Hopefully, the majority of your holiday shopping is done. If you're having a hard time thinking of ideas for your elderly loved ones, you've come to the right place. Shopping for an elderly individual can be difficult. We've compiled some of the best ideas we've come across so far.
1. Basic Necessities
For some seniors, shopping can be difficult, and as a result they can run out of basic goods. Put together a collection of paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner and soap for them. They'll be grateful because they'll have to make one less trip to the store!
2. Blankets and Throws
You can never underestimate a good blanket - especially during the winter.
3. Gift Cards
There are a variety of gift cards that you can get an elderly loved one. Gift cards to pharmacies can be a great option because it will help them with prescription costs. Gift cards to different restaurants can be a wonderful excuse for your elderly loved one to get out of the house and treat themselves to a meal. If you think your senior wouldn't want to do an activity alone, you can buy a gift card to the movies for them and a friend.
4. Adaptive Tools
Whether it is a reacher-grabber or an OXO can opener, tools that have been modified to address the needs of seniors are always a great gift. It will make tasks easier for your loved one and help them around the house.
5. Photo Album/Scrapbooking Material
This is a perfect present for any seniors who want to organize their photos and focus on their family history. You can offer to help them put the photo album together and learn more about their past and life.
6. Books or an eReader
Has your elderly loved one read all of the classics? What about newer books If your elderly loved one has trouble with reading, you could get them an eReader with adjustable font size.
7. Puzzles and Games
This is a great present because it will keep your elderly loved one's mind engaged, and it will also offer them an opportunity to socialize with friends.
8. Donate to Charity
If your elderly loved one truly does not want any gifts, you can donate to a charity for them. You can make a donation to a local charity under their name or find a more hands on charity. For example, Heiffer International offers a wonderful program in which you can buy an animal for a community.
9. Your Help
Offer to help your elderly loved one with something. For example, offer to clean their house for them or offer to take their clothes to the drycleaner for them. Helping with extra errands is always a nice treat!
10. Your Company
Spend time with your elderly loved one! This might be the most valuable gift on the list.
Have any other ideas? Post them below in the comments section!
Friday, December 20, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Music Therapy for the Elderly
According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music Therapy is defined as the following:
“Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.”
Music is something that isn’t always thought of in a clinical sense, but the benefits of music therapy can be incredible. Music therapy can be especially helpful in the senior citizen population.
For the elderly, music therapy can help in numerous ways. In 2012 a YouTube video of an elderly man named Henry went viral on YouTube. At the beginning of the video, he was unresponsive, but with the aid of a set of headphones and some music he became animated and responsive. This served as a reminder that music therapy is an incredible tool when working with the elderly.
Here are some of the things that music therapy can do:
• Listening to music will help to ease anxiety in older patients.
• Lyric writing and singing can help with the expression of different emotions and feelings.
• Music can help strengthen the immune system.
• Listening to music releases dopamine, which is associated with pleasure.
• It is incredibly helpful for individuals who are non-verbal. Music crosses all communication barriers, so it can be especially helpful with individuals who have suffered a stroke or are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
• For older patients, music is linked with memories, so it can stimulate memories, increase awareness and initiate emotional responses.
If you know of an elderly individual who may benefit from music therapy, you can reach out to a local music therapist. Additionally, you could sit with your elderly loved one and make a playlist of different songs they enjoy. You can spend time listening to the music with your elderly loved one and both reap the benefits of music!
For more information on music therapy, you can visit these websites:
CNN Health: When patients have ‘music emergencies’
NPR: For Elders With Dementia, Musical Awakenings
American Music Therapy Association
“Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.”
Music is something that isn’t always thought of in a clinical sense, but the benefits of music therapy can be incredible. Music therapy can be especially helpful in the senior citizen population.
For the elderly, music therapy can help in numerous ways. In 2012 a YouTube video of an elderly man named Henry went viral on YouTube. At the beginning of the video, he was unresponsive, but with the aid of a set of headphones and some music he became animated and responsive. This served as a reminder that music therapy is an incredible tool when working with the elderly.
Here are some of the things that music therapy can do:
• Listening to music will help to ease anxiety in older patients.
• Lyric writing and singing can help with the expression of different emotions and feelings.
• Music can help strengthen the immune system.
• Listening to music releases dopamine, which is associated with pleasure.
• It is incredibly helpful for individuals who are non-verbal. Music crosses all communication barriers, so it can be especially helpful with individuals who have suffered a stroke or are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
• For older patients, music is linked with memories, so it can stimulate memories, increase awareness and initiate emotional responses.
If you know of an elderly individual who may benefit from music therapy, you can reach out to a local music therapist. Additionally, you could sit with your elderly loved one and make a playlist of different songs they enjoy. You can spend time listening to the music with your elderly loved one and both reap the benefits of music!
For more information on music therapy, you can visit these websites:
CNN Health: When patients have ‘music emergencies’
NPR: For Elders With Dementia, Musical Awakenings
American Music Therapy Association
Monday, November 4, 2013
Pet Therapy for the Elderly
It’s universally accepted that pets bring joy to everyone. For the elderly, they can be an incredible resource for healing, and there is scientific evidence to support that they can have a direct impact on quality of life. Whether it is a Bernese Mountain dog or a small rabbit, these furry creatures each bring their own unique health benefits to individuals.
Here are some ways in which pets can help seniors:
• Pet therapy has been shown to increase mood and decrease feelings of depression in elderly patients.
• Petting an animal has been associated with decreased blood pressure and lowered cholesterol levels.
• Pet owners are less likely to die of heart related illness than individuals who don’t own a pet.
• Regular interaction with an animal will also help to decrease feelings of loneliness in the elderly.
• Elderly will take better care of themselves when they have a pet that is dependent upon them.
• Working with animals provides an opportunity for increased physical activity. For example, taking a dog on a short stroll will increase cardiovascular activity and contribute to overall well-being.
• The act of petting an animal will help to increase mobility and dexterity.
• For individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, it has been shown that interaction with animals helps to decrease agitation.
The list of benefits goes on and on, but it is clear that interaction with animals can bring a lot to elderly individuals. If you know of a senior who you think will benefit from a pet, bring it up to them or their family. If it doesn’t seem that they would be able to care for a pet, you can look to your community for pet therapy programs.
For more information on the benefits of pet therapy, you can visit the following websites:
Everyday Health: How Animal Therapy Helps Dementia Patients
Love to Know Senior Citizens: Pet Therapy
Here are some ways in which pets can help seniors:
• Pet therapy has been shown to increase mood and decrease feelings of depression in elderly patients.
• Petting an animal has been associated with decreased blood pressure and lowered cholesterol levels.
• Pet owners are less likely to die of heart related illness than individuals who don’t own a pet.
• Regular interaction with an animal will also help to decrease feelings of loneliness in the elderly.
• Elderly will take better care of themselves when they have a pet that is dependent upon them.
• Working with animals provides an opportunity for increased physical activity. For example, taking a dog on a short stroll will increase cardiovascular activity and contribute to overall well-being.
• The act of petting an animal will help to increase mobility and dexterity.
• For individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, it has been shown that interaction with animals helps to decrease agitation.
The list of benefits goes on and on, but it is clear that interaction with animals can bring a lot to elderly individuals. If you know of a senior who you think will benefit from a pet, bring it up to them or their family. If it doesn’t seem that they would be able to care for a pet, you can look to your community for pet therapy programs.
For more information on the benefits of pet therapy, you can visit the following websites:
Everyday Health: How Animal Therapy Helps Dementia Patients
Love to Know Senior Citizens: Pet Therapy
Friday, October 18, 2013
Elder Health Update: Celiac Awareness Month
Did you know that October is Celiac Awareness month? More
importantly, did you know that Celiac Disease can be a serious problem in older
adults? In a study published by Annals of Medicine researchers
found that there was a change in gluten tolerance with age. They found that
people in their 60s and 70s were being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, even
though they had been consuming gluten without any complications their entire
life.
For the elderly, Celiac Disease can pose a serious problem.
When an individual with Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity consumes gluten, a
protein found in wheat barley and rye, their body has an autoimmune response to
the protein. This autoimmune response causes a wide variety of symptoms, some
of which include gastrointestinal distress. For the elderly, this can be
especially troubling because some of the symptoms such as joint pain can be
misdiagnosed.
Fortunately, a gluten free diet will help to alleviate the
symptoms brought on by Celiac Disease. You can read more about the study by clicking
here.
Friday, October 11, 2013
2013 Walk to End Alzheimer's Disease
Long Term Solutions recently participated in the Boston/Cambridge Walk to End Alzheimer’s! Our team walked six miles to increase awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and to raise money and support for Alzheimer’s research. Here is a photo of Team LTS before the walk. You can look at more pictures by visiting our Facebook page.
Friday, September 27, 2013
LTS Caregivers and Their Stories
Here at Long Term Solutions, we support caregivers and we are caregivers. Many LTS employees are the primary caregivers for an ailing or aging loved one. They have first-hand experience with caregiving, and know what about the different emotions involved with caregiving.They've experienced the joys that come with caregiving, and they've also endured the hardships. Meet four of our employees below. Click on their names to read their full stories.
Click here to meet Brenda.
"What I really love about working on the administrative side of Long Term Solutions is that at the end of the day I know the work we do is helping someone," explained Brenda. "At the other end of the phone or on the other end of the assessment is someone who we’re helping. There’s a person behind every claim number." Caregiving is something Brenda has been doing full-time since 2000, and, because of this, she is really able to relate to the adult caregivers she talks to on the phone every day.'"
Click here to meet Karen.
"The greatest joy is watching him smile, when he smiles," said Karen about her father-in-law. "I tell my husband – I just live for that."
Laughter is one thing about caregiving that brings joy to Karen. Another is taking her father-in-law out to eat fried clams at Red Wing Diner just down the street from her house. The third is having conversations with him.
Click here to meet Debbie.
"Where’s the nurse?" demanded a young and visibly stressed doctor. Debbie was in a hospital room with her mother and two other nurses. Her mother had developed the flu and pneumonia simultaneously, and they were at the ER for the second time.
"No, where’s the nurse? The family member who is a nurse," he insisted.
The nurses looked at each other, confused. Debbie was the nurse he was referring to, but she remained silent.
Click here to meet Nancy.
"She was just sobbing. She walked down the hall of her nursing home and told every nurse and patient ‘my husband has died… did you know my husband died?'" remembers Nancy. Nancy and her brother had just told their mother that their father and her husband had died. Nancy's mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease five years ago, and her husband had been the primary caregiver for almost four years. But in September 2011 he fell ill and within four months Nancy lost him to renal failure.
Click here to meet Brenda.
"What I really love about working on the administrative side of Long Term Solutions is that at the end of the day I know the work we do is helping someone," explained Brenda. "At the other end of the phone or on the other end of the assessment is someone who we’re helping. There’s a person behind every claim number." Caregiving is something Brenda has been doing full-time since 2000, and, because of this, she is really able to relate to the adult caregivers she talks to on the phone every day.'"
Click here to meet Karen.
"The greatest joy is watching him smile, when he smiles," said Karen about her father-in-law. "I tell my husband – I just live for that."
Laughter is one thing about caregiving that brings joy to Karen. Another is taking her father-in-law out to eat fried clams at Red Wing Diner just down the street from her house. The third is having conversations with him.
Click here to meet Debbie.
"Where’s the nurse?" demanded a young and visibly stressed doctor. Debbie was in a hospital room with her mother and two other nurses. Her mother had developed the flu and pneumonia simultaneously, and they were at the ER for the second time.
"No, where’s the nurse? The family member who is a nurse," he insisted.
The nurses looked at each other, confused. Debbie was the nurse he was referring to, but she remained silent.
Click here to meet Nancy.
"She was just sobbing. She walked down the hall of her nursing home and told every nurse and patient ‘my husband has died… did you know my husband died?'" remembers Nancy. Nancy and her brother had just told their mother that their father and her husband had died. Nancy's mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease five years ago, and her husband had been the primary caregiver for almost four years. But in September 2011 he fell ill and within four months Nancy lost him to renal failure.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Alzheimer’s Disease
This month, Long Term Solutions will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This will be the third year that we’re participating, and it’s a cause that we are very passionate about. Alzheimer’s disease is the most commonly diagnosed form of dementia. In 2006, there were 26.6 million people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This number is expected to be 1 in 85 by 2050.
Alzheimer’s disease can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem. There are two characteristic markers that signal Alzheimer’s disease: plaques and tangles. Plaque is a build-up of beta-amyloid protein fragments, and these accumulate in the brain between nerve cells. The tangles are created when another protein, tau, twists together and creates these clumps or tangles. With Alzheimer’s disease, these develop in the parts of the brain that are crucial for memory. Eventually, the nerve cells in the brain die off and then cause the typical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
What are some of the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s? Here are ten early signs, from the Alzheimer’s Association:
- Is the individual experiencing memory loss that impacts their day to day life?
- Are they having issues solving problems? Are they having difficulty solving problems?
- Does it seem like the individual is experiencing difficulty with routine tasks that they used to be able to do?
- One key symptom is being unable to conceptualize the date and the time.
- Does it seem like they are having issues with visual images and spatial relationships?
- Are they having problems with new words? Are they having trouble reading or writing?
- Do they frequently lose things? Are they unable to retrace their steps?
- Does it seem like they have been making poor decisions? Does their judgment seem sound?
- Have they been avoiding social activities?
- Lastly, have you noticed changes in mood and personality?
All of these can signal cognitive changes in older adults. If you recognize these symptoms in an individual, you should contact their primary physician immediately.
You can visit the Long Term Solutions team page by clicking here.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Aging and Driving: How can you tell when an elderly loved one’s driving is affected? What do you do?
Driving is an incredibly difficult topic to discuss with an elderly loved one. One important thing to remember is that you are not just talking about an elderly person’s driving. You are talking about their sense of independence and their sense of freedom. That is one of the reasons many elderly individuals do not want to give up their licenses. They understand, on some level, what it means for their independence. As most caregivers and family members understand, a lot of elderly individuals try to avoid feeling like a burden. They have spent the majority of their lives driving, and it is a very difficult thing for them to give up. It may bring up a lot of feelings of helplessness, anger, and sadness. This is an incredibly difficult subject to broach with an elderly loved one, but if you feel that their driving is unsafe, then it is your responsibility to sit down and talk with them. However, before you initiate that conversation, ensure that your elderly loved one’s driving is impaired.
You can look for some clues that their driving is changing:
• First, look at your elderly loved one’s car. Are there unusual or unaccounted for dents and scrapes?
• How does your loved one react when you ask about them? Can they explain what happened?
• Have they bumped into anything in your yard or neighborhood? Have they accidentally hit a mailbox? Usually, they will get into smaller accidents before they get into larger accidents.
• When you drive with your elderly loved one, are you at ease? How do you react? Do you feel the need to point out upcoming signs and stoplights?
• Watch their feet and reaction time when they drive. Do their feet naturally move between the brake and gas pedal? Do they seem to be reacting to things more slowly?
• How are other drivers reacting to them? Are they honking at them? Are other drivers comfortable around them?
• Lastly, have they recently received an increased amount of traffic violations?
If you feel that it is time to sit down and discuss driving with your elderly loved one, your family is your biggest resource. Involve your whole family, and talk to them before you approach your elderly loved one. There is no definite way to do it, as each situation is unique, but one of the most important things to do is approach it from a safety standpoint. Avoid the topic of age as much as possible, as your elderly loved one may become defensive. If you are a genuinely concerned for their safety, then they will understand that and be more open to discussing other options for mobility. Lastly, be compassionate. This is a big thing for them, and understanding that will make it easier for them to accept.
You can look for some clues that their driving is changing:
• First, look at your elderly loved one’s car. Are there unusual or unaccounted for dents and scrapes?
• How does your loved one react when you ask about them? Can they explain what happened?
• Have they bumped into anything in your yard or neighborhood? Have they accidentally hit a mailbox? Usually, they will get into smaller accidents before they get into larger accidents.
• When you drive with your elderly loved one, are you at ease? How do you react? Do you feel the need to point out upcoming signs and stoplights?
• Watch their feet and reaction time when they drive. Do their feet naturally move between the brake and gas pedal? Do they seem to be reacting to things more slowly?
• How are other drivers reacting to them? Are they honking at them? Are other drivers comfortable around them?
• Lastly, have they recently received an increased amount of traffic violations?
If you feel that it is time to sit down and discuss driving with your elderly loved one, your family is your biggest resource. Involve your whole family, and talk to them before you approach your elderly loved one. There is no definite way to do it, as each situation is unique, but one of the most important things to do is approach it from a safety standpoint. Avoid the topic of age as much as possible, as your elderly loved one may become defensive. If you are a genuinely concerned for their safety, then they will understand that and be more open to discussing other options for mobility. Lastly, be compassionate. This is a big thing for them, and understanding that will make it easier for them to accept.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Aging and Driving: Why and how does aging affect driving?
Sadly, according to the CDC, the risk of being in a motor
vehicle accident increases with age, and this figure drastically increases when
an individual turns 65. This is especially evident in the senior population,
and it can be a serious problem for all drivers. There are several factors that
affect a senior’s driving. Some seniors are able to modify their driving habits
to address these issues, but being aware of these potential pitfalls is the
best way to prevent a motor vehicle accident. Do you know how and why driving
can be affected by age?
• The elderly experience declines in vision which can impact
their driving in several ways. Aside from the impact on their visual field and
perception, their depth perception can be impacted. All of this can create
blind-spots in a senior’s vision that can lead to accidents.
• Additionally, they can experience a general decline in
strength and flexibility. This can impact things such as their ability to turn
the steering wheel and their ability to coordinate their feet between the brake
and gas pedals.
• Seniors experience general cognitive declines that
influence reaction time and their ability to reason, both of which are crucial
to driving.
• The elderly can suffer from decreased hearing which will
impact their ability to hear horns and other cars.
• Furthermore, seniors are more likely to be on medications
that can have side effects such as dizziness, fatigue and confusion.
Being aware of these changes is one of the best ways to
prevent a motor vehicle related accident. In our next section, we will explore
different ways seniors can modify their driving. Here are some other resources
for individuals looking to learn more about how aging impacts driving.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Caregiving & Eldercare in the News
With the abundance of eldercare and caregiving news online, it’s easy to miss some of the most helpful articles. Are you up to date on your caregiving news? Have you heard all of the new health information regarding elder and senior care? Here are some of the articles we’ve been reading here at LTS.
Eldercare and Senior Health
Caregiving
Post in the comment section if you know of any articles we
missed!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Elderly Activities: Swimming
Swimming is a wonderful exercise for individuals, and it is
especially beneficial for the elderly. According to the CDC, for optimal
health, individuals over 65 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic
activity and strength training a week. For some elderly individuals this can be
made difficult by disease, joint pain and muscle stiffness. Furthermore, many
elderly try to avoid strenuous exercise because it can be difficult on their
joints and muscles, and many of them fear injury. However, swimming is the
perfect exercise for elderly because it addresses many of these issues.
Swimming is the only exercise that actually relieves some of
the strain put on the skeletal system. When individuals are under water, the
water supports part of the weight of the body. As a result, the body has to
bear less body weight than it would if an individual was doing another
exercise. Additionally, it allows individuals to work their muscles in a low
impact environment. Furthermore, it improves flexibility and encourages muscle
tone and strength.
Some other benefits include increased cardiovascular health,
improved cholesterol levels, increased mood and an increase in longevity. This
article from Discovery Fit & Health details all of the benefits of swimming
for seniors. You can find the article by clicking
here.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Reminder: Check on your elderly neighbors!
For New Englanders and many others around the nation, it has been an incredibly hot week. Temperatures have been soaring, and today it is expected to reach 100 degrees. This heat poses a serious safety risk for all individuals, and it is especially dangerous for the elderly.
The elderly are more susceptible to heat related illness for several reasons. According to the CDC, their bodies do not adjust as well as younger individuals to heat, and they aren’t able to regulate abrupt changes in temperature. Secondly, the elderly are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses and are more likely to be on prescription medications. Both of these will affect their level of hydration and their ability to cope with soaring temperatures.
Fortunately, there are ways to help your elderly loved ones and neighbors cope with the heat. Here are some suggestions:
Check on them. This is perhaps the most important piece of advice that we can give you. Take some time to visit your elderly loved ones and neighbors. It’s important to go and visit them in person because signs of heat related illness are not always recognizable over the phone.
Check to see if they have air conditioning.
If they don’t, you can bring them to a public area. Schools and libraries are a few places that offer air conditioning. Talk to your elderly loved one or neighbor and establish a designated “cool down” spot.
Talk to them about what medications they are on. Some medications will increase the risk for dehydration. If they are on a lot of medications or have a chronic illness, encourage them to talk to their physician about how heat could affect them. Provide them with your phone number. Make sure they know that they can contact you, especially if they live alone.
Know how to recognize heat related illness and seek help immediately. You can refer to our previous blog post on recognizing heat related illness by clicking here.
Stay cool this summer!
The elderly are more susceptible to heat related illness for several reasons. According to the CDC, their bodies do not adjust as well as younger individuals to heat, and they aren’t able to regulate abrupt changes in temperature. Secondly, the elderly are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses and are more likely to be on prescription medications. Both of these will affect their level of hydration and their ability to cope with soaring temperatures.
Fortunately, there are ways to help your elderly loved ones and neighbors cope with the heat. Here are some suggestions:
Check on them. This is perhaps the most important piece of advice that we can give you. Take some time to visit your elderly loved ones and neighbors. It’s important to go and visit them in person because signs of heat related illness are not always recognizable over the phone.
Check to see if they have air conditioning.
If they don’t, you can bring them to a public area. Schools and libraries are a few places that offer air conditioning. Talk to your elderly loved one or neighbor and establish a designated “cool down” spot.
Talk to them about what medications they are on. Some medications will increase the risk for dehydration. If they are on a lot of medications or have a chronic illness, encourage them to talk to their physician about how heat could affect them. Provide them with your phone number. Make sure they know that they can contact you, especially if they live alone.
Know how to recognize heat related illness and seek help immediately. You can refer to our previous blog post on recognizing heat related illness by clicking here.
Stay cool this summer!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Choosing Hospice
Carol R. Anderson, RN, BSN is the Director of Quality Improvement & Staff Development at Long Term Solutions. She frequently writes information for our Provider Knowledge Center, a resource for our field clinicians. Here is a post she wrote about hospice care.
"In our careers, most of us have cared for someone who is
terminally ill and facing his/her end of life. With the exception of accidents and homicides, dying is a process. It is a journey. Many
things affect how the dying and their loved ones work through this process:
culture, age, religion, family position, the illness itself, and formal and
informal support systems are just some of them. There are many considerations, all of
which need to be addressed.
Presenting hospice as an alternative can be
difficult, depending on the disposition of the client and their loved ones. One way to think of hospice is as an alternative to traditional care. Hospice is appropriate for the clients who wants to spend
his or her final time at home, with the goal of the hospice care being improving the quality
of this time with comfort and dignity. It can
be provided to a client in a wide variety of settings. It could be in their private home and in a facility, and many hospitals have hospice beds.
Hospice care is provided by specially trained teams. Hospice teams are multidisciplinary with a variety of trained professionals able to provide a unique type of care.
They plan the care to address the bio-psychosocial needs of the client and family.
Not only will the team address the symptoms of the disease, with focused attention on
pain, but they will help to guide the client and family through the social, emotional
and spiritual impact of the end of life process.
Understanding Hospice -- Facts and Fiction
Fiction: People are typically referred to Hospice when life
expectancy is six months or less.
This is not to say that this is always the
case, but a client can remain on hospice for longer than six months with physician
certification.
Fact: A client can choose to decline or discontinue hospice at any
time, or they can change hospice agencies if the hospice team doesn't feel like the right fit for
the family.
Fact: Life is not prolonged with hospice care, and it is not hastened.
Fact: Bereavement and counseling services are available before and
after the client passes.
Fact: Hospice has coverage 24/7, but does not provide 24/7 care.
Additional resources may be needed to provide additional client care.
Fact: When Hospice is called in, they connect with the client’s
physician and meet with the client and his/her family or loved ones.
Who constitutes the Hospice Team?
As we noted before, the hospice teams are multidisciplinary. A typical hospice team can include physicians, nurses, home health aides, chaplains, social
workers, nutritionists, and trained volunteers. If
necessary, specialty clinicians can be brought in, such as wound and ostomy
nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists.
Who pays for Hospice?
Hospice is a covered benefit under Medicare, and most states
offer hospice under Medicaid or Public Aid. Furthermore, many private insurance companies have hospice benefits"
Friday, June 21, 2013
What do you do if you recognize a heat emergency?
If you recognize any symptoms of a heat emergency in an elderly person, contact a physician immediately. Heat related illnesses are incredibly serious, especially in the high risk elderly population.
How can you protect yourself and the elderly? Here are some recommendations from the CDC:
· Increase your fluid intake throughout the day with cool, non-alcoholic beverages. You can encourage any elderly you know to do the same, but check with their physician first. Some medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, can require a fluid restrictive diet.
· Avoid strenuous activity and rest.
· Take a cool shower or bath.
· If possible, stay in an air-conditioned environment – especially in the afternoon when the heat is strongest. (If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off.)
· Wear lightweight clothing made of breathable fabrics (preferably cotton).
· Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and monitor them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Remember, heat related illnesses are incredibly dangerous. Take heat seriously and keep heat safety a top priority!
· Increase your fluid intake throughout the day with cool, non-alcoholic beverages. You can encourage any elderly you know to do the same, but check with their physician first. Some medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, can require a fluid restrictive diet.
· Avoid strenuous activity and rest.
· Take a cool shower or bath.
· If possible, stay in an air-conditioned environment – especially in the afternoon when the heat is strongest. (If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off.)
· Wear lightweight clothing made of breathable fabrics (preferably cotton).
· Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and monitor them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Remember, heat related illnesses are incredibly dangerous. Take heat seriously and keep heat safety a top priority!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Heat Safety: Recognizing an Emergency
According to the CDC, heat waves are the most dangerous and lethal weather phenomenon. For the elderly, summer heat can pose a serious risk. Elderly people are more prone to heat related stress because their bodies are less capable of adjusting to temperature changes. This is compounded by prescription medication and chronic illnesses, which can also impact the way their bodies react to heat.
So, what exactly is a heat wave? A heat wave is defined as a prolonged period of unusually hot weather that is outside the expected normal climate pattern. Since weather changes region to region, the definition of a heat wave also varies. For example, in Maine, three days of 90 degree weather with high humidity could be considered a heat wave because summers days are usually around 70 degrees. In Arizona, three days of 90 degree weather would be considered normal. The best way to stay informed of the weather is by checking weather websites, the local television channel, or listening to a radio daily. Knowing when a heat wave is going to hit will help you stay prepared!
In addition to being prepared, knowing the signs and symptoms of heat related stress can be a lifesaver, especially when dealing with the elderly. For a variety of reasons, the elderly can be unaware of the change in temperature, and they are at a high risk for developing a heat related illness. Take time to familiarize yourself with the symptoms and signs of heat related illnesses.
According to the CDC, heat exhaustion is a mild form of heat related stress, and it can develop following long periods of exposure to high temperature and low fluids. Here’s what to look for:
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling of faintness or fainting
• Pale skin
• Skin may also be cool and moist
• A fast and weak pulse rate
• Fast and shallow breathing
Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, is a very serious medical condition. The body’s temperature increases drastically, the body loses the ability to cool off through sweating, and it can cause death or permanent injury.
Here are the symptoms as indicated by the CDC:
• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
If you recognize any of these symptoms in an elderly person, contact a physician immediately. Heat related illnesses are incredibly serious, especially in the high risk elderly population.
So, what exactly is a heat wave? A heat wave is defined as a prolonged period of unusually hot weather that is outside the expected normal climate pattern. Since weather changes region to region, the definition of a heat wave also varies. For example, in Maine, three days of 90 degree weather with high humidity could be considered a heat wave because summers days are usually around 70 degrees. In Arizona, three days of 90 degree weather would be considered normal. The best way to stay informed of the weather is by checking weather websites, the local television channel, or listening to a radio daily. Knowing when a heat wave is going to hit will help you stay prepared!
In addition to being prepared, knowing the signs and symptoms of heat related stress can be a lifesaver, especially when dealing with the elderly. For a variety of reasons, the elderly can be unaware of the change in temperature, and they are at a high risk for developing a heat related illness. Take time to familiarize yourself with the symptoms and signs of heat related illnesses.
According to the CDC, heat exhaustion is a mild form of heat related stress, and it can develop following long periods of exposure to high temperature and low fluids. Here’s what to look for:
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling of faintness or fainting
• Pale skin
• Skin may also be cool and moist
• A fast and weak pulse rate
• Fast and shallow breathing
Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, is a very serious medical condition. The body’s temperature increases drastically, the body loses the ability to cool off through sweating, and it can cause death or permanent injury.
Here are the symptoms as indicated by the CDC:
• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
If you recognize any of these symptoms in an elderly person, contact a physician immediately. Heat related illnesses are incredibly serious, especially in the high risk elderly population.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Helping the Elderly Prepare for Summer Storms
Unfortunately, there have been many devastating storms that have hit the United States recently. Our hearts go out to all of those affected. As a leader in elder care, one of our primary concerns is the elderly. Unfortunately, some of the elderly don’t have the strength or resources to prepare for many of these storms, and sometimes they can be unaware that a storm is even on the way. What can you do to help your elderly loved ones?
Here are some tips to help them prepare for summer storms:
• Stock up on non-perishable goods, and have at least a few
gallons of water in an easily accessibly place. Buy extra canned goods while shopping and put them in a box for your elderly loved one.
• Ensure that your elderly loved ones know which room to go
into in case of a tornado or high winds. These rooms should be windowless and
provide a lot of protection.
• Provide your elderly loved one with a battery powered
radio. This way they can stay informed, even if they lose power.
• Make sure that all batteries in flashlights have been replaced, and make sure that candles and matches are easily accessible.
• Make sure your elderly loved one has an extra prescription of any necessary medications available in case they are unable to leave their home.
• Make sure that all batteries in flashlights have been replaced, and make sure that candles and matches are easily accessible.
• Make sure your elderly loved one has an extra prescription of any necessary medications available in case they are unable to leave their home.
• Contact your elderly loved one’s neighbors. If you
can’t be there following a storm, have their phone numbers handy and ask them
to check on your senior.
The most important thing to remember is to stay in constant communication with your ailing or aging loved one!
The most important thing to remember is to stay in constant communication with your ailing or aging loved one!
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