Thursday, December 27, 2012

Attitude!


An attitude can be defined as a positive or negative evaluation of people, objects, events, activities, ideas, or just about anything in your environment.

The word says it all. Do you have MS, Parkinsons or are recovering from surgery? Attitude! Watching my mom's illness over the years has taught me one thing. Everyone goes through stuff. Some early in life, some later in life. But it all comes down to how you deal with it. In developing EasyUndies Medical Garments my thinking was how to make something so simple easier. Easier for anyone. If you have had a hip replacement, broken leg or even heart surgery. The challenges of life can get you down. A Positive Attitude! That is what will make the difference. 

Monday, December 24, 2012

Are You or the One You Care For Prepared to Face a Medical Emergency?


With the rising cost of healthcare and homecare, being prepared is very important. I remember with my mom, her medical coverage quickly reached its limits. As a family we had to become very creative with the way we did things. So it is very important to have a plan. Even if you are healthy right now. What I do for my family is keep our own medical records. Have a book for each member of your family. Every time anyone goes to the doctor I either get a copy of all medical records or I keep my own records. By doing this you are prepared to supply information at a moment’s notice. 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Decreasing Readmissions & Providing Palliative Quality Care


That is quite a statement. With the rising cost of health coverage today, staying safe from injury is all seniors’ primary goal. If you have a sports injury, are recovering from surgery or just have some dexterity problems, EasyUndies can make your life easier and safer. For many years my mom struggled with her MS. I only wish I had come up with this product years ago. So many different ways EasyUndies can help with quality of life.

I love when I get letters and emails from people about the use of this product. One use I never thought of I would like to share. I received an email from a woman who purchased EasyUndies for her mom. But you see her mom was wearing a diaper type garment and mentally it was too much for the elderly woman. So her daughter purchased EasyUndies Medical Garments and put it on over her moms diaper type garment. Just the dignity that it gave her mom back brought a smile to her face. This is one of the letters that means so much. To this special daughter thank you for sharing your story with me.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Improve Balance and Reduce Falls


The leading cause of injury in the elderly is falling. Many medical conditions can cause balance problems, and anyone experiencing problems with vertigo or dizziness should see their doctor to rule out any underlying illness. However, experts agree that problems with balance could very well be part of the aging process. EasyUndies are great for people with balance issues, because you don't have to lean over or balance on one foot to put them on like with regular underwear.
The results of clinical trials with seniors revealed that those who practiced tai chi exercise enjoyed improved motor skill and coordination. This is very true, not just for seniors, but for anyone with a disability. It is very important to stay active in any way you can. I remember my mom, even when she was confined to a wheelchair, would exercise her hands. She felt as long as she had upper body movement that exercise would help keep her MS from taking the use of her hands. And it is true. No matter what your limitations are, try to stay active in any capacity you can. It is not just good for you, but good for your mind.  
Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program, including tai chi.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

How to Bring the Elderly Home for the Holidays

As the holidays are quickly upon us we need to remember the ones we love. A phone call, a visit , or even bringing family members home for the holidays. I remember just being with family gave my mom the most joy. The time she was able to spend with all of her grandchildren was the best medicine for her. For my dad, who was her primary care giver after my sisters and I left home, the warmth of being around family was the best medicine. 

When planning on bringing family members for a visit or a stay during the holiday season, remember the simple things that will make the visit easier for everyone. 

Memories and sharing stories is what family is all about!


Monday, December 10, 2012

"Aging in Place"

Most American seniors desire to stay in their homes for the rest of their lives. In fact, an AARP survey found this number to be greater than 80% of seniors. This "stay at home" approach is also known as "Aging in Place."  

I was fortunate to meet Christine Bartel from the CBS show, "Aging Independently." On her show Christine helps people live a more stress-free life as they age. 

My mom was home until the last few months of her life. I think it is very important for caregivers to have as much information to make the lives of their loved ones as easy as they can. Much of the care we gave my mom was things we had to figure out on our own. My dad was very good at coming up with ways to make her life easier. Today with the internet a wealth of knowledge exists for people to learn. Here's one great resource:

http://www.seniorresource.com/index.html

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

My mom lived her life this way. . .



Reading this story reminded me of my mom. She never stopped living. My dad traded in the car for a van that my mom's wheelchair could be lifted into and off they went. Toward the final years of my mom's life my parents moved to Florida. The warmth was better for her. Even though she was confined to the wheelchair and had limited range of motion, she still went off shopping and played cards with her friends. She didn't complain. She lived the life that was given her. This message is an important one.  One that I have passed on to my children. Don't be afraid to live life and happiness will find you.