I was talking to a resident in the elevator and she was showing me a gift her great grand-daughter had given her. It was a lighted magnifying glass. She expressed what a thoughtful gift it was. It got me thinking, small thoughtful gifts mean so much to us that it's a nice idea to think of our loved ones in Assisted Livings or Nursing Homes not only on birthday's or Christmas but all year. Especially in the winter when it's no fun for anyone to be closed in. So here is a list of things that are not only helpful but thoughtful also.
Toiletries: moisturizing lotion, soap on a rope, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste or denture cleaner, shampoo, facial tissue, cologne, lipstick, nail polish.
Grooming supplies: comb or hairbrush, hair accessories, hand mirror, electric razor.
Clothing such as track suits, pajamas or nightgowns, underwear and socks. Consider adaptive apparel such as Velcro closing.
Dresses and shirts - that makes dressing easier. All items should be easy-care. Velcro-closing running shoes or slippers with non-skid soles are another good idea.
Throw for the sofa or bed, or a lap blanket if the person is wheelchair dependent.
Adapted dishes and utensils - plates with rims and drinking cups with straws, for example - to help maximize independence with eating. These can be found at medical supply stores.
Tote bag that attaches to walker or wheelchair.
A device for picking things up off the floor or retrieving items on shelves. Found at home health stores.
Telephone that is cordless or has an oversized keypad and adjustable volume.
Lighted magnifying glass (include extra batteries).
Large-print calendar with generous spaces for noting appointments and special occasions.
All-occasion cards and stamps.
Hearing aid batteries.
Night lights (include replacement bulbs).
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Funding for Assisted Living
When I meet with families the question I get asked a lot is "Is there any funding for Assisted Living?" There are only two ways that I know of that input to the funding of AL. One being long term care insurance. I do find that some families do not check to see if their mom or dad has one of these policies. Ask them they may have taken it our years ago and I find some think it's only for a nursing home. But if it's worded for a residental care community it applies to Assisted Living. Most pay anywhere from $100 to $140 a day towards the rate. That could make or break which community you chose.
The other is VA Benefits. This benefit is for Veterans and widowed spouses who served during war time. The veteran commission will pay a portion of assisted living if there are 2 or more ADL's (activites of daily living) needed. I don't like to give out the amount they pay becasue it changes and there is an applicaiton process. But I have families that are receiving the benefit so it is out there. Here is a link to the Cleveland Chapter. http://www.vba.va.gov/ro/cleveland/index.html
If you are not in the area you can google VA and your town.
Happy almost TGIF!
The other is VA Benefits. This benefit is for Veterans and widowed spouses who served during war time. The veteran commission will pay a portion of assisted living if there are 2 or more ADL's (activites of daily living) needed. I don't like to give out the amount they pay becasue it changes and there is an applicaiton process. But I have families that are receiving the benefit so it is out there. Here is a link to the Cleveland Chapter. http://www.vba.va.gov/ro/cleveland/index.html
If you are not in the area you can google VA and your town.
Happy almost TGIF!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tips to Prevent Falls
I thought today I would focus on falls. I had a call from a family member that called in for information for her mom. It breaks my heart when I get the call that mom or dad had a fall at home and were not found for numerous hours. I don't say this to scare you but it is important that you have a plan in place in case this does happens. If your loved one is going to stay at home and it is apparent to you they are unsteady on their feet please have a check in system in place or Life Line. Below are some other ideas:
Assess physical risks. Have the primary care doctor check balance, gait and muscle strength while evaluating the performance of simple tasks like reaching or getting out of a chair.
Check medications. Ask the doctor or pharmacist to see if one or a combination could negatively affect balance. Your pharmacist may be able to recommend a different medication to potentially avoid the problem.
Schedule an eye exam. Glaucoma, cataracts or a faulty lens prescription can cause poor balance.
Drink water. Slowly drinking two glasses of water before rising eliminates a drop in blood pressure and a drop to the floor. Also, some drugs—especially those for hypertension and cardiovascular issues—can cause dehydration, which leads to wooziness.
Wear sensible shoes. Discourage wearing of high heels or floppy slippers and offer a pair of lace-ups with non-skid soles.
Remove environmental risks. Clear away clutter, remove throw rugs and move obstacles such as footstools.
Be proactive. Use nightlights, install grab bars in the bathroom and highlight surface transitions like thresholds.
Offer reassurance. Increased anxiety about falling can lead to a decrease in activity, which increases the chances of a fall.
Be prudent. Think twice before taking your loved one out on an icy, rainy or windy day.
Best advice: “Take it slow before you go.”
*Tips from riteaid.com
Assess physical risks. Have the primary care doctor check balance, gait and muscle strength while evaluating the performance of simple tasks like reaching or getting out of a chair.
Check medications. Ask the doctor or pharmacist to see if one or a combination could negatively affect balance. Your pharmacist may be able to recommend a different medication to potentially avoid the problem.
Schedule an eye exam. Glaucoma, cataracts or a faulty lens prescription can cause poor balance.
Drink water. Slowly drinking two glasses of water before rising eliminates a drop in blood pressure and a drop to the floor. Also, some drugs—especially those for hypertension and cardiovascular issues—can cause dehydration, which leads to wooziness.
Wear sensible shoes. Discourage wearing of high heels or floppy slippers and offer a pair of lace-ups with non-skid soles.
Remove environmental risks. Clear away clutter, remove throw rugs and move obstacles such as footstools.
Be proactive. Use nightlights, install grab bars in the bathroom and highlight surface transitions like thresholds.
Offer reassurance. Increased anxiety about falling can lead to a decrease in activity, which increases the chances of a fall.
Be prudent. Think twice before taking your loved one out on an icy, rainy or windy day.
Best advice: “Take it slow before you go.”
*Tips from riteaid.com
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Events
I have posted events that we are having here at Harbor Court and others that we are doing in the outside community. If anyone has an event they would like me to post please shoot me an e-mail at kgreco@theharborcourt.com I would be glad to get out any other things going on for seniors. Everyone have a good Tuesday!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Senior Centers
Good Monday Morning-
One of the best resources for families is your local senior center. I am not sure if all of you know that most senior centers have a full time social worker on staff. Their job is to be a resource to our seniors and their families. It's a great start for you to know what services are available to our seniors. Also it's a great idea to get their activity schedule sent to you also so maybe you can suggest an activity for mom or dad that they would enjoy. Studies show seniors who socialize are most likely to live longer and it keeps thier mind active.
One of the best resources for families is your local senior center. I am not sure if all of you know that most senior centers have a full time social worker on staff. Their job is to be a resource to our seniors and their families. It's a great start for you to know what services are available to our seniors. Also it's a great idea to get their activity schedule sent to you also so maybe you can suggest an activity for mom or dad that they would enjoy. Studies show seniors who socialize are most likely to live longer and it keeps thier mind active.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tip for Seniors
With today's economy I know many seniors are staying in their homes longer than they should. I was thinking about something that would be helpful to my families. I did some research on winter tips for seniors. Of course there are many, many web sites that will give you this information but the one thing that stuck out to me was to make sure when you go out to the mailbox, salt the front walk or for whatever reason you venture out is to make sure you carry a cell phone or cordless phone with you so if you happen to fall 911 or a neighbor can be called. It's a simple idea but a great one. Really it would not be a bad idea to carry one with you all the time. Some seniors are still going down basement steps to do laundry. Yikes! Everyone have a great Saturday.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Senior Resource
Welcome,
I have started the blog as a resource to what I call the "adult child". Sad but true we know who we are. We are the children that have come full circle. We remember the days when we depended on our parents for everything... advice, guidance, and if course the $$. Now we have found ourselves taking charge of our parents life. It's a very strange feeling to have to tell our parents what to do. I have been in the field of helping families for many years and have heard it all. I know most of us are very uncomfortable having dicussions that are hard, embarrissing, and feel like we are invading their privacy. I have many resources from doctors, nurses, home care, hospice, etc. It's my plan to take questions from anyone who needs help getting through this maze of senior care. Just post your question or concern and I will get you the answers you need. I look forward to hearing from you.
Take Care,
Kathi Greco
I have started the blog as a resource to what I call the "adult child". Sad but true we know who we are. We are the children that have come full circle. We remember the days when we depended on our parents for everything... advice, guidance, and if course the $$. Now we have found ourselves taking charge of our parents life. It's a very strange feeling to have to tell our parents what to do. I have been in the field of helping families for many years and have heard it all. I know most of us are very uncomfortable having dicussions that are hard, embarrissing, and feel like we are invading their privacy. I have many resources from doctors, nurses, home care, hospice, etc. It's my plan to take questions from anyone who needs help getting through this maze of senior care. Just post your question or concern and I will get you the answers you need. I look forward to hearing from you.
Take Care,
Kathi Greco
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