The holidays are over and 2009 has come and gone and what a year it was!! There were many events that occured and some we would like to not have happened. A new decade is here and as we reflect on the year we also want to start the new year off with resilience and a positive attitude…  Here are some tips on helping seniors get a jump start to 2010. 

• Give the gifts that seniors will treasure most; your time and companionship.  If your loved one doesn’t live with you, make your visits more frequent. No matter how big or small, a simple gesture will go a long way.

• Get energized. If your loved one is still able, involve them in some form of exercise.  Strength exercises are a great way for helping build muscles and prevent bone loss with age. Exercising will not only keep them active but will give them an overall positive feeling of mind, body and soul.

• Encourage healthy eating.  In most cases seniors are already taking many different types of medications and are recommended by their doctor to eat a well balanced meal. Suggest   taking multi-vitamins and make sure that a good amount of fruit and vegetables are mixed in with their diet. Create new dishes and make healthy eating fun and not a chore.

• Avoid red meat and substitute by eating fish.  Studies show that eating fish such as:  salmon and tuna are beneficial for the heart and brain.

• Keep a positive environment.

• Call often and see how they are doing. Even if you live close by or out of state a phone call can bring a simple smile to their face. Keep the conversation light and always positive. It will give them something to look forward to.

                          Happy New Year!!!  Welcome to the new decade!!

Not all Alzheimer’s patients exhibit the same symptoms and not all patient’s are in the same stage.  Some symptoms may not appear at all, while others can occur in more than one stage. The following divides the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease into three stages.

First Stage

This phase is known as early Alzheimer’s and lasts  about  two to four years.  It includes the period leading up to the diagnosis.  Symptoms include:

• Asking the same question over and over again
• Being unable to follow a conversation, especially if more than one other person is involved
• Demonstrating an inability to concentrate, causing hobbies and pastimes to be set aside
• Becoming confused about directions or finances
• Being unable to come to decisions
• Losing interest in their surroundings
• Allowing personal hygiene and common courtesies to slide
• Getting lost while driving on familiar streets
• Appearing depressed  

Second Stage

This phase is known as middle stage Alzheimer’s and lasts about two to four years.  Symptoms include:  

• Showing more and more forgetfulness, such as not turning off the oven or taking medication.
• Trouble recognizing friends and family
• Wandering away from home
• Becoming restless or easily upset in the late afternoon (known as sundowning)
• Exhibiting increasing inability to organize and express thoughts in a timely manner
• Difficulty with tasks that require planning
• Having hallucinations or  becoming delusional
• Exhibiting inappropriate behavior
• Sleeping excessively long or hardly at all

Third Stage

This phase is known as severe Alzheimer’s or final stage and lasts about three years. Symptoms include:

• Having difficulty recognizing family members or even recognizing oneself in the mirror
• Appearing to have little or no memory (not recalling what occured minutes before)
• Having difficulty understanding or speaking (may become mute)
• Making grunting, screaming or groaning noises
• Grasping objects and people (compulsively touching or putting things in the mouth)
• Experience incontinence (bladder and bowel)
• Becoming totally dependent for all personal care (including toileting, bathing, eating)
• Having difficulty chewing and swallowing (contributes to weight loss)
• Becoming severely weak and bedridden (increasing susceptibility to infections, seizures and additional health problems.

Information provided by Rachel Zuckerman

If your loved one is disabled, or suffers from a medical condition it doesn’t mean that exercise shouldn’t be a factor.  It is all the more reason to stay active and work out. Physical activity has many benefits for all ages.  For seniors, walking is a great benefit as it strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of heart disease.  

When seniors combine different types of exercise such as walking, lifting and stretching they inherit many benefits.

• Become more alert
• Improve skin tone
• Sleep better
• Decrease depression
• Help with the disability
• Improve medical condition
• Strengthens muscles

Think Safety and Be Prepared.  

• Warm up with gentle stretching exercises.
• Start slow and build gradually.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, water only.
• Be aware of any signs of difficulty. Stop immediately if there’s shortness of breath or pain.
• Make sure breathing exercises are performed. Inhale and Exhale.
• Don’t get up too quick, avoid dizziness or loss of balance.

Now that you’re loved one is ready to get started involve them in choosing the types of exercise they should do.  There are many different varieties; standing exercises, sitting exercises and lying exercises.  Depending on your loved ones condition should help on deciding which type of exercise works best.

Congrats to Donna Walker as her article was published in the Sept. 3rd issue of Hinsdale Doings. We are happy that she got the recognition she deserves!! Not only is it a great article but also has some great helpful tips.  

A Little Help From Our Friends…

As we age there are milestones that we can’t wait to reach, but has anyone ever heard: “Wow, I can’t wait until I’m a senior citizen!”

Since there are so many issues that face our seniors, it may be affecting the way decisions are made. Medical, financial, transportation or housing woes can be daunting, but with just a little help, life could be a little easier.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! By eating right, taking our medications as prescribed and making sure we have a safe living environment helps avoid trips to the emergency room.

If you are balancing paying for prescriptions versus eating, help is just a phone call away. Meals on wheels will be there when you need it. You absolutely should not skip a meal; food feeds your mind and body. The Meals on Wheels phone is (312) 207-5290. Go on-line to the Eldercare Locator tool at www.eldercare.gov or call them at (800) 677-1116.

If you or your loved one is in need of help with utility bills, prescription saving programs, legal advice or any other services, go to www.benefitscheckup.org or call the National Council on Aging at (202) 479-1200 to see if you qualify.

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”

– Albert Einstein.

At some point driving a vehicle is no longer an option; does that mean you are stuck at home? Not at all. If you are located close to shopping or your favorite restaurant, it may be as simple as taking a walk. Exercise is critical to improving strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. If physical limitations are hindering that option, recruit a relative or friend. Many communities have resources which have a guide to help seniors locate transportation. Go to www.agingwellpartnership.org to view the possibilities online.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

– Nelson Mandella.

When it comes to day-to-day living, one of the major topics relates to your home. Most of us would like to stay in our homes where we have raised our children, and where our memories surround us. But if your home is getting too hard to clean, or the stairs are too much to bear when doing laundry, what can you do or who do you call?

There are various options when it comes to in-home care, the cost, the level of care and the security of your loved one. There are many individuals who are here and are working illegally, which may result in loss of finances, elder abuse and lawsuits. Solution, find a reputable licensed agency that does their due diligence so that you have peace of mind in your home or the home of your loved one.

Life is full of challenges and opportunities, we just have to know where to look, who to call and use our voices to ask for help. The lines on our faces, the hair that has turned silver, should be badges of honor of what we have accomplished, what we have learned and how we impact the next generation.

“First you are young; then you are middle-aged; then you are old; then you are wonderful.”

– Lady Diana Cooper.

Donna Walker works with Home & Hearth Caregivers

According to Julie Williams of Cardiff Univesity, UK new studies were found that there are specific genes that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and a blood protein that speeds up the cognitive decline of Alzheimer’s.

The study suggests that disruption of the immune system, the way that cells metabolize fat and the wear and tear on the circulatory system may be as much to blame for this devastating illness or the main cause. Dr. Williams states that the findings “show us the prime pathways into the disease”.

With this new finding it may help researchers figure out the underlying biological process that cause Alzheimer’s. Several doctors are however quick to say that there are no treatments overnight as this new finding will take time but could lead research towards drugs that maintain the health of immune and vascular systems.

It is however still a landmark finding and will give researchers a better understanding of possible pathogenic mechanisms leading to Alzheimer’s disease and will give researchers a new boost to find treatment and prevention for this disease. While the study is a breakthrough it doesn’t give an immediate result for the public, there are no new medications to take and no new genetic test to do.  The study will help strengthen the rationale for anti-amyloid drugs and will also generate more focus on treatments targeting inflammation, which haven’t been successful in the past.

For more on this finding and article go to www.newscientist.com

Flu season has arrived and seniors should be prepared. With all the attention on the H1N1 virus and with the flu season already on its way, there’s no better time than now for seniors to get their flu shots.

There are 226,000 Americans who are hospitalized with flu each year and over 30,000 people die because of the flu or its complications according to CDC. Seniors who have chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems have a high risk of being affected. Seniors are more likely to get sick because as people age, their immune systems get weaker and don’t respond as well.

What is Flu?

It is a highly contagious respiratory infection.

Symptoms of the flu

• High Fever/Chills
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Headaches
• Muscle Aches
• Sore Throat
• Constant Coughing/Dry Cough  

Pneumococcal Pneumonia is another vaccine that seniors should also protect themselves against. Seniors over 64 years old and others with increased susceptibility to infections such as diabetes, chronic disorders of the lung or heart and cirrhosis should get vaccinated. Seniors who plan to get the flu shot can get the vaccination at the same time and will more than likely be also covered by Medicare.

Seniors should contact their doctor today to get their flu shots or visit a clinic or any drugstore chains that offer flu vaccinations. Medicare will cover the cost of the shot so don’t wait until you get sick. Also CVS and Walgreens are offering free flu shots to the unemployed and uninsured.  For all other consumers Walgreens will charge $24.99 for injections and $29.99 for a nasal spray version. 

It’s your life take care of your body and health…..

Insomnia is one of the most common complaint with seniors.  It’s important for seniors to get enough rest. Most adults need about six to eight hours of sleep. Seniors who suffer from lack  of  sleep are more prone to get sick, be exhausted, have mood changes, memory issues and lack of judgement. Seniors who get a good night sleep will not only feel better but will also ease caregivers on caring for them.       

There are many reasons why seniors have trouble sleeping.  Some common factors could be that they are in pain from the condition or difficulty that they’ve been diagnosed with, death of a spouse, worry and stress.

Ways to manage sleep loss:

Make seniors feel safe in their own home.  Regularly check smoke alarms, locks on doors and bells. Also keep a phone close to their bed in case of emergency. 

Close curtains or blinds. Some seniors find that a dark or semidark room can help them sleep better instead of light coming through.

Keep the room quiet. Seniors are light sleepers so any noise can affect their sleep.

Play calming music or sound machines.  If they are light sleepers, the noise will drown out any unneccessary noise that keeps them up at night.

Provide a hot water bottle. Heating pads are dangerous if left too long or hazardous because of accidental fires from the outlet.

Keep seniors on a routine.  Seniors tend to be creatures of habit, having a regular schedule will give them some peace of mind and will signal their body to wind down.

 Use a body pillow or pillows.  Seniors will feel safer and more relaxed.

Avoid eating a heavy meal before bedtime.  Light snacks or warm milk can help ease sleep deprived seniors.

These suggestions may or may not work but will hopefully help seniors get a few more snooze than they have been.

There are over five million Americans age 65 and older that are blind or visually impaired.  A yearly visit to the doctor is highly recommended for early detection and prevention of eye diseases because neglect may result in permanent vision loss.  As a caregiver you can help your loved ones get around by just doing the littlest things that we tend to take for granted.

• Paint doorway trims and steps or stairs in bright colors.  Bright colors are easier to see than lighter ones.  If painting isn’t an option use colorful tape around the edges.
• Place extra light in hallways, stairs, reading areas or wherever you think it’s necessary.  Make sure to also distribute light evenly throughout the home as old eyes lose capacity to refocus when they shift from bright areas to dark areas.  Seniors need three times more light to see clearly than younger people.  If necessary increase bulb wattage if things don’t improve.
• Use nightlights generously as another added safety.
• Make lights in rooms accessible.  The last thing you want to happen is your loved one to get hurt because they couldn’t reach the switch.

Following some of these guidelines will not only help your loved ones but will make things a little worry free for the caregiver.

When we want something or have an opinion we just ask or say it.  Imagine if you weren’t able to talk  or worse you weren’t being understood. Language difficulties can often become permarnent disabilities for stroke victims. 

Here are some ways to communicate to someone who suffers from aphasia:

Don’t talk down. There’s a tendency to talk down to people who suffer from aphasia, almost like you would talk down to a child.

Don’t speak about your loved one when they are nearby.  They may have communication problem but they can still overhear you or understand.

Don’t speak loudly.  If you’re loved one can’t hear, then you can speak loudly but otherwise speak in a natural voice.

Give your elder plenty of time to respond.  Just because your loved one doesn’t respond right away, it doesn’t mean they aren’t understanding you.  Their brain just might need time to process what you said and to formulate a response.

Speak about one subject at a time and use short sentences. Give your loved one time to grasp one topic before going into another subject.

Reduce background noise.  Turn down television or radios as it might be too distracting for them.

Try to have one on one conversations.  Keep the conversation to you and your loved one. Involving other people might confuse them.

Be expressive or add facial gestures when your words aren’t being understood.

As always consult a doctor for other suggestions.  Ask the doctor for a referral speech therapist who can help improve on their speech problems.   

Information provided by Rachelle Zukerman

What is a Bedsore?

Bedsores or pressure ulcers are areas of damaged skin and tissue that develop when sustained pressure cuts off circulation to vulnerable parts of your body, especially the skin on your buttocks, hips and heels.

Bedsores are most common with seniors for those who are bedridden, uses a wheelchair or is unable to change positions without help can develop bedsores.  Bedsores can develop quickly, rapidly and often difficult to heal.

Four Stages of Bedsores 

Stage I:  A pressure sore begins as a persistent area of red skin that may itch or hurt and feel warm and spongy or firm to the touch.

Stage II: Skin loss has occured, either in the outermost layer of skinor in the skin’s deeper layer.  The wound is now an open sore that looks like a blister or an abrasion.

Stage III: By the time a pressure ulcer reaches this stage, the damage has now spread to the tissue below the skin, creating a deep, crater like wound.

Stage IV: This is the most serious and advance stage. A large amount of skin loss occurs, along with damage to underlying muscle, bone and even joints.

How to treat Bedsores

Treating bedsores can be a bit challenging. Below are a couple of steps to prevent bedsores from getting worse. It may take some time to heal but with most Stage I and Stage II sores should heal within weeks.  Stage III and Stage IV more likely will need surgery.

Change positions often. Carefully follow your schedule for turning and repositioning aprpoximately every 15 minutes if you’re in a wheelchair and at least once every two hours when you’re in bed.

Use support surfaces. Use special cushions, pads, mattresses and beds that relieve pressure on an existing sore to protect vulnerable areas.  

Cleaning.  It’s essential to keep wounds clean to prevent infection.  

Removal of damaged tissue. To heal properly, wounds need to be free or damaged, dead or infected tissue.  

Dressings. A variety of dressings are used to help protect wounds and speed healing the type usually depends on the stage and severity of the wound.  

Hydrotherapy. Whirlpool baths can aid healing by keeping skin clean and naturally removing dead or contaminated tissue.

Oral antibiotics. If pressure sores appear infected, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics.  

Healthy diet. Eating a nutritionally rich diet with adequate calories and protein and a full range of vitamins and minerals especially vitamin C and zinc may improve wound healing.

Muscle spasm relief. This is essential for both preventing and treating pressure sores. Your doctor may recommend skeletal muscle relaxants that block nerve reflexes in your spine or in the muscle cells themselves.   

Information provided by Mayo Clinic.