Help Home Instead Raise $10,000 for Alzheimer’s Disease International! Dollars

Last chance to help Home Instead raise $10,000 for Alzheimer’s Disease International! Dollars for Dementia ends June 30. Please help by clicking “Like”! What types of support would you like to see ADI provide for individuals with dementia?  https://www.facebook.com/RememberForAlzheimers/

Elderly Woman Scales Everest

Swimmer Dara Torres, 45, is still sprinting in the pool; she is a favorite to qualify for her sixth Olympics when trials begin next week.

Pitcher Jamie Moyer, 49, is still striking out batters; he became the oldest pitcher to win a game in the majors in April and followed with another win for the Colorado Rockies in May. Now, the Baltimore Orioles have their eye on him.

Not bad, right? Now add more than 20 years.

Japanese mountaineer Tamae Watanabe, 73, is still climbing; she set a world record last month, becoming the oldest woman to scale Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. She broke her own record, set when she was 63.

Expect more like these, fitness experts say -- exceptionally healthy adults who are transforming our image of aging.

"My guess is that as more people 'age up' who have been active their whole lives and are really committed, we will see more interesting things from people in the 60-to-80 age range," says Michael Joyner, a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist and a specialist in exercise science in Rochester, Minn.

And maybe, he adds, they will inspire a nation where many sit all day in front of a computer.

Few of us will ever come close to these exceptional levels of fitness at any age, but what stops so many people from staying fit as they grow older? Exercise physiologist Barbara Bushman says 24% of adults over 65 are totally inactive, and fewer than 40% meet the baseline recommendations for exercise (150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, such as jogging or swimming.)

"The short answer is that most of society is not pushing themselves hard enough," Joyner says. "However, at the same time, there is this emerging subgroup of fit or super-fit middle-aged and older people who are redefining things."

When Janet Evans, 40, started her comeback last year after 15 years off Olympic-level swimming, Joyner said, "This is the whole new normal emerging."

How much does it help?
He notes that motivation and resilience "are the key."

But in a society where obesity is an epidemic, what kind of extra motivation do we need?

"Regular physical activity can favorably influence a broad range of body systems and may be a lifestyle factor that discriminates between those who experience successful aging and those who do not," says Bushman, a professor of kinesiology at Missouri State University and co-author of the American College of Sports Medicine's Complete Guide to Fitness and Health.

Some scientists go so far as to say exercise actually slows aging. A 1990 study comparing masters athletes and sedentary people found that those who continue to engage in regular vigorous exercise show just half the rate of decline in maximal aerobic capacity as sedentary people. Recent research shows aerobic activity is important for healthy cognitive function. And regular exercise eases the stiffness and pain of arthritis.

Sports doctor and triathlete Jordan Metzl knows this firsthand. He says he has some arthritis, but exercise helps him. In his new book, The Athlete's Book of Home Remedies, he has a section on strengthening exercises you can do at home to help protect ligaments and joints.

They aren't 20 anymore
Most of us begin to notice physical decline in our mid-30s, but it doesn't have to be all or nothing, Bushman says.

Evans, who follows the latest research on training methods, says she has had to take better care of herself, including getting more sleep, shedding a few pounds and taking more time to recover between workouts than when she was younger.

Though Evans hasn't suffered any career-threatening injuries, Torres and Moyer haven't been as lucky. Moyer missed the 2011 season after having ligament replacement surgery, and Torres has had multiple surgeries, including an innovative procedure after the 2008 Olympics on her left knee to regenerate cartilage. Before that, she couldn't walk without a limp, and the muscles in her leg were atrophying.

"There have been isolated examples of exceptional feats by people in their 40s and 50s for many years," Joyner says. "These are happening more often and are more widely noticed."

When Bushman heard about Watanabe, she laughed and said, "Now that is successful aging."

"Although not everyone has interest or ability to achieve a feat like climbing Everest, people of all ages can take steps today to develop a complete exercise program," Bushman adds.

She recommends a focus on aerobic exercise for cardiovascular fitness, resistance training for muscular fitness, flexibility exercises, and neuromotor training for balance, agility and coordination. "No one is too old, or too young, to invest in their future health."








Article care of:  http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/325656/71/73-year-old-woman-scaling-Everest-proves-you-can-age-well-

Tips on Caring for Aging Parents

For millions of baby boomers, planning their own retirement has taken a backseat to helping their aging parents navigate the golden years. Often referred to as the sandwich generation, this group is tasked with caring for seniors while tending to growing children.

Rob Melnychuk | Digital Vision | Getty Images

A general lack of preparedness coupled with fears ranging from isolation and loneliness to neglect and “who’s going to pay for this?” have left many trying to shoulder the burden on their own.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, 4.4 million homes had three generations or more living under one roof — a 15 percent increase from 2008. That number is continuing to grow, says Marion Somers, who has spent the past four decades as a geriatric care manager and is currently on a cross-country tour educating Americans about the importance of planning ahead for long term care.

While nursing homes and assisted living facilities can offer round-the-clock care for elders and take a bit of pressure off already-harried boomers, neither is cheap nor, for some, all that desirable.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

There’s no place like home for the senior set, according to an AARP survey. Ninety percent of people over age 65 said they want to stay in their home as long as possible — a figure that has remained constant for the last four years.

Making that wish come true can be complicated and costly, but with a growing number of in-home care providers and new technological advancements, more options are available than in past generations.

How much time do you have to spend helping your retired parents?

Quite a lot

Fair amount

Now and then

Hardly any at all

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Paul Hogan founded Home Instead Senior Care in 1994. With more than 900 offices offering nonmedical senior care and companionship services, Hogan says one of the biggest obstacles caregivers face is lack of awareness of the in-home services that exist.

“When we started in the early 1990s there were two options: It was going to be the nursing home or my daughter’s home,” Hogan says. “Now there’s a whole proliferation of options that have evolved over the last 20 years, and very few people know what they are and how much they cost.”

Hogan says families faced with the challenge of making a decision, often under pressure, have a tendency to underestimate the expense of nursing homes and overestimate the cost of in-home care, often by as much as 30 percent, leading them to make poor choices or not recognize the affordability of nonmedical at-home care. 

Somers advises caregivers to do their homework carefully when considering the gamut of options. She points out that aides can cost as little as $10 an hour in some parts of the country and as much as $27 an hour in other areas.

“What if you need a nurse to administer insulin shots?” she asks. “That can range anywhere from $75 to $175 depending on where you live.”

A Genworth 2012 Cost of Care Surveyreveals private or semi-private rooms in a nursing home average upwards of $200 per day nationally, or approximately $6,000 per month, while the average assisted living facility commands $3,300 per month. Those in the market for in-home nonmedical care can expect to pay close to $19 per hour on average nationally. 

Jeff Bevis, who is chief executive officer of FirstLight Home Care and is also caring for his 88-year-old father-in-law, says the need for in-home nonmedical care is “skyrocketing” quarter after quarter.

“There’s a major level of desire and interest among seniors to remain in their own home no matter what,” he says.

Bevis pegs the in-home nonmedical care business as a $70 billion industry and one that is likely to triple over the next several decades as the senior population explodes.

The number of people age 65 and older will more than double between 2010 and 2050 to 88.5 million or 20 percent of the population; likewise, those 85 and older will rise three-fold, to 19 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Bevis explains that modern technology can help create a middle ground offering a cost-effective solution that allows seniors to maintain their independence and dignity while still staying safe in the comfort of their own homes.

Web portals that enable the client, family members and the caregiver to go in and see notes on services or care provided that day are one option. Bevis also touts the importance of personal emergency response systems that not only provide peace of mind knowing help is available in  a crisis but can also relay vital signs wirelessly to a doctor’s office.

Mark Scott | Photographer's Choice | Getty Images

“Family members can go in and see what mom’s heart rate was today,” Bevis says. “If mom or dad would fall, their chance of survival drops dramatically if they’re not found within the first few hours. The New England Journal of Medicine released a study that was done two years ago that was pretty eye-opening in that regard. The personal emergency response systems can be a lifesaver.”

Somers said seniors can wear bands that monitor the body’s rhythms and movements throughout the day and will detect if a typical pattern has been disrupted and issue an alert if activity is unusual.

Keeping Grandma as Close as Your Own Backyard, Literally

Other modern innovations include the MEDCottage, also known as “the Granny pod.” A tricked-out tree house for the elderly, the 284-square-foot structure features many of the bells and whistles of a nursing home — including rubber flooring — but sits in a caregiver’s backyard and, with its own kitchen and bathroom, runs off the main residence’s power and water supply.

The idea came to Salem, Va.-based Rev. Ken Dupin, as he was working on his Ph.D. Though he didn’t complete his dissertation, Dupin ran with the idea and is currently chief executive officer of N2Care, maker of MEDCottage.

“Our whole focus is to promote family-managed care,” Dupin says. “We’re all about putting the family back into this stage of life and as we researched it, there didn’t seem to be a lot of good options as the one we came up with.”

After seven years in development, the first residential MEDCottage was placed in Fairfax, Va. last month.

“What’s unique is we have a created a dashboard that gives the caregiver access to literally every part of the MEDCottage including the ability to track blood pressure, heart rate, weight, temperature, glucose and all those things, as well as the structure itself,” Dupin explains.

The cyber-chic shanty also includes something called “Feet Sweep,” a camera system that monitors 12 inches off the floor in case a loved one has fallen.  A caregiver can also remotely check in to see whether or not the elder has taken his or her medication.

So how much does this high-tech hideaway cost? Dupin explains that the original model runs about $85,000 but distributors are coming out with new offerings that are “not nearly as fancy” and will be priced in the neighborhood of $50,000.

Another advantage, Dupin points out, is that unlike a nursing home or an assisted living facility, MEDCottage is an asset.

“The distributor will purchase it back after a year or two years at a negotiated price,” he says. “Everything the MEDCottage does is to promote family-managed care. There are no subscription fees or monitoring services, everything goes back to the family.”

Competition is popping up for this modern alternative to the mother-in-law suite, Dupin says, as two modular home manufacturers have come out with their own versions.

“Definitely there is a horizon for this concept,” Dupin says.

Be Prepared

Another hurdle baby boomers have to overcome is the suddenness of the need for care.

“Three days ago Dad was golfing and today he’s in the hospital because last night he had a stroke and he’s incapacitated,” says Hogan of Home Instead. “They never had the conversation or took the time to discuss what Dad’s preferences were for care so therefore this creates a huge amount of guesswork for that primary family caregiver.”

To combat this, Hogan devised the “40-70 Rule” aimed at bridging the communication gap between generations and fostering discussions — when one is their 40s and the other is their 70s — about how, when and where aging parents wish to receive care. Hogan said these issues are often so uncomfortable and overwhelming that he felt compelled to author a booklet, designed to help struggling caregivers.

Even with technological advancements, providing for the health and safety of aging parents is no small task. Having that conversation earlier and before a crisis occurs can make growing old gracefully a bit more manageable for everyone involved.

Article care of: http://www.cnbc.com/id/47251900/page/2/

Exploiting Elderly And Vulnerable Adults Now A Crime

Measure Helps Deter Stealing From Senior Citizens or People With Physical or Mental Disabilities

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Senate today responded to the need for increased protection against financial exploitation of elderly and vulnerable adults by passing legislation to make such actions a crime. The legislation (S6712), sponsored by Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma), gives district attorneys and police the tools they need to prosecute instances of financial exploitation of vulnerable elderly or people with physical or mental disabilities.

“Scams targeting the elderly and disabled have become increasingly more sophisticated and widespread in recent years,” said Senator Gallivan. “This legislation will give district attorneys and local law enforcement the prosecutorial powers needed to protect some of New York State’s most vulnerable citizens. Twenty-nine other states have enacted statutes specifically designed to protect senior citizens against financial abuse and I applaud my Senate colleagues for taking the first step towards ensuring that New York does the same.”

Financial exploitation of the elderly or those who have a physical or mental disability that prevents them from caring for themselves is a pervasive and often unseen form of abuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse defines elder financial exploitation as “the illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property or assets.” Such instances of exploitation can include credit card fraud, real estate scams, identity theft and burglary, which are also notoriously difficult to combat. Even when reported to local authorities, antiquated criminal statutes make it difficult to prosecute these offenses.

The bill establishes exploitation of a vulnerable elderly, incompetent, or disabled person as a form of larceny. It also requires adult protective services officials to report all instances of suspected exploitation to their district attorney’s office.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

C/O:   http://www.newsli.com/2012/06/19/exploiting-elderly-and-vulnerable-adults-now-a-crime/ 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaching this Friday

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaching this Friday: OHIO VALLEY — After a long happy life, most dream of being able to take it easy during their retirement surrounded by family and friends in the last chapters of their lives, and unfortunately that scenario is not always a reality.

That dream can be taken away from elderly in the surrounding communities when they are victims of elder abuse. While it may not be a commonly discussed issue, elder abuse can be devastating for those who experience it and for the family and friends of the victims. Fortunately, there are those working to help end elder abuse and prevent it as much as possible by spreading the word about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on Friday, June 15.

Several local residents are working to make sure this issue is brought to the forefront in hopes or preventing and reporting abuse of local elderly citizens who are potential victims. Beverly Hauder, Project Administrator for the Mason County Action Group/Gene Salem Senior Center, has been working for this cause, and stated that elder abuse is a growing problem, not only in Mason County, but all over the nation, especially now that the baby boomer generation is growing older. Another local agency that is working to help elderly citizens against abuse is the Area Agency on Aging District Seven (AAA7), which includes Gallia County, and several other surrounding counties. According to a press release from AAA7, there may be as many as five million elder abuse victims each year in the United States.

Even though there can be so many victims, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) stated that the gravity of this issue is somewhat unknown because there are many cases that are not reported. The NCEA stated that one in ten elders may experience some type of abuse, but only one in five cases are reported. Elder abuse can happen in a variety of places, including nursing homes and the other institutions, and even the victim’s own home. It was also reported by the NCEA that the abusers can often be trusted individuals, such as spouses, family members, personal acquaintances, or professionals in positions of trust, as well as opportunistic strangers.

The NCEA defines elder abuse as “intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or ‘trusted’ individual that leads to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder.” The types of abuse can include physical abuse, neglect, emotional, sexual, exploitation, neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect. While signs of abuse may be obvious to some, others may not know what to look for. The NCEA defines these types of abuse, and some of their warning signs, as the following:

Physical abuse — Use of force to threaten or physically injure a vulnerable elder. Warning signs are slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure points, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns.

Emotional abuse — Verbal attacks, threats, rejection, isolation, or belittling acts that cause or could cause mental anguish, pain, or distress to a senior. Warning signs are withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes.

Sexual abuse — Sexual contact that is forced, tricked, threatened, or otherwise coerced upon a vulnerable elder, including anyone who is unable to grant consent. Warning signs are bruises around the breast or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases.

Exploitation — Theft, fraud, misuse or neglect of authority, and use of undue influence as a lever to gain control over an older person’s money or property. Warning signs are sudden change in finances and accounts, alters wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property.

Neglect — A caregiver’s failure or refusal to provide for a vulnerable elder’s safety, physical or emotional needs. Warning signs are pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition, or dehydration.

Abandonment — Desertion of a frail or vulnerable elder by anyone with a duty of care.

Self-Neglect — An inability to understand to consequences of one’s own actions or inaction, which leads to, or may lead to, harm or endangerment.

Hauder stated the biggest issue among elder abuse is perhaps financial abuse. According to the Administration on Aging (AOA), each year, elders lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more due to financial abuse and exploitation. The AAA7 also offers several tips on how financial abuse can be prevented. Those tips include using direct deposit for checks, not signing blank checks and allowing others to fill in the amount, canceling any unused ATM cards, not giving out your ATM/PIN number, checking bank statements for unauthorized transactions, and being cautious of joint accounts.

“Over the last few years, we have seen a substantial rise in financial abuse of our area’s elders,” says Kaye Inoshita, RN, Director of the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program with the Area Agency on Aging District 7. “We receive many calls about nursing home residents’ families keeping the residents’ pension and retirement income/checks instead of using it to pay for their loved one’s care. Often, it is the resident’s children keeping their parent’s checks to live on. This could be considered financial exploitation which is in fact a crime.”

WEAAD was first recognized on June 15, 2006. The AOA stated the purpose of the day was to “provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.”

If one suspects abuse of a loved one, there are many ways to report it and prevent it from continuing. A way for Mason County citizens to report abuse is by contacting the local adult protective services agency through the DHHR office at 304-675-0880. Hauder also said those at the Mason County Action Group are available to help report elder abuse, and those reporting can always remain anonymous.

The AAA7 also encourages those who are victims to contact their doctor or confide in a trusted friend or loved one and call the local Job and Family Services agency. Abuse in long term facilities can be reported to the AAA7 Ombudsman Program at 1-800-582-7277. If someone is in immediate danger, regardless of either county, one should call 911 or the local police department or sheriff’s office.

Hauder stated the Mason County Action Group wants to be known as those who help local residents become more aware of issues like this. She went on to say this day serves as a reminder to check in with our elderly family and friends, and be aware for signs of abuse, a sentiment those at the AAA7 would surely agree with.

“We can’t just close our eyes and pretend it doesn’t exist,” Hauder said.

To learn more about the issue of elder abuse, visit www.ncea.aoa.gov. To contact the AAA7, call 1-800-582-7277. To contact the Mason County Action Group, call 304-675-2369.

Read more: Point Pleasant (WV) Register - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaching this Friday 

CAREGiver of the Month

CAREGiver of the Month

Congratulations to our CAREGiver of The Month Tracy C.  Tracy has been with Home Instead Senior Care since February of 2012 so to be chosen as CAREGiver of The Month in such a short time proves Tracy goes far above and beyond.  Tracy always calls the office when she is unsure of something to make sure she is doing the right thing.  She follows procedure in all areas to the fullest.  She is very hard working, patient and dedicated to improving the lives of those she touches.  We want to take this time to say thank you to Tracy and we appreciate you being on our team.  Congratulations for being our CAREGiver of The Month. 

The Caregiver's Silent Burden

My healthy and energetic husband, business partner and best friend had a heart attack at 52. We were still reeling from the affects of 9/11 on our psyches and our business, which needed our undivided attention six days a week. Our two sons were still at home, one homeschooled and one in high school, and our lives were packed full. Life has a way of throwing us curves when we least expect it and true to form, our world was quite suddenly thrown into chaos.

I operated on adrenaline for the first few days and weeks as I took on the full responsibility of our business and livelihood, the care of our children and the care of my husband. We do what we have to do, but churning relentlessly beneath the surface was the heartbreak, the shock, the fear, the loneliness of loss. The emotional ramifications were profound and lasting. He is alive and well, but on so many levels this experienced rocked my world.

Every day women and men across generations and the socio-economic landscape are faced with the difficult decisions and responsibilities inherent in the daily care of a sick or aging loved one. Caring for aging parents is a much talked about concern among adult children, but whether one is caring for a parent, a spouse, or a seriously ill or disabled child, the silent burden of the caregiver is the same. It is profound and constant.

In the midst of the extreme stress and myriad responsibilities of caring for a loved one, family caregivers are coping with one of life's most difficult emotions, that of grief and loss. A woman caring for her husband after a stroke or a heart attack, is not only picking up the slack around the house, shouldering financial responsibilities, and the day-to-day care of her spouse, she is doing so in the midst of a very real and very personal life crisis. She has suddenly lost the emotional and practical support of perhaps her most significant relationship, even if only temporarily. Every morning she looks death in the face and consciously or unconsciously wrestles with the ramifications of losing her loved one, her dreams, and her life as she knew it.

The events leading up to a caregiving situation often occur unexpectedly and without warning. There is no time for preparation. Everything is fine until one day it isn't. The change is immediate and lasting. How is one to keep his/her head above water at such a time?

So often we talk about the role of "caregiver" as if it were a hat we put on, a "temporary" upheaval in our schedules, but it is so much more than that. The grief, the loss of normalcy, not only to our life but to our relationships, lies buried beneath the surface of daily demands. The painful emotions are squelched and shoved aside by necessity and perhaps more likely, by guilt. After all, we reason, we are alive and well. Our needs are not as important as our loved ones. It's not his fault he can't be there for me. There is no time to fall apart, to grieve, or to adjust. It must wait.

When we talk about caregiver burnout, compassion fatigue or the stress of caretaking in general, perhaps the most important dimension to address is that of the emotional upheaval, the undertaking of the grieving process that often begins in earnest and lies buried in silence far too long. The caregiver needs support, compassion and guidance with the silent pain as much, if not more, than they need assistance with practical matters. By the time we move into the caregiving role, most of us are adept at problem solving and decision-making. Our real difficulty more likely rests in making sense of and coming to terms with loss.

Article c/o Dorothy Sanders
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dorothy-sander/the-caregivers-silent-bur_b_1570584.html

Longevity

Home Care an Integral Part of the Care Continuum for Seniors With Dementia

Many seniors who are aging at home only need the help of paid non-medical workers. These workers assist with daily and weekly routines, which can include trips to the doctor, reminders to take the right medication at the right time, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, shopping, and even Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

The first ray of morning sunshine peeks through the curtain and grazes the edge of the bed to gently say "time to wake up." Birds sing from the tree branches right outside the large window looking out on the yard where the kids loved to run and play. A photo collage hangs on the wall beside the nightstand, testifying to a lifetime of memories. 

Home can be a place of comfort and familiarity in so many ways. Naturally, aging adults want to continue living in their own homes, even as their care needs change. According to a Home Instead Senior Care® network-commissioned research project titled the "Value of Caregiving at Home" study, 90 percent of seniors say they want to age in their homes for as long as possible. For those experiencing memory loss as a result of Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, remaining in familiar surroundings is especially helpful in managing the disease.


The "Value of Caregiving at Home" study shows that not only are in-home care services beneficial to individuals with dementia, but they may be an integral part of the entire senior care continuum.


More specifically, the research demonstrates that for these older adults, paid in-home non-medical care offers several important benefits:
It can fit seamlessly into a regimen that would otherwise consist of more formal clinical care—especially for those who are older or who need more-intensive levels of care.
It is associated with a lower incidence of doctor visits (between 28 and 47 percent fewer, depending on dementia severity) and hospitalization (half or more less likely), potentially saving healthcare dollars and improving the quality of seniors' lives.
It results in more hours of care—and in most instances, better care.


In addition, the use of in-home care for older adults helps relieve the pressure on the country's resource-strapped hospitals and nursing homes. As the Boomer population ages, the number of individuals age 65 and older with Alzheimer's will sharply increase, reaching a staggering 13.5 million Americans by 2050, according to the Alzheimer's Association, and 1.1 million Canadians by 2038, according to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.


Many seniors who are aging at home only need the help of paid non-medical workers. These workers assist with daily and weekly routines, which can include trips to the doctor, reminders to take the right medication at the right time, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, shopping, and even Alzheimer's and dementia care. The result is companionship that allows seniors to feel safe and independent while they age in place in the home they've lived in for years.


For more information about the Home Instead Senior Care network's research findings, view the Paid In-Home Care: Benefitting Those with Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia whitepaper.






More info:http://www.caregiverstress.com/alzheimers-dementia/home-care-integral-dementia/