We are at the half way point of 2011, and have been absolutely thrilled that you and your loved ones have been so happy with our services and support thus far. At First Care of New York, we aim to reach our singular goal of satisfying your every need, at all times. Every year we set goals in terms of service and support for our clients, as well as in the community. As you read earlier this year, one of the biggest community events that we have will take place in less than 9 days. Since December 2010, we have been raising funds and have participated in awareness campaigns for the 2011 Hope & Possibilities Walk/Run 5K event. On June 26th, 2011, First Care of New York will be part of this event which will be held in Central Park. Since December, we have been raising money that will be donated to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as part of this event.
This year we added a little wrinkle in hopes of surpassing last year’s fundraiser total by announcing a very special raffle that everyone can participate in for a great cause, and to win great prizes. The raffle tickets cost only $10, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards donations for cancer research. The $10 dollar raffle ticket will make you eligible to win one of 3 prizes: a 16 GB I-Touch, a Home Theater System or a 40’ HD Television. If you wish to participate in the raffle or are interested in acquiring raffle tickets, you may ask for Rina at 718-741-5956.
First Care of New York aims to donate, time, money, effort and sweat to this event as several of our family members will participate in the actual 5 mile race. Many of our participants are the same people who provide our Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services. The other members will be on the sidelines encouraging and cheering on their friends and family.
The actual Walk/Run 5K event features some 6,000 runners who are from all kinds of backgrounds who run in different levels including: runners with disabilities, prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs and open divisions, thereby excluding no one. First Care participates in this event to raise community awareness and raise funds for Cancer research. It is a cause that is near and dear to the First Care family, and we are committed to raising funds for this next year’s event as well. We are less than 10 days away, if you wish to donate, purchase a raffle ticket or sell raffle tickets call Rina at 718-741-5956, on behalf of First Care of New York we thank you.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
National women’s health awareness week
This week is quite a special week as this is the week that we inspire the beloved women in our lives to get up and get themselves checked out to make sure they are still as healthy as the first day we met them. At First Care of New York we encourage you to stay healthy. While we care for those that are in need of home care services we still believe that a routine check up and screening is a key component to staying healthy. An early screening can mean a better chance of living a healthier lifestyle and a quicker path to recovery.
As per the president Barrack Obama’s proclamation “National Women's Health Week is also an opportunity for women of all ages, ethnicities, and economic circumstances to take simple, everyday steps to embrace healthier lifestyles. This week, we encourage women to schedule their annual checkups and talk to their health care provider about important health screenings, many of which will be free of charge because of the Affordable Care Act. All American women and their loved ones can visit www.WomensHealth.gov and www.GirlsHealth.gov for more information and resources on living longer and healthier lives.”
We at First Care of New York are proud of the fact that all our aides (including the men) are up to date and continue to get their yearly physical keeping them all as healthy as possible to provide the wonderful services that they provide to our clients. First Care aides provide such services as helping our clients with bathing, grooming, toileting, and even housekeeping. Our aides provide the services that help our clients remain healthy throughout the New York City area as we provide services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.
As per the president Barrack Obama’s proclamation “National Women's Health Week is also an opportunity for women of all ages, ethnicities, and economic circumstances to take simple, everyday steps to embrace healthier lifestyles. This week, we encourage women to schedule their annual checkups and talk to their health care provider about important health screenings, many of which will be free of charge because of the Affordable Care Act. All American women and their loved ones can visit www.WomensHealth.gov and www.GirlsHealth.gov for more information and resources on living longer and healthier lives.”
We at First Care of New York are proud of the fact that all our aides (including the men) are up to date and continue to get their yearly physical keeping them all as healthy as possible to provide the wonderful services that they provide to our clients. First Care aides provide such services as helping our clients with bathing, grooming, toileting, and even housekeeping. Our aides provide the services that help our clients remain healthy throughout the New York City area as we provide services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.
Friday, May 6, 2011
A Mother’s Day Blog…
On this very special weekend, we celebrate the women in our lives all over the world who have lost, given, and loved with all of their being. She may have been the person who gave birth to us, or the person who raised us, even the person who taught or fed us. Whether her skin today is flawless or wrinkled, she still possesses that presence, that aura that we respect and love for all the things she has done for us and who she is.
This weekend, we pay homage to those women all over the world: to the Mothers’, Motherly figures, Motherly influences and Mothers’ pulling double duties as fathers as well. Many of these women serve our thousands of clients all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan Areas, performing duties for Men and Women of all ages. These women care for these patients with class, style and pride. The women we have that coordinate, assess, administer and provide our great Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services are to be saluted and thanked for all of their efforts.
Mother’s Day should quite honestly be celebrated every minute, but for this occasion, we at First Care of New York thank all of you who have been so instrumental in allowing us to provide care for our Mothers’ and yours, today and tomorrow.
This weekend, we pay homage to those women all over the world: to the Mothers’, Motherly figures, Motherly influences and Mothers’ pulling double duties as fathers as well. Many of these women serve our thousands of clients all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan Areas, performing duties for Men and Women of all ages. These women care for these patients with class, style and pride. The women we have that coordinate, assess, administer and provide our great Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services are to be saluted and thanked for all of their efforts.
Mother’s Day should quite honestly be celebrated every minute, but for this occasion, we at First Care of New York thank all of you who have been so instrumental in allowing us to provide care for our Mothers’ and yours, today and tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Home Care After Plastic Surgery
Recovery is a very important step to minimize pain and discomfort and improve your healing process. Before the patient leaves the doctor’s office the doctor might change your bandage and prescribe some pain medication and possible other items. Then you are off to your home to recover. Sometimes healing might take longer if you have any health problems such as diabetes.
A common complaint by outpatient plastic surgery patients is that their spouses or friends are not prepared to provide recovery assistance. Busy households and hectic schedules make rest, relaxation and compliance to activity restrictions difficult. Patients without aftercare assistance may experience longer and more difficult recovery courses. At First Care of New York we can help you recover with the proper care you will need. After any surgery your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your recovery.
First Care of New York can provide you with a highly skilled certified aide that can provide many services such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Our caring aides pamper their clients and follow all the doctors’ instructions to help keep you as comfortable as possible. First Care of New York aides can provide this caring all in the comfort of your own home. Our aides will keep you safe, relaxed and away from the general public while you recover.
Our Homemakers prepare a highly nutritious meal, which is important for a speedy recovery. The prepare meals that are rich in protein, zinc and vitamin C, which are recognized to promote healing. The aide will pamper you by bringing you ice or ice packs to help reduce swelling. Also, they will help you get your post surgery accessories on and off your body as well as helping you dress, bathe, toileting and grooming you so you may recover properly. Our aides may provide around-the-clock care at any home, hotel or other facility. Your time after plastic surgery needs to be dedicated to rest and recuperation not anxiety and deterioration.
You can count on First Care of New York to be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any and all Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship. We can offer these services all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. We keep all information from our clients 100% confidential and your safety and security is our number one concern. Please feel free to give us a call at (718) 741–5950 and let’s begin the nature of healing.
A common complaint by outpatient plastic surgery patients is that their spouses or friends are not prepared to provide recovery assistance. Busy households and hectic schedules make rest, relaxation and compliance to activity restrictions difficult. Patients without aftercare assistance may experience longer and more difficult recovery courses. At First Care of New York we can help you recover with the proper care you will need. After any surgery your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your recovery.
First Care of New York can provide you with a highly skilled certified aide that can provide many services such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Our caring aides pamper their clients and follow all the doctors’ instructions to help keep you as comfortable as possible. First Care of New York aides can provide this caring all in the comfort of your own home. Our aides will keep you safe, relaxed and away from the general public while you recover.
Our Homemakers prepare a highly nutritious meal, which is important for a speedy recovery. The prepare meals that are rich in protein, zinc and vitamin C, which are recognized to promote healing. The aide will pamper you by bringing you ice or ice packs to help reduce swelling. Also, they will help you get your post surgery accessories on and off your body as well as helping you dress, bathe, toileting and grooming you so you may recover properly. Our aides may provide around-the-clock care at any home, hotel or other facility. Your time after plastic surgery needs to be dedicated to rest and recuperation not anxiety and deterioration.
You can count on First Care of New York to be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any and all Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship. We can offer these services all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. We keep all information from our clients 100% confidential and your safety and security is our number one concern. Please feel free to give us a call at (718) 741–5950 and let’s begin the nature of healing.
Friday, April 22, 2011
First Care and the Community
Spring is a coming! The weather is warming up and First Care of New York has already made several commitments to be a part of a variety of events across New York City this coming Spring and Summer in a community near you. We have events that will cover the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens Areas including Long Island City!
In May, we will be part of the Bronx Health Conference on East 149th St, beginning at 9am, with the purpose of presenting and educating the community on our wide range of services including Live in Care. On May 18th, we will be in Long Island City for a Health Fair Event beginning at 10 am, where we will talk about our Personal Care services and our unique Private Care option for homecare services for residents of the area. On May 21st, we are thrilled to be participating in the Spring Community Fair in Queens, New York, this is an event geared for residents of the five Boroughs who want information and are interested in learning about services such as our Home Health and Companionship programs.
On June 26th, First Care of New York will be a part of the “Hope and Possibilities” 5K Walk/Run and we will be there front and center participating in the race and raising money for Cancer research. We are currently raising money for the event through a fundraiser and are accepting donations 100% of which will be donated to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for Cancer research. These are just a few of the events that we plan on participating in during the warm months to come and if you wish to have us be a part of your event, or to participate in our Fundraiser raffle, please feel free to contact Rina at 718-364-7251.
Community Health Fair
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 from 10am-3pm
36-11 21st Street, Long Island City, New York
Spring Health Fair
Saturday, May 21st, 2011 from 11am- 5pm
57-02 Hoffman Drive, Queens, NY 11373
Hope & Possibilities 5K Walk/Run
Sunday, June 26th, 2011 from 8am- 1pm
If you wish to donate money or for more information please click here.
In May, we will be part of the Bronx Health Conference on East 149th St, beginning at 9am, with the purpose of presenting and educating the community on our wide range of services including Live in Care. On May 18th, we will be in Long Island City for a Health Fair Event beginning at 10 am, where we will talk about our Personal Care services and our unique Private Care option for homecare services for residents of the area. On May 21st, we are thrilled to be participating in the Spring Community Fair in Queens, New York, this is an event geared for residents of the five Boroughs who want information and are interested in learning about services such as our Home Health and Companionship programs.
On June 26th, First Care of New York will be a part of the “Hope and Possibilities” 5K Walk/Run and we will be there front and center participating in the race and raising money for Cancer research. We are currently raising money for the event through a fundraiser and are accepting donations 100% of which will be donated to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for Cancer research. These are just a few of the events that we plan on participating in during the warm months to come and if you wish to have us be a part of your event, or to participate in our Fundraiser raffle, please feel free to contact Rina at 718-364-7251.
Community Health Fair
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 from 10am-3pm
36-11 21st Street, Long Island City, New York
Spring Health Fair
Saturday, May 21st, 2011 from 11am- 5pm
57-02 Hoffman Drive, Queens, NY 11373
Hope & Possibilities 5K Walk/Run
Sunday, June 26th, 2011 from 8am- 1pm
If you wish to donate money or for more information please click here.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Private care services
We are proud to introduce a new division of services dedicated to the private pay community. At First Care of New York we are the caring company that individuals and families rely upon for home care services. As a home care provider we are able to help those that are required to pay for home care services out of pocket. Home care is not as costly as it was once thought to be. Being at home, one can continue to enjoy the same lifestyle that one is accustomed to.
We provide private pay home care services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. For your convenience a nurse can be scheduled to visit you or your loved one at home to evaluate the level of care that is needed at no cost for you. They will help clarify some questions you or your loved one may have. We can provide as much care as is needed from a couple of hours a week to 24 hour live-in care and everything in between. We have highly trained home health aides, personal care aides, homemakers, and nursing care. First Care is a licensed home care service agency that provides top quality aides to all our clients.
While considering care for yourself or a loved one we must look very carefully at our options. Some might consider a nursing facility or some type of senior living facility if they are elderly. This might sound like a good idea but it can be costly, disruptive to yourself or loved one and you might not be able to know the exact level of care your loved one is receiving if they are away at a facility.
Nursing facilities can accumulate cost at an alarming rate as most services as separated and attached to a different cost. Secondly, you would have to move or have your loved one moved to the facility which we all know moving is always a hassle, things are broken and we lose our beloved neighbors and neighborhoods. At a facility less people will be able to visit you as you or your loved one might be moved to a distant location.
We all enjoy the comforts and safety of our own home especially when we are worried about our health and physical condition. Lastly, not knowing the type of care that is being provided is always an added stress to us. The only easy and realistic solution to all these options would be to get home care services.
We are regulated by the NYS department of Health and are accredited by The Joint Commission. We do a thorough background check and training of all our aides to ensure your level of care is being met by the appropriate personnel. We also consider confidentiality a major priority for all our clients. If you would like to receive more information please feel free to contact us for a free consultation at 718-741-5950 or visit us on the web at http://www.1st-care.org/.
We provide private pay home care services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. For your convenience a nurse can be scheduled to visit you or your loved one at home to evaluate the level of care that is needed at no cost for you. They will help clarify some questions you or your loved one may have. We can provide as much care as is needed from a couple of hours a week to 24 hour live-in care and everything in between. We have highly trained home health aides, personal care aides, homemakers, and nursing care. First Care is a licensed home care service agency that provides top quality aides to all our clients.
While considering care for yourself or a loved one we must look very carefully at our options. Some might consider a nursing facility or some type of senior living facility if they are elderly. This might sound like a good idea but it can be costly, disruptive to yourself or loved one and you might not be able to know the exact level of care your loved one is receiving if they are away at a facility.
Nursing facilities can accumulate cost at an alarming rate as most services as separated and attached to a different cost. Secondly, you would have to move or have your loved one moved to the facility which we all know moving is always a hassle, things are broken and we lose our beloved neighbors and neighborhoods. At a facility less people will be able to visit you as you or your loved one might be moved to a distant location.
We all enjoy the comforts and safety of our own home especially when we are worried about our health and physical condition. Lastly, not knowing the type of care that is being provided is always an added stress to us. The only easy and realistic solution to all these options would be to get home care services.
We are regulated by the NYS department of Health and are accredited by The Joint Commission. We do a thorough background check and training of all our aides to ensure your level of care is being met by the appropriate personnel. We also consider confidentiality a major priority for all our clients. If you would like to receive more information please feel free to contact us for a free consultation at 718-741-5950 or visit us on the web at http://www.1st-care.org/.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Depression: The Signs and Symptoms
At First Care of New York, Inc, we are here to help out with emotional and health concerns like depression. Our staff is trained to recognize and handle clients’ who may be dealing with depression when visiting patients’ homes in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan areas. Our home health aides and personal care aides are trained to help you; they serve as companions during those hard and dark times, we also have Live-in care for those of you who may need 24 hour support. No matter the time, day or place, we want to brighten your day with care. But what is depression? What signs of depression exist? How can I come out of it?
What is depression?
As per medical inference of Depression, it is an interruption of a person’s regular mood, thought process, feelings, or behavior. During depression, there is a loss of interest in one’s every day pleasurable activities and functions of daily living. Unfortunately, there are symptoms’ other than emotional ones that are associated with depression.
Some signs and symptoms’ include:
Headaches
Muscle aches
Chest pain
Digestive problems
Exhaustion and Fatigue
Sleeping Problems
Change in weight/appetite
Dizziness and or Lightheadedness
Drug/ alcohol abuse
Loss of concentration, trouble thinking/ loss of memory
Thoughts of self hurt/pain/suicide
Crying excessively
Overly emotional/mood swings
Keep in mind everyone can react differently. Depression can lead to long term physical and mental health problems such as:
Relationship problems/family/friends
Eating disorders/Anorexia
Suicide
High blood pressure/heart problems
Work/ School conflict
There are steps you can take in order to overcome depression:
Improving your communication with friends or family
Keep yourself busy
Surround yourself with happy, influential, motivational people
Listen to inspirational music/ read inspirational books
Seeing a counselor/ social worker/ psycho-therapist
Anti-depressive medications
What is depression?
As per medical inference of Depression, it is an interruption of a person’s regular mood, thought process, feelings, or behavior. During depression, there is a loss of interest in one’s every day pleasurable activities and functions of daily living. Unfortunately, there are symptoms’ other than emotional ones that are associated with depression.
Some signs and symptoms’ include:
Headaches
Muscle aches
Chest pain
Digestive problems
Exhaustion and Fatigue
Sleeping Problems
Change in weight/appetite
Dizziness and or Lightheadedness
Drug/ alcohol abuse
Loss of concentration, trouble thinking/ loss of memory
Thoughts of self hurt/pain/suicide
Crying excessively
Overly emotional/mood swings
Keep in mind everyone can react differently. Depression can lead to long term physical and mental health problems such as:
Relationship problems/family/friends
Eating disorders/Anorexia
Suicide
High blood pressure/heart problems
Work/ School conflict
There are steps you can take in order to overcome depression:
Improving your communication with friends or family
Keep yourself busy
Surround yourself with happy, influential, motivational people
Listen to inspirational music/ read inspirational books
Seeing a counselor/ social worker/ psycho-therapist
Anti-depressive medications
Monday, March 28, 2011
Pain Management
This week First Care of New York is dedicating our weekly post to managing pain. A big part of our philosophy here is to minimize and if possible eliminate the chances of our clients experiencing physical pain. The topic of pain management can cover a wide-range of topics, but as a company that offers Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services; we are uniquely qualified to answer and discuss the subject from different angles. Some information used in this post is courtesy of medicinenet.com. Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. Many treatments exist for similar ailments, some ailments are less painful, but obstruct you or require using certain equipment to do everyday tasks. Other ailments obstruct a person more, primarily because of the actual pain involved. Many ailments are treated or alleviated using interventional procedures, medication management, physical or chiropractic therapy, psychological counseling and support, acupuncture and other alternative therapies; or referrals to other medical specialists or services…like First Care of New York!
We understand that pain does a lot more than limit a person; it can discourage, frustrate and even dissuade a person from trying to do things to get better. At First Care we help our clients from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens areas manage their pain. We help them with everything from medication, to physical movements to help them improve their mobility, and arrange to help them get to medical appointments and other services. Interventional and medicinal treatments are by far the most common, as physical and psychological treatments are more common for seniors. We are happy to be able to offer both the access and the means to you the client, by playing a small role in helping you overcome the pain and live on.
We understand that pain does a lot more than limit a person; it can discourage, frustrate and even dissuade a person from trying to do things to get better. At First Care we help our clients from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens areas manage their pain. We help them with everything from medication, to physical movements to help them improve their mobility, and arrange to help them get to medical appointments and other services. Interventional and medicinal treatments are by far the most common, as physical and psychological treatments are more common for seniors. We are happy to be able to offer both the access and the means to you the client, by playing a small role in helping you overcome the pain and live on.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Cancer Fundraiser
Since 2004, First Care of New York has operated with the singular purpose of providing service. Service is an important part of society and a very prominent fabric of the foundation for our company. We understand that there are people struggling to survive in our community, people that are battling hardship, struggle and illness. Sadly, many of those people that are battling today are those who served our country in previous years. Also they are innocent children who have to battle their disabilities just to have a chance at normalcy. Many of these people live right next door in the various communities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, and we are proud to be able to help these people one by one every day. While we are nowhere near satisfied with our accomplishments in service, we are proud to say that every day we are providing an outlet for more of our neighbors to live their lives.
We haven’t rested on our loins in terms of our communities. We want to impact the world and our fundraising efforts are part of this plan. First Care of New York has held a yearly fundraising event to benefit the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for Cancer research understanding that this is a disease that impacts all of us. Nearly everyone that reads this will know someone who is battling this disease, and First Care of New York is no different. Our fundraising efforts are year-round and in anticipation of the Road-Runners 5K Walk/Run even on June 26th, 2011, we are holding a raffle in an effort to raise more money. We will have not one but four possible winners for those of you that participate. The raffle prizes include a 40” Television, a Home Theater System and an I-Pod touch; in addition, the person that raises the most money will win a gaming system. First Care of New York is all about service, if it’s Home Health care for your parent who wants to continue to live independently, while giving you peace of mind or service for your child, who needs personal care while you are at work. Companionship, for your neighbor or loved one who still has so much they want to share about life and its experiences. And for the hero in your life who is battling Cancer, who will get an opportunity to surpass their own hopes and dreams all because of the contributions made to this raffle, this cause, and the vision of First Care of New York.
If you wish to buy or sell a raffle ticket call Rina at 718-364-7251, or if you wish to make a donation, Participate Today!
We haven’t rested on our loins in terms of our communities. We want to impact the world and our fundraising efforts are part of this plan. First Care of New York has held a yearly fundraising event to benefit the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for Cancer research understanding that this is a disease that impacts all of us. Nearly everyone that reads this will know someone who is battling this disease, and First Care of New York is no different. Our fundraising efforts are year-round and in anticipation of the Road-Runners 5K Walk/Run even on June 26th, 2011, we are holding a raffle in an effort to raise more money. We will have not one but four possible winners for those of you that participate. The raffle prizes include a 40” Television, a Home Theater System and an I-Pod touch; in addition, the person that raises the most money will win a gaming system. First Care of New York is all about service, if it’s Home Health care for your parent who wants to continue to live independently, while giving you peace of mind or service for your child, who needs personal care while you are at work. Companionship, for your neighbor or loved one who still has so much they want to share about life and its experiences. And for the hero in your life who is battling Cancer, who will get an opportunity to surpass their own hopes and dreams all because of the contributions made to this raffle, this cause, and the vision of First Care of New York.
If you wish to buy or sell a raffle ticket call Rina at 718-364-7251, or if you wish to make a donation, Participate Today!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
National Patient Safety Awareness Week
Happy Greetings to all of our First Care family in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Westchester County, we celebrate National Patient Safety Awareness Week from March 6-12. As a society, we are in the planning stages of that wonderful time when we decide that we want the feeling of the sun on our faces, which means vacations and spring break. This is the time of year we start yearning to break free from our every day routine and travel; even if we only travel across the great boroughs of New York City or even Westchester County for just a few hours. The purpose of this week is to keep in mind that as the weather gets warmer and your outdoor activities increase, we need to keep safety in mind, in particular those who are traveling somewhere that requires an overnight stay or more. As seniors, safe and healthy travel is a necessity therefore we look to a blog titled Safe and Healthy Travel for seniors as provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on their website www.cdc.gov has some great advice.
The retirement years can be an exciting time to see the world, and travel is easier and safer than ever before for seniors. With a little planning and some caution, seniors can safely visit almost any destination. All travelers, including seniors, should see a doctor for a pre-travel visit, ideally 4–6 weeks before they travel, although even a last-minute visit can be helpful. The doctor should be told about illnesses the traveler has and medicines he or she is taking, since this will influence medical decisions. In addition to providing vaccines, medicine, and advice for keeping healthy, a doctor can conduct a physical exam to assess a senior's fitness for travel. Seniors should consider their physical limitations when planning a trip. Seniors with heart disease, for example, might choose an itinerary that does not involve strenuous activities. Seniors may also have a hard time recovering from jet lag and motion sickness, so they should take these factors into account when planning a trip. Before travel, seniors should have information about their destination that could affect their health, such as the altitude and climate. They should be aware of whether the destination is prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, since seniors may have more problems in those extreme situations.
Vaccines
Before travel, seniors should be up-to-date on routine vaccines, such as measles/mumps/rubella and seasonal flu. Some of these may be considered "childhood" vaccines, but their protective effect decreases over time, and the diseases they protect against are often more common in other countries than in the United States. More than half of tetanus cases are in people over 65, so seniors should consider getting a tetanus booster before they travel. Seniors should also receive other vaccines recommended for the countries they are visiting. These may include vaccines for hepatitis, typhoid, polio, or yellow fever. Seniors should discuss their detailed travel plans with their doctors and, if necessary, alternatives to vaccination.
Medication
A doctor may prescribe medicine for malaria, altitude illness, or travelers' diarrhea; seniors should make sure the doctor knows any other medications they take, to watch out for possible drug interactions. In addition to medicine prescribed specifically for travel, seniors are likely to take other medicines regularly, such as medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis. They should plan to pack enough medicine for the duration of the trip, plus a few days' extra in case of travel delays. Prescription medicine should always be carried in its original container, along with a copy of the prescription, and all medicine should be packed in carry-on luggage, in case checked luggage gets lost.
Injury Prevention
Although exotic infections make the headlines, injury is the most common cause of preventable death among travelers. Seniors can minimize their risk of serious injury by following these guidelines:
• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Don't ride in cars after dark in developing countries.
• Avoid small, local planes.
• Don't travel at night in questionable areas.
In addition, seniors should consider purchasing supplemental travel health insurance in case of injury or illness overseas. Many health plans, including Medicare, will not pay for services received outside the United States. Seniors who are planning travel to remote areas should consider purchasing evacuation insurance, which will pay for emergency transportation to a qualified hospital.
First Care of New York wants to keep you safe. When traveling for a doctor’s visit or somewhere else with one of our aides, know that you are traveling with someone who is trained and certified to provide great care for all your needs. All of our Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services are performed with care efficiency and flexibility to help you and yours enjoy the warm light of the sun.
The retirement years can be an exciting time to see the world, and travel is easier and safer than ever before for seniors. With a little planning and some caution, seniors can safely visit almost any destination. All travelers, including seniors, should see a doctor for a pre-travel visit, ideally 4–6 weeks before they travel, although even a last-minute visit can be helpful. The doctor should be told about illnesses the traveler has and medicines he or she is taking, since this will influence medical decisions. In addition to providing vaccines, medicine, and advice for keeping healthy, a doctor can conduct a physical exam to assess a senior's fitness for travel. Seniors should consider their physical limitations when planning a trip. Seniors with heart disease, for example, might choose an itinerary that does not involve strenuous activities. Seniors may also have a hard time recovering from jet lag and motion sickness, so they should take these factors into account when planning a trip. Before travel, seniors should have information about their destination that could affect their health, such as the altitude and climate. They should be aware of whether the destination is prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, since seniors may have more problems in those extreme situations.
Vaccines
Before travel, seniors should be up-to-date on routine vaccines, such as measles/mumps/rubella and seasonal flu. Some of these may be considered "childhood" vaccines, but their protective effect decreases over time, and the diseases they protect against are often more common in other countries than in the United States. More than half of tetanus cases are in people over 65, so seniors should consider getting a tetanus booster before they travel. Seniors should also receive other vaccines recommended for the countries they are visiting. These may include vaccines for hepatitis, typhoid, polio, or yellow fever. Seniors should discuss their detailed travel plans with their doctors and, if necessary, alternatives to vaccination.
Medication
A doctor may prescribe medicine for malaria, altitude illness, or travelers' diarrhea; seniors should make sure the doctor knows any other medications they take, to watch out for possible drug interactions. In addition to medicine prescribed specifically for travel, seniors are likely to take other medicines regularly, such as medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis. They should plan to pack enough medicine for the duration of the trip, plus a few days' extra in case of travel delays. Prescription medicine should always be carried in its original container, along with a copy of the prescription, and all medicine should be packed in carry-on luggage, in case checked luggage gets lost.
Injury Prevention
Although exotic infections make the headlines, injury is the most common cause of preventable death among travelers. Seniors can minimize their risk of serious injury by following these guidelines:
• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Don't ride in cars after dark in developing countries.
• Avoid small, local planes.
• Don't travel at night in questionable areas.
In addition, seniors should consider purchasing supplemental travel health insurance in case of injury or illness overseas. Many health plans, including Medicare, will not pay for services received outside the United States. Seniors who are planning travel to remote areas should consider purchasing evacuation insurance, which will pay for emergency transportation to a qualified hospital.
First Care of New York wants to keep you safe. When traveling for a doctor’s visit or somewhere else with one of our aides, know that you are traveling with someone who is trained and certified to provide great care for all your needs. All of our Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services are performed with care efficiency and flexibility to help you and yours enjoy the warm light of the sun.
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