Just a note to let readers know that we have moved this blog to wordpress.
You can continue to follow this blog at http://optimalhealthcaresolutions.com/blog
Thanks you!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Closed Head Injury
Well, I had planned to post on the topic of autism this weekend, but that all has changed. This past Friday as I was coming home from work, I was rear ended by a big truck. Initially I felt OK, no problems. Things changed overnight. My head started hurting through out the night, then all day Saturday and today I have to walk with my head straight forward to avoid headaches, and dizziness.
After the impact on Friday, I did not get the driver's driver's license or insurance info. I did get the name of the company, and license number. So, I think I'll keep you up today with the events of my recovery through this blog for now.
After the impact on Friday, I did not get the driver's driver's license or insurance info. I did get the name of the company, and license number. So, I think I'll keep you up today with the events of my recovery through this blog for now.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Mild Brain Injuries Grow
There is an increase in the number of mild brain injuries reported. The rise in cases reported are due to various factors – among the most common are increased awareness, educational programs, and lifestyle choices. Mild brain injury can result from a blow or jolt to the head, leading to bruising or trauma to the brain surface. It is estimated approximately 1.4 million people are diagnosed with mild brain injury each year. Amazingly, 85% of those receiving treatment will make a full recovery. Despite the fact that more closed head injuries are being reported, there are still misconceptions about mild brain injuries.When an individual initially experiences mild brain injury, losing consciousness may or may not occur. In fact, it is not unusual for a person to “feel fine” immediately following a hit to the head area. However, over a period of time, symptoms such as memory loss, dizziness, vomiting, blurred speech or vision, and headaches may manifest. In many situations people are not aware of a mild brain injury until symptoms appear weeks, or even months later. Regrettably, going undiagnosed happens frequently among children who may have encountered head trauma from sports, abuse from adults, or bullying. Common causes of mild brain injury are falls, car accidents, sports, war, skiing, and boating accidents.In light of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, mild brain injury is a reality for many of our returning troops. Many of these young men and women will find it extremely difficult adapting to civilian life once they return because of head injuries sustained during combat. If brain injury victims do not receive timely therapeutic intervention, the recovery process can be prolonged. In addition, delayed treatment may lead to complications as temporary symptoms may become permanent. Most tragic is the fact that mild brain injuries may be fatal if undetected over an extended period of time.
Monday, September 26, 2011
What's New?
I'm so excited!!! We have been very busy here at Optimal Healthcare Solutions. I'm preparing to put on 2 Dementia Care Training classes this week and next week. I just finished a Dementia Care handout to give to families when I counsel them. I also completed the Mild Brain Injury training course, created for coaches and parents. So forgive me for not posting a long message today. I need to practice for my presentations.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Updated Statistics on Dementia
As the Director of Clinical Services for a home health care agency. I have seen an increase in the number of dementia cases coming into our agency. Why? I'll tell you why!
By the end of this year the number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia are expected to be 111,560. Some experts predict 67,680 new cases will be women and 43,880 will be men. Why the difference? Are women more susceptible to getting dementia than men? No, of course not. The facts are increased for women because in general they out live men. It is projected that seniors 75 and older will increase by 70% by 2025.
Right now the American Alzheimer's Association say that America has 5.4 million seniors with Alzheimer's so far, and the numbers will increase as the baby boomers grow older. This figure is expected to increase 350% by 2050. By the end of this year, 10,000 people will be turning 65. 85% of them will need some sort of home health care. Sadly, there are also approximately 200,000 individuals in the US under the age of 65 who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Fact: So far America has spent 183 Billion, not Million, but Billion of dollars per year to care for people with dementia. 80% of these patients have at least one chronic health care issue, and 50% have at least two medical conditions such as: Arthritis, Diabetes, Hypertension, COPD, or a cardiac condition. As patients with dementia start to enter into the 3rd and 4th stages of dementia, their health may start to deteriorate due to non-compliance of care by the patient with dementia.
2 years ago government statistics stated that there were 8.9 million unpaid caregivers. The numbers have grown. This year it is estimated that 14.9 million people care for their loved ones who are over the age of 50.
2 years ago American businesses estimated they lost $34 Billion dollar due to employees needing time off to care for their parents, spouse or other relative.
By the end of this year the number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia are expected to be 111,560. Some experts predict 67,680 new cases will be women and 43,880 will be men. Why the difference? Are women more susceptible to getting dementia than men? No, of course not. The facts are increased for women because in general they out live men. It is projected that seniors 75 and older will increase by 70% by 2025.
Right now the American Alzheimer's Association say that America has 5.4 million seniors with Alzheimer's so far, and the numbers will increase as the baby boomers grow older. This figure is expected to increase 350% by 2050. By the end of this year, 10,000 people will be turning 65. 85% of them will need some sort of home health care. Sadly, there are also approximately 200,000 individuals in the US under the age of 65 who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Fact: So far America has spent 183 Billion, not Million, but Billion of dollars per year to care for people with dementia. 80% of these patients have at least one chronic health care issue, and 50% have at least two medical conditions such as: Arthritis, Diabetes, Hypertension, COPD, or a cardiac condition. As patients with dementia start to enter into the 3rd and 4th stages of dementia, their health may start to deteriorate due to non-compliance of care by the patient with dementia.
2 years ago government statistics stated that there were 8.9 million unpaid caregivers. The numbers have grown. This year it is estimated that 14.9 million people care for their loved ones who are over the age of 50.
2 years ago American businesses estimated they lost $34 Billion dollar due to employees needing time off to care for their parents, spouse or other relative.
Friday, August 19, 2011
I lied, and I'm sorry!
In my last blog I mentioned how dedicated I would be to blogging again. well, as you can tell, I haven't kept up with the blog for some really good reasons. SInce my last post. I have been busy researching on autism, Mild Brain Injuries, and Dementia.
Since then I have been asked to create several programs for home healthcare agencies to help them deal with these types of patients. Things are looking better, and are more organzied. I do plan to be back at blogging at the end of the month. I would love to share information I have researched, and attended conferences on the said topics.
So, please bookmark this blog. I do not want you to miss out on valuable information.
Since then I have been asked to create several programs for home healthcare agencies to help them deal with these types of patients. Things are looking better, and are more organzied. I do plan to be back at blogging at the end of the month. I would love to share information I have researched, and attended conferences on the said topics.
So, please bookmark this blog. I do not want you to miss out on valuable information.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
When Junior High is Over
It's June and most of the schools here in the US have closed for summer vacation. As a birthday gift to our son,my husband and I closed down our son's home schooling program the day before his birthday. Our son was thrilled to be out of junior high, and headed to senior high school.
As we were preparing a our home ceremony to promote our son to high school. We realized 9th grade would be the beginning of the end of homeschooling for all of us. With this in mind, George and I discussed how important it will be in the next 4 years to get our acts together and build a successful business that will allow Nathan to work for us, and flourish in his own special way.
Nathan has no plans to go to college online or offline. Right now he is just content to be home, watch his cartoons, and other shows of interest to him. His only worries at this time are: What's for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and if he has enough juices to drink.
As parents it is our job to be sure Nathan's future is taken care of. George and I are in our 50's at times we worry about Nathan's future. Who will care for him, if something should happen to George and I. My prayer has been and will constantly be for God to allow me to see Nathan grow up and at least be in his 50's or 60's before I go.
In order for me to assure Nathan's future as an adult, I have 4 years to get my business, whatever it may be, to the level of success/prosperity that will enable Nathan to work in the business, since he does not want to go to college. Nathan's attention span is good for only 3 hours. After 3 hours he is unable to focus on the task he started on. Therefore, I want my business to be functioning at the level of prosperity that keeps Nathan involved in the business, and all 3 of us can be at home enjoying each other. In my mind there are no other options!
As we were preparing a our home ceremony to promote our son to high school. We realized 9th grade would be the beginning of the end of homeschooling for all of us. With this in mind, George and I discussed how important it will be in the next 4 years to get our acts together and build a successful business that will allow Nathan to work for us, and flourish in his own special way.
Nathan has no plans to go to college online or offline. Right now he is just content to be home, watch his cartoons, and other shows of interest to him. His only worries at this time are: What's for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and if he has enough juices to drink.
As parents it is our job to be sure Nathan's future is taken care of. George and I are in our 50's at times we worry about Nathan's future. Who will care for him, if something should happen to George and I. My prayer has been and will constantly be for God to allow me to see Nathan grow up and at least be in his 50's or 60's before I go.
In order for me to assure Nathan's future as an adult, I have 4 years to get my business, whatever it may be, to the level of success/prosperity that will enable Nathan to work in the business, since he does not want to go to college. Nathan's attention span is good for only 3 hours. After 3 hours he is unable to focus on the task he started on. Therefore, I want my business to be functioning at the level of prosperity that keeps Nathan involved in the business, and all 3 of us can be at home enjoying each other. In my mind there are no other options!
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