How Seniors Can Make Their Retirement More Secure in Andover & Lawerence, MA by Kathy July 27, 2010
Here is an article that I found and wanted to pass along to you. For more assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at http://www.rightathomemass.net/.
Committee on Aging Gathers Opinions on How Seniors Can Make Their Retirement More Secure
Helping older Americans find a way to make their retirement more secure with a lifetime income was the goal of a hearing of the Special Committee on Aging. Chairman Herb Kohl (D-WI) brought together expert witnesses from government, industry and the non-profit sectors to take a close look at the decisions seniors must make in a defined contribution world to ensure they can have a secure retirement after a lifetime of hard work.
“So far, the focus of most of our education efforts have been on encouraging people to save, but we have done little to help the average retiree make the difficult choices about how to make their savings last,” said Sen. Kohl at the June 16 hearing.
“With Americans living longer, the stakes are high for not adequately managing one’s savings.”
To continue reading Click Here.
Recognizing Symptoms of Dementia in Andover & Salem, MA by Kathy July 21, 2010
Here is a very helpful article on dementia that I found and wanted to pass along to you. For more assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at http://www.rightathomemass.net/.
The Brown family reunion has always been an event everyone looks forward to. Family visits, games, stories and everyone’s favorite foods are always on the agenda. On the top of the menu is Grandmas Lemon Coconut Cake. Grandma always makes the traditional cake from her old family recipe. This year, however, the cake tasted a little on the salty side, perhaps a half cup full of salty.
Though the family was disappointed over the cake, of more concern was Grandma’s confusion with the recipe and her similar confusion about the loved ones around her. Could something be wrong with grandma’s mental state?
One might say that for an elder person a little forgetfulness or confusion is normal, but when do you know if there is a serious problem, such as dementia?
An online article from FamilyDoctor.org outlines some common symptoms in recognizing dementia.
"Dementia causes many problems for the person who has it and for the person’s family. Many of the problems are caused by memory loss. Some common symptoms of dementia are listed below. Not everyone who has dementia will experience all of these symptoms.
- Recent memory loss. All of us forget things for a while and then remember them later. People who have dementia often forget things, but they never remember them. They might ask you the same question over and over, each time forgetting that you’ve already given them the answer. They won’t even remember that they already asked the question.
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People who have dementia might cook a meal but forget to serve it. They might even forget that they cooked it.
Problems with language. People who have dementia may forget simple words or use the wrong words. This makes it hard to understand what they want. - Time and place disorientation. People who have dementia may get lost on their own street. They may forget how they got to a certain place and how to get back home.
Poor judgment. Even a person who doesn’t have dementia might get distracted. But people who have dementia can forget simple things, like forgetting to put on a coat before going out in cold weather. - Problems with abstract thinking. Anybody might have trouble balancing a checkbook, but people who have dementia may forget what the numbers are and what has to be done with them.
- Misplacing things. People who have dementia may put things in the wrong places. They might put an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl. Then they can’t find these things later.
- Changes in mood. Everyone is moody at times, but people who have dementia may have fast mood swings, going from calm to tears to anger in a few minutes.
Personality changes. People who have dementia may have drastic changes in personality. They might become irritable, suspicious or fearful. - Loss of initiative. People who have dementia may become passive. They might not want to go places or see other people."
Dementia is caused by change or destruction of brain cells. Often this change is a result of small strokes or blockage of blood cells, severe hypothyroidism or Alzheimer’s disease. There is a continuous decline in ability to perform normal daily activities. Personal care including dressing, bathing, preparing meals and even eating a meal eventually becomes impossible.
What can family members do if they suspect dementia? An appointment with the doctor or geriatric clinic is the first step to take. Depending on the cause and severity of the problem there are some medications that may help slow the process. Your doctor may recommend a care facility that specializes in dementia and Alzheimer’s. These facilities offer a variety of care options from day care with stimulating activities to part or full-time live-in options. Sometimes if patients tend to wander off, a locked facility is needed.
In the beginning family members find part time caregivers for their loved one. At first, loved ones need only a little help with remembering to do daily activities or prepare meals. As dementia progresses, caregiving demands often progress to 24 hour care. Night and day become confused and normal routines of sleeping, eating and functioning become more difficult for the patient. The demented person feels frustrated and may lash out in anger or fear. It is not uncommon for a child or spouse giving the care to quickly become overwhelmed and discouraged.
Family gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to discuss caregiving plans and whole family support. It is most helpful if everyone in the family is united in supporting a family caregiver in some meaningful way.
"The first step to holding a family meeting, and perhaps the most difficult one, is to get all interested persons together in one place at one time. If it’s a family gathering, perhaps a birthday, an anniversary or another special event could be used as a way to get all to meet. Or maybe even a special dinner might be an incentive.
The end of the meeting should consist of asking everyone present to make his or her commitment to support the plan. This might just simply be moral support and agreement to abide by the provisions or it is hoped that those attending will volunteer to do something constructive. This might mean commitments to providing care, transportation, financial support, making legal arrangements or some other tangible support." The Four Steps of Long Term Care Planning
Professional home care services are an option to help families in the home. These providers are trained and skilled to help with dementia patients. Don’t forget care facilities as well. It may be the best loving care a family member can give is to place their loved one in a facility where that person is safely monitored and cared for.
The National Care Planning Council supports caregiving services throughout the country.
www.longtermcarelink.net
www.longtermcarelink.net
Understanding Medicare Changes in Gloucester & Beverly, MA by Kathy July 13, 2010
Here is a helpful article that I found and wanted to pass it along to you. For more assistance wtih an aging loved one in your your life visit our website at http://www.rightathomemass.net/.
Medicare is changing its supplemental policies: how will this affect you?
Understanding the changes to Medicare’s supplemental policies
Important changes to Medicare supplemental policies — also known as Medigap plans — took effect in June. Millions of older Americans buy the plans each year to help pay medical bills. Vicki Gottlich, an attorney at The Center for Medicare Advocacy (medicareadvocacy.org), described the new developments. Her remarks have been edited.
Q What are Medigap plans and how do they work?
Read more by Clicking Here.
Aftercare Tips for Patients Checking Out of the Hospital in Essex & Georgetown, MA by Kathy July 5, 2010
According to a study published last year in The New England Journal of Medicine, one in five Medicare patients returns to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged. The problem is an expensive one: in 2004, these readmissions cost Medicare $17.4 billion dollars, the researchers also found.
Read more from the New York Times by Clicking Here.
For more assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at http://www.rightathomemass.net/.
The Voices of Alzheimer’s in Andover and Byfield, MA by Rosaleen June 29, 2010
In the latest Patient Voices segment, producer Karen Barrow explores the frightening and confusing world of Alzheimer’s. She captures the voices of both patients and loved ones who are struggling with issues of independence, long-term care and making the most of the time they have left.
Hear the voices of Alzheimer’s at the HERE.
For more assistance with an aging loved one in your life visit our website at http://www.rightathomemass.net/.
