James Square Syracuse NY

As Illinois prepares to move into Phase 3 of its reopening plan, too many glaring #health and #economic disparities remain unaddressed for the state's communities of color. We must proactively protect our diverse communities. https://buff.ly/2Xmvo0w via

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:00:06 -0400

As Illinois prepares to move into Phase 3 of its reopening plan, too many glaring #health and #economic disparities remain unaddressed for the state's communities of color. We must proactively protect our diverse communities. https://buff.ly/2Xmvo0w via @WindyCityTimes pic.twitter.com/WULzeKqZvo

The @DiverseElders, comprised of six member organizations that represent communities of color, American Indian/Alaska Natives, and LGBT communities, demand #justice for George Floyd and an end to racist violence and inequities: https://bit.ly/3cw25x0

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:01:11 -0400

The @DiverseElders, comprised of six member organizations that represent communities of color, American Indian/Alaska Natives, and LGBT communities, demand #justice for George Floyd and an end to racist violence and inequities: https://bit.ly/3cw25x0 #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/LybZLEBgFb

Let’s keep the #SaludTues #HealthEquity #EndSystemicRacism convo going! Get our emails: http://salud-america.org/join/ Take action: http://salud-america.org/take-action/ Co-host a Tweetchat: http://salud-america.org/tweetchats/ Your voice is p

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:59:41 -0400

Let’s keep the #SaludTues #HealthEquity #EndSystemicRacism convo going! Get our emails: http://salud-america.org/join/ Take action: http://salud-america.org/take-action/ Co-host a Tweetchat: http://salud-america.org/tweetchats/ Your voice is power!

A7: Checkout the following links to information in Spanish from our #COVID19 Spanish resource page: https://salud.to/covidspanish #SaludTues

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:56:58 -0400

A7: Checkout the following links to information in Spanish from our #COVID19 Spanish resource page: https://salud.to/covidspanish #SaludTues

A7. The Occupation Safety and Health Administration site ( https://buff.ly/2BrCR6d ) within the US Department of Labor has an entire page of resources and guidance materials on ensuring workplace safety in many different types of workplace settings. #Salu

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:56:04 -0400

A7. The Occupation Safety and Health Administration site ( https://buff.ly/2BrCR6d ) within the US Department of Labor has an entire page of resources and guidance materials on ensuring workplace safety in many different types of workplace settings. #SaludTues #NationalSafetyMonth pic.twitter.com/Zvnbtu9luT

The National Safety Council has published a Q&A of how to promote safety in the workforce between employers and employees. One of the resources promotes the implementation of temperature checks on employees prior to entering the site. #SaludTues https://w

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:54:14 -0400

The National Safety Council has published a Q&A of how to promote safety in the workforce between employers and employees. One of the resources promotes the implementation of temperature checks on employees prior to entering the site. #SaludTues https://www.nsc.org/safety-first-blog/covid-19-and-workplace-implications …

Q7: What are some good examples of resources to help employees and leaders promote workplace safety this National Safety month & during the #COVID19 pandemic? #SaludTues #endsystemicracism #SoyEsencial

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:53:00 -0400

Q7: What are some good examples of resources to help employees and leaders promote workplace safety this National Safety month & during the #COVID19 pandemic? #SaludTues #endsystemicracism #SoyEsencial

A6. Staggered work hours to help workers avoid rush hour traffic. Prioritizing a steady supply of PPE’s for workers to limit #COVID19 exposure. Workplace signs and reminders for both employees and consumers is also a good way to promote a safer workplace

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:49:38 -0400

A6. Staggered work hours to help workers avoid rush hour traffic. Prioritizing a steady supply of PPE’s for workers to limit #COVID19 exposure. Workplace signs and reminders for both employees and consumers is also a good way to promote a safer workplace environment. #SaludTues https://twitter.com/SaludAmerica/status/1267875627505315840 …

A5) Better more meaningful communication I think is key. So much of our systems (including #healthcare, we talk about it a lot) can so easily steamroll people. Learning to communicate in a way people, communities understand is step 1. #SaludTues

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:44:40 -0400

A5) Better more meaningful communication I think is key. So much of our systems (including #healthcare, we talk about it a lot) can so easily steamroll people. Learning to communicate in a way people, communities understand is step 1. #SaludTues

A5. Along with policy change to ensure free access to telehealth services for all essential workers, we must ensure equitable public transit options to limit #COVID19 exposure and to ease the fear and anxieties associated with traveling to work. #SaludTue

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:40:06 -0400

A5. Along with policy change to ensure free access to telehealth services for all essential workers, we must ensure equitable public transit options to limit #COVID19 exposure and to ease the fear and anxieties associated with traveling to work. #SaludTues #MentalHealthAwareness https://twitter.com/SaludAmerica/status/1267873110826442753 …

A4. Essential workers are much more likely to get COVID, and in a recent study of a zip code in San Francisco, 95% of those who tested positive for COVID were Latino. https://www.statnews.com/2020/05/28/sobering-finding-covid19-struck-mostly-low-wage-ess

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:35:39 -0400

A4. Essential workers are much more likely to get COVID, and in a recent study of a zip code in San Francisco, 95% of those who tested positive for COVID were Latino. https://www.statnews.com/2020/05/28/sobering-finding-covid19-struck-mostly-low-wage-essential-workers-san-francisco/?utm_campaign=rss … #SaludTues https://twitter.com/DiverseElders/status/1267865827589656578 …

A4: All places of employment should have a strong plan for screening workers for COVID-19 symptoms & have policies in place that promote social distancing & good hygiene. #SaludTuespic.twitter.com/s172CS9OE9

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:33:13 -0400

A4: All places of employment should have a strong plan for screening workers for COVID-19 symptoms & have policies in place that promote social distancing & good hygiene. #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/s172CS9OE9

A4: Employers can help prevent #COVID19 by: Establishing policies so employees can stay home when sick without fear Setting physical distancing rules for staff and customers Limiting in-person gatherings or meetings Routinely cleaning all high-touch surfa

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:31:30 -0400

A4: Employers can help prevent #COVID19 by: Establishing policies so employees can stay home when sick without fear Setting physical distancing rules for staff and customers Limiting in-person gatherings or meetings Routinely cleaning all high-touch surfaces #SaludTues https://twitter.com/SaludAmerica/status/1267871098340651009 …

A4. Paid and flexible leave policies need to be prioritized as many workers are juggling work with #caregiving. Along with mandatory daily deep cleaning and social distance practices, workplace environments should have dedicated hours for #elders and thei

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:31:24 -0400

A4. Paid and flexible leave policies need to be prioritized as many workers are juggling work with #caregiving. Along with mandatory daily deep cleaning and social distance practices, workplace environments should have dedicated hours for #elders and their #caregivers #SaludTues https://twitter.com/SaludAmerica/status/1267871098340651009 …

A4: According to @WHO, workplace safety strategies amid #COVID19 include: * Promote regular handwashing & make it easy to do so! * Clean surfaces with disinfectant regularly * Ensure face masks and tissues are available * Keep employees informed - stay h

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:30:37 -0400

A4: According to @WHO, workplace safety strategies amid #COVID19 include: * Promote regular handwashing & make it easy to do so! * Clean surfaces with disinfectant regularly * Ensure face masks and tissues are available * Keep employees informed - stay home if sick! #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/kv1mPWdjm9

A3. Working together to promote worker safety for Latinos and all communities, ensures a collective, consistent message that will help dampen the spread of #misinformation and ultimately the spread of #COVID19. Everyone has a part, whether you’re a worker

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:25:02 -0400

A3. Working together to promote worker safety for Latinos and all communities, ensures a collective, consistent message that will help dampen the spread of #misinformation and ultimately the spread of #COVID19. Everyone has a part, whether you’re a worker or a consumer #SaludTues https://twitter.com/SaludAmerica/status/1267869336087203842 …

A2) As many have pointed out the basic numbers are much higher but beyond that #COVID19 looks far different in how it impacts their sense of #community, their stress, their families. #SaludTues

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:19:07 -0400

A2) As many have pointed out the basic numbers are much higher but beyond that #COVID19 looks far different in how it impacts their sense of #community, their stress, their families. #SaludTues

A2. #COVID19 disproportionately affects the Latinx community as inequities and disparities become more pronounced. In Oregon, “Dr. Galvez was dumbfounded by the results. Latinos, ... were 20 times as likely as other patients to have the virus.” https://b

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:17:41 -0400

A2. #COVID19 disproportionately affects the Latinx community as inequities and disparities become more pronounced. In Oregon, “Dr. Galvez was dumbfounded by the results. Latinos, ... were 20 times as likely as other patients to have the virus.” https://buff.ly/35FqFJW #SaludTues pic.twitter.com/06kxpnjpFB

Q2: What do infection and mortality rates due to #COVID-19 look like among Latinos? #SaludTues #endsystemicracism #SoyEsencialpic.twitter.com/zbYdtIYI7q

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:15:00 -0400

Q2: What do infection and mortality rates due to #COVID-19 look like among Latinos? #SaludTues #endsystemicracism #SoyEsencial pic.twitter.com/zbYdtIYI7q

A1: We also know that many #Latinx workers hold jobs on the frontlines making it difficult for them to maintain social distance & increasing their risk of infection. #SaludTues https://salud.to/covidworkers

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:12:43 -0400

A1: We also know that many #Latinx workers hold jobs on the frontlines making it difficult for them to maintain social distance & increasing their risk of infection. #SaludTues https://salud.to/covidworkers

Dealing With Dementia Behaviors: Expert Tips for Understanding and Coping

Sun, 10 May 2020 09:00:19 -0400

Anger, confusion, and sadness are a few symptoms a person with dementia may experience regularly. Even though you know your loved one’s dementia behaviors are symptoms of a disease and not intentional, dealing with them is often emotionally and physically challenging. Learn more about typical dementia behaviors and expert tips for managing them.

Common dementia behaviors

A person with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia may become irritable and even belligerent without being provoked. They may go in and out of confusion and disorientation or attempt to manipulate those around them. Here are examples of common dementia behaviors and phrases you may hear:

Aggression

This behavior includes being mean, lashing out, or using combative statements such as “I don’t want to take a shower!” or “I don’t want to eat that!” Sometimes this type of anger may escalate to physical violence.

Confusion

This could mean saying phrases like:

“I want to go home!”
“This isn’t my house.”
“When are we leaving?”
“Why are we here?”

Paranoia and frequent mood swings also often result from a person with dementia feeling confused.

Poor judgment

This can include unfounded accusations such as “You stole my vacuum cleaner!” Struggling to balance a checkbook or calculate a tip at a restaurant can also be the result of dementia. Other examples include hoarding, stockpiling, and repeating statements and tasks.

Manipulation

This usually involves inventing truths to get what they want. A person with dementia may say things like “You told me I could drive to the store,” or use bargaining methods such as “If you let me drive to the store, I will take my medicine.”

Tips for dealing with dementia and difficult behaviors

Managing dementia behaviors may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Your words and actions have the power to quickly deescalate intense situations.

Follow some expert do’s and don’ts for calmly and effectively dealing with these four common types of dementia behaviors:

1. How to handle an aggressive or combative loved one

“A lot of times, aggression is coming from pure fear,” says Tresa Mariotto, a social services supervisor in Bellingham, Washington, and certified trainer in dementia and mental health. “People with dementia are more apt to hit, kick, or bite in response to feeling helpless or afraid.”

Do: The key to responding with care to aggression caused by dementia is to try to identify the cause. What is the person feeling to make them behave aggressively?

Are they in pain?
Is their mind just wandering?
Have they been triggered by something?

“This is where truly knowing your loved one is so important,” says Ann Napoletan, writer at blog “The Long and Winding Road: An Alzheimer’s Journey and Beyond”. “In my mom’s case, she didn’t like to be fussed over. If she was upset, often times, trying to talk to her and calm her down only served to agitate her more. Likewise, touching her — even to try and hold her hand or gently rub her arm or leg — might result in her taking a swing. The best course of action, in that case, was to walk away and let her have the space she needed.”

Don’t: “The worst thing you can do is engage in an argument or force the issue that’s creating the aggression,” Napoletan says. “Don’t try to forcibly restrain the person unless there is absolutely no choice.”

2. How to manage repeated questions and confusion

Do: When your aging loved one is confused about where they are or what’s happening, try these tips from the American Psychological Association:

Communicate with simple explanations.
Use photos and other tangible items to help explain situations
Remain calm and supportive, and don’t take their confusion personally.
Use tools such as alarms, calendars, and to-do lists to help them remember tasks.

Don’t: Lengthy explanations don’t work. “You have to figure out what’s going to make the person feel the safest,” says Mariotto. “Even if that ends up being a therapeutic lie. You can’t reason with someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia. It just can’t be done. A lot of times, we’re triggering the response we’re getting because of the questions we’re asking.”

3. How to help with poor judgment

The deterioration of brain cells caused by Alzheimer’s disease leads to poor judgment and errors in thinking. Some of these symptoms are obvious and apparent such as hoarding household items, accusing a family member of stealing, or forgetting how to do routine tasks. These tasks can include balancing a checkbook or paying bills on time.

Some signs are more subtle, making it difficult for your aging loved one to realize they’re struggling. “If you’re curious and don’t want to ask, take a look at a heating bill,” suggests Mariotto. “Sometimes payments are delinquent, or bills aren’t being paid at all.”

Do: A caregiver can often minimize frustration and embarrassment for dementia patients by:

Listening and offering subtle help
Working together to fix a problem
Simplifying a task or routine by breaking it down into smaller steps

This is what Napoletan did for her mother: “As I sifted through records to complete her tax return, I gently mentioned noticing a couple of overdraft fees and asked if the bank had perhaps made a mistake. As we talked through it, she volunteered that she was having more and more difficulty keeping things straight, and knew she had made some errors. She asked if I would mind helping with the checkbook going forward. I remember her being so relieved after we talked about it.” From there, over time, Napoletan was gradually able to gain more control over her mother’s finances.

Don’t: Blatantly questioning the person’s ability to take care of the situation at hand or arguing with them isn’t helpful. You may risk alienating them. “Any response that can be interpreted as accusatory or doubting the person’s ability to handle their own affairs only serves to anger and put them on the defensive,” says Napoletan.

4. How to deal with attempts at manipulation

Your loved one may have lost the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehoods, and they may no longer have a sense of morality around lying. These symptoms can be especially difficult for a caregiver to handle as it may feel like a complete change in personality. In fact, a person with dementia may not realize they’re lying.

Manipulation is often the root behavior for trust, control, and security, according to Understanding Difficult Behavior, a guide by Maine’s bureau of mental health. Manipulative behavior can be used to fulfill one of these needs, and sometimes it’s a cry for help.

Do you notice certain situations trigger this behavior? If so, try to identify the person’s need and work together to find a solution. Perhaps the trigger is driving. If your loved one wants to drive but isn’t able to, try to find other ways to make them feel independent.

Do:

Separate the behavior from the person, and do not hold it against them.
Set limits when possible, communicate expectations clearly, and work together to find a resolution when you’re able to.
Remain aware of your own personal responses. Do you feel angry, hurt, or frustrated? If so, do you act on these emotions around your aging family member? Acting on these emotions can bring more distress to an already stressful situation.

Don’t:

Bring up events to prove or disprove statements.
Use accusatory language such as “you’re lying” or “you’re being manipulative.”
Engage in heated arguments.

Dealing with dementia behaviors can quickly wear out a caregiver or family member. If you care for a person with dementia and are feeling resentment, anxiety, or depression, don’t hesitate to seek help. A caregiver support group, counselor, friend, or family member can offer support and advice.

How to help someone with dementia

Although there are no treatments to stop dementia, there are medications, dementia therapies, and memory care communities that may help.

—

Related Articles

Alzheimer’s Aggression: Causes & Management
Communication Strategies for Dementia
4 Ways to Connect with Loved Ones with Dementia

Sources

Facing Dementia in the Family, Johns Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dementia/facing-dementia-in-the-family

Living Well With Dementia, American Psychological Assocation, https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/living-with-dementia

Understanding Difficult Behavior, Maine bureau of mental health, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED392884.pdf

Is a Joint Bank Account With an Elderly Parent Right for You?

Sun, 10 May 2020 08:00:28 -0400

Are you considering opening a joint bank account with your aging parent? While it may seem like a convenient way to pay the bills, a joint account has drawbacks that could be financially damaging to you both. Weigh the pros and cons here before heading to the bank.

Advantages of a joint bank account

A joint bank account is an easy way to assist your aging parent with managing day-to-day finances. Having a joint checking account can help you:

Ensure bills are paid on time. You can easily pay your parent’s bills with automatic payments or checks from the joint account.
Monitor your mom or dad’s finances. Seniors are often targets of fraud. Regularly checking their account statements makes it easier to spot. If you’re worried your parent may be suffering cognitive decline, you can also keep track of their purchases to make sure they aren’t overspending.
Pay caregivers and aides. Regular caregiving expenses, including housekeeping and home care, can be paid from the joint account.
Pay for emergency medical care. If your elderly parent requires immediate payment for medical care, you can draw from the joint account.
Access funds after your parent dies. With a joint checking account, you have immediate access to funds without having to go through probate. This can help with funeral expenses and hospital or hospice bills.

Risks of a joint bank account with an elderly parent

Depending on your financial situation, the decision to combine accounts could be detrimental to both you and your parent. Here are some risks to consider before opening a joint account with your elderly loved one:

Rights of ownership. “The money in that joint account is now owned equally by the parent and the child,” writes Timothy L. Takacs, a certified elder law attorney in Hendersonville, Tennessee. “This means the child can take out money at any time without the parent’s consent.” In other words, the money isn’t split 50/50. Either person can withdraw the entire account without penalty.
Financial qualification. The funds in the account can affect your ability to qualify for financial assistance. For example, sharing a bank account could put an elderly parent above the income threshold for Medicaid. It could also affect financial aid for prospective college students.
Risk of damage or debt. Joint bank accounts are subject to liens, debt collection, divorces, and bankruptcy. This can put either party in financial danger due to the other’s circumstances.
- If the adult child on the bank account gets divorced, their parent’s contributions can be considered part of their assets to be split in the separation.
- If either party declares bankruptcy, the entire account is considered an asset.
- Creditors can pursue the funds if either party owes money for medical bills, child support, etc.

Accessing an elderly parent’s bank account with siblings

Money is the main reason adult siblings fight over their parent’s care, and joint bank accounts can lead to disputes. If one sibling is a primary caregiver, or helps their aging loved one pay bills, it may seem sensible for them to take over an elderly parent’s finances or to set up a joint account.

But siblings could question how and why money is being spent, says Mike Travers, a certified financial planner in Ontario, Canada. They may accuse the joint account holder of financial abuse, especially if the funds appear to be misappropriated. “Parents need to be mindful of what they may set their children up for,” says Travers.

In families with multiple children, a joint checking account with one child has consequences regarding inheritance. “In most states, upon the parent’s death, the money in the account automatically goes to the child whose name is on the account, thereby disinheriting the other children,” writes Takacs. This is because joint accounts are usually held with rights of survivorship, which means ownership passes automatically from the deceased to their survivor.

A joint account can preclude a will in the case of your loved one’s death, no matter when the account was established. This means the child on the shared account would receive all the money in the account.

The FDIC guide to joint bank accounts provides a potential solution: “While most joint accounts are held with rights of survivorship, in rare instances joint account owners are ‘tenants in common,’ which means ownership does not necessarily pass from decedent to survivor. Instead, each co-owner can bequeath his or her share of the account to whomever he or she chooses.” With this provision, the aging parent could assign their share of the account to a separate child, ensuring it’s split evenly. Consult a financial advisor to see if this provision could apply to your family.

Alternatives to a joint bank account

If the risks of a joint bank account outweigh the benefits in your family’s circumstances, consider these alternatives:

Signature authority on accounts. The IRS suggests signature authority, which allows an adult child access to their aging parent’s bank account. They can use it to pay bills and make purchases as long as they’re in the loved one’s interest. Your local bank branch can set this up easily with both signatures.
Power of attorney. With power of attorney, an adult child can handle financial matters on their aging parent’s behalf. This means they can deposit social security checks, pay bills, or manage investments. With financial power of attorney, a child can also maintain or sell assets and access bank accounts. A durable financial power of attorney is recommended, since it remains in effect even if the parent is incapacitated.
Payable on death provision. An aging parent can add a “payable on death” provision to bank accounts, according to Legacy Assurance. This ensures their money will bypass probate and be paid directly to beneficiaries. If they have a will, it’s important to be sure the two don’t contradict each other.
Revocable living trust. Aging parents can put money for relatives into a revocable living trust (“revocable” means parents can alter the trust as long as they’re mentally competent — after that, it becomes an “irrevocable” trust), according to the American Bar Association. There are three parties involved: the creator, the co-trustee who manages assets (which could be an adult child), and the beneficiaries. This is only a viable option if the elderly parent has sufficient finances to set up a trust.
Direct deposit. An adult child can open a checking account in their own name to manage their parent’s funds. Even though it won’t accrue interest, the balance can be altered with regular deposits. For instance, if a child generally spends $1,000 a month on their parent’s care, the parent’s individual savings account or trust could automatically deposit that amount on a monthly basis.

How to find an expert to help with senior finances

Every family’s financial situation is different. Consider consulting a certified financial advisor to understand how to best help your elderly parents. Visit the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to search for one by city, state, or ZIP code. Certified elder law attorneys are often also experts in financial issues related to aging. Visit the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys to find one in your area.

Before selecting an advisor, ask about their experience with elderly finances. Registered financial gerontologists have extra training in providing financial advice to aging adults and their families. In addition, some geriatric care managers offer financial advising or can link you with an advisor who specializes in elder-care finance.

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Related Articles

Simple Steps for Estate Planning
Legal Planning for Seniors
A Place for Mom Financial Toolkit

Sources

The American Bar Association
FDIC guide to joint bank accounts

Medication Management Guide: Lifesaving Tips for Seniors

Sun, 10 May 2020 08:00:04 -0400

Most assisted living communities provide residents with medication management services, which can be helpful if family members live far away or cannot check on aging loved ones regularly. For seniors who live at home, understanding steps to managing medications effectively can help keep them safe.

Why medication management is essential for seniors: avoiding medication errors

You may have become used to seeing multiple bottles of pills or other medications on your aging parent’s cabinet or counter, but polypharmacy — the regular use of five or more medications — can pose a serious health risk to seniors. Each year, about 350,000 people are hospitalized after visits to the emergency room because of adverse, or harmful, drug events, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Medication management is an important preventive measure to avoid potentially serious health hazards in seniors. Older adults often take multiple medications, vitamins, and supplements to treat different symptoms and health conditions, which can increase their risk of medication mix-ups. In some cases, these simple mistakes can become dangerous and even fatal.

Other factors that increase the risk of health problems related to medication mismanagement in older adults include:

Cognitive conditions, including memory problems
Multiple chronic diseases
Seeing multiple doctors
Not having a primary care doctor to coordinate care
Mental health conditions
Frailty

Health problems related to medication mismanagement in older adults are often caused by:

Drug interactions. Certain medications cannot be taken together or with specific foods or drinks. For example, some medications cannot be taken with alcoholic drinks or citrus fruits because it alters their effects.
Seniors who have different health conditions or see multiple doctors may be prescribed more medications than they need if their care is not carefully monitored. Mental illness or memory problems can also lead seniors to take more medicine than they need.
Falls and fractures. Taking multiple medications may increase the risk of hip fractures in the elderly. It also significantly raises the risk of falls in older adults, regardless of medication type.
Discontinuation of treatment. Older adults may unintentionally forget to follow their doctor’s directions. Others who take several medications may deliberately choose to not fill prescriptions, skip doses, or discontinue treatment for financial reasons as the cost of prescription drugs continue to rise.

Taking multiple medications: How much medicine do seniors take?

About 80% of older adults regularly take at least two prescription medications, and 36% regularly take at least five prescription drugs, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. These rates are higher when over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements are included. Seniors in nursing homes are prescribed an average of seven to eight drugs regularly.

These numbers make it easier to understand why polypharmacy is a growing problem as the U.S. population ages. However, there are steps you can take to help your loved one get organized and practice better medication management.

10 effective medication management tips for seniors

Follow these tips to help your aging parent prevent medication-related health hazards:

1. Review your aging loved one’s medications with their doctor. Write down the names and dosages of all medications they take and how frequently they take them. Include over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, too. If your parent sees multiple doctors, it may be helpful to write down who prescribed each medication and what it treats.

Go over this list at your next appointment with your parent’s primary care doctor. The more information your loved one’s doctor has, the more accurately they can pinpoint any potential adverse effects or drug interactions.

2. Ask questions and read medication labels. If your parent is starting a new drug, ask the doctor questions, such as how and when to take it, and if it should be taken with or without food. Read the medication label thoroughly to understand dosages and learn about important interactions and side effects. Reading medication labels is important for both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. If you have any questions, call your loved one’s doctor or pharmacist.

3. Learn about possible drug interactions. In addition to reading medication labels, ask your loved one’s doctor if certain drugs on their list shouldn’t be taken together. Note that over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements may also interact with some medications, so include those when reviewing your list.

4. Understand potential side effects. Ask the doctor about possible side effects before your parent starts taking a new drug. Check in with your loved one, and ask if they’ve noticed any differences in how they’re feeling since starting the new medication. Certain drugs may affect seniors in different ways, including changes in weight, sleep patterns, hunger, or balance. Tell the doctor if your parent is experiencing any side effects.

5. Ask if the dosage is age-appropriate. The way the body processes various drugs changes with age. This means seniors can be more or less sensitive to certain medications. They may also experience adverse effects. Double-check with your loved one’s doctor or pharmacist to ensure that the dosage on the prescription is appropriate for their age. Also ask if they recommend starting with a lower dose.

6. Be aware of medications deemed unsafe for seniors. The Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults, put together by the American Geriatric Society, is a list of medications that older adults should avoid or use with caution. Some pose a higher risk of side effects or interactions, while others are simply less effective. For instance, older adults may need to avoid commonly prescribed sedatives like diazepam (Valium). Ask your loved one’s doctor or pharmacist if any of their medications are on the caution list.

7. Make your loved one aware of the dangers of self-prescribing. Your aging parent may be tempted to increase the dose of a certain medication, or they may decide to take their medication more frequently to treat a symptom faster. Or they may add an over-the-counter drug to their list of medications to get quicker relief. Self-medicating increases your loved one’s risk of overmedication and drug interactions that can cause serious harm to their health. If a medication is not providing the expected relief, it’s always safer to call the doctor and ask for advice.

8. Monitor for medication compliance. Medications only work if taken consistently and as directed by the doctor. If your aging parent is simply forgetful or is having trouble tracking their medications, a reminder system may be helpful. But those with a cognitive impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, need to have their medications carefully managed and monitored. When taken incorrectly, medications can be harmful or even fatal.

9. Minimize the number of doctors and pharmacists you use. Having a primary care provider, such as a family physician or geriatrician, can help make care coordination easier as they establish good communication with other specialists. It’s also best to get all your parent’s medications from one pharmacy to add another level of review, help ensure appropriate dosage, and reduce the risk of adverse drugs effects and interactions.

10. Help your loved one organize their medications. If you or your loved one need extra help staying organized, there are plenty of tools and devices to keep you on track. There are mail-order pharmacy services, such as PillPack, which organizes and manages medications for you. Many families find “smart”, or tech-enabled, pillboxes and dispensers to be helpful, along with reminder apps. Shop around for options to help your loved one stay safe when managing their medications.

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Beyond Bingo: The 50 Best Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living

Sat, 09 May 2020 11:15:04 -0400

People have the same basic needs at any age: to explore, have fun, learn, and live life to the fullest. Senior living activities do much more than just pass the time. They help seniors lead healthier, happier lives.

Assisted living facilities offer activities to suit all seniors’ interests

Assisted living communities offer a variety of activities to suit residents’ varying abilities and interests. Here are some of the top ways A Place for Mom’s partner communities help seniors stay active.

Learning new skills

Lifelong learning is crucial to feeling energized and interested in life. Workshops and classes in senior living communities include:

Painting classes
Educational lectures
Book clubs
Computer classes
Foreign language classes
Writing workshops
Woodworking classes

Dance classes

Dancing remains ever-popular at senior communities and is a daily event for most. Dancing is not only fun, but it helps keep residents fit. Plus, it’s an excellent social opportunity.

Residents often enjoy:

Ballroom dancing
Line dancing
Swing dancing
Square dancing

Entertainment

The show must go on! Entertainment is a mainstay of most assisted living facilities. Entertainers often perform at communities so residents don’t need to travel. Sometimes, friends and family are even invited.

Types of senior living entertainment include:

Stand-up comedy
Visiting choirs
Pedigree dog shows
Drama groups

Fitness classes

Exercise promotes healthy blood flow to the brain and increases mobility. This is why fitness at assisted living communities involves more than just “the morning stretch.”

Today’s senior communities strive to make fitness fun and easily accessible through activities such as:

Tai chi
Yoga and chair yoga
Meditation
Gardening
Swimming
Zumba
Spin class

Music and karaoke

Singing is great for the soul. There’s no such thing as bad singing if it comes from the heart.

Many communities stage their own competitions like “American Idol” or “The Masked Singer,” but even old-fashioned karaoke is a blast. You may even find yourself being serenaded by community choirs or other talented musicians.

Whatever it may be, sit back, relax, and enjoy:

Singing contests
Karaoke
Private musician’s shows
Children’s choir visits

Special events

Many events are holiday-themed, but no special occasion is needed to have fun. Some communities hold carnivals for residents complete with cotton candy and dunk tanks, while others host senior proms or screenings of major events such as political debates and sports championships.

Each community hosts different kinds of special events, so be sure to explore ones that interest you. Examples include:

Classic car shows
Art shows
Fashion shows
Pool parties
Happy hours

Games

It’s not just bingo! Whether you prefer traditional or virtual games, the majority of assisted living facilities have a combination of both.

Many communities have Nintendo’s Wii, a video game system in which users interact with the game by moving their body rather than manipulating a joystick. Most residents find the Wii easy to learn and downright enjoyable.

Traditional brain-boosting games include:

Trivia
Sudoku
Crossword puzzles
Chess
Checkers

Field trips

Who doesn’t love going to new places, spending time with friends, or simply trying something new? Many assisted living communities plan field trips to help residents bond and learn. Some examples are:

Concerts
Local museums
Sporting events
Plays or musicals
Movies

Outdoor excursions

People of all ages need opportunities to breathe fresh air, smell wildflowers, or walk among the trees. Senior communities provide frequent outdoor excursions to help residents immerse themselves in nature.

Some outdoor activities include:

Picnics
Nature trail walks
Community service projects
Trips to farmers markets
Visits to the park

Health benefits of activities for the elderly

Activities can stimulate older adults’ minds and bodies in three key ways:

Inactivity may be more important than age when it comes to losing the ability to do things on your own, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Exercise has been shown to decrease depression, falls, and blood pressure while improving strength, balance, and sleep. Physical activity also stimulates blood flow to the brain, which may help improve cognitive function.
Keeping your mind sharp through activities can reduce signs of memory loss and cognitive decline. For this reason, many assisted living communities provide mentally stimulating activities or “brain games” to exercise residents’ minds.
Researchers are learning more about the dangers of social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Too much time alone increases a senior’s risk of dementia, as well as other health problems including high blood pressure, obesity, depression, and heart disease.

Find assisted living communities with activities seniors will love

Interested in finding out about the classes, clubs, workshops, and additional unique activities at assisted living communities near you? Contact our Senior Living Advisors to find out what’s on the activities schedule at local senior living communities.

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GPS Tracking for Seniors: Best Bracelets and Devices

Sat, 09 May 2020 08:00:26 -0400

Older adults with cognitive conditions sometimes feel lost or disoriented and leave their room or home in search of something familiar. This is called wandering — a common but potentially dangerous symptom of memory conditions in seniors. Many methods exist to help prevent wandering, like carefully designed memory care facilities that reduce confusion and promote familiarity. But when it happens, a GPS tracking bracelet or device can help prevent emergencies and dangerous situations.

How GPS tracking keeps people with Alzheimer’s and dementia safe

GPS tracking has helped people navigate their way around the planet for decades. As with the apps for driving directions you use on your smartphone, GPS technology uses information gathered from satellites to figure out your precise location on the ground.

Today, GPS trackers can be so basic and small that people can wear them throughout the day without noticing. These trackers allows caregivers to know exactly where an elderly loved one is to help keep them safe.

Best GPS tracking bracelets and other devices for seniors

You can buy tracking devices in the form of a GPS tracking bracelet, watch, or a device that fits in clothing or on a key chain.

Here are some helpful tracking devices for your elderly loved one:

Medical Guardian’s Freedom Guardian alert watch

How it works: Intended for seniors, the Freedom Guardian alert watch is lightweight and has a simple design with large icons. Features include GPS location tracking, emergency SOS, text-to-speech messaging, and reminders and alerts for medications and appointments.

Cost: This option requires a subscription, which is about $45 per month depending on the chosen payment plan. The watch itself costs $180.

PocketFinder+ personal tracker

How it works: The PocketFinder+ uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular information to locate users. The device, just like the keyless entry remote control for a car, is small and fits easily on a key chain or in your pocket. It’s also waterproof. Users can view not only a GPS location, but also an address, an altitude, your distance from the address, and the speed the device is moving. The PocketFinder+ app provides updates through email and text notifications on your computer or smartphone. PocketFinder+ also provides up to 60 days of tracking history and alerts you when the device leaves a specific “geo-fence zone” that you create.

Cost: The device alone is $99, plus a monthly service plan for $13.

GPS SmartSole shoe insert from GTX

How it works: The GPS Smart Sole is a tracking device sealed in a water-resistant, trimmable shoe insert. Families can track location history by setting up an account on GTX’s website. You can also receive text or email alerts from the device, and access a smart locator app and map wherever T-Mobile coverage is available — although you don’t need to be a T-Mobile customer to use the device. The SmartSole has a two- to three-day day battery life with normal use. It alerts caregivers by email or text notifications when the battery is low.

Cost: The insert is $299, plus a data plan which starts at $15 a month.

Garmin fitness bands and smartwatches

How it works: You may think these Garmin products are only for exercise, but they can also help caregivers looking out for seniors. Most of these watches and bands connect to a smartphone for location tracking plus heart rate monitoring and communication. The basic design of the vívosport band may better suit your elderly loved one — and it’s less expensive. If you’re looking for something more advanced, Garmin has a variety of smartwatches with most of the capabilities of a smartphone.

Cost: The vívosport starts at $169, while the higher-end smartwatches range from $199 to more than $1,000.

Mindme Locate

How it works: Mindme Locate is a key-sized, buttonless device you attach to a belt or key chain to track the user’s location. Caregivers can look up the user’s location at any time on Mindme’s website, and they can call the company’s response team during an emergency. While the Mindme Locate is currently the company’s only device sold in the U.S. (Mindme is U.K.-based), the Mindme watch and Mindme Alarm may be available in the future.

Cost: Mindme Locate currently costs $140 plus a $20 monthly subscription fee.

AngelSense device and wearables

How it works: AngelSense’s specialized tracking technology offers a wide range of benefits. The tracker fits easily in a sleeve, which can then be carried or attached to the user. Caregivers access the tracking system through a smartphone app. Features include real-time mapping, an “unknown place” alert, all-day monitoring, first-responder emergency alerts, and one- or two-way voice tools that enable caregivers to hear the user’s surroundings or speak with their loved one. In addition to the handheld device, AngelSense also has wearable trackers like a sleeve, belt, and shirt.

Cost: Regularly listed for $229, the AngelSense kit containing the tracking device and fasteners is currently free due to the coronavirus pandemic. There’s a service plan starting at $40 a month, plus an activation fee.

iTraq Nano

How it works: iTraq bills itself as the “world’s first global location device that can be found anywhere.” It uses cell towers to determine location, enabling it to be used anywhere there is service around the world. The iTraq Nano device itself is about half the size of most smartphones and easily slides into a pocket or connects to a key chain. The Nano’s location is reported through a mobile app that allows you to view a map of locations and timestamps. iTraq also features a “Guard Mode,” in which users specify a radius on a map and receive alerts if the iTraq goes beyond the pre-set radius.

Cost: iTraq’s Nano is $129.

Project Lifesaver’s PLI-PR1 Perimeter alarm system

How it works: Project Lifesaver’s alarm system involves a non-GPS device and is probably the easiest-to-use item on this list. No apps or touchscreens involved: a wristband worn by the senior simply transmits a radio signal to a handheld receiver with the caregiver. When the senior leaves the “safety zone” — about 100 feet indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors — an alarm sounds on the receiver to alert the caregiver.

To get the alarm system, caregivers have to enroll seniors in Project Lifesaver locally. The organization has worked for more than 20 years to build a nationwide network of certified public safety agencies — including fire and rescue teams, first responders, and law enforcement — that send a trained emergency team to respond to a caregiver’s area. Most recovery times average about 30 minutes.

Cost: The equipment package — receiver, transmitter, wristbands, and batteries — must be purchased through your local Project Lifesaver agency. Prices may vary, but some agencies list the annual cost at $300, then $10 a month for additional wristbands and batteries after the first year.

What to do when your loved one wanders

The Alzheimer’s Association encourages caregivers to start with a plan to help keep seniors safe.

If your aging loved one begins to exhibit wandering behaviors, you should:

Keep a list of people to call on for help, and have telephone numbers easily accessible.
Ask family, friends, and neighbors to call if they see your loved one alone.
Keep a recent photo and updated medical information on hand for authorities.
Keep the home and surrounding areas as safe and secure as possible, and stay aware of dangerous areas like stairwells and bodies of water.
Try to anticipate places your loved one might wander, like a former workplace or house.
Call 911 if you can’t find your loved one within 15 minutes.

How to prevent Alzheimer’s wandering

Anyone suffering from memory problems is at risk for wandering, even those in the early stages of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Six in ten people with dementia will wander. As the disease progresses, a person can become disoriented for longer periods of time.

Fortunately, you can prevent wandering by creating a plan and using services like tracking technology.

Memory care is another option for dealing with wandering in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Memory care units generally have 24-hour supervised care within a standalone wing or on another floor of an assisted living facility. The physical layouts of dementia care units are designed to be easy to navigate, which minimizes the likelihood of wandering.

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Top 7 Reasons to Hire a Senior Move Manager

Sat, 09 May 2020 06:00:13 -0400

Moving is stressful no matter how old you are, and it gets even harder with years of memories and possessions collected in one home. In fact, more than half of seniors say that avoiding the hassle of moving is a reason why they want to age at home, according to a survey by the National Council on Aging.

Senior move managers relieve this burden, specializing in helping the elderly downsize and transition to assisted living communities or other housing. We spoke with Jennifer Pickett and May Kay Buysse, the executive team at the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), about what senior move managers offer.

Senior move managers are experienced and vetted

NASMM requires their members to have general liability insurance, take classes in ethics and safety, and provide a signed contract to protect the manager, the family, and their senior loved one. They also have a code of ethics and standard of practice for all members.

Many move managers have found move management as a post-retirement career. Some have backgrounds in nursing, social work, and psychology while others worked in marketing, project management, or even information technology. Often, the combination of their professional background, life experience, and desire to connect with seniors prepares them for this unique role.

Move managers help seniors downsize with dignity

When a senior lives in one home for their entire adult life, they fill it with reminders of the people and places they love.

“The art of senior move management is helping older adults part with their possessions without parting with their memories.” — Jennifer Pickett, associate executive director, NASMM

It can be hard for younger generations to understand the emotional difficulties of downsizing. Members of Gen X moved have moved 40% more often than their parents’ generation, and millennials are increasingly choosing experiences over objects. This disconnect can leave adult children frustrated at their aging parent’s reluctance to let things go.

Senior move managers encounter this situation often, and they can empathize with elderly adults struggling to downsize. They’re able to provide creative solutions family members may not have thought to consider.

Buysse describes a move manager working with a woman in her 80s, a passionate traveler who had visited countries across the globe. Throughout their travels, she and her husband acquired 85 unique teapots. “She was absolutely despondent over the fact that this move to a 500-square-foot apartment could mean, for the first time in 50 years, that those teapots would not be with her,” says Buysse.

The move manager suggested the woman select her three favorite teapots to display in the dinette cabinet in her new assisted living apartment. She took photos of the other 82 teapots, had a poster professionally printed and framed, and presented it to the woman as a gift. This thoughtful, professional gesture is one example of how senior move managers can find creative solutions to help loved ones cope with the difficulties of downsizing.

Move managers allow seniors to feel in charge of difficult transitions

It’s important to involve seniors in the moving process, so that they don’t see the transition as something happening “to” them. This may mean organizing clothing and books or sorting through a box of Christmas ornaments — it all depends on the senior’s physical and cognitive condition. If the aging relative is able to make some decisions, they will be more likely to accept the move, says Pickett.

Often, a change in health or the loss of a spouse prompts a move to a senior living community. “There’s so much loss associated with aging,” says Pickett. “Unfortunately, most of the time when seniors decide to move, something has happened, and they’re not necessarily in the position where they’re in total control.” An impartial third party can bring order to the moving process, reducing stress for both the senior and their adult children. “That way the family can focus on the physical and emotional needs of their loved one.”

Move managers can emotionally prepare older adults for assisted living

One of the biggest hesitations seniors have about transitioning to assisted living is a desire to age at home, surrounded by familiar memories and possessions. Sometimes communities will recommend reaching out to a move manager if families are making the difficult decision to move a loved one to senior living.

“One of the best skills a move manager brings to the table is their ability to listen.” — Jennifer Pickett, associate executive director, NASMM

“There’s the physical side of moving, but there’s also the emotional side of leaving what they’ve known and starting a new normal,” says Pickett. During a consultation with a senior and their family, a senior move manager can listen to concerns and offer solutions based on their experience with others in similar situations. They can help reduce the fear of downsizing and make a seemingly overwhelming process less daunting.

Once the decision to move to assisted living has been made, move managers help set an older adult up for a successful transition. “It’s so important to make a senior move seamless and stress-free,” says Pickett. “If a move goes poorly, the stress that’s associated can really send an adult into a downward spiral.”

Senior move managers can prevent family conflict

The stress of moving, coupled with conflicting personalities, can lead to arguments among adult children and their aging loved one. Often, one sibling will try to move the process along. “They may say something like, ‘Mom, you don’t really need this.’ But it isn’t their decision — it’s her decision,” says Pickett. A senior move manager can de-escalate the situation and put the argument into perspective.

Move managers can calmly provide an objective perspective and guide families through the process of deciding which things to keep, sell, and donate. “There are a lot of memories and emotions wrapped up for the adult children as well,” Pickett notes. “Senior move managers are valuable because they help take that emotion out.”

Senior moving services can save time and money

The national average cost of a senior move manager is between $40 and $80 an hour, depending on the location and type of move. Often, managers will also offer package options based on client needs. All NASMM partners are required to provide comprehensive estimates to each prospective client.

Some families will hire a move manager months in advance to begin decluttering or downsizing the senior’s home room by room to space out their investment. Others will go all-in for a weekend.

Especially for geographically distant families, move managers can save considerable time and resources. Instead of adult children making multiple flights for organizing, moving, open houses, and estate sales, the mover can manage many of these tasks.

Technology is also a tool move managers use to support families while conserving resources, says Pickett. “If you’re in a long-distance situation, a lot of the downsizing and selling can be done virtually. Move managers have that technology at their fingertips, from inventory to virtual organizing tools.”

Senior relocation specialists know how to sell and donate

A move manager has a streamlined process for the aging adult’s possessions. They may start by taking photos of the entire house and sharing them with family members to determine what should be kept. Once that’s decided, the planner will work to find the best homes for the senior’s remaining items. “There are a lot of options, and the dumpster is the last resort,” says Buysse.

They’ll organize donations to charities like Habitat for Humanity or Move for Hunger and ensure that all donations are documented for tax-deduction purposes.
Move managers may also have resources to sell unique treasures like antique books, Civil War memorabilia, or entire collections, says Pickett.
If your family decides to have an estate sale, the move manager can connect you with an estate expert or sometimes conduct the sale themselves.

Move managers have connections

Most managers have real estate agents, cleaning services, appraisers, and staging experts in their network to take care of every detail for the family. They also know senior movers or moving services to carry boxes and provide trucks.

In addition to being convenient, these connections may save a family money through specialized discounts.
Some senior living communities partner with local senior move managers. If you’re considering hiring one, ask prospective communities if they have any incentives to help lower costs.

Move managers support a senior’s move from point A to point B (even if it’s hundreds of miles away)

Sometimes, senior move managers will pack and ship hundreds of items. Other times, they’ll set up transportation and accompany loved ones across the country. No matter how involved your family’s move manager is, the process of downsizing and moving often creates a personal relationship. “I’ve talked to so many move managers who continue to reach out to clients to make sure if they’re OK or need anything,” says Pickett. It’s not unusual for move managers to be in touch with clients long after they’ve settled in.

If you think a senior move manager could help your family, search for accredited options near you at NASMM’s online locator.

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23 Activities for Seniors Who Are Social Distancing

Sat, 02 May 2020 18:40:07 -0400

Activity directors at senior living communities are known for thinking of fun outings, games, and exercise programs for aging loved ones. With communal activities off the table, they’ve had to get creative and find new methods to keep residents safe and connected during social distancing. You can adapt these expert ideas as inspiration to keep your loved one active at home, too!

Senior activities ideas from assisted living experts

Here are some unique ways assisted living communities are keeping seniors entertained:

Friendly competition. Residents at Riverstone Retirement Resort in Kansas City, Missouri, are staying engaged through friendly competition, says activities director Mary Pat Taylor. Some of her creative ideas include remote control cars for residents to race down communal hallways (they can cheer for favorites from their own rooms!) and a virtual game of The Price is Right.

TIP: Classic game shows are a fun way to connect with senior loved ones at home. Watch reruns online and try to call out answers before the contestants do, or find a virtual archive of Price is Right games for seniors here.

Personalized activity baskets. Sunrise Senior Living communities are creating personalized baskets with materials for activities focused on personalized themes residents enjoy, like exercise, animals, and music.

TIP: This is a great concept to copy for the seniors in your life. The personalization will make your loved one feel special, and you can customize based on their abilities. Consider making a basket for your art-loving mom with some new pens, beautiful postcards, or a puzzle or coffee table book from her favorite painter.

Armchair travel. Many communities are using technology to take “virtual trips” to foreign countries like Italy and Spain. The residents of Brookdale 119 in Overland Park, Kansas, got to “fly away” for the evening. Staff, dressed as flight attendants, performed a fun safety demonstration and pushed a snack cart down the hallway for a unique, social-distance-friendly happy hour.

Movie nights. New Town senior apartments in Baltimore, Maryland, had the clever idea to keep their Wednesday night movies communal by passing out popcorn and having residents with Netflix watch the same film from the comfort of their own apartments.

TIP: Talking about movies is a great way to connect. See if your loved one wants to set up a time to watch the same thing as their friends, whether it’s on a streaming service or cable.

Hallway events. “We’re engaging the staff members to use their creativity,” says Cece Credille, senior vice president for quality services at Enlivant, a Chicago-based senior living company. “They’re playing Wheel of Fortune or Family Feud and having exercise time in the hall with people sitting in their doorways. Our staff also stroll the hallway with music and action to entertain the residents.”

Crafts. Many senior living communities are stocking up on materials for popular crafts like knitting and crochet, two great ways to stay busy while listening to the radio or watching TV. Even dementia patients can respond well to supplies like soft yarn that provide sensory stimulation.

TIP: If you’re up for learning something new, ask your loved one to help teach you a craft they enjoy.

Concerts. A social distancing concert sounds unlikely, but it’s exactly what happened at Sunrise Senior Living in Dublin, Ohio. Local couple Gary and Linda Sclafani lifted resident spirits by playing popular songs for seniors with open windows.

Exercise. Active seniors may be going stir crazy right now! Some assisted living communities, like Enlivant, are doing hallway exercise programs. Others are encouraging stretching or even creating set times for a few residents to go outside while maintaining social distancing protocols.

Back to Basics. “I’ve noticed that bingo has been a common request,” says Raina Akers of Orlando, Florida. “The cards are given to residents in their rooms, then the numbers get called. Everyone down the hall can hear the ‘Bingo!’”

TIP: Routine, traditional activities can be comforting to seniors during this time of rapid change. Keep this in mind when making plans with your loved one at home as well.

Letters. Most seniors remember a time when snail mail was their main form of communication. Some assisted living communities are starting pen pal programs to link aging adults with children who are currently homeschooling. It’s a chance for kids to work on their writing skills — and for seniors to tell their stories.

Family activities for elderly loved ones

Many senior centers are closed, leaving family caregivers more time at home with their loved ones. Here are some activities you can do as a family to stay entertained during social isolation:

Sort through keepsakes. Do you have keepsake boxes in your garage or attic that haven’t been opened in years? Dust off old yearbooks and family photos to reminisce together. Laugh about old-fashioned trends, and share stories about your childhoods.

Take a virtual trip down memory lane. Google Earth is an amazing way to “travel” during times of social distancing. Try looking up your loved one’s childhood home or the hotel where they spent their honeymoon. If they have old pictures, compare and contrast with the new ones you find. Explore the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas or the colorful coral reefs of the Caribbean.

Learn about your family history. Companies like Ancestry.com and 23andMe offer at-home testing kits that can trace your genetics back dozens of generations. These results can be a great starting point for conversations about family history. Were the results what you expected?

Spring clean. A bright and airy space will make social isolation a little less dreary. If you’ve been meaning to clear out clutter or rearrange rooms, this is a great opportunity to get started. Remember to be careful — save the heavy lifting for when you have help.

Put your green thumbs to work. Being outside in nature decreases stress and fosters well-being. Gardening is beneficial to seniors, even if you only have space for a few flower pots. Many hardware stores are still offering curbside delivery, and some community gardens are sending out seeds.

Bake. If you’ve spent any time online recently, you know homemade banana bread and sourdough are all the rage. Time-consuming cooking projects aren’t just for millennials to post on social media, though. Does your family have a famous birthday cake recipe or a classic shortbread passed down for generations? You don’t need a special occasion to indulge your sweet tooth these days, and individual cupcakes and cookies freeze well. Just don’t give the grandkids too much sugar!

Solo activities for seniors during social isolation

If your loved one is isolating in their own home, or if you’re looking for activities to entertain them while you work, here are some unique ways for seniors to spend time alone:

Volunteer. If your loved one enjoys giving back to the community, check out this list of charitable organizations that have set up ways to volunteer from home. One option is StoriiTime, which connects isolated seniors with children learning to read.

Play. Brain games for seniors can reduce the likelihood of dementia and improve cognitive health. If your mom is missing her regular bridge nights, virtual activities are a great way to stay mentally stimulated and learn new skills. AARP and Adobe partnered for this online collection of senior-friendly games, puzzles, and memory-boosters.

Experience culture. Has your loved one ever wanted to visit Paris? Send them on a virtual tour of the Louvre Museum. If they’re an opera lover, suggest a free live concert from the Metropolitan Opera.

Focus on mental health. With the coronavirus dominating news sources and everyday conversation, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. A Place for Mom created this list of the best mental health apps to try in 2020.

Create. If your loved one is a painter, knitter, or writer, encourage these creative activities! It can be difficult to find motivation during these stressful times, but a finished product creates a sense of accomplishment. Some activities for senior citizens can even be used to support your local community, like knitted hats for babies or inspirational poetry to brighten someone’s day.

Read. It seems obvious, but reading is a great way to improve brain health. If your loved one doesn’t have the eyesight or attention span to read traditional books, consider interesting podcasts or books on tape. If you have similar interests, a mini family book club is a fun way to bond.

Learn something new. Open Culture offers hundreds of free online courses. Whether your loved one wants to learn about economics, the Italian renaissance, or computer science, there’s an option available online.

Have you and your loved one done any of these activities? What are some fun ways you’ve helped your senior relative stay active and engaged during social distancing?

Let us know in the comments!

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Veteran’s Benefits: Does the VA Pay for Senior Care?

Fri, 01 May 2020 08:00:43 -0400

Are you or your loved one a U.S. military veteran or military veteran’s spouse? Veterans or their surviving spouses in need of senior care may qualify for extra financial help on top of their basic pension. Here are the highlights of the little-known Aid and Attendance benefit, which can provide financial assistance to senior veterans or their spouses who need long-term care but can’t pay for the full costs on their own. For more details, download our Guide to VA Benefits and Long-Term Care e-book.

What is Aid and Attendance?

Aid and Attendance is a pension program provided to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The VA helps veterans and their families by providing supplemental income through the Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension benefit programs. Veterans (or their widowed spouses) in good health qualify for the basic pension if they are 65 or older and have a low income level.

Veterans and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and who require the aid and attendance of another person (or are housebound) may be eligible for additional monthly payments above the normal pension amount — those additional payments are the Aid and Attendance benefit.

However, to qualify for Aid and Attendance, a veteran or surviving spouse must first qualify for the basic VA pension.

The VA lists many eligibility factors for the basic VA pension:

An honorable discharge
Age 65 or older (or permanently disabled)
Minimum service requirements (at least 90 days of active duty, with one of those days being during active wartime)
A monthly income and assets below the limits set by the VA (net worth must not exceed $129,094, as of December 1, 2019)

To qualify for Aid and Assistance, you must meet one of these additional medical requirements:

Need the help of another person for everyday tasks like bathing and dressing
Are in a nursing home, due to a mental or physical incapacity such as Alzheimer’s disease
Are bedridden
Have specific eyesight limitations

Depending on the veteran’s care needs and financial status, the Aid and Attendance benefit can provide $2,170 or more per month toward the cost of several types of senior care, including nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, residential care homes, adult day services, and more.

Do VA benefits cover nursing home care?

Aid and Attendance can be used to help pay for a nursing home, although it may not be especially helpful if the applicant is eligible for Medicaid or expects to go onto Medicaid soon. This is because the benefit will not pay more than $90 per month to someone who is eligible for Medicaid — the exception being those who reside in state VA nursing homes, which are exempt from this rule.

The Aid and Attendance program can be helpful for those who are on the cusp of being able to afford a private-pay nursing home. For example, Aid and Attendance could bridge the financial gap for a veteran who makes $6,000 a month but hopes to live in a nursing home that costs $7,000 a month.

Aid and Attendance can also provide additional income for a spouse at home, or if there is a statewide waiting list for Medicaid beds.

Do spouses of veterans get Aid and Attendance?

Yes — surviving spouses of veterans may receive VA benefits, which include both the basic pension as well as Aid and Attendance. Those benefits help pay for nursing home costs.

It’s important to note that you must be a widowed spouse of a veteran to apply for and receive VA benefits on your own. Spouses and other dependents of living veterans may be eligible for other types of benefits, such as education, financial counseling, and basic health care.

However, veterans with a spouse or other dependents may qualify for higher award amounts. This 2020 chart shows the amount of aid for single veterans and for those with spouses and other dependents.

Basic Pension for Veterans	Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR)	Monthly Rate
Single veteran	$13,752	$1,146
Veteran with spouse or one dependent	$18,008	$1,501
Two veterans married to each other	$18,008	$1,501
Basic Pension for Veterans Plus Aid and Attendance	Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR)	Monthly Rate
Aid and Attendance without dependents	$22,939	$1,912
Aid and Attendance with spouse or one dependent	$27,195	$2,266
Two veterans married to each other (both qualify for A&A)	$36,387	$3,032

Do VA benefits cover assisted living facilities?

The VA does not differentiate between a nursing home and assisted living community in their definition of “nursing home.” This means that, in most states, residents of assisted living communities often qualify for the benefit.

Assisted living communities have emerged in the last two or three decades as an alternative to nursing homes for those who need some care, but not 24-hour skilled nursing care. Aid and Attendance can help qualified recipients pay for assisted living.

Assisted living communities provide personal care in addition to more basic amenities like meals, housekeeping, and activities. The care they offer usually includes medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, although not all residents require assistance in all of these areas.

The average cost for assisted living is $3,715 per month, but this varies depending on region and other location-related factors, the size of the apartments, and the needed level of care.

If you meet the clinical requirements for Aid and Attendance and the assisted living community is helping with personal care needs, then typically the monthly amount paid to the assisted living community is deducted from your gross income.

How do I apply for VA benefits?

To apply for Aid and Attendance, you need to mail the completed VA forms to your pension management center (PMC), or you can apply in person at the nearest VA regional office.

Filling out the paperwork correctly can be difficult, but our guide to Aid and Attendance contains an extensive list of all the required application documents. A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can potentially answer questions you have about applying for Aid and Assistance or about VA benefits for seniors in general.

The application and approval process for Aid and Attendance can be frustratingly slow. It can take weeks for families to gather the necessary documents and complete the paperwork. The approval process itself averages almost nine months, but a complete and accurate application can be processed much more quickly.

If you are 90 or older, you can request an expedited review in a cover letter with your application.

The good news is the benefit pays retroactively upon approval of eligibility. This means the first benefit payment includes a lump sum to cover the months that the application was pending.

Other veterans benefits resources

Here are some other helpful resources for learning about VA benefits:

Directory of Veterans Service Organizations (VSO)
VSO search by state
National Veterans Foundation (free help with VA benefits)
The American Legion
The Veterans Benefits Administration
The Veterans of Foreign Wars
VA-accredited claims specialists and attorneys (be sure to check the Better Business Bureau, references, and reviews before you sign any financial agreement)
Your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs

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Senior Rehabilitation Centers: Better Care Options After a Hospital Stay

Fri, 01 May 2020 08:00:35 -0400

Did you know that families have options when choosing where to complete rehab after being discharged from the hospital? From skilled nursing homes that offer 24-hour care, to rehab services that can be carried out at home or at an assisted living community, learn about options that will help your loved one get better as quickly and safely as possible.

What is a senior rehabilitation center?

A senior rehab center is designed to help those recovering from an injury or serious medical event to reduce pain and improve function. Rehab facilities often include services such as:

Physical therapy to help improve mobility, balance, flexibility, increase strength, and manage pain
Occupational therapy to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), use of adaptive equipment, or fine motor skills
Speech therapy to help with conditions that affect communication, swallowing, or cognitive skills, such as attention or memory problems

Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for the elderly

Senior rehab centers may offer inpatient and outpatient services. Your loved one may need inpatient rehabilitation if they need around-the-clock care and continuous monitoring.

Inpatient rehab requires those recovering from a serious injury, debilitating disease, or major surgery to stay at a facility for a period of time. This type of rehab allows for intensive care that generally includes daily physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

Inpatient rehab facilities may offer meals provided by dietitians, exercise classes, social activities, and counseling services, while providing skilled medical care and assistance with daily activities, such as bathing and getting dressed.

Outpatient rehab also offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy. However, seniors live at home and go to a rehab center to complete their rehabilitation.

Short-term vs. long-term rehabilitation for seniors

Some senior rehab centers offer both short- and long-term inpatient rehab options. Your loved one’s health will dictate how much rehab they need.

For example, after a minor surgery, your parent may only require a short stay at a senior rehab center. However, chronic, serious conditions, such as heart problems or a stroke, may require several months of rehab services at a skilled nursing home that offers 24-hour care, seven days a week.

Your loved one’s doctor will consider the severity of their illness or injury to determine the type of rehab program they need. Together, you can decide if your parent is most likely to achieve rehab goals safely at a skilled nursing facility or a different rehab option.

Choosing a senior rehabilitation location after hospitalization

Senior rehabilitation can take place in a variety of settings.

When determining where to complete rehab, it’s important to find a location that will reduce your loved one’s risk of being readmitted to the hospital while helping them regain their strength and confidence as quickly as possible.

Senior rehabilitation therapy at skilled nursing facilities

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), also called rehab hospitals, offer temporary, short-term housing and rehabilitation services for people who require 24-hour nursing services and skilled medical care. These inpatient rehab facilities typically have a clinical feel, with hospital beds and shared rooms. Meals, dietary counseling, and social services are often provided.

Approved skilled nursing facilities may be covered by Medicare as long as your loved one enters the skilled nursing facility within 30 days of a hospital stay that lasted at least three days.

If your loved one is affected by COVID-19 or is not able to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, they may be able to get Medicare coverage for a skilled nursing facility without a qualifying hospital stay.

In-home rehabilitation therapy for the elderly

Some rehabilitation services can be carried out in the home through home health agencies. Home health services are paid for by Medicare or insurance.

Home health services are provided by licensed medical professionals who come to the home to do a specific task that has been ordered by a physician. These tasks may include monitoring health, administering injections, providing wound care, or developing a strength training and physical therapy exercise program.

Home health rehab therapy can only be offered a few times a week. This means that seniors who receive these services must be motivated to follow their rehab program when the therapist is not there.

In-home therapies also lack the peer support and socialization that can be provided in skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities. That support and socialization often gives seniors the extra motivation they need as they recover.

Rehabilitation therapy for seniors at assisted living communities

Many people are not aware that rehabilitation can also be completed in assisted living communities. Just like at home, home health professionals can provide specific therapies and nursing services that are paid for by Medicare, with the added benefit of 24-hour assistance from the assisted living community staff.

If your loved one requires assistance with ADLs such as bathing, dressing or meal preparation after a hospitalization, an assisted living community may be a good rehabilitation option.

Many assisted living communities have a physical therapy and occupational therapy room in their building for residents to take advantage of high-tech equipment multiple times throughout the day.

For an older adult who expects to go home after rehab, ask about a short-term respite care stay at an assisted living community. A respite stay at an assisted living facility may also be a good option for your loved one who has completed rehab but is not yet confident enough to go home alone.

Respite care can allow a senior to have the peace of mind that someone is available 24 hours a day for assistance and for immediate response to emergencies.

Questions to ask about your hospital discharge plan

Ask your loved one’s doctor these questions before leaving the hospital:

What therapies will my parent require?
What services will health insurance or Medicare pay for?
Will my parent need help with dressing or bathing?
Will my loved one need help with cooking and housework?
Will my loved one be safe at home upon discharge or will someone need to be with them 24 hours a day?
What is the average length of recovery time?
What problems, symptoms, and side effects should we watch for?
What should we do about any potential side effects or problems?
Who do we call for emergencies and problems?
What does each medicine do and why is it needed?
What are the medication dosages and side effects?
Who do we call if we have questions about medical equipment, such as oxygen or a walker?

—

Related Articles:

How to Choose Between Rehab and Skilled Nursing
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6 Essential Steps to Take When Your Parents Need Assisted Living

Essential Words of Comfort for a Dying Loved One

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0400

Knowing how to comfort a dying loved one is challenging and heart-wrenching. Whether you feel pressure to come up with the right words, or you’re not sure where to begin, your feelings are normal. Fortunately, there are things you can say or write to help you and your loved one feel more at peace.

Meaningful conversations to have with your loved one

When talking to your loved one, focus on their needs. Everyone is comforted by different things. Small gestures, such as holding their hand or rubbing their back may feel relaxing or comforting to some. Others may find solace in tangible items, such as photo albums or mementos.

“One of the most important concepts in the field of grief and loss is that people drift in and out of the awareness of dying,” says Kenneth Doka, a senior consultant to the Hospice Foundation of America, and professor emeritus of gerontology at the graduate school of The College of New Rochelle. “Sometimes they do talk about it, sometimes not. The dying one should control the agenda. Don’t force conversations on them.”

When your loved one feels ready to talk, the following suggestions can be comforting ways to begin a conversation:

Ask how they’re doing. Check in with your loved one. Discuss their feelings, thoughts, concerns; talk about their day or other topics they suggest.
Ask what they need. Remind your loved one that you’re here to help. If they have particular wants or wishes, try to ensure that they’re carried out.
Let them know you’re there. No one should feel alone, as these feelings can create unhealthy stress and excess sadness. It’s important to let your loved one know that you’re there for them — reassurance is key.

Don’t forget to say, “I love you”

Sometimes all it takes is three words to give someone the greatest feeling of comfort. During these uncertain times, don’t forget to make your feelings known.

We all express love differently, so whether you express it best verbally or through drawings, cards, or letters, simply let them know they’re loved and cared for.

Dying people typically want to hear (and say) four things, writes Dr. Ira Byock, professor of palliative medicine at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in his book “The Four Things That Matter Most”:

“I forgive you.”
“Please forgive me.”
“I love you.”
“Thank you.”

If any of these seem fitting — whether you need to make peace, forgive, love, or simply thank them for anything they’ve done — remain open to different conversations.

Write words of comfort in a letter

Sometimes it’s better to show rather than tell. Reflect on the happy times you shared with your loved one, even if it was many years ago. Recount old stories that may inspire laughter or the feeling of a life well-lived.

“People often approach death by making sure their life had significance,” says Doka. “Have conversations about the things they’ve learned, the legacies they’ve left, the memories you have of them. Help them feel like they were important.”

What to write to a dying loved one

As experts like Doka note, when people are about to die, one of the things they cherish most is the feeling that they mattered, and that they were important to someone… that they were important to you. Here are some examples of how to begin:

Thank you for the …
I will never forget when we …
You are the reason I learned to appreciate …
I’ve been thinking of you. I remember when …
Without you, I would have never discovered …
I am so grateful that you taught me the importance of …

Encourage loved ones to share

Everyone approaches their mortality differently. Some will find it important to mend relationships with family or friends, while others will prefer to focus on finding ways to remember accomplishments or airing out old regrets.

Either way, it’s important to give your loved one a chance to open up and process what they’ve experienced, as well as what’s to come. Now can be the best time to talk about memories, share stories, or discuss lessons learned.

Here are several questions to ask your loved one before they die:

What are the most important lessons that life taught you?
What are your favorite memories?
What legacies do you want to leave behind?
What experiences have been the most precious?
If you could relive a moment all over again, what would it be?

Be honest, kind, and open

There’s no perfect or easy way to navigate these moments or conversations. Above all, do your best to remain authentic, supportive, and understanding. When talking to your loved one, just remember that it’s OK to:

Admit you don’t have all of the answers
Not understand why this is happening
Cry and express your emotions openly
Be silent — sometimes the best words can be no words

Things to avoid saying to someone who is dying

Open conversation or not, there are some thoughts one should generally avoid saying to someone who is dying.

Don’t give false assurances. This can undermine trust and add unnecessary anxiety into a situation that is already difficult enough.
Don’t force a conversation. Be patient with your loved one. If they’re not ready to talk, give them time to process their feelings and emotions.
Don’t force religion if your loved one is not religious. If your loved one is not spiritual, be respectful and mindful of their beliefs.

Prepare to say goodbye to a senior loved one

In many cases, a loved one dies suddenly due to an accident, heart attack, or other event. Sadly, there is little or no time to prepare or say goodbye. But with terminal illnesses like cancer, you can talk about end-of-life issues over months or even years. Yet, because we often don’t know what to say, we may miss out on opportunities to connect deeply with our dying loved one and have conversations we’ll remember and appreciate for years or even decades after they’re gone.

In addition to having meaningful conversations, it’s also important to have your loved one’s affairs in order, according to Brian Carpenter, psychological and brain sciences professor at Washington University in St. Louis. In an interview for the American Psychological Association he suggested asking the three following questions to help eliminate end-of-life stress regarding:

Finances. Ask where their important financial documents (end-of-life instructions, wills, life-insurance policies, etc.) are located so they can be organized, stored, and carried out correctly by the right person.
Funeral or service. What kind of arrangement do they prefer? Who do they want to be involved, or who do they want there? Is there anything they don’t want?
Location. If they’re given a choice, do they prefer to be at home, a different residential setting, or in the hospital?

As difficult as it can be to have these discussions, it’ll make it easier to move forward so that you’re able to focus on the present with your loved one.

Make peace with yourself and your loved one

Don’t forget to nurture yourself during this time, too. Caregivers or family members who need support through a loved one’s death, and the bereavement process, may find it most helpful to turn to others who have been through a similar experience. Grief counseling or therapy can also be positive avenues to pursue when you need professional advice or someone to talk to.

Saying goodbye to your loved one will never be easy. However, staying prepared, asking questions, and having open conversations can help you both find a sense of peace and much-needed comfort in the end.

—

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The @DiverseElders, comprised of six member organizations that represent communities of color, American Indian/Alaska Natives, and LGBT communities, demand #justice for George Floyd and an end to racist violence and inequities: https://bit.ly/3cw25x0

Let’s keep the #SaludTues #HealthEquity #EndSystemicRacism convo going! Get our emails: http://salud-america.org/join/ Take action: http://salud-america.org/take-action/ Co-host a Tweetchat: http://salud-america.org/tweetchats/ Your voice is p

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