Elder Care ABC Created by caregivers for caregivers

By Michael S. Simpson

There was a time when Mom became too frail to take care of herself the only option was “the old folks home”. Now our choices have much improved. We have independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes. Many of these have the look, feel and amenities of a resort. In fact many of them refer to themselves as “retirement resorts”.

They are really nice but some can be real pricey too. But for the aging loved one who desires to stay in their home, the home where they feel safe surrounded by neighbors who they trust and in the home of memories we now have in home senior care.

Senior care or elder care includes a wide range of services that are provided over an extended period of time to people who need help to perform normal activities of daily living because of cognitive impairment or loss of muscular strength or control.

Elder care can include rehabilitative therapies, skilled nursing care, palliative care through hospice, and social services, as well as supervision and a wide range of supportive personal care provided by family caregivers and/or home health care agencies. Elder care may also include training to help older people adjust to or overcome many of the limitations that often come with aging. If appropriate, elder care can at best be provided in the home first.

Where do we start when looking for resources for elder care for a loved one? Resources that can help the elderly stay in their own home are the first place to start. A variety of independent living services are now available to help the elderly care for themselves in their own home despite their changing physical needs. This may help, delay or totally avoid moving into an assisted living or nursing home. Read More

by Joy Loverde

A soft knock on my home-office door around noon always means it’s time to eat — whether I’m hungry or not. I smile as I open the door. There stands my Mom, with arms outstretched, holding a large paper plate filled to the brim with a sandwich sliced in half, potato chips, butter pickles, a side of potato salad, and several cookies for desert. She warms my heart every time. Mom has come to bring me my lunch.

Several months back, Mom moved in with us, and her new focus in life is feeding Joy Loverde EVERY chance she gets. Having an Italian mother means food and love. They go hand-in-hand, and I mean to tell you she loves me a lot.  I haven’t the heart to tell her that I’m not typically hungry when she hands dishes out the huge lunch-time meal. That would be a major blow to her worth as my mother. Instead, I graciously accept the plate of food with a big smile and thank you. Read More

Welcome to the July 14th EldercareABC Blog Carnival

Kaye Swain presents Caring for Elderly Parents? Have You Heard of Acute Confusional State (Delirium) From Hospital Stays? | SandwichINK.com posted at SandwichINK.com, saying, “For the Sandwich Generation, caring for elderly parents, issues like dealing with hospitalization can be very frustrating. Here are some tips to help.”

Denise Harris presents How to Prepare For a Sleep Study posted at Able Mart, saying, “Many of your health problems can have their root in poor sleep quality.” Read More

by Joy Loverde

It’s time to tell Bill that he’s out of choices, and that the move to Chicago is taking place in a few short weeks. With a history of resistance and temperamental outbursts, I must be very cautious regarding my approach when bringing up this sensitive topic with Bill. In the back of my mind at all times is the fact that Mom’s health is at risk. Her weak heart can’t take one more setback. Read More

by Marie Crawford

Restless leg syndrome is a sleep disorder that causes pain in the legs. Specifically restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder in which a person will feel tingling, creeping, pulling, itching or gnawing sensations in the legs. It is difficult to describe exactly the sensation one feels but it can be difficult to lay still or rest, as movement eases the problem.

For the most part, symptoms are rarely described as painful, but more as if one is experiencing an ache and it is most noticeable at rest, hence why many people find it difficult to get to sleep or to sit and rest for a while.

This sleep disorder tends to begin slowly and becomes more and more frequent over time. Many women find themselves with this disorder during pregnancy especially in the later stages. Read More

By Nick Messe

Many senior citizens face debilitating health conditions such as dementia, arthritis, stroke, or immobility. These beloved elders are often the victim of fraud, inappropriate government intervention, financial ruin, inadequate medical care, and nursing home abuse or neglect. They often fail to mention any of these personal problems to family members, as they do not want to cause unnecessary worry or seem incapable of handling their own affairs.

Sometimes, even when caring family members make heroic and tireless efforts to help their loved ones, loopholes in the law make the resolution of many situations next to impossible. Thankfully, with a little advice from a competent attorney, supportive family members can close these loopholes, reaching a satisfactory resolution to most of these issues. For those instances where family members cannot fight these battles alone, a trusted attorney who specializes in elder law can be the hero of the day.

If your elder is placed in a hospital or nursing home without adequate insurance or savings to pay for their care, their assets can liquidated by the court. Read More

By Inger Rarick

Most of us will have to manage the care of an aging loved one at some point in our lifetime. A loved one can need additional care because of a medical condition or complication, a decline in cognitive functioning, or increasing isolation and depression. The responsibilities and challenges can be overwhelming for a caregiver. Navigating the options for senior care and coordinating their care can be equally challenging.

The Options:

Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing Facilities: Studies show the process of aging is a much better experience when you are able to age in place and remain in the home environment. For this reason, assisted living or skilled nursing facilities may not be the best option for your loved one. In addition to the trauma associated with moving someone from the home to an assisted care environment, one must also consider the high cost of care as these facilities can range from $3,000 to more than $10,000 per month. Read More

by Chance Andrews

Many a proverb has been dedicated to how our attitudes and expectations evolve as we pass through life’s seasons, but far less has been written about how our nutrition needs change as we enter the golden years.

As we age, we need fewer calories – about 10 percent less per decade from age 50 onward – but not necessarily fewer nutrients. With our bodies’ own natural antioxidant systems losing steam, we need to increase our intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like artichokes, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cranberries and dried plums.

Because of this calorie-nutrient paradox, it’s more important than ever to choose foods with care, opting for a nutrient-dense diet and avoiding empty-calorie snacks. Fiber, for example, is a macronutrient that too many seniors get too little of. Read More