Caregivers' Newsbasket Blog

Caregiver Resilience: What It Is and Why It Matters for Family Caregivers | Griswold

In Resilience, Steven Southwick and Dennis Charney (2012) outline ten ways that resilient people tend to cope with stress. The good news is that these can be learned and developed.

1. Realistic Optimism: Viewing life in a hopeful,
confident way. Anticipating a bright future. Believing that good things
are coming and hard work will yield success. Realistic optimism is the
foundation of resilience, and fuels each of the following resilience
factors.

2. Social Support: Connecting with other people by
seeking out and accepting help that is offered, and also by giving help
to those in need.

3. Facing Fear: Using thoughts and behaviors to triumph
over fear. Acting in spite of fear to accomplish goals and become
stronger.

4. Religion and Spirituality: Turning to God, or a Higher
Power. Engaging in formal religious services or private spiritual
practices. Finding inspiration in nature or the arts.

5. Meaning, Purpose and Growth: Finding strength and
courage by pursuing an inspiring goal. Using adversity as a catalyst
for growth. Actively serving a purpose that is greater than
self-interest. Transcending traumatic experiences by helping others who
have been traumatized. Choosing to be a victor, rather than a victim.

6. Moral compass/Altruism: Engaging in right actions and avoiding doing wrong. Thinking of and serving others.

7. Role models: Imitating people who demonstrate positive
ways of handling adversity. Identifying real people, living or dead;
fictional characters, famous individuals or historic figures.
Replicating small aspects of their behavior that have led to positive,
desired outcomes.

8. Training: Improve physical health and preventing or
diminishing the effects of chronic illnesses by keeping the body fit.
Mastering physical challenges to also improve mental health and
emotional regulation.

9. Brain fitness: Focusing thoughts, and challenging the
mind so the intellect is sharp and continues to grow. Regulating
emotions to eliminate feelings that undermine effective coping.

10. Flexibility: Employing a variety of mental and
emotional strategies to handle adversity; accept what can’t be changed;
learn from failure; transform negative energy into positive energy; and
find opportunity and meaning in adversity.

link should be shared by Alzheimer's caregivers, among their family and friends, in support groups, and with the over 150 million U.S. citizens that are touched by Alzheimer's and struggling to understand the disease.

How Alzheimer's Destroys the Brain -- Video | Alzheimer's Reading Room

By Bob DeMarco

+Alzheimer's Reading Room

I would like to see every single member of the Collective Brain of the Alzheimer's Reading Room share the link to this article with the entire Alzheimer's community.

The link should be shared by Alzheimer's caregivers, among their
family and friends, in support groups, and with the over 150 million
U.S. citizens that are touched by Alzheimer's and struggling to
understand the disease.

Anyone, regardless of stature or tenure in the Alzheimer's Community will benefit from watching this video.

A good understanding of how Alzheimer's effects the hippocampus in the
brain, and how plagues and tangles spread throughout the brain and cause
the various stages of Alzheimer's is important for anyone that wants to
deal effectively with an Alzheimer's patient.

Gatekeepers | Safety Gates | Stair Gates | Customized, Removable Safety Gates - Gatekeepers, DeForest, WI

Gatekeepers | Safety Gates | Stair Gates | Customized, Removable Safety Gates - Gatekeepers, DeForest, WI

Gatekeepers was born out of the need to protect our child with a
durable and completely reliable baby gate. But over the years, as our
company has grown, we’ve realized there are several different reasons to
install a safety gate in a home or business. In addition to Baby Gates and Pet Gates
we’ve found that caretakers of older adults or children with special
needs find safety gates of great benefit. We also make gates to protect
little ones from fireplaces, provide containment on decks and for
businesses looking to restrict access to certain areas.

Not only are our gates absolutely beautiful, but most importantly, our gates are safe. Our popular Swing Gate has successfully passed the ASTM F1004 Performance Test
and has been pressure tested to 500 pounds. Too many safety gates
offer little more than a visual deterrent, while Gatekeepers safety
gates are made of solid wood, securely mounted and feature sturdy
hardware.

Every Gatekeepers specialty safety gate offers the following features:

Custom-crafted to fit any size stairway, door opening or hallway
Mounted with safe, strong, minimally invasive hardware
Innovative slide rail system allows for easy removal
Unique latches that offer a level of difficulty for a child, yet are simple enough for an adult to open with one hand
Available in maple, oak or cherry wood with unlimited Sherwin Williams stain/paint colors

Not only will you be impressed with our products, you’ll also appreciate the service and support Gatekeepers provides. From initial measurements and consultation to final installation of your new gate, we guarantee your satisfaction.

Elder Community Care | Marlborough, MA 01752

Elder Community Care a team of trained social workers & mental health clinicians

Elder Community Care is a network of agencies working together to serve elders in their own homes. We provide comprehensive assessment and counseling services to elders and their families in Metrowest. We provide comprehensive assessment, counseling and referral services.

Need a Patient Advocate?

Do I Need a Patient Advocate by Barbara Hales, M.D.
June 30, 2014

“A patient advocate is someone who works for the benefit of patients and their families”. “A patient advocate can lend a helping hand when you need it most...”

“Individuals need an unbiased person to speak on their behalf while providing guidance, friendship and emotional support. Advocates help make choices and empower patients with access to relevant information.”

*Patient Advocates/Navigators – The responsibilities of a patient advocate are many and can include:
Medication reviews and coordinating various drugs
Explaining diagnosis and treatment options
Liaise between all the specialists that the patient is seeing so they know what was diagnosed, which treatments were given, and which tests were done or are pending
Assistance in monitoring in-hospital
Medical record reviews
Accompaniment to doctor’s appointments
Aiding in comprehension for the patient

*Health care Mediation and Conflict Resolution – A health care mediator seeks to facilitate an agreement between all the involved stakeholders, i.e. various family members, medical staff and friends.

*Shared Decision Makers

*Health Exchange/Marketplace Navigators

*Medical Bills and Claim Reviewers.

*Senior/Legal Advocates

*Statutory Advocacy

*Hospital Patient Advocates or Representatives – Hired by the hospital

*Health Coaches –

Patient advocates work for:

Hospitals – serving the patients while they are admitted
Social Service Agencies – for client outreach
Insurance Companies
Private/Freelance – serving the clients themselves

Read full article:

Helping someone up from a fall

How to Get Up Off The Floor with a "Reach and Roll"

Lift for a patient on floor

Assisting with bed pan.

Barton patient transfer system is covered under Medicare and private insurances

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te27YuHdtl8

play video

Barton Chair Transfer Video 40 Second Clip

Hospice Drugs are Covered under Medicare Part A NOT Part D

Hospice Drugs are Covered under Medicare Part A NOT Part D
Hospice programs must provide individuals under
hospice care with drugs and biologicals related to the palliation and
symptom management of the terminal illness as defined in the hospice
plan of care. The only drugs covered by the hospice program are those
used primarily for relief of pain and symptom control related to the
individual‘s terminal illness. However, because hospice care is a
Medicare Part A benefit, the drugs provided by the hospice and covered
under the Medicare per-diem payment to the hospice program are not covered under Part D.

Hospice programs are specified in section 1861(dd) of the Social Security Act and in Federal regulations at Part 418.

DIY Feces And Diarrhea Stain Removal from carpet and Upholstery

Clean off the feces or diarrhea, or urine, as possible.

For a diarrhea stain cover with an absorbent, such as cornstarch or baking soda and let it soak in
Vacuum up the cornstarch or baking soda.You may need to repeat this step.

Make a solution of cool water, a little dishwashing liquid, and white vinegar.

Using this attack the stain.

Repeat until the stains are removed.
Rinse carefully with plain cold water then dry.

If this does not completely remove the stain apply 3% hydrogen peroxide to the stained. Test this stain removal method in an inconspicuous area to make sure it does not cause harm.

Carefully rinse with plain cold water {cloth and sponge on upholstery} then dry.

Code of Federal Regulations REQUIREMENTS FOR STATES AND LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES

eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations

Data is current as of June 4, 2014

TITLE 42—Public Health

CHAPTER IV—CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED)

SUBCHAPTER G—STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION

PART 483—REQUIREMENTS FOR STATES AND LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES

Subpart B—REQUIREMENTS FOR LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES

Subpart C—PREADMISSION SCREENING AND ANNUAL REVIEW OF MENTALLY ILL AND MENTALLY RETARDED INDIVIDUALS

Subpart
G—CONDITION OF PARTICIPATION FOR THE USE OF RESTRAINT OR SECLUSION IN
PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITIES PROVIDING INPATIENT
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS UNDER AGE 21

Stop Digging By JoAnn Kunkle

"If You Find Yourself in a Hole, Stop Digging">
The quote is from Will Rogers, a simple talking
philosopher, who just asked us to look honestly at
ourselves, look around and appreciate what we see.

In preparing for a community course on interacting with
a dependent loved one to keep them stimulated and
positive, I was struck by the many technical supports
available and the real lack of hands on, relationship
builders for caregivers and the person they love.

http://www.caregiver.com/articles/general/stop_digging.htm

JoAnn Kunkle
is a Volunteer Coordinator for the United Methodist
Homes Elizabeth Church Campus in Binghamton, New York.
She holds BS in Sociology, and graduated from SUNY at
Brockport. She is a mother of two, grandmother of
nine and wife to one very wonderful man. She has been a
Social Worker at a Children’s’ Home, an Information
Specialist in a library and a Director of Social
Services. You can reach JoAnn at

jkunkle@umhwc.org

All-Night Care for Alzheimer’s Restless Minds

Mr. Pomeranz at the , Hebrew Home at Riverdale, Took the day program and ran it at night. The activities mirror those done during the day: arts, crafts, exercise, and holistic remedies like meditation and pet therapy.

{quote} Participants are fetched from their homes by vans and spend 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. painting, potting plants, dancing and talking — or, for those immobilized by their disease, relaxing amid music, massage and twinkling lights. The patients rest as they need, for a few minutes or a few hours, and return home the next morning fed, showered and, usually, tuckered out. {end quote}

It takes just one person to encourage setting up Night-Care respite for those with dementia.

If YOU are using or involved with a assisted living facility, senior services, day-care, caregivers, senior center, or area agency discuss Night Care programs with your peers.