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Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever
Caregiving

Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

In the age of email, instant messaging, and video phone calls, it can sometimes seem like the distance between two people no longer makes much of a difference. But when it comes to looking after our elderly family members, the miles between children and their parents matters more than ever. Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever
While most Americans live close to their parents, a big chunk of the population — roughly a third of American adults — lives 100+ miles from their mom and/or dad. For these Americans, caring for an elderly parent can be incredibly challenging.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a growing need in terms of long distance care,” saying Visiting Angels President and CEO Larry Meigs. “When kids move away from home for work or family — or when parents retire to a different part of the country — it becomes difficult to maintain the connection needed for quality care.”

Distance Tied to Demographics

When it comes to the miles between family members, demographics play a key role.
One key driver of the distance between adult children and their parents is income and education. These days, major employers conduct nationwide searches for talent, and top jobs often require a cross-country relocation. As a result, Americans with college degrees and high income positions are more likely to live far away from their parents.
The same is true when elderly adults are educated or well-off financially. Parents with high education and lifelong income levels are more likely to live far away from their children. In many cases, affluent seniors move to warmer states, like Florida or California, where they can enjoy a winterless retirement.
One other factor that shouldn’t be ignored is geography. It should come as no surprise that in sparsely populated areas, distance between family members tends to be greater. In particular, families from America’s west — states like Arizona, Nebraska, and Colorado — are more likely to live a long distance from each other, or to have a member of the family relocate out of state.

Distance Comes with Challenges

With so many Americans separated from their parents, it can be a challenge to maintain contact and healthy relationships. But the distance separating American seniors from their children doesn’t just affect relationships — it can also have dire consequences for the health and well-being of seniors.
That’s because seniors who live far away from their children are at much higher risk of senior isolation. This is especially true for seniors who have moved out of state for their retirement, since they are more likely to be isolated from friends.
Loneliness and isolation in seniors have been studied extensively. Researchers have found that loneliness and isolation put seniors at higher risk for physical, mental, and emotional health concerns. Those risks can be exacerbated when adult children don’t maintain regular contact with their parents, or when they fail to pick up on signs of isolation and loneliness.
So how can adult children limit those risks? The senior care professionals at Visiting Angels suggest:

  • Making sure you call your parents at least once a week to check in.
  • Asking thoughtful questions about their daily habits, social life, and well-being.
  • Paying attention to signs of behavioral changes, self-neglect, physical or mental decline, and self-isolation.
  • Visiting your parents at their residence when possible, and using these trips to look for signs of decline or isolation.

Managing Long Distance Care

Long distances can become especially challenging when seniors’ quality of life starts to decline. Whether triggered by physical, mental, or emotional changes, many seniors will reach a point where they need outside support or assistance. When this happens, it can be difficult to accommodate your parent’s needs if you live in a faraway city or state.
If your parent wishes to continue living independently, there are some options you can consider:

  • Contact your parent’s neighbors and friends to see if they are able to provide support and assistance for your mom or dad.
  • Reach out to local volunteer organizations and services — like Meals on Wheels or senior transportation services — that can help your loved one live more comfortably.
  • Get in touch with a caregiver agency in your parent’s area who offers long distance care services.

Should you choose to hire a professional caregiver, many agencies will be happy to coordinate care over long distances. At Visiting Angels, many of our local agencies offer long distance care services and are more than happy to set up care via phone or email. We can also provide you with regular phone updates into your loved one’s care and condition, giving you peace of mind that you might not otherwise have.
To learn more about long distance care available for your mom or dad, simply get in touch with the local Visiting Angels office in your parent’s area.

Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever

Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than EverWhy Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever

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5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
Caregiving

5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Though caregiving for a loved one can be rewarding, it can also involve various stressors that can lead to long-term health issues. An estimated 25-29% of caregivers provide assistance to someone with a form of a dementia or cognitive impairment. The long hours, financial pressures, changes in family and life dynamic can definitely add up, ultimately leading to caregiver burnout. In fact, in 2015, friends and family of people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementias provided an estimated 18.1 billion hours of unpaid care. 5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is a result of physical, emotional and mental variety, as the demands of caregiving can take a serious toll on someone’s health. Burnout will ultimately hurt both you and the loved one you’re caring for. This is why taking time to rest and recharge as a caregiver is a necessity to avoid physical and emotional issues that range from heart disease to depression. Here are tips be to manage your burnout: 5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

  1. Have An Emotional Outlet

    The act of expressing your feelings and frustrations are extremely cathartic and necessary. Find a trustworthy friend, co-worker or neighbor to talk to. Talking to a therapist, social worker, or care giver support group can also be helpful since they are trained to give advice on complex physical and emotional issues. Withdrawal from family and friends can be a sign of burnout. Creating an emotional outlet will also build a circle of people you trust and confide in, which is crucial for your mental and emotional health.

  2. Prioritize Your Own Health Too

    We all know the practices–eat right, exercise often, and get sufficient sleep. Healthy foods give us sufficient energy and clear minds. Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Sleep is an essential part of productivity. Stay on top of your emotional health by accepting your feelings and the inevitable frustrations. Don’t skip any medical check-ups. Meditate to boost spirits. Remember that if your health suffers, so will the care of your loved one. Therefore, maintain your health and strong immune system.

  3. Ask For Help

    Take advantage of respite care services when you need the break to avoid risk of pushing yourself too hard. Help can range from a few hours of in-home care, to a short stay at an assisted-living facility. Silverado Care in particular offers programs such as Silverado Flex Care and Overnight Care. Respite care programs provide a temporary relief to the family and also give your loved one a place to socialize, engage in activities, or even get any medical care needed.

  4. Set Aside Time For Yourself

    Taking time to decompress doesn’t always mean taking a week-long vacation. Even if it’s 30 minutes a day for yourself to do whatever you enjoy, it makes a key difference. In fact, one of the signs of caregiver exhaustion include loss in hobbies or interests. Spend time finishing reads on your book list, light candles and take a bath, boost your spirits by seeing a comedy show. These actions help compartmentalize yourself from your caregiving tasks.

  5. Educate Yourself 5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

    You can give better care the more you know about your loved one’s condition. Use your resources like assisted living centers and support groups to stay educated. 5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
    Click here for 10 Tips to Reduce Caregiving Stress 5 Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout

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Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community
Housing Tips

Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, retirement is defined as the act of withdrawing, going away, retreating. Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community
When it comes to the modern definition of retirement – that glorious age where we can shed the 9 to 5 work responsibilities and live our lives to the fullest – some of those words in the traditional definition may apply.
Many seniors and boomers, who have been gainfully employed their entire lives, withdraw from the workforce to spend more time with their families, hobbies and other activities. Some choose to “go away” on trips they’ve always wanted to take, but never had the time to enjoy while working and raising a family. And many retirees “retreat” to senior living communities, where they can engage socially with others their age and get assistance, as needed, as they age.
Retirement communities can be a fabulous experience for seniors and boomers. In previous blogs, we’ve explored the benefits of choosing to downsize and move into a retirement community. To recap, the benefits of choosing a retirement community are numerous: save money on living expenses; save time on household chores; opportunity for social interaction and group social activities; on-site skilled care if needed. Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community
We know the benefits of choosing to downsize into a retirement community; however, not all communities are created equal. Some senior communities are larger than others, and there can be pros and cons to both the large communities and the smaller ones. Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community

Living Large

Just about every major city has at least one larger retirement community. Some are so large – with 400, 800 or even 1,000-plus residents – and offer so many amenities that they carry the moniker “retirement resort.”
There are many advantages to a larger retirement community. Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community
If you are among the seniors and boomers who are in excellent health and wish to remain active and busy in retirement, a larger retirement community is probably best suited to your needs. Because they are serving such a large population, these retirement communities are overflowing with the kinds of amenities active seniors crave.
Enjoy swimming or taking a variety of exercise classes? Many larger retirement communities have these kinds of facilities right on their campus, along with the qualified staff members capable of teaching seniors how to improve or maintain their physical fitness.
Group outings with other members of the community also are a common amenity of larger senior retirement communities. These can include nights out at the local theater to weeklong vacations in Europe.
Some larger retirement communities may even have golf courses located on their property that is exclusive to residents and their guests.
Most retirement communities of all sizes offer transportation to surrounding areas; however, larger retirement communities may offer more frequent routes to a variety of locations due to the increased number of residents they are serving.
Perhaps one of the most notable perks of a large retirement community is the variety in housing options seniors can select. From studio apartments to multiple-bedroom condos, seniors are able to select the size, type and features associated with their new home.
Sounds great, right? While larger retirement communities undoubtedly have a lot of items in the plus column, those amenities and features come with a price tag. For some seniors and boomers, the higher cost will not be an issue. For others, however, it may put these kinds of retirement communities out of the running.

Smaller Can Sometimes Be Better

If cost is an issue – or if you are someone who simply doesn’t need a gazillion different activities and features to be happy in retirement – than smaller retirement communities may be more ideal.
Smaller retirement communities have that cozy look and feel, which can be important to seniors and boomers who wish to be social with others of the same age group, but not overwhelmed by so many residents that it is difficult to make new friendships and remember people’s names. Some larger communities can be difficult to navigate, so for seniors who want to keep it simple, smaller may be the way to go.
Just because they are small doesn’t mean they don’t offer activities to keep residents busy and to help facilitate social opportunities. Bingo, movies, and other featured programs abound at most retirement communities, regardless of size.
Seniors probably will not find the same kind of options for housing at smaller communities, but that isn’t always a bad thing. There are benefits to “living small,” including cleaning being much easier to accomplish and curbing impulse purchases due to smaller living quarters.

Making the Right Choice

If you are unsure of which kind of community most appeals to you and your specific retirement needs and dreams, take some time to visit both so you have a complete picture of your options.
Regardless of whether seniors choose a large community or a cozy community, there are benefits to downsizing to a senior community that can be found at both. They include:

  • Safety and peace of mind – big or small, retirement communities provide residents with the assurance that their safety and security is top on the list of amenities featured. From gated access to security guards and key-card locked residences, senior communities of all sizes go above and beyond to protect their residents.
  • Fewer home maintenance issues – as we age, performing even the most routine home maintenance chores can be tedious and even dangerous. In retirement communities of all sizes, gone are the days of mowing the grass, snow removal and fixing leaking pipes or other broken appliances.
  • Aging in place – most retirement communities offer residents the ability to age in place, providing continuing care for all stages of life.

Want to learn more about downsizing and the benefits of retirement communities? Check out one of our upcoming Upside of Downsizing conferences.

By Mary Spann

Mary Spann is the founder and president of Upside of Downsizing®. In addition to her 26 years in construction, interior design, and home staging, Mary also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, making her uniquely qualified to assist with the downsizing process. Mary learned the key components of construction and interior design at an early age. Her father was a prominent custom home builder in Minnesota and Texas, and her mother was a successful interior designer and a real estate broker.

Tips For Choosing A Senior Living Community

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Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents
Health Tips

Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Drug-resistant bacteria are one of the biggest concerns of modern medical science, posing a serious health threat, especially for vulnerable people like seniors. But according to a new study out of Columbia University School of Nursing, many nursing homes are rife with drug-resistant strains of bacteria, such as E. coli. Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents
Based on data from several independent studies around the world, the researchers found that more than a quarter of nursing home residents were carriers of drug-resistant bacteria. The researchers found that this number was even higher in America, with nearly 40% of American nursing home residents considered colonized. Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents
The study sheds light on the higher risk of infection faced by all seniors and has raised concerns over the conditions of American nursing homes, with researchers calling for stricter infection control protocols.

Colonization Rate as High at 59.1% in Some Studies

Published in the American Journal of Infection Control, the Columbia study went over 327 pieces of published research to find studies that met the standards needed for meta-analysis. The researchers found twelve studies that met the criteria for review and eight studies met the criteria for meta-analysis of colonization rates. The final meta-analysis of colonization rates included data from 2,720 nursing home residents from the US, Germany, and Korea. 1,669 of the residents sampled came from the US.
The researchers found that colonization rates varied from study to study. One study out of Germany reported that only 11.2% of residents sampled were colonized by drug-resistant bacteria. Another, out of America, reported a colonization rate of 59.1%. Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents
When the researchers averaged the data, they found that 27% of nursing home residents in the studies were colonized with drug-resistant bacteria. In the American studies, the average rate was even higher: 38%. Across the eight studies, the most common type of drug-resistant bacteria detected was E. coli, but they also detected high rates of bacteria like P. mirabilis, P. stuartii, K. pneumoniae, and M. morganii.

Putting the Results in Context

These findings come at a time when concerns about drug-resistant bacteria are on the rise. According to the CDC, over two million Americans become infected with drug-resistant bacteria each year, resulting in upwards of 23,000 deaths. What’s more, the percentage of bacteria that are considered drug-resistant are on the rise.
Elderly persons are especially vulnerable to infection from drug-resistant bacteria. Factors like advanced age, a weakened immune system, and chronic health conditions increase the risk that seniors will become infected by drug-resistant bacteria. They also increase the risk of mortality when infection occurs.
Seniors in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are already known to be at higher risk of bacterial infection. There are a number of reasons for this increased risk, including the number of vulnerable residents in nursing facilities, poor disinfection protocols, and communal living arrangements. According to the NCBI, the average American long-term care facility resident suffers one infection each year because of this increased risk.
Sainfer Allyu, who headed the Columbia study, says that the study’s results underscore the need for better disinfection protocols in nursing homes. “The results of our study suggest that there is much more to be done with regard to infection prevention within nursing homes, and that increased measures must be taken with elderly patients in regard to [drug-resistant bacteria] colonization.”
The study also comes at a time when Americans are becoming more and more uneasy with nursing home care for their loved ones. Studies and surveys have shown that an increasing number of American seniors and their families wish to avoid nursing home care for as long as possible.
Instead, many seniors receive care at home from family members or friends. In other cases, families delay the need for a move to a long-term care facility by hiring a professional caregiver. By receiving care at home, seniors avoid the risk of infection posed by many nursing home environments.
“Keeping seniors safe and comfortable is what we do. Helping them stay in a place where they can be healthy is part of that,” says Larry Meigs, CEO and President of Visiting Angels, one of America’s largest home care companies. If you are considering home care for a loved one, you can book a free, in-home consultation by contacting your nearest Visiting Angels office. Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents
Sources:
http://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(17)30085-8/fulltext
https://www.ncbi.com.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3906614/
https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/
Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents

Drug-Resistant Bacteria Found in 38% of US Nursing Home Residents

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5 Tips for Aging in Place
Age-In-Place

5 Tips for Aging in Place

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

When Joanne Harrison’s spouse passed away, the 78-year-old had no interest in moving. She’s healthy, has many friends, and her two sons live nearby. Plus, she’s a confident driver and gets herself to doctor’s appointments and the grocery store. 5 Tips for Aging in Place
Those are all important prerequisites for people who want to stay in their homes as they grow older, or “age in place.”

According to an AARP survey, nearly 90% of those over age 65 want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. But Sullivan and others, who want to stay put as they grow older, “need to have a plan—and a support system—in place that allows them to stay in their community, ideally in their home, as long as possible, and to ensure that they’re living safely and independently,” explains Suzanne Schmitt, vice president for family engagement at Fidelity. 5 Tips for Aging in Place
Here are five things that aging singles or couples—and their children, other family members, or caregivers—should keep in mind when assessing the living situation.

1. Explore the Benefits of Staying Put

There are many reasons why aging in place can be a win. For starters, “it may be financially advantageous,” Schmitt says. For instance, depending on the situation, staying in a home can be less expensive than moving to an assisted-living community. There are the upfront costs of moving, an often steep entrance fee, and monthly payments for room and board, which can easily top $3,000 a month.
Even more important are the psychological payoffs of not moving away from one’s established community of friends, medical professionals, and faith community. Though these factors are hard to place a financial value on, they are a vital component of healthy aging.
“The single most predictive factor of whether you’re going to age well—meaning be able to be independent and live a long and healthy life—isn’t money,” says Schmitt. “And it isn’t even necessarily your health. It’s your social connections, which may get lost [if you move], because many people focus more on their finances.”

2. Do a Home Safety Check

The first step in an “aging in place” plan is to run a complete safety check of your home. “Many people don’t know what to look for,” says Schmitt. “There are some hazards that you might take for granted—for example, furniture obstructing pathways or stairs.”
Sullivan’s children did just that. They walked around her house with an eye for any potential hazards that might cause trouble should her vision or mobility begin to deteriorate. Then they hired a home modification professional to help make needed changes.
The good news is that many of the improvements that may make it easier to stay in your house—such as raising electrical outlets to make them more accessible and installing brighter outdoor lighting—aren’t expensive.
Sullivan’s home was retrofitted by installing secure handrails alongside the stairs to the front door, switching doorknobs to levers, adding automatic lights to hallways, removing rugs that might become tripping hazards, and placing grab bars in the shower.
“There are plenty of easy options to modify a home,” says Schmitt. “The sooner you start preparing, the better.”

3. Assess Transportation

“Driving may be your lifeline and independence,” Schmitt points out. “Coming to the ‘I don’t think I can drive’ moment is tough, but it can’t be avoided.”
And, although driving might not be a concern now, it may ultimately become one.
If you are at the point that you can no longer drive or walk to the grocery store or reach other important services, consider other transportation options. “If you have public transit, great, but it doesn’t exist in a lot of places,” explains Schmitt. In that case, you may need to make other arrangements, such as ride sharing with friends and neighbors, or transportation assistance that many companion-care services may offer. When it comes to groceries and getting things like prescriptions filled, automatic delivery or online delivery can be a great option. A family or friend can help manage orders and accounts and can track order history to help make sure you are getting what you need.

4. Ensure a Supportive Community or Network

This is a linchpin: Communications—social connectivity. Think about how supportive the community is where you live.
Isolation can be a stumbling block to aging well. And it can creep up slowly. No matter how safe the inside of a home is, if there isn’t enough interaction with a community, a plan can fall apart.
“Are you lonely? Part of aging in place successfully is being able to stay connected, and not fall into the depression that many people experience because they are isolated,” says Schmitt.
Are you comfortable on a computer? Can you connect online with your children, grandkids, and others?
You might also investigate some of the companionship services available in the community, through websites such as Caregiving.org.
Start to pull together a list of people and professionals who can step in and help if you need someone to go along to a doctor’s appointment or someone to help with errands, or for lunch or dinner dates. If your family doesn’t live nearby, you may want to have a pipeline to neighbors you can call for periodic checkups.
A growing number of communities use the “village” concept for services and support to seniors. The idea, originating in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, is to create a nonprofit organization that arranges for services—including transportation, home repair, and social activities—for a fee. 5 Tips for Aging in Place

5. Make it an Ongoing Process 5 Tips for Aging in Place

“One of the myths is that people think they can make a plan once, and they’re done,” says Schmitt. “This is something that needs to be reviewed regularly by you and your family member or caregiver.”
Once the home is retrofitted, keep an eye open to see if you are having trouble. Friends and family members may want to look out for any unexplained bruising on the aging person’s arms or legs. “It can be an indicator that they may be having trouble moving around,” Schmitt notes. Also, look around the home when you visit. Is there a pile of mail? Are things in disarray? Check the refrigerator. Is it bare? Is food spoiling?
What if you experience a health event, such as a bout of pneumonia that requires a lengthy hospital stay, or a fall that affects your cognitive ability or mobility. These are going to be very important points when you have to take a look at whether the plan you put in place is still going to work going forward.
“In an ideal world, we will age gracefully in place, but that doesn’t happen very often without careful preparation,” says Schmitt. “Take the time to sit down and get the aging-in-place conversation going.” 5 Tips for Aging in Place
Article from Fidelity.com

5 Tips for Aging in Place

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Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One
Caregiving

Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

The time has come. You made the decision to put your older parent in a nursing home or assisted living facility. You didn’t necessarily want to do it, but you know deep down inside it’s best. Why do you feel so guilty and sad about it, though? How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home
The answer lies in how you’re dealing with the decision of putting your older parent in a home. Even though it may be the best decision for your mom or dad, it’s what you’re thinking and believing about yourself that matters. How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

Not Good Enough

Many people who decide to put their older parent in a home feel as though they are just not good enough to care for their mom or dad adequately. They usually don’t have the time or feel they don’t have the skills.
Just because you believe you aren’t good enough doesn’t mean that you’re not. Actually, you probably are giving your mom and dad just the right amount and quality of care needed. You may be too hard on yourself.

Lazy

You may feel as though you are lazy. While you want to care for your older parent, a part of you really doesn’t want the work that comes along with it.
There’s nothing wrong with this because it is a lot of work. Caregiving is demanding – phsysically, emotionally, and mentally.
You are NOT lazy just because you have decided you don’t want to devote all of your spare time to taking care of your parent. You are choosing to protect the relationship you have with your parent, by not ruining it with resentment when you feel as though you’ve had enough after a long day of caregiving.

Selfish

You may feel as though you are selfish. Taking care of your older parent may not fall into your schedule as nicely as you would like it to, so you feel guilty about not doing it. You don’t have to feel this way, and you are NOT selfish.
You are thinking of your older parent when you decide to put him or her in a home. You are trying to provide your mom or dad with a good place for them to live where they will have everything they need. If you were selfish, you would ONLY think of yourself, and wouldn’t care where they lived or how they cared for themselves.
Pat yourself on the back. You’re stepping up and caring for your older parents.

Beliefs

Some people have a belief they MUST care for their aging parents. They believe it makes them a bad person if they don’t do it. This is untrue.
You are not obligated to care for your parents. Sure, it’s a nice thing to do, but finding a safe, healthy home for your parent is also nice.
Not all beliefs people have are warranted. You made up that belief because you felt as though that’s what you should do – it’s not what you need to do. If you can remember that, a lot of the pressure you’re putting on yourself will be relieved.
Are you still feeling bad about putting your older parents in a home? I understand how hard it is for you. That’s why I work as a personal consultant. I help people just like you deal with situations such as this, so they feel better about themselves and their situation in life. Book a session with me now. We can tackle the feelings and thoughts you’re having, so you can feel good about yourself again.
How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

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Prescription Drugs and Seniors
Prescription Programs

Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are over 33 million people in the U.S. who care for an aging relative or friend. Caregivers need to be aware that drug errors can happen and may be serious, but often are preventable. Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems
The problem stems largely from the multiple drugs seniors are prescribed and the complex network of physicians and pharmacists caring for them. According to Medco Health Solutions, Inc., the average senior takes nine prescription medications a year. One in four seniors sees four or more different physicians and uses three or more different pharmacies.
To help prevent errors:

  • Make and take a medication list including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, any vitamins or herbal supplements and present it to the doctor and pharmacist.
  • Understand how medications should be administered, possible side effects and how to recognize if they occur. Changes such as poor eyesight, hearing trouble or decreased endurance may indicate an adverse reaction to a medication.
  • Ask any specialist the patient sees to send a full medical report, including drugs prescribed, to the patient’s primary care doctor.
  • Consider pre-packing your medications together to avoid errors

Seniors now also have to decide about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. It provides much-needed relief for many seniors with little or no drug coverage but may require research to determine which plan is best.
Consider the following:

  • Weighing Medication Costs: Seniors currently on medications should determine if the plan covers their drugs and at what cost. They should also consider the cost of generics since they may be substantially lower. In addition, under some plans the deductible is waived for generic drugs.
  • Access to Pharmacies: Each plan has its own pharmacy network. If several months of the year are spent in another state, a national plan may be best. Some plans include a mail-order prescription service.
  • Patient Safety: A plan that includes a drug utilization review (DUR) program that identifies potential errors provides an important safety net.

Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems Helping The Elderly Avoid Prescription Drug Problems

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Local Non-Profits Providing Senior Care Help
Caregiving

Local Non-Profits Providing Senior Care Help

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

When a person needs help it’s surprising that few know of the local relief and services to call. There are many non-profits designed to help seniors in need and their family caregivers. However, when asked, “Do you know who to call for help when in a crunch for a ride or for food?” In my experience, I find consumers at a loss and challenged to locate local help. Local Non-Profits Providing Senior Care Help
Since November is National Caregiver Month, it’s important to acknowledge the work that families give. I was a caregiver for my parents, so, I have experienced the challenges. To alleviate some of the burden, here is a list of places to go or call if needed. Typically, the most wanted services deals with issues like,

  • Housing
  • Personal care with daily living
  • Case Management
  • Transportation
  • Meals
  • Social Isolation
  • Legal support
  • Day care
  • Emergencies
  • Support
  • Financial assistance

The Aging Council at Seniorcare.com offered several “go-to” sources when in need of care. The thought leaders say, “When a senior or family caregiver struggles with a crises or medical event, or has another issue they can’t figure out on their own, usually, there are two or three local resources that adults can turn to for a resolution.” Here are several the experts recommend:
Anthony Cirillo, The Aging Experience, “In Charlotte we have a great resource called Just One Call, a one-stop source of information and assistance for seniors and adults with disabilities. Feeding America can point you to food banks to address food insecurity. And the Salvation Army has an arm devoted to elderly services.”
Donna Schempp, “Family Caregiver Alliance provides links or a specialist to talk to who can give people information on services anywhere in the United States. All communities have a local Area Agency on Aging and should be the first place to call when needing help. Faith communities are also a good source of support and referrals for needed services.”
Michelle Jeong, LifeAssist, “Two organizations come to mine, www.sfvillage.org = great on and offline resource based in San Francisco, CA and Meals on Wheels.”
Violet Swenson, LTC Global Agency, “Three significant local resources in Florida to consider are: Florida Highway Patrol (disaster assistance for natural calamities), WebMD (for diseases & treatment), and NCOA (public policy & action services). Seniors need to prioritize their safety, make sure that they are properly diagnosed and are receiving the right medication, and have a voice in their community.”
David Inns, GreatCall, Inc., “The Family Caregiver Alliance (Caregiver.org) has an interactive map where you can click your state, and it will guide you to local resources. The Eldercare Locator (Eldercare.gov) is a service that allows users to search for resources and information. The Family Caregiver Council (FamilyCaregiverCouncil.com) is a great place to start as it has links for all aspects of family caregiving.”
Scot Cheben, CaregivingAnswers.com, “Churches, Meals on Wheels and other local support groups have their limitations. The internet doesn’t have borders. Most states have a Department of Elder Affairs or something similar available online. The internet will give you access to a wider variety if information that might be available. CaregivingAnswers.com gives you the opportunity to have your questions answered by a professional.”
Connie Chow, Daily Caring, “During a crisis, if you need immediate help, reach out to people who understand the system and know how to get fast, effective results. I recommend an in-home care company or on-demand caregiving service for in-person help, a geriatric care manager for complex situations, and the county’s Area Agency on Aging to get connected to helpful local resources and services.”

Local Non-Profits Providing Senior Care Help

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Under-eating in Senior Home Care
Diet & Nutrition

Under-eating in Senior Home Care

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

“Anorexia of Aging” – Coping with Under-Eating in Senior Home Care

When it comes to senior home care, one of the biggest concerns is undereating among the elderly. Lack of appetite is unfortunately widespread among America’s seniors. While a small decrease in appetite is natural and in many cases healthy, many seniors experience a dangerous decrease in appetite in their seventies and eighties. This condition has given rise to the term “Anorexia of Aging.” Under-eating in Senior Home Care
“Proper nutrition is key to healthy aging — but it’s also a struggle for many of our clients,” says Larry Meigs, President and CEO of the Visiting Angels senior home care network. “We’ve long held that Americans need to have a bigger conversation about healthy eating for seniors.” Under-eating in Senior Home Care
If you suspect that an elderly person in your life is starting to suffer from a reduced appetite, there are steps you can take to counteract the effects of undereating. Poor nutrition can have a serious impact on your loved one’s well-being and put them at significant risk for a number of conditions.
Luckily, there are a number of strategies used by families and senior home care professionals that encourage healthier eating in the elderly.

Causes of Under-eating in Seniors

There are a number of behavioral and biological changes that can lead to seniors eating fewer nutrients and calories than they should be.
Some of these changes are directly related to appetite. Seniors use up less energy than younger individuals, so their bodies require fewer calories. In response, seniors’ bodies respond by lowering their appetites. One recent study further suggests that elderly individuals produce a higher amount of peptide YY (aka PYY), a hormone that suppresses hunger. Reduced taste buds also make eating less pleasurable for seniors.
Other changes that lead to reduced appetite are somewhat less direct. For instance, many seniors wear dentures or suffer from dental problems, which can make eating uncomfortable or even painful. Meanwhile, medications can create or exacerbate appetite problem. Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia may also forget whether or not they have eaten, especially if they already suffer from reduced appetite.

Effects of Under-eating in Seniors

The implications of undereating for seniors may be greater than you think. As those of us in the senior home care industry know, “anorexia of aging” has been tied to numerous health problems. According to the NCBI, poor nutrition is tied to “the development and progression of chronic diseases… impaired muscle function, decreased bone mass, immune dysfunction, anemia, reduced cognitive function, poor wound healing, [and] delayed recovery from surgery.”
Ultimately, undereating can cut years from your loved one’s life. That same NCBI study reports that under-nutrition is associated with “increased morbidity and mortality” in the elderly. So if your loved one’s body or lifestyle is causing a severe loss of appetite, it’s important to take action.

Senior Home Care Tips to Prevent Under-eating

At Visiting Angels, our senior home care professionals can coordinate with families to create a senior home care plan that addresses a client’s reduced appetite. But it’s possible for seniors and their family’s to tackle undereating on their own.
Here are some of the strategies that senior home care professionals regularly use or recommend to clients to prevent undereating in elderly individuals.

  • Have Meals Together. Undereating is more common among seniors who eat alone. This makes it easier for seniors to forget or skip meals if they don’t feel particularly hungry. If you can, eat meals with your loved one, or find a way that they are guaranteed company when they eat.
  • Cook with Healthy, Calorie-Rich Foods. When seniors don’t have the appetite to eat more, the best way to address undereating is by adding calories without adding food mass. You can use healthy, easy-to-eat, calorie-rich foods like olive oil, yogurt, peanut butter, chickpeas, or avocadoes.
  • Take Care of Meal Preparation. You can make sure that your loved one is receiving nutritious meals regularly by overseeing meal preparation. Or — if you lack the time or cooking acumen to prepare meals yourself — you can see if there is a meals-on-wheels program in your area.
  • Address Any Dental Concerns. Loose or poor-fitting dentures can make chewing uncomfortable. The same can be said for tooth decay or gum disease. Ask your loved one if they have any trouble chewing and consider following up with a visit to the dentist.
  • Monitor Medications. Many medications can result in lowered appetite. So ask your loved one about the side effects of his or her prescriptions. If you feel your loved one may be losing their appetite due to medication, encourage them to speak with their doctor about possible alternatives.

Visiting Angels senior home care professionals make living independently easier for America’s seniors. Our services include nutrition assistance services, such as grocery shopping, meal planning, and meal preparation. Learn more about our senior home care programs by visiting our website.

Under-eating in Senior Home Care

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