Caring for a loved one as well as managing your own personal needs can be challenging. Understanding and communication will help you better care for and support your loved one as well as ensure a more positive and rewarding experience. Here are tips to help make your role as a family caregiver go more smoothly:
Be empathic and have compassion for what your loved one is facing. A caring heart can get you through the most difficult of times.
Some days you may be at a loss for words. It's ok to say nothing. A pat on the hand and a smile can sometimes say it all.
Allow your friends to be there for you...your friends want to help, let them feel useful. Make a list of things that will help you as a caregiver then when someone offers "Is there something I can do?" you'll have specific needs to provide as suggestions.
Be sure to keep current updated personal health records that provide the most important information needed for your loved ones care.
Keep the home safe for fall prevention. Check out our blog articles for more information on home safety and fall prevention.
Give yourself a daily break. As a caregiver you need "me time" in order to stay positive and healthy so that you can continue your role caring for your loved one. Sadly, many caregivers do not get the break that they deserve and so desperately need. Time away from caregiver responsibilities are so important. When you return from respite, spend quality time with your loved one. Focus on activities that can bring enjoyment; spend time outdoors, listen to music, go through family photo albums, make the most of the journey.
Know when to hire outside help!
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
Don't you just wish that someone would tell you to consume more calories?! For most adults, the problem is just the opposite. For many seniors, however, maintaining proper caloric intake and nutrition is an issue. Recent statistics highlight this concern:
- 30% of seniors skip at least one meal per day.
- 16% consume fewer than 1,000 calories per day.
- 25% of seniors who live alone can not always get to the grocery store, resulting in inadequate supplies of staple foods.
Malnutrition and unintentional weight loss can put seniors at risk for infection, depression and ultimately, early death. Forty four (44%) percent of seniors who live alone display at least a few warning signs of poor nutritional health. Is your senior one of them?
Identify the warning signs and risk factors for poor nutritional health in your loved one.
- Physical Signs. The most obvious signs of malnutrition are visible like weight loss, hair loss, bruising, weakness, persistent/recurrent infections, fatigue, depression and poor skin integrity.
- Loss of Appetite. Why does your loved one turn down meals? Check out your parent's meds and consult with your pharmacist to determine if any could be altering the senses of taste and smell. Obviously, the urge or craving to eat will be impacted greatly by sensory distortion. Consumption of fluids can also affect appetite. "Filling-up" with beverages before a meal will obviously result in decreased appetite for food. Conversely, dehydration can also impair appetite and hamper body system functioning. Restricted diets due to certain health concerns like hypertension or diabetes can result in bland, boring meals. Consider using some mild spices and all purpose seasonings like "Mrs Dash" to add flavor to otherwise simple meals.
- Chewing or Swallowing Difficulties. Some medical conditions can result in swallowing problems and if observed, should be reported to the primary care physician. Chewing problems can be a result of poor-fitting dentures or other dental issues.
- Smelly Refrigerators. Expired food items and poor sanitation in the frig can signal trouble for a senior's health. Routine inspections are essential to purge expired or spoiled foods. Try packaging foods in small containers labeled with date (large print).
- Tight Budgets and Empty Cupboards. The rising cost of food coupled with a tough economy can make anyone lose their appetite. The added stress of existing on a fixed income can cause seniors to scimp on necessities. It's a tough topic to tackle with a loved one but may be essential to ensuring proper nutrition.
- Loneliness. Many seniors are without a spouse and must dine solo. Often, they consume unhealthy, convenience foods; lacking the energy or interest in cooking. The social aspect of meal time is taken for granted by most of us but is sorely missed by many seniors. Make an effort to include your loved one in as many family meals as possible. If you can't include them as often as you would like due to travel or busy schedules, encourage friends or neighbors to stop by with a meal to share. Consider hiring a companion caregiver from an in-home care agency to spend time with your senior loved one. Many companion caregivers enjoy cooking and will get your loved one involved in preparing and enjoying healthy meals. Contact Easy Living to explore how a companion caregiver can assist your family!
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Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
Johns Hopkins released the following information on cancer in a newsletter. We found the information so valuable we wanted to share the highlights on avoiding and fighting cancer.
Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.
When a person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.
Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.
Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.
Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.
When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroy, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.
Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.
An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply. CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
Sugar is a cancer-feeder, eliminating sugar cuts off food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes made with Aspartame is also harmful. A better substitute is hone but only in a very small amount.
Milk causes the body to produce mucus, cancer feeds on mucus. Cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved.
Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic. Meat also contains livestock hormones and parasites which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer. Meat protein is difficult to digest. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.
A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment.
Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.
Some supplements build up the immune system others like vitamin E are know to cause programmed cell death. This is the body's normal method of disposing of unwanted cells.
Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily and deep breathing help to get more oxygen to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy such as a treatment in a Hyperbaric Chamber is another excellent means to help destroy cancer cells.
Cancer is a disease of the mind, body and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit and learn to relax and enjoy each and every day.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
Communicating effectively with a loved-one who has been diagnosed with Dementia poses a real challenge for all family members. The disease is a progressive brain disorder that, over time, diminishes a person's ability to think clearly, process information and communicate well with others. Dementia may also cause intense mood swings and personality changes. Learning how to better relate to the person with dementia and making adjustments in communication style to fit their limitations will greatly reduce stress levels and strengthen relationships.
The following are some strategies for enhancing communication with your loved-one:
- Minimize distractions. Effective communication starts with getting the person's attention. Take steps to minimize noise or competing activity. For example, you may need to turn off the TV or close a door.
- Set the proper mood. Make certain that your body language and facial expressions are consistent with your message. Set a relaxed tone by using a calm, pleasant voice. If appropriate, use physical touch for reassurance and to keep him/her focused.
- Simpify your message. Use simple words and sentences. Do not include a great deal of detail or background information. Speak slowly and distinctly, over-annunciating, if neccessary. Be prepared to repeat yourself several times, slowly and calmly if he dosen't comprehend the message at first.
- Avoid "interrogations". Do not ask too many questions at once which could cause your loved one to become overwhelmed and shut down. Use questions with simple "yes" or "no" answers rather than open ended questions. If you are asking him to make a choice between multiple options, consider using visual prompts to facilitate. For example, if you are asking your mom to choose between two blouses, show the blouses to her to facilitate. Also, keep in mind that his or her short term memory may be significantly impaired. Asking questions such as, "what did you have for lunch" or "what time did you have physical therapy" will be difficult and frustating for the dementia patient.
- Use affection to offer reassurance. A person living with dementia may feel very confused, anxious, and self-conscious. He or she may believe certain events occurred when in fact, they did not. The feelings and fears associated with these imagined events are very real to the dementia patient Often, the best way to help your loved one cope with these feelings is to offer verbal and physical expressions of affection and reassurance. Avoid the tempation to openly dismiss the events as this could cause your loved one to become defensive or frustrated. Instead acknowlege their feelings and remain empathetic.
- Use humor to keep the dialogue open. Dementia typically does not impair a person's ability to see the humor in a situation. Enjoy a good laugh together to keep the communication lines open.
It can be a real challenge both mentally and emotionally, to maintain effective communications with a dementia patient. Taking the time to better understand the challenges a dementia patient faces can enhance your relationship with a parent or loved one. Experimenting with different communication strategies can help you develop the tools needed to connect with your loved one. Ultimately, it's the connection that enables a caregiver to continue caring for the long haul.
Need more information on Dementia related topics? Explore our complete list of informative articles at www.easylivingservices.com.
Can't find the information you are searching for? Call us at 770-442-8664.
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Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
Most of us are aware that some tax breaks exist to offset the costs of In-Home care for a loved one. Before, claiming the deduction, make certain that your speciific costs meet the criteria.
In short, any costs associated with assistance in the "activities of daily living" or "ADLs" can be counted as a MEDICAL EXPENSES and deducted if they add up to 7.5% of an individual's adjusted gross income. How will you determine if your specific scenario meets this criteria? Ask yourself the following questions...
- Is your loved one receiving assistance with "ADLs"? These include help with bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, continence care and transferring(in/out of bed or chair). Help with errands, housework, and cooking are not qualifying activities.
- Is the care required due to chronic illness? The term "Chronically Ill" is applied to persons who are unable to perform at least 2 of the 6 activities of daily living. Additionally, someone who is cognitively impaired and requires supervision will also qualify as chronically ill. It is critical that a licensed health care provider evaluate and qualify the individual as chronically ill. This health care professional must prescribe the care and monitor the patient. No tax benefit is applied if a family arranges for care absent a physician's order.
Some careful advance planning and discussion with a qualified tax professional will allow families to take advantage of tax deductions for home care expenses.
Need assistance planning for and scheduling in-home care services for your loved one?
Call Easy Living Services, today! 770-442-8664
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
A serious and potentially dangerous complication of hospitalization for seniors is the onset of "Delirium". The condition is characterized as "worse than usual" mental confusion and can occur in as many as 1 in 5 hospitalized seniors. Unfortunately, symptoms of delirium may go undiagnosed by hospital staff who have limited knowledge of a patient's typical behavior. Delirium is dangerous because it puts an older person at risk for falls, a slower recovery, prolonged hospitalization, and even a higher chance of death.
Why is the condition so often missed by hospital staff?
- Physicians, nurses and cna's change shifts and cases frequently, making it difficult to identify somewhat subtle personality changes.
- "Dementia" and "Delirium" can be easily confused in a hospital setting. If a patient has a "dementia" diagnosis on their chart, staff may assume that the patient's confused state is their "norm" rather than a new complication.
- Hospital staff may not fully understand the signs of delirium. Many assume that delirium always involves hyperactive or "psychotic" behaviors. Actually, older people are more likely to exhibit confused, disoriented, drowsy and quiet behaviors referred to as "hypoactive delirium". He or she may not be able to follow conversation or focus attention.
- Delirium prevention techniques are not standard in hospitals. Prevention measures like checking for new infections, minimizing meds that are known to cause confusion, checking for inadequately treated pain and constipation are just a few basics that should be addressed by staff.
Is your parent or loved one at increased risk for delirium during his hospitalization? Risk Factors include....
- Older patients with severe infections or heart, liver or kidney problems are at higher risk.
- Certain medications can increase the risk. Bring to the hospital a complete list of ALL over the counter, and prescription drugs currently used as well as dosing instructions. Use of neuroleptic drugs while hospitalized also appears to increase the risk of delirium.
- Prior-Cognitive impairment.
- Fracture upon admission to hospital.
- Institutionalization prior to admission.
- Inadequately treated pain or constipation.
What can you do to minimize your loved one's risk of developing delirium?
- Prepare a "medical information sheet" listing all known allergies, health conditions, medication listing, physician names/numbers. Make certain that pertinent medical records have been forwarded to the hospital.
- Bring glasses, hearing aids, and dentures. Not having these devices can trigger an episode.
- Do not overwhelm or overstimulate. Keep instructions brief and simple. Limit the length of visits and number of visitors.
- Protect your loved one's sleep. Find out how the hospital controls noise at night. Request that medical tests at night be avoided. If your loved one requires the use of CPAP machine (for sleep apnea), make certain that it is available at the hospital.
- Stay with your loved one as much as possible*. Help orient him throughout the day. Speak in a calm, reassuring tone and remind him where he is and why. Bring familiar objects from home such as photos or a favorite blanket to help with orientation. Massage or walks in the hallway can be soothing to an elderly patient.
*Busy work and family schedules may prevent you from being with your parent as much as you would like. That's where a "Hospital Sitter" from an In-Home Care agency like Easy Living Services, Inc. can be an invaluable resource. Rely on a "Hospital Sitter" to provide companionship, supplemental personal care, and to serve as your loved one's advocate when you must be away. A trained "Hospital Sitter" can fill in family care gaps and provide peace of mind.
Find out more.....contact Easy Living Services at 770-442-8664.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
There are several different types of Alzheimer therapies that are continuing to show great progress for many who suffer from this disease. The therapies range from aromatherapy and music to therapies geared towards correcting insulin levels and targeting amyloids. There is also a great deal of buzz and positive results from the use of coconut water and coconut oil. While some of the therapies are drug-based, many are not, and there are new therapies being further researched on a daily basis.
Studies have also shown that your loved one's diet may greatly impact the progression of Alzheimer's as well. It is important for your loved one to remain healthy and if one therapy does not seem to be working, do not give up hope. Just try something new! No one is genetically or biologically the same; therefore, the severity of the Alzheimer's varies from person to person. It is also the same with the reactions and progress from the therapies.
Keeping a loved one with Alzheimer's at home requires series of steps to be taken to make the process as easy as possible. Keep things simple; have written instructions for their daily routine and be sure to include activities such as eating, fluid intake, bath time, and exercise. When preparing food keep the food in small portions that are simple to eat. Everything included in the meal should be extremely easy to handle. Keep your loved one involved in activities and "chores" around the house so that they can continue to feel productive. It will provide them with a challenge to remain active and the emotional benefits for your loved one will be great. Most people who suffer from Alzheimer's do not like feeling left out or even feeling that they are alone at any time. It is important to remember to stay in the room with your loved one as much as possible and to set up activities around the main part of the house for their participation.
No one will ever be content hearing the news that they suffer from Alzheimer's or Dementia; all one can do is remain positive, try various therapies, keep a healthy and balanced daily diet, work closely with your doctor, and pray for the day that a cure is found for this disease.
For more information on Home Care for a loved one with Alzheimer's call us at 770-442-8664.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
It's the first day of spring but feels like summer has already arrived. All across the country we are experiencing record temperatures. It is so important to have proper hydration and this is especially true for anyone over the age of 65. Not drinking enough fluids can cause many unwanted symptoms, complications from an existing illness and may account for numerous hospitalizations of older adults each year.
There are many reasons why senior adults have a greater risk of dehydration:
As we age our bodies have less water and our kidney's have more difficulty maintaining fluid balance.
Senior adults have less thirst sensations.
Medications can cause increased fluid losses. Diuretics, laxatives and sedatives require close monitoring of fluid intake.
Some may intentionally restrict fluids with the hopes of decreasing incontinence.
There are those that need assistance due to mobility and may be reluctant to ask for help.
Infections like pneumonia, COPD and urinary tract may increase the need for fluids due to fevers and overproduction of mucus.
Vomiting, diarrhea, over-aggressive diuretic therapy and non compliance to medication regimens can increase dehydration complications as well.
Signs of dehydration:
Does your loved one have any of the above mentioned hydration risk factors?
Lethargic, dizziness or vomiting and headaches could all be signs of dehydration. Call your doctor if you observe any of these symptoms.
Track your loved ones water intake daily. Keep in mind that regular tea and coffee doesn't count because they promote fluid loss. Decaf is better because it is less likely to increase urination. There are some diseases which it is not appropriate to offer so many fluids so always consult and follow the advice of your physician. For most of us however staying hydrated is essential to good health.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
It seemed as though your mom was really sailing through her old age. Still relatively healthy and sharp, your normally sweet tempered mom is suddenly prone to angry outbursts and cursing. What's going on?
A trip to your parents' physician is definitely in order, especially, if violent or physically aggressive behavior has emerged. The physician will want to determine whether the behavior problem stems from an emotional vs. physical/disease related issue. Leading causes of verbal and physical aggression include:
- An underlying health problem like urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and endocrine problems associated with the thyroid or adrenal glands can cause aggressive behavior. Medication reactions and interactions as well as drug or alcohol abuse can also create this type of behavior.
- Unrecognized or verbalized physical pain can lead to sudden displays of anger and aggressive action.
- Depression and mental diseases can manifest as aggressive behavior. A depressed senior may feel sad, hopeless or guilty which can evolve into anger and frustration. Any small incident can ignite an "over the top" reaction.
- One of the leading causes for aggressive behavior among seniors is dementia including Alzheimer's Disease. "Sun-downing" describes the agitated behavior a dementia patient may exhibit in the early evening hours.
Aggressive behavior related to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is not curable so effective management tools are essential. As a family member, how will you best respond during one of these episodes?
Suggestions for diffusing agitated/aggressive behavior:
- Do NOT argue or correct your loved one when he/she is agitated. Arguing only serves to increase the liklihood of escalation. Use a calm, confident voice to communicate and avoid making sudden or large movements.
- Do NOT minimize or dismiss their anxiety and concerns. The anxiety or delusions she may be experiencing can be extremely realistic and alarming. Telling her that "it doesn't exist or not to worry" will not bring comfort. Instead, acknowlege just how frightening or upsetting the experience must be.
- To the extent possible, reduce environmental stressors. An individual suffering with dementia may reach a point of "sensory overload" which triggors the aggressive behavior. Excessive noise, temperature extremes, new people or environments, hunger, need to empty bladder or bowels, multiple activities...all can lead to a "melt down." Take the time to observe unique triggers for your loved one.
- Do NOT insist on completing an activity that is agitating your loved one at the moment. For example, if getting her into the shower is a struggle; reschedule for a later time. Remain flexible as much as possible on non-essential activities. Consider enlisting the support of another trusted person to assist. Perhaps, a new face will elicit cooperation.
- When your parent is upset but NOT displaying physical aggression, try communicating at or below eye level to appear non-threatening. If physical aggression is threatened, use a calm, firm voice and remain at or slightly above eye level.
- Always try and redirect your loved one away from the activity or situation that is triggering the anxiety. Suggesting that you take a walk together can be a great way to redirect and diffuse the situation. Allow your parent to express their feelings openly while you just listen. Changing the topic to something pleasant or reminiscing about happy times can be a successful tactic. Get your parent started on an activity that affirms their usefulness like sorting laundry, clipping coupons, folding clothes, setting the table, etc.
Do you need assistance caring for a loved one at home? Easy Living Services can help.
Call today and learn more about flexible care plans, designed for your unique family.
770-442-8664.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services
What's the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's Disease? Does a diagnosis of dementia symptoms indicate that Alzheimer's is present or will develop?
Any of us with older parents has certainly noticed at one time or another certain symptoms that has us wondering, "Could this be dementia or maybe Alzheimer's setting in?" The terms are often used interchangeably but in reality Alzheimer's Disease is just one of several causes of dementia. In other words, all patients with Alzheimer's disease have dementia while all dementia patients do NOT have Alzheimer's disease.
The term "dementia" actually refers to a group of symptoms such as short-term memory loss, poor judgment, difficulty performing familiar tasks, etc. Increasingly, I have noticed several of these symptoms in my own father. My sister recently noticed him becoming frustrated while trying to operate the same coffee maker that he has used every morning for years. He simply could not remember how to put it together. A trip to his physician and subsequent exam & testing revealed that his dementia symptoms were likely attributable to "Vascular Dementia" rather than Alzheimer's Disease.
What are the main causes of "dementia"?
1. Reversible causes of dementia include depression, vitamin deficiency, drugs and infections. Consult with your physician for testing to evaluate whether dementia symptoms may be reversed by treating an underlying condition or switching prescription medications.
2. The number one cause of irreversible dementia is Alzheimer's disease which is responsible for approimately 60% of all cases. Early symptoms include difficulty remembering names and recent events, apathy and depression. Later symptoms include confusion, disorientation, difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.
3. Another common cause of dementia is "Vascular Dementia", also called "Multi-Infarct Dementia". It develops when impaired blood flow to parts of the brain deprives cells of food and oxygen. This condition is most evident after a stroke blocks a blood vessel and disrupts blood flow to a significant portion of the brain. The patient with Vascular Dementia may have a history of heart attacks, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, hardening of the arteries and other risk factors for heart disease. Symptoms may include: memory loss, reduced ability to carry out normal daily tasks, poor concentration and communication, confusion which is possibly worse at night. Vascular dementia is potentially reversible with improvement of underlying health conditions.
3. The third most common cause of dementia is Parkinson’s Disease. Not all Parkinson's patients develop dementia, but some will. This type of dementia usually develops in later stages of Parkinson's disease.
4. A less common cause of dementia is known as "Lewie bodies". Patients exhibiting this form of dementia have some of the symptoms common in Alzheimer's, but are more likely than people with Alzheimer's to have early symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and muscle rigidity. Patients with Lewie bodies type dementia may exhibit "Parkinson like" tremors.
All cases of suspected dementia should be evaluated by a Geriatric specialist for a proper diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
Home Care for Atlanta Seniors | Easy Living Services