Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition that gets steadily worse over time. It is often characterized by “flares,” or “exacerbations,” periods when breathing suddenly becomes more difficult. It can be very frightening and often results in a dash to the emergency room. It’s important to know the early signs of a flare…
A personal emergency response system (PERS) can provide peace of mind if the person you care for lives alone. There are many factors to consider when shopping for a device. The need for a personal call button. Is your loved one at risk of a fall or heart attack? If so, you’ll want 24/7 emergency…
A stroke is a disabling, and potentially deadly condition. A blood clot gets lodged in the brain, denying blood and oxygen to those cells. In a very short period of time, that part of the brain can be damaged permanently. Depending on the location of the clot, a stroke can impair functions such as speech,…
In October, the National Fire Protection Association reminds us to think about fire prevention and check our smoke alarms. People over 65 are twice as likely as others to be killed or injured by fires. Follow these steps to protect your loved one: Prevention Check that your relative does not overload electrical outlets when space…
As a family caregiver, you have probably thought a lot about your loved one’s safety. Perhaps you have even gotten him or her a wearable call button for medical emergencies. But what if something happens to you? For instance, a car accident on the freeway? Or a trip-and-fall incident in a parking lot? How will…
Sepsis occurs when the body overreacts to an infection. Its occurrence is on the rise, and it is deadly. You don’t catch sepsis from someone else. It’s a complication of an existing infection—of the lungs (pneumonia), bladder, or skin, for instance. With sepsis, the normal healing process goes awry. A too-massive immune response spreads through…
If you are named as health care decision maker for your loved one, you may be called upon to make very important decisions on very short notice. At a time like this, it’s easy, and very human, to get caught up in fear. Fear does not make for the best decisions. If you can, call…
Try as you might to prevent a flare, some diseases involve episodes that require immediate, emergency medical care. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and CHF (congestive heart failure) are two conditions famous for sudden flares that result in a call to 911.
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