Helpful Articles
Spring Hills continually strives to exceed the expectations of our residents through programs and services that support their well-being socially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We also want to be a premier resource for our families. Check out our articles and information section below for the most up to date information about senior living and caregiving for loved ones.
Getting Started on Organic Foods - The Basics
Source: earth-hugger.com Organic foods and products are becoming more and more popular, but if you don’t know a lot about organic food; you probably don’t realize why they’re worth spending the extra money on. Here’s some information that will hopefully help you make the healthy switch to organics. With most foods, producers must list their ingredients, but you’re left on the dark on how those ingredients are grown and processed. With certified organic food, you know exactly how the food was grown, processed, and that all the ingredients contained are natural and virtually free of harmful chemicals. With organics, you can feel assured that your family is getting healthy, quality products. One of the most publicized benefits of eating organic food is that it’s grown free of pesticides, herbicides, unnatural fertilizers and other potentially harmful chemicals. If produce is grown using these chemicals, they remain present in the plant and can be found in your body if you eat them. These are chemicals that, since being approved for widespread use, have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and other life threatening illnesses. Chemical buildup in your body can also cause you to store fat more easily and metabolize food less efficiently. While many people focus on the benefits and decreased risk of eating organic produce, they often neglect organic meat and dairy products. In order to increase milk production, many dairy cows are given a bovine growth hormone. This is passed into the milk you drink and may cause an increase in cancers. These hormones may also cause infections that can also be carried with the milk if it isn’t properly treated. Harmful hormones are also given to beef cattle to increase their size. These hormones are not allowed in the production of organic beef and dairy products. An additional benefit of organic food is that it contains more vitamins and nutrients than traditionally grown plants. These nutrients have been known to prevent heart disease, prevent cancer, build strong bones, treat PMS and depression, and even help prevent you from dying during a heart attack. These beneficial materials help keep you feeling better and keep you from getting sick less often. They also help your system function more efficiently; just as decreased chemicals do. A more efficient system means you have more energy to get up move and face your day. Eating organic products is beneficial to help keep your body in working order, but it’s even more important for the health of your children. To aid in growth, children eat more pound for pound than adults do. That means they’re taking in a lot more of these chemicals. These chemicals also can have more toxic affects on children when present in the same concentrations as in adults. That’s why it’s important to monitor what your children eat and make sure it contains lots of healthy, safe organic foods. Not too long ago, you had to travel all around town just to get a few organic vegetables. Now you cannot only find organic vegetables at grocery stores, but also organic meats, pastas, and even deodorant. If you shop around, you may also be able to find these products at reasonable prices as well. This means that you have no more excuses to put off eating healthier organic foods today. So get out there and start your new healthy life.
Spring Hills Mount Vernon Residents Enjoy Tea
Source: Mount Vernon Patch Residents from Spring Hills Senior Communities in Mount Vernon enjoyed an afternoon at The Pink Bicycle Tea Room in historic Occoquan on January 11. While indulging in fresh baked scones with cream and jam and four varieties of tea, residents learned the health and wellness benefits of different tea types from Tea Room owner Lisa Renee Johnson. For full article, click here.
Diet for an Elder
Source: livestrong.com If you are over age 70, your dietary needs are different than a younger adult because your metabolism has slowed, but your need for nutrients is the same or higher than when you were younger. To get the full range of vitamins and minerals you need while keeping calories in check, focus on nutrient-dense and high-fiber foods, such as whole grains and whole fruits or vegetables. As a follow-up to the release of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's revised MyPyramid interactive food guide in 2005, experts at Tufts University designed the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults to take into account the unique nutritional needs of senior citizens. The experts published it as a stand-alone graphic in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of Nutrition because they believed older Americans were less likely to have Internet access. Unlike the standard MyPyramid, this graphic features food icons to reflect the best choices in each food category. It also includes a foundation bar under the pyramid with icons representing water and physical activities to emphasize senior citizens' need for fluids and exercise. A flag atop the pyramid highlights the fact that some senior citizens may need vitamin supplements. Older adults should eat 1.5 to 2.5 cups of fruit, 2 to 3.5 cups of vegetables, 5 to 10 oz. of grains, 5 to 7 oz. of meat or beans, and 3 cups of low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese each day, according to the National Institute on Aging. The amount of food you need within these ranges depends on your gender and level of exercise. For example, an older woman who is not physically active needs only 1,600 calories per day. By contrast, an active older male should get about 2,800 calories a day. It's not always easy to measure portions, particularly when you're eating out. Here are some visual devices you can use to estimate portion sizes: In addition to food, you need a minimal daily intake of fluids to remove waste from your system, promote cell turnover, maintain your blood volume and regulate your body temperature. Your personal fluid needs will vary based on your medications, level of physical activity and the ambient temperature. As a senior citizen, you are more susceptible to dehydration because aging may cause you to lose your thirst sensation. The average daily fluid needs for Americans over 70 is 12 cups for women and 16 cups for men, according to Tufts University experts. You can get fluids from drinking water or other beverages, or from foods with high fluid content, such as fruits. A healthy diet for senior citizens should include only small amounts of fat. To lower your fat consumption, choose lean cuts of meat and remove any skin before cooking. Use low-fat or fat-free products. Grill, roast or broil meats instead of frying them. Opt for spices on vegetables to ramp up flavor so you can reduce the amount of butter or oil you use to flavor them. Use nonstick pans, which allow you to omit or use less oil for sauteing. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/261864-diet-for-an-elder/Overview
Modified MyPyramid
Amounts
Measurements
Fluids
Fats
Moving Into An Assisted Living Residence: Making a Successful Transition
Source: longtermcareliving.com You have made the decision to move into an assisted living residence. Yet you still have many questions. Do I really need the help? Will I make new friends? Will I receive help when I need it? Will I continue to see my family and friends? While all these questions are common, the answer to all of them is the same— Yes! You can make new friends, you can receive the personal assistance you need, and you can continue to see your family and friends. Change can be challenging. The time it takes to transition is different for everyone. The keys to success are preparation, a positive attitude, a supportive network of family and friends, along with patience and understanding—all will prepare you for a smooth transition. One of the biggest differences between living in your own home and assisted living is the number of people under one roof. You will have the opportunity to be around your contemporaries and make new friends. However, that doesn’t mean you will lose your privacy. Your apartment is your space. Friends and family can visit you, but you determine when. You may want to request a key to your apartment for added privacy and security. Soon after selecting a facility, residents say to begin planning for your move, including deciding which personal items such as furniture, keepsakes, and photographs to move. Based upon their personal experiences, many residents suggest you see the actual apartment or unit that you will move into and take measurements. Ask the administrator or director what furniture, if any, the residence will provide. Some residences may provide minimal furniture, such as a bed or chair upon request; other residences encourage you to bring whatever furnishings will make you feel comfortable in your new home. Experience indicates that making choices about personal possessions is difficult at the time; however, one resident said, “It’s not as bad as you think . . . Try to remain positive and have family and friends help you.” Residents suggest that you might want to leave large pieces of furniture at home, since your apartment will probably be smaller than your current home. They also suggest that you bring smaller prized possessions to create that “at-home” feeling in your new assisted living apartment. And, for those possessions that you can’t part with but aren’t sure that you want to bring with you, consider putting those items in a storage unit or asking family to temporarily store the items for you. This way you will have time to determine which items are important to have with you at your new home. You should start packing well in advance of the actual move. Sort through your clothes and decide what you will need and how much your new closets will hold. Residents advise to be sure to look at available closet and storage space to avoid bringing more than the closets can hold. Avoid bringing too many of one thing such as coats. When moving day arrives and you are ready to set up your new home, ask family and friends to help arrange and organize your apartment. Many assisted living residences have staff members who can help move your furniture and other heavy pieces into your new apartment. You will want to find out what assistance the residence offers before you arrive on moving day. Although staff, family members, and friends are there to help you, it is important that you decide how your apartment is arranged. Remember, arranging your apartment to suit your preferences will make your adjustment easier. Moving is hard. It can make anyone feel overwhelmed and stressed. However, these feelings are generally temporary and disappear after you establish your own routine. “Give it time and you will adjust,” said one resident. In talking with other residents, you will find many of them felt the same way. Some residents found comfort in talking with clergy. Others found comfort in talking to a neighbor or close friend. Residents say the best strategy is to stay busy, introduce yourself to other residents, and participate in the activities. It is normal to have a tendency to stay in your apartment at first. Yet, getting out and meeting other residents as well as participating in activities were repeatedly identified as the quickest ways to become comfortable with your new surroundings. Everyone is different. Some people embrace the move with open arms, while for others it may not be as easy. Whatever your feelings, current residents say these feelings are normal. Give yourself time to adjust. If you feel you are taking longer to adjust than what you consider normal, then you might benefit from discussing your concerns and feelings with the administrator or director of the residence.A Guide for New Residents & Families
A Guide for New Residents & Families
A Guide for New Residents & Families
A Guide for New Residents & Families
A Guide for New Residents & Families
A Guide for New Residents & Families
Suggested Do’s For Friends and Relatives
Suggested Don'ts for Friends and Relatives
In Spinal-Fluid Test, an Early Warning on Alzheimer’s
Source: The New York Times By Gina Kolata Researchers report that a spinal fluid test can be 100 percent accurate in identifying a signature level of abnormal proteins in patients
with significant memory loss who went on to develop Alzheimer's disease. Although there has been increasing evidence of the value of this and other tests in finding signs of Alzheimer’s, the study, which will appear Tuesday in the Archives of Neurology, shows how accurate they can be. The new result is one of a number of remarkable recent findings about Alzheimer’s.
After decades when nothing much seemed to be happening, when this
progressive brain disease seemed untreatable and when its diagnosis
could be confirmed only at autopsy, the field has suddenly woken up.
Alzheimer’s, medical experts now agree, starts a decade or more before
people have symptoms. And by the time there are symptoms, it may be too
late to save the brain. So the hope is to find good ways to identify
people who are getting the disease, and use those people as subjects in
studies to see how long it takes for symptoms to occur and in studies of
drugs that may slow or stop the disease.
Researchers are finding simple and accurate ways to detect Alzheimer’s
long before there are definite symptoms. In addition to spinal fluid
tests they also have new PET scans of the brain that show the telltale
amyloid plaques that are a unique feature of the disease. And they are
testing hundreds of new drugs that, they hope, might change the course
of the relentless brain cell death that robs people of their memories
and abilities to think and reason.
“This is what everyone is looking for, the bull’s-eye of perfect predictive accuracy,” Dr. Steven DeKosky, dean of the University of Virginia medical school, who is not connected to the new research, said about the spinal tap study.
Dr. John Morris, a professor of neurology at Washington University, said the new study “establishes that there is a signature of Alzheimer’s and that it means something. It is very powerful.”
A lot of work lies ahead, researchers say — making sure the tests are
reliable if they are used in doctors’ offices, making sure the research
findings hold up in real-life situations, getting doctors and patients
comfortable with the notion of spinal taps, the method used to get
spinal fluid. But they see a bright future.
Although the latest PET scans for Alzheimer’s are not commercially available, the spinal fluid tests are.
So the new results also give rise to a difficult question: Should
doctors offer, or patients accept, commercially available spinal tap
tests to find a disease that is yet untreatable? In the research
studies, patients are often not told they may have the disease, but in
practice in the real world, many may be told.
Some medical experts say it should be up to doctors and their patients.
Others say doctors should refrain from using the spinal fluid test in
their practices. They note that it is not reliable enough — results can
vary by lab — and has been studied only in research settings where
patients are carefully selected to have no other conditions, like
strokes or depression, that could affect their memories.
“This is literally on the cutting edge of where the field is,” Dr.
DeKosky said. “The field is moving fast. You can get a test that is
approved by the F.D.A., and cutting edge doctors will use it.”
But, said Dr. John Trojanowski, a University of Pennsylvania researcher and senior author of the paper, given that people can get the test now, “How early do you want to label people?”
Some, like Dr. John Growdon, a neurology professor at Massachusetts General Hospital who wrote an editorial accompanying the paper, said that decision was up to doctors and their patients.
Sometimes patients with severe memory loss do not have the disease.
Doctors might want to use the test in cases where they want to be sure
of the diagnosis. And they might want to offer the test to people with
milder symptoms who want to know whether they are developing the
devastating brain disease.
One drawback, though, is that spinal fluid is obtained with a spinal
tap, and that procedure, with its reputation for pain and headaches,
makes most doctors and many patients nervous. The procedure involves
putting a needle in the spinal space and withdrawing a small amount of
fluid.
Dr. Growdon and others say spinal taps are safe and not particularly
painful for most people. But, he said, there needs to be an education
campaign to make people feel more comfortable about having them. He
suggested that, because most family doctors and internists are not
experienced with the test, there could be special spinal tap centers
where they could send patients.
The new study included more than 300 patients in their 70s, 114 with normal memories, 200 with memory
problems and 102 with Alzheimer’s disease. Their spinal fluid was
analyzed for amyloid beta, a protein fragment that forms plaques in the
brain, and for tau, a protein that accumulates in dead and dying nerve
cells in the brain. To avoid bias, the researchers analyzing the data
did not know anything about the clinical status of the subjects. Also,
the subjects were not told what the tests showed.
Nearly every person with Alzheimer’s had the characteristic spinal fluid
protein levels. Nearly three quarters of people with mild cognitive
impairment, a memory impediment that can precede Alzheimer’s, had
Alzheimer’s-like spinal fluid proteins. And about a third of people with
normal memories had spinal fluid indicating Alzheimer’s. Researchers
suspect that those people will develop memory problems.
In checking their findings against data gathered in a separate study,
the researchers found that among 57 patients with mild cognitive
impairment who went on to develop Alzheimer’s within five years, 100
percent had the characteristic protein levels five years before.
The prevailing hypothesis about Alzheimer’s says that amyloid and tau
accumulation are necessary for the disease and that stopping the
proteins could stop the disease. But it is not yet known what happens
when these proteins accumulate in the brains of people with normal
memories. They might be a risk factor like high cholesterol
levels. Many people with high cholesterol levels never have heart
attacks. Or it might mean that Alzheimer’s has already started and if
the person lives long enough he or she will with absolute certainty get
symptoms like memory loss.
Many, like Dr. DeKosky, believe that when PET scans for amyloid become
available, they will be used instead of spinal taps, in part because
doctors and patients are more comfortable with brain scans.
And when — researchers optimistically are saying “when” these days —
drugs are shown to slow or prevent the disease, the thought is that
people will start having brain scans or spinal taps for Alzheimer’s as
routinely as they might have colonoscopies or mammograms today.
For now, Dr. DeKosky said, the days when Alzheimer’s could be confirmed
only at autopsy are almost over. And the time when Alzheimer’s could be
detected only after most of the brain damage was done seem to be ending,
too.
“The new biomarkers in CSF have made the difference,” Dr. DeKosky said,
referring to cerebral spinal fluid. “This confirms their accuracy in a
very big way.”
Published: August 9, 2010
Tips for Improving Brain Function
Source: cerebromente.org As we age, many of us notice a loss of mental sharpness and think that this
is just part of getting older, but aging cannot explain the current epidemic
of severe mental deterioration. The fact is the human brain is highly susceptible
to living in a modern 'developed' society. Poor lifestyle and diet, ongoing
stress, smoking and environmental pollutants all damage fragile brain cells.
Alcohol consumption and many pharmaceutical drugs can cause severe memory
loss. More and more children are showing behavioral and learning difficulties
linked to pollutant exposures, and such difficulties can persist into adulthood. Alzheimer's has become so common it is now accepted as a 'disease' of
the elderly. People who abuse their bodies through poor diet and lifestyle can experience mental fall-off as early as their 30's, and for many others the problems become really noticeable during their mid 40's. These people who perform the worst for their age group are at an increased risk of severe cognitive deterioration in later life, unless they make a commitment to rebuilding brain function. The brain uses 20% of the body's energy. It requires constant oxygen which it receives from the bloodstream and uses approximately 25% of all oxygen inhaled. Brain physiology is highly complex and has the power to influence everything we do. The brain's fundamental cellular units are called neurons. Neurons have receptors which take messages from neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that travel between cells. These neurotransmitters are able to bind to neuron receptors and create specific brain activities. The process is complex and the good condition of the protein and fat-based cell membranes in the brain is essential to its success. Changes in cell membranes actually occur from moment to moment and are uniquely affected by factors such as emotions, diet and the immune system. Even slight alterations in this specialized cell membrane design can have negative consequences on the ability of neurotransmitters to produce the desired effects and can ultimately cause 'dis-ease'. Serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are the most commonly known neurotransmitters. Too much or too little of certain neurotransmitters can result in conditions such as depression, anxiety or hyperactivity and may contribute to diseases of the brain such as Alzheimers or Parkinson's disease. A healthy diet that attends to the specific needs of the brain may help neurons to achieve the most desirable chemical balance naturally. The brain being a hungry organ depends first of all on a healthy liver and gastrointestinal tract to use food well: to properly absorb nutrients and deliver them to the brain, to remove toxins and to maintain proper immune system activity. ecause the brain cells are largely composed of fat, the right kinds of fat in the diet are one of the most critical elements in creating and maintaining brain health. The same precious Omega-3 fatty acids that promote healthy hearts can also help our brains. Primary sources of those health-giving fats are fatty cold-water fish including salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring and Atlantic sturgeon. Eat fish a minimum of three times a week. Canola, olive and flax-seed oil are good plant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, with flax seeds, which can also be ground and added to foods, being the supreme, most recommended source DHA, one of the Omega-3 fatty acids, is the primary structural fatty acid in the gray matter of the brain, which promotes communication between brain cells by allowing synapses to remain soft and functional. By helping build myelin sheaths around nerve fibers, DHA facilitates chemical message transmittal. It helps the brain monitor mood and memory as well. As a component of breast milk, DHA promotes higher intelligence in children. The B-complex vitamins work in chorus to promote brain and immune system health by protecting nerve tissue against oxidation, enhancing memory and insulating nerve cells. Your body requires B vitamins to produce many neurotransmitters. Besides meat, there are many good vegetarian sources of B vitamins, including whole grain pasta, grains, rice, wheat germ and nuts. Because the brain in made up largely of fatty acids, it is susceptible to oxidation damage caused by free radicals - highly reactive molecules that attack and damage cell membranes, protein and even our genetic code - and in doing so bring about age and 'dis-ease'. Antioxidants are nutrients which combat and neutralize free radicals. The primary weapons in this ongoing fight are vitamins C and E, carotenoids and the mineral selenium. Many foods are rich sources of antioxidants. Carotenoids are found in dark orange and dark green leafy vegetable, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, kale and spinach. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and vegetable like broccoli and peppers. Vitamin E is found in seeds and nuts as well as soybeans and vegetable oils. Selenium is present in seafood, grains and Brazil nuts. Supplementation or reinforcement of antioxidants is recommended since they are the major police force of the body, thought to deflect virtually all chronic 'dis-eases' including heart disease, cancer, cataracts, Parkinson's and the aging process itself. We all want a brain that stays healthy when we're older, but we also want a brain that's working at top speed and efficiency today. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Start out the day with a meal that is low in fat, high in protein and low in carbs and sugar. This will help you achieve peak mental performance during the day. Specifically eat protein first and then complex carbohydrates in your meal. The goal is to have the amino acid L-Tyrosine found in protein-rich foods reach the brain first, followed by L-Tryptophan, an amino acid whose relaxing effects are strengthened by carbohydrates. Caffeine can improve mental alertness but limit its use to prevent addiction. It can leave you with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as stress, anxiety and irritability, and can be detrimental to overall health. Alcohol slows brain function and should be avoided if high mental performance or concentration is required. A lifestyle which includes ample relaxation time, meditation, proper exercise and plenty of sleep all help to regenerate and invigorate our mental state. In short, the way we eat can not only help us be more intelligent, alert and successful in mental activities, but also more balanced in our emotions and behavior. The way to build a foundation for a healthy brain is with a healthy diet and supplementation. Phosphatidylserine - phospholipid substance that is a major building block for brain membranes. Proven to boost energetic and electrical activity across the entire brain. Phosphatidylcholine - found in soy products and lecithin. Readily converts to acetylcholine, the memory neurotransmitter in the brain. L-Glutamine - used as an energy source by the brain and is converted into glutamic acid, essential for cerebral function, and GABA, an important neurotransmitter. Acetyl L-Camitine - essential for converting fatty acids into metabolic energy, capable of readily crossing the blood brain barrier where it promotes the synthesis of acetylcholine. Hyperzine A (club moss) - functions as a cholinesterose inhibitor which prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine. Vinpocetine (periwinkle) - increases metabolism of the brain by increasing blood flow, increases the rate at which the brain cells produce ATP (energy) and speeds up the use of glucose and oxygen in the brain. Co Q10 - plays a critical role in the production of energy in every cell of the body. Increases tissue oxygenation. Ginko biloba - herb which increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Gotu kola - herb which energizes the brain and increases alertness (great replacement for coffee drinkers). By Chuck Homuth The Brain and a Healthy Diet
Staying Healthy
Top Tips for Caregivers
Having a life as a caregiver can be quite difficult at times, and here at Spring Hills Senior Communities we understand that. Below we have found an article for specific tips when acting as a caregiver. Source: Nationalpainfoundation.org Taking care of a suffering child or parent is one of the biggest challenges a person can face. We have collected a list of "Top Tips" to make your day-to-day more manageable. For additional information and advice, please refer to the books and web sites listed on ourResources for Caregivers page. It's sometimes hard to admit how often the most basic courtesies can go out the window when we're feeling stressed. If you're cranky, tired or overwhelmed – and those emotions are surfacing as impatience or anger – take a moment to recenter yourself for the task at hand. Breathing exercises, a short walk around the block or even just closing your eyes for 10 seconds and reminding yourself of your capabilities can make a difficult or irritating task all the more bearable – and your loved one all the more thankful. No matter what caregiving situation you find yourself in, your health must remain your top priority. Without a strong mind and body, you won't be of much help to anyone. Remember to get regular check-ups, adequate exercise and plenty of sleep. Also try to eat as healthfully as possible. If your back is bothering you, talk to your doctor about exercise programs (such as Pilates or yoga) that can help build strength. Don't forget that caregiving is taxing on the mind as well. Be sure to pay special attention to how you're feeling and be on the look out for signs of depression. Educate yourself about your loved one's health conditions and how to communicate effectively with doctors. When a loved one is in pain, it is sometimes easy to feel hopeless about the condition and outcome. The more you know about the specific illness or injury that your family member is living with, the more confident you'll feel about your caregiving. Research the condition as well as the various types of treatments used to treat it. That way, you'll be an active participant in the healing process. For more information about how to speak with the doctor on your parent's behalf, click here for our Caregiver Dos and Don'tat the Doctor's Office. Recognizing when you're overwhelmed – and remembering that no one person can do everything – is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your loved one. Even though it's sometimes difficult to ask for help (especially from those who have disappointed you in the past), there is no harm in trying again. It may be helpful to create a specific "To Do" list for others who are willing to lend a hand. When delegating to friends or family, be honest about your needs and be specific about your expectations. You may be surprised what results can come from simply saying, "I need your help." If the people in your life are unable to lend a hand, there often are community organizations that can help lighten the load. Research resources in your hometown (such as Meals on Wheels, companion programs for the elderly and infirm offered through religious, philanthropic or social organizations, or caregiver support networks) that can offer the respite and support you need. Isolation is a problem for many caregivers. Many believe that no one can understand what they're going through. Make an effort to tell others in the family what's going on; your openness and honesty can be the first step in bringing everyone together in a united mission. One way to keep people posted on what's happening is to build a web site where you can share your thoughts and experiences. Not sure where to start? Caring Bridge offers free, personalized web sites with patient care journals, guestbooks and photo galleries. Everyone needs a time out once in a while. Most of us even need a time out every day. We're just not wired to work 24/7 and, in fact, there's no shorter route to burnout than an unforgiving schedule. So cut yourself some slack, and make the time to pursue the activities and hobbies you enjoy. Whether it's knitting, going out for coffee with friends or training for a marathon, it's important to you and should not be sacrificed in the name ofcaregiving. If your loved one needs constant companionship, look into short-term respite care resources in your community. Often times, there is someone willing to "take a shift" and give you the rest and relaxation you deserve. Whether you're feeling stressed to the max or just need some sound advice, you might want to consider hiring a Geriatric Care Manager. Not only can these professionals recommend coping strategies for you and your loved one, but they also can act as advocates for patient rights and ensure that your parent is receiving the best care. For more information about how to find and hire a Geriatric Care Manager, conduct a Google search or contact the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. For full article click here.Treat Your Loved Ones With Patience, Kindness and Respect
Take Care of Yourself
Ask for Help
Communicate
Take a Break
Call the Professionals
For full PDF of article click here.
Get Set for Winter Illness Season
Flu season is here, and prevention is key to staying healthy. We thought this article could be helpful to ensure you stay healthy, and flu free during the illness season! Source: Consumeraffairs.com In much of the Northern Hemisphere, this is prime time for colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. While contagious viruses are active year-round, fall and winter are when we're all most vulnerable to them. This is due in large part to people spending more time indoors with others when the weather gets cold. Most respiratory bugs come and go within a few days, with no lasting effects. However, some cause serious health problems. Although symptoms of colds and flu can be similar, the two are different. Cold vs. flu Colds are usually distinguished by a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. Other symptoms include coughing, a scratchy throat, and watery eyes. No vaccine against colds exists because they can be caused by many types of viruses. Often spread through contact with mucus, colds come on gradually. Flu comes on suddenly, is more serious, and lasts longer than colds. The good news is that yearly vaccination can help protect you from getting the flu. Flu season in the United States generally runs from November to April. Flu symptoms include fever, headache, chills, dry cough, body aches, fatigue, and general misery. Like colds, flu can cause a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Young children may also experience nausea and vomiting with flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Flu vaccine, available as a shot or a nasal spray, remains the best way to prevent and control influenza. The best time to get a flu vaccination is from October through November, although getting it in December and January is not too late. A new flu shot is needed every year because the predominant flu viruses may change every year. All people six months of age and older should be vaccinated. However, you should talk to your health care professional before getting vaccinated if you: Flu vaccination for health care workers is urged because unvaccinated workers can be a primary cause of outbreaks in health care settings. Certain people are more at risk for developing complications from flu; they should be immunized as soon as vaccine is available. These groups include: Note that only one vaccine is needed for the 2010-2011 influenza season. During last flu season, two different vaccines were needed; one to prevent seasonal influenza and another to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. This year's seasonal flu vaccine protects against three strains of influenza, including the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Also, a vaccine specifically for people 65 years and older is available this year. Called Fluzone High-Dose, this vaccine induces a stronger immune response and is intended to better protect the elderly against seasonal influenza. This vaccine -- which was approved by FDA in 2009 -- was developed because the immune system typically becomes weaker with age, leaving people at increased risk of seasonal flu-related complications that may lead to hospitalization and death. Wash your hands often. Teach children to do the same. Both colds and flu can be passed through coughing, sneezing, and contaminated surfaces, including the hands. CDC recommends regular washing of your hands with warm, soapy water for about 15 seconds. FDA says that while soap and water are undoubtedly the first choice for hand hygiene, alcohol-based hand rubs may be used if soap and water are not available. However, the agency cautions against using the alcohol-based rubs when hands are visibly dirty. This is because organic material such as dirt or blood can inactivate the alcohol, rendering it unable to kill bacteria. Try to limit exposure to infected people. Keep infants away from crowds for the first few months of life. This is especially important for premature babies who may have underlying abnormalities such as lung or heart disease. Also, people who use tobacco or who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more prone to respiratory illnesses and more severe complications than nonsmokers. Usually, colds and flu simply have to be allowed to run their course. You can try to relieve symptoms without taking medicine. Gargling with salt water may relieve a sore throat. And a cool-mist humidifier may help relieve stuffy noses. Here are other steps to consider: If you want to unclog a stuffy nose, then nasal decongestants may help. Cough suppressants quiet coughs; expectorants loosen mucus so you can cough it up; antihistamines help stop a runny nose and sneezing; and pain relievers can ease fever, headaches, and minor aches. In addition, there are prescription antiviral medications approved by FDA that are indicated for treating the flu. Talk to your health care professional to find out what will work best for you. OTC products Be wary of unproven treatments. It's best to use treatments that have been approved by FDA. Many people believe that products with certain ingredients -- vitamin C or Echinacea, for example -- can treat winter illnesses. Unless FDA has approved a product for treatment of specific symptoms, you cannot assume the product will treat those symptoms. Tell your health care professionals about any supplements or herbal remedies you use. The safest strategy is to make sure your health care professional and pharmacist know about every product you are taking, including nonprescription drugs and any dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbals. Check with a doctor before giving medicine to children. Get medical advice before treating children suffering from cold and flu symptoms. Do not give children medication that is labeled only for adults. Don't give aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines to children and teenagers. Children and teenagers suffering from flu-like symptoms, chickenpox, and other viral illnesses shouldn't take aspirin. Reye's syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal disease found mainly in children, has been associated with using aspirin to treat flu or chickenpox in kids. Reye's syndrome can affect the blood, liver, and brain. Some medicine labels may refer to aspirin as salicylate or salicylic acid. Be sure to educate teenagers, who may take OTC medicines without their parents' knowledge. See a health care professional if you aren't getting any better or if your symptoms worsen. Mucus buildup from a viral infection can lead to a bacterial infection. With children, be alert for high fevers and for abnormal behavior such as unusual drowsiness, refusal to eat, crying a lot, holding the ears or stomach, and wheezing. Signs of trouble for all people can include: Cold and flu complications may include bacterial infections (e.g., bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections, and pneumonia) that could require antibiotics. Remember: While antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, they don't help against viral infections such as the cold or flu. For full article click here.
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Senior Signals: Tips for choosing an in-home caregiver
We found this helpful article over at The Bristol Press, and knew it would be beneficial. Check out these tips below! Source: Bristolpress.com More than 41 million Americans have a chronic health condition that limits their daily activities in some way, according to the institute for Health & Aging at the University of California, and 12 million are unable to live independently. Of the one out of five elders who have attained age 85, more than half are impaired and need long-term care – that is, the personal assistance that enables them to perform daily routines such as eating, bathing and dressing. Most people want to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible. For those who are elderly and have disabilities, that may be possible only with outside help. Most people who need help with their daily activities rely on unpaid care provided them by family members and friends. More and more, however, seniors and their families are recognizing the benefits of hiring caregivers, to help stay in their homes longer, in comfort and safety and to give families peace of mind. Likewise, many states and the federal government are now setting aside some funds to allow people who otherwise could not afford it to pay for outside help. Here are 10 tips for choosing an in-home caregiver: 1. Assess Your Home-Care Needs: Evaluate the help that is needed in the areas of health care, personal care and household care. 2. Write a Job Description: Write out a job description based on the help that is needed. 3. Develop a Job Contract: The job contract is based on the job description and should include: Wages, Hours of Work, Employee's Social Security number (because you must report wages paid to the caregiver to the Internal Revenue Service), and job description. 4. Know Where to Look for a Caregiver: Identify the pool from which you can find a caregiver. You may have neighbors or friends who would be good prospective caregivers. If you belong to a church, ask your pastor or minister for prospects. Family members are ok, but first and foremost, hiring, managing and firing a caregiver are all business decisions, and for that reason, many family members don't make good paid help. Hire a professional caregiver if you can afford it. Don't waste time looking in places where you won't find someone suitable for you. 5. Prepare for the Interview: Prepare a list of questions to ask. Have a list for any applicant, caregiver agency, referral source or reference you may call during your search. 6. Interview Applicants: After you have screened applicants on the telephone, you should interview in person those who sound acceptable. 7. Check References: It is important to check references carefully, talking to everyone who is given as a reference. 8. Get a Criminal Background Check. 9. Hire Thoughtfully: You want to hire a caregiver who has experience in the specific areas in which you need help. People who have Alzheimer's disease often need help with toileting and bathing, for example, so look for someone who has experience in working with elders with this illness. 10. Monitor: Set up a schedule to monitor the quality of the services the caregiver provides. This is especially important for family members. Consider hiring an independent geriatric care manager to monitor if you are unable to do it yourself. Have a backup plan in case the caregiver or the agency fails to follow through or problems arise. Watch for signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation and report suspicious activity to the agency and state authorities. To view full article online click here.
Managing Your Parents Financial Affairs
We found this helpful article over at Senior Living Info, and knew it would be beneficial. Check out these tips below! Caregiving for elderly parents can quickly expand to financial management. There are some important steps to take before you find yourself in this situation to ease the transition. Some people are uncomfortable talking about finances - especially the World War II generation. However, being prepared is always a prudent step in the matter of finances. Here are a few steps to take while your parents are still involved: Where are the bank records? Brokerage statements? Insurance policies? Etc. I would recommend downloading one of the free financial organizers available on the internet and helping your parents fill it out. You can find several of them at Today's Seniors website. You will want to keep one copy for yourself at your own home. Make sure it is updated annually and verify that all of the documents are still kept in the same place. A more extensive checklist can be found in a book by Dan Taylor, "The Parent Care Solution". Your parents should have a Will and a Durable Power of Attorney (POA). The POA allows you to step in to handle their financial affairs without the need to have your name on the accounts. You will want several original POAs. Some financial institutions will only accept an original. It would be a good idea to get the POA to the financial institution ahead of time and obtain their acknowledgment that everything is in order. In some circumstances it may be better to have a living trust set up for your parents and have all assets held by the trust. You handle their affairs in this way by serving as a trustee. You should consult an attorney specializing in estate planning or elder law to determine if this is applicable to your parent's situation. The Privacy Rule in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 took effect on April 14, 2003. The HIPAA Privacy Rule regulates the use and disclosure of information from health care providers, employer health plans, health insurers, and other medical service providers. You will need a medical POA that complies with HIPAA regulations to have access to your parent's medical information. This could be a separate document or the language could be included in your durable POA. An Advance Healthcare Directive is yet another form (also known as living wills, advance directives, or advance decisions) that provides instructions specifying what actions should be taken for their health in the event that they are no longer able to make decisions due to illness or incapacity This document names a surrogate to make care and treatment decisions on their behalf, and give instructions about their health care wishes. Your attorney may include this language in the medical POA. Keep you siblings informed with of your progress. I have seen many families split over financial issues involving their parents. Ask for their input and provide periodic updates. Rather then allow financial matters to come between you, use them to bring the family together. Finally, don't hesitate to get professional help if you need it. It would be a good idea to have an attorney review the will and POA to make sure everything is in order. Especially if the documents are more than five years old. You may want to bring in a financial planner to review their investment holdings. Consider keeping them on retainer if you are uncomfortable managing investment accounts on an ongoing basis. You can find a fee-only planner through the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors website.Take Inventory
Verify all Legal Documents are in Order
Healthcare
Talk to your Siblings
How to Dance in the Rain
The story below is an account of the power of positivity when dealing with Alzheimer's Disease. It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80s arrived at the hospital to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.' I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.' True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
Some suggestions on how to choose an Assisted Living Community
We are seeing more active seniors. Americans are living longer and staying livelier with busy schedules that sometimes include a part time job or serving as volunteers. Maintaining independence is a key factor for all seniors, and the need to continue to have independence even when they can no longer live alone, or need daily assistance with routine living skills. "Seniors" will remain as autonomous as possible with advances in medicine and living alternatives such as the Assisted Living Communities that provide a lifestyle that supports ones dignity and strive for independence. Alzheimer's disease is on the rise all over the world. Many seniors have minor to mid dementia illnesses that require special activity programming, dining set up, and accommodations that allow them to maintain independence with a secured community. Assisted Living is an option for those seniors that need assistance with their daily activities that range from general physical problems that prevent them from being able to live alone or with a care giver to basic chores such as grooming and bathing. An Assisted Living environment also offers seniors the ability to take advance of housekeeping services, restaurant style dining, leisure activities, meeting new friends and warm surroundings. Many Assisted Living communities provide special and distinctive accommodations with extraordinary programs for residents that suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other memory impairments. Once you have made the decision that an Assisted Living community offers the best of both worlds, you are ready to begin your search. When looking at assisted living communities, ask the following questions: Before you start your search in earnest, it is important to do some homework. For example, find out how long the assisted living community has been in operation and how long has its parent company been in business. This information will help you determine if the community in question has established a good overall reputation or is it too new to have a proven track record. Ask the new company if ownership has changed. One of the best ways to determine whether an assisted living community is right for you is to take a tour. When planning to tour an assisted living community, a potential resident has several options: As you walk through the community, watch how the staff and residents interact. Are the residents smiling and enjoying their life at the community? Are the common areas clean? Are there areas for residents to participate in various activities? "Deciding on an Assisted Living community is very personal. The community must feel comfortable to the resident and family members that may be assisting with the decision. Everyone has different tastes. Some people like a large community with many open areas, and some choose a more intimate environment that feels cozy. Today, there are assisted living communities that suit all people and their needs – including those that offer the Medicaid Waiver Program for financially restricted seniors." When beginning to look at assisted living communities, make sure you have a checklist of amenities and services that are important to you:What is assisted living?
The search begins
Do some research.
Take a tour
How to tips
Enhance Fitness
Communities throughout the country are changing—and aging. Today, the number of people aged 65 and older is increasing significantly across the United States. Those seniors age 85 and older represent the fastest growing segment of our population. Chronic diseases are a major issue for most individuals as they age, as well as for healthcare system providers and for those who pay the bills. The number of elders coping with chronic illness and disability is expected to escalate in the coming years, increasing demand on healthcare and long-term care systems, and resulting in unnecessary pain and suffering for many older adults. It is commonly recognized that regular physical activity in the older adult population can decrease the risk of developing high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes and depression. Seniors—even the frailest—can improve their health and maintain their independence by incorporating daily physical activity into their lives. To do this, seniors need access to enjoyable physical activity opportunities designed specifically for them that are proven to be effective. One such physical activity program that is becoming more accessible to older adults across the country is Enhance Fitness. Enhance Fitness is a multi-component group exercise program designed for community-based organizations and intended to promote physical activity among older adults. The hour-long Enhance Fitness class is held over three sessions per week. Classes are taught by a fitness instructor nationally certified and trained in Enhance Fitness protocols. The instructor typically teaches at community sites, with senior centers the most likely setting. Each class includes: "I use to be very active with sports and loved to dance for fun as well as exercise. When I suffered a fall in my home which resulted in a hip fracture, I thought I would never be as active I was before. Once I moved into Spring Hills Mount Vernon, I joined their Enhance Fitness program. At first I was hesitate, then I got use to the routine. I am now in the advanced class!" shared by Mary Jones, resident of Spring Hills Mount Vernon Assisted Living.Enhance Fitness
The Sooner, The Better
No one likes to think about it, but we must face the fact that Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia cases are on the rise with a growing number of people suffering from these illnesses increasing each year. Some experts say that over the next century Alzheimer's Disease will be more prevalent than cancer and all cardiovascular diseases. So we ask ourselves, "What can I do about it?" How can I make a difference when presented with this information?" The sooner a diagnosis is made, the better chance we have to slow down the impact of these diseases. It is up to us to see signs in ourselves and loved ones early so we can get treatment that may decelerate the progression of debilitating symptoms of the illnesses. Don't let fear get the best of you. If you notice changes or something happening with yourself or a loved one, do not think the worst. Symptoms and indications of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia may be mimicked due to a range of treatable medical issues ranging from a bladder infection to thyroid problems. Ms. Reyna Post, a Licensed Certified Social Worker and Lead Primary Therapist at The Carrier Clinic in Belle Meade, New Jersey suggests "Don't be afraid. It could be something simple and easily explained ." Ms. Post works on the Older Adult Unit at The Carrier Clinic and spends time with Alzheimer's and Dementia patients each day. She also recommends, "See your primary care physician, so they may do a complete work up to determine what is actually going on". Today, many of us have several physicians we visit in addition to our primary care doctor. We see the eye doctor, cardiologist, urologist, and so on. The point is it is important that all your physicians share information. Ms. Post advises "Communication between multiple physicians regarding medicines and treatments is vital. Problems could occur as a result of a medicine or treatment that conflicts with another physician's orders." Going the next step can make a difference as well. Make sure you use one pharmacy for all your prescriptions, so they can keep an extra eye on all your medications and possible drug interactions. Another key point made by Ms. Post is, "When you visit your physicians, the pharmacy can print a complete list of all your medications and dosages for your discussions with the doctor." Here comes the tricky part. Looking for the signs in ourselves is not easy, especially when people are retired and the cognitive challenges of a career or management of a full household are no longer a part of everyday life. Since the day to day practice is of a different magnitude, noticing symptoms ourselves may be difficult. A change in ability to perform simple tasks such as cooking a simple meal you have prepared for many years habitually, trouble with basic mathematics such as balancing the check book, or just making a routine decision are samples of Red Flags to be aware of as possible Alzheimer's Disease warning signs. What can you do now? Keeping our brains challenged is a plus! For instance, doing the crossword puzzle in the newspaper, and playing cards or scrabble regularly keep your brain sharp while allowing you to see any signs that changes are occurring cognitively. Noticing symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia in others around us plays an integral part in getting our loved ones the care and assistance they need early enough in the beginning stages of these illnesses. Ms. Reyna Post, LCSW at The Carrier Clinic explains "increased confusion, especially in the afternoon, short term memory loss, and general forgetfulness are all signs to recognize. Losing the keys and finding them in a strange place, getting lost on the way home from the local market, noticing your family member has chosen not to wear a coat out on a cold winter's day, inability to remember family member names, and letting a stranger in their home could all be things to look out for." Sometimes we visit our loved ones only a few times a year and find major changes in the day to day living conditions that should send the Red Flag straight up the pole. Ms. Post notes "If the house is in unusual disarray, your loved one is wearing dirty clothes and unclean hygienically, or most of the food in the refrigerator is out of date and rotten, chances are there is a problem." When Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia is diagnosed, socialization and cognitive stimulation continue to be very helpful. To aid in the socialization structure and stimulation needs, many find that visiting companions, day care programs, and even fellow residents in an assisted living environment can be an important part of holding on to the quality of life for those suffering from these illnesses. For more information regarding Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia you can contact The Alzheimer's Association local chapter, local Department of Aging, or the Health and Human Services in your area. If you utilize the world wide web, you can find dozen's of sites with information and details on both illnesses. For a full list of resources, click here.Know The Signs of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Top Ten Considerations When Looking for an Assisted Living Facility
1. Look at the faces of the staff and residents. Do they look happy? 2. Are the staff and residents interacting together? 3. Do you smell anything unpleasant? There should never be an unpleasant odor in the community. 4. Are their grounds well kept? If the community is doing well, they typically have a good reputation, which means census is good, so they have enough funding to not only keep up with the resident needs and the interior décor, but they can maintain the grounds around the community as well. 5. What are the staff ratios per resident per shift? and staff turnover? 6. Check the survey results for the last year; ideally, look at the last 3 years. 7. Consider longevity & experience of key managers and over all staff turnover - It is important for consistency and quality. 8. What does the community offer that is drastically different than the competitors? 9. Can your loved one thrive in this community environment? 10. The most important factor...Can you see yourself living there or visiting there to see your loved one? If you answer yes, then the next step is getting their loved one involved in the decision making process. The more times they visit and the more they feel involved in their future transition, the easier the process will be on everyone.
Coping with Caregiver Burnout
Source: RightHealth and Healthology As medicine and technology continue to improve, and baby boomers continue to grow older, it is evident that life expectancy will continue to rise. Today, there are 33 million Americans who are over 65 years of age. By the year 2030, that number will double. How does this affect us? Finding quality and affordable care for our loved ones will continue to become a crisis for family members. Eldercare has become a multi-million dollar industry, and although there is a growing number of living and caring alternatives, still the responsibility of day-to-day care often falls to a family member. Caring for an aging parent or loved one requires time, patience, and energy, and almost always results in frustration and exhaustion. Caregivers strive to meet the needs of the person they are caring for at the expense of their own needs. Caregivers often experience higher stress, illness, and burnout than non-caregivers. The reality is at one point or another we will all be faced with what is often referred to as the impossible profession: caregiving. There are ways to minimize the burnout we may incur while caring for a loved one. Becoming a family caregiver is a responsibility or job no one looks forward to. In fact, it often comes about suddenly as a result of a medical crisis. In my practice I often hear, "My father just fell and broke his hip" or "my grandmother was just diagnosed with a terminal illness and needs care." No one wants to think about or prepare for these life-altering, devastating events. No one prepares to be a caregiver. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, the definition of a caregiver is "someone who provides unpaid assistance to a second person aged 50 or over." The assistance consists of help with at least one activity of daily living (ADL) such as: And at least two instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) such as: Today, more than seven million households contain caregivers. Most often it is a childcaring for an aging parent. The caregiver is typically female although there has been an increased number of male caregivers in recent years. The median age of the caregiver is 46 years old, who are often caring for young children too. This is considered the Sandwich Generation caring for both child and parent simultaneously. Most caregivers are employed, however caring for an aging loved one is definitely more than a nine to five job. The effects of family caregiving can place a tremendous emotional, physical, and financial toll on all involved. Although the caregiver is preoccupied and overly concerned with the changes taking place with their ailing relative, there are changes that affect the caregiver that often are overlooked. Emotional changes Role reversal: The parent being cared for becomes the child, and the child who is the caregiver becomes the parent. Role overload: Typically, the caregiver does two to three times the normal workload of a non-caregiver. Changes in the family system: The entire family is affected by the caregiver's new role. For example, young children and the caregiver's spouse may feel neglected and by the caregiver. In turn, this causes friction and conflict for the family. Normal routine of living is interrupted on a temporary to permanent basis: The recipient of care may need to live with the caregiver, which can restrict the caregiver's social life and infringe on privacy. Negative or positive feeling retrogressed: There may be negative or positive feelings from the recipient of care and the caregiver. For example, if it was a difficult relationship before you become a caregiver, very often, issues or family dynamics often resurface while caregiving. For instance, if you are caring for your father who is fiercely independent, he may feel now that he is a charity case, and having to ask for assistance makes him resistant and resentful of becoming dependent. Physical changes Changes in home environment: Your aging loved one may have to live with you. You may need to install medical equipment or make your home environment accessible for your family member to get around. More frequent travel: You may need to travel long distances to care for a loved one or even relocate to another city. In my private practice I have worked with caregivers who commute daily from Boston to New York in order to sustain employment and meet their family members' needs. Financial changes Lost wages, benefits and insurance: Elder care is costly. Many caregivers have to miss hours of work or pass up promotions to care for a family member. Over time, these emotional, physical, and financial changes begin to affect the caregiver. Caregivers feel overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated, resentful, and guilty. Do not ignore the following signs of burnout if you are a caregiver: Strategies to Cope with Caregiver Burnout Caregiving for a loved one will undoubtedly bring upon some of the above-mentioned symptoms of caregiver burnout. The good news is that there are strategies to manage the increased stress and help you cope with this tumultuous period in your life. Caregiver burnout can be controlled. Here are some suggestions to combat the caregiver burnout you may be experiencing: Set your own goals: You should decide what you can and cannot do. Do not let doctors or other family members decide for you what you should be doing. Be realistic. For example, it may be impossible for you to leave your job every day to prepare lunch for your family member that requires care, but it is realistic to go home to fix lunch once a week. Evaluate the situation: Ask yourself realistically how much time I can designate to caregiving. Understand that it is acceptable to have mixed feelings: Your emotions should be mixed. For example, allow yourself to feel angry that your family member is not appreciating the care you are providing and, at the same time, may be feeling guilty that you're angry when your loved one is physically or mentally ill. Understand that you cannot create or cure illness: As much as we all would like to be capable of controlling our loved ones pain, it is beyond our control. As a caregiver, we can only make it more comfortable for our family member. Talk about it: Do not keep your emotions inside - develop a support system. Friends, relatives, or support groups can be a tremendous benefit to you and your well-being. Due to the increase in caregivers and the growth spurt of the aging population, there are now caregiver support groups in most communities. Contact your local Department of Aging for more information. Be proactive: Plan ahead, although it may be difficult to do so, it is important to be proactive rather than reactive. Begin to discuss topics with your family that are directly related with the care of a family member. For example, living wills, healthcare proxies, and end-of-life decisions need to be figured out. Share the care: You do not have to do everything on your own. It is okay to ask for help. There are many caregiver services available to assist your family member in need. For example, respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers on either an hourly or daily basis. There are services that deliver nutritious meals to your loved ones. There are home health aides available to assist with the instrumental activities of daily living such as cooking or grocery shopping. Contact your local Department of Aging for more information on the resources available in your area. There is no doubt about it - caregiving for a family member is difficult and often impossible. The stress of taking care of loved one can take a toll on you quickly. Each elder-care situation and circumstance is unique. Most caregivers, however, experience similar symptoms of caregiver burnout. It is important to take care of yourself during this time period. Caregiver burnout can be minimized. If you are susceptible to high levels of caregiver burnout, you will ultimately not be able to care for yourself or your loved one.
Effects of Family Caregiving
Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout
Summary
Are you a family caregiver?
According to the American Association of Retired Persons, the definition of a caregiver is "someone who provides unpaid assistance to a second person aged 50 or over." The assistance consists of help with at least one activity of daily living (ADL) such as: And at least two instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) such as: Are you a family caregiver? Join us on Facebook to discuss the importance of your role as a family caregiver, or to connect with other family caregivers.
Study: Heart-healthy diet may lower Alzheimer’s risk
A recent study finds that a Mediterranean diet may lead to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Check out the article below, or head over to DrCutler.com for more information. "A new study published in the journal Archives of Neurology suggests following a Mediterranean-type diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. According to ABC News, researchers at Columbia University studied more than 2,000 adults without dementia for their findings. They found that individuals who followed a Mediterranean diet were 38 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's within four years, compared to individuals who followed different eating plans. "Our findings provide support for further exploration of food combination-based dietary behavior for the prevention of this important public health problem," said lead researcher Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas. The Mediterranean diet has been previously linked to better heart health. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the disease currently impacts more than 5 million Americans. Signs of Alzheimer's include memory loss, difficulty solving problems, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding spatial relationships, poor judgment, withdrawal from work or social activities and changes in mood and personality. The disease is often treated by both traditional drugs and vitamins and minerals. One study found that high doses of vitamin E supplements are could help alleviate Alzheimer's symptoms."
Eat Away At Your Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
We found this interesting article on CBS News, and couldn't wait to share its content with you. Check out the article below, or head over to CBS News for more information. CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton suggested a diet she says could do just that. On 'The Early Show' Tuesday, Ashton addressed a new Columbia University study. She said it 'looked at more than 2,000 New Yorkers and their self-reported diets. They found dietary patterns that were associated with lower risks -- people who had diets high in vitamin E, vitamin B 12, folate, omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fatty acids seemed to be protected against developing Alzheimer's.' Currently, Alzheimer's affects about 5.3 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer's Association. On the broadcast, Ashton suggested people eat a combination of nuts, broccoli, romaine lettuce, and fish, instead of a diet filled with butter, steak, brie. Ashton said, 'All together, a diet high in vitamin E, B12 and folate and low in saturated fats may protect the pathways to which Alzheimer's occurs. Vitamin E might prevent it by its strong antioxidant effect. A diet low in saturated fats causes clogged arteries and may be related to the development of dementia and inflammation in the body, which can affect the brain.' Ashton added, 'The study does not promote one single source of food, but an optimal combination of nutrients.' Other than diet, certain lifestyle factors can also help lower your risks of Alzheimer's, Ashton said. 'The things that are good for your heart are also good for your brain and vice-versa, so you want to keep your weight down, minimize tobacco and alcohol use and exercise.' As for caring for patients with Alzheimer's or dementia, new guidelines are out from the American Academy of Neurology on driving and on-the-road safety. These guidelines serve to help doctors, caretakers and families determine when Alzheimer's and dementia patients should stop driving. According to the study, as many as 76 percent of patients with mild dementia can pass an on-the road driving test, which means doctors and families need to help identify patients who should not be on the road, even if they can pass a test. Ashton said warning signs may include if a person drives less, avoids certain driving situations -- such as when it's raining or dark outside, has accidents or traffic violations, and has aggressive or impulsive habits. The guidelines also encourage caregivers to trust their instincts and listen to that gut feeling to help protect loved ones and others on the road. Ashton said, 'We know people with Alzheimer's can be at greater risk for motor vehicle accidents and it can be difficult to know when (to take the keys). The bottom line is it needs to be individualized.' Tests are available to help screen for unsafe drivers. Ashton said driving evaluations are available from certified professionals and occupational therapists who can help determine if a patient is still able to drive safely. These assessments may be available through rehabilitation programs and some state motor vehicle departments. Another test is the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), which is done in an interview format and helps measure brain functions like memory, judgment and problem solving. The CDR is a tool for clinicians 'to integrate information from caregivers and from direct examination of the patient to develop a comprehensive view of the dementia severity.' However, for many, driving means independence. So how do you prepare a family member or loved one for having the privilege taken away? Ashton suggested these recommendations by the American Academy of Neurology: She said, 'When the diagnosis is given, have a conversation about the future and how you will face this challenge and what modes of alternative transportation are available. You should also monitor their driving, keep an eye on driving skills over time and patterns of behavior. You should look for support and ask for help and assistance -- their doctor can help facilitate between you and your family member -- ask them to write a letter or prescription that states 'no driving.'"Want to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease by some 40 percent?
How does the diet help lower the risk of Alzheimer's?
So how do you know when it's time to take the keys?
Regular exercise and healthy diet reduces risk of Alzheimer’s disease
We found this helpful article on a website called Celebrities With Diseases. The site profiles different diseases that plague not only celebrities, but millions of other people around the world. Recently, they featured this Alzheimer's disease article, which we found to be considerably helpful. "A recent study has revealed that maintaining a healthy lifestyle during middle age reduces the chances of developing Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. By healthy living, researchers suggested that middle aged people should keep a tab on their intake of cholesterol and should check their blood pressure and obesity levels frequently. According to www.sify.com, these changes in the diet and awareness about the changes taking place in the body could help cut down the risk of Dementia and Alzheimer's disease by almost 20 percent. As per www.behavioralhealthcentral.com, the team of researchers also recommended routine exercise to prevent the two diseases. The study has been published in a journal called BMJ Clinical Evidence. Dr. Tom Russ, the lead author of the study said 'Consistent with the finding that there are pathological changes well in advance of the appearance of symptoms of dementia, evidence is mounting that preventative efforts must be introduced sufficiently early in life to have an effect.' The researchers went on to add: 'By taking regular exercise and eating a healthy diet, especially in mid-life, we may help reduce our risk of developing dementia as well as reaping numerous other benefits from living a healthy lifestyle.'"
Could having a purpose really stave off Alzheimer's Disease?
We recently stumbled upon this article featured in U.S. News and World Report, which suggests that people who say their life has purpose are less likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease. Read the article below, or head over to the U.S. News and World Report website to learn more. "People who say their lives have a purpose are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or its precursor, mild cognitive impairment, a new study suggests. As the population ages and dementia becomes a more frequent diagnosis, there's increasing impetus to determine the causes of the disease, associated risk factors and how to prevent it, explained study co-author Dr. Aron S. Buchman, an associate professor in the department of neurological sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. 'There has been a lot of interest in psychosocial factors and their association with cognitive decline and dementia in later life,' he said. The study looked at the positive aspects of life and their possible effect on keeping dementia at bay, 'looking at happiness, purposefulness in life, well-being and whether those kind of concepts are associated with a decreased risk of dementia,' Buchman explained. For the study, published in the March issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, Buchman and his colleagues collected data on 951 older people without dementia who participated in the Rush Memory and Aging Project. The participants were asked to respond to statements such as: 'I feel good when I think of what I have done in the past and what I hope to do in the future,' and 'I have a sense of direction and purpose in life.' After an average four years of follow-up, 16.3 percent of the people in the study developed Alzheimer's disease. Taking into account other factors that could account for Alzheimer's, the researchers found that people who responded most positively to statements about their lives were the least likely to develop the condition. Also, people who said they had more purposeful lives were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment and had a slower rate of cognitive decline. People who scored 4.2 out of 5 on the purpose-in-life measure were about 2.4 times less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, compared with people who scored 3.0, the study found. It's not known whether there is a biological reason for this finding, the researchers noted. 'One possibility is that, truly, somebody with high purpose in life might have a lower risk of developing dementia because of what's involved in purpose in life,' Buchman said. 'The importance of the study,' he added, 'is this doesn't prove anything, but it points researchers in the direction of a link between purpose in life and cognition in late life. And now we have to find out what the biological basis is.' Still, the researchers think these findings could have implications for public health. 'More social activity, more physical activity, higher cognitive activities, high purpose in life -- all these psychosocial factors seem to be linked with longer life, decreased mortality, decreased disability and provide important clues to a public health approach to try to increase independence in older people in later life,' Buchman said. Greg M. Cole, a neuroscientist at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, wondered if the study is really measuring depression, not a purposeful life. 'I am unclear about how low scores on the purpose-in-life measures can be separated from mild depression,' Cole said. 'Depression has been repeatedly associated with increased Alzheimer's disease risk. So psychiatrists can make a distinction, but they seem likely closely related.' 'One wonders whether this is a treatable psychiatric condition contributing to risk or an early symptom of decline,' he added. William H. Thies, chief medical and scientific officer at the Alzheimer's Association, said the new study 'contributes to the literature that says there is a linkage between behavior and disease.' The study begs the question whether there is more Alzheimer's disease because more people have a lower sense of purpose, or is a lower sense of purpose an early, subtle, sign of dementia, he said. 'As we get better and better at having biological measures of the disease, we will shed a lot of light on these kinds of studies and whether these behaviors are simply a symptom or they are a place where you can intervene,' Thies said."
Help Reduce Your Risk of Dementia
We found this great article on Food Consumer, which offers some really helpful hints to help reduce your risk of dementia. Read the hints below, or visit Food Consumer to read the full article. Exercise What is good for the heart is good for the brain. Exercise can have a beneficial effect at any age to help protect against dementia. There is also growing evidence that regular exercise promotes cell and tissue repair mechanisms including growth of new cells in the brain. Avoid Obesity Being seriously overweight is a risk factor for developing dementia. Obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure -- all known risk factors. Normalize Blood Pressure High blood pressure increases your chance of dementia by causing damage to your brain. This may happen as a result of a stroke, or because of microvascular disease, a condition which slows the flow of blood through your body, thereby damaging cells and nerves in your brain. Avoid all Tobacco As well as raising the risk of vascular disease -- a risk factor for dementia -- smoking can result in low oxygen levels in your brain, which in turn can promote the production of the protein found in brain plaques. Follow a Mediterranean Diet Several recent studies have highlighted the potential for this diet to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Further long-term research is needed to confirm the effects of eating this way. Be Socially Active Some evidence suggests that an active social life throughout life can be protective, with both the social ties one enjoys with others and non-physical leisure time deemed important. Brain Training There is some evidence that intensive brain training can improve reasoning and problem solving.
Take action now: Get a colorectal screening
Part two of an article published by AARP on preventative health measures. Have you gotten a colorectal screening lately? Only about 60 percent of people age 50 and over are regularly screened for colorectal cancer. Dr. Steven Simon led a team from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Harvard Medical School that tested an automated telephone outreach system designed to encourage people over 50 to contact their primary-care providers to schedule screening. They randomly assigned half of almost 21,000 members of Massachusetts-based Harvard Pilgrim to receive a single phone call in addition to the usual doctor's advice during routine visits. The phone system used voice recognition software to tailor its information to patients' responses about previous screening, family history, or concerns about discomfort. After one year, the researchers looked at how many people had one of four screening tests: fecal occult blood testing, double-contrast barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. After two years, they tracked who had colonoscopies. They found no significant differences among the two groups: Three out of 10 patients in each group had some kind of screening. Slightly more people - just over 2 out of 10 - in the telephone outreach group had colonoscopies in the second year than in the usual care group, but the difference was not statistically significant. "Colorectal cancer screening may be among a set of challenging conditions that are resistant to this type of intervention,'' the researchers said. BOTTOM LINE: An automated telephone outreach system did not improve rates of colorectal cancer screening. CAUTIONS: The telephone outreach system successfully contacted only 61 percent of eligible patients, so results might have been different if more patients had been reached.
Learn to recognize the signs of heart attack
Part one of an article AARP recently posted about the fact that most women miss the signs of heart attack. Learn how to recognize these signs below. "Only about half of women would call 911 if they thought they were having a heart attack, according to a new survey commissioned by the American Heart Association. The poll found that more women than in 1997 correctly identified heart disease as the leading killer of women, but that awareness varies among ethnic and racial groups. Dr. Lori Mosca of Columbia University Medical Center and her colleagues say that a telephone survey of more than 1,100 randomly selected women showed that 60 percent of white women said heart disease was the leading killer of women, compared with 43 percent of African-American women, 44 percent of Hispanic women, and 34 percent of Asian women. A third of women who were 25 to 34 years old picked breast cancer as the biggest threat to women's health. Overall, 53 percent of women said they would call 911 if they felt heart attack symptoms. About the same proportion of women recognized chest, neck, shoulder, and arm pain as possible signs of a heart attack in women, but fewer than a third cited another symptom, shortness of breath, as a cause for alarm. About half said family caregiving responsibilities kept them from taking longer-term steps to prevent heart disease, such as checking their blood pressure, managing stress, or seeing their doctors. BOTTOM LINE: Awareness of heart disease as the leading killer of women has almost doubled since 1997, but gaps persist among ethnic groups. Only about half of women know the symptoms of a heart attack and would call 911 if they thought they were having one. CAUTIONS: The survey respondents were relatively well-educated, so their answers may represent higher awareness than among women in general. The margin of error was about 2 percent.
50 Ways to Boost Your Brain
We recently stumbled upon this great article in AARP magazine, about boosting brain health. We've been writing a lot recently about Alzheimer's Disease and dementia, and various causes or explanations for these difficult diseases. Now, AARP has come out with this incredible article of fifty different ways to boost the health of your noggin. These tips can be helpful to both caregivers and their elderly parents. Check out a few of our favorite tips below, or head over to read the full article here. 2. Ballroom dance like the stars. Dancing is a brain-power activity. How so? Learning new moves activates brain motor centers that form new neural connections. Dancing also calms the brain's stress response. 8. Leave your comfort zone. Getting good at sudoku? Time to move on. Brain teasers don't form new neural connections once you've mastered them. So try something that's opposite your natural skills: If you like numbers, learn to draw. If you love language, try logic puzzles. 18. Get some class. Live near a college? Research shows that taking courses—even just auditing them—can stave off dementia at an early age. Don't go in for formal learning? Check out book readings, seminars, and other educational events. 37. Join a book club. Pick up a good book to cut down on brain-withering boredom. Frequent reading is associated with reduced risk of dementia. And meeting new people forces new neural connections. Besides, you might enjoy the book.
HBO Documentary "The Alzhiemer's Project" to air in May
According to the Caregiver Support Blog, HBO is set to air a four-part documentary series this may called "The Alzheimer's Project." The series will look into the causes, targets and treatments possible with Alzheimer's Disease. As an Alzheimer's care community,Spring Hills sees the trials and tribulations that many families and Alzheimer's caregivers deal with on a daily basis. This documentary aims to provide new insight into the disease, and will hopefully pave the way for greater understanding and acceptance. The series will begin May 10th at 9 PM EST.
Mercury Contributes to Alzheimer's Disease
Spring Hills Senior Communities recently came across this article on the Alzheimer's Review blog, which speaks about an interesting study done by the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine. The informative study shows new evidence in the link between Mercury exposure and the development of Alzheimer's Disease. According to the article, mercury can cause damage to nerve cells, which is similar to the damage seen in Alzheimer's patients. Mercury exposure can come in many forms. The article states that Mercury exposure occurs in the human body as a result of some fish consumption, dental amalgams, and some vaccines. How does this information effect you and your elderly parent? Click here to read the full article.
Study finds blueberries may help in improving memory in older adults
Source: Examiner The following is an excerpt from an article that discusses the health benefits of eating blueberries. This includes evidence that this blue fruit improves memory in older adults. This is especially valuable information for caregivers to consider when monitoring the diets of their elderly parents. "According to the American Chemical Society, 'Scientists are reporting the first evidence from human research that blueberries — one of the richest sources of healthful antioxidants and other so-called phytochemicals — improve memory.' The ACS did a study with 2 groups of volunteers with diminishing memories. The volunteers were in their 70's. One group drank the equivalent of 2-2 1/2 cups of blueberry juice every day for 2 months. While the other group had a beverage without blueberries. The group that had the real blueberry juice showed improvement in their learning and memory tests." Are you a caregiver for an elderly parent? Try fun ways to incorporate blueberries into your elderly parent's diet, and you, too, may see positive results.
How to Recognize Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
Part one of an article AARP recently posted about the fact that most women miss the signs of heart attack. Learn how to recognize these signs below. "Only about half of women would call 911 if they thought they were having a heart attack, according to a new survey commissioned by the American Heart Association. The poll found that more women than in 1997 correctly identified heart disease as the leading killer of women, but that awareness varies among ethnic and racial groups. Dr. Lori Mosca of Columbia University Medical Center and her colleagues say that a telephone survey of more than 1,100 randomly selected women showed that 60 percent of white women said heart disease was the leading killer of women, compared with 43 percent of African-American women, 44 percent of Hispanic women, and 34 percent of Asian women. A third of women who were 25 to 34 years old picked breast cancer as the biggest threat to women's health. Overall, 53 percent of women said they would call 911 if they felt heart attack symptoms. About the same proportion of women recognized chest, neck, shoulder, and arm pain as possible signs of a heart attack in women, but fewer than a third cited another symptom, shortness of breath, as a cause for alarm. About half said family caregiving responsibilities kept them from taking longer-term steps to prevent heart disease, such as checking their blood pressure, managing stress, or seeing their doctors. BOTTOM LINE: Awareness of heart disease as the leading killer of women has almost doubled since 1997, but gaps persist among ethnic groups. Only about half of women know the symptoms of a heart attack and would call 911 if they thought they were having one. CAUTIONS: The survey respondents were relatively well-educated, so their answers may represent higher awareness than among women in general. The margin of error was about 2 percent.
Coping with an aging parent
Adapted from an article in the Newark Examiner There is a lot of talk about coping with or caring for an aging parent. If you are like the rest of us, there are many emotions and thoughts running through your head. The roles between parent and child tend to change places. Are you asking yourself questions like: "Should I have my parent move in with me?" " Am I a bad child if I don't want my parents to move in with me?" "Should I move them into an assisted living facility or senior apartment?" Now ask yourself questions like this: "Are they able to take care of themselves?" "Can they make their own meals?" "Can they clean their home?" "Can they bathe or shower with ease?" "What kind of health risks do they face?" "Do they remember to take all medication?" After assessing the situation then look into all the options that there are for you. It is always best to let your aging parent live as independently and in their own home as long as they are able. When that no longer is possible, you may want to consider an assisted living facility or in-home care. In all of these scenarios you can and should remain active in their lives. Instead of ruining, it might actually save your relationship with your parents.
Caregivers Limit Duties Without Feeling Guilty
Stop the Risk of Caregiver Burnout & Depression Before it's Too Late Realizing that one cannot go it alone is the first step in taking control of a caregiver situation. Re-evaluate the demands of an ailing elderly parent without guilt. What does it cost to be a caregiver for the elderly family member who is no longer able to manage independently? The answer depends on the duration of care and the extent of work that has to be done. A caregiver also has to give consideration to family obligations — attention to children and spouse — and current employment if she has a job outside the home. The job of caregiving usually falls to the woman in the home; but male or female, the multiple roles of a caregiver can be as consuming as they are challenging. Caregiving takes a lot of physical, mental, and emotional endurance. In fact, given the scope of planning, skills, and organization involved, the job description for a full-time home caregiver could very well match that of an executive position in a large corporation. A primary caregiver has to be skilled in many areas. She may act as a personal attendant, financial worker, housekeeper, chauffeur, cook, business advocate, medical worker, social worker, legal affairs advocate, and recreation therapist, just to name a few of the many possible roles. What Happens When the Caregiver Role Becomes Too Demanding? In an effort to please an elderly parent, the adult child who is a caregiver – particularly a dementia caregiver – does everything in her power to make those final months or years as enjoyable as possible. The work may involve a lot of sacrifices: Giving up a career temporarily, making room in the home for the parent, sharing less time with a spouse, missing out on family events, and more. The alternative, many caregivers figure, is worse. No son or daughter wants to feel guilty, disloyal, ungrateful, or whatever else applies if he or she doesn't honor the parent's wish to spend those last months or years at home with family. The demands and wishes of a dying elderly parent, or even an elderly relative who is injured or very ill, can come to seem more important than the caregiver's needs. The person who is solely responsible for the care and well-being of another adult can easily become consumed by the job. The primary caregiver who constantly feels stressed, exhausted, feels anxious, and easily loses control may be experiencing the symptoms of caregiver burnout. It's difficult to watch an elderly loved one slipping away, particularly when there is a diagnosis of terminal illness or dementia. It's even harder if the caregiver has to decide when it's time to put an elderly parent into a nursing home. Other adult children or family members who disagree – who don't understand or wish to share in eldercare responsibilities – may argue over nursing home placement, making the decision even more painful. A terminal illness such as Alzheimer's disease can last five or ten years or more. As the elderly parent's condition deteriorates, the duties of an Alzheimer's caregiver become more physically and emotionally demanding. Whatever the elderly parent's diagnosis or preference for care, an exhausted, overburdened caregiver is strongly encouraged to seek help. Ask the following questions to re-evaluate the caregiver position: The family member who believes that he or she can solely manage long-term caregiving for an elderly person has not thoroughly considered the magnitude of the job. Reality quickly sets in for the entire family, for when the caregiver falls apart, everything falls apart. Coping with an elderly loved one's illness, disease, or injury can literally take an army of caregivers. Preventing burnout means accepting whatever help is available. An Alzheimer's diagnosis or other form of dementia does not mean a caregiver is alone to face an uphill battle. Caregivers and family can get extensive support and information from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Get active with others in the same situation by joining a local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. At the very least, join an online caregiver network specific to caregivers for aging family members. Do something about the exhaustion and frustration before it's too late. Making changes and setting limits will allow the caregiver (and other family members in the home) the freedom to enjoy the remaining time the elderly person has left. Getting help means getting control of the situation. Get as much help as possible, as early as possible, and for as long as it is needed. Read more at Suite101How Does a Caregiver Know When to Get Help?
Take Advantage of Eldercare Services and Join a Support Group
Being There, and Far Away
From The New York Times' "The New Old Age" blog When my parents were in their 50s — the age I am now — my father told me not to do for them what they had done for their parents: become their caregiver when they were old. Years of responding to the needs of four elderly parents had taken a toll, especially on my mother. To protect me from a similar fate, my father told me that if the time came that he and my mother could no longer live alone, I should find a retirement community or nursing home for them far enough away to keep family visits to a minimum. Caring for an aging parent, my father insisted, is a duty best discharged from afar. What my father didn't understand is that whether one lives next door or across the country, the responsibility for elderly parents never goes away. Caring from afar is no easier than being there. It is simply different. On-site hands-on caregivers are like day laborers who do the actual physical work. Distant caregivers are like off-site managers who coordinate services and delegate responsibilities. Both have their roles and points of high stress. At least, that's what I tell myself. And if it weren't for the guilt I feel, it would be true. My father was spared what he regarded as the indignities of old age when he died suddenly from an aneurysm, five days shy of his 77th birthday. My mother, two years younger and destined to live six years longer, was not one of those women who enjoyed widowhood. She had emphysema, osteoporosis and a condition psychiatrists call "complicated bereavement," a prolonged depression following the loss of a loved one. She was also geographically isolated in a small town in Kansas, five and a half hours by car from Denver, where my older brother lived. From Los Angeles, where I lived with my husband and two young children, it was two and half hours by plane, followed by six hours in a car. When elderly parents live nearby, women do most of the caregiving, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. But when generations are dispersed — as they are for a third of today's caregivers — the geographically closest family member often bears the brunt ofeldercare duties. Under those circumstances, men are as likely as women to be involved, a study by the National Alliance for Caregiving found in 2004. My brother made the long trek across the High Plains every month or so to check in and do what he could, sometimes more than my mother wanted. For reasons of time and also temperament — my mother's depression and inertia made me depressed and irritable — I kept in touch by phone. Every night as soon as I got home from work, I called my mother just before she went to sleep, a ritual that annoyed my family but was important to her. More nights than I care to remember, her voice would crack as she said hello. "Oh, it's nothing," she would apologize, clearing her throat. "I just haven't had occasion to use my voice yet today." I didn't give up the pretense that phone calls were enough until doctors found that osteoporosis had etched hairline fractures in her spine and left splinters of bone pressing against nerves. I flew (and drove) back to Kansas more times over the next year than I had during the previous several years, but it was never as much as my mother wanted. I recalled my father's directive about finding an assisted-living facility. Instead, I brought assisted living to my mother. I hired two women to run errands, cook meals, tidy the house, monitor medications and generally keep my mother company. She warmed to her surrogate daughters even less than to the dog my brother had foisted on her for company. ("At least I can cuddle with it. I have to make conversation with them.") There's more to the story, of course, but my dominant feeling 15 years after my mother died is guilt and regret. Her life might have been better if only I had insisted she move to Los Angeles, if only I had been a better daughter. My brother harbors his own residual guilt, not about doing too little but interfering too much, a different and equally troubling side of the long-distance care story for another day. Guilt and regret seem to crop up in all caregiver stories, but they are themes that dominate the experiences of long-distance caregivers, experts agree. A surprising number of distant caregivers — nearly 30 percent in one study — feel so inadequate that they don't even identify themselves as caregivers, even though they, like local caregivers, change their schedules, miss work and take leaves of absence to oversee the care of relatives. While they may not endure the relentless pressures of local caregivers or the grueling round-the-clock schedules of hands-on caregivers, three out of four distant caregivers spend the equivalent of a full day a week managing their relatives' finances and overseeing daily needs, including meals, doctors' appointments and transportation, according to the National Alliance's 2004 study. Distant caregivers visit the people they care for three to four times a month on average, at a cost of nearly $400 in travel expenses. The average travel time for those visits is seven hours each way. For all the time they put in, studies have repeatedly shown, long-distant caregivers do not feel the same sense of satisfaction and personal accomplishment that on-site and especially hands-on caregivers feel, nor are they as likely to develop strong bonds with the people they are caring for. As one researcher put it, distant caregivers experience all the "worry and many of the hardships, but almost none of the rewards." Which may explain why so many long-distance caregivers return to guilt and regret. We have nowhere else to go.
1 in 3 Adults in U.S. Is a CareGiver
Source: Care To Go Typical Caregiver Is a Woman in Her Late 40s Taking Care of an Elderly Parent, Study Finds About one in three adults in the United States cares for a loved one who is elderly, sick, or has special needs. And two out of three unpaid caregivers are women, a new report finds. More often than not, caregivers are raising families and working outside the home in addition to caring for aging parents, chronically ill spouses, or children or grandchildren with special needs. The report, commissioned by the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with the AARP and the insurance group MetLife, resulted from interviews with nearly 1,500 caregivers chosen at random. Similar interviews were conducted in 2004 and 1997. Some 65 million American adults are providing care to loved ones independent of traditional parenting roles, Elinor Ginzler, senior vice president of Livable Communities Strategies for AARP, tells WebMD. She says the typical caregiver is a woman in her late 40s caring for a parent, most often her mother, who is in their late 70s or older. "Caregiving is traditionally women's work," she says. "And women are usually juggling work and family responsibilities while they are providing this care." The survey found that: Ginzler says nearly three out of four caregivers who responded to the survey had paid jobs outside the home, and two-thirds said they had missed work as a result of their caregiver responsibilities. She says the findings highlight the need for more support services for caregivers. AARP has long pushed for a $3,000 tax credit for caregivers, and 56% of the survey respondents ranked a tax credit as important to them. The tax credit is not a part of the sweeping health care legislation now being crafted by Congress, but Ginzler says the bill under consideration does include provisions that would help family caregivers. Among the most ambitious is the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, authored by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) and the late Sen. Edward Kennedy. The act provides for a national, voluntary insurance program to help Americans pay for long-term care. Under the proposed plan, workers who do not opt out of the program would pay premiums through payroll deductions for disability and long-term care insurance. The House version of the health care bill also provides additional funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which aids family and community caregivers, Ginzler says. Although more support services would help many caregivers, government and community assistance programs may elude many others, says Donna Schempp, who serves as program director for the Family Care Alliance. That's because many people don't recognize themselves as caregivers, even though they are. "A husband or wife who takes care of a sick spouse or an adult child who takes care of a parent may not think of him or herself as a caregiver," she tells WebMD. "As a result, they may not think to look for resources that can help them." Even those who do seek help may not find the kind of support they need most, such as day care services or other resources aimed at easing the caregiver burden. "Most caregiver support programs focus on teaching skills to improve patient care," she says. "While this is certainly important, it is also important to teach caregivers the skills they need to take care of themselves during a very stressful time."Old Age, Alzheimer's Major Reason for Care
Health Care Debate Includes Caregivers
Alzheimer's Disease, Where America Stands
Source: CBS News One in eight Americans over age 65 will eventually develop Alzheimer's disease. By Jonathan LaPook (CBS) In the "Where America Stands" series, CBS News is looking at a broad spectrum of issues facing this country in the new decade. One in eight Americans over age 65 will eventually develop Alzheimer's disease. Starting next year, 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 years old each day. That means over the next four decades the number of patients could triple - to 16 million. "There is a big tidal wave, a tsunami tidal wave coming out there," said Adrian Ivinson, founding director, of the Harvard Neurodiscovery Center. While deaths from other diseases have dropped in the last decade - heart disease down 11.5 percent, and stroke down 18.1 percent - deaths from Alzheimer's are up almost 50 percent. Shirley Carreas was diagnosed with Alzheimer's eight years ago. "I want to live and recognize my children, and my children's children." With Alzheimer's, annual Medicare costs triple. Can America cope - with a growing disease -- for which there's no cure? Ten years ago, the best seemed yet to come for three generations of one New Orleans family. But Lisa Carbo, now 55, had to move in with her mother, Shirley, when the 78-year-old was diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease. For five years, Lisa juggled caring for her mother and her job as a nurse. But then a curveball. At age fifty-three, Lisa was diagnosed with a genetic form of Alzheimer's - one that often strikes at a much earlier age. "It floors me. These women raised me," said Aimee Palmer, Lisa's daughter. Aimee's 31-years-old and doesn't want genetic testing because she could have the gene yet never develop the disease - and if nothing could save her, she'd rather not know. "You can't live your life thinking I'm going to die or I'm going to lose my mind at any moment," Aimee said. While caring for Alzheimer's patients is critical, the only solution is to discover what causes this disease. The leading suspect is a protein called "amyloid" - which can form sticky plaques that short-circuit communication between nerve cells and destroy brain tissue. As hundreds of trillions of connections begin to wither, so does memory. Another possible cause? A protein called "tau," which forms "tangles" that damage nerve cells." Lisa is taking an experimental new drug - one that blocks amyloid formation. It's one of fifty drugs being tested in over a hundred clinical trials nationwide. "I'd like to get some of my function back and possibly go back to work," Lisa said. "We have a ton of evidence amyloid buildup happens years before someone forgets where they parked their car," said Dr. Dennis Selkoe, Professor of Neurology at the Harvard Medical School. "If we can shut down amyloid buildup very early, we think we can protect from Alzheimer's," said Dr. Selkoe. Dr. Selkoe is a leading proponent of this theory and is invested in a company testing anti-amyloid treatments. Researchers are looking at another possible amyloid blocker - exercise. "This could decrease their chance of getting Alzheimer's," LaPook asked. "We hope that's the case," Dr. Selkoe replied. "We desperately hope the anti-amyloid drugs work, and if they don't we're going to be in a fix," said Dr. Ivinson. "So, we better get started on the next generation." At Harvard's drug discovery lab, robots can now test hundreds of thousands of chemicals in a matter of weeks - what used to take humans a year. "You're going to have to tackle this disease from a number of directions, just as we tackle heart disease from a number of directions," Dr. Ivinson said. As in heart disease, experts believe Alzheimer's needs to be treated early - before symptoms begin. But in the absence of symptoms, how can doctors know who to treat? New PET scans can detect amyloid in the brains of living patients - previously seen only at autopsy. "It's the most important thing we can do," said Dr. Reisa Sperling, director of clinical research, Memory Disorders Unit, at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "Determine if people with amyloid get Alzheimer's disease so we can treat at a time when we can still save their brains." Another way researchers hope to detect Alzheimer's before it's too late is through a test called "functional MRI." It shows the brain in action. While some scientists look in the lab, others are looking at lifestyle. On the tiny Greek island of Ikaria, people are aging without Alzheimer's. Researchers found of the thirty-four people over age 90, only one has the disease. A Mediterranean diet and exercise are standard there. At nursing homes like Cobble Hill in Brooklyn, Alzheimer's patients are pushed to keep their minds and bodies active - to delay further decline. All the while hoping that a treatment will finally emerge to fight Alzheimer's and protect the memories that it destroys.The Problem
The Solution
HOW TO: Manage the Stress of Caring for an Elderly Parent
Source: Tarcher Books While holiday gatherings are joyous for many, they can also be a source of stress, especially for children with elderly parents. Dr. Robert Satow has these tips for children caring for older parents. This is one of the most important aspects of successful middle-aged caregiving. Maybe it means putting your mother in a nursing home and visiting her frequently rather than having her live with you. Maybe it means having your father over for dinner once a month instead of once a week. Other people might say, "I would never do that to my parent!" But it's up to you to decide what's best for you. Even as adults, we can find ourselves blowing up at our parent when he or she doesn't respond to a kind gesture we make or a gift we bring: "You never appreciate anything I do for you!" Or at a sibling: "Why am I always the one who has to do everything in this family?" When you get overly angry at an elderly parent or a sibling, you need to identify the trigger that makes the anger flow and try to figure out if it is a response to something in the present or a re-experiencing of something in the past. "I should call Dad more often." "I should never have put Mom in an assisted living facility." "I should move to Pennsylvania so I can see Dad everyday." Guilt is a familiar theme in our relationships with our elderly parents. It's crucial to recognize when it is at work so you can forgive yourself and feel at peace while offering the best care that you (not someone else, you) are able to give to your parents.Set limits
Get angry and get over it
Feel guilty and forgive yourself
Aging Wisely – 10 Tips for Caring for Aging Parents
Source: 101ElderCare.com More than 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year. Individuals caring for aging parents face challenges on a multitude of fronts: financial, emotional, medical and legal. Here are some steps to take now and in the future from Shannon Martin, a Clearwater, Florida-based geriatric care manager at Aging Wisely that can help make what is inherently a stressful situation more manageable. "Whether you are currently trying to coordinate medical or in-home care for your elderly parent, you are concerned about memory loss and possible dementia or Alzheimer's disease, or you want to help your aging family member avoid a crisis, these are some common areas of eldercare or long-term care planning that you can initiate today", says Ms. Martin, Director of Community Relations for Aging Wisely, which helps families in the Tampa Bay area caring for aging parents. 1. Start Talking: Start discussions about these issues. Use this article or a friend's experience as a conversation starter. Ask loved ones what they would want if they needed help. 2. Get Estate Planning Underway: Plan legally for possible incapacity. Documents such as durable power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, and a living will should be part of your estate planning along with a will or trust. Share what you have done with relatives and how to access documents. 3. Consolidate Medical Information: Start a "health file" with copies of medical tests, doctor's contact information, and medicines (including notes about medicines that did not work for you). This can be kept in a simple file or binder, or you can use online tools such as "Life Ledger" or USB drives to store information. 4. Practice Prevention: Know your family and personal medical history and risks and practice prevention. 5. Evaluate Financial Alternatives: Review your financial situation with a professional. They should help you look at the comprehensive picture and anticipate how you can finance long-term care needs. Consider long-term care insurance as part of your total insurance and financial plan. 6. Discuss Funerals: Consider funeral planning, whether it simply be writing down your wishes and letting loved ones know what you want, or purchasing a pre need burial contract. Investigate options and which is best for you, but at least provide loved ones some guidance about what you would want so they don't have the added stress when they are grieving. 7. Elder Proof the House: For parents still living at home, identify resources to manage specific concerns. Some examples include medication management systems (from simple pill boxes to electronic reminder systems), emergency response systems, grab bars and mobility devices, and meal delivery services. 8. Discuss Duties: Have a family discussion early regarding care giving duties and plans for a loved one's care. Schedule regular conferences to ensure continuity. Consider using a professional to facilitate, especially when there are conflicts. 9. Seek Support: Talk to others who have been through similar situations, including professionals and family caregivers. For some people a support group or online network may be helpful, for others just reading and gathering information may help you feel empowered. 10. Keep the Peace: Express your specific concerns with your loved one and work toward solutions together. Engage a professional or other family members when your loved one is resistant.
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Source: Caring.com
A Growing Role for CNAs
A Growing Role for CNAs The F-248 tag requires that CNAs get more involved in activity programming. By Sandra Stimson, CALA, ADC, CDP, & Fred S. Sganga, FACHE, LNHA Many dementia units have only one activity assistant. When that person leaves the floor, the residents often sit idle with no other form of stimulation. Typically, nursing assistants are not involved in daily activity programs for several reasons. READ MORE! For more information about becoming part of our dynamic team, Contact Us.
Alzheimer's Disease May Be Misdiagnosed
Source: webmd.com Study Shows Some Patients Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s May Have Other Forms of Dementia Feb. 23, 2011 — Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias that occur late in life are easily misdiagnosed, new research indicates. Researchers autopsied the brains of 426 Japanese-American men who lived in Hawaii and died at an average age of 87. Of those, 211 were diagnosed with dementia when they were alive, and the dementia was most commonly attributed to Alzheimer’s disease. But the autopsies found that only about half of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s had brain findings consistent with the disease, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Rather, most of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s that was not confirmed had a combination of other brain abnormalities sufficient to explain dementia, including Lewy bodies, hippocampal sclerosis, or generalized brain atrophy. “Diagnosing specific dementias in people who are very old is complex, but with the large increase in dementia cases expected within the next 10 years in the United Sates, it will be increasingly important to correctly recognize, diagnose, prevent and treat age-related cognitive decline,” study researcher Lon White, MD, MPH, of the Kuakini Medical System in Honolulu, says in a news release. “Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and provide insight as to how we may more accurately diagnose and prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other principal dementing disease processes in the elderly,” White says. Dementia can have several causes, including Alzheimer’s disease. Initial symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease usually start after age 60. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause for dementia in the U.S. The study will be presented in Honolulu during the 2011 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.
By Bill Hendrick
WebMD Health NewsComplex Diagnosis
