Archive for the ‘Senior Needs’ Category

What sort of training is typical of a geriatric care manager?

Posted on: April 23rd, 2012 by aagingbetter

Knowing the credentials of a geriatric care manager (GCM) or geriatric agency can also help explain how a GCM or agency will advocate on behalf of your loved one.  Geriatric care agencies and managers are trained and experienced in one or more fields related to health and long-term care options, including, but not limited to:

  • Nursing
  • Gerontology (the field of elderly, over 65 year olds)
  • Social work
  • Psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care

Plus, professional geriatric care managers and agencies have a combined working knowledge of:

  • Human development
  • Health and psychology
  • Family dynamics
  • Public and private resources and funding sources

Besides older adults and their families, geriatric care management services are appropriate for:

  • A company whose employee is losing work time because of caregiving responsibilities
  • An attorney or trust officer who is managing the estate of an older adult and that elderly individual needs in-home care to remain safely and effectively at home
  • A physician who recommends in-home assistance or monitoring
  • A clergy who would like to arrange assistance for an older adult

Care management embraces a comprehensive range of services, and the role of the care manager or home-care agency manager is multifaceted.  To learn more about geriatric care management services from the perspective of an in-home care agency, contact us at 208-777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls (Main Office) or Hayden Lake areas; at 208-263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas; or 208-784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas. We serve the greater Coeur d’Alene area and the five northern counties of Idaho.  If you or your loved one needs assistance in the home, we would be privileged to care for them.

 

 

What You Need to Know When Hiring a Geriatric Care Manager

Posted on: April 16th, 2012 by aagingbetter

At AAging Better, we’ve made selecting a geriatric care manager easy—by listing the tough questions you need answers to.  Reputable geriatric care manager agencies should be able to outline and answer the following questions:

  • Which organizations do they belong to?
    • Idaho Association of Home Care Agencies?
    • National Private Duty Association?
    • American Society on Aging?
    • Gerontological Society of America?
    • National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers?
    • National Council on Aging?
    • What are the fees for their services?
      • Do they charge for an initial assessment?
      • Will there be an ongoing hourly fee or a one-time retainer fee?
      • What additional fees will apply, if any?
      • Are there any discounts or reduced fees available?
      • How often will they bill me or my loved ones?
      • Are they available to begin services now?  If not, how long is the waiting list?
      • Are caregivers or management available outside of normal business hours, if needed?
      • Is there a backup caregiver when the initial one is not available?
      • What does the agency consider an emergency or crisis?  When an emergency occurs, what is the company’s procedure to handle it?
      • How are caregivers supervised by management?

Once you have a good sense of the agency’s background and operating style, now you need to ask if this particular agency has the type of skilled caregivers you would like to have take care of you or have in the home with one of your loved ones.  Is the agency and the assigned caregiver a good “fit” for you or your family member.  You might consider the following questions:

  • Does this agency and the assigned caregiver/s appear interested in meeting my needs or the needs of my loved one?
  • Does the agency manager appear knowledgeable about the services available in the area my loved one lives?
  • Did the agency or their care manager return my call/s promptly?
  • Could I work well with this person?
  • Can I trust this person with sensitive and confidential information?

To learn more about geriatric care management services, contact us at 208-777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls (Main Office) or Hayden Lake areas; at 208-263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas; or 208-784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace, or Pinehurst areas. We serve the greater Coeur d’Alene area and the five northern counties of Idaho.  Regardless of where you live in North Idaho, we have caregivers living right in your area to care for you or your loved ones.

 

 

AAging Better In-Home Care Supports National Diabetes Awareness

Posted on: March 26th, 2012 by aagingbetter

You may have seen Paula Deen, restaurateur, author and Food Network star known for her Southern cooking in the news recently.  She admitted to her TV audience and fans that she had been diagnosed with diabetes many months ago and since then has helped raise awareness about the disease.  Known as the “Queen of Butter,” Deen, 65, now fits in among the startling findings of a recent study that has found the majority of the diabetic population in the United States to be 65 years or older–and overweight.   This percentage is projected to increase to 53% by 2025 and to 58% by 2050.

Still, diabetes is not always recognized or diagnosed quickly when it comes to elderly patients.  They don’t often recognize the beginning symptoms of diabetes (undue thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss) until these things become significant and they finally seek out medical help for the symptoms.  By then, the elderly individual may have other complications caused by high blood sugar that could significantly impact their quality of life.

For those elderly or frail individuals with recent diagnoses of diabetes who wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes while they begin to manage their disease, home care agencies such as AAging Better can help these patients optimize their health and well-being.  It is one of the most common reasons people call agencies such as ours.  And as hospitals shorten lengths of stay for virtually all patients in an effort to cut their costs, more and more frail diabetic individuals are turning to home care agencies to help them with the chores required to keep a home clean and running properly.

The following are some of the benefits of having an experienced home care agency help with the activities of daily living:

  • Provide diabetes management education and better care compliance by ensuring proper meal preparation, buying the right types of foods for the diabetic and reminding the client to take their medications as directed, on time.
  • Reduce the amount of stress in a client’s life by maintaining a well-kept house, doing the cleaning and the laundry, or driving the client to doctor’s appointments or out for shopping.
  • Save healthcare dollars by keeping clients in their own homes rather than being placed in a nursing home or other facility.
  • Promote ongoing strategies to improve the patient’s quality of life, such as, help find a diabetic support group, oversee physical therapy exercises at home or keep the client engaged with any community resources designed specifically for diabetics.

Further, external environmental stressors can be reduced by having a home care agency coordinate other services as needed, such as those provided by:

  • A physical therapist
  • Social workers
  • Community programs
  • Physician specialists

If this sounds like you or a loved one could use these services to help better maintain good diabetic control, consider AAging Better In-Home Care’s experienced staff and caregivers.  We would be happy to help in any way.  For more information, contact us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas; (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas; or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

Planning for Long-Term Care: Things to Consider

Posted on: February 13th, 2012 by aagingbetter

As individuals age, the ability to perform certain everyday activities usually begins to falter in the sixth or seventh decades of life, often to the point that extra assistance in maintaining a home or personal needs become essential to remain safely at home.  For family members, understanding the care needs of older loved ones and what is involved with different levels of care is an important first step in coordinating a long-term care plan.   The activities of daily living (ADLs) are often the first items of care that an elderly person will require help with.  Traditionally, these include but are not limited to:

  • Assistance with Bathing
  • Assistance with Dressing
  • Assistance with Grooming or Personal hygiene
  • Exercise
  • Walking, transfers and repositioning
  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Housekeeping–cleaning and laundry

Other non-medical services that may need to be included in a “Plan of Care” for the elderly or disabled individuals are companionship services, as well as respite services that are designed to provide relief and “a break” for a family caregiver who may be caring for a loved one.  In-home care agencies, like AAging Better In-Home Care, are valuable resources for families to consult and discuss what services or accommodations might be needed.  Our agency provides a free in-home assessment to determine the care requirements of each new client and then works closely with the client or family member/s to develop a Plan of Care, provide guidance along the way, and implement and monitor continuing care and services.  As industry experts, in-home care agencies know how to maximize available resources to assure that all needs are met and that the care provided at home ensures a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for the loved one.

At AAging Better, we take pride in helping families coordinate long-term care for their aging loved ones.  To find out more about our services, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

 

 

How to Assess In-Home Care Needs

Posted on: January 23rd, 2012 by aagingbetter

If you or a loved one has made the decision to age in place and receive in-home care, the next step is to assess the level of care that you will require.  There is a classic assessment test called the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, developed to help professional caregivers assess the level of assistance needed in the home.  However, the following is a list of some of the main daily activities that anyone can use to help determine theirs or their loved one’s in-home care needs.

  • Ability to use a telephone: This is an important function for seniors in the event of an emergency.  If the senior can operate a phone, look up phone numbers, and dial a few well-known numbers, he or she may not need assistance in this area.  However, if the senior can only answer the phone, but not dial, or cannot use a phone at all, this is a strong indication that some level of in-home assistance is needed.
  • Shopping: Depending on mobility, some seniors may be able to shop for themselves, while others may need someone to accompany them to the store or to have their shopping done by a home caregiver.  This, along with meal preparation, is one of the primary services we at  AAging Better In-Home Care offer our clients.
  • Food preparation: Proper nutrition is important for aging seniors, and you may find that your loved ones are not maintaining an adequate diet from the meals they prepare for themselves.  If this is the case, they may need assistance with meal and snack preparation.
  • Housekeeping: Daily household chores can be daunting for most frail seniors.  This is an area where many home-care clients require assistance to help maintain the proper upkeep and safety of their homes.  Again, this is one of the primary services we offer.
  • Medication responsibilities: A certain amount of memory loss is common with aging, so many seniors feel the need to have medication reminders.  This is one of the most frequent services we offer to clients in their homes or those already in Assisted Living Facilities.  For seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, this assistance is particularly important.

Seniors will likely find that, as they age, their need for assistance in many areas of daily living will increase.  Contact Aaging Better In-Home Care for further details about how we can help assess your in-home care needs and to discuss the many different options for care.  Contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

 

Determining the Right Care for Your Needs

Posted on: January 16th, 2012 by aagingbetter

Home care providers offer many services to help meet an individual’s care needs and to help him or her age or recover safely and comfortably at home.  Determining just what services the person requires, however, can be a bit overwhelming.  We’ve broken down some of the main functions and ability levels that we take into account when recommending either limited or full-time home care to help you in researching options.

Minimal to Minor Care at Home:

  • Emergency Responsiveness: The individual is able to negotiate stairs, call for assistance or respond appropriately to someone helping him or her during an emergency.
  • Mobility: The individual is able to walk and transfer himself or herself from a bed or chair independently with infrequent falling.
  • Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, feeding, etc.): The individual is able to accomplish most activities with little help; perhaps needs assistance with meals or housekeeping, or reminders about medications, assistance grooming, etc.
  • Mental Status: The individual has little to no mental impairment.

Move to Full-time Care at Home:

  • Emergency Responsiveness: The individual needs definite or major assistance in the event of an emergency.
  • Mobility: The individual is prone to falls and needs either stand-by or full assistance walking or transferring.
  • Activities of Daily Living: The individual needs reminders and/or full assistance with many or all activities of daily living.
  • Mental Status: The individual has mild to moderate memory impairment, becomes disoriented often, and/or exhibits mild confusion.

If the individual is in need of full, round-the-clock assistance, our agency is well equipped to offer this service to families or the individual.  However, if significant dementia or Alzheimers is a large part of the picture, family members may want to consider an assisted living facility.  If your family needs further guidance in determining the level of care for a relative, Aaging Better In-Home Care is happy to help.  Contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

 

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Elderly Nutritional Needs and a General Guide to Dietary Drink Supplements

Posted on: December 26th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Malnutrition in the elderly is a serious issue, and drink supplements are often added to a diet to help seniors get the nutrients they need.  But how do supplements stack up to real food, and how do the top supplements compare to one another?

Compared to “real food” options of low-fat yogurt and an orange (a typical breakfast for seniors or others), which has around 206 calories, 12 grams of protein, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 3.5 grams of fat, 467 grams of calcium, and 71 mg of vitamin C, here’s how some of the most popular drink supplements weigh in:

a.)  Boost (8 oz.): 240 calories, 33 grams of carbohydrates, 15 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, 300 grams of calcium, 0 grams of fiber, 60 mg of vitamin C

b.)  Ensure (8 oz.): 220 calories, 41 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, 300 grams of calcium, 3 grams of fiber, 30 mg of vitamin C

c.)  Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials (11 oz.): 250 calories, 34 grams of carbohydrates, 14 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, 500 grams of calcium, 0 grams of fiber, 30 mg of vitamin C

Clearly in this and almost all instances, the best choice for ongoing adequate nutrition is real food, in this case the yogurt and fresh orange which have the lowest calories and highest calcium, fiber, and vitamin C.  However, drink supplements do offer important nutritional value for those who struggle to meet their caloric and nutritional needs.  In some cases, the can of supplement may be the only “meal” a senior manages to get down that morning–or for lunch or dinner.   As mentioned in the previous blog on weight loss, it’s essential family members closely monitor a frail elderly individual’s food intake to ensure they don’t just get all of their needs from supplemental drinks because these kinds of supplements were never meant to be substitutes for real food.

If the loved one or senior is unable to eat on a regular schedule, for whatever reason, it’s very important to make sure these nutritional drinks are balanced with a diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables (frozen is an acceptable second choice), whole grain breads and pastas, dairy products like cheese, low fat milk, and cottage cheese, as well as proteins from other sources like meats, beans and nuts.

AAging Better In-Home Care provides trained, compassionate caregivers that will come into the senior’s home to prepare nutritious meals, as well as, do the grocery shopping and all the clean up.  We ensure frail and elderly individuals obtain the proper nutrition needed to stay safe and effective in their own homes rather than be moved to an assisted living facility if they can no longer cook or take care of themselves.

For more information about meal preparation and all our services, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

How to Tell if Your Loved One is Getting Enough to Eat During the Holidays

Posted on: December 19th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Certain normal aspects of aging, like chewing issues, digestive problems, loneliness, depression, and certain medications, can decrease food intake and make it difficult for seniors to get the nutrition they need.  And because most family members can’t be there to monitor their loved ones’ meals and snacks, it’s often hard to know if dietary needs are being met.  There are, however, a few signs to watch out for and things that family members can monitor that may indicate a lack of proper nutrition.

  1. Has the senior complained of loss of appetite, digestive problems, or chewing or swallowing difficulties?  Has there been decreased food intake over the past several months due to these complaints?
  2. Has the senior experienced a sudden or a steady weight loss during the last 3 months?  Weight loss, particularly in those who are not active, can be an indication that the person is not eating properly or that there may be other serious conditions going on.
  3. Does the senior have mobility issues?  Being bed-bound or unable to go outside and do their own grocery shopping or eating out at restaurants can cause nutritional challenges.
  4. Has the senior suffered psychological stress or acute disease in the past 3 months?  Loss of a spouse, a family member or simply being alone during the holidays can cause significant stress in a person’s life and the elderly have even less ability to cope well with such events than younger people do, especially if the senior is left isolated and alone from the loss.  And illness almost always causes seniors to lose some weight but if the illness is a prolonged one, the accompanying weight loss should be a definite concern to be watched closely.
  5. What is the senior’s body mass index (BMI)?  A BMI of 18.5 or less may be a sign that the person is not eating enough, while a BMI of 30 or more can indicate obesity.  BMIs are not normally calculated outside of fitness gyms or doctor’s offices but when the BMI is known and followed closely at doctor’s visits or elsewhere, and it continues to drop for no apparent reason, BMIs are a good way to alert family members to the fact that a senior may not be eating or absorbing their foods properly.

If you or your loved one has been displaying any of these signs, consult a physician as soon as possible.  Another way to help counter ongoing weight loss or frailty due to poor nutrition is to call upon the services of an agency like AAging Better In-Home Care.  Our agency can place a caregiver in the home who will do the shopping and cooking for the senior and ensure they are getting their proper nutritional needs met.

For more information on how AAging Better can assist you or your loved ones with nutritious meal preparation and monitoring, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

Holiday Nutrition: How to Get the Necessary Nutrients

Posted on: December 12th, 2011 by aagingbetter

As adults age, calorie requirements change due to increased body fat, decreased muscle and less activity.  Because of this, meeting nutrient needs during the holidays and throughout the year becomes more of a challenge for seniors.  AAging Better In-Home Care understands that the key to this problem is to choose foods that are high in nutrients in relation to the calories they contain.  For example, low-fat milk is more nutrient-dense than regular milk because its nutrient content is the same, but it has fewer calories and less fat.  The following are a few examples of foods that can help seniors watch calories during the holidays and the rest of the year while keeping a nutrient-rich diet.

Protein needs typically do not change for older adults; however, some proteins, like turkey, chicken, and fish are healthier than red meats.  Other foods with high levels of protein include:

  • Eggs (even those with higher cholesterol levels do fine with a minimum of two eggs per week but for those with good cholesterol levels, eggs 3-4 times a week are encouraged)
  • Peas
  • Beans (all beans are a very good source of protein)
  • Tofu
  • Nuts (raw nuts are much healthier than roasted and salted but a small handful of either is usually recommended rather than larger amounts eaten at one sitting)

Fat should be something that older adults reduce in their diets; however, there are some “good” fats that can and should be part of a healthy diet, including:

  • Olive oil (recommended as a primary cooking oil or on salads)
  • Seeds
  • Sunflower oil
  • Avocados
  • Nuts (high in fats but good sources of protein)

Calcium is a very important nutrient that helps minimize bone loss in older adults.  Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all good sources of calcium, as are:

  • Figs
  • Tofu
  • Kale
  • White beans
  • Cabbage

A healthy, nutrient-rich diet is vital for older adults.  Aaging Better In-Home Care understands the unique challenges of senior nutritional needs and trains all of its caregivers in the proper preparation of healthy meals.  For more information about our shopping and meal preparation services, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

Holiday Healthy Eating: Tips for Older Adults with Eating Issues

Posted on: December 5th, 2011 by aagingbetter

As we age, healthy eating habits become increasingly important, especially during the holidays when so many seniors overindulge in sugary treats.  However, because of certain health issues and restrictions, many older people have trouble eating well and balancing out those sweets.  Luckily, the Food and Drug Administration offers some solutions to several common problems that will help keep seniors eating a balanced diet during the holiday season and throughout the New Year.

Trouble Chewing:

For seniors who cannot chew food well, meats and fresh fruits and vegetables can be a problem. The FDA suggests the following substitutions:

  • Instead of fresh fruit, try fruit juice, apple sauce, or canned peaches and pears.
  • Instead of raw vegetables, try vegetable juices or mashed and cooked vegetables.
  • Instead of meat, try ground meat, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products.
  • Instead of sliced bread, try cooked cereals, rice, bread pudding and soft cookies.

Unable to Shop for Groceries:

Some seniors may have problems shopping for themselves due to being unable to drive or having ambulation issues.  The FDA suggests:

  • Requesting a local store deliver groceries to the home.
  • Requesting volunteer shopping help from a local church, synagogue or volunteer center.
  • Asking a family member or neighbor to help with shopping.
  • Enlisting the help of a local home care agency, such as AAging Better In-Home Care who can provide a well-trained caregiver to do the shopping and prepare the meals.

Lack of Appetite:

Elderly people who live alone sometimes feel lonely at mealtimes, which can lead to a loss of appetite.  They may also not feel up to making a meal just for themselves or the medication that they take might make food taste bad.  For these issues, the FDA suggests:

  • Eating with family and friends, if that option is available to seniors.
  • Joining group meal programs offered through local senior citizens programs.
  • Talking to a doctor about whether or not medication might be a problem.
  • Contacting a local home care agency to have a companion prepare and participate in making meal time a social activity.

If you or someone you know has issues with eating, contact AAging Better In-Home Care online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls or Hayden areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Wallace or Pinehurst areas.

 

 
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