Old Colony Elder Services to Hold ?Elder Care Expo? on April 14th at Brockton Council on Aging

Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by admin in Elderly Care

DATELINE: PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON; EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA…

The Elder Care Expo is designed to broaden the community’s awareness about resources available to help manage elder care issues. There will be resource exhibits, health screenings and educational seminars throughout the day.

The health screenings offered include: hearing, glucose and pulmonary function screenings as well as blood pressure checks.

Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Caregiver Specialist at OCES will present a seminar on “Tools for Caring”. Seniors and caregivers will learn about tips and resources that are available to family caregivers and the elders in their care.

Pam McCormack, Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern MA, Cape Cod and the Islands office, will hold the seminar “Maintain Your Brain: How to Live a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle”. Attendees will learn about scientifically-rooted nutritional and lifestyle advice, interactive exercises and activities. This program is geared to adults who want to learn more about staying fit from the neck up.

There will also be refreshments, giveaways and raffles. Every attendee will receive the updated Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO).Resource Guide for Older Adults and Caregivers.

This event is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program (which is partially funded by The Older Americans Act, Title IIE with support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs) and EECO.

For more information contact: Sara Gassett at Old Colony Elder Services (508) 584-1561 ext. 272.

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association strives to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through research; provide care and support for those affected and promote brain health. The Southeastern MA/Cape Cod and the Islands Regional Office is located in Raynham, MA. For more information, visit the website http://www.alz.org/manh/.

EECO

Elder Education and Community Outreach is sponsored by Brockton Neighborhood Health Center; Brockton Council on Aging; Brockton Visiting Nurse Association; Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital; Brockton Board of Health; New England Sinai Hospital and Rehab Center/Sinai Day Health; Old Colony Elder Services; St. Joseph’s Manor/Mater Dei Adult Day Health; Senior Whole Health and Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. (BAMSI) Helpline.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. 

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization. 

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Elderly Care: Caring for Seniors, Aged Citizens, Old People

Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by admin in Elderly Care

CARING FOR THE AGED, OLD PEOPLE – COPING WITH THE ELDERLY, SENIOR CITIZENS

Caring for the elderly at is hard for all because, in taking care of old people, senior citizens and carers of the aged are not understood by families of aged persons.

Taking care of the elderly, caring for old people, especially if caring for the aged personally, often needlessly causes hurt to persons caring for old people or to the elderly or both, to carers of aged persons and to old persons -more so where the elderly are not ill old people but healthy senior citizens, and where loved ones care for the aged. But hurt in old age, upset to the carer of an old person can be avoided. Here is how to care for the elderly.

In coping with old people issues, avoidance of hurt to the elderly and upset to those taking care of the aged, begin with appreciating the aged and those caring for the elderly.

The care of the elderly in extreme cases of old age not common to old people aside, the old age of senior citizens need not be a problem in caring for aged persons -neither to aged persons nor to those caring on behalf of the families of the aged, if the following tips on how to take care of the elderly are kept in mind by persons caring for the aged, and by the families of old people and of those caring for the elderly.

In caring for the elderly the first problem is not the elderly, but unawareness of the persons taking care of the elderly of the appreciation by those for whom also old people are cared for -that the family of the old person do appreciate the regular attendance to that old person ~more so if the care of the elderly is by one only of the members of the family of the aged; the occasional ‘How are you coping?’ by the relatives of the elderly is morale boosting to those caring for aged persons.

Other problems in caring for the elderly which both the old people and carers for the aged have fall into three categories, below, arising from assuming that old age means physically and/or mentally weak, which old age does not make the elderly and most old people enjoy good health, many of the aged continuing to work after they have become senior citizens.

The status enjoyed by old persons before their old age is important to old people; the elderly must not be treated as children: the aged expect their privacy to be respected, also not to be excluded from family discussions -it hurts the dignity of old people needlessly to be spoken to loudly or slowly or be ignored and causes resentment by the elderly.

Aged persons do not cease to like activity; old fashioned habits and interests of the aged must not be made light of: many old people are young in heart and outright rejection of help offered by the aged, limiting old age pass-times, objecting to elderly friends, annoy old people -older people, seniors, don’t like it.

Crises in old age affecting also those caring for old people and the families of the aged mostly is due to inadequate consultation with the elderly: if old persons are to be subjected to change of environment or arrangements, consult and prepare them -taking it for granted that the elderly will adjust causes confrontation.

Treat old people normally and thank those who have undertaken the taking care of the elderly.

Elderly Care: Take the Pressure Off with Senior Care

Posted on 20. Mar, 2010 by admin in Elderly Care

Many are expected to take care of elderly parents or family members as their parent’s age and become less independent.  It is very difficult, especially considering that most caregivers have their own careers and families to take care of as well.  Families are happy to take care of their loved ones; however, it is recommended that there is some type of additional senior care to give respite to families.  This is helpful with daily tasks and overnight and out of town needs.

There are a multitude of basic needs, including household maintenance and chores to be tended to when aiding in senior care.  Fundamentals such as bathing and grooming, preparing meals, household chores, and paying bills are some examples of what needs to be done for someone.  Perhaps some of these can be done by family members, but many times it is too much to handle, and additional caregivers are needed.  Services are available to provide help for these basic senior care needs and companionship.

In addition to chores and keeping up with household duties, maybe a challenge is overnight care, or even being responsible for someone who lives out of town.  In this day and age, it is common for families to live great distances from each other.  If the adult child who is responsible for a senior lives out of town, how will their parent get to a doctor’s appointment, have a companion to check in on them, or take their proper medication?  Hired senior care is available, and they offer caring, secure, and trained caregivers.  Perhaps a family has coverage during the day, but is unable to spend the night with a loved one, and would feel more secure if their parent had someone in their home overnight.  These senior care services are available also.

There are many elderly care providers available today; they provide caring, at-home caregivers offering respite for families, alleviating the stress that they may have.  These companies have caregivers that can help with hygiene assistance, meal preparation, housekeeping, errands, and much more.  They allow the maintenance of a family’s schedule while providing personalized care.

Senior Care: Combating the Stress of Elderly Care

Posted on 19. Mar, 2010 by admin in Elderly Care

It is stressful being a caregiver for an elderly parent or loved one, no matter how much you may love them. There is a significant amount of disruption to your life and schedule, as well as the worry and sorrow of watching one you love become more helpless. There are also feelings involved with elderly care including frustration, guilt, resentment, and hopelessness. Feeling unappreciated for all of the work you do also contributes to anxiety. There are some ways to combat the stress of elderly care including getting help and support, maintaining your health, and staying organized about the patient’s health and care.
Allowing yourself assistance and support is critical to managing stress when caring for someone. Hold a family meeting and include the patient to identify problems and solutions. Together you can plan the care of the patient and share responsibilities so that you do not try to do everything alone. Seek additional help from professionals, community resources, or support groups for any specific medical conditions like Alzheimer’s or cancer.
Maintaining your personal health is important in helping you deal with the stress of elderly care. Getting proper nutrition, rest, and exercise allows for your stable physical and mental health. Neglecting your health problems will allow stress to catch up with you easily. You will not continue to be a strong caretaker if you put your needs last. This can lead to emotional exhaustion, depression, and illness. Understanding and communicating your feelings is also part of maintaining your health. There are fewer negative effects of stress for people who admit their feelings and express them.
It is important to stay organized and have awareness about the details of the loved one/patient’s care. You should be educated about legal matters, finances, and support services, and have knowledge about the patient’s medical condition. This helps the day to day process move along more smoothly, so that you do not become overwhelmed with logistics. In case of an emergency, a list of the loved one/patient’s doctors, hospital, pharmacy, and medications should be on hand to make an urgent situation less stressful.
There are many home care agencies offering compassionate and they are experienced caregivers to help your loved one remain in their home. They allow you to maintain your schedule and provide a respite for family members providing services such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, hygiene assistance, and companionship.

Fund Unexpected Elder Care Costs With Your Personal Resources

Posted on 18. Mar, 2010 by admin in Elderly Care

When shifting circumstances bring unexpected elder care costs, they also bring the urgency of having to make short and long-term financial decisions. It is at this point that one must confront the reality of the exorbitant costs of care for the chronically ill and elderly. In 2007, the annual cost of long-term care in the US averaged $77,000. While many people are woefully unprepared to handle these high costs, many others have serious misconceptions about the real costs of long-term care and how much they will have to pay. Consider these surprising facts: * Medicare only covers 8% of assisted living and in-home care costs. Medicare, Medicare Part D and Medicare supplemental plans will only cover short-term and medically required costs. * The average cost of nursing home care is approximately $300 per day. * In 2007, in-home care costs increased by 12%. Formulating a Financial Strategy Paying for long-term care is a significant expense. You’ll want to consider all of your options before committing to a plan. To start with, ask yourself the following: * What is the present income stream? * How much will the expenses be, considering all alternative solutions? * How can you bridge the discrepancy between present income and future costs? * What financial preservation strategies are available? Once you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to identify, analyze and evaluate your financial resources. The majority of elder care costs are provided and paid for by the aging individuals and their families; therefore, I’d like to focus briefly on how to unlock these private resources. I advise my clients to consider the following resources. Insurance: Long-term Care, Life & Annuities * What are the benefits and how can you obtain them? * What is the cost of tapping these benefits? Assets: Investments, Savings & Retirement Funds * What is the value of these assets, both individually and bundled? * Consider the safety and liquidity of all assets. * Can they facilitate income to meet expenses? * What are the true net financial returns or benefits of alternative solutions? * Consider all associated costs, such as taxation impact, cost of sale and acquisition fees. * How are the assets legally held (e.g., trusts)? Understand the specific terms. Real Estate * Are there income production possibilities that don’t presently exist? * Consider the capital gains taxation on a possible sale. Does it make sense to sell? Financing: Real Estate Equity Loans & Reverse Mortgages * Understand the true costs, including all associated fees. Compare APRs (annual percentage rates). * What are the alternatives to meet the needs of “aging in place”? Personal Property * Assess the financial value of personal property such as jewelry, art, collectibles and antiques. * Consider the personal value of these items before deciding what you want to do with them. To produce more income, you can convert investments to generate more cash flow or decide which assets to sell, or spend down, to meet the new financial demands. In making these decisions, don’t forget to consider all costs involved, and determine the true net benefits and/or returns of any new choices made with the proceeds. Do a thorough cost-benefit analysis or ask a professional with elder care financial expertise, experience, and legal fiduciary obligation, to help you do it. You might also want to talk with an elder care attorney, geriatric care manager or financial planner. When making these crucial care and financial decisions, avoid band-aid solutions. Denying future circumstances can be financially devastating down the road if you don’t consider them now. Determining the best solutions requires comprehensive, objective planning, to ensure needs are met, resources are not exhausted, and all cost-effective strategies are utilized. One last point: there are also strategies that can be built around incorporating the resources of the family (i.e., time and money) to take advantage of a variety of available options, such as sharing the caregiving duties and/or costs. But don’t forget the bottom line: these financial decisions should be based on the needs of the individual who need care!

Everyday Elder Care Needs

Posted on 17. Mar, 2010 by admin in Elderly Care

Many seniors are able to live independently, but there are some daily tasks that may become too much for them. In their younger days, one would take for granted the ability to do the laundry or clean the kitchen. To an elderly person, with perhaps some physical limitations, these tasks are daunting and overwhelming. In-home caregivers are great supports for families who need help with a loved one with these tasks.

It is wonderful when one in their elder years is able to live on their own, and when possible, this should be encouraged. The continuation of their routines in their homes and communities is good for their physical and mental health. A family may need to consider a nursing home or assisted living facility when a parent starts having trouble with basic responsibilities. In some cases, this may be necessary, but with some daily assistance with their routines, this can be avoided.

Some everyday elder care needs that they may need assistance with are meal preparation, housekeeping and errands. Their health needs to be maintained with diet monitoring and reminders on which medications to take, so this is a critical elder care need that must be supervised. Perhaps tasks like getting dressed and basic grooming and hygiene are a challenge for an individual, but with assistance can be accomplished. A companion can assist with these chores and more while allowing a person to remain in their homes.

An in-home elder care service provides loving and secure caregivers to help with shopping, light cleaning and food preparation. They assist with tasks of which an individual may no longer be capable, day or night; therefore allowing them to stay in their homes safely and happily. An in-home elder care service can be an alternative to an assisted living facility or nursing home, and their caregivers are available part or full time.

How to Choose the Best Elder Care in Bucks County

Posted on 16. Mar, 2010 by admin in Elderly Care

While we all would love to remember our elder relatives like they once were, active and full of life, it’s not possible to turn back the hands of time. As we age, mental and mobility issues start to creep in, preventing most from being as independent as they once were. While admitting that our relatives are not as young as they once were is hard enough, finding the right elder care that can meet their needs while being compassionate to family and loved ones can be quite difficult. Since we cannot prevent our loved ones from getting older, we can help them enjoy life to the fullest by getting them the care they so desperately need. Here are some key tips that can help you choose the best elder care bucks county organization so you can feel confident in the knowledge that you family member’s needs will be taken care of.

First, determine what their needs are. With each elder care bucks county organization catering to a specific level of needed service, you will need to determine exactly what your relatives needs are. Are they still active and just need some help around the house, or is their memory not as good as it once was and they need some help to remember when its time to take their medication? While it is true that your relative’s needs will change as they age, its best to find the right service that can help them with their current needs, and then adjust accordingly as time goes on.

Second, make sure you ask as many questions as you can of the elder care bucks county organization. When it comes to putting your relative in the hands of another, you need to make sure the provider you select has their best interests at heart. Do they truly care about helping the elderly, or are they just in it for a paycheck? Find out how employees are chosen. Are background checks required, or are employees hired on their word, or references alone? While many are taught to trust everyone, especially those in the healthcare industry, when it comes to a loved ones life, you need to assume the worst until you are shown otherwise. Ask as many questions as you want until you feel comfortable that the chosen organization is the right one for you and your relatives needs. If the organization is shifty, and not willing to answer your questions or address your concerns, then it would be in your best interest to look elsewhere.

Lastly, do your research. With a variety of elder care bucks county organizations in existence, make sure you take the time to do some research. While choosing an elder care organization may not be as simple as doing an internet search, take the time to talk with your friends, neighbors and even your physician and get recommendations. If someone left one organization and went to another one, find out why and then formulate your own opinion. Once you have the right knowledge you can then make an informed decision, allowing you to feel safe in the fact that your elder relative will be in the hands of a caring, qualified professional.

These are just a few of the tips that can help you choose the right elder care bucks county organization. Determine what your relative’s needs are, and invest some time in word of mouth research, and you are sure to find the right qualified elder care organization that can assist your relative with the care and compassion that they deserve.

Use Elder Care Solution To Plan Any Eventuality Concerning Your Parents

Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by admin in Elderly Care

No matter how long they might live, all people eventually die. This holds true for your parents as well. If your parents are old and you feel the time is near, caring for your aging parents should include contacting quality elder care solutions in your neighborhood.

They have the expertise to take care of all the needs related to your parents.

Caring for your aging parents should include a personal talk with your parents to cover areas such as:

Personal details: Knowing where to find critical information (example: your Parents Birth certificate, marriage certificate etc), falls within the ambit of caring for your aging parents.
Insurance details: Caring for your aging parents should include maintaining a file that contains copies of all relevant information especially insurance related documents such as Medicare numbers, personal doctor’s numbers and elder care solution numbers.
Financial: Your file should contain details of bank accounts, account numbers, names of nominees, details of securities, investments etc. Caring for your aging parents also means you ensure that any fund they have is not wasted after they pass away. Monies lying in these accounts can also be used to offset costs of quality elder care solution or burial services.
Lifestyle: Caring for your aging parents also means you take the initiative in asking your parents where they would prefer to live in the event they need constant care and attention. Quality elder care solution could also include living in a community of seniors with proper medical care and attention.
Funeral: Painful as it may be, caring for your aging parents means you need to broach the issue of funeral arrangements. Your parents might have already prepaid for a cemetery plot or might want to be buried in a particular spot or in a particular way. Make sure the elder care solution provider also has this information.
Special Friends: Your parents might have some special friends even you are unaware of. As part of your caring for your aging parents plan, talk to your parents and obtain a list of names and contact numbers. These are people you will have to contact when either parent dies. These are people who your parents would want to be present at their funeral. Make sure the elder care solution provider has this information as well.
Pets: Parents often live in company of a pet or two. When the time comes would your mom or dad like to give away the pet to an old friend or have it put up for adoption or cared for by the local pet care center? As part of your caring for your aging parents plan, find the answers to these questions and be prepared to take the appropriate action. Some elder care solution centers accept parents along with their pets. If your parents have opted for such an elder care solution center, make sure the professionals there are aware of your parent’s wishes.
Will: Have your parents made a will? As part of your caring for your aging parents plan find out if a will has been prepared, where the will is kept or who has the will. You do not want to get into a last minute search for it. If an elder care solution center in involved, they can help you with hiring a legal professional who will read and execute the will.

Home Care: A Quality Elder Care Solution

Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by admin in Elderly Care

The low down on Home Health Care:

The best elder care solution is when your parents get the required support in a friendly and familiar environment and what can be more ideal than their own home? So whether it is help in applying new bandages after a surgery or administering I.V. fluids or just help with daily walks in the park, the health care professionals will come to the house and provide the required service. They also usually have portable and non-portable medical diagnostic equipment that can be hooked up at your parent’s home.

Quality elder care solution providers also usually offer optional services such as 24 x 7 medical care, emergency medical care, nursing support, professional massage therapists, professional psychotherapist, medical escort services and so on. If your parents need to go on a holiday but require weekly dialysis, the elder care solution providers will make the arrangements. They offer a lot of optional services and will usually go the extra mile in customizing services. So if your parents need a particular type of service that is not mentioned in their brochure, feel free to discuss it with the representative. Of course as with all services, quality elder care solutions too come with a price tag.

The cost of home based quality elder care solution depends on the nature of support that is required. A once-a-week check-in would be at the lower end of the cost scale. The cost would progressively escalate if:

a)     The frequency or number of visits per week increases

b)     The nature of support requires highly trained professionals (for example psychotherapist or registered nurses with specific experience)

c)     On site medical equipment is required such as oxygen tents or monitoring equipment.

d)     Regular visits by physicians

e)     Visits by medical super specialists

At the onset, elder care solution providers will usually send out an experienced social worker to your parent’s house. He (or she) will assess the level of support required (at no charge) and provide you a feedback as well as report to the elder care solution provider. It might be a good idea to discuss any special needs with the social worker and a representative of the elder care solution provider.

Finally, before you sign on the dotted line, ask questions. If in doubt, seek the opinions of social workers or friends who might have used these services. If you don’t understand any of the terms used, request that it be explained to you and above all, read the fine print understanding the costs that might be involved. Remember that quality elder care solution providers and the social worker will answer all your questions.

Unless you have reason not to, you should trust the judgment of the social worker. The social worker will be responsible for monitoring all home care support. Quality elder care solution providers also usually arrange for wellness nurse visits or physician visits and can work in tandem with case managers.

Elderly Care Bucks County

Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by admin in Elderly Care

Putting your aged parent or other such relative in the care of another is a major decision and can cause a family member to feel emotions, such as sadness, guilt, incompetency and more. Elderly care in Bucks County is there to relieve you of the burdensome duties that taking care of an aged relative brings.

Since most families need two incomes to survive these days there is often no one available to care for mom or dad, grandma or grandpa. Although most of us do not relish making this decision it is often done out of need and necessity. Once the elderly reach a certain point in life it becomes apparent that they are in need of more assistance with their activities of daily living. This is where elderly care in Bucks County comes in.

The elderly care in Bucks County will relieve you of your worries and put your mind at ease in knowing that your loved one is being taken care of by a member of a competent staffing facility. Elderly care in Bucks County offers services for your elderly loved one, such as vacuuming, dusting, and laundry assistance. Often the elderly become lonely and elderly care in Bucks County will fulfill their need for companionship, whether it be conversing with your loved one or involving them in an activity, such as playing games, doing puzzles or putting a scrapbook together of their past.

Personal care needs can also be given if desired whether it be something as simple as helping them with their hair or something more involved, such as bathing needs. Meal preparation is given by elderly care workers in Bucks County so that your loved one will have a healthy, nutritious meal. Since the aged often have memory difficulties, the medications that they take are often missed due to their forgetfulness. Elderly care in Bucks County will assist your loved one with their daily medications to take care that this very important health need is not overlooked. They can help your aged family member to develop a routine or make up a simple charting system to take their medications on their own. If your aging loved one is in need of transportation to a doctor’s appointment and you are unable to be there for them, the elderly care workers in Bucks County will provide this service as well.

The elderly care workers in Bucks County, Pennsylvania are there to assist you and your family in whatever aspect is needed necessary to help your family member maintain a good quality of life in their senior years. Let us assist you in helping to make their last years joyous and memorable while you are away from them. Our staffing for elderly care in Bucks County will help your family member be safe, happy, and healthy during this difficult time of their lives.