Senior Answers

Home Instead Senior Care in the News!

2010-12-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

The Saratogian
Friday, December 10, 2010
From the Newsdesk

'Be a Santa to a Senior' invites donors to buy gifts for senior citizens

SARATOGA SPRINGS — For the sixth year running, people are invited to donate gifts for senior citizens who might otherwise be forgotten for the holidays.

Home Instead Senior Care has joined with local senior agencies, including the Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs, Raymond Watkin Apartments and Stonequist Apartments, to present “Be a Santa to a Senior.”

Since it began in 2006, the national campaign has delivered 1.2 million gifts to needy seniors across North America.

On Nov. 26, Christmas trees were put up in several locations, including Saratoga Hospital and all Saratoga Springs Price Chopper stores (see full list below), with the first names and gift requests of needy and isolated seniors identified by participating organizations.

Holiday shoppers can pick up an ornament, buy items on the list and return them unwrapped to the store along with the ornament attached. Volunteers will then wrap and deliver the gifts.

A community wrapping party will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Saratoga Springs High School. Student members of the National Honor Society will be assisting the general public. All are invited to attend and participate.

“Most people aren’t aware that there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of seniors in every community who have no family and are alone,” said Nelson Carpenter, owner of the Home Instead office serving Saratoga, Washington and Warren counties.

This campaign, he said, “is a way to show our gratitude to those older adults who have contributed so much to our community.”

For more information about the campaign, call 580-1042 or go to www.beasantatoasenior.com.

Residents can pick up ornaments and then return with unwrapped gifts at the following tree locations:

Price Chopper supermarkets at 115 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs; Church Street and Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs; and 3049 Route 50, Wilton
Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs
Boscov’s, Clifton Park Center, Clifton Park
The Greater Glens Falls Senior Center Inc., 380 Glen St., Glens Falls
Queensbury Senior Citizens Inc., 742 Bay Road, Queensbury
Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, 213 Meadowbrook Road, Queensbury

URL: http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2010/12/10/news/doc4d01a9c09c341286920070.prt

Home Instead Senior Care in the News!

2010-10-04T11:48:00.000-04:00

Coping with aging

By Meg Hagerty mhagerty@poststar.com
Posted: Sunday, October 3, 2010

Photo: T.J. HOOKER
T.J. Hooker - thooker@poststar.com
Elaine Kleam of Greenfield Center hugs her 88-year-old mother Dorothy Johnson while visiting her at the Maplewood Manor nursing home in Ballston Spa on Wednesday, September 01, 2010. Johnson is sufferingfrom dementia and does not remember her daughter. Kleam says she has been dealing with the stress caused by providing care for her aging parents for the past 10 years, first with her father who passed away five years ago and now for her mother.

Elaine Kleam finds it difficult to visit her 88-year-old mother. It's not that she doesn't love her, but the frail body she sees at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa is a shadow of the vibrant woman Dorothy Johnson once was.

It's stressful for adult children to watch their parents decline.

Kleam, of Greenfield Center, sometimes takes a friend of her mother's along for moral support when she stops in at the nursing home once a week.

Johnson suffers from dementia and doesn't recognize her daughter anymore, and Kleam can't always anticipate what her mother's mood will be when she walks in the room.

"Sometimes you go in and wake her up and she tells you to get the hell out of there, or something like that. She doesn't want to be bothered," Kleam said. "It seems like, why go? It seems that I feel better when I don't have to see her in this condition."

Kleam's late father had dementia, too, and between both parents, Kleam was their primary caregiver for 10 years.

The stress has taken a toll on the 63-year-old. She said her social life is "yucky," and she is disabled with rheumatoid arthritis. She also has arthritis in her jaw, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and acid reflux, all of which she said she developed after her mother became ill.

Kleam also takes medication to help "hold her down," she said.

The fact that Johnson is now in a nursing home doesn't make the situation any less problematic.

Tina Foehlinger, community relations director of Home Instead Senior Care in Saratoga Springs, a non-medical service providing in-home companions for the elderly, said many adult children experience this type of stress, especially those who are acting as the main caregiver and also holding down a full-time job.

A major problem caregivers encounter is a parent who is afraid of asking for help. In her mind it means not being able to control her surroundings, losing her independence - and thus her dignity.

The agency recently has launched an online multimedia program called "Caring for Your Parents: Education for the Family Caregiver" that is designed for the primary caregiver.

By visiting http://www.caregiverstress.com/, people can find education on a variety of topics of concern as well as the signs of aging, long-distance care giving and communicating with aging parents, through downloadable brochures and videos.

"It offers tips, frequently asked questions, things that caregivers can go online whenever they're experiencing struggles as a caregiver," Foehlinger said.

Maureen Hopkins, general manager of Home Instead, said in most cases the agency handles, the caregiver has called to arrange for in-home aides rather than the elderly person calling himself.

"I would say a quarter of them are pretty resistant to services. Having someone else driving them means to them that they may never get their license back. Women especially, if their husbands are still alive, get very upset at us coming in to do some of the household tasks they've been doing for the last 50 years. Making meals especially, because that's the role of their couplehood," she said.

A study by Home Instead showed 42 percent of caregivers spend more than 30 hours providing help to an elderly person, and in essence, they are almost working a second job.

While Kleam said she hadn't viewed caregiverstress.com and would like to join a support group to talk about her issues, Home Instead is hoping the new online resource will be useful to many trying to cope.

September Theatrical for Oscar Winners Landau and Burstyn’s "Lovely, Still"

2010-09-22T09:30:00.009-04:00

Monterey media is very pleased to announce the theatrical premiere and release of “Lovely, Still”, an “Uncommonly lovely”, “Brilliant”, “Masterfully told” and “Remarkable” film starring Academy Award winners Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn. In this mysterious and tender love story, what begins as an awkward encounter quickly blossoms into a new chance for romance and the elderly couple’s love affair takes us on a heartfelt and wonderful journey that reveals a most unexpected twist.

“Beautiful film. The chemistry between the two of them is so beautiful and the astonishing poignancy of the final scene is applause-worthy in and of itself. One of the great pleasures of Lovely, Still is the mere sight of Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn on screen together.” – eFilmCritic

Skillfully and sensitively directed by Nik Fackler, the film also stars Elizabeth Banks (Zack and Miri, W., Spider-Man) and Adam Scott (Leap Year, Step Brothers), and features original music by singer-songwriter and guitarist Conor Oberst, whom NPR praised as “one of the best lyricists making music in the 21st century” and a score by Nate Walcott and Mike Mogis, all 3 of whom comprise the permanent members of American band and indie favorite Bright Eyes

“A movie as expertly made as this, and as tender and subtly beautiful as this,deserves to be seen.” -Cinematical

“A miracle of a movie. Beautiful, full of love and life” - John Foote, incontention.com

The film, an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival, will premiere theatrically at the Village East Cinemas in New York City on September 10th before premiering in Los Angeles at Mann Chinese 6, Laemmle’s Music Hall and Town Center on September 17th and expanding nationwide.

Building beyond conventional outreach for Lovely, Still, which was specially selected for a premiere screening at the annual AARP National Convention and the event’s Movies For Grownups Film Festival, monterey media has joined with The Creative Coalition (http://www.thecreativecoalition.org/) and Home Instead Senior Care (http://www.homeinstead.com/) to promote the film. The Creative Coalition is the premiere 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community dedicated to educating and mobilizing its members on issues of public importance, primarily public education, the First Amendment, and arts advocacy. The Home Instead Senior Care network is the world’s largest provider of non-medical in-home care services, allowing seniors to feel safe and independent while they age in their own home, with more than 875 independently owned and operated franchises in 14 countries and 15 markets, spanning four continents.

For more information, please visit: http://www.montereymedia.com/.

Look-and-See Signs of Aging

2010-09-20T09:30:00.001-04:00

1. Look in refrigerator, freezer and drawers. Has food spoiled because mom can’t get to the grocery store? Does she have difficulty cleaning tight, cluttered places?

2. Look over the grocery list. Has your loved one’s declining health prompted her to purchase more convenience and junk foods, and neglect proper nutrition? Is she losing weight?

3. Look on top of furniture and countertops. Are dust and dirt signs that household tasks are becoming more difficult for your parents?

4. Look up at fans and ceilings. Has the inability to lift her arms and climb stepstools prevented your loved one from cleaning soot and grime from high places? Caution your senior not to climb.

5. Look down at floors and stairways. Have shaky hands spilled drinks and food, soiling vinyl, wood, carpets and walkways? Are frayed carpets, throw rugs, objects and furniture creating tripping hazards? Does dad’s bad knee put him at greater risk on cracked sidewalks and with broken stair rails?

6. Look under beds and sofas. Is your senior having difficulty organizing old newspapers, books and magazines, which are creating a fire hazard?

7. Look through the mail. Is mom’s dementia causing her to forget to pay bills and answer correspondence?

8. Look below bathroom and kitchen sinks. Is poor eyesight making it difficult for your elderly relative to read medication labels and to properly store cleaning materials? Is he forgetting to refill medications and to take them on schedule? Check the refill date against the number of pills in the bottle to help determine if your loved one is taking medication regularly. Or call the pharmacy.

9. Look at your senior’s appearance. Is clothing dirty and unkempt, and is your loved one neglecting personal hygiene?

10. Look to your parents’ neighbors and other close friends to find out about their daily routine. Are your seniors at home more, watching television and avoiding stimulating conversation and companionship?

An Open Letter from Paul Hogan, Founder of Home Instead Senior Care

2010-09-16T09:30:00.002-04:00

The Senior Care Continuum

Greetings,

When my wife Lori and I wrote Stages of Senior Care, we viewed it as a public service to educate people about the senior care continuum. We are gratified to know those who read the book believe we accomplished that goal.

The Home Instead Senior Care white paper "Caring for the Aging: The Old System is Obsolete, Time to Create a New Model" also stresses the senior care continuum. This letter is the final installment of my reflections on that paper. Its conclusions are personal to me because twenty years ago, my family and I questioned whether the two traditional care options--(1) finding ways to help aging parents live at home, and then, (2) proceeding to nursing home care--offered enough choices for all seniors. Greater society began to push back against this old system as well.

Today, a new model recognizes that many public and private options contribute to healthy aging. A U.S. couple's plan for aging may include many stops along a care path including:

• Aging in place
• Family care
• Senior centers and adult daycare centers
• Nonmedical care at home
• Medical care at home
• Retirement and independent living communities
• Assisted living
• Skilled nursing homes
• Hospice care

Some Americans will reach their senior years not knowing their future care options.

In just a few months, the first baby boomers begin celebrating their 65th birthdays. As the age wave starts, Washington should acknowledge the most significant demographic trend in U.S. history by initiating a senior care public education campaign. Doing so may inspire the nation's 78 million citizens born between 1946 and 1964 to ask themselves how well their retirement funds and other benefits will cover their senior care needs. With a plan, most could increase the quality of their senior years and decrease expenses for themselves personally and the health care system nationally. But, a recent Home Instead, Inc., survey revealed that more than one-third of decision-makers said they did not discuss senior care until a crisis forced the conversation.

It's time for Washington to talk seriously about the senior care continuum. Unfortunately, just like some families, our government may wait until circumstances become critical. You can do your part by tracking senior care legislation, addressing public policy issues that have profound implications for seniors and advocating for a new caring for the aging model.

Please join Lori and me in changing the way America views and understands the face of aging.

Sincerely,
Paul R. Hogan

Paul Hogan is Chairman & Founder of Home Instead Senior Care and, with his wife Lori, co-author of Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions.

Look-and-See Signs A Senior Needs Help

2010-09-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

How to tell when the elderly need assistance to stay safe and comfortable at home

What today’s seniors want most is to age in place. What they fear most is to lose their independence. But what they’re least likely to ask for is the kind of help that will keep them comfortable and safe at home. That’s why it’s often up to the adult children of aging parents to look for the signs that their elderly loved one needs help at home. Neglecting those signs will likely lead seniors to the kind of dependence that most would like to avoid.

Seniors often don’t recognize when they require help. That’s why adult children should identify where their loved ones need assistance. Home Instead Senior Care has made this process easier by providing a list of
simple, look-and-see signs that adult children can use to identify the types of services their loved ones might need. Providing seniors assistance with a few basic tasks – such as meal preparation, light housework, companionship and medication reminders – often means the difference between whether they stay at home or go to a facility. And that kind of independence is very important to seniors’ overall happiness.

The latest report in the AARP’s Beyond 50 series confirmed that seniors’ number one fear is loss of independence. “The vast majority of people 50 and older do not require long-term assistance at any given time. However, most people will require assistance at some point in their lives, and most families will face these issues with their older family members,” according to the report.

Seniors’ expectations for remaining at home are high. In a survey conducted late last year by Home Instead Senior Care, 83 percent of seniors surveyed said they are very or somewhat likely to remain in their homes rather than move to a care facility. Home Instead Senior Care, the largest provider of non-medical home care and companionship for the elderly in the U.S., sends CAREGivers to seniors to help keep them independent and at home for as long as possible.

“Most people, in general, want to live at home or independently in a retirement community,” said Mary Hujer RN, MSN, geriatric clinical nurse specialist for the Cleveland Clinic. “Who wants to lose their independence? The best approach to staying self-sufficient is to plan ahead and accept help when necessary.”

Hujer explained that some concerns of aging, which jeopardize independence, could include isolation, weight loss, safety and transportation. “First, research shows that routine socialization is one of the key aspects of successful aging so it’s important for seniors to find social activities,” she said. “Second, poor nutrition that leads to weight loss can be caused by multiple factors, some of which may be social. Up to one-third of patients I see experience some weight loss at one time or another,” she added.

“Third, safety becomes a real concern for seniors who are suffering illness or mobility problems. To prevent falls, consider putting grab bars in bathrooms, placing bright yellow tape strips on stairs or painting the toilet seat yellow,” she said. “Finally, transportation is a big challenge for those seniors who are forced to give up their keys. Communities can offer the best programs in the world, but if you can’t get the individual there, what good are they?” Hujer said.

Oftentimes, seniors are reluctant to seek outside help because they want to keep doing things the way they always have. “Dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive problems, may impair seniors’ judgment as well as their memory,” Hujer said. “That’s when, with an older adult’s input, a caregiver can intervene to promote a safe environment and help ensure quality of life.”

By helping adult children identify the types of resources that a senior might need to remain independent at home, we hope that families can avoid some of the stress that goes with caring for an aging loved one.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending August 27, 2010

2010-08-27T10:07:00.002-04:00

Be afraid to be afraid! A recent study found that seniors' fear of falling may actually be the cause of their falls. A self-'fall'filling prophecy, if you will. From Health Day.

To be, or not to be, organic. My husband is constantly buying organic food that I find ridiculous. Organic vegetables, sure! Organic cereal, really? Not to mention that organic usually means more expensive. Find out what to splurge on and when it's ok to (gasp) not buy organic! From Time.

Increase your cognitive functions by....drinking wine? Yes please! Over a seven year study seniors that consumed wine at a moderate level (what a moderate level is was not provided in the article, hmmm) at least four times a week performed better than non-drinkers on cognitive function tests. From Senior Journal.

What not to splurge on in your golden years. Vacations, nice dinners, relaxation are all things I look forward to when I reach retirement age. Poverty, not so much. Here's how to avoid the poor house. From The Wall Street Journal.

Are you ready to know if Mom/Dad/you will develop Alzheimer's. You better be if you take this test. It has 100% accuracy for those that are currently suffering significant memory loss. This is both fascinating and frightening for me. From Denver Post.

Look for Signs that an Elderly Loved One Needs Help

2010-08-26T12:12:00.000-04:00

The signs that a senior loved one needs help can be subtle: spoiled food in the refrigerator, dust on the furniture, spills on floors and carpets, and piles of late bills or old newspapers. The failure to tune into those signs can lead to not-so-subtle problems such as falls and health issues that threaten an older adult's ability to remain at home.

"Focusing on what is going on in a senior's life as well as encouraging that individual to be open to the need for elder-care assistance is the first step toward ensuring that a loved one is safe," said Paul Hogan, Co-founder and Chairman of the Home Instead Senior Care® network.

Here are other signs to watch for:

Look over the grocery list. Has your loved one's declining health prompted her to purchase more convenience and junk foods, and neglect proper nutrition? Is she losing weight?

Look up at fans and ceilings. Has the inability to lift her arms and climb stepstools prevented your loved one from cleaning soot and grime from high places?

Look down at frayed carpets, throw rugs, objects and furniture, which could be creating tripping hazards. Does Dad's bad knee put him at greater risk on cracked sidewalks and with broken stair rails?

Look below bathroom and kitchen sinks. Is poor eyesight making it difficult for your elderly relative to read medication labels and to properly store cleaning materials? Is he forgetting to refill medications and to take them on schedule? Check the refill date against the number of pills in the bottle to help determine if your loved one is taking medication regularly. Or call the pharmacy.

Look at your senior's appearance. Is clothing dirty and unkempt, and is your loved one neglecting personal hygiene?

Tap into community resources to learn how to assist your parents if they are starting to need more help at home. Geriatric care managers and Area Agencies on Aging are good places to start. Or go to the family caregiver education series topic signs of aging at http://www.caregiverstress.com/.

From Home Instead Senior Care's Caring Connections - a monthly email newsletter. To sign for the Caring Connections newsletter, please visit our website at www.homeinstead.com/341 and scroll down to the bottom.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending August 13, 2010

2010-08-13T09:28:00.002-04:00

New Job? What do you do with your old 401K? Don't know whether to keep your money with your last company's retirement program, roll it over into the new company's program, or invest it on your own. Well, here's your answer (sort of). From The Wall Street Journal.

Mom, Dad - Are you protecting me from my inheritance??? Feel uncomfortable asking this question? Heck, I got the heebie jeebies writing it! The reason to discuss this issue today rather than 1/1/11 - estate tax goes back into effect in 2011 with a much lower exemption than in the past. Here's some tips on broaching the topic. Or maybe you just want to forward them this article - that's what I'm doing! From U.S. News & World Report.

Not surprising - some of these tips are similar to what Home Instead Senior Care recommends to adult children having difficulties discussing care options with their aging parents. To read more about these conversation starting tips click here.

Where should you live when you finally retire? Do you want a diverse population? Looking for a part-time job to supplement your income (become a CAREGiver!)? Where can you stretch your nest egg the longest? Here are the top 10 places to "reinvent your life" while in your retirement years. From U.S. News & World Report.

Obesity - it's not an age thing. A new study shows that weight peaks just before the golden years. So get your Mom and Dad moving. My Mom and I take some aerobics classes together at the Y. If you find something you both enjoy it makes it that much easier to continue doing. From Senior Journal.

Comedy night. Improv classes can help those suffering from memory loss. Even without the benefits wouldn't it be great to see your loved ones perform improv? Find out if any of your family members are the next Larry David! From The New York Times.

Happy Friday the 13th! Sleep well...

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending July 30, 2010

2010-07-30T15:22:00.001-04:00

Seniors need to keep active. Physical activity offers many benefits for seniors for mental, physical, and spiritual health. From HealthDay.

Home Instead Senior Care also offers activity cards which have different activities for the mind, body and soul. I have posted many of these activities on the blog.

Depression linked to Alzheimer's Disease. New study finds that people suffering from depression have a higher chance of developing Alzheimer's Disease. Is this supposed to uplift those that suffer from depression? From Live Science.

Considering retirement? Should you keep your nest egg invested in your company's 401K or roll it over. Expert advice = "it depends." From Money Magazine.

Uh oh! Uncle Sam's at it again! Estate tax will be accessed again starting in January 2011. And this time the tax will affect a lot more people. Good times all around. From USA Today.

"Senior proof" your home. Everyone's familiar with child proofing. Senior proofing really that far off. With falling being the biggest fear seniors have, and rightfully so, making some modifications to your home for a senior loved one is not only nice, but necessary. From The New York Times.

Great weekend to all!

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending July 23, 2010

2010-07-23T11:37:00.000-04:00

I don't think this is the heart the Tin Man was seeking. French company hopes to have complete artificial heart available by the end of next year. From The New York Times.

Excuse me, can I peek at your DNA? How we treat diseases now vs. five years from now will be significantly different. Researchers hope to find new treatments for cancer, osteoporosis, lupus and other diseases based on genetic analysis. From Kiplinger.

New drug trials for Alzheimer's Disease. Goal of new drug is to slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s by blocking and destroying amyloid or the "plaque" associated with disease. One minor draw back - The scientists have to prove that blocking "plaque" actually makes a difference in Alzheimer's patients. From The New York Times.

Diabetes drug Avandia called into question. The diabetic drug treatment Avandia took a blow this week when an FDA panel voted to restrict it. Avandia has been linked to heart attacks since a study in 2007 by Dr. Steven Nissen. From The New York Times.

Taking Avandia? Don't do anything drastic like stop taking your medications or taking lower doses. Talk to your doctor before changing any of your medications. Other drug treatment options to discuss with your doctor include Metformin, Pioglitazone, DPP-4 inhibitors. Also, a healthy diet and exercise are always helpful! From CNN Health.

And they're off. Have a great weekend. If you're fortunate enough to be in Saratoga - have a lucky weekend as well!

Help (Not) Wanted

2010-07-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

Five strategies to help counter a senior’s resistance to assistance

Following are strategies from Home Instead Senior Care® and family caregiving consultant Dr. Amy D’Aprix to help family caregivers turn resistance into assistance.

1. Understand where the resistance is coming from. Ask your parent why he or she is resisting. “Mom, I notice that every time I bring up the idea of someone coming in to help, you resist it. Why is that?” Oftentimes older adults don’t realize they are being resistant.

2. Explain your goals. Remind your loved one that you both want the same thing. Explain that a little extra help can keep her at home longer and will help put your mind at ease as well. Have a candid conversation with him about the impact this care is having on your life. Oftentimes seniors don’t understand the time commitment of a caregiver.

3. Bring in outside help. If a relationship with a parent is deteriorating, ask a professional, such as a geriatric care manager, for an assessment. A third-party professional can provide valuable input. Also, go to www.4070talk.com for tips on how to talk with a loved one. If you are having problems getting through to your older adult, consider asking another family member or close friend to intervene. If you’re not making headway, perhaps there’s someone better to talk with your parents.

4. Research your options to find the best resources for your loved one. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or a geriatric care manager to research resources in your community. Or go to www.homeinstead.com and click on the resources tab for The Home Care Solution, a guide for family caregivers to help them find the best in-home care for their loved ones. If you decide outside help is needed, reassure your parents and tell them you have researched caregivers and you are confident you have found the best one you can find to come into the home to help.

5. Respect your parent’s decisions. Sometimes you won’t agree with your parent’s decisions and that’s O.K. As long as your loved one is of sound mind, he or she should have the final say. A note: If your senior has dementia, seek professional assistance from a doctor or geriatric care manager. Logic often will not work and other strategies must be employed.

Battle of the Ages

2010-07-15T10:01:00.000-04:00

Free resources help families overcome resistance of seniors who need help

Just when you thought that a family caregiver’s job couldn’t get more difficult, consider this: Many of the estimated 32,000 households caring for a senior in Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties are trying to help an aging relative who’d rather not have help.

A study of family caregivers who responded to a survey on caregiverstress.com revealed that more than half of the respondents (51 percent) said that their aging relative was very resistant to care. These seniors often object to help whether it’s from their own children or a professional who tries to come into their homes to assist.

This is a real problem for family caregivers worried about the safety of a senior loved one who might be forgetting food on the stove or neglecting to take their medications.

But experts say that keeping fiercely independent seniors safe at home isn’t a lost cause; there are solutions for them and their family caregivers. That’s why the Home Instead Senior Care network is launching Caring for Your Parents: Education for the Family Caregiver.

The unique, educational program includes a number of resources that address senior resistance to care as well as a variety of other topics such as choosing an in-home care provider, the signs of aging, long distance caregiving and communicating with aging parents. The free materials and videos are available at http://www.caregiverstress.com/.

Why do seniors resist help? If seniors admit they need help, they feel their independence is in question. Seniors believe that once they acknowledge they need help, they’ll lose control of their affairs. They are trying to maintain dignity. Unless they feel they can trust someone, they resist change. It’s the fear that life as they’ve known it will be taken away from them.

Sometimes seniors only want help from a son or daughter, which can put undue pressure on that family caregiver who feels he or she can’t call for professional help. Most caregivers can go into “crisis mode” to rally around a loved one in the short-term, “but you can't be totally immersed in a crisis mode long-term without your own family, work and health suffering,” according to family caregiving consultant Dr. Amy D’Aprix, who holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in social work and is author of From Surviving to Thriving: Transforming Your Caregiving Experience.

The strain can take a particular toll on working family caregivers. The Home Instead Senior Care study revealed that 42 percent of caregivers spend more than 30 hours a week caregiving. That’s the equivalent of a second full-time job.

And that’s what makes countering that resistance to assistance so important. “Many times family caregivers make assumptions but never ask: ‘Mom, I’ve noticed that every time I bring up having someone come in to assist, you don’t want help. Why is that?’ Sometimes the parent doesn’t realize they’re being resistant,” D’Aprix added.

“Also, reassuring a senior loved one that you have the same goal in mind will help,” D’Aprix said. “Start with: ‘My goal for you is to be independent, too. You know I can’t be here all the time. A little extra assistance will help you stay at home.’”

The battle to turn resistance into assistance can be fierce, like seniors who call police when a professional caregiver shows up. Education can help arm family caregivers with the tools they need to create a win-win for everyone.

Senior Sun Stress

2010-07-07T11:33:00.000-04:00

Older Adults Vulnerable to Heat Because They Don’t See Themselves at Risk

The fact that many seniors don’t view themselves as older adults makes them more vulnerable to the dangers of heat. That’s why it’s important to serve as a second set of eyes for family, friends and neighbors who may be at risk. Important, too, for seniors to realize that they might be vulnerable.

A Kent State University study of seniors over the age of 65 in four North American cities discovered that while nearly 90 percent of the respondents were aware a heat warning had been issued, only about half of the people did anything about it. Many thought the warning messages were targeting the elderly and did not view themselves in that group (http://www.kent.edu/Magazine/Summer2006/StealthKiller.cfm)

Following are ways for seniors to continue to have fun in the summer and get their work done without jeopardizing their health:

• Keep a glass of water in every room to quickly and easily access fluids. Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Go through the closet and remove all heavy materials, long sleeves and dark colors. Store them until fall.

• Stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

• Save household chores, particularly washing and drying clothes and operating the dishwasher, for evenings, when the weather is cooler.

• Take a nap during high heat times – between 3 and 5 p.m. in the afternoon, for instance – or find a good television program or movie to watch.

• Keep shades down and blinds pulled. Keeping a house tightly closed is more energy efficient.

• If you don’t have an air conditioner, or if yours is broken, spend the afternoon at the mall. You can shop or just enjoy cool drinks and a good book.

• Eat light. Foods like proteins that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.

• If increased use of a central air conditioning system causes higher utility bills that are a problem for your budget, consider purchasing a fan or small window unit that can cool down a home at a lower cost.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending July 2, 2010

2010-07-02T10:45:00.000-04:00

Diabetics beware. If you have diabetes your risk of having a heart attack or stroke are double the risk for non-diabetics. However, if you take care of your condition and monitor your blood sugar levels, you can lower your risk. From HealthDay.

New insurance pools offer coverage for those considered 'high risk.' Those with chronic medical conditions and no medical coverage through employers have often found it difficult to find an insurance provider that will cover them, and if lucky enough to find one that will, the costs are exorbitant. Yesterday (July 1) this hopefully all changed with a new program funded by Uncle Sam. From The New York Times.

Aging Swingers at High STD Risk. A Dutch study finds that you are more likely to contract an STD if you are a 'swinger' than if you are a prostitute. From HealthDay.

Healthy at Any Age. In the era of Google, medical advice is more confusing than ever. Here’s a guide to what you really need to know, and when. From Newsweek.

Happy Independence Day. Have a fun, safe 4th of July!

Cruise Away Your Caregiving Worries

2010-06-29T09:30:00.006-04:00

If you or someone you know is a devoted family caregiver, you understand the stress that comes with caring for a senior loved one each day. What better way to relax than to cruise your cares away?

The Home Instead Senior Care® network is sponsoring a free, five-day cruise for one lucky caregiving hero. Or, if you nominate a friend or family member for this relaxing getaway, you could be eligible to win a laptop and camcorder.

Just go to http://cruise.caregiverstress.com/ before the August 15, 2010, deadline to learn more about the contest and to nominate yourself or someone else for the drawing, which will be conducted August 16, 2010.

The five-night, six-day Caregiver Cruise in the Caribbean for one caregiver and one guest is scheduled for Jan. 3 to Jan. 8, 2011. In addition to the cruise, valued at up to $4,200, the winning recipient and guest will receive 40 hours of free care from a Home Instead Senior Care professional CAREGiver for their senior loved one while they are away.

For more information, visit http://cruise.caregiverstress.com/

(Photo from Clipart Guide)

10 Ways Seniors Can Stretch Their Dollars

2010-06-28T09:30:00.001-04:00

1. Seek the services of an objective financial planner. Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, said it’s important for seniors to seek the advice of an objective fiduciary. The Garrett Planning Network features experts throughout the country who offer their advice on a fee-only basis.

2. Get a second opinion on investments and financial purchases. If you’re approached about changing your investments or making a purchase, make sure you get another opinion.

3. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging if you’re having trouble paying for food and gas. For more information or an office near you, log on to National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
4. Get back to gardening. The economic downturn is generating a resurgence in gardening, and the over 55 crowd traditionally has been among the most avid gardeners. The national seed and plant company Burpee has experienced unprecedented 40 percent growth this year, double its normal rate, according to CEO George Ball. With food costs up as much as 25 percent in places, gardening provides a 1 to 10 savings ratio, according to Ball. “In other words, for every $100 you spend on garden plants, you’ll get $1,000 in produce. While $100 in groceries may last for only a couple of weeks, a senior can eat for six months on the produce from $100 in plants,” Ball said.

5. Avoid convenience foods, which are more expensive. Watch for sales on fresh or canned fruits, vegetables and meats, which will be less expensive than convenience foods and better for you.

6. Look for deals on generic medications. Contact your pharmacist about ways to save money on your medications.

7. Walk when you can. If the gas prices are cutting into your social life, organize a walking club or walk with friends.

8. Carpool when you can’t walk. There’s economy in numbers. If you can’t afford to drive somewhere solo or in pairs, contact others you know going in the same direction or the same place and share costs.

9. Keep drapes drawn during the heat of the day, and minimize opening and closing doors in the cold of the winter. Close off parts of the house you’re not using to cut down on utility costs.

10. Financial planner Sheryl Garrett says that the ability of seniors to live at home helps cut costs as well. If you or a loved one needs assistance around the house, contact Home Instead Senior Care.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending June 25, 2010

2010-06-25T16:35:00.001-04:00

Are you at risk for a stroke? What is your blood pressure? Do you smoke? How active are you? What's your waist-to-hip ratio? What diet do you follow? What is your blood lipid levels? Do you have diabetes? How much alcohol do you consume a week? Are you stressed or depressed? Do you have any heart disorders? These 10 factors account for 90 percent of stroke risk. From Health Day.

Aftercare Tips for Patients Checking Out of the Hospital. Home Instead Senior Care regularly meets with hospital discharge planners. One of the issues discharge planners are seeing over and over again is patients being discharged only to return to the hospital a few days later. According to Medicare statistics, the number is as high as 1 in 5 patients returning to the hospital within 30 days. Some helpful tips to check PRIOR to being discharged: Check the drug list, Make a discharge plan, and contact your primary doctor. From The New York Times.

Questions about your new prescription / a new vaccine you've heard about? Well now you can get the answers online. The Food and Drug Administration recently launched a new website that provides safety information for recently approved drugs and vaccines. No word yet if the website has been "approved by the FDA." From USA Today.

Drink coffee for your health? Drinking coffee in moderation (1-2 cups a day) may actually be good for you. Studies show coffee might fight cognitive decline, give drinkers better work performance, and even lower the risk of liver diseases. However, with the good comes the bad. Coffee is associated with bad breath, yellow teeth, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Not being a coffee drinker myself, this article has not pushed me to become one. I love my sleep and I hate bad breath! From USA Today.

Here's to a breath of fresh air this weekend!

Home Instead Senior Care in the News! (Again!!)

2010-06-23T10:53:00.000-04:00

Senior Advisory Committee holds informational forum to judge seniors' needs
The Saratogian
By Patrick Donges
Friday, June 18, 2010

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Thursday afternoon, about 30 residents of the Raymond Watkin Apartments on Ballston Avenue attended the latest of several informational forums organized by the mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee.

The Spa City is home to more than 6,000 senior citizens, many of whom are active within the community.

Representatives from several health and human services agencies, including the Capital District Transportation Authority, Legal Aid Society, the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s nutrition program and Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, gave brief presentations before answering questions from the group. Deputy Mayor Shauna Sutton and Mary Marsicano from Rep. Scott Murphy’s Saratoga Springs office were also on hand to answer questions.

“What may be beneficial for somebody is to pull together many different resources,” said Cindy Harrington, regional community relations director for Home Instead Senior Care, a privately owned non-medical care service. The company provides assistance for as few as three hours and up to 24 hours with shopping, errands, light housekeeping and companionship.

Sharron Cataldo, service coordinator at Raymond Watkin, stressed the importance of utilizing as many services as needed, be they government-run, private or volunteer-based, in order to maintain an independent life-style. The 111-unit building is open to those who are at least 62 years old or those with impaired mobility.

“I think it’s great,” said Signor Lee, a retired nurse and building resident for the last six years, of the chance to hear from all the agencies at once. Thursday was her first experience with the mayor’s committee, but she regularly attends monthly information programming at the building.

Lee agreed with many of her neighbors on one issue — the danger of crossing Route 50 at the five-way intersection just outside the apartments connecting the high-traffic route to Perry Avenue and Union Street. “I’ll research it for you and get back to you,” Sutton responded when presented with those concerns.

Committee Chairwoman Mary Zlotnick said the results of surveys completed by seniors at these forums will be used to determine demand for different services in order to better coordinate and deliver them. More information on joining the mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee can be found by contacting her at 366-8582 or mary@preventioncouncil.org.

Home Instead Senior Care in the News!

2010-06-22T09:30:00.005-04:00

Healthy Living: Clutter
By: Marcie Fraser
YNN (Your News Now)
June 18, 2010
Click here to watch the news segment.

How's your dining room table? Is it filled with clutter? If you live with someone who can't toss the stuff, it could lead to arguments, stress even depression.

"I just feel very depressed when it gets like that because my home was never like that before my partner died," said Frank.

Loneliness or depression can be a factor in hoarding. Do you know someone who has accumulated a lifetime of stuff and now it's combined with daily junk mail, bills and magazines? It quickly can get out of control.

I don't think I've become a hoarder. I've always been a collector of certain things. Years ago, I started collecting a lot of ivory. The spinning wheel, I don't consider that clutter because I do use that time to time. The shredding on the tops, I have a friend who collects the shredding," he said.

Whether it's true treasure or trash, people who collect, do it for various reasons. Sometimes it's sentimental.

"I can't give up any of my art work. I can't give up any of Al's art work," Frank said.

Collecting things sometimes has to do with not want to spend money; they'd rather keep stuff just in case they need it in the future.

"Lots of seniors we serve at Home Instead, grew up during the depression or an era that their parents did. They save things like the cool whip container or aluminum foil or bread bags and they may not mind giving it away if they think it's going to be used for a better purpose like school art project for school children."
Cindy Harrington of Home Instead.

Clutter can become a safety issue. Extra papers can be a fire hazard, too much stuff can increase the risk of falls, and expired food can be loaded with bacteria. Bills and critical medical information can be easily lost. Some folks collect living things to distract themselves from the mess. Franks hobby? Turtles, lots of turtles.

Clutter can also interfere with relationships. Family friends don't want to visit because they feel overwhelmed, further forcing the person to feel more isolated.

"It could be overwhelming and family to see a big mess and not know where to begin," Harrington said.

Unload stuff with the notion of not throwing anything out, but donating. Begin by boxing things up, labeling it and putting it aside. If the contents haven't been used in six months, donate it. For hard- to- part with items collected in large amounts like Tupperware, pack up 15 at a time and part with them slowly.

10 Cost-Cutting Warning Signs

2010-06-21T16:42:00.000-04:00

Following, from Home Instead Senior Care and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, are ways that a downturn in the economy could impact seniors. If you’re a family caregiver, ask yourself the following questions. If you’re an older adult experiencing difficulties because of the economy, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Home Instead Senior Care office. Or, if you have a financial issue, contact the Garrett Planning Network.

1. Is your senior’s home too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter?

2. Is the lawn not getting mowed nor is the sidewalk getting cleaned in inclement weather?

3. Is your loved one complaining about not being able to afford medications?

4. Are home repairs not getting made?

5. Is there a shortage of food in the house?

6. Is your senior skipping doctor’s appointments?

7. Is your older adult staying home more and becoming isolated?

8. Is your senior cutting out entertainment?

9. Does your loved one eat out less?

10. Did your senior cancel a vacation?

For more information about the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, log on to www.n4a.org or contact the organization’s CEO Sandy Markwood at smarkwood@n4a.org. For more information about the Garrett Planning Network, visit www.garrettplanningnetwork.com or contact Sheryl Garrett at Sheryl@garrettplanning.com. For more about Home Instead Senior Care, visit www.homeinstead.com/341 or contact Maureen Hopkins at (518) 580-1042.

Cutting Corners

2010-06-14T12:13:00.000-04:00

Pinched by Tough Times, Older Adults Put Themselves at Risk

Older adults are cutting everyday expenses. Families need to be on alert to make sure seniors aren’t cutting too deeply. Warning signs include skipping medications, pulling the plug on air conditioning and canceling social outings.

In a report by AARP titled “The Economic Slowdown’s Impact on Middle-Aged and Older Americans,” 59 percent of seniors 65 and older surveyed said they’d found it more difficult to pay for essential items such as food, gas and medicine. Nearly half (47 percent) said they found it more difficult to pay for utilities such as heating, cooling or phone service. Forty-six percent have reduced the number of times they eat out and 45 percent cut back spending on entertainment. To view the report click here.

Cuts of essential items such as food and medication should be of immediate concern to seniors’ families.
Other reductions in spending can lead to less obvious issues. One of the biggest problems that I've seen with older adults in our community is senior isolation.

When seniors’ families live a distance from their loved ones, or when Boomer children are busy trying to make ends meet themselves, an older adult can get in trouble very quickly. That’s why it’s so important that someone look out for the well-being of seniors to ensure they are safe in their homes and eating properly, taking their medications and able to maintain their appointments and social life.

Falling interest rates, fixed incomes and seniors’ fears of past hardships can influence how they react to economic slowdowns, according to Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, author of Personal Finance Workbook For Dummies® and several other books on financial planning. “Some seniors may be running short on money but, for others, there’s always that fear of running out because they lived through the Depression. They know how ugly it can get.”

It’s important also for seniors to guard against fraud and too-good-to-be-true offers, Garrett advises. “Seniors want to get the best that they can from their investments without falling for scams or overselling tactics,” she said. Older adults also should beware of CDs and fixed annuities that can promise higher interest rates, but force seniors to lock in their money for longer time periods or otherwise put their investments at risk, Garrett noted. Always get a second opinion, Garrett advises.

Seniors at all income levels may be facing choices they haven’t had to make in the past They should know where to go for help before they put themselves or their health at risk. Area Agencies on Aging, for instance, offer both food and gas assistance, so seniors should contact their local offices if they can’t make ends meet. And companies such as Home Instead Senior Care can provide transportation assistance and help around the home, and serve as a second set of eyes for seniors’ families.

Families also can play an important role monitoring seniors who have decided to scale back because of the economy. Even seemingly innocent decisions, like cutting back a little on groceries or air conditioning, can have a damaging impact.

Stay tuned next Monday for ten warning signs to know if your senior loved one is dangerously cutting costs. The following Monday look for 10 ways seniors can stretch their dollars.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending June 11, 2010

2010-06-11T11:30:00.000-04:00

Hope for cancer patients. Scientists have made incredible progress in shrinking tumors in lung cancer patients and increasing life expectancy in melanoma patients. Lung cancer and melanoma are two of the hardest cancer types to treat. From The New York Times.

Announcement of splitsville for the Gore's brings attention to baby boomers' divorces. Divorce lawyers are stating that the Gore announcement is not that uncommon after all. They are receiving more and more calls, especially within the last 5 years, from couples that have been married 35/40+ years that want a divorce. Divorce lawyers are blaming it on the "me-generation." From USA Today.

Golden Years really are golden! The 2008 Gallop poll found that most people become increasingly happier after the age of 50. 18 year olds were found to be very happy. However, between 18 and 50 years old our happiness level dips. The good news for those of us over 18 and not yet 50 - happiness levels of 85 year olds exceed happiness levels of 18 year olds. Perhaps this is because of the news story featured above(!?!). From the NY Daily News.

New drug approved to combat osteoporosis. FDA approved a new drug this week to help prevent fractures often experienced by older women. Half of adult woman over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The new drug will increase bone mass and strength. From The New York Times.

Patient Voices: Alzheimer's Disease. I just discovered that The New York Times has been running a series on Alzheimer's Disease where you can hear the stories directly from those with Alzheimer's Disease and their loved ones. The latest woman featured is Laura Mercer, whose background can be found here and whose story, as well as her husband's perspective, can be heard here. From The New York Times.

The New York Times is also following a Columbian family that is plagued with Alzheimer's disease. Four siblings are all suffering from severe memory loss in their forties. However, the extent of the disease goes well beyond the four siblings. "For generations, the illness has tormented these and thousands of others among a sprawling group of relatives: the world’s largest family to experience Alzheimer’s disease."

What are the basic legal documents my mother should have?

2010-06-07T12:15:00.002-04:00

Your mother needs a health care proxy and power of attorney. She may also wish to have a living will. A health care proxy will allow a person, called the “agent” or sometimes the “proxy,” to make health care decisions for your mother when she is unable to. Your mother may only name one person to serve as her health care agent at any given time, but she may name as many alternates as she would like. A health care proxy only takes effect upon your mother’s inability to make decisions for her.

A power of attorney should be a durable one, as a durable power of attorney will remain in effect if your mother becomes incompetent to make her own decisions. A power of attorney gives the agent authority to make financial and business decisions in the best interests of the principal. You should make sure that the power of attorney is custom drafted so that it includes many powers beyond the ones that the statutory short form contains. A durable power of attorney takes effect immediately upon signing, so it is a powerful document that should be prepared only after your mother has decided who is the most responsible person for managing her financial affairs.

Your mother may also wish to have a living will in place, which will specify her desires for treatment in the event of terminal illness. This is an excellent vehicle for having a discussion with the entire family about your mother’s needs and desires for her own long-term care.

This information was provided by JulieAnn Calareso, Esq., an attorney practicing Elder Law at the law firm of Burke & Casserly, P.C. in Albany, New York. Please feel free to visit Burke & Casserly’s website at http://www.burkecasserly.com/.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending June 4, 2010

2010-06-04T13:13:00.000-04:00

Skip the Pharmacy for Vitamins. Remember when people used to eat healthy foods to get their daily vitamins? Well guess what? You still can! Here's the list of the vitamins you should consume every day, and the "magic" foods that will get you on your way. From Real Simple.

Cure heartburn, break a bone? Increased use of certain heartburn medications has been linked to broken wrists, hips, and even spines. These medications are both prescribed and available over the counter. You will soon see a FDA warning label on these medications. From HealthDay.

Alcohol may lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. A study suggests that moderate drinking in non-smoking adult woman decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. Pass me the wine please! From HealthDay.

'Doughnut hole' Medicare drug rebates start going to seniors soon. Seniors plagued by the Medicare Part D coverage gap or 'doughnut hole' will begin seeing financial relief within the next two weeks. The coverage gap begins when the total amount paid for prescriptions hits $2830.00 for the year. Once at $2830.00 the Senior pays 100% of their prescription cost until the total expenditure reaches $4550.00. Once it reaches $4550.00, the Senior is only responsible for 5% of the remaining prescription costs until the end of the year. These rebates are being sent out for the Seniors that have been affected by this 'doughnut hole'. Seniors do not need to apply for this rebate. From the Los Angeles Times.

Considering an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) for yourself or a loved one? This is a huge decision. Think about all the time and effort you spent on choosing the right college for you or a family member. This same amount of attention should be spent when considering an ALF. What are your needs now and what might they be in five years? How long can you afford to be in the ALF? Is the ALF licensed. Are references available? You must trust the ALF and staff members with your wellbeing or the wellbeing of your loved one. Don't make this decision quickly or when in a panic mood. Be prepared in case there is a future emergency. From U.S. News & World Report.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending May 28, 2010

2010-05-28T13:28:00.000-04:00

Follow the directions on your prescriptions. When the doctor recommends that you take one pill an hour after eating, you should take one pill an hour after eating. Older adults increase the risk of falling when not taking the medications as directed. The directions are simple, don't make it complicated. From Senior Journal.com.

But at least they have their prescriptions. Many Americans receiving prescriptions from doctors don’t bother to get them filled. So what? Aside from the obvious risks of getting sicker and/or death, patients that don’t take their medications end up costing us. A lot. “More than $170 billion annually in the United States alone.” From The New York Times.

Are there cures available? Some very promising scientific-breakthroughs have developed for cancer and other diseases, but drug treatments are having a tough time being approved by the FDA. From 1996-1999 the USDA approved 157 new drugs. From 2006-2009 that number was down to 74. We know scientist haven't stopped trying to find cures. What's the reason for the decline? From Newsweek.

More bad news for statin users. Statins have been linked to a number of bad side effects in recent years. Unfortunately, there's more bad news around the corner. According to a recent finding statin use is now being tied to eye, kidney and liver problems. However, the benefits of the cholesterol fighting drugs are believed to outweigh the risks according to experts. From Health Day.

This research also found no link between statin use and dementia. Last year at an Alzheimer's conference I attended an audience member asked the presenter (a world-renown doctor focused on Alzheimer's Disease) if he had read any of the research that correlated statin use with dementia. The doctor said he had seen some of the research suggesting a link as well as some suggesting no link, and he couldn't offer an affirmative yes or no without doing more research. Here's another study that suggests no link between statin use and dementia.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. I'll be thinking about the soldiers while I enjoy my freedom. No words can express my gratitude.

Resources for Decluttering

2010-05-26T09:30:00.000-04:00

National Association of Professional Organizers at http://www.napo.net/ . . . to find a professional organizer near you.

National Association of Senior Move Managers at http://www.nasmm.org/ . . . for assistance helping older adults and their families downsize, relocate or modify their homes.

National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization at http://www.nsgcd.org/ . . . for various resources on combating clutter. This non-profit organization features fact sheets, a clutter-hoarding scale for professional organizers to help assess their clients, and a questionnaire to determine if someone is a chronic disorganizer. Chronic disorganization is defined by the group as ongoing (chronic), interfering with the ability to get things done or with relationships, and a history of failed self help.

Vickie Dellaquila, certified professional organizer and author of “Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash” at vickie@organizationrules.com.

University of New Mexico Researcher Dr. Catherine Roster at Roster@mgt.unm.edu. Dr. Roster is a clutter researcher who serves as research director for The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. She is currently working on a clutter self-assessment tool that will help clutter collectors get to the root of their issues.

University of Kansas Professor Dr. David Ekerdt at dekerdt@ku.edu. Dr. Ekerdt is coordinating a “household moves” project to determine the role that possessions play in older people’s housing decisions.

Katherine “Kit” Anderson, CPO-CD, president of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization at kit@andersonorganizing.com.

To get seniors off of junk mail lists, go to . . . . http://www.dmachoice.org/, http://www.catalogchoice.org/, http://www.optoutprescreen.com/.

A Caregiver’s Guide to Spot Clutter Creep

2010-05-25T09:30:00.002-04:00

If you notice these characteristics about your senior loved ones or their homes, clutter could start creeping up on them.

1. Piles of mail and unpaid bills.

2. Difficulty walking safely through a home.

3. Frustration trying to organize.

4. Difficulty managing activities of daily living.

5. Expired food in the refrigerator.

6. Jammed closets and drawers.

7. Compulsive shopping.

8. Difficulty deciding whether to discard items.

9. A health episode such as a stroke or dementia.

10. Loneliness.

If your senior won’t let go . . . .

2010-05-24T09:30:00.001-04:00

Getting rid of stuff is actually a two-step process: sorting and deciding, on the one hand, and disposing on the other. That’s according to University of Kansas Professor Dr. David Ekerdt, who is coordinating a “household moves” project to determine the role that possessions play in older people’s housing decisions. But convincing seniors can be a challenge.

Following are strategies if your loved one doesn’t want to let go from Katherine “Kit” Anderson, CPO-CD, president of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD), and Vickie Dellaquila, certified professional organizer and author of “Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash.”

1. Arrange and cheer small victories. Suppose you spend a short time helping your loved one clear off a table. Celebrate the accomplishment together.

2. Conduct an “experiment.” If your senior has 150 empty margarine tub containers, suggest donating 15 of those to a school for a painting project. Allow some time to go by and ask how she felt giving those up. Chances are she won’t feel as awful as suspected.

3. Gently approach the idea of health and safety. Remind your loved ones that too much clutter can actually keep them from being safe in their homes, which could jeopardize their ability to stay at home. They could trip over papers on the floor or lose bills and medications.

4. Draft an agreement. Agree to box up unused clothing or tools. Carefully list what’s in the box and track that for six months. If your loved one does not use the items in that time, suggest they donate them to a charity.

5. Consider the control issue. Clutter is all about control, but so is being the one to decide where stuff goes. Remind your loved ones if they don’t decide where something will go, someone else will.

For more information, contact the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) at http://www.nsgcd.org/ or visit http://www.homeinstead.com/. For tips on talking to a loved one about sensitive subjects, go to http://www.4070talk.com/.

10 Reasons Seniors Hang On To Stuff and What To Do About It

2010-05-20T09:30:00.003-04:00

Following, from Home Instead Senior Care and Vickie Dellaquila, certified professional organizer and author of “Don’t Toss My Memories in the Trash,” are 10 reasons seniors can’t or won’t give up their stuff and what to do about it.

1. The sentimental attachment. The beloved prom dress represents the history and memories of the event; it’s not the dress itself. Save only a piece of the dress to make a quilt or display in a shadow box. Scrapbooking and converting photos to DVDs are other ways to save treasured keepsakes without all the extra mess.

2. The sense of loyalty. Older adults who’ve received gifts from family and friends may be reluctant to part with them. Encourage your loved one to give unused gifts back to the giver or grandchildren.

3. The need to conserve. Seniors are the original green people. Appeal to a senior’s desire to help others. Counter a senior’s inclination to conserve by appealing to their desire to give back.

4. The fatigue. A home with a lifetime of memories can easily become too much for an older adult to handle. Help seniors manage clutter by establishing online bill paying. Also, get your senior off junk mail lists, which can put them at risk of identity theft, and buy them a shredder.

5. The change in health. Seniors who have suffered a brain trauma or stroke, who are wheelchair bound or who are experiencing dementia may no longer be able to manage household duties, which could contribute to clutter. If you see a health change, encourage your senior to visit his or her doctor and consider a professional organizer and caregiver to help your loved one.

6. The fear. Seniors often fear what will happen if they give up their stuff, like the older adult who saved three generations of bank statements. Use logic and information to help seniors understand it’s O.K. to let go.

7. The dream of the future. Those clothes in the closet don’t fit anymore, but your loved one is sure that some day she’ll lose enough weight to get into them. Ask seniors to fill a box with clothing they don’t wear much and make a list of the items in the box. Agree that if they have not gone back to the box in six months to wear the item, they will donate that to charity.

8. The love of shopping. Today’s seniors have more money than any other previous generation of older adults and they love to shop. Clutter can become so bad seniors can’t find things and they repurchase items they already have, contributing to the clutter cycle. Try to convince seniors to cut back and to say “no” to free stuff.

9. The history and memories. Keepsakes represent history and memories. Encourage seniors to take old photos to a family reunion and share with several generations. Let seniors know they can contribute to the history of their time and leave a lasting legacy by donating to museums and historical societies, a theater and library, or churches and synagogues.

10. The loneliness. Stuff can become a misplaced companion. Loneliness may also lead to depression, which makes it difficult for seniors to get organized. Consider the services of a professional organizer and caregiver. For more information, go to the National Association of Professional Organizers at http://www.napo.net/ or visit http://www.homeinstead.com/.

Other experts contributing to these tips include Katherine “Kit” Anderson, CPO-CD, president of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization; University of Kansas Professor Dr. David Ekerdt, who is coordinating a “household moves” project to determine the role that possessions play in older people’s housing decisions; and University of New Mexico Researcher Dr. Catherine Roster.

Happy Memories or Household Hazards?

2010-05-18T09:30:00.001-04:00

Advice For Family Caregivers to Help Older Adults De-Clutter During Spring Cleaning to Avoid Home Dangers

While clutter is not a problem unique to seniors, conditions of aging including strokes, brain trauma and dementia can lead to disorder and chaos that could threaten seniors’ home safety and independence, experts say. It’s a problem all too familiar to family caregivers.

A lifetime accumulation of possessions combined with an influx of daily junk mail, bills, newspapers and magazines can quickly overwhelm seniors who are struggling physically, mentally or emotionally.

Experts say even seniors who simply don’t know how to part with their possessions are vulnerable. The risks are many from slipping on loose papers to the threat of fire to the health effects of mold and mildew. Clutter can also interfere with family relationships and leave adult children wondering if the only inheritance awaiting them is a big mess.

Spring is a great time for family caregivers to help seniors de-clutter for their own health and well-being.

“Cluttering – for those with this tendency – probably has been happening for years, but a ‘trigger episode’ such as going into a wheelchair or a health issue could worsen the problem,” said Katherine “Kit” Anderson, CPO-CD, president of the non-profit National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) and a certified professional organizer. While the source of clutter can be anything from outdated medications to a kitchen full of unused pots and pans, paper is the biggest clutter culprit, Anderson said.

“It’s sort of the elephant in the room,” added Dr. Catherine Roster, a University of New Mexico clutter researcher. “People don’t want to acknowledge there is a problem, which creates an underlying anxiety, stress, guilt or embarrassment that can have a negative effect on their mental health and productivity. There are a lot of issues including economics. When there is general disorganization, people lose important documents and can’t find bills and then miss payments. So some serious issues start affecting them. All the research shows that people are slow to recognize the problem.”

Family caregivers can become just as overwhelmed as seniors. Try a three-step plan where the family caregiver brings three bins -- one for the stuff the senior wants to keep, one for donations and the other for trash. Sometimes seniors just need a little help.

Home Instead Senior Care in the News!

2010-05-17T12:38:00.002-04:00

Derek Pruitt - dpruitt@poststar.com The entrance to Frank Blasko's home sits cluttered with turtle cages, walkers, wheelchair and loads of random items in Greenfield on Friday, May, 14, 2010. Blasko admits the casual observer may not notice the difference, but several sessions with Home Instead Senior Care workers has helped him gain some control of his home He said he can see and use his dining room table and the kitchen counters are once again in daily use and not just storage spaces.

Clearing the Clutter
Greenfield man housed his hobby to deal with pain

By LYDIA WHEELER

From the Post Star

GREENFIELD - For Frank Blasko, vacuuming while controlling a motorized chair is like trying to rub your belly and pat your head at the same time, nearly impossible.

Vacuuming isn't his only hardship. Any kind of cleaning is difficult for Blasko, who lives alone and has traveled a tough road his last 60 years.

When he was 13, his father walked out on his mother. Blasko's mother decided to move him and his siblings from Manhattan to Whitehall to be closer to her family.

A few years after relocating, his 17-year-old brother and 24-year-old sister were killed by a drunk driver.

In 1998, an accident at Finch Pruyn, where he had been employed for 30 years, caused a major back injury, forcing him to retire and live on disability. Ten years later, he lost his partner of 30 years to liver cancer.

Shortly after, Blasko, a diabetic, said he slipped into a diabetic coma and went into the hospital for two months.

Improper care, he said, caused him to get 18 bed sores, seven of which were located on the bottom of his feet.

"Those haven't healed," he said.

Bed sores led to diabetic ulcers and both his left and right feet had to be partially amputated as a result. The open wounds force Blasko to wear medical booties at all times and impair his ability to walk or stand.

"I'm a healthy person, but I can't be on my feet," he said.

Blasko moves about his house with the use of a motorized chair, but his bad back and feet make daily cleaning and household chores extremely difficult, and it shows throughout his home.

Because he's unable to work, Blasko has taken up several hobbies, such as painting, showing his two smooth fox terriers at dog shows, knitting, ceramics and caring for 50 turtles he's licensed by the state to possess and sell.

His hobbies keep adding items to his home, cluttering an already disorganized domicile.

But recently Blasko was given a grant from Catholic Charities, money that allowed him to hire a senior care expert from Home Instead Senior Care, a home health care agency, to come in and help him clean.

"The amount of stuff we got done," he said letting out a sigh of surprise. "I don't even think it's noticeable unless you've been here before."

Home Instead Senior Care is encouraging seniors and their families to help their aging loved ones clear the clutter from their home to eliminate potential health and safety hazards by offering information to help sort, organize and dispose things no longer needed.

"That's what people do; if you're older you have accumulated things," said Cindy Harrington, a spokeswoman for Home Instead.

"In our clients, it's common for there to be a loss of an animal or someone close to them and when that happens the incentive to want to go through and get rid of your loved ones things isn't there. It's tough," she said.

"It's difficult to be alone. Al liked to clean and I liked to cook and keep track of bills. If I'm just a penny off I would've spent eight hours until I found that penny," he said.

But Blasko admitted that he hasn't balanced his checkbook since his partner passed away. Now, he calls the bank to learn his balance.

The Home Instead network and Vickie Dellaquila, a certified professional organizer, compiled a list of the top 10 reasons why seniors can't or won't give up their stuff and what to do about it.

That list includes the sense of loyalty, loneliness and a change in health.

There can be signs of hoarding, such as piles of mail and unpaid bills, frustration trying to organize, difficulty with daily living and a health episode.

"If you're focusing on the huge task of clutter, break it down into small jobs to accomplish otherwise you become overwhelmed," Harrington said.

Home Instead Senior Care has more information about warning signs and advice for seniors and families with seniors who need to de-clutter on their website at http://www.homeinstead.com/341.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending May 14, 2010

2010-05-14T14:31:00.000-04:00

Researchers getting close to a cure for Alzheimer's Disease? There are currently five Alzheimer's related drugs in Phase 3 of clinical trials in the United States. This is the last stage before a drug is eligible for FDA approval and is allowed onto the market. These drugs, if approved, may slow down or even stop the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. From the Los Angeles Times.

Last November, the Home Instead Senior Care offices in Saratoga Springs, Albany, and Schenectady were approached to help find volunteers for an Alzheimer's drug clinical trial by a local hospital that was collaborating with Elan Pharmaceuticals . While keeping all our client information confidential, we informed our clients (or their family members) living with Alzheimer's Disease of the upcoming drug trial, and asked them to consider participating. Unfortunately our three offices and other organizations solicited by the hospital were unable to come up with even one volunteer. This shows how hard it is to gain commitment to a drug trial, maintain commitment during clinical trials, and gain approval from the FDA. The fact that there are five drugs focused on fighting Alzheimer's disease all in the final stages of research is remarkable.

Missing someone? Last year, for the first time ever, seniors with dementia related illnesses were reported missing more often in some states than missing minors or hikers. Unfortunately, unlike minors and hikers that are usually looking for salvation, someone with dementia may be paranoid and actually hide from any rescue operation. From The New York Times. Check out my blog post on Tuesday relating to this topic. On Sunday a neighboring community had an all out man-hunt for a missing 79-year-old. Fortunately Sunday's case had a happy ending.

Prevent a stroke. Last week I highlighted an article regarding sodium intake. USA Today continued this theme by suggesting that lowering the amount of salt you consume directly lowers your risk of stroke. Restaurants are being encouraged, and soon may be legally required, to lower the sodium levels in their dishes. If you live in "The Stroke Belt" - Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina - you may personally want to push for sodium reduction at your local restaurant. It just may save your life. From USA Today.

Good Sleep = Good Life. Researchers have found that a good night's sleep can lead to overall better health and may even lengthen life expectancy. My husband better think twice before waking me up when he comes to bed late! From Web MD.

Do You Have What it Takes to be a CAREGiver?

2010-05-12T10:08:00.000-04:00

A profession caring for seniors brings many benefits. But it’s also not for everyone. That’s why it’s important to ask yourself important questions before pursuing this job path. If you love working with seniors, if you’re an understanding person and if you have served previously as a family caregiver to a loved one, or if you’re a senior yourself, you probably have some of the attributes needed to be a good professional caregiver.

In the meantime, why not complete the caregiver career self-assessment at http://www.heartofacaregiver.com/ to help you gauge whether caregiving would be a good career fit for you.

In addition to being the second fastest-growing job category nationally, CareerBuilder.com has listed personal and home care aides as one of the top 10 best part-time jobs1 as well as part of one of the top five recession-proof industries: health care2.

1.http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/01/24/best.parttime.jobs/index.html
2.http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/03/24/cb.recession.proof/index.html

What Can I Do About a Wandering Loved One?

2010-05-11T12:27:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday the news was busy reporting a missing 79-year-old dementia patient. Estele Lindsey was last seen at her house at 7:30 a.m. Instead of preparing Mother's Day Brunch, Estele's family and friends participated in an all day man-hunt finally ending at 11 p.m. when a woman living six miles from Estele's residence called police alerting them that Estele was in her driveway.

Along with family and friends, the search party consisted of 50 officials from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, member of the Hudson Falls Police, members from the Hudson Falls Kingsbury fire departments and the employees of the state Department of Environmental Conservation. From the Post Star.

For someone unfamiliar with a wandering loved one this may seem like quite the operation for a missing adult. However, when taking into consideration that this is an older adult with dementia that may be confused, scared, and unsafe or even harmed this "extreme" measure is not only appropriate but necessary. "Wandering can put an individual's safety in jeopardy. More than 60 percent of those with dementia will wander, and if a person is not found within 24 hours, up to half of individuals who wander will suffer serious injury or death." (From the Alzheimer's Association)

Here at Home Instead Senior Care we receive calls from family members panicking because their family has just experience a similar situation to Estele's. We once had a call from someone that had just found their loved one in the median of the Northway. Last month a daughter contacted our office after receiving a phone call that her Father was walking down the yellow line of a major highway. Thankfully the caller recognized the gentlemen and got him into her car.

So how do you know if your loved one is a wander risk, and if they are a risk, what can you do? Here is more information about wandering from the Alzheimer's Association.

Be aware of the risk factors for wandering, and enroll in MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®, a nationwide identification program designed to assist in the return of those who wander and become lost.

SIGNS OF WANDERING BEHAVIOR

A person may be at risk for wandering if he or she:

Comes back from a regular walk or drive later than usual
Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work
Tries or wants to "go home" even when at home
Is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements
Has a hard time locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room
Acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (moves around pots and dirt without actually planting anything)
Acts nervous or anxious in crowded areas, such as shopping malls or restaurants

TIPS TO REDUCE WANDERING

If you live with or care for a person with dementia, here are a few tips to help you reduce the risk of wandering:

Move around and exercise to reduce anxiety agitation and restlessness
Ensure all basic needs are met (toileting, nutrition, thirst)
Carry out daily activities, such as folding laundry or preparing dinner to provide daily structure
Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented
Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation, such as shopping malls
Place deadbolts either high or low on exterior doors
Control access to car keys (a person with dementia may not just wander by foot)
Do not leave someone with dementia unsupervised in new surroundings

Who Will Care for Mom?

2010-05-10T10:51:00.003-04:00

High Growth Job Category Won’t Keep Pace with Demand for Caregivers.

Reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that predict an increase in the personal and home care aides job category – forecasting that to be the second fastest-growing job group in the nation over the next decade – is welcome news in a recession. But the rapid growth in this job group may not be fast enough. The Home Instead Senior Care Network's recent research indicates that demand for these jobs will outpace supply in a big way.

This could become a national crisis issue. At our company alone – the largest of its kind, but one of many throughout our country – the number of CAREGivers nationally is about 60,000. To keep pace with this projected demand, our company will have to double its care force in just three years, according to our research. On a positive note, these projections will result in job opportunities for area workers hit hard by the economy, providing a flexible part-time option for additional income or a new career in a fulfilling job field – caring for older adults.

In New York the personal and home care aides job category is expected to increase from from 74,680 jobs in 2006 to 100,790 positions in 2016 – a projected 35 percent increase. The influx of state jobs to this occupation is mirroring what is happening throughout the country. Nationwide, the personal and home care aides classification is expected to grow by more than 50 percent between 2006 and 2016, increasing from 767,000 to a projected 1.15 million jobs. 1

The government identifies personal and home care aides as professionals who help the elderly, disabled, ill and mentally disabled live in their own homes or in residential care facilities instead of in health facilities. The growing number of seniors in the U.S. as well as locally is expected to help fuel this job demand. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population age 65 and older is projected to double between 2000 and 2050.

We’ve certainly seen the needs of seniors in our area drive the demand for our services, which in turn creates more caregiving jobs. The local Home Instead Senior Care office is part of an international franchise company whose professional CAREGivers go into the homes of seniors to help them with their non-medical needs. National research conducted by the company reveals that 86 percent of seniors want to continue living in their homes as they age. This surge in seniors at home will help fuel the demand for these new positions as well.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Economist Colleen Teixeira Moffat, who studies the occupation of personal and home care aides, said increasing health-care costs partly explain this growing demand. “It’s a lot more cost-effective to leave a hospital sooner when all a senior might need is assistance with daily activities,” she said. “A visiting nurse, home health aide, and personal and home care aide all will be cheaper than a stay in a residential care facility,” she said.

The job’s flexibility also is attractive, she noted. “The education requirements are not high, so this job may be appealing to an individual who is new to this country or someone who wants to put off college for awhile. A job such as this can give people an opportunity to get a feel for working with others. It’s also a flexible job for those taking care of their own families or looking for a second job,” Teixeira Moffat added. Home Instead Senior Care also has discovered that seniors themselves make great caregivers.

The training process for the profession is comprehensive but not lengthy, industry experts note. Caregivers typically complete a four-step training program, which provides the basic skills and, for some, advanced skills necessary to care for seniors. These include a focus on safety, communications, emergency first aid, activities and routine meal preparation and light housekeeping. The more advanced training prepares caregivers to perform personal services such as toileting and bathing.

Caregiving companies are gearing up to meet this expected caregiving need by offering incentive recruiting programs and reaching out to groups that have proven to be attracted to this job category such as older adults. At Home Instead Senior Care, we have focused our efforts on retaining quality CAREGivers, who in turn can recruit other outstanding CAREGivers.

# # #

1. http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab21.htm

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending May 7, 2010

2010-05-07T15:09:00.000-04:00

abcDefg...Vitamin D is proving to be quite the vitamin! Already known to fight major illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, Vitamin D has recently been connected to helping seniors stay mobile. Seniors with higher levels of vitamin D were found to be more physically active than those with lower levels of the vitamin. Sunlight and some foods are natural sources for Vitamin D. From WebMD.

You lowered your calorie and fat intake. How about sodium?? Many Americans focus more on calories and fat than the sodium levels they consume. Diets high in sodium are linked with heart disease and stroke. However, Americans tend to overlook the sodium levels when shopping for “healthier” foods. Manufacturers and restaurants may soon find it harder to load on the salt, and may actually have to rely on the flavors of their product, if the government follows the advice recently given by the Institute of Medicine. But can Americans cut back on the 1.5 teaspoons of salt we each consume every day? I'm keeping my fingers crossed. From USA Today.

In case you need another reason to stop smoking. We all have been inundated with the bad news smoking cigarettes can bring - lung cancer, emphysema, heart disease. But perhaps you don’t know why cigarettes, or the ingredients within them, cause certain diseases. New evidence proves the link between smoking and heart disease when researchers measured smokers arteries against a non-smokers arteries at different ages. The findings - "arteries age twice as fast in smokers." From HealthDay.

Too many medication choices for doctors. Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Pravachol, Crestor and Zocor all are being prescribed to lower cholesterol. Lexapro, Celexa, Zoloft, Proxac, and Paxil are a few drugs prescribed to fight depression. With so many choices, how does the doctor choose? Do these medications all have the same effectiveness, or are some better than others? If you are seeing more than one doctor, are you taking the same type of medication under a different name? From the Los Angeles Times. It is crucial that you are your own advocate and document what medications you are taking when visiting each of your doctors. It not only may save you money, it may also save your life!

New findings may shift the direction for Alzheimer's Research. A new study suggests that floating proteins may actually be the cause of Alzheimer's Disease and that the plaques previously blamed for the disease may be a product of the disease rather than the cause. From HealthDay.

Happy Mother's Day to all the fantastic mothers out there - especially mine!

Help!!!! My Mother has Alzheimer's Disease and no Power of Attorney.

2010-05-06T09:30:00.002-04:00

My mother has Alzheimer’s and has not filled out a Power of Attorney. Is there some way I can get this document completed?

Power of Attorney can be signed by any adult with mental capacity to understand the nature of the transaction. A Power of Attorney is considered to be a contract, and therefore the individual entering into the Power of Attorney must have the capacity to contract. In New York State, it is required that the individual understand the obligations she is undertaking and authority she is granting to her agent. Capacity is a medical determination, but a doctor’s decision about mental capacity can create legal issues. If a doctor determines that the Alzheimer’s is so progressed that your mother cannot understand that she is signing a legal document giving you authority to make all financial and “business” decisions for her, any document she then signs will be vulnerable to attack. The parties who would seek to attack the Power of Attorney could include any person who believes that the agent (presumably you) would be taking advantage of Mom in her diminished mental state. It is important to consider who can mount an attack on a Power of Attorney when determining the appropriateness of having a Power of Attorney executed.

When a person lacks capacity and does not have advanced directives in place and when the family finds that they cannot manage the financial affairs informally, the only option is a Guardianship. A guardianship is a proceeding during which the Court is asked to determine that the person is incapacitated, and the Court appoints someone to make decisions for that person. There can be a Guardianship of the Person (who can make personal decisions for the incapacitated person) and/or a Guardianship of the Property (who can make financial decisions for the incapacitated person). While a guardianship is a court proceeding with formalities and strict rules that must be followed, if no person objects to the appointment of the guardian, the Guardianship proceeding will be an uncontested guardianship, which will result in a significant reduction of time and expense.

This information was provided by JulieAnn Calareso, Esq., an attorney practicing Elder Law at the law firm of Burke & Casserly, P.C. in Albany, New York. Please feel free to visit Burke &Casserly’s website at http://www.burkecasserly.com/.

What questions do you have about Elder Law?

Active Soul: Start a Collection

2010-05-05T09:30:00.000-04:00

Think about items of interest that have been collected through the years. Many seniors have stashed away old coins or stamps or baseball cards. How about costume jewelry from the 1940s or ‘50s?

Perhaps pieces of the collection are scattered around the house. Make it a treasure hunt of sorts.

Next, decide where you would store this collection. Depending on what you have gathered or the senior has decided to collect, it may need a lot of room or a special place that will help preserve the items being collected. Think about different ways to display these treasures. If your senior decides to collect valuable items, such as baseball cards, he or she may need to consider a safe deposit box at the bank.

Or you could begin a collection that a senior would pass down through the family. Need help? Start collecting by visiting garage sales, looking for the items while traveling or researching on the internet.

The Book Stages of Senior Care Describes Caregiving Options

2010-05-04T09:15:00.004-04:00

The Chicago Tribune recently ran an interview with Paul Hogan, the Founder and CEO of Home Instead Senior Care. He, along with his wife Lori, wrote the book Stages of Senior Care - Your Step-to-step Guide to Making the Best Decisions.

The interview began with Paul describing his experience caring for his grandmother who had fallen ill. The family came together to keep his grandmother at home - the only other option at that time for senior care was a nursing home. While caring for his grandmother Paul realized first hand the physical and emotional strains caregiving can put on a family member.

After this experience Paul and his wife Lori founded Home Instead Senior Care. Home Instead Senior Care has grown to be the number one trusted source of non-medical care in the North America, with franchises in each of the fifty states, throughout Canada, and is growing every year internationally.

Our local franchise has a personal experience behind it's inception as well. Home Instead Senior Care Saratoga began in 2000 under the leadership of Nelson Carpenter. Nelson's Mother began showing signs of what was later diagnosed as Alzheimer's Disease in the later part of the 1990s. Nelson was fortunate that his Mother had moved herself into an assisted living facility years before any symptoms developed.

The family questioned her decision when she decided to move, but she repeatedly told them that she wanted to make it as easy as possible for the family should a problem arise in the future. She'd seen too many arguments arise between her friends and their own children when issues pertaining to senior care developed.

Although his Mother made it somewhat easier for the transition by initiating it herself, Nelson wondered what other families did in these difficult situations, and that's when he discovered Home Instead Senior Care. Nelson continuing goal is to assure that the Saratoga office of Home Instead Senior Care remains the region's trusted source of companionship and non-medical home care for seniors.

Even with the vast success of Home Instead Senior Care, Paul Hogan and his wife Lori were still not satisfied. They wanted to reach even more families. They decided to co-author the book Stages of Senior Care. Below are the interview questions & answers about the book between Paul Hogan and Jane Glen Haas (McClatchy/Tribune News). To see the article in full click here.

Q) I'll admit I'm impressed. Most senior care books focus on one or two stages — assisted living and nursing homes, for example. Your book tells people first to check out community services and ends with hospice and end-of-life choices. You cover the gamut.

A) One of the big reasons we wrote the book is that the majority of people don't know all of their options — who pays for what? Is there government assistance? Should I have long-term care insurance or a reverse mortgage? In honesty, the majority of people are not doing any planning for their old age. And there are many cost-effective decisions that can help you stay in your home a few years longer.

Q) Do you consider the book a public service?

A) Yes. The proceeds all go to the Home Instead Senior Care Foundation. Our goal is to help people know what questions to ask, explore options and also face the need to plan.

Q) One of the sections that I rarely see discussed talks about coping with difficult relationships. You say if you have a strained relationship with a mother or father, chances are things will only get worse if you become the caregiver.

A) Yes, we talk about setting boundaries, about avoiding conversations with a parent that "get your buttons pushed." Again, getting the right options or the right caregiver can make a difference. Caregivers need to be able to avoid guilt trips. That can contribute to the caregiver ending up with worse health conditions than the person they care for.

Q) Your sections on funeral costs and dealing with bereavement are unusual to find in a book on senior care.

A) This book is all about the realities of senior care. It does no good to duck the obvious end-of-life issues.

Q) And for more information?

A) Go to stagesofseniorcare.com.

Q) One last question: Who is easier to care for — men or women?

A) I don't know that there's much difference.

Active Body: Day at the Beach

2010-05-03T09:30:00.003-04:00

This mobility activity can be made easier for seniors with eyesight problems if the family caregiver describes the actions:

Hold a beach ball at chest level in both hands.
Stretch arms out straight.
Then pull arms back to the chest.
Repeat while counting to 10.

Put this skill to work while doing something a senior enjoys. When watching TV or listening to the radio, march to the beat of a favorite song on TV or the radio while in this sitting position.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending April 30, 2010.

2010-04-30T10:21:00.002-04:00

I knew there was a reason behind my sushi obsession. Omega-3 fatty acids are recommended for pregnant women, children, and adults - does that leave anyone out? Doctors believe that these acids can help in the development of babies’ brains, enhance children’s ability to learn, and give adults healthier hearts. So eat more fish. Can it get better than a doctor’s recommendation to eat more sushi! Or, if sushi or fish aren't for you, you can always take fish oil pills. However, take some advice from a friend who once took a dare and bit into a fish oil pill, swallow it whole! From the Los Angeles Times

Get your skin checked! Although skin cancer seems to be one of the less talked about cancers, at least in the periodicals I read, it’s the most common of all cancers. Whether it’s due to the lack of press or not, older white Americans are not going for screenings nearly as much as they should. Furthermore, there is a correlation between education and who gets checked – more education equals more screenings. Melanoma, the deadliest of the skin cancers, has actually been rising for the past 35 years. So wear sunscreen, reapply as necessary, and have your skin examined by a doctor on a regular basis. From Health Day.

Seniors caring for seniors. Recent trends show that baby boomers are delving into the field of professional caregiving and loving it. Many companies, like Home Instead Senior Care, hire baby boomers because they usually have some experience caring for seniors – usually for their own loved ones – and they tend to be more reliable. From the New York Times. To read my opinion of this article and the comments that ensued, click here.

Get paid to move out of a nursing home. It’s common knowledge that the cost of care in a nursing home is at an all time high and expected to go higher. The federally funded state run program Money Follows the Person is trying to combat this financial bomb, ease the burden on Medicaid, and help nursing home residents become independent again. The numbers speak for themselves. The cost per year to provide care inside a nursing home = $75,190.00. This same individual at home receiving in home care (meals, nursing, companionship, & homemaker to name a few) = $18,000.00. It should be criminal to not partake in this program, especially with the finincial crises many of our states are in right now. From USA Today.

There may be a tax upside to dying in 2010. Interesting article. I’ve tried to summarize it here for several minutes and just feel odd about the whole thing. You’ll have to read the article to appreciate my sentiment. From NPR.

Senior Care a Major Economic Player

2010-04-29T10:46:00.004-04:00

An insightful op-ed piece ran in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution earlier this week written by Paul Hogan, the Founder and CEO of Home Instead Senior Care. The article is displayed below or click here to view the article online.

Senior Care a Major Economic Player
By Paul Hogan

The effort to rein in galloping health care costs — which no less a figure than Warren Buffett has described as “a tapeworm eating at our economic body” — is rarely mentioned in the same sentence with job creation. In fact, most policymakers probably assume the two goals are on a collision course.

It doesn’t have to be that way. To deal with its exploding population of senior citizens, the nation will need to add millions of new jobs in the years ahead. If Washington approaches this phenomenon wisely, the U.S. can reap the benefits of that job growth without sending the health care bill spiraling.

The first of the baby boomers turn 65 next year. At 78 million strong, they will make tremendous demands for several decades on the senior-care system. To meet this surge, the nation must add doctors, nurses, technicians, social workers, administrators and home-care attendants.

Senior care is, when seen properly, a growth market for jobs. Washington should welcome this development, not attempt to squelch it.

I understand, of course, that the nation’s health care costs must be curbed. But the way to go about that is to clamp down on waste and abuse, from costly and unnecessary medical procedures to fraud in Medicare and Medicaid.

Senior care isn’t in that category. As long as it is honestly and efficiently delivered, it is an absolutely necessary expense, and policymakers make a dangerous error when they fail to distinguish it from what must be cut.

I also understand that government alone cannot bear the cost of caring for the senior population. After all, by 2025, the number of people over 65 will be 72 million, nearly double what it was in 2000. Annual cost will run into hundreds of billions.

But there is an obvious solution: a partnership between the public sector — government — and the private sector — businesses, nonprofits and charitable organizations.

Washington should offer incentives and subsidies to drive the private sector’s activities while continuing to provide its safety net of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. State and local governments that operate public hospitals, agencies for the aging and senior centers should continue those services too.

The private sector should shoulder pretty much everything else. And, in fact, it does a lot of that now, far more than most Americans probably realize — from running profit and nonprofit hospitals, to home-care agencies, to retirement and assisted living communities, to hospices.

But the private side of the senior-care system isn’t growing fast enough to meet the coming need. That’s why the public sector should step in with incentives and subsidies.

It’s a win-win-win situation. A growing elder-care industry will create millions of jobs, generating income- and sales-tax revenues for cash-strapped governments. It will relieve government of the full cost of caring for the senior boomers. And it will make it possible for seniors to age with care, dignity and comfort.

How big is the potential senior-care job market? To cite just two of many categories, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing estimates than in the next 15 years the nation will need to add 260,000 nurses. The number of new home-care workers required in just the next six years is 1 million.

Washington can take many steps to stimulate this job growth, for example:

● Low interest loans for students specializing in geriatric care.

● Tax credits for graduates who pledge to work in underserved regions of the country.

● Creation of a Senior Corps similar to the Peace Corps and Americorps.

● Tax credits for long-term-care insurance policies that cover affordable options like home care.

● A public education campaign to help seniors make the wisest and most affordable choices.

That last point is a special concern. A survey sponsored by my company found a disturbing lack of information among seniors and their adult children about care options and their costs. The danger is that poorly informed people will make choices that are both too expensive — for example, a high-cost nursing home instead of low-cost home care — and wrong for their stage in the aging process.

The first step is for policymakers to understand that quality senior care and job creation are a perfect match. The realization is bound to dawn eventually — demanding boomers will see to that. So why wait? Start now.

Paul Hogan is CEO of Home Instead Senior Care and with his wife, Lori, co-author of “Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions.”

Active Mind: Memory Lane

2010-04-28T09:30:00.005-04:00

Remembering and memorizing song lyrics is a great way to keep the mind active. How about “Moon River,” the hit made popular in the 1960s by legendary crooner Andy Williams? Click on the video below to see Andy Williams perform his masterpiece. Lyrics to Moon River can be found here.

Here are a few others from the 1940s, ‘50s and early ‘60s that your loved ones might remember:

“Chances Are” (Johnny Mathis) Click here to hear Johnny sing and see the lyrics.
“Blueberry Hill” (Fats Domino) Click here to see the lyrics.
“When You Wish Upon a Star” (Cliff Edwards) Click here to hear Cliff sing and see the lyrics.
“You Send Me” (Sam Cooke) Click here to see the lyrics.
“Wake Up Little Susie” (The Everly Brothers) Click here to hear the Everly Brothers sing and see the lyrics.
“Sentimental Journey” (Doris Day) Click here to see the lyrics.
“Fly Me to the Moon” (Frank Sinatra) Click here to see the lyrics.

Ask a senior to remember and sing other songs as he or she is going about the day.

Seniors Caring for Seniors

2010-04-27T09:30:00.153-04:00

The New York Times recently printed the article A Graying Population, a Graying Work Force regarding the trends of professional caregiving. Filled with excitement I sat down to read this article because a) it was focused on a topic I'm very familiar with and b) it featured Home Instead Senior Care.

Immediately I could tell that John Leland had done his research. His statements were my reality. "In an aging population, the elderly are increasingly being taken care of by the elderly. Professional caregivers — almost all of them women — are one of the fastest-growing segments of the American work force, and also one of the grayest."

For Home Instead Senior Care in Saratoga our oldest CAREGiver is 83. That's right, eighty-three! In Shirley's former life she worked as the secretary in her husband's medical practice. When he passed away, she couldn't imagine sitting at home watching the sunrise and set. She applied to work for us in 2003 and hasn't looked back.

Now you may be thinking to yourself that an 83-year-old woman should be receiving care not giving care. Shirley claims that caregiving keeps her young. Compared to her client, who is 92 years old, she is a spring chicken. The closeness in their ages has helped them develop more of a friendship relationship than a working relationship, and they have been together for the past several years.

The average age of our CAREGivers is in the mid-fifties. We aim to recruit retirees because they seem to be more reliable and most have had experience in our field by providing care to their parents and/or other relatives. Many retirees have the same feelings that Mr. Leland describes when quoting Antonia Antonaccio who felt her life was virtually over. She had taken care of her mother, mother-in-law, and finally her husband. When she discovered professional caregiving it was the obvious next step.

Mr. Leland highlights the toll that caregiving can take on the caregiver. He discusses aches and pains, back injuries, arthritis, etc. It is critical for caregivers to take care of themselves in order to take care of others. The Home Instead Senior Care network noticed this a few years back when franchises reported seeing the family caregiver becoming more ill than the care recipient. In the past two years I have seen a family caregiver pass away sooner than their loved one time and time again. To combat this, HISC developed the caregiver stress website. The focus of the website is to keep the caregiver healthy because "A caregiver who takes care of herself or himself - body and mind - will ultimately be a better caregiver to a loved one." Click here to view the website.

I finished reading the article and eagerly awaited reader comments. What did the general population think about professional caregiving - a topic very near and dear to my heart. The majority of comments were about the importance of professional caregivers and the need to educate and train more caregivers in the near future. There were two comments that begged for my reply, and seeing as I missed the window to post my comment, I am doing so here.

The first comment was from Dale (#26) in regards to keeping your eyes peeled for stolen credit cards, checks, and pain medications. Good advice. However, Home Instead likes to take a proactive approach to this rather than reactive. We pride ourselves on hiring wisely. The first question we ask ourselves when an applicant walks through the door is whether or not we would feel comfortable allowing this individual to provide care to our own parents. If the initial feeling is no, we don't go any further. However, this question is continually in the back of our minds throughout the interview process. If at any point the answer changes, we thank them for their time.

Obviously that's not all that we do. We also ask for 3 professional references as well as 3 personal references to assure the applicant has a good work ethic and good relationships in the community. We perform a thorough criminal and motor vehicle background check. Our caregivers are insured and bonded by us. Finally, we are implementing random drug screenings in the upcoming months.

Research is necessary when considering sending someone in to provide care for your senior loved ones. I encourage you to ask questions when considering hiring a caregiver. Make sure they have a clear background and motor vehicle record - they may be taking your Mother and Father to appointments, grocery shopping, etc. Find out how they are interviewed and trained. Are the caregivers bonded? The more information you get the more enjoyable the experience will be, and the more your mind will be at ease once services begin. Many of our clients and their family members perceive our caregivers as an addition to their family.

The second comment was from Dana (#14) regarding caregiver pay vs. Home Instead fees. Dana wrote that she "finds it hard to believe that the administrative and insurance costs associated with running such a business would justify such a cut." When I started working for Home Instead two years ago I held similar beliefs. However, I quickly discovered that Home Instead Senior Care's profit is roughly 5% of revenue. In other words, for the $17.00 an hour we charge, HISC brings in 85 cents.

The insurance costs are that high. However, Dana may be thinking of only liability insurance. In addition to liability insurance we must pay worker’s compensation insurance, disability insurance, and unemployment insurance. We also have to pay the employer’s side of Medicare and Social Security for each employee. On top of that, the above-mentioned screenings for new applicants is extremely costly, as well as training materials and training sessions. This is before taking into consideration the administrative staff member that hires and trains our employees. We also need a staff member to market in the community, one to put together the schedules, and one to ensure that our clients are satisfied with their services. Plus we need an actual office, computers, internet, etc. for operational purposes. Before working for a small company I, like Dana, had no idea the cost of running a small business. It truly was a learning experience.

Overall I was very pleased with the new light Mr. Leland shed on the issue of caregiving. To view the full New York Times article click here. I hope this is only the beginning of many articles to come. What do you think will be the biggest issues faced by caregivers in the next year? Next five years? Next twenty-five years?

Active Soul: This is Your Life

2010-04-26T09:30:00.002-04:00

Why not check out those old photo albums while you take a trip down memory lane. Going through the pictures will undoubtedly jog a senior’s memory and prompt a few stories. While you’re looking through those old pictures, let your senior’s imagination and memories run wild.

Do those old photo albums need a face lift?

Tackle one of those projects today. Why not write down all those stories next to the photos. You’ll treasure them in years to come.

Active Body: Circle Scarves

2010-04-21T09:30:00.001-04:00

If a senior is confined to a chair for much of the day, try to find ways to encourage movement in her daily life. All you need are two colorful scarves:

With a scarf in each hand, extend arms straight out in front.
Make circles in the air with scarves, going from small to large circles.
Continue on with the circles by going down from large to small.

To help a senior, sing or count to the beat. It will make loved ones feel as though they’ve participated in an exercise plan.

Active Mind: Crazy 8s

2010-04-19T09:30:00.009-04:00

Cards are a great form of socialization that may help improve a senior’s overall sense of well-being. How about a game of “Crazy 8s?”

The basic game of Crazy 8s uses a standard 52-card pack.
The dealer deals (singly) five cards to each player (seven each if there are only two players).
The un-dealt stack is placed face down on the table, and the top card of the stack is turned face up and placed beside the stack to start the discard pile.
Starting with the player to dealer’s left, and continuing clockwise, each player in turn must either play a legal card face up on top of the discard pile, or draw a card from the un-dealt stack.
If the top card of the discard pile is not an eight, play any card that matches the rank or suit of the previous card. (For example if the top card was the king of hearts you could play any king or any heart.)
An eight may be played on any card, and the player of the eight must nominate a suit, which must be played next.
If an eight is on top of the pile, you may play any card of the suit nominated by the person who played the eight.

The first player who gets rid of all their cards wins, and the other players score penalty points according to the cards they have left in their hands. Remember that meaningful conversation while playing can boost a senior’s outlook as well.

Want to learn more card games? Click here to find new games and learn the rules.

Active Soul: Plant a Garden

2010-04-14T09:30:00.001-04:00

It doesn’t have to be summer, and you don’t need a big plot of land, to get the feel for gardening. Container pots are easy and fun any time of year, and are sure to please any senior. Fill a clay strawberry pot with potting soil and then fill the openings with their favorite herbs. Locate in full sun. Check the pot daily and water accordingly.

You can bring some herbs indoors for the colder winter months as long as you have adequate sunlight. This means a southern exposure ideally with about eight hours of sunlight a day. Encourage your senior to use these fresh herbs in his or her favorite recipes.

Legal Advice for Family Caregivers

2010-04-13T10:41:00.003-04:00

My sisters and I are fairly new to the role of caregiver. What should we be doing to protect our mother, and ourselves?

I admire you and your sisters’ determination and commitment to stepping up into the role of caregiver. There are many things that you can do that will ensure the role of caregiver goes smoothly for you from a legal perspective, leaving you free to focus on care and love for your mother. You should ensure that a health care proxy and power of attorney are in place for your mother. You may also wish to have a living will signed by your mother. You may wish to make sure that you have discussed a Do Not Resuscitate Order with both your mother and the family, and you may wish to make burial and funeral arrangements together before crisis hits. You may also wish to review your mother’s Will, if she has one, and to consider financial planning so as to ensure there are sufficient funds available for your mother’s care.

This information was provided by JulieAnn Calareso, Esq., an attorney practicing Elder Law at the law firm of Burke & Casserly, P.C. located in Albany, NY. http://www.burkecasserly.com/

Active Body: Leg Strengthening

2010-04-12T09:30:00.003-04:00

This activity helps strengthen thighs and may reduce symptoms of arthritis of the knee. Here’s what to do:

1. Sit in a sturdy chair with back supported by the chair. Only the balls of feet and toes should rest on the floor. Put a rolled bath towel at the edge of the chair under the thighs for support. Breathe in slowly.
2. Breathe out and slowly extend one leg in front as straight as possible, but don’t lock the knee.
3. Flex the foot to point toes toward the ceiling. Hold that position for 1 second.
4. Breathe in, slowly lowering the leg back down.
5. Repeat 10 – 15 times.
6. Repeat 10 – 15 times with other leg.
7. Repeat 10 – 15 more times with each leg.

As the senior progresses, s/he may want to add ankle weights. Encourage your older adult to try walking from one end of the house to another or, if they’re up to it and the weather is nice, take a jaunt around the block, through the mall or to the gym!

Source: National Institute on Aging

Active Mind: A Puzzle a Day

2010-04-07T09:30:00.002-04:00

Doing puzzles is a great way to help a senior keep his mind active. Try this one by writing out the correct words on a separate sheet of paper.

Sea Animals

Unscramble the words. Created with the help of Wordsheets–www.Qualint.com

ESAHRESO
ETOSLBR
HSFTSAIR
SRTYOE
HSKRA
MCLA
HPLIDON
IUDSQ
RCAB
HAWLE

You can find the answers and more sample puzzles at www.qualint.com/samples/index.html.

Like Crossword Puzzles? Visit here.

Like Sudoku? Visit here.

Active Soul: Movie Matinee

2010-04-05T09:30:00.001-04:00

Eighty percent of seniors who responded to a Home Instead Senior Care^® survey say they fear isolation and loneliness*. So what could be more fun than an afternoon at the movies? Check the movie listing and call a friend to go along with you and your mom. (If dad is hard-of-hearing, remember his hearing aids or choose a closed-captioned movie.)

If your loved one can’t get out, plan a movie at your house by renting or ordering a DVD. Or dig into your parents’ old collection of John Wayne or Doris Day movies.

Don’t forget the popcorn!

* The Boomer Project (www.boomerproject.com) completed online interviews with 523 seniors in the U.S. and 358 seniors in Canada, and 1,279 U.S. adult caregivers, ages 35-62, with a parent, stepparent or older relative for whom they or someone in their household provides care, and with 407 adult caregivers in Canada.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending April 2, 2010.

2010-04-02T10:50:00.001-04:00

Working out but not shedding pounds? Studies show that for older women the recommended workout time of 150 minutes per week does lower health risks but does not help you to lose weight. It appears that women 55 and over should be working out at least 60 minutes a day at a moderate intensity level, and that's to maintain your current weight, not lose any pounds. To shed weight women must either work out longer, increase the level of intensity or both. The studies followed women all on a similar, healthy diet. From the Senior Journal.com.

Acupuncture, yes please! Hundreds of tiny needles up and down my body are supposed to relax me? I'd rather not risk the money (and my body) and just get a wonderful, soothing massage. Or so I used to think. Scientists are now discovering with high-tech tools what acupuncture enthusiasts have known for a long time. Through neuroimaging scientist are confirming that acupuncture does in fact reduce pain, assist in recuperation, increase blood flow, and decrease swelling. My next splurge may just be on acupuncture. From The Wall Street Journal.

Down Syndrome patients may hold some answers to questions on aging. A few months ago Bill Hinrichs from the Alzheimer's Association informed me that the chances for a patient with Down Syndrome developing Alzheimer's disease was extremely high. Doctors aware of this correlation began looking at the 21st chromosome (Down Syndrome patients have an extra copy of this chromosome) and are discovering some fascinating findings. Certain genes on chromosome 21 may actually prevent cancer from growing and blindness from occurring from macular degeneration by restricting the growth of blood vessels. Unfortunately, one gene in particular found on chromosome 21 (APP) is believed to increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease. The good news is that doctors studying the genes on chromosome 21 and realizing the positive and negative effects some of these genes may have on the human body will eventually develop new treatments and preventative care. From USA Today.

Memory Loss Should Not Come with Aging! If your memory is declining rapidly as you grow older, this might be more than just your "old age kicking in." According to new research, people that were later diagnosed with Alzheimer's and/or dementia, lost their memory prior to diagnosis at a surprisingly higher rate than those that were not. What does this mean? That Alzheimer's and dementia may have actually been prevalent long before the diagnosis. Does this mean that if you lose your keys (which I constantly do at 30!) or go into a room and forget why you should begin to worry? According to experts, these memory "loses" should be blamed on distraction (or not paying attention at all) and not to cognitive decline. So if Mom or Dad is constantly misplacing their glasses (Ahem, Mom!), there's no need to worry. If they begin to forget what they did earlier in the day or yesterday, or other important facts, it may be time to see a professional - better safe than sorry! From U.S. News & World Report.

I'm off for my honeymoon in Cozumel. Hopefully I don't misplace my passport.

Active Body: Walking Strong

2010-03-31T09:30:00.001-04:00

The Leg Curl is designed to help make walking and climbing stairs easier for a senior. Here’s what to do:

Stand behind a sturdy chair, holding on for balance. Lift one leg straight back without bending the knee or pointing the toes. Breathe in slowly.
Breathe out, slowly bringing the heel up toward the buttocks as far as possible.
Bend only from the knee, keeping hips still. The leg you are standing on should be slightly bent.
Hold position for 1 second.
Breathe in, slowly lowering the foot to the floor.
Repeat 10 – 15 times.
Repeat 10 – 15 times with the other leg.
Repeat 10 – 15 more times with each leg.

Source: National Institute on Aging.

Active Mind: Change Directions

2010-03-29T09:30:00.005-04:00

If a senior has a regular route through the grocery store or to the mailbox, she may want to try a different route. Research has revealed that such a technique exercises the brain.

Or, if an older adult can’t leave the house, help your senior break a routine. Drink tea in the afternoon instead of coffee in the morning. If he reads the newspaper in the morning and watches television in the afternoon, suggest that he try switching that around. Make a note of what she likes and doesn’t like about the new order.

While she is going about her day, ask your mom to use her opposite hand to open doors and brush her teeth. Or suggest to dad he wear his watch on the opposite hand. These activities will help their brains re-think daily tasks.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending March 26, 2010.

2010-03-26T13:53:00.003-04:00

Cigarettes and UV rays have long been tied to cancer…now obesity? We are all aware of the health risks of being overweight or obese. Now we can add to the list an increase in risk of cancer. Just one more reason to eat healthy and exercise. From the Los Angeles Times.

Break a leg, not a hip! One of the top fears for seniors is the fear of falling. Rightfully so, since if a senior breaks a hip they are up to eight percent more likely to die within the next three months following the fall than someone of the same physical fitness and health that hasn’t broken a hip. Recently my cousin’s father (not my uncle – you know how family dynamics can be confusing) fell while ice skating with his granddaughter. This was in January. Two weeks ago (so early March) he found out that he had broken his hip. Why the delay in getting help? Because people equate a broken hip to a death sentence. However, if you get the help you need and take care of yourself, recovery from a broken hip is possible,. From HealthDay. (By the way, the prognosis for my cousin’s father is very good since he is still a spring chicken in his early-seventies and is in great physical shape.)

Honey (and Mom), I’m home! More and more households are becoming multi-generational. This isn’t a new concept. I know that my Mother shared a bedroom with her grandmother while growing up. However, the number of multi-generational households had fallen in the later half of the twentieth century and is now on the rise again. In 1940 about 25% of households were multi-generation. In 1980 that number had dropped to 12%. That number was back up to 16% in 2008 and expected to rise even more in the upcoming years. From The Christian Science Monitor.

There are a number of issues to consider when contemplating having your Mother/Father move in with you (or if you’re thinking about moving in with your son/daughter). Home Instead Senior Care created the makewayformom.com website which provides additional support and information, including a calculator that will help families decide if it makes economic sense to combine the two households or to continue living separately. See Too Close for Comfort. for more of an overview. Before making the final decision you and should discuss Emotional Issues, Comfort and Safety, and Financial Affairs.

Collecting Unemployment at 55? When the economy tanks and cutbacks are necessary who generally gets laid off the first few rounds? If you guessed the employees making the bigger salaries with more benefits you guessed right. If you were fired recently, something to consider is were you fired (or not hired) because of your age? Age discrimination is getting harder and harder to prove. In order to compete with your younger co-workers you should stay ahead of the game. Because you know computers now does not mean you’ll know all about them five years from now (or even one year from now!). Remember that your younger coworkers are fresh out of school. In order to compete with them for the same job when cuts are a definite, you must take classes, stay current, and know the direction your industry is headed. From Newsweek.

Census Scams. By now we’ve all received the letter stating we would be getting our census form soon and the census form itself. Hopefully you’ve opened it, filled it out, and sent it back. If you haven’t done so yet, get on it! If you have been a good citizen and taken the five minutes to fill this out, you would know that the census form does not ask for any personal financial information – bank account numbers, credit card accounts, etc. If someone calls you, emails you, or knocks on your door saying you didn’t fill out the form correctly and they need to verify your bank account number – hang up/delete/close the door and call the authorities. This is a scam! From Bankrate.com.

Here's to the last day of my twenties. Have a great weekend!

How the Final Health Care Reform Legislation Helps The Fight Against Alzheimer's Disease

2010-03-25T11:51:00.002-04:00

While the Alzheimer’s Association did not endorse any specific health care reform bill, the Association did work to ensure that all bills under consideration contained the strongest provisions as possible to help people with Alzheimer’s disease, their families, and their caregivers. Following are the substantial benefits that those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias – and their caregivers – will receive under the final health care reform bill.

CLASS Act: A new voluntary insurance program will help people who are unable to perform two or more functional activities of daily living pay for nonmedical services and supports – to help them remain within their homes and communities for as long as they can. Individuals pay premiums while they are working and then are eligible for cash benefits if they become functionally impaired. Eligibility for the cash payments specifically includes people who develop substantial cognitive impairment. Benefits can be used to pay for such things as home modifications, assistive technology, accessible transportation, homemaker services, respite care, personal assistance services, and home care aides.

Medical Research: A new medical research program – the Cures Acceleration Network – will focus on developing treatments and cures for high-need diseases. Currently, many laboratory discoveries never make it to market; that is, no treatments or medications are ever developed. The Cures Acceleration Network will emphasize funding research that bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and actual treatments – so that more patients can benefit from discoveries made in the lab. The program is funded at $500 million a year.

Care Coordination: Individuals with Alzheimer’s often have one or more other chronic medical conditions. As a result, care coordination – effective communication among medical and community care providers and connecting an Alzheimer patient and his/her family with the services they need – is crucial to providing better medical care and to increasing the opportunity to remain at home. On this front, the final health care bill:

• Establishes an “Innovation Center” at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to test various ways to promote care coordination in the Medicare program, with language specifically encouraging CMS to test care coordination models that include people with cognitive impairment and dementia;

• Creates an “Independence at Home” pilot project to provide high-cost Medicare beneficiaries, including those with Alzheimer’s, with coordinated, primary care services in lower-cost settings, rather than more expensive institutional settings;

• Allows groups of health care providers who join together to provide care for Medicare patients to share in any cost-savings they would achieve by being more efficient and cost-effective, provided that these “Accountable Care Organizations” coordinate care for those with multiple chronic conditions; and

• Provides private HMOs that participate in the “Medicare Advantage” program with a bonus payment for undertaking care coordination among seniors enrolled in their plans.

Transitional Care: A new Medicare transitional care pilot project will provide services to seniors at a high risk of reentering the hospital. Those with cognitive impairment are specifically included in the pilot project. Home- and Community-Based Services: Federal Medicaid payments will increase for those states that provide home- and community-based services to individuals who are otherwise eligible for nursing home care. This will encourage more states to provide – or to continue to provide – care for seniors with Alzheimer’s in their homes and communities, rather than only through nursing homes.

Insurance Reforms for Those with Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s: Individuals with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease – those under the age of 65 – often have a difficult time getting and keeping private health insurance. The federal government will now provide premium subsidies to low- and moderateincome individuals to help them purchase insurance as well as subsidies to businesses that provide health insurance coverage to retirees aged 55-64. More important, insurance companies will be required to:

• Issue insurance to all individuals who want to purchase it, thus ending pre-existing condition exclusions;

• Renew the policy to any enrolled individual wishing to renew;

• Maintain insurance for individuals who pay their premiums, thus ending the practice of rescinding the insurance coverage of high-cost individuals; and

• Limit the premiums charged to older individuals to no more than three times the amount charged to younger individuals;

Finally, individuals shopping for health insurance on their own will now have a centralized “exchange” at which they can obtain information about the various plans and at which they can purchase an individual insurance policy. This “exchange” is meant to foster competition among health insurers and therefore hold down premium rates.

Family Caregiver Assistance: Education and training grants will be provided to Geriatric Education Centers. To receive the federal funding, these Centers must offer at least two free or nominal-cost courses a year to family caregivers, including instruction on managing the psychological and behavioral aspects of dementia.

Workforce Training: Skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes will now be required to provide dementia management training for nurse aides. In addition, training and certification programs will be developed for home care aides to ensure they know how best to provide for an individual’s needs, including the needs of those individuals with dementia. Finally, funding will be provided for dental training programs, including programs that teach oral health care for people with cognitive impairment.

Quality Indicators: For many diseases, expert panels of doctors and scientists have established quality care indicators – best medical practices for treating and caring for someone with a particular disease. Alzheimer’s disease is not one of those conditions. The Department of Health and Human Services will now identify the diseases and conditions for which there are no quality care indicators and will then develop indicators for those conditions.

Closing the “Donut” Hole: At a certain point under the Medicare prescription drug program – a point known as the “coverage gap” or “donut hole” – Medicare stops paying part of the costs of a senior’s prescription drugs, requiring seniors to pay the full cost themselves. This gap will be phased out by 2020. And, in 2010, all seniors who reach the coverage gap will receive a $250 rebate. In addition, all prescription drug cost sharing under Medicare Part D will be eliminated for individuals who are on both Medicare and Medicaid and are receiving home- and community-based services.

This article was posted with the permission of the Alzheimer's Association. Article was originally released on March 18, 2010. To contact the Alzheimer’s Association nearest you, please visit http://www.alz.org/.

Bill Hinrichs from the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York will be offering a program titled "Managing Challenging Behaviors" at Wesley Health in Saratoga on Tuesday March 30th at 3:30pm. For more information, please contact Bill at William.Hinrichs@alz.org.

Active Soul: Support The Troops

2010-03-24T09:30:00.002-04:00

Nearly half of all seniors (47 percent) who responded to a Home Instead Senior Care® survey said that staying spiritually engaged is a challenge. One way an older adult can do that, even if they are homebound, is by helping others.*

Why not send letters and e-mails to those who might need a boost? A Million Thanks is a year-round campaign to show appreciation to our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication and service to our country through our letters, e-mails, cards and prayers.

For more information about A Million Thanks, visit http://www.amillionthanks.org/.

* The Boomer Project (www.boomerproject.com) completed online interviews with 523 seniors in the U.S. and 358 seniors in Canada, and 1,279 U.S. adult caregivers, ages 35-62, with a parent, stepparent or older relative for whom they or someone in their household provides care, and with 407 adult caregivers in Canada.

Can I get paid for caring for my elder parent?

2010-03-23T10:18:00.001-04:00

I am a single woman trying to work my job and take care of my father. I have scaled back my hours at work in order to care for him, but am suffering financially. I was told by a co-worker that I could get paid for taking care of my dad. Is that true?

It is possible for you to enter into an arrangement with your father where he would pay you for the services you provide to him. In New York State, when a child or spouse cares for a parent or spouse, it is presumed to be done out of “love and affection.” However, that presumption can be overcome by a showing that you are providing actual services to the care recipient and a true “employee-employer relationship” has been established. There are several things to consider when putting a pay-for-care plan in place within a family.

First, if Medicaid is ever needed, the Department of Social Services is going to consider the payments to be gifts to you of your father’s money, unless you have certain legal formalities in place. A Caregiver Contract, also known as a Personal Service Contract, can be drawn up wherein your father contracts with you to provide care to him at a specified rate and for a specified period of time. This contract must have particular provisions, and there are record keeping requirements that must be adhered to in order to demonstrate that the contract is valid employment contract.

Another consideration is that the income earned by the caregiver must be reported as earned income. In addition, appropriate taxes and withholdings must be taken out, with the care recipient paying his or her required share of taxes on behalf of the employee. Many times, the use of a payroll service is appropriate to ensure that all proper reporting and withholdings is happening.

A third consideration for the family is the intra-family dynamics. Is it appropriate to offer this type of arrangement to only one family member? What if that family member cannot provide services for a period of time due to illness? Does the entire family agree on the terms of the arrangement and the selection of family care provider? Sometimes these types of family arrangements can work out for the benefit of all – the care recipient is able to be cared for by a family member, the care provider is able to be honestly and fairly compensated for the efforts he or she expends on behalf of a loved one, and the extended family is relieved of the stress of worrying about outside caregivers. However, each family is different and the appropriateness of this type of care arrangement must be carefully considered and constructed in order to assure the maximum benefits to the care recipient, care provider, and family.

This information was provided by JulieAnn Calareso, Esq., an attorney practicing Elder Law at the law firm of Burke & Casserly, P.C. located in Albany, NY. http://www.burkecasserly.com/

Active Body: Power Grip

2010-03-22T09:30:00.004-04:00

Having the strength to grip can impact the everyday lives of seniors. Seniors can do this squeezing exercise with a tennis ball while watching TV.

Hold a tennis ball or other small rubber or foam ball in one hand.

1. Slowly squeeze the ball as hard as you can and hold it for 3-5 seconds.
2. Relax the squeeze slowly.
3. Repeat 10 – 15 times.
4. Repeat 10 – 15 times with the other hand.
5. Repeat 10 – 15 times more with each hand.

Incorporate this skill by opening a jar of pickles or olives. Or suggest playing fetch with the dog before naptime. Keep hands and fingers limber by folding towels or the laundry.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending March 19, 2010.

2010-03-19T09:15:00.008-04:00

Aggressive measures for diabetics prove to be...too aggressive. As if diabetics don't have enough health issues to think about they are also at high risk of heart disease and stroke. To combat this doctors have aggressively pursued lowering diabetics' blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. However, a decade long study shows that this aggressive treatment may put the diabetic at an even higher risk of heart disease. From the Los Angeles Times.

Blindness be gone! Researchers working together from the United States and Israel have recently developed technology that can restore vision to people who have lost their sight from disease. In less time it takes to read the morning paper patients that have lost their sight may see again with the help of an implant (about the size of a child's fingernail bed) and glasses. Designed to work together, the implant and glasses function as a human retina. Researchers hope patient trials with this new technology can begin as early as 2013. From The Wall Street Journal.

Exercise as a social outlet? If the endorphins themselves don't make you run to the gym (yes, pun intended), how about thinking of the gym as a social outlet. Couples have started going on "gym dates" to walk/run/bike next to one another. Don't be surprised if you pass a group on the track discussing the latest best seller - yup, book clubs have combined with their walking clubs to keep the mind and body fit. The concept of combining a workout with a social outing isn't new. I can remember my Grandmother's weekday early morning walks around the mall with some girlfriends. However, if you are prone to avoiding the gym, thinking about it in a new light may help you get there. From The New York Times.

Irony in osteoporosis medication. Drugs prescribed to fight osteoporosis and bone loss may actually put you at higher risk of having a hip fracture further down the road. Women are often prescribed these drugs after menopause - even if healthy and active. Now many are left wondering, 'Is what's good for me now harmful to me later?' From USA Today.

Eldercare - What is the best option for right now? Although we all know that seniors want to live in their own homes, there does come a time when you have to begin asking a few questions. Is my home still safe? If so, can I get some help inside my home? If not, what are my options? What can I afford? Are there resources that can supplement the costs? From The New York Times.

These questions are best asked (and answered) when there isn't an emergency situation. More often than not, my office receives calls from an adult child frantic because their Mom/Dad is being discharged from the hospital within hours, and they can't take care of him/her all alone. Imagine how much easier this same situation would have been to handle if the caller had discussed this with their Mom/Dad when not in a crisis. Home Instead Senior Care developed the 40/70 Rule to open doors for tough conversations when Mom/Dad is 70 or the adult child is 40 - or at least when everyone's still healthy. Visit The 40/70 Rule for more information.

Active Mind: On Call

2010-03-18T09:00:00.007-04:00

Many older adults have a telephone that is programmed with the numbers of family and friends. So all they have to do is hit a speed dial button to make that important connection. A senior can attempt to recall all of the numbers in the telephone directory and make a list.

A senior may want to think of a different telephone number each day this week that she might need and memorize that number. At the end of the week, review all the new numbers.

Incorporate this new skill by asking your loved ones to try to remember the ingredients and directions of a favorite recipe. (Your loved one might want to double check the cookbook to see how well she did.) Or think about a hobby he or she hasn’t done for a long time. Suggest they remember the steps and write them down.

Activities for the Mind, Body, & Soul: Introduction

2010-03-16T09:39:00.004-04:00

Join me Mondays and Wednesdays over the next few weeks as I post 15 activities that you can use to keep your senior loved ones active - mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Below explains why Home Instead Senior Care developed the Activities for the Mind, Body, and Soul cards. To view all activity cards at once or to download them for yourself visit http://www.getmommoving.com/.

Both seniors and adult children agree: staying physically active is a major challenge for older adults, according to research conducted for the Home Instead Senior Care network.* But what does that mean to a senior’s everyday life and to family caregivers looking to help and motivate their loved ones?

For many older adults, inactivity is the first step down a road that leads to frailty and decline. Family caregivers as well as seniors want to do everything possible to keep that from happening. The National Institute on Aging says that seniors are more likely to stay active if they:

1. Think they will benefit from activities
2. Participate in activities they enjoy
3. Believe the activities are safe

Keeping an older adult’s mind, body and social life active can prevent or even reverse frailty, experts say. Family caregivers assisting seniors are in a unique position to help them figure out what activities will work best, according to Stephanie Studenski M.D., M.P.H., an authority and researcher of mobility, balance disorders and falls in older adults, who serves as director of clinical research for the University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging.

Dr. Studenski says, “A key is simple activities that seniors find pleasurable or enjoyable. If possible, engage frail older individuals in what they’d like to do. And don’t separate the mind, body and soul activities. Seniors need to stay active doing things they find meaningful and helpful to others, even if they can no longer get out of the house."

The National Institute on Aging Exercise and Physical Activity Guide points out that regular exercise and physical activity are important to the physical and mental health of almost everyone, including older adults. They can help maintain and improve endurance, strength, balance and fitness; help improve the ability to do things; help manage and prevent diseases like diabetes, breast and colon cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease; and help reduce feelings of depression. Being active may also help improve mood and may maintain some aspects of cognitive function, such as the ability to shift quickly between tasks. Emerging data also suggests that engaging in social and productive activities may help maintain well-being.

*The Boomer Project (www.boomerproject.com) completed online interviews with 523 seniors and 1,279 adult caregivers, ages 35-62, with a parent, stepparent or older relative for whom they or someone in their household provides care.

Home Instead in the News!

2010-03-15T09:59:00.003-04:00

From the Post Star

Seniors help each other stay independent
By LYDIA WHEELER

QUEENSBURY -- MaryAnn Manfrini bowled four 300 point games last week. At 78, Nintendo Wii bowling is one of the many ways Manfrini stays active and independent.

Manfrini and Gertrude Zang, 87, are both residents at the Glen at Hiland Meadows, an independent and assisted retirement living community, and they recently started a Wii bowling team called the Alley Cats. In October, their team competed against 17 other teams from five local independent senior communities in a Wii Olympics and won.

Both women said they consider bowling on the Wii a great form of exercise and a way for them to stay active.

"If you don’t use it you lose it," said Manfrini.

"It’s so easy to do nothing. It’s going to cause cobwebs up above. You have to realize you are getting older. It’s inevitable, you have no choice," she said.

According to Home Instead Senior Care, a home health care agency, fear of frailty is a concern not only for Saratoga, Washington and Warren County area seniors, but for the adults who worry about their elderly loved ones.

A survey by the Home Instead Senior Care network showed that seniors worry most about losing their independence, their health, running out of money, not being able to live in their own homes and having a spouse or other family member die.

"Falling is one thing because we’re all prone to fractures that would set us back. Becoming ill would also be a major problem," Manfrini said.

Manfrini said she moved into The Glen with her husband, but he died a year and a half ago.

"It’s so easy to do nothing after loosing someone that’s been a major part of your life," said Zang, whose husband passed away less than a year ago.

Zang, who is considered legally blind and suffers from macular degeneration, has been living at The Glen since it opened about eight years ago. She said she and her husband moved in after taking care of their own home became too cumbersome for them and their children.

"We didn’t want to be a burden on them so we moved here. I wanted them to live their own lives without having to watch out for me and my husband," she said.

The Glen is an independent-living facility, but Manfrini said it offers a sense of security for its residents.

"I think for a lot of aging adults, their biggest fear is the loss of independence," said Cory Seelye Dixon, social coordinator at The Glen at Hiland Meadows.

"I think that is a fear that scares people about moving in here. The idea of a retirement facility, especially in the Northeast, is still foreign. Everyone immediately thinks nursing home," she said.

But Manfrini said she feels very independent at The Glen, more so than if she had moved in with her children.

The key to maintaining independence as you age, said Cindy Harrington, a spokeswoman for Home Instead Senior Care, is to stay active.

To help seniors like Manfrini and Zang stay engaged and fit, local senior care experts have launched a program called Get Mom Moving.

The Web site http://www.getmommoving.com/ includes practical tips for seniors and their family members for exercising the mind, body and soul.

"If you’re taking care of those pieces, you’ll live a longer life," said Harrington.

The Web site offers activities, exercises, warning signs of declining health in aging adults, the reasons why seniors become frail, and lists other sites on the Internet to visit to help with senior aging issues.

Although staying active helps you live a longer, healthier life, Dick Sage, 88, said he believes there is a lot of luck involved.

Sage and his wife, Rita, 87, both live at The Glen.

"We’re fortunate we both still have our marbles — or most of them. That makes a bid difference," he said.

As he ages, Sage said there isn’t anything he’s afraid of in the years ahead of him.

"We recognize we have to be more careful. I don’t drive at night. I try to be reasonable in the things we do. It’s not a fear, it’s a recognition that we’re not 25 anymore. They aren’t fears, they are just things we don’t want to happen," he said.

Manfrini said that for her, aging is all about a state of mind.

"It’s the way you feel. Physically, your body tells you you’re getting older, but it’s how you handle it. There’s a lot to life here yet," she said.

Relevant News Articles for Seniors: Week Ending March 12, 2010.

2010-03-12T13:47:00.010-05:00

Miracle drug for Alzheimer's Disease turns out to be no miracle. For those of us that have faced Alzheimer's Disease head-on any new hope is worth pursuing. Unfortunately, one drug that originally had been found to slow down cognitive decline, even improving some cognitive function in some patients, just underwent it's first late-stage clinical trial and the results were not the miracle researchers were expecting. From The New York Times.

How many reasons do we need to exercise? Exercise makes us healthy, makes us feel good, makes us look good, and makes us less stressed. Exercise also boosts our memory? Yup, according to recent findings exercise is also great way to improve your memory. So put down the Sudoku, grab that leash, and take your dog for a nice long walk. With weather recently in the 50s you have no excuse. Your body and mind will thank you! From The Dallas Morning News.

Scam artists love to prey on the elderly. It is estimated that each year seniors collectively lose $2.6 billion (yes billion) to scams (either by a scam artist or their own family members). Last year I had the privilege of having Maurice Padula from the New York State Attorney General's office come to my office to present tips on avoiding scams. His presentation was especially pertinent to my field of work because scam artists seek out those that are more vulnerable, particularly seniors. Maurice informed us of one scam, The Grandparent Scam, in which a scammer convinces the senior that s/he is the senior's grandchild and has gotten themselves into trouble. "Hi Gram. Can you send me $1000.00 (or more) so I can get out of this mess. Send it to my friend Johnny. Oh, and please don't tell Mom and Dad, they'll kill me!" This scam as well as 4 others targeted at seniors are highlighted here. From Bankrate.com.

Taking blood thinning medication? Are you one of the over 4 million Americans currently taking a blood thinning medication. If so, you should know how to take the prescription safely. Some medications as well as some foods can have bad interactions with your blood thinner. Always let your doctor (or doctors) know that you are taking a blood thinner, especially if they are prescribing you a new medication. Also beware of any severe pain in your abdomen or head, any unusual bleeding or bruising, and have your blood checked regularly. From Parade.

Too many screenings a bad thing? The American Cancer Society once again is challenging the frequency of cancer screenings recommended by doctors. This time the ACS is asking men to reconsider having a yearly PSA blood test to screen for prostate cancer. Is the ACS moving us in the right direction in our fight to end cancer? From USA Today.

Too Close For Comfort: Financial Affairs

2010-03-10T17:03:00.000-05:00

Financial Freedom or Household Headaches?

Managing household finances can be complicated when sharing a home with a senior parent. Following, from Adriane Berg, author of “How Not to Go Broke at 102!,” CEO of the boomer consulting company Generation Bold, and a founder of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, are financial considerations:

1. Compute the costs. To do that, Home Instead Senior Care and Berg have created a calculator, located at http://www.makewayformom.com/, which features 15 questions about your expenses and living habits. Answer those questions and the calculator computes the results to help you determine whether living separately or together is the best option.

2. Share but beware. Share overhead costs such as heat and water, but beware of the tax implications of combining households. A tax adviser should be consulted before such a move.

3. Keep money separate. Maintain separate bank accounts if the senior is of sound mind. Seniors who stay in control of their finances thrive.

4. Consider caregiving. While a healthy senior can serve as a grandchild’s caretaker, an unhealthy older adult will need care. That can be a disruption of a household as well as loss of work income. You must factor that into your budget.

5. What about deductions? You may qualify for a dependency deduction for your older loved one if they’re living with you, however, seniors may lose a homeowner’s deduction if they move out of their own home.

For more information and tips on the financial ramifications of intergenerational living, log on to http://www.makewayformom.com/ for the free “Too Close for Comfort?” handbook.

Too Close For Comfort: Comfort and Safety

2010-03-05T16:59:00.004-05:00

Safe Haven or Parent Trap?

Adult children who move a senior into their home, or who move into a senior’s home, should ensure that their loved ones are safe by conducting a physical inventory with an eye toward safety and comfort, according to Dan Bawden CGR, CAPS, GMB, owner of Legal Eagle Contractors in Houston and the founder of the Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) program. Consider these suggestions for quick fixes and affordable remodeling projects:

1. Lower the peephole. Osteoporosis changes the height of some seniors, making it difficult for them to look through a door’s peephole. Why not add an additional, lower peephole to your front door for about $40.

2. Install outside shelves. Seniors coming to the front door with groceries or other packages can be at risk of dropping their merchandise or falling. Construct a shelf on the outside of the house on which to set keys and packages. Shelves and brackets can be purchased at home improvement stores. Cost is about $75 including installation.

3. Combine kitchen faucet and hose. Kitchen faucets with a pull-out spray hose nearby may be replaced with an all-in-one faucet and spray hose for easier use. A soap dispenser can then be placed in the hole that once held the spray hose. Cost for the improvement, about $350.

4. Install commercial carpet. If replacing a family room carpet, select a low-pile commercial grade that is cheaper than conventional carpet, which can run $35 to $40 a square yard. Commercial carpet also is easier to keep clean and safer for walkers and wheelchairs.

5. Create attic storage. Turn your attic into a store room for your senior’s possessions by attaching plywood boards to attic floor beams. Cost of the remodel: about $2,000.

For room-by-room suggestions to make your home senior-friendly, log on to http://www.makewayformom.com/ for the free “Too Close for Comfort?” handbook.

Too Close for Comfort: Emotional Issues

2010-03-05T16:53:00.007-05:00

Challenges or Rewards?

Intergenerational living seems to generate positive feelings of care and accomplishment combined with stress. That’s what recent Home Instead Senior Care research indicates. Consider this:

1. Those who live with their senior loved ones say the best thing about being a caregiver is providing the best care possible (30 percent), followed by a sense of accomplishment (27 percent) and staying connected/becoming closer (22 percent). Seventy-two percent of these caregivers believe that caring for their relative has been rewarding.

2. The worst thing about being a caregiver is finding no time for themselves (41 percent). Seventy-two percent of those who said they lived too close to their loved ones rated their stress as a 5 on a scale of 5.

Matthew Kaplan Ph.D., Penn State Intergenerational Programs extension specialist, and Home Instead Senior Care, offer these tips:

1. Take a family partnership perspective. Everyone needs to be informed and to give input into household arrangements.

2. Set expectations right away. Avoid conflict by working to ensure upfront that family members see eye-to-eye about each person’s roles and responsibilities.

3. Ask for help. Engage children in responsibilities around the home and make it clear to adult siblings that you want them to be involved. If extended family will not help with respite care, arrange for a professional caregiver service.

4. Make family unity key. Strive for routines, rituals and traditions that bring the family together including family movie night or a walk.

5. Find threads of common interest and build on those to develop family activities that are conducive to building deeper relationships. Focus on something very simple that seems to generate a common bond, such as ethnic cooking, family history, health or wellness.

6. Keep lines of communication open. Recognize the importance of private time and family time for every member of the household. Visit www.4070talk.com for more information.

7. Distinguish between private space and shared space. Shared space should be stocked with material inviting for all ages and items that could stimulate discussion, such as a child’s project or “brag book” of photos. Make clear rules regarding the private spaces set aside for each member of the household.

For more about the emotional issues of intergenerational living, log on to http://www.makewayformom.com/ for the free “Too Close for Comfort?” handbook.

Too Close for Comfort?

2010-03-05T16:47:00.008-05:00

It’s happening in the White House and in homes throughout the United States. When President Obama’s mother-in-law, Marian Robinson, settled in with her family in Washington last year, they became part of a growing national trend.

The increasing number of seniors now living under the same roof with at least one other generation is more than just political news. According to a recent survey conducted for the local company Home Instead Senior Care, 43 percent of adult caregivers in the U.S. ages 35 to 62 reside with the parent, stepparent, or older relative for whom they or someone else in their household provides care.1 The Census Bureau confirms this growing trend: In 2000, 2.3 million2 older parents were living with their adult children; by contrast, in 2007, that number jumped to 3.6 million3 – a 55 percent increase.

The challenges that can arise from intergenerational living have prompted Home Instead Senior Care to launch a public education campaign to help families determine if living together is a good idea and to provide tips on how to make such an arrangement work well for seniors as well as their family caregivers if they do decide to combine households. This campaign will help adult children begin to address such issues as the stress of caregiving under one roof, adapting a home for two or more generations and merging household finances.

Several factors are driving this trend. We see families coming together to share family caregiving duties for economic reasons and emotional support. Sometimes the seniors need care, but in other instances the older adults could be providing care to their own grandchildren. Seniors may feel they need the emotional support of an extended family and, in these difficult economic times, financial assistance. Regardless of the reasons, combining households is a big decision. Some families may decide that maintaining separate residences is the best alternative.

At the center of the campaign is a handbook, available free from the local Home Instead Senior Care, which addresses the emotional, financial, and comfort and safety aspects of intergenerational living.

The handbook was compiled with the assistance of three national experts: Matthew Kaplan Ph.D., Penn State Intergenerational Programs extension specialist; Adriane Berg, CEO of Generation Bold and a consultant on reaching boomers and seniors; and Dan Bawden, founder of the CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialists) program for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). A Web site http://www.makewayformom.com/ provides additional support and information, including a calculator that will help families compute and compare whether living together or maintaining separate residences is the best financial option. In addition, the Web site features a virtual tour of an intergenerational home where visitors can hear from a real family and see firsthand how they’ve adapted their home.

Penn State’s Matt Kaplan said that families should approach decisions of combining households from a partnership perspective. “Ask yourself, ‘Can I get the whole family behind the idea?’ When a decision is made to combine families, expectations must be set right away. Family members must listen and become engaged in conversation. The more the entire family buys in at the beginning, the more likely they will be to come up with great ideas,” he noted.

“People need independence, but seeking interdependence and family unity are important as well, particularly in today’s hectic and demanding world.”

# # #

1. Survey Methodology: The Boomer Project (www.boomerproject.com) completed online interviews with 1,279 U.S. adult caregivers, ages 35-62, with a parent, stepparent or older relative for whom they or someone in their household provides cares. Of the 1,279 family caregivers interviewed, 548 live with the senior receiving care.

2. U.S. Census Bureau; online at http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=01000US&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&-_lang=en&-redoLog=false&-mt_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_P027&-format=&-CONTEXT=dt

3. U.S. Census Bureau; online at http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=01000US&-ds_name=ACS_2007_1YR_G00_&-_lang=en&-mt_name=ACS_2007_1YR_G2000_B09016&-format=&-CONTEXT=dt

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care’s campaign including additional research results and an executive summary, log on to http://www.makewayformom.com/.

Cooking Under Pressure

2010-02-16T10:21:00.003-05:00

When it comes to healthy aging, good nutrition is the first line of defense in keeping seniors strong and independent.

62 percent of adult children caring for an older adult (average age 81) reported three or more nutritional risks in their senior such as:

Three or more prescribed or over-the-counter drugs per day.
An illness or condition that made the senior change his or her diet.
Having lost or gained more than 10 pounds in the past six months without trying.1

The importance of nutrition to healthy aging is why Home Instead Senior Care has launched the Cooking Under Pressure nutrition campaign to provide education and support to seniors and their family members who are sometimes stressed-out by the demands of caregiving. Partnering with nutrition experts at the University of Maryland and Duke University Medical Center, the company has developed a handbook of nutrition tips as well as healthy recipes for seniors. A Web site at http://www.foodsforseniors.com/ provides additional information, research and resources.

Statistics indicate that seniors can use the help. Family caregivers report that 72 percent of seniors rely on assistance to get groceries while 57 percent of seniors rarely cook for themselves.2

“Inability to shop and cook can be major challenges to eating healthy, especially among recently hospital-discharged older adults,” said Dr. Nadine Sahyoun, associate professor of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources who has extensively studied the impact of issues such as dental health, social support and depression on seniors’ diets.

Research by Dr. Sahyoun of hospital-discharged older adults who qualify for home-delivered meals showed that 80 percent of those individuals who were recruited in the study had food in their kitchens, but they were unable to shop or utilize that food for cooking. “There are many other challenges to eating well and these include loss of appetite, memory problems, dental health and use of certain medications,” she added

“Without good nutrition, health can deteriorate very quickly, making seniors more susceptible to disease and infection,” Dr. Sahyoun said. “And without intervention, malnutrition can result in a downward trajectory leading to poor health and mortality,” she noted. A recent Yale University School of Nursing study – she explained – called malnutrition in the elderly “an ominous sign.”

Social support and assistance in shopping and preparing meals are the vital ingredients needed to make a positive difference in many seniors’ lives. That can be help from a family or professional caregiver, taking part in a congregate meal program – such as those at a senior center – or receiving meals on wheels. In addition, seniors and their family caregivers need knowledge in selecting food rich in nutrients, she noted.

"Older adults require less food as they age and they can’t eat as much, but their needs for vitamins and minerals don’t decrease and in some cases even increase," she said. That’s where the Home Instead Senior Care campaign can help. The company and national nutrition experts have identified 12 nutritious foods, recipes that feature those foods as well as other resources that can help give caregivers the support they need.

These resources really should provide family caregivers with the tools and information that will help equip their senior to stay strong and healthy. The good news is that family caregivers can head off a crisis by tuning into the early signs of trouble and knowing the foods and the habits that can help keep their loved ones healthy.

The 10 Warning Signs That Older Adults are Not Eating Properly

So how do you know if your senior’s diet fits the bill? These 10 warning signs are red flags that may signal a potential problem:

Loss of appetite. If your senior has always been a hearty eater but no longer eats as he or she used to, it’s time to find out why. Underlying illness could be the root cause.
Little to no interest in eating out. If your loved one has always loved eating out at a favorite restaurant but no longer shows interest, dig deeper to determine the problem.
Depression. Change in appetite is a classic sign of depression. Be sure to follow up with a physician if you suspect depression may be a problem.
Sudden weight fluctuation. A weight change – losing or gaining 10 pounds in six months – is another sign that something could be amiss.
Expired or spoiled food. Check the refrigerator for expired or spoiled food. Seniors could be “saving” food until it’s no longer safe. Make sure that all food is labeled, with the date, in large letters and numbers.
Skin tone. Observe your senior’s skin tone. If your loved one is eating properly, the skin should look healthy and well-hydrated.
Lethargy. If your older adult has regularly been active and enjoyed taking walks, but suddenly becomes lethargic, encourage a visit to the doctor. Poor nutrition could be to blame.
Cognitive problems. Seniors who live alone might forget to eat. Dementia and cognitive problems can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Quick intervention is vital.
More than three medications. Medication can influence both appetite and weight. Check with your senior’s doctor to find out if medications could be the culprit.
A recent illness. Illness or a hospital stay could make a senior stop eating. Keep tabs on your loved one’s recovery, making sure reliable help at home is available.

1,2. The Boomer Project (http://www.boomerproject.com/) completed online interviews with 1,279 U.S. adult caregivers, ages 35-62, with a parent, stepparent or older relative for whom they or someone in their household provides care. Questions regarding nutritional risk factors and stress adapted from Abbott Laboratories' "Determine Your Nutritional Health" checklist. Used with the permission of Abbott Laboratories, copyright 2008.

Too Many Doctors to Manage?

2010-01-29T17:00:00.006-05:00

Q: I see five doctors for several different ailments. As a 78-year-old woman, I sometimes get very confused. What can I do to keep all these doctors and medications straight?

A: Your confusion is quite understandable. Even if you had worked as a medical professional, when you are dealing with your own health all of the information being thrown at you can be particularly overwhelming.

There are a number of products on the market, which can assist you in organizing these vital facts. While it does not have to be fancy, it should be something you can bring along with you to all your doctor’s appointments. Your portfolio should include information such as doctor’s names and their contact information, your medical conditions, allergies, medications with dosages and how frequently you take them, surgical history, blood type, your emergency contacts, and current health insurance information.

By having these facts at your fingertips, you will be able to provide all of your physicians with up-to-date information regarding your medical status.

Be prepared to tell your doctor about recent changes in your health history which may be of concern to him or her. This should include symptoms, medication changes, recent diagnoses, hospitalizations or any other pertinent information.

Take notes while at the doctor’s visit. If this would be too distracting for you, ask a family member or friend to accompany you or consider hiring someone from a companionship service. Note, any tests which have been ordered, any test results discussed and any new medications or revised dosages. Pharmacists are a great resource.

If you consistently fill your prescriptions at the same pharmacy they would already have a wealth of information about your medical history. They can answer questions about drug interactions, side effects, and how to take your medicine correctly.

In keeping good and orderly records, you optimize your chances of proper diagnosis and treatment and overall will decrease confusion.

Answer provided by Cindy Harrington, RN the Community Relations Director for Home Instead Senior Care.

Sandwich Generation

2010-01-26T12:07:00.005-05:00

Sandwich Generation Doesn't Know Where to Go For Help

Q: I’m the mother of three teenagers in addition to working full-time and trying to help care for my 80-year-old parents. I’m near the end of my rope. What can I do?

A: First of all, I want you to know you are not alone. According to the U.S. Census, more that 42 million women fall into the category of the sandwich generation. Just like you, they are “sandwiched” between juggling the responsibilities of a family, job, and aging relatives.

A study commissioned by the New York Academy of Medicine and the National Association of Social Workers explored the challenges faced by the sandwich generation women. More than 1,400 social workers who provide services to sandwich generation women were surveyed and it was found that nearly half of the women delayed getting help because they felt they should be able to shoulder caregiving responsibilities on their won. Of the women who participated in the journaling project 24 percent said they did not know how to ask for help with day-to-day caregiving responsibilities.

While caregiving can give you a sense of emotional satisfaction in knowing that you have been able to help another family member, it can also put a lot of stress on you both mentally and physically. I am concerned that you feel you are at the end of your rope. Do not ignore how you are feeling right now.

Signs that caregiving is putting too much stress on you can include changes in sleeping or eating habits, loss of energy, decreased interest in activities you used to enjoy, sadness or anger, and frequent health problems.

In order to be an effective caregiver, you need to take care of yourself first. Consult with your physician, exercise regularly, and maintain healthy eating and sleeping habits. Be realistic about what you can accomplish. You are only one person.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. Contact your county Office for Aging. They can give you a variety of respite options and other services available to you within your community.

Cindy Harrington, RN is the Community Relations Director for Home Instead Senior Care. For more information about the study above, visit: http://www.nyam.org/news/3057.html.

The 40-70 Rule

2010-01-21T13:42:00.004-05:00

Your dad’s neighbor just called to tell you that your 79-year-old father sideswiped his parked vehicle and nearly hit a child standing nearby. Was it an isolated slip-up or the sign that it’s time for your dad to think about giving up his car keys? More importantly, how do you begin the discussion about such a potentially volatile subject?

Sensitive issues like this prompted the launch of a public education campaign called the “40-70 Rule.” This campaign will help adult children begin to address difficult issues with their parents such as driving, finances, independence and even romance. The ‘40-70 Rule’ means that if you are 40, or your parents are 70, it’s time to start the conversation about some of these difficult topics.

In general, Boomers have the most difficulty talking with their parents about independence issues, such as continuing to live in their own home, and that their parent’s desire to remain independent makes it challenging to address such sensitive issues as health and money. The fact that many of these families are still in a parent-child rather than a peer-to-peer role makes the conversations even more difficult.

Good communication also is vital to helping families know when it’s time to seek additional resources. Oftentimes both adult children and their loved ones can benefit from outside help, such as a professional caregiver. But the only way that will happen is if they can talk about it.

Home Instead Senior Care, a trusted source for non-medical care, has developed a free “conversations starters booklet” and complementary web site http://www.4070talk.com/ to help adult children learn how to better communicate with their senior loved ones.

40/70 Rule Sidebars
Seven Tips to Help Boomer Children Communicate With Their Aging Parents

Following, from Home Instead Senior Care and communication expert Jake Harwood, Ph.D., from the University of Arizona, are tips to help family caregivers communicate with their aging parents on sensitive subjects.

Get started. If you’re 40 or your parents are 70, it’s time to start observing and gathering information carefully and thoughtfully. Don’t reach a conclusion from a single observation and decide unilaterally on the best solution until you have gathered information with an open mind and talked with your parents.

Talk it out. Approach your parents with a conversation. Discuss what you’ve observed and ask your parents what they think is going on. If your parents acknowledge the situation, ask what they think would be good solutions. If your parents don’t recognize a problem, use concrete examples to support your case.

Sooner is best. Talk sooner, rather than later when a crisis has occurred. If you know your loved one has poor eyesight or has trouble driving at night, begin to address those issues before a problem arises.

Forget the baby talk. Remember you are talking to an adult, not a child. Patronizing speech or baby talk will put older adults on the defensive and convey a lack of respect for them. Put yourself in your parent’s shoes and think how you would want to be addressed in the situation.

Maximize independence. Always try to move toward solutions that provide the maximum amount of independence for the older person. Look for answers that optimize strengths and compensate for problems. For instance, if your loved ones need assistance at home, look for tools that can help them maintain their strengths. Professional caregiving services, such as those offered by Home Instead Senior Care, provide assistance in a number of areas including meal preparation, light housekeeping or medication reminders. Or find friends who can help.

Stay tuned in. If your dad dies and, soon afterward, your mom’s house seems to be in disarray, it’s probably not because she suddenly became ill. It’s much more likely to stem from a lack of social support and the loss of a life-long relationship. Make sure that your mom has friends and a social life.

Ask for help. Many of the issues of aging can be solved by providing parents with the support they need to continue to maintain their independence. Resources such as Home Instead Senior Care, Area Agencies on Aging and local senior centers can help provide those solutions.

Get Mom Moving

2010-01-21T11:48:00.002-05:00

New Year’s resolutions to stay active and get fit are popular in all age groups… but they are especially important for seniors who want to maintain their independence.

Experts agree regular activity is vital to healthy aging… but new research shows that most seniors believe it’s a major challenge.

With that in mind, local senior care experts have launched a program designed to help keep seniors engaged and fit. Resources include free Get Mom Moving Activity Cards and a specially designed website http://www.getmommoving.com/ with practical and educational tools for seniors and their families.

Lack of activity can lead to a downward spiral of poor health resulting in frailty, a condition that threatens the mind, body and social life of older adults, according to senior care experts.

“We regularly see seniors who are literally trapped in their homes because they are too weak to perform many of the activities they need to remain safe and independent, or to even enjoy life,” said Nelson Carpenter owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Saratoga, Washington, and Warren Counties. “That’s why staying active is viewed by so many as vital to healthy aging. Differences in perceptions between family caregivers and seniors can make addressing these issues challenging for many families.”

Frailty can be difficult to define, but most know it when they see it, said Stephanie Studenski, M.D., M.P.H., one of the nation’s foremost authorities and researchers of mobility, balance disorders and falls in older adults, and director of clinical research for the University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging. Studenski and her colleagues conducted a series of focus groups with health care providers and family caregivers about how they perceive frailty in an effort to better identify the condition. “I think the thing that was most striking to me was that many family members we talked with perceived that an older person is getting more or less frail based more on social and psychological factors rather than physical factors. Doctors, on the other hand, focused on the physical manifestations in an older adult,” she noted.

Dr. Studenski said that frailty can be both prevented and reversed by activity. “One of the core ideas in aging is that there are underlying problems in the body’s self-correcting mechanism. For example, when a young person is bleeding, the body self-corrects by increasing the heart rate. But older adults, because of medication or health problems, may have lost the ability to self-correct by being able to increase their heart rate. Through activity, though, seniors can build both physical and mental reserves that can help their bodies better tolerate problems that come with aging.”

So, in a very real way, family caregivers who can encourage and integrate physical, mental and social activities in seniors’ lives are helping them ward off frailty and stay healthy. And that addresses seniors’ biggest fear of losing their independence as well. “This topic is at the heart of the concerns that we see each day in the lives of seniors and those who care for them,” said Home Instead Senior Care’s Carpenter. “Fear of frailty keeps seniors worried about whether they can stay home.”

How do family caregivers know what to look for?
Following, from Stephanie Studenski, M.D., M.P.H., University of Pittsburgh geriatrician and researcher, and Home Instead Senior Care, are the signs that a senior might be becoming frail:

Change. If a senior has always been interested in talking to the neighbors, reading the newspaper or volunteering and is withdrawing from those interests, suggest your loved one see a doctor.

Inactivity. If your senior suddenly becomes less active, investigate what could be the cause.
Slowing down. If grandpa always used to have a bounce in his step and now, suddenly, trudges along, that’s a bad sign.

Loss of appetite and weight. A senior who always had a healthy appetite and doesn’t any more should be of concern to their loved ones.

Unsteadiness. Loss of balance comes with aging but an increasing unsteadiness is a sign that something could be wrong.

SENIOR FEAR FACTORS...
Many of the fears that seniors experience relate to the biggest challenge they say they face: staying active. According to a recent survey conducted for Home Instead Senior Care, seniors have these fears about the future, beginning with the greatest fear and in descending order:

Loss of independence.
Declining health.
Running out of money.
Not being able to live at home.
Death of a spouse or other family member.
Inability to manage their own activities of daily living.
Not being able to drive.
Isolation or loneliness.
Strangers caring for them.
Fear of falling or hurting themselves.