Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Make wonderful memories today and give thanks for your family and friends.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare's Open Enrollment started last week and continues through December 31. It's time to review all of the options for your elders in their health care options. Medicare has a great setup on their site to explain the differences and provide comparisons.
Each plan can be confusing and each one gives you some great propaganda. Secure Horizons ran a campaign a few years back promising everyone in the local senior "village" that they would have lifetime coverage if they needed a nursing home under this plan. Of course they didn't mention that "lifetime" span had to be their last couple of weeks on earth! So be sure to read the small print and ask lots of questions. The choice become effective Jan.1 and can't be changed until next year.
Look into options for medications, equipment etc. There are varying amounts of copays and coverage rules under each plan.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Are You Caring for a Veteran?
The average caregiver today is most likely a member of the Baby Boom generation (born between 1946 and 1964) which means many of us had parents, aunts, uncles, and perhaps siblings or cousins who served in WWII. We honor them and their memories today on Veteran’s Day.
We also honor ALL veterans for the many sacrifices they have made and make each and every day to keep us safe. Freedom indeed is not Free!!! Thank you!!!!
If you are caring for someone who was a War veteran, or is the spouse or widow/er of a veteran, you might want to check out these resources (Veteran’s Angels OR the American Association for Wartime Veterans) for TAX FREE financial assistance in the care of that person if they meet eligibility requirements.
Another terrific and often overlooked resource is Cleaning for a Reason, a great service to anyone undergoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatment. It’s also a wonderful place to volunteer if you run a cleaning service.
As we work our way towards the holidays, please remember to take some time for YOU! It’s also flu season and if you let yourself get rundown you are much more susceptible colds and flu. Wash your hands often and then wash them again! Stay well!!
It’s probably more important to be organized this time of the year as well. And learn to Delegate. Others may not do it as well as you would, but it’s done. Be grateful and move forward! Take time to enjoy the smells of the season and the memories. Make a few more with your loved ones and rejoice!
photo from stock.xchng.com
Sunday, November 1, 2009
A Nice Plug for the Book
Received a mention of The Everything Guide to Caring for Aging Parents in the Best Bets Book section from Bess Pinon, the Library News program coordinator of OregonLive.com today. Thanks!!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Caregiver Fatigue: Take Time for YOU
Well it's been awhile since my last post. As any of you who are helping to care for aging parents know...sometimes you get overwhelmed and lose focus. So this is probably a good time to talk about doing something for YOU.
Caregiver fatigue (also known as burnout) is a common problem for anyone who works in the health care field or cares for loved ones full or part time. In actuality this can apply to almost anyone at any time of their life. For example, in new mothers we attribute it to post partum depression or at the least sleep deprivation.
Whatever you term it as, the point is that you can't go full steam ahead for endless periods of time without taking a break. And you can't feel guilty that you need this break!!!! It's just a fact of life and you have to deal with it and need to plan for it. If you try to be a super hero and keep going despite the fatigue don't be surprised if things begin to go wrong.
You may become impatient, you may become a klutz, or make mental errors. Your ability to cope and handle any situation will be challenged to the limits. In reality, you put yourself at risk, and you put your elder at risk as well.
In order to best take care of someone else you MUST take care of YOU as well. And you need to ensure that you remain part of the solution and don't become part of the problem. Yes that means YOU. No one gets a pass on this one. Everyone needs to be sure to take some time for themselves.
So you need to plan for this either by making arrangements with other family members to spell you, or to hire someone for some respite care. And if other family members are unable or unwilling to help out, then they should help to shoulder the expense. And this may not be an easy thing to convince them of. Until you walk a mile in someone else's shoes, it may never seem as difficult as it really is.
Meanwhile, you need to do little things for yourself to minimize the fatigue as well. This can be as simple as taking a mental break several times a day. Walk outside, or go into a separate room and close the door. Take some deep breaths, close your eyes and escape on a mental vacation to your favorite places. Then stop and rethink the tasks at hand for the next few hours. How can you work smarter and not harder to accomplish your tasks and goals. What two things can you do at the same time so that you can sit for awhile or maybe get a nap?
Try to anticipate needs and save yourself some steps. When you make meals, make enough to freeze some for another day, or to feed your own family as well as your elders. Look for shortcuts that will save you time, but not cost you more in the long run.
Rest when you're tired, and make it be a rest period, not just a slow down. And get some time for you.
Caregiver fatigue (also known as burnout) is a common problem for anyone who works in the health care field or cares for loved ones full or part time. In actuality this can apply to almost anyone at any time of their life. For example, in new mothers we attribute it to post partum depression or at the least sleep deprivation.
Whatever you term it as, the point is that you can't go full steam ahead for endless periods of time without taking a break. And you can't feel guilty that you need this break!!!! It's just a fact of life and you have to deal with it and need to plan for it. If you try to be a super hero and keep going despite the fatigue don't be surprised if things begin to go wrong.
You may become impatient, you may become a klutz, or make mental errors. Your ability to cope and handle any situation will be challenged to the limits. In reality, you put yourself at risk, and you put your elder at risk as well.
In order to best take care of someone else you MUST take care of YOU as well. And you need to ensure that you remain part of the solution and don't become part of the problem. Yes that means YOU. No one gets a pass on this one. Everyone needs to be sure to take some time for themselves.
So you need to plan for this either by making arrangements with other family members to spell you, or to hire someone for some respite care. And if other family members are unable or unwilling to help out, then they should help to shoulder the expense. And this may not be an easy thing to convince them of. Until you walk a mile in someone else's shoes, it may never seem as difficult as it really is.
Meanwhile, you need to do little things for yourself to minimize the fatigue as well. This can be as simple as taking a mental break several times a day. Walk outside, or go into a separate room and close the door. Take some deep breaths, close your eyes and escape on a mental vacation to your favorite places. Then stop and rethink the tasks at hand for the next few hours. How can you work smarter and not harder to accomplish your tasks and goals. What two things can you do at the same time so that you can sit for awhile or maybe get a nap?
Try to anticipate needs and save yourself some steps. When you make meals, make enough to freeze some for another day, or to feed your own family as well as your elders. Look for shortcuts that will save you time, but not cost you more in the long run.
Rest when you're tired, and make it be a rest period, not just a slow down. And get some time for you.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Safety Issues in the Bathroom
Grab bars in the bathtub or shower can be a life saving piece of equipment. They are available at most large hardware stores such as Home Depot, Lowes and Orchard Hardware (OSH). Many large chain drugstores also carry some and medical supply ho
uses stock them in a variety of lengths.
They can be installed by the average DIY handy person, but they must be installed according to the directions to ensure that they are safe and work as expected. Attaching to a stud is recommended when possible and using toggle bolts or inserts when not. When drilling through tile, special precautions should be taken and a dab of silicon can help to waterproof the screws and holes. Professional grab bar installers may also be consulted.
In most instances, a home safety assessment by a physical therapist from a home health agency would be a covered expense under Medicare if the client meets the homebound criteria. The therapist can consult on the size and placement of the grab bars (but will not install them for you). Once installed, the therapist can make a return visit to instruct you and the client in safe and proper use of the grab bars. The therapist can also assess the entire home and make recommendations for improved safety and other equipment that may be needed. The client's physician must order the assessment.
A bath bench or chair can be a very useful safety device especially if the client gets short of breath or tires easily. A lawn chair can work in a pinch, but it should be used with a non-slip mat to ensure that it doesn't move or slide. It may tip easily too and the client should not use it for security or bal
ance.
Some bath benches or chairs come with a hole to allow for any incontinence and ease of cleaning the client's bottom.
Again, the physical therapist can instruct in the safe use of the bath bench or chair. Or they may refer to an occupational therapist for instruction in bathing and hygiene with the adaptive equipment.
A raised toilet seat may be recommended for those who have difficulty bending to or rising from the toilet. Anyone who has had hip or knee surgery usually has this ordered post operatively. These come with or without safety rails attached. These safety rails are available for the toilet without the elevated seat as well. These can be especially helpful for anyone who needs something to push with to get up or may not be secure sitting on the toilet.
You can view some of my suggestions on the Aging Parents Store at Amazon.com. Thanks!
uses stock them in a variety of lengths.They can be installed by the average DIY handy person, but they must be installed according to the directions to ensure that they are safe and work as expected. Attaching to a stud is recommended when possible and using toggle bolts or inserts when not. When drilling through tile, special precautions should be taken and a dab of silicon can help to waterproof the screws and holes. Professional grab bar installers may also be consulted.
In most instances, a home safety assessment by a physical therapist from a home health agency would be a covered expense under Medicare if the client meets the homebound criteria. The therapist can consult on the size and placement of the grab bars (but will not install them for you). Once installed, the therapist can make a return visit to instruct you and the client in safe and proper use of the grab bars. The therapist can also assess the entire home and make recommendations for improved safety and other equipment that may be needed. The client's physician must order the assessment.
A bath bench or chair can be a very useful safety device especially if the client gets short of breath or tires easily. A lawn chair can work in a pinch, but it should be used with a non-slip mat to ensure that it doesn't move or slide. It may tip easily too and the client should not use it for security or bal
ance.Some bath benches or chairs come with a hole to allow for any incontinence and ease of cleaning the client's bottom.
Again, the physical therapist can instruct in the safe use of the bath bench or chair. Or they may refer to an occupational therapist for instruction in bathing and hygiene with the adaptive equipment.
A raised toilet seat may be recommended for those who have difficulty bending to or rising from the toilet. Anyone who has had hip or knee surgery usually has this ordered post operatively. These come with or without safety rails attached. These safety rails are available for the toilet without the elevated seat as well. These can be especially helpful for anyone who needs something to push with to get up or may not be secure sitting on the toilet.
You can view some of my suggestions on the Aging Parents Store at Amazon.com. Thanks!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Never Forget 9-11-01
Today, we must take a moment of silence to remember and send our thoughts and prayers to those who lost loved ones in NYC, PA, and Washington DC. Never Forget!!!!
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