Aging in Place

Most people want to “age in place,” grow old in their own home with their friends, neighbors and families involved in their lives. Most folks want to continue shopping at the stores they like, attending their own church, using their own hair stylist, and participating in their regular groups and clubs.

At the same time people want all of these things, many fear and dread the time when keeping their lives the way they want to means getting help from other people. They dread it because they feel that depending on other people is a sacrifice of their independence. They dread it because they fear being a burden to those they love. They dread it because it reminds them of their mortality.

This dread and fear can result in failing to plan and prepare relationships, homes, and finances. This failure to prepare often results in the outcome people fear most…having to go to a nursing home or move from their home to a family member’s home.

This article will be the first installment in a three part series devoted to providing strategies for helping you prepare to “age in place.” First, we will address how to go about preparing relationships.

When people think about preparing their relationships, it is important to consider spouses or significant others, people who can be natural supports and children or other interested family members.

Begin with your spouse or significant other. First, have a frank discussion with him or her about their dreams for aging. It is important to compare and contrast their desires to yours and work to reconcile any differences. Once you agree upon a plan to meet both of your needs and desires, consider who you have in your life who could easily and naturally support you.

Work to anticipate what kinds of help you will need from others as you encounter changes in your health, changes in your ability to drive and changes in the way you process sensory information, vision, hearing, taste, balance, etc. Thinking about how your skills and abilities may change over time, will help you indentify those people and organizations who can be natural supports for you as you age.

Finally, prepare your children or other family members by discussing your goals and dreams for aging in place. You should share your vision of how you’d like your life to “look” as you “age in place.” Include the supports you have identified to help make it happen and the role you would like for family members to play in the process.

Remember, this is a discussion, not a mandate. Keep in mind that your family members love you and want you to live the life you love, but they also have lives of their own and dreams of their own. Their vision of their roles in your life may or may not line up with their vision of their own lives. So, be open to working, with your family, so everyone accomplishes their goals. The synergy that occurs with this process can be an amazing tool for strengthening family relationships.

Holiday Blues

It is common for seniors to experience the holiday blues. To some it seems inevitable, but there are some things someone can do so they avoid the holiday blues this year.

· Don’t isolate yourself. If you don’t have family nearby, invite friends over.
· Volunteer. There are many organizations that are looking for help this time of year. It’s a great way to help and meet new people.
· Avoid Alcohol. Alcohol has a tendency to intensify the feelings of sadness.
· Create a Budget. It’s very important to have a budget this time of year, and know how much you can spend on gifts. Once you create one, stick to it!
· Share your feelings. Trying to hide your feelings because you are embarrassed or ashamed just makes things worse. Tell a friend or family member. Talking about your feelings to someone might help you work through your holiday blues.
· Write your feelings. If you are a little uncomfortable talking about your feelings write them down. Writing down your feelings is a good way to express how you are feeling. It is important to have some outlet to discuss your feelings, because keeping them bottled up will not help.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a fun and happy holiday season for you.

Help someone by removing your clutter

This time of year is the season for giving. Quite often we want to give so much to help others, but for one reason or another we are unable to. So what do we do?

One good thing to do is to go through some of your stuff at home. Are there clothes your kids have outgrown? Do you have stuff around the house that you don’t use? Then donate it! This is a great alternative to buying something brand new, if that is not a feasible option for you.

Not only are you helping out others by donating much needed items to families, you are also helping yourself.

How you ask. Removing clutter from your home takes a great deal of stress off of someone. Cleaning and going through our closets is something that most people know they should do but just put off.

So make some time in your schedule to go through that clutter you have been putting off. It won’t just take the stress off of yourself, but there are sure to be some great donations in there. Help give someone a very Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving!

I would like for you to write down how you spent your Thanksgiving last week and what your favorite memory was. Maybe it was spending time with family you haven't seen in a while, the shopping, or simply the great food, whatever it was write it down so you won't forget it next year.

Thanksgiving is a great time to reminisce about the past as well as the present, and to truly think about what you are grateful for. Every year I continue to be amazed at how quickly the year has seemed to go by, which is why I think it's important to take some time to slow down from time to time and really think about the people and things in our life.

So take this week and slow down some. I know with the holiday season that seems to be the last thing we do, but it is important.

Happy Holidays.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Take a moment to write about your Halloween weekend, and how you and your loved one celebrated it.

Tuesday: Take advantage of the nice fall weather, and go outside and take a walk.

Wednesday: November is the time of year to be thankful for what you have. Take a moment and write down the people and things in your life that you are thankful for.

Thursday: November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. Check out the local support groups in your area.

Friday: Write down whatever you are feeling today.

Saturday: Start planning your holiday menu now, so you don't get stressed when it gets a little closer.

Sunday: Plan your activities for next week

Monday: What was the goal you set last week? Did you accomplish it? If not, think about what kept you from accomplishing it, and what adjustments you can make so you will accomplish it next time.

Tuesday: Call a friend or family member today to visit for a few minutes.

Wednesday: Do something creative today like write a poem, draw, scrapbook, etc.

Thursday: Go take a walk in this nice fall weather.

Friday: Write about whatever you are feeling today.

Saturday: Fall is here and the leaves are falling, spend a few hours today in your yard raking up leaves and pulling out weeds. Your yard will look great when you are all done.

Sunday: Organize activities for next week

Creating a Support System

Working in the home care industry, I frequently hear stories about the pain and misfortune that many families experience with their loved ones. It doesn't get any easier to hear, and I can't help but keep a positive attitude for these families and just hope that everything will work out.

I realize that it doesn't always work out. However, I think it is very important to have at least one person in your life that will maintain a "the glass is half full" attitude. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and get in a negative mindset, which doesn't help anyone. If there is no one currently in your life that can fill this role then look up local support groups in your area. Meeting people that are in similar positions as you can help out.

So next time you catch yourself getting upset, anxious, or frustrated about the situation. Go to that person that you know will see the positive side, and most importantly give you hope.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Set one goal you want to accomplish this week. Write it down and brainstorm about how you will accomplish this goal. Next week we will refer back to your goal.



Tuesday: It's National Aging in Place Week. Check around to see if there are any educational events going on in your community. In Broken Arrow, Ok there is an event today discussing how scrapbooking can be an effective tool for someone with Alzheimer's or Dementia.



Wednesday: Write about whatever you are feeling today.



Thursday: With the cool weather here, it is a great time to curl up and read a good book. Find a book that interests you and try to read for a few minutes each day, and relax.



Friday: Are there people in your life you don't get to talk to as much as you would like? Schedule a specific day and time that you will talk to this person every week. Incorporating activities such as these into your schedule is a great way to make sure you stay socially engaged



Saturday: With Halloween around the corner, if you haven't already take some time today and think about what fun activity you and your loved one can do on Halloween to celebrate. It can be something as simple as getting candy to hand out to trick or treaters that evening.



Sunday: Plan and organize next week's schedule.

Scrapbooking to Cope with Dementia

Scrapbooking is lots of fun. Interestingly, scrapbooking is also effective tool for memory preservation for folks with Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Photographs remind people of pleasant times, and sometimes even have the capability of calming a person down when he or she is in a stressed state.

Depending on the type of Alzheimer’s or Dementia one has, the scrapbook can be used to assist in reminiscing about the past or to help them relate to their current situation.

Scrapbooks are also a good tool for professional caregivers to use, particularly when the patient is asking questions about his or her past. With the scrapbook, the caregiver has the capability to answer the question.

Using specific techniques can help maximize the usefulness of scrapbooks for people with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
· Use close-up pictures of the person or object
· Use captions to describe each picture. Include who is in it, and a little information about the person. Use large, legible print.
· Keep it simple. Avoid cluttering pages with extraneous décor, not directly related to the photos.

To learn more, A Better Life Homecare is having a scrapbooking event on October 13 at 1:00. Call 918.392.3838 for details.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Write about your favorite moment from last week.

Tuesday: Friends and family are a great gift. Spend time or call one that you haven't contacted in a while. Then write about how you felt afterward.

Wednesday: Take a ten minute break from your busy schedule to relax. That can mean just resting your eyes, reading, watching tv, etc.

Thursday: How are you feeling today? Respond to this question in your journal.

Friday: This past weekend I went and walked at the Annual Alzheimer's Memory Walk. Find organizations in your area that you are passionate about and volunteer or participate in their events. This is something you and your loved one can do together.

Saturday: With Halloween just around the corner, have a fun pumpkin decorating activity today. Go pick out a couple of pumpkins and some paint and brushes and use your imagination. You are guaranteed to have a fun time.

Sunday: Organize next week's activities and appointments

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Do a creative activity today. Tapping into your creative side can be very relaxing and calming.

Tuesday: What did you do for yourself last week? Write it down and how it made you feel. If you didn't do anything for yourself last week, make sure you take time this week to do something for you.

Wednesday: Are you still affectionate with your loved one? Do you give him/her hugs? Pat their back? Hold their hand? Often it is easy to overlook these things as we focus more on caretaking, but being affectionate is very important.

Thursday: Write down your favorite moment from last week that you shared with your loved one. How did it make you feel?

Friday: When was the last time you cried? Crying can be a great emotional release if you have a tendency to bottle up your emotions. Sometimes we don't know why we are crying, but that's ok it is an emotion that everyone needs to feel from time to time.

Saturday: Take your loved one to the art museum. This has been said to be a relaxing activity to those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Everyone has an opinion when they see an art piece, and the great thing about opinions is that there is no wrong answer.

Sunday: Organize and prioritize next week's activities

Home Safety Tips for Alzheimer's Patients

Home safety is an important thing for any senior, but it is even more important when we are caring for someone that has Alzheimer's or Dementia. Things that you may not have thought of as a risk before is suddenly something you need to be aware of. Here are some tips to keep in mind in each room of your house.

Outside:

• Mark the edges of steps with bright colored tape
• Think about putting a ramp in, instead of steps
• Make sure there are no objects laying around that can cause falls, such as hoses

Kitchen:

• Lock up household cleaning products
• Install childproof locks on door latches
• Keep prescriptions in a locked cabinet
• Remove knobs from the stove

Bedroom

• Have a night-light
• Get rid of any throw rugs
• Have some type of intercom system in place so you can hear any noises in the bedroom

Bathroom

• Remove the lock from the bathroom door
• Have grab bars installed by the toilet and in the shower
• Remove small electrical appliances from the bathroom
• Insert drain traps in sinks

Living Room

• Remove throw rugs
• Hide the remote controls for the tv, dvd player, and stero system
• Clear walk ways of electrical cords

Laundry Room

• Keep detergent and other products in a locked cabinet
• Latch the doors to the washing machine and dryer so objects don't get placed in there.

Garage

• Keep all tools and other dangerous items locked away
• Lock all cars
• Make sure the garage is well lit and clear of clutter

For more tips on home safety go to http://www.nia.nih.gov/

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Have you gone through pictures recently? Looking through pictures with your loved one is very relaxing and often brings pleasant memories back for him or her.

Tuesday: A fun activity to do with your pictures, if you have not already, is to put them in a photo album, or make a scrapbook with them. This is a fun activity that both of you can do together.

Wednesday: When was the last time you and your loved one got out into the community? Tulsa seems to always have events going on, last weekend they had the first ever Rib Festival. Find community events that would be of interest to your loved one, and go together.

Thursday: Are you feeling overwhelmed? Write down all of the things on your to do list, and determine which tasks you can afford to delay for a bit, and which ones are top priority. Making a list and prioritizing can often lift the weight off of your shoulders. If you feel that all of your tasks need to be completed in the near future, then consider asking for help so you can relax some.

Friday: Write down whatever you are feeling today.

Saturday: Go out and enjoy the nice fall weather.

Sunday: Plan activities for next week.

Fire Safety

October is Fire Safety Month.

Older adults tend to be more vulnerable to fire-related injuries:
· People 65 and older are twice as likely to die in fires as any other age group.
· The fire death rate for those 85 and over is four times the national average.
· Seniors are at a higher risk of fire injury .
Reduce your risk of fires:
· Make sure your smoke alarms and CO2 alarms are in working order.
· Flammable liquids stored in the house or near sources of ignition can cause fires and explosions. Store these materials in a well-ventilated area away from living quarters.
· Don't keep large quantities of combustible materials in the house, especially near escape routes such as hallways
· Look for electrical problems. Flickering lights, loose switches and damaged cords are warnings of electrical fire.
· Place fire extinguishers in accessible areas. Know how to use them.
· Teach everyone to get everyone to safety and cal the fire department first.
· Post emergency numbers at each phone including who to call in case of fire. Also, post your own address and telephone number because a panicked person can forget these.

Written by LEH

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Since the weather is rainy today: Think of a fun indoor activity you can do with your loved one. Read, do a craft project, catch up on chores, etc.

Tuesday: Today spend an hour or two with someone you haven't seen in a while. Maintaining relationships with your friends and family is very important.

Wednesday: Write about whatever is on your mind currently....positive or negative.

Thursday: Have you heard of the Advantage waiver? This is a resource that could be very useful for your loved one. Go to http://advantage.ok.gov to learn more.

Friday: When was the last time you said yes to someone that offered to help? If it has been a while since you said yes, think about why that is and write it down in your journal. Knowing when to accept help is very important as a caregiver.

Saturday: When was the last time you went to the movies? With all the fall movies coming out there is sure to be a movie to your liking. Go and have fun...eat some popcorn.

Sunday: Plan your activities for next week

Remembering 9/11

When I woke up today and realized today's date, September 11, I was immediately taken back to that day eight years ago. I remember the feelings that came rushing in when what had just happened sunk in...sadness, horror, disbelief.

Today I think it is important for us to remember that day eight years ago, and do something to honor those who lost their lives. Below are some ideas of activities that you can do.

• Community Service Projects
• Volunteer at a local nursing home, adult day center, YMCA, etc.
• Talk about what you remember about that day
• Call or do an activity with your family today
• Look through photo album

There is nothing we can do to erase the pain of that horrific day, but we can honor today and those that were lost.

Oklahoma Seniors Games

In October the Oklahoma Senior Games will be coming to Tulsa. Men and women over 50 will be coming from all over Oklahoma for a chance to compete and continue on to the Natinoal Senior Games. There will be 21 different sports to compete in. Some of the sports include basketball, croquet, badminton, tennis, and much more.

The Senior games will kick off on October 1 with a Gala at the Greenwood Cultural Center. At the gala there will be dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. The event will be free for all participants in the Oklahoma Senior Games.

There is also a casino night that is scheduled for October 6 at River Spirit Casino from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.

If you know someone that you think would enjoy being a participant in the games then go to www.oklahomaseniorgames.org or call 918-596-2527. If you do not want to be a participant still go and show your support to all the athletes, it is sure to be a fun time.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Have you received any new resources lately? In Tulsa, OK the new Vintage Guide recently came out which lists different home care agencies, assisted living facilities, etc. Also magazines such as Oklahoma Magazine or Tulsa People will have months where the issues are all about senior care.

Tuesday: Write about your best day last week. Once you have written it down look over, and think to yourself what can you do to make more days as good as your best day.

Wednesday: Take an hour out of your day to do something relaxing for yourself. This can be anything from getting a massage to hanging out with friends or just being able to get out of the house for an hour.

Thursday: Have you talked to a friend or family member about your emotions/feelings lately? Doing this on a regular basis is very therapeutic and healthy so your emotions do not get bottled up, which can cause physical stress along with emotional stress.

Friday: When was the last time you took a picture of your loved one? There comes a point in a senior's life where their loved ones stop taking pictures of them for some reason. Seniors like to get their photo taken, and it's a great way to preserve current memories of them.

Saturday: Write down whatever is currently on your mind, good or bad.

Sunday: Write down your activities for next week

Compassion Fatigue

Recently, I went to a presentation about compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is known as a secondary traumatic stress disorder, and can lead to caregiver burnout. So how do you recognize if you have compassion fatigue?

Symptoms

• Excessive Blaming
• Bottled up emotions
• Isolation
• Substance Abuse
• Compulsive behaviors
• Legal problems
• Poor self-care
• Physical ailments
• Problems concentrating
• Denial
• Preoccupied

If you have experienced these symptoms since you became a caregiver, then you more than likely have compassion fatigue. Now that you have recognized it, the next step is to take action so your compassion fatigue doesn't turn into caregiver burnout, or end up making you physically sick.

Actions to take:

• Accept help from others, recognize that you can't do everything on your own
• Talk about your feelings with a support group or someone close to you
• Be kind to yourself
• Educate yourself
• Do activities to stay physically healthy, such as exercising or yoga
• Develop and maintain a support system for yourself
• Live a balanced life

To learn more go to www.compassionfatigue.org There are stress tests you can take at this website so you know what your stress level is.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Today choose an activity that you can do with your loved one, preferrably an activity you can do over an extended time period like scrapbooking, knitting, etc. There are books that explain the basics of these activities so you know where to start.

Tuesday: Today listen to your favorite kind of music. Afterward write about how the music made you feel.

Wednesday: Abraham Lincoln said, "I do the very best I know how; the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end." Write down your first reaction after reading this quote.

Thursday: With fall quickly approaching take a moment to think about your favorite fall traditions/memories. Is it the leaves falling off the trees, halloween, the cooler temperatures, etc. Make a point this fall to make sure you continue to enjoy your favorite fall traditions.

Friday: Take time today to accomplish something that you haven't been able to get done yet this week.

Saturday: Share part of your past with someone you love. This can be your college experience, your childhood, or high school experience. Sharing past experiences with someone really shows them a different part of who you are that they might not normally get to see.

Sunday: Organize your activities for next week.

National Aging in Place Week

Aging in Place is the idea of supporting Seniors in preparing their homes and their lives to be able to live long, healthy and happy lives right where they want to be: in their own homes, neighborhoods and communities.

The National Aging in Place Council has set aside October 12-18 as National Aging in Place Week.

This special week is a specific time to highlight the benefits of aging in place. The week is focused on educating and highlighting community and home based services that help seniors successfully age in place.

A Better Life Homecare will participate in National Aging in Place Week with a variety of events and activities, including a memory scrap booking event, and a yard cleaning event for needy seniors.

Scrapbooking is a great activity for seniors, especially those with dementia because it can help jog their memory. It’s also a great way for family members to preserve their memories with their loved ones.

For more information check our website:
www.abetterlifehomecare.com

Caregiver's Corner

Your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease has a lot of living to do. Help keep the LIFE in the living by participating in activities that are enriching to both of you:

· Simple physical and recreational activities such as taking regular walks along familiar routes help establish routines, work out anxiety and maintain health.

· Social time is important, Keeping the events small and familiar will help your loved one benefit most from the time. Prepare friends and family members to automatically provide helpful cues about names and history together, rather than “testing” your loved one with “who am I?” or “don’t you remember me?” challenges.

· Creative activities such as painting, drawing and scrapbooking and participating in cultural events can help your loved one take advantage of natural creativity to express their thoughts and feelings. I’m Still Here by John Zeisel is a wonderful resource for helping caregivers maximize use of arts to help family members keep the LIFE in living!

· Have quiet time. Sometimes you don’t need to say a word, just sit with each other.

· Task-Related activities will help your loved one continue to contribute. This can be helping prepare a meal, dusting around the house, or folding sheets.

· Consider modifying activities that you and your loved one used to enjoy together.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: What did you do last week that was just for yourself? Being a caregiver it is easy to constantly think about someone else's needs. Write down what you have done for yourself recently.

Tuesday: I have talked about how key organization is for caregivers. When was the last time you have gone through paperwork and files. If it's been a while then take some time to sort through stuff today. You will be surprised how much stuff you accumulate just in the course of a month. Anything that has identifying information on it that you no longer need make sure and shred the documents.

Wednesday: Dennis Gabor said, "Poetry is plucking at the heartstrings, and making music with them." Today write a poem about what's in your heart.

Thursday: If you haven't looked into senior centers in your area, take some time to do that today. If your loved one likes to meet new people this is a great way to do it. Often there are many different classes offered at senior centers like fitness classes, scrapbooking groups, etc.

Friday: Rest a little today and just enjoy the company of your loved one. This can be very relaxing.

Saturday: Remember when you were a kid and so carefree? Today I want you to do an activity where you feel like a kid again, back when everything was simpler. Some activities might include going to an arcade, playing board games, coloring, etc. This can be a great stress reliever.

Sunday: Write down your schedule for next week.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Children put a smile on everyone's face. So take you and your loved and visit with your children, grandchildren, or your friend's grandchildren, etc. You can't help but laugh and smile when kids are around.

Tuesday: As summer is coming to an end take a moment to write about your favorite summer memory this year.

Wednesday: Educate yourself. No I don't mean on your loved one's condition. While that is important and great to do, I want you to continue you learning about things that interest you like WWII, cars, computers, etc. It's important to continue to learn new things. Write about what you learned today.

Thursday: Marcel Proust said, "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." What is your first reaction to this quote?

Friday: Write about what is currently on your mind.

Saturday: Go outside today and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Sunday: Prepare your activities and appointments for next week.

Identity Theft Prevention

Half of all identity thefts are committed by someone the victim knows. This is a very scary thought when you stop and think about it. That is why it is very important to take measures to protect yourself as much as possible so this does happen to you and your loved one. I am going to talk about the common practices an identity theft does, and what prevention steps you can take.

An Identity Theif will:

• File a change of address form in your name so they can start receiving your mail
• Steal credit card payments
• Steal mail
• Go through your garbage, looking for any personal information you have thrown out
• Steal discarded credit card applications, and fill them out with their address
• Send fraudulent e-mails
• Run a Medicare scam asking for you card number (which is the same as your social security number)

Prevention Techniques

• Do not leave bill payments on your curbside mail box, take it to the post office
• Have the post office hold your mail when you are out of town, or have someone you trust pick up your mail everyday
• Do not give any personal information over the phone
• Keep your identifying information like social security card in a secure locked place
• Do not put your trash out way ahead of pick up time
• Do not care your social security card in your purse or wallet
• Do not give Medicare information out over the phone or through e-mail. To report a Medicare scam call 1-800-Medicare
• Be cautious if a friend or family member starts asking you for small loans, or says they are in a financial bind
• If you assign a power of attorney, make sure it is someone you completely trust and won't take advantage of the opportunity
• Shred all financial statements
• Do not write your passwords down

These are just some of the many precautions you should take so you don't find your identity stolen. Take some time and discuss this with your friends and family and brainstorm about other ways that you can safeguard your information.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Today write down what resources and supports you have that you can count on. It is easy to feel alone sometimes but once you see on paper all the different places you can turn to it will begin to ease the stress. If you feel like you do not have enough supports check out some of your local support groups.

Tuesday: Mary Poole said, "He who laughs, lasts" Take a moment and laugh today.

Wednesday: Organization is one thing that can help you reduce your caregiver stress. One thing that helps is to keep your loved one's information organized. Today create a medical journal for your loved one. Every time you go to the doctor with him or her take it with you and write down the information you receive from that appointment (i.e. medication changes, weight, lab results, etc.)

Thursday: If your loved one likes music take them out to Utica Square to listen to some great music. The best part is it's free!

Friday: Today take a moment and do something for yourself.

Saturday: Write about whatever is currently on your mind.

Sunday: Plan out next week's activities

Caregiver Resources

I have talked some in the past about caregiver burnout and the importance of determining what caregiver resources are in your area to take advantage of. Today I am going to talk about the caregiver resources available in Tulsa, OK.

Life Senior Services is a place you should definitely take advantage of if you are a caregiver. At Life Senior Services there is a Caregiver Resource Library that has books, dvds, and magazines about topics that are of interest and useful to caregivers.

Life Senior Services also offers Caregiver Counseling as a more personal means to deal with all the changes and emotions that come with being a caregiver.

Caregiver Support Groups is another great service that is offered at Life Senior Services. At Caregiver Support Groups you get the opportunity to meet others in similar situations as yourself, and can give you advice on the different duties of being a caregiver. I highly recommend you join a Caregiver Support Group.

The Alzheimer's Association is another great resource if the person you are caring for has Alzheimer's. They have support groups available there and a lot of literature about how Alzheimer's progresses and what you need to know when caring for someone with Alzheimer's.

Also look into organizations you are already involved in such as your church, clubs, etc. Many times they will have support groups or can provide recommendations on where to go. There are many caregiver resources in Tulsa to take advantage of so you get the support you need.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: If your loved one doesn't get a chance to socialize that much find a group that he or she can join to meet new people. Adut Day Centers are great because there are always fun activities to do. Do a little research to find out what groups are in your area.

Tuesday: Keeping yourself healthy is just as important as keeping your loved one healthy. Go get some exercise today. You will feel really good afterward.

Wednesday: "Life is 10% what you make it, and 90% how you take it." - Irving Berlin Write down how this makes you feel. How are you taking life?

Thursday: Are you staying informed? It is essential for us to stay informed on the latest healthcare issues and medical break throughs. Take some time today read some articles about the latest news in the medical community.

Friday: Today I want you to write about the things in your life that are currently stressing you. What can you do to alleviate some of this stress?

Saturday: Do a fun activity today with your loved one.

Sunday: Organize next weeks activities

Why Doesn't Grandpa Remember My Name?

Alzheimer's is sometimes difficult to understand as adults, but sometimes we forget how confusing it can be for a child when grandma or grandpa is diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Children do not understand why their grandparent is suddenly becoming more and more forgetful. So it is very important for us to be able to explain it to them in a way that they can understand. One of the most common questions they will ask is can I catch it? The answer is of course no. The simple way of explaining Alzheimer's to young kids is by saying something along the lines of "As we get older sometimes we start to forget things." Make sure they know that just because grandpa can't remember their name it doesn't mean he loves them any less.

Often this sudden change can be scary for children so encourage them to do activities with their grandparent. These activities (depending on the stage of Alzheimer's) can be going out for ice cream, playing a simple card game, reading together, etc.

Just remember keep your explanations nice and simple and think of different activities your child can do with grandpa to keep them engaged with each other.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Today I want you to try something new that isn't usually involved in your routine. This can be something as simple as eating at a new place or trying a new activity. Then write down how it was and your feelings about it.

Tuesday: Today I want you to make a commitment to work harder to preserve the memories you are currently making. For example, take more pictures, video things, write letters, etc. These will be priceless to you someday.

Wednesday: Go take a walk today and just enjoy the outdoors.

Thursday: Plan something fun for you and your loved one to do this weekend. This doesn't have to be anything real elaborate, just something that the two of you would enjoy doing.

Friday: "Writing is the ax that breaks the frozen sea within us."- Franz Kafka Take a minute to think about this quote and how the meaning of this has changed to you since you have started your journal.

Saturday: Go out and do the activity you planned on Thursday. Have fun!

Sunday: Make your schedule for next week.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Today I want you to write about your favorite event or activity that you did with your loved one last week.

Tuesday: Today take a few moments and call one of your friends and family members you have not gotten to talk to in a while. Then write down what you guys discussed and how you felt after the phonecall.

Wednesday: Ralph Waldo Emmerson said, " Each moment of the year has its own beauty...a picture which was never before and shall never be seen again." Write down your first reaction when you read this quote and use it to remind you how precious each and every moment is.

Thursday: Today I want you sit down and do a fun, small activity with the person you care for. This can be anything from reminiscing to playing cards to watching a favorite tv show together.

Friday: Today get out of the house and go enjoy nature for a little bit. Take a walk or just sit outside and people watch.

Saturday: Today think about something you want to do in the future and start creating a plan on how you will accomplish that.

Sunday: Write out your schedule for the upcoming week.

Where is the Money Going

There are new scams occurring everyday, and seniors are especially at risk of becoming a victim. The top senior scams are sweepstakes, home improvement, telemarketing, internet scams, and identity theft. Below are ways to help prevent the loved one in your life from getting scammed.

· Get everything in writing-this includes written receipts and estimates for home repairs, financial records, etc.

· Do not give out personal information– such as social security number and birthday

· Discuss the option of assigning a Power of Attorney

· Do research about any company asking for money before your loved one sends the check

Create a support system– it is necessary for seniors to have people in their life that they can trust and talk to about their problems

· Check in frequently– It is very important to visit or call your parent or loved one often so they don’t feel alone and vulnerable. Seniors who feel alone are more susceptible to scams.

Does Medicare Cover Your Diabetes?

Let’s face it, Medicare can be confusing! It’s hard to figure out what they will pay for and how much they will pay. We’ll take some of the confusion out of Medicare and Diabetes by considering some frequently asked questions:

Does Medicare pay for Diabetes Screening? Diabetes is when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or has a reduced response to insulin, making your blood sugar too high. Medicare covers a blood sugar screening to check for diabetes if you are considered at risk.

Who’s considered at risk? People with any of the following:
High blood pressure
Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels)
Obesity
History of high blood sugar

How often are screenings covered? Up to two screenings each year

Who is covered? Individuals at increased risk for diabestes that have any of the previously mentioned risks.

What is the cost? Nothing if you have the Original Medicare Plan

What about diabetes supplies? Glucose monitors, test strips, and lancets may be covered.

What is the cost of supplies? With the Original Medicare Plan you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible

Does Medicare cover Diabetes Self-Management Training? Yes for people with Medicare at risk for complications from diabetes. Your doctor must request this service.

Information from Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov).

Oral History: Keeping Our Heritage Alive

StoryCorps: Keeping our Heritage Alive

As letter writing has decreased over the years, replaced by technology such as the telephone, e-mail and texting, so has much of the everyday history of Americans. StoryCorps is a publicly funded organization devoted to capturing the experiences of everyday Americans through an ambitious oral history project.

David Isay, Founder of StoryCorps believes, “every body’s story matters and every life is counts.” StoryCorps provides the equipment and support for friends and family members to interview their loved ones and “honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening.” (StoryCorps mission: http://www.storycorps.org/about) Every StoryCorps experience is a conversation between people who care about each other. The conversation is recorded and archived in the Library of Congress for posterity and the participants keep a free compact disc for their own enjoyment and sharing.

StoryCorps began reaching out to Americans with memory loss in 2006, encouraging them to share their stories. This initiative is led by nationally recognized experts in memory loss and the technicians who participate in this program are specially trained to support people with memory loss in telling their stories.

To participate in the StoryCorps project, call StoryCorps or visit the website (www.storycorps.org) to schedule an appointment at a recording location. If there is not a location near you, contact StoryCorps for a Do-It-Yourself kit or rent a Story Kit to produce your piece.

Contact Information:
646-723-7027
www.storycorps.org
StoryCorps
80 Hanson Place, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Hello! I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July. Here are this week's Caregiver Activities.

Monday- Today write about your Fourth of July and how you spent it

Tuesday- Today I want you to do a fun and simple craft project with the person you care for. You will need sponges, paint, blank cards or paper, and blank envelopes. That's right you are going to make your own stationary. Simply dip the sponge into the paint and decorate the cards anyway you like. If you want you can buy sponges in different shapes or cut them yourself.

Wednesday- Today I want you to do a writing exercise with the person you care for. Use the stationary you made on Tuesday, and each of you write a letter about your favorite childhood memory and then share it with each other. Letters make great keepsakes.

Thursday- Joy Harjo said, " As I write I create myself again and again." Since you have been writing in your journal for a few weeks now take a minute today to write down what you have learned about yourself while doing these exercises.

Friday- Go outside today and do your favorite outdoor activity.

Saturday- Try something new today and see what you discover about yourself.

Sunday- Go ahead and write down your schedule for next week, and prioritize.

Do you know what your loved one wants?

An Advanced Medical Directive, also known as a “Living Will” is an important document everyone should know about, especially as a caregiver. Does your loved one have an Advanced Medical Directive? Do you know what an Advanced Medical Directive should contain? I am going to explain what exactly a Living Will is, the vital things you need to consider, and Oklahoma’s regulations.

A Living Will is defined as a declaration to your physician and medical provider stating your preferences for life-prolonging procedures in the event of a terminal condition, persistent unconsciousness, or end stage condition occurs. End stage condition was most recently added, and it is when medical treatment would not be effective.

One of the most common mistakes people make is to wait until they get diagnosed with a condition or become ill before they get a Living Will. The best time to make one is when you are healthy and of sound mind. If you or your loved one does not have a Living Will then you need to make one as soon as possible. The worst situation to end up in is when there is no Living Will and your friends and family are having difficulty making your medical decisions because they do not know what you wanted.

Before you meet with a lawyer to create your Living Will take some time to do research about the pros and cons of life-prolonging procedures. One of the best resources is to talk to your doctor about it, since they know your medical history. Once you feel confident you know about all the available options, meet with a lawyer and sign your Living Will. Once you have a Living Will make one or two copies of it. The original copy should go to your family doctor. You should keep a copy and if you feel comfortable give the second copy to a trusted friend or family member.

Below are Oklahoma’s Requirements regarding a Living Will
· You must be 18 and of sound mind at the time you create the Living Will
· You must have 2 witnesses that are at least 18
· The Living Will isn’t required to be notarized, but it is recommended
· A healthcare agent is not required to sign the form

If you would like to see an example of an Oklahoma Living Will go to http://oklegal.onenet.net/oklegal-cgi/get_statute?99/Title.63/63-3101.4.html

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Monday: Today I want you to think about the major stressors in your life and write them down. After making a list of what stresses you, look over it and think about what it is you can do to help minimize your stress. Many times we create stress ourselves, so we can eliminate it ourselves as well.

Tuesday: Too often as a caregiver we are so concerned about the person's well being we are caring for that we begin to stop taking care of ourselves. Do something for yourself today. This can be making a nice healthy meal for yourself today instead of eating out, taking your time getting ready and not rushing, exercising, etc.

Wednesday: Today I want you to think of an activity that would be fun for you and your loved one to do together.

Thursday: Wayne Sotile said, "There will be enough time to do it all but not all at once." Take a few minutes to think about this quote and write down how it makes you feel and take a few minutes to prioritize and decide what you can accomplish today.

Friday: Today I want you to think of a time when you were frustrated and what you did to calm yourself down. Write down what it was and next time you are feeling frustrated do that activity to calm yourself down. This could be counting to ten, taking deep breaths, talking to a friend, etc.

Saturday: Go outside today and enjoy nature.

Sunday: Write out your activities and errands you need to get done next week.

Travel Destinations for seniors on a budget

Does your loved want to go on a vacation? Are they on a tight budget? Below are a few destination ideas for the senior on a budget. You can even make it a trip for both of you, a change of scenery is always nice and refreshing.



· Branson, Missouri: Branson is primarily known for their theme park, Silver Dollar City, but there are a lot more activities to do that are senior friendly and inexpensive.
o Go enjoy the scenery and the water at Table Rock Lake
o Take a tour of Table Rock Lake by taking a Ride the Ducks tour. This is a 70 minute boat ride for $19 (discounted rate for seniors).
o There are free tours at the Stone Hill Winery. Tours start every 15 minutes and last for about an hour. The Stone Hill Winery is wheelchair accessible.
o There are many different shopping outlets to walk around and do a little shopping

· New Orleans, Louisiana: New Orleans isn’t just for Mardi Gras. New Orleans’s French heritage makes it a very interesting and fascinating place.
o Musee Conti Wax Museum depicts the history of New Orleans and the Louisiana territory. Cost is only $6.25 (discounted rate for seniors)
o The Cabildo is a historic landmark that has exhibits open for tours. Admission is $5 (senior discount rate).
o If the water world is something you enjoy stop by the Aquarium of the Americas.

· Las Vegas, Nevada: Las Vegas is not just for gamblers and party goers, there are a multitude of other activities to do in this city.
o There is a lot of places to shop if that’s what you enjoy doing. One of the famous streets to walk along is Freemont Street.
o There are golf courses such as Badlands Golf Course for the golf lovers in your life.
o Some of the most entertaining things to do in Las Vegas are free. For example watching the fountains at the Bellagio and just walking around and people watching.

Caregiver Activities for the Week

Here is your new set of caregiver activities to try!

Monday: Today write down your favorite thing you have experienced during the time you have been a caregiver. This could be something you have discovered about yourself or just a happy memory you have shared with your loved one.

Tuesday: Eleanor Roosevelt said, " You gain strength, experience and confidence by every experience where you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you cannot do." Write down your first reaction when you read this quote.

Wednesday: Write down a list of things that are difficult for you to take care of as a caregiver. Review your list and see if there are other people that can assist you with them or if you can let go of any of the things on your list.

Thursday: Do something that relaxes you like go for a swim, read, or just take a walk.

Friday: Next time someone tells you to let them know if they can help don't ignore them. Think of something they can do that would relieve some of your stress and ask them. After all they did offer to help so why not take them up on it.

Saturday: Do an activity today that you used to do on the weekends but haven't made the time to do lately. If you had lunch with your friends on the weekend or liked to go to the movies or get your hair done, go do that! Arrange for someone to come and stay with your loved one for a few hours giving you some time to yourself. It will make you feel a lot better.

Sunday: Sit down and write down your schedule for the next week. Organizing your activities and having a specific plan set can be a great stress reducer. Don't forget to schedule a little time for yourself!

As always you can move these activities around to work best with your schedule.

Are meds hurting your loved ones? by Jolynn Officer

Today I want to talk a little bit about polypharmacy and how to make sure that your loved one doesn't suffer the effects of it.

The Department of Health and Human Services designates polypharmacy as the principal medication safety issue for seniors. What’s polypharmacy? It is typically defined as the concurrent use of 5 drugs by the same person. Polypharmacy contributes to confusion, falls, incontinence, urinary retention and malaise. These symptoms may cause physicians to prescribe yet another medication. 75% of adverse drug reactions that require hospitalization are due to inadequate monitoring, inappropriate prescribing of medications and lack of patient education and compliance. Seniors are at greater risk because of normal physiological changes such as decreased renal and hepatic function that can change the way meds are processed. Potential for adverse reaction is 6% when 2 medications are taken, 50% with 5 medications and 100% with 8 medications. Multiple medications increase the possibility of drug-drug –disease interactions

So how to help your medication work for you and not against you: If you have several doctors make sure each know all the medications you are taking. Keep a list of all your medications and update every few months. Make sure a trusted friend or relative also has a list of your meds. Use the same pharmacy for all medications. Use your pharmacist as a resource and jot down questions you may have related to your medications. If your pharmacy does not council you when you fill a new prescription, change pharmacies. And lastly, always go over every medication with your physician at each visit. If your have any unusual symptoms, no matter how slight be sure and notify your physician as soon as possible.
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Weekly Caregiver Activities

Now that you have your journal and have done your first entry let's get to the next activity. Each week I will post a week's worth of activities for you to do. You can do as many or as few as you want, and can change the order to fit your schedule if necessary.

Tuesday- Do something today that you love to do, but have not had as much time to do lately. This can be going on a walk, reading a book, etc. Afterward take a few moments to write about how you feel.

Wednesday-Write down what you have learned about yourself during your caregiver experience. This can be positive or negative.

Thursday-Mary Poole said, "He who laughs, lasts." So take some time to experience something today that makes you laugh.

Friday- Call a friend today that you have not gotten to talk to much lately.

Saturday- Go outside and take a walk. Enjoy the sun.

Sunday- Take five minutes and just write down what you are feeling at that moment. Putting your feelings on paper is a nice release.


I hope these small exercises reduce any stress you may be experiencing.

Caregiver Activity of the Day

I have talked a little bit about caregiver burnout, and how necessary it is to make time for yourself. I want to talk more about what activities you can do for a few minutes each day to relieve some stress. Writing is a great activity that does not take long at all to do.

One thing I urge you to do today is go out and buy a journal or a notebook. Your first acitivity to do in your new journal is write down what your feelings are today. Expressing your feelings on paper is a very healthy exercise. Writing down your feelings can help you discover some things about yourself you may not have known. It is also a good way to vent, if that's needed, without hurting anyone's feelings.

I will be posting a new activity for you to do in your journal each week. Please feel free to post any ideas or comments you have.

Quote of the week

I recently heard a caregiver quote that former first lady Rosalynn Carter who said.... "There are only four kinds of people in this world, those who have been caregivers, thos who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."

I thought this was a great quote and wanted to share it with you in case you haven't yet heard it.

Caregiver's Bill of Rights

I recently read the Caregiver's Bill of Rights written by Jo Horne and wanted to post it here for everyone to read.

I have the right:

• To take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the capability of taking better care of my loved one.
• To seek help from others even though my loved ones may object. I recognize the limits of my own endurance and strength.
• To maintain facets of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he or she were healthy. I know that I do everything that I reasonably can for this person, and I have the right to do something just for myself.
• To take pride in what I am accomplishing and to applaud the courage it has sometimes taken to meet the needs of my loved one.
• To protect my individuality and my right to make a life for myself that will sustain me in the time when my loved one no longer need my full-time help.
• To expect and demand that as new strides are made in finding resources to aid physically and mentally impaired persons in our country, similar strides will be made toward aiding and supporting caregivers.
• To get angry, be depressed, and express other difficult feelings occasionall.
• To reject any attempts by my loved one (either conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me through guilt, and/or depression.
• To receive consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance for what I do, from my loved ones, for as long as I offer these qualities in return.

Print this off and read it from time to time to remind yourself of the rights every caregiver has.

Prevent Falls: Live Longer

Prevent Falls: Live Longer 

Lori Hauge, Better Life Homecare

One in every three people over the age of 65 will fall within the next twelve months.  Although that may not sound like a huge problem, accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in people over 65 and two-thirds of these accidents are a result of falls.  For every elderly person who is admitted to the hospital after a fall, only 50% will be alive one year later.  Those are pretty powerful numbers , which makes the problem of falls a problem for all of us. 

The consequences of falls in people who are elderly are enormous and generally fall into four categories:  financial, medical, psychological, immobility

Financial: It is estimated that falls in people who are elderly cost our nation over $12 billion dollars each year.  Falls dramatically increase the rate of institutionalization (nursing home placement), which is expensive, and falls increase elderly patients’ use of health care overall.

Medical:  Medical consequences of falls can include relatively mild cuts and bruises to Subdural Hematomas (brain bleeding), to fractures.  For every 20 people who fall, 1-2 will fracture something,  and 10 will end up in a long term care facility.

Psychological: Let’s face it.  Falls are scary.  Once a person falls one time, they are likely to fear falling again.  This fear of falling can lead to a loss of confidence, depression and social withdrawal.

This withdrawal almost always leads to decreased physical activity which leads to decreased ability to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing and bathing.  This often leads to increased dependency…something most of us want to avoid, at all costs!

Immobility: Finally, falls and fear of falling often lead to immobility with decreased overall conditioning and decreased joint mobility.

Risk Factors

Seven major factors put people at risk for falls:

·         Generalized weakness.  Overall weakness increases the risk of falling by five times.  In addition to recognizing that one in every three folks over age 65 will likely to fall within the next year.  The generally weak person is five times more likely to be one of those three!   Weakness sneaks up on us: after the age of 30, if we do not work to maintain our muscle strength, we lose an average of ½ pound of muscle mass each year!

·         Gait and balance problems. The second most frequent cause of falls is a problem with gait and balance…basically that means steadiness on your feet.  People may have gait and balance problems due to lack of fitness, arthritis, inner ear problems, etc.   Gait and balance problems increase the likelihood of falling by 3 times!

·         Low Vision. People with visual impairments are twice as likely as others to fall.  As we age, we are at higher risk for low vision from presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. 

·         Depression.  People with depression are twice as likely to fall as other folks.  It is important to recognize that depression is NOT a normal part of aging and seek help when you need it.

·         Postural Hypotension. Postural hypotension is also called orthostatic hypotension.  It increases a person’s risk of falling by 2-3 times.  It occurs when a person’s change in position, usually from sitting to standing, causes a temporary decrease in blood flowing to the brain.  This leads to lightheadedness and sometimes even blacking out. 

·         Cognitive Impairment.  Cognitive impairment, such as dementia or stroke, increases a person’s risk of falling by 2-3 times. 

·         Medications and Polypharmacy.  There are certain medications that make it probable that an elderly person will fall.  These are medications that are used to affect the mind, emotions and behavior.  In particular, long acting benzodiazepines increase the likelihood of a person falling by 30 times! Examples of these medications include: Dalmane, Librium, Tranxene, Valium, Klonopin, Doral, Pazipam.  Polypharmacy is the use of multiple medications.  People who take 4 or more medications have an increased risk of falling and the risk increases with each passing year.

Preventing  Falls

Falls are scary, expensive and dangerous.  Falls can negatively impact all aspects of our lives, so what can we do to prevent falls.

·         Exercise. The number one way to prevent falls is to stay strong and fit by exercising regularly.  Exercise also improves your balance and coordination. If you already exercise, keep it up.  If you don’t, get started, but start slow and check with your health care professional about the best way to begin.  Remember, a brisk walk is an easy and inexpensive way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors and if you take a friend, catch up on the gossip!  But keep in mind that it is very easy to build exercise into all aspects of your day:  park a block or two from your destination, do your own housework and yard work, walk your dog. 

·         Treat underlying illnesses. Hypertension, hearing problems, vision problems, orthostatic hypotension, diabetes, etc.

·         Learn adaptive strategies. If you have illnesses or weakness that cannot be cured, talk with your health care team about equipment and strategies you can use to compensate and reduce the risk of falling, canes, walkers, reachers, etc.

·         Reduce environmental hazards. 

 

Lori Hauge, MA, CCC-SLP is a certified homecare administrator for A Better Life Homecare.  Her family’s company, Bios, has been supporting people with disabilities for 19 years.

Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout is a common occurence for those with the sole responsibility of taking care of a loved one. There are a multitude of reasons why this can occur ranging from role confusion to lack of control to unrealistic expectations.

Sometimes it is hard to identify that you are in fact experiencing caregiver burnout. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:

• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Feeling sad frequently
• Changes in appetites
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Losing interest in the activities that you used to love doing

There are some ways to prevent caregiver burnout from starting or getting worse.

The first solution is to find one person that you can confide in when things start to feel overwhelming. If you don't have a person you feel comfortable confiding in join a caregiver support group. Look up your local agency on aging to find out where caregiver support groups are located. Having an outlet to voice your frustrations and concerns is a healthy way to relieve some stress.

The next thing you may need to do is turn to outside help for some tasks. It is hard to do it all, especially when we have our own responsibilities to do on top of being a caregiver as a well. Hiring someone to help a few days a week so you can get out of the house and do the things you need to get done is very helpful.

It is also a good idea to educate yourself on your loved one's illness. Being knowledgeable about the illness will create more realistic expectations for you and will also allow you provide more effective care.

The last thing that is important to remember is to accept your feelings. Every caregiver gets frustrated from time to time it doesn't make you a bad person. Remember to take a little time for yourself each day to do something that you like to do.

If you have any questions or have any good advice for others feel free to post a comment.

Welcome!

I want to welcome you to this new blog site! The goal of this blog is to give advice to people who are caring for a loved one at home. It is an admirable thing to care for a parent, relative, or friend at their greatest time of need. However, taking on this responsibility can be very stressful, especially if you don't know what resources are available. I will be posting blogs frequently on various topics to help you with things that might currently be affecting you. I encourage you to share thoughts about what has been helpful to you as caregiver. I look forward to hearing your comments!