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Elder Care Naperville, IL: Balancing a Loved One’s Needs With Your Own

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Do you provide assistance for an older person who needs care? People of all ages can be caregivers, but it is very common for older people to become caregivers to their spouses or other loved ones, and – too often – they begin to neglect their own health at an age when they should really be paying more attention to it.

Caregiving is both mentally and physically stressful, and caregivers are considered to be at increased risk for physical health problems and depression. If you are a caregiver in your senior years, it is even more important that you take care of your own health.

The Health Effects of Caregiving

Whether caring for an ailing spouse or another loved one, many caregivers become so concerned with their care-providing role that they neglect their own health, putting themselves at increased risk of:

    Poor physical health: 16 percent of caregivers say that their health declined after they become caregivers.
    Psychological stress: Approximately half of all people who provide Alzheimer’s care, a common type of elder care, report experiencing distress. The effects of psychological stress can be widespread and may include depression, burnout, alcohol and drug use, and other problems.
    Self-neglect: Caregivers are more likely than non-caregivers to eat poorly, be sleep deprived, not exercise, not rest when ill, and postpone medical appointments.
    Death: Caregivers are at higher risk of dying than the general population.

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Elder care counselors at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Naperville.

Exercise Class Helps Alzheimer’s Patients

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Judy Buck is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosed about a year and a half ago.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like,” the 68-year-old Henrietta woman said of the time when she won’t know everything that’s going on around her.

But she is not waiting.

Judy and her husband, Dick Buck, 69, enrolled in a class at the JCC of Greater Rochester, New York for people with Alzheimer’s and the spouse or family member caring for them. She struggled in the first session to follow some of the footwork. She practiced at home, and the second time stayed in sync with the group.

“I was able to learn something new,” Judy Buck said.

Alzheimer’s Research

As researchers keep working on long-term treatments in the quest for a cure, attention is being paid to non-medical approaches to managing the disease and improving life for patients and the people closest to them.

The JCC, which several years ago piloted an exercise program in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, developed that idea into Music, Mindfulness and Motion. The six-week class meets for an hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and combines aerobics with strength, balance and visual training. The program, led by certified personal trainers Carm Heidt and Kathy Mulvehill, is open to the public and funded with a $10,000 grant from the Konar Family Foundation.

Early diagnosis means that people are functioning longer with the disease, increasing the need for activities to promote general health.

“In the past, they didn’t call us till it was late-stage and they were looking for a nursing home,” said Paula Casselman, director of programs and services for Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes Chapter. “The earlier they are diagnosed, the quicker they can receive treatment that helps in social engagement and physical activity. It’s not a cure for the disease, but it improves quality of life.”

Read more about day care centers for those with Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s care counselors at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Aurora.

Elder Care Naperville, IL: The Importance of Taking Medications Correctly

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With the continued increase in pollution — the popular adage that proclaims, “Health is Wealth” was never truer than it is today. However, with the rising cost of healthcare, it would seem that great wealth is indeed needed in order to maintain health. As a result, many (especially the elderly) choose to augment their medication or totally skip them. This problem had become so prevalent that in 2005, Katherine Binns, the President of Harris Interactive (a healthcare research company), stated that almost half of all the prescriptions for drugs, which were supposed to be taken regularly, were either not completed or never filled. This is especially true for seniors who aside from possible cost issues may have difficulties such as depression and memory loss to consider.

By wanting to cut cost, many individuals do not realize that the benefit of saving a little money in the meantime may actually be more detrimental in the long run. Prescription drugs are precisely given with the particular dosage and duration in mind. Altering the formula in any way can lessen the effectiveness of the drug, or make it harmful to the patient. Furthermore, many medications are control released and are designed to release medication over the entire day. Techniques such as cutting them in half and taking only a part can alter its mechanism and affect the potency. In the end, it may turn out to be more costly as the ailment you are trying to treat or regulate is not properly addressed. As former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Coop correctly stated, “A drug can’t work if you’re not taking it.” Seniors are the most affected by this problem since they generally have the most pills to take.

Chuck Cruden, a former senior’s advocate who worked for an organization that focused on issues specific for the elderly, states that high cost is the number one problem. According to him, many of them live on a fixed income while the cost of living continues to rise. However, Cruden is also aware that altering or skipping medication is not the proper response. “It’s not something to gamble with,” he points out. Instead, there are several ways a patient can try to circumvent the problem. While it is not applicable to all, generics are often a good option as they can be 60-70% lower than their branded counterparts. Also, paying for pharmaceutical bills in parts rather than in lump sum may be less of a burden on the cash flow.

Other than cost, medical noncompliance becomes an issue because of cognitive concerns such as forgetfulness, doubt whether the drug really works, a fear of possible side effects, a feeling that the symptoms of sickness have disappeared, confusing instructions, etc. To remedy this, assistance should be given which may be in the form of a caregiver or through assisted living. Caregivers are extremely important as they can help create a routine for the elder patient, which can greatly simplify an otherwise complicated and tedious routine. Even something as simple as arranging the medicine from the most, to the least important is already a big help since it increases the probability that the more serious ailments are treated first. Additionally, caregivers can employ more advanced tools such as pill cutters to make sure that the medicine is easier to swallow, as well as electronic tracking systems to help in reminding the patient of the right time to take the pill. In the same way, assisted living is also a viable option for patients who may need more constant and consistent care in order to avoid future complications.

Home care counselors at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Naperville.

Caregivers Aurora IL: November is American Diabetes Month

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As November arrives, we look forward to Thanksgiving and being with family. However, we should not forget that November is also American Diabetes Month. It affects 26 million people in America, while another 79 million are at risk. These numbers are staggering. Most of us have a relative or know someone that suffers from this disease. So what exactly can we do about this epidemic?

The Stop Diabetes website offers different ways on how you can become involved. Donating money or joining local American Diabetes Month meetings are great options to help raise awareness. Also, local offices can put together special events to help raise money to support research and education. Don’t forget to ask your local hospital or assisted living center if you can volunteer by providing elder care.

Two important factors in the fight against diabetes are diet and exercise. By educating those who have the disease, you can help take a critical step in the right direction. It’s common knowledge that diets low in carbohydrates and processed sugars can help maintain insulin levels. However, research has found that vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based diets are effective in regulating diabetic symptoms. You must explain that exercise is as necessary as a proper diet. When you exercise regularly it increases muscle, lowers body fat, and increases the body’s receptiveness and utilization of insulin. Also, being active decreases blood pressure and the potential for heart disease. Caregivers who deal with senior care are better off teaching the elderly about nutrition since physical activity declines in old age. That is not to say that seniors can’t exercise.

Nearly a quarter of the population over 60 has been diagnosed with diabetes. Heart disease and stroke are prevalent risks of diabetes that increase with age. Seniors are often forgotten about because there is a notion that elder care can be difficult. When offering senior care, volunteers must be aware that the elderly are also susceptible to cognitive degeneration. Caregivers who help seniors in assisted living situations are truly special people. 

While the numbers of diabetics are enormous and only seem to be growing, through raising awareness, maintenance and education they will diminish with time. If those who suffer from diabetes can be educated about nutrition and exercise, then their health can be maintained. By raising awareness and educating the 79 million who are at risk, there will be no need for them be diagnosed with this unnecessary disease.

Caregivers at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Aurora.

Caregivers Aurora IL: Lung Cancer Awareness Month

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November is named Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This means that this month is dedicated to a national campaign to raise awareness about lung cancer. During the month of November, there will be rallies, fund-raising events and much more to promote awareness. This is extremely beneficial for people suffering from lung cancer and caregivers of those people. Senior care and elder care is also extremely vital for those suffering from lung cancer. 

During the month of November, people all around the world plan events in their communities. This is helpful to raise money to find cures for this disease and to ensure that senior care is provided to those who need it. Caregivers of people suffering from cancer are often at the heart of awareness. They see firsthand the effects of this disease and how hard it is for people and families to cope with. 

Lung cancer is a disease that develops in the longs and is normally separated by two categories. Non-small cell lung cancer makes up 85% of all lung cancer cases. This type grows slower than the other type, called small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer contains smaller cells, but they spread much quicker. When older people develop this type of cancer, it is important that they receive proper care. Elder care is available through many doctors and caregivers. Many families obtain senior care for their parents with this illness and many times they must utilize assisted living facilities for their elderly parents. 

Every case of lung cancer is different. For elderly people, it often involves waiting to hear what the test results say, and then waiting longer to find out the type of treatment they will receive. For people with severe cases, families often turn to assisted living. This gives a loved one the attention needed during times of chemotherapy, radiation or other treatments. It also provides the care needed during times of waiting. 

During the month of November, it is often easier to find out information about lung cancer, treatment options and how to cope with it. Look for events in your area, or initiate your own.

Caregivers at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Aurora.

Alzheimer’s Care Aurora IL: The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Alzheimer’s Patients

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My husband Steve, now 61-years-old, has early onset Alzheimer’s disease. In May 2008, while he was screening for clinical trials, I came across information about a potential treatment in development: AC-1202, now called Axona.

As I learned about the potential treatment, I learned that consuming medium chain triglycerides (derived from coconut oil) resulted in improved cognition in about half of the persons with Alzheimer’s or Mild Cognitive Impairment in their studies.

So, I gave my husband Steve some coconut oil. He had a dramatic response with a remarkable improvement in clock drawing and in his memory testing. Two months later, Steve continued to improve and other people confirmed that it was not my imagination.

Steve ‘s dramatic improvement began on the very day he started taking coconut oil. This was consistent with results of the first Axona study in which nearly half of the people had improved memory scores after taking just one dose of Axona.

Since we had changed nothing else in the months prior to or immediately after starting coconut oil, it ‘s reasonable that it was the cause for his improvement.

The way Steve explains the change he experienced, it was like the light bulb came back on the day he started taking coconut oil.

Why is Coconut Oil Beneficial to Alzheimer ‘s Patients?

One important feature of Alzheimer’s disease is that the brain gradually develops insulin deficiency and resistance. As a result, glucose (which is the usual fuel for brain cells) cannot enter the neurons, so the neurons malfunction before eventually dying.

But there may be a way to help alleviate that problem.

Medium chain fatty acids are converted in the liver to ketones. Those ketones can serve as an alternative to glucose, which means they may potentially help cells stay alive and function better.

Beyond Alzheimer ‘s

Increased ketones can also benefit people suffering from other diseases, such as Parkinson ‘s, ALS (Lou Gehrig ‘s), multiple sclerosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, autism, Down ‘s syndrome, and Huntington ‘s chorea. Ketones can also serve as an alternative fuel for other cells in the body that are insulin resistant or cannot transport glucose, and could potentially lessen the effects of Diabetes I or II on the brain and other organs.

So What ‘s the Problem?

Medium chain triglycerides are made in the human mammary gland. But other than that, humans do not make medium chain fatty acids–so we must acquire them from foods.

Unfortunately, most Americans consume oils that don ‘t contain any medium chain fatty acids. But the good news is that medium chain triglycerides make up 70% of the saturated fats in coconut oil.

If you are at risk due to family history, consider making this dietary change as well for prevention. If your loved one is in assisted living, the doctor may be willing to prescribe coconut oil and/or MCT oil to be given at each meal, increasing gradually. Another alternative would be for the doctor to prescribe Axona.

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Alzheimer’s care counselors at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Aurora.

Alzheimer’s Care Aurora, IL: Alzheimers and Seperation Anxiety

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When I visit my Alzheimer’s-suffering wife at the nursing home, she gets very upset as I leave; Is there anything I can do?

Q: When I visit my Alzheimer’s-suffering wife at the nursing home she is delighted to see me, but she begs me to take her with me when I leave, which is not a practical request. She shouts, “Bob, come back; take me with you,” as I walk away. It’s miserable for both of us. Any suggestions?

A: This must be so heart-breaking for you. Even though you recognize this placement as being the most appropriate caregiving solution, I’m sure you must be devastated at each visit when you hear her plea to leave with you. The difference between your emotional pain and that of your wife is that it remains with you for a long time after your visit while it is most likely forgotten by her shortly after you are out of sight. I suggest the following possible ways to make your separating more comfortable for each of you:

1. Try to always have your departure time when a scheduled activity or meal is about to take place. Folks with Alzheimer’s (AD) generally focus on one occurence at a time and if your wife is joining in a group with others or preparing for a meal, her focus is not on you leaving but rather on the new activity.

2. Speak with the staff and request an aide to assist with the transition from your visit to the new activity.

3. Do NOT let your body-language or non-verbal language transmit your dismay. Leave quickly, gently, and smilingly! Remember that AD folks are quite adept at taking cues from our non-verbal responses and read our tone of voice, facial expressions, and emotions.

No matter how contrived it may be, be as positive as possible as you change companions with the staff member. If you check back with the staff shortly after you leave, you will most likely discover that she has transitioned quite well and you will find that, without the stress of a tearful departure, your visits will be more enjoyable.

I hope these suggestions work well for you and do remember to take care of YOU!

Read more Q & A Here

Alzheimer’s care counselors at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Aurora.

Home Care Oswego IL: Elder Driving

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“I’m going to drive myself to the nursing home or the cemetery, whichever comes first.”

That comment from an elderly driver shows what you might be up against when you try to persuade a parent, friend or other elderly person to stop driving.

While there are many individual exceptions, the chance of having an accident typically begins to increase around the age of 55, and the risk rises dramatically for people with diseases or who take medications that affect their motor skills, vision and/or judgment.

Still, many Americans think of driving as a fundamental right, and for older people, the car is often the last symbol of independence.

In trying to persuade a person to put away the car keys, you’ll be attempting to influence a person who is probably accustomed to giving advice, not taking it. Tactics that work…

LAY THE GROUNDWORK

If possible, start your campaign before the danger of driving becomes immediate. Even if your loved one seems to be driving well, it’s wise to suggest that he/she take a test to confirm the level of skill and/or take a refresher course for senior drivers. (AAA and many motor vehicle departments have information on the tests and courses.)

Advantage: These measures take some of the burden off you by letting drivers see their own shortcomings in a way that’s difficult to deny.

Push your loved one to take a test or refresher course if you notice…

Friends no longer want to ride with him.

Unexplained damage to the car, such as scratches, dents or broken outside mirrors.

Incidents of confusion on well-known roads.

An increase in accidents, no matter who was at fault. Reason:Accidents are often the result of a reduced ability to drive defensively.

AAA has a free program for PC users, Roadwise Review, that lets people use a home computer to test themselves in such areas as physical flexibility, memory, visual acuity and information processing speed.www.roadwisereview.com.

The AARP’s Driver Safety Program online course costs $15.95 for members and $19.95 for nonmembers and is aimed at people age 50 and older. You can complete the course at your own pace. Information: 888-227-7669,www.aarpdriversafety.org.

OVERCOMING OBJECTIONS

It’s very common that a senior driver will balk at the idea of taking a test or refresher course. Countermeasures…

Offer to join the person and take the test or course together. (With AAA’s Roadwise Review, it is mandatory to take the test with someone else present in order to verify results.) The offer doesn’t always work, but it’s often successful.

Point out that most insurance companies give a discount to people who take the AARP course.

RELY ON INFLUENCERS

Despite a poor test and pleas from family members, some seniors still won’t give up driving. When that’s the case, it’s wise to ask for help from the people in authority whom they do listen to. Doctors are at the top of the list.

Contact your family member’s physicians and discuss the situation with them. Many doctors are willing to tell older patients how their diminished eyesight, loss of motor skills or effects of a disability can increase the risk of a serious accident.

Not every physician, however, is knowledgeable in this area.

Smart move: Give doctors a copy of Physician’s Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers. The book, developed by the American Medical Association and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, gives doctors a checklist of conditions that impair driving ability.

Some of the conditions might not be obvious to doctors who haven’t dealt with the issue before.

Examples: Insomnia, which can cause drowsiness during the day, and foot problems, which can prevent the proper use of the brake and accelerator pedals.

The book, which is free, can be downloaded from the Internet or ordered for delivery by mail.

Information: 800-621-8335, www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/10791.html.

If doctors don’t succeed in persuading your loved one not to drive, turn to friends, relatives or members of the clergy for whom he/she has a deep respect.

DRIVING ALTERNATIVES

Almost all elderly people — even those urged by doctors and confronted by evidence of diminished skill — use a powerful argument against turning over the car keys. They say that there’s no other way to get to places they have to go. This is a reasonable concern that should be respected.

If arguments about safety won’t overcome this concern, be prepared by knowing about alternative types of transportation that can make a car unnecessary.

My organization, the Beverly Foundation, lists more than 1,000 senior transportation programs. To see the list, go towww.beverlyfoundation.org/map/stps and click on your state.

Many elderly nondrivers require a combination of options…

Volunteer drivers. Hundreds of volunteer driver programs have started up around the country, and more are being created each month. Typically sponsored by a charitable organization, these programs generally supply drivers to seniors free of charge. Many religious institutions also provide volunteer drivers.

Also check your local departments of senior services, churches and interfaith volunteer groups. If there isn’t an appropriate option in your community, consider the possibility of promoting one.

Paratransit. That’s a term coined by federal officials for trans­portation systems for the disabled operated by many cities and counties throughout the country.

Depending on the jurisdiction, many minor disabilities associated with advanced age may qualify a person for paratransit.

Examples: Poor vision in one eye or lack of full mobility in a foot. To find out if a loved one would qualify, contact your local department of transportation.

Regular taxis. Taxicabs are an obvious option, especially in suburbs and other areas outside the city. Taxis can be a relaxing way to travel, almost like having a chauffeur. (That’s particularly true once you develop a relationship with a taxi company.)

The strongest argument is that taxis are a bargain. AAA estimates that the average cost of owning and operating a car is about $8,780 a year, or nearly $170 a week — enough to pay for many taxi rides.

Assisted-living apartments. If your loved one is contemplating a move, ask him to consider an assisted-living apartment complex. Many of them operate their own transportation system for regular trips to grocery stores, malls and medical centers.

Few people have quick success in persuading a senior to stop driving. But don’t be discouraged. Before giving up, remember that if other friends and family members had been more persistent, some of the people cited in statistics on fatal accidents to seniors would still be alive.

Bottom Line/Retirement interviewed Helen Kerschner, PhD, president and CEO of the Beverly Foundation, a California-based nonprofit organization that advocates for senior transportation, www.BeverlyFoundation.org. Dr. Kerschner is the former president of the American Association for International Aging.

Home care counselors at Safe at Home Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care, including live-in care. We are an elder care agency providing Home Care in Oswego.