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When I worked in a nursing home for 13 years, sometimes what people don’t understand is that a lot of us REALLY DO CARE! They short staff us, we don’t have supplies we need. There’s just not enough of us to care for everyone. Sometimes one person can be responsible for 20 residents! The healthcare system needs totally revamped and a premium needs put on care givers so we can do our job.
@CLord-gs7nj That's not nearly as bad as a young student night nurse with no assistant at all (absolute truth), a ward holding 10 male adult patients (half on complete bed rest) East Wing. *AND* 10 babies/toddlers in the West Wing. Babies to have their nappies changed, temps, pulses & medicines administered etc from 6am to 8am when day staff report for duty. Same thing with patients in the male ward. Written report on patients up to date, plus temps, etc. charted. Dressings done, medicines administered, beds tidied etc. etc. before day staff reported for duty at 8am. *PHEW* 🥵
I was a CNA and I was responsible for 12-24 ladies each day. Even having 12 a day was a lot, but if the other CNA didn’t show up for the same shift from 6 am -2 pm, then it was just me. Dress them, wash them, put clean cloth diapers on many of them… etc etc. I could never do that now in my 50’s. But I loved my ladies. I would bring in my own hair care items and body lotion because what they supplied was horrible !
@cjhoward409 In NHS hospitals, have you seen nurses sitting in front of their computer screens, as well as chatting & giggling these days, oblivious of the desperate patient's requiring attention - these days. We are told how busy they are . *LOL* busy indeed, they haven't a clue what it is to be busy 🤔.
I rescued an elderly friend from a nursing home where they threw schizophrenia patients in with the frail seniors and she felt unsafe. Got the state agency involved to spring her. She came to live with me five years. As she had mild dementia i found a wonderful senior day care with wonderful activities and enrolled her. She had her own room at my house, home cooked meals, and we would go on daily walks. My German Shepherd loved her and decided she would become his job. Things went terrific, she felt loved and i loved caring for her. Them she got Covid and everything fell apart. Luckily the hospital discharged her into a facility near my house when she needed 24 hour care which was beyond my ability. I visited her several times a week. When she no longer recognized me i would sit with her and play her favorite music. Now she is gone. My German Shepherd passed a few months before her and i feel better knowing he is still loving and caring for her. I am totally at a loss but expect i will adjust eventually.
Such a beautiful, yet bittersweet story. Thank you for making her final years as wonderful as possible. C19 took too many, too soon and caused many of our elderly to die alone and probably prematurely. I'm sorry for both of your losses. Finding your footing after caregiving for that long will definitely take some time. It is a time for some caregiving of yourself now. May you be richly blessed for having been a blessing to your friend.
My wealthy aunt stipulated in her will that she was to die in her house. Any attempt to move her into a nursing home automatically meant her kids will be cut out of her will. 😂She is 95 and still living in her house.
That's just about what I told my daughter. I posted just minutes ago, that I would make sure she got nothing if she puts me in a nursing home. My now 17 year old grandson would get it all, which is fine with his father, my son. Talk about greed, she and her husband are millionaires!
I’ve been helping keep my mother in her own home (she’s 91) with my siblings. I have more response from a blank wall than I get trying to talk to them about removing medicines from her list. Either they are too overstretched as providers or too afraid of lawsuits to even hear me. In particular, I wanted the statin med to be removed. She’s 91. Finally my mom had a real improvement in cognition and I asked my brother what happened. He said she stopped statins. I asked him how he got the doctors to stop it. He replied he didn’t. He just stopped giving it to her. Having others who care advocate for you and participate in your health care is probably another key.
I'm 71 and was on Statins for 10 years. I stopped taking them and feel so much better. My routine blood tests show very little difference in my cholesterol levels.
I have a friend that had great leg strength until he started taking stations.. It took a toll on his lower legs.. Now he's off the statins he has to watch every step as it affected his circulation..Found out later that statins contain snake venom although the ingredient is not listed as such.
@@sunshinedayz2172 agree statins can be disastrous, but doubt actual snake venom. Perhaps chemical derivative or synthetic of derivative. Regardless that is a shame he suffered negative permanent changes. Hopefully healthier diet, staying active and time will improve it for him.
I’m 66, retired, on no meds, rebound at least 60 minutes daily as well as walking my dog and kettlebell workouts 2-3 times per week. I fast one day per week, eat a meat-heavy diet with fermented vegetables, no alcohol, and sleep at least 8 hours per night. I settled on this routine after a cousin celebrated her 100th birthday. I really never considered living into 90s+ so started tightening up my self-care. No way do I want to live in a nursing home. If I can’t do for myself, I don’t want to live. Take care of yourselves.
As a rehab therapist within a nursing home I can tell you that the number one thing that determines whether you go home to live alone or become a resident is the ability to safely self toilet oneself, regardless of whether you can do it with or without use of a wheelchair.
I agree with the points raised, but think most seniors, like me, cannot get up from the ground without using something for support. I have strong hands (60+ plus years piano playing ) but arthritis in both wrists. Everything else you mentioned I can do. My dad lived to be 98,my mother died at 86 from scar tissue build up in her trachea. Neither of them could have got up from the floor without some support. Both lived at home till their deaths.
@@FrontRowwithEd Great video. People need to remember "use it or lose it". What those who function well mentally and physically into the 90s or even 100s have in common are: 1) Eating REAL food instead of that junk sold in grocery stores. 2) Staying active, physically and mentally. 3) Not taking meds. I've known so many people doing great until they got talked into the first script that turned into 3,4, 10. They all treat SYMPTOMS not CAUSES. I recently invested in an Equicizer to increase balance, strength, and muscle tone. At 67, I have plans to restart two older horses and train two young ones. So I need to be in great shape before I go climbing on horses when I haven't ridden in a decade or more.
@@Growmap I'm 84 and live at home. If it weren't for the life-saving meds I take for cardio-pulmonary, arthritis and IBS, I would have bit the bullet 8 years ago when I had open-heart surgery. Or before that. TAKE YOUR MEDS if your doctor has prescribed them.
when does that all start i work in a care home mother has early stage now saw her xmas seems fine for now bit panicky nothing more got osteoarthritis cooking etc still when does it start getting worse?
My mom’s dying wish was to die at home. She was 81 and had stage four lung cancer. I work full time and have a home with 2 sons which one still lived at home at the time. I made it happen with help from some family members. Was it difficult, yes but I wouldn’t have done it any other way. People need to honor the elderly. Take care of your own.
I'm surprised he didn't address CLUTTER. Many seniors have so much stuff especially on the floor and it's so easy for them to trip over. Also not mentioned was type of footwear worn in the house. I sold shoes for over a decade and had so many seniors wanting slippers with open back that are easy on.....but so easy to come off the foot as well, and no support. Another minor point about footwear is type of sole. Make sure the bottoms are not slippery...NO knitted slippers, please! But if the person has a walker, they need a smooth,flat, firm bottom because the person rends to slide one foot in front of the other and if the surface catches, they can fall forward.
I have fallen forward while pushing a shopping cart, once the shopping cart catches on a crack I fell forward. I was in my early 60s then. Yes, it’s easy to fall once you are not as agile as before.
At 76 I go to my grandson's soccer games with a blanket and can get up easily, maybe with a little assist in cool weather. All around me are parents and kids sitting in folding chairs who sometimes groan when the have to get up. I use a very small coffee cup and have to get up to refill it. I carry a deck of cards everywhere and grandchildren love it...even those with smart phones There are many ways to exercise body and mind in ordinary daily life. Look at your habits...you don't need to join a gym or buy anything. Of course, it helps that I adopted a pointer bird dog who keeps me on my toes constantly. For many souls old age is an important time for growing and learning....
I work with this population and it’s sad to see how many are dumped into a nursing home and then ignored. It’s why I teach on holidays. The first time someone mentioned that the class I teach would fall on Christmas and said she guessed that meant no class everything changed. I asked if she would come. She responded with an absolute yes. I knew when she asked she had no one. I opened that class to anyone that wanted to come. We had 40 students. The rest is history.
@@777ttaylor I teach a stretch, strength, balance, and brain class. All these things are incorporated into each class. Some on Zoom, some live, some one on one. It’s important for this age group to remain flexible, stay strong, maintain balance and keep a sharp mind.
I grew up in the nursing home business back in the 60s and 70s and they were not good back then; today, my brother is owner of one and they are horrible. It is not always due to the owners not caring about having the residents properly cared for, although that is true in more cases today than before, but rather a lack of people willing to care for the elderly and care for them with compassion and competency. These places will only be as good as the quality of those that are being employed to administer patient care, and this country is well below poor when it comes to caring for our seasoned citizens.
Most of you stated is true; but you also need to consider the owners’ need of profit, how well do they manage their nursing homes , how well do they staff, how nutritious is the food served…etc. one competent nurse would have a tough time being in charge of 30 patients some of whom may be roaming around confused ,disoriented and acutely in pain.
@@Missusri obviously the owners need to carve at a living themselves, but I stand by everything I said; I have been connected to this business for 60 years and it basically comes down to hardly anyone willing to do this kind of work and who is competent and compassionate to the needs of the people residing there. Yes, it is a staff shortage without a doubt BUT it is also having that staff who are qualified and truly care about people, and THAT is what is in very short supply; in fact barely existent in today’s world in any area of life.
@@peggypieters661 You sound quite knowledgeable and reasonable; what I am thinking is if any nursing home employee is found incapable of being competent let alone human then terminate employment. Set good employment policy; set good floor policy for nurses and nursing assistant what they need to do i.e. they need to answer call lights within five minutes etc. ; give pain meds request within 15 min.... I think you maybe incorrect in that there ARE good, hard-hardworking nurses and nursing assistants out there. If I can help it, know I will not go to a nursing home because I do not like the strict schedule, breakfast 7:00, lunch 11:30 etc. I can not have pets; I can not mow lawn, shovel snow. Etc......
No. You can judge a society by how it treats its vulnerable citizens. That covers many more people than just the elderly. You are vulnerable at various times in your life so remember that and just be kind to others. It costs nothing and makes the difference between making others feel you actually give a damn about them and others feel you're a selfish git.
Caregiver house calls will become a common business in the next 20 years I believe. If people wants to stay home, and family members can't do it all, then the other option is to hire others to drop in for some services like house cleaning, cooking, or showers.
Fortunately I live in a country (New Zealand) where the health service pays for caregivers to come to the home and shower, cook and clean, etc, I would not like to have to pay for it.
@@SandfordSmythe How did old people live hundreds and thousands of years ago? Clearly, family banning together to care for each other is not new... Old disabled people don't need much. They just need someone to give them the basics: food and wash them when needed. Occassional outtings is enough. I mean even the normal old people don't do much in their 70s or 80s. They just sit there and watch TV most of the time anyway. Because when you're old, your energy level is low and your joint pain or illnesses doesn't allow you to move around much anyway. So, as family members, just commit to helping out your elderly family member by, at least, giving them the basics and a little more when you have more time or money. Don't let them be homeless or lonely for God's sake!!
Just so people know, falls don't stop because people go to nursing homes! Falls can happen in a second, even with people near. Most of the people I have taken care in nursing homes had dementia or some cognitive problem, and often several combined issues like incontinence, diabetes, heart problems, and strokes, broken hip or diseases that caused loss of independence. A lot of people think it is important to try to keep finding cures for their health issues, but for me, I don't want anything.... if my heart isn't working right, then don't do a thing.... the creator knows what they are doing. The only medication I want is something to reduce pain, and perhaps anti-anxiety. I don't want any of those life prolonging procedures done..... I am 69 and worked in nursing homes for many years as a nurse. I loved the people and their families (most of them) and so did my staff (most of them) and we became one big family. But the other side to this is the cost, which will drain families and patients of everything they have. Look up your legal rights so you can keep your wealth in your family and not give it to companies!
YIKES. I just turned 66, am still working, and I work mostly from home, VERY long hours with little or no opportunity to take time for exercise or any recreation. I'm already noticing it is harder to get up. Time to fix this trend FAST. Thank you for this video!
Why not? My own father, who used to balk at the multi-thousand dollars a month cost of many places, is now actually saying that $7000+/month is standard and he is planning on paying it. Rather than exercising or improving his health in order to stay out of a for-profit care home. So he is exactly the type of customer these places are catering to, in order to take as much money as they can and provide as little care as they can. If people will pay, they will be charged.
I was in a nursing home twice in 6 months due to some health issues. The first time the hospital took away medication, giving me edema and reducing my Potassium. I could not leave until these issues, caused by the hospital, were removed. They also acted as though it was against the law to live alone. The second time I was given small furniture, which was not built for a tall person like myself. Because I couldn't get out of a kindergarten chair, I had to stay in the home! They don't realize that we can be creative. I sat on the floor to unplug some things and because my knees hurt to get up, I scooted on my butt to the garage where there were steps that became a chair for me to stand. We should not just have to go to a home because of our age.
I will be 74 this month. I don't take any medications and I work out 30-45 minutes every day. I also do my best to eat a healthy diet. As you age these things are non negotiable. Hang in everybody and take care of yourselves. There are a lot of really good tips in this video. One thing I need to work on more is balance, Thank you so much for the advice!
F*CK MD, CROOKED, I DONT DO MED, JUST HERBS, GENESIS 1:29, EAT AS MOSES DID, ENOCH. IM OLD BUT MY MIND IS 25. IM FRANCOAMERICAINE FROM POITOU CHARENTES, I RULE, GET U PAPER WORK IN ORDER IF U OWN U HOME. USE SYSTEM.
Yes..buy it is you not the doctor who agrees to medications No one can make you Do your homework..pray Look the medications up Stop if you can..supplement...needed as we age ❤❤❤❤
I am 54 and I have Spastic Cerebral Palsy and I have lived on my own since I was 18. Over the last almost 28 years I have become more independent than I have ever been. It takes a lot of work and PT but it's worth it!
May God bless you always! My 23 year old has athetoid Cerebral Palsy Quadriplegia..He is very intelligent and speaks with a Mytobii eyegaze communication device but he needs someone to care for him, which I do at our home, thanks to God!
I commend you for pushing through your Physical Therapy Rhonda, it’s very hard work. God bless you and give you strength to continue your lifestyle outside an assisted living facility.
And I have spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, and have used a wheelchair since I was nine years old and a power wheelchair since I was 14. I’ve lived in many different types of places on my own since I was 22. One of the places that I lived in was an independent living facility. The apartments there were designed for people with more severe disabilities like myself, but they were open to anyone who qualified for HUD to rent. The time that I spent there was bittersweet. On one hand, I learned a lot of useful things about how to live life with disabilities as an adult. But I also saw big downsides that I did not want for my own life - legal and illegal drug use, prostitution, and just generally what becomes of others when they have pasts that they cannot get past. Lots of folks were able to live semi-independently until they became too sick to be able to do so. If they didn’t die, they were sent to spend the rest of their days in nursing homes. My worst fear is ending up in a nursing home. Like the person who started this thread, I have been very vigilant in doing a lot of things to keep myself as healthy as I can for as long as possible too, but having to go live in a nursing home is still my worst fear. PS: I was also born and raised in Portland Oregon - not too far from Bellingham. I left there when I was 40 to get married. Now my husband and I live down in Riverside County in Southern California. It’s such a contrast from the Pacific Northwest. Because of the way communities are designed here, I spend most of my time in my house now - but the blue skies and sunshine that comes through our windows everyday has done a lot to keep my mental health on the up and up.
That's all very well when we are 60 to 70 yrs . Now at 78 i have arthritis in both knees as well as I'm knock kneed from rickets and osteomyalcia. I can hardly walk, let alone stand on one leg or improve my balance. I don't fall because I'm very careful.
I’m 88 and will be 89 in 4 months ….no health or mental issues of any kind. …can I get up off the floor unassisted ??? Yes if I can crawl over to a piece of furniture or even a wall ….I have NEVER fallen or even come close to doing so. Wife and I have been married for 65 years (she will be 85 in 2 months) …..healthwise she is excellent but is in the beginning stages of dementia. We have a lovely waterfront home on a very busy waterway with constant entertainment from boats, dolphins, manatees and seabirds and most definitely don’t want to leave it. At this time we don’t need any help with anything except lawn and pool care (inexpensive) Financially we’re “OK” but definitely not wealthy….house is worth a lot but we don’t want to leave it. Don’t know how it will all end ??? “Breezed through my 70’s and doing fine at almost 90 …..never smoked , never any alcohol or illicit drugs ….drink milk (fat free) with my breakfast and have done so since birth. Never a single cup of coffee ….my doctor says “whatever you’re doing keep on doing it” ….so I do.
@billgale5568 Well done to both of you . I hope you continue as you are , I'm so sorry about your wife's dementia. I don't know what to suggest other than what you already have . Crosswords maybe . Does she like reading anything to keep her mind working. Would there be any clubs she might enjoy ? I think you must be in the US or Canada. I'm in UK. Yours Kay
@@katharinedavis4947 thanks, yes we’re in Florida and it’s quite lovely Here ….summers are warm ( lower 90’s but with a nice sea breeze here on the water) but they can get warm and in many cases even warmer far north of here. Our waterfront house (a modest but incredibly nice 2547 sq ft) is on one of the nicest pieces of property ON THE PLANET …..yes it’s that nice here. ….no complaints here.
I’m a 67 year old grandma who got a Concept 2 indoor rowing machine last December. I loved swinging on a swing set as a child and the movement of this rower mimics the 2 seat glider of that era. I listen to the oldies on my iPhone and forget I’m exercising! It’s amazing how much stronger my legs, arms, and core are now. Really helps with balance.
My beloved late uncle had to move into a care cottage by the sea in Scotland. He'd been given a year to live after 2 brain surgeries. He excelled in every way. Living 13 years more. Amazing care home. We could phone him or visit anytime. He was independently reviewed annually. His only complaint...too much food. 😂 But the care cottage closed. He was moved to a large nursing home in town. It was awful. He soon quit eating and died within a few months.
@@FrontRowwithEd It was sad but until the last few months he'd had a very blessed life. I offered to take him in but my aunt, his sister, advised me not to. He was a bachelor, a quiet gentle soul. X
We need more advice like this! Young people! Start now! Take care of yourself through a healthy diet, activity, and resist unnecessary medications!!!!!! Polypharmcy is a HUGE problem in the United States and I have come to the conclusion that it is big driver of debility as we age. I made these changes a while back and now don't take any prescription medications (other than having a rescue inhaler on hand for the random asthma attack, which is extremely rare). I am 68 years old and still mowing my yard with a push mower, taking care of a large garden and keeping bees, no problem with the stairs in my house, and I can balance on one leg to put on a pair of slacks....I can get down on the floor and back up again with no hands, and even sit on the floor cross-legged. I have a set of exercises I do to address all this young man has talked about (that I found on another P.T. channel) and, like someone else on here I do stretches before I get out of bed. I even got my 90 year old mother to start doing this! She can now do the 'chair squat' hands free and her stamina for walking is much better. It's never too late to start! I have made plans for 'aging in place' that include modifications to my home if necessary (replacing the tub with a shower, chair lift for the stairs, etc). The women in my family all live well into their 90s so I have reason to believe that I will make it there as well. I am a registered nurse, still working full time in a hospital setting, and have no intention of retiring as long as I am physically able to do the work. I have seen reports that say keeping yourself socially and intellectually active is a great defense against mental decline which is also something to consider.
This is not always true. There is a woman who was an aerobics instructor and everything about health. She had a stroke in her mid 30's. I know others who took good care of themselves and were diagnosed with MS. I believe genetics are involved but still things we can do to help fight back.
@@darlenebradley6756 Well Darlene..I protect my baby bunny..with 1 exception I learned. One or maybe 2 bunnIes in every brood stays awake during the night if they know other bunnies that conk out early so that they can warn the others if danger arises with loud thumps (and I mean loud!) Of course MY bunny also does that if he rolls over on his side, looks adorable and I pet him, waking him from dreaming of Bo k choy! But he is an affectionate daredevil guy. The difference between a dog and a bun is that dogs protect you; you protect your bun! Dogs protect..but buns are the clown princes of pets..nothing more entertaining than a binky! So I guess it evens out. Love em both..but can't have a dog AND a bun unless you have many rooms..unfortunately. But he is high maintenance I dance or walk 150 mins a week..used to be more but he requires a lot of attention as buns are social guys but I take care of my Lil guy which involves a lot of getting up from the floor constantly, vacuuming, bending to pick up cocoa puffs and changing waterproof blankets I put on the bed when he jumps. I was relieved that a lot of that counts towards the additional 150 minutes I would do every week. (I must really 💜 the Lil stinker.)
Exactly this. My mum is coming up to 87 with mixed dementia, type 2 diabetes, angina and arthritis. She is still living independently at home with family and professional support at home and goes out most days to the local shop or park. We got her melds reviewed and halved a couple of years ago, she was starting to have falls. After coming off metformin she stopped 'feeling dizzy' within a couple of weeks, no fall for two years.
The gentleman across the street was given a choice of staying home or living in a nursing home. AFTER HE SPENT A FEW DAYS, HE REFUSED TO STAY! I DIDN'T KNOW HE HAD THAT RIGHT? HE IS 81 AND STILL IN HIS HOME TODAY. I PRAY THAT HIS FAMILY WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE CARE OF HIM AND THAT HE HAS MANY MORE YEARS AT HOME. IM 78 . I NEVER WANT TO GO TO A NURSING HOME!😢 I BELIEVE AN INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITY IS NOT INDEPENDENT.
I’ve witnessed nurses, handing out meds, that give the resident a jigger size amount of water, when administrating 4 -5 pills. I pray I die, on my couch…..when it’s my time.
That's very true and this is a very valuable video. I am sporty and I am very active all my life. Now at 70 there are things I stopped doing to prevent injuries like tennis play, running, jogging. I opted daily brisk walking and swimming, 5/7 one hour each day laps and occasionally moderate hiking along the coast when weather permits. I started daily fasting 2 years ago to control my blood glucose under 100. Successfully done with fasted results under 90. Cut down high carbs foods, limit alcohol to only special occasions. I achieved my goal being a healthy senior. Am a bit slightly underweight and am watching carefully what I eat, my workout activities and monitoring my sleep. All that really help to fight the symptoms of aging but cannot stop it. We do all we can in the aging process. Good diet, a routine daily workout and a goodnight sleep are the formula to keep seniors well and happy. It's not about living long, but living happily. And lastly I don't want to be a burden for anyone. 👍+Subscribed 💕
Good day ..what discipline ..i have started doing that now am 62 and still in government service ..i have noticed many younger people now often have sick leave than we older ones ..
I worked in Nursing Homes since I was 16 and I’m 66 now. I’ve been anything from a CNA to the Director of food Services. I’ve worked in many places and some have been fair and other horrible. I’ve seen so many sad and many terrible things. It scares me to even think of ever having to go into a Nursing Home. Most of the issues revolve around lack of staff. Most CNAs go into the work wanting to take care of the elderly, but quickly become burnt out due to lack of staff and eventually take it out on their patients. And it’s sad to say they see the nurses sitting behind the counter chit chatting about their personal lives except during their couple medication/wound care rounds per shift. Often these don’t take long. The CNAs are so over worked that they don’t have time to answer call lights or take their residents to the bathroom. They get scolded by staff and families for this but the Nurses just ignore the problem and say it’s not their job to help the CNAs. I think it’s terrible. I honestly hope I never have to go into a Nursing Home, but if I do I hope my children chose wisely but often there’s not a lot of choices on where to go if you don’t have great insurance. Children should visit the Nursing home often. These patients often get the best care. Ask questions, especially if something seems off. Ask for female CNAs for a female patient. I (have horror stories I won’t get into here.) It would be a great thing to put a camera in the patients room and check it often, either seen or unseen by the staff. If they do know it’s there it could act as a deterrent to misconduct. Sorry I don’t have more confident things to say about Nursing Homes. I know many people don’t have a choice about putting loved ones in them and you shouldn’t beat yourself up over it. Just do the best you can, visit often and be an advocate for your loved one.
A neighbour recently passed away aged 106, yet she managed to live in her own home right till the end. She had no close family but had carers visit 6 times a day in her final years. She was happy with the arrangement and resisted any suggestion she move into a home.
From the British spelling of "neighbor" and the term "carer" which is what they call caregivers, I think this person lives in the U.K. There, they do have aides who rotate around visiting the homes of elderly people multiple times a day to help with dressing, bathing, meals and getting ready for bed -- and I think the government pays for it. In the U.S., we can only dream of this. 😓
Wonderfully done. I clicked on the left to bring up your whole channel. There’s one about meds. I’ll gather my strength before watching….chewing nails is effort. Of the family members and friends I’ve been around…people are over medicated. No one reviews what the person is taking at all, much less considers if it is still necessary…if it ever was. Don’t stop taking. Get sound advice, but, everything needs review…insurance does, meal planning does, going on a road trip by consulting maps does. One thing …please consider…your loved one should be seeing a gerontologist. They’re experienced in maladies and gerontologists are not prone to slap-happy prescriptions to solve every complaint. A friendly visitor approach is what is needed. Someone visit the home three times a week to check how things are going, Note…the stove left on…go to microwave use. Food leftovers piling up, not dated. Use dollar store baskets to organize by date and content. Have preprinted labels in baggies…drop the wrapped food into this bag. Have the patient quick -photo the shelves, it’s an activity , and it keeps everybody on board. I noticed in this video…electric tea kettle. Great. Can see the water level, right there on the counter. Great. Now…can a 90 year old hand and wrist negotiate it? Employ the rarely used coffee urn. Water is loaded from the top, fingertip action, lever the spout forward. The friendly visitor approach is synagogue or church based. Or, round robin. You do for me, I’ll do for you. We're all new at this. Homes were multi-generational by custom and tradition. Nobody had to worry about where to put Uncle Joe. Now this. Use the blue Share Arrow above. Forward this excellent show to family members. It’s can be used as an ice-breaker….let's talk.
For all the wonder stories people go on about, I have one thing to say...in one second all that could crash. Never boast about your good health when it can shame others for in a moment all your good fortune could change.
That is very true, and something I think about a lot. I live alone on a limited income and have no family nearby. I worry about the day when I can no longer stay in my mobile home as it is the cheapest housing option around. So I am trying to do my best to stay independent and make good choices but as you said it all can change in an instant.
I waa healthy as a horse yet had just turned 30 when I was (finally!) diagnosed with c--cer. Just last night I stumbled across a former competitive cheerleader who fell doing a toss and became a quadriplegic at 18. She was quite healthy and had oodles of medals to prove it. That said, it's not necessarily boasting, but simply saying what they're doing to take care of themselves. And some people take offense to it because that's not the case for their situation. But yes, it can definitely change in the blink of an eye.
Stay active if you can. I still mow my grass, trim by hedge, and get groceries riding my electric standing scooter. Hope to continue doing so for at least a couple more decades.
A nurse who works in extended care said there are 3 main things to do to stay out of a nursing home: 1. Get rid of all throw rugs (one of the main culprits in falls) 2. Work on your continence - if you can keep dry you get to stay out of a nursing home, and 3. Brain health. These are the 3 main reasons people go into care, and these days there are many things you can do: mct oil for brain health (see dr Mary Newport videos), the new exercise programs for pelvic floor strength and continence. Please add any resources in reply to help with these issues. Let’s help ourselves stay independent and free :)
I hope when I get older not too go in a nurseing home and I get still keep fit you'r what you eat and drink and I will get a will done too not go in a home when I rearly age and you can die at eny age and time fly's people just dont get it,😢
One can really help with incontinence by staying off of sugar or too many carbs. The sugar causes water retention, and the carbs (except for vegetables) turns into sugar.
Thank you for these tips and advice. They are so helpful. I am a psychotherapist and I have a client who is in her mid 80’s who has had a serious back injury for over 20 years and stays in a lot of pain. She is on a lot of meds pain killers especially. She just started using a walker. Frankly, I think she is amazing to endure all she endures. She watches her great grands when she can. Her family is so good to her and reassures her she will not go into a nursing home. She lives alone and is so afraid of going into a nursing home. Her family reassures her they will not do that to her.
Some of my daily personal care plan routines at age 73 are: One lap around my floor at my apt comlex equals one city block. I do a least five laps per day which is about a 15-20 minute brisk walk ...and it can be done whatever the weather is outside. Sometimes, I pole walk with Activator poles so that I get upper body exercise as I walk. I make sure I do five flights of stairs per day....not all in one climb ...but throughout the day. I do streches in bed in the morning....and throughout the day. Chair squats to keep my legs strong. And all those pesky medical checkups! I oil pull for my teeth, and get regular cleanings. I eat a gluten and dairy free diet. Low sugar. I keep away from treats...except for dark chocolate! I take supplements...especially Vitamin D. I belong to "Love Living at Home," my chapter of the nationwide "Village Movement." Seniors helping Seniors. With LLH, I have over 100 volunteers to assist me in feeling confident that I can stay in my home as long as possible! We also have an varied social calendar. My hobbies are: Photography, Writing, and Painting. I truly believe that there are many good paths that we can walk upon as we age that will keep us healthy and strong!
You are only 73 , why shouldn’t you be doing all the things you are doing! The reason why people end up in the home is because they get sick because of all that horrible food and sugar. Everyone should go grain free then you’ll see how good you feel.
I worked with a lady for 7 years and she started in our shop at age 74. She worked the fill shift at 5 :00 am until 1:00 pm. It was heavy work After work she went to her sons house to take care of her grand son at age 1. The mom went back to work and grandma to care of him until dad came home at 4:30 pm. She did that until the grandson went to school all day. When grandma turned 81 the company shut down for good. She look for further employment and worked at an park the was open from may until September as a cook in the kitchen where they had to where old fashion clothing from the 1900. 10 hrs a day 5 days a week. She finally got an lower cost apartment sponsort by the church which lowert her monthly cost. Finally retired at age 86. An Halloween she turned 92 and still does her 3 km daily walk. She also had an open house for her birthday and all her friends showed up to help her celebrate. She greeted every person coming in and as spunky as hell. She has 7 children and many grandchildren and great grand children. She flies all over the country for her grand children’s weddings and grads from higher education . She even flew to Germany for her grandsons grads of becoming a medical DR. She is doing her daily exercise and showed the world it can be done. She also free of medication . Can one imagine got married at 17 and been working for ever on the parents farm and worked until age 86. Way to go Holly .👍
began juggling over a year ago, few minutes in the morning and at night. took months to even accomplish basic juggle, using heavy juggling balls over my bed for ease of picking up the dropped balls. saw increase of balance, dexterity and core muscles. am 72 year old woman, using a walker, fighting her way back from years of not moving. most fun i have ever had doing physical therapy. praise the Lord!
Ed- I just want to say Thank You so much for all your informative videos. Watching my mom / dad/ father in law decline with mobility issues - promoted me to join a gym and start working out. I am64 thin and have osteorperosis so I will be reviewing your videos to make sure I don't over do anything. Thank you again.
I'm 54 and not a senior yet but i was in an auto wreck in 2007 which left me crippled. I was in a wheelchair for two years,i migrated to a walker,then pain pills and then a cane. I didnt want to rely on a walking stick forever so i threw it away (reluctantly!). I did it to force me to regain my balance and strengthen my leg, i live alone so i have to be careful.I'm still wobbly at times, lol but i get better each time i get out!
@@novembersky3749 ...sometimes though, I feel like I'm in my late 80's because of my injury but by the Grace of my Maker, I am still able to stand and walk. It gets better once I get out and do it instead of making excuses not to!
I started and worked at an 11 bed private nursing home. It was in a beautiful old New England farmhouse. I thought the residents would enjoy life in a home atmosphere. Not. Most of them wanted to be at their own home. The families brought them to us. One old gal was told by her doctor that she could fall down her staircase. Her response "then I will die at home!" I saw lots of shenanigans concerning money! It was a depressing business and I sold it after three years. The only residents who were content came to us for the hard Maine winter knowing they would be going home in the spring. Most of our residents were women. Suffering from dementia. One morning at breakfast an old gal asked someone what time it was, her watch had stopped. She got several replies with varying times!!! Ruth a woman who would hide her soiled underwear!!! replied "we are always worried about the time and have nowhere to go"!!! I could write a book about those three years, if only I could write!!!!!
What do you mean? If you could write. You've written this post. I read it and found it to be interesting. I think it would be a very interesting story. You could describe a Maine winter too for a little more interesting detail. I'd buy it.
Thanks for this good video, it reminded me to get back to exercising! Id like to give everyone a couple important tips to lessen their chances of tripping before you do anything. Walk thru your home and remove all throw rugs scattered about, #1 tripping hazard. And only use smaller comforters on your bed, you can still put a skirt on the bed but the larger bedspread is a common tripping hazard. Tripping usually happens in the middle of the night. The spread slides down and trips you up. My knowledge comes from working in Senior housing for over 20 yrs.
Thankyou for great advice 💕I had a wonderful Grandmother 95 who had a fall , so her daughter sent her to a nursing home , sold her home straight away and she sadly died within two months, after complications of another fall. Things could have been very different ....
As a family we are currently doing 24 hour care for my 91 yr old MIL. Six months ago she didn’t qualify for nursing home care. We will continue doing this until she can’t walk anymore, at least. The nursing homes in our area are in lockdown mode right now. Having mom in her own home is so much better for her and for us as a family.
@FrontRowwithEd 👍🏻👏👏👏 Well done. I find the Indians & easterners, Chinese, Africans & some others take care of their aged - regardless. *AND SO IT SHOULD BE* . Everyone should be taught how to take care of their aged family members with gentility, love patience & and tolerance - period, and not palm off their responsibility to a care home .
@sherril.562 Unfortunately, not only the North Americans. Most Westerners ie. UK, European countries, and even African countries have adopted this selfish detached attitude toward their senior relatives, claiming they haven't the skills nor the time, whereas the care home givers are trained for these *DUTIES* 😔😪. *VERY VERY SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS* .
@patthomson8591 : Have you ever cared for a parent who is doubly incontinent, wanders everywhere, turns night into day, is a danger to themselves and to the home, screeches incessantly, is physically violent, smears faeces all over the walls ? And all this when you have to work full time outside the home ? How do you propose to care for this relative yourself ? That's the reality for many people who have a parent with dementia. Please don't be so judgmental about the use of nursing homes !
Great information. Will definitely send this to my parents for discussion. Thank you for your advocacy in helping elders live independently and with dignity. ❤
This is the one thing that should never happen in a free country, grown children forcing their parents into a nursing home, many times to steal their parents home and belongings. Fortunately for me my grown children are all very well off. Executives etc. Also I do not live near them, we only communicate on Bdays or Christmas. I am in my 80's and I live alone in the boondocks. I love it and no one is going to put me away. I want to be left alone to die here in peace. I am armed and I will never leave my home without a fight. America is unique in that most countries the children care for the parents till death. In America nursing homes are a multi billion dollar enterprise that try to push old people into their domain.
Good for you George! You’re absolutely right about how America is unique like this, and many kids trying to take advantage of their aging parents- not much sadder than that! It’s great to live in the country, happy for you. Hope you have a few nice neighbors you can socialize with, this helps us stay healthy too.
I don't know how the system works in the USA, but in the UK, a person's house is sold to pay for the nursing home. There is usually nothing left for children to inherit. Therefore there would be no incentive for children to " force" parents into a nursing home !
My lovely Mom had to go into care because someone along the line had deemed her as "challenging" .. No one thought to speak her nicely or with some respect because of her Alzheimer's. I find it strange that professional people would not treat someone with a brain tumour or serious head injury with disrespect.. I was more than willing to have her at home with family but The Powers That Be refused & although she begged to come home they stated she was not capable of making that decision.. Heart-breaking. Thank you for this, none of us want to be simply a "body" but often the system fails.
This is terrifying. It's horrible to think strangers get a say but you don't! Didn't realize this could happen. Can you file to be conservators or medical power of attorney?
@@moocrazytn happens here in Australia, the government steps in and takes everything from you, no longer in control of your own money and assets, they actually make money from you charging huge fees. Even pets are left to fend for themselves, no compassion.
Sometimes putting a family member in a home is the only thing you can do, especially if you love them. My father got to the point of not being able to live on his own. He was constantly falling, in spite of therapy to work on his balance. Plus he was showing signs of dementia. My oldest brother lives overseas. He came back twice for a month at a time to stay with him. My sister is a snow bird and doesn't live in the area. Her husband has health problems. But in spite of that, she stayed with him for a month. Her son was also able to stay with him for a month and work remotely. He was, unfortunately, the only family member that had this option. My other brother is a widower and has his own problems. Plus, he works full time and often works overtime. That left me. If there was any way I could have cared for him, I would have. Before he got bad, I was checking on him twice a day. I was doing his yard work and house work, taking him for appointments, etc. Then my husband got diagnosed with what turned out to be terminal cancer. I couldn't care for both of them. We did our research and visited all the homes in the area. While Dad hadn't wanted to go in, he adjusted pretty quickly. He was well cared for and even put on weight! He lived there for just over 2 years before passing at the age of 93.
@dizzysdoings : Well said! 👏 I'm seeing very judgmental people on here who are hopelessly naive about the reality of caring for relatives, especially those with advanced dementia.
I'm not a senior citizen yet but wanted to watch this out of curiosity. Now I understand why my grandma ended up in a nursing home. I'll continue riding my bike like a ninja to avoid ending up in one. Very helpful! Thanks!
I also worked in the British dementia care system for 24 yrs and the commonest reason for elderly people being put into care was their families panicking, being unable due to work or unwilling to be responsible for their well-being. The other was care managers deciding client not safe alone. It's no good paying for care in the person's own home be cause the delivery of these services are so erratic. Understaffing in care homes means that the individuals become tasks to be done as quickly as possible to fit into the homes regimes, timetables. Holistic care is the ideal preached, but without sufficient staff there aren't enough hours spare in a work shift to sit and socialise with these unfortunates people, some of who will never see the outside world again because of private owners tight budgets and their unwillingness to provide outings. Occasionally bringing in amateur musicians to play music to a captive audience was the best that they could expect other than TV. Staff want to give a more humane approach to caring, but if they're rushed off their feet bathing, stripping beds, feeding meals, taking to the toilet in time for next task, it's impossible.
I am 83 y. Old had a fall had ops on brain but lucky totally ok i am in age care because of balance problems cant live on my own anymore i hD to learn to live here it took me a while i am free to go where i want to i have taxi card its ok now thanks for listening xx
Thank you. Exactly what I need. I contracted encephalitis late September. I’m 73 years old. And I’m determined to stay in my home. I had a colonoscopy a couple of months ago and was told I have 20 more years! I’m claiming it!! Lol. And I want them all in my home. It’s my happy place. I have made an almost full recovery, for which I am truly grateful!! We are fellow Washingtonians!!! Yeah great state.
I have to laugh at myself! I am 94 years young and two of my children have returned to the family home! We lead our own lives with help available for me but I am determined to stay in my own home. Love Totterer and Potterer, try and stay free!
Working exercises into your every day activities is really great for people like me who don't keep up with exercise programmes. I stand on one leg when I'm brushing my teeth morning & night, when I wipe down the kitchen bench and when I put my sox on. Whenever I rise from the toilet I sit and rise 3 times. I realised a few years ago that not having a lazy Susan in my deep corner cupboard had helped me be able to rise unaided from a squat. So think twice before adding "easy" mod cons to your life.
My mom is in a memory care unit. She has Alzheimer’s and is unable to toilet herself. Even though she didn’t want to ever live in a residential setting it became necessary for safety and care reasons. She is in a wonderful facility. Top Notch! Well trained and caring staff and leadership. Not all places are terrible. Do your research. Visit and ask people in the community.
it depends on whether you do correct exercises often. I do yoga five days a week, weight lifting and cycling often. I can play with my three grandchildren on the floor. my husband is 75, does stretching everyday on the floor. walking fast everyday at park . we cook and clean house everyday, we try not to rely on others.
I have been teaching group fitness for 35 years and now teaching Barre classes for seniors to keep us/them strong and flexible from head to toe to avoid this scenario. ❤
Hi! I just discovered your channel and immediately subscribed. The information in this video is so important, both to those who have been unaware of it and those of us who need to be reminded of it. I went through this with my mother many years ago and being in my mid 70s now, I was needing to have my memory nudged on this subject. I thank you so much for this wake up call! I've always been a very independent person and hope to continue to be for many years more. The reminder you've given me should be a big help in achieving this goal.
Being able to live independently is the key ability. My folks didn't have fall issues, they exercised, just denial that they would get old. My folks refused to make a plan, thinking I would move 120 miles and live with them then they needed help. I have a business that is not transportable. I also own a smaller home next door to me with first floor living. My folks REFUSED to consider moving there, at least part time to try it out. Their health crisis caused me to step in and make a plan. Because they had not moved near me and have support in place or make a plan, it was up to me, a couple of weeks before I went to help my daughter and infant for a month. Making no plan means you are allowing your kids to ultimately make a plan that works for them.
Yes, absolutely it’s a hard conversation but we need to have it with our parents and hopefully they understand what needs to happen. Thank you for sharing.
@@FrontRowwithEd I am 82 and live in the boondocks thousands of miles from all my children. We speak, give gifts, e-mail maybe 2-3 times a year. I want it this way as I intend to live in my home, on my own land, until I die. I will never be taken from my home without one hell-a-va fight. I am a very peaceful man, but no one will ever remove me from my home. The laws that allow others, such as children, have parents placed in nursing homes are blatantly unconstitutional and should never be enforced. That is why I do not want to live close enough to any relatives that might check up on me. Fortunately I live in Arizona and their constitution is stricter than the US constitution when it comes to welfare checks. Elderly people should not be terrorized by so called caring relatives.
I don't have children. I'm not going to leave it to my grandnieces and nephews to care for me. I'm 67 and already showing signs of cognitive impairment.
I found mom near death from dehydration after she did not answer the phone. She would have died in her home as she intended but I'm pretty sure she would not have expected she would naked on the floor for several days as she dehydrated.@@ggeorge4144
About 5 years ago I was walking down my street and there was a Subaru Outback with a mountain bike on the back and a man was getting out of the drivers seat. He wasn't exactly moving gingerly but I got his attention. He didn't look like no young sprout either. So I chatted him up and he was telling me about the mountain bike club he was part of. I was interested. He said that I would be about in the middle at 66 y.o. Now I'm getting more curious. I kept talking to him (Chuck) and and finally curiosity got the best of me and had to ask him how old he was. He told me 83. My jaw dropped. He and his wife at 75 y.o. both mountain bike. He told me he was a grinder and his wife was a spinner. I'm shaking my head. What an inspiration to live by haven't heard from Chuck since but he really made an impression on me. I've kept real active with my mountain biking at 71 y.o. Have a week in Sedona reserved in April for my obsession. Way too early to be hanging up my spurs. It's not how old you are it's how you've kept up is the lesson from Chuck. Eat right and keep moving!
I moved furniture for two plus decades. Countless moves into facilities. From independent living to memory care. I cannot imagine a more exquisite manifestation of hell than living in a facility. Even the nicest. It's a cage with gilded bars. Being a mover I am also well aware of falls. They are no joke. Falls are what eventually end your career.
This was very good. Very simple. Very good. Not long ago, I experienced a lot of falling. I took 9 stitches in my forehead. Missed all the others! Regaining balance took a lot of effort and time. It can be done! You have to do the work. This is not what I expected to see in this video. It was very good. Thank you. ~ 🦋
I am 75, joined a gym that specialises in strength/resistance and cardio training with a personal trainer every time. It is not cheap, but I thought it is time to focus on physical fitness with a trainer who decides on a plan to train me.
Yes, excellent plan. Those are well spent dollars since many seniors spend hundreds per month on prescription medications also. Good luck and keep on exercising!
breaks my heart in a million pieces to see old women in nursing homes when they don't need to be..and shouldn't be. I use to help out and visit them in nursing homes and the one old lady who was over one hundred years old and couldn't see and walk , but had her mental stuff still there...she would just sit in her bed staring at a tv she couldn't see and her kids would visit her, maybe for a half hour once a week...I visited her every day for at least an hour and took her out in the patio, pusher her in her chair and just talked and sang songs to her..I just cant beleive her own kids left her in a very badly run home which was dirty and the phillipine staff were very cold and lazy to say the least...
Bless your heart! You will be blessed. Remember Mother Teresa's words...In the Final Analysis, its between you and God. Most adult kids do not care about an old parent. They will be treated the same one day.
im not surprised. my children dont want to take care of me. im in good shapr physically and mentally. but i feel bad because they dontwant to help me.😅
Thank you ! 🌹🌻🌹 I am 68 and practice a lot of exercices consciously during my ordinary work during the day... while I am gardening or anything, I take this opportunity to make specific exercices in the process... I prefer this than to stop to exercice for 5 or 10 minutes... so whatever I am doing, I seek for the natural physical exercise challenge... and of course I have been doing yoga when I was young so I know what kind of exercices but this physical training is natural to me... I also travel with heavy backpack (7 kilos), because I think it is important to wear some weights so to challenge my back and my muscles, provided I do it in the right positions... I crouch down or work in that position and then stand up again (I think this is very very important)... walk backwards... cross barriers... ... anything... but always very very carefully... balance you're right of course is very important too... you know we have examples of very old people living sometimes alone in very poor countries and they still continue at 80 or so to go to the fields and work it. They are obliged to survive like this and to rely on themselves for most of things ...as in those countries there are not the possibility to go in a retiring home so they stay in their home, make fire, collect wood, grow their own vegetables and so on... I have also seen people (more than 70) going to trek the "Chemin the saint Jacques the compostelle" with heavy bags, and while they had knee or hips prothesis !!! and so on... examples examples that give us courage ... in our rich countries, we are not used to train ourselves like this... and when we stop working, we stop moving because we think now we are old... but this is the precious time when we can begin to live our life and time freely and for ourselves... it is important to continue to feel and take care of our body and to live consciously in it.... so that it feels concern and well-being because of being kindly paid attention by their owner ... and let's stop to count the years... 🌹🌻🌹
What a special video! It reminded me of my Granny, who’s 105 and still sharp as ever. The problem is, my mother is in the first stages of dementia and unable to care for her. We document her nursing home life and family visits, and your video resonates with me so much.
Challenging sense of balance….what a concept! I’m forwarding this to everybody. I use a screenshot for something you’ve said. The screenshot goes to Photos, I can look a few times, go right to the place in the vid because it’s time stamped. My pet peeve is…nobody alters their furniture. Same furniture for twenty years. Give me something to hold as I walk. Everybody should have an orange emergency whistle on the door knob. See a dog walker or letter carrier, whistle for help. I’ve had several falls, each time I’ve studied how it happened. And, I’ve made immediate changes. Best for lower body is a quality recumbent bike. Expect to pay, expect to pay for assembly. Don’t buy a cheeseball item from big box. Quality is worth the price. It has resale value. You can have 2-3 friends to do twenty minute sets. Share the cost, don’t scrimp.
I’m in my 60s, retired and love going to the gym! I enjoy working out with weights. Been doing it since I was 12 years old. Had my share of injuries like most people who enjoy lifting but that’s part of the game. As I age I believe this has helped me. When I see people my age struggle physically, I think working out in the gym all these years has paid off.
My father lived in his house until his 99th birthday!!!! On his own after mum passed away we all thought he needs to be cared, And he used to say if I can't cook for myself or use the bathroom I will let you know!!!😊 bless him he never did. Amazing in positive thinking and always said never stop moving!!
In one of my nursing positions, I visited patients in their homes. You would not believe all the “clutter” I saw in almost every home. From excessive furniture pieces to trash left on the floor, not to mention throw rugs, these homes were definitely unsafe.
I wonder. An 88 year old very active woman one day just fell over while working in the yard. She was found when her daughter came home from work. Her daughter fretted over her mother feeling it was cruel to leave her alone, and so put her in an aged care home. There was little to no money for her care, and within 3 months her mother had died from a blood clot after she fell out of bed onto a hard floor in the care home. At least when she fell in the yard, the ground was much gentler to her body, than the hard floors of care homes. Ive heard of several more elderly people who died about 3 months after being put into aged care for safety. They all had the fall out of bed, then the blood clot from the fall, causing the death. How often does this sequence occur I wonder.
@@beverlypearson5332Some people get physically unable to reach far enough to wipe their kitchen counter, too weak to sweep/mop. Too dizzy 🥴 to bend over to pick up the junk on the floor. Bodies can limit the behavior. Cleaning a home is physically demanding and can be dangerous or very painful
My mother went to a rehabilitation center after surgery and prolonged intensive care, as a result, she had to learn to walk again. The rehabilitation center had a sign next to her bed that said, “Do not leave valuables behind”. I said, “My mother is valuable”. We got her out shorty after that, and cared for her at home until she passed away 5 years later.
It also helps if your house is safe. Well lit. No rugs that you can trip over. Things like that. I have a friend who is 70 something. A few years ago she broke her ankle while walking multiple very large dogs. She was in the hospital and then they had to put her in rehab but her insurance only covered like two weeks. And the main problem that she had to be in rehab for apparently was: her bathroom was on the second floor. So she stayed in a hotel for two more weeks and paid for it out of her own pocket. But this is not a good thing. Insurance wouldn't pay for her to get to a place where she could get to the bathroom by herself. Anyway she got back home and she's fine.
@karlabritfeld7104 also consider if you can get in and out of the house without steps? do you have laundry on the same level as your living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom? can you have a bath or shower if you can't walk or get in and out of a tub or shower? are the doors and hallway wide enough for a walker or wheelchair? I put in a laundry room upstairs and have a shower with a small step into, but the door is too small for a walker without turning sideways. so I have more work to do.
0:58 #1 reason elder people move to nursing homes? multiple falls and unsafe conditions 1:41 limit prescription medications to less than 4 to reduce side effects of lightheadedness or dizziness 2:45 increase strength of lower body to improve balance and agility 3:20 work on improving balance for 3-5 minutes daily
I was thinking you might discuss the important role OT plays in keeping people, not just seniors safe in the home. OT’s assess the client’s self-care activities to make necessary recommendations and instruct them in safe shower or bath transfers, bed transfers and bed mobility. OT’s instruction clients in safe meal preparation, how to get groceries etc. Plus energy conservation strategies. How to get off the floor if they fall, use of life alert systems, what to do in an emergency, safely entering and exiting their home. It is more complex to be at home safely than just balance. Think of clients who are w/c bound? Marilyn OT
Your video was most Informative and interesting to boot. I'm a senior citizen and I certainly don't want to end up in an old age home.In my country and in our culture,children take of their elderly elders but since I don't wish to be a burden on anyone, I will follow your advice. Right now, I'm quite alright, albeit with a niggling problems Nothing serious though.So ,thank you for your guidance and counseling. 😊
@@patriciayohn6136 I'm not sure what happened here, but I posted this reply to a video about an old man who was starving because he couldn't get to the store to get groceries and called 911. So money wasn't the issue, getting groceries was. And so as I posted, you can get groceries delivered, you can order food delivered. Not sure how my comment got moved to this video. Obviously my comment has nothing to do with falling.
I’m 66 and retiring. I paddle board and have balance. I take 1 medication for thyroid. I hike and eat healthy. I want to stay healthy and if my adult children don’t start taking care of themselves then I’ll be taking care of them.
Thank you, this is really helpful. Being 65 years old. My mother is 88 and is still at home but she's fallen about 2 times. She has afibs and ministrokes.
Here are the links I talk about in the video: Balance training th-cam.com/video/ZjauWPw3bVE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=h5FyxyoT3J8yHwcW. 5 Exercises for Seniors th-cam.com/video/yQ0G5x5hI28/w-d-xo.htmlsi=QJeBMtZ9ZOrDY5Ea Safe Osteoporosis exercises th-cam.com/video/gHboKGnytWY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=zsRHeV-lIrEA0gfh Learn more about Healthy Aging at our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/livewell50. Thanks for watching and keep exercising!
One thing I noticed in your kitchen was that you have a plastic bowl on your stove. That is something that can be deadly for a senior. They put a plastic bag or a tea towel on the stove top, then inadvertently turn on the wrong element and the object catches fire. Panic ensues causing them to try to run and then fall. I saw my mom doing this when she was alone and told her about it. One day I came to her house and there was a lid that was melted. I said nothing, but she said she knew all about it and had told her neighbour that I would give her shit because I'd told her not to put things on the stove.
@@onetuliptree Put red stickers on the knobs for the back two elements so that I don't turn them on by accident and I don't keep anything on my stove when I'm not using it.
I am retired and recently moved into an 18 plus community (26 units). The majority of people living here are widows/widowers 75-95. They constantly complain that they are lonely, but won’t invite anyone over for coffee/tea. They won’t look after their home because they say they are old and use their age as a weapon towards me to get me to do their yard work. I also have medical issues and look after my place but am feeling sicker looking after all the other yards and community property. When I do this work they complain that I am not doing it right (I have a masters degree and always research how to do things). When I suggest that maybe their kids could help them they tell me their kids are too busy and if they ask they will put them in a home. They won’t do any exercise or little things to keep them mobile. They still drive and run over garbage cans and drive the 100 yards to the mailbox to get their mail as they can’t walk.They are going to kill somebody driving. Senior residences are not always a bad thing and can pro-long the quality of life for the individual, family and the community. As I said, we have 9 widows/widowers in my cul de sac and are thinking of taking a loss on our property to preserve our life.
No, a truth teller. I lived in a senior community (we all owned our own homes) and were only 62. The neighbors were all in their 80s-90s and it makes you begin to feel decrepit. We only lasted one year there. @@karlabritfeld7104
Listen to him. Besides arthritis, my mom was in good health. Except to go to the bathroom and to the kitchen for food, she literally sat all day, every day. Now, she's bedridden and I'm stuck taking care of her. Please stay active and don't burden your children. Also, being stuck in bed is an extremely low quality of life.
@@GeminieCricket Yes, stuck. I love my mom, and I told her repeatedly that if she didn't move more, she was going to end up in her current condition. It was completely avoidable. She was an awesome mom for me growing up. But, that doesn't mean I must be happy about what's happening now. If she hadn't been such a good mom, I'd have put her in a care home long ago.
I will literally move heaven and earth to be positive neither my beloved husband or I will NEVER go to a nursing home! My step son just moved into the ranch style home (our first home) and we are in our mid sixties. We moved next door to a two story home in 2019. I’m in much worse health than my husband and I expect to go first. Should my husband precede me we are in the process of making certain I don’t go to a nursing home. We are very active and I’ve had horses since I was in my teens. Horses assist humans in keeping their balance and entire body in good shape. Between hauling and unloading 50 pound sacks of feed, 85 pound square bales of hay and riding several times a week my body is in much better shape than most women my age. Not everyone can afford horses I understand. I personally can’t afford NOT to have them!! I’m within 5 pounds of my ideal body weight. However I’m in worse shape than my beloved husband! Please listen to this man!! He knows what he’s talking about! Prayers for all of us!! ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🏇🏿🏇🏿🏇🏿
I was raised in the nursing home business; they were terrible back in the 60s, 70s and beyond, and today they are horrific!!!! Don’t let their possible swanky looking facility fool you. Any kind of hospital, assisted living, memory care or nursing home will ONLY be as good as those giving the patient care, and the reality is next to. No one wants to work at these places and those who do, at least the majority, give lousy patient care. My brother who still owns one to this day says it is next to impossible to get even an RN to work let alone those who do the actual patient care. If, at all possible, keep your loved ones out of these places; I cannot say this strongly enough!!!
I agree with what Ed suggests. As with nursing homes or age care facilities, expect that they will not improve the care of the elderly any time soon. No amount of money will make drastic changes. Better to stay out of nursing homes as much as possible.
I'm glad I found your site. I am 77 and need to check out all your videos because I am off balance some time. I use a walker and feel I need your help.
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When I worked in a nursing home for 13 years, sometimes what people don’t understand is that a lot of us REALLY DO CARE! They short staff us, we don’t have supplies we need. There’s just not enough of us to care for everyone. Sometimes one person can be responsible for 20 residents! The healthcare system needs totally revamped and a premium needs put on care givers so we can do our job.
@CLord-gs7nj
That's not nearly as bad as a young student night nurse with no assistant at all (absolute truth), a ward holding 10 male adult patients (half on complete bed rest) East Wing. *AND* 10 babies/toddlers in the West Wing.
Babies to have their nappies changed, temps, pulses & medicines administered etc from 6am to 8am when day staff report for duty.
Same thing with patients in the male ward. Written report on patients up to date, plus temps, etc. charted.
Dressings done, medicines administered, beds tidied etc. etc. before day staff reported for duty at 8am. *PHEW* 🥵
I was a CNA and I was responsible for 12-24 ladies each day. Even having 12 a day was a lot, but if the other CNA didn’t show up for the same shift from 6 am -2 pm, then it was just me. Dress them, wash them, put clean cloth diapers on many of them… etc etc. I could never do that now in my 50’s. But I loved my ladies. I would bring in my own hair care items and body lotion because what they supplied was horrible !
@cjhoward409
In NHS hospitals, have you seen nurses sitting in front of their computer screens, as well as chatting & giggling these days, oblivious of the desperate patient's requiring attention - these days. We are told how busy they are . *LOL* busy indeed, they haven't a clue what it is to be busy 🤔.
@anathardayaldar9324
☺️ I can imagine, although I've not worked in a Nursing home - assuming these homes are a business enterprise run for profit🤔.
@@cjhoward409you a nice person ,god bless you, and your family but it’s not many like you these days ,🥰
I rescued an elderly friend from a nursing home where they threw schizophrenia patients in with the frail seniors and she felt unsafe. Got the state agency involved to spring her. She came to live with me five years. As she had mild dementia i found a wonderful senior day care with wonderful activities and enrolled her. She had her own room at my house, home cooked meals, and we would go on daily walks. My German Shepherd loved her and decided she would become his job. Things went terrific, she felt loved and i loved caring for her. Them she got Covid and everything fell apart. Luckily the hospital discharged her into a facility near my house when she needed 24 hour care which was beyond my ability. I visited her several times a week. When she no longer recognized me i would sit with her and play her favorite music. Now she is gone. My German Shepherd passed a few months before her and i feel better knowing he is still loving and caring for her. I am totally at a loss but expect i will adjust eventually.
What an amazing story, thanks for sharing!
You did good 🥹
Such a beautiful, yet bittersweet story. Thank you for making her final years as wonderful as possible. C19 took too many, too soon and caused many of our elderly to die alone and probably prematurely. I'm sorry for both of your losses. Finding your footing after caregiving for that long will definitely take some time. It is a time for some caregiving of yourself now. May you be richly blessed for having been a blessing to your friend.
You remind me of the Adam Sandler character in the movie Happy Gilmore.
You're a wonderful person. And your dog was wonderful too.
My wealthy aunt stipulated in her will that she was to die in her house. Any attempt to move her into a nursing home automatically meant her kids will be cut out of her will. 😂She is 95 and still living in her house.
Well, that is definitely one way to do it, good for her!
Good for her.
That's just about what I told my daughter. I posted just minutes ago, that I would make sure she got nothing if she puts me in a nursing home. My now 17 year old grandson would get it all, which is fine with his father, my son. Talk about greed, she and her husband are millionaires!
I❤ this!!
Smart!
I’ve been helping keep my mother in her own home (she’s 91) with my siblings. I have more response from a blank wall than I get trying to talk to them about removing medicines from her list. Either they are too overstretched as providers or too afraid of lawsuits to even hear me. In particular, I wanted the statin med to be removed. She’s 91. Finally my mom had a real improvement in cognition and I asked my brother what happened. He said she stopped statins. I asked him how he got the doctors to stop it. He replied he didn’t. He just stopped giving it to her. Having others who care advocate for you and participate in your health care is probably another key.
Yes , great point!
I'm 71 and was on Statins for 10 years. I stopped taking them and feel so much better. My routine blood tests show very little difference in my cholesterol levels.
I have a friend that had great leg strength until he started taking stations.. It took a toll on his lower legs.. Now he's off the statins he has to watch every step as it affected his circulation..Found out later that statins contain snake venom although the ingredient is not listed as such.
@@sunshinedayz2172 agree statins can be disastrous, but doubt actual snake venom. Perhaps chemical derivative or synthetic of derivative. Regardless that is a shame he suffered negative permanent changes. Hopefully healthier diet, staying active and time will improve it for him.
As your doctor for a coq10 suppliment... statins deplete this. Do your research on side effects and dosages.
I’m 66, retired, on no meds, rebound at least 60 minutes daily as well as walking my dog and kettlebell workouts 2-3 times per week. I fast one day per week, eat a meat-heavy diet with fermented vegetables, no alcohol, and sleep at least 8 hours per night. I settled on this routine after a cousin celebrated her 100th birthday. I really never considered living into 90s+ so started tightening up my self-care. No way do I want to live in a nursing home. If I can’t do for myself, I don’t want to live. Take care of yourselves.
You sound like you’re doing great, congratulations! You are an inspiration to others 😎
The meat will kill you.
Excellent, the power of positive choices.
Good job. I am your age and I too would rather die than go into a nursing home. Trying to live a healthy life right now.
You’re a true role model- I’m aiming for this!
I’m a senior. No meds. Go to gym six days a week and eat a rainbow of vegetables and fruits every day. I feel great.
That is awesome, keep it up!
How old are you?
@@FrontRowwithEd - Thank you!
@@FP65 Anytime!
As a rehab therapist within a nursing home I can tell you that the number one thing that determines whether you go home to live alone or become a resident is the ability to safely self toilet oneself, regardless of whether you can do it with or without use of a wheelchair.
Excellent point, thanks for sharing!
I agree with the points raised, but think most seniors, like me, cannot get up from the ground without using something for support. I have strong hands (60+ plus years piano playing ) but arthritis in both wrists. Everything else you mentioned I can do. My dad lived to be 98,my mother died at 86 from scar tissue build up in her trachea. Neither of them could have got up from the floor without some support. Both lived at home till their deaths.
@@FrontRowwithEd Great video. People need to remember "use it or lose it". What those who function well mentally and physically into the 90s or even 100s have in common are: 1) Eating REAL food instead of that junk sold in grocery stores. 2) Staying active, physically and mentally. 3) Not taking meds. I've known so many people doing great until they got talked into the first script that turned into 3,4, 10. They all treat SYMPTOMS not CAUSES. I recently invested in an Equicizer to increase balance, strength, and muscle tone. At 67, I have plans to restart two older horses and train two young ones. So I need to be in great shape before I go climbing on horses when I haven't ridden in a decade or more.
@@Growmap I'm 84 and live at home. If it weren't for the life-saving meds I take for cardio-pulmonary, arthritis and IBS, I would have bit the bullet 8 years ago when I had open-heart surgery. Or before that. TAKE YOUR MEDS if your doctor has prescribed them.
when does that all start i work in a care home mother has early stage now saw her xmas seems fine for now bit panicky nothing more got osteoarthritis cooking etc still when does it start getting worse?
My mom’s dying wish was to die at home. She was 81 and had stage four lung cancer. I work full time and have a home with 2 sons which one still lived at home at the time. I made it happen with help from some family members. Was it difficult, yes but I wouldn’t have done it any other way. People need to honor the elderly. Take care of your own.
Thank you for sharing that 🙏🏼
Agree and all the best to you, your mom and your family.
I’m glad you were able to do that for her. It’s not possible for everyone, sadly.
THEY DO IN THE OLD COUNTRIES.
I'm surprised he didn't address CLUTTER. Many seniors have so much stuff especially on the floor and it's so easy for them to trip over. Also not mentioned was type of footwear worn in the house. I sold shoes for over a decade and had so many seniors wanting slippers with open back that are easy on.....but so easy to come off the foot as well, and no support. Another minor point about footwear is type of sole. Make sure the bottoms are not slippery...NO knitted slippers, please! But if the person has a walker, they need a smooth,flat, firm bottom because the person rends to slide one foot in front of the other and if the surface catches, they can fall forward.
THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I did elder care since '85 and it didn't dawn on me till i was told it this century
I have fallen forward while pushing a shopping cart, once the shopping cart catches on a crack I fell forward. I was in my early 60s then. Yes, it’s easy to fall once you are not as agile as before.
At 76 I go to my grandson's soccer games with a blanket and can get up easily, maybe with a little assist in cool weather. All around me are parents and kids sitting in folding chairs who sometimes groan when the have to get up. I use a very small coffee cup and have to get up to refill it. I carry a deck of cards everywhere and grandchildren love it...even those with smart phones There are many ways to exercise body and mind in ordinary daily life. Look at your habits...you don't need to join a gym or buy anything. Of course, it helps that I adopted a pointer bird dog who keeps me on my toes constantly.
For many souls old age is an important time for growing and learning....
Awesome, keep it up!
Fantastic attitude 😀
Yes! Bird dogs are good therapy and keep us on our toes! I am 75 and have a Cocker Spaniel...one of the smallest bird dogs but a true work out.
I work with this population and it’s sad to see how many are dumped into a nursing home and then ignored. It’s why I teach on holidays. The first time someone mentioned that the class I teach would fall on Christmas and said she guessed that meant no class everything changed. I asked if she would come. She responded with an absolute yes. I knew when she asked she had no one. I opened that class to anyone that wanted to come. We had 40 students. The rest is history.
That is the true spirit of Christmas. Pretty sure Jesus approves. God bless you!
@@cl5193 I know God approved. I’ve held class on Christmas every year since then and always have great attendance.
What class do you teach?
@@777ttaylor I teach a stretch, strength, balance, and brain class. All these things are incorporated into each class. Some on Zoom, some live, some one on one. It’s important for this age group to remain flexible, stay strong, maintain balance and keep a sharp mind.
I grew up in the nursing home business back in the 60s and 70s and they were not good back then; today, my brother is owner of one and they are horrible. It is not always due to the owners not caring about having the residents properly cared for, although that is true in more cases today than before, but rather a lack of people willing to care for the elderly and care for them with compassion and competency. These places will only be as good as the quality of those that are being employed to administer patient care, and this country is well below poor when it comes to caring for our seasoned citizens.
Thanks for sharing Peggy.
Most of you stated is true; but you also need to consider the owners’ need of profit, how well do they manage their nursing homes , how well do they staff, how nutritious is the food served…etc. one competent nurse would have a tough time being in charge of 30 patients some of whom may be roaming around confused ,disoriented and acutely in pain.
@@Missusri obviously the owners need to carve at a living themselves, but I stand by everything I said; I have been connected to this business for 60 years and it basically comes down to hardly anyone willing to do this kind of work and who is competent and compassionate to the needs of the people residing there. Yes, it is a staff shortage without a doubt BUT it is also having that staff who are qualified and truly care about people, and THAT is what is in very short supply; in fact barely existent in today’s world in any area of life.
@@peggypieters661 You sound quite knowledgeable and reasonable; what I am thinking is if any nursing home employee is found incapable of being competent let alone human then terminate employment.
Set good employment policy; set good floor policy for nurses and nursing assistant what they need to do i.e. they need to answer call lights within five minutes etc. ; give pain meds request within 15 min....
I think you maybe incorrect in that there ARE good, hard-hardworking nurses and nursing assistants out there.
If I can help it, know I will not go to a nursing home because I do not like the strict schedule, breakfast 7:00, lunch 11:30 etc. I can not have pets; I can not mow lawn, shovel snow. Etc......
If you pay minimum wage, or close to it, you get what you pay for.
There is an Adage that suggests: You can Judge a Society by the Way They Treat Their SENIORS.
No. You can judge a society by how it treats its vulnerable citizens. That covers many more people than just the elderly. You are vulnerable at various times in your life so remember that and just be kind to others. It costs nothing and makes the difference between making others feel you actually give a damn about them and others feel you're a selfish git.
@@mypointofview1111 That is absolutely right we in the USA have 13 MILLION KIDS STARVING, that is no way to treat children.
My maternal grandparents died in our home, loved and cared for.
The greatness of a nation can be judged by how its animals are treated. -Gandi and it morphed from there.
@@jamesscherping2461I think where I live animals are treated better than vulnerable people of all ages!
Caregiver house calls will become a common business in the next 20 years I believe. If people wants to stay home, and family members can't do it all, then the other option is to hire others to drop in for some services like house cleaning, cooking, or showers.
Have to pay for the care.
Cheaper than assisted living.
Fortunately I live in a country (New Zealand) where the health service pays for caregivers to come to the home and shower, cook and clean, etc, I would not like to have to pay for it.
The question is the level of care needed.
@@SandfordSmythe How did old people live hundreds and thousands of years ago? Clearly, family banning together to care for each other is not new... Old disabled people don't need much. They just need someone to give them the basics: food and wash them when needed. Occassional outtings is enough. I mean even the normal old people don't do much in their 70s or 80s. They just sit there and watch TV most of the time anyway. Because when you're old, your energy level is low and your joint pain or illnesses doesn't allow you to move around much anyway. So, as family members, just commit to helping out your elderly family member by, at least, giving them the basics and a little more when you have more time or money. Don't let them be homeless or lonely for God's sake!!
Just so people know, falls don't stop because people go to nursing homes! Falls can happen in a second, even with people near. Most of the people I have taken care in nursing homes had dementia or some cognitive problem, and often several combined issues like incontinence, diabetes, heart problems, and strokes, broken hip or diseases that caused loss of independence. A lot of people think it is important to try to keep finding cures for their health issues, but for me, I don't want anything.... if my heart isn't working right, then don't do a thing.... the creator knows what they are doing. The only medication I want is something to reduce pain, and perhaps anti-anxiety. I don't want any of those life prolonging procedures done..... I am 69 and worked in nursing homes for many years as a nurse. I loved the people and their families (most of them) and so did my staff (most of them) and we became one big family. But the other side to this is the cost, which will drain families and patients of everything they have. Look up your legal rights so you can keep your wealth in your family and not give it to companies!
I’m DNR
YIKES. I just turned 66, am still working, and I work mostly from home, VERY long hours with little or no opportunity to take time for exercise or any recreation. I'm already noticing it is harder to get up. Time to fix this trend FAST. Thank you for this video!
You are so welcome!
Move in with an adult child or a friend. The worst time to live alone is in old age...
Some of us have had shocking experiences with the medical community.
A nursing home should not be a dumping ground for seniors.
Why not? My own father, who used to balk at the multi-thousand dollars a month cost of many places, is now actually saying that $7000+/month is standard and he is planning on paying it. Rather than exercising or improving his health in order to stay out of a for-profit care home. So he is exactly the type of customer these places are catering to, in order to take as much money as they can and provide as little care as they can. If people will pay, they will be charged.
@@Kittiesinclair5 👍Very unfortunate to see your inheritance money going to the nursing home.
Your parents money does not belong to the children! Its their money, they worked hard for it! If they want to spend it, it's Their Right! Not yours!
But it usually is...adult kids appear to not want to have the responsibility.
But they usually want the inheritance 😢
@@michaelnomura5196what rubbish...the inheritance is all they care about. It's HIS money...NOT THEIRS
I was in a nursing home twice in 6 months due to some health issues. The first time the hospital took away medication, giving me edema and reducing my Potassium. I could not leave until these issues, caused by the hospital, were removed. They also acted as though it was against the law to live alone. The second time I was given small furniture, which was not built for a tall person like myself. Because I couldn't get out of a kindergarten chair, I had to stay in the home! They don't realize that we can be creative. I sat on the floor to unplug some things and because my knees hurt to get up, I scooted on my butt to the garage where there were steps that became a chair for me to stand. We should not just have to go to a home because of our age.
I will be 74 this month. I don't take any medications and I work out 30-45 minutes every day. I also do my best to eat a healthy diet. As you age these things are non negotiable. Hang in everybody and take care of yourselves. There are a lot of really good tips in this video. One thing I need to work on more is balance, Thank you so much for the advice!
Thanks so much and thanks for sharing :)
Thank you! Excellent content!@@FrontRowwithEd
Same here at almost 74 the 23th. Balance is important, for sure
Awesome!@@ritaduplessis5074
Excellent advice Thank you ❤
Sometimes the doctors won’t take you off the meds because it benefits them. Good luck and god bless.
Yes, that can be a factor.
F*CK MD, CROOKED, I DONT DO MED, JUST HERBS, GENESIS 1:29, EAT AS MOSES DID, ENOCH. IM OLD BUT MY MIND IS 25. IM FRANCOAMERICAINE FROM POITOU CHARENTES, I RULE, GET U PAPER WORK IN ORDER IF U OWN U HOME. USE SYSTEM.
Yes..buy it is you not the doctor who agrees to medications
No one can make you
Do your homework..pray
Look the medications up
Stop if you can..supplement...needed as we age ❤❤❤❤
Stop it. Why are you saying such nonsense about doctors. Your world is dark.
I am 54 and I have Spastic Cerebral Palsy and I have lived on my own since I was 18. Over the last almost 28 years I have become more independent than I have ever been. It takes a lot of work and PT but it's worth it!
Excellent, keep it up!
May God bless you always! My 23 year old has athetoid Cerebral Palsy Quadriplegia..He is very intelligent and speaks with a Mytobii eyegaze communication device but he needs someone to care for him, which I do at our home, thanks to God!
@@lizettenovelo1 Thank you
I commend you for pushing through your Physical Therapy Rhonda, it’s very hard work. God bless you and give you strength to continue your lifestyle outside an assisted living facility.
And I have spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, and have used a wheelchair since I was nine years old and a power wheelchair since I was 14. I’ve lived in many different types of places on my own since I was 22. One of the places that I lived in was an independent living facility. The apartments there were designed for people with more severe disabilities like myself, but they were open to anyone who qualified for HUD to rent. The time that I spent there was bittersweet. On one hand, I learned a lot of useful things about how to live life with disabilities as an adult. But I also saw big downsides that I did not want for my own life - legal and illegal drug use, prostitution, and just generally what becomes of others when they have pasts that they cannot get past. Lots of folks were able to live semi-independently until they became too sick to be able to do so. If they didn’t die, they were sent to spend the rest of their days in nursing homes. My worst fear is ending up in a nursing home. Like the person who started this thread, I have been very vigilant in doing a lot of things to keep myself as healthy as I can for as long as possible too, but having to go live in a nursing home is still my worst fear. PS: I was also born and raised in Portland Oregon - not too far from Bellingham. I left there when I was 40 to get married. Now my husband and I live down in Riverside County in Southern California. It’s such a contrast from the Pacific Northwest. Because of the way communities are designed here, I spend most of my time in my house now - but the blue skies and sunshine that comes through our windows everyday has done a lot to keep my mental health on the up and up.
Keep your legs strong by walking, folks, because this is one of the main reason why you might end up in a nursing home in old age....
Very true, great advice!
Impossible if you have severe arthritis in the knees.but you can still live in your own home.
Impossible if you have arthritis in your knees.
Agree@@melgrant7404
That's all very well when we are 60 to 70 yrs . Now at 78 i have arthritis in both knees as well as I'm knock kneed from rickets and osteomyalcia. I can hardly walk, let alone stand on one leg or improve my balance. I don't fall because I'm very careful.
That's what I said before falling twice in one year! Get Real!
I’m 88 and will be 89 in 4 months ….no health or mental issues of any kind. …can I get up off the floor unassisted ??? Yes if I can crawl over to a piece of furniture or even a wall ….I have NEVER fallen or even come close to doing so. Wife and I have been married for 65 years (she will be 85 in 2 months) …..healthwise she is excellent but is in the beginning stages of dementia.
We have a lovely waterfront home on a very busy waterway with constant entertainment from boats, dolphins, manatees and seabirds and most definitely don’t want to leave it.
At this time we don’t need any help with anything except lawn and pool care (inexpensive)
Financially we’re “OK” but definitely not wealthy….house is worth a lot but we don’t want to leave it.
Don’t know how it will all end ???
“Breezed through my 70’s and doing fine at almost 90 …..never smoked , never any alcohol or illicit drugs ….drink milk (fat free) with my breakfast and have done so since birth. Never a single cup of coffee ….my doctor says “whatever you’re doing keep on doing it” ….so I do.
@billgale5568 Well done to both of you . I hope you continue as you are , I'm so sorry about your wife's dementia. I don't know what to suggest other than what you already have . Crosswords maybe . Does she like reading anything to keep her mind working. Would there be any clubs she might enjoy ? I think you must be in the US or Canada. I'm in UK. Yours Kay
@@katharinedavis4947 thanks, yes we’re in Florida and it’s quite lovely Here ….summers are warm ( lower 90’s but with a nice sea breeze here on the water) but they can get warm and in many cases even warmer far north of here.
Our waterfront house (a modest but incredibly nice 2547 sq ft) is on one of the nicest pieces of property ON THE PLANET …..yes it’s that nice here. ….no complaints here.
There are great chair exercise videos free on TH-cam. Start small, maybe do short time and just arms work up.
I’m a 67 year old grandma who got a Concept 2 indoor rowing machine last December. I loved swinging on a swing set as a child and the movement of this rower mimics the 2 seat glider of that era. I listen to the oldies on my iPhone and forget I’m exercising! It’s amazing how much stronger my legs, arms, and core are now. Really helps with balance.
Excellent, keep it up!
Rowing changed my life. Such a great way to exercise ! Good for you
Dont forget to add some weight bearing exercise as well.
Or... GET A DOG. Best workout EVER. 😂❤
I wonder if you are my upstairs neighbor.
My beloved late uncle had to move into a care cottage by the sea in Scotland. He'd been given a year to live after 2 brain surgeries. He excelled in every way. Living 13 years more. Amazing care home. We could phone him or visit anytime. He was independently reviewed annually. His only complaint...too much food. 😂 But the care cottage closed. He was moved to a large nursing home in town. It was awful. He soon quit eating and died within a few months.
So sorry to hear that
@@FrontRowwithEd It was sad but until the last few months he'd had a very blessed life. I offered to take him in but my aunt, his sister, advised me not to. He was a bachelor, a quiet gentle soul. X
Your stories is very similar to many nursing homes. The elderly is healthy and die withing 2 years after moving into a nursing home.
@@ligbzd837
Say no more 😒, that's very telling 😉
It just goes to show that genuine love with care is what fuels an aged person to want to go on living.
We need more advice like this! Young people! Start now! Take care of yourself through a healthy diet, activity, and resist unnecessary medications!!!!!! Polypharmcy is a HUGE problem in the United States and I have come to the conclusion that it is big driver of debility as we age. I made these changes a while back and now don't take any prescription medications (other than having a rescue inhaler on hand for the random asthma attack, which is extremely rare).
I am 68 years old and still mowing my yard with a push mower, taking care of a large garden and keeping bees, no problem with the stairs in my house, and I can balance on one leg to put on a pair of slacks....I can get down on the floor and back up again with no hands, and even sit on the floor cross-legged. I have a set of exercises I do to address all this young man has talked about (that I found on another P.T. channel) and, like someone else on here I do stretches before I get out of bed. I even got my 90 year old mother to start doing this! She can now do the 'chair squat' hands free and her stamina for walking is much better. It's never too late to start!
I have made plans for 'aging in place' that include modifications to my home if necessary (replacing the tub with a shower, chair lift for the stairs, etc). The women in my family all live well into their 90s so I have reason to believe that I will make it there as well. I am a registered nurse, still working full time in a hospital setting, and have no intention of retiring as long as I am physically able to do the work. I have seen reports that say keeping yourself socially and intellectually active is a great defense against mental decline which is also something to consider.
Sounds like a great plan!
This is not always true. There is a woman who was an aerobics instructor and everything about health. She had a stroke in her mid 30's. I know others who took good care of themselves and were diagnosed with MS. I believe genetics are involved but still things we can do to help fight back.
And always doing something creative. Having a pet also is said to increase life expectancy by a good 8 years!
@@IMeMineWho Dittos on the pet!! I have a German Shepherd that keeps me entertained and PROTECTED!
@@darlenebradley6756 Well Darlene..I protect my baby bunny..with 1 exception I learned. One or maybe 2 bunnIes in every brood stays awake during the night if they know other bunnies that conk out early so that they can warn the others if danger arises with loud thumps (and I mean loud!) Of course MY bunny also does that if he rolls over on his side, looks adorable and I pet him, waking him from dreaming of Bo k choy! But he is an affectionate daredevil guy. The difference between a dog and a bun is that dogs protect you; you protect your bun! Dogs protect..but buns are the clown princes of pets..nothing more entertaining than a binky! So I guess it evens out. Love em both..but can't have a dog AND a bun unless you have many rooms..unfortunately. But he is high maintenance I dance or walk 150 mins a week..used to be more but he requires a lot of attention as buns are social guys but I take care of my Lil guy which involves a lot of getting up from the floor constantly, vacuuming, bending to pick up cocoa puffs and changing waterproof blankets I put on the bed when he jumps. I was relieved that a lot of that counts towards the additional 150 minutes I would do every week. (I must really 💜 the Lil stinker.)
Exactly this. My mum is coming up to 87 with mixed dementia, type 2 diabetes, angina and arthritis. She is still living independently at home with family and professional support at home and goes out most days to the local shop or park. We got her melds reviewed and halved a couple of years ago, she was starting to have falls. After coming off metformin she stopped 'feeling dizzy' within a couple of weeks, no fall for two years.
Awesome!
The gentleman across the street was given a choice of staying home or living in a nursing home. AFTER HE SPENT A FEW DAYS, HE REFUSED TO STAY! I DIDN'T KNOW HE HAD THAT RIGHT? HE IS 81 AND STILL IN HIS HOME TODAY. I PRAY THAT HIS FAMILY WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE CARE OF HIM AND THAT HE HAS MANY MORE YEARS AT HOME. IM 78 . I NEVER WANT TO GO TO A NURSING HOME!😢
I BELIEVE AN INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITY IS NOT INDEPENDENT.
I’ve witnessed nurses, handing out meds, that give the resident a jigger size amount of water, when administrating 4 -5 pills. I pray I die, on my couch…..when it’s my time.
That's very true and this is a very valuable video.
I am sporty and I am very active all my life. Now at 70 there are things I stopped doing to prevent injuries like tennis play, running, jogging. I opted daily brisk walking and swimming, 5/7 one hour each day laps and occasionally moderate hiking along the coast when weather permits. I started daily fasting 2 years ago to control my blood glucose under 100. Successfully done with fasted results under 90. Cut down high carbs foods, limit alcohol to only special occasions. I achieved my goal being a healthy senior. Am a bit slightly underweight and am watching carefully what I eat, my workout activities and monitoring my sleep. All that really help to fight the symptoms of aging but cannot stop it. We do all we can in the aging process. Good diet, a routine daily workout and a goodnight sleep are the formula to keep seniors well and happy. It's not about living long, but living happily. And lastly I don't want to be a burden for anyone.
👍+Subscribed 💕
Excellent, keep it up!
Good day ..what discipline ..i have started doing that now am 62 and still in government service ..i have noticed many younger people now often have sick leave than we older ones ..
I worked in Nursing Homes since I was 16 and I’m 66 now. I’ve been anything from a CNA to the Director of food Services. I’ve worked in many places and some have been fair and other horrible. I’ve seen so many sad and many terrible things. It scares me to even think of ever having to go into a Nursing Home. Most of the issues revolve around lack of staff. Most CNAs go into the work wanting to take care of the elderly, but quickly become burnt out due to lack of staff and eventually take it out on their patients. And it’s sad to say they see the nurses sitting behind the counter chit chatting about their personal lives except during their couple medication/wound care rounds per shift. Often these don’t take long. The CNAs are so over worked that they don’t have time to answer call lights or take their residents to the bathroom. They get scolded by staff and families for this but the Nurses just ignore the problem and say it’s not their job to help the CNAs. I think it’s terrible.
I honestly hope I never have to go into a Nursing Home, but if I do I hope my children chose wisely but often there’s not a lot of choices on where to go if you don’t have great insurance. Children should visit the Nursing home often. These patients often get the best care. Ask questions, especially if something seems off. Ask for female CNAs for a female patient. I (have horror stories I won’t get into here.) It would be a great thing to put a camera in the patients room and check it often, either seen or unseen by the staff. If they do know it’s there it could act as a deterrent to misconduct.
Sorry I don’t have more confident things to say about Nursing Homes. I know many people don’t have a choice about putting loved ones in them and you shouldn’t beat yourself up over it. Just do the best you can, visit often and be an advocate for your loved one.
Thank you for sharing
Nurses, in my experience, can be absolutely HORRID. Especially to CNAs. I've got stories too 😢
Thanks so much for sharing!
Well, the ACCURACY of This ACCOUNT is Astounding.
Tremendous Thanks for the Bird's Eye View of NURSES @ HOME on the Clock.
Very well said.
A neighbour recently passed away aged 106, yet she managed to live in her own home right till the end. She had no close family but had carers visit 6 times a day in her final years. She was happy with the arrangement and resisted any suggestion she move into a home.
From the British spelling of "neighbor" and the term "carer" which is what they call caregivers, I think this person lives in the U.K. There, they do have aides who rotate around visiting the homes of elderly people multiple times a day to help with dressing, bathing, meals and getting ready for bed -- and I think the government pays for it.
In the U.S., we can only dream of this. 😓
@@Lunafalls In Canada the government also provides caregivers to go into elderly people’s homes for seniors who have low incomes
Wonderfully done. I clicked on the left to bring up your whole channel. There’s one about meds. I’ll gather my strength before watching….chewing nails is effort.
Of the family members and friends I’ve been around…people are over medicated.
No one reviews what the person is taking at all, much less considers if it is still necessary…if it ever was.
Don’t stop taking. Get sound advice, but, everything needs review…insurance does, meal planning does, going on a road trip
by consulting maps does.
One thing …please consider…your loved one should be seeing a gerontologist. They’re experienced in maladies and gerontologists are not prone
to slap-happy prescriptions to solve every complaint.
A friendly visitor approach is what is needed. Someone visit the home three times a week to check how things are going,
Note…the stove left on…go to microwave use. Food leftovers piling up, not dated. Use dollar store baskets to organize by date and content.
Have preprinted labels in baggies…drop the wrapped food into this bag. Have the patient quick -photo the shelves, it’s an activity , and it keeps everybody
on board.
I noticed in this video…electric tea kettle. Great. Can see the water level, right there on the counter. Great. Now…can a 90 year old hand and wrist negotiate it? Employ the rarely used coffee urn. Water is loaded from the top, fingertip action, lever the spout forward.
The friendly visitor approach is synagogue or church based. Or, round robin. You do for me, I’ll do for you.
We're all new at this. Homes were multi-generational by custom and tradition. Nobody had to worry about where to put Uncle Joe. Now this.
Use the blue Share Arrow above. Forward this excellent show to family members. It’s can be used as an ice-breaker….let's talk.
Thanks for sharing!
Very helpful comment, thank you!
For all the wonder stories people go on about, I have one thing to say...in one second all that could crash. Never boast about your good health when it can shame others for in a moment all your good fortune could change.
That is very true, and something I think about a lot. I live alone on a limited income and have no family nearby. I worry about the day when I can no longer stay in my mobile home as it is the cheapest housing option around. So I am trying to do my best to stay independent and make good choices but as you said it all can change in an instant.
I waa healthy as a horse yet had just turned 30 when I was (finally!) diagnosed with c--cer.
Just last night I stumbled across a former competitive cheerleader who fell doing a toss and became a quadriplegic at 18. She was quite healthy and had oodles of medals to prove it.
That said, it's not necessarily boasting, but simply saying what they're doing to take care of themselves. And some people take offense to it because that's not the case for their situation. But yes, it can definitely change in the blink of an eye.
True
@@katie7748 All the best to you Katie!
Humility and gratitude....
Stay active if you can. I still mow my grass, trim by hedge, and get groceries riding my electric standing scooter. Hope to continue doing so for at least a couple more decades.
A nurse who works in extended care said there are 3 main things to do to stay out of a nursing home: 1. Get rid of all throw rugs (one of the main culprits in falls) 2. Work on your continence - if you can keep dry you get to stay out of a nursing home, and 3. Brain health.
These are the 3 main reasons people go into care, and these days there are many things you can do: mct oil for brain health (see dr Mary Newport videos), the new exercise programs for pelvic floor strength and continence. Please add any resources in reply to help with these issues. Let’s help ourselves stay independent and free :)
Excellent points!
Husband and wife team “the brain docs“ have a wealth of information on their TH-cam channel! Drs Sherzai 👌🏾
I hope when I get older not too go in a nurseing home and I get still keep fit you'r what you eat and drink and I will get a will done too not go in a home when I rearly age and you can die at eny age and time fly's people just dont get it,😢
One can really help with incontinence by staying off of sugar or too many carbs. The sugar causes water retention, and the carbs (except for vegetables) turns into sugar.
Thank you for that info! Now if I could just get my Dad to work on any of that...
Thank you for these tips and advice. They are so helpful. I am a psychotherapist and I have a client who is in her mid 80’s who has had a serious back injury for over 20 years and stays in a lot of pain. She is on a lot of meds pain killers especially. She just started using a walker. Frankly, I think she is amazing to endure all she endures. She watches her great grands when she can. Her family is so good to her and reassures her she will not go into a nursing home. She lives alone and is so afraid of going into a nursing home. Her family reassures her they will not do that to her.
Hello Carmen, thank you for sharing, sounds like an amazing woman 😎
I hope they can live up to that promise. Nursing homes are jails for the elderly.
@@teacup3133I call pensioners prison
Care homes are G ds waiting rooms
Some of my daily personal care plan routines at age 73 are:
One lap around my floor at my apt comlex equals one city block.
I do a least five laps per day which is about a 15-20 minute brisk walk ...and it can be done whatever the weather is outside.
Sometimes, I pole walk with Activator poles so that I get upper body exercise as I walk.
I make sure I do five flights of stairs per day....not all in one climb ...but throughout the day.
I do streches in bed in the morning....and throughout the day. Chair squats to keep my legs strong.
And all those pesky medical checkups!
I oil pull for my teeth, and get regular cleanings.
I eat a gluten and dairy free diet. Low sugar. I keep away from treats...except for dark chocolate!
I take supplements...especially Vitamin D.
I belong to "Love Living at Home," my chapter of the nationwide "Village Movement." Seniors helping Seniors.
With LLH, I have over 100 volunteers to assist me in feeling confident that I can stay in my home as long as possible!
We also have an varied social calendar.
My hobbies are: Photography, Writing, and Painting.
I truly believe that there are many good paths that we can walk upon as we age that will keep us healthy and strong!
Wow, sounds like you are doing great, congratulations!
Awesome!!
You are only 73 , why shouldn’t you be doing all the things you are doing! The reason why people end up in the home is because they get sick because of all that horrible food and sugar. Everyone should go grain free then you’ll see how good you feel.
I worked with a lady for 7 years and she started in our shop at age 74. She worked the fill shift at 5 :00 am until 1:00 pm. It was heavy work
After work she went to her sons house to take care of her grand son at age 1. The mom went back to work and grandma to care of him until dad came home at 4:30 pm. She did that until the grandson went to school all day.
When grandma turned 81 the company shut down for good.
She look for further employment and worked at an park the was open from may until September as a cook in the kitchen where they had to where old fashion clothing from the 1900. 10 hrs a day 5 days a week.
She finally got an lower cost apartment sponsort by the church which lowert her monthly cost.
Finally retired at age 86.
An Halloween she turned 92 and still does her 3 km daily walk. She also had an open house for her birthday and all her friends showed up to help her celebrate. She greeted every person coming in and as spunky as hell.
She has 7 children and many grandchildren and great grand children.
She flies all over the country for her grand children’s weddings and grads from higher education .
She even flew to Germany for her grandsons grads of becoming a medical DR.
She is doing her daily exercise and showed the world it can be done. She also free of medication .
Can one imagine got married at 17 and been working for ever on the parents farm and worked until age 86. Way to go Holly .👍
@EvelinHolmes Good for her. She made many small, excellent decisions each day.
As the saying goes, use it or lose it.
began juggling over a year ago, few minutes in the morning and at night. took months to even accomplish basic juggle, using heavy juggling balls over my bed for ease of picking up the dropped balls. saw increase of balance, dexterity and core muscles. am 72 year old woman, using a walker, fighting her way back from years of not moving. most fun i have ever had doing physical therapy. praise the Lord!
I love this. You are so cool!
I haven't tried juggling since I was a kid, sounds like fun!
praise Him xx
Ed- I just want to say Thank You so much for all your informative videos. Watching my mom / dad/ father in law decline with mobility issues - promoted me to join a gym and start working out. I am64 thin and have osteorperosis so I will be reviewing your videos to make sure I don't over do anything. Thank you again.
You are so welcome!
I'm 54 and not a senior yet but i was in an auto wreck in 2007 which left me crippled. I was in a wheelchair for two years,i migrated to a walker,then pain pills and then a cane. I didnt want to rely on a walking stick forever so i threw it away (reluctantly!). I did it to force me to regain my balance and strengthen my leg, i live alone so i have to be careful.I'm still wobbly at times, lol but i get better each time i get out!
Excellent, keep it up, every little bit helps!
Your story is so inspiring, thank you!
u r young u have time to do what your doc. or therapist tell u.
@@novembersky3749 ...sometimes though, I feel like I'm in my late 80's because of my injury but by the Grace of my Maker, I am still able to stand and walk. It gets better once I get out and do it instead of making excuses not to!
I started and worked at an 11 bed private nursing home. It was in a beautiful old New England farmhouse. I thought the residents would enjoy life in a home atmosphere. Not.
Most of them wanted to be at their own home. The families brought them to us. One old gal was told by her doctor that she could fall down her staircase. Her response "then I will die at home!"
I saw lots of shenanigans concerning money!
It was a depressing business and I sold it after three years.
The only residents who were content came to us for the hard Maine winter knowing they would be going home in the spring.
Most of our residents were women. Suffering from dementia. One morning at breakfast an old gal asked someone what time it was, her watch had stopped. She got several replies with varying times!!! Ruth a woman who would hide her soiled underwear!!! replied "we are always worried about the time and have nowhere to go"!!! I could write a book about those three years, if only I could write!!!!!
What an experience! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughtful insights.
Contact a writer and have the book written.
What do you mean? If you could write. You've written this post. I read it and found it to be interesting. I think it would be a very interesting story. You could describe a Maine winter too for a little more interesting detail. I'd buy it.
ALL BULL, GET LIFE ALERT, F*CK NURSING HOME
Thanks for this good video, it reminded me to get back to exercising! Id like to give everyone a couple important tips to lessen their chances of tripping before you do anything. Walk thru your home and remove all throw rugs scattered about, #1 tripping hazard. And only use smaller comforters on your bed, you can still put a skirt on the bed but the larger bedspread is a common tripping hazard. Tripping usually happens in the middle of the night. The spread slides down and trips you up. My knowledge comes from working in Senior housing for over 20 yrs.
Excellent points, thank you for sharing!
Thankyou for great advice 💕I had a wonderful Grandmother 95 who had a fall , so her daughter sent her to a nursing home , sold her home straight away and she sadly died within two months, after complications of another fall. Things could have been very different ....
Yes , thanks for sharing
As a family we are currently doing 24 hour care for my 91 yr old MIL. Six months ago she didn’t qualify for nursing home care. We will continue doing this until she can’t walk anymore, at least.
The nursing homes in our area are in lockdown mode right now. Having mom in her own home is so much better for her and for us as a family.
Yes I agree. My parents live in India and my mom, who has dementia, is being cared for at home. Thank you for sharing
That is just too much for a family to take on. Too much. Get a nurse to come in once a day
@FrontRowwithEd
👍🏻👏👏👏 Well done.
I find the Indians & easterners, Chinese, Africans & some others take care of their aged - regardless. *AND SO IT SHOULD BE* . Everyone should be taught how to take care of their aged family members with gentility, love patience & and tolerance - period, and not palm off their responsibility to a care home .
@sherril.562
Unfortunately, not only the North Americans. Most Westerners ie. UK, European countries, and even African countries have adopted this selfish detached attitude toward their senior relatives, claiming they haven't the skills nor the time, whereas the care home givers are trained for these *DUTIES* 😔😪. *VERY VERY SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS* .
@patthomson8591 : Have you ever cared for a parent who is doubly incontinent, wanders everywhere, turns night into day, is a danger to themselves and to the home, screeches incessantly, is physically violent, smears faeces all over the walls ? And all this when you have to work full time outside the home ? How do you propose to care for this relative yourself ? That's the reality for many people who have a parent with dementia. Please don't be so judgmental about the use of nursing homes !
Great information. Will definitely send this to my parents for discussion. Thank you for your advocacy in helping elders live independently and with dignity. ❤
You are very welcome, I hope it is helpful for your parents, take care
We should live in multi-generational homes and take care of our own from infant to elder, win, lose, or draw.
This is the one thing that should never happen in a free country, grown children forcing their parents into a nursing home, many times to steal their parents home and belongings. Fortunately for me my grown children are all very well off. Executives etc. Also I do not live near them, we only communicate on Bdays or Christmas. I am in my 80's and I live alone in the boondocks. I love it and no one is going to put me away. I want to be left alone to die here in peace. I am armed and I will never leave my home without a fight. America is unique in that most countries the children care for the parents till death. In America nursing homes are a multi billion dollar enterprise that try to push old people into their domain.
Sounds like you have a good plan, thanks for sharing and best wishes!
Ugh!! I can see why your kids don't live near you.
Good for you George! You’re absolutely right about how America is unique like this, and many kids trying to take advantage of their aging parents- not much sadder than that! It’s great to live in the country, happy for you. Hope you have a few nice neighbors you can socialize with, this helps us stay healthy too.
Nobody can be " forced " into a nursing home against their will. The only thing that will put you there is your own poor health.
I don't know how the system works in the USA, but in the UK, a person's house is sold to pay for the nursing home. There is usually nothing left for children to inherit. Therefore there would be no incentive for children to " force" parents into a nursing home !
Love the advice for living independently! I do coffee squats. Those are at least 3 reps of squats while my coffee is brewing.
Good stuff!
Lol love it❤
My lovely Mom had to go into care because someone along the line had deemed her as "challenging" .. No one thought to speak her nicely or with some respect because of her Alzheimer's. I find it strange that professional people would not treat someone with a brain tumour or serious head injury with disrespect.. I was more than willing to have her at home with family but The Powers That Be refused & although she begged to come home they stated she was not capable of making that decision.. Heart-breaking. Thank you for this, none of us want to be simply a "body" but often the system fails.
Sorry to hear this! Thank you for sharing your story
This is terrifying. It's horrible to think strangers get a say but you don't! Didn't realize this could happen.
Can you file to be conservators or medical power of attorney?
@@moocrazytn happens here in Australia, the government steps in and takes everything from you, no longer in control of your own money and assets, they actually make money from you charging huge fees. Even pets are left to fend for themselves, no compassion.
Most likely you cannot take care of an Alzheimer's patient. Very challenging.
@@moocrazytnnot even the person has Alzheimer's. By then it's too late
Sometimes putting a family member in a home is the only thing you can do, especially if you love them.
My father got to the point of not being able to live on his own. He was constantly falling, in spite of therapy to work on his balance. Plus he was showing signs of dementia.
My oldest brother lives overseas. He came back twice for a month at a time to stay with him.
My sister is a snow bird and doesn't live in the area. Her husband has health problems. But in spite of that, she stayed with him for a month. Her son was also able to stay with him for a month and work remotely. He was, unfortunately, the only family member that had this option.
My other brother is a widower and has his own problems. Plus, he works full time and often works overtime.
That left me. If there was any way I could have cared for him, I would have. Before he got bad, I was checking on him twice a day. I was doing his yard work and house work, taking him for appointments, etc. Then my husband got diagnosed with what turned out to be terminal cancer. I couldn't care for both of them.
We did our research and visited all the homes in the area. While Dad hadn't wanted to go in, he adjusted pretty quickly. He was well cared for and even put on weight!
He lived there for just over 2 years before passing at the age of 93.
Thank you for sharing your story. There are often no easy answers or perfect solutions. We all do the best we can, take care and be well.
@dizzysdoings : Well said! 👏 I'm seeing very judgmental people on here who are hopelessly naive about the reality of caring for relatives, especially those with advanced dementia.
@@mpatey63 My brother and dad care for my mom, who has had dementia for 17 years!
@@mpatey63Yep. And everyone is different.
God bless your Dad and brother!
I'm not a senior citizen yet but wanted to watch this out of curiosity. Now I understand why my grandma ended up in a nursing home. I'll continue riding my bike like a ninja to avoid ending up in one. Very helpful! Thanks!
You are very welcome!
My husband was a mountain bike warrior but he came down with leukemia. There are no guarantees in life.
I also worked in the British dementia care system for 24 yrs and the commonest reason for elderly people being put into care was their families panicking, being unable due to work or unwilling to be responsible for their well-being. The other was care managers deciding client not safe alone. It's no good paying for care in the person's own home be cause the delivery of these services are so erratic. Understaffing in care homes means that the individuals become tasks to be done as quickly as possible to fit into the homes regimes, timetables. Holistic care is the ideal preached, but without sufficient staff there aren't enough hours spare in a work shift to sit and socialise with these unfortunates people, some of who will never see the outside world again because of private owners tight budgets and their unwillingness to provide outings. Occasionally bringing in amateur musicians to play music to a captive audience was the best that they could expect other than TV. Staff want to give a more humane approach to caring, but if they're rushed off their feet bathing, stripping beds, feeding meals, taking to the toilet in time for next task, it's impossible.
I am 83 y. Old had a fall had ops on brain but lucky totally ok i am in age care because of balance problems cant live on my own anymore i hD to learn to live here it took me a while i am free to go where i want to i have taxi card its ok now thanks for listening xx
Thank you. Exactly what I need. I contracted encephalitis late September. I’m 73 years old. And I’m determined to stay in my home. I had a colonoscopy a couple of months ago and was told I have 20 more years! I’m claiming it!! Lol. And I want them all in my home. It’s my happy place. I have made an almost full recovery, for which I am truly grateful!!
We are fellow Washingtonians!!! Yeah great state.
You are so welcome, keep it up!
Hi Connie, how's your day going with you?
I have to laugh at myself! I am 94 years young and two of my children have returned to the family home! We lead our own lives with help available for me but I am determined to stay in my own home. Love Totterer and Potterer, try and stay free!
That’s great 😀
I’m tickled that you’re here, commenting and sound fantastic! Kudos!!!
Working exercises into your every day activities is really great for people like me who don't keep up with exercise programmes. I stand on one leg when I'm brushing my teeth morning & night, when I wipe down the kitchen bench and when I put my sox on. Whenever I rise from the toilet I sit and rise 3 times. I realised a few years ago that not having a lazy Susan in my deep corner cupboard had helped me be able to rise unaided from a squat. So think twice before adding "easy" mod cons to your life.
Great ideas! Any exercises is still exercise, keep it up!
My mom is in a memory care unit. She has Alzheimer’s and is unable to toilet herself. Even though she didn’t want to ever live in a residential setting it became necessary for safety and care reasons. She is in a wonderful facility. Top Notch! Well trained and caring staff and leadership. Not all places are terrible. Do your research. Visit and ask people in the community.
Great point, thank you for sharing!
it depends on whether you do correct exercises often. I do yoga five days a week, weight lifting and cycling often. I can play with my three grandchildren on the floor. my husband is 75, does stretching everyday on the floor. walking fast everyday at park . we cook and clean house everyday, we try not to rely on others.
I appreciate this channel, youtube popped it up without search!
Glad you enjoy it!
I have been teaching group fitness for 35 years and now teaching Barre classes for seniors to keep us/them strong and flexible from head to toe to avoid this scenario. ❤
Excellent Caroline 👏🏼
Hi Caroline, how's your day going with you?
Hi! I just discovered your channel and immediately subscribed. The information in this video is so important, both to those who have been unaware of it and those of us who need to be reminded of it. I went through this with my mother many years ago and being in my mid 70s now, I was needing to have my memory nudged on this subject. I thank you so much for this wake up call! I've always been a very independent person and hope to continue to be for many years more. The reminder you've given me should be a big help in achieving this goal.
Excellent, happy to help!
Stay at home. Enjoy your peace and live, love and do as you please. Yes. .
Being able to live independently is the key ability. My folks didn't have fall issues, they exercised, just denial that they would get old. My folks refused to make a plan, thinking I would move 120 miles and live with them then they needed help. I have a business that is not transportable. I also own a smaller home next door to me with first floor living. My folks REFUSED to consider moving there, at least part time to try it out. Their health crisis caused me to step in and make a plan. Because they had not moved near me and have support in place or make a plan, it was up to me, a couple of weeks before I went to help my daughter and infant for a month. Making no plan means you are allowing your kids to ultimately make a plan that works for them.
Yes, absolutely it’s a hard conversation but we need to have it with our parents and hopefully they understand what needs to happen. Thank you for sharing.
@@FrontRowwithEd I am 82 and live in the boondocks thousands of miles from all my children. We speak, give gifts, e-mail maybe 2-3 times a year. I want it this way as I intend to live in my home, on my own land, until I die. I will never be taken from my home without one hell-a-va fight. I am a very peaceful man, but no one will ever remove me from my home. The laws that allow others, such as children, have parents placed in nursing homes are blatantly unconstitutional and should never be enforced. That is why I do not want to live close enough to any relatives that might check up on me. Fortunately I live in Arizona and their constitution is stricter than the US constitution when it comes to welfare checks. Elderly people should not be terrorized by so called caring relatives.
I don't have children. I'm not going to leave it to my grandnieces and nephews to care for me. I'm 67 and already showing signs of cognitive impairment.
I found mom near death from dehydration after she did not answer the phone. She would have died in her home as she intended but I'm pretty sure she would not have expected she would naked on the floor for several days as she dehydrated.@@ggeorge4144
About 5 years ago I was walking down my street and there was a Subaru Outback with a mountain bike on the back and a man was getting out of the drivers seat. He wasn't exactly moving gingerly but I got his attention. He didn't look like no young sprout either. So I chatted him up and he was telling me about the mountain bike club he was part of. I was interested. He said that I would be about in the middle at 66 y.o. Now I'm getting more curious. I kept talking to him (Chuck) and and finally curiosity got the best of me and had to ask him how old he was. He told me 83. My jaw dropped. He and his wife at 75 y.o. both mountain bike. He told me he was a grinder and his wife was a spinner. I'm shaking my head. What an inspiration to live by haven't heard from Chuck since but he really made an impression on me. I've kept real active with my mountain biking at 71 y.o. Have a week in Sedona reserved in April for my obsession. Way too early to be hanging up my spurs. It's not how old you are it's how you've kept up is the lesson from Chuck. Eat right and keep moving!
Awesome, thanks for sharing!
Also lovely living room and dog!! Thank you for providing this important information!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I moved furniture for two plus decades. Countless moves into facilities. From independent living to memory care. I cannot imagine a more exquisite manifestation of hell than living in a facility. Even the nicest. It's a cage with gilded bars.
Being a mover I am also well aware of falls. They are no joke. Falls are what eventually end your career.
Thanks for sharing Tom, great insight!
One of the best videos I have seen on TH-cam in 20 years. Thank you and well done.
Wow, thank you so much!
This was very good.
Very simple. Very good.
Not long ago, I experienced a lot of falling. I took 9 stitches in my forehead. Missed all the others!
Regaining balance took a lot of effort and time.
It can be done!
You have to do the work.
This is not what I expected to see in this video. It was very good.
Thank you.
~ 🦋
Wonderful! Exercise will no doubt help your balance!
@@FrontRowwithEd Move it ot Lose it!
~ 🦋
How true!@@ukulelebutterfly
Wonderful! I love her forthright manner with her adult children.
I am 75, joined a gym that specialises in strength/resistance and cardio training with a personal trainer every time. It is not cheap, but I thought it is time to focus on physical fitness with a trainer who decides on a plan to train me.
Yes, excellent plan. Those are well spent dollars since many seniors spend hundreds per month on prescription medications also. Good luck and keep on exercising!
yes.@@FrontRowwithEd
breaks my heart in a million pieces to see old women in nursing homes when they don't need to be..and shouldn't be. I use to help out and visit them in nursing homes and the one old lady who was over one hundred years old and couldn't see and walk , but had her mental stuff still there...she would just sit in her bed staring at a tv she couldn't see and her kids would visit her, maybe for a half hour once a week...I visited her every day for at least an hour and took her out in the patio, pusher her in her chair and just talked and sang songs to her..I just cant beleive her own kids left her in a very badly run home which was dirty and the phillipine staff were very cold and lazy to say the least...
Bless your heart! You will be blessed. Remember Mother Teresa's words...In the Final Analysis, its between you and God. Most adult kids do not care about an old parent. They will be treated the same one day.
im not surprised. my children dont want to take care of me. im in good shapr physically and mentally. but i feel bad because they dontwant to help me.😅
Thank you ! 🌹🌻🌹 I am 68 and practice a lot of exercices consciously during my ordinary work during the day... while I am gardening or anything, I take this opportunity to make specific exercices in the process... I prefer this than to stop to exercice for 5 or 10 minutes... so whatever I am doing, I seek for the natural physical exercise challenge... and of course I have been doing yoga when I was young so I know what kind of exercices but this physical training is natural to me... I also travel with heavy backpack (7 kilos), because I think it is important to wear some weights so to challenge my back and my muscles, provided I do it in the right positions... I crouch down or work in that position and then stand up again (I think this is very very important)... walk backwards... cross barriers... ... anything... but always very very carefully... balance you're right of course is very important too... you know we have examples of very old people living sometimes alone in very poor countries and they still continue at 80 or so to go to the fields and work it. They are obliged to survive like this and to rely on themselves for most of things ...as in those countries there are not the possibility to go in a retiring home so they stay in their home, make fire, collect wood, grow their own vegetables and so on... I have also seen people (more than 70) going to trek the "Chemin the saint Jacques the compostelle" with heavy bags, and while they had knee or hips prothesis !!! and so on... examples examples that give us courage ... in our rich countries, we are not used to train ourselves like this... and when we stop working, we stop moving because we think now we are old... but this is the precious time when we can begin to live our life and time freely and for ourselves... it is important to continue to feel and take care of our body and to live consciously in it.... so that it feels concern and well-being because of being kindly paid attention by their owner ... and let's stop to count the years... 🌹🌻🌹
What a special video! It reminded me of my Granny, who’s 105 and still sharp as ever. The problem is, my mother is in the first stages of dementia and unable to care for her. We document her nursing home life and family visits, and your video resonates with me so much.
Thank you and wishing you all the best!
Challenging sense of balance….what a concept!
I’m forwarding this to everybody. I use a screenshot for something you’ve said. The screenshot goes to Photos, I can look a few times, go right to the place in the vid because it’s time stamped.
My pet peeve is…nobody alters their furniture. Same furniture for twenty years. Give me something to hold as I walk. Everybody should have an orange emergency whistle on the door knob. See a dog walker or letter carrier, whistle for help.
I’ve had several falls, each time I’ve studied how it happened. And, I’ve made immediate changes.
Best for lower body is a quality recumbent bike. Expect to pay, expect to pay for assembly. Don’t buy a cheeseball item from big box.
Quality is worth the price. It has resale value. You can have 2-3 friends to do twenty minute sets. Share the cost, don’t scrimp.
Thank you for sharing and stay safe!
I’m in my 60s, retired and love going to the gym! I enjoy working out with weights. Been doing it since I was 12 years old. Had my share of injuries like most people who enjoy lifting but that’s part of the game. As I age I believe this has helped me. When I see people my age struggle physically, I think working out in the gym all these years has paid off.
Hey Vinnie, you have the right attitude, keep it up, and Age Strong 💪🏽
My father lived in his house until his 99th birthday!!!! On his own after mum passed away we all thought he needs to be cared,
And he used to say if I can't cook for myself or use the bathroom I will let you know!!!😊 bless him he never did. Amazing in positive thinking and always said never stop moving!!
Awesome dad!
Hi maria, how's your day going with you?
In one of my nursing positions, I visited patients in their homes. You would not believe all the “clutter” I saw in almost every home. From excessive furniture pieces to trash left on the floor, not to mention throw rugs, these homes were definitely unsafe.
Yes I’ve seen that also!
That describes my home also, but what you (and others) don't understand is that I don't live that way by choice.
@@grampi68 Sorry, I don’t understand.
I wonder. An 88 year old very active woman one day just fell over while working in the yard. She was found when her daughter came home from work. Her daughter fretted over her mother feeling it was cruel to leave her alone, and so put her in an aged care home. There was little to no money for her care, and within 3 months her mother had died from a blood clot after she fell out of bed onto a hard floor in the care home. At least when she fell in the yard, the ground was much gentler to her body, than the hard floors of care homes. Ive heard of several more elderly people who died about 3 months after being put into aged care for safety. They all had the fall out of bed, then the blood clot from the fall, causing the death. How often does this sequence occur I wonder.
@@beverlypearson5332Some people get physically unable to reach far enough to wipe their kitchen counter, too weak to sweep/mop. Too dizzy 🥴 to bend over to pick up the junk on the floor. Bodies can limit the behavior. Cleaning a home is physically demanding and can be dangerous or very painful
My mother went to a rehabilitation center after surgery and prolonged intensive care, as a result, she had to learn to walk again. The rehabilitation center had a sign next to her bed that said, “Do not leave valuables behind”. I said, “My mother is valuable”. We got her out shorty after that, and cared for her at home until she passed away 5 years later.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Laura, how's your day going with you?
A lot of people cannot afford a nursing home or assisted-living and have limited choice, but to stay home
It also helps if your house is safe. Well lit. No rugs that you can trip over. Things like that.
I have a friend who is 70 something. A few years ago she broke her ankle while walking multiple very large dogs. She was in the hospital and then they had to put her in rehab but her insurance only covered like two weeks. And the main problem that she had to be in rehab for apparently was: her bathroom was on the second floor. So she stayed in a hotel for two more weeks and paid for it out of her own pocket. But this is not a good thing. Insurance wouldn't pay for her to get to a place where she could get to the bathroom by herself.
Anyway she got back home and she's fine.
The lesson is buy a ranch style house
@karlabritfeld7104 also consider if you can get in and out of the house without steps? do you have laundry on the same level as your living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom? can you have a bath or shower if you can't walk or get in and out of a tub or shower? are the doors and hallway wide enough for a walker or wheelchair? I put in a laundry room upstairs and have a shower with a small step into, but the door is too small for a walker without turning sideways. so I have more work to do.
And not walk large Dogs!!!
0:58 #1 reason elder people move to nursing homes? multiple falls and unsafe conditions
1:41 limit prescription medications to less than 4 to reduce side effects of lightheadedness or dizziness
2:45 increase strength of lower body
to improve balance and agility
3:20 work on improving balance for 3-5 minutes daily
You always have the best advice and I appreciate you so much. Thank You
Thanks Sherrie!
Thank you for this practical advice for seniors, Ed.
Jim
Very welcome Jim!
I was thinking you might discuss the important role OT plays in keeping people, not just seniors safe in the home. OT’s assess the client’s self-care activities to make necessary recommendations and instruct them in safe shower or bath transfers, bed transfers and bed mobility. OT’s instruction clients in safe meal preparation, how to get groceries etc. Plus energy conservation strategies. How to get off the floor if they fall, use of life alert systems, what to do in an emergency, safely entering and exiting their home. It is more complex to be at home safely than just balance. Think of clients who are w/c bound? Marilyn OT
Yes Marilyn, great points, OT help is crucial
Your video was most Informative and interesting to boot. I'm a senior citizen and I certainly don't want to end up in an old age home.In my country and in our culture,children take of their elderly elders but since I don't wish to be a burden on anyone, I will follow your advice. Right now, I'm quite alright, albeit with a niggling problems Nothing serious though.So ,thank you for your guidance and counseling. 😊
Excellent!
I'm a senior living on my own, and you can get groceries delivered. You can also get meals delivered if you're hungry and want to eat now.
Excellent point!
Good for you, but many seniors living alone in the present economy may not be able to afford having groceries or meals delivered.
@@patriciayohn6136 I'm not sure what happened here, but I posted this reply to a video about an old man who was starving because he couldn't get to the store to get groceries and called 911. So money wasn't the issue, getting groceries was. And so as I posted, you can get groceries delivered, you can order food delivered. Not sure how my comment got moved to this video. Obviously my comment has nothing to do with falling.
I’m 66 and retiring. I paddle board and have balance. I take 1 medication for thyroid. I hike and eat healthy. I want to stay healthy and if my adult children don’t start taking care of themselves then I’ll be taking care of them.
Yes, very true! Keep staying active :)
Hi Robin, how's your day going with you?
Families, as a whole, have disappeared altogether. No support for a lot of seniors.
Yes, unfortunately, that is true in many situations.
Problem is, that as people live longer, by the time they become infirm, their needs can end up being too complex for family to manage.
Thank you, this is really helpful. Being 65 years old. My mother is 88 and is still at home but she's fallen about 2 times. She has afibs and ministrokes.
Thank you, I wish your mother well
Here are the links I talk about in the video: Balance training th-cam.com/video/ZjauWPw3bVE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=h5FyxyoT3J8yHwcW. 5 Exercises for Seniors th-cam.com/video/yQ0G5x5hI28/w-d-xo.htmlsi=QJeBMtZ9ZOrDY5Ea Safe Osteoporosis exercises th-cam.com/video/gHboKGnytWY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=zsRHeV-lIrEA0gfh Learn more about Healthy Aging at our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/livewell50. Thanks for watching and keep exercising!
One thing I noticed in your kitchen was that you have a plastic bowl on your stove. That is something that can be deadly for a senior. They put a plastic bag or a tea towel on the stove top, then inadvertently turn on the wrong element and the object catches fire. Panic ensues causing them to try to run and then fall. I saw my mom doing this when she was alone and told her about it. One day I came to her house and there was a lid that was melted. I said nothing, but she said she knew all about it and had told her neighbour that I would give her shit because I'd told her not to put things on the stove.
Great observation and very true! Thanks for sharing, I will be better in the next video :)
Yes old people can be like children
@@karlabritfeld7104 No we aren't, we just forget stuff from time to time.
As I get older, I try to be conscious of careless habits that could become dangerous. I'm in the kitchen a lot, so that's a good area to think about.
@@onetuliptree Put red stickers on the knobs for the back two elements so that I don't turn them on by accident and I don't keep anything on my stove when I'm not using it.
I am retired and recently moved into an 18 plus community (26 units). The majority of people living here are widows/widowers 75-95. They constantly complain that they are lonely, but won’t invite anyone over for coffee/tea. They won’t look after their home because they say they are old and use their age as a weapon towards me to get me to do their yard work. I also have medical issues and look after my place but am feeling sicker looking after all the other yards and community property. When I do this work they complain that I am not doing it right (I have a masters degree and always research how to do things). When I suggest that maybe their kids could help them they tell me their kids are too busy and if they ask they will put them in a home. They won’t do any exercise or little things to keep them mobile. They still drive and run over garbage cans and drive the 100 yards to the mailbox to get their mail as they can’t walk.They are going to kill somebody driving. Senior residences are not always a bad thing and can pro-long the quality of life for the individual, family and the community. As I said, we have 9 widows/widowers in my cul de sac and are thinking of taking a loss on our property to preserve our life.
Thank you for sharing, you definitely bring up some good points. Best wishes.
Considering your research skills, you might benefit from learning about boundaries. It's never too late! Best wishes.
What a whiner
Wow do what’s best for you good luck ❤sounds like your on the right track, don’t listen to negative comments…..
No, a truth teller. I lived in a senior community (we all owned our own homes) and were only 62. The neighbors were all in their 80s-90s and it makes you begin to feel decrepit. We only lasted one year there. @@karlabritfeld7104
Listen to him. Besides arthritis, my mom was in good health. Except to go to the bathroom and to the kitchen for food, she literally sat all day, every day. Now, she's bedridden and I'm stuck taking care of her. Please stay active and don't burden your children. Also, being stuck in bed is an extremely low quality of life.
Yes stay active is right !
STUCK ?😮
@@GeminieCricket Yes, stuck. I love my mom, and I told her repeatedly that if she didn't move more, she was going to end up in her current condition. It was completely avoidable. She was an awesome mom for me growing up. But, that doesn't mean I must be happy about what's happening now. If she hadn't been such a good mom, I'd have put her in a care home long ago.
I will literally move heaven and earth to be positive neither my beloved husband or I will NEVER go to a nursing home! My step son just moved into the ranch style home (our first home) and we are in our mid sixties. We moved next door to a two story home in 2019. I’m in much worse health than my husband and I expect to go first. Should my husband precede me we are in the process of making certain I don’t go to a nursing home. We are very active and I’ve had horses since I was in my teens. Horses assist humans in keeping their balance and entire body in good shape. Between hauling and unloading 50 pound sacks of feed, 85 pound square bales of hay and riding several times a week my body is in much better shape than most women my age. Not everyone can afford horses I understand. I personally can’t afford NOT to have them!! I’m within 5 pounds of my ideal body weight. However I’m in worse shape than my beloved husband! Please listen to this man!! He knows what he’s talking about! Prayers for all of us!! ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🏇🏿🏇🏿🏇🏿
The average time of survival of nursing home residents is one year. EDIT: I looked up the study and it is actually between 13 and 14 months.
Wow!
No surprise, and not necessarily a reflection on the nursing home. People are already very frail and ill to end up there in the first place.
Your doctor isn't going to tell you your falls are from side effects of prescriptions.
Interesting.
Damn right
Best thing you can do is keep in touch with close friends who live nearby.
True, excellent point!
Hi Karla, how's your day going with you?
I was raised in the nursing home business; they were terrible back in the 60s, 70s and beyond, and today they are horrific!!!! Don’t let their possible swanky looking facility fool you. Any kind of hospital, assisted living, memory care or nursing home will ONLY be as good as those giving the patient care, and the reality is next to. No one wants to work at these places and those who do, at least the majority, give lousy patient care. My brother who still owns one to this day says it is next to impossible to get even an RN to work let alone those who do the actual patient care. If, at all possible, keep your loved ones out of these places; I cannot say this strongly enough!!!
Wow Peggy, thanks for sharing your story!
Hi Peggy, how's your day going with you?
I agree with what Ed suggests. As with nursing homes or age care facilities, expect that they will not improve the care of the elderly any time soon. No amount of money will make drastic changes. Better to stay out of nursing homes as much as possible.
Thanks for sharing, good points
I'm glad I found your site. I am 77 and need to check out all your videos because I am off balance some time. I use a walker and feel I need your help.
Welcome to the channel, I hope the videos help!