Articles:
Recognizing and Addressing Fall Risks Among the Elderly
Falls and fall-related injuries are a critical public health problem for older adults. The National Safety Council estimates that persons over the age of 65 have the highest mortality rate from injuries. Among older adults, fall-related injuries cause more deaths than either pneumonia or diabetes. Falls account for about one-half of the deaths due to injury in the elderly.
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November is National Family Caregivers Month
It was back in 1994 that the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) began promoting the celebration of family caregivers during the week of Thanksgiving. Three years later, President Bill Clinton signed the first Presidential proclamation appreciating family caregivers, and since then, each year a Presidential proclamation has been made. Over the years, as interest has grown regarding family caregiver issues, National Family Caregivers Week has become National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated during the month of November. The NFCA coordinates National Family Caregivers Month as a time to thank, support and educate the more than 65 million family members, friends, partners and neighbors across the nation who are caregivers.
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Adult Day Centers: Tips for Coping with ‘Back to School’ Blues
As so many of us are dealing with the rush of back to school preparation, we thought it would be timely to speak about Adult Day Services (ADS). ADS provide a protective environment for older adults who are not capable of full-time independent living. They also provide much-needed respite for primary caregivers, enabling them to work outside of the home or to take a break from the daily rigors of 24-hour caregiving. Daily services such as socialization, recreation, nutrition, transportation, supervision, basic personal care and self-help training can be found in most Adult Day Centers (ADCs). Some centers even offer additional medical care that can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, basic medical care, nursing care and more intensive personal care.
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Stretching the Truth: Therapuetic Fibbing as a Dementia Care Tool
Validate, an interesting word, and one that I suspect as a caregiver you may hear given as a suggestion to help you through your day-to-day caregiving tasks. We all know how important quality of life is, but how do we maximize that quality when caring for a loved one who may be struggling with cognitive impairment?
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May is Older Americans Month
In 1963, after meeting with The National Council of Senior Citizens, President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month, encouraging the nation to honor its elders in a variety of ways. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter changed the name of this tribute to Older Americans Month, but the goal remains the same: to celebrate those 65 and older through ceremonies, events and acts of public recognition.
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It’s Brain Awareness Month! Tips For Brain Protection
There are 1.4 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the U.S. annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to Dr. Michael Noir, approximately 5.3 million Americans (that’s almost 2% of the US population) currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help as a result of a TBI. The estimated lifetime costs of brain injury (including direct medical costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity) totaled $60 billion in 2000 and has been on the rise ever since. Most TBIs are the result of a fall -- and every year, one in three Americans over the age of 65 falls.
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Urinary Tract Infections: Warning Signs & Prevention
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can represent a serious problem for any senior. Although people of any age can suffer a UTI, it is most likely to occur in seniors, because as we age, our bodies have more trouble fighting off infections. In addition, naturally weakened bladder muscles promote poor bladder emptying and incontinence -- two big risk factors for UTIs.
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February Is Heart Health Month. 5 Ways to Show You Care.
Heart health is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for seniors. Like all muscles, the heart becomes weaker and less efficient as we age. Our blood vessels lose elasticity and may accumulate fatty deposits that weaken them. These changes force the heart to work harder to pump the same amount of blood, which can be dangerous for anyone, especially the elderly.
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New Methods for Detecting Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. If you are at risk for developing heart disease due to age, family history or lifestyle choices, you can take steps now to reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your heart health. You may need tests done to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD).
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The Top Seven Resolutions For Caregivers In 2011
If you’re a caregiver, you know that it’s a tough job -- and it’s even tougher without a plan for your own health and well-being. Fortunately, the arrival of the New Year is a perfect time to make a resolution: have a plan to simplify your caregiving duties and manage the stress of being a caregiver.
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How To Help Caregivers Stay Relaxed For The Holidays
When someone takes on the responsibility of being the primary caregiver for an elderly loved one, they are giving an incredible gift. They are also, however, embarking on a journey that will bring challenges all year long. The job of a caregiver is especially difficult during December, when shopping, traveling, and other preparations for the holidays make for an extra-busy schedule. Strained, stressed and exhausted caregivers are especially at risk.
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November Is American Diabetes Month -- Find Out What You Can Do To Help
Almost 24 million Americans struggle with diabetes every single day of the year, and an estimated 10% of hospital admissions are attributed to diabetes . This is 7% of the U.S. population, and a 30% increase from 2003! That’s why it’s so important for all of us to make the most of this month and spread the word about what we can do to slow the occurance rate of diabetes. Together, through education and proactive behavior, we can reign in the financial, physical and emotional damage of this horrible disease.
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Recognizing Our Caregivers For National Family Caregivers’ Month
Ever since President Clinton made the first proclamation of National Family Caregivers Month in 1997, November has been a time of gratitude for our nation’s caregivers. If you’re currently caring for a family member or loved one, you deserve our biggest thank you.
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Getting Older Loved Ones To Accept In-Home Care
When those who are closest to you can no longer take care of themselves, you want to do your best to help them. And when your time and resources become scarce, the best way to help them is often in-home care.
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Is Your Elderly Loved One Taking Their Medication Properly?
Approximately 20% of seniors are using about 50 prescriptions every year! Keeping up with multiple medications can be a challenge, especially when certain prescriptions must be taken at specific times during the day. This task can be even more daunting for a senior who has vision or memory impairment. The rate of noncompliance is even higher in patients with chronic illnesses. This is because the drug regimens for these patients are often long-term and complex, and alter existing behavioral patterns.
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The Facts About Caregiver Respite
We all know someone who is caring for a loved one. In the U.S., nearly 65 million caregivers are helping a family member, friend or neighbor who is ill, disabled or elderly or has special-needs. This is roughly one-third of the adult population.
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America's Seniors Are A Strong Population
Every May since 1963, Older Americans Month has been honored with a presidential proclamation. In May 2005, former President George W. Bush stated, “Older Americans help others to understand the past, and they teach timeless lessons of courage, endurance and love.
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The Home Helpers Total Care Plan™
A Customized Care Plan Offering Help – Every Step of the Way. When looking for an in-home senior care provider, you won’t have trouble finding one. However, finding one who does it passionately and with a remarkable difference is another story.
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The Home Helpers Client & Caregiver Matching Program™
At Home Helpers, we believe compassion and compatibility are essential to exceptional in-home care. We care about your physical and emotional needs and believe that a holistic approach is the only approach to total quality care.
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Home Helpers Client Testimonials
In mid-2009, Danielle and Linda Scheir were desperately looking for a caregiver to help their mother, Millie, who had just been placed in a hospice program as she battled the latter stages of emphysema. Millie was adamant that she wanted to stay in her home – a home that she loved and one which was comfortable for her.
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Raise Awareness for Parkinson’s Disease - Tuesday, March 16, 2010
April is Parkinson’s Awareness month. It’s a time to bring greater attention, focus and action to this debilitating disease. The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) estimates that there are nearly one million people in the United States living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and 4.1 million people with PD worldwide.
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Durable Medical Equipment: What's Covered And What's Not? - Thursday, February 18, 2010
Family caregivers often ask, "What equipment does my loved one need to live safely in his or her home, and is covered by insurance?"
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Maintain An Active Lifestyle At Any Age - Tuesday, January 26, 2010
As people get older, they tend to move less and avoid doing the things they once loved for fear of injury and/or falls. But there is truth to the saying, "If you don't move it, you lose it."
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Look for Signs of Decline in Your Elders During the Holidays - Thursday, December 17, 2009
With the holidays fast-approaching, here are a few tips to consider while visiting loved ones this holiday season. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of aging parents or relatives, take this opportunity to observe and note potential safety risks. Extended holiday visits provide opportunities to informally assess loved ones in a variety of situations. They're a great time to ask questions and uncover concerns...
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The Important and Sometimes Overlooked Role of the Caregiver - Friday, November 20, 2009
November is National Caregivers Month. It is a time to celebrate and appreciate the millions of people who unselfishly give of themselves to help others maintain their independence and maximize quality of life. Caregivers include unpaid family members and neighbors who lend a helping hand to those in need...
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Caregiver Screening Helps Protect Seniors from Abuse - Thursday, November 12, 2009
Financial, emotional, physical elder abuse – sadly, it’s happening with alarming frequency. Recently, there have been a growing number of reports of caregivers using their position to swindle older people out of their life savings, and inflict emotional and physical pain on those they’re supposed to help.
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Long-Term Care Insurance Getting Attention - Thursday, June 11, 2009
Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is an expensive and complicated product. It's sold by a shrinking number of financially challenged insurers and subject to differing state rules that aren't always effectively enforced. Consumers have faced large rate increases, and complaints about industry sales practices and claims denials are on the rise. No wonder that private LTCI paid for only 7 percent of the nation's long-term care bill in 2007. Why would anyone want to buy this product?
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Home Helpers Forms Partnership with International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) - Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The idea of an elderly parent or grandparent being abused is a sickening thought for most people; however, national statistics confirm that as many as 300,000 senior citizens are abused or neglected each year.
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Simple Steps Can Help Prevent Dangerous Falls in Seniors' Homes - Monday, February 9, 2009
For people who want to stay in their homes as they age, avoiding falls is a top priority.
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How to Set Up a Caregiving Agreement - Friday, January 30, 2009
More than 50 million family members provide more than $300 billion a year in uncompensated care to family members
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SENIOR SAVVY: Advice on hiring a personal care aide - Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Q: My father has finally agreed to accept help in the home with household chores and with personal care. He has the name of a person who is willing to step into that role. Is this a practical idea or should I go through an agency? Read More ...
Community Links:
» Alzheimer's Association of Delaware Valley
» Benefits Check Up
» Crozer Keystone Village
» Chester Co. Area Office on Aging
» Del. County Office on Aging / COSA
» National Family Caregivers Association
» National Private Duty Association
» Montgomery County Office of Aging and Adult Services
» PA Senior Law Help Line
email Archives:
February - In-Home Medical Equipment: The Facts
January - A Healthy Resolution for the Elderly
December - Holidays: Time to Notice Changes in Your Elders
November - Protecting Seniors from Abuse
October - Dementia and Living at Home
September - Hospices: Myth Vs. Fact
August - How to Avoid the Eldercare Nightmare