Our Experience Archives - Gracefulhands- home Care

Care to Help You Stay Independent Longer

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 13:23:21 +0000

When your loved one starts to slow down, it can be tempting to take over and do too much for them. But for seniors, staying independent is an important part of maintaining dignity and respect—and it can contribute to physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Your job is to support their wishes and involve them in as much as they want and are able to do. Talk with your loved one about their interests and give them control over their activities whenever possible. Let them take the lead and then work out the logistics with, or for, them as needed.

Try these tips to help seniors remain independent:

1. Support their social life
Help them continue their regular activities like attending church, visiting with relatives, and reconnecting with old friends or groups they were involved in. If they are able to manage it, take them to library lectures, local theater or any community event they’re interested in.

2. Involve them in the day-to-day
Ask them to plan meals, fold the laundry and participate in the shopping, cooking and cleaning where possible. Bake cookies together, even if they can only help stir the dough. Let them decide what TV shows, radio programs and music they want to listen to.

3. Encourage exercise
Staying active is critical for good health, so keep them moving—whether it’s a yoga class at the senior center, planting flowers in the yard, a walk around the block or chair exercises at home. If they have exercises recommended by a physical therapist, remind them and encourage them to do them regularly.

4. Keep the brain busy
Play cards or board games, do sudoku or crosswords, work on a jigsaw puzzle, play along to TV game shows, or follow their favorite sports teams. In other words, play along with whatever they enjoy!

5. Put safety first
Prevent fallsby removing hazards that could cause your loved one to trip or fall down. Add handrails in hallways and stairways and grab bars in the bathroom for extra support. If they are alone for lengths of time, consider getting a personal emergency response system so that they can call for help by simply pressing an alert button.

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What Are Some Health Problems Caused by Hot Weather

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 13:22:36 +0000

High temperatures and humidity over extended periods of time can cause serious health problems,” Commissioner Shah said. “We strongly urge people to be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and take some common sense measures to stay cool and healthy during extreme temperatures.”

Dr. Shah noted that those most susceptible to high temperatures are the elderly, young children, people who are overweight or obese, individuals with respiratory ailments or chronic medical conditions, and people who work outdoors.

Heat related illnesses occur when the body is unable to cool itself through perspiration. This can lead to:

Heat stroke (or sun stroke) – The most serious heat-related illness that is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include hot, dry and red skin; a rapid pulse; a body temperature above 105 degrees F; loss of alertness; confusion; unconsciousness or coma; or rapid/shallow breathing. If any of these symptoms are present, immediately call 911. While waiting for medical assistance to arrive, move the person to a cool place, use an air conditioner or fan, and apply wet sponges. Wrapped ice packs may be placed on the neck, wrists, ankles or armpits to help cool the body temperature.

Heat exhaustion – Often caused by overexertion in hot or humid temperatures, it can quickly lead to heat stroke. Symptoms include heavy sweating; fainting; vomiting; cold, pale and clammy skin; dizziness or headaches; nausea; and weakness. Move the person to a cool, dry place, loosen clothing, and apply cool, wet cloths to the neck, face and arms. Give the person a glass of water every 15 minutes, up to about a quart, and have them sip the water slowly. If vomiting occurs, immediately stop giving the water.

Heat cramps – A person experiencing muscle cramps in the abdominal region or extremities is likely suffering from heat cramps. Symptoms also include heavy sweating and mild nausea. Move the person to a cool place and apply firm pressure to the cramping muscles.

The individual should also try to gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold if for 20 seconds, then massage it gently. Drinking cool water is also advised.

Heat rash – A skin irritation that appears as a red cluster of pimples or small blisters that is the least serious heat-related illness. A person should be moved to a cool place and the affected area should be kept dry. Talcum powder may be used to promote comfort.

The best way to avoid heat-related illnesses is to create a cool, healthy environment at home and avoid spending time in outdoors or in other places where temperatures are high. Recommended tips include:

Use air conditioning to cool down, or find an air conditioned building;
If air conditioning is not available in the home, open windows and shades on the shady side of the home and close them on the sunny side, which may help cool temperatures inside;
Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks;
Take cool showers or baths to beat the heat and help keep body temperatures at safe levels;
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and take regular breaks from physical activity;
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing;
Stay out of the sun as much as possible;
Wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat outdoors, even if it seems cloudy;
Never leave children, pets or individuals with special needs in a parked car for ANY amount of time since vehicle temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in just a few minutes; and
Check on family, friends, and neighbors often to assess their condition, especially elderly persons and those who have special needs.

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In Home Care Pros and Cons

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:51:52 +0000

While it’s a given that most people want to remain in their homes as they age, thinking that at-home care is always the best option when they begin to need extra help is not. Yes, there are circumstances where at-home care will fit your family’s needs wonderfully. But there are times when the challenges and cost of this option may outweigh the benefits. Here are the pros and cons of at-home care.

What At-Home Care Offers

In general, there are two types of at-home care from which to choose. They include:

Home Health Care – These services can be helpful when recovering from an injury or illness as well as to provide ongoing support. Home health care is provided on an hourly, as needed, or 24/7 live-in basis and typically features personal care, household chores, cooking, transportation, occupational, physical, and/ or speech therapy.
Adult Day Care – Offering a safe environment during normal business hours, five days a week, adult day care services typically include meals and snacks, health monitoring, medication assistance, fitness, educational programs, and social activities.

Pros and Cons of At-Home Care

When it comes to whether at-home care is the best option, it really depends on your wants and needs (or those of your loved one), your circumstances, and the home itself. However, in general, the pros and cons are as follows.

Pros –

At-home care gives primary caregivers a break should they need to work, go to school, manage other responsibilities, or just have some downtime.
You have the flexibility to choose how often (how many hours, what days, etc.) at-home care is provided.
You or your loved one has the comfort of remaining in a familiar place.
You or your loved one can continue living with family members who don’t yet need assistance.

Cons –

You’ll still have the challenges of managing caregiving with your other responsibilities, particularly as care needs increase.
You still have to keep up with home maintenance and repair.
At-home care costs can increase dramatically as needs increase.
Updates to the home may be needed to ensure it is safe and accessible.
Specific to adult day care, transportation must be provided to and from and the hours as well as services may be more limited than you may need.
Social isolation and lack of exercise, and malnutrition are risks when care is provided intermittently at home.

Options Instead of At-Home Care

If you determine that at-home care isn’t the best fit, senior living offers other options. Senior living not only provides different types of care including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, but it also offers benefits that are hard to match at home like:

Peace of mind that support is always at hand – This may help you or your loved one to feel more confident and independent than they were at home. What’s more is many of our communities offer multiple types of care on the same campus for additional peace of mind should your health needs evolve.
Freedom from chores and home maintenance – We take care of the yard work, home maintenance, housekeeping, and meals in our communities so you or your loved one can spend more time enjoying what you love the most and/or new things you’ve always wanted to try.
A lifestyle that’s active and connected – Which is much easier here than at home as we offer a full calendar of social activities, outings, classes, clubs, and volunteer opportunities all planned for you and right outside their door!
A focus on wellbeing – Our communities offer wellness services, a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga and Tai Chi classes, onsite spa and salon experiences, and even chef-created menus that use fresh, locally-grown ingredients for meals that are nutritious, and delicious!
Conveniences that make life easier – With amenities you typically don’t have at home, such as multiple dining venues, onsite beauty salon, concierge services, transportation, pool, library, dog park, and walking trails on beautiful grounds.

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How Family Photo Albums Connect Seniors and Caregivers

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:50:58 +0000

Don’t let family albums be a thing of the past! Today with our camera phones and laptops that can store thousands of pictures, physical scrap books and albums are seemingly becoming obsolete. Although I love family traditions and nostalgia, I too am guilty of neglecting my own photo albums. But even if most families have gone digital, for the elderly who are not computer savvy, physical albums are still the best way to go.

For many elderly, looking through family photos brings feelings of comfort, familiarity and pleasant memories. If your loved one has dementia I recommend making a scrapbook and leaving room to add large text for names and other details. For example: “Your Granddaughter Emma on her 1st Birthday”. This gives him or her cues to connect with the photo when memories may be fuzzy or even completely gone. Try not to add too much information, short clear messages are easier to comprehend at different stages of cognitive function. If your loved one can no longer read, you can read through the scrap book together.

For those with cognitive impairment, long-term memory is easier for most seniors to recall so try mixing the old with the new. Old photos of their past may be familiar while new family members may be harder to recognize. You can put the photos in chronological order starting from oldest to newest to make the connection of the family tree easier to follow. A tip I learned the hard way: When choosing photos for someone with dementia you might consider skipping very recent pictures of themselves. Many dementia residents I cared for believed they were 10-20 years younger than they actually were. They still saw themselves as they were at that time and seeing themselves in present time was sometimes upsetting. I soon realized when I showed them nice photos of themselves from years before that the reaction was night and day. They would say “that’s me” with a big smile on their face. Of course, every individual is unique and perceives the world in their own way so reactions may vary from person to person.

The best gift you can give your loved one is your time. Make the scrapbook together for a fun and bonding experience. You may even learn a thing or two you didn’t even know about your family history. Putting it together with one another is a way to engage them in a meaningful way. Research shows that meaningful reminiscing can lower blood pressure and heart rates in the elderly. Engaging in conversation and listening to stories of their past can brighten their outlook in the moment and help to get their minds off medical problems. Reminiscing bonds caregiver and seniors together, instilling trust while helping to find things in common.

Nostalgia is a powerful feeling, young or old we all do it. Theories by leading psychologists say our fond feelings of the past help establish our identity in the present time. It doesn’t matter if you have just a few photos to work with, have fun with it and see how your loved one reacts. I hope you have a wonderful experience and you both learn something new from each other along the way.

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Dementia Care Over The Holidays

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:38:00 +0000

Family history is not necessary for an individual to develop Alzheimer’s. However, research shows that those who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease than those who do not have a first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s. Those who have more than one first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s are at an even higher risk. When diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias tend to run in families, either genetics (hereditary factors), environmental factors — or both — may play a role.

Genetics and Alzheimer’s
A closer look at genes linked to Alzheimer’s

Genetics and Alzheimer’s

There are two categories of genes that influence whether a person develops a disease: (1) risk genes and (2) deterministic genes. Researchers have identified hereditary Alzheimer’s genes in both categories.

Risk genes increase the likelihood of developing a disease but do not guarantee it will happen. Researchers have found several genes that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. APOE-e4 is the first risk gene identified and remains the gene with strongest impact on risk. Researchers estimate that between 40-65% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have the APOE-e4 gene.
APOE-e4 is one of three common forms of the APOE gene; the others are APOE-e2 and APOE-e3. We all inherit a copy of some form of APOE from each parent. Those who inherit one copy of APOE-e4 from their mother or father have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Those who inherit two copies from their mother and father have an even higher risk, but not a certainty. In addition to raising risk, APOE-e4 may tend to make symptoms appear at a younger age than usual.

An estimated 20-30% of individuals in the United States have one or two copies of APOE-e4; approximately 2% of the U.S. population has two copies of APOE-e4.

Genetic testing

Genetic tests are available for both APOE-e4 and the rare genes that directly cause Alzheimer’s. However, health care professionals do not currently recommend routine genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease. Testing for APOE-e4 is sometimes included as a part of research studies.

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Deterministic genes directly cause a disease, guaranteeing that anyone who inherits one will develop a disorder. Scientists have found rare genes that cause Alzheimer’s in only a few hundred extended families worldwide. These genes, which are estimated to account for 1% or less of Alzheimer’s cases, cause familial early-onset forms in which symptoms usually develop between a person’s early 40s and mid-50s. The vast majority of individuals with Alzheimer’s have late-onset disease, occurring at age 65 or later.
Although the hereditary genes that cause “familial Alzheimer’s” are rare, their discovery has provided important clues that help our understanding of Alzheimer’s. All of these genes affect processing or production of beta-amyloid, the protein fragment that is the main component of plaques. Beta-amyloid is a prime suspect in decline and death of brain cells. Two treatments, Aducanumab (Aduhelm®) and Lecanemab (Leqembi®), have demonstrated that removing amyloid from the brain is reasonably likely to reduce cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s. (Ask your doctor about availability and coverage.) Several other amyloid-targeting therapies are also in development.

Two international investigations are under way to gain further insight into Alzheimer’s disease by studying individuals with deterministic Alzheimer’s genes: (1) The Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN), funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), includes 10 flagship research centers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. (2) The Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative (API) focuses on an extended family in Antioquia, Colombia in South America. At 5,000 members, this is the world’s largest family in which a gene that causes Alzheimer’s has been identified. API collaborators include DIAN.

Genetic tests are available for both APOE-e4 and the rare genes that directly cause Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association cautions against routine genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease risk until an individual has received proper counseling and understands the information necessary to make an informed decision, including the social and economic factors that could be impacted by having this genetic information. However, there may be specific instances when an individual living with Alzheimer’s should discuss genetic testing with their physician, as the results could impact a treatment decision. For example, people who are eligible to take anti-amyloid treatments such as aducanumab may be at an increased risk for a serious side effect if they carry the APOE-e4 gene. Individuals should seek the services of a genetic counselor before and after deciding to undergo testing.

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9 Early Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:37:11 +0000

Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.

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Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

Challenges in planning or solving problems

Some people living with dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks

People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.

Confusion with time or place

People living with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Vision changes related to cataracts.

New problems with words in speaking or writing

People living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.

Decreased or poor judgment

Individuals may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Making a bad decision or mistake once in a while, like neglecting to change the oil in the car.

Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, he or she may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.

Changes in mood and personality

Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone.

What’s a typical age-related change?
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

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Holiday Fun for the Old and the Young

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:31:20 +0000

Family holiday activities with senior loved ones

If you’re a caregiver living with elderly relatives in your “bubble,” you probably have plenty of time to spend at home with your loved ones. Break up hectic work weeks with these seasonal family activities.

Sort through keepsakes. Do you have keepsake boxes in your garage or attic that haven’t been opened in years? Dust off old yearbooks and family photos to reminisce together. Laugh about old-fashioned trends, and share stories about your childhood.
Bake a tradition. Does your family have a famous fruit cake or buttery shortbread recipe passed down over the years? A warm, inviting kitchen full of holiday treats is a great way to bring generations together. If your aging loved one has the recipe memorized, encourage grandkids to write it down for future use or to make a personalized family cookbook.
Drive through a lights display. Many public parks and neighborhoods go all-out when it comes to holiday lights. Look online or in the paper for lights displays near you and bundle up the family for a leisurely drive through a winter wonderland. Don’t forget to tune the radio to your favorite festive station!Expert tip: “At Traditions at Reagan Park, we take residents on bus outings to look at holiday lights every year,” says Martinez. It’s a fun experience for families, too.
Teach and learn. Some skills, like knitting, crochet, and needlepoint, used to be nearly universal. Now, they’re less commonplace. Younger generations can ask aging parents or grandparents to teach them, making the most of a long winter inside. Yarn crafts help seniors maintain dexterity and focus as well.
Put your green thumbs to work. Natural settings decrease stress and foster well-being. But, in the winter, potted plants and flower arrangements can bring just as much happiness. Indoor gardening is beneficial to seniors, so consider purchasing fresh herb plants for this year’s holiday feasts or ordering bulk flowers to arrange for unique and creative holiday centerpieces.
Encourage friendly competition. Holiday games for seniors — like puzzles, trivia, and game show-style quizzes — inspire competition and keep the mind sharp. Look up trivia questions about the 1950s and 60s, or consider apps like Kahoot and Drawful, which let you customize games and quizzes with your own family facts and traditions. If you prefer something more traditional, Bingo is an exciting go-to.Expert tip: Martinez suggests picking holiday-themed puzzles and games for a fun and festive environment. Consider playing seasonal trivia or fill-in-the-lyrics with holiday songs. Try stopping a holiday song in the middle of the chorus to see who can finish the lyrics the fastest!

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Protecting Seniors’ Financial Well-Being

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 11:27:52 +0000

Working with older adults

We’ve gathered resources to help you, whether you serve older adults or family members managing the finances of a loved one.

Caregivers and nursing home debt

Helping someone you love to move into a nursing home can be stressful enough. Nursing homes should not try to make you personally responsible for a loved one’s bill as a condition of admission.

Know your rights

Tools and resources to use with older adults

Protect older adults against fraud

Protecting savings and assets becomes increasingly important as people age. We have resources to help safeguard finances and protect older adults from financial exploitation.

Learn how to protect against fraud

Tools for later-life financial security

Browse guides and information to help older adults make sound financial decisions. Learn more about managing someone else’s money.

Explore resources for older adults

Money Smart for Older Adults: avoid financial exploitation

Money Smart for Older Adults is a volunteer-led curriculum and tool designed to help older adults, family caregivers, and others prevent, recognize, and report financial exploitation.

Share fraud prevention resources

Help for Surviving Spouses

The death of a spouse or partner can be one of life’s most stressful events. We have information and resources to help you take control of your finances, navigate critical financial moments, and understand your rights.

Discover resources for surviving spouses

Find help responding to elder financial abuse

Financial abuse is a serious issue, but help is available. See our list of state and local resources, legal aid, and other resources and information to address frauds and scams targeting older adults.

Learn how to get help responding to elder financial abuse

Resources for practitioners and financial institutions

Archived webinars

View our growing library of webinars or read the transcripts. Each webinar is added to the archive a few weeks after its presentation date.

View archived webinars

Elder fraud prevention and response networks guide

We created a guide to help you start or revitalize an elder fraud prevention and response network to protect older adults from financial exploitation in your community.

Explore the guide

Tools for banks and credit unions

Financial institutions have an important role in providing older adults and their families with information on how to prevent fraud. These resources are designed to be used by financial institutions working with families of older adults.

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