Five Tips for Better Sun Safety

Summer is winding down but UV rays and heat may still pose a threat for seniors.  Below are five precautionary steps seniors can take to improve their safety during the remainder of the warmer summer temperatures.  

1.  Stay hydrated.  Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.  By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated.  For seniors, the feeling of thirst decreases with age so be sure to increase your water intake with prolonged physical activity.  

2.  Use your air conditioning.  Some seniors are hesitant to turn on their AC because of the increased coat but your health is worth it.  During a heat wave, if you don't have AC, spend time at locations with AC like a senior center or movie theater.  

3.  Be an early bird or night owl.  The sun and heat are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.  Limit your outdoor activity to early morning and/or late evening when temperature are not as high.  

4.  Know your medications.  many seniors use medications daily.  Some medications can cause side effects, like increased sensitivity to UV rays.  Review all medications and check with your pharmacist with questions.  

5.  Wear sunscreen.  Sunscreen helps prevent sunburns.  Look for a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.  

Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe while doing it!  

Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

February is American Heart Month!  Make a difference in your community by helping raise awareness about heart disease and encourage people to live heart healthy lives.  

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) affects nearly 6 million Americans and is the leading cauise of hospitalization in people 65 and older.  

What is Heart Failure?  

Heart failure does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working.  It means that your heart can't pump enough blood (oxygen and nutrients) to meet your body's needs.  The chambers of the heart may respond by stretching to hold more blood or by becoming stiff and thickened, but eventually the heart muscle walls weaken.  As a result, the kidneys respond by causing the body to retain fluid (water) and salt.  When fluid builds up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs or other organs, the body becomes congested, and congestive heart failure (CHF) is the term used to describe the condition.  

Signs and symptoms of heart failure are: 
Shortness of breath or trouble braething
Fatigue (tiredness) 
Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and veins in the neck 

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, when symptoms start, you may feel tired and short of breath after a routine physical effort, like climbing stairs.  As your heart grows weaker, symptoms get worse.  You may begin to feel tired and short of breath after getting dressed or walking across the room.  Some people have shortness of breath while lying flat.  Fluid buildup from heart failure also causes weight gain, frequent urination, and a cough that's worse at night and when you're lying down.  The cough may be a sign of acute pulmonary edema, a condition in which too much fluid builds up in your lungs which requires emergency treatment.  

Common causes of CHF include:  

Coronary Artery Disease 
High Blood Pressure 
Thyroid Disease 
Heart Valve Disease 
Kidney Disease 
Diabetes 
Congenital Heart Defects 

Fortunately, heart failure can be treated.  Seeing your doctor regularly, taking your medication as prescribed and following a heart healthy diet and exercise program can help you successfully manage heart failure.  

Aging In Full Bloom - The Best Part of Caregiving

Here is our most recent podcast...The Best Part of Being a Caregiver.  Let us know what you think.  

Listen here!

Five Ways Gratitude Can Improve Your Life

by Lisa Stockdale 

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses." 

-Alphonse Karr, A Tour Round My Garden

The holidays are upon us and we kick them off with Thanksgiving which began as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.   

Did you know that practicing an “attitude of gratitude” daily has the ability to improve your overall quality of life? 

It’s true!  Researchers from Harvard Medical School to the Mayo Clinic and beyond all agree that practicing gratitude will significantly increase your well-being – including improved physical, mental and emotional health. 

Here are five ways gratitude can positively impact your life, according to the research: 

1.     Improved Sleep

A 2009 study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that grateful people (those who express gratitude) sleep longer and better than those who do not practice gratitude.  Simply writing down a list of a few things to be grateful for before bedtime has been shown to improve quality of sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. 

2.      Improved Physical Health

Grateful people report fewer aches and pains, exercise more regularly and attend regular medical check-ups more often than ungrateful people, according to a 2012 study published in Personality and Individual Differences.  Amit Sood, M.D. from the Mayo Clinic reports that practicing gratitude boosts immunity and decreases the risk of disease. 

3.     Increased Empathy and Decreased Aggression

“Gratitude motivates people to express sensitivity and concern for others,” researchers wrote in a 2012 paper in Social Psychology and Personality Science.  Gratitude was attributed to an increase in empathy and a decrease in aggression.  A 2012 study by the University of Kentucky demonstrated that people who  ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others. 

4.     Increased Happiness and Decreased Depression

Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher, has concluded that gratitude reduces an array of toxic emotions like envy, resentment and frustration which works to improve overall psychological health.  For example, grateful people are less likely to become resentful of others and more likely to show appreciation for other people’s accomplishments.  A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology linked gratitude to improved self-esteem. 

5.      Increased Resilience

Numerous studies, including a 2006 study in Behaviour Research and Therapy, found that Vietnam War veterans with high levels of gratitude were less likely to be impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder.  Generally speaking, research has demonstrated that gratitude reduces stress and improves one’s ability to overcome trauma. 

Patient Advocacy

The Important Role of the Patient Advocate

by Lisa Stockdale

The health care system continues to grow more complex and difficult to navigate. As complexity swells, consumers are increasingly reaching out to private, independent patient advocates to get the help they need.  Patient advocates offer a wide array of services ranging from accompanying clients to their doctors’ appointments, being present during a hospital stay, providing information to help make decisions about treatment options, reviewing and negotiating medical bills – and everything in between.

Who Can Be a Patient Advocate?

A family member, a close friend or relative, or even a trusted co-worker can act as a patient advocate.   If you find yourself in need of someone with a working knowledge of the healthcare system or perhaps more of a clinical background, it might make sense to look at professional advocacy services.  Consider the following local (central Ohio) providers:

·       IKOR is a Dublin-based company offering healthcare and financial advocacy plus life management services.  IKOR is operated by Dublin resident Melanie Hankinson who has a degree in Physical Therapy, is a Certified Senior Advisor and an Aging Life Care Professional™ with support from Sandy Miller, BSN, RN, graduate of the Ohio State University College of Nursing with 40 plus years serving central Ohio patients. 

·       Guided Patient Services (GPS) is a Westerville-based company specializing in patient advocacy and navigation to clients of all ages facing new or challenging healthcare issues.  GPS was founded and is operated by Annette Ticoras, MD, graduate of Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.  GPS is a member of The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates. 

Who pays for the advocates’ services?

Professional patient advocates are usually paid directly by the client. A few employers have begun providing patient advocacy support to their employees, but private health insurance companies do not pay for these services.

Not everyone can afford to hire an advocate, but many can and do.  Many of us would not attempt to purchase a home without the advice and guidance of a realtor. Fewer would consider walking into a courtroom without the expertise of a lawyer, and many Americans have come to rely on a financial planner to help them manage their wealth and safeguard their financial well-being. As the healthcare system continues to evolve, patient advocates will become more common. Research is already starting to demonstrate the valuable role a patient advocate can play in improving patient outcomes and experience.    

Practice Prevention to Stay Hydrated and Healthy

It’s official!  We are now in the midst of the dog days of summer.  This year the dog days commence on Saturday, July 22^nd and end of Tuesday, August 22^nd.  The “dog days of summer” refer to those sultry, humid, long, hot summer days that are said to be the most uncomfortable part of the season.  The concept dates back to the ancient Egyptians who believed the energy from the star Sirius combined with the sun’s energy to produce heat waves, drought, thunderstorms, fever, mad dogs and bad luck. 

After being cooped up all winter, it’s tempting to spend as much time as possible outside despite the heat and humidity.  Still, we need to practice prevention to stay healthy and hydrated.  Too much exposure can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.  Heat stroke is less common but obviously more serious. 

The key is to stay hydrated.  Consuming at least 64 ounces of fluid per day is the best way to ensure proper hydration.  Water is the best choice but it certainly isn't the only option that counts towards the 64 ounces per day guideline.  Most fluids (except alcohol) and many foods also count.  Foods with high water content include the following:  

Oranges

Watermelon

Yogurt

Strawberries

Blueberries

Grapefruit

Broth-based soups

Pineapples

Cucumbers

Tomatoes

Grapes

Bell peppers

Cantaloupe

Apples

How do you know if you’re dehydrated?  Understanding the signs and symptoms of dehydration is important.  One sure way to monitor hydration is to pay attention to the color of your urine.  Generally speaking, the lighter the color, the more hydrated you are. 

·         Pale yellow to clear indicates that you are well-hydrated. 

·         A yellow, cloudy color means you need water.

·         A darker yellow-amber color means you are dehydrated.

·         Orangish-yellow and darker means you are severely dehydrated.  Contact your physician immediately.

Choose Hospice - Because Every Chapter Counts

Choosing hospice is a personal decision that depends on the patient’s individual values, preferences and priorities.  It means transitioning from one set of goals (working to extend life) to another set of goals (working to ensure quality of life for the time remaining).  Hospice is about alleviating suffering so that the focus can be on more personal aspects of dying like one’s legacy, relationships and achieving a sense of closure.  Too many people wait to receive hospice care until the last few weeks or days causing them to miss out on months of helpful care and quality time.  Most all insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of hospice. 

• Where is hospice?

Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a place.  You can receive hospice services in an assisted living community, at a nursing home, at the hospital or wherever you call home.  We bring the care to you.  We understand that most people prefer to be at home in the days leading to end of life. 

• How do I qualify for hospice?

Two physicians must certify that you have a life-altering diagnosis with an expected prognosis of six months or less. 

• Can my primary care physician continue to see me?

Absolutely!  Your personal physician is welcome and encouraged to continue your direct care. 

• Does hospice hasten death with the use of pain medications? 

No.  There is no evidence that opioids like morphine hasten the dying process.  In fact, research suggests that using opioids to treat pain or shortness of breath may help a person live a bit longer.  Pain medications provide relief and comfort improving quality of life during the dying process. 

• What if I accept hospice services and then change my mind? 

It is always your choice to enter or leave hospice.  If you find that your illness improves or you decide to seek curative treatment or you are unhappy with services, you may leave hospice care at any time, returning if and when you choose.  

Dementia Capable Providers Make the Joy Rides Possible

There are two types of people in the world, those who would take a dementia patient for a joy ride and those who would say it’s a waste of gas.

Healthcare providers who are serious and committed to caring for Alzheimer's and dementia patients should want to make the joy rides possible.  The focus should be on optimizing quality of life and working to make memorable moments possible. 

Dementia Specialty Programs should be purpose-driven, structured, holistic, visionary and evidence-based.  Taking the time to get to know patients and clients in the present and in the past is necessary because it makes developing holistic plans of care based on client’s individual values, preferences and priorities possible.    Dementia care involves the whole person – body, mind, spirit and emotions. 

Objectives should include:  

·         Identifying the disease-specific needs of individuals and families

·         Specifying the roles and responsibilities of members of  inter-disciplinary teams

·         Providing on-going education and integrating best practices in the delivery of care

·         Engaging in community outreach to help combat misconceptions and the stigma

Begin by screening and selecting experienced caregivers that exemplify qualities like patience, the ability to solve problems, kindness, creative-thinking and respectfulness.  Focus on education including Certified Dementia Practitioner training, cultural sensitivity training and other on-going educational opportunities.  The success of any program hinges on continuous learning and adaption as the disease progresses. 

Telehealth & Home Safety Equipment to Make Aging at Home Possible

Your best opportunity to stay home safety is to receive the extra support and care you deserve. Telehealth and home safety equipment make it possible for seniors to remain at home with increased confidence and peace of mind.  

Telehealth is a way of delivering health care remotely by means of telecommunications.  It includes a wide variety of technologies to deliver virtual medicine and health care.  The types of technologies utilized include live video, secure electronic communications, remote patient monitoring and communication supported by mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets and laptops.  Telehealth is not a specific service, but rather a collection of means to deliver care, monitoring and education.  

Telehealth is most often used to deliver the following range of health care services and information:  

• Dentistry 
• Counseling 
• Physical and occupational therapy 
• Home health 
• Chronic disease monitoring and management 
• Disaster management 
• Consumer and professional education 

Telehealth & Home Safety Services for Consideration    

ü  Personal Emergency Response System

This portable emergency call system can be set up through a landline or cellular phone line. This system sends an alert out in an emergency to notify the designated first responder.

ü  Medication Monitoring

The medication monitoring unit organizes and dispenses medications according to the physician-prescribed schedule.

ü  Fall Detection Button Fall                    

Fall detection is an additional safeguard for

situations when an individual falls and is

unable to push the help button.  

ü  Mobile Care / GPS Tracking                                 

This discrete, wearable device makes GPS

tracking & location, available alongside two

way automated and hands-free 

communication, from virtually anywhere via

cellular networks.    

Home Safety Equipment for Consideration

·         Riser for the toilet seat

·         Grab bars for the bathroom

·         Hand-held shower head

·         Bath bench

·         Bedroom products (hospital beds, over-bed tables, pads)

·         Medicine droppers and spoons

·         Button loopers and zipper pulls for easier dressing

·         Single-lever faucets for kitchen and bath

·         Touch-tone telephones, calculators and clocks with large numbers

·         Kitchen tools to make opening cans, peeling, cutting and dicing food easier

·         Reachers to eliminate bending and help offset a weak grasp or limited mobility

Aging in Full Bloom: Three Empowering Aspects of Aging

by Lisa Stockdale 

Enough with all the negativity!  It's high time we learned to celebrate, honor, respect, cherish and embrace the aging process.  Put away your anti-aging mindset and open your eyes to possibility of living out loud instead of accepting the so-called reality of getting old.  Know that you have survived every challenge that life has delivered to your doorstep thus far, and look to the future with the confidence and know-how that experience brings.  Make decisions that bring you peace and happiness and strength. Continue to takes chances, create, learn, engage and explore. 

If you are reading this, your ending has not been written. You owe it to yourself to live with your eyes and arms wide open greeting each new day as your own personal opportunity for growth, happiness and new beginnings.   

Growing old is one thing but getting old is out of the question. To grow old is to continue to pave a path through learning and leadership in the family, workplace and community.  To get old is to stand by and watch things happen as if you are powerless in the experience. The challenges that aging presents are admittedly obstacles associated with aging, but there have always been obstacles associated with aging from puberty to adolescence to young adulthood to mid-life crisis and beyond. We are constantly evolving and making adaptations along the way. 

What are the benefits of aging?  

A NEW KIND OF FREEDOM COMES WITH AGING...

Freedom from the grind of all the demands associated with earlier stages of life like the challenges of building a career or being a caregiver.  Consider the following quote from an email entitled Aging and Friendship submitted to the Echo Press:

"Whose business is it if I choose to read, or play on the computer, until 4 a.m., or sleep until noon?  I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50s, 60s and 70s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. I know I am sometimes forgetful.  But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, eventually, I remember the important things."  

A RETURN TO HAPPINESS COMES WITH AGING...

Research indicates that people report being happiest in their youth and then again in their 70s and early 80s. People report being least happy during those years associated with mid-life.  Why?  Maybe it’s because older people have come to understand the value of happiness, and they have learned how to be happy along the way.  They know that happiness is a personal choice.  It is not contingent upon circumstances or the things that have happened in life.  It’s a way of thinking and knowing.  It is closely connected to one’s ability to appreciate the small pleasures like taking a warm bath or a watching the sun set.  It is also closely connected to purposeful living which generally includes maintaining close social ties and engaging in meaningful activities that promote the greater good. 

These days everyone seems to be researching happiness.  There’s even a Happiness Research Institute, which is an independent think tank, working to improve quality of life by exploring human happiness.   Scholars and universities are also focusing on the topic.  According to Acacia Parks, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Hiram College, who researches and teaches on the science of happiness, happiness is not about feeling good all the time but instead is associated with a more even-keeled mood.  Parks cites recent research that indicates that those who focus on feeling good all the time actually undermine their ability to be happy by trying to achieve an unrealistic goal.  Parks writes, “You have the ability to control how you feel – and with consistent practice, you can form life-long habits for a more satisfying and fulfilling life.”  It seems the researchers are working hard to confirm or prove what many older adults already know.  

NEW OPPORTUNITIES COME WITH AGING...

Many seniors report the opportunity to focus on hobbies and talents that had to be put on hold in their earlier years.  Some return to the university to earn advanced degrees or audit classes without the pressure of exams and assignments.  Others discover hidden talents they never knew they had.  For example, my own mother discovered that she is a talented painter late in life.  Some are blessed with grandchildren and describe being a grandparent very differently than being a parent.   Eva Figes wrote in It's a Nan's World that the difference between being a mother and a grandmother is like the difference between marriage and a love affair.  Apparently, she is enjoying being a grandmother quite a lot.  Others report becoming more assured in their faith or spirituality.  One of my favorite articles on the opportunities associated with aging comes from Loren Olson, a retired psychiatrist, entitled The Opportunities for Aging: Freedom from the Tyranny of Ambition.  

Consider the following excerpt:  

 “We can either measure time or we can experience time.  For me, time still carries a sense of urgency, but the urgency of time has been transformed from a seemingly endless series of appointments and moving from one goal to the next to an urgency for experiencing every moment and not wasting the time that remains.  I decided to stop wearing neck ties.  I promised never to sit through a boring meeting or lecture.  I stopped going to cocktail parties to ‘network’ with people I didn’t really like but who might do something for me.  I moved things from my bucket list to my un-bucket list and began to get rid of things I once treasured but increasingly felt like just some burdensome ‘stuff.’

I stopped doing what I thought I should do to meet someone else’s expectations of me.  I deconstructed my old value system and reconstructed one of my own.  I realized that good relationships are always U-shaped, and to hang on to them sometimes requires a lot of work to get to a richer place. 

I stopped seeking relationships based on what the other person could do for me.  I discovered that whom I dined with was more important than what is on the menu.  I began to shed myself of stuff that had lost its meaning.  I have learned to appreciate my experiences and the wisdom that has come from my successes but also from the mistakes I’ve made”