Having trouble hearing the telephone?  Do others complain when you turn the volume on the TV up? It may be time for a hearing aid. Get a checkup at your doctor’s office to rule out treatable causes of hearing loss (like infections or wax build up.) While you’re there seek a referral to a reputable audiologist.  He or she will guide you to the best hearing aid based on your needs and desires.  This person will also take an impression of your ear canal and adjust the device.  Ask about a trial period and check for a warranty.  Be cautious of free consultations and people who only sell one brand of hearing aid.  Beware of advertisements or salespeople who claim their hearing aids restore normal hearing or eliminate all background noise.  Hearing aids cannot do these things but hearing aids do help a lot.  There are many types or styles of hearing aids, an audiologist can help you compare and choose the right fit for your ears, needs and budget.

Completely in the canal:

• For mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.
• Is the least noticeable.
• Less likely to pick up wind noise.
• Usually easy to use with the telephone.
• Batteries usually don’t last as long.
• No volume control or directional microphones.

In the canal:

• For mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.
• Less visible than other most hearing aids.
• Easy to use with the telephone.
• May not fit well in smaller ears.
• Small size can make features difficult to adjust.

Open fit:

• Less visible.
• Doesn’t plug the ear canal.
• May have very small batteries.
• Often lacks manual adjustments.

Half shell:

• For mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
• Slightly easier to handle than the smaller hearing aids.
• Includes features like directional microphones and volume control.
• Fits most ears.

Full shell (in-the-ear):

• For mild to severe hearing loss.
• More visible.
• May pick up wind noise.
• Features are easier to adjust.
• Easier to insert into the ear.
• Larger batteries last longer.

Behind the ear:

• For almost all types of hearing loss.
• Largest and most visible type.
• Capable of more amplification than others.

Watch for our blog next week about the many different hearing aid technologies.

Still confused or want more information?  Want to see how a CAREGiver can help?  Give us a call at (208)888-9962.

It’s finally May 10^th and it’s time to get those plants in the ground.  Whether you’re a first time gardener or a seasoned one it can be tempting to plant earlier; congratulations on waiting until the last frost date. Now your plants won’t freeze and you won’t have to replace them.  If you cheated and now you’re re-planting that’s ok too.  Either way, here are some instructions on how to get your garden going.

1. Buy seeds/seedlings.  Seeds are very inexpensive at the dollar store but variety can be lacking. If you’re too impatient for seeds and didn’t start any indoors then you can buy seedlings at the hardware/garden store.
2. Your garden should get at least 6 hours of full sun a day.  8 hours is recommended.  Even if your garden plot is in total shade there are still a variety of plants and flowers that can flourish.
3. Your garden plot should have been prepared last week – see our previous post to see how to do this.
4. Plant your seeds/seedlings according to the instructions on the package/tag.
5. Water your plants 3 times a week.  Don’t miss a watering.  Plants know on Wednesday they get water and are looking forward to it.

As a bonus here are some tips and tricks:

• Perennial means the plant will come back year after year.
• Annual means it will need to be planted again every year.
• You don’t have to plant flowers in rows.  Make a fun pattern.
• When using plant food don’t use too much!  Follow the instructions on the package to prevent killing your plants.
• Be careful of pesticides.  Most aren’t suitable for use in the garden because they leech into your food.
• Keep your pets out of the garden.  A lot of dogs like veggies and will eat them all before you get a chance to.  Also, they don’t care what they’re stepping on and can be very hard on your new plants.

Gardening exercises the body, mind and soul which helps prevent frailty in seniors and can even help reverse it.

Having some trouble or wondering how a CAREGiver can help you?  Give us a call at (208)888-9962

May 10^th is next week and it’s time to prepare your garden for all your veggies and flowers.  The better prepared your garden beds are the less work there will be during the growing season.  Today we’ll cover preparing raised garden beds.  Seniors with back trouble, arthritis or don’t feel they can garden anymore may consider raised beds or container gardens at appropriate heights (see previous post).

• Buy untreated wood for your raised garden beds.  Treated wood has chemicals that will leach into the soil and your veggies.  Cedar wood is naturally rot and pest resistant.  Redwood is also rot-resistant. You can also buy kits that have everything you need to do it yourself.
• There are a lot of different ways to build the bed frame dependent on how big you want your bed and what materials you have.  Check with your local hardware store for help.
• Plan your bed so you’re able to reach every part of the bed without having to stand in it and high enough you don’t have to stoop.
• Fill your bed with a garden/top soil mix.  Make sure your soil is seed and root free so you’re not planting weeds.

Now that you’ve built your bed it’s time to prepare it.  There’s one big rule for gardening in raised beds.  Don’t step in the bed.  The biggest advantage of gardening in a raised bed is the light, fluffy, well-drained soil.

You can use the steps below to prepare all garden beds.

• If you already have a bed check for needed repairs now so you don’t have to disturb seedlings later.
• Pull weeds – this should be easier in a raised bed because the soil is looser.
• If your soil has compacted you can add peat moss to fluff it up.  Be careful! Peat moss can change the ph balance of your soil.
• Till in compost to feed your plants.  If you have a new bed you can skip this step because your garden soil already contains nutrients for your plants.  If you’re using manure it should be added two weeks before seeding.  Make sure the manure you’re using is seed free.
• Set stakes or poles and trellises for tall crops.
• Till the soil at least 2 feet down using a shovel or pitchfork.

Gardening is a proven method of restoring mental and physical well-being.  If you would like to garden but need some help or would like to learn more about what a CAREGiver can offer give us a call at (208)888-9962.

Do you like the idea of gardening but just don’t have the ability or space to start a plot?  No problem!  Start a container garden.  Container gardens can be flowers, veggies or a mix of both.  Here are the things you’ll need:

• Container.  Look for a container that has holes for drainage.  This can be traditional, like a pot or unusual, like a boot with holes drilled in it.
• Soil.  Pick a good potting soil.  Look for a mixture that provides not only good drainage but aeration.  Or you can mix your own.  A popular mixture is 1 part peat to 1 part builders sand.
• Plants.  Choose plants that have similar needs for light and water.  Check the growth of each plant to make sure it won’t become too big for your container.  Mix tall plants with short plants to create interest.
• Sun.  Every plant needs some sun.  Place your container in a spot that gets enough sun for your chosen plants.  Some need a full 8 hours of sun while others thrive in partial shade.
• Water.  Plants in sunny, hot or windy areas can require water twice a day.
• Food.  Just like in a regular garden, plants in containers need food.  Check your potting soil for instructions on when and how to feed your plants.  If you mixed your own soil make sure to fertilize regularly.

Need some ideas to get you started?  Here are the top 10 container plants and a personal favorite:

1. Sweet potato vine
2. Geraniums
3. Licorice vine
4. Pansy
5. Coleus
6. Purple fountain grass
7. Trailing lobelia
8. Impatiens
9. Petunia
10. Perilla
11. Strawberries

Need more advice or some help to get you started?  Find out about how a CAREGiver can help.  Give us a call at (208)888-9962

It’s spring and that means it’s time to get out and get in that garden.  Now, the last frost date for the Treasure Valley is typically May 10^th.  So, it’s a good time to get those frost safe plants in the ground.  For instance: now is the perfect time to plant onions, lettuce, radishes and such.  You can get a head start on your cucumbers and such by starting seeds indoors.

Starting seedlings indoors is easy and inexpensive.  Your seedlings have the same requirements as growing plants outdoors: light, soil, water and food.  When you’re starting seeds it’s tempting to start a lot of everything at the same time but you have to remember that when these seedlings start growing they’re going to need a lot more space.  Refer to the seed packet to see when the seedlings can be planted outside.

Light is possibly the hardest thing about growing seeds indoors.  You can start seeds in a room or on a windowsill that gets at least 8 hours of bright light.  If you’re supplementing with a grow light your seedlings will need 12-15 hours of light.

Use a good potting soil.  Potting soil is often a better choice than soil from your garden because it will be free from pesky bugs and weeds and has the nutrients your plants need to get the best start possible.  Be sure to use potting soil and not garden soil.  Garden soil needs to be mixed with top soil before it can be used.  Using garden soil alone will kill your seedlings.

Gardening is a great way for seniors and their CAREGivers get active.  So, whether you have a small space or a large plot it’s time to get out there and have some fun growing your own food or flowers.

Have some questions about gardening or how a CAREGiver can help you?  Give us a call at (208)888-9962

Third and final post in our tips and tricks for arthritis series tackles misc. tricks.

Easy open. You can’t take the pain out of paying for gas, but you can make it less painful to pump it. Keep a disk-shaped, rubber jar opener in the car, then use it to twist off the gas cap.

Get a grip. If you have trouble gripping a steering wheel or gear shift, use golf, baseball or weight-lifting gloves when you drive.

Slide right in.  It’s easier to move around in cars with vinyl or leather upholstery. If you have a car with cloth seats, consider putting in a vinyl seat covering.

Key solution. If you have trouble turning your house or car key, try building up the top part with electrical tape or trade in your keys for a keyless system that remotely opens your garage door or unlocks your car and starts the engine.

Think “inside” the box. Instead of a traditional flowerbed, try a flower box or a raised flowerbed to eliminate stooping.

For more information give us a call at (208)888-9962 or visit http://www.arthritis.org/

Last week we posted some tips and tricks for arthritis and housework.  Today we’ll tackle personal care:

Easy-on clothing. When shopping for clothing, look for pants, dresses and skirts that are lined. Lined clothes are easier to slip off and on.

Dressing. Develop a preference for pull-ons, elastic and Velcro verses zippers and buttons.

Simple slip-ons. If you find it difficult to tie sneakers, buy elastic laces and have a friend lace and tie them – once – turning your lace-up shoes into slip-ons.

Horn in. Use a long-handled shoehorn to help you put on tightly fitting shoes. Make one by taping a shoehorn to the end of a yardstick.

Sit and shower. To avoid falls in the shower, sit on a waterproof chair. Sometimes that too can be slippery.  Lay down a wet hand towel on the hair seat this will keep your bottom from slipping.

Wash up. Instead of using a washcloth when bathing, use a shower mitt made of terry cloth or loofah. If you sew or know someone who does, make these mitts out of an old towel.

Easy nail care. To make trimming fingernails and toenails easier, soak hands and feet beforehand to soften nails.

Easier perspiration protection. If you find spray anti-perspirant cans difficult to use, try a stick or roll-on variety.

Tub tip. If arthritis or recent surgery makes it difficult to get into and out of the bathtub, place a wet towel on the edge of the tub. Then sit on it and swivel and in out of the tub.

For more information give us a call at (208)888-9962 or visit http://www.arthritis.org/

Arthritis can make everyday activities hard.  Here are some helpful tips and tricks for housekeeping:

Easy dust it. To dust high and low places without bending and stooping, make a handy dust mop by stapling your dust rag to a gift-wrap tube.

Tip for tucking. When making your bed, use a wooden pizza paddle to help you tuck in sheets and blankets.

Make your bed.  To make making your bed easier, use a large, lightweight bedspread or comforter that can be slipped easily over your sheets.  Just smooth your sheets and throw the comforter over them.

Double duty. When cleaning house, give up that hard-to-grip dust rag. Instead, wear an old pair of gloves or socks on your hands for dusting.

Strategic storage. In a two-story house, stash a complete set of cleaning tools – including separate vacuum cleaners – on each floor. That way, you’ll always have supplies handy and won’t have to carry heavy equipment up and down stairs.

For more information give us a call at (208)888-9962 or visit http://www.arthritis.org/

EXERCISE AND ARTHRITIS

If you have arthritis, exercise is essential. For anyone, exercise:

• increases energy levels
• helps develop a better sleep pattern
• helps with weight control
• maintains a healthy heart
• increases bone and muscle strength
• decreases depression and fatigue
• serves to improve self-esteem and self-confidence

Exercise is important for healthy joints. Moving your joints daily helps keep them fully mobile. Strengthening the surrounding muscles helps support the joints. Also, joint movement transports nutrients and waste products to and from the cartilage, the material which protects and cushions the ends of the bones.

Exercise Choices

You should always discuss exercise plans and goals with your doctor before starting a routine or program. There may be exercises that are off-limits because they could cause injury or further joint damage, especially when joints are swollen and inflamed. The amount and form of exercise recommended for each individual will vary depending on:

• type of arthritis
• joints involved
• levels of inflammation
• stability of joints
• joint replacements
• other physical limitations

Here are some exercise options that tend to work well for people with arthritis:

• Walking can be an excellent exercise choice. Walking helps build strength and maintain joint flexibility, aids in bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

• Tai Chi is a gentle martial arts exercise with origins in ancient China. While performing fluid and flowing circular movements, you can relax, maintain mobility, and improve range of motion.

• Yoga can provide pain relief, relax stiff muscles, and ease sore joints. With controlled movements, pressures, stretches and deep breathing relaxation, yoga can improve range of motion. Use caution when disease activity is flaring and avoid excess torque or pressure on the joints.

• Warm water exercise is an excellent way to build up strength, ease stiff joints, and relax sore muscles. The water helps support the body while the joints are moved through their full range of motion.

• Bicycling / Cycling, both indoor and outdoor, may provide a good low impact exercise option. Cycling as an exercise, can be either freestanding or stationary. Cycling equipment can be adjusted and adapted for many physical limitations.

• Running / Jogging may still be a good exercise option if you run on softer surfaces. Walking or more gentle forms of exercise may be a better option though, if you already have arthritis in your lower extremities. Contrary to popular belief, running does not cause osteoarthritis in people who have with normal, uninjured knees.

For more information visit: http://arthritis.about.com/cs/exercise/a/exercisetreat.htm  or give us a call at (208)888-9962 (no telemarketers please).

March 14th is also national kidney day.  Here are some tips for keeping yours healthy:

• Keep blood pressure below 130/80 mm/hg
• Stay in your target cholesterol range
• Eat less salt and salt substitutes
• Eat healthy foods
• Stay physically active
• Take your medications as prescribed

If you have diabetes, take these steps, too:

• Meet blood sugar targets as often as you can
• Have an A1c test at least twice a year, but ideally up to four times a year. An A1c test measures the average level of blood sugar over the past three months.

Injuries and Infections Can Damage Your Kidneys

Infections such as those affecting the bladder and kidney—can damage your kidneys, too. Call your health care provider if you have any of these signs of bladder infection:

• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• An urgent need to urinate often

Also, speak with your health care provider if you have any of these signs of kidney infections:

• Back pain
• Chills
• Fever

For more information visit the CDC at: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WorldKidneyDay/
Or give us a call at (208)888-9962   -   Please, no telemarketing.