Here is a great article about those aging seniors that are keeping their minds sharp.  If you need help with an aging loved one in the Seattle or Bellevue WA areas, visit http://www.andelcare.com.
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Lucid Old Age: What Do Those Who Keep Sharp Do Right?

My Great Uncle Bill (by marriage) could be in one of these “lucid mind” studies, but he’s too busy. He’s busy researching, writing and having published his many articles on 1880s railroads, along with his volunteer work. He’s closing in on 94, and other than his cane and a bit of a stoop, he doesn’t seem much older than a decade ago. Likely, he’s too busy to notice that he’s considered one of the “very old” who are still spry and mentally sharp.

Aging is getting complicated. These days, to be old enough to be studied as “very old” you’ve got to be in the 90-plus age group. Scientists are looking at people who reach this age with bodies that still work reasonably well and brains that stay sharp and active. Active may be the operative word here, though even that is vague.

Finish reading here: http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/62/73323/lucid-age-sharp

Andelcare Home Care services was named one of the Top 75 Corporate Philanthropists in the Puget Sound region. This is the first year for this award program which was co-sponsored by the Puget Sound Business Journal and The Seattle Foundation. A special Corporate Citizenship Awards luncheon was held in early May to honor the award winners. For over a decade, The Puget Sound Business Journal has been highlighting the good works of the region’s companies as they find ways to give back to the community – whether through cash, in-kind donations or volunteerism.

Owner Marla Beck states, “We are honored to receive this award. Each of us at Andelcare has a real heart for service and are actively involved in our communities and local and worldwide charitable organizations which include The Seattle Art Museum, Union Gospel Mission, World Vision, Alzheimer’s Foundation and Breast Cancer Research.”

About Andelcare: www.Andelcare.com

Andelcare is the premier non-medical home care agency in Seattle, Bellevue and surrounding areas providing companionship, homemaking and personal care services. As a locally women-owned company experienced in caring for our own parents, we understand that Life is Sweet at Home for the elderly and other adults. We are passionate about our home care services and offer a personal touch not found in other companies for seniors.

Many elderly people rely entirely on family or other trusted individuals to help them. Whether it is for physical needs or emotional needs, as people grow older they tend to need more and more help from others. This dependence on caregivers or family members makes an older person more vulnerable for abuse.

For example, an older person relying on her children to provide meals and transportation and help her with financial decisions finds it difficult to complain when one of her children takes advantage of her. If, for instance, the child takes her money, hits her or neglects her care, the parent may be threatened with loss of support from the child if the parent complains. The child may also use threats of violence to keep the parent in line.

It is estimated that 5% to 10% of elderly Americans are suffering abuse. According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse,

“Spiraling rates of elder mistreatment are reported by both practitioners and researchers. In a recent national study of Adult Protective Services (APS), typically the agency of first report concerning elder abuse, there were 253,421 reports of abuse of adults age 60+ or 832.6 reports for every 100,000 people over the age of 60 (Teaster, Dugar, Otto, Mendiondo, Abner, & Cecil, 2006). The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (National Center on Elder Abuse, 1998) found that more than 500,000 persons aged 60+ were victims of domestic abuse and that an estimated 84% of incidents are not reported to authorities, denying victims the protection and support they need.”

Much attention has been focused on abuse in nursing homes but most of the elder abuse in this country is at the hands of family members or other caregivers in the home.

Read the rest of this entry »

“Seniors can make easy targets for fraud, whether it’s for unbelievable investment returns or fraudulent sweepstakes prizes. Fraud on seniors can happen by phone, mail, in person, or, less commonly, the Internet (because seniors are online in smaller numbers). It can happen to wealthy seniors, and those of limited means. According to the Federal Trade Commission, studies show con artists are more likely to target senior citizens than other age groups because they believe seniors are more susceptible to such scams. The FTC reports that fraudulent telemarketers direct from 56 to 80 percent of their calls at seniors. The need for senior fraud prevention has become greater than ever.”

Follow the link below to read the rest of this very informative article.  If you have any questions or need help in the area Seattle or Bellevue WA areas, visit www.andelcare.com.

http://www.thehomecaredirectory.com/home_health_care/related_articles/senior_fraud_prevention/49/