Why Companionship Matters: Staying Connected With Others

Now more than ever, social isolation is a major concern, especially for older Americans who may live alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the concerns and complications related to loneliness and lack of companionship. What are the negative effects of isolation and what can be done about it?

Who is at Risk For Loneliness?

According to one study, ⅓ of adults 45 and older report loneliness, and ¼ of adults age 65 and older are socially isolated.1 There are many reasons this can happen. As people get older, social connections naturally change. This can be family changes such as people moving away for work or to start their own families. Friends and even spouses sometimes pass away as they age.

And changes to someone’s physical health can create barriers to visiting family and friends that are close by. Struggling with mobility and fear of falling, or with vision changes that make driving unsafe, can limit the ability to leave the house. Problems with incontinence, hearing loss, and memory can feel embarrassing and lead to avoiding social situations. Just feeling unwell can stop someone from interacting with others. Immigrants, who may face language barriers and limited long-term social connections, and LGBTQ populations facing discrimination and stigma, are also at greater risk for loneliness. 2

The Impacts of Isolation and Loneliness

The effects of this loss of connection to other people are significant. Humans are naturally social creatures and need meaningful interaction. This is reflected in several facts linked with the impacts of isolation and loneliness:

  • In one study, adults 60 and older who reported loneliness had a 45% increased risk of death, and a 59% increased risk of mental and physical decline 3
  • Social isolation can result in a 50% higher risk of dementia4
  • Loneliness and social isolation is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke 5
  • One study estimated that 1 in 5 cases of depression in older people could be prevented by reducing loneliness6
  • Loneliness may weaken the immune system and make people more prone to illness and infection7

It’s worth noting this can even happen when someone does not live alone, depending on the dynamic of the relationship with the person they live with. For example, there can be conflict in the relationship, or a family member may still work many hours and be unavailable much of the time. In one study, 43% of older adults surveyed said they felt lonely, but only 18% of those same adults reported living alone.8 So, a person does not have to be completely isolated to experience the negative effects of a lack of meaningful connection to others.

How to Combat Loneliness and Social Isolation

Research shows that people who are part of meaningful social activities that give them a sense of purpose have improved mood, well being, may live longer and even have improved cognitive function.9

There are several things you can do to combat social isolation and loneliness:

Invest in Hobbies

Staying involved in hobbies is a great activity that can not only build connections with others but also keep you active. Many of these can be done by joining a group activity, like a book club, being part of a community garden, playing games like chess or card games, and more. These are all great outlets to keep you occupied and social.

Adopt a Pet

Aside from the simple fact that having a pet means you have a guaranteed live-in companion, and physical contact with another living being, it is also often a chance to bridge the gap with other people, too. Having a pet means chances to do things like getting out for walks, going to the pet store, and common ground for conversation with other pet owners. Having the regular routines that go along with caring for a pet is good for motivation and staying busy, too.

Join a Church

If religion is important to you, belonging to a church can be a great source of support and social engagement. Along with opportunities to participate in activities outside your home, it’s a way to meet other like-minded people. And many seniors find they receive support from their church at times they need it most, as other members may offer hands-on help with activities that they have difficulty doing on their own. A church can also be a great place to be a part of activities like a choir, or volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer for a Cause

Speaking of volunteering, this is another excellent activity for social interaction, especially if you are retired and have more free time. Some seniors enjoy volunteering to teach a class or mentor a young student in a subject they have expertise in. Others get involved in charities related to causes that are important to them. The possibilities in this area are limitless!

Learn Something New

Maybe there’s a skill that you always wanted to master when life was more hectic. Group classes can be a great way to finally take up that skill, feel a sense of accomplishment, and meet some people doing it. Some people enjoy learning a new craft or taking up a fun activity like dance lessons. It can be a great way to have quality time with a good friend or a family member who might want to join in, too.

Reach Out to Friends and Family

Sometimes, a barrier to connecting with friends and family is just a lack of communication and a fear of causing inconvenience. Your loved ones can’t know what kind of struggles you might be facing unless you reach out. Once you have shared this, it is easier to make plans. For example, if getting out of the house is hard, a game night in with takeout dinner delivery might be the best option.

Also, if health issues are interfering with your ability to socialize, asking a trusted friend or family member to come with you to discuss these problems with your doctor can help. Not only will they be more familiar with the challenges you are facing, but they can be an extra set of ears and can advocate for you on ways to improve your health.

Consider Home Care

If your mobility is limited, and your family is not always able to help you get around, home care can be a great option to not only keep you more engaged with everyday tasks and activities, but also for companionship. Many people find that they build a close connection with a regular caregiver or caregivers who become like family!

You’re Important and Deserve Connection

Sometimes, loneliness and isolation can become overwhelming. The Institute on Aging (IOA) offers a 24/7 toll-free crisis Friendship Line, staffed by trained volunteers, to people 60 years and older. This is the only nationwide program in the US that is specially designed for depressed, isolated, frail, and/or suicidal older adults. The number is 800-971-0016.

By being proactive about building connections in the ways listed above, you can avoid loneliness and social isolation and positively impact your health and longevity. Even in situations where mobility and other problems may limit your ability to leave home, there are ways to have meaningful connections and companionship.

If you would like to learn more about home care as an option to avoid isolation and improve your ability to do everyday activities, our caregivers are only a phone call away. You can learn more about Caresify’s services here, or call 888-799-5007.

 

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
  3. https://keystone.health/aging-parents-loneliness
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
  5. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/the-facts-on-loneliness/
  6. https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/loneliness-strongly-linked-depression-older-adults/
  7. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
  8. https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2012/06/98644/loneliness-linked-serious-health-problems-and-death-among-elderly
  9. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

The Importance of Advance Care Planning

When it comes to making important decisions about your medical treatment and care, knowing how to define your goals and wishes on paper is very important. This is key to ensuring that both your family and your medical providers have a clear roadmap to what your healthcare preferences are if you are unable to explain them in the future for any reason.

What is Advance Care Planning?

Simply put, advance care planning is thinking about your possible future medical care needs and putting plans related to those needs down on paper. There are many parts of future care to consider, and several written tools available for recording your wishes.

Why Do I Need Advance Care Planning?

Right now, you can make decisions about what kind of medical care you want to receive, and you can clearly communicate those decisions. Most of us don’t like to think about how that can change, and sometimes it’s unexpected when it does. Unfortunately, only a small number of adults- as few as 1 in 3- pursue advance care planning to address this possibility.1

So, having conversations now with your family, doctor, and even close friends about what you want your medical care to look like, is crucial. By creating clear written instructions based on these conversations, you can ensure that your decisions are heard in the future, even if you can no longer make or share decisions due to your health.

This also helps your loved ones avoid the stress and confusion that can happen if your wishes aren’t clearly spelled out. Without advance care planning, there can be uncertainty and disagreement between friends and family who are left guessing what your choices would be if you could speak for yourself.

How to Start Advance Care Planning

To begin the process of advance care planning, you can talk to your doctor and let them know you are interested in meeting to discuss these topics. This visit is covered by Medicare. Talking with your doctor will help you sort out what is known, and what may be likely in the future, in relation to your health conditions. It also means your doctor will be fully informed of your choices. This is an important point, since 65-76% of doctors whose patients have advance directives don’t even know that they’ve created them. 2

As you prepare to have this conversation with your family and doctor, some topics to consider are:

  • Who do I trust and want to be my spokesperson if I am incapacitated?
  • If I have little chance of full recovery, would I want life-saving measures such as CPR or being placed on a ventilator (breathing machine)?
  • What are my religious and spiritual beliefs related to illness, treatment, and the dying process?
  • What medical treatments go against my beliefs?
  • At the end of my life, is it important to me to die at home and avoid the hospital if possible?
  • What kinds of goals are most important to me- being pain free? Spending time with family? Reducing symptoms? Avoiding side effects of treatment?
  • What are the goals of any treatments offered now? To cure, or to control symptoms? When does it make sense to stop any treatments?
  • If I cannot eat or drink, do I want a feeding tube or intravenous hydration?

With all of these topics, you can continue to revisit ideas as things change about your situation and your health. If you decide to change something later, you can. Right now, it’s just an opportunity to make your values known and to make the best decisions that you can with the information you have at this time.

Some Important Documents to Consider

The written documents that are completed as a part of advance care planning are called advance directives. There are a few common forms you’ll want to understand that are used to reflect your decisions. They are as follows:

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare

Also called a healthcare proxy or healthcare power of attorney, this legal document is what designates who will make decisions for you if you are unable to do so. This person should be someone close to you, such as a trusted family member or friend. Some terms you may hear used to describe this person are surrogate, representative, or healthcare agent.

Living Will

In the event that you are dying or permanently incapacitated, this document describes to doctors all of the specifics of what treatment you would want in an emergency. This includes under what situations you would want, or might want to avoid, care such as CPR, mechanical ventilation to help you breathe artificially, using artificial nutrition and hydration at the end of life, and more. It can also describe the kinds of comfort measures you would want if you are seriously ill.

POLST or MOLST Form

You can ask your doctor if your state uses this type of form. This form, called either the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment or Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form, serves as medical orders written ahead of time for treatment you might need at the end of life or if you are critically ill. Rather than waiting for a doctor to write orders for your care, these orders are automatically in place for any healthcare providers to act on in an emergency.

DNR or DNI

A DNR, or Do Not Resuscitate order, is needed in addition to your other advance directive paperwork if you do not want CPR performed if your heart stops beating or your breathing stops. Similarly, a DNI or Do Not Intubate order says that you do not want to be put on a breathing machine. If you have one of these forms, it’s good to keep a copy in an easily accessible location in case of emergency. Some people will keep it on their refrigerator so that any emergency personnel that come to their home can clearly see their wishes.

Many states have their own advance directive forms. You can check with your local area Agency on Aging for more information. To find their phone number, you can call the government’s Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit https://eldercare.acl.gov. Your doctor’s office should also have access to the appropriate forms.

Once You Have Completed Your Advance Care Planning

As part of the process of making your advance directives official, your state may require a witness to sign your documentation, and in some cases may even require the forms be notarized. You can ask your doctor about this, as they may even be able to provide assistance in completing this part of the process.

Once all of this documentation is completed, you’ll want the person designated as your healthcare power of attorney to have a copy. It’s also helpful to provide copies to your hospital of choice, and to your doctor’s office. Remember that if you make any changes to this paperwork in the future, you will need to update any copies you have given to healthcare providers or family.

Advance Care Planning is Worth It

Although all of this may seem like a big investment in time, and it is an emotional topic, ultimately advance care planning ensures that you receive the medical care you desire most no matter what unexpected circumstances you may face in the future.

You can just cover the important basics such as who you want to speak on your behalf if you can’t, and what kind of life-sustaining treatment you might want, but you can also be as detailed as you want to be. Some people use this opportunity to address what kind of care they would want at home if their health declines due to a diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s, for example.

If home care is a part of your wishes for advance care planning, Caresify can guide you through the process of setting up a reliable and professional in-home caregiver to meet your care needs. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

 

References

  1. https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2017.0175
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/advanced-care-planning-critical-issue-brief.pdf

Living With Alzheimer’s Disease

Although a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can feel scary, one of the best ways to take control of things and live your best life is to learn what to expect and how to manage symptoms. With an understanding of what to prepare for, you and your loved ones can make the best decisions together as you face changes common with Alzheimer’s.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

In the United States, around 500,000 people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease every year.1 It is not a normal part of aging, but instead a serious illness. This degenerative brain disease causes problems with memory and cognition. It also affects personality, and eventually other brain functions as well. The average lifespan of a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is between 3 and 11 years, with some people living up to 20. 2 The exact causes are still being researched, but it is understood that in Alzheimer’s there is a buildup of proteins in and around brain cells, which then form deposits called plaques. There is no cure, but the treatments available can help reduce symptoms temporarily.

What Are Some Symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s starts with mild memory changes and over time symptoms worsen. Some symptoms that develop are as follows:

  • Memory loss (beginning with short term memory)
  • Difficulty with problem solving and judgment
  • Personality changes
  • Trouble finding words
  • Getting lost or misplacing items

As the disease progresses, these symptoms will become more pronounced. In addition, the person with Alzheimer’s begins to need help with daily activities like bathing, toileting, dressing, and eating. Eventually, the difficulty with brain function affects the person’s physical ability to move, stand, swallow, and all other bodily functions.

Alzheimer’s Treatments

In June 2021, a new medication called aducanumab was approved to treat a certain kind of protein buildup in the brain, called amyloid plaques. The benefits of this medication are still being closely studied. Other medications, called cholinesterase inhibitors, are used to help with memory problems by helping brain cells communicate with each other. Antidepressants can be prescribed for depression or behavioral changes that happen with Alzheimer’s.

Ways to Manage Changes Due to Alzheimer’s

Along with medical treatments, some steps can be taken at home to help with Alzheimer’s symptoms.

  • Reduce the risk of falls (you can read more about how to do this here)
  • Keep photographs and other memories visible around the house
  • Try to keep the same routine as much as possible, including doctor’s appointments at the same times
  • Make a consistent spot to keep important items like keys and wallets
  • Keep extra medications locked away and use a pill organizer for daily doses
  • Use a medical alert bracelet and carry a cell phone with important numbers clearly labeled as emergency contacts
  • Remove extra mirrors around the home, which can be confusing or even scary for someone as memory issues worsen
  • Continue to stay active by being a part of activities as much as possible, even if you need a helper
  • Consider in-home care for companionship and assistance with daily activities

(For more ideas on how to address concerns about dementia at home, you can read more here as well.)

Advance Care Planning

If you’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s also especially important to have conversations about your future goals, desires, and plans with your family. When you do this, there are ways to get these ideas on paper. This is known as advance care planning. It’s your opportunity to make your wishes known about what kind of treatments you want as your health changes, even when you are no longer able to make those requests known. You can decide now who will be in charge of making decisions about your care if you cannot speak for yourself, and what kind of medical interventions you want if your ability to recover from illness is low.

Your doctor can help you get started with advance care planning. Some documents that can be a part of advance care planning include:

  • A living will
  • Medical proxy or healthcare power of attorney
  • Medical directives/advance directives
  • Do not resuscitate order (DNR)

Involve Your Family

With all of the above changes and important plans to address, it is important to involve your family whenever possible. It is very normal for someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to have conflicted feelings about their relationships. These feelings can include worry about your ability to fill the same role you have in the past, and fear that you will be a burden to others. You may feel excluded from decisions if your ability to plan and organize is changing. And the help others are offering may at times feel invasive, or like a reminder that you are losing your independence. Anger, embarrassment, and withdrawal from social interactions can be common experiences.

Some key things to remember about navigating changes to your health and involving your family are:

  • Talk openly about your needs and how you would like to be treated, for example, let your family know you would like to be included in conversations about future plans as much as possible
  • Be willing to ask for help, and explain to your loved ones what kind of help you expect and what things you would prefer to not have help with if possible
  • Share your feelings and fears with those closest to you. This includes sharing your wishes, by allowing family you have strong relationships with to be a part of advance care planning with you
  • Focus on relationships that are supportive and respectful, not the ones that are negative or absent
  • Keep an open mind about accepting help, even if you may not have had to in the past before your diagnosis

Putting it All Together

Understanding that Alzheimer’s is a life-changing diagnosis means that you can take control over how to manage your care. You can use medication and home modifications designed to make day-to-day life easier. Collaborating with family to get the support you need and make future care plans so your wishes about your treatment are honored is important too. With these tools, it is possible to navigate these changes with dignity.

If you have decided that a professional in-home caregiver would help you with your daily activities and safety, and allow you and your family to manage your needs better, Caresify is always available to discuss how we can help. You can learn more about our services here, or call 888-799-5007 for more information.

 

References

  1. https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/alzheimers-disease-facts-figures
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers-stages/art-20048448

What to Expect After a Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Parkinson’s disease: it’s a medical condition you’ve probably heard of. You may not have expected to be personally affected by it, though. If you’ve had a recent diagnosis, or are supporting a loved one who has, you may have many questions and concerns. What can you expect with Parkinson’s disease? How can you manage it better? Can you still have a good quality of life?

Let’s begin with the basics. What exactly is Parkinson’s disease and what symptoms might you experience?

Parkinson’s Disease 101

Parkinson’s disease has its origins in the brain. Scientists don’t know exactly why, but nerve cells in the brain that produce a chemical called dopamine are affected in Parkinson’s. Dopamine is a chemical your body needs to help control movement, among other things. So when these nerve cells die, and less dopamine is produced, people experience symptoms such as:

  • Poor balance
  • Tremors (shaking)
  • Stiffness
  • Difficulty walking
  • Trouble with coordination
  • Mental changes, such as memory difficulties
  • Difficulty with speech
  • Depression
  • Sleep problems

Parkinson’s disease affects 50% more men than women, and most often begins after age 60, though it can have early onset before the age of 50. 1

The 5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Although not everyone with Parkinson’s will experience all the symptoms listed above, there are some patterns that the disease tends to follow. Different people will progress through these stages at different rates, and usually, this happens slowly over a period of time.

Stage One

During this stage, symptoms are mild. Everyday activities are not interrupted by these symptoms, which can include tremors, stiffness, and movement problems. These issues happen only on one side of the body.

Stage Two

Symptoms now affect both sides of the body. The problems with tremors, stiffness (rigidity), and movement may cause trouble with walking and posture. Speech might also be affected. Daily activities are harder to do but can be done independently.

Stage Three

Moving around is slower, and losing balance and falling is much more common. Daily activities are now more challenging, as coordination worsens.

Stage Four

At this stage, daily activities require help from another person. Walking is impossible without support, such as a walker. Symptoms such as slowed movements, tremors, speech difficulty, and others are severe.

Stage Five

Because symptoms are so limiting in this stage, total care is needed for all daily activities. The person is unable to stand by themselves and may not walk. They may be bed-bound or in a wheelchair. Other neurological problems like delusions and hallucinations can also happen.

How to Treat and Manage Parkinson’s

Fortunately, newer treatments in the past few years have improved quality of life for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The current life expectancy with a diagnosis at age 60 (the average age of diagnosis) is 23.3 years, which is the same as someone who does not have a Parkinson’s diagnosis.2

To maintain quality of life, there are several things you can do:

Medication

There are many medications available to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms. The most common types are designed to increase dopamine and improve neurologic symptoms like tremors and movement problems. Other medications can help these drugs work longer, or treat other Parkinson’s symptoms. The dosages and medications chosen will need to be adjusted as symptoms change. As Parkinson’s advances, changes may also be made to reduce “off” times where the medication stops working in between doses and symptoms return.

Healthy Lifestyle

A good diet is important to staying healthy and strong. Parkinson’s can affect the digestive system and lead to constipation, so a diet high in fiber can combat this. Also, with some Parkinson’s medications, it’s important to avoid high protein meals at the same time that you take your medicine. Along with diet, a regular exercise program can help with strength and balance. Some people find that yoga is helpful, for example.

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies

These types of therapy focus on helping with movement and speech difficulties that can arise with Parkinson’s. A physical therapist can help with balance and walking, an occupational therapist can teach strategies for improving fine motor problems like small tasks done with your hands, and a speech therapist can help you work around any speech problems.

Deep Brain Stimulation

This is a surgical procedure where a device is implanted that stimulates certain areas of the brain to help control tremors and motor (movement) symptoms. Deep brain stimulation can be very helpful in controlling “off” symptoms that happen when your medication wears off. It can also mean less medication is needed. In studies, 6 months after the procedure motor symptoms improved 41%, and overall quality of life improved by 25%.3

Recruit a Team

Never underestimate how much a good support team can help with your quality of life! That team starts with you and can include your family members, your primary doctor, a nurse case manager and/or social worker, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and a nutritionist. It can also include specialists, like a movement disorder physician, neuropsychologist, and psychologist. As Parkinson’s symptoms progress, having a home care service for help with activities of daily living and walking safely without falls, can allow you to stay at home despite any limitations you may have.

Parkinson’s Doesn’t Have to Define Who You Are

The advances in Parkinson’s treatment and care since the disease was first identified means that people can continue to be independent for longer and do the things they enjoy with fewer symptoms. Continued research is underway to further treat and even cure Parkinson’s disease. Many patients have enrolled in clinical trials and find that new treatments being studied right now continue to improve their quality of life. And the above strategies will help you manage Parkinson’s symptoms so they are less disruptive.

If you have more advanced Parkinson’s and would benefit from caregiver visits to help you live your best life at home, Caresify’s professional and experienced home care services are available. We’ll work with you to develop a plan of care that defies the ordinary and meets your care needs in the most effective way. You can read more on our home page, or call 888-799-5007.

 

References

  1. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease
  2. https://n.neurology.org/content/91/22/991
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002606/

When Memory Fails: How to Help with Dementia at Home

Although dementia can be a challenging diagnosis to manage, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming with the right information and support. There are many ways you can give or receive the kind of care that allows for a longer, healthier, happier life even with memory issues. To meet these goals, we’ll discuss several ways you can make things easier and safer at home.

Common Dementia Symptoms

Dementia is a leading health concern for aging Americans. Chances are, you have had dementia touch your life personally, either by knowing someone with the diagnosis or maybe even through your own diagnosis. In the United States, 5 million people have a diagnosis of dementia, and this number is expected to double by 2060.1

The most common types of dementia diagnosed are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia- up to 90% of cases.2

Many symptoms are similar between the different types of dementia. Some common ones you may notice include:

  • Memory loss (especially short term memory)
  • Becoming disoriented to time and place (getting lost or forgetting the year, for example)
  • Mood and behavior changes (such as mood swings, and aggression)
  • Difficulty with doing everyday tasks (such as confusion with how to dress, or cook)
  • Difficulty with language (forgetting words, not being able to follow conversations)
  • Poor judgment, reasoning, or problem-solving skills (for example, going outdoors in shorts and no coat in the middle of winter)
  • Loss of ability to plan and organize (perhaps forgetting to pay bills, or losing important items more frequently)
  • Withdrawing from hobbies and social activities (such as sleeping more, or just sitting in front of the TV)
  • Hallucinations and paranoia (someone seeing things that aren’t there or believing they’re being tricked when they aren’t, for example)

How to Support Someone with Dementia

If you or your loved one has received a dementia diagnosis, there are ways to help. It starts with expert care from your doctor, which can include medications that can help decrease memory issues (at least for a while). But beyond that, you’ll want to know how to manage day-to-day life so you or your loved one can stay independent for as long as possible and maintain dignity and quality of life.

To do this, staying at home for as long as possible is often the first goal that comes to mind. One Johns Hopkins University study on dementia care at home found that this kind of care led to fewer unmet care needs and increased quality of life. 3

So what are some key steps to take when caring for someone with dementia at home?

1. Use memory tools

There are many simple tricks you can use to help someone remember important things. Just establishing a daily routine can help keep someone better on track. You can create a visual task list with pictures and hang it up, with each step of the day in order. Calendars with important reminders are helpful.  A digital assistant can verbally alert someone that it’s time for a meal or to take medications. There are also pill keepers that alarm as a reminder to take medications. These types of tools can help with organization when memory is failing.

2. Focus on home safety

Making the home environment safer for someone with dementia is important. Wandering and confusion can lead to falls, so keeping the home free of clutter and trip hazards should be considered. Installing grab bars in bathrooms is a good idea, too. Consider door and window alarms in cases where worsening symptoms might lead to someone wandering outside of the home and getting lost. Cameras can help caregivers monitor for unsafe behavior while allowing someone to move around freely. Auto-shutoff appliances and timers or outlet devices can prevent things like stoves from being left on accidentally.

3. Provide visual cues

Extra visual reminders can go a long way in helping with daily activities. For example, labeling things can jog someone’s memory about where to put groceries on a shelf, or which door leads to a bathroom. You can label where common items are kept, too. Use pictures for silverware drawers, and for cabinets containing plates and bowls. Drawing pictures of place settings on a placemat might help with setting the table. Laying out clothes for the day makes choosing them easier.

4. Break down tasks and keep them simple

We don’t often think about all the little steps that can go into something that seems simple, like getting dressed. Dementia can make all these steps confusing. To help with this, breaking a large task into several smaller ones can help. Think about making a sandwich. Having the ingredients out and the bread on a plate keeps the task simpler. Then the steps can be directed one at a time: put mayonnaise on the bread, put the meat on the sandwich, and so on, all the way through sitting at the table with the sandwich, and eating the sandwich. Without reassurance and guidance, someone who is feeling confused may not be able to do the task. With it, they can do the parts they are still able to, stay more engaged, and feel accomplished.

5. Consider a care coordinator

Using a memory care coordinator or a nurse case manager to help you organize your care at home can make a big difference. They can review medications, daily activities, safety concerns, co-existing medical problems, and future needs. In the Johns Hopkins University’s “Maximizing Independence (MIND) at Home” trial which studied the use of care coordinators, dementia patients who had this service experienced significant benefits. They were much less likely to need to leave their homes, or to die, than those who didn’t have the services (30 percent versus 45.6 percent), and overall they stayed in their homes longer.4 You can ask your healthcare provider about care coordination. They may provide this service through their organization or can refer you to another organization that provides it, such as the Alzheimer’s Association.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

There are many ways to get help with everyday living. Meal delivery services, some of them covered by subsidies (such as Meals on Wheels), can reduce the need to plan or cook food. Groceries and other needed items can be ordered and delivered, too. Adult day centers provide social opportunities and entertainment in a safe and supervised setting. Home care services can offer assistance with many activities of daily living from companionship to meal prep and light housekeeping.

Living at Home With Dementia is Possible

As you can see, it is possible to stay at home and remain engaged in life despite a dementia diagnosis. This is an important part of dementia care, because involving a person in their care and decisions, and valuing the independence of being at home has a huge impact on quality of life. Also, keeping the home environment consistent, and familiar people present in a person’s life, can help with anxiety and confusion. Because of this, staying at home as long as possible is clearly a beneficial choice.

If you’d like to use home care services as an option to help you stay home longer and to provide a break for family caregivers, such as with respite care, Caresify’s professional caregivers are available to help you with a personalized plan of care. You can learn more about us on our website, or call 888-799-5007.

 

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0920-alzheimers-burden-double-2060.html
  2. https://www.alzint.org/about/dementia-facts-figures/types-of-dementia/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24502822/
  4. https://www.newswise.com/articles/experimental-care-program-keeps-people-with-dementia-at-home-longer-study-shows

How to Prevent Falls at Home: A Complete Guide

If mobility, balance, and strength are concerns for you or your loved one, falling is a very real fear. Being able to safely move around your home for daily activities is something you need to be able to do. We’ll talk about ways you can prevent falls and increase your safety in this detailed guide

Falls are a Common Problem

For adults 65 and older, falls are a common event. In the United States, 1 in 4 adults in this age group (28%) report falling each year, with 37% of those who fell reporting an injury.1 In fact, according to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide.2

Of these falls, 60% occur at home, according to a Weill Cornell Medical College expert on falls.3

When someone falls and has an injury, these are some possible outcomes:

  • Broken bones, such as hip fractures
  • Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Dislocated joints
  • Soft tissue injuries (cuts, abrasions, and bruises)
  • Spinal cord damage

Especially for older adults, hip fractures and head injuries can have serious consequences. According to the CDC, 95% of hip fractures are due to falls and traumatic brain injuries are most often caused by falling.4 And some studies show that as many as 50% of people with hip fractures die within 6 months.5  For those with traumatic brain injuries, falls most often were the cause that led to death.6

Why Do Falls Happen?

There are two main reasons people fall. The first is called “intrinsic factors”- anything about the person themselves that increases their risk of falling. The second is called “extrinsic factors”- anything external or in the environment around them that increases their risk of falling.

Intrinsic (physical) causes of falls include:

  • Weakness and loss of balance
  • Vision problems
  • Problems related to health conditions, like neuropathy which makes your feet numb
  • Pain when moving around, such as arthritis pain
  • Medication side effects
  • Confusion
  • Trouble knowing when you need to use the restroom, or having sudden urges and needing to rush to the bathroom
  • A combination of any of the above problems

Extrinsic (environmental) causes of falls include:

  • Poor footwear choices
  • Slippery floors and surfaces or throw rugs that move easily
  • Clutter around the house
  • Bad lighting
  • Home hazards like uneven surfaces, broken steps, or missing/loose handrails

How Can You Reduce Risk of Falling?

As you can see, it is a big priority to reduce the risk of falling because it can lead to serious consequences. And, even if one fall doesn’t result in an injury, it increases the risk of falling again.7 Also, older adults who fall are often very afraid of falling again, and stop doing activities they enjoyed, which leads to more health problems.

To reduce the risk of falling, there are some tips you can follow:

1. Use the right tools for walking safely

This includes wearing properly secured, well-fitting shoes (no floppy slippers or untied shoelaces), and using a cane or walker for support if you have weakness or balance problems. If needed, a wheelchair or motorized scooter can get you safely from one place to another without walking.

2. Make the bathroom safer

Adding grab bars to the bathtub, toilet and shower area can help steady someone. Bath mats should be non-slip and included inside the tub or shower. A shower chair allows someone with weakness or poor balance to remain seated while showering. Installing a handheld shower sprayer reduces the need to stand or turn while showering.

3. Remove trip hazards

Look around the home for anything that can cause someone to trip. Keep in mind that for some seniors, trouble walking means they are barely lifting their feet. Area rugs and throw rugs can cause uneven walking surfaces that feet can snag on. Extension cords across an open floor are a big hazard. Clutter should be picked up.

4. Improve stair safety

Check any stairs for loose handrails or broken steps. Make sure all stairs are cleared of trip hazards. If there aren’t treads or carpet, consider installing one of these non-slip surfaces or adding safety tape. Painting a different color on each step can help a senior with vision trouble see each step more clearly. If stairs are becoming unmanageable, moving to a downstairs bedroom or installing a chairlift may be the best option.

5. Reduce the amount of furniture in the house

Lots of tight corners or squeezes between crowded furniture can be difficult to navigate if you have trouble walking. If furniture is creating an obstacle course, it can help to clear the path from room to room by removing excess pieces of furniture. The simpler the better!

6. Improve lighting

Between a decrease in vision and a possible increase in needing to use the restroom at night, many falls happen in poorly lit areas. Add nightlights to hallways and darker areas of the home. Some of these are activated by low light conditions. Making sure easy-to-reach light switches and lamps are in every room can help, too.

7. Keep up with doctor’s visits

Any health conditions, such as bowel and bladder problems, uncontrolled blood pressure, heart conditions, breathing difficulty, vertigo, etc. that aren’t being treated by a doctor should be tended to. It’s also important to discuss any medication side effects with your doctor right away. They may be able to reduce the side effects or change to a different medication.

8. Stay as active as possible

The less someone moves their body, the weaker they become. Even short walks every day can help with endurance. If walking and transferring from one place to another (like from a bed to a chair) is difficult, using a walker or cane to do it as often as you can tolerate will be safer and keep you from getting weaker.

9. Get help walking

Family caregivers who can give you an arm to lean on and walk with you are a great added safety measure. If you have a lot of trouble with walking, always having someone with you may be the safest choice. This doesn’t have to mean a family member is always with you, either. A caregiver from a home care agency can be available to offer ambulation (walking) assistance, too.

Less Falls Equals Better Health and More Independence

By following the tips discussed above, you can greatly reduce the risk of falls in your home. In the long term, this reduces your risk for health complications and loss of independence. It is possible to get around your home safely without injury- it just requires some extra attention to details, being realistic about your limitations, and asking for help when you need extra support.

If you feel having a professional caregiver in your home could reduce your risk of falls and give you more independence, Caresify is a great resource for trained caregivers who understand safe ambulation assistance. You can check out our homepage for more information, or contact us at 888-799-5007.

 

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data/falls-by-state.html
  2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls
  3. https://www.hss.edu/conditions_addressing-falls-prevention-older-adults-understanding.asp
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26016287/
  6. https://www.brainline.org/article/facts-about-traumatic-brain-injury
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135440/
  8. Photo by Zhuo Cheng you on Unsplash

What Respite Care is (and Why You Need It!)

If you are caring for someone who needs assistance with activities of daily living, you know all too well how much time and attention this requires. Often, the person receiving care is completely dependent on caregivers for all of their needs, from personal hygiene to eating to avoiding falls. It can become a 24/7 commitment, and if you’re lucky enough to have multiple family caregivers involved, coordinating care between all of them sometimes can be a challenge.

Even breaking care needs into shifts may be exhausting. Add other demands such as a job and children, and you can quickly be overwhelmed- and unable to take a break.

Respite Care Explained

You may have heard the term “respite” before. Respite care is simply a temporary break provided by a fill-in caregiver, that allows you to step away from your responsibilities as a caregiver. This can be for a few short hours so you can tend to other commitments. Or, it can cover a few days, such as vacation.

This care can be personalized to your loved one’s needs. It includes help with daily tasks like preventing falls, meal preparation, and feeding if necessary. It also can involve providing personal hygiene such as bathing and bathroom assistance, help with dressing, and more.

Respite care can be regularly scheduled for a few hours a week, or it can be once every few weeks or months. It’s really about designing a plan that works best to fill in care gaps you might have, and give you a chance to recharge.

This type of care can be given at home, through a healthcare facility, or at an adult day center.

The surprising thing is that respite care is very commonly overlooked. An American Association of Retired Persons/National Alliance for Caregiving (AARP/NAC) study found that only 14% of family caregivers seek respite care to help them meet care needs, even though 38% felt it would be of benefit.1

Covering the Cost

One of the reasons respite services are not used frequently may be that quite often, they are not covered by insurance. Navigating the use of these services can be intimidating. There are options, however.

Federal funding

In some cases, Medicare or Medicaid programs help cover the cost of respite care. State-level programs such as PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), offered through Medicare, can also help with this. Because benefits and eligibility can

change and programs vary between states, checking with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a good place to start for information.

You can also check with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if your family member is eligible for veterans’ benefits, as there may be related programs that provide care at home.

Free or Low-Cost Programs

There are non-profit and government agencies that offer free or low-cost respite care. These include groups such as Senior Corps, which has a program that matches volunteers to seniors living at home; Elder Helpers, a free online service that matches volunteers to older people who need help, and faith-based organizations, both at a national level and through your local church.

Long Term Care Insurance

If your loved one qualifies, this additional insurance product can offer benefits for nursing home care and in-home care depending on the policy. You’ll want to weigh the cost of the policy against the need for paid care services, but you may find this is a manageable way to reduce the cost of care or spread it out over time. According to the 2022 Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index, the annual cost for a policy that provides $165,000 in benefits for a 55-year-old averages $950-$1,500 depending on gender.2 (This increases with age.)

Private Pay

Because respite care doesn’t need to be a regular recurring expense, paying out of pocket for occasional help may be affordable for some people. In 2021, the daily rates for a home health aide averaged $169 nationally, and for adult day health care the average was $78 per day.3 This may be an option more regularly if income or savings allows. Each individual’s financial situation will vary.

Benefits of Respite Care

Because caregiver burnout is a very real problem for caregivers when they can’t take a break, respite creates many benefits for caregivers:

  • Time alone to do the things they enjoy
  • The ability for caregivers who haven’t been able to leave their loved ones to have social interaction outside of caring for a loved one
  • Freedom to tend to important tasks without interruption
  • Opportunities for self-care, such as rest
  • Improved health
  • More overall balance in life
  • Emergency coverage for sick caregivers

A Final Word About Professional Caregivers

If you’ve opted to use a home care service or agency to bring in professional caregivers for respite care, it’s good to know a few things about their care. You’ll want to see that they can work with you to write up a clear plan of care for your loved one. They also should be able to describe how they screen and employ only the best, most experienced caregivers. Can they provide references? And what is the cost for the services they provide?

If you’re looking for a professional home care service to provide respite care, Caresify can help you set up respite care to meet your specific needs. Our professional caregivers provide peace of mind and person-centered care for your loved one so you can take a much-deserved break. Visit our homepage to learn more about us, or contact us at 888-799-5007.

Caregiver Burnout: What it is and What You Can Do About It

Caring for loved ones requires a big physical, mental, and emotional investment. But what happens when a caregiver gets overwhelmed?

If you are a caregiver who is experiencing fatigue, anxiety, and even depression, you may be experiencing caregiver burnout. This is important to recognize and address. The saying “you must put on your own oxygen mask before you can help someone else” definitely applies here!

What is Caregiver Burnout?

Juggling everyday responsibilities can be a challenge today. For those of us involved in supporting someone with care needs, there are many extra responsibilities. Eventually, caregivers may become physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. This is called “caregiver burnout.”

Caregivers who find themselves in a state of burnout may notice the following signs and symptoms:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Trouble sleeping (either too much or not enough)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Feeling hopeless or helpless
  • Physical complaints like headaches, upset stomach, and muscle spasms
  • Irritation and impatience with the person you are caring for and/or others
  • A change from positive feelings to mostly negative feelings
  • Trouble coping with everyday stress
  • Guilt about negative feelings or your abilities
  • Eating too much or too little
  • Becoming sick more often
  • Losing interest in things you once enjoyed

These are more common problems than many people realize. In fact, 38% of family caregivers reported their situation as “highly stressful,” and 40%-70% of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression. And 17-35% of family caregivers say their health is poor to fair. 1

What Causes Caregiver Burnout?

There are many things that can lead to caregiver burnout. You may personally recognize some of these:

High Burden of Care

The more seriously ill a person is, the more care needs they have. From activities of daily living such as bathing and using the bathroom, to trying to prevent falls and possibly even feeding a loved one, caregiving activities can quickly become a 24/7 responsibility.

Financial Concerns

Like everyone else, caregivers have bills to pay, and possibly a job schedule to meet. And the person needing care may also need financial support. In fact, one survey found that 36 percent of the caregivers of adults older than the age of 50 reported moderate to high levels of financial strain. 2

Conflicting Demands

Caregivers are often not just caring for one person. They may be trying to meet the needs of their spouse, children, boss, and even friends or neighbors. They can feel pulled in many directions at once, unable to prioritize everyone at the same time and falling short of meeting all the demands they are trying to balance.

Unrealistic Expectations

It is very common for caregivers to want to “fix” all the problems their loved one is having. It is hard to watch someone you love struggle, and get sick. But pouring physical, emotional, and mental energy into caregiving does not solve the situation, and in fact families must often helplessly watch as things slowly get worse.

Lack of Knowledge

As a caregiver, you are suddenly tasked with being the expert on all the care needs your loved one might have. But do you know how to help them make it safely from the bed to the bathroom? What do you do about memory problems and wandering? When should you call the doctor? What equipment do you need? Just figuring out all these unknowns can be stressful, and new problems to solve can turn up all the time.

Social isolation

Caregiving is a big commitment. Time away for leisure and friendships outside of the home and care needs can be hard to arrange. And many caregivers have found this has been worsened by concerns about COVID-19 and trying to protect aging, ill, or frail family members from exposure to the virus.

So How Can You Fix Caregiver Burnout?

As you can see, if you are experiencing caregiver burnout, you are not alone in the experiences that have brought you to a point of exhaustion and overwhelm. The good news is, there are ways you can combat these problems and restore some balance to your life. Here are some key ways to reverse caregiver burnout:

Save Time for Self Care

This is easier said than done, but important. Making time for small things that you enjoy, like a few minutes a day for a hobby like reading, or watching a favorite TV program, can help give back some independence in your life. Paying attention to your health is part of this, too. If you’re having trouble sleeping, for example, talk to your doctor. They may be able to help. Regular exams to prevent any health problems from going untreated will keep you healthier longer, too.

Join a Support Group

Knowing you aren’t alone and talking to others who are going through similar experiences can help in more than one way. This can help reduce the feelings of isolation that caregiving can create, and it can offer practical solutions and grow your knowledge as group members share what they’ve learned while providing care.

Set Realistic Goals

Consider that even with the very best of care, your loved one may still struggle, and may have a decline in health. This is not a result of poor caregiving on your part. You have limits to what you are able to do, and it’s healthy to stick with them. For example, manage day-to-day caregiving load by being ok with sometimes having a simpler meal than you planned, or saying no to taking on another obligation.

Say Yes to Help

It’s common for caregivers to be the last people to say they need help. Sometimes this is even when people are volunteering to help! If a friend or neighbor offers a hand, take them up on it. Use grocery delivery instead of shopping. Consider using a paid home care service to shoulder part of the daily load.

Use Respite Care

A break for even a few hours can make a huge difference for a caregiver. Respite care provides a temporary fill-in caregiver, sometimes for regularly scheduled breaks, or intermittently for a longer period of time. Using this time for self-care activities, or to take a vacation, is a chance to recharge and reduce stress.

Reducing Stress is Possible

As you can see, recognizing and improving caregiver burnout is important to quality of life. Following the tips here can relieve some of the stress involved in caring for your loved one. For example, monthly respite care along with some help from friends and family means less caregiving tasks for you to take on by yourself. Paired with a support group as an outlet for your worries, all of this can have a big impact on how you are feeling.

If you’re ready to take the next step and work with a home care service for regular or respite care, Caresify can support you with professional caregivers that will work together with you to create a custom plan of care and reduce the burden of caregiving even more. Visit our homepage to learn more about us, or contact us at 888-799-5007.

 

References

  1. https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-statistics-health-technology-and-caregiving-resources/
  2. https://www.nap.edu/read/23606/chapter/6#124
  3. Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash