1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or leisure.
4. Confusion with time or place.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
8. Decreased or poor judgement.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.
10. Changes in mood or personality.

Sources: Reuter’s & alz.org

1. There are too many near misses.

2. They have physical difficulty turning to check traffic.

3. They often become lost.

4. Their response time is too slow.

5. Their car shows many minor dings and dents.

6. Inability to cope with the normal frustrations of driving.

7. They start getting too many tickets.

If you note one or more of these signs, it might be time to have a frank talk with your loved one about their driving habits and about possibly enrolling them in a refresher driving course. Information about these classes can be found at the AARP website.

Find out more about these tips here: 7 Signs Dad Shouldn’t Drive Anymore

1. Make sure your home is well lit. Install night lights where appropriate, even in places you walk infrequently (you never know). Check with an electrician to see if you can install stronger bulbs in your regular home fixtures. Carry a pocket flashlight with you, which is especially handy to have getting from your car to inside.

2. Declutter your home. Asses the edges of your area rugs, runners, and mats. Make sure you have enough room to navigate around furniture. Tuck extension cords and wires securely out of the way. Keep clutter off the stairs, and make sure your handrails are sturdy.

3. Think about side affects from  your medicines. Blood pressure medicine can cause dizziness when you stand, creating a perfect chance for falling. Other medications can also make you dizzy and weak feeling. Address this concern with your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Check the safety of your bathroom. The bathroom can be the most dangerous room in your house, so take plenty of precautions. Think about installing grab bars by the toilet and shower. Consider putting a stool in your shower, and another outside of it to sit on when drying off. Your safety is more important than your pride.

5. Reorganize your storage. Put things you use on a regular basis within easy reach. Having to climb stools is unnecessarily risky.

Read Dr. Senelick’s full article here: Aging & Injury: 5 Ways to Avoid Falls at Home.

Jennifer DuBose of Chicago Parent recommends the following to deal with helping children cope:

- Tell children early on. Kids are intuitive and will know something is up, so don’t leave them to draw their own conclusions.

- Keep it simple. Give your kids the amount of information you think they can handle. As they get older or your loved one’s status worsens, you can explain the condition even more fully.

- Check in on how your kids are feeling and watch for behavioral problems. Enlist the help of other adults in your child’s life to provide support.

- Take care of yourself. You’ll have more to offer your loved one and your children if you get occasional respite.

The Mayo Clinic identifies the following as signs of caregiver stress:

• Feeling tired most of the time
• Feeling overwhelmed and irritable
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Gaining or losing a lot of weight
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

 

There are ways to deal with this stress. The Mayo Clinic recommends taking the following steps:

 

• Accept help. Be prepared with a list of ways that oth­ers can help you and let the helper choose what he or she would like to do. For instance, one person might be happy to take the person you care for on a walk a couple of times a week. Someone else might offer to pick up groceries for you.
• Don’t give in to guilt. Feeling guilty is normal, but understand that no one is a “perfect” caregiver. You’re doing the best you can at any given time. Your house does not have to be perfect, and no one will care if you eat leftovers three days in a row. And you don’t have to feel guilty about asking for help.
• Get informed. Organizations such as the Red Cross and the Alzheimer’s Association offer classes on caregiving, and local hospitals may have classes specifically about the disease your loved one is facing.
• Join a support group. A support group can be a great source for encouragement and advice from others in similar situations. It can also be a good place to make new friends.
• Stay connected. Make an effort to stay in touch with family and friends. Set aside time each week for socializing, even if it’s just a walk with a friend. Whenever possible, make plans that get you out of the house.
• Commit to staying healthy. Find time to be physically active on most days of the week, and don’t neglect your need for a good night’s sleep. It’s also crucial to eat a healthy diet.
• See your doctor. Get recommended immunizations and screenings. Make sure to tell your doctor that you’re a caregiver. Don’t hesitate to mention any concerns or symptoms you have.

Also recommended is taking a break from your caregiving duties. There are many options, including adult care centers, day hospitals, in- home care, and short term nursing homes.

Read more about what the Mayo Clinic has to say about caregiver stress and prevention here: Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

Unfortunately, spotting malnutrition in adults can be tricky. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following steps to catch improper nutrition:

“Observe your loved one’s eating habits. Spend time with an older loved one during meals at home, not just on special occasions. If your loved one lives alone, find out who buys his or her food. If your loved one is in a hospital or long term care facility, visit during mealtimes.

Look for physical problems. Red flags for malnutrition might include poor wound healing, easy bruising, dental difficulties and weight loss. Watch for signs of weight loss, such as changes in how clothing fits.

Know your loved one’s medications. Many drugs affect appetite, digestion and nutrient absorption.”

You can also try to prevent the causes of inadequate nutrition in your seniors life. The Mayo Clinic suggests the following could be triggers of malnutrition:

“Health problems. Older adults often have health problems that can lead to decreased appetite or trouble eating, such as chronic illness, use of certain medications, trouble chewing due to dental issues, problems swallowing or difficulty absorbing nutrients. A recent hospitalization may be accompanied by loss of appetite or other nutrition problems. In other cases, a diminished sense of taste and smell decreases appetite.

Limited income and reduced social contact. Some older adults may have trouble affording groceries, especially if they’re taking expensive medications. Those who eat alone may not enjoy meals, causing them to lose interest in cooking and eating.

Depression. Grief, loneliness, failing health, lack of mobility and other factors may contribute to depression — causing loss of appetite among older adults.

Alcoholism. Alcoholism is a leading contributor to malnutrition — decreasing appetite and vital nutrients and frequently serving as a substitute for meals.

Restricted diets. Older adults often have dietary restrictions, including limits on salt, fat, protein and sugar. Although such diets can help manage many medical conditions, they can also be bland and unappealing.”

For more information about recognizing and dealing with senior malnutrition, read the whole Mayo Clinic article here: Senior Malnutrition

]]> http://www.alwaysthereinc.com/2011/06/28/senior-health-recognize-the-signs-of-inadequate-nutrition/feed/ 0 http://www.alwaysthereinc.com/2009/07/22/safety-awareness/ http://www.alwaysthereinc.com/2009/07/22/safety-awareness/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:20:02 +0000 admin http://alwaysthereinc.com/?p=3 Taking simple precautions can truly be a lifesaver.

Home accidents are a major cause of concern; a simple fall can result in serious injury. Which is why Always There’s employees are carefully trained to improve and ensure safety in the home.

The best way to prevent accidents is to eliminate potential hazards. We check for hazards every time we visit your home—and when we spot safety hazards, you’ll be the first to know. You’ll also be glad to know we document all safety hazards—and intervention steps taken—on our weekly service reports.

Below is a list of suggestions for promoting safety in your home.

GENERAL SAFETY

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers next to each telephone and in an easily visible place like the refrigerator. Include family member’s numbers and the “Always There” office phone numbers. Also, keep the telephone within easy reach.
• Keep your home as neat and uncluttered as possible.
• Keep all medications stored in a safe and dry location, out of direct sunlight like kitchen windows, and out of children’s reach. Call the office regarding old medicines that may need to be thrown away.
• If possible, keep a First Aid Kit in the home at all times.
• Whether you’re lifting or moving someone or something, remember to use proper body mechanics.
• Check extension cords for frayed wiring. Replace any that pose a risk. Cords under rugs pose a fire hazard—which is why we suggest you consider another way to place them.
• Make sure that lighting is adequate in your home, especially the pathway to the bathroom at night. Install and use nightlights throughout your home, and place a lamp or flashlight within easy reach of the bed. Replace burned out light bulbs promptly.
• Make sure wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc., are in good working condition, and be sure you know how to use them correctly.

• Remove anything obstructing walking pathways—such as personal belongings, cords, furniture and sharp-edged objects.
• Throw rugs should be removed or secured with rubber non-skids mats underneath.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
• Keep frequently-used items within easy reach. If necessary, rearrange cabinets so that they are within easy reach.
• Look for steps, stairwells, and walkways not in good condition or that have poor lighting.
• Carpeting on steps should be securely fastened. If you have steps without carpeting, install non-skid strips.
• To help vision-impaired family members, consider marking the edges of steps with brightly-colored tape.
• Stress the importance of using handrails on steps, etc.
• Recommend shoes with non-slip soles.

• If your family member cooks, look for safe and easy ways for them to help themselves in the kitchen. If he or she is weak, sitting on a chair at the stove instead of standing may be helpful—but it’s important to take extra precaution with this arrangement.
• Sink and stove should be well lit, and curtains kept away from the stove.
• Pan handles should be turned away from the burners and the edge of the stove. Front burners should be used when possible—to prevent the need for reaching to the back burners.
• Pot holders should be kept near the stove and oven—while still safely away from flames.
• Clothing with loose sleeves should not be worn while cooking.
• Baking soda should be kept near the stove.
• Make sure appliances are turned off when not in use.
• Knives should be kept in a knife rack or drawer.
• Hazardous cleaners and chemicals should be stored out of reach.

• Be aware if your family member needs help getting in and out of the tub and/or shower.
• Bathtubs and showers should have non-skid mats, or strips on the inside and a bath mat on the outside of the tub/shower.
• Towel bars and soap dishes should be securely installed in case they’re ever needed for support.
• Soap and shampoo should be within easy reach.
• Safety equipment like grab bars and shower chairs may be advisable.
• Keep all electrical appliances away from bathtub, shower and sink areas.
• Keep razors and scissors stored safely.

• Hazardous cleaners and chemicals should be locked up or kept out of reach.
• Porches, balconies, decks, etc., should have secured railings and steps.

• Check smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
• Know the location of all exits and remind your family member where they are located.
• In case of fire, RESCUE FIRST! THEN CALL 911.
• Sleep with bedroom doors closed. But use a “baby monitor” if you need to be able to hear your family member calling you at night.
• When using a fire extinguisher, aim at the base of the fire.

• Oxygen tanks and equipment should be stored away from heat and/or flames.
• Post NO SMOKING signs throughout the home.

If you are navigating the seas of home care for the first time, you may be wondering, “doesn’t Medicare pay for help in the home?” Before answering that question, you should understand the difference between Home Health and private-duty, in-home care. Home Health care is medically focused while private-duty care usually focuses on non-medical care, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. Some states, however, allow private-duty nursing (like wound care, injections, and venipuncture) as well. Each Always There office can tell you about the laws in their state. The other big difference between Home Health and private-duty care is the payer source – who pays the bill. Home Health can be covered by traditional health insurance and Medicare. Private-duty care is usually paid by the client, or by a long-term care insurance company, if the client has that kind of policy.

Most people would like to take advantage of an insurance benefit, if possible. People covered under traditional health insurance policies should contact their local plan administrator to determine if they have home care coverage. For Medicare recipients, the information below may be helpful in learning about the home health benefit.

In the most general terms, home health care is medically oriented (meaning nursing or therapy), short-term care provided to a home-bound individual. Clients who need assistance only with bathing, dressing, or meal preparation are NOT eligible for any Medicare-covered home health care. These are considered “custodial” tasks and not medical tasks.

The table below demonstrates some of the key differences between Medicare’s home health coverage and the in-home services provided by Always There.

What does “homebound” mean? According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, a person is defined as homebound if they are, “normally unable to leave home unassisted. To be homebound means that leaving home takes considerable and taxing effort.” Therefore, if a person is extremely short of breath and must rest every few feet while walking, he/she would probably be considered homebound. Furthermore, the Medicare rules state that a person may still be considered homebound even if they do leave the home for… “short, infrequent trips for non-medical reasons, such as a trip to the barber or to attend religious services. However, if a person leaves the home more than once a week, he/she is NOT considered homebound and will not be eligible for Medicare-covered home health care.

If you think you may be eligible for services that would be covered by Medicare, you should call your physician who can refer you to a reputable home health agency.

Medicare’s coverage of home health care is very different from private-duty home care, but the two often compliment each other. Sometimes Always There works independently in a client’s home, and sometimes we work in conjunction with a home health agency. The following is an example of a typical situation where a client may use both Always There In-Home Care and a Medicare-covered Home Health Agency.

Mrs. Smith was discharged from the hospital after a long illness. She lives with her husband. The ABC Home Health agency has been asked to send a physical therapist to her home twice a week and a home health aide from the same agency three  times a week. The aide will give Mrs. Smith a bath.

The Smiths think they need more help. They hire Always There. It is determined at the initial assessment that our caregiver will be at the Smith’s home Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Smiths’ daughter stays with them on the weekends.

The ABC agency therapist tells Mr. and Mrs. Smith that she will visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays and she’ll “probably” be there about 10 a.m. Some days she does not arrive until noon. She usually stays about 30 minutes. The aide comes Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are never sure what time she will arrive. She stays about 40 minutes when she comes. On the other hand, the Always There caregiver arrives promptly at 9 a.m. every morning and stays until 4 p.m. every day. She is busy helping the Smiths at all times.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the ABC aide gives Mrs. Smith a bath while the Always There caregiver performs other household duties, such as laundry, vacuuming and meal preparation. But Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Always There caregiver assists with the bath. On the days the therapist visits, the Always There caregiver watches and helps with the therapy session. When the therapist discontinues her home visits, the Always There caregiver can help Mrs. Smith continue to practice her exercises. Long after the ABC agency has discontinued their services, Always There remains in the home and continues service to Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

At Always There we always want to keep our clients apprised of the latest resources and information about their care. Below are links to organizations, information, and services to help seniors and their families stay informed.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Foundation
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center
Alzheimer’s Research Forum
Alzheimer’s Family Relief Program
800-437-2423

Senior Citizens/Aging

AARP
Eldercare Locator 800-677-1116
Medicare
National Institutes on Aging
Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213
The U.S. Administration on Aging
Senior Daily Living

Doctors/Medical Services

American Medical Association
National Institutes on Health

Other Diseases/Conditions

AIDS Action
American Cancer Society
American Diabetes Association
Arthritis Foundation
Heart Association
Huntington’s Disease Society of America
Lupus Foundation
National Alliance of the Mentally Ill
National Brain Injury Association
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Parkinson’s Association

Elder Law Attorneys

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Private Duty Home Care

National Private Duty Association