CarePlus

Author: Tom Najjar

  • June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

    June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

    According to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org:

    Alzheimers’ disease affects approximately 5.7 million Americans today, 55 million of whom are over the age of 65.  It is the 6th leading cause of death (one in three adults will die from this disease) in the United States. 

    Here are a few more facts:

    • Ten percent of adults 65 or older have Alzheimer’s dementia.
    • Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
    • Older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older whites.
    • Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older whites.
    • Every 65 seconds an adult in the United States is afflicted with the disease.

             For more information see alz.org

    We can expect that these numbers will grow as our country ages–in disproportionately large numbers—causing billions of dollars in healthcare costs and unpaid caregiver hours.

     At this time, Alzheimer’s disease is the only disease in the top ten list of diseases in the United States that cannot be treated or cured. This month has been designated as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month to bring not only attention–but action–to fight this devastating and deadly disease.

    So, what can we do while we are waiting for a cure, vaccine or other medical intervention to prevent, stop or reverse this disease?

    According to Lisa Genova, neuroscientist and author of the book, Still Alice, the way we live influences our risk. In her April 2017 TED talk, Dr. Genova acknowledged that there is risk factors including: 50 years old or older, inherited genes, poor sleep habits and cardiovascular disease.

    She understands that while we cannot change our age or our genetic disposition, we can lower our risk through better sleep habits, exercising regularly and eating a heart healthy diet. 

    While we all know that exercise and a heart healthy diet are an important component for preventing almost all diseases, Dr. Genova adds yet another important component: strengthening neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve.  

    What is Neuroplasticity? It is the ability of the brain to develop and find multiple pathways to solve problems. Think of the brain as an intricate web of roads and streets. If one road is closed, or under construction, we need to take a different route to get to our destination. The brain will give us multiple routes if it is strong enough, it can give us resiliency when faced with a roadblock.  Dr. Genova presents a compelling look at how exercising the brain develops and maintains those multiple pathways.  Exercising the brain can strengthen our neuroplasticity and resiliency thus keeping our memories and cognitive awareness keen.  

    How do we strengthen our brain? We need to go beyond crossword puzzles and involve all our senses. Read a book, join a book club, make friends, learn to speak Italian, listen to educational seminars, take a class, do something enjoyable and unfamiliar. Learning new things rich in meaning and involving many of the senses is an ideal way to exercise the brain and have a positive impact on neuroplasticity and resiliency.

    So, go for it- try something new! Learn a new language, take up knitting, write a book, start a new hobby or take a cooking class. New experiences can keep you happy, healthy and exercise your brain.

    If you want to learn more, The Charles E Smith Life Communities, will be presenting an Evening with Lisa Genova on June 14- click here for more information.

     

     

  • May is National Stroke Awareness Month

    May is National Stroke Awareness Month

    We are fortunate to live in a time where medical discoveries are not only plentiful, but allow all of us to learn preventive strategies directly related to that research.  That is why during stroke awareness month we want to share recent information and best practices that could help minimize stroke risk, as well as address changes in lifestyle that may be helpful in decreasing your risk for a stroke.

    While we don’t have any vaccine to prevent a stroke, there are considerations we can explore to minimize the risk. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (part of the National Institutes of Health) provides important outreach campaigns to our communities– all focused on education and prevention. These campaigns are designed to help us all become aware of our ability to help minimize risks associated with diseases.

    Did you know that stroke and dementia could be related? And that high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke and dementia?

    Recent studies indicate a relationship between high blood pressure, some forms of dementia and stroke. Individuals at risk for stroke may suffer what is known as a “silent stroke” which may go unnoticed. These silent strokes can cause damage to the brain, and eventually impact brain function. NIH Mind Your Risk. In fact, as a result of recent studies identifying benefits from blood pressure control, the medical community is changing the norms for blood pressure intervention.

    We can minimize stroke risk by understanding our role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While we wait for new technologies and cutting edge research to provide new treatments, there are steps we can all take, and should take, to minimize our risk of stroke.

    These include:

    1. Control your blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly, and if your doctor prescribes medication be sure to take it exactly as prescribed.
    2. Make lifestyle changes part of your everyday routine. This includes regular exercise, healthy eating, maintaining an appropriate weight and losing weight if needed.
    3. Stop smoking. There are many cessation treatments available today to help you stop smoking, ask your doctor or your pharmacist for help.
    4. Check your cholesterol. Ask your doctor to check your numbers. Research indicates that lower cholesterol lowers your risk for a variety of health issues including stroke.
    5. Keep your diabetes under control. Diabetes is a risk factor for not only stroke, but other diseases as well.
    6. Watch your alcohol intake. It appears that an increase in alcohol also raises blood pressure, another risk factor for stroke.

    US Department of Health and Human Services/NIH/Mind Your Risks

    Start a prevention plan early and stick with it. We all have a responsibility as we age to take good care of ourselves.  

    And, remember, we are here to help. We can provide a variety of services for short or long term needs, including home health care. Learn more about our Stroke Care Program.

    Resource: US Department of Health and Human Services/NIH/Mind Your Risks

  • Staying Cognitively Active

    Staying Cognitively Active

    Can we help prevent cognitive change?

    We know that as we age, our body and brain change as well.   Every so often we might forget a name, word or birthday. While inconvenient, is it indicative of something else? Some forms of forgetting are expected, while some may signal a more significant change. Can any of these changes be prevented, or, can we slow down the changes? Research does seem to indicate that we can help slow down these changes.

    While there are quite a few risk factors for cognitive change beyond our control, there are activities that we can control that could help slow down these changes.  These activities include: eating healthy, regular exercise and consistent mental and social interactions. These lifestyle habits seem to comprise a promising strategy to prevent cognitive decline. Journal of Geriatric Medicine. 

    Given the continuing research into the aging brain, and the increase in our older population, we can expect more studies, research and helpful strategies to slow down these changes. So, let’s do our part and start engaging in these strategies.

    Let’s take a look at these three activities that may help a healthy brain.

    Eating Healthy

    In our March blog we discussed healthy eating and shared our tips for successful eating plans. Healthy eating is a good defense against many diseases and ailments–both physical and mental. The research continues to support the benefits of well-planned meals filled with fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish. A Mediterranean style diet includes whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts and fish. This diet continues to deliver health benefits that can: lower cholesterol, help with weight loss, improve rheumatoid arthritis, and reduce the risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and various types of cancer. Harvard Medical School, Health Blog 2013.

    Regular Exercise

    After checking with your doctor, develop an exercise plan that works for you. Find a good pair of walking shoes and take that walk, attend an aerobic exercise class, enroll in a strength training program, try water aerobics or even ballroom dancing. When you get moving you find yourself feeling better, moving better and, yes, the research suggests thinking better.

    Mental and Social Interactions

    Staying Cognitively Active

    Keeping your brain active includes not only socializing with friends, but learning new skills as well. The National Institute on Aging (May 17, 2017) noted that: “engaging in meaningful activities, like volunteering or hobbies, help you feel happier and healthier.  Learning new skills may improve your thinking ability, too.” Research seems to indicate that adults who learn something new help improve their memory.  And, as it happens, April is National Volunteer month. This is a great month to offer your skills, time and expertise to help others—keep your brain active as well. And, remember there are other ways to exercise your brain: read a good book, teach a class, learn a new hobby, etc.

    So, while the evidence is still coming in, eat well, exercise often and keep your brain strong and ready with new activities and social connections –for your best future!

    And, if you need assistance, we are here to help you by providing fall prevention assistance, skilled nursing and palliative care, as well as caregivers for dementia care and other elder care needs.

     

  • Eat Well, Exercise Well

    Eat Well, Exercise Well

    March is National Nutrition month, sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy). The Academy promotes the importance of healthy eating, and good physical habits, through education and information outreach. This year the theme is “Go Further with Food”.

    What does this mean and why is this important?

    The Academy supports what we all know– the food that you eat each day makes a difference in your health and wellbeing.  This includes thoughtful planning and shopping for food that encourages those healthy choices, while allowing the opportunity to have a more consistent healthy eating experience. 

    Did you know that shopping with healthy eating in mind, and useful leftovers for later, all contribute to a sound mind, body– and pocketbook. Eating healthy does not mean eating is more expensive. This year’s theme stresses the importance of that message.

    For 2018, the Academy has included these important points in their Go Further with Food Campaign, we have added a few tips of our own for you below:

    1. Include a variety of healthful foods from all the food groups on a regular basis.

    Our tip: March is a great time to watch the beginning of local fresh fruits and vegetables appear at farmer markets. Try adding spring seasonal produce to refresh your menus.

    2. Consider the foods you have on hand before buying more at the store.

    Our tip: If you have too much of any one type of food, or an item is going out of date soon, swap ingredients with a friend or check the Academy website for useful recipes.

    3. Buy only the amount that can be eaten or frozen within a few days, and plan ways to use leftovers later in the week.

    Our tip: If you like to take advantage of better prices, (think Costco), find a family or friend to split the quantities with you.

    4. Be mindful of portion size. Eat and drink the amount that is right for you.

     Our tip: Remember, just because a restaurant fills the plate that doesn’t mean that is your appropriate serving size.

    5. Continue to use good food safety practices.

    Our tip: Storage, cooking and keeping cooked food all require attention to best practices.

    6. Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week.

    Our tip: Find a friend or relative to enjoy a walk and talk.

    7. Realize the benefits of healthy eating. Consult experts to help.

     Our tip: We have a variety of services to help support good nutrition – including meal preparation, grocery shopping and live in support.

     

    Eat & Enjoy! If you or a loved one needs support call us at (301) 740-8870 or learn more about our elder care and assisted living services.

  • Reliable Caregivers To Help Support You…

    Reliable Caregivers To Help Support You…

    There is no doubt about it, when you think of the coldest month of the year, February comes to mind.  But along with the bitter cold comes a blast of warmth and support.

    February is, after all, a month filed with care and focus on many health and wellness topics including American Heart Health Month, World Cancer Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day and National Caregivers Day.  Not to mention, for chocolate lovers and sweethearts infused in the middle, the celebration of Valentine’s Day.

    How extraordinary that all of these holidays are celebrated in the same month! There is a good reason– these holidays share a common thread—they all focus on individuals, groups and people caring for others– whether through awareness, education, outreach and/or research.

    The American Heart association and World Cancer Day remind us of the need to raise awareness for those struggling with cardiac conditions and/or battling cancer. Just around the corner is Random Acts of Kindness Day which will certainly remind us to look for opportunities to reach out and help others, just because.  Then on the 3rd Friday of the month, National Caregivers’ Day, we recognize and understand the importance of professional caregivers and honor their dedication.  

    And, if you need assistance, we are here to help you by providing fall prevention assistance, personal care, skilled nursing, as well as caregivers for dementia care and other elder care needs.

    National Caregivers Day reminds us of the importance of serving the community.

    Services Include:

    caregiver

    dementia care

    elder care

    fall prevention

    skilled nursing

    Let’s kick off February, Go Eagles, with some love and care, sorry Patriot fans!

  • Happy New Year 2018!

    Happy New Year 2018!

    Resolutions You Can Live With- Empowering Health and Wellness

    It is a New Year, and with it countless opportunities to renew, rethink and re-energize our commitments to take care of ourselves —and engage in wellness aging. After all, if you don’t do it, who will?

    In fact, The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) provides an opportunity to rethink elder care, health, and wellness. Rather than focus on the management of disease and disorders, the concept focuses on empowering prevention and proactive strategies. The council identifies seven areas of wellness: emotional, intellectual/cognitive, physical, professional, environmental, spiritual and social.

    These seven pillars provide a strong support system for active aging. Any one, or all of them, can help you enhance your wellbeing and wellness aging. The more you try, the better!

    1. Emotional Wellbeing 

    The NIH notes that psychological wellbeing and health are closely linked as we age. Finding joy, happiness, coping with sadness/stress, and a sense of purpose provide a strong wellness component. When challenges are too great, the ability to reach out for support–with family and friends, or professionals, strengthen emotional wellness and wellbeing.

    2. Intellectual/Cognitive Engagement 

    Keeping your brain active can be fun and healthy! Try taking a class at your local senior center or community college, join a choir, learn something new, read a book, play board games (scrabble anyone?)  work on puzzles, or learn a new language. Your brain will not only appreciate the challenge, but the change of routine as well.

    3. Physical

     Check with your doctor first, and then find something that suits your style–walking, swimming, dancing, and weight bearing activities all help maintain good physical health. But wait–there’s more! Good eating habits, adequate sleep and healthy lifestyle choices support a sense of wellbeing and prolonged independence. And quite frankly, you just feel better. If you are unsure where to start–try your local YMCA, senior center or a community fitness center focused on intergenerational classes. 

    4. Professional

    Working? Volunteering? Stay engaged as long as you feel you can. Retirement is the perfect time to try new skills. Paid and unpaid work can provide a sense of accomplishment, socialization, and a wonderful contribution to the community.  The expertise and knowledge you share can be invaluable — and even life changing– to others. 

    5. Environmental

    Connecting with the environment–taking a walk, growing a garden, enjoying a walk in the park, recycling and respecting the planet all contribute to a sense of a connected wellbeing and purposeful sense of stewardship.

    6. Spiritual

    Whether it is personal, group, mindfulness, mediation or any form of connecting and strengthening your personal moral compass, research suggests a strong wellness benefit connection leads to better health.

    7. Social

    Social interactions are a key component to better health and wellness. Engaging in enjoyable activities with others—family, friends, volunteering and working support good emotional and physical health. The National Institute on Aging points to research that supports a “strong correlation between social interaction and health and well-being”.  Find time each day to connect with others to increase better health and wellness.

    So—welcome 2018 with the resolution to try some, or better yet all, of the above Seven Wellness Pillars. We know we will!

    Blog Sources: The National Institute of Health, National Institute on Aging, and the International Council on Active Aging.

  • Older Driver Safety Week

    Older Driver Safety Week

    The American Occupational Therapy Association has designated the week of December 4-8 as Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. 

    Why have a week dedicated to specifically to older drivers? Because adults over the age of 65 represent 40.1 million licensed drivers (National Highway Safety Administration).  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 6,800 older adults were killed in traffic accidents, while over 260,000 older adults were sent to emergency rooms for treatment. As the number of older adults continues to grow, so will these numbers.

    That’s why this week—older driver safety week– is so important. We all know people of different ages who should not be driving, but that is very different from asking someone who just turned 65 to turn in their drivers’ license.  

     Driving is not always about age—it is also about ability. What does that mean? It means that determining whether one should be driving depends on an assessment of health issues and medications. (Senior Driving, American Automobile Association).  Physical and mental health issues, as well as medications will impact not only the driver, but the safety of everyone else on the road. All drivers are responsible for maintaining good physical and mental health for the safety of others, and if they want to help extend their driving years.

    What can you do? The AAA recommends:

    1.     Keep yourself physically and mentally challenged. Take exercise classes, walk with friends, stay socially active, and keep your brain engaged.

    2.     Sign up for older adult driver classes. There are a variety of classes available in the community that offer driving courses specifically for seniors. These classes provide the opportunity to keep driving skills fresh, learn about the implications of medications and driving, review safe driving tips, implement comfort tips behind the wheel, and understand which physical changes affect driving.

    3.     Make sure your car is in good condition, and has the latest safety features. New features can help you parallel park, alert you when a car is close by, and provide backup cameras for greater visual awareness.

    4.     Know your options when it is time to drive less often, or stop driving entirely. There are many transportation choices to help keep you socially active and engaged. Learn what they are before you need them.

    And–watch out for self-driving cars! Probably the most exciting innovation we will see within five years will be driverless cars, expanding choice and independence for everyone.

    Remember, keeping our roads safe is everyone’s responsibility. We all have a responsibility to be safe drivers, and use other transportation options when our abilities change.

    Stay safe out there!

     
  • National Family Caregivers Month

    National Family Caregivers Month

    It is no coincidence that the month of November is not only Thanksgiving, but also National Family Caregivers Month.

    Having two very important events in one month, provides us the opportunity to give thanks together with family and friends for all that we are grateful for, as well as the time to honor and thankfamily, friends and colleagues who volunteer their energy to provide care for others.

    Volunteer caregivers contribute countless hours of companionship, support for personal needs, and other related services to help loved ones in need of assistance. Very often these humble volunteers never identify themselves as caregivers, and as a result never take advantage of services and support systems available to them to help support all that they do. Caregivers can find their role rewarding and fatiguing, heartwarming or discouraging, all at the same time.

    Do you know someone who is a tireless caregiver? If so, help celebrate their contributions and thank them for all that they do to help so many in need. Acknowledge that caregiving can be rewarding, but lonely and stressful as well. Let them know that there are people ready to support them as they navigate all of the highs and lows of helping others. Share with them the gift of these Ten Tips from the Caregiver Action Network (caregiveraction.org):

    1. Seek support from other caregivers. You are not alone.

    2. Take care of your own health, so you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.

    3. Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.

    4. Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.

    5. Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often.

    6. Watch out for signs of depression and don’t delay getting professional help when you need it.

    7. Be open to new technologies to help you care for your loved one.

    8. Organize medical information so it’s up to date and easy to find.

    9. Make sure legal documents are in order.

    10. Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is!

    We, too, at CarePlus want to take this opportunity to thank all of the family caregivers for giving so much of themselves to care for others. We know this is not an easy job for you and we are here to help you in a variety of ways. Visit CarePlus Resources Here. Please do not hesitate to contact us for support, resources and services at 301-740-8870.

    At this time of year, all of us at CarePlus want to wish you and your family a very Happy Healthy Thanksgiving filled with joy, good health and fun!

  • Stroke Awareness Day

    Stroke Awareness Day

    World Stroke Day is October 29. This very important day gives us an opportunity to remind —and re-educate– ourselves, our family and our friends about factors that increase the risk of suffering a stroke. This day also provides an opportunity to learn the warning signs, treatments after stroke care and best practices for prevention.

    What is a stroke?

    A stroke occurs when blood vessels carrying oxygen to the brain are blocked. The lack of oxygen causes brain cells to die, affecting areas of the body controlled by those brain cells. (Nat’l Heart, Lung, Blood Institute, NIH).

    What is a silent stroke?

     A silent stroke interrupts the flow of blood in a part of the brain that does not control any vital functions. The damage, though significant, is too small to produce any symptoms, but can lead to increased cognitive impairment. Most people rarely know they have had one. Research seems to indicate that over 30% of adults over 70 have experienced a silent stroke. (Harvard Publishing, Harvard Medical School.)

    What can put you at risk?

    1. High Blood Pressure. Also, known as the “silent killer”, high blood pressure can be treated and managed –when detected early. Getting your blood pressure checked on a regular basis is a good health practice.
    2. Diabetes. Regular visits to your doctor include blood tests which will help determine your risk.
    3. Heart Disease.
    4. Smoking. The evidence is clear, smoking is a risk factor for, not only a stroke but for many other diseases as you age. If you are a smoker ask your doctor for a program to help you stop. New programs are proving quite successful.
    5. Age/Gender. The risk of a stroke increases as one ages, with men at a slightly higher risk. Women who suffer a stroke however, have a higher risk of dying.
    6. Family History. Your risk goes up if you have a close family member who has had a stroke or a TIA (mini stroke).
    7. High Cholesterol levels.

    What can you do to prevent a stroke?

    1. Maintain a healthy weight. Diet and good weight management can decrease your stroke risk. There are many new diet programs that fit your lifestyle and food preferences to help you find a weight loss program that will help you succeed.
    2. Exercise. Regular exercise has a variety of benefits, these include controlling blood sugar levels, helping circulation and decreasing stress. You can find a variety of exercise programs at your neighborhood recreation center, senior center, or local YMCA. And, don’t forget—exercise can be as easy as slipping on a good pair of exercise shoes and walking thirty minutes around the mall or your neighborhood. Don’t’ forget a steps counter to help you keep track of your progress.
    3. Stress Management. Research into mindfulness and meditation are showing favorable results when it comes to reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. Try a class, or download an app for your phone to experience the benefits.

            (Nat’l Heart, Lung, Blood Institute, NIH)

    What are the symptoms of a stroke?

    Sudden onset of any of these symptoms might indicate that someone is having a stroke: Difficulty speaking or comprehending, confusion, inability to raise both arms in the air, difficulty seeing–blurry or obstructed vision, sudden onset of a headache, dizziness, difficulty with balance. (Nat’l Heart, Lung, Blood Institute, NIH)

    A quick way to remember the symptoms is to remember FAST.

    FACE– is the face droopy, can the person smile?

    ARMS–can the person lift both arms in the air?

    SPEECH–Is speech clear, can the person understand what you are saying

    TIME–Time is critical so act quickly to get the person medical care.

    Call 911 immediately. A stroke is always an emergency requiring immediate treatment. (worldstrokecampaign.org)

    After Stroke Care

    Stroke survivors can find many changes to daily life, often requiring rehabilitation, daily activity assistance and supportive therapies to help rebuild lost skills.

    (Harvard Publishing Harvard Medical School)

     

    CarePlus has a Stroke Program- for more information click here.

  • Celebrate the Month of May!

    Celebrate the Month of May!

    Spring has finally arrived and with it a month full of Welcome Celebrations.

    On May 14, we join all our family and friends as we honor Mothers and thank them for their endless love, care and support. A Mother’s love has no limits and she is often our greatest fan. Thank you to Mother’s everywhere!

    We continue the celebration on May 15, as we begin our 23rd year proudly serving Mother’s (and loved ones) in the Washington, DC area. For these last 22 years, we have provided home care to support your family member to live independently if possible. The CarePlus mission is dedicated to assisting seniors, with maintaining their independence in the comfort and safety of their own homes, wherever home may be. We want to ensure that we help your mom get up in the morning, so you can sleep at night.

    We have always placed families first, and will always continue to do so as we grow and provide the services most needed by those in our community. Over the years the needs have changed, and wbvcxe have worked to provide services that meet those needs. More adults choose to age in place, or the community. Our home health care model helps increase successful aging in the home.

    With an experienced and caring staff, we are ready to provide support at tough times such as hospitalization, post discharge, rehabilitation and/or hospice care. We also provide personal care including meal preparation, bathing, medication reminders, safety assessments and assistance with daily living services.

    Our specialty care includes support for medical conditions related to Alzheimer’s and dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); Cardiac Care; COPD/Pneumonia; Diabetes Management; Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

    Our ongoing support services can help with Fall Prevention and our Skilled Nursing includes services for Medication Management, Wound Care, Ostomy Care Tube Feedings, Injections and Ventilator Care.

    We are here to provide that support for your Mother, you and your family when caring for a loved one.

    If you are experiencing a stressful situation or exploring future options for care, CarePlus is here to help, just call (301) 740-8870 to learn more.