Top 10 Caregiver Tips for 2010

While there is some small comfort in knowing that the pressures you feel are shared by many others, the bottom line to this very personal matter is simple: finding the time and services that can help make your life and the lives of your aging parents a little easier. This year, as you care for your elder (either living with you or still in their own home); find the balance you need each day to continue to provide great care for your loved one and yourself..

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The following is an excerpt of an article by Gabriella Boston, originally published in The Washington Times, on November 4, 2009.

The Internet is a mixed bag of good, bad and ugly for the general population. Not so for seniors, though, among whom the Internet is credited with reducing depression, according to a new report. “There are significant mental health consequences of Internet use for seniors,” says George Ford, a co-author of the report and a chief economist at the Phoenix Center, which published it. “The study shows it reduces depression by up to 20 percent,” Mr. Ford says. The Phoenix Center is a nonprofit Washington think tank that studies the economics of high-tech industries. It study on Internet use and its relationship to mental health in seniors was based on data provided by the Health and Retirement Study of the University of Michigan. The sample set was 7,000 non-working seniors. The study’s conclusion is not surprising to retiree Deana Brown, 70, who recently learned how to use a computer at a SeniorNet computer workshop run by Emmaus Services for the Aging in the District. SeniorNet is a nonprofit that provides low- to no-cost computer training for seniors nationwide. “Every time I sit down and surf the Internet, I have a new window to the world,” says Ms. Brown, who is learning how to create greeting cards on the computer. Being able to experience adventures virtually is particularly important for someone like Ms. Brown, who uses a cane and has limited mobility. She says she also uses the Internet to research prescriptions and communicate and exchange pictures with her sister in Pennsylvania. Social isolation is a well-established and widespread threat to the mental health of the aging population. One specialty at SeniorNet is teaching seniors how to communicate better and unite virtually — through pictures, videos and text — with friends and families divided by geographic distance, says John Alger, interim executive director for SeniorNet. “Social interaction is key,” Mr. Alger says, adding that the report’s findings jibe perfectly with what he has seen “on the ground.” But what exactly is it about the Internet that helps reduce depression? Is it improved communication or something else? That part is not scientifically proved yet, Mr. Ford says, but he adds that it probably has to do with a sense of connectedness and belonging for the Internet-using senior that in turn yields a sense of relevance. Mr. Ford is working on the next phase of the study, which aims to show exactly what aspects of the Internet are at work in alleviating depression. Release is planned for later this year. It all makes sense to the Rev. Joseph K. Williams Sr., who runs Emmaus Services for the Aging. “When you stay active and connected, it helps promote mental and physical health,” Mr. Williams says. “The computer lab – and using the Internet in general – are just part of that,” he says, adding that the seniors also get a lot out of their “real-life” interactions with other seniors during the computer lab classes.

Aging in place can be done with style and grace

(ARA) – Aging in place – updating one’s home to accommodate changing needs and abilities as one ages – doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a home’s style and decor. From attractive lighting designed to work well for aging eyes to barrier-free shower stalls that compete in beauty and practicality with what you might find in a luxury community for those 55 and older, plenty of home modifications now make it possible to age in place gracefully and stylishly.

“It’s no longer necessary to give up your home’s good looks for a more institutional-looking appearance just to achieve a safer, more usable house,” says Eric Kozak of Premier Care In Bathing, leading makers of walk-in baths. “You can age in place and retain the style that makes living in your home comfortable and safe, and maintain your independence at the same time.”

With more than 78 million baby boomers growing older in the United States, aging in place – and how to do it well – is a hot topic for many homeowners. If you’re planning ahead or thinking it’s now time to update your home to accommodate changing needs, keep a few things in mind:

Kitchens and baths are commonly the most challenging rooms in the house for people, like many seniors, with mobility issues. Updating these rooms can go a long way toward helping you stay in and enjoy your own home for as long as possible. “Bathrooms, in particular, pose safety issues. Falls are one of the leading reasons seniors must go into nursing homes and most home falls occur in the bathroom,” Kozak says.

When renovating your bathroom, focus on the important elements, including low-level entryways, accessible grab bars, easy grip faucets and showers with safety screens. Other elements include safer, slip-resistant flooring; brighter, more flexible lighting; and safe access to the shower or bathtub.

Walk in showers

Stepping in and out of a tub or shower is one of the riskiest times for people with mobility challenges. Appropriately placed grab bars – now available in designer colors and textures – can help improve safety in these high-risk areas. Another option that’s high on safety and style is to replace a current shower or tub with a walk-in shower like those now offered by Premier Care In Bathing, whose walk-in bathtubs have made bathing safer and more convenient for thousands of Americans with mobility issues. The walk-in showers are a good option for wheelchair users or in rooms where a full-size tub is not practical.

Two size options, 48 inches and 60 inches, ensure convenience and luxury. A waist-high, folding screen, designed with proprietary technology, keeps water inside the shower and not on the bathroom floor. From the waist up, you can add your own decorative touch with the shower curtain design of your choice, hung on a gracefully curved rod like the ones found in quality hotel baths. Dual Delta showerheads provide the option of an overhead shower or a hand-held shower, and a safe and relaxing folding seat. Installation can often be done in just a day or two.

Visit www.premier-bathrooms.com or call (800) 578-2899 to learn more.

Flooring

That tile floor that you adored in your 40s can be a slip hazard when you reach your 70s. In fact, any hard bathroom floor surface such as linoleum, vinyl or tile can put you at increased risk of slipping and falling. Carpeting might be a better option, one that is slip resistant and warmer and softer on the feet. Many manufacturers now offer materials that are attractive and able to repel moisture. If installing carpeting isn’t practical for you, use area rugs with sticky backing to help ensure safe footing in high traffic areas, like in front of the commode, sink and bathtub.

Lighting

Aging eyes not only need more light to see, they need better quality light, especially at night. Avoid dim lighting; older eyes need several times more light than younger eyes to see well, experts say. Increase the amount of light in your bathroom and consider using naturally brighter bulbs like compact fluorescent bulbs, which are also energy-efficient.

Be aware of glare, as well. Bright lights bouncing off all-white bathroom surfaces can create glare that makes it difficult to see and navigate for older people, especially at night when they may not be fully awake. If your bath is all white, paint the walls a light color in a finish that will help reduce glare. Use area rugs on white floors to help break up the expanse of white and reduce glare.

“Boomers aging in place will find more options than ever before to do so with style,” Kozak says. “Safety should be your first concern, but you can also enjoy good style and beautiful design as well.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Visit us at www.andelcare.com for help with an aging loved one in the Seattle or Bellevue WA area.

On average, the cost of elderly health care is $5,531 annually. Family members not only provide hands-on care but often dig into their own pockets to pay other expenses which include groceries, drugs and medicines, medical equipments such as wheelchairs, toilet seat risers and transportation. Many times family members have to miss work and lose out on their income to take care of elderly family members.

Many family members take loans, skip vacations and often ignore their own health. Government must start providing tax deductions and tax credits to family caregivers.

The expenditures incurred for elderly health care is increasing rapidly and reaching astronomical heights. Elders have many special needs when it comes to health care. One is often left frustrated when there are gaps in insurance coverage. Medicare programs offer only minimal assistance for serious health disorders.

There are some programs that cover senior citizens. It covers hospital expenses and doctor visits, even if you continue to work. All one needs to do is pay a premium every month. These programs are popular among a vast number of senior citizens.

One needs to apply for these programs before one reaches the age of 65. In case you don’t then one has to pay a high premium. One also has the option of enrolling for these programs after retirement.

The premium that one pays depends on your income and which company you will be purchasing coverage from. Senior citizens with low income are also eligible for the entire coverage under Medicare.

Prescription drugs which are used to treat a wide variety of diseases and illness are fully covered if one has a private insurance coverage. If you do not have private insurance, this could be matter of serious concern. Sometimes drug prices are simply not affordable, forcing the senior citizens to forgo other needs to pay for drugs.

Recent Medicare legislation has been a big disappointment for senior citizens, as drug coverage continues to be limited and fails to reduce the rising cost of drugs. Many seniors are forced to manage their medical plan on their own.

At times, the drug industry provides free drugs to the needy who are not covered under private insurance or any government program. Retail stores in the vicinity provide drugs at discounted rates. There are various medicine manufacturing companies that offer assistance to lower income senior citizens. One can seek out these discount programs if they have a financial need.

Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author. 
To learn more about the cost of elderly health please visit Senior Health Today for current articles and discussions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_Appleby 

Visit us at www.andelcare.com if you have any questions, or need help with an aging loved one in the area.  

Is it a cold or the flu? Here’s how to tell.

(ARA) – “My body aches and my head is throbbing. Do I have the flu or is it just because I’m stressed or tired? Do I need a flu shot? Do I need the H1N1 vaccine, too?”

Millions of Americans, including the elderly, will be asking themselves these and more questions this fall and winter as news reports and health care providers continue to warn about seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu.

The flu symptoms self-assessment tool on MayoClinic.com can help you assess whether you or your loved ones have some form of flu, or just a cold. If you possibly or likely have the flu, you’ll also learn whether antiviral medication is an option. And you can check a concise list of high-risk groups who should seek medical attention for the flu.

Flu – influenza – is caused by a virus that attacks your respiratory system. Health experts agree that if you’re generally in good health, the flu – either seasonal or H1N1 – will likely do no more than make you feel rotten for a few days. You probably won’t develop complications or need to go to the hospital. If, however, you have an already weakened immune system or are among those considered high risk – such as infants, young children, pregnant women or the elderly – the flu can be a serious and even fatal illness.

Common symptoms of both the seasonal and swine flu include:

* Sudden onset. Colds usually develop over a few days and are only a nuisance. Flu hits you quickly and hard.

* Chills, sweats, headache and body aches, especially in the back, arms and legs.

* Fever higher than 101 F in adults and up to 103 or 105 in children.

* Nasal congestion but a dry cough.

* Overall weakness and fatigue.

* No appetite in adults and children, and diarrhea and vomiting in children.

* Worsening of chronic ailments like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

Most healthy adults will only need to treat the symptoms and let the illness run its course. Infants, young children or adults at risk of complications, however, should see the doctor right away. Antiviral drugs, taken in the first 48 hours that symptoms develop, may trim the length of the illness and help prevent the development of serious complications like pneumonia.

Ultimately, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the flu. Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated. Visit www.MayoClinic.com for more information on managing your health.

Courtesy of ARAcontent 

Visit us at www.andelcare.com  if you need help for a senior loved one in the area.  

the whole party

The Bounce Circle Alumni party was held aboard the MV Golden Eagle yacht on Lake Union, Seattle. We had a front row view of the Queen City Yacht Club Parade of Boats while enjoying a seafood dinner. Bounce was started by Lana Staheli, Ph.D. with her book “Bounce Be Transformed”.  Bounce is a movement to help women learn to be their personal best. Bounce teaches you how to make some simple day to day changes that will help you to be your best and in so doing change the world, one day at a time.

Marla and Debra Lepore

The Executive Women’s Roundtable hosts a monthly event and plans other activities geared towards women in business.  Their mission is “building connections across generations and industries within The Rainier Club female membership.”

The topic in December was Social Media

Web guru Miles Austin and Master of Social Media Viveka von Rosen, presented an interactive discussion on harnessing the power of social media tools such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.  It was an eye opener and very educational. We all felt we have much more work to do on the web but can see how powerful social media has become.

Nancy Rudy, Jenn Ty and Marla Beck

Jacqueline Marcell

Recently I received a call from Michelle, an exasperated adult daughter asking if there was any legal way to get her elderly father to stop yelling, screaming and berating her, and to accept a caregiver so she could move out of his house. She had moved in to help him after her mom passed, but was now trapped as he refused to move to assisted living or accept live-in help.

Michelle started to cry, saying she had just called an agency where a man “laughed at me,” saying her father could do whatever he wished in his own home short of physically abusing her. Since I have survived the same situation with my own father, I knew the misery she was going through.

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As always, visit us at www.andelcare.com if you need help caring for an aging parent in the area.