"I" Received "Decision Points" for Christmas.....

And two family members have dibs on it before I get to read it :)

Support Austin Groups for the Elderly (A.G.E.) - It's Easy! And Free!

If you order Amazon products via our search link (on the right side of this blog) 6% of the purchase price will be donated to Austin Groups for the Elderly (A.G.E.). 100% of earning via this program is donated to A.G.E to support their services for the elderly in Austin and Williamson County: Adult Day Care, Medical Equipment Lending and much more. So Buy Often!

Please note:  Skipping around on the Amazon after you have accessed their website via the link will not credit the account. Once you find the product you want to purchase  go to the Amazon Search feature on the right side of this blog to search for the product and purchase it from that link. Apparently Amazon loses track after just one page link!

Learn more about A.G.E. on their website.

Santa's Senior Helpers Lend a hand for The Holidays!

We enjoy helping our Seniors during the Christmas Season. Jennifer does a great job for one of our favorite clients -Bob. Merry Christmas Bob and Jennifer!

Full link and article on KVUE's Site.

Senior Helpers' President Joins Austin Groups for the Elderly Board of Directors

This month Frank Hayes, President of Senior Helpers of Central Texas, was asked to join the Board of Directors for Austin Groups for the Elderly (A.G.E.) and he graciously accepted.

A.G.E. provides many services to the senior community in Austin and also in Williamson County: Elderhaven Adult Day Centers (Austin & Round Rock); The Caregiver Resource Center (serves the elderly, adults with disabilities, their caregivers, families and health care providers with information, consultation, guidance and support); The SeniorNet Computer Learning Center (offers basic to advanced hands-on educational computer classes for older adults taught by volunteers in a peer to peer setting). 

"I hope that I will be of assistance in my new role as a member of the Board of Directors to help ensure that A.G.E. continues to be able to provide the services that our Senior Community in Central Texas requires", said Frank Hayes, President Senior Helpers.

A.G.E. is funded primarily by donations along with grants from Federal, State and private sources. If you would like to support the efforts of Austin Groups for the Elderly in Travis and Williamson Counties please visit their website to make a contribution or volunteer! 



You can also support A.G.E. by buying your Christmas gifts through this Amazon Link. It costs you nothing extra and a six percent proceed goes 100% to helping support the elderly programs offered by A.G.E.

AGE is a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing support to seniors, caregivers and their families since 1986. AGE is committed to empowering caregivers, the elderly and their families through education, advocacy, resources and support. Our programs include Elderhaven Adult Day Centers, the Caregivers Resource Center, SeniorNet Computer Learning Center, Durable Medical Equipment Lending Closet and the AGE non profit tenancy program.

Your Home Health Care Aide: Establishing A Positive Relationship

You've made the decision to let an aide come into your home to assist. That was hard enough. Now you re getting apprehensive about what to expect when the aide arrives for work. If you don't have experience with in-home assistance, all sorts of "worst case scenarios" are whirling about in your head. And then there are the questions. What should you do if you don't like the aide?

How should you approach problems? Who supervises the aide? Assuming that you have hired an aide from a home health care agency, you can expect a lot of support in easing your anxieties. It is the agency's job to answer your questions in advance and resolve any issues that arise. The key to facilitating your satisfaction and comfort is good communication with the agency management and with your aide.

Here are a few tips for establishing positive relationships with your home health care professionals:

Be completely honest about your needs

Overcome any embarrassment or guilt associated with describing why you need help and what kind of help you need. Remember that you are dealing with professionals who have helped a variety of clients. They are experienced in meeting the needs of people just like you. Home Health Care professionals are prepared to deal with tough situations such as Alzheimer's, alcoholism, Parkinson's, strokes, incontinence and stressful family circumstances.

State your preferences from the start

The best way to get exactly what you want is to be specific. Give a detailed request to the agency so that the aide they send will meet your needs. Items to include are your household rules, such as "no smoking" or "kosher kitchen". Also express your daily routines and how to follow the, such as "up at 7 a.m.", "breakfast first, medicine second, shower last" , "I need privacy from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.", "transportation to salon every Friday, using employee's car".

Give feedback to the agency on a timely basis

"Nip it in the bud," is good advice. Most problems start out small and can be best resolved when addressed promptly. If you are experiencing a problem with the aide, call the agency. This benefits you in two ways: you do not have to be involved in reprimanding the aide, and it prompts the agency to diplomatically resolve the problem. Employee supervision is the responsibility of the agency. If the problem cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, request the agency send a different aide. The agency will handle the hiring and firing for you.

If you start off with honesty and communication, having a home health care aide will be a successful and beneficial experience.

by Kim Champion 

http://www.caregiver.com/articles/homecare/home_healthcare_aide.htm

Getting Around the Customer Service Phone Tree!

Few things are more annoying than being stuck in the dreaded Support Phone Maze  - especially this time of year when you just want a new part or some technical advice!

Check out This Popular Mechanics Article for some savvy advice.

My favorite: If you are asked to "press 1 for English" or "2 for Spanish," press "2." The wait for Spanish operators is usually far shorter, and they are almost always bilingual

Ho HO HO
Merry Christmas!

New Book: Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders

Product Description

Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders is a unique collaboration between a doctor and a food consultant that both addresses the subject of smell and taste loss and provides food preparation tips and a special recipe section that will appeal to other senses and make food attractive again. This is a must-have reference book for all those living with smell and taste disorders.






The book covers the whole disorder including

• How smell and taste work
• Causes of smell and taste problems
• Treatments
• What you can expect when you visit a specialist
• Recipes that will appeal to other senses and make food attractive again
• First-person accounts of coping with this

Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders is the inaugural book in the series Neurology Now Books™ from the American Academy of Neurology. Inspired by Neurology Now®, the AAN’s leading neurologic patient information magazine, Neurology Now Books are written from a multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of a neurologist with other related experts and patients and caregivers. Each volume will provide the reader, with the most up-to-date information, answers to questions and concerns, and first-person accounts of others who are living with a neurologic disorder.

Reviews

“Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders is an enlightening guide for those who suffer from chemosensory disorders The first of its kind, this patient-oriented approach should be hailed as a groundbreaking book. It is highly recommended... “—Alan R. Hirsch, MD, Neurological Director
Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, Chicago, IL

“Dr. DeVere and Ms. Calvert offer interesting insights, reasonable and concise information, and solid advice. Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders delivers."—Debbie Hanna, President, Alzheimer's Association, Capital of Texas Chapter

“ A “must read”…I recommend this book to anyone who may have lost smell and taste functions and to all medical students and practitioners.”—Graham Bell, PhD, Editor Chemosense and Conjoint Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

"These recipes are easy to prepare and allow us to satisfy the taste pallets of all generations of our families. We are glad there is a resource like this that we can access."—Harry and Cindy Zimmerman, Austin, Texas

At Amazon: Black Friday Deals on Video Games

Amazon Black Friday Video Game Deals

Amazon Black Friday Deals in Kitchen & Home

Starting Early! Get the deals now!
Click Here:  Amazon Black Friday Deals

More Insurers Exiting Long Term Care Market

If this trend continues it may be a good idea to get a policy sooner rather than later if you are thinking about it. John Hancock is the 800# gorilla in the market.

http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2010/11/blue_cross_of_alabama_stops_se.html

Humor: New Senior Health Care Offering

How will Health Care Reform Affect Medicare?

Great Information from a valued partner of Senior Helpers. We highly recommend Accountable Aging Services!

Mary and Mick Koffend give an unbiased and nonpartisan view on what the recently passed health care reform means to those who are on, or about to be on, Medicare.

http://www.accountableaging.com/Newsletter/Newsletter_2010_November.pdf

Private Caregivers: Independent Contractors or Employees?

It is very tempting to compare the hourly rate of hiring a private caregiver to that of an agency caregiver and conclude that one would save quite a bit of money by hiring the private caregiver. After all, private caregivers usually charge anywhere from $12 - $15 per hour whereas Agency caregivers usually come with an hourly charge of $18 - $22.

There are many reasons for choosing and agency in the face of these numbers:

1. In almost every case the Law requires that private caregivers be treated as employees and NOT contractors. Thus requiring the withholding and payment of employment taxes.
2. If you employ a caregiver privately you should ensure that you have a Workman's Compensation policy that covers your employees. If not, claims against the assets or estate could result.
3. Scheduling, vacations, sick time, hiring and firing and all the other headaches that come along with employees

By the time you take into account the total cost of hiring private caregivers an agency cost model may look like the better deal overall.

Here is an Article from a Law Firm that goes into some of the issues in more details.

http://www.businesslawyerslosangeles.com/pdf/36364_rodireview_part1.pdf 

Caregiving 101: A First Glance at Aging in America

Caregiving 101: A First Glance at Aging in America

It's old news that we are growing older as a nation, but only four in ten Americans, aged 40 to 70, know that 60 to 70 percent of 65-year-olds today will require long-term care services at some point in their lives.

There are more than 45 million caregivers for older adults. These are people who need information and support to make their lives easier.

Who Needs Our Care?

We need to be aware of our changing demographics.  Statistics today will quickly become personal realities -- affecting our families, friends and neighbors.

• The number of people aged 85 or older—those most likely to need long-term care services is expected to increase by 74 percent between 2007 and 2030. (AARP Public Policy Institute. Across the States 2009. Profiles of Long Term Care and Independent Living.)
• In the next 20 years, one in five people will be 65 or older and this population is projected to grow by more than four times as fast as the population as a whole. (U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2008).  And older adults are living longer, too.

Please Honor America's Veterans Today - and every day

A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life. That is beyond honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer remember that fact. Copy and paste this as your status if you are a Vet, know a Vet, Love a Vet or want to show support to those that served or are still serving.

Happy Birthday Marines - HooRah!

Use Our Holiday Helpers Gift Certificate for Shopping Transportation Too!

Use the Affordable Senior Helpers Holiday Gift Certificate for Transportation and Shopping! The gift certificates are  more cost effective than a Taxi plus our Caregivers will help with the shopping, driving and finding those pesky parking spaces!

Holiday Gift Certificate Sale From Senior Helpers: 3 Hours for $45

It's that time of year again!Surely you know of a Senior that can use a helping hand for holidays. Whether it be shopping, baking, wrapping presents, getting the house ready for visitors or just companionship, an extra set of Holiday Helpers Hands can make the holidays more enjoyable for that special person.

Purchasing is easy and is a great value! Our Gift Certificates average $15 per hour. The best rates for In-Home Care in Central Texas. If you need more or less than the 3 hours just call us at 512-388-4357 and we'll set you up with any time period that you desire for the same rate!

You will have the option to print out the certificate to hand deliver/gift wrap for your loved one or  to email the certificate.

Redemption is also easy. Just have your loved one call Senior Helpers at 512-388-4357 or email us with the redemption code or the name of the individual on the certificate when they are ready for service to begin.

Look over to the right side of our blog page and click on this image: It's that easy! So give the Gift of Helpers Hands today!

Providing Home Care for an Older Adult: A Good Fit?

By Kate Rauch, Caring.com senior editor

What to consider when an older adult needs daily care at home

When someone you're caring for begins to need daily care, one option is to set up systems to provide care in her own home. Whether this will work depends on many factors, including her health and your ability to give or hire care. The first step is to realistically review what's involved.

Will it work on a practical level for her to live at home?

• Start with a medical consultation. When an older adult needs daily assistance, start by consulting with her doctor about housing options. Be sure to ask how her needs could change over time, which may influence your decision.
• Home safety and accessibility. Her house may need adaptations, such as grab bars in the bathroom, handrails, and wheelchair ramps. Are these changes doable? Will stairs, stoops, and narrow hallways make getting around difficult or impossible if she uses a wheelchair or walker?
• Room for overnight caregivers. If she needs 24-hour in-home care, is there sleeping space for an overnight caregiver or room for another bed or large couch?
• Space for equipment or supplies. Does she have enough room for a hospital bed (bulkier than a regular bed), commode, oxygen tank, or other portable medical equipment if needed?
• Bathing. Because they're weak or have trouble balancing, some older adults can only bathe in a bathtub. Others need a freestanding shower stall with handholds. Can these adaptations be made?
• Proximity to you. Does she live close enough so you can assist with her care without long commutes? If she lives far away, can you manage -- and afford -- the traveling back and forth, or can you afford to hire a caregiver and possibly even a care manager?

Can you or she afford it?

Senior Helpers Provides Comprehensive Fall/Personal Emergency Response System (PERs) at Reduced Cost

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2010

Contact:
Frank Hayes, President Senior Helpers
(512) 388-4357, fhayes@seniorhelpers.com

Leading Senior Care Provider Announces New Local Partnership
Agreement makes innovative home emergency response system available to seniors across Central Texas at a reduced cost

Round Rock, Tex. (October 27, 2010) – What if something happens and nobody’s there to help?
Thousands of American families with aging loved ones ask this question every day. Elderly individuals want to continue to live at home where it’s safe, comfortable and affordable – but help still needs to be close by, just in case.

Thanks to a new partnership between Senior Helpers of Central Texas, a leading local in-home senior care provider, and Life Support Medical, a full service home medical response company, this common worry is no longer a problem.Senior Helpers and Life Support Medical are now working together to make the Home Safety and Fall Monitoring System, a next-generation home emergency response system, available to aging seniors living throughout Central Texas. Senior Helpers will provide the system to their clients at little to no upfront costs.  Thanks to this partnership, local families with aging seniors will be able to rest assured, knowing their loved ones are safe in their own homes.

Nationally, falls are the leading cause of injury and hospital admissions due to trauma for people 65 years old and up – and over half of all falls occur in the home where traditionally, there might not be anyone around to help. The security provided by the Home Safety and Fall Monitoring System helps to reduce the number of injuries and fatal incidents among seniors, helping to keep families together longer.

“Senior Helpers is dedicated to providing families with elderly loved ones every possible comfort to let them know that when they can’t physically be there – we are, and we’re taking care of everything,” says Frank Hayes, owner of Senior Helpers of Central Texas. “Partnering with Life Support Medical adds another level to what we can offer our clients and their families, a superior home safety and fall response system for the ones who mean the most to us.”

Through the use of a small wireless devices positioned throughout the home and worn by a senior, the Home Safety and Fall Monitoring System monitors the user’s physical activity (or lack thereof) and much more using state of the art and easy to install technology and  a response center located in the U.S., manned by trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s). In the event of a fall or (definable) motionless periods of time, this information is transmitted directly from the senior’s home to emergency medical response teams who can respond effectively and immediately.

The system also monitors a number of potential problems outside of unexpected falls as well, including flood detection, smoke detection, lack of activity and carbon monoxide sensors. The system also offers a programmable medication reminder for seniors who are prescribed daily medication.

“This system provides a comprehensive level of security and peace of mind that seniors living alone and their families have never had before,” said Tony Dohrmann, President with Life Support Medical. “Our goal is to provide the technology to allow seniors to feel safe, comfortable and sound in their own homes knowing that if something were to happen, help is right there 24 hours per day. Senior Helpers shares this same vision of helping aging loved ones to remain independent, and we look forward to working with them to help local families across the area sleep a little easier each night.” 

For more information on Senior Helpers and Life Support Medical, visit www.seniorhelpers.com/roundrock  and www.lifesupportmedical.com. 

# # #

About Senior Helpers:
Senior Helpers connects professional caregivers with seniors who wish to live at home as opposed to a nursing or assisted living facility. The company has 300 franchises in 42 states and one in Canada offering a wide range of personal and companion care services to assist seniors living independently with a strong focus on quality of life for the client and peace of mind for their families. Senior Helpers strives to be the leading companion and personal care provider that offers dependable, consistent and affordable home care.  For more information, please visit: http://www.seniorhelpers.com/roundrock and view our Blog at http://seniorhelperscentraltexas.blogspot.com/  

About Life Support Medical:
Life Support Medical provides comprehensive medical alert, health management and home safety systems to clients nationwide. Life Support Medical focuses on individuals who are health challenged by illness or the effects of aging who seek to remain living independently, yet may not have adequate support or round the clock supervision. The company systems are backed by a world class 24/7 emergency response center staffed with licensed, Class B Emergency Medical Technicians who provide assistance and notification to physicians, caregivers, loved ones and paramedics when emergencies arise. Features include medication management, automatic fall detectors, fire, CO, flood and devices that summon assistance if clients become inactive. Please visit us at: http://www.lifesupportmedical.com

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Senior Helpers Has Moved

We're now in Beautiful downtown Round Rock, TX! Stop by and pay us a visit - the coffee is always on.

306 E. Main St.
Suite 103
Round Rock, TX 78664

Elderly at greater risk for fire related deaths

Americans over the age of 65 are one of the groups at greatest risk of dying in a fire. People over the age of 80 die in fires at a rate three times higher than the rest of the population. Many steps can be implemented to reduce becoming a fire casualty.

See My Related Blog Post regarding FREE Smoke Detector Availability here!

Older Americans are at risk for fire death and injuries for a number of reasons:

· They may be less able to take the quick action necessary in a fire emergency.

· They may be on medication that affects their ability to make quick decisions.

· Many older people live alone and when accidents happen others may not be around to help.

When Your Parents Move in with You

Here's a tough one . . . Your Mom and/or Dad has moved in with you. At some point s/he told you s/he wants to pay you something to help defray the cost and you said no. Or maybe when the subject came up and you were uncomfortable and said "let's discuss it later".

I mean. . . what do you say? Your aging loved one is now living with you so s/he is not a guest. In fact, it's even worse than that . . . they're your parents!! After all they've done for you, can you seriously ask them to pay rent? So now s/he has moved in with you and the issue of money has never been resolved.

First of all, repeat after me: "Yes, s/he is my parent but we're not living together as parent and child - we're living together as adults and this is an adult/adult relationship." Please keep this mantra in mind. You might even want to print it out and tape it onto your mirror. 

The High Cost of Growing Older

The High Cost of Growing Older  

Emily Brandon

No doubt, healthcare will be one of your biggest expenses in retirement. Qualifying for Medicare coverage at age 65 will quell some cost and coverage worries. But although Medicare is far more affordable than private health insurance coverage for seniors, the government health insurance program still leaves retirees with significant out-of-pocket costs.

Consider this: A typical 65-year-old married couple without chronic conditions will need $197,000 to pay for out-of-pocket medical costs throughout retirement, according to new calculations by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. That figure includes insurance premiums, services not covered by Medicare, and home healthcare expenses, but it excludes nursing-home care. Retirees also have a 5 percent chance that healthcare costs that are not covered by insurance will exceed $311,000, according to the study, which was underwritten by Prudential. "Regular ongoing out-of-pocket costs can really cumulate over the years," says Anthony Webb, associate director of research at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College and coauthor of the study. "There is no substitute to having a lot of money stashed away."

Other researchers have come up with similarly large numbers. Fidelity Investments estimates that a couple, both age 65 in 2009, will need approximately $240,000 to cover medical expenses throughout retirement. And the Employee Benefit Research Institute determined that a 65-year-old couple in 2009 will need $210,000 to have a 50 percent chance of affording their retiree health expenses and $338,000 to have a 90 percent chance of being able to pay all their medical bills.

These eye-popping numbers are generally a tally of small expenses that add up throughout retirement. Here are the latest estimates of the health expenses most Americans will face.