Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Recovery

A popular omega-3 fatty acid with an ingredient in curry spice may offer millions of seniors 
some relief from spinal damage, research reveals. Cervical Myelopathy is the most common 
spine-related walking problem for people over 55, and it can lead to disabling neurological 
symptoms, such as difficulty walking, neck and arm pain, hand numbness and weakness of the 
limbs.

 UCLA researchers’ findings suggest that the two supplements help repair nerve cells 
and maintain neurological function after degenerative damage to the neck. 

 DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid shown to repair damage to cell membranes. Curcumin is 
a compound in turmeric, an Indian curry spice, and a strong antioxidant that previous 
studies have linked to tissue repair. Both reduce inflammation.

 “Our findings suggest that diet can help minimize disease-related changes and repair 
damage to the spinal cord,” said principal investigator Dr. Langston Holly, associate 
professor of neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

The supplements might do the trick for those who are afflicted with back pain, but your 
readers also should know that support at home from a Home Instead CAREGiverSM could 
help, too.

Home Instead Senior Care in Burbank is Getting A Face Lift

Home Instead Senior Care in Burbank is getting a little face lift. Here is a sneak peek

CAREGiver of The Month

Congratulations to Chris R for being Home 

Instead Senior Care's CAREGiver of The Month 

for May.  Chris has been with HISC since 

9/2012, and in that time, he has displayed a 

remarkable ability to connect and care for the

elderly community.  He goes the extra mile and 

is always helpful to the family caregivers by 

offering them the support they need and giving 

them new ideas that they never thought of thus 

they are always grateful for his input.  Words

 used to describe Chris by his clients are 

"Awesome" Wonderful" and "Heaven Sent" just

 to name a few.  We'd like to take time out and 

celebrate Chris R this month and say "Thank 

You" for all you do from your clients and your team members here at Home Instead Senior 

Care Burbank.

Burbank was approved for a $43,000 grant for its Retired Senior Volunteer Program

In this file photo, a volunteer works on coding traffic citations at the Burbank Police Station to be used in a national database. (Scott Roby / Burbank Leader / May 14, 2013)

Burbank was approved for a $43,000 grant for its Retired Senior Volunteer Program, surprising city officials who had thought they were out of contention after refusing to comply with new funding guidelines that would have required a program overhaul.

For four decades, the Corporation for National and Community Service has subsidized a portion of the program, which boasts nearly 700 volunteers.

But last year, the corporation attempted to narrow volunteer efforts to address six areas — disaster services, education, healthy futures, environmental stewardship, veterans and military families, and economic opportunity. The new guidelines also called for reducing the number of volunteers by more than 200.

The new guidelines left 70 local agencies unwilling to comply, tossing their grant applications, according to a city report. But the Burbank City Council in the fall decided to go for the grant anyway.

Apparently, the decision to go for the money despite not complying with the grant requirements bore some fruit.

“Clearly, it was a great idea,” said Judie Wilke, director of park, recreation and community services, adding that officials were “totally surprised” by the news. “We really did not change our program to reflect their goals for this next year.”

Last year, the program’s 675 volunteers — ranging in age from 55 to 99 — contributed 141,981 hours at schools, museums, hospitals, nursing homes and libraries.

Independent Sector — a coalition of nonprofits supporting public service — pegs the value of one volunteer hour in California at $24.18. That means Burbank RSVP volunteers collectively provided about $3.4 million worth of services last year.

The grant funds make up about a quarter of the program’s roughly $180,000 annual operating budget. Had the program not been awarded the grant, Wilke said the city likely would have absorbed the costs.

“I think we would’ve found a way to make it happen,” she said. “This program has and will continue to be a huge asset to this city and the community — I think we are invested in making it successful.”

Even so, with the city grappling with $2.5 million in cuts to balance the budget this fiscal year, receiving the grant relieves city officials of having to identify other funding sources to support the program.

-- Alene Tchekmedyian, alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

For full article go to: http://www.burbankleader.com

Earn Free CEU's: Webinar - Part of the Family Caregiver Support Series, sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care

Earn Free CEU's

10:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM Mountain
12:00 PM Central / 1:00 PM Eastern

Part of the Family Caregiver Support Series, sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care


Register Now for May 15


PLEASE NOTE: The webinar content will be the same, but you’ll have a chance to ask your question during the Q&A portion. CEUs will also be offered for each session.

Caregiving can be an emotionally intense experience, and some caregivers experience negative feelings that they feel the need to bury or deny. This can lead to a an emotionally, and sometimes physically, unhealthy state. If you are a caregiver, or work with someone who is, this webinar will help identify the difficult feelings that can arise, and offer solutions to deal with negative emotions.

Participants in this web seminar will be able to:
Describe five negative feelings frequently experienced by caregivers.
Identify four positive ways to cope with your feelings.
List two important benefits of not repressing your emotions.


Presenters:

Dr. Amy D'Aprix is the Executive Director of the DAI Foundation, a nonprofit organization established to meet the needs of caregivers. She is also President of Dr. Amy Inc., a company dedicated to Family Caregiver Wellness by providing access to information and education, services, support with emotional and family issues, and legal and financial support. She holds a PhD and Masters in Social Work, specializing in Gerontology, and earned her CSA (Certified Senior Advisor) - a designation for which she also trains others, as part of their accreditation.

Mary Alexander, Director of Strategic Alliances with Home Instead Senior Care corporation, actively manages strategic partnerships with companies, associations and organizations whose products, services and programs help franchise owners grow their businesses. She and her team’s focus include long-term care insurance companies, hospitals, health care organizations, work/life balance opportunities and senior industry leaders.

Happy Mother's Day

Mothers are the foundation of the family. They make sacrifices to put a smile on our face at any given moment. In honor of their unconditional love, we want to wish all the Mother's of the world a very special and blessed Mother's Day

Socializing Improves Quality of Life

Social interaction may be as vital as physical activity for seniors


The relationship between physical activity and vitality is well-documented, but multiple recent studies have also revealed an increasingly stronger link between social interaction and mental and physical well-being for seniors.

While socialization is critical for all people, regardless of age, seniors can be more susceptible to isolation. Many seniors have spent a considerable portion of their lives in the company of others – be it in the workplace or raising children. Upon reaching retirement age, and with children leaving the house, the opportunities for socialization often decrease, especially if the senior must rely on others for transportation.

But research has indicated that an active social lifestyle is more important than ever in helping seniors maintain a sharp mind, remain connected to the world around them, increase feelings of happiness, and develop a sense of belonging.

Various studies have shown that socializing can produce the following positive effects:

Improved mental health: Symptoms of depression and memory problems affect many seniors. In fact, approximately seven million people over the age of 65 experience symptoms of depression, and it is estimated that dementia touches one in seven Americans over the age of 71. Having consistent human contact and interaction can reduce both, recent studies revealed.

One such study, appearing in the Annals of Family Medicine, gathered 193 seniors with depressive symptoms and provided either individualized physical activity or social visits for six consecutive months. Researchers concluded that: “Social contact may be as effective as physical activity in improving mood and quality of life” and “social participation and social support networks are paramount to long-term positive outcomes and psychological well-being for older people."

Another study that appeared in The American Journal of Public Health demonstrated that seniors aged 50 to 60 who were socially active had slower rates of declining memory. “The working hypothesis is that social engagement is what makes you mentally engaged,” Lisa F. Berkman, the study’s senior author, told the New York Times. The American Academy of Neurology studied the relationship between dementia, stress, and socialization and found that “people who are socially active and not easily stressed may be less likely to develop dementia.”

Improved nutrition: The need for proper nutrition is vital for seniors, but healthy habits can be difficult to maintain when living alone. “Approximately 35 percent of elderly people suffer from malnutrition,” said Marie-Jeanne Kergoat, a professor and others conducted a study among hospitalized seniors and discovered a correlation between food intake and social interaction: “Patients ate more when social interactions were friendly and lively.”

Improved physical health: Multiple studies have also revealed that an active social life can boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduce physical pain that is reinforced by depression.

Strength in numbers: When it comes to socializing, the more the merrier. According to a recent AARP article “the number of Americans without any close confidants has risen dramatically in the past 20 years” and “even though Americans are closer to their spouses than ever before, that kind of intimacy can work against us if we allow ourselves to ‘cocoon within the relationship.”  Plus, seniors in large groups are more likely to encourage healthy habits among each other, including exercise.

How can seniors stay socially connected?

Many seniors have family members or other caregivers who periodically interact with them, but that is often not adequate socialization. While it’s comforting for seniors to know their needs are met, sufficient social interaction includes participation or consistently engaging with others, primarily with peers.

Below are avenues for seniors to stay socially connected:

Volunteer
Join clubs and groups
Visit senior centers
Move to retirement communities
Stay connected with friends and family
Get a pet
Attend a church
Learn new skills
Learn to use the internet

It is not uncommon for seniors to resist change, and some may need gentle encouragement to get more socially involved, but the benefits of an active social lifestyle reach well into the future.

For more information visit:  http://www.holidaytouch.com/

Adaptive Games and Activities for Senior Citizens

Senior Activity Ideas

Adaptive games and activities for senior citizens allow those with physical or cognitive limitations to enjoy a stimulating and active life.


Many senior citizens experience medical problems and illnesses that make taking part in favorite games, hobbies or activities difficult. They may have difficulty with mobility, limited dexterity or reduced vision. Their mental capacities may be affected by cognitive decline resulting from illness or disease such as Alzheimer's Disease.

By adapting activities and games to the needs of their limitations, many seniors are able to enjoy the health and social benefits of staying active. Depending on the person, the benefits may include:

Mental stimulation that keeps the mind fit and challenged
Reestablishing recognition skills
Enhancing the senior's memory
A healthier and longer life
Social interaction and friendships
Lower rates of depression
A reduction in muscle and joint pain

Adaptive Games and Puzzles for Seniors

Everyone loves playing games, and many all-time favorites are adapted for seniors with limited dexterity or reduced vision. However, when choosing a game or puzzle, make sure it will not be frustrating to the senior. It is also important to choose games, puzzles and other activities that are appropriate for adults.Card games are enjoyed by people of all ages. Using playing cards with large printed numbers makes it easy for seniors. The Senior Store offers adapted large print playing cards that are the regular size with numbers that are 1-½ inches big. To make it even easier to recognize the cards, each suit is in a different color. These E Z See Bicycle player cards are available in pinochle or standard bridge decks. Table top card holders will hold a hand of cards spread out in a fan style.


Jigsaw puzzles with large pieces that are not only easy to see, they are easy to hold and handle. These puzzles are perfect for seniors who are visually impaired or suffer with limited dexterity from arthritis. In addition to these puzzles, the company also offers several jigsaw puzzles with extra large sized pieces.

Large print Bingo cards
A suduko puzzle book in large print
Large print word search puzzle

Adaptive Games Online

For seniors who love playing games on the Internet, there are many websites that provide games, puzzles and activities that are accessible to people that are blind, visually impaired or have low vision.

Blind Gamers offers popular games and puzzles such as:

Suduko
Boggle
Word Target
Uno
Solitaire
Cribbage
Hearts
Chess Challenge

GMA offers games that are fully accessible including:
Pacman Talks
Trek 2000
Lone Wolf
GMA Tank Commander
Arts, Crafts and Hobbies

Most arts and crafts are easily adapted for seniors with special needs. For example, seniors who love creating things might enjoy working with polymer clay or using large size tiles in a mosaic project. Someone who loves painting can work with a larger sized brush, or enjoy the fun of finger painting.Additional arts, crafts and hobby ideas that are easily adapted for senior citizens with special needs include:
Seniors who love needle crafts can use thicker yarn and larger size knitting needles or crocheting hooks.
Use adaptive gardening tools to create a table top or container garden. Choose garden tools with long
reach handles or easy grip handles that are angled to relive discomfort and strain.

Fishing enthusiasts will love Vans EZ Cast for seniors that have limited arm or hand movement.

Where to Find Adaptive Games and Activities for Senior Citizens

The Senior Store
Wellhaven
Adaptive Outdoorsman
Dynamic Living offers a Scrabble game with large print tiles.
Adams Media Bookstore
LS&S Products provides many games, puzzles and craft activities for people that are visually impaired or hard of hearing.

Don't let limitations stop you from enjoying fun pastimes with friends and family. Adaptive games and activities for senior citizens provide many hours of enjoyment.

Article c/o Senior Activity Ideas
By Terry Hurley http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/Adaptive_Games_and_Activities_for_Senior_Citizens

Nutrition and the Elderly

Nutrition

Eating well is important at any age. But health issues and physical limitations sometimes make it difficult for seniors, the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, to get the nutrients they need for a balanced diet.

The importance of proper nutrition for seniors simply can't be understated. Poor nutrition can affect the mind, the body, the immune system and energy levels in ways you may not be aware of. The more you know about the aging factors that can affect eating habits, the easier it will be to ensure the person you care for maintains a healthy diet.

Mealtime Matters

We've collected a wide range of materials to help you recognize the warning signs of poor nutrition, understand the physical changes with age that affect appetite and digestion, and be aware of the lifestyle changes that can affect the way mealtimes are viewed. You'll find nutrition guidelines for mature men and women, a list of food staples every senior should have, and suggestions for making shopping, meal preparation and dining more enjoyable. In addition, there are tips for food safety, recommendations for transportation and budget issues, as well as discussions about the role diet plays in patients with diabetes, cancer and Parkinson's disease.

Please go to our sister site for more information: http://www.caregiverstress.com