Archive for the ‘Women’ Category

Beat Family Caregiver Burnout: Nurture Your Own Needs

Posted on: October 3rd, 2011 by aagingbetter

The daily demands of caring for a loved one make caregiving one of the toughest jobs around. Shouldering this daily dependence can test even the strongest amongst us, leading to caregiver burnout.  As a family caregiver, the most important thing the family member can do is to do is take good care of their personal, mental and physical health in order to provide the best care and support possible.  Caregivers should take time to participate in regular activities that are personally enjoyable, whether that’s an exercise program, a hobby or some other pleasant activity that meets their own emotional, physical or social needs.  The end result is usually a positive mindset that benefits both the caregiver and the person receiving care.

When the telltale signs of caregiver burnout pop up—such as depression and hopelessness, trouble sleeping, lack of energy and other personality changes—it’s time to take a step back from the daily responsibility of caring for somebody else, and enjoy some personal time to restore energy.  Enlist the help of a friend, a family member or a neighbor, or consider enlisting a professional caregiver service like AAging Better to avoid burnout.  Our professional caregivers can provide emergency “respite” care (care that lasts for a few hours or perhaps an entire afternoon), or relief for a few days, or better yet, can assist on a regular weekly basis, allowing time for personal needs without sacrificing the needs of the care recipient.

While respite care is most often provided in the home of the loved one, it can take place in a number of different settings other than the person’s home:

  • Adult day care centers
  • Group residential settings, such as, Assisted Living Facilities or Nursing Homes
  • A vacation setting

Although caring for a family member or friend can be a huge responsibility, there is no need to feel alone or helpless.  Taking time away from care duties, reaching out for help and keeping a positive attitude can help the family caregiver and the care recipient both enjoy a better quality of life.

The following organizations (and many others found online under the key words “Senior Home Care” along with the state you’re looking for information on) can help provide more information to caregivers on a variety of topics including respite care:

Family respite services are also available through the state-funded program sponsored by the Idaho Area Agency on Aging which is available to those that meet certain financial or medical criteria.   To learn more about our private-pay “Respite” services or to schedule a free in-home assessment for services of all types, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Coeur d’Alene, Hayden and Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas.

 

Making Sense of All the Different Types of Flu Shots

Posted on: September 26th, 2011 by aagingbetter

 

There are several different options for annual flu shots, but which one is right for seniors?  Here are some tips to stay  updated on the latest information:

Standard flu shot: The standard flu shot contains inactivated virus and is safe for ages 6 months and older who have not experienced contraindications to the vaccine.

LAIV: The live, attenuated influenza vaccine contains live but weakened influenza virus and is sprayed into the nose.  This vaccine is NOT recommended for persons over 50 years of age.

High dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone): This season, seniors can choose a higher-dose vaccine that is designed specifically for people age 65 and older.  Fluzone high-dose vaccines contain four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) found in regular flu shots.  Because aging decreases the body’s ability to have a good immune response after vaccination, the additional antigen is intended to create a stronger immune response and thus better protection against the flu.  Learn more at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_fluzone.htm.

Fluzone Intradermal:  This vaccine was licensed by the FDA for use in the United States for the 2011 – 2012 flu season and is a shot that is injected into the skin instead of the muscle.  The intradermal shot uses a much smaller needle than the regular flu shot, and requires fewer antigens to be as effective as the regular flu shot.  However it is NOT recommended for adults age 65 and over.

Each of these flu shots protects against the H1N1 virus strain and no additional shot is necessary.

At AAging Better In-Home Care, we strongly encourage all our staff and clients to obtain their flu vaccinations and we facilitate getting the proper age-appropriate vaccinations for our clients as a part of healthy aging at home.  To learn more about the services we offer 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 River areas,  or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas.

Learn the Basics about the Shingles Virus

Posted on: September 19th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Have you ever had the chickenpox?   If you have, then you may be at risk of developing a case of  shingles.   Shingles, also called zoster (from the herpes zoster virus), is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.  The risk for shingles increases with age, with as many as one half of all adults contracting shingles by age 80.

Shingles often develops as a painful rash of liquid-filled blisters on the skin in bands that correspond to nerve pathways called dermatomes.  This is why the blisters most often appear to run in horizontal lines along the chest, back or face.  Additional symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea and chills.  Although the blisters almost always occur on just one side of the body, they can be scattered in patches or form a continuous band on the skin.  The rash ranges from irritating or itchy to extremely painful and typically lasts up to 30 days.  For most people, the pain associated with the rash lessens as it heals.

Having shingles cannot cause another person to contract shingles; however, a person with active shingles can transmit the virus to someone who has never had chickenpox—causing that person to come down with the chickenpox disease.  The virus is spread through direct contact with fluid from the blisters–not through sneezing or coughing–and a person is not contagious before the blisters appear or after the blisters have developed crusts.

Importantly, the CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for anyone age 60 and over, regardless of whether or not they previously had chickenpox.

At AAging Better In-Home Care, we strongly encourage our elderly clients to get a shingles vaccine and, like getting their flu shots, we also help facilitate getting them the age-appropriate vaccinations as a part of healthy aging at home.  To learn more about our home care services 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.

Think the Flu Shot Doesn’t Work or That You Can Get the Flu From the Shot?

Posted on: September 12th, 2011 by aagingbetter

There are many common misconceptions about flu vaccinations, oftentimes deterring seniors from obtaining a vaccine that could protect them.  Whether living in a community housing environment or aging in the comfort of home, it remains equally important for those over age 50 to receive annual flu shots to help prevent illness.

It’s impossible to get influenza from the flu shot. The vaccine is made from a killed virus which is not capable of causing the disease.  The nasal spray vaccine is made from a live but weakened virus and is not recommended for adults over age 50.

The flu vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing the flu, but greatly reduces risks. It is possible for some people to still get influenza after receiving the flu shot.  However, these people usually experience a milder case of the flu than they otherwise would get if not vaccinated.   Additionally, for those who are vaccinated, the risk of hospitalization and death from complications of influenza is also greatly reduced.  It’s also important to keep in mind that protection from the influenza shot usually begins within two weeks of receiving the vaccine, so it is possible to get the flu before the vaccine has had time to achieve its maximum effect.

The flu is often confused with other illnesses, making some feel the shot is ineffective. The influenza vaccine protects against a specific disease caused by the influenza virus.  It does not protect against colds, other respiratory infections, or similar conditions.   However, by reducing the incidence and severity of influenza, the flu vaccine can reduce complications of influenza, which might include respiratory infections.

Ready to receive your influenza vaccination?  This fall, visit flu.gov to find places to receive vaccinations in Idaho.  You can also contact our local office of Panhandle Health at 415-5270 to find out when they will have flu shots available to the public.   And if you’d like to learn more about our home care services or to schedule a free in-home assessment, please 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 and Priest Lake areas, or (208) 784-1505 in the Kellogg, Pinehurst and Wallace areas.

 

Why The Elderly Should Be Vaccinated Against Influenza and Pneumonia

Posted on: September 5th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Did you know that influenza and pneumonia together represent the seventh leading cause of death for people aged 65 and over in the U.S.?  Because the natural defense systems of seniors tends to decrease with age, this places the elderly at a greater risk for flu and pneumonia.  Properly vaccinating against these diseases can ward off, or at least reduce the severity of these viruses, helping to save lives.

Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations are some of the most accessible and affordable vaccinations available.  In fact, Medicare pays 100% of the cost of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for Medicare beneficiaries.  For people not covered by Medicare, state health departments often offer free vaccines.

Additionally, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are quite safe.  Less than 1% of those who get the shots develop a fever, muscle aches, or more severe local reactions.  And, you cannot get the flu from the traditional flu shot, which is made with a killed virus.

The flu vaccine can be as much as 70 to 90 percent effective for healthy seniors; and according to the National Network for Immunization Information, hospital patients who have received the pneumonia vaccine:

  • Have a lower incidence of respiratory failure
  • Have a lower incidence of kidney failure
  • Have a lower incidence of heart attack
  • Spend two fewer days in the hospital on average
  • And are 40 to 70 percent less likely to die from complications due to pneumococcal infections than unvaccinated patients

At AAging Better In-Home Care, we strongly encourage all our staff and clients to obtain their flu vaccinations and we facilitate getting proper vaccinations as a part of healthy aging at home.  To learn more about the services we offer 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 River 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.

 

 

Don’t Let Vision Loss Control Your Life

Posted on: August 8th, 2011 by aagingbetter

There are many innovative and useful specialty products for people who have low vision. These products can be sophisticated or surprisingly simple, and are designed to make it easier to read, use computers, travel and perform daily activities.  Here are a few examples of innovative products that enhance the independence of the visually impaired:

1.)  Talking Color Identifier with Light Probe

This small device detects about 100 colors and can tell you which color of garment you are considering putting on that day or what color the socks are you’re considering wearing.  It can be extremely helpful when dressing independently or when no one is available to help you or a loved one get dressed appropriately.   The device speaks clearly at three volumes and has an earphone jack.  For those seniors or individuals that have color blindness, this device is invaluable.

2.)  Hi-Mark™ Tactile Pen

This pen produces a three-dimensional plastic liquid that makes raised lines, dots and shapes to identify clothing, canned goods, frozen foods, or to mark the settings on appliances so that you or a loved one can easily identify which setting is “high,” “medium,” or “low.”

3.)  VOXCOM III Voice Labeling System

Seniors or the disabled can record messages by pressing a button and inserting a card into the unit. The card can then be attached to canned goods, medication, clothing, food, and household items in order to identify them.

4.)  i.d. mate OMNI

This device is a talking bar code scanner that also has the ability to record personal voice messages.  It provides assistance when identifying products at home or the store and can act as a reminder to you or your loved ones of where you  may have placed a particular item, a reminder of when to take medications, or may have parked the car when on a shopping trip.

5.)  Eye-Pal SOLO

This is an appliance that reads for you or a loved one and can be plugged into a computer monitor to enlarge the text for reading.  Just place a book under the reading eye and it begins reading aloud. You or the individual can then wave a hand in front of the eye to pause the reading.

This is just a sampling of some of the products available for the visually impaired. For more information on products or techniques that help someone who is sight impaired with daily activities, contact 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, Wallace or Kingston 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.

Balancing Act: How Good Balance can Keep Your Loved One Safe

Posted on: July 25th, 2011 by aagingbetter

Balance is one of the functions that declines as we age, and with the loss of balance, we become more susceptible to falls.  There are a number of exercises that can help with improving balance, but before beginning an exercise program one should first have a complete physical, including a review of medications, a musculoskeletal check for any abnormalities and blood tests to determine cholesterol and glucose levels.  Additionally, any exercise program should build gradually to avoid burnout, boredom, or injuries.

Balance Improvement Exercises

Knee Lifts: Attempt to lift the knee as high as the hip using a secure object to assist in maintaining balance in the beginning.  As you grow stronger, decrease the tendency to lean on a support, and try holding the leg up for 5 seconds or longer.

Point and Flex: While sitting, point your toes and then flex them.  Repeat with both feet.  Hold the flex for a count of 25 unless it becomes uncomfortable.  Build up to a maximum count of 25 per “flex.”

Toe Tapping: While sitting, tap your toes. Repeat with both feet.  Do this for about five minutes each foot.

Sit-to-Stand: When necessary, use a chair for support when standing and again when returning to a sitting position.  However, gradually stop pushing yourself up with your arms as the legs get stronger.  Do this consciously several times a day and work the habit into your daily routine of getting in and out of our easy chair or any other chair.

Calf Muscle Strengthener: While holding onto a wall, chair or the kitchen sink, repeatedly raise yourself up and down on tiptoes.  As your strength improves, go higher up on your toes and eventually try it on one foot at a time.

Shin Muscle Strengthener: Lean your back against a wall with your heels placed seven to eight inches away from the wall.  Lift the toes of both feet off the ground as high as possible.  Hold this to the count of 15 or work up to a count of 15.

One-legged Stand: Hold onto a secure object during balance training, such as a sturdy chair.  Lift one leg off the ground (in front of you) and try to maintain balance on the standing leg.  Do this for a count of 10 or build up gradually to a count of 10 over a month or two month period, depending on your general level of strength when first starting.

Consult with your doctor or physical therapist if you have any questions about these exercises that can help a senior improve his or her balance.  Or if you have any questions about in-home care in general, contact us online or call us at (208) 777-0308 in the Hayden, Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls areas, (208) 263-7889 in the Priest River, Sandpoint or Bonners Ferry areas or (208) 784-1505 in the Wallace, Kellogg, or Pinehurst areas.

 
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