Posts Tagged ‘Elderly’

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Caring For The Elderly – Dealing With The Stressful Job

by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Wednesday, 1/13/2010

Taking care of an elderly person is stressful to say the least. By the time you accept the fact that you are required to take care of the aging parent, your help is urgently needed. You have some catching up to do in the role of a primary caregiver to your elderly parent, in the form of controlling their finances and lifestyle and taking stock of their medical situation.

Very often, neither the caregiver nor the person being cared for has volunteered for the job. The caregiver may not like to be burdened with the additional responsibility. The senior citizen may be hostile, resistant or downright disagreeable causing much stress to both the individuals involved. Since these may be your parents you are taking care of, you are used to obeying their instructions. But since the roles have now been reversed, the fact is difficult to accept for both, the parent and the child.

You may have certain expectations from your siblings or your own high standards. When these expectations are not met, it leads to frustration. As a caregiver, one has to learn to compromise. Your parents may need constant attention which you may not be in a position to provide. Realistically speaking, spending as much time as possible with your aged parents after taking care of your family, your job, housework and yourself, would be a reasonable expectation.

The individual entrusted with the role of primary caregiver must recognize that the stress levels in his life will increase. Stress is deemed to be one of the major causes of mental or physical health problems in adults. When stress levels begin to overwhelm you and become difficult to cope, you may end up with health problems of your own. This is not the best of situations, as this will affect you as well as the person being cared for and even the rest of the family.

It is a struggle for one person to manage the job of looking after the aged parents. The family of the caregiver should be supportive and involve themselves in the activity as much as possible, to share the burden. If you are not living close to your aged parents, and your sibling is looking after them, make efforts to help out as much as possible by calling up the parents regularly or helping in any other way you can. Avoid nagging suggestions to the caregiver, even though they may be meant for the good of the parents. Make sure to communicate your gratefulness and support to your sibling so that he or she is not made to feel alone in this endeavor.

As an individual, you can deal with the stress levels yourself. Your aged parents depend on you, being the primary caregiver. So it is as much your duty to take care of yourself for their sake. This way you can be a better caregiver, lead a stress free life and take care of all your responsibilities as well. This should be the healthy approach to elderly care, if it is to be long term responsibility that you will need to fulfill.

Abhishek successfully runs an Old Age Home and he has got some great Eldercare Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 80 Pages Ebook, “How To Take Great Care Of Elders” from his website http://www.Senior-Guides.com/560/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

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Four Reasons For Dog Incontinence In Your Elderly Dog

by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Tuesday, 1/12/2010

Are you worried about dog incontinence in your aging dog?

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Suicide and the Elderly

by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Tuesday, 1/12/2010

Suicide has become a major concern amongst the older adults of society with the over 65s becoming one of the highest risk groups for suicidal behaviours. In fact, white males over 65 have the highest risk group of all for suicide. In fact, previous studies have shown that, although adults over 65 made up only 13 percent of the population, they made up 18 percent of all deaths by suicide.

This trend may be due to a number of factors such as depression, chronic pain, physical or mental illness, death of spouse, retirement and lack of social networks. Older men living alone and no longer engaged in productive activity such as employment, face a greater risk of suicide than married men or women. Often, it is a combination of all the aging factors that lead them to this end.

When you think about it, elderly couples have often been together for several decades, raising children and living happy lives as a couple. They see themselves as a half of a whole and the death of the other half is devastating. It is not at all uncommon for the spouse left behind to feel that he or she is just not able to live without the other. They may also see death as being reunited with the spouse who has already passed on.

Retirement can also be traumatic, particularly if the person has been in the job for many years. This sudden loss of productiveness and the associated social interaction may leave the person feeling isolated and worthless to society. Sadly, elderly people make sure that the act of suicide will be successful as they are more determined to die. Where younger people are often making a call for help, the elderly have decided that they no longer want to live and are therefore four times more likely to be successful.

There is also a large number of deaths caused by homicide-suicide. In the majority of cases, the person kills his spouse before killing himself. People over 55 years of age account for the majority of these deaths with about one and a half thousand people dying this way each year.

It is important to be aware of the warning signs of suicide in the elderly and to be careful in the techniques of approaching this behaviour. Some signs to watch for may be irritability, changes in appetite, change in sleep patterns, chronic pain or headaches. Of course, these may not be a sign of the person considering suicide and are only an indication. Medical interventions may be all that is needed. The person’s physician can assess them for depression to avoid possible suicidal behaviour.

Depression is a biological mental disorder where people feel sad, hopeless, or lost. They may lose the ability to concentrate and often show significant changes in sleep or eating patterns. Often a person suffering from depression thinks about ending their life and suicide may occur when the person has major depression.

Not everyone gives out warning signals before a suicide attempt. However, most show some form of indication to friends or family members.

If you believe that someone is at risk of committing suicide, don’t take it lightly. Offer the person support and take action to avoid the act. Putting the person in contact with crisis intervention agencies, psychiatric services, or support groups is a great way to start. Become involved by showing that you care, listening to their troubles, and generally giving them hope and encouragement.

If you are a family member or friend, organise other members of the family or other friends to visit regularly. Talk about the happy times, helping the person to recall joyous memories. These acts can help to ward off depression. Being a support system may make all of the difference to the person’s feelings of being wanted and loved and may help to prevent suicide. Feelings can be changed and suicide can be prevented.

Anne is the owner of http://www.softwaremegastore.net and http://www.annabellescheapies.com and http://www.travellintunes.com and has been involved in internet marketing for several years. She is both a mother and a doting grandmother. She has a wide variety of interests and loves to write.

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Moving House And The Elderly – Make The Next Home For Your Parents Memorable

by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Monday, 1/11/2010

In the life of a senior citizen, there might be some massive events. Lot of them can relate themselves in terms of the incredible change of lifestyle which happened to them and to the situation when the aging parent makes a move out of home and settles in an assisted living facility. The decision to be made is very emotional as the mom and dad belonging to the house will have fond memories of it.

Once you are done with the bold decision of moving your parents to an assisted living apartment, the other thing to consider is about the facilities provided to them. There can be a lot of factors involved in this. So it is better to prepare a checklist of things to do to facilitate them. Do not act fussy or stingy when you are preparing the checklist. You should keep in mind that it is for you parents and it will be a place that you will be visiting more than often. So please make sure that mom and dad enjoy the place they are moving to.

The checklist you have decided to prepare has to be spot-on. They need to have the best possible facilities and it is your duty to provide them the comfort zone. An apartment for the elderly people is very different compared to a usual apartment complex. There will be special and specific facilities in terms of the physical plant and the way they function will make you believe it is the right place for them. The important items that ought to be present in your checklist are:

1. Safety
2. Food services
3. Emergency facilities
4. Ability to respond
5. Look and feel of the society.

One advantage you can take home is that your parents will be amidst many seniors and they will not feel left out. Social events will be held often for the elders to enjoy there time and not feel homesick. Try interviewing a few residents residing there to get a feel about the place and to know the activities taking place within the apartment. You will know if there are other elders who can be friendly with your mom and dad and not create problems with them. If you can get the opportunity to allow your parents to stay over there just to get the feel of it, then it might be very useful.

The other important thing you need to worry about is the proximity of the place. It will make things simpler for you as you will not need to run back and forth dozen times a week. Hence, if the apartment is close-by it will surely help you to have an eye o what is happening there and also would be quite comforting for them if you would make a visit frequently.

Even before making a decision about your parent’s move to an entirely different place, you must have discussed with all your friends and relatives about what kind of facilities you expect. You should have made early enquiries on the possible apartments available for your mom and dad so that you don’t make hasty decisions when you really want them to move.

It is very vital to take your parents along while looking out for homes for them. This will certainly help their case as they will want to live peacefully and happily in the most comforting place. They might even start interacting with all the residents about the various events in the future. This will certainly be a booster as this would mean they are quite enthusiastic about the move. If they take it as an adventure in life, it will be very pleasing for you to move them. If your mom or dad seem happy about the place and the various activities there, nothing is more satisfying.

Abhishek successfully runs an Old Age Home and he has got some great Eldercare Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 80 Pages Ebook, “How To Take Great Care Of Elders” from his website http://www.Senior-Guides.com/560/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

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Preventing Falls for the Elderly

by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Sunday, 1/10/2010

As a registered nurse and caregiver of the elderly for almost 15 years, one of the most disturbing problems I have seen has been fall related injuries. Over and over again, I have seen life jerked out from under elderly people in the blink of an eye due to fractured hips, head injuries, and multiple internal problems that could have been prevented. The Center for Disease Control has published the following statistics:

More than one-third of adults ages 65 years and older fall each year (Hornbrook 1994; Hausdorff 2001).

? Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths (Murphy 2000) and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma (Alexander 1992).

? In 2003 more than 1.8 million seniors age 65 and older were treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries and more than 421,000 were hospitalized (CDC 2005).

In 2002, nearly 13,000 people ages 65 and older died from fall-related injuries (CDC 2004). More than 60% of people who die from falls are 75 and older (Murphy 2000).

? Of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures or head traumas that reduce mobility and independence, and increase the risk of premature death (Sterling 2001).

? Among people ages 75 years and older, those who fall are four to five times more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or longer (Donald 1999).

? Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (Jager 2000).

? Among older adults, the majority of fractures are caused by falls (Bell 2000).

? Approximately 3% to 5% of older adult falls cause fractures (Cooper 1992; Wilkins 1999). Based on the 2000 census, this translates to 360,000 to 480,000 fall-related fractures each year.

These statistics make one realize how essential it is to protect our elderly population from becoming another number to add to the list. As the owner of Servant’s Heart Homemaker Services, we strive to do everything we can to make the homes of our clients a safe and secure environment for them. Here are some suggestions to follow in order to do the same for your loved ones as well:

? Make sure all rooms are well lit and light switches are easy to reach, even when getting up out of bed. Keep a flash light in more than one place that’s easy to find in emergencies

? Make sure stairways are secure by installing hand rails and ensuring good lighting that’s easy to control at both ends of the stairway. Make sure that carpeting is not loose or frayed on stairways

? Secure the bathroom with grab bars and bath mats and/or safety strips in the tub or shower. Provide a shower bench. Elevated toilet seats can be very helpful for taller individuals, along with grab bars around the toilet

? Keep clutter to a minimum; make sure there are no telephone or electrical cords in pathways throughout the house. Tack rugs and glue vinyl flooring to prevent tripping. Make certain that all rugs or runners have non-slip backing ? or better yet, remove them completely if possible

? Encourage your loved ones to wear nonslip, low-heeled shoes or slippers that properly fit their feet. Tell them to never walk around in stocking feet.

? Provide a walker or cane if necessary. Make sure they stay seated when feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and remind them to stand up slowly

? Some medications , including over the counter medicines, can cause drowsiness and/or an unsteady gait. Be sure your loved one is aware when taking these medications, and takes extra precautions to prevent injuries

? Remember outside hazards; paint stairs with a mixture of sand and paint for better traction. Keep outdoor walkways and entrances clear, well-lighted, and free of snow and ice

? Take your loved one for regular eye and hearing exams. Poor eyesight can be hazardous when ambulating. Inner ear problems can cause dizziness and affect balance.

? Make sure your loved ones get regular exercise to strengthen muscles and limit alcohol intake to avoid unsteadiness.

Finally, be sure to provide them with a personal emergency response service to ensure that they can get help should they experience a fall. These systems are available through a variety of different businesses, and are essential in providing security for older people who live at home alone.

Implementation of these suggestions will require a great deal of effort, but may help your elderly loved one live safely at home and enjoy years of good living ahead of them.

Jo Nelson is a Registered Nurse and the owner and administrator of Servant’s Heart Home Health Services in North Central Indiana. Servant’s Heart offers a variety of services to help patients live safely and comfortably at home, from 24 hour care to skilled nursing services. Visit us on the web at servantsheartservices.com.

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Old Colony Elderly Services Appoints Erin Maki as New Finance Director

by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Sunday, 1/10/2010

In her new position as Finance Director, Ms. Maki will oversee a staff of 11 accountants and customer service representatives; she will be responsible for contract management and presenting financial reports to OCES? Board of Directors.

Ms. Maki has a decade of experience in monitoring contracts through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For six years before joining OCES, she was an Accounting Supervisor for a visiting nurses agency in Attleboro. She also worked as a Senior Accountant for the Kennedy Donovan Center in Foxboro for three years.

Ms. Maki holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting from Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. She is a native of Somerset, MA.

?We?re very pleased to have Erin as part of our talented team. Her expertise makes her an asset to our organization,? noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About Old Colony Elderly Services

Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The organization?s mission is to provide services which will support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

One of the Commonwealth?s 27 non-profit Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs),

OCES serves the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The agency has 110 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oc-elderly.org.

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Old Colony Elderly Services and Wareham Council on Aging Team Up to Host Barbecue

by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Sunday, 1/10/2010

The barbecue was held at the Multi Service Center in Wareham and 70 seniors were in attendance. This is the first joint venture between the OCES Nutrition Program and the Wareham Council on Aging.

OCES provided a delectable spread of barbecue favorites including chicken, and the COA provided entertainment with the costumed Sing-Along Singers, Tom and Sheila Monahan of Wareham, who performed American favorites from the 1900s-1970s.

COA board member Dennis Allen was also on hand, helping to serve the food.

OCES will be collaborating with the Wareham COA in the future and helping with education as well as special events and programs.

?It was a fun, lighthearted event and everyone we?ve spoken with said they had a terrific time. We had beautiful weather, the food was delicious and Tom and Sheila were truly entertaining,? noted Janet Smith-Rushton, Day Center Director at the COA. ?We look forward to working with OCES on future events.?

OCES serves the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

About Old Colony Elderly Services

Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The organization?s mission is to provide services which will support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 110 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oc-elderly.org.

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Old Colony Elderly Services Launches Supportive Housing Program in Brockton

by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Sunday, 1/10/2010


The Supportive Housing program, which operates from a 10 story building housing 266 residents at 105 Bel Air Street, gives senior residents and those who are under 65 years old and disabled, more enhanced services that are meant to help them ?age in place?.

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Old Colony Elderly Services to Hold Bbq for Seniors at Wareham Council on Aging

by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Saturday, 1/9/2010

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Adapting Yourself To Elderly parents – Repaying Your Caregiver In Full

by bobcrabtree1 Posted: Saturday, 1/9/2010

Parents perform mammoth tasks for their kids and make sure they blossom into well-balanced and healthy individuals. As one moves into the adult phase of one’s life, they slowly realize how much their parents have done for them, and also how they finally get an opportunity to repay them.

There are some things that you must do in order to improve the quality of living of your family. There are several practices that you must avoid so that you become more useful to the family and thereby bringing your family members close together. Being a good parent is a full time duty. When you have children you are loaded with responsibilities that need to be completed. In case your elderly parents are alive and living with you, this may be an issue for some people. It is important that we learn to adjust with our parents who are old and still living with us.

Around the world, we find different trends. It is seen that in some regions, children live with their parents and with the paternal side of the kids. In such a situation, children are used to seeing their grandparents around the house. In some other cases, we find that children move out of their parents’ house when they are old enough to earn their living. Now, these kinds of people are not familiar with the idea of having old parents living with them. When your parents become old, it becomes your duty to shower them with the care and love that you were given when you were young. Your parents are the ones who loved you unconditionally. Although they were aware of the fact that you would leave them in your search for a spouse and a career, they showered their unconditional love on you.

It is the duty of every child to care for parents who are suffering from old age. The problem cannot be solved by just sending your parents away to a retirement home. We must ensure that we respect our elders and care for them during their old age. The old must be given the importance and all due respect that they deserve and most important of all, children must always allot time to be spent with their elderly parents. As your parents start growing old they lose their ability to do simple tasks by themselves. This is the time when you must be with them. Remember that they have put up with all your demands and tantrums while you were young, they have fulfilled all your needs throughout your life, until you were able to support yourself. Now, you must repay them in full with the same love that they showered on you. Give them your precious time and show them all due respect.

Generally, kids are very fond of their grandparents because they are very loving towards them. Besides, grandparents spend more time with the kids. This gives the children a very comfortable feeling towards their grandparent. This is a healthy relationship and family bonding becomes stronger this way.

We must learn to be very patient with our parents during their old age. Sometimes parents tend to act unreasonably during old age, and may not behave in an understanding and reasonable manner. It becomes the child’s duty to be patient and tolerant towards their parents. We owe our parents this much and we must follow it as far as it lies within our capacity.

Abhishek successfully runs an Old Age Home and he has got some great Eldercare Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 80 Pages Ebook, “How To Take Great Care Of Elders” from his website http://www.Senior-Guides.com/560/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

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