Unless you have experience dealing with an elder care situation, it can be hard to completely understand just how complicated and overwhelming these situations can be. Here at Long Term Solutions, we work with caregivers on a daily basis. We understand how to support these caregivers, and guide individuals through these elder care crises. How can WeCare+ do this? Here's a story about Brian Smith, who's ailing mother is a plane ride away from him.
Brian Smith lives in San Diego, California, and far away from his elderly mother, Linda. She has mild dementia, and ever since his father passed away, he has been constantly worrying about her living alone. He wished he could be geographically closer to her, but that wasn’t an option with his career. Fortunately, she had been doing fine. She lived in a nice little apartment in Lantana, Florida. She had a part-time job at a little boutique downtown, and she had been able to independently manage everything from finances to grocery shopping.
Lately, it seemed like things weren’t quite right. Brian received several calls from her friends voicing concerns that she seemed slightly different. She had been missing lunches and not keeping in touch with them as regularly as she had; something was off. It seemed strange because whenever he spoke to his mom on the phone she said things were great. She admitted to missing a lunch or two, but she dismissed it as nothing more than that. Then Brian received a call from her employer, and he knew something was different. His mother had lost her job. She had missed work and was acting uncharacteristically. Brian didn’t have the freedom or time off from his job to fly out to Florida. He wasn’t quite sure that he would know what to do if he was there. He needed someone who was an expert in assessing and planning elder care. In addition to that, he wanted someone local. They needed to be able to visit his mother in her home. He looked for a solution, and he found WeCare+.
Showing posts with label long-term care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label long-term care. Show all posts
Friday, November 16, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Caring for the Elderly: Fall Risk: Part 1
Here in New England, fall is in full swing. We have beautiful fall foliage, chilly mornings and nights, and the days are getting shorter and shorter. While all of these are welcome parts of fall, the falling leaves, the changes in temperature, and the dwindling daylight can pose some safety hazards for the elderly.
Slippery Leaves
The mild fall weather is a great opportunity to be outside, and many elderly take advantage of this by going on walks. However, the leaves on the ground can pose a serious fall risk. These dry leaves can absorb an incredibly large amount of water, and this makes them extremely slippery.
Please advise any of your elderly loved ones to practice caution while walking on a leaf covered sidewalk:
Frost
The cold mornings and evenings create a second hazard: frost. The warm afternoon temperatures can quickly drop, and any condensation or moisture that is on the ground will turn into frost. This can be somewhat unexpected in months like September and October, but that is exactly why it is so dangerous. The elderly can avoid falls by taking several precautions:
For the elderly, falls are incredibly dangerous. The elderly are at a much higher risk for suffering a broken bone or serious injury as the result of a fall. Furthermore, hospital stays can lead to an increased risk of pneumonia, cognitive decline, and other diseases. This season, please be sure to keep your elderly loved one safe from harm.
Slippery Leaves
The mild fall weather is a great opportunity to be outside, and many elderly take advantage of this by going on walks. However, the leaves on the ground can pose a serious fall risk. These dry leaves can absorb an incredibly large amount of water, and this makes them extremely slippery.
Please advise any of your elderly loved ones to practice caution while walking on a leaf covered sidewalk:
- Walk slowly over leaf covered areas
- Always wear sneakers while walking to increase traction
- If you are walking with an elderly loved one, support them by the arm while walking across any leaf covered areas
Frost
The cold mornings and evenings create a second hazard: frost. The warm afternoon temperatures can quickly drop, and any condensation or moisture that is on the ground will turn into frost. This can be somewhat unexpected in months like September and October, but that is exactly why it is so dangerous. The elderly can avoid falls by taking several precautions:
- Walk slowly on the sidewalk
- Avoid shaded areas as these are more likely to have frost
- Try walking later in the day, as most of the frost is melted by noon
Shorter days
Lastly, the shorter days can be a hazard to the elderly who may
have difficulty seeing at night. Remember to remind your elderly loved ones
about the time change. In addition to that, you can encourage them to alter their daily schedule by
an hour or two, and advise them to plan all of their errands and
appointments for the afternoon. That way, they can avoid being on the road after dark.For the elderly, falls are incredibly dangerous. The elderly are at a much higher risk for suffering a broken bone or serious injury as the result of a fall. Furthermore, hospital stays can lead to an increased risk of pneumonia, cognitive decline, and other diseases. This season, please be sure to keep your elderly loved one safe from harm.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Elder Care Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the American Time Use Survey this past week, and there are some incredible figures regarding family caregivers.
22.3 million ( or 56%) of these caregivers were women.
23% of these caregivers were between the ages of 45 to 54.
22% of these caregivers were between the ages of 55 to 65.
16% of these caregivers were 65 and older.
23% of these caregivers were part of the sandwich generation, and cared for a child under 18 in addition to fulfilling their elder care duties.
This data was taken in 2011. With the first baby boomers beginning to retire, it will be interesting to see which areas increase during the next year. What do you think this means for the future of caregiving? What surprise you most about this data?
You can find the New York Times article here, and more statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics here.
According to The New
York Times, this survey was started in 2003, and the numbers are based on the minute by minute activities of Americans during a specific 24-hour period. This is the first
year that elder care data was collected, and here is what they found:
39.8 million people over the age of 15 acted as
unpaid caregivers to someone over 65. 22.3 million ( or 56%) of these caregivers were women.
23% of these caregivers were between the ages of 45 to 54.
22% of these caregivers were between the ages of 55 to 65.
16% of these caregivers were 65 and older.
23% of these caregivers were part of the sandwich generation, and cared for a child under 18 in addition to fulfilling their elder care duties.
This data was taken in 2011. With the first baby boomers beginning to retire, it will be interesting to see which areas increase during the next year. What do you think this means for the future of caregiving? What surprise you most about this data?
You can find the New York Times article here, and more statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics here.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Memorial Day: Outdoor Safety Tips for the Elderly
Memorial Day: Outdoor Safety Tips for the Elderly
Traditionally, Memorial Day is usually spent with family and friends around a grill. In order to have a fun, carefree Memorial Day, you have to take some safety precautions:
Grill Safety: Before you grill, there are some important safety to ensure that the grill is functioning properly and to avoid any fires.
1.Place the grill far away from your home, your deck, trees, shrubs and any flammable items.
2. Scrub the grill! Remove all grease and fat. It can catch on fire if it isn’t cleaned properly
3. If you’re using a charcoal grill, be careful about using starter fluid. Ensure that it is out of the reach of children and pets, and only use starter fluid. Don’t use any other accelerants!
4. If you’re using a propane grill, check the gas tank hose for leaks. The National Fire Protection Association has a great test: apply soapy water to the gas hose. If there is a leak, you will see bubbles. If not, then start grilling!
5.Read the complete list of tips from NFPA here.
Food Safety: Practice extreme caution while handling raw food!
1. While handling raw meat, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
2. Ensure that the coals are lightly coated with ash. Check that hamburgers reach an internal temperature of 160°F, large cuts of beef reach 154°F, and poultry reaches 165°F.
3. Read this list of food safety tips from the USDA here.
Elderly Safety: Heat stroke and heat related illness can be a serious problem for seniors.
1. Have plenty of water available to keep your elderly loved ones hydrated.
2.When you’re setting up, be sure to place several lawn chairs and tables in shaded areas to keep your senior loved ones cool.
3. Leave the air conditioning or fans on inside a room so that seniors can rest there if needed.
4. Leave bottles of sunblock outside for your guests to use, and ensure that your senior loved one wears light, breathable clothing and a hat.
5. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and seek medical attention if any of your guests start showing any symptoms! You can see the full list of symptoms here.
Hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day!
Traditionally, Memorial Day is usually spent with family and friends around a grill. In order to have a fun, carefree Memorial Day, you have to take some safety precautions:
Grill Safety: Before you grill, there are some important safety to ensure that the grill is functioning properly and to avoid any fires.
1.Place the grill far away from your home, your deck, trees, shrubs and any flammable items.
2. Scrub the grill! Remove all grease and fat. It can catch on fire if it isn’t cleaned properly
3. If you’re using a charcoal grill, be careful about using starter fluid. Ensure that it is out of the reach of children and pets, and only use starter fluid. Don’t use any other accelerants!
4. If you’re using a propane grill, check the gas tank hose for leaks. The National Fire Protection Association has a great test: apply soapy water to the gas hose. If there is a leak, you will see bubbles. If not, then start grilling!
5.Read the complete list of tips from NFPA here.
Food Safety: Practice extreme caution while handling raw food!
1. While handling raw meat, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
2. Ensure that the coals are lightly coated with ash. Check that hamburgers reach an internal temperature of 160°F, large cuts of beef reach 154°F, and poultry reaches 165°F.
3. Read this list of food safety tips from the USDA here.
Elderly Safety: Heat stroke and heat related illness can be a serious problem for seniors.
1. Have plenty of water available to keep your elderly loved ones hydrated.
2.When you’re setting up, be sure to place several lawn chairs and tables in shaded areas to keep your senior loved ones cool.
3. Leave the air conditioning or fans on inside a room so that seniors can rest there if needed.
4. Leave bottles of sunblock outside for your guests to use, and ensure that your senior loved one wears light, breathable clothing and a hat.
5. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and seek medical attention if any of your guests start showing any symptoms! You can see the full list of symptoms here.
Hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Halting the Stress of Caregiving: Meditation
At Long Term Solutions, we’re constantly examining new techniques to support
caregivers in their journey. One great way to manage your wellness is through meditation.
Now, we don’t mean adding another thing to a list of your ‘to-do’s,’
we don’t mean learning new meditation techniques, and we definitely don’t mean
wasting fifteen minutes of your day. We’re talking about meditating on the most
basic level possible. It can be as easy as stopping what you’re doing, no
matter where you are, and taking five deep breaths. As simple as that!
One place to try this is waiting for your loved ones during appointments. Caregivers are always shuttling their loved ones to and from
doctor’s appointments, so instead of stressing out about the next doctor’s
appointment, what’s for dinner, or an overbooked agenda, take some time to
meditate. Take five minutes to focus on breathing and not the thoughts
scrambling through your head. You don’t have to completely clear your head of
thoughts, but just pause them momentarily.
Incorporating five minutes of meditation into your day will
have incredible benefits! Here are six steps to quieting your mind from Huffington Post.
Friday, April 27, 2012
LTS Weekly News Roundup
Caregiving in the News:
AAFP: Caregiving Affects Health of Three-Quarters of Caregivers, According to National Survey
A national survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians has found that caregiving has negatively impacted the health of 72% of caregivers across the U.S.
Psychology Today: Man the Fixer, Woman the Nurturer – the Caregiving Gender Gap This article explores the gender gap that occurs in caregiving and debates whether or not women are predisposed to caregiving as a result of fulfilling traditional maternal duties.
Elder Health in the News:
TIME: Brain Food: Berries Can Slow Cognitive Decline According to a recent report in the Annals of Neurology, women who frequently ate berries slowed down their brain decline by 1.5 to 2.5 years.
New York Times: The Faces of Alzheimer’s Cathy Greenblat, a professor of sociology at Rutgers, decided to challenge the way the U.S. views Alzheimer’s through a series of photographs and a book titled “Love, Loss and Laughter: Seeing Alzheimer’s Differently.”
AAFP: Caregiving Affects Health of Three-Quarters of Caregivers, According to National Survey
A national survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians has found that caregiving has negatively impacted the health of 72% of caregivers across the U.S.
Psychology Today: Man the Fixer, Woman the Nurturer – the Caregiving Gender Gap This article explores the gender gap that occurs in caregiving and debates whether or not women are predisposed to caregiving as a result of fulfilling traditional maternal duties.
Elder Health in the News:
TIME: Brain Food: Berries Can Slow Cognitive Decline According to a recent report in the Annals of Neurology, women who frequently ate berries slowed down their brain decline by 1.5 to 2.5 years.
New York Times: The Faces of Alzheimer’s Cathy Greenblat, a professor of sociology at Rutgers, decided to challenge the way the U.S. views Alzheimer’s through a series of photographs and a book titled “Love, Loss and Laughter: Seeing Alzheimer’s Differently.”
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Caregiving and the Importance of Laughter
“Laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” – Lord ByronAs a caregiver, you can experience emotions such as depression, anxiety, sadness and hopelessness on a daily basis and it's easy to become bogged down. How can you avoid being swept up in all of this emotion and lift your spirits? Laughter! Laughter and caregiving is something that we have touched upon in past posts, but we want to reiterate for a couple of reasons.
It’s important for you to have a sense of humor while caregiving. Full-time caregiving can be a rollercoaster of emotion, and, that being said, you experience very emotionally charged and intense situations. However, throughout the day, there will always be an opportunity for laughter and joy. We don't mean laughing at the expense of your loved one, but being able to recognize the comedy in a situation can be a great opportunity to diffuse some of the stresses involved with caregiving. Something that creates stress in your life now could be a good opportunity for laughter.
If you find that you aren’t finding any opportunities to laugh during the day, find a way to create laughter during your day. You can put on your favorite t.v. show, search on to YouTube, browse social media sites for something funny, or call up a funny friend. Why? It’s incredibly important and good for your health.
Laughter can do all of this and more:
Reduce stress hormones
Lower Blood Pressure
Increase blood flow
Increase infection-fighting antibodies
Relieve pain
Put laughing every day on your list of things to do, and you’ll feel the emotional and physical benefits.
Friday, April 20, 2012
LTS Weekly News Roundup
Caregiving in the News:
NPR: One Roof, Three Generations, Many Decisions
In the first of a series of broadcasts, NPR has begun examining how the recent recession has forced many into multi-generational homes. As a result, they will discuss issues of elder care, the costs of caregiving, and the costs of long-term care insurance.
McKnight’s:Caregivers for Medicaid recipients often live in poverty, study finds
UCLA released a study this past week revealing that caregivers providing services to adults using Medi-Cal earn less than $11 an hour and have monthly incomes of $1,970. This is 200% below the federal poverty level.
Elder Health News:
The New York Times: Too Many Pills for Aging Patients
With more than 40% of people over age 65 taking five or more medications, there has been an increasing trend of over medicating seniors which leads to hospitalizations.
TIME: No Regrets! Successful Aging Means Letting Go of ‘What Ifs?’
Research from Science has indicated that adopting a‘no regrets’ philosophy will lead to emotional health later in life. Through a series of chance games, researchers determined that the elderly who readily blamed themselves for circumstances beyond their control were more likely to be depressed.
LA Times: You’re never too old to reduce Alzheimer’s risk with exercise
A recent study tracked 716 elderly people, and the results indicated that the participants who spent the least amount of time partaking in physical activity were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.
Long-Term Care Industry News:
US News & World Report: Long-Term Care Needs Demand Your Attention Now
A combination of shrinking financial resources and fewer health-care workers is creating an unprecedented health care crisis.
NPR: One Roof, Three Generations, Many Decisions
In the first of a series of broadcasts, NPR has begun examining how the recent recession has forced many into multi-generational homes. As a result, they will discuss issues of elder care, the costs of caregiving, and the costs of long-term care insurance.
McKnight’s:Caregivers for Medicaid recipients often live in poverty, study finds
UCLA released a study this past week revealing that caregivers providing services to adults using Medi-Cal earn less than $11 an hour and have monthly incomes of $1,970. This is 200% below the federal poverty level.
Elder Health News:
The New York Times: Too Many Pills for Aging Patients
With more than 40% of people over age 65 taking five or more medications, there has been an increasing trend of over medicating seniors which leads to hospitalizations.
TIME: No Regrets! Successful Aging Means Letting Go of ‘What Ifs?’
Research from Science has indicated that adopting a‘no regrets’ philosophy will lead to emotional health later in life. Through a series of chance games, researchers determined that the elderly who readily blamed themselves for circumstances beyond their control were more likely to be depressed.
LA Times: You’re never too old to reduce Alzheimer’s risk with exercise
A recent study tracked 716 elderly people, and the results indicated that the participants who spent the least amount of time partaking in physical activity were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.
Long-Term Care Industry News:
US News & World Report: Long-Term Care Needs Demand Your Attention Now
A combination of shrinking financial resources and fewer health-care workers is creating an unprecedented health care crisis.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Caregivers: Dealing with Issues of Anxiety and Depression in the Elderly
Caregiving is one of the most emotionally taxing jobs, and it can be even more difficult when you are caregiving for a loved one with depression or anxiety. Sadly, depression and anxiety in older adults is not completely uncommon. Older adults experience a significant amount of loss as the years pass. They experience loss of work, death of friends and loved ones, and their own physical and mental declines. These losses lead to depression and anxiety.
Caregivers are affected by the depression and anxiety of their elder loved ones. It is challenging to care for a depressed or anxious loved one and also take care of oneself. It is therefore very important that caregivers not ignore the signs of depression and anxiety either in their loved ones or themselves.
Here are some things to remember while caring for someone with depression or anxiety:
It’s not about you. This may be the harshest way to put it, but remember that your loved one isn’t depressed or anxious because of something you are doing. Separate yourself from their depression and anxiety, and this will help relieve some of the feelings of frustration and anger that can develop. Depression and anxiety are clinical diseases and even the most qualified caregivers in the world couldn’t treat them without medication.
It’s okay to take a break. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by emotion, remember that it’s okay to put everything down and take a 15 minute break. Everyone can feel overwhelmed by emotion, and admitting to yourself and your loved one that you need a break is okay. Taking this time for yourself can help you regroup and be support your loved one.
Know the symptoms of depression. Educate yourself on the warning signs and symptoms of depression. Understanding why and how your loved one is feeling will help you understand the disease more.
Contact your physician immediately if you notice a change in your moods. If you see any symptoms of anxiety or depression in yourself, seek treatment. It’s easy to think that these emotions will pass, but depression and anxiety are serious illnesses.
Here is a wonderful article from HelpGuide.org about helping people with depression and anxiety while simultaneously supporting yourself emotionally.
Caregivers are affected by the depression and anxiety of their elder loved ones. It is challenging to care for a depressed or anxious loved one and also take care of oneself. It is therefore very important that caregivers not ignore the signs of depression and anxiety either in their loved ones or themselves.
Here are some things to remember while caring for someone with depression or anxiety:
It’s not about you. This may be the harshest way to put it, but remember that your loved one isn’t depressed or anxious because of something you are doing. Separate yourself from their depression and anxiety, and this will help relieve some of the feelings of frustration and anger that can develop. Depression and anxiety are clinical diseases and even the most qualified caregivers in the world couldn’t treat them without medication.
It’s okay to take a break. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by emotion, remember that it’s okay to put everything down and take a 15 minute break. Everyone can feel overwhelmed by emotion, and admitting to yourself and your loved one that you need a break is okay. Taking this time for yourself can help you regroup and be support your loved one.
Know the symptoms of depression. Educate yourself on the warning signs and symptoms of depression. Understanding why and how your loved one is feeling will help you understand the disease more.
Contact your physician immediately if you notice a change in your moods. If you see any symptoms of anxiety or depression in yourself, seek treatment. It’s easy to think that these emotions will pass, but depression and anxiety are serious illnesses.
Here is a wonderful article from HelpGuide.org about helping people with depression and anxiety while simultaneously supporting yourself emotionally.
Friday, April 13, 2012
LTS Weekly News Roundup
Caregiving in the News:
New York Times: Reconnecting Through Art
The Rubin Museum of Art in Manhattan has been hosting “Mindful Connections” once a month, which is an opportunity for caregivers caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia to bring them to a 90-minute art discussion. This is part of a larger trend to use art as a way to stimulate conversation and communication in people with Alzheimer’s or dementia related illnesses.
CNN: Caregiving for loved ones the ‘new normal’ for boomers
43.5 million Americans care for someone older than 50, and with more and more baby boomers retiring, this number is expected to grow exponentially.
Elder Health in the News:
World Health Organization: Dementia cases set to triple by 2050 but still largely ignored
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the World Health Organization has indicated that by 2050 70% of the population will be living with dementia. This number roughly translates to 115.4 million people, which is three times the current number.
Genworth Financial: Cost of Care Across the United States
Genworth has released their 9th annual Cost of Care survey. The cost of facility based care has increased steadily, and it is expected to continue to grow by an average of $15,300 yearly. Rates for home care providers have seen almost no increase over the past five years.
Long-Term Care Industry News:
InAudit: Long-Term Care Insurance and Three Ways of Buying It!
This article discusses the different LTCI policies and encourages readers to view LTC policies in the same context as home insurance.
New York Times: Reconnecting Through Art
The Rubin Museum of Art in Manhattan has been hosting “Mindful Connections” once a month, which is an opportunity for caregivers caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia to bring them to a 90-minute art discussion. This is part of a larger trend to use art as a way to stimulate conversation and communication in people with Alzheimer’s or dementia related illnesses.
CNN: Caregiving for loved ones the ‘new normal’ for boomers
43.5 million Americans care for someone older than 50, and with more and more baby boomers retiring, this number is expected to grow exponentially.
Elder Health in the News:
World Health Organization: Dementia cases set to triple by 2050 but still largely ignored
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the World Health Organization has indicated that by 2050 70% of the population will be living with dementia. This number roughly translates to 115.4 million people, which is three times the current number.
Genworth Financial: Cost of Care Across the United States
Genworth has released their 9th annual Cost of Care survey. The cost of facility based care has increased steadily, and it is expected to continue to grow by an average of $15,300 yearly. Rates for home care providers have seen almost no increase over the past five years.
Long-Term Care Industry News:
InAudit: Long-Term Care Insurance and Three Ways of Buying It!
This article discusses the different LTCI policies and encourages readers to view LTC policies in the same context as home insurance.
Friday, April 6, 2012
LTS Weekly News Roundup
Caregiving in the News:
New York Times: The Caregiver’s Bookshelf: A Law Guide for Seniors
The New York Times New Old Age Blog frequently recommends books for caregivers. In this post, they recommend “Everyday Law for Seniors” by Professor Lawrence Frolik and Professor Linda Whitton.
Huffington Post: Corporate America’s Looking Caregiver Crisis
U.S. companies lose $33.6 billion a year in lost productivity due to caregiving, but eldercare benefits in the workplace still remain unaddressed.
Elder Health News:
Huffington Post: Will New DSM-5 Diagnosis End ‘Dementia’ Stigma?
The mental health experts helping to update the DSM-5 have proposed changing the diagnosis of “dementia” to “major neurocognitive disorder.” The reasons for this vary, but one primary goal is to stress a decline as opposed to a deficit.
Long-Term Care Industry News:
Wall Street Journal: Medicaid Gets Harder to Tap
State by state, Medicaid program regulations vary, and some states are becoming stricter. It’s becoming increasingly more difficult for families to use Medicaid to help pay for long-term care.
New York Times: The Caregiver’s Bookshelf: A Law Guide for Seniors
The New York Times New Old Age Blog frequently recommends books for caregivers. In this post, they recommend “Everyday Law for Seniors” by Professor Lawrence Frolik and Professor Linda Whitton.
Huffington Post: Corporate America’s Looking Caregiver Crisis
U.S. companies lose $33.6 billion a year in lost productivity due to caregiving, but eldercare benefits in the workplace still remain unaddressed.
Elder Health News:
Huffington Post: Will New DSM-5 Diagnosis End ‘Dementia’ Stigma?
The mental health experts helping to update the DSM-5 have proposed changing the diagnosis of “dementia” to “major neurocognitive disorder.” The reasons for this vary, but one primary goal is to stress a decline as opposed to a deficit.
Long-Term Care Industry News:
Wall Street Journal: Medicaid Gets Harder to Tap
State by state, Medicaid program regulations vary, and some states are becoming stricter. It’s becoming increasingly more difficult for families to use Medicaid to help pay for long-term care.
Friday, March 23, 2012
LTS Weekly News Roundup
Often, it’s difficult for caregivers caring for people with
cognitive impairments to understand why they are behaving differently. This
author breaks down the different brain processes that are affected in that
situation, and how understanding this is beneficial to caregivers.
This article discusses compassion fatigue resulting from
caregiving, and they use Reggie Gooch as an example. He is 98 years old, and
was a full-time caregiver for his wife, Millie, who recently passed away at the
age of 102. The two years he dedicated to caregiving left him mentally,
physically and emotionally exhausted.
Elder Health in the News:
A recent study indicates that a high BMI is associated with
an increased risk of poor cognitive performance in seniors ages 60-70.
Three studies released this past week have indicated that
taking aspirin daily can help prevent cancer in addition to reducing the risk
of clot formation.
Long-Term Care Industry News:
With monthly premiums on existing policies increasing by an
average of 40%, policy holders are trying to determine ways to keep their
policies.
The author discusses several options for creating a
sustainable system to address the current and upcoming needs of seniors.
Friday, March 16, 2012
LTS Weekly News Roundup
Caregiving in the News:
Science Daily: Simple, Low-Cost Yoga Program Can Enhance Coping and Quality of Life for the Caregivers
A study released by UCLA this week found that 12 minutes of yoga a day can reduce symptoms of depression in caregivers and also improve cognitive functioning.
Family Caregiver Alliance: 27 Things You May not Know about Women and Caregiving
In honor of International Women’s Day 2012, the Family Caregiver Alliance compiled 27 statistics about female caregivers and how they are impacted differently than male caregivers.
Elder Health in the News:
Chicago Tribune: Elderly sometimes keep using opioids after surgery
A recent study conducted in Canada indicated that one in ten older adults prescribed an opioid painkiller for surgery will continue to fill the prescription a year after the surgery happened.
BBC News: Poor literacy ‘increase early death risk for elderly’
According to University College London, one in three adults over 65 in England struggle with understanding health information, and as a result are more than twice as likely to die within five years.
Long-Term Care Industry News:
New York Times: Cost of Long-Term Care Insurance Keeps Rising
The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance has announced that after analyzing 10 popular long-term care policies, they have found that prices for these policies have risen by 17%.
The Wall Street Journal: Long-Term Care: What Now?
With many insurance companies halting the sale of long-term care policies or raising premiums, it’s difficult to decide how to address your long-term care needs. This article reviews four options for addressing this.
Science Daily: Simple, Low-Cost Yoga Program Can Enhance Coping and Quality of Life for the Caregivers
A study released by UCLA this week found that 12 minutes of yoga a day can reduce symptoms of depression in caregivers and also improve cognitive functioning.
Family Caregiver Alliance: 27 Things You May not Know about Women and Caregiving
In honor of International Women’s Day 2012, the Family Caregiver Alliance compiled 27 statistics about female caregivers and how they are impacted differently than male caregivers.
Elder Health in the News:
Chicago Tribune: Elderly sometimes keep using opioids after surgery
A recent study conducted in Canada indicated that one in ten older adults prescribed an opioid painkiller for surgery will continue to fill the prescription a year after the surgery happened.
BBC News: Poor literacy ‘increase early death risk for elderly’
According to University College London, one in three adults over 65 in England struggle with understanding health information, and as a result are more than twice as likely to die within five years.
Long-Term Care Industry News:
New York Times: Cost of Long-Term Care Insurance Keeps Rising
The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance has announced that after analyzing 10 popular long-term care policies, they have found that prices for these policies have risen by 17%.
The Wall Street Journal: Long-Term Care: What Now?
With many insurance companies halting the sale of long-term care policies or raising premiums, it’s difficult to decide how to address your long-term care needs. This article reviews four options for addressing this.
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