Senior Living: Things to Be Cautious Of – Skilled Nursing Chula Vista, CA

Monday, January 27th, 2014

Not all senior living facilities are created equal, and on top of that, there may be things that you don’t know about how facilities are run that can affect the care your loved one gets. This is truly a case in which what you don’t know can hurt you. Here are some things to be cautious of when it comes to senior living facilities:

Pharmacy Costs - Pharmacies associated with senior living facilities typically charge more for prescription drugs than private pharmacists would. Therefore, you should make it a point to rely only on the services of a private pharmacist that is local to the facility.

Special Needs - If your loved one has a serious health problem that requires a considerable amount of personal care, then it is likely that the average senior living facility is simply not equipped to provide that care. That’s right—you may have to hire outside care to meet your loved one’s special needs. Be sure to ask the facilities you are considering exactly how much one-on-one care they provide to each resident, and be prepared to make other plans for needs that fall outside of those limitations.

Changing Prices - Assisted living facilities have the option of changing their prices at any time, and without giving you much notice. Of course, this is never to benefit the paying customer, so you will have to consider the possibility of higher rates down the line when weighing out your senior living facility options.

Staff May Be Insufficiently Trained - This is especially true if your loved one has special needs. The senior living industry experienced a boom in the 1990s, leaving businesses to rapidly expand to meet that need. Consequently, senior living facilities were staffed with mostly unskilled employees. Most of the employees who will be providing care to your loved one in a senior living facility are personal aides who work for minimum wage. It is easy to see how this level of care might not suffice for seniors who need special attention.

Choosing a senior living facility is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need a senior living facility that can provide a caring staff and a comfortable environment, backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.

Skilled Nursing Chula Vista, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

How to Find Great Senior Living Facilities – Skilled Nursing Chula Vista, CA

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

When it comes to finding senior living facilities, all you really have to do is open up your phone book. However, to find reputable senior living facilities, you will have to put in a bit more time and research. Need some advice for getting started? Here are some tips for how to find great senior living facilities:

Ask Around - Do you know a friend who has placed a loved one in a senior living facility? This is your best start, as there is no better place to go to find a facility you can trust than those people you trust the most. Additionally, you should consider asking your church members, doctors, therapists, attorneys, and coworkers for their recommendations.
Better Business Bureau - Visit the Better Business Bureau website to conduct a search for senior living facilities in your area. Be sure to read all of the records the BBB has on the facilities you are researching, especially when it comes to complaints.

Online Review Sites - These days, it is fairly easy to learn about a senior living facility’s reputation with a quick online search. Websites like Angie’s List make it easy for people to share their personal experiences with a business, whether those experiences are good or bad.

Use a Referral Service - Search online for referral services that specialize in senior living facilities. There are a number of websites designed specifically to meet the needs of people like you, who are looking for reputable senior care in their areas.

Licensing and Certification - Once you have developed a list of senior living facilities that you are interested in researching further, you should check with your local regulatory agency to find out if they are properly licensed and certified to do business. You can also find out about any formal complaints against the facilities by going through the appropriate government agency.

Choosing a senior living facility is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need a senior living facility that can provide a caring staff and a comfortable environment, backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.

Skilled Nursing Chula Vista, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Skilled Nursing San Diego, CA – What to Look for in a Senior Living Facility

Monday, December 23rd, 2013

Placing your loved one in a senior living facility is a big deal, and you must put a considerable amount of time and thought into making the right placement. Need some guidance? Here are some pointers for what to look for in a senior living facility:

Quality of Life - As you know, quality of life is comprised of many different factors, and these don’t change as you get older. When it comes to choosing a senior living facility that supports the quality of life your loved one is accustomed to, you need to consider the following: atmosphere, amenities, cleanliness, entertainment/activities, independence, socialization, stimulation, safety, and comfort. Keep all of these aspects in mind when touring facilities, and don’t stop looking until you find one that meets all of them to your satisfaction.

Standard of Care - Senior living facilities are not just a place for the elderly to live. For many seniors who cannot full care for themselves, assisted living is a necessary component of a safe and healthy lifestyle. When assessing the standard of care in a senior living facility, you need to ask several questions. How does staff respond to emergencies? How does staff monitor health concerns (diet, medical needs, illness, injury, etc.)? How available is staff, and for how many hours out of the day? There is no one right fit for everyone. The standard of care for your loved one will depend on your individual circumstances.

Price and Value - Taking quality of life and standard of care into consideration, you need to determine how much value you are getting in regards to the price you are paying. You also need to work over your budget to determine if you can afford the facility you are interested in, for the amount of time you project needing the space, or if you need to consider other, more affordable options. Financial well-being is a component of quality of life, so don’t overlook this important part of the decision making process.

Choosing a senior living facility is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need a senior living facility that can provide a caring staff and a comfortable environment, backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.

Skilled Nursing San Diego, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Skilled Nursing San Diego, CA – What to Expect from a Senior Living Facility

Monday, December 16th, 2013

If you are in the position to consider placing your loved one in a senior living facility, then you may be understandably anxious about the prospect of placing the care of your valued family member in someone else’s hands. Fortunately, a little bit of information can go a long way in easing those tensions. Here is a guide to what to expect from a senior living facility:

Environment - Senior living facilities are designed to function as self-enclosed communities. They may house any number of people, depending on the size of the facility, and you can expect that the seniors who live there will either live in an apartment-type space (studios and one-bedrooms, generally) or a room equipped with a hospital bed. On the grounds of a senior living facility, you can find a nurse’s station, a commercial kitchen and dining area, living room areas, and outdoor spaces for relaxation. Some facilities even have higher-end features like salons and restaurants.

Personal Attention - Your loved one will have a whole team of staff members devoted to providing personal care services. The level of service provided will depend on the condition your loved one is in, but you can expect availability of the following: grooming, bathing, dressing, transferring, and toileting assistance. Seniors with specialized meal plans or medication regimens will also receive assistance with those needs.

Visitation - No matter what kind of senior living facility you choose to place your loved one in, you can expect that there should be no limitations when it comes to visitation. Generally speaking, senior care facilities have an open door policy for those wishing to check in with their friends and family members. In some facilities, you are even allowed to stay overnight, given there is space to accommodate you and your presence won’t interfere with the well being of other people who live there.

Choosing a senior living facility is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need a senior living facility that can provide a caring staff and a comfortable environment, backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.

Skilled Nursing San Diego, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Activities for Seniors: Looking for a Senior Center – Skilled Nursing Rancho Bernardo, CA

Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

Senior centers have been created and developed to specifically cater to the unique needs of aging individuals. It is important to find out the background and current programs offered to determine if they provide the right activities for seniors that will truly lead to long term benefits. Find a center that encourages independence for overall sense of well-being.

About the Senior Center - A senior center functions to aid aging individuals cope with their daily needs, as well as provide activities, entertainment and counseling for a renewed sense of well-being. There are several centers located throughout the United States. The first step to locating these would be to search your local phone book. There is a special section with pages for the community that includes all resources for senior citizens. Senior centers are most likely found in this section.

View the county or city web site for the community where you belong to. Several web sites include a specific section for aging individuals, complete with information regarding local resources. Find the regional and local area agency on aging. These groups contain a lot of information and helpful resources for seniors. Request for a complete list of centers found in your area or community.

Searching for the Place - Once you've receive the full list, you can hone down everything into 2 to 4 sources. Select these for further review and assessment. You can call the agency and arrange for a tour with the directors of the senior center. These individuals can present you all the facilities, physical properties and other equipments and events available to give seniors complete wellness. The directors and facilitators can provide you full details regarding the events and programs given for residents.

It is recommended that you consider location as a factor in choosing the right senior center. If you plan to leave your parent or grandparent there, it will be to your convenience if you live nearby. This way, you can pick up or visit the elderly more frequently

Assessing the Available Services - Check the different programs available and compare the physical appearance of the choices you are considering. It is important that the place has all the right amenities that the senior citizen personally prefers. Ask the person to be confined about special requests and options that can help you narrow down your search.

Also talk to some other people who are undergoing programs and services and allow them to list down the strengths and weaknesses. You can also talk to the directors and coordinators regarding your concerns, so they can immediately see if their objectives are at par with yours.

Reviewing - You can visit the official web site of the senior center to know more about the background, thrusts and patient testimonials. If they have a customer service support section, that is a good sign, as well as having an FAQ section. Review all the choices you have before finalizing. You may even ask the senior citizen to take a couple of sessions to help assess and decide.

If the elderly is suffering from a disease or disability, make sure that the center knows. They should have medical and health professionals ready to cater to every need, at any time. Accidents and emergencies should be attended to immediately through a prepared backup plan and ready-to-use equipment.

Skilled Nursing Rancho Bernardo, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Skilled Nursing Rancho Bernardo, CA – Activities for Seniors: Looking for a Senior Center

Wednesday, November 20th, 2013

When it comes to weighing out your senior living facility options, you may be confused to find that there are many different types of environments, each specifically tailored to the type of care required. Need some help navigating through it all? Here is a guide to senior living facilities:

Independent Living Facilities - These senior living environments offer healthy and fully functional seniors the opportunity to live independently in a setting centered on the senior lifestyle. These facilities often consist of apartment-style homes and offer no personal care services. This means there are no personal care staff members at independent living facilities, unless they are privately hired.

Assisted Living Facilities - Seniors who need more personal attention than an independent living facility provides, but who are still relatively independent, may choose to stay in an assisted living facility. These facilities provide a higher level of personal care services for their residents, although the level of care may vary from place to place. There is no professional-level medical staff at assisted living facilities; personal care services are generally provided by personal care assistants (PCA) or certified nursing aides (CNA).

Nursing Homes - Also called skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes are for seniors who require round the clock care. Seniors with advanced chronic illness and debilitating disabilities must often go the route of the nursing home. Nursing homes employ a staff of qualified medical professionals, usually headed by a registered nurse (RN).

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CRRC) - These facilities offer the full range of living experiences, from independent living to nursing home care. In these communities, seniors are generally housed in apartments or other self-contained living spaces. Also on site is an assisted living environment and skilled nursing, for those seniors who need specialized care. A CRRC enables seniors the opportunity to choose one place to spend the retirement years in, without the necessity of finding a new place to live when needs change.

Choosing a senior living facility is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need a senior living facility that can provide a caring staff and a comfortable environment, backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.

Skilled Nursing Rancho Bernardo, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Skilled Nursing Del Mar, CA – Physical Fitness Should be the Main Goal When Planning Senior Activities

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

Even before you reach the age of 40, your body starts to experience all sorts of problems. Senior citizens so much more help and attention to keep their bodies fit, healthy and free from disease. It is important to focus on physical fitness as one of the mainstays of activities for the elderly. Here are some proven guidelines that boost wellness and life.

The Right Exercises - The right exercises should always rely on the senior's personal capacity and current condition. It is best to have a physical check up and thorough assessment to make sure that the activities can be well tolerated and complications are avoided. Seniors who have been sedentary for several years or months need to break into an exercise program or regime slowly. A physical therapist can best provide the right movements and warm up techniques that will stabilize joints and strengthen muscles. Seniors are not advised to immediately join group sports or enter a weight-training program without warming up their muscles well.

They should check how their body responds to various movements first, before embarking on any strenuous exercise. You should also get enough nutrition rich in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates for fast recovery and optimum resistance. Sleep adequately days before your first exercise routine to gather strength and stick to the program longer. What a Typical Program

Consists Of  - The regular program includes physical fitness exercises, complete with the right equipment, trainers and machines. The elderly may be placed on exercise machines like stationary bicycles, treadmills, elliptical trainers and the like. They may also be asked to walk around the senior center grounds. Those who are more capable can try mild jogging. There are classes as well held on schedule, which includes yoga, aerobics, martial arts, tai chi, etc.

Seniors may join these programs as they please. Sessions are typical 2 to 3 times per week. There are also therapeutic sessions where individuals are gathered into groups to communicate, play games and share their experiences. This is a good opportunity for seniors to discuss their concerns and current conditions and problems, if they have any. Seniors will be formed into pairs or groups as well, depending on their preference.

Objectives of the Exercises - Exercises are provided to senior citizens to attain the following: flexibility, strength, balance and endurance. Stretching exercises greatly boost flexibility, which can prevent injury should seniors fall or trip. To enhance endurance, seniors can do cardiovascular activities like running, jogging, walking or bicycling to get their heart rate up. This is especially good for lowering cholesterol levels, stress and blood pressure. To enhance strength, weight-training exercises may be provided according to the physical capacities of seniors to minimize pains and aches. Balancing is highly important for elder individuals to prevent accidents. There are balancing exercises like walking with eyes closed, lifting one leg up, etc. These can minimize the occurrence of falls.

More Benefits - There are several benefits that you can get from activities for seniors. These can reduce depression and stress, lower risk for heart and cardiovascular ailments, boost flexibility, reduce diabetes, produce endorphins that make people feel better, prevent disease, maintain the ability to do various activities and enhances range of motion. The advantages among individuals may differ, depending on their age, response to the activity and current condition. Overall, physical activity always renders positive results. Choosing the right in-home care provider is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need find a Home Care Agency that can provide caring in-home care backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.

Skilled Nursing Del Mar, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Skilled Nursing Rancho Santa Fe, CA – Creating the Right Exercise Program for Seniors

Tuesday, September 24th, 2013

Seniors need regular exercise to maintain muscle tone, boost endurance and gain independence. There are several other benefits that workouts render, that keep the elderly living longer and staying away from disease. You should draw the perfect exercise program that adequately suits their capacity and needs. Here are some tips to get your started.

What They Can Do - The primary rule is to only provide enough exercise that will stimulate adequate blood flow to all the vital organs, as well as maintain muscle mass. Muscle tends to atrophy during the later stages of a person's life. You should keep hard-earned tissues through both cardiovascular exercises, stretching routines and weight training. In the beginning, it is important that you do an overall assessment of the senior citizen first, to ensure that he or she can do all the exercises without much trouble.

Very strenuous exercise can be detrimental to the overall condition of seniors. You need to check their response by listening to their verbalizations and observing how they cope. If you find some negative signs such as heavy breathing, profuse sweating, loss of balance, droopy eyelids and mild to severe pain, immediately stop the activity.

Being Flexible - Exercise routines should be individualized, which means that one program is only meant for a single individual. The specific approach is highly recommended since it takes away much of the risk of overtraining. You can also map out progress more efficiently by giving the exact type of exercises, number of repetitions and sets and duration of each workout. Use a log book and fill in all the details of every workout.

Exercise programs should be very flexible, in the sense that the routines and kinds of movements change every week or so, depending on the response of the patient. Your goal is to maintain or boost strength, flexibility and strength, if possible, so the exercises need to be upped as the individual gets stronger and better.

Getting a Professional - If you happen to be a concerned son or granddaughter taking care of a senior citizen in your home, it is always useful to get the opinion of a professional when creating your exercise plan, so you can select the right type and intensity that suit the needs of the patient. Professionals include dieticians, gym instructors, physical therapists, nutritionists, nurses and physicians who will check if the program is acceptable or too strenuous.

During the first few sessions, you can ask the professional to help you in assisting the senior go through the different movements. Proper execution is crucial to attain the various objectives and goals. Professional help is important every now and then, especially during the times when you're already supposed to evaluate the senior's response to treatment.

Other Sources - When defining the exercise routine, you can refer to exercise DVDs that caters to seniors, visit online forums and watch videos online. You can also visit senior centers to have an idea how a typical routine goes. Take some tips from instructors and the experts about evaluation and adjusting the routine for the patient. Over time, you will develop the skill in keeping the senior comfortable while giving him or her a truly sensible workout. Be reminded that diet and rest are the other two components that will sufficiently support the exercise program for seniors.

Choosing the right in-home care provider is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need find a Home Care Agency that can provide caring in-home care backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.

Skilled Nursing Rancho Santa Fe, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

Home Care Rancho Bernardo, CA – Signs it is Time to Look into Home Health Care

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

No one likes the thought of having to rely on outside support for the care of a loved one. Unfortunately, there are some circumstances in which there is no better thing to do. In this case, your best option is to find a senior living facility that meets your family’s needs. How do you know when to begin your search? Here are some signs it is time to look into senior living facilities:

Personal care- If your loved one displays an apparent decline in personal care and hygiene, then it may be time to consider placement in an assisted living facility. Personal care issues can not only make it difficult for your loved one to interact in society in a healthy way, but they can also pose considerable health risks.

Dementia - This is a common condition among the elderly population, and it only worsens with age. Those suffering from dementia may forget the people they know, suffer extreme lapses of short and long-term memory, be unable to care for themselves, and even get lost. If your loved one’s dementia seems to be worsening, then assisted living may be your best answer.

Loss of mobility - Many elderly people suffer from mobility issues that hinder their ability to climb stairs, sit, stand, or walk even short distances; in some cases these issues can even lead to frequent falls and injuries. If mobility problems are standing in your loved one’s way of a healthy lifestyle, then it’s time to research your senior living options.

Decreased appetite - If you can’t trust that your loved one is eating a healthy diet—or eating at all—then you might need to rely on the professionals at an assisted living facility to ensure your loved one’s proper eating habits.

Medication management - As your loved one gets older, it is likely the medication regimen will grow in breadth and importance. If medication management is a concern of yours, then you should look into how a senior living facility can help.

Choosing the right in-home care provider is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. Only the utmost of thought and care should go into deciding who is fit to look after those you love the most. You need find a Home Care Agency that can provide caring in-home care backed by a longstanding reputation you trust.

Home Care Rancho Bernardo, CA

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/

About Firstat Nursing Services
Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com

What Causes Balance Problems? – Home Health Kensington San Diego, CA, In Home Care

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013

It’s scary to feel light-headed or like you’re spinning out of control and are going to fall - especially if you fear breaking a bone or losing consciousness. There are a number of medical issues that could cause balance problems, but luckily there are tests that can determine why you have this concern and ways to control it.

You may have a balance disorder if you feel like you’re moving even though you aren’t. It’s a sense of floating or spinning that makes it seem as if you’re going to fall. Our sense of balance is controlled by a place in the inner ear called a labyrinth, connected to an elaborate structure called the vestibular system. The vestibular system is responsible for some of our sensory perceptions such as our eyes.

When this intricate system gets out of sync, a balance disorder may occur. It could be caused by a viral or bacterial ear infection, problems with blood circulation or a head injury. Various medications can also cause dizziness and aging can also cause balance problems. Balance problems can begin suddenly and there may not be a reason that you can pinpoint.

That’s why it’s important that you see your health care provider right away so that he can diagnose the problem and help restore your balance. Some types of balance disorders include:

• Vertigo - Vertigo may occur when you merely turn your head. That’s because part of your vestibular system, the cupula, doesn’t tilt as it should. This malady sometimes happens as one ages or the cause could be a head injury.

• Vestibular neuronitis - You may experience vertigo (dizziness when you turn your head) because of an inflammation of the vestibular nerve caused by a virus.

• MdDS (Mal de debarquement syndrome) - Sometimes simply called sea-sickness, MdDS affects some people on an ocean cruise. It causes nausea, feelings of rocking to and fro and can last a few hours, days or even months after returning to land.

• Leakage of inner fluid (Perilymph fistula) - You may experience balance problems if you have a leakage of inner ear fluid into the middle ear. Many situations can cause the disorder - change in atmospheric pressure, ear infection, head injury or ear surgery. Nausea and dizziness may occur.

• Upper respiratory infection (Labyrinthitis) - An infection of the inner ear that can cause dizziness or loss of balance.

These are some of the most common causes of balance problems, and if you’re experiencing some or all of these symptoms you should see your health care provider immediately before a fall occurs.

If you see a general practitioner, he or she may want you to see an ENT doctor - a physician who specializes in disorders of the ear, nose and throat. Depending on your health status, the ENT doctor may order tests to better diagnose the cause of your balance problem. Once diagnosed, your doctor may simply give you a prescription for medication or suggest ways to deal with chronic balance problems on a daily basis.

Home Health Kensington San Diego, CA, In Home Care 

People wanting to learn more are encouraged to visit the company website and pick up a copy of their free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://firstatofsandiego.com/ 

About Firstat Nursing Services

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both state licensed and certified by the Alzheimer's Association. Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997. To pick up a copy of her free report "Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider," Visit, http://FirstatOfSanDiego.com