Sunday, November 25, 2012

My Life with Alzheimer’s and the Gift of My Friend Jean

Oct 29 2012

I always say, if you've met one person with Alzheimer's—then you've met one person with Alzheimer's. Many people don't realize how each individual has a unique experience with the disease—unique symptoms, a unique path to diagnosis and unique needs.
November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregiver Month, and as a member of the Alzheimer's Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group, I'm proud to share my story to help raise awareness of disease and those affected.
A year ago, at age 62, I was working as a third-grade teacher when I noticed I was having problems with balance and gait. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I went to see my doctor, who suspected the cancer had returned and spread to my brain. You can imagine my shock and devastation when a series of tests revealed I had Alzheimer's disease.
It took me a long time to come to terms with the diagnosis, but I found solace and support in the Alzheimer's Association. I decided that while I was still able, I had to "Get real" with the details of my diagnosis and start planning for the future.
Although I retired from teaching, my background in education has been a great benefit in my journey with Alzheimer's. In my previous job as a principal, I adopted the habit of taking copious notes, writing down conversations I had with parents, students and teachers. Now, I use that same practice to stay on top of my day-to-day activities. I write down everything in a notebook I carry with me: what I did, who I saw, what I said, the names of doctors and books I want to read. I stay active in the field of education by tutoring and working at after-school programs.
My life with Alzheimer's is somewhat unique because I live alone. To keep myself safe, I have routines—I have a specific place where I keep my keys and I have a process to make sure the stove is turned off every night. Right now, I am still in the early stage of the disease, and very independent.
I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to plan for the future. I know there will come a day when I can no longer care for myself or manage my own finances. My brother-in-law has power of attorney, and I've started to visit long-term care facilities in my area.
I'm fortunate to have found a steady source of support in my friend Jean. We taught together for a couple of years before my diagnosis, but I don't know what I'd do without her now.  She keeps me social by inviting me to everything—and I mean everything! We read books and go to the movies together and discuss them. She sends me notes about things I might find interesting—just this morning, she emailed and told me to read the opinion column on the stimulus plan in our newspaper.  She makes me homemade chicken rice soup and chili. We have tickets to see "Jersey Boys" together later this month.
In short, she is a beautiful person, inside and out. She nurtures my soul.
This November, I'm thinking of all of those facing Alzheimer's, going through their own unique experiences with the disease—and of the many caregivers whose love and support is the most valuable gift of all.

Learn More:


Janice Pfeilschifter lives in Aberdeen, North Carolina and is a member of the 2012 Alzheimer's Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group. As an advisor, she hopes to share the perspective that life does not end with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
http://blog.alz.org/my-life-with-alzheimers-and-the-gift-of-my-friend-jean-2/

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Mid Tennessee

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Mid Tennessee area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.

If you need Home Care services in Adams, Alexandria, Auburntown, Bethpage, Brush Creek, Carthage, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Chestnut Mound, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Dixon Springs, Elmwood, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Gordonsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Hickman, Joelton, Lafayette, Lancaster, Lascassas, Lebanon, Madison, Moss, Mount Juliet, Nashville, Old Hickory, Orlinda, Pleasant Shade, Pleasant View, Portland, Red Boiling Springs, Riddleton, Springfield, Watertown, Westmoreland, White Creek, White House, Whitleyville and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Mid Tennessee Home Health Care Company.  "

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Aging Matters - Snubbing Aging Challenges

Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 12:30 by Aging.Matters               

Everyone starts out their lives learning.


We learn to walk and talk when we are toddlers. Then we go to school and learn reading, writing and math.  When we become teenagers we begin to learn about relationships.  By our early 20's our brains are filled with marriage, careers and raising children.

All of these ever-changing activities require us to exercise our brains and therefore expand our brain power.  Each new challenge we face creates new pathways, and these new pathways help to grow our ability to do things and increase our memory capacity.

Once we reach our 50's and 60's, we start to rely more and more on routines. While these routines are helpful in managing a busy lifestyle, they are something we do automatically, without thinking.  As a direct result of these routines, our brain capacity starts to reduce which ultimately leads to a declining memory.

It is important not to rely on routines. Start finding ways to challenge your brains such as:

  • Using your non-dominate hand to do things such as writing your name or brushing your teeth.
  • Read out loud every day. When we read to ourselves we don't read every word, nor do we pronounce each word correctly – reading out loud helps you pronounce each word.
  • Take a different route when driving.  How many times to do you drive to the store and never think about how to get there?
  • Find things you have never tried before or that you are not good at doing such as crossword puzzles, trivia games, etc.
You are in control of your brain, don't let that power disappear!

http://aging.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10202/snubbing-aging-challenges/

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Mid Tennessee

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Mid Tennessee area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.

If you need Home Care services in Adams, Alexandria, Auburntown, Bethpage, Brush Creek, Carthage, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Chestnut Mound, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Dixon Springs, Elmwood, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Gordonsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Hickman, Joelton, Lafayette, Lancaster, Lascassas, Lebanon, Madison, Moss, Mount Juliet, Nashville, Old Hickory, Orlinda, Pleasant Shade, Pleasant View, Portland, Red Boiling Springs, Riddleton, Springfield, Watertown, Westmoreland, White Creek, White House, Whitleyville and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Mid Tennessee Home Health Care Company.  "

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Confusion in the storm: Alzheimer's patient refused to evacuate

By JoNel Aleccia, NBC News

Amid the chaos of superstorm Sandy, an 89-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease rebuffed rescuers' efforts and refused to evacuate her New Jersey home this week, raising questions about her safety -- and about the dilemma posed by dementia patients during a disaster.


Caregivers with the group Senior Helpers had taken Helen Gatanis, who lives in Salem County, to a local nursing home for care early Monday. But when the woman with mid-stage Alzheimer's disease realized where she was, she grew distressed and combative, said Valerie Neighbors, president of the local franchise.


"She was pushing people to get them out of the way," Neighbors said. "She actually walked out of the door of the facility."
                 

There was no way to force Gatanis to stay -- she's competent to make such decisions -- so, rather than upset her more, caregivers took her back home to wait out the storm.

"We got her something to eat and handed her a flashlight," said Neighbors, who supervises 60 elderly clients in four counties. "She said, 'Why am I going to need my flashlight?'"

Gatanis survived Monday night with no ill effects; Senior Helpers staff were blocked by downed trees and road closures from reaching her, so they called the Pennsville Township Police Department at least twice to send officers to check on her.


As of Wednesday, Gatanis had power, the roads were being cleared near her house and a caregiver was with her.

But her situation highlights the plight of some 5.4 million people in the United States who have dementia -- and the family members who care for them. Because of their condition, they're more vulnerable than others to the impact of disasters, and less able to cope with them, experts say.

Early estimates suggested that the storm had the potential to affect about 20 percent of the U.S. population, which would include hundreds of thousands of people with dementia. An estimated 1 in 7 Alzheimer's patients lives alone, and nearly half have no appointed caregiver, according to recent figures from the Alzheimer's Association, a national advocacy and education group.


"I was concerned," said Ted Gatanis, 62, of Livermore, Calif., one of Helen Gatanis' two sons. "I know she wants to stay in the home that dad built."

In addition, her son said, she was reluctant to leave Inkie, her 3-year-old tuxedo cat, a constant companion.

"Inkie is like her reason to live," Ted Gatanis said.


He added that his mom was a lifelong homemaker who cherished the house her husband, Ted Gatanis Sr., a chemical plant worker, built himself in 1989. The elder Gatanis, who died in 2009, was an avid collector of antique tools, an obituary said, and the couple loved to garden and sell their vegetables from a nearby stand.

Helen Gatanis' refusal to leave her home, even in the midst of a life-threatening storm, is common, said Ruth Drew, director of family and information services for the Alzheimer's Association.


Because their cognitive abilities are impaired, people with dementia become easily confused, frightened and agitated.


"Sometimes it's heartbreaking," Drew said. "They've misinterpreted what's been said to them. They may perceive themselves to be in very real danger. They may be acting in a way that's completely reasonable when you are in grave danger."


Ted Gatanis saw his mother during a lengthy visit earlier this month and said he talks to her weekly. She seemed to do "OK," during the storm, he said: "She was watching the rain."


Assistance from Senior Helpers, which sends trained nurses and caregivers into patient homes, allows Gatanis' mother to retain her independence, despite her age and illness. She gets care about four hours a day, but is able to tend her own needs most of the time, staff said.

Many of the clients enrolled in the program -- which charges an hourly fee ranging from $19.50 an hour to $23 an hour in the South Jersey area -- are adamant about living on their own, Neighbors said.


"This is something that's extremely important to them," she said. "The men built the homes; it's their pride and joy."


Helping people with dementia amid the chaos of a disaster can be challenging, Drew said. Such patients require clear, calm explanations and instructions -- and lots of time.


"If we seem agitated, upset or panicked, even without saying a word, we telegraph that to the people around us," she said. "If we can take a deep breath and stay calm and talk to someone in simple, slow language, in a warm, friendly way, oftentimes that enables them to respond at the best of their capacity."


Rather than expecting the patients to adapt to the surroundings, caregivers must adapt the environment to them, if possible, Neighbors said.


"That person doesn't have a healthy brain," she said. "We need to modify our approach."


Planning ahead for emergencies is vital. That might involve creating an evacuation plan and preparing an emergency kit that contains vital papers, medications and other necessary supplies.


The Alzheimer Association's 24-hour helpline – 1-800-272-3900 -- logged dozens of calls from East Coast family members worried about patients with dementia, Drew said.


Such concerns are only going to be more common during future disasters as America's population ages. Nearly half of all people older than 85 in the U.S. have Alzheimer's disease, Drew notes.


"This touches families across the board," she said. "It's something we see a lot of now and something that we'll continue to see more of."


http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/31/14811864-confusion-in-the-storm-alzheimers-patient-refused-to-evacuate?lite

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Mid Tennessee

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Mid Tennessee area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.

If you need Home Care services in Adams, Alexandria, Auburntown, Bethpage, Brush Creek, Carthage, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Chestnut Mound, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Dixon Springs, Elmwood, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Gordonsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Hickman, Joelton, Lafayette, Lancaster, Lascassas, Lebanon, Madison, Moss, Mount Juliet, Nashville, Old Hickory, Orlinda, Pleasant Shade, Pleasant View, Portland, Red Boiling Springs, Riddleton, Springfield, Watertown, Westmoreland, White Creek, White House, Whitleyville and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Mid Tennessee Home Health Care Company.  "

Sunday, November 4, 2012

7 Design Secrets for a House You Can Live in Forever

By Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com senior editor

The words dream house may conjure up fantasy amenities and custom trims. But smart homeowners also imagine a home they can live in forever -- with a young family, through busy midlife, and with many of the common physical limitations that getting older can bring, from arthritis to needing a wheelchair.

Universal design (UD) is the design of products and environments that are usable by most people, regardless of their level of ability or disability, and at little or no extra cost. From entryways to kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms, they often increase the value of a home. UD brings together the principles of accessible design (meeting standards for handicapped access, using "adaptable" design, meaning "normal"-looking design that can be revised later for disabled use), ergonomic design (allowing people and things to interact most effectively and safely), and green design (environmentally friendly spaces). UD is sometimes also called "lifespan design."

These seven principles, set out by the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, a national resource and technical assistance center, help inform useful design for all ages and stages of life:

1. Design that's equally appealing to all users

What it means
Wherever possible, universal design creates spaces that can be used by everyone equally and that are appealing to all. UD doesn't stigmatize any one group of users -- like those obvious wheelchair ramps tacked onto the fronts of older homes, for example.
What it looks like
  • At least one three-foot-wide, gently sloping, no-step entry -- meaning no porch step or tall threshold -- allows someone with a stroller, wheelchair, or walker to easily enter, without screaming "handicap entrance" to the mobile.
  • A lever-handled front door (as opposed to a round knob) can be a relief for sore or weak hands or anyone carrying packages, a baby, or a cane.
  • Mirrors placed where they can be seen from sitting and standing positions, such as a full-length or tilting mirror, mean you don't have to crane to see yourself.
  • Having no changes in floor levels throughout the main level of the house increases safety and accessibility and helps eliminate tripping. That means a just-walking toddler or an older adult who shuffles or has balance trouble can maneuver around as smoothly as someone using an assistive device, like crutches or a walker. And healthy people are less likely to trip and spill what they're carrying.

2. Flexible use

What it means
Good UD accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities. This means it considers both lefties and righties, and those who move at different paces. It often allows for a variety of usages, as well.
What it looks like
  • Ideally, there should be least one bedroom and a full bathroom on the main floor, located away from living areas. It can serve as a study, craft room, or playroom early on, and as a bedroom when getting up stairs becomes difficult because of, for example, illness. There should also be a main-floor laundry room.
  • Paddle-handled handles at the kitchen sink have already become the new standard because everyone finds them easier and more convenient. Handedness doesn't matter (nor does whether you have a free hand, if, say, you've been kneading dough and yours is flour-covered).
  • A small rolling cart based in the kitchen offers additional workspace wherever needed to save walking around.
  • Pull-out work boards near the stove, refrigerator, or counters add space to chop vegetables (and can be slid back after); ideally, there should be boards inset at different heights for users of different heights, or to use when seated or standing.
  • Pocket doors wherever possible provide flexibility and privacy, and give a sense of extra space because there's no door blocking anything.

3. Simple and intuitive use

What it means
UD makes things easy to figure out, regardless of cognitive functioning, language, literacy, experience or know-how. Unnecessary complexity is out.
What it looks like
  • D-shaped drawer pulls are easy to grasp and pull open.
  • Smart shower handles move in one obvious way from hot to cold and don't require three different maneuvers to get the water to flow at the desired temperature.
  • Adjustable shelving is easy to customize, so that you can store the tall milk and ketchup where you prefer. Installing lazy Susans makes constructive use of wasted corner cupboard space (because who can reach far back into a corner cupboard?).

4. Presents essential information clearly

What it means
Any information that needs to be conveyed to the user is done using a variety of methods (sensory, pictorial, tactile) so even someone with limitations can manage it.
What it looks like
  • Keyless locks use a remote control or keypad that's user-friendly.
  • Universally designed appliance controls feature obvious symbols and colors in addition to words to clarify instructions (such as red for hot and blue for cold).
  • A circuit-breaker panel that's on the main floor (as opposed to out in the garage) can be easier to access; all the circuits should be clearly labeled for the area they serve, perhaps with a coded floor plan as well as written area names.
  • Smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide alarms should ideally provide both audible and visual signals.

5. Allows for user errors

What it means
UD tries to imagine the potential problems and then eliminates them or isolates or shields the user from them. The design itself anticipates the dangers and discourages unconscious unsafe use.
What it looks like
  • Handrails on both sides of the staircase give support to a frail older adult, a sick younger one, or anyone carrying loads of laundry.
  • A curbless shower stall prevents accidental trips and also allows wheelchair access. A slightly sloping floor aids drainage and cleanup.
  • Grab bars securely anchored to the structure of the walls in shower/bath/toilet areas ensure stability when moving in and out. They can double as towel bars.
  • Floor surfaces in bathrooms and showers are made of no-slip materials, such as tiles with some texture. Carpeting should be low-pile and tightly woven, such as Berber-style carpets.
  • A spring-loaded switch for the garbage disposal that must be held in the "on" position while it's running minimizes fingers or forks accidentally getting caught.
  • Contrasting edging on the front of counters telegraphs the edge to someone with lower vision, to avoid spills and bumps. Corners should be rounded, not sharp.

6. Requires low physical effort

What it means
Things should be easy to use: efficient, comfortable, and requiring minimal effort. You shouldn't have to contort yourself or use a lot of physical force.
What it looks like
  • Rocker-panel light switches can be easily flipped with a fist or an elbow (unlike standard toggle switches) if you're carrying something and don't have fingers free.
  • Switches and controls are placed at easy-to-use heights, more convenient to more people than the standard placements. UD favors light switches that are 42 to 48 inches from the floor, thermostat controls that are about 48 inches off the floor, and electrical outlets and phone jacks that are 18 to 24 inches off the floor.
  • Mounting kitchen outlet and garbage disposal controls on the counter makes them handier than in their customary, hard-to-reach position at the sink backsplash.
  • Raised, front-loading washers, dryers, and dishwashers don't require stooping or reaching

7. Appropriate size and space for use, regardless of body size or mobility

What it means
No matter what your body size, posture, or level of functioning, you should be able to approach, reach, and manipulate objects easily. There should also be sufficient space for someone who needs to use adaptive devices, such as wheelchairs or walkers.
What it looks like
  • An open, spacious floor plan with five-and-a-half foot hallways (instead of the usual four-foot) looks modern and inviting while it accommodates strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs when and if they're needed.
  • A variety of work surface heights, such as countertops that are low in some places along the perimeter and higher in a center island, works for a user who's sitting on a tall stool or low chair, or standing. This is friendlier for family members of differing heights, too.
  • Fold-back doors under the cooking island permit knee space for those who need to use a stool or a wheelchair.
  • A wall-mounted sink with open space beneath loses some common storage but gains access for a wheelchair, especially when the drain is positioned at the back, not in the middle.
  • Raised or adjustable toilet seats comfortably accommodate those with back, hip, or knee problems or those who have problems with balance.
  • A molded seat in the shower stall can look attractive and modern; it's as handy for a woman shaving her legs or shampooing a small child as for a senior being assisted in the bath.

http://www.caring.com/articles/7-design-secrets-for-a-house-you-can-live-in-forever

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Mid Tennessee

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Mid Tennessee area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check.

If you need Home Care services in Adams, Alexandria, Auburntown, Bethpage, Brush Creek, Carthage, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Chestnut Mound, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Dixon Springs, Elmwood, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Gordonsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Hickman, Joelton, Lafayette, Lancaster, Lascassas, Lebanon, Madison, Moss, Mount Juliet, Nashville, Old Hickory, Orlinda, Pleasant Shade, Pleasant View, Portland, Red Boiling Springs, Riddleton, Springfield, Watertown, Westmoreland, White Creek, White House, Whitleyville and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Mid Tennessee Home Health Care Company.  "