RetirementHomes.com - seniors

How to use pet therapy correctly with seniors

aadmin — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 09:12:29 +0000

Have you considered purchasing a pet for an elderly loved one, but thought it might be too much for him/her to handle? The truth is that this added responsibility may be just what he/she needs. Recent studies have shown that pet ownership offers a wide range of benefits for the elderly. Below is a look at some of the top ways your loved one could benefit from introducing a pet into his/her life.

Provide Companionship One of the most prevalent benefits of having pets is that they offer companionship. Common pets, such as dogs and cats, attach to people very quickly. This every day companionship can help to fight loneliness and depression, especially in elderly people. Pets can also boost a person’s overall mood and serve as a protector for seniors that live alone.

Minimize Stress There is no need to worry about overburdening your loved one by giving him/her a pet. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Pets can actually help to reduce stress. Just playing with or petting a dog or cat for several minutes can lower a person’s stress rate almost instantly. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of several serious health conditions, such as heart attacks, and it can help to lower a person’s blood pressure. The benefit of introducing a pet into the home will far outweigh any extra work it takes to care for the pet.

Gives Purpose Everyone needs to feel like he/she has a purpose in life. This is a serious issue for many seniors because they may not be physically able to complete many of the tasks they deem important. In addition, their children are all grown up and there is no need to care for them on a daily basis.

This can leave many seniors feeling like they are not needed. The introduction of a pet into their life can give them purpose again. Best of all, most pets only require minimal care.

Increase Activity Level If you are concerned that your loved one is not getting enough exercise or socializing enough, a pet may just do the trick. Caring for some types of pets, like a dog, requires consistent training, regular visits to the veterinarian, and daily walks. This will force your loved one to remain active on a daily basis in order to care for his/her pet properly. By taking the dog to the vets or the local dog park, he/she will also meet other people in the area and have the opportunity to socialize with other pet owners. It is important to talk to your elderly loved one before introducing a pet into his/her home.

This will ensure that you select a pet that he/she will enjoy. You also need to be sure that your loved one is physically capable of caring for the pet, or that you have people willing to step in and help. If you are not sure if a pet is right for your loved one, many assisted living facilities and senior service agencies offer pet therapy opportunities. This will give you the chance to see how your elderly loved one responds to being around a pet before you commit to purchasing one.

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Caregiving

Family and Personal Care

The biggest warning signs for elder abuse

aadmin — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 08:50:06 +0000

Unfortunately, elder abuse isn't a minor problem. Studies have shown that over two million elder Americans are victims of elder abuse, while for every case of abuse reported, as many as five go unreported. As a caregiver for elder adults, nothing can be as disheartening than the suspicion that someone is the victim of abuse. But understanding - and recognizing - the signs of abuse can keep it from becoming an ongoing problem. While such abuse can take many forms, it can usually be classified under these categories: physical, sexual, psychological, financial, and neglect.

Physical

The use of physical force that results in injury, pain or impairment is a broad definition of physical abuse. Like abuse in general, it can take many forms, including hitting, shoving, slapping, shaking, kicking, pinching and burning. Signs of physical abuse include:

Injuries with no easily explainable cause that are incompatible with the victim's medical history, such as cuts, lacerations, bruises, welts and discoloration.
Injuries that appear to have been caused by cigarettes, caustics, or friction from ropes, chains or other objects.
Injuries in areas covered by clothing.
A combination of new and old injuries.
Denial of an injured state.

Sexual

Sadly, this form of abuse happens in older adults. Signs of it include genital or anal infections, difficulty while walking or sitting, or bruising of the inner thighs.

Psychological

This type of abuse can be harder to detect than others, in part because it can be part of other aging, medical, mental or physical problems. But it can be detected by observing the actions of others, including family members. Are threats being made to an elderly parent? Or, perhaps someone speaks poorly of the person on a consistent basis, or ignores him or her and their needs. The victim, meanwhile, may seem depressed or withdrawn, or unwilling to talk openly and freely.

Financial

Financial abuse is not an insignificant problem, as studies have shown that 12 percent of all elderly abuse is of this kind. It can be defined as improper or illegal use of an elder's assets, and it can entail:

Social security or pension checks cashed without permission.
Coercing or deceiving the elder into parting with money or property.
Diverting guardianship assets.
A family member who is not willing to pay for an elder's basic needs when money is available.
A warning sign could involve a family member who persistently seeks financial control while being financially stressed themselves. Or, also if bank statements are no longer coming to the victim's home.

Neglect

Neglect can take many forms, including not providing food, medicines, hygiene, or even personal safety. Signs of neglect include:

Neglected bedsores, skin conditions or rashes.
Untreated injuries or other medical issues.
Hunger, malnutrition or dehydration.
Poor hygiene
Lack of clean clothing and bedding.
Poor skin condition
An excessively dirty environment than may smell of feces or urine.

It's important to know the most common types of elder abuse and the forms they take. It's also important to note that people who suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia are at a greater risk of abuse and neglect. As a caregiver, understanding the signs and facts of elder abuse can help stop and prevent it.

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What Did You Say? How to Listen For the Signs...That It's Time For A Hearing Aid

aadmin — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 20:21:17 +0000

Roughly a third of all elderly people between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss. In addition, almost half of those over the age of 75 have trouble hearing. Difficulty hearing can cause a variety of problems for an older person, including making it harder for them to understand and comply with a doctor's orders. They may also have trouble responding to doorbells and hearing alarms in their home. Interacting with friends and family may also be a significant source of frustration.

The first question a senior citizen will have to answer is: Do I have trouble hearing?

Signs that this may be the case include:

They have trouble hearing when using a telephone.
They have trouble hearing when there is noise in the background.
They are not able to follow a conversation if more than one person is talking at the same time.
They often misunderstand what others are saying and respond in an inappropriate way.
They may turn the volume on their television or radio to excessively high levels.

Solutions for Elderly People with Hearing Loss  If an individual is suffering from hearing loss, they should seek the help of a professional. One professional who can help is an otolaryngologist. This doctor’s specialty is the diagnosis of hearing problems. An otolaryngologist and can provide options for treating hearing problems. An audiologist is another type of doctor who may be able to help. Audiologists are trained to identify different types of hearing loss as well as the degree to which hearing has been lost. Audiologists may be able to fit a hearing aid.

About Hearing Aids These are electronic devices worn behind the ear. They amplify sounds. To find the hearing aid that works best for a particular patient, it will be necessary to try multiple devices. An audiologist can provide help in this area. They will also be able to help an elderly person adjust to the fact that sounds are different with a hearing aid.

Benefits of Getting a Hearing Aid Now

The longer the patient waits, the harder it will be for their brain to adjust to a hearing aid. This is because wearing a hearing aid involves relearning certain sounds. Starting as soon as possible gives the patient’s brain more time to adapt.
When people start using hearing aids, it can improve their quality of life, according to the national Council on Aging. They will have a greater sense of independence as well as improved mental health.
Hearing loss has been tied to dementia. Seniors who do not have their hearing loss treated face a considerably higher risk of developing the condition. While the reasons for this are not known, it is thought that auditory deprivation is a cause.

Hearing aids do not cure hearing loss but they do enable communication and thus can make an elderly person's life better. It is essential that the diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems not be postponed.

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10 Tips for Preventing Falls In The Elderly

aadmin — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 19:43:23 +0000

Falling is dangerous for anyone, especially seniors. Bones become more brittle as people age and a fall can be seriously debilitating for a senior citizen. Broken hips, arms and legs mend at a slower rate as the body ages. Head injuries can be fatal.

The Center for Disease Control is "taking a stand" on helping seniors prevent falls with programs for seniors and care givers. The program is called STEADI, Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries.

You can take action to prevent falling and enjoy an active life as a senior with a few precautions.

Exercise

STEADI recommends Tai Chi, Yoga and other exercise programs for maintaining and improving legs and core muscle strength. Many senior living communities offer classes in these exercises along with aerobics. Walking, swimming, golf, tennis, bowling and other sports are also highly recommended for seniors.

The objective is to stay in good condition, improve strength, coordination and balance. People want to stay independent as long as possible and enjoy their activities.

Eyes and hearing check-ups

Get an annual eye check-up and make sure you have glasses if needed. Be careful on stairs if you wear bifocal or multi-focal lenses. You want to see any obstacles that might be in your way. Hearing checks are also important so you can hear warnings that someone may call out to you.

Stairway safety

It's easy to trip on steps if you can't see them. Stairways should have railings and handholds. Steps should be lighted, especially at night.

Special non-slip stair treads can be added to hard surface and carpeted stairways for better traction.

Grab bars are helpful

Install grab bars in bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens and other areas. They prevent falls.

Showers without borders or curbs are elements of Universal Design that makes bathrooms easily accessible to everyone. Bathroom and kitchen flooring and mats should be non-slip and kept dry.

Avoid heights

Keep items you need on low shelves and cabinets so that a chair or step ladder is not needed to reach them. This applies to food, dishes, medications and other items used on a daily basis.

Walkway safety

Outdoor pathways and walkways should be free of debris, hoses, wheelbarrows and other gardening equipment. A person may forget to put away outdoor equipment and trip over a hose or bump into the lawn mower.

An uneven pathway with cracks or broken flagstone can be dangerous. Walkways should be dry when possible and free of snow and ice during the winter.

Indoor safety

Keep all electrical cords out of the way and against walls. Unplug and remove a cord on a heating pad or other small appliance that has been used temporarily and may be in a pathway.

Rooms should be well lighted.

Carpeting and floor coverings

Carpeting should be tight and tacked down at seams and doorways to avoid tripping.

Area rugs and throw rugs should adhere to the floor. It is also easy to trip over a raised doormat. Hard surface flooring should be the non-slip variety in all rooms where it is used.

Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes with good support in place of flip-flops and high heels. If you wear slippers, use the type that have tread on the soles instead of a smooth surface.

Medication reviews

You should review any previous falls and your medications with doctors. Several prescribed medications may have side effects that cause dizziness and other problems. You should talk to your doctor about your risk of falling.

The National Institute of Health advises seniors to take these preventive measures so they do not have to fear falling.

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Family and Personal Care

How to care for yourself when you're a caregiver

aadmin — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 13:50:41 +0000

Unquestionably, the only person who would ever tell you that care giving is an easy job is someone that has never had to do it themselves. For the person needing care, the loss of independence coupled with increasing physical and perhaps mental frailty can be exceptionally harrowing. Although care is usually given with love, it can - on occasion - be received with some measure of resentment, especially if it means a reversal of the parent/child roles that you have been used to fulfilling.

Even on a good day, with a cordial relationship based on love and respect, looking after a senior member of the family can lead to increased stress levels, and eventually care giver burnout. When your focus is someone else's needs, your own can sometimes fade into the background, and it's surprisingly easy to lose sight of the situation getting out of control until it's too late.

Signs that the frustrations of losing some of your own freedoms, relationships and indeed privacy to care for someone else are getting too much shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that you're constantly physically and emotionally wrung out, or worse still entertaining thoughts of hurting yourself or the person you're caring for, it's time to find ways to take breaks to alleviate the strain.

Make sure you're sleeping properly. It can be difficult to get decent rest if you're having to get up every few hours to check on someone or give medication. However, napping when the person you're caring for is also asleep during the day might help you top up too.
Cook proper meals where possible. Relying on snacks and quick meals from the chiller cabinet instead of preparing food from scratch may be essential to stay on top of care duties at times, but where you can, cook meals in bulk to stock up the freezer.
Talk to others. You may feel that none of your family and friends understand your position, or even that they've forgotten or abandoned you. The sad truth is that unless they've experienced a similar care situation, they may not be able to empathize to the degree that you need. Message boards and online support groups can be a lifeline where simple solidarity accompanies offers of practical solutions.
Take advantage of respite care. Progressive conditions such as dementia, especially where challenging or even violent behavior can accompany physical decline inevitably reach a point where not only can you not do it alone any longer, but you may have to consider full-time residential care so that your senior can establish a routine that will be comforting and reassuring to them. Even if you haven't yet reached this stage, making sure you can step away from the care situation from time to time is essential to your well being.
Don't beat yourself up. You're not required to feel "up" and positive all the time, and nor are you obliged not to feel like screaming with frustration. Caring is tough, and it will get on top of you at times. Don't blame yourself for the bad days.

The most important thing of all to accept is that if you're the caregiver of an elderly parent or in-law, then you are unlikely to be in the first flush of youth yourself. Pay close attention to your own physical and mental health, especially if you have a family history of classic middle-age disorders such as high blood pressure or arthritis, and don't ignore warning signs that all is not well. After all, you can't provide care if you need care yourself.

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Family and Personal Care

Seniors, those who love them, and substance abuse

aadmin — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 19:05:40 +0000

Across the United States and Canada, nearly 10 per cent of the population are considered to be abusers of alcohol or drugs. And while drug and alcohol abuse is a large concern for teenagers and other adolescents, evidence suggests that a growing number of Baby Boomers and other seniors are also becoming addicted to alcohol, illicit drugs, and other illegal and harmful substances.

But it’s not just the addicts themselves who are suffering at the hands of these substances; it’s also those closest to these addicts, including their friends, family members, and spouses and partners.

Denise Krochta, a radio host and author based in Carlsbad, California, spoke to RetirementHomes.com about older people and addiction, and said that while Baby Boomers and older seniors both have widespread usage of illegal drugs – as well as overuse of alcohol – the mindset is very different between the two groups.

“Baby Boomers...are a unique population in itself. Almost all of them either experimented with or regularly used pot or alcohol and other illicit drugs of the times back and many still don't consider misuse or abuse as serious,” Krochta said.

“The older seniors are more likely to just get caught up in addiction. Alcohol, because it has been legal for so long, is commonly abused among the elderly, and to add to that, almost all seniors are using legally proscribed prescription drugs for all kinds of ailments, which have potential to be addictive,” she added.

Krochta, author of “Sweat: A Practical Plan For Keeping Your Heart Intact While Loving An Addict,” entered the world of substance abuse about 10 years ago when she discovered that her then teenage son was addicted to prescription drugs, has since branched out and now coaches family members on how to maintain good relationships with their loved ones who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

With older people, Krochta told RetirementHomes.com that one of the biggest challenges is the societal stigma that exists about substance abuse, mental illness, and other related topics, which can make it very difficult for people who need help leaving drug and alcohol addiction to receive the important help that they need.

“As long as addicts are considered criminals I don’t think there will be change in the stigma. Also, like mental illness, it seems to make people embarrassed and ashamed to acknowledge this is a fact of life in their world, so they hide it,” Krochta said.

So what can the friends, family members and partners of Baby Boomers and seniors who are suffering from substance abuse do with their loved ones, and how can they help? Some starting points can be finding a support group or other means of assistance, both professional (such as addictions counselors) or supportive friends and family.

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New options on the horizon for multi-generational families

aadmin — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 13:02:18 +0000

In the United States and Canada, nearly 50 million people act as unpaid caregivers for an older loved one, be it a friend or family member. Beyond that figure, many millions more Americans and Canadians live in senior living residences, ranging from independent living to golf communities, to Memory Care residences, and even assisted living facilities. And while many people would prefer to keep their loved one staying at home for as long as possible, sometimes that simply is not an option.

One company is trying to change all that. NewAvenueHomes, a six year-old software service company based in Emeryville, California, aims to offer seniors and their families the ability to find architects and designers to help them create multi-generational homes, specifically to help allow older people to live with their families for as long as possible.

Kevin Casey, the CEO and Founder of NewAvenueHomes, told RetirementHomes.com in a recent interview that their goal is to connect homeowners with prospective architects, designers and homebuilders, with the aim of providing custom renovations and additions with a senior in mind, while offering more collaboration and potentially lower prices. And while any homeowner can easily hire a designer, architect or builder for their home, Casey said the most important factor is having a designer or builder who thoroughly understands how a senior changes the physical dynamic of a family home beyond simply adding another person to the mix.

“Typically single-family homes are designed for the “nuclear” family in a suburban setting. However, as families change and grow, their home should change and grow with them,” Casey said. “Some examples of building designs for the increased use of multigenerational homes are modifications such as low countertops, zero threshold doorways and grab bars.”

According to Casey, one option for larger families (and larger houses) is to build an accessory structure, which would be physically separated from the main home, and would be similar to a bunky or small cottage. In that structure, other family members (usually the older person or couple) would be able to live with maximum independence and privacy as possible, while still being in close proximity to their loved ones in the event of emergency.

And while custom building an accessory structure to a main house could be cost prohibitive for many people in the short term, Casey told RetirementHomes.com that in the longer-term scenario, his calculations indicate that the immediate expenses could help save hundreds of thousands of dollars in lease fees for senior living homes as the alternative.

“Recently we conducted an analysis of the multigenerational living and we calculated that within five years there is an estimated $234,000 in savings by going the accessory dwelling route compared to nursing home costs,” he said.

For individuals who rent their homes, building an addition or separate structure is not a feasible option to help accommodate an older loved one, but perhaps as the senior population grows across the United States and Canada, more apartments will be better suited to this expanding demographic cohort.

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More seniors are finding love in retirement communities

aadmin — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:39:17 +0000

Valentine’s Day 2015 may have come and go, but that doesn't mean the love stops on February 15. The growing number of older people across Canada and the United States means that love isn’t just for the young, and love doesn’t just look like the hit book (and movie) Fifty Shades of Grey; love can come in many different colours and shades.

Fran Greene, a New York-based ‘Flirting, Dating, and Relationship Coach’ with a focus on older people, as well as the author of ‘The Flirting Bible,’ told RetirementHomes.com that Baby Boomers and seniors can sometimes find the dating scene challenging because they likely never expected to be single and looking to mingle while in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s or even older.

“No one expects at this stage of life to be back out there looking for love. My clients feel that at their age everyone is taken and it is so awkward and uncomfortable to be out there dating again,” Greene said.

Nonetheless, while it comes at a surprise for Boomers and seniors to be looking to meet their special someone at an older age, Greene said that they may actually find it easier to be on the dating circuit in their 50s or 60s than when they were decades younger.

“Meeting new people when you are older can actually be easier because the stakes are lower. At this point in your life it does not have to focus on marriage or even living together,” Greene said.

Jamison Gosselin, vice president of marketing, communications and resident enrichment for the Holiday Retirement chain, has seen it before. Holiday Retirement has more than 300 senior living communities across the United States, and with the growth of the senior living industry across North America, there are more Baby Boomers and seniors than ever before who are looking for love in retirement homes.

“This time of year, you can’t help but be reminded of love. And while there’s something to be said for being ‘young and in love,’ the growing trend of seniors finding love when they move into senior living communities proves you are never too old to fall in love,” he said.

“In our communities, seniors are much more active than they were in the past. They enjoy socializing and participating in numerous daily activities, which fosters new friendships—some of which even turn into romance,” Gosselin told RetirementHomes.com.

Lakeview Park, a Holiday Retirement community in Fenton, Missouri, will be host to a special wedding in May, when 85 year-old Nina weds her beloved, Phil.

“I kept seeing Phil at many of the activities the community offers. We would chat afterwards and started hanging out on our own, and our friendship just grew from there into love. We are quite excited for our wedding in May,” Nina said.

And if you are looking for new love this year, the first step is simple, but it still may take some work: being social.

“Take advantage of anything and everything that could potentially lead to making a new friend or getting a date. Don't turn down social invitations that have the possibility of meeting new people,” Greene said.

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The dangers of seniors living alone

aadmin — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 15:10:14 +0000

A 2011 survey of people over 65 showed that the vast majority (90 percent) wanted to continue living in their homes for as long as they could. It is understandable that seniors should want to stay at home; however, there are many who need care, but who are living on their own.

Moving a senior family member to an assisted living facility can be a difficult and emotionally harrowing. Opting for home care allows them to stay in their own home and be assisted by a home caregiver. Home care can also be considerably more affordable than an assisted living facility. Below is information on the problems that the elderly face when they live by themselves:

Risks to Physical Safety : Elderly people are more prone to falling. Age-related health problems like diabetes and hypertension are a factor in this. These problems can affect their balance and their physical strength. The presence of a caregiver will not prevent someone from falling; however, it can ensure that they get immediate medical attention if they do.

Lack of Financial Protection : Many con artists and fraudsters specialize in targeting elderly individuals. From criminals who phish for personal information over the phone to email and snail mail offers that are obviously too good to be true, seniors living alone can easily fall victim to scammers. Many have lost their life savings due to naivety or confusion.

Poor Nutrition : People who share meals with others or have them prepared by others are more likely to eat nutritious food compared to those who live alone. Those who live by themselves may opt for convenience over nutritional value, especially if cooking is too physically challenging.

Social Isolation:  The Administration on Aging reports that roughly 28 percent of seniors live alone. This means that there are about 11.8 million older people living by themselves. Seniors can become isolated because of the death of a spouse, or because their spouse has Alzheimer's or another condition that requires constant care. They become homebound and get disconnected from other relationships. Studies show that being isolated increases the risk of mortality in individuals who are over the age of 52. Additionally, those who are lonely and isolated are more likely to have physical and mental health issues.

Medication Mistakes : Medication mistakes include taking too much of a drug, taking the wrong drug or mixing medications. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that 70 percent of emergency hospitalizations among seniors occurred because of the medications most commonly prescribed to seniors. Similarly, Medicare records from 2014 show that there were more than 500,000 injuries in Medicare patients’ homes that were caused by medications.

You want to ensure that your loved one lives in a safe and healthy environment, especially if they show signs of cognitive impairment. It is important to keep track of indications that an elderly person is no longer able to live alone.

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Family and Personal Care

Home Safety

How to know when it's time for a hearing aid

aadmin — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 12:12:41 +0000

Sometimes an elderly family member that's losing their hearing may not even know it, and sometimes they might be too ashamed to admit it. If an elderly family member has experienced one or more of the problems listed below make sure they see an ear doctor because they might just need a hearing aid.

1. Say 'What' A lot

One of the best ways to tell if an elderly family member needs a hearing aid is if they cannot hear what you are saying. If they say the word "what" more often than usual, then they are having trouble processing what you are saying.

2. Misunderstand What You Say

If they cannot follow a conversation then they might need a hearing aid. This is especially true if they are misunderstanding words and have to constantly ask for clarification on what you just said. During a conversation with an elderly family member be on the lookout for if they are frequently starting sentences with "Did you just say..."

3. TV Volume is Set High

Another sign if your elderly family member needs a hearing aid is if they always have the television set at a high volume. If they live alone this could be a hard sign to detect. Whenever you visit make sure to let them set the volume on the television to see if they need it at a high level.

4. Trouble Hearing on the Phone

Talking in person is one thing, but on the phone is a whole different ball park because you can manually set the phone to a high level. If you notice the phone volume is set high that could be a sign they cannot hear the person on the other end at a normal volume. If they live alone, make sure to see what the volume is set to on their personal phone.

5. Become Frustrated During Conversations

If you find that an elder family member becomes frustrated during conversations they might need a hearing aid. The frustration stems from them not being able to fully understand what people are saying. If you find they do become frustrated during conversations take a minute to ask if they are angry with you, or if they are having trouble hearing you.

6. Become Withdrawn

Losing your hearing is nothing to be ashamed of, but sometimes people are and that can lead to them being withdrawn. If an elderly family member begins to lose their hearing that might cause them to avoid social occasions. If you notice they are not attending events or family gatherings like they used too then it could be a sign they need a hearing aid.

7. Complain People Mumble Too Much

When someone begins to lose their hearing they begin to think people are mumbling when they are speaking clearly. If you hear an elderly family member constantly say that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly, they might need a hearing aid.

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