SeniorPro - Elder Care & Senior Information

Family Night at Manor Care Boca on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 6pm

Manor Care in Boca Raton and The Senior Information Center are having an Educational Seminar for Seniors, their families and those who want to learn about Medicaid and Nursing Homes. Speakers will provide information on Manor Care's great Rehab program and the benefits of long term skilled care for families and caregivers. Our Medicaid Specialists and Certified Senior Advisors will teach you what the real medicaid laws are, make clear the misinformation you may have heard, and tell you how you can qualify for medicaid benefits. This is a free event for the community. Refreshments will be served. Manor Care Boca Raton is located at 375 NW 51st Street (Yamato Road), Just east of I95.                     

We look forward to seeing you there!

For more info, contact Carol at 561-704-0150. Visit our website at 

www.elderplanner.com 

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses in the Elderly

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 400 people each year die from heat exposure related to weather conditions. This number does not include those who die from chronic illnesses that are worsened by excessive heat exposure. In 2008, seventy-one people died from heat exposure in the United States. More than 75% of these deaths occurred in people over the age of fifty.

Older persons are more at risk for heat-related injuries and deaths for a number of reasons. As we age, our bodies are not able to adjust as quickly to external stressors including sudden changes of temperature. Also, the elderly take more medications and have more chronic health conditions that may affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.

 

Here are some ways to prevent heat-related illnesses:

 

Stay indoors preferably in air-conditioning on hot days and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Replace fluids frequently especially during outdoor activities. Water is usually best. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

Wear cool clothing. Lightweight, loose-fitting, light colored clothing is best.

Listen to the weather report. If the heat index or temperature reaches dangerous levels, activities should be modified and extra precautions should be taken. 

Recognize the symptoms of heat illness. Heat illnesses can lead to permanent health problems and death. Prevent these serious outcomes by recognizing the warning signs. Report any symptoms to a physician immediately.

Early symptoms of heat illness may include:

·    Muscle Cramps

·    Tiredness

·    Weakness

·    Dizziness

·    Headache

·    Nausea or vomiting

·    Fainting

·    Skin: may be cool and moist

·    Pulse rate: fast and weak

·    Breathing: fast and shallow

·    Heavy sweating

·    Paleness

 

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

·         An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

·         Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

·         Rapid, strong pulse

·         Throbbing headache

·         Dizziness

·         Nausea

·         Irrational behavior

·         Extreme confusion

·         Seizures

·         Unconsciousness

 

If you think someone is suffering from a heat-related illness, have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person by taking these steps:

 

1. Get the person indoors or to a shady area.  

2. Lower their body temperature in any way you can such as in a cold bath or by applying cool, wet cloths or cool water to the person's skin. 

3. If the person is alert, have them sip 1/2 cup liquid every 15 minutes. Do not offer alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

4. Call 911 and give first aid as needed if the person:

 

• shows signs of shock
• develops bluish lips and fingernails
• has decreased alertness
• starts having seizures, or
• loses consciousness.

Most importantly, if you have an elderly neighbor, friend or family neighbor, visit them often when the weather is hot and look for signs of heat illness. Many seniors either do not have air conditioning or simply cannot afford to use it. You can also offer an elderly person a ride if you see them walking or offer to take them to an air-conditioned building such as the mall on hot days. For more information and safety tips, go to www.redcross.org.

 

By: Rhonda Johnson-Saunders, owner/director

Here to Help Senior Concierge Services     

www.heretohelpscs.com

Veterans Receive Additional Support For Home Health Care

As July 4th approaches this year we should take time to reflect on the sacrifices our veterans made.

As quoted by John F. Kennedy-

Each man is free.

He is free in thought.

He is free in expression.

He is free in worship.

To us, who have been reared in the american tradition, these rights have become a part of our being. They have become so much a part of our being that most of us are prone to feel that they are rights universally recognized and universally exercised. But the sad fact is that this is not true.

They were dearly won for us only a few short centuries ago and they were dearly preserved for us in the days just past. And there are large sections of the world today where these rights are denied as a matter of philosophy and as a matter of government.

We can not assume that the struggle is ended - It is never ending.

John F. Kennedy- Independence Day Speech 1946

Our veterans have given so much for so many, Lets reach out to our veterans by informing them of the Aid and Attendance Special Pension which may assist in meeting their home health care needs.

This program is available to veterans or surviving spouses which offers a monthly payment from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Aid and Attendance Special Pension is designed to provide care for veterans who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing or toileting issues.

Any war-time veteran with 90 days of active duty with one day being a period of war is eligible to apply. To qualify financially, an applicant must have less than $80,000 in assets, excluding homes and vehicles.

The website to find out more information about this program including the down loadable forms needed is www.veternaid.org

Diane Sanders, Administrator-Granny NANNIES,LLC

www.grannynannies.com

Diane@grannynannies.com

 

 

Taking Medicine to Prevent Disease?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services it is recommended that people over the age of 45 ask their doctor about taking aspirin to prevent heart disease. They also suggest that those under 45 also ask their doctor about aspirin if they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if they smoke.

It is also recommended that people over 50 have annual flu shots and pneumonia shots for those 65 or older. Not all people may choose these preventions, but it is a good idea for elderly individuals to speak with their doctor about them.

Karen Best Wright, B.S. SeniorPro Marketing
www.SeniorPro.com
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com

Severe Weather Preparation and Safety Tips for Seniors

Many times survival from severe weather depends upon awareness, preparation, what to do during the event, and safe water and food handling after the event. Loss of electricity for a prolonged duration can be critical if you are not prepared for such problems.

It is important to have an emergency supply kit packed and in place before severe weather occurs. Older adults usually need to take some additional precautions due to medications and special equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, special beds or toilet items or other life sustaining equipment.

Here are some problems severe weather can cause older adults:

* Require you or the person you care for to vacate your home

* Prevent you from obtaining water, food and medications you need

* Prevent you from obtaining the electrical power you require for oxygen or dialysis

* Interfere with other home health care you may require

* If you have an illness such as heart disease, increased stress or anxiety may cause increase episodes of the illness.

You do not need to be in a state of turmoil when severe weather strikes. Calmness and confidence can be yours when you are properly prepared ahead of time.

The following are some things you can do now to ensure that you are better prepared should you need to evacuate.

Register with your county Emergency Management if you will need evacuation assistance in the event of an emergency and appropriate vehicles will be sent to transport PRE-REGISTERED residents to a public or special needs shelter or hospital. (If your special needs require you to go to a hospital consult with your doctor about the need for a signed letter from him/her authorizing pre-admission

Create your phone directory with names, addresses and telephone numbers of your family and friends you will notify with your location.

* Doctor name/telephone number

* Insurance papers with name of agent and policy number

* Medical records

Pack your supply kit with such items such as:

* Prescription medicines with dosage/times to take

* Over the counter medicines (aspirin/antacid)

* Cash

* Personal hygiene items (soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth)

* Personal aides such as eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aide, cane, walkers, etc

* Battery operated radio or weather alert radio

* Flashlight

* Extra batteries for radio, flashlight and hearing aides

* Change of clothes

* Collapsible lawn chair,blanket/sleeping bag, pillows

* Self entertainment items such as books, magazines

* Nonperishable food/snacks

Your supply kit should be tote sized and easy to carry

Fill your vehicle gas tank- plan your escape route

Fill clean water containers

Secure any outside items

Cover windows

If you have time, turn off gas, electricity and water

When you return home:

* Re-enter your home with caution

* Open windows/doors to ventilate and dry interior

* Be careful with fire - Do NOT strike a match or use any open flames until certain there are no gas leaks

* Report broken water, electric, gas or sewer lines

* If you have been receiving home health care before evacuating notify your agency so that care can be resumed.

If you choose NOT to evacuate remember emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right away, and in some cases it may take three or more days for help to arrive. What would you do if you had no electricity, no gas, no water and no phone service? Remember- the best way to make sure your family and home is safe is to be prepared before a disaster happens.

Other useful links/information:

http://www.fema.gov/areyouready

http://www.redcross.org

http://www.myflorida511.com

Do you know about 511? Dial 511 from you cell phone or landline before hitting the road. The service provides real-time travel information on all interstate highways in Florida as well as the turnpike. In addition 511 also provides information regarding accidents, lane closures, severe weather/evacuation routes and child abduction alerts.

Diane Sanders, Administrator- Granny NANNIES,LLC

www.grannynannies.com

Diane@grannynannies.com

Preventing Falls

This post is written more from personal experiences but is very important as people age. I seem to have a history of tripping over things and falling smack on my face even though I am not elderly. I have tripped over a toddler who walked in front of me, while I was carrying a baby in my arms. I have tripped over the front steps while carrying groceries into the house. I have tripped over the dog which ran in front of me, and I have tripped over my own floppy slippers. This last time, landing smack on my head requiring 5 stitches. Fortunately for me I have strong bones and haven't broken anything yet.

As people age, this becomes a very real concern. An elderly person's balance will not be what it was when they were younger, and their chance of getting severely hurt increases. Sometimes an elderly person may fall because of osteoporosis. A bone may break first, causing the fall. But many falls are preventable.

It is important that precautions are taken to help prevent falls. A few obvious things would be to make sure the floor is free from clutter, dim lights are left on at night, dogs are well trained, shoes or slippers fit properly and do not fall off while walking, and not trying to move too fast, thus throwing one off balance.

Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
www.SeniorProMarketing.com
www.SeniorPro.com
www.GrandparentingBlog.com

Kidney Disease, a silent disease

Kidney disease is a silent disease. That means you do not feel symptoms until it is too late and you need medical treatment. No all, but most people who get kidney disease are over 60. The main causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure.

Fortunately, people have control over diabtes and high blood pressure. Proper eating and exercise and medication if necessary can control these two diseases, thus helping to prevent the dreaded kidney disease. Treating kidney disease if far more instrusive than preventing it.

Here is a link to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about Keeping Kidneys Healthy.

Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
Pathway to Healthy Living
www.SeniorPro.com
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com

Dementia is not always Alzheimer's

There are other illnesses that mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Pseudo-Dementia caused by depression is one of them. This type of illness is treatable with the proper anti-depressant but can still be very disturbing. Since the person may act in a demented way such as forgetting how to do familiar things, memory loss, losing interest in previous activities, having a change in personality, and lacking focus, it can very much look like the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

When any type of dementia is expected it is important to take the person to a good doctor. Tests are run to rule out or confirm an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Tests such as an MRI rules out brain tumors or strokes. Blood tests rule out thyroid and other problems, and a series of neuropsych test help to determine or rule out Alzheimer's. Even if Alzheimer's is diagnosed, there are good medicines that can help slow down the disease. If Alzheimer's is ruled out, there may be other medications to help with what the problem may really be. The earlier an illness is detected whether it be Alzheimer's disease or an illness with similar symptoms, the better it is for the person who suffers from the illness as well as all family members.

Karen Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
Pathway to Healthy Living
www.SeniorPro.com
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com
www.GrandparentingBlog.com
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com

Top 3 causes of preventable premature death

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

 "Researchers have a new list of preventable causes of death. The top three: smoking, high blood pressure, and overweight or obesity."

A new list? That list seems as old as the hills. I honestly do not know what the top three preventable causes of death use to be, but I have known that simple fact for 30 years, and I am no scientist or doctor.

So whether we are concerned for the health of our elderly parents or clients, or our own health, living a healthy lifestyle that keeps our weight within a healthy range, our blood pressure normal, and definitely no smoking can not only help prevent premature death, but will also improve the quality of our lives. And isn't that really the goal we all have, to live a quality life not just a long life?

Karen Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
Pathway to Healthy Living
www.SeniorPro.com
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com

What is a Geriatric Care Manager?

ANSWER: GCMs are professionals with their degree in Social Work or Gerontology. They have the knowledge and experience to assist seniors, their families and their caregivers with long term care arrangements.

 Assessment & Ongoing Supervision

Geriatric Care Managers can perform in-home assessments for seniors to identify problems and recommend possible solutions. Based on this assessment, they can offer referrals to medical services, legal and financial services, home care, and many other community resources. GCMs have referred their clients to services such as: Meals on wheels, home care, emergency buttons, psych services, eldercare attorneys etc.

 GCMs often act as a connecting bridge between the seniors, their family members and supporting services that are offered in their area. They can coordinate all the services and keep in touch with verbal and written reports so the family members are always informed about their senior loved one.

Placement & Advocacy

GCMs strive to recommend services that enable the senior to continue to reside safely at home for as long as possible. If and when a senior does have the need to move into a community, assisted living facility or nursing home the GCM can assist with this process in order to make certain that this move is the most appropriate for the senior based on their unique needs. Once the senior has moved, the GCM can help them by visiting regularly and making sure their client’s best interest and safely is in mind.

 There is a team of experienced Geriatric Care Managers right here in the Bay Area. They are ready and willing to get to work for you or your loved one. Bayshore Geriatric Solutions’ goal is to assist seniors and their loved ones in making the best decisions for them and their well being based on each unique circumstance. If you know of someone who would benefit from the services of Bayshore Geriatric Solutions, call them today at 813-246-4120.

Jenee Mendillo, Assistant Administrator
Bayshore Health & Homemaker Services, Inc.

www.BayshoreHomeCare.com

ICE-In Case of Emergency from Visiting Angels, Clearwater, FL

Today, many seniors are carrying cell phones, not only for convenience, but also to be able to use in the event that something were to happen to them. They usually have information in their cell phones that would allow emerency personnel to contact a family member or friend, but how are they to locate it during an emergency? Simple...ICE your cell phone! "The original concept, conceived by Cambridge, England paramedic Bob Brotchie, involved putting the acronym ICE in front of your designated emergency contact. The idea is that you stor the word "ICE" in your mobile phone address book, and against it enter the numnber of the person you would want to be contacted..."In Case of Emergency". Additionally, you would want to enter the name of the individualo so your display would read: "ICE Heather" indicating the person's name. In an emergency situation, ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and be able to contact them. For more than one contact name you can use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc." Then all you have to do is place a sticker on the cell phone that says, "ICE Loaded". For more information on ICE, contact Visiting Angels. For the office nearest you, go to www.visitingangels.com.

Beverly Napoli, Owner/Director

Visiting Angels, Clearwater, FL

Minding our Minds

According to a study by Yonas Geda of the Mayo Clinic, people from age 50 - 65 who have kept their brains active with things like reading, computer activities, crafts, and other brain stimulating activities are 30% - 50-% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment when they are between 70 and 89.

The study was presented at an American Academy of Neurology meeting and was supported by the National Institutes of Health. Yonas Geda is quoted to saying, "This means perhaps aging does not have to a simple passive process."

So what does this mean to those of us under 70 or older? It means to keep our minds active and stimulated with learning new things. Some people are in careers where their minds never stop working, while others are not. Regardless of our individual lifestyles, we need to regularly stimulate our brains with activities such as reading, writing, using the computer, playing games that require concentration and thinking, and learning how to do something new.

Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
Pathway to Healthy Living
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com
www.GrandparentingBlog.com
www.SeniorPro.com

Seniors: The forgotten victims of the real estate crisis

With the ongoing decline in home sales, many seniors are finding they cannot afford to move into assisted living or retirement communities while their homes are sitting on the market. Finance savvy seniors have found an economical solution to this quandary.

      As the elderly are holding tighter to their retirement savings, seniors have begun hiring private-duty home health agencies to help them remain independent in their own home until it has sold. Once the home is sold they can make the larger investment of moving into a retirement or assisted living community.

Many seniors have decided to pay out-of –pocket for private-duty home health services while they await the sale of their home. "Most of our senior community is very independent and is not in need of full time assistance. In many cases our caregivers assist for a few hours per week with house hold duties, errands and personal care. These services help keep seniors safe and feeling independent in their own home until it sells," said Jenee Mendillo, Assistant Administrator for Bayshore Health and Homemaker Services Inc. in Largo Florida. Visit www.BayshoreHomeCare.com for more information about private duty home care.

Jenee Mendillo, Assistant Administrator
Bayshore Health & Homemaker Services, Inc.

www.BayshoreHomeCare.com

Private -Duty Home Health: A Growing Trend in Senior Living Options

With the uncertainty of the economy many seniors are looking at new options to save a buck. They are waiting things out and holding tighter to their retirement savings. Seniors have begun hiring private-duty home health agencies to help them remain independent in their own homes until they are ready to make the financial investment of moving into an assisted living community.“Most of our clients hire us to assist them a few hours a day with daily activities like preparing meals, providing transportation, companionship, bathing and dressing,” said  Marci Sadorf, RN and director of nursing for Bayshore Health and Homemaker Services Inc. “Most of our senior community is very independent and is not in need of full time assistance. Just a few hours here and there can keep them safe and feeling independent in their own home.” Many seniors are opting to pay out-of –pocket for private-duty home health services until they feel the amount of care they are requiring for them to stay in their home equals the cost of an assisted living community.

 

Jenee Mendillo, Assistant Administrator
Bayshore Health & Homemaker Services, Inc.

www.BayshoreHomeCare.com

Find and Stay with a Medical Home

While reading on the National Institutes of Health's website, I came across the advice to "Find and stay with a medical home." I wasn't sure what they meant by that, a medical home? What they were talking about is the growing number of retail-based and walk in emergency clinics. Many families are at danger of seeing so many different health care providers who do not have a history of the patient or family members. I can see how this can be a particular problem for the elderly who may be taking several different types of medication.

It is important for elderly individuals, either themselves or someone else, to find a "medical home," a specific physician or healthcare practice that they can stay with over time. This helps to keep them from taking medications that may conflict with one another, and it also helps the healthcare professional monitor the elderly person and observe the progress or deterioration of a certain situation.

If a person goes to various types of medical professionals, it is important that a record is kept of each appointment and the medications that are being taken. This record should be taken with the elderly person each time he or she sees a healthcare professional. Having a "medical home" physician that all specialist report to can not only help organize a patients care but may also save his or her life.

Karen Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
Pathway to Healthy Living
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com
www.SeniorPro.com
www.GrandparentingBlog.com

Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes in the Elderly

It is estimated that 24 million people in the U.S., 8% of the population, have diabetes, considered by many to be the epidemic of our time. It is also estimated that 57 million adults have "pre-diabetes." Pre-diabetes means that one's blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes but are at high risk of developing the disease. Diabetes is common in people age 60 and older with 12 million people of this age having the disease. So half of all people who have diabetes are seniors. It is also estimated that these numbers will double by the year 2050.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people with diabetes. 68% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a stroke or die from heart disease than people without diabetes, and smoking doubles the risk of heart disease among people with diabetes.

Diabetes is a self-managed disease where individuals themselves or those caring for them must be responsible to be certain that the person suffering from diabetes eats properly, gets sufficient exercise, maintains a healthy body weight, and keeps blood pressure under control.

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is a partnership of the National Institute of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 200 public and private organizations. Click here for information on diabetes education.

Karen Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com
www.SeniorPro.com

Diagnosing and Managing Depression in the Elderly

Depression is a serious life threatening illness, which without question increases the risk of mortality in elderly patients and is linked with increased mortality of residents in nursing and assisted living homes, along with other long-term care facilities.

Studies reveal that the presence of major depression during admission to a nursing home facility more than doubles the likelihood of death one year later independently of other health conditions.

Additionally, a growing body of evidence shows that depression adversely affects the course of other illnessess common to the elderly such as: diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's Disease. Read complete article here as written by Gary Figiel, MD of Southeastern Geriatric Healthcare Group.

Elayne Forgie, CMC
www.ElderCareatHome.org
800-209-4342

When Cold Weather Affects the Elderly

While Florida's weather is much milder than most states, there are times that it still gets down right cold. The elderly are at a higher risk of getting hypothermia, which can be deadly if not treated promptly. Hypothermia is when a person's body temperature goes too low and stays there for a prolonged period of time. If a person's temperature drops to 96 degrees or lower, 911 should be called. This can be a big problem for the elderly who live at home alone with no one to check on them.

Home thermostats should be set around 70 degrees. Even home temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees can trigger hypothermia is some elderly people, depending on their health and the types of medication they may be taking.

Signs of hypothermia are:

• confusion or sleepiness
• slowed or slurred speech
• shivering or stiffness in the arms or legs
• weak pulse
• and slow body movement

For more detailed information, visit the article "Hypothermia: A Cold Weather Risk for Older People" at the National Institute on Aging's website.

Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
SeniorPro Marketing
www.SeniorPro.com
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com

What's in it for me?

Even after being in this business for 20 years, it never ceases to amaze me when I meet with a "professional" that is only interested in learning one thing from our discussion:  "What's in it for me?" 

I just met with a rehabilitation/nursing home administrator that flat out told me that he will only refer patients to us if we refer to him.  Although I understand the concept of referring to those that refer to you, I could not believe how brazen this man was.  He stated that it is "all I can do to make a Medicare Part A referral. I don't have time to worry about the patient's other needs". 

I explained to him that we are not a Medicare agency and do not compete with Medicare and I inquired as to what information he gives to his discharged patients knowing that Medicare will not cover more than a skilled visit? I asked him what other resources he provides to his memory impaired patients.  I might as well have been talking Greek.  He had a quizzical look on his face and it was clear that it has been a very long time since this man realized he is discharging humans from his facility, people that might need more than Medicare provides and don't really care what's  in it for him.

Understanding that he clearly expects referrals from our organization, I pointed out that although we'd like to refer, we rarely have the opportunity. We provide high quality home care services. Our patient's don't fall or break hips.  I got the quizzical look again and quietly admitted defeat. 

There isn't anything in it for him when he refers to ElderCare.  There shouldn't have to be.  He should coordinate the patients discharge based on what is in it for THEM.

Elayne Forgie, CMC, President
www.eldercareathome.org

www.eldercareresourcecenter.com

800-209-4342

Know someone in a nursing home or going?

We at the Senior Information Center can get your loved one covered by government programs that can pay for the cost of the nursing home.  We do it for many seniors in the state of Florida.  We do it all for a very low fee.  Most other firms charge anywhere from $5000-$15000 for this service when we do it for much less.  We will meet always meet for a free consultation at any time.  Please call us at 800-731-8784 or check our website at www.elderplanner.com

Medicaid planning in Florida

Ambassadors for Aging Day 2009

Ambassadors for Aging Day 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The State Capitol
Tallahassee

What is Ambassadors for Aging Day? It is a one-day program hosted by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Florida Sports Foundation, and other organizations, Ambassadors for Aging Day unites elders and elder advocates from throughout the state to showcase the special contributions of older adults.

Participants will enjoy the following activities free of charge:

Exhibitors
Complimentary health screenings
Performing artists
Music and dancing
Noon program featuring state officials
Walking tours of the Capitol
Complimentary Luncheon
And a chance to see the Florida Legislature in action. Join us as we highlight the contributions of elders to their communities and share the experience of aging!

To learn more about this exciting event, call 850- 414-2000 or e-mail information@elderaffairs.org.

Karen Best Wright, B.S., SeniorPro Marketing
www.SeniorPro.com
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com

Enlightened Alzheimer's Caregiving

The nearly 10 million Americans caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease will now have access to cutting-edge information and resources thanks to the launch of a new CD-ROM series called Enlightened Alzheimer Caregiving, which will empower at-home caregivers with a greater understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and the changes expected with varying stages. 

To read the Press Release, click here!
To purchase, click here!

Elayne Forgie, CMC, President

ElderCare at Home

ElderCare Resource Center

Brain Games for Brain Health

There is a website at https://www.lumosity.com that has several interactive brain games to stimulate the brain. They have a 7-day free trial. After that, the cost is $9.95/month, cancel at anytime. I am not promoting this site over any type of similar site. However, I did have fun spending a little time stimulating my brain as I tried to pay attention to two fast moving things at once and then playing it over to improve my score.

This type of computer generated interactive brain game is great as people grow older and may participate in few activities that stimulate the brain. I know some assisted living facilities have computers with these types of games on them for their residents.

These brain games definitely are stimulating. If anyone knows of different online games such as these that are good for the elderly, I hope you will post a link to them.

Karen Best Wright, B.S. Health Educator
Pathway to Healthy Living
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com
www.SeniorPro.com

Services for Every Family: Geriatric Care Management

Services from care managers should be something that every family takes advantage of, but in reality very few families use them. Care managers could go a long ways towards helping the family find better and more efficient ways of providing care for a loved one.

The concept is simple. The family hires a professional adviser to act as a guide through the maze of long term care services and providers. The care manager has been there many times. The family is experiencing it usually for the first time.

Hiring a care manager should be no different than hiring an attorney to help with legal problems or a CPA to help with tax problems. Most people don't attempt to solve legal problems on their own. And the use of professional tax advice can be an invaluable investment. The same is true of using a care manager.

Unfortunately there are too few care managers and the public is so poorly informed about the services of a care manager, that valuable resources that could be provided go lacking.

The irony of not using a care manager is that most families -- when given the opportunity to use the care manager -- think they can do it themselves and will not pay the money. Yet the services of a care manager most likely will save them considerably more money then do-it-yourself. The cost of the care manager might be only a fraction of the savings the care manager could produce. Care manager services can also greatly reduce family and caregiver stress and help eliminate family disputes and disagreements. To read more, click here.

Elayne Forgie, CMC
www.AlzheimersCareatHome.org
www.ElderCareatHome.org
www.ElderCareResourceCenter.com
800-209-4342

The Hardest Work Is The Lowest Paid

Did you see the New York Times' Editorial this week, Caring For The Caregivers?  If your elderly loved ones at home are receiving care from a sitter, companion, homemaker, nurse's aide ... together known as "home care workers" ... then the worker is probably a woman, low income, minority or immigrant, and among the lowest paid workers in the United States.

Oddly enough, although if you've heard of the Age Wave, then it's not unusual at all, the home care work industry is leading the nation in growth.  On one of the morning new shows today, as a response to the thousands of workers in other fields who were laid off this week, the reporter talked about industries and companies who were growing and creating jobs.  The home care industry was posted at the top of the chart, growing at an exponential rate of 48%.  

Unfortunately, as the New York Times' Editorial points out, an outdated federal law classifies all of the work performed by someone at home as home care workers and exempts them from federal standards governing overtime and minimum wage.  Most seniors I have helped arrange home care for don't need a companion, they need skilled care, not only with personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, and medication management, but also a majority of seniors need a worker who is skilled in helping someone with impaired memory and challenging behavior.  The expectations are high, but the pay is miserably low.

And when wages are low, turnover is high.  The trend in senior care is "aging in place." Essential elements of high quality care are consistency and continuity.  I have often had the experience of losing the better home care workers to other assignments where they are paid a quarter more an hour or are given a double shift. The Editorial states that over half home care workers are also receiving food stamps or other public assistance.  Ultimately, as taxpayers, we all pay for substandard wages and no benefits.

When my clients are just getting started with home care, they feel a little "sticker shock" at the cost.  We are entrusting our most vulnerable loved ones to the care of others.  What would you pay?  How can we change it so the workers get a fair deal and your loved ones get the care they need ... without anyone going to the poorhouse?  Send me your ideas:

Dena R. Howard, J.D.

Elder Care Manager

Jacksonville, Florida

www.eldercarejax.com 

denahoward@bellsouth.net

(904) 536-3890