The Importance of Exercise

It’s already February 3rd, but it’s not too late for New Year’s resolutions! Actually, as the lines for treadmills start to wane and people lose their resolve, now is a great time to start that exercise regimen you have been thinking about for a while. Seniors should pay special attention to this, for more and more, it is becoming clear that things such as senior independence, health, and mobility can be seen as a direct result of exercise.

Recently, in the Boston Globe, in an article titled “For Elders, Fitness Can’t be Beat,” Kay Lazar wrote “Dr. Jonathan Bean, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and a researcher at Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, is tracking about 350 older adults, including [Dolores] Selenkow, and has found that building core -- also known as abdomen -- strength, and leg speed are vital to keeping elders active and independent.” This research matches that of many other experts on senior health. Many injuries in seniors can be tracked to falls, and these falls can be directly traced to a lack of balance or a lack of muscle mass. Additionally, a lack of mobility reduces independence for self-evident reasons. When somebody cannot walk for longer than five minutes, it becomes infinitely more difficult to socialize and to take care of yourself. Therefore, if you are a senior – or know a senior – who wants to maintain independence, it is essential that you follow Dr. Bean’s advice and build core strength and leg speed.

Lazar continues, in her article, “Another study, the largest and longest-running trial of its kind, found that regular physical activity in older adults measurably reduced mobility problems.” Optimally, you want to exercise for 30 minutes, five times a week. If this is too much at first, that is fine. Experts urge to go at your own pace and try to build up to that number. It is important to rest and not push yourself. Walking is one way to exercise. If you are looking for alternate ways, or you just got bombarded by snow in the Northeast, here are some videos a simple search on youtube.com brings up: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=elderly+exercises. Youtube.com is a great resource, as you can tailor exercise videos for things such as balance, core, or cardio. Another resource that may be helpful is your local senior center and ask them to see if they offer fitness classes, walking clubs, or other services. If you need help locating a local center, you can look in the phone book, or you can locate it at the National Institute of Senior Centers web site: http://www.ncoa.org/national-institute-of-senior-centers/. You may also call them at 571-527-3900. Again, there are many resources out there for you. The most important thing to do is to start exercising. The health benefits of exercise are endless, and they will help anyone maintain mobility, strength, and – most importantly – independence. If you have any questions for us, do not hesitate to email or call.

Got D?

At some point in your life, you have probably been bombarded with the “Got Milk?” commercials (remember all those milk mustaches?) that remind us that calcium is vital to a growing body. Vitamin D is just as important, especially for aging adults. Many health care providers prescribe or recommend Vitamin D supplements along with taking calcium. Why? Without the right levels of Vitamin D in your body, calcium can’t do its job.

Vitamin D is linked to better bone health. Better bone health is good. It prevents osteoporosis and falls in the elderly. Good things. Lower levels of Vitamin D may also increase your risk for autoimmune disorders, colon and prostate cancer, and cardiovascular disease, and may be connected with depression and other mental health problems. Bad things.

Not convinced you need Vitamin D? Let’s look at some facts. The National Institutes of Health recommends that “people ages 51 to 70 should consume at least 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. People over age 70 should consume at least 800 IUs daily.” So how can we get enough D? Here are three great ways:

·       Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight is probably the best source for Vitamin D! Living in the North with a longer winter season, or living inside a senior home without much outside activity, you are less exposed to natural healthy sunlight and are at higher risk for Vitamin D deficiency. Speak with your health care provider about how to get a healthy dose of sunlight, plus using sun screen to protect yourself from skin cancer. Just a simple stroll outside can be enough. And when it is nice out, take advantage of the weather! Or listen to John Ruskin: “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”

·       Diet: Vitamin D is naturally present in few foods, but good sources are oily fish (salmon, tuna, herring, sardines, anchovies, cod liver oil), eggs, and fortified milk. That’s right – milk has to be fortified with Vitamin D to have enough to make an impact; this includes dairy milk and other products like soy or almond milk. Check the labels to make sure it’s been fortified. A milk mustache on its own won’t always get the job done!

·       Supplements: Vitamins are an easy and inexpensive way to get the Vitamin D you need. Speak with your health care provider about the right type and dosage, and also talk about how to take it so your body can absorb it appropriately. Look out for signs of too much Vitamin D from supplements, like nausea, vomiting and weakness.

Sources:
http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/vitamin-d-deficiency-a-common-risk-factor-for-seniors/
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/bonehealth/01.html
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/GeneralEndocrinology/46915 https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/depression/
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/27/health/27brod.html?_r=0
http://www.skincancer.org/healthy-lifestyle/vitamin-d/the-d-dilemma

Adapting Bedrooms

In August, we shared ways to adapt your kitchen for a senior or a person with disabilities. This month, we’d like to share some adaptations that can be made for another room in the house – the bedroom! Depending on how big your house is, if it has more than one floor, or what your budget allows, making just some of these changes can give both a loved one and a caregiver some necessary peace of mind. These changes might also apply to other rooms in the house.

·        Labels: Labels are helpful for everyone, no matter what the room. Add labels to dresser drawers, closet storage, etc. to make things easy to find. We also recommend creating “homes” for things, like a basket for remote controllers, or a basket for books, so that there is a “go-to” place to find what you need. You just have to make sure your loved one puts things back!

·        Organizing cords: Ensure that electric cords are labeled and out of the way. You may need to tape them to the wall or floor with duct tape to prevent your loved one from tripping.

·         Moving the bedroom: The bedroom will need to be close to the bathroom or easily accessible. This might mean moving the bed and bedroom storage into your living room, or converting the dining room into a new bedroom. To close off doorways, add a curtain rod above doorways with simple fabric or curtains to create privacy if a door doesn’t already exist. You’ll want to keep doorways wide for equipment, wheelchairs, etc., and sometimes doors can restrict the passageway.

·        Light switches: If you can’t move light switches to a convenient place, think about adding a remote-controlled light switch device. These are affordable options and a convenient way for people to manage the light in their room without having to move. Check the kinds of light switches on lamps and think about whether or not weak or arthritic hands have the ability to turn switches or “clap on” lights.

·        Alarm clocks: Depending on your loved one’s sleep habits, you may need to invest in a louder alarm or even a bed shaker that lightly vibrates the mattress.

·       Specialized furniture: Does your loved one need a special bed or chair? Or maybe they need a bed rail to keep them in bed at night, or support to get out? Check in with your healthcare provider on these needs before you invest in these devices.

Before making any big (or even small) changes to your home, you can contact an Occupational Therapist. These professionals can help you assess your needs and give you advice on adapting your loved one’s sleeping and living arrangements.

Movie Review: Nebraska

Nebraska, directed by Alexander Payne, tells the story of Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) and his family trying to navigate Woody’s dementia. Will Forte co-stars as David, Woody’s son, and the narrative follows them on an ill-fated trip to Lincoln, Nebraska. Woody has recently received a letter from a company that tells him he has won a million dollars, and he needs to travel to Lincoln to collect it. The letter is obviously a scam, and despite the protests of David, other son Ross (Bob Odenkirk), and wife Kate (June Squibb), Woody insists on Nebraska or bust – he wants his money.
 
The movie opens with Woody wandering down a busy street; what is going on? Why does Woody look so confused? Why would he fall for such an obvious scam? Anyone who has cared for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s will recognize Bruce Dern’s facial expression immediately. Dern’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for good reason – he perfectly inhabits the mental and physical state of dementia: his blank stares are haunting, his ramblings often contain very little logic, and his stubbornness is downright frustrating. After Woody is found walking toward Lincoln twice more, and after David and Ross debate the pros and cons of putting him in a retirement home, David decides to indulge his father’s wish to go to Lincoln.

What follows is a movie heavily steeped in themes intensely familiar to the caregiver of dementia. Woody is forgetful, confused easily, and his unpredictable behavior infuriates his son. Yet, the pulse of this storyline is the love and patience David has for his father. He knows their time together is finite, and he enjoys uncovering things about his father he never knew. There is a particularly moving scene that shows David discovering the full impact that the Korean War had on Woody.

Nebraska is an honest film. It illustrates the emotional toll that caregiving can exact on a family. How are they going to afford the retirement home? What is mom going to do when she is left alone? At what point does caregiving distract TOO much from work? Just what the heck are we supposed to be doing? These are difficult questions, and, like real life, Nebraska provides no easy answers – caregiving is difficult and often there are no right answers, just the ones that make the most sense. But the director also gifts us with some moments that remind us of the true joys of family and caregiving. If you are a caregiver, this is a movie worth watching, and you will walk away with a few chuckles, a newfound respect for Will Forte’s acting chops, and a sense that you are not alone.

Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome

My friend’s son is a person with Down syndrome; he is in his late 30’s, manages the cart team at a grocery store, and lives in a group home. He is happy, self-sufficient, and resilient.  I think about him every time someone brings up his condition and I hope that others see the potential that people with his disorder can bring to both society and themselves.

I came across a statistic the other day – that more than 75% of those with Down syndrome aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s.  That’s nearly six times the percentage of people in this age group who do not have Down syndrome. They are also more likely to develop early onset Alzheimer’s since they live, on average, 55-60 years.

Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s for people with Down syndrome can be challenging – people may exhibit noticeable behavior changes rather than forgetfulness or memory loss. Alzheimer’s research may have different implications for people with Down syndrome because of the genetic differences of people with and without it. Even medications are processed differently in the body.

It’s estimated that over 400,000 people in the U.S. have Down syndrome – approximately 1 in every 1,000 babies receive a diagnosis. Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition in which people are born with an extra copy of chromosome number 21. That one extra copy causes developmental delays and health issues, such as heart, bone, and muscle problems.

Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s aren’t going away, but we look forward to future research to find some relief in these life-changing conditions.  

Information retrieved from http://www.alz.org/dementia/downloads/topicsheet_downsyndrome.pdf; Accessed September 2014.

Image from: http://www.alz.org/dementia/down-syndrome-alzheimers-symptoms.asp

Adapting Kitchens for the Elderly and People with Disabilities

Most caregivers and seniors can attest to the changes they have to make in their living space as people’s agility declines or disabilities arise. We all want to live independently, but sometimes our home can feel like a liability when it is not set up in a safe manner. Over the next few months, LTS is going to dedicate a number of blog posts to how we can make adjustments to the different rooms in homes or apartments – big or small – and how to make home feel more like home!

Kitchens can be a danger zone for people with vision loss, who are wheelchair bound, or have declining balance and strength. Here are a number of ways you can adapt kitchens for seniors. Maybe Lidia Bastianich or Martha Stewart could show us a few easy recipes in an adapted kitchen? PBS – we hope you are reading this!

Easy, cost-effective ways: Sometimes a few simple and inexpensive adjustments can significantly increase the safety level for both the elderly and caregivers.

·         Labels – Clearly label the cabinet doors or shelves to make things easy to find.

·         Placement – Make sure that commonly used items like drinking glasses, silverware, dishes, or pots are within reach.

·         Microwave – If you have a microwave above the stovetop, consider purchasing a new/used microwave to place on the counter to reduce stretching and having to carry heavy dishes.

·         Cabinet doors and drawers – Always keep these closed to avoid accidents, and paint or tape the edges with a contrasting color in case they are left open.

·         Remove lower cabinets – You may need to remove the cabinet below the sink or in other areas to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

·         Lighting under side cabinets – Purchase inexpensive touch lights to illuminate the countertops

·         Trays – Using contrasting colored trays under daily food items or cups can decrease the odds of a spill.

• Unplug stove – If you think the elderly person will not need the stove or oven, consider unplugging it to avoid accidents.

Re-building your kitchen: If you have the funds to adapt your existing kitchen, work with an architect and a long-term services and supports specialist to find the right tools and appliances for your unique needs. Here are some things to consider:

·         Pull down shelves – These are nifty shelves that move upward and downward using a hinge. They allow individuals to pull shelves closer to their points of view while also carrying the weight of the items on the shelves.

·         Countertop height – Depending on the individual, lowering a countertop’s height might make a world of difference for everyday tasks.

·         Side opening oven – Lifting a heavy oven door downward can be uncomfortable, difficult, and dangerous. A side door can eliminate all these hassles.

·         Pullout shelf below oven – Adding a shelf below the oven acts as placeholder for hot items. This way, you don’t have to lift hot items over to another counter.

·         Easy to use faucets– Hot, cold? Which way?! Install a new faucet that has clear red or blue marks to represent hot or cold water, and that has a simple handle with a gripper rather than difficult knobs.

·         Electrical outlets – Install outlets in convenient locations; consider adding contrasting outlet covers for visibility.

Let us know what challenges you’ve faced in the kitchen and how you’ve overcome them. We’ll be happy to update our blog with your tried and tested ideas!

Yes, the elderly date, too.

Just like “young folks,” people in older generations look to connect with others on a social, emotional, and physical level. A quick Google search reveals many online dating sites specific to seniors, and this vast list indicates how prevalent elderly dating is. Here are a few different issues we’ve come across with the elderly and dating.

Parents and dating: The thought of your parent dating might be one of the hardest things to imagine if he or she is dating someone new. It might be especially difficult if it comes after the loss of their significant other. The new couple can most likely relate to one another’s experience with aging, and they may also bond if they have the same physical illness or condition. If there is a large age difference or you have other reservations, you may want to consider these reservations more closely if the person brings positivity to your parent.

Sex and the elderly: In a New York Times op-ed from January 2014, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel shares the startling trends in Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) among elderly: “The Department of Health and Human Services released a little-noticed report on Medicare a few months ago…The number of Medicare enrollees who took advantage of free STD tests is about the same as the number who received free colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer, amounting to about 5 percent of all those on Medicare.” As he says, this might not be surprising to everyone, as “…retirement communities and assisted living facilities are becoming like college campuses. They cram a lot of similarly aged people together, and when they do, things naturally happen.”

Clinicians need to be aware and open about this trend to prevent problems from arising. According to A Place for Mom, many STDs may be untreated in seniors because they’re hard to detect and they are so unexpected; also, STDs can actually make chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease worse. As a caregiver, as hard as it may be, it’s possible that you may want to have the “birds and the bees” talk with your elderly parent.

Dementia patients date: People who suffer from memory loss are also capable of finding connections with others. In the critically-acclaimed movie, Away from Her, starring Julie Christie, an aging married couple begins to feel the tensions of the wife suffering from Alzheimer’s. The wife moves into a long-term care facility. After some time, her husband visits and realizes his wife has connected with a mute, wheelchair-bound man who has made her happy. Obviously, this new relationship is difficult for the husband to understand, but as the film progresses, he finally comes to terms it. Away from Her was a beautiful movie and rated number six on Roger Ebert’s best movies of 2007. This movie was directed by Sarah Polley and was an adaptation of Alice Munro’s short story "The Bear Came Over theMountain" in The New Yorker.

The Sound of Music

“…Do di di di do we do do…these are a few of my favorite things!” Ah, the Sound of Music – it is one of “My Favorite Things!” Music can match or change your mood, help express the way you feel, and trigger a memory and a moment in your life.

In Linda Noelker’s blog entry on Huffington Post, she reviews Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory, shown at the Cleveland International Film Festival this past March.

Noelker writes, “The compelling film by director Michael Rossato-Bennett portrays the power of music to engage and enliven these nursing home residents to the amazement of staff and family members. The idea was Dan Cohen's, a social worker who found a way to bring residents to life using an iPod with a personally customized playlist. Once the headset is on and the residents are listening to their favorite songs from the 1940s or 50s, their eyes open wide, smiles appear, and some even clap their hands or tap their feet.”

This movie is another example of the growing list of research on how music and the arts benefit people with Alzheimer’s. Watching the movie is an inexpensive activity to enjoy and a nice reminder of the power of music; as a caregiver, try using music to connect with your loved one. If your family member is in a home, you can try to advocate for a focus on music if it doesn’t already exist.

Is there a song that connects you and your elderly family member? Or, a song that they’ve been drawn to? What songs do you think will stick with you forever?

Great Apps for Seniors

Have you recently laughed after getting a text from an elderly parent? Or maybe
you saw a friend request on Facebook from your mother? Increasingly, the elderly
are growing tech savvy, using smartphones and iPads. In fact, in a recent study,
99 senior citizens used the ALICE app, which helps patients manage medications.
According to the study, “The ALICE app helps reduce rates of forgetting and of
medication errors, and increases perceived independence in managing medication.
Elderly patients with no previous experience with information and communication
technologies are capable of effectively using an app designed to help them take
their medicine more safely.” As technology and the use of apps in our everyday lives
increases, so grows the ability of seniors to use apps to assist in their daily lives.
They can use them to manage medication, communicate and stay in touch with
family and friends, for entertainment, and to increase health, among many things.
Here is a great list from My Ageing Parent of the best apps for the elderly. Let us
know how they work out!

The Elderly and Falls

The elderly and falls - these two word are always paired together, but why is that? The main reason is that elderly individuals are more likely to suffer a fall. Additionally, these falls are more fatal and life-threatening when they happen to older adults. According to the CDC, one in every three adults over 65 will fall this year. What's more frightening is that in 2010 about 21,000 older adults died from injuries suffered during a fall.

Falls can range in severity, and they are usually dependent upon the height of the fall and the manner in which the individual lands. Generally speaking, the greater distance the individual falls, the greater the risk is for severe injuries. Additionally, the surface will affect the type of injury inflicted. For example, landing on a softer surface will help to lessen some of the injuries whereas a fall on concrete will cause more severe injuries. The severity of the fall is assessed by the injuries suffered during the fall. According to the CDC 20-30% of individuals suffer moderate to severe injuries. What are these? Moderate injuries include scratches, scrapes, bumps and bruises. Fractures, broken bones, and head traumas are considered some of the more severe injuries that can be suffered during a fall. Older individuals are more likely to fracture their spine, hip, forearms, legs, ankles, pelvis, and their hands.

Fortunately, most falls are preventable, so you can start taking steps to prevent your elderly loved one from suffering a fall. In our next post, we'll discuss different preventative measures you can take around the home to prevent this.

Calcium, Vitamin D and Bone Health

Bone health is important throughout life, but it is especially important for elderly individuals. Sadly, falls become more commonplace as we age, and weak bones increase the likelihood that breaks and fractures will occur. There are two components to bone health: calcium and vitamin D consumption.

Adequate calcium consumption throughout your lifetime will help to contribute to good bone health. Calcium is a necessary mineral that helps to build bones. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 99% of our calcium is located in our bones and our teeth. You can get calcium by from a nutritious diet or by taking supplements. Increased calcium intake will help to reduce bone density loss, and numerous studies have shown that low calcium intake can lead to osteoporosis and low bone density. Additionally, calcium is needed to help other systems in our body work, like our muscular and nervous system. The reason calcium intake is important is because when we do not consume enough calcium, our body will take necessary calcium from our bones, which is where it is stored. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, women under age 50 should consume 1,000 mg daily and women over 51 should consume 1,200 mg daily. Men age 70 and younger should consume 1,000 mg daily, and men over the age of 71 should consume 1,200 mg daily. That being said, there is one other vitamin that calcium consumption is dependent upon.

Vitamin D is this vitamin, and it is crucial for calcium intake. Why? Vitamin D is allows for and enhances the absorption of calcium from food, sunlight and supplements in the intestines. You can get a substantial amount of your vitamin D from various foods. If you’re looking to increase your intake of vitamin D, increase your intake of fatty fish, fortified cereals, fortified dairy products, and increase your intake of green leafy vegetables. In addition to eating a healthy, balanced diet, be sure to spend some time outside in the sun. You can absorb vitamin D while outside! Your body synthesizes UV rays into vitamin D! That being said, do not spend too much time outside without sun screen or else you’ll run the risk of getting a sun burn. However you get your vitamin D, be sure to make sure you are getting enough because it prevents bone density loss by allowing for the absorption of calcium.

For more information on Vitamin D and bone health, visit the follow websites:

National Institutes of Health: Vitamin D

National Institutes of Health: Calcium

Tips for Medication Compliance in the Elderly

In our last post we discussed a lot of the issues surrounding medication compliance in the elderly.

Here are some tips that we’ve been together for medication compliance.

Educate yourself and your elderly loved one:

·         Ask your doctor why your elderly loved one should be taking this medication.
·         Ask for the name of the drug and ask what the active ingredient is, and ask how it works in the body.
·         Discuss other medication options. Is this the only medication that they need? Is there a supplement that could help to mitigate some of the side effects or even the symptoms?
·         What are the side effects of this medication?
·         Does it interact with any other drugs?
·         Does it need to be taken on an empty stomach? Does it need to be taken with a full glass of water?
·         What time of day would be best to take this medication? What do most other patients do?
·         Should your elderly loved one be taking the generic form or should the prescription be written for the name-brand?
·         Bring a list of other medications to your doctor, and have them check that the drug will not interact with any other drugs on the list.

Tips for taking the medication: 

·         Write down the instructions from the physician and make that into a list. Hang this list somewhere in the house, close to your medications. You can hang it on the inside of the medicine cabinet, or hang it in the kitchen.
·         Organize all of the medications into a pill box. This will help your elderly loved one remember what day to take the medication and how much to take.
·         Encourage your elderly loved one to take his/her medications at the same time of the day each day. This will help them to create a routine.

Lastly, if these tips aren’t helping then seek assistance from your physician. Tell them the issues that you and your loved one are having, and together you can create a plan for effective medication compliance.

Here are some other websites to visit:

NIH Senior Health: Taking Medicines Safely

FDA: Medicines and You: A Guide for Older Adults

American Heart Association: Quick Tips for Taking Medications

The Importance of Medication Compliance in the Elderly

In laymen’s terms, medication compliance is whether or not a patient takes a medication as prescribed. It is incredibly important for the effective implementation of a treatment plan, but sometimes there are major barriers associated with medication compliance. This is especially profound in the elderly population, who are the population most likely to have multiple chronic illnesses. Most of these can be related to two major issues: complicated instructions and a lack of investment in the treatment plan.

For the elderly, taking medication can be complicated because of the sheer number of medications that are prescribed for them. In 2010, it was reported that the average elderly individual was on 8-13 different medications. Furthermore, each medication has a unique set of instructions. For example, some drugs need to be taken with food, while some other drugs need to be taken without food. Certain medications can’t be taken after eating a grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Other medications require you to monitor your potassium intake. Remembering the instructions surrounding one medication can be difficult enough, but trying to accommodate each of the different requirements of multiple medications can be too much for elderly patients. This will lead them to take the medication incorrectly, rendering it ineffective, or it can lead them to not take the medication at all.

A second barrier can be found in understanding the treatment plan. Most of the time, elderly patients aren’t entirely informed about their treatment plan, and, a lot of the time, it is because they don’t know what questions to ask their doctor. They sometimes will not know why they are on a medication, and they are not informed of what to expect while taking the medication. As a result of this, they will take a medication and experience unexpected side effects. The side effects of the medications give them more reason to not take their medication as prescribed. This can be compounded by a lack of education as to why they are on the medication. If an elderly individual isn’t sure why they are taking a medication that makes them feel nauseous as a result then they most likely won’t continue to take that medication as prescribed.

Unfortunately, these aren’t the only two barriers to medication compliance, and there are numerous barriers that we will have to overcome in order to achieve complete medication compliance. There are several reasons that this happens, including inadequate patient education, a lack of interest in treatment plan, issues surrounding dementia and confusion, and more. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources for seniors and caregivers that help to resolve a lot of these issues. In our next post we will go over different tips for medication compliance.

Traveling With Your Elderly Loved Ones

With winter winding down, a lot of individuals are deciding to take a vacation. There is some extra planning necessary for individuals traveling with elderly loved ones, and this this can sometimes be difficult. The planning is crucial because it will ensure that the traveling goes smoothly. Over the past couple of years we’ve covered this topic, so we’ve put together some highlights and the best possible plan for traveling with your elderly loved one.

While choosing a vacation destination, make it easier for yourself. 

When you’re looking at different cities to visit, take into account how accessible the city is for the elderly. Are there cobblestone roads? These can make walking difficult and increase fall risk. Are there clear sidewalks? This will help prevent any difficulties for you while you are sight-seeing with your elderly loved one. How crowded is the city? How much travel is involved in getting to this location? Take some time to research elderly friendly cities. There are thousands of sights you can see with your elderly loved one, and choosing one that is more accessible will make it easier for you and your elderly loved one.

After you have chosen a location, start planning.

We can’t reiterate this more. Plan your trip! Over-planning is never a problem, but, while traveling, under planning can pose some serious risks, especially for your elderly loved ones. Make an itinerary and figure out which locations you’re going to go, and which sites you want to see. Most importantly, figure out how you can make it easier on yourself.  Take some time to call different tourist attractions and sites ahead of time to ask them about what accommodations they have for the elderly. If they don’t have that many accommodations or are being somewhat unhelpful, ask them for examples of what other elderly individuals have done. Do they have rest areas? Do they have wheelchair options for the elderly? How many stairs are there? Are there elevators? All of this information should be easily accessible and readily available for you. If your elderly loved one has special needs you can request help from the place you are visiting. There is no harm in asking!

Pack everything and pack for all scenarios.

First, plan your packing. Make a list of all necessary medications and items that your elderly loved one will need. If you’re traveling on a plane, you may need a doctor’s note for some prescriptions. Call your doctor and the airport ahead of time to ensure that you have all of the proper documentation. If you’re traveling by train or another mode of transportation, contact them ahead of time to see what is allowed and what is not allowed. Also, go through what is going to happen while going through security. That way your elderly loved one is not startled and knows what to expect.

Lastly, have fun and enjoy yourself. That’s what vacation is for!

Staying Socially Connected

For elderly individuals, staying socially connected can be difficult. However, maintaining social contact is important for an individual’s well-being and their health. There have been studies that indicate social contact can increase physical and mental health, reduce disease and lead to increased longevity. If your elderly loved one is expressing a desire for more social contact then you can suggest some options for them.

Social Media

Social media can be incredibly helpful in staying connected. It can allow an individual to remain involved in their friends and family’s lives remotely, so it can be a wonderful tool for the elderly. If you know an elderly individual who is looking to become more connected in their friends lives introduce them to Facebook. It may be difficult at first, but if you show them how to properly and safely use the site then they can add friends and stay in touch. This type of connection will help them to feel more included and active in their friends and family’s lives.

Volunteer

If your elderly loved one is active and looking for opportunities to get out of the house then you can suggest that they volunteer. They can take the time to volunteer at a local food pantry or at a local school. Whichever environment they choose will be beneficial to their well-being. This will provide them with the opportunity to interact with other individuals and to make new friends.

Planning

Another great way to maintain social interaction is through planning and scheduling. Take some time to talk to your elderly loved about setting up specific times to call them or to interact with them. You can encourage them to set up a routine that involves meeting with one or more of their friends.

Senior Center

Your local senior center can be an incredible resource for your elderly loved one. If you’re concerned that they’re not interacting enough and are withdrawing from social situations, reach out to your senior center. They will have activities to suggest and they will have a wealth of information on how to help your elderly loved one stay connected.

However you approach it, you need to keep your elderly loved one socially connected for their well-being!

Winter Safety Reminder

Did you know that the first few weeks of February are among the stormiest? Storms and cold weather can pose a serious risk for the elderly. For advice on how to help your elderly loved ones, take a look at our past post by clicking here.

Tips for Helping an Individual Who Is Experiencing Depression

Depression is something that we’ve covered before. It can be especially prominent in the elderly population, especially with winter’s decreased hours of sunlight and cold weather. As a caregiver, it can be difficult to see your elderly loved one experiencing depression. It’s easy to try to blame yourself and it can be hard not to internalize everything, but as a caregiver you can’t do that. Here are some things to do when you are caring for an individual with depression:

Bring your loved one to a medical professional.

Make sure they are being properly evaluated and supported by a physician.

Educate yourself on the symptoms and signs of depression and remember that it is a clinical diagnosis.

Take some time to learn about the disease and ask your elderly loved one’s physician about the symptoms and signs. If you know that a certain behavior is linked to depression, then you will be less likely to blame yourself.

Try to schedule time to bring your elderly loved one outside.

You can rearrange their schedule to maximize your time outside so that they can get some time in the sun. This will help increase Vitamin D production and will help to increase their mood.

Support them and be there for them.

Encourage your elderly loved one to talk about what they are experiencing or feeling, and make a plan to work through their feelings. Whether it is going to a movie when they are feeling down or just staying in and talking, you can work with your elderly loved one to show them that you are there to support them.

Keep them on any prescribed treatments.

This is perhaps one of the most important things to do as a caregiver, but these treatments will help them recover.

Take time out of your day for yourself.

This is incredibly important. You can’t support your elderly loved one if you are emotionally drained and exhausted. Take at least fifteen minutes every day and take some time to yourself.

For more information, you can visit the following website:

WebMD: When A Loved One Has Depression

Staying Hydrated in the Winter

Staying Hydrated in the Winter

Did you know that it’s incredibly easy to get dehydrated in the winter? There are two things that can further dehydrate your body in the winter. Heating systems that keep your home warm can also dry out your body, and the cold winter air outside drains your skin of moisture. Here are some tips to keep yourself hydrated this winter:

Drink Water

One way to start your day off on the right foot is to drink a full glass of water when you wake up. Your body loses hydration as you sleep, so this is a great way to jump start your day. You can also carry a water bottle around with you all day.

Avoid Caffeine

This is easier said than done, but a lot caffeine can dehydrate your body. If you’re opting for more warm beverages, try alternating between caffeinated and decaf. This will help you stay hydrated!

Bundle Up

When you’re outside, be sure to bundle up! Any exposed skin will quickly become dry and lose moisture. Remember to wear gloves, a hat, a scarf and cover your face. 

Find Hydration in Your Food

Load up on fruits and vegetables! In addition to helping you avoid the dreaded winter weight, it will help your body stay hydrated. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with water, so make it a priority to keep them in your diet this winter.

Stay warm!

Pneumonia Vaccine for Older Adults

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is associated with a fever, chills, muscle ages, fatigue and coughing. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria, and according to the National Vital Statistics Report, it was the 8^th leading cause of death. There are two types of pneumonia that an individual can develop. When the illness is contracted outside of a healthcare setting, it is categorized as community-associated pneumonia. When it is contracted while an individual is in a healthcare setting it is called healthcare-associated pneumonia.

For elderly individuals, this diagnosis is incredibly serious. Elderly individuals can have a weaker immune system due to pre-existing conditions, and this can make it more difficult for their body to battle pneumonia. Additionally, the body gets weaker as it is fighting off the infection, and as a result, the effects of pneumonia can move beyond the lungs. Some complications that can develop from pneumonia include respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress, kidney failure, sepsis and death.

Fortunately, the pneumonia vaccine can help. There are two vaccines available: PCV13 and PPSV23. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is recommended for children and high risk adults. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is the most important vaccine for older adults, and it’s recommended for all adults over 65. The vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing pneumonia. According to the CDC, half of the people who get PPSV experience redness or pain where the injection was given. Furthermore, less than 1% experience muscle aches or a fever. Speak with your elderly loved one and their physician to see if the vaccine would be a good option. It can help to prevent pneumonia and then prevent further complications.

For more information regarding the vaccination, you can visit these sites here:

CDC: Pneumococcal Vaccination

CDC: Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Information Statement

Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Elderly

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!