August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance that highlights the importance of vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that immunizations help to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. The CDC reports that adults 50 years and older should talk with their doctor about recommended vaccines, which include the seasonal flu (influenza), shingles, and Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccines. Almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles and the risk for developing shingles increases with age, according to the CDC. Additionally, more than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older. Because our immune systems weaken as we age, your doctor may recommend the following vaccines:
Shingles vaccine. Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. Symptoms of shingles include fever, headache, chills, upset stomach, and pain, itching, or tingling where the rash will develop, according to the CDC. The shingles vaccine helps to protect against shingles.
Seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine. Seniors are at a high risk of developing serious complications from the flu. Between 70-85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) and pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccines. PPSV23 “protects against serious pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bloodstream infections” and PCV13 “protects against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia (recommended for all adults with a condition that weakens the immune system, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant)”, according to the CDC.
Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine. Tetanus enters the body through cuts and wounds and diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person. Tetanus causes muscle pain and stiffening and can lead to trouble swallowing, breathing, and opening the mouth. Tetanus can also lead to death. Diphtheria can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death. Pertussis can cause weight loss, loss of bladder control, passing out, and rib fractures from severe coughing, according to the CDC.
If you’re unable to attend your aging parent’s doctor appointment, call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. SYNERGY HomeCare’s highly trained and skilled in-home caregivers can help your senior parent schedule and drive to doctor’s appointments, accompany your parent to their appointments, help your parent follow their doctor’s orders, and report information to family members and guardians. SYNERGY HomeCare also provides a wide range of home care services tailored to your family’s needs. SYNERGY HomeCare’s services include:
- Personal assistance care: Help with bathing, showering, using the restroom, getting in and out of bed, using wheelchairs, etc.
- Errands and transportation services: Driving to the doctor’s office, picking up prescriptions, going grocery shopping, managing medications, etc.
- Meal assistance: Complete and nutritious meal planning, preparing, and cleanup.
- Light housekeeping: Assistance with laundry, ironing, changing linens, kitchen/bathroom cleaning and organizing, etc.
- Companionship: Encouraging friendly and supportive conversation, active thinking (structuring pastimes, hobbies, and games), light exercise, etc.
About SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills
SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills is the name you can trust in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange and Placentia for personal home care. SYNERGY HomeCare of Anaheim Hills is part of a national franchise of non-medical home care offices dedicated to providing exceptional and affordable service to anyone of any age. SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, to those in need – including seniors, expectant moms, those suffering from sports injuries and debilitating illnesses, and more. SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona & Riverside can be found online at http://www.synergyhomecare.com/agencies/ca/anaheim-hills/ca25 . The location also hosts active social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. Ken and Anna can be reached at 714- 706-1613 and [email protected] .
