No one wants to talk about it. Few even want to approach the question of what is an advanced care directive? Why? Perhaps because the question reminds us of issues we may feel we’re not ready to consider. However, an advanced care directive is vital to ensuring that your wishes are carried out in the…
First, your mother needed some help around the house after her knee replacement. You were glad to lend a hand. But over time, her health deteriorated. She even fell once, and you didn’t find her until you got off of work. You can’t leave her unsupervised, and as a result, became her full-time caregiver. And now…
A stroke can be devastating—and they are alarmingly more common than you might think. That’s one reason why we believe it is so important to implement effective OT exercises for stroke patients at East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness. Every 40 seconds, an American has a stroke, and every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke,…
It feels almost painful to watch. Your father, who previously has been functioning independently, is having difficulty getting dressed. The problem started after severe arthritis caused him to be extremely limited. You’re happy to help, but you would rather see your father living more independently again. How can occupational therapy help? Occupational therapy and physical…
Have you had a hip or knee replacement? If you have, you realize that intensive physical therapy is necessary to ensure you get the full movement of your new joint and enable you to return to some of the activities you once enjoyed. While some patients opt for outpatient rehabilitation, there are actually many more…
Have you ever forgotten to take your medication? It’s an easy mistake, and it has likely happened to us all at some point in our lives. For seniors facing serious health challenges, a missed dose can have serious consequences. We’d like to examine what is medication management and how it can minimize the likelihood of missing…
The older you get, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with cancer. In fact, those over age 74 comprise 28% of new cancer cases in the United States. In addition, more than 9 out of 10 cancers are diagnosed in those 45 and older. But often, this presents certain challenges for those with…
If you have a chronic wound, you know it is a nuisance. It requires extensive time and attention. In many cases, these wounds are unsightly. But did you know they can also be dangerous? If bacteria get into the wound and are allowed to fester, the surrounding tissue can die. Without treatment, this can lead…
In the United States, there is one heart attack every 40 seconds. Those who have had a heart attack are frequently prescribed cardiac rehabilitation to strengthen their heart and reduce the chances of having a second heart attack. However, you may wonder what happens during a cardiac rehab session, and if it is covered by…
Wound care for seniors can be complicated, especially if they are battling diseases such as cancer or diabetes. We’ve provided this useful guide to wound care for seniors, where we’ll look at the 5 principles of wound management. We’ll also examine how diabetes and cancer can affect wound healing. Does Cancer Affect Wound Healing? Can…
