Bringing Health Care Home

A colleague forwarded me this article about bringing health care home. That is exactly what Partners in Senior Care’s professional Geriatric Care Managers do! We know our client’s baseline mental status, their aging wishes and how to access services for them in their homes (or with only minimal hospital stays). Home care is a “win-win” for everyone—it costs less and the patient is happier!

7 Questions to Ask When Your Doctor Prescribes a New Medication

1. What is the name of the medication?
2. How often should I take it?
3. Why is it being prescribed?
4. Is it replacing a medication I am currently taking?
5. Will it interact or affect other medications I am taking?
6. When can I expect to see results?
7. What are the possible side effects & what should I do if they happen?

Would you like a free copy of these questions on a card for your purse or wallet?  Click here to request yours now!

Emergency Preparedness Tips

Take these important steps to keep an aging loved one safe and healthy during an emergency

With near record breaking heat this summer throughout much of the U.S., along with severe weather conditions including floods, fires, and earthquakes, being prepared for an emergency, especially a weather emergency, is crucial when caring for an aging loved one or adult.

Partners in Senior Care has several tips for emergency preparedness, including:

• Identify what kind of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available. Make a checklist of these resources and try and have extra supplies on hand.
• Plan to make it on your own, at least for a period of time. It's possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore.
• If you must evacuate, take the senior’s pets with you, if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside.
• Encourage electronic payments for federal benefit recipients. Keep in mind a disaster can disrupt mail service for days or even weeks. For those who depend on the mail for their Social Security benefits, a difficult situation can become worse if they are evacuated or lose their mail service. Switching to electronic payments is one simple, significant way people can protect themselves financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
• Direct deposit to a checking or savings account is the best option for people with bank accounts. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or at www.GoDirect.org.
• The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks for people who don’t have a bank account. Sign up is easy. Call toll-free at 877-212-9991 or sign up online at www.USDirectExpress.com.
• Purchase or create an emergency supply kit (

  Tip: Partners in Senior Care’s Family Resources Page has an emergency supply kit checklist you can download for free.)

  that contains:

• Water.
• Food.
• First aid materials.
• Whistle to signal for help.
• Dust mask.
• Moist towelettes.
• Garbage bags.
• Can opener for food.
• Local maps.
• Cell phone with chargers or solar charges.

• During extreme heat conditions, remember the elderly do not adjust to the heat as well as younger people do. The elderly are also more likely to take medication that impairs the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibits perspiration. Heat stroke is one of the most serious heat-related conditions an aging person can experience. Warning signs include:
• A body temperature over 103 degrees.
• Red or dry skin that is not sweating.
• Throbbing headache.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.

An elderly person can also experience heat exhaustion. Warning signs include:

• Heavy sweating.
• Weakness.
• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Fainting.
• Fast, shallow breathing.
• Cool, moist skin.
• Fast or weak pulse.

To protect the elderly against heat-related illnesses, make sure they drink plenty of water (no alcohol) regardless if they are being active or not, and that they remain indoors, if possible. If someone does experience a heat-related illness, you should:

• Get the person to a shade-covered area.
• Cool the person with cool water and/or wrap them in a cool, wet sheet.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

For more geriatric care tips and advice, e-mail me at PMenoni@PartnersInSeniorCare.com or call me at 866-203-7290. I would love to hear from you.

Trisha

Summer Fun with an Aging Loved One

Now That Summer is Finally Here, It’s a Great Opportunity to Have Some Summer Fun!

It is official: Summer has begun! For an aging loved one, summer is an ideal time to get outside, get some fresh air, and do some fun summer activities like talking walks, birdwatching, and going to an outdoor music concert.

Because winters can be isolating with cold, snowy weather that prevents seniors from getting outside, it is important for caregivers and families to take advantage of the warmer weather and help the senior be active. It probably goes without saying how important exercise and time outside breathing in fresh air is to someone’s physical well-being, but it is equally important for their mental and emotional health. Being outside, enjoying the sunshine and the company of others can do a world of good to boost a senior’s mood. And a happier mood and positive outlook can lead to a longer and healthier life.

For a fun-filled and memorable summer with your aging loved one, consider these Summer Fun Tips:

• Go for a walk. Many counties in Illinois have forest preserves with dedicated walking paths. Even a walk around the neighborhood can be enjoyable to a senior.
• If the senior enjoys birds, why not venture down to Chicago’s new Nature Boardwalk by the Lincoln Park Zoo and enjoy the birds and geese that call the area home, which is also teeming with frogs, herons, and dragonflies, as well as native grasses and wildflowers. There is also a bird sanctuary a little north of the zoo at Montrose Point.
• Enjoy the roses and flowers at the Chicago Botanical Garden, which also has free outdoor concerts on Tuesday evenings during the summer. Can’t make it on a Tuesday? No problem. The Botanical Garden has extended hours in the summer each night, staying open until 9 p.m. and serving food on their outdoor patio.
• If a rainy day occurs, as they do in the summer, you can spend part of the day helping the senior Skype with their children and grandkids. Skype is a great and low-cost way for a senior to stay connected to long-distance loved ones.

Do be mindful of summer heat. With hotter temperatures in July and August, dehydration can be a serious threat to a senior. Make sure the senior drinks adequate amounts of water to stay hydrated. Fruits and vegetables with high water content such as cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, peaches, grapes, and watermelon can also be a way to keep the senior hydrated. And on extremely hot days, try to go outside early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

For more geriatric care tips and advice, e-mail me at PMenoni@PartnersInSeniorCare.com or call me at 866-203-7290. I would love to hear from you.

Trisha

The Flood In North Dakota

Many of you know that Partners in Senior Care is a family owned home care and geriatric care management agency, but what many do not know is that we lived for 9 wonderful years in the small town of Minot, North Dakota.

People often ask why we loved Minot so much (we readily admit we don't miss the 25 below zero winters), but we say we love the people. The Menoni girls rode on a float in the ND State Fair and the float says it best - "The Pride of North Dakota is its People".


I was pregnant in 1979 - the year after we moved to Minot. The last 6 weeks of this pregnancy was spent on bed rest. Our three girls were 9 and under and grandparents were over 900 miles away, but the women of Little Flower Church brought us dinner every night for 6 weeks. I did not know many of these women and when I asked "how can I ever repay your generosity?" I was told "Next year it will be your turn to help someone." The people of North Dakota understand and live the principle of "People helping People". Or as a recent movie said "Pay it Forward." It is a lesson I learned from the ladies of my church, one my daughters learned from the people and one we continue to try to live by.

The people of Minot, North Dakota have paid it forward time and time again. Recently, the city of Minot has been flooded by the Mouse River. Over 11,000 people have been displaced - 25% of their population - and likely will lose their home. Imagine if it were your home in the photos below. Many people we know have lost the homes they lived in, raised their children in, and played with their grandchildren in.


We are asking for your help.
We have been in contact with Roger Reich from the Minot Commission on Aging and he is communicating to us what immediate needs the seniors in the area have and Partners in Senior Care is working to help them.

Lucille Levine, with Disposables Delivered, has made available to us various supplies needed such as latex gloves, incontinence supplies, personal wipes, bleach cleaning wipes, and Ensure at cost. The cost per case varies and that includes next day delivery. I am going to place an order with her on Friday and Tuesday to be sent directly to the Commission on Aging in Minot.

If you would like to participate, please fill out the attached form and fax to Partners in Senior Care. 100% of what you send is going to the supplies Minot needs and we will cover the processing fees for the credit cards. If you are interested in helping, please complete the attached order form, fax it to us, and we will take it from there.

Thank you for your help. We hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July.

Last-Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas for an Aging Parent

Check out our list of Father’s Day gift ideas that are age-appropriate for the dad in your life

In Honor of Father’s Day, we thought we would share some age-appropriate gift ideas for your dad that will not only help him feel honored this Father’s Day, but will also help him age successfully. As fathers age, many have special concerns like hearing loss, poor vision, cognitive disabilities, and more. Find your dad a gift that he can use to make his life better and more enjoyable.

· A decorative bag to attach to a walker, including bags that depict golf or outdoor scenes.

· Battery-operated electronic games like Solitaire or Bridge that can stimulate his mind.

· Ergonomic writing pens to ease writing for dads with arthritic fingers.

· An extra-long shoe horn to avoid bending when putting on shoes.

· Hand-held magnifying glasses to ease eye strain.

· A “big button” TV remote control for easy viewing and use.

· Nail clippers with an over-sized, soft grip for older hands.

· A “memory” photo album or a digital photo album that does a photo slide show. You can scan old photos from your dad’s childhood, including wedding photos with your mom and photos of you as a child, and turn them into JPEG files if you go the digital photo album route. Be sure to also include new photos of any grandkids, and maybe throw in some photos of a destination your dad enjoyed visiting or hopes to visit someday.

· A user-friendly CD player and some of his favorite music, including jazz, Broadway tunes, Big Band, and more.

· Pill bottle magnifiers that enlarge prescription bottle labels.

· Pill organizers designating morning, noon, evening, and bedtime to alleviate confusion regarding which medications to take and when.

· Gift certificates for haircuts, toe-nail clippings, or a personal historian to record his memoirs.

Of course the best gift of all is your time. Taking your dad out for a meal or to a local botanical garden or a nearby sculpture park for a walk can mean so much. You could also take your dad for a scenic drive or to a concert or to church. The time you spend with him, especially as he ages, is truly the best gift of all.

If you have any gift ideas for an aging parent that you would like to share, including ideas for birthdays and the holidays, I would love to hear from you. Please e-mail your ideas to PMenoni@PartnersInSeniorCare.com or call me at 866-203-7290. I will post them in one of my upcoming blogs.

Trisha

Summer Travel Tips

Learn how to vacation with an aging loved one or feel comfortable having them stay at home

Summer is finally here and that means BBQs, fireworks, baseball games, and travel. Summer is a great time to get away with your family. And while summer travel can be a fun experience for an aging parent or loved one, especially if that trip is to see grandchildren, seniors may not be as mobile or energetic as they were in years past. Partners in Senior Care has several tips for a successful summer trip with an aging parent or loved one including:

· Obtaining medical clearances from a physician to ensure the trip is realistic and appropriate.

· Gathering necessary paperwork and documents, including insurance cards, medication, physician’s phone number, medical records, etc.

· Know where to find a physician in another city, including where to get chemo if leaving during treatment, etc.

· Choosing the right mode of transportation. For example, most airlines offer priority boarding for senior passengers, as well as onboard wheelchair availability and priority check-in for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Also be sure to allow for longer connection times between flights and arrange for wheelchair transportation between terminals or gates. Better yet: Try for direct flights rather than layovers even if that means spending more money on the ticket. Ideally, trips should be single destinations rather than a series of visits. Train travel is another option. Amtrak provides oxygen equipment. And if driving, rent a car or van that provides plenty of space and accessible features.

· When flying, minimize carry-on luggage but be sure to carry on all medicines with you. Also bring a note from the senior’s doctor regarding all of their medications in case airport security asks to see prescription validation and information.

· Deciding if your budget allows for a professional skilled eldercare aide to travel with you.

· Sticking with the familiar – vacation to familiar places that the senior enjoyed or is accustomed to.

· If the senior has dementia, make sure they are wearing an identification bracelet that cannot be misplaced.

· When going to a special event, such as a wedding or graduation, arrive a day or two before hand to allow rest time before the event.

· Have a contingency plan in place that allows you to leave early if the senior becomes ill, agitated, or wants to go home.

If you are staying at a hotel with an aging parent or loved one, consider these hotel tips:

· Alert the hotel to any special needs for the senior.

· Use room service the night you arrive for your meal to make things easy and less stressful.

· Take nightlights with you for the bedroom and bathroom.

It is important to keep in mind that seniors who exhibit the following behaviors should avoid overnight travel, including:

• Becoming physically or verbally aggressive.
• Becoming confused during or after social outings.
• Awakening at night confused.
• Having poorly managed incontinence.
• Requiring special assistance or equipment with feeding if public dining rooms will be used.
• Resisting or arguing with caregiver’s instructions.
• Wandering or pacing.
• Are easily frightened, confused, agitated, or wanting to go home.
• Are unable to communicate their needs to others.
• Having unstable medical conditions.
  
  

If an aging parent or loved one is not able to travel with you and needs to stay home, many retirement homes offer temporary care. Another option is to arrange daily home care visits to aid in washing, dressing, and meal preparation such as Partners in Senior Care’s Geriatric Care Retainer Program that lets family members utilize a caregiver on an as-needed basis. This program can also be used if an aging parent or loved one is visiting you. If the senior does stay home when you travel, you could Skype with them while you are on the road and tell them about your trip. This way the senior feels connected to you and your adventures.

For more geriatric care tips and advice, e-mail me at PMenoni@PartnersInSeniorCare.com or call me at 866-203-7290. I would love to hear from you.

Trisha

Webconference: Hiring Home Care Workers: Avoiding Tax and Legal Risks

The National Private Duty Association is sponsoring a live interactive program that will provide advice on avoiding tax and legal risks when hiring home care providers.

The web conference topics include:

• Hiring guidelines
• Tax and legal issues
• Identifying risks
• Independent contractor issues

This is free of charge to participants.

For more information click here.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 17^th was always a special day for my mother. She would play Irish records on the stereo (do our grandchildren even know what that is?) and they would play all day. Dinner was always Corned Beef and Cabbage and as children we always got “a little green” from the pot of gold!

Thoughts of my mother remind me how important family events were to her. Even as she aged, she wanted to be part of all those events; weddings, graduations, reunions, etc. She was fortunate to have all her adult children nearby. In the beginning, my sister and I shared caregiving responsibilities when it came to these family events: If my child was getting married, my sister assisted Mom buy a new dress, send the gift and then accompanied her to the wedding. If it was my niece getting married, it was my turn to coordinate Mom’s needs. As Mom aged, it was necessary to provide her with the assistance of caregivers to be by her side at all times when she attended events, but she continued to attend those events. In fact, the last family reunion was held only 3 months before she died.

My mother-in-law celebrated her 90^th birthday last September and still travels monthly to see children, grandchildren and great grandchildren living in 10 states (including Alaska) and Canada! She is fiercely independent; walking about 3 miles every day and still driving. However, 8 years ago she needed heart surgery and 2 grandchildren were getting married. She realized that she could not attend, but she also did not want to “be a burden” to her adult daughters who had children getting married. Our caregivers provided Nonna with personalized care and gave my sisters-in-law the “peace of mind” they needed. We were able to have Nonna give her toast via the phone and shared the video tape of the wedding with her when we returned!

As a family owned agency, we understand how very important family events can be to our clients and their families. Ideally, it would wonderful if adult children could always be there for their parents. That isn’t always the case, but Care Managers and caregivers can assist seniors in attending family events or give the adult child or caregiving spouse peace of mind when they need to leave town to attend a wedding or graduation. We have a Care Management Retainer program that provides professional back up when family members do not live nearby or need to leave town. Additionally, we have a number of caregivers that are available to travel with our clients to attend out of town events (e.g. weddings or graduations). This extra assistance allows everyone to enjoy the function knowing a caregiver can take the Grandma to the bathroom or back to a motel room when the she is ready. I want our clients and their families to enjoy all of life’s important events just the same way our family does, so if you or someone you know can benefit from these services, please give Kate a call at 847-548-1330 and she will arrange it for you.

The Ultimate Caregiving Guide

I was recently waiting in the grocery store checkout line, glancing at the magazines and noticed that the March issue of Woman’s Day had a cover story entitled “The Ultimate Caregiving Guide.” Since I am a professional geriatric care manager, I picked it up, curious to see just how “ultimate” it was. The article far exceeded my expectations. Here’s why:

• The first part “tender loving care” told the story of caring for a loved one from the perspective of three generations: the Grandmother who needed assistance; the Daughter providing the assistance; and the Granddaughter who provided the necessary emotional support to her mother. This section addressed the struggles, frustrations and joys of the caregiving experience -- and any family in the midst of caring for an elder person could relate to these women. Unfortunately, in my experience, most of my clients’ adult daughters are not able to move closer to their parents to assist them as they age. One solution to this, especially for the “sandwich generation” who are taking care of both their own children and their parents, is to hire a geriatric care manager (generally a nurse or social worker) who can provide back-up support to an adult child who lives far from their parents, or can allow the caregiving child to take a vacation. Information regarding geriatric care management and how to locate one in your area can be found on the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers Web site: www.caremanager.org.

• The second part “the finances of caregiving” by Mary Hunt did an excellent job of identifying the legal documents we should all have. Additionally, her explanation of the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, what they pay for, and how they overlap was superb. Elder law attorneys are indeed the best resources for assisting seniors and families sort through the maze of paperwork. This section also addressed long-term care insurance and the CLASS Act provision in the healthcare reform legislation. Wartime Veterans and their spouses may also qualify for money to assist with paying for care either at home or in an assisted living community or skilled nursing home. This benefit is referred to Aid and Attendance benefit. Many Elder law attorneys can assist in filing the paperwork, and the big plus is they may not charge for this service.

• The third part “care package” was written by Gail Sheehy, author of Passages in Caregiving. Gail was her husband’s caregiver for 17 years so she has “walked the talk” and has been on the front lines of the caregiving process. This article is an excellent synopsis of the caregiving journey and should only encourage a family caregiver to read Passages in Caregiving. Gail also provides three websites that provide excellent resources for family caregivers. Both in this article and her book, Gail speaks of the need for caregivers to take a break even if it requires a hiring professional caregiver. The National Private Duty Association (www.privatedutyhomecare.org) and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (www.nahc.org) provide information on how to choose a caregiver, as well as how to locate a reputable caregiving agency in your area.

You can read the article, here, or pick up a copy. The March issue of Woman’s Day should be on newsstands through March 15.

Blizzard of 2011

I am in Florida now, feeling a bit guilty that I was not in town for the “Blizzard of 2011”, but grateful for the wonderful team at Partners in Senior Care. Everyone pulled together to make sure our clients received care. That meant that some of our caregivers ”slept over” with clients that only receive daytime care. Some caregivers were on duty 24 hours before the next person arrived to relieve them! We have several condo buildings with more than one client and they shared the services of one caregiver to make sure each person had bathes and meals.

We have a Disaster Plan for our Agency and every year our Administrative Team reviews it. Often we wonder why. I am so glad that we do! Not only does our office have emergency information for every client, but we have that information in the client’s home as well in case of the need to evacuate. Fortunately, no one lost power or heat and there were no evacuations necessary. We also have the phone numbers for the nearest hospital, fire and police department for each of our clients as part of their individual disaster plan.

It made me stop and consider about those seniors that do not have our services. Have they or someone close to them put together the information they need in case of an emergency? Minimally, a senior, or anyone for that matter, should have a list of their medications, primary doctor, emergency contact person (other than their spouse) on their refrigerator or other easily accessible place in their home, purse or wallet, and glove compartment of their car. We have forms on our website that can assist seniors and their families as well as our Care Connector Binder that adult children find invaluable when assisting their parents in an emergency.

Winter Storm Safety - Be Prepared!

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

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Download a Winter Storm Safety Checklist

It's a Cold Day in Chicagoland - Department on Aging Provides Tips to Keep Seniors Safe and Warm This Winter

“Seniors should get their furnace checked each year to make sure it’s working properly,” said Director Johnson.  “The state has a number of resources available that seniors can use so they aren’t left to make difficult decisions like, whether to pay their heating bills or take their prescription medications this winter.  I hope that older persons, their families and those who care for them will take these practical, simple steps to prepare for the colder temps ahead.”

Seniors should make sure they set their thermostats above 65 degrees.  Older persons are at a higher risk to falling ill during the cold winter months.  People who lower the thermostat to reduce heating bills risk developing hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition in which the body temperature drops dangerously low. At increased risk are older people who take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition and who have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

In addition to winterizing the home, people ages 50 and older are urged to get an annual flu shot, since they are considered at risk for seasonal flu.  And H1N1 vaccinations are now available to seniors who want them.

In dealing with cold weather, seniors are encouraged to:

• Dress in layers, both indoors and outdoors.

• Keep active.  Make a list of exercises and activities to do indoors when you can’t get out.

• Eat well & drink 10 glasses of water daily; Stock up on extra non-perishable food supplies, just in case.

• Keep extra medications in the house.  If this is not possible, make arrangements now to have your medications delivered.

• Have your house winterized.  Be sure that walls and attics are insulated.  Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.  Insulate pipes near outer walls, in crawl spaces and attics that are susceptible to freezing.

• Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water supply in case pipes burst.

• Prepare your vehicle by checking wipers, tires, lights and fluid levels regularly.  Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.  Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.  Plan long trips carefully and travel by daylight with at least one other person.

• Protect against fire.  If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, buy one.  Make sure space heaters are at least three feet from anything flammable.  Do not overload extension cords.

• Do not shovel snow or walk in deep snow.  Plan now for someone else to shovel the snow.  The strain from the cold and hard labor could cause a heart attack; sweating can lead to a chill and even hypothermia.

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY (hearing impaired use only) call 1-888-206-1327.

New Guidelines for Preventing Falls in the Elderly Include: Start Tai Chi, Cut-Back on Meds

New York, New York, January 13, 2011 -- In the first update of the American Geriatrics Society and the British Geriatric Society’s guidelines on preventing falls in older persons since 2001, they now recommend that all interventions for preventing falls should include an exercise component and that a number of new assessments should be used, including; feet and footwear, fear of falling, and ability to carry out daily living activities.  The guidelines, a summary of which are published today in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, also state that fall screening and prevention should be a part of all healthcare practices for older adults.

The guidelines were compiled by a panel comprising members from the previous panels and new members with substantial knowledge, experience, and publications in fall prevention and care of older patients, and are based on a systematic review of the randomized controlled trials of fall prevention interventions.  The literature search included meta-analyses, systematic literature reviews, randomized controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies, and cohort studies published between May 2001 and April 2008.  The panel also reviewed the RCTs published between April 2008 and July 2009 and concluded that the additional evidence did not change the ranking of the evidence or the guideline recommendations.

“Falls are one of the most common health problems experienced by older adults and are a common cause of losing functional independence,” said Dr. Mary Tinetti of Yale University School of Medicine, and one of the panel chairs. “Given their frequency and consequences, falls are as serious a health problem for older persons as heart attacks and strokes.”

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