Friday, September 03, 2010
What is a POLST?
POLST is a new document to make your healthcare wishes known. It states a person's end-of-life wishes. POLST stands for Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. It includes three or four sections (depending on the state) in which a person can choose his or her desired medical intervention:
- CPR
- Medical Interventions
- Antibiotics
- Artificially administered nutrition
For more information about a POLST, go to: dying.about.com/od/ethicsandchoices/f/POLST.htm.
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
What Do You Know About Dementia?
Did you know that 5.3 million Americans—about 1 in 60—have forms of dementia?
Other facts include:
- African Americans are almost twice as likely as whites to have Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
- Hispanics are about one and a half more likely to get it.
- Higher rates of diabetes and heart disease in the African American and Hispanic communities are probably linked to increased rates of dementia.
Get informed. For more information about dementia, go to: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dementia.html.
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Friday, August 27, 2010
Advance Care Planning Is Important
Did you know:
- Four out of five Americans said they would choose to spend their final days and months at home with loved-ones, yet 80% of Americans die in hospitals and nursing homes.
- In 1999, 34% of 186,835 nursing home residents with advanced cognitive impairment had feeding tubes.
- Only one third of Americans have advance directives that specify elders' preferences for the kind of treatment they would wish to receive when they cannot speak for themselves.
- Every one over age 18 needs an advance directive. Do you have yours?
For more information, read The Senior's Guide to End-of-Life Issues. www.TheSeniorsGuide.com.
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Talk to Your Phramacist
Before filling your next prescription, review these tips:
- Make a list of all the prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you are taking. Let the pharmacist see what you are taking and if there are any possible combination risks or interactions that could be harmful to you or change the way your medication works.
- Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for more information about your medications.
- Take your medications the right way. Be sure to read the information sheet that comes with your medications. Be sure to read the important warning labels on your medications. Check for ingredients that may trigger an allergic reaction. Take the drug as your doctor and pharmacist have recommended.
- Don't share your medications.
- Pay attention to expiration dates.
For more information, visit: www.safemedication.com/safemed/Medicationtipstools.aspx.
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Friday, August 20, 2010
Adult Day Care
Adult day care has grown rapidly over the past twenty years. Many of today's seniors participate in programs which provide respite to caregivers as well as assistance to adults living alone.
Day care for adults provides a mentally stimulating environment to help adults maintain or improve their level of functioning. It provides recreational and social activities for adults during times when they might otherwise be alone. It also provides caregivers with a needed break to manage their own affairs and have their own personal time.
For information about respite care, go to: www.helpguide.org/elder/respite_care.htm.
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Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Buying a Hearing Aid
Federal regulations prohibit the sale of a hearing aid without a written statement from a doctor. While you can waive this requirement, it is still best to see a doctor (preferably an ear specialist) to determine the cause of any hearing loss.
Before purchasing a hearing aid, read the entire contract carefully. For example, note whether the cost of the ear mold is included, how long free service is available, and the details of the written warranty. If not satisfied with the contract, do not sign it.
For more information, go to: www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/hearingaid.asp.
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Friday, August 13, 2010
VA Home Health Care Coverage
The number of home health care units connected to the VA hospitals is growing. This care is free of charge. However, unless there is this type of home care unit in your area, the VA will rarely pay for the care provided by an outside agency.
If a VA hospital near you has a home health unit, it can provide complete medical and personal care as often as necessary. Generally you will only be eligible for care while you recover from acute illness, injury, or surgery.
For more information, go to www.military.com or www1.va.gov/health.
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Importance of Continuity of Caregivers
Recent studies show that someone with Alzheimer's disease should see the same aides, at the same time of day, as much as possible. A steady routine helps the caregivers give better care because they get to know the patient and it helps the patient to see a familiar face on a regular basis.
A patchwork schedule can contribute to an Alzheimer's patient's disorientation.
For more information, go to www.alz.org.
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Friday, August 06, 2010
Why Keep Personal Health Records?
There are many benefits to keeping personal health records. Some of them include:
- The more you know about your health, the more control you have in staying healthier.
- The more health-related information you share with healthcare providers, the better care you will receive.
- Managing your medical information improves your overall well being and quality of health.
Some people confuse personal health records with electronic health records. They are not the same.
A personal health record (PHR) is a health record that is initiated and maintained by an individual. Generally it would provide a complete summary of the health and medical history of a person by gathering data from multiple sources and making this information accessible online to approved individuals.
Electronic health records (EHRs) require special software designed for use by healthcare providers. The information in electronic health records are legally mandated notes on the care provided by clinicians to patients.
The online organizer and communications hub at MeAndMyCaregivers.com is a type of personal health records system. It was designed to help both the care-receiver and the caregiver—and everyone on the Care Team. For more information, go to: www.MeAndMyCaregivers.com/features.asp.
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Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Do You Have a Healthy Colon?
Did you know that each year colon cancer kills more Americans than any other cancer except lung cancer. It usually doesn't strike until after age 50. It's important to get screened regularly. Here are six other ways to help lower your risk for colon cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit your intake of red meat, particularly fatty or processed varieties.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and other plant foods.
- Consume 700-800 milligrams of calcium a day.
- Exercise regularly.
- Stop smoking.
For more information on colon cancer, go to www.medicinenet.com/colon_cancer/article.htm.
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Friday, July 30, 2010
Selecting Home Health Care
Home health care is also referred to as in-home care. It can include a variety of services---nursing care, medication administration, assistance therapy, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs are the tasks of everyday life. Basic ADLs include eating, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, taking a bath or shower, and using the toilet. Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are activities related to independent living and include preparing meals, managing money, shopping, doing housework, and using a telephone. These services are provided in private homes through regular visits.
There are home health care agencies that are Medicare-certified agencies. Others are individual licensees, or unlicensed persons who are willing to provide assistance to your loved one. Before you select an agency, do a thorough check.
- Many home care services are provided by untrained, unlicensed, and unmonitored personnel. Be sure to do a background check.
- How will care be provided if a scheduled worker misses a shift? Does the agency provide a replacement?
- Check your home insurance policy. Is your healthcare worker covered? Do you need liability insurance?
- What if the care-receiver and the home healthcare worker have a personality clash?
- Read the contract thoroughly!
Research your options thoroughly and talk to others who have made the same decisions.
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Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Caregiving and Stroke of Insight
I just finished re-reading Jill Bolte Taylor's book, My Stroke of Insight. What an interesting book! I encourage all caregivers, nurses, doctors, or anyone in the healthcare industry, to read it. Also, if you, or anyone you know has had a stroke, share this book with them.
Jill Bolte Taylor was 37 years old when she had a stroke. Eight years later she has recovered from it. She recounts each stage of her stroke, as well as her recovery. She also teaches us about the brain and its capacity for recovery.
Taylor explains the value of having a compassionate caregiver, nurse, and/or doctor. It is integral to recovery. In the appendix she lists the forty things she needed most, as a stroke care-receiver. Here are the first two:
- I am not stupid, I am wounded. Please respect me.
- Come close, speak slowly, and enunciate slowly.
Many years ago my dad had a series of strokes. I only wish I had already read this book. It has definitely changed my attitude and behavior towards everyone I come into contact with. Read, it. You won't be disappointed.
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Friday, July 23, 2010
About Palliative Care
Palliative Care is care given to people with chronic, often life-threatening illnesses, or after it becomes obvious that no cure is possible. Palliative Care focuses on symptom management, enhancing quality of life and/or psychosocial needs. It affirms life and views dying as a normal process. It neither hastens nor postpones death, yet it provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms.
Palliative Care includes treatment that enhances comfort and improves the quality of an individual's life during the last phase of life. No specific therapy is excluded from consideration. Pain management is a key component of good palliative care, rather than affecting the underlying disease.
For more information about Palliative Care, go to: www.GetPalliativeCare.org.
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Your Last Wishes
Frequent discussions among family members regarding your last wishes are extremely important. It is also important to tell someone where your important papers are kept. We all know of situations where a friend or family member has died and we had to try and figure out where their important records were located.
Keeping an important information inventory will position you and others to deal with such situations and you will “sleep better at night” by having done so. My Instant Caregiver Kit includes a Valuable Records Checklist.
The checklist includes: Family Information, Identification Records, Military Records, Healthcare Records, Important Advisors, Financial Information and Records, Investments, Sources of Revenue, Real Estate and Personal Property, Inventory of Money Owed, Credit Cards, Deeds, Insurance Records.
Visit the Me & My Caregivers Store to get your copy.
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Friday, July 16, 2010
Senior Fitness
According to the Administration on Aging (AOA), the combination of unhealthy eating and physical inactivity is responsible for 14 percent of preventable deaths per year. Only tobacco use causes more preventable deaths in the U.S.
Here are some interesting facts about exercise:
- Exercise makes us feel better and enjoy life more.
- Most seniors do not get enough exercise.
- Regular exercise can improve the symptoms of certain underlying diseases and disabilities.
- Exercise improves mood and relieves depression.
- Physical activity reduces incidence of constipation.
Take the first step and call your doctor today. Request a fitness program.
For more information on senior fitness, go to: www.seniorfitness.org/sfafit.htm.
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Communicating with People Who Have Alzheimer's Disease
People with Alzheimer's disease slowly lose their ability to communicate verbally. Over time they will have trouble expressing their needs, concerns, and memories. They may use incorrect and/or inappropriate words.
To maximize their communication skills (while preserving their dignity):
Encourage reminiscing and sharing.
Be a good listener even when it takes a long time for them to put together their thoughts.
Be patient and don't insist that they answer you immediately or correctly. Let them know that you understand.
Let them know they are loved and cared for. Be honest and gentle.
For more Alzheimer's communication tips, go to: www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AZ00004.
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Friday, July 09, 2010
Sundowning
In many dementia-related illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease, the patient experiences sundowning. Sundowning is a condition that begins in early evening and is characterized by increased agitation and depression, and many require special intervention.
Sometimes, additional light, which eliminates shadows, helps to reduce the symptoms associated with sundowning.
For more information about sundowning, visit: www.mayoclinic.com/health/sundowning/hq01463.
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Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Senior Epidemic: Alzheimer's Disease
Approximately four million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, age-related, irreversible brain disorder. Research indicates that 7 out of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease are cared for at home, and three-fourths of this care is provided by family and friends. Caring for someone with this disease is both physically and emotionally demanding, as well as time-consuming.
When my late father first starting exhibiting signs of Alzheimer's disease we thought maybe his symptoms were related to stroke damage or maybe even related to medication side effects. It was a confusing time for my father, too.
It may soon be possible to detect Alzheimer's disease with a simple blood test. Wouldn't that be nice? For more information about Alzheimer's disease, visit: www.alzheimersprevention.org.
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Friday, July 02, 2010
Driving With a Senior
Would you rather ride with a new teenage driver or an experienced older senior citizen driver? They both could be scary experiences. It's probably easier to take the keys away from your teenager than from your parent. My late father-in-law took pride in being in his late 80s and still driving---at night. Of course, we didn't want to ride with him. Even though he had an exemplary driving record, we were worried that he didn't have the requisite range of motion in his neck, needed to look both ways. We were also worried about his hearing ability and reaction time. Fortunately, nothing bad happened before we were able to convince him to stop driving.
For more information about elderly drivers, go to: www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com/suppinfo/elderlydrivers.html.
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Caregiving Injuries
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 now they have 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, go to: www.stopfalls.org.
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