Author Archives: Jeanne Lowry

Keeping the Holidays Stress-Free for Your Senior (and You)

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 23, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

The holidays are definitely here! And you may well be visiting your elderly parents, staying with your caree or having seniors visit you. How can you make to and through the new year in the most stress-free way? A little planning and an attitude of “not-sweating-the-small stuff” should help.

Traditions
Traditions are great and part of why many of us look forward to the holidays. But don’t forget that the reasons traditions are there is to keep families and friends together and happy. So if a tradition is no longer making someone happy, maybe it’s time to alter it. For instance, if it’s the tradition to sit down for Christmas dinner at precisely five o’ clock BUT this year, grandma’s Sundowner Syndrome has gotten worse – is it really so bad to have a Christmas lunch instead?

Downtime
Because it’s hard to get everyone together very often, we all tend to squish a lot of activities into a small period of time. But maybe it’s better to just focus on one larger thing per day? A trip to the zoo can just be a morning activity, at least for your senior, followed by a meal and then some downtime or naptime in the afternoon. Having your senior there for all the moments is great, but if they’re not enjoying themselves, the moments mean less.

Follow-up
After the holidays are over, and everyone has packed up and gone home, keep the emotional needs of your senior in mind. As startling as the transition to having lots of family and friends around may have been, the transition back to “normal” could be worse. If you’re near your senior, perhaps try and increase the amount of social time they receive. And if you’re far, try and call and check in a little more for the first few weeks. Maybe send a little gift or a note, make sure they know you’re thinking of them all year long.

What are some tips you have about keeping the holidays more about family and togetherness and less about stress? We here at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com would love to hear it in the comments below!

How to Pack an Incontinence Emergency Kit

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 22, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

With the holidays upon us and many of us packing for both short and long trips, we here at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com thought this article, originally posted by LiveConfidently.com, may come in handy.

If you or someone you know experiences bladder leakage or other forms of incontinence, having an incontinence emergency kit is just as important as a first aid kit. We’re often prepared for an accident at home, but what about while you’re out and about or on vacation? Keeping an incontinence kit will not only ensure that you’re prepared for long vacations, but also for overnight stays, short trips to the grocery store, and any situation where an accident could occur. Having this backup plan will greatly improve your peace of mind and ensure that you’re always prepared for anything that comes your way. If you’d like to prepare an incontinence emergency kit of your own, read on!

Getting Started

Before you prepare your incontinence kit, ask yourself a few questions:

Have you had any accidents in the past? If so, what supplies would have helped you in those moments?
Which types of accidents are you concerned about (e.g., light bladder leakage, heavy leakage, nighttime incontinence, etc.)?
Where might I need this incontinence emergency kit?
What activities should I prepare for (e.g., swimming, overnight trips, long car rides, etc.)?

After you’ve answered these questions and determined the needs that your incontinence emergency kit should meet, start thinking about the type of bag or container you’d like to use. If you lead an active lifestyle and need your incontinence kit to travel with you, a rugged backpack or small rolling suitcase might be your best option. If your kit will primarily be stored at home or in your car, a plastic storage container with a snap-on lid may do the trick. Use your judgment to pick a form factor that preserves your dignity while providing protection for your unique concerns.

What to Pack

Your incontinence emergency kit should be tailored to suit your specific needs, but it never hurts to pack an assortment of incontinence supplies. You might want to consider including some of the following absorbent products:

Pantiliners and bladder control pads, which provide protection for light to heavy needs and are worn inside undergarments
Male guards, which are pads specifically designed for the male anatomy and worn inside undergarments
Incontinence boxers for men, which feel and fit like regular boxers but have inner pads that provide protection for moderate to heavy leakage
Incontinence panties for women, which are worn as undergarments and provide protection for moderate to heavy incontinence
Protective underpads, which are disposable pads that are placed on surfaces to protect against leaks

Beyond incontinence products, your incontinence emergency kit should also include some or all of the following items to ensure your comfort and dignity:

Clean underwear
Change of clothes
Flushable wipes or disposable cloths for cleanup
Plastic bags for storing any soiled clothing

If you take any medications for incontinence, you may want to include a few extra pills in your incontinence emergency kit. This will ensure that you don’t miss any doses when traveling or on the go.

As a digital extension to your kit, those with smartphones or tablets may find it helpful to save a few websites or apps that provide locations of public restrooms. This way you can easily find a place to relieve yourself, no matter the location.

Storing Your Kit

Now that your kit is complete, you’ll want to make sure it’s stored in an easily accessible place. Where will you most likely need this kit: at home, at a loved one’s house, or in your car for on-the-go needs? When in doubt, the safest place is in your car so it will travel with you. We also suggest preparing incontinence kits for both your home and car to ensure your peace of mind at all times.

Have any incontinence emergency kit tips to add? Head over to our incontinence forum and chat with others just like you!

Great Holiday Senior Activities

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 18, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Maybe you’re visiting your parents during the holidays. Maybe you’re a caregiver who wants to bring the holiday spirit into your senior’s home. Whatever the reason, the cold weather, Christmas and New Year’s bring a wealth of ideas with them for how to create and entertain.

Reading
The poem, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” was written in the 1800’s, so chances are that everyone has heard the verses at least once in their life. Don’t be afraid to turn the lights low and grab a blanket and just enjoy reading out loud. And there are always religious texts and passages to read that are specific to this season.

Hot Cocoa Tasting
The next time you’re at the store, grab a few different types hot cocoa. Don’t worry, you’ll use it up before the weather warms up. Brew up a few cups and each and split it between the group. See if people can tell the difference (you can always throw in some Quik or other distinct flavored cocoa). And you never know which flavors may bring back a memory to talk about!

Music
While you may well be tired of Christmas music by this point, the senior (who hasn’t been out and about much) may not. So find some tunes they’ll recognize and you’re not totally exhausted of and put them on. Perhaps you can listen while decorating the house – or even stringing popcorn! The intricate stringing may prove too difficult for an elderly person, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy the site, smells and tastes of you doing it.

Cooking
Speaking of making popcorn … do you know what your senior’s favorite meal is? It may not be easy, it may be unhealthy, but during the holidays, with businesses closed and unhealthy food everywhere already, now might be the perfect time to cook that dish.

What are your favorite holiday activities? Do you have to modify them to adapt to your senior’s lifestyle, or do they fit perfectly? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!

Happy Holiday Savings from Total Home Care Supplies

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 16, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

From now through the end of December, you can receive $8 off all orders over $100. And everyday, all orders over $40 are shipped for free! Use the code “SNOWFALL” to save big between now and December 31st.

Our Most Absorbent Adult Diapers

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 15, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

The two main qualities that one should look for first in an adult diaper are comfort and absorbency. And both have a lot to do with fit. A diaper that is the wrong size will not feel right on the body. It’s important to base the size on waist size, but also where the diaper is hugging the body. Some people like having a more high-rise brief, others low-rise. As for absorbency, a diaper that is the wrong fit will not absorb properly. Do not assume that a larger diaper will absorb more liquid. All high-absorbency diapers will do their job, no matter their size, if they fit correctly. A correct fit will keep leaks to a minimum.

Many of our available products offer a variance of incontinence protection. But today we’re taking a look at the adult diapers that offer the most absorbency:

First Quality Nu-Fit Adult Briefs – The cloth-like back sheeting makes these diapers comfortable, low noise and allows more air to the area.

Per-Fit Adult Briefs – Featuring OdorGuard technology – all liquid is absorbed and trapped before becoming a problem.

First Quality Prevail Adult Bariatric Brief A – QUICK WICK™ with MaxSoft pulls the moisture quickly into the core of the diaper (also available in larger size B).

Depend Protection with Tabs Briefs – The Ultra Absorb-Loc® protection means leaks are no longer a worry.

Tranquility ATN (All-Thru-the-Nite) Brief – The absorbency means your skin is not compromised when wearing overnight.

Seven Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 13, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Original post by Leslie Gaillard for LiveConfidently.com

The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times to stick to a healthy meal plan. Here are some strategies to help you survive this holiday season with your weight and health intact.

1. Maintain, don’t gain.

While you may be interested in losing weight, the holidays are a tough time for many people to do this. Make a plan to weigh yourself at least once a week to keep tabs on your weight. If you notice your weight beginning to increase, you can address this before one pound turns into many pounds gained.

2. Plan for special holiday events.

Baked goods, potlucks, and celebrations with family and friends can derail anyone’s healthy eating plan. The key is to think about these events in advance and have a plan for your eating. Have a snack before you go so you’ll be less likely to overindulge. If you are going to a potluck or dinner, limit yourself to one plate. Holiday food typically is not low calorie, but if you watch your portion sizes you can still enjoy some of your favorite holiday foods while keeping your overall intake in check.

3. Add some extra exercise.

Physical activity can burn extra calories and also be another non-food related activity you can do with friends and family. Instead of meeting someone for a meal, suggest a walk or another form of exercise that you both enjoy.

4. Limit your indulgences.

One of my mantras is that it is a “Holi-DAY” not a “Holi-WEEK” or a “Holi-MONTH.” Allow yourself to enjoy some special holiday foods, but try to limit overindulgences to a single day, rather than a week or longer.

5. Record your food intake.

If you find yourself consuming significant amounts of calories from any particular food item, such as sweet treats or alcoholic beverages, make a plan to control your intake. Keep a food record for the items you have consumed each day, evaluate it, and then make a food plan for the next day. For example, if you record that you have consumed three cookies on a particular day, make a food plan for the next day that eliminates or reduces the amount of sweet treats.

6. Eat mindfully.

One of my clients’ most successful strategies is to try to be the last person to finish his meal at the table. This requires him to slow down his pace of eating. Set your utensil down between bites, take sips of your beverage, remember to chew your food thoroughly, and enjoy the conversation of those you are dining with. As a result of practicing these mindful strategies for eating, my client feels more satisfied with less food and even reports enjoying the taste of the food more.

7. Modify your recipes.

There are simple ways to modify your recipes to make them lower in both fat and calories. For example, whole eggs in baked good recipes can be replaced with egg whites (two egg whites for every whole egg) or egg substitutes. You can also replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce or ripe bananas. In dishes that call for cheese or whole milk, choose the reduced fat versions instead. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your recipes to make your holiday meals more nutrient-dense.

With all of these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to having a happy and healthy holiday season! Have some suggestions to add for staying healthy during the holidays? Head over to our incontinence forum and chat with people just like you.

Original article can be found at Live.confidently.com.

Different Types of Skin Cleansers for Incontinence

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 12, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

There are basically two different types of wash for sensitive skin that gets exposed to urine and feces, or is rubbed against diapers and pull-ups. These comprise of liquid washes that do not need to be rinses and disposable washcloths.

We offer several types of no-rinse wash on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. The advantages of these types of washes are that a trip to the shower is not necessary. Many of these washes can be sprayed onto a moistened washcloth and then used on the area. Some items, such as Medline’s No-Rinse Shampoo and Wash can be used for both the body and the hair, eliminating the need for a shower for those who are bedridden. There are also no-rinse washes that are specifically for those with sensitive skin, like the FNC Medical Ca-Rezz Gentle No-Rinse Wash. For those looking for a combination cleanser and cream, the Tena Skin Caring Wash Cream protects, cleans and moisturizes the skin.

For those looking for a disposable washcloth to use after removing a used diaper, or to use as an alternative to a diaper, we offer several types and brands. The Prevail Adult Incontinence Washcloths are enhanced with lotion for better skin health and are very strong, meaning they won’t break up during use. The Sage Comfort Bath Cleansing Washcloths contain everything needed for a gentle skin soothing bath: moisturizers and mild, no-rinse cleansers. For those individuals who are looking for a travel pack of washcloths to take on the road, Tranquility offers packages with sixteen wipes each.

What product or products have you found the most success with when it comes to skin cleansers for those with incontinence? Feel free to tell us below, or review any of the above products on their individual pages by clicking on their links.

Ways People Become Incontinent

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 11, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Many people assume that incontinence is a natural part of aging (just as many people think that dementia is a natural part of aging). But both are not an automatic response of the body and mind to getting older, though the two afflictions are related to one another.

Temporary incontinence can occur from a matter of issues. Some people who have been able to drink coffee, tea and alcohol without a problem their whole lives can become more sensitive to it as they age, and the effect of that sensitivity can be incontinence. Some medical conditions can create incontinence issues, such as urinary-tract infections (which can not only create incontinence in the elderly, but a host of confusing behavioral problems). To keep urinary-tract infections at bay, those that are susceptible should be sure to stay well-hydrated (though this sounds counter-intuitive to keeping continent, drinking too little water can irritate the bladder and cause incontinence). Constipation can be another reason for temporary incontinence.

Dementia can cause incontinence for a variety of reasons. Those with dementia who still get the “urge” to go can start on their way to the bathroom and get distracted or lost. Some people with later stage Alzheimer’s have damage to the parts of their brain that tells them that they need to go. Additionally, all the steps that it takes to use the restroom: finding it, removing clothing, staying long enough to urinate, can be overwhelming to someone with dementia.

Other reasons for incontinence can be weakened pelvic floor muscles, often caused by pregnancy and childbirth. Some medications can cause incontinence, which can oftentimes be easy to fix by switching types or changing the dosage. Being overweight or having an injury, such as a spinal cord injury, can cause incontinence.

While some of these reasons for incontinence cannot be cured, the incontinence can be managed. Perhaps it’s as easy as using a pull-up at night or having an underpad ready on a favorite chair. The number one reason that the elderly move into nursing homes is because their carer cannot manage their incontinence. But with communication with the caree’s doctor, supplies, and patience, the incontinent individual may be able to stay in place.

Winter Activities for You and Your Baby

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 10, 2014 under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

When it’s cold out, it can be pretty stressful to be inside your house all day with your young babe. Time passed walking around the neighborhood, and all the exploring and exercise opportunities those walks brought can be missed during the long winter months. But there are many ways to keep entertained, fit and busy while indoors, with just a few supplies and some imagination!

Music

Find a CD that has some songs you know well. Sing along with it and maybe even throw in a few dance moves that you do with your baby on your hip. They’ll love to hear you sing (singing can be exciting or soothing, often the perfect thing to do while changing your baby’s diaper). And all the dancing will get you both some exercise! And if you’re cold, it will warm you both up!

Crafts

Don’t get out the glue gun! When crafting with babies, it’s a much simpler process. It’s mostly exploring different material around your home. Paw through some cotton balls, or simply give them a large piece of ice to touch. Be sure to watch your child closely if they’re partial to putting small items in their mouths. Asia, the writer of the blog “Fun at Home with Kids” has over 50 ideas creative ideas for babies.

The Mall

When walking around outdoors is just too cold, but you’re both feeling restless, head to the mall! Your baby is too young to drag you into the candy store, so you can make excellent time walking from one end to another. And if you have an item or two you needed to pick up anyway, even better!

What is some advice you have about how to keep the both parents and babies entertained when the snow is piling up?

The Benefits of Pets for Seniors

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on December 4, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Pets can benefit every person. Studies have proven time and again that just petting an animal can calm a person and lower their blood pressure. And you don’t even need to own an animal to pet them! But the effects of an animal in your home go beyond having a furry friend to nuzzle. Pets provide companionship, something that many seniors can begin to lose as their mobility declines.

The Pets for the Elderly Foundation points out that when seniors own pets, their need to visit their doctors declines, and they have a good excuse to get active. Seniors who can still take a short walk around the block may be more inclined to do so when there’s a dog who needs to go out. Those who do not have that much mobility can get a smaller dog that only needs to use the yard, or a cat that can use a litter box. The benefits will still exist, such as being more sociable – an animal draws others near to chat.

It is, however, very important to think of the details.

What is the age and breed of the pet?
Smaller dogs are often seen as more manageable, but many breeds need lots of exercise. A kitten or puppy is very cute, but they are quite active and sometimes hard to train.

Who will care for the pet when the senior is no longer able to?
This is a good question to answer before the senior gets the pet, so everyone is prepared.

What are the annual costs of keeping the animal?
While big dogs may be mellower than medium or small-sized dogs, they also eat more. Also consider getting pet health insurance for the animal – it’s often much less expensive than an unexpected surgery down the road.

As long as you have the answers to the above, and everyone’s in agreement, a pet can be a wonderful companion to a senior or a senior couple. Are there other tips that caregivers should keep in mind before placing a pet with a senior? If you have them, we’d love to hear them in the comment section below.