CarePlus

Author: Tom Najjar

  • 5 Hot-Weather Bummers for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

    This has been a record breaking week of high temperatures in our service areas of Maryland Our in home caregivers deal with these 5 Hot-Weather Bummers for Alzheimer’s Caregivers graphicchallenges on a daily basis.  We hope these tips help ease your work load and keep you and your loved ones cool and safe.

    Summer Alzheimer’s Worry #1: Body odor.

    Unpleasant to think about…but even more so to notice. People with Alzheimer’s not only neglect self care but if aggressive, they can resist the efforts of others to help them stay clean. If bathing has become an issue, hot weather tends to make it all the more contentious.

    Solutions: When someone you’re caring for fails the sniff test, above all resist making it a huge battle. Better to back off (and endure) a day or two, and then come at it again. For better cooperation, try suggesting sponge baths as a way to cool down (rather than as a necessity to keeping clean).” Continue reading>>

  • Financial Assistance for Seniors

    Managing finances for Seniors can be very challenging to many in today’s economy.  Budget cuts and lost income for Seniors has effected Financial Assistance for Seniors graphicpeople all over the country and right here in our Maryland service areas (Gaithersburg, Germantown, Rockville, Potomac, Silver Spring, Bethesda and beyond).  Working in the home with seniors everyday we understand the impact and thought this article would be helpful to our readers.

     Financial Assistance for Seniors

    “Most seniors rely on a wide range of Social Security benefits to provide at least some regular income. Those who have few assets and very low income might also qualify for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. And if either partner of a married couple was in the military, they both may be eligible for veterans benefits. Try the BenefitsCheckup calculator to find out what benefits you’re eligible for.” Continue reading>>

  • Help Seniors Beat the Dangers of Summer Heat

    Sweltering humidity and temperatures over 90 degrees are dominating our Maryland in home care service areas (Gaithersburg, Help Seniors Beat the Dangers of Summer Heat graphicGermantown, Rockville, Potomac, Silver Spring, Bethesda and beyond) this week. As such, we thought it would be helpful to post some heat beating tips for seniors. If you need in home care, part time assistance or simply some advice call CarePlus Home Health in Gaithersburg, Maryland at (301) 740-8870. We have over 18 years of experience and we are here to help!

    Help Seniors Beat the Dangers of Summer Heat

    “Summer’s here. And with it come health risks for seniors. Older people are especially vulnerable to heat illnesses, as elaborated on by the Centers for Disease Control. The two biggest risks are heat stroke (extremely serious) and heat exhaustion (milder than heat stroke but still serious). Dehydration and heat cramps are in there, too.

    There are several things you can do to help protect your parents from the dangers of baking-high temps.

    Make sure they:

    • Are drinking plenty of hydrating fluids, like water, and avoiding dehydrating fluids, like alcohol and caffeinated beverages
    • Limit time in the direct sun and wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen…” Continue Reading >>

  • Alzheimer’s and Father’s Day

    Our home caretakers get to spend a lot of time with families and get to experience many of the heartaches and successes they go through in Alzheimer’s and Father’s Day graphiccaring for elderly parents and family. This article struck a chord with Father’s Day fast approaching. Comment below if you have stories or advice to share, and Happy Fathers Day from CarePlus Home Health!

    In Search of the Right Father’s Day Card for a Dad With Alzheimer’s

    By Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com senior editor

    “What’s the right Father’s Day card for a dad with Alzheimer’s? That’s what I found myself pondering this weekend. I suppose the first question is whether to send one in the first place. Dad’s unlikely to realize Father’s Day is coming. And he forgets any card or gift soon after it’s opened. So why bother? Because it’s Father’s Day and he’s my father. Because he loves to open mail addressed to him, and then to read it over and over.” Continue Reading >>

  • Cancer Survivors: 8 Lessons We Wish We’d Known

    In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day coming up on the first Sunday in June, we are sharing this fantastic insight straight from cancerNational Cancer Survivor's Day logosurvivors themselves. Our home caregivers are honored to get to be an integral part of cancer care teams throughout our Maryland home care service areas, and we love to share any little bits of insight that might make this trying time a little bit better.

    “A few years back, New York Times reporter Dana Jennings posted a very moving blog titled Ten Lessons of Prostate Cancer.

    It touched a nerve for me — and many of us in Cancer World — because we all have a desperate desire to connect with others living with cancer in their lives and discover the tidbits of knowledge that only experience can teach. At Caring.com, we have a series of articles titled What I Wish I’d Known, in which well-known people share the lessons they learned in caring for loved ones. Below, in my own personal order of importance, are a few of Dana Jennings’ ten lessons, augmented with others from the more than 260 people who commented on his blog, and still more from community members at Caring.com who’ve taken the time to share their wisdom in group postings and answers to others’ questions.” Continue Reading >>

  • Unforgettable Mother’s Day Gifts for a Mom Who Forgets

    With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we are familiar with the challenges and concerns that come along with aging parents. Our Care Unforgettable Mother’s Day Gifts for a Mom Who Forgets graphicPlus caregivers get to work closely with our clients and their families throughout Maryland, and this article has some fantastic ideas for gifts that truly keep on giving.

    “Stumped for ideas beyond flowers and chocolates for Mother’s Day?

    If your mother, grandmother, or godmother has dementia or Alzheimer’s, look no further than this thoughtful list from Alzheimer’s Daily News. That blog is part of the Ageless Design company, which also runs The Alzheimer’s Store, one of the most comprehensive resources out there on products for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their caregivers. It was founded by gerontologist-architect Mark Warner, who personally evaluates everything sold: wandering alarms, memory stimulation tools, aids for daily living, and more — including, of course, gifts.

    Some basic giving guidelines…” Continue Reading >>

  • Holidays and Dementia — How to Make it Work?

    Dementia is a difficult disease to handle at the best of times–but mix in the constant sensory stimulation of the holidays with an influx of family members, and you could have a recipe for disaster! Dementia patients are often easily distressed, and depending on the variation they suffer from, they could even become aggressive or violent. Luckily, a little advance planning and some honest, open discussion among family members can keep your holiday memories from becoming cringe-worthy.

    Remember to tailor your response to your loved one’s dementia based on their specific symptoms and how advanced the disease is; not all of the tips below will apply to everyone!

    Dealing with Dementia

    A senior citizen with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia has very different needs than many other family members; try to keep them comfortable. Remember to keep a favorite sweater or a warm blanket handy in case they get cold; as we all know, the elderly often feel the winter nip in the air more keenly than those who are younger!

    Many times, a loved one with early or moderate-stage dementia may feel the need to help with holiday preparations; after all, they’ve been doing it their entire lives! Rejecting their offers of help, even out of the best of intentions, can foster wounded feelings. Instead, ask them to help with simple, repetitive tasks, like stringing popcorn and berries for garlands, or signing cards from the whole family. Not only will it cut down on your own load, but repetitive tasks can be soothing for those suffering from dementia.

    Remember that disruptions of routine can be upsetting to dementia patients; try your best to keep their regular schedule! If you have morning or evening routines with your loved ones, don’t let the holidays preempt them; starting and ending the day on the right note can lead to a reduction of stress for everyone involved.

    If traveling is difficult with your elderly loved one, don’t be afraid to ask family and friends to come to you. The holidays are a time to be with the people you care about–and right now, one of those people has some very special requirements. There’s nothing wrong with adjusting family traditions to better facilitate your parents’ or grandparents’ enjoyment of them! Start some new traditions!

    On the other hand, there’s a common saying among memory loss experts that goes, “last in, first out; first in, last out.” What this means is that long-standing memories–memories from decades ago–can be the memories that remain longest. Try to keep long-standing traditions; it can help your loved one remain oriented to their present time and season, and help them to better enjoy the holidays without becoming totally confused.

    Preparing Family for the Differences

    Before they arrive for the holidays, have a detailed, honest, and open discussion with your family members about your elderly loved one’s condition. If siblings, cousins, or nieces and nephews haven’t seen Grandma and Grandpa in a while, it’s best to prepare them, and let them know about any memory loss. Be sure to emphasize that memory loss is not a personal insult. Many times, people can become hurt when their grandparents or parents don’t recognize them, or mistake them for another family member or friend; remind them that this doesn’t mean they aren’t loved, just that your loved one is sick.

    Let them know how to gently remind your loved one who they’re with and where they are, without getting upset; although dementia patients can be intellectually confused, they can pick up on emotional cues from those around them. If the people in their vicinity are upset or emotional, chances are your loved one will be too.

    Explaining dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to children can be difficult and heartbreaking, but it can be for the best. Try to explain to any children present why they need to watch their behavior, even though they’re around family, and be sure to emphasize the first point–that if Grandpa and Grandma don’t recognize them, it’s just because they’ve changed so much!

    Celebrating the holidays with a family member suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult, but keeping your eyes open and your expectations realistic can help to curtail any hurt feelings or family disasters. Remember–your loved one hasn’t morphed into a disease. The parent, spouse, grandparent, or sibling you love is still there; they just need a little extra TLC!

    From all of us here at CarePlus, we wish you and your family members the best of holidays, and a happy, hopeful start to the new year.

  • 10 Healthy Holiday Substitutions

    With Thanksgiving on its way, the holiday season of 2011-2012 is just about ready to kick off–and with that comes lots of delicious (and usually not terribly healthy) holiday food!

    It may not be easy, but it’s a good idea to try not to overindulge during the holiday season–and there’s no shortage of tips on how you can succeed at that. One of the best ways? Make substitutions while cooking! We’ve listed some of our favorite substitutions, many of which we’d never even thought of before.

    1. Applesauce for oil or butter. Switching out the fatty oils for applesauce isn’t a new idea, but it’s one a lot of people might not be willing to try. The texture’s just right, though, and thanks to the natural sugars in fruit, even unsweetened applesauce can lend some sweetness to your baking!
    2. Graham crackers for cookies in pie crusts! Pies are one of the holiday standards, and while everyone loves a good Oreo or cookie crust, swapping that out for reduced-fat graham crackers can cut out up to half the calories while still tasting great!
    3. Stevia for sugar. This natural sweetener, which has recently been gaining in popularity is now more readily available, is lower in calories than sugar and up to 300 times sweeter. You read that right–300 times. Popular brand names are Sweetleaf and Truvia.
    4. Prosciutto for bacon. While bacon is an American standard year-round, it’s also well-known to be a major (if majorly delicious) health hazard. Prosciutto can lend a similar taste while having half the calories and two-thirds as much fat!
    5. Nuts for croutons. Serving up salad as a healthy option with your holiday meals? Croutons add a desirable crunch, but they can also pack quite a lot of fat and sodium. Instead, try lightly toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts! Not only will you be eliminating those extra carbs, but nuts sneak in some extra omega-3 fatty oils.
    6. Pureed fruit for syrup. Looking to warm up on cold mornings with some waffles or pancakes? Instead of slathering them with syrup, try pureeing fruit with a bit of honey; it packs in a lot less sugar, and when it’s warmed on the stove beforehand, tastes even better.
    7. Frozen bananas for ice cream. You read that right! Freeze a couple of bananas overnight, then puree them in the blender; drizzle in a little bit of honey and some cinnamon. The texture’s almost identical, and the taste is to die for!
    8. Ground turkey for ground beef. Since turkey is a leaner meat, it makes a great (and seasonal!) substitution for ground beef. A few spoonfuls of chicken stock can keep it from drying out!
    9. Dry beans for canned beans. Sure, canned beans may be more convenient, but they’re so high in sodium and preservatives! Stock up on some dry beans; all it takes is a little extra soaking and boiling.
    10. Marshmallow Fluff for the butter and sugar in frosting. Believe it or not, this childhood favorite is actually healthier than most frosting; 2 tablespoons is not only fat-free, it only has 40 calories and 6 grams of sugar, while conventional frosting can pack in up to 100 calories and 14 grams of sugar (not to mention all that fat)!

    Of course, indulging in some of the ‘bad’ stuff around the holidays isn’t a mortal sin–feel free to treat yourself, but remember that, like with all things, moderation is key!

    Do you have any favorite substitutions? Let us know!

  • Basic Storm Preparedness – For Any Season!

    These tips and tricks can help you stay prepared for bad weather in any season.
    • Stock up on bottled water. If the power goes out or the water supply is affected by the storm, you’ll need it!
    • Dig out your battery-powered radio and some flashlights. Even if we lose power, you’ll want to stay aware of what’s going on – and don’t forget to stock up on batteries to run them!
    • Charge your cell phones in advance. Also, if it becomes difficult or impossible to make phone calls in the wake of a disaster, try sending a text instead–they use less data than actual calls, and are more likely to get through.
    • Make sure you have plenty of non-perishable foods, especially things that don’t require refrigeration or heating. Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible if the power goes out–conserve food!
    • Gas up your car. A full tank of gas is always a good thing to have, especially in emergency situations.
    • Keep a first-aid kit at hand. We all hope you won’t have to use them – but if worse comes to worst, make sure you have the supplies you need ready!
    • DON’T leave shelter during severe weather unless it’s absolutely unavoidable.
    • DON’T drive into standing water – flash floods are dangerous!
    • If you’re caught outside during severe weather, DON’T take shelter under a tree.
    • Move to a central part of your house in the event of a weather emergency such as a tornado or strong winds; stay away from windows and secure them as much as possible.
    • Check up on your neighbors, especially if they’re elderly, have young children, or are ill.

  • Man’s New Best Friend

    The efficacy of animal-assisted therapy isn’t some sort of state secret; the news regularly fills in holes with fluff pieces about how Fido can keep you young or how research shows Mittens may help lower your blood pressure. But like every other kind of therapy, pet therapy isn’t ‘one size fits all.’ There are definite benefits—but if the benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks, the addition of a pet to your family can increase stress.

    First, let’s take a look at the benefits. One of the obvious upsides to having a pet is simply that they’re there—pets provide companionship, which can be more than just a comfort to seniors who may be isolated and lonely. Not only do pets fill up the time, but as human friends pass away and adult children and grandchildren get busy and increasingly self-sufficient, pets provide a sense of purpose—they may not be the best conversationalists, but being responsible for any other life can renew a senior’s sense of meaning.

    Of course, one of the significant drawbacks to having a pet is upkeep—dogs need to be walked and groomed, and even cats, which tend to be lower maintenance, require attention; additionally, they can get underfoot and be moving, breathing tripping hazards, and can knock over other objects and create messes. Even smaller rodents can trigger allergies. So what’s to be done?

    Amazingly, it’s been shown in several studies that fish can have a notably beneficial effect on Alzheimer’s disease patients. Not only does easy access and exposure to an aquarium soothe aggression and depression in dementia patients, but it also has shown a marked improvement in appetite and food consumption at mealtimes, even leading to an overall, quantifiable increase in weight!

    According to a study done by a nursing professor at Purdue University, participants in an Alzheimer’s study increased their food intake by an average of 17.2%. The same study “showed a decrease in the number of instances and the duration of behaviors such as wandering, pacing, yelling and physical aggression.”

    Aquariums also provide a colorful and constantly moving source of entertainment and stimulation; because of its active nature, it is well-suited to the naturally short attention span of an Alzheimer’s patient. Even better—Alzheimer’s patients will get a boost of confidence from helping to feed the fish and seeing them respond to the arrival of food, and the huge number of aquarium accessories—from the ubiquitous deep-sea divers and castles to laughing Buddhas and popular cartoon characters like Spongebob Squarepants—means there’s no end to the possibilities when it comes to setting up a creative and colorful background for your fish.

    The downside to fish, of course, is that they’re nowhere near as cute and cuddly as, say, a cat or a dog, but as the Purdue professor who headed up the aquarium study says, “[Alzheimer’s patients] might step on the cat’s tail or pull the dog’s hair,” whereas fish are “basically indestructible.”

    While tanks require upkeep and regular maintenance, there’s no risk of “accidents” on the floor, and the last we heard there was no record of a fish chewing on expensive shoes. There’s no grooming, shedding, or walks on rainy days required. With such considerable benefits and fewer downsides, when it comes to your seniors, man may have a new best friend!