Are Your Loved Ones Safe at Home?

Most people dread the day that they may be forced to consider leaving their home in order to preserve their safety. That is why many family members hesitate to bring up the subject of senior living solutions to their loved one. Although, failing to do so could ultimately result in tragedy. Of course, you may not want to take the risk of having “the talk” if the aging adult isn’t ready. Here are some clear cut signs that someone may be in serious need of care in the home or a facility.

Key Signs They Aren’t Safe at Home Alone:

• Their home is old or in disrepair: Even the youngest, healthiest individuals are prone to trip, slip, and fall sometimes. I know I do it regularly. However, as we age, the risks associated with falling are alarming. 1 out of every 3 aging adults over 65 will fall this year, and many of them will result in death or complete loss of independence. Homes built more that 20 years ago are a virtual hazard horror house for the elderly and greatly increase the risks of falling. Additionally, homes that are starting to slip into disrepair offer a slue of hazards including mold, uneven flooring, poor lighting, and more.
• They’re becoming forgetful: Someone that is becoming increasingly forgetful is possible displaying signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Although the degenerative disease typically begins to infect its victims in their 30’s or 40’s, most people don’t start to present true symptoms until later in life. Additional warning signs include wandering aimlessly, frequent agitation, and confusion.
• Debilitating diseases: While many diseases like diabetes are perfectly manageable on one’s own in the beginning, as we age they can really take their toll and cause people to require round the clock care. Parkinson’s, ALS, cancer, and kidney diseases present a variety of compromising symptoms that make it impossible for an aging adult to safely care for themselves for long.
• The home is filled with “piles”: When piles of bills, papers, magazines, mail, and newspapers begin to appear around the house, loved ones often don’t realize this is a warning sign. It may seem like laziness or hoarding, but in fact, it is likely a display of moderate dementia or Alzhiemer’s. The piles themselves aren’t just unseemly, they’re dangerous if accumulating on the floor, near the stove, or in pathways. Simply cleaning the piles up won’t solve the problem, they will reappear over and over until a catastrophe occurs. Piles are a clear cut sign that professional help is needed.

For more information on aging issues or advice for you or a loved one, contact the Senior Living Concierge at 845.464.6660 today.

The Senior Living Advisor is now offering a secondary blog featuring dynamic articles on fashion, recipes, products, and more! Follow http://aginggracefullysrq.wordpress.com/ for more articles on Aging Gracefully. Also Follow Me @TheSLConcierge to stay up to date on our services, products, and advice!

3 Low-Impact Exercises for Seniors

A critical part of aging gracefully and maintaining good health includes continuing to exercise as you age. However, most seniors won’t have a same strength or endurance that they once did in younger years, there are great low-impact options that can help to improve endurance, flexibility, and balance. By practicing any or all of these exercises on a regular basis, you can improve your heart health, reduce risk of falling, and maintain a healthy weight.

Walking Increases Endurance

Walking is a great low impact exercise for a variety of reasons: its accessible, its free, and its customizable for your ability. If possible, it is always recommended to go for walks outside. Outdoor walks are beneficial because you absorb the all important brain-function nutrient of natural vitamin D from the sun. However, it is important to take the proper measures to ensure safety on your walk. The value of proper footwear cannot be understated. Be sure that your walking shoes provide comfort, support, grip, weight, and stability. Secondly, be sure to stretch before and after each walk to prevent sore muscles and nurture growing muscles. Finally, be sure to focus on maintaining good posture while you walk, keeping your back straight and shoulders back.

Swimming Fosters Flexibility

Swimming is a valuable exercise because there is essentially no stress or strain placed on the joints. This makes it a great option for anyone suffering from arthritis or osteoporosis. The benefits of swimming include a noticeable increase in flexibility because you are essentially stretching with each stroke. It is best to practice swimming laps in a pool to measure progress and growth. Although, many people often forget to hydrate properly when swimming. Be sure to consume water before, during, and after a swim to maintain proper hydration. You can measure your level of hydration by noticing the color of your urine, with the target being completely clear.

Yoga Improves Balance

Yoga is often a forgotten exercise for aging adults. However, it offers very valuable benefits such as strength training and improved balance. Balance is key to preventing falls (the number 1 cause of injury-related fatalities). While yoga is easily accessible to anyone through DVDs, internet videos, and books, it is strongly recommended that beginners take at least 2-4 classes to ensure that they are practicing each pose correctly and prevent injury. There are classes of every level and variety widely offered and most are reasonable in price (about $9 each).

 

 

Touring Assisted Living – A Waste of Time?

When considering the move into an assisted living facility, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of options there are on the market. Most people feel that the only way to know which one is right, is by taking a tour of a bunch of different facilities and then picking the one that seems “nicest”. But this requires an extensive amount of time and energy. Plus, most people don’t understand that the tour they’re being given by the property marketer, is a carefully orchestrated song and dance designed to highlight the positives and disguise the negatives. Beyond the bricks and mortar of some of the country’s most beautiful facilities lurks high staff turnover, violations, and subpar care.

One of the worst parts about the search for assisted living accommodations includes the letdowns and rejections. Everyday people go on tours of facilities, taste the food, and fall in love with the property, only to be rejected admission. This can be done for a variety of reasons including finances and the type of care required. Often, potential residents are labeled or viewed as a potential “risk” or “problem” by the facility administrators and are then denied access. This can be truly heartbreaking for the resident and their family in search of accommodation.

Overall, it is not only risky to tour assisted living facilities unguided, it is exhausting. The safest, fastest, and most effective way to explore your assisted living options is to seek the assistance of a senior advisor. They can help narrow down the search to a few options based on your individual circumstances and often even accompany you on tours to ensure you understand what the true positives and negatives are of each property.

However, be careful in your choice of senior advisors. Stay away from the national web-based brands that will take careful care of selling you or your loved one to the highest bidder for a commission. If you can afford one, hire an advisor that charges the clients. That way, you can be sure that they are working for your best interest, not the facility’s. It is important that you select someone that will advocate for your needs. To learn more about Senior Living Advisors check out this article.

Dementia & The 5 Senses

When it comes to Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding. Most people think of the disease as one that is defined by memory loss. However, the truth is that the disease is punctuated by the loss of overall brain function. It is degenerative and it does not discriminate. While observers of the disease are familiar with the memory loss that does occur, they don’t realize how each of the 5 senses are truly being altered. To gain a slightly better perspective on what it means to live with dementia, try the following exercises that illustrate the symptoms.

Sounds: One of the most commonly made mistakes by caregivers and loved ones is to assume that Alzheimer’s patients are hard of hearing. While many seniors suffer from hearing loss, it is not due to dementia. Instead what they experience is a loss of overall comprehension, rather than volume. Therefore, by raising your voice so that they can hear you, you are likely just increasing their anxiety by shouting at them. To better understand they symptom write out a long sentence and read it out loud. Now read it out loud again but skip every 3 words. For Example:

In the year 2008, Barack Obama was elected as the first African American President of the United States of America.

Someone with dementia will hear something like:

In the 2008, Barack Obama elected as the African American of the United of America.

Sights: As more and more brain tissue deteriorates, the brain naturally struggles to efficiently function on multiple levels. Therefore, necessary “cuts” are made. Often, one of the peripheral vision is one of the first symptoms to present itself as the brain can no longer prioritize its importance. To demonstrate what this feels like, try walking around your house or if you’re feeling brave, a public place, while looking through binoculars. You won’t be able to see as anyone or anything approaches from the side and I can promise you will be startled when something does.

Smells: By investigating the refrigerator of someone with dementia, you may become acutely aware of another dangerous system, the inability to comprehend scents. Often, the homes, or at least kitchens & bathrooms, of those with dementia offer an offensive aroma because they no longer smell what everyone else does. This can be extremely dangerous in certain situations. For example: someone experiencing “nose-blindness” will be oblivious to the warning smells of smoke or gas in the home.

Feelings: While other sense are reduced, the sense of touch is often perceived as heightened. This is due to the deterioration of eyesight. To better understand, try wearing a blindfold or resuming with the binoculars again. Now notice how aware you are of people touching you and the texture of the ground you walk on. It can feel overwhelming & that feeling is common among those with Alzheimer’s.

Tastes: This is a rather important contributor to the overall nutrition and health of someone with the disease. Unfortunately, bitter tastes become exaggerated and sweets & salts are intensely dulled. This is the reason that you will often see someone with dementia empty half a jar of sugar into their cup or coffee or drown their dinner in salt. However, doing so can certainly be dangerous as diabetes, hypertension, and dementia itself are grossly irritated.

It is important to take each of these points into consideration when approaching and interacting with someone that suffers from dementia. Remember your own experiences when practicing the exercises illustrated in this article and remember to always remain calm and patient. As stressful as it can sometimes be to facilitate a positive interaction with someone suffering from dementia, it is usually far more stressful for them. If you have concerns about their safety at home contact a senior-living advisor, or check out additional articles provided in this blog.

 

Dining Out with Dementia

Everyday children, grandchildren, and friends of those suffering with dementia opt to take their loved one out to eat to their favorite restaurant as a nice treat. They figure getting that person out for some fresh air and good food will provide some fun and stimulation that may be missing from their lives. But once they get to the restaurant, things go bad quickly. But why?

You may feel as though you are doing someone with dementia a favor by taking them out to eat, but if done incorrectly, you could actually be doing them and yourself a great disservice. The truth is, your intentions are good, but your approach is probably wrong.

First it is important to understand that symptoms of dementia include alterations to sensory perception. This means that, depending on the individuals’ stage and severity, they will not see, smell, feel, hear, or taste things in the same way that you do. Often, environments that include a lot of stimulation such as loud sounds or bright lights can be extremely overwhelming to an Alzheimer’s patient.

It is still important to help those suffering from this debilitating disease to get out and partake in experiences like dining out though. Therefore, if you plan on doing so with a loved one that has been diagnosed, please consider the following tips to ensure an optimal experience for you both.

Go at an “off” hour

The first way to get the meal off to a bad start is to go to the restaurant at peak hour when they will be packed and likely to place you on a waiting list. The noise volume and crowding in a busy restaurant can be extremely intimidating. If they live in a facility be sure to notify the staff in advance of your plans so they can make adjustments accordingly.

Likes & Dislikes

Knowing in advance what foods they enjoy in advance will help to make the ordering process much more seamless. By going to a restaurant with a long menu can also be a factor of intimidation. Try reading a few options, they would find appealing out loud to them slowly, and allow them to choose their favorite. If you don’t already know they favorites, ask the facility staff, caregiver, or family members for clues.

Avoid Sweets

Often those with dementia or Alzheimer’s experience an insatiable craving for sweets and chocolate. I’ve watched patients literally pour entire jars of sugar straight into their mouth. However, consumption of sugar can lead to increased levels of anxiety and agitation. Additionally, chocolate can often cause horrendous bouts of diarrhea. You may want to consider avoiding establishments that push sweet and sugary dessert. Also, keep your eye on the sugar jar.

Watch Wanderers

If your dining partner suffers from wandering, a common symptom of Alzheimer’s, it is crucial that you not let them out of your sight. Don’t let them go to the bathroom without keeping a close eye on them or they could easily wander into the kitchen. Also, don’t leave them alone to go to the bathroom yourself and expect that they will be at the table when you get back. I’ve heard plenty of horror stories from caregivers that swear they were gone only a minute and the “wanderer” went outside and became lost or killed. That’s the last thing you want on your conscience.

Special Utensils

Often, due to alterations to their senses, dementia patients require special eating utensils. They are often brightly colored and have thicker handles, which make them easier to use. If possible, bring these utensils with you to help ease the experience for you both.

The last thing you want is for your special meal to be filled with stress and anxiety. By following these steps, avoiding expectations, and remaining patient, you can both enjoy a wonderful meal out. If things start to go poorly, just take a deep breath. Ask them if they would like to go home, and take them. One of the most devastating details of the disease is its unpredictability. You can take all the right precautions, and something may just set them off. Don’t force them through the meal if they aren’t enjoying it, and don’t guilt yourself for the failure. You can always try again.

Designing for Dementia

While many people thoroughly enjoy the various benefits of living in a facility during the finals years of their lives, others prefer to stay at home. Although some people are better suited for remaining in their home, their home may not be well suited for them. This is especially true for those diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s. If someone you know plans to remain in their home while receiving care, it is important to consider making these adjustments to optimize their quality of life, keep them safe, and preserve their longevity of life.

Lighting
Having ample lighting throughout the home is actually very important for all of us as we age. It helps to reduce the risk for falling, the highest mortality rate among injuries. Ensure that ample lighting is placed throughout the home including within reach of the bed. Place nightlights in bathrooms, hallways, and in the bedroom to illuminate pathways. Recent studies also indicate that using warm lighting will have a calming effect for those suffering from dementia. Therefore, you will want to avoid overly bright florescent lighting and opt for amber tones.

Color Schemes

Years of research have indicated that we our senses deteriorate considerably due to the degenerative effects of dementia on the brain. Our vision is perhaps the most effected however. Our perception of depth, color, texture, and light are significantly altered as the disease spreads. Studies have shown that cooler tones like lavender and blue, once thought to be calming, are actually washed out and viewed as grey. In order to counteract one’s struggle to distinguish the difference between objects and rooms, it is helpful to apply colors with great contrast. Warm, bright tones like red and yellow are very effective.

Flooring

Again, in order to prevent falls, it is crucial to keep pathways clear of debris including throw rugs and runners. Because of the alterations dementia patients experience to their vision, the constant change in flooring types can be stressful. Someone with the disease may attempt to walk from a room with carpeting into a room with hardwoods and perceive the new flooring as the ocean or a deep, dark, abyss that they will fall into. This is terrifying for the individual and often causes a severe anxiety attack. To avoid this issue, make the flooring throughout the home consistent. If the individual has been identified as a fall risk, it is particularly important to choose a type of flooring with ample texture and traction.

While it is wonderful when seniors have the ability to remain in their home, it is tragic when they meet their demise due to unsafe conditions in their home. It is critical that an expert senior living advisor & fall risk consultant come out to the home to make sure that the conditions are stimulating, comforting, and safe.

Struggles with Sundowner’s Syndrome

Although awareness is spreading about dementia and Alzheimer’s, it is still greatly misunderstood. Most people are aware that the disease leads to memory loss, but there are numerous other symptoms triggered by the degenerative disease. One such symptom that presents a struggle for caregivers is what we refer to as Sundowner’s Syndrome. Although nearly 20 percent of those suffering from Alzheimer’s also experience Sundowner’s, many caregivers and family members are unaware of the syndrome.

Symptoms of Sundowner’s Syndrome

• Increased confusion
• Increased agitation
• Increased wandering
• Increased delusions
• Increased restlessness
• Increased anxiety
• Violence or Combative mood swings

The symptoms present themselves in victims as the sun begins to set and nighttime sets in, thus the name Sundowner’s. Those caring for someone suffering will often face severe symptoms and challenges as the Sundowner progresses through the evening. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough knowledge about the definite causes of Sundowner’s. However, there are a few simple adjustments one can make to reduce the frequency or severity of symptoms.

Prevention & Treatment Technique’s

• Check to see that the individual isn’t in pain
• Check to see that the individual hasn’t soiled themselves
• Try to avoid napping during the day
• Encourage frequent exercise (outside if possible)
• Implement a well-rounded diet & include helpful supplements
• Try to remain calm and reassure the individual that they are safe

Try to remember that as difficult and scary as it can be as the caregiver, those suffering these symptoms are struggling to understand their surroundings and are often behaving this way because they are feeling frightened. Keeping your voice calm and your words gentle can go a long way. Never react by lashing out on a Sundowner as the effects can be dangerous and detrimental for all parties.

Senior Friendships: Healthy or Hutrful?

Socialization is a key component in our lives over the course of our lifetime. However, socializing and nurturing or building relationships as we age requires critical attention. As we age, we face many challenges that aren’t common in our younger years. Many of these challenges have a direct cause & effect relationship with our health & longevity of life.

One such challenge is isolation or loneliness. Despite seniors only making up about 13% of our population, nearly 20% of them ultimately commit suicide due to causes like loneliness. Isolation and loneliness become problems as we age due to decreased mobility, moving out of state, depression and the loss of our driver’s license. Recent studies indicate that seniors that reported being lonely lived an average of 8 years longer and faced less disease.

So its been established that friendships are an essential component of healthy aging, but they can also be hurtful. When we are young we are warned by parents about the perils of “falling in with the wrong crowd”. Many studies have been done displaying the effects of befriending people that stand the potential to have a negative influence on us. This is true for the elderly too. Since we now know that our friends habits both good and bad will rub of us, seek to build relationships with others that practice health habits. It turns out that certain conditions like obesity are actually “contagious” through continued social interaction. In fact, people that spend a fair amount of time with obese individuals are more that 50% more likely to become obese themselves.

So the moral of the story is that as you age, you should choose your friends wisely and see them often. Avoid isolation to prevent loneliness and depression. If you are unable to get around easily on your own, consider moving in with family or begin researching a move into a facility. One great benefit to Independent & Assisted Living facilities is the abundant socialization opportunity they prevent.

For more information:

visit http://www.helpinghandssarasota.com

Key Nutrients for Aging Adults

As we all know one of the worst symptoms of growing older is that our digestive system becomes far less efficient. Most of us realize this first with the decline in our metabolism rates. But one far less noticeable symptom we experience within our digestive systems as we age is our body struggles to absorb key nutrients and vitamins. Therefor, we can face a decline of efficiency in all of our remaining bodily systems due to a disturbance in our homeostasis. Below is a list of some of the key nutrients we require as we age but struggle to acquire naturally.

 

Calcium

The first and most obvious perhaps is Calcium. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong healthy bones. Without it, we are at great risk for developing conditions such as osteoporosis which can indirectly lead to death. Find out how.

Vitamin D

In order to assist your body to absorb required amounts of calcium, you are going to need a healthy dose of Vitamin D. This principal nutrient is also a soldier in the prevention of developing osteoporosis. Recently, research also indicates that Vitamin D is helpful in the prevention and development of dementia.

Potassium

Even potassium aids in keeping bones strong. More than that though, is aids in maintaining a healthy blood-pressure, preventing kidney diseases, and its great for healthy cell function overall. Unfortunately, potassium is a commonly under consumed nutrient among aging adults. 

Fiber

Finally, its vital to ensure that you absorb proper amounts of fiber. Fiber works to aid in the digestive process which in turn has healthy effects on our hearts, and waste lines. Be sure to seek out fiber in every meal to help your body to stay “regular” and maintain a healthy weight.

Fatty Acids & Omega 3s

To reduce the symptoms of arthritis and fight against the progression of macular degeneration of the eyes, you will want to seek out the assistance of Omega 3’s and other key fatty acids. These fishy super supplements also are great for joints, inflammation, and healthy brain function, just to name a few.

 

Of course, it is always recommended that you consult with a physician before beginning any special diets or supplement programs. Remember that while it is detrimental to have a deficiency of these nutrients, it can be dangerous to over consume them. It is best to absorb as many of them through whole, natural foods as possible, rather than through supplements alone.