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Managing Medications

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It is becoming more frequent to see medications distributed in blister packs, rather than in pill bottles.

Skilled nursing facilities and other medical facilities tend to use them to avoid medication distribution errors. For the elderly, this packaging style can be very difficult to manage, if the person has problems with fine motor or hand coordination and/or arthritis.

If you are helping a loved one manage their medications, and this is a struggle for them, you can organize their pills one week at a time in a pill organizer and minimize self- medication errors, by putting all of the bottles and sheets of medication in a separate place.

To help the overall understanding of what medication is used to treat what type of condition, you can make a chart, that includes a picture of the pill, what it is used for and when it is taken. You can copy a picture of the pill from the internet, or take a picture of the pill, and apply it to the chart. The chart will serve to reinforce and remind the person about their medications, and reduce the potential for errors.

Here is an example:

Pill - Description Name of Pill When I take it Why I take it

 White, Large, Oval

Atorvastatin

In the evening

To improve my

Cholesterol

If you are challenged with how to manage a loved one’s medications, let us know what the issue is, and we’ll see if we can help you problem solve your issue! - Now "Let's Get Going" xo Sally

If you would like to learn more about Sally Thimm OTR/L Occupational Therapy Services visit: Professional Case Management of SWFL

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Medication Management Containers

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Simplify the organization of your medications by using containers that separate your pills into compartments that best describe the time of day that you take them.

For example; one of my favorite types of medication containers is pictured below.  They come marked for medications to be taken 4 times per day:  Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner- Bed time.

sallycares-containers1.jpgsallycares-containers2.png


Sometimes those descriptions don’t fit the timing schedule that you follow.  A good example of this is when some patients that take medication for Parkinsons Disease four times per day, take them every four hours.  To make the pill organization easier, I take a label maker and cover the printed words on the boxes, and put the time that the pills are supposed to be taken over the wording.  See below:

                         

This particular pill organizer has 7 different compartments labeled with each day of the week.

There are 4 individual sections in each compartment that are labeled with the time the pills are to be taken in each section.

This allows the patient or caregiver to take the supply of pills for the day in a compact carrier, and be reminded about the time to take the pills, just by looking at the top of the box.

Let us hear from you through Contact Us, and share how you manage medications that are timed.  A web site you may find interesting is www.epill.com .  They have a number of electronic pill reminder gadgets that may help you to remember to take your pills on time!

Now let’s get going” xo Sally

If you would like to learn more about Sally Thimm OTR/L Occupational Therapy Services visit: Professional Case Management of SWFL

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Six Reasons Why Falls Occur

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     Falls can be complicated. The injuries that result from falls are many, and frequently are responsible for loss of independence.

 

A reason for a fall may not be as simple as losing your balance.

 

Balance is a critical part, but when we couple falls and illness, or we combine falls and the elderly,

the question gets more complicated, and there may not be just one easy answer.

 

First, do not believe that people fall just because they are old. Living in Southwest Florida, I have had the personal experience of working with patients ranging in age from 70 to 100. It’s not unusual to have patients in their 80s and 90s be independent, live alone, and continue to drive safely.

 

One thing I know for sure — there’s always a reason that a person falls. A rare fall due to an actual loss of balance can happen to anyone. Whether you’re the patient, caregiver or a therapist, you need to be a detective to figure out the potential reasons for a fall, and follow up with your doctors to define treatment options for your condition

 

Balance is best understood by realizing that our muscles provide our support system, and the reason we’re able to keep our upright or standing balance is that our muscles work in concert with each other. Agonist and antagonist muscles act in opposite directions. When the agonist produces an action, the antagonist opposes the action. Stability is the result.

 

So in a perfect world, our muscles support our bones in harmony when we’re standing, and adjust when we take on different postures — walking, moving forward to stand from a chair, getting out of bed, getting on and off the toilet, and so on.  Physical and cognitive problems infludence balance and falls.

 

Here are six things you should consider before assuming someone is falling due to “old age:”

 

 Vision. Limitations in vision can impact accuracy of steps, determination of curb or threshold heights, and depth perception. 

Joint pain. If you’re having arthritic pain in a hip, knee, or ankle, you may be unconsciously or consciously shifting your weight to the stronger side to reduce pain. This causes a problem with balance, and can cause damage to the “good side” due to overuse and inflammation.

                                

Coordination. If you are noticing a change in your coordination, a change in how you’re walking, or a worsening of posture (more bent over), these things contribute to balance. When a person shuffles when they walk, or stops picking up their feet when they step, that could be a sign of a change in their neurological status. It could be as simple as sensory changes developing in the legs, or as complicated as an evolving change in their neurological condition. These changes need to be evaluated by a neurologist.

 Blood Pressure Most people talk about high blood pressure, because it is common.  Monitor your bood pressure at home.  If you experience weakness in the legs, lightheadedness and/or dizziness while walking, check your blood pressure.  It may be low, and it might be contributing to falls.  Check blood pressure while sitting, and then stand.  Wait 3-5 minutes before checking blood presure in the standing position, so it will be more accurate.  If you take it immediately upon standing, you won't get an accurate reading of the blood pressure you have, when you are upright for a length of time.  Report these problems to your doctor.

Changes in metabolism and the endocrine systemIf you have diabetes or any other physiological condition that affects your balance of blood sugar and/or endocrine function, follow your physician's orders to maximize internal stability.  You can become light-headed and dizzy and fall when these systems are not under good control.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is chracterized by intense sensations of dizziness, or of a feeling that the inside of your head is spinning.  Characteristically the sensations occur when the poisiton of the head is changed.  There are exercises that help, and treatment is usually very successful.  Your physician can direct you to resources.

Successful management of any change in your medical status will require that you become a good "detective" for yourself and your loved ones.  Pay attention to how someone loses their balance, and how they fall.  For example, if someone consistently falls backwards, rather than forward or sideways, that is important for your neurologist to know.

If you feel you need to use medical equipment such as canes or walkers for suport, keep in mind that you don't want to miss an oportunity to figure out why you're experiencing unsteadiness.  Ask you doctor whether there is an underlying issue that can be treated.  This also goes for people who must hold on to the backs of chairs or kitchen counters.  If you have to reach out for something to stabilize yourself, ask yourself why.

Falls can be fatal, especially in the senior population.  Get to the bottom of the reason for your unsteadiness.  Don't let anyone tell you that your balance problems are "expected" in people "your age."  Learn how to be your own advocate, and get some answers!

Contact us via email for more information.  Send your questions and comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

    

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Senior Citizens Discounts

This information was passed along to us; we thought this would be interesting information to post on our website, since we all love a good deal!

In order to receive the Senior Citizen discounts listed below, you have to mention the discount prior to paying.

If you find that some of these locations do not offer the discount any longer, or if you come across a vendor that should be added to the list, please go the “Contact US” Tab on the homepage of the website.  Send us an email, for a vendor to be added or removed. Happy Shopping& Saving! ~ From the staff at Sallycares.com


RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddruckers: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gaetti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)

Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)

McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)

Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)

Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods. (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations.
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount).
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount).
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)

Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT :
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).


MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off haircuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)