by Emilee Seltzer

Caregivers for the elderly with dementia often find that coming up with activities for the elder can require much thought and effort. But they are vital to your parent’s health and well-being. Creating activities can really be quite simple if you follow some general guidelines.

Continue reading HERE. 

For more information and assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit us at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom.

Senior Housing: The Emotional Side of Moving Your Elderly Parent

Carol Bradley Bursack

Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. Our home is our castle – a shelter from the storm. These old sayings and many more indicate how most of us emotionally view our home.

For most of us, the feeling is less about how large or how fancy a home is than about it being a place where we belong. Many of us, after getting out of the house we were so anxious to leave as young adults, still find ourselves lovingly attached to the humble dwelling of our childhood.

Now, place yourself in the shoes of your aging mother who has lived in that home since you were a child.

Continue reading HERE.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.  

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. 

Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness   

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

Original content found HERE

By Saima Sultana

Most often when an individual is growing older reference is made to them going into the golden years. Unfortunately that may have been true years ago but in most cases it is no longer so. With the high cost of living and the modern day technology the golden years are no more.

It may seem strange to blame modern technology on the demise of the senior years. It is only mentioned in the sense that in some ways the technology has robbed the seniors of their independence. In years past senior were used to much more labor and as a result their bodies were in much better shape and they seemed to manage on their own for a much longer period of time.

This doesn’t mean though that the seniors of today are doomed to a life of misery in their latter years. They can still be turned into the golden years if planned for. Even for those who are already in this moment of time planning is critical. A good example would be a social life. This is often something that seniors seem to lose first and miss the most. Whether it be physical restrictions or financial ones that are the cause they can be both addressed.

For the seniors that are limited in their physical abilities its a matter of finding social events that are not as strenuous and more assessable. Perhaps instead of lawn bowling which may have been the favorite activity its time to learn how to play cards. There are many senior programs that offer a wide range of activities. It is very important that the senior participate in some type of activity. Even if it comes down to only being able to watch the others play the interaction is very important. It gives the senior a sense of purpose.

Its perfect if senior can participate in the lives of youngsters. The knowledge that any senior possesses can have no money value set to it, as it is worth far beyond money. By being able to share this knowledge with the young ones its a win-win situation.. The senior still feels worthy and is contributing something to life, and the youngster is gaining a wealth of information.

The seniors that keep their minds active and remain young at heart have a much more wonderful lifestyle. It would seem that individuals that are able to do this never really show their age in the same way physically. This alone is proof of how important the approach to the senior years really is.

How to have a good life in the senior years is all in the approach and acceptance of the latter years. It simply comes down to them being as good as one makes them. If a senior is struggling with this then the family would do well to channel those negative thoughts of the senior into something more positive.

Article Source: click here

Visit us at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom for help with an aging senior in the area.

You’re Invited to get fit with us!!

May 26^th is National Senior Health & Fitness Day!

WEAR YOUR SNEAKERS!

Enjoy Exercising, Music and Dancing

A Delicious Healthy Lunch Provided!

Guest Speaker, Lauren Triglia, Registered Dietician

Topic: Healthy Eating – Healthy Aging

When:  May 26, 2010

Time:   10:00 AM

Where: Care One East Brunswick

599 Cranbury Road

East Brunswick, NJ

RSVP to Beth Sholom at bethrah@verizon.net or 732-967-0900

Click HERE to print a flyer/invitation. 

A Brother and Sister Reunited After 65 Years

With great pride we invite you to share in a Holocaust Remembrance Day Brunch on April 11, 2010.

The purpose is to honor our many guests that are survivors of the Holocaust and to memorialize the tragedy of those killed by the Nazis during WWII.

To survivors the Holocaust remains real and ever-present, but for some others, sixty five years makes the Holocaust seem part of ancient history.

To all of our clients, friends and families, we invite you to participate in an extraordinary experience! Musical Entertainment, Guest Speaker, Great Food, Great Company!!

Date:        April 11, 2010

Time:        11:00

Place:  Crowne Plaza

390 Forsgate Drive

Monroe Township, NJ 08831

RSVP to Beth Sholom at bethrah@verizon.net or 732-967-0900.

Click HERE to print out invitation.

Invite you to celebrate You!!

Social Workers Inspire Community Action

Throughout March social workers across the county will be recognized for the important work that is being done with our families, friends and communities at large.

As health care professionals we want to honor you for the vital role you play with regard to the well being of our clients, families and communities.

Please come celebrate your outstanding achievements on: 

March 24, 2008 at 8:30 AM at

Waterside Villas

One Overlook Drive

Monroe Township, NJ 08831

Please RSVP to Beth Sholom, Owner/Executive Director of Right At Home at (732) 967-0900 or (609) 520-8600

“Since its inception, the social work profession has worked to improve life for millions every day. Social workers operate from values that recognize each person as relevant to society and believe that, when needed, society should help each person achieve his or her fullest potential.” NASW

Click HERE to print out information and invitation!

In honor of National Social Work Month, the required discharge plan is to meet at:

Where: Charlie Browns

247 Raritan Avenue

Highland Park, NJ

When:  March 16, 2010

The Right Hour:    4:30

Let US bring some joy to your day!

“IMPROVING the QUALITY of LIFE”

Please RSVP to:

Beth at bethrah@verizon.net or 732-967-0900

BRING YOUR INVITATION FOR A FREE CEU! (Cocktail, Entertainment and Us)

Click HERE for your invitation!

Planning for Healthy Aging

(ARA) – In just two short years, the first wave of baby boomers will turn 65. For some, this milestone birthday may signal retirement; for others it may not. For all boomers, it should mean an increased focus on health care. Baby boomers can take steps now to help ensure many more healthy years.

A focus on early prevention – including regular tests for certain cancers and heart disease, a healthy diet and exercise – is an important start to staying healthy well into the golden years.

Most baby boomers will count on Medicare to support them in their efforts to stay healthy. In fact, Medicare has long been a source of comfort for those 65 and older who otherwise wouldn’t have health coverage. But as more people older than 65 seek care, they may find it increasingly difficult to get in to see a doctor, or they may find that their choice of doctors is limited because of planned Medicare payment cuts to physicians.

Prevention
“As we age, we have an increasing role to play in our health care to ensure our golden years are healthy ones,” says Dr. J. James Rohack, president of the American Medical Association. “Have regular discussions with your physician about any health problems or concerns you may have and make sure you are up-to-date on preventive exams.”

At age 50, it’s important to start annual exams for colorectal cancer, and men should have a prostate exam. For those boomers who weigh less than 154 pounds, screenings for osteoporosis should start at age 60. It’s also important to start annual exams with a physician before you reach age 65 to:

* Monitor and discuss blood pressure, cholesterol, needed vaccines and tests to monitor or prevent disease.
* Identify activities and goals to address healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco use cessation, moderating alcohol use and attention to stress and mood.
* Discuss screenings needed to prevent and/or monitor degenerative or chronic disorders in vision, hearing, bone density, cancer and obesity.

Access to care, choice of physician
Weighing in with legislators is another way boomers can take charge of their health care, because what happens in Washington in the next couple months, with regards to the health-reform debate, could have a significant impact on their ability to see their doctor of choice.

A recent AMA/AARP poll shows that nearly 90 percent of people 50 and older are concerned that the current Medicare physician payment formula threatens their access to care. Without permanent repeal of the broken Medicare payment system as part of health reform, physicians face steep payment cuts which might force them to limit the number of new Medicare patients they can treat.

“Without health-reform action by Congress, the 21 percent payment cut planned for this January puts many physicians in the difficult position of not being able to treat new Medicare patients and still keep their practice doors open,” says Rohack. “For years, Congress has taken short-term action to stop the cuts and preserve seniors’ access to care, but they can no longer put a Band-Aid on the problem. It’s time for permanent action to preserve the stability and security of Medicare and ensure seniors can keep their choice of physician.”

As the health system reform debate continues, and final legislation approaches, a permanent fix for the broken Medicare physician payment formula must be included to preserve access to care for the millions of baby boomers headed toward Medicare enrollment age. Replacing the physician payment formula with a system that better reflects the costs and practice of 21st century medical care will help improve quality and reduce costs by allowing physicians to increase care coordination, reduce costly hospital admissions and adopt health information technology.

“I encourage all baby boomers to take preventive action now to prepare for a long, healthy life, and to ensure that their physician will still be there for them when they begin relying on Medicare,” says Rohack.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

“It’s no longer necessary to give up your home’s good looks for a more institutional-looking appearance just to achieve a safer, more usable house,” says Eric Kozak of Premier Care In Bathing, leading makers of walk-in baths. “You can age in place and retain the style that makes living in your home comfortable and safe, and maintain your independence at the same time.”

With more than 78 million baby boomers growing older in the United States, aging in place – and how to do it well – is a hot topic for many homeowners. If you’re planning ahead or thinking it’s now time to update your home to accommodate changing needs, keep a few things in mind:

Kitchens and baths are commonly the most challenging rooms in the house for people, like many seniors, with mobility issues. Updating these rooms can go a long way toward helping you stay in and enjoy your own home for as long as possible. “Bathrooms, in particular, pose safety issues. Falls are one of the leading reasons seniors must go into nursing homes and most home falls occur in the bathroom,” Kozak says.

When renovating your bathroom, focus on the important elements, including low-level entryways, accessible grab bars, easy grip faucets and showers with safety screens. Other elements include safer, slip-resistant flooring; brighter, more flexible lighting; and safe access to the shower or bathtub.

Walk in showers

Stepping in and out of a tub or shower is one of the riskiest times for people with mobility challenges. Appropriately placed grab bars – now available in designer colors and textures – can help improve safety in these high-risk areas. Another option that’s high on safety and style is to replace a current shower or tub with a walk-in shower like those now offered by Premier Care In Bathing, whose walk-in bathtubs have made bathing safer and more convenient for thousands of Americans with mobility issues. The walk-in showers are a good option for wheelchair users or in rooms where a full-size tub is not practical.

Two size options, 48 inches and 60 inches, ensure convenience and luxury. A waist-high, folding screen, designed with proprietary technology, keeps water inside the shower and not on the bathroom floor. From the waist up, you can add your own decorative touch with the shower curtain design of your choice, hung on a gracefully curved rod like the ones found in quality hotel baths. Dual Delta showerheads provide the option of an overhead shower or a hand-held shower, and a safe and relaxing folding seat. Installation can often be done in just a day or two.

Visit www.premier-bathrooms.com or call (800) 578-2899 to learn more.

Flooring

That tile floor that you adored in your 40s can be a slip hazard when you reach your 70s. In fact, any hard bathroom floor surface such as linoleum, vinyl or tile can put you at increased risk of slipping and falling. Carpeting might be a better option, one that is slip resistant and warmer and softer on the feet. Many manufacturers now offer materials that are attractive and able to repel moisture. If installing carpeting isn’t practical for you, use area rugs with sticky backing to help ensure safe footing in high traffic areas, like in front of the commode, sink and bathtub.

Lighting

Aging eyes not only need more light to see, they need better quality light, especially at night. Avoid dim lighting; older eyes need several times more light than younger eyes to see well, experts say. Increase the amount of light in your bathroom and consider using naturally brighter bulbs like compact fluorescent bulbs, which are also energy-efficient.

Be aware of glare, as well. Bright lights bouncing off all-white bathroom surfaces can create glare that makes it difficult to see and navigate for older people, especially at night when they may not be fully awake. If your bath is all white, paint the walls a light color in a finish that will help reduce glare. Use area rugs on white floors to help break up the expanse of white and reduce glare.

“Boomers aging in place will find more options than ever before to do so with style,” Kozak says. “Safety should be your first concern, but you can also enjoy good style and beautiful design as well.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Visit us at www.middlesexnj.rightathome.net or www.ltcep.com/sholom for help with an aging senior living at home in the East Brunswick NJ area.