According to researchers from Utah State University, Duke University, John Hopkins and Boston University; studies show that seniors who have a close relationship with their caregivers can improve the quality of their life and influence their progression with Alzheimer’s. 

Seniors who have a strong bond with their caregivers revealed that they had a slower cognitive decline. The effect was even higher when the caregiver was their spouse. There are still more studies to be done as to which of their activities or involvement with the caregiver seem to contribute to the effect. But one thing for sure is that the time and care that the spousal caregiver invests does matter. While it makes sense that spousal caregiver provides the highest benefit, this can also work with adult children and other relatives taking care of their loved ones.

Although, the effects aren’t apparent having a close relationship with your loved one does go a long way. The disease is still there but there is nothing more comforting than knowing that someone you love and trust is there to take care of you especially in your time of need.     

Article provided by caring.com

When you’re loved ones are ready to seek help one of the decisions that they may also face is the decision to consider moving in with their son or daughter and their families. It is hard enough to imagine what our parents are going through when they are in need of assistance but let’s face it moving is tough for anyone and it’s especially tough on seniors.  It means giving up their independence and admitting  and coming to a realization that they DO need help.  As our loved ones are facing these issues we should do our part and educate ourselves to help ease their transition.

What you can do to help…

1.  Get them involved in any decision making… They already feel that they are losing their independence but by involving them in the planning process will give them some aspect of control and that they are still a part of the decision making.

2. Be patient and kind… There’s nothing more stressful than having someone yell or criticize.  Keep in mind that they are going to be slower than usual because of their difficulties, be patient.

3.  Be helpful… Help them sort through their things.  If your parents have lived in the same house there may be a lot of things to sort through. While it can seem overwhelming, make a plan, get organized and always ask if they would like to keep it or possibly donate it.

4.  Keep a log of where things are placed, take pictures if you have to… Seniors are creatures of habit, they like their things in the same place. By keeping things the same will lessen their stress and will make their new surroundings familiar to them.

5. Plan ahead… Don’t wait till the last minute to tell your loved ones about the move. It should be told in advance so that they have enough time to get acclimated with the idea of moving.  Be understanding as it might take some time to warm up to the idea.

Growing up is never easy and without our parents most people would agree that we wouldn’t be where we are without their support.  They have been there to help us through our awkward years and even through our adult life guiding us to be who we are today.  As a child the thought doesn’t come to mind that you have to take care of your parents. As we get older, so do our parents and it is when we realize that we have to be there for them too.  While it’s never easy to discuss when a good time for your parents to get help it is a conversation that needs to be discussed.  We owe it to them to look out for their best interest.

Signs that your parents may need help:

• Forgetfulness
• Household chores have been neglected, house is messy
• Has a hard time moving around, loss of balance i.e. walking, going up the stairs
• Decrease or increase in weight due to poor malnutrition
• Financial problems, missed payments
• Excessive spending habit
• Loss of social skills, alienating friends & loved ones  
• Change in mood, erratic behavior
• Disregards medications or forgets
• Hygiene becomes a problem
• Loss of speech
• Inability to perform basic skills such as eating or drinking

Elder abuse has always been an issue but has increased over the last decades.  We can only guess at the number of elders who are being abused every year. The cases that are being reported are making a difference, it means that more people are aware of the issue.  But for every case that is reported there are many that go unreported.  Caregivers need to be diligent in their role as a caregiver. Take initiative, speak up.. so that you can take care of your client and yourself….

Ways to protect yourself from being charged with :

• Follow your client’s care plans making sure all their request and needs are met
• Report any signs of abuse or neglect immediately, if you don’t, you might be charged for neglect
• Listen to your clients carefully especially when your client is of a different culture. A slight misinterpretation might cause problems for your client’s needs. 
• Take care of yourself  and if the work becomes too much, seek help right away. You are no good to your client if you aren’t fully rested.
• Stay calm & relax. Your client is relying on you to take care of them. Take a deep breathe and count to ten. Repeat the exercise if you have to.
• Communicate with your Supervisor if you don’t feel comfortable with the task.  If you feel that you need more training tell your supervisor so that proper training can be given.
• If a client refuses to do anything i.e.  eating, bathing drinking report it to your supervisor right away.  If you don’t you might get charged for neglect abuse.
• Be professional don’t take personal issues to work
• Treat your clients with respect and kindness.  Patience goes a long way when working with a difficult client.   

Don’t forget what is important…taking care of someone is a very important job.  Your client needs you!!

Abuse is some action by a trusted individual that causes physical or emotional harm to the victim. There are a number of different kinds of abuse including physical, financial and neglect.  Emotional abuse is another kind of abuse that we hear of but don’t think it happens.  People who commit emotional abuse tend to hurt their victims on a regular basis or even daily.

What is Emotional Abuse?    

Emotional abuse is when someone causes anguish, pain or distress to another person by what they say or do.

Emotional Abuse includes:

• insults
• threats
• intimidation
• humiliation
• harassment
• treating an elderly person like a child
• keeping someone away from their family/loved ones
• giving someone “silent treatment” or ignoring them

Signs of Emotional Abuse:

• Seems to be afraid of certain caregivers or family members
• Are yelled at by family members or caregivers
• Are chastised by family members or caregivers
• Are suddenly very agitated/short tempered
• Suddenly confused or more confused than usual
• Talks about being worthless or who are very depressed
• Have trouble sleeping or  seems to never get enough sleep
• Have a sudden change in appetite
• Have big changes in their weight (up or down)
• Seems quiet or stops talking suddenly
• Cries all the time or is distraught
• Talks about being helpless
• Seems scared to talk to you about their lives or their health
• Are angry all the time  

What you can do about Emotional Abuse:

Keep a close eye on your loved ones or client. Don’t be afraid to discuss a situation that might be considered emotional abuse.  Report any suspicions to the proper authority.

Encourage open communication as you are their sounding board and rely on you to help  them.

Treat your loved ones/client with respect and be kind to them. Always treat them the way you would like to be treated.

Abuse happens in every community.  Every day there are elderly people being abused in their own homes. Physical abuse is one that is unimaginable but yet it still happens.  People who commit physical abuse are usually stressed out or have emotional problems of their own.  The abuser is usually a family member often with psychological problems.

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse is the use of physical force that may cause injury, pain or impairment.

Physical abuse includes:

• punching, hitting, slapping or beating
• pushing or shoving
• shaking/kicking
• pinching
• burning
• using physical restraints inappropriately
• taking away all food or water or forcing food
• putting someone out unprotected in severe weather
• using physical punishment
• making inappropriate sexual contact

Signs of physical abuse:

• burn marks, including cigarette burns
• unexplained bruises especially bruises in the shape of a belt or fingers
• mutliple bruises/ black eyes 
• frequent trips to the emergency room
• cuts or scrapes
• sexual assault
• spots where hair seems to have been pulled out
• rope marks especially on wrist or ankles
• broken bones
• broken eyeglasses  
• limping  

Ways to prevent physical abuse:

• Keep a close eye on your loved one or client.  Report any suspicions of physical abuse to the proper authority.
• Discuss physical contact with your loved one what is appropriate and what some may consider it an invasion of their private space. Be understanding as it is a sensitive issue.
• Be gentle with your loved one or patient. Rushing may save you time but it doesn’t work out in the long run if your loved one or patient becomes hurt or injured.

If you suspect there is physical abuse don’t wait to report the abuse because you might think it’s not.  If it is abuse you can trully save someone’s life.  If it isn’t abuse no one will get hurt. You are looking out for that person’s best interest.

Neglect is another type of abuse that seniors face and it is one that is a serious problem in our communities.  People are most at risk when they get older and become sick and aren’t able to take care of themselves. The job of care giving usually falls on their loved ones or a hired caregiver. While most families will do whatever it takes to make sure their loved ones are taken care of, not all agree.  Most are left with feelings of resentment, burden and in some cases don’t feel that they have to take care of their parents at all. The hired caregivers are often overworked, stressed out or poorly trained. It is important to learn about neglect so that we know the signs of abuse to protect our loved ones or patients.

What is neglect?

Neglect is when someone refuses or fails to take care of someone for whom they are responsible.

Examples of neglect:

• Refuses to take an elderly person to the bathroom.
• Leaves an elderly person in the same clothes for a month.
• Leaves an elderly person in a dirty and unsafe environment that smells of urine or feces.

 Signs of neglect:

• Stays in an environment that has health or safety hazards such as no heat or no running water.
• Have rashes, sores or lice.
• Don’t have enough clothes to stay comfortable or warm.
• Seem poorly fed or dehydrated.
• Have a medical condition that is going untreated.
• Don’t have the medications they need.
• Have a dirty appearance.
• Have ripped clothing.
• Are lying in soiled bed linens when you arrive.
• Complain of not getting enough sleep.
• Never seem to have to urinate. They may be dehydrated.
• Beg for food constantly.
• Have muscles that are contracted.
• Have bed sores, especially if the sores don’t seem to be getting treated.  

Ways to prevent neglect:

• Keep a close eye on your loved one or client. Report any suspicions of neglect to the proper authority.
• Encourage your loved one or client to be as independent as possible but never refuse help if they ask you for assistance.
• Follow your loved one or client’s care plans carefully.
• Listen to your loved one or client’s needs. They depend on you for their most basic needs.

Follow these suggestions and you will help your loved one or client live a happier and more comfortable life.

Financial Abuse is a growing concern in the senior community. In this day in age and with the economy being the way that it is people have become more desperate and have turned to other means of living.  Seniors need to be more aware of their surroundings as they are vulnerable to these types of abuse. 

What is Financial Abuse?

Financial abuse includes the theft or misuse of someone’s money by a trusted individual.  This includes the following activities

• committing fraud
• getting money by lying what is needed
• forging checks
• cashing someone else’s check without permission
• using someone’s ATM card without permission
• forcing someone to transfer property
• keeping someone away from his or her own home or money
• providing healthcare services to a patient that are not really needed

Signs of financial abuse

• Can’t pay their bills for housing, food, basic clothing or medications even though they seem like they have enough money to do so.
• Get credit card bills for stores they have never been to.
• Seem anxious about or don’t know where their money is going.
• Talk about having to give money to others.
• Have a family member who complains constantly about how much the patients care is costing.
• Have family members who appear suddenly and claim they have a right to the patient’s money.

What can you do about financial abuse?

Watch your loved ones carefully for signs of financial abuse.

Call Elder Abuse Hotline at (866)800-1409

In the light of Michael Jackson’s passing Demerol has been put in the spotlight. Questions are asked about the drug and the side effects. What is Demerol? What are the side effects? How are seniors affected?

Demerol is a narcotic analgesic, is prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain.  It is commonly used for medical surgeries, obstetrical and dental procedures.  It sends a signal to the brain to relieve pain.

How are seniors affected?

Seniors can easily have side effects with Demerol because of their pre-disposed condition.  As with any medications; seniors that take Demerol may become addicted as this medication is habit-forming if taken for a longer period of time.  Withdrawal symptoms may occur if the medication is stopped suddenly.  Seniors on prolonged therapy should stop the medication if it is no longer required for pain control.

Side effects to Demerol         

·         dizziness, lightheadedness or feeling faint

·         drowsiness

·         nausea or vomiting  

It is very unfortunate as to what happened with Michael Jackson. The world has lost a great entertainer. As always with any medication consult your doctor for proper dosage and any other concerns. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Information provided by Healthy Ontario.

 Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Charles D. Johnson today launched the fifth annual statewide “Break the Silence” campaign and announced that July is Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois, with a proclamation from the Governor. It is estimated as many as 80,000 older adults in Illinois are elder abuse victims each year. Elder abuse is defined as neglect, physical injury, mental, sexual, or financial exploitation to an adult 60 years of age or older.

 If you are a victim, know or suspect someone who is being victimized, pick up the phone to get them some help. No one should have to go it alone.

Signs of elder abuse:

• Untreated injuries, sprains or dislocations, scratches and cuts
• Sudden changes in behavior and/or withdrawal in social settings
• A caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors
• Dehydration, malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, untreated health problems, hazardous or unsafe living conditions
• Sudden changes in bank account or banking practices, the inclusion of additional names on a victim’s bank signature card, unauthorized withdrawal of the victim’s funds using the victim’s ATM or credit card and abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents.

 If you are a victim, know or suspect someone who is being victimized, pick up the phone to get them some help. No one should have to go it alone.

 Information provided by Illinois Dept. on Aging