Category Archives: Geriatric care

How to Care for the Elderly During Winter

The winter season can be a challenge when taking care of the elderly, especially those who have mobility complications. However, some of these risks can be minimized or even, eliminated, with the help of elderly care information and advice. The cold, ice and snow that is prevalent in Michigan can be treacherous for anyone, but especially for seniors.

Elderly care in winter

Geriatric Care Tips

Here are a few tips for geriatric care givers, children caring for their elderly parents or seniors caring for themselves:

  1. Have emergency kits accessible in their homes. Every senior emergency kit should include a flashlight, blanket, radio, batteries, non-perishable food items, and water. It is important that if they take prescription medication, that they should have at least a week’s worth supply in stock.
  2. Try to avoid probable fall and fire risks. Often times, seniors will take off their wet boots, once they arrive home, and walk around the house in socks. Be sure to add slip-proof pads throughout the house, give them shoes to put on with a firm grip on the bottom, and shovel/put salt on the walkways and driveways to refrain from slipping. Also, check to make sure that the carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are fully stocked with batteries near fireplaces and stoves.
  3. Watch their nutrition. Having a balanced diet, filled with lots of Vitamin C and D becomes even more crucial during thGeriatric care tips Westland MIe wintertime. Encouraging geriatrics to stay active and exercise around this time of year helps keep them fit and healthy.
  4. Dress warm. Wearing layered loose-fitting clothing, along with a coat, scarf, hat, and gloves is always a great idea. Dressing wear and comfortably protects the elderly from the cold weather.
  5. Create a winter plan. Establishing a procedure on what to do when an emergency happens is highly suggested. Have an emergency bag packed with clothes and medical necessities, just in case they are needed. Providing your elder with a “senior-friendly cell phone” that has emergency contact numbers already stored in it is recommended as well.

If you are looking for a geriatric specialist near you or want more helpful tips for the elderly, be sure to check out Westland Clinic’s doctors. Dr. Michael Silverstone is very committed and would love to be of service for you. Contact us today!

Geriatric Care Michigan

Last Updated: March 2, 2016

Geriatric Care

Westland Clinic offers the best in geriatric care in Michigan. Geriatric care is different Geriatric Care Michigan doctorfrom standard adult medicine because it focuses on the needs of seniors. It takes a special kind of doctor to work in geriatric care. Our doctors are trained in providing geriatric care and are Geriatric Internist Doctors that use a special approach when dealing with older adults because they acknowledge the special needs that come with aging.  We offer a very personal experience to make seniors feel comfortable when visiting our doctors. Treating many conditions that come with age, from arthritis to hearing loss, from diabetes to cancer and more.

Each of our doctors of geriatric medicine has decades of practice experience.

Meet our Geriatric Care Doctor!

At the  Westland clinic, we have Michael Silverstone, D.O.

Many families put their trust in our Long Term Care of Michigan program. A medical service provider that aid in helping our geriatric patients in rehabilitation and nursing facilities. Working with all areas of geriatric care with nurse practitioners and physician assistants with an extensive experience in Long Term Care for seniors.

Hospitals for Geriatric Care

Outside of working out of our medical clinics, our geriatric care doctors also work out of  St. Mary Mercy Hospital. Don’t forget to Make your appointment at our Westland Medical Clinic location. Our commitment to you and your family is assisting in every way we can for senior care and treatment.

3 Tips on Helping Elders Enjoy Holidays

The holidays are a time when the entire family comes together. This is also the perfect time to check on the physical or mental well being of older relatives when they come over to visit from nursing homes for the holidays. If you are having older friends or family come over for the holidays, spend some time planning ahead to make their visit comfortable.

Here is a list of 3 tips to help your older relatives have an enjoyable holiday!

1) Prepare your home

Be weary of rearranging furniture. Simple changes can cause confusion or anxiety in seniors. Eliminate obstacles that may make it difficult to move around. Remove slippery rugs that could cause falls. It is also advised that you keep a quiet area available  where older family members can go to have a break.

2) Plan inclusive activities

Older family or friends whose memories are impaired might have problems recalling more recent events. To include them in the conversation, you can suggest that they talk about the past. You can use old photos, family videos, or music to help them recall the past.

3) Alcohol and Medicine

Even though the holiday season can be chaotic, it is important to encourage elderly relatives to stick to their regular medication schedule. It is also important to remind your older family and friends about the type of negative effects that alcohol consumption can have when mixed with certain medications.

Westland Clinic is a medical clinic or center that specializes in care for geriatric patients in Michigan.  On behalf of our office, we want to wish you a happy and safe holiday!

geriatric holiday