This is an AMAZING story from the NY times about the impact a Caregiver can have.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/health/31case.html?_r=3&th&emc=th
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
April is National Donate Life Month
!~APRIL~!
April is National Donate Life Month! Are you an organ donor, do you want to be one? Do you know what each organ donor can improve, or even save as many as 50 lives? One person deciding to become a donor can touch THAT many lives! This Month Homewatch Caregivers is working with http://organdonor.gov/ to educated people on the selfless gift that being a donor is. Please, I encourage everyone to look over the Organ donor site and learn about all the ways you could help someone. Even sign up to be a donor.
April is National Donate Life Month! Are you an organ donor, do you want to be one? Do you know what each organ donor can improve, or even save as many as 50 lives? One person deciding to become a donor can touch THAT many lives! This Month Homewatch Caregivers is working with http://organdonor.gov/ to educated people on the selfless gift that being a donor is. Please, I encourage everyone to look over the Organ donor site and learn about all the ways you could help someone. Even sign up to be a donor.
Cardiac Caregiving Tips
Cardiac Caregiving Tips from Homewatch CareGivers
To Help Women, Families Providing Elder Care
Strategies to Take Care of your Heart
—Stress and age are the leading causes of high blood pressure. As experts working with older adults and senior citizens, Homewatch CareGivers offers cardiac caregiving tips to help women and families who provide elder care so they can reduce a loved one’s risks for high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can strike a person in any age group, but older adults—those above the age of 60—are at a higher risk for stroke and related serious disability. Plus, coronary heart disease and stroke share many of the same risk factors such as high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, and being overweight or obese, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association (http://www.strokeassociation.org).
Homewatch CareGivers (www.homewatchcaregivers.com) presents three risks and reductions to take in caregiving for seniors:
1. Risk: Loss of senses leads to over-consumption
Older adults lose sensory functions slowly, starting with the sense of smell and taste. Family caregivers need to watch for a change in diet or an increase in salt and sugar intake. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that over-consumption of salt leads to high blood pressure; over-consumption of sugar leads to weight gain and possible weight-related diabetes.
Reduction:
· Overhaul eating habits—eliminate high salt and sugar pre-packaged foods, read labels for sodium levels, eat larger portions of natural foods and fruit for natural sugar intake and avoid convenience foods.
· Adopt 3 new dietary strategies--substitute nonhydrogenated unsaturated fats for saturated and trans-fats; increase omega-3 fatty acids from fish, fish oil supplements, or plants; and consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Seniors aged 70 to 90 who followed a Mediterranean-style diet and had greater physical activity had 65% to 73% lower rate of mortality from coronary related diseases (http://jama.ama-assn.org).
2. Risk: Sedentary lifestyle increases risk of heart disease, depression
Being inactive, obese or both can increase a senior’s risk of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, depression and stroke.
--more—
Reduction:
· Walk 10 minutes daily—Federal Physical Activities Guidelines call for 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Seniors who are overweight or struggle physically because of heart disease, hypertension or other age-related diseases should start slowly, building from walking inside the home, to outside for several minutes, building up to 5 minutes and then up to 10 minutes per day to start.
· Add 1 minute per week—consistency with increased physical activity by adding 1 minute a week will help a senior reach the 20 minutes of recommended daily activity, which can lead to lowered blood pressure.
3. Risk: Fear of loss of independence leads to stress
As people reach retirement age and beyond, they go through an intense emotional cycle of change as they face new pressures--finances, changing family roles, loss of a loved one and struggles to age in-home. Stress leads to anxiety and depression in seniors.
Reduction:
· Create solutions for independence and socialization—family members can plan a social calendar to make sure their senior engages with friends and their community.
· Find volunteer opportunities—from schools to churches to libraries, seniors are a valuable volunteer resource for those community resources that face budget and funding issues during tough economic times.
· Get out of the house—self-isolation leads to depression; withdrawal form the world can lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits, like self-medication or alcohol dependency. Getting out is linked to overall wellbeing.
· Make a plan for in-home care in advance—family caregivers and the seniors they care for need to prepare a clear plan for the future to ensure the senior’s desire for independence. Respect the senior’s rights and feelings and get advice and support from an in-home care provider like Homewatch CareGivers to get an in-home assessment to help a senior age in-home and get the elder care they need.
To Help Women, Families Providing Elder Care
Strategies to Take Care of your Heart
—Stress and age are the leading causes of high blood pressure. As experts working with older adults and senior citizens, Homewatch CareGivers offers cardiac caregiving tips to help women and families who provide elder care so they can reduce a loved one’s risks for high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can strike a person in any age group, but older adults—those above the age of 60—are at a higher risk for stroke and related serious disability. Plus, coronary heart disease and stroke share many of the same risk factors such as high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, and being overweight or obese, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association (http://www.strokeassociation.org).
Homewatch CareGivers (www.homewatchcaregivers.com) presents three risks and reductions to take in caregiving for seniors:
1. Risk: Loss of senses leads to over-consumption
Older adults lose sensory functions slowly, starting with the sense of smell and taste. Family caregivers need to watch for a change in diet or an increase in salt and sugar intake. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that over-consumption of salt leads to high blood pressure; over-consumption of sugar leads to weight gain and possible weight-related diabetes.
Reduction:
· Overhaul eating habits—eliminate high salt and sugar pre-packaged foods, read labels for sodium levels, eat larger portions of natural foods and fruit for natural sugar intake and avoid convenience foods.
· Adopt 3 new dietary strategies--substitute nonhydrogenated unsaturated fats for saturated and trans-fats; increase omega-3 fatty acids from fish, fish oil supplements, or plants; and consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Seniors aged 70 to 90 who followed a Mediterranean-style diet and had greater physical activity had 65% to 73% lower rate of mortality from coronary related diseases (http://jama.ama-assn.org).
2. Risk: Sedentary lifestyle increases risk of heart disease, depression
Being inactive, obese or both can increase a senior’s risk of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, depression and stroke.
--more—
Reduction:
· Walk 10 minutes daily—Federal Physical Activities Guidelines call for 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Seniors who are overweight or struggle physically because of heart disease, hypertension or other age-related diseases should start slowly, building from walking inside the home, to outside for several minutes, building up to 5 minutes and then up to 10 minutes per day to start.
· Add 1 minute per week—consistency with increased physical activity by adding 1 minute a week will help a senior reach the 20 minutes of recommended daily activity, which can lead to lowered blood pressure.
3. Risk: Fear of loss of independence leads to stress
As people reach retirement age and beyond, they go through an intense emotional cycle of change as they face new pressures--finances, changing family roles, loss of a loved one and struggles to age in-home. Stress leads to anxiety and depression in seniors.
Reduction:
· Create solutions for independence and socialization—family members can plan a social calendar to make sure their senior engages with friends and their community.
· Find volunteer opportunities—from schools to churches to libraries, seniors are a valuable volunteer resource for those community resources that face budget and funding issues during tough economic times.
· Get out of the house—self-isolation leads to depression; withdrawal form the world can lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits, like self-medication or alcohol dependency. Getting out is linked to overall wellbeing.
· Make a plan for in-home care in advance—family caregivers and the seniors they care for need to prepare a clear plan for the future to ensure the senior’s desire for independence. Respect the senior’s rights and feelings and get advice and support from an in-home care provider like Homewatch CareGivers to get an in-home assessment to help a senior age in-home and get the elder care they need.
About Homewatch CareGivers
Founded in 1980, Homewatch CareGivers is the largest, most experienced international provider of full-service in-home care for people of all ages, including seniors, children, veterans, the chronically ill, and those recovering from medical procedures. Caregivers are triple-screened and continually trained and supervised by healthcare professionals to provide reliable, compassionate and highly skilled services in companion, personal and comprehensive care. In-home care services are personalized for each client and customized care plans are administered through an international network with 172 territories which includes 19 international territories. Each office is locally owned and dedicated to ensuring quality of life for clients and peace of mind for their loved ones. Call 1-800-777-9770, visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com for franchise, company and caregiver information, or learn more from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwSRiMuM2DA
#####
Resources:
Among individuals 70 to 90 years of age, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and greater PA are associated with 65% to 73% lower rates of all-cause mortality, as wellas lower mortality rates due to CHD, CVD, and cancer.61 Knoops KT, de Groot LC, Kromhout D, Perrin AE, Moreiras-Varela O,Menotti A, van Staveren WA. Mediterranean diet, lifestyle factors, and10-year mortality in elderly European men and women: the HALE project.JAMA. 2004;292:1433–1439.
Founded in 1980, Homewatch CareGivers is the largest, most experienced international provider of full-service in-home care for people of all ages, including seniors, children, veterans, the chronically ill, and those recovering from medical procedures. Caregivers are triple-screened and continually trained and supervised by healthcare professionals to provide reliable, compassionate and highly skilled services in companion, personal and comprehensive care. In-home care services are personalized for each client and customized care plans are administered through an international network with 172 territories which includes 19 international territories. Each office is locally owned and dedicated to ensuring quality of life for clients and peace of mind for their loved ones. Call 1-800-777-9770, visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com for franchise, company and caregiver information, or learn more from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwSRiMuM2DA
#####
Resources:
Among individuals 70 to 90 years of age, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and greater PA are associated with 65% to 73% lower rates of all-cause mortality, as wellas lower mortality rates due to CHD, CVD, and cancer.61 Knoops KT, de Groot LC, Kromhout D, Perrin AE, Moreiras-Varela O,Menotti A, van Staveren WA. Mediterranean diet, lifestyle factors, and10-year mortality in elderly European men and women: the HALE project.JAMA. 2004;292:1433–1439.
Monday, February 16, 2009
UPDATES!
CAREGIVERS
This Saturday we had our first in office training for our cargivers. We went over Cancer, Cardiovasular Disease, and Oral care; what to look for, warning signs to report, and how to manage and prevent. Only seven Caregivers showed up, though many others couldn't make it and requested the material be sent to them, (with a quiz to make sure they do in fact read it.)
It went REALLY well, we all had a fun time. We ate healthy snacks, and drank coffe. The training was fun since everyone was interactive. Afterwards everyone stay for a while longer just to talk and get to know each other. Since all our caregivers work independently very few even know each other. This is another reason to our in-office training, and the luncheons we'll be starting when weather permits - we want them to get to know each other. To make friends and find support from others that work in the same feild.
Even with only 7 Cargivers showing up, it went excellent. We're hoping for a better turn out next month.
WHOLE FOODS
In March, Homewatch Caregivers is joining with Whole Foods Market in Torrance to give a presentation on healthy meals for seniors on a budget. Vanadana Sheth is a Registered Dietician from Torrance that will be joining us and giving the presentation. She will discuss nutrition for seniors, and show us how to make at least two meals, for two people, that cost under ten dollars. There will be healthy snacks available. PLEASE JOIN US! For more information or to RSVP call - 866-608-9500
Alzheimer's Memory Walk
Homewatch Caregivers of Garden Grove is putting together a team for the Alzheimer's memory walk in Fullerton, CA on 10/17/2009. If you can join us, PLEASE DO - you can go to our site and join our team. Or if you could donate something to the foundation for Alzheimer's be it even a dollar, please do. THANK YOU!
http://memorywalk.kintera.org/csuf/homewatchcaregivers
This Saturday we had our first in office training for our cargivers. We went over Cancer, Cardiovasular Disease, and Oral care; what to look for, warning signs to report, and how to manage and prevent. Only seven Caregivers showed up, though many others couldn't make it and requested the material be sent to them, (with a quiz to make sure they do in fact read it.)
It went REALLY well, we all had a fun time. We ate healthy snacks, and drank coffe. The training was fun since everyone was interactive. Afterwards everyone stay for a while longer just to talk and get to know each other. Since all our caregivers work independently very few even know each other. This is another reason to our in-office training, and the luncheons we'll be starting when weather permits - we want them to get to know each other. To make friends and find support from others that work in the same feild.
Even with only 7 Cargivers showing up, it went excellent. We're hoping for a better turn out next month.
WHOLE FOODS
In March, Homewatch Caregivers is joining with Whole Foods Market in Torrance to give a presentation on healthy meals for seniors on a budget. Vanadana Sheth is a Registered Dietician from Torrance that will be joining us and giving the presentation. She will discuss nutrition for seniors, and show us how to make at least two meals, for two people, that cost under ten dollars. There will be healthy snacks available. PLEASE JOIN US! For more information or to RSVP call - 866-608-9500
Alzheimer's Memory Walk
Homewatch Caregivers of Garden Grove is putting together a team for the Alzheimer's memory walk in Fullerton, CA on 10/17/2009. If you can join us, PLEASE DO - you can go to our site and join our team. Or if you could donate something to the foundation for Alzheimer's be it even a dollar, please do. THANK YOU!
http://memorywalk.kintera.org/csuf/homewatchcaregivers
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Senior safety. Preventing crime
Crime Prevention Tips For Seniors
At Home
Never open your door automatically. Install and use
a peephole. Lock your doors and windows. Vary your
daily routine. Use "Neighbor Watch" to keep an eye on
your neighborhood. Don't leave notes on the door when
going out. Leave lights on when going out at night; use a
timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an
extended period. Notify neighbors and the police when
going away on a trip When you are away remember to
cancel deliveries such as newspapers and arrange for
someone - a neighbor's child, perhaps - to mow the lawn
if need be. Arrange for your mail to be held by the Post
Office, or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your
home. Deal only with reputable businesses. Keep an
inventory with serial numbers and photographs of resaleable
appliances, antiques and furniture. Leave
copies in a safe place.
Don't hesitate to report crime or suspicious
activities.
Install deadbolt locks on all your doors.
Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out; keep
curtains closed.
Ask for proper identification from delivery persons
or strangers. If a stranger asks to use your telephone,
offer to place the call for him other yourself.
Never let a stranger into your home.
Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone.
Do not hide your keys under the mat or in other
conspicuous places.
Never give out information over the phone
indicating you are alone or that you won't be home at a
certain time.
If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be
inside, DON'T GO IN. Leave quietly and call 911 to report
the crime.
Walking
If you are attacked on the street, make as much
noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle.
Do not pursue your attacker. Call 911 and report the
crime as soon as possible.
Avoid walking alone at night. Try to have a friend
accompany you in high risk areas . . . even during the
daytime.
Avoid carrying weapons . . . they may be used
against you.
Always plan your route and stay alert to your
surroundings. Walk confidently. Have a companion
accompany you. Stay away from buildings and
doorways; walk in well-lighted areas.
Have your key ready when approaching your front
door. Don't dangle your purse away from your body.
(Twelve percent of all crimes against the elderly are
purse snatchings and street robberies.)
Don't carry large, bulky shoulder bags; carry only
what you need. Better yet, sew a small pocket inside
your jacket or coat. If you don't have a purse, no one will
try to snatch it.
Shopping
Carry your purse very close to you . . . don't dangle it
from your arm. Never leave your purse in a shopping
cart. Never leave your purse unattended.
Don't carry any more cash than is necessary. Many
grocery stores now accept checks and automatic teller
cards instead of cash.Don't display large sums of cash.
In Your Car
Always keep your car doors locked, whether you are
in or out of your car.
Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly
maintained to avoid breakdowns. If your car breaks
down, pull over to the right as far as possible, raise
the hood, and wait INSIDE the car for help. Avoid
getting out of the car and making yourself a target
before police arrive.
At stop signs and traffic lights, keep the car in gear
Travel well-lit and busy streets. Plan your route.
Don't leave your purse on the seat beside you; put it on
the floor, where it is more difficult for someone to grab
it. Lock bundles or bags in the trunk. If interesting
packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to
break in to steal them.
When returning to your car, check the front and
back seat before entering.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Banking
Many criminals know exactly when government
checks arrive each month, and may pick that day to
attack. Avoid this by using Direct Deposit, which
sends your money directly from the government to the
bank of your choice. And, at many banks, free checking
accounts are available to senior citizens. Your bank has
all the information.
Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for
anyone except YOURSELF.
Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that
probably are too-good-to-be- true.
You should store valuables in a Safe Deposit Box.
Never give your money to someone who calls on you,
identifying himself as a bank official. A bank will never
ask you to remove your money
If you have been swindled or conned, report the crime to
your local police or Prosecuting Attorney's office.
At Home
Never open your door automatically. Install and use
a peephole. Lock your doors and windows. Vary your
daily routine. Use "Neighbor Watch" to keep an eye on
your neighborhood. Don't leave notes on the door when
going out. Leave lights on when going out at night; use a
timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an
extended period. Notify neighbors and the police when
going away on a trip When you are away remember to
cancel deliveries such as newspapers and arrange for
someone - a neighbor's child, perhaps - to mow the lawn
if need be. Arrange for your mail to be held by the Post
Office, or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your
home. Deal only with reputable businesses. Keep an
inventory with serial numbers and photographs of resaleable
appliances, antiques and furniture. Leave
copies in a safe place.
Don't hesitate to report crime or suspicious
activities.
Install deadbolt locks on all your doors.
Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out; keep
curtains closed.
Ask for proper identification from delivery persons
or strangers. If a stranger asks to use your telephone,
offer to place the call for him other yourself.
Never let a stranger into your home.
Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone.
Do not hide your keys under the mat or in other
conspicuous places.
Never give out information over the phone
indicating you are alone or that you won't be home at a
certain time.
If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be
inside, DON'T GO IN. Leave quietly and call 911 to report
the crime.
Walking
If you are attacked on the street, make as much
noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle.
Do not pursue your attacker. Call 911 and report the
crime as soon as possible.
Avoid walking alone at night. Try to have a friend
accompany you in high risk areas . . . even during the
daytime.
Avoid carrying weapons . . . they may be used
against you.
Always plan your route and stay alert to your
surroundings. Walk confidently. Have a companion
accompany you. Stay away from buildings and
doorways; walk in well-lighted areas.
Have your key ready when approaching your front
door. Don't dangle your purse away from your body.
(Twelve percent of all crimes against the elderly are
purse snatchings and street robberies.)
Don't carry large, bulky shoulder bags; carry only
what you need. Better yet, sew a small pocket inside
your jacket or coat. If you don't have a purse, no one will
try to snatch it.
Shopping
Carry your purse very close to you . . . don't dangle it
from your arm. Never leave your purse in a shopping
cart. Never leave your purse unattended.
Don't carry any more cash than is necessary. Many
grocery stores now accept checks and automatic teller
cards instead of cash.Don't display large sums of cash.
In Your Car
Always keep your car doors locked, whether you are
in or out of your car.
Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly
maintained to avoid breakdowns. If your car breaks
down, pull over to the right as far as possible, raise
the hood, and wait INSIDE the car for help. Avoid
getting out of the car and making yourself a target
before police arrive.
At stop signs and traffic lights, keep the car in gear
Travel well-lit and busy streets. Plan your route.
Don't leave your purse on the seat beside you; put it on
the floor, where it is more difficult for someone to grab
it. Lock bundles or bags in the trunk. If interesting
packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to
break in to steal them.
When returning to your car, check the front and
back seat before entering.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Banking
Many criminals know exactly when government
checks arrive each month, and may pick that day to
attack. Avoid this by using Direct Deposit, which
sends your money directly from the government to the
bank of your choice. And, at many banks, free checking
accounts are available to senior citizens. Your bank has
all the information.
Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for
anyone except YOURSELF.
Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that
probably are too-good-to-be- true.
You should store valuables in a Safe Deposit Box.
Never give your money to someone who calls on you,
identifying himself as a bank official. A bank will never
ask you to remove your money
If you have been swindled or conned, report the crime to
your local police or Prosecuting Attorney's office.
Keeping the youthful mind of the elderly; suggestions for seniors to avoid dementia.
AWESOME atricle! A woman talks about her experience with her aging mother, and learns lessons from her as to how to keep our mind active as we age.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/212856/keeping_the_youthful_mind_of_the_elderly.html?cat=5
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/212856/keeping_the_youthful_mind_of_the_elderly.html?cat=5
Friday, January 23, 2009
Alzheimer's warning signs
http://www.alzfdn.org/AboutAlzheimers/warningsigns.html
Alzheimer's Foundation of America - article on Alzheimer's warning signs.
Alzheimer's Foundation of America - article on Alzheimer's warning signs.
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