Posted by Lauren Batalka on Thu, Sep 02, 2010
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Posted by Lauren Batalka on Thu, Sep 02, 2010
Caring for a loved one at home who has Alzheimer’s or dementia can be a daunting task. It is important to find meaningful activities for both of you to participate in. Having a plan for getting through the day can help both caregivers and patients cope. Here are some helpful activities to utilize throughout the day:
1- Go for a walk 
2- Listen to music
3 Read a book out loud
4- Make an ice cream sundae
5- Clean out the refrigerator
6- Play cards
7- Watch a movie
8- Fold the laundry
9- Clip coupons
10- Dust the house
11- Color pictures
12- Write a letter to a family member
13- Have a friend bring a pet
14- Play a board game
15- Organize a closet
16- Look through old photo albums
17- Sing old songs
18- Read a news paper
19- Put a puzzle together
20- Talk about favorite memories
21- Create a family tree
22- Water house plants
23- Wash dishes
24- Pick flowers
25- Create a meal menu for the week
26- Make a craft
27- Take a ride together
28- Toss a ball
29- Bake cookies
30- Make a shopping list
31- Have afternoon tea
32- Sit on the porch and people watch
33- Brush a pet
34- Plant a flower
35- Make brownies
36- Feed the birds
37- Dance
38- Have a picnic
39- Give a manicure
40- Give a hand massage
41- Feed ducks
42- Make a peanut butter sandwich
43- Make a favorite meal
44- Count coins
45- Cut pictures from magazines
46- Stretch
47- Give each other a makeover
48- Go through old greeting cards
49- Go to the park
50- Organize the sock drawer
Do you have any creative ideas to add? Please post them in our comments section below.
To learn more about Home Helpers, click HERE.
Posted by Lauren Batalka on Tue, Aug 31, 2010
With the Labor Day weekend rapidly approaching, many of us will
be traveling to enjoy our final fling with summer. Before you even think about bringing your elderly parents along for the trip, there are some important things to consider.
It is vital to remember to bring your elderly parent’s prescriptions along for the trip. Keep all medications in their original pill vials for easy identification. Make sure to pack all prescriptions in your carry-on luggage to assure they will end up at the correct destination. It is wise to write down the name of your parent’s doctor, phone number and a brief medical history in the event of an emergency. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can forget vital information during an emergency situation. It’s not a bad idea to bring along the living will as well. Don’t forget any adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.
Before heading out, take your loved one to see his or her doctor. Make sure your elderly parents have enough medication to get them through the trip. A quick check-up will offer assurance that your parent is safe to travel.
The doctor can discuss whether or not air travel is safe. Many people don’t know that airlines will not permit oxygen to be transported either as cargo or with the person who requires it.
Most airports have made special accommodations for elderly passengers by providing free wheelchairs and transportation services to get them from the ticket counter to the gate and back again. Don't misjudge the ability of your elderly relative to hobble through the airport from gate to gate. Even a small distance can wear out someone using a cane or otherwise afflicted with a physical ailment.
People with certain cardiac conditions may also want to discuss air travel with their doctor. Certain medications may also hamper air travel. If air travel is not an option, the doctor can offer safer options for arriving at your destination.
Comfort level is a major point when considering automobile or bus travel. Most tour buses have steps that your loved one will need to climb. Add to that the problem of going to the bathroom in a bouncing, bumpy bus and you may have problems if your parent is unable to keep his/her balance. Car travel has many of the same problems, but you have more control over your own vehicle. Plan your route carefully in order to provide frequent rest stops for your parent to recuperate from the long travel. Be sure to pack food and drink for longer trips, especially if your loved one is diabetic.
Traveling by train has many of the same options offered as air travel such as wheelchair access and attendants ready to assist you and your relative into your train seat. However, be aware that train rides are notoriously hard on people who have back problems. The rocking motion and the length of most train trips don’t help, so anyone with back problems may want to consider other travel options.
Traveling with your elderly parents can be a stress-free experience with a little planning and foresight. Before you know it, you’ll be at your destination, ready to relax!
Are you leaving your elderly parents at home while you travel? Click HERE to learn how we can assure their saftey while you are away.
Posted by Lauren Batalka on Tue, Aug 17, 2010
For most of us, driving symbolizes freedom and independence. Driver safety is often a very sensitive issue for seniors as they see the changes of normal aging affect their ability behind the wheel. If you or a loved one needs to limit or give up driving completely, it won’t be the end to independence. With the help from family, friends and resources, your loved one can remain mobile without driving.
Watch for Warning Signs:
⦁Difficulty following instructions and directions.
⦁Drives against traffic, on the wrong side of the road.
⦁Coasts to a near stop in the midst of moving traffic.
⦁Drifts into other lanes of traffic.
⦁Stops abruptly without cause.
⦁Presses simultaneously on the brake and accelerator while driving.
⦁Does not signal when turning or changing lanes.
⦁Has accidents, near misses, or “fender benders.”
⦁Gets lost in familiar places.
⦁Fails to obey traffic laws, road signs, or signals.
⦁Makes errors in signal use, steering, braking, speed and accelerator use.
⦁Has difficulty seeing pedestrians, objects, and other vehicles.
⦁Is increasingly nervous when driving.
⦁Becomes increasing flustered in traffic or by more aggressive drivers.
⦁Drives significantly slower than the posted speed or general speed of other vehicles.
⦁Turns from improper lane or at an improper time or pace at intersections.
⦁Straddles lanes.
⦁Ignores or coasts through stop signs.
⦁Backs up after missing an exit.
⦁Falls asleep while driving or gets drowsy.
⦁Does not pay attention to other drivers or road hazards.
⦁Does not react to emergency situations.
Talking to a Senior Who is No Longer Safe to Drive
If you need to have the conversation with a loved one about driving, approach the issue with sensitivity. A driver’s license signifies more than the ability to drive a car; it is a symbol of freedom and self-sufficiency. Understandably, driving is not a privilege that anyone wants to surrender willingly.
Most older drivers realize that they are gradually losing their ability to operate a car safely, but they still may be reluctant to hand over their keys. Your loved one may feel relieved to have someone else assist with the decision to stop driving.
When a Driver Refuses to Give Up the Keys
It might feel very difficult for you to force a loved one to give up driving all together, especially if the senior is used to having their independence. However, their safety and the safety of others on the road must come first. An unsafe driver can seriously injure or kill themselves or others.
Here are some tips:
⦁Tell your loved one that the doctor said they are no longer allowed to drive- you might even be able to have their doctor write a prescription to stop driving.
⦁Make an anonymous report to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
⦁Take the car keys away
⦁Disable the car
⦁Sell the car
Staying Mobile
There are many options available. These include:
⦁Family, Friends, Neighbor
⦁Public transit: buses, subways, and light rail
⦁County Buses
⦁Taxis, limousines, and chauffeur services
⦁Companion Care (such as Home Helpers)
⦁Private drivers
⦁Walking
⦁Motorized wheelchairs for non-ambulatory seniors
For assistance in finding transportation services, use local resources such as senior centers, adult day centers, your county’s Area Agency on Aging, faith-based organizations and hospitals.
To learn how our caregivers can assist with transportation, click HERE.
Posted by Lauren Batalka on Thu, Aug 05, 2010
Therapeutic Fibbing is a technique often used when caring for patients who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. Its purpose is to avoid further harm or upset and it involves telling a patient a white lie in order to prevent anxiety, emotional damage or hurt. As caregivers, we need to understand that it is acceptable to alter the truth to protect our patients and loved ones because they have little or no recognition of reality anymore.
Caregivers and family members face hurdles every day when caring for someone with dementia. It is essential for caregivers to meet the patient where they are and enter into their reality. If we enter into the patient’s world, ultimately, there will be less anxiety and stress. Confrontation will only cause more outbursts and disruption. We must consider the damage that telling the truth will do, versus telling a fib.
Therapeutic fibbing is one of many helpful techniques that caregivers can utilize. Here’s how:
Situation: An Alzheimer’s patient refuses to take a shower.
Solution: Mrs. Smith, your daughter wants to take you out for dinner tonight when she gets home from work. We want to make sure that you look your best for her. We can pick out a special outfit for you to wear after you get your shower.
Situation: An Alzheimer’s patient wants to have dinner ready for her husband when he gets home from work. (Her husband passed away five year ago).
Solution: I would love to help you with dinner, mom. What do you think Dad would like to have tonight? (Hint: Don’t mention the fact that he’s been gone for five years. Act as if he is still alive. Mom doesn’t need to go through the pain of learning that her husband has died if she believes he is still alive).
Situation: You’re introducing a caregiver to your parent who has Alzheimer’s Disease. (Most patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia will not accept new caregivers easily. One way to introduce a caregiver to the home is to bring them for a different reason).
Solution: Dad, this is John. He is from our church and thought it would be nice to play a game of cards with you. He is a good friend of Pastor Smith.
Most of us were raised with the belief that lying is not a good thing. But when caring for a patient with dementia, therapeutic fibbing is an act of love and kindness.
Learn more about our Friendly Visit Program for those who may be resistant to care.
Posted by Lauren Batalka on Fri, Jul 30, 2010
Each year, thousands of elders face abuse in their homes, relatives’ or friends’ homes, nursing facilities and hospitals. You may suspect that an elder is being abused in one way or another. It is important to understand the different types of abuse, signs and symptoms to help identify a problem. By understanding abuse, you may be able to help someone or even safe-guard yourself from future abuse.
What is Elder abuse? Elder abuse is any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or serious risk of harm.
Types of Abuse
- Psychological Abuse- the infliction of anguish, pain or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts; disparaging or derogatory expressed directly towards the patient; humiliation, harassment, threats of punishment or deprivation.
- Examples- Threatening with punishment, yelling, screaming or using demeaning language.
- Signs- Being emotionally upset or agitated, withdrawn, non-communicative or non-responsive.
- Sexual Abuse- sexual contact with any person incapable of giving consent, unwanted touching and all types of sexual assault and battery.
- Examples- Intimately touching a patient during bathing. Any sexual activity that occurs when one or both parties cannot or do not consent.
- Signs- Bruises around the breasts or genital areas.
- Physical Abuse- The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury or physical pain.
- Examples- Hitting, slapping, beating, punching, shoving, spitting at the patient.
- Signs- Bruises, black eyes, broken bones, cuts.
- Financial Abuse- illegal or improper use of a patient’s funds, property or assets.
- Examples- Stealing or helping oneself to any of the patient’s possessions without permission.
- Signs- Missing clothing, missing valuables, missing food or other personal belongings.
- Neglect- deprivation of goods or services which are necessary to maintain physical or mental health.
- Examples- Failure to provide necessary medical attention. Withholding food, water or other items. Not assisting a patient whom you know needs help with eating.
- Signs- Patient’s room is not clean, bed linens are not changed or food is served cold. Weight loss due to lack of proper help with eating.
- Rights violation- violating a person’s rights (privacy or freedom)
- Confining someone against his/her will. Controlling someone’s behavior. Improper use of restraints or medication to control difficult behavior.
Situations that may contribute to Abuse or Neglect:
- Patients who may require increased care, which may in turn increase stress on the caregiver.
- Lack of training and knowledge
- Stressful life situations: Overworked, tired, stressed or unappreciated.
- Anger and resentment
- Retaliation for past child abuse
- Poor communication skills
- Working with aggressive patients
- Working with patients who have dementia or mental illness
Symptoms of stress
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Impending feelings of doom or dread
- Headaches
- Stomach aches
- Anger
- Pain
- Tearfulness
- Forgetfulness
- Indifference
At the end of your rope?
It is important to know your limits and abilities. Recognize your symptoms of stress and ask for help. Find a local support group or a community resource and use it to your advantage.
How to report abuse
If you have a reason to suspect elder abuse in any form, call the Pennsylvania toll free Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-866-623-2137. Email at elderabuse@attorneygeneral.gov or fill out an Elder Abuse Complaint Form.
Posted by Lauren Batalka on Tue, Jul 27, 2010
Music therapy is now more than ever used with Alzheimer’s patients. Studies show that music therapy programs can help with behavioral issues in Alzheimer’s patients such as aggression and agitation. Music therapy may also help with sleep issues in Alzheimer’s patients.
Alzheimer’s patients who have a decline in their language function may find that music therapy can serve as a means of communication. Language is processed by one part of the brain, while music is processed by many different parts of the brain. The many elements in music are processed differently, which help stimulate the brain.
Music can stir long-term memories. Familiar music can be more beneficial than unfamiliar music, as it will evoke a more positive experience. Music from our past is better known to our brain and is therefore more comforting and reassuring. A patient’s enjoyment is typically increased as they dance or sing along with the music. Encouragement of singing along, swaying, clapping or dancing can be very therapeutic as well.
Music to Tune Into
Popular music from one’s past can be associated with fond memories. Try to stick with what they’ll know.
Age 65
- “All For the Love of a Girl”- Johnny Horton
- “Among My Souvenirs” – Connie Francis
- “Apron Strings”- Cliff Richard
- “The Battle of New Orleans”- Johnny Horton
- “Mack the Knife”- Bobby Darin
Age 75
- “’A’ You’re Adorable”- Perry Como
- “Again”- Gordon Jenkins
- “At the End of the Road”- Frankie Laine
- “Baby, I Need You”- Frankie Laine
- “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”- Dinah Shore and Buddy Clarke
Age 85
- “And the Angels Sing”- Martha Tilton With Benny Goodman and His Orchestra
- “Beer Barrel Polka”-The Andrews Sisters
- “Deep Purple”- Larry Clinton
- “Jeepers Creepers”-Al Donohue
- “Moon Love”-Glenn Miller
Age 95
- “Am I Blue?”- Ethel Waters
- “Button Up Your Overcoat”-Helen Kane
- “I Want to Be Bad”-Annette Hanshaw
- “I’ll Get By”-Aileen Stanley
Learn more about how our caregivers can help with your loved one's needs, click here.
Posted by Home Helpers on Thu, Jul 22, 2010
If you or your loved one served during wartime, you may be eligible for The Aid and Attendance Pension, an under-used benefit created to pay some of your in-home care or facility care expenses. Aid and Attendance is not new, but few know that it even exists.
To qualify, claimants must be incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance with their normal activities of daily living (ADL’s). The basic criteria include the inability to feed oneself, to dress and undress without assistance, or to take care of one’s own bodily needs. People who may be bedridden or need help to adjust special prosthetic or orthopedic devices may also be eligible, as well as those who have a physical or mental injury or illness that requires assistance on a regular basis.
For a wartime veteran or surviving spouse to qualify for the monthly pension, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of which was during a period of war, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Additional information and assistance in applying for the Aid and Attendance benefit may be obtained at www.va.gov or from any local Veteran’s service organization.
Visit www.HomeHelpersPhilly.com to find an office near you and ask about the Veterans Express Program.
Posted by Home Helpers on Fri, Jul 16, 2010
Caring for someone who is elderly or has a chronic illness might just be the hardest job out there. Before you know it, your daily stressors may lead to caregiver burnout. To prevent caregiver burnout, it’s vital to know how to manage your stress and focus on your quality of life.
What is stress?
Stress is a person’s physical and emotional response to change. This can be positive or negative, short term or long lasting.
Why is stress harmful?
The body can deal relatively well with short term stress. Long term or chronic stress causes unrelenting wear and tear on the body.
How does stress affect the body?
Stress symptoms affect each of us in a different way. Some people may experience:
Palpitations, chest pain, ulcers, heartburn, diarrhea, tension headaches, aching jaw, neck/back/shoulder pain, frequent cold, cold sores or fever blisters, sleeplessness, moodiness, frequent arguments.
What does stress do to the body’s systems?
- Nervous system- The reaction of this system puts the entire stress response into motion. A multitude of hormones are released to assist your body to respond to the perceived danger. The nervous system’s reaction to stress can cause fear, anxiety, excitement and panic.
- Cardiovascular System- This system can react to stress with an increase in heart rate, resulting in chest pain. It may also cause blood vessel constriction resulting in decreased blood flow to the heart, increased workload for the heart and eventual heart failure. Constant presence of stress hormones creates a constant state of tension in the body that eventually results in Hypertension.
- Respiratory System- Breathing becomes rapid so the lungs can take in more oxygen. The immune system can become susceptible to infections.
- Digestive System- Due to direct effects of the hormones, diarrhea and heartburn can occur. Bloating and constipation may be a problem due to the shutdown of the digestive system as a non-essential activity in cases of acute stress.
- Skin- Blood flow is diverted away from the skin to support the heart and muscle tissues. This can result in cool, clammy, sweaty skin.
- Psychological Effects- Stress is associated with the onset of depression or anxiety.
How can I de-stress?
- Participate in relaxation exercises such as yoga, meditation, walking, stretching, etc.
- Take a break
- Work out
- Take a bath
- Count to 10
- Journal
- Listen to music
- Vent
- Pray
You have the right to:
- Put yourself first
- Make mistakes
- Speak up if you have been treated unfairly
- Feel and express pain
- ASK FOR HELP
- Ask for clarification
- Be left alone when you want to be
- Receive formal recognition
- Say "no"
Do you need to relax and recharge? Click HERE to learn more about our Flexi-Rest Program.
Posted by Lauren Batalka on Thu, Jul 08, 2010
Today's society is preoccupied by gadgets, productivity and beauty, not the wrinkled bodies of our elderly. Research shows that the lack of touch from a caregiver is distressing to the person receiving care.
Those diagnosed with mental illness or those who are elderly are shown to be touched the least. Human beings have an increased need for nurturing and touch as they age. The elderly who do not have family nearby often rely on healthcare professional to nurture them.
Touch is the most developed sense when an infant is born and continues to play a fundamental role in communication development throughout life.
The benefits of touch:
- Therapeutic as a form of nonverbal communication
- Decreases sensory deprivation
- Increases reality orientation
- Stimulates elderly minds
- Decreases pain
- Decreases isolation and vulnerability
- Forms a sense of companionship
- Touch is an excellent form of nonverbal communication.
- Touch conveys trust, hope, and reassurance to patients.
- Caregivers describe a personal feeling of reward when intentionally physically contacting another human being.
Clinicians report excellent results with the elderly:
- It helped to promote sleep
- Enhanced feelings of well being
- Decreased blood pressure
A 1-year study project looked at the effects of gentle massage on two groups of elderly nursing home residents:
- Those suffering from chronic pain and those with dementia who were exhibit anxious or agitated behaviors.
-Touch decreased pain and anxiety scores in the patients.
-Communication between patients and staff was shown to improve.
To the elderly person in a healthcare facility, receiving touch in the form of gentle massage reduces the emotional strain of living away from familiar surroundings.
In the end, the patient feels cared about, the relationship grows and both lives are changed forever.
“Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.” -Mother Teresa of Calcutta