Skilled Nursing Rancho Bernardo, CA Gives Tips for Aging Seniors for American Diabetes Month

SAN DIEGO - Nov. 20, 2013 - PRLog -- Rancho Bernardo, CA 92128 - “Diabetes is a difficult disease to control and care for in any circumstance. However, as people age it becomes even more of an issue,” said Linnea Goodrich, president of Firstat Nursing Services in San Diego, CA.

“Because diabetes elevates the risk of dementia and depression, its effects on elderly patients can be alarming, and it can have a drastic influence on longevity and functionality in older individuals,” continued Goodrich. Here are three ways skilled nursing staff can help elderly patients control diabetes.

Traditional Therapy to Fight Off Common Ailments - The most common methods of physical therapy include clinic sessions where heat, ice, manipulation and various forms of electronic stimulation help reduce the inflammation and pain of illnesses and injuries associated with age. This type of physical therapy is very helpful in reducing the pain of arthritis, osteoporosis, reduced range of motion and even embarrassing age-related issues such as incontinence.

Dr. Tim Kauffman, PT, PhD professor of physical therapy at Hahnemann campus of Drexel University works with elderly patients to use physical therapy in the fight against some of the most frightening diseases associated with aging: Alzheimer’s and dementia. By using therapy to strengthen muscle memory physical therapists can also help prevent fall type accidents by increasing balance, muscle strength and inner ear receptors.

Alternative Therapy Styles - Using physical therapy can give seniors a renewed outlook and better mental attitude as well as keeping them active and mobile. Alternative physical therapy relies less on a clinic setting, and more on developing new interests such as daily walking, social engagements, using proper therapy aides at home, such as walkers, handles and lifts that provide better stability and safety for long-term health. Incorporating a senior’s passions for things such as gardening can also keep mental health at a maximum while improving physical motion, balance and help them realize their ability to continue to be active.

Skilled Nursing Programs - Seniors and their families who are at a loss for how to get started, or maintain an active lifestyle can seek help from a number of resources. One of the most effective methods of assistance is a skilled nursing program. By having a home health care staff member come into the home and assist an elderly individual in finding ways to stay active and alert, a senior citizen can remain in their own home longer, and their families can be assured that their loved ones are maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

A home health care nurse will help each individual develop the most well-rounded physical therapy program that fits their desires and interests. Having a skilled nurse providing encouragement and also helping the older individual get from place to place to attend classes or activities ensures that the patient will continue with the program and see improvement in health and vitality.

A skilled nurse can also work with a family physician to keep up with the patient’s traditional needs for physical therapy. Along with regular clinic sessions, the skilled nursing staff can explain all of the non-traditional alternatives seniors have at their disposal, and help them find ways to implement them into their lives.

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit,http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com