I just finished a course on Elder Abuse and was shocked to find how prevalent it is. The causes are varied and, largely unstudied, but it is an area of concern for those of us working with and/or responsible for an elder.
Here is a short list of some common signs that may indicate abuse in your elder:
Fractures and breaks
Cuts, open wounds or punctures
Bruises and abrasions
Sprains or dislocations
Internal bleeding
Change in mood or behavior
Consider activity levels and the elder's particular situation when attempting to evaluate whether there is a concern for abuse.
If a caregiver is involved and doesn't want the elders to have visitors alone or indicates the elder is not available to visitors, this may be a potential indicator for abuse.
It should go without say, but it doesn't: If an elder reports being hit, slapped, pinched or hurt in anyway this is a potential indicator for abuse and should be investigated.
Caregiving can be stressful and often those providing this valuable service are overworked and underpaid, as the saying goes. They may have additional stressors they bring from home or pressures from employers that may fuel their frustration.
Develop a relationship with the caregiver and visit often and at varied times to be sure you are getting a complete picture or your elder's day.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Exercise helps senior doldrums
Depression can be a major issue for seniors who have retired, experienced a physical set back or who have moved to a new locale. They separated from their family, coworkers and work routine, left with a lot of time to fill. Often their thoughts turn toward all they have lost, not only the foregoing, but also their physical abilities.
Whatever the level of function, most seniors can benefit from some sort of exercise. Doing so will not only give them something to do and, eventually, look forward to, but may also make them actually FEEL better.
Here is a good, short video that explains the benefit of exercise on depression.
http://www.webmd.com/depression/video/how-does-exercise-help-depression
Whatever the level of function, most seniors can benefit from some sort of exercise. Doing so will not only give them something to do and, eventually, look forward to, but may also make them actually FEEL better.
Here is a good, short video that explains the benefit of exercise on depression.
http://www.webmd.com/depression/video/how-does-exercise-help-depression
Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM
Certified Disability Management Specialist
Landline 302.644.1827 | Mobile: 410.444.1989
Friday, January 8, 2016
Medical Management at the Beach
So, your mom, dad, or beloved aunt moved to the shore or beach to enjoy the quality of life they deserve after decades of hard work - Great! Right? Not if you are hard at work in the city. You may like to be able to attend doctor's visits with them and make sure everything is going along as well as they tell you.
You are not alone. Many of us working Joes and Joannes are struggling to balance kids in college (or with small children!) and our older loved ones. Often in diverse geographic areas. There you are stuck in the middle. Literally!
Why not let me help? I am a Certified Disability Management Specialist - Masters Prepared and experienced in providing medical management and monitoring. I would be happy to help you ensure your loved one is faring as well as you hope.
Or perhaps you are the patient and would like some additional, knowledgeable support to ensure you are getting the best possible care. I work with Nurse Case Managers as well, in the event that your concerns are more complex.
Here is a short list of things I can do for you or your loved one on the DelMarVa:
Or perhaps you are the patient and would like some additional, knowledgeable support to ensure you are getting the best possible care. I work with Nurse Case Managers as well, in the event that your concerns are more complex.
Here is a short list of things I can do for you or your loved one on the DelMarVa:
Attend doctor's visits
Follow up on doctor's visits for medical records or prescriptions
Arrange an monitor additional services
Arrange an monitor additional services
Serve as a local connection and resource
Home visits and check-ins
Deliver last minute gifts or goodies
Have something else in mind? Let me know; I am happy to help!
Mary Sherwood Sevinsky, MS, CDMS, CCM
Certified Disability Management Specialist
116 Front St. Unit 737
Lewes, DE 19958
302.644.1827
Code Purple for Delaware's Homeless
Just got some coats, sweatshirts, blankets, backpacks, gloves and hats together to give to the Code Purple Shelter in Rehoboth for distribution! Please consider doing the same. Our winters are usually very temperate and this cold snap is hurting our homeless population more than anyone!More here:
http://www.wboc.com/story/30888158/del-code-purple-shelters-open-after-warm-few-weeks
Mobile Outreach Clinic for Veterans
Many of Delaware's Veterans are living on fixed incomes or worse, are homeless. If you know a Veteran, make sure he or she knows about the healthcare and support services available through the Mobile Outreach Clinic Program.
http://www.wilmington.va.gov/services/Mobile_Health_Unit_Program.asp
Primary care, ancillary care and even a social worker is available to assist Veterans at various locations throughout the state. Additional information follows:
Point of Contact
Michele Kuhn, FNP
Wilmington VA Medical Center
1601 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19805
Phone: 302-250-2991
Email: Michele.Kuhn@va.gov
To Request an appointment with the Mobile Unit Provider, contact Amie Kaba-Rohaat (302) 354-8653.
To Request the Mobile Unit- Email our Mobile Health Unit Team.
- Request at least 6-8 weeks in advance of event
- Requires 6 parking spaces for 40 foot vehicle
Point of ContactMichele Kuhn, FNP
Wilmington VA Medical Center
1601 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19805
Phone: 302-250-2991
Email: Michele.Kuhn@va.gov
Additional CONTACT INFO
Location
- Wilmington VAMC
Contact Number(s)
- 302-994-2511 Ext. 5240
Hours of Operation
CONTACT INFO
Location
- Wilmington VAMC
Contact Number(s)
- 302-994-2511 Ext. 5240
Hours of Operation
- Varies
http://www.wilmington.va.gov/services/Mobile_Health_Unit_Program.asp
New Years Resolution Busted!
January 1, 2016
Ok - I tried to be reasonable, realistic and practical when setting my New Year's "resolution." After some thought, I decided I would resolve to shut down my computer everyday - no more sluggish computering and forced shut downs for me! All I had to do was actually shut down my computer and I could start fresh the next day with worry free ability to do my work. Beautiful! Genius!
January 7th, 2016
My computer is GRINDING away, the fan is whirling, Windows is hanging up. I have not shut down my computer for seven days! I cannot believe it. Oh well.
I am going to start again tomorrow. Nothing happens overnight. And I thought it would be so easy....
Happy New Year!
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Don't forget to check on the Osprey Cam!
Cape Henlopen State Park
Lewes, Delaware
Open Daily 8 a.m. to Sunset
Welcome to the 2015 Osprey Cam at Cape Henlopen State Park!
Our Osprey Cam is up and running for another season. The nest is located atop one of the SPI Pharma towers, just outside of the park. The adults should arrive around the first day of spring, March 20.
Scroll down for viewing tips and osprey updates--
Scroll down for viewing tips and osprey updates--
Our Mating Pair
The pair should be on and off the nest until the middle of April, when the female begins to lay and incubate her eggs. The male will then be stopping at the nest off and on to deliver fish to the female for most of the spring.
Watch for Chicks!
http://www.destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen/osprey.asp
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Friday, January 23, 2015
Friday Funny!
My Uncle sent me this on email today. Yes, he is retired. No, I can't gaurantee that he didn't or
wouldn't do it:
>> Yesterday I was at my local Kroger's buying a large bag of Purina Dog Chow for my loyal pet, Jake, the Wonder Dog, and was in the check-out line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.
>> What did she think... I had an elephant?
>> So because I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
>> I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is, to load your pants pockets with Purina Nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)
>> Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food had poisoned me.
I told her no, I stopped to pee on a fire hydrant and a car hit me.
>> I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.
>> Kroger's won't let me shop there anymore.
>> Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of crazy things to say.
wouldn't do it:
>> Yesterday I was at my local Kroger's buying a large bag of Purina Dog Chow for my loyal pet, Jake, the Wonder Dog, and was in the check-out line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.
>> What did she think... I had an elephant?
>> So because I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
>> I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is, to load your pants pockets with Purina Nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)
>> Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food had poisoned me.
I told her no, I stopped to pee on a fire hydrant and a car hit me.
>> I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.
>> Kroger's won't let me shop there anymore.
>> Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of crazy things to say.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Monday, December 8, 2014
Make it a Giving Holiday with an E-Gift Card for Career Services
Do you have a friend, relative, or loved one who is out of work, under-employed, or just plain miserable at work?
Give them a gift that will really mean something and get the new year started out on the right foot…
Visit us on Facebook...
Post by Professional, Rehab, and Occupational Services.
Give them a gift that will really mean something and get the new year started out on the right foot…
Visit us on Facebook...
Post by Professional, Rehab, and Occupational Services.
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