Cramps in the feet and legs, especially at bedtime, are not
uncommon for many of us. I remember first experiencing extremely
painful ones when I was pregnant. Oh my gracious, they were awful!
Eventually, I ended that season of life and went through a good
ten or 20 years rarely experiencing them.

Now that I am flirting with senior citizen status, they’re back
and almost as painful as before. My senior mom struggles with them
even more than I do, and it’s more difficult for her to stop the
pain by standing up, because her range of motion is more
limited.

She’s tried soap under her mattress. (Don’t laugh.
Regardless of whether it was a placebo effect or one of those
wive’s tales that really worked, it did help for quite a while.)
Then she was scheduled for surgery and I was concerned she would have
a nasty flare-up of cramps in the hospital and be unable to easily
change her position or stand up at all. We talked to her surgeon about
this, and he prescribed some medication in case they occurred.

When she was discharged, we again talked to the doctor and he sent
her home with a prescription to ease the pain if one attacked, along
with a muscle relaxant to help prevent them, as needed. She has rarely
taken it, but has so appreciated these medications when the occasional
cramp has reared its ugly head.

In retrospect, I wish we’d thought to ask her family doctor for
help much earlier. Knowing  her though, I know she’d have
said, “Oh, I don’t want to bother the doctor by
complaining.” I’ve heard that from her in the past, as well
as from some of the other seniors I’ve worked with over the years.
It’s not useless complaining, though, if there is something that
can be done for a problem.

No matter what it is, it’s always wise to discuss any physical
changes in your senior parents or things that are causing discomfort
to them with their doctor. Granted, the doctor may explain that there
is nothing that can be done for that issue at this time. Still, even
that is useful information as they now have a more complete picture of
what’s going on with your senior parent’s physical health. And
that’s always a big help as well.

Kaye Swain is a member of the Sandwich Generation dealing with the issues of caring for the elderly parents and relatives in her family while also babysitting grandchildren. She enjoys writing on those topics at SandwichINK, in order to provide other multigenerational caregivers with useful information, resources and encouragement.

By Kaye Swain

Wheelchairs are definitely a help for the caregiver as well as the caree, aren’t they? It’s a lot easier, and faster, to push someone on four wheels, than to help them walk slowly through the grocery store or mall. Thanks to a broken toe a few years ago, we have a handy dandy transport/travel wheelchair stored in the garage. It was inexpensive, very helpful, and is readily available for any emergency in our home – or to loan out to friends and family members. We learned how handy those can be when I started caring for my elderly parents during my senior dad’s end stage period of his Parkinsons Disease.

With plenty of experience using these handy tools, you’d think I’d know everything there is to know about wheelchairs. Not true! While doing research on another project, I discovered some great safety tips I’m going to keep in mind for myself and wanted to share with you.

Per Mosby’s Textbook for Long-Term Care Nursing Assistants:

• Check the wheels regularly for flat tires or loose ones. A wheelchair wheel lock will not work on a flat or loose tire.
• Keep an eye on the wheel spokes as well. Damaged, broken, or loose spokes can interfere with moving the wheelchair or locking the wheels.
• It’s best to always go forward with a wheelchair unless you are going backwards through a doorway.
• Some wheelchairs have arms that are removable when the patient wants to move to a bed, toilet, or car. Very handy. (Our transport wheelchair does not have that option – but it’s lighter to push and easier to put into the car, so I still love it.)

I also found a great pictorial guide for helping a caree in and out of their wheelchair at Duke.edu. I really appreciate that it focuses on OUR health and safety as well as our loved one.

The State of Missouri has another useful resource, with many safety tips for wheelchairs, including:

• Don’t put heavy loads on the back of a manual wheelchair. It might make it tip over.
• Avoid riding in the rain in an electric wheelchair. It could cause it to behave erratically for a variety of reasons.
• Do NOT let kids and grandkids play with any wheelchair, especially an electric one. Also, if it is electric, don’t let them touch the controls or stand on the battery box.

As far as that last tip goes, my grandkids and senior dad loved it when he could slowly tootle around the house in his lightweight wheelchair, with his young great-grandson on his lap. We treasure the photos we have of them and their matching, ear-to-ear grins. His was not an electric chair, though. If it had been, we would have been extra careful to follow the wise advice at this site, while still enjoying the sweet site of great-grandpa enjoying his precious grandchild.

How about you? While caring for your elderly parents or other loved ones, have you discovered some great wheelchair safety tips and helps ? Be sure to leave your suggestions in the comment box. We’d love to hear them.

Kaye Swain is a member of the Sandwich Generation dealing with the issues of caring for the elderly parents and relatives in her family while also babysitting grandchildren. She enjoys writing on those topics at SandwichINK, in order to provide other multigenerational caregivers with useful information, resources and encouragement.

I finally got my message across to Mom – but it wasn’t easy.  In a nutshell, Mom told me flat out she wanted the “independence” of going to the ATM machine herself to withdraw cash.  The ATM machine in our Chicago neighborhood is located inside the nearby Walgreen’s. It’s a very busy city scene – lots of people both locals and tourists in and out all day long. I explained to Mom how she was an easy target for anyone who wants to rob her once she leaves the store. My 86 year-old, 100 pound, 4’ 10” mother laughed at me.

For several months she dug in her heels and insisted on wanting her independence when it came to withdrawing cash. I was not getting through to her and so I finally had to say, “If independence is what you are looking for to get cash then you will have 100% responsibility of managing the entire banking process which also includes going to the bank, opening an account for cash withdrawal purposes, and then keeping that account filled with funds. OK?” She said OK. And I held my breath.

The easy part was Mom setting up the account with her banker. She was proud of herself and told me so. In the meantime I waited for the inevitable to happen. Several weeks later she went to the local ATM machine to withdraw money and she could not understand why it did not work for her. Thank goodness she did not ask a nearby stranger to help her.!!!!

The reason it did not work was because Mom did not fully understand the connection between the bank account and the ATM machine. And that’s when she finally realized she was in over her head and her highly guarded “independence” when it came to the ATM machine came to a screeching halt. She came home with tears in her eyes and apologized.

We are now back to the way it was… if Mom needs cash, we both walk over to the bank together and she does her thing.

Stay tuned for more adventures of Joy and her Mom.

By Marina

Injuries can happen in your home in the least expected places.  While common occurrences of injury often take place in the kitchen, there are also other areas of the home that can provoke injury.  One usually doesn’t expect furniture to be the cause of a trip to the local emergency room. In many cases, however, it has.  Listed below are 10 things you can do to reduce furniture related injuries in your home.

• Keep furniture out of pathways.  Placing furniture in areas where people frequently walk is just an accident waiting to happen. While you and the members of your household may know that the table is there, guests who visit your home may not.  Avoid injury by placing furniture out of the way.
• If it is broke, fix it or throw it out. It can be hard letting go of furniture if it is sentimental to you or you don’t have any money to replace it.   However, having broken furniture in the home is sure to lead to injury.  Repair broken furniture as soon as you realize there is a problem.  If it cannot be repaired, throw it out or store it in the attic. Don’t leave it out for people to get hurt on.
• Furniture should never be placed near space heater or fire places. The actual position of the furniture can also be of danger.  Avoid placing couches made of fabric close to space heaters or fire places as this can result in injury. Be smart about where you place your furniture.
• Cheaply made furniture is more likely to cause injury. While you may want to save money when buying your furniture, be careful when buying extremely cheap products.   Read reviews about the durability and stability of the furniture before you make the purchase.  These reviews can be helpful in avoiding furniture related injuries in your home. Choose to buy your furniture from trusted brands instead of buying because of price.
• Make sure cabinets are hung properly.  Whether you have a curio cabinet hanging on the wall or a medicine cabinet or a vanity mirror in the bathroom, all cabinets must be properly hung.  Countless injuries occur from objects or actual cabinets falling from the wall.  Check to make sure that all cabinets in your home are properly hung.
• Put railings on your child’s bed. Bunk beds are a major cause of injury among children. If you have bunk beds in your home, make sure that the top bunk has a secure railing. Even beds that are high off the ground should have railing for your child’s protection.
• Make sure furniture is not top heavy. Top heavy furniture may collapse or fall onto someone walking by.  Avoid overcrowding hall tables or other pieces of furniture that have a surface to display things.  Limit the amount of knick knacks that you place on one surface.
• Children should never be allowed to climb on furniture. Reduce the risk for injury by not allowing children to climb up on tables, jump on couches, etc.  Set some ground rules for the furniture in your home so that you can avoid unwanted trips to the emergency room.
• Watch out for lead painted furniture. Lead paint is dangerous. Antiques and older furniture may be covered with leady paid. If you suspect a piece of furniture in your home may be painted with lead based paint, get rid of it.  Lead causes serious issues for health.
• Sharp corners should have some type of protection. Tables and fireplaces are notorious for having sharp edges. Avoid potential injuries by placing protection over sharp corners.  You children are especially prone to injuries relating to sharp edges from fireplaces and coffee tables.

Use the tips list above to help reduce your risk for furniture related injuries. Perhaps there are some changes you need to make in your home in a effort to make it safe for you, your family, and your guests. Accidents can happen when you least expect it and in the most uncommon places. This includes around your furniture. Do what you can to prevent injuries by taking the advice listed above.

The article is written by Marina of 1001 Walking canes – an online store of stylish and fashionable walking sticks.

It’s a great opportunity to make sure they really are doing as well as they say they are. I have had a couple of beloved seniors over the years who I would call regularly. They always assured me they were doing just fine. But when I was finally able to get out to visit them, I discovered they definitely needed some extra help and closer oversight.

And that’s not necessarily true just for the long distance relatives. I had a sweet aging neighbor, once, who I shopped for each week. While I was concerned about her deteriorating health, I didn’t worry about what she was eating, since I knew about all the healthy items I was getting her. When she continued to worsen and I had to step in a bit more proactively, I was shocked to find quite a bit of that healthy food dead and dying in the fridge.

Now, when I visit aging relatives, I make sure I take a quick peek in their fridge, just to be sure they are eating OK.

If you do find that your senior relatives need some extra help, but are otherwise fine at home, some great resources to help them and you can include:

Meals on Wheels

A  housekeeper – through an agency, their church, or friend’s referrals – once a week or even once a month

A gardener 3-4 times a month during the growing season. And if they live in snow country, perhaps they could come periodically to shovel the snow for them

Eventually, they may need to relocate to your home or a care facility, to ensure their safety and healthy well-being. But these simple little tips can often enable them to stay in their own home a bit longer – making them and you very happy. And that’s often the best gift of all, isn’t it.

Kaye Swain is a member of the Sandwich Generation dealing with the issues of caring for the elderly parents and relatives in her family while also babysitting grandchildren. She enjoys writing on those topics at SandwichINK, in order to provide other multigenerational caregivers with useful information, resources and encouragement.

By Carol Marak

Helping an aging loved one decide to move from their home into a senior living facility can be difficult, especially if they are leaving a home of 20 plus years. I remember when my Dad began the move process to an assisted living community from his home of 54 plus years, it was hard on him..

We knew that Dad was feeling isolated since Mom’s passing but we were unaware of his immobility issues and his general loss of interest in life. He was eating less at mealtimes and losing weight. Until he began falling frequently and losing up to 7 pounds, our remedy was to visit more often to check on him but that solution was futile. He was lonely and our weekend visits were not helping him much. The weeks were too long for him.

If you are concerned about an aging relative’s safety and independence at home, consider these few questions to discern whether a move is appropriate:

How active is your family member? Are they getting plenty of exercise or just sitting at home all day? Are they stable or have they had a fall?

What are their eating habits like? Are they preparing and eating nutritious meals? Or do you find their cupboards stocked with unhealthy snacks instead? Is the refrigerator filled with spoiled food?

Are they bathing? Do they have on the same clothes they had on since your last visit? Are they able to use the washing machine?

Is your parent taking medication properly? Do you find prescriptions scattered around the house?

Is the home organized and neat? Is the yard over-grown?

Are they able to operate appliances safely? Do they remember to turn the stove or coffee maker off when they finish cooking?

Are they still driving and should they be? Do they have additional means of transportation?

Do you see unpaid bills lying around?

What is their social life like? Do they have friends, or are they isolated from others most of the time?

When you really look at your parent, do you see a happy and vibrant person? Or do you see someone who needs help with activities of daily living?

Older adults do not want to move from home. However, it maybe the best option to keep them safe and healthy.

To determine if they should move, take a good look at the present housing situation, health status and medical needs. The bonus of moving is your loved one will enjoy a safe, social lifestyle with supportive services and care, and you will have peace of mind!

Carol Marak is founder of Carebuzz.com (http://carebuzz.com), a platform of websites targeting local senior care help for family caregivers and the aging senior they care for. Carol is a former caregiver for her aging parents. She experienced the frustrations of searching for local elder care help while living at a distance from her loved ones. That’s why she created Carebuzz. She plans to grow the city sites to be a leading local resource for caregivers.

When communicating with those they care about becomes difficult, our elderly friends and relatives need our help. Technology comes to the rescue once again as we seek to ensure quality of life for the aging.

A Computer – An Aging Loved One’s Best Friend

If you think computers are just for the young, it’s time to reconsider. A laptop can be a boon to the elderly. Computers bring the world, and you and your family, right into an elderly person’s home.

Social networking sites allow the aging to enjoy old friendships and make new ones. Special interest groups allow those who are advanced in years to chat with others who share similar interests.

Most laptops come equipped with a camera and microphone, allowing grandmas and grandpas to videoconference with their loved ones. Homebound friends can arrange to video conference, making it possible to hold book clubs, movie critiques, or a virtual get- together.

Microphones and cameras embedded in the computer also make it possible to send video messages to friends and family. Personal and family histories can also be recorded digitally on a computer, which is also a great way to keep your aging loved one’s remembered and thinking.  Not to mention, what a wonderful treasure you’ll have when they’re finished.

A Phone is Not Just a Phone Anymore

The elderly might resist the switch to a smart phone, but once they see all it can do, they quickly embrace its wonders. Smart phones have many features that help the elderly overcome the challenges of arthritic fingers or failing hearing. Large screens, virtual keyboards, voice dialing, and a host of other innovations make placing a phone call easy.

Smart phones also allow users to enjoy easy access to news, social networks, and emails. And don’t forget texting. Texting is a great way to chat, send pictures, or just say hi.

Writing Letters in the New Millennium

Many of the elderly remember writing letters; we call it snail mail today. Many still find it pleasant to take pen to paper and write to a friend. If shaking hands or aching joints make it difficult to write a letter (or use a computer keyboard) help has arrived. Voice to text software enables users to bypass the keyboard and use their voice to interact with the computer.

Don’t allow failing health or being homebound to rob loved ones and friends from frequent communication with those they care about. Technological advancements unimagined when the elderly where young, can bring the world and those they hold dear close.

Part One, “What Joy Loverde Wants You to Know About Technology and Aging Parents” offers information about creating a safe home environment and check-in systems, including suggestions on where to purchase products and services. Part Two blog talks about technology and creating a network of support – especially with the doctor and medical staff. This blog will offer ideas about integrating technology into everyday living.

I love low tech products that help with daily family caregiving responsibilities. Vibrating wrist watches and devices attached to common-sized prescription containers can record customized information and sound an alarm when it’s time for Mom to take her medications. Then there are pill bottles that can send a text message to a cell phone or TV screen.

“There’s an app for that.” Have you recently checked app downloads that are available as cell phone reminder systems? You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the number of apps and family caregiver options. In addition to a text message, some of the reminder apps also offer telephone calling as a back-up.

I love all the brain-fitness software and on-line fitness options on the market. Mind games have never been more important for a healthy lifestyle. One of my favorites is the home version of Dakim. You can learn more by clicking on the Dakim link on my website resources page: http://www.elderindustry.com/resources.html. To explore other options type “brain fitness” in your Internet browser.

Talking stuffed animals have been popular for decades with children so why not offer the same to our elderly loved ones – especially those who are experiencing health issues or feeling lonely and depressed? Everything from classic teddy bears to mainstream pop culture characters can talk, and delight. Talking stuffed animals are relatable – some can read them a story, others spout out lines from favorite movies, others can sing and ask questions. Many offer the option of recording words in your own voice. Hearing a familiar voice often comforts and reassures.

Low tech systems keep the entire family connected. Contact the local agency on aging or the telephone company and ask about amplified telephone handsets and other assistive devices to qualified applicants who have difficulty using a standard telephone. Picture phones are easy to use if your elder has vision and memory issues. Skype (Mary please link www.skype.com) is a computer software application that allows users to make voice and video calls and chats over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free.

For more ideas on technology and family caregiving take a look at the products and services listed in my book, The Complete Eldercare Planner.