Making Preparations to Accommodate Their Changing Needs

Our parents take care of us our entire lives but as they age their health makes it more difficult for them to do the daily activities they are used to doing. Often times in their later years the roles are reversed and they may need extra love, assistance and care from their children or health care provider. Caring for aging parents is not a simple task but by understanding the aging process, health concerns, senior living options and the financial and legal aspects you can be better prepared for the journey ahead.

Before any serious health issues arise, it is important to discuss with your parents what their wishes are so that you can work together to prepare any of the needed legal or financial paperwork. Once you gain an understanding of what to expect, you and your family can work together by making all the necessary preparations to accommodate the needs of your parents.

Caregiving

Once it has been determined that your parents are ready for a little help, there are some guidelines you can follow to make the transition from being independent easier. Do your best not to treat your parents as children. Instead communicate your concerns with them to identify alternatives on which they can agree. The need of care depends on your parent’s level of dependence. This can be determined with the help of a physician. As tempting as it is, do not try to do it alone. Ask for help and advice from support groups, physicians, and family members. Stay positive. Show your parent affection and support. The links below will provide more answers for questions you may have.

• Caring for aging parents
• Survival Guide for caring for an aging loved one
• Aging parents (PDF)

Senior Living

It can be difficult to understand or solve all the issues that arise but with support and understanding the process can be made easier. Your parent may still be able to live on his/her own with occasional help from you. A home health aide may also be able to provide help with daily activities. Another option may be to have the parent move into your home. Depending on their health or level of independence and/or needs there are other options available. The links below provide more information on long-term care as well as hospice care and support.

• Skilled nursing facilities
• Hospice care and support (PDF)

Aging Related Health Concerns

There are many health concerns that come about as people age. Some of them include arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and osteoporosis. There are signs and symptoms of each to which family members should be alert. Below is a guide to a few of these health concerns.

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability and may likely be a cause for an aging parent to require more assistance. This disease affects muscles, joints, skin and other organs of the body. In severe cases this disease can cause daily activities to be difficult. Arthritis in the hands can cause a person to be unable to grasp items to lift or open them. Arthritis in other areas may make it difficult to stand or walk.

• All about arthritis (PDF)
• Treatment for arthritis
• Arthritis education and support

Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease can impair thinking, behavior and memory. It can cause restlessness, impaired judgment and communication. Alzheimer’s is different from other types of dementia. There are things that can be done and medications that can help manage the disease, but, as of now, there is no cure. Watching a parent’s health deteriorate from Alzheimer’s can be extremely difficult for the entire family. Seeking support from family and medical professionals is highly recommended and a medical professional will help direct you to the proper support avenues. Arthritis and dementia/Alzheimer’s disease are two common health concerns for the aging but there are many other health concerns, as well, including depression, congestive heart failure, and eye diseases.

• Causes and risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease
• Education and support for Alzheimer’s disease
• Other aging diseases and disorders

Financial and Legal Aspects

Should your parent become unable to make decisions themselves, who will take care of financial and legal aspects? Planning ahead can help to eliminate any stress that may come with these issues. Although these things are not always easy to discuss, they should be discussed ahead of time. Work with your parents to gather any and all personal information and documentation that may be needed, such as social security information, bank account information, wills and power of attorney.

• Financial and legal protection issues
• Writing a will (PDF)
• Estate planning/durable power of attorney (PDF)

Source: http://www.lifeinsurance.org/life-insurance-overview/ensuring-a-quality-life-for-aging-parents/

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Franklin, Mount Clemens, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Highland, Holly, Novi and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.

(Farmington Hills, Michigan)– January 2012 – One in three people will be making a New Year’s resolution during that sixty second descent of the crystal ball in Times Square. In fact, studies show *that those who make resolutions are ten times more likely to successfully change their behavior. This year, Senior Helpers, one of the largest in-home care agencies in the nation, is asking all caregivers to make a New Year’s Resolution list and check it twice!

“Once that countdown is over, 10,000 people will officially hit senior status each day of the New Year,” says Barbara Roden, Owner of Senior Helpers of Southeast Michigan (MI). “That means many adult children will suddenly find themselves taking on a new role as caregiver for their aging parent/s. We’re encouraging all caregivers, families, and professionals to take a moment of reflection for the New Year and write down their ‘top ten caregiving resolutions.’ Something as simple as writing down their goals for the New Year really can help them cope emotionally through this challenging stage in their lives.”

Research reveals* that the readiness to change is the single best predictor when it comes to whether your New Year’s resolutions will be successful. Family caregiving has become so main stream that many Baby Boomers are working an average of more than 20 hours/week, OUTSIDE of their normal 40 hour work week. The individual feeling most of this stress is often the middle-aged, eldest daughter, who is also working. If you’re feeling the stresses of caregiving, here are some resolutions Senior Helpers recommends.

Senior Helpers’ Top 10 Caregiving Resolutions:

1.  I am doing my best – no one is perfect – and I won’t allow myself to drown in guilt.

2.  Receiving advice from others only makes me stronger, not weaker. It’s okay to ask friends and family, or agencies like Senior Helpers, for guidance.

3.  I promise to take care of myself and my health, and to not cancel doctor appointments.

4.  I promise to make time for myself, alone. And I won’t hesitate to ask for help to achieve that or feel guilty about it.

5.  I will say “no” to requests when I feel my schedule is too full for one more thing.

6.  I will always keep in mind that the senior I care for did not choose their illness or disability.

7.  I will reach out for help if I feel caregiver burnout or signs of depression.

8.  I will make time for my own family members – they’re important too.

9.  I will remind myself that the healthier and happier I am as an individual, the better caregiver I will be.

10.  If I’m having a tough day, I will slow down, back up, and try again.

“We believe one of the most important resolutions listed above is for caregivers to not be afraid to reach out for help,” says Roden. “Six months into the New Year, only **46% of people are still making good on their promises. Senior Helpers can help you keep your caregiving resolutions. In-home care isn’t just for full time senior clients…we’re also here to help give caregivers a break, even if it’s just for two hours at a time.”

Sources: *American Psychological Association, **Yahoo News!, Health Magazine, National Alliance for Caregiving

Did You Know?

• . . . . . .72% of family caregivers report not going to the doctor as often as they should; 55% say they skip their own doctor appointments.

• . . . . . .40% of caregivers who work full time report missing work on a regular basis due to the health needs of an elderly loved one.

• . . . . . .17% report their health has gotten worse as a result of family caregiving.

• . . . . . .23% of those providing care for family members for five or more years report health as fair or poor.

Media Contact: Barbara Roden, (248) 865-1000, broden@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Franklin, Mount Clemens, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Highland, Holly, Novi and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.

‘Do’ and ‘Don’t’ Gifts for the Elderly

The elderly can be the most difficult people to shop for during the holidays. Selecting appropriate gifts for seniors means being mindful of certain restrictions and limitations, so that the gift that you give can be enjoyed.

Don’t give these food gifts:

Candy, nuts, salty snacks, taffy, popcorn, specialty coffee, caramel corn and sweets

Many seniors suffer from diabetes, digestive issues and weak teeth. Many senior have dentures. Candy, nuts and sweets may hurt their teeth. Many candies are sticky and difficult to chew. Diabetics, of course, must restrict their sugar intake. Nuts and popcorn are difficult to digest and aggravate Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colon problems, diverticulitis and other digestive issues. Salty snacks and caffeine are unhealthy for seniors with high blood pressure, circulation problems and heart disease. Salty snacks are hard on the teeth.

Do give these food gifts:

Herbal teas, vitamin drinks, hot cocoa, low-sodium crackers, Pepperidge Farm crackers (made with healthier ingredients), soft, non-sticky candies made with Splenda, mints and hard candy

Do give these helpful gifts:

Senior citizens may have difficulty seeing and hearing things clearly. Many elderly people love to read, but lack the visual acuity. Instead of giving books with fine print that are difficult to see and read, look for these entertainment alternatives:

• . . . . . .books with large print

• . . . . . .large coffee table books with nice illustrations

• . . . . . .book magnifier for reading

• . . . . . .large print crossword and word puzzle books

• . . . . . .books on CD, a

• . . . . . .folding lap table or desk

• . . . . . .desk lamp

• . . . . . .audio CDs with a portable CD player

• . . . . . .Ipod or Mp3 player preloaded with grandma’s favorite gospel, country or classical music favorites. [The mp3 player is perfect because the ear-buds fit right into her ear and she can easily adjust the volume.]

Do give these practical, comfort gifts:

• . . . . . .warm, soft blanket (Senior citizens are almost always cold, no matter the temperature at which the heat is set. Many elderly persons will not turn up the thermostat because they are concerned about the cost of gas and electricity.) [Polar fleece, micro plush and micro fiber blankets wash up very nicely.]

• . . . . . .robe and slippers

• . . . . . .hat, scarf and gloves (Many senior men are balding or have thinning hair. They catch cold easily. A warm, knitted cap and scarf make ideal gifts.)

• . . . . . .massaging back pillow or neck roll

• . . . . . .heated, massaging foot bath

Any and all of these gifts will be most welcomed by every senior on your gift list.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Franklin, Mount Clemens, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Highland, Holly, Novi and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Free and Open to Everyone

Includes Free Social Worker CEUs!

Over the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in differential diagnosis and tailoring treatments and interventions to each type of dementia. This web seminar will provide specific and distinguishing characteristics of some of the more common forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementias. Part of the session focuses on how care and expectations may need to be changed for each condition, as well as for those individuals with mixed dementia.

This series is a great opportunity to earn Social Worker CEUs while gaining valuable information that will help you in your work with older adults – all without leaving your desk. It’s convenient and it’s FREE!

Each of the webinars will be recorded and available for viewing for up to 30 days after the live presentation. Preregistration is required to attend the live or to access the recorded webinars.

Click on a title below for more information and to preregister!

Dementia and Caregiving: Focusing on the Person While Understanding the Progression

December 19, 2011 (Monday)

11:00 AM Pacific / 12:00 PM Mountain / 1:00 PM Central / 2:00 PM Eastern

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Franklin, Mount Clemens, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Highland, Holly, Novi and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.

Planning and Preparation for Smaller Meals

Are you used to cooking for an entire family and finding it challenging and frustrating trying to cook for one or two? All it really takes is a bit of planning and a few tips and tricks.

Keep variety in your cooking for healthful eating, and remember that homemade meals can be more nutritious, better tasting, and more economical than eating out. Plan your menus a week at a time in order to be efficient and save money. For example, a Sunday roast can be used for sandwiches on Monday and beef and vegetable stir-fry another day.

Smaller cans or pre-cut fruits and vegetables might be more economical if you frequently toss out spoiled items. Plus they are more convenient and save time. Prepared pasta sauce, boneless chicken breasts, and frozen bread dough help make meals faster and easier. If you like using sauces, try gourmet condiments, like cranberry honey mustard, that will last longer.

Make meal times at home fun and joyful by following these simple tips:

• . . . . . .Prepare a place setting with your good china and crystal.

• . . . . . .Add a centerpiece, light some candles, and play some music.

• . . . . . .Invite a friend over for a potluck.

Tips for Shopping, Storing, & Cooking Smaller Portions

• . . . . . .Wrap individual portions of meat; label and freeze (smaller pieces of meat are easier to work with and thaw faster).

• . . . . . .Freeze leftover items such as tomato paste, lemon juice, and chicken broth in ice cube trays; pop out after they are frozen and store in a freezer bag or plastic container.

• . . . . . .Start a cooking or food shopping club with other singles or couples; meet new people, try new foods, and divide larger meals among your group.

• . . . . . .Buy smaller portions of chopped vegetables for stir-fries and casseroles from salad bars in your supermarket.

• . . . . . .Buy nuts and candy from self-serve dispensers to get smaller quantities.

• . . . . . .Prepare a standard recipe for a casserole but make it in several smaller pans, then freeze.

• . . . . . .Use muffin tins for baking individual-sized portions of meatloaf or stuffing that can be frozen and reheated as needed.

• . . . . . .Store unused canned and jarred ingredients in the refrigerator in glass or plastic containers (storing foods in their original aluminum cans can be unsafe for your health).

• . . . . . .Use smaller appliances such as mini-slow cooker, toaster ovens, and mini-food processors (they take up less storage space too).

• . . . . . .Separate bacon slices into appropriately-sized portions and freeze, using waxed sheets for separating after freezing.

Need help with meal planning and preparation? No problem! Our Senior Helpers can help with that and much more!

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Hazel Park, Keego Harbor, South Lyon, Sterling Heights, Eastpointe, Milford and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.

(November 29,2011) Holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year” to many – but if you’re a senior, it’s also one of the most challenging. If seniors’ children can’t be by their side to help them put all the dressings on the holidays, Santa’s Senior Helpers can! These elders’ elves drive the cars, open the doors and wait in the lines for their aging friends who can’t do it on their own anymore. They hunt for deals, decorate, wrap the presents and help seniors shop online. They are Santa’s Senior Helpers, and they aren’t from the North Pole.

Caregivers from Senior Helpers of Southeast Michigan (MI), a leading in-home elder care provider, are doing the little things and helping thousands of seniors from coast-to-coast prepare for the holidays. Whether they need errands run, cleaning done or even online shopping assistance, Santa’s Senior Helpers are lending a helping hand to embrace the season.

“The holidays can be tough on seniors, especially those who aren’t able get out and to do things like they used to,” says Barbara Roden, Owner of Senior Helpers of Southeast Michigan (MI). “We care for seniors in their own homes year-round but the holidays tend to bring additional challenges that require an extra set of hands and feet. From gift wrap to Google, our caregivers are taking care of everything seniors we care for need to celebrate the holidays.”

Two new trends many seniors are embracing this holiday season are more on-line shopping and increased experimentation with Internet-based technologies.  Santa’s Senior Helpers show them how to find the best deals online and help seniors learn to use newer communication tools, like Skype and social media platforms, to connect with family and friends who may be far away.

Fast Facts About Seniors Online:

• . . . . . .The number of seniors using the Internet has almost doubled since 2005

• . . . . . .57 percent of seniors plan to shop online for holiday gifts (latest figures)

• . . . . . .52 percent plan to do at least ¼ of their holiday shopping online (latest figures)

• . . . . . .26 percent of Americans over the age of 65 are using social networks and online* communications tools

Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project / Extend Health, Inc.

“We work with seniors living on their own each day and we understand how difficult and frustrating it can be when they realize they can’t do it all by themselves anymore,” Roden says. “The holidays can be a hectic and physically demanding time for a lot of people. We’re helping seniors by shouldering some of the burden so they can focus on enjoying the season, which is really what this time of year is all about.”

Media Contact: Barbara Roden, (248) 865-1000, broden@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Franklin, Mount Clemens, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Highland, Holly, Novi and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Winterize your vehicle by checking tire pressure, inspecting belts and hoses, ensuring that the battery is fully charged, changing the oil and switching to a thinner grade for better performance in colder temperatures, and inspecting wipers and wiper fluid for good visibility.

If you live in an area that gets heavy snows and you drive frequently, switch to snow tires or carry easy-to-install tire chains. Be sure your headlights are clean and properly adjusted.

Prepare or purchase an emergency road kit to keep in your vehicle. Emergency flares, extra oil and antifreeze, blankets, drinking water, and a cell phone are important basic items to have on hand. Sand or cat litter for traction on ice and a snow and ice scraper are also essential. Learn how to change a flat tire and how to jump start your car (carry a good set of jumper cables) or be sure to have that cell phone nearby in case you need to call for assistance.

Adjust the mirrors and your head restraint for maximum comfort, safety, and visibility, and do the same when driving a rental car.

Driving Tips for Hazardous Conditions

Check weather forecasts before leaving on a trip to avoid unnecessary surprises. If you anticipate poor weather, build in extra time to allow driving at a slower speed. Travel with your headlights on, especially anytime you are using wipers.

Leave extra space between your vehicle and others since it takes longer to stop on wet or icy roads. Try to stay in the middle lane. Roads tend to be higher in the middle with less chance of standing water. If you do drive through pools of standing water, tap your brake pedal to dry your brake rotors.

Steer gradually when driving on snow and ice; do not make rapid changes in direction. Brake before turning a corner or onto an icy patch; in other words, brake while still driving in a straight line. If you do go into a skid, turn your wheels into the skid and accelerate slightly to regain control of your vehicle. If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) you do not need to pump your brakes to slow down. If you drive an older model vehicle without ABS, you will need to pump the brakes in order to slow down quickly. If you are hydroplaning, steer in a straight line. It is better to skid and go off the road than to overcorrect and flip your car. Just as you should slow gradually, so should you accelerate gradually on wet or slippery roads.

If you drive only rarely and your skills are not sharp, consider not driving at all in rough weather; ask a friend, relative, or caregiver to take you out to run errands or shop for necessities. If you do plan to drive in poor conditions, practice some safe driving techniques ahead of time. Information and tips, including instructional videos, classes, and a Drivers 65 Plus self-assessment (click the link to download), are available on SeniorDriving.AAA.com.

Minimize Fall Risks

Exercise. Start an exercise program if you do not already have one. Strength and balance are important for preventing falls or minimizing their impact. Exercise does not have to be painful or difficult. Yoga and Tai Chi are two forms of exercise that can be modified to anyone’s ability and age and are great for strength and balance. Walking is free and a great form of exercise. Many malls have organized walking clubs, so contact your local mall to find out if there is one near you. Mall walking is a great way to meet people, be protected from the elements and traffic, and feel safe.

Medication Side Effects. Let your doctor know of any over-the-counter medicines you are taking to ensure that they are safe for you. Cold and flu medicines, as well as some herbal remedies, can increase drowsiness and your chances of a driving or falling accident.

Vision. Vision problems can lead to accidents. Have your eyes checked yearly for changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions, as well as for glaucoma or cataracts, which can limit your vision and increase the risk of falls and accidents.

About Senior Helpers

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Franklin, Mount Clemens, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Highland, Holly, Novi and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.

When: Monday, November 21, 2011

Time: 11:00 AM Pacific / 12:00 PM Mountain / 1:00 PM Central / 2:00 PM Eastern

Preregister Now: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/490043742

About this Series:

Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness has taken great strides in the past 10 years. There is a wealth of information available for family caregivers and health care professionals caring for and treating those with these diseases, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the methods that will make the most difference. This three-part webinar series boils down the overwhelming amount of information available to bring you salient, meaningful resources, techniques, and ideas that you can immediately implement with people you meet and work with everyday who are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

This Web Seminar:

Over the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in differential diagnosis and tailoring treatments and interventions to each type of dementia. This web seminar will provide specific and distinguishing characteristics of some of the more common forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and fronto-temporal dementias. Part of the session also focuses on how care and expectations may need to be changed for each condition, as well as for those individuals with mixed picture dementia.

Participants in this Web Seminar Will:

• . . . . . .Learn to distinguish between normal and abnormal changes in brain functions associated with the aging process

• . . . . . .Compare various dementias regarding initial symptoms, progression patterns, and management and treatment strategies

• . . . . . .Discuss the importance of the role of the care partner in helping to effectively manage the care plan and treatment of individuals living with various dementias

Presenter:

Teepa Snow is an occupational therapist working as a dementia care and dementia education specialist. She has over 31 years of clinical experience in the field of geriatrics and dementia care. Currently, she has an independent practice as well as clinical appointments with Duke University’s School of Nursing and UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Medicine. She provides interactive and creative educational and training sessions to organizations and providers throughout the US & Canada. She has been actively involved in teaching and clinical research projects throughout her practice career.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Franklin, Mount Clemens, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Highland, Holly, Novi and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.

Senior In-Home Care Company Creates Revolutionary “Senior Gems” Program to Help Families Cope

Alzheimer’s disease is among the top ten leading causes of death in the United States, affecting more than five million people across the nation. And for each person with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, there can be as many as four individuals providing their daily care. That’s why Senior Helpers, one of the largest in-home care companies for seniors, has created a revolutionary program to help caregivers and families properly care for their elderly loved ones battling these devastating diseases.

The Senior Gems Program is the first of its kind in the in-home care industry. It’s a step-by-step guide that teaches caregivers and families how to care for their beloved seniors through each stage of dementia and Alzheimer’s. It aims to improve the lives of families touched by these debilitating diseases, both locally and nationally.

“Alzheimer’s and dementia are particularly difficult for family caregivers because it can be an emotional journey for everyone involved. Not only can the senior become frustrated with their memory loss, but family members who often play the role of caregiver can start feeling what’s called ‘caregiver burnout,’” says Christina Chartrand, head of the Senior Gems Program at Senior Helpers. “That’s why the Senior Gems Program is so significant. It not only keeps our caregivers up to date on training techniques but it also teaches family members tips for caregiving success.”

The Senior Gems Program:

• . . . . . .All Senior Helpers locations are being trained on the new caregiver curriculum.

• . . . . . .A core group of Senior Helpers caregivers will become dementia and Alzheimer’s care certified through the training program.

• . . . . . .Families will receive a one-of-a-kind DVD (produced by Senior Helpers) featuring a dementia care expert, where she addresses common questions regarding caring for a loved one with all forms of dementia.

• . . . . . .The program breaks down the stages of dementia into six progressive stages – it helps professional caregivers and families better understand how to communicate with their elderly loved one.

“I thought dementia was a memory issue – when in fact, it’s really brain failure,”

says Christina Chartrand, head of the Senior Gems Program at Senior Helpers.

“Senior Gems educates people about the difference between aging and dementia.”

A Real Life “Gems” Scenario:

An elderly baker with dementia gets up every morning at 5 a.m. to go downstairs – because a good caregiver realizes stair s are a safety issue, they block them off. This action upsets the elderly man and he becomes agitated with the caregiver. This agitation, which is very common in Alzheimer’s patients, build a wall in communication with the caregiver. The Senior Gems Program helped the caregiver understand that their patient simply wants to make donuts – that’s all he’s ever known at 5 a.m. That was the sole trigger of his agitation. So instead of blocking the stairs, the better solution would have been to simply give him flour and water.

Caring For Elderly Parents Creates A New Health Care Challenge:

The primary family caregiver (usually the middle aged eldest daughter who is also working) spends an average of at least 20 hours per week caring for an elderly parent.

• . . . . . .40% of caregivers who work full time report missing work on a regular basis due to the health needs of an elderly loved one.

• . . . . . .17% report their health has gotten worse as a result of family caregiving.

• . . . . . .23% of those providing care for family members for five or more years report health as fair or poor.

Senior Helpers and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) recently announced a strategic partnership to help raise more awareness about Alzheimer’s disease nationwide. “The AFA believes that empowering caregivers and families through education is the first step in properly taking care of a loved one battling the disease,” says Eric J. Hall, AFA’s Founding President and CEO. “AFA has reviewed the Senior Gems training created by Senior Helpers and we encourage all families who are dealing with this heartbreaking disease to utilize this program as a valuable resource in helping to provide compassionate care for loved ones.”

Sources: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, National Institute on Aging, National Alliance for Caregiving, Harvard School of Public Health, Chicago Life Magazine

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Franklin, Mount Clemens, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Highland, Holly, Novi and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.

Don’t Forget to Leave a Note for Your Grandparents!

(Farmington Hills, Michigan) – November 2011 – It’s that time of year again when America’s senior citizens will be surrounded by people sneezing, coughing and spreading germs. It happens at the mall, the school concert or the family dinner and those germs could potentially be fatal. That’s why Senior Helpers, one of the leading providers of in-home care for seniors, is advising families that personal reminders about getting the flu shot actually increase your senior’s chances of getting vaccinated.

“Senior citizens have the highest risk of potentially fatal complications from the flu and almost two-thirds of seniors who get the flu end up in the hospital,” advises Barbara Roden, Owner of Senior Helpers of Southeast Michigan (MI). “The study, published in the Cochrane Library (an international non-profit organizations that provides up-to-date information about the effects of health care),  shows that even the simplest of reminders, such as a letter, postcard or phone call, increases  the number of seniors going to get their flu shot. Our care givers can not only provide those reminders but they can also drive seniors to the doctor or drugstore to be immunized.”

Seniors are more likely to get the flu because the body’s immune system weakens as it gets older. The Centers for Disease Control advises flu shots not only guard against the flu but also offer protection from flu-related complications such as pneumonia.

Flu Basics:

According to the CDC, the flu season can begin as early as October with its peak in January and February.

• . . . . . .65% of elderly Americans get a flu shot each year (The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services hopes to increase the immunization rate to 90%.)

• . . . . . .Seniors account for 46% of all flu-related hospital days.

• . . . . . .More than 30 million seniors receive the flu shot each year.

• . . . . . .More than 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized from flu-related illnesses each year.

• . . . . . .Medicare has been covering flu shots since 1993.

“We realize the importance of flu basics and our caregivers are there to provide extra support for seniors during this flu season,” say Barbara Roden, Owner of Senior Helpers of Southeast Michigan (MI). “Our caregivers encourage seniors to wash their hands regularly  and be sure to keep the house clean and as germ-free as possible.”

Senior Helpers also helps keep our clients up-to-date about current flu-related information, such as a recent flu vaccine for seniors, Fluzone High-Dose.

Fluzone High-Dose Vaccine:

• . . . . . .Extra-dose flu vaccine for elderly 65 years and older

• . . . . . .Provides four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot

• . . . . . .Approved by the FDA in December, 2009

Sources: The CDC, Dpt. of HHS, Cochrane Library study (a publication of the Cochrane Collaboration)

©2011 SH Franchising, LLC

####

Media Contact: Barbara Roden, (248) 865-1000, broden@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Franklin, Mount Clemens, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Highland, Holly, Novi and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.