Hospital Bed in San Diego:
Complete Buying Guide

Considering buying a hospital bed? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Using a regular bed when recovering from an injury or operation or struggling with a mobility condition can be challenging. Patients are faced with uncomfortable sleep, difficult transfers, and occasional injuries.

With the right hospital bed, you evade the hurdles of typical beds, thereby enjoying a more streamlined recovery journey.

This article is your complete buying guide hospital beds in san Diego.

The beautiful thing about a patient bed is that you can use it beyond the hospital setting, be it in a rehab center, private residential, or nursing home.

Home patient beds come in varying sizes, designs, and styles, so picking the right one is an overwhelming task for most buyers. It’s for this reason that this guide has gathered everything you need to know about hospital beds.

The guide outlines the advantages of a home patient bed, types of hospital beds, how to pick the right equipment, and other crucial information to keep in mind when buying your home medical equipment.

Benefits of Hospital Beds for Homecare

Patient beds are tailored to the needs of patients who need assistance repositioning in bed as they offer more comfort, ease care giving, and allow the patient to use the extended time.

Getting a comfortable sleep when struggling with a health or mobility issue is a genuine struggle. A patient bed helps to eliminate these hassles by offering various position adjustments. You can recline the bed if sleeping flat on a mattress is difficult, or you can elevate it for health reasons.

Hospital beds ease care giving.

A caregiver can raise or lower the equipment, depending on whether the user can move out of the bed with or without help.

Lowering the bed to a considerable level enables you to step out to the floor or a mobility device such as a wheelchair. By raising the height, the caregiver doesn’t have to hunch over when providing help. Besides, these beds allow for options such as over-bed tables, eliminating the constant back pains caregivers experience when managing patients.

The fact that you can accessorize a hospital bed takes homecare a notch higher. Bed rails, whether half-length or full-length, are an excellent safety feature as they prevent the patient from rolling off the bed.

Safety at Home

Blanket supports raise sheets and blankets off the lower legs to prevent entanglement during movement while keeping away the extra weight off sensitive skin. You can equip the bed with a specialized air mattress if your loved one is vulnerable to pressure sores.

With the right hospital bed, you don’t have to stay away from your home and loved ones. A hospital bed is usually mobile, enabling caregivers to move the patients around the house and other living environs.

Whereas an older individual with mobility difficulties may require the help of a caregiver to perform day-to-day tasks, living in a nursing facility may be an uncomfortable experience for them. By allowing for home care, hospital beds support the concept of aging in familiar environments while surrounded by loved ones.

Types of Hospital Beds in San Diego

Hospital beds in San Diego are classified into three broad categories depending on the operation mode as follows:

Manual Hospital Beds

These beds lack electric capabilities. They have a crank that allows you to adjust the height, head section, and foot section position.

Manual hospital beds are more affordable than their electric competitors but demand more physical labor. They are a decent investment for short-term use, patients with a fixed position, and those that don’t require regular repositioning.

Remember that some manual beds don’t offer a range of position adjustments as electric beds. You also want to ensure that there is a caregiver with the energy and will to do the manual work before buying this bed.

Semi-electric Patient Beds

The semi-electric options incorporate both electric and manual adjustments. Typically, electric interventions allow for the adjustment of the foot and head section. A hand crank helps adjust the height.

Semi-electric patient beds are ideal for patients in need of constant head and foot section adjustments and fewer height adjustments. They are costlier than manual beds but offer you the benefit of zero manual work when adjusting the two ends.

Full-electric Hospital bed.

In full electric beds, all alterations are electrical, incredibly easing the lives of the patient and their caregivers.

The bed comes with a remote for seamless head, foot, and height modifications, making it an ideal solution for patients who require frequent positioning and caregivers with less physical strength. Loaded with these capabilities, an electric bed is costlier than a manual or semi-electric alternative but offers a great deal of convenience.

Besides the above types, there are also unique hospital beds tailored to special requirements. They include:

Low Hospital Bed

A low bed resembles the regular hospital bed except that its deck is much closer to the floor to minimize the risk of injury from falls. It’s also ideal for patients that experience difficulties when transferring out and into the bed.

An upgrade to the low bed is the hi-low bed that offers a broader range of height alterations. You can lower it close to the floor when sleeping, or a caregiver can raise it to a suitable height when providing assistance.

Bariatric Hospital Bed

If you are looking for a patient bed with a larger weight capacity, a bariatric bed could be the right choice for you. The bed is designed with a broader and heavy-duty deck to offer maximum support and comfort to heavier users. It can be fully electric or low design.

Hospital Crib

Also known as a pediatric medical crib, a hospital crib is specially made for children receiving medical care at home. This could be due to premature birth issues, neurological issues (seizure and epilepsy), developmental disabilities, among other conditions that call for special features not provided by a regular crib.

Hospital cribs have raised rails to prevent falls, with the spaces between the rails being much narrower to prevent head entrapment. You can electronically or manually adjust the head section, depending on the bed manufacturer.

How to Choose the Right Hospital Bed

Undeniably, buying a hospital bed is an incredible investment, so getting informed about the vital things to consider is imperative before making your purchase. Keep in mind the following factors:

Length of Use

Before looking into the features, consider how long your loved one will use the bed. For short-term uses, it’s advisable to get a manual or semi-electric patient bed, depending on the necessary convenience and comfort.

A full-electric bed is suitable for a patient who remains on the bed for a significant portion of the day (at least 15 hours) or intends to use it for a long time.

Mobility of the User

Your choice of a hospital bed will also rely on the mobility level of the user.

First, consider whether the patient can get in and out of bed and the amount of help they require.

Next, determine whether the bed has the necessary features to support the user’s mobility. For instance, a user who can transfer themselves or sit up will require a more standard hospital bed. In contrast, an immobile patient will require a more loaded alternative.

Size and Weight of User

The size and weight of the patient determine the bed’s size and capacity.

If the user is heavier, a heavy-duty bariatric bed is an ideal choice to support the extra weight and size. In contrast, shorter or taller patients require shortened or extended bed decks.

Pediatric patients, however, need small-sized beds designed to offer optimum comfort and safety to children.

Physical Stamina of Caregiver

It’s also important to consider the physical strength of the caregiver, chiefly when a family or friend is assigned the caregiving duties. If manual operation is too much work for the carer, a full-electric bed becomes the go-to solution.

Features

Different models offer varying features that allow for customizations geared to minimize the risk of complications, improve patient comfort, and ease the work of the caregiver. Here are features to remember when buying a hospital bed in San Diego.

Positioning

Typical patient beds offer primary positioning options, such as raising the foot and head sections. However, some alternatives take this notion further by providing special positions to meet unique requirements. They include:

- - Fowler’s position: In this position, the user is laid on their back with their upper body raised to an angle between 15-90 degrees, and their knees bent or straight. It’s ideal for patients with respiratory distresses as it facilitates better chest expansion, thereby improving breathing. The position also allows users who can’t move to talk normally and eat and swallow easily.
  - Trendelenburg: This position is achieved by tilting the bed deck in a way the user’s head is lower than the feet by 15-30 degrees. The patient lies flat on the bed. Commonly used during cardiothoracic surgery, the Trendelenburg position is also helpful to patients with particular heart and respiratory issues.
  - Reverse Trendelenburg: Also known as Anti-Trendelenburg, this position is gained by tilting the bed so that the patient’s head is higher than the feet by 15 to 30 degrees. It’s especially useful for increased exposure during upper abdominal and prostate surgeries.

By relieving pressure to the head, the Anti-Trendelenburg also helps to improve respiratory functions in obese users.Avoid keeping the patient in the Trendelenburg positions for an extended period to prevent blood flow complications. If the patient has reduced mental ability or dementia, the control of these positions should be left to the caregiver.

Bed Rails

You cannot afford to overlook the importance of side rails when buying a hospital bed in San Diego. Whether full-length or half-length, side rails offer fall prevention to individuals at risk of falling off the bed, especially the sen`iors, children, and the disabled. Bed rails also act as support tools when individuals with limited physical strength are transferring into and out of bed. Users with limited mobility can hold onto the rails when turning over, lying down, or sitting up.

Storage

If you have a load of frequently used supplies, it’s wise to get a bed that suits your storage needs. Whereas the standard patient bed comprises the frame and essential components, a selection of newer models come with storage compartments for storing items such as gloves, IV stands, oxygen stands, and bedpans nearby.

Built-in Scale

A patient bed with an in-built scale or allows the attachment of the device comes in handy if regular weight measurements are required for medical reasons. They enable weight recording with minimal to zero disruptions.

Installation Services

A patient bed can be too bulky or complicated for you to install it by yourself. This is where professional installation comes into play. Before hiring an installer, seek to know if the bed seller provides installation services. Having the retailer, rather than a third party, install your bed can help reduce the overall costs significantly.

When Should You Rent a Hospital Bed?

The following are the situations where renting a bed in San Diego makes more sense than buying the equipment.
When you Need the Bed for Short-term Use

When you Need the Bed for Short-term Use

It’s more economical to rent than buy a patient bed for short-term use.
Hospital bed rental in San Diego offers an affordable solution to people in need of a bed for a relatively
shorter time, whether they are recuperating from an injury or medical operation. Upon recovery, the user can
return the bed and switch to their regular beds.

When in Need of Flexibility

When flexibility becomes critical for your recovery journey, renting a patient bed is virtually inevitable.
Your health needs may continually change as you recover, bringing in the flexibility factor.
Although different hospital beds are designed to meet varying needs, it makes no sense to buy separate beds
to meet your changing preferences. Here, renting different beds is the best alternative.

When Testing an Upgrade

If you have a knack for testing equipment before buying a hospital bed, bed rental is for you. With the availability of patient bed rental in San Diego, you can try out beds before buying a hospital bed.

Vital Safety Tips for Home Hospital Beds

Bringing a hospital bed home presents several safety challenges that you might not have considered in the past. Having selected the right equipment for you or loved one, equipping it properly and using it safely is of utmost importance. By using a patient bed safely, you keep away additional medical issues and better the environment for the surrounding people, whether relatives, friends, or hired caregivers. Thus said, take into account the following safety tips when using a hospital bed at home:

- Keep the side rails locked, except during transfers, to prevent dangerous falls.
- Except during movement around the house, always maintain the wheels in a locked position to prevent incidences associated with uncontrolled movements of the bed.
- Check if all the bed mechanisms and parts are working accordingly, as per the manufacturer’s or retailer’s guidelines..
- Equip the bed with communication means, primarily a bell and phone, so that the user can reach out to the caregiver easily and quickly, especially during emergencies.
- Always ensure that the remote control is within easy reach of the bed user.
- Ensure the mattress correctly fits in the bed to prevent unsafe gaps between the mattress and bed edges.
- Regularly check the motor and electrical components for debris and dirt. Dirt accumulation is a sure recipe for electrical component malfunction and failure.

Where to Rent a Hospital Bed in San Diego

If you are thinking about hospital bed rental in San Diego, look no further than Harmony Home Medical Supplies, your trusted medical equipment dealer in San Diego.

We offer affordable rentals for high-quality hospital beds by renowned medical equipment brands, including Invacare, Graham Field, and Joerns, among others.

Whether you are looking for a semi-electric, manual, or full-electric patient bed, Harmony Home Medical rentals are transparent and void of endless paperwork, vague contracts, and hidden fees.

Besides, we deliver our rental beds and have our specialists install them at our customers’ homes, providing them with superior convenience coupled with affordability.

Buying a Hospital Bed in San Diego

Considering buying a hospital bed in San Diego? Harmony Home Medical Supplies is your go-to home medical equipment distributor in San Diego.

Being in business for several years, we boast the experience and knowledge to excellently address the unique needs of our customers. We, therefore, supply hospital beds with excellent workmanship and features geared to offer our clients quality, long-lasting services.

Not sure which hospital bed suits your needs and budget? Bet on our professional, friendly, and experienced specialists to take you through the selection process so that you leave our store with a product optimally tailored to your needs. You can also order our beds online.

Turn to us for affordable, durable, reliable hospital beds, accompanied by a friendly environment and unsurpassed customer services.

Reader Question:

I have a question regarding how to handle a combative dementia patient. My husband and I care for my 51 year old daughter. She is in her 5th year of dementia and hates bath time and getting re-diapered. She is also getting more and more agitated in general.

We have zero outside help as she has no insurance and so far has been denied any government assistance.

My concerns are for her safety as well as mine… she hits and trys to bite … she poops when she gets excited and angry which is a problem when I have to put the clean diaper on her.

It takes 2 people to get her bathed and dressed and her diaper is soiled by the time I get her “anti-strip pj’s “on her!

She does have a doctor the free clinic at the county hospital system… but I have to figure out a lot of this on my own… should I ask for a mild sedative to use for her bath time… we try to bathe her 2X a day.

Thank you! Sincerely,
Yvonne

Hi Yvonne,

When it comes to how to handle a combative dementia patient, I am not a medical professional, so my advice is purely from my experience. I’ll do my best!

Agitation is a very common symptom with dementia. My advice is to look for both clinical and non-clinical solutions.

Non-Clinical Dementia Care

Dementia is scary for the person experiencing decline. As a person who has had a minor stroke, I experienced the tiniest touch of cognitive impairment.

I can remember looking around at my family. My head knew they were important, but I couldn’t remember why. I could see by the looks on their faces that something was wrong with me, but I couldn’t grasp what that might be. The experience was disorienting and terrifying to say the least.

I imagine this is how it is for someone experiencing dementia. So, the goal is to reduce stress and agitation while preserving safety, health and freedom.

Take note of activities that cause agitation. Does your loved one seem more agitated at night (very common) or morning. Is agitation mainly due to a certain task like meals, bathing, or bed?

Once you notice of what triggers agitation, avoid it.

I know I know, no kidding right, but stay with me.

If bath-time stresses your loved one, then consider doing it less frequently (as long as there is not a soiling issue).

Your loved one may have bathed daily for 60 years, but dementia brings many new normals. It could be time for a routine change.

I met a creative woman who COULD NOT get her husband into the shower, but he would sit with her in the hot tube where she could wash him. Small wins.

Maybe showering is out right now, but your loved one would stand for a sponge bath or wipe down with a disposable cloth. This article is about giving bed baths, but many of the same principles apply to dementia bathing.

Dementia care is less about getting the task done and more about making sure your loved one is safe, healthy, and comfortable. If it isn’t really necessary, ask yourself if it must be done. Creative care is dementia care.

Now, lets address non-negotiable care. You cannot leave a loved one in a soiled adult diaper, but often this is a highly stressful activity for both you and your charge. Try your best to keep the environment calm. You might find that taking breaks between tasks gives you both a minute to compose.

For instance, waiting to re-diaper might give skin a chance to breath and your loved one to relax.

Try putting on a favorite song or show while completing a task that is unpleasant. Trying singing something you both loved to trigger a calmer atmosphere. Make a cold bathroom warm before shower time.

Remember, with dementia care, we go where the patient is. They rarely come to us.

Clinical Dementia Care

Sometimes, no matter how comfortable the environment, your loved one will still experience anxiety, and care will still need to take place.

This is where a close relationship with your physician is a must.

You are not a doctor BUT you are an advocate. This is one of your most important roles. The doctor may spend 10 minutes with a patient, but you see that person all the time.

If something isn’t working in the best interest of your loved one, speak up. If your doctor doesn’t like it, get a second opinion.

I would set an appointment and share your situation with your doctor. A sedative may not be what he or she prescribes. But, there are medication options that might make everyone more comfortable.

I have seen clients who hit and bite transform with the proper medications. This a journey. Meds may need to be adjusted or changed as dementia progresses. Do not hesitate to communicate with your doctor if meds don’t work or results change over time.

If you don’t feel you are getting the proper support from your doctor, request a specialist. Neurologists specialize in conditions that affect the brain. You for sure could use one of these experts in your court.

Support

Dementia care may feel lonely, but you are not alone. Often, it seems the only options are private paid care – like what Green Tree Home Care offers – and government assistance.

Unfortunately, many people fall into a care gap where private pay is out of reach and they don’t qualify for government help.

There is a large number of non-profit organizations that exist to fill in this gap!

For those caring for loved ones with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association is an amazing resource. There should be one in your area.

In San Diego, where I am based, we have Jewish Family Service. This organization has programs to help older adults with hands on care and care management (you do not have to be Jewish to receive help).

The Parkinson’s Association also has a large presence.

These organizations can help you better understand what resources are available in your area.

There are professionals called Care Managers who help people manage the medical and non-medical ageing landscape.

They generally charge for their services unless they are connected with an organization. But, it may be worth a call to see if one in your local area has any resource ideas.

These professionals are often nurses or social workers and have a strong understanding of the local care landscape.

While there is no simple solution to how to handle a combative dementia patient. Small adjustments can have a big impact!

If you are in the San Diego, Orange County, or Riverside areas of California, please feel free to reach out to use for more help.

Dealing with information overload and consistent bad news during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial to our sruvival. Here's how to navigate it.

When is constipation an emergency?

Constipation happens when you have difficulty passing stool or when you haven’t had a bowel movement in three days.

Everyone has been constipated at one point. Usually the problem is short-lived.

The causes for constipation include:

A change in diet
A diet that contains little or no fiber
Dehydration
A lack of exercise
Certain medications can cause constipation
Certain conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract can also cause constipation (an example is irritable bowel syndrome)
Other medical conditions outside of the gastrointestinal tract like diabetes and lupus can also cause constipation

Normally, constipation is a short-term problem and can be alleviated by lifestyle changes.

For instance, identifying the problem food and eliminating it from your diet can stop constipation.

Adding more fiber into your diet and exercising for at least 30 minutes per day 5 days per week can also help.

Eating fruits like prunes, apples, pears and kiwis prove are effective in getting rid of constipation. If you want to have regular bowel movements, these fruits are helpful as well.

So when does constipation becomes an emergency?

Constipation that is accompanied by intense abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in the stool or severe bloating suggests a serious underlying health condition and you should see a doctor immediately.

Intense abdominal pain and constipation

Regular constipation may be come with some pain.

However when constipation comes with intense abdominal pain, it could indicate:

appendicitis
a perforated stomach
an obstruction (blockage) in the intestine
reduced blood flow to the intestines

If you or a loved one are experiencing constipation with intense pain, it is important to go to the emergency room immediately.

With these types of emergencies, symptoms progress very quickly and can cause death.

Thus, the sooner you see a doctor the better.

Vomiting and constipation

Fecal impaction happens when your stool is so hard, there is no way it can be passed. In these instance, it also obstructs normal intestinal movement.

This is the cause for vomiting in constipation and it requires immediate medical attention.

Stomach bloating and constipation

If your stomach bloating is painful and you are constipated, this is reason to see a doctor immediately.

Blood in stool and constipation

Passing hard stool can come with some blood in the stool as the hard stool passes through the anus.

This may be minimal and may not be a cause for alarm.

However, if you notice obvious blood, large blood clots or darker colored stools when you are constipated, a more severe problem could be at hand.

A major symptom of colon and rectal cancers is blood in the stool.

This would also be a reason to see a doctor immediately.

Staying active and healthy in lock-down.

While COVID-19-related lock-downs seem to be easing all around the world, it is evident that mini lock-downs and self-quarantine periods may last for a while.

Gyms, a public place where it is easy for bacteria or virus to spread, are closed.

For somebody trying to stay active and healthy, this can be a challenge.

So how can you stay active and healthy during those periods of time when movement is restricted?

Ideally, you need 30 minutes of exercise five days per week to stay active and healthy.

In today’s post, I’ll share five simple ideas for stay active and healthy in lock-down.

Disclaimer – Make sure any exercise regimen you embark on is cleared by your doctor before you start.

5 Ideas for staying active and healthy when movement is restricted

Dance

Dancing is a fun and yet effective way to stay active and healthy in a time when movement is restricted.

You don’t have to have moves like Michael Jackson either!

You can either do a quick video on YouTube (or have a loved one do this for you) for dance routines and follow along.

Or you could slot in your favorite dance music, set a timer and move to that for the next 30 minutes!

Use stationary equipment you already own

That stationary bike you have been ignoring for the last few years?

You still own that my friend!

Dust off that bike (or treadmill or elliptical or…you get what I mean) and start working out.

Skip

Remember that activity you indulged in as a kid? Skipping?

It works very well.

In fact, I recently discovered a YouTube channel called the Jump Rope Dudes.

It has been inspiring to watch them post about people who have skipped their way to healthy.

Have a skipping rope around? Time to turn that into your home gym.

Walk or run in your neighborhood

In most places, there is no rule against walking or running in your neighborhood.

My advice however is that you observe social distancing rules – stay six feet apart – while you exercise outdoors.

I also don’t recommend wearing a mask while working out.

If you’re lightly walking, this may not be a big deal.

However, if you will be running or taking on exercise that involves a lot of more activity, realize that your body will also need more oxygen.

If you have a mask tightly over your face, you will not be getting the oxygen as you need.

And this can lead to fainting.

So wear your mask in crowded public spaces.

But if you must engage in vigorous exercise, take the mask off so you can breathe the oxygen you need.

Use your exercise mat!

Your exercise mat is more than a pretty accessory.

There are hundreds of types of exercises you can do on just an exercise mat inside your home.

Check out this video for exercise mat ideas for staying active.

Staying active and healthy during lock-down is possible!

In this post, I reminded you of 5 simple and yet effective ideas for staying active and healthy in lock-down.

Enjoyed this post?

Share it with someone else who will find it useful.

Eczema is a common and yet misunderstood disease.

In today’s post, I will explain what eczema is and what you should know if you have a loved one with eczema.

What is eczema?

Eczema, which is also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin care condition.

Although, it usually begins when a person is a child, it can show up at any age.

Eczema is considered an autoimmune condition.

To understand what this means, it is important to understand how the immune system works.

The immune system of your body is able to fight off bacteria and yeast using various cell types.

Your immune system is able to do this because it recognizes certain unique factors about bacteria and other microbes that provides information to the cells that these are “the enemy”.

In certain instances however, your immune system becomes hypersensitive and will fight your own body because it is somehow recognizing it as “the enemy”.

And this is the underlying factor when it comes to autoimmune disease.

What causes eczema?

Although the cause of eczema is not fully understood, we know it is happens as a result of an overactive immune system like I described above.

Because it occurs commonly in children-10-20% of children in the developed world suffer from eczema- some scientists suggest that air pollution and less exposure to infections which “prime” the immune system and make it robust, could be causes of eczema.

Symptoms of eczema

The most common symptom of eczema is dry, scaly and itchy skin.

Most people with eczema usually also have another type of allergy.

For people who have severe eczema, scratching the itchy skin may cause the skin to break and ooze fluid.

Over time, eczema can lead to thickened, scaly and dry skin.

People with eczema regularly have “flare-up” periods where the condition gets worse. This could happen as a result of:

Sweating
Humidity
Fabric texture (eg wool clothing)
Temperature changes
Food allergies
Stress

Furthermore, for a lot of people, not only do they suffer physically from the disease, they might also be worried about their appearance.

Thus, it is not uncommon for someone with eczema to constantly cover up their skin or avoid events where they would have to uncover their skin.

How to manage eczema

As you can already tell, eczema is both physically and mentally difficult for the person who has it.

What can you do as a caregiver who has a loved one with eczema?

Or perhaps you have eczema yourself and are looking for tips?

Here you go.

If you (or your loved one) has never seen a doctor to receive a diagnosis about your skin condition being eczema, don’t guess. Using homemade treatments without the proper diagnosis can lead to issues along the line.

Avoid situations that could cause an eczema flare-up. This is not always possible because we cannot control weather conditions for instance. However, once you learn what triggers a flare-up for you avoid those triggers. Doing this is one of most effective ways to keep eczema at bay-especially now that summer is around the corner.

Ask your doctor for a prescription. Because eczema is a type of allergy, your doctor might most likely prescribe antihistamines. These work best for reducing itchiness. Find out from your doctor which one would be best for you.

If need be, speak to a mental health professional about how having eczema makes you feel. Stress is one of the causes of a flare-up. If you deal with that stress properly, you can prevent it from coming back for a long while.

Eczema is annoying.

And for some, it causes self-esteem issues.

The points I shared above should help you and your loved one understand and manage eczema effectively.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it.

Summer is around the corner and some of us are already dreaming of the warm weather, cool drinks and long days.

But it is important to not forget about skincare as you go about enjoying your summer.

In today’s post, we are talking about 10 summer skincare tips for older adults.

Let’s dive right in.

10 summer skincare tips for older adults

Remember to wear your sunscreen. Whatever you do, don’t leave the house without sunscreen on your skin. Doctors recommend that that use sunscreen that contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Sunscreen that contain SPF protect your skin the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. UV rays are notorious for causing certain types of skin cancers.
Sunscreen is wonderful, but even then, it does not protect you 100% from the sun’s UV rays. Thus, it is important to also wear protective clothing. Make sure to have on hats and long sleeved (but airy) clothing.
Put some extra sunscreen on those areas of your skin that are the most exposed-your arms, back and legs-are always worthy of extra care.
As much as possible stay out of the sun between 10am to 4pm. This is when the UV rays are the strongest. Staying out of the sun during this time helps with reducing your exposure to harmful rays.
Drink more water! Drinking water is good for so many reasons. Because it is hot during the summer, it is easy to lose water from your body and become dehydrated. Dehydration has an effect on your skin. Drinking more water will keep your skin nice and hydrated all summer long. This is important because we lose more water and become more easily dehydrated as we get older.
Use moisturizers that keep dry skin at bay.
Use aloe vera to soothe sunburns. You wore the sunscreen and the protective clothing but how many of us know that even after all that, sometimes the sun still burns you? Well, if you do happen to experience a sunburn, aloe vera is great for soothing the pain. **Make sure to check with your doctor if you’re not allergic to aloe vera before you use it.
Use a face mask to reduce oil build-up on your face.
Exfoliate your skin to reduce pores so you can enjoy smooth skin all summer long!
Don’t forget about your lips. A lot of people forget about their lips during the summer. But this area of your skin needs as much help as it can get during these months. A simple lip balm helps always.

And there you have it: 10 summer skincare tips so that you can enjoy the summer to the fullest.

If you enjoyed this post, share it with someone looking for skincare tips for the summer.

Summer is right around the corner.

While we’re all looking forward to bright and sunny days-not to mention the warmth-skin care is still important.

For a lot of seniors, summertime means days of dehydration and dry skin.

As we age, our skin cells lose the firmness they once had.

This means that older people lose water from their bodies easily and thus are more prone to problems related to dehydration.

And as if dry skin wasn’t enough, that dry skin very often leads to itching. None of these things are fun!

In today’s post, I’m going to talk about what you can do to cure dry skin for yourself or an elderly loved one.

Cure for dry skin in the elderly-Tips to help you beat it

Use moisturizers, creams and lotions on your skin everyday and throughout the day. Not all lotions are created equal. Some of them just seem like the manufacturers did not even want to make the lotion. These are not helpful and dry out almost as soon as you put them on your skin. Established brands that have historically sold thick lotions are the best to buy if you want to get your money’s worth. I would even dare say that if you’re not afraid of the grease, petroleum jelly might be a wonderful solution to keeping your skin moisturized.

Use a moisturizing soap or body wash when you take a shower. There are soaps and body washes that are harsh and which dry out your skin. Avoid these if you are trying to cure dry skin.

Use a humidifier in your room so that your skin, mouth and nose don’t dry up at night.

Drink more water. This might seem obvious but a lot of people miss it. If you want to stay hydrated, you will have to drink more water. I’ve heard some people say they don’t like the taste of water. If you’re one of those people, you can make your water more palatable by adding fresh fruits that flavor it.

Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day. The hottest part of the day is usually between 10am-4pm. If you need to be out, make sure you have sunscreen and protective clothing on.

SIDE STORY:There was a time I got bad heat exhaustion from being in the sun for too long. I grew up in the tropics and thought I could handle the sun. Well, I was 100% wrong and learned that day that following simple rules like staying hydrated and wearing the appropriate protective clothing is a must if you want to avoid dehydration.

Don’t forget your electrolytes

Last but not least, don’t forget your electrolytes. As you drink, make sure you are not forgetting to keep up with you electrolyte levels. Having low levels of sodium and potassium for instance can also cause problems for you in the summer. Drinks like Gatorade are helpful when it comes to hydrating and keeping your electrolyte levels right.

Plus they contribute to the health of your skin.

The Wrap Up

Enjoy your summer! And take care of your skin.

Enjoyed this post? Share it with someone else who needs solutions for dry skin.

What is melanoma and why should you care?

Well, as we come out of an unusually cold winter, it is not odd that you would want to leave the memory of winter behind and embrace sunnier and hotter days.

In fact, I am all for it!

However, in our excitement to enjoy the sun, it is important to pay attention to skin conditions that can be triggered because we are over-exposed to the sun.

One such condition is melanoma.

In today’s post, I am going to touch on 7 facts you need to know about melanoma and how you can prevent it from happening to you and your loved ones.

Melanoma Facts: What you need to know

What is it?

A melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is directly related to an over-exposure to the sun.

It happens when the pigment-producing cells in your body- melanocytes- become mutated (and no longer function properly).

How dangerous is it?

While melanoma is a less common type of skin cancer as compared to other types such as basal cell skin cancer, it can be more dangerous.

This is because melanomas are more likely to metastasize (spread) from one area of your skin to other organs.

And this is why melanoma is not a skin condition to be trifled with in the least.

Melanoma is more common in fair skin

While melanoma can happen regardless of race, it is more common in people with fairer complexions.

Which part of the body do melanomas occur?

Melanoma can happen anywhere on the skin but it is more likely to occur on those areas of the skin that are more exposed. For men, melanomas will typically appear on the chest and back. In women, melanomas occur commonly on the legs.

What causes it?

A melanoma is regularly caused by an over-exposure to the UV rays of the sun.

An artificial source of UV rays such as a tanning bed could also result in melanoma.

It is possible however for a melanoma to occur in an area of the skin that is not exposed to the sun.

What does a melanoma look like?

Large brownish or reddish spot. In darker people, it may look like a much darker area of your skin.
A mole than changes color, size or bleeds.
Sometimes the mole is multi-colored and does not have regular edges.

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor immediately so you can get tested.

What can you do to prevent melanoma?

What can you do to keep this skin cancer away?

Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day. This usually is between 10am to 4pm.
If you need to be out, wear sunscreen containing an SPF level of at least 15. Wear some sunscreen even in the winter!
Wear protective clothing, hats, etc to protect yourself from the exposure.
Be aware of drugs that make you more sensitive to the sun (yes these exist!). Ask your doctor if any of the drugs you are taking make you more sensitive to sunlight.
Avoid tanning beds. I know it’s a popular trend but it is much cheaper to stay cancer-free.
If you notice any changes in your skin as I described above, talk to your doctor immediately. It is better to have it ruled out as a harmless mole than to find out the worst later.

So get out there and enjoy the sun as we enter the warmer months. We deserve it!

However, make sure you’re taking the necessary precautions to take great care of your skin to keep melanoma away.

Enjoyed this post? Help us spread the word!

A wedding is happening in the family and photos are just not going to cut it.

Your senior loved one wants to be there.

The only problem? It’s a destination wedding, so, you and your elderly loved one are going to have travel out of the country.

Don’t worry.

International travel with seniors doesn’t have to be scary.

In fact, if you plan it properly, it could be a memorable and perhaps much-needed trip for everyone involved.

In this post, I will be sharing 5 tips you should take note of when you’re traveling internationally as a caregiver with your elderly loved one.

Call the Travel Security Administration (TSA) ahead of your travel

Passengers who are 75 and above can receive an expedited form of screening. So if you are traveling with a senior who is 75 find out what the those expedited procedures will be when you get to the airport.

In addition to this benefit, if your elderly loved one is disabled or uses assistive medical devices, TSA can make special accommodations for them if you call or e-mail at least 72 hours before travel.

You can e-mail TSA Cares at TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov or call them at 855-787-2227 from 8am to 11pm EST during the week and 9am to 8pm EST on weekends and holidays.

Call or e-mail TSA Cares about your elderly loved one’s medical condition or disability.
Also inform them if you and your loved one will be traveling with a service animal, oxygen tanks, medical gels, syringes or any other medications like insulin.
It is best if you have medical documentation to back up your elderly loved one’s diagnosis. A simple letter from your doctor stating the medical condition will be helpful.
Filling out a TSA Disability Notification Card will allow your loved one to be screened with their needs in consideration.
Alternatively, you can consider getting TSA PreCheck. This is an expedited form of security screening that is considerably shorter than the regular screening lines. It costs $85 and will last for five years. Find out more about TSA PreCheck here.

Call airline customer service ahead of your travel

Calling the airline ahead of your travel plans is also helpful.

If you inform most airlines, they will dispatch people to assist elders with getting on and off the plane, wheelchair transport and with a seating plan that suits your elderly loved one on the journey.

If your loved one is on a special diet, calling the airline customer service ahead of time will ensure that they have the right choices for them.

Pack the essentials

Make a detailed list ahead of time and make sure you pack medications and other home care medical supplies your loved one will need when you reach your destination.

It is also important to pack some of these items in an easily accessible bag so that if they are need during travel, you can easily access those.

It is a pain when you have to open up large pieces of luggage to search for stuff.

Essentials that can go into this “emergency bag” include:

Incontinence products like adult diapers
Wipes
Facial tissue
Insulin
Inhaler
Pain medication like Ibuprofen or Tylenol
Lotion/petroleum jelly
Snacks- For low blood sugar situations

If your loved one has a prescription that will run out while you’re traveling internationally, make sure to either carry the prescription so an international pharmacy can use it or get a refill right before the trip.

Get your travel documents in order

Will you need to get a visa? Do you already have a passport?

Make sure to iron out these details before you buy your tickets.

Choose your seats

As much as possible and especially if your elderly loved one has a medical condition, it is ideal that you buy a seat next to them so you can help them on the trip.

If you are hiring a travel companion to come along with you, you can do the same thing.

Aisle seats are especially helpful for getting to the bathroom easily. If you have the opportunity to pick those, do so.

On the day of travel, give yourselves plenty of time

Get to the airport early. At least an hour ahead of the flight boarding time is always a safe cushion.

Even though you may have called TSA ahead of time, there is no telling what might be happening at the airport that day.

If you get there on time, you and your elderly loved one will not feel rushed and you will be able to navigate your trip smoothly and without agitation!

Enjoy the trip

What is it they say?

You only live once?

You might not always have an opportunity to travel so enjoy the trip. Take in the sights. And make some great memories.