Many prefer not to think about aging.

Most Americans don’t like to think about aging, and even fewer are planning for their future long term care needs, according to a new report released by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. This reluctance could have an impact on future family home care and assisted living care.

What’s in the report?

For this report, the AP –NORC Center conducted interviews with 1,019 Americans ages 40 and older. Among the results they found are:

• 30% of Americans over the age of 40 prefer not to think about getting older.
• Although 48% of those surveyed “acknowledge that just about everyone will require long-term care at some point as they grow older,” only 24% of those surveyed believe that they personally will need long-term care.
• 

  Planning for long-term care needs is important.

  Further, only 16% of those surveyed reported doing “a great deal or quite a bit of planning” for their own long-term care needs; 19% reported doing a moderate amount; and an overwhelming 65% report doing little or no planning.

• Those looking for family home care do seem more likely to have done a little planning than those who do not think that they can depend upon family for help: 46% of those counting on family help have already discussed long-term preferences with their families (versus 27% of those who do not count on family assistance), and 40% have set aside some money to help pay for long-term care expenses (versus 24% of those who are not counting on family-centered help).
• Although only 46% reported that they are counting on help from family members, 68% reported that they feel they can rely on their family in time of need; this could indicate that significantly more than 46% may in the future actually turn to family members for long term assistance.
• Most Americans also do not have an accurate idea of how much long term care costs. For example, only 24% correctly guessed that average nursing home costs run between $6,000 and $8,000 per month. Instead, 58% believed that it cost less and 14% believed that it cost more.
• Tellingly, misconceptions persist despite the fact that that 53% of those surveyed reported that they have provided long-term family home care on a regular basis.
• There is majority support for some form of government policy to help pay for long-term care costs. 77% support tax breaks to encourage saving for long-term care expenses, and 51% support a government-administered long-term care insurance program.

Report insight

The AP-NORC Center study provides valuable insight into the American public’s attitudes toward aging and long-term care. Clearly, Americans need to start paying more attention to the realities associated with long-term care and the likelihood that they will personally be impacted by it in some way. For those considering future family home care, it is crucial to open up communication with potential caregivers and make plans now to cover future costs.

This is necessary even when the potential caregivers have a “don’t worry, we’ll take care of everything” attitude. Most people do not truly understand the costs and time commitment that come with providing long-term care, so having detailed, informed, and frank conversations on this topic can help prevent problems down the road.

The report can be accessed here.

View the Story on our blog: Survey Reveals Americans Misunderstand Long-Term Care .

Some prefer stair lifts; others prefer to walk up the stairs.

Many elderly struggle to climb stairs, and may benefit from using a stair lift. While the basic design of such mobility aids is similar between models, stair lifts come in a wide variety of styles.

Things to consider before you add a stair lift to your home:

• Will it fit? Mobility aids such as stair lifts can be a boon – but not if there’s no room for them! If you have an especially narrow staircase, the chair may take up more room than is practical. Before you start shopping, take all the pertinent measurements of your staircase so that you can determine just how much room you can afford to allocate to a stair lift. Remember that although the track for the lift may not take up a great deal of width, the seat itself may. Make sure that not only you can get around the seat, but that large equipment, such as a vacuum cleaner, will also fit around the lift. Bring photographs of your staircase with you when you go to look at potential lifts; these can help a salesman get a better idea of what might be needed for your particular space.
• Will Dad fit? If possible, the person who will be using the lift should go with you to pick out possible models. This is beneficial for two reasons: (1) he or she can select a model that provides the most comfort, and (2) the sales representative will be able to assess height and weight requirements. If the ultimate user cannot physically accompany you, bring records of his or her height and weight, as well as measurements such as waist, leg length, and torso length.
• Watch out for curves. Straight tracks are generally less expensive and easier to install. If your staircase curves or bends, this will likely to add to the cost.
• Find the power. Most stair lifts are run by electricity. You will need to determine whether you can use a lift that plugs into the wall or whether you will need to install special wiring. Also consider whether you need to purchase a battery back-up in case of a power outage.
• Safety first. Ask what safety features are part of the package. Some stair lifts have seats that swivel, which can make getting in and out easier; however, such seats need to have locking mechanisms so they don’t swivel while the lift is operating.

Mobility aids can make a big difference for seniors with mobility issues. Weigh the pros and cons before investing in a stair lift so that you make the best decision possible.

View the Story on our blog: Five Things to Look for in a Stair Lift .

Spring brings warm weather, sunny days, beautiful flowers, and hay fever. Taking care of elderly loved ones includes preparing them for allergy season.

When is hay fever season?

Actually, there are three hay fever seasons: spring, summer, and fall. However, the sources of pollen in each season are different, and so which season is the most severe depends upon the kinds of sources that you have in your region.

• Spring: Although flowers can contribute to the pollen count, the biggest culprits during the spring are usually trees, especially pine, cedar, cottonwood and birch trees. If you live in areas in which these trees are abundant, your local pollen count may soar.
• Summer: Now it’s time to blame the grass. Grasses think that summer is the prime time to pollinate, and when everyone brings out the lawnmowers for the weekend, the pollen count becomes even higher.
• Fall: Weeds are always a pain, but they get into the hay fever game in the autumn. Ragweed, we’re looking at you!

What can I do?

What hay fever triggers are in your area?

Take care of elderly loved ones by helping them avoid allergy triggers. Here are a few simple steps that you can take:

1. Find out what your loved one’s allergy triggers are. An allergist or immunologist can run a series of tests to determine what causes the sneezing, itching, runny nose, and other symptoms.
2. Once you know what the triggers are, avoid them. In the case of hay fever, determine which of the three seasons is likely to be the worst.
3. Keep track of pollen counts in your area. If your local news doesn’t provide these, you can join the email alert list of the National Allergy Bureau.
4. On high pollen count days, limit your loved one’s outdoor activities.
5. Close the windows, both at home and in the car, when pollen is in the air.
6. When done with outdoor activities for the day, think about giving your loved one a bath or shower. This may be especially helpful since pollen often clings to skin and hair.
7. Some people respond well to allergy shots. If your loved one has a severe case of hay fever, ask your allergist if a shot might be an option.

Caring for elderly parents and spouses often centers around “big picture” challenges, but tending to the little problems like hay fever can also be important. Do what you can to make your loved one’s day-to-day experience as pleasant and trouble free as possible.

View the Story on our blog: Spring Is Here – Achoo! .

A lawyer can guide you through the process of getting power of attorney.

Whether a caregiver should try to get power of attorney to improve the personal care of a loved one can be a difficult decision to make; however, it is one that should be given careful thought, especially if the patient involved is suffering from dementia. Here are some basic steps for obtaining power of attorney.

1. Make sure that your loved one is capable of understanding what you are asking of him or her and that it will be clear to an outsider that the decision was made with full knowledge of the consequences. Why is this important? If your loved one is not clearly capable of understanding what he or she is doing, it may be too late for a power of attorney; you instead may need to apply for guardianship status.
2. Locate a lawyer with elder care expertise. Arrange a meeting and include your loved one. Discuss the definition of power of attorney, what powers it specifically grants, and why it might be needed.
3. 

   Gather together necessary paperwork before you meet with a lawyer.

   Before the meeting, gather appropriate paperwork that relates to the senior in question. Ask the lawyer what specific paperwork he or she requires. At a minimum, this will include identification (such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, Social Security card), medical records, tax records, bank and real estate information, insurance policies, and marriage license (if applicable).

4. Discuss exactly what kind of power of attorney is needed. Most individuals seek what is called a durable power of attorney. This gives authority in both financial and health care matters.
5. Consult with your attorney about the specific requirements that your state has regarding validating the power of attorney. Most often, states require that the document be signed by the person granting the power of attorney in front of at least two witnesses and a notary public. As the person who is being granted power of attorney, you cannot sign as one of the witnesses.
6. Find out from your attorney what other steps are necessary in the location where you reside. For example, you may need to file the signed and notarized power of attorney document with the county clerk’s office.

Power of attorney may be essential to providing proper care for a loved one. Consult with your doctor if you are unsure whether the person in your care may be reaching a point where such an action is necessary.

View the Story on our blog: Steps for Getting Power of Attorney .

Celebrate senior accomplishments this May during Older Americans Month.

Aging parents, spouses, and seniors take notice: May is the month for you! Yes, as established by the Administration on Aging (AOA) and the Administration on Community Living, May is officially Older Americans Month!

Older Americans Month started in 1963 as Senior Citizens Month, before receiving its current name in 1980. The objective of Older American Month is, according to AOA, “to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions to our communities.” The theme for Older Americans Month in 2013 is “Unleash the Power of Age.” Its aim is to highlight the contributions of older Americans across the country.

If you are caring for aging parents or other seniors, this is an excellent opportunity to find ways to celebrate all that they have accomplished in their lives. Here are a few suggestions from the AOA on how you can mark this special month:

• Dance! Dancing is both interactive and physically engaging. Think about ways that you can encourage dancing, if it is appropriate to your loved one’s abilities. You might select some songs that your loved one enjoys, and encourage him or her to join you in a dance or two. The goal is simply to have fun.
• Add a little drama. Perhaps you or a family member could put together a short skit that focuses on an important moment from your aging parents’ lives, and present it as a special treat in their honor.
• Draw it out. Make a group activity out of creating an art project, such as a mural. The mural might show special events in your loved one’s life.

There are many other ways that you can make May a special month for the seniors in your life. Make their favorite dinner or a special dessert. Bring out a photo album or old home videos. Talk about things they have done that have made you feel special or that benefited others in the family or the community.

The list is endless, but remember: don’t confine your appreciation of the older Americans in your life to the month of May. Any time is an appropriate time to celebrate the lives of those close to you.

View the Story on our blog: May Is Older Americans Month .

Proper dementia treatment can slow the progress of symptoms.

The word “dementia” covers a wide range of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to think, remember, and engage in social activities. Because it has such a wide ranging definition, dementia requires an equally wide range of treatments. Take the short quiz below to see how much you know about dementia treatment.

1. True or false: Although most types of dementia can’t be cured, treatment can help slow the negative effects.

Answer: True. Every case is different, but in many cases treatments can slow the rate at which symptoms progress. Identifying symptoms and discussing them with a doctor can significantly impact quality of life both for those suffering with dementia and those caring for them.

2. True or false: Dementia treatment almost never includes medication.

Answer: False. Again, every individual’s dementia is different, but in some cases medications may provide some relief. Two classes of drugs are employed with some frequency: cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. Both of these help to regulate chemicals that improve or maintain memory function.

3. Which of the following can assist a person with dementia?

A. Maintaining regular routines whenever possible.
B. Breaking down an activity into smaller, clearly defined steps.
C. Talking through an activity as it is occurring.
D. All of the above.

Answer: D. All of the above can help to reduce confusion. A person with dementia will feel more comfortable if he or she knows that the daily routine includes eating breakfast, then brushing teeth, then getting dressed, etc. If Mom is going to help you set the table, go through the task with her: open the big cabinet. Take out four plates. Put one plate on the table in front of each of the chairs. Take the napkins from the napkin holder. Put one napkin by the side of each plate. If necessary, talk her through it as she goes along: “You just need to pull the cabinet door a little bit. That’s good. Those are the plates we need.”

4. In most cases, would a person with dementia benefit from working with an occupational therapist?

Answer: Yes. This is especially true if the occupational therapist begins work in the early stages of the patient’s dementia. A therapist can suggest practical coping mechanisms and point out exercises and modifications that can prove helpful.

5. True or false: Environmental factors have little impact on a person with dementia.

Answer: False. A person with dementia needs to feel comfortable and at ease in his or her living space. Too much noise can be confusing, as can changing the arrangement of furniture or the placement of favorite objects.

Dementia treatment can be time consuming and taxing. If you are tending to a loved one with dementia, it’s important that you not neglect yourself and your needs. The better you feel, the better care you can provide.

View the Story on our blog: How Much Do You Know About Dementia Treatment? .

Communication between doctors and caregivers is essential.

Home caregivers are in many cases the lay people in charge of their loved ones’ healthcare, responsible for seeing to everything from getting prescriptions refilled to ensuring that exercise and diet programs are followed to watching for tell-tale signs of complications. Yet sometimes, especially in emergency room situations, they may be kept out of the loop by healthcare providers due, supposedly, to HIPAA regulations.

What is HIPAA?

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which was signed into law in 1996. HIPAA addresses several issues, including the right of an individual to make sure that certain health-related information is kept private. HIPAA states that protected health information cannot arbitrarily be shared and defines when such information can be shared without the express permission of the individual, such as for example when one doctor needs to share information with another doctor in order to facilitate treatment in an emergency situation.

Sometimes, however, doctors and other healthcare providers may take HIPAA a little too far and refuse to divulge information about a loved one to a home caregiver, even when the loved one has not specifically said, “I do not want this information shared with my caregiver” Doctors may take this action to protect themselves from the threat of a lawsuit or because they honestly believe that the HIPAA law forbids them to do this; however, as long as the patient has not specifically stated otherwise, providers can and should share medical information with family caregivers.

This arrangement benefits caregivers, providers, and patients. A caregiver can give better care if he or she has all the facts available. A doctor may also learn important information about a patient from a caregiver, especially if the patient suffers from dementia or has similar issues. A patient, of course, benefits when better communication facilitates more effective treatment.

What about paperwork?

Although HIPAA does not require doctors to share any paperwork with home caregivers, some medical institutions have internal rules which require this. It’s a good idea to find out about such regulations and see that family caregivers have appropriate access to medical information.

What if I am denied access due to HIPAA?

If you do find yourself in a situation in which you are denied access to necessary information about your loved one, ask to speak to someone: a doctor, a staff social worker, a patient representative, or a privacy officer. Make clear what your relationship is to the patient and explain your role as a primary caregiver. Most establishments want to make sure that patients’ needs are met and should be willing to help you with this.

Resources:

HHS Office for Civil Rights

Health Privacy Project

View the Story on our blog: Understanding HIPAA .

Wearing shoes that fit can help prevent foot problems.

Many diabetics suffer from foot problems. One of the effects of diabetes is that it damages blood vessels, including those in the feet. This can impede blood flow in and around the feet, resulting in nerve damage. For diabetics, taking care of nerve damaged feet is especially important; while amputation due to diabetes-related nerve damage is much less frequent today than it once was, it can still occur.

Anyone who suffers from diabetes or who cares for someone with diabetes should check with a health care professional for instructions on appropriate foot care; however, the six tips that follow provide valuable guidance.

1. Manage your diabetes properly. Stick to the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. The better you manage your diabetes, the lower your chances of experiencing complications such as foot problems.
2. Treat your feet well. Take time to inspect your feet every day. Be sure to examine not just the tops, but also the undersides of your feet. Look for cuts, bruises, nail problems, and blisters, and take care of them. Give your feet a daily bath in warm (but not hot) water and dry them thoroughly.
3. Use socks. Your feet need to be warm, so wear some comfy socks that fit: make sure they’re not too loose and not too baggy. They should be clean and made of material that won’t irritate your skin.
4. Wear appropriate shoes. Like your socks, your shoes should be neither too tight nor too loose. They should give your feet proper support and shouldn’t put any undue pressure on any parts of your feet. If finding proper footwear is a problem, check with your doctor to see whether special shoes need to be prescribed, and if so, whether your insurance plan will cover them.
5. Get physical. You don’t need to become a long distance runner or take up competitive swimming, but a well-planned exercise schedule, created in cooperation with your doctor, can benefit your entire body, including your feet.
6. Keep it up. When you’re sitting while watching TV or reading a book, put your feet up on a chair or stool. This helps the blood to flow more easily to your feet.

Whether or not a senior citizen has diabetes, good foot care is important; however, if he or she does have diabetes, it’s essential.

Resources:

American Diabetes Association

Mayo Clinic Living with Diabetes Blog

View the Story on our blog: Six Foot Care Tips for Diabetics .

Ward off memory loss by keeping your brain active. (Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhots.net)

Memory loss is an issue for all of us as we age, but clearly the severity of loss differs markedly from one person to the next. Those in advanced stages of dementia are more profoundly affected by memory loss than otherwise healthy individuals who are simply getting on in years.

Whatever the situation, it’s a good idea for your as a caregiver to do whatever you can to keep your loved one’s brain as active as possible. Creating an appropriate “brain workout” is one way to do this.

What is a brain workout?

A brain workout is any mental activity that attempts to engage the brain. A workout could be a crossword or Sudoku puzzle, a game of Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit, or a detailed recollection of the day’s activities.

Creating the right workout for your loved one involves taking into account what he or she is capable of. For example, if your mother’s dementia affects her short term memory but leaves sections of her long term memory relatively unaffected, you might bring out a scrapbook and go through it with her. You could point to a picture of yourself as a child and say, “Do you recognize that person?” After she responds, talk about something that relates to the time the picture was taken. You might say “That was taken when we lived on 10^th Street. Do you remember what color that house was?” After seeing what memories you can bring up, you might produce a picture of yourself as you are today, and see if she correctly identifies you and connects you with the picture of the child.

Scrabble and other word games are good brain workout games. (Image courtesy of Keerati/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

For loved ones who are functioning at a higher level, you might offer something more challenging, such as a crossword puzzle or a trivia game; however, you might also want to challenge your loved one to compete with you in a memory game.

You can set the rules yourself, but some examples might be:

• You both have 5 minutes. In that space of time, you are each to separately write down as many names as possible of people who lived in your neighborhood when you were 5 years old. When finished, compare your lists and use them as a springboard to see what things you each can remember about the neighbors.
• Find a newspaper or magazine article. After you read it, prepare a short list of questions; three to five is good. Then have your loved one read the article once and see how many of the questions he or she can answer. Afterward, switch roles and have your loved one find an article for you to read and write questions for you to answer.
• Play a “connecting” game, i.e. a game in which one word, phrase, or name leads to another. For example, you might decide that the game you are going to play relates to movies and actors. The first person names an actor, the second names a movie that actor was in, the first person names another actor in that movie, the second names another movie that person was in, and so forth. Another set-up might involve listing a string of names in which the last letter of one name becomes the first letter of the next name: “George” ends with an e, so it might be followed by “Ellen,” which might be followed by “Nick,” which might be followed by “Kelly,” and so forth.

A brain workout can be a fun way to combat memory loss. The goal is to find a level that is just challenging enough but that doesn’t frustrate the participants or keep them from enjoying themselves.

View the Story on our blog: Fight Memory Loss with Brain Workouts .

Three women celebrate sisterhood on Red Hat Day, April 25.

On April 25, 1998, six women donned purple clothing and red hats and met for tea in Fullerton, California, thus formally establishing the Red Hat Society. Since that day, April 25 has been celebrated as Red Hat Day, a day that honors women around the world.

What Is the Red Hat Society?

Started by Sue Ellen Cooper as a way to encourage women over the age of 50 to continue to embrace life and to live it with spirit and verve, the Red Hat Society now is open to women of all ages. As a matter of fact, the theme for this 15^th anniversary of Red Hat Day is “Celebrating Sisterhood for 15 Years,” acknowledging that the bonds of sisterhood are not limited by age. Women from all walks of life – lawyers, aging parents, golfers, grandmothers, entertainers, and homemakers – are welcome in the society, which now has more than 20,000 chapters in all 50 states in the U.S. and in some 30 other countries. The society emphasizes the “Five F’s”:

• Fun – Celebrating life at every age.
• Friendship – Solidifying and expanding the bonds of sisterhood.
• Freedom – Discovering and exploring new interests.
• Fulfillment – Realizing personal potential.
• Fitness – Embracing healthy, life-lengthening lifestyles.

How Can You Participate in Red Hat Day?

Red Hat Day is an excellent time for home caregivers, aging parents, wives tending to spouses, and just about everyone else to celebrate both their own accomplishments and the accomplishments of other women. You don’t have to be a member of the Red Hat Society to celebrate the community of women. Here are a few things you can do to mark this special day:

• If your sister is the primary caregiver of a parent or husband, give her the day off. Arrange to take over her duties and let her enjoy a day of glorious freedom from responsibility.
• Does your wife or daughter tend to your needs? Take extra time on April 25 to let her know how much you appreciate all that she does. Praise her for her dedication and devotion.
• Arrange to take Mom or Grandmother on a special outing, perhaps with friends whom she doesn’t get to see often. If she’s not up to going out, ask her friends to gather at her home for tea.
• Do something to honor a special woman in your life. Make a lovely, personal card. Prepare a special dinner. Take her out to see a movie or walk through the park. Give her a gift certificate for a spa treatment, and then make any arrangements necessary to ensure that she has time to go to the spa. Tell her how important she is to you.

The Red Hat Society provides a valuable service by focusing on the power, accomplishments, and value of ordinary women. Take advantage of April 25 to encourage the women in your life to celebrate all the extraordinary things that they do on a daily basis.

View the Story on our blog: April 25 is Red Hat Day .