AuthorDeb

November 11, 2018 we celebrate and honor all of our Veterans who have served so faithfully in America’s Armed Forces. We salute our heroes with a quote from Dan Lipinski:

History of Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

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From the Alzheimer’s Association:

Dementia Awareness

As you can see, there are several types of Dementia! The Alzheimer’s Association has a wonderful website to go to and find great information on this multifaceted disease such as:

“What is Alzheimer’s ~ What is Dementia ~ Diagnosis ~ Stages ~ Treatment”

About Dementia:

“Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type. But there are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.

Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as “senility” or “senile dementia,” which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.”

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Your memory often changes as you grow older. But memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of dementia. Dementia is a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s (AHLZ-high-merz) disease, a fatal disorder that results in the loss of brain cells and function. It may be hard to know the difference between age-related changes and the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Some people may recognize changes in themselves before anyone else notices.Other times, friends and family will be the first to observe changes in memory, behavior or abilities.To help identify problems early, the Alzheimer’s Association® has created a list of warning signs for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Individuals may experience one or more of these in different degrees.

1. Confusion with time or place

2. Difficulty completing familiar tasks

3. Challenges in planning or solving problems

4. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

8. Decreased or poor judgment

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

10. Changes in mood and personality

If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, please see a doctor to find the cause. Early diagnosis gives you a chance to seek treatment and plan for your future.

The Alzheimer’s Association can help.

Visit: alz.org/10signs

Call: 800.272.3900

What is a readmission?

“Readmission is a term used when a patient is admitted back to the hospital for in-patient care soon after being discharged.  OPA’s Quality Report Cards use a quality measure of hospital readmissions that occur within 30 days of being discharged for the same or a related medical condition.

Unfortunately, hospital readmissions occur far too often and can lead to more serious health problems. The good news is that many readmissions can be prevented with proper treatment planning and follow-up. Patients can do their part to prevent readmission by following their care plan, tracking their medicines, and keeping follow-up appointments.

Why is it important to prevent a readmission?

Both your health and finances are put further at risk if you face a hospital readmission. Each time you are admitted to the hospital, you probably will have to pay a deductible or another co-payment.  In addition to the cost of the hospital care, the delay in recovery from your illness can postpone your return to work.

What can be done to prevent a readmission?

Many return hospital visits could be prevented if patients, caregivers and hospital staff plan ahead for the day the patient leaves the hospital. There are key things you can do:

• Ask questions: Make sure you understand the information given to you by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.  Repeat their instructions to make sure you understand them. It is also helpful to have a family member or friend with you to take notes.
• Have a discharge plan (also called a care plan): Before being discharged from the hospital, make sure the doctor, nurse or other hospital staff gives you a detailed written plan that includes:
  • A list of your medical problems.Know your diagnosis, potential complications, and who to call if you need assistance.
  • A schedule of follow-up appointments. See your primary care doctor or specialist as directed.
  • A list of your medications with clear written instructions about when to take them and for how long, as well as any possible side effects.
  • A list of equipment you might need, such as wheelchair or hospital bed.
  • A list of recommended home modifications, such as grab bars in the bathroom. Try to make these changes to your home before you leave the hospital.
  • A list of any activities to avoid and for how long.
  • If your hospital does not give you a discharge plan, you can use this discharge checklist to help you ask questions of the hospital staff.
• Create a support team to help you at home: Have a family member, friend and/or other caregiver help you at home with meals, medications, personal hygiene and other necessary care.
• Know what to do if you don’t feel well: Know the danger signs for your condition and what you will do if your symptoms get worse. Know who to call during the day, at night and on weekends.
• Follow up with your regular doctor and specialists: Make sure your doctors know about any changes in your health. Bring your care plan to each doctor’s appointment, along with your new prescriptions and a list of all of your prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and other supplements.”

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