Archive for the ‘Specialized Care’ Category

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.

Home Care is Helpful Care for Those with Diabetes

Posted on: March 19th, 2012 by aagingbetter

Earlier in this month’s blogs, it was pointed out that neglecting to care for your diabetes, or your loved one’s diabetic needs, could lead to serious complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetic coma or amputated limbs.  AAging Better In-Home Care provides support, in-home care solutions and ways to remain upbeat and healthy with the proper care and help from well-trained caregivers.

With an AAging Better In-Home Care caregiver at your side or caring for you loved one:

  • Obtain the right information and repeat education on proper diabetic care.  You may have been told about your diabetes when you were first diagnosed but it takes continued education to stay abreast of new developments in diabetic care and learning how to properly care for the disease.
  • Avoid situations that could disrupt a care schedule.  We can’t always predict what each day will bring but certainly planning a day’s activities or chores in advance help keep you on track with medications, diet and exercise.
  • Speaking of exercise, always try to do it with a buddy or a caregiver being present to avoid excuses for not exercising or in the event of an injury.  Someone will be there to assist you if that should occur.
  • Uncover depression or other emotional concerns over having diabetes and the limitations if brings.  Just recognizing that you’re now in a new phase of your life often helps to face the challenges, limitations and changes that happen over time to your body.  Seeking professional counseling or joining a diabetic support group can work wonders in keeping things upbeat and realistic.

As you consider your disease or your loved one’s diagnosis, try and reframe daily care into easily recognizable benefits.  It’s a proven fact that proper care and good diabetic control helps prevent the serious complications of the disease.  But if the threat of significant complications is not enough to stay on track with meds, diet and exercise, you might also consider other benefits that would better influence quality care.  Just one example is that proper care can result in the ability to more easily enjoy hobbies and interests.  And have a longer, healthier lifetime to enjoy your loved ones!

If you or a loved one needs help with diabetic care management, AAging Better’s experienced staff and caregivers are happy to help you carry out the care plan your doctor or nutritionist created for you and assist with all your care needs. From receiving insulin injections by one of our nurses, to assisting with the activities of daily living, our agency is here to help you or your loved one.

For more information, contact us online or by calling (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.  We’re here to help you 24-hours a day, seven days-a-week.

How to Better Communicate with Someone with Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on: November 28th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Alzheimer’s disease makes many aspects of life difficult for patients and their family members, but it can make communication a particular point of frustration.  Dementia and Alzheimer’s can make expressing thoughts clearly very difficult, and can cause difficulty understanding others as well. To help communicate clearly with a person with Alzheimer’s, try the following tips:

  • Speak in a “kind” voice – slow, low, and smiling.
  • Always make sure to speak clearly.
  • Orient yourself to the person and call him or her by name.
  • Always approach the person from the front so as not to surprise him or her.
  • Ask one question at a time.
  • Use short words and sentences.
  • Avoid quizzing the person or asking “Do you remember” questions.
  • Focus on the feelings, not the facts. Often, the emotions being expressed are more important.

Know that Alzheimer’s disease can often make communication a negative experience, particularly when the individual cannot recall people or events that were once important.  Remember that this is a side effect of the disease and not something that should be taken personally.  Having worked with many Alzheimer’s patients throughout the years, the caregivers at AAging Better In-Home Care are happy to help you learn better ways to communicate with your loved ones. To learn more about our home care services for Alzheimer’s disease or to schedule a free in-home assessment, contact us or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden Lake, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest Lake areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas.

What is Sundown Syndrome & How Do You Cope with It?

Posted on: November 21st, 2011 by aagingbetter

Alzheimer’s disease brings on many troubling scenarios that patients and families must learn to deal with.  One such scenario is called sundown syndrome, or episodes of confusion, anxiety or agitation that often occur in the evening hours, lasting from a few hours to throughout the night.

The cause of sundown syndrome is unknown, but there are some contributing factors that experts have noticed, including:

  • Physical or mental exhaustion
  • An upset internal clock – mix-up between day and night
  • Medication that causes agitation or confusion
  • Inability to separate dreams from reality when sleeping
  • Less need for sleep

Sundown syndrome is a taxing ailment both for the patient and his or her caregivers. However, there are several ways in which to help a loved one experiencing sundown syndrome cope, including:

  • Help the person relax in the evening; try decaffeinated tea or warm milk.
  • Close the blinds or drapes so that the person does not notice it becoming dark outside.
  • Distract the person with activities he or she enjoys.
  • Discourage afternoon napping and plan activities instead so that the person will rest well at night.

Sundown syndrome typically peaks in the mid-stages of the disease and diminishes as it progresses. In the meantime, caregivers should ensure that the home is secure and safe, particularly if the senior tends to wander.

If you are caring for a senior loved one who exhibits signs of sundown syndrome, contact AAging Better In-Home Care’s experienced caregivers for help. To learn more about our home care services for Alzheimer’s disease or to schedule a free in-home assessment, contact us or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden Lake, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest Lake areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas.

 

The More You Know: Alzheimer’s Awareness

Posted on: November 14th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, and the older we get, the worse it seems to get. Mild forgetfulness is not something to be overly concerned with usually, but when memory loss begins to interfere with daily activities, it may be time to see a doctor.

Knowing more about the disease and its warning signs can help family members and caregivers know when they are dealing with normal memory loss and when it might be something more serious.  Alzheimer’s disease typically begins after 60, and the risk increases with age. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are ten warning signs for Alzheimer’s:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

  1. Trouble in planning or solving problems
  2. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  3. Time and place confusion
  4. Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
  5. New problems with speaking or writing
  6. Misplacing things, inability to retrace steps
  7. Decreased or poor judgment
  8. Withdrawal from work or social activities
  9. Changes in mood or personality

If you notice a senior loved one who exhibits any of these warning signs, notify his or her doctor.  AAging Better In-Home Care’s experienced caregivers and staff have worked with many Alzheimer’s patients and their families.  To learn more about our home care services for Alzheimer’s disease or to schedule a free in-home assessment, contact us or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden Lake, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest Lake areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas.

Q&A: Top Questions about Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on: November 7th, 2011 by aagingbetter

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis brings with it dozens of questions for the person receiving the diagnosis, for family members and caregivers.  Having answers to your questions can help put you at ease and allow you to focus on coping.  Here are some frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease, along with their answers.

What are the causes/risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s?

  • Research is still being conducted on the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, and as of now, there is no definitive cause or pattern of inheritance.  Studies show that chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, diet, exercise, and social engagement may play a role in whether or not a person develops the disease.
  • Familial or early-onset Alzheimer’s is caused by an inherited gene mutation, but only manifests in less than 5% of patients, developing between the ages of 30 to 60.
  • The late-onset form of the disease typically occurs after age 60.  Studies show that increased age is a risk factor for this form of Alzheimer’s.

What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

  • Dementia is a symptom. Someone can have dementia without it being Alzheimer’s-related, such as dementia associated with an injury, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, etc.
  • Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.  Some causes of dementia may be reversible, but most are degenerative that will worsen over time.

What changes happen in the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s disease?

  • Alzheimer’s patients develop amyloid plaques, or abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers called neurofibrillary tangles in their brains.
  • As these clumps and tangles multiply, healthy nerve cells die, which causes the brain tissue to shrink.

What treatments are available for Alzheimer’s disease?

  • There is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, but there are medications that can help control the symptoms of depression, aggression, or hallucinations.  It is very important to discuss the use of medications with your doctor, as some Alzheimer’s medicines can react negatively with one another.
  • Many symptoms are caused by non-medical triggers, such as environment, changes in routine, or from frustrations with the inability to communicate, and can often be managed without the use of medication.

At AAging Better In-Home Care, we have worked with many Alzheimer’s patients, and are happy to answer any questions you may have about how to care for a loved one who has been diagnosed with the disease.  To learn more about our home care services for Alzheimer’s disease or to schedule a free in-home assessment, contact us or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden Lake, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest Lake areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas.

Shedding Some Light on Seniors with Low Vision

Posted on: August 22nd, 2011 by aagingbetter

Making a few adjustments to lighting can make a significant difference to a senior with reduced vision.  For example, cutting the distance between a light source and the task in half by bringing the light closer to the work will make the brightness of the light approximately four times greater.  Here are some other lighting tips to help a senior with low vision:

A.)  To ensure better light in a work area for reading, cooking, using the telephone, or doing crafts, use a “task lamp” with a flexible arm or gooseneck so light can be focused closely and directly on the work area.

B.)  If one eye has better vision, position the lamp on that side of the body, slightly to the side. Take caution in placement however, so that the light is not reflecting from the page into the eyes of the reader.

C.  Make sure all light bulbs are covered with some sort of shade in order to reduce glare.

D.)  To reduce the heat of a higher-wattage bulb, use a lamp with an internal reflector (a double shade).  This reduces the heat significantly, and allows the lamp to be closer to the face than with a single shade, especially one made of metal.

E.)  Install extra lighting in places where it may be difficult to move around, such as hallways and stairs.

F.)  Install dimmer switches for controlling the amount of light in the room.

G.)  Install under-cabinet lighting for tasks in the kitchen or work areas.

In addition to lighting changes, consider home care as an option to help you or your loved ones adapt to low vision problems.  The experienced caregiving team at AAging Better In-Home Care will identify a disabled or senior’s specific challenges with the activities of daily living  and help to provide solutions.  These solutions can mean the difference between living safely in the comfort of home or moving into a much more expensive facility like a nursing home or Assisted Living Facility.

Contact AAging Better In-Home Care at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden, Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Priest River or Bonners Ferry areas,  or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Kingston or Wallace areas to learn more.

Simple Home Changes to Assist Seniors with Reduced Vision

Posted on: August 15th, 2011 by aagingbetter

For a senior with reduced vision, simple home modifications can make activities safer and more convenient.  These home modifications do not have to be expensive or difficult.  Just be sure to stick to the cardinal rules of reducing clutter and paying special attention to the basic concepts of lighting, color and contrast.

1.)  Changes around the house can include:

  • Continuous lighting levels throughout the home are very beneficial.  If possible,  supplementary lighting should be installed in entryways, hallways, and at the top and bottom of each staircase to eliminate shadows or excessively bright areas.
  • Fluorescent ceiling fixtures should be installed for general room lighting, supplemented with incandescent, LED, or halogen lighting in desk lamps, table lamps, and floor fixtures.
  • Mark the leading edge of the first and last steps with bright paint or light-reflecting tape that contrasts with the background color of the flooring.
  • Paint cupboard or cabinet doors in a solid bright color to make them stand out against the walls and counters. Replace cabinet hardware with brightly colored contrasting handles.
  • Replace a white toilet seat with a brightly colored one that contrasts with the walls and fixtures.
  • Use a bedside lamp with a “clap-on” feature, or one that can activate by simply touching the   base.

Consider home care as an option for yourself or to help a senior adapt to low vision while continuing to perform activities of daily living.  The experienced caregiving team at AAging Better In-Home Care will identify a senior’s specific challenges with activities and help to provide solutions. These solutions can mean the difference between living safely in the comfort of home or a move elsewhere.  For more information about how we can help with in-home care services call AAging Better In-Home Care at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Priest River or Bonners Ferry areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Kingston or Wallace areas.

 

 

How to Know When Mom or Dad are Hiding Vision Difficulties

Posted on: August 1st, 2011 by aagingbetter

Many seniors are hesitant to discuss concerns regarding any vision problems they may be experiencing.  For this reason, it is helpful to know how to recognize changes in behavior and appearance that indicate you or a loved one would benefit from a visit to the doctor or eye care professional.

Watch for these signs that may indicate vision loss:

  • Constantly bumping into things, tripping, moving hesitantly or brushing against the wall while walking
  • Acting visually confused in a familiar place
  • Groping for missing objects by under-reaching or over-reaching
  • Discontinuing or doing certain activities differently such as reading, watching television, driving, walking, or engaging in hobbies
  • Squinting or tilting the head to the side to see or holding reading material close to the face
  • Having difficulty identifying faces, objects or colors
  • Clothing has unnoticed stains or outfit color combinations or patterns do not match
  • Requesting more or different kinds of lighting for reading or other activities
  • Having difficulty cutting or serving food or knocking over glasses

Additionally, if you or your loved one has or complains about the following, it could indicate vision loss:

  • Halos or rings around lights or seeing spots in front of the eyes
  • Eyes hurt
  • Reduced night vision
  • Seeing double or view is distorted

AAging Better In-Home Care provides in-home care services of all types and helps disabled and seniors adjust to vision loss through various adaptive techniques. For more information about vision loss or in-home care needs for the disabled of all ages or seniors, call AAging Better In-Home Care at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden, Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Priest River and Bonners Ferry areas or (208) 784-1505 in the Wallace, Kingston or Kellogg areas.

Financial Questions and Long-Term Care

Posted on: March 23rd, 2011 by aagingbetter

When planning for long-term care, it is important to investigate how long-term care needs will be financed.  How do you know what you can afford so you can make appropriate long-term care choices?

Here are a few questions to think about:

What are your assets? It’s important to establish roughly how much money you or your loved one have available in cash, investments, and/or Social Security.

Do you anticipate needing financial support? We’re living longer than ever, which means more people are outliving their retirement savings.  Do you believe you have enough to sustain yourself (or your loved one) for the rest of their or your life?  If not, how much support will you need?

What types of insurance do you have? Understanding long-term care policies or obtaining new ones to fill any gaps can save you time and money in the long run.  The younger individuals are when they purchase a long-term care insurance policy, the cheaper the policy will be.  If you wait until you actually need the policy, usually when you’re much older, the policy will cost much more.

Keep a record of all passwords and account numbers: Keep a copy of all important account numbers and passwords, along with the contact information of your financial advisers and lawyers. This will make it easier for a family member to sort out affairs if you become ill or pass away suddenly.

Have you signed a power of attorney? Designate and finalize the paperwork for a power of attorney (POA) so that you know there is a responsible person you trust to make decisions on your behalf in the event of a medical emergency.

Providing in-home care services in the Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls area and the rest of northern Idaho, AAging Better In-Home Care is happy to help with your long-term care planning needs and questions.  Contact us today at (208) 777-0308 in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls or (208) 263-7889 in Sandpoint or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg area to find out more about what in-home care is all about.

 

 
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