Monthly Archives: December 2015

Signs of Elderly Depression

Aging, Long Term Care

One in five Americans aged 65 and older are affected by depression. That means over 20 percent of the aging population is affected, making recognizing signs of elderly depression in the elderly increasingly important.

Although the rate of depression in the elderly population is relatively high, that does not mean that it is a normal part of aging. Depression can affect anyone, at any age, but there are several risk factors that put older adults at higher risk.

Risk Factors For Depression In Older Adults

  1. Difficult life events and changes in personal circumstances
  2. Losing loved ones and friends
  3. Loneliness and isolation
  4. Lack of social support
  5. Pain and physical illness
  6. Being a victim of crime or abuse
  7. Financial crisis
  8. Family history or past episodes of depression
  9. Moving accommodations
  10. Alcohol abuse
  11. Over medicating

Recognizing the risk factors for older adults allows you to realize when a loved one might be at risk for depression, and to be able to prevent possible negative repercussions. As the risk factors vary with different age groups, it is important to be familiar with the factors for older adults specifically. Elderly people also display symptoms of depression differently than younger adults, so it is important to recognize age-specific symptoms of depression as well.

Symptoms Of Depression In Older Adults

  1. Psychotic Symptoms
    1. Delusions
    2. Auditory hallucinations
    3. Catatonic features
  2. Cognitive Symptoms
    1. Disorientation
    2. Memory loss
    3. Poor concentration
    4. Easily distracted
    5. Apathy
  3. Behavioral Symptoms
    1. Feeling melancholy
    2. Anorexia or excessive eating
    3. Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
    4. Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
    5. Thoughts of suicide
    6. Anergia
    7. Inappropriate feelings of guilt
    8. Pyschomotor retardation
    9. Note: sometimes medications can cause some of these same symptoms

Depression is a serious illness, and whether it affects people young or old, the condition's many symptoms make it very difficult for the individual to overcome it, or find a way out on their own. While depression affects around 6 million Americans aged 65 and over, only about 10 percent actually receive treatment. Perhaps this is because risk factors and symptoms are different in older adults and make recognizing the disease more difficult. Another factor could be the fact that seniors were raised in a generation when the disease was a stigma, and are afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

Given the fact that depression can increase the risk for other serious diseases in older adults, it is important to make every effort to recognize and help get treatment for a loved one suffering. If you are caring for a depressed elderly person, you can make a difference by supporting them emotionally and making a point to be involved in their lives. Although you might not have the answer to fix their situations, sometimes just listening and giving support, companionship and love is enough to make a difference.

However, if you feel any concern, don't hesitate to contact a medical doctor for help and support. Also, if you are concerned about your loved one feeling isolated or lonely, and you don't have the chance to be around as much as you would like, you could consider a caregiver. Whitsyms refers care providers that can perform many useful duties, and provide companionship and excitement for your loved one, so you don't have to worry. Call toll-free at 1-800-952-3881 to schedule a free consultation to discuss all of your options and find a caregiver that is right for you and your loved one.

 

Do I Need Respite Care?

All Posts, Long Term Care Options

As we age, most people wish to remain in their own homes for a number of reasons. Being home is familiar and comfortable, and can decrease the physical, mental, and financial stress of moving into a facility. However, remaining at home can start to cause safety concerns if mental and physical health conditions are not managed or monitored properly.

A common option when you decide that your aging loved one needs assistance to stay at home is to take on the role of caregiver yourself, either by moving in with your parents, or having them move in with you. This can be a situation that takes time to adjust to, and can even cause family tension. This is why it is important to talk openly to your parents or loved one about issues such as needs, expectations, and setting boundaries.

As the sole family caregiver, it is easy to become overburdened by the added stress and responsibilities of caregiving duties, in addition to your own personal and professional duties. It is important to be aware of your limitations, and to take time for yourself to avoid caregiver burnout, and to recognize when it is time to seek professional aid, which can come in the form of Respite Care.

What is Respite Care?

Respite Care is all about taking care of the caregiver, since providing care for an elderly or ill loved one can start to take a mental and physical toll on your well-being. Respite Care offers family caregivers temporary relief from the physical and emotional burdens of caregiving, reducing stress and preserving family stability. Respite Care is an important part of an overall home care strategy, and can offer services in the home, or a variety of other settings.

  • In-Home Respite
    • A referred care provider can be brought into the home for a specified period of time to provide oversight and care for your loved one, allowing you to leave the home and/or have personal time to take care of your own needs.
  • Alzheimer’s Respite
    • Respite is especially important when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, as it can be a physically and mentally draining task. By having a Respite care provider who specializes in Alzheimer's Care, you can take a break to give you time for your own duties, so you can return refreshed and healthy.
  • Hospital Support
    • Qualified care providers can perform additional support during a stay at the hospital, giving your loved one constant care and attention during some, or all, of their stay, and keeping family members up-to-date.
  • Overnight
    • Sometimes you need a temporary care provider to stay with your loved one overnight if you’re in need of a good night’s sleep, or need to travel. With overnight Respite Care, your loved one will be safely looked after, ensuring safety and companionship while you’re away.
  • Travel Care
    • If you are planning a trip with your loved one and need extra assistance during your travels, a travel care provider can travel with you and perform care. They will be discreet and compassionate, allowing your family to enjoy the trip and each other’s company, while keeping your loved one safe and properly looked after.

When Should You Consider Respite Care?

There are certain times that having the assistance of a certified and professional care provider can be invaluable. There are certain situations where you should always seek professional assistance for the safety of both you and your loved one, but there will also be less specific times when you feel like you need help or need a break, and it is important to listen to that, and not be afraid or hesitant to seek out help. You should consider Respite Care when:

  • You need to travel overnight for business or pleasure (it is important to take personal vacations!)
  • Your elderly parent or loved one needs to transfer from one location to another, or is staying somewhere for an extended period of time (like a surgery center, rehab facility, hospital, etc).
  • Help is needed with daily activities of living, or skilled care following a hospitalization, surgery, injury, or illness.
  • Your parent or loved one wants to be at home while undergoing intense medical treatment, such as chemotherapy.
  • You feel mentally or physically exhausted, and need time for yourself to rest or perform personal duties.

At American In-Home Care, we always refer qualified, screened, care providers that can assist you with your Respite Care needs. Contact a Client Care Liaison at any time to set up a free assessment of your in-home care needs; they can provide you with additional information about which care options are right for you and your family. We are available to take calls 24/7 at 1-844-505-0004.

Gifts For Alzheimer's Patients

All Posts, Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimers CareWith over 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, and more than 10 million people providing care for them, it is highly likely that you will be buying gifts for a loved one with Alzheimer's, or someone that has been touched by the disease, this holiday season or at some other time. As such, it is important to know what gifts are appropriate - gifts that can help ease stress, confusion, and depression, and actually aid the memories of those suffering.

The key is to look for gifts that your loved one is interested in, and that will keep them actively engaged and at ease. Gifts for Alzheimer's patients should be fun, yet stimulating in some way - be it cognitive stimulation, sensory stimulation, or physical stimulation. Special DVDs can be a good alternative to television, and games and puzzles can not only be fun and interactive, but can help you keep tabs on how your loved one's disease is progressing.

Keep in mind that certain gifts, like new electronics, might seem like a fun or helpful gift, but could actually cause added stress or embarrassment for an Alzheimer's patient because it creates another thing to be remembered. If you decide you want to give a tech gift or electronic, be sure to go over the instructions with your loved one slowly and more than once, so that they have a good understanding,  and keep a copy of the instructions for yourself.

Gifts for Alzheimer's Patients

1. Early Stage: When in the Early Stage of Alzheimer's, people can still live healthy, active lives for the most part, and might only notice subtle changes in their memory and body. For these individuals, gifts that aid cognitive stimulation are beneficial, and can include some of the following:

  • Magnetic reminder pads for the refrigerator
  • Labeled baskets or file folders to keep documents and other misc. items
  • Designated hanger or jar for keys
  • Family calendar with important dates written in - birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc.
  • Dial-by-picture telephone system
  • Automated pill dispenser
  • Night light for bedroom or bathroom
  • Crossword puzzles related to 20th Century events or history
  • "Spot the difference" photo games
  • Large playing cards or index cards
  • Puzzles with places they have gone, or art they enjoy
  • Stimulating DVDs, such as nature or history documentaries
  • "Classics" CD from their favorite musician
  • A collection of their favorite movies
  • Plan a special outing - go to a play, a movie, a museum, shopping with family and friends
  • Do fun hands-on activities together such as painting or scrapbooking

2. Middle/Late Stage: People in the later stages of Alzheimer's generally need assistance with most of their daily activities as their state continues to deteriorate. Gifts that provide sensory stimulation, and that bring back pleasant memories are beneficial for individuals suffering from moderate or late stage Alzheimer's, such as:

  • Scented lotions in their favorite scent
  • A bathrobe or slippers in their favorite color
  • A warm throw blanket
  • Comfortable clothes that are easy to put on and take off, and easy to wash - such as sweats, knits, and wrinkle-free sleeping garments
  • A CD or compilation of their favorite songs or musicians
  • Family photo album with pictures of every family member, and their name
  • An illustrated family tree
  • Puzzles of favorite places or art works
  • Games - color stimulation, size and shape games, brain-game books
  • Color-by-number activities
  • Nature or animal DVDs or documentaries
  • Stress ball, or sensory hand-held toys
  • Do fun hands-on activities together such as painting or scrapbooking

Gifts for Family Caregivers 

Caring for an Alzheimer's patient, especially if it is a loved one, can be extremely taxing on a person, both physically and mentally, and can often lead to caregiver depression. To avoid this, truly the best gift you can give an Alzheimer's or dementia caregiver is the gift of respite care. By having someone else relieve caregiving duties temporarily, you will help the family caregiver reduce stress and have a necessary and deserved break over the holiday season.

  • Gift certificates - to salons or spas, favorite restaurants or hotels, favorite clothing stores, maid or lawn services, personal wellbeing such as yoga or gym membership, or technology support
  • Books - informational about caregiving and Alzheimer's disease, and also purely fun, entertaining books from a genre that you know the caregiver enjoys
  • TIVO or DVR subscription - allows the caregiver to record their favorite shows and movies on television that they might miss due to caregiving duties
  • Respite Care - finding a company that can refer a professional, qualified, and compassionate respite care provider to temporarily relieve the family caregiver of their duties is probably the most valued gift you can give. It gives your caregiver the gift of personal time and rest.

American In-Home Care always refers qualified, credentialed, screened, care providers that can assist with a wide variety of services in-home or in facilities. The care providers we refer to perform Respite Care can assist with overnight respite, in-home respite, Alzheimer's respite, travel care, and a number of other services to assist with daily activities. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free consultation to assess your care needs.

Recognizing Caregiver Depression

Uncategorized

Does your mother have enough food? Does she have clean laundry? Is she eating nutritious meals? Has she been wandering? Is she safe? Does she have her medications? Are her finances in order? Who will set up her doctors appointments? Who will drive her?

Up to 50 percent of caregivers providing Alzheimer's and dementia care suffer from caregiver depression in some way - developing major depressive illnesses and stress related to added duties and worry, according to a doctor with the Memory and Aging Center at the University of California, San Francisco. The caregiver becomes so overburdened with responsibilities, duties and worries that they aren't sure what to do next. This feeling of being overwhelmed and not knowing what to do, especially when it concerns a loved one, can lead to anxiety and eventually clinical depression.

With 80 million baby boomers getting older and needing more medical care, and estimates stating that there will be 7 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease by 2025, the concern becomes about the costs of care - financial costs as well as the mental and emotional costs on the caregiver.

Signs of Caregiver Depression

Providing dementia care and Alzheimer's care for a loved one can lead to feelings of stress, guilt, anger, sadness and isolation. Depression can affect caregivers in different ways and at different times, so it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms. It is common for depression to set in immediately after the loved one has been diagnosed with the disease, and also as the disease progresses and diminished mental capabilities start to become apparent. Signs of depression include:

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
  • Fatigue and decreased energy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
  • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
  • Irritability, restlessness
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
  • Overeating or appetite loss
  • Persistent aches, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not cease with treatment
  • Thoughts of suicide, or suicide attempts

If you are concerned that you might be depressed, see your doctor as soon as possible. If depression is left untreated, not only can it lead to emotional and physical problems, it can also affect the quality of care you're able to provide the person with Alzheimer's or dementia.

What is the solution?

Even though providing Alzheimer's and dementia care can be difficult, caring for loved ones can truly be very rewarding if managed correctly. It is important while providing care that the caregiver takes time to his or herself  to participate in enjoyable activities  and hobbies. Another way to help cope with the added responsibilities and stress is to try keeping a journal to express both positive and negative emotions. It is also important to talk to your friends and family and let them know when you might need some assistance.

There is also major research being conducted that aims to reduce both the tangible and intangible costs of dementia care. The University of California, San Francisco, along with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, is beginning a $10 million study funded by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation. Researchers plan to develop a dementia "ecosystem," which aims to reduce the cost of caring for the growing number of dementia patients and to ease the strain on caregivers.

A handful of tech start-ups have also been working to create technological solutions to ease the burden on caregivers. In San Francisco, Lively markets a system of networked sensors and a watch that can pick up on activity around the house and let family members or caregivers know if there is a worrisome change.

With increasing technology targeted to help ease the burden of Alzheimer's and dementia care, caregiver responsibilities and worries will be lessened, and depression will likely decrease as a result. However, in the meantime it is important to find outlets for emotions realted to providing care, and to seek professional help when necessary. Respite care is an affordable, reliable option that can provide the additional support to keep you from feeling isolated and overwhelmed. American In-Home Care offers respite care along with other live-in elderly care solutions. Contact us today to set up a free consultation and discuss what care options are right for you.

Long Term Retirement Planning

All Posts, Long Term Care Options

The number of Americans needing long term care is expected to double in the next 30 years, putting a increased financial and emotional burden on many families. This burden will be felt the most by Baby Boomers who are facing retirement themselves, while also caring for elderly parents and maintaining relationships with grown children of their own.

As it is becoming less common for children to assume the sole caregiving responsibility for their parents, it is even more crucial to be proactive and focus on long term retirement planning at an earlier age.

So what are the steps to successfully plan for long term retirement?

1. Location Matters

As a healthy, recent retiree, or an adult planning for retirement, it is important to think about where you are living. If you have a large, expensive house in a largely car-dependent city or neighborhood, you might want to consider downsizing into an apartment, condo, or small home that is in a pedestrian friendly location near your family and friends. Making the change now will allow you to limit unnecessary expenses, and ensure that you will be able to age at home as long as possible.

According to a UBS survey, 89 percent of participants said that while they would prefer to stay in their current home, they still find moving to a smaller home vastly more preferable than moving into a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility.

2. Get Long Term Care Insurance

If aging in your home is what you want, an important step in your retirement planning should be finding an insurance policy that covers that kind of care. It is never too early to be searching for a Long Term Care Insurance policy that suits your needs, as the younger and healthier you are, the cheaper the policies are.

3. Consider The Tradeoffs

It is natural for a parent or grandparent to want to help their children and grandchildren with money - mortgages, college tuition, etc. However, most of us are not wealthy enough to not have to make tough financial decisions sometimes. That same money could be put away in preparation for your long term care needs, which would prevent financial hardships and relationship strains on your children later on.

If you do end up needing to rely on your children for care later in life, it could be a source of conflict between siblings on how to split care responsibilities and payments.

4. Talk To An Expert

Talking to a professional with your entire family present is an important step for long term retirement planning. It allows you to determine what is important to you, and how to manage your retirement and care needs so that the whole family is on the same page, preventing strife later on.

Find a financial advisor or lawyer who specializes in wealth transfer and estate planning, and who is willing to build  relationship with you so they can adapt as your needs change over time.

Once you have determined that either you or your parents need assistance to continue to age at home, one of our Client Care Liaisons can set up a free consultation to determine your in-home care needs, and refer a care provider that is right for your family. Contact us Toll Free at 1-844-505-0004.

 

 

Travel Care For Alzheimer's Disease

Aging, Assisted Living, In Home Care

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it often feels like that is the end of life as you know it. But being a caregiver for someone with this disease doesn't mean that you have to give up traveling, nor does it mean your loved one can no longer enjoy getting out of the house. Traveling is still possible in the early stages of the disease, it just requires advanced planning and understanding travel care for Alzheimer's Disease to ensure everyone involved is safe and happy.

Safety is always the number one consideration when planning a trip with a loved one who has Alzheimer's. Follow the steps below to help plan an Alzheimer's-safe vacation so that you can both relax and enjoy the trip.

1. Have a plan in place for wandering.

A familiar routine and environment are comforting to someone suffering from Alzheimer's, and because traveling disrupts this, it is more likely that anxiety and wandering could happen. That is why it is crucial to never leave your loved one alone, be prepared, and have a plan in place.

Contact your local Alzheimer's Association before your trip and register with their Safe Return Program or  Comfort Zone monitoring system, being sure to complete the process entirely before you leave. If a situation arises while you are there, have a plan in place and don't hesitate to contact the local authorities.

3. Keep comfort in mind when traveling.

Have comfort items such as pillows, snacks and water readily available when you travel. This includes any kind of transportation including bus, train, car or airplane. If you decide to fly, schedule flights early in the day, and choose to fly non-stop if you can. Put medications in your carry-on bag, along with any other necessities you might need in case your flight is delayed. And  consider bringing a puzzle book or something similar for your loved one to hold on to.

3. During your trip, maintain a daily routine as much as possible.

Even in a new environment, having a regular routine will lessen the confusion for your loved one. Plan on waking up at the same time every morning and going to bed at the same time in the evenings. Also eat meals at the same time during the day. Create a plan for your days, organizing the days with structured and pleasant activities that you both can enjoy. Plan to see places and incorporate activities you know they enjoy, and make sure to allow for flexibility within your daily routine for spontaneous activities.

4. Consider respite care while you travel.

If you feel that traveling with your loved one would be too difficult or too disruptive to them, consider hiring a temporary respite caregiver to come to their home. This will allow you the chance to take a break from your caregiving responsibilities, which can be crucial for your own health and happiness, and it will give your loved one a chance to  experience quality care and meaningful activities, making their "staycation" fun and safe as well.

Whitsyms offers Respite Care and special Alzheimer's Care services, ensuring your loved one will be in the best hands, and will always be safe and happy. We offer free, no obligation consultations and assessments. Contact us today at 1-800-952-3881!