Zack’s Blog

Choosing the Right Doctor for Seniors

Choosing Your Doctor – Download – Checklist Choosing the Right Doctor for Seniors.

Everyone’s version of the right doctor is different. There are many highly skilled physicians, and many of them have very different personalities and styles of practice. How do you find a health care partner who’s right for you?

Our convenient checklist can help you through the process, “Click Here for Checklist”

The worst time to search for a doctor is when you need one. Establishing a primary care physician ahead of time and continually using that same doctor allows you to know the doctor’s hours and practice. The doctor will know you and become familiar with your medical history. Find someone that you feel comfortable with asking questions and sharing concerns.

Selecting your doctor is a big decision. Find the right primary care doctor before you have a problem.

Checklist – Finding Your Doctor for Seniors – We recommend the following “Quick Checklist” for choosing a doctor.

“Click Here for Checklist”

Other things to consider when selecting your doctor include hours of operation, location, hospital affiliation, accepted health plan/insurance, education and licensing, sex of doctor (if it is important to you) and if there is an urgent care facility available.

Approved In Home Care, provides non-medical care and support for seniors.  We provide compassionate care and assistance in a private residence, hospital, rehab, assisted living, retirement home or healthcare facility. We offer packages including: dependable and affordable in-home assistance, care, companionship, homemaking, and errand services.  We appreciate your referrals. Contact Us or call (972)658-4001

Caring for Seniors with Parkinson’s and Dementia

Parkinson’s disease is associated with dementia or may lead to dementia. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that affects many middle-aged and older adults. The disease includes symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and impaired balance.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms: Dementia

Some Parkinson’s Disease patients experience dementia, or impairment of mental functioning.

As many as 65% of people with Parkinson’s may develop dementia symptoms as the disease progresses. Sometimes these dementia symptoms are just considered part of the disease, but sometimes a separate diagnosis — for instance, of Alzheimer’s disease — may be made. There is also a great deal of overlap in the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia, for instance. Physicians use a variety of techniques and tests to make a correct diagnosis.

A wide range of symptoms can be exhibited by those with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, from mild to severe, as well as a host of medications to help treat Parkinson’s related dementias. Severe dementia is rare for those patients who do not exhibit signs of dementia at the onset of their Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

Challenges for Caregivers

In a recent study, the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) found that Parkinson’s Disease caregivers spend an average of 96 hours per week, or 14 hours per day, caring for their loved ones. They have higher levels of depression than other caregivers, more of them are caring for spouses and many are suffering from medical conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. The physical demands of caregiving also are higher among PD caregivers. The FCA found that 45 percent of those cared for in the study require help eating, 69 percent need help bathing, 71 percent need help dressing, 65 percent need help toileting and 67 percent need help transferring (bed to chair, etc.).

Parkinson’s Disease caregivers also get less sleep than other caregivers, with 56 percent regularly being woken at night to care for their loved ones. In the regular caregiver population, that number is 40 percent. Add to that the emotional rollercoaster that dementia creates and it’s easy to see how providing care for a PD patient stricken with dementia can take its toll.

Tips for Caregivers

1. Don’t try to get them to be logical, rationale and reasonable. This is expecting too much.

2. Don’t try to get them to make agreements. They aren’t in a position to make agreements.

3. Don’t always tell the truth. Sometimes being honest isn’t the best choice. For instance, if your loved one needs to be on an antidepressant to alleviate anxiety or a sleeping medication so that the caregiver can get some rest, it may be in both the caregiver’s and the patient’s best interest to say the medicine is for your memory or some other acceptable symptom if the person would have trouble accepting a pill that is for depression.

4. Don’t make complex requests. Remember to use one command at a time. If you say, “Go upstairs and change your clothes,” you’ve just given five commands: get up, go to the stairs, walk up the stairs, take off your clothes and put your clothes on. That’s probably too much for a person with dementia to remember.

Dealing with Difficult Behaviors

1. Remember that it’s the disease talking and that your loved one’s brain cells are not communicating properly. Try not to think things like, “This must be what they really thought of me all along and never told me.”

2. Know that a person with dementia has no control over what they are doing or saying. Don’t get angry or hold it against them. They cannot help their behavior.

3. Use distraction as a way to get the person off of being negative or accusatory. Fighting back won’t solve anything and will just make them angry.

Approved In Home Care, provides non-medical care and support for seniors. We provide compassionate care and assistance in a private residence, hospital, rehab, assisted living, retirement home or healthcare facility. We offer packages including: dependable and affordable in-home assistance, care, companionship, homemaking, and errand services. For more information, “Contact Us”.

Coping with Sundowners

The term Sundowners describes a pattern of increased behavior problems with onset usually in the late afternoon and early evening. It can be most frequent in those people that have Alzheimer’s or perhaps dementia. This syndrome is also sometimes seen in older people who are in recovery from surgery in a hospital setting. Persons may exhibit increased confusion, agitation, wandering, hallucinations and general disorientation. For those living with or caring for someone exhibiting “sundowning” symptoms can be very difficult.

Although the following care tips may sound extreme, it has been shared that once a routine is set, life becomes a lot easier when caring for someone with Sundowners. Not all of these ideas will work for everyone; through experimentation you may find the right formula for your situation.

Care Tips for Sundowners Syndrome

• Limit caffeine intake, particularly in the afternoon.

• Plan activities during the day so there is sufficient time to transition into the evening.

• Create a private space for relaxing.

• When you sense agitation coming on, try a five-minute hand massage or just hand holding for a few minutes. It is good to get in front of this and not wait until it progresses.

• Music or other sounds like ocean waves or singing birds can be calming.

• Interaction with a pet has also been known to calm agitation.

• Consider purchasing a bedside commode. Leaving his or her bed to use the restroom can start the cycle all over again, making it hard to get back to sleep.

• Take precautions to provide a safe space for him or her at night so that you can get a solid night’s rest, even if your loved one needs to stay awake and wander.

• Maintain a comfortable temperature in the bedroom; extreme temperatures may disrupt sleep or prevent one from falling asleep.

• Talk to your doctor about the many medications on the market that support those with Sundowners.

• Allow for light exposure in the early morning to help set an internal clock.

• Daytime napping should be discouraged to help regulate the sleep cycle.

• Encourage exercise throughout the day to expend excess energy.

Frustration for family members and caregivers is not uncommon when dealing with loved ones experiencing episodes of Sundowners. Outbursts and strange demands are not unusual and not always under their control, requiring extreme patience on the part of family members and caregivers in order to make it through these episodes. Like pets and kids, you will need to experiment in order to discern the right pattern and methods for your family. Following these tips above may make your life easier by bringing rhythm to your loved one’s life, thus positively impacting your life.

 

10 Signs of Alzheimer’s

1. Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

 

2. Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What’s a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

 

3.Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks at Home, at Work or at Leisure

People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

 

4.Confusion with Time or Place

People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What’s a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

 

5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.

What’s a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.

 

6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing

People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

 

7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

What’s a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.

 

8. Decreased or Poor Judgment

People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What’s a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.

 

9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations

 

10. Changes in Mood and Personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

What’s a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Differences Between the Normal Effects of Aging and Dementia

We all forget things, especially if we are low on sleep or high on stress, but we start to worry when aging loved ones exhibit forgetfulness when life is good. Is it Alzheimer’s, we ask ourselves, or dementia? By becoming familiar with the varying forms and symptoms of dementia, we can understand the differences between normal and abnormal brain function in aging friends and loved ones.

What is Dementia?

A long time ago “senility” was a word used to describe the loss of mental capacity in the aged. Today, dementia is the term used to describe a host of symptoms that include the diminishing ability to remember, solve problems, or perform other cognitive tasks. Many times the term dementia is used when two or more cognitive abilities are impaired.

The following is a list of symptoms we may observe in the early stages of dementia:

•A change in mood or levels of anger

•Difficulty finding the right word

•Trouble completing everyday tasks like housework or balancing the checkbook

•Losing a sense of place

•Inability to make sound decisions

•Becoming suspicious or frightened without cause

 

If these early symptoms continue and are accompanied by worsening symptoms, it is important to make an appointment for a physical evaluation. These worsening symptoms might include:

•Inability to carry out basic daily hygiene

•Poor, disrupted, or flipped sleep cycles

•Aggression or lewd behavior

•Hallucinations

There are many possible causes for dementia. Strokes, thyroid conditions, and deposits of plaque or the presence of Lewy bodies can all cause the symptoms of dementia. Quick attention to symptoms can often lead to a rapid diagnosis and treatment, greatly reducing the severity of the impairment.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease makes up over 50% of all dementia cases. It is a progressive disease that slowly incapacitates the cognitive functioning of sufferers. It is a disease related to age and usually strikes after the age of 65. It is currently an incurable disease—most patients survive for about 10 years after they are diagnosed.

Like many progressive diseases, Alzheimer’s has many stages. Physicians will help friends and loved ones understand how to support the sufferer through each stage. Many outstanding support groups exist to aid families and friends and as well as the Alzheimer patient.

It is not uncommon for someone of advanced years to mislay keys or forget the right word. By becoming familiar with the signs and symptoms of age-related brain diseases such as dementia we can recognize the difference between the normal effects of aging and brain disease. This knowledge will enable us to give the best of care to our loved ones.

 

Safety Proof a Seniors Home

Checklist – Safety Proof a Senior’s Home

How to safety-proof a loved one’s home.

To view the checklist, “Click Here”. 

There can come a time when a familiar home becomes an unfriendly place. Rugs can trip us; prescription medicine bottles can get mixed up; stairs become barriers. Most all of us want to be able to continue to live independently in our own homes. By helping your loved one make these types of improvements, he or she may continue to do so in safety and comfort,

Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems that may be present in your loved one’s home. This checklist is organized by areas in the home. However, there are some potential hazards that need to be checked in more than just one area of your home.

Click on the link below to view the assessment, feel free to print as many copies as you like. “Click Here”

Driving Assessment Checklist for Seniors

Driving Assessment Checklist

If you are unsure about your loved one’s ability to drive, this checklist can help.

To view the checklist, “Click Here”. 

Asking an elderly parent or relative to stop driving is difficult, because driving provides individuals with the ability to remain independent. Yet, many elderly drivers are a danger to themselves and others on the road. It’s important, therefore, that the family, friends, and other caregivers of these individuals be able to identify potential driving problems and to request that the person stop any dangerous driving behavior.

For some individuals, this may be as simple as driving only on certain kinds of roads (e.g., no highways) or driving only during daylight hours. For more dangerous drivers, however, it is important that the individual stop driving altogether, and find other transportation options that will provide him or her with continued independence. If your loved one’s driving worries you—or if you are unsure whether your loved one should continue to drive—you will probably want to perform a specific assessment before talking to him or her about the problem. Click on the link below to view the assessment, feel free to print as many copies as you like. “Click Here”

Alzheimer’s an Urgent Epidemic

VIDEO -  Alzheimer’s an Urgent Epidemic?

This video will increase your understanding of the epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease, and help you form the necessary frame of reference to deal with these problems effectively.

Researchers do not know the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is most likely due to a combination of a variety of genetic and other factors.  This informative and easy to understand three minute video is definitely worth your time and will benefit all those that are affected by this destructive disease.

 

Medical Alerts and Caregivers

It is very important to be aware of (PERS) Personal Emergency Response Systems. People may joke about the catchphrase “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” but there are very serious situations in which an elderly person has fallen, broken something or been knocked unconscious with a potentially fatal injury and they need help. If you or someone you know needs a personal emergency response system (PERS) there are many functions that increase safety. If the button is pushed, the response center will contact family or friend’s cell phone and inform them of the situation and they can respond accordingly, calling to see if one is ok, rushing over if one needs help, or contact emergency services when needed.

Medical alerts have started to become more and more of a convenience for people who live alone and are at risk of injury or illness. Elders whose loved ones have passed on or left the city, patients who have recurring heart failures, breathing problems, or other fatal issues; and mentally challenged patients have all turned to medical alerts to keep them safe, healthy and alive. The base unit sends out a distress signal to the response center, who will then contact emergency services or any number of people who are designated. This guarantees that the person in danger receives help immediately so as to avoid further complications.

Living without one of these life-saving medical alerts could be dangerous or risky. Without someone to keep an eye on you, and without these trusty devices monitoring your safety, seniors are running the risk of having an accident. If one fell at home, with no alarm, one may be in pain for hours, if not days, simply because no one was aware that the senior was harmed.

If a senior is sound of mind and body, but getting up in years, one may simply want the reassurance of knowing someone is a push of a button away. By having a medical alert, one can maintain the freedom of living at home.  The alert devices are built for that purpose; on any day at any given time if one should have an accident this device will be there to make sure that help is on the way. Reliable, safe, easy to use, and affordable, our medical alerts are available, guaranteed to fit ones needs and lifestyle.

Find out more about medical alarms, Click Here.

Techniques to keep seniors calm

Staying calm: Proven relaxation techniques

Anxiety is no stranger when you are caring for someone who is seriously ill. Or, for that matter, when you ARE the person who is ill. Medical emergencies, financial worries, everyday care issues. They all cause stress.

And emotional distress sets off a physical reaction. When we feel scared or angry, our heart rate, blood pressure increase, and our breathing speeds up. When the stress is chronic, our “fight-or-flight” response may be engaged for days, weeks, or months. That’s hard on the body. And it’s a particular concern for families dealing with breathing problems. Shortness of breath can generate anxiety, which causes one to feel short of breath, etc. It’s a nasty downward spiral.

You and your patients can take the edge off by learning to relax. Relaxation stops the stress reaction and even makes breathing easier. It also clears the mind, enabling less anxious thinking about any issue at hand.

Following are three basic relaxation techniques that take about 10 minutes each.

1. Deep Breathing. Sit comfortably, feet on the floor. Put one hand on your chest, the other just under your ribs. Breathe slowly through your nose, counting to five. Only the hand at your belly should rise. Exhale slowly, counting to five. Repeat.
2. Muscle Relaxation. Lie down or sit comfortably. Starting with your toes, tense and relax your muscles, moving up your body to calves, thighs, etc. Count to five while tensing and to 30 while relaxing. Notice the difference between tense and relaxed.
3. Visualization. In a quiet place, lie down or sit comfortably. Imagine yourself at your favorite place of tranquility (beach, mountains, etc.). Bring in as many elements of the place as you can: what you would be seeing, smelling, hearing, touching.

Share these techniques with your patients. It takes dedication and practice, but everyone benefits from better stress management.

 

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