Try: Dry mouth or xerostomia is a reduction of saliva production it is a common problem and it is important not to ignore a dry mouth dry mouth is not a disease but it may be a symptom of various medical conditions a side effect of a radiation to the head and neck or a side effect of a wide variety of medications the average healthy adult produces about three pints of saliva in 24 hours this secretion serves many purposes saliva is important in the digestive process of breaking foods down for absorption and use by the body saliva washes away food and plaque from the teeth and helps prevent tooth decay saliva also limits bacterial growth that can dissolve tooth enamel or lead to mouth infections saliva neutralizes damaging acids in the mouth enhances the ability to taste food and makes it easier to swallow dry mouth is a common complaint among older adults affecting about 20 of the elderly mouth dryness may be due in part to the effects of aging as people age the salivary glands may secrete less saliva common causes dry mouth may be caused by medications such as antihypertensives antidepressants analgesics tranquilizers diuretics chemotherapy and antihistamines dry mouth may also be caused by other health conditions such as bone marrow transplants endocrine disorders stress depression nerve damage to the neck or face areas and sjogren sjogren’s syndrome an autoimmune disease also radiation treatment that is focused on or near the salivary gland can temporarily or permanently damage the salivary glands treatment and prevention methods to reduce mouth dryness include hydration drinking plenty of fluids such as water and sucking on sugar-free lozenges which can stimulate the production of saliva saliva flow can be improved or prevented by sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum it is best to avoid acidic foods or hard candies because they make saliva acidic increasing the possibility of tooth decay it is also a good idea to avoid sugary foods and candies because they increase the risk of tooth decay as well if the individual smokes or chews tobacco quitting will reduce symptoms of dry mouth individuals may also sip water regularly; try over-the-counter saliva substitutes; and avoid drinks with caffeine such as coffee tea and some sodas caffeine can dry out the mouth it is best to breathe through the nose not the mouth and add moisture to the air at night with a room humidifier drinking plenty of water is highly recommended at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily should be consumed to prevent symptoms of dehydration such as dry mouth information references chambers ms rosenthal di and weber rs 2007 "radiation-induced xerostomia " head neck 29 1 pages 58-63 dirix p nuyts s and van den bogaert w 2006 "radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer a literature review " cancer 107 11 pages 2525-34 gupta a epstein jb and sroussi h 2006 "hyposalivation in elderly patients " j can dent assoc 72 9 pages 841-6 madani g and beale t 2006 "inflammatory conditions of the salivary glands " semin ultrasound ct mr 27 6 pages 440-51 urquhart d and fowler ce 2006 "review of the use of polymers in saliva substitutes for symptomatic relief of xerostomia " j clin dent 17 2 pages 29-33

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Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

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Keywords: Mouth teeth dry mouth hydration

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Finding the right nursing home is not easy and you may be under pressure to move fast due to a recent hospitalization or deterioration in condition here are some tips on narrowing down your options start with referrals does the care recipient’s physician or specialist have any recommendations or do you know any friends or families who have used different homes knowing someone with first-hand experience with a home can help you narrow your choices however remember the care recipient’sr needs may differ one size does not fit all educate yourself online resources for nursing homes include ranking sites that use existing state data to rate nursing homes every state has what is called a long term care ombudsman which can be a valuable resource about the current condition of a nursing home advocacy groups can also provide hints on searching for the right facility consider the care recipient’s medical needs different nursing homes may have more expertise in different areas are they experienced in handling the care recipient’s condition such as alzheimer’s or a stroke or does the care recipient need short term rehabilitation factor in distance the more convenient the home the easier it is for family and friends to visit resources for finding a nursing home medicare gov has a earchable database that helps you compare and rate medicare- and medicaid-certified nursing homes in the u s including staffing health inspections and quality measures us news and world report provides a searchable database of nursing homes organizing data provided by medicare national citizens coalition for nursing home reform has information about citizen advocacy groups in your area as well as contact information for all state ombudsmen national citizens coalition for nursing home reform information references independent living for seniors understanding your choices in retirement communities and homes by joanna saisan and doug russell 2010 available at

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Keywords: Nursing homes housing alternative care options alternative housing options

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Planning a visit once you’ve narrowed down your list of nursing homes it’s time to plan a visit visiting is key to understanding if a home is right for the care recipient as with other senior housing options it’s the people that make the place both the residents and staff in a nursing home you’ll also need to make sure that the medical care is provided correctly things to look for staff how long has the staff been working there how many staff are there on weekdays weekends and evenings do they have time to speak with you or does it feel rushed how would they manage the care recipient’s health condition how are medications and procedures arranged and how do they handle emergencies or accidents such as falls do they appear genuinely interested in you and do you see them interacting warmly with current residents current residents and their families do the residents appear happy or really groggy and overmedicated do they seem clean and well groomed do they seem like people the care recipient would enjoy getting to know how do they respond to you try to observe social gatherings such as meals or other activities if needed are residents getting timely help to eat and with getting to and from the gathering areas if you see a family visiting you can ask them their impressions of the home and how their loved one has been treated ask if there is a family council and if you could attend the facility cleanliness does the facility appear clean do you smell urine or strong deodorizers that may be covering up the smell of urine food what kinds of meals are normally served does it look nutritious and appetizing how are special diets handled what kind of help is available with meals and do they have to be eaten at the same time or in a common area arrangement traditionally nursing homes have been run like a medical facility including a central nursing station and set medication and mealtimes some nursing homes are now moving to a different model with smaller communities and shared areas if this type is available in your area it may have a more homely feel activities what quality of life activities are available for residents are outside activities also arranged as well if the care recipient’s health is good experience with the care recipient’s condition if a care recipient has alzheimer’s for example is there a special care unit or specialized staff and activities how does staff handle behavior problems like agitation or wandering checklists for visiting a nursing home nursing home checklist pdf – detailed list from the u s government that you can print out then write in answers to a series of questions about any facilities you are considering medicare gov nursing home checklist – a comprehensive list of issues to consider while selecting an appropriate facility under categories first impression living area and accommodations moving in contracts finances health personal care services social & recreational staff food licensure & certification carepathways com information references independent living for seniors understanding your choices in retirement communities and homes by joanna saisan and doug russell 2010 available at

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Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical

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Keywords: Nursing homes housing alternative care options alternative housing options

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Issues with sleeping are sometimes common with care recipients cr with dementia the following are possible causes of sleeping problems physiological or medical causes illnesses such as angina congestive heart failure diabetes ulcers alcoholism pain caused by illnesses such as arthritis urinary tract infections which cause constant pressure to urinate "restless legs" twitching or leg cramps often caused by metabolic problems depression side effect of medications such as diuretics sleep apnea breathing difficulties need for less sleep with increased age disrupted sleep patterns due to progressive dementia the ability to sleep appears to deteriorate as cognitive abilities decline environmental causes too hot or too cold poor lightng may cause the cr to feel disoriented cr struggles to find the bathroom change in environment for example hospitalization often results in changes in sleep patterns other causes too much time spent in bed at night too much daytime napping too fatigued to calm down and sleep not enough exercise too much caffeine or alcohol hunger agitated from upsetting situation such as bath or an argument with caregiver disturbing dreams information references mace nancy & rabins peter 1999 the 36-hour day baltimore the john’s hopkins university press robinson anne spencer beth & white laurie 1992 understanding difficult behaviors ypsilanti mi eastern michigan university

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Categories: Medical Physical

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Keywords: Dementia

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Urinary tract infections urinary tract infections utis are characterized by a painful burning sensation when passing urine they will affect one in four women at some stage in their lives and around one in twenty men utis are usually treated successfully with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor the urinary tract consists of the kidneys bladder ureters and urethra the kidneys filter waste and water from the blood to produce urine urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder via two narrow tubes called the ureters urine is stored in the bladder until it is excreted through the urethra normal urine is sterile and contains no germs such as bacteria viruses or fungi utis occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethra utis are most commonly caused by bacteria that normally live in the bowel utis are quite common especially among women and children some people regardless of age or gender are more susceptible than others just as some people are with coughs and colds women are particularly at risk because the urethra is quite short and bacteria can more easily move into it risk factors being diabetic pregnancy structural abnormalities of the urinary tract any factor that obstructs urine flow like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate having a catheter inserted into the bladder poor personal hygiene being post menopausal using a diaphragm for contraception symptoms the most common symptom of a uti is a painful burning sensation when passing urine other symptoms include pain in the abdomen or pelvic area a frequent urge to urinate cloudy or smelly urine when the kidneys are affected other symptoms experienced can include back pain fever and chills nausea and vomiting blood stained urine some people with a uti may have no symptoms at all while some people who have these symptoms may not have a uti treatment and prevention prompt treatment is important to prevent infection of the kidneys until a doctor can be consulted initial treatment measures include drinking lots of fluid; water or cranberry juice is best pain relievers to prevent a uti drink plenty of water each day pass urine when needed do not delay urinate soon after sexual intercourse after toileting always wipe the bottom from front to back shower rather than use a bath do not use sprays powders or douches on the genital area information references anderson k n anderson l e & glanze w d eds 2006 mosby’s medical nursing and allied health dictionary 6th ed st louis the c v mosby company kidney health new zealand 2007 urinary tract infections brochure kidney health new zealand christchurch kidshealth 2007 uti urinary tract infection the paediatric society of new zealand and starship foundation available at

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Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Sexuality Intimacy, Gender, Male, Female

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Keywords: Painful when urinating kidneys hydration bladder

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Incontinence is a common problem in many older care recipients crs the following is a list of the possible causes physiological or medical causes infections such as urinary tract infections urethritis or vaginitis prostate problems in men especially after prostate surgery constipation or fecal impaction weak pelvic muscles especially in women chronic illnesses such as diabetes parkinson’s disease or other illness that limit mobility vision changes that make it difficult to see the way to the bathroom dehydration can cause irritation of the bladder or lack of sensation to urinate the sensation to urinate may be limited due to brain changes in dementia diuretics as well as natural diuretics such as coffee and tea medications especially tranquilizers sedatives hypnotics and antidepressants environmental causes distance to the bathroom may be too far bed may be too high from the floor making it difficult to get out of bed in time floor and toilet seat may be the same color making it difficult to see the toilet improper footwear that makes the individual afraid he she might fall poor lighting making it difficult to find the bathroom or locate the toilet orientation cues signs may be lacking which help the person locate the toilet other causes the cr may not remember what to do once in the bathroom the task may be too complicated assistance may be needed to help with undressing sitting on the toilet wiping or rising from the toilet the cr may be fearful or anxious about having to partially undress in front of an unfamiliar caregiver you may not be giving simple or clear enough instructions you may be rushing the cr may not have the ability to communicate the need to urinate information references adapted from understanding difficult behaviors robinson a spencer b & white l 1992

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Categories: Medical Physical, Sexuality Intimacy

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Keywords: Incontinence

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: The kidneys are bean-shaped fist-sized organs located under the ribs in the middle of the back the kidneys filter waste materials and excess fluid from the blood and also produce hormones that are important for blood formation blood pressure and bone formation kidney stones also called renal calculi occur when substances within the urine form solid material kidney stones can vary in size from a grain of sand to bigger than a golf ball they can be smooth or they can have jagged edges there may be a single stone or many stones kidney stones can cause severe pain small kidney stones can cause pain as they pass through the urinary tract large stones can become stuck in the kidney ureter or bladder causing pain and blockage of urine flow this can lead to infection and kidney damage causes the build up of the substances that form kidney stones may be caused by urinary tract infections dehydration certain medical conditions and metabolic imbalances however in most cases the cause is unknown risk factors family history of kidney stones poor fluid intake or dehydration structural problems that cause pooling of urine and infection in the kidney having had previous kidney stones signs and symptoms the most common symptom of kidney stones is intense pain in the area of the back between the bottom of the ribs and the hip bone the pain can radiate down to the groin area the pain is referred to as renal colic and can last for several hours renal colic is caused by the ureter trying to move the stone towards the bladder though a wave-like motion peristalsis other symptoms include nausea and vomiting blood in the urine – caused by damage to the lining of the ureter or the presence of infection fever or chills repeated urinary infections prevention once there has been a kidney stone there is an increased likelihood of recurrence it is estimated that 30 – 50 of people will develop another kidney stone within five years of developing the first kidney stone steps that can be taken to prevent the development or recurrence of kidney stones include drinking plenty of fluid – up to 2 litres per day is recommended adequately treating underlying medical conditions avoiding food with a high salt content eating meat in moderation information references carson-de witt r 2006 kidney stones the gale encyclopaedia of medicine in health and wellness resource centre thompson gale farmington mills mi davidson a m cumming a d swainson c p & turner n 1999 diseases of the kidney and urinary system in c r w edwards i a d bouchier c haslett & e r chilvers eds davidson’s principles and practice of medicine 18th ed pp 417-470 edinburgh churchill livingstone new zealand kidney foundation 2003 kidney stones pamphlet new zealand kidney foundation christchurch

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Keywords: Kidneys dehydrated back pain blood in urine

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Depending on the cause of the condition there are several treatment options for impotency lifestyle changes often provide effective treatment exercise particularly aerobic exercise is helpful for impotency also if the individual smokes stopping this behavior can also help medication can also help treat impotency a doctor must prescribe the medication common oral medications include viagra and cialis it might be helpful to look into the individual’s current medication impotency can be a side effect to certain drugs other less common treatments include surgery or medical devices these are less of a possibility sense most elderly men may not be candidates for surgery before seeking treatment for impotency consult a physician for the appropriate course of action information references

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Categories: Medical Physical, Sexuality Intimacy, Male

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Keywords: Sexual health men intimacy

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Impotency or erectile dysfunction is a condition characterized as the inability to achieve an erection impotency is more common in elderly men it is four times higher in men in their 60s than in men in their 40s impotency can have a variety of causes physical causes include obesity or a lack of a healthy lifestyle smoking is a main cause of impotency psychological causes can also lead to impotency in the elderly psychological impotence is where erection or penetration fails due to thoughts or feelings rather than physical difficulty psychological impotence is less frequent than physical but is still treatable a simple way to distinguish between physical and psychological impotence is to determine whether the individual can achieve an erection at all if he cannot have an erection the problem is likely to be physical; if he can occasionally have an erection it could be physiological or psychological it is usually best to defer to a physician to determine the appropriate causes or treatment options for impotency information references

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Categories: Medical Physical, Sexuality Intimacy, Male

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Keywords: Sexual health intimacy

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Hiccups occur when the diaphragm contracts repeatedly causing air to rush into lungs triggering the vocal cords to close this action produces the hiccup sound generally hiccups are harmless and will cease without the need for treatment however in the instance of chronic hiccups medical treatment may be necessary although hiccups have existed forever physicians have yet to discover a definitive cure for hiccups while many anecdotal or "wives tales" may claim to have a cure for hiccups it may be unwise to experiment with an elderly individual trying to scare the hiccups out of an elderly person may have unintended negative consequences medication has occasionally proven effective in treating hiccups however these treatments generally involve sedatives or some type of serious drug additionally a fairly large number of medications list hiccups as a potential side effect so the care recipient recipient’s medication could be causing the hiccups information references

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Categories: Medical Physical

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Keywords: Medical treatment options medication

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed