EMA Care Blog

 Telemedicine is a great option for caring for geriatric populations in Israel. This is especially true during the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the years, we’ve had many clients who care for their older, dependent parents. Take our clients, the A family. Mrs. A has been caring for her elderly, frail father for many years.  With no other family in Israel, it is up to her to manage the medical appointments, the full-time aide, the basic care (food, hygiene), and any emergencies.  This responsibility is an honor for her to have, and she does it well… but it has prevented her from having...

In recent weeks there has been a surge of West Nile Virus in Israel. A few hundred people have been infected, and several people (elderly or immunocompromised) have died in recent weeks. West Nile Virus is a virus spread by mosquitoes that have fed off of infected birds. The incubation period is 5-21 days on average. The virus peak activity, according to the Israel Ministry of Health, is from mid-August to mid-October. According to the CDC, 80% of people infected have no noticeable symptoms. West Nile Virus's symptoms for the remaining 20% of infected individuals are usually mild flu-like symptoms, including...

The pertussis vaccine is not just for babies and children.  Pertussis (whooping cough) is one of the fastest-growing preventable diseases in the US.  The disease rate has more than doubled since 2003, with 92% of hospitalizations occurring in infants less than 6 months old!  We have seen pertussis spread among gap year students in Israel.  The best way to prevent pertussis among infants, children, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated.  Although anyone can get pertussis, the disease can be most dangerous, even fatal for infants.  Getting vaccinated against pertussis is especially important for families with infants and caregivers of infants. Although...

Medical cannabis management in Israel can be challenging, especially for people who are older with chronic pain or medical conditions.   Israel is among a growing number or countries that authorize the use of medical cannabis for specific chronic medical conditions, including certain types of chronic pain.  There are currently over 20,000 medical cannabis licenses in Israel.  Medical Cannabis (MC) has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms for (among other conditions): Certain chronic pain syndromes including neuropathic pain (pain from nerve damage) Certain chronic diseases Cancer treatment side effects Terminally ill patients Mid- to Late-Stage Dementia in the elderly Many patients who have failed conventional...

There are many reasons to change your kupat holim (health plan).  Your favorite doctor may no longer be covered at your kupah, you may have moved, and a different kupah is right down the street.  Your decision may be based on a kupah’s easier online access, or the complementary medicine services offered is more inclusive.  As you age, your medical needs change, and perhaps your current plan is not providing what you now need. Whatever the reason is, you are lawfully able to change your kupat cholim whenever you want.  According to Israeli law, kupot holim may not bar applicants on...

Carrie Fisher’s untimely, sad death has put in-flight medical emergencies in the headlines.  Understanding how in-flight medical emergencies work can help people be better prepared and better understand what an in-flight emergency is, who responds, and what help is available mid-flight. link here! In-flight medical emergencies on commercial flights occur on about 50 flights A DAY, or over 17,000 times a year in the United States alone. Among the most common in-flight medical emergencies are cardiac problems, loss of consciousness, seizures, respiratory problems such as asthma, and musculoskeletal problems, such as strains, sprains, and fractures. Each year, several babies are born aboard airplanes as well.  In-flight medical...

Aging in place is the phrase used to describe seniors who choose to stay living in their home – even when aging becomes more challenging.  Aging in place is a popular choice instead of moving to a skilled nursing facility, and over 96% of older adults in Israel are currently aging in place!  Aging in place requires coordination and utilizing services and resources available to ease the burdens often encountered as people age.  With aging in place, more people can choose where to live, and to maintain a higher level of independence for a longer period of time. Aging in place...

The Flu vaccine in Israel is available now!!  It’s important that you go now while flu vaccine supply lasts!! In previous years, there have been shortages of the vaccine.  Why should people get the flu vaccine? Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.Between 80% and 90% of flu related deaths occur in people 65 years and older. So the vaccine is a must for seniors! Other people at risk include people of all ages with pre-existing chronic health conditions, children, and pregnant women.Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread...

Most people experience confusion when they need to be in a hospital.  Confusion is the inability to think as clearly or as quickly as you want to. Whether you are a patient or a relative of the patient - hospitals are confusing.  Without a medical background, it can be an almost helpless feeling.  What’s going on?  Should I ask that question? What is going to happen next? Why did the doctor say that?  Why isn’t the nurse coming?  Why do I feel so out of place? There are 3 types of confusion people have in hospitals: Situational confusionFamily confusionDelirium confusion  ...

Many elderly are choosing to live their golden years in Israel.  About 14% of immigrants to Israel are over the age of 65. What happens when a parent becomes ill and you, the children, are not living here?  Long distance care giving is tough, if not impossible.  What will you do if your parent deteriorates in function?  Has a stroke or a heart attack?  When a crisis occurs it can be daunting to understand where to turn, what to do next, and how to get information even if you are in proximity of your parent!  Imagine how incredibly difficult it will...