Pemi-Baker Celebrates Fall Prevention Month in September
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is proud to announce its participation in Fall Prevention Month this September. Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults, and Pemi-Baker is committed to raising awareness and promoting safety measures to prevent these accidents within the home.
Each year, millions of older adults suffer from fall-related injuries, leading to hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Fall Prevention Month serves as a vital opportunity to educate the community about the importance of fall prevention and offer guidance on creating safer home environments for older adults.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are responsible for numerous injuries, including fractures, head injuries, and even fatalities. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of falls is significant, and Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is dedicated to making a positive impact by sharing valuable information and resources on fall prevention.
Key Ways to Prevent Falls in the Home:
- Home Safety Assessment: One of the first steps in fall prevention is conducting a thorough home safety assessment. Identifying and addressing potential hazards like loose rugs, cluttered walkways, and poor lighting can significantly reduce the risk of falls.
- Medication Management: Many medications can cause dizziness or unsteadiness, increasing the likelihood of falls. Regular medication reviews with healthcare providers can help adjust doses or find safer alternatives.
- Exercise and Balance Training: Engaging in regular exercise, especially strength and balance training, can improve stability and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. Activities like tai chi and yoga are particularly beneficial.
- Vision Care: Regular eye check-ups are crucial as poor vision can lead to falls. Ensure that eyeglass prescriptions are up to date, and adequate lighting is available in all areas of the home.
- Assistive Devices: The use of assistive devices like grab bars, handrails, and non-slip mats in bathrooms and other high-risk areas can significantly enhance safety.
- Footwear: Encourage the use of proper footwear with non-slip soles and good arch support, both indoors and outdoors.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Dehydration and poor nutrition can lead to weakness and unsteadiness. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated are essential for overall health and fall prevention.
- Home Health Services: Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health offers home health services, including skilled nursing and physical therapy, to help older adults maintain their independence and reduce fall risk.
“We are dedicated to the well-being of our community, especially its older members,” said Danielle Paquette-Horne, RN, Executive Director of Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “We hope to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe in their homes and enjoy a higher quality of life.”
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health encourages everyone to join in their efforts to prevent falls and promote safety within the home. For more information and to access free resources, or contact our team at 603-536-2232.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 32 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Promotes Senior Health and Safety During the Summer Months
As the summer season brings warmer weather and outdoor activities, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to promoting the well-being and safety of seniors in our community. With a focus on ensuring that older adults stay strong, healthy, and safe during these months, we are delighted to offer a range of tips and services to support their overall quality of life.
Staying active and engaging in physical activities is crucial for seniors to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Here are some recommendations from Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health to help you enjoy a healthy and safe summer:
- Hydration: As temperatures rise, it’s essential to stay hydrated. We encourage you to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day. Remember to carry a water bottle when venturing outdoors.
- Sun protection: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses when spending time outside. Seek shade during peak sun hours to avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Dress appropriately: Lightweight and breathable clothing is ideal for hot weather. Wear loose-fitting garments and choose lighter colors to help stay cool.
- Stay cool indoors: On extremely hot days, it’s advised to spend time in air-conditioned environments, such as shopping malls, community centers, or your own home.
- Outdoor activities: Engage in outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, such as early mornings or evenings. Walking, gardening, or simply enjoying a picnic in the shade can provide both physical and mental stimulation.
- Check on neighbors: Stay connected with your neighbors and friends during the summer months. Regular check-ins and visits can ensure everyone’s well-being, particularly during heatwaves or extreme weather conditions.
- Medication management: Remember to store your medications properly and avoid leaving them in hot areas, such as cars or direct sunlight. If necessary, set up reminders for taking your medications on time.
- Stay informed: Stay updated on local weather forecasts and heat advisories. Inform yourself about potential heatwaves or severe weather conditions, and take appropriate precautions.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health remains committed to supporting seniors and their families in our community. Our team of compassionate professionals is available to provide personalized home healthcare services, including nursing care, physical therapy, hospice care and assistance with daily activities.
For more information or to request our services, please contact us at: info@pbhha.org or 603-536-2232.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.
Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth
~written by Anna Swanson
May is Arthritis Awareness Month: Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Encourages Exercise for Better Balance and Flexibility
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is reminding the community that exercise can help those affected by arthritis. Contrary to popular belief, exercise is beneficial for people with arthritis symptoms and can improve their overall health and quality of life.
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The disease causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, making it difficult for people to move and perform daily activities. While there is no cure for arthritis, proper exercise and physical therapy can help manage symptoms and reduce pain.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health has a team of experienced physical and occupational therapists who can help patients with arthritis come up with a safe and effective exercise plan. Our therapists work with patients to design individualized exercise programs that can be done at home. Even if you are homebound, our therapists can still help you stay active and healthy.
Regular exercise has been shown to:
- Reduce joint pain and stiffness
- Improve joint flexibility and range of motion
- Strengthen muscles and bones
- Improve balance and reduce falls
- Boost energy and mood
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health encourages all people challenged with arthritis, to talk to their doctor about incorporating exercise into their treatment plan. Our team is here to support you and help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
To learn more about our home health physical and occupational therapy services, please visit our website or call us at 603-536-2232.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.
Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth
Prioritizing Nutrition in Older Adults: A Key to Optimal Health & Well-being
As we age, the importance of good nutrition becomes increasingly crucial. Eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing chronic diseases. Yet, older adults often face challenges that make it difficult to maintain a healthy diet.
According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition is a significant health concern for older adults. Poor nutrition can lead to a weakened immune system, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of falls and fractures. Additionally, it can contribute to cognitive decline, depression, and other mental health problems.
“Good nutrition is vital for older adults because their bodies require fewer calories, but they need more nutrients to maintain their health,” says Danielle Paquette-Horne, RN, Executive Director with Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “Unfortunately, many older adults struggle with eating a healthy diet due to a lack of appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and other health issues.”
To help older adults stay healthy, it’s essential to prioritize good nutrition. Here are some tips for older adults:
- Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.
- Avoid empty calories from processed foods, sugary drinks, and snacks.
- Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating.
- Talk to a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to develop an individualized nutrition plan.
- Consider taking dietary supplements if recommended by a healthcare provider.
“Older adults need to be mindful of their nutrition and take steps to maintain a healthy diet,” says Paquette-Horne, RN. “By making small changes to their diet and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, they can live a healthy and fulfilling life.”
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.
Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth
Surviving a Heart Attack: Why Care in the First Hours is Critical
February is National Heart Health Month!
In the United States, about 805,000 people have a heart attack each year. With numbers like that, it’s likely that you, or someone close to you, will have a heart attack during your lifetime. Luckily, many people survive heart attacks and go on to live fulfilling lives. And the odds for this happy outcome are far higher among folks who recognize they’re having a heart attack and get the right care, right away. Protect yourself and your loved ones by understanding what causes this health crisis and how prompt treatment can save a life.
What is a Heart Attack?
Your heart has the tough job of pumping blood and oxygen through the coronary arteries all along your body. A heart attack happens when plaque builds up in your arteries over time and blocks the flow of blood. Without blood bringing oxygen to the heart muscle, the area of your heart supplied by that artery begins to die.
This is the moment when quick medical care is critical: A blockage that’s re-opened in two to three hours will cause far less damage than one left untreated for five or six hours.
What to Do If You Suspect a Heart Attack
If you suspect you or a loved one is having a heart attack, call 911, where you’ll be taken to your local Emergency Room to get expert help right away. People who get to the hospital quickly have the best chance for survival. They also have a better recovery, since opening the blocked artery as soon as possible means less heart muscle dies.
The key to getting the help you need, when you need it, is recognizing the signs of a heart attack. While the most classic symptom is sudden severe chest pain, not all heart attacks give such a clear signal. In fact, many heart attacks are silent, causing few or no symptoms at all.
Heart attack symptoms can begin gradually or suddenly, and may be mild or severe. You or your loved one may experience:
- Cold Sweat
- Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
- Heartburn or indigestion, Nausea
- Chest Pain, Pressure, Squeezing, Tightness or Aching
- Pain Radiating From the Jaw, Neck Shoulders or Arms
- Shortness of Breath
- Unusual Fatigue
It’s especially important to know these symptoms if you or someone you love is at higher than average risk for a heart attack. In addition, women can have more subtle heart attack symptoms that are easily mistaken for other health conditions, such as anxiety. These include:
- Dizziness
- Heartburn or constant indigestion
- Nausea
- Pressure between your shoulder blades
- Rapid heart beat
- Trouble sleeping
- Unexplained extreme fatigue that can last for days
Know Your Risk and Prepare for the Worst
As with most diseases, there are risk factors for heart disease you can influence with treatment or lifestyle change, and others you cannot. Some factors such as your age, gender and family history can’t be changed. However, others can be better managed to help reduce your risk for heart disease and heart attack, including:
- Alcohol or Tobacco Use
- Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- LDL (Bad) Cholesterol
- Physical Inactivity
- Stress Level
- Weight
Both your family history and certain lifestyle choices should be reviewed with your doctor at each well visit — especially at your annual physical. These routine checkups are designed to provide an opportunity for you and your doctor to determine your risk for certain diseases and conditions, put a screening plan in place, discuss any health changes and create a plan for any needed lifestyle changes.
Every Moment Counts
It’s smart to work at lowering your heart attack risks, so you can avoid this frightening and dangerous health crisis. In the meantime, remember the symptoms of heart attack and call 911 if you think you or someone nearby is having one — even if you’re not sure. “If someone is unconscious and you think they’re having a heart attack, first call 911 then check if the person is breathing and has a pulse. If the person isn’t breathing or you don’t find a pulse, begin CPR and have someone get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if you have access to one,” said Anna Swanson, American Red Cross CPR Instructor.
- If you’re untrained in CPR, do hands-only CPR. That means push hard and fast on the person’s chest- about 100-120 compressions a minute.
- If you’re trained in CPR, start with 30 chest compressions before giving two rescue breaths. Start using an AED as soon as it is available.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is an Authorized Provider of the American Red Cross and offers CPR/AED and First Aid classes monthly. 
Contact Anna Swanson by phone or email today and become better prepared to save a life!
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.
Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth
New Year’s Challenges
A New Year is the perfect time to kick-start a new beginning and finally achieve the things you’ve always wanted to get around to. Whether you’re yearning to learn a new skill, improve on your existing skills, better yourself as a person, or even overcome some obstacles, what better way to push yourself than with a New Year’s challenge.
Why take a New Year’s Challenge?
New Year’s resolutions are great; they not only encourage us to reflect on the last year and see what progress we have made, they also inspire us to change and make better choices for the year ahead. But ask yourself this: how often do you achieve your New Year’s resolution?
Resolutions are too easy to break. No one is watching you or cheering you on, and there’s simply nothing on the line that drives you to accomplish them. If you really want to achieve something real, a New Year’s challenge is the way forward. A challenge has more urgency than a resolution and if you have a competitive side, challenges push you and make you rise to the occasion.
How to Prepare for a New Year’s Challenge
Preparing for a New Year’s challenge isn’t as simple as saying, “this is what I want to do” and then doing it. These are the things that will help you achieve success:
- The reason people take a New Year’s challenge is to improve—either you want to save money, adopt a healthier lifestyle, etc. Whatever your reason, you need to remember that you have a reason. Your reason is your motivation. Write your reason down and stick it somewhere where you will see it every day such as the bathroom mirror.
- You can also get a challenge buddy-If you want to train for a marathon or learn a new language-those are great challenges to do with friends. By working together, you can easily motivate each other.
- If time is an issue, set an alarm on your phone every day and label it as ‘challenge time’, that way you will never forget to do what you set out to do.
- Break your goal into smaller chunks (aka mini-goals). If your goal is a big task, such as writing a book, you should set daily limits (like how many words you will write each day) that eventually add up to achieve your overall goal.
- Research says it take on average 66 days to change a habit, but there are some who manage to kick bad habits in as little as 18 days. So if you want to make a change, we recommend choosing a challenge that lasts between 30 and 100 days.
Now that you are mentally in the zone, let’s look at some popular challenge ideas for you to choose from!
30-Day Challenge Ideas
A 30-Day challenge is a great idea for those wanting to try something new, different, healthy, or enjoyable, just for the fun of it. Here are some popular ideas:
- Give up buying coffee. Or give up coffee completely!
- Go 30 days smoke/vape free
- Make your own lunches for work
- De-clutter your house. (Choose a room a week and throw out all those unused or expired items)
- Take a social media detox for 30 days
- Give up sugar
- Give up meat-or try Veganuary!
- Drink 2 liters of water a day
- Take a photo a day-photography challenge
- Learn a language using Duolingo or Babble
- Go 30 days without snacking
- Give up a bad habit such as biting your nails
- Watch every sunset
- Read 30 minutes a day
- Try intermittent fasting
- Sweat every day: 40-minute walks, 50 squats, 50 situps
- Draw a doodle a day
- Wake up at 6 am every day
- Do 10-15 minutes of yoga or meditation a day
- Write down one good thing that made you laugh or smile a day
- Start a new craft or hobby
- Do one act of kindness a day
- Tell someone you love them every day
- Sing a song or dance every day
- Spend an hour a day in nature
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.
Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth
Winter Safety For Older Adults
When the temperature drops, older adults run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to the weather, including hypothermia, frostbite, and falls in ice and snow. Like most things in life, it is better to be prepared. Here are a few precautions everyone should take, especially older adults, during the winter.
Hypothermia & Frostbite Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops to a dangerous level. Your body temperature can drop when you are out in the cold for an extended time because it begins to lose heat quickly. Older adults are at an increased risk of hypothermia due to changes that happen to your body with aging.
Hypothermia Warning Signs: cold skin that is pale or ashy; feeling very tired, confused and sleepy; glassy stare; feeling weak; problems walking; slowed breathing or heart rate. Call 911 if you think you or someone else has hypothermia. Shivering is not a reliable warning sign because older people tend to shiver less or not at all when their body temperature drops.
Frostbite occurs when a body part experiences damage to the skin from extreme cold. It is most likely to occur on body parts farthest away from your heart. Common places include your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. In severe cases, frostbite can result in loss of limbs. People with heart disease and other circulation problems are at a higher risk.
Frostbite Warning Signs: skin that’s white or ashy or grayish-yellow; skin that feels hard or waxy; numbness. If you think you or someone else has frostbite, call for medical help immediately. If frostbite occurs, run the affected area under warm (not hot) water, or place it against warm skin. Do not rub!
Precautions to take
- Stay indoors (or don’t stay outside for very long).
- Keep indoor temperature at 65 degrees or warmer.
- Stay dry because wet clothing chills your body more quickly.
- Dress smart- protect your lungs from cold air. Layer up! Wearing 2 or 3 thinner layers of loose-fitting clothing is warmer than a single layer of thick clothing. Think about getting your thermals!
- Essential winter wear: hats, gloves (or preferably mittens), winter coat, boots, and a scarf to cover your mouth and nose.
Injury While Shoveling Snow It’s one of the evils of winter—snow shoveling. If you choose to shovel, take some precautions. Remember, when it’s cold outside, your heart works double time to keep you warm. Strenuous activities like shoveling snow may put too much strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease. Shoveling can also be dangerous if you have problems with balance or have “thin bones” (osteoporosis). 
- Ask your healthcare providerwhether shoveling or other work in the snow is safe for you. Some healthcare providers suggest not shoveling over age 45.
- Pace yourself. If you start to tire or become short of breath, take a rest break.
- Push snow rather than throw or lift whenever possible. Take smaller shovelfuls and avoid using large shovels. Bend your knees and lift with your legs.
- If you smoke, please do not smoke while shoveling, it will deprive your muscles of needed oxygen.
Falls It is easy to slip and fall in the winter, especially in icy and snowy conditions.
- Make sure steps and walkways are clear before you walk.
- Wear boots with non-skid soles or use traction cleats such as Yaktrax.
- If you use a cane, replace the rubber tip often and consider an ice pick-like attachment.
Accidents While Driving Adults 65 and older are involved in more car crashes per mile driven than those in nearly all other age groups. Winter is an especially important time to be vigilant when driving because road conditions and weather may not be optimal.
- “Winterize” your car before the bad weather hits! This means having the antifreeze, tires, and windshield wipers checked and changed if necessary.
- Remember your cell phone when you drive in bad weather, and always let someone know where you are going and when you should be expected back.
- Stock your car with basic emergency supplies such as: first aid kit, blankets, extra warm clothes, booster cables, windshield scraper, shovel, rock salt or a bag of sand or cat litter (in case your wheels get stuck), Water and dried food (nuts, granola bars), flashlight.
With a little preparation, we hope that you and your family stay safe and warm this winter. Happy Holidays from the team at Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health!
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.
Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth
Summer Safety Tips For Seniors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and injury. When we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature because older adults do not sweat as much as younger adults, and sweat is the body’s most important heat-regulating mechanism. Older adults also store fat differently, which can further complicate heat regulation in the body.
This can cause issues in the summer because when the outside temperature rises, so does the body’s internal temperature. Which is why seniors suffer from heat stroke in the summer more often than younger people.
Therefore, seniors have health risks that need to be monitored, especially in the heat of the summer. Below are tips to keep seniors safe and healthy in the rising temperatures of the summer months.
Stay hydrated.
Drink eight or more glasses of water and/or fruit juices every day to stay hydrated. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages such as soda, coffee and tea as they can leave you dehydrated quickly. Increase your intake if you are doing any physical activity or if the weather is particularly hot.
Stay indoors during extreme heat.
In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation slows down and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Keep in mind, the sun is the most intense between 10 am and 4 pm. If you can, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and the evening.
Stay in an air-conditioned place.
Air-conditioning is important when it is hot and humid outside. If you do not have air-conditioning in your home, go somewhere that does. A movie theater, the mall, a friend or family member’s home or a community senior center are all good options. You can contact your local Area Agency on Aging for help finding a local cooling center during extended periods of extreme heat.
Know the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
The best clothing to wear in the summertime is loose-fitting and lightweight clothes in natural, breathable fabrics like cotton. Dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will attract them.
Protect your skin and eyes. 
Wearing sunglasses can block your eyes from harmful UV rays and protect your vision. When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Know the side effects of your prescriptions.
Some medications can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Look over your medications and talk with your doctor about any concerns or questions you have.
Know the early signs of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, hyperthermia, etc.
Signs to look for may include disorientation, dry skin, excessive tiredness, headache, lethargy, nausea, a flushed face, high body temperature, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion. Take immediate action if you feel any symptoms coming on.
Maintain communication with friends, family, caregivers and emergency contacts.
Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers and place them in an easy-to-access area in case needed.
As a caregiver or loved one, you can help seniors beat the heat by:
- Visiting at least twice a day.
- Watching for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Making sure they have access to air conditioning.
- Helping them limit their exposure to the sun.
- Making sure they are getting enough fluids to keep them hydrated and have a normal body temperature.
Pemi-Baker’s Ask-A-Nurse: A collaboration with the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council (GCSCC)
If you have questions or need a place to cool off why not visit your local senior center? In addition to virtual and in-person activities and meals offered by the 8 senior centers of GCSCC, three are hosting Pemi-Baker Hospice and Home Health’s ‘Ask-A-Nurse’ program. This is a free service manned by a Pemi-Baker Registered Nurse and/or Social Worker where you can get your blood pressure checked, ask medical questions, fill our your advance directive forms or just swing by and say hi!
Ask-A-Nurse Days & Times:
Mondays 11:30-1pm @ Plymouth Regional Senior Center-8 Depot Street, Plymouth
Wednesdays 11:30-1pm @ Lin-wood Area Services- 194 Pollard Road, Lincoln
Every Third Thursday 11:30-12:30 @ Littleton Area Senior Center- 77 Riverglen Lane, Littleton
With over 55 years of experience, serving clients from 29 towns in central and northern New Hampshire, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is committed to creating healthier communities. Services include at-home healthcare (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and Community Programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver Support Groups and Grief and Bereavement Support Groups. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals in the business because of their hearts. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.
Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth
