Monthly Archives: December 2016

warning signs to look for during holiday visits

What to Look for When Visiting Aging Parents this Holiday

Visiting aging loved ones this holiday is a great opportunity to poke around the house and look for signs that he or she may need some extra TLC. These tips tips from the experts in aging well can help you start an important conversation. 

To Grandmother’s House We Go

by Amy Smialowicz Fowler, BA, CMC – Aging Life Care Association™ Member

Most of us really do travel over the river and through the woods to see our loved ones during the holiday season. While Skype, Facetime, and phone calls are important, they reveal only a snapshot of what is going on with aging family members. Spending time in their home provides an accurate picture of their daily life and indicate that things are changing.  When visiting the elderly this holiday season, keep these warning signs in mind:

  • Is the fridge full of outdated or rotting food? Are the shelves of the pantry empty?
  • Has the coffee table become an avalanche of papers, especially bills?
  • Could you start a pharmacy from all the of pills (current and expired)?
  • Does the car have new bumps, scrapes or scratches since your last visit? Is the registration sticker up to date?
  • Do you notice numerous upcoming doctor appointments on the calendar and your loved one is not able to explain why they are seen?

Any of these warning signs highlight possible changes in a loved one’s life and condition. It may be related to physical changes making shopping and housekeeping more difficult. It could also expose the beginnings of cognitive impairments.  And don’t forget to look for these risks that could lead to debilitating falls:

  • Are throw rugs placed throughout the house, hallways dark at night or small pets underfoot?
Thankfully there are resources to help you and your loved one get back on track.
  • Home care agencies can provide light housekeeping and assist with grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry, and running errands.
  • Daily money managers will unravel issues caused by unpaid bills and can provide constant monitoring and financial oversight.
  • Expired and unused medications can be taken to your local sheriff’s office for proper disposal. Automatic pill dispensers can be filled several times a month to ensure that your loved one is only taking the medications (and amount) prescribed.
  • Having discussions with loved ones about their driving can be difficult, so you can utilize local driver evaluation clinics to provide a third-party assessment of their skills.
  • Throw rugs will need to be taken up,and adding inexpensive nightlights throughout the house can decrease the potential for falls.
  • Doctors’ offices have their own versions of HIPAA forms that your loved one can fill out authorizing you to speak with their medical providers. (HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which protects data privacy regarding medical information.) They will likely feel relieved that you are engaged with their health care and happy to give you authority to call providers for clarification on appointments and results of tests and to get questions answered.

Even with all these resources, it may be necessary to have a local professional keep a pulse on the situation. An Aging Life Care Manager™ can provide that individualized support and ensure your loved one is connected to the most appropriate and cost effective resources. Plus, they will keep you apprised of changes so that action can be taken before there is a crisis.

During this holiday season, enjoy your time with loved ones and make sure that they are living life to their fullest. Your engagement can make a difference and ensure they are healthy and safe.

Amy Smialowicz Fowler is a care manager, certified, and owner of WNC Geriatric Care Management. To learn more about Amy, visit wncgcm.com. This article was originally written for and published by the Asheville Citizen-Times.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

gift ideas for aging adults

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Seniors

The last few shopping days are here and you’ve found yourself stuck thinking about what to give that special elder in your life. Here are some different and thoughtful holiday gift ideas for seniors that won’t clutter the house or require  an  engineering degree to assemble. 

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for the 80+ Adult

by Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC — Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy

Many older adults say they really don’t need anything, but you feel you should give them a gift. What should it be?   Mom and Dad have the sweater you gave them last Christmas still hanging in the closet with the tags on…they say they want to save it for a special occasion.

Here are some gift ideas for seniors that are just a little bit different:

1. Pre-plant a large pot with spring blooming bulbs and help them place it where it will get the rain it needs now and necessary sun in the spring.

2. Buy tickets to an afternoon concert in a small, easy-to-access venue (a local college or church). Include a gift card for lunch at a favorite spot.

3. Make a scrapbook of pictures of you and your siblings as children over the years and add comments of “gratitude” on the pages about your memories of that day or event. What you remember might be different than what your parent remembered.

4. Give an iPod programmed with music from the time your parents were young adults. Include a good pair of headphones (not earbuds) and teach them how to use it.  This is also a great gift for those with dementia. If your loved one resides in a living facility or at home with caregivers, teach the caregivers and aides how to use the iPod and ask that they have music time once a day.

It is important to realize and understand that an aging adult’s inability to reciprocate gift giving often makes them feel “bad.” You being creative and sensitive to those seniors who express not wanting gifts shows respect, not lack of love.

About the author:  Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC, is the Founder and President of Eldercare Services in Walnut Creek, CA. She is also a partner of the VillagePlan. Linda is a Fellow of the Leadership Academy and a past-president of the Aging Life Care Association™. Linda has more than 30 years experience working as a Care Manager. You can reach her at linda@EldercareAnswers.com, or connect with her via social media: FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

holidays with dementia

10 Ideas to Celebrate Holidays with the Elderly

Your aging loved one may be slowing down, but it doesn’t mean grandma or grandpa doesn’t want to celebrate the holidays anymore. Finding ways to modify holiday traditions or by creating new ones that fit their lifestyle and speed will reduce stress levels and keep everyone connected and happy this season.

10 Caregiving Tips at Holiday Time

by the New England Chapter of the Aging Life Care Association™

 

The experts in aging well of the New England area offer these ten ideas to help caregivers celebrate the holidays with the elderly.

1. Visit early in the day to avoid sundown syndrome.

Sundowning” refers to a state of confusion at the end of the day and into the night.  By respecting your loved one’s daily routine, you can help prevent triggering confusion or anxiety.

2. Look at photo albums together.

Looking at pictures is a great way to spend time with both the young and old. The stories shared are true treasures.

3. Play familiar board games.

Board games exercise the mind while entertaining. Today, there are many games that are designed for especially for aging adults.

4. Bring your pet to visit.

If you (or someone you know) has a calm, loving animal that is good with people, bring it for a visit. Pet therapy is being incorporated into many assisted living and nursing home communities across the world.

5. Enjoy her favorite music CD or TV program.

Studies show that playing familiar music has the capability to calm, soothe, and even trigger memories for many dementia patients. While it may not seem like a grand activity, the companionship and shared time are what’s important. (https://musicandmemory.org/)

6. Make a holiday craft together.

Be sure to take into consideration the physical and mental capabilities of your loved one when selecting a craft activity. Pinterest is a great source for ideas.

7. Take a walk together.

Sometimes a little change of scenery is medicine for the soul. If weather permits, go outside and breathe in some fresh air and watch the clouds. Can’t go outside? Then take time to stroll around inside and talk about the pictures on the walls or about memories associated with specific rooms or furniture.

8. Plan on brief visits with children.

Seeing the holidays in through the eyes of children is magical. But in small spaces or during hectic days, sometimes children’s excitement can be overwhelming. Make sure to select a time of day when both children and grandma are at their best (ex. avoid meal and nap times). Depending on the age of the children, incorporate their visit with a craft activity or board game.

9. Serve sparkling cider and gingerbread.

Turn a visit into a small celebration and serve festive, holiday themed snacks.

10. Decorate a small Christmas tree.

Whether you decide to craft a few ornaments or select a few family keepsakes to hang on the tree, the time spent together is the true gift.

holidays with the elderly

For more tips on celebrating the holidays with the elderly,  you may be interested in these articles:

About the author: The New England Chapter of the Aging Life Care Association™ represents Aging Life Care Professionals™ working in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Quebec. To find an expert in aging well and to learn more about the New England Chapter, visit their website or follow on Twitter or Facebook


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Learn how Aging Life Care Managers are combatting loneliness and social isolation

Social Isolation and Loneliness

Ask anyone for their top advice about living a long, healthy life and you’ll probably hear tips about the importance of eating well, stopping smoking, exercising and getting regular medical checkups. Don’t throw those good habits out the window; but, it may come as a shock to learn that connecting with others may be the single most important ingredient for aging well.

The Most Surprising Secret to Aging Well

by Jullie Gray, MSW, LICSW, CMC – Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy

 

Researchers have been studying the impact of social isolation and loneliness on health and well-being for many years. Over and over it has been proven that social support acts as a buffer against illness and cognitive decline. Loneliness and seclusion is thought to be as bad as or worse for your health than smoking, obesity or being an alcoholic. Put simply, loneliness breeds illness and early death.

How to spot problems

How can you tell if your parent is at risk of isolation? There are telltale signs that may indicate a need for extra support:

  • Living alone
  • Family living at a distance
  • Poor hearing and/or vision
  • Memory loss or other cognitive problems
  • Difficulty getting around (trouble walking, unable to drive or access transportation)
  • Significant life changes such as the recent loss of a partner or moving to a new home
Protecting health by connecting

Why is being around others so important to well-being? Social connectedness increases resistance to disease. Older people who regularly interact with family, friends and participate in social activities report better emotional and physical health and show improvement performing some mental tasks. Those with strong social ties require less pain medication after surgery and recover more quickly. They also fall less often, are better nourished and have a lower risk of depression.

Contact with others can feed the spirit by bringing meaning and purpose to each day. It’s reciprocal – both parties benefit. Regardless of one’s age, when we are around others we give and receive support as well as hands on assistance.

Tips for connecting

There are numerous ways older people can connect. Here are just a few:

  • Visiting children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors
  • Participating in faith activities, services, studies and social events
  • Signing up for trips sponsored by local community centers
  • Volunteering at schools, hospitals or local non-profit organizations
  • Taking classes or attending lectures at local libraries, schools and other community venues
  • Joining a book group or social club

These activities can help your parents develop deeper relationships with others who have similar interests and passions. They can expose them to new people, projects and ideas, and help foster confidence, and direction in their lives. If your dad becomes involved with a cause that is important, it helps him keep life in perspective and reminds him that he has a lot to offer the world.

What if your mom can’t get out anymore? Bring activities to her. Set up a schedule of visitors made up of family, friends or paid companions. Modify activities to match her abilities. Reach out to a professional to help design an individualized program if you don’t know what to do or have trouble implementing a plan.

Is there a downside?

Even though there is an undeniable connection between having robust social ties and good health, no single type of support is uniformly effective for all people and all situations. Unneeded or the wrong kind of help may reduce your mother’s sense of independence and self-esteem. Preventing her from doing things on her own can lead to a state of “learned helplessness” – loss of confidence and less willingness to try things independently.

Working with an expert

Aging Life Care Professionals™ (also known as a geriatric care managers) are trusted advisors who can thoroughly evaluate your mom’s (or dad’s) situation and provide you with knowledgeable advice about how to help:

  • reduce social isolation;
  • provide just the right kind and right amount of help;
  • arrange individualized activities and companion services;
  • overcome barriers such as resistance to change; and,
  • open doors to possibilities you may never have imagined.

A care manager can also become your eyes and ears by:

  • making regular visits to check in on your parent
  • monitoring your parent’s health and addressing concerns when they arise

With the help of an Aging Life Care Manager you can more easily stay on top of your mom’s situation and rest a little easier knowing she is getting the vital support she needs.

To find your own professional advisor, go to www.aginglifecare.org and click on “Find an Expert”.

About the author:  Jullie Gray is a Fellow of the Leadership Academy, and has over 30 years of experience in healthcare and aging. She is a Principal at Aging Wisdom in Seattle, WA. Jullie is the President of the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and the Past President of the Aging Life Care™ Association. Follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter @agingwisdom, or email her at jgray@agingwisdom.com. Aging Wisdom has a presence on Facebook – we invite you to like our page.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

help senior citizens get ready for severe winter weather

Aging Adults Need a Winter Storm Emergency Plan

With winter storm Caly bearing down coast to coast, severe weather — snow, freezing temperatures, ice,  or heavy rains — greatly impacts the safety and well-being of the elderly. Here are some tips from the experts in aging well, Aging Life Care Association™ to help aging adults get ready for winter weather.

Before a Storm
  • Stay Informed and sign-up for severe weather alerts through your local city or state resource
  • Refill prescriptions and have an extra supply of other medical necessities
  • Buy extra food, including non-perishables, and bottled water (and don’t forget pet food or supplies if needed)
  • Keep vehicles filled with gas and have tires checked for safety
  • Clear debris from downspouts and gutters
  • Have trees inspected and remove any dead limbs
  • Have evacuation routes planned with identified medical centers
  • Identify an individual or company to shovel snow from driveways, stairs
  • Make sure outside furnace vents are clear and carbon monoxide alarms are working
  • Inspect outside plumbing, insulating any exposed pipes
Prepare for Power Outages
  • If using oxygen, bi-pap, c-pap or other equipment, you will need a generator
  • Purchase battery operated, plug-in lights that automatically turn on when the power goes out
  • Make sure you have working flashlights within reach and extra batteries
  • Keep cell phones charging so you have a full charge at power loss
Plan for Caregivers
  • If you rely on caregivers, consider the following:
  • Arrange for a live-in caregiver
  • Build a relationship with neighbors that may be able to temporarily fill-in
  • Plan temporary or respite stay with a nursing home, assisted living community, or hospice
Safety
  • Keep areas around space heaters clear
  • Use space heaters with automatic shut-off
  • Gas stoves or ovens should never be used as a heating source
  • Do not attempt to climb ladders
  • Do not walk on frozen stairs, sidewalks, or driveways

For more winter weather tips and planning, visit the public safety website of Massachusetts – a state very familiar with severe winter weather.

With knowledge of local resources, An Aging Life Care Professional™ can  build an emergency weather plan for your aging loved one. Find one to consult at aginglifecare.org.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

long-distance caregivers need support

Long-Distance Caregivers Seek Professional Help

During the holiday season families and friends visit aging loved ones. Frequently this is the time when they discover troubling changes in health, behavior, or physical appearance of their family member. Many will discover their aging loved one now needs more help or attention.

Recent Survey Reveals Top Reasons Long-Distance Caregivers Seek Help

Long-distance caregivers — those who live a significant distance from a person who needs care — are turning to professional help for managing the care of their aging family members. A recent survey by the Aging Life Care Association™, shows that over 30% of an Aging Life Care Professional’s case load involves families attempting to coordinate care for a loved one from a distance.

The 382 participants revealed the top reasons why long-distance caregivers seek help from Aging Life Care Professionals™, also known as geriatric care managers. The data show Aging Life Care Professionals are contacted most often by long-distance caregivers when:

  • There is a crisis or emergency (76%)
  • Making a visit sees significant changes in health, behavior, or home maintenance (57%)
  • There is a need to explore placement options or relocation (41%)

From mediating complicated family relationships to serving as the local emergency contact, the role an Aging Life Care Professional plays varies client by client. The top five services long-distance caregivers are looking for when they engage an Aging Life Care Professionals are:

  • Consultation about how to best help their parent and/or family (87%)
  • Assessment and care planning (83%)
  • Ongoing oversight/monitoring of care (75%)
  • Routine communication and status updates to out-of-town family (68%)
  • Arranging for home care services (68%)

“Most long-distance caregivers hire us when the situation has escalated or becomes a problem that they can’t solve alone,” says Dianne McGraw, LCSW, CMC and president of the Aging Life Care Association. “Our expertise and our knowledge of local resources allow us to become the team captain and coordinate services. We become the eyes and ears for the long-distance caregiver.”

Survey respondents offered examples of long-distance caregiving cases, many echoing the sentiment that working with Aging Life Care Professionals reduces stress and helps improve or restore family relationships.

  • I currently have a client with memory loss, whose only daughter lives in England. One weekend, while the client was out taking a walk, she took a fall resulting in a fractured skull. She was found by a neighbor and an ambulance was called. I was able to be with her at the hospital, help her stay calm, communicate with her daughter, the hospital, and her physician. As the Aging Life Care Manager™, one is uniquely positioned to coordinate communication in a way that helps everyone involved feel calm and confident, and to help arrange the best outcome for the client.
  • I was hired by daughter in Connecticut for her mother in Washington. Daughter was trying to care manage from a distance, without knowing how, and relationship was becoming strained. Daughter was frequently frustrated, Mom felt daughter was trying to be the boss of her. After completing assessment, care plan, and initial visits, client said, “Thank you for giving back to us our mother/daughter relationship. I feel like I got my daughter back.”
  • The most difficult part of long distance care giving for families is denial. Many families don’t make the trip to see their loved one, they speak on the phone and the client is able to shield the family from what is happening. Having an Aging Life Care Manager to oversee and update everyone with a non-biased opinion helps all parties involved.

To find an Aging Life Care Professional near you, visit aginglifecare.org to access the Find an Aging Life Care Expert search feature.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

discharge planning process medicare rights

Creating Smooth Discharge Planning Transitions

For many patients, being in the hospital is like riding a bullet train. Zipping from room to room, procedure to procedure, being jabbed, jostled and poked, and then suddenly being told it’s time to disembark. Taking time now to understand the discharge planning process can help  ease stress and ensure you are aware of your patient rights. 

So It’s Time to Leave the Hospital, Now What?

by Jullie Gray, MSW, LICSW, CMC – Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy

 

Ideally, we’d like to think of hospitals as places of rest where we will get better, but these days, hospitals are very busy and often noisy places. It’s easy to feel fatigued, scared and confused by the whole hospitalization process.  Feeling overwhelmed starts as soon as your mom or dad walks through the hospital door, there are hundreds of rapid fire questions from the admission clerk, nurse, technicians and doctors. After the initial burst of activity, you and your parent will probably wait many long hours wondering about the results of her tests and what the final diagnosis will ultimately mean for the future.

Sometimes the most frightening part of the whole experience is when your mom is told it’s time to leave the hospital. She may still feel quite weak, unsure of how to manage her new medical problems and may worry about how she will cope back at home all alone. And you might feel a sense of unease about her discharge too; sensing that she isn’t quite herself, that something still might be terribly wrong. You may even worry that she doesn’t have enough or the right kind of help.

Caught off-guard or disagree with the discharge? Medicare beneficiaries have a right to appeal, but you’ll have to act fast. Read “Slowing Down Hospital Discharge Requires Fast Action”  from Kaiser Health News to learn more.

Although most people hope to be cured when they leave the hospital, realistically, when your mother is discharged, the difficult journey to recovery may only be starting. That’s because in today’s world, patients are leaving the hospital faster than ever before. Being discharged doesn’t mean your parent is well again, instead discharge indicates the attending physician has determined she is “medically stable” enough to leave the protective and expensive hospital setting.  But, because the process of healing is just beginning, older adults usually need more help at the time of discharge than before entering the hospital in the first place.

Role of the Discharge Planner

In the hospital, the person responsible for planning your parent’s discharge is called the “discharge planner”.  Discharge planners are employees of the hospital and are generally social workers or nurses. The discharge planner helps each patient move out of the hospital by setting up and coordinating necessary aftercare services before discharge occurs.

Insurance rules, financial pressures and the need to keep beds available for other patients drives the hospital team to plan early for discharge.  A well-designed discharge plan helps keep patients from waiting longer than necessary to transition through the healthcare system and ensures that patients are safely cared for during the next leg of their journey.

Derailments can happen

For most hospitals, the focus on discharge is very intense; almost as intense as finding out the reason your parent was admitted there in the first place – but that doesn’t mean things don’t occasionally go wrong when your parent leaves.

Patients and their loved ones often feel unprepared at the time of discharge. Studies show that older adults who are discharged from the hospital are frequently:

  • unprepared for their role in the next care setting;
  • confused about how to manage their condition;
  • unable to contact an appropriate health care practitioners for guidance; and,
  • left to carry out tasks their health care providers have left undone.

Whether your parent’s admission was planned or was due to an unexpected incident, it is helpful to make sure you are both prepared for the next stage of the journey.  At the time of discharge make certain your parent has

  • the newest prescription(s) in hand, knows what the medication is for, understands the new instructions and has reconciled the discharge medications with the previous list;
  • schedules a follow-up appointment with the physician, has a way to get to the appointment; and,
  • is given a list of signs and symptoms that constitute complications to her condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Any of these oversights can lead to serious problems and delayed recovery.

Help is just a phone call away

For families feeling overwhelmed by the discharge planning process, working with an Aging Life Care Manger™ can be a godsend. These highly trained professionals bring years of experience and work only for you (not the hospital or insurance company). They ease transitions by helping your family:

  • Set priorities
  • Review options
  • Make informed decisions
  • Implement practical solutions
  • Tie up loose ends

Aging Life Care Managers know the best resources in the community.  They can provide individualized recommendations for follow-up services, coordinate those services, and monitor your parent as she recovers to her full potential.  As your very own trusted adviser, your care manager works collaboratively with harried discharge planners who frequently have less time than they’d like to provide individualized attention.

Care managers also work closely with your parent’s medical providers to ensure that critical information is passed along through each transition so nothing falls through the cracks.

Advocating for the rights of older adults is a central role of all Aging Life Care Mangers.  If problems arise, your care manager will advocate on behalf of your family to make certain that discharge plans makes sense and meet your parent’s specific needs.

It can be a huge relief to have an expert in your corner looking out for your family’s interest. To find your own Aging Life Care Manager go to www.aginglifecare.org and search for a practitioner in your area.

About the author:  Jullie Gray is a Fellow of the Leadership Academy, and has over 30 years of experience in healthcare and aging. She is a Principal at Aging Wisdom in Seattle, WA. Jullie is the President of the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and the Past President of the Aging Life Care™ Association. Follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter @agingwisdom, or email her at jgray@agingwisdom.com. Aging Wisdom has a presence on Facebook – we invite you to like our page.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.