How to provide long distance care for a loved one with dementia
October 7th, 2011
Overland Park, KS – When you live many miles away from your loved one with dementia, the separation complicates caregiving. Concerns about the person’s safety, nutrition and health can be overwhelming at times.Here are some strategies to manage long-distance caregiving.
If the person with Alzheimer’s disease lives alone, he or she may have difficulty managing daily tasks. Identify what kind of help he or she may need to remain independent in the home for as long as possible. When you visit you loved one, observe the following:
- Is there food in the refrigerator? Is it spoiled? Is the person eating regular meals?
- What is the condition of the inside and the outside of the home? Has it changed?
- Are the bills paid? Are there piles of unopened mail?
- Do friends and relatives visit regularly?
- What is the person’s personal appearance? Is the person bathing and grooming?
- Is the person still able to drive safely?
Building a list of contact people and resources can help you coordinate care from a distance.
- Family, friends and neighbors. Make a list of their phone numbers and addresses. Ask if you can check in with them to find out how your loved one is doing. They may also be willing to stop by your loved one’s home for regular visits.
- Your loved one’s doctor. Keep in contact with the person’s doctor. The doctor can call you if there are concerns about the person’s mental or physical well being.
- Community organizations. Check with local churches, temples, neighborhood groups and volunteer organizations. They may provide meal delivery, transportation or companion services.
- Home care services. You can hire home health care workers to help the person with bathing, personal care activities, preparing meals and taking medications. Hiring a geriatric care manager can help you assess and monitor the overall needs of your loved one and communicate with you regularly about his or her well-being.
Make the most of visits
Few long-distance caregivers are able to spend as much time with their loved one as they would like. The key is to use your time wisely :
- Make appointments with your loved one’s physician, lawyer and financial adviser during your visit to participate in any decision- making.
- Meet with neighbors, friends and other relatives to hear how they think the person is doing. Ask if there have been any behavioral changes, health problems or safety issues.
- Take time to reconnect with your loved one by talking, listening to music, going for a walk or participating in activities you enjoy together.
Considerations before moving a loved one into your home
There will come a time when your loved one will no longer be able to live alone. One of the decisions you might consider is moving the person into your home. Here are some things to think about:
- Does he or she want to move? What about his or her spouse?
- Is your home adapted to support the person?
- Will someone be at home to care for the person?
- How does the rest of the family feel about the move?
- How will this move affect your job, family and finances?
- What respite services are available in your community to assist you?
Moving a person with Alzheimer’s disease from familiar surroundings may cause increased agitation and confusion. Talk with your loved one’s physician or a social worker and call the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance before making a decision. In some situations, an assisted living or a residential care setting may be a better option for the individual.
Resolving family conflicts
Caregiving issues can often ignite or magnify family conflicts, especially when people cope differently with caregiving responsibilities. Family members may deny what is happening, resent you for living far away or believe you are not helping enough. There may also be disagreement about financial and care decisions.
To reduce conflicts, acknowledge these feelings and work through them.
- Have a family meeting. Talking about caregiving roles and responsibilities, problems and feelings can help ease tensions. You may want help from a professional counselor or clergy.
- Recognize differences. Some family members may be hands-on caregivers, responding immediately to issues and organizing resources. Others may be more comfortable with being told to complete specific tasks.
- Share caregiving responsibilities. Make a list of tasks and include how much time, money and effort may be involved to complete them. Divide tasks according to the family member’s preferences and abilities.
- Continue to talk. Family meetings or conference calls keep the family up-to-date and involved. Discuss how things are working, reassess the needs of the person with Alzheimer’s, and decide if any changes in responsibilities are needed.
Protect your health this winter by getting a flu shot
September 20th, 2011
Leawood, KS – The flu is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus. If you’re at risk of complications from the flu, make sure you have your annual flu shot. Flu symptoms can hit quite suddenly and severely. They usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles. You can often get a cough and sore throat.
Because the flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat it. Anyone can get the flu, but it can be more serious for certain people, such as people aged 65 or over or people who have a serious medical condition
If you are in one of these groups, you’re more vulnerable to the effects of seasonal flu (even if you’re fit and healthy) and could develop a more serious illness, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which could result in hospitalization.
Flu can also make existing medical conditions worse.
Get the shot
The best time of the year to get a flu vaccination is in the autumn. It’s usually free from a doctor’s office or health provider, and it’s effective against the latest flu virus strains.
Even if you’ve already had a flu shot in previous years, you need another one this year. The flu shot may only protect you for a year. This is because the viruses that cause flu are always changing.
See your doctor about the flu shot if you’re 65 or over, or if you have any of the following problems (however old you are):
- a serious heart complaint
- a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema
- serious kidney disease
- diabetes
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
- if you have a problem with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed
- if you have ever had a stroke
Your doctor may advise you to have a flu shot if you have serious liver disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or some other diseases of the nervous system.
If you think you may need a flu vaccination, check with your doctor, nurse or your local pharmacist. If a nurse visits you regularly, ask about getting your flu vaccination.
The pneumo shot
When you see your doctor for a seasonal flu shot, ask whether you also need the ‘pneumo shot’ to protect you against some forms of pneumococcal infection. It’s a good idea for everyone aged 65 or over, and for younger people with some serious medical conditions.
Caregivers
If you’re the caregiver of an elderly or disabled person, make sure they’ve had their flu shot. As a caregiver, you should receive a flu shot too. Ask your doctor for advice, or for more information about the flu shot.
How effective is it?
No vaccine is 100% effective, however, people who have had the flu shot are less likely to get the flu. If you do get the flu despite having the flu shot , it will probably be milder than if you haven’t been vaccinated.
The flu shot doesn’t cause flu as it doesn’t contain live viruses. However, you may experience side effects after having the shot, such as a temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards. Your arm may feel sore at the site where you were injected. More severe reactions are rare.
The flu vaccine only protects against the flu, but not other illnesses caused by other viruses, such as the common cold.
Who shouldn’t have it?
You should not be given the flu vaccination if you have had a serious reaction to a flu vaccination before.
If you have a high temperature, the vaccination may be postponed until you are better.
Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have any further questions.
Posted in Caregiver Issues, Senior Health |
Live Life to the Fullest: Tips for Healthy Aging
September 7th, 2011
Leawood, Kansas – Healthy aging is about much more than staying physically healthy—it’s about maintaining your sense of purpose and your zest for life. While the specific ingredients of healthy aging are different for everyone, the common factors are good mental health and the ability to manage stress. Knowing the basic formula for healthy aging will help you live with meaning and joy throughout your senior years.
Coping with change
As you age, it’s important to build your resilience and find healthy ways to cope with challenges. This ability will help you make the most of the good times and keep your perspective when times are tough.
- Focus on the things you’re grateful for. The longer you live, the more you lose. But as you lose people and things, life becomes even more precious. When you stop taking things for granted, you appreciate and enjoy what you have even more.
- Acknowledge and express your feelings. You may have a hard time showing strong emotions, perhaps feeling that such a display is inappropriate and weak. But burying your feelings can lead to anger, resentment, and depression. Don’t deny what you’re going through. Find healthy ways to process your feelings, perhaps by talking with a close friend or writing in a journal.
- Accept the things you can’t change. Many things in life are beyond our control. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems. Face your limitations with dignity and a healthy dose of humor.
- Look for the silver lining. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. If your own poor choices contributed to a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from your mistakes.
- Take daily actionto deal with life’s challenges. When challenges seem too big to handle, sweeping them under the carpet often appears easier. But ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away; it allows both the problem and your anxiety to build. Instead, take things one small step at a time. Even a small step can go a long way to boosting your confidence and reminding you that you are not powerless.
Find activities that you enjoy
Everyone has different ways of experiencing meaning and joy, and the activities you enjoy may change over time. If you’re not sure where to get started, try some of the following suggestions:
- Pick up a long-neglected hobby
- Play with your grandchildren or a favorite pet
- Learn something new (an instrument, a foreign language, a new game)
- Get involved in your community (volunteer or attend a local event)
- Take a class or join a club
- Go on a weekend trip to a place you’ve never visited
- Spend time in nature (take a walk, go fishing, enjoy a scenic view)
- Enjoy the arts (visit a museum, go to a concert or a play)
The possibilities are endless. The important thing is to find activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable. Whatever your preference, taking time to nourish your spirit is never wasted.
Stay connected
One of the greatest challenges of aging is how your support network changes. Staying connected isn’t always easy as you grow older—even for those who have always had an active social life. Retirement, illness, death, and moves can take away close friends and family members. And the older you get, the more people you lose. What’s more, getting around may be difficult.
But it’s important to find ways to reach out and connect to others. Loneliness and isolation are major threats to aging well. Having people you can turn to for company and support is a buffer against depression, disability, hardship, and loss.
The good news is that there are lots of ways to be with other people. It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you get out of the house (if possible) and socialize:
- Connect regularly with friends and family. Spend time with people you enjoy and who make you feel upbeat. It may be a neighbor who you like to walk with, a lunch date with an old friend, or shopping with your children. Even if you are not close by, call or email frequently to keep relationships fresh.
- Make an effort to make new friends. As you lose people in your circle, it is vital to make new connections so your circle doesn’t dwindle. Make it a point to befriend people who are younger than you. Younger friends can reenergize you and help you see life from a fresh perspective.
- Spend time with at least one person every day. You shouldn’t be alone day after day. Phone or email contact is not a replacement for spending time with other people. Regular face-to-face contact helps you ward off depression and stay positive.
- Volunteer. Giving back to the community is a wonderful way to strengthen social bonds and meet others, and the meaning and purpose you find in helping others will enrich and expand your life. Volunteering is a natural way to meet others interested in similar activities or who share similar values. Even if you’re housebound, you can get involved by volunteering on the phone.
- Find support groups in times of change. If you or a loved one is coping with a chronic illness or recent loss, it can be very helpful to participate in a support group with others undergoing the same challenges.
Keep your mind sharp
There are many good reasons for keeping your brain as active as your body. Keeping your brain active and maintaining creativity actually may help to prevent cognitive decline and memory problems. The more you use and sharpen your brain, the more benefits you will get.
- Try variations on what you know. For some people, it might be games. Other people may enjoy puzzles. Still others may enjoy trying out new cooking recipes. Find something that you enjoy and continue to try new variations and challenges. If you like crosswords, move to a more challenging crossword series or try your hand at a new word game. If you like to cook, try a completely different type of food, or try baking if you’ve mostly been cooking over the stove.
- Work something new in each day. You don’t have to work elaborate crosswords or puzzles to keep your memory sharp. Try to work in something new each day, whether it is taking a different route to the grocery store or brushing your teeth with a different hand.
- Take on a completely new subject. Taking on a new subject is a great way to continue to learn. Have you always wanted to learn a different language? Learn new computer skills? Learn to golf? There are many inexpensive classes at community centers or community colleges that allow you to tackle new subjects. Volunteering is also a great way to learn about a new area. Taking classes and volunteering is a great way to boost social connections, which is another brain strengthener.
Boost your vitality through diet and exercise
As you age, your relationship to food changes along with your body. A decreased metabolism, changes in taste and smell, and slower digestion may affect your appetite, the foods you can eat, and how your body processes food. The key is to figure out how to adapt to your changing needs. Now, more than ever, healthy eating is important to maintain your energy and health.
- Load up on high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Your whole digestive system is slower, so fiber is very important. Consume fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. They will help you feel more energetic and give you fuel to keep going.
- Put effort into making your food look and taste good. Your tastebuds aren’t as strong and your appetite may not be the same, but your nutritional needs are just as important as ever. If you don’t enjoy eating like you used to, put a little more effort into your meals, including the way you flavor, prepare, and present your food.
- Watch out for dehydration. Because of physical changes, older adults are more prone to dehydration. So make sure you are drinking plenty of fluid, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you’re not getting enough water, you’re not going to be as sharp and your energy will suffer.
Many older adults don’t exercise. However, exercise is vital for healthy aging. It helps you maintain your strength and agility, gives your mental health a boost, and can even help diminish chronic pain. Whether you are generally healthy or are coping with an ongoing disability or health problem, regular exercise will help you stay physically and mentally healthy and improve your confidence.
- Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Find out if any health conditions or medications you take affect what exercise you should choose.
- Find an activity you like and that motivates you to continue. You may want to exercise in a group, like in a sport or class, or prefer a more individual exercise like swimming.
- Start slow. If you are new to exercise, a few minutes a day puts you well on the way towards building a healthy habit. Slowly increase the time and intensity to avoid injury.
- Walking is a wonderful way to start exercising. Exercise doesn’t have to mean strenuous activity or time at the gym. In fact, walking is one of the best ways to stay fit. Best of all, it doesn’t require any equipment or experience and you can do it anywhere.
Keeping seniors safe in the summer heat
July 12th, 2011
Leawood, Kansas – Summer heat is a very real danger to the elderly. Normally, our body controls and regulates higher temperature by allowing heat loss through the skin and by evaporation. But as we age, we lose our ability to control our body’s temperature and to sense temperature extremes.
Seniors are even more susceptible to heat related disorders and react to sudden changes in temperature by loosing the ability to cool down. Those with heart, kidney or lung disease,obesity,and diabetes are at even greater risk. They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
The following is a list of serious heat-related disorders and tips on how to keep our seniors safe in higher temperatures.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Body temperatures rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Warning signs may include:
• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.
Signs and symptoms may include:
• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle Cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting
• Skin: may be cool and moist
• Pulse rate: fast and weak
• Breathing: fast and shallow
What you can do for someone with heat stress
If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person. Do the following:
• Get the person to a shady area.
• Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the person with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101°–102°F
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
How to protect seniors against the heat:
•Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Tell them to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
• Encourage them to increase their fluid intake by drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages regardless of their activity level.Warning: If their doctor generally limits the amount of fluid they drink or they are on water pills, they will need to ask their doctor how much they should drink while the weather is hot.
• Take them to air-conditioned locations if they don’t have transportation.
• Let them know that wearing loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton and light colors will reflect the sun. Darker colors will tend to attract heat.
• Encourage seniors to wear hats, sunscreen of 30 SPF and sunglasses.
• Advise them of the dangers of going out when the temperature is extreme and to limit outdoor activity to early morning.
If you work with the elderly, please note:
Many seniors will not turn on their air conditioning as they often do not realize that the heat is extreme.
Many elderly rarely drink the normal 8 glasses daily. Get them to increase fluid intake with lots of encouragement.
If your senior is living on a limited income they are not likely to use the air conditioner.
Many elderly without air conditioning may be very reluctant to open windows due to safety concerns.
When you check on them, do not rely on just talking on the phone. You need to be able to monitor their fluid intake and recognize changes in their condition.
Posted in Senior Health |Aging in place and the importance of creating a senior friendly home
June 1st, 2011
Overland Park, Kansas – Since many seniors prefer to age in place,making a home senior-friendly is extremely important. A home that may be convenient for people around the ages of 50 to 60 can actually be very different once they reach the age of 70 to 80. Eliminating clutter in homes is one of the first steps in making your home senior-friendly,since this simple task can prevent accidents from happening. Adding lighting is another step since seniors may need twice as much light to see clearly than before. Other things to consider for an aging in place home include:
Recreating your Bathroom
Increasing safety and accessibility in your bathroom is highly important, since it is used countless times everyday. Most accidents may occur in the bathroom than in any other part of the home.
Install roll-in showers with multiple shower heads which are fixed, height adjustable and hand held. Make sure that the curtain is not held up by a tension rod, since grabbing it for support may result in a fall and install grab bars. Also, place rubber mats inside and outside the shower to avoid slipping and falling.
Lower the bathroom sink and make sure there is proper knee clearance. Faucets should also be properly labeled hot and cold, or color code them with red for hot and blue for cold. Make sure that water temperature is set on a setting of 120 degrees or lower since most seniors lose their sensitivity to temperature and may scald themselves.
Install an elevated toilet and add handrails on both sides of the toilet for additional safety and comfort.
Light Settings
Older people need more light, they also need light to be evenly distributed since it takes more time for the seniors’ eyes to readjust in the changing light. The lighting should be indirect, aiming it at the ceiling or the walls to prevent glaring.
Installing proper lighting at home can reduce accidents. The outdoor areas, stairs, kitchen and the living room areas are some places where the use of proper lightning is needed. Remodel dark hallways, especially if they lead to the stairs or to brightly lit rooms.
Place flashlights which can be easily reached when needed, and check on the batteries every few months. Emergency lights should come on automatically in case of power outage. Also, use rocker type switches for your lighting so you can turn them on or off easily.
Kitchen Needs
The kitchen is another room which can cause physical stress for seniors. Cabinets and drawer handles should be replaced with D-shaped handles that are more comfortable to grasp, especially to people suffering from arthritis. Cabinet shelves should also be sliding or pull out in order to gain access to items efficiently.
Choose refrigerators or freezers with side by side doors so that everything that is needed can be easily placed on the mid shelf. On the other hand, it is also recommended to use drawer type dishwashers installed in platforms to prevent seniors from bending over.
Adjust the heights of counter tops to reduce the amount of bending and increase the amount of support. This one adjustment can make kitchen tasks much easier and less stressful to perform.
For more information, The National Private Duty Association (NPDA) is presenting a Free Family Caregiver Web Conference “Creating a Senior Friendly Home to Help Parents Age in Place” on June 16, 2011, at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) (8:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. CT, 6:00 p.m. MT, 5:00 p.m. PT). The 45-minute web conference topics include: • designing a home for senior safety and comfort • addressing changing health needs • appropriate furnishings and • ambient technology. Free of charge to participants but pre-registration for the event is required. To register and for more information on the NP DA visit www.privatedutyhomecare.org.
Posted in Senior Health |Important information about the prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis
May 23rd, 2011
Overland Park, Kansas – When you think about staying healthy, you probably think about making lifestyle changes to prevent cancer and heart disease. But keeping your bones healthy is just as important. Here are some important facts provided by the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Approximately 44 million Americans have low bone density or osteoporosis. In fact, about one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. By 2020, half of all Americans over age 50 are expected to have low bone density or osteoporosis.
There are many reasons people get osteoporosis. Some of these include having a family history of broken bones, smoking, not getting enough physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, drinking too much alcohol, taking certain medicines and having certain medical conditions. Osteoporosis can sneak up on you. You can’t feel your bones becoming weaker. You could have osteoporosis now or be at risk without realizing it. A bone mineral densitytest can tell if you have osteoporosis before you experience symptoms, such as breaking a bone. Osteoporosis isn’t just a problem for older Caucasian women. While osteoporosis is common among white women, men and women of all races and ethnicities can develop the disease. It can also strike at any age.
If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are many things you can do to prevent broken bones and live a full, active life. Talk to your doctor about the different osteoporosis medicines available to help maintain or improve bone density, thereby reducing your risk of broken bones. You can greatly improve your quality of life if you can avoid breaking bones. Learn how to avoid falls by paying attention to your surroundings and taking precautions when moving around. Eat well and move more. Even with an osteoporosis diagnosis, you should continue to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D as well as exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program or work with a physical therapist to tailor activity to your needs.
For more information contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 850, Washington, DC 20036, 800.231.4222.
Posted in Senior Health, Uncategorized |Helping your elderly loved-ones make difficult life transitions
May 13th, 2011
Leawood, Kansas - Watching your parents go from family leaders to those who need your help isn’t easy. Yet you need to realize how fortunate you are to have the privilege to do so. Life expectancy is on the rise in the U.S., so we need to prepare for what that means for our parents. The following tips should make things easier when it comes time for your parent or parents to make these difficult life transitions:
1. Handing over the car keys. While the elderly often know deep in their hearts when they aren’t up to the task of driving safely, they often resist admitting it. Take them (and yourself) out of the equation and get a doctor’s evaluation. If it turns out to indeed be time to stop driving, help ease their concerns by researching transportation options to present to them.
2. Making a move. Whether your parent simply needs to downsize or it’s time for the move to assisted living, there are ways to help with this decision. To save you time and stress, hire an experienced professional to help with the research of living facilities and options in your area. Oftentimes, these professionals have access to resources and have first-hand knowledge of available facilities. Ask if these assisted living facilities allow trial visits so that your parent can stay a week or two before deciding to move. If your parent agrees to give it a go beyond the trial, don’t sell the house until you are sure the adjustment has been made. It can take up to four months to accept the change.
3. Relinquish power over finances. Ideally, your parents’ trust in you is intact so that doesn’t complicate an already difficult transition. However, you must be aware of their concerns and address them completely. Although you are likely more used to electronic banking and ATM’s than they are, assure your parents that you will keep them informed of your actions at all times. If possible, it may also help to use a personal banker – a service some banks provide at no charge – in order to handle any ongoing bank transactions. This is especially helpful if your parents are not comfortable with family discussions or decisions in regard to financial matters.
In any of these and other difficult life transitions, you will need to use your best psychology and do whatever it takes to put your parents’ anxiety to rest. If you start to lose patience, ask yourself how you would feel in their place. Remember that your mom and dad are adults and deserve your respect no matter what their limitations are and you’ll do just fine.
Posted in Caregiver Issues |
May is Older Americans Month
April 29th, 2011
Leawood, Kansas – Every May since 1963, people in towns and cities across the country have come together to celebrate the enormous contributions of older Americans—borne of wisdom, experience, and the will to realize their dreams and speak their minds. Older Americans Month is our chance to show our appreciation and support our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities.
The theme of this year’s celebration—Older Americans: Connecting the Community—pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities. Their shared histories, diverse experiences, and wealth of knowledge have made our culture, economy, and local character what they are today. The theme also highlights the many ways technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier and more engaged lives.
In fact, older Americans are more active in community life than ever before, thanks in part to advances in health care, education, technology, and financial stability over the last several decades that have greatly increased their vitality and standard of living. Older adults are out and about giving back and making a difference in their community.
Our seniors are mentoring the leaders of tomorrow, taking to heart the need for intergenerational learning to guide and inspire young minds. They offer a take on times gone by not discussed in any history class—a unique perspective that sheds new light on contemporary issues.
Older Americans step up to help one another as well. Across the country, seniors connect with other seniors by delivering meals, helping with home repair, assisting with shopping, and offering companionship, counseling, and care. Their efforts remind us that when older adults are active and engaged in their communities, everyone benefits.
Help us celebrate Older Americans Month! Join your neighbors not only to recognize what older citizens bring to our communities, but also to help them continue playing a vital role in weaving a unique and lasting community fabric.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find out about volunteer opportunities with programs that provide services for seniors to improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, deliver food and nutrition services, provide financial counseling, sponsor social and civic activities, and more. We think you will discover that when you help seniors thrive in your community, you gain far more than you give.
Posted in Senior Health |Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
April 22nd, 2011
Overland Park, Kansas – Every year, tens of thousands of elderly Americans are abused in their own homes, in relatives’ homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care. If your elderly loved one spends time with a caregiver, it is important that you educate yourself about the signs of elder abuse. While most caregivers are skilled and conscientious, some are neglectful or even deliberately abusive. To be sure that your elderly loved one remains as safe and healthy as possible, be alert for the following warning signs:
General Warning Signs
Visit as frequently as you can and be on the lookout for major behavioral or personality changes in your elderly loved one. These do not indicate abuse in every case, but can be a sign that something may be wrong. Another general warning sign is a high level of tension between senior and caregiver. If a caregiver will not permit you to see your loved one alone, you should be concerned about possible abuse.
Specific Warning Signs: Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may include behaviors such as hitting or shoving, but can also encompass the misuse of restraints and even drugs. Many of the warning signs of this kind of abuse are themselves physical in nature, including:
- Welts, bruises, or scars, particularly if they cannot be reasonably explained
- Broken lenses or frames in eyeglasses
- Signs of restraints such as rope marks
- Broken bones or sprains
Specific Warning Signs: Neglect
Neglect is the most common form of elder abuse. Warning signs of neglect include:
- Unhealthful living conditions such as soiled clothing or a filthy kitchen
- Weight loss or dehydration
- Untreated ailments such as open sores
- Clothing unsuited to the temperature or weather
Protecting Your Elderly Loved One
If you suspect that elder abuse is occurring, report it to the agency in your state that handles these matters. If your loved one is in immediate danger of serious injury, call 911 for emergency assistance.
What to do after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
April 12th, 2011
Overland Park, Kansas – You just learned your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. At first you might be relieved to get an answer as to why he or she is so confused, and then the reality of the disease hits you. How is the disease going to progress? What should I expect? How will I take care of my parent? Can he or she remain at home with in-home care, do I need a geriatric care manager to help me and the rest of the family with short term and long term planning or do I need to think about moving my parent to an assisted living or nursing home? Do I need an elder law attorney to discuss legal issues? Questions and fear of the unknown can make a stressful situation even harder to handle.
Understanding the progression of the disease so you can determine the best care for your parent should be a priority (look for support at your local Alzheimer’s Association – Heart of America Chapter (913) 831-3888 or (800) 733-1981). The Alzheimer’s experience can be different for each person, although there are many common behaviors that are shared by those affected. Typically, difficulty with remembering dates and times or new information is the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease. You parent might have gotten lost driving home from the grocery store where they have shopped for 20 years or they forget to take their medicine for days at a time. As the disease progresses, you may see increased confusion, irritability, aggression, depression, sleeplessness, incontinence and long-term memory loss.
If possible, keeping your parent at home is often a good way for them to cope with the changes they are facing—the less change the better. Assistance with daily living needs—such as laundry, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping and personal care – can be made easier for your parent and you by hiring a private pay home care agency. A good agency will provide a caregiver or team of caregivers that have experience working with individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Having someone other than you as the primary caregiver will also allow you to maintain the important child/parent bond and not be the subject of your parent’s frustration or outbursts. It’s important for you and your loved-one to participate together on activities and interactions that bring a sense of joy and celebration. This will go a long way in adding to the quality of life and help your parent maintain a sense of self.
Posted in Alzheimer's-Dementia Care |
