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What To Do About Senior Day Care

eldercareblog — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:49:58 +0000

Senior day care Centers are a growing business, but to many these are a new concept. Still, they provide safe surroundings for loved ones while caregivers work, run errands or just seek respite.

Senior Day Care is sometimes called adult day care. These businesses offer senior day care for those who are older, physically or cognitively disabled and cannot be home alone during the day.

Finding senior day care takes some effort, but those who utilize them have found a great deal of help. ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center offers some good advice via their fact sheet, Adult Day Care: One Form of Respite for Older Adults. They explain that there are three different types of adult day care. They are Adult day social care, Adult day health care and Alzheimer’s or dementia specific adult day care.

They suggest that caregivers do their senior day care research to figure out which type of center will best fit their needs. They also say that quality senior day care programs should include assessments of individual needs before admission, active programming that will offer daily social, recreational and rehabilitive needs of the client.
It is also suggested that the senior day care offer a monitored, individual treatment plan. The senior day care facility should offer referrals and offer the criteria for termination. Does the senior day care offer in-house services such as transportation, meals, health screening and monitoring, educational programs and counseling? Is the senior day care facility safe and secure? Does the senior day care follow state and national guidelines?

You can begin searching or senior day care programs via your local or state Association of Aging or even via your local phone book. you will also want to check with the Better Business Bureau and see if they monitor Senior Day Cares. You can contact The National Council on Aging, The Eldercare Locator and the National Adult Day Services to read their guidelines for senior day care services. Your family physician, friends and neighbors may also be able to recommend a good senior day care service. No matter what, you will always want to ask and check out all references and credentials. The cost of senior day care can be anywhere from $25 per day to $79 per day. It is reported that many senior day care programs offer a sliding fee so that families can pay according to their income.

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What To Do About Senior Day Care

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3 Tips For Geriatric Care Management You Can Use Today

eldercareblog — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:48:58 +0000

The field of Geriatric Care Management has grown in part due to the fact that the number of doctors practicing geriatrics is decreasing. The American Geriatrics Society reports that there are currently 7,590 certified geriatricians in the US — one geriatrician for every 2,500 Americans 75 or older. Due to the projected increase in the number of older Americans, this ratio is expected to drop to one geriatrician for every 4,254 older Americans in 2030.
Geriatric management and managers are said to be helping to bridge the gap as those numbers decrease.

What is a Geriatric Care Manager? The National Association of Geriatric Care Management explains that Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PGCM) is a health and human services specialist who helps families who are caring for older relatives. The PGCM is trained and experienced in any of several fields related to long-term care, including, but not limited to, nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.

What can a Geriatric Care Management Company or a Geriatric Care Manager do for my family?

If you are out of town or are too busy to take on the job yourself, a geriatric care management company or manager can assess needs, solve problems, screen and coordinate in-home care, act as an advocate, refer your family to other specialist, over-see moves, offer counseling and more. Many times the Geriatric Care Management or Manager will act as a liaison and coordinate the eldercare that is needed.

Where do I find a Geriatric Care Management Company?

The National Association of Geriatric Care Management provides a searchable Geriatric Care Management database here. Before you look, be sure to explore website where you can explore whether or not you need to hire a geriatric care management company and what types of questions you might ask them. Before you hire anyone, be sure to ask all references they provide. Your local hospital and agency on aging may have a list of geriatric care management companies as well.

Why should I hire a Geriatric Care Management Company?

If your loved ones situation is more complicated than you feel you can manage, you may want to consider hiring a Geriatric Care Management company to help you. You may also consider hiring a Geriatric Care Management company if you live out of town or if your plate is already full and you feel that you cannot give your loved ones geriatric care management the attention that is needed.

Here is a recap of the 3 tips for finding quality geriatric care management that you can use today.

1. Geriatric Care Management can assess, manage and advocate for your loved one
2. Geriatric Care Management can be found via local agencies or The National Association of Geriatric Care Management
3. Geriatric Care Management can offer peace of mind for those out of state or unable to
offer Geriatric Care Management for a loved one.

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3 Tips For Geriatric Care Management You Can Use Today

For more information on geriatric care management take a look at our elder care blog

Straightforward Senior Care

eldercareblog — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:48:20 +0000

As Mom and Dad age, the reality hits that they may need senior care. Determining what type of senior care they may require is often a good place to begin. Are they still somewhat independent, but just need help with cleaning and shopping or are they in need of more care? Areas to look at could be their physical health, any changes in hygiene, trouble with finances, trouble keeping track of medication, insurance, or bill paying. Are they able to keep up with their daily living activities such as cooking? Ask them if they are they getting enough to eat? How are they getting to the store and getting groceries home? Has it gotten harder to get around during inclement weather? These are simple tools that will help to facilitate important discussions concerning their senior care and safety.

If you aren’t sure just what type of senior care is available or needed, you may want to consult with a geriatric senior care manager. These support professionals offer adult children trying to find senior care for their elderly parents screen, hire and then oversee in home help for older adults. These senior care professionals are sometimes expensive, so families may also look to local Agencies on Aging for resources in their area as well. Senior Care Services

The Internet offers many websites to explore senior care services. The Eldercare Locator is a free senior care service provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging. Here you can find local senior care agencies throughout the United States by entering either your city, county or zip code into their database. I used my zip code and my County and State Department of Aging website’s came up immediately. At their site I was able to access a Service Directory, A Library, Assistive Devices, Links to other Local, State and National sites and Legislative Links. They also offer a special section that addresses senior care and caregiving issues.

If your loved one needs round the clock senior care, you can use Medicare’s new Nursing Home Compare tool to assist you in finding a good facility. Perhaps it is just time to downsize to help them maintain their independence? No matter what the individual situation, it never hurts to put yourself in their shoes before proceeding. Growing old may have its challenges, but taking the steps to look at the situation through their eyes most often gives the caregiver a good vantage point and the ability to provide not only senior care, but a good dose of dignity as well.

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Straightforward Senior Care

For more information on senior care take a look at our elder care blog

Tips for Senior Help and Heart Attacks

eldercareblog — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:47:37 +0000

Senior help not only involves knowing the warning signs of a heart attack, but also what actions those offering senior help should take once a heart attack is suspected. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reported in 2005 that there are 1,260,00 new and recurrent coronary attacks per year. Additionally, those providing senior help should note that about 37 percent of people who experience a heart attack in a year die from them. That also indicates that there are senior help actions that can and should be taken to help the other 63% percent of heart attack victims to live through the event.

What are the some of the warning signs that those offering senior help should know?

Chest discomfort is based at the center of the chest, squeezing, fullness, pain or pressure. It is reported that this discomfort can come and go or last up to a few minutes. Extreme chest pain or a feeling that someone is standing on your chest
Shortness of breath can accompany the discomfort, or it can be the only symptom Jaw pain, pain in one or both arms, the back, neck or even stomach Some experience light-headedness, a cold sweat and nausea

Those providing senior help should be aware that these are just the most common symptoms, but there can be others. The symptoms vary so if you are providing senior help, don’t hesitate to act if you suspect a heart attack. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Senior help care workers should also understand some of the risks that can lead to heart attack. If you offer senior help to those who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, are overweight, inactive or who use tobacco, they are at higher risk for a heart attack. In these cases, you may offer senior help in the form of accompanying them to visit a doctor to determine what they might do to get these diseases controlled as best as possible try and avoid heart trouble.

The American Heart Association instructs those offering senior help or assisting anyone who has symptoms that may suggest a heart to call 9-1-1 or if the ER is unresponsive, start CPR. Emergency Medical Technicians offer senior help multiple times a day. Their senior help assistance during a heart attack will help the patient get the quickest lifesaving treatment possible. They can quickly assess a patient and radio ahead to the hospital staff that they are bringing a heart attack victim in. The American Heart Association also reports that EMS staff get patients treated up to an hour sooner than if they had arrived by car.

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Tips for Senior Help and Heart Attacks

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Could It Be Vascular Dementia

eldercareblog — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:46:36 +0000

As mom’s behavior became odder, I made excuses. Was it boredom, loneliness or depression? It never crossed my mind that Mom had dementia.

Every time I visited, mom told the same stories, focusing on adult children stealing from their elderly parents. It was hard not to take it personally. I also noticed her plans of volunteering to help children learn to read never got off the ground. What I didn’t know was that my mother’s negative, repetitious stories and her inability to follow through on a project where signs of her early stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of several diseases that fall under the umbrella of dementia. All dementias rob their sufferers of independence and require their families to provide lots of care. Other frequently diagnosed dementias are vascular dementia and Parkinson’s related dementia. A diagnosis of mixed dementia may be given when the person has symptoms from more than one disease.

Some common dementia symptoms · Short term memory loss that shows up as repetitive questions and stories
· Poor hygiene · Problems with math that may show up as an unbalanced check book or bounced checks
· Loss of interest in activities that the person previously enjoyed
· Impaired judgment that may show up as reckless or uncharacteristic behavior
· Changes in personality and mood that may show up as a formerly easy going person becoming anxious or angry

It’s important to get to the root of what is causing the change the in your parent’s behavior. Treatable conditions like depression or thyroid disease can mimic the symptoms of dementia. Part of the doctor’s job will be to rule out these other conditions. Have your parent evaluated by a doctor who is experienced in assessing memory issues or by a memory clinic.

People with dementia usually need more and more assistance living their daily lives as their illness progresses. As soon as you know or suspect a dementia diagnosis, begin planning. Needing help with daily activities like dressing or bathing is considered custodial care and is not covered by health insurance. Your family member will quite possibly live a long time with an impairment that requires your help.

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Could It Be Vascular Dementia

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Elderly Online Dating A New Chance for Love

eldercareblog — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:45:55 +0000

Why does the online world and especially elderly online dating make me feel so concerned? In all other matters I feel completely confident in my 86 year old dad’s ability to make good judgments. When it comes to the internet, I feel a strong sense of role reversal and wanting to be sure my dad’s online life is safe.

Elderly online dating is becoming more popular as computers become a mainstream household tool for seniors. Seniors are seeking new partners and want to build new relationships. Checking in with your parent on dating and online dating in particular can feel awkward. Your or a friend’s experiences with online dating can be a good foundation for discussing this with your parent. While the benefits and rewards of elderly online dating exceed the risks, you want your parent to be informed. Benefits of elderly online dating · Your parent has the opportunity of connecting to a wider pool of people than introductions from family and friends can provide · Your parent is able to target potential partners with similar interests · Low key way to start reconnecting and practicing dating skills if your parent have been out of the dating pool for a long time
· Your parent can begin to create a relationship and get to know the person before they meet

Tips for elderly online dating success
· Your parent should be clear about what type of relationship she is seeking. Is she seeking a long term commitment? Is she seeking romance, a pen pal or an activity partner?
· Encourage your parent to be honest about her appearance, interests and abilities. · Being more specific about her interests will result in better connections. If your parent enjoys reading, her profile should include the types of books she likes to read.
· If your parent feels a strong connection with someone, she should arrange a safe meeting as soon as possible so her expectations will stay realistic. · Be straightforward with the men she meets via elderly online dating, if she is not interested in someone, let them know and stop corresponding. Online dating warnings to share with your parent
· Online relationships can very quickly have an intense sense of intimacy. People are often able to express their emotions much more freely online. Meeting early when there is a strong bond lets both parties learn if they have in-person chemistry.
· Your parent should not reveal much personal information until she gets to know the person well. Unlike an introduction from a friend, an online date does not come with any assurances about his integrity.
· Teach your parent the warning signs that their new friend is not single. It’s estimated that as many as 30% of people using online dating are married or in committed relationships. Restricting the time of day for calls or emails, replying to calls or emails only at certain times of the day and unwillingness to give a home phone number are all signs that the person may be committed., · Take profiles and photos with a grain of salt. If your parent sets his expectations below what the profile and picture seem to show, she will be less likely to be disappointed
· While most participants are sincere, some people use online dating services because they enjoy toying with other’s emotions.

When online dating becomes a first meeting Emails and phone calls with a friend met through online dating can create a wonderful sense of connection that leads to an in-person meeting. Remind your parent of a few safety basics for the first meeting. · Your parent should meet their friend in a public place and arrive and depart in her own transportation.
· Suggest that your parent keep the first meeting low key and time limited with a graceful exit that is pre-planned.
· Your parent should make sure she is not followed home from the first meeting.

Elderly online dating could be just what your parent needs to bring new love and companionship to her life.

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Elderly Online Dating A New Chance for Love

For more information on online dating for the elderly take a look at our elder care blog

What To Do About Senior Day Care

eldercareblog — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:45:43 +0000

Senior day care Centers are a growing business, but to many these are a new concept. Still, they provide safe surroundings for loved ones while caregivers work, run errands or just seek respite.

Senior Day Care is sometimes called adult day care. These businesses offer senior day care for those who are older, physically or cognitively disabled and cannot be home alone during the day.

Your family physician, friends and neighbors may also be able to recommend a good senior day care service. No matter what, you will always want to ask and check out all references and credentials.

The cost of senior day care can be anywhere from $25 per day to $79 per day. It is reported that many senior day care programs offer a sliding fee so that families can pay according to their income.

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What To Do About Senior Day Care

For more information on senior day care take a look at our elder care blog

3 Tips For Geriatric Care Management You Can Use Today

eldercareblog — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:45:04 +0000

What can a Geriatric Care Management Company or a Geriatric Care Manager do for my family?

Where do I find a Geriatric Care Management Company?

Why should I hire a Geriatric Care Management Company?

Here is a recap of the 3 tips for finding quality geriatric care management that you can use today.

1. Geriatric Care Management can assess, manage and advocate for your loved one
2. Geriatric Care Management can be found via local agencies or The National
Association of Geriatric Care Management
3. Geriatric Care Management can offer peace of mind for those out of state or unable to
offer Geriatric Care Management for a loved one.

elder care blog

elderly home care

3 Tips For Geriatric Care Management You Can Use Today

For more information on geriatric care management take a look at our elder care blog

Straightforward Senior Care

eldercareblog — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:44:27 +0000

Senior Care Services

If your loved one needs round the clock senior care, you can use Medicare’s new Nursing Home Compare tool to assist you in finding a good facility.

Perhaps it is just time to downsize to help them maintain their independence? No matter what the individual situation, it never hurts to put yourself in their shoes before proceeding. Growing old may have its challenges, but taking the steps to look at the situation through their eyes most often gives the caregiver a good vantage point and the ability to provide not only senior care, but a good dose of dignity as well.

elder care blog

elderly care

Straightforward Senior Care

For more information on senior care take a look at our elder care blog

Tips for Senior Help and Heart Attacks

eldercareblog — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:43:56 +0000

What are the some of the warning signs that those offering senior help should know?

Chest discomfort is based at the center of the chest, squeezing, fullness, pain or pressure. It is reported that this discomfort can come and go or last up to a few minutes.
Extreme chest pain or a feeling that someone is standing on your chest
Shortness of breath can accompany the discomfort, or it can be the only symptom
Jaw pain, pain in one or both arms, the back, neck or even stomach
Some experience light-headedness, a cold sweat and nausea

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elderly caring

Tips for Senior Help and Heart Attacks

For more information on senior help take a look at our elder care blog