How to Talk to Your Aging Loved Ones About Safe Driving

May 1, 2012 Leave a Comment

elderly drivingDriving a car is more than getting from one place to another; a car represents independence and freedom for most people, especially older Americans. As your loved ones age and safe driving becomes a concern, it can be difficult to know how to talk to them about handing over the keys.

When it comes time to talk to your aging loved one about driving, sometimes it can be helpful to start by listening. Ask them some very specific, carefully worded questions to get them talking about their safe driving experiences.

Questions Regarding Safe Driving for Seniors

  • Do you feel your reflexes are slower than they were ten years ago?
  • Have you had any accidents?
  • When was your last written driving test?
  • When was your last behind the wheel driver’s test?
  • Do you still have insurance?
  • When were your eyes last tested?
  • Do you see pedestrians or do they surprise you?
  • Do you drive at night? How is that?
  • How often do you miss your exit off of the freeway?
  • Can you read all the signs in time to appropriately react?
  • Have you ever been lost in a familiar part of town?
  • Have far are you driving at a time?
  • Do you ever worry about your driving?
  • What will you do when you can’t drive anymore?

Often, when people begin to hear their own replies to these questions, they may realize that driving has become a bigger concern than they realized. By opening the door to communication, you’re giving your senior citizen the chance to see for themselves, instead of becoming defensive when you express your concerns.

With time and reflection, you may find that it’s time for your loved one to limit his or her driving, or to stop driving all together. This can be a difficult step. Driving is a form of independence, and most people will do everything they can to keep from giving it up. Have a plan in place to help ensure that your loved one will still have the freedom to go out and do things, and not find themselves stuck at home alone.

  • If you’re able, hire a driver a few days a week.
  • Consider opening a charge account with a local taxi service
  • Ask younger friends or relatives to provide safe driving services, and set up a schedule.
  • Find out if there is public transportation available.

Reassure them that you will help them through this transition, and listen to their concerns. Realize that the loss of freedom is a difficult feeling, and try to put yourself in their shoes. Giving up driving privileges can be a tough but important decision, but in the end it’s the their safety and that of others on the road that must come first. By taking time to both listen and discuss, you can ease the pain of this transition.

Filed Under: Senior Living

What is a Living Will and Why You Need One?

April 15, 2012 Leave a Comment

Living Will for ElderlyWhile death may be a part of every life, it’s not a part we like to dwell upon. But as we get older, death becomes something we must not only deal with, but we must make plans for our death. Planning one’s demise, or at least the circumstances around it, becomes a necessity.

A living will is a written statement that you do not want life-prolonging medical procedures to be performed when your condition is hopeless and there is no chance of regaining a meaningful life. Although called a “will,” it has nothing to do with property, but rather with one’s self. It is also intended to take effect while you are living. It is an advance directive, operative only at the time you are terminally ill and unconscious, or otherwise incompetent to discuss and decide with your physician what treatment you wish.

Not only a tool to control the extent and type of medical care you receive at the end of your life, a living will can also help reduce the emotional stresses and strains felt by both your family and your doctor. You’re basically helping those who must make decisions whether to withhold, withdraw or continue medical treatment that cannot cure or reverse your terminal condition.

A living will should address your feelings on whether or not you would want these four things done to you:

  1. If your heart stopped, would you want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) started?
  2. If you were unable to breathe on  your own, would you want to be put on a respirator (breathing machine)?
  3. If you were unable to eat food on your own, would you want to be fed through a stomach tube?
  4. If your kidneys stopped working, would you want to be put on a dialysis machine?

You can say yes to some actions, and no to other ones. It is your decision. It is perfectly fine to say, “I want everything done,” or “I want nothing done.” No one should ever be coerced into signing a document in which you do not feel comfortable. Speak with your doctor about these choices. They can explain the pros and cons of each intervention based on your medical concerns.

If you create an advance directive, you will still receive pain medications and other appropriate interventions. Creating an advance directive does not mean that you will be left to die or given medications to die. It is not a suicide wish or statement.

Having a living will in place ensures that you maintain control of your healthcare decisions, even at the end of life. You are protecting your loved ones and helping them to know exactly what you wish to happen should you be unable to tell them. By relieving the stress of making these decisions for you, a living will is a gift that you can give your family.

Filed Under: Elder Law, Senior Law

Sleep Problems in the Golden Years

April 2, 2012 Leave a Comment

sleep problemsWe imagine our senior years to be a time to relax and enjoy a lifetime of memories. With the stress of jobs and raising a family behind us, it may seem hard to imagine having trouble getting enough rest and sleep.

But as far too many seniors are aware, this isn’t always the case. In fact, those over 65 actually suffer from far more sleep problems than any other age group. This lack of sleep can have a serious effect on both the senior and those who care for them.

A number of factors affect how we sleep when we age; some of them are medical, others are emotional. Less activity and general aches and pains keep some seniors awake at night. Also, life changes, such as loss of a loved one, can disrupt sleep.

But poor sleep is also strongly associated with medical and psychiatric problems that may develop as we age. Illnesses can promote sleep disorders. Depression is known to disrupt sleep and often turns into insomnia. Pulmonary disease, heart disease and arthritis are typical causes of sleep problems.

It’s worth noting here that some medicines that are commonly prescribed to the elderly can impair sleep and sometimes stimulate wakefulness. If you suspect that meds are keeping your elderly loved one awake at night, consult with their doctor to find out if there are better options.

One of the most common causes for poor sleep at night is inactivity during the day. Seniors live a slower lifestyle, but staying mentally and physically active will help the mind and body become tired enough to sleep. And frequent daytime naps don’t help nighttime sleep, either.

It’s natural to slow down as you age, but stopping activity all together will compound many medical issues, including problems getting to sleep and staying asleep. Of course, one person’s active day may be very different from another’s. For some seniors, a leisurely stroll around the yard is enough activity to tire the body and encourage sleep at night. For others, more strenuous activities such as sports, exercise and brisk walks are needed to feel tired enough to sleep.

And don’t forget mental activity.  Keeping the mind active and engaged will help promote healthy sleep at night. Reading a book, working word games and chatting with friends are all important ways to keep mentally active.

To maintain a healthy mind and body, and encourage healthy sleeping at night, it’s essential to be as active as your mental and physical condition will allow. Encourage your elderly loved ones to stay active during the day, and you’ll find that nights become far easier to deal with, both for your loved one and caretakers.

Filed Under: Advice Nurse

Background Checking Your Home Care Provider for Safety

March 15, 2012 Leave a Comment

home care providerHiring a home care provider can be a blessing for families caring for their elder relatives. It can bring much needed respite and peace of mind that your loved ones are safe. In order to ensure their safety, it is important to background check your provider, before they are allowed in the home.

There are many reasons to background check home care providers including; prior financial or physical abuse issues, theft, neglect and many others. References are not enough, since any person could be listed as a reference and tell a very good story. The only secure ways to know the truth about the person you are hiring is a detailed background check that is both criminal and employer based.

Another thing to consider is the number of years that the background check covers. Most checks cover seven years of history on a person. Some convictions may have taken place as long as ten to fifteen years prior, so it is important to check back far enough to know things in a person’s distant past. After all, your home care provider is caring for your loved one, and you need to ensure their safety.

There are a few different ways to do a background check on a home care provider. One of the most recently popular methods is an Internet search. These can provide valuable details at a relatively lost cost and cover up to twenty years of history on a person.

The one downfall using internet search as your only information source, is some searches do a name match and records can be misplaced or added, so they are not as accurate. They are based on utility accounts at an address and public court records. Internet searches are a good way to start your background check and if anything appears on the records, make sure you may phone calls to verify what you found.

You can also ask for previous addresses and check the courts in the areas that your provider lived. This is the most accurate way and court records are open to the public. Another way is to request a DMV printout with a copy of the driver’s license. This only reveals criminal driving records, but another good start checking your provider. And to verify any information with addresses or financial responsibility, a credit report is necessary and can help verify addresses.

Make sure that employers listed for references are verifiable employers such as; companies, agencies, or truly people that have used this persons services. References can be easy to fabricate and should not be used as sole background checking information.

Background checking a home care provider for safety will save you headaches in the future. Knowing that you have hired someone trustworthy and dependable will ensure that your aging loved one is truly safe and well cared for.

Filed Under: Home Care News Tagged With: , , ,

Answers to your Questions About Hospice Care

February 17, 2012 Leave a Comment

At HomeAide Home Care we specialize in caregiver services and provide non-medical support to our clients. However, our expert caregivers often support hospice care teams in helping make your loved one’s last days as comfortable as possible.

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice is a type of in-home or residential care for patients with life ending illnesses. Hospice care seeks to support the patient and family through this difficult time while keeping the patient comfortable and managing his or her pain. Hospice care is patient and family oriented and uses a different approach than traditional medical care. The goal of hospice care is to provide a pain free and dignified death while minimizing symptoms of illness. Hospice care does not try to extend or shorten life, but to make what is left of it pleasant and livable.

How Does a Patient Get Hospice Care?

Hospice care is designed or patients who have six months or less to live. A patient must be referred to hospice by a doctor for the care to be covered by insurance. Once a referral is made, most hospice programs are able to make contact with the patient and family and can begin to provide a full range of services.

Where is Hospice Provided?

These types of programs where created to allow patients to live their last days at home, in comfort, with their family present. Specially trained hospice workers visit the home on a regular basis and immediate support and advice is always available by phone. Even though the care is based out of the home, hospice programs maintain relationships with hospitals so that a patient who needs temporary hospital care can be transferred to a hospital and then returned home while under hospice care.

All though hospice programs started out being mainly in the home, they have expanded and can usually provide care in a nursing home, hospital or other facility. Some hospices maintain their own residential facilities for patents that can’t be cared for at home.

Who is the Hospice Team?

Hospice works as a team to provide care. A family member is designated as the team leader and works with doctors, nurses, aides, therapists, counselors and other health care workers to provide well-rounded care and support. Hospice workers seek to care for the patient and the family as one unit. Hospice care does not end with the death of the patient. Bereavement counseling is provided for at least one year after the death. Hospice programs also offer respite care, allowing family caregivers free time, while the patient is cared for by other team members.

Hospice Care

Who Pays for Hospice Care?

Private insurance and Medicaid cover hospice care. Medicare offers some coverage. To be eligible for Medicare coverage, a patient must be certified as terminally ill with six or less months to live. A Medicare approved hospice program must provide care. The coverage includes medical staff care, medication, brief hospital stays, in home health aides, social workers and family therapists. While receiving hospice care, the patent cannot receive treatment for the disease.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Start with the National Hospice Foundation’s website at nationalhospicefoundation.org. There you’ll find information about programs, tips for caregivers and resources for dealing with end of life situations.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization can be found at nhpco.org, and provides extensive articles and planning worksheets to help you make the best of your hospice care program.

Need Non-Medical Support from HomeAide Home Care?

Give us call at (510) 247-1200, we’ll be happy to discuss if our services are right for you and your loved ones.

Filed Under: Q&A

How to Recognize Depression in Your Elderly Loved One

January 22, 2012 Leave a Comment

Unfortunately, depression is very common among the senior population. Of course for some, this has been a lifelong condition. For others, it has been brought on by medical conditions, lifestyle changes like retirement, numerous losses, the impending loss of independence, and the reflection of one’s own life meaning with the realization of imminent death.

These life issues would be enough to make anyone depressed. Given that our seniors are facing most if not all of these issues at once, it’s no wonder depression is so prominent. It’s important to know about depression in your elderly loved one’s life in order to give them the help they need. No one needs to feel bad at any stage of life.

senior depression

It isn’t normal to feel depressed all the time when you are a senior. In fact, most folks are satisfied with their life and reflection of their contributions to life. There are periods when feeling depressed is very normal, such as the loss of a spouse, friend, home, health or independence. These periods of sadness are a quite normal reaction to life circumstances.

In addition to normal life circumstances, chronic physical problems and medical conditions can cause depression beyond our feelings about the illness. Particularly cancer, diabetes and cardiac conditions can induce such symptoms. Certain medications can induce depression. If you notice a change after your loved one starts or changes a medication or dosing, immediately consult with the prescribing physician. If there is a family history of depression, the individual may be predisposed to it.

Depression is not a natural part of aging, although it is all too common. It is most common for seniors to experience depression around the winter holidays. Changes in weather can greatly impact mood in everyone, and with the dreary days of winter, it’s no wonder why seniors especially may feel blue. Holidays remind us of our losses, of friends and family. The lost of independence may limit visitation and participation in holiday events. Financial concerns may limit the opportunity to participate in celebrations. Overall weather, stress and losses make for a time of loneliness, separation and despair. Eventually, when the holidays pass, the mood may be restored.  If not, if a depressed mood persists, then an evaluation for clinical depression may be in order.

Many things can cause feelings of depression in seniors. Regardless of the cause, if such a mood continues for more than a few weeks and is associated with some of the following symptoms, it may be helpful to consult professional help to get some relief.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression

  • Persistent sadness
  • Social isolation
  • Angry outburst
  • Lack of expression
  • Withdrawal from normal activities
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Lack of concentration
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Increased use of alcohol or prescription drugs for anxiety

If you notice these symptoms in your aging loved one, schedule an evaluation with their doctor. Offer them your compassion and comfort during this most vulnerable time. Depression can be treated, and your loved one can enjoy their life again.

Filed Under: Senior Care

Friendship Benefits Seniors in Every Way

November 22, 2011 Leave a Comment

Seniors Need FriendsTime spent with friends is never wasted. The companionship of friends is important to anyone at any age. The support and fun to be had from friendship is especially beneficial for senior citizens, but far too often, they are least likely to have these relationships. Seniors are often at risk of isolation. Finding common ground and shared interests is one of the best ways for the elderly to enjoy time with their friends.

Seniors can enjoy time with friends when they share an activity that both enjoy. Games such as cards, board games or even jigsaw puzzles are the perfect opportunity for chatting between turns and enjoying the company. Games for two or four can be fun and help challenge the elderly mind.

Taking classes together can also provide a way for seniors to enjoy time with friends. Many senior centers offer free or low cost painting or drawing classes, cooking classes and even dance classes. The opportunity to learn a new skill and spend time with peers is invaluable to senior citizens.

Seniors might find themselves with idle time on their hands; a wonderful way for them to get involved is by volunteering their time to help others. Becoming a pseudo-grandparent at schools and afterschool programs is a fulfilling way for seniors to spend an afternoon. In these programs children can benefit from seniors spending time reading to kids, helping with homework or mentoring young children who need a positive influence. Bridging the gap between generations will benefit both, and offer wonderful opportunities for all.

The elderly are often at risk of spending far too much time sedentary. Finding an exercise buddy can be a great benefit to both, as we all know that working out with a buddy makes it more fun and easier. Now that Medicare covers the cost of gym membership, seniors can encourage each other to spend time in the gym, or simply walking the track together and chatting. Any time spent moving, and with friends, is doubly valuable.

Seniors, more than any other age group, are most at risk of becoming withdrawn and isolated.  The simple of act of spending just a few hours with friends can do wonders to improve their overall attitude, and mental and physical health. By finding ways to enjoy the company of others, senior citizens will live a happier and healthier life. Friends really can make the golden years shine.

Filed Under: Senior Living

Everyday Tasks Can Pose a Challenge to Senior Citizens

November 15, 2011 Leave a Comment

Imagine the things that you do every day as a part of your normal routine. Getting dressed, showering, fixing meals and running errands – all of these are a part of your daily routine. But all of these can pose a very real challenge for the elderly. In virtually every area of day-to-day habits, senior citizens face dealing with difficulties.

Senior Live In Care

Image: partie traumatic, courtesy Flickr

A Day in Life of a Senior Citizen

Simply getting out of bed can be a challenge for the elderly. While most of us wake up refreshed and rested, ready to get up and face our day, seniors often awaken to stiff limbs and achy joints. Walking to the bathroom is a slow and often painful process.

Bathing poses special problems for seniors. The hazards of the bathroom are well documented. Stepping into and out of a wet tub remains the number one cause of injury from falls for senior citizens. This is one area where seniors often require the most help, but are the least likely to ask for it.

Anyone who has no trouble buttoning a blouse probably takes for granted how simple the task is for them.  For the elderly, buttons can be a huge frustration and a barrier to independence. Elderly women also struggle with bra clasps and zippers.  Even something as simple as tying a shoe can be a challenge for a senior citizen.

Mobility can be a concern for many elderly people, as walking up or down stairs can often be difficult. Senior citizens often suffer from a weakened grip due to arthritis or hand pain, and can have trouble with door handles and locks. Navigating between furniture when using a cane or a walker can also be frustrating and dangerous.

Cooking meals, washing laundry and normal household chores are far more difficult for the elderly. We often take for granted the simple act of taking the lid off a jar or lifting a heavy pan to the stove. For a senior, these can be daunting tasks that cause frustration and sometimes pain.  The dangers faced by a senior in the kitchen are second only to those in the bathroom.

Seniors face these challenges in their lives every single day. One of the biggest obstacles that a family can face when wanting to help a senior is the resistance they often have to asking for help. By being aware of these issues and helping find solutions to them, you can help your elderly family member live a safer, more independent lifestyle.

Is there someone in your life who needs help with day to day activities? We can help with live-in care, or just support a few hours a week.

Filed Under: Senior Care

Protecting the Elderly Online

October 28, 2011 Leave a Comment

Senior citizens are more active and involved than ever before. These days, the Golden Years are spent living much the same lifestyle that seniors enjoyed before retirement. Most seniors are now wired to the internet, and while this makes it easy to shop, stay in touch with family, and find information, it also opens them up to being victims of fraud. The elderly are especially vulnerable to Internet scams, as they tend to be more trusting and less informed. However, there are ways to help protect your parent or loved one.

A Senior on the Computer

Knowledge is Power

The number one way to help your elderly parent stay safe on the web is to educate them. While younger generations have grown up with the internet in our homes, our parents did not. They aren’t savvy about much of what goes on online. By pointing out the types of scams and fraud that they are likely to encounter on the web, you can educate your elderly parent and arm them with ways to avoid being taken advantage of by scammers.

Spend some time sitting at the computer with your parent. Visit snopes.com and show them how to use it to find the latest scams making their way around the net.  Show them examples of the fraud they’re most likely to see. Because seniors use email more than any other feature of being online, show them Nigerian scam emails, investment schemes, and lottery scams. Knowing about these common emails before they seem them in their inbox will help them know fraud when they see it.

Security Software

You can’t sit with your elderly parent every moment they’re online, but you can be sure that their computer is protected by security software.  Work with your parent to install software to protect their computer from viruses, spyware and other Internet bad guys.

Security software is classified into various types, but all are important. Be sure that you install antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and firewalls. Each type focuses on a specific security threat. After installation, set the software to automatically update itself regularly.

The internet makes life easier for senior citizens, but it also makes them more vulnerable. By educating your elderly parents about internet safety you can help them protect themselves and their personal information from scammers and those intent on defrauding them out of their money.

Filed Under: Senior Living

The Benefits of Water Exercise

October 24, 2011 Leave a Comment

It is well documented that exercise is beneficial to a person’s health. This is also true when we reach our later years in life. As a matter of fact, the exercise benefits for the elderly are astounding. Most senior citizens will see benefits from some form of exercise, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

WaterAerobics

Water Exercise and Arthritis

One exercise in particular that can be beneficial is water aerobics or water walking. The beauty of working out in the water is that the water absorbs the pressure that would otherwise be disseminated to the joints. The exercise increases strength in the thighs, calves and arms and is highly recommended for people who suffer from arthritis.

Strengthen Your Heart!

For people with muscle problems, bone and join issues, performing water exercises regularly can lead to decreased pain as the muscles strengthen and are better able to support the body. In addition to strengthening joint and bone support, water aerobics also strengthens the most important muscle in our body – our heart!

A Natural Mood Lifter

Water exercise and exercise in general also has amazing psychological benefits as well. Exercise releases endorphins, which are the body’s “feel good” chemicals. These types of exercise classes are also a great way to get your loved one into a social situation.

It is never too late to introduce exercise into an elderly person’s regimen and when done sooner than later, all of these benefits can help your loved one maintain their independence longer. By being physically fit they will feel better physically and mentally. It’s really a win-win.

For more information on how water exercise can help those with arthritis please visit the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org. You can find a wealth of information on the different types of water exercise, as well as AF sponsored classes in your area.

Filed Under: Health
«Older Posts
Newer Posts»