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Senior Care: Personal & Home Safety

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Panic Alarm Bracelet

Personal and home safety, for people with alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Seniors can still remain in their homes, as long as safety measures are put in place to ensure their safety.

As Dementia and Alzheimer’s progresses, a person’s abilities change. But with some creativity and problem solving, you can adapt the home environment to support these changes.

How Dementia affects safety

Alzheimer’s disease causes a number of changes in the brain and body that may affect safety. With creativity and flexibility, you can create a home that is both safe and supportive of the person’s needs for social interaction and meaningful activity.

Depending on the stage of the disease, these can include:

  • Judgment: forgetting how to use household appliances
  • Sense of time and place: getting lost on one’s own street; being unable to recognize or find familiar areas in the home
  • Behavior: becoming easily confused, suspicious or fearful
  • Physical ability: having trouble with balance; depending upon a walker or wheelchair to get around
  • Senses: experiencing changes in vision, hearing, sensitivity to temperatures or depth perception

Home safety tips

  • Assess your home: Look at your home through the eyes of a person with dementia. What objects could injure the person? Identify possible areas of danger. Is it easy to get outside or to other dangerous areas like the kitchen, garage or basement?
  • Lock or disguise hazardous areas: Cover doors and locks with a painted mural or cloth. Use “Dutch” (half) doors, swinging doors or folding doors to hide entrances to the kitchen, stairwell, workroom and storage areas.
  • Home Safety Checklist: Contact us at “In Or Care – Home Care Services to conduct a safety survey and discuss measures to correct findings. The process is easier than you think and solutions need not be cost prohibitive.
  • Be prepared for emergencies: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses for local police and fire departments, hospitals and poison control helplines.
  • Make sure safety devices are in working order: Have working fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Routine inspections, testing and replacing back-up batteries on applicable devices as just as important… Don’t assume because you have then, that they’re functioning as they should.
  • Install locks out of sight: Place deadbolts either high or low on exterior doors to make it difficult for the person to wander out of the house. Keep an extra set of keys hidden near the door for easy access. Remove locks in bathrooms or bedrooms so the person cannot get locked inside.
  • Keep walkways well-lit: Add extra lights to entries, doorways, stairways, areas between rooms, and bathrooms. Use night-lights in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms to prevent accidents and reduce disorientation.
  • Place medications in a locked drawer or cabinet: To help ensure that medications are taken safely, use a pillbox organizer or keep a daily list and check off each medication as it is taken.
  • Remove tripping hazards: Keep floors and other surfaces clutter-free. Remove objects such as magazine racks, coffee tables and floor lamps.
  • Watch the temperature of water and food: It may be difficult for the person with dementia to tell the difference between hot and cold. Set water temperature at 120 degrees or less to prevent scalding.
  • Support the person’s needs: Try not to create a home that feels too restrictive. The home should encourage independence and social interaction. Clear areas for activities.

Six in 10 people with dementia will wander

A person with Alzheimer’s may not remember his or her name or address, and can become disoriented, even in familiar places. Wandering among people with dementia is dangerous, but there are strategies and services to help prevent it.

Who is at risk of wandering?

Anyone who has memory problems and is able to walk is at risk for wandering. Even in the early stages of dementia, a person can become disoriented or confused for a period of time. It’s important to plan ahead for this type of situation. Be on the lookout for the following warning signs:

Wandering and getting lost is common among people with dementia and can happen during any stage of the disease. 


  • Returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual
  • Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work
  • Tries or wants to “go home,” even when at home
  • Is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements
  • Has difficulty locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room
  • Asks the whereabouts of current or past friends and family
  • Acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (e.g., moves around pots and dirt without actually planting anything)
  • Appears lost in a new or changed environment

 Tips to prevent wandering

Wandering can happen, even if you are the most diligent of caregivers. Use the following strategies to help lower the chances:

  • Identify the most likely times of day that wandering may occur:
Plan activities at that time. Activities and exercise can reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness.
  • Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented: If the person with dementia wants to leave to “go home” or “go to work,” use communication focused on exploration and validation. Refrain from correcting the person. For example, “We are staying here tonight. We are safe and I’ll be with you. We can go home in the morning after a good night’s rest.”
  • Ensure all basic needs are met: Has the person gone to the bathroom? Is he or she thirsty or hungry?
  • Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation: This could be shopping malls, grocery stores or other busy venues.
  • Place locks out of the line of sight: Install either high or low on exterior doors, and consider placing slide bolts at the top or bottom.
  • Camouflage doors and door handles: Camouflage doors by painting them the same color as the walls, or cover them with removable curtains or screens. Cover knobs with cloth the same color as the door or use childproof knobs.
  • Use devices that signal when a door or window is opened: This can be as simple as a bell placed above a door or as sophisticated as an electronic home alarm.
  • Provide supervision: Never lock the person with dementia in at home alone or leave him or her in a car without supervision.
  • Keep car keys out of sight: A person with dementia may drive off and be at risk of potential harm to themselves or others.
  • If night wandering is a problem: Make sure the person has restricted fluids two hours before bedtime and has gone to the bathroom just before bed. Also, use night-lights throughout the home.

Make a plan

The stress experienced by families and caregivers when a person with dementia wanders and becomes lost is significant. Have a plan in place beforehand, so you know what to do in case of an emergency.

  • Keep a list of people to call on for help: Have telephone numbers easily accessible and update them every six months.
  • When someone with dementia is missing: Begin search-and-rescue efforts immediately. Ninety-four percent of people who wander are found within 1.5 miles of where they disappeared.
  • Ask neighbors, friends and family to call if they see the person alone.
  • Keep a recent, close-up photo and updated medical information on hand to give to police.
  • Know your neighborhood: Pinpoint dangerous areas near the home, such as bodies of water, open stairwells, dense foliage, tunnels, bus stops and roads with heavy traffic.
  • Keep a list of places where the person may wander:
This could include past jobs, former homes, places of worship or a restaurant.
  • Provide the person with ID jewelry: Medical alert bracelet and or electronic wander guard device preferably with GPS capability.
  • If the person does wander, search the immediate area for no more than 15 minutes: Call “911” and report to the police that a person with Alzheimer’s disease — a “vulnerable adult” — is missing. A Missing Report should be filed and the police will begin to search for the individual. Make a point of knowing what they’re wearing for a more accurate description.

Many people with dementia want to live at home for as long as possible. Often, this is with support from others. However, it can be difficult managing everyday situations if you have dementia, particularly as the dementia progresses and you get older. As a result, some people may not be as safe at home as they used to be. This factsheet looks at how a person with dementia can stay safe at home and in the surrounding environment. It identifies some risks in the home environment and suggests ways to manage them.

 It is important to find the right balance between independence and unnecessary harm. The person with dementia should, where possible, be involved in decision-making and their consent sought and given about changes. If this is not possible, it is important that those making the decision do so in the person’s best interests.

Many of the issues in this factsheet are related to the normal ageing process. However, having dementia can place a person at higher risk of experiencing some of these issues. Everyone will experience dementia in their own way. The type of risks they face, and strategies to manage these, will depend on the individual and their situation.

Avoid falls

Falls are a common and potentially serious problem affecting older people. The risk of falls increases with age. This may be because of a range of factors: medical conditions (such as stroke), medication, balance difficulties, visual impairment, cognitive impairment and environmental factors. Falls can have detrimental effects on people, including injuries, loss of confidence and reduced activity.

For some people with dementia, the condition can also increase the likelihood of falling.

There are a number of things that can be done at home to reduce the risk of falling:

  • Home safety: Check the home for potential hazards such as rugs, loose carpets, furniture or objects lying on the floor. An occupational therapist may be able to help with identifying hazards and suggesting appropriate modifications.
  • Exercise: Regular exercise can improve strength and balance and help to maintain good general health. A referral to a physiotherapist may also help. Speak to your GP to find out more.
  • Healthy feet: Foot problems, including foot pain and long toenails, can contribute to an increased risk of falls. Seeing a podiatrist (a health professional who specializes in feet) can help. Contact your doctor to find out more.
  • Medicines: Medication can have side effects, including dizziness, which could increase the risk of a fall. Changes to medication or dosage, as well as taking multiple medicines, can increase a person’s risk of falling. Speak to the doctor about a medicine review if the person with dementia is taking more than four medicines.
  • Eyesight: Regular eye tests and wearing the correct glasses may help to prevent falls.
  • Keep objects in easy reach: If something is going to be used regularly, keep it in a cupboard or drawer that is easy to access.
  • Try not to rush: Do things at an appropriate pace; many people fall when they are rushing.

Improve lighting

As people get older they need more light to see clearly. This is because of age-related changes to the eyes. These changes include:

  • Pupils becoming smaller
  • Increased sensitivity to glare
  • Reduced amount of light reaching the retina.

Dementia can cause damage to the visual system (the eyes and the parts of the nervous system that process visual information), and this can lead to difficulties. The type of difficulty will depend on the type of dementia. Problems may include:

  • Decreased sensitivity to differences in contrast (including colour contrast such as black and white, and contrast between objects and background)
  • Reduced ability to detect movement
  • Reduced ability to detect different colours (for example, a person may have problems telling the difference between blue and purple)
  • Changes to the visual field (how much someone can see around the edge of their vision while looking straight ahead)
  • Double vision.

Improved lighting can reduce falls, depression and sleep disorders, and improve independence and general health. The following tips may help:

  • Increase light levels and use daylight where possible.
  • Minimize glare, reflection and shadows. Glare can be distracting and can reduce a person’s mobility.
  • Lighting should be uniform across any space, and pools of light and sudden changes in light levels should be avoided. This is because when a person gets older, their eyes adapt slowly to changes in light levels.
  • Remove visual clutter and distractions such as carpets with floral patterns.
  • Use colour contrasts to make things clearer, ie: a light door with a dark frame.
  • Leave a light on in the toilet or bathroom during the night. A night-light in the bedroom may help if someone gets up in the night.

Store dangerous substances safely

Dangerous substances, including medicines and household cleaning chemical should be stored somewhere safe. If the person with dementia is unable to administer their own medication safely, arrangements should be made for someone else to do this. A dosette box could be helpful. These have separate tablet compartments for days of the week and/or times of day such as morning, afternoon and evening.

Adaptations to the home

As people get older they may experience difficulties in managing everyday activities such as cooking or bathing, for a variety of reasons. People with dementia may experience additional challenges as their dementia progresses, because of memory problems or a reduced ability to carry out tasks in the correct sequence.

Adapting the home can help people with dementia to maintain their independence and reduce the risk of harm. It can also help to adapt some everyday tasks slightly. The following tips may help:

  • Label cupboards and objects with pictures and words so that they can be identified.
  • Where possible, use devices that only have one function and are easy to identify, for example a kettle.
  • Place clear instructions that can easily be followed somewhere visible.
  • Make sure the kitchen is well lit.
  • If there are concerns about using gas or electrical appliances inappropriately, contact the gas or electricity company and ask for the person to be put on the priority service register. This means that they will be eligible for free regular safety checks and will be able to get advice about safety measures such as isolation valves (advice is also available for care givers).
  • Fit an isolation valve to a gas cooker so that the cooker cannot be turned on and left on. Devices are also available for electric cookers.
  • Look into products that may help to maintain independence and safety such as electric kettles that switch off automatically.
  • If the person’s ability to recognize danger is declining, consider removing potentially dangerous implements such as sharp knives, but place other items for everyday use within easy reach.
  • Create a “wander loop” in your home, a safe pathway that allows the patient to safely roam.
  • Use reflector tape to create a path to the bathroom.
  • Cover radiators and electrical outlets with guards.
  • Lock doors that lead to places like basements and garages.
  • Install safety locks and alarms on exit doors and gates.
  • Cover smooth or shiny surfaces to reduce confusing glare.
  • Eliminate shadows with a lamp that reflects off the ceiling.
  • Cover or remove mirrors if they are upsetting to a person with hallucinations.
  • Store car keys in a locked container; disable the car.
  • Do not allow unattended smoking.
  • Make sure an I.D. bracelet is being worn at all times.
  • When selecting home care, make sure to hire an aide who has been trained to deal with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, and is under the supervision of a skilled home care nurse.
  • And, most importantly, constantly re-assess your parent’s abilities with the help of a nurse or physician.

Avoid fire

There are ways to minimize the risk of fire in the home, including fitting smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and checking home appliances.

Local fire and rescue services can provide free home safety visits. They offer advice about how to make the home safer, as well as fitting smoke alarms and planning escape routes. Electric and gas appliances can be dangerous. It is important to check appliances to make sure they are working safely. Some appliances will have built-in safety features. Consider placing safety devices on stoves so that they are not accidently placed, or left on the on position.

Stay safe outdoors

Being outdoors is important for people of all ages and has many benefits. It is good for mental and physical health, including wellbeing, sleep and appetite Being outdoors can have psychological benefits such as reduced depression and agitation. Activity can also enhance a person’s independence and wellbeing. A garden, balcony or outdoor space can help to bring these benefits to people with dementia. It is important to manage any risks that may come with being outdoors.

The Following suggestions may help:

  • Make sure the area is well lit. This could be done with a sensor light, so that if a person is outside and daylight is fading they are still able to see adequately.
  • Put a rail on any stairs to help the person get up and down them. It can also help to highlight the edges of each step.
  • Avoid trip hazards such as loose paving slabs or uneven surfaces.
  • Have seating areas so that the person can take a rest or enjoy being outside if they are unsteady on their feet.
  • Use shelter to protect people from the elements if they want to spend a long time outside – a parasol or hat to minimize sun exposure.

Ensuring your home is adequately assessed for safety concerns is you first step in assuring that your love one enjoys their decision to remain in their home for as long as possible.

We can help. From an initial assessment to providing the home care services you need to meet your needs.

Therapeutic Touch & Sensory Quilt

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“Busy Hands & Mind”

Sustain a clients natural need to keeps hands engaged and active

Sustain a clients natural need to keeps hands engaged and active

Pre-amble: Market and Economic Impact

As of 2013, there were an estimated 44.4 million people suffering with dementia worldwide. This number is expected to increase to an estimated 75.6 million by 2030, and 135.5 million by 2050. Alzheimer´s Disease will be one of the biggest burdens of the future society showing dramatic incidence rates: every 69 seconds someone in the US develops Alzheimer´s Disease, by mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer´s Disease every 33 seconds. In 2013 44 million people will be affected with the disease worldwide  In the US Alzheimer´s Disease is now the 6th leading cause of death across all ages. It was the fifth leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older. Since the incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer´s Disease increase with age, the number of patients will grow dramatically with our society getting older. By 2050 we need to expect that patient numbers have tripled to 135 million Alzheimer´s Disease patients worldwide.

The Alzheimer´s Disease market is currently estimated at $ 5 billion annually with projections that show the market potential will surpass $ 20 billion by 2020.

The global economic impact of Alzheimer´s Disease is shown by the worldwide cost of $ 640 billion, which exceeds 1% of gross world product. It can be seen as the most significant health crisis in the 21st century. 

The 2010 annual costs of treating and caring for patients worldwide was an estimated US$604 billion and in the the US alone was $183 billion. This figure is expected to increase to $ 1.1 trillion in 2015. Alzheimer´s Disease is becoming the third most expensive disease counting for 30% of the US healthcare costs. The medical costs for Alzheimer´s Disease patients are three times higher than for other older patients. There is also a big financial impact for the individuals and their families as the out-of-pocket-costs for the Alzheimer´s Disease patients are higher than for any other disease. As expenses for assisted living or nursing homes can often not be afforded, 70% of Alzheimer´s Disease patients live at home resulting in high impact of family’s health, emotional well-being as well as their employment and financial security.

Cost of Treatment
Currently there is no disease-modifying treatment for the Alzheimer´s Disease on the market. The disease usually is diagnosed late when already 70% of the nerve cells in the brain are dead. Several high-impact nutritional and supplementary treatment products are being developed and should particularly impact on prevention. Five drugs are approved and marketed which treat the symptoms. Better understanding of the underlying biology will lead to several new axes of treatment in different stages of clinical testing. The impact of a disease-modifying treatment can be huge: Delaying the onset of Alzheimer´s Disease by 5 years starting 2015 could result in a prevalence reduced by 5.9 million (43%) in 2050 in the US alone. Expressed in money, a delay of onset of 5 years would could result in savings of $ 447 billion of the total expected costs of $ 1.078 billion in the US alone.

Costs of informal care (unpaid care provided by families and others) and the direct costs
 of social care (provided by community care professionals and in residential home settings)
 contribute similar proportions (42%) of total costs worldwide, while direct medical care costs
are much lower (16%).

So how can WE help?
We cannot claim to be able to mitigate nor have a direct impact on the projected ageing population growth and relevant Dementia/Alzheimer’s statistics. However, we can offer a number of Home Care Services solutions to help families who are caring for a loved sufferingwith Dementia/Alzheimer’s? To review our full line of services, please visit our home page… under Services. For the purpose of this article we are offering a tool to help the family caregiver gain some control and management over their loved one who may be suffering with these deceases… A Therapeutic Touch and Sensory Quilt. This is not a typo… “QUILT”.

According to the College of Nursing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205 – U.S.A.

Abstract
Agitated behaviour in persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) presents a challenge to current interventions. Recent developments in neuro-endocrinology suggest that changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis alter the responses of persons with AD to stress. Given the deleterious effects of pharmacological interventions in this vulnerable population, it is essential to explore non-invasive treatments for their potential to decrease a hyper-responsiveness to stress and indirectly decrease detrimental cortisol levels. This within-subject, interrupted time-series study was conducted to test the efficacy of therapeutic touch on decreasing the frequency of agitated behavior and salivary and urine cortisol levels in persons with AD. Ten subjects who were 71 to 84 years old and resided in a special care unit were observed every 20 minutes for 10 hours a day, were monitored 24 hours a day for physical activity, and had samples for salivary and urine cortisol taken daily.

The study occurred in 4 phases:

    • Baseline (4 days),
    • Treatment (therapeutic touch for 5 to 7 minutes 2 times a day for 3 days),
    • Post-treatment (11 days), and
    • Post – “wash-out” (3 days).

An analysis of variance for repeated measures indicated a significant decrease in overall agitated behaviour and in 2 specific behaviours, vocalization and pacing or walking, during treatment and post-treatment. A decreasing trend over time was noted for salivary and urine cortisol. Although this study does not provide direct clinical evidence to support dysregulation in the HPA axis, it does suggest that environmental and behavioral interventions such as therapeutic touch have the potential to decrease vocalization and pacing, 2 prevalent behaviors, and may mitigate cortisol levels in persons with AD.

Alzheimer’s patients, particularly those in the more advanced stages can get quite tense and fidgety. To help relieve stress and tension in these special people, we have developed our own line of fidget quilt. As the disease worsens, hands become more restless and fidgety. These quilts offer something tangible to occupy their hands… providing gentle yet constant therapeutic stimulation for the mind and soul. Resulting in an enhanced quality of life for both the patient and the caregiver.

So how do our quilts work?
They help to stimulate curiosity, memories and awareness, provide a sense of purpose and of “doing something”, and this having a calming & soothing affect on the user.

Active Hands & Mind Quilt - Engaging, calming and soothing those clients suffering with Alzheimer's

Active Hands & Mind Quilt – Engaging, calming and soothing clients suffering with Alzheimer’s

Our quilts are more than just a “tangible repository of memories.” 
They are user-friendly, functional, induce comfort and warmth… providing a constant reminder of a family that loves them. Whether it’s the combination of textures used (softly contoured corduroy, faux fur, textured linens,,, etc) this quilt will provide the kind of tactile stimulation that will calm and soothe your loved one. It keeps their anxious hands engaged, mind occupied and their legs warm. Great for anyone, this is a must for anyone with progressive dementia or alzheimer’s.

Because people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia experience an ongoing decrease in their brain’s functions, simple, repetitive movements and sensory experiences become more important. That’s where our lap quilts come in. With their intentional variety of textures and extra accessories, fidget quilts provide comfort through the hands and the eyes. For a men’s quilt, you might want to personalize with items of a past hobby or interest (nuts, bolts, golfing or fishing items). We safely fasten the items or string them so that the patient will fidget with the items from one end of the lace to the other. Our quilts are handy & conveniently sized (24”X 30”) made from colourful patterns to entertain the eyes and with a warm backing to keep the lap warm. Attached to the quilts are buttons of various sizes to captivate the fingers and the eyes, a zipper, strips of cloth, and shoe laces, which can be tied or manipulated in a number of ways (over and over again). There’s a plush toy, shapes, a pocket with things in them, jingle bells and anything else that may be of significance to your loved one. Our quilts can be a Godsend to a caregiver while bringing significant relief to the patient… through it’s calming and soothing therapeutic affect.

We take extreme care to ensure that all items are safely secured so that they cannot become free or removed (unless cut out) to avoid any potential choking hazard. The laces, fabric strips or anything that dangles are also cut to lengths whereby they cannot be used as a means of restraining, or become a ligature capable harming your loved one.

Our quilts are easy care for and washable… of course anything that cannot be washed, is fastened so that it can be easily unclipped and reattached after washing.

The quilt will give the family a feeling of joy watching their loved one’s restless fingers occupied with all the different activities and textures that gives them that soothing and calming disposition.

They make wonderful birthday, Christmas, anniversary, or any special occasion gift, or to simply say “I Care and I love you”

We engage the family’s input when creating a custom quilt or you can opt for a generic quilt already pre-manufactured, incorporating a number of therapeutic sensory activities and items.

Our core business is providing Home Care for seniors in their homes or wherever home may be. However, we also understand that although you may not yet require our assistance, you can still benefit from something that we can offer… like our “Busy Hands & Mind Quilt”.

Our quilts are inexpensive, provide such rewarding results and delivered for free anywhere in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville and Brampton. Outside of these areas there “MAY” be an additional charge for shipping… but we can discuss it. Of course outside of Ontario, national and international orders shipping costs are extra.

Please contact us today, to discuss the order of one of our Quilts, or to discuss any challenges you may be facing and how our services can help you remain independent, protected, safe, and in you home / community.

You got questions, we have answers: (905) 785-2341 or email us at 

 

 

 

 

Living Longer, Healthier & Happier

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Women Wearing Colorful Bathing CapsPrepare Yourself – To live longer, healthier and happier

“If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” So said Eubie Blake, the great ragtime composer and pianist who was still performing at the age of 99, the year before his death. Let’s face it: old age is what lies ahead. If you’re 40 or 50 or even 60, you might not give much thought to the health challenges of aging. But just as planning for future financial needs is important, so is planning for optimum health in our later years.

 

What should you prepare for, and how?

Medical experts express about the major health issues that may lie ahead. While some diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and certain cancers, continue to confound researchers, a great number can be prevented, forestalled, or minimized with a healthy lifestyle and regular health screenings. Sharon Brangman, MD, AGSF, spokeswoman for the American Geriatrics Society, says, “The more you do in middle age to prepare yourself for successful aging, the better.”

Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

About three-fourths of adults aged 60 and older are overweight or obese. Obesity is related to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast and colon cancer, gall bladder disease, and high blood pressure.

More than 40% of adults 60 and older have a combination of risk factors known as metabolic syndrome, which puts people at increased risk for developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. It is characterized by:

  • Waist measurement greater than 40 inches in men, 35 inches in women (apple-shaped body)
  • Triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or higher
  • HDL “good” cholesterol level less than 40mg/dL in men, 50 mg/dL in women
  • Blood pressure of 130/85 or higher
  • Fasting glucose level of 110 mg/dL or higher

“Women in, and post-menopausal stages tend to accumulate fat around the waist and hips, and men get the gut,” says Brangman. “The best way to fight it is with increasing exercise, reducing alcohol intake — because a lot of alcohol calories go right to the gut — and reducing calorie intake. Also, increase your healthy fat intake — omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats. And eliminate trans fats completely because there’s no safe amount of those.” She also advises avoiding foods sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup. The common sweetener is found in everything from sodas to breakfast cereal to low-fat yogurt. “In middle age, we should eat foods as close to naturally prepared as possible.”

Arthritis

Arthritis affects nearly half the elderly population and is a leading cause of disability. “Old injuries from playing weekend warrior or high school football, and years of wearing high-heeled shoes catch up with us,” says Brangman. “And arthritis in the knees is the price we pay for walking upright on two legs.” The keys to prevention: avoid overuse, do steady, regular exercise rather than in weekend spurts, and stop if you feel pain. “The adage, ‘no pain, no gain,’ is not true.” And managing your weight is just as essential for joint health as cardiovascular health. The Framingham osteoarthritis study showed that a weight loss of just 11 pounds could reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knees by 50%.

Osteoporosis and Falls

Osteoporosis and low bone mass affects almost 44 million adults age 50 and older, most predominantly affecting women. According to the National Osteoporosis Association, osteoporosis is not part of normal aging. Healthy behaviours and treatment, when appropriate, can prevent or minimize the condition.

In a given year, more than one-third of adults, age 65 and older experience a fall. Twenty percent to 30% of those who fall suffer injuries that decrease mobility and independence; falls are the leading cause of death from injury in this age group.

“Stop smoking, watch your alcohol intake, get plenty of calcium, and limit foods with high acidic content,” says Brangman. “Avoid sodas. They encourage loss of calcium. Our bodies always maintain calcium, and when there’s not enough coming in from our diet, it comes out from our bones. One reason women are especially at risk for osteoporosis is that if they’ve had children; it takes a whole lot of calcium to develop a baby, and that calcium is taken from the mother’s bones if she’s not getting enough in her diet.” Adults in middle age need 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily.

Vitamin D, “the sunshine vitamin,” is also important. Using sunscreens to protect against harmful UV rays is wise, but sunscreens also blocks the same ultraviolet rays the body needs to make vitamin D.

Furthermore, with age our bodies become less efficient at making vitamin D from sunlight. There is a move to get the FDA to increase the minimum requirement for vitamin D to at least 800, or maybe even 1,000 units. Most multiple vitamins contain 400 units. Make sure you’re getting enough from low-fat dairy products, or take a supplement.”

Weight-bearing exercise also helps to keep bones healthy. “If you’re not exercising, starting at any age is beneficial. It’s never too late, but the sooner the better.

Cancer

Risk for developing most types of cancer increases with age.

As women age, the rate of cervical cancer decreases, and endometrial cancer increases. Sometimes women slack off gynecological exams after their childbearing years, but I still think it’s important for women to get regular exams.”

The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and black men have a higher rate than white men. Screening should start in your 40s, and at the very least should involve a digital rectal examination.

Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer combined. “Stop smoking.”

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Younger baby boomers take heed: cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects more than one-third of men and women in the 45- to 54-year age group, and the incidence increases with age. Cardiovascular diseases, which are diseases of the heart or blood vessels, are the leading cause of death in the U.S. and Canada. They include arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, stroke, and congenital heart disease.

A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 80%, according to data from the Nurses’ Health Study, an extensive research effort that followed more than 120,000 women aged 30 to 55 starting in 1976. Looking at data over 14 years, the researchers showed that women who were not overweight, did not smoke, consumed about one alcoholic drink per day, exercised vigorously for 30 minutes or more per day, and ate a low-fat, high-fibre diet had the lowest risk for heart disease.

If you have high blood pressure, get it under control. It reduces the rate of stroke and heart attacks. People say the medicines have bad side effects, but there are enough medications to choose from that you and your physician should be able to find one that’s right for you.

Prepared foods are loaded with salt. Limit salt intake to control high blood pressure. The minute food comes out of a can or frozen food package or from a fast-food environment you lose control of the ingredients. This is another reason to eat foods as close to naturally prepared as possible.

Vision and Hearing Loss

Age-related eye diseases — macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma — affect 119 million people aged 40 and older, according to the 2000 census. And that number is expected to double within the next three decades.

“Eating foods with high antioxidant content may be helpful in reducing vision loss due to macular degeneration,” says Brangman. “And taking vitamin supplements for eye health may help. A lot of my geriatric patients are taking them now, which may not be as helpful as taking them when you’re younger.”

It also appears that smokers are at higher risk for macular degeneration, so that’s another reason to stop smoking. Regular eye exams should include screening for glaucoma, which is called “the sneak thief of sight” for the fact that the first symptom is vision loss. The disease can be arrested, but vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored.

The incidence of hearing loss increases with age. Twenty-nine percent of those with hearing loss are 45-65; 43% of those with hearing loss are 65 or older.

Hearing loss takes a toll on the quality of life and can lead to depression and withdrawal from social activities. Although hearing aids can help, only one out of four people use them.

High-frequency hearing loss is common in old age and made worse by a lifestyle that includes exposure to loud sounds. The 40- and 50-year-olds who went to the rock concerts that were so loud they were pulsating in their chests are starting to pay. Another factor is working or having worked in a noisy environment, such as airports or factories.”

Her advice to people at any age: Don’t use earbuds! Any source of sound that fits in the ear canal, such as using Walkmans or iPods, really puts your hearing at risk. If you’re going to use an iPod, don’t put it directly in your ear, and lower the volume.”

She says hearing aids are not an ideal solution for hearing loss. “My patients complain that they magnify the wrong sounds. They keep their $3,000 or $4,000 hearing aids in the nightstand.”

Teeth

The good news is that you’ll probably keep your own teeth, and implants and bleaching can make your teeth look years younger than the rest of your body. Only about 25% of people over age 60 wear dentures today.That’s because of a lifetime of good dental health and diet. Unfortunately, the people who haven’t had a lifetime of good health care and healthy practices are at risk for losing their teeth.The US and Canadian Dental Associations advises brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque, and visiting your dentist regularly.

Mental Health: Memory and Emotional Well-being

Forget what you think you know about memory loss and old age. It is not inevitable. So why do so many people say, “My memory isn’t what it used to be,” or “I’m having a senior moment?” Stress, anxiety, and mental overload are most likely responsible. “Stop multitasking,” says Brangman, who is professor and division chief and geriatric medicine director at the Central New York Alzheimer’s Disease Centre, SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y. “Our brains are made for us to do one thing at a time. Multitasking overloads the brain so people aren’t remembering things and get concerned they’re having memory problems.”

Doing the things that keep your heart healthy will also keep your brain healthy. The same blood vessels that go to the heart branch off and go to the brain. Exercise, control your blood pressure, quit smoking, and if you have diabetes, keep it under control.

Staying mentally active is as important as staying physically active. Join a book club, stay up on current events, engage in stimulating conversations, and do crossword puzzles. “The new rage is Sudoku puzzles. They’re absorbing and require a tremendous amount of concentration, and there’s a lot of satisfaction in getting it right.”

One of the perplexing problems of aging is Alzheimer’s disease. About 3% of men and women aged 65 to 74 have Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly half of those aged 85 and older may have the disease. We’re not aware of anything people can do to prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia, but we’re learning new things about the brain every day.

Among all age groups, depression is often an under-diagnosed and untreated condition. Many people mistakenly believe that depression is a natural condition of old age. Of the nearly 35 million Americans aged 65 and older, an estimated 2 million have a depressive illness and 5 million more may have depressive symptoms that fall short of meeting full diagnostic criteria.

When you get older, you’re dealing with life-change issues. Kids leaving home, health problems, loss of parents & friends, and advanced ageing related issues (financial, caregiver arrangements, physical challenges, etc). We notice that all the basketball players are younger than us, and the music and ads are for a younger demographic. He advises anticipating and preparing for the changes to come.

One of the biggest life changes is retirement. Many people have their sense of worth tied up with work. In retirement, depression and suicide rates rise.

Prepare for retirement by thinking about what some call “the second act”. What would you have wanted to do if you hadn’t done your career? Jimmy Carter is a perfect example. After his presidency, he went on to become a humanitarian, working on behalf of international human rights and Habitat for Humanity.”

Recognize that some physical abilities will decline, but giving up sports altogether isn’t the answer. People who are active in sports such as basketball or football should think ahead to activities such as golf or water polo that put less stress on the joints.

Also recognize in your 40s and 50s that parents and grandparents won’t be around forever. In anticipation of their getting old and dying, making contact and tying up loose ends can be useful.

Nurturing your spiritual side may be in order as you get older and face mortality. For many people who have drifted away from religion or spiritual practice, it’s sometimes comforting to reassess that. Do I need to connect with my religion or spend time becoming the spiritual person I want to become? Pay attention to it if it’s important to you.

Finally, just the way you figure out your finances, figure out what you need to make you happy, and if you have a medical problem or mental health problem, how will you deal with it. Make some strategic decisions about how you want to live your life.

Do Your Part

according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC)Much of the illness, disability, and deaths associated with chronic disease are avoidable through known prevention measures, including a healthy lifestyle, early detection of diseases, immunizations, injury prevention, and programs to teach techniques to self-manage conditions such as pain and chronic diseases . While the future will undoubtedly bring medical advances in treatments and cures… but if you can keep all your parts original, they are the best.

Of course, this is not a road that you must commute alone. You can benefit through a service partnerships with In Our Care – Home Care Services to maximize your independence, mobility, safety and engagement in social and community events.

Please contact us today, to discuss any challenges you may be facing and how our services can help you remain independent, protected, safe, and in you home / community.

You got questions, we have answers: (905) 785-2341 or email us at 

 

 

Senior Care: What is Alzheimer’s?

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So what exactly is Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disease that, over time, results in the brain’s inability to function correctly. Alzheimer’s disease causes lapses in memory, communication, judgment and overall functioning.

alzheimers-article picAlzheimer’s was first identified by Alois Alzheimer in 1906 in Germany and is the most common type of dementia, a general term for impaired brain functioning. Other dementias include frontotemporal dementia, Huntington’s disease, vascular, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Dementia can also develop from potentially reversible conditions such as normal pressure hydrocephalus or vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as severe infections such as late-stage AIDS.

There are two types of Alzheimer’s disease: early onset Alzheimer’s, defined by onset before age 60, and late onset, or typical, Alzheimer’s.

Symptoms and Effects of Alzheimer’s

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include problems with memory, communication, comprehension, and judgment. The individual’s personality may begin to change somewhat as well.

As the disease progresses, the individual gradually loses the ability to function mentally, socially, and eventually physically. Often in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s, he or she may also display inappropriate behaviours and emotions, which can be challenging for loved ones to handle. In its final stages, the person is completely dependent upon caregivers for basic needs.

Who Gets Alzheimer’s Disease?

There are an estimated 5.4 million people in the United States with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, although not all are diagnosed. Additionally, researchers estimate that as many as 500,000 of those 5.4 million people in the United States have early onset Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is not part of normal aging; however, as people age, the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s increases.

Thirteen percent of individuals over age 65 have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, while almost 50% of individuals over age 85 have Alzheimer’s or another kind of dementia. The demographic group with the highest percentage of Alzheimer’s is Caucasian females, likely since their life expectancy is the greatest.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease is done, by ruling out other diseases or causes, reviewing family history and conducting a mental exam to see how well the brain is working. Some physicians also conduct imaging tests, which can show changes in the brain’s size and structure that may lead to the conclusion of Alzheimer’s.

While general practice physicians often diagnose Alzheimer’s, you can also seek an evaluation from a psychologist, geriatrician, or neurologist. Alzheimer’s cannot conclusively be diagnosed until after death when an autopsy is conducted and brain changes can be identified; however, diagnosis through the above tools is the industry standard at this time and has proven very accurate.

Treatment of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s has no cure at this time, but determining more effective treatment and prevention methods, as well as finding a cure for the disease, is a high priority for researchers. Current treatment for Alzheimer’s focuses on alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, both cognitive and behavioural, by using drug therapy and non-drug approaches.

Drug Therapy

  • Cognitive enhancers are medications that attempt to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. While these medications do appear to improve thought processes for some people, the effectiveness overall varies greatly. These medications need to be monitored regularly for side effects and interaction with other medications.
  • Psychotropic medications can be prescribed, to target the behaviour and emotional symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Psychotropics are medications that address the psychological and emotional aspects of brain functioning. For example, if a person is experiencing distressing hallucinations, a psychotropic medication, such as an antipsychotic medication, can be prescribed and is often helpful in relieving the hallucinations. As with cognitive enhancers, psychotropics have the potential for significant side effects and interaction with other medications, so they should be used carefully and be coupled with non-drug approaches.

Non-Drug Approaches

Non-drug approaches focus on treating the behavioural and emotional symptoms of Alzheimer’s by changing the way we understand and interact with the person with Alzheimer’s. These approaches recognize that behaviour is often a way of communicating for those with Alzheimer’s, so the goal is to understand the meaning of the behaviour and why it is present.

Non-drug approaches should generally be attempted before using psychotropic medications since they do not have the potential for side effects or medication interactions.

The goal of these approaches is to develop more effective interventions by adjusting the caregiver’s approach or the environment to minimize the challenging behaviours.

Preventing Alzheimer’s

There are abundant theories about how to prevent Alzheimer’s, but currently there is no sure-fire way to do this. A heart-healthy diet, an active lifestyle with plenty of physical exercise and social interaction, and regular mental exercise are strategies that some feel are effective in preventing Alzheimer’s.

Coping With Alzheimer’s

If you think that you or someone you know may have Alzheimer’s, know that we are here for you, both to provide current information and also to facilitate the sharing of ideas and suggestions from others in your situation. Being proactive and prepared can ease some of the challenges of this disease for you and your family. Coping with Alzheimer’s is not easy, but it’s not something you need to do alone.

Please contact us today, to discuss any of the above mentioned challenges you may be facing and how our services can help you remain independent, protected, safe, and in you home / community.

You got questions, we have answers: (905) 785-2341 or email us at homecare@inourcareservices.com

 

Sources:

Alzheimer’s Association What is Alzheimer’s? Accessed July 12, 2011.

Alzheimer’s Association Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease. Accessed July 12, 2011.

PubMed Health US National Library of Health. What is Alzheimer’s Disease? Accessed July 12, 2011.

 

Senior Care: Alzheimer’s Symptoms

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Symptomsalzheimers

Alzheimer’s Symptoms

We all have those times when we think, “What was his name? I know I met him before. Was it Jim? Tim?” Or, “I know I have it somewhere. If I can just remember where I put it!”. If you’re like me, these moments happen frequently in the busy pace of life. However, there is a significant difference between being absent-minded or preoccupied and having a true progressive memory problem such as Alzheimer’s disease. Here are four warning signs that could indicate a more serious problem:

  • You lose your keys. When they’re found, you have no recollection of how they might have gotten there.
  • You always were a fantastic cook, but lately even making coffee seems more difficult. You wonder who has been messing around with your coffeemaker.
  • You’re great at covering for yourself. For example, when someone asks you a question to which you don’t know the answer, you turn the question around by saying with a chuckle, “I’m not sure. What do you think?”
  • You’ve had a hard time recently balancing your chequebook, even though that’s always been your job.

If these symptoms paint a picture of you or someone you love, seek an evaluation from a physician, geriatrician or psychologist.

Symptoms of Early, Middle and Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

While Alzheimer’s disease has been described as having seven stages, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can also be collapsed into three broad stages: early, middle, and late. Remember that symptoms can overlap and may vary in each person with Alzheimer’s.

Early (Mild) Stage Symptoms:

In early-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals may still function quite well overall. Although they may be aware of the increasing difficulty with certain tasks, they are also often quite skilled at hiding this from others by deflecting questions, changing the topic, or relying on their family or loved ones to make decisions or answer questions. Some persons also begin to withdraw, perhaps due to their uncertainty over their ability to cope with decisions or social interaction. Notice that in this stage, long-term memory typically remains intact.

Middle (Moderate) Stage Symptoms:

  • Significant personality changes, such as being argumentative, impulsive, angry
  • Resistive to, or combative with, physical care, even (sometimes especially) when provided by a loved one
  • Short-term and long-term memory loss
  • Increased difficulty communicating with others
  • A “love-hate” relationship with their caregivers; for example, extremely dependent on but also very unkind toward a spouse or adult child
  • Potential for wandering away from home
  • Very poor judgment and decisions
  • Often the physical abilities still remain intact here, such as their ability to walk around
  • Sometimes incontinence becomes a concern

Moderate, or mid-stage, Alzheimer’s is often the most difficult stage. While some individuals remain “pleasantly confused” throughout the entire disease, many display inappropriate behaviours and emotions. They may be quite restless and become paranoid or have hallucinations, or refuse to let you help them with a bath or getting dressed. They may get up several times in the night, and rummage through the same drawers repeatedly. This middle stage of Alzheimer’s can be very taxing for the primary caregiver, and this is often when in-home help is hired or the person is placed in a facility such as an assisted living or a nursing home.

Late (Severe) Stage Symptoms:

  • Decreased ability to interact with others
  • Ability to recognize people diminishes
  • Physical decline, such as inability to walk or talk
  • Difficulty with eating, even with assistance
  • Apparent withdrawal from surroundings
  • Incontinence

In this final stage of Alzheimer’s, people are often are quite immobile, and spend much of their time in bed or a wheelchair. They are no longer able to respond much to others, although you may occasionally receive a smile or hear some attempts at language. The behaviour challenges of mid-stage Alzheimer’s are replaced with what looks like complete withdrawal; however, these individuals can still benefit from gentle conversation, holding their hand or giving them a hug, visual stimulation such as colours and pictures, and especially hearing music. Individuals with late-stage Alzheimer’s become more prone to illnesses as their body loses strength. Often, infections like pneumonia eventually cause their death.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you see yourself or your loved one described in these symptoms, contact a physician, psychologist or neurologist to arrange for an evaluation. Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease involves several tests to rule out other conditions and is an important first step in treatment and management of the disease.

 

Sources:

Alzheimer’s Association; Stages of Alzheimer’s. Accessed July 8, 2011. US National Institutes on Health. National Institute on Aging. Accessed July 10, 2011.

Senior Care: Alzheimer’s & Dementia

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Alzheimers

Caring for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

While there’s nothing wrong with bingo as an activity, there are many reasons to think creatively when it comes to activities for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia.

One of the keys is that the activity should be meaningful for the person. Often, meaning is tied to past occupation or hobbies, so what’s meaningful for one person might not be so for another. Whether you’re caring for a loved one in your own home or for a patient at a facility, consider the person’s interests, occupation and passions. If you work in a facility and don’t know the person’s history, ask their family members or observe their reaction to different activities. Then, choose a few activities they’ve responded well to and note the areas of interest. Here are a few types of people and corresponding activities to consider.

  • The Homemaker For those individuals who primarily took care of a home, you might offer a cloth to dust dressers or handrails, or to wash the table. They might enjoy folding a basket of washcloths and towels, or the task of setting the table. The object here is not to have the individual do large amounts of work, but rather to give the person something familiar and meaningful to do.
Just a note here. If you’re using this idea in a facility, you may want to ask the physician for an order that allows therapeutic work and receive permission from the family as well.
  • The Fix It Individual Was your loved one the fixer, the handyman, or the go-to guy? Maybe he’d like to sort through and match up nuts and bolts, or tighten screws into pieces of wood. Perhaps he’d like to connect smaller PVC pipes together. There are also activity boards with lots of “to do” things attached that you can purchase.
  • The Mechanic If his passion is cars, maybe he’d enjoy looking at pictures of old cars or tinkering with smaller engine parts. Some towns hold car events where older cars are displayed or driven down a road; if yours does, consider bringing him to that event. He also may be able to help you wash the car.
  • The Pencil Pusher For the person who sat at a desk and worked with papers, pens and pencils, she might love having a pile of papers to file, an adding machine or calculator to use, forms to complete or documents to read. Some people might like carrying a notebook and pen around to write down information.
  • The Musician If music is her thing, offer her opportunities to use this gift. People in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s may be able to sing in a choir or play the piano. I know one woman with dementia who leads a sing-along almost daily because of her musical gifts. She’ll even take requests for which songs to play, and despite her poor memory, plays songs almost faultlessly.
If he enjoys listening to music rather than performing it, make recordings of his favorite songs and play them for him.
  • The Parent / Caregiver Have you ever noticed how people with dementia often brighten up and take note when babies and children are around? A child can often get a response when adults fail. Interactions with children and babies have been a normal part of many people’s lives. Sometimes when a person is living in a facility with other people of similar age or living at home and not getting out often, they no longer interact regularly with kids. Create opportunities for interaction with kids, whether that’s arranging for a visiting time, going on a walk together or bringing by your new baby to a facility near you.
Some older adults, particularly women, may also enjoy holding and caring for a baby doll. Often, the person connects with that baby doll and enjoys the sense of a familiar role in caregiving for the doll
  • The Animal Lover If your family member loves pets, consider having him walk the dog with you or brush the dog’s hair. If he’s not able to do these things, he might enjoy having a bird or two in a cage or a fish aquarium to watch. 
In the middle to late stages of Alzheimer’s, some people are comforted by holding a stuffed kitten or puppy. I’ve often observed them stroking the fur and holding it close.
  • The Gardener Is she an accomplished gardener? Provide her with a place to plant seeds, water them and watch them grow. She might also enjoy flower arranging or harvesting and preparing vegetables.
  • The Puzzler Although people with dementia typically have impaired memories, some of them are still quite capable of doing crossword puzzles, word searches and jumbles. Others might enjoy simple jigsaw puzzles as well. Have some different puzzle opportunities sitting out for your loved one to do.
  • The Engineer If he collected trains growing up, or is simply fascinated by them, consider setting up an electric train so he can help arrange the tracks or simply watch the activity. You can also gather a book collection or movies about trains.
  • The Sports Fan Provide the avid sports lover the chance to mini putt, do Wii bowling, play the beanbag tossing game or watch a little league baseball game. You can also arrange for several people to get together to watch the big game on television and eat some junk food, or, I mean healthy alternatives. Or, perhaps he’d get a kick out of sorting through and organizing baseball cards.
  • The Artist Art provides a creative outlet to make something, so it provides a purpose and a task. Gather some non-toxic clay, watercolor paints, washable markers, colored pens or pencils, and paper. You can use these materials in a directed way i.e. “Here’s some clay for you. Today let’s try to make a flower vase” or a non-directed way “There’s art supplies laid out on the table. Feel free to choose any color of paint to get started.” Clay and paint are great for tactile stimulation and they provide a way to occupy and strengthen the hands as well.
  • The Faithful Don’t neglect this important area. For many people, as they age, the importance of spiritual nurturing increases. Offer them books of faith in keeping with their tradition, times of prayer or meditation, or singing together.

Sources:

Alzheimer’s Society. Keeping active and staying involved. Accessed August 23, 2012.