2009 December | Senior Home Care Ocala | Senior Home Care The Villages | Senior Home Care Gainesville | Elderly Assistance Florida

Archive for December, 2009

In-Home Care: A Solution for Baby Boomers Now and in the Future Part II

Welcome to part 2 of our 2 part series on home care solutions for baby boomers!

Ocala Senior Care

Studies show that baby boomers will start reaching retirement age in 2011. And, according to Health, United States, 2005, a report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, baby boomers will age more slowly due to healthful habits that have contributed to such indicators as 60 and 70 percent drops since 1950 in the death rates for heart disease and stroke, respectively. Further, the cancer death rate has declined 10 percent since 1990.

Baby boomers will particularly feel at home with in-home care like Comfort Keepers^®’ Interactive Caregiving^TM, which builds on seniors’ life-long activities and interests, helping them stay engaged in physical, mental and social pursuits that heighten their quality of life.

In-home care technology will further aid in making in-home care the ideal senior care solution for the baby boom generation. Throughout their lives, baby boomers have been faithful adopters of the latest gadgets that have come along to make life better. Furthermore, in-home care technologies, such as SafetyChoice^® by Comfort Keepers, can help bridge the family caregiver gap for those boomers who don’t have children.

These technologies, which are continually being developed and improved, monitor seniors’ movements and vital signs and can alert help in emergencies when caregivers aren’t present in the home. Other examples include medication management systems, which remind seniors to take their medicine as prescribed, and GPS tracking devices that help locate a senior who has become lost.

So, just as they have throughout life, baby boomers will make their own distinctive mark on senior care – and in a big way.

To learn more about how Comfort Keepers can serve you or your loved ones please give us a call! Remember, we are Comfort Keepers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

In-Home Care: A Solution for Baby Boomers Now and in the Future

By Florida Comfort Keeper · December 28, 2009 · Filed in Caregivers, In-Home Care for Seniors & the Elderly, Selecting In-Home Care, Seniors Should Know · 1 Comment »

Welcome to part 1 of our 2 part series on home care solutions for baby boomers!

Believe it or not, baby boomers will start reaching retirement age in 2011. With 78 million of them in total, they’ll make a significant impact in their senior years, as they have at every phase of their lives.

How will baby boomers influence how senior care is delivered? First, consider the general characteristics of baby boomers. They are independent and self-reliant, having grown up in a time of change. Baby boomers are also expected to live longer than previous generations. They are health conscious and physically active, and they are accustomed to technology, having grown up in a time of non-stop technological change

Because they are independent by nature, baby boomers are likely to look for alternatives to traditional facility-based senior care. In fact, many of the 13 million baby boomers now caring for their aging parents have discovered in-home care. Many are providing at least some of the caregiving themselves, relying on professional caregivers for the rest, as they help their mothers and fathers “age in place” in the comfort of their own homes.

A 2006 study at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology reports that baby boomers are more committed to caring for their parents than were their own mothers and fathers. (This research followed two generations of 333 families in the USC Longitudinal Study of Generations.)

As they help their parents, baby boomers are seeing the advantages of aging at home and thus may be more likely to choose in-home care for themselves when the time comes.

However, baby boomers may not be as fortunate as their parents to have children to care for them. A result of their independent nature, many baby boomers have never married and as a whole have had fewer children. For instance, The Urban Institute reported in 2007 (Meeting the Long-Term Care Needs of the Baby Boomers: How Changing Families Will Affect Paid Helpers and Institutions) that women born between 1956 and 1960 had only 1.9 children on average, compared with 3.2 children for women born between 1931 and 1935. And between 1980 and 1998, the portion of women ages 40 to 44 without children almost doubled, to 19 percent.

This means baby boomers will have to rely more on professional in-home caregivers, since they may not have family caregivers available. “Baby boomers will be ideal candidates for in-home care because they have pursued active lifestyles and preventive health practices—and are likely to enjoy better health than previous generations of seniors,” says Debbie Hudson, RN, Manager of Comfort Keepers Client Care Services.

Many baby boomer select places like Ocala, Florida; The Villages, Florida; and Gainesville, Florida for retirement locations because of Central Florida’s enjoyable weather and variety of activities. The good news is Comfort Keepers is available in these areas to support your in-home care needs.

Remember, we are Comfort Keepers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

FIVE TIPS TO KEEP AGING RELATIVES MERRY DURING THE HOLIDAYS

By Florida Comfort Keeper · December 24, 2009 · Filed in Caregivers, In-Home Care for Seniors & the Elderly, Seniors Should Know · Comments Off

For many families, the holiday season marks one of the only times of year that all members can gather together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. The portrait before and after this joyous time, however, is often far less picturesque for seniors living alone or far away from relatives.

As the aging population continues to grow – the U.S. Census Bureau projects over 88 million people age 65 and older in the U.S. by 2050 – memory loss and dementia in seniors are posing a major public health burden and it’s often difficult for relatives to monitor that aging family members are getting the level of stimulation and socialization they want and need. But there’s hope: According to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health, researchers have found evidence that seniors in the United States with active social lives may have slower rates of memory decline and lower mortality rates.

Given these findings, we suggest you use the following tips to ensure a happy and healthy time is had by all.

Link Up with Like Minds: Senior groups plan activities like exercise, meals, games and trips for seniors wanting to get out of the house and expand their circle of friends. Look into these groups with your relative and find one that best fits their interests.
Pick Up a Pen: Sending holiday cards is a wonderful way to spark a new kind of relationship between family members. Once these lines of communication have been opened, seniors will be more inclined to keep up with the correspondence long after the holiday season ends.
Get in the Game: Brainteasers, memory games and mathematical puzzles are not only fun but can employ areas of the brain that aren’t regularly stimulated. Try a few with your relative while you are in town and leave them with a few books or games that they can continue using after you leave.
Make a List and Check it Twice: Send your relative a list of possible gift ideas for other family members and review their purchases upon your arrival while helping them with wrapping. If you have the luxury of arriving prior to the holiday, accompany your relative on a shopping excursion to select the perfect presents.
Hire a Helping Hand: If you are still concerned your relative is in jeopardy of mentally “checking out” when the holiday season comes to a close, discuss the possibility of hiring an in-home companion. Not only will this person be able to help with basic chores and activities but the companion will be able to provide much-needed social interaction for your loved one on a daily, weekly or live-in basis.

Senior Safety During The Winter And Holidays in Florida

By Florida Comfort Keeper · December 21, 2009 · Filed in Caregivers, In-Home Care for Seniors & the Elderly, Seniors Should Know · Comments Off

Although Central Florida doesn’t typically experience a “true” winter, we often get cold spells and freezes that give us an opportunity to use our winter supplies and clothes. Since today is the first day of winter we thought we would take an opportunity to share with you some precautions you or your loved ones should take to prepare for Central Florida’s occasional winter-like weather.

Here are a few tips to help seniors get through the season:

Check on elderly loved ones regularly, and if you live out of town, arrange for neighbors to check in and provide their number to call in emergencies
Help your loved one make arrangements for someone to keep sidewalks shoveled and de-iced
Make sure seniors have emergency supplies on hand
Make arrangements for someone to provide transportation during severe weather to medical appointments or the grocery store
During a weather emergency, arrange for someone to stay with a loved one who is physically or cognitively disabled

Holiday Safety Tips

Trees, lights and candles play key roles in holiday traditions, but pose a danger when not used with care. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC – www.cpsc.gov) reports that each year nearly 12,800 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to holiday decorating, including falls and electrical shocks.

An average of 240 fires involving dried-out Christmas trees result in 16 deaths and $13 million in property damage, the National Fire Protection Association reports. The CPSC says that an average of 13,000 candle-related fires occur annually, resulting in 170 deaths and $390 million in property damage.

Tree and decoration tips:

Buy artificial trees that are labeled “Fire Resistant.”
Choose a live tree that has green needles that do not break when bent between the fingers. The bottom of the tree should be sticky with resin. When tapped on the ground, the tree should lose only a few needles.
Place trees away from fireplaces, vents and radiators. If using a live tree, remember to keep the stand filled with water.
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant decorations.

Lighting tips:

Use only lights—indoors or out—that have been tested for safety by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL/ITSNA. Use only newer lights that have thicker wiring and safety fuses to prevent wires from overheating.
Before using, check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.
Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for stringing light sets together. UL recommends using no more than three standard-size sets of lights together.
Make sure extension cords are rated for the intended use. Discard cords that are frayed.
Check outdoor light labels to make sure they have been certified for outdoor use. Only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.
Turn off lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

Candle tips:

Keep burning candles within sight.
Extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the room or house. Do not leave children, or adults with dementia, alone in a room with burning candles.
Keep lighted candles away from items that can catch fire, such as trees, other evergreens, decorations, curtains and furniture.
Always use non-flammable holders and keep away from children and pets.
Use battery-powered candles whenever possible to avoid fire risk.

Fireplace tips:

Do not burn wrapping paper or plastic items in the fireplace—they can ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
Place a screen around the fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby materials.

Keeping Walks Clear

Falls are always a concern for seniors; about one-third of seniors fall each year in the U.S. Winter poses a special risk, so put down road salt, kitty litter or sand to keep sidewalks, steps and driveways as slip-free as possible.

Persons over age 65—especially those with a history of high blood pressure and heart disease—should leave snow shoveling to others, such as neighbors, youth wanting to earn a little money, volunteers from churches and organizations or professional services. The combination of strenuous work and blood vessels constricted by the cold air raises the risk of heart attack. Falls and severe muscle strains are also risks.

For seniors who do shovel walks, however:

Dress warmly and in layers, along with a hat and gloves, to retain body heat and prevent hypothermia. To avoid slipping, wear boots with non-skid soles.
Before starting, limber up with light warm-up exercises
Push the snow in front of you, rather than lifting. If you must lift, pick up small amounts and lift with your legs, not your back.
Take frequent breaks. If you become dizzy or numb, stop immediately and go inside. Call 911 if you experience chest pain or other heart attack symptoms.

Protect Against Hypothermia

Seniors generally produce less body heat. That makes them especially susceptible to hypothermia, a drop in body temperature below 96 degrees. If not detected early, it can be extremely dangerous. Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and severe arthritis, and some medications, can limit the body’s response to cold, leaving seniors even more vulnerable.

Signs include: uncontrollable shivering, numbness, confusion, drowsiness, loss of coordination, stiff muscles, slurred speech, slow and shallow breathing, slow and irregular heartbeat and weak pulse.

Hypothermia Prevention

Limit time outdoors, and stay in on windy days. Go inside if you begin shivering.
Wear warm, layered clothing of natural fibers. To reduce heat loss, wear a hat, gloves, warm socks and boots. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
Indoors, keep the thermostat at a comfortable level, wear warm clothing and use enough blankets to stay warm at night.
To keep your body temperature up, eat hot, nourishing meals and drink warm beverages.

Seek medical attention immediately for anyone you believe is suffering from hypothermia. Keep the person dry and warm with blankets. Do not rub limbs to warm them. Encourage the person to drink hot, nonalcoholic, caffeine-free beverages.

Home Heating Safety

People age 65 and older are three times more likely than younger people to die or be injured in a house fire.

Seniors also need to beware of the dangers of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be given off by heating devices fueled by gas, oil, kerosene or wood. Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the bloodstream and can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, convulsions and death within two hours. The effects can happen even faster for someone with a respiratory or heart condition.

Have all chimneys and flues inspected yearly and cleaned as needed
Before winter have the furnace inspected to make certain it is in good, safe operating condition
Install smoke detectors on all floors and carbon monoxide detectors in areas where fuels are being burned. Replace batteries annually.
Open a window slightly when using a kerosene stove
Place space heaters at least three feet from curtains, bedding, furniture and anything else that might burn
Keep a fire extinguisher handy, replace as needed and know how to use it

When the Power Goes Off

Make sure to check in on seniors during a winter power outage and help them get to an emergency shelter if necessary, particularly in the event of a prolonged outage.

Seniors should have plenty of warm blankets, candles and working flashlights and batteries on hand, along with an emergency supply of canned goods and other food.

To preserve food, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full, unopened freezer will keep foods for about 48; half full, about 24 hours.

Winter Driving

Avoid driving during and after winter storms, but if you must:

Keep the gas tank full
Let someone know your destination, route and expected time of arrival, and bring your cell phone
Keep an emergency travel kit in the trunk, including a snow shovel, blankets, flashlight, water, first aid kit
If your car gets stuck, stay with it. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow so fumes do not back up in the car. Keep arms and legs moving to keep blood circulating and stay warm. Keep a window open to let in air.

For more information on winter safety and what to do during power outages and other emergencies, visit the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

Holiday Gift Time and Seniors: Last minute gift ideas for your older loved ones

By Florida Comfort Keeper · December 18, 2009 · Filed in Caregivers, In-Home Care for Seniors & the Elderly, Seniors Should Know · Comments Off

Celebrating the Holidays with Seniors

If you’re like many of us sometimes you’re not sure what to get a loved one in celebrating the holiday season. Finding the perfect gift can be especially difficult for your older gift recipients who seem to have most things you might think of getting them.

But there are plenty of holiday gifts that take up little or no space, yet are big on uplifting a senior’s spirits. For instance:

Give a ticket to a concert, sporting event, museum, zoo or other venue that is important to your loved one. The gift to your loved one will also include a ticket for yourself and others who want to join in on the special outing.

How about a gift before the holiday? That could be taking your loved one out for dinner and a holiday shopping trip to relieve the stress of navigating the seasonal crowds and trying to decide what to buy.

Baskets of favorite nonperishable foods, teas and coffees, along with lap robes or blankets can also be nice gifts to help your loved one during the cold winter months.

If you live away from your loved one, you can help shrink the distance with a gift of technology – such as a computer with a microphone and webcam that can enable you to stay in touch throughout the year.

Another idea to give yourself peace-of-mind and allow your loved one to continue living comfortably, safely and independently at home is the Comfort Keepers^®’ SafetyChoice^® line of technology solutions, such as the 24-hour Personal Emergency Response System.

Preventing falls related to prescription medication – Part II

By Florida Comfort Keeper · December 16, 2009 · Filed in Caregivers, In-Home Care for Seniors & the Elderly, Selecting In-Home Care, Seniors Should Know · Comments Off

Helping Seniors Prevent Falls

Welcome back to part II on the extra precautions that may be necessary reduce the risk of falling. The second five medications that may require extra precautions include:

5. Antihypertensive drugs—used to treat high blood pressure. These medications may cause dizziness, fatigue, decreased mental alertness, and sleepiness. If the medication contains a diuretic (water pill), it may increase the risk of falling by causing sedation, dehydration, or the need to use the bathroom quickly.

6. Cardiac medications—include digoxin, antiarrhythmics, and nitroglycerin. These medications can increase the risk of falling due to low blood pressure, dizziness, muscle weakness, confusion and fatigue.

7. Corticosteroids—used to control inflammation of the joints and organs. Medications include Prednisone, Dexamethasone, and Hydrocortisone. Side effects of these medications may include muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and mood swings.

8. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—used for pain relief or analgesia. The medications may include Darvon, Darvocet, aspirin, Motrin, and Aleve. The side effects common to these medications include decreased alertness, dizziness, sedation, confusion, declines in hearing, and blurred vision.

9. Anticholinergic drugs—used to treat gastrointestinal cramps, urinary bladder spasms, and asthma, motion sickness, and muscle spasms. The side effects of these medications include dry mouth, blurred vision, worsening glaucoma and restlessness.

10. Hypoglycemic agents—any agent that decreases the level of glucose in the blood and are use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. These medications may include Amaryl, Glucotrol, Diabinese and Orinase. Their side effects include blurred vision, confusion, anxiety, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, tremors, and weakness.

What can the senior do to help prevent falls?

1. Have eyes checked every year for vision changes

2. Have hearing checked every two years, or with any changes

3. See physician for foot pain.

4. Let physician know if medication is causing dizziness or lose of balance.

5. If using assisted devices, make sure they are used correctly.

6. When getting up, sit on the side of the chair/bed for a few minutes, to reduce dizziness.

7. See physician immediately if feeling dizzy, weak, unsteady on feet, or confused.

Seniors may need help with their medications and remembering to take them. A Comfort Keeper can remind a client to take their medications by:

1. Opening the medication containers or med paks.

2. Reading to a client what a label says

3. Reminding the client if they have already taken their medications or if they need to take their medications.

NOTE: The information presented in this article is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other medical professional if you have any questions about any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment.

Preventing falls related to prescription medication – Part I

By Florida Comfort Keeper · December 15, 2009 · Filed in Caregivers, In-Home Care for Seniors & the Elderly, Seniors Should Know · Comments Off

Normal changes of aging, such as poor eyesight or poor hearing, can increase the risk of a senior falling. Even if they appear strong and well, illnesses and physical conditions can affect their strength and balance. Falling can be a threat to the senior’s ability to live on their own.

Falling is a common health problem among seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls were the leading cause of death from injury among persons 65 years and over. Among seniors who fall and have fractures, those seniors with hip fractures have the most serious consequences. They may die,mor be institutionalized. The cause of falling can vary, but one risk factor is the use of certain types of medications. Combinations of medications can be a risk factor as well.

The side effects of some medications can upset balance and cause seniors to be unsteady. A senior is likely to fall if:

1. They are taking four or more medications (known as polypharmacy)

2. They have changed their medication within the past two weeks.

To help you become aware of when extra precautions may be necessary we are going to cover the 10 most common medications that may increase the risk of falling. The first five may include:

1. Sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic drugs—used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. The medications include Valium, Dalmane, Xanax, and Ativan, and can cause sleepiness, fatigue, balance problems, and decreased function of the muscles.

2. Tricyclic antidepressants—used to treat depression, such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Pavil. Medications can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, sleepiness, and blurred vision.

3. Major tranquilizers—also called antipsychotic medications. They are used to treat schizophrenia and other psychoses. They may include Thorazine and Haldol and their side effects include drowsiness, restlessness, muscle spasms, tremors, and blurred vision.

4. Antihistamines—used to relieve allergy and cold symptoms. These medications can cause side effects such as low blood pressure, sleepiness, confusion, and blurred vision, that can result in a fall.

Stay tuned for our next blog entry where we will give you another five drugs to take caution with. Remember, we are Comfort Keepers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

Scams against Seniors are on the Rise in Central Florida – Part V: Taking Action

By Florida Comfort Keeper · December 12, 2009 · Filed in Caregivers, In-Home Care for Seniors & the Elderly, Selecting In-Home Care, Seniors Should Know · Comments Off

In our five part series on scams targeting seniors, we are going to tell you the types of scams to look out for and how to protect yourself against them. In this final entry for this series we give you the resources you need to report potential fraud.

So what do you do if you think you have been a victim of fraud? If you are a senior or know a senior that has been a victim of fraud, be sure to report the act immediately. Seniors can contact the following agencies for more information:

Federal Trade Commission – www.ftc.gov or 877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) – The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent fraud, deception and unfair business practices. Whether combating telemarketing fraud, Internet scams or price-fixing schemes, the FTC’s primary mission is to protect consumers.

Better Business Bureau – www.bbb.org – The BBB’s mission is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and service excellence. You can find your local office on the BBB’s Web site.

The National Fraud Information Center – www.fraud.org or (800) 876-7060 – The NFIC is a project of the National Consumers League and was designed to help people learn about fraud and file complaints. Additional information about how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud is listed on their Web site.

American Association of Retired Persons – www.aarp.org – AARP provides seniors with information on financial planning, using home equity, avoiding fraud, and consumer rights.

Scams against Seniors are on the Rise in Central Florida – Part IV: Scam #3

By Florida Comfort Keeper · December 11, 2009 · Filed in In-Home Care for Seniors & the Elderly, Selecting In-Home Care, Seniors Should Know · Comments Off

In our four part series on scams targeting seniors, we are going to tell you the types of scams to look out for and how to protect yourself against them. In this entry we have identified the third type of common senior scam.

SCAM 3 – DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES

Seniors are frequent victims of door-to-door scams and high-pressure sales tactics. While some door-to-door salespeople are honest, the chances are likely that whoever answers the door is about to be swindled. Con-artists often try to coax seniors into buying unnecessary products or services ranging from living trusts to encyclopedias to household cleaning supplies. They usually appear friendly and appear sincere in their desire to help. In fact, they are successful because they seem so honest.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

Never allow anyone you don’t know into your home. It is easier to close the door on them before they get in than to get them out once they are inside.
Don’t buy on impulse. Tell the salesperson you will get back in touch with them after you have had a chance to carefully read all the materials given to you.
Ask to see the salesperson’s credentials and identification and request their business card. Many communities require door-to-door salespersons to have a permit.
Never give cash up front to a salesperson or rely on verbal promises for delivered goods.
If you sign a contract, make sure that it is complete, signed and dated. Get all terms in writing, including the total price, warranties, return policy, and all conditions of sale.
Know that you can get out of a door-to-door sales contract within three business days. According to the FTC’s Cooling Off Rule, you have the right to cancel your contract for a full refund until midnight of the third business day after the sale, provided that you have a signed contract and the sale was over $25. You do not have to have any reason for canceling.

Stay tuned for Part V of this blog entry where we will tell you who to contact if you think you might have been a victim of fraud! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.

Scams against Seniors are on the Rise in Central Florida – Part III: Scam #2

By Florida Comfort Keeper · December 10, 2009 · Filed in Caregivers, In-Home Care for Seniors & the Elderly · Comments Off

SCAM 2 – HOME IMPROVEMENT FRAUD

Home improvement contractors use several methods of targeting seniors: high pressure phone calls, flyers, advertisements, and door-to-door-sales. While most contracted home repairs are completed satisfactorily, fraudulent contractors can be very effective in making people think their services are needed, and then defrauding their victims.