ElderAuthority.com

Every Day is Valentine’s Day for In Home Caregivers

We Are All Caregivers
Today is Valentines Day.  For most of my life it was one of my least favorite holidays because most of my significant others would either ignore it or panic under the pressure.   I felt guilty for wanting some acknowledgement of feeling.  I envied friends who received flowers, jewelry, and chocolates on Valentines Day. In my older age I have learned to recognize and show love no matter what day it is.  It is one of the best things about aging.
We Know When… More

The Secret Gift to Caregivers

Too Much to Do
Last week we flew to Ann Arbor, MI and closed on the purchase of a new home.  We will probably move into it within the month.  There is much to be done before we can move.  The myriad of details that go into making a major move are mind-boggling.  I can’t imagine doing it if we are ten years older.  As it is, we are exhausted at the end of each day.
In the midst life changing transitions, it is interesting to recognize the moments that cause us to break our furious… More

ALZHEIMER’S BEHIND BARS

BOOMER PRISON POPULATION DOUBLES
In addition to swelling the ranks of every other aspect of society, more baby boomers are also going to jail.  Between 1995 and 2010, the number of those 55 or older being sent to prison doubled.
With an aging prison population and older folks doing stunts to join them, prisons are now also grappling with an issue the rest of society is also struggling with: the increasing epidemic of Alzheimer’s.
ALZHEIMER’S STATISTICS
Alzheimer’s… More

A SHIFT BACK TO HOME HEALTH CARE?

I admit to being old enough to remember when doctors actually made house calls.  Insurance, costs and culture pretty much ended that practice several decades ago.   But guess what’s coming back?
Healthcare costs in recent years have soared far beyond what most had anticipated, particularly when combined with the diminished government funding of Medicare and Medicaid.  Recognizing a shifting trend that is likely to become the future norm, some operators of nursing… More

SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS: NURSING HOMES

If you or a family member requires 24/7 nursing care (also known as skilled nursing), moving to a nursing home is one choice, but not the only one.  The days of a parent making a child promise, “…to never put me in a nursing home” should be over.  A nursing home may be where you find the best care, quality of life, and safety.  Keep your mind open as you do your research.
NURSING HOMES
A nursing home provides constant nursing care for seniors with significant… More

SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS: UNDERSTAND ADLs AND IADLs

WHAT KIND OF HOUSING?
Adults usually need a certain set of skills in order to be able function independently.  The senior care professions calls them the Activities of Daily Living and use them to develop a functional assessment.  A functional assessment helps identify medical issues and diagnose cognitive abilities in addition to helping evaluate a person’s ability to manage every day tasks.
You can use the ADLs informally to help narrow down the kind of housing… More

HEALTHCARE AT HOME:MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE

BUY A BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR FOR HOME USE
Some people are anxious when they visit the doctor which can affect the accuracy of their blood pressure reading.  A more accurate method may be to monitor blood pressure at home.
Also, if your doctor says your blood pressure should be monitored on a regular basis, it will be more affordable to buy your own monitor and do it at home.  It is easy and painless.
STEPS FOR ACCURATE READINGS
Here are some tips to ensure accurate blood pressure… More

24/7 HOME CARE (24 7 Home Care) TECHNOLOGIES

If you hire professional caregivers , 24/7 home care is the most expensive care you can provide.  Do everything you can to use technologies, social services, and community support to minimize your expense.
This video covers three monitoring devices that can help you out if 24/7 care is preferred, but you simply cannot afford that kind of coverage.

24/7 wireless monitoring systems
Pressure switches for chair and bed
Video phones
Internet cameras and speakers

Technologies… More

BEST RX FOR CAREGIVER BURNOUT

YOU ONLY THINK YOU CAN HANDLE IT
I wish I had better news than what I am about to tell you.  My prescription for caregiver burnout is the last thing you want to hear. I wish it was a pill, a massage, eating right, or Me time.  Those all may help.  Sadly, the best way to manage care giver burnout is EXERCISE.  Sorry.  I wish you could simply flop on the sofa.
I took on the family caregiver role voluntarily. I had the ability to be to be calm, poised, and an ace in a crisis.  I never lost my… More

FAIR PAY FOR HOMECARE WORKERS–A START

On December 15, 2011, President Obama and Kathleen Sebelius made a step forward for homecare, home health, and in-home health workers by pushing through a new rule that guarantees them the minimum wage and overtime pay.
Previously, homecare workers were lumped into the same category with teenage baby sitters.  Employers could pay below the minimum wage with no overtime pay.  These patient, generous, hard-working people deserve more than minimum wage, but guaranteeing… More