Caregiving Information, Expert Articles, Elder Care, Home Health, Assisted Living

Expert Articles

5 Benefits of Elderly Home Care
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

Most older people, if given the choice, would continue to live in their own homes as long as possible. Today, it is not necessary to move to a nursing home if you cannot manage all aspects of independent living. For seniors and the elderly who are able to remain in their homes, home care is an important option. Home health care can come in a variety of services, everything from nursing care and medication management to therapy and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). For many, home health care is the preferred means for receiving medical care.

Home health services can be provided by several types of highly trained health professionals including nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, dieticians, nutritionists, home health aides and personal care workers. Home health services may include help with medication, meals, personal care, housecleaning, shopping, transportation and accessibility, and companionship. Some of the benefits of elderly home care are:

Quicker discharge from the hospital. You may be allowed to leave the hospital sooner is your recuperative care can be provided by caregivers at home.
Privacy. Most elderly patients prefer the extra privacy of being able to recover in the comfort of their homes, as opposed to a clinical setting.
Family assistance. Because family and friends are essential to the healing process, they become a part of the care process at home.
Less isolation. Home care workers often connect patients to community resources such as support groups, senior services, and educational programs. Connections to these resources make it easier to get back to your normal life and become independent sooner.
Cost. Home health care is usually a lot less expensive than a stay in a skilled nursing facility.

Home health care may be provided through Medicare-certified agencies, individual licensees, or even unlicensed individuals who are willing to provide assistance. There are many important issues to consider in the process of selecting a home care provider. Be sure to discuss this matter with a trusted advisor, elder law attorney or family member before making a decision.

10 Things to Know About Hospice and Hospice Home Care
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

There are a lot of misconceptions about hospice. Often people don't know about the reality of hospice until they really need it, and by then are in the midst of an overwhelming family crisis.

Hospice care is provided to terminally ill individuals and their families. The focus of hospice is care, not cure. Think of it as subset of palliative care. It is a program of supportive care services providing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care for dying persons, their families and loved ones.
Most hospice services are available in both the home and in-patient settings. Hospice home care is provided either on a part time, intermittent, regularly scheduled, or around the clock basis.
In the United States, hospice patients have received a terminal diagnosis and generally have less than six months to live.
According to the Hospice foundation of America, there are over 3000 hospices in the United States. Approximately two-thirds of hospice patients are over age 65.
Hospice care is a covered benefit under Medicare and is funded by Medicaid in at least 36 states.
Caring for a dying person at home my have its rewards, but is not for everyone.
People receiving home hospice care do not necessarily die sooner than those receiving traditional hospital care.
Home hospice tries to support the family's traditional strengths and coping skills in the face of a crisis.
Hospice care and caring do not cease when the patient dies. Hospice bereavement support continues.
Home health agencies are generally considered functionally the type of healthcare provider closest to hospice, but there are some crucial differences between typical home health agency services and true hospice care.

Hospice programs don't and can't expect patients to be accepting of their dying. However, it is hoped that the patients and families will learn to trust and benefit from the hospice team.

10 Family Care Tips You Should Know If Your Loved One Has Alzheimer's Disease
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

Alzheimer's disease not only affects the person with the disease, but also the rest of the family. Family members are confronted with making important life decisions, not only for the medical care of their loved one but planning and preparing for their needs as the disease progresses.

Here are some family care tips for family members and caregivers:

Discuss early on a patient's wishes. Have an early and frank discussion with his/her primary physician, attorney, accountant, and financial advisors.
Early on make sure your loved one undergoes thorough and comprehensive evaluation, medically, neurologically, and psychiatrically.
Keep Alzheimer's patients in a familiar and safe environment.
Keep Alzheimer's patients in an independent setting as long as possible.
Alzheimer's patients often develop secondary medical problems and complications. These may include bedsores and aspiration pneumonia. Talk with the doctor about what to expect.
Alzheimer's patients should not be driving.
Make bathing and other personal care as easy and simple as possible. Follow a routine.
Choose clothing that easy to get on and off.
Keep windows and doors locked. Use a medical alert device.
Support independence and autonomy whenever possible.
Watch for signs of caregiving stress.
Grieving for loved ones begins far before their death.
Do not take the emotion and behavior personally.
Make direct eye contact before speaking.
Eliminate distracting noises.
Maintain a calm and pleasant facial expression and tone of voice.
Avoid situations and places that are loud or crowded.
Use short, simple sentences with concrete, familiar words.
Pause between sentences to give the patient time to respond.
Consult a doctor if the Alzheimer's patient's anxiety is unrelenting.
Always be respectful.

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness. Extra consideration should be given to the primary caregiver as he/she is at a high risk of emotional and physical exhaustion. He/she is also at risk for suffering from depression. Thoughtful planning and respite care are essential elements of successful caregiving.

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Unrealistic Expectations about Caregiving
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

Many long-term caregiving situations occur due to unrealistic expectations by adult children and/or aging parents. It is not unusual for adult children to "promise" to never move parents out of their homes or put them in nursing homes. Some adult children try to avoid bringing outside help into their parents' homes because they believe they can do a better job than an outsider.

Some adult children end up changing their lifestyles, depleting their savings, and foregoing careers in order to care for an aging parent's long-term care.

On the other hand, aging parents often make unreasonable demands about accepting help or relocating. Use every opportunity you have to explore options for getting more care. In many cases, it takes a crisis before the aging parent accepts a caregiver. In these cases where there is a lot of denial and reluctance to get help, there is an increase of caregiver burnout.

Today's quote:
"It is a mistake to think that service of a humble character is not of importance. It is the attitude of the server which is important." Sri Ram.

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Holiday Stress Relief for Caregivers
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

You are probably already familiar with the effects of stress. With the upcoming holidays it is almost a sure bet your stress level will go up. You may start to feel more tired than usual. You may worry more. You may feel like everyone else is piling their stress onto you. Here are a few things you can do to help lessen your stress level. Even the relatively small things can add up.

Keep your expectations in check. You have no control over anyone else's behavior. There are going to be a number of people who are frazzled just because it is the holiday season. You have complete control over how you respond to their behavior.
Don't try to do too much. If you are a caregiver, your plate is already full. Encourage your friends and family to reach out to both you and the care-receiver. Remember what is important, stay focused. Find out what is important to the care-receiver.
Stay healthy. Wash your hands frequently. Stay away from the booze and junk food. Make a concerted effort to get some exercise. Practice deep breathing several times a day.
Practice the power of a positive attitude. Put a positive spin on everything you say and do. Turn-off negative self-talk.
Stay organized. Don't forget the basics. It is okay to streamline holiday traditions. In fact, it is okay to start new trend.
Get enough sleep. Don't burn the candle at both ends.
Schedule some time off. This time is invaluable to both the caregiver and care-receiver. Ask for respite help from family members, neighbors, and friends.
Keep a "Joy Journal". Every day write down your top five joys of the day. Finding joy and compassion in your surroundings is very freeing. It takes a lot more energy to be angry and inpatient.
Utilize your support system. Share your feelings with family and friends you trust. You are not alone. Help is available. There are millions of people in similar situations. Be proactive and locate resources within your family circle and within your community, whether or not you intend to use them.
Tune in to the care-receiver and encourage him/her to talk from the heart and share their wisdom. This can be a wonderful gift and rewarding experience. Use this holiday season to capture special memories. Don't be afraid to laugh and enjoy the season.

It is natural to have emotional reactions to the challenges and responsibilities of your job. Stay aware of your feelings because they influence your behavior and judgment. Don't use the holidays as an excuse to let your stress level boil over. Take it easy, one day at a time.

Today's quote:
"Harmony is unity in diversity." — Sri Ram

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Assistive Technology
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

Assistive technology is one of the most exciting areas of gerontology. We use it to extend the independence of older workers and frail elders. Caregivers even use it to help their care-receivers.

Assistive technology refers to any service, system, or device that helps someone accomplish activities that they may have always done and now must do differently. Our online Organizer is an example of assistive technology. It is an extremely powerful resource. Other examples are wheelchairs, walkers, electric scooters, and motion detectors.

Most seniors and caregivers do not take full advantage of assistive technology. However, using this technology can help to reduce health care costs and increase the level of care. The future of AT is bright. One day your loved one may have their own robot!

Today's quote:
"Every individual must himself tread the path of realization, for only the knowledge that is won by experience has living, i.e., life-giving value." — Govinda

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Caregiving and a Glimpse into Our Future
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

Being a family caregiver will have a significant impact on your life. You will probably never view the world exactly the same way again. While caring for your loved one, you may ponder what the future holds for you the end of your life. It is almost impossible not to think about your own mortality as you watch someone grow old and die.

For some caregivers this is a wake-up call to lead a more healthy life and purposeful life. These caregivers understand the importance of having a plan for aging and retirement.

Other caregivers are overcome with hidden emotions such as guilt, resentment, anger, fear, grief, and sadness. They become paralyzed and dread getting older.

While being a caregiver it is essential that you take the necessary steps to avoid increased stress and burnout. Acknowledge your emotions and discuss your feelings with a friend or family member. Caregivers need emotional support, information, and resources/services. Learn how to focus on the joys and not the challenges. It is never too late to start planning for the rest of your life.

Today's quote:
"So let us seek the True, in everything, in everybody, in every circumstance, with patience, with humility, with love." — Clara Codd

Seasonal Affective Disorder
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

It's that time of year again—shorter days and grayer skies. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of seasonal depression, usually occurring in the winter, which affects millions of people a year between September and April with the peak occurring in the winter months of December, January, and February. True SAD is a seriously disabling illness, preventing people from functioning normally. (Combine this with caregiver stress and holiday stress, and the results can be disastrous).

Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
The symptoms of SAD occur cyclically with a return of symptoms each year during the winter months. These symptoms tend to be the atypical symptoms of depression, including:

increased sleep
increased appetite and carbohydrate cravings
weight gain
irritability
interpersonal difficulties (especially rejection sensitivity)
heavy feeling in the arms or legs.

Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD is believed to be caused by a disturbance in the normal circadian rhythm of the body. Light entering through the eyes influences this rhythm. When it is dark, the pineal gland produces a substance called melatonin which is responsible for the drowsiness we feel each day after dusk. Light entering the eyes at dawn shuts off the production of melatonin. During the shorter days of winter, when people may rise before dawn or not leave their offices until after sunset, these normal rhythms may become disrupted, producing the symptoms of SAD.

If you or your loved one experiences the above symptoms, see your doctor.

Today's quote:
"For him who has perception, a mere sign is enough. For him who does not really heed, a thousand explanations are not enough." — Idries Shah.
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Long Term Care Insurance in these Tough Economic Times
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

Baby Boomers have some tough decisions to make, especially in these tough economic times. Everyone agrees that estate planning is important. What if you are an average Boomer trying to pay off your mortgage, pay the bills, save for retirement, all while caring for an aging parent? Now your trusted agent tells you need to invest in a long term care insurance policy.

If you are working more hours with less funds coming in, how do you decide what are the most important things you should be doing? To learn more about long term care insurance, go to: www.medicare.gov/LongTermCare/Static/LTCInsurance.asp?dest=NAV|Paying|PrivateInsurance
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Music Is Good for the Soul
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

I believe in the power of music. I use different types of music for different occasions. There is music for working, exercising, relaxing, getting fired up, etc. I even included a paragraph in my Advance Directive about music. (I was very specific because if I had to listen to some of my husband's heavy metal music, it might just push me over the edge.)

Recently, in the news, there have been some articles about the benefits of music therapy to Alzheimer's patients. Check out these stories:

Visit Rebecca Sharp Colmer at www.MeAndMyCaregivers.com.

Help, I've Fallen And Can't Get Up--And I'm The Caregiver!
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

My friend's husband, age 80, had a knee replacement and was using crutches to get around. They were walking to the car when he stumbled. She tried to catch him but they both ended up on the ground. Neither one of them could get up. Fortunately, a neighbor spotted them and called the paramedics for more help. Now they are both in wheelchairs, at least temporarily. And, they hired a caregiver to help both of them.

This fall could have been prevented if her husband had been using a wheelchair instead of crutches. Even before the knee replacement his balance wasn't good, partly due to early signs of dementia.

Falling is the leading cause of unintentional injury at home among Americans 65 and older. To learn more about fall prevention, read Sharon O Brien's article, More Seniors Face Injury and Death from Falling Down: seniorliving.about.com/od/healthnutrition/a/fallstudy.htm.
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Who Makes A Better Caregiver: Liberal Or Conservative?
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

Who do you want taking care of you, a liberal or conservative? Liberals tend to concentrate on individual liberties and equal rights while conservatives focus on outspoken belief in God and country and supply-side economics. Do your caregiver's beliefs affect your care?

Maybe and maybe not. There are plenty of other factors that affect your level of care. Everyone should pay close attention to the new stimulus package. Almost 19% of the package will be devoted to healthcare delivery. Stay tuned. For more information check out the Healthcare Intelligence Network: blog.hin.com/?p=442.
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Are You An Early Adopter of Telemedicine and Telehealth?
Rebecca Sharp Colmer

If you are a family caregiver and already have an online subscription to MeAndMyCaregivers.com, then you are an early adopter of telemedicine and telehealth. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about please let me explain.

Telemedicine is a rapidly developing application of clinical medicine where medical information is transferred via telephone, the Internet or other networks for the purpose of consulting, and sometimes remote medical procedures or examinations. Telehealth is the delivery of health-related services and information via telecommunications technologies. Telehealth is an expansion of telemedicine and it encompasses preventive and curative aspects. Telehealth stresses a myriad of technology solutions. For example, a subscription to MeAndMyCaregivers.com allows members of the Care Team (caregivers, doctors, pharmacists, lawyers) to view daily records of the care-receiver. Another example is physicians using email to communicate with patients, order drug prescriptions and provide other health services.

There are a number of benefits of telehealth, which apply to individual care-receivers and caregivers, family members, and healthcare providers. The benefits may also extend to community organizations, healthcare facilities, and governments.

Perhaps the number one benefit of telehealth is that it improves the way patients and their families access information, while improving overall healthcare. This also improves the way healthcare providers deliver care and access information. It also helps to lower the costs of healthcare.

Are you an early adopter?

Today's caregiver affirmation: I'm open to new possibilities.

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