Our last article discussed the stress of not finding good information and quick, dependable help. If you search on Google, you might find a long list of providers, and if you call the council on aging, you will get a ton of information. However, how do you know which service to get, and how do you know what Medicare will pay or not pay for? The Medicare agency may take several days to come, but what could you do in the meantime? There are three things that help older people recover faster;

1. STAYING HYDRATED: Not having enough water causes dehydration, and dehydration causes body weakness and the inability to do the needed physical and or occupational therapy. If your loved one suffers from dementia, offer fluids in short glasses, two to three ounces every half hour. A tall glass and a lot of water at a time if not effective.

2. SLEEP: Enough sleep is eight to ten hours a day. If older people sleep well, they function better the next day.

3. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Being physically active speeds up recovery. Just getting out of bed and sitting in a chair uses the muscles in the middle section of the body, and that helps to build strength. If your loved one cannot get out of bed, sitting at the side of the bed and letting the feet dangle is good exercise. Have your loved one sit at the side of the bed for five to ten minutes every hour during the day.

Medicare pays for services including skilled nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy. Medicare will pay for about six nursing visits and up to twelve therapy visits. Typically, Medicare is there to train a family caregiver, and Medicare does not cover essential things like meal preparation and homemaking, which is why families depend on Comfort Makers. Call us at (503) 369-2460 or email us at katie@comfort-makers.com anytime for assistance.