It’s not unusual for seniors to worry about losing their memories or fearing the onset of cognitive problems like dementia or Alzheimer’s.  Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors in Phoenix. Call today 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Now, the good news is that there is more data to support that an easy lifestyle change can increase blood flow to the brain and therefore improve or help prevent these conditions.

The study in question was completed by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, upon twelve participants aged 60 to 76. Half of the volunteers had lead healthy, active lifestyles over the last 10 years, engaging in at least three hours of activity per week. The other six had been more sedentary during this period, with less than an hour of exercise per week. The nature of the exercise was not a consideration in the study; participants who were at all active may have used a mix of cardiovascular activity, stretching, strength or flexibility training.

In order to determine which lifestyle contributed more positively to brain activity, researchers had the volunteers undergo MRIs and MR Angiograms to map cerebral blood flow and view the small blood vessels in the brain. Not surprisingly since past studied have demonstrated that exercise promotes brain activity, findings of this research program showed that the active’s groups brains had increased levels of blood flow and more small blood vessels present. The inactive group on the other hand, had unpredictable blood flow and fewer small blood vessels.

So, when making their New Year’s resolutions this year, seniors need to keep this in mind; if they’d like to keep their mental capacities strong, exercise needs to become a major part of their lives.

Love From A Grandmother

We don’t always realize how insightful and profound the lessons of a loved one were until they have passed on. Once that tragedy occurs, we trend to appreciate and reflect upon their words of wisdom and kindness in a whole new light. A grandmother’s love is based on blind faith, and with that in mind we need to reach to meet the goals that lie along the road ahead.

A prime example of a leader in this country attributes his recent successes to the lessons that his grandmother provided him with as a child that shaped him into the man he is today. Unfortunately, recently struck by tragedy, at a time that should have been filled with celebration, our new President, Barak Obama, lost his own grandmother while on the campaign trail.

However, Obama continues to move forward in his grandmother’s memory, withholding the legacy planted by his dearly departed and beginning his own in a hope to pass along the same values to his daughters and future generations that he learned from his grandmother; like faith, daring to dream, and preparing to reach beyond into history.

With the memory of his grandmother and her love, Obama has the strength and motivation to set new standards and teach the United States the lessons of his legacy.

Hypothermia is a dangerous complication that can negatively impact seniors’ lives during the winter season. Any temperature below 65 degrees can lower a senior’s body temperature and put them at risk of hypothermia, which can happen even in the safety of their own home. Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors in Phoenix. Call today 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Causes of Hypothermia:

• A senior’s body temperature doesn’t regulate as easily as a younger person’s
• The senior has a medical condition such as hypothyroidism, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease which makes them more susceptible for the cold
• The senior takes medications which can increase the affects of the cold upon their body, such as anti-depressants, nausea medications or over-the-counter cold medicines
• The senior drinks alcohol regularly, which can weaken defenses against the cold
• The senior does not properly dress for the temperature, even if they don’t feel physically cold

Signs of Hypothermia:

• They may demonstrate poor muscle and nerve functioning such as stumbling, mumbling, fumbling and grumbling
• Slow reactions
• Excessive or absence of shivering
• Stiffness of the limbs
• Change in appearance or behavior
• Weak pulse
• Low blood pressure
• Slow or slurred speech
• Shallow breathing
• Sleepiness or fatigue

Treating Hypothermia:

• Take the senior’s temperature to determine if immediate medical treatment is required. If their temperature is below 96 degrees Fahrenheit or doesn’t register on the thermometer then emergency treatment is needed
• Wrap them in a warm blanket
• Hold them close to share body heat
• Avoid rubbing their limbs, this can actually cause more damage
• A hospital may treat a senior with IV fluids to warm the body from the inside out

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

When my grandpa was in his early 80’s, my family decided to give him a used computer to help him pass the time and stay in touch with international relatives. Now, nearing the age of 90, we know having the computer has changed his life, but we never could have anticipated the number of challenges expanding his use of technology would have created.

In order to get him online, we have him setup with bookmarked sites that he likes to visit, and provided step-by-step instructions to get him through all other required operations; including starting the computer and shutting it down. When computer actions go according to the steps he is familiar with, he is able to complete his tasks with no problem; however, if anything different happens, he feels as though something has gone horribly wrong and that the computer must be broken. When this occurs, it’s almost impossible to rectify the problem because he tries to describe what he’s experiencing over the phone, without knowing and using the appropriate terminology. He also can find it challenging, since he does not have the refined dexterity that can be required to effectively use the mouse without clicking on operations by accident.

Despite the problems, we know that having this computer has increased his quality of life; he has access to more resources and manages to stay in better communication with relatives that is nearly impossible using other technology due to his hearing problems.

Based on the benefits, we all do are part to help him as best we can, while being respectful and patient.

We don’t encourage our clients to involve themselves in clinical trials without first discussing the health implications with their family physician; however, we are aware of the contribution that they make to geriatric medicine.

Clinical trials are research programs that use people to determine the effectiveness of medications, therapy, or lifestyle changes so help diagnose, treat or prevent serious illnesses. Clinical trials may require volunteers who are both healthy, or have the disease or ailment that they’re conducting research into. There are dangers involved since methods used are strictly experimental and could generate serious side effects or other complications.

However, there are also benefits to the seniors participating in these studies; some pay the individuals involved in the trials, and always offer treatment methods free of charge. If the trials are effective, seniors suffering from related medical problems may find relief without acquiring debt or sacrificing their financial standing when seeking medical care.

Anyone looking to join a clinical trial can submit an application to the research study that fits with their specific medical background. To find a clinical trial in Texas, contact Clinical Trials of Texas, Inc or your local Area Agency on Aging. Before making a commitment to any study, consult with a medical professional.

Source: http://seniors-health-edicare.suite101.com/article.cfm/clinical_trials_for_seniors

Marriage is tough, and the more challenges that appear in life, the more a relationship is tested. Couples in their senior years may find that it can be a struggle to keep their intimacy alive when dealing with pressures created by illnesses, economic changes and other hardships. This checklist will help seniors determine whether or not they’re putting the most into their marriages that will allow them to overcome the trials and tribulations together.

• You ask your partner for support when you need it – whether it’s emotional or physical – so he/she can help you to cope with your personal challenges

• You are open and honest when it comes to your feelings, and don’t hesitate to discuss any problems that have occurred

• You are still intimate and have found a way to overcome any physical limitations placed on your sex life through discussion and experimentation

• You adapt to new roles based on your physical and emotional changes

• You find new ways to confirm your relationship to one another, and you understand that this is a necessary way to overcome the challenges that your both face

• You truly desire to stay with your spouse, and will do whatever it takes to make it work

• You understand that a healthy relationship shouldn’t be based on guilt, pity or gratitude. When it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work

• You seek help when your responsibilities at home are getting to be too much, or they are negatively impacting your relationship. Help can come from friends, family or hired professionals

Source: http://arthritis.about.com/cs/sex/a/sicknesshealth.htm

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Learning Caregiving Terms

Family caregivers often find themselves speaking to industry professionals and reading related literature to better inform themselves and increase the level of care provided to their aging loved one. It can be very challenging to understand and interpret the advice being given, when they aren’t aware of the terminology.

Activities of Daily Living – the basic care required by any individual, that a senior may able to meet independently or with assistance. These activities include oral hygiene, eating, dressing, bathing and more.

Adult Day Service – programs for seniors that engage them in activities, and provide supervision and health services when required. Some may be especially for those with disabilities or cognitive issues, while others may be open to seniors based on age.

Advance Directive – a legal document that dictates how a senior would like their care handled in the case of an emergency or health crisis.

Case/Care Management – often a nurse or social worker that acts as a single point of contact to coordinate and monitor care for a senior.

Custodial Care – basic care services provided such as providing direction in administering medication, meal preparation and more. It is also refereed to as Activities of Daily Living; a type of care that can be provided by a professional, non-medical caregiver family member.

Durable Medical Equipment/ Home Medical Equipment – includes walkers, wheelchairs, lifts and more.

Guardian – the individual legally responsible for caring for a person or their property and assets, when the senior is no longer able.

Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) – may also be referred to as an Assisted Living Facility, for seniors who would benefit from assistance in an institutional setting.

Long-Term Care (LTC) – often used to address the care required by those who have suffered a serious illness or injury and need assistance through the recovery process, or long-term care if they will not recover.

Respite Care – allows caregivers to take a break from their responsibilities, by seeking help from a professional, family member, friend or day care service.

Sources: http://www.aarp.org/family/caregiving/articles/the_abcs_of_caregiving_1.html
               http://www.agingkansas.org/Publications/caregivers/c015.htm

Preventing Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can occur at the hands of a family member, medical professional or caregiver. It’s important that seniors and their families inform themselves regarding methods to prevent elder abuse so that they don’t become a victim. Seniors can self-monitor their health and general well-being to help reduce the likelihood that someone will get away with abusing them.

• Seniors should pay attention to their own health; seek a doctor’s care when necessary and also be aware of physical signs that they are being mistreated. A caregiver’s actions should not be causing the appearance of regular bruising

• Seniors should seek professional help and support if they are have problems with drugs, alcohol or depression. Abuse of substances or prolonged depression may result in acceptance of treatment; so an elder abuser can get away with their behavior

• Seniors and their families can attend support groups on domestic violence to learn more about it

• Seniors should appoint a Power of Attorney and draft a Living Will so healthcare decisions are pre-determined prior to a medical crisis , that way their wishes can be met

• Social isolation has a connection to elder abuse, so it is important that seniors remain active in the community and maintain a social network

• Seniors should be aware of their rights; they are able to voice their opinions if they are unhappy with their care and can seek the assistance from a local ombudsman or legal council to make any necessary action

Source: http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/FAQ/Questions.aspx

Seniors & elders living at home in Phoenix are concerned about aging and considered to be senile and weak. When seniors lose independence, they feel vulnerable to the aging process. It’s like they’re admiting defeat and crossed into old age.

unfortunately, seniors are often forced to give up activities they enjoy due to declining capabilities, and can no longer live independently without assistance.

What might be helpful through the aging process is encourage them not to look at it negatively. Instead help you aging parent embrace it. In order to decrease the burden they face, they should not hesitate to request help from their friends and family or turn to a professional caregiver to help them to maintain the lifestyle they enjoy.

The best way to help them ask for help:

1. Talk with them. Acknowledge that they are no longer able to do things as before.

2. Listen to them as they express feelings of regret or fears of losing independence.

3. Assure mom and dad that you are there for them no matter what.

4. Express how you can help them remain independent.

5. Tell them you love them and they can count on you for help.

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959.

Let us help you keep mom and dad at home!

Both employees and their employers are taught to think about work and family life issues through the lens of employee benefits, but, increasingly, effective handling of working and family concerns is approaching a risk management issue. I’ve often wondered, when facing my own caregiving issues, my employer’s Health Benefits Director would make it impossible to take advantage of the FMLA benefit.

Even though this leave of absense offers leave without pay, she continued to bring up impossible tasks to accomplish just to obtain permission from my manager. I was in sales and my boss would have me jumping through hoops to gain time off. It was suggested to me that I maintain over achievement of sales goals for six months before applying. Now, what kind of benefit is that?

It’s called WorkLife Law and they have an (800) number to call for direction. An attorney speaks to you at no charge to help direct working caregivers through the arduous road of benefits, and what the employer can and cannot do. They’re phone number is 800-981-9495.

I’ve spoken with WorkLife Law on several occasions and learned; they’ve been tracking cases in which employees sue for caregiver discrimination for nearly a decade. Such suits have increased by 450% since 1990. Over two hundred plaintiffs have gained relief in the courts, yielding judgments and settlements in the hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars.

Fathers, too, may experience caregiver bias if they seek an active role in family care. There appears to be a threshold effect. If a father does just a little – an occasional visit to the pediatrician – then his career actually may benefit as he is considered not only competent but also warm. But if a dad seeks an extended parental leave or a flexible work arrangement, he may well experience even more severe stigma, and career stall, than do mothers do. Gender stereotyping, again: in this case, the stereotype that a “real man” does not cut back on work for family reasons.