Elder Care Means Going Through Caregiving Phases
by Dorian Martin
Source

Like the moon’s lunar cycle, caregiving for my aging parents has gone in phases. Each period opened my eyes to the unrelenting passage of time and gave me a new understanding of what family means.

My phases of elder care

New Moon. In the mid-1990s, my caregiving role was rarely illuminated. I lived in the same neighborhood and our relationship deepened through weekly happy hours and family dinners. But as time passed, my mother increasingly experienced difficulty breathing due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As her medications lost their effectiveness and she gasped for air, Mom became a regular visitor to the
emergency room. During these times, I found myself trying to be a calming presence in the midst of crisis.

First Quarter Moon. By early 2000, my parents and I were living in different parts of Texas. A visit required a seven-hour drive one way. Therefore, I depended primarily on telephone conversations to learn that Mom was experiencing noticeable memory loss in addition to advancing COPD. Her mental lapses frustrated both of my parents and led to numerous fights and talk of divorce. I found myself in an emotional quagmire while trying to figure out what to do. A few sessions with a psychologist helped me realize that my parents were still able to care for themselves and that I needed to remove myself from the fray until one of my parents asked for help.

Full Moon. That cry for help finally came in August 2005. When my mother called in hysterics, I made the decision to have her move closer to me. She agreed. Within two weeks, I saw firsthand the gaping holes in her memory and uncharacteristic temper tantrums. Doctors soon diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease. Within a month, Mom was placed in a nursing home due to her fragile health. I became Mom’s committed advocate to ensure that she had quality care until her death in 2007.

Blue Moon. Caregiving has come around twice since my father moved into my home in 2010. Although still relatively independent, he has different health issues than my mother (and fortunately, no dementia). I’m hoping to tailor the lessons that I learned in caring for Mom to Dad’s situation in order to provide quality, timely and loving care.

Caregiving is a continually changing proposition with different phases and requirements. Understanding these phases is important so that the caregiver can provide meaningful assistance to their loved one.

For information about how Andelcare can help you with elder care in Bellevue WA or the surrounding area, call 888-788-3051. We are an elder care agency providing quality care to our seniors, veterans and the disabled.

Elder Care Bellevue WA: October is World Blindness Awareness Month

Don’t Lose Sight of Your Eye Health
American Academy of Ophthalmology Reminds Americans of the Importance of Regular Eye Exams During World Blindness Awareness Month

For many people, good vision means good eye health but that may not always be the case. Regular eye exams can catch problems before it’s too late. If you are age 40 or older and have not had a recent eye disease screening, The American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) recommends making an appointment for an eye exam. It is an essential step toward preserving vision and keeping eyes healthy and there is no better time than October’s World Blindness Awareness Month.

By 2020, 43 million Americans will be at risk for significant vision loss or blindness from age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration, an increase of more than 50 percent over the current number of Americans with these diseases. Despite the statistics, many Americans are more concerned about weight gain or back pain than they are of vision loss.

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If you or someone you know needs Elder Care in Bellevue WA or the surrounding area, contact Andelcare. We provide quality and affordable elder care for many disabled and elderly loved ones in our community. Call us at 888-788-3051 for more information.

Wish You Were Here
By Gwendolyn de Geest, RN, BSN, MA

I am sitting in the restaurant having lunch with my husband, Howard. But Howard’s not here.

We ordered our lunch; Minestrone soup (Howard’s favorite), Caesar salad, a nice panini bread, and tea. Howard excused himself, “I have to go to the bathroom Dear.”

“Alright,” I responded. The soup came; I didn’t want to start without Howard, but I was hungry. I finished my soup, still no sign of my husband. The salads arrived, still no Howard. The food items have taken on a secondary importance.

By now, I’m beginning to wonder. I asked our waiter, “Excuse me, would you please check on my husband? He’s been in the men’s room for a very long time.”

The young man complied, and reported back to me, “Your husband says to tell you that he has to wait for his friend. In fact, the two of them are engaged in conversation.”

“I don’t understand,” I replied. “Howard went to the bathroom alone.”

By now, the young man could see that I was becoming anxious. With a sigh, he said, “Okay, Madam, I’ll check on him once again if you like.”

And he did so. When he reported back to me, it was the most confusing and frightening message I have ever received.

“Your husband is talking to his friend in the mirror. He told me to tell you he can’t join you for lunch until his friend is ready.”

Peggy and Howard met nearly 45 years ago at a University dance. Peggy was studying Nursing, and Howard, Civil Engineering. Peggy said, “I knew I was going to marry that guy, when he offered to take me home from the dance, with a bus ticket he found on the dance floor.” They married three years later; two children followed, a son and a daughter.

“Wish You Were Here” is a true story. Howard is in early stage Alzheimer’s disease. From the moment of diagnosis, his wife, Peggy, family members and friends are thrown into a state of turmoil, attempting to understand and attach meaning to what is happening to this person, Howard, they once knew.

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At Andelcare, we recognize that there are many reasons why a loved one may need elder care. From seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease, to patients with disabilities, our caregivers are here to provide quality and affordable elder care in Bellevue and the surrounding communities. Call us for information, 888-788-3051!

September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day: Faces of Dementia

Today, in countries around the world, awareness is being raised about Alzheimer’s Disease and the plight of those afflicted with it. These awareness events range from forums to wine-tasting fundraisers, but in each country, local activists are coming together in order to emphasize the importance of elder care and the high cost of this debilitating disease.

Many of these events are sponsored by members of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) http://www.alz.co.uk/. ADI is an international organization that encourages education and empowers Alzheimer associations to offer support to local caregivers. The organization is based in London and each year sponsors two main events through its member organizations: the annual, international conference on Alzheimer’s, and World Alzheimer’s Day.

By choosing one day to honor the struggles of those afflicted with dementia, the ADI unites the many different people affected by Alzheimer’s and provides a way for the world to recognize the work that these people do, which makes it easier for them to influence politicians and other leaders to support the work that ADI and other Alzheimer’s associations do. This globally coordinated day of awareness suggests to leaders that dementia is more than just memory loss and is a serious problem their citizens face. By focusing on a different aspect of the fight against dementia each year, the ADI continues to send a diverse message about the importance of elder care and the universal implications of Alzheimer’s.

This year, the message that ADI is emphasizing is the different faces that dementia takes. The theme plays well into the global nature of ADI: Alzheimer’s Disease is a serious concern regardless of race, culture, creed, or social status. Memory loss is not the only way this terminal, degenerative disease affects dementia patients. As this year’s theme emphasizes, Alzheimer’s can turn an independent, elderly, loved one into someone completely dependent on their caregiver for all their daily needs. Eventually, as the disease continues to eat away at the brain, Alzheimer’s patients tend towards mood swings and irritability, experiencing a breakdown of their language abilities and finally a complete degeneration of all bodily functions. The faces of those affected by this disease are many: the patients themselves, their children and grandchildren, and their caregivers all have their lives changed by the presence and progression of this deadly illness.

Every year, more people join in on World Alzheimer’s Day to raise awareness. The efforts of these member organizations have informed hundreds of thousands of people across the globe about the importance of elder care through concerts, symposiums, and meetings with government officials. Increasingly, the media has joined in this fight against Alzheimer’s, covering many of the events hosted by Alzheimer’s organizations on this day and embracing the international relevance of advances in dementia care and treatment. Fundraisers often see increased productivity after an increase in media attention and each year on World Alzheimer’s Day, the ADI website http://www.alz.co.uk/ gets more hits than the previous year. By fostering an open dialogue between those affected by dementia, the media, and politicians responsible for funding and supporting the work of Alzheimer’s organizations, World Alzheimer’s Day has drastically increased the effectiveness of Alzheimer’s associations worldwide.

At Andelcare, we recognize that there are many reasons why a loved one may need elder care. From seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease to patients with disabilities to caregivers needing respite care, we are here to provide quality and affordable elder care in Bellevue and the surrounding communities. Call us for information, 888-788-3051.

Caring for Elderly Parents – Stress Free
Written By : Stephanie Roberts

Caring for elderly parents is becoming more and more common in today’s society.  Being in this position can add a great deal of stress to your life.  Not only are you worried about your loved one, but it can take a great deal of time and energy.  All of this can be overwhelming and lead to exhaustion.  Here are some tips for best dealing with the situation.

First, you should take care of yourself.  Remember, if you are not at your best how can you expect to care for another person?  So be sure to get plenty of sleep and make time for yourself.  Being well rested gives you the energy you need and doing things you enjoy keeps you happy with a positive attitude.  If the caregiving of a parent becomes so involved that you can no longer care for yourself than you need to look for other options.  The cheapest route is simply dividing the care schedule between you and other family members.  Asking for help is important – you can’t do everything.  If there is no one else, than you need to look at hiring a caregiver just one or two days a week. This will at least give you some much needed time off.

Hiring a caregiver to fulfill all the needs is also good if you have the resources.  

Then you don’t have to worry about all the stress and time commitments.  And when you visit with your loved one you can spend time with them instead of worrying about what needs to be done.  You can still talk about the care provided to ensure all their needs are being met but you can take the time to enjoy their company now.

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At Andelcare, we recognize that there are many reasons why a loved one may need home care. From seniors with Alzheimer's Disease, to patients with disabilities, to caregivers needing respite care, we are here to provide quality and affordable in home care in Bellevue WA. Call us for information 888-788-3051!

Guidelines Allow Earlier Definition of Alzheimer’s
By PAM BELLUCK

For the first time in 27 years, the definition of Alzheimer’s disease is being recast in new medical guidelines that reflect fast-mounting evidence that it begins ravaging the brain years before the symptoms of dementia.

The guidelines, to be issued Tuesday by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association, divide the disease into three stages: a phase when dementia has developed, a middle phase in which mild problems emerge but daily functions can still be performed, and the most recently discovered phase, in which no symptoms are evident but changes are brewing in the brain.

“We’re redefining Alzheimer’s disease and looking at this in a different way than had ever been done,” said Creighton Phelps, director of the National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Disease Centers Program. “I think we’re going to start to identify it earlier and earlier.”

The drive to diagnose Alzheimer’s before it has progressed into profound dementia is also reflected in a bill introduced in Congress this month, which would create specific Medicare cost codes for Alzheimer’s diagnosis, including steps involving discussions between the patient’s doctor and caregivers, a recognition that keeping family members well-informed can result in better planning and care.

“Early diagnosis is really the key to this,” said Representative Edward J. Markey, Democrat of Massachusetts and a sponsor of the bill. “Oftentimes family members notice the symptoms in their loved ones, but it’s only years later that they get diagnosed or understand what resources are available.”

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Quality Alzheimer’s home care is so important for our aging loved ones. That is why the caregivers at Andelcare take pride in providing quality and affordable home care in Seattle WA and the surrounding communities. Call us at 888-788-3051 for all of your live in home care needs.

8 Red Flags That an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Needs a Break
How to tell if you’re bound for burnout
By Paula Spencer, Caring.com senior editor

Stress and burnout are the most common problems for those who care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. And, in turn, caregiver stress — the emotional strain of tending to a loved one — is one of the biggest reasons people with the disease enter nursing facilities.

Take stock of your stress level by asking yourself whether you’re experiencing any of the following emotional and physical symptoms. For an even better reality check, have your partner or other loved one answer the questions for you to see what someone close to you thinks.

There’s no formula for defining your stress level, but if your yes answers outnumber your no answers, or if just two or three of the categories seem to apply to you, consider taking steps to ease your situation.
A short fuse

* Do you lose your temper easily?
* Do you feel angry with your parent?
* Do you feel irritable toward other family members or find yourself snapping at them?

One of the more obvious signs of caregiver stress is losing your cool easily. Frustration may particularly increase when obstacles or challenges come up, whether major or minor.

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For questions about live in home care for your aging loved one, please contact the caregivers at Andelcare. We provide everything from respite care for the primary caregiver to full time elder care in Seattle WA and the surrounding communuties. Call us at 888-788-3051 for more information.

Celebrate Parkinson’s Awareness Month

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. What better time to make things happen in a bigger way. So how can you get involved? Read, share your story or plan a fundraising event. In short, challenge yourself to spend some time each day raising awareness for Parkinson’s disease. To show you just how easy it can be, we’ve created a month’s worth of tips to get you started. Once you decide to take action, you’ll be surprised by the difference you can make. Why not start today?

Continue reading from parkinson.org

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease.  It belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.  Dopamine, a neurochemical that controls communication between brain cells, is responsible for control of motor function.  Nearly 80 percent of the dopamine producing cells in the brain die before the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease even appear.  The four primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. Other symptoms may include cognitive changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions.  As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.  Early symptoms of Parkinson’s are subtle and occur gradually.  In some people the disease progresses more quickly than in others. source: www.parkinsonsaction.org

The caregivers at Andelcare are available to talk with you and your family about all of your live-in home care needs. Andelcare is a home care agency providing quality, affordable home care in Seattle WA and the surrounding communities. Call 888-788-3051 for more information.

First National Alzheimer’s Action Plan Becomes Law
By ALZinfo.org

With President Obama’s signature, the first national action plan for Alzheimer’s disease became law in 2011, setting the stage for a coordinated effort to “accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt or reverse the course of Alzheimer’s” and “improve the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and coordination of the care and treatment of citizens with Alzheimer’s.”

The plan is part of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, or NAPA, that was passed unanimously by both houses of Congress late in 2010. It will create a federal advisory panel to devise a national strategy for the care, support and treatment needs of the more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. It will also consider the needs of the even greater number of caregivers and family members touched by the disease.

Like the earlier war on cancer and government efforts to coordinate research and funding for diseases like AIDS, this is the first time there has been a focused national campaign for Alzheimer’s disease.

The advisory panel will involve federal agencies that deal with health and aging issues. Researchers, doctors and other health care providers, scientific experts and people caring for those with Alzheimer’s will be involved in developing the plan.

The plan will work to coordinate localized research efforts to find effective drugs and treatments for Alzheimer’s. It will also aim to improve methods for diagnosing the disease at early stages, before brain damage has become extensive and therapies to delay symptoms may be most effective. In addition, annual reviews will work to determine the most effective government-financed programs involving research, treatment, home care and nursing homes.

…continue reading from alz.org

Alzheimer’s home care counselors at Andelcare are available to talk with you and your family about care needs for your loved one, including, how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. Andelcare is a home care agency providing Alzheimer’s Home Care in Seattle WA and surrounding communities.

Why Caregivers in Seattle WA Need Respite Care

Giving Yourself a Break Helps You and Your Loved One

From Carrie Hill, PhD

Caregivers who use respite care often tell me that although caregiving is one of the hardest jobs they’ve ever had, they wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Helping a family member or close friend who has Alzheimer’s disease can provide a sense of purpose and great satisfaction.

Still, the emotional and physical demands of caregiving make it hard to be a caregiver 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Without respite care — a temporary break from the demands of caregiving — you may be more susceptible to the effects of caregiver stress, such as depression, exhaustion and other health problems.

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Source: About.com

The caregivers at Andelcare are available to talk with you and your family about all of your live-in home care needs. Andelcare is a home care agency providing quality, affordable home care in Seattle WA and the surrounding areas. Call 888-788-3051 for more information.