When my senior dad entered the advanced stage of Parkinsons Disease, he and my mom moved near me as he wanted to be sure there would be a good support system for both of them. I helped them get their insurance and doctor network all switched over from their old state, and they asked if I would go with them to meet his neurologist. We were all so glad I did. With my every-present shorthand notebook and pen in hand, I helped them find the office, took detailed notes of what the doctor said, and asked many more questions than my parents did.

The next day, we discussed what had happened at the doctor’s office. We were all quite surprised at how little both my parents remembered from the visit – including important information about all of his medications. It was a major eye-opener for me, realizing that my role of caregiver would definitely require my attendance at all their doctor appointments.

Taking good notes isn’t the only advantage of going to the doctor’s with your aging parents. I learned that many, though not all, doctors will spend more time and explain things more thoroughly with an extra adult present who is obviously overseeing their care. Perhaps it is the sense of being held accountable? Or maybe I just tend to be politely persistent with my list of questions. Whatever the reason, it’s definitely been a plus.

I’ve found it’s also beneficial in helping them find their way through the various medical complexes and understanding all they need to do. Plus I watched their comfort level increase dramatically by having me along. Much like those young children we accompanied so many years ago, we can provide loving encouragement and nurture to our senior parents, making their life easier, and ours as well. I guess that old saying is true – “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

Since 2002, a few educators began reading poetry in a church basement; soon after their agenda included educational courses focusing on contemporary global issues, historical themes, music appreciation, great decisions and foreign policy issues, and other matters of importance.

At first, the audience was primarily retired older adults; over time Active Minds has grown to serve adults of all ages through programming at book stores, libraries, and corporations.  Today Active Minds provides programming to more than 200 organizations and has over 30 highly qualified instructors on staff.

Employee relationships deepen and the company culture is strengthened with programs that enrich people’s lives. Tell your employer about the Active Minds Corporate Programs. One-hour classes offer an instructor providing an overview and in-depth analysis of an important topic. Click here for a list of topics.

Give my friend, Zane Robertson a call or email, and tell him Joy Loverde sent you…
Telephone: 303-320-7652
E-mail: Zane@ActiveMindsForLife.com
Website: www.ActiveMindsForLife.com

Families of persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia will be somewhat relieved to learn that more and more assisted living for memory care facilities have become available in recent years. For so long, the illness was simply diagnosed as senile dementia in seniors and left to progress as a natural part of aging. Today, many seniors are able to live in assisted living facilities specifically designed for those with memory impairment. For many, caring for a loved one with progressed dementia is not a viable option in the home setting and a good alternative is an Alzheimer’s care facility.

Alzheimer’s care facilities

Similar to an assisted living community, a legitimate dementia facility will have the same or expanded licensing requirements through their state governing body. Full-time, 24-hour staff of dementia specifically trained care givers is required in the facility. Some also have the oversight of licensed nurses and visiting physicians. Many contract services for an added medical benefit from home health and/or hospice companies. It is advisable to research the licensure requirements of each state to confirm that a facility meets these requirements. With licensing requirements have been established, several facilities located near the family should be reviewed and visited to find the best community meeting the families needs.

Staffing, services and amenities

With an understanding of staffing requirements, know that some states will structure personnel requirements based on the number of patients residing in the facility. The staff should have the states required training in caring for Alzheimer’s patients. An attitude of compassion and kindness should be present amongst all of the staff. Because some Alzheimer’s patients can display episodes of frustration, the staff should also know how to redirect to change the current behavior. Many times the family has experienced behavioral challenges with their loved one and they begin to realize that their family member would be better cared for in a dementia facility, where staff is trained to handle difficult situations.

Services will include personal care, assistance with activities of daily living – bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, continence management, medication management and more. 24-hour staff is on site to provide such supervision. Patients are also offered 3 meals per day, snacks and hydration. Housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services are provided. Daily programming through a scheduled activities program helps to manage behaviors and offer a daily routine, enhancing quality of life.

It is vital that a robust and diverse social program be in place to help patients retain as much social contact and busy activity as possible. Entertainment, games and exercise should be part of the social programming. Along with these activities, visits and continued relationships from family members are important to the Alzheimer’s patient.

With this information, the preference for selection will be a family decision after visits to qualified Alzheimer’s care facilities have been accomplished. You should also engage your physician in the decision making process.

For more information about senior housing communities in the Southeast and Pennsylvania, please visit www.slm.net. Senior Living Management Corp and its affiliates (SLM) operate and develop assisted living facilities throughout the Southeast and Pennsylvania.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Fink

The quality of life for many seniors suffers because they don’t remain active. While it’s true that the elderly do slow down and have limitations to what they can do, it is inaccurate to think that they can’t continue to exercise and take part in the world around them. There are many activities for the elderly that can help them remain active and interested in life.

Here are 5 tips for motivating seniors to remain as active as possible.

• Find Out What They Enjoyed Doing in the Past – Seniors are no different than anyone else in that they will be much more likely to do things they enjoy. Find out what an elderly person did in the past to exercise or remain active and encourage her to do it in some fashion. For example, if a senior used to hike, suggest that she walk in safe places even if it’s to go from the mailbox and back. If she was very social-enjoying activities with groups of people-encourage her to go to the senior center or join a senior’s club.

• Don’t Set Seniors Up for Failure – It’s very important to start slow with activities for the elderly to build proficiency and confidence, especially if the elderly person has been inactive for a time. For example, if the chosen activity is to walk, then start by walking around the block or just to the street and back (depending on capabilities) and then gradually increase the distance over time.

• Set up a Support System – Isolation is a major issue with the elderly and, if left alone to do her activity, she probably won’t continue to do it. Stay involved during the initial stages of the new activity or exercise to provide encouragement and support and to ensure that it is being done correctly and safely. Once the new activity routine has been established, it may not be necessary to be there while it is being performed. However, at least call the elderly person to see if she performed the activity and then offer praise to reinforce it. Also, activities are almost always more enjoyable when done with others, so encourage the senior to do the activity with a group of other seniors.

• Expand the Options by Providing Transportation – Not all activities for the elderly can be done effectively in the home and may require transportation to other locations such as a senior center, YMCA, etc. Try to provide transportation assistance so that the elderly person can travel to where worthwhile activities are taking place. If transportation can’t be provided directly, there are often community transportation options for the disabled and elderly that can be considered.

• Spend the Time to Change the Senior’s Mindset about Activity and Exercise – Don’t assume that the elderly person will embrace the opportunity to be active and to exercise. Many seniors have fallen or had accidents of some kind and are concerned if not frightened about becoming more active. Make sure the senior understands just how important it is to take part in activities for good health and vitality. It might also help to tell her how important it is to YOU that she tries to be as active as possible. People want to know that others care about them!

These are a few tips to consider when encouraging seniors to participate in activities for the elderly. Also, make sure the elderly person has gotten the advice of a physician before beginning any type of activity or exercise.

If you have an elderly friend or loved one or know someone who does, check out this useful web site at http://www.keepseniorsactive.com to find out more about how to help seniors remain active, healthy, and safe.

Steven Watson, PhD has been a small business owner for over 12 years and a manager for 18 years. He owned a home health agency that specialized in care for the elderly for 10 years and currently owns a copywriting and resume company in the Tallahassee, FL area. Steven has an 86-year old mother and has a special interest in informing others about how to keep elderly parents or friends safe and healthy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Watson,_Ph.D.

Geriatric Care Manager, carrie Hill, PhD

While chatting to members at our Day Centre, I realized that many of the elderly folk could no longer read books. They could still pick up a newspaper or magazine and read bits and pieces, but because of failing eyesight, reading for any length of time was too tiring for their eyes. Even large print books eventually became too stressful to read.

Many of us have read stories to our children and grandchildren, as great comfort is derived from being read to, at any age. The pleasure is not only felt by the children, but also by you, the reader. Especially as we often choose our own childhood favourites to read and enjoy once again!

So let us swing the other way and start reading aloud to the elderly people in our lives – a member of the family or someone you visit regularly or even someone in the care home where you work. You might want to read to one person or to a small group.

Suggest the idea to them and find out what book they would like to start with – it might be an old favourite or maybe a newly published novel. Most towns have libraries and you will be able to find the book there, if you don’t already have a copy.

Besides novels, there is a huge range of books covering specific topics or hobbies. Many of these have wonderful illustrations and photographs. Look also at the books in your chosen subject, that are aimed at children. There too you will find interesting text and even more pictures to share.

Apart from the obvious enjoyment of reading aloud, there are many benefits to be gained. Whatever book you choose to read, this activity will stimulate discussion and reminiscence, both of these being pleasing and essential to the wellbeing in the elderly. It too, alleviates boredom. This is a common problem with older people, as physical impairment limits activity and can spiral into depression.

So get your books out and start reading!

For more ideas on craft and activities for elderly folk have a look at My Blog

Nancy Lavender is a contributing writer to http://craftandactivities4elderly.blogspot.com where you can find activities relating to seniors, including crafts, games and so much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Lavender

Most of us notice subtle signs of change when our parents begin to age. It is expected they begin to move more slowly, have less strength, dexterity and energy. It is also normal to have reduced hearing and vision issues or possible problems with incontinence. Even some memory changes are a normal part of the aging process. Beginning as early as our 30′s, the brain’s weight, size of its nerve network, and its blood flow can begin to decrease. It is fairly common to have less recall of recent memories and to be slower remembering names and details.

Many elderly people are experiencing some or all of the above symptoms of aging but most of them still live at home, drive their cars, do their own shopping, cooking and participate in social activities. So when are friends or adult children of an elderly parent supposed to realize that something is wrong? One can find the answer from WCBS medical correspondent Dr. Max Gomez and countless others in the elderly healthcare industry. Those who suddenly find themselves dealing with a parent or loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will be looking for answers and a way to cope. Many turn to Skilled Nursing Facilities Los Angeles to ease the burden of caring for their loved ones. Often the very functionality of a parent, albeit somewhat compromised by age, can mask symptoms of disease or serious problems that can easily be overlooked.

Even with his medical training, Dr. Gomez says he missed the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease until three years ago, when he discovered his father had lost every dollar he’d earned. His father retired OB/GYN Dr. Max Gomez, Sr., admittedly was poor with money management, but Dr. Gomez suffered more than a few bad investments. He is now penniless, living in a care facility paid for by Medicaid. Although no longer practicing medicine, Dr. Gomez still had the title of medical director at a clinic. The clinic named him legally responsible for multiple commercial loans, and took out mortgages in his name. The FBI began investigating the situation when Dr. Gomez’s identification was found to have been used to file millions in false Medicare claims. It was also discovered that a former girlfriend had been writing checks worth thousands of dollars against his savings account.

In Alzheimer’s disease, nerve cells die in key brain regions. One of the first is the hippocampus. Damage to the hippocampus, and later the frontal lobe, affect the ability to plan, organize and reason, both crucial aspects for managing money. “You can’t retain the facts because of memory, and you can’t utilize the facts efficiently,” explained, Mony Jon de Leon, director of the NYU Center for Brain Health. “It’s very hard – as people become deteriorated – to manage finances.” In conclusion, even though an elderly parent is functional, lucid and appears to be in control, taking an inventory of sorts of their financial situation and how they are handling their money, may be a good safeguard. If you suspect your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia it might be a good idea to get a consultant from an Assisted Living Dementia facility to help assess their condition.

A Few Early Warning Signs Of Alzheimer’s Disease:

• Challenges in ability to plan or solve problems
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
• Decreased or poor judgment
• Withdrawal from work, family or social activities
• Changes in mood and personality
• Memory problems that affect behavior and reasoning. For example, losing or misplacing an item with the inability to retrace steps and actions to locate it.

About The Author: Gloria Ha’o Schneider is an expert in senior citizen and baby boomer issues. Her topics revolve around Assisted Living Facilities and the Elderly Healthcare industry to provide resources to families and their elderly loved ones across the nation.

800Seniors.com is a leading referral system in the Elderly Healthcare industry. We are located on 5400 Atlantis Court, Moorpark, California 93021. 800Seniors.com provides the perfect match between seniors searching for independent accommodations such as Assisted Living Facilities Los Angeles, Board and Care Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, as well as a variety of Home Healthcare services nationwide. Take the confusion and hassle out of the search. For more information call 1-800-768-34, visit http://800seniors.com or fax us your details at (805)517-1623.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gloria_H_Schneider

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting about 5.3 million Americans of all ages in the year 2010. Comprising this number is 5.1 million people aged 65 and above and 200,000 individuals under the age of 65 and who are experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This condition, however, goes beyond the numbers. Somewhere along those digits lies someone in need of care and attention, and that someone could be your grandfather, your favorite uncle, your father, or your spouse.

Early symptoms of the disease can easily be confused with normal ‘age-related’ concerns, including forgetfulness and inability to acquire new memories. Later on, as the disease advances, other symptoms such as confusion, mood swings, aggression, irritability, language breakdown, and overall withdrawal of the patient can be observed. The sufferer also loses control over his bodily functions, which would eventually lead to his or her death.

As of now, doctors are still uncertain as to the true cause of Alzheimer’s disease and its progression. Although there are treatments that offer temporary symptomatic relief, there are no treatments to inhibit or halt the progression of the disease. The best thing that can be done for a person who has Alzheimer’s is to make his/her remaining years as comfortable as possible.

But this is no easy task. There are a lot of pressures involved in taking care of a senior afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, including but not limited to social, emotional, psychological, physical, and economical facets of the caregiver’s life. Oftentimes, seniors with AD are placed in retirement homes or similar facilities in which trained professionals are able to provide all-around care. There are also some instances where the patients are kept at home to the care of loved ones.

In those instances when professional help is out of the question, a loving family member or relative might read up on Senior Alzheimer’s Care tips:

• Be patient, understanding, sensitive, positive, and cheerful.
• Develop routines to reassure your patient – a familiar environment or daily activity will ease him
• Keep your patient away from harm, similar to how you would “child-proof” your home.
• Take comfort that you are not alone, and that you shouldn’t blame yourself once the burden has become too heavy. There are always retirement facilities that will be more than willing to lift your load.
• Seek encouragement from fellow caregivers.

If a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, read more on Senior Alzheimer’s Care to prepare yourself for the trying journey that lies ahead.

For Keep Sake LLC is a senior home health care provider serving families and the elderly throughout Montgomery County PA, Bucks County PA and the Greater Northeast Philadelphia.

We provide the highest quality of elder care services treating your family members as if they were our own. Call us at 215-256-4003 to learn more about our services today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roberto_Rodriquez

How many of us have been raised by grandfather or grandmother? Most of the times when mom and dad separate or got divorced the ones who look out for children are the grandparents. This is very common scenario in any parts of the globe. Another usual case is having grandparents who spoil grandchildren with all their wants – whether new toys, chocolates or new dress. These are actually reasons why we need to give back the love our grandparents have been giving us. When we are already settled with our life, having a successful work or business then it is time to share the blessings and great time to our dearest grandparents. Here are some examples on how you could give your grandparents happy and perfect time:

1. Give them cruise trip – since they are already old then they deserve some pampering in life. If they haven’t been in a cruise ship then you should give them the opportunity to experience this kind of luxury. You can either go with them or you could give your grandfather and grandmother some time to enjoy their company. For sure they will be more thankful to have you as their grandchild. Let them experience the comfort and joy of traveling in this cruise ship where best foods, services and overall experience are being offered.

2. Why not let them stay in a beach house or house in a province – living in the city could be dangerous for the health of your grandparents so if they are willing why not ask them to live in one of your beach houses or house in the province? They will enjoy more the fresh air and the simplicity of life there. They will be far away from the smokes of various cars in the metro, from all the pollution and noises in the street. Living near the beach could be more peaceful for them and they will be able to have better sleep at night.

3. Say your appreciation once in a while – sometimes, grandchildren tend to be shy in expressing their gratitude or appreciation for their grandparents however what you don’t know is that more than all the material gifts that you could give them a simple “thank you” and “I love you” are the ones they appreciate more. Of course, it is touching to hear for grandparents to hear their grandchild whom they cared for so much, whom they raised all his life until he can stand up in his two feet, the words thank you and I love you. As a grandchild, do not be shy or hesitant to express how you feel. Life is too short and it would be great if your loved ones know how thankful you are to have them in your life.

Grandparents are like second parents to most kids so we shall give them respect, love and if possible some gifts that they can use to have comfortable and happier life. We shall always remember that they became our guide when we were little so now that we are grown up, let us be their guide while they are aging.

Nadine Torres likes to share information on medicare advantage plans and medicare plan as well as related issues.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nadine_Torres