what protective measures are in place. By following these tips, you can help to protect elderly loved ones from air pollution health effects and ensure that they receive the best possible care if they are hospitalized.

The post How to Protect Seniors from Air Pollution Health Effects appeared first on CareOne.

]]> In the MediaMassachusetts CentersMemory CareSkilled Nursing and RehabCaregiver and Resident Resources The Future of the Senior Care Industry https://www.care-one.com/blog/the-future-of-the-senior-care-industry/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 20:28:26 +0000 https://careone.stage.eks.matchfire.io/?p=7530 future of senior care

According to the World Health Organization, the number of U.S. adults aged 65 and older is projected to more than double by 2060, precipitating a dramatic global demographic shift. Research shows that more than two-thirds of the population will need assistance with at least some tasks as they age. More than half will need paid long-term services and support.

As demand for senior care increases, however, the U.S. is expected to face a caregiver shortage. Those over 65 are projected to outnumber children aged 18 and under by 2035 – portending a shortfall in unpaid family caregivers, who represent an estimated $600 billion in economic value. The care workforce is not growing fast enough to make up for that deficit – and in fact, growth is stagnating. By 2040, the national caregiver shortage will reach 355,000 individuals, the United Disabilities Services Foundation predicts.

To meet the needs of our growing aging population and their families, the senior care industry will need to evolve in the following ways:

  1. Embrace technology: The senior care industry must adopt and integrate new technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of care provided. Many facilities are adopting digital solutions to solve resourcing challenges and enable staff to focus on what matters most: caring for people. For example, at CareOne, we’re implementing automated medication dispensing systems from Advanced Pharmacy Solutions to reduce the time our nurses spend on medication distribution while ensuring our residents receive timely prescriptions. Additionally, next-generation medical applications like telemedicine and remote patient monitoring are enabling senior patients to shorten their stays at rehab facilities.
  2. Value the care profession: The pandemic showed us that healthcare workers and other senior care workers are heroes – and they should be valued as such. Professional caregiving is a noble and rewarding career, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Creating a supportive work environment that acknowledges and appreciates the challenges of caregiving can help reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction. Continuous training and development opportunities not only enhance the quality of care, but they also provide opportunities for advancement that increase the appeal of caregiving as a long-term career.
  3. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration: Interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals and across the healthcare ecosystem is key to addressing seniors’ complex physical, emotional and social needs. By fostering seamless communication and coordination, healthcare providers can share vital patient information, including medical history, treatment plans and progress updates. This integrated approach fosters the development of personalized care plans and allows for the efficient allocation of resources, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of hospital readmissions. Ultimately, a well-coordinated healthcare ecosystem promotes a smoother transition for seniors as they navigate the different stages of their care journey.
  4. Foster community-based care: Establishing partnerships with schools, community organizations and businesses can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for seniors. These partnerships facilitate strong social connections, helping seniors combat the feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany aging. Moreover, collaborating with local resources can lead to innovative programs and initiatives that enrich the lives of seniors and enhance their well-being. For example, at CareOne, we have a partnership with Columbia University to nurture healthcare innovation among young entrepreneurs.
  5. Support family caregivers: Family caregivers play a vital role in the physical, emotional and mental well-being of our aging population. However, the demands of caregiving can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. Supporting family caregivers is a collective responsibility that involves collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers and community organizations. This can involve offering respite care services, support groups and educational programs to empower them with the knowledge and skills they need to provide effective care. By acknowledging their invaluable contributions and addressing their needs, we can create a more sustainable caregiving environment for both caregivers and the aging population.

By adapting to the changing needs of the aging population, the senior care industry can ensure that seniors receive the support and care they need to maintain their health, independence and quality of life.

The post The Future of the Senior Care Industry appeared first on CareOne.

]]> future of senior care

According to the World Health Organization, the number of U.S. adults aged 65 and older is projected to more than double by 2060, precipitating a dramatic global demographic shift. Research shows that more than two-thirds of the population will need assistance with at least some tasks as they age. More than half will need paid long-term services and support.

As demand for senior care increases, however, the U.S. is expected to face a caregiver shortage. Those over 65 are projected to outnumber children aged 18 and under by 2035 – portending a shortfall in unpaid family caregivers, who represent an estimated $600 billion in economic value. The care workforce is not growing fast enough to make up for that deficit – and in fact, growth is stagnating. By 2040, the national caregiver shortage will reach 355,000 individuals, the United Disabilities Services Foundation predicts.

To meet the needs of our growing aging population and their families, the senior care industry will need to evolve in the following ways:
  1. Embrace technology: The senior care industry must adopt and integrate new technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of care provided. Many facilities are adopting digital solutions to solve resourcing challenges and enable staff to focus on what matters most: caring for people. For example, at CareOne, we’re implementing automated medication dispensing systems from Advanced Pharmacy Solutions to reduce the time our nurses spend on medication distribution while ensuring our residents receive timely prescriptions. Additionally, next-generation medical applications like telemedicine and remote patient monitoring are enabling senior patients to shorten their stays at rehab facilities.
  2. Value the care profession: The pandemic showed us that healthcare workers and other senior care workers are heroes – and they should be valued as such. Professional caregiving is a noble and rewarding career, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Creating a supportive work environment that acknowledges and appreciates the challenges of caregiving can help reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction. Continuous training and development opportunities not only enhance the quality of care, but they also provide opportunities for advancement that increase the appeal of caregiving as a long-term career.
  3. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration: Interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals and across the healthcare ecosystem is key to addressing seniors’ complex physical, emotional and social needs. By fostering seamless communication and coordination, healthcare providers can share vital patient information, including medical history, treatment plans and progress updates. This integrated approach fosters the development of personalized care plans and allows for the efficient allocation of resources, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of hospital readmissions. Ultimately, a well-coordinated healthcare ecosystem promotes a smoother transition for seniors as they navigate the different stages of their care journey.
  4. Foster community-based care: Establishing partnerships with schools, community organizations and businesses can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for seniors. These partnerships facilitate strong social connections, helping seniors combat the feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany aging. Moreover, collaborating with local resources can lead to innovative programs and initiatives that enrich the lives of seniors and enhance their well-being. For example, at CareOne, we have a partnership with Columbia University to nurture healthcare innovation among young entrepreneurs.
  5. Support family caregivers: Family caregivers play a vital role in the physical, emotional and mental well-being of our aging population. However, the demands of caregiving can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. Supporting family caregivers is a collective responsibility that involves collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers and community organizations. This can involve offering respite care services, support groups and educational programs to empower them with the knowledge and skills they need to provide effective care. By acknowledging their invaluable contributions and addressing their needs, we can create a more sustainable caregiving environment for both caregivers and the aging population.
By adapting to the changing needs of the aging population, the senior care industry can ensure that seniors receive the support and care they need to maintain their health, independence and quality of life.

The post The Future of the Senior Care Industry appeared first on CareOne.

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