Movember!

Seen a few extra males walking around lately sporting mustaches?  I have, and it's not because Burt Reynolds is making a comeback.  It's because it's Movember!  During Movember, or November, men grow mustaches to raise money and awareness for men's health, particularly prostate and other types of cancer.  The movement began in 2003 and since has raised over $174 million.  If you see someone walking around with what appears to be a two week mustache, ask him if he is growing it for charity and consider giving a few dollars to a great cause.  Want to find out more information?  Visit http://us.movember.com/about. 

Lower-Back Pain Relief

A new study conducted by the National Institute of Health found that stretching and yoga can significantly reduce lower-back pain.  While yoga and stretching classes are often conducted in health clubs and studios, you can take advantage of the two at home.  There are many different videos on YouTube that give great instruction, and you can also find many instructional videos on some cable television channels.  Personally, sometimes when the weather is crumby I go to my On Demand cable feature and do a 50 minute yoga class.  It's a great workout and I don't even need to leave my family room!

The Health Benefits of Swimming

When I exercise I prefer to jog or do aerobics, but sometimes joint aches prevent me from doing so. For many years now, when this occurs, I turn to the water and get my workout in the pool.  Because of human's natural buoyancy, we are able to maneuver in the water and exercise without putting the stress of our own weight on our bodies.  This means we can do all sorts of exercises without straining our joints or bones.  Additionally, swimming laps using the freestyle stroke exercises every major muscle group in the body.  Swimming for thirty minutes can go a long way toward building muscle strength, getting a good cardiovascular workout, and shedding pounds.  And if you join a water aerobics class it can be a great social outlet.  So if you ever feel joint pain, or if you just feel like cooling off in the water, know that swimming is a great way to exercise!

National Breast Cancer Awarness Month

If any of you are football fans, you may have noticed NFL players wearing pink this weekend.  New fashion trend?  No.  The NFL does this every October in order to promote National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, and one of the leading causes of death for them.  Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is extremely important, for the sooner it is detected, the less harm it will likely cause.  At this website you will find almost everything you need to know about breast cancer: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001911/

National Council on Aging Receives $50,000 Grant to Educate Seniors on Hearing Loss

"One out of every four older Americans has an undetected or untreated hearing loss, and NCOA's research has shown that most older adults with hearing loss do not realize how much the quality of their lives has been affected," said Jim Firman, the president and CEO of NCOA, or the National Council on Aging.  United Health Foundation announced that they would give $50,000 to the NCOA to increase awareness among seniors about hearing loss and to work with health professionals to widen screening.  Often, decreases in hearing occur slowly and therefore go untreated.  Because loss in hearing can lead to social isolation and depression, it is a serious health issue.  To find out more information, visit www.unitedhealthfoundation.org, and even if you cannot receive a screeing from the NCOA, contact your local Agency on Aging to set up a hearing screening.

Alzheimer's Walk a Great Success

We are happy to report that the Alzheimer's Walks in both Walpole and Cambridge were both a huge success.  At both we met and spoke with many great people, and for the Walpole walk the Long Term Solutions team raised $2,535.  We want to spend out a special thanks to all the employees, friends, family, and canines who walked, donated, planned, and made the event possible.  The money will go to a great cause and the effort to end Alzheimer's took one collective step forward.

LTS Honored by Inc. 500/5000

For the second straight year, LTS was honored by Inc. Magazine 500/5000 for being one of the 5,000 fastest growing businesses in the United States.  This weekend, Sandra King and I traveled down to Washington D.C. to receive the award.  Here is a picture of me at the award ceremony!  Thank you to Inc. Magazine, and thank you to all of our LTS employees for helping us achieve this great honor!

The Beauty of Aging

On this blog, we have spoken about American culture and its near obsession with youth and staying young.  The effect of this phenomenon is that people have lost an appreciation for old age and the process of aging.  At LTS, we believe that aging should be celebrated.  This preview of a forthcoming documentary follows several women over the age of 80 and shows them discussing their lives and how they still enjoy every day.  It is highly inspirational and I recommend that you should give it a watch.

Alzheimer's Action Day

As part of World Alzheimer's Month, tomorrow, September 21st, is Alzheimer's Action Day.  To raise awareness for Alzheimer's and show solidarity for those afflicted with it, wear purple, make your Facebook page purple, or simply talk to someone else and start a dialogue about the disease.  To find out more, visit http://www.alz.org/wam/wam.asp#boxTwo

Long Term Solutions Walks to End Alzheimer's

This weekend, Long Term Solutions will be participating in the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's in Walpole on Saturday and in Cambridge on Sunday. Every day at Long Term Solutions we work with people who have seen and experienced the harsh effects of Alzheimer's Disease, and we are walking to raise money to aid the research that will one day lead to a cure.  As of now, we have raised over $2,000 and have 20 walkers on our team. If you wish to make a donation, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/6e33v7r  The days of the walks, we will be sponsoring a booth and we hope you can come by to say hi, chat about our company, or learn more about Alzheimer's. 

LTS on the Radio!

LTS COO Anne Harrington, VP of Sales and Marketing Sandra King, and I sat down with the hosts of the Mind Your Own Business radio show to discuss several things LTS, including how we founded the company, what we do, and our product WeCare+ dedicated to helping caregivers support their loved ones.  Have a listen, and keep in mind that we're not used to radio interviews!  http://myobtheradioshow.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=285&Itemid=100140

Living with Alzheimer's Without a Diagnosis

A new study recently found that of the 36 million people in the world who suffer from Alzheimer's and dementia, 28 million are living without a diagnosis.  Alzheimer's is a terrible disease, but it is one that can be detected in its early stages.  Like many diseases, when it is found at an early stage, doctors can prescribe medications and treatments that delay the memory loss and other harmful effects that accompany Alzheimer's.  So, no matter what your age, remember to see your doctor regularly and request a dementia or Alzheimer's screening. 

People with Alzheimer's Create Photography Exhibit

A cool and touching article about people with Alzheimer's creating a photography exhibit in Houston. Most of the artists decided to photograph an image that evoked a strong memory. http://tinyurl.com/3t5jhbv

Why are So Many Healthcare Workers Using Alternative Medicine?

A new study found that three out of four workers in the healthcare industry use some form of alternative medicine, such as yoga, pilates, massage, or herbal medicines, among others, to stay healthy.  This number is double the 38% of the general public that engages in using alternative medicine.  Why is there such a disparity in numbers? 

Somebody who works on Wall Street probably knows more about the stock market than somebody who does not.  A carpenter typically knows what wood should be used when building a deck more than someone who is not a carpenter.  And so it is the same with the healthcare workers.  I have found that I, and the people I work with, are much more comfortable engaging in non-traditional health practices.  For example, I use diet supplements like fish oil, exercises like yoga, or mindfulness activities such as meditation more than my friends who do not work in healthcare.  The study indicated that one reason many people not involved in healthcare did not use alternative medicine was that they are dubious about the efficacy of these practices.  One example of such a practice is acupuncture.  Many view acupuncture as a zany Eastern practice, but it is really quite effective.  Of course you should always research anything before you use it, but many of the things you might think look silly are in fact very useful.  And, often, one of their best characteristics is that they are free!  Meditation does not cost anything, and if you have cable, there are numerous yoga and pilates classes right there!

Tennessee Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summitt Diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer's

Pat Summitt, who has coached the Tennessee women's basketball team for the past 37 years, and who has been arguably the most influential woman in sports in the last two centuries, announced on Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.  This news came as a shock to the sports community, for throughout her career Summitt has established herself as a personification of strength, toughness, and unflappibility.  The fact that Summitt could develop the disease seems unfathomable.  Yet this is the nature of Alzheimer's - it can hit anyone, no matter how strong the person's character, personality, nature, anything.  It does not discriminate and it hits hard, often effecting the person's family just as much as the person.  Pat Summitt will certainly have a tough road ahead as the disease sets in, and here at Long Term Solutions we all wish her the very best.     

Listen to LTS on the Radio

LTS colleagues Anne Harrington and Sandra King will be appearing along with me on the

"Mind your Own Business" Radio Show this week. The show provides advice, information and connections for entrepreneurs, service providers and established companies. Tune into MYOB this Wednesday between 2-3 PM to hear our segment!

Local Stations:

WBNW 1120 AM - Needham, MA
WPLM 1390 AM - Plymouth, MA
WESO 970 AM - Southbridge, MA

or stream online @ MYOBTheRadioShow.com

TGIF Examined

Every Friday I am greeted with a chorus of people telling me how great it is that Friday is here and how excited they are that the work week is over.  I love the weekend just as much as the next person, but more and more I find myself a bit unsettled by the sentiment that the work week is a horrible thing.  I read a book about Buddhism last year, and there was one passage I vividly remember that talked about washing dishes.  Instead of complaining about washing dishes, the author wrote, we should enjoy it.  We need to wash dishes, so we should do it with a positive mindset.  The author applied that idea to everyday life, and I really liked it.  So instead of complaining about the meetings I need to attend, I enjoy talking with my colleagues and discussing our children.  Instead of complaining about waking up early, I enjoy the early morning light.  At the end of the day, we only get one shot at this life.  We need to make sure we enjoy it and not complain about it.

LTS Participating in Alzheimer's Association Walks

At Long Term Solutions, every day we see first-hand the damage Alzheimer's disease causes, both to the individuals who suffer from it and their families. We have decided to participate in two Alzheimer's Association Walks to raise money that will go toward advances in research to treat and prevent Alzheimer's, and provide programs to improve the lives of millions of Americans.  The first is in Walpole on September 24th, and the second is in Cambridge on September 25th.  If you would like to help us in the fight to find a cure for Alzheimer's, please donate to the LTS team page at http://alzwalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=456812&lis=0&kntae456812=8CF8D3BF3153486DA5D3797387DAAD82&supId=0&team=4218722&cj=
Thank you.

Paul Aldrich Sings The Blues...I Mean The Middle Aging Man Song

Paul Aldrich sings a hilarious song about aging.  I can't picture Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan ever crooning to this one (can you guess the theme?).

The Fate of President Obama's Healthcare Reform Act Now Rests in the Hands of the Supreme Court

On Friday, the 11th US Court of Appeals in Atlanta, GA concluded that the Affordable Care Act, the healthcare reform act passed by President Obama, was unconstitutional.  By a 2 to 1 margin, the Court ruled that the healthcare plan went to far with its "individual mandate," and that it was unconstitutional to force Americans to buy health insurance or else face a financial penalty.  It is not known exactly when the Supreme Court will preside over the appeal, but it could come after the 2012 presidential election.

John Geyman Diagnoses the Decline in Primary Care as the Main Problem with U.S. Healthcare

According to John Geyman, the biggest problem the U.S. healthcare system now faces is the decline in primary care.  In other countries that manage to keep their per capita healthcare costs down, primary care physicians represent a greater percentage of doctors.  Geyman quotes, "research shows that preventive care, care coordination for the chronically ill, and continuity of care -- all hallmarks of primary care medicine -- can achieve better health outcomes and cost savings."  The article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-geyman/the-decline-of-primary-ca_b_922256.html

To me, it seems like part of this problem is that, for doctors, it is more lucrative to become specialists than to become primary care physicians.  After seven years of medical school, student loans are extremely high, and these loans are obviously easier to pay with a higher income.  So, there needs to be a way to incentivize med. school graduates to enter the realm of primary care.  Should this come in the form of fewer years in school?  Probably not, because effective primary care physicians need to have comprehensive health knowledge.  One possible solution: The government could offer student loans at a lower interest rate or more financial aid for those plainning on entering primary care.  If the research Geyman quotes is correct, more primary care doctors will result in more cost savings, so the money will balance itself out.  Regardless, Geyman's assessment is very interesting, and one the government should think about carefully, especially as it readies to expand health coverage to 30 million more Americans.

LTS Employee Michael Guanci Published in Voluntary Benefits Magazine

LTS Employee Michael Guanci was published in the most recent edition of Voluntary Benefits Magazine for an article on caregiver benefits.  The article: http://www.voluntarybenefitsmagazine.com/article-detail.html?issue=issue-26&article=employer-funded-caregiving

How Much Will Accountable Care Organizations Change Healthcare?

As it stands now, most health providers in the healtchare industry make money when people get sick.  This is a fundamental flaw in the system, for it does not financially incentivize these providers, such as doctors and hospitals, to ensure that people remain healthy.  A big emphasis of the new healthcare reform is incentivizing individuals to keep themselves healthy and to penalize providers for providing poor care.  The following article does a great job outlining how Accountable Care Organizations, or ACOs, may go a long way in accomplishing this, and how they may change the future of healthcare: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/08/03/2344316/will-acos-create-a-revolution.html

Medical Costs in the Information Age

As medical costs grow and the frustrations of sitting in doctors’ office waiting rooms for hours mount, the benefits of self-care are becoming more evident.  Recently, I was doing yoga, and I felt a bit odd.  Why?  Not because I was sweating profusely, but because my instructor was on the television.  On the same station they offer classes for Pilates, aerobics, and Tai Chi. 

In the Internet age, we have so many resources for keeping ourselves healthy right at our fingertips.  Need some good advice for staying trim?  Go to Google.  Need some good tips for how to stretch correctly?  Check the videos on YouTube.  Have a medical problem you are worried about?  Check WebMd. 

The point is, we spend so much money on keeping ourselves healthy, but it does not necessarily need to be this way.  Instead of paying for a personal trainer or a physical therapist, often we can just as easily get treatment by doing the right research in the right place. 

Saving Money Through Personal Preventive Healthcare

An interesting study on the Affordable Care Act that shows that even by extending health insurance to 30 million more Americans, health costs in the next ten years will only rise by about one-tenth of a percentage point more than without the Act.  While this is certainly an encouraging statistic, the article does not explain exactly who will be paying for the costs.  As it remains to be seen exactly what will happen with the new healthcare laws, and if Barack Obama's legislation will be effective, it stands clear that the best way to cut down on healthcare costs is preventive care.  If we take care of our minds and bodies by regularly exercising, living a healthy lifestyle, and visiting the doctor, we will avoid costly emergency treatment.  If we adopted this mindset as an entire society, healthcare costs would drop precipitously.

Video Montage With Quotes on Aging

A video montage with some funny and inspirational quotes on aging.  My personal favorite from Frank Lloyd Wright: The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.

How Exercise Keeps the Mind Limber

We all know that exercise helps build strength, flexibility, balance, and that it reduces stress, but a new study shows how exercise impacts long-term memory.  The New York Times recently published an article about the effects of moderate exercise and how well it increases one's capacity to stave off memory loss.  The conclusion as always?  Exercise! The article: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/how-exercise-can-keep-the-brain-fit/?smid=tw-nytimeshealth&seid=auto

Seven Ways to Fight Alzheimer's

A new study suggests that there are seven risk factors that one can prevent in order to avoid Alzheimer's. The study found that you could reduce proneness to Alzheimer's by quitting smoking, increasing mental and physical exercise, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, and managing blood pressure and obesity. The article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43​854005/ns/health-aging/

The Health Benefits of Yoga

The University of Missouri put together a movie about the health benefits of yoga.  Doing yoga helps increase flexibility, strength, posture, balance, concentration, and mood, and decreases stress.  So find the nearest yoga studio, bring a bottle of water, and get ready to sweat!

Advice for Selecting a Caregiver

A video we made to help in the process of selecting the right caregiver:

LTS Workers Give Back featuring Marilyn Sutcliffe

In the first of a series of interviews with LTS employees who give back to the community, I sat down with Marilyn Sutcliffe to discuss her volunteer work with caregiver support groups. The interview:

What do you do to give back to the community?

Marilyn Sutcliffe: I facilitate a support group for caregivers in my community, and that came out of a caregiving class that I started teaching a few years ago. I’ve done it in conjunction with my church but it is open to any member of the community.  At the end of the course people felt they needed more time together, so we started a support group.  As the facilitator, I try not to give too many answers to problems, but facilitate discussion amongst the caregivers.  It’s amazing how many good suggestions they come up with for each other. 

What are the best things the caregivers take away from the group?

MS: A sense of knowing that other people have the same feelings.  Caregivers often get overwhelmed and overburdened.  They have moments of real frustration and feelings of resentment.  Sometimes they resent the fact that they have no free time for themselves, and sometimes it’s resentment towards siblings who may not be helping, or who criticize the sibling who is providing the care.  It’s good for them to see that they’re not bad people because there are other people, who they view as good people, going through the same issues, often guilt.  The other thing we do is focus on the positives of things they may be doing as caregivers, and someone might say ‘That’s a really great idea – I want to try that.’  I want them to come away with a sense of ‘I am not the only one who has these negative feelings - I’m doing a lot of good things, and I’m doing them the right way.’  The group gives them confidence in what they are doing and validates the fact that they are human and will inevitably make mistakes.  One thing often echoed is that it’s not always fun taking care of mom and dad.  The group really helps with the frustrations of caregiving.

Do the members of the support groups know each other before they join?

MS: No.

Do you feel like they develop friendships through the group?

MS: Yes, and that’s exactly why at the end of the class, the members wanted to start the support group.  They had really bonded and made friendships.  Sometimes people will get together outside of the support group.  We have a very caring bunch.  Sometimes someone will send out an email about a problem and they need some advice before the next meeting, and the number and quality of responses is amazing.  It’s a very interactive group.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

MS: The fact that people leave the room with a sense that they now have new ideas that will help them with their caregiving and the fact that I create an atmosphere of “what happens here stays here” so there is a real comfort level in that room.  The members of the group really help each other, and that is very rewarding for me, because I feel like I am the one who brings them together.  It is truly a great feeling.  Also, it feels great when a support group peters out because the members feel like they no longer need support.

Without mentioning any names, do you have any favorite success stories that you would like to share?

MS: I had one woman in the group who was, as a caregiver, doing everything, and becoming very resentful but not really realizing it.   She felt like her siblings did nothing to help her.  Through discussions in the support group, she realized she was not doing an effective job asking for help.  She did end up asking her siblings for help, and she was happy to find that they were more than willing to share the caregiving duties, and it made her life a lot easier.

What is your best advice for caregivers?

MC: Find a support group. This can be a problem because caregivers are so busy and cannot find the time to go to a support group.  Some caregivers become so involved in their own work that they feel like nobody can do a better job, they do not reach out to others and they become overwhelmed.  So yes, find a support group.  Most senior centers and hospitals know where there are support groups, and most associations for specific diseases, like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and cancer have support groups and it is important to try to connect with those.

Celebrating Aging

In our culture today, everywhere we look we see advertisements to look younger, to cure wrinkles, and to stop the aging process.  It's an unstoppable process, and the best way to deal with it is to embrace it.  In this video, Alice and Richard Matzkin discuss aging and their book, The Art of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Self."  Through artwork, the couple learned to accept aging and enjoy it as a natural process.

The Rewards of Caregiving

In this article, the author spells out some of the great benefits of caregiving, including building close relationships with family members, personal and spiritual growth, and a connectedness with other caregivers.  A great read: http://www.extension.org/pages/9324/rewards-of-caregiving

Elder Appreciation

Today I typed "Elder Appreciation" into Google, hoping I would find some interesting articles about great things communities are doing for their elders, or a nice story on how a school has dedicated lots of time visiting an assisted living facility.  Instead, I found stories dedicated to various Elder Appreciation Days.  While celebrating elders for a day is fantastic, it raises a pertinent question: How do we treat elders on the other 364 days of the year? 

Speaking with others about this topic, I have encountered several different answers.  The best responses I hear always come from people who speak about their parents, and how taking care of them has been such a joy.  A friend of mine, who has three children, told me that every day it gives her so much joy to speak about her children with her own parents.  When her oldest got accepted into college, the first person she called was her mother, and they were both ecstatic at the news.  For me, stories like this were always among the favorites that I shared with my mother and father.  First steps, first words, and any exciting news were always quickly followed by a phone call.  While taking care of my parents often proved difficult and stressful, the joy of speaking with my parents about almost anything as they got older far outweighed the negatives.  They always gave me great wisdom, and I always enjoyed sharing new and old memories with them.

Fall Prevention

For people over the age of 65, numbers show that the leading cause of unintentional injury is falling.  Falling is a highly preventable injury, and this article in the Boston Globe gives some great tips on fall prevention, including the need for balance and coordination exercises, as well as how to make your or your loved one's home a safer environment.  http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2011/07/04/tips_to_keep_from_falling/

Happy Independence Day Weekend!

Here at LTS we want to wish everyone a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend!  What better way to celebrate than watching a little Bruce Springsteen?!  Here's one of my favorite songs.  RIP Clarence Clemons.

Is Elder Abuse Really That Prevalent?

Type "elder abuse" into a Google search and you will probably be surprised about how much comes up on the issue.  Just now I did it and some of the headlines under the News section include: "Bill Requires Bank Tellers to Report Elder Abuse," "Abuse of Elderly Growing in East Tennessee," "Taking Advantage of the Elderly is a Reality," and "Education, Awareness Keys to Fighting Elder Abuse."  This is a big problem, but for some reason it receives little attention.  Why?  What does this say about our culture?  While answering these questions is important, equally important is figuring out how to solve the problem.  The last headline gives some pretty sound advice: start with education and awareness.  Once you are aware of the warning signs (see one of the previous posts on elder abuse for examples), make an effort to engage with some of the elders in your community.  Show them that they are valuable in our society.  Some of the best advice I'm ever received has come from people over 75.  If I'm going through a problem, chances are I can find an elder who has been through something similar - twice or three times.  So make an effort.  Maybe you'll end up making some great friends. 

Alzheimer's Experts Ask for More Funding from the U.S. Government

Alzheimer's experts have seen the difficulties that the disease causes, and they feel that the government is not providing enough funding for research on the disease, especially as the population ages and more Americans are at risk for it.  In this article, Reuters discusses the fight against Alzheimer's: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/23/us-alzheimers-hearing-idUSTRE75M88M20110623?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&WT.tsrc=Social+Media&WT.z_smid=twtr-reuters_health&WT.z_smid_dest=Twitter

Respite Care

For caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed, need to attend to their own obligations, or simply want to relax, respite care can provide great relief.  Three important things to consider:

1. Forms of Respite Care

Respite care comes in all shapes and sizes.  Respite facilities will take care of a loved one for as short as a few hours to as long as a few weeks.  These different settings can be adult day care, skilled nursing, or home health facility, and in-home care is also an option.  In adult day care programs, the facility will provide supervision during the day while you go to work or attend to other duties.  For in-home programs, depending on your loved one's needs, paid caregivers can provide services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, help with bathing or other activities of daily living, or even skilled care such as medication management.

2. Payment

The cost of different respite care services vary, but federal and/or state programs can help pay for it.  Additionally, many long-term care insurance companies help cover the cost of respite care.  To find out more about payment, you can contact your local area agency on aging.

3. Ensuring Quality Care

Firstly, when looking at respite care program, you should make sure that it is licensed by the state and that the caregivers it employs are properly qualified, i.e. have background checks and experience with caregiving.  A few pertinent questions to ask:

Are families limited to a certain number of hours for services needed?
Does the program keep an active file on the senior’s medical condition and other needs?
How are the caregivers screened for their jobs?
How are the caregivers supervised and evaluated?
How much does the respite care cost? What is included in the fee?
How do the caregivers handle emergencies?

So remember, if you are feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver, you can always call a respite care program to help. 

WeCare+ Can Help with Caregiving Difficulties

The Wall Street Journal recently published the results of a study on caregiving in the U.S. here.  The study concluded that being a caregiver for an elder family member can put you at a much greater risk for health problems such as depression and diabetes, among others.  Additionally, the study outlines, caring for an elder leads to much greater financial strains.  If you are a caregiver or know someone who is, and are looking for help, please visit the WeCare+ page on our Website at http://www.longtermsol.com/programs/wecare.  Through WeCare+, we will coordinate a nursing assessment on your loved one, develop a plan of care that will detail an individualized plan for taking care of your loved one's needs, refer you to providers that will deliver these needs, and we will offer ongoing care consultation.  Please visit our website or feel free to call us at 1-855-WECARE1 (932-2731) for more information.

Worldwide Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Tomorrow is Worldwide Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  Elder abuse is much more commonplace than you might think, and it can take the form of physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or financial abuse.  Here are some warning signs for each type:

Physical Abuse: Slap marks, unexplained bruises, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns.

Neglect: Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration.

Sexual Abuse: Bruises around the breasts or genital area.

Finacial Abuse: Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills or trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as "loans" or "gifts," and loss of property.

Here are 4 ways you can help prevent elder abuse.

1. Report suspected mistreatment to your local adult protective services agency or law enforcement. 

2. Keep in contact.  Talk with your older friends, neighbors, and relatives.  Maintaining communication will help decrease isolation, a risk factor for mistreatment.  It will also give them a chance to discuss any problems they are experiencing.

3. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging office to identify local programs and sources of support, such as Meals on Wheels.  Thse programs help elders to maintain health, well-being, and independence - all good defenses against abuse.

4. Vounteer.  There are many local opportunities to become involved in programs that provide assistance and support for elders.

Why are Americans Scared of Aging?

A fantastic video of Dr. Bill Thomas speaking about Americans and aging:

Why are Americans so scared of aging and why do we pay so much money to avoid it?  Dr. Thomas gives some great answers and looks into the sociology of why Americans are so wary of giving up adulthood and entering "elderhood."  My favorite part is when he discusses this wariness, and elaborates on how people need to embrace their elderhood.  It reminds me of a history teacher I had years ago.  Our class was discussing elders in Greek society, and our teacher, who was about seventy, began discussing his own personal elderhood.  He said he had liked being young, but he also liked being older.  Each age presents different advantages and disadvantages.  When we accept the advantages and appreciate each day, that is when life becomes truly fulfilling.  As my teacher would have said, carpe diem.

How Much Caregiving is Too Much?

These days, much of the literature surrounding caregiving advises caregivers to "take a break," "care for themselves," and "put themselves first."  This advice is easy to give, but at the end of the day, when you are caring for your own loved one, it is much harder to take.  All the statistics show that increased negative health effects across the board and  monetary strain accompany caregiving, but when you know you can help prevent your loved one from suffering, it is pretty hard to divorce yourself from total investment in caregiving duties.  So what is the solution?  When should you step away from your loved one? 

Obviously, these questions are impossible to answer.  Often, you receive the best advice from others who are in the same situations as you.  For caregivers, support groups are a fantastic outlet.  They give you the opportunity to not only vent stress, but compare notes and advice on how best to manage duties.  As the proverb goes, "A trouble shared is a trouble halved."  And when you are discussing these troubles with others experiencing the same troubles, it makes it much easier. 

To find a caregiver support group near you, you can reach out to local community centers.  Caregiver.com also provides a very valuable resource for finding local resources here.  Good luck, and I hope you find a solution that best fits your needs. 

Is Laughter the Best Medicine?

Probably not, but it certainly helps in many situations.  This article from The Gainseville Times gives tips on how laughter can help alleviate the stress attached to caregiving.  For me, laughter certainly helps to let off some steam.  When I am feeling really stressed, I like to watch reruns of the show Seinfeld.  One of my favorite clips:

Too Many Medications?

This week, CNN is running a series of articles on "the politics and the pills" in the pharmaceutical industry.  Today, in a very thought-provoking article, they take a look at the dangers of taking too many medications..

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/05/31/med.nation.too.many.meds/index.html

Ten Tips for Healthier Eating

Eating a healthy diet will better help you maintain your weight, increase your energy, boost your immune system, and help your sleep pattern, among many other things.  Here are ten tips for developing better eating habits. http://www.realtime.net/anr/10eattip.html

Arthritis Walk Raffle Winners Claim Your Prizes!

Thanks to everybody who participated in the Arthritis Walk and stopped by our booth! It was truly a great day. The winning raffle ticket for the $50 Gift Card is 572028 and the second place ticket for a $25 Gift Card is 572017. Stop by Long Term Solutions to collect your prizes! Here are some pictures of the LTS team from the day.

MetroWest Arthritis Foundation Walk

This Sunday, May 15th, Long Term Solutions will be participating in the MetroWest Arthritis Foundation Walk at the Natick Town Common.  LTS employees Carol Anderson, Brenda Wallace, Elisa Guanci, Stacy Strait, Val Cinkovic, Deb Shooshanian, and I will all be walking to help fund arthritis research, education, and community programs.  To donate to our team, click here.  Every little bit helps. 

If you live in the area, please stop by, as the event promises to be a fun day for everyone.  There is a Kids' Tent, live music, a Health Fair, and Long Term Solutions will be hosting a booth complete with raffle prizes and great information on our new product geared towards easing caregiving burden, WeCare+.  Opening Ceremonies begin at 12:45 A.M., rain or shine, so come by yourself or bring the whole family.  If you have any questions about the event, please email or call Brenda Wallace at BWallace@LongTermSol.com or 508-907-7126.  Hope to see you there!

Let's Dance! The Health Benefits of Dancing

This is a fantastic and inspiring video of elders dancing and having fun.  Dancing has been shown to have immensely positive effects on a person's health.  The New England Journal of Medicine published a report that said frequent dancing reduced the risk of dementia by 76%, the only physical activity they studied to show any effect.  Dancing is so great because it combines a physical activity with a social one.  Social activity has been proven to increase mental acuity.  Physically, dancing increases strength,cardiovascular health, and happiness, and also improves balance and coordination.  Likewise, it reduces weight, stress, and blood pressure.  You can find these health benefits in many different types of dancing: ballroom, the tango, the salsa - pretty much any dance under the sun.  The caveat?  Dancing is fun!  So grab your dancing shoes, hit the floor and reap the rewards!

LTS Participating in the 2011 MetroWest Arthritis Walk

LTS will be raising money for the Arthritis Foundation in the 2011 MetroWest Arthritis Walk in Natick on May 15th.  LTS is a sponsor of the event, and several of our employees will be walking the three mile course.  We will also have a booth you can drop by to find out more information about LTS, win prizes in a raffle, or just say hi!  For more information about the event, contact Brenda Wallace at 508-907-7126 or BWallace@LongTermSol.com.  To visit the Walk's website, click here.  This will be a wonderful event and a great opportunity to raise money for a great cause.  Hope to see you there!

Mary Maxwell Gives a Very Funny Speech on Aging

Mary Maxwell gives a very funny speech about the humor inherent in something all of us will inevitably go through - aging.

Leeza Gibbons Gives Advice to Alzheimer's Caregivers

A picture of Leeza Gibbons and her mother, Anna Gibbons, who had Alzheimer's disease, on her blog http://www.leezasplace.org/.  Her blog is dedicated to helping caregivers deal with the difficulties of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia.  On Sunday at 8 ET, Gibbons will be featured on CNN in a special hosted by Larry King called "Unthinkable: the Alzheimer's Epidemic."   Here, Leeza gives advice to Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers who, she says, "are probably not taking care of themselves."

The Health Benefits of Gardening

Here is a link to a fantastic, touching article on the health benefits of gardening from the Boston Globe:

 http://articles.boston.com/2011-04-25/lifestyle/29472104_1_therapeutic-gardening-larger-garden-plants

This picture is from the blog Skippy's Vegetable Gardening at http://carletongarden.blogspot.com/.  You can visit this site for some excellent advice on gardening and having fun while doing it!

A Solution to Your Caregiving Needs

At Long Term Solutions, we have noticed the increasing trend that unpaid, informal caregivers face SIGNIFICANTLY higher stress and financial hardships than their non-caregiving peers.  Between 40-70% of caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression, with approximately 25-50% of these caregivers meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression,* and informal caregivers personally lose an average of $566,443 over a lifetime due to forgone wages.** 

In addition to the difficulties caregivers face, employers are having a difficult time with employed caregivers.  A study by MetLife conducted in 2006, entitled "The MetLife Caregiving Cost Study," found that each employed caregiver cost a company an average of $2,110.  Additionally, it found that any funds spent by the employer in helping with caregiving have a payback to the employer of 3 to 13 times the cost.

WeCare+ is designed to help caregivers and employers navigate the complex process of care management.  Our experience in the long-term care industry has given us the expertise to create a program that will best help your needs.  Long Term Solutions' team of clinicians and care coordinators will increase individuals' ability to care for loved ones and will help at every step in the caregiving process.  Please visit our website at http://www.longtermsol.com/ to find out more information about WeCare+.


* Zarit, S. (2006). Assessment of Family Caregivers: A Research Perspective. In Family Caregiver Alliance (Eds.), Caregiver Assessment: Voices and Views from the Field. Report from a National Consensus Development Conference (Vol. II) (pp. 12 – 37). San Francisco: Family Caregiver Alliance.
** AARP Public Policy Institute (2008, November). Valuing the Invaluable: The Economic Value of Family Caregiving, 2008 Update. Washington, DC.

Maria Shriver

Maria Shriver, former First Lady of California, and daughter and caregiver of the late Sargent Shriver, talks candidly about the difficulties caregivers face and discusses tips for them and how the country as a whole can address this growing problem.

Maria Shriver discusses caregiving on ABC News.

New Study on Caregivers of People with Dementia or Alzheimer's

According to a recent study by the Alzheimer's Association, there are currently almost 15 million Americans serving as unpaid caregivers for people afflicted with Alzheimer's or dementia.  These caregivers provide 17 billion hours of care a year amounting to a staggering value of care estimated at $202 billion.  That's a lot of money.  In 2010, these caregivers had to pay a collective $7.9 billion in additional health care costs, and the study found that 33% of the caregivers suffered from symptoms of depression.  61% of the caregivers reported feeling "High to Very High" levels of emotional stress.

If you are a caregiver out there feeling very stressed out, know that you are not alone.  There are a lot of support groups out there.  Here is a link to a previous blog post that covers caregiver support groups in depth.  Additionally, if you have the appropriate insurance coverage, schedule an appointment to see a psychologist.  Talking about your problems with other people or a professional will almost surely help to alleviate your stress.

Maria Shriver Speaks on Caregiver Difficulties

Maria Shriver and Dr. Marie Savard discuss difficulties faced by caregivers:

ABC News Report

Nurse Appreciation

A few months ago, my son had minor surgery to remove a benign tumor in his ankle, and he needed to stay the night in the hospital.  After the surgery, I visited him, and the nurses did an excellent job tending to all his needs - educating him on the medications they gave him, making sure he knew how to use his crutches, and even giving him a few extra ginger ales.  Admittedly, I can be a bit of an overbearing mother at times, and as a registered nurse who used to work directly with patients, I wanted to know anything and everything about my son's surgery and recovery. The nurses did not mind at all, and they handled my questions with patience and grace.  Recently, I went to a hospital to see an ailing friend, and the nurses seemed consumed with work.  One explained that this was due to the economy, and often hospitals cannot afford to be fully staffed with RNs.  So I want to dedicate this post to all the nurses out there working hard.  They devote their careers to helping and caring for people.  We put our health into their hands, and they almost always deliver.  So thank you to all the nurses in the world who do a wonderful job taking care of our well-being.

"Raymond" by Brett Eldredge

This is a touching song by Brett Elderedge about caring for his grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease.  Enjoy and make sure to keep a box of tissues close.

Walter Breuning Speaking at 114 Years Old

A video of Walter Breuning, currently the oldest man in the world, filmed in March of 2010, when he was 114 years old.  Clearly, Walter is still energetic and vivacious.  When he turned 112, Breuning said "[If] you keep your mind busy and keep your body busy, you're going to be around a long time."  He exercises every morning. Watching this video, I couldn't help but think about all the things he has seen: The two World Wars, the change from horse and buggy to automobiles, the invention of computers, and many, many more things.

Important Balance Exercises to Prevent Falls

Every year in the U.S., hundreds of thousands of people suffer broken hips, mainly due to falls, which can cause permanent disability and lead to a lack of independent functioning.  To prevent falls, there are three important areas to exercise: hip muscles, thigh muscles, and the ankles.  The more you exercise these, the more you decrease the liklihood of falling.  Here are some great exercises for each group.

1. Hip Muscles

Straight Leg Raise: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the ground.  Raise one leg and, trying to keep it as straight as possible, hold it a foot off the ground for ten seconds.  Relax that leg and continue with the other.  Repeat ten times for each.

Back Kick: Hold onto a table or other object for stability.  Stand on one leg, and kick the other leg forwards and backwards, like a pendulum.  Do so for thirty seconds, then switch legs.  Repeat ten times.

Lying Leg Lifts: Lie on your back with your legs straight out.  Slowly lift both legs into the air as high as you can, and lower them to the ground.  Repeat as many times as possible.

2. Thigh muscles

Wall Slide: Stand with your back to a wall and your legs in front of you.  Slide your back down the wall until you reach a sitting position (note: if you are just beginning, stop the slide when the pressure on your thighs is too much).  Hold this position for a few seconds, then slide back up the wall.  Over time, try to build up the seconds you can spend in the seated position.  Repeat exercise ten times, or however many feel comfortable.

Knee Extensions: Sit in a chair and lift one leg in the air, straight in front of you, and hold it there for as long as possible.  Alternate the leg.  Repeat ten times.

Knee Flexions: Stand next to a chair or table for support.  Raise one knee up as far as possible and hold it there for one second, and slowly lower it down to the ground.  Then do the same with your other leg.  Repeat ten times.

3. Ankles

Rotating Ankle: Stand next to a support, and raise one leg up.  Move your ankle in a circle, rotating the toes around your foot four times clockwise, then four times counterclockwise.  Repeat with your other foot.  Repeat exercise ten times.

Foot Inversion and Eversion: Sit in a chair with your back firmly againt the back of the chair.  Slowly, without moving your leg, rotate your foot inward as far as possible, and hold for six seconds.  Then, slowly rotate your foot outward as far as possible, and hold for six seconds.  Rotate it back to its original spot.  Do the same with your other foot, and repeat ten times.

Ankle Raises: Stand in front of a table for support.  Raise yourself up on your toes for six seconds, then lower yourself down.  Repeat exercise ten times.

5 Steps to Hiring the Right Caregiver

If you decide that a loved one needs help to care for him/herself, or you have become too overwhelmed to provide this care,  it is a good idea to hire a caregiver to help your loved one with activities of daily living and other things necessary for functioning.  Selecting the right caregiver is paramount to ensuring your loved one receives the best care possible.  Here are 5 steps to follow to ensure you hire the right caregiver.

1. Make a List of your Loved One's Needs

Caregivers are trained in many different areas.  In order to help your loved one, it is important to take stock of what he/she needs help with.  Walking?  Bathing?  Money management?  Write all these things down, and make sure the caregiver you hire has experience with the specific needs.

2. Identify Where to Look for a Caregiver

There are several resources that will guide you in the right direction.  Your local Area Agency on Aging can help (http://www.n4a.org/).  Also, you can call local hospitals or churches or companies that specialize in elder care, and they can recommend agencies or individual caregivers to you.

3. Conduct Phone Interviews with Potential Caregivers

Once you have established where you want to choose potential caregivers from, it is important to have a wide range of candidates.  Interviewing individuals via phone will narrow down the pool.  Important questions to ask include: Have you worked with these specific disabilities? How would you react in an emergency situation? How long have you worked as a caregiver? How do you dispense medications? and other questions that are pertinent to your loved one's unique situation.  It is important to ask for at least two professional references, as well as conduct a criminal background check.

4. In-Person Interviews and Interactions with your Loved One

After you narrow your candidate pool, it is important to conduct in-person interviews.  Make sure to make your questions to the potential caregiver more concise.  Also, it helps to have another family or friend present to provide a second opinion for you.  If the person you are hiring the caregiver for is able, it is important to have him/her present for the interview.  It is very important to watch your loved one and the caregiver interact to see if they have a good bond.  Often these things are evident at a first meeting.  Make sure your loved one has a say in the hiring process.

5.  Follow-Up and Monitoring

After you have hired a caregiver, it is important to make sure he/she is doing a good job.  Drop by unexpectedly when the caregiver is there, and, if possible, have consistent conversations with your loved one on how he/she feels about the caregiver. 

Remember, there are many caregivers out there, so you have a large pool to choose from!  Good luck, and if you have any other recommendations, please post them in the comments section below.

Love Animals?

People say that dogs are man's best friend.  New studies show that having a dog is a strong motivator to go out and exercise.  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/forget-the-treadmill-get-a-dog/?partner=rss&emc=rss

All About Caregiver Support Groups

Often, the role of a caregiver can become extremely burdensome, and can increase the risk for health problems such as depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and fatigue.  If you are a caregiver, these health problems can lead to difficulty at work in the form of absenteeism, going from full-time to part-time, or suffering a general lower level of productivity. 

If you are suffering because of your caregiving role, it is important to keep one important thing in mind: You are not alone.  There are millions of caregivers in the United States going through the same thing you are.  As a result, there are many support groups out there to help you deal with stress, emotional difficulty, or any other problem that might arise from your caregiving duties.  There are two different types of support groups: online and personal.

Online groups are great if you do not have the time or ability to leave the house, and do not need the personal experience of exchanging your difficulties.  These online groups vary in the services they provide, but usually there is a message board and a place for discussion.  You can find such support groups at:
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Caregivers/support-group
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=347
http://www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com/Pages/SupportGroup.html

Personal, community support groups are a fantastic resource too.  Going to a meeting and talking with other people who are experiencing similar issues, you will probably feel less isolated and be able to make friends and exchange helpful information.  Because you are meeting people in your own community, you will be able to discover specific programs and resources that are available to you.  Here is a good website to use to find local support groups:
http://www.caregiver.com/regionalresources/index.htm
Additionally, you can call local community centers, hospitals, or the Area Agency on Aging for recommendations. 

If you are feeling overwhemled with your caregiving duties, always remember that you are not alone.  With the health risks associated with caregiving, it is important to get help when you need it.  Support groups are a great, free way to get this help.

Understand How Healthcare Reform Will Affect You

NPR does a great job breaking down how the new healthcare reform will impact you.  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111499109
Note:  These numbers do not apply to seniors.

The Importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a vitamin that sometimes goes unmentioned when discussing essential dietary needs.  Good sources of vitamin D are found in fish, milk, and eggs.  There are not many foods with an abundance of vitamin D; the body produces it mostly as a result of exposure to sunlight, and in our society, because mant people do not spend a great amount of time outside, they do not receive an adequate supply of the vitamin.  If this is the case, you might want to take a supplement.  Here are three benefits of having a good amount of vitamin D in your diet:

1. Improved Mood

Exposure to sun naturally stimulates the production of vitamin D in our bodies.  Many people suffer from seasonal-affective-disorder in the winter months.  This is because their body is not receiving proper amounts of vitamin D.  If you walk or run on a treadmill during the summer, try your workout in the great outdoors instead.  You will probably find your increased level of vitamin D improving your mood.

2. Increased Calcium

Our muscles, heart, and nerves all need calcium in order to function effectively and to aid blood clotting.  Additionally, lower amounts of calcium often lead to low bone mass and osteoporosis.  Without vitamin D, you cannot build calcium.  It is through this vitamin that the body absorbs calcium and is able to attain longevity.

3. Better Immunity

While many people point to vitamin C as the best supplement to fight sickness, vitamin D just may be the better one.  Last year, researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that vitamin D "triggers and arms" the body's T cells.  T cells act as agents that find and destroy harmful bacteria and viruses.  These T cells are activated by vitamin D, and a deficieny in the vitamin will cause a deficiency in the immune system.

Caregiver Stress Test

Here is a link to a caregiver stress test devised by Snap for Seniors.  If you score relatively high on the test, you may want to seek some help in order to relieve your stress.  http://www.snapforseniors.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=1TdPySBRzX0%3D&tabid=923&mid=3213

Three Undervalued Benefits of Physical Exercise

Exercise is great for the body in so many ways - it helps with weight loss, increases mental acuity, and helps stave off many long-term diseases like heart problems.  There are three great health benefits associated with exercise that are often overlooked: improved mood, increased energy level, and better sleep.

1. Improved Mood

While exercising, your brain releases endorphins, serotonin, adrenaline, and dopamine.  These are natural chemicals in your body that make you feel better and more relaxed, reducing anxiety.  Additionally, exercising will help you lose weight, which can increase your self-confidence, improving your mood. 

2. Increased Energy Level

When you exercise, your heart-rate increases and, along with your lungs, the heart pumps more oxygen into your blood supply.  This oxygen makes your body move with more vitality and your mind think with more efficiency.  Therefore, after working out, you will have more oxygen in your blood and more energy.  If you have established a workout routine, your heart will have grown stronger and will be able to transport oxygen without working as hard.  You will feel more energetic and be able to accomplish more.

3. Better Sleep

To reap the benefits of exercise helping your sleep, make sure you get your work out a few hours before you go to sleep.  When you exercise, your body temperature increases.  This increase is followed by a reciprocal drop a few hours later.  This drop makes falling and staying asleep easier. 


These health benefits can all be accomplished with just thirty minutes of brisk exercise four to five times a week.  If you are like me you are probably busy, but making time to exercise is paramount to attaining and maintaining good health!

The Four Paramount Exercises for Seniors

The National Insitutes of Health (NIH) states that "Regular exercise can prevent or delay diabetes and heart trouble.  It can also reduce arthritis pain, anxiety and depression.  It can help older people stay independent."  The NIH lists four main types of exercises that are essesntial for staying healthy: endurance activities, strengthening exercises, stretching, and balance exercises.

1. Endurance Activities

Endurance exercises are those that increase your heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time.  Increasing your endurance is important because it strengthens your heart and can add years to your life.  If you are just starting to exercise, you can start by doing as little as five minutes of endurance activity at a time.  At your own pace, try to work your way up to doing thirty minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise.  Examples of endurance activities are swimming, bicycling, walking, running, gardening, and jogging - anything to raise your heart rate.

2. Strengthening Exercises

Engaging in strenghtening exercises increases muscle definition and bone mass.  Every extra pound of muscle you have burns 50 calories a day.  Adding four pounds of muscle will burn 200 more calories a day.  Adding muscle increases the amount of weight you keep off and helps you maintains a healthy lifestyle.  Additionally, increased bone mass helps prevent osteoporosis.  Here is a great web site that gives examples of resistance training, or strength exercises, at home: http://www.fitstep.com/Library/Begin/exercises.htm.

3. Stretching Exercises

Stretching is important for a few reasons.  It increases flexibility, which helps you to accomplish activites of daily living; it improves range of motion, which will increase your balance; it improves circulation; and it relieves stress by relaxing muscles that often cause anxiety.  Here are some great stretches for seniors: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/stretching-exercises-for-seniors.html.

4. Balance Exercises

Increasing your balance is important for reducing the risk of falls and loss of ambulation.  Falls pose a serious health risk and can be avoided by working on your balance each day.  Here is a link to a site that gives five great balance exercises: http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide/chapter04b.htm.

If you have any exercises that you feel helpful, please add them in the comments section.  Thanks!

Brain Exercises for Better Mental Health

The human brain is constantly changing, and the way it changes depends on how much we engage it in challenging and stimulating ways.  Even in old age, the brain adapts to new situations and can grow new neurons.  Many diseases related to memory or motor skills develop because of brain inactivity.  These diseases can be easily prevented by engaging in mental exercises.  Here are five things seniors can do to stop mental health decline.

1.  Read

According to the MAYO Clinic, reading can decrease the odds of cognitive impairment by 30 to 50 percent.  You don't need to read Tolstoy's War and Peace to get these postitive effects; you can read the newspaper, a book, or a favorite website.  Reading leads the brain to interpret and analyze numerous concepts and ideas at the same time. 

2.  Do Something With Your Weak Hand Every Day

Ever tried writing a letter with your weak hand?  It's not easy.  Larry Bird, the great basketball player, used to walk around his hometown dribbling a ball with his left hand for hours to improve his skills.  Similarly, doing activities with your weak hand will increase your brain functioning.  Using your weak hand, try brushing your teeth, eating a meal, or writing a letter.  Maybe you could combine reading with this and keep a journal of what you read.

3.  Try an Activity With Your Eyes Closed Every Day

This exercise will probably not be compatible with reading, but it can be applied to things like bathing, eating, or walking through your apartment or house (it is not recommended you do this while driving!).  If some of these situations can be hazardous to your safety, find something that works for you.  Once again, these activities will challenge your brain and force you to think in a different manner.

4.  Learn Something New

Learning something new is always challenging.  While it really makes the brain think hard, it is also very rewarding.  Want to learn the guitar?  Look out Jimi Hendrix!  Examples of things you can learn include a new language, how to play an instrument, how to meditate, chess, or yoga. 

5.  Play Games

In a study done by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers found that memory games are among the brain activites most likely to offset a decline in mental acuity.  Doing crossword puzzles or playing Jeopardy! on television are great examples of memory games.  The same JAMA study found that people who engage in games of logic and reasoning had a 74% improvement in mental functioning over the course of the study.  Such games of logic and reasoning are Sudoku and, once again, crossword puzzles.

Elder Abuse - It's More Prevalent Than You Think

Types of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is an issue that often goes unrecognized, but it is certainly one that demands attention.  Elder abuse can take one or more of several forms: physical, pyschological/emotional, financial, sexual, neglect, or rights abuse.  Often, caregivers will give seniors false and/or excessive amounts of medication.  In financial abuse, seniors are often coerced physically or mentally to change their wills and distribute property or money in a manner the senior does not wish.  These types of abuse can be committed by anyone from a family caregiver to a facility in which the senior is living.

Alarming Statistics

The National Center on Elder Abuse has compiled a number of alarming statistics concerning elder abuse.  Among the most troubling are these four:

1.  According to the best available estimates, between 1 and 2 million Americans age 65 or older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depended for care or protection.

2.  Date on elder abuse in domestic settings suggest that 1 in 14 incidents, excluding incidents of self-neglect, come to the attention of authorities.

3.  Current estimates put the overall reporting of financial exploitation at only 1 in 25 cases, suggesting that there may be at least 5 million financial abuse victims each year.

4.  It is estimated that for every one case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect reported to authorities, about five more go unreported.

Warning Signs

As you can see, elder abuse is a very serious issue, and many instances of it go unreported.  To take preventitive measures it is important to look for warning signs in your loved one or his/her caregiver relationship.  Here is a fantastic link that describes different warning signs for different types of abuse: http://ezinearticles.com/?Spotting-the-Warning-Signs-of-Elder-Abuse&id=3856537. 

Conclusion

Elder abuse is out there, but it is preventable.  The first step in fighting it is awareness.  Know the different types of abuses and the warning signs for them.  Often, victims of abuse are ashamed to discuss it.  Establish and maintain an open discourse with your loved one so that you feel comfortable talking about difficult topics.  Good luck, and feel free to share any helpful insights you may have. 

4 Things Elders Need to Know About the New Healthcare Bill

On March 23rd, 2010, President Obama signed into law The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a sweeping bill that changed the face of health insurance in the United States.  This bill included four significant changes for health insurance with regards to elders, and one should read about these changes in order to take advantage of them.  Here are the four most important parts of the law.

1.  The CLASS Act

The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports, or CLASS Act, is a long-term care insurance benefit.  It provides employed workers with a voluntary option to contribute premiums, which will work like other premiums such as dental insurance that go through a payroll deduction.  Employers are not required to provide the benefit; employees whose companies do not offer the benefit and self-employed people will be able to enroll through a governement plan.  Like many of the provisions in the new law, details of this program have not been finalized.  Individuals will qualify to receive this benefit after meeting three stipulations: they need help with certain activities of daily living, have paid the premiums for five years, and have worked for at least three of those five years.  The liftetime cash benefit will depend on the degree of impairment.  This figure is expected to average $75 a day, which equals out to $27,000 each year.  This money can be used to cover costs at home or at an assisted living facility or nursing home.

2.  Medicaid

In 2014, Medicaid will be made available to all legal residents living at 133% of the poverty level (the poverty level in 2010 registered at a $10,830 yearly income for an individual and $22,050 for a family of four).  A big aspect of this change is that childless adults will now be eligible for Medicaid.

3.  Medicare Cuts

There will be no funding cuts for recipients of regular Medicare.  The government funds will, however, cut funding for Medicare Advantage, a program that uses private firms to provide Medicare coverage.  These cuts begin in 2011 and will gradually increase.

4. The "doughnut hole"

A large part of the healthcare bill that will affect seniors is a revision to the "doughnut hole."  The donut hole is a controversial section of Part D of Medicare's prescription drug benefit.  According to the article "Most seniors unaware healthcare reform closes Medicare's 'donut hole'" published in http://www.thehill.com/, "In 2010, it works like this: Part D beneficiaries pay 25 percent of their drug costs until total expenses hit $2,830. At that point, seniors are responsible for the full cost of the next $3,610 worth of drugs. After total annual costs hit $6,440, the government picks 95 percent of the tab for the rest of the year."  Accordingly, because of the healthcare reform law, this year name-brand drugs will be half price while in the donut hole section, and in 2020 the donut hole will be closed entirely. 

These are four important parts of the new healthcare legislation.  As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

3 Tips to Help Prepare for Taking Care of an Elderly Parent

1.  Organize your Parents' Finances

To pay for your parents' eldercare, it is important to know what financial resources are available to them and you.  The amount of financial resources a parent has goes a long way toward determining the quality of care your loved one will receive, if needed.  A good first step is to identify your parents' assets and income sources, including Social Security and retirement funds.  Identify important documents that will be necessary in the event of an emergency health situation.  Additionally, choose a point person, whether it be a family member, friend, or trusted confidant who can access these documents when such an emergency occurs. 

2.  Plan Ahead for Legal Issues

Although these conversations can be difficult, it is important to discuss creating a will and appointing a durable power of attorney.  A will directs how medical professionals will deliver care if your loved one is unable to make choices for himself/herself.  Additionally, it decides how property will be distributed after death.  A will can alleviate many unnecessary headaches.  A durable power of attorney is a person, not necessarily an attorney, who handles specific health or financial needs and can make important decisions if a loved one is unable to do so.

3.  Explore Insurance Options

It is important to know that one cannot rely on Medicare or Medicaid to pay for health problems in the golden years.  Medicare only pays for certain services, and Medicaid only covers people who qualify as low-income individuals.  Long-term care insurance can pay for many elder health problems.  Common to all plans is that premiums are higher when the person applying is older, so it is important to look at prices when your parents hit their early fifties.  Also, since there are a lot of companies offering policies, it is important to shop around and look at which one caters to your parents' individual needs the best.

If you have any other tips you want to share from personal experience, feel free to comment below!