OT Practice is now online

I have discovered that the American Occupational Therapy Association's magazine OT Practice is now on-line at OT Practice.
Don't let the current issue with a cover photo of a baby scare you. There are usually articles relevant to geriatrics and eldercare.

Yoga and Seniors

I think I may have mentioned this yoga book written by occupational therapist Peggy Gardner, especially for seniors. Here is her new website: Yoga and Seniors

Health Care Reform Proposal

I gave a speech last week at my toastmaster's meeting about the Health Care Reform proposal to pay doctors every five years for one hour of consultation around end of life issues such as "advanced directives", services provided by Hospice and what a health care proxy is. This service is completely voluntary and all decisions are made by the patient. I had a very positive experience with hospice when my mother was dying. This proposal has been misconstrued by special interests as something they call "death panels".
I guess this is a hot button issue and some people are convinced that health care reform automatically implies long waits, limited care and people dying. One woman in my club thought the so called "death panels" were related to Nazi death camps. Another member said that we would have to wait 6 months to get an MRI. Does that imply that the MRI machines will suddenly lie idle growing moss? A friend of mine pointed out that if all the people who currently do not get health care were suddenly getting it- then we would all be in competition to use those MRI machines and see specialists. OK- that's an explanation I never considered. Food for thought about how Americans might feel about each other.

Diabetes Effects On Vision | LIVESTRONG.COM

Diabetes Effects On Vision. Due to the impact of abnormal glucose levels, diabetics are at risk for developing a variety of vision-related diseases. One major disease is called diabetic retinopathy because i...

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Card Games for Patients with Memory Loss

I came across this article while doing a bit of research and I liked these card games to play with people in the early to mid stages of memory loss. I like the author's enthusiasm and the games sound like they would help people reminisce, socially connect- as well as have a good time. However, I do not think they would be helpful for people in the late stages of dementia.
check them out: Memory Card Games for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients.

BarbaraSmithOccupationalTherapist.com

Rheumatoid Arthritis Characteristics | LIVESTRONG.COM

Rheumatoid Arthritis Characteristics. Rheumatoid arthritis RA causes joint inflammation and deformity that make it difficult to perform daily activities. Diagnosis is made when X-rays show cartilage destruction and b...

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Stimulating Dog in Nursing Home

Animal Therapy in nursing home-very touching and therapeutic.