Ask an OT: A Resource for Caregivers: October 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

READY. SET. POST!

Caregivers, do you have any questions pertaining to the blogs we have posted so far?

Blog 1: What is OT?
Blog 2: Medication Management
Blog 3: Body Mechanics

We are here to help you! If you have any further questions for our experts, please post them in the comment box below or email them to asu.ask.an.ot@gmail.com. Questions are reviewed and answered weekly. Each expert is a registered and licensed occupational therapist. Visit ASK an OT's first blog post to read more about our experts, Dr. Susan Philhower Denham Ed.D, OTR/L, CHT and Dr. Jewell J. Dickson, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Body Mechanics

Body Mechanics is the study of human movement. Occupational Therapist (OT) use this term to describe how we move during our daily activities. Proper body mechanics helps to prevent injury, avoid fatigue, and make the best use of strength. Poor body mechanics leads to increased stress on our bodies and possible injury. When you learn how to control and balance your own body, you can safely control and move another person. OT educate clients on proper body mechanics in hopes to prevent potential injuries and falls. Education includes topics regarding causes of injury, injury prevention, and training to ensure correct body mechanics during movement. OT also target individuals who are experiencing mild symptoms from poor body mechanics to eliminate and prevent further injury (if you feel a strain in your lower back, stop transferring and get help).

The Value of Proper Body Mechanics:

conserves energy

reduce stress and strain to muscles, joints, ligaments, and soft tissue

promote effective, efficient and safe environments

promote and maintain proper body control and balance

promote effective, efficient respiratory and cardiopulmonary function

General Rules:

never lift more than you can comfortable handle

create a base of support by standing with your feet 8-12" (shoulder width) apart with one foot a half-step ahead of the other

Do not let your back do the heavy work - USE YOUR LEGS

if the bed is low, put one foot on a footstool (this relieves pressure on your lower back)

Common Causes of Back Problems or Discomfort:

faulty posture

stressful living (inability to relax)

faulty, improper use of body mechanics

poor flexibility or muscles and ligaments of the back and trunk

decline in general physical fitness

improper lift, push, pull, reach, or carry

episodes of trauma that culminate in one specific or final event

Guidelines for Lifting Activities:

Be kind to your back

mentally and physically plan the activity before attempting it

before lifting a person or moving anything, make sure you can lift or move it safely (do not lift a person or a load alone if it seems too heavy)

spread your feet shoulder width apart with one foot slightly in front of the other to provide a good base of support

bend at your knees (not at your waist)

keep your back as straight as possible

bring the person/load as close to your body as you can

lift with your legs (using your stronger leg and trunk muscles)

do not twist at the waist - if you need to change direction, do so when upright and shift your feet making small steps. (keep you back and neck in a straight line)

when possible, pull, push, or slide instead of lifting them.

Half kneeling lift

Guidelines for Pushing and Pulling Activities:

crouch and face the object squarely

use your arms and legs to push or pull; push with your arms partially bent

push or pull in a straight line; you force should be parallel to the floor

be certain there are not objects in your path and doorways are wide enough for the object to pass through

Guidelines for Reaching Activities:

Stand on a footstool or ladder to reach or place an object above your head

be certain you will be able to control the object safely

move the object close to you or move close to the object before grasping, lowering, or raising it

hold the object close to your body as you step down from or onto the footstool

Guideline for Carrying Activities:

carry all objects holding them close to your body; the best position is in front of your body at the level of your waist or mid-chest

if you carry an object in one hand (suitcase), alternate carrying it in one hand and then in the other; do not twist your back when moving the object from one hand to the other; stop to lift it from the floor

balance the load whenever possible

some bulky or heavy objects can be carried on your shoulders, especially if it must be carried for long distances

Transfer Activities:

Preparation

prepare the patient, environment, your-self, and possible other persons before performing a transfer activity

mentally plan and organize the activity

you should instruct your loved one about his or her role and how to assist or perform the activity

if the person cannot help with the transfer at all, you need special training and/or adaptive equipment (hoyer lift) to lift and move him.

excessively loose clothing, long trousers, slacks or pajamas and slippery, loose, or ill-fitting footwear should be avoided

a gait belt should be applied if the patient will move from one surface to another

Principles

present all instruction slowly and allow time for the patient to process and apply them

once the transfer has begun, remain close to the client

use gait belt for stabilization

do not use patients extremities or clothing for guidance

use proper body mechanics to reduce the possibility of injury

Precautions

do not let the person put their arms around your neck - they could pull you forward and make you lose your balance.

you should anticipate and be alert for unusual patient actions or equipment that may create unexpected risks

the environment should be free of unneeded equipment such as bedside trays, telephones, IV poles, and other hazards.

Thanks for reading our blog post!

Please take the time to complete a brief survey using the link below. All participants will automatically be entered to win a $30 Starbucks gift card.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WYWP9N3

Caregivers, do you have any specific questions pertaining to this blog?

We are here to help you! If you have any further questions for our experts, please post them in the comment box below or email them to asu.ask.an.ot@gmail.com. Questions are reviewed and answered weekly. Each expert is a registered and licensed occupational therapist. Visit ASK an OT's first blog post to read more about our experts, Dr. Susan Philhower Denham Ed.D, OTR/L, CHT and Dr. Jewell J. Dickson, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, substitute for medical advice, nor is it a referral for occupational therapy services. You should consult a physician regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.

Resources:

Pierson, F.M. & Fairchild, S.L. (2008) Principles & Techniques of Patient Care. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

http://www.ossrpt.com/occupational_therapy/occupational_therapy.php?pageid=26&cat_id=2

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/oct_09/positioning_moving_transfers.html

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Good Info- Medication Management: Assistive Devices

Medication Management: Assistive Devices

The following assistive devices can help with managing medications:

• A pill container can be used to organize pills to match your chart.

Large Twice a Day Pill Organizer with Adult Lock

• Multi-alarm pill boxes store medication and provide reminder alerts to take medications at prescribed times. Most alerts come in the form of an audible tone at specific times of the day or predetermined hourly intervals. These pill boxes also offer compartments to help organize medications by day of the week and time of day.

4 Alarm Pill Box with Vibration Reminder

• Talking medication bottles have a recording mechanisms that lets you or a pharmacist record a message that can be played back anytime. The recorded message identifies bottle contents and provides reminders concerning when the medication should be taken.

Talking Rx- Your Personal Talking Prescription

• Medication applicators help individuals to independently apply lotions and ointments on hard to reach areas such as the back and feet.

Ableware^® Lotion Applicator

• Pill crushers and splitters split or crush pills and tablets into a smaller size or a powder. Always consult with your pharmacist to see if this is compatible with your medications beforehand.

Duro-Med - Daily Essentials Pill Crusher

For more helpful information about assistive devices for medication management:

http://www.techforltc.org/CI-Medication-Management.aspx

Thanks for reading our blog post!
Please take the time to complete a brief survey using the link below. All participants will automatically be entered to win a $30 Starbucks gift card.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WYWP9N3

Caregivers, do you have any specific questions pertaining to this blog?
We are here to help you! If you have any further questions for our experts, please post them in the comment box below or email them to asu.ask.an.ot@gmail.com. Questions are reviewed and answered weekly. Each expert is a registered and licensed occupational therapist. Visit ASK an OT's first blog post to read more about our experts, Dr. Susan Philhower Denham Ed.D, OTR/L, CHT and Dr. Jewell J. Dickson, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Good Info- Medication Management

Why is Medication Management Important?

Every year, one in three adults aged 65+ has one or more harmful reactions to a medication, according to the American Geriatrics Society.

Why? Older adults are more likely to take multiple medications for multiple conditions—all at the same time. This can be confusing and lead to harmful interactions. Also, many seniors who live on a fixed income have trouble paying for all of their medicines, making it difficult to stay on track.

If you are a caregiver for an individual taking one or more medications, it’s important to manage them wisely to stay healthy and safe. Here are 6 tips to keep in mind:

7 Key Tips for Medication Management:

1. Be informed about all the medications your loved one is taking.

Medication	Dosage	Prescribing Physician	Date prescribed	Color size and shape of pill	What's it for	Special instructions
1.XXX
2. XXX

All drugs are potentially harmful—whether they’re prescription medicines or over-the-counter products such as herbals, supplements, vitamins, minerals, antacids, sleep aids, and laxatives. Many care receivers take several medications and often see more than one doctor. Keep an up-to-date list of all medications. Share it with your doctor and pharmacist and have them review it for potential drug interactions. Keep the list current and take it with you to all doctor appointments. This helps avoid the care receiver being given a new drug that does the same thing as an existing medication and helps prevent potential drug interactions.

Drug interactions can:

Make people sick.

Cause symptoms that are mistaken for a new illness.

Increase or decrease the effectiveness of medicines being taken.

 The likelihood of drug interactions happening increases with the number of medications being taken. Ask the doctor to review prescription dosages at least once a year.

So how do I keep all of this information together??

Try using a chart (like the one above) to organize medications in one easy list to give to your doctor and pharmacist. It is also a good idea to list any drugs the care receiver is allergic to or has had problems taking in the past.

2. Use one pharmacy and talk to your pharmacist often.

Your pharmacist is a great resource. He or she can help you keep track of your medications and check for drug interactions among them. Ask your pharmacist questions about your medications. If your pharmacist is busy, schedule a time to come back when it’s less busy.

3. Understand and pay attention to possible side effects.

Some medications can cause troublesome side effects, especially in older adults. Examples include dizziness and drowsiness that could lead to a fall; stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation; blurred vision; dry mouth; and fatigue/lack of energy. Know what to expect, how long the side effects may last, what to do when they occur, and when to contact your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may tell you to stop taking the medication, but never stop taking a medication without first speaking with you doctor.

4. Store your medicines safely.

Medications should be stored in a cool, dry, dark location. Humidity in the bathroom can alter a medication’s effectiveness. Keep medicines where you’re likely to see them every day, and link taking them with other daily activities like eating or brushing your teeth. Go through your medicine cabinet regularly and discard any expired medications. Get more Tips on Safe Storage and Disposal of Your Prescription Medicines from the National Council on Patient Information and Education.

5. Take your medication as prescribed.

Medication adherence, as prescribed by your doctor, is important for good health. Make sure you understand how to take each medication safely.

6. Manage your medications.

An important part of managing medications is helping remember what to take and when. Making a chart can be a useful tool. Use the chart below to write down the day and time each medicine should be given.

Medication Schedule
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
8:00 am
Noon
6:00 pm
Before bed
During the night

7. Find help paying for medicine.

Managing medications can be difficult when the cost of your drugs is high. Here are 5 tips if you are having trouble paying for your prescriptions.

· Talk to your doctor: Physicians will know whether there are comparable, less expensive drugs (e.g., generics) that may be available to you. Some may even be able to provide free samples of medications while you seek other coverage options. Doctors also can request an exception to ask your plan to cover the medication, or to pay at a lower tier.

· See if you qualify for extra help: The Medicare Part D program has a subsidy called Extra Help that assists people with limited income and resources with paying for their drugs. If you get Extra Help, you’ll save money on your drug plan premium, deductible, and at the pharmacy—with prescriptions costing between $1.15 and $6.60.

· Check with your state: About half of the states have State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) to help people with limited incomes pay for their prescriptions.

· Find help from drug manufacturers: Patient Assistance Programs, or PAPs, are programs offered by drug companies to help people pay for their drugs. Through these programs, many drug manufacturers offer the drugs they make for free, or at a discount. NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp® screening tool can help you see whether you can get help from a PAP

· Don’t forget Open Enrollment: Every year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, people with Medicare can switch their prescription drug plans for the following year. If you’re having trouble with your drug costs, it’s a good idea to compare plans to see if there’s a more affordable option. You can go online at any time to compare plans using the Medicare Plan Finder, or you can get personalized help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Every state has a SHIP that offers free, objective, and personalized information to people with Medicare.

See more at:

http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/benefits-access/5-ways-to-save.html#sthash.y9jLpzVj.dpuf

http://www.ncoa.org/improve-health/community-education/why-managing-your-medicine.html

Thanks for reading our blog post!
Please take the time to complete a brief survey using the link below. All participants will automatically be entered to win a $30 Starbucks gift card.