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New pathways for cancer treatment

Living with cancer continues to be a challenge for many older adults. The side effects of extensive surgery, life -altering chemotherapy and the impact on someone's life are well understood. We, at gaitway of Charlotte LLC in Charlotte NC, offer rehabilitation at home, on your schedule, when these surgeries and chemo treatments take a toll - we provide expert guidance on how to manage symptoms, prevent further decline from debility and how to keep your eye on the prize of the potential for a complete cure. If you have questions on this particular topic - feel free to call and see if we can help with your situation.

Because we keep an eye on the latest treatments available for our practice - we came across this article in the New York Times - we wanted to share it - all hopes for new treatments are so important. Just another step in treating this terrible disease...

Wise Wednesdays - Firearms and Seniors - a deadly mix

The highest rate of suicide by age group, is surprisingly, that of folks over 65. Experts believe this high rate is due to an even higher rate of depression associated with loss of a spouse , loneliness and depression associated with disease and disability. many suicides occur as the result of firearms at a concerning rate. In our own experience at Gaitway, this issue of firearms becomes of a much higher concern when cognitive deficits and dementia become an issue. Suspiciousness and paranoia play a role when clients wth cognitive deficits believe that their home is being broken into and feel that their life is at risk, when it is actually their friendly caregiver arriving for the morning. We go out of our way during evaluations to ascertain if firearms are in the home and have family members remove them prior to our arrival for this very reason. If you have a senior in your life that has firearms in their possession - its time for a reasonable conversation on removal. this article from the NYT addresses the issues and discusses some solutions.

Want to Age Successfully ?

Consider attending a Gerontology Conference on just that. See Alison Starkey PT, MBA/MHA, CAPS CDP present on "Gaps in care - the way forward for Physical Therapy and Wellness".

See the link below for registration - CEU's are available for professionals.

https://www.charlotteahec.org/continuing-professional-development/event.cfm?eventid=54258

 

 

End of Life paperwork for Dementia - do you have it covered ?

Wise Wednesdays:
Having your "paperwork in order" is a well known important thing to do for all adults. In the case of dementia and what is appropriate at the end of life requires special consideration. This article looks at the necessary discussions to have when newly diagnosed so that your former self has the opportunity and dignity to have a say in how your future self will choose your eventual path. This NYT article discusses the issues and provides resources... a valuable read.
Have further questions ? - we can help - call us today at Gaitway of Charlotte 704 641 1132.

Wise Wednesdays - are you running on a big wheel and then not moving afterwards...? you might be better off not exercising...

As we all know, keeping your weight down as you age is increasingly difficult. Exercise is the fountain of youth for so many - but not necessarily for weight loss. Exercise has been proven to help with anti - aging, cardiovascular fitness, mood enhancement and improving sleep quality - but as this article discusses .. weight loss is more about what's on your plate... an interesting read :)

 

Wise Wednesdays - are you taking too much medication ??

The issue of overdose is in the news for younger folks who are getting caught up with "prescription medicines" the so called "Opioid Epidemic".  Much of the press coverage focuses on otherwise normal people who have an injury, are given ( perhaps inappropriately) opiates for pain for such injuries as low back pain and minor fractures , only to find themselves addicted to the pain killers. We are all pretty familiar with this scenario - but in our practice at Gaitway of Charlotte, we see many seniors who are using large amounts of anti-anxiety medications and sleeping pills - that again - were prescribed for short term use but have turned into an addiction that these seniors depend on. Just the thought of trying to wean these powerful medications incites the anxiety that they seek to reduce. Many sleep medications invoke "rebound sleeplessness" - hours of tossing and turning - feeling exhausted and not being able to sleep - a difficult road for sure.

This article from the New York Times addresses these difficult topics head on - enjoy this read.

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