Please share an interesting fact about caring for an elderly person.

Borage: 2 capsules of borage oil a day decreases itching in the elderly.

The: Here's a myth: the flu is only dangerous to the elderly. No one else really needs to worry about it.

Exercising: Exercising may not make you live longer but will make you more active and independant elder.

The: The best way to avoid a fall is to get to the ground in the event of a feeling of dizziness.

In: In elderly, always check balance and vision. Pride should not prevent the use of an assist device.

There: There is compelling evidence that humoral and cell-mediated immunity are depressed with aging.

Herpes: Herpes zoster is more frequent and more severe in the elderly.

The: The frequency and severity of atopic allergic diseases (asthma and hay fever) decline in old age.

Medical: Medical complications are more numerous and hazardous in the elderly.

Personality: Some say personalities don't change? No. Personalities may change without the elderly knowing it.

Elderly Care: Assuming they have some dementia don't be surprised if it gets worse in the evening. It's called sundowners.

NOT: Not all cataracts in adults need to be operated on!

It: It is unfortunate reality that elder care often falls onto one child, rather than shared with siblings!

Encourage: Encourage them to be busy and creative. Discuss issues and show interest in their opinions.

Get: Get help so you can have a break and are less apt to have caregiver fatigue or burnout.

Hearing: Hearing loss increases one's risk for falls. Have him or her tested for hearing loss.

Keep: Keep them well hydrated as they may not be able to convey that they are thirsty.

Myth:: Myth: a loss of functioning in one system will lead to more. Fact: other systems may remain fine.

You: You know how often you feel younger than your age? So do the "elderly"! play a bit!

More: More than care, the elderly need to know they are also loved. Tell them you love them.

Vanity: Vanity is part of all stages of life. Let the elderly maintain their sense of self.

Some: Some of the best wwii stories can be heard from some of these guys. Those 90 year-olds are heroes!

Try: Try not to argue or be adamant about proving things to patients with memory issues.

Ask: Ask them to tell you about crazy experiences they have had. You may be surprised and learn something.

Love: Love and support to elders can increase immunity, will to live, and longevity.

Elderly: Myth: elderly people need less sleep. Fact: they need the same amount as a normal adult.

Pets: Pets reduce blood pressure and anxiety.

Check: Check out the floor, if a fragile person fell or tripped what surface would they hit?

Put: Put things on lower shelves for them to reach to increase their sense of independence

Financial: Financial help is your role. They cared for you, and now it is your turn...Even if they didn't.

Show: Show them you care by caring. Call them, visit them, bring them food. Spend time with them.

Elderly: Elderly people often need help with transportation to and from their doctors. Help whenever you can.

Myth: Myth is older adults need less sleep than younger adults fact is they need the same.

Myth:: Myth: when a person goes partially blind, the other senses (hearing, touch, etc.) improve.

Falls: Falls are the most common injury in the home.

Ignore: Hearing impaired patients- use your stethoscope - ears into theirs and speak into the diaphragm.

The: The soul is the same in all living creatures although the body of each is different. ― hippocrates.

Ignore: Do everything you can to reduce risk of fall in the elderly ; don't forget to take care of yourself.

Ignore: Ask that person their opinion about something going on in the news, you may learn something!

Ignore: Make your home trip and fall proof. Hip fractures have a very poor prognosis.

Ignore: Caring for someone with dementia is very difficult, there are support groups. Find a local group.

Ignore: You just might learn something usefull from the elderly at the same time you help them!

Ignore: Remember that our culture has changed dramatically over the course of your elderly loved one's life.

Ignore: Forgetting things is not a normal change of aging. Pay attention and seek care.

Ignore: The most important things to do is to LISTEN and HEAR.

Ignore: Always listen and give tender loving care.

Ignore: One thing I found that my older patients missed were hugs. Hug an older person.

Ignore: Because a person is elderly don't assume they aren't intelligent. Speak to them directly.

Unique individuals: Just like each of us, elderly are unique individuals w/unique needs. Some are healthier than others while others take many medications. Some know what they want while others need guidance. Some have tremendous support systems while others are isolated. Ask them how they can best be helped, if they need help. And ask for their goals while they can still provide guidance on advance care directives.

Ignore: Have patience, positive attitude, and take extra time when dealing with the elderly.

Ignore: Active social engagement stimulates the Brain and helps prevent memory loss.

Ignore: Ask BEFORE you "help"! Its frustrating for a Senior to be considered "helpless" !

Ignore: Make sure hearing and vision are optimally treated to reduce the risk of falls.