IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS

When you think about staying healthy, you probably think about making lifestyle changes to prevent cancer and heart disease. But, keeping your bones healthy is just as important. Here are some important facts.

We have 206 bones in our body. And it’s important to keep them strong by getting enough calcium, vitamin D and weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activity. However, that might not be enough. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and how you can prevent osteoporosis.

44 million Americans have low bone density or osteoporosis. In fact, about one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. By 2020, half of all Americans over age 50 are expected to have low bone density or osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is considered a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences. Up to 90 percent of peak bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and age 20 in boys, which makes youth the best time to build strong bones to last a lifetime.

There are many reasons people get osteoporosis. Some of these include having a family history of broken bones, smoking, not getting enough physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, drinking too much alcohol, taking certain medicines and having certain medical conditions.

Osteoporosis can sneak up on you. You can’t feel your bones becoming weaker. You could have osteoporosis now or be at risk without realizing it. A bone mineral density test can tell if you have osteoporosis before you experience symptoms, such as breaking a bone.

Osteoporosis isn’t just a problem for older Caucasian women. While osteoporosis is common among white women, men and women of all races and ethnicities can develop the disease. It can also strike at any age.

These are just a few facts about osteoporosis.

National Osteoporosis Foundation

1150 17th Street, NW Suite 850

Washington, DC 20036

800.231.4222 T | 202.223.2237 F

www.nof.org

Taking care of your feet is an important part of overall health for seniors. Healthy feet allow you to maintain balance, prevent falls and remain mobile. Feet can show early signs of health issues such as poor blood circulation, diabetes and some neurological conditions. Avoid foot problems by following some of these techniques:

• Do a daily check of your feet. Check for decreased sensation, redness, swelling, cuts, blisters, ulcers or toenail problems. If you cannot reach your feet, ask someone to help.
•  Keep your feet clean. Wash with soap and pat dry rather than rubbing, especially between toes which can harbor fungal infections.
• Trim your toenails straight across and never the corners or cuticles. If this is difficult to maintain, schedule a visit with a licensed podiatrist. Sanitize your clippers and do not share with other family members.
•  Use unscented, alcohol-free foot cream daily avoiding between the toes. You can use foot powder in the warmer months if sweat or odor is a problem.
•  Avoid tight-fitting socks and change them on a daily basis. Keep your feet elevated to keep swelling at bay and don’t cross your legs for an extended amount of time. If you are diabetic, buy specialized diabetic compression socks.
• Wear proper foot wear. Shop for shoes late in the day when feet are the largest. Wear closed toe shoes with a large box toe. Get properly fitted for insoles and rotate your shoes to prevent foot injury.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience loss of sensation, open sores, wounds or change in color of your toes or nails. Home & Hearth Caregivers can assist in bathing and maintaining cleanliness of your feet and can transport you to your medical appointments. Give us a call today at 800-349-0663!

The driving behaviors listed below are ranked from minor to serious. Many of the less serious issues may be overcome with changes in driving behavior or physical fitness, while the more serious behaviors may require your immediate action. Since driving ability seldom changes drastically in a short time, you should be able to track changes over time to get a clear picture of overall driving ability.

Here’s How to Use This List:

Observe driving over time, keeping notes to help you understand changes in driving ability.

Look for a pattern of warning signs and for an increase in the frequency of occurrence.

Driving Behavior Warning Signs

1.            Decrease in confidence while driving.

2.            Difficulty turning to see when backing up.

3.            Riding the brake.

4.            Easily distracted while driving.

5.            Other drivers often honk horns.

6.            Incorrect signaling.

7.            Parking inappropriately.

8.            Hitting curbs.

9.            Scrapes or dents on the car, mailbox or garage.

10.       Increased agitation or irritation when driving.

11.       Failure to notice important activity on the side of the road.

12.       Failure to notice traffic signs.

13.       Trouble navigating turns.

14.       Driving at inappropriate speeds.

15.       Not anticipating potential dangerous situations.

16.       Uses a “copilot.”

17.       Bad judgment on making left hand turns.

18.       Near misses.

19.       Delayed response to unexpected situations.

20.       Moving into wrong lane.

21.       Difficulty maintaining lane position.

22.       Confusion at exits.

23.       Ticketed moving violations or warnings.

24.       Getting lost in familiar places.

25.       Car accident.

26.       Failure to stop at stop sign or red light.

27.       Confusing the gas and brake pedals.

28.       Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason.

For more information, please visit The Hartford Group at    

www.safedrivingforalifetime.com

Bathing and personal hygiene of their loved one has long been a struggle for caregivers. If their loved one has dementia, this issue may further become one riddled with fear and trepidation. While bathing can be difficult for the elderly, it is necessary for skin cleansing and infection control as well as providing an opportunity for the caregiver to inspect the senior’s skin. Socially, a bath controls body odor, enhances social interactions and provides positive touch.  But the question remains, “How can we make shower time less of a strain on your personal relationship?”

§         Communicate Tell your loved what you are going to do before proceeding. “Mom, I am going to help you get undressed for the shower.” Approach from the front and maintain eye contact. If he/she becomes violent, back off and try another time.

§         Schedule Set up a bath schedule and use a calendar. Find a time of day where he/she is less likely to have outbursts. Use incentives to get him/her to bathe, such as telling your loved one that they must bathe before a favorite TV show or a favorite dessert. Once or twice a week is sufficient for seniors if they are not incontinent and keep the genital area clean.

§         Atmosphere Make it like a spa experience. Dim the lights and play relaxing, instrumental music. Use scented soaps/lotions, heated towels (use heated towel bars/containers or pluck them from the dryer) and a warm fuzzy bathrobe.

§         Temperature Turn up the heat one to two hours before the bath to keep the bathrooms warm. Seniors are often cold when we are wearing short sleeves. If there is tile in the bathroom, cover them with a plush bath rug or carpet (watch for falls). If you have an overhead heater, turn that on. Wear a t-shirt so you’re not overheated!

§         Safety Make sure the bathroom is safe - use bath chairs, non-slip mats/appliqués and grab bars. If the senior doesn’t feel safe, he or she will not agree to bathe.

§         Equipment Install a hand-held shower. The water spray in the face is distressing as often happens when sitting in a shower chair. The hand-held shower also allows the warm water to pour over them as they wash resulting in a greater sense of control.

§         Modesty Allow your loved one to do as much bathing independently as possible. Keep the doors closed and curtains drawn. Always cover the genitals with a washcloth or keep a light gown on the body that is not being bathed.

If your loved one still refuses to bathe, use alternative methods. Use no-rinse washcloths and dry shampoo. Try a “weekly bath” with everyday washing one part of her body using washcloths. For example, Monday wash her arms, armpits and back, Tuesday, feet and legs. Ask her to take that body part out of her clothes one at a time to wash, dry and then switch. It takes longer but your loved one may be more open to this. Sometimes you could time it during a trip to the washroom and use that as an excuse to clean the genitals. Use powders, body sprays, etc to help cover the body odor when you just can’t get them to bathe.

And lastly, many home care agencies offer a bathing service so that you don’t have to do the “dirty work”. Hire them and then go out for a cup of coffee to de-stress. Home & Hearth Caregivers offer a variety of packages that include bathing. Call us at 800-349-0663 for your complimentary, no obligation home assessment.

During this holiday season, we spend countless hours wrapping, addressing, baking, cleaning and spending time with our loved ones, many of them seniors.  As you visit with your loved ones, take a look around for signs that they may need help:

Inside the Home

1. The kitchen is filled with dirty dishes, burned pots, food and possible infestations. Mom has always been a great cook but occasionally forgets to turn off the stove or gets too tired to wash the dishes.
2. The refrigerator has expired or moldy food and possibly non-food items inside. Cleaning out the refrigerator is not a fun task, but Mom has found it overwhelming to throw away food and/or may not remember where to put items.
3. The clutter is piling up. Mom and Dad may not want to admit that maintaining their home is becoming an overwhelming task.
4. The mail is stuffed with bills and late notices. Dad used to pay the bills two weeks ahead of time but is now faced with possible shut-offs or late fees.

Personal Care

1. Your parents have body odor. Perhaps Dad is afraid to bathe because he has fallen in the bathtub. Mom may not remember when she last bathed but insists that she does not need an incontinence product.
2. They wear the same clothes or inappropriate seasonal attire. Mom is wearing the sweater with the large coffee stain on the front that she got during the last visit you had. Dad goes out to get the mail in December without a coat or shoes.
3. Mom’s clothes are baggy. She just doesn’t want to cook now that Dad has passed or the shopping can be too much trouble for one so she eats a bowl of soup and nibbles on crackers.

Health Care

1. They forget their medications and doctor’s appointments. Mom always reminded Dad to take his medications but the pill boxes are now unorganized or full when you visit.
2. Dad has unexplained bruises or skin tears. He has fallen but refuses a cane or walker and Mom thinks it’s a natural progression of skin as she ages.
3. Noticeable cognitive decline. Dad has forgotten his granddaughter’s name but still remembers his best friend from elementary school. Mom can’t remember how to work the microwave.
4. Increased hospitalizations. Mom can’t control her blood sugar levels and Dad has been dizzy since he started his new blood pressure medication.

If you do notice significant signs like these, sit down with your loved ones and have a conversation about their needs. Home care agencies like Home & Hearth Caregivers are able to relieve the burden of caregiving from adult children and allow the seniors to remain in their home. We accept private pay, veteran’s benefits and long-term care insurance. Please contact us at 800-349-0663 to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation assessment.

World’s First Electronic Medical Bracelet!

 Home & Hearth Caregivers has partnered with CARE™ Medical History Bracelet to offer the world’s first electronic medical bracelet to their clients.

Imagine all of your Medications, Physician and Emergency information at your fingertips wherever and whenever you need.  The bracelet can be plugged into any computer providing instant access for emergency medical responders taking the guess work out of your care.

·         Easy to use and update

·         Customizable

·         Waterproof

·         Portable

·         Durable

·         And all the software is included 

Call us today to see how you can

get yours for free!

1-800-349-0663

Tax breaks for caregivers…it is true.

Almost half of baby boomers are finding themselves caring for one or both of their parents whether it is health related or offering financial support while raising their own families. The new term for the above baby boomers…the sandwich generation.
If you are assisting your Parents or loved ones with housing, food, transportation, medical or dental care, you may be eligible for a $3,600+ relative exemption. There are a number of qualifications involved; we suggest contacting your certified CPA for assistance.
The following are just some of the dependent qualifications for claiming adults:

• You must provide more than 50 % of your loved ones support costs
• You must either live with the taxpayer year round or be related
      (Loved one: parent, grandparent, stepparent, aunt or uncle)

For more information or to read more “Tax Breaks Available for Parents Helping Their Parents Sandwich Generation Feeling the Squeeze of Supporting Elderly Parents, Boomerang Kids go to:

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0592795.htm

While we still have a couple of months away before the filing deadline, somehow it always seems to sneak upon us and before you know it April 15 is here. Here are some tips for seniors that will help filing taxes run easier.

• Collect all your records early. Start by gathering all your documents, records and receipts that you may have that will help with your return.   

• Contact your current/past company to make sure you are getting your W2s. Follow up with your statements from any investments that you may have i.e. Roth IRA’s, 401k etc. 

• Consider E-File. Filing electronically will lessen the math mistakes, the software will handle all your math calculations for you.  

• Get your refund quicker and hassle free by considering direct deposit.

• Educate yourself, know your tax credits. Be aware of all the tax code changes. Seniors may qualify for the credit for the elderly or disabled if you are 65yrs. old. There is a certain income requirement to be eligible and the long form 1040 or 1040A has to be completed.   

•  Don’t rush! Be thorough… One of the most common mistakes that seniors make is overlooking  something and they end up missing out on a credit that they were entitled to.  

• Make sure it’s legible, if you aren’t able to write because of a disability ask someone to help you. 

•  Double check everything.  A simple mistake on your social security number can slow the process of getting your refund quicker. 

•  Know that you have options. If you don’t feel comfortable filing your own taxes contact a professional. There are many different establishments that seniors can go to. H & R Block,  Jackson Hewitt to just name a few. If it’s a simple return you might be able to get a discount of the processing fee. Also consider TCE Tax Counseling for the Elderly. They provide free tax help to people over the age of 6o years old.   

• Visit IRS.gov for a FREE file. If your income is limited you may be eligible for free tax preparation software and free electronic filing.

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!!

Healthcare bill includes Class Act: National LTCI

Great news for the senior community: The healthcare reform bill that is under debate in the Senate includes a new way for paying long term care. The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports  (CLASS) Act would create a national long-term care insurance program. This bill made famous by the late Senator Edward Kennedy, now being headed by Senator Paul G. Kirk Jr.  will give seniors benefit payments in cash, which will allow seniors and the disabled to spend the benefit money on hiring a caregiving service or to purchase medical equipment so that they can remain in their own home.

What would seniors benefit? 

• They would benefit two activities of daily living
• Receive $75 per day to pay for caregiving service

 Highlights of the CLASS Act:

•  funded by voluntary participation and payroll deductions @$50 per month
• must contribute for 5yrs. before collecting benefit
• benefit maximum of $75 per day (paid in cash)
• may hire caregiver of choice as benefit paid in cash
• must need assistance with at least 2 activities of daily living (ADLs) to qualify
• provide lifetime benefits
• premiums are age-rated
• financially viable and self-sustaining (modeled after private insurance)  

Reason the CLASS Act is needed:

• only 5% of Americans have long term care insurance
• part-time caregiving services in the home delay the need for nursing home care
• caregiver stress is a large reason for nursing home admissions
• research shows eliminating caregiver stress would reduce nursing home admissions by 1/4^th   
• nursing home care costs an average of $70k per year
• paying for part-time care in the home will eliminate or delay spending down all assets on care services.  

To quote Senator Kirk “Sadly, millions of seniors and persons living with disabilities struggle to obtain the services and supports they need to live fulfilling lives and to remain in their communities among their friends and families – in what they hoped would be their productive “golden years”.

This new way of paying for senior care will greatly assist seniors and their families to help them cope with memory loss and mobility issues.

Source provided by Caregiver List