Senior Helpers of Central Texas

10 Best Resources for In-Home Care Help

2012-01-29T19:13:00.001-08:00

These services, groups, and individuals can solve problems and cut your stress.
By Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com senior editor
Last updated: November 03, 2011

Most people don't start as caregivers knowing the ropes. To the contrary, most caregivers tend to learn as they go along, with a fair amount of wrong turns and struggles. What helps: knowing where to find reliable help.

The following ten organizations and individuals can help you meet your responsibilities, make you feel less alone, and cut your stress if you're helping someone who's receiving care at home.

1. Companion care services

What they are: Companion care providers do just what the name says: provide company for older adults, especially those who are shut-ins because of frailty or a dementing illness (such as mild- to moderate-stage Alzheimer's disease), or who live alone. Sometimes called "elder companions," these aides keep a watchful eye, dispense daily medications, drive to haircut appointments, safeguard someone unsteady on his or her feet, read aloud, play cards, prepare light meals and snacks, and otherwise function as an extra set of hands, eyes, and feet for your loved one. Companion care is a growing subset of in-home care services.

How they help: Companion care is ideal for someone who would otherwise have to spend part of the day alone and who requires some light assistance. Family members can work or handle other activities knowing their loved one isn't left alone. Companion care also provides a valuable social benefit, decreasing isolation and improving mood. Warm relationships are often formed when a consistent companion is on the job.

How to get started: You can find companions on your own in much the same way you'd find a babysitter: by talking to neighbors, friends, or family members. Or use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to seach for in-home care agencies by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

2. Personal care assistants
What they are: In addition to providing companion care, personal care assistants offer assistance with all kinds of activities of daily living, from grocery shopping to such nonmedical personal care as toileting, dressing, grooming, and bathing. They can also provide temporary respite care for families.

How they help: Many families enlist personal care assistants -- hired independently or through in-home care agencies -- to solve problems in their home care situation, such as a small woman hiring a strong aide who can lift a spouse for bathing, or a son concerned about privacy hiring a woman to bathe his mother. Personal care assistants can arrange for meal preparation, escorts to doctor visits, and any other type of nonmedical assistance your loved one may need in order to live at home longer. If you need to get away for a few hours a week or overnight, in-home care can ease the worry, especially if the in-home caregiver is familiar to your loved one because he or she provides regular services.

How to get started: You can find personal care assistants on your own by asking friends and neighbors for referrals. Or use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for in-home care agencies (most provide personal care assistants) by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

3. Adult day services

What they are: Adult day services -- also called adult day health services, adult daycare, or respite care -- provide care and supervision outside the home for older adults with physical or mental limitations. Many provide limited health services, mind and body exercise, social activities, meals, transportation, and other support services. Most offer a safe, supervised environment -- even for those with dementia or who are so frail they'd otherwise have to be cared for in a skilled nursing facility. Adult day services often operate as stand-alone centers or in connection with senior centers, churches, hospitals, or residential care facilities.

How they help: Adult day services provide an important option to families who can't afford full-time, in-home care and need some way to keep their loved busy and engaged in a safe, supportive, supervised place. Adult day services also provide caregivers with much-needed temporary relief, whether the services are used for a few hours a week or more extensively.

How to get started: It's a good idea to tour possible adult day services providers to get the best fit. Two good places to find leads:

Use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for adult day services by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.
Contact the staff at your local Area Agency on Aging and ask for a referral.

4. Home health agencies

What they are: Home health agencies are the go-to source when your loved one needs a higher level of care, including minor medical care. Certified nursing assistants have more medical training than elder companions or personal care assistants and must pass exams to receive certification; they usually work under a supervising registered nurse.

How they help: If your loved one is going to be discharged from a hospital stay, having someone around the house who can change bandages or check vital signs can provide peace of mind. Home health agencies are sometimes recommended for certain kinds of in-home rehabilitation, such as physical therapy. You may also welcome these services if your loved one needs personal care or health care that the family is uncomfortable providing or is unable to provide, such as ostomy or wound care, incontinence care, insulin management, or other medical services.

How to get started: Talk to your doctor if you'd prefer to work with a specific home health agency. Use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for home health agencies by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

5. Your local Area Agency on Aging

What it is: Your local Area Agency on Aging is a government-mandated clearinghouse for general information about nearby eldercare services. These agencies offer free referrals to local services that provide transportation, meals, adult day services, in-home caregivers, legal assistance, home-based training programs for caregivers, and other forms of help -- all the kinds of services that can help you keep a loved one at home longer. The names of these agencies often vary by community. But the services they refer to are usually free or low-cost, and calling the agency is free.

How it helps: Calls to area agencies on aging are among the best first actions a caregiver can make to learn the local lay of the land on eldercare: what kinds of programs, facilities, and expertise are available in the community. Staffers can answer common questions and refer you to resources that are most likely to match your family's specific needs -- speeding your research process and perhaps making you aware of resources you never knew existed.

How to get started: Contact the staff at your local Area Agency on Aging.

6. Geriatric care managers

What they are: Geriatric care managers, or GCMs, assess needs and identify and coordinate resources for older adults. Geriatric care managers can take over nearly all aspects of eldercare in some cases. Some local government agencies and charities offer geriatric care consulting services free or on a sliding scale. If hired privately, expect to pay a GCM $75 to $250 an hour.

How they help: Geriatric care managers are best at helping you organize care needs when there's a change in situation, such as when your loved one is moving in or has had a health crisis. They can also manage complicated ongoing care, such as cases in which a number of doctors and therapists are involved. Working caregivers and long-distance caregivers find their support cost-effective.

How to get started: Use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for geriatric care managers by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

7. Senior move managers

What they are: Senior move managers help plan and manage a move of any distance, such as from a longtime home or to a communal living situation. They will hire and supervise movers, help sort and pack belongings, and unpack at the new home.

How they help: Senior move managers don't just handle the time-consuming (and often backbreaking) logistics; they have expertise in navigating tricky emotional terrain that's involved with someone who has accumulated a lifetime of possessions. Caregivers who work or whose older loved ones live far away find such services especially useful. You can also hire a senior move manager to help downsize possessions if a loved one is moving in with you, to accommodate multiple generations under one roof.

How to get started: Use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for senior move managers by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

8. Elder law attorneys

What they are: Elder law attorneys are lawyers who specialize in legal and financial matters that are especially relevant to older adults -- and to their families --including estate planning, trusts, and documents to ensure that medical wishes and financial wishes will be honored.
How they help: Getting documents in order that ensure your ability to communicate with doctors and banks will streamline your ability to be an effective advocate and caregiver. Among the legal documents you need for your loved ones: an advance healthcare directive, a durable power of attorney for healthcare, a revocable living trust, and a will.
How to get started: Use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for elder law attorneys by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

9. Family mediators

What they are: Family mediators are lawyers, social workers, or other professionals with special training in the fine art of negotiation and compromise. They work with families to solve problems that are often highly emotional and polarized. "Elder mediators" specialize in matters concerning aging parents or partners, including questions of guardianship, living situations, charges of favoritism, and stepfamily tangles.
How they help: Unfortunately, not all crises bring families together; sometimes issues crop up that pull them apart. A good family mediator can be an impartial third party who can cut through old grievances and childhood pigeonholes to resolve tough situations. Aging parents may welcome this service to bring a strained family back together. Mediators can also get siblings on the same page, help far-flung families see eye to eye, help formulate care plans -- and curb the stress levels of hands-on caregivers, who often feel smack in the middle of family disagreements.
How to get started: To find a family mediator, ask a local geriatric care manager or elder law attorney. Many mediators are themselves GCMs or attorneys, although the person you use should be an impartial third party to all involved. Try for someone with a lot of experience working with elder concerns; look for the moniker "elder mediator."

10. Senior home remodelers

What they are: Senior home remodelers are builders and home-repair services that specialize in retrofitting homes to make them safe and accessible; many also create new construction with eldercare needs in mind. As a fairly recent subset of the home building industry, they're experts at assessing danger spots and inconveniences in existing homes, making safe upgrades (such as installing grab bars, widening access for wheelchairs, building ramps), and designing new living spaces. They apply universal design principles to create a house you can live in forever.
How they help: Whether a loved one is moving in with you or aging in place in his or her own home, getting an assessment from a senior home remodeler is useful for identifying dated fixtures and designs that put the person at risk for falls and other mishaps. Given that an increasing number of families are becoming multigenerational households, senior home remodelers can also make suggestions for altering an existing structure to give everyone privacy.
How to get started: Use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for senior home remodelers by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

http://www.caring.com/articles/more-top-resources-for-in-home-care-help-2

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

Myths About Exercise and Older Adults

2012-01-22T13:50:00.001-08:00

WebMD Feature
By R. Morgan Griffin
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD
Have you given up on exercise? A lot of older people do -- just one out of four people between the ages of 65 and 74 exercises regularly. Many people assume that they're too out-of-shape, or sick, or tired, or just plain old to exercise. They're wrong.

"Exercise is almost always good for people of any age," says Chhanda Dutta, PhD, chief of the Clinical Gerontology Branch at the National Institute on Aging. Exercise can help make you stronger, prevent bone loss, improve balance and coordination, lift your mood, boost your memory, and ease the symptoms of many chronic conditions.

Here are some common myths that stop older people from exercising -- along with some expert advice to get you started working out.

Exercise Myth: Trying to exercise and get healthy is pointless -- decline in old age is inevitable.
"There's a powerful myth that getting older means getting decrepit," says Dutta. "It's not true. Some people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s are out there running marathons and becoming body-builders." A lot of the symptoms that we associate with old age -- such as weakness and loss of balance -- are actually symptoms of inactivity, not age, says Alicia I. Arbaje, MD, MPH, assistant professor of Geriatrics and Gerontology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

Exercise improves more than your physical health. It can also boost memory and help prevent dementia. And it can help you maintain your independence and your way of life. If you stay strong and agile as you age, you'll be more able to keep doing the things you enjoy and less likely to need help.

Exercise Myth: Exercise isn't safe for someone my age -- I don't want to fall and break a hip.
In fact, studies show that exercise can reduce your chances of a fall, says Dutta. Exercise builds strength, balance, and agility. Exercises like tai chi may be especially helpful in improving balance. Worried about osteoporosis and weak bones? One of the best ways to strengthen them is with regular exercise.

Exercise Myth: Since I'm older, I need to check with my doctor before I exercise.
If you have a medical condition or any unexplained symptoms or you haven't had a physical in a long time, check with your doctor before you start exercising. Otherwise, go ahead. "People don't need to check with a doctor before they exercise just because they're older," says Dutta. Just go slowly and don't overdo it.

Exercise Myth: I'm sick, so I shouldn't exercise.
On the contrary, if you have a chronic health problem -- such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease -- exercise is almost certainly a good idea. Check with a doctor first, but exercise will probably help.

"Exercise is almost like a silver bullet for lots of health problems," says Arbaje. "For many people, exercise can do as much if not more good than the 5 to 10 medications they take every day."

Exercise Myth: I'm afraid I might have a heart attack if I exercise.
We've all heard about people who had heart attacks while exercising. It can happen. However, the many health benefits of exercise far exceed the small risk. "Being a couch potato is actually more dangerous than being physically active," says Dutta. "That's true for the risk of heart disease and many other conditions."

Exercise Myth: I never really exercised before -- it's too late to make a difference in my health.
It may seem too late to atone for a lifetime of not exercising. "That's absolutely not true," says Dutta. Studies have found that even in people in their nineties living in nursing homes, starting an exercise routine can boost muscle strength. Other research shows that starting exercise late in life can still cut the risk of health problems -- such as diabetes --and improve symptoms. "It really is never too late to start exercising and reaping the benefits," Dutta tells WebMD.

Exercise Myth: Exercise will hurt my joints.
If you're in chronic pain from arthritis, exercising may seem too painful. Here's a counterintuitive fact: studies show that exercising helps with arthritis pain. One study of people over age 60 with knee arthritis found that those who exercised more had less pain and better joint function.

Exercise Myth: I don't have time to exercise.
This is a myth that's common in all age groups. Experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. That might sound like a lot. Actually, it's only a little over 20 minutes a day. What's more, you don't have to do it all in one chunk. You can split it up. For instance, take a 10-minute walk in the morning and pedal on a stationary bike for 15 minutes in the evening -- you're done.

Exercise Myth: I'm too weak to start exercising.
Maybe you just recovered from an illness or surgery and are feeling too weak even to walk around the block. Maybe you only get out of the chair each day to go to the bathroom. If so, start there. Decide today to get in and out of your chair 10 times. As you do it more, your strength will increase and you can set higher goals.

Exercise Myth: I'm disabled, so I can't exercise.
"A disability can make exercise challenging, but there really is no excuse for not doing some sort of exercise," says Arbaje. If you're in a wheelchair, you can use your arms to get an aerobic workout and build strength. Even people who are bedridden can find ways to exercise, she says. Talk to a doctor or a physical therapist about ways you can modify exercises to work around your disability.

Exercise Myth: I can't afford to exercise -- I don't have the budget to join a gym or buy equipment.
Gym memberships and home treadmills can be expensive. Still, that's no reason to skip exercising, Dutta says. You can exercise for free. Walking doesn't cost anything. Look into free demonstration classes at your local senior center. If you want to lift weights at home, use soup cans or milk jugs filled with sand. Use your dining room chair for exercises that improve balance and flexibility. If you have a health problem, insurance may cover a few sessions with a physical trainer or an occupational therapist, says Arbaje. There are lots of ways to get fit at low or no cost.

Exercise Myth: Gyms are for young people, not for me.
"The gym scene can be intimidating for older people," says Dutta. Look to see if gyms in your area have offerings for seniors or people new to exercise. If you're retired, try going in the middle of the day, so you can avoid the before and after-work rush. "Find an environment where you feel comfortable exercising," says Arbaje.

Exercise Myth: Exercise is boring.
If exercise is boring, you're not doing it right. Exercise doesn't even have to feel like exercise.
Remember that any physical activity counts. Whether it's catching up with a friend while you walk the mall, or taking a dance class, or chasing your grandchildren, or bowling, or raking, or gardening, or volunteering at your local school system or park, it's physical activity.
"Don't forget sex," says Arbaje. "That's good exercise too."

The key is to figure out something you enjoy doing and do that. When you get tired of it, try something new. "The type of exercise doesn't matter," says Arbaje. "The best exercise is the one that you actually do."

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/nutrition-world-2/exercise-older-adults?page=1

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

Don't Slip On Icy Surfaces This Winter

2012-01-14T20:56:00.001-08:00

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 04 Jan 2012 - 8:00 PST

Each year around 1 million individuals fall - with winter officially here, take precautions in order to avoid falling on slippery sidewalks. Approximately 20,000 adults die every year as a result of fall-related injuries according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Furthermore, around 15% of job-site accidents are due to injuries from falls, amounting to nearly 15% of all workers' compensation costs.

Mike Ross, author of "The Balance Manual" and exercise physiologist at Gottlieb Center for Fitness, part of the Loyola University Health System, explained: "Many falls can be successfully avoided or the impact minimized by applying a few basic strategies."

At Gottlieb, Ross teaches individuals, mainly those over 50 years, balance classes year-round. As individuals age, unavoidable bodily changes might affect the persons' safety. Ross states: "Balance deteriorates as we get older due to the weakening of muscles and change in sensory perception, especially in the ear structure." The brain and inner ear primarily determine equilibrium, or balance.

Ross explains:

"As we age, our eardrums often thicken and the bones in the middle ear and other structures are affected. It often becomes increasingly difficult to maintain balance. Aging also breaks down cells in the nervous system, which can often result in a delay in reflexes that can lead to susceptibility to injury."

In order to take control and prevent injuries from falls, Ross provides eight tips how to avert slips and falls this winter.

Make sure your shoes and boots have good grip as better traction can help keep you more stable on slippery surfaces. If the traction on your footwear is worn, it's time for a new pair.
Make sure railings leading to your house are sturdy enough to support you if you slip.
Keep a shovel and salt in your house so you don't have to walk on a slippery sidewalk rather than the garage, as this defeats the purpose.
If the sidewalks are icy slow down rushing will more likely cause you to fall than taking it easy.
Carry a cell phone with you when leaving the house in case you fall and find it hard to get up.
Have a plan. When leaving the house, ask yourself "if I slipped and fell here, what would I do?"
Exercise regularly to keep your leg muscles strong. Strong leg muscles will make it considerably more easier to get back up. Do a set of 10 squats out of chair a couple times per week, or walk up and down the stairs repeatedly.
Ask individuals around you for help. The majority of people are more than happy to help an older person navigate a slippery sidewalk.

Written by Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/239907.php

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

8 Warning Signs an Older Adult's Finances Are Off Track Keep your eyes open for these red flags

2012-01-07T19:31:00.001-08:00

By Stephanie Miles, Caring.com senior editor
Financial problems can easily spiral out of control if older adults don't tackle them quickly. And if they're tight-lipped about their finances or fearful of losing control over their money, they may be less likely to confide in a caregiver or family member about any money difficulties they may be experiencing -- giving problems time to snowball.
Even if you're not privy to the details of their finances, if you pay attention you'll see early indications that problems are brewing. Here are some of the warning signs that their finances are off track:

1. Mail is piling up unopened in their house.

Take a look around the kitchen or mail area. Are there stacks of unsorted mail? What about piles of statements from mortgage or credit card companies, utilities, notices from the Internal Revenue Service, or other unopened envelopes that appear to be bills?
As people get older, the monthly chores of paying bills may become mentally or physically overwhelming, especially if money is tight because they're on a fixed income or if they're slowing down physically. Stacks of unopened mail -- especially bills -- can be an important warning sign that something is amiss.

2. They seem to be mishandling money or forgetful about cash.

When you're out to eat, does the person you're caring for open his wallet, only to be surprised that he doesn't have enough money to pay for something? Do you see undeposited checks or unopened mail from pension funds, insurance companies, or Social Security hiding in piles of paperwork or lost amid household clutter?
These can both be early signs that he isn't paying close attention to his money situation. He may be physically unable to make the daily or weekly trips to the ATM or bank branch to deposit checks and take out cash, or he may be getting increasingly forgetful about his day-to-day financial dealings.

3. Creditors are showing up in the phone logs.

The phone offers a quick and easy way to check to see whether creditors are contacting -- or harassing -- the person in your care. Check the caller ID logs and keep track of any increase in phone calls from new numbers that may be bill collectors. You may also notice repeated phone calls from credit card companies or household help, such as gardeners or housecleaners looking for back wages.

4. The house is filling with new purchases, or those in your care have acquired expensive new hobbies.
Take a look around the house. Does it look like they've been doing heavy-duty damage to their credit cards? Do you see lots of new and expensive purchases around the house, like furniture, art, knickknacks, or fancy appliances such as flat-screen TVs? Or maybe they've been traveling more than usual or taken up some other costly new habit like weekly golf outings to the most expensive course in town.
No one begrudges older adults the right to an occasional splurge -- especially if they're retired and finally relaxing after years of hard work. But a sudden uptick in purchases or expenses can be signs that they're overextending themselves and developing a compulsive spending habit.

5. They're gambling more often or for higher stakes than usual.

Many people -- especially older adults -- enjoy organized trips to local casinos or weekly bingo or bridge games at the senior center. Gambling cruises and bus trips are a popular weekend excursion for many groups, and there's no reason to panic over the first train ride to Reno, bus to the Jersey shore, or gambling cruise to the Bahamas. But if these activities increase significantly over time, you have to face the possibility that they may have a gambling problem -- and if that's the case, gambling-related expenses could easily blow up in their faces at any time.

6. You see or hear evidence that they're falling victim to financial scams.

Take another look at the mail pile and caller ID logs. Do you see many junk-mail catalogs from unfamiliar companies, sweepstakes mailings, solicitations for investment schemes, or vacation home offers? What about frequent or repeated phone calls from unfamiliar numbers? Or has someone you're caring for excitedly told you about a surefire, can't-miss investment scheme he heard about from a neighbor?
Older adults can be especially vulnerable to scam artists and shady telemarketers -- or even well-meaning friends who have already fallen prey to this kind of scheme -- not only because they often have significant assets but also because they may be lonely or may welcome the attention.

7. They're complaining about not having enough money.

Does the subject of money come up in conversation more than it used to? Do they make more passing references to the high costs of living expenses like gas, electricity, and groceries? You may also see more subtle signs that money is tight -- they may decline invitations to go out to eat with friends because of the cost, make fewer car trips because of high gas prices, and skip home fixes like house painting and furnace or appliance repairs. All of these can be signs that their expenses are too much for them to deal with on their own.

8. They seem physically unable to complete daily tasks like banking and bill paying.

Tasks that once seemed mundane can become unmanageable if their physical or mental state is deteriorating. The weekly trip to the ATM may be no big deal to you, but if they have vision problems that prevent them from driving or health issues that keep them from long walks, it may be hard for them to make it to the bank on a regular basis.
Likewise, paying bills by mail can become burdensome if arthritis makes writing checks and addressing envelopes painful. Pay attention to their general health, and you'll likely be able to keep tabs on their financial health as well.

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

Is The Safe Sodium Limit Higher Than Previously Believed?

2012-01-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

Below 3 grams (3000 milligrams) of sodium per day is linked to a higher incidence of congestive heart failure.

For years doctors have warned that too much salt is bad for your heart. Now a new McMaster University study suggests that both high and low levels of salt intake may put people with heart disease or diabetes at increased risk of cardiovascular complications.

This is good news for olive lovers. Looking at a 19 oz bottle of pitted Greek Kalamata olives I see it has a total of 8.4 grams of salt in the 140 olives, presumably more in the water. For someone who eats very little in the way of processed foods and who has few other sources of sodium in their diet it seems quite safe to eat, say, 20 olives a day since that will be only 1.2 grams of sodium. This study found that eating below 3 grams of sodium per day appears to increase the risk of congestive heart failure. Since I don't even manage to eat 20 olives per day I'm thinking more ketchup might be called for. Gotta get that sodium somehow. A quick check shows that the dark chocolate from Trader Joes has no sodium in it. So can't get it that way.

Moderation is best. Yet again. How frustrating for the extremists among us.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) today, found that moderate salt intake was associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular events, while a higher intake of sodium was associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular events and a low intake was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for congestive heart failure.

Most people still probably eat too much processed food and therefore this report isn't a license for most people to eat more sodium. But if you do manage to cut back your fast food and other processed food consumption it might be time for some supplementary olive eating or use of ketchup on baked potatoes.

So are current guidelines too low? One can't be sure from a single study. But the case against moderate sodium consumption has been weakened by this result.

Compared with moderate sodium excretion (between 4 to 5.99 grams per day), the researchers found that sodium excretion of greater than seven grams per day was associated with an increased risk of all cardiovascular events, and sodium excretion of less than three grams per day was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for congestive heart failure.
The findings call into question current guidelines for salt intake, which recommend less than 2.3 grams (or 2,300 mg) per day. The guidelines are mostly based on previous clinical trials that found blood pressure is lowered modestly when sodium intake is reduced to this level (which was also found in the present study). However, there are no large studies looking at whether such low levels of sodium intake reduce the incidence of heart attacks and stroke.

Reader Story: What My Father's Death Taught Me About Estate Planning

2011-12-31T20:02:00.001-08:00

This guest post from Jody is part of the "reader stories" feature at Get Rich Slowly. Some stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success — or failure. These stories feature folks from all levels of financial maturity and with all sorts of incomes.

My dad died recently. He was a good man and a great father. Just three months after he retired (after spending more than 40 years as a salesman for an oil company), he was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer. Throughout my life, my father tried to give my brothers and me a good financial education.
For instance:

We were solidly middle class, but I always thought we were sort of poor. Often, there wasn't money for this or that. But Dad taught me to be comfortable living below my means.
If I needed money, Dad told me to get a job. My brothers and I all had jobs since we were about twelve. I packed rice into take-out containers at a Chinese restaurant when I was in seventh and eighth grade.
He taught me that charity matters. We sponsored kids our age in poor countries as a way to give back and underscore how fortunate we were.

But the most unexpected financial lesson my father taught me came after he passed away. I am the executor of his estate. My dad was always a planner, but the things he did to make this processes easier are amazing. I feel compelled to share them with just about everyone I know. Today, I'm sharing them with GRS readers.
Building a team
My dad lived on a beautiful lake in Missouri, which is about five hours from where I live. Every time I'd go and visit him, he would set up a meeting with his "key people". I'd argue against it. "Dad, I don't really need to meet your tax guy," I'd say. He insisted.
I met his insurance representative. We took his attorney to lunch. Just about every time I came to visit, he had to "stop at the bank for a minute." I'm on a first name basis with his bank. When his "Fidelity Lady" called he'd say, "Just a minute I want you to talk to my daughter." I would roll my eyes and be embarrassed for both of us as he handed me the phone.
This is all years ago, when it looked like chemo was working and he would beat cancer. Today, these connections have been invaluable. When my dad's insurance representative heard that he passed away, he called me and had already dropped the forms in the mail. His banker has made everything so easy. "Don't worry about that you can sign it next time you're here." His "Fidelity Lady" also contacted me and filled out half the paperwork for us.
I can't count how many times, I've said "Thanks Dad, for looking out for me." I knew who to call. I've met them. I have their business cards.

Negotiating fees
Dad negotiated the estate fees. Lunch with the attorney who wrote his will was so helpful that I'm still in awe. When the dust settled, I called her and said "What now?" She knew exactly what to do and had all the information to do it. But, get this: Dad negotiated the estate fees as well. He told her, "If my daughter decides to use you to settle the estate, (knowing he had already stacked the deck in her favor) let's negotiate a not-to-exceed amount that you would charge." He then put that amount in a targeted bank account.
I was thinking that the cost for the legal fees would be about $7,000 or $8,000. I had no frame of reference. This was just a number in my head. The fees were $20,000. I was blown away. When I did some research and called some lawyer friends, I learned that lawyers typically charge between 3% and 5% of the total value of the estate. My dad had negotiated 2% and put the money in an account I had immediate access to. Again, thanks Dad!
Planning ahead
Several years ago when he was still healthy, he added me to his bank accounts. My name was on his checks. I argued against it because I thought it was unnecessary and I was always taught that money and account balances are private information. He wanted me to do it anyway. (His credit was always spotless, so I knew there was no risk for me.)
When his health started to fail and then when he passed away, it was absolutely seamless for me to pay his bills. I could sign the checks. (He even made me "try it out" years ago by writing a $10 check to my brother!) I could pay bills on-line. He made sure there was enough money in that account to pay the bills in case his house doesn't sell for almost two years.
Preparing for the worst
My father pre-paid his funeral expenses and left extra money in that checking account for miscellaneous expenses. Again, my dad was a planner. He had a master binder. He wanted to review his funeral arrangements with me, but that was more than I could handle. He told me when I needed the plans, I just had to flip to "F" for Funeral in his binder. Low and behold when I did, everything was there: the places he had made arrangements with and copies of cancelled checks with business cards attached to them. There were five copies of 8x10s he had taken when he was still relatively healthy for us to use in the obituary! Attached to that was his obituary! He wrote it himself.
Even as organized as he was there were about $3,500 in unforeseen costs. It was a rainy, windy day and we needed a large tent and chairs at the graveside. Obituaries cost about $100 a day. I had no idea newspapers charged for obituaries! My grandma wanted the obituary ran in several other papers along with the ones my dad specified, which was fine, but I was shocked to see that it cost $500 more. Seeding that checking account that I already had access to, was key. I cringe at the thought of having to ask my brothers, who are a financial mess, to chip in for anything. Luckily, his funeral didn't become a financial burden on anyone.

Settling affairs
When Dad updated his will several years ago, he asked if I would be his executor. Of course I said yes. He told me that I was entitled to compensation for doing this. He recommended I take a 2% or 3% commission. I said no way. It felt like I would be charging him.
After he passed away and I realized all that it entailed, I found myself thinking that maybe I should have taken him up on that offer. Being the executor of an estate — even a very well-planned estate — took about 10 to 15 hours a week for months. It's a big job. I found myself resenting my brothers since I was doing it all.
When we went to Fidelity to split up his IRA, he had stipulated that I receive 1% more then my brothers for my job as executor. He paid me anyway! He knew the job should come with some compensation and he preserved my relationship with my brothers. See what I mean? My dad was amazing, and this is just a small peek into his wonderful life.
A gift from the grave
I honestly consider my father's financial planning to be a selfless act of love. Despite his generosity, I would trade every last cent for ten more minutes with him. When someone you love dies, it's brutal. Emotionally, and physically. Trust me, you really are in no state to make these type of financial or legal decisions on your own (unless maybe you are an expert). I haven't even mentioned the tax side of it. I'm sure there are ways to save money and do things cheaper.
As J.D. says, don't let the perfect be the enemy of good. Not having any plans is a giant mistake. Do what my dad did. Do a little at a time and refine your plan along the way as you become more knowledgeable.
This is a story from one of your fellow readers. Please be nice. After more than a decade of blogging, I have a thick skin, but it can be scary to put your story out in public for the first time. Remember that this guest author isn't a professional writer, and is just learning about money like you are. Henceforth, unduly nasty comments on readers stories will be removed or edited.
The original article can be found at GetRichSlowly.org: Reader Story: What My Father's Death Taught Me About Estate Planning"

http://www.forbes.com/sites/moneybuilder/2011/12/12/reader-story-what-my-fathers-death-taught-me-about-estate-planning/?partner=yahootix

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

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If you need Home Care services in Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

Caregiver Burnout

2011-12-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude -- from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Burnout can occur when caregivers don't get the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able -- either physically or financially. Caregivers who are "burned out" may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression. Many caregivers also feel guilty if they spend time on themselves rather than on their ill or elderly loved ones.

What Are the Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout?

The symptoms of caregiver burnout are similar to the symptoms of stress and depression. They include:

Withdrawal from friends, family, and other loved ones.
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
Feeling blue, irritable, hopeless, and helpless.
Changes in appetite, weight, or both.
Changes in sleep patterns.
Getting sick more often.
Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the person for whom you are caring.
Emotional and physical exhaustion.
Irritability.

What Causes Caregiver Burnout?

Caregivers often are so busy caring for others that they tend to neglect their own emotional, physical, and spiritual health. The demands on a caregiver's body, mind, and emotions can easily seem overwhelming, leading to fatigue and hopelessness -- and, ultimately, burnout. Other factors that can lead to caregiver burnout include:

Role confusion -- Many people are confused when thrust into the role of caregiver. It can be difficult for a person to separate her role as caregiver from her role as spouse, lover, child, friend, etc.
Unrealistic expectations -- Many caregivers expect their involvement to have a positive effect on the health and happiness of the patient. This may be unrealistic for patients suffering from a progressive disease, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
Lack of control -- Many caregivers become frustrated by a lack of money, resources, and skills to effectively plan, manage, and organize their loved one's care.
Unreasonable demands -- Some caregivers place unreasonable burdens upon themselves, in part because they see providing care as their exclusive responsibility.
Other factors -- Many caregivers cannot recognize when they are suffering burnout and eventually get to the point where they cannot function effectively. They may even become sick themselves.

How Can I Prevent Caregiver Burnout?

Here are some steps you can take to help prevent caregiver burnout:

Find someone you trust -- such as a friend, co-worker, or neighbor -- to talk to about your feelings and frustrations.
Set realistic goals, accept that you may need help with caregiving, and turn to others for help with some tasks.
Be realistic about your loved one's disease, especially if it is a progressive disease such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
Don't forget about yourself because you're too busy caring for someone else. Set aside time for yourself, even if it's just an hour or two. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It is an absolute necessity for caregivers.
Talk to a professional. Most therapists, social workers, and clergy members are trained to counsel individuals dealing with a wide range of physical and emotional issues.
Take advantage of respite care services. Respite care provides a temporary break for caregivers. This can range from a few hours of in-home care to a short stay in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Know your limits and do a reality check of your personal situation. Recognize and accept your potential for caregiver burnout.
Educate yourself. The more you know about the illness, the more effective you will be in caring for the person with the illness.
Develop new tools for coping. Remember to lighten up and accentuate the positive. Use humor to help deal with everyday stresses.
Stay healthy by eating right and getting plenty of exercise and sleep.
Accept your feelings. Having negative feelings -- such as frustration or anger -- about your responsibilities or the person for whom you are caring is normal. It does not mean you are a bad person or a bad caregiver.
Join a caregiver support group. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others in the same situation can help you manage stress, locate helpful resources, and reduce feelings of frustration and isolation.

Where Can I Turn for Help for Caregiver Burnout?

If you are already suffering from stress and depression, seek medical attention. Stress and depression are treatable disorders. If you want to prevent burnout, consider turning to the following resources for help with your caregiving:

Home health services -- These agencies provide home health aids and nurses for short-term care, if your loved one is acutely ill. Some agencies provide short-term respite care.
Adult day care -- These programs offer a place for seniors to socialize, engage in a variety of activities, and receive needed medical care and other services.
Nursing homes or assisted living facilities -- These institutions sometimes offer short-term respite stays to provide caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities.
Private care aides -- These are professionals who specialize in assessing current needs and coordinating care and services.
Caregiver support services -- These include support groups and other programs that can help caregivers recharge their batteries, meet others coping with similar issues, find more information, and locate additional resources.
Agency of Aging -- Contact your local Agency on Aging or your local chapter of the AARP for services available in your area such as adult day care services, caregiver support groups, and respite care.
National organizations -- Look in a phone directory or search online for local agencies or chapters of national organizations dedicated to assisting people with illnesses such as Parkinson's disease or stroke. These groups can provide resources and information about respite care and support groups.

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/caregiving-insights/avoid-burnout?page=3

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

10 Best-Rated States for Retirement Low cost of living and modest taxes put Texas at the top of Money-Rates.com's list

2011-12-11T16:38:00.001-08:00

by: Mike DeSenne | from: AARP | Updated October 2011
Many highly personal factors come into play when it's time to pick the perfect place to retire. Everything from availability of tee times to proximity to grandkids can have an impact on your decision. There's no one-size-fits-all formula. After all, one retiree's paradise can be another's hellish nightmare.
Money-Rates.com is trying to add some objectivity to what's otherwise a very individualized life choice. The finance website looked at a number of factors to come up with a list of the 10 best states for retirement.
The criteria include climate, crime rate, life expectancy and economic conditions such as cost of living, job opportunities, taxes.
An older couple pose as they enjoy the evening cowboy dance in Texas — Robb Kendrick/ Aurora Photos
The No. 1 state, Texas, outranked all other states with its outstanding scores for economic factors and climate. Kentucky and Oklahoma came in second and third, respectively, thanks to a below average crime rate and favorable economic factors.

Here are all 10 best states for retirement according to Money-Rates.com:

10. Kansas
9. Tennessee
8. South Dakota
7. Mississippi
6. Virginia
5. Louisiana
4. Iowa
3. Oklahoma
2. Kentucky
1. Texas

http://www.aarp.org/work/retirement-planning/info-09-2010/10-best-rated-states-for-retirement.html

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

No "Slip Slidin' Away"

2011-12-03T16:09:00.001-08:00

Avoid Winter Driving & Walking Accidents
With all due respect to singer/songwriter Paul Simon, we all want to minimize slipping and sliding during the winter, whether while driving or walking. Even for those in milder climates, rain and the occasional and unpredictable freezing and snowy weather can present hazardous conditions. The best defense is to be sure that you and your vehicle are properly prepared for safe walking and driving at all times, especially during challenging weather.

Prepare Your Vehicle
Winterize your vehicle by checking tire pressure, inspecting belts and hoses, ensuring that the battery is fully charged, changing the oil and switching to a thinner grade for better performance in colder temperatures, and inspecting wipers and wiper fluid for good visibility.

If you live in an area that gets heavy snows and you drive frequently, switch to snow tires or carry easy-to-install tire chains. Be sure your headlights are clean and properly adjusted.

Prepare or purchase an emergency road kit to keep in your vehicle. Emergency flares, extra oil and antifreeze, blankets, drinking water, and a cell phone are important basic items to have on hand. Sand or cat litter for traction on ice and a snow and ice scraper are also essential. Learn how to change a flat tire and how to jump start your car (carry a good set of jumper cables) or be sure to have that cell phone nearby in case you need to call for assistance.

Adjust the mirrors and your head restraint for maximum comfort, safety, and visibility, and do the same when driving a rental car.

Driving Tips for Hazardous Conditions
Check weather forecasts before leaving on a trip to avoid unnecessary surprises. If you anticipate poor weather, build in extra time to allow driving at a slower speed. Travel with your headlights on, especially anytime you are using wipers.

Leave extra space between your vehicle and others since it takes longer to stop on wet or icy roads. Try to stay in the middle lane. Roads tend to be higher in the middle with less chance of standing water. If you do drive through pools of standing water, tap your brake pedal to dry your brake rotors.

Steer gradually when driving on snow and ice; do not make rapid changes in direction. Brake before turning a corner or onto an icy patch; in other words, brake while still driving in a straight line. If you do go into a skid, turn your wheels into the skid and accelerate slightly to regain control of your vehicle. If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) you do not need to pump your brakes to slow down. If you drive an older model vehicle without ABS, you will need to pump the brakes in order to slow down quickly. If you are hydroplaning, steer in a straight line. It is better to skid and go off the road than to overcorrect and flip your car. Just as you should slow gradually, so should you accelerate gradually on wet or slippery roads.

If you drive only rarely and your skills are not sharp, consider not driving at all in rough weather; ask a friend, relative, or caregiver to take you out to run errands or shop for necessities. If you do plan to drive in poor conditions, practice some safe driving techniques ahead of time. Information and tips, including instructional videos, classes, and a Drivers 65 Plus self-assessment (click the link to download), are available onSeniorDriving.AAA.com.

Minimize Fall Risks
Exercise. Start an exercise program if you do not already have one. Strength and balance are important for preventing falls or minimizing their impact. Exercise does not have to be painful or difficult. Yoga and Tai Chi are two forms of exercise that can be modified to anyone's ability and age and are great for strength and balance. Walking is free and a great form of exercise. Many malls have organized walking clubs, so contact your local mall to find out if there is one near you. Mall walking is a great way to meet people, be protected from the elements and traffic, and feel safe.

Medication Side Effects. Let your doctor know of any over-the-counter medicines you are taking to ensure that they are safe for you. Cold and flu medicines, as well as some herbal remedies, can increase drowsiness and your chances of a driving or falling accident.

Vision. Vision problems can lead to accidents. Have your eyes checked yearly for changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions, as well as for glaucoma or cataracts, which can limit your vision and increase the risk of falls and accidents.
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"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

Senior Boom Creates A Demand For Home Health Workers

2011-11-26T18:42:00.001-08:00

By Jessica Marcy
WASHINGTON, D.C. - At her home health care agency here, Venus Ray quizzes 65 job applicants assembled before her: Can they cook? Do they know the right way to wash their hands? Can they safely transfer patients into wheelchairs? If they give wrong answers, speak English poorly or — God forbid — forget to turn off their cell phones, she asks them to leave.
By the end of the session, Ray has dismissed 42 of the applicants, almost two-thirds, even though she's in dire need of employees.
Ray is executive director of Health Management Inc., which employs about 410 people, including 395 home health aides. With business booming, she is constantly looking to hire more, and she holds group interviews once or twice a month.
"There's a huge demand, and it's only going to get larger as the years go by," Ray said. With the nation's aging population, she added, many people "will tell you that they are more comfortable in their home."
The demand for workers by Ray's company mirrors national trends and is fueled in part by stepped-up efforts to keep seniors and the disabled out of nursing homes. The growth is likely to pick up in coming years as the 2010 federal health law tries to reduce hospital readmissions and expands programs such as Money Follows the Person, which encourages Medicaid recipients to receive care at home.
But experts warn that a shortage of qualified labor is looming. Workers often lack the training and support needed to properly care for patients, and poor working conditions lead to high turnover, experts say. In addition, salaries are low: In 2009, the median national hourly wage for direct-care workers — a term that includes home health aides — was $10.58, substantially below the $15.95 median for all U.S. workers. Nearly half lived in households that received food stamps, Medicaid or other government aid, according to PHI, an advocacy group for direct-care workers.
In addition, experts say, regulations about training and background checks for direct-care workers vary across states, and often leave consumers without adequate protection.
"I see tremendous challenges on the care side and the consumer side," said Peggy Powell, national director of curriculum and workforce development at PHI, which is based in New York. "My fear, my deep concern, is that in this quick switch [to provide care at home], there is the potential for care to get worse and for the direct-care workers' job to get harder, with less support and training."
A Growing Force
There are several types of direct-care workers, and their titles often vary:

Certified nursing assistants provide basic clinical care such as taking blood pressure and caring for wounds. They also help with the activities of daily living such as eating, dressing and bathing. They usually work in nursing homes or assisted living facilities and have at least the 75 hours of training required by the federal government for positions at a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility.
Home health aides provide similar care but in private homes and under the supervision of a nurse or therapist. If they're employees of a home care agency, these aides also may need at least 75 hours of training because the federal requirement extends to agencies that serve Medicare and Medicaid patients.
Personal care aides work in the home and help with everyday activities such as bathing and also perform light housekeeping and cooking chores. There are no federal requirements for their training, which is generally minimal. About a quarter of these workers are not employed by agencies, according to PHI.

In some states, certified nursing assistants and home health aides can administer medication, although some states require that they get extra training to do that. Personal care aides cannot.
More than 3.2 million people work in direct care, according to 2008 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is 52 percent more than in 1998. Jobs in direct care are projected to account for four of every 10 new health-care jobs between 2008 and 2018, according to PHI.
'What's Your Passion?'
Venus Ray begins her group interview by asking: "Why do you want to be a home health care worker? What's your passion?"
Many describe caring for a loved one, while others say they have been drawn to the field by their deep religious faith. Latreaviette Stewart, 21, says she decided to become an aide after caring for her grandmother, great-aunts and her mother's best friend, who recently died of breast cancer. She just completed a home health aide program at the Community College of the District of Columbia.
Pamela Nfor, a 34-year-old aide from Cameroon who has a child with disabilities, says she enjoys seeing how clients, even those who are depressed and can't go out, improve under her care. "I love the job and I hate the money," she tells other applicants, who erupt in laughter.
Emotions run deep during the morning's activities. One West African woman passionately describes how God revealed her vocation to be in home health care after she prayed intensely, while another woman nearly breaks into tears when she's asked to leave after her cell phone goes off. Both women fail to pass the interview process.
Later, Ray said that she once had to dismiss an entire group of 12 applicants after all of their cell phones rang.
The applicants provide a visual snapshot of national trends. Direct-care workers are disproportionately minorities, and 23 percent are foreign-born. Almost 90 percent are female. The average age is 42, but the number of workers older than 55 is increasing rapidly, according to PHI.
To ensure a qualified workforce, experts say, it's important to increase wages, improve training and beef up licensing requirements.
"It's really important to figure out how to build career ladders for these workers so that they can advance and see this as a real career," said Bob Konrad, a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "We have to turn these folks into really active and engaged people in the health policy world."
http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/stories/2011/august/16/direct-care-workers-in-demand-as-seniors-ranks-grow.aspx

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

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2011-11-21T07:16:00.001-08:00

Nikon Coolpix P7000 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 7.1x Optical Zoom $249 - Today Only

Seniors Should Take the Time to Research Their Social Security Payments and Healthcare Premiums

2011-11-19T06:57:00.001-08:00

Starting at the end of December, millions of Social Security recipients will start to see higher payments due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase. On average, recipients will receive an increase of $39 a month. This will benefit seniors over 65 years old, disabled adults and children, and those who meet the financial limits of the Supplemental Security Income program.
COLA is tied to inflation and during 2010 and 2011 inflation was too low to warrant an increase. Before that, increases had been automatic since the adjustment had been enacted in 1975. The increase comes at a critical time for many individuals in the down economy. That said, individuals must balance this increase in payment with how their Medicare Part D premiums might fluctuate in the next year. The open enrollment period for Medicare is until December 7, 2011 to choose a 2012 plan.
Individuals who want to estimate their Social Security benefits can now do so online as the SSA no longer mails statements. The online tool will show the expected Social Security payments based on an individual's 35 highest-earning years in the U.S. workforce. Payouts are reduced if SSI claims are made before full retirement age. And, spouses are eligible for a survivor's benefit when a higher-earning spouse dies.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardkrooks/2011/11/09/seniors-should-take-the-time-to-research-their-social-security-payments-and-healthcare-premiums/

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

Need a New Turkey Cooking Method This Year?

2011-11-19T05:52:00.001-08:00

Try this.

You cook a turkey, what, once a year? Maybe your go-to turkey-cooking method's been handed down from your grandmother; maybe you try a different recipe every year looking for a better way. I'm not saying you or your grandma are wrong, but if you're turkey is in the oven for more than two hours, you're wasting your life. Here's the best turkey recipe I've ever found, courtesy of the exhaustive test cooks and food scientists at Cook's Illustrated. Bake time: Two hours.

November is Home Care & Hospice Month: Celebrating the Spirit of Love

2011-11-11T15:14:00.001-08:00

NAHC president Val J. Halamandaris still recalls what Mother Teresa told him when they first met. That was 26 years ago, but her words still ring in his mind. "It is an honor to meet you," she said. "You have done so much for the sick and dying. We are in the same business." But what business could that be? The question dogged him for years until they finally crossed paths again. At the time, she explained just what she meant. "In the work we do for the glory of God," she said, "I am essentially a home care and hospice nurse. We provide care wherever the poorest of the poor call home and offer a place of love when they are ready to meet God."

That time came for Mother Teresa in 1997, but her spirit is still alive at the Caring Institute in Washington, DC. Late this fall, the institute will present an exhibit featuring 25 photos of Mother Teresa by renowned photographer Michael Collopy. The exhibit, which will run through December, is a tribute to the great woman who led Halamandaris to found the Caring Institute in 1985. "Mother," Halamandaris says, "knew the best way to serve God was to care on earth for those who are ill, disabled, and dying. This exhibit celebrates her spirit and her mission" ó one that millions of caregivers still embrace.

They are the providers of home care and hospice, and they have many reasons to celebrate this Home Care & Hospice Month. They include nurses and therapists, along with homes care aides who we recognize during Home Care Aide Week from November 13 to 19. The care they give their patients has helped us advance on several fronts toward winning Americaís last great civil rights battle, one we wage on behalf of the aged, disabled, and ill.

A day may well come when home care is the heart of health care in our country, but there are obstacles ahead. Possible cuts to Medicare home health may cause agencies to operate at a loss, and proposed Medicare co-pays might lead some seniors to say "no" to home health. If this occurs, those who cannot afford to pay for private care may wind up in a hospital after going without the care they need.

Let's make sure this doesn't happen because patients do much better at home, and it costs less than care in an institution. These are among the achievements of home care and hospice that we honor this special month. We must work together all year long to surmount the roadblocks that stand in our way. We owe it to our patients to win the last great civil rights battle of our time.

It won't be an easy path, but we have Mother Teresa's example to guide us along the way. She worked long hours, gave of herself 110 percent, and believed every person mattered from birth to death. She chose what was difficult, and one of her favorite expressions was "Choose always the hardest way." This is what you as caregivers do in the challenging path you follow day in and day out. You do it to give your patients the best care in the very best place.

http://www.nahc.org/HCHPCMonth/11/

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

Caregiving’s Hidden Benefits

2011-10-21T10:26:00.001-07:00

Caregiving's Hidden Benefits

By PAULA SPAN
Could there be measurable benefits to your health, and to your brain in particular, from being a caregiver?
It's practically become an article of faith that the reverse is true, that caring for an elderly relative is so stressful, relentless and draining that it takes a toll on your well-being. Some studies have shown that it can increase your risk of depression and heart disease, impair your immune system, even contribute to death.
That caregiving could actually provide some health advantage is so counterintuitive that when Lisa Fredman, a Boston University epidemiologist, first saw such results emerging from her study of elderly women, "I thought, what on earth is going on here?" she recalled. "I blamed myself. I thought something was wrong with my data."
But over several years of studying the differences between caregivers and non-caregivers in four locations (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis and Portland, Ore.), Dr. Fredman and her colleagues found that while caregivers were indeed more stressed, they still had lower mortality rates than non-caregiversover eight years of follow-up.
In another study of about 900 women drawn from the same four-site sample, even those classified as high-intensity caregivers — because they performed more functions for their dependent relatives — maintained stronger physical performance than non-caregivers. On tests like walking pace, grip strength and the speed with which they could rise from a chair, the high-intensity group declined less than lower-intensity caregivers or non-caregivers over two years.
"That was a shocker," Dr. Fredman said.
Now Dr. Fredman and her co-author Rosanna Bertrand, a health policy associate at Abt Associates in Cambridge, Mass., have gone back to this pool of women to look at their cognitive functioning. Here, again, caregivers did significantly better on memory tests than did non-caregivers followed over two years. Though the groups were about the same average age, in their early to mid-80s, caregivers scored at the level of people who were 10 years younger.
Along with what's called "caregiver burden," gerontologists and psychologists use the phrase "caregiver gain" to reflect the fact that this role, which often exacts such high costs, can bring rewards. But they've typically described those rewards in psychological, emotional and even spiritual terms: growing confidence in one's abilities, feelings of personal satisfaction, increased family closeness. That caregivers can walk faster or recall more words on a memory test — that's news.
Dr. Fredman has begun referring to this notion that caregivers are not invariably beaten down by their responsibilities as the "healthy caregiver hypothesis." Taken together, her studies provide some evidence that caregivers, however stressed, may be stronger and stay stronger than women of the same ages who don't undertake those tasks. The interesting question is why.
You can't randomize studies like this, assigning some old women to serve as caregivers but not others. So it's likely that a big part of the differences, Dr. Fredman said, stemmed from self-selection: Women become caregivers because they are healthy enough to shoulder that responsibility. "If you're not healthy," she said, "it goes to your daughter or daughter-in-law." It's not surprising, therefore, that even high-intensity caregivers have and maintain more physical strength.
It's also true that Dr. Fredman's definition of a caregiver sets a fairly low bar, including anyone who performs even one "instrumental activity of daily living," such as helping someone with bill-paying or phone use. Hands-on help with bathing or toilet use is clearly more stressful, physically and emotionally; caring for someone with dementia can be particularly arduous.
But caregiving itself may provide real benefits. "Most caregiving activities require you to move around a lot," Dr. Fredman pointed out. "It keeps people on their feet, up and going." And exercise is known to improve physical health and cognition.
Moreover, Dr. Bertrand added: "Caregiving often requires complex thought. Caregivers monitor medications, they juggle schedules, they may take over financial responsibilities." That, too, can ward off cognitive decline.
Plus there's the whole matter of people benefiting from having a purpose. It's hard to quantify, but it's real.
So it's fair to say that the question of how caregiving impacts the caregiver is more complicated and individual than we think. Both could be true, the burdens and the benefits, depending on how demanding the job is and a host of other factors.
That caregiving is a very tough job is beyond debate. "We don't want to overstate this and say it's good for caregivers and have governors across the country rush to cut support programs that help families," said Steven Zarit, a Penn State gerontologist who has studied caregiving. (Of course, governors seem all too eager to do that anyway.)
Still, "it may not be as predictive of their demise as previously thought," Dr. Bertrand said of elder care and caregivers. "There are potentially some positive aspects."
http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/caregivings-hidden-benefits/?ref=elderly

New Drugs to Prevent Strokes

2011-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Medical researchers are usually so cautious about characterizing results that when sober cardiologists use phrases like “very excited” and “a home run” and even “a new era,” you pay attention.

Amazon Deal of the Day

2011-10-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Today Only: Table Top Gas Grill. Great for camping or Emergency Preparation!

Are You Taking Drugs You Don’t Need?

2011-10-07T12:12:00.001-07:00

Are You Taking Drugs You Don't Need?
by Elizabeth Smoots, MD

In your medicine cabinet you may have a mix of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs to treat various conditions. Some of these medications are truly necessary, as people tend to have more health problems with age. But the more medicines you take, the greater your risk of suffering adverse reactions from the drugs.
When compared to younger people, seniors are more sensitive to drug interactions and side effects. Older people are especially susceptible to becoming confused, dizzy, or falling and breaking a hip. Previous studies have found unnecessary drugs common in nursing homes, hospitals, doctors' offices, and the home. Although medical providers have tried to address this issue, misuse of drugs remains a major problem for seniors.
List of Inappropriate Drugs
In the journal, Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers identified drugs that may be inappropriate for persons aged 65 years and older.
This is not a complete list, though. There may be other medications that can be harmful to you. Talk to your doctor.

Drug Name	Severity Rating
Indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR)	High
Pentazocine (Talwin)	High
Trimethobenzamide (Tigan)	High
Methocarbamol (Robaxin)	High
Carisoprodol (Soma)	High
Chlorzoxazone (Paraflex)	High
Metaxalone (Skelaxin)	High
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)	High
Oxybutynin (Ditropan)	High
Rurazepam (Dalmane)	High
Amitriptyline (Elavil)	High
Chlordiazepoxide-amitriptyline (Limbitrol)	High
Perphenazine-amitriptyline (Triavil)	High
Doxepin (Sinequan)	High
Meprobarnate (Miltown, Equanil)	High
Lorazepam (>3 mg) (Ativan)	High
Oxazepam (>60 mg) (Serax)	High
Alprazolam (> 2 mg) (Xanax)	High
Ternazepam (>15 mg) (Restoril)	High
Triazolam (>0.25 mg) (Halcion)	High
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)	High
Chlordiazepoxide-arnitriptyline (Limbitrol)	High
Clidinium-chlordiazepoxide (Librax)	High
Diazepam (Valium)	High
Quazepam (Doral)	High
Halazepam (Paxipam)	High
Chlorazepate (Tranxene)	High
Disopyramide (Norpace, Norpace CR)	High
Digoxin ( >0.125 mg/d, except if treating atrial arrythmias) (Lanoxin)	Low
Short-acting dipyridamole (Persantine)	Low
Methyldopa (Aldomet)	High
Methyldopa-hydrochlorothiazide (Aldoril)	High
Reserpine (>0.25 mg)	Low
Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)	High
Dicyclomine (Bentyl)	High
Hyoscyamine (Levsin, Levsinex)	High
Propantheline (Pro-Banthine)	High
Belladonna alkaloids (Donnatal and others)	High
Clidinium-chlordiazepoxide (Librax)	High
Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)	High
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)	High
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax)	High
Cyproheptadine (Periactin)	High
Promethazine (Phenergan)	High
Tripelennamine	High
Dexchlorpheniramine (Polaramine)	High
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)	High
Ergot mesyloids (Hydergine)	Low
Cyclandelate (Cyclospasmol)	Low
Ferrous sulfate (>325 mg/d)	Low
All barbituates (except phenobarbital) except to control seizures	High
Meperidine (Demerol)	High
Ticlopidine (Ticlid)	High
Ketorolac (Toradol)	High
Amphetamines and anorexic agents	High
Naproxen (long-term use of full dosage) (Naprosyn, Avaprox, Aleve)	High
Oxaprozin (long-term use of full dosage) (Daypro)	High
Piroxicam (long-term use of full dosage) (Feldene)	High
Daily fluoxetine (Prozac)	High
Bisacodyl (long-term use) (Dulcolax)	High
Casacara sagrada (long-term use)	High
Neoloid except in presence of opiate analgesic use (long-term use)	High
Amiodarone (Cordarone)	High
Orphenadrine (Norflex)	High
Guanethidine (Ismelin)	High
Guanadrel (Hylorel)	High
Cyclandelate (Cyclospasmol)	Low
Isoxsurpine (Vasodilan)	Low
Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin)	High
Doxazosin (Cardura)	Low
Methyltestosterone (Android, Virilon, Testrad)	High
Thioridazine (Mellaril)	High
Mesoridazine (Serentil)	High
Short-acting nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat)	High
Clonidine (Catapres)	Low
Mineral oil	High
Cimetidine (Tagamet)	Low
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)	Low
Desiccated thyroid	High
Amphetamines (excluding methylphenidate hydrochloride and anorexics)	High
Estrogens only (oral)	Low

Note: For your own health and safety, do not stop taking any medication unless you have consulted with your doctor and have her approval.
Risks for Inappropriate Drug Use
When you are on a lot of medicine, how can you tell if you are taking more than you need? First of all, you need the help of your doctor to determine this. You and your doctor should be on a heightened state of alert for unnecessary medications if any of the following risk factors apply to you:

Taking multiple drugs, especially if filling over 14 prescriptions a year
Using over-the-counter drugs and supplements
Visiting a number of different doctors
Having trouble understanding instructions
Saving medications for later use
Borrowing or sharing medication
Being age 65 years or older
Being female
Having poor health status
Talk to Your Doctor

The best way to fine-tune your medications is to work with your doctor. After all, most doctors are experts in the drug treatment of disease. But your doctor can only help if you tell him or her about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Thoroughly review your medications with your doctor at least once a year. Write down a complete list, or better yet, bring all your medications into the office in a brown bag. And don't forget to include those in your medicine chest or kitchen cupboard that you only take once in awhile.
Another key is to ask questions. Keep inquiring until you understand the dose, frequency, and purpose of the medicines you are taking. Finally, don't be afraid to ask about nondrug options that can help you minimize your use of medications.

Alzheimer's Might Be Transmissible

2011-10-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (Oct. 4, 2011) — The brain damage that characterizes Alzheimer's disease may originate in a form similar to that of infectious prion diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob, according to newly published research by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). Read the Article.

Caregiver Meltdown

2011-09-30T12:25:00.001-07:00

Caregiver Meltdown

by Amy Goyer

There I was in the middle of Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, when I was told I was 8 minutes too late to check my bag for the flight. I was trying to get to Indianapolis for a memorial service for my uncle. Missing a flight would upset any traveler, but my reaction surprised even me.
Total and complete meltdown.
You know the kind — sobbing uncontrollably to the point where the airline attendant had no idea what to do.
I sat down on one of those hard plastic chairs, but people began to stare, so I went into the bathroom, locked myself in a stall and sobbed with great abandon.
As I cried (and it was an all out snort-cry as my friend, Mary, calls it) and talked to my sister on the phone, I knew people could hear me far and wide. I didn't care. I was way past the point of embarrassment.
How did I get to this point? Can you say "stress?" Oh yes. Let me tell you about the prior week…..
As you know, I am caregiving for my parents. Shortly before my airport meltdown, I'd been on a business trip that kept me away for two nights. During that time, my Mom fell and my Dad developed an abscessed tooth. On top of all that, Mom developed a bad intestinal flu AND shingles!
I had stayed with them almost 24/7 all week, and we had two more emergency squad visits because my mom fell two more times, both with transport to the hospital, one at midnight and the other at 3 am. Both trips resulted in all-night ER stays and no sleep. Thankfully, no broken bones or hematoma for Mom!
One of her falls happened literally 1 minute after I left her alone in the bathroom after having gone over and over the use of her walker, always holding on to something etc. But she had gone to get something out of her closet and didn't use the walker…and fell as she turned.

Mom – always a good sport even in the ER
I felt terrible! I think I was so tired that I didn't make the best choice at that moment…a typical caregiver's lament.
She said she'd done it so many times before and it was automatic — she just didn't think about her walker. And she was so tired and depleted it's no wonder she wasn't thinking well either.
Well the good news is, I finally stopped crying at the airport, got a flight the next day…and got some sleep.
Mom is getting better, and I arranged for help from my niece and sister and my wonderful concierge, Debbie. So I went off on another business trip…so far no more falls or ER visits! Mom is gaining strength and Dad is minus 3 teeth now. He's still got a great grin.
And I am a whole lot lighter after my big meltdown!
My experience brings home the point that as caregivers we need to take care of ourselves…if we don't, we will drive ourselves to the breaking point…and perhaps cause a bit of a stir in an airport!
Next time we go through a crisis week like that (and I'm sure there will be more of them), I will do things a bit differently…especially prioritizing getting more sleep – and more help!

http://blog.aarp.org/2011/07/20/caregiver-meltdown/

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

The 2011 Texas Drought in Pictures

2011-09-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

Devastating

National Research Council Wants Better Training for Home Caregivers

2011-09-02T12:27:00.001-07:00

National Research Council Wants Better Training for Home Caregivers
By Kathleen Doheny

Home health care is a growing trend, allowing many people in need of medical services to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. But improvements are needed to be sure that care at home is safe and effective, according to a new report from the National Research Council.

"There is a great opportunity to provide quality health care in the home for any of a variety of people in our population, from the very young to the very old," says David H. Wegman, MD, emeritus professor of work environment at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. He chaired the National Research Council committee which issued the report.
"But to do this safely and effectively, we need better management and information about technologies as they are used in the home, and better training for both formal health care providers and the large informal pool for how to use these technologies in the home safely and effectively," Wegman tells WebMD.
Wegman says he is talking about medical devices from as seemingly simple as a home blood pressure monitor to more complicated oxygen delivery systems and other devices.
The report, "Health Care Comes Home: The Human Factors," was released today.
One in four U.S. adults, or more than 61 million Americans, cared for an adult family member, partner, or friend with a medical condition or disability in 2009, according to another report, also issued today, by AARP. It put the value of all this care at $450 billion in 2009. That is up 21% from the total in 2007. The AARP report is titled "Valuing the Invaluable: The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Care giving, 2011 Update."

Recommendations for Home Health Care

The National Research Council report was requested by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The National Research Council is the principal operating agency of the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering.
The National Research Council committee sought out experts. It also conducted a workshop on human factors in home health care before issuing the report.
Among the recommendations:

The FDA should promote the development of new standards for labels on medical devices for home use. They should set new standards for the instructions that accompany the devices. The instructions should be easily understood.
The FDA and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology should work together to regulate, certify, and monitor devices and health information technologies. For instance, they should work together on a device such as a blood pressure monitor and the technology that relays the results to doctors and patients.
The FDA should improve its existing reporting system for medical device problems. The system is known as MAUDE (manufacturer and user facility device experience). Wegman cites problems, including being poorly used.
Training of home caregivers, both formal and informal, should be improved. Advocacy groups and professional practice organizations should take on this task, the committee says.
Research is needed in many areas, including how to better coordinate caregivers and support services.
Federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services should help people who need home health care to modify their homes for caregiving when needed.

Wegman says the hope is that the FDA and others involved will read the recommendations and begin to implement them.
The recommendations are applauded by AARP, says Susan Reinhard, PhD, RN, AARP's senior vice president of public policy. She wrote the AARP report.
"We call it the new normal, this caregiving," she tells WebMD. And it is not simple.
In its report, AARP finds that home caregivers are asked to do more complicated services. This includes bandaging and wound care, tube feedings, managing catheters, and giving injections and operating medical devices.
"Some of the things that family caregivers do would make a first-year nursing student shudder," Reinhard says in a news release.
In an interview with WebMD, she says that the National Research Council report "supports our overall goal of helping people to live at home independently if that is their choice."

Senior Helpers Partners With the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to Reduce Toll of Devastating Disease

2011-09-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Strategic Partnership to Improve Quality of Life for Diagnosed Individuals and Families

Towson, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/08/2011 -- With the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease escalating and the needs of families dramatically increasing along with it, Senior Helpers, one of the largest in-home care companies for seniors in the nation, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), one of the nation’s leading non-profit foundations dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with the disease and their families.

“This partnership was an easy decision for us at Senior Helpers because of our commitment to educating families and their elderly loved ones about the different stages of dementia and how to cope with every aspect of the disease,” says Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers. “Alzheimer’s is not only devastating for the senior living with the condition but it also creates a tremendous strain on the family. Our caregivers know first-hand what it takes to combat this devastating disease, and we feel this partnership can further help families cope, emotionally and physically, one step at a time.”

Currently, as many as 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder that is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. While Alzheimer’s disease is not considered a normal part of aging, the risk for seniors developing this devastating disease rises as they get older; in fact, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years, beginning at age 65.
As part of the strategic partnership, Senior Helpers and AFA will co-sponsor educational conferences and webinars related to care issues, and collaborate on other projects that promote improved quality of care for the dementia population.

In addition, Senior Helpers is proud to be a silver sponsor of AFA’s National Memory Screening Day on November 15, 2011 and encourages individuals with memory concerns and those who want to check their memory now and for future comparison to take a free screening. On this day, many Senior Helpers locations will be promoting the event and providing free, confidential screenings and educational materials in communities throughout the nation. Each screening is a five to ten minute, non-diagnostic test; while the results do not represent a diagnosis, they are seen as a significant first step in early detection of a memory problem.

Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease (according to AFA):

Memory loss - especially of recent events, names, placement of objects, and other new information
Confusion about time and place
Struggling to complete familiar actions - such as brushing teeth or getting dressed
Trouble finding the appropriate words, completing sentences, and following directions and conversations
Poor judgment when making decisions
Changes in mood and personality - such as increased suspicion, rapid and persistent mood swings, withdrawal, and disinterest in usual activities
Difficulty with complex mental assignments- such as balancing a checkbook or other tasks involving numbers

“While we all await a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America strongly believes that education and optimal care are the most effective tools to tackle this public health crisis,” says Eric J. Hall, AFA’s Founding President and CEO. “We look forward to collaborating with Senior Helpers to spread this message across the country and help this deserving population.”

Sources: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, National Institute on Aging, the Harvard School of Public Health

Did You Know?:

Alzheimer's disease is among the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S.
It’s estimated that one to four family members act as caregivers for each individual with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer's disease costs U.S. businesses more than $60 billion a year, stemming from lost productivity and absenteeism by primary caregivers, and insurance costs.
The annual cost of caring for one individual with Alzheimer's disease ranges from nearly $18,500 to more than $36,000, depending on the stage of the disease.

Source: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/sbwire-102934.htm

Do You Know How to Perform The Heimlich Maneuver?

2011-08-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver in 6 Different Situations

When They Won’t Spend the Money

2011-08-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes resistance couched in financial terms has little to do with money at all. Maybe a parent can’t accept his need for help, dreads dependency and loss of control, fears mortality itself. “I can’t afford it” provides a good all-purpose excuse.

Or maybe, Ms. Moscowitz points out, what connects busy children to their parents are tasks and obligations, leaving the elders to wonder: “If I hire someone to do what my daughter does for me, will I see my daughter?”

Having money and not spending it may be a problem lots of caregivers wish their families had, but it’s a problem nonetheless. “Money is a very emotionally charged issue,” Ms. Modigliani said. “It’s hard for rationality to rule.”

Read the whole article

How Do I Select the Right Home Care Provider?

2011-07-29T13:11:00.001-07:00

How Do I Select the Right Home Care Provider?

Once you acquire the names of several providers, you will want to learn more about their services and reputations. Following is a checklist of questions to ask providers and other individuals who may know about the provider's track record. Their insight will help you determine which provider is best for you or your loved one.

How long has this provider been serving the community?
Does this provider supply literature explaining its services, eligibility requirements, fees, and funding sources? Many providers furnish patients with a detailed "Patient Bill of Rights" that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients, and caregivers alike. An annual report and other educational materials also can provide helpful information about the provider.
How does this provider select and train its employees? Does it protect its workers with written personnel policies, benefits packages, and malpractice insurance?
Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient's home care needs? If so, what does this entail? Do they consult the patient's physicians and family members?
Does this provider include the patient and his or her family members in developing the plan of care? Are they involved in making care plan changes?
Is the patient's course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each professional caregiver? Does the patient and his or her family receive a copy of this plan, and do the caregivers update it as changes occur? Does this provider take time to educate family members on the care being administered to the patient?
Does this provider assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes? If so, how often do these individuals make visits? Who can the patient and his or her family members call with questions or complaints? How does the agency follow up on and resolve problems?
What are the financial procedures of this provider? Does the provider furnish written statements explaining all of the costs and payment plan options associated with home care?
What procedures does this provider have in place to handle emergencies? Are its caregivers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
How does this provider ensure patient confidentiality?

In addition, ask the home care provider to supply you with a list of references, such as doctors, discharge planners, patients or their family members, and community leaders who are familiar with the provider's quality of service.
Contact each reference and ask:

Do you frequently refer clients to this provider?
Do you have a contractual relationship with this provider? If so, do you require the provider to meet special standards for quality care?
What sort of feedback have you gotten from patients receiving care from this provider, either on an informal basis or through a formal satisfaction survey?
Do you know of any clients this provider has treated whose cases are similar to mine or my loved one's? If so, can you put me in touch with these individuals?

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Austin, Texas

Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Austin, Texas 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 Austin, Bartlett, Bertram, Briggs, Burnet, Cedar Park, Florence, Georgetown, Granger, Holland, Hutto, Jarrell, Johnson City, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Manor, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Salado, Spicewood, Taylor 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 Austin Home Health Care Company. "

Senior Helpers Says You’re Never Too Old for Skin Cancer Awareness

2011-07-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

In light of new FDA sunscreen guidelines, seniors and their families are encouraged to be sun smart

(July 2011) – Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Each year, nearly a million people in this country will learn they have skin cancer…and the risk continues to rise as you get older. Senior Helpers of Arkansas, AR, one of the leading in-home care providers of senior care in the Arkansas area, is raising awareness about new FDA guidelines regarding sunscreens, which apply to people of all ages, not just young children and adults.

“Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes, according to the American Cancer Society,” says Moire Hayes with Senior Helpers of Central Texas. “Most skin cancers appear after the age of 45 and it’s never too late to protect yourself from the sun. We encourage seniors to get some fresh air and exercise to stay active, but their skin is more sensitive than others. Even if they’re going outside for a short 15 minute walk, caregivers are there to help them apply their sunscreen as needed.”

What We’ve Learned From the FDA’s New Sunscreen Guidelines:

Sun protection is an important public health issue for people of all ages. The FDA just released their new guidelines when it comes to proper product labeling and UVA protection:

• . . . There is no such thing as “sweat proof” and “waterproof” sunscreens. These words are no longer allowed on sunscreen labels.

• . . . Sunscreens can claim to be “water resistant,” but the company has to put a label on their product stating the sunscreen only offers 40 or 80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating.

• . . . You must reapply sunscreen every two hours for continued sun protection.

• . . . Use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, also known as “broad spectrum” protection.

• . . . Only broad spectrum sunscreens with 15 SPF or higher provide any type of sun protection (15 – 30 SPF is recommended).

“The sun doesn’t discriminate against age,” say Hayes of Senior Helpers of Central Texas. “When seniors are exposed to too much sun, they risk being severely dehydrated. Our caregivers can make sure the seniors are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, drinking water or taking a cold bath to help prevent and/or recover from dehydration. They can also provide ways for seniors to socialize without having to be out in the sun, such as taking their daily walk inside malls or museums or making sure they’re in the shade and properly protecting themselves while spending time outside.”

Give Your Senior the Gift of Sun Protection:

• . . . Special UV radiation-absorbing clothes — the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or higher.

• . . . Wrap-around sunglasses that offer UV protection.

• . . . A hat with at least a three-inch brim all the way around — sun hats provide protection for not only your head, face and ears, but also your neck, shoulders and upper back.

• . . . Look for products that have earned the Skin Cancer Seal of Recommendation.

Sources: American Cancer Society, The Skin Cancer Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers Provides in home senior care services throughout Central Texas servicing Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park and all surrounding areas. We provide 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. Home care services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a thorough background check. Senior Helpers strives to be the leading companion and personal care provider that offers dependable, consistent and affordable home care. Learn more about Senior Helpers at www.HomeHealthCareAustin.com or www.SeniorHelpers.com/RoundRock .

Computer clubs spur more seniors to log on

2011-07-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

While technology can intimidate older people, it also opens up opportunities to socialize, access information. "Old Dogs" can learn new tricks! Read the whole thing.

Check out Austin Groups for the Elderly's "Austin Computer Learning Center". Itdelivers basic computer training and coaching to any older adult wanting to understand how computer technology can enhance their lives. By participating in our training courses, students learn to conquer their fears and embrace a new world at their fingertips.

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2011-07-15T09:22:00.001-07:00

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2011-07-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

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About Senior Helpers:

The Fight Against Shingles Falters

2011-07-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

By PAULA SPAN

From The New Old Age

When last we discussed why so few older people take advantage of the vaccine against shingles — a nasty viral disease with sometimes debilitating consequences that afflicts one million Americans each year — a number of New Old Age readers asked a logical question.

Because the risk of shingles rises with age, and so do the severity of the symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends the vaccine, Zostavax, only for those over age 60. “I have wondered, why wait for age 60 to get the vaccine?” commented Eric from Sacramento. “I know of multiple people who got shingles in their 50s.”

“I was in my late 50s when I heard about the shingles vaccine a couple of years ago,” added Janem from Port Richmond, Calif. “Although I pleaded with my Kaiser doctor to give me the vaccine, she refused, citing the protocol.”
The good news, kind of, is that the Food and Drug Administration has since approved Zostavax for people aged 50 to 59. But the vaccine remains hard to find, cumbersome to get reimbursed for, and not nearly as widely used as researchers had hoped.

Read my article about it in Tuesday’s Science Times, and please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Paula Span is the author of “When the Time Comes: Families With Aging Parents Share Their Struggles and Solutions.”

Long-Term Care - The Tool Kit

2011-07-01T11:27:00.001-07:00

Long-Term Care - The Tool Kit
By Gary Barg
Gramp was an extraordinarily brave and hard-working man. In 1925, he jumped ship in Baltimore Harbor off a Russian freighter to which he was consigned at the age of 17. Later, he made his way to New Jersey where he started a contracting company and raised a family. At the age of 35, when World War II broke out, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
By the early 1950's, he and his brothers owned four hotels on Miami Beach, but in the summer of 2000, he died penniless in a South Florida nursing home. In only a few short years, our family had spent all of his significant savings, taking care of him and maintaining his long-term care needs.
Gramp was a craftsman and he firmly believed in using the right tool for the right job. His old wooden tool kit was a world of wonder for his grandchildren. He never tired of explaining to us how each of the various tools worked and how each was best utilized.
If only Gramp had known before his illness that there was another kind of tool kit which needed to be assembled, a tool kit as important to his success as the old wooden one—a financial tool kit.
Gramp was like most of us. He knew he needed to prepare for future needs and plan for adversity. He had much of his financial tool kit filled with stocks and bonds, investment properties and an up-to-date will. However, he realized too late that there was a staggering price to himself and his family for neglecting to prepare an appropriate long-term care program.
I have spent much of the last nine years, since founding Today's Caregiver magazine and caregiver.com, working to ensure that other caregiving families are not faced with financial ruin due to the increasing cost of caring for their loved ones, and that each caregiver's financial tool kit includes considering the option of long-term care coverage.
Caregivers understand what steps are needed to safeguard their loved one's physical and emotional health. We must now become adept at learning the steps needed to ensure our family's fiscal health. The lesson taught by the preceding generation and the one we must pass on to generations to come is that the tool kits you carefully assemble during your lifetime must include all instruments of preparedness to meet any situation.
Proper long-term care planning allows your loved ones financial flexibility and emotional security.
It truly is the gift of a lifetime.

http://www.caregiver.com/channels/ltc/articles/LTC_toolkit.htm

Senior Helpers of Central Texas

10 Best Resources for In-Home Care Help

1. Companion care services

3. Adult day services

4. Home health agencies

How to get started: Talk to your doctor if you'd prefer to work with a specific home health agency. Use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for home health agencies by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

5. Your local Area Agency on Aging

How to get started: Contact the staff at your local Area Agency on Aging.

6. Geriatric care managers

How to get started: Use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for geriatric care managers by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

7. Senior move managers

How to get started: Use Caring.com's Senior Living Directory to search for senior move managers by city or zip code -- and to see ratings and reviews.

8. Elder law attorneys

9. Family mediators

10. Senior home remodelers

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5. They're gambling more often or for higher stakes than usual.

6. You see or hear evidence that they're falling victim to financial scams.

7. They're complaining about not having enough money.

8. They seem physically unable to complete daily tasks like banking and bill paying.

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