Archive for December, 2009

The pharmacist at WICKAPECKO PHARMACY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES, LLC keeps abreast of the latest drug research and developments. Count on us for answers to your health questions. We are focused on and committed to the health needs of our customers, providing prompt and personalized service. We always offer free delivery. See why your neighbors and friends come to “Your Neighborhood Drug Store” for their sports medicine and sports medical supply needs. Let us show you our new line of wigs. We’ll do the billing to your insurance company.

Assistive equipment, such as this bath bench, can make things so much easier for a person with limited or restricted movement. WICKAPECKO PHARMACY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES, LLC carries all that may be needed for home health care, including assistive and safety devices, monitors, medical and surgical supplies, and durable medical equipment. Come to “Your Neighborhood Drug Store” where we always provide extra service to all our customers. If you’re confined at home, ask about our free delivery service.

Whenever you have a question about a medication your physician has prescribed, we will be happy to provide you with answers. WICKAPECKO PHARMACY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES, LLC reminds you that medications, whether prescription, herbal, or over-the-counter can be dangerous when not taken as directed. We accept MC, Visa, Amex, Discover, and most insurance plans. We are “Your Neighborhood Drug Store” where delivery is always free. We now carry a new line of wigs. We even do the billing to your insurance company.

If you would like more information about today’s column, speak with our pharmacists and staff at WICKAPECKO PHARMACY & MEDICAL SUPPLIES, LLC. In addition to a wide array of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, we carry many types of health supplements, home health aids, as well as medical supplies and equipment. Make us “Your Neighborhood Drug Store” for your home safety needs, hot & cold therapy and incontinence products, and urological and diabetic products. We deliver your orders free of charge. Happy New Year from our family to yours.

Conditions associated with disabilities are common in seniors, and more of our mature population can be predicted to be homebound in the future. Home healthcare medical services preserve function for homebound clients with disabilities. Medical care provided in the home with doctor involvement can increase patient satisfaction as well as reduce the number of office visits, emergency room treatments, and hospital admissions. Technology has made medical home healthcare more plausible. Electronic medical records can be accessed via laptop computers. Diagnostic tools have been streamlined, and portable digital X-ray machines and EKG machines are now available. Seek a reputable and licensed home care service that is capable of dealing with the specific health issues of your at-home senior.

P.S. Most seniors receiving long-term medical care prefer a home environment.

Medicare may be the answer for those who need help to cover home healthcare. To be eligible, you must meet certain conditions. A doctor must decide that you need skilled care in your home and prescribe it. You must need part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, or speech-language services. Also, you must be homebound. This means that you are normally unable to leave home without considerable and taxing effort, and when you do leave home, you require the assistance of another person or “assistive” device. Services must be provided from a home health agency that is “certified” or approved by Medicare. Medicare may cover therapy, medical social services, and certain medical supplies and durable medical equipment.

P.S. The number to call for more information about Medicare enrollment is 1-800-MEDICARE.

When selecting a home healthcare provider, it is important to consider a number of factors. Is the agency accredited and licensed by the state? Your state’s Department of Health can provide you with a list of licensed agencies. Consider how established the agency is and what services it offers, as well as the number of clients it serves. It is also important to find out what procedures the provider has established to handle emergencies. Another key issue would be whether the agency sends the same individual each time, or if it varies. Also, learn what hours and days services are available. Finally, get references, including some of the agency’s current clients, and call them.

P.S. The AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired People) provides a brochure on selecting a caregiver.

Two-thirds of the aging population suffers from two or more chronic conditions that require medication. For a senior receiving home health services, assistance with medication management may be necessary. Many seniors can require assistance with their prescribed medications for issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis. Without the appropriate support system, it can be difficult for an elderly client to manage his or her medication regimen. An experienced home care aide can accompany the senior to the doctors, inform you about the findings, and assist in getting new prescriptions filled. A home healthcare nurse can assist the senior with medication adherence by repackaging the patient’s medications into medication organizers (pill boxes).

P.S. Home healthcare has become the fastest growing segment of healthcare.

Elderly men and women, as well as their families, should be aware that certain medications can increase their risk of falling. According to a recent four-year study, the risk of falling is 1.4 times greater among elderly individuals who take long-acting benzodiazepine (an anti-anxiety medication). Researchers involved in the study also found that elderly people who regularly use tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, anti-spasmodics, and certain antihistamines that block nerve responses (called “anticholinergics”) were similarly at increased risk of falling. These drugs and others were deemed by researchers to be “inappropriate medications” because they are likely to exert greater effect on elderly people than their younger counterparts or produce side effects (such as dizziness and drowsiness) that increase the risk of falling.

HINT: According to the study mentioned above, short- or intermediate-acting benzodiazepines do not increase the risk of falling among the elderly individuals taking them.

When an injury or chronic condition makes it difficult to take a bath or shower, it severely undermines patient independence and hygiene. Fortunately, there is an adaptive device designed specifically to overcome this problem in the form of a four-footed, long, sliding transfer bench with a swivel seat. This sure-footed device is constructed of sturdy tubular aluminum with a molded plastic seat (with backrest) and a non-slip service and integral showerhead holder, which enables patients at home to more easily enter and exit their bathtubs. An adjustable-height feature assures a perfect fit, and strong suction-tipped legs prevent movement on wet surfaces. The swivel seat locks into position, assuring seated patients that they will not deviate from their preferred seating position.

HINT: Long-handled brushes are available to make hard-to-reach areas more accessible to bathing patients.