Caring for a family member is emotionally taxing, especially in the case of memory loss. You can reduce your distress by concentrating on the present moment, the here and now, and by thinking of your relationship with a loved one as the glass half full.

Seize the Day!

Try to observe yourself while in your caretaking role. Identify your thoughts. Remember that “should haves” and “if onlys” are based on trying to rewrite the past, while “wants” and “what ifs” focus on the future. Both prompt anxiety and depression.  Be here now, for the day!

Life Is a Series of Precious Moments.

It is important to acknowledge your negative feelings without judging yourself. Accept what is. What’s happening now is a done deal. Simply allow it, don’t fight it in your mind, and you’ll be less stressed. Focus on the present. Stay out of the past and future in your thinking. Take a few deep breaths. Shift your attention to create room for something positive right now. Think of something that engages one of your senses; the taste of your coffee, the color of the sky, or the music on the radio.

Refresh and Be Refreshed.

Repeat as needed to refresh your outlook!

Lois Young-Tulin

Lois Young-Tulin, PhD, is an Assistant Geriatric Care Manager at Elder Connections

November is a time to honor those who facilitate a lifestyle that offers giving support and as much independence as possible to older adults.

Family Caregivers

President Barack Obama declared November as National Family Caregivers Month stating, “Across our country, millions of family members, neighbors, and friends provide care and support for their loved ones during times of need. With profound compassion and selflessness, these caregivers sustain American men, women and children at their most vulnerable moments, and through their devoted acts, they exemplify the best of the American spirit.”

Statistics from the Administration On Aging show that the population 65-years-old and older is expected to grow from its current 13% to 19% of the total population by 2030. With the older population increasing, the need for elder care giving will continue to increase.

Career Caregivers

Outside of family caregivers, we need to salute geriatric caregivers who perform a wide variety of roles that tend to the needs of seniors who live at home and in facilities.  Depending on the clients’ level of independence, job responsibilities of caregivers range from light housework, shopping, cooking, scheduling and driving clients to appointments, stores and social engagements, to reminding clients to take their medicine and assist them with bathing, dressing, grooming and using the toilet.

Certified Care More Important Than Certificates of Education

Although no specific educational degrees are required to become a geriatric caregiver, reputable care giving agencies require their job applicants to pass psychological and other tests, including background checks. Certified agencies, like Elder Connections, must meet strict federal requirements for patient care and management.

Providing Quality of Life Is Demanding

The physical demands of care taking can be rigorous. Duties may include light nursing, changing surgical dressings, giving medications, or changing bedpans. The emotional demands can also be rigorous. Patients may be difficult, depressed or violent and in as much need of emotional attention as they are of physical attention. But good caregivers derive great satisfaction from knowing they are helping their clients enjoy a better quality of life.

Celebrate Those Who Celebrate Others’ Well-Being

Our caregivers help the elderly live more comfortably at home or in a senior care facility. We ask you to please acknowledge them with a note, a gift of thanks or even an offering of your time to give them a needed break. Please let the people who graciously accept their duties to our beloved seniors that their service is recognized and appreciated.

Lois Young-Tulin

Lois Young-Tulin, PhD, is an Assistant Geriatric Care Manager at Elder Connections

BY:  Beverly Bernstein Joie, MS, CMC
President Elder Connections

Elder Connections is determined to support our commitment to eradicate Alzheimer’s Disease.  We want to share your story — The Voices of Alzheimer’s.  Our pledge is a donation in your   or your loved one’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Laurelle’s Personal Story

My husband is 90 years old and living in an Alzheimer’s Unit of a Nursing Home.  My life has been in a state of shock — never did I imagine the horror of this world of Alzheimer’s.

Once a darling Scottish man, a servant leader for our church and in the Royal Air Force, who enjoyed gardening is now lost in his memory and dependent upon the care of a nursing home.

The journey began in 2008, when I noticed his symptoms of dementia and challenges associated with daily living.  The emotional pain of watching my husband slip away continues to cause my heartache.  I wish for more information — from medical advice, caregiver support and directives in planning for what lies ahead.  And yet, this experience teaches me extreme compassion with a desire to help others facing similar problems.  If we all give with our hearts and contribute to the Alzheimer’s Association in search for a cure.  Imagine the difference in the lives of many Alzheimer patients and their families.

Our hearts go out to Laurelle and her husband.

Caring for an Aging Parent or Spouse suffering with Alzheimer’s disease?

Elder Connections is ready to help!  Download your Better Senior Care Planning Kit and let’s talk!

Order In the House

Before Here to Home

There are many things that we do to support Peter in his life in the community.  Some are the tangibles of health care, good nutrition, and psychological support.  Yet in the years, it has occurred to both me and his sister, Abby that Peter’s home environment begged to be improved.

For most people, this task seems to be simple.  For an individual with Asperger’s Disorder, it is another matter.  Peter’s enviornment is his sacred space and tampering with it in anyway could spell disaster.  But, on the other hand, Peter deserves a clean, functional home that is safe and satisfying.  What were we to do?

Senior Move Management

The National Association of Senior Move Managers is a professional organization of those who provide assistance to the 55+ market.  These businesses help with downsizing, relocating or modifying homes.  This organization promotes the education and a standard of practice for those working within the senior community as Senior Move Managers.

Here to Home

When we called Jennie Zehmer, of Here to Home, she appeared on the scene to assess the situation.  We knew immediately that we had found the perfect person for the job.  With her skill, insight, and compassion, Jennie created a proposal that reflected her profound understanding of Peter and what would work for him.  Peter was consulted on every step of his home project — it was a true Extreme Home Makeover.

After Here to Home

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Now Peter’s home reflects his unique personality with order and precision.  Caring for our loved ones is not always easy, but creating order in the home enviornment is one step closer to better senior care.  Do you know someone who would benefit from a home enviornmental miracle?

The Perfect Caregivers Gift

The holidays are a perfect time to give the caregivers in your life the most precious gift.  The gift card of time for providing better senior care to those you love.

We know that caregivers are a breed of individuals who give of themselves tirelessly and often put themselves last.  But, caregivers deserve to be at the top of  your holiday gift list.  Caregivers need time for personal self care and rejuvenation.   Taking time to recharge may mean taking in a movie, going out with friends, or essential time off for their personal needs.

A Caregiver’s Gift Card

For only $79,  the Better Senior Care Gift Card provides four hours of free time to your caregiver.  Elder Connections will do the rest —  sending a qualified caregiver to your home while your caregiver appreciates the gift that truly gives.

Across America, families are gathering together to celebrate the holidays.   It’s a time of great expectations, intimacy, and love.  As family’s come together at this joyous time, it is an opportunity to assess how the seniors in your family are managing. Perhaps you’ve experienced that all seems well on the phone but then when you visit things are not quite the way as seemed.

Taking Stock for Better Senior Care

Coming home is the perfect opportunity to make an assessment of your seniors’ current status.   While there may be some sad surprises, whatever may be true, it’s important to take proactive steps for the future.

Better Senior Care Holiday Check-List

1. Name the Elephant in the Room by approaching the topic of advanced heath planning.   One easy way into this topic is to discuss other family members or friends who are facing a change in their status and asking them to weigh-in about what they would want if they were in their place.

2. Keep records of all medications, medical records and doctors’ information

3. Review or establish a durable power of attorney, current will, and advance directives

4. Keep a record of where all important documents are stored

5. Audit finances and understand investments and financial transactions

6. Make a copy of medical insurance information

7. Assess the physical environment including stored medications and expiration dates, the refrigerator and its contents, and the general order of things.

The holidays provide you with special moments for connection.   Use your time to pave the way for a future that’s more managed by laying the groundwork for better senior care.

May all your holidays be filled with family, love, and joy!

Linda Fodrini-Johnson, Nat'l Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Dr. Lewis M. Cohen & Beverly Bernstein Joie, Elder Connections

End of Life Issues

At no other time in history have the issues related to end of life presented us with such challenges.  We are being confronted as human beings with some of the most perplexing issues about how we choose to interface with our mortality and that of the people we love.

Care Management Leads the Way

Last week I attended The Mid Atlantic Chapter Conference of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers in Fairfax VA.  The conference was entitled “Care Management Leads The Way: Navigating Through the Healthcare Continuum”.  Among the presenters was Dr. Lewis M. Cohen, an internationally known psychiatrist from Tufts University School of Medicine.

Real Search at End of Life

In his newly published book, No Good Deed, Dr. Cohen’s account of two nurses reads like a murder mystery.  But, while death does occur in this rendering, the circumstances of death compel us to pay attention to the issues before us.  His powerful story is based upon real people who as professionals were caring for terminally ill patients.  Accused of the death of their charges, Dr. Cohen reveals what happens in these examples and others when end-of-life decisions are played out in hospitals, courtrooms and in the church.  He explores all sides of the controversy while examining a modern health system with the technical ability to prolong life while keeping in mind the real life issues of those who are suffering and dying.

Compassion in Health Care

We were all moved by Dr. Cohen’s tale of end-of –life issues and the human beings who attempt to serve this population with compassion in a health care climate that does not always support them.  The presentation came to life to those present when both Linda Fodrini-Johnson, President of The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and I were selected to portray the nurses in the book.  The book and the issues portrayed came to life as we lived the nurses’ experiences.  For all those caring for others as either professionals or family members, this is a must read!

BY:  Beverly Bernstein Joie, MS, CMC
President Elder Connections

National Family Caregivers Month

Caregivers — The Heros in Service for Better Senior Care

Elder Connections is in awe of those caring for their elderly parent.  These caregivers are the unsung heroes whose mission and intention is in service for better senior care.  These family members who tend to their aging loved ones often do not realize the toll it takes on their physical, emotional, and financial health, but continue on in their caregiving role.

In my last post, The Shriver Report — Elder Connections announced our dedication to helping caregivers.  Our Planning Kit provides you tools to care for your aging loved one effectively.  It’s the first step towards supporting and instructing caregivers.  Email me — BBJoie@ElderConnections.net or call 888-433-0040 to receive more resources and support.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

In honor of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and National Family Caregivers Month, Elder Connections wants to recognize those caring for an Alzheimer’s patient, and will contribute $50 in their name to the Alzheimer’s Association. (Limited to the first 10 responses)  Because to us, there is no acknowledgment big enough to celebrate and honor these heroes who serve in the care of seniors.  Their love and devotion exemplify the true spirit of America — don’t you agree?

Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

Osteoarthritis is a major reason that people consider shoulder replacement surgery.  So, when my business partner and geriatric care manager, Dolores T. Magid made the decision to have surgery, it was not without considerable reflection, research, and anxiety. 

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, about 700,000 people receive knee and hip replacement surgery each year.  About 23,000 people have shoulder replacement surgery.  Osteoarthritis is the most common factor in shoulder deterioration.  The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that enables us to move our shoulder in all directions.  The joint surfaces are normally covered by smooth cartilage that allows adequate shoulder rotation.  The surrounding muscles and tendons provide stability and support.  When Osteoarthritis strikes, this system is compromised and the individual is often met with significant pain affecting their ability to live their life.

Dolores’ Story

Having tried less invasive procedures and physical therapy, Dolores never knew when she would experience the ball of her shoulder socket displace from itself even when seated at her desk.  The pain was excruciating and was something she lived with for quite awhile before making her decision.  It’s a sad state of affairs when your husband has to do your hair every day. 

Dolores’ surgery took place on October 7, 2010.  She chose The Rothman Institute which is a recognized leader in joint replacement surgery.  Back at the office, we were all holding our breath.  But, Dolores was in the driver’s seat.  She was certain about the surgeon she chose and she had completely prepared for this event.  She selected one of Elder Connections’ caregivers who stayed with her for the two nights that she was in the hospital. She reported that this made an enormous difference for her just knowing that she was not alone and with a trusted caregiver. Her pain medication kept her comfortable post surgery.  Her exercises began. And, she alerted all but her immediate family that she was off limits until she returned home.  Everything has gone flawlessly so far.

My own initial fear about her surgery has evaporated upon visiting her and seeing my friend and business partner on the healing side of things.  It taught me about the opportunities we all have to take care of our health and to take the steps toward a successful outcome.  Better Senior Care is an attainable goal!

Steps to Selecting The Joint Replacement Option  

• Understand the cause of your joint pain

Arthritis is a major cause of the problem, but it could be Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Post-traumatic Arthritis.  It could also be Avascular Necrosis or something else. 

• Obtain a Quality Medical Diagnosis

Seek an evaluation from a qualified Orthopedic Surgeon and get more than one opinion.

• Explore Your Treatment Options

Consider the least invasive options first.

• When All Options Are Exhausted, Consider Joint Replacement Surgery

Select a surgeon with the most experience with your specific joint problem and a hospital that performs many of these procedures.

• Preparing For Joint Replacement Surgery

Begin exercising under a doctor’s supervision

Have a complete physical and clearance from specialists familiar with your history

Have a dental examination

Stop taking specific medications (consult with your doctor about which ones)

Consider lifestyle changes – stop smoking, lose weight

Complete all lab work – x-rays, blood tests, etc.

• Evaluate Post Surgical Needs for At Home Care

Following surgery, you will require assistance with your activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing.  Make sure a family member stays with you or hire a company that can provide this home care.

• Arrange Physical Therapy and Post Operative Exercise

The key to successful surgery is the rehab following the surgery.

BY:  Beverly Bernstein Joie, MS, CMC
President Elder Connections

Medical Revolving Doors

It is often said that hospitals can be dangerous to our health!  Actually, according to The Institute of Medicine report, between 44,000 and 98,000 hospitalized Americans die each year as a result of preventable medical errors. Certainly, there are circumstances that demand hospitalization and a hospital visit can be a life saving and necessary event.  But, the problem of remaining at home after discharge has become a hot issue.  Many elderly people with chronic conditions find the move from home to hospital to rehab reminiscent of a revolving door.  Actually, avoidable hospital readmissions affect one in five patients and account for $17.4 billion of the current $102.6 billion Medicare budget.

Recently, Elder Connections was invited to provide an inservice training at the Montgomery Rehab Center to discuss this alarming statistic and share solutions with the staff.  On November 3, 2010, we will be presenting: Tips For Stopping The Revolving Door of Hospital (and Rehab) Readmittance.  Hospitals and Rehab centers are paying increasing attention to this phenomenon due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act .  Starting in 2013, hospitals with “excess” readmissions will incur financial penalties based upon their rates of readmittance.  It’s no wonder that this problem is high on their list of concerns.

What can we do to keep ourselves and loved ones from being readmitted?

Tips To Avoid Rehospitalizations:

Maintain a Personal Health record.  This record is something all of us should maintain and take with us to all doctor’s appointments but especially relevant for hospital discharge purposes.  It should contain your personal information, primary physician information and directions about contacting caregivers and family members.  You should also place into this folder, all your recent hospitalization information, the reason for this hospitalization, copies of tests, medical records, and doctor’s notes.  Most importantly, record the “red flags” and those potential difficulties that will demand immediate doctor contact.  Also, record your concerns and questions in a clear concise way to have on hand when you meet with your doctor following the hospitalization

Discharge Preparation Checklist.  Speak to the doctors, nurses, and social workers about what is going to happen next and be clear about their expectations.  Find out who to call for problems with your transfer, and understand your medications.  Make sure your questions are answered before you leave, your family and/or caregivers are in place and understand your needs, and that a follow-up appointment is scheduled along with the transportation to that appointment.

Medication One of the most important factors to staying away from readmissions is how well you know and understand your new medication regimen.  Invariable medications change during a hospitalization.  Make sure you write them down and take this list with you to every appointment.  Update this list as it changes.  Share all questions and concerns about medications with your doctor. 

 Successful Hospital and Rehabilitation Discharges

 The new health care changes on the horizon has created a call to action.  Some hospitals such as The University of Pennsylvania have utilized a new breed of Physician-Administrator, called a Hospitalist, one of the fastest growing medical specialties.  This specialist is now following the care of patients through their hospitalization to discharge to address this need.  For those being discharged, the family’s participation is critical.  Luckily for families who do not live close by,  the services of a Geriatric Care Manager can be obtained to implement a success discharge plan and follow-through.