When a loved one gets hospitalized, there are Doctors and nurses to look after them while they are under their care. Despite that, the period of hospitalization can be very taxing, both emotionally and physically for the family members.

However, a bigger challenge awaits when the patient gets discharged and moves back home. Many times, especially in the case of elderly patients, there is a long recuperating period. Looking after them at home, without the guidance and support of Doctors, nurses and hospital equipment can be very difficult. Thankfully, you can turn to Old is Gold Store for guidance, training and information on post-discharge home health care.

In the meantime, here are a few things to learn:
1. Keeping important information handy
Emergencies are common. Keep all important information ready at hand. These could include contact details for Ambulance, the consulting physicians and other Doctors, Doctors who make house calls in your area, the pharmacy, the nursing agency, and immediate relatives apart from all the medical records including the latest prescriptions, and insurance papers.

2, Use of essential devices.
There are many devices that are needed to monitor, maintain and manage the condition of the patient. These include devices such as air beds, pulse oximeters, BP monitors, Glucometers, Nebulizers, Phlegm suction apparatus, hospital cots, wheelchairs, walkers and many other devices. Learning to use them effectively will go a long way in ensuring the patient’s successful and speedy recovery.

3, Maintaining hygiene.
Good hygiene is critical to reducing infection. The hygiene of the people looking after the patient as well as that of the patient themselves are both equally important. Remember to wash hands regularly, limit the number of visitors, and ensure that the visitors wash their hands and feet before entering the patient’s room. Also learn how to use and change diapers and underpads, how to thoroughly clean urine and fecal matter and even how to clean wounds and replace dressing, if required.

Post-discharge home health care can be challenging. Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death.

Old is Gold Store can help guide you with information and training. Call 044-42666684 for an appointment.

The management of Old is Gold Store; Prithvi, Jaya and Sanjay felt the need to address the long neglected topic of understanding and managing incontinence (bladder weakness) among the senior citizens of our community. This led to the idea of organizing a workshop on incontinence for the benefit of elders and medical professionals. In January 2016, they organized a free workshop for senior citizens called “Bladder weakness (incontinence) – coping with ageing issues”.

“I believe a lot of elders are embarrassed to talk about incontinence, leave alone actively  try and find a solution. By avoiding and neglecting this issue, the caregivers’ burden grows and their loved one suffers,” Prithvi said.

“We want to help elders understand and cope with incontinence with some of our products designed to provide comfort and relief,” Sanjay said.

This workshop addressed incontinence issues and solutions and was sponsored by M/s. Bella Premier Happy Hygienecare Pvt. Ltd, the makers of Seni Brand of Adult Diapers. The workshop was held on Thursday, Jan. 07 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Natesan Institute of Co-operative Management (NICM), Anna Nagar.

The key speakers were Dr. Kalaivani Ramalingam MBBS,DGO, MRCOG, CCT(UK), Consultant Urogynaecologist, Chennai Urology Clinic, Apollo Hospitals who spoke about “Incontinence – understanding the change” and Mr. Jerzy Jusiega (Seni, Poland) who spoke about “Incontinence – management: the easy hygienic way”.

Ms.Jayashree – Director, Old is Gold Store, welcoming the guests.

Ms.Jayashree, Director, Old is Gold Store welcomed the packed audience and introduced both the speakers. She also outlined the vision behind Old is Gold Store and the need to address issues involved with Geriatric Care.

Dr. Kalaivani Ramalingam, spoke about “Incontinence – understanding the change”

Dr.Kalaivani’s presentation highlighted the problems faced by elders, both male and female. The presentation with accompanying slides was explained in layman’s terms in both English and Tamil for the benefit of the audience. The presentation lasted about 30 minutes and was followed by a Q&A session. Dr. Kalaivani Ramalingam answered all the questions put to her by the audience with patience and clarity. This was well received by the audience who were happy to have their questions clarified.

Participants at the workshop

View Dr.Kalaivani’s presentation on YouTube

Mr. Jerzy Jusiega SENI, Poland demonstrates the use of incontinence support products.

The next presentation was by Mr. Jerzy Jusiega (SENI Adult Diapers, Poland) who spoke about “Incontinence – management: the easy hygienic way”. Mr. Jerzy Jusiega highlighted various incontinence products developed by SENI, Poland. He stressed the need to choose the right diaper and demonstrated how to take measurements. He also gave information on the latest technology used by SENI to manufacture the best incontinence support products.

Andha Naal’ a retro quiz conducted by Dr Anitha Paramasivam

There was a 15 minute snack and coffee break followed by the much awaited ‘Andha Naal’ a retro quiz conducted by Dr Anitha Paramasivam. This quiz was open to senior citizens and medical professionals. Dr. Anitha was a charming and a witty hostess and was easily able to carry the audience with her. The participants enjoyed themselves and answered eagerly to all the questions. Those who gave the correct answers were rewarded with a discount voucher from Old is Gold Store.

Mr.Prithviraj – Director, Old is Gold store giving a discount voucher during the retro quiz show

Mr. Sanjay Dattatri, Director – Old is Gold Store, giving the vote of thanks.

The workshop ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Sanjay Dattatri, Director – Old is Gold Store.

Diwali is fast approaching. While this is a joyous festival, for many of our elders, this is a time of great trepidation.

After all, Diwali is inextricably entwined with fireworks, and this means heightened levels of pollution that can lead to breathing difficulties and chest infections. For people with weakened immunity, having asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Diwali can be extremely taxing.

So here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your dear ones from the pollution:

1. Avoid going out

2.If possible stay inside an air-conditioned room. Ensure that the air-conditioner’s inlet vent is in closed position, so that it does not suck in outside air but keeps the same room air circulating. Most air-conditioners have a setting for this.

3.Wear a mask. A N95 approved particulate respirator maskthat covers the nose and mouth should do the trick. All the toxic particles released by bursting firecrackers will be blocked by this mask ensuring that none of it enters your lungs.

4.If you suffer from asthma or bronchitis, make sure you have your inhalers and medication ready and with you at all times.

5.If noise is an issue, get earplugs. Disposable soft earplugs that are gentle on the ears are available.

6.If you wear hearing aids, this may be a good time to remove them or switch them off. [At least when you are at home and in a safe environment].

7.Take all your regular medicines without fail.

8.Drink plenty of fluids

9.Encourage family, especially children, to reduce quantum of purchase of fireworks

Call your doctor immediately if:

You have shortness of breath or wheezing that is rapidly getting worse.

You are coughing more deeply or more frequently, especially if you notice an increase in mucus (sputum) or a change in the color of the mucus you cough up.

You cough up blood.

You have increased swelling in your legs or abdomen.

You have a high fever (over 100 degrees).

You feel severe chest pain.

You develop flu symptoms.

You notice that your medicine is not working as well as it had been.

You use oxygen at home and feel like you need more. Use only the amount

recommended by your doctor. In some people with COPD, too much oxygen can

be dangerous.

Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy Diwali!  To buy the mask please visit our site.

(https://www.oldisgoldstore.com/condition/anti-pollution-mask-n95-approved-8210/p-2584311-80259110696-cat.html?#variant_id=2584311-27375031080 )