Sometimes, family caregivers will insist on the use of a restraint to avoid falls when concerned about the safety of their loved ones. However, there are negative consequences when utilizing restraints. Families and caregivers need to investigate alternatives. Family caregivers...

A restraint for an elder is anything (including devices, drugs or people) that gets in the way of an elder’s movement or restricts their freedom. Some common examples of "restraint practices" include: • Seat belts and lap cushions are used in...

When an elder falls, it can result in significant physical problems, including broken bones, and surgery. Rehabilitation and recovery can be lengthy and slow. Unfortunately, falls in hospitals and nursing homes are an everyday occurrence. In many instances, elders...

An urgent phone call comes in: "Your mother has had a stroke. She is being transported via ambulance to the hospital." You have not prepared for this situation. Realistically, no one can. You are caught totally off-guard. There is no...

Most new jobs aren't inherited! Usually, new employment is a process that involves research, phone calls, interviews, and a job offer. But when a family member has a stroke or heart attack, is diagnosed with dementia, cancer, or has...

This list of up-and-coming technologies and drug therapies was chosen by a panel of 110 physicians and scientists, and announced at the conference in Cleveland. Here is a continuation of their top picks. -- Checkpoint Inhibitors This breakthrough form of immunotherapy...

The Rotary Club of Scituate has launched its 2015 fund-raising campaign to continue to provide assistance to local charities serving Scituate and Marshfield residents. Your financial participation and support enables Rotary to assist many community charities and deserving service...

I recently came across the following summary of "predicted medical innovations for 2015". An edited version follows... At the Cleveland Clinic’s annual Medical Innovation Summit, the top 10 list included a high-tech stroke ambulance, painless blood testing, new cancer therapies...

I came across this information recently. Something everyone should know -- there will be tax penalties assessed for those ignoring the health care mandate. Please read the summary below: Tax penalties for remaining uninsured have risen significantly. Every adult without...

Last year, nearly 18 percent of Medicare patients who had been hospitalized were re-admitted within a month. While that is lower than past years, roughly 2 million patients return a year, costing Medicare $26 billion. Officials estimate $17 billion...