Keeping Seniors Safe in Dedham, Massachusetts This Holiday Season

(ARA) - Even if you're not driving through a blizzard, the effects of winter weather pose a mobility challenge for everyone, whether it's the possibility of slipping on the sidewalk or delayed flights due to icy runways.

Cold temperatures only add to the frustration of winter travel. It's little wonder that some people forgo the fun of holiday gatherings to stay home. For seniors, in particular, the ice and snow of winter is more than a discomfort - it's a hazard. It's so easy to slip and fall that many choose to stay inside, rather than take the risk of an injury from falling. Going outside to simply get the mail can seem like a chance they don't want to take.

The best way to face down winter and all its challenges is to think ahead and be prepared. A few simple solutions will make winter much safer - and more enjoyable - for you and any guests you might invite over.

* Get the right gear - Clothing has to go to the next level in winter and serve a real purpose. Not only do you need added warmth, you have to have traction gear for ice and material that will keep out the dampness of snow, sleet and rain. Clothing technology has come a long way in helping us deal with winter. New, lighter-weight fabrics fend off sub-zero cold and all kinds of precipitation without adding bulk, which is great for everyone, but particularly for professionals who need to maintain dress standards at work.

Most shoes just aren't able to stand up to the conditions of winter, and become hazardous when the world is glazed with ice. Innovative products like Stabilicers, ice cleats from 32 North, make any shoes into ground-gripping wonders. A variety of Stabilicers models are available. The Stabilicers Lite is adaptable to a wide variety of casual shoes and can be put on using only one hand. Plus, they're small and easy to stash, so you can easily carry them with you when you travel.

* Prepare your car - Winter driving poses its own unique challenges and needs. First, make sure your car is ready by checking that its fluids are temperature-appropriate and up to the correct levels, its wheels are in good alignment, its tire treads are in good condition, and that its battery, belts and hoses are in good shape.

Whether you're driving long distances to visit the family or just heading to work, it's a good idea to keep an up-to-date emergency kit in the vehicle in case you become stranded. Include good jumper cables - if the ones you have are getting worn, spring for a new pair because if you get caught in the cold with a dead car, they will be your ticket home. Also include blankets, a flashlight, flares, a first aid kit, a small shovel, a window scraper and a bag of something that will help you gain traction, like kitty litter, sand or salt. Extra hats and gloves can be handy, too, as can small, non-perishable snacks like energy bars or granola bars.

* Pay attention to your property - It's important to keep a close eye on your gutters, steps and sidewalks, even when you're not in the middle of a snow or ice storm. Make sure that icicles aren't forming, or if they have, knock them down (carefully) to avoid damage to your home and to prevent them from falling on anyone.

If ice forms on your walkways, keep ice melt, sand or salt near the door so you can easily distribute it and prevent slips and falls. When the snow starts to fall, be sure to shovel regularly. If you're a city dweller, your neighbors will thank you. If you're not, you're taking steps to protect yourself and any visiting guests. The Stabilicer ice cleats can also come in handy while you're doing these chores, giving you better traction to make the job quicker, so you can get back in out of the cold.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

 

Visit us at www.elderlifeplanning.com if you have questions, or need help for an aging senior in the area. 

 

Coping With Caregiver Stress in Dedham, Massachusetts

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and as many as 10 million family caregivers. Caregivers tend to experience high levels of stress and anxiety, and it is important to recognize the signs of such stress.  Visit us at www.elderlifeplanning.com if you have any questions, or need help for an aging loved one in the area. 

Coping with Caregiver Stress

Alzheimer caregivers report that they frequently experience high levels of stress. Too much stress can be damaging to both a caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s. If you experience some of these signs of stress on a regular basis, consult your doctor. Ignoring them can cause your physical and mental health to decline.

Symptoms of caregiver stress

Denial

Anger

Social withdrawal

Anxiety

Depression

Exhaustion

Sleeplessness

Irritability

Lack of concentration

Health problems

Be a healthy caregiver. Taking care of yourself is one of the most important ways to be a healthy caregiver.

Know what resources are available. Adult day care, in-home assistance, visiting nurses and Meals-on-Wheels are just some of the services that can help you.

Become an educated caregiver. As the disease progresses, new caregiving skills are necessary. Find information on alz.org or contact your local Alzheimer's Association.

Get help. You are not failing as a caregiver by asking others for assistance. Seek the support of family, friends and community resources. Alzheimer's Association support group meetings are a good source of comfort and reassurance. Or you can join our online community.

Take care of yourself. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Make time for shopping, lunch with friends or even a golf outing. Take advantage of community services such as adult day care or in-home companion services to care for your loved one while you take a break.

Manage your stress level. Stress can cause physical problems and changes in behavior. If you experience symptoms of caregiver stress, use relaxation techniques that work for you, and consult your doctor.

Accept changes as they occur. People with Alzheimer's change and so do their needs. They often require care beyond what you can provide on your own. Look into care services such as in-home caregiver services and residential care.

Do legal and financial planning. Consult an attorney to discuss legal, financial and care issues. If possible and appropriate, involve the person with Alzheimer's and other family members.

Be realistic. Many of the behaviors that occur are beyond your control and the control of the person with Alzheimer's. Grieve your losses, but also focus on the positive moments.

Give yourself credit, not guilt. You are doing the best you can. Don't feel guilty because you can't do more. Your loved one needs you, and you are there – that should make you feel proud.

Original content found HERE. 

Recruitment Remains is a Major Problem, High Turnover Rates Among Elder Care Workers Continues

I've been writing in this blog since 2007 about problems in the long-term care workforce, the high costs of eldercare, and the increasing difficulty that the poor and the middle class have in finding suitable care.

Five years ago, Robyn I. Stone, who served in the Clinton administration, said "...there's serious doubt that the nation's nursing and personal care homes will be able to fully staff their operations in the coming decades. Recruitment, said stone, is a major problem, and there are high turnover rates among elder care workers.''

Last year a new coalition of 25 leading organizations representing older adults and the eldercare workforce, including family caregivers,formed an organization, The Eldercare Workforce Alliance(EWA)to raise awareness of this serious issue in an organized way.

To accomplish this, the Alliance advocated for the development of programs to increase workforce capacity, strengthen workers' competencies, and improve coordinationof care.

A groundbreaking report was releasedin the spring of 2008 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which concluded that America's eldercare workforce is dangerously understaffed and unprepared to care for the rapidly growing number of older adults in the U.S.

The IOM report, "Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Health CareWorkforce", explained that by 2030, the number of Americans 65 or older will nearly double to 77 million, and roughly 20 percent of these adults will have five or more chronic health problems. At the same time, there are serious anticipated shortfalls across the eldercare workforce of professionals anddirect care workers.

This makes it increasingly difficult for older Americans' to have access to quality care, both direct-careworkers and the family caregivers who provide countless hours of care are inadequately trained and prepared, according to the IOM report.

Things continue to get worse at an alarming rate. in today's edition of the Boston Globe, Lewis Lipsitz, a Harvard Medical School professor calls attention to the decline in geriatric trained physicians, despite the growing need for many more docs trained in elder health issues

"One thing that is lost in the health care debate is how to care for the elderly. It’s ironic that at a time when thousands of Americans are struggling to find appropriate care for their failing parents, the field of geriatric medicine appears to be vanishing."

"For geriatricians" Lipsitz writes, "one distinguishing feature of the specialty - and one that most threatens its future - is the in-depth conversations about care between doctors, their older patients, and their families. Critical issues covered include treatment options, the efficacy of treatments, and the impact of these treatments on quality of life.

It takes time to manage multiple interacting medical, social and psychological problems, weigh the risks and benefits of various interventions, and discuss goals of care with patients and their families.

The problem is that geriatricians are not adequately compensated for the time they take to address their patients’ complex medical, psychological, and social needs. Consequently, the specialty is not attracting enough physicians to care for our rapidly expanding elderly population.

In 2008 there were 7,128 certified geriatricians in the United States. By 2030, we will need 36,000 geriatricians. But the number of graduating physicians seeking specialty training in geriatrics is going in the wrong direction, dropping from 167 in 2003 to 91 in 2007. Fewer doctors are specializing in geriatrics, in part because it does not provide sufficient income to pay off their loans or compensate them fairly for the labor-intensive work.

I strongly encourage you to read the full op-ed piece by Dr Lipsitz at the following link http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/25/caring_for_the_elderly/

Legal Guidance Needed to Protect Alzheimer’s Patients in Dedham, Massachusetts

Here is an article from agingcare.com that is helpful for families with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s. Visit us at www.elderlifeplanning.com if you need help for a senior loved one in the area.

Protecting Alzheimer patients' legal, financial welfare

Caregiving experts often advise that after an Alzheimer's diagnosis, family members meet with an elder law attorney to begin the process of planning for down the road as the illness progresses.

"I don't think families are well-versed in this," said Barbara Vogel, program coordinator for the Neuwirth Memory Disorders Program at Hillside Geriatric Center in Glen Oaks. "I don't think they're seeking the legal assistance or financial guidance that they need to do this early on so when the time comes they are prepared."

Instead of doing all of their planning with a lawyer, some caregivers turn to geriatric care managers or social workers who hire themselves out as guides to those attempting to navigate the system. Orlando Gonzalez, 66, and his daughter Kim Latkovich, 38, both of Manorville, paid a social worker $700 and found the experience both cheaper and faster than dealing with an attorney.

Continue reading HERE.

Dedham, Massachusetts Family Caregivers

Are you a caregiver for a family member? In the month of November during National Family Caregivers Month we celebrate YOU! As always, visit us at www.elderlifeplanning.com if you need help for an aging senior in your life.

Who are America's Family Caregivers?

Rosalyn Carter said it best: “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers”. Caregivers are needed for family members of all ages. With appropriate information and support, family caregivers can help their loved ones across the lifespan.

So, who are family caregivers … It's a complicated question and answers may vary depending upon whom you ask. Physicians may give an answer different from social workers and researchers may undoubtedly quote statistics. However, if you really want to know who America's family caregivers are, you need to ask them directly.

Continue reading HERE.

What It's Like for Dedham, MA Seniors Who Have Dementia

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and a good time to try to understand what it is like for our loved ones who suffer from dementia. If you have any questions, or need help for an aging senior in the area, visit us at www.elderlifeplanning.com.

What It's Like to Have Dementia

Understanding dementia symptoms from the inside can make you a better caregiver – and bring you closer to your loved one.

You know how frustrating and heartbreaking dementia symptoms are from the point of view of a caregiver. You know the pain of slowly seeing a loved one slip away. But what is it like for her? What is it like for a person to slowly -- or sometimes quickly -- forget almost everything she ever knew?

Continue reading article HERE.

Taking Care of Dedham, Massachusetts Parents and Finances

Taking Care of Parents Also Means Taking Care of Finances

Here is a great article from the New York Times. If you are in need of assistance for an aging senior in Dedham MA, visit us at www.elderlifeplanning.com.

About 30 percent of adult children in the United States contribute financially to their parents’ care, according to the Pew Research Center. On average these children pay $2,400 a year on everything from uncovered medical expenses to making sure the refrigerator is stocked each week. The money often goes to parents who diligently saved all their lives, but in the face of longer life spans and chronic illness, the savings just isn’t enough.

Continue reading HERE.

Education and Information on Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Near You

I'm pleased to announce that our company, Informed Eldercare Decisions, Inc. has developed a new program to support and educate family caregivers and those who are experiencing signs of memory loss that may be related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Community Alzheimer’s Research Exchange for Patients and Caregivers (CARE-PAC) helps patients and caregivers to learn more about the details involved in participating in a clinical trial exploring new ways to more effectively combat the Alzheimer's disease. If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s clinical trials, a Geriatric Care Manager (a licensed social worker, a nurse or other experienced eldercare professional) assess your situation, free of charge, and discuss the many available options that are open to you. If you and your family member would like to learn more and possibly become an active part of an ongoing clinical trial, a CARE-PAC care coordinator near you can refer you to a local Alzheimer specialist to meet with you and assess your medical condition. There might be a clinical research trial for memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease in your area.

Please contact the CAREPAC program today at 800-735-4265 to find out how you could help join the fight against alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists are making great strides in identifying potential new interventions to diagnose, slow, prevent, treat, and someday cure Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, more than 90 drugs are in clinical trials for AD, and more are in the pipeline awaiting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to enter human testing.

AD research can move forward only if people are willing to volunteer for trials and studies. Before any new drug or therapy can used in clinical practice, it must be rigorously tested in humans to find out whether it is safe and effective. Today, at least 50,000 volunteers both with and without Alzheimer’s are urgently needed to participate in more than 175 actively enrolling Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials and studies in the U.S. To reach that goal, researchers will have to screen at least half a million potential volunteers. (From the National Institute on Aging, http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/)

Why should I participate?
There are important reasons why people volunteer to participate in an AD clinical trial including:
• Playing a role in the discovery of treatments, cures, and preventions
• Helping people suffering from medical conditions• Gaining access to investigational treatments before they become widely available
• Ability to play a more active role in your own healthcare• Access to free physical examinations and diagnostic tests related to the study

The CAREPAC Pre-screening Process Saves Time and Headaches
AD caregivers don’t have a lot of extra time to investigate clinical trials. The CAREPAC program includes a pre-screening process that reduces the possibility of wasting a significant amount of time going to clinical trial sites to answer questions only to be rejected. A Geriatric Care Manager trained as a CAREPAC Coordinator will do a brief phone pre-screen with you followed up by an in home visit.

During the course of the discussions the CAREPAC Coordinator will gather important information necessary to determine if you would likely be accepted by a clinical trial. With the family approval (both caregiver and patient) the CAREPAC Coordinator will make a referral to a local clinical trial site that performs AD clinical trials. The clinical trial site will contact you and set up a time for the process of consenting and screening necessary before you are accepted.

If a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or a memory related disorder, you probably know the challenges of living with these diseases. Fortunately, you are not alone. Professional help, extensive resources and compassionate health care providers are available through CAREPAC. The CAREPAC Program is at the forefront working closely with top Alzheimer's doctors and pharmaceutical companies conducting ground breaking clinical research.

For information call your local CAREPAC Coordinator or call CAREPAC directly at: 800-735-4265

Or contact Bob O'Toole
Informed Eldercare Decisions, Inc.46 Toll free 1-800-4265

http://care-pac.com/
Home of the Community Alzheimer’s Research Exchange for Patients and Caregivers(CAREPAC) a nationwide program to help Alzheimer's Patients and Caregivers determine if they are eligible to participate in FDA approved clinical trials of new Alzheimer's drugs.

Cases of Alzheimer's Expected to Rise in Dedham, Massachusetts and Globally

Here is an article from USA Today regarding the future of Alzheimer’s Disease. If you have questions, or need help for a senior in your life, visit us at www.elderlifeplanning.com.

Global Alzheimer's cases expected to rise sharply

“The number of people with Alzheimer's disease isn't creeping up, it's briskly rising, according to a new report.”

Continue reading HERE.

Many Dedham, Massachusetts Baby Boomers Must Care for Children and Aging Parents

Here is a great article for those who are caring for aging parents from www.Agingcare.com. If you need help for a loved one in the area, visit www.elderlifeplanning.com.

Caring for Parents Versus Caring for Children: 10 Ways They Differ

by Marlo Sollitto

Nearly 10 million boomers are now raising kids while at the same time, caring for at least one aging parent, according to the Pew Research Center reports. The term “Sandwich Generation” is used to describe this demographic – and lots has been written on it.

But what is not as frequently discussed, is that the strategies and techniques that are effective when caring for parents are very different from those that work well with children.

Here are 10 ways that caring for parents differs from caring for children:

Continue reading HERE.

Massachusetts Budget Cuts Could Leave Many Dedham Seniors Unable to Obtain Home Care Services

The Boston Globe just published a story that I think is important information for all seniors and their family members to consider. Especially those families and seniors who have limited resources for home care. Here's a summary and the link:

"Local agencies that serve seniors are warning that state budget cuts will leave many area elders unable to obtain needed home care services.

The state’s 27 elder home care agencies, at the direction of the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs, on Sept. 8 initiated waiting lists for the state’s basic home service, according to Al Norman, executive director of Mass Home Care, an association of senior care agencies.

Jim Cunningham, executive director of Chelsea Revere Winthrop Elder Services, said his agency’s waiting list for home care already has reached 18 to 20."

Read the rest of the story HERE.

The Elderly Can Leave Nursing Homes for a Home in Dedham, MA

Here is a great article from the New York Times. Visit us at www.elderlifeplanning.com if you need help for a senior loved one in the Dedham, MA area.

Helping Elderly Leave Nursing Homes for a Home

Walter Brown never wanted to live in a nursing home, but when he had a stroke two years ago, he saw little choice. Mr. Brown, 72, could not walk, use his left arm or transfer himself into his wheelchair.

Continue reading this inspiring story HERE.

Understanding Alzheimer's in Dedham, Massachusetts

This is a great article for anyone who is affected, or newly affected by Alzheimer’s Disease, and is trying to understand it’s effects on our loved ones. If you need help with an aging loved one in the Dedham MA area, visit www.elderlifeplanning.com.

Stay Alert on Alzheimer's Disease

By: Barbara Rockwell

The term dementia refers to a brain disorder that demonstrates itself in several ways. A person may easily become confused even in known settings, may ask questions repeatedly, or may neglect such basic things as their own hygiene or basic safety issues. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia linked with old age.

The disease is named after German Doctor Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed variations in the brain tissue of a patient of his that died with unusual mental illnesses and dementia. His study guided him to discover anomalous clumps and tangles of fiber in the brains of those patients who were suffering from this same disease.

Thus, whilst it was common for persons who were older and losing their mental faculties to be dismissed as "senile," Dr. Alzheimer was able to pinpoint the actual breakdown in the brain that led to the loss of their mental faculties.

According to the National Institute on Aging varied test conclusions, there are actual brain changes in persons with Alzheimer's disease. They can find out how nerve cells die in areas of the brain that affect memory and basic abilities. It may seem strange, but everything that we do on a daily basis is because of memory.

We remember that we need to take a shower on a regular basis that we need to shut the door behind us when we leave the house. We don't realize that we're doing these things because of memory, and assume that they just happen naturally. But when those memories break down because of Alzheimer's or any other mental disorder, even the most basic everyday functions begin to be confusing or neglected.

In fact, the brain works by a series of connections between nerve endings, all of which are related. For example, the part of the brain that controls speech sends signals to the nerves that spark the muscles and parts of the mouth when we wish to talk. Of course, all of our mental and physical functions work this way.

With Alzheimer's disease, these nerve signals are disrupted or broken. If the brain cannot continue to make connections in the nerve cells that control memory, all the basic functions are disrupted. The brain can't memorize that it just asked a question, so a person repeats it. They can't remember their own children, so they are now strangers. Alzheimer's can be a very frightening and debilitating disease for the patients and the families as well.

Article Source: http://myeldercarearticles.com

Keeping Mom and Dad Safe at Home in Dedham, Massachusetts

Generally, elderly parents want to remain living in their own home. However, remaining in the home becomes a concern when children see their parents slowing down, perhaps even having trouble with handling stairs and doing general daily activities. Yet, with parents' mental and physical health currently not creating problems, there seems to be no imminent need to search out support services or other accommodations for aging parents.

This is now the time to evaluate the home to make it safe and secure for your loved ones -- now and in the near future -- in anticipation of aging disabilities that may occur. Help and support are available. The nation as a whole is more aware of elderly needs and services and products are becoming available at an outstanding pace.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states,

“Employment of personal and home care aides is projected to grow by 51 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The expected growth is due, in large part, to the projected rise in the number of elderly people, an age group that often has mounting health problems and that needs some assistance with daily activities.” Bureau of labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition

This growing need for aides and services also encompasses

• home remodeling services -- making a home more serviceable to the elderly;
• safety alert systems and technology;
• motion sensors to monitor movement;
• telehealth services -- using home-based computer systems for the doctors office or a nurse to monitor vital signs and
• even a pill dispenser that notifies when it is time to take medication.

Where do you begin to make sure your elderly family member is safe and managing well in his or her home?

Visit often and at different times of the day and night. Make note of daily activities that appear challenging and where changes might be made to add safety and convenience. Remove rugs that slide -- causing a fall -- and move furniture with sharp edges. Set the water heater at a lower temperature. This will protect their older sensitive skin from scalds and burns. Be sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in place.

Bathrooms are a hazard area for the elderly. Grab bars by the toilet and shower are a must to help prevent falls. There are easy to install bars at your local hardware store if you want to do the work yourself. Another item that is good to have is a shower stool or chair.

If you are not sure of what needs to be done, consider hiring a professional. There are companies that specialize in home remodeling and accommodation for seniors. Michelle Graham of Accessible Design by Studio G4 says about senior home remodel projects,

“The main thing we incorporate in all of our projects is a careful study of needs and potential needs that may develop throughout a client's lifespan.”

Keep in mind what future home adjustments might be needed for your parents to “age in place” in their home.

Home safety or medical alert companies provide GPS-based bracelets or pendants to track the elderly at home who tend to wander. Or the companies may provide alarm devices such as pendants or bracelets which allow the elderly to alert someone if there has been a fall or a sudden health-related attack. In the event an alarm has been triggered, a 24 hour monitoring service will alert the family or medical emergency services or call a neighbor depending on previous instructions. In addition there are companies that will install motion sensors in the home to monitor the elderly on a 24 hour basis.

Don't forget your parents' community as a valuable resource for helping them stay in their home. Take Margaret Muller as an example. At 82 years of age, Margaret lives alone in her small home. She manages very well with the help of her local Senior Center. The Center's “Senior Companion” program sees that Margaret is taken to the store for groceries and other needs and checks in with her often to see how she is doing. Once a day, the Senior Center delivers a hot healthy meal to her door. Having these services and visits gives Margaret the help she needs and peace of mind that she is not alone.

Neighbors, local church groups, senior centers and city centers are some places to look for assistance. Most of the time there is little or no cost for these services.

Your state aging services unit is a valuable community resource. The National Area on Aging website www.aoa.gov states:

“AoA, through the Older Americans Act and other legislation, supports programs that help older adults maintain their independence and dignity in their homes and communities. In addition AoA provides funding for a range of supports to family caregivers.”

Some of the programs the site lists are:

“Supportive Services and Senior Centers

Nutrition Services

National Family Caregiver Support Program

Grants for Native Americans

Nursing Home Diversion Grants

Aging & Disability Resource Centers

Evidence-Based Disease Prevention

Long-Term Care Planning

Alzheimer's Disease Grants

Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities”

A few thoughts on hiring home care aides or live-in care givers.

The classifieds are filled with people looking for work as aides to the elderly. Many of these aides are well-qualified, honest people who will do a good job; but, of course, there will be some not so reputable. If you are looking to hire someone, be sure you interview and check references and qualifications. You will be responsible for scheduling that person and doing payroll and taxes as well. Be very sure you hire someone trustworthy, as the elderly seem to trust these helpers more than they should and therefore can easily be taken advantage of.

A professional home care service will eliminate your employment concerns. Professionally-provided aides are usually bonded and service is guaranteed. Home care companies take care of the scheduling and payment of their employees. Home care companies cater to the elderly in their homes by offering a variety of services. The National Care Planning Council lists many of these companies throughout the country on its website www.longtermcarelink.net .

These providers represent a rapidly growing trend to allow people needing help with long term care to remain in their home or in the community instead of going to a care facility. The services offered may include:

• companionship
• grooming and dressing
• recreational activities
• incontinent care
• handyman services
• teeth brushing
• medication reminders
• bathing or showering
• light housekeeping
• meal preparation
• respite for family caregivers
• errands and shopping
• reading email or letters
• overseeing home deliveries
• dealing with vendors
• transportation services
• changing linens
• laundry and ironing
• organizing closets
• care of house plants
• 24-hour emergency response
• family counseling
• phone call checks
• and much more.

Thomas Day, Director of the National Care Planning Council states,

“Care in the home provided by a spouse or a child is the most common form of long-term care in this country. About 73% of all long term care is provided in the home environment typically by family caregivers.”

As their caregiver, you can make the difference in the quality of life for your aging parents and if staying in their home is a possibility, you have the resources to make it happen.

Visit us at www.elderlifeplanning.com if you are in need of assistance for an aging loved one in the Dedham MA area.

Understanding Memory Loss in Dedham, Massachusetts

Understanding Memory Loss

What is memory loss?

Memory loss is something we all experience in life. We forget familiar names, we cannot remember where we left our wallets and purses the previous evening, and we can’t remember everything needed at the grocery store without having a list. This type of memory loss is perfectly normal and as we age, such mild forgetfulness may start happening more and more.

Continue reading HERE. Visit us at www.elderlifeplanning.com for help with an aging loved one in the Dedham MA area.

Putting Home Care in Dedham, Massachusetts in Perspective

The Evolution of Home Care
In the first century of our country's history there was no such thing as nursing homes or assisted living. Society was mostly rural and people lived in their own homes. Families cared for their loved ones at home till death took them. In the latter part of the 1800's because of an increasingly urban society, many urban families were often unable to care for loved ones because of lack of space or because all family members including children were employed six days a week for 12 hours a day. During this period many unfortunate people needing care were housed in County poor houses or in facilities for the mentally ill. Conditions were deplorable. In the early 1900's home visiting nurses started reversing this trend of institutionalizing and allowed many care recipients to remain in their homes. Nursing homes or so-called rest homes were also being built with public donations or government funds. With the advent of Social Security in 1936, a nursing home per diem stipend was included in the Social Security retirement income and this government subsidy spurred the construction of nursing homes all across the country.

By the end of the 1950s it was apparent that Social Security beneficiaries were living longer and that the nursing home subsidy could eventually bankrupt Social Security. But in order to protect the thousands and thousands of existing nursing homes Congress had to find a way to provide a subsidy but remove it as an entitlement under Social Security. In 1965 Medicare and Medicaid were created through an amendment to the Social Security Act. Under Medicare, nursing homes were only reimbursed on behalf of Social Security beneficiaries for short-term rehabilitation. Under Medicaid, nursing homes were reimbursed for impoverished disabled Americans and impoverished aged Americans over the age of 65. It has never been the intent of Congress to pay for nursing home care for all Americans. The nursing home entitlement for all aged Americans was now gone.

Over the last 40 years, there has been a gradual change away from the use of nursing homes for long-term care towards the use of home care and community living arrangements that also provide in-house care.

With Proper Planning People Could Remain in Their Homes for the Rest of Their Lives
We are seeing a trend towards working conditions like those in urban America in the early 1900's where both husband and wife are working and putting in longer hours. We are also seeing a return of the trend in the early part of the 20th century where outside visitor caregivers are becoming available to replace working caregiver's and allow the elderly to receive long-term care in their homes. In addition there is a significant trend in the past few years for Medicaid and Medicare to pay for long-term care in the home instead of in nursing homes.

Given enough money for paid providers or government funding for the same, a person would never have to leave his home to receive long-term care. All services could be received in the home. Adequate long-term care planning or having substantial income can allow this to happen.

We only need to look at wealthy celebrities to recognize this fact. Christopher Reeve, the movie star, was totally disabled but he had enough money to buy care services and remain in his home. President Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer's for many years but received care at his California ranch. He was also wealthy enough to pay for care when needed. Or what about Annette Funicello or Richard Pryor? Income from their movie careers allowed them to receive care with their multiple sclerosis at home. We will be willing to bet that Mohammed Ali, who is severely disabled with Parkinson's disease, will probably never see the inside of a care facility, unless he chooses to go there to die. With the proper planning and the money it provides, most of us could remain in our homes to receive long-term care and we would never have to go to an institution or a hospital.

The Popularity of Home Care
Most of those receiving long-term care and most caregivers prefer a home environment. Out of an estimated 8 million older Americans receiving care, about 5.4 million or 67% are in their own home or the home of a family member or friend. Most older people prefer their home over the unfamiliar proposition of living in a care facility. Family or friends attempt to accommodate the wishes of loved ones even though caregiving needs might warrant a different environment. Those needing care feel comfortable and secure in familiar surroundings and a home is usually the best setting for that support.

Often the decision to stay in the home is dictated by funds available. It is much cheaper for a wife to care for her husband at home than to pay out $2,000 to $4,000 a month for care in a facility. Likewise, it's much less costly and more loving for a daughter to have her widowed mother move in to the daughter's home than to liquidate mom's assets and put her in a nursing home. Besides, taking care of our parents or spouses is an obligation most of us feel very strongly about.

For many long-term care recipients the home is an ideal environment. These people may be confined to the home but continue to lead active lives engaging in church service, entertaining grandchildren, writing histories, corresponding, pursuing hobbies or doing handwork activities. Their care needs might not be that demanding and might include occasional help with house cleaning and shopping as well as help with getting out of bed, dressing and bathing. Most of the time these people don't need the supervision of a 24/7 caregiver. There are, however, some care situations that make it difficult to provide long-term care in the home.

Please note from the first graph below that a great amount of home care revolves around providing help with activities of daily living. Note from the second graph below that the average care recipient has need for help with multiple activities of daily living. Finally, it should be noted from the second graph that well over half of home care recipients are cognitively impaired. This typically means they need supervision to make sure they are not a danger to themselves or to others. In many cases, this supervision may be required on a 24-hour basis. (Graphs were derived from the 1999 national caregivers survey, courtesy www.longtermcarelink.net.)

It is precisely the ongoing and escalating need for help with activities of daily living or the need for extended supervision that often makes it impossible for a caregiver to provide help in the home. Either the physical demands for help with activities of daily living or the time demand for supervision can overwhelm an informal caregiver. This untenable situation usually leads to finding another care setting for the loved one. On the other hand if there are funds to hire paid providers to come into the home, there would be no need for finding another care setting.

Problems That May Prevent Home Care from Being an Option
Caregivers face many challenges providing care at home. A wife caring for her husband may risk injury trying to move him or help him bathe or use the toilet. Another situation may be the challenge of keeping constant surveillance on a spouse with advanced dementia. Or a son may live 500 miles from his disabled parents and find himself constantly traveling to and from his home, trying to manage a job and his own family as well taking care of the parents. Some caregivers simply don't have the time to watch over loved ones and those needing care are sometimes neglected.

The problems with maintaining home care are mainly due to the inadequacies or lack of resources with informal caregivers, but they may also be caused by incompetent formal caregivers. These problems center on five issues:

1. Inadequate care provided to a loved one
2. Lack of training for caregivers
3. Lack of social stimulation for care recipients
4. Informal caregivers unable to handle the challenge
5. Depression and physical ailments from caregiver burnout

In order to make sure home care is a feasible option and can be sustained for a period of time, caregivers must recognize these problems, deal with them and correct them. The responsibility for recognizing these problems and solving them is another function of the long-term care planning process and the team of specialists and advisers involved.

Adequate Funding Solves Most Problems Associated with Providing Home Care
None of the problems discussed in this article would be an obstacle if there were enough money to pay for professional services in the home. These services would be used to overcome the problems discussed in the previous section. If someone desires to remain in the home the rest of his or her life, adequate preplanning could provide the solution.

This planning must occur prior to retirement. The most obvious way to provide sufficient funds for home care is to buy a long-term care insurance policy when someone is younger, healthy and able to afford the lower premiums. If insurance is not an option, then money must be put aside early in life to pay for care in the future. The only other option is to be rich.

Unfortunately, very few people address the issue of needing long-term care when they are older. This leads to a lack of planning and in turn leads to few options for elder care when the time comes. Lack of planning means most people do not have the luxury of remaining in their homes and must rely on Medicaid support in a nursing home to finish out the rest of their lives.

Visit www.elderlifeplanning.com for help with an aging loved one in the Dedham MA area.

It's Our current Health Care System, Not Imaginary "death panels", That Unnecessarily Takes Lives and Breaks Apart Families

Today, on the Op-Ed page of the The New York Times
Nicholas D. Kristof tries to bring those who have been sucked into the hysteria created by special interest groups who make far more profit from the current American health care system, than one that would be better regulated and provide quality care to everyone in our country.

Kristof tells the heartbreaking story of a friend who had to make a decision between two appaling alternatives, wipe out all of her savings and assets to pay for the care of her second husband who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, or divorce him. The divorce option was suggested to her by a hospital social worker.

Hospital staff explained to this woman that they had seen it all before, many times. If M.’s husband required long-term care, Eventually, after the expenses whittled away their combined assets, her husband could go on Medicaid — but by then their children’s nest egg would be gone, along with her 401(k) plan. She would face a bleak retirement with neither her husband nor her savings.

The woman's first husband had died, leaving an inheritance that he had intended for their children. She and her second husband had a prenuptial agreement, but that would not protect her assets from his medical expenses.

“I explored a lot of options with an attorney here in town,” the woman told Kristoff. “The attorney said, ‘I don’t see any other options for you.’ It took about a year for me to do the divorce, it was so hard.”

This is just a brief excerpt from Kristof's column. You can read it at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/opinion/30kristof.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

When Your Dedham, Massachusetts Loved One Resists Care

When Your Loved One Resists Care

Here is an article I found that is very helpful for caregivers who are struggling with the loved one they are trying so hard to care for. It offers other ways to look at the behavior to try to understand what our loved ones are trying to communicate to us. If you are a caregiver, and need help with an aging loved one, visit me at www.elderlifeplanning.com.

“How many times has your mother refused to change her clothes? Has your father resisted getting out of bed? Has your wife pushed you away when you tried to brush her teeth? Many times a caregiver will be particularly frustrated by her loved one’s refusal to help himself. At times she can’t help but think that the person she cares for "36 hours a day" is going out of his way to make her miserable! The increasing irrationality of individuals with dementia makes it even harder on the caregiver.”

Continue reading article here: http://www.thehomecaredirectory.com/home_health_care/related_articles/when_your_loved_one_resists_care/147/

Experts Predict Medicare Cuts will Affect the Ability of Nursing Homes to Care for Older Americans

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ final rule cutting Medicare payments for skilled nursing care by as much as $16 billion over ten years is expected to impact seniors. Since 70 percent of nursing home operating costs are labor-related, the proposed Medicare cuts will affect the ability of nursing homes to care for America’s seniors experts predict.

“When these regulatory cuts are considered in addition to possible Congressional Medicare cuts, nursing homes will have to face very difficult decisions, including the possibility of staff reductions,” states an American Health Care Association (AHCA) Yarwood executive.
The long term care leader noted that Medicare and Medicaid funding are inextricably linked, and the combination of cuts to both programs squeezes local facilities in a way that could harm elderly beneficiaries’ care, negatively impact caregiver jobs and be detrimental to local economies.

“Everyone would like the government to pay but no one wants to pay more taxes," states Jesse Slome, executive director of the long-term care insurance trade group. "As more people recognize the importance of planning for the risk of needing long-term care, insurance will become an increasingly attractive and affordable option."

This is a brief excerpt of a longer article. For the full length version paste the following url into your browser: http://www.huliq.com/7306/85259/medicare-proposes-16b-cut-growth-long-term-care-insurance-expected

Elderly Stress in Dedham, Massachusetts

Stress and the Elderly

Contrary to what we’ve been led to believe, senior living isn’t always the way it’s portrayed in glossy sales brochures and magazine advertisements. Rather than being a carefree period of life spent on the golf course and traveling around the world, for many of today’s seniors those “golden years” are incredibly stressful times.

What causes seniors so much stress? Change is a huge trigger for stress and seniors definitely experience plenty of change. It can be in the form of declining health, death of friends and loved ones, moving, a bad financial investment, and the list goes on. Here are some other reasons why senior living is stressful.

Continue reading HERE.

Visit www.elderlifeplanning.com for help with aging loved ones in the Dedham MA area.